Gretchen Ho and Robi Domingo
Gretchen Ho and Robi Domingo have called it quits. When I heard the news, I texted Gretchen and asked her if it was a mutual decision. She said yes. According to her, they broke up early this year.
In their joint official statement, Gretchen and Robi made it clear that there was no third party involved. They reportedly want to prioritize their careers for now but aren’t closing their doors for each other in the future.
Their story shows how loving your work can sometimes get in the way of working on your love life.
A De Leon beauty
I fondly call Sandy Andolong “Catherine” because she has a resemblance to Hollywood actress Catherine Zeta-Jones. She is truly a woman of substance and grace.
Mariel, Sandy’s daughter with Christopher de Leon, is equally stunning. Mariel is trying her luck again in the Binibining Pilipinas pageant this year. Sandy is no stage mom, but she and Boyet (Christopher’s nickname) will cheer Mariel on every step of the way.
Here’s my chat with Sandy:
What prompted Mariel to join Binibining Pilipinas again? She feels she’s more ready, more mature and a lot more confident now, plus the fact that a lot of people around her have been encouraging her to try her luck again. She was too young and inexperienced the first time she joined the competition.
Mariel de Leon (left) and Sandy Andolong
What advice did you and Boyet give her about rejoining the pageant? Boyet has always been very supportive of our children. He told her to follow her dreams and do whatever makes her happy. For my part, I told her to pray about it first and ask God for guidance.
When she finally decided to join, I reminded her to always glorify God in her every walk and talk; to be the best person she can be, and to allow Him to [take part] in her life.
What’s your advice to newlywed couples on how to make their marriages last? I tell them to make sure they truly understand the seriousness of the kind of love and commitment they’re going to make.
There’s no room for “singleness” in marriage. It is important for couples to forge a deep and personal relationship with God.
What’s the craziest thing that you and Boyet have done together? Nothing really crazy. We just love to scuba dive together all over the country and abroad.
How do you manage to age gracefully? I choose to be happy, satisfied with, and thankful for what I have.