Tito Sotto
When Sen. Tito Sotto became the talk of the town after his crass “na-ano lang” remark to Department of Social Welfare and Development Sec. Judy Taguiwalo for having children out of wedlock, I suddenly remembered another controversy about him.
It happened many intrigues ago in my mom’s (Inday Badiday) talk show, “See True.” A pretty teenager then claimed to be the daughter of Tito Sen. She did have “Sotto-like” features.
Too bad, Mommy is no longer around to shed more light on the story. I don’t remember anymore if the beleaguered senator denied the allegations of the young girl.
Does Tito Sen have his own “nang-ano” episode after all?
Romeo Vasquez’s final bow
Since the late Liezl Martinez was like a sister to me, I feel sad that her dad, Romeo Vasquez, passed away on May 3. Tito Bobby was ever so cool and groovy.
For those in the United States who want to pay their last respects to him, Albert Martinez sent me this info: Romeo Vasquez’s viewing—one day only—May 11, from noon to 8:30 p.m. at Glendale Forest Lawn; and memorial service at Chapel of the Recessional, May 15 at 2 p.m.
I remember Liezl telling me once how memorable it was to watch the Olympic Games live with her dad.
The last time I saw Tito Bobby was at the wake of Liezl.
I teased Mama Nena (Amalia Fuentes) about reconciling with Tito Bobby. Although she was not keen on the idea, the thrill was there.
According to Tito Cheng Muhlach, Mama Nena already knows about the death of her ex-husband. She is still recovering from her stroke. Hopefully, it won’t hamper Mama Nena’s recuperation.
Liezl was a daddy’s girl. I smile at the thought that they are now happily reunited up above.
John, the recreational golfer
As I wrote in a previous column, John Estrada and Derek Ramsay were champions of the Jack Nicklaus International Golf Tournament. They will represent the Philippines in the final round of the tournament in Ohio.
Here’s my chat with John:
Tell us about your friendship with Derek, being golf buddies. We met when we did “Trophy Wife.” We found a common ground in golf. We played a few rounds until it became a regular thing. It brought us closer.
Who’s the better golfer? We complement each other. My strengths are his weaknesses and vice versa.
What do you and Derek usually talk about on the golf course? Anything and everything under the sun—serious and trivial stuff.
Tell us about the Ohio golf tournament. The Jack Nicklaus International Invitational is open to all recreational golfers. There are qualifying rounds in select countries. The national winners (Derek and I) will advance to the international final tournament in Columbus, Ohio.
What do you love about golf? Aside from the exercise I get, I feel like I’m one with nature. I find it therapeutic. It relieves me of emotional tension from my job as an actor.
What lessons in golf do you apply in your life? It’s about patience and hope. That no matter how long and difficult the journey is, there’s an end to look forward to. And, if you play well, you come out a winner.
John Estrada (left) and Derek Ramsay