My mind went on flashback mode when I visited the mausoleum of Tito Ronnie (Fernando Poe Jr.) at the North Cemetery on his seventh death anniversary last December 14. I remember how he used to call me Proxy because at weddings, I usually stand in for my mom as ninang. And often enough, Tito Ron would also be around as ninong.
His muy graciosa daughter, Mary Grace Poe-Llamanzares, was the one taking charge during the rites. Tita Susan Roces was conspicuously missing. According to Mary Grace, her mom would rather visit when there are no cameras around.
How does she feel about the turn of events? “The family is happy that the wheels of justice are turning,” she said. “Just like in any sport, whether you cheat by 1 or 10 points, you still lose. With the positive outcome now, history can be rewritten and the wrongs can finally be made right.”
What does she miss most about her dad, especially now that it’s Christmas? “I miss his jokes,” she recalled. “He’s always been so playful and cariñoso. I miss how he plays Santa to all of us, especially to the kids.”
Does she still cry when she remembers her dad? “It’s more of a pangungulila,” she said. “I always ask him to give me guidance and strength.”
Is she close to her half-sister Lovi Poe? “I can’t say that Lovi and I are chummy,” she noted. “But we respect each other. We come from different generations but we share the same sentiments about our dad. I am glad to see her making a name for herself. And just like me, I know she would not do anything to tarnish our dad’s name.”
On a lighter note, I asked her if she would allow her son Bryan to enter show biz since he’s quite a looker. “Naku I would be a stage mom if ever,” she said, giggling. “It’s really up to him to decide. I’ll just keep an eye on him.”
Very much like the way FPJ is watching over her. For sure, Da King feels so proud that he has raised such an amazing Grace.
Missing dad, too
Just like Mary Grace, Iza Calzado longs for her late great dad, Lito Calzado. It’s her first Christmas without him. “I wish he was a little more strict with me. Ako pa nga ang strict sa pamilya.”
Does she hope to marry someone like her dad? “Maybe I’d like him to have certain traits of my dad,” she said. “But not exactly a carbon copy. It would be kinda weird to be romantically involved with a clone of my dad. I’m dating but not ready for anything serious yet. I’d like to believe I’ve wisened up when it comes to love so hopefully my heart won’t get broken again. Si daddy na bahala magbulong sa itaas para I will meet my match if and when the time is right and my heart is ready.”
Her love life is on hold. What about her career? Is there truth to the buzz that she’s not too happy with the way GMA 7 is handling her? “I’m thankful that the network always gives me projects,” she clarified. “But I feel that I’m a bit underutilized. There’s so much more I can give. Hopefully in 2012, they will give me meatier projects. So far I’m still a Kapuso (laughs).”
GMA 7 ought to maximize Iza’s talent before another station does. Ang nagi-isang Iza! Dapat i-Ca Zado na ang mga proyekto!
Zero guilt
We’re all guilty of Christmas bingeing. ’Tis the season to eat plenty.
Thank God Marc Nelson came to my rescue and sent me a box of yummy, healthy Soyami chips. “I eat a couple of bags when I’m on the go without feeling guilty,” Marc said. “It’s high in protein, calcium and fiber and low in sodium and fat and has zero trans fat. It’s really beneficial to eat.” Would Marc’s body lie to you? Let his abs do the talking.
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