Keeping the faith: Alden Richards, Dennis Trillo, Camille Prats and Kuh Ledesma
(Second of a series)
Some celebrities consider themselves religious, others would rather be called prayerful. But they all seem to agree on one thing: It’s crucial to have a strong faith and nurture a relationship with God, whom they turn to for solace and guidance.
And there are those who think that it’s He who keeps them sane in the manic, sometimes dicey, industry they have to navigate.
Alden Richards
I believe in doing reflection, pagninilay, during Holy Week. Actually, it’s my grandmother who’s committed to it, and I take her lead. That was how I was raised… I will never forget lola’s reminders to watch “Seven Last Words” [on TV] on Good Friday and do the Stations of the Cross. We do these as much as possible during Holy Week.
Article continues after this advertisementI feel that with everything that comes into our lives— good or bad—the Lord acts as the great equalizer. He keeps my sanity intact. If there’s no Supreme Being I could hold on to, I might have ended up doing things without a clear direction, because honestly, my life isn’t exactly easy.
Article continues after this advertisementI need to have someone to hold on to and that’s the Lord, first and foremost, followed by my family, friends and all my show biz colleagues, who keep me grounded.
Dennis Trillo
I consider myself a prayerful person. Or maybe you can say religious, too. It’s important for us to strengthen our faith, because it in turn strengthens our foundation as people. We need someone to lean on and someone to thank. Many of us in show biz are blessed, and it’s imperative that we realize that and remember to thank Him for it.
It doesn’t matter how or where we spend the Holy Week. What’s important is being with the family. Of course, I would also love to unwind. We expect the beaches to be crowded, as usual. So, we’re going under the sea—we’re going diving. That would be more quiet and relaxing.
Camille Prats
Holy Week is one of the rare times of the year when we can take a break from work, so I make sure to spend it with my family. This time, we’re going out of the country to make the most of our free time and bond together.
Still, I don’t forget to remind my son what the true meaning of the Holy Week is, or why we observe Lent. We encourage him to pray every night with us and to pray from his heart— not only those you memorize and recite.
I’m at a point in my life where I know that whatever I have right now is because of God. Since I have a family, I can appreciate all the blessings—big or small—given to me. I know that my waking hour, my child’s health and my family’s safety are because of God and His grace. I can’t ensure all of these alone.
It’s important to have a strong faith. And you realize this at your life’s most trying moments. When I get asked how I was able to cope with the death of my first husband (Anthony Linsangan), I say, I actually don’t know. I just reached out to Him, and eventually, I started to feel better and comforted.
I also believe that meeting my second husband (John Yambao) is His doing and not mine. I was at home, in bed, when he messaged me—and the rest is history. I didn’t put in any effort; I didn’t look for it.
Kuh Ledesma
As a born-again Christian, I don’t partake in any particular ritual. For us, every day presents an opportunity to commemorate the suffering of Christ—not only during Holy Week. What we do isn’t that much different from what we already do daily.
The true Christian way of life is about holiness every day. But of course, we do read the Bible, or perhaps mount an event that glorifies the Lord.
You have to keep a strong faith; it doesn’t matter if you’re in show biz or not. You must pray unceasingly, because the word of God is our armor.
(Conclusion: Regine, Dingdong, Atom and other celebs)