Craziest thing Ara did for love

Ara Mina

I immensely enjoyed bonding with Ara Mina in Macau. We were invited by our good friends, Rose and John Aquino, to grace the ribbon-cutting of their C&C Salon de Macau in Rua Da Alfandega. Mama Chanel runs the salon.

Ara was mobbed by OFWs at its opening. She gamely posed for selfies. Requests for picture-taking and autographs were also granted. Not all celebs are as accommodating as Ara. Some even refuse to be photographed with fans. I find that appalling since photo ops are in their job description.

Ara also held an impromptu makeup tutorial session and shared beauty tips for the buyers of her products, Ara’s Secret and Ara Colours, which were sold out.

Aside from her maquillage line and beauty products, Ara’s other business, Hazelberry Bakeshop & Café, is also thriving. But over and beyond being an entrepreneur and actress, motherhood is what she relishes the most. The hot mama is happy being busy, and busy being happy.

Here’s my chat with Ara :

What’s the best and hardest part of being a single mom? The best part is being able to care, love, nurture Mandy (her child). Seeing her smile and hearing the sound of her laughter make life worth living. There’s nothing hard about it because even if Patrick and I split up, we are coparenting. When Mandy misses her dad, I allow her to spend quality time with him.

What kind of guy would make you want to fall in love again? Someone who doesn’t care about my past, my failures or wrong decisions, and someone who will stand by me. A guy who will protect and care for my daughter like his own. He must be selfless, hardworking, responsible and God-fearing.

Any memorable moment with Sarah Geronimo when you were shooting “Unforgettable”? We enjoyed our marathon girls’ talk inside her van. It was so sweet of her to give me organic dragon fruits from her farm.

Tell us a bit about the new album you plan to make and your vlog. I’m planning to do a single first, then maybe an album if it goes well. People are encouraging me to have my own YouTube channel and do some vlogging because of my IGTV posts. They say I have so many things to share about motherhood, business, beauty, travel, baking and a lot more. Hopefully, they will support Simply Ara.

What’s your fave in your makeup line/beauty products and pastries? Ara Colours, the Dual Concealer and Creamy Matte Lipsticks. Ara’s Secret Face Serum, Facial Cleanser and the Lightening Body Scrub. For pastries, there’s Hazelberry’s Oreo Cheesecake, Red Velvet Cupcakes and Flat Tops Cheesecake .

Tell us a bit about your recent “Showtime” stint. It’s one for the books. It was my debut in joining a singing contest on national TV. I was so nervous. My family and fans enabled me to overcome my fears and sing my heart out. I knew that I wasn’t going to win but, for me, not to be gonged was a victory somehow. I got positive feedback and doors opened for me to collaborate in composing new songs.

What’s the craziest thing you did for love? I was still young and foolish when I had my first serious relationship. I remember spying on my boyfriend. I went to his place early, parked my car a few meters away from his house, and waited for hours, because I wanted to follow him, only to find out that he was ill, so he just stayed home. My effort was in vain. Since then, I never followed him again. I learned my lesson (laughs).

How has your relationship with your sister, Cristine (Reyes), improved after all the controversial sibling squabbles you got embroiled in? Our relationship is stronger than ever. The quarrels we had in the past will stay in the past. Forgiven and forgotten. We will not let anyone or anything come between us anymore. If a problem comes along, we will deal with it maturely and settle it right away.

When Mandy is old enough, what love advice would you give her? To prioritize her studies over anything else. Falling in love is easy. Boyfriends come and go. But education and knowledge remain.