Ara Mina
Ara Mina’s new year is off to a great start. She’s now part of ABS-CBN’s “Ang Probinsyano.” The hot mama is ecstatic to be working with Coco Martin again after 12 years. They portrayed siblings in the 2008 movie, “Ligaw na Bulaklak.” Looks like 2020 will be Ara’s kind of year.
Here’s my chat with Ara:
What was it like working with Coco before compared to working with him now? Nothing’s changed. He’s always been sweet, thoughtful and a principled man.
Tell us a bit about your role in “Ang Probinsyano.”I play Ellen, a social climber and the third wife of retired judge Arturo, portrayed by Tirso Cruz III.
Do you prefer portraying a “kontrabida” or a goody-goody role? Kontrabida. In real life, I’m a nice girl, so playing a character that’s my opposite will hone my acting skills more. Just like my roles in “Mano Po,” “Mulawin” and “Dapat Ka Bang Mahalin?”What was the biggest lesson you learned in 2019 and your major plans this 2020?That God will give you your heart’s desire if you learn to completely trust Him and choose to be a good person despite life’s challenges. I believe God is in control of everything, so for 2020, I will just continue to work hard for my dreams.
Would you take an ex back? Not my cup of tea.
How would you handle an indecent proposal? Straightforward approach of declining and, at the same time, making the person understand that he is talking to the wrong person.
How did you and Cristine heal your relationship as sisters after the public squabbles you had? Our love is greater than our differences. And we both learned the real essence of maturity, especially when we both became mothers.
Would you allow your daughter Mandy to join show biz? I will always support her dreams. If it’s her destiny, I will just be here for her. But as of now, her school won’t allow it.
If your life story would be made into a movie, what would the title be? “Untouchable”
Reconnecting with Mega
It may be a week late to greet Sharon Cuneta a happy birthday, but my sentiments are still very much intact. What a joy it was to see her, after quite some time, at the anniversary dinner of Regine Velasquez and Ogie Alcasid.
I was so touched when she spoke highly of my mom to her adorable daughters, Frankie and Miel. “Tita Dolly is the daughter of Ate Luds, who was like a mom to me,” Shawie said. “She helped a lot of us in show biz achieve stardom.”
Many controversies ago, Sharon and I were at odds with each other. But we already made peace years ago. That’s why it felt so good to reconnect with her. I really felt Sha’s warmth when she hugged me and said, “Old friends like us should not forget each other.” Aww. Our rekindling of ties made my Christmas more than merry. Long live the Megastar, who’s got a “super-sized” heart.
PERSONAL: Thanks a mil to Melissa Ongsue-Lee of Hi-Precision Diagnostics (HPD) and her efficient staff, Camille and Grace. Let’s all be healthier versions of ourselves this 2020 by having regular checkups at HPD. INQ