Pops Fernandez (center) with Aicelle Santos and Mel Villena
For quite some time, my good friend Pops Fernandez opted to work behind the scenes as a producer and focus on her business ventures. But the Concert Queen’s hiatus is over. After her successful Valentine concert series with Martin Nievera, she’s back on TV in GMA 7’s quest for the next “bida kid,” “Centerstage,” with cojudges, Aicelle Santos and Mel Villena.
The kiddie talent show, which airs Sundays at 7:40 p.m., is hosted by Alden Richards and Betong Sumaya. Pipay’s fashionista outfits and animated banter with her costars will keep you glued to the TV screen. She’s done hibernating. The Concert Queen is so back, and she’s here to slay!
Here’s my chat with Pops:
What’s your advice to bitter ex-couples on how to remain friends, like you and Martin?Not all ex-couples have the same story, so it’s a case-to-case basis. Some heal faster than others. Just give it time. For whatever they’ve shared in the past is worth, maybe … [giving] friendship a chance when they’re both emotionally ready.
Being angry is a burden. It actually weighs you down and affects you. Once you release yourself from all these negative emotions, you will feel better, and that’s the time you can focus on the more positive things in life.
What kind of guy would make you want to fall in love again?Someone who will love and respect my sons through thick and thin.
What makes “Centerstage” different from other kiddie talent shows?I haven’t seen all the kiddie talent shows, but even though this is a children’s competition, we want to encourage the kids, whether they make it to the next level or not. We let them know how talented and special they are.
What did you discover about Alden off-cam?He has no airs at all and is genuinely kind. During breaks, he cracks jokes and talks to everyone.
How do you console the kids who get eliminated?We remind them that joining “Centerstage” is just a beginning. There are more opportunities for them.
How do you, Aicelle and Mel handle opposing views?We discuss what we like, and what each one of us is looking for. Then, we come to an agreement, or we just individually choose whom we feel should move forward.
Joanna’s low-key marriage
When I asked Joanna Ampil if I could interview her about being newly wed to Faust Peneyra, she politely begged off. I totally understand. Sometimes, it’s better for celebs to keep their marriage low-key so it won’t go off-key. Jo and Faust will definitely keep the music playing.
Lesson from ‘Crash Landing’
Just like countless Pinoys, I’m hooked on the hit K-drama, “Crash Landing on You” (CLOY). The series isn’t cloying at all. In jest, I say that I’m a carrier of the “CLOYona” virus, which is highly contagious.
And I need to be quarantined with Hyun Bin, the lead actor of the series. If there’s one thing I learned from the poignant K-drama, it’s this: Just because love isn’t easy doesn’t mean it isn’t right. Sequel, please? INQ