Ara’s kid understands why she’s marrying Dave, not her dad Pat

Ara Mina (left) and fiancé Dave Almarinez

All her life, Ara Mina worked hard to provide for her family. The time has finally come for someone else to take care of Ara. After all the heartaches she endured, love has given Ara a better fate. She is giddily engaged to entrepreneur Dave Almarinez.

As her “sis” (that’s how we call each other), I am overjoyed for Ara. Her supersized heart deserves nothing less than a permanent and solid “home.”

The qualities that make her an ulirang anak/ina/kapatid/kaibigan are the same ones that will turn her into an Ulirang Asawa.

Here’s my chat with Ara:

What made you say “yes” to Dave?

Simply because I saw in him the right qualities of a family-oriented person. He is a good man. We both come from imperfect situations. He knows that my daughter Mandy is my priority, and he respects that. I know in the future, he will be a good father when it’s time to build a family of our own.

How will your marriage change your parenting arrangement with the dad of Mandy, Patrick (Meneses)?

Patrick and I will continue coparenting Mandy and share equal responsibilities for her welfare. Dave will not replace Patrick as a father. He will be Mandy’s second dad. That’s common in modern families today. Pat and Dave haven’t talked about Mandy yet. I don’t think there will be a problem, since our goal is to put Mandy first before everything else.

How does Mandy feel that you are getting married, but not to her dad?

The way I see it, Mandy is very excited. No questions asked as to why I will be marrying Dave and not her dad, Pat. Mandy grew up with me, but she of course gets to see her dad any time. All of us learned to adjust with the arrangement, and I think being honest and open to Mandy made her understand what’s happening.

Matteo, Kim host ‘Born to be a Star’

Even during this time of COVID-19, Viva Entertainment is not distancing itself from aspiring artists. That’s why it is bringing back the reality-singing competition (first aired in 2016) “Born to be a Star,” which premieres at 7 p.m. today on TV5).

Hosted by Matteo Guidicelli and Kim Molina, the show’s star judges include Andrew E, Janine Teñoso, Teacher G (Georcelly Sy), Katrina Velarde and Sam Concepcion. The grand champion will be awarded P1 million and a Viva recording/management contract. Amid this pandemic, the show lives up to the quote that goes, “During the darkest of nights, stars shine brightest.”

Matteo, Kim and Andrew share what fame has taught them

Matteo: The journey to stardom is a roller-coaster ride. It’s not all glamour and glitz. It is important to have a support group to keep you grounded.

Kim: The expression “blood, sweat and tears” can also be taken literally when you talk about puhunan to become famous. You must be all in and all out.

Andrew: The moment you achieve fame, accept that it will eventually be gone. When you join show biz, focus on gaining more talent, instead of fame.

Blackpink tickets

Globe gave away 1,000 “The Show” tickets to Blackpink fans as a gesture of appreciation to those who waited at least two hours during the kick-off event for its brand ambassador’s concert, which did not materialize. They had to reschedule it due to technical problems beyond their control.

The telco company aimed to “reinvent the world” of millions of Filipino Blinks by staging “The Opening Act,” with a series of skylight displays using drones at The Fort. But even if the K-pop event went kaput, Blinks are raving on social media about the free tickets, courtesy of the telco giant, to the Jan. 31 show. Talk about fandom pandemonium.