From left: Janice de Belen, Carmina Villaroel, Candy Pangilinan and Gelli de Belen
In their new “chikahan and marehan” podcast “Wala Pa Kaming Title,” longtime friends Carmina Villaroel, Gelli de Belen, Candy Pangilinan and Janice de Belen let listeners eavesdrop on their rollicking and spontaneous conversations—the kind they have over dinner or coffee.
But while the four actresses promise to talk about their personal experiences, do some reminiscing and touch on all sorts of topics, there’s one subject they’re wary of—sex life.
“It’s mainly because I have boys. And I don’t want them to hear about it. It’s not something they will appreciate. I’m only sparing them from extra information they don’t need to know about!” Gelli, who has two sons with husband Ariel Rivera, said in a recent virtual conference for Viva Entertainment’s new podcast network, Oomph.
“It’s a topic we can discuss in [the privacy] of our living rooms, for example. But it’s not for everyone to know,” she added.
Carmina, on the other hand, is simply “not comfortable” talking about that aspect of her life.
Conservative
“I’m just really not comfortable talking about my sex life, recorded or not. It’s not easy for me. That’s why I’m amazed … hats off to those who have the courage to be open about it. I’m really, really talkative but I’m actually quite conservative. Hindi lang halata!” Carmina said, laughing.
Candy, whose son, Quentin, has autism, pointed out that delving into her sex life may be at odds with her advocacies. “But now at my age, and because of my son and my advocacies, I don’t think it’s needed. It’s just as simple as that. But I admire women who are able to do that,” she said.
They realize, however, that they’re speaking right now as a mothers. And they surmised that they may be more open to the topic if they were still young and single. “Maybe if I would have been more open back then—but very, very slight lang! We’re talking as mothers now, but when you’re young, the world is your oyster,” Gelli said.
“Wala Pa Kaming Title” podcast
Besides, there are still a lot of fun to be had in the podcast. “We would like to believe that our happy conversations are entertaining. We’re not trying to be deep or educational. But through our experiences, or things we went through in life, we can share with our listeners some of the lessons we have learned,” Carmina said. “There’s no right or wrong. No judgments.”
Be responsible
In the age of social media, is there still such a thing as oversharing, especially with celebrities? Gelli said it’s all up to how you want people to perceive you.
“You share stuff according to how you want people to see you. Some people share their thoughts to express themselves. But if you get judged, you have to take that. If you’re a social media celebrity, that’s what’s expected of you. If you’re an actor, I’m sure there are things you want to keep to yourself. And it’s all up to you. You just have to accept the reaction [of] people,” Gelli explained.
“We’re adjusting to the times. The dynamics in show biz are different now. Back then, other people promote you. Now, you also promote yourself,” she added.
For Carmina, whatever people post on their social media pages are theirs. But it’s important, she said, that online personalities and celebrities—especially those with substantial following—to be responsible.
“Whatever you post on your account is your business. But just be responsible with what you share, especially if there people looking up to you. As long as you’re not hurting or stepping on anyone, then it’s all good,” she said.
Candy, meanwhile, believes that it’s not about how much you share, but the sincerity of what you share with your audience. “The more you’re genuine, sincere … the more you’re being yourself, that’s how you will capture people’s hearts. Because people can easily tell if you’re not being genuine,” she said. INQ