‘Jealous mom’ Carmina Villaroel refuses to be a hindrance to children’s happiness

Carmina Villaroel

As a mother, Carmina Villaroel admitted that she has a tendency to be “selosa”—but never to the point of meddling in her twins’ personal lives.

“I don’t think I will ever be ready. Selosa akong nanay—and it’s something I’m vocal about—but I won’t be a hindrance to their happiness. Hindi ko pipigilan ang kaligayahan ng mga anak ko. I’m just here to support,” Carmina said when the conversation at the virtual conference for the soap “Abot Kamay Na Pangarap” veered toward her children’s love lives.

Mavy is currently in a romantic relationship with fellow GMA 7 artist Kyline Alcantara. Cassy, on the other hand, has been going out and enjoying the company of singer Darren Espanto. “I will say nagseselos ako, na gusto ko ako lang. But I won’t do anything. I will just cry it out,” she said, laughing.

Asked if she approves of Kyline for Mavy, Carmina said she supports whoever makes her children happy. “It doesn’t matter who my children [are seeing]. I just want them to respect us (her and husband Zoren Legaspi) and my children… as long as they love my children. I don’t have a say on who I like or don’t like. I will respect whoever my children choose,” she said.

With Mavy (left)

Though Cassy and Darren are indeed “very close,” Carmina clarified that the two have yet to reach the courtship stage. “Darren is part of the twins’ circle of friends. What’s good about Darren is that he visits our home, so Zoren and I know him well. He’s such a good and respectful kid,” she said.

Focus on career

“They’re very close friends, they go out and hang out with each other. I know they’re safe with each other. If ever things get more serious, [so be it]. ’Wag nating pangunahan. I just let them enjoy themselves. I think Cassy also wants to focus on her career for now,” she added.

Carmina keeps an open mind when it comes to her twins’ love lives. They’re 21 years old, after all. “Pinagdaanan ko rin ’yan,” she pointed out. And she’s happy that Mavy and Cassy are comfortable enough to discuss these things with her.

“I’m just happy that we’re open to each other—whether it be about love life, studies or work. They consult me and Zoren. If they ask for our advice about something, we sit down and discuss it as a family. We only want what’s best for them,” she said.

With Cassy (left)

Trust is another crucial factor. “Like I have said, I also went through this stage in my life. And I want my kids to enjoy their youth. I always tell them that I trust them, so they have to take care of that,” Carmina said. “Good thing they’re not selfish kids… They’re sensitive about our feelings, too.”

Carmina’s only request is for Mavy and Cassy to continue focusing on their career and studies. And so far, the two are doing a good job juggling their responsibilities. “I’m just here to support whatever they want to achieve in life… Even if they’re in show biz, they don’t neglect their studies. They’re in college now, and things are more flexible,” she said. “We’re here to guide them.” INQ