Ara Mina (left) with Dave Almarinez —CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
If there were a “best supporting wife” award, Ara Mina would win, hands down. She postponed her anniversary concert to give way to her hubby Dave Almarinez’s new biz venture, PeekUp (PU).
It’s a 100-percent Pinoy car ride-hailing app that redefines mobility and offers five-star service to clients. No booking cancellation and high-peak hour rates. The grand launch of PU in Megamall featured a miniconcert led by Ara, Cristine Reyes, Bugoy Drilon and PU’s endorser, Paulo Avelino, who serenaded the crowd as well.
“Dave and I are workaholics,” Ara said. “But we make sure that work does not get in the way of our marriage.”
What about working on a baby? “We have so much on our plate right now,” she pointed out. “Hopefully, after my concert on July 11, we will prioritize that.”
The birthday girl can hardly contain her excitement. “Since it will be a celebration of my 30th year in the biz, there will be special guests, such as Martin Nievera, Gary Valenciano, Bong Revilla and many more,” she beamed.
As Ara turns a year fiercer, she looks back and looks ahead with a smile in her heart.
Coming soon: ‘In bed’ with Robin Padilla
The author (left) with Robin Padilla —CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
After my dangerous liaison with Robin Padilla many controversies ago, it felt good to finally reconnect with him. Binoe hosted dinner at his place in Fairview for the staff of my mom (Inday Badiday) and stepdad’s (Gene Paloma) former production company, Loca/Lobo (LL).
“When I feel drained from work, it’s nice to go back to my roots,” he quipped. When Robin was new in the biz, he became an adopted member of LL. That’s because his discoverer/manager back in the day, Deo Fajardo, was close to my mom. I remember when Deo first brought Binoe to mommy’s production office. Deo referred to him as “ang lalaking Nora Aunor” (the male version of Nora Aunor). Robin’s wife, Mariel, and their two kids were not around, though. “I’m going home to Mariel in Multinational. Boarder lang ako doon,” he said laughing.
Robin is all praises for his wife. “She disciplines our kids well,” he pointed out. “They are not allowed to use their cell phones on weekdays, only on weekends, but only for a limited time.” His Mommy Eva, daughters (with his ex, Liezl Sicangco) Queenie and Kylie and the latter’s sons stay at Robin’s Fairview mansion.
Robin’s face lit up when he talked about his grandsons, Alas and Axi. “Unlike most kids, they are not hooked on gadgets,” he revealed “Nakakatuwa na batang kalye sila (it’s amusing that they prefer to play in the streets).”
Then, Binoe turned a bit “senti” when I asked about his mom. He said, “Ma is almost 90. She’s weak and bedridden. So no matter how busy I am, I make sure to visit Mama and lie down beside her before I head home to my family.”
Robin’s devotion to his mom is evident in Museo de Padilla (that’s how he calls his Fairview home). One wall is adorned with huge portraits of Mommy Eva.
Before we called it a night, I asked Robin if he’s game to be my very first guest on my upcoming YouTube Channel. He said yes immediately. In jest, he suggested, “Para maiba, dapat nasa kama tayo sa interview. Wala namang masama doon. Nakahiga lang tayo.” (So it will be different, let’s do our interview in bed. No malice. We will just be lying down.) We both had a good laugh.
Thank you, Binoe, for not letting fame and fortune change you a bit. How wonderful it is that you honor my mom’s part in your journey by not losing sight of your LL days.
Even if Robin is way up there, he makes sure to still be within reach of the people who helped him along the way.