Jaya’s greatest regret

JAYA wants to finish high school and take up a business course or masscom in college.

Jaya said her greatest regret was not being able to finish high school because of her busy work schedule as a performer.

“I stopped schooling when I was only a sophomore here. I continued my third year in high school in the United States in 1985,” she recalled.

Soon after, Jaya ran away from home, moving from California to New York, and landing a job as backup vocalist to musician Stevie B. She returned to Manila in 1996 and has not stopped performing since then.

Jaya is a regular in the Sunday variety show “Party Pilipinas” on GMA 7. She also cohosts, with Gladys Reyes, the new 30-minute reality morning program “Nay 1-1.”

She said her kids Sabriya, 6, and Dylan, 3, both have a knack for singing, “but I’d rather that they concentrate on their studies first.”

Show biz these days, said Jaya, is no longer for people who like to strike while the iron is hot. “You now have to have a backup. There are only very few artists who are able to stay in this business for a long time,” she pointed out.

This was also why she planned to return to school soon. “I honestly want to finish high school, then take up either a business course or Mass Communication,” she said.

Here are excerpts from the interview:

What parenting advice did you give your friend Regine Velasquez, who is now a new mom?

Nothing really, since all of her sisters are already moms. Once you give birth, your instinct will take over.

How do you feel about being excluded as guest on her coming silver anniversary concert?

It’s OK. The concert has nothing to do with our friendship.  I feel that she’s just letting her production team and manager handle everything.

Your other friend, Lani Misalucha, is now the subject of online tirades related to her alleged penchant for plastic surgery.

Whatever it is that she wants to do with herself, that’s her prerogative.

Your show “Nay 1-1” will be pitted against a long-time talk show on the rival channel. How do you hope to win in the ratings game?

What we’re doing is presenting a different type of program. We’re asking viewers to support something new and educational. It’s about normal people asking for help and actually getting it.

Who do you wish to see on your new show?

My dream guest would be Ms. Pilita Corrales. I imagine her giving her two-cents’ worth to someone her age, who still dreams of being a singer, or of still finding her space in this business.

What tips did you get from Gladys, whom you describe as a hands-on mom?

She often talks to me about time management. She tells me to delegate … not try to be Wonder Woman and do everything myself.

You recently had a problem with a housemaid who complained of maltreatment.

My advice to moms out there: When you plan to hire a housemaid, make sure to get her from a reputable agency. Certificates and clearances can be falsified.

I was cleared of the allegation (of that maid). It turned out that she now owes me.

“Nay 1-1” airs from Monday to Friday after “Unang Hirit.”

([email protected])