Janice de Belen happy for John, Priscilla

I had the time of my life as guest in my kumareng Janice de Belen’s cooking/talk show “Spoon” on Net 25. I tried to conquer my fear of cooking as I made black paella with her help, but I think I failed.

“Spoon” is a refreshing change in the talk show genre because it’s intrigue-free. Janice also has a way of making her guests feel instantly at home. Seeing her always brings back fond memories of my mom, since she was like a daughter to her.

Janice’s show is such a hit that starting next month, it will be aired daily.

Aside from “Spoon,” she is also with the teleserye “Budoy” on ABS-CBN.

“I’m excited to play the yaya of Gerald Anderson in ‘Budoy’,” she said. “I love my alaga like my own kid kaya magkaconflict kami ng real mom niya sa series, Zsazsa Padilla. Ibang klase ang twist sa story.”

After all the twists and turns in her love life, Janice harbors no ill feelings against her ex, John Estrada. She’s happy for John and his new wife Priscilla now that they are expecting their firstborn.

Her face lights up every time she talks about her kids. “We hardly miss any movie,” she said. “Watching the last full show is our ultimate bonding. And we must see the trailers before the movie. Right there we plan what to watch next or what movie they would watch with their dad.

“I had to stop my college course in Ateneo because I have to attend to my kids. Mahirap pala pagsabayin. But it’s still my plan to finish college. I also want all my kids to graduate first before they join show biz if ever they want to. But if I had my way, ’wag na lang sana.

“I wanna shield them from the intrigues. Ako mismo I gave up hosting a show biz talk show because I got tired of controversies. With this cable show, I feel less pressure and I have more time to enjoy my kids.”

Janice is a mother first and foremost. At the moment, being a wife again can wait. Flor de Luna is one ulirang Mama.

Birthday wish

Sunshine Cruz was blooming with happiness during the birthday bash thrown for her by hubby Cesar Montano at their resto Bellissimo.

“Sabi ni Buboy intimate party lang,” she said,  laughing. “Gulat ako mas marami pa siyang friends kaysa sa akin sa party. Advanced birthday celebration niya ata ito for August 1.”

Spotted at the fete were Ara Mina, Bayani and Len Agbayani, Alvin Anson, Fil-Japanese singer Aisaku Yokogawa and Shirley Pizarro. The Manhilots (Cesar’s real family name) and Cruzes came in full force.

There was an instant mini-concert and poetry reading. The highlight of the program was the song number of Shine and Buboy with their three adorable daughters.

It is Shine’s biggest birthday wish that nasty rumors about Buboy, his son Diego and her would end.

“Just like any couple, Buboy and I fight once in awhile,” she explained. “But not to the point na violent na. Diego will always be his mom’s (Teresa Loyzaga) son. I tried my best to be close to him but there are some things that only a biological mom can do. So para peace na lahat, it’s best that he stays with Teresa’s relatives but he’s welcome in our place anytime. Sana tigilan na nila pag-imbento ng kwento about our family.”

Sunshine makes sure the sun never sets on their marital woes.

No reconciliation

Even if Geneva Cruz and KC Montero have split up, KC is still ever supportive of his ex. In fact he was at Capone’s last Wednesday for the listening party of Gen’s new album, which includes the new version of her signature song “Anak ng Pasig.”

Is reconciliation in the air? “Not at all,” Gen replied. “KC and I started out as best friends and we are back where we started.”

Sometimes friendship is indeed the best kind of love.

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