GLADYS Reyes
“Prayers, patience, partnership are the three Ps to a lasting relationship,” said actress-TV host Gladys Reyes, who’s been married to actor Christopher Roxas for more than five years now.
They have three kids—Gian Christopher, 6, Aquisha, 4, and Grant Calin, 2. “We started young; I was 14, Christopher was 12, when he became my boyfriend,” Gladys said. “What can you expect from a 12-year-old?”
She continued: “Even guys in their 40s still like to go out and party. I had to pray hard and be patient. I’m thankful that my husband has passed that stage,” Gladys told the Inquirer during the media launch of her latest GMA 7 reality show “Nay 1-1,” with Jaya Ramsey as cohost.
She said it wasn’t fair to say women should go the extra mile to make a marriage work. “It’s teamwork. Husband and wife should work hard at it. Marriage is high-maintenance.”
Gladys’ role models are her parents who, she said, love each other deeply. “When my parents fight, my mom does all the talking,” she said. “My dad would keep quiet or just walk away. When he comes back, he’ll have something for my mom and everything will be all right.”
According to Gladys, Christopher is the type who would rather stay home with the kids than go out with friends. “I feel very secure with him. He’s not a playboy. I’m confident saying this because I know him.”
Best compliment
Of the many hats that she wore —actress, TV host, wife and a mother—Gladys said, it’s the latter that she’s proudest of. “I’m happiest when people say I’m a good mom. It’s the best compliment. Whenever my kids say I’m the best mom ever, I feel like crying.”
Gladys related that her eldest son developed a crush on a young actress he met while visiting mommy on the set of a TV show. “He asked for money so he could take her to a pizza place. I couldn’t believe it! His dad courted me at 12; he’s doing the same thing at age 6!” she quipped.
Every moment
The actress said she learned an important lesson from the incident with Gian Christopher: “To enjoy each moment with my kids. They grow up so fast. Soon, they will have their own plans that will no longer include me or their dad. In the end, I don’t want to regret not having spent more time with them.”
The reality program “Nay 1-1,” which airs weekday mornings, is Gladys’ first hosting job for GMA 7. She was last seen on the Kapuso network in the defunct series “Bakekang” in 2006. She currently hosts a talk show called “MOMents” on Net 25.
“I’m thankful for the opportunity to share what I know as a mother,” she said. “I’m also open to working in other shows for GMA 7. I want to showcase what I can do as an artist.”
(Email mcruz@inquirer.com.ph)