Amalia’s comeback movie may be her swan song

“THE YOUNGER generation can learn a thing or two from me.”

I immensely enjoyed bonding with my second mom, Amalia Fuentes, at Thaipan—my fave resto in Quezon City. Every time I look at Mama Nena, I see the kind of woman I want to be. She has aged gracefully. Mama Nena has taught me many things not by words but by example. She is truly a woman of substance and strength.

How did Liezl and you patch things up?

I have mellowed and so has she. I now appreciate everything she does for me. We went to Europe with her kids, Alfonso and Alyssa, to attend the canonization of Pedro Calungsod. Before she was busy raising her kids and I had my own life. Now I appreciate every thing she does for me. Masarap pala ang ganitong pakiramdam (It’s a nice feeling). Now that I’m older, I learned not to push (people). Before I think I was pushing my family too hard to do this, to do that. But at this stage in my life, I have learned to let go.

How do you feel about Aga’s foray into politics?

I don’t know where he’s coming from. Yung kanyang candidacy, I was also caught by surprise. This much I can say, “I will give him my full support.”

What made you decide to go back to making movies?

Elwood Perez has been asking me for the longest time to do a movie with him. I feel the time is right. I am prepared emotionally. Modesty aside, I don’t need the money. My comeback is not just for my fans (who are not dead yet… Hahaha!) but more for the younger generation. Since they were not yet born during my glorious years in the biz, I’d like them to be aware of who I am. Like it’s part of history. They can learn a thing or two from me. I want to give something back. Let it be my swan song.

Are you willing to do teleseryes, too?

I’m open to it if the story is good. It would be nice to have a teleserye with my Mareng Susan (Roces). We spent Valentine’s Day together. We talked about off-the-record stuff till the wee hours.

Luke’s new album

Luke Mejares is back in the game to prove that his silky, smooth voice withstands the test of time. His third solo album (under Ivory Music), “Kasayaw,” is a jaunty collection of OPM classics from the past two decades but this time, perfectly blended with house and dance that will make you groove to the rhythm of the beat.

His transition from R&B to dance music is something he has always wanted to try out. That shows how versatile he is as an artist. Included in his album are “Babaero,” “Macho Gwapito,” “Iyong-Iyo,” “Magsayawan” and more OPM classics with a different twist.

As one of his close friends, I am so proud of Luke. He has come a long hard way from his struggling days in Bohol and Cebu. He used to eat just one can of corned beef the whole day because he was so hard up. But even with all the fame and fortune, Luke remains to be a simple, gentle “probinsiyano” at heart.

Not goodbye to Guy

Boy Palma clarifies that he didn’t resign as manager of Nora Aunor. “They speculated that I left Ate Guy because they no longer see me during her taping,” he explains. “But the truth is I have been advised by my doctor to rest due to health problems. I told Ate Guy about it. She understands. Wala namang problema between us.”

How true is the buzz that the Superstar will not continue doing her TV5 drama series, “Never Say Goodbye”?

“She’s still in the UnitedStates fixing her green card,” he says. “But she will be back soon to resume taping for the show.”

I remember Ate Guy told me that she’s happy with TV5 because they gambled on her. She even said in a playful tone, “Why would I leave TV5?  They pay me even if I’m not doing anything. That’s how well they take care of me.”

Let’s see if La Aunor has palabra de honor.

PERSONAL: Muchisimas Gracias to my friend from way back, Gary Berena, for always making me feel so at home in Chivs (Greenhills Strip) where I hang out every Tuesday and watch the gig of my all-time fave band, True Faith. See you there!