GAB, son of Jolo Revilla
POPS FERNANDEZ laughs off rumors linking her to Sen. Chiz Escudero. Talk has it that they were spotted together at The Fort.
In a previous column, I wrote that Chiz and his wife Cristine have parted ways, though it could only be a phase they’re going through.
“That’s so weird! I don’t even know Chiz personally,” Pipay clarified. “It must be a case of mistaken identity.”
So, the Chiz link is nothing more than chismis!
Bonding moments
I enjoyed bonding with Bong Revilla, Lani Mercado, their family and balae, Jorge and Trish del Rosario, at Discovery Shores Boracay last Maundy Thursday. It’s been their tradition to spend Holy Week on the paradise island.
BONG Revilla with daughter Gianna
“Pang-alis alat,” said Bong in jest. “Kaya kailangan maligo sa dagat at magpagpag ng mga kasalanan.”
I teased the fab couple: “Bakit, mas maraming alat ba kaysa tamis ang relasyon niyo?” Lani smiled and said: “Di naman. Para lalo lang tumamis.”
What could be sweeter than their renewing their vows on their 25th anniversary in May?
On their silver year, Lani deserves a gold medal for being such a supportive wife.
I remember the time when rumors were afloat that Lani might sue me for writing about Bong’s love child, Luigi, with my friend Lovely. I salute Lani for loving Bong enough to accept what may be unacceptable to most wives.
Proud mama
It was also an endearing moment to see how Bong and Lani watch over their grandkids, Gab (Jolo’s love child with Osang’s daughter Grace) and Alexa (firstborn of their daughter Ynna and Vince del Rosario).
Gab is so bibo and entrancing. When I asked if he wanted to join show biz, his eyes lit up and said, “Yup, when I’m 21.” Then Lani told him, “You have to finish your studies first.” Gab shot back, “Bakit si daddy bata pa lang nag-artista na?”
Like every proud mama, Lani enjoys talking about her six kids. “Bryan is so emotional. Dinidibdib niya talaga ang heartache. Jolo is the galante type na mala-DOM ma-in love (laughs). Inah is fragile. Gianna is palaban and wants to join show biz. Siya ang strict kay Bong. Mas nagagalit pa yun kaysa sa akin pag may girl na nachi-chismis sa dad niya. Loudette is super shy and Ram is into martial arts. He’s the one closest to Luigi.”
While enjoying our mojitos by the beach, Bong cajoled Lani into jamming with the acoustic performers. She gamely sang their theme song, “Ikaw.”
‘Firefighter’
When the song “Through The Fire” played, Lani said: “Hay! Lahat na ng klaseng apoy na-survive ng marriage namin. Kinalampag ko na ang lahat ng fire departments nationwide.”
Bong and Lani have truly made it through the years, through the fire, through thick and thin, sick and sin.
Thank you Bong, Lani and family for such a fun time getting to know everybody a little more. It felt good to scratch beneath the surface and find pure joy beyond show biz beso-beso and pleasantries. Now I really know why you’re one of the best-loved couples in the biz. Your unwavering devotion to each other against all odds makes me believe in marriage all over again.
E-mail wateringholeshangrila@yahoo.com