Karylle on mom Zsa Zsa’s basher

Zsa Zsa Padilla (left) and Karylle

Bashers are just confused admirers. I refuse to empower them by reacting. They’re inconsequential, anyway. But I admire how Zsa Zsa Padilla handled her basher’s age-shaming comment with so much class. Yes, with Zsa Zsa, 53 never looked so good.

The issue reminds me of Isabella Rossellini’s story: During her younger years, she was tapped by a cosmetic line to be its endorser. But, when she was already in her 40s, they no longer renewed her contract.

Recently, the same makeup brand hired her again to be its image model, even if the actress was already in her 60s. It only goes to show that beauty standards have truly evolved. As long as we don’t feel our age, we won’t look our age.

I asked Karylle for her sentiments about her mom’s basher. Here goes: “Mama and I are too busy preparing for our Mother’s Day show with Zia (Quizon) to be bothered by that. All I can say is, I love my mom dearly. Ever since I was small, I’ve always noticed how soft and pretty her hands are. We always hold hands while walking.

“We also hold hands when we sing together, and I feel all her emotions swell up when her hands tremble a little—because she always sings with all her heart and soul—and I feel my nerves fly away, because singing with her is nerve-wracking. So, that’s what I think of my mom’s hands.”

Hands off, bashers!

(Catch the lovely trio in “The Best Day of My Life” at the Newport Performing Arts Theater on May 11 at 8 p.m. Call 8919999.)

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Any love song I’d sing directly to my son, Diego—I always fail to finish it
Bo Cerrudo
Singer

My fave vodka buddy, Bo Cerrudo, is back on the concert scene. Before he flies to Australia for a series of shows, catch him in “Lights, Camera, Music” with the rhythm ensemble of the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra. It will be staged at Teatrino in The Promenade, Greenhills, on April 10 and 17 at 8 p.m. (tickets at the gate).

Not only will Bo enthrall you with his voice and showmanship, he will also amuse you with his punch lines. The multiawarded crooner has mastered the art of creating the right rapport with his audience. If you watch his show, you’ll see what I mean. Appassionato à la Cerrudo!

Here’s my chat with Bo:

Why should we watch your show? The shows we’ve produced since 2005 have always been a carefully conceptualized mix of songs from the silver screen and musical theater, as well as rarely heard but meaningful tunes. We tell stories through them. They’re a celebration of the many facets of life and love.

We’ve had more than 133 shows since its inception. I see to it that the audience always leaves the theater appreciating the songs of yesteryears.

What is your take on lip-synching? It has its purpose, depending on the circumstances, but I prefer live singing.

What’s the hardest song to sing? Any love song I’d sing directly to my son, Diego. I always fail to finish the song.

What’s the craziest thing that a fan did for you? Sponsor almost half of my wardrobe, from casual to semiformal.

Personal: Congratulations to my dear friends, John and Rose Aquino of Chinoy Macau Travel and Tours for being declared the Top Travel Agent (Macau) at the PAL International Awards.