What Ate Vi loves about daughter-in-law Jessy

Vilma Santos

I love you, Lucky” was Ate Vi’s (Vilma Santos) standard extro line in her shows back in the day. That was how she showed affection for her son, Luis Manzano, on national television. Now, it’s Lucky’s turn to say “I love you” to his bride, Jessy Mendiola.

I sent Ate Vi questions about Luis. In her answers, she still refers to him as Lucky. It only goes to show that even if he’s already a married man, Luis will always be her “baby.” Ate Vi is a “Luckynian” for life. With a mom like her, Lucky hit the jackpot since birth.

Here’s my chat with Ate Vi:

What was running through your mind as Luis and Jessy were getting married?

I got misty-eyed. I was asking myself, “Is this really happening?” My mind went on flashback mode to the time when Lucky was still a baby. Nagpapatawa si Lucky most of the time, so everything went smoothly.

How did things go between you and [your ex-husband] Edu Manzano during the wedding?

Sa mga oras na ‘yon, nagkatinginan kami ni Edu. We both were trying to make the moment sink in. Surreal pala ‘pag kinakasal na ang anak mo. Nag “fist-bump” kami. That’s our way of expressing support for our son and daughter-in-law.

As a Mom, there are things about Luis that only you know. Any advice to Jessy on how to handle him?

They have been together for quite some time. So kilalang-kilala na ni Jessy ang anak ko. Bilang ina, ang masasabi ko lang, kung titingnan ninyo si Lucky externally, he’s a funny man. Pero kung kilala mo ang puso niya, Lucky is very compassionate and emotional. He cries easily. Malambot ang puso n’ya sa pagtulong sa tao.

My advice to Jessy: Just be yourself, always keep the love alive, and respect the relationship.

Since you and Edu parted ways, what did you learn from your breakup that you want to share with Luis and Jessy so their marriage will last?

The success of any marriage depends on the couple and the situation. Wala namang married couple na gusto ang breakup, but it happens. ‘Yung naging journey namin ni Edu is completely different sa journey of Lucky and Jessy. So the lessons from our breakup are not applicable to them.

What happened to me and Edu is part of our learning experience. Lucky and Jessy will have their own share of learnings as husband and wife. What matters is that ang respect namin ni Edu for each other remains.

We are very proud of our son. We know that Lucky is responsible, and he’s ready for this new chapter in his life.

Jessy Mendiola

What do you like most about Jessy?

Her amiable personality, being natural, God-fearing. And of course, how she loves Lucky.

What’s the best and most challenging part about being a mother-in-law?

I’ve always been a liberated and cool mom, so that’s how I will be also as a mother-in-law. The best part is, I now have a “daughter.” The challenging part is figuring out if I’m doing enough.

Sam and Anthony get hitched

There’s something about PBA (Philippine Basketball Association) players that make show biz personalities fall under their spell. I should know. Après tout, I was a professional cager’s wife many basketball seasons ago, though I’ve changed court already.

Anthony Semerad and Sam Pinto are the latest addition to the “PBA baller hubbies and celebrity wives” Club. What a merger en route to “happy-ever-after.”

Newlyweds Sam Pinto (right) and cager Anthony Semerad

Here’s my chat with Anthony:

Any out-of-this-world experience as a couple?

We went to Bali and did the Melukat. It’s a Balinese/Hindu ceremony to purify the body and soul. Melukat means “letting go,” to release negative energy.

What made you decide that Sam is ‘the one’?

We are the perfect fit for each other. We both had hard times in our past relationships. But when we found each other, we just knew it was right.

Since PBA players are ‘babe magnets,’ how will you avoid temptation?

Not to put myself in any situation where temptation is. My heart belongs to my wife. I could never hurt her.