Candy’s apology to IC accepted

ALL IN THE FAMILY. Sunshine Cruz and Cesar Montano with kids Cheska, Angela, Buchik, Sammy and Diego

People have been badgering me about my reaction to Candy Pangilinan’s public apology to my son, IC Mendoza, after she lambasted him at Reserve Bar. Allow me to pour out my sentiments here. May it finally put the issue to rest.

Prior to Candy’s apology, Angeli Pangilinan-Valenciano sent me this text message: “I want to extend an olive branch from Candy and apologize on her behalf. She is remorseful and sorry. Of course, one cannot erase the pain right away but I told Candy you’re like family to me already even if we don’t see each other that much.

“She is also a mom and kahit ako, naiyak nung nabasa ko yung item regarding Candy’s autistic son sa column ni Cristy (Fermin) sometime back. But it was no reason to lash at IC. I was so shocked. I’m sorry, Dolly Anne.”

Apology accepted, Angeli and Candy. Forgiving comes easy because I remember the time Gary V and Angeli were there during my mom’s critical hours in the ICU. Mommy and Gary share the same birthday, which just happens to be the day I am writing this column (Aug. 6). It’s probably more than a coincidence.

“My mom seems to be reminding IC and me to keep our hearts soft, no matter how hard we’ve been hit. That’s the way Mommy lived and loved. What better way to pay homage to her on her birthday than by carrying on with all the “Badidayisms” she left us with?

All’s well

Cesar Montano celebrated his birthday last Aug. 1 by hosting an intimate gathering at his resto, Bellisimo. All his kids were present, including Diego, his love child with Teresa Loyzaga.

Crazy stories about Diego, Buboy and his wife, Sunshine, have been circulating. But seeing them so sweet in their unguarded moments at the party belies all those rumors.

Shine’s gift to him is a Blackberry tablet and their three adorable daughters gave him handwritten cards. Buboy finally gave Diego a car, which he had long been making lambing to his dad about.

“It’s a Honda Civic. Simple muna,” said Diego. “I’m happy kasi dream come true. Okay na okay na kami ni dad now. It’s only natural that we are going through adjustments since I did not grow up with him. What’s important is we are both trying. I am very proud to be his son.”

Also at the fete were Bayani and Len Agbayani, Jeff Tam, the Manhilot (Buboy’s real family name) and Cruz clans, Shirley Pizarro, Alvin Anson and Phillip Salvador. Ipe and Buboy will start shooting a movie with the working title “Hitman,” their first full-length project together. Leading lady Sam Pinto will undergo an acting workshop with Buboy.

Birthday cheers, BFF Buboy! You were born to be a blessing. Thank you for being everything I wanted in a friend that I never thought I’d find.

Azkals’ angel

Although Angel Locsin was hoping that the Azkals would win against Kuwait, the game’s outcome didn’t diminish her support for the team, especially for Phil Younghusband.

“They did well,” she said. “I will always be proud of them. Pasalamat tayo sa kanila, at nakilala ang football lalo na ng mga kabataan.”

Phil deserves Angel’s admiration. After all, the baller doesn’t play the field when it comes to matters of the heart.

Surprise visit

Nora Aunor’s surprise visit to the office of GMA 7’s top honchos after TV5 gave her a grand welcome stunned a lot of people. Ate Guy was with Kuya Germs in the Kapuso network grounds as guest in his radio show on dzBB.

She gamely wore a “Tween Academy” jacket and flashed a fan sign of the coming movie of GMA Films, which top-bills Barbie Forteza, Joshua Dionisio, Jake Vargas and Elmo Magalona.

Although Ate Guy meant no harm, it would have been better had her staff informed TV5 that she would be used to subliminally endorse the Kapuso film.

The Kapatid network didn’t keep other TV stations from covering Nora’s press con because she is every Pinoy’s Superstar. It is only proper that TV5 be accorded the same importance and respect.

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