‘I-Jessica Soho mo ako!’

GMA News anchor Jessica Soho . FILE PHOTO

Not too many people know that Jessica Soho and I are “textmates.”

I hardly miss any episode of her very engaging show, “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho” (7:45 p.m., Sunday,  GMA 7). After watching, I let her know via text which segment I liked best.

I’m always delighted when she replies to thank me for my support. Considering that she’s one of the country’s most-awarded broadcast journalists who’s used to getting accolades, she could easily just ignore me.

But, true to the title of her magazine show, Jessica takes everything, big or small, to heart. As we say in local parlance, “May puso si Jessica.”

I will never forget the time she interviewed me at my mom’s wake. When I began to cry, she asked the cameraman to cut the shoot. Then she asked if it was all right to proceed.

And every time her staff uses a video clip from my mom’s former show, “Eye to Eye,” she instructs her staff to ask permission from me. It only goes to show that even if she’s a no-nonsense broadcaster, Jessica is a compassionate person. Hard-hitting, yet with a soft, gentle heart. Thus, I felt bad for her when news broke about Vice Ganda’s cruel Jessica Soho jokes in his concert, “I-Vice Ganda Mo Ako.”  This woman does not deserve such crap. In fact, no woman should be so treated. After all, mothers are women.

Had Vice and Jessica been close friends, the slur might be a bit understandable. To aggravate matters, they are from rival networks.  Why couldn’t Vice pick on someone from ABS-CBN’s news and current affairs department, instead of GMA 7’s top news anchor and VP for news programs?

In a previous column, I praised Vice for being such a good mentor to my gay son, IC.   But he went overboard with this one. Maybe Vice has gotten away with so much mischief, he can no longer tell when he oversteps his bounds. Of course, his countless supporters are downplaying the incident as being “all in the spirit of fun.”

But rape is never a laughing matter. Though I admire Vice for his great sense of humor, I hope that, as he laughs all the way to the bank, he doesn’t lose his sense of decency.

I checked on Jessica amid the chaos. She was calm and gracious, as ever. “I wasn’t ready when Vice called,” she said. “His number isn’t in my phone book; I didn’t know it was him. Also, I was not feeling well that day and could not talk much. Had I been advised earlier, I might have been more prepared to take his call.” Would she be willing to interview Vice for her show? “If there’s a story about him worth looking into, why not?” she said. “I’m a professional. My show is open to anyone who deserves to be featured, to inspire or awaken my viewers.”

Let’s all try to do a Jessica: “I- Jessica Soho mo ako!”

Here to stay

NIÑO Muhlach as a crooked general in “Juana C. the Movie”

Niño Muhlach is revved up for his role as General Palakpak in “Juana C. the Movie” (in theaters June 5). “My character is inspired by military generals involved in corruption cases. I’m a regular client of Juana, a high-class female escort,” he told me. “I am glad to be part of Juana Change’s advocacy. I have always been aware of the dirt that comes with politics. I know there will always be rotten eggs among the good ones. Our movie is a timely eye-opener.” Will he ever venture into politics? “It’s never been my cup of tea,” he said. “There are other ways to help people without exposing myself to the temptations that come with public office. I might cave in … hahaha!”

Speaking of politics, what are his thoughts on his cousin Aga Muhlach’s feeling he was robbed of victory in the mid-term elections ? “I feel bad. It’s such a pity that Camsur lost the chance for change after 107 years of being under one political dynasty,” Niño said. “Oh well, if it happened to Fernando Poe Jr., why should Aga be surprised?”

On a lighter note, what can he advise the current crop of child stars, since he was the ultimate Child Wonder many blockbusters ago? “Just for them to keep it real,” he said. Niño, a true child of show biz, always tells it like it is because he’s been there and he’s here to stay.

Ai-Ai’s ex: No comment

I sent Ai-Ai de las Alas’ ex, Miguel Vera (father of her kids), a message on Facebook, asking for a comment on the Ai-Ai-Jed Salang brouhaha. His reply: “I’d rather not react. Ai and I lead separate lives now. What’s important to me is that the kids are okay.”

This ex has long exited!

A million thanks

PERSONAL:   Thanks a million to  my  good friends, Jose Haresco, Lito Trinidad, Jason Malajacan, Carmina Jacob and Henry Quequegan of my fave hangout at the Fort, 7th High (7th Ave) and their efficient staff, for always making me have the time of my life.