'Dakilang Manggagawa' exhibit showcases the hard work and grit of the Filipino labor force

Masipag Artist Group celebrates the Filipino worker with the new exhibit at ARTablado in Antipolo

BY MB LIFESTYLE

Jul 11, 2023 09:38 AM

  

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From left: Masipag Art Group (MAG) with their guests of honor Frederick Epsitola (3rd from left), Nemi Miranda, Antipolo Tourism Head Mar Bacani and actor Mon Confiado; Balloon Vendor by Ton Munoz; Gintong Ani by Krister Isip

In a world where pop culture superheroes are often celebrated, a group of artists is giving a well-deserved shoutout to the real heroes among us: the laborers who put entire industries upon their backs.

"Dance of Desires" by Antonio Pacuan Jr.

“(Our exhibit titled) 'Dakilang Manggagawa' ay isang pagpupugay sa ating mga kababayan na walang sawang nagsasakripisyo alang-alang sa mamamayan. Kaya bilang pasasalamat, ito ang maging tribute namin para sa kanila. ('Dakilang Manggagawa' is a tribute to our countrymen who tirelessly sacrifice for their fellow people. So, as a form of thanks, we are giving this tribute to them.) ”

This is according to Rico Aunzo, spokesperson of the Masipag Artist Group (MAG), which is featured in an ongoing exhibit at ARTablado, which is located at the upper ground floor, Robinsons Antipolo. The show lasts until July 31.

"Sweet Harvest" by Rico Aunzo

The Masipag Artist Group (MAG) was founded in 2019 on the Manawari Art Group page on Facebook. The group's members did not know each other formally at first, but they bonded over their shared love of art and creativity. They began communicating via social media, sharing their work and ideas. As they grew closer, they decided to form a full-blown art group called Masipag, which means "hardworking" in Tagalog.

“Ang kasipagan ang susi ng kaginhawaan (hardwork is the key to success in life),” says Aunzo. The group takes inspiration from the words of the late great Tagalog poet Jose Corazon de Jesus: “Bawat patak ng pawis mo’y / yumayari ka ng dangal / dinadala mo ang lahi mo / sa luklukan ng tagumpay.”

"Gintong Ani" by Krister Isip

The founder and president of the Masipag Artist Group (MAG) is neo-realist painter Naptalie “Rico” Aunzo. His art style is characterized by a modern, traditional, and cubist take on classic Filipino tropes and customs. He has a recurring protagonist named “Pedrong Masipag,” who is meant to represent traits and virtues that an everyday Filipino possesses. Pedrong Masipag is the antithesis to Juan Tamad, the poster-boy of laziness in Pinoy folklore. He is described as a decent gentleman, dressed in a traditional barong Tagalog and salakot, and often illustrated doing noble deeds.

With Aunzo are Daniel Dumaguit, sculptor-painter Nelson Basa, Pol A. Mesina (the founder of Artipolo Group Inc.), Jayson Borlon, Krister Jhude Isip, Rem Kulas, Mori, Hannah Castalone, Ton Muñoz, Efren Saludar, Rodgie Gapayao, Doodz Iligan, Dominic Gomez, Antonio Pacuan Jr., Leo De Fraga Torcelino, Joyce Pertez and Mark Aparato.

16 European countries back PH territorial integrity over WPS

A total of 16 European nations have backed the Philippines in its fight for sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea as the world commemorates this month Manila’s victory against Beijing with regards to South China Sea dispute through the 2016 Arbitral Ruling issued by The Hague.

A joint statement on Tuesday issued by Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Austria, Romania, Slovakia, Finland and Sweden supports the Philippines’ territorial integrity as China continues its unilateral claim over the whole of South China Sea.

The embassies of the 16 countries cited the significance of the ruling, which was based on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), by saying it is “a significant milestone” in contributing to the maintenance of rules-based order and the settling of dispute.

They said it is “legally binding upon the parties to those proceedings, and a useful basis for peacefully resolving disputes between parties.”

"The EU (European Union) reiterates the fundamental importance of upholding the freedoms, rights and duties established in UNCLOS, in particular the freedoms of navigation and overflight," the European nations, which are also members of the EU, said.

Despite the ruling, China continues its claim over the South China Sea on the basis of its unilateral nine-dash line. It is a party to the UNCLOS.

When the Philippines filed an arbitration case against China over the West Philippine Sea, a part of the bigger South China Sea, China refused to participate.

The 26 countries further said they are committed to secure, free and open maritime supply routes in the Indo-Pacific, in full compliance with international and “in the interest of all.”

Several countries have expressed concern over an open Indo-Pacific maritime route amid reports of maritime harassments, including those committed by Chinese personnel against Filipinos.

"The EU supports the swift conclusion of talks aiming at an effective Code of Conduct between ASEAN and China that is fully compatible with UNCLOS and also respects the rights of third parties," the said countries added.

STRUGGLES ABROAD

From the first moment I have been involved with Filipinos I thought that there must be a reason why they detached themselves from their loved ones... only to be enslaved in a foreign country.

Look through a migrant worker's life and agree with me: being an oversea worker is not easy - but for innumerable Philippine families, it seems the only way to survive financially.

If dealing with language barriers and cultural differences wasn't enough, there's also the challenge of having to adapt to a new climate. The weather plays a big role in how comfortable we feel and being constantly sweating or freezing can be just another reminder that we're away from home, in a foreign environment. 

Traveling abroad is an experience that can be incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with its own unique set of challenges of living abroad. From navigating different cultures and customs to finding friends and learning a new language, the transition from living in your home country to living overseas can take a lot out of you.

Change isn't easy, and it is inevitable that it causes some stress. Even if your thoughts are calm and you feel organised, change can stress out your body, triggering its 'fight or flight' response (read more on the effects of change here).

Overseas workers have to deprive themselves of many things they used to enjoy at home - physically, mentally, emotionally, socially and even spiritually. Some of them go to the extent of sacrificing one's cherished profession in order to reach that proverbial greener pasture, to cross the poverty line and have a fraction of taste of the "God's" comfortable living.

When one goes abroad, his toughness as a person is put to a test. Both, an old timer and a neophyte suffer the same illness every now and then: homesickness, especially when one doesn't receive any news from home any more. Moods become utterly dull and dispositions are greatly affected.

Of course, sometimes unexpected news from home "go abroad": death of a family member, the husband is womanizing or the wife having a paramour; the child is being hospitalized, the house robbed of products of sweat and tears, natural calamities, and many others. And, as I know from many Filipinos abroad, added to this is the knowledge that sometimes, hard-earned money is just spent wastefully by the recipients, despite repeated reminders that working abroad is not lifetime.

With these uncalled-for events, sometimes you can do nothing but close your eyes, secretly shed tears, have deep sighs and call for someone "up there" to make you stronger and ask for hope. My good friend Arvie, who experienced her first weeks as a nurse in Vancouver/Canada sent me the following lines:

"When things go wrong as they sometimes will. when the road you're trudging seems all uphill, when the funds are low and the debts are high, and you want to smile but you have to sigh, when care is pressing and you lay down a little bit, rest if you must, but never quit!"

How very true, because in working abroad, one is confronted with equally exhilarating daily crosses, deal with hard-to-spell employers, perform boring, routinary, round-the-clock-chores, overcome fatigue, but always doing the very best to adapt to the culture of the new place.

After these sufferings, it is every migrant worker's wish, that his crosses overseas will be rewarded after several years - rewards happily shared by the whole family, the community and by the nation as a whole.

'Sayaw Tanan!' Alice Reyes Dance Philippines and the CCP bring Filipino dance to the Visayas

Alice Reyes Dance Philippines kicked off its Visayan tour in Himamaylan, Negros Occidental with a series of workshops and performances.

BY MB LIFESTYLE

Jul 11, 2023 10:32 AM

  

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ARDP in Erl Sorilla's Kasadya. (Photo by Ivan Castronuevo)

The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), in partnership with the local governments of the Negros Islands and Leyte, is bringing Filipino dance to the Visayas through 'Sayaw Tanan!' - a program that features artists from the CCP's Professional Artist Support Program (PASP) and Alice Reyes Dance Philippines (ARDP).

The program consists of a series of workshops, technique classes, and performances where artists from ARDP and the CCP's PASP share the gift of dance with local students and audiences.

Together with the local dance community, they present a special program celebrating Filipino talent, creativity, and artistry.

National Artist for Dance, Alice Reyes, observing Himamaylan City Dance Students in a CCP PASP Dance Workshop.

The tour kicked off in the city of Himamaylan. This historic event would be the city's first attempt at hosting professional artists for cultural exchange and performances.

National Artist for Dance, Alice Reye, says, “Mayor Raymund Tongson Jr. and Vice Mayor Justin Gatuslao determined they would bring the ARDP to their city of Himamaylan in Negros Occidental and did everything to make it happen."

ARDP with National Artist for Dance, Alice Reyes, and Himamaylan city officials.

They were fortunate to have two men who knew what they were doing: Bundo Daemas, the mayor's special assistant for special events, and Butch Gensaya, the tourism director. These officers took care of all the details, from putting up wooden floors on the gym stage to introducing the dancers to Laswa soup for breakfast to the best place in Himamaylan to go for brewed coffee and city talk.

ARDP Artistic Director, Ronelson Yadao, and ARDP Artist and Choreographer, Erl Sorilla, teaches Himamaylan City Dance Students in a CCP PASP Dance Workshop.

The Himamaylan SPA dancers, led by their choreographer Eljay Brilliantes, joined the evening programs with verve after participating in two dance workshops led by ARDP artistic director Ronelson Yadao and young choreographer Erl Sorilla. Also featured were local talents, such as a violinist, an all-male quartet, and the unique Himamaylan bamboo band Patik Kawayan, whose scintillating rhythms filled the entire space as audiences came into the theater.

The city went all out for the program, exceeding all expectations. The gymnasium was transformed into a theater, and audiences filled the space to witness a program with professional artists sharing the stage with local talents. The audience responded with thunderous applause.

Guests at the Himamaylan City Gymnasium.

On the second leg of the tour, participants from the PASP's Regional Dance Training Program attended workshops at Silliman University in Dumaguete City. These dancers received online training from ARDP professional artists from the beginning of the pandemic, and their hard work culminated in a performance at the Luce Auditorium alongside professional artists.

"Sayaw Tanan!" is currently on its third leg in the City of Bacolod, organized with the support of Representative Kiko Benitez, City Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez, Victorias Mayor Javier “Javi” Miguel Benitez, and Tanya Lopez, Program Director at the University of St. La Salle. ARDP will be holding CCP PASP Dance Workshops for an estimated 150 students in and around the area on July 8 at the Victorias City Coliseum. ARDP will then perform with local talents on July 9, at the University of St. La Salle Coliseum. It moves on to the City of Ormoc from July 10-11.

Maui Taylor finds peace and fulfillment amid separation

By Ronnie Carrasco 3rd

July 11, 2023 240

COMPARED to how she was some years ago, Maui Taylor couldn't be any happier and more fulfilled now. Not only is her career going great guns, the former Viva Hot Babes member has — thank heavens — freed herself from what looked like an awkward living arrangement with her ex-husband.

It was shortly after Holy Week when the 39-year-old actress ended her 10-year marriage to a non-showbiz guy. Early on, Maui shared with an online entertainment news outlet how peculiar their setup was.

"The first seven years was okay. But the three months that followed, that's the time we both decided to part ways," Maui recounted.

The weird part, however, was that the ex-husband didn't make her leave the house, "Instead, we were still living under one roof only that I stayed and slept in a separate room with the boys."

The boys Maui was referring to are their sons who were practically clueless about their parents' separation.

Didn't her kids at some point ask her why she chose to share the same bed with them?

"They were asking me, but all I say is that I got vertigo, which is also true. As much as we could, we didn't let the children feel that we have separated."

All throughout that three-year period, Maui and her ex-partner had managed to keep their setup under the rug.

None of their boys ever suspected that their daddy and mommy were no longer the sweet, clingy couple they used to see. In fact, not a day passed without Maui and the guy doing the same normal thing.

"We were perfectly composed in every action. As usual, we would all gather at the dinner table, engage in conversations. Just casual. Hardly did the guy and I show any sign that something was wrong."

Even with the way Maui dealt with her ex and vice versa remained the same.

"Except that we didn't ask each other questions. You know, in a married couple, the wife would usually ask, 'How was your day at the office?; or in my case, he wouldn't ask me how the film shoot went. It was strictly a no questions asked situation."

Seemingly tired of the odd setup, Maui finally hit rock bottom. She woke up one day realizing how pointless it was to endure such an arrangement any longer.

If I may backtrack, while she was telling all this, not once has Maui hinted at the cause of their falling-out.

Did Maui's sexy screen image have anything to do with it? If so, wasn't her ex-husband aware of this prior to their marriage? It appears, however, Maui couldn't care less whatever the guy's reason was.

The more important thing is that she's way past that awful stage to prepare herself for the imminent challenges of being a solo parent.

Cloud formations outside PAR likely to develop into LPA – Pagasa

By Arlie O. Calalo

July 11, 2023

THE Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said on Tuesday that it is closely monitoring cloud clusters outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) which may develop into a low pressure area (LPA).

Then there is likelihood that the LPA will enter PAR within 24 hours, according to weather specialist Obet Badrina.

The Pagasa forecaster said that the southwest monsoon locally known as "habagat" is expected to resurface in the coming days which will bring the usual rain particularly in western parts of the country.

Over Luzon, the state-run weather agency said it will have hot and humid temperatures except for occasional downpours and thunderstorms in the afternoon or at night.

In the meantime, Badrina said the inter-tropical convergence zone (ITCZ) is affecting Palawan, Visayas and Mindanao.

SC: Lawyers are guardians of law to serve people

BY REY G. PANALIGAN

Jul 10, 2023 05:42 PM

  

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The country’s lawyers, “regardless of the roles they play, are first and foremost the guardians of law and officers of the court who are called to serve the people,” the Supreme Court (SC) declared.

Through Justice Samuel H. Gaerlan, the SC also reminded lawyers that “public service takes precedence over any monetary consideration.”

Gaerlan was guest speaker during the recent induction of the board of officers of the La Union chapter of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) and welcome rites for new members of the bench and the bar.

In his message, Justice Gaerlan said that lawyering “is a lifelong calling that constitutes our very core as human beings.”

In a press statement, the SC’s public information office (PIO) said that Gaerlan reminded IBP members “the importance of the Code of Responsibility for Responsibility and Accountability (CPRA), which replaced the 34-year-old Code of Professional Responsibility.”

It said that Gaerlan described that the CPRA -- which is “a more comprehensive and responsive guide on the conduct of lawyers in their interactions with clients, colleagues, courts, agencies, and society in general -- is in line with the SC’s initiative to promote ethical responsibility as a component in accomplishing one of its targeted outcomes of efficiency under the Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022 to 2027.”

Those present during the affair in Bauang, La Union reaffirmed their commitment as they recited the revised Lawyer’s Oath, the PIO also said.

Gaerlan, who is the vice-chairperson of the SC’s sub-committee for the revision of the old CPR, reiterated that the SC remains steadfast in its commitment to promote ethical responsibility as he called on the IBP’s cooperation in upholding the integrity of the legal profession.

He also reminded those appointed to the courts that “they are held to higher standards of conduct in the performance of their duties and even in their daily personal lives.”

If Magellan only knew what was in store for Mactan

 How Cebu went from historic battleground to booming tropical paradise

BY POCH EULALIA

Jul 10, 2023 04:33 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• When we reached land, those men had formed in three divisions to the number of more than 1,500 persons. When they saw us, they charged down upon us with exceeding loud cries, two divisions on our flanks and the other on our front. —Antonio Pigafetta

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FROM THE BLOOD OF OUR ENEMIES The Battle of Mactan led to Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan’s defeat after being severely outnumbered by Datu Lapu-Lapu’s forces

Laced with enthusiasm, a young dance troupe tries to perfect their moves on the land that once hosted an epic battle against overconfident colonizers.

Just a short distance from the shore, a tall bronze statue commemorates the country’s earliest recognized hero, Datu Lapu-Lapu. Behind it lies a marker of defeat dedicated to Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan and his fallen comrades. Both are found at the Mactan Shrine, a national shrine dedicated to the historic Battle of Mactan, which is widely known as the first resistance against Spanish colonization in the country.

THE FIRST HERO A bronze statue of Lapu-Lapu enshrined in Mactan

“When we reached land, those men had formed in three divisions to the number of more than 1,500 persons. When they saw us, they charged down upon us with exceeding loud cries, two divisions on our flanks and the other on our front,” wrote Antonio Pigafetta, who chronicled most of the Magellan-led expedition. Each year, on April 27, the Kadaugan sa Mactan (Victory in Mactan) Festival is celebrated to honor Lapu-Lapu’s victory. Its main highlight is a reenactment of the battle where the battle is said to have taken place.

While Cebu is home to this historic battle, it is also a solemn place for Catholic devotees.

A HOLY PLACE The Basílica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebú is one of the oldest Roman Catholic churches in the country

A short drive away from Mactan in Cebu City lies Magellan’s Cross just beside the Basílica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebú, one of the oldest Roman Catholic churches in the country. Magellan’s Cross stands as a marker of the beginning of Christianity in the Philippines after Magellan arrived and converted Raja Humabon and his wife Reyna Juana. An image of the Sto. Niño was then presented as a gift, over which Reyna Juana was said to have felt such immense joy that she danced around it, leading other natives to follow suit. Many pinpoint this as the act that would lead to the celebration of the Sinulog Festival, a large feast celebrated on the third Sunday of January, the feast of Santo Niño de Cebú.

THE BIRTH OF PHILIPPINE CATHOLICISM Magellan’s Cross was erected following Magellan's arrival in Cebu on April 21, 1521

Finally, for music lovers, Lapu-Lapu City in Mactan is often referred to as the guitar capital of the Philippines.

Alegre Guitar Factory has made a name for itself not only in the Philippines but internationally. Its guitars are sold as far as Canada, Australia, and the US. Entering the factory, guests are given a brief look into how each guitar is made and the different types of wood that can be used for crafting the instrument. It’s inspiring to see just how much meticulous work goes into creating a single guitar. The salesmen are also proficient players, easily able to demonstrate and explain each instrument on display.

HANDCRAFTED TO PERFECTION A worker from the Alegre Guitar Factory adds finishing touches to a guitar he made

If you’re considering a place to stay during your visit, consider booking a stay at the Belmont Hotel Mactan.

With over 550 guestrooms and suites, the Belmont Hotel Mactan is the perfect place for business or leisure purposes. Each suite comes in three categories, Superior Deluxe (up to 26 square meters), Deluxe Premier (up to 36 square meters), and Junior Suites (up to 50 square meters). All rooms are fully equipped with essential amenities, such as an in-room electronic safety box, wall-mounted TV, tea and coffee-making facilities, a minibar, and a wireless Internet connection. Other amenities include four function halls perfect for business meetings or celebrating events, a fitness center with top-notch gym equipment, and a swimming pool area replete with a poolside bar.

BLEISURE PERFECTION The Belmont Hotel Mactan is the perfect hotel for business and leisure, with over 550 guestrooms and suites, and four function halls for meetings or celebrations

The Belmont Hotel Mactan is also located within a 30-hectare township development, The Mactan Newtown, Megaworld’s first-ever township outside of Metro Manila and within a beach. It is also home to two of the largest annual celebrations in Cebu, the Cebu Lechon Festival celebrated in August and the Cebu Mangoes Festival in May. It also hosted the Megaworld Ironman 70.3 Philippines last year, bringing in over 2,000 triathletes from all over.

For those considering a more permanent stay, Mactan Newtown is also home to residential condominiums, over 1,655 units and counting. It is a booming business district with about 81,000 square meters of leasable office spaces in eight office towers hosting top BPO companies and multinational firms. Education is a priority, so there’s the Newtown School of Excellence, an academic institution supervised by the La Sallian Schools of Supervision Office (LASSO), offering academic programs from pre-school up to Grade 7. The Mactan Alfresco offers a wide selection of restaurants offering local delicacies and specialty cuisines. It even hosts a live lechon roasting, where visitors can see how the iconic dish is made.

Gilas Girls open promotion bid in style, romp Hong Kong

 BY REYNALD I. MAGALLON

Jul 11, 2023 01:27 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• The Gilas Pilipinas Girls team opened its bid for a Division A promotion in style, dominating Hong Kong, 79-40, for a rousing start in the FIBA U16 Women’s Asian Championship at the Prince Hamza Hall in Amman, Jordan on Monday, July 10.

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The Gilas Pilipinas Girls team opened its bid for a Division A promotion in style, dominating Hong Kong, 79-40, for a rousing start in the FIBA U16 Women’s Asian Championship at the Prince Hamza Hall in Amman, Jordan on Monday, July 10.

Ava Fajardo, as expected, leads the way for Gilas Pilipinas in rousing first win. (FIBA Photo)

Suffocating on the defensive end with their ball pressure and relentless on the other with the fast-paced attacks, the Filipinas easily controlled the contest and built a lead that went to as high as 41 points.

The two holdovers from the previous U16 team, as expected, led the way for the Filipinas with Ava Fajardo, the younger sister of Gilas seniors team guard Ella, dropping 17 points on 8-of-14 shooting from the field.

The other, Ryan Kelly Nair, chipped in 12 points while newcomers Alyssia Palma added 10 and Ariel Star De La O posted seven points and 12 rebounds.

Pegged as one of the favorites in the competition, Gilas had an early show of force and started like a house on fire, opening the game with a 10-0 rally. 

There was a bit of resistance from Hong Kong when it cut the lead down to just four, 15-11, late in the first quarter but that was basically it for them.

The Nationals then went on to clamp down on the defensive end, limiting their opponents to single-digit scoring in the middle quarters while they breached the 20-point marks in all of the last three quarters to essay the rout.

Tsz Ching Kam paced Hong Kong with 14 points while Yan Ting Tai added 11 markers and 10 rebounds in a losing effort.

Up next for Gilas is Maldives on Tuesday night, July 11 (Manila time), as the Filipinas gun for one of the top two spots in Group A to advance to the knockout rounds.

Regine Velasquez: 'It’s no longer my time'

BY STEPHANIE BERNARDINO

  

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Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez has accepted that it's no longer her "time."

Despite this, the seasoned singer-actress is grateful for the success she enjoyed the last four decades.

“I know that it’s no longer my time. But, I’m still here. And I’m still doing what I love to do most, which is performing, singing, recording, doing 'ASAP,'” Regine said in an interview on "Tao Po."

According to her, she's "very blessed" that she is still able to do her passion.

"But ako naman, parang alam ko naman na meron ng mas magagaling... mas magagaling na yung singers ngayon," she said.

More than anything, Regine is content that she is able to share and impart lessons to a younger generation of artists.

"You know lahat ng singers, those kids in 'ASAP,' kapag humihingi ng advice, yun talagang I would just really give it to them. I am happy that I'm able to inspire other artists," was how she put it.

Regine then turned emotional, declaring: "Habang may makikinig sa akin, siguro, I'll keep singing."

She added: "Kasi parang kaya mo bang iwan yun? When you love something, di ba you fight for it? You work so hard to be able to be successful at it and then just one day you decide: 'I don't wanna to this anymore.' Parang, mahirap gawin."

"God gave you this wonderful talent, and you should share it with everyone."

Regine said that the way she sees it now, she is not just a singer.

"We entertain people. We inspire people. Hopefully, we inspire other artists, also. So that's how I look at it now.”

Regine was just five years old when she started singing, sharing her realization even then: "I wanna do this for the rest of my life."

She joined different amateur singing contests to fulfill her dreams.

"Ito yung dream mo e. You do whatever you can to make your dreams come true,” she related.

Apparently her beginning in showbiz wasn't smooth.

When she won in "Ang Bagong Kampeon" in 1984, someone told her then-manager: "Naku, hindi yan sisikat kasi, oo, magaling siya kumanta pero hindi siya kagandahan."

But rather than feel insecure, Regine proved herself.

"Lagi kong sinasabi, wait until you hear me sing. Pinapatunayan ko naman yung sarili ko sa kanila na I also deserve to be part of this industry."

This is not the first time Regine opened up about her mindset regarding her career.

Last year, she echoed the same sentiments, relating: "I’m very aware that it’s no longer my time, kasi we all are given naman our own time in the industry and in life in general."

“So, natutuwa ako na nandito ako ngayon to mentor. And more than the fame right now, at this time of my life, I love that part (mentoring) because they listen to everything that I say. And they think they learn from me, and I hope they are.”

Because she experienced so many things being in the business for that long, she feels like it's her duty to pass down what she has learned."