Proud grannies

Author: Ethel Ramos
Column: Studio Whispers

WHEN Helen Gamboa met with members of the movie press last week, she talked adoringly about her family. Especially about her husband, former senator and now anti-drug czar Tito Sotto.

She and Tito have been married close to four decades. Yet, she admits, nothing has changed between them. They are still excited about each other. And it is seldom, she reveals, that they are apart.

"Kung sabagay mabait kasi ang asawa ko," she says, "Mabait na asawa na. Mabait pang ama."

Except for Ciara, who is taking a crack at a singing career in Las Vegas, all their kids are married. Helen and Tito Sen now have five grandchildren.

"Tito and I simply dote on our apo. We miss their company when they are not around.

"Kaya must sa mga anak ko ang pasyalan kaming mag-asawa tuwing Linggo. It also serves as bonding time for all of us," Helen reveals.

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She cannot believe the impact she has created in her role as Elizabeth in the series, "Tayong Dalawa," on ABS-CBN. To think that she almost did not want to accept it, she says.

"Its my first time to do a non-pathetic role," she said. "Actually, it was Charo (Santos, ABS-CBN president) who encouraged me to do it. For a change, she told me.

"Ngayon, happy ako that I obeyed Charo."

Avid followers of the series have told her that they can identify with Helens role. "Iyon daw tipo ng ina who will do anything, everything for her child.

"E, dito si Ingrid (played with aplomb by actress Agot Isidro) ay may kakaibang karamdaman. And she happens to be my only child," she relates.

What can she say about the young members of the cast of "Tayong Dalawa," namely Kim Chiu, Gerald Anderson and Jake Cuenca?

"They are all good," Helen answers. "Sayang nga because I dont have much scenes with them.

"Pero, kapag pinanonood ko sila sa TV, hangang hanga ako sa kanila."

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We bumped into Paolo Bediones at the EDSA Shangri-La and we asked him when he will follow buddy Ryan Agoncillos footsteps?

"You mean, when will I get married?" Paolo said. "Matagal pa yun. Siguro in three years."

Paolo was at the wedding of Ryan Agoncillo and Judy Ann Santos last April 28 in San Juan, Batangas. Although he was not a member of the entourage, Paolo is close to the groom as he had a hand in Ryans joining showbiz.

Paolo was the one who encouraged Ryan to take over his job as host of a morning show on GMA 7, as he was being offered to host another program by the network.

Both Paolo and Ryan are graduates of De la Salle University.

Paolo has beauty contest runner-up Abby Cruz, now a contract star of GMA 7, for his sweetheart.

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Mother Lily Monteverde left with daughter Roselle Monteverde-Teo for San Francisco, California, to attend the graduation of Roselles son, Ryan, who now has a doctor of jurisprudence degree.

Said Mother Lily of her grandson: "He really has made it as a lawyer at the Hastings College of Law of the University of California.

"Im very proud of him. And Id like to share this moment of joy Im feeling with my friends and family."

Keith grew up in San Mateo, California. He graduated cum laude in Boston University where he got his Bachelor of Arts in International Relations with Economics as his minor.

Well, congratulations, Mother Lily. Congratulations, too, Roselle.

Source: Malaya