Valerie Concepcion: Happy single mom and lucky, too

Author: Ethel Ramos
Column: Studio Whispers

REMEMBER the commercial model lass who was recently in the news because she allegedly caused the break-up of couple Cesar Montano and Sunshine Cruz?

Mariana del Rio is the girl. And shes only 16 years old.

Marian was said to be in Brazil when the much-publicized marital dispute between Cesar and Sunshine hit the pages of newspapers and tabloids.

"Mariana heard all about it," said someone with whom Mariana became close while she was here. "Yes, in Brazil, tini-text siya tungkol sa nangyayari ng mga kaibigan niya sa Pilipinas. Kaya updated siya sa lahat ng tsismis."

Because of this, the Brazilian beauty is somewhat apprehensive of coming back here. "Natatakot ng bumalik ang bagets," said the informant.

In that case, does this mean that Mariana is not pursuing a showbiz career anymore? We asked. "Malamang,"replied the source.

"Sayang," answered a kibitzer. "Mariana is not only pretty and slim. She is also tall for her age and possesses dancing talent."

We wonder if latest reports are true that Cesar and Sunshine are back in each others arms.

***

While waiting for her ate Shawie (Sharon Cuneta to you and me) to finish all her commitments in the Philippines before they leave for London for the movie, "Caregiver," Makisig Morales was able to wrap up work for "Supah Papalicious." The film, directed by Gilbert Perez and produced by Star Cinema, also stars Valerie Concepcion, Pokwang, Mura, and Vhong Navarro.

"Supah is fantasy-adventure movie," said its director. "Pambata ito at matanda. Pampalimot ito sa mga problemang kasalukuyang nangyayari sa ating bayan."

"Me, Ive always dreamed to do a movie with kuya Vhong.Masasaya kasi ang mga pelikula niya," Makisig said.

Vhong appears to be a lucky charm to first-time leading ladies.

Toni Gonzaga was a newcomer when she transferred to ABS-CBN from GMA-7.

After her first film and her first project, "D Anothers," opposite Vhong, things, career-wise, was never the same again for Toni. She became leading lady to Sam Milby in two movies and became very busy as a TV host.

Currently, Toni is in love, too. And the object of her affection is direk Paulo Soriano.

Mariel Rodriguez was introduced in the movie, "Agent X-44," which starred Vhong in the title role. Like "D Anothers," the action-comedy made a killing at the tills.

Now, no one can argue that Mariel is one of the busiest talents on ABS- CBN. She is hosting "Wowowee" and will again be featured as the host of "Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition."

Valerie, who is being introduced in "Supah," gushed: "My God,sana ang magandang kapalarang naganap kina Toni at Mariel ay mangyari din sa akin.

"Working with Vhong is good enough. Pero, ang maging leading lady pa ng ibang leading men, pagkatapos mai-showing itong Supah is an ultimate dream come true for me."

***

At 19 years old, Valerie is mom to four-year-old Heather Fiona.

"She is the reason why Im working so hard. I dont deny naman that Im a single mom to my daughter," Valerie said.

Valerie gave birth to Fiona when she was only 15 years old. When she got pregnant, her lover was not visible anymore. And the relationship went kaput.

The fellow, 25, is allegedly related to Ali Sotto.

Valerie has never experienced falling in love again since.

How would she react if one day Fionas father decides to come back to her and suggest that they become a family finally?

Groping for an answer, Valerie finally stated: "Maniwala kayo o hindi, Ive not entertained such thought. Hindi pumapasok sa isipan ko na one day soon babalikan niya kaming mag-ina.

"As it is, happy ako playing both mother and father to Fiona. Im just so lucky that I have parents who are not just very understanding but very supportive as well."

Source: Malaya