Sharon pens open letter addressing weight, mid-life crisis

Megastar Sharon Cuneta took to Facebook again to thank those who responded to her open letter where she disclosed that she went through mid-life crisis. She thanked everyone for their concern and for still being there for her even if she is at a lowest point in her career and in her life.

While she says she has gotten back to a good place in her life, she is kind of worried for her career because she had not been visible lately and she had to deal with obstacles in achieving her goals.

“Besides my size, I have long been back to being me. Maybe a different me, but a stronger, kinder, more considerate and more appreciative, maybe even a little wiser me than before. And definitely a lot more grateful. I think I have stayed fat because my size has been overshadowed and overpowered by my personal happiness. And it’s true that that just may be one of the best things I can take away from this -- because that can only mean that I have had my priorities straight!,” wrote Sharon.

“I have a wonderful family that is not just intact, but loving, and when all the temporary brightness fades around me, I know that they are the ones who will still be there, even if everyone else leaves. Around here, right now, I am a happy wife and mommy. And these, my friends, are what have helped to keep me real. And made me very, very happy and fulfilled,” she continued.

Sharon understands that she ought to get back to her former size –her ideal weight – for health reasons. While she does not like being fat and big, she is not saying that being fat is necessarily unhealthy or ugly. “It is just that it is not something that I am used to being, and how I look now is not how I see my real self. I was not always big, so I guess it’s okay to say that I would like to go back to how I was before, at least size-wise. But, I know now that there are other things that I can still do, in spite of, or maybe even because of my present weight and appearance!”

She said she had to write that open letter for her loyal fans and friends who had been waiting for a time for a project from her. She felt she let fans, friends, and herself down. Sharon acknowledges that the way she looks now is far from being what a leading lady looks like, coming to mind the images of Julia Roberts or Sandra Bullock who are fit, pretty and aspirational. Of course, Sharon says, she would like to look like a leading lady again.

She said she is feeling much better now. The kind, loving and encouraging messages she received filled her with joy. She is truly grateful for the love and support that her fans and friends showed for her. Sharon said that we ought to watch for some surprises up her sleeve and we do hope that these surprises come very soon.

***

We had the chance to meet Jacob Benedicto – who joined “PBB All In,” but was one of the first to be evicted in the contest – in his contract signing as endorser of the derma clinic Skin Central held at Mario’s Restaurant in Tomas Morato, Quezon City on Tuesday night.

Jacob stayed for years in Indonesia but returned to Manila when he was 14. He said it’s been his long-time dream to be in showbiz. He tried it out by doing stage musicals for Trumpets and Stages. When he saw his cousins performing in musicals, Jacob said the desire to be onstage was all the more intensified.

When he learned about the “PBB All In” audition, he wasted no time in trying out for a spot. He was among the thousands who braved the long lines at the Araneta Coliseum. He was in line for 16 hours and more, until he passed the audition.

His stint in the PBB House was cut short after he was among the first to be evicted. But Jacob said he did enjoy his brief stay in the famed house. He disclosed that he also joined auditions for “The Voice of the Philippines” but he likewise failed to make the grade because of what he described as wrong choice of songs.

Jacob did not allow these setbacks to stop his dream of being in showbiz. The young man is determined to pursue his goal and make a mark as a performer. Now that he has gotten for himself an endorsement deal with Skin Central, Jacob believes this is just the first step in getting closer to his dreams. He believes that Skin Central has seen his potential as a performer and the derma clinic will be his partner in ensuring that he gets that big break in showbiz that would make his dream come true.

***

Orianthi Panagaris or simply Orianthi is best known as the lead guitarist personally handpicked by the late great Michael Jackson for his aborted concert tour “This Is It.” Orianthi has played for and with some of the biggest artists in the world, including Carlos Santana, Alice Cooper, Michael Bolton, Prince, Adam Lambert, Carrie Underwood, and John Mayer.

Orianthi is in Manila to perform in several venues from August 20-27 in line with the release of her latest album called “Best Of...,” which is being released in Japan this month.

She will also hold special performances on Aug. 22 at Chef and Brewer on Emerald Ave. in Ortigas Center, Pasig City; Aug. 25 at the 19 East at Kilometer 19, East Service Road in Sucat, Parañaque City; and Aug. 27 at the Hard Rock Café in Makati City.

Orianthi’s vast experience has honed her skills. “I’ve learned something valuable from all the artists I have had the privilege to work with,” she said in a statement.

She recently appeared on tour across Europe and New York with guitarist Ritchie Sambora (formerly of Bon Jovi).

Voted as “Breakthrough Guitarist of the Year” in 2010 by Guitar International magazine, Orianthi was exposed to rock music at an early age when she started taking an interest in the record collection of her musician father -- the works of guitar legends Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Cream and Carlos Santana particularly fascinated her.

She begged her father to buy her a second-hand guitar and then bought all of Santana’s videos on VHS tape, which she wore down while trying to learn his solos. Santana’s visit to Orianthi’s hometown in Adelaide when she was 11 proved to be a turning point for her.

Since releasing her major label debut album “Believe” in 2009, Orianthi has recorded four studio albums and released five singles including her worldwide hit, “According To You.”

She was cited by Elle magazine as among the 12 Best Female Electric Guitar Players in 2009. She was also honored by Gibson Guitars as one of their Guitar Gals: The Top 10 Female Guitar Players of All Time.

Orianthi said she has always wanted to inspire more girls to play the guitar. “That’s why getting on the radio was really important to me in the beginning,” she said.

For inquiries and reservations to the Manila shows, contact Chef and Brewer at 638-7023 for the Aug. 22 show; East 19 at 837-6903 and 0949-498-4405 for the Aug. 25 performance; and Hard Rock Café at 893-4661 to 65 for the Aug. 27 concert.