More secrets in Zsa Zsa’s life

There are still some secrets Zsa Zsa Padilla is able to keep from the public. For her 37th birthday last year, she opted to stage an intimate concert called In My Life at the Captain’s Bar where she shared personal insights between meaningful songs. The diva’s true confessions about her first crush (guess who), love (expressed eloquently in an impromptu duet with her "lovey," Dolphy) and her shortcomings as a mother have been recorded in a controversial album released by Viva Records but recorded by Star Records.

The most unlikely collaboration between the rival recording companies is enough to raise eyebrows. In fact, headlines screamed lawsuits when the former Viva diva announced that she had signed up with the sister company of her mother network (ABS-CBN where she appears in two shows).

"Whatever misunderstanding that occurred was my fault because I didn’t read the fine print of my Viva contract before I closed a deal with Star. But it’s not true that I was sued," she clarifies. "Everything was settled amicably. Star compromised with Viva (thus, creating the project alliance for the album). I also apologized to Boss Vic."

Zsa Zsa just shrugs her shoulders over the incident which is nothing compared to the troubles she has survived in her life. Her turbulent love life has been feasted upon by the media all these years. Despite her newsworthiness, she has chosen to speak with caution – avoiding further trouble by keeping her mouth shut about things that ought to be private.

In her latest album, she talks directly to her audience not only through words but also through her songs. The picture she creates of her private life is quite telling. "It seems that no matter what I do, people expect me to sing painful love songs. I believe that Filipinos want to hear songs they can relate to. More than that, they need to know that the singer can also relate to the song she is singing. And even if my life is no longer that angst-filled, people won’t let me forget the hardships I’ve been through. That’s just the kind of image I have," she says without regret.

Fortunately, life has been more sweet than bitter lately. Her 11-year relationship with the ace comedian has become even more solid. Almost forgotten is their tumultuous romance that left everyone gasping with indignation. Zsa Zsa recently earned admiration (from all camps including that of Alma Moreno) for her unwavering support of Dolphy through Vandolph’s crisis. Everyone can breathe a little easier with the younger Quizon on his way to recovery. Her daughter Karylle’s open affection towards her proves that time heals old wounds.

Though Zsa Zsa has redeemed herself as mother and stepmother, her TV persona in Sa Puso Ko’y Iingatan Ka is going through her own crisis. Soap fans wonder why she has abandoned her daughter Patricia (played by Judy Ann Santos) when she is needed the most. The timing couldn’t be more off what with the death of Patricia’s father and the machinations of her enemies. Writers of the top-rating show have some explaining to do if only to keep audiences from thinking Zsa Zsa’s character is a bad mother.

"I really asked for a leave of absence so I could rest my throat. You see, my doctors have warned me that, if I don’t take it easy, my chronic laryngitis can develop into nodules," she explains. "It can get frustrating when you’re a singer and you’re told to stop doing what you love best. I felt so bad having to turn down offers. No, I’m not doing a Valentine concert this year. Please don’t ask what offers I’ve declined. You’ll only make me feel worse."

Zsa Zsa falls suddenly silent as her album is played over the speakers at Dulcinea in Tomas Morato. She apologizes for having lost her concentration, explaining that she often sings in her head while listening to music.

"Actually, I shouldn’t complain," she continues where she left off. "The need to lie low in my career couldn’t have happened at a more appropriate time. I had already filed for my leave in the soap when Vandolph met an accident. My family needed me at that time. God really knows what’s best."

What’s best, according to the doctors, is for her to rest her voice for a while. That means she will be less visible in the days to come. Though you still might catch her at ASAP, you will probably hear less of her singing.

Live performances, obviously, are out of the question. Zsa Zsa is crossing her fingers that by middle of the year she can stage another birthday concert. That is, if she can start resting as soon as possible.

"I keep asking my doctors when I can sing again. But they tell me that my throat has not improved because of the strain. Like I’m deadset on guesting in Gary Valenciano’s duets album. I mean, I’d feel bad if I didn’t because we were really a team in the ’80s. I guess it’s also my fault because I keep pushing myself," she insists.

In My Life Zsa Zsa Live contains cuts like What the World Needs Now, Say a Little Prayer, Don’t Throw It All Away, Louie Ocampo Medley (Tell Me, Ikaw Lang ang Mamahalin, Kahit Isang Saglit, Point of No Return), Sweet Dreams, Time After Time, A Place Called Home, You Make Me Feel So Young, Sandra, Streisand Medley (Memories, Everytime I Look at You, Papa Can You Hear Me, A Piece of Sky) Why Do People Fall In Love, Hit Covers Medley (Don’t Give Up On Us Baby, We’re All Alone, Through the Years, I Honestly Love You) and In My Life.