The came this schedule for shooting a movie in the scenic island of Romblon. Together with Isabel Lopez and the veteran Rosanna Marquez, we took the 11-hour boat ride to Romblon. I remember telling Isabel and Osang how my relationship with the Lord was growing, how I became closer to God and that I felt like I was having such a romance with my Savior I didn’t need a man anymore. They were happy for me.
We arrived in Romblon at dawn. From the pier, we had to travel for an hour by land to reach the resort where we would be billeted. We were so excited knowing that we would stay there for a week. It would not only be work but a vacation as well. The next day, the shooting started. I would play the mom of the lead actress. Isabel would play the mom of the lead actor who I learned would be Juan Carlos Castro. I have seen the guy several times. The latest was in an awards night where both of us were presentors. That day would be the day I would see him again.
And so, I saw him. We were formally introduced. That was when I began to notice him and appreciate him. He is tall, dark and handsome. He takes good care of himself very well; he works out in the gym thrice a week, has strict diet, doesn’t’ smoke, doesn’t drink. More discoveries unfolded as he began to talk about his past, how from being a newspaper boy he transformed to be the man he is now. How, from living in a small shanty, he was able to build five-storey building for his family. He is 30 and until now remains the breadwinner in the family. He is hardworking. He sends his siblings to school and his brother JR who was with him at that time professes how much he appreciates his brother, how much he loves him.
I saw myself in him because for a time I was also the breadwinner in our family. We were destitute. There were times when there was no food on the table. At the early age of five I was already selling Curly Tops to my classmates. At the age of seven I was selling banana cue in the streets of Olongapo. I experienced poverty and I made a decision that I would change our life. I would make a difference.
When I was starting in my career as a movie star, I had no nice clothes to wear, no shoes. On my first pictorial I had to borrow clothes and shoes from my friends. Our relatives would look down on us, would not invite us to their parties, we didn’t belong. Now the story is different. I have risen from that condition of life; I have reached my goals, I have given my family a good life.
I admired JC because despite all the trials and tests he has encountered he has become victorious, just like me, I said. He has no rancor in his heart for all those people who had hurt him, who tried to ruin him. He remained and continues to remain standing. He is well loved by a lot of people. On his birthday celebrations, he celebrates with street children. Even in showbiz, a lot of press people love him and respect him. At times when they are in need, they can always run to him.
I learned that behind that bold image he projects, behind that bold star is a man with integrity, a man who loves his family, a responsible, kind and loving person.
I fell in love with him despite my decision not to have a relationship at this time. My feelings cannot be controlled, and it all started in that scenic island of Romblon. And as days passed, I discovered more and more great things about the man I so greatly love. He has gained my respect and admiration. I know we will be facing trials, tests, temptations but we made a promise that we will not be shaken. We will always hold on to each other. We will always muster enough strength not only to endure but to overcome. We love each other so much and I thank God for finally giving me the right man in my life and I promise to try my best to be the right woman for him.
We plan to settle down come June 2003. We know it’s long way from now and a lot of preparations will be at hand. We are aware also of the fact that a lot of people are against our relationship and they might resort to things that would put us to test, but God is in the center of our relationship and our ardent prayer is that God’s will is that the greatest desire of our hearts to be wed will be given us. And my request to everybody is to give us a chance to be happy and to be triumphant in our journey towards that dream.