Motherhood becomes Cristina

"They say that motherhood brings out the best in a woman. Now I know it’s true. Motherhood is one of life’s greatest miracles."

That’s former actress Cristina Gonzalez-Romualdez speaking of her current status – as Mrs. Alfred Romualdez.

"The word ‘former actress’ is an apt description of me," adds Cristina who has retained her movie star looks but outgrown the showbiz "itch". "I’m happy being wife to Alfred and being mother to our children, Sofia, 4, and Diana, six months old. My daughters have changed me in many ways. I have never stopped to be amazed at how two little innocent girls can make me try harder to be a better person."

It’s clear to see that Cristina doesn’t miss showbiz (she still receives offers but she says no, thank you).

"Marriage and motherhood are all about compromise," says Cristina. "A woman has to learn to adjust to her family’s needs. I believe that my main job as a wife and mother is to be the anchor, to always be there for your husband and children no matter what happens."

Besides mothering, what occupies Cristina these days is the Patio Victoria restaurant (at 5435 Gen. Luna corner Victoria Streets, Intramuros, Manila), a popular venue for weddings, of which she is the president.

The restaurant’s two gardens were named after the couple’s daughters. The banquet hall can accommodate 1,000 guests. Described as "a value-for-money one-stop wedding destination," Patio Victoria is a landmark in Intramuros. You won’t miss it. It has a huge wooden gate, cobblestone paths, airy gazeboes and an old-fashioned fountain.

"I personally see to it that every bride looks and feels beautiful on her wedding day," smiles Cristina. "I make sure that every bride – and, every groom for that matter – has a beautiful, fuss-free wedding at a reasonable price."

Patio Victoria takes care of everything: The venue’s decor, the floral arrangements at the wedding and reception venues, floral arrangements for the bride and the entourage, and the food of course (including other little details like the guest book, wine for the toasts and even the parking spaces for the guests).

"We never sacrifice quality," stresses Cristina. "We guarantee (especially) the bride a romantic experience within the budget."

Wedding packages start at P80,500, inclusive of the use of venue, choice of menu, one round of softdrinks, elegant arrangement of gazebo, skirting for tables and chairs, torch parade, flowers, signature frame, guest book, three-tiered fondant cake, cage and a pair of doves, house wine for the couple, complimentary use of the Cristina Executive Suite and free exclusive parking slots.

"If Alfred and I were to get married again," says Cristina, "we’d do so at Patio Victoria."

(Note: For more inquiries, call 526-1953, 527-8006 or 523-6940.)

Reader’s Reaction

Former actress Liberty Ilagan’s "in defense of FPJ" piece in last Monday’s Funfare (Dec. 8, 2003) drew all sorts of reactions, such as the following from reader Greg S. Sales Jr. of Virginia, USA:

Dear Ricky,

I would like to comment on Ms. Liberty Ilagan’s piece about FPJ and Phil. Inquirer’s Neal H. Cruz’s excerpts on the matter.

The leadership of David, Moses and Peter were limited to small groups and areas, whereas today’s leaders have to contend with vast territories, millions of people, economics, finance, trade and commerce, foreign affairs etc. So comparing their leadership with the present governance is out of the question.

As for Mr. Cruz’s suggestion that the American Presidents he mentioned never went to college, please allow me to refute that, as follows:

1. GEORGE WASHINGTON – His education included such subjects as mathematics, surveying and the classics. He became surveyor in Virginia, then a military officer. He served in Virginia’s House of Burgesses and later on as a delegate to Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia. He became President in 1789.

2. ABRAHAM LINCOLN – He was a Captain in the Black Hawk War, studied and practiced law before he was elected to the Illinois legislature. He became President in 1861.

3. ANDREW JACKSON – He was an outstanding lawyer in Tennessee then was elected to the Tennessee House of Representatives and served briefly in the Senate. He was a General in the war of 1812. He was elected President in 1829.

4. MARTIN VAN BUREN – As a young lawyer he was elected to the U.S. Senate. He later served as Sec. of State under President Jackson. He was elected President in 1836.

5. ZACHARY TAYLOR – He was a career officer in the army spending 40 years of his life in the service. He was elected 12th President in 1849.

6. MILLARD FILMORE – As a young boy he attended one-room schools. He was admitted to the bar and practiced law in Buffalo. He served in the House of Representatives and later, became Vice-President. He became President in 1850.

7. GROVER CLEVELAND – As a lawyer in Buffalo, N.Y. he was elected Mayor of that city. Later on he became Mayor of New York. He was elected President in 1885 and again in 1893.

8. HARRY S. TRUMAN – Was a Captain in the army during WWI and was elected Judge in Jackson County Court. He became a US Senator during WWII, then, Vice-President under Pres. Roosevelt. He ascended to the Presidency upon the death of Roosevelt in 1945.

9. RONALD REAGAN – He attended high school in Dixon, Ill. and worked his way through Eureka College where he studied economics and sociology. He was elected Governor of California in 1966 and re-elected in 1970. Won the Presidency in 1981 and re-elected in 1984.

California is America’s third largest state and the largest population at 34 million sustaining the fifth largest economy in the world. The state budget is $99.1 billion.

So, saying if Reagan being an ex-actor, can be U.S. President, so can FPJ is like punching at the moon. Not even in anybody’s wildest dream can that be true. Being an honest person who loves his country with the purest heart is not enough to lead a country as chaotic as the Philippines. FPJ must accept reality and must realized that he’s just being manipulated by people with ulterior motives and hidden agenda.

If he gets elected, then, the people deserves him. Good luck and God help you all.

– G.SALES

Virginia, U.S.A.

(E-mail reactions at [email protected])