Vina, the ‘break-up’ kid

In a span of four years, Vina Morales has gone through four break-ups but she insists that her heart is intact, thank you. It’s a matter of getting used to it, you know.

The first was with Robin Padilla, then with Bukidnon Rep. Juan Miguel Zubiri, then with Roy Ofek (now living with Angela Velez in California) and recently, with Sulaiman Taib (a Muslim from Malaysia, with whom Vina went steady for more than four months).

No, religion didn’t get in the way of Vina’s relationship with Sulaiman.

"It’s the same God we all worship," says Vina who’s a member of the Victory Christian Fellowship. "What matters is how you live your life."

In the next breath, Vina denied that she and senatoriable Mar Roxas were ever an item. Asked how she feels now that Mar is romantically linked to Korina Sanchez (who refuses to talk about the matter even if her action speaks louder than her silence), Vina smiles, "I’m happy for them!"

Asked further if she’s dedicating Mamahalin Ka Niya, carrier single of her latest album on Star Records, to Korina and/or Angela Velez, Vina laughs. "To all of them," without naming who "they" are.

It’s interesting to note that every break-up coincided with the release of Vina’s album – Total Control when she broke up with Juan Miguel, Reflections (with Roy) and Mamahalin Ka Niya (with Sulaiman).

Being a "break-up" kid, does it still hurt everytime it happens?

"Of course, it does," says Vina. "Masakit pa rin kahit papano. But the good thing is that you learn from the experience."

Luckily, she has something to focus her mind on, such as the promo of her album which has been taking much of her time lately.

"I’m not the type who would sulk. Dati, I would cry and cry, but not anymore. What for? You can’t have everything. I have lots of work. There’s so much to live for," adds Vina who last year declared her independence and decided to live alone (with only a maid and a driver) at a condo in Pasig City. "But it doesn’t mean that I have become liberated," assured Vina who used to live with her parents (including younger sister Shaina Magdayao) at the house she built in Susana Heights Subdivision, Quezon City. "I’m still a probinsiyana at heart."

By this time, Vina should be in the US for shows in San Francisco (March 14), San Diego (March 19), Grand Olympic in L.A. (March 27) and Waldorf Symphony Hall in Atlanta (April). When she comes back, she’ll prepare for a major concert at the Araneta Coliseum slated for June 12.

"Work is the best therapy," she claims.

Besides Mamahalin Ka Niya, Vina’s album carries such classic hits as Yakapin Mo Ako, Pangako and Saan Darating ang Umaga, plus a duet entitled Paano Kaya Magtatagpo with Piolo Pascual who co-wrote the lyrics with Vina (melody by Arnel de Pano).

"Piolo wrote the first and third stanzas and I did the second and fourth stanzas. How did we do it? Through texting! Among the Hunks (Jericho Rosales, Diether Ocampo, Carlos Agassi and Bernard Palanca), it’s Piolo who’s closest to me. Vibes kami."

How Pito-Pito Hit ‘Gold’

Willie Revillame’s novelty song, Pito-Pito (by Universal Records), is now "certified gold", thanks to the campaign think tanks of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo who bought the rights to the song to the tune of, hold your breath, P500,000. That’s big money in any denomination, isn’t it?

But Willie didn’t get a single cent – didn’t he!?! – because the big bulk of the windfall (it is, isn’t it?) went to composer Lito Camo (the guy behind Bayani Agbayani’s hit novelty song Otso-Otso).

I wonder, how much did Mr. A.V. got as commission for acting as the middle man in the negotiation?

Speaking of Willie, the launching of his game show Pera O Puso? on ABC 5 was postponed. It will premiere along with the station’s other new shows maybe in April.

Meanwhile, Willie is busy with the mall tour for Pito-Pito.

Victor A Womanizer?

Just when he’s reported to be happily going steady with Quezon City reelectionist Councilor Aiko Melendez, unwed father Victor Neri is starting to create a reputation as a womanizer. Victor has a right to be one, considering that he’s one of the few truly desirable – and fantasized over – actors today. Women, and other species besides, are intrigued and attracted by his brooding looks and quiet ways (silent water runs deep, remember?).

A Funfare DPA said that "somebody who looked like Victor" was seen coming out of the Mandaluyong City condo unit of a young ABS-CBN actress (was it you, Miss D?), holding hands.

Then, Victor was seen with Iza Calzado at a non-showbiz girl’s birthday party in Makati. (On the other hand, Iza was rumored to have almost, but not quite, "won over" brothers Mico and Bernard Palanca, that’s why Bernard was reported to have broken up with Rica Peralejo who assured everybody that her relationship with Bernard, whom she calls "BJ," is going stronger.)

Obviously, Victor is having the time of his (love)life. Before Aiko came into his life (they met and fell in love on the set of Filipinas, Viva Films’ 2003 Metro Filmfest entry), Victor briefly went steady with Angelika dela Cruz.

(E-mail reactions at rickylo@philstar.net.ph)