Amy Perez: Life beyond her comfort zone

Amy Perez discovers that there is life beyond her comfort zone. After leaving her home network and slugging it out as a freelancer, Amy has realized that she has what it takes to survive in the rough-and-tumble world of showbiz.

Although she has remained cordial with her former TV family, she relishes her newfound freedom. "I still appear on ABS-CBN 2," Amy points out. "They still get me for guestings every now and then. But, after becoming a freelancer, I’ve realized that there is life after MTB (her old noontime show). That I can do it."

In fact, Amy has never been busier in her entire career. She is appearing on three regular shows on three different networks: as co-host (with Giselle Sanchez) on the Department of Tourism show, Wow Philippines on NBN 4; as a scheming mom on the daily afternoon soap, Ikaw sa Puso Ko, on GMA 7; and as the main host of the new gabfest Diretsahan, on ABC 5.

Amy is particularly proud of her work on Diretsahan which is produced by Jonathan Gee for G-Whiz Productions. It premiered last July 5 (it airs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:30 to 10 p.m.) Described as a cross between the Ricki Lake and Jerry Springer talk shows in the US, Diretsahan dares to tackle issues hitherto considered risqué (even taboo) on network television.

"We tackle controversial topics, intriguing issues," Amy admits, but in a witty and entertaining fashion. "Like we had a show on ‘User-Friendly’ relationships and had Mystica and Madam Auring with their respective boyfriends as guests," Amy enumerates some of their more memorable episodes. "We had another one titled Pangarap na Bitin and we featured celebrities like Ian Valdez and Ray Salac, people who’ve done almost everything to be in the spotlight." Amy adds, however, that although they invite a lot of famous (and infamous) guests, they also zoom in on ordinary people with not-so-ordinary problems every so often.

"Like we had an episode called Tomb Raiders and it’s about teenaged lesbians and their mothers," Amy pipes in. "Our show is not limited to showbiz folk. In fact, we want to guest more non-celebrities."

Amy is invigorated by her new role as TV talk show host. "It’s a dream-come-true for me," she chimes in. "But at the same time, I take it as a challenge. I really do my best. I really do my part. I study the issues that we tackle on the show. I really read the backgrounders prepared by the researchers for me."

Being a host is a huge responsibility, Amy avers. "You really have to know what you are saying and what you are asking."

Hosting Diretsahan has taught her countless lessons. "I’ve learned the art of listening," Amy affirms. "Often, there were moments when I’d just stay quiet and listen to the guests. I’m not the star of the show. My guests are the stars of Diretsahan."

Another exciting part of Diretsahan is the people who watch it live in the studio. "Our concept is participatory," she elaborates. "Our audience members really participate and interact with us. They ask questions. They react. They dish out comments."

Amy is thankful to ABC 5 for giving all-out support to their budding talk show. "I heard that they are happy with our show," she beams. "A network executive even visited us on the set during one of our tapings."

Another mighty challenge that Amy has chosen to tackle is portraying a meanie on the soap, Ikaw sa Puso Ko. "From a good mother, I evolved into a bad one," she gasps. "Whenever I am in Salon de Manila, my fellow customers there would tell me that I was so cruel! I guess, that only means I am effective in my contravida role!" On top of all these showbizzy commitments, she has also found the time to open a new business, Kolache, which sells pan de sal with different fillings (asado, chicken, ham and cheese, hotdog and egg, longanisa, blueberry, strawberry, among others).

Business is booming, Amy reports. "Our president sees that I am very eager to learn the ropes," she owns up. "In the food business, you really have to be hands-on. That’s why every time I am free, I make it a point to visit our three branches – UN Avenue, Carriedo, and Lawton – to work in the stores." Amy volunteers that they hope to open a branch in the Quezon City area soon and that Kolache is open for franchising. Interested parties may call tel. no. 893-3126 and look for Helen.

For Amy, her new venture (she recently wrapped up her T-shirt business Babae because her partners have migrated abroad), offers a welcome respite from showbiz. "It’s therapy," she says. "It relaxes me. I sell pan de sal. I make chika with the customers." It’s a grounding, balancing experience for Amy. It shows her a different world, the real world.

But the most cherished "challenge" in Amy’s life is still her real-life role as single mom to son Adi, who is now a Grade 1 student in one of the country’s best schools. "I am very pleased with his grades," she speaks like any proud mom out there. "His highest grade is 98 and his lowest is 92. He’s a good student!"

Since her priority is her son, she is in no hurry to commit herself to anyone, as of now. "Being on my own in this journey of life has given me more time for my family, for my sister, for my son," she confirms. "We’ve become closer now. And since I am not yet ready to be in a relationship now, I have more time to discover myself."

Amy avers that her time alone has also led to a number of important realizations. "I am very happy in rediscovering my relationship with the Lord," Amy attests. Every Sunday, she goes to Greenhills Christian Fellowship, with Adi and the rest of her family.

"I’ve learned to accept that every trial that comes our way is like a golden opportunity for us," she waxes philosophical. "I treat it, not as something negative, but as a wake-up call from God. I’ve become more prayerful, in fact."