A love worth fighting for

Pampi and Jodi Lacson’s love story is the perfect prototype of a dramedy. It had been a rollercoaster ride of comedic and lachrymal moments that eventually led them to the altar.

It was on the set of Tabing Ilog where Jodi and Pampi met. Pampi tagged along a friend who was visiting Desiree del Valle. Yes, it was the young Jodi who asked to be introduced to the intriguingly-quiet Pampi Lacson. They soon became text mates. But every time they’d see each other in person, Pampi seemed cold. Jodi later found out that her text mate was actually Pampi’s friend.

But love found its way. Even when Pampi asked Jodi if she loved him, Jodi explained, "I like you very much but I’m not in love with you yet." Of course after several months of getting to know each other, they became officially steadies. But then, Jodi’s work got in the way.

"Patulog pa lang siya, papasok naman ako sa school," Pampi revealed. Until they stopped talking and texting and they drifted apart.

Jodi realized it didn’t feel right. She started to call Pampi but he wouldn’t answer. She sent text messages but they were ignored. She had no choice but to go to Pampi’s house. Her excuse was to return a couple of stuff he left with her. The truth was, she wanted to see Pampi.

Jodi found herself talking to Pampi’s mom, who must have been fascinated by this beautiful, courageous young woman who was in love with her son. "My mom likes her. They’re so much alike," Pampi said.

"Nagpunta po ako rito dahil may mga things po si Pampi sa akin at gusto ko siyang makausap," Jodi explained. At first, Pampi would not answer the incessant knocking at his bedroom door. Until Pampi’s mom gave Jodi a signal that she could go up to Pampi’s room.

"Lumuhod talaga ako at umiyak at tinanong ko siya kung bakit ganoon ang nangyari sa amin at sinabi ko rin na mahal ko siya," Jodi candidly declared. She does not believe that "kung para sa iyo, para sa iyo. Naniniwala ako na dapat ipaglaban mo ang para sa iyo."

Meanwhile, Pampi realized at this point that he truly loved Jodi. But he admitted that there were times when he didn’t believe that Jodi was serious with him.

So after this dramatic interlude, they reconciled, armed with the lessons they’ve learned in the almost four years they’ve been together. And yes – when they felt it was time to tie the knot – they went for it.

Come to think about it, Jodi is right. Sometimes, you have to fight hard for what truly belongs to you!

Unstoppable Mariel

Meanwhile, the beautiful and bubbly Mariel Rodriguez is unstoppable!

After making waves on television and the music scene as an MTV VJ, the 20-year-old actress-host now joins the wacky cast of OK Fine Whatever as premier actor Aga Muhlach’s new "love interest."

Mariel first made waves in commercials when she did high-profile ads for Pizza Hut, Talk N’ Text, Rexona, Close-up among others. She then signed up as one of the four lead stars of the spy-girl action series Rouge and that meant relocating to Singapore for six months. Fortunately for Manila girl Mariel, there was a "kababayan" in the Rouge quartet – Denise Laurel, who was crossing borders and was playing a Thai girl in the series. Mariel, for her part, played a full-blooded Pinay on the show.

Now that she’s playing opposite Aga Muhlach, Mariel has this to say, "Flattered! I never thought I would ever get to work with someone like him. It makes me want to be better because I am working with such a talented actor."

Quite a feat for someone who never thought she’d be in show business. "That’s true. I never really dreamed of being in this business. But, honestly, I used to wonder what kind of life celebrities live. I’ve always been awed by the glamour and sparkle of show business."

Now that she’s a celebrity in her own right, Mariel is doing her best and is striving to be the best. "I am happy that I am given opportunities like this – being a part of good shows. I feel that I still have so much to learn and so much to discover. And I am willing to do what it takes to be the best. For me, it’s nothing but 100 percent," says Mariel.

In the meantime, Mariel enjoys trading barbs with Aga and the rest of the cast of OK Fine Whatever and has the time of her life with the cool gang of MTV. For the music channel, Mariel hosts MTV Jukebox, Hanging Out, Mic Mo To, MTV Diyes and many more. "Doing MTV is fun! Before, I’d just see VJs Sarah, Belinda and KC and think that they have a cool job! Now, I’m so happy I was offered to be a VJ! It’s another dream come true!" says Mariel.