The magic of her smile

I meet different people everyday. Trust me, I don’t have that much of a good memory to remember every single person I run into.

Working, however, introduces me to a lot of people I used to only watch on television. It’s a great honor for me.

I have to admit, however, that it gets a bit embarrassing at times when I don’t recognize some of the veteran actors when we’re introduced to each other.

The fact that I spent most of my "growing up" years in the States is a big factor.

I first met Sheryl Cruz a couple of weeks ago. I honestly don’t know much about her or her past, but what I know now is how I’ve known her since I first met her.

Of course, I know "Sheryl Cruz," but it’s not like I know all the facts about her since she entered the business.

The first time I worked with her was in Shall We Dance. I was a little hesitant to really start a conversation with her at first because I really had no idea what to talk to her about!

After exchanging a few smiles with her, I was surprised to find myself chatting with Sheryl about life right before we did a take on stage!

I didn’t expect that at all, not to mention that she was very open to have trusted me with some of her ideas in life.

Our conversation reminds me of a print ad I once saw in the States that said, "When you start, you just can’t stop."

Starting a conversation with her is just like entering a whole new world, and it kept me more interested in every word she said.

In other words, she’s not boring to talk with. There was not a minute when she made me feel that she’s more superior.

Sheryl was very nice and friendly. One of the things that stand out about her is her smile. I notice that she always has this beautiful, unforced smile on her face.

Getting burned out in showbusiness was one thing we discussed the first time we talked. She was gone for eight years before she came home almost two years ago.

Sheryl stayed in the States where she started a family and went to school for six years.

So far, that was all I could remember from the first conversation. I decided to get her number instead and make more time to really talk to her more about that.

It was just yesterday when I visited Sheryl in her taping for Now And Forever, near Timog Avenue.

The first thing I did was continue that conversation we had a while back. The reason she left was because, "I needed time for myself… not really for myself. I needed privacy. I needed to enjoy the company of the people who really mattered to me. It’s the redundant stories that burned me out."

Sheryl was introduced to the business at the early age of four. Since she grew up in a showbiz-oriented family, she thought being in front of the camera was a normal way of life.

She wasn’t aware of the other options in life, where she can have privacy for herself.

It was in 1996 when she got burned out and finally decided to give herself some time and privacy.

"It’s not like I’m saying goodbye. Yung akin lang, I needed a long break. And whenever I feel I’m ready, that’s when I’ll go back," Sheryl says.

She learned many things while she was back in the States, especially from her husband Norman Bustos.

"Nakita ko ang professionalism ng asawa ko, how he values his work in law enforcement. He’s been excelling everytime for the past 13 years. I’m proud to say he rubbed off some of his really good habits on me," Sheryl explains.

When she finally decided to come back here, her husband was very supportive.

"He let me come back here and see how things would go. Up until this day, he’s very supportive."

They’re so supportive of each other, Norman flew in about four times, while Sheryl returned to visit the States three times within the last year.

Time management is a big factor for Sheryl and she always wants to make sure she gives her best every time she performs. It’s a source of satisfaction for herself. I don’t know how she does it, but Sheryl somehow manages to keep that perfect smile on her face despite her hectic work schedule.

"I want to stay forever young and I feel like I’m always 21!" Sheryl says about smiling.

Sad songs, especially Butterfly Kisses, bring tears to her eyes because they remind her of her dad (the late Ricky Belmonte). This woman gave me no sign of ever wanting to retire from the business just by the way she smiles.

Sheryl says, " I can never give a timeframe (for staying in the business)."

So I guess she’ll be in the business forever since she’s doing quite well in keeping herself beautiful with her smile.

Before I end this article, I’d like to wish Sheryl and Norman an advance happy 10th anniversary this year.

I wish them all the best and since it’s Sunday today, you may tune in to ABC 5 tonight at 9 and see us dance in Shall We Dance. Have a good day!

(You may e-mail me at [email protected].)