Win some, lose some

Having two different kinds of emotions is probably the most confusing thing to handle.

I feel sad over losing a good friend and happy in welcoming a new life into this world.

I’ve never experienced receiving both good and bad news simultaneously.

I have always believed it’s best to live every day as if it were our last, but I’ve just realized that despite this, there is still not enough time for us to say and do things we want in this world.

Tito Billy Balbastro’s death came as a shock. I didn’t realize how serious his condition was. He was indeed quite a character. I got to know him more when we went to Bangkok with some other friends from the press.

He was always smiling and very gentle with his words. I always saw the good person in him.

The last time we saw each other was when I was shooting Seroks around Recto.

He was walking down the street when I hollered his name. He was shocked to see me and gave me a warm hug. We chatted a bit, but I had to head back in for a take so we said our goodbyes.

I’m glad I walked out right on time to see him walk past and was able to give him a hug.

Tito Billy must now be enjoying the company of his angels and looking down at this crazy world we live in. We will surely miss the Billy Basbastro we all once knew.

We lose some, we gain some. For nearly every death, a new life is born into this world.

The most heartwarming news I’ve received this week was a friend’s pregnancy. I have known this girl for years and have seen her through her ups and downs.

There is no doubt she is a strong and sexy soon-to-be mama. You wonder where her husky singing voice comes from when she starts to sing.

I remember asking her to sing every time we would hang out. She is a doll, always happy and giddy every time I see her.

Sheree, or Hazel Bautista, deserves every bit of the blessing God brings into her life.

After all she has been through, she has finally found a good man, Gian Carlo Magdangal, to be there for her at all times.

After being friends for seven years, they finally decided to commit themselves to each other even more.

“I’m happy. Gian is very responsible. He is very good, and he really takes good care of me. I’m so lucky,” Sheree says.

Her pregnancy caught everyone by surprise. Sheree found out about it when she was already six months pregnant.

She remembers collapsing inside the mall last December thinking that she just lacked sleep.

Diana Zubiri, a friend of ours, was also there and even joked about that Sheree could probably be pregnant.

When Sheree confirmed she was, she was so shocked. “I was crying. Then I called my mom in the States. The first ones who found out was the family. We tried to be discreet about it because not everyone will understand. I was also avoiding negative feedback (if ever). You know how I get so sensitive sometimes, and I don’t want the baby to get affected if I get stressed out.”

I’m definitely one of those who are very happy Sheree is having a baby boy, due last week of April or May. Sheree and Gian haven’t chosen a name for him yet.

Sheree has mixed emotions about childbirth. She’s excited and at the same time nervous, hearing about how painful it is.

I remember being with my niece when she gave birth last August. It was beautiful, although it looked very painful.

I’m looking forward to attending Sheree’s baby shower soon, and very excited that she will be starting her own family.

Sheree says she and Gian have discussed marriage, but they will focus more on the baby’s arrival for now especially since this is the first grandchild in both sides of the family.

Gian says, “I feel very lucky and blessed that the mother of my child is beautiful inside and out. I love her so much and I have no regrets. I know she will be a good mother and role model. And that she will love our first-born.”

Gian will perform at Tropezz (Greenbelt 3) on Feb. 13 and 14, and Bravo Filipino (Greenbelt 5), Feb. 19.

RoXXXanne, Sheree’s most recent film, is still showing in Robinsons Galleria’s Indie Sine. The movie is directed and penned by Jun Lana.

Congratulations, Sheree and Gian. I wish you all the best now that you’ve entered a new journey in life.

Have a wonderful week ahead! You may post your comments at www.fo-rum.julianapa-lermo.net.