LT living one day at a time

The different shades of makeup in front of the vanity mirror and outfits that hang neatly in one corner of a photography studio where the cameras and lighting  are set up signaled the start of Lorna Tolentino’s facing showbiz commitments anew after a much needed break from the limelight.   

On top of her list is the pictorial for the new Flawless billboards to be put up along EDSA with her endorsing its new service called ReFine. Lorna firmly believes now (last week of July) is the best time to start burying her head in various projects being offered to her.

“I don’t feel comfortable doing pictorials in August as it is a ghost month. What I committed myself to doing is another commercial,” Lorna says.

In fact, by this time she has already met up with some of the top bosses of a telecommunications firm for its ongoing campaign promoting its latest offer. But what everyone is itching to know these days from Lorna are the rumors about her jumping over da bakod from the Kapuso network after a three-year stay. Has she already come up with the decision to accept offers from the Kapamilya station?

“I had a meeting with Malou (Santos) last week with my son Raphe who now helps me decide in things like this. There is an offer for me to do a teleserye and a movie. I requested for a talk show but not necessarily a showbiz-oriented one,” Lorna replies.

But with GMA 7’s counter-offer and a ready for renewal contract already on her hands, Lorna has to weigh things first. The different packages the two networks are laying on her and her sons, Raphe and Renz Fernandez, are too tempting to resist. Eldest son Raphe has an offer to direct while Renz, who has yet to finish his Philosophy studies at UP, is being offered an acting job.

Both networks, too, she admits, have been so good to her. She had a two-year harmonious working relationship with ABS-CBN then. That is why, she doesn’t want to make hasty decisions and hints that she would opt for more acting projects.

Raphe now assists his mom in meetings and shares his two cents worth whenever there is a creative task to handle like the upcoming second volume of H.O.P.E. CD under Star Records which will be produced by cancer survivor Pinky Tobiano who invited Lorna to conceptualize its second volume.

“It would be something like Joys of Healing of Rio Diaz. I will do narration, think of what songs to include and invite some actor-friends of Rudy (Fernandez) to sing,” Lorna says. “I am thinking of If It Be Your Will and Far From Home as the CD’s intro and last. Raphe helps me out in choosing songs.”

And who among Rudy’s friends does she wish to sing for the CD?

“I’ve already talked to Johnny Delgado who is more than willing to do it. I have yet to invite Tirso (Cruz III), Bobot (Mortiz), Boyet (de Leon), Sen. Bong (Revilla), Sen. Jinggoy (Estrada), Phillip (Salvador) and Sharon (Cuneta) to sing,” Lorna replies.

They, Lorna says, are among those really close to them and she, too, appreciates how they constantly check on them the way another dear friend Melissa (de Leon) does every so often. She is also pleased how her sons stand by her side with Raphe acting as padre de pamilya. Renz, on the other hand, always hands her some inspiring books to read and suggests some songs for the CD.

“We take care of each other. The bond has become stronger. They help me pick the best songs,” Lorna says.  

Proceeds of the CD will go to a foundation of Lorna’s choice and to I Can Serve Foundation.

Pinky, too, invites Lorna and sons to a 12-day pilgrimage in Holy Land starting Aug. 13. They will be leaving with Lorna’s sister Lulu and their Tita Rina whom Lorna asked to join in the tour. 

“Nay Lolit (Solis) told me to pray and look for a sign which network to choose. I should be decided by September. If I see No. 2 then I will be on 2 and if 7, then I will be on 7 but what if I see 9, 13, or 5?” Lorna quips.

Kidding aside, she will take the best offer as far as acting projects are concerned. “You can never go wrong naman with that. Kung ano yung pinaka appealing, yun na.”

Prior to the Holy Land trip, Lorna and sons are planning to go to the US to visit and personally thank friends who kept them company during troubled times.

“It is also good that our application for extraordinary ability visa has been finally approved. We can also promote and sell the CD there,” Lorna shares.

Now that Lorna seems to be slowly getting back on her feet, did she already make her one good cry?

“Not yet. Rudy’s things are still intact. I have to heal myself first before I could finally do it. I’m now living one day at a time,” Lorna answers.