Unlike in other showbiz break-ups, in the case of Jolina Magdangal and Bebong Muñoz no sparks flew, no tears were shed (not yet, anyway!) on national television, no recriminations were made. Unlike that of Dr. Vicki Belo and Dr. Hayden Kho which was full of drama and, ehem, “sub-plots,” this split-up happened — or was done — in a very quiet way but it nevertheless stunned showbiz-watchers who, knowing how beautiful the romance was, went tsk-tsk-ing. You know, sayang naman.
Jolina confirmed the break-up in last Sunday’s edition of Showbiz Central. Bebong is abroad.
Jolina’s dad, Jun Magdangal, agreed to talk to Funfare, revealing only what, as he put it, “little” that he knew.
The romance between Jolina and Bebong, which was first reported in an exclusive Conversations with Ricky Lo feature, lasted for more than six years, the first three years of which were conducted “long distance” because Bebong, a lawyer, was then working in New York. But he and Jolina would see each other everytime Jolina went abroad for work or holiday.
“They became really a couple when Bebong came home three years ago,” said Jun.
Funfare has been an eyewitness to how close Bebong was to the Magdangals who welcomed him not only at their home in Quezon City but also at the family resthouse in Tagaytay where the exclusive Conversations pictorial was held. Jolina campaigned for Bebong when he ran for congressman in Caloocan City in the 2007 election. In fact, they were already talking about marriage.
So what happened?
Recalled Jun, “On Christmas Eve, the whole family had our noche buena. The next day, Christmas Day, we were at home entertaining our relatives. On Dec. 26, the whole family went to Tagaytay, except for Jolina who stayed behind because she said she was fixing her things; aayusin daw niya ang kanyang room. She followed us on Dec. 28 and that’s when she very casually told us that she had broken up with Bebong. Ganoon lang ka-simple.”
Even if he noticed that something was “unusual” (like Bebong’s absence at the Magdangal residence last Christmas), Jun said that he kept things to himself and didn’t bother to ask Jolina.
“As her manager,” said Jun, “I mind only her professional life. Hands off ako pagdating sa kanyang personal life, especially sa kanyang love life.”
But Jun was sure that there’s no “third party” in the break-up.
Bebong left on Dec. 30 for the States where, as far as Jun said he knew, he’s going to work, which means that he’ll be away for a long while.
Funfare texted Bebong. He texted back, “I’m in the States for a couple of weeks. I am still trying to understand what is happening and I am not prepared to talk about it. Happy to answer your questions when I sort everything out. I hope you understand. Thanks.”
(Note: Also reported to have broken up toward the end of 2008 were Beth Tamayo and her non-showbiz husband. The couple was childless. Reason for the separation was not made public.)
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Yes, Dr. Hayden Kho developed cold feet at the last minute and begged off from appearing “live” in last Saturday’s edition of Startalk where he was supposed to dedicate a “meaningful” song to his estranged girlfriend Dr. Vicki Belo, with himself at the piano, as added feature to his exclusive taped interview. Hayden’s alibi was that he was in Marinduque (his mom Irene’s home province) for a vacation, although those close to him insisted that he never left Manila.
Anyway, for whatever it’s worth, here’s the song titled Too Young (by Jack Wagner) which, I guess, could help melt Dr. Vicki’s “hardened” heart and look at her “Sad Sack” boyfriend with compassionate eyes.
TOO YOUNG
By Jack Wagner
Hello love it’s been way too long
Since I realized that you’re
The most important thing in my life.
I’ve gotta the need to tell you
I know that I was wrong,
Show you how I feel and what’s goin’ on.
I don’t know what to say.
Except I love that girl so much
But I didn’t show it,
Started spreading myself too thin
Fool around, thought she didn’t know it.
Such childish games I played,
I fooled her with my touch.
Time has taught me so much,
I’m grown enough to say.
I was too young but that’s no excuse,
I had too much too soon
I wanted more room
To please my restless youth.
Now all this peace
I can’t feel your bliss.
You treated me so kind, you were all mine
But I just walk away.
That sweet smile and face
Hang heavy on my mind.
Is there a way that
You can turn back the hands?
The more love that precious time I let slip by
I can’t take much more of this.
So I gotta try
To get you back and say.
I was too young but that’s no excuse.
I had too much too soon,
I wanted more room
To please my restless youth.
Now all this peace
I can’t feel your bliss.
You treated me so kind,
You were all mine
And I just walk away.
True love comes once in a lifetime
And if it’s true then
You’ll be back in mine.
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(E-mail reactions at rickylo@philstar.net.ph or at entphilstar@yahoo.com)