Joey: I'm happy for Ness!

As in the case of wives left out of the latest goings-on in her mate’s life, Joey Marquez was among the last to know about his ex-wife Alma Moreno’s reported marriage to a Muslim royalty.

“I just read about it in the papers and then I called Ness (for Vanessa Lacsamana, Alma’s real name),” Joey told Funfare. “She confirmed it. And I told her, ‘I’m happy for you! Very good.’”

According to sketchy reports, Alma, who is in her early ’50s, became the second wife of the 43-year-old mayor of a Mindanao town at civil rites held in Cebu last Jan. 25. As a Councilor of Parañaque City, Alma would often cross paths with the mayor during the conventions of local officials.

If she did get married, it is her second, the first having been to Joey by whom she has four children, aside from two others, Mark Anthony Fernandez (by the late Rudy Fernandez) and Vandolph (by Dolphy). The marriage was annulled a few years ago when Joey finished his (third) term as Mayor of Parañaque City.

“I have no time for love,” Alma often said (easier said than done, it turned out, even if she was openly dating a few other guys including actor Gerald Madrid who helped campaign for her in the 2007 elections. “I’m devoting my time to my duties as a councilor.” She is one of the heads of the councilors’ association of the Philippines.

So far, Alma has proven stingy with details about the wedding which will reportedly be solemnized in Muslim rites sometime in June, making her a June bride. She married Joey in Las Vegas in January 1989. The man was first sighted with Alma and her siblings last month at the Manila Pavilion during the 18th birthday party of her niece Kristel Moreno (who’s in the cast of the ABS-CBN soap I Love Betty La Fea).

Did Joey ask Alma when the wedding would really be?

“I didn’t ask her,” said Joey.

Would he act as one of the ninongs if invited?

“Huwag naman! I’m not that old.”

Their children understand, according to Joey.

“I told them that their mom deserves to be happy.”

And his wish for Alma?

“That she will be happy in her married life.”

There’s a rumor that Alma might run for Mayor of Parañaque City in 2010.

Would he run, too (again as mayor of the same city, in which case the two of them might be pitted against each other)?

“I’m done with politics. Inaasikaso ko na lang ang mga anak ko.”

What about his love life?

“Wala,” Joey said, adding with a naughty laugh, “pasundot-sundot lang.”

Briefly noted

= Pearl Jasmine (photo), a finalist in the recently-concluded Miss Fitrum search on Wowowee, is advised by friends to try her luck in a larger beauty contest (Mutya ng Pilipinas, perhaps?). Pearl and some friends are running the months-old Pearhsacho Massage Spa with a dozen male and female therapists who could destress you with the massage of your choice (Swedish, shiatsu, Swedish/Shiatsu/Thai combination, twin hearts with hot-stone, Pearl special massage with leaves and foot reflexology) at very reasonable prices (only P250 per hour). Open 24 hours, the cozy (with only six cubicles) spa is located at 274-E Vito Cruz Extension, San Antonio, Makati City. Hotel and home service is available. Try it. Call 986-9855 or 0908-7266868.

= Perla Bautista got a special gift even before she celebrated her birthday last Feb. 18 — the title role in Hermana Fausta, an indie film about the heroine of Quezon Province (which had its premiere at SM Lucena last night). “It’s my first time to play a title role in 50 years,” said Perla whose classic starrers include Markang Rehas and Patapon, both with Pres. Erap Estrada (one of her ardent admirers/suitors then). With Quezonian Tommy Abuel as co-star (playing Fernando Amorsolo) in Hermana Fausta, set in 1943, Perla plays the founder of Sacred Heart College. Director is US-bred Felino Tañada. Perla was handpicked by the Sacred Heart nuns for the role.

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