MANILA, Philippines - I know I am not supposed to but every time I see Rachel Alejandro, I still associate her with Dingdong Avanzado (in the same manner that every time I think of Pops Fernandez, I remember Martin Nievera). Although Rachel was originally introduced in the showbiz industry as the beautiful and equally talented daughter of Kilabot ng mga Kolehiyala, Hajji Alejandro, she eventually became known as the partner of Dingdong in and outside showbiz. For three years, we industry watchers saw them grow together, perfectly matched in their looks (especially in their cute frames), musical prowess, and star quality. Rachel admits they were such an inseparable love team they started looking like a brother-and-sister-tandem.
“People would say na magkamukha na kami,” Rachel recalls, to which I totally agree. “He (Dingdong) became so much a part of the family, even enjoying the main Alejandro family pastime of playing board games with us.” This went on for three years until their fans were shocked by the news that they had broken up. Now, after a long separation from the concert scene, those same fans will be happy to know that the two will be back together (former singing tandems reuniting in shows seem to be the clamor these days) in a show titled Music and Lyrics to be held tomorrow, March 7, 9:30 p.m. at the Metro Bar on West Ave. (You may get tickets at all Ticketnet and Ticketworld outlets or call 722-8847, 727-6028 or 374-7505).
Everybody knows what happened to Dingdong who later became a politician and is now happily married to Jessa Zaragoza. But for the more reclusive Rachel, matters of the heart are now quite sacred. “I have a non-showbiz boyfriend,” Rachel shares. “At this point in time, there is no plan of tying the knot and we are very happy with what we have.” Respecting the fact that her love life is better kept private, I urged Rachel to talk in detail about her other passions in life, her “healthy food” business, reading, writing, and her family, during an exclusive interview with this lovely lady with a to-die-for body at the Edsa Shangri-La Hotel.
Rachel’s face brightens up as she proudly talks about Sexy Chef, a very successful venture, based on the South Beach Diet, that she and her sister Barni have gotten into to address the growing demand for healthy food. Rachel explains that her special interest in food can be traced back to when she was much younger.
“I was a food addict,” Rachel admits. “I discovered food when I was just 10 and I simply loved eating. But then I realized that being in showbiz, I needed to keep my weight right and have a good figure.” (And how I envy that figure! Hahaha.) Rachel is so happy that through Sexy Chef, she and her sister have successfully helped their clients lose weight by providing them with delicious and nutritious food right at their doorstep. “And,” Rachel proudly adds, “unlike other food delivery services, our dishes are international and exceptionally flavorful.” My eyes grow wide and I am all ears as Rachel adds, “for those who are unable to commit to an entire two-week program, we offer daily affordable meals for only P140, consisting of lean meat, a vegetable siding and brown rice.” (I text my husband about it. He is definitely interested.) “Our newest development are offerings of low-fat and sugar-free desserts that are so delectable, one cannot tell them apart from the full fat, high sugar version,” Rachel states. (I text my Mamma Mia friends from grade school, high school and college. They are ecstatic!) And for you, dear readers who are dying to find those diet meals and desserts, dial 911-7399 or 911-SEXY and 0917-SXYCHEF. Website is www.thesexy-chefcafe.com. Because the health foods they offer are both nutritious and healthy, Gold’s Gym has chosen Sexy Chef as its official food partner and has put Sexy Chef kiosks at the Gold’s Gym in Robinsons Galleria and Glorietta.
Rachel is very happy that Sexy Chef has also rekindled her other passion, which is writing. She and Barni are now embarking on writing a cookbook where Barni will be writing about the recipes, while Rachel will be sharing her personal experiences. The cookbook, which Rachel describes as a sort of “Confessions of a Foodaholic” will definitely bring her childhood dream of becoming a writer into life. Rachel shares that as a young girl, she used to write short stories. “My passion for writing is influenced by my love for reading. I definitely preferred reading more than sports. As a child, I loved reading the works of Jane Austen,” Rachel relates. (Being a fan of Jane Austen myself, I am very pleased.) “The cookbook will serve as my ‘revival’ as a writer.” As of my interview, Rachel has finished writing the first two chapters of the book.
But, more than anything else, Rachel, who loves her family dearly, shares that Sexy Chef not only gave her an opportunity to help other people lose weight but also got her closer to her sister. “Because of Sexy Chef, Barni and I now spend a lot of quality time together. I love the way the business developed my sister’s ‘camera-shy’ personality into a more outgoing one. Although my sister has the genes of a pop icon, the face and grace of a star, she originally refused to accept interviews and television appearances. This year is Barni’s fifth year of coming out. She now breezes through cooking demos and even teaches recipes through the Sexy Channel on YouTube,” Rachel proudly relates.
“I like helping build confidence in my siblings,” Rachel says. Aside from Barni, Rachel pushes her other siblings to be their best, including Ali, 26, her soft-spoken brother, who is very good in the field of Arts. “I would love my brother doing the art cover for the book. I also would like to launch this book together with an art exhibit by Ali,” Rachel states like any stage sister.
“Ali is also a very good drummer,” Rachel continues, “and is in two bands — the Mojofly and Favored Enemy. Of course the talent should be attributed to our father Hajji. You just really have to admire the endurance of my father as a singer and a performer,” Rachel maintains. To mark the Alejandros’ musicality as a family, the clan will have a concert titled In the Blood (April 2 at Teatrino at the Promenade in Greenhills), to be participated in by Rachel, brother Ali, and Niño and Eddie Alejandro, Rachel’s first cousins, and, of course, Hajji.
I have always believed that living without passion is just like not living at all. Rachel, with all her passions in life, is someone who definitely lives her life to the fullest.
(E-mail author at celebrationsdot@yahoo.com or text 0927-5000833. Help build houses for the poor through Gawad Kalinga by calling 718-1738 to 41 or text 0917-5239777).