Gretchen chooses her battles

Last Sunday on The Buzz, we welcomed two new hosts, Toni Gonzaga and Charlene Gonzalez. We also introduced a new segment called The Boy Abunda Challenge, where I would be asking easy, moderate and hard questions and if the guest does not want to answer a question, he can walk away. The Boy Abunda Challenge featured Gretchen Barretto as initial guest. Below was our conversation.

1. Magkaribal is a huge success. How much of its success belongs to Gretchen Barretto?

 It’s a team effort — from the management team, writers, creative people, people in Divisoria, and Alabang where we tape and if it were not for them, Magkaribal won’t be a success. I cannot say how much of its success belongs to me, pero kahit saan ako magpunta, Victoria ang tawag nila sa akin.

2. Why do people love Victoria? Why do they love Gretchen?

They love Victoria kasi kasabay nilang mangarap si Victoria, kasabay nila sa bawat laban, at unti unting nararating ang pangarap. They love Gretchen kasi mahal ni Gretchen ang masang Pilipino.

3. The one battle that Gretchen Barretto will not fight?

A lot. Hindi lahat ng laban pinapatulan. At hindi ibig sabihin na pag lumaban ka, panalo ka. I choose my battles.

4. What makes you beautiful?

I live a healthy life. I sleep a lot, I eat vegetables, and I drink milk and juice.

5. Are you afraid of getting old?

Not really. We are all going there. May mauuna lang, may mahuhuli. I have experienced almost everything. Pag dumating ang panahon na tumanda ako, ang puso ko bata pa rin.

6. Are you attracted to older men or younger men?

I go for mature men. Kaya niya ako paligayahin.

7. How important are men in your concept of happiness?

They are important but they’re not everything.

8. The price you have to pay for fame and fortune?

With what I am experiencing now, the price is too little.

9. If Victoria goes to heaven, who would she bring with her?

Gelay, Vera and Chloe. Hindi ko sila iiwan. We really love each other.

10. Hypothetical, Gretchen: If you were to go to hell, who do you want to be with you?

You. I’ve been through hell. You make my life bearable.

11. In Magkaribal, Victoria said, ‘If you want war, I’ll give you war.’ Sa totoong buhay kung sasabihin mo ang linyang ito, ‘If you want war, I’ll give you war,’ sino ito at bakit?

I only want love and peace. At this point in my life, hindi ko mabibitawan ang mga linyang yan. I don’t want to answer that question. I’m walking away.

Judy Ann appreciates her mom more

Six months pregnant Judy Ann Santos revealed she is nervous giving birth to her first biological child. “Ryan and I talked about it. He asked me if I am excited and I said ‘No, I am scared. This is my first time in everything.’” The baby boy when he arrives in this world will be nicknamed, Buchochoy. Juday and Ryan’s eldest, Yohan is nicknamed Buding. “It was Ryan’s idea. Pareho sila may pet name.”

And now that she is a mother, Juday appreciates mom Carol more. She is also spending more time with her. “I am closer now to my mom. I am also more open with her, hindi lang sa problema kundi sa lahat ng bagay. I love her so much.”

Bea’s new inspiration

Bea Alonzo is excited about her new movie Sa ’Yo Lamang. She is being directed by ace director Laurice Guillen and plays opposite acting great Lorna Tolentino. Ricky Lee is writing the screenplay. She is also ecstatic about the new success of the teleserye Magkaribal where she plays Gelay. “I am not really like Gelay in real life. Nakakatulong ang mga tao sa Divisoria. Ang taas ng energy nila. Nakakahawa. It’s really overwhelming,” said Bea. She has also found a new friend in Gretchen. “Parang nagkaroon ako ng sister.”

Bea said there is so much to look forward to in Magkaribal in the next coming weeks. “Magkakaroon kami ng love story ni Derek (Ramsay).” She is also thankful for the people who watch the teleserye. “Nakaka-inspire. Pinapagaan nila ang trabaho namin.”