In the kitchen with Sharon

Sharon Cuneta had already conquered television, the movies, the recording business and now even publishes her own magazine. Recently, however, she also ventured into yet another field and apparently is succeeding at it this early: as host of the lifestyle show, Sharon at Home, in the Lifestyle Network.

 Aired Sundays at 10 p.m., the program shows her cooking (or inviting guest chefs over), displaying her skills at table setting and floral arrangements and generally just dishing out very useful household tips. Even the most seasoned homemaker can learn from her because the show always offers something new for our modern living.

 That she opted to do a lifestyle show does not come as a surprise to people who know her. I personally feel that this had been long overdue. She should have done this a long time ago. Of French/Pampango stock (two races that boast of fine cuisines), cooking is one of her interests. I daresay passion even.

 Of course, aunt Helen Gamboa is still the more accomplished cook between the two of them (every single dish that comes out of her kitchen is to die for). To begin with, Helen had no choice but to sharpen her culinary skills since she married a finicky eater in Senator Tito Sotto (he is the official lechon taster on the Eat Bulaga set – very few pass his standards).

 But it is clear that the love for food and food preparations run in Sharon’s blood. And this makes her the perfect host for a lifestyle program: If you watch her in Sharon at Home, it is evident that she knows what she is doing – and, more importantly, enjoys everything she does in the program. That shows on her face and in her every movement – she is so at home with her new job and is happy with it. That is the real her - no doubt - and it is a joy to watch her in Sharon at Home. She moves about on the set effortlessly and that is so relaxing to home viewers trying to unwind and savor the end of another weekend break.

 It also helps that she can really talk – and talk intelligently. In fact, among our movie queens – past or present – she had always been known to be the most articulate, conversant at both English and Pilipino, even Kapampangan, I’m sure. She never gropes for words and is comfortable at all times when delivering her spiels. Obviously, she knows what she is talking about because the confidence is there. Her thoughts come out fluidly – like everything comes out not just from her head, but also from her heart. Surely, it’s the passion in her talking.

 Some viewers, however, aren’t quite comfortable with the little girl cuteness in her voice. But I you ask me, I have no problem with that because that’s the real Sharon in a light mood even off-cam. In fact, that is what makes her the fun person that she is. But generally, everyone enjoys watching Sharon at Home because of its very relaxing format. The program is also very informative, but in a very entertaining manner – thanks to Sharon’s handling of the show. She makes everything look and sound easy.

 In terms of production values, Sharon at Home is technically superior, particularly the lighting and editing. It is at par with some of the cooking shows currently being aired in the Food Network on cable television.

 Of course, Sharon’s presence there is still the show’s strength since she is such a delight to watch even in a format like this one. Actually, hosting lifestyle programs can be another career option for the megastar, especially now that the local motion picture industry doesn’t churn out as many films anymore.

 In the past several years, Sharon had made very few movies – only one or two per annum – because, well, business had been bad for the big film studios. It’s mostly indie movies that we have now. (Sharon starred in one, Crying Ladies, and was excellent at it.) But a star of her magnitude is meant for big-budgeted film features. Maybe while waiting for the economic situation to improve in local cinema, she can keep herself busy doing more shows for the Lifestyle Network. Sharon at Home, in fact, should start considering getting aired even outside of the Philippines because she can surely charm viewers even from neighboring countries.

 It’s not a bad idea either for Sharon to reinvent herself as the Martha Stewart of the Philippines, minus the conviction and prison term. Sharon to begin with is very credible (she believes in every product she endorses and pushes in media) and that is enough for her to get enthroned as the Queen of Lifestyle Shows.

 For those who have not seen an episode of Sharon at Home (it’s been around only for weeks), try catching it one Sunday. It’s very engaging because you see another one of the megastar’s many talents here – and she is brilliant in this one. Best of all, there are no pretenses. You see the real Sharon in this program.

 Sharon at Home truly shows Sharon at her most shining moment.