Gorio fails to stop the show in Tacloban

TACLOBAN CITY , Philippnies — The supposed lunch-cum-interview with reelected city councilor Cristina Gonzalez-Romualdez (also known as Kring-Kring during her showbiz days) and husband, reelected Mayor Alfred Romualdez, was cancelled last June 29, so was the Parade of Lights being held in the eve of this city’s fiesta in honor of Señor Sto. Niño de Tacloban. Reason: Typhoon Gorio brought heavy downpour and triggered floods in some areas in Leyte which was placed under public storm signal No. 2.  

But Kring-Kring must have taken into heart that showbiz mantra “the show must go on” come what may. She sent a word to The STAR and other select members of the entertainment press invited to cover the festival events regarding changes in schedule. Instead of the city mayor’s office, the interview was held at dinner time in the Romualdez residence inside Patio Victoria compound.

Of course, everyone was eager to hear straight from Mayor Alfred’s mouth his thoughts on the possibility of Kring-Kring making a showbiz comeback, especially now that she is on her last term as councilor.

“You know, all of us have a purpose in life,” the mayor begins, “For me, No. 1, you should know what purpose God has given you. No. 2, you should also know your talent because it becomes a passion when you exercise it. The values, principles and experiences you gained in life will also let you know your priorities. Lalo na we have two daughters, she should impart wisdom to them.”

But if he were to decide which path his wife will take after her term, Alfred will give in to whatever decision that Kring-Kring would make “because when you choose something, there’s a commitment. And just having a commitment to her family and to what she’s doing now is already something. Habang tumatanda kasi tayo there are so many roles that we have to take so you have to prioritize them accordingly.

“I’m not here to stop her but to help. I don’t believe that once you get married, you automatically pattern your life or go to wherever your spouse wants you to be.”

Never will he push Kring-Kring into something that doesn’t make life more fulfilling. And that also applies to his children. He allows them to discover their passion. It is common knowledge that Alfred has two sons, Franco and Raymund, from a previous relationship. Eldest son Franco is based in the US while Raymund, 26, who we met during the interview, is taking care of the family business in Manila.

Alfred and Kring-Kring have two daughters — Sophia and Diana. Sophia sings well like her mom. Still, it’s up to Sophia to decide about entering the music scene.

“Well, if she discovered that she’s got the talent (to sing) why not and if she will be able to influence her peers then why not. I believe she knows her priorities… at kung paano ang buhay Kristiyano h’wag nya kakalimutan pero pag tumawid s’ya dun, yun ang dapat isipin.”

For Kring-Kring, the thought of accepting TV projects excites her but dreads about having to do tapings that would take her away from Tacloban more often. “But let’s say (tapings) two times a week, pwede naman, kasi I’m a councilor here so di ba but ‘wag na muna ganun (tapings that will tie her down in Manila).”

Besides, Kring-Kring is visibly comfortable in her duties as wife, mom and public servant. Her husband indubitably sees her dedication and strong inputs in everything she does. Her projects as city councilor such as the shelter for battered women and Cristina’s Learning Center have become beneficial to the women of Tacloban. “She was able to push the projects and has really made a difference,” Alfred shares.

Kring-Kring is also the chair of the City Tourism Council Committee, in-charge of the city’s festival events, one of them is the Sangyaw Parade of Lights. Due to heavy rains, there was no way for the parade to push through last Saturday as the safety of participants was of utmost priority. They were supposed to use electrical lights for their props. Instead, the council decided to move the parade to Sunday, June 30, right after the fluvial-land procession. Unfortunately, our group didn’t have the chance to see the beauty and grandeur of Parade of Lights as we were already scheduled to leave for Manila in the afternoon of June 30.

According to a report, Sr. Sto.Niño de Tacloban with Inagta led the parade followed by the colorful 3D LED floats and performers in costumes bursting in colors that passed through the city’s main thoroughfares. Mayor Alfred and Kring-Kring joined the city officials, department heads and officers of the Sangyaw Foundation on the City Hall float. I was wondering if executive assistant Bernardita “Tita Viring” Valenzuela was able to ride on the float. Just like last year, Tita Viring took time out to have a pleasant conversation with us and this time, she, too showed her generosity by giving each one of us a native bag as souvenir.

But we were able to witness the oath-taking ceremony of the newly-elected and reelected city officials held at the city hall before our flight. Sen. Ferdinand “Bong-Bong” Marcos Jr. officiated the rites. Alfred’s cousin, Rep. Ferdinand Martin “FM” Romualdez, was also present.

After the oath-taking ceremony, Mayor Alfred, in his speech, humbly thanked everyone for the support and congratulated all the elected city officials and their families.

“Just what our leaders say at ni Senator (Bong-Bong), there is a season for difficult and different events. Tapos na ang eleksyon. I think it is clear we fly in different colors but we always land in the same cause… I’d like to thank  all the officials and reelected officials for being here today. Maybe many of you think this is just a photo-ops but this is a sign for all the officials including myself, to work together and promise to give the best service to all Taclobanons.”