BFF Buboy (Cesar Montano) and his fab girlfriend, Kat Angeles, threw a mermaid-themed birthday party at Tivoli Royale Clubhouse for their daughter and my hijada, Kristen, who turned seven. They have two other kids, Liam, nine, and Samuel, eight.
BFF’s grown-up daughters with Sunshine Cruz, Buching, Cheska and Sam were present. And so was Buboy’s eldest daughter, Angela with her kids, Clyde, Joshua and Kylie (Angela’s mom, Marilyn was BFF’s first wife before he joined showbiz. She passed away already).
Diego (Buboy’s son with Teresa Loyzaga) and Coco (his son with Sandra Seifert) were not able to make it. Their blended family set-up works but it did not happen overnight.
“Kahit ako nagulat na smooth na ang lahat,” Buboy beamed. “Only God made it possible. It’s an answered prayer.”
I chided him, “Don’t you feel awkward when Kat and Sunshine are talking? They might be comparing notes about you.”
He replied in jest, “Sana lang hindi derogatory.”
Since I’m privy to BFF’s life and the fatherhood struggles he endured, I am happy that all is well in his world right now. After his critical bout with COVID 19 in 2021, it’s BFF’s second lease on life. That is why he is savoring fatherhood and grandfatherhood joys to the max.
It’s so heartwarming to see Kat click with Buboy’s other kids, especially the “Tres Marias.” The fam’s moniker for Buboy’s three daughters with Sunshine.
Since Kat is a lot younger than BFF, she is more of an “ate” than a “tita” to the three girls.
“I treat Buboy’s kids like barkada,” says Kat. “I don’t meddle in their relationship with their dad. I am thankful to Sunshine for being so kind to my kids. There is no awkwardness at all between us.”
After the kiddie bash, we walked to BFF’s place, which is just across the clubhouse. It was the adults’ turn to party. Every time we are at Tivoli (that’s how we refer to BFF’s home), Buboy holds a mini-concert with his guitarist, Melvin. How he loves to sing his heart out. Wine and fun conversation flowed freely.
While BFF was pouring Chardonnay for me, I teased him “Since Kristen is seven already, is she going to be your bunso forever or do you want to have more kids?”
He shot back laughing, “Diba sabi go forth and multiply.” Then he said, “Kidding aside, I pray for the mothers of all my children that they will be in a good place always because when they are okay, so will our kids be.”
Move over, Julio Iglesias. Buboy’s message to all the girls he has loved before is sweeter than your hit love song.