TFC All Access Vol 3 Issue 2

www.tfc-usa.com/AllAccess

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Vo l u m e 3 • I s s u e 2

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Liza Soberano

The Rise of a Star

An Epic Roadtrip from Hometown to Hollywood

Coco Martin

The Story of Deng TFC-NOV-DEC-2015.indd 1

Bea Alonzo and John Lloyd Cruz

One More Chance

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Vo lu m e 3 • I s s u e 2 TFC ALL ACCESS IS PUBLISHED BY

ABS-CBN INTERNATIONAL 150 SHORELINE Drive Redwood City, 94065 USA (650) 508-600

FROM YOUR ALL ACCESS TEAM ‘Tis the season to be jolly! TFC All Access would like to thank you for keeping us company and for making this year an unforgettable one.

We close the year with inspiring stories as young celebrities share their life journeys with us. Multi-awarded actor Coco Martin reveals his growing up years and the secret behind his mainstream success. Let’s follow Liza Soberano’s epic journey across California and get a glimpse of her childhood as well as her plans for the future. Plus! Bea Alonzo and John Lloyd Cruz rekindle their onscreen affair with a sequel to their most successful romantic film almost a decade hence.

Then, our 2015 joyride peaks with a foretaste of Taal’s rich history and sumptuous cuisines.

Hope you enjoy the ride and Happy Holidays, Kapamilya!

TFCAllAccess

“Like” us on Facebook and get special fan-only surprises!

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contents

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one more chance Bea Alonzo and

John Lloyd Cruz

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The Story of Deng

The Magic.

The Mania.

The Man.

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raising hope Liza Soberano Roadtrip from Hometown to Hollywood

39 Kape: A Filipino Heritage 44 Taal in Transition 52 Darren Espanto 56 Holiday Dilemmas 59 12 Books of Christmas 60 Coping with a breakup, Pinoy Style TFC ALL ACCESS V o l u m e

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Deng

The Story

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He was born in Manila, raised in a quiet community in Novaliches. no one expected him to become showbiz royalty. In this soul-baring interview, Rodel Nacianceno—aka deng, and yes, today’s fiercely famous Coco Martin—talks about his most private growingup years, his slippery ascent to fame, being deservingly crowned a true industry Prince, and finally reaching that elusive mainstream success . . . all for the first time and, possibly, the last Text By

Carlomar Arcangel BJ Pascual

Story courtesy of StarStudio Magazine July 2012

Photography by

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It was the baby’s great-grandmother who gave him the name “kasi daw pag binanggit ‘yung Rodel, nakangiti,” which is how that boy, who would eventually be called Coco Martin, remembers it. The name, if anything, was appropriate because when Rodel was born, he already had a tooth in his lower gum, “kaya n’ung one month ako, pinabunot ‘yung ngipin ko kasi hindi ako mapadede ng mommy ko at nasasaktan siya.”

Coco, as he was growing up, felt that his name was nothing to smile about, and would have preferred something more masculine-sounding, like Fernando.

“Parang na-no-normalan ako sa pangalang Rodel,” he says. “Siyempre habang lumalaki ako, bumabagay naman sa personalidad ko. Kase base sa pangalan mo, umaayon yung pagkatao mo.”

The early years

“Normal” was hardly a word that characterized the Naciancenos. The family was, at the onset, poor, getting by with whatever the family matriarch and Coco’s grandmother Matilde could earn by whatever means.

There were no professionals, much less movie stars, in the family. They lived on Simon St. in Sampaloc, Manila, but Matilde decided to move the family to Novaliches—in a place which was then a wide, rolling expanse of grass—to keep her son Ramon from running around with a bad crowd and getting into trouble. He often got into fights, and was even thrown into prison at some point; Matilde wouldn’t have any more of it.

Matilde may have been successful in saving her son from his friends but she couldn’t stop him from falling in love. Ramon had his eye on their tenant Marites who, together with her aunt, was renting a small apartment

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Matilde had built by saving some of the money she earned cooking for the patrons of a cockpit arena, or sabungan.

“Kahit grade six lang ang tinapos niya, maabilidad siya sa buhay. That time, kahit nagluluto siya, nagbebenta siya sa mga tindera, pahulugan ng duster, nagpapautang,” says Coco about his lola’s savvy ways with money. “Kung baga, siya ‘yung naging pamantayan ko habang lumalaki ako na sana, someday maging gan’un din ako.” His lolo, on the other hand, contributed to the family income by driving a public utility jeep, a trade that his son Ramon, Coco’s father, would eventually inherit.

After Ramon and Marites got married, they had Rodel, nicknamed “Deng,” soon enough. It would take two more children (Ryan and Michelle) before the couple, young and prone to fights, ended their decadeold relationship. Matilde, always ready to protect the family, became both father and mother to the young Coco, impressing upon the young boy street-savvy pragmatism and the value of hard work, traits that would help Coco as he attempted to climb the slippery ladder of show business.

Coco, the eldest apo, was his lola’s constant companion. “Mahilig akong mag-assist sa kanya,” Coco says. “N’ung bata pa lang ako, every Thursday or Friday, gigising kami ng four o’ clock para pumunta sa Blumentritt, at mamalengke... Kapag sobrang bigat na ‘yung mga bayong na binibitbit namin, lagi siyang may pinag-iiwanan sa akin doon sa linya ng mga isda, mga hito, kasi nag-e-enjoy ako sa mga dalag na nakikita kong mga buhay pa, lumalangoy-langoy. Tapos bibili ulit siya, babalikan na lang niya ako para sumakay na kami ng jeep pauwi.”

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Matilde, an informal money lender, would sometimes send Coco to the sabungan to collect payment of debts from vendors. “Ang ginagawa minsan ng mga tindera, dinadaya ako,” Coco recalls.

“Dahil bata pa lang ako, di pa ako masyadong marunong pumirma, paiba-iba ‘yung pirma ko, ginagaya nila. Siyempre, pareho kaming may listahan eh. ‘Dito nakapirma ka, tapos diyan hindi ako nakapirma?’ Bata pa lang ako, pero nakikipag-away ako kapag dinadaya ako.”

This worried Matilde: that her precious apo would turn out to be just like his father. Small for his age, dark-skinned but already with the calm, contemplative face of a saint, Coco was the constant target of bullies.

Aware of his father’s reputation as a firebrand and trouble-maker, Coco couldn’t help but feel that he should match his father’s temper. “Ang tendency ‘pag pinagtri-tripan ako, binu-bully ako, dinedepensahan ko ang sarili ko kasi nakikita ko ‘yung tatay ko. Lalampalampa ako, tapos siya, sisiga-siga? From kinder to elementary, lagi akong nakikipag-away.”

Lagi lang ako sa bahay kasi November 1 ako. October 31 ako nag-se-celebrate.

Lunch pa lang, kakain kami hanggang hapon, gabi. Pag madaling-araw, saka kami pupunta ng sementeryo.

Hanggang 1AM na ‘yon kasi birthday ko. Kung baga, tumatawid na.” —

Coco on how he celebrates his birthday that falls on All Saints’ Day

In grade school, Coco got into a terrible fight with a classmate who bit him on the chest until it bled. Their teacher told them they could not come to class unless they brought their parents. For three days, afraid of being chastised, Coco pretended to go to school, but never made it to the classroom.

Instead, he and his classmate would hang around the school. The two of them became friends after spending all day together dodging their teacher and school authorities. When Coco’s teacher got wind of what they were doing, “hinuli kami ng mga kaklase namin, dinala kami sa guidance. Pinagmeeting kami ng guidance (counselor), sinermonan. ’Hindi kayo makakapasok dito hangga’t di ninyo pinapapunta ang mga magulang ninyo.’ Pumunta magulang ko, magulang niya. Wala kaming ginawa kung hindi maghagulgulan, mag-iyakan.”

Nothing, however, tested Coco’s courage as the eventual, irrevocable separation of his parents.

“That time, lagi nang naglalayas mommy ko, tapos bitbit niya ‘yung dalawang kapatid ko. Ako lang ang laging naiiwan sa lola ko,” Coco says. The fights between his parents would intensify by the day.

The sound of them fighting was not hidden from their children; it would filter through the walls as Coco and his siblings pretended to sleep. One day, Marites gathered her things, closed the door and left for good.

Coco didn’t favor one parent over another (“Never dumating sa buhay ko na parang kinampihan ko ‘yung mother ko, o father ko”) and instead focused his attention on his lola Matilde and siblings Ryan and Michelle. Ramon would father two other children (Fernando and Camille) with another woman, half-siblings whom Coco wouldn’t treat differently.

Every now and then, Coco and his siblings would visit their mother in Pampanga, in a house surrounded by rice fields where farm animals grazed. Compared to Brgy. Gulod with its asphalt roads, roaring tricycles and gnarled cable wires, Marites’ hometown was a typical probinsya, where the quiet was broken only by occasional animal sounds and neighbors calling out to each other.

One year, Coco, then turning 14, celebrated his birthday in Pampanga with his mother. Marites, perhaps wanting to make up for the lost time with her eldest, decided to throw him a party. She rose early, fixed the house and cooked spaghetti and fried chicken—among other dishes—for the visitors they were sure would come. They waited and waited, but the clock ticked ever so slowly, and it grew dark without even one guest showing up. It was nearing 6PM when they decided to stop waiting and give the food away so it wouldn’t spoil.“Nalungkot ako, kasi ‘yung effort ng mama ko, ‘yung ginawa niya, nagluto siya, tapos walang kumain. Pinamigay na lang namin ‘yung pagkain sa mga kapitbahay.”

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This incident left a mark on Coco that made him uncomfortable in large gatherings and swear to never throw a big party ever again. “Mas gusto ko ‘yung simple lang, tayo lang, inuman lang na normal,” he says. “Pero ‘yung mag-bibirthday ka nang bongga, parang feeling ko, nag-aaksaya ka lang ng pera, mapapagod ka pa, tapos siyempre e-entertain-in mo lahat ‘yon. Para sa akin, tayo na lang, maligaya na ako, nakatipid pa ako. Wala pang effort.”

Shy guy

From his pre-showbiz days to now, Coco has preferred to keep a low profile

Coco Martin was Vice Ganda’s special guest in his sold-out concert, Eto Na! Vice Ganda Todo Sample sa Araneta! Ironically, their first meeting started on the wrong foot. Coco, then an on-the-job trainee at Max’s, got upset when Vice called him to the stage during a Christmas party that Vice was hosting for the restaurant chain.

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Years before they became household names, Coco Martin and Vice Ganda had a not too pleasant encounter. Coco’s brother Ryan and two male cousins worked as waiters at Punchline where Vice was one of the regular stand-up comics. “Hindi maganda ‘yung first encounter namin,” recalls Vice. “Nagperform ako sa Christmas party ng buong Max’s chain of restaurants.” At that time, Coco was doing his OJT at Max’s SM Fairview branch. “Inis na inis ako kay Vice noon kasi habang nagpapatawa siya, nakita niya ako sa may dulo, kinuha niya ako para laruin sa stage,” recounts Coco.

Coco’s resistance to being noticed can be traced back to his self-effacing nature. He is basically a shy person. “Pangkaraniwang binata, pangkaraniwang lalaki, jologs,” says Vice of Coco who eventually became his friend when the latter’s brother and cousins brought him to Punchline one time to watch Vice perform. “Hindi rin naman kasi nanggaling sa nakakariwasang pamilya ‘yan eh. Isang simpleng pamilya lang.

Bukod sa guwapo siya, hindi mo naman maiisip sa mga kilos niya noon na magiging artista ‘yan eh.”

Coco’s present manager Biboy Arboleda also took note of his thenfuture ward’s timidity. It was 2009 and Coco, already an acclaimed indie actor, was a newbie at ABS-CBN and trying to break into the mainstream.

Biboy was advertising and promo manager of Deo Endrinal’s Business Unit and they were preparing to launch Kapamilya young talents Kim Chiu, Gerald Anderson and Jake Cuenca as legitimate actors via the primetime drama Tayong

Dalawa about a pair of brothers vying for the love of the same girl.

Coco was shortlisted for the role of Gerald’s half-brother. “Ang na-drawup naming concept was paligiran sina Kim, Jake and Gerald ng premyadong actors and actresses at ang target talaga namin was to get actors from the independent film world.”

Biboy vividly recalls the show’s publicity shoot. While the cast exuded confidence in their tuxedos and ball gowns, Coco was seated in a corner of the huge venue, looking quiet. “There were so many stylists, merong big stage na si-netup. Sa gitna ng busy atmosphere, there he was, Coco Martin, in a tiny corner of Studio 8. He was like, ‘Ano’ng ginagawa ko rito? Bakit nakaporma ang mga tao rito?’ He was not totally lost. But he was really trying to fit in. And he was the type na, ‘Trabaho ito, papanindigan ko ito.”

Vice puts in: “Estado lang sa buhay ang nagbago sa kanya (Coco) at saka schedule.” Coco remains the same Deng Deng (the actor’s nickname) he was: unaffected yet driven. Most important, Coco treasures family above all else. “Sa gitna ng trabaho, tatawag siya sa bahay nila, aalamin kung nakakain na ang lola niya. Minsan may isang lakad kami, nakatanggap siya ng tawag from his brother na si lola is medyo sumisikip ang dibdib. And Coco asked to be excused. Right from the start kaya naman siya pumalaot sa pag-aartista kasi gusto niyang makatulong sa pamilya niya.”

—Arnel Ramos

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Director Brillante Mendoza and Coco have traveled to several international film festivals such as the Locarno Filmfest in Switzerland (left) where their film Masahista took home the grand prize, and the Cannes Filmfest (right) where Brillante won Best Director for Kinatay.

The Actor and His Mentor

Coco on his collaboration with award-winning director Brillante Mendoza Coco Martin and director Brillante Mendoza met sometime in 2004. Back then, Mendoza, a production designer for commercials and films, was about to make his directorial debut with the full-length feature Masahista, whereas Coco was a newbie talent managed by Mendoza’s friend Ihman Esturco.

“Gusto lang niyang sumama sa mga shoots as P.A. (production assistant). Gan’on siya noon,” Direk Brillante says of Coco.

When the production team was casting for Masahista, a story about a young masseur named Iliac who needed to deal with the death of his father, Coco was considered for the lead because of his looks and experience in acting (he had appeared as support in Ang Agimat: Anting-Anting ni Lolo and Luv Text).

However, Direk Brillante insisted that Coco still go through the try-outs.

At the audition, Coco bested all the other applicants. “Nag-stand out siya kasi siya ‘yung pinakamaliit. All the rest were malalaki ang katawan. At siya ‘yung pinakamahiyain at pinaka-

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inosente. Kaya sabi ko bagay siya (para sa role),” explains Direk Brillante.

Prior to filming Masahista, Coco took workshops in acting and massaging. “Nag-workshop siya sa actual masseur,” says Direk Brillante.

“Tinuruan siya kung paano magmasahe.

Nagmasahe rin siya ng masseur para masigurado na tama ang ginagawa niya.”

Such is the immersion that Direk Brillante wanted so that both he and his actors could tell the film’s story with utmost honesty. This closeness to reality has become the trademark of his films, and is a principle that Coco would imbibe through his next projects with Direk Dante. After Masahista, the two would make Tirador (2007), Serbis (2008), and Kinatay (2009), all of which are films that deal with social issues.Tirador is a multi-character story set in Quiapo about petty criminals and corrupt politicians. Serbis is a drama that depicts the life of a family that operates a run-down movie theater, while Kinatay follows a day in the life of a police academy student who takes on a mission that leads to the murder of a prostitute.

Both Serbis and Kinatay were in competition at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. The latter earned for Direk Brillante a Cannes Best Director Award.

In all these, Coco was a collaborator willing to be engaged in long discussions about character, story and milieu with his director. Direk Brillante says, “Interesado si Coco sa pagbuo ng istorya. Nag-a-attend siya ng brainstorming sessions. Kasama namin siyang nag-iikot kapag nagriresearch.”

The actor’s training was further complemented by work behind the camera. In Direk Brillante’s Foster Child, Coco was crowd director (not to mention, he also played a bit part as a pedicab driver). Direk Brillante says, “’Yung passion ko sa paggawa ng pelikula at ‘yung involvement na nire-require ko sa artista, sa staff at sa crew, naiintindihan ni Coco.

Alam niya na para sa akin, ang paggawa ng pelikula ay hindi raket-raket lang.”

Because of this, Coco has developed a deep respect for the long and multifaceted creative process.

He says, “Kung alam lang ng mga artista kung paano pinaghihirapan, pinag-iisipan, pinagpupuyatan

ang script bago gawin. Hindi lang naman sinulat lang ng writers ‘yon. Nagre-research sila para diyan. Naiintindihan ko ‘yung preparation na ginagawa. Naa-appreciate ko dahil na-involve ako sa pre-production. Alam ko kung paano ginagawa. Kaya bilang artista hindi ka puwedeng mag-comment na ‘Hindi totoo ang dialogue na ito, ah!’ o ‘Ba’t ang pangit ng lines?’”

Coco gives Direk Brillante credit for showing him how an actor must regard each and every project he accepts. “Sa kanya ko natutunan ‘yung pagpapahalaga sa trabaho at character na ginagampanan.”

For Coco, being part of a Brillante Mendoza film is always an enlightening experience—so much so that he tries to join one in any capacity. The actor essays a small but special role in Direk Brillante’s Captive which competed at the 2012 Berlin Film Festival and will be shown in local theaters this year. —Gay Ace Domingo

Award-winning Direk Brillante believes Coco will make a good director someday. He explains, “Meron siyang disiplina...

Nakapagpractice na rin siyang maging crowd director at co-director. I think Coco will be a capable filmmaker.”

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Kaya kapag binabalik-balikan ko ‘yon ngayon, nagpapasalamat ako kasi sabi ko, ‘yon ang dahilan kung bakit ako naging matibay. Kasi kung that time naging perfect ang family ko, baka isa ako sa mga ordinaryong kabataan ngayon—nagba-basketball, nababarkada, gumigimik.”

— Coco on finding strength in his family 12

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From indie to mainstream Written by Eunille Santos, Fachay Trinidad and Manuel Nolasco Additional research by Raine Calucag

Who knew that from a lead actor in independent films, he would turn into one of the most sought-after matinee idols of his time? From a naive masahista to a farm-worker-turned-haciendero in Walang Hanggan, Rodel Nacianceno paved his own way towards stardom—not taking any shortcuts—to become the Coco Martin of today.

2007 Rising star After his numerous roles in independent films like Masahista and Siquijor: Mystic Island, Coco became part of GMA-7’s Daisy Siete, co-starring with the Sexbomb Girls. But he continued to build his reputation as the indie film prince, doing several films in the span of one year, including Tirador which was screened at the Berlin Film Festival.

2001 The small start Coco’s first step into the world of show business was quite small. He appeared in a cameo role with Judy Ann Santos in Luvtxt. He portrayed a character named Rodel Nacianceno, his real name. In the movie, he was a friend of Russell Mon, one of the supporting cast members.

2008 The good stuff Sometimes, the bad guys serve up the good stuff. Coco proved this when he played the role of Ronel, son of a political family, in the afternoon soap Ligaw na Bulaklak. His other film, Serbis, became controversial because of his much talked-about frontal nudity scene.

2006 The Magnificent Masseur His gentle massage, sweet caress and bravura performance in the indie film Masahista earned him an award as the Young Critics Circle Best Actor. The film also found its way to international film festivals and received an Interfaith Award at the Brisbane International Film Festival. In 2005, the movie earned a Golden Leopard Award from the Locarno International Film Festival.

2009 Two to tango Coco bagged a Gawad URIAN Best Supporting Actor trophy for Jay. He was also nominated as Best Actor for Daybreak but lost to Ronnie Lazaro of Yanggaw. Gaining momentum in his television career, Coco successfully broke through the mainstream with his role as Ramon, the half brother of Gerald Anderson and Jake Cuenca in Tayong Dalawa.

He bagged a Star Awards for TV trophy as Best Drama Actor for his role. That year also launched his team-up with Maja Salvador in the afternoon soap Nagsimula sa Puso.

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2010 Not too far By 2010, stardom was well within Coco’s grasp. He was cast as the rebellious Ringo in the primetime drama Kung Tayo’y Magkakalayo, with Kris Aquino and Kim Chiu. He also starred as Tonyong Bayawak as part of the Agimat: Mga Alamat ni Ramon Revilla series, followed by a stint in 1DOL with Sarah Geronimo. His first mainstream film was Sa’yo Lamang, with Bea Alonzo, Lorna Tolentino and Christopher de Leon.

Coco’s Nescafe “Yummy!” commercial also became a buzzword that year.

2011 A decade of excellence Coco’s body of work earned him a distinguished recognition from the Gawad URIAN as the Aktor ng Dekada (Actor of the Decade). In the same year, he starred in Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin, playing the dual roles of a rebel and soldier named Javier Del Tierro and Alexander Del Tierro, opposite Andi Eigenmann and Maja Salvador. His other film, Noy, earned him a Best Actor recognition from the Star Awards.

Entering the mainstream

Unlike previous projects that floated his way, only to vanish, the minor role as a villain in Ligaw na Bulaklak actually panned out. His first scene was to gun down a policeman accompanying the character of Sid Lucero.

The second director was doubtful whether Coco, who looked young, would pull it off. Coco fell silent, feeling “nire-reject na naman ako.” Since it was already early in the morning and there was no more time to bring in a replacement, they settled for him to do the scene.

“Ang eksena ko, bababa lang kami ng kotse,” Coco recalls. “Babarilin ko lang ‘yung pulis. Action! Bumaba ako ng kotse. Binaril ko ‘yung pulis. Pang! Pagbaril ko sa pulis, siyempre mag-iiwan ka ng nuance. Tinutukan ko si Sid. Ang motivation ko lang n’un—kahit hindi sinabi ng direktor—‘Sige subukan mong magsalita, papatayin ko ang pamilya mo,’ pero walang lines.

Motivation ko lang ‘yun sa sarili ko. Titigan kami ni Sid sabay exit ako, sakay ng kotse, tapos alis... Kahit bata ‘yung mukha ko, nagshi-shift, nag-iiba itsura ko.”

It was enough to impress the director, who decided to expand the character of Coco. It was the start of a dream unfolding. Even during the Masahista days, Ed noticed that Coco was determined to crash into the mainstream. “At the back of his mind, he wanted to be part of the roster of actors under an established 14

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2012 No end Coco capped his amazing run with the lead role in Walang Hanggan, playing the role of a farm worker-turned-haciendero who falls in love with the character of Julia Montes. He also did his second mainstream film, Born to Love You, opposite Angeline Quinto. In his very first romantic comedy, Coco plays a struggling photographer named Rex who comes from a broken family. But everything changes when he meets Angeline’s character Joey, a tourist guide in search of her true father.

studio outfit,” he observes. Despite their many collaborations, Brillante encouraged Coco to continue treading this mainstream path, reminding him that making indie films couldn’t offer Coco the stability he required and wouldn’t help him realize his dreams for his family. “’Hindi ka yayaman dito. Unang-una, hindi ka makakagawa ng films twice a year. So basically hanggang gan’un lang, kung magkano ‘yung budget na ina-allot... Ano ang desisyon mo?” he told Coco.

Coco’s decision was to dive headlong into the fresh opportunities of television. This entailed finding a new manager, this time in the person of Biboy Arboleda.

The first time the two met was at the fund-raising dinner for Gilbert Perez at the now defunct Esquinita Restaurant. “N’ung gabi na yun, nakita ko siya, the first thing that I noticed was the mata, his mata,” Biboy says, adding it was also what he noticed the first time he saw Nora Aunor. “Hindi nagmarka sa akin ‘Ang cute ni Coco, ang pogi ni Coco,’ or ‘Ay, medyo Indiantoned skin.’ Mata. ‘Yung mata talaga. Ang tawag ko sa ganyang klaseng mata ay parang mata ng santo.”

The two formally met during the pictorial of Tayong Dalawa, a primetime soap where Coco was to play halfbrother to Gerald Anderson’s character. Biboy then was handling the publicity. He remembers Coco asking him if he could be his “mother”. Biboy recalls: “Parang siguro

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Coco-licious The women Coco Martin has romanced on screen

Mercedes Cabral Worked with Coco in: Serbis (2008), Kinatay (2009) What working with Mercedes means to Coco: “Galing siya ng UP eh (Mercedes is a Fine Arts-Sculpture major in UP Diliman), kumbaga sobrang artistic bilang tao. Never mo siyang makakatrabaho ng wala lang, for the sake of money lang.”

Mercedes is equally in awe of her Serbis and Kinatay co-star’s acting talent and humility: “Masarap katrabaho si Coco kasi siya yung actor na mahihila ka niya pataas kapag ka-eksena mo siya.

Binibigay niya sa ‘yo kung ano ‘yung dapat mo maramdaman sa eksena na binibigay sa inyo. ‘Yung pagiging grounded niya ‘yung pinaka-gusto ko sa kanya. Kahit ang layo na ng narating niya, grounded pa rin siya.”

Alessandra de Rossi Worked with Coco in: Tayong Dalawa (2009), Santa Niña (2012) What working with Alessandra means to Coco: “Siya ang isa sa pinaka-kinatatakutan kong kaeksena kasi ang galing. Bago mag-take‘yan, napakaharot niyan, napakakulit. Kapag kaeksena mo na, hindi mo alam kung ano ang ibibigay niya sa iyo.”

Each time Coco works with a leading lady, he aims to make it such a pleasant experience that she will want to work with him again. Alessandra is one of them. When she learned that she was going to be his leading lady in the indie film Santa Niña, Alessandra told their director Manny Palo that she was not to be yanked out of the project under any circumstances. Coco remembers how Alessandra made her wishes clear. “N’ung nalaman niya na may offer na pelikula, na indie, n’ung nalaman niya na ako ang kapareha, sabi niya, ‘Direk, hindi mo ako puwedeng tanggalin diyan, ‘wag na ‘wag mo akong tatanggalin. Hindi puwedeng wala ako diyan.’ Ang sarap ng pakiramdam.

Natatawa nga si Direk Manny, sabi tuloy niya kay Alessandra, ‘Ikaw, n’ung nalaman mo na si Coco, ikaw pa ang namimilit na ‘wag kang tatanggalin…’ “

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Mercedes Cabral and Coco bonded in international film festivals showcasing their movies, Serbis and Kinatay.

Alessandra de Rossi reunites with Coco in Santa Niña. The two first worked together in Tayong Dalawa.

Andi Eigenmann Worked with Coco in: Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin (2011) Standing up for Andi: Andi is like a kid sister to Coco since the former’s mother Jaclyn Jose, the actor considers as one of his earliest mentors in the ‘biz.

One time on the set of Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin in Tanay, Rizal, Andi was feeling

a bit under the weather. “Masama na ‘yung pakiramdam niya kasi maghapon kaming naulanan, sobrang lamig.

Si Andi ubo na nang ubo.” Coco raised his concern to the staff.“Hindi kasi ako showbiz na magbabait-baitan.”

This quality of Coco’s did not escape Andi. Coco, she says, “is very light and easy to work with. Aside from the fact that he’s a very good actor and knows what he’s doing, he’s also very selfless. He never forgets the people around him, whenever we do scenes together he makes sure to help me when I need it. He makes sure that the entirety of the production is well and doing the right thing instead of just worrying about himself.”

Sarah Geronimo Worked with Coco in: Idol (2010) Sarah-nian: Coco admits that he is a fan of the singer-actress.“Naaaliw ako sa kanya every time na kasama mo siya o kausap mo siya o pinapanood mo siya.” Before working with Sarah in the

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Even Pop Princess Sarah Geronimo was paired up with Coco in the first ever muiscal soap, 1DOL.

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90 percent of the entire studio was calling me mother. And then sabi niya, ‘Okay lang ba sa ’yo, ako ‘yung anak mo?

E kasi, wala akong mother.’ Akala ko wala siyang nanay or dead na ang nanay niya. Sabi ko, ‘Ay sorry.’ ‘Hindi po yun, wala po kasi akong manager. Pwede ko po ba kayong maging manager, maging mother na rin?’ So natawa ako.

Ang naalala kong sagot sa kanya was, ‘Anak, anak, anak, nasa gitna ako ng trabaho, ng shoot, akin na number mo.’”

That same night, Coco and Biboy talked and the succeeding meetings brought them to a consensus on how their professional relationship would proceed.

Biboy asked his friends for opinions about Coco and so did Coco, consulting Brillante who has become the actor’s advisor for both personal and professional matters. The director told him that he found a right fit with Biboy because he can provide “yung direksyon na gusto niyang puntahan at that time. He wanted to have a regular job. Kailangan din niyang kumita.”

“On the first time that I managed Coco, I just told him, ‘Let’s try this out with Tayong Dalawa,’” says Biboy. “‘The show will last for three months, then we’ll take it from there.’ Tayong Dalawa lasted for nine months. So quota na kami for one year. At that point when he was doing Tayong Dalawa, we were also doing Kinatay with Direk Brillante Mendoza kasi ayoko mawala si Coco sa core niya.” By this, Biboy meant the world of indie films.

It was Tayong Dalawa that solidified Coco’s status

as a viable mainstream talent. In one creative session with the staff for the soap, he told the story of his father Ramon and his relationship with his grandmother Matilde. In the soap, the relationship was revised to become that of a grandson and grandmother, the latter role played by Gina Pareño, named Lola Gets in the soap.

“N’ung ginagampanan ko ‘yung role sa Tayong Dalawa, parang ginagampanan ko ‘yung buhay ng tatay ko.”

After Tayong Dalawa, Coco ventured into a string of soaps, all shown on primetime: Kung Tayo’y Magkakalayo, 1dol and Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin. Some mainstream practices, however, would clash with the values he learned from doing indie films. He recounts an episode when a staff member asked what food he wanted while the rest of the crew wasn’t given the same courtesy. “Sabi ko, ‘Alam n’yo ba na importante sa atin sa trabaho ang pagkain, alam n’yo minsan kahit hindi tayo bayaran ng sobrasobra, basta busog tayo at masaya tayo sa kinakain natin, matitiis natin kahit gaano kahirap, kahit gaano kapagod?’

“Pero pinaliwanag niya naman sa akin ng maayos.

Pero sabi ko nga, siyempre siya naman nagtatrabaho lang, pero ako, on my part, parang hindi ko kayang atimin. Sabi ko nga, kung tutuusin nga, dapat matuwa ako dahil iniintindi nila ako bilang artista. Pero hindi nga kaya ng loob ko eh. Ako kakain, tapos sila hindi? Sabi ko nga, minsan dun ako maaaring mapahamak dahil siyempre nagpapaka-Robin Hood ka sa ibang tao.”

I wish he would be (a fish out of water) sometimes, but of course, sabi niya, ‘There’s no turning back.’ The only way is to push forward. There’s no turning back but he could always look back. He could always look back and draw inspiration.”

— Manager Biboy Arboleda on Coco having adjusted to showbiz

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musical series Idol, Coco had wanted to meet the Pop Princess but did not act on the urge. “Ako kasi kapag gustung-gusto ko ‘yung tao, hangga’t maaari, iniiwasan ko para hindi mawala ‘yung misteryo niya sa akin.”

It may come as a surprise to find out that at one time, Sarah also had a crush on Coco. “N’ung una kaming magkita sa taping ng Idol, nahihiya ako magpakilala kasi mukhang tahimik, tapos alam ko magaling siyang aktor, galing sa indie films nga po. Pero mabait pala. Naging crush ko siya habang nagta-taping kami kasi nga po mabait at gusto ko ‘yung smile niya, maganda. Sincere siya pag nagsmile. Wala naman pong masama sa crush. Paghanga lang po ‘yun.”

Julia Montes Worked with Coco in: Walang Hanggan (2012) They go a long way back: Before Julia played Coco’s childhood sweetheart in TV’s Walang Hanggan, they worked together in a Channel 13 series called Pangarap Kong Jackpot.“Fourteen pa lang siya (Julia) noon at pareho kaming rumaraket kasi sa indie pa lang din naman ako lumalabas noon,” shares Coco. Even then, Julia was playing characters that were six years older than her real age. “Natatawa siya (Coco) sa akin, sabi niya ‘Grabe! Ang bata-bata mo pa pala.’” Their paths would cross again in a fashion event and then finally as star-crossed lovers in Walang Hanggan. Julia swears that Coco is a real gentleman. “Every taping may ginagawa siyang special sa ‘yo. Yung simpleng nakatayo ka lang halimbawa, siya ‘yung maghahanap ng chair for you.”

Angeline Quinto Worked with Coco in: Born to Love You (2012) The mentor: Coco is amazed at the many similarities between him and Angeline. Both reared by their grandmothers, Coco discovered that Angeline is religious like him. “Nagsisimba rin pala siya sa Quiapo,” Coco says of his Born to Love You leading lady who had been very vocal about her crush on him. “Nu’ng nalaman ko na gusto niya akong makatrabaho, na crush daw

(ako), biglang mapapansin mo.”

While filming their first project together (which also happens to be Angeline’s acting debut) Coco made sure to look after the singing champ. “Workshop pa lang, talagang tinutukan ko siya (Angeline).Yung kung saan huhugutin (ang emosyon), paano ia-analyze ang isang eksena, na kapag ako na ‘yung kukunan, pagod na ako, wala na akong maibigay.”

The close attention Coco gave

to Angeline was felt and appreciated by his leading lady. “Kahit nung nag-umpisa kami mag-shooting, talagang hindi malayo yung loob niya sa akin. Kung baga, hindi first naming magka-trabaho yung pakiramdam,” says Angeline. They spent a lot of time talking to each other on the set. “May mga bagay kami na pinagkukuwentuhan. Yung mga pinag-daanan na rin namin.

Yung mga hirap ng buhay noon.”

Maja Salvador Worked with Coco in: Nagsimula sa Puso (2009), Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin (2011) Workers-turned-friends: Maja and Coco portrayed lovers in two ABS-CBN series (especially the second one Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin), and there was undeniable chemistry. But the first time Coco worked with Maja, he was actually uneasy. “N’ung una ko

siyang nakatrabaho, nahihiya ako sa kanya. Kasi Maja Salvador na siya that time. Eh ako, n’ung nagsisimula pa lang, mahiyain ako humarap sa tao, si Maj ang nagturo sa akin na magkaroon ng lakas ng loob, magkaroon ng confidence kahit pap’ano.”

As they worked together, Maja found something to admire about Coco: his work ethic. “Sa ginagawa niyang proyekto at yung binibigay sa kanya, talagang hindi lang 100 percent ang binibigay niya,” says Maja. She even came up with the line “teka lang, processing muna si Coco” to describe the intensity with which he approaches a scene.

As a person, she sees him as “masayahin din, sobrang close sa family niya, especially doon sa lola, feeling ko kaya siya sobrang committed sa work niya kasi ang dami niyang plans for his family.” — Written by Arnel Ramos/Interviews

by Carlo Arcangel, Tinna Bonifacio, Gay Domingo and Julian Mauricio

As Daniel and Katerina, Coco and Julia Montes are keeping the audience glued as to how their relationship would evolve in the primetime hit, Walang Hanggan.

Maja Salvador and Coco made a memorable loveteam in Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin. A fan club, Cocojam, was even created in their honor.

Angeline Quinto is Coco’s romantic partner in his first major mainstream foray, Born to Love You. TFC ALL ACCESS V o l u m e

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Dati, wala akong pakialam sa buhay ko: aksidente, mamatay, kung ano ang mangyari sa buhay ko . . . Pero ngayon, habang ina-analyze ko na kung gaano ako kahalaga sa pamilya ko, natatakot ako. Kasi sabi ko, ‘Oo, nagpupundar ako, nagtatayo ako ng pundasyon sa pamilya ko, eh kung mawala ako baka mawala rin.’

Kaya ngayon iniingatan ko buhay ko.”

— Coco on valuing his life more now that his family leans on him for support Primetime prince

Despite the occasional hiccups both in his private and public life, Coco’s good fortune shows no signs of slowing down, with Walang Hanggan topping the ratings for both Kantar Media-TNS and AGB Nielsen charts, at one time reaching a 41 percent rating as opposed to its competitor. Coco plays not only the role of Daniel but also serves as a creative consultant, providing crucial inputs to his character and story line. His first lead role in a mainstream movie, Born to Love You, (opposite Angeline Quinto) was received warmly by audiences.

But despite this string of successes, Coco has chosen to ignore the figures. “Kapag in-entertain ko yan, lahat ng gustong sabihin ng mga tao, lahat ng komento nila sa akin, mag-a-adjust ako, masisira diskarte ko. . . ano man ang sabihin nila sa akin, pangit man o maganda, derecho pa rin ‘yung ano, at diskarte ko pa rin ‘yung nangyayari.

Ayoko kasi ‘yung ang daming pumapasok sa isip mo.”

Biboy agrees: “There are always rankings, there are surveys and all, di ba? Kaya ako, I always tell Coco, ‘Relax.’ I never show (them to him). I don’t want him to be conscious. The minute na i-push ko siya to that level na magiging conscious siya about being an artista, baka ma-diminish... his core essence, which I think is the main driver of his success.”

This core essence, Biboy believes, is what enables the viewers to live vicariously through Coco who personifies their struggles, hopes and aspirations. “Kailangang napaparamdam mo sa taong manonood kung ano ang nararamdaman mo sa oras na ‘yon, or sa eksenang ‘yon,” says Coco. “Siguro nakikita kasi ng mga tao na in spite na

ordinaryo akong tao, ordinaryo ‘yung itsura ko, nakakarelate siguro... kapag napapanood nila ako sa mga soap, isa ako sa mga anak nila, pag salbahe ako, salbaheng anak o salbaheng apo. Kapag mabait ako, nagiging inspirasyon ka sa mga tao.”

This may be the reason why, through all these years, Coco hasn’t internalized the fringe benefits of being an artista: the special treatment anywhere he goes, the screaming fans that trail in his wake, the never-ending flurry of flash bulbs. Each time he sees a magazine pictorial where he is airbrushed to perfection, “nag-woworry na ako.” After all, he is an actor defined not so much by his looks as his grit, his stamina, and his capacity to take on difficult, excruciating roles.

Another example that he hasn’t totally embraced the charmed life was during the Star Magic Ball last year.

Instead of walking on the red carpet, Coco darted behind the registration desk, dodging photographers and writers who would ask the tepid but necessary question: “Who are you wearing?” Sporting a tux, a bow-tie and announcing his arrival with his favorite perfume, Coco was sharp and dapper but beneath those expensive tailored clothes, he was still Rodel—out of place in big gatherings, awkward in social situations, uncomfortable with the ostentatious display of privilege.

What he is truly at home in—and this he would say without batting an eyelash—is in the realm of make-believe, a world where he could be a masseur, a pickpocket, a soldier, a rebel, a prince charming. For him, he doesn’t play the character, he is the character. “’Pag may pinaghahandaan ako na isang character o TFC ALL ACCESS V o l u m e

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Wala namang permanente sa buhay. Ayoko dumating ‘yung araw na ‘pag kinakausap ko ang sarili ko, ‘Bakit hindi ko pinagbuti?

Bakit inisip ko agad ‘yung sarili ko? Bakit hindi ko pa inayos nung may oportunidad ako?’ Nakita ko din sa mga parents ko nabigyan ko sila ng opportunity pero kasi siguro hindi ganito ‘yung mindset nila, hindi nila masyadong nabigyang halaga.”

isang proyekto, malayo pa ‘yung proyekto, sinasabuhay ko na ang character, kasi ‘pag sumalang na ako, ako na yun,” he says. “Hindi ako dumarating sa set na artista ako na parang bagong ligo o bagong gising, tapos bibihisan mo lang tapos character na.”

For his versatility, depth and sensitivity each time he tackles a role, Coco is often compared with Superstar Nora Aunor. Coco says he still has a long way to go in reaching that exalted status. “Sabi ko nga po, napakabata ko pa, sila Nora Aunor, ilang dekada bago ma-earn ‘yung respect. Ako masabihan lang na may potential, sobra na akong tuwa...

Maaari mong makuha ‘yung sobrang kasikatan, pero ‘yung respeto hindi basta-basta yan.”

Once the polish of his name and the shine of the spotlight disappear, Coco says he is more than ready to take his leave. “Kaya ko laging pinagbubutihan ‘yung 20

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trabaho ko, lagi kong inaayos ‘yung pakikisalamuha ko sa mga tao, kasi alam ko ‘pag nawala na ang lahat ng ito, hindi ko na maibabalik kung ano man ang meron ako ngayon, mga blessing na dumarating sa akin. Kung baga, lagi kong iniisip na ibibigay ko na ‘yung best.”

The other space he treasures is where he could leave behind the persona of Coco Martin and become Rodel Nacianceno again, free and safe from the expectations of the world and tyranny of fame. As soon as the director shouts ‘Cut!,’ the lights dim and people bid each other goodbye on the set, Rodel—the boy born on the day of the dead, the dreamer of big dreams, the darling of his lola, the actor with the slight lisp, the man who found his destiny— will slide into the familiar comfort of the ordinary, humming along to an Ogie Alcasid song as he makes his way to that tender place called home.

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A decade of John Lloyd and Bea, told by the two people who lived their story. All the ups, the downs, the highs and the lows, the near-romance (and why it didn’t happen), how they feel about it, their accomplishments as actors, and what the future holds for them By Tinna S. Bonifacio • Photography by BJ Pascual

Unforgettable

Story courtesy of StarStudio Magazine: John Lloyd and Bea Special 2012

Magic

For John Lloyd: Styling by Rex Atienza • Grooming by Steven Doloso • Hair Styling by Joel Varda For Bea: Styling by Reese Rubin and Abby Aranda for Liz Uy Styling Co. • Makeup by Lala Flores • Hair Styling by Bren Sales

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F

inding the perfect two who can effectively translate the romantic sparks in a script is tougher than it seems.

There are no secret formulas to producing on-screen chemistry, not even if you pair two highly celebrated talents. Casting an effective love team is more a hit-andmiss affair rather than an exact science.

Many actors have been brought together to portray roles of eternal love and romance, but only a handful manage to endure the test of time. In the history of local cinema, only a few names became inseparable—Nestor and Nida of the ‘50s, Guy and Pip

during the ‘70s, Sharon and Gabby in the ‘80s, and Vilma and Boyet, whose tandem has crossed over decades.

And in our generation, there is John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo.

Who would have thought that casting a 14-year-old newbie with an established 19-year-old actor in a teleserye would spark off a chemistry that would last for a decade?

“Pag tabi pa lang nu’ng dalawa, at their age ha, I already said, ‘Grabe ‘yung chemistry nitong dalawang ‘to!’ Sabi ko, ‘Meron, meron,’” recalls Director Olivia Lamasan in a press conference on auditioning Bea to play opposite John Lloyd in Kay

Tagal Kang Hinintay’s Book 2.

It was a rare find indeed that the award-winning director stumbled upon during that casting call in 2002, and her instincts proved to be spoton. The critically acclaimed teleserye redefined the genre not only by becoming a top-rated show on the small screen, it also bagged several awards, including a Best Drama Series Award from the Catholic Mass Media Award and a PMPC Star Best Primetime Drama Award. In addition, it was the first local soap to be nominated in the International Emmy’s Best Drama Series category and to become one of the top five best drama series

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contenders at the Asian TV Awards.

At this point, the success of the John Lloyd-Bea team-up could easily be brushed off as mere luck, considering that Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay showcased an enviable roster of cast. But because the John Lloyd-Bea linkup consistently emerged among the top-grossing projects afterwards, it became clear that there was something about the love team that the viewing public just couldn’t get enough of.

First blush

The next year, in 2003, the love team made its first foray into the big screen.

John Lloyd and Bea co-starred with another couple, John Prats and Heart Evangelista, in the two-part movie My First Romance. Putting the John LloydBea team-up to the test, they were given roles in stark contrast to those they assumed in Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay.

Here, JL played the love-struck Enzo, while Bea posed as a heartbroken college freshman grieving her beau’s death.

Although the movie was a dual-billed ensemble, it became evident that JL and Bea’s team-up had been crucial to the movie’s success, based on audience reaction and gross revenue—a whopping P94.6 million at the box office. What’s more, Bea’s acting skills impressed the critics. For her performance, she received the Best New Movie Actress award from the Philippine Movie Press Club’s Star Awards for Movies.

The undeniable chemistry between the two and their film success indicated that the love team was ready for the big leagues.

So almost immediately, on December 8, 2003 to be exact, John Lloyd and Bea were given their very own soap, aptly dubbed It Might Be You, which ran for a year. Here, they played star-crossed lovers Lawrence Trinidad and Cielo San Carlos, who fought tooth and nail to make their love work. It was an epic love story that culminated in a historic TV wedding that, according to the December 10, 2004 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer, cost P2 million to produce.

They are the pair to reckon with, both are so serious in their profession—John Lloyd wants to be recognized as an actor while Bea has always wanted to excel in their craft. They have a special appeal to the movie-going public.”

— D i r e k L au r e n t i Dy o g i

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Acclaimed movie helmsman Gilbert Perez, who co-directed the series, also enthused in the said article, “What I’m proudest of is the fact that we ended the series on our own terms, with the ratings still high and the story still strong,” Perez added: What we’re aiming for is to reach the exact note of romance and destiny that we wanted to hit when we began.”

Taking flight

The only logical step now for the unstoppable duo was to star in a hit film all their own. Thus, in 2004, they took on the lead roles for their pivotal first movie—Now That I Have You, whose script was written by Joey Javier Reyes.

The flick was a litmus test for the star power of the couple; it would show whether the Bea-John Lloyd magic was really strong enough to carry through a mega-bucks project. Helming this experiment was Director Laurenti Dyogi, who witnessed the couple’s love-team beginnings as Yuri and Katrina—the same big wig who choreographed Bea Alonzo’s first on-screen and real-life kiss.

When asked at a press conference how the two did in their first solo flick, Director Dyogi said in a September 2004 edition of Mr. & Ms.: “They are the pair to reckon with. Both are so serious in their profession—John Lloyd wants to be recognized as an actor while Bea has always wanted to excel in (her) craft.

They have a special appeal to the moviegoing public.”

This time, the two brilliantly pulled off a difficult love angle, where the girl did the chasing after rather than the boy.

The two gave life to the characters of Michael and Betsy so convincingly that the movie did not just reach spectacular heights at the box office, it also reaped praises and accolades, including a Best Picture Comedy Award by the Golden Screen Awards and the Most Popular Love Team Award by the Guillermo Mendoza Foundation. The couple was also dubbed the prince and princess of Philippine movies.

Interesting, only during the Now That I Have You promo appearances that their friendship started to bloom, and they finally decided to exchange mobile numbers. The once snobbish John Lloyd (according to Bea, but which JL shrugged off as just him being the typically quiet type of person) started easing up on his co-star. “Bea brought

out the kid in me, the side of me that I’ve missed for a long time,” the actor revealed in an interview. It was the first of many pronouncements that would signal their evolving relationship.

Going global

Having established her name in showbiz, Bea ventured on her own in 2005, making a Valentine movie with another leading man. Paired with equally brilliant hottie Piolo Pascual in the flick Dreamboy, the new offering made good as well and had a lot of highlights that drew cheers from the audience. The loudest reaction, however, came near the end, when a familiar face made an unexpected cameo—John Lloyd Cruz, of course.

This was a defining moment that clearly spelled out who the crowd wanted as Bea’s on-screen better half. The loyalty of their fans was established, and their numbers grew to include not just Filipinos here but across the globe. Hence, a world tour was in order. John Lloyd and Bea did a series of international shows in key cities of the world, including a guest appearance in Dubai and the United States. The love team suddenly went global.

But after five months of no TV appearance, their legions of fans grew restless and demanding. So as soon as the world tour ended, they went straight to business by taping Ikaw ang Lahat sa Akin, their follow-up soap with Claudine Barreto, Diether Ocampo and Shaina Magdayao.

Here, a new JL and Bea surfaced.

He played an extrovert prankster to her bullied introvert. But despite the contrasting personas, the two seemed to be more comfortable in each other’s company, and their acting together looked more natural. Bea confirmed this in an interview, “I’m happy when I’m with him and I hope that he feels the same way.”

Naturally their fans started to wonder if there was something deeper behind the on-screen romance. The team-up was so believable that they wished it

would unfold in real life. Even industry stalwarts such as talk show icon Boy Abunda welled up in tears when John Lloyd answered his burning question in a The Buzz interview: “Mahal ko si Bea, mahal ko siya. Hindi ko alam kung saan pupunta ‘to pero ang alam ko lang kung ano ‘ko ngayon, kung ano nakikita mo at nakikita ng tao—totoo ‘to. ” To which Tito Boy responded with, “Naiiyak naman ako [long pause, wiped his tears]. Tama na. You take care.”

Love phenomenon

It was a steady climb to the top for the tandem as they proceeded with project after project: A love triangle involving Sam Milby in Close to You (February 2006) grossed an incredible P77 million at the box office, while another movie in August 2006 titled All About Love raked in P89 million and nabbed the 2007 Luna Award for Best Actor for John Lloyd Cruz.

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Then in 2007 came the pivotal movie that gave JL and Bea their unforgettable roles in Philippine cinema. One More Chance is a simple story about the dark side of romantic love. It became a smash hit, making its mark in pop culture history with precious lines that often get quoted, reenacted or even spoofed.

“I’ve always been impressed with these two young performers and here in One More Chance, my respect for them as actors has even gone up higher, especially since they are able to chew on a good screen material that gives them the opportunity to shine even more,” noted famous film critic and host Butch Francisco in his Philippine Star column.

Aside from the accolades the film garnered, including the Most Popular Film Director Award, It generated over P150 million at the box office in December 2007, making it one of the highest grossing Filipino films of all time. For all these achievements, the top-billed stars were hailed as the box office king and queen for the year.

Names that matter

With such powerful names, commercial endorsements followed suit. Bea and John Lloyd paired and magazine

appearances for a CLEAR shampoo commercial.

They fronted two more products in 2009, a cheesy pizza commercial for Greenwich and a Smart TVC appearance where they introduced Smart Money and talked about the network’s other services.

Simultaneously, they made another hit soap opera, I love Betty La Fea, which centered on a geeky Bea Alonzo role that was supported by JL as her male lead. The uber-success of the local adaptation of the Colombian teleserye reverberated across the globe, and it was aired in the United States and Canada until May 28, 2010 via The Filipino Channel. The final episode secured the top position at the ratings chart, as it raked in, according to the TNS Media Research report, an incredible 41.3 percent viewership compared to a mere 26.1 percent of the competing program Amazingly, the busy pair even managed to squeeze in another hit movie in between these momentous events. In February 2010, Miss You Like Crazy opened in cinemas as their post-Valentine presentation. According to box-office reports, the film grossed

over P114 million in the first two weeks of showing and, as stated on the Box Office Mojo website, raked in over $3 million in global revenue after running for six weeks, placing it on the eighth spot as the highest grossing Pinoy flick of all time. Though the film, which reached selected theaters in Los Angeles and Honolulu, wasn’t another One More Chance phenomenon, it was a certified commercial hit.

Call it destiny

Fast forward to the present: You must know by now that their latest film, The Mistress, became the centerpiece of their decade-long success, grossing a jaw-dropping P300 million from theater sales worldwide. What you may not know, though, was that it originally wasn’t supposed to have John Lloyd in the cast.

Derek Ramsay was already on board for the project and had played his part opposite Bea in the initial leg of shooting. But then Derek left the stable of ABS-CBN, and Director Olivia Lamasan had to recast the role, with John Lloyd becoming the top pick to replace Derek.

When asked if The Mistress would

I’ve always been impressed with these two young performers and here in One More Chance, my respect for them as actors has even gone up higher, especially since they are able to chew on a good screen material that gives them the opportunity to shine even more” — f il m cr i t ic a n d colu m n ist Bu tch F r a ncisco

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...iba talaga ang chemistry nina Bea at John Lloyd.

We have scenes na kahit hindi mo idetalye, alam na nila ang gagawin nila. Kahit ina-adlib na lang nila, natural na natural pa rin ang dating.”

— D i r e k Ol i v e L a m a s a n

have had the same success had Derek stayed on, Direk Lamasan said during the flick’s press conference, “We don’t know, but kung si Derek ang gumanap, ang personalidad niya ang lalabas sa movie, so it would be different as we would have adjusted the character to him. Pero iba talaga ang chemistry nina Bea at John Lloyd. We have scenes na kahit hindi mo idetalye, alam na nila ang gagawin nila.

Kahit ina-ad lib na lang nila, natural na natural pa rin ang dating.”

Perhaps some unseen force worked to reunite the two superstars to coincide with their celebration of their 10th anniversary as a love team. “Na-excite ako na I’m finally going to work with them in a film again kasi 10 years ago, isa ako sa mga bumuo ng kanilang love team... Siguro sinuswerte lang or talagang pinagpapala tayo,” recalls Direk Lamasan, the same director who first

directed them together in Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay and who discovered the couple’s enigmatic chemistry.

After 10 long years, John Lloyd and Bea’s on-screen love team has come full circle.

A lot have transpired since a promising 19-year-old John Lloyd first laid eyes on an aspiring 14-year-old Bea. The journey has been nothing short of magical, and we are a fortunate witness to it all. We tip our hats off to the pair’s immeasurable success, and wish them ever greater victories as they move on to the next decade of their phenomenal partnership.

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Over the years, John Lloyd and Bea have appeared together on StarStudio’s cover numerous times

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Chasing

Hope A coming of age story, featuring the life of Hope Elizabeth Soberano, as Metro follows her on an epic journey across California; from her hometown in San Jose, towards her dream of stardom in Los Angeles

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Story courtesy of Metro Magazine September 2015

Eyewear, Calvin Klein

Photographs doc marlon pecjo and andreo esguerra creative director rex atienza / text sarah meier Makeup mickey see / hair mhar cabradilla and fredal santos for hair studio by mhar special thanks to Pia Lopezbanos-Carrion of ABS-CBN International, Ria Carrion-Domingo and Kit Javier of Philippine Airlines, Ana Esguerra, Jan Bariuad, ogie diaz, MAAN SORIA, CHRISTOPHER DE AUSTRIA, DINA CASTRO, fiona dela vega and paolo salazar of thinkdharma, inc. (nikon), Great America, and lynelle hair fashion

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Opening frame, map of the United States.

Dotted red line marks a 9000 mile stretch down the outer left coast.

Narrator.

C

alifornia. With as many nuances as it has residents, America’s third largest state is iconic in a number of ways.

From the vineyards and redwood tree forests of the North, to San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, and the wondrous world of Hollywood in Los Angeles, the range of things to discover in this West Coast hub are endless. Home to an estimated one and a half million Filipinos, the state is also our most direct portal into America.

One must cross eight thousand miles of ocean to reach California from Manila, or the other way around, as was the case in 2008 when a ten-yearold little girl named Hope found herself on an airplane to the Philippines for the very first time.

Peppered with fear and unwillingness, it was a journey she could not have anticipated would unfold into the type of fairytale that tweens pore over in chapter books—simple girl, small town, finds bright lights, stardom. Not yet. At the time, all the little girl recognized was that she was being flown far, far away from her California home and that there was no distinguishable silver screen ending to this story.

Cut camera. Juxtaposition—still in an airplane, but more modern, and facing the opposite direction. A young woman in a hat sits in Business Class, staring out of the window as the rest of the passengers board.

Fast forward seven years, and a young woman named Liza sits in the premier cabin of the Philippines’ national carrier, her midnight colored cardigan falling ever so effortlessly over an immaculately crisp white shirt. She is headed out of Manila on a vessel bound for San Francisco. While many dread the long haul flight that rises up over the Pacific for thirteen hours, this might be the first time in months that Liza will have an opportunity to sleep, uninterrupted. There are no cameras, no movie sets, no song and dance numbers thirty thousand feet in the air. And that’s what real life

1877 WILEY DRIVE, MILPITAS. Welcome to Grandmomma Bobby’s old house, venue of many of Liza’s childhood shenanigans. “I used to throw my toys over the fence just so I had an excuse to go into my neighbor’s yard,” she recounts. We bring her over to that neighbor, who is now over ninety and widowed. The sweet old lady glows when she sees her and tells us how proud she is to have lived next to a famous movie star.

Dress and shoes, both DKNY

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“Even though I didn’t have the perfect life, I was always kind of used to it.

I never looked for anything more.” is like for her; while the teenager’s peers fret over whether or not anyone viewed their last post on Snapchat, Liza’s Instagram account is clocking in eighty thousand likes on a single picture, and she’s but seventeen years old, sitting almost solo at the front of this plane. To the unknowing and inattentive flyer she could rather easily be mistaken for an unaccompanied minor, placed where the flight crew can keep an eye on her.

And it’s hard to keep your eyes off her, really.

She has features that would drag an artist out of retirement, and any television watching, magazine reading resident of the Philippines knows so. This young woman, the demure, respectful, endearing little Miss Soberano, is an entire country’s shared doll; the one they want to stare at, adore, and selfishly keep a part of. We almost guarantee that if you send her one cabin back on this flight, a hundred passengers will have reacted the way most people do when they see her—stunned silent, then catapulted into a frenzy of sputtering activity, offering compliments that sounded better in their heads, reaching for their phones—all they need is one picture, no, one greeting, or an autograph for their brother, neighbor, teacher, boss, best friend.

This is not hyperbole, nor in any form an exaggeration—the last time our story’s subject flew back to the U.S. was a little over a week ago, and together with her onscreen beau, Enrique, the duo was met by such a buzzing collection of fans outside the plane tunnel, that ground staff had to intervene until passengers could properly alight.

But from the clamoring crowd upon that very arrival, one woman in particular is worth mentioning, her flash of blond hair the first thing we see as she jets out from the throng. As a quieted crowd watches, the woman launches into Liza, and Liza into her, with a two-armed, full bodied hug. In that moment, Liza turns back into Hope. Mother and daughter have not held each other in well over half a decade.

This trip is different. Quieter. We’re practically sneaking Liza in to California, months before her eighteenth birthday, giving her an opportunity to hit the pause button on this life in hyper drive. As the soon-to-be debutante makes the transition

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into official adulthood, we mark it with a symbolic journey that begins with a visit to the places of her earliest memories and unfolds into a rite of passage—a reflective road trip headed for what seems to be a destined throne in the limelight.

Scene shifts to the curbside of 1877 Wiley Drive.

We pull up to Liza’s childhood home in Milpitas, a one-level bungalow just east off the 680 interstate highway. “It used to be much prettier,” muses Wanda, her grandmother. “There used to be a beautiful tree right there in front, and over there, manicured bushes. My Mom finally sold this house a few years ago and it breaks my heart that the new owners didn’t take care of it.”

Wanda’s Mom, fondly known as Momma Bobby, is in Nevada now, but the house we are standing in front of is a pivotal landmark for four generations of this family. The older Asian couple living in it peers out at the 15 person group standing on their front lawn with skepticism, choosing to draw their curtains shut (and perhaps rightfully so as it isn’t long until that number grows).

A vehicle pulls up and Liza, her mother Jacqulyn, grandma Wanda, half-sister Lani, and cousin Aaliyah are soon joined by the three barefooted boys that come spilling out of it.

We’re trying to keep track of everyone’s names, but there’s a lot to digest in this family, as there are in the twists and turns of Liza’s childhood.

Her grandmother reminisces, “She didn’t want to leave here. I remember. Her father had been back in the Philippines and she was going out there to see him, but I remember her standing with her arms folded. She didn’t want to go. We hadn’t seen her since that day.” At this point, Wanda breaks into tears, thinking about the time that has since passed in her granddaughter’s life. “Is she crying again?” calls Jacqulyn smilingly, “Mom cries watching commercials.” And while the details of their family’s earlier years were no less than difficult, this jest and playfulness with which they tease each other’s weaknesses and quip about hardships, are in some way the very things that keep them from breaking down.

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Coat, shirt, and trousers, all Brooks Brothers

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Fur jacket, top, and skirt, all Tommy Hilfiger

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It is in these moments that you see the impact of her childhood; a wizened child from the streets of the South Bay and her old school Filipino grandparent’s dalagita all at once.

This strength has been passed down onto their eldest, their Hope, who recounts the early days for us. “I think my dad moved back to the Philippines when I was like, [age] one, and my mom was pregnant with my little brother, Justin. So I was just with my mom for a while,” Liza retells. But when a mix up with authorities put Jacqulyn in a position where she couldn’t care for her young children, Liza and Justin were entrusted to great-grandmomma Bobby. “Yeah, I lived with her for a while because she was gonna adopt me at first. I stayed with her for like three years.

But then she got diagnosed with diabetes, and I don’t think someone who is older and sick is allowed to adopt kids because if something happens to them, I’m gonna have to be put up for adoption again. So what they did was they had to look for another family who would want to take me and my brother.” It was at this point that Liza’s father, John, called his parents, who were still living in California. The Soberano grandparents gained legal custody of Hope and her brother, and for the next few years the children enjoyed a relatively simple life, visiting Jacqulyn on holidays.

“I don’t have the perfect life. I don’t have a complete family, I’ve never had the perfect Christmas nor the perfect birthday because [my family] is never complete. But even though I didn’t have the perfect life, I was always kind of used to it. Like, I never looked for anything more. I accepted the fact that it’s never going to be the way that I want it to be. And I realized growing up that there’s no perfect family at all. I’ve seen other people’s families, I’ve lived in other people’s houses, and I can say that there really is no such thing. It’s a matter of how you accept it and how you take it in—how you appreciate why things are the way they are.”

Scene shifts to California’s picturesque Highway 1 where our lead is in a yellow convertible, hair streaming out behind her in the chilly coastal wind.

We’re not sure if it’s fate or coincidence, but it turns out the car we’ve acquired for Liza’s road trip is a sun-punched, yellow convertible Camaro, which wouldn’t normally be anything newsworthy, except for the fact that halfway across the globe, Enrique Gil happens to also own a yellow Camaro. In a world where the lines between onscreen romance and real life relationships are more of a complex knot than a simple distinction, little things like this feed the imagination. Could they be two individuals, trekking

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The arrival in Los Angeles represents a transition from suburban girl to certified star, and as we watch Liza slip into the latest designer collections, it plays out as a foretelling of a life full of luxury and glamour. along in life, bound together by some force higher and stronger that the ones planning their career paths? Could there be a void in the lives of these two children, whose families always seem to have a piece missing (Enrique’s father succumbed to leukemia in 2008), that the other is best fit to fill?

The dashing actor has displayed an investment in her that lives outside of the requirements of their job, making himself present at milestone events (Enrique was witness to Liza’s baptism in July of this year), and has met her entire family at this point; part and parcel of Hope’s new life.

“Why doesn’t Enrique like you?” four year-old KC asks her eldest sister as they stand in line at Great America. “Who said he doesn’t like me?” Liza asks the little girl, laughing.

We pull over on the side of the road, where a lazy town thinks twice about getting up to accommodate us. The sun is pelting down, but there’s a distinct bite of cold in the air. This weather is one of the things she misses most about California, but aside from that and family, the Philippines is where Liza is comfortable at this juncture in her life. “I never knew that I was Pinay na Pinay. I never knew I had that in me, being conservative.

And I actually really am conservative, I dress that way, but I didn’t know it was in me like that. I saw the way the girls here dressed, at Great America I saw girls in really short booty shorts and they were wearing their bikinis as their tops, and I was horrified.”

And so goes the walking contradiction that is Liza Soberano, exposed to the extremes of life, batting nary a lash when talking about domestic complexities, but keeling over aghast at a pair of undersized shorts on an underaged girl. It is in these moments that you see the impact of her childhood; a wizened child from the streets of the South Bay and her old school Filipino grandparent’s dalagita all at once. It is what draws us to her

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on screen, perhaps. Composed, innocent, and delicate, but with eyes that have the potential to tell skeleton-filled closets worth of stories. She harnessed this magnetism on television with Forevermore, and on the big screen for Just the Way You Are, but there’s a sense that we haven’t even seen the beginning of how deep she can go as an actress. If banked emotion and exceeding beauty are prime ammunition in this profession, there’s no telling what possibilities lie ahead for ABS-CBN’s young darling.

She hits the gas pedal on the convertible and the car lunges forward. Liza wants to go, and she wants to go fast.

Camera cuts to the dramatic cliffs and ocean of California’s coastline.

“I can’t feel my feet,” she says, as the sand under her holds onto the chilly froth of the Pacific Ocean’s swells. “But it’s okay. I’m used to being numb,” Liza follows up softly, wrapping her fur coat around her a little tighter. She says the same thing as we pull pins out of the curlers in her hair, and we begin to believe her. She’s got a few things she’s holding onto that she needs to protect, and in her defense, not feeling is sometimes the best way to deal. This is the case when the beast that is social media turns up less than favorable comments, posted directly where she’ll see them. She’s erected a wall in that department, one that allows her to focus on self-improvement, something that proves testing when in the throes of the public’s scrutiny. Even when she’s performing on ASAP, Liza muses over having to wear contact lenses—“I didn’t want to wear them. It’s easier not to see people’s faces, their reactions, sometimes. It makes me so nervous when I’m performing, I wish I could just keep it all blurry. But I have to be able to read lyrics on the teleprompter, so…”

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ONE TAKE WONDER. She captures their hearts in an instant.

Watching her switch between emotions for the camera, someone whispers at the back of the casting room, “Audrey.”

Dress, Tommy Hilfiger; eyewear, Calvin Klein

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ON TOP OF THE WORLD. For now the story ends here but what we’ve learned thus far, is that there is no stopping a true shooting star. Shine on, Hope.

To be continued.

Top and skirt, both Polo by Ralph Lauren; jacket, Roland Alzate; shoes, Tory Burch

But there’s no audience here now. We give her some time at the beach to look out onto the horizon, which if she were to keep going straight, would eventually reveal the east bank of the Philippine islands. We wonder if what waits for her back there is what she’s thinking about at this very moment.

But what is waiting on the other side? From what we gather, it’s another movie. Maybe Quen is part of that picture too. Or, quite possibly, it’s simply her new home, her Dad, and her brother Justin. Whatever the case, this freeze frame in time, on this cold beach, is going to be one of the biggest pit stops before the straight shot into her eighteenth year on earth, and her fifth in show business. These train tracks only go one way from hereon in. No turning back.

Cut to Los Angeles As the actress runs her fingers over Audrey Hepburn’s star on the Walk of the Fame, passers by snap their necks staring at her. We’ve arrived in the celebrity capital of the world, and while for the first time in a long time Liza is almost normal on these streets, there still lies a glow about her that can’t stop people from looking. Were they to let their gazes linger moments longer, perhaps they would have noticed the striking resemblance the teenager has to the icon whose name she is perched by.

The arrival in Los Angeles represents a transition from suburban girl to certified star, and as we watch Liza slip into the latest designer collections, it plays out as a foretelling of a life full of luxury and glamour. Situated with the Hollywood sign in the background, the picture is a believable one. Could Liza be given the wings to fly and try her luck back in her native California someday?

In all honesty, the last part of this story is as much a work of the imagination as the rest of the scripts in this city—and before we fast forward into the next chapter of her life, we sit in a moment of gratitude, honored to have been with her, here. No longer a baby, but not yet a full blown lady. On a journey. At the crossroads.

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Final set—frame shifts to a 1950’s diner on the outskirts of Los Angeles.

Liza peers at the screen of our photographer’s camera, studying the capture of her face. She blinks once, emotionless… then a small smile peeks through.

In the midst of asking her to throw the gamut of emotions she protects out into the camera, we get the shot. The one that immortalizes Liza, as she is in this moment. Every bit her past, but brimming with the overflowing potential of her future; we see her. She, the unnerving beauty. And then we know, that in that split second, after chasing her across an ocean and down the coast of California, we finally caught one true glimpse of Hope.

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Story courtesy of Food Issue 3 2015

Kape: A Filipino Heritage t’s almost impossible to be Filipino and not have your life touched by coffee.

Blessed with fertile soils, just the right tropical humidity and climate, the country has been generous to the coffee plant.

When you travel around the country, keep your eyes peeled for local beans. Coffee is grown in 22 provinces around the country. They grow in the mountains, in the foothills and in obscure locations inhabited by indigenous communities. The plots range in size from small family holdings, ancestral domains to larger farms. And because so many of the trees are off the beaten track, the beans don’t even find their way to the markets.

Just like the grapes grown to make wine, each location has a unique terroir that influences the character of the coffee grown there.

Mount Matutum, a volcano in Mindanao, has rich, fertile soil perfect for its organic, shadegrown arabica that produces coffee with a full aroma and fruity complexity. In the Cordilleras, the high altitudes produce aromatic blends.

Wherever coffee grows, you will find it enmeshed in the fabric of life. And I don’t mean just the drinking of coffee. In Cavite and Batangas, women handpick and sort the coffee, nursing their babies and gossiping as they do. Small children take coffee berries to the market to exchange for candies. Tuition fees and household goods are paid for with money from the coffee harvest.

In the mountains of the Cordilleras, where the cold can penetrate into the marrow of your bones, coffee is kept brewing hot and ready for family and guests at any time of day. An important socialization ritual occurs

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in the mornings, around 4 AM, when coffee is poured and served with tapuy or rice wine, as the family gathers around the fire to exchange stories between the generations.

In Pampanga, coffee was traditionally brewed in a palayok or claypot with sugar already added. The first brew would be served to the men, and the considerably weaker second brew would be given to the women. That was then.

Today’s women would never stand for such nonsense. But the point is, coffee and its rituals are so much a part of our national lives that you’d be hard pressed to find a region without a unique coffee culture of its own.

Because things have a way of coming full circle, traditional coffee is finding its way from the provinces to the malls and urban centers.

KKK Coffee, a two-yearold Filipino café, was born when owner Brian Tenorio was advised by a consultant that Filipinos “had to be educated to drink coffee the right way.” He said, “Nagpantig ang tenga ko. The right way? Did he mean that everything we’ve been doing in Batangas is wrong?” The result is the café, which now has three locations, where he serves local coffee made using traditional Filipino brewing methods, and using local beans sourced from northern Luzon. Brian calls this “comfort coffee.” “This is the coffee you drink at home.

It’s good old fashioned Pinoystyle coffee, not sosyal but it’s certainly special.” This year, he’s even experimented with the menu, releasing Kapeng Pandan which has coffee poured over pandan leaves, and Kapeng Labuyo, with its infusion of chili. KKK Coffee impressed visiting chef Yana Gilbuena of The Salo Series

Know Your Beans When buying coffee for home use, it’s best to buy whole beans which stay fresh longer and keep the aroma and flavor intact for longer than the preground beans. It also helps to know your beans.

Ar AbicA is one of the most common varieties.

Usually grown in the highlands, it is larger and more oval than the robusta, and can reach twice the price of robusta in the commodities market. This is because arabica has twice the sugar concentration of robusta, giving it more flavor. robustA is the smaller bean and carries a bitter flavor, due to having twice as much caffeine as arabica.

This bean gives a kick to your coffee. Most coffees are a blend of arabica and robusta, to get that balance of aroma,

so much that she invited Brian to do the coffee concoctions at her one-time pop-up dinner in Manila last summer.

Another example is Imelda Ahalul-Dagus, an OFW of Tausug ancestry, who was persuaded to return to the Philippines and revive her father’s old coffee business in Jolo.

Choosing Zamboanga for her location, she opened Dennis Coffee Garden

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flavor and jolt of caffeine.

Some people prefer to buy their beans green and will roast them at home.

PeAberry is a type of coffee bean (not a variety) that is a naturally occurring mutation of the coffee cherry.

Ordinary coffee fruit contains two seeds that develop flattened sides facing each other. A peaberry coffee bean does not flatten, so it appears as an oval bean. Peaberry coffee is a rarity that occurs in only 5% of harvested coffee, but they require more labor. Since they roast differently from flat beans, they have to be picked out and separated to ensure an even roast. Some people prefer peaberry coffee because they roast more evenly, the rounded shape allowing the bean to roll more easily in the roasting chamber. The higher bean density makes for more efficient heat transfer during roasting, resulting in a sweeter and more flavorful coffee.

serving “Sulu-style” coffee made with beans grown in their family plot in Sulu.

Imelda employs Tausug carpenters to build her café; she buys beans from Tausug coffee farmers; and has Tausug baristas. In one fell swoop, the café brings their style of coffee to the larger community, empowering her Tausug family. And there are many more stories like hers. |2015

Issue 3

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Back to the Future os Juan opened Commune in 2013 at the very dawn of the Third Wave. Her café had all the trappings of a Third Wave establishment with one difference—she only carried Philippine coffee beans. The house blend, Commune, is a medium roast blend of Benguet arabica and robusta, perfect for espresso.

The lineup usually includes single-origin arabicas—from Sagada, Mount Kitanglad, Mount Matutum and Kapatagan from Davao—the new buzzwords in Philippine coffee.

Sourcing local beans takes up a lot of time, but Ros thinks it an essential part of her business. “We don’t have a super wide selection, so it’s important to maintain the quality of our supply,” she says. When checking and cupping new single origin beans, Ros keeps top of mind the taste profile of the Filipino drinker. “The Pinoy flavor profile is still pretty different,” she says, “and when I travel I notice this.

Our exposure is to Italian and French roasts, which are very dark. So to most Pinoys, coffee is bitter. They think bitter coffee is strong coffee.” She feels our taste profile is closer to Europe and Japan, where the coffee is not known for acidity.

“Just a bit of acidity, the nice kind,” Ros explains, “just enough to make it feel juicy.”

Ros discovered Philippine coffees as a high school student, when she would join the Figaro Coffee Farm Tours in the early 2000s.

Over the years, she’s noticed

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a lot of changes. In the early days, the participants were just curious yuppies who wanted to take a day trip. But in recent years, coffee farm participants are mostly young professionals with familyowned farms who want to learn how to make these lands productive once more.

It’s very hopeful. Ros is also involved in coffee training— from training, to cupping to post harvest production.

“There’s a real need to educate the consumer,” she says. But increasingly, too, training is happening at the farm and production levels— essential to get consistently good coffee.

“There are serious efforts by small groups to develop high-end quality coffee up to specialty-grade coffee,” says Robert Francisco of Boyd Coffee. The problem, says Robert, is we are far behind in volume production, so far behind that we can’t be a significant world producer.

But the solution might be to make sure that the little coffee we produce be exceptional. That will bring Philippine coffees into the niche and micro markets where prices are higher.

But there are still a lot of problems, from rejuvenating and replacing old trees to applying good farming methods.

It’s going to be a long haul before Philippine coffee achieves global status, the way it was in the 1800s.

But we’re growing, and we’re learning. Tastes are changing. Ros Juan shares, “At Commune, we get a mix of customers. A lot are transitioning from the sweet

Commune Cafe + Bar, Durban Street, Poblacion, Makati City

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MYTHS & MISCONCEPTIONS Ros Juan’s advice for coffee drinkers

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Bitter coffee is strong coffee. Not necessarily. What really makes coffee strong is the amount of caffeine it contains.

Robusta, which has the most caffeine content, is used in 3-in-1 coffees, so technically they provide “stronger” coffee than a cup of brewed arabica.

If the coffee has acidity, it’s old. There’s pleasant acidity, and then there’s acidity that’s assaulting to the senses. Some coffees are simply more acidic than others. It’s a matter of preference or taste.

These beans are bad. Don’t be so quick to blame the beans, if you’re not getting the coffee you want. Coffee changes depending on the kind of beans you choose, the type of roast, and the preparation method.

For example, a medium roast bean might come out bitter if used in an espresso, but will have the right acidity when you use a pourover. Some coffees that are too bitter turn out milder with the hand drip method.

I say, experiment before you blame the beans.

This coffee is rancid. It could be the roast.

A lighter roast produces more acidity, and some roasters deliberately choose to roast light because they want the flavor profile of the beans to emerge. When you use light roast, you can still get fruity flavor tones of the coffee bean. Dark roasts will start tasting the same. Taste some light roasts once in a while to discover new flavors.

All Philippine coffee is barako. Not at all.

The barako is a certain kind of bean with a particular size and characteristics—and it’s just one of several varieties growing in the Philippines.

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stuff, just getting into coffee.

But they’re all very eager to learn. A few are geeks who will really check the coffee.

They want to see the beans, they want to smell the beans.

Their tastes have evolved.

Cold brews are really popular.”

At the end of the day, coffee is such an intrinsic part of our culture and heritage and there’s just so much to learn, there’s no need to be pretentious. Enjoy coffee the way you want to and grow into it. That will be good enough.

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Story courtesy of Food Magazine ??????

Spilling the beans

Our insider guide on where to find Philippine specialty coffee here and abroad Mount Apo CoCotos EstAtE

This single-origin coffee is made from pure mountain arabica grown on the familyowned farm located on the slopes of Mount Apo, the highest mountain in Mindanao.

At 1,200 meters above sea level, the frost-free nights, dry sunny days and fertile volcanic soil come together to produce this elegant, aromatic coffee.

Available only in small batches.

To order, call (0917) 8360888, email mace.coffee@ gmail.com

tonG CoffEE

This mom-and-pop distributor roasts coffee twice a week to ensure freshness.

The beans are sourced from all over the Philippines and prepared using a family heirloom roasting process.

The lineup includes Casero Blend with its smooth, fruity notes, the dark and powerful 100% Batangas Barako, and Cosmopolitan Blend, a fullbodied and very aromatic dark roast.

Available at the Salcedo Saturday Market and the Legazpi Sunday Market

GruMpy no MorE

If you don’t feel like brewing your own coffee at home, grab a few bottles of Grumpy No More. These handcrafted and bottled cold brew coffees are made in small batches with a whole lot of love!

Available at Magpie Cafe, StrEAT FoodPark, 91 Maginhawa Street, Quezon

City; The Bottle Shop, Paseo de Magallanes, Makati; The Daily Jusa, 111A Maginhawa Street, Quezon City and 5 West Capitol Drive, Kapitolyo, Pasig

CoffEEs for A CAusE

This line of coffees is sourced from small communities around the country through the assistance of the Philippine Coffee Board Inc. (PCB) and the International Women’s Coffee AlliancePhilippine chapter who work closely with local farmers to ensure quality. The line includes Women in Coffee’s Benguet Arabica, the Peace and Coffee Blend from Sulu, and small batches of peaberry coffee.

Available at Echostore, for list of branches visit www. echostore.ph

KAlsAdA CoffEE

Its name represents the journey of Filipino coffee, from seed to cup. Inspired by an ancient sepia photo that revealed Filipino coffee being sold in Seattle in 1909—nearly 60 years before Starbucks arrived in the Philippines— Carmel Laurino launched Kalsada Coffee in 2013. The brand works with local farmers to bring specialty Philippine coffee to buyers outside the country. So far, they’ve reached Seattle, Miami, Vancouver, Paris and “everywhere in between.”

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No coffee snobs please

Barako Coffee Jelly Serves 6

“Coffee should be black as hell, strong as death, sweet as love,” says an old Turkish proverb. But there is really no reason not to enjoy your coffee any way you please. In Cavite, for example, the old practice was to boil a kilo of ground coffee with a kilo of sugar in a palayok. Kept simmering all day, the coffee would be ready for anyone in need of a java jolt. Chef Robby Goco of Cyma and Green Pastures shares his old family recipe in Taal, which involved mixing raw eggs (and sometimes the egg shells) with the coffee grounds before brewing in a vintage percolator. We say, to each his own; coffee is friendly and democratic! Here are two easy ways to “spice up” your coffee experience.

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4 cups strong brewed barako coffee sugar, to taste 2 packs unflavored gelatin 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur, optional whipped cream, for garnish 1. In a pot, boil coffee.

Whisk in sugar and gelatin until dissolved. Stir in coffee liqueur, of desired.

2. Pour into a baking dish and chill until set.

3. Cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes.

Serve in a mug and pour over whipped cream.

Spiced Coffee Serves 2

1/4 cup ground coffee caster sugar, to taste 2 cups cold water ground cinnamon cardamom cloves 1. Put coffee and sugar in a coffeepot and brew for 30 seconds over low heat or use a French press, if available.

2. Pour in water, stir and simmer until foam rises. Do not boil!

3. When foam has risen, turn off heat and strain into individual mugs. Sprinkle with cinnamon, cardamom and cloves before serving.

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Taal in

transition Taaleños far from their hometown are coming back to their roots, reopening heritage homes for a glimpse of history and a revisit of the community’s unique cuisine and culture

By Michaela Fenix Photography by Pia Puno

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he flags were flying high from many of the houses in Taal, revolutionary flags with the letters KKK prominently displayed. These letters, as all Filipinos should know, stand for the Kataastaasang Kagalanggalangang Katipunan of the revolutionary army. It was two days before Independence Day, and the flags were an expected sight in this heritage town, serving as colorful reminders of Taal’s illustrious residents (the ilustrado) who had risked their economic standing, and even their lives in the struggle against the Spaniards.

Just like in many other towns in the country, many of the residents of Taal have had to leave to study or work in urban centers.

The houses they left behind have deteriorated, which is a shame, because there is so much history in these homes. There is the home of Marcela Marino Agoncillo, who designed and made the Philippine flag while in exile in Hong Kong. Another house, belonging to Don Eulalio Villavicencio, was where the Katipunan leaders held their meetings—and made their escape through a trapdoor in the dining room that led to an underground tunnel, thus eluding raids by the guardia civil. The well-preserved home of the late diplomat extraordinaire Felipe Agoncillo is located at the very entrance of the town, coming from the Alitagtag route, his statue standing resplendent and formal before the gates.

Story courtesy of Food Issue 3 2015

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Focus on restoration

My first visit to Taal 20 years ago was disappointing. Many of the houses were in a sad state of disrepair. The Basilica of St. Martin of Tours, imposing even then, built as it was on a high promontory,

THE ILUSTRADO LIFESTYLE (Clockwise from top) The dining area at Goco House, which represents the way of life of the ilustrado class in Batangas; a classic Taal dish, the Adobo sa Dilaw (recipe on page 131); the sitting room is an example of how the Gocos have kept intact the cozy feel of a family home in spite of antique furnishings; a simple dessert of bandi, caramelized peanuts and brown sugar; an assortment of salads served by the family cook, Reggie Agoncillo

was unimpressive, its ceiling stripped of its painted “fresco,” which had been rolled up and stored away.

Even today, few remember that the fresco had once been there.

What a relief to learn that in the last ten years, rehabilitation of the Basilica and the ancestral houses is being carried out. This makes Taal a must-see, especially for its history and sites for

religious pilgrimage like the Basilica and the nearby Our Lady of Caysasay Shrine, known for its well of miraculous water.

The great story is how Taaleños are returning to revitalize their ancestral homes, restoring them to their old glory. A prime example is the ancestral home of the Villavicencios, a gift from Don Eulalio Villavicencio to his wife,

Doña Gliceria Marella y Legaspi, who had been active in the revolution. This restored mansion features antique tiles (some broken tiles have been replaced by copies), waxed and gleaming wooden planks for the flooring, hand-painted walls and carved door frames that showcase the artistry of local craftsmen. On display are the house treasures of ornate silver.

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AT HOME WITH THE GOCOS (Clockwise from top left) The airy living space at Goco House with its high ceilings and elegant furniture; Taal suman with a pot of hot chocolate; Taal-style tapa made with pork, not beef; the Goco day tour of Taal includes a visit to Jhun Estacio’s halo-halo with its unbelievably fine shaved ice; typical ilustrado-style dining in Taal includes simple homecooked meals served on fine china and silver, as in this Sopas a la Pobre (recipe on page 131)

Sweet, familiar memories

Even with all these changes taking place, the food remains the same.

From my many visits to Taal, I have come to expect the dishes that first introduced me to Taal’s cuisine. This happened at the home of my first guide, Dindo Montenegro, and many of the ingredients that made up the hometown dishes were cooked in the old wood-burning stove. I remember how the late Ka Ely, Dindo’s mother, slow-cooked bulanglang using vegetables gathered from her backyard. The muslo or maliputo (jack), a prized fish from Taal Lake, was prepared two ways: the part near the head was made into sinigang and the part near the tail was charcoal-broiled.

In the afternoon, Dindo brought me to the cockpit to taste the tinindag (pork barbecue). There were special skewers of pig ears, heart and spleen (pale), flavorful from sauce made red by achuete 46

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FOOD TOUR (annatto). The tinindag, perhaps the best of its kind in the country, can be bought daily at the market where the embers are never extinguished until late at night.

The town is also known for its panutsa—whole peanuts embedded in discs of hardened brown sugar. Its name can be confusing because, elsewhere in the country, panutsa or panocha refers to hardened brown sugar itself sold in half spheres.

An ancestral home reawakens

Pio Goco worked in the United States for years before deciding to come home and reopen Goco House, the ancestral home built by his great grandparents Juan Cabrera Goco and Lorenza Deomampo. The house is distinctive for its rounded corners, where the capiz windows have rounded frames, perhaps the only one of its kind in the country.

Pio is creating a bed and breakfast space soon so guests can sleep over.

Right now, he offers luncheon or dinner by appointment as part of a guided tour of Taal. On a usual day trip, he’ll take you to see the spectacular view of the sunset in his town as viewed from the Basilica tower, the grim but fascinating old cemetery meant only for the Spaniards, perhaps followed by a merienda of halo-halo with feathery shaved ice made by Taal resident Jhun Estacio.

At Goco House, the table is set the way it must have been in the days when such a residence required some formality at mealtimes, with heirloom plates, crystal and silverware. The crocheted tablecloths were made by Pio’s aunts, who he says used to take care of them during their summer vacations. Among the lunch dishes served us was the quintessential Taal adobo sa dilaw, chicken braised in turmeric. Like their preference for the yellowish adobo, the Taal version of tapa is different too, being made of pork instead of beef.

What a treat to taste once more the taghilaw, in which innards of pork (intestine, spleen, kidney, liver) with lean meat and brain are cooked like paksiw, boiled in vinegar, peppercorns and salt but are served dry. Pio named the soup sopas a la pobre perhaps because it was made of bulalo (beef shin) broth without the bone and its meat, but with misua (rice noodles) and speckled with malunggay (moringa) leaves. The third-generation family

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COLONIAL DINING (Clockwise from top) At Feliza Taverna y Café the tables are set up in the style of 19th century colonial dining; chicken galantina served with salsa monja; Chef Giney Villar’s innovation is deep-fried crunchy eggplant that she serves with callos

cook, Reggie Agoncillo, also has a way with salads and presented three versions to us, as well as two ways with kamias (bilimbi), a jam that Pio had us pair with cheese (perfect!), and a relish of pickled kamias which had just the right mix of sweet and sour and can be partnered with any fried fish.

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The favored fish in Taal, and in Batangas in general, is tulingan (big-eyed mackerel). It’s cut like daing (butterflied) but the two sides are brought together, pressed salt, then laid on a bed of dried kamias, steamed in low fire until the sauce called patis is expressed.

Cooking it this way is known as sinaing. Agoncillo says that you’ll recognize a true Batangueño if they serve this fish fried.

Like Pio, many Taaleños are now rebuilding their heritage. Lito Perez opened Villa Tortuga about six years ago to serve lunch, and make arrangements with local guides for a tour of the town. His main attraction is having guests pose in period costumes for their souvenir photos.

Traditional tavern, heritage meals

Chef Giney Villar closed her restaurant Adarna in Quezon City to open Feliza Taverna y Café, an old-style restaurant located in the former home of Feliza Diokno, once secretary to Emilio Aguinaldo. Many of the fixtures have been restored using original materials like bamboo, and employing Taal carpenters and craftsmen who know traditional methods. Villar also refurbished two bedrooms, making up her small B&B. Giney’s version of the sinaing na tulingan deviates slightly from the traditional.

She doesn’t press salt into the fish or butterfly-cut it, but keeps it whole with salt just added. Giney is known to travel around the country to learn the proper procedure for preparing heritage food.

She presented other ways of serving her menu such as tapang baboy with a salad of greens and fruits, callos paired with fried eggplant in place of the berenjena (eggplant salad), and instead of gravy, the galantina 48

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MARKET DAY (Clockwise from top left) Vangie Pasumbal sells pancit and tamales only from 4 to 9 AM daily; the reddish native barbecue called tinindag; Taalstyle empanada is rich and hefty

(stuffed chicken) had salsa monja (Spanish sauce made of shallots, olives and torn bread pieces with olive oil) on the side.

Of suman, pancit and pan de coco

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drivers were eating breakfast from cone-shaped paper containers lined with banana leaf. The pancit was wrapped in the style of the balisungsung or cone, easy to display and to hold when eating. Some people prefer to eat this pancit with chopsticks, but plastic forks are available, too. Owner Vangie Pasumbal is also

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known for her tamales, a rice concoction shaped into small squares and wrapped in banana leaves. It’s a local favorite, with tangy sauce and smooth rice paste, so that supply had run out by the time we arrived—luckily we got a tip that a stall inside the market still had some.

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FOOD TOUR and a lot of suman malagkit (cylindrical rice cakes).

These are the best suman in town, made with sticky rice of the sungsong variety mixed with a little ordinary rice, combining the right sweetness with a semi-soft consistency, so that one tends to eat more than a piece.

In a busy corner, empanada (turnovers) was being made—cooking the filling of chicken or pork or vegetables, stuffing the filling into the pastry, frying the finished empanada. Bong and Weng’s Empanada stall is also a carinderia offering cooked food and halo-halo for hungry locals and tourists alike. Weng inherited the empanada recipe from her father, added chicken and pork variety and tweaked the batter. The buyers are constant and her whole troupe also has to fill the orders for the day. The casing is firm but crisp and the filling has that well-cooked creamy chicken, beef, pork mixture.

We walked round the street corner to the old bakery I had visited on an earlier trip while researching about panaderia. There was no signage, but we were told to ask for Rosenie’s Bakery.

The pan de sal this bakery is known for had run out so we tried buho, what they call pan de coco (bread with a sweetened coconut filling).

We left Taal late that afternoon, satisfied that we had done our rounds of ancestral homes, finished our pilgrimage and blessed ourselves with holy water from the well, slept in comfort and eaten the best food the town has to offer.

Still we wondered how special Independence Day would really be in Taal given its history. For sure, the flags will fly proudly—the flag of the Katipunan and the flag of the Republic that was designed and sewn by Taaleño Marcela Marino Agoncillo.

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Most visitors see Taal for just one day, but for a more relaxed and extensive experience it’s best to stay the night. We loved Paradores del Castillo, perhaps the most luxurious of the many bedand-breakfasts in town. Exquisitely restored with antique furnishings and with gardens shaded by fruit trees overlooking the neighboring town of Lemery and Balayan Bay, it’s an experience in itself. paradoresdetaal.com Goco Ancestral House Marella corner Del Castillo Streets, Taal, Batangas (0917) 373-7346 Facebook: Goco-Ancestral-House Feliza Taverna y Café 6 Calle Felipe Agoncillo, Barangay Poblacion, Taal, Batangas (043) 740-0113 Bong and Weng’s Empanada Taal Public Market, (0915) 778-5825 Vico’s Pancit 39 A. de las Alas Street beside Taal Public Market, (0908) 210-1502 Open from 4 AM to 9 AM Villa Tortuga Taal, Batangas, (0927) 975-1682 lito_pperez@yahoo.com Villavincencio Wedding Gift House 32 Casa Gliceria Marella, Taal (0920) 777-6271 Just a few hours from Manila, Taal is easy to access through either the Alitagtag Road or via Tagaytay. For the most comfortable, luxurious ride, the Nissan X-Trail provides a smooth journey with plenty of space for legroom, luggage and other gear. Just hop aboard and drive.

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Nimfa, Marie & Lestie Special Suman Stall 289, Taal Public Market (0920) 777-6271

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arren Lyndon Gonzales Espanto was a young kid living in Calgary, Canada, where his father Lyndon and mom Marinel—both licensed nurses who moved from the Philippines to Canada in search of better opportunities— supported his dreams of becoming the next big thing.

His talent displayed itself early. Darren was only two years old when he first learned to entertain his family by singing songs from Disney movies. “I would listen and try to copy them,” recalls Darren with a chuckle. “There are old pictures of me singing in the house and in the car. Ang lakas-lakas pa ng boses ko!”

As he got older, Darren took a step towards greater heights by joining amateur singing contests in Canada.

In 2011, he topped the Pinoy Singing Sensation singing contest in Alberta. He also joined Canada’s Got Talent.

But even winning prizes in singing contests couldn’t stop him from pushing himself more—and all throughout his journey, his parents were by his side, believing in him and making things happen. They became their son’s heroes and championed his dream, even at great cost to themselves.

This support proved invaluable as Darren kept his eyes fixed on his ultimate goal: to perform on television, just like the singers he would see on shows like ASAP. “Bata pa lang po ako, napapanood ko na ‘yung ASAP sa TFC (The Filipino Channel). Sabi ko, gusto ko mag-perform diyan. Gusto kong maging famous singer around the world someday.”

The doorway to Darren’s dream was a spot on the premiere season of The Voice Kids, a singing contest in the Philippines. He wanted to fly to Manila and try out.

Fortunately, his parents were on board with the idea and supported him all the way. But they were also ready to go back home and resume their lives in Canada if things didn’t work out.

Darren recalls what his parents told him. “Sabi nila, let’s just try. Kung hindi ka makapasok, okay lang.”

Here’s why industry watchers believe he will make it big: “He has a great voice, he has the moves, he’s young, very good looking and smart, plus the discipline of a young professional. He has the passion and desire to be the best he could be,” says Ricky Ilacad, CEO of MCA Music Philippines

Story courtesy of StarStudio September 2015

Turning point

But arriving in the Philippines, Darren had to wait for a chance to audition for that coveted spot on the show.

“Ilang beses po akong naka-stand by na hindi natutuloy.”

Because he still had a live contract with Sony Music (which was among the prizes he won from a contest he joined back in Canada), Darren couldn’t immediately join the blind auditions for The Voice Kids. He had to wait for a letter officially terminating the contract before he could be cleared to audition. Says Darren: “Tinawagan po ‘yung manager at saka ‘yung boss para sa termination letter.”

Four days passed with no termination letter sent or received. Father and son were starting to give up hope.

They were interviewed for the show, but there was no promise of an audition.

They waited until the day of their scheduled flight back to Calgary. Finally, they reached their last day; if something was going to happen, it had to happen now, or they would have to go home empty-handed.

Extending their stay was not an option because his father had to return to work or risk losing his job. With just hours to go before the flight back to Canada, it seemed all was lost for Darren. “Nandoon po kami sa hotel room,

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Darren with his father Lyndon, little sister Lynelle and his mom Marinel. Both of Darren’s parents work at independent healthcare facilities in Canda, and for Darren’s first few months in the Philippines, had to keep traveling back and forth between Manila and Calgary. Says Darren: “And my dad, kailangan niya rin pong samahan si Lynelle for her school, ‘yun, talagang marami po silang gi-nive up para matupad po ang pangarap ko.”

naghihintay ng tawag. Nag-rosary na lang kami ng mga relatives ko,” he recalls.

Then, it happened.

Just minutes after they finished praying, the phone rang. It was someone from The Voice Kids calling to say that the e-mail from Canada came through at the last minute. ‘Punta na kayo dito sa ABS kasi na-approve na si Darren.’

They were shocked. “Lahat po sumaya, si Daddy naiyak,” Darren recalls of that moment. “Akala po talaga namin, wala na. Five hours before our flight ‘yung blinds (blind auditions), pero pumunta pa din ako. Pagkatapos, takbo agad sa airport.”

During the blind auditions, Darren sang Jessie J’s “Domino”, causing both Coach Bamboo and Coach Sarah’s chairs to turn. A self-confessed fan of Coach Sarah from way back, Darren was excited to be under her mentorship.

“Alam ko po lahat ng kanta sa album niya,” he shares. “I sing along to all of them. Nu’ng bata pa ako, paulit-ulit kong kinakanta ‘yung “Forever’s Not Enough”, “If Only”, and “Sa Iyo”. Memorize ko po ‘yung mga kanta, kasi kinakanta ko na ng ilang beses.”

Darren, dubbed “The Total Performer”, was declared

by Coach Sarah as being the “complete package”.

During the finals, Darren earned a standing ovation from all three coaches, with his rendition of Basil Valdez’s “Ngayon” and sang “You Are My Song” with Martin Nievera, while accompanying himself on the piano.

Though he came in second to eventual winner Lyca Gairanod, and missed out on the P1 million cash prize and house-and-lot package, Coach Lea was all praises for him and predicted: “To every person Darren idolized, this is a warning to all of you: this kid will outshine you someday.”

Rising star

Coach Lea’s prediction is coming true, it seems. It appears that the moment Darren stepped off the Resorts World stage, the oportunities just kept coming.

And like a true star, Darren has his own following now. The Darrenatics, or the name of his growing legion of followers, are growing in numbers all over the world, with chapters in Canada, Italy, US, and the Philippines. “Nasu-surprise po talaga ako sa

dedication nila. I’m still getting used to it,” says Darren of his sudden popularity. “I enjoy what I’m doing.

Nasasanay na po ako sa mall show, pero naiiyak ako sa pagod pagkatapos.”

Although he is happy with the choices that he has made for his career, he still wishes that he didn’t have to be so far away from his family.

“It’s bittersweet, I would say,” shares the fast-rising young artist. “Mahirap sigurong intindihin ng mga wala sa business na ito kung bakit. I’m happy that I get to do what I love, but I don’t get to spend that much time with my family anymore. Hindi na katulad ng dati.”

One of the family members he misses the most is his younger sister Lynelle, to whom he is very close, despite the age gap (Lynelle was born nine years after Darren, whose birth nearly cost his mother’s life).

Ever the doting kuya, Darren tends to spoil his little sister. “Noong February 18 po ‘yung fifth birthday niya.

Every year, may theme ‘yung party niya. When she was three, she was Rapunzel. When she was four, she was Minnie Mouse. Ngayon sabi niya ‘I want to be Elsa (from the animated Disney movie Frozen)’ kaya naka-Elsa gown siya at naka-braid ‘yung buhok niya.”

Unfortunately, he couldn’t be there physically, a fact that broke his heart. He sent gifts, of course, each one well thought-out.

“I gave her a Hello Kitty dollhouse and Barbie dolls that she can put makeup on. Binigyan ko din siya ng iPad Mini, kasi nabasag niya ‘yung iPad 3 niya. Kaya iPad Mini ‘yung binili ko sa kanya kasi maliit, puwede for kids. Pati ‘yung case, talagang for kids talaga, para siyang rubber.

Kahit mabagsak mo, hindi mababasag.”

Just like her kuya, Lynelle is quite the performer.

“Last June, may recital po siya sa ballet. Next time, tap dance naman ang susubukan niya,” shares the proud kuya. “Sumasabay din siya sa karaoke at saka kapag nagre-rehearsal. Noong nagpe-perform nga po ako sa Canada, may times na hindi ko po alam nasa tabi ko na siya. Umaakyat siya ng stage, binubuhat ng mga security guard. Nagulat na lang ako na nasa tabi ko na siya, sumasayaw.”

Technology plays a big part in keeping the family updated with each other. ‘Every day tine-text ko sila na ‘I love you. I miss you guys’. Kapag may time, nag-o-online din kami. Minsan, nagta-trabaho sila habang free ako.

Minsan naman nagpe-perform ako habang free sila. So

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Ngayon po, nakikita ko po na ang dami pong suporta sa akin. Everything is happening so quickly now. Siyempre po, minsan kasama po ang pagod diyan, pero worth it kasi napapasaya ko po yung mga tao. I’m doing what I love and it’s been my dream, music is my passion po talaga.”

— On the support he has received

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madalas, mga chat or five-minute calls na lang.”

Big moment

But one of the best moments of Darren’s career was his birthday concert at the MOA Arena last May when he turned 14.

“My dad and my sister, and my relatives on my Dad’s side flew in from Canada. May mga relatives din from Nueva Vizcaya (where the Espanto couple are from). Alam po kasi nila na big day ko ‘yun. Talagang nakita ko po ‘yung support nila.”

The night before, he was so nervous he had trouble sleeping. “Hindi talaga ako makatulog. Kinausap ako ni Mommy at Daddy. Sabi nila, relax.

Don’t think about it too much.”

He couldn’t help it. The following day, lines began forming early outside the MOA Arena. Inside the venue, hours before the show was about to start, the Darrenatics were screaming his name.

When his face was flashed on the huge video screen mounted above the stage, they would scream themselves hoarse.

Backstage, it was not much different.

“Ninenerbiyos ako. I was gagging habang mine-makeup-an. Ang lakas ng tibok ng puso ko, feeling ko lahat ng sakit meron ako,” says Darren. “Nu’ng umaakyat ako sa hydraulics (the platform that rose from the venue’s basement level to the stage), sabi ko, wala nang atrasan ‘to. Wala na akong choice, nandito na ako sa stage.’ Nu’ng nakita ko ‘yung mga tao, napa-wow ako. Na-boost ‘yung energy ko. After the concert, parang naginhawaan ako.

Tapos na. Nagawa ko na ‘yung gagawin ko.”

It was a scene that not too many 14year olds will ever get to experience in their entire lives.

Source of strength

Darren is thankful to his parents for helping his dream to come true. He realizes how much they have sacrificed to help him reach for his dreams.

“Marami po talaga silang gini-give up para matupad ‘yung pangarap ko,” he says. His father flew back to Canada because Lynelle needed to go back to school. His mom Marinel, meanwhile, opted to resign from her post as a nurse to stay with Darren in the Philippines.

Darren shared with StarStudio that he actually helped her type up a

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resignation letter, but felt guilty doing it.

“Nagui-guilty po ako (that she had to do that) pero ayoko lang ipakita ‘yung iyak ko that time, kasi nasa office kami ng boss niya. Fifteen years po niyang pinaghirapan ‘yung nursing license niya. Tapos parang babawiin lang, dahil sa pangarap ko.” Marinel’s boss turned down her resignation and convinced her to just go back and forth between Manila and Canada, and spend enough time at work to keep her license active. She needs to go back every three months to renew it, spending over 16 hours in transit per trip. “Tine-text nga po ako ni Daddy na ‘tulungan mo si Mommy, ‘wag mo pasakitin ang ulo.”

The 12-hour difference doesn’t make the situation easier either. “Siyempre po mas gusto ko pa rin na makasama sila.

Mahirap po ‘yung kami lang ni Mommy ‘yung nandito tapos hindi na kami magkasama.”

To his family, he has this to say: ”Maybe I don’t say this as much as I should or as much as I want to. Mommy and Daddy, thank you for all the love and support you have given me since maliit pa ako. Lynelle, kahit tulog na tulog ka na and you have to travel for a long time, you still travel just to see me.”

For Darren, family remains his core source of strength. “I get to do what I love. I’m very lucky kasi very supportive ang pamilya ko. I’m lucky kasi hindi lahat ng bata, ganito ang suporta sa kanila ng magulang nila.”

The fame game

At 14, Darren is still learning how to adjust to this sudden fame. “Minsan po binisita ko ‘yung school ng Daddy ko sa Muñoz at saka ‘yung school ng Mommy ko sa Nueva Vizcaya.”

The visit was something of a shock.

“Hindi po ako nakalabas ng tatlong oras kasi nagpapa-pirma at saka nagpapapicture. Minsan naman po, pagkatapos ng mall show, may kalmot na ako sa braso o kamay. Pinakamalala po ‘yung sa mukha. Sinasabi ko nga po sa kanila, hindi po ako Poon. Ipinupunas kasi nila ‘yung panyo nila sa akin.”

But much as he has become a big star, at home in Canada, life remains the way it has always been.

“In Canada, I have friends around the neighborhood. Most of them have been my friends since Grade 1. There are also family friends,” shares Darren. His star

status has not changed. The way his friends and family friends treat him is the way they used to treat him, pre-fame, and honestly, that is exactly the way he likes it.

His family keeps him grounded. Until now, and despite his young superstar status, Darren is not excused from doing household chores.

Whenever he is in Canada, he helps out at home. “Tinutulungan ko po sila, naghuhugas ako ng plato. Kapag kumakain po ako, lalo na kung mag-isa lang, ako na po ang naghuhugas ng pinggan. Iisang plato lang naman ‘yun, at saka kutsara’t tinidor,” he says. “Kapag may gusto ako, may agreement sina Mommy and Daddy. I have to do chores, hindi po ‘yung kapag tinuro ko, bibilhin agad.”

This was something that Darren’s parents taught him when he was younger. Early on, he learned the value of hard work and that if he wanted something, he had to work for it.

They came up with what Darren calls a ‘fake contract’ where he would earn money for every household chore he did.

“Ako ‘yung magsusulat ng kontrata, tapos ipapapirma ko sa parents ko,” he reminisces. “If I take out the garbage, may five points, so that equals $5.00. If I wash the dishes, it’s $3.00. From there, ipon-ipon na.”

With the money he earns, Darren saves up enough to buy the toys that he likes.

“Collector po ako ng Nerf gun (a blasting toy that shoots foam darts or water). And Xbox (an electronic gaming console similar to the Playstation)!”

Until now, Darren can hardly believe how things have turned out. Knowing that he is among the besttop-caliber artists is something he finds overwhelming.

“Sina Coach Sarah, Ate Sofia Andres, Kuya Mark Bautista…I can’t believe na ‘yung mga taong ito ay sinusuportahan ako,” he says.

Even though he didn’t get the top spot, Darren is content. “I didn’t have to win the title. Kahit po hindi ako nanalo, nakikita ko po na ang daming suporta sa akin.

Everything is happening so quickly now.

Siyempre, kasama talaga ang pagod diyan, pero worth it kasi napapasaya ko po ‘yung mga tao. I’m doing what I love. Music is really my dream, my passion.”

There is one piece of advice that Darren always keeps in mind. “Wag lalaki ang ulo and always stay humble.”

The lessons of the past keep his feet planted firmly on the ground—and the more he stays grounded, the higher this young dreamer will fly.

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Story courtesy of Working Mom Magazine December 2014-January 2015

Holiday

dilemmas

—solved!

The holidays can bring out your child’s worst behavior.

Here are common scenarios that crop up at this time of the year, plus smart solutions, so you can truly make the most of season and make it a joyous one

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s much as we want Christmas to be oh-so-perfect, there are just some things that we cannot control like our children’s reactions to some holiday scenarios. Here are some tips on how you and your child can deal with this season’s stickiest situations:

Meet and greet

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Dilemma #1: Your child refuses to kiss the hand (“mano po”) of relatives and friends during reunions and get-togethers.

How to deal: Mom of seven and active parent-partner of EduChild, Chippy Dioko, says it is best to brief children beforehand on who they are going to meet or might meet in a gathering. “Children 3

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By BLANCA DELA CRUZ

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Use simple, clear words

As your children get older, they can appreciate explanations about certain behaviors in terms of fairness, the importance of respecting others, and developing a culture of generosity instead of meanness. But until their higher brain has developed enough, you are wasting your time. So with under-fives, you need to give simple instructions. Get down to their level.

Use a clear, authoritative (not angry) voice and say simply, “No,” “Stop,” “I mean it,” and “If you do that again, the consequence will be…” If your underfive child is hyperaroused and out of control, pick her up and hold her. With high levels of physical arousal, she won’t be able to focus on what you are saying, however simply it is expressed.

–Margot Sunderland, The Science of Parenting

respond best to people when they know how these visitors are connected or related to the family. It is good to share personal information, funny anecdotes, or memorable stories about these people to our children so that when they finally meet them, they would not find it hard to respond to them warmly.”

Putting up a good show

Dilemma #2: Your child refuses to render a song or dance number during Christmas gatherings even if she is very good at it.

How to deal: On such occasions, Chippy has this to say: “It’s unfair to demand from our children to do something that they did not practice for. If we know beforehand that they might be asked to perform, we have to give them a heads-up so that they have time to prepare and psyche themselves up. While it’s good to encourage our children to share their talent, we should not put them on the spot.”

Santa is for real

Dilemma #3: Your older child cannot wait to pop the Santa bubble on Christmas Day to his younger siblings.

How to deal: There are many ways in which we can ask older kids not to ruin the Santa idea without deliberately asking them to lie. Chippy suggests, “Have a good long talk with your kids. Make them recall the good memories they had with Santa and how excited they were waiting for his gifts come Christmas eve. Enjoin them to allow the little ones to experience these same good feelings. While your children don’t have to lie, they can be a secret Santa

conspirator and use their recollections to talk about Santa to their younger siblings. Telling them about St. Nicholas’ life and ministry would also make them understand that Santa Claus is based on truth.”

Visit from the Grinch

‘Where’s my gift?!’

Gift-giving is the cause of many hairpulling, face-on-palm moments. Here, four parents share gift-related dilemmas and how they handled them

Dilemma #4: Your child has erratic moods during holiday parties.

How to deal: It helps to drum up Christmas and get your kids into the Christmas spirit early, says Chippy. “Two things put young kids in a foul mood—lack of sleep and hunger. So make sure you feed them well and give them plenty of naps in between activities. Should they fall asleep in the car, wake them up at least 15 minutes before you reach your destination so that by the time you pile out of your car, they are already in the mood to greet the host and become good guests.”

Interviews by BLANCA DELA CRUZ and ROMEO MEDINA

Spoiler alert

Know what truly matters. “When we went home to celebrate Christmas in the Philippines, my two girls asked why they kept on getting dresses instead of toys from our friends and relatives here. I had to sit down and explain to them gently that not everyone can afford to give them what they want, and that our family and friends’ thoughtfulness should matter more to us than what they give.” –Karen Tugano, mom of Katelyn and Kimberly

Dilemma #5: Your in-laws give your child gifts that you do not allow him to use at home like toy guns and gadgets.

How to deal: When it comes to dealing with grandparents who love to spoil their apo, Chippy advises parents, “It is best to talk to your children and not to their grandparents about it. We have very little right to talk down to our in-laws. If it is clear to our children why these toys are not allowed at home, they will be wise enough not to use these gifts without our consent. The key is to make your children, not so much their grandparents, understand the reason behind this family rule.”

Stay connected

Dilemma #6: Instead of enjoying a good conversation, your teens automatically turn to their iPhones and engage in a game or iMessage exchange with their friends during family gatherings.

How to deal: We do not want our children to turn into digital zombies who have lost the ability to engage in family conversation.

Declare a “Digital Sabbath” during the Christmas holidays or create a holiday schedule to curb your kids “electronic stimulation.” However, Chippy cautions, “If we choose to deprive our children of something they are normally used to enjoying, we should be ready to provide alternatives that would keep their interests and sustain their level of engagement as well.” She suggests assigning them to help out with, for example, the decoration, welcome, program, sounds, or food committees during Christmas gatherings.

Match gifts with kids’ age and interests. “Last Christmas, we gave our 15-year-old son, Jhong, gifts that we thought he would appreciate. But we were surprised and saddened to find out that gifts do not interest him anymore as much as our little girl, Abby, then aged 3. I realized that as children grow, the things they value also change. Parents should be more keen in understanding what they want and need.”

–Mom of Jhong and Abby

Be gracious and tactful. “My son’s ninang dropped by the house to give him a gift. When my 5-year-old Dana saw this, she poutingly asked my friend, “What about me?!”

Feeling embarrassed, my friend left the house with a promise that her gift will be delivered soon. After that incident, I made my daughter understand that if people give gifts, we thank them; if not, we don’t demand from them.”

–Dr. Karina De Dios, mom of three Express gratefulness. “My sons had a grand time opening their gifts from relatives during our Christmas get-together last year. We all watched in amusement as they opened one expensive box of toy after the other. When they were down to the last two remaining packages, they excitedly grabbed and tore the wrappers away revealing bars of soap and small loose powders. As they stared incredulously at the contents of their gifts and before they even had a chance to remark, I managed to tell them in my no-nonsense voice to say ‘thank you’ to their Tita because now we do not need to buy soap and powder for the next few weeks. Thank God they took my cue and did it politely.” –May Gomez, mom of six

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Story courtesy of Working Mom Magazine December 2014-January 2015

12 books of Christmas Get into the Yuletide spirit with timeless reads and new classics

By ALEX CRUZ Photography by IAN CASTAñares

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hether you have a library of carefully curated books or prefer the convenience of e-books, sharing the gift of reading to your child is one of the best things you can do for the holidays.

Guide them as they traverse worlds previously untapped by their imagination. Here are 12 stocking stuffers for your little ones.

Acquaint your child with the classics like Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Robert L. May’s interpretation of Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer. These two books embody the holiday spirit and will instill important values to young minds.

Jingle Bell Doc with Doc McStuffins is just a whole lot of fun with a magical talking bear.

Similarly, The Christmas Fairy, introduces a hopeful doll who learns that everyone is special in their own way.

How To Talk To Santa is by 10-year-old Alec Greven and has his unique point of view. Both funny and practical, it has advice for kids who know Santa is on his way and will be barging in at any minute.

Rebecca Patterson’s The Christmas Show is a cute relatable story book that preschoolers are sure to love and will likely make them go, “Hey! That happened to me, Mommy!”

And what child wouldn’t love Christmas stories starring their beloved Disney friends? A Christmas Quackarol is Disney’s interpretation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol starring Scrooge McDuck. Winter Never Land has Jake and the Never Land Pirates celebrating the holidays Yo-ho-hoho style. Meanwhile, the Disney

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Christmas Storybook Collection features a who’s who of Disney’s A-listers, from Princess Aurora to Wall-E, involved in cute capers that are fun for everyone.

Not to be outdone, Dora and Boots take their own brand of fun with Dora’s Christmas Carol. Swiper finds ways to sabotage the holidays but everyone gets a happy ending.

For your child who wants to see more words than pictures, A Christmas Tale and A Very Merry Christmas featuring that lovable mouse, Geronimo Stilton, will surely satisfy their hunger for words.

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Story courtesy of Working Mom Magazine September 2015

Coping with a breakup,

Pinoy style

The seven stages of separation, according to the people you will meet

By ANA P. SANTOS

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sychologists say that coping with separation is akin to coping with death.

You go through the same stages of denial, anger and resentment, and depression before finally getting to acceptance. Acceptance is that holy grail or get-out-of-jail free card (depending on your personal inclinations) that will allow you to move on.

But not all psychologists know what it is like to go through separation in the Philippines, where there is no divorce and where a deep-seated sense of community and family can sometimes work for or against you. Here’s a rundown of the stages of separation, and how you can cope and move on.

1. People asking “what happened?” = anger People—from your manicurista to your kapitbahay—want to know what happened. Some think they are on the same level of intimacy as your best friend and expect you to spill the sordid details of your breakup. Some won’t pick up on your polite way of avoiding an answer. And those who don’t ask will resort to assumptions. Be ready to deal with people who do not think anything of violating your

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privacy. Avoid them, if you can. If they “ambush” you, use humor to circumvent answering questions. My favorite line was, “Wow! I feel like a celebrity looking into Tito Boy’s Magic Mirror. Wait lang, ha. I haven’t gotten to hair and makeup yet.”

If that doesn’t work, silence is the best response—it can be the loudest reply.

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2. Your ex = rage and resentment You run into each other. It’s inevitable, especially in the early stages of the separation, when you try to work things out. When you or both of you have decided to throw in the towel, you must go through the logistics of living apart. Be prepared to deal with a roller-

coaster of emotions, from boiling rage to a crippling sense of loss, as you ask yourself, “How could this happen to us? We were so happy...” Rage and anger will need a target, if not an outlet. Be careful when navigating this stage of separation. Channel your anger to activities that allow you to let off steam. Caitie, who found

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3. The priest = bargaining

5. Family = shame

You need to process what happened and look for someone who can help you do that. You may find yourself going to a priest or a spiritual adviser to vent your feelings. Or you may want to go to The Big Guy directly and bargain with Him. “I knew it was over. He had already moved in with his new girlfriend who was pregnant,” shares Connie, 35. “But I still prayed for a sign that he would realize that he was wrong, that it was me and the kids who were the most important thing. I lit candles, made offerings and pleaded with God. Not even God can change someone’s mind or heart.”

Prayer or other spiritual interventions can help but don’t delude yourself into thinking it will change the other person.

You will only be able to change yourself. Pray for strength and courage to face this new part of your life. Your prayer will stand a better chance of being answered.

You feel that you have disappointed them. In some cases, they will remind you. “My parents are very religious and were freaking out about what their church friends would say,” says Joy, 28. “It took a lot of guts to tell them that it was my life, not theirs, and the sooner they accept that, the better.”

Standing up to family is not a popular option in the Philippines. It is seen as being disrespectful and disobedient.

You don’t have to tell your family off if that’s not your way of dealing with things, but don’t let them make you feel ashamed about the separation.

4. Kids = guilt

herself separated at 42, was scared by the deep bitterness that consumed her. “I, who had only done Zen stuff like yoga, went boxing. I felt like such a Lola there, but I didn’t care.

I imagined my ex’s face with every punch and swing. I was too tired to be angry by the session’s end.”

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It is hard to face your children without feeling a sense of guilt, and that’s normal. Allow it to make you feel a deeper sense of empathy for what they are going through. You lost a partner, but they lost their father and maybe a sense of who they are and their place in the world.

One of the best pieces of advice I got about dealing with separation was from my former boss who had survived annulment and was happily remarried. “Kids will need some kind of routine, as this will give them a semblance of stability in their world, which has just been turned on its head.” Establish a schedule so you and the kids have something to look forward to.

It can be as simple as making every Tuesday, Taco night or Friday, DVD night. It also gives you a measurable goal that you can easily achieve and help boost your self-esteem.

6. Happily married people = grief For a while, it will be hard to attend weddings, know how to feel about a friend’s gushy engagement/anniversary announcement on Facebook.

In the beginning, you will see what you lost when you see a happily married couple. It won’t be just at weddings, either. It will be at barkada gatherings when you are surrounded by other couples or when you have no one to go with at a company event where spouses are expected to attend. Allow yourself time to grieve because something did die: your dream of a happy complete family.

As with any grieving period, a reclusive period is not just expected but needed.

7. Yourself = acceptance It may seem like a lifetime away, but there will be a time when you can look in the mirror and look yourself in the eye and say, “I’ve got this.”

There will be no bitterness, no arrogance, no vindictiveness, just a deep sense of gratitude for everything that came to pass. You may even allow yourself some slivers of happiness. And that is how acceptance will look like.

Ready to mingle?

How do you deal with the male attention? How do you know when you’re ready to start dating?

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newly separated woman will find herself noticed by men who are overly helpful or who will even ask you for a date. A guy once told me that I should date already because it’s “been a while.” You will feel insulted or flattered, but mostly confused.

How do you deal with the male attention? How do you know when you’re ready to start dating? Should you even try?

Give your heart a break and stay away from the dating scene for a while. You don’t want to stir up gossip, and it is true that a married woman, though separated, can be charged with adultery, but not a man in the same circumstances, so be very careful and discreet.

If you need male companionship, hang out with your gay friends. You can both laugh or cry about men, and they can probably give you better fashion advice than your BFF. Dating again is a way to put the past behind and start a new chapter in your life, but do it only when you’re ready, when you are not an emotional basket case or looking for a man for validation. You only need to put yourself back together to get the validation you need and, if you’re really in dire straits, family should be your financial back-up plan, not a man.

When you get back in the “meet” market, be safe and don’t leave anything to chance.

Yes, I am talking about the necessary precautions when it comes to birth control. Just remember that one of the best things about surviving a failed marriage is that any other man in the future who comes along may bruise your ego, but he will not be able to break your heart—unless you let him.

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