WE WERE interviewing
Ynez Veneracion on the set of “Munting Heredera” when her cellfone rang. She was speaking so softly it’s obvious she didn’t want us to hear it. Later, she admits it’s Gov. Ismail Mangundadatu who’s said to be her boyfriend. “Actually, wala na kami,” she says. “We met when I campaigned for him in Mindanao noong election. April last year. Sinagot ko siya, June. We broke up in May this year. Mabait siya, treated my like a princess, so I can’t complain. He’s a widower at naging close ako sa walong anak niya. Baby pa yung bunso kasi his wife just gave birth when she was killed by their enemies. Kaya lang, gusto niya, dun na lang ako, mag-convert as Muslim and not work anymore. Ayoko. Hindi ako sanay sa buhay roon. E, dumating itong offer from Direk Maryo de los Reyes to do ‘
Munting Heredera’. Na-miss ko rin talaga ang pag-arte so I’m happy to be part of this hit show. But nung first few days ko, para kong nanganganay. Para kong baguhan uli. Buti na-revive ang acting ability ko dahil sa galing ng mga kasama ko rito.”
How come she didn’t admit it then when we first talked to her? “For security purposes. May political enemies siya. So nag-iingat din ako. But now na hindi na kami, okay na.”
A bit later, the governor himself visited Ynez on the set and she introduced him to the other cast members. “Nag-split naman kami ng maayos so friends pa rin kami.” How about her other ex, Mon Confiado? “11 years kami together so friends pa rin kami. Close ako kahit sa family niya.”
