We asked what’s happening but they won’t talk. We thought it’s a terrorist attack. Ang katabi kong babae, iyak na ng iyak. Ako naman, naisip ko: paano na mga apo ko, talents ko, si Eduardo, mga anak ko? Yung bahay namin sa White Plains, kapapagawa lang, dapat lilipat kami sa end of September, di ko na yata malilipatan. I got my rosary and prayed. After that, at peace na ako. I felt that if I had to go, I’m ready. Buti na lang, magaling ng pilot namin. We were able to land safely. Paglanding namin, ang daming nag-aabang na bombero at media. Hindi ko na hinintay ang luggage ko, lumabas agad ako’t hinanap ko si Eduardo na siyang sasalubong sa’kin. Alam na pala nila what’s happening kasi na-report na sa TV. Parang second life sa’kin. Pagbalik ko sa Pilipinas, diretso ko sa Cebu at nagpasalamat ako sa Sto. Nino.”
The accident happened just as it was announced that Philippine Airlines is honoring her as their first Million Miler from the local entertainment industry, a distinction that puts her above the rest and gives her a lot of privileges making her a PAL VIP with priority check in, access to Mabuhay lounges, additional free baggage allowance, upgrading in the business class, and many more. “Loyal naman ako talaga sa PAL,” she says. “For 16 years now, tuwing pupunta kong US at Cebu, PAL ako.”
She’s happy that her children and talents are all busy with new projects. Richard Gutierrez is starting the new season of “Survivor Philippines” soon. Ruffa is in a new movie with Gabby Concepcion for Regal. Raymond has become slim due to Sexy Solutions dishes and boxing, in preparation for the launch of the local Esquire version that he’ll edit. JC De Vera and Jay Manalo is in “Utol Kong Hoodlum” while Arci Munoz and Carla Humphries is in the first afternoon series of TV 5, “Felina”, about catwomen.
Why are the daughters of Nadia Montenegro who she managed, Alyanna and Annika, no longer with TV5? “Ayaw niya kasing ibigay ang commission ko, pati from Ynna. Ayun, pinull out niya ang mga anak niya sa TV5, wala tuloy mga trabaho, e tatlo-tatlo na sana ang shows nila dun.”
