Is it true Claudine Barretto’s marital problems were the reasons why “Iglot” ended quickly? “They say it’s management’s decision. In fairness to Claudine, hindi siya problema sa taping. She’s okay. I know pinagdaraanan niya but I think they got to save their marriage.”
Sylvia started in showbiz in 1989 when she was just 18 years old, fresh from Agusan. “Ako yung seksing sinisilipan nina Zoren Legaspi at Aljon Jimenez in ‘Student Body’. I’m glad after 22 years, I’m still active sa pag-arte.” Married to businessman Art Atayde, she has five kids. “Pia is now 23, followed by Arjo, 21, who’s now with ABS-CBN doing a soap with child star Bugoy Carino. He also stars in the video for Ricky Lee’s new novel, ‘Amapola sa 65 Kabanata’, to be launched on November 27 at SM Skydome. He plays the role of a gay aswang. After him is Ria, 19, who has her own t-shirt and cake business; Gela, 9; and Xavier, 2. I want to have one more para six. Kasi six kami sa family at six din sina Art sa kanila.”
She’s also busy with her new restaurant, TJ Resto Bar, that had a formal opening on 11-11-11 with Sen. Jinggoy Estrada doing the ribbon-cutting. TJ comes from Tita Jojo, which is how relatives call her as her real name is Josette. Located at Sct. Esguerra corner Sct. Bayoran, it’s in between GMA-7 and ABS-CBN so stars from both networks often frequent the place that had a soft opening two weeks ago. Although she has two chefs, Sylvia, who took up culinary arts at AICA, is hands on in preparing the dishes offered there. She cooked her famous kare-kare, bagnet and laing for us and it’s really good. All the dishes she cooked for the opening are truly delicious. “Matagal ko na gusto magnegosyo and a resto like this is best for me. Hindi sosyal, affordable ang prices pero masarap. We even have pizza and pasta kasi maraming naghahanap.” TJ Resto Bar opens for lunch at 11 am and, for those who want to unwind, the cozy place is open up to 2 AM. They also sell selected cold-cuts, chocolate and cakes.
