Cong. Romulo's term will end with his third term and it's rumored that he might run for the senate. He says it's not final yet. "Gusto ko munang pulsuhan ang mga taong bayan," he says.
But what he wants to focus on are three laws on education that he authored: the Iskolar ng Bayan Act that provides scholarship grants to students in the top 10 bracket of each graduating class in all public high schools; the Open Distance Learning Act that gives students the chance to get a college degree even at home or while working here or abroad; and the Ladderized Education Act that allows a student to finish a course on technical or vocational education like welding or automotive servicing that can help him land a job soonest. For his focus on giving good education to our poor kababayans, Cong. Romulo is very laudable indeed.
Is he aware that his wife was once linked to Willie Revillame when she was co-hosting his show? "Yes," says the congressman. "Nabalitaan ko yun. Dati ko ng friend si Willie, so bago ko niligawan si Shalani, tinanong ko muna siya and he said, never naging sila at wala raw issue kahit ligawan ko si Shalani. Malaki ang naitulong ni Willie para mas makilala si Shalani so may utang na loob siya rito."
Shalani does not have any show now. If Willie would ask her to be a guest in his new GMA show, would Cong. Romulo allow his wife? "Oo, walang problema. I'll support her kung gusto niyang bumalik sa showbiz."
What is Shalani's most endearing qualities? "Dahil naging councilor din siyia sa Valenzuela, she understands the life of a public servant. Mahaba ang oras ko at kung minsan, ginagabi ako ng uwi, pero naiintindihan niya. Kung may appointments ako, siya ang nagiging advanced party ko at, kung hindi ako makakasipot, she substitutes for me."
Cong. Romulo has three sisters, one of whom is Mons Romulo, a Phil. Star columnist. We ask Shalani how her relationship is with her sisters in law. "We have a good relationship. Nagkakasundo kami," she says.
Mons himself confirms this. "Kasundo siya ng buong pamilya namin," says Mons. "Tahimik lang siya at walang tumutol sa family namin when Roman decided to marry her. We really like her for our brother."
Mons is also the editor of a beautiful cookbook, "Salu-Salo, A Celebration of Philippine Culinary Treasures" from the Congressional Spouses Foundation. All the country's regions are represented in this wonderful culinary journey which has a total of 132 recipes. Everyone who loves to cook and eat should get a copy of this beautiful book.
