Lessons Emman left behind

There was a queue outside the Heritage chapel, so while waiting for our turn to condole with Kuya Kim and his family, my son IC and I had dinner at the lounge with Kylie Verzosa and Cheryl Cosim. To lighten the mood, IC told Kylie, “We used to see each other at clubs. Now, we often meet up at wakes.” Then Kylie shot back, “We must be getting old, but thank God nobody comes up to me pa naman and says, ‘You are my mom’s or Lola’s favorite.’ So, I’m not that old yet.”

Then Cheryl and I talked about the high cost of living and the higher cost of dying. In jest, I told her that to save money, when my time comes, I want my ashes to be placed inside bottles of Chardonnay in all the bars I frequent.

I bumped into my dear friend Karylle, who was on her way out of the chapel. “My eyes are swollen from crying,” she said, “because of my long talk with Kuya Kim.”

After saying a little prayer for Emman inside the chapel, I remembered my interview with Kuya Kim on my DollywoodPh YT channel a few months ago.

His eyes lit up while he talked about his three kids. “My two girls are fighting for different causes. Eliana is fighting for the rights of the poor. Our family was mentioned in Fox News because of my daughter’s crusades,” Kim pointed out, adding in jest, “Emman is fighting for the rights of the rich. Baliktad. Parehong may pinaglalaban.”

In Emman’s presence, her millions of followers learned much. In her absence, we are learning even more about kindness and compassion.

Cesar Montano’s ‘pain’

The shocking demise of Emman sparked awareness on mental health issues and suicide. Many years ago, BFF Buboy’s (Cesar Montano) son, Angelo ended his life the way Emman did. So, I asked BFF what advice he would give parents like Kim Atienza on how to cope after their child takes his/her own life. But BFF begged off. “Pasensya na BFF,” he replied. “Ayoko na balikan yun. It’s too painful.”

The pain of losing a loved one never goes away completely. We just learn to live with it or we can turn our pain into art. No wonder BFF is an award-winning actor. It figures.

Gabbi Garcia is back as ‘PBB Celebrity Collab Edition 2.0.’ 

Gabbi Garcia on ‘PBB’

Gabbi Garcia is revved up for “PBB (Pinoy Big Brother) Celebrity Collab Edition 2.0.” GMA Network and ABS-CBN Studios join forces anew in celebration of PBB’s 20th anniversary.  This season, “PBB” welcomes a fresh batch of celebrity housemates — all born in 2005, the same year the show first aired.

I remember the time when I was invited to join “PBB Celebrity Edition” back in the day, but I declined. I’m too restless to be under house arrest. Pour moi, life is too short to stay too long in one place.

(‘PBB’ airs weeknights at 9:40, Saturdays at 6:15 p.m. and Sundays at 10:05 p.m. on GMA 7.)

Here’s my chat with Gabbi:

If you would be a housemate, who are the three celebs you want to be in the bahay with and what’s one question you want to ask them?

“My ‘sisters’ Sanya Lopez, Kylie Padilla and Glaiza de Castro. So, we can have a reunion. I will ask their plans for the next five years. Our sisterhood has grown deep and we support each other beyond showbiz.”

Who’s your fave ‘PBB’ former housemate and why?

“Melai. She’s super hilarious, and she’s still so relevant to this day. Sobrang bilis ng utak niya.”

What stands out in your memory about your Paris Fashion Week experience?

“Yung energy nang lahat during fashion week, kasi akala ng iba parang you’re just there para umawra awra for the glam and the glitz, pero hindi nila alam na there is really more to it. It’s people celebrating fashion together.”

What makes your relationship with Khalil Ramos work?

“We treat each other with utmost respect all the time. Also, we make sure that we communicate everything. No secrets. We don’t provoke each other. So, it’s really just being intentional in making the relationship work.”

Please share any amusing story about your Paris trip.

“Khalil took all of my content. What a supportive BF he is. Instead of hiring a photography team, he served as my one-man team. Since we have chemistry and Khalil knows my style, mas feel na feel ko mag-pose and he was able to capture all my Paris moments perfectly.”

True Faith’s frontman, Meds Marfil, will be in town for the holiday season. The band has a new catchy song, Sunbright, which is Meds’ ‘love anthem’ for his hubby, Mark Angeles. 

True Faith’s back

My fave band True Faith’s (TF) frontman, Meds Marfil, will be in town for the holiday season. He’s now based in San Francisco with his hubby, Mark Angeles. TF’s new catchy song, Sunbright, is Meds’ “love anthem” for Mark. TF’s music is such a “good vibes” provider. Watching their gigs is my idea of cool fun.

Catch TF on Nov. 21 at Noctos Music Bar QC; Nov. 22. Hatch Kitchen & Bar at Parqal; Nov. 26, Two Botts Resto Bar at Southwoods; Nov. 27, Turning Tides Marikina; Nov. 28, Sotogrande Hotel and Convention Center in Batangas and Nov. 29, 77 Degree in Baliwag (Bulacan).

Bands come and go, but True Faith has lasted through.

(For booking inquiries of True Faith for Christmas parties/events, call Joey at +63 905-366-5639.)

— Dolly Anne Cavajal