Donna Cruz-Larrazabal: Happy by choice

In this life, everything is fleeting. People tend to equate happiness with physical beauty, material possessions, status and achievement. But not Donna Cruz-Larrazabal — although it can’t be denied that she’s also pretty, popular and privileged. For this young wife and mother of three, being happy means that you choose to be content with what you are and what you already have.

“Even before,” Donna begins, referring to her “rudely interrupted” career as a singer and actress when she married ophthalmologist Yong Larrazabal 10 years ago after a blind date, “everybody knows that I really wanted to settle down and have my own family at an early age.” Amidst the glitz and glamour of show business, Donna knew exactly what would make her happy. And so, after a whirlwind romance with a guy nine years her senior, she bade showbiz a sweet goodbye and settled in Cebu, where her husband’s family runs various businesses including a hospital.

“Transferring to Cebu was never a difficult decision for me,” she asserts. “Back in Manila when I was still active in showbiz, I was always a homebody. If I didn’t have tapings, I’d stay at home.” Donna furthers that her adjustment from the hustle-and-bustle of Manila to the lifestyle in Cebu didn’t require much from her. “This is what I really wanted in the first place,” she reiterates.

Donna finds utmost pleasure in spending time with her family and performing her most challenging role ever — being a supportive wife to a very busy doctor and a doting mother to three lovely kids: Belle, Cian and Gio. Her expressive eyes twinkle in delight as she shares stories about her children. “I want to see my kids grow up. I want to be there for them in every step of the way,” she says. Hence, even at her leisure time, Donna brings the children with her. “If I go to the mall for some relaxation, I still want my kids around. They bring me immeasurable joy.” Truly, mothering has brought out a different kind of maturity and contentment for this former teen star.

A few days after her birthday, Donna was hesitant to be photographed because she claims she was a few pounds heavier. But the creative team begged to disagree. She was perfectly slim and despite several years away from the bright lights, Donna still knew how to charm the camera. No wonder that after a decade of marital bliss, Yong is still very much in love with her — the couple is, in fact, celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary in September.

Asked what was her husband’s birthday present to her, she shares, “During Holy Week, we would be having a vacation abroad. I just want to spend quality time with him and the kids.”

At 31, Donna Cruz-Larrazabal proudly declares she is happy with her life — because she chose to be.