What Daniel Padilla learns from Mama Karla

MANILA, Philippines - Publicity, whether good or bad, is still publicity that can boost one’s popularity. In this day and age, however, publicity could make or break a person, depending on how he would react on issues, especially in the intrigue-laden world of showbiz. Many have gone into oblivion due to “strong, impulsive response.”

But that is far from happening to Karla Estrada and son Daniel Padilla who recently hit the showbiz gossip mill. In a report, Karla was linked to cager Mark Caguioa. Daniel, on the other hand, was said to have performed in an event under the influence of alcohol.

Both brushed off the unsavory tales. “First, I never watch basketball,” says Karla after the press launch of Lily’s Peanut Butter TVC. The sandwich spread brand has commissioned Karla and Daniel to be its very first endorsers.

Karla adds, “It’s funny how could that be when I don’t even know him, di ko pa s’ya nakikita.” It was Karla’s friend who showed her how Mark looked like through YouTube.

When she learned about the rumor, Karla decided to “relax first” and kept mum about it. But what made her uneasy was the fact that the one who wrote about it seemed to be so sure. Besides, she found the intrigue too hurting not only to her but to the other person’s feelings. “I know kung gaano nakakasakit yun sa damdamin ng iba.”

Asked how did the rumor crop up, Karla says she is amazed at how other people can easily fabricate stories “na ’pag wala na talagang nakikita, kailangan natin mag-imbento.”

She also denies any involvement with a politician. “Single ako, medyo kumota na ako sa lovelife ko.”

Her last romantic relationship was four years ago. If and when she finds a new love who proposes marriage, her children’s approval must be considered because “I respect their feelings.”

Karla is also aware about the recent issue hurled against her son. “It’s not true. First, there was no event wherein he performed before 20,000 people. Bongga sana kung totoo, pero walang katotohanan yan. We just let that kind of talk pass. We didn’t allow ourselves to be affected.”

In fact, there’s nary a trace of irritation when Daniel talks about the “intoxicated” issue. Perhaps, he says, his actions while performing on stage give the wrong impression.

“Sometimes when I sing, ‘yung actions ko, mukha yata akong lasing,” says Daniel who just laughed off the issue. “’Di ko na lang pinapatulan, wala namang intrigang pwede kang patumbahin di ba?”

One has to learn to handle intrigues, Daniel adds. “Don’t take them seriously.”

Controversies are part of being popular but Daniel stresses that he is able to handle fame with the help of his parents. Karla never fails to give pieces of advice and reminders to Daniel. She keeps on telling him, “Anak, kapag lumabas ka ng bahay, ang No. 1 ay ’wag ka magpapasama ng loob ng ibang tao.”

And if in case Daniel committed a mistake without her looking, she reminds him to be responsible for his actions. “I admit I’m not by his side all the time, especially during regional (shows). Besides, lalaki naman yan; he can handle himself well.”

And like all mothers, Karla is never too shy to display her affection towards her son in public. It is Daniel who feels awkward about it. Karla even attempted to kiss him on the cheek during the presscon but Daniel stopped her from doing so while saying in a soft voice, “Ma, ano ka ba?” that led his mom to tease him some more.

“Among my four children, it is Daniel who is shy to openly show his affection. When no one is looking like ‘pag walang tao sa room dun s’ya naglalambing.”

Karla also reveals that Daniel heads straight home after work. He loves playing computer games and basketball with his brothers. She, too, describes how conservative Daniel is. “He doesn’t want me to wear shorts and he always stops us whenever we laugh so loud. And he doesn’t want me to sing in the shower.”

And what makes her feel proud among Daniel’s achievements?

“His house because I no longer worry that he and his siblings might end up sleeping under the bridge when I’m gone.”