"Actually," Ayen told Funfare during a brief phone chat yesterday, "my pregnancy came way ahead of our schedule. Franco and I wanted talaga to have the baby by July because of our busy schedule these days promoting our albums. But then, here it is."
They are celebrating their first wedding anniversary on Monday, March 18.
Ayen learned that she was pregnant two weeks ago in Cebu during their album promo mall tour. "I was delayed so I took the home pregnancy test," recalled Ayen. "Positive."
Yesterday, Ayen was supposed to meet the press regarding her self-titled album (produced by her own company, SK Records, and released by Viva Records) but the presscon was moved to Friday (March 15) and was subsequently cancelled because Ayen was "sick." Yes, it was "morning sickness."
"I was told by my doctor to take it easy," said Ayen who experienced some "spotting" last Saturday. "Its again a delicate pregnancy, like the time I was infanticipating for my two children (Yela, 11, and Kiko, 7, by her ex-husband... yes, The Prince). I cant eat; Im throwing up all the time, especially if I smell something I dont like. Si Franco nga," Ayen added with a laugh, "parang ayokong maamoy. Im always sleepy and I feel so tamad."
Just the same, Ayen is pushing through with the launching of her albums MTV as scheduled April 7 on A.S.A.P.
"Kahit papano," said Bong, "magkakasakitan ang aming pelikula sa box office, kaya I decided to back out. I value my friendship with Daboy (Rudy)."
Obviously, events in the past several months have taught Bong some lessons.
"Its not only making money that counts," he added. "Besides, the movie industry hasnt completely recovered until now, kaya dapat magtulungan at magbigayan."
Its a good thing that Bongs and Rudys TV shows are shown on the same station (GMA 7) so they have different timelots. Rudys show, Kassangga airs early in the week while Bongs show, Idol Ko Si Kap, airs on weekends.
Early this year, Jinggoy Estrada publicly forgave Bong who cut his political ties from the Estradas during the EDSA II in January. He and Rudy, along with Phillip Salvador, used to be barkadas with Jinggoy (who is still Rudy and Phillips buddies)
"Mas maganda ang walang kagalit," said Bong. "Mas magaan ang pakiramdam."
Her name is Min Kwon who is based in Austria. The concert, entitled An Evening of Classical Romance, will be held at the Francisco Santiago Hall of the Equitable PCI Bank Tower 1 on Makati Avenue on Friday, March 15, at 8 p.m.
Joe Mari first met Min Kwon last year on board the Crystal Symphony cruise up the Baltic Sea and was impressed and fascinated with her talent. As a member of the MCO Foundation, this is Joe Maris first production venture in classical music and he is excited to present this charming, articulate and gifted young lady pianist to the Filipino audience. (For tickets you, may call Judy or Lilibeth at 817-1551 or the MCO offices at 813-3849.)
Joe Mari has just returned from a very successful concert at the North Shore Center For The Performing Arts in Chicago where he launched the US release of his new CD, A Hearts Journey, now on its way to platinum.