Benjie Paras picks up the pieces

Recently, Jackie Forster, estranged wife of basketball star and actor Benjie Paras, appeared on television and talked about a lot of things: her marital problems, her supposed romance with Parañaque Mayor Joey Marquez and her plans to give up showbiz and go to the States to finish her studies.

Through it all, Benjie has remained quiet. He has refused to talk or grant interviews in an attempt to protect the privacy of their kids Andre (named after tennis star Andre Agassi), seven years old, and Kobe (named after Kobe Bryant of the LA Lakers), five.

"After Jackie did that interview, a lot of people called me up, asking me what my reaction was," says Benjie. "Some reporters even went to the set (of Kool Ka Lang), but I told them that if it’s about my private life, ayoko magsalita. Minsan, may nagtatanong pa lang kung puwede akong kausapin, but I always say no. I just refuse to talk about it."

Benjie confirmed that an annulment is already in court. The two boys, who study at the Ateneo Grade School, live with him. A hands-on father, Benjie does not have a yaya to take care of his sons. His mother, who has moved back to the Philippines from Australia, helps with the cooking. His sister, who is staying with them temporarily before she returns to Australia, has also been helping him out.

"My main concern right now is the kids," says Benjie. He tries to shield them from the controversy by not allowing them to watch talk shows and by making sure they have as normal a life as possible. They watch movies, go to the mall, play video games and basketball. Once in a while, Benjie brings them along whenever he has tapings or TV guestings. "Sometimes, people come up to us when we’re in the mall and will ask for autographs, pero nasanay na sila."

Fortunately, Benjie has a lot of time on his hands now that he is officially retired from the PBA. Aside from playing single dad, he also has more time to spend on his showbiz career. Benjie’s manager, Girlie Rodis of Talentworks Asia, says there are two movie offers awaiting him, in addition to a new soap, Narito Ang Puso Ko on GMA 7 with Raymart Santiago.

Benjie is serious about his showbiz career. If before, he used to review game tapes, now he reviews tapes of his performances and tries to see where or how he can do better next time. "Actually, I don’t consider showbiz work," he says. "Like basketball, it’s just something I love to do and if I become famous or win awards, that’s just a bonus."

Marian Matins

May is the month of Mary, and by tradition, we offer flowers to honor her for her place in God’s saving plan. We look upon Mary and ask to be made like Her, so that we too may say "Be it done to me according to Your Word."

This month, Jay Gomez and the Jesuit Music Ministry of the Jesuit Communications Foundation offer a different bouquet to our Mother, as they present Marian Matins: Hymn to Our Lady in String Quartet.

Marian Matins follows the tradition of Lauds and Vespers in providing instrumental music for meditation. But, whereas Lauds features the piano and Bro. Arnel Aquino, SJ, and Vespers fuses flute and guitar, Matins follows the tradition of chamber music, featuring performances by Jeremy Dadap (violin 1 & 2), Lauro Valentino Cad (viola), Nino Llorin (cello), Ariel Arambulo (violin 1) and Corinna Lapena (violin 2).

Marian Matins features favorite Marian hymns composed by Jesuits and laity as interpreted by a string quartet. Fr. Eddie Hontiveros’ Magnificat and Maria, Bukang Liwayway, Fr. Manoling Francisco’s Stella Maris and Mariang Ina Ko, Fr. Nemy Que’s Aba Ginoong Maria and Bro. Arnel Aquino’s Oyayi all find new interpretations in the harmonies of chamber music. As many flowers make a bouquet, the violins, viola and cello make the prayer that is Marian Matins.

This May, offer a special bouquet of prayer to Mary, praying Marian Matins.