On Monday, Aug. 18, it’s my favorite sister, my Ate Ballsy Aquino-Cruz’s special day. She is truly kindness, generosity and charm personified. She is the peacemaker and moral center among us siblings. She is patient and always tries to see the best in people. She is the daughter every parent can only dream of having, but my Mom is so blessed to have!
On Tuesday, Aug. 19, it’s Mother Lily’s turn. If there is one woman who has guts and unquestionable instinct, it is Mother. I wish I had her simplicity because she’s truly a silent "billionaire." Mother Lily is loyal and when she loves you, she loves for life. She is honest and she is direct. I love Mother because with her you never doubt where you’re at, and where things stand. She has opened so many doors for so many stars, and in fact for me she has done it twice. For the rest of my career, I will remain grateful for all the faith she has shown in me. For the rest of my life, I will feel so blessed because in her I have a second mom, who reminds me that I am special, and yet takes the time to correct and guide me when I stray.
On Wednesday, Aug. 20, it is Tito Ronnie, FPJ’s birthday. He did me a big favor by taking up the cudgels for me, even though I never asked for it, and it’s been quite some time since I’ve seen him. He is a man of strong principles. He is true to his word and a true gentleman. Wherever the road leads him, he knows that he can count on my vocal and tangible support.
This Wednesday, Aug. 20, I make my debut as an event producer. My Mom put me in charge of the entertainment portion of the commemoration of my Dad’s 20th death anniversary, which will be held at the NBC Tent at The Fort from 2 to 6 p.m. The Aquino Foundation will pay tribute to 20 other foundations that have helped empower the Filipino.
The line-up of guests is undeniably stellar. My best friend, the Divine Diva, Zsa Zsa Padilla, will do two medleys, one of Celine Dion’s biggest hits and one of Louie Ocampo’s hit compositions. Ogie Alcasid, our current undisputed hitmaker, will also be doing a medley of his greatest hits.
Robert Seña will render my Dad’s favorite, Impossible Dream. Jamie Rivera will sing my Mom’s favorite, Heal Our Land. The Apo will sing Handog ng Pilipino sa Mundo with the Tiples choir of Sto. Domingo Church, together with Dessa. After all, that is our country’s legacy, a peaceful revolution and lasting democracy. The theme of the entire program is "hope." We sometimes fail to appreciate all that our country has achieved, and we also forget to look forward to tomorrow.
My Dad always believed in the Filipino, enough to lay down his life for all of us. To cap things off, and as a welcome light moment, reigning comedy queen Ai Ai delas Alas will sing her version of Tie a Yellow Ribbon.
Helping me host the event, I was fortunate enough to cajole the best in the business, my two bosom buddies, Korina Sanchez and Boy Abunda.
I’ve always said that if anybody would be ecstatically thrilled at how far my career has progressed, it would be my Dad. He always believed his daughter would be a star, and he always encouraged me to believe in all I can achieve. I am proud to be able to do this as a tribute to him.
Thank you to all my friends who are helping make this tribute possible. Thank you to my endorsements for making it possible for me to shoulder the production expenses. I told my Mom that the sounds, lights, generator, musical arrangements and salaries of the production staff would be care of me, and it does feel good to be able to give back. After all, I truly lucked out with the DNA that came from my parents!