Mar, Korina set for US holiday

If plans don’t miscarry, Senator-elect Mar Roxas and his ladylove Korina Sanchez will leave tomorrow on a two-week well-deserved "victory" holiday on both coasts of the US.

Oops! Before you jump to any conclusion that the sweethearts are going on a "honeymoon," as the Funfare DPA jokingly referred to the trip, let me hasten to add that, so far, the Honorable Senator hasn’t even proposed marriage to Korina yet. Besides, it’s not only the two of them who are travelling; Mar’s family (mom Judy and sister Ria), and maybe some other relatives, are also going.

That very simply and very clearly means that the Roxases and the Aranetas have accepted Korina as a member of the clan, contrary to speculation that Mar’s mom doesn’t fully approve of the romance.

The recent elections in which Mar emerged as topnotcher in the senatorial race, with a staggering 19-million-plus votes, must have strengthened the bond between Mar and Korina. Admittedly, Mar has his own clout but his association with Korina has definitely enhanced his public appeal.

I have a feeling that Mar will run for a higher office in Year 2010 and Korina will again prove to be one of his big assets.

Anyway, while abroad, will Mar finally propose marriage to Korina (maybe while their companions are looking or eavesdropping)?

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It’s almost two months since Rica Peralejo came back from a month-long trip to the US and controversy continues to hound her.

One issue involves her visa and the other, the reason for her prolonged stay in the US.

"Contrary to some reports," Rica told Funfare, "I went to the US not for a show but for a much-needed rest. I was with my mom, my brother and my sister Paula. I was so stressed-out that I needed that break. We went to San Francisco, L.A., New Jersey, New York and Chicago purely for fun and not for work."

Before Rica flew to the US, there was an offer for her to have a show and she thought she could time it with her vacation until a hitch came up. She wasn’t able to get a working visa, so she decided to forego the show.

"My layryngitis started acting up," said Rica, "and I was advised by my doctor to refrain from talking too much and from singing. I thought it was a sign from God for me not to do the show."

However, at the port of entry in San Francisco, Rica was questioned by an immigration officer about a show in Union City (supposed to be scheduled last April 4) and Rica of course vehemently denied it. At around that time, ABS-CBN was holding The Filipino Channel’s 10th-anniversary show at the Cow Palace in Daly City and the immigration officer even asked Rica if she was joining the show. Rica said no, "Precisely because I didn’t have a working visa."

What she didn’t like was the way she was "grilled" for something she wasn’t guilty of.

"There was even a report that I was mad at the people at the US Embassy here," said Rica. "Of course, it’s not true! In fact, the US Embassy here was very nice to me and I’m so thankful to the people there for it. They believed my story and I’m forever grateful to them for it."

Now, did Rica stay longer in the US for, according to a nasty rumor, an abortion?

"Nope! I just rested and took it easy. I simply relaxed. That abortion issue is an old one. A few weeks before I left, I said that I was bleeding and my doctor said it was due to stress. When I went to the hospital, the nurse even shyly asked me in whispers if I have had any miscarriage, my God, if I had given birth as part of the routine patient interview and I was laughing and laughing. I told her, ‘Of course, not! No way!’ Until now, I still feel the effects of stress. My right hand goes numb and I feel dizzy at certain times of the day, especially early mornings and late nights."

Linkin Park Quiz

The Linkin Park will have a concert on June 15 at the CCP Open Grounds (presented by Smart Buddy, No Curfew Watch Stores and Jag Jeans, along with Frenzy, Petron, Treats, Summit Natural Drinking Water and Citizen Eco-Drive Watches).

In connection with this, Funfare is conducting a joint quiz promo with the concert producer from yesterday until Saturday, June 12. Everyday, two winners (who will each get two tickets to the concert) will be picked by a representative of the concert-producer. There will be 12 winners all in all.

Simply answer the question Who do you think is the coolest Linkin Park member? and e-mail your answer to [email protected] or fax to 816-0014. (Winners will be duly notified and can claim their tickets on June 14 at Unit 809 V. Madrigal Bldg., Ayala Avenue, Makati City. Bring your ID. Look for Mic Florendo or Agie Dacanay, or call 817-2940.)

• From Cindy Kurleto: "I like Joe Hahn because he’s really cool."

• Patty Laurel: "Mike Shinoda because he proves that Asians rock!"

The Linkin Park is composed of Joe Hahn, Chester Bennington, MC Mike Shinoda, Brad Delson, Dave Farrell a.k.a. Phoenix and Rob Bourdon.

(E-mail reactions at [email protected])