Isabel: Happily single again

CEBU CITY, Philippines  — What’s a girl to do when a lovely romance fizzles out? After splitting with Paolo Contis months ago and going through weeks of crying, Isabel Oli bounces back with a visibly happy aura. This, everyone noticed when she recently returned here — her hometown — as the latest “It” girl of PLDTmyDSL. The telecommunications firm also formally introduced another Cebuana endorser, 19-year-old model Nikki Taylor.

Sporting a sleeveless dress, flaunting her milky white skin and slim figure, Isabel, as an onlooker noted, looked happy, especially now that she has a new hairstyle.

Well, why shouldn’t she? Isabel still has it all — an acting career, product endorsements, family, and friends who stay with her during turbulent times and give her comforting words that ease her emotional baggage. The four-day- three-night Boracay sojourn weeks ago with friends Glaiza de Castro, Jennica Garcia and Nadine Samonte have helped Isabel feel better. Their friendship blossomed on the set of Gagambino where they all starred in.

“The trip was really fun and refreshing. We made our own videos like that on MTV in our sleep wear lang. But we have yet to upload them on YouTube,” Isabel offers. “A lot of dramas also happened as we spilled all our frustrations and problems to one another.”

Did they talk about heartaches? Being the oldest in the group doesn’t mean Isabel needs no advice from younger pals about her recent sweet affair gone sour. The three comforted their “Ate” with encouraging words, making her feel light all the more.

It was in a celebrity talk show when Isabel broke her silence about her break-up with Paolo who found a new love in EB Babe Lian Paz. The relationship which lasted three years was a serious one. The two even had plans of getting married then,   and went as far as setting a wedding date. But things changed and ugly rumors started to set in.

“I am happy now and I can say that I’ve moved on,” Isabel says. “I guess, we need to experience and feel the pain for us to be a better person.”

A supportive family also counts a lot in the healing process. Although her loved ones are based in Singapore and constant communication through the Net makes it possible for Isabel to update them on the goings-on in her life, they still made an effort to come home and ease the actress’ pain. Her mom accompanied Isabel during tapings while the kids in their house helped brighten her days.

“I appreciate what they all did. My friends were there 24/7. I call them even at 3 a.m. Though there are times when you want to be alone. I pray. I talk to God. Truly, He answers prayers,” Isabel shares.

Does it also help when she buried her head with work? Not in Isabel’s case. She and her former flame moved around in the same circle. She is used to seeing Paolo around during tapings or spending her free time with him after each showbiz commitment. “Kaya malaking adjustment talaga yung ginawa ko.”

Isabel has learned her lessons, too. “Love yourself first. You should know how to divide your time, and not to focus only on one person.”

Focusing only on the relationship is one mistake that hit her hard.

“One should set priorities, like God, family, self, career. I mixed them up before. Now I keep in mind that I should love myself more.”

And falling in love again is not in her priority list right now. She dreads the thought of feeling hurt again. Yes, there are guys willing to offer new love. Yet they understand Isabel still needs time for herself at the moment.

“The word is not trauma but scared. I want to but I’m scared. I’m happy being single again.”

In the coming days, Isabel will be working with Lian as she and the EB Babes will tour the malls in connection with PLDTmyDSL’s Raid Upgrade.

Is she emotionally prepared to meet Lian and work with her soon?

“Yeah. It’s not her fault and I don’t feel any hatred towards her. Kay Pao pa yes. Am I being too frank? But as I’ve said I’m okay now,” Isabel replies.

And if ever they bump into each other Isabel says she won’t hesitate greeting Lian first as she always does when she meets people.

Stay tuned on what will happen next.

“I’m thankful being part of PLDT family because I’ve been a long-time customer. It’s like surreal when I was offered to be one of its endorsers. Dati user lang, ngayon endorser na,” Isabel enthuses.

According to PLDT assistant vice president and category head for DSL Gary Dujali, they will also field three Speedster buses before end of the month to let everyone, especially the students, have an easy web access. The buses with a number of computers inside will move around Metro Manila, Visayas — like Cebu (where PLDTmyDSL has come up with a TVC which will be shown only here) and some parts of Mindanao.