A child of showbiz

There are times when stating a fact simply pierces the heart more than elaborate words could ever do.

I was reminded of this a few days ago during a chat with the 14-year-old daughter of actress-writer Maritoni Fernandez. Lexi Alvarez possesses her mom’s eloquence and easy way with people so in no time at all, we were discussing random subjects such as music (“I’m into country pop”), school (“My highest grades are in Filipino and Grammar”) and showbiz crushes (“AJ Perez and Gerald Anderson!”).

Then, from out of the blue, Lexi disclosed how her mom won her bout with cancer.

“It was hard for her but she decided to live because she knew I needed a mom.”

Lexi continued talking casually about her mother. In her words, coming straight from her heart and soul, she reminded of how great the powers of love and truth are.

I remember having Maritoni and Lexi as guests on Boy & Kris a few years ago. Even then, I already saw something special in Lexi; a strength behind the refreshing smile and wisdom far beyond her years.

Her talents were a given: The girl can sing and maybe even act given the proper training. She can definitely dance having studied jazz, hip-hop and ballet as a scholar from a very early age.

I’ve been learning more things about her, too. That she can draw and write her own music. That she likes watching comedy for the simple reason that she loves laughing. That she’s inclined to take up a course in the Arts or Literature in college.

And then there are more talks about her mom. Lexi said that when told of her desire to enter showbiz, Maritoni’s most important advice to her was to “guard your heart.”

“And it wasn’t in the context of having a boyfriend. What she meant was for me to be careful in choosing whom I trust, what to put my heart into and to never overlook the good things people do for you. Be careful. Observe.”

Lexi says she hangs out in her mom’s room a lot. Given what she learns from her, I get her point.

Interestingly, the TV shows Lexi has appeared on so far always cast her as the kontrabida or, as she puts it, as “the bad girl.” Far from who she is in real life, she says that portraying such roles challenges her because she really has to act as opposed to fleshing out a role that strikes close to home.

Asked to describe herself, Lexi says she is a loving person, friendly and caring. But beyond the generic adjectives, she says she is someone who has an open heart.

“I am adaptable, accepting, responsible and hardworking,” she said. She might well have described the traits any talent manager would want of his ward.

Some of the showbiz personalities she looks up to including Jennylyn Mercado, Sarah Geronimo and Regine Velasquez have a thing in common: They all rose above the odds to go for their dreams.

If that is the template Lexi patterns herself after, then, yes, she will make it in the business. The talent and right attitude are already there. Now, let time be a friend. Lexi sings in a concert topbilled by Sitti and Erik Santos tomorrow, Nov. 21 at the Aliw Theater.

Lacoste’s new collection

Here’s another good news for fashionistas from Vangie Kua: Hi-tech printing techniques make the new Stealth Collection from Lacoste Footwear, the season’s must have fashion statement. Check out OSAKA, available in Whisper White and Dazzling Blue. This style is a contemporary mid-toe shoe with recessed croc-scale soles creatively printed in high contrast colors. Take a step in the right style direction. Hurry to the nearest Lacoste Footwear boutique and pick up a pair today!

Ani 35 at CCP

The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Literary Arts Division will launch Ani 35, The Pinoy as Asian issue, on Nov. 26, 6 p.m., at CCP Ramp with some of the featured authors reading from their works.

“Ani 35 is devoted to writings by Filipinos on their interaction with other Asian peoples and cultures. Ani 35 features 54 authors who contributed for three sections: Poetry; prose (essay and fiction) based on the The Pinoy as Asian theme and; Malayang Haraya for poetry and prose contributions outside the theme.

For issues of Ani, call CCP Marketing Department at 551-7930 or 832-11-25 locals 1800 to 1808. For authors who want to contribute for the next issue of Ani, call the CCP Literary Arts Division at 832-1125 locals 1706 and 1707, or e-mail [email protected].