Wanted: A boyfriend for Pia

MANILA, Philippines - Although Pia Guanio is not in my barkada circle, I feel she is one because of her close affinity to my six compadres Vic Sotto, Joey de Leon, Sen. Tito Sotto, Tony Tuviera, Mike Enriquez and Joey Santos. I met Pia way back before she and co-host Vic (a.k.a. “Bossing”) started dating. I was delighted when I found out it blossomed to a relationship. It was perfect match. Recently, some blind innuendo in the papers hinted about their break-up. Being a closet chismoso (rumor monger), I asked Joey if it was true and he responded with a blank stare. It seems both Pia and Vic are tight lipped about their alleged separation. Deep down inside, I wanted to know the real score.

My opportunity to get it straight from the horse’s mouth came a week ago when I found out Pia was having a business dinner with Joey Santos of House of Obagi. I invited myself and luckily didn’t get any objection.

On the way to our 8:30 p.m. dinner at Paparazzi at EDSA Shangri-La, I bumped into Joey & Eileen de Leon and took the liberty of inviting them to the dinner. I haven’t seen them in weeks and wanted to catch up on the latest.

Pia arrived solo in a sexy black mini-skirt and looked so fresh despite working all day on her TV chores. After the Hi and Hello formalities, she embarked on her business talk with House of Obagi executive Eileen Marcelo. I overheard she was going to be the image model.

Pia and me

As we chowed down on our lovely steaks, Pia joined in my conversation with Joey and we started joking and talking about the good things in life. This was a sign she was through with the business talk. As we engaged into small talk, I found out Pia is a voracious eater and loves seafood like I do. She has tried the mouthwatering lobsters with a tinge of sweetness at the world famous Palm restaurant at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. We laughed about the fact that Americans normally discard the yummy roe which is the best part of the lobster. (Note that real lobsters with claws also known as “Homarus Americanus” are distant relatives of the spiny lobsters or “langouste” which are commonly sold in the Philippines and the Asian region.) Crabs are her weakness and I suggested that she try the Japanese King crab which is the most expensive and only found at high-end Japanese restaurants. I have only tried it once with Mike Enriquez in Macau and have nothing but superlatives for the taste. Our conversation shifted from food to her favorite types of music. I asked her if being with Vic has enriched her musical knowledge and she answered affirmative. She enthused that they both listened to so many types including songs of my boss Ramon “RJ” Jacinto. I was itching to ask if they really have split when Eileen de Leon and my ex-girlfriend (now my wife) Mady complimented her about the pinkish glow on her skin. Pia’s face lighted up and started rattling about her daily beauty regimen highlighting on her newly-discovered House of Obagi beauty treatment. She raved how it has made her look fresh with a pinkish glow and the whole process of applying was only five minutes. The beauty speech went on for about 15 minutes as the girls listened intently. When it was over, I boldly muttered “Pia, is it true you and Vic have split up?” Suddenly, there was an eerie silence in our table and she looked at me sternly and said “Danee, I desperately need a boyfriend.”

Pia’s Jack Russell Terrier Snoop also needs a boyfriend

Our jaws dropped and I thought wow, this lady does get straight to the point but before I could open my mouth she continued “for my Jack Russell Terrier Snoop. She’s been in heat and I’m excited to get her pregnant” and cracked in laughter. Our dinner ended as the waiters were preparing to close Paparazzi for the night. I didn’t get the answer I wanted but I was glad to be with my close friends. The steak was good, too.