Gelli 'tweets' her colleagues with care

Gelli de Belen is known to be outspoken on any matter you put on the table. But when it comes to tackling issues that m ostly concern fellow celebrities, Gelli admits to speaking her mind carefully.

However, it doesn’t mean Gelli will forever guard her tongue just to avoid being labeled as the tactless host of GMA News TV 11’s Tweetbiz Insiders.

“I always try to put myself in the shoes of a celebrity before I say something because I know how it feels being talked about so whatever opinion I give is due to being an actor as well,” says Gelli. “I just keep in mind that I’m also a celebrity.”

In fact, Gelli was a bit hesitant when Tweetbiz was initially offered to her. She knew the show deals with celebrity issues and she was not sure if she can comfortably discuss anything that pertains to her co-actors.

“I was really nervous but when I found out that my co-hosts are all fun to be with and I received a warm welcome, I changed my mind. I just always remind myself to make fair comments.”

Besides, having been around in showbiz for decades now, Gelli had tasted what it’s like to be put in the “eye of the showbiz storm.” She begged off from discussing the past unsavory issue that involved her “as there is someone who will be hit.”

“I faced the issue with all honesty that time, that’s all I can say. All people want from a celebrity is a confirmation — just answer yes or no — you don’t have to go into details naman.”

Publicity, she adds, can make or break a celebrity. That’s why she makes it a point to veer away from negative issues as much as possible. She’d rather be talked about for her recent performance than being popular for wearing a nice dress or worse, saying nasty comments on air.

As a public figure, Gelli believes people need to know something about an actor’s life. Admit it or not, even the toughest man is interested in showbiz scoops. Everyone, too is trying to guess the blind items.

Asked if she’s willing to divulge anything that concerns her, Gelli replies, “Why not? I have nothing to hide. My only concern is Ariel, he might get mad at me ‘pag masyado akong madaldal.”

Among Gelli’s GMA News TV 11’s Tweetbiz Insiders co-hosts are (from left) Chariz Solomon, Gorgy Rula, Danzen Santos, Fabio Ide, Justine Ferrer and Ronnie Carrasco CESAR RAMIREZ

If given a chance to choose one celebrity she’d like to have a one-on-one with, Oprah Winfrey tops her list.

“I want to know how she could be so influential and interesting through the years without even resorting to scandalous talks.”

Are there times when she’s being asked about the latest buzz?

“All the time. My sister Janice and my cousin-in-law, they always ask me ‘O, Gelli what’s new? Or ‘What happen to this and that?’ The problem is, I’m so forgetful. You have to give me few minutes to collect my thoughts at ayun maaalala ko na ang issue. Tsismosa ko pero makakalimutin.”

While she’s busy learning the ropes of doing an entertainment talk show, does Gelli still has her “me” time?

“That’s very important. Actually, derma, yoga and a little exercise are my ‘me’ time. Surfing the Net to watch Koreanovelas and Asian dramas, and going out with my friends are enough to relax me aside of course, from spending time with my family.”

Below, Gelli tells how she effectively manages her time between herself, work and family:

“Since it’s school break, I don’t have to wake up early to prepare my kids, Joaqui and Julio, to school. Still, I will share with you how I spend the day during school time.

5:40 a.m. — wake up and prepare my children’s things for school. Prepare breakfast and baon.

6 a.m. — Ariel and I will send them to school.

7 a.m. — back at home then we take breakfast. I usually take cereal, fruit and coffee. After, a little exercise.

Before 9 a.m. — will prepare lunch then I surf the Net.

10 a.m. — If I have work for Tweetbiz, I start preparing my things and leave straight to taping.

If I have work, Ariel will pick up the kids from school.

4 or 5 p.m. — Taping ends and I’ll go home. Run some errands.

Dinnertime — while eating kwentuhan na din.

9 p.m. — ask my kids to take a shower before going to sleep. We hop on the bed early if there’s school, if none then we will watch a movie either at home or we go out.

And now that school is over, we don’t have to wake up early. We’re all happy, yehey!”