Having a child far from Angelica Panganiban’s mind

MANILA, Philippines - “Hindi ko pa naman nasasabi sa sarili ko na, ‘Ay, buti pa siya (Melai).”

This was Angelica Panganiban's response when asked if she is already thinking about having a baby.

The topic of motherhood came up as the Kapamilya star was fielding questions about friend and “Banana Split” co-star Melai Cantiveros, who recently confirmed her pregnancy.

Related article: Melai admits pregnancy, reveals marriage plans with Jason

Angelica believes having a child requires utmost preparation and planning. “Malaking responsibilidad yun,” she said during a press visit at the set of the ABS-CBN comedy gag show “Banana Split” on Tuesday, September 17. “So, gusto ko naman na nasa tamang plano yung pagkakaroon ko ng additional sa aking buhay.”

The 26-year-old actress has been in a relationship with actor John Lloyd Cruz for over a year now.

Angelica and John Lloyd have been the subject of many intrigues even before they admitted their relationship. But Angelica would rather focus on the positive.

“Siguro, okay na okay kami. Kaya yung intriga, hindi siya nag-matter talaga. Hindi namin napansin na may mga tao palang ayaw sa amin,” she said. "Talagang wala naman kaming naramdaman.”

“Hindi naman yun pinaramdam ng mga taong kaharap namin, unless plastic sila,” Angelica joked.

Protective ‘sister’

On the topic of Melai, Angelica said she’s one of the first people the comedienne confided to about her pregnancy.

Angelica is happy for her friend, but admits she cried right after Melai told her the news.

“Kasi akala ko talaga joke siya. Kasi si Melai, sobrang inosente, talagang aliw lang. Sabi ko, ‘O, tapos? Ano punch line mo?’ Talagang akala ko joke siya,” she said. “Pagbaba ko ng phone, naiyak ako talaga. Doon siya nag-sink in.”

The “Banana Split” cast member added, “Kasi syempre, para kong kapatid yun. Pinoprotektahan ko yun, over my dead body.”

Related article: Angelica Panganiban talks about social media

She further explained, “So nung nag-sink in siya, naisip ko, paano na si Melai? Syempre, yung mga pangarap niya para sa pamilya, yung mga gusto niyang itayong business, alam ko yun. Alam ko naman na maitutuloy niya yun, pero syempre magkakaroon na siya ng ibang priorities.”

Angelica hasn’t spoken to Jason Francisco, the father of Melai’s child. It can be recalled that Jason had a brief altercation with “Banana Split” cast member John Prats.

But the comedienne assured Angelica that they can handle the responsibility of being parents.

A family

Angelica spoke to the press to promote the monthlong anniversary special of “Banana Split.” The comedy gag show is celebrating its fifth year this October.

“Masaya kami and di kami makapaniwala na limang taon na kami,” she said. “Parang di mo akalain (na magtatagal kasi) maliit kaming grupo. Kung ano yung nakikita ninyo, ito na yun.”

Also read: ‘Annaliza’ actress enjoys being a child star

The bond of the show’s current cast members, she said, is one of the reasons for their longevity. Angelica has been with “Banana Split” since it premiered in 2008.

“Dito naman, sobrang open. Talagang nagsasabi kami ng mga gusto naming segments. So may mga napapanood kayo na kulang na lang, bayaran din kami ng management dahil idea namin yun,” she quipped.

“Banana Split” airs Saturdays after “Toda Max” on ABS-CBN.