LT more careful after that fall

The last time I interviewed Lorna Tolentino was in July a few days before she and her sons Rap and Renz and manager Lolit Solis left for Germany for Lorna’s second stem-cell procedure.

“The procedure,” clarified Lorna, “was not for vanity but for good health.”

We caught up with LT a few days ago during a photoshoot for her latest endorsement of Watsons Generics, which she described as both timely and very appropriate for her current mindset.

They had just finished shooting the last episodes of My Destiny, which she described was “very hectic” as they were actually taping a few scenes for same airing the same day.

Although she’s set to renew her contract with GMA, LT is not sure what her next project will be.

For now, the multi-awarded actress said the role she enjoys most is being a mother to Rap and Renz, and grandmother to her only apo  Lorna Victoria (Tori for short, the daughter of Rap and his girlfriend) who’s turning three years.

“Like what I told you,” said LT, “I have two men na in my life, and I don’t need one more.”

Rap and Renz are serious with their respective showbiz careers, the former as a rebel in the GMA soap Hiram na Alaala and the latter as a cop in Yagit.

“Masyado nga yatang serious ‘yung isa sa kanila at pati ako pinupulis sa lahat ng ginagawa kong mga bad habits at pagkain,” LT said, laughing.

Do they ask for showbiz tips from you? 

“Sometimes. But since they grew up in this industry naman, they know how it works so siguro sa pakikisama lang sa iba’t ibang tao ko sila binibigyan ng mga advice.”

How has your second stem cell procedure been so far?

“It actually helped a lot because I have scoliosis. I used to tap the side of my legs because they felt like mayroong pinched nerve, but now okay na.”

Is that why you are glowing and looking more youthful?

“Siguro it’s because I take care of myself more. I quit smoking na. I was not really a big smoker. And also, I’m trying to eat healthier. I’ve been taking supplements now such as vitamin B1, B complex, glutathione, and mangosteen and malunggay capsules, ascorbic acid, kaya nga napaka-timely when Watsons got me as an endorser for its new generics brand.”

What made you say yes to endorsing Watsons Generics?

“I’ve been a long-time customer of Watsons because I go there to shop for my toiletries and beauty products. So now, I don’t have to go anywhere else if I need to buy medicine. I also believe kasi na we should be wiser with our options lalo na pagdating sa health. Actually, I came pa nga from Watsons when I had this recent accident...I fell.”

What happened?

“It was a freak accident (Aug. 16), galing ako sa Watsons Greenhills and was on my way to Flawless (Which she also endorses. — RFL). I was put off balance at napaupo ako. Di ba may scoliosis nga ako…so I was not able to stand up because of the pain.  My doctor told me that I suffered a fracture. Good thing it didn’t require surgery. I had to wear corrective brace for three months. The treatment was completed last month and (standing, showing the brace beneath her T-shirt). Hopefully, it will be removed during my next check-up but I still have to wear it if I travel.”

Do you follow a diet plan?

“Naku, I think I’ve tried all the reducing techniques. I’ve done juicing and the Happy Diet Delievery healthy diet. I am more conscious now about the calories and calorie counting. I check the labels. Alam mo naman as we age we need to take better care of ourselves. So ngayon more of vegetables na ako.”

How else do you stay in shape?

“I used to go to the gym with Bok Santos. I also do yoga with Aljarreau (Galang) and swimming. As soon as my treatment is finished, I will still undergo rehab with exercise.”

Have you always been conscious of your health?

“Not so much, although I try to stay fit. But as they say, ‘Age matters.’ You should really do something as you get older kase lumalabas na ‘yung effects ng mga genes natin. You know, I’m not fond of fatty food pero mataas ang cholesterol ko. I’m not fond of sweets pero border line ang blood sugar ko.”

What’s the best advice you can give, health-wise, to women out there?

“Have a regular check-up, so you’ll know kung ano ang kailangan ng katawan mo. And like Watsons, I believe na having a full life means living with full health. We really have to take care of ourselves so we can also take care of the ones we love.”

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