Vina not afraid to love again

MANILA, Philippines - After many years of putting love on the back burner, Vina Morales has admitted to now going out on dates, saying she is ready to fall in love again.

“I’m starting to go out on dates already,” said Vina after the presscon of Nasaan Ka Nang Kailangan Kita, her latest TV acting project on ABS-CBN that begins to air today on the Kapamilya Gold block. “One thing I’ve learned, na dapat pala makipag-date bago magka-boyfriend (laughs).”

However, the singer-actress cleared that those “dates” were usually with friends “because I want to get to know them — the guys — first so nothing serious (yet). But I guess, now is the time for me (to find a new love). I’m ready to have a (new romantic) relationship. ”

It has been six years since Vina had her last love affair. That’s why, she feels it is about time for her to take another chance at love.

Asked what made her think this is the best time to find a new love, Vina quickly replied, “Napaghuhuli na ko (I’m being left behind). Well, it’s not exactly like that but it’s more of the feeling that I’m emotionally ready now and it’s just the right timing na parang oh my God gusto ko na din na may makilala. Yes, I was kinda dating for a while but it’s not really like (it’s leading to) a relationship.”

Besides, her five-year-old daughter Ceana has been praying for a baby sister or baby brother. “Before we go to bed, we always pray out loud so we both hear what we’re praying for. I heard her pray, ‘Papa Jesus, I want Mommy (to give me) a baby sister and baby brother.’ Diyos ko, gusto ko malaglag sa higaan so I told her that Mommy has to find a husband first. At kaya magaan na din sa sarili ko to open my heart again.”

Vina Morales stars on ABS-CBN’s latest afternoon drama Nasaan Ka Nang Kailangan Kita to air weekdays at 3:45 p.m. beginning today.

But she brushed off the possibility of rekindling an old flame, particularly Robin Padilla whom she had worked with in the recent Metro filmfest entry, Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo.

“Honestly, I know that Robin and I have really become good friends. ‘Di ko maiisip to be his partner. I’m really happy for him kung anuman ‘yung nangyayari sa buhay n’ya ngayon and I think, he should stay that way.”

Did she make a list of qualities she’s looking for in a man? The mom of one deemed that her past experiences on love had taught her a lot “and I’m also a single mom so it would be tough to make a list. I just pray and I’m sure that whoever comes along is given to me by God. It doesn’t matter whether the guy is younger or older than me, basta mature mag-isip. I’m also praying for the right time.”

Being a single mom, she said, is tough, especially for a working mom like her. The mere thought of leaving her daughter alone while she’s at work already gives her a jittery feeling. That’s why she’s thankful to her family for tirelessly looking after Ceana while she attends to her showbiz commitments.

More so now that Vina has started taping for Nasaan Ka Nang Kailangan Kita, the TV adaptation of the ‘80s film of the same title written by Ricky Lee. In the series, she plays Cecilia Macaraig-Natividad, the dutiful and loving wife of Christian Vasquez’s Leandro Natividad. They are happily living with their two children Corinne and Bea portrayed by Jane Oineza and Loisa Andalio, respectively, but that changes when Leandro meets his officemate Toni Briones (Denise Laurel) who falls in love with him despite knowing that he’s already a family man.

“You know, I always believe that when it comes to love, there’s no right and wrong kaya sinasabi na bulag ang pag-ibig so dun umiikot ang bawat karakter sa istorya.”  

According to Vina, her role is too challenging. First, her character was originally portrayed by Susan Roces on the big screen. Second, series directors Jeffrey Jeturian and Mervyn Brondial always remind them to give life to the characters as natural as natural as can be.

Now that she’s busy with acting, Vina is certain that she will have less time for group dates. “Actually, my priority is still my daughter.”

(Nasaan Ka Nang Kailangan Kita also stars Jerome Ponce, Joshua Garcia, Aleck Bovick, Arron Villaflor and Sue Ramirez.)