Mommy/Daddy Karel

MANILA, Philippines - Being a single parent may look difficult, but for Karel Marquez, it’s a breeze.

“I don’t know why I find it easy. Let’s just say, I raised my kids well. They never even had tantrums and never experienced what they call the ‘terrible two’s’, so on and so forth,” says Karel, who started out in the industry doing commercials.

Karel is not as busy now with showbiz commitments, but she sings every week in bars and hosts for corporate shows, events, weddings and other events. She also has her own organic cosmetics company, Spark Cosmeceuticals (@sparkcosmeceuticals_ph on Instagram) which started running February of this year. It is a dream come true for Karel, who says she is at her happiest today.

Her hands are full being SuperWonderMom, as her friends call her. She is happy raising and providing for her two children and building her dream home.

Karel believes that in juggling work, business, the kids, personal life, working out, cooking, doing errands, going on vacations, “time management is key.”

Her inspiration, of course, are her children. Because of them, she always makes sure she has everything “together” physically, financially, emotionally and all else.

Karel prays with her children every meal and every night. She says they are the ones who remind her when she forgets.

“The Man Up Above is the best thing in this life we have. He has blessed me so much after all the trials I have been through. He is amazing,” Karel smiles.

The very fit and sexy Karel admits she has no beauty regimen and she eats like a pig, but she works out regularly and enjoys a number of sports.

“I love the energy, stamina and strength that working out gives me,” says the self-confessed adventurer who enjoys out-of-town and out-of-the country getaways. Karel relaxes by having massages and watching movies at home. She also finds cooking therapeutic.

Her boyfriend Sean Fariñas shares her passion for food. Being a restaurant and bar owner, he and Karel always check his bars and try out new food and restaurants.

From showbusiness, Karel learned that everyone matures at different times and in different ways.

“We all experience different ups and downs. I guess you can see in a person, how they handle these situations. I strongly believe that everyone is the same. Treat them like how you would want to be treated. Treasure your family, because as we grow older, they are best investment we have. I have learned to be more responsible with everything, all for my family, my kids,” she says.

The former Myx VJ has her future planned out — make her business grow; continue acting, singing, and hosting; establish her own café; add more vehicles for Uber/Grab Car; and get married one day.

“I never was. Most girls, including myself, still want that dream. One day, some day,” Karel says hopefully.