Snooky touched by Marina’s gesture

MANILA, Philippines - Contrary to the title of GMA 7’s latest Afternoon Prime series Hahamakin Ang Lahat, one of its lead stars Snooky Serna will never despise anyone because of love. Instead, she will never shy away from showing her appreciation to anyone who will care for her loved ones as much as she does.

That’s why Snooky turned emotional when asked during the presscon held Tuesday night about her working relationship with her co-stars, including Marina Benipayo (photo). At first, Snooky said that she is happy to be working with all of them but she could no longer control her tears when she acknowledged Marina whom she said has been taking good care of her daughters Samantha and Sachi so well.

“I want to say that I am happy and relieved to be able to work with a lady who is very professional; we are very civil towards each other,” began Snooky. “She is, I hope you don’t mind me saying Marina, I’m not being showbiz, she is a good woman and I wish her all the happiness.

“I’m thankful that she’s taking good care of my children. Thank you, Marina for being a good stepmom to them.”

With co-stars (from left) Ariel Rivera, Eula Valdez, Joyce Ching, Kristoffer Martin, Thea Tolentino, Chinggoy Alonso, Renz Valerio, Mona Louise Rey and Bruno Gabriel during the presscon for GMA 7’s latest Afternoon Prime series Hahamakin Ang Lahat to air weekdays beginning Oct. 31

For her part, Marina appreciated what Snooky said and went on to say that her daughters are both well-behaved. “We are professional and whatever it is, ay matagal na ‘yun. I cannot for myself (be) accountable even for an opinion kasi wala pa ako noon. Thank you, Snooky for saying that.”

Snooky nodded and said, “Right, everything is done and over with and we have both moved on. I am with a partner now; I am happy and you are happy nato-touch lang talaga ako at lumalambot ang puso ko kapag nakikita ko yung mga anak ko na masaya and that’s also because you are good to them.”

For those not in the know, Marina is in a relationship with Snooky’s ex-husband Ricardo Cepeda, the father of Samantha and Sachi. Let it be known, too, that the 1992 Bb. Pilipinas Maja had nothing to do with their separation. Snooky and Ricardo’s marriage has long been annulled.

It has already been 10 years, Snooky said, since they separated. Their children, now aged 24 and 20, are both professionals and presently working in the advertising field. “The children have been telling me na okey siyang mag-alaga sa kanila and they enjoy her company so I didn’t know what have gotten to me kanina, I can’t control my tears probably because my heart melts easily with her kindness. My daughters usually spend weekends with Ricardo and Marina.”

Snooky added that none of her daughters had showed interest in entering showbiz although they acted in stage plays during their school years. “They have other interests unlike me who doesn’t want to do anything but act. I was only three years old when I started in showbiz at ako talaga ang nagpumilit na mag-artista. I let my children do what they want at nakikita ko naman na they are happy with their career.”

Equally happy is Snooky concerning the affairs of her heart. Her relationship with her businessman boyfriend is getting stronger each day. Although they differ in faith, Snooky does not seem to worry about it.

“Ang understanding namin as a couple is pinag-uusapan namin ito, na hanggat di pa siya nagiging kapatid, di pa kami pwedeng ikasal. Although there were events na nagpapa-akay naman siya; dinodoktrinahan na siya so hopefully sana matawag siya because it is neither I nor him to decide. In our faith (Iglesia Ni Cristo), ang Diyos ang tumatawag sa atin and I’m glad that he is willing (to convert). Even before, he respects my faith.”

Besides, Snooky shared that they have been going steady for only “a year plus so I can say na bago pa lang naman yung relationship and of course, I’m hoping that we end up together.”

Asked what if she is made to choose between faith and love, Snooky without batting an eyelash said, “I will never abandon my faith even if I love the guy so much. But then I’m hoping and praying that I won’t be put to a test like that. My partner is very open to be a member of the church of Christ; sumasamba siya. Of course, I know that the transition is not that easy.”

Is she and Ricardo now on speaking terms? Snooky admitted it took some time before they became okay. “Naghihilom din ang mga sugat so finally we’ve come to a point na we’re civil.”

Is there a part of her love life that she regretted the most?

“A lot but then I’m at this point that I go by three things — if it’s not good for the soul, if it won’t make me live longer and if it won’t make me rich then I don’t want to dwell on it anymore. Past is past and there is no bitterness in my heart anymore unlike before so I think I’m getting a bit mature for that.”

(Hahamakin Ang Lahat, to air weekdays beginning Oct. 31, also stars Joyce Ching, Kristoffer Martin, Eula Valdez, Ariel Rivera, Chinggoy Alonso, Jett Pangan, Mark Abaya, Thea Tolentino, Mona Louise Rey, Renz Valerio and Bruno Gabriel. It is directed by Don Michael Perez)