You close your eyes and listen to the Triplet singing: Manilyn Reynes with Sayang na Sayang, Tina Paner with Tamis ng Unang Halik and Sheryl Cruz with Mr. Dreamboy.
You blink and when you look again, the so-called Triplet (without an “s”) of the ‘90s is gone. Instead, you see them as Mamas. How time flies! On Saturday, Sept. 9, the Triplet is re-grouping for a concert at the Music Museum, produced by Sheryl’s Shining Star.
Manilyn is married to semi-retired actor Aljohn Jimenez by whom she has three sons aged 20 (Kyle), 15 (Kirk) and 6 (Kael).
Tina is separated from her husband (name withheld to protect his privacy) by whom she has a 14-year-old daughter, Luisane Kristiel. The family lived together in Barcelona, Spain, until Tina came home to resume her rudely-interrupted career.
Sheryl is also separated from her husband, John Norman Bustos, a sheriff in San Francisco, California, by whom she has a 16-year-old daughter, Ashley.
In this Conversation, the Triplet talks about their lives more than two decades after they reigned supreme in the late German Moreno’s That’s Entertainment.
Being the only one happily married, Manilyn answered a set of questions exclusively for her, and another set for Tina and Sheryl.
Manilyn
How are you and Aljohn as parents?
“Aljohn and I are raising them to be considerate, compassionate, responsible, sensible but happy individuals who have love for family and God, most of all. Of course, we shouldn’t disregard how they want to be raised. We cannot impose on them what we want just because we are the parents. We have to be sensitive to their feelings, too. We can’t be idealistic. We also have to let them grow up the way they want to…to be the men they want to be with us guiding and nurturing them, reminding them to be simple and to be good, all the time.”
What kind of values are you instilling in them?
“Values and principles are important in our family. It’s a matter of sticking to simple rules lang po. We teach them honesty, dignity and integrity, and to be fair all the time. To feel for people, na huwag maging insensitive. When there’s nothing good to say, stay quiet. In that way, you will not regret things you have said just because you didn’t think.”
How are you as a mom?
“I’m still the panicky mom I was 20 years ago po, walang nabago. I feel happy when people come up to me and tell me what they think of the kids…that they see how respectful they are and all the good traits they have. They say Aljohn and I are doing a great job raising them. Magandang tandem daw po kami. We are thankful we have children like them, considering how the world has changed so much and so have today’s young people. Nakakataba ng puso how people recognize and commend the way we raise our kids.”
Are you raising them the way you and Aljohn were raised by your parents?
“No. We are raising our children the way we want to raise them…the way they want to be raised. When Aljohn and I were younger, we were taught not to ask questions. When we were told not to do something, it remained a ‘no’ without any explanation. We need to talk to the children, we need to explain, so they will understand us well. So they will know why we say ‘yes’ and ‘no’ to certain things. Let us not underestimate them and their capacity to understand and feel. You’ll be surprised at the many things you learn from children. Sa family, sa mga bata, we want them to feel that they can talk to us about anything, anytime. That we are always here to support them.”
What “mistakes” did you commit when you were young that you don’t want your children to repeat?
“Hindi naman po mistake, pero parang ganun na rin ba yun? We were busy then (but that’s not a reason ) so we didn’t have much time for our studies. That’s why we keep reminding them to do good in school; that’s why we strive and work hard so we can give them the best education they deserve, so we can secure their future.”
Will you let your children join showbiz?
“As much as possible, no. Sana po. I should know. I started at the age of three, singing in Cebu, 10 naman dito sa Manila. All our three sons sing very well, musically inclined talaga sila, they are very talented. Tumutugtog din, pero shy. Mag-aral muna po sila. Then later on, when they’re older, finished na sa studies and would want to be in show business, we’ll talk about it. Malay natin maging ‘yes’ na. We’ll see. But right now, ‘no’ po muna.”
How do you and Aljohn keep your marriage stable and strong?
“Thank you. We thank the Lord God for keeping our relationship strong, for always being there to guide us and love and bless our family. Communication is a must, sa amin ni Aljohn. When we know that we need to discuss and sometimes argue, okay lang, kailangan yun. Kasi we know we will not resolve anything if we avoid talks. Give and take po.
“In a relationship, we don’t just try to understand, we try to comprehend. Hindi mo lang iintindihin, uunawain mo. We don’t just try to listen, we try to hear. We learn and discover something new every day, sa tanda naming ‘to, hehehe!!! We are friends. Ang isang bagay na hindi dapat mawala is we laugh and cry together. Activities namin, always together, and with the kids. Kahit pamamalengke. Boxing trainer ko siya, ka-punch mitt ko, ka-sparring, ka-spinning, ka-treadmill. Lahat na. Kapuso.
“He cooks so well, (obvious naman sa katawan ko ‘no!), kaya mas gusto niyang siya ang gumagawa ng diet food ko at naming buong family. We know they’re healthy. Alam namin ang ingredients na ginamit.
“Of course, mas masaya na siya ang manager ko because we both know what we want. We know the projects we want to do or not. It’s easier to voice out whatever it is that I want to express, kahit mag-rant ako, hehehe!!! Huwag lang mag-nag, ha. He gives me pieces of advice regarding work. Constructive criticisms din po, meron. Especially if I ask for his true opinion. Unedited, no sugar-coating. But it’s always a happy moment whenever we plan about my career and projects. Walang stress. I’ll forever be thankful to God that He gave me a husband and children who are very supportive, loyal and loving.”
Tina
How is it raising a child as a single parent?
“It’s not easy raising a child as a single parent. But I’ve been a single parent for a long time and I’m used to it na. My daughter Luisane Kristiel is kind, responsible and understanding and that makes raising her easier.”
How are you as a mom?
“I’m a cool and very supportive mom. We are best friends, but she knows her limitations.”
Anong values ang itinuturo mo sa anak mo?
“To be God-fearing, to respect elders and be a responsible person.”
What “mistakes” did you commit as a child na sinisikap mong huwag gawin ng daughter mo?
“To fall in love at an early age. Education should be her top priority, since ‘yun ang regret ko not having finished my studies.”
Are you and your ex-husband sharing in raising your daughter…financially and otherwise?
“Yes.”
Would you want your daughter to follow in your footsteps to showbiz?
“Yes and no. Yes, if she wants to. I cannot stop her, especially if she’s already at the right age. If she’ll be happy in showbiz, so be it. And no, because I want her to finish her studies. Mas gusto ko na simple lang ang buhay ng daughter ko.”
How old are you now? Are you open to going into another serious relationship?
“I just turned 46 last month. Going into another relationship is not my top priority because I’m happy the way I am now. My daughter is more than enough to make me happy. But I’m not closing the possibility. If it comes, why not. But I’m not the type of person na hihinto ang buhay ko kasi wala akong personal life.”
Sheryl
How is it raising a child as a single parent?
“Ashley is 16. Raising her as a single parent sure has its challenges, but I don’t have any complaints because she’s God-sent and she gives me inspiration.”
How are you as a mom?
“I’m a simple Mom. I do my best to live within my means. As a mother, I’m very hands-on with the needs of my child, not only with her education and social dealings, but also in other aspects of her life. When there’s extra money, I travel abroad with my daughter because it’s the few luxuries in life I can share and enjoy with my daughter.”
Anong values ang itinuturo mo sa anak mo?
“Being raised as a Roman Catholic, I teach her to ‘honor thy father and thy mother,’ to strive in her education, to live by the Golden Rule (‘Do unto others what you want others to do unto you’), live simply, show kindness to others no matter what their status or educational attainment in life is, always smile even in times of difficulties, dream big and reach for your goals, and to have fear of the Lord.”
What “mistakes” did you commit as a child na sinisikap mong huwag gawin ng daughter mo?
“I guess making decisions in a hurry without contemplating about the harmful effects afterwards, at hindi ma-in love agad. In my case, my love affair with my child’s father was a whirlwind romance. It’s not something I regret having experienced it myself; but with regards to my daughter, I’d like her to take her time to finish her education and get started with a promising professional career of her own before taking that serious plunge in having a relationship. Although I tell her that having a crush is all right if it gives her inspiration.”
Are you and your ex-husband sharing in raising your daughter financially and otherwise?
“Yes, nagtutulungan naman kami. Her father is responsible for putting our child through school. He also makes time to bring my daughter to the USA every summer vacation. They constantly talk via Internet. I take care of my child’s other needs. And as her parents, we do our best to be civil to each other.”
Would you want your daughter to follow in your footsteps to showbiz?
“I won’t deny the fact that my child is musically and artistically talented (it’s not surprising since she got that from both the Cruz and the Sonora sides of my family). She has a lovely voice, can play the piano and can act splendidly in school plays as well. However, the decision is hers to make. Of course, without a doubt I will be supportive of her. But for now, what she wants is to take up Psychology in college.”
How old are you? Are you open to going into another serious relationship?
“I’m in my early 40s and while I’m open to the idea of being in a relationship, my first priority is being the best parent I can be to my daughter. Finally, excelling in my craft, both in music and the arts as I owe this to the Almighty Father who blessed me with these talents to share with people.”
(E-mail reactions at entphilstar@yahoo.com. For more updates, photos and videos, visit www.philstar.com/funfare or follow me on Instagram @therealrickylo.)