Gladys & Chris’ formula for solid marriage: 3 P’s

In a field where lasting unions are the exception rather than the rule, Gladys Reyes and Christopher Roxas should be commended for surviving the trials and temptations of showbiz.        

On Jan. 23, Jean-Christophe Sommereux (his real name; he’s French in case you don’t know) and Gladys are celebrating their “25 years of togetherness,” blessed with four children: Gian-Christophe (Best Man), Gianna-Aquisha (Maid of Honor) and Grant-Carlin and Gavin-Cale (Ring Bearers).                                                                    

Upon receiving an invitation, I texted Gladys, “Congratulations on your 25th year of marriage,” and Gladys promptly corrected me, “25 years of togetherness po, not as married couple.”                

Both Gladys and Christopher are members of Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC). The renewal of vows will be done in INC ceremony at Fernwood Gardens-Tagaytay in Tagaytay City, with silver and mint as motif. Unlike in similar occasions, nobody from showbiz is part of the entourage.                                            

Asked what their “formula” is for a happy “togetherness,” Gladys said, “Three P’s – Prayers, Patience and Partnership.”                        

Printed on the invitation is this:                      

The best of friendship through the years/Souls entwined by unselfish love and faith/A love that stood the tests of time/Now, a lifetime vow and a lasting commitment.                                                        

The friendship between Gladys and Christopher started when they were in their teens, even before they joined showbiz.  

Ina misses showbiz

Once an actress, always an actress.

That’s true in the case of Pola (Oriental Mindoro) Vice Mayor Ina Alegre whose last movie was 10 years ago, in Banal (starring Christopher de Leon, Alfred Vargas and Paolo Contis) which she also produced, directed by Cesar Apolinario who won Best Director in the 2008 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).

“I’m open to TV work,” said Ina who has won PMPC Star Awards for Best Lifestyle/Travel Host. “But I have to find time for that.”

Being a public servant occupies much of Ina’s time. A self-made lady, Ina is busy with I.N.A. Foundation (Institusyong Nag-aangat sa Antas ng Pamumuhay), a project close to her heart since, like the foundation’s beneficiaries, she grew up in want. “I want them to look at me as a role model, somebody who overcame poverty through determination and hard work.”

Married to Police Chief Supt. Gilbert Cruz, director of Eastern Visayas Police Regional Office, Ina, 42, considers their four children among her priorities. One of them, Patricia Angela is well on her mom’s footsteps to showbiz and the beauty field, having won 2015 Princess Universe in Bulgaria. That same year, Ina finished a finalist and won Mrs. Superstar special award in the Mrs. Universe pageant (for married women) in Belarus.

In June last year, Ina took her oath of office in Malacañang as secretary-general of the Lady Local Legislators League (LLLL) of the Philippines. She shuttles between Pola (for her public duties) and Manila (for her family).

“I am working hand in hand with my husband in monitoring the drug activities in my town,” shared Ina. “I’m happy to announce that we have declared several barangays in Pola drug-free. Our aim is to have the whole town drug-free.”

Guess who Ina looks up to as idol  -— yes, Batangas Rep. Vilma Santos.

“I’ve been idolizing her since I was a kid,” said Ina. “Actually, I am taking the same path that she did.”

(E-mail reactions at [email protected]. For more updates, photos and videos, visit www.philstar.com/funfare or follow me on Instagram @therealrickylo.)