Carlene does what comes naturally

Old habits are hard to break. Even if she is happy with nonshowbiz boyfriend Yo Ocampo, Carlene Aguilar seems ill prepared to see ex Dennis Trillo in the arms of another girl.

“I’m possessive of Calix (her one-year-old son by Dennis),” explains Carlene. Thus, she doesn’t want to share him with another woman Dennis may one day introduce to the boy as his Tita (read: girlfriend).

Carlene is not as protective of her son when it comes to knowing who his father is, though. In fact, she proudly placed Dennis’ picture in Calix’s room so the boy will know who his dad is.

After all, Dennis and Carlene assume 50-50 financial responsibility for Calix. Both were there on his first birthday. And, in fairness to the Gagambino star, Carlene says Dennis is providing many of Calix’s needs.

But this doesn’t mean she’ll just put her feet up and live like a queen. Carlene insists she must also earn her keep.

“Let it not be said that I’m putting all the (financial) burden on Dennis. I’m doing my part,” she relates.

Thus, Carlene is doing a balancing act these days. Mornings, she goes to UP Diliman, where she is on the last leg of her Art Studies course. Afternoons and evenings, she’s shooting Iskul Bukol: 20 Years After, her first movie and OctoArts Films, M-Zet TV Productions and APT Entertainment’s entry to the Metro Filmfest.

Carlene was not yet born when the first Iskul Bukol was aired on TV. But yes, its main stars, Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon are familiar to her. Carlene has also heard of Miss Tapia (who hasn’t?). And now, Mely Tagasa reprises her strict professor role that left a mark on televiewers two decades ago.

Carlene again trades her poised beauty queen image for a wacky one as Vic Ungasis’ (Vic) love interest. In the movie she sees no problem with that.

“I’m a natural comedienne,” Carlene relates.

She’s telling the truth. Her jokes set off a train of laughter at the presscon of Celebrity Duets, where she emerged as the lone woman standing after she beat other contenders for 10 Saturdays.

Thanks to her stint on the GMA 7 show, Carlene’s range of skills has expanded. Now, she gets offers to perform in provincial shows. But she won’t accept all the offers just to earn a fast buck. She has to think of little Calix, who she has to leave behind.

Carlene doesn’t mind turning down offers to perform in far-flung provinces if it means being away from Calix for a long time. She will just choose nearby places that will not take too much of her time.

She’s not the type of mom though, who lingers once Calix begs her to stay.

“My aunt, a pre-school owner says parents must not hang on to their children if they have to go somewhere. They just have to tell the child where they will go and when they will be back,” reports Carlene. “This way, they will learn to trust people.”

Carlene adds that parents who tell their child they will go somewhere but make their way back to the door when the kid whines are sending the wrong message. The child ends up doubting the parent.

She also believes in the power of touch.

“My aunt also taught me to hug my son when he’s naked,” she notes. This is one way he will feel his mother’s healing warmth and unconditional love.

Her busy schedule doesn’t keep Carlene from being a hands-on mom. She herself puts Calix to bed. Once, she even cut his entire hair with the thought that it will look better when it grows right back.

Now who says work and motherhood can never meet? Carlene Aguilar is proving it can. She’s having her cake and eating it, too.

Of course, things could be better. But so far, she — and Calix — are getting by, thank you.

And she wouldn’t have it any other way.