Mariel to give birth (to baby girl) in US

After two miscarriages, Mariel Rodriguez will finally give birth to a girl (name confidential) in the US sometime in November. It will be her and husband Robin Padilla’s first child, and Robin’s sixth (one with ex-girlfriend Lea Orosa and four with ex-wife Liezl Sicangco).

The baby’s gender was revealed last Saturday, Aug. 13, during a triple celebration for the couple’s sixth wedding anniversary (Aug. 19), Mariel’s 32nd birthday and revelation of the baby’s gender (done with a golden box which contained an Aprica pink stroller). The event was hosted by Japanese Stroller brand Aprica, the same company that also sponsored the baby shower for James Yap and girlfriend Michela Cazzola who gave birth to a boy named Michael James last Aug. 8.

Among the guests were expectant moms Toni Gonzaga (giving birth to her and husband Paul Soriano’s first child in a few weeks’ time), Rufa Mae Quinto (who is said to be in “an interesting stage” courtesy of her Fil-Am boyfriend), and Shalani Soledad with husband former Congressman Roman Romulo who should have a child by now, four years after they got married.

The Padillas were accounted for, led by the matriarch Eva Cariño (who joined the party even if she was on “chair arrest”) and including Robin’s daughter Kylie, Robin’s cousin Bela with boyfriend Neil Arce, and Robin’s brother Rommel with son RJ. Also present were Mariel’s mom and grandparents, Grace Lee and Camille Villar.

“It was the first time for Mariel’s mom to meet the Padillas,” said Jenna Sy who helped entertain the guests for Aprica.

When the doctor told the couple that their baby would be a boy, Robin didn’t believe it, until the doctor later confirmed that the baby would be a girl.

“At first,” Mariel was heard telling guests, “I wanted a boy kasi marami nang girls si Robin. But when I learned that it’s a girl, I realized that the baby is really for me. God knows na girl naman talaga ang gusto ko.”

There were games during the event, such as cake slicing (like in a wedding reception), guessing game (what’s in Mariel’s purse?) and baby-bottle drinking contest (with the Padillas joining to finish a baby-bottleful of iced tea).

The “Mariel or Robin” Q&A portion was fun.

• Who wakes up first?

Answer: Mariel (because she wakes up Robin to pray).

• Who cooks?

Answer: Mariel (who learned how to cook after they got married).

• Who says “I love you” first?

Answer: Mariel.

Because Robin doesn’t take alcohol, guests sipped mocktails during the champagne toast.

Next month, Mariel will be given a baby shower before she flies to the US for her date with the stork.

(E-mail reactions at [email protected]. You may also send your questions to [email protected]. For more updates, photos and videos visit www.philstar.com/funfare or follow me on www.twitter/therealrickylo.) - Photos courtesy of Japanese Stroller Aprica