Pieces of Donna's life

If there's one subject that sends Donna Cruz-Larrazabal gushing, it's family life.

In a recent chat with The FREEMAN, she recalls with a laugh that many-from fans to her talent management outfit-weren't too happy at first to learn that she was marrying popular eye doctor Dr. Yong Larrazabal nearly eight years ago. This was simply because she was 21 and speeding her way to superstardom. But she dropped her enviable career anyway, sharing that even after all these years, she hardly misses, save for singing, anything that is showbiz.

As TV personality and Philippine Star entertainment editor Ricky Lo confirmed, this celebrity has always wanted an uncomplicated life-to be a wife and mother and to have a family to call her own-and got it!

Beginning this Sunday, July 16, 2006, Donna will be writing down her thoughts, sentiments and experiences in a weekly column entitled Pieces of Donna. She has been tapped in the past to write for a national daily, but declined because she didn't want the pressure. Now, as she makes her writing debut, Donna admits to feeling nervous but very excited at the same time, thanks to the full support of her hubby, Dr. Yong.

As a teaser of things to soon see print, Donna, who can perfectly understand as well as converse a bit in Cebuano, gives us a glimpse into how her life is so far, as she gamely obliges our questionnaire.

What's your idea of happiness? Having a close relationship with God. My family. Being loved.

What's your present state of mind? Fulfilled and contented.

What are you most proud of? My family.

What natural gift would you like to possess? To be able to paint.

What's the expression you tend to overuse? Oh my gosh grabe!

Who would you like to be? Just myself.

What's your biggest extravagance? Designer jeans.

Who are the top 5 people on your speed dial (cellphone)? My husband, my mom, my kids's yayas-Sally and Mona-and my friends-Arlyne and Carla. Six na lang! He he

What turns you on creatively, spiritually and emotionally? Love, family, music, and kindness.

What turns you off? Backstabbers, conceited people, and gossipers.

What sound or noise do you love? My kids' laughs and giggles. Classical music.

Who are your personal heroes? God, my husband (my family) and my dad.

What is your most memorable moment/experience? My wedding day. Giving birth to my babies, Belle and Cian.

What is your favorite activity/occupation? Playing with my kids, singing and surfing the net.

What do most people don't know about you? That I am actually shy. Hmmm.... I make really good lasagna! He he

What is your biggest frustration/regret? That I didn't take piano lessons as a kid when I had the chance.

What is your favorite trip? Basta cruise trips.

What is your most prized possession? The engagement ring Yong gave me. My notebook computer.

What is your personal philosophy? Live well, laugh often, love much. Do not do unto others what you do not want others to do unto you.