Gretchen Barretto on motherhood, kissing scenes and finding forgiveness after every ‘scandal’

You know what they say about star quality? That it is indefinable. That it is mercurial. That you know it when you see it. Well, here’s one showbiz personality, who despite being only “semi-active,” is an embodiment of that indescribable term called star quality. True, the moment the beautiful and controversial Ms. Gretchen Barretto stepped into Bigby’s Restaurant for an interview with ABS-CBN Cebu’s MagTV and with some print media prior to her mini-concert and “Unexpected” album tour at SM City Cebu, I somehow understood the hype over La Greta.   

She has been accused of being publicity-hungry—maybe true, maybe not. One thing’s for sure though, of all encounters we had with other celebs, her presence is one of the hardest to ignore and she knows how to use this deftly, beginning with that ethereal face of hers that deserves all the TV exposure she wills. And she teases like she has all the time in the world with a number of quotable lines preceded and punctuated with delicious laughter that rings throughout the four corners of the room. Case in point, when asked why she would opt for a wholesome film with no kissing or love scenes for a comeback (she mentioned this during the TV interview), she laughed, “I don’t remember saying that!” And when we wound up the interview upon the signal of her handlers that she was to begin her album promo, she teased, “No more questions? Ang konti ng questions!”, seemingly challenging us to throw the most intriguing questions of them all.

But of course, prior to our brief Q&A, we were already requested not to ask private questions or touch on the slew of controversies she recently figured in. Despite the restrictions and time constraints, I think we still had an interesting chat with her last Saturday. Here are the excerpts:

On her first album “Unexpected”:

It has always been my dream to be able to do an album someday and it has always been my dream to sing in public one day. I’ve been training for voice, on-and-off and just for fun, for the past 13 years. Actually, it took a long time before I was really able to gather the courage to get up on that stage and sing. The album contains songs from the 1950’s to the 1970’s, and since I am the executive producer of the album so I really had a say on the choice of songs as well as the arrangements. I am not yet earning from the album yet, which is co-produced by Star Records, but what we intend to do with the earnings is to give it to charity.

On going full-blast in showbiz:

You know, I’m a mother, so it’s so difficult for me to commit a hundred percent of my time to showbiz. You know, when my daughter was little kailangan niya ako kasi baka madapa or masugatan. But now that she is turning 13 next week, parang mas critical pa yata ang age na ito parang mas lalong kailangan tutukan. I have days when I feel like I want to work, go full blast, do a movie, do a teleserye, do everything, but it’s not going to be easy because I’m really being plucked out of my home and I have a daughter who’s growing and asking questions. But I’m working ha like last week I just finished shooting a commercial that’s coming out on April 18 and now I’m promoting my album. So, I’m pacing. I will not do things at the same time.

On her daughter entering showbiz:

She’s not inclined, but she’s studying theatre acting with the daughter of Cherie Gil. She doesn’t speak Tagalog… She sings very well! But I really don’t see showbiz, or my kind of [world] for her, but I can see theatre.

On her Cebuano connection:

I was born here. My sisters and brothers, except Marjorie and Claudine, were born here. My older sister and brothers know how to speak Bisaya, but not me. My mom is from Iloilo, and my father is from Zambales, but we lived and studied briefly here, for about four to five years, since my father worked here before we moved to Manila.

On her comeback movie, TV series:

For the movie, I was supposed to work with Piolo Pascual. But everybody’s busy right now. We still have to marry all our schedules. No kissing or love scenes? Did I say that? Oh damn, did I say that? I don’t remember saying that. Why not? It’s Piolo! I don’t want to pose any limitations until I’ve read the story or script. I’m also open to work with [comebacking] Gabby Concepcion, since I’ve worked with him before.   

On staying fit and fab:

I’m really careful with my food. And I’m very active. I do boxing and muay thai.

On being forgiven by the viewing public despite the many “scandals”:

I assumed that I’m being forgiven, and that I’m being embraced again after every scandal and controversy maybe because I only tell the truth, and because no matter what, I stand by my mistakes. I think that is the reason.