‘Hello, Princess? What are you up to?’

A number of people called and wrote me after that short interview I had with Princess Punzalan with The Buzz a few weeks ago. Basically, what they were saying was that they could not see where her angst and malady coming from. Here are parts of various letters I got in reaction to that interview.

From Robert Quan of Parañaque: While I was watching Princess Punzalan rant about what showbiz has done to her privacy, I remembered her mother, the much-admired Helen Vela. One story came to mind; it was the child Helen with her siblings, placed in a sack by their mother and about to be thrown to the murky waters of Manila Bay. The story went that life was so hard that Helen’s mother had no other recourse but to drown herself and her children. With this in mind, I said, ‘What is Princess talking about? Isn’t she grateful at least to be alive? Or did I miss out on some parts of the interview that I found no sense in Princess Punzalan’s statements? Was it a taped interview and was edited?’ I’m still confused up to this point. Poor Helen – I thought she fought hard for a good life for her children. I refuse to think that Princess has not learned to acknowledge this.

Meanwhile, Belinda Mendoza from Project 4, Quezon City writes: I didn’t know how to react to Princess Punzalan’s statements on The Buzz. She talked about how unhappy she was being a public person – citing instances when she had to go to public places like malls. No offense meant, but I have seen bigger stars in malls and people leave them alone. I don’t think Princess has reached the stature of Sharon Cuneta who would be mobbed anywhere she goes. When she said that she had only two options – first was to change her face, second was to go abroad – and that she was taking the second choice, I could not understand what her problem was. Was there something we didn’t see?

Writes Mary Ann Hernandez of Marikina City: I never realized how much celebrities have to pay for being rich, famous and beautiful until I saw Princess on The Buzz. I had this notion that it feels great to be recognized anywhere you go. I imagined that celebrities were given preferential treatment everywhere, that "libre sila sa sine" and that they got discounts in all stores. I love it when people wave to moviestars – parang ang sarap. One time, I was in Megamall and I saw Richard Gomez. Everybody was looking at him in admiration. Ang ganda siguro ng feeling. But when I saw Princess on The Buzz – I realized na OK na ako. I may not be famous but I don’t have to cry like Princess. It’s hard pala to be famous."

Veronica Lisa Valdez of Fairview, QC writes: I work as a secretary in a brokerage office. Last Sunday, I watched Princess Punzalan on The Buzz. She said she was unhappy because she has lost all her privacy. Naisip ko, what I earn in a month is less that what Princess earns in one taping, pero masaya ako. Watching that interview made me realize that I should count my blessings – a good husband and two healthy children. I also realized that even if we don’t have money, we can be happy. I think Princess should surrender her struggle to God because there is no way to understand her situation from the point of view of a human being.

Princess Punzalan looked gorgeous that Sunday afternoon I spoke to her on The Buzz. I also realized that she’s a very interesting woman. Well, only Princess and God know what’s going on in her heart and mind. I can only wish her the best. And if she indeed migrates to the US, she will definitely be a loss to the entertainment industry! Princess, inarguably has established herself as one of the best actresses this side of tinseltown.

Fun Time with Jack 'n Jill Piattos

Lots of fun, freebies and falling head over heels. That’s what happened when the new Jack ’n Jill Piattos Nacho Pizza, together with Studio 23 held an exclusive gala premiere of the romantic comedy Head Over Heels at the Power Plant Cinema recently.

The exciting event, staged in cooperation with Seattle’s Best Coffee and UIP-Viva International Pictures was attended by VIP’s, executives and winners of the Head Over Heels-Studio 23 call in. The event was graced by entertainment personalities like Mickey Ferriols, Bianca Lapuz, Ced Torrecarreon, MYX VJ’s Ed Feist, Kaz and Clara, Star Circle Batch 9 members Rafael Rosell IV, Abigail Cruz, Khalil Kaimo and Drinie Aguilar, GP Reyes of Sari-Sari, Ven Thomas Kuan and David Fabros of ABS-CBN Talent Center, among others.

Welcoming the guests were Universal Robina Corporation executives Pat Go-Nisee, Marcia Go-Sy, Steve Baltao, Frankie Gamboa, Maurice Reyes, and Lee Alvarez. Also present was the accounts team from Harrison Communications.

The new Jack ’n Jill Piattos Nacho Pizza is the latest addition to the growing Jack ’n Jill family. Manufactured by Universal Robina Corporation, it has a delicious taste made just the way you like it. Grab a pack now in leading groceries and supermarkets nationwide.