Nice anniversary gift for Ronnie, Mariz

Ronnie Ricketts and Mariz’s 12th wedding anniversary today becomes more meaningful because their movie, Lagot Ka sa Kuya Ko, was accepted as official entry to the 2005 Metro Manila Filmfest. Produced by the couple’s Rocketts Productions, it is due for release on Jan. 1, 2006.

Ronnie and Mariz thank the Lord for their blessings. They got married on Dec. 18, 1993 at Santuario de San Antonio in Forbes Park, Fr. Hugh Zurat officiating. All these years, Ronnie has been careful not to stain their relationship even if he is paired by young and attractive girls.

The reserved Ronnie is a hard-working, loyal, kind and considerate with those who work with him. He turned 44 last Dec. 3, marking the day with a small party attended by family, friends and the cast of Lagot Ka sa Kuya Ko.

Ronnie is still very active in his favorite pastime, basketball, especially when he gets invitations to join community programs such as recently in Ilocos Sur.

Ronnie is thankful for his co-stars cooperation, among them Nadine Samonte, Angelica Jones, Dinky Doo Jr., Onyok Velasco, Carlos Morales, John Apacible, Jamie and Jordan Castillo, Dick Israel, Patrick de la Rosa and Marita Zobel.

In Lagot Ka Sa Kuya Ko, Mariz plays a tomboy who runs a carinderia.

Ronnie and Mariz’s daughters, Marella and Marie, are also included in the movie. Up to now, Marella has remained shy, although she’s starting to come out of her shell now that she’s 11.

Marie, seven, is more vibrant; she enjoys being in the limelight like her grandmother, Edith Naldo-Ricketts.

Both girls are already thinking of how to make money and follow in their parents’ footsteps. Recently, they converted the beads their grandmother sent them into costume jewelry. They sold the bracelets and earrings to friends, schoolmates and teachers at very reasonable prices.

Mariz jokingly said she was losing money on this kind of investment, even as she expressed delight over her daughters’ enterprising spirit.

Like all parents, Max and Edith Ricketts, who run their real estate business www.RickettsRealty.com in San Diego, California, want their children to be with them. But it seems Ronnie and Mariz have decided to stay in the Philippines and just visit the US once a year. They find life in the Philippines more to their liking because of their camaraderie with friends and co-workers.

Ronnie’s nephew, Bruce Ricketts, is enrolled in the exclusive Elite program at the renowned John Casablanca Acting School in Beverly Hills, California. Bruce and younger brothers Brandon and Jett miss their teachers and classmates at La Salle Ayala Alabang as well as their cousins, especially this Christmas. They’re now staying with their parents, Christopher and Beth, in San Diego.

Ronnie’s Kuya Alex and family are also in San Diego where Alex’s sons Jamie and James are studying. Alex is active in the US Army reserve and has had a tour of duty (just like his role in the movie) for the Civil Affairs and Army Airborne in Iraq and in the Philippines. The Ricketts’ youngest son, Jason, is married and is with the US Army at Fort Irwin in Barstow, California. He has just completed his tour of duty in Iraq.