Jaclyn: Loveless but full of happiness

Almost two years after she broke up with Kenneth Ilagan, guitarist of True Faith, with whom she lived for six years, Jaclyn Jose told Funfare that she isn’t ready to fall in love again.

“Huwag na muna,” she smiled. “Ayoko na muna.”

As with Mark Gil, Jaclyn’s relationship with Kenneth (10 years Jaclyn’s junior) bore a daughter, Gwen, now five years old. Her daughter by Mark, Andy, is 17.

Jaclyn’s romance with Mark lasted for only two years.

“My relationship with Kenneth is my longest ever,” said Jaclyn. “It lasted for more than six years.”

Almost seven. Has the so-called “seven-year itch” anything to do with their break-up which was so quiet that many people learned about it only months later?

“I guess so,” admitted Jaclyn. “Yes, there was a third party; there was another woman.”

Jaclyn refused to talk about it but Funfare sources said that she actually caught Kenneth with “the other woman,” no, not “in the act” but coming out of a restaurant with arms around each other after attending a birthday party.

“The confrontation was subdued,” recalled a Funfare DPA. “It was straight out of a Jaclyn Jose movie. Jaclyn was also invited to the party but when she sensed that Kenneth would be there with the woman, she decided to stay home and secretly followed later, waited for them at the parking lot and very calmly made her presence felt. No, sparks didn’t fly. Basta quiet lang; ganoon lang.”

Asked if it was the first time Kenneth was involved with another woman, the DPA shook his head. “There were other similar incidents.”

Neither confirming nor denying the “confrontation,” Jaclyn said with resignation, “Guapo, eh. Attractive, eh. Kaya lapitin ng mga babae. His kind of work attracts women; the temptation is strong. He’s young. What would a man do if it’s the woman giving him the motibo?”

Bitter though she may be, Jaclyn doesn’t stop Kenneth from seeing Gwen and/or talking to her (in person or on the phone). Same with Mark and Andy who is appearing with Jaclyn in the ABS-CBN soap Prinsesa ng Banyera (topbilling Angelika dela Cruz and Kristine Hermosa).

Does she have to consult Mark when making any decision concerning Andy?

“He doesn’t have any objection against Andy’s joining showbiz. I brought up Andy very well and I think her father appreciates it. He’s even proud of it. But I told Andy that she should focus first on her studies and maybe do commercials, but not go full-time into showbiz.”

Jaclyn has won several acting trophies and recognition abroad, being the only Filipino actress (and the only Asian?) to have been honored with a “retrospective” by the Amien International Film Festival in France. Her latest movie, Ataul For Rent, directed by Neal “Buboy” Tan, is competing in the Cairo International Film Festival this month.

But Jaclyn’s face lights up when told that more than those acting trophies, perhaps the best and most meaningful ones are her two daughters.

“It’s true,” she agreed. “I may not be lucky in love but I am very lucky to have Andy and Gwen. That’s why I say that I may be loveless but I am full of happiness.”

Margaret determined to bring home our first Miss World crown

2007 Bb. Pilipinas-World Margaret “Maggie” Wilson left last Friday for China to compete in the Miss World contest in Sanya, China, determined to bring home the only international beauty title not won by a Filipina. The grand finals will be held on Dec. 1.

Here’s a report by Funfare’s “beauty experts” Felix Manuel, Joey Cezeare, Gery Yumping and Francis Calubaquib:

During the send-off conference held last Oct. 25 at the Araneta Coliseum gazebo, 18-year-old Maggie (who is half-Filipino and half-Scottish) said she was “very enthusiastic,” promising to do her best to win.

An actress-model and an MTV VJ (Philippines and Guam editions), she was born in the Philippines but was raised in Saudi Arabia. Having just graduated from high school and studying Computer Programming (Web Design), she plans to take up Law  after completing her duties as a Binibini.

Her interests include traveling, fashion-sketching, interior designing, acting, singing and modern/belly dancing. She keeps herself trim with such sports as horseback-riding, swimming, tennis, volleyball and badminton. 

Maggie is fond of native food but also loves Chinese and Japanese cuisine. Her motto: Never take life for granted.

“You have to take care of and share your blessings, and make something meaningful out of your life,” she said.

Maggie was originally offered to play Marimar (the role went to Marian Rivera) but had to turn it down because she had to compete in the Miss World pageant. Touted as “the next Ruffa Gutierrez,” she embodies the true woman of the world with her confidence and irresistible combination of style, substance and élan.

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