Papi Gary, Lola Angeli dote on first granddaughter Leia

True to form, first-time grandparents Gary Valenciano and wife Angeli Pangilinan dote on Leia, daughter of their son Paolo and wife Samantha “Sam” Godinez, niece of Martin Nievera. Named after Princess Leia (the character played by the late Carrie Fisher in Star Wars), the girl turned a year old on Nov. 2 and her Aunt Kiana Valenciano hosted a party for her on Nov. 9 at the Valle Verde 6 Clubhouse. Japanese stroller brand Aprica provided the Soda Station.

Instead of Lolo, Gary prefers to be called Papi which sounds millennial. Leia adores Papi Gary who loves singing to her.

“I also sing Do Re Mi to her all the time,” said Lola Angeli, “and Leia loves it. She’s always smiling; she’s a very happy child.”

The grandparents gave Leia lots of Bible storybooks as birthday gifts.

“I wish that she would grow up in the knowledge of God’s Word and that she would possess the creative gifts of her parents who are both gifted artistically,” added Lola Angeli. “Pao sings and writes songs, and is a creative director for live concerts, while Samantha is a creative graphic designer and pro photographer who shoots many of Gary’s and Martin’s photos for their concerts and albums.”

Thanks to social media, the grandparents are able to monitor Leia growing up.

“It’s a millennial world now and Sam regularly posts Leia’s photos on her Instagram,” noted Lola Angeli, “so it’s easy for us to follow her.”

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