“IN an open-secret relationship.” This is no social media status, but rather what Angel Aquino has actually found herself romantically enmeshed in.
Just as the description is not gender-specific, the actress stands pat on her conviction that love is genderless. “Love is love, and isn’t that all that matters?” Thus, there’s no denying what exists between Angel and TV director Malou Sevilla.
If the name does ring a bell, Malou was the co-director with Coco Martin of “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” (which concluded last month), where Angel played a significant part.
On a more personal note, Direk Malou used to be Ai-Ai de las Alas’ partner, way before the latter married the guy, even ahead of Gerald Sibayan. This was during Ai Ai’s “Tanging Ina” days at Star Cinema — yes, that long ago.
Personally, I had the rare privilege of meeting and getting to know Direk Malou on at least two important occasions. Ai-Ai came to my small birthday shindig with her in tow, which I co-celebrated with fellow April-born friends, as well as to a special friend’s celebration, both in Pasay City.
A guest at one of the events, I had the chance to meet Direk Malou — already then an accomplished resident TV director and the daughter of the architect of their newly built corner-lot house. At the intimate dinner party, Direk Malou even took pride in her mom’s equally drool-worthy version of kare-kare, minus the extract from annatto seeds.
Of course, we all know the Ai-Ai-Malou romance had come to a halt. Now back to being single, Ai-Ai and Malou live happy lives.
Even during their happier times, Malou came across as someone who carried an air of respectability, bereft of showbiz-flavored trappings. Soft-spoken, she talked sense without being daunting. Very unassuming, with a confident calmness.
Now, with Angel as her partner, veritably, direk Malou has found her intellectual — and artistic — match. As Angel herself puts it, for same-sex partnerships to thrive and for partners to enjoy freedom, it is important to keep an open mind. “As long as they don’t cause pain to each other, let them be,” she muses.
kkk
GUESS who?
What particular items does an evening bag of an attendee at a formal showbiz gathering usually contain? Perhaps all three of these: a mobile phone, lipstick and a small bottle of perfume.
But count this sexy comedienne (SC) out.
Members of the entertainment media covering such events all share similar startling discoveries from their so-called random bag raids on the SC.
Prying reporters are always dumbfounded to see the SC’s bag contents: a damp face towel and a small bottle of disinfectant. Reportedly, the SC lugs these items around, stuffed inside her bag, obviously for sanitary reasons.
The SC is said to be ultra health-conscious, using them after shaking hands with mobbing fans.
Clue: she comes to mind when you’re about to feast on tempura or gambas on a sizzling plate.
