3 weeks ago
7
I bet you can name at least three early semi-retirees this side of showbiz.
Never to be missed out are happily married couple Derek Ramsay and Ellen Adarna. Can Ellen's former flame John Lloyd Cruz be far behind?
All three have one common denominator (as far as John Estrada, Derek's former BFF is concerned: "They've got so much money").
Having to work hard for the money — it appears — is never a major consideration — let alone an option — why aĺl three have decidedly quit their acting jobs.
But this doesn't mean their passion for acting has completely worn off. Returning to showbiz as actively as they once were isn't their top priority, well, at the moment.
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Can you think of other names who find themselves in the same shoes?
Assunta de Rossi-Ledesma PHOTO FROM INSTAGRAM/ASSUNTALEDESMA
Joining the league is former Congressman Jules Ledesma's pretty, statuesque wife of Italian descent Assunta de Rossi.
Probably no one remembers anymore the last film or TV series Assunta starred in. What is more important though is how she is now after turning her back on showbiz.
A content mom to her only child Fiona, Assunta doesn't hide the fact that she practically lives a "doña" life.
Amassing vast lands as far as eyes can see in her hubby's native Negros, Assunta shares they're into supplying sugarcanes. On the side, they're also into renting out and selling landed properties all over the country's sugar capital.
Having shied away from the limelight, is Assunta planning to take on acting assignments?
Candor is one trait you'll appreciate about her: "Actually, no. It's not my priority but my kid!"
However, Assunta hastens to express that she'll be lying through her teeth if she says she doesn't miss showbiz at all.
So, what can make both a happy wife and a content mom embrace showbiz anew?
"It's the passion for it, it's no longer the money!" Assunta asserts with conviction.
Apparently, her younger sister Alessandra remains on the other side of the fence. Call it respect for the way one wants how to navigate one's life.
* * *
BLESSINGS come in torrents for Melai Cantiveros.
The latest hosting gig to have come her way is a Visayan talk show titled "Kuan On One." This brings to three the number of her regular shows at present.
Melai Cantiveros PHOTO FROM INSTAGRAM/MRANDMRSFRANCISCO
Melai says it's about time a show intended for her fellow Visayans graced the boob tube.
People associated with Melai attribute her blessings to the kind of daughter she is to her oldies.
The comedienne admits to taking care of her old parents while tending a family of her own (which includes husband Jason Francisco and their two lovely daughters).
She shares: "My mom survives on having a single kidney. My father has prostate cancer for which I need P100,000 monthly for his medications. But all that is possible because of the Lord who provides me the means. How else do you think I'm able to support my parents' needs when I also have a family of my own?"
By far, juggling her time is never a hassle as it's no different when one takes on various roles.
Melai justifies in the vernacular: "The key is proper time management. Like at home, I play wife and mother. At work, I'm Melai you see snickering on TV who has a thick Visayan accent."
Having a lot on her plate though is no excuse to give up just because she gets frazzled, her energy drained. "I think the driving force there is my life goal. Because if you're a go-getter in life, nothing makes you tired...just hungry!" Melai chortles.
