What makes Ate Vi a ‘Barako’

February 20, 2025 | 12:00am

Miss Sjöö to sue? Could it be true that Pernilla Sjöö plans to file a case after her name was dragged into the Andi Eigenmann-Philmar Alipayo brouhaha because words were put into her mouth? In the aftermath of Andi and Philmar’s “word war,” the fab Swedish marine photographer has become collateral damage.

Barako Fest and fam

Vilma Santos with her sons, Luis Manzano and Ryan Christian Recto spread good vibes in their baluarte, Lipa through the Barakofest (BF) 2025. Luis came with his wife, Jessy. Mikee Morada and Marc Leviste also joined the revelry. As managing director of BF, John Bryan Diamanté said in his opening remarks, “Barakofest is a tribute to the strength, courage, and unity that define us as a people.

“Just like our bold and strong coffee, Batangueños stand firm, face challenges head-on, and embrace progress while staying true to our roots. This festival is a testament to our shared vision of uplifting our culture, supporting our local industries, and ensuring a bright future for our province.“

The BF coincided with Ate Vi’s formal announcement to the showbiz media peeps about her bid for governor of Batangas anew. This time around, she joins forces with Luis and Ryan who are running for vice -governor and congressman, respectively.

The Star for all Seasons gives Batangueños so many reasons to live la vida saya saya.

Here are quotes from Ate Vi, Luis, Jessy, Ryan, Mikee and Marc:

Ate Vi: “Even if I’m a woman, I have a ‘barako’ side. I have palabra de honor so when I deal with someone who does not keep his word, that ticks me off. I turn into a barako. I’m a confrontational person. You won’t like me when I’m mad.

“Ralph, Luis and Ryan are all barako in their own way. Ralph would not be where he is now if he wasn’t tough. Luis managed to step out of my shadow and his dad’s shadow. Even if Ryan is living a comfy life, he does not shield himself from reality.”

Luis: “Jessy used to tell me that if I join politics, hihiwalayan niya ko. But now, she realized it’s time for me to pay it forward so she allowed me to run for office. We both cried before she agreed with my decision.”

Jessy: “I am not yet ready to have a second baby. Luis and I want to enjoy our baby Peanut longer and give her our undivided attention.”

Ryan: “For now, my focus is on my political campaign but I’m open to the idea of joining showbiz someday. If ever, I want to be a singer not an actor because I’m musically-inclined.

Mikee: “The three miscarriages of my wife Alex (Gonzaga) brought us even closer. We trust in God’s plan.”

Marc: “Even if my girlfriend Aira Lopez is 20 years younger than me, she’s matured for her age. So far, things are going well.”

Plagiarism alert

I came across a reel on Facebook posted by “The Pinoy Channel Showbiz” last Dec. 20, in which they lifted a quote — verbatim — from my column that came out on Dec. 19 without giving me or The Philippine STAR proper creditI

It’s about BFF Buboy’s (Cesar Montano) reaction to the romance of his ex, Sunshine Cruz and Atong Ang. Plagiarism must not be tolerated. These days, content creation is the name of the game. But sad to say, some creators are more of destructors because they have no sense of decency and respect at all.”

Urge to merge

On my DollywoodPH YouTube channel, Inah Estrada and Jake Vargas admitted that they have been living together for quite some time now.

“Techically, para na kaming kasal, papel nalang ang kulang,” Inah pointed out.

“But we are not endorsing a live-in relationship, especially if you are minors. It’s a case-to-case basis,” she said.

As for wedding plans, Inah revealed, “It’s just there… But a marriage is more important than a wedding. Jake and I will get there. You will really get to know your partner when you live under one roof.

“So before we take the plunge, it’s good that Jake and I get the feel of it already.”

Ah, the urge to merge and the itch to get hitched.