Khristine Meets Christine!

Our family was in church hearing Sunday mass. We were sitting in the cry room since we have two young kids. The mass was about to begin, when suddenly I noticed  a familiar face walked in. I believe she was with teenage daughter/s.  I could not remember where I met her.

The mass went on and during the Holy Communion, she passed us by . She even looked my way for a while.  Then  I realized that she looked like the TV personality back home in Manila but I was not so sure though.

After a few months, I was browsing people in Instagram. From one person, it led me to the photo of that familiar face. I figured it was Christine Jacob!  I sent her a message asking if she happened to be in our parish church, and she confirmed it! So I thought I’d ask her if I can feature her in my little blog site. She was very nice to say “Sure, anytime!”

Christine Sotto Jacob-Sandejas, also known as Christine Jacob, is a Filipina Olympian swimmer, actress, T.V. host, and newscaster. She was born in Guam and her family moved back to Manila. She joined the Southeast Asian Games in Singapore in 1983 when she was 16. The following year, she competed in the swimming competition in the Summer Olympics 1984.

When she was 23 years old she got offered a co-hosting job in a show called “Eat Bulaga.” More projects followed.  She stopped hosting in showbiz when she got pregnant with her first child. Now she has five children with her loving husband, Paco Sandejas. She has been a TV personality for around 26 years now.

I reviewed some stories about her and found a recent one posted by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (http://www.cbcpnews.com/cbcpnews/?p=76086) last April 20, 2016.  The article talks about how Catholic faith is very important to Christine and her family  (an evident reason why I probably found her in church when she was visiting in LA).  In the article she mentioned the following was mentioned:

“Christine shared she and her husband go out of their way to instill in their children the fundamentals of the faith like teachings on the Mass, Confession, and the other Sacraments.”

“They also read them stories from the Bible to complement and reinforce what they learn at school.”

“They make sure the little Sandejases—all five of them—will grow up respectful, honest, and disciplined.”

“Values are very important for me,” exclaimed Christine.

I read another article written about her by her sister-in-law, Amanda Griffin. Christine shared here her typical day:

“I wake up at 6. Have my coffee, bring my 4 kids to school (Jaime 2 yrs old school just started in June) , Then ME time…I play tennis or yoga or run or workout…pick up the 4 yr old from school and have lunch with them. Then do errands (bank, grocery etc). Pick up the 3 older kids from school and bring them to various activities (ballet/ gymnastics/ soccer/ reading/ little gym/ cheer dancing/ violin guitar/ piano…etc (never ending activities.. wait till summer ) Then come home and do homework, Dinner then Sleep by 8:30. And the cycle starts again……” (http://amandagriffinjacob.com/christine-jacob/August 1, 2011 Amanda Griffin – Jacob)

These are the reasons why I feature her in my blog. I truly admire her energy taking care of herself, her family, particularly being hands on with her five children. Based on my experience, I find it indeed challenging to  discipline children and mold them to be good people. So I am just truly glad that I got the chance to interview Christine and share some of her wisdom.

Let’s hear from Christine!

Where did you live in the US during your elementary years? How old were you when you came to live in Manila?

I grew up in Manila . I was born in Guam but after 6 months my family moved to Manila . I consider Manila as my home . I went to school at the Colegio San Agustin in Makati till high school .

You were an Olympian. When did you first learn how to swim?  Will you briefly describe your experience when you joined the Summer Olympics in 1984?

 Started competing (swimming ) at the age of 6. First international swim meet at 11 Junior Olympics held in Japan.  Then Southeast Asian age group , SEA GAmes , Asian Games , Olympics in 1984 in LA 😊  I truly pride myself in  being Philippine trained .

You have been a TV personality for around 26 years now.

I studied college in Ohio , Kenyon College . I continued to swim.

All 4 years . I graduated in 1989 BA in International Studies with China as my area of concentration. 

 After 1 year of working in Boston I decided to move back to Manila then doors started to open in the field of communication. I  started hosting Eat Bulaga in December 1990, then as a newscaster for PTV4 also the same year . 

   1990-1998 Co-hosted in Eat Bulaga 

    1998-2001 MTB (Magandang Tanghali Bayan ABS-CBN)

    Married in 1999.

    First child came in 2000

    5 kids 

    

I would host various shows while taking care of my family: Mobile Kusina, Here Comes the bride, Game Na, Full Time Mom

Currently I have a daily show on CNN Philippines called Real Talk .

How do you do it? How do you raise 5 kids? What is one important thing that every parent should remember?

Values for children . Instilling values is getting to be more difficult with the access of social media , bring the whole world into your home . The kids are exposed to a different culture, the values have changed . That’s why the importance of family life. The importance of spending time with your kids , being there for them . Guiding them during the formation years.

I am aware about your typical day. I can relate to your activities.I can not imagine how you manage five children. I often complain and yet I only have two! I heard you do yoga, runs, swim? Balancing all these things alongside with work and family.

Where do you get the energy?! What is the secret? Do you have a regular regimen/work out?

A few years ago I was much more active than I am now. Maybe age has caught up with me😱. I remember a time when I would run 10k before my 2 hour tennis practice etc.. I am a very competitive person and feel the need to train to get better. I am trying to ween myself from that and just take it easy and relax a bit more .

Now I am happy with a few hours a week of social tennis . Maybe go back to yoga. 

DIET is now my main concern. My metabolism has changed a lot so I needed to find the right combination of foods.

As I age I find I can’t do dairy / fried foods (my stomach gets upset)

So in the morning I juice/blend a lot of my greens. I try to consume healthy fats since I stay away from grains / bread. I use a lot of coconut Oil for my food / 

desserts and at times in my coffee. I love  coconut Keffir – probiotics.  Avocado / spinach / banana shake during my tennis games . 

I eat a lot of greens / chicken – fish – soups . Once I take out sugar and eat healthy I do find I am not sluggish and have lots of energy for my daily activities . 

But my weakness is chocolates 😱😱😱

What else do you want to accomplish? What is your one great dream?

I hope to do more shows on CNN Philippines.

I love nutrition / food / parenting .. 

I love Philippine made 😍😍😍 products / clothes/ jewelry

Words from Daphne Oseña-Paez

I feature my favorite people here in my blog site. They inspire me in so many different ways. The next person I will be presenting is someone I admire not just for her beauty and style, but also for her brain, talent, and confidence. Her works reflect my hobby and interests like blogging, travel, home, fashion jewelry, and inspiring stories about women and motherhood. I am very blessed that she responded to some of my questions. She even gave me some advice for my blog! I remember first seeing her from the show, “F” which she co-hosted with Angel Aquino and Cher Calvin! Meet the lovely and very smart, Daphne Oseña-Paez!

“Daphne Oseña-Paez is a TV host, producer, and businesswoman from Manila.  She is known for her production and hosting of television programs  Urban Zone, Proudly Filipina, and F. She is the first Filipina ever appointed Special Advocate for Children by UNICEF Philippines.” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daphne_Ose%C3%B1a-Paez)

“In May 2011 she founded Auction for Action: A UNICEF Fundraising Online Auction to benefit children’s programs in the Philippines and worldwide. It was the first online auction for UNICEF Philippines. It features work from noted local artists and designers in the hope of raising money that would benefit programs on maternal health and education in the Philippines’ poorer areas.”   She was also featured in Vogue in 2011 (http://www.vogue.it/en/people-are-talking-about/vogue-features/2011/12/daphne-osena-paez#ad-image145665)

Here are some answers straight from Daphne.

What were you doing before your TV appearances?

Urban planning

What course did you take in College and where? Did you really dream of hosting and being a public figure?

University of Toronto. Bachelor of Arts, specialist in Fine Art History, minor in Urban Studies. No dreams of TV work or public life. I was working as an urban planner, managing Canadian-funded programs in developing countries. Everything else was a happy accident.

With all the shows, TV hosting that you made what was your most favorite and why? Urban Zone – its my own show/creation. I didn’t just host it. I was producer, writer. It was a successful attempt at a late night lifestyle show. It was very influential.

What was the hardest challenge you have encounter? – life is full of challenges. In my darkest hour I turn to prayer. I’m never alone. I put full trust in the Lord. (As for sharing actual challenge, it’s too personal)

What is it you fear the most? – only God knows.

Do you consider yourself a hands on mom? How do you balance your career and family? — I don’t like the term “hands on mom” I don’t think it should exist. Because whether you are working or not, you are a mother just the same.

What is the most important thing you want your children to learn? What is it that you want to impart to them? – that they are loved by us no matter what. That they find joy in what it is they choose to do.

You are beauty and brains! In terms of beauty and appearance, are you high maintenance? How do you take care of your looks? What is beauty for you? Beauty tips you can share? – Be kind to your skin and body. Rest a lot. Don’t expose yourself to the sun too much. See a derma every month for cleaning. I go to Belo for facial and power peel every month.

What are your hobbies? – learning more dishes. I just learned how to cook. 

For more information and update of her works, you can visit her website  http://daphne.ph/.

It was really my pleasure to have an exchange of words with this super talented and very nice lady!

 

Catching Up With Cindy Kurleto

Thanks to writing. I started to see through things clearly. I am able to look deep inside and know myself a little bit more. I have become aware of my existence, of the life around me, of living, of being human, and even of my greatest fear, death.

One of the many things I have come to realize is that my life is too short to be mad, sad, or miserable. I have to overcome these emotions as they exist. I have to find out an outlet, my passion, and do things that make me happy. I have learned that playing the flute and blogging are one my favorite things at this stage of my life!

Moreover, I also realized that it is important to surround myself with people and things that will make me grow, that will inspire me, and make me happy. People and things that give out positive vibes and make us realize more the kindness and beauty of life. We can not always choose 100% of the time but we can still do something.

Even in my social media account (Instagram), I only choose to follow people who inspire me. There are indeed a lot of great people around the globe, and I wish I have all the time to write about them.  These inspirations crossing my path are part of my journey. Thus, I recognize and appreciate them through writing.

For instance, I wrote about the flutist who inspires me to do better, Bevani. Please read about her and check her Youtube Channel (Bevani Flute). Now, it is my pleasure to feature this wonderful lady. I never knew her personally but when I was younger I saw her from TV commercials in the Philippines.She was a VJ, model, actress. She has one of the most beautiful faces in Philippine Television. Meet Cynthia or better known as Cindy Kurleto! I do not remember how I found her in Instagram but when I saw her, I left a comment on her post about how glad I was to see her. She responded and she was very nice to everyone. We found out that we have the same birthdays too (and year)! What struck me was seeing how she has found love and happiness in her private life now. She has left the world of show business to fulfill her destiny to be where she is right now, a loving wife and mother. So let’s catch up with Cindy! 

“Hi Khristine! First off let me thank you for even considering to feature me on your blog, an old “has been” like me, flatters me beyond believe, thanks! And kudos to you for doing what makes you happy by writing for your own blog. So let’s dive right into it, shall we?”How long did you do modelling/acting in the Philippines?

My modelling career actually started in Bangkok where I did a few TV commercials, quite funny ones, really, for shampoo and facial care etc. It was afterwards that I got work in Manila, first as a model, then TV host and VJ, and finally as an actress. All in all I stayed for a decade.

When and why did you leave Manila?

I left Manila, which partly broke my heart, in December 2007, to ironically follow my heart. I had found the person I never wanted to be without and he asked me to join him in his next chapter of life, which brought us to Peru, where we stayed for 8 years and also started our own little family.

Do you miss being a public figure? If yes, what are the things you miss about it?

I don’t miss being a public figure because it comes with its own golden cage, as you can surely imagine. When you’re a public figure you are confronted with thousands of opinions, which all mean well, but don’t have anything to do with the real you. It’s a lot of responsibility and also involves disappointment, because how does the old saying go? You can not please everyone.

Do you think of going back to show business?

I miss having a creative job, where you get to meet incredibly talented people in front of and behind the camera. Where each workday is different to the last. And of course it can also be quite glamorous at times, I’d be lying if I’d say I don’t miss that, as well. But would I ever go back to showbiz? Probably in a heartbeat, but rather behind the camera, maybe? 🙂 to be honest with you, I don’t know. One can’t want showbiz, it’s gotta want you.

You have been to many places now in your life. Will you share what countries/which places have you lived in?

Well I was born in Vienna, Austria which is a small land locked country in the heart of Europe. Many people visit surrounding countries like Prague and Switzerland, which are amazingly beautiful but I strongly urge you to give Vienna a chance, it won’t disappoint, I promise. As you follow me on instagram, let me invite you to take a look at some of the pics I post of Vienna.. it is a truly beautiful city.
And as I mentioned above, I have lived in Manila, Philippines and in Lima, Peru.

Because of my father’s health condition we have decided to move back to Vienna and have arrived here only a few months ago, in fact our container with all our stuff is scheduled to arrive in two weeks time (yay)

What place/country do you miss most?

I used to always miss my hometown, but since I’ve moved back now, I guess I miss the Philippines the most. The smell and sights, the people and the food. Even the heat.

What is your most favorite place?

My favourite place used to be Boracay but since it’s practically overrun with tourists and locals alike, and way too far away for me now- I’d have to say my favourite place is the caribbean island Barbados, where my partners father is from and still has family. We try to visit often. Another beautiful beach I like to visit is in Tulum, México. If you ever travel there go eat at the restaurant Hartwood!

Where is your home now? How is it living there?

My home will always be where the heart is that I love and that loves me back.
Together we have moved to Vienna now, where I’m from but have not lived for 18 years. I am as much a foreigner as I am a native, which makes for an interesting experience, to say the least. I love Vienna for its culture, its high standard of living and for the beautiful old architecture.

When I called Peru my home I especially loved it for its fresh produce and it’s love for good food. Many talented chefs come from Peru and I was lucky enough to take part in a few cooking classes.

You are a family woman now. How long have you been married? How many kids do you have now?

Shockingly- we have never married. I guess we’ve never lived anywhere close enough to family to consider a celebration. We have been a couple for almost 12 years now and have two beautiful daughters together. My partner is my best friend, the one person I never get tired speaking to, I crave his opinion and love making him proud. In fact I read this interview and my answers to him, if it sounds okay to his ears- it’s good to go.

Do you work or are you a full-time mom? What keeps Cindy busy everyday?

I am a full-time mom as my second daughter was just born 3 weeks ago. I gave birth in water (at a clinic) without any pain medication- which makes me incredibly proud! (but don’t think I had it planned that way, I would have gladly accepted something to ease the pain but was too late for that). Being a mother, going through all these changes and the process of it all is just amazing. I salute all mothers. Really from the depth of my heart.

My day looks very much like any new mothers day. Feed the baby, burp the baby, change diapers and put the baby to sleep and repeat.

How do you differentiate the public life and the private life now?

Let me admit right here that I hardly ever talk about my life in the public eye anymore. This took quite some adjustment since it covered a long period of my young adult life and has shaped me immensely. The thing is, people don’t like to hear “oh you know, when I was an actress,…” stuff like that makes other people secretly dislike you. For real. So I live my private life like everyone else, and totally disregard my former life in the public. Except for when I can sense that someone is genuinely interested. Then I delve in fun memories.

What do you enjoy most in your private life?

I am happy that I was able to build a private life. Coming back from showbiz is not an easy feat. Taking pleasure in simple things is the bigger picture, really. It’s the way forward. Understanding that giving my family happy memories to look back on is the real goal, not how many clothes, shoes, followers or how much fan mail I have.

We usually have plans/goals for ourselves. What do you have for yourself?

I just want to be healthy, so I can stay around with as much energy as ever, to do things with my kids. Go hiking, travel to the world’s big cities, stay up late to help them with homework, be there when they have their first child. I lost my mother at 20 and regret not having her by my side at this time in my life.

What is your personal philosophy at the moment?

This is no secret but it means nothing to those who have not experienced it for themselves, so believe me when I say:

To help others is the best thing you can do for yourself.

Thanks Cindy for taking the time to answer my questions. I wish you more love and happiness in your life. Keep shining. You are a reflection of beauty and an inspiration to women who value taking care of the family.

No problem, Tin. Thank you for asking such deep and inspirational questions.

Meet Bevani!

Most of us are fans of someone or something. We have our favorites!  Certain types of people and things appeal to us. As they say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

And you are familiar with that fan mode feeling, right? The excitement, the joy, the inspiration they bring to us. It is sometimes overwhelming!

For those of you who have followed me, you know that I have started playing the flute again. Some twenty plus years ago, I had my summer lesson playing the flute. And after sometime, I just stopped. Now I am wondering  I could have been a very good musician now if I kept playing. But it’s okay. We all know that we can not go back to the past. All I have is NOW. I am just glad that I got back to playing 3 months ago. I just do self-study.  So far, I am enjoying it. I even put up a Youtube Channel (thehomemaker’smusic) just to compile my videos and to watch for improvements. My goal is to get better, enjoy the music and bring smiles to  my friends and family. And hopefully to other people too.

Going back to my previous thoughts, what would you feel if your “idol”, the person you’re considering as your role model/good example followed you back on Instagram? It was so funny when one night, I suddenly leaped and screamed for joy.  My favorite flutist just followed me back on Instagram (khris_79))!!! My husband and son were smiling and were very happy for me.  “Bevani followed me and she liked my video!”

 

There are so many great flutists around the globe. Amazing players I look up to. But something in Bevani I really liked. When I see her, I think of these words: Talented, Relevant, Vibrant, Confident, Expression, Emotions.

I am so proud and happy that I was able to get in touch with her and ask her questions. She was very gracious to respond. Below were the questions I asked and her responses (verbatim).

1. When did you first hold a flute? How old were you?

I was 7 years old.

2. Why flute?

My mom loved the sound of flute and thought it would be a good fit for me – she was right. I had a very good tone right from the start.

3. What or who influenced you to play the flute?

Like I said, my mom started me on the flute but my flute teacher kept me going. She was creative and patient and really encouraged me to continue to practice. I’ll admit there were lots of times I wanted to quit but she kept me on track in a kind way.

4.  Can you please briefly share your music education background?

I studied with Heidi Ehle fro 7-18 years old. During this time I participated in the local competitions. I began teaching flute lessons at 16 years old, which helped me walk my talk. I encouraged all my students to practice more which in turn helped me practice more. I joined the Seattle Youth Orchestra when I was a Sr. in High School and won the concerto competition within the orchestra. I performed this solo in Benaroya hall which had a big impact on me and gave me confidence to continue flute in college. I studied flute at University of Puget Sound with Karla Flygare 2004-2008. Then went to University of Santa Barbara California from 2008-2010. During these years of college study I participated in lots of master classes studying with famous flutist from around the world and competed in local competitions. I won the concerto competition at UPS and UCSB.

4. How many hours a day do you practice?

This has changed over the years – in college 2-3 almost every day. Now 1-2 almost every day but sometimes I take a week off.

5. Favorite piece/song you play 

Too many and I think it changes all the time. Sometime a good pop song is so enjoyable and sometime I need some French flute music or classical songs to keep my fingers and chops really engaged.

6. How do you see yourself in 5 years in terms of music?

A few more albums – hopefully another electronic original. I’ve always wanted to put Mozart with electronic beats, lots more music videos, teaching online lessons, performing at schools and inspiring kids. A tour in the U.S and Europe!

7. Advice on people like me who are aspiring to be good musicians.

Keep practicing – it takes time. Make clear goals. Track your improvement by recording yourself and practicing with a metronome. Find musicians that inspire you. Find a teacher you like. Play with other musicians. Learn from the numerous resources online and remember there are lots of way to be a musician. There is not one route so see if you can kind find ways to play music that inspires you.

You can visit her sites:

http://www.bevani.com/

Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/bevaniflute.

Facebook and Instagram: bevaniflute

Sharing with you my favorite video: