t's a fact that success is relative. People see it in different perspectives. For some, it can be a happy family life or a stable career. Others may associate it with a fat bank account, a job promotion and lots of travel opportunities. There are also a few who find it in possessing excellent health, keeping some rare and valuable collections or simply having peace of mind amidst the disturbing, challenging and nerve-wrecking rigors of contemporary living.

But what if you're so blessed to have a perfect balance of everything and you're handling it smoothly despite the demands of your multi-faceted roles? One classic example is Sharon Cuneta, a woman whose success both in her professional and personal life is quite overwhelming. Not all showbiz denizens experience the blissful state she enjoys at present. Aside from being one of local entertainment's brightest luminaries, her domestic life also remains on the upswing, something that can't be said of many of her colleagues in the business. While still at her peak as the one and only Megastar, she also savors the joys of being wife to Senator Francis Pangilinan and mom to darling daughters, KC, Frankie and Miel.

AWAY FROM LIMELIGHT

It's already public knowledge that Sharon could make sacrifices on her illustrious career if it concerns her family like that time when she gave birth to Frankie and had to stay with Kiko in Boston for a year for further studies. But being the Megastar that she is, she could always stage a comeback to the delight of her adoring fans. Just like what she's doing of late. After being away from the limelight because of her youngest child Miel, she bounces back in the scene promoting her latest album and is so excited with her new show over at ABS-CBN 2.

“Actually, my newest album under BMG titled Sharon Sings Alcasid is a dream-come-true for me,” shares the Megastar. “Before this album came into being, I already asked my good friend Ogie (Alcasid) to write a song for me. This happened in 2003 when I was filming Walang Kapalit and my weekly show Sharon was still on air. One Sunday, he was one of my guests and when he greeted me inside my dressing room, I popped the question to him. To my amazement, he suggested that I record his biggest hits instead.

“Now, I'm simply thankful that I was able to come up with this album. It's special to me because for the first time, I collaborated with Ogie who is so talented, I've high regards for the guy. Honestly, I feel he's the best songwriter in this generation. He will definitely become another George Canseco, Willy Cruz and Rey Valera. I really feel honored that he chose me to revive his classics especially the carrier single Sa Kanya whose range tallies with my voice. I feel very comfortable with it and if you feel comfortable singing a song, it will bring out the best in you.”

“We all know naman that Ogie has lots of unforgettable pieces so as early as now, we're already thinking of songs that can be possibly carried over to the second volume, like Piolo Pascual's Kailangan Kita. I like to sing that song talaga, eh. One good thing about Ogie is that may development ang music niya.

“Regarding my new show naman,” she continues, “I'm very excited about it. It has a very different concept. Of course, there will be the usual song numbers but basically, it's a fresh format that viewers will enjoy watching. This is the reason why if you'll notice, I have gradually lost weight na. I already dropped a number of pounds so that by the time my new show starts hopefully on my birthday come January, ma-surprise naman ang fans. I am really excited about this development since it's been awhile when I had my last boob tube program.”

SIZE DOES MATTER

The coming year 2006 seems to hold a lot of promise for the Megastar because aside from being active in the ‘biz again, she's really determined to end up a little underweight and look better and more importantly, feel confident all the time.

“Oo naman,” agrees Sharon . “It's nice to be a little underweight, di ba? Basta a decent weight is okay na for me. Alam naman ng lahat na I'm no 20 anymore and I have three kids already. My target is to lose at least ten pounds a month. At present, I'm into South Beach Diet and it works for me. I'm comfortable with it.

“You know, this whole dieting thing is well supported by my family. KC is the proudest pag sexy ako kasi, di ba, I had her when I was 19” Di naman talaga ganon kalayo ang age gap for a mother and daughter. So, it makes her feel proud if I‘m in top form. Siyempre, si Kiko especially during times when I feel depressed, when you check the scales and you see there's no single movement.

“One time nga, as I was saying na walang improvement, he prepared streamers for me that read: ‘Go, go, go! You can do it Sweetheart!' That melted my heart. It helped ‘cause it was so encouraging. It inspired me to go on kahit mahirap mag-diet. Kinikilig ang asawa ko pag payat ako, huh!

“And of course, I'm doing this for my fans, for my loyal Sharonians kasi, come hell or high water, nandiyan sila lagi. I want them to be proud of me. Alam n'yo bang tumatalon ang puso ng mga yan pag payat ako. Pumapalakpak ang tenga nila pag pinupuri ako. This is one way I can extend my heartfelt gratitude to them for their support to me all these times. At saka sa celebration ng aking 40th birthday, I want people to say na, “Di siya mukhang 40!'” says Sharon .

How about movies? When will she make one again? Has she become choosy specially after winning the Brussels for Crying Ladies?

“Of course naman! Saying naman ang effort kong magpapayat if I'll not make a movie. Next year, it's definite that I'll make one,” she promises. “Just like the new TV show, making a movie excites me a lot. My last pa was Crying Ladies, di ba? Regarding my winning the Best Actress award in Brussels International Film Festival, in a way, yes, it has somehow affect my choice of films but I want to point out that I can never turn my back on what you may call commercial films. Remember, I used to make lots of komiks materials in the 80s. Why should I leave a genre where my audience first fell in love with me? I'll keep on doing this type of films as long as they want me to but I'm always on the lookout for new and fresh materials that will also satisfy my artistic side.”

Now that she's gradually going back in circulation, Sharon is happy to tell everyone: “The people will see more of me in 2006. I have good plans for my career next year. I feel inspired now that I see my old friends in the business. Rest assured, magsasama-sama kami ulit this time,” the Megastar happily sums up.

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