T CAN be said that at an early stage, things happened so fast for Regine Tolentino. If remembered, she's the one of the original Star Circle members but, as history wrote it, just as her promising career was staring to peak, true love called. She tied the knot with then budding matinee idol Lander Vera-Perez and their union was blessed with two adorable kids, Reigne and Reigen. However, like any other marriages, theirs had its ups and downs, which led to a temporary separation. But this didn't dampen Regine's sunshiny disposition. Instead, she fought and continued living life to the fullest. At present, she juggles on her various roles as mom, daughter, TV host, dancer and designer with flying colors. And added Bonus is her improving ties with her hubby.

IN CONTROL

TRULY, Regine is in control of her life now. She has grown wiser, smarter and happier. All the experiences she has gone through contributed to her being a tougher and better person. And now that she has moved house (back to her parents), she's seeing things and possibilities in a more positive light.

“My daughters like it better here. They call this ‘the new house.' We moved in her last January. Personally, I'm so comfortable with my new place. For one, it's spacious, has lots of parking, the kids have playground. They can do a lot of things. Most importantly, everything's all under one roof – my shop, dance studio, and the whole family,” happily states the pretty lass.

Did she have a hand in the interior decoration?

“Actually, it was my mom who chose everything together with renowned interior decorator Freddie Mercado who owns a boutique in SM City North Edsa, Collezion Europa Interior. Basically, my mom collect figurines ever since we were in the States pa. in fact, we shipped some pieces here pa nga, eh. She likes China stuff so much,” she says.

Is she meticulous when it comes to cleanliness?

“Yes, I am,” she admits. “I like it shiny clean. Sobra, mahilig akong maglinis. I hate clutter. Would you believe, I even do the laundry. We have a washing machine naman in the bathroom, eh. Honestly, it's therapy for me. One thing that effectively releases me is to clean, and see clean stuff.”

What does she consider as her favorite spot in the house?

“My room and my office. I like it much when I spend time in the latter because it's so cozy and I feel na kahit paano, I've accomplished much. Sa room naman, it's like my haven where I can rest and sleep. Actually, we have seven rooms all in all here. We take charge of our respective rooms. When it comes to cleaning or the physical arrangement, we're all involved. Like for my own room, I decorated it myself. I chose the wallpaper and its color motif is lilac; even the curtains. Sa mga bata naman, the color is pink. I also did their pillows,” reveals Regine.

How about cooking?

“Actually, my mom, dad and Lander, they all love to prepare meals,” shares Regine. “Lander visits regularly and when he's here, they cake great sinigang, adobo and other lutong-bahay. Sarap!”

Speaking of Lander, how are they now? What's their set-up?

“We're presently okay naman,” she avers. “Life is good. We're much happier and better now. We're taking things slow. He's in the house everyday. He works as an intelligence officer sa Immigration. It's a nine-to-five job which he likes naman. We take turns with the kids and spend time with each other like having dinners or family days.”

BUNDLES OF JOY

REGINE'S a proud mom to her two bundles of joy. “This year, my kids to a big school na, sa Colegio de San Agustin in Makati . It's kind of far from here but it's fun. It's only now I experience ‘yung naghahatid-sundo and all the things that come with it. ‘Yung bonding moments sa car, tutoring them on their homework and sleeping. I'm lucky that my TV show (Unang Hirit) is in the morning plus the fitness and fashion segments are done mostly in the house. ‘Pag may location, I schedule it during school hours. The kids kasi have afternoon sessions, so when I'm done, I pick them up. Parang walang-nangyari, ‘di ba? One thing more pa, I do their hair everyday. Yes, iba-iba and clips nila (laughs).”

Being her children, do Reigne and Reigen receive some special treatment when in school?

“No. I'm sensitive to that issue. I discourage the idea. I want my kids to feel that they're just like everybody else. I want them to enjoy a normal childhood,” philosophizes the dance empress.

How's her business so far?

“It's doing great. I'm glad ‘cause I'm doing a lot of artist's performance, artists like the Viva Hot Babes and Rufa Mae Quinto. I also do a lot of kids costumes and when there are corporate events. It's so much fun. ‘Yung talaga ang gusto ko. It's a joy and fulfillment on my part to dress up people.”

What about her dance studio?

“Oh, I have great plans for it. I'm saving up for it's improvement. I want to turn it into a really nice place. I opened it late na rin. Usually, when friends have corporate events.”

It's so much fun. (Articles Lifted from S Magazine) - -