Albie’s camp off-limits to Ellie’s baptism

Jaclyn Jose is still so hurt over Albie Casino’s denial that he is the father of her daughter, Andi Eigenmann’s child, Adrianna Gabrielle or Ellie, she (Jaclyn) won’t allow him or his family inside the venue when  the baby gets baptized on Nov. 25.

“Walang pasabi yung kabila kung darating sila o hindi,” she said at the thanksgiving party of “A Secret Affair,” where Jaclyn plays the mom of Anne Curtis’ character  (the film will be shown in the US, starting off with a Nov. 2 playdate at Union City, San Francisco and Orange, Los Angeles).

Not that Jaclyn minds.  In fact, she’s not expecting Albie or his family to show up at all.

“We’re  not expecting anything from them.  And they’re not welcome for that matter,” Jaclyn stresses. “Kung dumating sila,  I will ask someone to do something so they won’t enter (the baptism venue).”

Strong words these.  But Jaclyn stands firm on her decision.

Not even if Albie apologizes to Andie?

“Kung mag-sorry siya, sa mismong birthday (ni Ellie)? Ano ito? Bati na tayo?” an incredulous Jaclyn replies.

She’s not stopping the Casinos from reaching out to them on another occasion, though.

“Sige, gawa lang sila ng way. Wala e,” she goes on.

Jaclyn’s mood changes for the better when talk shifts to Jake Ejercito, Andi’s rumored boyfriend.

In praise of Jake

“Jake is very much a gentleman,” she observes. “Tahimik.  He greets me all the time – hello, Tita! Gano’n.  Pag umalis, ganon din. Kinakarga niya si Ellie.  Mahilig siya sa bata.”

But even if he visits Andi at home, Jaclyn adopts a hands-off policy in her daughter’s personal life.

“Hindi ko tinatanong kung sila na ba or kung sila na ba ulit,” Jaclyn says.

All she knows is that  Jake  declared that Andi is “a very special girl” to him and he promised to take care of her.  Jaclyn also notes the cakes and flowers Jake brings with him when he visits Andi at home.

Mother and daughter have grown closer since Andi gave birth.  And  Jaclyn admits Andi shares stories to her about Jake  now and then. But Jaclyn refuses to divulge what these are.

“Papano ko ikukwento, e ayaw nga ng kabila? (Jake’s side) --  may anak na raw,” Jaclyn reveals.

But she understands since she’s a mother herself who wants only the best for her child.

“We respect their decision.  Anak nila yon, syempre. They have to take care of  their son.”

Jaclyn even professes that she likes former president Joseph `Erap’ Estrada, Jake’s father.

“Love ko si Erap,”  she states.

Andi and Jake’s paths first crossed when they were babies who still had to know how to crawl.

Recalls Jaclyn, “Best friend ni Laarni  (Enriquez, Jake’s mother)  si Veronica  (Jones). So every new year, doon kami sa kanila (Laarni).  Sabay lumaki sila Andi and Jake. Sabay silang naglalaro.”

Ellie’s godparents

Unlike Albie, Jaclyn is not against seeing Jake as  a guest in Ellie’s baptism.  The baby’s  godparents are the who’s who of showbiz. Among them are   ABS-CBN president Charo Santos-Concio,  Viva Entertainment big boss Vic del Rosario, ABS-CBN Channel Head Cory Vidanes, ABS-CBN Business Head Deo Endrinal, Lorna Tolentino, Amy Austria,  Coco Martin and Maja Salvador.

“Siila ang tumulong kay Andi habang nagbubuntis siya,” Jaclyn explains. And the proud grandma can’t hide her excitement.

“Happy na happy na ako sa dalawa kong anak.  Parang anak ko na rin si Ellie.”