Robin and Mariel’s new 'baby'
Mariel Rodriguez is a Kapatid; husband Robin Padilla is a Kapamilya, and never the twain shall meet – in one TV show, that is. So they decided to do the next best thing. They created a web show called “Love on-line” or LOL on pinoyRealTV.
Like most things online, “LOL” is interactive. Mariel, who hosts the show, will chat with fans (and even non-fans) for a full hour beginning Sunday, Aug. 19, 3 p.m., and every Sunday thereafter. It also happens to be her second wedding anniversary. The agenda is most anything under the sun – about her and Robin, that is.
“Ever since I met him,” recalls Mariel, “lahat kinukunan ni Robin. He documents our travels. I’ve been into reality shows from the start. My first show was “Extra Challenge”. Then, I went to (hosting) PBB (“Pinoy Big Brother”).”
So, the new show is right up Mariel’s – and Robin’s – alley.
Unlike other couples who cringe at the idea of revealing their private life, Robin and Mariel are flinging wide the doors of their home, their car, etc., week after week.
“I have nothing against celebrities who keep their privacy. That’s their right,” Mariel muses.
She has no qualms sharing her life with Robin with everyone who cares to watch it on the web. After all, Mariel has nothing to hide.
“We have good intentions. We want to inspire. Malaking factor ang nakikita mong may ngumingiti kapag magkasama kami (ni Robin). And we owe it to these people.”
Mariel admits she owes the beautiful changes in herself to Robin.
“Makikita don sa show how I’ve transformed from a kikay girl na walang pakialam to someone who goes to the supermarket to buy bone marrow. It’s a turnaround.”
Robin, she gushes has taught her the true meaning of charity. Mariel cites her relief efforts for the Habagat victims.
“For me, malaking tulong na yon. Robin told me hindi pa kami nakakatulong. Wala pa raw kaming nagagawa. Makatao daw yong ginawa namin, at dapat naming daw ito gawin sa aming kapitbahay,” Mariel explains.
True charity, Robin told her, is something more than that.
“Sabi niya nakatulong talaga kami kapag napagawan naming ng bahay ang mga nabaha,” adds Mariel.
Meaningful birthday
Then it hit her hard. It would be a shame to party on her birthday last Aug. 10 while many people are suffering.
“Magpapakasaya ka pero yung mga taong napalagid sa 'yo nakalubog sa baha. Wala silang gamit. Wala tayo sa state ng kasayahan.”
So instead of hearing well-wishers say “happy birthday!” Mariel would rather be greeted with a hearty “congratulations!”
After all, she and Robin deserve a pat on the back for giving 10 girls much-needed cervical shots on their show’s debut episode.
What if bashers persist and refuse to take them for their word?
Mariel has a ready answer: “Baka yung taong yon di naka-experience ng love na ganito. Baka sad siya. Mas marami namang positive.”
At this point, it seems nothing can dampen Mariel’s spirit, ever.
