BECAUSE of his stint in Magandang Umaga Pilipinas, Lui Villaruz has become known as Señorito Lakwatsero. Kids, meanwhile, know him as Papa Picolino due to his acting gig in Princess Sarah. Fans of Sakal Sakali Saklolo know him as one of the friends of Ryan Agoncillo who taunts him about being tied down already.

Meanwhile, a lot of people know Lui as a production specialist, having put together a company that specializes in corporate audio-visual presentations. Of course, showbiz insiders know Lui as the boyfriend of Angel Aquino.

You’ve been seeing Angel Aquino for almost a year now. What is your secret for staying together so far?

Our relationship is something we cherish. We know we’re both in showbiz and we both love what we do, but when we’re together, we as much as possible get work out of the way. I guess with ordinary couples that would work, as well, because sometimes work can and does drain you out.

There’s a glaring age difference between the two of you. Angel is in her 30s while you just turned 29....

It never mattered to us. As they say, age is just a number. What’s important is that our relationship is going well and there’s no one to meddle.

Is there a difference in going out with a more mature woman compared with someone younger or someone your age?

There’s really no difference. We’re very much alike, age is the only difference. What is important is how the two of you carry a relationship, no matter what your age is.

How did this love story start?

I interviewed Angel for a segment in Magandang Umaga Pilipinas back then. It was a normal interview. After I left, I realized I’d forgotten my bag at her place and we texted each other so I could get it back. Since then, we were in constant communication. We then ended up dating, and then into a relationship.

Was it easy to convince Angel to go out with you?

She told me that she really weighed the situation. It was really hard for me because of the age difference, and she considered a lot of things. But Angel then realized there really was no problem about us getting together.

What about her daughters?

Her two daughters are very lovely. They’re still young, but they can already understand what’s between us. Their family has been through a lot and the girls just want Angel to be happy. They know what’s best for their mom and they agree with their mom. 

This conversation has been largely about Angel. Maybe we should talk about Christmas. What was your Christmas gift to Angel? (Giggles)

Us being together was the best Christmas gift I could receive.

On with the Marian year

’TIS the time when most hot-blooded Filipino males wish they were talking dogs. And this is because of one woman. But we’re getting ahead of the story.

Gab Fab: Angel’s significant other speaks up

BECAUSE of his stint in Magandang Umaga Pilipinas, Lui Villaruz has become known as Señorito Lakwatsero. Kids, meanwhile, know him as Papa Picolino due to his acting gig in Princess Sarah. Fans of Sakal Sakali Saklolo know him as one of the friends of Ryan Agoncillo who taunts him about being tied down already.

The year of bad deposits

IF we strictly follow the Chinese Almanac, the Year of the Rat will officially start at 8 pm on February 4, 2008. Ergo, January, today, now, still belongs to the Year of the Pig.

Fermentations: Gifts from the Vine

THE salmon marinated in crushed ginger, minced scallions, sesame oil and sake was warm and fragrant from the grill pan. My take on sushi rice with chopped parsley and green olives was not a disaster, thank goodness.

City cowboys, pig out and drink

JUST for the name itself, it is but right to have Texas Roadhouse Grill in El Pueblo Real de Manila right at the center of the Ortigas Business District.

Learning Curve: New Year, new life

‘I THOUGHT at your age, people would just be partying. But now, I realize we’ll always have issues—and that makes you, us, human.”

Jaded Buddha, my twentysomething friend, and I were having our pre-Christmas get-together.

Something Like Life: If I believed in New Year’s Resolutions...

‘SO what’s your New Year’s resolution?” my ex-classmate H. jokingly inquired. We hadn’t seen each other in a while as she had been working abroad for a time, and I bumped into her—of all places—at the mall just a couple of days before New Year’s Eve.

Will Smith, The Omega Man

GLOBAL superstar Will Smith is Robert Neville, the only survivor of a devastating, manmade plague that has decimated the world’s population in Warner Bros.’ new sci-fi thriller I Am Legend.