Gretchen and me...

Gretchen Barreto and I maybe be connected, albeit in some strange ways, While buying something for my place yesterday, the owner mentioned that Gretchen usually drops by at her store, despite its location which is in Zapote Street in Makati. Gretchen hates malls, but she loves shopping. Here is my version of our “Six Degress Of Separation”…

1. My good friend Tess appeared with Gretchen in a movie called “14 Going Steady”. She was one of the antagonists (“contravidas”) in that movie.

2. I used to hang out a lot in “Giraffe”, the bar owned by Gretchen’s paramour, Tony Boy. I started going there back in 1993.

3. When Gretchen was being interviewed about her rift with sister Marjorie, I was the one standing next to her. We were attending the Film Academy Awards Night at CCP and she was radiant in her Inno Sotto white terno. The interview was played over and over again, whether in the news, showbiz talk shows and the likes. I had my 5 minutes of fame.


4. Claudine and Raymart are good acquaintances. Raymart is my “kumpare” to Tess’ eldest daughter Sofia, and I shot Claudine, Raymart and daughter Sabina for Star Studio Magazine while they were vacationing in Boracay.

5. I love Tod’s eversince and Gretchen loves Tod’s as well, but I discovered it back in ’99, and I am not sure if she owned a pair then. I bought mine when it was on sale in Rustan’s because they were removing their inventory, as well as in Homme At Femme in Shangri-La, I bet she buys hers at regular prices.


6. She goes to Soumak in Zapote for her home items and other accessories, I buy my stuff there as well since 2000. I am sure she can afford everything in that expensive store, I can also gaze at them, and buy some small stuff once in a while.

7. We both dated cagers, she went out with Joey Loyzaga, I went out with one who reminded me of Joey Loyzaga since he was short and stocky.

8. She was hailed as Manila's Loveliest by Preview Magazine and became Pantene's endorser. I also use Pantene but no matter what, even I drink a gallon everyday, I will never be voted as Manila's Loveliest.

So what do you think of it, is it me or is it Gretchen who is trying to imitate me. Hahaha! In my own little world, I envy Gretchen, she’s beautiful and with full of spunk. I wish that one day, I get to meet my own Tony Boy Cojuangco. They say that money can’t buy happiness, but I read somewhere, those people just don’t know where to shop. Yes! Money can buy happiness.