NEWSFLASH

ERIC, JOYCE ACT AS SPONSORS TO "KASALAN NG BAYAN'S" 300 COUPLES

Quezon City, Feb. 12, 2001 - (MALAYA by Ethel Ramos) Eric Quizon and Joyce Jimenez will be sponsors to about 300 couples, ages ranging from 16 to 60-years-old, who are getting married at a Kasalan ng Bayan, which Councilor Mike Planas, who is running for a Congressional seat (3rd district, Quezon City) in the May 14 elections, is arranging.

The event will be held at the Bagong Buhay Cover Court, Plaza Malvar Street, Project 4, Quezon City at four in the afternoon, Monday, Feb. 12.

"Sus," gushed Eric, "hindi pa nga ako ikinakasal, heto at ninong na ako to about 600 people. Ang dami kong inaanak kaagad."

Joyce, who grew up in the US, is excited about the prospect of witnessing a mass wedding. This is her first time to be part of an interesting happening in all her 21 years. "I don't think I'll ever forget this," Joyce enthused.

Mike thought of this interesting and noteworthy happening in line with the celebration of Valentine's day. Said he: "Ang feeling ko, this is one important gift which I could give to some of my constituents. At least, magiging legal na ang kanilang pagsasama.

"Would you believe that I am excited, too, sa happening na ito," Mike remarked with a smile.

Mike is married to Pat-P Daza, daughter of newspaper editor and tv host Jullie Yap Daza. She's currently employed as director for public relations and corporate communications for ABS-CBN.

* * * Mike and Pat-P have a beautiful and happy love story fit for Valentine's Day. They were friends from their high school days, when Mike was a student at the Ateneo University (where he graduated with honors) and Pat-P was studying at St. Paul's College.

Their friendship actually started during a soiree. Mike confessed, he was instantly attracted to Pat-P, so much so, he made a pass at her. Unfortunately, Mike had a friend who was also courting Pat-P. She chose the latter for a boyfriend.

Several years later when they met again, Pat-P was already employed with ABS-CBN. Mike was on his second year in the City Council of Quezon City.

One day, she received a call from him. After the customary "warm up," Mike asked Pat-P if he could introduce him to Kris Aquino.

Said Pat-P: "I know they went on a date. Pero wala yatang chemistry silang naramdamang dalawa. Ganunpaman, we kept our renewed friendship. We would go out. Before we both knew it, hayan na-in love na kami."

The couple married in the US last May. It's the second wedding for both of them.

"I like her humor and easy charm. Attracted din ako sa kanya, dahil she is so intelligent," said Mike of Pat-P.

Pat-P, for her part, said: "He's my exact opposite. Serious siya. At napakabait niya.

"He has always dreamed of becoming a politician. I promise to back him up all the way. After all, like him, I want to improve the conditions of living in our 3rd district. I hope and pray he wins."

The couple are expecting their first baby in June.

* * * Eric and Joyce both confessed they are loveless at the moment. Eric even said he has forgotten when it was he had a girlfriend.

"But in time, I know, I'll get married. I have chosen not to look for her anymore. Darating at darating siya, alam ko iyon," said Eric.

I wonder if it's true, too, that Joyce had for a boyfriend Bernard Palanca while she was filming "C La Ang L8est Pls Pass," co-starring her with Aga Muhlach.

They reportedly separated long before the movie was completed.