UNLIKE ng birthday ni Metro Manila police chief Debold Sinas, walang naganap na party sa birthday ng aktres na si Andrea Torres.
The Kapuso hottie spent her “quarantine birthday” sans fanfare at home with her parents.
Iyon ang unang birthday niya simula nang maging mag-jowa sila ni Derek Ramsay. At dahil may ECQ, hindi sila magkasamang nag-celebrate ng aktor.
But Derek’s surprise more than made up for his absence, sey ni Andrea. Narito ang chikahan nina Andrea and PDI’s own Dolly Ann Carvajal.
How do you and Derek keep your relationship strong in the time of Covid-19?
We take advantage of technology. We use video call a lot and really go about our days together. Of course, the first order of business is to say good morning and last is to say good night. We have our daily workout sessions; sometimes we brush our teeth together.
We decide on what to watch on Netflix and start at the same time. We have discussions about what’s happening in the world and share our realizations while having coffee or dinner. We say our prayers out loud, pray the rosary, read the Stations of the Cross, etc. We get strength from each other.
What was Derek’s birthday surprise?
Oh my, he made me cry, like ugly cry! He surprised me with a video compilation of him, his family and friends just a few minutes before it turned May 4. He said he wanted to be the first one to greet me.
The next day he also sent the most beautiful gelatin cake with flowers inside. It looked so perfect I didn’t want to cut it.
How do you and Derek get along despite your age gap?
That’s one of the things that stood out for us in this relationship—everything just fell into place so easily. Even until now. It’s very relaxed. It’s as if I’ve known him and his family for years and vice versa. It’s filled with nothing but love, laughter and warmth.
What’s the most creative thing you’ve done during ECQ?
I’m the designated chef in the house. My recipe book has definitely expanded. I’m enjoying my high school hobbies again—reading and writing. Another thing to note is how the lockdown converted me into someone who actually looks forward to doing home workouts. I used to hate it. I needed the environment of the gym. Having a workout buddy—Derek, in my case—really helps. If one of us feels sluggish, the other one does the motivating. We even explored yoga and meditation.
If you could choose to be under quarantine with any celeb, who would you pick?
Chrissy Teigen. I see her posts on Instagram and I think she’s doing a great job keeping her family comfortable and constantly entertained. I get tips from her on how to be an excellent homemaker.
What Covid-19-related story impacted you the most?
A lot. Sometimes, I get really affected I feel down the rest of the day. I remember seeing a video of a front-liner who could only stay at the gate of their house and give his family a wave. They were crying and you could see how they were longing to hug each other.
There’s another one where the child was so excited to see his dad and was running to him the moment he saw him. The dad, who’s also a frontliner, had to stop him. It was heartbreaking.
What are your realizations during this pandemic?
It gave me a deeper perspective in God, life and relationships. Oftentimes, things get so hectic that we tend to just let the days pass. We forget to really take each moment in. To be mindful of our surroundings and be more grateful for what we already have. I think the pause made all of us realize how precious everything is, and I’m certain we’ll come out as better versions of ourselves.
Doesn’t Derek’s colorful past affect you?
Not at all. It’s our past decisions and experiences that make us who we are today. I embrace who he was, who he is and who he will be.
How would you handle it if you and Derek bump into any of his ex-gfs?
Like I am with any other person I’m introduced to—with a smile and with respect.
Is Derek husband material?
He is. He gives great importance to family.
