The Philippines’ Pop Princess promises 2013 will be the year she takes control of her life and her career. Sarah Geronimo tells tabloid! why she’s taking over from her mother Divine and why it took her so long to be on her own.
Is there trouble in the family?
No, none at all. And I wish everyone would just stop bashing my mother. She has been good to me, and has always done everything in my best interest. Any other mother would have done the same thing for her daughter.
So the decision to take charge of your own career is a simple ‘declaration of independence’?
Yes, if you can call it that. I feel that I am mature enough to handle myself and be more in charge of my career. I will still have my handlers at Viva, who will be helping me out. And mama will always be there. But this time, I have a bigger stake in the decisions that will be made about my career, and I guess my personal life.
How do you feel when people say your mother is such a control freak?
I get hurt, of course. It’s not like that. Other people see it differently because they are in a different situation. I am happy with my parents’ upbringing. And I cannot be thankful enough for their love, guidance, discipline, inspiration. I didn’t see the situation as controlling — I willingly surrendered to the wisdom and guidance of my parents.
But now you want to be on your own. Why?
I just felt it is the right time. I am not growing any younger and sooner or later I will have to be on my own.
What took so long?
I feel that the timing is just right. I have learned many lessons in the past, and in some ways maybe I was a little scared to be independent. Now, I feel I have more strength and wisdom to handle things on my own.
Even your love life?
Yes. So many things have been said about that I do not want to add to the discussions anymore, except to say I can be happy on my own. And if the right guy comes along, I and my family will welcome him with open arms.
Is there anyone courting you at the moment?
None at this time.
And if someone does, will Mommy Diving again intervene?
Ayan na naman, eh (There we go again). Mama will be there to guide me; she will not intervene.
