Sen. Mar Roxas Announced That Korina Is Indeed The "Love of His Life"

Sen. Mar Roxas Announced That Korina Is Indeed The "Love of His Life"
Manila Bulletin
Crispina Martinez-Belen
January 30, 2009

The "Bahay na Puti" was brimming with joy, great food – and great expectations. Everyone present at the informal dinner was searching or looking for someone very important.

Of course, everyone knew that the "salo-salo" was being tendered by Sen. Mar Roxas and family for friends, especially members of the media.

Some were asking questions. Is the senator making a formal announcement of his aspiration for the presidency? Of course, this is given, he being the president of the Liberal Party.

Then appeared Sen. Roxas, and he made an informal speech, greeting everyone and then announcing the "Love of my life – Ms. Korina Sanchez!"

That ended all speculations and doubt about his relationship with the multi-awarded broadcast journalist. Interviews followed, and then a pictorial of Sen. Roxas and Korina. It was a pre-nuptial special event!

How else can we call it? The pictorial of Sen. Roxas and Korina showed them so close to one another, looking into each other’s eyes. It was like looking at a future First Lady. Of course, Korina has all the necessary qualifications for a First Lady.

Others whispered that maybe, yes, maybe, Sen. Roxas and Korina may get married soon, before Sen. Roxas begins his presidential campaign. That will be a scene to behold: Korina always beside Sen. Roxas as he goes into the ordeals of the presidential campaign. They would be one great crowd-drawer!

Anyway, entertaining the media were the senator’s doting mother Mrs. Judy Araneta-Roxas and his equally supporive siblings, and aunt Baby. Attractive and valuable prizes were raffled off like TV sets, cellphones, microwave ovens, trips to some major destinations like Cebu and Palawan, one-year free entrance for two to shows at Araneta Coliseum, DVD players, gift certificates to restaurants like CIBO, South Beach Diet for three weeks, cash and many others.

Prior to the party, what was foremost in the mind of Sen. Roxas was the enactment of the Universally Accessible, Cheaper and Quality Medicine Act of 2008 of which he was the principal author.

"It has been 10 years since I started working for the enactment of that law," he stressed. With cheaper and quality medicines, Sen. Roxas stressed that the common citizen will be greatly benefited.

The law is now in the process of implementation, by the government, but Sen. Roxas wanted the implementation to be hastened. "The people could no longer wait," he said.

We salute you Sen. Roxas for that law you authored!

Mar & Korina Getting Stronger

Mar & Korina Getting Stronger
Tempo
MovieGoer
Nestor Cuartero
January 16, 2009

‘ANG MAHAL ko sa buhay’ was how Sen. Mar Roxas introduced Korina Sanchez when he hosted a New Year party for the media at the Araneta mansion in Cubao Monday night.

The veteran news anchor and TV host helped receive the many guests who swarmed the White House’s sprawling lanai where the dinner was held. Mar’s family showed up in full force, including his mother, Judy Araneta Roxas, aunt Baby Araneta Fores, cousins Veana and Gaita Fores.

Korina’s presence in the midst of immediate family members doused off earlier speculations that the Araneta family did not approve of her relationship with the Senator. The TV anchor spent the holidays with Mar and his family in Hong Kong.

Asked pointblank why he’s not marrying Korina just yet, Sen. Mar said it wasn’t that easy as they have such high-profile careers.

‘We have been together for five years. It will happen when we’re less busy with our public lives,’ he said.

Sen. Mar said that while marriage is the only missing link in their relationship, they manage to see each other every day. In an unguarded moment, Sen. Mar was caught calling Korina from a distance, ‘Hon.’

That’s not a short for Honorable.

In a more serious tone, Sen. Mar, reported as one of the presidentiables in 2010, downplayed talks of political ambitions, claiming that the hard times aren’t right for such proclamations. He’d rather focus on his campaign to inform the public that the Cheaper and Quality Medicines Act of 2008, of which he was a major supporter, is now in effect.

The act, signed into law by Pres. Arroyo last June 6, 2008, guarantees the availability of cheaper medicines to Filipinos. Roxas said he fought for this bill for 10 years, wrestling with big pharmaceutical companies who refused to lower their prices.

At the moment, cheaper medicines are offered only at Botika ng Bayan outlets. Sen. Mar hopes that through a recent TV commercial of his, people will get to know more about the availability of such medicines. He also called on everyone to spread this bit of good news.

A Child Of Show Biz, Too

A Child Of Show Biz, Too
Philippine Daily Inquirer
By Marinel Cruz
January 15, 2009

MANILA, Philippines—“We should make local products available to the global market,” said Sen. Mar Roxas, replying to a question posed by the Philippine Daily Inquirer on how to improve the current state of the entertainment industry.

Roxas made the statement during a gathering of show biz writers in his Quezon City home on Monday night.

“Let’s aim for foreign exhibition,” he stressed. “This would mean bigger revenue for local producers. We watch shows produced by Korea, Mexico, Malaysia and Thailand. Let’s make sure they watch our shows, too.”

However, Roxas said, bigger funding is needed to come up with products that meet global standards, and “that’s where government can help.”

Roxas thanked his guests for their “continued” support. “The entertainment industry contributed [in a big way] to my family’s success. My lolo (Don Amado Araneta) was a producer of live shows and movies,” he said. “In my public career, a lot of you also helped me in one way or another by writing about my work.”

Present during the gathering at Bahay na Puti on P. Tuazon in Cubao (next door to the family-owned Araneta Coliseum) was Roxas’ girlfriend, broadcaster Korina Sanchez, his mom Judy Araneta, sister Ria, aunt Baby Fores, and cousins Veana and cousin Margarita. Guests enjoyed a sumptuous buffet.

The 46-year-old senator (full name: Manuel Araneta Roxas II) was of course asked about marriage plans, but he remained tight lipped on the subject.

He merely said, “We’ve been together for five years. Marriage will come in its own time. Right now we’re in a good place. I continue to be in love with her, and hopefully she loves me as much.”

As for his rumored intent to run in the 2010 presidential race, he was not coy about his qualifications: “I have an impeccable track record. I have a wide experience dealing with the private sector. I’ve been part of the executive branch when I was a Cabinet member, of the legislative branch when I was in Congress and now, in the Senate.”

The writers insisted, what’s keeping them from tying the knot? His carefully worded reply: “We’re no longer in high school, we have many considerations. We need to balance our time for family and career. Marriage shouldn’t be the issue here. What’s important is, we’re together and we’re very happy.”

Roxas said his relationship with Sanchez lasted because they were committed to making time for it. “We enjoy watching movies,” said the senator. The last film feature they saw, he said, was Gavin O’Connor’s “Pride and Glory,” starring Edward Norton and Colin Farrell.

“We also like eating out. Two nights ago, we craved sweets and drove to Razon’s and then to Jollibee. Masaya na kami nun. Quality time is very important to us. Between Christmas and New Year, I made it a point to not take calls or make any appointments.”

Openness is also very important, Roxas said. “Korina not only knows about my 15-year-old son; we all spent last Christmas together.”

Mar, Korina: What's up?

Mar, Korina: What's up?
The Philippine Star
Funfare
By Ricardo F. Lo
January 14, 2009

The food was good (yummy!) and so was the company. The hosts were, as they would say, “the mostest.”

The occasion was Sen. Mar Roxas’ thanksgiving dinner for the movie press held at the Aranetas’ famous Bahay na Puti (White House) in Cubao, Quezon City, Monday night, highlighted by a raffle conducted by Mar himself and his ladylove, Korina Sanchez, who had to rush back to ABS-CBN for that evening’s Bandila newscast.

Aside from Mar and Korina, also present to help entertain the almost one hundred movie editors/writers from both the tabloids and broadsheets were Mar’s mom Judy Araneta-Roxas and his sister Ria; Mar’s Tita Baby Araneta Fores and her children Veanna, Margarita (Gaita, who owns and manages such restaurants as Cafe Bola and Cibo) and Bledes Fores-Legarda.

It was Gaita who prepared the buffet table heaving with food, glorious food (“Home recipes,” according to Gaita): Roast Beef, Lechon, Chicken Relleno, Fish with Mayo, Majestic Ham, Pasta with Salmon and Asparagus in White Sauce, Green Salad with Tuna and Anchovies and French Dressing, and Rice and Bread, plus an array of desserts consisting of Lola’s Floating Island, Dulce de Leche, Black Forest and Fruits.

For me, the most mouth-watering item not found on the buffet table was, you guessed it, the “juicy-yummy” free-wheeling interview we had with Mar who graciously obliged even if, he said, it was a get-together and not a presscon (which should come later, in due time, when Mar is ready to make a “big announcement”).

Let’s rewind the “hidden” tape recorder...

When are you and Korina getting married ba?

“You know, hindi madali ‘yan. Korina has a career and so have I. Ang mahalagang tanong ay, ‘Kami ba?’”

Kayo ba?

“It’s very clear naman siguro, isn’t it? We’ve been ‘on’ for more than five years.”

Oops! You’re nearing the seven-year itch.

“Hahahaha! Huwag naman!”

In preparation for 2010, will you produce a movie about your life?

“It’s not necessary. TV na lang. Hahahaha!”

You’ve been acting true to your title Mr. Palengke.

“From food in the palengke, I focused on cheaper medicine for the poor. You see, a lot of people are dying because they can’t afford to buy medicine. The cheaper-medicine bill is now a law pero kailangan pa rin dagdagan ang regulatory measures.” (Note: Check out Sen. Mar’s TV clips about the law.)

What’s the earliest time, or the latest, to announce your intentions in 2010?

“Now is not the right time to talk about politics. Ang daming naghihirap! Having come from Wall Street, I understand the global financial crisis very well. People are losing their jobs; OFWs are coming home jobless. The hunger will get worse before it gets better. So I’m not comfortable talking about politics.”

Do you, like ordinary citizens, feel the impact of the recession? How do you deal with it?

“You know, on Christmas Eve last year, we kind of shared the noche buena with the needy. We prepared gift packs (consisting of rice, chicken, pansit, dessert, etc.) and distributed them among the residents of a place called Ulingan in Tondo, Manila.”

I think everybody feels the economic pinch. No wonder you blurted with a “PI” during that rally in Makati City. I agree that with your “PI” you articulated the exasperation a lot of people feel these days. I don’t think you have to say “I’m sorry” for that.

“I was directing it to anybody. Yes, it was an expression of exasperation. I’m not sorry that I said it. Come hell or high water, I will say what I feel. Para que pang naging senador ako kung hindi ko sasabihin ang sa loobin ko? Bakit ako magpapaka-plastik?”

What do you think is the impact of Barak Obama’s victory in the US elections on the 2010 Philippine elections?

“I think it has revived hope not only in us Filipinos but in other people around the world — you know, na kahit naghihirap tayo ay mayroong pag-asa.”

Change topic. How do you watch your health?

“I eat anything but in moderation. But I have a bad habit of treating myself to one big scoop of chocolate ice-cream before bedtime, especially when I go home tired after a gruelling day. I used to take two scoops, until Korina called my attention.”

Do you work out?

“Yes, I do. I work out three to four times a week. During summer, I do aqua-aerobics in the pool.” (The White House has an Olympic-sized pool. — RFL)

What’s a typical day in your life?

“I wake up at 5 a.m. I like that time of day. Tahimik. Hindi pa kumikiriring ang celfon mo, wala pang text messages. I surf the Internet. At 6:30 or 7, sometimes reporters ring me up for interview. Then, I take breakfast — one cup of coffee and a bowl of oatmeal. I go to work at 9. It’s all paper work in the morning — that is, if the Senate has no session. After that, I attend functions. Otherwise, I’m home early and read after dinner. Sometimes, I fetch Korina at ABS-CBN after she’s done with the newscast, lalo na pag matagal na kaming hindi nagkikita.”

With your busy schedule, how much time do you devote to your love life?

“We see each other almost every day. We talk a lot on the phone. We exchange text messages.”

Where do you meet... ”somewhere?”

“Here... in my house.”

What do you usually do?

(Laughs, blushing a bit) “Hoy, hindi na kami high school! I’m sure you know. Naiintindihan n’yo na ‘yon; alam n’yo na ‘yon.”

Mar-Korina Wedding "Soon"

Mar-Korina Wedding "Soon"
The Manila Times
By: Efren L. Danao
January 10, 2009

The much-awaited wedding of Sen. Mar Roxas and his girlfriend of five years, ABS-CBN mainstay Korina Sanchez, is looming closer.

“Soon,” Roxas replied without hesitation when asked by Senate reporters about the wedding timetable.

He declined, however, to give a specific date for the wedding. “Only the heart can tell,” he said.

At the same time, he said he would make an important announcement on his political and “personal plans” within the year.

Roxas is expected to be the standard bearer of the Liberal Party, which he also heads, for the 2010 presidential election. He is the only bachelor among the known aspirants for the presidency although he did not discount the possibility of him getting married before the start of the election campaign.

He said he spent the Christmas and New Year with Sanchez and that a number of times, they went abroad together. He also joined her in celebrating her birthday in Hong Kong. When he was asked what they did in Hong Kong, he replied: “We held hands and looked at each other’s eyes.”

Roxas is in his late 40s. While he has remained a bachelor, he has admitted siring a son with a former beauty queen. He is also known to have had a romance with a former athlete who later became a host of a noontime show. He refused to answer questions about another lawmaker who was rumored to have been her former girlfriend.

“I don’t talk about other girls,” he said.

He and Sanchez have already built their “dream house” but he would not say where it is.

He would not say if Sanchez would give up her career in broadcasting once they get married.

“She will do the correct thing,” he said.

There were earlier criticisms that Sanchez was using her radio program to lash at Roxas’ critics and to push for his personal and political advocacies. The senator defended her, saying she has been very professional in her conduct and that he could not tell her what to say and not to say on the air.

Mar Roxas Still Playing Coy

Mar Roxas Still Playing Coy
Philippine Daily Inquirer
By Christine Avendaño
January 10, 2009

Still playing coy, perennial bachelor Sen. Mar Roxas on Friday remained evasive about his political as well as marriage plans with longtime girlfriend, broadcast journalist Korina Sanchez, except to say that announcements could be made “within the year.”

Roxas, president of the Liberal Party and widely believed to be a contender for the presidency in 2010, remained silent when asked by reporters about his plans for the future at a lunch held on Friday at the party’s new clubhouse.

“Ang puso lang at Diyos ang makapagsasabi,” (Only the heart and God knows), he told reporters. ‘There is a right time for all of these.”

Pressed for a more definite time frame, he admitted that he and Sanchez, his girlfriend of five years, had been talking about getting married, but stopped short of announcing the date. “You’ll know within the year,” he added.

The 49-year-old senator later disclosed that he and Sanchez spent Christmas and the New Year together.

When some reporters suggested a double wedding together with Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, another elusive bachelor, he shot back: “Ang gusto ko, ibigay ko yong araw na yon kay Korina lang ” (I want that special day to be for Korina only.)

Yuletide Holidays In Hong Kong

Senator Mar Roxas and Korina Sanchez spent the Yuletide holidays in Hong Kong.

News Item #1 :
Only four senators go abroad for the holidays
Manila Standard
By: Christine F. Herrera
December 31, 2008

Sen. Mar Roxas, along with his family and his long-time girlfriend broadcast journalist Korina Sanchez, opted to spend the holidays in Hong Kong.


News Item #2 :
SeenScene
Pilipino Star Ngayon
January 8, 2009

Seen : Sina Korina Sanchez at Senator Mar Roxas sa Hong Kong noong Bagong Taon. Kasama nila ang pamilya ng senador. Tanggap na tanggap si Korina ng pamilya ni Senator Roxas.