Amy on Brix: ‘It’s his loss’ not seeing son
Amy Perez, also known as "Tiyang" Amy from her TV5 morning reality program "Face to Face" never imagined that her career will be as fruitful and empowering as it is right now. But despite overcoming some of her own struggles and obstacles, Amy admitted that hosting "Face to Face" is not an easy task since she herself is still carrying the burden of the past.
During the press conference of TV5's "Face to Face" first year anniversary held at Annabel's Restaurant, Tomas Morato, Quezon City on Monday, March 28, Amy revealed that although she feels blessed to host the program, she also gets bothered when some people question her credibility as a relationship adviser.
"Alam mo sa totoo lang, hindi ko naimagine na dito pupunta yung career ko. Sabi ko nga kailangan talaga you have to walk the talk. So sa totoo lang yung mga tao hindi nila alam, everytime na kapag ang topic sa 'Face to Face' ay tungkol sa bigamy, adultery, yung nangaliwa, yung ganito, tapos may kasama ngayon, may relasyon pa rin, parang ako gusto kong lumubog sa lupa because I am in that situation. So parang nabobother din ako dun na parang sabihin ng tao, 'Ito naman si Amy ikaw nga may karelasyon ka' parang yun din nafeefeel bad din ako minsan. Hindi naman ako nang-agaw so kaya talaga din, inaantay ko na talaga yung makasal kami [ni Carlo Castillo] para din naman sa mga bata."
In 2006, the Supreme Court denied with finality Amy's annulment petition against South Border original vocalist Brix Ferraris, who since decided not to communicate with Amy or their son Adi.
"Ngayon hindi pa namin masyadong alam kung anong gagawin kasi dun sa nangyari parang na dead end kami eh. So naghahanap pa kami talaga ng tao na makakatulong sa amin kung anong gagawin kasi nasa supreme court na. And then parang ang sinasabi nga either mag change si Brix [Ferraris] ng citizenship o ako, eh hindi naman ako pwede dahil nagtratrabaho ako. So kung magpapalit siya ng citizenship dahil si Brix naman ang nasa abroad, pag naging citizen siya pwede niya akong i-divorce," Amy said.
For the longest time, Amy has been longing to be freed from her former marriage especially now that she's enjoying a happy life with her first born Adi, her boyfriend Carlo Castillo and her second son Sean Kyle.
"Kami ni Carlo [Castillo] six years na kaming nagsasama. Talagang yun na lang ang inaantay namin [kasal]. Wala na kaming gusto pang hilingin sa buhay namin because we are truly truly so blessed na talaga ngayon kasi finally masasabi ko the storm has passed."
Amy's message to Brix
"Sana lang si Brix, magpakita siya sa anak niya."
This was Amy's simple but meaningful message to her former husband during the press conference. According to her, their son Adi had tried several times to reach out to his father who's now based in Nevada, USA, but to no avail.
"We have stopped looking for his father. Dun sa last presscon ng 'Sapul Sa Singko,' sinabi ko na [he tried] to reach out to his dad sa Facebook, [pero] hindi siya sinagot. So parang sinabihan na siya ng Daddy Carlo niya na parang 'Tama na anak, we've done our part. Yun na yun," Amy said.
Despite his real father's absence, Amy feels proud that Adi grew up to be a talented young 13 year old. She also feels grateful to Carlo who loves Adi as if he were his own son.
"During the graduation of Adi I feel so blessed kasi kumanta siya sa harap ng 425 students na kasabay niya grumaduate sa Lasalle for grade 7. Meron silang solo solo part. Sobrang naiyak talaga ako at naappreciate ko ang anak ko. Sobra ko rin naappreciate si Carlo na he took the time na silang dalawa lang nagpunta sa mall inayos lahat ng kailangan ni Adi. So the next day I talked to Adi sabi ko, 'You know Adi, Dad and I, yun ang tawag niya kay Carlo are so blessed na nawitness namin kung gano ka kagaling kumanta and we've witnessed your talent. Don't feel bad that your Pops did not see it. We cannot rewind it anymore. It's his loss not yours. So wag ka malungkot anak. Alam mo, sobrang na-touch ako kasi parang mamang-mama na siya. Kasi, ang sinabi lang niya sa akin, 'Mom, that's okay. Don't cry. Kasi, siyempre once in a while, I also have to check the emotions of my son when it comes sa pops niya. I think, hindi rin naman nagkulang si Carlo in filling that up. So, wala na talaga akong hihilingin pa."
'Face to Face'
Meanwhile, Amy's show "Face to Face" continues to dominate the ratings game in its respective time slot. According to Nielsen Media Research, the show has earned the top spot in Mega Manila with 30% audience share. Assisting Amy in the program are legal experts Atty. Persida Acosta, and Atty. Ben Persida, spiritual advisers Fr. Sonny Merida and Gerry Tapiador and Psychiatrist Dr. Camille Caces-Garcia. Face to Face airs weekdays 10:30-11:30 a.m. and will be celebrating its week long anniversary special on April 4-8.
