Blind date . . . anyone ???
LEA REYES, is one of Treasurers of the new Fil-Am. Her bio: One of the 2 girls in the family of 5, she grew up in Manila until her parents migrated to California in the 80's. The former Lea Martinez, she married Rex Reyes, a tall and good-looking sailor, native of Cavite, stationed in Alameda, CA at that time. Their 10+ years of marriage produced 2 healthy kids, Gabrielle Anne (9) and Rex Anthony (5). How Lea (21) and Rex (23) first met is something out of the romantic novels of Margaret Maddocks. They met on that fateful day in Daly City on a blind date. BLIND DATE! She was not the one supposed to go on this date but her sister, Gloria. But as luck would have it, they were destined to be partners for life! Exceptionally gifted mother, devoted to her children, Lea used to be the Asst Mgr of Jack in the Box, Daly City before she decided to tie the knot with Rex. It was a relatively short wooing, six months (traditionally Filipinos go from 2 years and more in their courtships?!). Actually, she had to think it over (the proposal) for 2 weeks! That's agonizing, to say the least...but the sailor always gets what he wants, dontyathink? They have a 5-br house in Dallas and a condominium in Rowlette, Texas. She likes to collect the finest bags and shoes she can find, not just from signature brands (Louis Vuitton, Gucci, etc) but anything unique that catches her fancy. She believes that life is too short not to be enjoying the "good things". They've been to London, Sicily and now Naples, all overseas stations after NAVSUPDET Alameda, CA. She's a free spirit, who has a good sense of humor. She sheds tears, even cries watching movies that are ma-drama, gaya ng films ni Sharon or Vilma Santos. Here's our repartee...
Q: You have a lot of friends here, what misconceptions do you think "they" have about Lea?
LR: I dunno, maybe that I am snobbish and an airhead...I'm just simply trying to survive!
Q: Having been stationed in 3 different European countries, what's your secret to survival while overseas?
LR: First, you have to learn the language and secondly and probably the most vital technique to survive is---to shun "chismis" altogether! In a govt housing such as support site and fairly close-knit community like ours, there's bound to be half-truths, rumors, gossips that deliberately destroy you and your family's morale.
Q: What is it like for you living here in Naples?
LR: So far, so good...been in Sigonella for 3 years before so, it's pretty much the same. It's okay!
Q: Who in the Philippines would you like to have a chat with?
LR: Our President, Gloria Arroyo. I'd ask her about the possibility/chances of the Philippines becoming the 51st state of America.
Q: What do you do in your spare time, when not touring European countries?
LR: I love to dance so I try to keep up with the new dance trends, cooking lessons from friends, etc...but mostly spend quality time with my family.
Q: What profession/s other than the present one, would you like to attempt?
LR: Real state agent, I know they make a killing from just commissions alone and I also like meeting and co-mingling with other people.
Q: What job would you not like to participate in?
LR: Sanitation engineer (Basurera). that job is full of shit (literally)!
Q: What's your favorite phrase and/or words of wisdom?
LR: "To see is... To believe!" You can't convince methat something's there if I don't see it. With one exception---GOD!
Q: Who's your role model?
LR: Of course, my mom! She's the real survivor! She taught me lessons in life that no books on earth have ever covered!
Q: Who do you want to speak with if you can talk to any of the "rich and famous" people?
LR: Sharon Cuneta, the singer, actress, mega-star...next to dancing, singing is my passion, though I can't sing worth a lick (note?), hihihihihihihi!
Q: What are your pet peeves?
LR: Back stabbers, they're all over the place specifically at work. I hate kiss-asses too!
Q: What's your favorite __expression/phrase in Tagalog or English?
LR: Bruha ka talaga! (translated: You're a B**CH!)
Q: Why did you run for officer of FIL-AM Naples?
LR: To meet new people and help our Kababayan...I've always been active in Fil-Ams in other places we were before.
Q: What will you ask God if you see Him at the Pearly Gates?
LR: I'll ask him for the forgiveness of all sins---mine too, hehehehe!
Q: What will you want to be if He gives you a chance to return to Earth? WHY?
LR: I would like to return as myself, nothing more nothing less...unlike yourself, didn't you tell me you wanted to come back as Ashley Judd's bathroom???
JAP: no comment! I'm doing the questions here...okay?
Q: What country other than Philippines, would you like to retire to?
LR: Texas, USA....it's a whole lot cheaper to live there than your California, and also none of the shaking and rattling...I'm sorry, just kidding!
Q: What's the best movie you have seen in your life? Best book you've
LR: Disney's Little Mermaid, lotsa fave books can't think of any particular one right now.
Q: What's your fave : Filipino food? American food? Italian? At least 1 for each!
LR: Kare-kare, T-bone steak, Spaghetti con vongole, respectively.
Q: What's your favorite cartoon character?
LR: Tweety Bird, she's very sweet!
When I asked her about the bad experiences in Europe, she just said that there's no point in regressing reliving the bad. She just went on and on about her being lucky and grateful to be alive, with superb friends and a very supportive family. Lea is generally an optimistic person (glass is half-full?!), although life as she says is short, all adjustments and adaptations she learned from her mother have been very beneficial to her own being. What a role model!
