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My road trip with Robin

Published Nov 10, 2024 5:00 am

Senyora Bettina Caballero. That was my character in Batang Quiapo. I was in this daily primetime show for eight months but, sadly, my family—the Caballeros—was tragically massacred by the Montenegros end of September!

So I decided to leave the Philippines last Oct. 15. But instead of heading out to be back in the arms of my beloved husband Roger (Pullin), after staying in the Philippines for 15 months, due to work plus other matters, I informed Rog that I wanted to take a short trip to see my son Robin in New York City. 

Me and my son Robin goofing around NYC

It was so timely because Robin was going to participate in the 2nd Annual Filipino Comedy Festival on Oct. 19. He took up Comedy Writing and was on his 10th performance, which was limited to four minutes only! Seven comedians participated. Bakit ganun? I know he’s quite good, pero bakit mas ako ang ninenerbyos before he stepped onstage?!

Thank God all went well, and I thought he was second or third best, but that’s just Mommy’s opinion. Syempre ganyan ang Nanay.

Robin Tomas (in black suit) with other comedians in New York City.   

While in NYC, I had dinner in nice restos with various friends. Also had the honor of getting a one-hour solo interview as guest of billionaire Loida Nicolas Lewis for a podcast in her posh apartment at 5th Avenue with a stunning view of Central Park. After the session, she said, “I have never laughed so hard in a long time!” Palagay ko naaliw sya sa mga quips and anecdotes ko sa buhay.

After the interview, Robin and I went to see The Roommate starring Mia Farrow and Patti LuPone—a well-written play on deception and friendship. Really enjoyed it!

Robin’s next gig in NYC.

On Oct. 20, Robin rented a car and we had a very enjoyable road trip.

First stop was the gorgeous house of our dear friends, lawyer Tunting Cruz and her husband John Matters, in Rhode Island. Their house is avant-garde and reflective of Tunting’s fine taste. But there was an item in the bathroom which I will never forget—a bottle of “Poo-Pourri” for shooing away the odor of you-know-what! Only Tunting would pick up an item like that, and that’s because her house smells so radiantly of expensive scents from France and other countries! Sobrang bango, minsan, napapa-hatsing ako, hehe!

With Filipino-American billionaire Loida Nicolas-Lewis in her home, for my podcast.

On our first night, the couple treated us to a great resto nearby. Robin had ribs and I had fish and chips. On our second night, Robin cooked his impeccable sinigang na baboy na napakaasim—which we all prefer, especially John. On our last night, I cooked my classic adobo na maraming bawang the way my mom and Lola Juliana have taught me. And they all liked it, too.

On a Boston Duck Tour with Joan Cocchiarella beside me, and Dr. Andrew Cocchiarella and wife Rosanna in front.

Next day, we drove to Massachusetts to see Mrs. Joan Cocchiarella (hindi po Cochinta ha!), mom of Robin’s husband, John. Yes, Robin and John had a gay marriage and have been living together for about 10 years in a nice apartment in Hell’s Kitchen in Manhattan. John is a corporate lawyer for a big bank and Robin continues to be a fashion designer (his job now is designing sportswear like T- shirts, shorts, sun visors, socks, mittens, etc.).

At West Side Comedy Bar in NYC, with my BFF Judith Carr, my former advertising colleague in the Philippines, beside me.

Joan was so happy to see me and we had a great time at the Mohegan Sun Casino which boasts two unique casinos, a Kids’ Quest/Cyber Quest entertainment facility, two luxurious spas, world-class meeting facilities, a state-of-the-art Poker Room, and three major entertainment venues that can seat up to 10,000.

Robin with husband John Cocchiarella, a corporate lawyer for a bank. Robin continues to be fashion designer while doing comedy stand-up shows in NYC.

That weekend, Duran Duran and Earth Wind and Fire were performing. I was told Vice Ganda has performed there, too. Syempre, sa laki, di namin naikot ang buong place! So many restaurants to choose from. My most unforgettable meal was at the classy Italian resto and Robin and I partook of a big rib-eye steak, which was sooo “melt in your mouth” sa lambot! Kumusta naman ang diet kaya

Our stay at the cozy house of Joan was also very enjoyable. She now lives alone because the children have all married and her husband Dr. John Sr. passed on two years ago.

Feasting on lobsters and wine

We took this amazing Boston Duck Tour and enjoyed a fully narrated historic drive around Boston in a motorized “Duck,” which is a World War II-style amphibious vehicle that travels on land and water. Mahirap idescribe. You need to try it yourself! 

Oh, we also had a yummy dinner at Legal Seafood, an iconic Boston place, together with the brother of John, Dr. Andrew, and his pretty Russian wife Rosanna. Naku ayan, Robin and I feasted on lobsters—yempre yan talaga dinadayo ko sa famous resto na ito! Bakit ba, hindi ko madalas matikman yan.

I bet my life you’ll enjoy the Mohegan Sun Casino.

Too bad John could not join us on this road trip due to his heavy workload at the bank. It was so enjoyable I could not believe Robin had to go back to NYC with the car a day before I had to leave for Isle of Man. 

The home of John and Tunting Matters in Rhode Island

On my last night alone with Joan, I volunteered to cook so we could just relax after days of running around. I cooked again my adobo and stir-fried Asian veggies, with microwavable basmati rice, and she enjoyed it and complimented me on my cooking. Our dessert was her wicked cheesecake, which needed, to my surprise, two packs of Philadelphia cheese, etc. And it was to die for! So sarappp

John Matters and Tunting Cruz-Matters with Robin and me.

After dinner, we enjoyed a cup of tea and talked about our children. Sa amin na lang yun, di ba

Grabe, ang daming kainan ha! But Robin and I had time also for some soul talk while he drove around. We talked about the meaning of life, his venturing into comedy, his relationship with John. Ako naman, about how lucky I was to be in two major soaps ganung 70-plus na ako, my life with Roger in the Isle of Man, et cetera, et cetera. Basta, it was a truly memorable road trip with my Unico Hijo Robin!