Gabby's daughter Cloie joins showbiz
MANILA -- Former actress Jenny Syquia, the ex-wife of showbiz veteran Gabby Concepcion, returned to the Philippines early this week. And this time, she's looking to stay for good.
The 45-year-old Filipina-American arrived in Manila from Sweden, where she is based with her husband and two children, including her daughter with Concepcion, Cloie, to arrange a permanent residency in the Philippines for her family.
Syquia is also in the country to support the showbiz career of Cloie, who is now 18 and on her last year in high school.
"I'm here to support Cloie in the start of her new career, and also looking for ways to move back to the Philippines for my husband and our younger daughter," the former actress said in a video interview posted on Viva Entertainment's YouTube page Wednesday.
"It's so much fun here, there's so much going on and we have a really big family here. The Philippines is just booming, and it's a great place to be. And, of course, I want to be here to help Cloie," she said.
Cloie, who is using her biological father's last name for her screen name, signed a three-year contract with Viva Entertainment last year, along with her mother.
Here for good
Although the deal signaled the start of her showbiz career in the Philippines, Cloie had to return to Sweden for her studies. This time, however, she will be staying in Manila for good.
She explained that she will continue her education with a school in Sweden through its homeschool program that allows her to be based in Manila.
"I really hope things start off now, I'm really excited," Cloie said in the same video interview, referring to her showbiz career. "I would love to be a VJ, maybe do some magazine covers or something. I'd love to try acting, I'm going to start workshops, so we'll see!"
Herself a celebrity in the early '90s, Syquia said she has been helping her daughter by acquainting her with a number of personalities in local showbiz.
"I try to share with her my experiences, what I learned from then. I always try to give her the background of the people she'll meet in show business, because they are some of my oldest friends. And in this business, your old friends, your loyal friends, they're worth so much," she said.
Sisters KC, Garrie
Gabby Concepcion's daughters Garrie, KC and Cloie. Photo from KC's Instagram page
Aside from busying herself with preparations for her career, Cloie happily shared she has had time to bond with her siblings on her father's side.
Since returning to the Philippines in late June, Cloie stayed for a time with actress KC Concepcion, Gabby's daughter with veteran singer-actress Sharon Cuneta.
The half-sisters have also spent time with Garrie Concepcion, Gabby's only child with businesswoman Grace Ibuna.
Syquia and the heartthrob actor separated in 1996 after a three-year marriage, which has since been annulled.
Despite not growing up together, Cloie said her relationships with her half-sisters are "better than ever."
"We got two full weeks of bonding and sleep-overs, because I was staying at her (KC) place. [We had] girl talk, obviously. We've been to dinners and stuff, but you know, it's really nice just to hang out at home like sisters [and have] quality time with each other," Cloie said.
