Precious Hipolito-Castelo plays key role in public service

Former FAMAS awardee Councilor Precious Hipolito--Castelo of Quezon City has said that she has no regrets when she left show business for politics several years ago.

"Everything that I do, wala naman akong pagsisisi," said Precious, who is now councilor for the 2nd District of Quezon City which has jurisdiction in the barangays of Bagong Silangan, Batasan Hills, Commonwealth, Holy Spirit, and Payatas.

Precious made the reaction during an exclusive interview at the meet-and-greet event for businesswoman Marilou Tolico-Villanueva, the country's representative to the Mrs. Universe 2017 beauty pageant.

Now married to Congressman Winnie Castelo (QC, 2nd Dist.), Precious has two children. But it seemed that the former child star does not want her kids to follow her path in show business.

"I discourage them to join show business," said Precious as she smiled. "But don't get me wrong. I enjoyed my moments in show business. Napagod lang po talaga ako. Stressful din ang show business."

Precious said that her daughter Winona is going to the Ateneo de Manila University where she will take up political science. Her son Paolo is still in high school at the same prestigious university.

Asked how she juggles her political life and being a mom, Precious said: "Sometimes may problem din naman at hindi natin maiiwasan 'yan pero kaya naman po natin."

In the 2016 national elections, Precious topped the local polls in her district. This would be her final term as councilor of one of the richest cities in the country.

Precious said that she has not thought about her future in the political arena. Instead she's more focused on the needs of her constituents these days.

"It's too early to tell. Trabaho po muna tayo. But we will see kung saan po tayo pupunta,"  said Precious.

She recalled how she bid goodbye to the late veteran showbiz personality German Moreno who produced the popular teen variety show "That's Entertainment" on GMA 7.

"I was part of That's Entertainment for two years. So nagpa-alam naman ako kay Kuya Germs. Sabi ko, 'Tito hindi na po ako mag-so-showbiz,' " Precious recalled.

Moreno, she said, respected her decision to leave show business for good.

Despite not being active in showbiz anymore, Precious said that she is still in contact with her friends from "That's Entertainment."

Despite not being active in showbiz anymore, Precious said that she is still in contact with her friends from "That's Entertainment."

"Nagkikita pa rin naman po kami. Last year nakita ko 'yung ibang showbiz friends ko sa wake ni Kuya Germs," she said.

Precious started her showbiz career when she was just six-years-old when she joined Eat Bulaga's Little Miss Philippines contest.

Then she debuted in the movie "The Life Story of Julie Vega"in 1985. Her other film credits include "Mga Anghel ng Diyos," "Everlasting Love," and "Ang Daigdig ay Isang Butil na Luha" where she won the FAMAS Best Child Actress Award. Her last movie appearance was for the movie "Canary Brothers of Tondo."

Precious, who graduated from the University of Sto. Tomas in Manila, also became a newscaster for IBC Express Balita from 2001-2009. - ROBERT REQUINTINA/TEMPO