Marriage can wait

Yes, including her boyfriend of nearly two years, Direk Paul Soriano, who was in the audience with some of his relatives. He reportedly bought ten tickets, priced at P1,500 each.

"I saw in the look in his eyes that he was proud of me," said Toni, beaming. "He came to my dressing room after the concert to congratulate me. It was his first time to see me perform before a big crowd.

"My parents were as joyful," Toni continued. "I really just cannot thank my parents enough. I know that if it were not for their encouragement and support, I would not be where I am now."

Toni will have a repeat of her concert, this time titled, "Catch Me Again, Toni Gonzaga," at the Aliw Theater on May 2, 8 p.m.

"There won't be many changes in Toni's numbers. Kung, halimbawa man, baka madagdag kami ng mga aawitin niya. We'll also have her dance more," said one of the producers of the show, Manio Events, MJM Production and Nitram Entertainment.

"This time, too, we are fielding a new special guest, whose identity we will not divulge until the concert itself. Pero, isa siyang performer na maraming following. Toni herself was surprised when we told her about her special guest."

The same special guests who were featured with Toni Gonzaga last concert will be with her: Sam Milby, Gerald Anderson, funny man Allan K and her "Maging Sino Ka Man" co-star Vice Ganda who will perform with her. GB San Pedro directs the concert with Marc Lopez as musical director.

Direk Paul is Toni's first boyfriend. He said that Toni is just perfect for him. They are both Christian and go to the same church, the Victory Fellowship.

As we all know, Paulo grew up in a showbiz family. His lolo, the late Nestor de Villa, in his time, was one of the most popular matinee idols. His dad, Jeric Soriano, now a well-known commercial director, tried showbiz, too. He appeared in a movie with Gary Valenciano, "Hot Shot," which Viva Films produced.

Handsome enough to be an actor, too, Direk Paul's wish is to follow in his father's footsteps.

They have met each other's families. And they all agree they look good for each other.

In an interview, Toni said that they do talk about marriage once in a while. But she and Direk Paul feel that at their age (they are both in their 20s), marriage is too much of a serious thing to even consider yet. They still have a lot of dreams to accomplish. They both want to focus on these first.

Now a word about Direk Paul's dad, Direk Jeric Soriano, when he did the movie, "Hot Shot."

Direk Jeric was linked to his leading lady, Jobelle Salvador, daughter of the late director for movies and TV, Leroy Salvador.

Jobelle is now mom to an 18-year-old son, sired by a non-showbiz guy. She didn't marry him.

Jobelle married a Japanese while managing a business she put up in Japan. She has a daughter with him.