OVER lunch at the Manila Polo Club recently, the Rotary Club of Manila invited Jullie Yap Daza to discuss contentious issues concerning mistresses.

Jullie began her talk by narrating that 17 years ago, six pairs stood as ninangs and ninongs to a baby girl. But, the priest refused to baptize the child because the couple couldn?t produce a wedding certificate. So, they drove around Manila, but they were also refused by other churches ? until three hours later, a priest took up the cudgels for the child and baptized her.

Now, the couple?s daughter is standing up in defense of her father against her battered mother. The macho father said that those black and blue marks were just put-on makeup.

Jullie said that when Lover Boy tires of a mistress, she gets nothing in the end ? unless she insures their children and lets her boyfriend pay the premium. Many men, she says, are basically hunters, and having a mistress is just a ?game? for them.

Confrontation

During holidays, the married man stays with his wife as a dutiful husband, while the mistress is forlorn and miserable. She eats alone and sleeps early, unless she goes out with a group of friends who are in the same boat ? they?re called ?holiday orphans.? Rule No. 1 for mistresses: Do not confront.

Jullie continues to evolve as a journalist. She?s a positive and progressive person, and there?s no mean bone in her body. She hears Latin Mass every Sunday and enjoys babysitting for her grandchildren. She beams: ?How can I complain when I have the best of both worlds??

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The Mandy Navasero Batanes Photo Safari embarks on another adventure on Jan. 22-25, Feb. 5-8, May 7-10 and June 4 next year. E-mail mandynavasero@yahoo.com, or call 899-1767. The Safari also goes to Guimaras and Coron in March and April, respectively.