Laiilette: All Around Star

Actress and performer Leah Scarnet “Laiilette” Jo Geulen - Boiser on love:  'I want to emphasize to people that true love knows no boundaries, regardless of economic status, religion, shape, size, and age.'

A complete package.

That aptly describes Leah Scarnet “Laiilette” Jo Geulen - Boiser, also known by her screen name “Scarlet”, one of the luminaries in showbiz. 

The eldest daughter of the late lawyer Pablito Tan Geulen, Jr., a military lawyer who worked at the Judge Advocate General’s Office (JAGO) and Lucila Jo Geulen, a certified “fashionista”, who is a loving sister to Lovette Geulen-Laolao, Laiilette is into hosting, singing and acting. 

“I would love to play a kontrabida,” Laiilette said in jest in an interview by VRS years ago. 

Give her more challenging roles in teleseryes and movies, Laiilette's natural acting would flow. 

When she enters a room or a hall, everybody is sure to notice, not only because of her build, but because of her bubbly personality. 

Most people view her as an extrovert, which is presumably why she easily earned her place in Philippine show business industry.

She may not remember some of the times she spent with other people. Interestingly, Ofelia “Pia” Perez of the Pitch Internet Café along A. Lesage Street, with her daughter Nicole, still fondly remembers that between 2007 and 2008, Laiilette would frequent the internet café with Holy Name University (HNU) professor, Rosalina Rara-Sarabosing. 

During those times, Laiilette would bring food for her “baon” while browsing the net and seeing then little girl Nicole whom she sweetly called “Cute Gamay”, would share her food with the child.

Certainly, many would have recollections of Laiilette, especially her classmates and friends at Holy Spirit School, Bohol Wisdom School, Cebu Doctors’ College, and Divine Word College of Tagbilaran, now Holy Name University.

As she is turning over to the golden chapter of her life, let us get to know more of her, as she candidly answers these questions: 

* How would you describe yourself?

- I am a very friendly and spontaneous person. I speak my mind, but at least, I’m transparent. What you see is what you get. I value honesty and loyalty to loved ones, even in distance. I love God, I Iove life, and I believe in positive thinking, that with God’s grace, we can achieve real happiness.

* During your childhood, which fairy tale princess did you idolize?

- I always loved the story of Cinderella. I love life and love when true love prevails.

* Do you remember you joined a fashion show in Baclayon when you were a little girl and you were wearing a 2-piece swimwear? “Nasuya kuno si Fiel Angeli E. Araoarao – Gabin” nimo adto. Ha! Ha! Ha! 

- Yes. As a child, I was already geared for the limelight. I joined in amateur singing contests at DYRD-AM and won in them, of course. Until now, I still remember Peter Dejaresco telling me “Day, ayaw na apil sa contest kay para ni sa mga pobre”,  so I cried and told him, “Pobre man pod mi, mao na apil ko contest.” The first prize was P15.00. “OK ra makatan-aw ko’g sine sa Bohol Quality and Sir Peter never forgot me. Years later, I was given the break to sing my first jingle “Angel's Wings” promoting the travel agency of Peter's wife, Zarah Jao-Dejaresco, which is still being played over the radio for more than 30 years. Also, I was already a fashion and ramp model before my elementary years in some fashion shows in my mother’s place in Baclayon and in Soledad. “Artistahon na ko daan.”

Finding true love in Jade, they're on their 18th year of togetherness.

* What is your favorite food?

- My favorite food is rice, which explains why I’m so big and beautiful! Ha! Ha! Ha! 

* Who is your favorite singer?

- I like Afro singers, especially Angela Bofill who sings love songs and jazz well.

* Do you have pets? 

- Yes. My husband, Jade, and I are both dog lovers. We have our own breed of fox terriers and pomeranians. We name them after dances - “Samba”, “Rhumba”, “Chacha”, “Swing”, “Reggae”, “Jive”, “Jazz”, “Lambada”, “Mambo”, “Tango”, Boogie”, and the latest ones are “Twerky” and “Zumba”. They are stress relievers and are like our babies.

* The important lesson that your parents taught you?

- My parents taught me to be grateful for what I have, although we can also dream as much to become a better person, but the key to happiness for me is to know how to count my blessings - what I have, not what I lack. And most of all, to love and trust God all the time and talk to Him as often as I can.

* How do you as a friend value friendship?

- I value friendship so much that I don’t look at my friend the way others do. One may not like a person I like, but that doesn’t affect my judgment because I cherish a friend based on what she or he is to me. I’ll just be a mirror - if loyal to me and loves me, I’ll reciprocate such feelings willingly. It’s so nice to value friends who value you, too. I have no criteria in choosing friends. Being rich or poor is not an issue. It’s loyalty and being a true friend that matters.

* What made you pursue the acting career when you are a law graduate?

- The ambition to become an actress was my childhood dream. To be enlisted in showbiz is a one-in-a-million opportunity, so being a Juris Doctor is always a fall back. The showbiz thing is a dream-come-true, so I grabbed it. Instead of having the bar review in Manila, I was launched on television via”Okidokidok” and my singing in the Sunday variety show “ASAP” and in the daily noontime show “MTB”.

* How did you get started in show business?

- It was during the MetroCentre Hotel show of comedian/impersonator/ entertainer Willy Nepomuceno where he asked the audience if someone can do a duet with him and people shouted my name to him and so I sang. After that, a talent scout from ABS-CBN approached me and invited me for a panel audition which led to my launching as one of the ABS-CBN Star Magic – Batch 9 talents.

* Were you already in showbiz in 2007 and 2008?

- In 2000 was my stint in “Okidokidok” then “Calla Lily” on ABS-CBN in 2000 and crossed over to GMA-7 in 2006 till the present, though inactive ako ngayon. In 2016, when Dad died, I had to stay here in Bohol with Mom, till now. “Nag-negosyo na lang kami ng asawa ko ng online dessert foodie business”.

* Enumerate the shows and movies you were part of.

- Starting with “Okidokidok” and the rest is history. I technically had my “baptism of fire” as cast in the Aga Mulach-starrer situational comedy (sitcom), then had singing stints in the Sunday variety show “ASAP”, as well as guestings in different ABS-CBN shows “Calla Lily”, “Martin Late at Night”, “Homeboy”, “Star Studio Presents”, “Kris Aquino Show”, “The Buzz”, “Showtime”, “MTB”, and many more. When I got married, I stopped for a while and resumed showbiz work via “Idol Ko si Kap” topbilled by Senator Bong Revilla at GMA-7, then followed by the “kantaserye” starring “Asia’s Songbird” Regine Velasquez.  The next assignment was a “kontrabida” role in Jennylyn Mercado’s “Little Star”, then another “kontrabida” role with Gelli de Belen versus Eugene Domingo in the “Jejemon” sitcom. I also had the chance to work with Heart Evangelista in the fantaserye  “Dwarfina”. Another “kontrabida” role was lined up in “Aso ni San Roque” that had the formidable Eddie Garcia in the cast, followed by “Biritera” with Glaiza de Castro and Dennis Trillo. I was also in “Healing Hearts” featuring teenage stars Joyce Ching and Kristofer Martin. Then, there are hosting and singing jobs in Luzon and Manila clubs that included the shows with the “Masculados”. It was interesting to be cast in mainstream movies and indie films alike like “Biktima” with Cesar Montano and Angel Aquino, “Pendong” with Will Devaughn”, “Nandito Ako Nagmamahal Sa ‘Yo” with the Aljur Abrenica-Kris Bernal tandem, and in the critically-acclaimed “Magnifico”, as teacher to Jiro Manio.

Laiilette frolicking her furbabies. 

* How did you meet your husband?

- It was not whirlwind romance; we became friends muna. I was renting a studio-type hub just adjacent to the apartment of his aunt and uncle. I became friends with Auntie Nena after she asked me about my place of origin. When I said I came from Bohol, she told me that she is also from Bohol, belonging to the Mendez and Boiser clans of Ubay. We got to talk more often at the apartment grounds and during one bingo time, she introduced me to her nephew, Jade, who was then working at the Sony – Novaliches logistics department. What followed was we became bingo friends, then barkada, then one thing led to another. “’Love thy neighbour’ talaga”.

* What is the greatest contribution that you have given to the arts and culture sector of Bohol?

- My greatest contribution to Bohol’s arts and culture promotion efforts was when I was the original interpreter of the very famous (controversial) song “Bohol” in 1988. A lot of talents interpreted it without acknowledging the original interpreter. In recent years, I am also able to inspire and develop young Boholano talents as judge in different talent competitions. 

* Many people don’t know that you’re a Juris Doctor. Any advice to the law students of this generation?

- I advise them that when they become lawyers or Juris Doctors, they should give sound advice to people based on the law and what is proper to please the law and God, not to make advice  based on  greed or love for money, because in the end, the real judge of one’s undertakings in life is God.

* What does being 50 mean to you?

- Being 50 means living a new life, taking a chance to forgive myself for my sins, and improving myself to become a much better person. So, for me, life begins at 50, that’s why I say that “at 50, let the good life begin”.

* Are you still open for showbiz projects now that you are 50?

- Of course! Once an actress, always an actress, and that’s the only job that doesn’t expire!  Acting has no age limit, because all ages are welcome to act. Remember that we depict peoples’ lives, so all ages are welcome. “Marami pa ako’ng roles na dapat gampanan”, as character actress or comedienne at the age of 50. Let the good life begin, di ba? Hopefully, after the pandemic, as long as I can find a good caregiver-companion for Mom, I plan to act again.

* If you have a single opportunity to engage in a conversation with President Rodrigo Duterte, what will you tell him?

- Well, I will tell him to tap the brilliant abilities and talents of the Boholano people.They are bright, capable, God-fearing, and kind, who will likely become good leaders in his cabinet, so we may have a chance to have a better Philippines ASAP.

* As an advocate of self-love, how do you deal with people who do body shaming?

- I don’t get affected by body shaming because I have always been proud of myself in whatever size I am in at a time or two. I love and respect myself and acknowledge my weaknesses, but thankful of my strengths that make me proud of myself in whatever shape and size. I believe that it’s beauty that matters.  Even if I am big, I know I’m beautiful in my own right that I can handle and maintain such. We can always change our (body) size, but never beauty.

* Any fashion tip for plus-size women that will compliment their curves and make them feel confident?

- Well, they just have to exercise and internalize self-love, feel what they want for their body, dress in accordance with their preferred comfort and be confident in it. Even if you’re big, as long as you’re happy with your body, love yourself and confidently feel good about yourself and you will definitely   showcase beauty and glow in our own right.

* What is it about Laiilette that people have not seen?

- Well, my life is an open book, but if they really know “Laiilette”, I want positive vibes. I want my loved ones and myself to continue to value a harmonious relationship, as I am a very loving and responsible person to my loved ones.

* What makes 'funny' Laiilette flare up?

- Well, I flare up if someone hurt my loved ones’ feelings. I love my family so much and that includes my fur babies, as well.

* How do you cope with the pandemic financial saga? 

- Jade and I are into this online food selling. Our online resto is “Foodie Lovers by Tito Jade and Tita Scarlet”. We post desserts and food packages and cater to customers online or to some personal “suki”.  Times are hard, parties are not allowed, so we get limited orders, that’s why every now and then, we get to reselling some pastries, fruits, and frozen food, such as bacon, sausages, and important items like face shields and others. My husband and I enjoy what we are doing, as we are the masters of our time and we are our own bosses.

* Who is your greatest source of strength?

- My greatest source of strength? God and my family.

* Your most significant achievements in life?

- When, in spite of my being an extrovert, I graduated from law school and I am now a Juris Doctor (Doctor of Laws). Another achievement was when I got the opportunity to enter showbiz because of my God-given talents without fuss, without having to join in competitions to become an actress. I became an instant celebrity cast in different roles in TV shows and movies, hobnobbing with showbiz greats. I did not start as an “extra”, but I was cast immediately using the screen name “Scarlet” for the “Okidokidok” role which paved the way to my guestings in “ASAP”, “MTB”, and 555 sardines TV commercial. Not everyone is given a chance to be a celebrity like me. Lastly, I am able to successfully manage a very simple food business through online selling partnering with my very supportive husband, Jade. Despite the CoVidD-19 pandemic, we just do our best to make a living, with God’s help.

* What do you consider as the greatest proof of the presence of a spiritual supreme being or God in your life?

- That in spite of life’s trials and tribulations, I am still here, enjoying life to the fullest. I am confident that notwithstanding the fact that life is not perfect, I have a bigger God who makes the imperfections perfect, that’s why I am happy pa rin. 

* What song would best describe your life?

- “God is So Good”!  In spite of the challenges of life, I always defeat them because God, who is good, loves me and I trust and love Him, so He always takes care of me. I am happy because God loves me.

* If your life would be made into a movie, which leading lady would play your role and what  part would you highlight?

- Well, I can’t deny my being a Sharonian. I would love Sharon Cuneta to portray my life, that notwithstanding people’s judgments that I won’t graduate law school because I was “one of the boys” and was a “party animal”, I have proven them wrong because I set my priorities and was responsible for my actions. I want Sharon to depict my life as a success in maintaining a happy life, despite of some trials because I have a loving God who makes me feel safe and happy all the time. Now, I am a Doctor of Laws (Juris Doctor) no less. I want to emphasize to people that true love knows no boundaries, regardless of economic status, religion, shape, size, and age - that doesn’t matter because true love will find its way, just as I found my true love in Jade. We have been happily married “buyag-buyag for 18 years na” and counting.  

* Is there anything in life that you still want to accomplish?

- I want just peace of mind, happiness for myself and life – that’s all. I want nothing more. I do not have a child, but God replenished it with battalions of loving nieces and nephews in Bohol from both the Jos and Geulens, and the Boiser clan as well. We may not be rich, but God really provides, so I am contented. I just want to be happier and maybe go back to my intermittent diet successfully to be healthier. Oh, yes! After the pandemic, might as well want to travel more in God’s perfect time. Otherwise, I am already blessed. Thanks be to God.

* The lasting legacy that you will leave to your loved ones?

- When confusion strikes, just pray and let God guide you to do what is right. If it is good, it’s good – you can never go wrong. Just do what is right and everything will follow rightfully. It pays to live peacefully and happily with God, family, and others.

***

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