Rivermaya member Mark Escueta enjoys married life with Jolina Magdangal

Some couples tend to think that after marriage, their lives will be complicated. But Rivermaya band member Mark Escueta says otherwise. At the press launch of Rivermaya’s newest albume Panatang Makabanda recently, the 37-year-old musician describes his life as a husband of singer-actress Jolina Magdangal: “Many can’t believe it when I say that it’s more simple than single life.” To explain this, Mark gave the decision-making between a couple as an example. He explained, “In our case kasi, nung mag-on lang kami, may limitation sa long-term planning n’yo. “Hindi pang-habangbuhay kasi hindi kayo sure kung kayo na ba talaga. “But once you get married, you have a promise to each other, you’re blessed by God na ‘yong union n’yo ay pang-habangbuhay. “Wala nang guess work doon, you’re now thinking as one. “‘Yong planning ninyo, simple... kailangan n’yo lang pag-usapan, mag-decide, ‘tapos gawin kung ano ang gusto n’yong gawin. “For us, kung masaya na kami sa simpleng relationship namin before, mas malalim na siya ngayon.” Mark and Jolina tied the knot on November 21, 2011 in a private wedding ceremony in Tagaytay City, Cavite. ERRATIC SCHEDULE. Mark also has nothing to complain about his married life except for their erratic schedule, which is very common among celebrities. Right now, Jolina is busy with GMA-7’s new primetime teleserye Mundo Mo’y Akin. Mark, on the other hand, will be busy promoting their new album. “I think, for us, mahirap lang ‘yong working hours. “Erratic siya talaga, e. Minsan aalis siya ng 6 a.m., babalik siya ng 6 a.m. the next day and ako naman ang aalis,” he confessed. However, Mark has a quick fix to this simple problem. “Time management lang naman ‘yon,” he said. “Minsan may mga araw naman na wala talagang work during the week, na hindi nangyayari kapag may full-time profession. “So, naiintindihan naman niya ang trabaho ko and naiintindihan ko sa kanya. “Of course, time management lang talaga.”   NEW BANDMATES. Meanwhile, during the press con, Mark and Mike Elgar introduced their two new bandmates, drummer Ryan Peralta and guitarist Norby David. In its 19 years in the music industry, the public witnessed several changes in the members of the Rivermaya band. This included the departure of Bamboo Mañalac, Rico Blanco, and most recently, Jayson Fernandez as its lead vocalist. These male musicians are now solo artists. Bass guitarists Nathan Azarcon and Japs Sergio were also former members of Rivermaya. Mark, the lone original member of Rivermaya, mentioned, “Actually, everytime na nangyayari ‘yong mga pagbabago, parating mahirap kapag nawawalan ng kabanda. “Pero mas mahirap ‘yong pipilitin mo ‘tapos itutuloy n’yo na may isang medyo half-hearted na.” With the new lineup, Mark hopes that there will be no more changes since most of them have been friends for many years. “Sana [di na mabago]. For now, may saying ako na, ‘The band that laughs together stays together. Doon kami mayaman talaga.” Rivermaya released its latest album titled Panatang Makabanda under its new record label Universal Records. Its latest single is called “Pilipinas, Kailan Ka Magigising?” -- Nerisa Almo, PEP