Vera-Perezes ask: Give Aga, Charlene a break

They have decided to remain silent over the Aga Muhlach-Charlene Gonzalez wedding brouhaha until now. But things have gotten so out of hand the Vera-Perezes, under whose wing Charlene grew up (her stepfather happens to be Pepito Vera-Perez) have decided speak up, once and for all.

At a press conference held at the family’s Sampaguita Compound (the Vera-Perezes founded Sampaguita Pictures), Marichu Vera-Perez Maceda, Manay Ichu in showbiz circles, appealed in behalf of her family to leave Aga and Charlene in peace.

"They’re starting a new life together. Charlene and Aga deserve a chance to be happy," Manay Ichu, the eldest of the Vera-Perez children, said.

Sampaguita matriarch Nene Vera-Perez, agreed, expressing hope that all the disturbing talks (e.g. Amalia Fuentes’ accusations against Aga) that threaten to rock the newly-weds’ marriage this early, "will soon dissipate."

The elder Vera-Perez, Manay Ichu and her sisters Lilibeth and Chona have nothing but praises for Charlene, who grew up in the Sampaguita compound in San Juan since she was only three years old.

"She’s a nice girl," says Manay Ichu. "After eating, she’d stand up and wash the plates without being told to. She was able to combine her studies (BS Psychology at the UST) and her stint as Bb. Pilipinas (Charlene was semi-finalist in the Miss Universe tilt). And when she finished her four-year course in college, I was so proud of her."

Nene Vera-Perez says Charlene would have made an ideal Sampaguita star.

The Vera-Perezes praised Aga for his extraordinary concern for his mother Anita, his God-fearing ways and his devotion to Charlene.

They also flew to the defense of Aga’s embattled talent manager Ethel Ramos, who has been the target of nasty talks initiated by the actor’s aunt, Amalia Fuentes.

"Ethel is one of Papa’s (Dr. Jose Vera-Perez) favorites. She is very professional. When she started managing Aga, he was not yet the big star he is today. Ethel helped Aga reach the status he is in today," says Manay Ichu.

Nene Vera-Perez added that "Ethel made Aga. And we acknowledge that," she said.

The presscon ended on an optimistic note.

"Eventually, everyone will be able to patch things up ," Manay Ichu stated.