Meghan Markle says motherhood a 'struggle' under spotlight

LONDON - Meghan Markle has admitted becoming a mother while living under an intense media spotlight has been a "struggle."

The Duchess of Sussex gave birth to son Archie in May after marrying Prince Harry last year.

Britain's aggressive press at first welcomed Markle, 38, into the royal fold but coverage has become increasingly hostile, with the tabloids luxuriating in stories about Markle's fractured American family and rumors of palace rifts. 

Speaking to ITV during the couple's recent tour of southern Africa, she said: "Not many people have asked if I'm OK".

"Look, any woman - especially when they are pregnant - you're really vulnerable and so that was made really challenging, and then when you have a newborn - you know?" she said, when asked how she was coping.

"And especially as a woman, it's a lot. 

She added: "And also, thank you for asking because not many people have asked if I'm OK. But it's a very real thing to be going through behind the scenes."

Asked if it would be fair to say it had "really been a struggle", Meghan said: "Yes."

Her comments come after the couple launched legal action this month against British tabloid the Mail on Sunday for invasion of privacy, with Harry recalling the hounding of his later mother Diana.

Harry told ITV the memories of what happened to his mother was a "wound that festers".

"I think being part of this family, in this role, in this job... every single time I see a camera, every single time I hear a click, every single time I see a flash, it takes me straight back, so in that respect it's the worst reminder of her life, as opposed to the best," he said.

The Duke of Sussex is also suing two British tabloid newspaper publishers over alleged phone hacking.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Motherhood is biggest challenge for 'Woman of the Year' Madonna

NEW YORK - Madonna was presented on Friday with Billboard magazine's Woman of the Year award, but the seven-time Grammy Award winner said one of her biggest challenges was being a good mother.

"The biggest accomplishment I think was finishing my tour, doing my shows every night. And dealing with the challenges of being a mother. That's always the challenge for me. Being a good mother, being an artist, getting through it all," the "Material Girl" singer told reporters on the New York red carpet.

Madonna, 58, who has four children, in March completed her 82-show "Rebel Heart" world tour while embroiled in a legal battle over the custody of her 16 year-old son Rocco with ex-husband Guy Ritchie.

Rocco left Madonna during the tour to live with Ritchie in London. The dispute was settled in September.

The annual Billboard Women in Music awards recognize women who have made significant contributions to the music business and who have inspired other women.

Other honorees on Friday included, pop singer Kesha, country-pop star Shania Twain, jazz singer Andra Day, pop star Meghan Trainor, electro-pop artist Halsey and country singer Maren Morris.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

LOOK: Cristine Reyes' magazine debut as real-life mom

MANILA – Actress Cristine Reyes has totally let go of her sexy image as she makes her magazine debut as a real-life mother.

The former sexy star is seen holding her baby daughter, Amarah, on the latest cover of Smart Parenting magazine.

Amarah is her child with Ali Khatibi, a mixed martial arts fighter.

 

Referring to her first few months of motherhood, Reyes recalled in an interview with Smart Parenting: “I was scared, because I’m a first-time mom and my baby is a preemie.”

“Pakiramdam ko kailangan na kailangan ako ni Amarah at tutok na tutok ako dapat sa kanya. I was so worried if I could do it on my own,” she added.

Reyes, who started out as a reality show contestant, got her big break on ABS-CBN for taking on daring roles. She was once named by a men’s magazine as the sexiest woman in the country and went on to star in several box office hits.

Reyes later on announced that she is leaving sexy roles behind and move on to more “dramatic” projects. (READ: 10 reasons we will miss Cristine Reyes in sexy roles)

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Beyoncé Shows Off Svelte Figure at First Concert Post-Baby

Wow!

Nearly six months after giving birth to daughter Blue Ivy, Beyoncé looked amazing as she hit the stage (and showed off one seriously hot bod) at her first concert post-delivery at the grand opening of the Revel Resort and Casino in Atlantic City, N.J. Friday night.

And let's just say motherhood hasn't slowed down the 30-year-old Grammy-winner one bit.

MORE: Beyoncé "A Little Nervous" Ahead of First Post-Baby Concert: "I'm Back to Business"

At the first show of her three-night, sold-out affair, Beyoncé showed no signs of nervousness as she hit the stage and rocked barely-there outfits that included glitzy high-waist fringe skirts, body suits and bra tops designed by London fashion house Ralph & Russo.

"I gotta say, it feels so good to be back home on stage," the "Love on Top" crooner told the thousands of fans at the resort's Ovation Hall, according to the Daily Mail.

During the show, Beyoncé sang a variety of hits including, "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)," "Crazy In Love" and "Love on Top," and performed two tributes: for Whitney Houston with a rendition of "I Will Always Love You"; and for Donna Summer with "Naughty Girl."

And while little Blue Ivy didn't make an appearance with her mom on stage, the tiny tyke did show up in a video montage on a screen behind Beyoncé, which revealed the superstar mom holding her daughter.

MORE: Beyoncé Racks Up Another Prestigious Award...for Journalism?!

"‘I'm gonna say this and then I'm gonna end mine. 'BEYONCE is the best performer in the world. Period,'"Jay-Z tweeted Friday evening.

And B's hubby wasn't the only celeb in the crowd. Former Destiny's Child member Kelly Rowland and Victoria's Secret model Selita Ebanks were also on hand to enjoy the show.

Prior to the her big return, Beyoncé said, "I feel a little nervous…I'm enjoying being a mother. It's like going back to my old job; it's a little strange, but it's important that you don't lose yourself and you still have your own passions. And I'm back to work, I'm back to business."

And she certainly didn't disappoint.

PHOTOS: Fashion Spotlight: Beyoncé

article source: eonline.com

Regine Velasquez Now Reluctant To Don 'Sexy' Outfits

MANILA, Philippines – Motherhood has changed singer-actress Regine Velasquez.

When before she was more than too ready to show off her curves by wearing “revealing” clothes, this time, she would often opt for a far more conservative look during public appearances.

According to Velasquez, she feels rather discomfited wearing “sexy” outfits nowadays.

“The thought that I am now a mother, parang awkward na rin, e,” said she in a recent interview with online news site, PEP.

More than that, having gained weight during her pregnancy has made Velasquez very much mindful of her silhouette.

"I love dressing up, gustung-gusto ko yung nagdadamit ako. Pero kailangan ko talagang magpapayat,” she explained.

"Baka kung mag-sexy ako na mga outfits, baka maumay naman yung mga tao sa katawan ko.”

That said, Velasquez is looking forward to have another baby next year. But not that she is too hopeful about it.

"Bahala na. Kung bibigyan ni Lord, she said. "Si Nate nga, hindi namin ini-expect, e."

If there is anything that makes Velasquez happy about her new-found voluptuousness, it is that of her breasts becoming bigger than usual.

"Size 50! Cup D!" said she in jest before admitting, "Hindi, mga 45, cup D siya.”

She noted as well that her hair became thicker.

In the same interview, Velasquez also shared her two cents relating to her husband, Ogie Alcasid’s growing interest in politics.

Velasquez says she is hoping that he’d rather not broaden his sights on that field although, in the end she says, she’d rather let Alcasid decide on the matter.

"That's not our world. It's different from ours. But if he really wants... kasi meron siyang purpose, e. If he really wants, definitely, I'll support him," Velasquez said.

She belies suggestions that entering politics is the only way to help people.

“It's not true," she insisted. "You can help people without being a politician.”

source: mb.com.ph