But they’re mulling a probable wedding song that will make their altar date – late this year or early next year, more memorable.
“Mark is working on the song 'Ganito Pala,' which relates our love story and what’s making us happy right now,” says Jolina. “It’s for those who are in love.”
It’s so personal for him. The Rivermaya founding member, managing partner and drummer doesn’t plan to release it commercially. He plans to share it online instead.
But they’re not keeping their music to themselves alone.
For starters, Jolina sought – and got – Viva Records’ okay to tap Mark as producer of her next CD.
The partnership is made in music heaven. It’s a meeting of the mind and the heart.
“It’s a totally different experience,” gushes Jolina. “For the first time, I can say what I want for my songs. I don’t hold back. Mark lets me say what’s on my mind.”
Jolina admits it’s a far cry from those days when she had limited choices, even in her own album. Back then, she half-heartedly approved of the way some of her songs were arranged. Butnow, she feels in full control of her work.
“Ngayon lang ako tumutok sa songs,” Jolina goes on. “Mark explains the arrangement per song. And I ask many questions. I learned a lot, especially about working with computers!”
Now, Jolina feels she is a more well-rounded artist who knows more about other areas of recording.
T-shirt business
Music is not the only thing Jolina and Mark are busy with these days. They’re also into a growing t-shirt business.
“The idea started in the spirit of fun,” relates Jolina. “Mark is fond of small businesses and ako naman, mahilig sa kutingting. So we thought, why not come up with a t-shirt which we can give away in our respective shows?”
Then, the idea grew. Jolina designs for her own t-shirts while Mark makes his for Rivermaya fans. Mark, being the techie executes Jolina’s designs (e.g. her photo on the t-shirt) via computer.
The sweethearts bought a printing machine – “parang malaking plantsa” as Jolina describes it and started their MJ (Mark and Jolina, what else?) shirts only last March.
Today, just four months after, Jolina proudly reports that they have recouped their investment.
“Grabe mag out-of-town gigs ang Rivermaya (where Mark is founding member, managing partner and drummer). Nagdadala si Mark ng shirts doon,” recounts Jolina. She also does her part in marketing the shirts.
But since they’re into the business for fun and not for the big bucks (although profit is not a bad idea), Jolina and Mark don’t stress themselves out anymore by coming up with new designs per month like they used to.
It’s enough that they’re enjoying the business together and earning along the way.
“People order online through a fan page,” relates Jolina.
She and Mark are as hands-on as can be.
“We answer all queries ourselves. We give all the details potential clients need and make sure deliveries are made via LBC,” says Jolina.
Since Mark and Jolina have separate businesses as well, the couple knows they should plough back their earnings to MJ Shirts. And they do.
“We can accept bulk orders, even if we’re taking things as they come as of now,” reveals Jolina. “A friend can help us meet orders for more shirts if needed.”
No wonder Jolina’s Daddy Jun and Mommy Paulette are as pleased as can be with their daughter’s engagement.
Responsible Mark
“Mark is a good, responsible guy,” Jun describes his future son-in-law.
The happy father thinks his daughter and Mark are meant for each other. Jun saw this for himself, two years before the couple got engaged.
“Jolina was looking for her favorite food -- hopia and Chocnut – in HongKong, where Globe put a show featuring her, Rivermaya and other artists.Their first show in Taiwan was postponed a year before because of a typhoon. Imagine Jolina’s joy and surprise when Mark came up to her and produced the hopia and Chocnut!”
Who would have thought Mark had Jolina’s favorite food in his bag all along?
“That’s when we started to be close,” Jolina relates. “And that’s what we consider our anniversary (as sweethearts).”
Time away from the metro
Today, Mark and Jolina love cooling their heels in Jun and Paulette’s homey, `50s and `60s-inspired Memory Lane, a gift shop, restaurant and beauty salon along Magallanes Drive, Tagaytay.
Jolina bought some of the antique memorabilia in Memory Lane from her trips abroad. She checks the way the food is presented and suggests ways to present it more artistically.
“My older sister and I take turns posting pictures and comments on the Memory Lane website,” reveals Jolina.
It’s one big happy family – with its newest member – Mark Escueta fitting perfectly into the picture
