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Melai celebrates 35th birthday with closest friends on Magandang Buhay 

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Liezel dela Cruz

<p>Wearing a white power suit, and a tiara in her hair, Melai Cantiveros had a beach-themed 35th birthday celebration on <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/magandangbuhay" target="_blank"><em><strong><u>Magandang Buhay</u></strong></em></a>. Her closest friends came in attendance. Plus, it will not be Melai’s birthday without the fun games and punchlines!</p><div><ivs-player data-ivs-key="06b9cac5decc13edae3497a22831561a" data-ivs-spid="3001384" data-ivs-vid="2581764"></ivs-player> <script src="https://player.ivideosmart.com/ivsplayer/v4/dist/js/loader.js" type="text/javascript"></script></div><p>The special live episode, aired on April 14, commenced with Melai hamming it up for the camera as she stood in front of a wall displaying her glam and wacky shots, outside a studio in ABS-CBN. She then drove a quad bike to the <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/magandangbuhay" target="_blank"><em><strong><u>Magandang Buhay</u></strong></em></a> studio, where she was met by Regine Velasquez and Jolina Magdangal.</p><p>Melai kicked off the party by reminiscing about her past birthday travels, mostly in Cebu, and Bohol where their ancestral home is at. The photos display all the love she feels whenever she’s with her family, especially her husband Jason Francisco, and daughters Mela and Stela.</p><p>What’s a birthday bash without the games? Melai took on dares to unlock the party menu. Surprises were slowly unravelled at this point, as Enchong Dee and Bianca Gonzalez, her <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/pbbs10" target="_blank"><em><strong><u>Pinoy Big Brother</u></strong></em></a> co-hosts, came in the studio to help her win the first challenge, which was to transfer liquid from one container to another using spoons. Regine had to make it easier by pouring the liquid directly into the container.</p><p>Story time! Enchong shared loving words about the birthday girl, his mother figure. It’s truly amazing how Melai is naturally nurturing. Best of all, she is her friends’ prayer warrior, said Enchong, “Sa kahit anong bagay, kung masaya ka o malungkot ka, lagi ka niyang ipagdadasal. And I think ‘yun ang isa sa mga regalo na pwede mong ibigay sa kapwa mo. Sobrang powerful!” Jolina butted in, divulging that Melai defends Enchong behind his back.</p><div><ivs-player data-ivs-key="06b9cac5decc13edae3497a22831561a" data-ivs-spid="3001384" data-ivs-vid="2581769"></ivs-player> <script src="https://player.ivideosmart.com/ivsplayer/v4/dist/js/loader.js" type="text/javascript"></script></div><p>Balancing out the mood, Bianca remarked that Melai’s bloopers on- and off-cam would fit into a three-hour documentary, but she has one favorite. It’s when Melai and Enchong couldn’t control their laughter while announcing the tally of votes during a supposedly intense PBB eviction episode.</p><div><ivs-player data-ivs-key="06b9cac5decc13edae3497a22831561a" data-ivs-spid="3001384" data-ivs-vid="2581771"></ivs-player> <script src="https://player.ivideosmart.com/ivsplayer/v4/dist/js/loader.js" type="text/javascript"></script></div><p>In the spirit of fun, the PBB gang took on another challenge, this time, with Erik Nicolas and Nonong Ballinan, Melai’s PIE Channel co-hosts. The menu was then completed with lechon, barbeque, lumpia, and cake.</p><p>Enjoying the feast, Erik mused on Melai’s generosity toward his workmates whether by buying them food or helping them build better punchlines. He revealed that she’s very giving to her fans as well.</p><div><ivs-player data-ivs-key="06b9cac5decc13edae3497a22831561a" data-ivs-spid="3001384" data-ivs-vid="2581782"></ivs-player> <script src="https://player.ivideosmart.com/ivsplayer/v4/dist/js/loader.js" type="text/javascript"></script></div><p>He thanked her for inspiring him and their fellow comedians to keep on going despite a few setbacks. During their stint in <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/yourfaces3" target="_blank"><em><strong><u>Your Face Sounds Familiar</u></strong></em></a>, Melai modelled courage and tenacity to her co-celebrity contestants. As Erik recalled, “Si Melai ‘yung, kumbaga, tininignan ko kung paano siya, na kahit nasa huli ‘yung score mo, huwag kang susuko, huwag kang bibitaw. Gawin mo ‘yung best mo.”</p><p>Meanwhile, when Nonong got evicted from <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/itsshowtime" target="_blank"><em><strong><u>It’s Showtime</u></strong></em></a>’s “Funny One,” where Melai was one of the judges, he received encouraging words form her, “Hindi ko makakalimutan ‘yung sinabi sa akin ni Ate Mels na, ‘Okay lang ‘yan, nangyayari talaga ‘yan. Basta ang panghawakan mo ‘yung pangarap mo.’ And then, after eight years, magkatrabaho na kami.”</p><div><ivs-player data-ivs-key="06b9cac5decc13edae3497a22831561a" data-ivs-spid="3001384" data-ivs-vid="2581794"></ivs-player> <script src="https://player.ivideosmart.com/ivsplayer/v4/dist/js/loader.js" type="text/javascript"></script></div><p>Given her strong maternal instinct, Melai brings out familial bond at work. “Binibigyan niya kami ng time na magkakilanlan sa isa’t isa para maging mas strong pa ‘yung pinagsasamahan namin doon sa show,” Nonong imparted.</p><p>The birthday girl also got a pleasing treat from her non-showbiz friends Barbara and Lupe, who divulged her influence in their spiritual life. Barbara mentioned that they all auditioned in PBB but only Melai made the cut. Things happened in between until they reconnected during the pandemic when Barbara reached out to Melai due to her anxious thoughts and got invited to join their bible study. Meanwhile, Lupe thanked Melai for the free travels and wishes she remains humble.</p><div><ivs-player data-ivs-key="06b9cac5decc13edae3497a22831561a" data-ivs-spid="3001384" data-ivs-vid="2581792"></ivs-player> <script src="https://player.ivideosmart.com/ivsplayer/v4/dist/js/loader.js" type="text/javascript"></script></div><p>In the latter part of the episode, Melai received greetings from her loved ones and friends. Her cheerfulness took center stage in Robi Domingo’s video message: “Pinaparamdam niya sa’yo na ang buhay ay maganda. Kaya siguro lahat ng tao mahal na mahal siya, kasama na ako do’n. Ate Me, I just want to say na meron kang special place sa puso ko.”</p><p>The bubbly Kim Chiu sent in her birthday wish as well: “Kahit ‘yung presence niya lang, kahit ‘yung ngiti niya lang, kahit wala siyang sabihin, lahat ng tao kung nasaan man siya eh nakangiti because of her… Proud ako na matawag kitang miga nako na gwapa ug ligon.” She meant she’s proud to call Melai her friend that’s beautiful and strong.</p><p>Director Lauren Dyogi vouched for Melai’s golden heart. He pressed that behind Melai’s slapstick comedy is her mind full of wisdom, “We’ve gone a long way as friends, as your second father. And gusto kong malaman mo na you are a blessing to all of us. It’s a privilege na maging bahagi ng buhay mo.”</p><p>Also among her well-wishers were, of course, her parents Virgie and Dionisio, beaming with pride over their daughter’s achievements; as well as her kids Mela and Stela, who thanked her for her generosity and hard work.</p><div><ivs-player data-ivs-key="06b9cac5decc13edae3497a22831561a" data-ivs-spid="3001384" data-ivs-vid="2581800"></ivs-player> <script src="https://player.ivideosmart.com/ivsplayer/v4/dist/js/loader.js" type="text/javascript"></script></div><p>As for Enchong, he wished Melai conceives a baby boy soon, while Bianca reminded her to take care of her health. Jolina prayed she gets to travel with Melai soon as a celebration of their friendship.</p><p>Though they haven’t known each other that long, Regine could see Melai’s goodness and wisdom, and she’s proud that Melai now bravely shares her experiences, from which people could get lessons and inspiration. </p><div><ivs-player data-ivs-key="06b9cac5decc13edae3497a22831561a" data-ivs-spid="3001384" data-ivs-vid="2581807"></ivs-player> <script src="https://player.ivideosmart.com/ivsplayer/v4/dist/js/loader.js" type="text/javascript"></script></div><p>On your birthday, you wonder what the universe says about your life. So, Master Hanz Cua read Melai’s zodiac and gave her tips on how to enhance her fertility star.</p><p>We wish you love and happiness on your special day, Momshie Melai!</p><style rel="stylesheet" type="text/css">.scroll-wrapper {-webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch;}.scroll-wrapper iframe {border: none;}</style><div class="scroll-wrapper"><iframe id="MegaControllerIframe-1680653835104" src="https://controller.megaphonetv.com?m=c30fv&amp;iswebpoll=true&amp;poll_id=642cbd40f1b2e0000a1375a9" style="width:100%;min-height:480px"></iframe></div><script type="text/javascript">!function(){class e{constructor(t,s=null){this.type=null,this.fieldName=t,this.fieldValue=s,this.originMessageID=`${(new Date).getTime()}_${Math.random()}`,this.systemID=e.SYSTEM_ID}toPlainObject(){return JSON.parse(JSON.stringify(this))}}e.GET='GET',e.SET='SET',e.RESPONSE='RESPONSE',e.LOCAL_STORAGE_CHECK='LOCAL_STORAGE_CHECK',e.SYSTEM_ID='MP_FIRST_PARTY_DATA_BRIDGE';class t extends e{constructor(t,s,a=null){super(t,s),this.status=a,this.type=e.RESPONSE}}function s(){try{if('undefined'==typeof localStorage)return!1;try{return localStorage.setItem('testkey','testvalue'),localStorage.removeItem('testkey'),!0}catch(e){return!1}}catch(e){return!1}}if(window&&window.addEventListener){const a=document.getElementById('MegaControllerIframe-1680653835104');new class{constructor(){this.targetOrigin='*',this.bubblingMessages=new Map,this.beginListeningForMessages()}beginListeningForMessages(){window.addEventListener('message',this.messageListener.bind(this),!1)}messageListener(a){if(a.data.systemID!==e.SYSTEM_ID)return;let i=a.data.type,n=a.data.fieldName,r=a.data.fieldValue,g=new t;if(g.originMessageID=a.data.originMessageID,i===e.GET)g.fieldName=n,s()?this.handleGet(n,a.source,g):this.checkForBubble(a.data,a.source,g);else if(i===e.SET)s()?this.handleSet(n,r):this.checkForBubble(a.data,a.source,g);else if(i===e.LOCAL_STORAGE_CHECK)s()?this.handleLocalStorageCheck(a.source,g):this.checkForBubble(a.data,a.source,g);else if(i===e.RESPONSE){const e=this.bubblingMessages.get(a.data.originMessageID);null!=e&&(this.bubblingMessages.delete(a.data.originMessageID),e.source.postMessage(a.data,this.targetOrigin))}}handleGet(e,t,s){s.fieldValue=localStorage.getItem(e),s.status=200,t.postMessage(s.toPlainObject(),this.targetOrigin)}handleSet(e,t){localStorage.setItem(e,t)}handleLocalStorageCheck(e,t){t.status=200,e.postMessage(t.toPlainObject(),this.targetOrigin)}checkForBubble(e,t,s){!function(){try{return window.self!==window.top}catch(e){return!0}}()?(s.status=403,s.fieldValue=null,t.postMessage(s.toPlainObject(),this.targetOrigin)):this.bubbleMessage(e,t)}bubbleMessage(t,s){this.bubblingMessages.set(t.originMessageID,{message:t,source:s}),t.type!==e.GET&&t.type!==e.LOCAL_STORAGE_CHECK||setTimeout(this.handleBubbledMessageTimeout.bind(this),4e3,t,s),window.parent.postMessage(t,this.targetOrigin)}handleBubbledMessageTimeout(t,s){this.bubblingMessages.has(t.originMessageID)&&(this.bubblingMessages.delete(t.originMessageID),t.status=404,t.type=e.RESPONSE,s.postMessage(t,this.targetOrigin))}};window.addEventListener('message',function(e){e.data.hasOwnProperty('height')&&(a.style.height=(parseInt(e.data.height)+1).toString()+'px')},!1)}}();</script>

Magandang Buhay had the sweetest and happiest birthday surprises for momshie Melai Cantiveros!