Rachel, Lani Lobangco open up about their dynamics as sisters: ‘We are each other’s critics’

Rachel and Lani Lobangco's bond as sisters is unshakeable.

On Friday’s “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda,” Rachel shared how she listens to her sister at all times.

“Pagdating sa kapatid ko, ako, weak. Sa kaniya ako nakikinig,” she said. “She became my adviser. Actually, siya ang nagpa-plano somehow sa akin.”

According to Rachel, Lani was the one who also pushed her to start her journey as a chef.

“Sayang kasi ‘yung effort ng talent eh. Puwede niyang gawing career, alam mo ‘yon?” Lani said.

Aside from being Rachel’s adviser, Lani is also the protector.

“Kahit nung nag-aaral kami, mas mahigpit pa ako sa kaniya more than sa parents namin,” the latter said.

Rachel agreed, saying Lani was like a mom to her even though they were born only one year apart.

During their showbiz days in the '90s, the sisters always looked out for each other.

“Pinapaalalahanan namin ang isa’t-isa,” Lani said.

“We are each other’s critics, so, ‘Sobra na ‘to, bawasan mo ‘yan,' or 'Medyo ‘wag mong gawin ‘to.’ May ganyan kaming relationship,” she added.

When asked what her love advice for Rachel was, Lani answered, “Do not lose yourself in the process or during the relationship. Kasi for a moment parang nawala ko ‘yung sarili ko in the sense na naging nanay talaga akong sunod-sunuran, asawa na taga-silbi.”

Lani shared that she became a plain housewife when she left showbiz after getting married, and while she did not regret doing so, she felt as if it was not the real her.

“Totoo ‘yan pero hindi ako maka-relate diyan kasi never akong na-lose sa sarili ko,” Rachel quipped, adding that she has no partner to lose herself to because she’s a single mom.

Rachel added that she had always prioritized herself even after she became a mom, and her daughter also understood it.

“I remember, she was three months old, nag-sho-show ako sa mga probinsya, kasama ko siya, nasa basket siya. Ganoon kahirap ang pagka-single mom ko,” she said.

Among Rachel’s movies include “Kokak (1989),” “In My Own Hands (1996)”, and “Pat. Omar Abdullah: Pulis Probinsiya (1992),” while Lani starred in “Raiders of the Sun (1992),” “Babae (1992),” “Barumbado (1990),” and more.

Rachel and Lani also played on “Family Feud” in 2022.

— Carby Basina/CDC, GMA Integrated News