Pa’lante Con Cristina – EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Cristina Saralegui, one of the most beloved stars on television, talks to us about her new program on Telemundo, Pa’lante con Cristina, how she feels about her new life after her departure from Univision, and the secret of her success.

How did you wind up with Pa’lante con Cristina?

When the Univision show ended, I was very depressed. I was tired and I considered retiring. The then president of Telemundo called me and said, “I’ve been waiting for you for ten years, how can you do this to me now?” He explained that he wanted me for a new two-hour variety show, and I told him, “Yes, perfect. What are we going to call the program?” I always say, “Onward and upward, no stepping back, not even to get your momentum,” and this year everyone was saying to me “Cristina, pa’lante” (Cristina, onward and upward!). So that’s how the name of the show was born.

What is your goal with this program?

I’ve always had the same mission, to entertain and provide information for my people.

What has been the key to your success?

I believe that it’s been my husband, Marcos. He’s been my manager, my lover, and he’s been the best grandfather to kids who are not biologically his grandchildren. He’s been a spectacular husband. So, my advice to the girls—watch who you marry because it’s very important that the man be your fan and not your enemy. You want a modern companion, and that as a couple each partner carries their own weight.

Tell me about your life on the red carpet.

I’m not a showbiz person at all. You never see me on a red carpet. I don’t like them because I’m really very shy and I find it embarrassing. I feel bad about being a little overweight, and that my dresses don’t fit me well. I feel bad about being crippled by my arthritis and that I can’t wear high heels.

Do you have any secrets you can share?

Do you want me to tell you something that nobody knows about me? It makes me laugh, because I finally got over it. I don’t have a cellphone; telephones have made me nervous ever since I became a journalist and I had to call people to ask them for an interview. But I’ve been this way my entire life—since I was 16, and I’m 63 now. And now, during this new chapter in my life with Telemundo, I’m calling and talking to everyone, and I feel happy. I’ve finally gotten over it, so they must have cured me.

What is left for you to do?

Nothing. The only dreams I have left are family dreams.