courtesy @ethelbooba IG 

MANILA  -- Life-changing. This is how comedienne Ethel Gabison, more known as Ethel Booba, described her feelings now as she focuses more on taking care of her family. 

The comedienne is now a mother to her 5-year-old daughter Ella and a partner to Jessie Salazar, whom she describes as her lifelong partner. 

In an interview during the Beau Con Manila 2024 where she joined as one of the exhibitors for her beauty business, the comedienne was asked how she compares herself now to the Ethel Booba the public used to know.

"Nag-mature ba ako? Ako rin nga nagugulat e'," she jokingly said. "Nag-mature talaga ako nu'ng naging nanay ako. Oo, iba na 'yung priorities ko. Ngayon hindi na ako bumibili ng mamahaling damit, kailangan mura na lang kasi mayroon akong pinagkakagastusan kasi ang mahal ng gatas, diaper," she added.

Aside from prioritizing the needs of her daughter, the comedienne is now simply enjoying her role as a mother to her growing daughter.

"Ngayon, iniisip ko kailangan ko talagang mag-ipon dahil 'yung future niya, 'yung pag-aaral niya doon ako nanganganib kasi Inglesera e. Hirap na hirap talaga ako e. Minsan sasabihin ko 'ah ok', minsan magtatanong Ingles, sasabihin ko na lang 'later i'm busy.' Kaya 'yung asawa ko tawang tawa talaga sa akin kasi hindi ko na talaga siya masagot kasi hirap na hirap ako talaga." 

Aside from taking care of her family, the comedienne also juggles her work as a stand-up comedienne and founder of her own beauty business through the help of her partner Salazar. 

"Mas peaceful talaga at kung gusto mo ng pang-matagalan, for lifetime, mas non-showbiz," she revealed.

As she relates her past relationship to her status now with Salazar, the comedienne has also found the perfect secret to a happy relationship.

"Communication. Kailangan talaga nag-uusap kayo palagi na alam mo 'yung huwag mong kimkimin ang sama ng loob mo, kailangan maging open ka sa kaniya. Okay lang na masaktan siya pero kailangan malaman niya kung ano ang mali at malaman ko rin kung ano ang mali ko at doon kami nag-meet," she said.

Now that she is enjoying her role as a mother and a loving partner, the comedienne is also considering adding a new member to the family.

"Kung ibibigay. Nag-usap nga kami ni Vice Ganda kasi inanak niya 'yan e. Sabi ko, 'parang hindi na.' Sabi niya, okay din iyan, para mayamang mayaman siya. Biniro ko na lang na dadagdagan ko, mag-do-donate ka ba pang educational plan' kasi 'yun ang pinakamabigat talaga," she jokingly said.