Doesn't this shot of a blissful Maritoni reveal how truly in love she is? Our stylist for this shoot thought she wouldn't like the frilly skirt he had brought for her, but it turned out to be her favorite. "It shows off my long and beautiful legs!" Maritoni says delightedly.

(YES! October 2003 issue)

Maritoni Fernandez in the living room of her Quezon City townhouse: "I've rented quite a few places but this is my first owned [house]. I rented a place in Pasay when I started in showbiz as a field reporter for ‘Hotline Trese.' I used to see six dead bodies a day! Oh my God! That takes me back. I didn't even have enough money to buy my own mattress. I had to borrow pa from my mom! It just makes you appreciate where you are from where you've been."

(YES! October 2003 issue)

Maritoni's home has three levels. Located on the first level is the living room and covered pocket garden. "It's nakakadaya up front," she says. Parang sa labas tingin mo maliit lang, ‘tapos when you walk in, it's big pala. Ang floor area of this place is as big as a house, and it's just a townhouse."

(YES! October 2003 issue)

Clearly in love with her abode, she says," It's high ceiling and split level. It reminds me so much of my lola's home in England where I grew up."

(YES! October 2003 issue)

The dining room with that country feel.

(YES! October 2003 issue)

Donning up a sporty look in the garden.

(YES! October 2003 issue)

A lampshade.

(YES! October 2003 issue)

The stylistic chairs give out an aura of simplicity.

(YES! October 2003 issue)

The porch.

(YES! October 2003 issue)

In March 31, 2000, her 30th birthday, Maritoni was diagnosed with breast cancer. She survived it. And with everything that she's been through, one of the lessons she learned: "Just be grateful for the time you do have, and whatever comes, comes."

(YES! October 2003 issue)