'I've never forgotten my dream to be a singer'

Sri Ramadani, Contributor, Jakarta

Becky Tumewu has been through a number of career changes in her life. First she was a singer, then a comic actor and a broadcaster for youth radio station Prambors in Jakarta.

Now she is a popular emcee and television presenter for RCTI's Selamat Datang Pagi and MetroTV's The Plaza.

Her marriage to Johannes Dermawan in 1999 has helped Becky mature, and this new maturity is evident in her TV work.

Do you still want to be a singer?

I like singing. Back in 1988 I sang with James F. Sundah. I've never forgotten my dream of becoming a singer. But I didn't have the opportunity in the past, so I became a sinetron actress and a broadcaster.

But now, I have to choose between singing and being a presenter. A singer has to have a good voice but does not have to talk as much as a presenter.

Do you have any other dreams, other career goals?

I am an easy-going person and always think positively. I just go with the flow. I don't have lofty ambitions, things that are unreachable. I just do the work that is already there in front of me.

Do you like your job?

I really enjoy being a presenter. It is a job I can rely on. I have no idea when I will quit. If I can, I will work as a presenter until I retire.

How would you like to be remembered?

People know me as a presenter, but I would like to be remembered as an entertainer. To be able to entertain people is a challenge.

Do you have any regrets in your life?

No, so far I don't have any regrets. If I make a mistake, I regret it at that moment, but I wouldn't call that a regret. My life is quite happy.

Whom do you admire?

I admire Madonna because she is strong-willed and will do anything to achieve success.

Do you have a favorite hangout?

I enjoy staying at home because my house is very comfortable. I often go to the Rancamaya housing complex in Sukabumi because there is a golf course, villas and bungalows, and it is not far from Jakarta.

What characteristics do you love in a man?

I like a man who is romantic and can appreciate me and show his feelings. My husband is not romantic but he is really nice.

What makes life worth living?

My family, my daughter and my husband. I thank God for giving me a wonderful family and a good career.

What kind of clothes do you like to wear?

I like casual clothes. When I am in good shape, I like to wear tight-fitting clothes.

Do you worry about your weight?

Yes, I do. I have to stay fit and look good. I am lucky that I do not have any problems with my weight. When I gained 19 kilograms after the birth of my daughter, I did not go on a diet. I was afraid to do anything because I had eclampsia during my pregnancy. I just enjoyed myself and thought of positive things. And just doing my normal activities, I lost weight and slimmed down. I think, I've never been in better shape than I am right now.

Do you plan to have another child?

I plan to have another child next year, when my daughter, Tara (Tara Marie Dermawan), is two. My doctor said I had to wait two years because I suffered from eclampsia.

What was the last book you read?

Mmm ... (thinking), I read books bit by bit. On my recent trip to Singapore, I bought a lot of books but I have not finished them yet. I can't remember what the last book I read was.

What makes you angry?

I get angry when someone lies to me. So, please don't lie, just be frank with me as I am like an open book -- you can read me right away.

When was the last time you were angry?

Mmm ... when my assistant lied. I was going to teach her a lesson, but actually, I wasn't really angry.

What makes you sad?

I can become sad watching a cartoon, or talking with friends about something that touches me.

What does friendship mean to you?

A friend is someone who is ready to be a good listener at anytime. My husband and my manager are my best friends.