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Feb 27, 2009

JOHN ESTRADA, HAPPY WITH HIS "HAPI TOGETHER"

Posted by Shee

By: Mario Bautista

JOHN ESTRADA laughs off the rumor that he and girlfriend former Ms. Earth Priscilla Mereilles have called it quits. The grapevine says Priscilla packed her bags and went home to her native Brazil after she has proven for herself that John is an incorrigible ladies man.


"It's not true at tinatawanan lang namin pareho ang tsismis," says John who's happy that his sitcom on TV 5, "Everybody Hapi" with Eugene Domingo and Roxanne Guinoo, is rating quite well even if it's up against top shows of the two rival networks. "Marami kaming kalaban sa Sunday 7 PM slot but we're doing okay naman. Tonight will be special kasi ang pre-program na namin is Joey de Leon's 'Wow Mali' and we'll have a special episode kasi our special guest is Joey Marquez, so bale reunion namin ito after our 'Palibhasa Lalake' days. He will pretend to be Roxanne's husband through an arranged marriage."

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ANNE CURTIS, HAPPY TO BE SINGLE

Posted by Shee

By: Mario Bautista

VIVA HOSTED a special birthday party for Anne Curtis' 24th birthday on February 17. What's her birthday wish? "I want to have a vacation in Europe for one month in May," she says. "I want to go to Spain, France and Egypt. I already went to Hongkong last weekend with some friends. Nine kami, all singles, including Raymond Gutierrez. Kaya lang, I'm starting a new movie in April, a big one na di pa puede i-reveal ang details, so sana payagan ako ng Viva na makaalis in May."

We know she bought a house for her parents in Victoria, Australia. How are they doing now that bushfires are so common in that area? "Thank God malayo kami sa fires. My parents are safe."

She also has her own house here in Manila. "At least, I can see where my earnings are going. I'm not naman the type who's magastos. I always save for the future."

About her lovelife, there's still none to speak of. How come Sam Milby says there will be no "balikan" between them as she claims she has moved on? "I've moved on but I'm not closing naman my doors on him. I'm open to any possibility. But right now, we're both happy focusing more on our careers so okay na muna yung ganun.. At first, it was difficult for me but now I'm enjoying being unattached. One's happiness should not be anchored on having someone. My friends, who are all unattached, showed we can be single and still happy. Being happy or sad, it's your choice. If love would come, di sige. I'm open naman, but I'm not gonna force myself to look for one. Basta tutok na lang muna ako sa work. Kasi ang dami kong blessings and last year was really a good one for me. My role as the dying Celine in 'Maging Sino Ka Man Book 2' and as the title-roler in 'Dyosa' both got very good feedback. Then I did two films, 'When Love Begins' and 'Baler' na parehong kumita at nanalo pa akong best actress. Wala ring tigil ang dating ng endorsements, the new ones being Swatch and Greenwich. I'm now finishing the taping of a new soap, 'The Wedding', to be shown in June dahil month of weddings yun, di ba? My leading men are Zanjoe Marudo and Derek Ramsay. I can't be linked to them dahil magagalit sina Mariel Rodriguez at Angelica Panganiban."

How about her new film? Who's her leading man? "I can't divulge yet. Bawal. My manager (Veronica del Rosario) says there'll be a big presscon just to announce that new project of mine kasi it's really big."

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PADILLA'S ON BEBE GANDANGHARI

Posted by Shee

By: Mario Bautista

AS EXPECTED, Robin Padilla was asked about his brother, Rustom aka BB Gandanghari. (Rustom says it's really spelled BB and not Bebe.) "Kunsaan siya masaya, masaya na rin ako," says Robin. "I even offered him to be co-director of 'Totoy Bato, but he said no kasi marami pa raw siyang ibang gustong gawin sa buhay. I was training in a gym in Baguio for my role in 'Totoy Bato' nang ibalita sa'kin ang pagbabalik niya sa Pilipinas as BB Gandanghari. Napalakas ang pagsuntok ko sa punching bag dahil dun."

It's only their eldest brother, Royette, who continues to resent Rustom's turning into BB, but Robin said he had already told Royette to just let Rustom be since they cannot do anything about it anyway. Their sister, Rema, was at the "Totoy Bato" presscon with their mom, Mrs. Eva Carino, and she revealed that she was the one who gave Rustom the name Binibining Gandanghari. "Combination yun ng femininity and masculinity. I give Rustom my full support sa anumang decision niya na ikaliligaya niya.. I was no longer surprised when he outed himself in Pinoy Big Brother kasi three years before that, nagtapat na siya sa akin. But he has no plan na magpa-sex change. I call him Tom up to now, yung dati kong tawag sa kanya. Kung sa sarili niya, si BB na siya, sa akin, si Tom pa rin siya. Actually, siya ang pinakamabait sa mga kapatid kong lalaki. Siya lang ang hindi nagbigay ng problema sa pamilya namin kaya masasabing siya ang pinaka-straight sa lahat. Walang puedeng manghusga sa kanya dahil wala siyang tinatapakang tao."

Even their mom has already accepted BB. "Noong una, na-high blood ako," she reveals. "Bakit kailangang patayin si Rustom? Pero later, naintindihan ko na meron siya talagang gustong gawin sa buhay niya at paninindigan na lang niya yung pagiging BB niya. When he called me up later sa phone, nagkatawanan na lang kami. Tinanong niya ko kung sino ang kamukha niya at sabi ko, 'Ako'. Tumawa siya and he said, 'Oo naman, ikaw talaga ang kamukha ko, Ma'. Tinanong niya kung okay lang talaga sa'kin ang ginawa niya at sabi ko, 'Decision mo yan. Wala naman akong magagawa. Kahit sino ka pa, anak pa rin kita. Basta huwag mong kalilimutan ang salita ng Diyos.' Sabi niya, wala naman daw siyang masamang ginagawa sa ibang tao. Ako naman, ayoko na siyang problemahin dahil baka mamatay lang ako sa kunsumisyon. Noong maliit pa siya, talagang guwapong-guwapo, ang puti-puti niya. Ang mga nakatatandang kapatid niya, ginawa siyang laruan.. Nilagyan siya ng makeup. Nang dumating ang tatay nila, pinalo siya. Sabi, huwag niyang uuliitin at sinigawan siyang 'Bakla! Bakla!' Kung buhay ang ama nila, siguradong hindi siya maglaladlad as BB."

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SECOND HONEYMOON FOR SUNSHINE & CESAR

Posted by Shee

By: Mario Bautista

CESAR MONTANO is currently with wife Sunshine Cruz on a second honeymoon in the U.S. But before he left, he taped some special episodes for the show he's hosting, "The Singing Bee". Tonight, it will be a competition between beauties and the beasts. Beauty title holders Janina San Miguel, Karla Paula Henry and Jean Harn plus gay beauty pageant winners who are impersonators of Ara Mina, Iya Villania and Kristine Hermosa will be up against comedians Jeffrey Tam, Hyubs Azarcon and Gary Lim, soap villains Ryan Eigenmann, Maricar de Mesa and Nikki Bacolod, and stand up comics Lassie, MC and Hanz. The defending champion will be the Side A band members.

Tomorrow, Sunday, the special guests are matinee idols versus singers and dancers: Pop Icons Piolo Pascual, Sam Milby and Christian Bautista, Coverboy Rafael Rosell, Will Devaughn and Victor Basa, ASAP Champions Rachelle Ann Go, Erik Santos and Yeng Constantino, ASAP Freshmen Richard Poon, Karylle and Duncan, plus dancers Mickey Perz, Georcelle Dapat and Gab Valenciano, with the special participation of the hit afternoon comedy show, Parekoy, stars John Prats, Zanjoe Marudo and Jayson Gainza.

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LOVELIFE & CAREER FOR CHYNNA

Posted by Shee

By: Mario Bautista

CHYNNA ORTALEZA is happy to be part of the "Paano Ba ang Mangarap" cast where she reprises the role originally played by Amy Austria in the movie version. "Ms. Amy is one tough act to follow dahil napakahusay niyang aktres," she says. "But with the help of our director, Joel Lamangan, siguro naman I'll be able to act well as the contravida here to Jennylyn Mercado."

Is she and still Railey Valeroso still on? "Oh yes, after five years, kami pa rin, awa ng Diyos."

Most showbiz couples don't last that long. What keeps their relationship going? "Siguro it's because we have become more mature and we're now both willing to work on our relationship seriously. If we have a problem, we communicate to solve it peacefully before it gets even worse. We don't just give up easily na magsasabi agad ng 'Ayoko na'. We try to be very patient and work things out."

Chynna is a working student. When not facing the camera, she's pursuing her college studies at the UP Open University.

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NEW TV SHOW FOR REGINE

Posted by Shee

By Mario Bautista

REGINE VELASQUEZ is totally at ease working with Robin Padilla in "Totoy Bato". "Nagkatrabaho na kami sa dalawang pelikula ("Kailangan Ko'y Ikaw" and "Till I Met You") kaya hindi na kami naiilang sa isa't isa," she adds. "Also, isa si Robin sa mga unang nakaalam na kami na ni Ogie (Alcasid). Bago pa kami umamin in public, so he's really a friend."

Her last primetime series was "Kim Sam Soon". "That was several months ago so I was able to rest well. Ngayon, may taping na naman ako three times a week. It's good Ogie understands na trabaho ito, so hindi maiiwasang mabawasan ang time namin together. But we always try to find time for each other no matter how busy we are."

What did they do last Valentine's Day? "Naku, ang dami. Two days kaming nag-celebrate kasi weekend. He gave me plenty of gifts tapos he even gifted me a massage sa spa with matching love letter at nanood kami ng concert ni Peter Cetera. Talagang kinarir niya. E, ako, busy masyado kaya mga ka-cheapan lang ang naibigay ko sa kanya. Nag-dinner din kami, pero sa bahay lang, with Judy Ann Santos doing the cooking"

One of Ogie's gifts was a heart-shaped necklace with diamonds and she was wearing it at the presscon of "Totoy Bato". "Talagang galante siya, e. He also wrote the theme song of 'Totoy Bato' na 'Ako'y Sa'yo' especially for me."

Regine plays the role of Robin's childhood sweetheart in "Totoy Bato". They lost touch as kids as her ambitious mom (Deborah Sun) took her to Manila to join showbiz. She eventually becomes a singer then she and Robin cross paths again when he's already a streetfighter. "Totoy Bato" starts airing this Monday and will run for 20 weeks or five months.

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AI AI, MAD AT SARAH???

Posted by Shee

By Mario Bautista

SARAH GERONIMO says she and Ai Ai de las Alas are not feuding even if Ai Ai is very vocal in saying that she should be the one to win as last year's Box Office Queen as her "Tanging Ina Nyong Lahat" earned more than Sarah's "Very Special Love".

"I was one of the very first guests sa show nila ni Ate Ruffa Gutierrez na 'Ruffa and Ai' to promote my movie na 'You Changed My Life' at okay naman kami," she says. "I don't think galit siya sa'kin at all dahil nagbeso pa nga kami and she entertained me well naman."

Ai Ai wants to make it clear that she's not at all mad with Sarah. "Anak ko yan sa isang TV show noon at close kami," she says. "Hindi ako sa kanya galit dahil wala naman siyang kinalaman sa nangyari. Doon sa mga namamahala ako naaasar dahil pabago-bago ang criteria nila."

"Maski ako, para sa'kin, mas karapat-dapat talaga si Miss Ai Ai na tawaging Box Office Queen, pero thankful na rin ako sa mga nagdesisyon na ibigay sa akin ng titulong yun. I think, ang narinig ko lang po na last minute, nagkaroon ng changes sa criteria. Parang ganun po ang nangyari. Kung ano po ‘yun, kung ano po ‘yung totoong nangyari, basta ako nirerespeto ko na lang ang bawat isa, including Miss Ai Ai, nirerespeto ko po siya."

Sarah says she has a secret admirer named Keith who sent her roses on Valentine's Day. "I have no idea about his identity. Sabi ko nga, baka si Boss Vic ng Viva yun. Binibiro lang ako."

Is it true her mom protested because John Lloyd Cruz often steals kisses from her? "Hindi po, alam naman ng mom ko na kasama yung sa movie naming 'You Changed My Life' at aprubado nila yun at Direk Cathy Molina."

Now that she's Box Office Queen, does she feel any pressure about the earnings of their new movie? "Siempre po, may pressure, kasi tumaas ang expectations ng tao. So I'm sure they expect na maging blockbuster din ang 'You Changed My Life' na isang sequel. Pero manood lang lahat ng nanood ng 'Very Special Love', tiyak nang magiging big hit din ito. John Lloyd and I play the same characters, Miggy and Laida, at ipapakita rito kung ano na ang nangyari sa love story namin."

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NEW LOVELIFE FOR ALMA MORENO

Posted by Shee

By Mario Bautista

SOMEONE CONFIRMED TO US that it's true that Alma Moreno has gotten married again, but very quietly this time. This is Alma's second marriage after that of Joey Marquez, which has been annulled. She also had liaisons with the late Rudy Fernandez, Dolphy who's much older than her and Gerald Madrid who's much younger than her. Now a councilor in Paranaque, Alma met her new groom when she performed as LoveliNess in Mindanao. He is the mayor of a municipality there. They've tied the knot in a civil wedding but they plan to have a grand wedding in Mindanao next month. They're more or less within the same age bracket. Alma is in her late 40s'. Her new luxury vehicle is a gift from her new husband. Her kids are happy for her: Mark Anthony Fernandez, Vandolph Quizon and her four kids with Joey Marquez. They accept the mayor as their new stepdad and the mayor embraces them as his own kids, a requirement of Alma who remains very close to her six children.

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YOU'VE GOT MALE'S FIRST MAJOR CONCERT, "FOUR...THE FIRST TIME"

Posted by Shee

By Mario Bautista

EVEN WHEN he was till just a contestant in "Pinoy Pop Superstar", we already saw the potential of Harry Santos as a singing heartthrob. He's not only goodlooking but his one great advantage is his height. Now that he's 19 years old, it becomes even more obvious that Harry has unmistakable star quality in him. He's currently part of the quartet on 'SOP' called You've Got Male. His three companions are also good looking and talented: Gian Magdangal, Jan Nieto and Bryan Termulo. But it can't be denied that he's the youngest and the freshest among them. Harry is now in college majoring in Music. Bryan is taking up nursing while Jan is an Ateneo graduate and Gian, from La Salle.

The four goodlooking singers now headline You've Got Male's first major councert, "Four...the First Time", to be staged tonight, Friday, February 20, at the Music Museum. Each of them will do songs reflecting their individual tastes and influences, from light rock and ballads to pop classic and OPM favorites. Their special guests are Lovi Poe and Pops Fernandez. Get your tickets at Music Museum, tel. 721-0635 and Ticketworld at 891-9999. We think this is going to be the start of something big for You've Got Male.

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FOREIGN ARTISTS CONCERTS, FLOPPED AT BIG DOME

Posted by Shee

By Mario Bautista

THE RECENT CONCERTS of foreign artists at the Big Dome all flopped. British singer Sheena Easton was able to fill up only 1/4 of the venue. "Aalog-alog talaga ang Araneta kaya tiyak na lugi ang producer," someone told u. "Ganun din yung sa Fallout Boy at later, kay Peter Cetera. Kalahati lang ng Araneta ang nagkatao. Mas gusto ng concert goers ang local shows, gaya noong Martin Nievera and Pops Fernandez concert na talaga napuno ang Araneta at yung sa Freestyle, Side A at MYMP na mas tinao rin."

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MORE PROJECTS FOR JANNA AFTER FEAR FACTOR

Posted by Shee

By Mario Bautista

A LOT OF WRITERS believe it's standup comedienne Janna who won as Ultimo Participante in Pinoy Fear Factor. She's a tall and pretty mestiza who sings well and they think she's the most promising among all the contestants. "Mas may chance siyang sumikat kung siya ang winner kaysa roon sa iba," says one writer.

Janna herself won't say anything about who really won. "Abangan n'yo na lang po ang finale night namin this Friday night, February 20, para may suspense," she says. "Doon malalaman kung sino talaga ang nanalo."

But it's said that her manager got drunk once and revealed she's the one who won. "How can that be ganung wala naman akong sinasabi sa kanya? Kahit na sa members ng family ko, wala akong sinasabi kasi pagbabayarin kami ng P5 milyon kung gagawin namin yun, so hindi totoo yun."
Janna bested SuperManuel in the challenge where they were buried alive in the sand, so Manuel was eliminated last Wednesday night. She is being linked to SuperManuel and Marion "Kryptonite" de la Cruz from Austria, but she's honest enough to admit her true crush is a participant who was eliminated early, Jose Sarasola (the most heartthrob looking in the batch). "It so happened kasi na going to Buenos Aires, kami ang naging magkatabi sa eruplano. It's a long flight at nakatulog ako sa braso niya, kaya siya ang naging crush ko. Ewan ko lang kung may chance kaming ma-develop now that we're all back here in Manila."

A breadwinner, Janna has been busy since she returned home. She became a part of the cast of "Eva Fonda" and "Banana Split" and she's now in the cast of a new movie with Star Cinema. She also works as emcee in Punchline and Laffline. She has no qualms about going sexy if the role calls for it.

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GREAT BALLADEERS IN CONCERT

Posted by Shee

By Mario Bautista

JUN POLISTICO and Anthony Castelo made a splashy comeback recently with their hit "Great Balladeers in Concert" at the Music Museum. Jun was a mainstay in Las Vegas for so many years and is dubbed locally as the Soulful Heartthrob with hits like "Mahiwaga" and "Sana'y Maghintay ang Walang Hanggan". Anthony now lives in California but his hits like "Balatkayo", "Nang Dahil sa Pag-ibig", and "Hahanapin Ko" are still heard constantly in karaoke joints. They now team up with the Demure Diva, Carmen Soriano, who also made a successful comeback in the Golden Divas series of shows with Pilita Corrales and Carmen Patena last year.

They will have two shows, "Romancing", at the Mandarin Oriental's Captain's Bar in Makati tonight, February 20, and on March 7, a Saturday.

"I look forward to singing with Jun and Anthony," says Carmen, who looks as slim and sexy as when she was the toast of Bulakena on Roxas Blvd. in the 70s. "It will be a romantic evening of love songs and ballads for all those who believe in love."

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Feb 23, 2009

MARTIN & POPS, TOGETHER AGAIN

Posted by Shee

By: Mario Bautista


MARTIN NIEVERA is always a delight to interview as he answers all questions thrown his way. Writers kidded him that Gary V imitated him last Sunday. He cried when he was interviewed about Pops Fernandez in their "Missing You" concert presscon. Gary also cried in "The Buzz" when Boy Abunda interviewed him. "He cried because he's defending his wife," says Martin. "I cried because of my ex-wife. That's even more painful." So who should win the best actor award? "It should be Gary because he doesn't cry, unlike me who's a softie and I cry all the time."

Is it true "Missing You" won't have a repeat? "Yes because it's difficult to recapture that magical moment of us performing together again after six years. The music part with us singing is okay, but the now vows, how can you repeat that? Also, when they planned the concert, they didn't reserve any other dates for a possible repeat or a provincial or U.S tour. Now, Pops is busy with her new projects with ABS."

It's rumored he was just forced to do the concert so Pops won't get mad at him again. "Not really naman forced. Siguro I'm just misinterpreted by some friends who asked me why did I even consider doing a concert produced by her current boyfriend (Jomari Yllana). But when Pops presented the concert to me, I was impressed with their plans. It's only after I agreed that she said: 'Okay lang ba if it's Jomari's company that's producing it?' So what would I say? Will I still back out?"

What if he'd been informed beforehand that Jom is producing it? "Then I'd have to ask them first what's their track record in producing concerts. But Pops already said, okay na, let's do it for Jom, and in fairness to him, he has very expensive ideas in doing the show, compared to other producers who'd say na hindi puede yan, walang budget. I must say they did make a good team ni Pops. At least, here's a producer with big ideas. But it's a learning experience for them. Imagine, they issued 600 backpasses so practically everyone can enter the backstage. Because of that, I heard Araneta Coliseum issued an order forbidding yung ganun karaming passes being issued."

How did he feel about the very warm reception of the crowd to them? "Pops and I were both so surprised. We thought it's risky to do it as people might no longer that be interested in us. But we're so happy the magic is still there."

Some people felt he put down Pops' outfits too much. "Well, I've been doing that to her for the past 26 years and even she knows it's not be taken seriously. And people keep laughing each time I make fun of her outfits because what I'm saying is actually what's on their mind."

Martin is 47 but he got the kick of his life when someone who heard him singing in the U.S. told him: "You should join 'American Idol'." He told the woman he's no longer qualified as he's overaged and he was told that he looks like he's only in his late 20s. "I took her to bed with me," he joked.

He has just released his 24th album with PolyEast Records, "For Always". "I've been with them for 16 years and now they just renewed my contract for four more years." PolyEast boss Ramon Chuaying said he's actually under contract with them for life.

"For Always" has 15 songs, with "Maybe This Time" by Michael Murphy as the first single. Two songs that blew us away were Bryan Adam's "Heaven", which was given a weird and very adventurous arrangement, and Michael Jansen's "I"ll Always Love You" which was given a grand and epic movie kind of treatment. Martin also has a new duet with Pops, "Reunited", by Peaches and herb. Other cuts are "Now and Forever", "All My Life", "Old Photographs", "All At Once", "Sometimes When We Touch", "After Cetera", "I Do It For You", "The Last Time" and "The Search is Over".

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LEAD ROLE FOR ALJUR & KRIS

Posted by Shee

By: Mario Bautista


AFTER MAKING them play supporting roles in shows like "Zaido" and "Luna Mystika", GMA-7 is now giving a big break to the love team of Aljur Abrenica and Kris Bernal when they play the lead roles in "Dapat Ka Bang Mahalin?" This is a remake of a hit 1984 movie that originally starred Sharon Cuneta and Gabby Concepcion for which Sharon won the FAMAS best actress award. Playing the role of the older other woman who steals Aljur from Kris (originally played by Chanda Romero) is Ara Mina. This is Ara's second assignment with GMA-7 this year after she plays Robin Padilla's ill-fated wife, Elena, in "Totoy Bato".

Going back to Aljur and Kris, they were also paired last year in the Regal flick, "Loving You", but writers who interviewed them then felt that Aljur won't play along to push their love team. It's Kris who's more amenable to the idea of them being an item even off cam, but she said Aljur doesn't seem to be interested at all in courting her. This time, though, it's noticeable that they're much closer to one another.
"At least, hindi na niya ako basta dinededma ngayon," says Kris. "He's now more sweet and attentive to me."

Someone says it's because Aljur has broken up with Rich Asuncion, with whom he has a secret affair. But Rich has chosen to break off with him now that she has joined the Bb. Pilipinas pageant and she's more focused on it.

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PERLA BAUTISTA CELEBRATES HER BIRTHDAY

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By: Mario Baustista


PERLA BAUTISTA hosted lunch for intimate friends last Monday on the occasion of her birthday. "I have so many blessings from the Lord to be thankful for," she says. "Earlier, may lump ako in both breasts and I had them removed. Thank God they're not malignant at all. Tapos, heto, tuloy-tuloy ang projects ko. I play the role of Anne Curtis' yaya na may sariling love story in 'The Wedding'. Once a week, I go to the park to wait for my boyfriend who promised to meet me there. Anne promised that she won't get married hangga't hindi ako nakakasal. After 50 years, finally, bumalik yung boyfriend ko, si Lito Legaspi."

But she's more excited with the movie she just finished, "Hermana Fausta of Lucena". "First time kong makaganap sa title role and I want to thank Director Felino Tanada for getting me to play it. It's the true story of Hermana Fausta Labrador whose life story is in the book 'The Good Woman of Lucena' by Monina Allarey Mercado. She was born in 1858 and lived until 1942 during the Japanese Occupation. She was schooled in Manila then went home to Lucena to open the Sacred Heart College that she turned over to the Daughters of Charity and exists up to now. She ran it for 53 years. A woman of great compassion, she never married but has an outstanding devotion to the Holy Eucharist, the Mass and the Holy Rosary. Her portrait, painted by the late National Artist Fernando Amorsolo, is now still on exhibit in the college. Tommy Abuel plays Amorsolo in the movie that will be premiered at SM Lucena this Friday night."

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'WHEN I MET U' A BONAFIDE HIT

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By:Mario Bautista


NOW THAT 'WHEN I MET U' is a bonafide hit, will Richard Gutierrez and KC Concepcion still be sweet to each other even if they no longer have a movie to promote?

"Siempre naman," says Richard. "Hindi naman gawa-gawa lang ang pagiging sweet namin sa isa't isa just for the sake of the movie. I told KC nga na I'd really miss her, lalo ngayong magiging very busy na ako taping my new show, 'Zorro'. Sa bagay, siya rin naman, magiging busy na rin with her first soap."

KC will be taping in Paris some of the scenes of her Koreanovela adaptation with Piolo Pascual, "Lovers in Paris". "It's been a memorable and wonderful experience working with Chard in the two movies we did together," says KC. "And we're thankful na parehong kumita ang movies namin, lalo itong 'When I Met U'. But that doesn't mean we will end na our communication with each other. We promised to always keep in touch. Hindi na yun mawawala sa aming dalawa. Ayoko ring isipin na 'When I Met U' will be our last project together. Parang break lang muna kami while doing different projects. But we're both hoping magkasundo uli ang ABS and GMA to allow us to work together again later."

We heard that her mom, Sharon Cuneta, and Sen. Kiko Pangilinan are planning to have another child soon. Is this true? "Yes, gusto nila uli magka-baby and we are all praying that God will bless our family with a new member. Hopefully a boy, kasi tatlo na kaming daughters nila. They've long been talking about it and they've finally decided to give it a try so I'm praying na sana pagbigyan sila ni Lord."

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"WOW MALI" AGAIN

Posted by Shee

By:Mario Bautista


JOEY DE LEON's "Wow Mali" was the longest-running show on the old ABC-5. It ran from 1996 to 2006. Now, the new TV 5 is reviving it to be shown Sundays from 6 to 7 PM. Won't it be with conflict with his other Sunday show on GMA-7, "Mel & Joey".

"No, kasi 8 PM naman ang start ng 'Mel & Joey' kaya okay lang," he says. "I made sure hindi sila magkatapat."

Did he have to ask the permission of GMA-7 to allow him to 'Wow Mali' again on TV 5? "No more. Tapos na rin naman yung 'Nuts Entertainment' ko sa kanila. 'Wow Mali' is the first local show na inspired by 'Candid Camera'. Now, GMA has Bitoy's show na gaya nito."

So what's the difference of "Wow Mali" then and now? "Mas involved ako with the new show. 100 percent ang contribution ko rito, pati sa brainstorming kugn ano mga gagawin namin. Dati, host lang ako and I don't go out in the field. But this time, I reserved the whole morning of Sunday to tape for the show kasi, aside from the usual gags, I conduct parlor games sa mga beauty parlor. Dati, sa Manila lang kami. Now, we go to as far as Baguio, Ilocos, Bicol and even Davao at nagpapa-contest ako sa mga bading. May questions ako for them. Example, how will you translate 'Ang Babaeng Hinugot sa Aking Tadyang' into English. Iba-ibang sagot. Riot talaga. Doon sa tanong kung paano ita-translate ang 'Huwag akong kalabitin', nakakatawa rin ang mga sagot. May nagsabi, don't finger me. Meron din akong portion na 'Wow Mare, Wow Pare, Masarap Magdebate'. We give them a topic and they debate on it. Halimbawa, if you're going to change the name of The Philppines, what name will you give our country? O kaya, kung iibahin ang design ng flag natin, anong isa-suggest mo? Or, if you'd be reincarnated, kaninong katawan ng artista ang gusto mong pasukin? Siempre, we still pranks on unsuspecting victims. For the pilot episode this February 22, si Oyo Sotto ng 'Midnight DJ' ng TV ang pinaglaruan namin. Wala siyang kamalay-malay na na-good time namin siya."

Who decided to revive "Wow Mali"? "The current TV 5 management. Kasi, hanggang ngayon, ang lakas ng recall ng Wow Mali sa tao. They have a new show like it, 'Lokomoko', but after each prank, ang sasabihin pa rin daw ng tao, 'Wow Mali' yan, e. Kahit dun sa kabila, kapag may prank sila, 'Wow Mali' pa rin ang sinasabi ng tao. So heto, they bring it back offering funnier lough-out-loud entertainment."

Why is he still so driven to be a workaholic? He's in "Eat Bulaga" Monday to Saturday, in "Startalk" on Saturday afternoon and now, on Sunday, he's in two evening shows, "Wow Mali" and "Mel & Joey"? "May pinag-aaral pa ako,e. Yung bunso ko, si Gio. At least, yung panganay namin ni Eileen na si Jaco, tapos ng studies niya sa States and now works as a consultant in 'Eat Bulaga'. Yung girl naman, may show sa Q 11. At saka, I really want to keep myself busy habang kaya ko pa. Kaysa naman tumunganga lang ako sa bahay, di ba?"

"Wow Mali" replaces Gretchen Barretto's "You & Me Against the World" on TV starting this Sunday at 6 PM.

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ANG BABAENG HINUGOT SA AKING TADYANG

Posted by Shee

By:Mario Bautista


IS GMA-7 somehow disappointed that the third Dingdong Dantes-Marian Rivera series, "Ang Babaeng Hinugot sa Aking Tadyang" is not rating as high as their former shows, "Marimar" and "Dyesebel", that hit 40% plus then?

"Not exactly naman disappointed," says the show's production head Redgynn Alba. "Mataas din naman at 34% ang pilot telecast nito, but coming from the 40% of 'Marimar' and 'Dyesebel', siempre sasabihing mababa nga. But that's just to be expected kasi more mature ang material ng 'Babae', unlike before na kuha pati mga batang viewers. Isa pa, masyadong offbeat ang character dito ni Marian as Proserfina at hindi siya basta inaapi. May mystery talaga sa story not immediately evident in the first few episodes. We know it will be a slow burn but it will surely gain more viewers kapag ipinakita na ang flashbacks sa buhay ni Proserfina as the story gets more involving. May pinanggalingan kasi why she's behaving that way at papunta pa lang doon ang story."

So what's Proserfina's secret? "It will be revealed that she was once a member of a syndicate at ang dami niyang hirap na pinagdaanan doon so she's trying her best to escape kaya nga napadpad siya sa bahay ni Dingdong. Actually, very sympathetic ang character niya and the viewer will feel for her kapag na-explore na nila nang husto ang mundo ni Proserfina. Basta huwag silang bibitaw kasi paganda nang paganda ang story niya as the days pass by."

This week the show gets more intriguing when Dingdong Dantes as Homer takes Proserfina to a club and she sees Rado (Paolo Contis) there. Rado is the key to her dark and mysterious past. Helene (Angelu de Leon), Homer's two-timing girlfriend, also discovers who Proserfina really is.

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GOOD START FOR JC TIUSECO

Posted by Shee

By: Mario Bautista

JC TIUSECO says there's no rivalry between him and Chris Tiu even if people keep on comparing them with one another. "We're both basketball players, we're both Chinese Filipinos, and now we're both into hosting," he says. "The difference lang nga is sumali ako in a reality show kaya ako nakilala. Siya naman, kinuha agad ng GMA na host, but I don't compete with him or anyone. Isa pa, ako, I'm willing to try acting. Siya raw, hindi. Also, I'm willing to be photographed shirtless. Siya raw, ayaw."

JC was launched recently as the new celebrity endorser of Penshoppe, eclipsing Victor Basa and Akihiro Sato. "Wala rin kaming rivalry nina Victor kasi they model underwear, I don't," he adds.

He's now the image model of their new line of fragrances called Elements, available in two scents representing man and woman. Flame represents women who can be fiery and unpredictable. It's floral and fruity. Ice represents men who can be cool, calm and collected, laced with elegant notes of amber, musk, cedarwood and moss. Both are priced at only P369 per bottle. In the launch, JC did a sexy James Bond ballroom dance number with female model Solenn Heusaff. We didn't know he has lots of fans who kept on screaming each time he appears on stage at the Trinoma Garden.

JC says he has God to thank for all the blessings coming his way. "Susunod ang GMA-7 kasi utang ko sa 'Survivor' kaya nakilala ako agad ng tao. So many opportunities came after I won. Ang hinihintay ko na lang ngayon is my first acting assignment. I want to try action-drama kasi ang dami ko namang ginawang stunts sa 'Survivor' kaya I can feel na puede na kong sumubok ng action."

It's said that auditions for "Survivor 2" will soon be held. What advice can he give to those who want to join? "Just be yourself. Don't pretend to be anyone else kasi lalabas din sa interviews and psychiatric test kung sino ka talaga ka kaya magpakatotoo na lang from the start."

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NEW SHOW FOR RUFFA GUTIERREZ

Posted by Shee

By: Mario Bautista

RUFFA GUTIERREZ can't understand why some quarters keep on trying to make her and Kris Aquino fight. "Lagi nilang ini-insinuate na binabara ako ni Kris when we're together in 'The Buzz' when I don't feel it naman," she says. "In fairness to Kris, she's the one who recommended me sa new morning talk show na 'Ruffa and Ai'. So may utang na loob ako sa kanya kaya huwag na kaming pag-awayin, please."

We're sure her kind of hosting and that of Ai Ai de las Alas will be compared to that of Kris Aquino who used to occupy their time slot in "Boy & Kris". "Naku, please don't compare us na lang. Kris is already the queen of talk, hands down. Kami ni Ai Ai, we're not even princesses yet kasi ngayon pa lang namin susubukan to host a morning talk show, so bear with us. Basta we'll do our best para hindi kami mapahiya."

How is it being up against Janice and Gelli de Belen, and Carmina Villaroel who are hosting their rival show, "Sis"? "Well, I want to think that what we'll have is friendly competition. Si Carmina is my ka-batch as a Regal baby and sweet naman siya kasi she said good luck to me. But honestly, I don't know what we're up against ni Ai Ai kasi I've never watched their show. Sa'min naman ni Ai Ai, we're here as a pleasant alternative for the viewers. Kasi baka bored na sila sa kabila, so here we are and we're giving them a choice."

She says she'll be wearing simpler clothes in "Ruffa and Ai". "Sa 'The Buzz', okay lang to wear designer clothes. But here, I want to more accessible kaya simple but elegant ang outfits ko, even accessories."

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DIBA BONNEVIE, AGAW EKSENA

Posted by Shee

By: Mario Bautista

THE PEOPLE in Community Precinct 9 in Makati were surprised when Dina Bonnevie showed up to defend a Syrian guy named Hassan Sarmini, 39, who got arrested for biting a 24-year old GRO (guest relations officer) in Wowow Bar along P. Burgos St. on Thursday night. The guy is said to be Dina's business partner and the GRO is a filing a case of physical injuries against him. Dina berated the GRO for complaining. "Sinabihan niya yung GRO na tingnan muna kung ano ang klase ng trabaho niya bago mag-file ng kaso," says a cop handling the case. "Suki na yung si Sarmini doon kaya kilala na siya ng ibang GRO. Pero first time niyang naka-table yung GRO na pinagkakagat niya sa leeg at likod. Nakipag-ayos din naman ang Syrian dun sa GRO. Pero nagulat lang lahat ng tao dahil umentra pa si Dina Bonnevie at pinagtanggol yung dayuhan sa halip na unawain ang naging lagay ng kababayan niya."

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PADYAK

Posted by Shee

By: Mario Bautista

ALOY ADLAWAN is the scriptwriter of "When I Met U" and the TV remake of "Paano Ba ang Mangarap". At the latter's presscon, he asked our help to promote a new film he directed, "Padyak", for his Breaking the Box Productions. He has previously megged the acclaimed Cinemalaya entry, "Roomboy", that won the best actress award for Meryll Soriano.

"Padyak" is the story of Noel (Jay Aquitania), a young man who wants to go to college but is hard up so he ends up a pedicab driver. Everyday, he meets different sorts of people as his passengers. Three characters get entangled with him: a maid who has an affair with her boss' lover and gets caught, a child who wants to host a birthday party for his dad, and a law graduate who is tempted to do something bad. In his own life, Noel experiences tragedy when his best friend is killed, his mom goes into diabetic coma, and the woman he loves, Nadia, becomes a prostitute. It sets him to question if his life really matters.

The film is titled "Padyak" not only because Noel is a pedicab driver but because man is born kicking his way into this world. The pedicab is used as a visual symbol about the cycle of life and Aloy's fascination with existential exploration. It uses pure human energy to transport passengers: no gas, no pollution. The screenplay of "Padyak" got a grant of P500,000 from the National Commisson for Culture and Arts and also won 3rd place in the 2008 Palanca Awards. Also starring are Rita Avila, Baron Geisler, Irma Adlawan, Bodjie Pascua, Mcoy Fundales, Hazel Ann Mendoza, Katherine Luna, Mercedes Cabral, Angel Jacob, Arnold Reyes and Emilio Garcia. It will be shown at Robinson's Galleria Indiesine starting March 4.

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Feb 19, 2009

ROSANA ROCES, PASANG KRUS

Posted by Shee

ROSANNA ROCES has just finished three new indie films: the controversial "Aurora" that's been given an X-rating twice by the MTRCB, the remake of "Manila By Night", and "Karera" where she plays Laurice Guillen's daughter. Now, she's about to start shooting what she considers her most demanding role to date, that of a mother five grown up kids in "Pasang Krus", a Holy Week presentation to be shown in April written and directed by Buboy Tan of "Ataul for Rent" fame.

"Ayoko sanang gawin kasi manganganak ang anak kong si Grace with a baby girl soon," she says. "But after I read the script, page 36 pa lang, iyak na ko ng iyak. Pinabasa ko sa maids ko sa bahay and I told them that whoever won't cry while reading it, bibigyan ko ng P10,000. Hindi nila kinaya, iyakan din sila."

"Pasang Krus" was also the title of a movie made in the 50's by Sampaguita Pictures starring Rosa Mia, their resident mater dolorasa then. It's also about the travails of a martyr mom. In the new version, Osang plays Hermina, whose husband (Jordan Castillo) is killed because of a land dispute in Isabela. "Nabiyuda akong buntis pa lang sa fifth child namin and his enemies want to kill all of us kaya tumakas ako kasama mga anak ko. Sa pagtakbo namin, I lost the eldest boy and the only girl. They grow up to be Joross Gamboa and Empress Schuck. Naiwan sa'kin ang tatlong lalaki na due to poverty puro naligaw ng landas. Si Ketchup Eusebio becomes an alcoholic. Two newcomers are introduced here. Christian Burke, na kamukha ko talaga kasi German din ang tatay niya, got jailed for being a pickpocket. The youngest, BJ Morales, became a drug pusher. Sila ang three nails on my cross at para singilin sa Diyos ang mga kasalanan nila, ipapakita talagang magpapasan ako ng krus dito on Holy Week. Maganda ang character dahil sa kabila ng maraming dagok sa buhay niya, she never loses hope and her faith. In the end, she'll be reunited with all her children in this tearjerker. I've never been more serious as an actress at Lolita Rodriguez type of acting ang gagawin ko rito. Very restrained."

How will she describe her life now? "It's still a struggle. But just like my character in 'Pasang Krus', hindi rin ako bumibitaw kay Lord and continue to hope. Noong araw, maraming projects, pera, but I felt like a bottle na walang laman, basyo. Now, I have more time with my kids and apos and first time kong maranasan ito na maging really close to them. Hindi mababayaran ito ng salapi."

How come it was rumored that she was fired by ABS-CBN after she became a problem in "Maging Sino Ka Man 2"? "Sila ang tanungin nyo about that. You know, Armida Siguion Reyna ang training ko with the movies I did sa Reyna Films. You can ask the members of the cast of 'Maging Sino' kung naging problema ako roon. They know the truth. I arrive on the set nga na naka-make up na ko, ready for take. Naging sacrificial lamb lang ako roon. Akong nagulat na lahat ng staff and crew namin, bigla na lang nalipat sa ibang show. Pero happy na ko sa indie films dahil lahat, maibubuhos mo without any pressure mula sa producer."

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MARK HERRAS, FROM CHICKBOY TO SERIOUS MAN

Posted by Shee

By: Mario Bautista

MARK HERRAS says "Paano Ba ang Mangarap" is his most serious dramatic assignment to date. "Hindi na ito basta pa-cute na love story lang," he says. "Mas mature kaya mas seryoso din ang approach ko. Kung dati, makulit ako sa set, here, I'm always quiet in one corner studying the script to make sure Direk Joel Lamangan won't get mad at me."

Is it true he snubbed Rhian Ramos when they saw each other recently in a GMA gathering? "No, hindi naman inisnab," he says. "Nagkailangan lang kasi nga may issue, di ba? But I'm sure mawawala rin yun."

How come that just like Rhian, he was also denied by Marian Rivera and Ryza Cenon before? "Okay lang. Hayaan na lang natin ang mga nagde-deny. Basta as for me, I'm happy now even if I don't have any lovelife. Kaysa mag-aksaya ng oras sa chicks, I just go to the gym dahil serious akong mas mapaganda ang katawan ko."

If ever he'd have a girlfriend again, what qualities would he be looking for next time? "Siempre, una, yung hindi na ako ide-deny. Then I want someone who'd understand my kind of work at marunong makisama sa family ko, lalo na sa mommy ko."

Mark has been rumored before to be taking drugs while playing computer games on Morato Ave. To prove that he's clean, he's willing to submit himself to a drug test along with his manager, Manay Lolit Solis, and other GMA actors. "Laging natsitsismis ang mga artista na nakadroga so this is one way para linisin namin ang pangalan namin."

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ANOTHER SURVIVOR ON SHOWBIZ

Posted by Shee

By: Mario Bautista

AFTER JC TIUSECO, another "Survivor" recruit joins showbiz, the hunky John Lopez who stands 6 ft. tall and weighs 160 lbs. Born in Baao, Camarines Sur on April 5, 1981, he's the eldest of three kids. He was in grade one when their family moved to Pasay, where he grew up. He finished elementary and high school at San Isidro Catholic Church in Pasay and got a degree in computer science from AMA. He first worked as a cafe barista for Seattle's Best in Greenbelt 3 then as salesman for Bulgari Philippines. He also took up automotive technology at Don Bosco as he wants to put up a motor shop.

"People tell me to go into modeling because of my height but I was so underweight," he says. "I resigned from work and devoted four months to working out in the gym. Dun, may nag-alok na sa'kin ng modeling and they got me as Folded & Hung image model after Polo Ravales. I did other commercials after that then I was offered to join the audition at GMA-7 for 'Survivor' at sinuwerte namang makuha ko. I stayed in Ko Tarutao Island for 16 days, until I broke down due to lack of potassium. Kasi before I went in, hindi ako kumakain to make sure lean ang katawan ko. I thought they're going to feed us there, kahit sa gabi, but it turned out wala talagang pagkain so naubos lahat agad ng stored fats ko and I broke down. But because of that, I learned to value my life more."

He's now part of "Daisy Siete" and is sold as a sex object. Does he mind? "No. I'm flattered nga kasi it means may sex appeal ka, di ba? In 'Survivor', I'm always shirtless and in my shorts kaya napansin ang porma ng katawan ko. I became closest to Jace Flores sa 'Survivor' kasi pareho kaming mahilig sa gym."

He has had three girlfriend so far. "Longest yung high school, four years din kami. The last one, four months lang. We broke up kasi ayaw niya kong sumali."

Did he join "Survivor" to get into showbiz? "No. I just want to see what really happens in a reality show. At first, akala ko, scripted lang ang lahat. Hindi pala. Then when I was cast off, people told me dapat tuloy na ko sa showbiz and this offer to be Rochelle Pangilinan's leading man came so I accepted it."

Is he really now courting Rochelle? "No. But it's easy to fall for her kasi mabait siya. She knows I have no previous acting experience so she's very supportive. I really want to take acting workshops now to show I'm serious in wanting to hone my craft. I also want to try hosting."

Given the chance, will he join "Survivor" again? "Yes, but next time, I'll put on an additional 20 lbs. muna para hindi na uli ako mag-breakdown."

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ISABEL OLI, MOVING ON

Posted by Shee

By: Mario Bautista

IS ISABEL OLI bitter about how her nearly three-year relationship with Paolo Contis ended? "Hindi naman ako bitter," she says. "As of now, I was able to let go na. Kasi, kahit papaano, I learned something from the experience. I must admit I enjoyed it while it lasted. Hindi naman puro masakit ang nangyari sa'min ni Paolo as we also have good moments together. Maaring hindi naging maganda ang ending at walang formal closure, but one thing I got from it is that it definitely made me stronger."

So is she now ready to get into a new relationship? It's said she's about to play beautiful music with a cager. "No, the cager is just a friend. Honestly, I enjoy being unattached now at kung sakali ngang may bago na akong boyfriend, sasabihin ko naman. I'll be proud of him. E, kaso nga, wala naman talaga."

What can she say that Paolo's mom is very vocal in declaring she prefers her over Lian Paz, Paolo's current? "Siempre, nakakatuwa. We became close ng family niya so may communication pa rin kami ngayon, especially with his sister in law na nakaka-text ko hanggang ngayon. May usapang nga kaming manonood ng Tagalog movie, e. So we'll date this Valentine season. Baka manood kami ng 'When I Met U' kapag wala akong trabaho."

Has she seen Paolo again since their breakup? "Nakakatawa nga kasi we belong to the same network, pero hindi kami nagkikita. Pero wala namang kaso sa'kin yun. Siguro it's not just the right time yet. But if ever we'd bump into each other, I wouldn't hesitate to greet him and say hello. He's not naman a stranger."

What if Paolo is with Lian? "I'd probably say also hi to her, kahit hindi kami magkakilala. Hindi naman kasalanan kung na-in love si Paolo sa kanya. HIndi naman siya yung reason we broke up. Wala namang may kamalian sa nangyari. Nangyari lang siguro talaga na na-in love sila sa isa't isa and I guess that cannot be helped. We have all to move on kasi tapos na yung sa'min, at para wala naring masabi ang mga tao.

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BERTING LABRA FINALLY BIDS FAREWELL

Posted by Shee

By: Mario Bautista

OUR CONDOLENCES to the family of actor Berting Labra who's long been afflicted with emphysema. He passed away at the age of 76 in the home of his family in Pateros on Tuesday, February 10. He started with Sampaguita Pictures as a child actor after the war but it was at Premiere Productions that he got good breaks as a member of the late Fernando Poe, Jr. and Zaldy Zshornack's Lo' Waist Gang series of movies in the mid-50s. He was given a starring role opposite Lani Oteyza in the film version of the popular komiks character, "Tipin". In 1969, he went to prison due to murder charges with the late Eddie Fernandez. He says that it was there that he found God.

While he was in prison, we remember his wife, Placida, fondly called Aling Cida, selling snacks like turon, butchi, and balut at El Oro, the office of Manay Ethel Ramos at Escolta that was a fave hangout of writers in the 70s and 80s. Emma Guevarra, Manay Ethel's secretary, and yours truly would order merienda from Aling Cida every time she showed up at the office.

When Berting was paroled in the early 80s, he returned to acting and played sidekick to FPJ in several action films. We remember FPJ telling us that he believed in Berting's talent as he's a very good actor. Let's all pray for the repose of his soul. We're sure he's now reunited with good friend FPJ.

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JENNYLYN MERCADO's VALENTINE DATE

Posted by Shee

By: Mario Bautista

DOES VALENTINE still mean anything for Jennylyn Mercado? "It'll be just an ordinary day for me kasi wala naman akong date
Publish Post
," she laughs. "My valentine is my son, Alex Jazz, at tama na yun kasi iba na ang priorities ko ngayon. It's not that I don't want to date anymore. It just so happens that there are more important things that need my attention. Aside from my son, busy pa ako dahil nagka-comeback ako with my new afternoon soap, 'Paano Ba ang Mangarap'. So I really lack time for going out on dates."

Is it her first time to be loveless on Valentine's Day. "Come to think of it, yes," she laughs. "Ngayon lang nga pala ako nabakante. In short, walang lalaki sa buhay ko ngayon at mas mabuti na yun. Kung dati, Valentine Day for me is with your sweetheart. Ngayon, ang ibig sabihin na nun sa akin is that it's Family Day."

What if Mark Herras, her ex-BF with whom she's paired anew in "Paano Ba ang Mangarap" and who's also loveless these days, ask her to go out on a date on Valentine's Day? "I don't think he'd do that. Ninong siya ng baby ko, so he's just my Kumpare. Pangit tingnan kung ide-date niya akong Kumare niya. And I don't believe that he's dateless on Valentine's Day. Si Mark pa! Tiyak, meron yan. Ayaw lang i-reveal kung sino."

She seems to know him that well. "Siempre, matagal din kami, di ba? But in fairness to him, hindi na siya ngayon nagde-date ng sabay-sabay sa mga chicks niya. Paisa-isa na lang. Ibuking daw ba," and she laughs heartily.

What about the wish of their fans for them to get back into each other's arms again? "Well, nakakatuwa naman dahil they haven't lost hope about us. But realistically speaking, mahirap nang mangyari yun. Magkaiba na ang buhay namin. Ang hindi nagbabago is the fact na may chemistry pa rin ang loveteam and we want to thank our fans for continuing to support us. Sana, panoorin nila ang 'Paano Ba ang Mangarap' para mag-rate agad kami ng mataas when we start airing this Monday, February 16."

How does she feel remaking a role originally played by Vilma Santos? "Definitely, it's an honor. Pero sana, huwag na lang kaming pagkumparahin ng fans niya kasi icon na siya bilang aktres, di ba? Ako naman, I just did my best, with the help of our director, Joel Lamangan. Hindi naman siguro ko mapapahiya rito."

Jen plays Nissa, a poor girl who falls in love with the rich Benny (Hero Angeles), whose mom is the haughty Donya Francia (Bing Loyzaga). Benny is his mom's favorite son because his younger brother, Eric (Mark Herras), is an irresponsible happy go lucky young man. But Eric will die in an accident and leaves Nissa on the hands of Eric, much to the chagrin of their mom who maltreats Nissa.

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"WHEN I MET YOU" BETTER THAN "FOR THE FIRST TIME"

Posted by Shee

By: Mario Bautista

RICHARD GUTIERREZ and KC Concepcion finally got the romantic flick they deserve in "When I Met U". It's definitely way much better than their debut movie, "For the First Time", thanks mainly to the well written script of Aloy Adlawan and the fine direction of Joel Lamangan. It's not going to win awards but it will definitely win a lot of hearts this Valentine season as the movie shows the triumph of true love.

Richard as Benjie and KC as Jenny are both already into a relationship when they meet each other by chance on the way to the wedding of a friend (Bubble Paraiso) in Club Paradise, Palawan. Their respective sweethearts are already there waiting for them, Albert (Alfred Vargas) for KC and Tracy (Iya Villania) for Richard. Both of them are beholden to their much richer steadies who help their families. The relationships of both parties are well defined so it's easy to sympathize with their situations.

Benjie is a pilot and Jenny hitches a ride on his plane on the way to Palawan. As fate would have it, the plane has engine trouble and they spend a night together marooned in an island where a magical kiss happens between them. The kiss changes everything in their lives and the viewers will no doubt be able to identify with the twists and turns in their respective and mutual stories. There are many scenes where you can't help but feel for them, like the supermarket scene where Tracy suddenly shows up and the rainy night where Benjie visits Jenny in her room and her blind father knocks on the door.

Richard has done many Valentine movies and this is certainly one of the best. It's as entertaining as his Valentine flick with Marian Rivera last year, only more "nakakakilig" as the chemistry between him and KC is far more electric. They both give winning performances and the final scene showing KC in the middle of the airport hangar in her wedding dress with her long veil waving in the wind while she's crying for Benjie is just memorable. Alfred as the controlling boyfriend and Iya as the manipulative girlfriend give superlative support, along with Cherry Pie Picache and Tirso Cruz III as KC's parents, Chariz Solomon as her wacky best friend, Bearwin Meily as Richard's sidekick, and Richard's real life brod, Tonton Gutierrez, as his gambler dad. No doubt, "When I Met U" is the ideal date movie this Valentine season.

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PLDT & SMART SUPPORTS "BAHAY PAG-ASA"

Posted by Shee

By: Mario Bautista

WE WATCHED the first episode of ANC's "Storyline" for its third season and we were moved by the touching true story of Mario Aligayda in Bacolod. A product of a broken home, he was only 9 when he started working as a lookout for a robbery gang. They were all caught and he was imprisoned inside a cell in Handumanan jail with 21 other adult criminals. He would have been damaged for life with his life there but a social worker took pity on him and took him to Bahay Pag-asa, the PLDT-sponsored juvenile center founded by Bro. Gus Boquer, president of La Salle Dasmarinas.

Unschooled, Mario is no read-no write when he joined Bahay Pag-asa. There, he was given proper education with spiritual guidance and now, at 15, Mario has been cleared of the robbery charges against him. He has chosen to stay in Bahay Pag-asa to teach other young wards there.

"Bahay Pag-asa is a house of hope for boys who have committed crimes and for whom there seem to be no more hope," says Bro. Gus. "If we won't help them, they become hardened criminals with no future. It's in Bahay Pag-asa that they discover their potential, like Mario Aligayda who turned out to be a gifted mathematician and also plays the piano. We also help them to think positive and become more prayerful. We're thankful that PLDT Smart is now supporting our project."

"Our chairman, Manny Pangilinan, wants to put up a Bahay Pag-asa in all the country's various regions," says PLDT representative Butch Jimenez who has previously produced a film about kids in jail, "Deathrow", that won the Urian best actor award for Eddie Garcia. "It's estimated that there are now 50,000 children in prisons and we have to help them hope for a better tomorrow through Bahay Pag-asa. We now want to foster awareness that there's hope if we in society will help rehabilitate these kids for better opportunities. PLDT Smart will soon start a text campaign for the public to help Bahay Pag-asa raise funds."

You can watch the story of Mario and Bahay Pag-asa in ANC's "Storyline" this Friday at 6 and 11 PM, with replay on SUnday at 3 PM. Produced and written by public speaking champ Patricia Evangelista and directed by Paolo Villaluna ("Ilusyon", "Walang Hanggang Paalam"), "Storyline" shows stories of hope and courage of the human spirit without any permanent host.

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LOVE ME AGAIN - PIOLO & ANGEL

Posted by Shee

By: Mario Bautista

SOME READERS emailed us asking why we didn't write even a short review of "Love Me Again". Actually, we wrote a full review of it in another outlet. We said we're not surprised that it didn't hit it big as expected as the romance movies of Star Cinema have become so predictable as they follow a now familiar cookie cutter mold and formula. The plot of "Love Me Again" is not so different from their other films made abroad, notably "Sana Maulit Muli" where Lea Salonga leaves for the U.S., then Aga Muhlach follows her, they have a rift, but eventually, they return home for the usual reunion and happy ending.

That's exactly what happens to Piolo Pascual and Angel Locsin in "Love Me Again", which also has elements of "Dubai" and "Milan". The difference is only in the setting and the stars. Which is a pity since Bukidnon, featured in the film's first half, really offers beautiful locations with its awesome hills and pastoral scenery. In contrast, the Australian outback looks so bleak and dry, prompting some viewers to comment why the movie still has to go to a foreign land just to show those shots of desolation. Other than some shots of kangaroos and koala bears, you won't really feel that they shot it Down Under. Maybe the characters should have been shown taking a side trip to Darwin to show the beautiful sights there to local viewers who look for such travelogue footage.

Another drawback is the fact that there's not much electric chemistry between Piolo and Angel. Even their acting leaves a lot to be desired, just like their much ballyhooed love scene that their director, Rory Quintos, quite tactlessly declared during the presscon to be have been ordered cut and shortened by their own creative committee, thereby dampening the interest of viewers who are looking forward to it in the film.

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Feb 18, 2009

PAOLO PARAISO WORKING WITH TOP ACTORS

Posted by Shee

By: Mario Bautista

PAOLO PARAISO is glad to be in the movie "When I Met U" where he plays Richard Gutierrez' best friend and also in the new series, "Ang Babaeng Hinugot sa Aking Tadyang" where he plays Dingdong Dantes' best friend. How is it working with the top actors of GMA?

"They're both really good friends of mine," he says. "Kasundo ko sila pareho at pareho rin silang mabait. Before 'Babaeng Hinugot', I was also with Richard in 'Asero'. Between the two of them, wala namang rivalry or animosity at all. Mga fans lang nila ang nag-aaway."

He's about to be a father again as Mylene Dizon is giving birth to their second child in a few months' time. "Excited na nga kami," he says. "Our eldest, si Tomas, is now three years old at madaldal na."

He says they have a special relationship and both will strive to be good parents to their kids, but they haven't talked at all about marriage. "If it would come, let it come naturally. As of now, malabo yon."

Mylene gave birth to Tomas in the U.S. How about this time? "She's leaving next month to be with her family in Chicago para doon din i-deliver ang second child namin na hindi pa namin alam ang gender kasi ayaw niyang magpa-ultrasound. Para ma-surprise daw kami. Siempre, U.S. born citizen si Tomas, kaya dapat lang na ganundin ang magiging kapatid niya."

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RJ CALIPUS, A SAD PERSONALITY

Posted by Shee

By: Mario Bautista

WE WERE ABLE to talk at length with RJ Calipus, the participant who's a favorite of a lot of viewers because of his sad personal story. RJ has a Pinay mom and a French dad. As a baby, he was adopted by a couple in Tondo. His mom went abroad and eventually married someone in England with whom she now has three kids. He grew up in poverty and looked for love early, getting a common law wife at 17 and now, at 21, he's the father of two girls.

"It's for them that I want to earn more," he says. "We live in a squatters area and I work only as a cargador for container vans that transport goods to the provinces. Ako nagbubuhat ng mga paninda weighing 25 to 60 kgs. When I left for Argentina, P3,000 lang ang naiwan kong pera sa wife ko at may sakit pa ang bunso ko. So habang nandun kami, sila lagi ang naiisip ko. Kung paano mapagkakasya ng wife ko ang perang naiwan ko sa kanya."

Has he met his biological parents? "Ang mom ko, nakuha ko ang address sa lolo ko. I wrote her at noong December, pinapunta niya ko sa kanila sa England at na-meet ko ang stepfather ko at mga anak nila. My dad is named Michel Red. I haven't seen him at hindi ko alam kung nasaan siya. My mom says my real name is Jethro Red. I don't know how to look for him."

He's under contract with ABS for one year and he's now taking acting workshops with them to see if he could go into acting. "Sana, may magbukas na pinto alang-alang sa mga anak ko," he prays.

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PRINCE STEFAN SNATCHING LOVI POE's HEART

Posted by Shee

By: Mario Bautista

PRINCE STEFAN laughs of the rumor that he's trying to snatch Lovi Poe away from Jolo Revilla now that they're paired anew in "Babaeng Hinugot sa Aking Tadyang" while Jolo is cast away from Lovi in "Totoy Bato". "Trabaho lang ito and Jolo knows that," he says. "Alam naman niyang I respect ang relationship nila ni Lovi. Nag-uusap kami ni Jolo and he knows wala siyang dapat ipagselos. Hindi ko ugaling dumiskarte pa sa isang babaeng karelasyon na ng iba. I admit na nanligaw ako noon kay Lovi, pero hindi ako ang pinili niya kundi si Jolo."

In "Babaeng Hinugot", Prince plays Aristotle, the younger brother of Homer (Dingdong Dantes) who is forced by their controlling mom, Hera (Carmi Martin), to enter the seminary. While he's there, he meets a beautiful choir girl, Athena (Lovi), and falls in love with her but he finds a tough rival in Jason (Kevin Santos). Meantime, Hera continues to force Homer to fall in love with Helene (Angelu de Leon) who's very rich. She doesn't want Homer to end up like his sister Cassandra (Jackie Rice), who married a poor guy. Proserfina (Marian Rivera) competes with Helene in a swimming pool scene where they both don skimpy bikinis.

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