If there are prevailing lessons that Concert Queen Pops Fernandez learned from her mom, Dulce Lucban, it’s being self-confident and strong. Despite having more of her father, Eddie Fernandez’s features, Pops was raised by her actress mom to be secure of her looks. “I think everybody is beautiful in their own little ways. Ever since bata ako, alam ko na iba ang beauty ko, (mas) kamukha ko si Papa,” she revealed. Dulce has always instilled in her that beauty takes on different forms and she never felt an ounce of insecurity.

While growing up, Pops also admitted that her parents were strict but she didn’t take it against them. “We (referring to her siblings Joey, Edwin and Jocelyn) were so overprotected. I have to constantly understand where they’re coming from,” she said. However, Pops chose to raise her children, Ram and Robin, in almost the same way. “There is still that discipline tapos yung medyo pagka-strict but I try not to make them sakal. They have to grow up on their own,” she said.

Pops, on the other hand, has had her share of trials and intrigues, very different from her mother. The most notable of these is probably her separation from ex-husband Martin Nievera. The break-up prompted Pops to raise her kids all by herself while taking care of a demanding singing career. She revealed that this is probably the reason why she felt a little jealous when she found out that her eldest son Ram already has a girlfriend. “Nung una medyo may selos factor kasi I’m not the only girl in his life,” the singer confessed. But it did not take Pops long to rationalize this situation. “Ang mga anak ko parati nila akong naiintindihan, (kaya) kailangan maintindihan ko rin ang sitwasyon nila.“

 Korean makers of ‘My Girl’ excited about Pinoy version

South Korean TV and radio network SBS (Seoul Broadcasting System) is very excited about the preparations being done for a Philippine version of its hit TV series “My Girl”.

Instead of the strawberry fields in the original South Korean series, viewers are now wondering what plantation will be used as the setting for the Pinoy “My Girl”. Will it be an elegant vineyard or a corn plantation?
 
Pinoy “My Girl” also stars Gerald Anderson, Enchong Dee, Alex Gonzaga, David Chua, Regine Angeles and Nina Jose.

 PBB Teen Edition Plus House Player SHY and Ex-PBB Teen Housemate GERALD ANDERSON Steamy Past

PBB Teen Edition Plus house player Shy (Farina Runkle in real life) seems to be the biggest kontrabida this time of the year, especially to the Kimerald love tandem.

Shy was one of the the Top 20 in GMA-7’s StarStruck 4th Season. Gerald Anderson has been interviewed in the past about this issue but he answered that there we’re no relationship at all, they’re just MU. Huh? Really?

Read below’s PEP interview with Gerald on December 2006:

Ang kontrobersiyal na pictures nila ng sinasabing ex-girlfriend niya na si Farina Runkle ang unang tinanong ng PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) kay Gerald Anderson kaninang tanghali, December 20, sa pocket press con ng teleseryeng Sana Maulit Muli sa 9501 resto sa ABS-CBN.

Si Farina ang girl na katabi, kayakap, at kahalikan ni Gerald sa mga larawan na kumalat sa Internet last week. Ang sabi-sabi ay naging girlfriend ni Gerald si Farina, na kasama sa mga nag-audition sa StarStruck The Next Level ng GMA-7. Napili si Farina sa Top 20 girls, pero hindi na pumasok sa Final 10 girls.

“Naging close lang po kami nu’ng nagkasama kami sa auditions ng PBB [Pinoy Big Brother] Teen Edition, nu’ng bago ako pumasok sa ‘bahay ni Kuya,’” simulang pahayag ni Gerald.

“Parang papunta pa lang po kami roon [sa boyfriend-girlfriend relationship], pero hindi po naging kami. Siguro, parang MU [mutual understanding] lang… Tapos po, parang medyo nag-iba po siya nu’ng napili ako at siya hindi. Ewan ko po sa kanya kung bakit,” bulalas ni Gerald in his signature Tagalog, na may pinaghalong English-Visayan accent.

Kung hindi sila naging magsyota e bakit ganu’n ka-sweet ang pictures nila? Magkaibigan lang ba yung nagli-lips-to-lips?

“Ay hindi po, hindi po talaga!” mariin niyang tanggi. “Kung naging girlfriend ko po siya, aaminin ko po. Nagulat nga po ako paglabas ko ng bahay ni kuya na may mga pictures na gano’n.”

Sabi pa ng PBB Teen Edition 2nd runner-up na inila-loveteam ngayon sa grand winner na si Kim Chiu, “Pero okey lang po sa akin. Alam ko naman po ang totoo e.”

Ang dating ng isyung ‘yon sa marami ay ginagamit lang siya ni Farina para pag-usapan ito at mapansin. Anong comment niya rito?

“Gawin niya kung anong gusto niyang gawin, okey lang sa akin. Basta alam ko naman ang totoo e. Alam ko naman na hindi talaga naging kami,” bulalas niya.

Sa paglabas ni Farina ng mga pictures, sinabi ng 17-year-old Fil-Am bagest, “Parang mali po ‘yon, pero anong magagawa ko e lumabas na, ‘di ba? Pero kahit may pictures po na gano’n, hindi po talaga naging kami. Kung naging ex ko po siya, aaminin ko naman.”

Ayon kay Gerald ay mga one-and-a-half months silang nagkakilala ni Farina at mga three weeks din silang naging close. Hindi raw siya sanay sa pangalan na Farina dahil ‘Sharleen’ daw ang tawag niya rito noon. (Sharleen Farina Runkle ang complete name ni Farina.)

Agree ba siya na ginagamit lang siya ni Farina para mapag-usapan ito?

“Hindi naman po. Ayoko naman pong sabihin ‘yon. Ewan ko kung anong gusto niyang gawin,” sabi ni Gerald.

Aniya pa, may nakapagsabi sa kanya na nu’ng nasa loob siya ng PBB house ay doon inilagay ni Farina ang controversial pictures nila sa Friendster account nito.

Mula nang pumasok siya hanggang sa makalabas ng bahay ni kuya ay hindi na raw niya nakausap si Farina. At kahit ngayon na may kumalat na ganitong isyu ay wala pa rin daw siyang balak hanapin at kausapin si Farina.

“Hindi na po. Kasi ayoko na po e. At saka yun nga po, nag-iba na siya. So bakit ko siya kakausapin kung ayaw niya, ‘di ba?” sagot niya.

“Okey na po ‘yon sa akin. Matagal na po ‘yon e. Nu’ng nasa bahay ni kuya pa ako, pinasok pa ‘yon [pictures] sa loob at ipinakita sa amin, so okey lang,” dagdag pa ng binata.

Kita sa nasabing larawan na mariin ang pagkakahalik niya sa labi ni Farina at tipong feel na feel niya ang ginagawa nila. At hindi pala siya wholesome, ha?

“Hindi po, hindi po ganu’n!” tawa niya, na tipong nagba-blush at nahihiya sa pang-iintriga namin sa kanya.

“Ako po kasi, ayokong mambastos ng babae. May gusto siya sa akin. Ako rin, gusto ko rin siya noon. Hindi naman ako makikipag-kiss sa girl kung wala akong gusto sa kanya, ‘di ba?” hirit niya.

So, hanggang kiss lang ba sila?

“Opo!” sagot niya, na-shy effect pa rin at payuko-yuko at pailing-iling.

Natuwa ba siya na hindi nakapasok sa Final 10 female survivors ng StarStruck The Next Level si Farina?

“Hindi naman po. Happy ako sa kanya na nakasali siya roon. Pero hindi naman po ako natutuwa na na-eliminate siya. Okey lang po sa akin. Siguro may dahilan kung bakit siya natanggal or something,” sabi ni Gerald.

Nang biruin namin ang young actor na baka ngayon ay may bago na naman siyang girlfriend na any moment ay puwedeng maglabas ng intimate pictures nila, mabilis na “Ay, wala po!” ang naging tugon niya.

“Wala akong girlfriend now. 100% sure po ako! Kung may pictures po ako ulit na lalabas, siguro kahit na anong gusto n’yong gawin sa akin, gawin n’yo na! Pero 100% sure po ako na wala,” tila naghahamong sambit pa ni Gerald.

This old photos and video of Gerald Anderson and Shy have been brought up again, for what reason?. Seems like Kuya is really getting out of control…wake up Kimerald fans out there. (In your…) Dream, Believe (it!, or not!), Survive (at least even the on-screen romance of Kim Chiu and Gerald).

Goodluck, My Girl!

 Heart Evangelista reveals there is a third party in her breakup with Jericho Rosales

Young actor Jericho Rosales said that he was shocked by Heart Evangelista’s revelation about their breakup. In an interview upon his arrival from Malaysia last May 8, Jericho said, “I myself, I’m confused, e. I heard nakipag-break siya sa akin on TV, e, so… On text, it wasn’t clear, e.”

Yesterday, May 11, The Buzz aired their separate taped interview with Jericho where the young actor poured out his feelings about his breakup with Heart. The young actor said that he is hurting and miserable. He also denied rumors linking him to Hollywood actress Briana Evigan and Malaysian actress Carmen Soo that were said to be the reason why Heart broke up with him.

To get Heart’s reaction to this statement, Showbiz Central’s Raymond Gutierrez had a phone-patch interview with the young actress yesterday, May 11. She is currently in Dubai for the taping of her first project with GMA-7 titled Codename: Asero.

Before she made any statement, Heart first clarified, “Before anything else, wala talaga, wala akong plano na magsalita ng ganito. Ayoko, parang sobrang feeling ko kasi napahiya ako.

“Hindi ko alam kung ano talaga ang nararamdaman ko—kung naiiyak ako, naiinis ako o kung anuman. Pero bakit hindi siya [Jericho] consistent sa sagot niya, di ba? Alam mo yun? Yun yun, e.”

Then, she insisted to Raymond that Jericho knew about the breakup.

“Matagal na niyang alam na break na kami,” Heart said. “Nakipag-break ako sa kanya sa telepono dahil sobrang sakit ng ginawa niya sa akin. Kaya para sa akin, hindi ko na kayang… Ayoko na siyang iharap, ayoko na siyang harapin, ayoko na siyang kausapin, kaya nakipag-break ako sa kanya sa phone.

“Hindi ko lang maintindihan kung bakit nagsinungaling siya, na pinalabas niyang nagsisinungaling ako, parang ganun.”

THIRD PARTY. During the interview, Raymond reminded Heart about his previous interview with her. Raymond said to Heart, “Last week, I asked you kung may third party ba, you said, ‘No comment,’ and smiled. Tanong ko ulit, Heart, mayroon bang third party?”

Heart answered right away, “Yes, there was someone, there were two girls… In fact, I didn’t wanna say it kasi alam mo yun, parang hindi kasi ako ganun, e. But, oo, nagsimula ‘yan noong nagsisimula siya ng movie niya with the girl from Step Up 2 [Briana Evigan].”

Jericho did an international movie with Briana titled I Luv U Virus

The 23-year-old actress said that she noticed some changes about Jericho after this. Heart narrated, “Ang laki ng ipinagbago niya, ibang-iba na siya. Biglang… Basta, kilala ko siya for three years at sobrang laki ng ipinagbago niya. Tapos isang beses kasi, nakita ko silang [Jericho and Briana] nag-hug sila sa isang party. And then, hindi ako nagsalita, nagulat ako kasi parang, alam mo yun, iba.

“Alam mo yun, girlfriend ako, kilala ko siya. Nakita ko na may something doon. Tapos nang tinanong ko sa kanya [Jericho] kung bakit sila nag-hug, dinenay niya, tapos after a day, in-admit niya, tapos biglang idinenay na naman niya. E, nakita din ng driver ko… So, alam mo yun, nung naglabasan yung mga taong nagsasalita sa akin na may nangyayari na nga at first…”

While explaining, Heart recalled how she gave up her career and even her family for Echo. “Alam mo kasi, mahal ko siya. Minahal ko talaga siya. Ginive-up ko lahat para sa kanya, para sa kanya lahat-lahat—pamilya, career…lahat. Lahat, everything, ibinigay ko kanya kaya naging bulag ako sa mga sinasabi ng mga tao sa akin.”

She also dismissed rumors saying that she was influenced by her parents and talent manager Annabelle Rama. “Hindi si Tita Annabelle [Rama], hindi magulang ko, wala silang nagawa. Matigas ang ulo ko, ipinaglaban ko si Echo.”

As she continued, Heart began crying. “Pero ngayon, below the belt na, sobra na talaga. Yung parang pakiramdam ko, ako na nga yung niloko, tapos ako pa yung parang masama. Hindi ko maintindihan kung bakit pinapalabas nila na siya [Jericho] yung miserable. Alam mo yun, hindi ko maintindihan yun.

“Nandito ako sa Dubai, gusto kong magtrabaho. Nagtitiis ako dahil sobrang sakit ng nangyari, ng ginawa niya sa akin. Hindi ko maintindihan kung bakit ganun, parang siya yung kawawa,” Heart said sobbing.

CONFUSED JERICHO. Aside from being clueless about the breakup, Jericho also said that he is confused about what happened. However, Heart doesn’t know any reason for Jericho to feel this way.

She said, “Hindi ko alam kung bakit siya na-confused. Malinaw na malinaw sa kanya, I said, ‘I’d like to move on.’ I said, ‘I deserve something naman.’

“Siguro naman sa ibinigay ko sa kanya, lahat-lahat ng ginawa ko, siguro naman kailangan kong makahanap ng taong talagang mamahalin ako ng… Alam mo yun, hindi yung parang may itinatago, you know, sino ka ba talaga? Yung totoo sa sarili, maginoo, lahat-lahat.”

SO MUCH LOVE FOR ECHO. Despite what happened, Heart couldn’t deny how much she loved Jericho during their three-year relationship.

“Minahal ko talaga siya,” said Heart. “Alam n’yo kung gaano ko kamahal yung career ko, yung magulang ko… Pero tinalikuran ko yun, tatlong taon.

“Hindi ko rin maintindihan kung bakit sinasabi niya na mahirap lang siya. Sabi nga, ‘Wala naman yun sa hirap, e, o mayaman, e. Hindi naman importante ang pera, e.’ Kaya ko nga siya ipinaglaban dahil akala ko worth it, akala ko na okay siya na ipaglaban, kasi ito na yun.”

However, after knowing the alleged reason of their breakup, Heart said that she realized that her family was right about Jericho.

“Kaya ako umiiyak kasi napapahiya ako dahil nahihiya ako sa mga nagawa ko, pati sa family ko. They were right in the beginning. Alam nila na posibleng mangyari ‘to. Sobrang napapahiya ako na umiiyak ako sa TV, na ganyan. Then, sobrang ang hirap ng situwasyon, hindi ko alam kung, alam mo yun… I don’t know what to say.”

NOT YET READY TO FACE ECHO. Again, last week, Heart told Raymond that she’s not yet ready to talk with him. So Raymond asked Heart, “Kailan ka magiging ready?”

“You know, I don’t think I’ll ever want to talk to him at this point, ha? All I know is, gusto ko talaga siyang makausap, kung sino talaga siya, hindi siya nagkukunwaring ibang tao.

“Gusto ko na talagang, alam mo yun, magsabi siya ng totoo, huwag siyang, di ba, parang huwag siyang pinapaikot kaming lahat. Alam mo yun, bakit ganun? Kaya hindi ko alam kung bakit hindi ko siya makausap, kasi parang hindi ko pala siya kilala. Akala ko lang kilala ko siya, pero hindi.”

“TAPOS NA TALAGA.” At the end of the interview, Heart has this message to Jericho:

“I don’t know, siguro alam mo naman talaga kung ano ang nangyari at alam mo ang mga ipinaglaban ko lahat para sa ‘yo. Kaya sana maintindihan mo naman na mali naman din yung ginawa mo.

“Alam mo yun, gawin mo na ang lahat sa akin—kahit sigawan pa niya ako, lahatn—basta huwag lang ibang babae. Pero ngayon, I think it’s time na talagang… Siguro ngayon, malinaw na talagang tapos na, tapos na talaga at ayaw ko nang pag-usapan pa. Gusto ko nang mag-move on, gusto ko na ng new chapter sa buhay ko, alam mo yun.

“Ngayon, okay na kami ng parents ko. So, I hope you don’t do this to anybody else. I hope na, you know, you learned your lesson from this whether he admit it or not.”

LEA SALONGA in a 2-Night Musical Concert Celebrating Her 30-year Showbiz Career

Lea Salonga will regale audiences with her timeless songs and lilting voice as looks back on her 30-year career during her upcoming two-night concert. In a presscon held at the Crowne Plaza yesterday, May 7, Lea sang the songs “Tomorrow” and “Journey,” allowing her to showcase her vocal prowess.

Produced by Ambient Events, the musical is a collaborative effort between Lea, her brother Gerard who is the musical director of the show, the FILharmoniKa orchestra, and long-time mentor and two-time awardee for Best Stage Director, Mr. Freddie Santos.

Executed in the style of a true stage musical, it will delve into the different chapters of Lea’s life with images straight from her past to supplement a magnificent live performance accompanied by a full orchestra featuring songs from her various stage performances and records. It’s a celebration of her past, present, and the future of her ever-flourishing career.

When asked about the ellipsis found in the title of the concert, Lea explained, “As you can see, it’s ‘My Life’ dot, dot, dot ‘On Stage.’ It’s not ‘My Life On Stage.’ The three dots mean my life put on stage. We’re just a little analytic when it comes to that thing.”

During her very fruitful career, Lea has been featured in numerous plays which include The King and I, Into the Woods, My Fair Lady, The Goodbye Girl, They’re Playing our Song, Grease, The Fantastics, Paper Moon, The Bad Seed, The Sound of Music, Annie, Flower Drum Song, and of course, Miss Saigon.

Her portrayal of the lead role as Kim in the 1991 production won her a Tony Award for “Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Musical” as well as an Outer Critics Circle Award, a Drama Desk Award, and the Laurence Olivier Award.

Her most recent projects include her run as Fantine in the Broadway adaptation of Les Miserables staged in New York in March 2007. She is also slated to portray the title role in the Asian tour of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella.

When asked what’s one of the secrets to her longevity in the Philippine showbiz industry, Lea answered, “You have to have a deep and sincere love for this business with all the things that come with it. There has to really be a love, a love that’s so great that you will never say at any point, ‘I hate this! I want to quit! It’s too much for me! I can’t take this anymore!’ Those words are never coming out of my mouth.”

For more information about Lea’s 30th anniversary concert, log on to www.mylifeonstage.com or text LEA and send to 7878. To purchase tickets, call TicketWorld at 891-9999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.

As a special treat for those who will purchase VIP tickets, they will have the privilege to meet and greet Lea after the show at the PICC Forum 1 for cocktails. They will also be given a giveaway bag containing an autographed concert poster, a limited edition DVD of the making of LEA, My Life…On Stage, the May issue of People Asia magazine, as well as gift cheques and other surprise gifts from Enfakid.

 Kim Chiu & Gerald Anderson MY GIRL Teaser Trailer

My Girl is an upcoming drama produced by ABS-CBN 2. The series is a remake from SBS Korean drama entitled ‘My Girl’. The series will premiere on May 26, 2008 replacing Claudine Barretto’s Maligno.

PLOT
Jasmine is an imposter, proficient in Cebuano, Chinese, and Tagalog, while Julian is the second generation heir of a big corporation. Because of his grandfather’s illness, he is forced to ask Jasmine to act as his long-lost cousin so that his grandfather’s last wish can be fulfilled. Therefore, they are both bound in a lie so that no-one in the family knows the truth.

Julian’s intelligent ex-girlfriend, Anika who grew up in a rich family dreaming to become a world-famous beauty queen, returns to Philippines after winning a title and works hard at getting back with Julian, thus causing both she and Jasmine to have cutthroat competitions for Julian’s affection.

CAST
Gerald Anderson as Julian
Kim Chiu as Jasmine
Enchong Dee as Nico
Nina Jose as Anika
Ron Morales
Regine Angeles
Cathy Gonzaga
Marvin Raymundo
Bing Loyzaga
Candy Pangilinan
David Chua
Janelle Quintana
Yayo Aguila
Paw Diaz
K Brosas
Mat Ranillo III

Toni Gonzaga as The Ultimate Multimedia Star

Toni Gonzaga is now being billed as The Ultimate Multimedia Star after her 2 concerts, Catch Me… and Catch Me… The Repeat. Although from what i gathered her latest concert Catch Me… The Repeat was only a mild hit thanks to an affair infront of Aliw Theater and no thanks to ASAP Live producing and promoting the Richard Poon concert on the same date. But Toni Gonzaga is gracious. She declined the title The Ultimate Multimedia Star saying, ” Title kaagad! Teka lang, dadalawang concerts lang nagawa ko, may title na agad. Saka na yang title, punuin muna natin yung mga susunod na venue.”

When mentioned that she could be the next Pops Fernandez as the Concert Queen, “Ganoon? Hindi ko alam. Ay sobra! Maraming puwedeng sumunod sa yapak niya, siguro bago ako, marami pa. Hayaan na natin yung iba pa. Marami pa akong kakaining bigas. Every day, kailangan kong mag-aral. Marami pa
akong dapat aralin,” Toni said.

Toni Gonzaga, as the multimedia star, aside from concerts will be hosting Pinoy Dream Academy Season 2 and a movie with Vhong Navarro entitled Amnesia Girl. She is also slated to do a US Concert Tour.

In the love department, her relationship with Director Paul Soriano, or should i say the cutest director ever! Paul Soriano,(lucky Toni!) is still going strong, but they have no plans to settle down anytime soon. Who says successful career and a happy lovelife do not blend well in showbiz, not in Toni Gonzaga’s case.

Photos by: Paul Soriano

 Arlene Muhlach shares joy of being a mother

Actress Arlene Muhlach said she is happiest when spending time with her two kids. During a pictorial for ABS-CBN’s upcoming television series “Wildflower,” wherein Muhlach is one of the cast, abs-cbnNEWS.com got the chance to hear some of Muhlach’s stories about being a hands-on mom.

She’s also the big sister of actor and sought-after leading man Aga Muhlach.

 Heart Evangelista: ‘Jericho Cheated on Me’

Right after the interview of Jericho Rosales on the Buzz in which the young actor said he was confused because Heart broke up with him, Showbiz Central asked Heart Evangelista’s side regarding the “hiwalayan” issue.

Heart, via a phone patch interview with Raymond Gutierrez, revealed that the reason she broke-up with Jericho is because she caught him having an affair with Hollywood actress Briana Evigan (Step Up 2). Jericho and Briana worked together in the Hollywood film “I Luv U Virus”.

 Ara Mina admits new rift with sister Cristine Reyes

Aminado ang sexy actress na si Ara Mina na may gap na naman sila ng nakababatang kapatid na si Cristine Reyes, bagama’t ayaw nitong i-reveal kung paano nag-ugat ang bago nilang alitan.

“Hindi na kami masyadong nagkakausap lately,” sabi ni Ara nang makausap siya ng PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) last Friday, May 9, sa photo shoot ng soon-to-be-launched afternoon soap ng ABS-CBN na Cattleya.

Pero bukod sa tampuhan blues ay pareho na rin kasing busy ang magkapatid. Kaliwa’t kanan ang shows ni Ara sa abroad at magsisimula na rin ang taping ng Cattleya. Si Cristine naman ay busy sa pagte-taping para sa kanyang first soap sa Kapamilya network, ang Eva Fonda, 16.

Hindi naman daw issue kay Ara kung si Cristine ay mapunta sa primetime at siya ay sa hapon lamang.

“It’s okay,” mabilis na sagot ni Ara. “Ang importante may trabaho ka at nagagampanan mo ng mabuti ‘yong trabaho and maganda ‘yong resulta at tinatangkilik ng mga tao.”

THE GOOD IN PLAYING EVIL. Villain role ulit ang papel ni Ara sa Cattleya. Kung dati nga raw ay si Kristine Hermosa ang pinapahirapan niya sa Prinsesa ng Banyera, ngayon ay si Roxanne Guinoo naman.

“Siguro lang kasi naging sobrang effective lang ako, daw, sa pagiging evil na pa-sweet,” nangingiting paliwanag ni Ara nang tanungin kung bakit siya nalilinya lately sa mga contravida roles.

Agree si Ara sa perception na kung minsan ay mas challenging talaga ang kontrabida roles. Malaking tulong din daw ang pagsubok ng iba’t ibang roles para lalong mahasa ang isang artista.

“Kasi ‘pag artista ka, siguro wala ka dapat pinipiling character. Kailangan lahat alam mong gawin, kaya mong gawin. And siguro suwerte ako sa pagiging, hindi naman kontrabida, sabihin nating medyo black sheep o parang ganun na mga role. Kasi I remember sa Mano Po, salbahe din ako dun pero dun ako unang nanalo ng award. So parang siguro napapakita ko ‘yong galing ko, siguro kung medyo hindi sweet-sweet ‘yong role,” paliwanag ng dalaga.

A NEW FRIEND IN KRISTINE. Bagama’t bitter rivals sa Prinsesa ng Banyera ay very opposite naman daw in real life ang relationship ni Ara at ng co-star nito na si Kristine Hermosa. Mami-miss nga raw niya si Kristine dahil magwawakas na ang soap na pinagbibidahan nito.

“Kami ni Kristine, on and off cam, okay kami,” sabi ni Ara. “Lately, siya ‘yong nakakasama ko so nakaka-miss din.”

Regarding naman sa kumalat na alitan daw ni Kristine at ng Prinsesa ng Banyera director na si Andoy Ranay, naging maingat si Ara sa pagsagot.

“Ayokong makialam kasi wala rin naman akong problema kay Direk Andoy. Wala din naman akong problema kay Kristine. Hindi ko talaga alam yung whole story,” pag-iwas ni Ara.

Hindi naman daw kasi niya tinatanong ang kaibigan tungkol dito at hindi rin naman daw nagkukuwento si Kristine. Dagdag pa ni Ara, “Hindi ko lang alam kung ano’ng pinagmulan o ano’ng pinagtapos.”

MEAN TO JEAN? May mga kumalat din na tsismis na tinawag daw diumano ni Ara ang aktres na si Jean Garcia ng “matanda na.” Si Jean ay close friend ngayon ng ex-boyfriend ni Ara na si Polo Ravales.

Todo tanggi si Ara na nagbitaw siya ng masakit na salita laban kay Jean. Katuwiran nito, bihira na nga raw siyang magpa-interview lately at wala rin daw siyang karapatan awayin o makialam sa personal na buhay nina Jean at Polo.

“Wala akong sinasabi against Jean and Polo and kung sila man o hindi basta happy ako for them,” defends Ara.

Dagdag pa ng sexy actress, “In the first place, hindi rin naman siya ang cause ng breakup namin. Hindi ko sinabi ‘yon. Kung meron may mga nagsasabi man ng ganoon, baka hindi ako ‘yon. Pero sa hitsura niya [Jean], hindi siya mukhang matanda.

“Wala sa age ‘yon, e. Age doesn’t matter. Kung titingnan mo ang hitsura niya [Jean], talagang parang ‘yong dati pa rin. Maganda ang mukha ni Jean. No, wala akong sinabing matanda siya.”

SINGLE AND STILL LOOKING. After Polo ay hindi na nga muling nabalita na nagka-boyfriend si Ara. Zero pa rin daw ang kanyang love life at still praying pa rin siya na sana ay dumating na ang right guy for her.

May mga nanliligaw naman daw sa kanya, mostly ay non-showbiz, problema lang ay “mga bagets,” natatawang sabi ni Ara.

Hindi rin daw niya ugali ang magpa-asa. Kung hindi niya type ang isang suitor ay tinatapat na niya agad ito.

“Hindi naman sa manhater ako,” paglilinaw ni Ara. “May mga nanliligaw naman, nagpaparamdam, pero ‘pag nakikita ko, feeling ko hindi magwu-work o parang walang potential, kinakaibigan ko na lang sila. Hindi ko masyadong ini-entertain ‘yong thought na, ‘O sige, manligaw ka lang baka sagutin kita.’”

Muli ring nilinaw ni Ara na hindi siya exclusive talent ng ABS-CBN. Marami kasi ang nagulat nang mapanood ang sexy actress sa ilang program ng Kapamilya network samantalang very identified ito before sa GMA-7.

“Kasi sa ‘kin naman, sabi ko freelance ako kung sino ang may offer. Kung sino’ng unang makapag-offer sa ‘kin ng trabaho, siyempre doon ako,” paliwanag ng sexy actress.

Maayos naman daw ang pag-uusap nila ng GMA-7 nang magdesisyon siyang maging freelancer na lang kesa magpatali sa iisang network.

BIRTHDAY WISH. At dahil kaka-birthday pa lang niya noong May 9 ay hindi maiiwasang tanungin kung ano ang kanyang birthday wish.

“Alam naman ni Lord kung ano ‘yong hinihintay ko. Pero soon, darating ‘yon, which is love life. Pero ang birthday wish ko lang para sa mga kaibigan ko, like si Daboy [Rudy Fernandez], na sana patuloy ‘yong paggaling niya,” sinserong pahayag ni Ara.

Cristine Reyes is Eva Fonda

Kapuso-turned-kapamilya talent Cristine Reyes will star in the upcoming ABS-CBN soap opera, Eva Fonda, a remake of the 1976 hit movie Mrs. Eva Fonda, 16 starring Alma Moreno.

The series will be directed by Jon Reid and Frasco Mortiz. The cast will include Jason Abalos, Joross Gamboa, Princess Ryan, Jean Saburit, Janna Garcia, and Baron Geisler. Eva Fonda, which starts airing on May 19, is Cristine’s first major project under the kapamilya network since her released by GMA-7 as their talent last month.

Eva Fonda is adapted from th 1976 blockbuster film written by Pablo S. Gomez and directed by Emmanuel Borlaza. It is said to be the movie that launched the then little known Alma Moreno.

 Smokey dreams to be a chef, wants old-fashioned wedding

Actor Smokey Manaloto dreams of becoming a chef and was already planning on studying a course in culinary arts when ABS-CBN offered him to do “Wildflower” a television series with actress Roxanne Guinoo in the lead.

His last TV series with ABS-CBN was in “Maging Sino Ka Man: Ang Pagbabalik” where he starred with John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo.

 Regalo ni Gerald kay Kim, kotse!

Naaliw kami nang sabihin sa latest TV interview na hindi niya alam kung nanliligaw sa kanya si Gerald.

Binigyan na nga siya’t lahat ng kotse, hindi pa niya masabi kung nanliligaw ang kapareha?

May pagka-manhid kaya ang young actress o nagpapatay-malisya lang? Para bigyan siya ng kotse ng isang guy, hindi pa ba malinaw sa kanya na nanliligaw na nga sa kanya si Gerald?

Actually, bihira sa isang nanliligaw lang ang nagreregalo ng kotse, kaya masasabing isang kadakilaan ang ginawa ni Gerald considering na hindi pa naman kalakihan ang kinikita niya.

Ka-touch nga ’yung statement niya na pinag-ipunan niya ang pambili ng car para iregalo sa 18th birthday ni Kim.

Kaya para sabihin ni Kim na hindi niya alam na nanliligaw sa kanya si Gerald, parang hindi naman yata kapani-paniwala.

Anyway, matapos ang bigayan ng kotse, fans are expecting na ang susunod na balita kina Kim at Gerald ay sila na dahil lalabas namang kawawa ang young actor kapag binasted niya matapos tanggapin ang car.

 Echo weeps, says ‘lies’ came between him and Heart

Life, and love, can be cruel even to movie stars.

An obviously hurting and devastated Jericho “Echo” Rosales gave an interview over The Buzz on Sunday that was simply painful to watch. He was in such inner turmoil, his answers to Boy Abunda revealed the kind of emotional roller-coaster he is going through.

At one point, Abunda asked Echo if he’s angy. Echo replied that he’s not, then immediately said that yes, he could be. Then said he’s “cool.” He admitted that he’s still in denial over Heart breaking up with him.

Related Video

• Echo breaks down, cries on The Buzz

Abunda asked Echo about his rumored affairs with co-stars in two projects. Talk has it that American actress Brianna Evigan, whom Echo worked with in “I Luv U Virus,” a Holywood flick, and Malaysian actress Carmen Soo, a co-star in a Malaysian soap opera, were the reasons Heart broke up with him.

Echo flatly denied the rumors and said Heart was influenced by false accusations made by some people he did not identify.

” I know where all this is coming from. It’s all because of the things being told to her, the lies,” the actor explained.

Echo told Abunda that for the interview, he wore clothes and accessories that were all gifts to him from Heart. He showed Abunda two necklaces, a ring that “are not expensive but very valuable” because they came from Heart. Even the shirt he was wearing was from Heart.

“I’m full of Heart right now. Heart is written all over my whole personality and character,” Echo said.

Echo also denied that their break-up had something to do with Heart’s decision to move from ABS-CBN to rival network GMA-7. He said that he does not want to discuss rumors that Heart’s parents are involved in the break-up.

Throughout their three-year relationship, it was common knowledge that Heart’s parents, who are restaurant chain magnates, objected to the match.

“I know how parents are, and I’m touched how much Heart’s parents love her. They have wonderful dreams for Heart and I’m sorry that our relationship got in the way of their dreams for her,” Jericho said, already in tears.

Echo also said that he’s fine with some showbiz pundits’ analysis that his relationship with Heart was bad for both their careers, since the public never accepted their tandem, either onscreen or off.

Throughout the interview Echo appeared torn between giving up and letting Heart go completely, and trying to fight for her. In the end, he said that the lesson he learned was about his own capacity to love and how much he could love another person.

 Yayo Aguila may mga pasasabuging lihim ni Baron!

Nalaman namin na masamang-masama ang loob ngayon ni Yayo Aguila kay Baron Geisler. Nung malaman ng aktres ang ginawa ng aktor sa kanyang anak ay halos magwala na si Yayo, hindi bale na raw sana kung siya na lang ang hindi nito iginalang, pero huwag naman sanang pati ang mahal niyang anak.

Kapag nagsalita na si Yayo tungkol sa pangyayari ay may mga lalantad na lihim. Kung matatandaan ay matagal na nagkasama sa Bahay ni Kuya ang dalawa, minsan na ring kinapos ng pagrespeto sa kanya si Baron, pero hindi lang yun ipinagsabi ni Yayo.

Pero hinihingi na ng pagkakataon ang pagsasalita ng aktres, anak na niya ang sangkot sa usapin, kailangang paghandaan ni Baron ang mga rebelasyong nakatakdang sabihin ni Yayo laban sa kanya.

Si Baron daw ang humingi nito, kaya pagbibigyan ito ni Yayo Aguila. Abangan!

 Lolit Solis and Joey de Leon react to Piolo and Sam’s televised visit to the DOJ office

Piolo Pascual and Sam Milby’s courtesy call to Justice Secretary Raul Gonzales of the Department Of Justice last week was meant to remind the justice office not to forget their libel case against Lolit Solis and retired editor Veronica Samio.

The two Kapamilya stars, together with their lawyer Atty. Joji Alonso, expressed their wish for a fair and just trial because they were troubled by hearsay-according to their sources-about Lolit’s alleged claim that she was influential in the DOJ and that she can easily dismiss the case.

Despite having proper evidence, the case has not yet reached court because of Lolit’s Petition for Review passed to the DOJ.

A concerned-looking Lolit Solis aired her reaction in Startalk yesterday regarding Piolo and Sam’s move, including the rumor that she has connections inside the DOJ. But before she could say anything, Joey de Leon, who probably can’t hold his feelings any longer after viewing the initial report during the introductory segment, said, “Ako, nagulat doon sa napanood ko, ha.

“Ako, hindi nakikialam masyado sa issue na ito at nagbibiruan tayo pero parang mali naman yata ‘yan. Yung mga umaangal sa takbo ng batas sa Pilipinas, e, yan, e, dinadaan sa rally. Hindi yung pumapasok sa opisina ng may opisina. Hindi ko maintindihan yun.”

And Lolit, reacting to the rumor about her having connections inside the DOJ, exclaimed, “At Joey, ni hindi ko alam kung saan yung office ng DOJ.”

“Yun nga, e,” agreed Joey. “Ang papel ko dito, e, i-interview ka, pero yun ay personal kong ano na, parang…parang kung sino lang, e, puwede na pumasok sa opisina ng pinakamataas na department ng batas. Yung kababayan nating maliit na nahihirapan, e, nagra-rally lang dahil hindi nga sila makapasok para ihain mga hinaing nila. Pero bakit ganyan, parang pinasok ng showbiz. Hiwalay dapat yun. Sa akin yun [opinion], ha.

“Pero ikaw Lolit, ano naging reaksyon mo nung nalaman mo yung ginawang ‘pamamasyal’ at pagpasok sa opisina ng DOJ ng dalawang kaaway mo.”

“Emotionally, naapektuhan ako,” Lolit said. “Parang, na-depress nga ako nung napanood ko sa news. Kasi parang ano, ‘to? Alam mong kasinungaling pero nagreresulta na sa ganung laban.”

“Yung iba naman dun, yung tingin, e, parang nang-iintriga,” Joey shared. “Nag-iintriga na… Pinagkakalat mo ba talaga na malakas ka?”

“Naku, hindi ko nga alam kung saan ‘yang building ng DOJ, noh!” Lolit exclaimed.

“Ganoon naman pala, e,” Joey replied. “Ano’ng ginawa mong preparasyon o ano ang ginagawa mong preparasyon sa unang paghaharap n’yo dahil kailan pa mangyayari [court case] ito?”

“Meron na kaming arraignment ni Veronica Samio sa May 15, sa Huwebes na darating na lingo,” Lolit explained. “Kaya nga ang alam ko, sa ano na ‘yon, nandoon na sa, sabihin na nating justice, dapat hintayin na lang kung ano ang mangyayari. Nandoon na sa husgado, e. Kaya yun na lang ang hinihintay ko kaya nagtaka ‘ko nung nagkaroon ng mga ganyan dahil parang… ‘Ano ‘to?’”

Joey followed, “Pero hindi mo talaga sinabi na, ‘Malakas ako,’ ganoon?”

“Kung malakas ako, e, di sana hindi sumampa yung kaso,” Lolit bluntly replied.

Joey then joked, “Oo. ‘Tsaka tayo, lahat tayo may kakilala, natural. Lahat tayo kilala natin yung presidente, kilala natin yung bise-presidente.” He then seriously added, “Nagulat lang ako na umabot na sa ganyan.”

“Kaya nga,” Lolit said. “Kaya nga na-depress ako dahil sabi ko parang iba na ‘tong labanan na ito!”

As his final question, Joey asked what Lolit’s message was, first to the DOJ.

Lolit began, “Ako, iginagalang ko talaga si Justice Gonzales. Alam kong gagawin nila kung ano’ng nararapat.”

And what is her message to Sam and Piolo?

“Baka naman gusto lang nilang…one afternoon magkasama sila together kaya pumunta sila doon. Baka ‘yan ang balak nilang gawin, ‘Sana magkasama tayo bukas, mamasyal na lang tayo sa DOJ.’ Parang ganoon.”

Joey de Leon has his own parting message.

“Kasi ang tanong ko lang kasi, ‘eto sa akin lang, ha, medyo napikon ako, e. Ibig sabihin yung mga maliliit na tao, e, ang tingin nila, madedehado sila sa labanan, e, puwede na lang pumasok sa opisina ng DOJ? Parang mali yata po yun. Tayo naman, maglalaban. Hindi dahil kaibigan ko ‘to [Lolit], pero parang mali yun. Ba’t hindi na lang sabihin sa press o sa TV na, ‘O, Boss Raul, huwag ninyo kalimutan na ano.’

“Ako, bihira ako mapikon nang ganito, e. Pero nilalabas ko ‘pag ganito. Huwag yung ganun, na may media coverage pa.”

Lolit speculated, “Hindi kaya nainggit sila kay Gabby Concepcion dahil araw-araw nasa diyaryo, maraming kaso?”

“Umaangal yung maliliit nating kababayan, ngayon kayo mag-ano, na kayo rally nang rally at nagpapakahirap sa init ng araw, e, hindi kayo makapasok sa aircon ng DOJ. Yan ang iangal nyo.

“Parang mali, ha, porke’t artista ka, e, makakapasok ka nang ganoon. Baka nag-picture-taking pa yun, pirmahan.”

“Thank you, Joey, ha,” Lolit sincerely said. With that, the Startalk crew asked Joey to seal his renewed support to Lolit by kissing her. He obliged.

Nineteen year old Maja Salvador couldn’t hide her excitement when we asked how she felt when she first found out about her latest shampoo endorsement. “Masaya, grabe ang laking trust nung binigay sa akin ng Sunsilk para mag-endorse ng brand nila. Di ba ang dami daming artista tapos ako pa yung nakuha. Wala akong masabi!” she humbly admits. The talented young actress, who can be seen regularly on Kapitan Boom every Saturday is all about work these days, despite being linked to a string of equally handsome young guys like John Prats, Jason Abalos, and Carlo Aquino. Maja admits that it was that kind of hardworking dedication that probably sealed the deal for her getting her newest endorsement. “Siguro nakita nila sa akin na sobra akong matrabaho, kasi lahat ng best ko binibigay ko sa trabaho,” she shares.

 Blind Item: Young actress na feeling big star

Hindi natutuwa ang mga empleyado at security guards ng isang bangko sa Quezon City tuwing pumupunta sa opisina nila ang young actress na nagkaroon ng showbiz career nang sumali sa talent search show ng giant TV network.

Feeling big star ang young actress na umaastang hinahabol siya ng fans.

Halos madapa na raw ang young actress sa paglalakad.

Bukod sa nakayuko, pilit niyang itinatago ang mukha sa sumbrero na suot para hindi siya mamukhaan ng mga tao.

Tuwing matatapos ang mga transaction niya sa bangko, nagmamadali as in literal na tumatakbo ang young actress na para bang susundan ito ng mga tagahanga na magpapa-autograph o magpapalitrato na kasama siya.

Kinabubuwisitan siya ng mga empleyado ng bangko dahil sa kanyang kakaibang drama.

Pinagtatawa­nan ang young actress ng mga security guard ng bangko na hindi matandaan ang kanyang pangalan at nagsalita na hindi siya sikat kaya wala siyang karapatan na umarte ng wala sa lugar.

Letter R ang umpisa ng pangalan ng feeling famous na young actress.

Ang Tanging Ina is back to make us roll in laughter this 2008. Five years after it was shown on the big screen, the powerhouse cast of the highest grossing locally made film in the country—until Sukob took the crown in 2006—reunited for a story conference last May 9 at the ABS-CBN compound. The cast and crew’s excitement was unmistakable as they listened to Direk Wenn Deramas’s initial rundown of the script for Ang Tanging Ina Ninyong Lahat. Set to return in the sequel are “siblings” Marvin Agustin, Carlo Aquino, Alwyn Uytingco, Marc Acueza, Shaina Magdayao, Serena Dalrymple, Jiro Manio, and Yuki Kadooka. Ai Ai de las Alas returns as the head of the comical family.

Fresh from reuniting with her co-stars, Ai Ai shared her elation with ABS-CBN.com, “Sobrang saya ko and hindi ko ma-explain yung nararamdaman ko. Sa totoong buhay, nung nakita ko yung mga anak ko, sina Carlo at sina Yuki, iba yung pakiramdam ko. Wow! Nandito nanaman sila.” This time, her character in the movie, Ina, will not only make ends meet for her brood but for the Philippines at large. “Dito sa Tanging Ina Ninyong Lahat, napakaraming (dapat abangan). Kasi para ako maging presidente, tapos yung mga anak ko may kanya-kanyang buhay nila. Napaka-exciting.”

 Katrina, binuweltahan ang GMA Artist Center!

Ipinagdiinan ni Katrina Halili na mas nauna siyang tumanggi na pumirma ng kontrata sa GMA Artist Center. Hindi raw totoo na naimpluwensiyahan lang siya ni Cristine, na lumipat na ngayon sa ABS-CBN.

“Hindi naman totoo na naimpluwensyahan ako ni Cristine kaya hindi na ako pumirma ng panibagong kontrata sa Artist Center. Mas nauna talaga ako sa kanya, kasi two years ago pa, ayaw ko na talagang pumirma.

“Actually, kahit kay Angel Locsin, mas nauna ako na umayaw sa pagpirma sa Artista Center. Noon pa, gusto ko na talagang umalis.

“Ayoko po kasi nung minamanduhan at sinasabihan ako ng kung anu-ano. At saka, binu-book nila ako kahit ayaw ko naman, na parang hindi ka puwedeng tumanggi, na parang wala kang pahinga.

“May mga ibinigay sila sa akin na ayaw ko talaga. Like ‘yung isang movie na pinag-go see nila ako. Hindi ko talaga ginalingan ang acting ko para hindi ako makuha. Kasi nga ayoko nung project na `yon.

“May mga nagsasabi na maarte raw ako o mapili ako sa trabaho. Hindi ko sinasabing ang Artist Center ang nagpapalabas ng kuwento na `yon. Pero, masakit kasi `yon sa akin.

“Kaya para wala na talagang problema, umalis na ako sa kanila.

“Ang hirap kasi ng sitwasyon ko noon. Na kapag may pinapupuntahan sila sa akin, na hindi ako makahindi, tapos hindi mo alam kung ano ang gagawin mo. Nakakapagod na rin pong mag-explain palagi.

“Kaya nga nung wala akong show noon, nagpahinga talaga ako. Hindi ako tumanggap ng booking. In-enjoy ko talaga ang bakasyon ko.

“Pero in fairness naman with them, hindi naman nila ako pinabayaan, marami akong booking noon. Napagod lang talaga ako.

“Pero kahit wala naman po ako sa kanila, puwede pa rin nila akong i-booking or bigyan ng project,” sabi ni Katrina.

Si Rommel Gacho ang bagong manager ni Katrina ngayon, at kuntento siya sa pag-aalaga nito sa kanya.

“At least ngayon, kaming dalawa lang ni Iwa (Moto) ang hina-handle ni Tatay Rommel.

“Atsaka, kahit naman noong nasa Artist Center pa lang ako, si Tatay Rommel na ang hinihingian ko ng payo. Kumbaga, maganda ang samahan namin.

“Kay Tatay Rommel, kapag may project na ini-offer sa akin, tinatanong muna niya ako kung gusto ko. Ini-explain niyang mabuti kung ano `yon.

“So, mas maganda `yon, dahil alam ko kung ano ang gagawin ko…” pahayag ni Katrina.

Alam ni Katrina na posibleng mag-react o magalit ang Artist Center sa mga sinabi niya ngayon. Kaya nilinaw agad ni Katrina na wala siyang intensyong siraan o saktan sila.

Sabi nga ni Katrina, malaki ang utang na loob niya sa Artist Center.

 Teasing song and dance number heat up “Coverboys Uncovered” concert

Past 8 pm na nang mag-start ang first night concert ng grupong Coverboys kagabi, May 9, sa Music Museum, San Juan, Manila. Sa labas pa lamang ay marami na ang mga taong nag-aabang or nakikiusyoso.

Nang magsimula ang show, halos hindi pa puno ang buong Music Museum, pero nang lumitaw na nga sa stage ang Coverboys na kinabibilangan nina Jake Cuenca, Rafael Rosell, Zanjoe Marudo, Victor Basa, Jon Avila, Will Devaughn, Be Bench Models Jon James Uy and Ron Morales, and Star Magic Talent Marvin Raymundo, nagpasukan na nga ang lahat at halos napuno na rin ang venue.

First night pa lang ay maituturing na ngang isang success ang Coverboys Uncovered na prinodyus ng ASAP Live at MJM Productions.

TEASING SONG AND DANCE NUMBERS. Sa opening number ng grupo kunsaan, si Victor ang unang lumabas sa stage at pinakahuli si Jake, ang mga kantang “Sexy Back,” “Hot In Herre,” at “Lick It” ang unang kinanta at sinayaw ng all-male sexy group na ito ng Kapamilya network. May shower scene pa sila sa umpisa pa lang ng show.

Although baguhan sa grupo, isa sa umani ng pinakamalakas na palakpakan at tilian sa audience si Jon. Pero ang sinasabing pinaka-star ng grupo na si Jake ang nagma-may-ari pa rin ng pinakamalakas na tilian at palakpakan.

In fairness, hindi rin naman pahuhuli ang iba pang Coverboys na tulad nina Rafael, Victor, at Zanjoe, na may kanya-kanya na talagang followings at pagdating sa paseksihan ng katawan ay matituturing na ilan sa mga seksing-seksi talaga.

Sa kanilang lahat, ang lumalabas na pinaka-leader of the group daw na si Rafael ang kauna-unahang nagpamalas ng kanyang solo production number sa pamamagitan ng kantang “The Thing Called Love” at “Smack That.”

Kapansin-pansin na sa audience, hindi lang gays ang mga nanonood, kundi karamihan ng mga grupo na nandoon sa venue ay mga teenage girls. In fact, isa sa babae sa audience na iniakyat ni Rafael sa stage ay nagsabing 17 years old pa lamang at sa harap niya’y naghubad ng pang-itaas ang Maligno star.

Sumunod kay Rafael na nag-solo prod ay si Victor with the song “Shawty Get Loose,” pero sa lahat, mukhang pinaka-totoy pa si Victor dahil sa aming palagay, siya ang hindi pa masyadong teaser sa grupo nila.

Followed by two PBB housemates na sina Will Devaughn at Jon Avila na pumili rin ng dalawang girls sa audience at habang kumakanta ay pinahawakan ang kanilang katawan sa dalawang girls na ito.

ENTER VICE GANDA. Malaking factor sa concert ng Coverboys ang presence ni Vice Ganda bilang isa sa mga special guest nila sa unang gabi. Balita kasi naming sa last night ng concert, si John “Sweet” Lapus naman ang special guest.

Talagang nabuhay nang husto ang audience sa mga spiels ni Vice Ganda na tila teacher na pinangaralan ang anim na member ng Coverboys na sina Jake, Rafael, Jon, Will, Victor, at Zanjoe na mga guwapo raw sana pero matitigas naman ang mga katawan. So, he dared each of them sa sayaw na ostrich dance at isa-isa niyang pinasayaw.

Para lang nasa comedy bar si Vice Ganda na naglilitanya sa stage ng Music Museum at ang napag-tripan nga at inokray-okray ay ang maraming bilang ng mga babae sa audience. Daig pa raw ng mga girls ang mga gays na dapat, siyang mas majority ang bilang sa mga nanood. Pero isa ang gap na ito na maituturing na funniest sa lahat at talaga namang buhay na buhay.

Sa production number naman ni Jon, isang 17-year-old girl from the audience ang nagprisintang siyang makikipag-mouth-to-mouth resuscitation kay Jon, pero mukhang nahiya rin bandang huli at nagsabing 17 pa lang daw kasi siya. Tuloy, bigla naming naalala ang recent Bb. Pilipinas Ms. World na si Janina San Miguel sa kanyang question and answer portion.

SPECIAL GUESTS. Among the group, bukod-tanging si Will ang may special guest sa audience dahil nasa harapan at nanood ang nali-link sa kanyang si Riza Santos kasama ang ilan sa mga kaibigan nito.

Special guest din si Nikki Gil na masasabing isang revelation sa kanyang “Gimme More” number kunsaan, pinalibutan siya ng mga Coverboys. May pagka-conservative ang dating ng image ni Nikki, pero last night, halos nakikipagsabayan din si Nikki sa pangti-tease sa pamamagitan ng kanyang pagkanta at pagsayaw.

Si Zanjoe naman ang second to the last na nagpamalas ng kanyang production number sa pamamagitan ng isang disco beat song na “Sumayaw, Sumunod.” Aniya, pinaghirapan daw niya nang husto ang production number niya.

Sina Marvin, Ron, at John ay sama-sama naman sa kanilang performance. Tulad ng anim na Coverboys, may VTR din na ipinapakita ang bawat isa kunsaan, sinasabi at nire-reenact nila ang kanilang mga sexual fantasy.

Finale pa rin sa solo number si Jake na mala-character niya sa Palos ang dating dahil may pagka-action ang kanyang production number. Kay Jake din ang isa sa pinaka-bongga dahil naka-harness pa siya sa pag-entrance.

Maituturing na isa sa pinaka-teaser and daring din sa grupo si Jake na madalas bumababa sa audience at pinagbibigyan ang mga fans na gustong makahalik at magpa-picture sa kanya. He even dared girls na pagkatapos maglagay ng lipstick ay bigyan siya ng kissmark sa anumang part ng kanyang katawan.

UNPREPARED ETHEL. Pansin lang namin, medyo lumaylay nang konti ang energy ng audience nang si Ethel Booba na ang pumasok. Tila hindi ito masyadong prepared for the first night concert. Nakabawi naman ito nang magkunwaring nagseselos kay Riza na nasa audience that night dahil kay Will.

Si Ethel na rin ang nag-introduce sa final walk ng Coverboys na through the song “Sunglasses at Night” with matching nine benches at pawang mga naka-bathrobe lahat. Puwedeng sabihin na ang finale nila ang pinaka-highlight ng show dahil sa kalagitnaan ng kanilang production number ay hinubad ng mga ito ang kanilang bathrobe at pawang mga naka-trunks na lang.

Hindi malaswa, hindi bastos, at in good taste ang first night ng Coverboys Uncovered na isang tagumpay na matatawag based on the turn-out pa lang mga manoood at sa performance na ipinakita ng grupo.

Judy Ann Santos and Ryan Agoncillo are often asked by the entertainment press about when will they plan on getting hitched. The couple often reply that only time can tell what the future of their relationship will be. The closest answer to actual plans came when Juday jokingly told the press that it is better for them to badger Ryan about his plans, not her.

Rumors, however, have surfaced since Juday’s birthday last May 11 that the actor has finally asked for her hand in marriage. Ryan gave her a beautifully crafted diamond ring from Hong Kong while they were on vacation in Dumaguete, a celebration of sorts for Juday’s 30th birthday. The wedding is said to take place this November.

People close to the two have refused to talk about the issue though. Carol, Judy Ann’s mom, said that she has yet to speak to her daughter about the matter. Ryan’s manager, Noel Ferrer, also declined to give a statement and said to just wait for the couple to make an announcement upon their return to Manila.

Megastar Sharon Cuneta, who celebrates her 30 years in the business this year, admitted that there had been a time when she thought that she would retire from show biz. She said that she entertained this thought when she got married to husband Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan. “Actually akala ko nung nag-30 ako, akala ko magre-retire na ko eh. Nung nag-asawa ako, I was 30 but I was doing Madrasta,” she revealed. “I really slowed down. Parang okay na okay na ako. I was really happy being domesticated.”

Now in her 40’s, the Megastar is still very much active in the entertainment scene and is not showing any sign of retiring anytime soon. Her secret for remaining a strong pillar in the business, are God’s grace, dedication and real love for all the things she does. “Nakikinig na lang ako kay Lord kung ano yung gusto Niya. Right now, nagulat ako na there’s a project pa like this,” she shared, referring to Caregiver, her latest film produced by Star Cinema. The movie will be hitting theaters on May 28.

Sharon is very proud of the project not only because it was beautifully made, but also because it made a big impact on her as a person. “Hindi lang ang career ko ang na-touch ng pelikulang ito, pagkatao ko talaga and God is my witness. It was very humbling,” she said. Caregiver is the story of a teacher, who decided to give up her job to become a health worker in London and earn more money to support her family.

 Regine Velasquez serenades viewers in weekly musical show “Songbird”

Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez will be very visible in GMA-7, at least for the next two years after signing up an exclusive contract with the Kapuso network.

Aside from her regular musical-variety show SOP, Regine has already started taping for her second primetime series with the Kapuso network, the Pinoy version of the hit Koreanovela My Name Is Kim Sam Soon—her first was Forever In My Heart. But before Kim Sam Soon, Regine will mesmerize late-night viewers with her amazing vocal prowess through her own musical show aptly titled Songbird.

Songbird is a weekly musical show where Regine will sing some of the most popular songs and compositions of some of the world’s best singers and composers. This will start airing on May 15, Thursday, after the Telebabad block of GMA-7.

“I’m very thankful to GMA for trusting me, for giving me the opportunity to do what I love to do most, which is singing. I’ve always dreamed of having a show like this and I feel very, very blessed na ibinigay po ng GMA sa akin itong napakagandang show na talaga naman pong pinagkakaabalahan ng aming buong staff and crew,” Regine began during the press conference of Songbird held last night, May 9, at Melo’s restaurant on Bohol Ave., Quezon City.

Regine told the entertainment press about the concept of her solo show.

“Nakakatuwa po siya, kasi thematic po siya,” she said. “Every week, there’s a different theme, we feature different artists, songwriters, genre; we even do movie themes. So every week is different. We also have different guests for each week depending on what theme ang meron sa week na ‘yon. Ibinabagay rin po namin ang aming guests.”

REGINE’S STAGE. Aside from the unique concept of Songbird, Regine is also very proud of her show’s stage design.

“Well, napakaganda ng stage! Pinagkaabalahan ang stage, hi-tech ang stage. Pangmayaman!” she said laughing. “Nagulat nga ako, e. Hindi, natuwa nga ako, e, kasi when we were meeting for this show, in-explain nila sa akin na this is what’s going to happen, na ito yung magiging hitsura ng stage… Actually nung nag-taping na kami, nung first taping day, naiiyak ako kasi parang, ‘Ah, may budget ang show, pinagkaabalahan. Hindi napunta lahat sa talent fee ko!’” Regine laughed again.

“No, like I said,” she continued, “it’s been my dream to have a musical show. Maipagmamalaki, kasi nga it’s been a long time na rin since walang musical show. Hindi siya variety show talaga, it’s a straight musical.

“Tapos yung kine-cater pa namin siyempreng market, medyo late na, so siyempre yung music na maririnig mo, hindi naman yung pumapalahaw-palahaw ako na magigising ka. Hindi naman ganun. So magagandang kanta lang talaga ang madidinig mo… Mga [Barbra] Streisand, we will feature [Barry] Manilow. We’re going to feature siyempre mga OPM [Original Pilipino Music] din, mga OPM songs, writers, and composers.

“Ako, sa akin, having a show like this is something to be proud of. Kasi siyempre, bihira na itong naibibigay sa mga singers na katulad ko. And GMA actually picked me to have this kind of special every week. I am very, very proud to be given this opportunity.”

So does this mean viewers won’t be hearing Regine belting out songs?

“Meron ding konti, meron din,” she clarified. “Kasi tinawagan na ako ni Mariah [Carrey], e, umaapila na siya. Sabi niya, ‘Songbird, it can’t be,’ sabi niyang ganun. Sabi ko, ‘Don’t worry, you’ll be there.’ Sinabi ko, ‘Friend, next season ka pa,’” Regine said in jest.

SONGBIRD’S CHOICE. Each week, Regine will also get the chance to sing a song only a few are familiar with.

“Kasi ‘pag nag-feature ka ng isang artist, like Barbra Streisand, yung mga alam ng tao. Understandable naman kasi yun ang ini-expect ng mga manonood. But I also requested na may isang kanta na hindi masyadong kilala ng mga tao. Ako lang ang may alam!” she joked before adding, “Pero maganda. Something that they would appreciate also. Like yung naririnig n’yo kanina, yung ‘Who Needs To Dream,’ that was a Manilow song, that was included in the soundtrack of Copacobana. Not everybody happens to know that song, and I happen to love that song very much.”

For each episode, the Asia’s Songbird will be singing seven to eight songs. “And then minsan, meron kaming medley na about five minutes, ganyan. Para siyang concert talaga,” Regine added.

THE GUEST LIST. Regine also revealed that she has a hand in choosing her guest list.

“Usually, ako nga ang pinapapili nila kung sino ang gusto kong guests, depende sa concept,” she said.

One of Regine’s guests on the pilot episode of Songbird is Richard Gomez, her leading man in the movie Pangarap Ko ang Ibigin Ka and the drama series Forever In My Heart. A member of the press asked how they were able to convince Richard to sing a duet with Regine.

“Naku, hindi na naming kailangan i-convince! To tell you frankly, kami pa ang tinawagan!” Regine laughed. “You know Richard, he’s such a great friend, sobrang reliable friend. Saka hindi n’yo po naitatanong, si Richard po, akala niya ho talaga kasi, concert artist siya. He loves to sing. As a matter of fact, ‘pag Sunday, di ba, ‘Wala ba akong SOP?’ No, he really loves to sing. I’m really happy na kasama siya