FREEHAND by Mario E. Bautista
RUFFA GUTIERREZ is so happy that her stint in TV5 Drama Specials got such positive feedback that it's been extended. Tonight at 8:30, she plays a bride who kills her rapist (Anton Bernardo) on her wedding night, sent to jail and gives birth while in prison. Entitled "Preso", the episode is directed by multi-award winning actress Gina Alajar. "Maraming dramatic scenes lalo ng kunin ng social welfare ang anak ko from me. I'm so glad Direk Gina helped motivate me effectively so I could give justice to them. I'm very proud of this episode so don't miss it. My special guests are Ian de Leon as my husband who left me, and Miriam Quiambao and Deborah Sun as my friends in jail. Next week naman, it'll be a reunion for me and Mareng Aiko Melendez with whom I did 'Underage' when were 13 and 14."
Ruffa also does well as host of "Paparazzi", the TV5 Sunday showbiz talk show. What's nice about it is that they can guest anyone, unlike the two top network shows who limit their guests to stars of their respective TV stations. Last Sunday, Ruffa revealed that DJ Mo and Rhian Ramos were together in Paris. Mo denied this, saying Rhian is in the U.S. to promote GMA Pinoy TV, but he admitted buying expensive shoes for Rhian as pasalubong. So it's true they're carrying on a secret love affair?
Another edge of "Paparazzi" is that, since they have no sacred cows, they're fearless in their reports and comments, especially Cristy Fermin. Their "Hulala" portion features blind items about explosive topics like gay and lesbian stars. The last one featured unprofessional stars and their clues are giveaways they're practically naming who these stars with attitude problems are, like Claudine Barretto and Kristine Hermosa.
Last Sunday, Cristy also had an exclusive interview with Lala Aunor, the niece of Nora, about the report that Nora will sue the Japanese beauty clinic that operated on her a few months ago to make her look younger. Lala was being evasive, saying a group of lawyers is already preparing the case and they're not allowed to talk about it. But trust Cristy to have her own way in feretting out what happened. In effect, she revealed that during the operation, Nora became comatose and they had to puncture her throat so she can breathe, but in the process, they damaged her vocal chords so she has now lost her golden voice. This is reportedly the reason why she wasn't able to sing in her concert in Canada. Cristy also revealed that Aster Amoyo, the one who brokered the deal with Nora and the Japanese clinic, has tried to settle things amicably as she felt "siya ang naiipit". But Nora's camp won't settle. Poor Aster, she didn't know what she's getting into and is probably regretting now why she initiated the whole thing.
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DIRECTOR MARYO J. DE LOS REYES has put up his own talent management company, Productions 56 Talent Pool. He's very proud that two of his former wards now are now a vice mayor and councilor of Manila, Isko Moreno and Yul Servo. Also in his stable of stars now are Gerald Madrid, Anton Bernardo, Julio Diaz, Kiel and Shawn Rodriguez, Orlando Sol, Ray An Dulay, Topher Barretto, Ryan David Dungo and his award-winning "Magnifico" actor, Jiro Manio. It'll be recalled that Jiro suddenly disappeared from "Tayong Dalawa" last year. It turned out he became a father at 18. "Pero hiwalay na raw sila ng girlfriend niya," says Direk Maryo. "He's ready to go back to showbiz."
Other newcomers under his wing are Ken Suarez, Saj Hufalar, Christian Ty, Judas Merin, Raul Russo, Sexiest Man in the City winner Ward Mendiola, and child actors Nash Aguas, Jacob Rica, Julio Pisil, Yogo Singh and Byron Ortile. Right now, he's focusing his attention on Masculados DosL Enrico Mofar (who owns the Masculados Gym at West Ave.), Robin Robel, Lexter Lazaro, and new members Orlando Sol, Dart Kambooza (who can be developed as a solo leading man), Ozu Ong, and Nico Cordova. The Masculados Dos will have several shows. Tonight, June 2, they will be at the Library in Malate. On June 8 and 15, they'll be at the Zirkoh Greenhills. On June 13, they'll be at the Hagonoy, Bulacan fiesta. They just released their 3rd album, "Masku Repak", with five songs written by Ito Rapadas carrying the trademark fast, pulsating, energetic beat of Masculados songs: "Hello Friendship", "Baby, Angkas Na", "Cellfone", "Good Boy" and their current hit single "Ganda-Ganda, Seksi-Seksi". For inquiries, call Productions 56 at 372-4505, or cellfone 0917-8907249.
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WORLD CLASS Pinay lounge singer Tria Bascon is currently in town to do her first album. She's one of those talented locals who first gained fame abroad than in her own country. She just came from a stint in St. Regis Beijing. She also sang in Four Seasons Bangkok, Grand Hyatt Taipei, Intercon Singapore, Marriott Seoul, Jockey Club and Shangrila Hongkong, and the luxury liner Paul Gauguin of Regent Seas Cruises sailing in French Polynesian isles like Tahiti, Bora-Bora, Marquezas, up to Fiji.
"Foreign audiences are easier to please than local ones," she says. "Everywhere I go, they ask me if I have a CD album so now that I'm here in Manila, yun ang aasikasuhin ko with the help of Peachy Guioguio (formerly with GMA-7 and ABS, and now with TV 5). I sing all kinds of songs but, usually, my audience prefers standards and jazz."
Tria comes from a musical family in Cebu. "I'm the youngest of nine kids and everyone sings. I have a brother who sounds like Johnny Mathis. He's also in China. Mga kapatid ko, sasali sa amateur contest, sila lahat mananalo ng third hanggang first prize. I have a sister na undefeated for 15 weeks in a TV contest. I started singing in college taking up business at San Jose Recoletos. I was also working as a bartender at Charlie's, sosyal na lounge sa Cebu, when their resident singer didn't show up. The manager heard me singing at akong isinalang. From there, kinuha naman ako ng Montebello Hotel then someone brought me to Manila and I sang sa Shangrila Makati and Edsa Plaza bago nakuha to sing abroad. One of my unforgettable experiences abroad was when Jose Mari Chan heard me and liked me well enough kaya pinadalhan ako ng music book of his songs. Ang bait niya!"
She works out every day and has a shapely figure. Her dusky kayumanggi looks is a hit with foreigners and her boyfriend is a British guy named David.
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JOSHUA DIONISIO is glad to be reunited with Barbie Forteza in "Pilyang Kerubin". "At least, tuloy-tuloy ang pagiging magkatrabaho namin," he says. "Noon, sobrang kabado kami about 'First Time' kaya natuwa kami when it clicked. Ngayon, ganun uli. We're praying mag-click din sa audience itong 'Pilyang Kerubin'."
What qualities of Barbie does he appreciate? "Masaya siyang kasama. Maingay. Makulit. When you're feeling down, she'll cheer you up."
Is she girlfriend material? "Oh yes. I really like her eyes. Mature din ang pag-iisip niya. Hindi siya isip bata."
They're supported by a powerhouse cast in "Pilyang Kerubin". Angelika de la Cruz and Raymart Santiago play the parents of Barbie. But Paolo Contis steals Angelika away from Raymart and also their baby who he claimed to be dead. Raymart then marries Ina Feleo while Barbie is taken care of by a poor woman, Lotlot de Leon, and grows up not knowing her real parents. Also in the cast are Janno Gibbs as St. Peter, Ryan Yllana as Barbie's guardian angel, Jewel Mische and Richie Paul Gutierrez as cops, Joel Torre, and newcomer Elmo Magalona as Joshua's rival over Barbie. The villains who belong to the forces of darkness are Eddie Garcia, Maureen Larrazabal and John Lapus, directed by the controversial Andoy Ranay who's the best friend of Kuya Germs.
RUFFA GUTIERREZ is so happy that her stint in TV5 Drama Specials got such positive feedback that it's been extended. Tonight at 8:30, she plays a bride who kills her rapist (Anton Bernardo) on her wedding night, sent to jail and gives birth while in prison. Entitled "Preso", the episode is directed by multi-award winning actress Gina Alajar. "Maraming dramatic scenes lalo ng kunin ng social welfare ang anak ko from me. I'm so glad Direk Gina helped motivate me effectively so I could give justice to them. I'm very proud of this episode so don't miss it. My special guests are Ian de Leon as my husband who left me, and Miriam Quiambao and Deborah Sun as my friends in jail. Next week naman, it'll be a reunion for me and Mareng Aiko Melendez with whom I did 'Underage' when were 13 and 14."
Ruffa also does well as host of "Paparazzi", the TV5 Sunday showbiz talk show. What's nice about it is that they can guest anyone, unlike the two top network shows who limit their guests to stars of their respective TV stations. Last Sunday, Ruffa revealed that DJ Mo and Rhian Ramos were together in Paris. Mo denied this, saying Rhian is in the U.S. to promote GMA Pinoy TV, but he admitted buying expensive shoes for Rhian as pasalubong. So it's true they're carrying on a secret love affair?
Another edge of "Paparazzi" is that, since they have no sacred cows, they're fearless in their reports and comments, especially Cristy Fermin. Their "Hulala" portion features blind items about explosive topics like gay and lesbian stars. The last one featured unprofessional stars and their clues are giveaways they're practically naming who these stars with attitude problems are, like Claudine Barretto and Kristine Hermosa.
Last Sunday, Cristy also had an exclusive interview with Lala Aunor, the niece of Nora, about the report that Nora will sue the Japanese beauty clinic that operated on her a few months ago to make her look younger. Lala was being evasive, saying a group of lawyers is already preparing the case and they're not allowed to talk about it. But trust Cristy to have her own way in feretting out what happened. In effect, she revealed that during the operation, Nora became comatose and they had to puncture her throat so she can breathe, but in the process, they damaged her vocal chords so she has now lost her golden voice. This is reportedly the reason why she wasn't able to sing in her concert in Canada. Cristy also revealed that Aster Amoyo, the one who brokered the deal with Nora and the Japanese clinic, has tried to settle things amicably as she felt "siya ang naiipit". But Nora's camp won't settle. Poor Aster, she didn't know what she's getting into and is probably regretting now why she initiated the whole thing.
**********
DIRECTOR MARYO J. DE LOS REYES has put up his own talent management company, Productions 56 Talent Pool. He's very proud that two of his former wards now are now a vice mayor and councilor of Manila, Isko Moreno and Yul Servo. Also in his stable of stars now are Gerald Madrid, Anton Bernardo, Julio Diaz, Kiel and Shawn Rodriguez, Orlando Sol, Ray An Dulay, Topher Barretto, Ryan David Dungo and his award-winning "Magnifico" actor, Jiro Manio. It'll be recalled that Jiro suddenly disappeared from "Tayong Dalawa" last year. It turned out he became a father at 18. "Pero hiwalay na raw sila ng girlfriend niya," says Direk Maryo. "He's ready to go back to showbiz."
Other newcomers under his wing are Ken Suarez, Saj Hufalar, Christian Ty, Judas Merin, Raul Russo, Sexiest Man in the City winner Ward Mendiola, and child actors Nash Aguas, Jacob Rica, Julio Pisil, Yogo Singh and Byron Ortile. Right now, he's focusing his attention on Masculados DosL Enrico Mofar (who owns the Masculados Gym at West Ave.), Robin Robel, Lexter Lazaro, and new members Orlando Sol, Dart Kambooza (who can be developed as a solo leading man), Ozu Ong, and Nico Cordova. The Masculados Dos will have several shows. Tonight, June 2, they will be at the Library in Malate. On June 8 and 15, they'll be at the Zirkoh Greenhills. On June 13, they'll be at the Hagonoy, Bulacan fiesta. They just released their 3rd album, "Masku Repak", with five songs written by Ito Rapadas carrying the trademark fast, pulsating, energetic beat of Masculados songs: "Hello Friendship", "Baby, Angkas Na", "Cellfone", "Good Boy" and their current hit single "Ganda-Ganda, Seksi-Seksi". For inquiries, call Productions 56 at 372-4505, or cellfone 0917-8907249.
**********
WORLD CLASS Pinay lounge singer Tria Bascon is currently in town to do her first album. She's one of those talented locals who first gained fame abroad than in her own country. She just came from a stint in St. Regis Beijing. She also sang in Four Seasons Bangkok, Grand Hyatt Taipei, Intercon Singapore, Marriott Seoul, Jockey Club and Shangrila Hongkong, and the luxury liner Paul Gauguin of Regent Seas Cruises sailing in French Polynesian isles like Tahiti, Bora-Bora, Marquezas, up to Fiji.
"Foreign audiences are easier to please than local ones," she says. "Everywhere I go, they ask me if I have a CD album so now that I'm here in Manila, yun ang aasikasuhin ko with the help of Peachy Guioguio (formerly with GMA-7 and ABS, and now with TV 5). I sing all kinds of songs but, usually, my audience prefers standards and jazz."
Tria comes from a musical family in Cebu. "I'm the youngest of nine kids and everyone sings. I have a brother who sounds like Johnny Mathis. He's also in China. Mga kapatid ko, sasali sa amateur contest, sila lahat mananalo ng third hanggang first prize. I have a sister na undefeated for 15 weeks in a TV contest. I started singing in college taking up business at San Jose Recoletos. I was also working as a bartender at Charlie's, sosyal na lounge sa Cebu, when their resident singer didn't show up. The manager heard me singing at akong isinalang. From there, kinuha naman ako ng Montebello Hotel then someone brought me to Manila and I sang sa Shangrila Makati and Edsa Plaza bago nakuha to sing abroad. One of my unforgettable experiences abroad was when Jose Mari Chan heard me and liked me well enough kaya pinadalhan ako ng music book of his songs. Ang bait niya!"
She works out every day and has a shapely figure. Her dusky kayumanggi looks is a hit with foreigners and her boyfriend is a British guy named David.
**********
JOSHUA DIONISIO is glad to be reunited with Barbie Forteza in "Pilyang Kerubin". "At least, tuloy-tuloy ang pagiging magkatrabaho namin," he says. "Noon, sobrang kabado kami about 'First Time' kaya natuwa kami when it clicked. Ngayon, ganun uli. We're praying mag-click din sa audience itong 'Pilyang Kerubin'."
What qualities of Barbie does he appreciate? "Masaya siyang kasama. Maingay. Makulit. When you're feeling down, she'll cheer you up."
Is she girlfriend material? "Oh yes. I really like her eyes. Mature din ang pag-iisip niya. Hindi siya isip bata."
They're supported by a powerhouse cast in "Pilyang Kerubin". Angelika de la Cruz and Raymart Santiago play the parents of Barbie. But Paolo Contis steals Angelika away from Raymart and also their baby who he claimed to be dead. Raymart then marries Ina Feleo while Barbie is taken care of by a poor woman, Lotlot de Leon, and grows up not knowing her real parents. Also in the cast are Janno Gibbs as St. Peter, Ryan Yllana as Barbie's guardian angel, Jewel Mische and Richie Paul Gutierrez as cops, Joel Torre, and newcomer Elmo Magalona as Joshua's rival over Barbie. The villains who belong to the forces of darkness are Eddie Garcia, Maureen Larrazabal and John Lapus, directed by the controversial Andoy Ranay who's the best friend of Kuya Germs.
