FREEHAND by Mario E. Bautista
WE WERE invited to Ruffa Gutierrez' birthday party hosted by Tim Yap at Republiq in Resort World. It was our first time to go there and the ambiance reminds you of the hotels in Macau and Vegas. Ruffa came looking so ravishing in a revealing blue gown Jun Escario. "I'm supposed to wear a Michael CInco gown from Dubai but we weren't able to get it sa customs as it's a holiday due to the oathtaking of our new president," she says. "It's good Jun Escario was able to do this gown for me."
She came with daughters Lorin and Venice, mom Annabelle Rama, brothers Richard, Raymond, and Richie Paul. "Our dad is still in L.A. supervising the renovation of our condo there. But he's arriving tomorrow."
What can she say about the latest "hiwalayan" in showbiz? "Ha? Meron ba? Sino?" she pretending she hasn't heard of Kris Aquino's marital woes. Now that Kris is out of "The Buzz", would she go back to ABS? "I'm under contract with TV 5 but it's non exclusive. I can guest sa ABS man o sa GMA dahil there's no bad blood naman between us, but I'd rather stay put muna sa TV 5. I'm so happy with the great feedback generated by my stint in '5 Star Specials' kaya sana masundan yun."
She just came from a vacation in Hongkong and the rumor is she's with her new BF, a handsome foreigner she's seen having dinner with? "He's just a new friend. Loveless pa rin ako." Is he at her party? "Yes, he's around, but I won't tell you who and what his name is. Hulaan nyo na lang kung sino ang mukhang James Bond diyan."
The party was theme a James Bond night and old movies of Bond as played by Daniel Craig and Pierce Brosnan are being shown on the giant screens. Ruffa was introduced as the Ultimate Bond Girl. When she joined her guests after we interviewed her, she approached a goodlooking blonde guy in a tux who looks like Daniel Craig. He kissed Ruffa on both cheeks and even her daughters are friendly to him. We asked what his name is and we were told it's Chris Parker.
Most of the guests were foreigners and mestizo types. Those from showbiz include Paolo and Bubbles Paraiso, sisters Ynna, Alyanna and Annika Asistio, Carla Humphries, Michelle Madrigal (who confirmed to us she auditioned for "Survivor Philippines" but she's not sure yet if she'd be part of the group that will compete in Thailand), JC De Vera (introduced by Ben Chan as the Superstar of TV 5), Dr. Vicki Belo with ex-husband Atom Henares and daughter Crystalle sporting a new rocker look, Dr. Ruby Sy of Flawless, Ricky Davao and Sari Yap of Mega Publishing and many more.
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REGINE VELASQUEZ is wondering why there's a rumor that she and Ogie Alcasid want to adopt a child. "Hindi nga namin alam kunsaan nagsimula ang balitang yan ganung wala naman kaming napag-uusapang ganyan ni Ogie at all," she says. "If it were true may plans kaming mag-adopt, dapat pinag-uusapan namin ng masinsinan kasi hindi madali ang mag-adopt ng bata. It's a long process na pagdaraanan ng couple na gustong mag-ampon, may court hearing pa yan, kaya it never crossed our mind na mag-ampon. Hindi naman kami gaya-gaya sa ibang celebrities local man or foreign na naga-adopt ng bata. Di gagawa na lang kami ng sarili naming baby."
Doesn't she feel threatened with the inclusion of Rachel Ann Go as Demi in "Diva"? "No, I welcome her nga very much. She plays a good role as a TV host singer dito at maiinggit ako sa kanila ng BF niyang si Carlo Aquino. Maiisip kong ang sarap to be young and in love. Natutuwa ako sa success ng younger singers like Rachel Ann and Sarah Geronimo kasi sila naman talaga ang susunod na generation of entertainers."
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WE WERE in our room at the Hotel Alejandro in Tacloban when we heard people screaming and shrieking at the lobby. We got curious and went down. So many fans have gathered at the entrance and we learned they're waiting for Joshua Dionisio and Barbie Forteza of "Pilyang Kerubin" who checked in at the said hotel as special guests at the Sangyaw Festival. No, they didn't share the same room as Barbie was with her mom and Joshua, with his dad. At the parade later on, the crowd went wild again upon seeing them on their float. We didn't know that they're that popular now even in the provinces. We thought they have lots of fans only in Manila but it turns out "Pilyang Kerubin" is a toprater even outside of Mega-Manila. We all had dinner later at Stephanie Restaurant in front of the spanking new Robinson's Mall in Tacloban and we asked Joshua and Barbie if they don't feel insecure now that a new teen love team is introduced as the new Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera in "Endless Love": Kristoffer Martin and Kathryn Bernardo? They gained fame after playing the young Dingdong and Rhian Ramos in "Stairway to Heaven". "Hindi naman po," says Joshua. "Nakatrabaho ko sila sa ABS before and we're friends." "We're glad nga na dumarami na kaming teen stars ng GMA," says Barbie. "We hope to work with them in the future."
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STEPHANIE HENARES is often mistaken as Pia Guanio, a younger and fairer version. Does she mind? "Not at all as she's my idol when it comes to hosting," she says.
She's currently hosting "X-Life" and has won an award as one of then top 10 Asian models when she represented the Philippines in China. How about acting? "I'm open to it," she says. "I'm adventurous and it looks like fun so I want to try it."
Blessed with a cheerful and positive outlook in life, how does she feel when people say she's given jobs at GMA only because her mom, Ida Henares, is the head of GMA Artist Center. "It's not true so I'm not affected. The truth is she doesn't want me to join showbiz. But every job I got, pinaghirapan ko through auditions, not because of her influence. Ako talaga ang gusto to try hosting. Hands off ang mom ko when it comes to me. Even my dad (Ronnie Henares), ayaw akong mag-showbiz, but he's very supportive of me. Pag walang driver, he even drives for me."
The second of four siblings, she has an older brother who wants to be a director. "I have a half a brother and sister with my dad's first family but they live in New York."
Tall and goodlooking at 22, she's NBSB or no boyfriend since birth. How come she's being linked to co-host Gino de la Pena? "We're friends at ka-Bible study ko siya sa New Testament Ministry, but I think we're both more too focused on our work right now to have any romantic involvement. At saka ayoko nga ng may ka-love team."
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NADINE SAMONTE's name was not in the opening credits of "Endless Love" when it was previewed but she didn't throw a tantrum because of that. "I just hope maalala nilang ilagay sa actual telecast," she says. "But I really like my role as Shirley, the real sister of Dingdong Dantes na accidentally separated from their family at napalitan ni Marian Rivera as Jenny nang ipanganak kami in the same hospital. May pagkakontrabida ang role ko rito kasi naiinggit ako kay Marian. Second time ko na ito to support her after I played Babaeng Tuod sa kanya in 'Darna'."
Nadine has been on with her lechon magnate BF Emerson Chua for five years now. Her German dad has met her BF and approves of him. "At first, my dad was against him kasi alam lang niya, Chinese, so I was hurt. But when he came home last May, nagbakasyon kami lahat sa Cebu and my dad got to know Emerson better so okay na sila as he saw mabait talaga ang BF ko. He even asked kung kailan ang wedding. Gusto ko, two years from now pa, 2012, kasi enjoy pa ako sa career ko at sa pagiging dalaga. Pareho kaming church wedding ang gusto para solemn."
WE WERE invited to Ruffa Gutierrez' birthday party hosted by Tim Yap at Republiq in Resort World. It was our first time to go there and the ambiance reminds you of the hotels in Macau and Vegas. Ruffa came looking so ravishing in a revealing blue gown Jun Escario. "I'm supposed to wear a Michael CInco gown from Dubai but we weren't able to get it sa customs as it's a holiday due to the oathtaking of our new president," she says. "It's good Jun Escario was able to do this gown for me."
She came with daughters Lorin and Venice, mom Annabelle Rama, brothers Richard, Raymond, and Richie Paul. "Our dad is still in L.A. supervising the renovation of our condo there. But he's arriving tomorrow."
What can she say about the latest "hiwalayan" in showbiz? "Ha? Meron ba? Sino?" she pretending she hasn't heard of Kris Aquino's marital woes. Now that Kris is out of "The Buzz", would she go back to ABS? "I'm under contract with TV 5 but it's non exclusive. I can guest sa ABS man o sa GMA dahil there's no bad blood naman between us, but I'd rather stay put muna sa TV 5. I'm so happy with the great feedback generated by my stint in '5 Star Specials' kaya sana masundan yun."
She just came from a vacation in Hongkong and the rumor is she's with her new BF, a handsome foreigner she's seen having dinner with? "He's just a new friend. Loveless pa rin ako." Is he at her party? "Yes, he's around, but I won't tell you who and what his name is. Hulaan nyo na lang kung sino ang mukhang James Bond diyan."
The party was theme a James Bond night and old movies of Bond as played by Daniel Craig and Pierce Brosnan are being shown on the giant screens. Ruffa was introduced as the Ultimate Bond Girl. When she joined her guests after we interviewed her, she approached a goodlooking blonde guy in a tux who looks like Daniel Craig. He kissed Ruffa on both cheeks and even her daughters are friendly to him. We asked what his name is and we were told it's Chris Parker.
Most of the guests were foreigners and mestizo types. Those from showbiz include Paolo and Bubbles Paraiso, sisters Ynna, Alyanna and Annika Asistio, Carla Humphries, Michelle Madrigal (who confirmed to us she auditioned for "Survivor Philippines" but she's not sure yet if she'd be part of the group that will compete in Thailand), JC De Vera (introduced by Ben Chan as the Superstar of TV 5), Dr. Vicki Belo with ex-husband Atom Henares and daughter Crystalle sporting a new rocker look, Dr. Ruby Sy of Flawless, Ricky Davao and Sari Yap of Mega Publishing and many more.
**********
REGINE VELASQUEZ is wondering why there's a rumor that she and Ogie Alcasid want to adopt a child. "Hindi nga namin alam kunsaan nagsimula ang balitang yan ganung wala naman kaming napag-uusapang ganyan ni Ogie at all," she says. "If it were true may plans kaming mag-adopt, dapat pinag-uusapan namin ng masinsinan kasi hindi madali ang mag-adopt ng bata. It's a long process na pagdaraanan ng couple na gustong mag-ampon, may court hearing pa yan, kaya it never crossed our mind na mag-ampon. Hindi naman kami gaya-gaya sa ibang celebrities local man or foreign na naga-adopt ng bata. Di gagawa na lang kami ng sarili naming baby."
Doesn't she feel threatened with the inclusion of Rachel Ann Go as Demi in "Diva"? "No, I welcome her nga very much. She plays a good role as a TV host singer dito at maiinggit ako sa kanila ng BF niyang si Carlo Aquino. Maiisip kong ang sarap to be young and in love. Natutuwa ako sa success ng younger singers like Rachel Ann and Sarah Geronimo kasi sila naman talaga ang susunod na generation of entertainers."
**********
WE WERE in our room at the Hotel Alejandro in Tacloban when we heard people screaming and shrieking at the lobby. We got curious and went down. So many fans have gathered at the entrance and we learned they're waiting for Joshua Dionisio and Barbie Forteza of "Pilyang Kerubin" who checked in at the said hotel as special guests at the Sangyaw Festival. No, they didn't share the same room as Barbie was with her mom and Joshua, with his dad. At the parade later on, the crowd went wild again upon seeing them on their float. We didn't know that they're that popular now even in the provinces. We thought they have lots of fans only in Manila but it turns out "Pilyang Kerubin" is a toprater even outside of Mega-Manila. We all had dinner later at Stephanie Restaurant in front of the spanking new Robinson's Mall in Tacloban and we asked Joshua and Barbie if they don't feel insecure now that a new teen love team is introduced as the new Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera in "Endless Love": Kristoffer Martin and Kathryn Bernardo? They gained fame after playing the young Dingdong and Rhian Ramos in "Stairway to Heaven". "Hindi naman po," says Joshua. "Nakatrabaho ko sila sa ABS before and we're friends." "We're glad nga na dumarami na kaming teen stars ng GMA," says Barbie. "We hope to work with them in the future."
**********
STEPHANIE HENARES is often mistaken as Pia Guanio, a younger and fairer version. Does she mind? "Not at all as she's my idol when it comes to hosting," she says.
She's currently hosting "X-Life" and has won an award as one of then top 10 Asian models when she represented the Philippines in China. How about acting? "I'm open to it," she says. "I'm adventurous and it looks like fun so I want to try it."
Blessed with a cheerful and positive outlook in life, how does she feel when people say she's given jobs at GMA only because her mom, Ida Henares, is the head of GMA Artist Center. "It's not true so I'm not affected. The truth is she doesn't want me to join showbiz. But every job I got, pinaghirapan ko through auditions, not because of her influence. Ako talaga ang gusto to try hosting. Hands off ang mom ko when it comes to me. Even my dad (Ronnie Henares), ayaw akong mag-showbiz, but he's very supportive of me. Pag walang driver, he even drives for me."
The second of four siblings, she has an older brother who wants to be a director. "I have a half a brother and sister with my dad's first family but they live in New York."
Tall and goodlooking at 22, she's NBSB or no boyfriend since birth. How come she's being linked to co-host Gino de la Pena? "We're friends at ka-Bible study ko siya sa New Testament Ministry, but I think we're both more too focused on our work right now to have any romantic involvement. At saka ayoko nga ng may ka-love team."
**********
NADINE SAMONTE's name was not in the opening credits of "Endless Love" when it was previewed but she didn't throw a tantrum because of that. "I just hope maalala nilang ilagay sa actual telecast," she says. "But I really like my role as Shirley, the real sister of Dingdong Dantes na accidentally separated from their family at napalitan ni Marian Rivera as Jenny nang ipanganak kami in the same hospital. May pagkakontrabida ang role ko rito kasi naiinggit ako kay Marian. Second time ko na ito to support her after I played Babaeng Tuod sa kanya in 'Darna'."
Nadine has been on with her lechon magnate BF Emerson Chua for five years now. Her German dad has met her BF and approves of him. "At first, my dad was against him kasi alam lang niya, Chinese, so I was hurt. But when he came home last May, nagbakasyon kami lahat sa Cebu and my dad got to know Emerson better so okay na sila as he saw mabait talaga ang BF ko. He even asked kung kailan ang wedding. Gusto ko, two years from now pa, 2012, kasi enjoy pa ako sa career ko at sa pagiging dalaga. Pareho kaming church wedding ang gusto para solemn."
