FREEHAND by Mario E. Bautista
OGIE ALCASID launched his newest album at Eastwood last week then went to Malacanang to meet with Pres. Noynoy for whom he campaigned in the last election. The new president agreed to induct on August 13 the new officers of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) of which Ogie is the president. Ogie’s new album from Universal Records is a tribute to the late composer George Canseco. Did he get to meet Mr. Canseco when he was still alive? “Oh yes, at 2004 Aliw Awards, he’s the chairman of the board of judges and when he saw me, he told me akong nanalo as Entertainer of the Year. Then he said maraming mali sa rhymes and choice of words ko in ‘Bakit Ngayon Ka Lang?’ He pointed them out to me. He told me a song is really a poem kaya you should follow the rules in creating poetry. Singing his songs is my way of expressing my admiration and gratitude for him, one of the greatest songwriters in the local music. Big challenge din ito for me as they were sung by other singers before like Basil Valdez, Kuh Ledesma at iba pang magagaling sa biritan, so don’t compare me with them please. E, ako naman, malumanay akong kumanta kaya this is my own interpretation na very easy and relaxing ang style.”
Ogie’s first single is “Yakap”, first popularized by Spanish singer Junior, followed by “Ngayon at Kailanman”, “Ikaw”, “Kapantay ay Langit”, “Paano Kita Mapapasalamatan”, “Kung Ako’y Iiwan Mo”, “Dito Ba”, “Hanggang sa Dulo ng Walang Hanggan”, “Langis at Tubig”, “Kahapon Lamang”, “Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan”, “Kaibigan”, “Siya Na Ba” and “Kastilyong Buhangin”.
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KATRINA HALILI won’t be present at the next hearing of her case against Hayden Kho as she’ll be going to the U.S. to promote GMA Pinoy TV. “Nagpaalam na ko through my lawyer and I was allowed to leave,” she says. “Nag-advance taping na rin ako for ‘Langit sa Piling Mo’.”
What can she say about the comment of some writers that she wasn’t well applauded at the FHM Party at World Trade Center? “Okay lang yun kasi even the other participants, hindi rin malakas ang palakpak. Tinatamad yata ang audience, unlike sa Bench show na talagang ang lakas ng palakpak pagrampa ko on stage. Isa pa, hindi naman ako ang number one sa FHM, e. Siempre, they’re waiting for the number one (Angel Locsin). E, naranasan ko na rin naming maging number one for two consecutive years na malakas din ang palakpak sa akin on stage. So tama na yun. Di naman sa lahat ng pagkakataon, ikaw na lang ang papalakpakan, di ba?”
What will happen to her character, Aurora, in “Langit sa Piling Mo” after Mark Herras almost discovered that she’s the one who ordered Marco Morales to rape Heart Evangelista? “She becomes even more nasty and cruel to Heart dahil, officially, naging on na sina Mark at Heart. Tumitindi naman ang away between Maritoni Fernandez and Ryza Cenon over my dad, Tonton Gutierrez, while Heart continues to search for Ryza, her missing sister.”
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BEMBOL ROCO’S twin sons, Dominic and Felix Roco, used to both be with GMA-7. Felix has moved to ABS and Dominic thinks this is good for both of them. “We agreed this will help us have our own identity,” he says at the special presscon of GMA Artist Center for him when he signed a new 5-year contract for them. “Kasi dati, lagi kaming magkasama, but now, people will be able to distinguish easily na Kapuso ako, Kapamilya siya.”
He’s now included in the cast of “Basahang Ginto” as Geoff Eigenmann’s rival over Carla Abellana. “Kargador ako sa palengke na magiging kaibigan ni Orang, played by Carla. I’m thankful kasi mabait sila lahat sa’kin sa show and I welcome the chance to work with Direk Joel Lamangan.”
He should have been cast in “Trudis Liit” since he’s now being linked to Maxene Magalona who plays Trudis’ protector in the show. Their rumoured off screen romance will help viewers find “Trudis Liit” more interesting.
“Okay lang sa’kin yun but decision ng management na sa ‘Basahang Ginto’ ako isali.”
What’s the real score between them? “We’re good friends.”
Maxene says he gave her a special pillow. “Yes, para magamit niya when she’s taping ‘Trudis Liit’. Wala naming masamang regaluhan ko siya as we’re close friends. Magkasama kami sa movie na ‘Rekrut’ and after that, we went out together. Magkasama kami sa premiere ng movie ni Felix na ‘Pendong’.”
What does he like in Maxene? “Maganda siya, masarap kausap, madaling pakisamahan.”
How come it’s said Maxene seems to be more sweet to her than him to her? “Sorry but I’m not really that expressive with my feelings, but I really appreciate all the support she gives me. Sana nga, we’ll be given the chance to work with each other in the same project sa GMA. I’m hoping mabigyan din ako ng lead role.”
Is he also sore at his dad for leaving their mom? “No, I never had any resentment sa dad ko. Basta happy kami ng mom ko.” Has he seen his dad’s new family? “No, buhay niya yun. Ayokong pakialaman. Basta kami, we’re okay. My goal is to one day be recognized on my own as an actor and not just as Bembol Roco’s son.”
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GLAIZA DE CASTRO cried as The Story of Your Life segment in “Showbiz Central” showed her struggle to make a name for herself in showbiz. She started as an extra in “Kasangga” then GMA gave her meaty roles in various soaps, culminating in her role as Tiffany, villain to Regine Velasquez’ Melody, in “Diva”, one of the most memorable characters she’s played so far. “I came from a heavy drama na ‘Stairway to Heaven’ and when we got to ‘Diva’, it’s a pleasant deviation kasi nagko-comedy ako at kumakanta pa. One of the high points for me is nang makasama ko on the same stage si Ms. Regine Velasquez at nag-contest kami ng kantahan. I really want to thank as she personally chose me daw to be in this show.”
At the “Diva” thanksgiving presscon, Glaiza told us she became emotional when Regine gave her a pricey Louis Vuitton bag as farewell gift. “Ako nga dapat magbigay ng gift sa kanya so I can’t believe siya pa ang nagbigay sa akin. At tutulungan pa raw niya akong magka-album. She’s really so generous. Itong last week ng ‘Diva’, magiging masyadong mabilis ang pacing ng story. Magkaka-cancer ang father ni Sam (Regine) na si Buboy Garovillo, Sam will sing again to revive Birit Records, magkakaroon kami ng showdown sa kantahan, but I will order that she be killed. Ang problema, si Gary (Mark Anthony Fernandez) ang tatamaan ng bala, and I will be arrested by cops. Abangan nyo kung ano ang mangyayaring karma sa’min dito ni Rufa Mae Quinto at kung sino ang pipiliin ni Sam between Gary and Martin (TJ Trinidad.)”
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LOVI POE was interviewed in “Showbiz Central” about the arrest of her boyfriend Ilocos Sur congressman Ronald Singson at the Hongkong airport on July 11 for illegal drugs possession. Singson, 41, is now detained at the Lai Chi Kok Correctional Institution. He admitted carrying cocaine and Valium, saying he said this would serve as a lesson for all. His dad, Gov. Chavit Singson, was also interviewed and revealed that Ronald went to Hongkong after he broke up with Lovi on the night of the concert of Usher in Manila. Lovi refused to make any comment on this. Gov. Chavit said what happened is very unfortunate but he’d just let the Hongkong courts to decide on his son’s case. “Hindi ko pinakikialaman yan kahit mahal ko ang anak ko,” he said.
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OUR CONDOLENCES to the widow of comedian Redford White, Elma, and their child, Jerbie. Redford, who’s Cipriano Cermeno in real life, passed away at the age of 54 on July 24 due to brain cancer. He’s best remembered for his hit sitcom with Eric Quizon that was also turned into a movie series, “Buddy en Sol”. We want to share Eric’s statement when he learned of Redford’s passing: “Today is one of the saddest days of my life. A truly honest and good man has passed away. Red was my partner, my Sol. We were one. I was the body, he was the soul. I was the vessel, he was the spirit. He was a man who believe in the craft and valued his work. He was a professional and dedicated actor that everybody admired. Red: a good friend, a wonderful father, a loving husband and a faithful son of God. He is now one with his Creator. We love you Red. We will miss you.” Red was discovered by Jerry Talavera of Bukang Liwayway Films who made him a star with Pia Moran in a series of comedies. He was last seen with Ruffa Gutierrez in ABS-CBN’s “Kokey”.
OGIE ALCASID launched his newest album at Eastwood last week then went to Malacanang to meet with Pres. Noynoy for whom he campaigned in the last election. The new president agreed to induct on August 13 the new officers of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) of which Ogie is the president. Ogie’s new album from Universal Records is a tribute to the late composer George Canseco. Did he get to meet Mr. Canseco when he was still alive? “Oh yes, at 2004 Aliw Awards, he’s the chairman of the board of judges and when he saw me, he told me akong nanalo as Entertainer of the Year. Then he said maraming mali sa rhymes and choice of words ko in ‘Bakit Ngayon Ka Lang?’ He pointed them out to me. He told me a song is really a poem kaya you should follow the rules in creating poetry. Singing his songs is my way of expressing my admiration and gratitude for him, one of the greatest songwriters in the local music. Big challenge din ito for me as they were sung by other singers before like Basil Valdez, Kuh Ledesma at iba pang magagaling sa biritan, so don’t compare me with them please. E, ako naman, malumanay akong kumanta kaya this is my own interpretation na very easy and relaxing ang style.”
Ogie’s first single is “Yakap”, first popularized by Spanish singer Junior, followed by “Ngayon at Kailanman”, “Ikaw”, “Kapantay ay Langit”, “Paano Kita Mapapasalamatan”, “Kung Ako’y Iiwan Mo”, “Dito Ba”, “Hanggang sa Dulo ng Walang Hanggan”, “Langis at Tubig”, “Kahapon Lamang”, “Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan”, “Kaibigan”, “Siya Na Ba” and “Kastilyong Buhangin”.
**********
KATRINA HALILI won’t be present at the next hearing of her case against Hayden Kho as she’ll be going to the U.S. to promote GMA Pinoy TV. “Nagpaalam na ko through my lawyer and I was allowed to leave,” she says. “Nag-advance taping na rin ako for ‘Langit sa Piling Mo’.”
What can she say about the comment of some writers that she wasn’t well applauded at the FHM Party at World Trade Center? “Okay lang yun kasi even the other participants, hindi rin malakas ang palakpak. Tinatamad yata ang audience, unlike sa Bench show na talagang ang lakas ng palakpak pagrampa ko on stage. Isa pa, hindi naman ako ang number one sa FHM, e. Siempre, they’re waiting for the number one (Angel Locsin). E, naranasan ko na rin naming maging number one for two consecutive years na malakas din ang palakpak sa akin on stage. So tama na yun. Di naman sa lahat ng pagkakataon, ikaw na lang ang papalakpakan, di ba?”
What will happen to her character, Aurora, in “Langit sa Piling Mo” after Mark Herras almost discovered that she’s the one who ordered Marco Morales to rape Heart Evangelista? “She becomes even more nasty and cruel to Heart dahil, officially, naging on na sina Mark at Heart. Tumitindi naman ang away between Maritoni Fernandez and Ryza Cenon over my dad, Tonton Gutierrez, while Heart continues to search for Ryza, her missing sister.”
**********
BEMBOL ROCO’S twin sons, Dominic and Felix Roco, used to both be with GMA-7. Felix has moved to ABS and Dominic thinks this is good for both of them. “We agreed this will help us have our own identity,” he says at the special presscon of GMA Artist Center for him when he signed a new 5-year contract for them. “Kasi dati, lagi kaming magkasama, but now, people will be able to distinguish easily na Kapuso ako, Kapamilya siya.”
He’s now included in the cast of “Basahang Ginto” as Geoff Eigenmann’s rival over Carla Abellana. “Kargador ako sa palengke na magiging kaibigan ni Orang, played by Carla. I’m thankful kasi mabait sila lahat sa’kin sa show and I welcome the chance to work with Direk Joel Lamangan.”
He should have been cast in “Trudis Liit” since he’s now being linked to Maxene Magalona who plays Trudis’ protector in the show. Their rumoured off screen romance will help viewers find “Trudis Liit” more interesting.
“Okay lang sa’kin yun but decision ng management na sa ‘Basahang Ginto’ ako isali.”
What’s the real score between them? “We’re good friends.”
Maxene says he gave her a special pillow. “Yes, para magamit niya when she’s taping ‘Trudis Liit’. Wala naming masamang regaluhan ko siya as we’re close friends. Magkasama kami sa movie na ‘Rekrut’ and after that, we went out together. Magkasama kami sa premiere ng movie ni Felix na ‘Pendong’.”
What does he like in Maxene? “Maganda siya, masarap kausap, madaling pakisamahan.”
How come it’s said Maxene seems to be more sweet to her than him to her? “Sorry but I’m not really that expressive with my feelings, but I really appreciate all the support she gives me. Sana nga, we’ll be given the chance to work with each other in the same project sa GMA. I’m hoping mabigyan din ako ng lead role.”
Is he also sore at his dad for leaving their mom? “No, I never had any resentment sa dad ko. Basta happy kami ng mom ko.” Has he seen his dad’s new family? “No, buhay niya yun. Ayokong pakialaman. Basta kami, we’re okay. My goal is to one day be recognized on my own as an actor and not just as Bembol Roco’s son.”
**********
GLAIZA DE CASTRO cried as The Story of Your Life segment in “Showbiz Central” showed her struggle to make a name for herself in showbiz. She started as an extra in “Kasangga” then GMA gave her meaty roles in various soaps, culminating in her role as Tiffany, villain to Regine Velasquez’ Melody, in “Diva”, one of the most memorable characters she’s played so far. “I came from a heavy drama na ‘Stairway to Heaven’ and when we got to ‘Diva’, it’s a pleasant deviation kasi nagko-comedy ako at kumakanta pa. One of the high points for me is nang makasama ko on the same stage si Ms. Regine Velasquez at nag-contest kami ng kantahan. I really want to thank as she personally chose me daw to be in this show.”
At the “Diva” thanksgiving presscon, Glaiza told us she became emotional when Regine gave her a pricey Louis Vuitton bag as farewell gift. “Ako nga dapat magbigay ng gift sa kanya so I can’t believe siya pa ang nagbigay sa akin. At tutulungan pa raw niya akong magka-album. She’s really so generous. Itong last week ng ‘Diva’, magiging masyadong mabilis ang pacing ng story. Magkaka-cancer ang father ni Sam (Regine) na si Buboy Garovillo, Sam will sing again to revive Birit Records, magkakaroon kami ng showdown sa kantahan, but I will order that she be killed. Ang problema, si Gary (Mark Anthony Fernandez) ang tatamaan ng bala, and I will be arrested by cops. Abangan nyo kung ano ang mangyayaring karma sa’min dito ni Rufa Mae Quinto at kung sino ang pipiliin ni Sam between Gary and Martin (TJ Trinidad.)”
**********
LOVI POE was interviewed in “Showbiz Central” about the arrest of her boyfriend Ilocos Sur congressman Ronald Singson at the Hongkong airport on July 11 for illegal drugs possession. Singson, 41, is now detained at the Lai Chi Kok Correctional Institution. He admitted carrying cocaine and Valium, saying he said this would serve as a lesson for all. His dad, Gov. Chavit Singson, was also interviewed and revealed that Ronald went to Hongkong after he broke up with Lovi on the night of the concert of Usher in Manila. Lovi refused to make any comment on this. Gov. Chavit said what happened is very unfortunate but he’d just let the Hongkong courts to decide on his son’s case. “Hindi ko pinakikialaman yan kahit mahal ko ang anak ko,” he said.
**********
OUR CONDOLENCES to the widow of comedian Redford White, Elma, and their child, Jerbie. Redford, who’s Cipriano Cermeno in real life, passed away at the age of 54 on July 24 due to brain cancer. He’s best remembered for his hit sitcom with Eric Quizon that was also turned into a movie series, “Buddy en Sol”. We want to share Eric’s statement when he learned of Redford’s passing: “Today is one of the saddest days of my life. A truly honest and good man has passed away. Red was my partner, my Sol. We were one. I was the body, he was the soul. I was the vessel, he was the spirit. He was a man who believe in the craft and valued his work. He was a professional and dedicated actor that everybody admired. Red: a good friend, a wonderful father, a loving husband and a faithful son of God. He is now one with his Creator. We love you Red. We will miss you.” Red was discovered by Jerry Talavera of Bukang Liwayway Films who made him a star with Pia Moran in a series of comedies. He was last seen with Ruffa Gutierrez in ABS-CBN’s “Kokey”.
