IT’S A CASE of sweet lemon for the supporters of Venus Raj. They’re happy with her 4th runner up place in Miss Universe. But if you’d read the net, you’d see that a lot of comments say that she could have won if not for her lackluster answer to the question of William Baldwin asking her what one big mistake she made and what she did to correct it. She sounded so self righteous when she said she hasn't made any mistake. Her answer came out of so lame, making one foreigner comment: “Her answer was the worst among the bunch.”Venus should have just recounted her experience with the Bb. Pilipinas management when she made a mistake in submitting papers that made them question her citizenship. Then she should have told them what she did to correct it. We’re sure the judges would have sympathized with her more if she answered with that story of her almost not making it as the Philippine representative to the Miss Universe.
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IT’S COMMON for two stars who are going steady then leave together for abroad to be rumored to be getting married there. Read, Robin denies wedding with Mariel. Mariel Rodriguez said she already expect this but it’s not at all true. “If ever, I won’t hide it,” she said after returning from a five-day sojourn in India with beau Robin Padilla. It’s her first trip to India and she marvelled at the beauty of Taj Mahal and fell in love with that symbol of enduring love of Shah Jahan for his wife. She also denied the rumor she’s pregnant but admitted she gets along fine with the kids of Robin who are with him who are pleasant and respectful to her. Mariel sounds euphoric about her relationship with Robin. But wait until reality sets in. Let’s face it, Robin is carrying a lot of baggage into the relationship. Here’s hoping Mariel will able to cope with all the challenges sure to come her way for their relationship to really last forever.
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WHAT CAN LOVI POE say about the negative reaction she got after she answered nothing but lies in “Showbiz Central” and when Gov. Chavit Singson confirmed she’s really his son Ronald’s girlfriend? “I’m used to people throwing rocks at me,” she says at the presscon of “Say I Do”, the new episode on “Love Bug” that will start airing this Sunday. “I never confirmed or denied anything about Ronald. I don’t really mind na lang what people say as long as those who are close to me know who I really am.” Read, Cong. Ronald Singson on Lovi Poe.
Rocco Nacino must have been surprised when the episode they taped for “Love Bug” in Palawan was suddenlhy superceded by the one with Mark Anthony Fernandez. “He’s not the only one surprised kundi pati ako. But it was explained to me that they want a lighter material kasi puro dramas ang pinalabas sa ‘Love Bug’ ng sunod-sunod. E, drama rin yung sa’min ni Rocco at start pa lang, may iyakan na. ‘Say I Do’ with Mark is more of a romantic comedy kaya mas masaya.”
How did she feel when Mark personally chose her to be his partner? “Of course, I was flattered. I thanked him nga for choosing me. He plays Alvin and I play Faye. It was a case of love at first sight for us and he quickly proposes marriage to me. On our wedding day, his separated parents, Joey Marquez and Carmi Martin, meet again and I make a move to reconcile them. It turns out Mark doesn’t want them to be reunited kasi para silang aso’t pusa na laging nag-aaway. Ang nangyari, kami ni Mark ang nag-away on our honeymoon. Nakakatawa.”
After winning best actress in Cinemalaya Filmfest for “Mayohan”, her next movie is Regal’s horror offering, “White House”. We’ve seen its trailer and it’s impressive. Looks like Director Topel Lee has come up with a truly scary movie with this one after he failed in “Sundo”. “I play a flirty contestant in a reality game show that requires us to stay for five nights in a haunted house in Baguio,” says Lovi. “Kasama ko rito sina Gabby Concepcion, Iza Calzado, Megan Young, Maricar Reyes and DJ Mo.”
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ONE OF THE prettiest Kapamilya young stars today is Isabelle Abiera. She started with Star Magic Batch 15 when she was only 13 four years ago but it was only this year that she was assigned a regular role in “Rosalka” and became a co-host in “Wowowee”. Why did it take so long before she was given such a break? “Maybe because I was too young at pinahinog muna nila ako,” she says. “Also, I went to the States kasi and was gone for 7 months. But I’m really glad na isinali ako sa ‘Rosalka’ and ‘Wowowee’ as my exposure there really helped para mas makilala ko ng viewers. Bale three months din ako sa ‘Wowowee’ at iyak ako ng iyak on its last day kasi ang daming nangyari while I was there. Nang mawala si Kuya Willie, I got to meet our guest co-hosts like Robin Padilla, Luis Manzano, Cesar Montano and Rico Puno.”
The only daughter of a Pinay mom and an Irish Italian dad surnamed Collins, she was born in San Francisco but her mom took her home to Kalibo, Aklan when she was still a child. “We lived in Boracay for four years and I studied at Brent School there,” she says. “My mom remarried a German American and I have a 10-year old half brother now.”
Standing 5’6” and with stunning Latina good looks, she’s a perfect Bb. Pilipinas candidate. “Many folks are urging me to join but later na siguro when I’m a bit older.”
She’s turning 18 on August 28 and she’ll celebrate with a grand debut at the Intercon on August 29. “The theme is 1930’s Hollywood Glamor as I’m fascinated by the glamorous stars of that era like Greta Garbo, Joan Crawford, Ingrid Bergman and Bette Davis. I’ll be wearing an elegant gown by Edgar Allan and since my dad is not here, I’m hoping my first dance will be Star Magic’s Mr. M (Johnny Manahan). My escort is Felix Roco, who’s my co-star in ‘Rosalka’.”
Why not her boyfriend? “Wala. I have no suitors. Takot yata ang boys sa akin kasi matangkad ako.”
Expected to attend her debut garbed like Holllywood stars are Empress Schuck, Coco Martin, Sam Concepcion, Megan Young, Lauren Young, Nikki Bacolod, Maricar de Mesa, and Wowowee co-hosts Pokwang, Mariel Rodriguez, Valerie Concepcion, RR Enriquez, Carmen Soo, and Jed Montero. What’s her birthday wish? “I wish they’d give me more teleseryes and more serious roles.”
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SHERYL CRUZ is now officially divorced from her husband Norman Bustos. Is she ready to remarry? “Kapag may dumating na tamang Mr. Right, why not?” she says. “But right now, I’m scared to heartbroken again. I’d rather focus on my child, Ashley. She’s now 9 years old, and also sa career. I’m thankful to GMA-7 kasi lagi akong may trabaho. I’m happy to be part of ‘Ang Yaman ni Lola’ kasi after playing villain roles in heavy dramas, this is very light kasi it’s a telesitcom reality show. May pagka-villain pa rin ang dating ko as the niece of Lola, si Nanette Inventor, na gustong masarili ang yaman niya so I’m against the contestants who join our show, pero comedy ang dating.”
How’s her relationship with Norman? “We get along fine. Parang nililigawan nga uli ako, so I’m confused, but I think we’re better off this way.”
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‘PILYANG KERUBIN” will have its exciting conclusion tonight. Angelica (Aliyah Fatima) is willing to sacrifice her wings for the healing of her sick mom Melissa (Angelika de la Cruz) but Father God takes a pity on her and lets her return to heaven while Melissa recovers fully. As for Charity (Barbie Forteza), she is allowed to stay on earth to continue her mission of doing good for the sake of mankind. She is reunited with friends Michael (Joshua Dionisio) and Aaron (Elmo Magalona). And finally, after so many trials and tribulations, Melissa is reunited with the man she loves, Arman (Raymart Santiago), and the show ends with their wedding. Next Monday, watch out for the start of “Survivor Philippines Celebrity Edition”.
