Philippine News Archive

Buddha Bar Manila’s interiors feature custom crafted rope chandeliers, cosseted by gold etched walls with intricate oriental patterns that set off the rich palette of gold, red and black.

MANILA, Philippines – You’ve heard the CDs. Now, Filipinos can enjoy the Buddha Bar experience live after the Paris-based bar lounge opened a branch in Makati City.

The fourth franchise in Asia after Jakarta in Indonesia, Beirut in Lebanon and Dubai, Buddha Bar opened at Picar Place along Kalayaan Avenue in Makati with a stylish party attended by VIPs, led by Philippine Vice President Jejomar Binay.

Also seen at the opening bash were fashion models Bianca Valerio, Tweetie de Leon and Marina Benipayo, TV personality Rovilson Fernandez, designers JC Buendia and Randy Ortiz, and other socialites.

“We have seen Buddha Bar’s great success globally since it first opened in Paris in 1996 and we are happy that they’ve chosen to open here in Manila,” said Sylvere Le Gall, general manager of Buddha Bar Manila.

“Buddha Bar’s expansion in the Philippines will definitely raise the bar of entertaining and dining beyond expectation, ensuring everyone a harmonious experience,” he added.

Buddha Bar Manila is fully owned by Picar Development, a subsidiary of the AMA Group and developers of the residential condominium tower, Stratford Residences.

With its chic East-meets-West concept, Buddha Bar’s interiors feature custom crafted rope chandeliers, cosseted by gold etched walls with intricate oriental patterns that set off the rich palette of gold, red and black.

The brand new three storey complex, which can seat 525 people, features the most spacious event space in the city. The bar can be found on the first floor, while the second floor is devoted to the restaurant and sushi bar. There is also an open-air rooftop, which has been transformed into a lounge area.

Chill-out music

Before opening in Makati, Buddha Bar is best known for its popular CD compilations. The original “Buddha Bar I,” released in 1999, is regarded as one of the best-selling chill-out compilations of all time.

The tracks in the Buddha Bar CDs are usually inspired by traditional music and rhythms from Asia and South America, which have been turned into hypnotic electronic music.

Frank Fortet, group head of international development of George V Entertainment, the company that owns the Buddha Bar brand, explained that Buddha Bar focuses on three elements: music, light and food.

“With the lighting and the design, and the music, it creates a soundtrack for your night, that’s why it lingers,” Le Gall said in an interview with BusinessWorld, adding that the secret to Buddha Bar’s music is the choice of songs based on the clientele at a particular time.

As for the food, the Pacific Rim menu also follows the East-meets-West theme, mixing French techniques with Asian flavors. Among its famous dishes are the chicken salad, Thai curry prawns, caramelized lemon tart, and black sesame ice cream.

This early Buddha Bar is already gaining a following among the glamorous set and celebrities.

“Partner we have it here na!” model Phoemela Baranda tweeted.

“Does anybody know the number to Buddha Bar?” tweeted Azkals member Anton del Rosario.

“I’m so happy! Buddha bar opened in makati! Used 2go (sic) there when I was in hischool (sic) /college pero Paris nga lang. Hehe. Meron na sa Manila,” tweeted KC Concepcion, who stayed in Paris for several years before pursuing her showbiz career in the country.

MANILA, Philippines – Ruffa Gutierrez doesn’t allow her kids to watch showbiz-oriented talk shows. She brings them to work as much as she can, and always sleeps with them at night no matter how late she comes home from work. They can use the computers for school assignments, but there’s a guardian to monitor the computer use if Ruffa’s not around, but she alone knows the password so that they can’t access the Internet anytime they want. “Everything is in strict parenting control,” says Ruffa.

These are just some of the TV5 actress-host’s parenting do’s and don’ts being a working single mom to Lorin, 8 and Venice, 7.

“It’s really difficult (raising them as a single mom) because I have to be nice to them, and then I have to discipline them. (Fortunately) I have my parents to help me,” she adds.

The STAR caught up with Ruffa recently on three occasions: In Cebu where she headlined the Kapatid Network’s pre-Sinulog show; at Wyeth Philippines’ launch of its advanced milk brand Progress Pre-School Gold, of which Ruffa and daughters are endorsers, at the Fully-Booked store in Bonifacio High Street; and at the contract-signing with Viva Agency, led by its big boss Vic del Rosario, which will be handling her and brothers Raymond and Richard’s endorsement deals.  

Ruffa says she doesn’t mind at all if her kids pursue her line of work, but it calls for certain conditions. “Actually, Boss Vic is really interested in taking care of them in terms of ads and endorsements. But only as long as they don’t neglect their studies (because) I’m very happy with their grades. Lorin won five honors at school; Venice got two this year. So, perhaps, they’ll do (showbiz) intermittently, not all out. (My dream really) is to get them into an Ivy League university. That’s why I’m working so hard.”

With daughters Lorin and Venice

Ruffa has come to accept her single-parenting situation after her marriage with Turkish businessman Yilmaz Bektas broke down. “I have sole custody of the kids. I make the decisions. I’m the sole provider, anyway. I take care of them on my own. I think I’ve done a good job in raising them.”

She, nevertheless, hopes she and her ex-husband maintain a good relationship for their children’s sake. “I never say bad things about him to my kids because I want them growing up respecting him. Once in a while, he calls and promises to come. For me, I’d rather leave it at that. It’s even much better that they really don’t have that ‘close-close’ relationship because the kids will get confused and I’m not going to end up with him anyway, so I might as well train them already that they only see me.”

If motherhood takes priority, her love life, Ruffa claims, is taking the backseat this year. “I don’t want to have a love life this year.”

Mom Annabelle quipped upon hearing Ruffa’s declaration: “You’ve said that 1,000 times already, Ruffa.” But Ruffa insists that she’s “praying that I stay out of love. I think it’s better kasi minsan relationships are so emotionally high-maintenance, and instead of feeling good about it, in the end, you have so many problems, sumasakit ulo mo, umiiyak ka, so what for di ba? Buti nalang wala akong ganung stress. Ang pino-problema ko ngayon ang mga bata, kung naka-homework na sila, kung kumain na sila… Relationships will always take a backseat. They’re always No. 2 to my daughters and work.”

Asked about the “Argentinian model” being linked to her, she reacts, “Brazilian, darling… wala na. The thing is, he is only based here for a certain time, and this year, he’s leaving. It was nice, he showered me with affection. But it can’t be anything serious because his time here in the Philippines is only for like a year, so why waste time when it has no future?”

Asked what really is her type — younger, older, showbiz or non-showbiz — she says, “Age is just a number. I’ve always been attracted to younger guys. Even my ex was three years younger. I’m referring to my ex-husband ha. (Non-showbiz?) Alam mo kasi, di na masasabi yun, ang problema kasi tuwing na i-in-love ako sa Pinoy, artista. Pwede ba ëwag na (showbiz).î

Ruffa with (from left) VIVA’s Veronique del Rosario-Corpuz and Vic del Rosario, brothers Richard and Raymond, and mom Annabelle Rama

One thing is certain, she says: “The next time I fall in love, he’s not just I want, but he’s what God wants for me. I wish for a lifetime partner already. We need to have the same religious beliefs for us to last forever, with the temptation happening in the world now, with all the divorce, so dapat Diyos ang center ng relationship para tatagal siya ng kasing tagal ng mommy at daddy ko.”

But whatever relationship trials and troubles she went through, there were lessons to learn and she’s taking them to heart. “First of all, you should love yourself, based on experience. There shouldn’t be more room for mistakes. Love is a choice, and a decision, you know kung alam mo na umpisa pa lang, makakasama yung tao sa yo, ‘wag nalang itutuloy. Pray for your feelings. I don’t believe in kilig na. Sa akin di na pwede yung ganun because I have too much to lose, and I have my daughters to think of.”

Meanwhile, Ruffa who’s currently juggling three TV projects — the teleserye Glamorosa, the showbiz-oriented program Paparazzi and the talent show Talentadong Pinoy — is very positive at what awaits her career this 2012: “Definitely, I’m going to do more projects with TV5 this year, a hosting job and a teleserye. But I’m not allowed to talk about it yet.

“I’m also really excited because TV5 is going international this year. It is launching in the States. So this 2012, I pray for more projects, continued success, good health for the whole family, and hopefully, no more intrigues.”

When Sam Milby goes to New York anytime this week, he will be the special guest of Anna Maria Perez de Tagle, star of the Broadway musical Godspell (in which she gets to sing Day By Day, the musical’s most popular song), who will treat Sam to a dinner with, of course, Anna Maria’s mom Evelyn as chaperon.

It has been reported that Sam is taking a three-month (or longer) leave from local showbiz to pursue an acting career in the USA, a period much too short for him to prove his worth by maybe first attending auditions presumably in Hollywood.

“Anna Maria has reserved a ticket to Godspell exclusively for Sam,” reported Funfare’s Big Apple correspondent Edmund Silvestre.

Anna Maria has taken after her grandmother Sylvia La Torre who is so conservative that she was noted for her “no touch, no kiss” policy in her heyday when she was appearing in movies and TV shows. Anna Maria’s father is Sylvia’s son Artie Perez de Tagle.

Anna Maria backstage in the Circle In The Square Theater on Broadway with (from left) Angela Lansbury and Nick Jonas (who recently watched the musical)

“That’s why Anna Maria will be chaperoned by her mom to her dinner date with Sam,” explained Edmund, “even if Anna Maria is already of legal age at 21.”

Actually, Anna Maria’s mom has no reason to worry. Like Anna Maria, Sam is wholesome and, besides a gentleman, he’s harmless.

Unknown to many, Sam and Anna Maria are friends. They first met in the Big Apple two years ago when Sam was there for a Kapamilya show. Anna Maria is updated on Filipino stars because she watches shows on GMA Pinoy TV and TFC (The Filipino Channel). Since then, the two have been keeping in touch via Twitter.

For sure, Anna Maria will introduce Sam to her Godspell co-stars from whom he can get tips on how to go about and make it in the US, which is a real tough challenge considering the thousands of aspirants. Sam can even ask Anna Maria for some “connections,” you know.

“With Sam’s Amerasian charm and warmth,” assured Edmund, “the Godspell cast will surely fall under his spell. The cast will be delighted to find out that Sam is a popular actor in the Philippines who has appeared in several TV shows, concerts and movies. One of the dramas he starred in was Impostor which was a finalist at the recent International Emmy Awards.”

Asked about Sam’s chances of, well, getting noticed in Hollywood (or anywhere in the US), Anna Maria told Edmund, “I’ll always keep my fingers crossed for him. He’s very nice and I wish him the best because he deserves the best.”

Meanwhile, Anna Maria and the entire Godspell cast have never run out of celebrity well-wishers who catch the nightly show (and double the audience’s fun with their mere presence) at the Circle in the Square in New York City. The latest A-lister to see the critically-acclaimed show and greet the grateful cast backstage was the legendary Angela Lansbury, the five-time Tony winner who is herself a Broadway baby. She’s best known worldwide as mystery writer and amateur detective Jessica Fletcher in the highly-acclaimed and top-rated series Murder She Wrote which aired on CBS from 1984 to 1996.

Anna Maria said she and the whole cast were on Cloud 9 while exchanging pleasantries with the acting icon who is also the honorary chairman of the American Theater Wing, which created and sponsors the Tony Awards in theatrical arts. 

“Everyone of us was in awe of her,” a thrilled Anna Maria was quoted by Edmund as saying. “Who wouldn’t be when everyone in Broadway dreams of achieving even a fraction of what she has accomplished as a stage actor. She’s very warm and sweet and very down-to-earth. No wonder she’s an icon.”

mom Evelyn Perez de Tagle (who feeds Anna Maria and the Godspell cast Filipino food)

Edmund recalled that just two weeks ago, Anna Maria was also visited by close pal and former fellow Disney artist Nick Jonas, who is currently starring in the another Broadway blockbuster revival How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. Nick took over from Glee star Darren Criss, who, as we all know by now, is half-Filipino (his mother is Cebuana). The handsome 19-year-old musician/actor, who is also part of the Jonas Brothers, came with his stunning girlfriend, Australia’s pop superstar Delta Goodrem who later tweeted Anna Maria, “You were amazing! the whole show was fantastic @bwaygodspell all that talent on one stage ha! see you soon!” Anna Maria replied, “@delta_goodrem Thank you! We’re thrilled, honored that you came to watch @BwayGodspell. We’re all watching @nickjonas in HTSIB! xoxo 3”

Last week, it was Anna Maria’s turn to throw her support behind Nick when he opened for How to Succeed at the nearby Hirshfeld Theater. Nick’s dad, popularly known in the industry as Papa Jonas, is Anna Maria’s manager and “second dad.”

Incidentally, did you know that the Godspell cast is going gaga over Filipino food, thanks to Anna Maria’s mom Evelyn? At times when Godspell has to stage two performances in one day, Evelyn makes it a point to cook Pinoy dishes so that Anna Maria and the cast won’t have to leave theater premises especially during winter.

Said Edmund, “Evelyn brings the home-made food to Circle in the Square which the cast (that includes Hunter Parrish, Telly Leung, Uzo Aduba, Nick Blaemire, Wallace Smith, Lindsay Mendez and the half-Pinoy George Salazar) would partake at Anna Maria’s dressing room. But what Evelyn didn’t expect was that they would all fall in love with her Adobo, Bistek (beef steak), Lumpiang Shanghai, Pancit, Sinigang and even her spaghetti Pinoy style.”

Evelyn is flattered no end.

“Hinahanap-hanap na nila,” she said, laughing. “Pinag-iisipan ko ngang ipagluto sila ng dinuguan. Titingnan ko kung makakain nila.”

What’s up?

? Oops! Bryan Adams is not coming for a concert at the Big Dome on Feb. 18 after all, as Funfare reported yesterday. The show has been cancelled due to “some misunderstanding” with the Philippine producer. Adams will have a show in Tokyo on Feb. 17 and in Europe on Feb. 19.

? Inspiring text message from Peachy Guioguio: The earth weighs 6.6 septillion tons. Let’s not make it any heavier by carrying a heavy heart. Stay light. Smile big. Laugh often and love much. Shalom!

? And another one from anonymous: God has no cellphone. But He is Smart and He owns the Globe and the Sun. You can call Him even if you don’t have Load. But remember, no Text, only Talk. Don’t forget to call Him; it’s Unlimited.

(E-mail reactions at entphilstar@yahoo.com. You may also send your questions to askrickylo@gmail.com. For more updates, photos and videos visit www.philstar.com/funfare or follow me on www.twitter/therealrickylo.)

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — “I’ll never forget it. It is scarred for a lifetime in a good way.” That’s Sid Lucero speaking about his experience shooting on the set of Amaya and Captive during the press interview here. Sid along with Claudine Barretto, Isabel Oli, sisters Ehra and Michelle Madrigal, Bubbles Paraiso and Victor Aliwalas took a break from their busy schedule to take part in the recently-held Bacolaodiat Festival: Kapuso Night.

“Before Amaya, I would have to say Captive,” says Sid of his unforgettable assignments. “There’s no other project that will probably come close to that — the way it was treated and how it was shot. It was like Tropic Thunder. They didn’t tell us (where) the squibs (were). There was a script but it was only Isabelle (Huppert, French actress and lead star of Captive) who could read it. They just told us that this is that. We went through training. We got really thin. We carried real live guns for 28 days on the set.”

That’s why when Sid went back to the city, he was culture shocked by its fast-paced lifestyle. You can’t blame him because he and the cast lived in the mountains for a month. “We went to north, south, east and west of Luzon,” Sid recalls. “We went to Tanay and Subic, among other places.”

Legacy star Sid Lucero gracing Bacolaodiat Festival: Kapuso Night: Amaya and Captive top his list

Sid is one of the Abus in Captive which made it to the upcoming Berlin Film Festival. He shares that Abus don’t follow a hierarchy. Thus, one might have a hard time figuring out who is the group leader. In the story, the leadership is passed on to Sid’s non-speaking character. 

As for Amaya, Sid says, ”the dialogue was heavy.” The actors taped from three to five times a week and the pre-colonial village set was their home for eight months.

How was his transition from being an independent to mainstream actor?

“I became more experienced,” Sid answers. “I’m still learning and experiencing a lot of new things… Everything I want to learn I’m learning through my job.” But Sid still plans to study and earn a college degree. 

After his GMA 7 starrer opposite Marian Rivera, Sid will be seen in Legacy. For him, it feels like home on the set as he will be working with his aunt Cherie Gil and cousin Geoff Eigenmann. His character will put up a business that goes up against Legacy by manufacturing the same but cheaper products. Then the business battle between Legacy and his own company begins.

As an actor, Sid uses the “being” approach he learned from mentors like director Peque Gallaga. It is challenging, taxing yet effective as “you go to the set, cry eight times a day and get something from inside.” Acting on TV, he says, becomes reflexive and reactive given its realities. One banks on a filing cabinet of emotions with pocket reactions to meet the demands of TV work. However, this must not be brought if one acts for the big screen.

“I base it on my co-actors,” says Sid of acting as a collaborative work. “I always say that an actor is only as good as the worst co-actor. You might be the best actor in the world. But if you and your co-actor don’t   communicate, walang mangyayari. (There should be) rapport.”

At the rate his showbiz career is going, Sid is delighted at how the indie artist in him has successfully crossed over to the mainstream.

“I’m very happy,” he says. “But I wouldn’t say this is what I expected. This is what (my manager) Ricky (Gallardo) and I talked about. That’s why I’m happy because kung anuman yung sinabi niya sa akin, he really stuck to it. In terms of the path (of) and what happened (in my career), nagkataon na lang. Tanggap lang kasi ako ng tanggap (ng projects).”

MANILA, Philippines – It was in the late ’90s when ABS-CBN hit the bull’s-eye and captured the Pinoy televiewers’ interest with its paranormal drama Okatokat (Takot ako spelled backwards) that starred Agot Isidro, Ricky Davao, Rica Peralejo and Carmina Villarroel, among many others. The horror series successfully ran for five years. It folded up in 2001 to give way to telenovelas that are part of the Pinoy TV viewing habit until this day.

What came out next was Nginiig that focused mainly on Pinoy horror and paranormal stories. It was only last year, according to director Theodore “Ted” Boborol, when the Kapamilya network had finally decided to bring back the format to scare viewers out of their wits by reviving Okatokat. This time, it is titled Oka2kat, with a new twist and new set of characters. Makisig Morales, Jane Oineza, Paul Salas, Sue Anna Ramirez and Joshua Colet were chosen to topbill the horror-filled adventure series beginning tomorrow at 4 p.m. after Showbiz Inside Report.

With the show’s theme similar to the original version, one could be anticipating that Oka2kat is just another showcase of “carbon copies.” But directors Ted and Neal del Rosario want to make it clear that the new afternoon weekend show has a different touch. It is filled with exciting adventures, family drama and a dash of comedy. It also has moral lessons which can serve as guide to young viewers.

“This time, Oka2kat is not something that you can classify as super horror,” begins direk Ted. “It’s like a mixture of Shake, Rattle Roll, Drag Me to Hell and Scooby Doo that makes it more like an adventure series.”

And while the former Okatokat banked on a new plot and new characters in each episode, the latest version has continuity. It follows the story of protagonist Andrew (Paul).

“Here, we also have a new guest in every episode but we will still follow the life of main character Andrew and as the story goes deeper, televiewers will find out the connection of the guest characters to him,” direk Ted adds.

The characters involved are mostly tweens. Thus, Oka2kat illustrates issues and concerns that usually occur during teenage years. “At the end of every show, there are moral values to learn. Merong values orientation sa ganung edad para balanse,” direk Neal shares.

Oka2kat directors Ted Boborol (left) and Neal del Rosario

Asked how do they keep the young stars’ focus considering the five get along too well on the set, direk Ted answers, “They started young in showbiz so more or less they know the rigors of acting — giving the right emotion, correct camera blocking and memorization (of dialogues). Kay Joshua lang mahirap kasi bago s’ya but after attending acting workshops with direk Laurice (Guillen), everything turned out fine.”

The use of technological devices is another change in the show. Makisig, who will play the techie geek Neil, will be seen using various gadgets like computers, iPads and celfone in their adventure.

Tear-jerking scenes add variety to the show. Televiewers will see on its pilot episode how Dimples Romana feels the pain of a mom whose son becomes a favorite target of bullies.

Even the show’s location has an eerie feel that complements the theme. The old, ancestral house in Bulacan perfectly fits as the “hair-raising” backdrop. In fact, the stars and production staff have felt an extraordinary occurrence at the place.

“Namamatay talaga yung mga ilaw sa isang kwarto doon ng walang gumagalaw tapos yung sound ‘di namin marinig,” confirms direk Ted. “We haven’t tried consulting spiritual questors but we are careful with our moves, nagtatabi-tabi po kami.”

Oka2kat also stars Perla Bautista, Nanding Josef, Janus del Prado and DJ Durano.

MANILA, Philippines – “We’re seeing each other.”

With this candid reply, President Aquino confirmed yesterday persistent reports that he was seen having dinner with TV personality Grace Lee, a showbiz anchor of GMA-7.

“Well, we are seeing each other,” the 51-year-old bachelor admitted to Palace reporters in a chance interview during the 25th anniversary celebration of the Philippine Information Agency, whose head office is along Visayas Avenue in Quezon City.

The crowd initially burst into laughter when the question was asked by radio reporter Tuesday Niu of dzBB – GMA-7’s radio station – but which later turned into shouts of “Yehey!” when Aquino made the revelation.

Aquino clammed up, however, when pressed for details.

“I think I’ll leave it at that,” the smiling President remarked, at the same time invoking his constitutional right to privacy.

“Under the Constitution there is a right to privacy. May I be entitled to even a portion of that right under Article III,” the President said in Filipino.

Lee, for her part, confirmed the President’s response.

“What the President said is true,” she told co-host Raffy Tima in GMA-7’s “Balitanghali.” “I don’t think there’s room for clarification because what the President said was very simple.”

The reported dinner of Aquino and Lee had been the topic of social networking sites for quite sometime now.

They were reportedly seen in a posh restaurant, along with another pair, shortly after Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra paid a courtesy call on the President recently.

It was disc jockey Mo Twister who broke the story in his Twitter account, after Lee, his fellow DJ in Magic 89.9, confirmed to him that she indeed had dinner with the Chief Executive a few weeks back.

“Just asked Grace Lee if it’s true that she had dinner with President Aquino. She said she did,” Twister wrote in his Twitter account, when talk about their reported date made the rounds of social networking sites.

Lee, a Korean national who is also a popular figure in Cebu City, had an exclusive interview with Aquino at Malacañang last Dec. 23 for Magic 89.9.

Aquino had referred to Lee as gwapa or beautiful and good-looking when he inaugurated the KEPCO-SPC power plant in Cebu in mid-2011.

The event was hosted by Lee, who was then wearing a Korean costume.

She caught the attention of the President, who was then with Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia.

Incoming search terms:

• grace lee aquino

MANILA, Philippines – After striking her most sultry pose on the cover of FHM’s January 2012 issue, Ellen Adarna may look the part as one of the country’s sexiest, but she claims she doesn’t feel it.

“Honestly, for me, I don’t find myself sexy,” Ellen says.

The 23-year-old Kapuso artist from Cebu adds, “When I go out, I don’t really care about what I wear. My usual get-up is T-shirt, shorts and slippers. I’m used to the Cebu lifestyle, which is laidback.”

Her idea of sexy is “Victoria’s Secret” and she cites the likes of Lovi Poe (“I love her abs!”), Solenn Heussaff, Cristine Reyes and Sam Pinto as her sexiest women. 

“I used to be fat. But from 120 lbs., I trimmed down to my current 98 lbs. through diet and regular exercise,” says Ellen, who goes to the gym almost every day and does Muay Thai and plyometrics as part of her workout regimen.

Ellen entered the showbiz industry in 2010 with a built-in fan base. After all, she was already a cyberspace darling, having gained popularity by virtue of her widely-followed social networking sites.

Actually, Ellen’s story would make a good case study on how to become a celebrity, the Internet way. But that’s another story. 

Ellen says that showbiz wasn’t among her future plans — she’s the only daughter of the owner of Cebu’s biggest motel chain — but at that time, she rebelled, ran away from home and decided to find work and support herself. “I’m pasaway!” she admits. She and her parents are okay now, although they still react strongly to her posing for men’s magazines. She has graced the cover of FHM twice; the same with Uno.

Calling to mind her first showbiz assignment which was as the “angelic assistant” in the now-defunct game show Asar Talo, she candidly remarks, “I had to be prim and proper because that was how I was packaged, but eventually, my true self came out, ha ha ha.”

Apart from being very outspoken, she can also be feisty, as seen in her Twitter war with fellow Survivor Philippines: Celebrity Doubles castaway, Arnold Aniñon.

“He told me and (fellow castaway) Angelicopter that we wouldn’t be sikat unless we have a sex tape. Coming from a guy, that’s very (disrespectful),” she says, adding that she won’t take comments like that sitting down.

Meanwhile, as a former member of Survivor’s Tala tribe, she’s rooting for Maey or Betong for the big win.

Asked if she’s open to do daring movies, Ellen says, “I’ve never even had a kissing scene… well, let’s talk about it ’pag magaling na ako mag-acting.”

Incoming search terms:

• roommate asian
• ellen adarna fhm 2012

MANILA, Philippines — Now that Cloie Concepcion is in town, she joins sisters KC and Garrie in the limelight.

Cloie is Gabby Concepcion and Jenny Syquia’s daughter. She arrived recently and immediately, they gave Jenny’s former agent Vic del Rosario and daughter Veronique a visit to ask what they have to say about Cloie’s desire to try modeling in the Philippines.

“Boss Vic and Veronique said it was go, that seriously, they believe Cloie could do it. Before we knew it, I was again signing a contract with them, and Cloie, too,” Jenny excitedly told us.

Cloie signed a three-year contract with Viva Artist Agency.

But it’s modeling over showbiz for the young lady. “She has set her eyes on modeling since she was 15 but then Jenny believed she wasn’t ready yet. But she’s almost 18 (and 5’7” tall) now and after spending half a year in a university in Beijing, I think she’s more than ready to start a modeling career. But not showbiz. I’ve been getting a lot of calls and text messages from Sweden inquiring about Cloie.”

Jenny recalled that she herself started out as a model. “I had a front row seat to drama so I had a few years to observe it,” Jenny, who also was editor of a bridal magazine, said.

She always tells her daughter “to think before she speaks and to sit up straight.”

Jenny revealed she hasn’t seen nor talked to her former husband Gabby Concepcion since Cloie was one year old. They have nothing to talk about, she said, stressing “everything between us is water under the bridge.”

Cloie has started bonding with her half sister KC. And after being together recently in a humanitarian mission in Cagayan de Oro, they became very close. Jenny said KC invited Cloie to join her on the UN WFP trip to Cagayan de Oro. “The two of them hit it off like they were never apart. That was an amazing experience for Cloie especially because President Aquino was also there,” Jenny said.

Jenny added: “Cloie calls KC the world’s best Ate!”

Shamcey Supports Paf 2012

Shamcey Supsup, Ms. Universe 3rd Runner-Up, has been named as the Ambassadress of Architecture for the upcoming celebration of the Philippine Arts Festival (PAF) 2012.

A woman blessed with beauty and brains, Shamcey also topped the 2010 Architecture Licensure Examination. Architect Gerard T. Lico, head of the National Committee for Architecture and Allied Arts, and Shamcey’s former professor has nothing but praises for her.

“We believe that she will be able to help us promote not only the events of the Architecture Committee but the whole arts festival happens in February,” Arch. Lico said.

Shamcey will grace the press conference for PAF 2012 that will be held in February in celebration of the 21st year of the National Arts Month in pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 683 signed 1991. The month-long festival is spearheaded by the NCCA’s, led by its chairman, Felipe de Leon Jr. and OIC-Executive Director Adelina Suemith, with Marichu Tellano as head of the Planninh, Policy Formulation, and Programming Division.

For next year’s celebration, the NCCA has taken the theme “Tradisyon at Inobasyon” (Tradition and Innovation).

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Jan. 31, go to Ms. Lilibeth Rasonable, GMA-7’s VP for Drama; Ronnie Liang, Bong Villafuerte, Larry Esguerra, Marcela Esguerra, Manny Pineda, Phoebe Pilapil Tumampil, Tere Orendain, Beth Flake’s daughter Kway-Kway, Nitz Miralles, Nicholas Mniel M. Almontero, Michael Jeffrey Marshall of London, Cynthia Sico, Noel Orlain Lim, Iraida Tanopo, Jimmy B. Lazatin, Danniele You Tabor Dizon, Richmond Lim and my beloved mom, Juliana V. Martinez who turns 92… Happy wedding anniversary to Ben and Cora Abalos, Mayor Benhur and Menchie Abalos, and Arnold and Yolly Abalos…

We go to Fanny Serrano’s boutique at least every three weeks for hair coloring, and to check on what hobby this beauty expert/designer/actor/interior decorator/landscaper had gotten involved in this time around. And we are never ever disappointed.

The last time, we found Tita Fanny with young independent photographers taking pictures of his gowns on a model, while breaking all the rules. They were like indie filmmakers of the still camera. When we visited last week, TF was excitedly preparing the promo for the annual Cosmetologie Beauty, Wellness Trends Event on its third year at the SMX Convention Center on Feb. 21 and 22.

We recall on its first year, PICA (Philippine International Cosmetologist Association) demonstrated take-offs in wardrobe and makeup, our favorites being the Mona Lisa, and a bald Madonna Child. This year, TF decided to bring his artists out of the closet and had the indie photographers work on the “Creator-Model” tandem on hair and makeup, as TF himself chooses Diane Castillejos, sportscaster with a look few will recognize in her.

The cosmetologie event of PICA and Premier Events Plus Group is offering basically the same yearly seminars on the first day. The second day is devoted to competitions in hair cut and coloring, bridal makeup, the red carpet look, fantasy make-up and a new addition of nail art.

After the event, TF goes back to his showbiz career where he has won much acclaim for various portrayals on television and in the movies. His biggest honor yet was in the indie film Tarima of direk Neal Tan where as a tortured gay he tied with Coco Martin, current reigning matinee idol for the Gawad Tanglaw Best Actor award, and another win for Gawad Pansin, while being nominated by all awards giving bodies for Best Actor.

What is next? We ask him and he says, very soon he will start work on another acting piece under direk Joel Lamangan which excites him even more. What could this possibly be? “Secret pa,” he says, but confirms that he is most challenged by it since he is cast for the first time not as a flaming gay. What this means is that he is being recognized solely for his acting ability.

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Dax Alejandro has a thin CV yet his reputation is solid

There are not too many who know of actor Dax Alejandro or even acknowledge his existence. His CV is thin and yet his reputation is solid, and what’s important, he is considered by those he has worked with as a lucky charm.

We ask his manager Chiqui Gil what Dax’s secret is. He says Dax is hardworking and patient, takes the initiative to learn new things by himself, and is perfect for Pinoy roles. We had met him briefly last year when the film Busong, the indie tribute to the natives of Palawan by director Auraeus Solito was making waves everywhere. We take a look at his resumé and find involvements in TV, movies, theater, music video and commercials. We have a feeling this year — dragon or otherwise — will be Dax’s year to shine.

 For those interested, Dax’s CV — Minsan Lang Kitang Iibigin, ABS-CBN; Busong, Cannes’ Directors Fortnight; Cinemalaya; Eurasia Film Festival, Kazachstan, winner of Fipresci International Critic Award; IFFI international Film Festival of India; 38th Brussels International Film Festival, Emile Cantillon Prix du Cinema de Demain; Pikit Mata, indie film; Letting Go, music video with Jamie Rivera, Star Records; Noli Me Tangere, lead as Elias, Gantimpala Theater; Muralla, lead as Bonifacio; Action Stars, Knowledge Channel, lead as Ipe; Coca Cola 100 years commercial, second lead as grandson.

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Who would ever think we could challenge Boots Anson-Roa (photo) to an ambush interview on her love life no less? But as we told her, if we didn’t do it, someone else would so it might as well be us and get the facts straight. Friends had long been hearing of Boots’ innumerable suitors who had thought it prudent enough to start courting the widow. What a catch she would be, we all agree. Not only is she pretty, but principled, intelligent, and a workaholic. Often, listeners of DZMM teleradyo’s Sunday Music and Memories would catch Boots’ co-host Willie Nepomuceno making slightly veiled insinuations of her suitors. So what is the lowdown? We ask her.

Yes, she confirms, there have been those na nagparamdam. But no one new. They have been those who had been family friends from before. “There is only one I am dating regularly when he is in town,” Boots admits. Apparently, this man is a doctor who lives in the States, belongs to the association of physicians there, was once a student of her mom at UERM, and comes around from time to time. And Willie Nep has met him, when he came to the studio one Sunday during the show. So there you have it folks. Walang labis, walang kulang.

(E-mail your comments at bibsyfotos@yahoo.com.)

During the 1974 Academy Awards show, just as British actor David Niven was about to present a winner, a streaker (1970s fad when naked people dash around public places or gatherings) suddenly sprung from behind him and ran through the theatre aisle, drawing varied reactions from the startled audience. Unfazed, Niven coolly remarked: “The only laugh that man will ever get in his life is by stripping … and showing his shortcomings.” The audience roared in laughter and applauded David Niven.

The critics of President Noynoy Aquino (P-Noy) remind your Chair Wrecker of that streaker at the 1974 Academy Awards event. They too like to flaunt what little they’ve got, aside from their biases.

It’s about time that the critics of P-Noy accept the reality that he will abide by his standards and not pander to theirs. To begin with, they don’t have access to the wealth of information that a president has. They don’t have the qualified staff to competently study the complete ramifications of a policy or action. They don’t have the intelligence apparatus and P-Noy is one president who is well versed on national security and intelligence matters.

It’s typical of P-Noy critics to inject a negative spin on the time it takes to accomplish a task properly. P-Noy’s preference for undertaking complete staff work will necessarily require time to accomplish. The president’s management style is focused on attaining maximum benefit at the least cost. The P-Noy administration’s savings best demonstrates what the country earned and saved from his management style.

During the 2010 election campaign, P-Noy promised the passage of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill, which the previous administration and Congress didn’t pass. From Day 1 of his administration, P-Noy was harassed to initiate the passage of the FOI Bill.

The truth is P-Noy has no intentions on reneging on his campaign promise. He wants the FOI Bill to be passed. He had, however, some valid reservations on initiating the passage of a defective FOI Bill that could open a Pandora’s box and lead us into a serious national security issue, among other problems. He ordered a careful study of the FOI Bill and sought to improve the provisions that could prove detrimental to the State and Filipinos.

Four areas where information should be withheld had been identified, as follows:

1. Information relating to national defense — These are accepted State secrets that the public is not allowed to know because these could compromise our internal and external defense. We’ve seen in the past how irresponsible media coverage led to divulging the positions of police or army soldiers in a combat zone, raising the risks for our police and soldiers. The Luneta Hostage Crisis is a good recent example.

2. Information on Foreign Affairs — Bilateral relations could seriously be damaged if irresponsible media divulged sensitive information that they shouldn’t possess at all. We’re presently locked in a serious conflict with neighboring countries, claimants to parts of the Western Philippine Sea. A defective FOI Bill could expose Philippine government negotiating parameters — thereby undermining our bargaining position.

3. Personal information irrelevant to issues — This conforms to protecting every individual’s right to privacy. Only personal information that is relevant to an issue should be divulged.

4. Information that are sourced from executive sessions of the legislature — Executive sessions of Congress and the Senate are precisely conducted to prevent the disclosure of certain information.

In previous columns, your Chair Wrecker had taken our media to task for the poor quality of reporting being dished by some, as well as the level of discourse. Showbiz has edged out the important news from the television newscasts. The developing conflict in the South China Sea between the US and China, where we’ll be right in the middle, is easily bumped off from front page or the TV news program by showbiz scandal.

Media should reform their questionable reporting (sensationalizing, injecting personal bias, misrepresenting what sources really said, focusing on irrelevant personal aspects instead of substance and so forth) and editorial criteria (when a showbiz gossip story bumps off from the TV news a serious national security concern). Television and radio in particular operate out of a congressional franchise and should review their franchise terms and conditions and what it states about public service.

This is not to gainsay the role that broadcast media have played in alerting and informing people during disasters (typhoons, landslides and other climate related tragedies) or its vital role in promoting public support for victims of tragedies. This is not to gainsay the meritorious commentators who really educate the public with their explanations of certain issues. This is not to gainsay the value of entertainment in promoting social harmony.

Contrary to what this commentary might put on entertainment — it is also a form of public service. Remove all those entertainment shows on television and we will likely end up with more social problems. Entertainment relieves our daily stress and recharges us for the next day’s challenges. These, however, do not justify the addiction for showbiz at the expense of depriving the people of vital information that could affect their lives.

Media should focus their energies into informing Filipinos of the many dimensions of really important issues. Media should confine their marketing objectives to entertainment programs and wholly dedicate their news and public affairs programs to purely important public service.

In search of higher ratings that in turn deliver more advertising revenues — media pandered to what the public wants. That’s wrong when it happens at the cost of informing the nation of important public issues. Editorial screening should focus not just on what people want but also on what they need to know. That’s what responsibility is all about.

Media that behave like juvenile delinquents cannot be entrusted with sensitive information that could hurt persons and the State.

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Chair Wrecker email and website: macesposo@yahoo.comand www.chairwrecker.com