Ninascoops

I'm Married!

2008-07-18T21:02:00.007+08:00

It was on the 20th of May 2008 at the Eglise St-Severin in Paris -- the most beautiful day of my life. My husband, Vince, was crying as I approached the altar. I cried too when I saw him. It was surreal. I feel so blessed because I know I married a good man with a good heart in the most beautiful place. Life isn't perfect but that day was, and who says I can't have the perfect day to remember for a lifetime. À coeur vaillant rien d'impossible!

Merry Neri

2008-03-25T23:37:00.010+08:00

Guess what Ched Chair Romulo Neri was doing when the Supreme Court announced it's decision?

He was in the dentist's chair having his tooth "fixed" the whole afternoon. "I broke a tooth," he said in a text message.

I've been stalking the secretary for months, since the ZTE scandal broke out. Our news team would waiting outside his house early morning until he comes out to go to work -- and hopefully toss a statement, a good soundbite, something meaty to at least merit a whole report.

But today of all days, he had nothing to say. He came out of his house, didn't say a thing and just gave my cameraman a wave. A photojournalist could have saved it for later -- perfect for after the Supreme Court's decision. Caption: Neri waves his troubles goodbye.

When I texted him again about his reaction on the High Court's favorable decision, he texted back, "I'm still with my dentist."

I get it.

Two weeks ago, Neri didn't show up at the ZTE-NBN Senate hearing after the senators rejected a compromise offered by the Supreme Court which would have allowed Neri to testify in the Senate but without the threat of arrest or detention if he invokes executive privilege. Some of the senators said they would rather wait for the Supreme Court's decision on whether the questions are covered by executive privilege.

Now that the Supreme Court ruled that the questions are covered by executive privilege, now what?

Analysis, analysis, analysis.

Neri's lawyers are celebrating, it's a vindication they say.

As expected, some senators are crying foul.

What about Neri?

He won his petition, his broken tooth was repaired, he is sleeping soundly at the moment.

The rest of the country moves on (or did they even notice?). Tomorrow is another day, another story, another rally and another...

The taxi driver will drive, the teacher will teach, the lawyer will defend (or circumvent?) the law, the farmer will farm, the reporter will report, the corrupt politician, policeman, engineer, the LTO fixer go on with their corrupt ways.

While Chairman Neri -- he would rather tend to his broken tooth. Lucky lucky lucky.... tooth.

Parisian Life

2007-10-26T00:54:00.000+08:00

"Ah, oui! La vie ça passe comme ça!"

Ah, yes! Life passes (through) that way. She knows exactly what she wants to say, my little four-year-old niece, Elisa. She’s not the usual kid. She loves bugs, spiders, grasshoppers, beetles, butterflies, you name it. She would scoop them tenderly in her dainty hands… talk to them in her own language… then set them free. Other kids would either scream, cringe or run away in fear, while others would give them the smack a.k.a. cruel death sentence, or the usual life(less) imprisonment. I was guilty of all those when I was a kid who didn't know any better. But Elisa… she is something else.

She knows life is more than playing with Dora, Hello Kitty or Eloise. In fact, she doesn’t play much with her collection of toys. She would rather go out in the park, pick up stones to add to her collection, and run! Boy can she run like a bullet! And she has the perfect runner’s form! One time she ran (and didn’t stop) from her house to their car which was parked almost 2 kilometers away. She reached the car sweating like a pig, “Whew! I’m so tired but I feel good!”

Feeling good also involves doing... wild and dangerous things. Well.. just, as her mum would say, a tid bit. Like goin down the slide head first. That’s when you’re looking. She loves laughing and goofing around. She makes you taste something that she thinks looks like sugar, and says IT IS sugar… but turns out to be salt. You play along and she bursts into that perfect hearty, kiddie, Elisa laughter. Ahh… salt is sweet!

But just as she is loko-loko, she is also reasonable. One night her dad gave her a toy catalogue so she could encircle the gifts she would want to receive for Christmas. One particular toy caught her eye and she asked her dad if it was expensive. It was 149 euros. Her dad reluctantly said yes. She immediately flipped the page and said, “Never mind!” That’s my girl!

Oh but she also has her bad moments, when she’s sleepy or when her 6 year old brother Nicolas teases her. But nothing like tantrums. Brother and sister are unbelievably good kids.

Of course the apple never falls far from the tree. Mom is a cool, sporty, intellectual activist turned full-time home-maker. She was a peace corps volunteer who's done tours of duty in places like Thailand, Africa and war-time Bosnia. Not to mention she’s a hell of a good cook. Gourmet, mind you.

Dad is a hotshot consultant in Paris -- but at home, he’s the coolest, funnest, most playful, laugh-out-loud dad. He would run with them, dance with them, bake with them, and at night, he would read them stories.

But while mom and dad share everything with the kids, the best part is that they also let them be. They let them laugh, run, explore, fall, get a "tid bit" of scrapes and bruises if they must. It’s all good!

Life is good, but when it all comes down to it, for Elisa, it’s not as simple as saying, “C’est la Vie!”

Leslie Cruz

2007-10-25T23:16:00.000+08:00

Was it an accidental industrial explosion or a deliberate terrorist attack? While the debate goes on about what really happened that fateful Friday, October 19, 2007, at the Glorietta 2 mall, the fact remains -- 11 people died, 3 people are in critical condition and more than a hundred were injured.

I'm sharing with you an e-mail being passed around -- it is a letter written by Carlo Cruz, only 33 years old and now a widower. I do not know him, but those of us who watched TV or listened to the radio that day will never forget Carlo, the guy who was desperately looking for his wife. We were all hoping that he would find her, that she was ok and that they would finally go home together. The end. Happily ever after. Who would've thought that a simple decision like turning left or right could change someone's life forever.

His letter made me cry but I will never know how Carlo feels. A friend reminded me that death is a very personal thing. Just the same, Carlo wants to share his story, hoping that whoever reads it will learn something from his tragic loss.

***

Good day everyone,

I wish I were writing under different circumstances.

I would like to inform you that my wife Leslie Cruz was part of the casualties in the Glorietta 2 Mall bombing in Makati City, Philippines. She was supposed to have a minor out patient surgery at Makati Medical Center at 230pm.

I had taken a leave from work to accompany her there. We dropped off our daughter, Amber, at my parents place in QC to babysit at around 10am. We then proceeded to Makati and was there at 1230pm. Since she had been fasting in preparation for her procedure, she wanted to move around and listen to some music while I grabbed a bite to eat. We parked at the basement of Park Square 2, and headed for the Glorietta 2 entrance. We parted at the top of the escalator, she turned right towards Filbar's while I went left towards the restaurants. That was the last time I would see her.

Around 120pm, she had called me so that we can meet at the Glorietta 2 exit just in time to make her appointment. As I made my way there from Glorietta 1 through the connecting hallways, and was about to turn the corner, I heard 2 deep thumps and the shock-wave from the blast hit me. At that moment my heart dropped as I knew that the origin of the blast came from the same place where we were supposed to meet. I tried getting to where my wife was, but the dust was too much and it was as if I was staring at a white wall.

I still tried to convince myself that she was able to make it out, and that after ringing her mobile without a response only meant that she dropped it in the confusion. After 6 hours of searching from Makati Med. to Ospital ng Makati, the blast site, and back again to MMC - with the help of all the people I could get hold of, that I was able to get confirmation in what the state of my wife was.

My Dad and Uncle signaled me in from the ER of MMC. My Uncle (who's a doctor) asked me to describe Leslie's appearance to another group of doctors. I saw in the eyes of one that the description made sense. Instead of confirming it to me, they huddled together, then brought me to a small examination room. It was only through a digital camera that I was able to confirm (and deny) that she was indeed gone.

I have so many regrets. I should have met her sooner. I should have ran instead of a brisk walk. I should have not chose to park where I did. I should have braved the dust and went in the blast site. I should have ...

Today's the 4th day. It is still terribly difficult to breathe, let alone wake up realizing that your source of strength, your best friend doesn't lie beside you on your bed. That my deepest worry is when Amber starts asking for her Mama.

I am glad that Amber's too young to understand the loss and pain. In time I would like to tell her the details of how her mother died, but more importantly I would like to raise her as how her mother lived - a loving person, strong willed, decisive, caring, and nurturing. She has always cared for her family and friends, and sacrfied her career for being a full time mom and home maker.

As with all couples we had our ups and downs - none of which I regret not going through. The sweet is never as sweet without the sour. For almost 4 years of marriage, we've finally hit our balance in life only to be taken away in an instant. I have no regrets about our marriage. She has loved me and Amber beyond her capacity. I will always love her.

It is my first time to write to egroup as I've lurked and watched emails being sent to and fro. All I want now is that for each of the couples here is to cherish each moment that we spend with our loved ones. Pretty simple to say, very easy to take for granted.

Thank you all for the prayers. I would still like to ask you to please include Leslie in them until her 40th day so that the path to God's kingdom is well lit and she is no longer in the dark.

Sincerely,

Carlo Cruz

"Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of GOD for you in Christ Jesus"

Ninascoops: A New Chapter

2007-08-20T22:39:00.000+08:00

I will be saying goodbye to this site soon and create a new blog.

I've made the decision to shift from what I know best and that is from showbiz to hard news. I actually started doing hard news and trained under Dindo Amparo who was then the king of the night watch (overnight police reporter) and Tony Velasquez who was then ABS-CBN's Malacanang reporter. After that, I became Studio 23's Malacanang correspondent for News Central. That was when PGMA just came into power and the rest is history.

Covering Malacanang was boring. I hated politics. It's all talk and bickering and unfulfilled promises.

Covering showbiz was another matter. I got to unleash my creative side. Writing showbiz news reports was always a challenge, especially If you work under the legend that is Mario Dumaual. Mario has the gift of writing showbiz and feature reports so effortlessly, like he was born to do it. Mario can write a great showbiz script in seconds! It always left me wondering where the hell he got his idea and how come I didn't think of it?

Mario D., Dindo A., and Tony V. are just some of my heroes in the newsroom. They are the people who can make magic, turn what seems like a non-story into something people should pay attention to and care about. It's all in their writing, not to mention malandi kase silang mag-isip. Ewan ko kung ganun din sila sa tunay na buhay. Haha.

As for me, I would rather cover human interest stories. Stories that tug at your heartstrings. Stories that affect people in the way they think and feel. Stories that can make someone care and hopefully do something about. Stories that make a difference in people's lives. They may not be as big as the President's State of the Nation Address, but I don't think I need to tell big stories to affect people, and hopefully make them care.

Although I am now assigned to the General Assignments beat, which means covering just about anything, yes, including politics.. it's enough for me to know that my story touched someone, even just one person, and then I can sit back, relax and say, I feel just great. :)

Josh Hartnett in Davao

2007-08-02T23:46:00.000+08:00

Hollywood heartthrob and Scarlet Johansson's ex, Josh Hartnett, arrived in Manila today and quickly boarded a Philippine Airlines Flight to Davao.

The media wasn't allowed to interview or go near the actor but ABS-CBN Davao was able to take some footages of the actor arriving at the Davao airport. He gamely posed for a picture with an airport security guard. Hartnett kept it simple by wearing a white T-shirt, a black jacket, jeans and sneakers. He also carried a backpack.

Hartnett became famous for films such as "Black Hawk Down" and "Pearl Harbor". He is here to shoot the mystery thriller, "I Come With The Rain", at Mt. Diwalwal.

Prison "Break", Pinoy Style

2007-08-02T23:23:00.000+08:00

The degree of civilization in a society can be judged by entering its prisons.
-Russian Novelist and Writer

From covering the glitz and glamour, as well as the scandals and controversies of showbiz, it was a complete change of pace for me to be among the so-called “dregs of society” at the Caloocan City Jail. While showbiz is said to be vicious, this was reality. I was there with the Public Attorney’s Office that was giving free medical and legal assistance to the inmates.

It was hot, crowded and smelled of sweat. Tattooed inmates fell in line like obedient children and waited patiently for their turn with the doctors and lawyers. But the lines of prison toughies slowly parted to give way to an elderly man who was being pushed to the front of the line in a wheel chair. He was slumped over and appeared unconscious. The 81-year old Lolo Ildefonso is in jail for attempted rape. According to his records, Lolo Ildefonso was caught giving his neighbor’s 10-year old daughter a bath, without the neighbor’s permission.

Some inmates made fun of Lolo Idelfonso’s interest in the personal hygiene of others, but his offense, if proven guilty is serious. So is his health. The prison warden said he threw up blood earlier that morning. After the free check up, the doctor said his blood pressure was so high he needed to be brought to the hospital. The doctor said that if his health wasn’t monitored, he could die of a stroke or heart attack.

Lolo Ildefonso regained consciousness after they gave him an IV, but he couldn’t even remember his name! He talked gibberish and made faces. For some reason, he could only say his age, “81!”

Atty. Persida Acosta, the P.A.O.’s chief of lawyers said they will file a motion to request that Lolo Ildefonso to be brought to the hospital. She also said they will ask for a plea bargain so he could be released due to old age and for humanitarian reasons.

Minutes later another inmate in a wheel chair was brought to the front of the line. He had a long cut on his stomach, and it wasn’t stitches but STAPLE WIRES that held the wound closed! It was literally stapled shut. It was a fresh wound and pus was coming out.

According to Mr. Staple, he stabbed himself out of guilt after he accidentally killed his brother-in-law. He said he hit his “balae” after they quarreled over who would pay for their electricity bill. He kept saying that he didn’t mean to kill his brother-in-law, which is why he stabbed himself to prove how sorry he was for what he did.

The doctor who performed the check-up was worried that Mr. Staple could die of an infection if he doesn’t take antibiotics and keep the wound clean. The doctor however said that the staple wires were nothing to worry about, as some doctors actually prefer stapling a wound – though with medical staple wire – instead of using stitches that are much more prone to infection.

In another corner of the crowded jail, another doctor was attending to a crying teenager. He looked so young, barely 15. But he was already eighteen years old and no longer a juvenile delinquent, which is why he was thrown in with the men. It was his first few weeks in jail after being caught stealing his neighbors’ water meter. He hardly looked the part of a hardened criminal, just a helpless child shedding tears of pain. The doctor found a big boil near his genitals.

When I was putting together my script in the newsroom, my colleagues and I couldn't help but laugh at how the story came out. It wasn't humorous laughter though, probably more nervous or disturbed. Because what else can you say or do when faced with stories like these? It's either you laugh or you cry or you become very angry.

Portions of my tagalog story read, “Pinaliguan ni lolo ang bata niyang kapitbahay.. tadtad ng stapler ang tiyan, matapos niyang saksakin ang sarili... tumutulo ang nana sa sugat, may pigsa sa singit…”

It’s so surreal. It’s so sad. It’s so true.

3 Girls, 3 Stories, 1 Message: Kaya ng Pinay!

2007-06-01T22:30:00.001+08:00

When Noelle Wenceslao, Carina Dayondon and Janet Belarmino became the first Southeast Asian women to summit Mt. Everest and the first women in the world to traverse Mt. Everest from the North side to the South side, Himalaya didn’t seem to care.

The country was rejoicing, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo sent a congratulatory message, and the Philippine Coast Guard prepared a heroes welcome for the three summiteers who had just been promoted from seawoman first class to petty officer third class.

Himalaya, though, remains clueless. After all, he’s only five months old. His mommy Janet left two months ago to pursue her dream of conquering the world’s highest peak, and she did so with a heavy heart.

In an article published on the Kathmandu Post titled "Mom of five-month-old atop Everest," Janet was quoted as saying, "I decided to leave him, as I was too focused on the mountain. I believed there was a greater cause behind my decision."

Noelle, on the other hand, brought her loved one with her to the summit, a picture of her mother. Her mom passed away last year due to a stroke. She was on her way to the airport to pick up Noelle when she had the attack. Noelle had just arrived after successfully climbing Mt. Denali in Alaska, the highest mountain in North America. She was waiting at the airport, when she got the call that her mom was rushed to the hospital. By the time Noelle arrived there, it was already too late.

Carina is one of 14 siblings who grew up in Bukidnon. Her family didn’t want her to join the Everest team because of the obvious danger. They also relied on her as the family breadwinner. But Carina was determined to sacrifice to achieve a greater goal.

The Dayondon family apparently had nothing to worry about. According to ABS-CBN correspondent Vince Rodriguez who chronicled the journey on pinaysoneverest.blogspot.com, Carina was even singing on the summit!

According to the blog, two hours before reaching the summit, the team radioed Advance Base Camp to give an update on their location. During the call, Carina sang in the radio an excerpt from the song Kaya ng Pinay, composed by team doctor Ted Esguerra.

On hearing her singing, Everest summiteer Pastor Emata, who was at ABC, radioed back, "Carina, I bet you’re singing because you’re scared."

Carina’s response was, "Excuse me!" But things are different back home. Their families may support their goals and trust they know what they’re doing — but they can’t completely take away their loved ones’ apprehension, the fear that something bad may happen.

Ricky Serdenia, husband of Janet Belarmino-Serdenia, couldn’t hold back his tears when he heard the news his wife had reached the summit. You’d think that Ricky, being a member of the Philippine Dragonboat Federation, would be cool under pressure.

He admits though, it’s not easy when you’re the one left behind.

"Himalaya, your mom has reached the summit," he softly told his baby while crying. "I’m so happy but I also worry about her everyday. I try not to think about it by being with friends, keeping myself busy. Sometimes I fear Himalaya may not see his mom again. But I trust in God and I believe in Janet."

Himalaya was just chuckling and making cute baby sounds while his father wept.

This May, more than 300 people are estimated to have reached the summit of Mt. Everest. Critics have said that the mountain has become so commercialized, anyone with time, money and a bit of guts can reach the top.

So what makes the Pinays’ achievement so special? They could have swum across the Pacific, they could have aimed to reach the North Pole — it wasn’t about the summit of Everest per se. The mountain is simply an allegory, a very tough one at that, for achieving what people think is impossible. That if we set our minds to it and unite in a common cause, we can climb whatever heights and reach whatever distance we imagine.

Like Leo Oracion, Pastor Emata and Romy Garduce before them, the women have again made the country proud. The message is loud and clear, yes, the Filipina can, Kaya ng Pinay! And they didn’t just do it for themselves, but for all the Filipinas around the world struggling to conquer their own mountains.

And even if Himalaya doesn’t understand yet why his mom left, one day when he grows up, he’ll realize the meaning of his mother’s sacrifice. Indeed, Mommy Janet knows best, there is a greater cause.

Not even all the money in the world can match the legacy Himalaya will pass on to his children and his children’s children. A legacy of hope, faith and triumph of the human spirit.

(This article was published in The Philippine Star, May 31, 2007)

I'm BACK!

2007-05-31T18:48:00.000+08:00

Hello guys! I know, I know, I just took off. Just like that. And now I'm back. Just like that.

Some of you have e-mailed me telling me to blog again. I just saw the e-mails recently and touch naman ako. Thank you. It means a lot to me.

I do have a tendency to just take off without warning. At that time, I got busier, okay, I also got hooked on Grey's Anatomy, Prison Break, House, Ugly Betty, and more recently, Brothers and Sisters. Damn it, the shows are brilliant! They are now part of my life and it's never the same.

Not with House saying "You don't die with dignity, you live with it" or the Merder, Burkina, Izzie-George-Callie chuvahness or America Ferrera's endearing character and WENTWORTH MILLER!

Please someone please tell me Wenty is not gay! I spent hours researching about his background, looking for traces of gayness. So what if he was with the Princeton Tigers or some college choir, or if he's always single but oh my God when I saw that cheerleading episode in Popular (a short lived TV series in the 90's that I used to watch in highschool) on U-tube, I died. He has denied he's gay but he was sooo convincing as a gay highschool student and cheerleading instructor. I cannot reconcile the fact that Michael Scoffield and Wenty's gay character in Popular are one and the same person.

That Scoffield look, that voice, that bod...means nothing to me now. Prison Break is no longer as hot. But hey, I'll still watch it. I'll try my best to erase that cheerleading episode from my memory.

So there, those are my concerns at the moment, haha. And oh, some of you may have already noticed, I have shifted from showbiz to hard news. Why? Will blog about that next time. :)

Charo's Husband Answers BIR Charges

2006-09-02T22:20:00.000+08:00

Many were surprised when they heard the news that the BIR has charged, no less than ABS-CBN's Charo Santos-Concio, with violation of tax laws.

Below is an excerpt from an Inquirer article on September 2 entitled, BIR charges ABS-CBN exec with tax law violation:

A complaint was filed in the Quezon City prosecutor’s office charging Concio with violating Section 266 of the Tax Reform Act of 1997 for allegedly failing to produce the financial records of Franmar Corp., of which she is president.

The BIR, through lawyers Philip Mayo and Amado Pagarigan, said the ABS-CBN executive failed to present Franmar’s books of accounts and other records for 2004.

But in a statement issued by Franmar, Santos-Concio's husband insists he is the president of the company and not his wife.

Below are the official statements from Franmar and the company's tax consultants:

FRANMAR CORPORATION STATEMENT

Franmar Corporation, through its President, Cesar R. Concio, Jr., is surprised that ABS-CBN Executive Vice-President and Channel 2 head Charo-Santos Concio is being charged by the Bureau of Internal Revenue for alleged violation of tax laws by Franmar.

As president, I assume full responsibility for all corporate matters including Â tax violation and liabilities of Franmar, if any, â€Cesar R. Concio, Jr. said.

A separate statement will be issued by Franmar tax consultants Pelejo, Priela, Ongkingco, Siton & Co., CPAs regarding the particular complaint of the BIR against Franmar.

(signed)
CESAR R. CONCIO, JR.
PRESIDENT

***

STATEMENT FROM Pelejo, Priela, Ongkingco, Siton and Co., CPAs

As tax consultant of Franmar Corporation for the year 2004, Â our firm, Pelejo, Priela, Ongkingco, Siton and Co., CPAs (PPrOS) was surprised at the news article that appeared on the September 1, 2006 issue of Â the Philippine Daily Inquirer that BIR accused Ms. Charo Santos-Concio of violating tax laws.

Being the engagement partner for Franmar Corporation, I have personal knowledge that the company operates under the presidency of Mr. Cesar Concio, Jr. Â I have always dealt with him on tax and accounting matters and never with Ms. Charo Santos-Concio.

I have not seen the alleged complaint but I am aware that Franmar Corporation availed of the Enhanced Voluntary Assessment Program (EVAP) in December 2005 for their 2004 taxes.

While BIR may be doing its job, there may just be an oversight. Â I am confident that Franmar Corporation would be able to answer at the proper forum whatever charges were filed against the company and its officers.

(signed)
BELINDA M. PRIELA-NAZARENO
Partner
Pelejo, Priela, Ongkingco, Siton and Co., CPAs

Bea and Heart: Deadmahan

2006-06-21T20:11:00.000+08:00

As usual, Heart Evangelista and Jericho Rosales were oh-so-sweet during the the premiere of "Pacquiao: THE MOVIE." Someone even made a comment that Heart shouldn't have come to the premiere so Echo could have "his moment". Poor Heart, damned if she goes to the premiere, damned if she doesn't.

But what really set showbiz insiders abuzz was when Heart was made to sit beside Bea Alonzo (Echo's leading lady in the movie) inside the theater. The two weren't so friendly with each other, and after a few minutes Heart disappeared from her seat leaving Bea without a seatmate! She obviously didn't want to sit beside Bea who is considered her "rival" in showbiz.

A source says it all started when John Lloyd courted Heart while his loveteam with Bea was so popular. This apparently didn't sit too well with Bea's camp because people started talking about John Lloyd and Heart. Just when Heart was starting to fall for Lloydy, Lloydy suddenly stopped wooing Heart and so that was the end of a "romance that could've been".

It's sad that a thing of the past still haunts the two prettiest faces in showbiz. But then again, they may have their own reasons.

DICKOY

2006-06-09T18:37:00.000+08:00

Juan "Dickoy" Magdaraog

I've been told there are two ways of looking at things. Is the glass half-empty or half-full? I'm usually guilty of the former until a guy named Dickoy showed me that even if the glass is broken, it's just, well, glass.

Dickoy told me he read my earlier article entitled, "Conquering Everest." He asked why I had reservations about some climbers attempting to summit the world's highest peak. Why I kept toying around with the question, if a climber doesn't make it to the top of Everest, would he have died in vain?

All of a sudden the feelings I had been keeping about the "whole Everest thing" came out like a bitter pill. I reasoned out that it's practically a suicide attempt, that the climbers are selfish. Why would you risk depriving your wife a husband or your child a father? Rant rant rant. After I finished, he paused and smiled, "What if the climber makes it?"

I looked at him and all of a sudden I felt so small and embarassed. This was the response of a guy who is bound to a wheelchair, who needs a bi-pap breathing machine 24/7 because his respiratory muscles are weak, who was told by medical experts that he will not make it beyond the age of thirty. Dickoy is turning twenty nine in November -- but why did it seem like I had bigger problems in life? Shame, shame on me.

Dickoy's real name is Juan Magdaraog. He lived a normal, active life until tragedy struck when he was just 10 years old. At first, he was mis-diagnosed with another type of muscular disease. It was when he turned 15 that doctors finally concluded he had a rare disorder called Pompe's disease, a degenerative disease that caused his muscles to weaken and slowly waste away. The muscles most often affected are those used for breathing and for moving around. Fewer than 10,000 people in the world have Pompe and Dickoy is only one of two known Pompe patients in the Philippines.

I asked him at what point in his life he was able to accept his disease? Dickoy told me it didn't happen overnight. Since Pompe's disease is gradual, his acceptance of it was also gradual. It wasn't until he was older and wiser did he realize that "you just have to learn to live with the things that are given to you and make the most out of it."

I first met Dickoy thru a reunion with old friends just over a month ago. He was supposed to join our dinner out in Makati but wasn't able to make it. My friends decided to pay him a surprise visit so off we went to his condo in Greenhills at one in the morning. I was told he suffered from a rare form of disease. When I saw him I immediately noticed the plastic tube across his face and the bi-pap breathing machine beside him. He talked with a bit of difficulty but he never showed us it bothered him. In fact, when you start talking to Dickoy, the breathing device, the sickness becomes invisible and you begin to see the person.

The person I'm talking about is a smart, friendly, accomplished guy who happens to have Pompe. Despite his sickness, he continues to live a productive life. He is a web designer and is the Creative Director of Sparkplug Studios, a company he describes as a small start-up which he runs with his brother and some friends. He also writes regularly for the IT magazine, MPH. Dickoy is also an active member of Singles for Christ. In his blog, www.fightpompe.com, he wrote that he loves two things in this world with a passion, Apple computers and Ferrari. Aside from his everyday musings, the blog, of course primarily chronicles his fight with Pompe's disease.

Last December, Dickoy was lucky to be chosen as a "test case" to receive Enzyme Replacement Theraphy using the drug Myozyme which was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration in the U.S. The changes aren't dramatic he said but he feels better and stronger now that he is getting the treatment twice a month. Though just like any test, it is still subject to a lot of risks and uncertainties but knowing Dickoy, he will always look at the brighter side, "Sure what happened to me is bad, but really when you look at my life, there are still more good than bad."

Now that I have written lengthily about Dickoy, you might ask, why is an entertainment reporter like me writing about a non-celebrity? Well, because in my own little way, I really hope for Dickoy to reach celebrity-status, as well as the Pinoy mountaineers who made it to the top of Mt. Everest and made our country proud. There are many, many more individuals who deserve all the attention.

I still remember my interview with Bishop Socrates Villegas, who was then the secretary of Cardinal Sin. He published a book and I went to cover his book launch and asked him how he felt about his celebrity-status. His answer made quite an impact on me. "We don't need celebrities, we need heroes." Of course he wasn't talking about Superman, Panday or Captain Barbell but real-life heroes, celebrity or not, who can truly inspire and use their God-given gifts to make a difference in this world. (This article was published in The Philippine Star, 6/9/06)

Star Quotes

2006-05-28T13:57:00.000+08:00

Susan Roces on whether she will accept FPJ's award as National Artist for 2006 after news reports said that Malacanang has already sent an invitation for the awarding ceremony to be held on June 8 or 9:

"Tawagin mo na akong makaluma pero yan ang itinuro sa amin, kung ikaw ay walang pormal na paanyaya ay hindi ka basta sisipot sa isang pagtitipon at baka ikaw ay mapahiya at sabihing, hindi ka naman imbitado."

When asked if she thinks that the award has long been overdue:

"Bilang isang kabiyak, ayokong mag-comment dyan pero bilang isang artista at kasama niya sa propesyon, he deserves it."

***

Senator Jinggoy Estrada's reaction after President Arroyo recently approved the National Commission for Culture and the Arts' recommendation for FPJ and five others to be recognized as National Artist:

"As far as I am concerned Gloria Arroyo is not the President."

Jinggoy on whether Susan should accept FPJ's award as National Artist for 2006:

"Okay lang."

***

Piolo Pascual on Ryan Agoncillo's threat, "next time I see him, I'll put him in his place" (after Piolo insinuated that Ryan and girlfriend Judy Anne Santos are "having problems") :

"Ewan ko, san kaya yun? (laughs)"

***

Eleven year old Dominique Cojuangco's reaction when asked if she thinks her mom, Gretchen Barreto, is beautiful:

"No."

***

James Yap on Kris Aquino:

"Maalagain tsaka di mo akalain magaling magluto."

***

Jenny Hernandez on boyfriend Eugene Tejada's ability to have children after the PBA player fractured his cervical spine:

"May sense of humor pa rin siya despite what happened, he assured me naman na okay pa si manoy!"

Libel Case vs Claudine, Columnist : Dismissed

2006-05-24T00:12:00.000+08:00

The libel case filed by Yes magazine editor Jo-Ann Maglipon against Claudine Barreto and columnist/The Buzz co-host Jobert Sucaldito has been dismissed by the Pasig City Prosecutor's Office.

This was in reference to Jobert's column which appeared in the tabloid Bandera last August 2005 with the title: "Say ni Claudine sa Editor ng Yes Magazine...Hindi ako masamang tao...Ako ang hindi mo nirespeto!"

Jobert wrote that he was able to talk to Claudine on the phone where the actress expressed her feelings about Maglipon's alleged lack of respect. This was after Yes magazine came out with articles about her and published pictures of the actress sleeping on the set of the teleserye Marina and of her new house under construction without her permission.

Apparently the "rift" between Claudine and Jo-Ann goes way back when Claudine's ex-boyfriend Rico Yan passed away. Jobert's column quoted Claudine saying, "Marami nang pagkakataon na akong nabastos ni Jo-Anne. It all started dun sa mga articles na inilabas nila about Rico...it didn't look good on me..."

In Maglipon's affidavit, she claimed that Claudine's statements were damaging to her reputation as a journalist.

But according to the Pasig prosecutor there is not enough evidence against Claudine and Jobert.

"Truth to tell, Ms. Barreto has more reason to sue for libel, but she has exhibited admirable restraint so far. We are thankful that this unwarranted suit has reached the fate that it deserves," said Atty. Raymond Fortun, Claudine's lawyer.

Maglipon's lawyers are now preparing to file a motion for reconsideration before the Pasig Regional Trial Court (RTC). "Until the final terms of the compromise being forged before the Quezon City Court are settled, we must continue to pursue our criminal complaints. Thus we are preparing a Motion for Reconsideration of the Pasig Prosecutor's Resolution because we feel the dismissal was erroneous. The other libel complaints before the Mandaluyong and Quezon City courts are still unresolved at the moment," said Atty. Sandra Coronel, one of Maglipon's lawyers.

This means that this is not the end for Claudine's legal battles because there are still two pending libel cases that Maglipon filed against the actress before the Quezon City and Mandaluyong RTC.

"We hope that the other complaints would also be dismissed in the same fashion," said Atty. Fortun.

Maglipon refused to comment about the cases and said that it's purely a legal matter.

Brokeback Mountain Filming Location

2006-05-22T19:02:00.000+08:00

I have received some e-mail from Filipinos living in Canada and even from the Canadian Embassy here in Manila correcting me about the filming location of the movie "Brokeback Mountain". I was informed that the film was shot in Alberta, Canada. I did not directly refer to where the film was actually shot but the setting of the movie, please see excerpt below:

"I recently saw Brokeback Mountain and apart from the story, I was moved by its breathtaking scenery. Set in Wyoming and Texas amidst a sweeping landscape of snowcapped mountains and hills and lakes and all these shapes. Never mind if two macho cowboys were passionately kissing. The bottomline is it's a rare, incredible love story you wouldn't want to happen to you but you get moved by it anyway."

Nevertheless, thank you for all the e-mail and comments. I realize it (whether it's the filming location or movie setting) can be confusing. I should have pointed that out in the article but now I know another piece of paradise on earth and that's in Alberta, Canada. :) It's so beautiful that I've included it on my "must-see-places-before-I-die-list."

Anyway, here's what I got from Wikipedia regarding the filming location of Brokeback Mountain. I'm also publishing one of the e-mail I received regarding this issue from reader Eric Salmon. It appears that Alberta, Canada is a favorite location of Hollywood films.

***

From Wikipedia:

The film was shot primarily in Alberta, Canada. Ang Lee usually shoots his films in the exact locations in which they are set (another notable exception was Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, in which the scenes set in the Wudangshan monastery were actually filmed at another Taoist monastery), but he decided that Alberta would be an ideal place to shoot Brokeback Mountain because of its lush landscapes broadly similar to those in Wyoming, the lower production costs in Canada, and the willingness of the Alberta Film Development Corporation, an instrument of the Alberta provincial crown, to assist with funding.

***

In your recent article in Philstar, "Conquering Everest", you mentioned that the location setting of the movie "Brokeback Mountain" were made in Texas and Wyoming. In publishing your articles you should be more careful in getting your facts. In the book it does say that the setting were in those places but the movie itself was made entirely in Alberta, Canada. To be exact in the areas of Kananaskis, Canmore, Calgary and Bragg Creek. I've lived in Calgary since moving here from the Philippines and almost all Canadians have known this fact for a long time now and majority of the North Americans are familiar with these landscapes since it's a favorite destination during summer time. A lot of other popular movies were made in this exotic location such as Brad Pitt's "Legends of the Fall", and his yet to be released movie about Jesse James, "Johnny Q", "Superman", X2:Xmen United, and the list just goes on and on. If you did enjoy the sceneries in the movie I suggest the you visit this place and for sure you will love this and will not hesitate to make this your home.

Best regards,

Eric S.

Conquering Everest

2006-05-07T18:24:00.000+08:00

And the winner is...Leo Oracion. Everyone's now talking about the first Filipino to make it to the top of the world's highest peak. It all started when four Filipino climbers went for their dream, the other three are Romy Garduce, Erwin "Pastor" Emata, and Dale Abenojar (who's claiming he was ahead of Oracion but has no proof yet).

A month ago, Studio 23's Vince Rodriguez who has been reporting from Everest Base Camp, told the Philippine Team about media reports that the Everest climb is
turning into a race for the 1st Filipino to reach the top. But Emata dismissed
this and said, "Everest should be approached with respect. On Sagarmatha (Nepalese
name for Everest), you do not race against anyone. It is between you and the mountain. If she allows you to summit, you are lucky. You should never say you will conquer her, because in the end she will always win."

I've always wondered why they want to climb Everest. Some of them say it's a personal goal, and since this is the first ever Filipino attempt, it's also for the country. But when your life is on the line, any normal person would think it's crazy. But these people are extra-ordinary and they simply don't want to exist. They say you don't feel more alive than when death stares you in the face.

I obviously don't have a first-hand knowledge of climbing the world's highest mountain. I've read the popular "Into Thin Air" by veteran climber John Krakauer some years back and I remember reading how she can be so unpredictable, even the world's best climbers fall to her prey. After all, you cannot control mother nature. Krakauer says he was lucky he survived one of Everest's deadliest storms.

But what if he didn't live to tell the tale? What if, just like the others, his body vanished underneath the snow? Would it still be worth it? Or would he have died in vain?

I recently saw Brokeback Mountain and apart from the story, I was moved by its breathtaking scenery. Set in Wyoming and Texas amidst a sweeping landscape of snowcapped mountains and hills and lakes and all these shapes. Never mind if two macho cowboys were passionately kissing. The bottomline is it's a rare, incredible love story you wouldn't want to happen to you but you get moved by it anyway.

But Brokeback mountain, unlike Everest, is not there. It doesn't exist. It did in the movie though. Because for Jack Twist, Heath Ledger's lover, it's all he lived for. The memories they shared on that mountain were all they've got. Better to have your own Brokeback mountain than nothing at all. I wonder how the mountain took it, a silent witness, to a tragic love-affair.

Mount Everest, on the other hand, continues to reign the Earth. A living witness to the deaths and triumphs of all those who want to conquer her even if some climbers refuse to use the word, "conquer", because in the end, she will always win. Maybe, but I don't think even the world's greatest mountain will ever conquer the human spirit. People who attempt to climb her year after year are not made of matter. They're made of the stuff that lives and dies and flies. If Everest has a soul, it's all the people who gave their lives to her.

Which brings me back to the question, if a climber dies attempting to climb Everest, did he die in vain? Maybe Romy or Dale or Leo or Pastor can answer the question.

As for me, and maybe for the rest of us, we have our own "Everest" to conquer. I don't know where my journey ends. I just hope and pray I can make it to the top and die happy. (This article has been published in The Philippine Star, May 18, 2006)

One-Night Stand in Bora

2006-04-30T21:41:00.000+08:00

What do you do when you only have one night in a place called Boracay? Talk about bitin. So armed with my "last night of the world" attitude, I partied like there's no tomorrow! I didn't even get to sleep on my big bed in my big room with a terrace at the Boracay Regency. But why sleep and let other's have the fun?

I arrived in Boracay late Saturday afternoon and left the morning after. I was there to cover Century Tuna Superbods search. As the audience oohhed and aahhed at the parade of bikini-clad bodies, some of the contestants became unwittingly funny when they introduced themselves. I really don't want to be mean but one moreno guy said, "Hi, I'm (his name) and I just want to say, THE black is in!", and another girl said, "Hi, I'm (her name). I'm this and that chu chu chu and lastly I'm a badminton (pause for 100 seconds) frek!"

As in most beauty pageants, some of the contestants fumbled in the question and answer portion, though, not as memorable as the introduction part. One judge asked "Does having a fit body make you feel sexual?" to the audience and the contestant's shock. Thankfully, the contestant knew how to deal with that very awkward question, "Oh i feel sensual."

Before the announcement of winners, sexy Rachel Lobangco clad in her shiny teeny weeny bikini, wowed the crowd with her skills in firedancing. She told me it took two years of hardwork for her to learn the dangerous art of firedancing which, she says, originated in New Zealand. Another sexy firedancer stood out and his, er, her name is Jaydee. She is reputed to be the best firedancer in Boracay (she just won as champion in the most recent firedancing competition in Bora). Jaydee is gay but she has a ballet dancer's body - tall, thin and flexible. Nakaka-insecure! You can check out performances by Jaydee and the other firedancers at Summer Place, a favorite hang-out in Bora.

Of course Bora is not without the juicy gossips. Maui Taylor and Fil-German model Will Devaughn were spotted canoodling at Hey Jude! And like a butterfly, no, not Maui...Will was later seen flirting in a different bar with a different girl. Ah, Boracay!

I also learned that former senator Gringo Honasan's son, Kim Honasan, got married last Thursday at Waling-Waling resort but sadly a source told me Gringo didn't make it for obvious reasons. For the sake of our "TFC-less" kababayans, Honasan is now a fugitive and is facing rebellion charges. The government has put up a P5 million bounty for his immediate capture. It would've been very traumatic if he was arrested at his own son's wedding.

Special thanks to DJ Robbie, responsible for the good sounds and sound equipment at bars like Cocomanga's, Pier One and Summer Place, for the superb welcome Mario Dumaual, our crew and I got. While bar hopping, we also met Jude himself, bartending at his own bar, the popular Hey Jude! For our last stop, it's gotta be Summer Place! The gang was having so much fun that we partied until sunrise!

There really is something about Boracay. True, I was shocked to arrive to swarms of people that my Bora based friend jokingly said, "Welcome to Cavite!" If you want privacy, I don't think you'll get that in Bora nowadays. Still, being in this island paradise is like being in another place and time. It just has this hedonistic vibe. It makes you let go of all your worries and take all the pleasure in. I don't party in Manila but when you're in Bora, it just calls you by name.

This is my second Bora trip in two weeks by the way. Two weekends ago I was on a work-free, 4-day Boracay trip for some real R&R. I went with my sisters and cousins. It's become a summer ritual for us except for the latest addition to the group, my sister Bernadette (who came home from NY after 6 years), on her first Bora trip! We stay where we stay every year, Le Soleil de Boracay, because it's really nice and their staff is so accommodating.

As predicted, my sister didn't want to leave. We all didn't want to leave. It didn't help that the 18-seater plane we rode on our way back was like a roller-coaster ride and smelled of gasoline. We arrived Manila in a daze, from the plane, from the unlimited shots of shark attacks and kamikazes, from what fantastic memory we have of Boracay.

Going to bed that night, and every night after coming back from a place called Boracay, was difficult knowing that you have work the next day. Reality has come. Argh, moments are really just moments, whether you're in the island for one-night or three nights, a week. You still have to leave and you can only hope, that when the moment comes again, for it to last just a little longer...

Joey Marquez and other star sightings in Bora

2006-04-17T23:55:00.000+08:00

Boracay on a Holy Week is like paradise for paparazzis. As if on cue, celebrities just love going to this island at this time and the cameras are waiting for them. Sexy stars Maui Taylor, Ethel Booba, Gwen Garci seem to have made it their "panata" to be in Bora at the same time every year. They just always find themselves in a controversy whether they are in their skimpy bikini's or not.

My cameraman was there and oh boy he was just so shocked at some of the things he saw, to quote, "Ma'am, grabe pala ang mga nangyayari dito sa Boracay." But my cameraman is not a paparazzi. Some of the things he saw will never be aired. Not in our newscast and not in this blog. Sorry. But of course I still have a "scoopful" that have, thankfully, passed the "board of censors", including a playful interview with the playful Joey Marquez.

***

Lino Cayetano was seen lovey dovey with girlfriend Bianca Gonzalez dispelling rumors that the two broke up after the Bianca-Zanjoe episode in Pinoy Big Brother.

Zanjoe, on the other hand, was seen "super flirting" with Pinoy Big Brother host Mariel Rodriguez.

Joey Marquez claims he and Alicia Meyer are "not so close anymore", but later, the sexy tv host was seen with Joey in the same hotel.

TV Patrol's Marie Lozano got an exclusive interview with Joey during the Holy Week and here's what the charming "Tsong" had to say:

Marie: You were also in Boracay last year.

Joey: Last year with my kids.

Marie: Parang I saw you the other day with uh, Alicia?

Joey: No! I don't think she's here.

Marie: How are you...

Joey: Me or my friends?

Marie: You and Alicia.

Joey: We're not that close anymore, we're still friends and we work together.

Marie: You were never together?

Joey: No, (smiling) I swear to God.

Marie: (Laughs) Uy Holy week ngayon, dapat no lies.

Joey: Yes, Holy week, no lies.

Marie: What do you do pag Holy week?

Joey: Pray.

Marie: Are you abstaining from anything?

Joey: I won't eat meat.

Marie: All kinds of meat?

Joey: Cooked or not cooked.

Marie: Sushi?

Joey: Tame or wild (laughter).

Marie: Kris got married, ikaw, kelan ka ulit?

Joey: Me? I just got out of marriage. I think it will take another 10 to 20 more years before I reconsider marriage. Maybe when I'm seventy (laughter).

Marie: But you're happy naman for Kris, of course you said that before...

Joey: Me? Hahahaha

Marie: Who's your special someone now?

Joey: Mga anak ko.

Marie: You're not looking for love?

Joey: For me today, love is just a painful experience so wag muna.

Marie: Heartbroken?

Joey: Hindi naman heartbroken, I'm too old for that. Siguro I just have to polish my attitude about what love is.

Anac Ti Batac (Child of Batac)

2006-04-16T23:22:00.000+08:00

Until recently, I resented my parents for never allowing me to go to Boracay or Subic (or any other happening place) with my friends during Holy Week. If I don't have work in the office, I'm stuck in Ilocos in our old house in Batac (save for one trip to Sagada which was a "penitencia" in itself). This means doing the traditional Bisita Iglesia, Stations of the Cross, Procession on Good Friday etc. This year was no exception. So there I was with my family, praying the Rosary as we walked around town on a hot hot Friday night. The candles we were holding didn't help either. When I was little I wondered why my nose was all black when I got home after the procession, duh!

As I got older, I learned to avoid inhaling the smoke from the flames and realized that I don't want to be anywhere else. I never really appreciated where I came from even after I left to study highschool in Quezon City when I was fourteen. Then I started going home less and less and less, why should I? I'm a Manila girl now. There was even a time I had that "I-live-between-two-worlds-phase", kinda like the "Fil-ams" or any other half-breed who feel that they are neither here nor there. Of course mine is on a much smaller scale, just a simple case of being a probinsyana wanting to be a city-girl but never really accepted. As a kid growing up in Ilocos, I knew some of my classmates didn't like me and my friends because we kept speaking in Tagalog (my mom is a true-blue Tagalog speaker from Bulacan) and when I got to Manila, some of my classmates would laugh at me when I pronounced something wrong in English. The most notable word was "grasshopper" in second year highschool. I pronounced it as "grass-hoe-per" and that was one of the most embarassing turning-point-of-my-life moments (considering I was winning orations left and right when I was in Ilocos). Crissa, I know you laughed the hardest (we are friends now). Fortunately, I outgrew that inane phase when I entered college and found my niche.

Nowadays, I still get the occasional "slip of the tongue" moments when I talk faster than I think and end up laughing at myself. I realized I can never be a perfect Manila girl with an Assumptionista accent and I've long accepted that. I'm proud to speak Ilocano and I'm proud of my roots, even if I'm considered a "prodigal daughter" by some (including my parents who still live in Batac). At least I'm still her daughter. I'm looking forward to next Holy Week when I go back to Batac again, whether I'm joining the procession or eating Batac's famous empanada and longganisa with a passion. I can't wait to see family and old friends again because I know to them, I'm neither here nor there, I'm just home.

Bernard and Merryl: Going Strong

2006-04-13T19:16:00.000+08:00

I got an e-mail from Maria asking if I have more about Bernard Palanca (Rica Peralejo's ex) and Merryl Soriano (Willie Revillame's daughter and Maricel Soriano's niece) after she saw my report in TV Patrol. BJ and Merryl are now in Batangas for the Holy Week with family and friends. I caught the lovebirds at the Yes Anniversary Party last week and here's my interview with them in full. Enjoy!

Nina: Tell us where your relationship is at right now?

Bernard: It's at a point where it's still growing, but everytime it does, for every single step of the way that it grows, the better it gets, the more beautiful it becomes.

Meryll: Yeah ganon din kasi we're getting to know each other more and more. we discover things that makes us love each other more now and then parang the relationship is growing and we're very happy about it.

Nina: What's the best thing about Meryll, and whats the best thing about Bernard?

Bernard: The best thing about her is she's real and she doesnt pretend to be anyone around me. She's always herself no matter where we are and she treats me like human being.

Nina: What do you mean (human being)?

Meryll: (Laughter) You're a human being, love.

Bernard: She treats me like how someone is supposed to be treated... meaning with all honesty, complete compassion, affection, sincerity and love. She makes me.. she brings the realness out of me.

Meryll: Well, he treats me like a queen.

Bernard: You are my queen.

Meryll: Well, you are my king.

Meryll: He makes me feel so special and he lets me do the things that i want to do (aside from acting, Merryl is now also into photography). He also inspires me.

Nina: Ano naman ang say ni daddy Willie sa relasyon ninyo?

Meryll: Ok naman siya, wala naman siyang problema.

Nina: Ano ina-advise niya sayo?

Meryll: (Smiling) Wala.

Nina: Wala siyang say?

Meryll: (Laughing) Wala!

Bernard: (Laughing) Hi Dad! No..no..Tito..

Meryll: Wowowee!

Bernard: I've known Willie even before I met her, so its ok.

Meryll: So wala naman talagang problema.

Bernard: Yeah.

Nina: What are your plans this coming Holy Week, malapit na?

Meryll: Wala, we don't have plan pa nga eh (the two are now in Batangas).

Bernard: Well, actually we're still planning it.

Meryll: Yeah.

Bernard: Because we dont wanna be in Bora. We dont want to go where everyone else is going.

Meryll: Gusto sana namin somewhere peaceful.

Bernard: Somewhere very quiet and where there's water so we can wakeboard.

Meryll: (Laughing)

Bernard: I'm gonna teach her wakeboarding.

Nina: And finally, last question anong meaning sa inyo ng Holy Week kasi yung iba nakakalimutan na nila kung ano ang meaning...

Bernard: Oh no, Holy Week is really the time to reflect on...where you are, what you have, who you are and what you're given...and really to remember why you're here, why we are all here. Holy week is a very special week.

Meryll: It is the time to talk to God and just to ponder on some things and think about, you know, the blessings that you have in life and also to ask for forgiveness and talagang time to be quiet.

Bernard: And to remember what He did for us...so pay him back by being good.

A Highland Wedding

2006-04-03T22:46:00.000+08:00

Sorry guys, I know some of you have been waiting for my blog about the Claudine and Raymart wedding at Tagaytay Highlands. It was one of the most beautiful wedding celebrations I've ever attended. The venue was picture perfect, with the well manicured green and a view of the mountains beyond. It drizzled just before the ceremony so people had to leave their chairs and duck for cover. Fortunately, after 10 minutes or so, the strong highland winds blew the dark clouds away.

The wedding had a relaxed atmosphere with a christian pastor from the couple's church officiating. What really struck everyone were the couple's personalized wedding vows. And while both were emotional, it was the groom who made the guests cry. Raymart said something like "Exactly forty-six years ago a love story started.. and even with the death of Papa.. their love story continues in us" or something to that effect. So for those who are thinking that Claudine was insensitive to make March 27 their wedding date when Rico's death anniversary is March 29, well... March 27 is meaningful to the couple because it was also Raymart's parents' wedding date. Raymart tried to inject some humor in his vow by saying "Papa, I know you're smiling up there, Mama I know you're crying down here" but it ended up being heartwarming. Raymart ended by saying something like, "I thank God he allowed me to fall inlove with you, so that I also will fall inlove with Him...You are my joy, my life, my love, my wife."

An ABS-CBN chopper scattered rose petals over the grounds

It was a happy occasion all in all, though I overheard some people saying it would have been much more complete if estranged sister Gretchen showed up.

Anyway, I'm re-publishing an article I wrote for the free tabloid Starbliz that comes out every Friday. The article came out a week before Claudine's wedding.

---------------

They both want peace...

Kahit pilit nilang nilalayo ang sarili sa isa't isa, marami pa rin ang nagtatanong kung pupunta ang big sister ni Claudine Barreto na si Gretchen sa kasal nito sa Lunes, March 27. Well, judging from their actions, the answer is no. Gretchen said so herself. Nang ma-corner siya ng TV Patrol crew sa celebrity bazaar ni Ruffa Guttierez, ito ang sagot ni La Greta sa tanong kung pupunta siya sa wedding ng kanyang sister, "Hinde, kase I want peace in my life. I stay away from trouble, thank you!". So unless balak ni Gretchen agawin ang eksena sa Barreto-Santiago Nuptials, mas mabuti pang wag na lang siyang mag-appear. Anyway, hindi rin naman siya invited. Sa isang article sa latest issue ng Metro Magazine kung saan cover sina Claudine at Raymart, ito naman ang sagot ni Claudine sa tanong kung inimbita ba niya si Gretchen, "Can I have a peaceful wedding please?".

Marami ang nanghihinayang sa nangyari sa magkakapatid na Barreto. Let's do a quick re-cap of events. Nagsimula lang daw umano ang lahat nang tawagan ni Dennis Padilla si Gretchen upang kwestyunin kung bakit binigyan ng show si Willie Revillame sa ABC 5. Gretchen's partner is Tonyboy Cojuangco, ang may-ari lang naman ng istasyon. Medyo naging masama ang takbo ng usapan at dito umano dumating sa punto na "pinalayas" ni Gretchen sina Dennis at Marjorie sa bahay na tinitirhan nila na pag-aari niya. From this incident, lalong nagkagulo ang pamilya Barreto at naging Gretchen vs. the Barretos. Who knows baka malalim na rin ang pinanggalingan ng kanilang "tampuhan" and we can never really understand why. Madali kasing magsalita na bakit di na lang sila magbati-bati, after all, blood is thicker than water. Pero we cannot really judge them at this point. It's safer to say they have their own reasons at umaasa na lang tayo na sa bandang huli, it will be a happy ending.

In any case, inaabangan na ng lahat ang kasal nina Claudine at Raymart sa Tagaytay Highlands. Judging from the preparations and the people involved, walang dudang ito na ang "Wedding of the Year". Pero akalain nyo bang around 350 guests lang ang invited sa wedding? Sadya raw limitado ang guests at talagang ang malalapit lang sa couple ang inimbita para masiguradong solemn ang kasal.

Parehong Christian sina Claudine at Raymart kaya't okay lang na sa golf course ang wedding ceremony. Nagpagawa pa sila ng gazebo kung saan sila mag-e-exchange ng kanilang "i dos". Ayon sa wedding coordinator, neo-classic daw ang tema ng venue. Mala pelikulang Pride and Prejudice with a modern twist. Ang color motif ng kasal ay ang kulay ng spring o pastel colors. Ang sikat na designer na si Randy Ortiz ang gagawa ng wedding gown ni Claudine at suit ni Raymart, pati na rin ng buong entourage. Kabilang sa tatayong mga ninong at ninang ang dating pangulong Joseph Estrada, Susan Roces, Helen Gamboa, mga big bosses ng ABS-CBN at GMA 7 at iba pang malalapit sa couple. Para sa kanilang honeymoon, lilipad sila sa exclusive beach resort ng Amanpulo, Palawan at pagkatapos ay pupunta rin sila sa Europe.

Ang exclusive coverage ng Claudine-Raymart wedding ay mapapanood sa TV Patrol sa Lunes.

Aladin: Goodbye and Good Luck

2006-03-19T22:53:00.000+08:00

If you're wondering why ABS-CBN correspondent Aladin Bacolodan is not visible on TV these days, it's because he has left his job and his country to go to the land of milk and honey. Aladin's wife got a job as a nurse in Philadelphia. So, our very own war correspondent, best known for his fearless reports of the bombings in General Santos City and the tsunami aftermath in Banda Aceh, has decided to be a "houseband." And he'll definitely be a busy one taking care of his one-year-old daughter while his wife works in the hospital.

I was shocked when I heard the news and confronted Aladin about it. He just said something like, you gotta do what you gotta do. It may be stating the obvious, but when a successful broadcast journalist like Aladin decides to give that all up, then something must be terribly wrong with our country. Still, I wish him well.

Aladin, do remember us when you're rich and famous in Hollywood. :)

Jasmine's First Time

2006-03-15T13:19:00.000+08:00

American Idol runner-up Jasmine Trias was our celebrity guest two weeks ago in Magandang Umaga Pilipinas and as usual she was so down-to-earth and charming. Like all of us in the show, she was already there at 5 am. During the break, someone sold Tin Tin Bersola balut. Tin Tin offered one to Jasmine and the poor girl asked if it's the one with the chick inside. We all laughed. Poor Jasmine, mukhang mapapasubo si idol! Though I can relate to Jasmine because I also don't eat the chick, just the egg. We didn't want to scare Jasmine so early in the morning so Tin Tin offered her an alternative, penoy. Jasmine delicately took the penoy and Tin Tin taught her how to crack it and before we knew it, there was Jasmine enjoying her first taste of penoy! She kept saying how good it was and that she hasn't had breakfast. She finished it too. Way to go Jasmine!

Before Jasmine left the set, I teased her about Marvin Agustin. Marvin was one of the first celebrities to welcome Jasmine during her first visit to the Philippines. I think Marvin was interviewing her for ETK at that time and I was there for TV patrol. Jasmine revealed back then how much she admired the loveteam of Marvin and Jolina and that she used to watch their movies. Filipinos in Hawaii would often tell Jasmine that she looks like Jolina. Magpaikalanman will soon feature Jasmine's life story and as expected, Jasmine wants Jolina to portray her. As for Marvin, well he went from being Jolina's ex-loveteam to Jasmine's real-life admirer. Jasmine was surprised when someone sent flowers to her hotel room and when she asked who it was from, you guessed it, Marvin!

Birthday Chuvahness

2006-03-03T22:44:00.000+08:00

Thanks for all your birthday greetings. When I was younger, I always looked forward to my birthday which also happens to be the anniversary of Edsa People Power 1. February 25 was always a holiday, in other words, no classes! Yahoo!

Twenty-something years later, I never had so many people greet me a happy birthday. That was last Friday when my birthday celebration in Magandang Umaga Pilipinas was cancelled due to a coup plot. The morning show was suddenly pre-empted with breaking news, but at the same time an announcement of my b-day celebration in MUP was being flashed continuously on the screen!

As expected, I was the butt of jokes in the newsroom. It couldn't have come at a better time. I ended up in the streets of Makati as Tita Cory reiterated her call for PGMA to resign. I interviewed Senator Jinggoy Estrada who seemed disappointed at the low turn out of people in Makati. If not for Satur Ocampo and his group of rallyistas, it would've been a sorry sight. My personal estimate is that there were only about 4-5 thousand people. But then again, thousands more were reported to have been blocked off from all directions.

(photo courtesy of V. Rodriguez)

In the midst of everything, the presence of Kris Aquino and boyfriend James Yap was the talk of the town. Not too long ago, Kris openly endorsed GMA for president but recent events proved blood is thicker than water. Kris said so herself, she was there because of her mom. What is not clear is whether she also supports her mom's call for PGMA to resign.

As I was leaving Makati, an English-speaking teenager approached me and introduced himself to me saying he's a college friend of my brother in Ateneo and that he's been to our house. He spoke well and seemed mature for his age, probably 19, just like my brother. I thought hey, this kid is cool, he's young and trying to get involved.

The next day I was surprised to find out from my brother that he is the son of a military officer, Col. Ariel Querubin, who was mistakenly (according to the military itself) identified as being part of Friday's attempted coup. So, what was the son doing there in the rally at such a sensitive time? The next day, there was breaking news of a be-medaled Marine officer protesting against the relief of his Marine commandant, Maj. Gen. Miranda, in Fort Bonifacio. The officer asked for the support of civilians, and that they come to Fort Bonifacio - a virtual call for people power. I was surprised when I saw the officer's name flashed on screen - it was Col. Ariel Querubin.

Of course all of you know what happened that night, and what happened to the officers after that. I was able to catch the footage of Querubin's farewell message to his troops as he was being relieved of his command. It was so touching -- his men seemed to be sincerely affected by his leaving. He strikes me as a very decent and principled man. He said he is ready to face the consequences of his actions -- I guess he had always been ready to pay the price for standing by his convictions. I would say we need more men like him -- but would that be considered inciting to sedition?

BACK IN THE MORNING

2006-02-21T21:20:00.000+08:00

Hi guys! Sorry I haven't found the time to blog as often as I want. I'm back in Magandang Umaga Pilipinas just for the week. Hope you're tuned in. I'm no longer used to waking up as early as 3:45 am in time for the start of the program at 5:15 am. Now I have no choice but it's really good to be back with the morning barkada. Nakaka-miss din pala. So I hope to make your mornings a little brighter...despite the news going from bad to worst. It's very depressing but what's more depressing is that some people keep blaming other people when it's really very simple. I stopped on my tracks when my former classmate from Tonga e-mailed me this very powerful quote from Gandhi: "Be the change that you want to be in this world."

Aiko and Martin: Against All Odds

2006-02-16T22:53:00.000+08:00

Finally, Aiko Melendez is now Mrs. Jickain. There were rumors that the wedding wouldn't push thru because Martin's mom didn't approve it. But the couple finally said their "I DOs" at Fernwood Gardens early this evening. I'm re-reprinting an article I wrote about the occasion for the free tabloid "Starblitz" that comes out every Friday.

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Kahit pa dalawang beses silang nagpalit ng venue, walang nakapagpigil sa paglakad sa altar nina Aiko Melendez at Martin Jickain. Blushing bride si Aiko sa altar, halatang in high spirits siya at di mapigilan ang pagtawa sa tabi ng kanyang groom.

Hanggang sa altar hindi tinantanan ng intriga ang bagong kasal at umugong ang balitang ini-snob ng ina ni Martin ang wedding. Pero ayon sa mga kamag-anak ni Martin, nagkasakit daw kase ito.

Medyo nagdagdagan ngayon ng ilang pounds si Aiko pero kumikinang ang beauty niya sa kanyang V-neck long sleeved beaded gown na gawa ni Pepsi Herrera. Suot naman ni Martin ang Mel Vergel De Dios na barong.

Ring bearer ang anak ni Aiko kay Jomari na si Andre. Tumayong mga ninong at ninang naman sina Quezon City Mayor Sonny Belmonte, Cristy Fermin, Boy Abunda, Helen Gamboa at iba pang personalidad. Sina Gelli de Belen, Candy Pangilinan, Carmina Villaroel ang Matrons of Honor. Kabilang sa mga bridesmaids si Kris Aquino at Best Man ang nakababatang kapatid ni Martin na si Luke Jickain.

Magmula ng mag-kakilala sina Martin at Aiko nung September 2004 at naging opisyal silang mag-on nung October 15, hindi na natapos-tapos ang intriga sa kanilang dalawa.

Nag-umpisa ito sa walong taong age-gap ng dalawa. Thirty na si Aiko at 22 naman si Martin. Pinag-usapan din ang napaka-bilis nilang relasyon na wala pang limang buwan. Parang sinagot ito ng mag-asawa sa kanilang wedding invitation na may nakasulat na, "The quantity of time is not what matters...Quality of time is what we both shared and will cherish for the rest of our lives...With two different worlds, we meet...Indeed, we are destined to be together."

Kabilang rin sa mga naging isyu ang hindi pag-sang-ayon ng ina ni Martin sa kasal. Nagulat na lamang daw ang pamilya ni Martin sa desisyong magpapakasal na siya, sa kabila nito nagpakita ng suporta sa kasal ang pamilya Jickain. Hinatid mismo ng kanyang ama ang groom sa altar.

Sa naunang interview ko kay Martin, inamin ng commercial model na very close daw sila ng kanyang mommy at tulad ng ibang ina, feeling daw nito ay mawawalan na siya ng anak. Hiwalay na ang parents ni Martin at lumaki na sila ng kanyang kapatid sa ina. Kaya naman very close Martin at kapatid nitong si Luke sa mommy nila. Itinanggi ni Martin na pinakasalan niya si Aiko dahil dalawang buwan na siyang buntis. Nauna raw nilang plinanong magpakasal bago nangyari ito. Excited din daw si Martin na maging ama at sigurado daw siyang lalambot ang puso ng ina niya kapag magkaroon daw ito ng apo.

Tinatanong naman ng lahat ngayon kung nasaan ang ex-husband ni Aiko na si Jomari Yllana. Lumipad kahapon si Jomari para sumali sa isang Celebrity Sports Fest sa Bohol. Kasabay ni Jomari sa flight ang TV Patrol reporter na si Marie Lozano. Tinanong raw ni Marie kung ano ang mensahe ni Jomari kay Aiko, natawa raw si Jom at sinabing "Kelan ba ang kasal?". Nang malaman kung kailan ito, di na nagpaliguy-ligoy pa si Jomari, "Best wishes, I'm happy for them." Tinawanan rin ni Jomari ang tanong kung imbitado siya sa kasal o hindi.

Sa banding huli, buhay ito nina Martin at Aiko. At ngayong opisyal na ang kanilang pagsasama, ano pa nga ba ang masasabi natin kundi, "Mabuhay ang bagong kasal!"

Para sa yo, Manny!

2006-01-30T21:34:00.000+08:00

screenshot of PGMA with Manny Pacquiao

I have two left feet. I'm in the middle of Roxas Boulevard among crowds of people and my feet are killing me. My only consolation is that the rain turned into a drizzle but that doesn't change the fact that I'm wearing 3-inch boots, both intended for my left feet! Oo na, parehong kaliwa ang sapatos ko! But before you think I'm odd.. hear me out.

I actually came from my friend's wedding in Calaruega, Tagaytay and took the day off. The wedding was held in the morning, so it ended after lunch. Since I was already in Tagaytay, my friend and I decided to seize this opportunity and visit the much talked about Italian restaurant called Massimo's for coffee and gelato. We were the only ones in the restaurant except for the waiters and Massimo himself, a cute little boy who was playing chess with his English-speaking yaya. Since he's older than the restaurant, I suppose the place was named after him.

So there I was, enjoying the cool breeze, good food and having a nice conversation. Ahh, this is the life! But when the clock struck 12...err...in my case 4pm...I turned into the tazmanian devil! In a split-second I was running to the car like a lunatic, huffing and puffing and saying sh-t to the world. Heck, I even forgot my silver bag (that went nicely with my silver gray and pink dress) until the yaya thankfully came running towards the car to hand it to me. The text message that I got said it all, "Live report ka sa Roxas Boulevard for Manny Pacquiao victory party." TV Patrol World starts at 6:30 p.m. and I didn't know how the hell I was going to make it. But orders are orders, and I HAD to make it.

I told my crew to get clothes and shoes that I asked somebody in the house to prepare. Well that somebody handed them two left pairs of 3-inch black boots! I have two almost identical ankle length boots and the time had come for me to suffer for it.

It couldn't have come at a better time. I arrived at Roxas Boulevard at 6:30 pm! TV Patrol had already started but thanks to DZMM's Nedy Tantoco, I pretty much knew what was happening. I just had to double check some facts with a few quick interviews and phone calls here and there. Security. Check. Crowd estimate. Check. Who performed. Check. Who's coming. Check. What to expect. Check. Argh! These killer boots are really a killer! My right foot felt like it was swollen. I looked down at my funny looking shoes and realized it wasn't funny.

7:20 p.m. I was just waiting for my cue to start my live report. I thought I heard Julius Babao introduce me for my report, but I wasn't sure. My TV monitor and my earphone - where I get instructions from the field producer - died (why am I so lucky?) Julius was also at the Pacquiao victory party, just across the street, so I looked to my right hoping to get my cue from the real Julius and not rely on the unreliable. Too late. I was caught on-cam, wasting about 5 valuable seconds of airtime, looking away and for 5 looong seconds I was just nakatanga or mukhang tanga more like it until the monitor suddenly re-appeared and I could hear the camera man shouting, "CUE! CUE!" And off I went with my live report as if nothing happened.

After my TV Patrol stint I was told I would do more updates for Studio 23, ANC and Insider. Even if Insider came in after midnight, I was on a roll, my adrenaline was up and I was even excited to do more reports on Manny's Victory Party. Basta para kay Idol, go! I guess all of us reporters that day felt it too.

Earlier in the evening, Manny sang his hit single, "Para Sa Yo (ang laban na to)" with Nora Aunor, err, President Arroyo. He also sang the Big Brother song, "Pinoy Ako" with Sarah Geronimo and the President. He then left at 6:00 p.m., but the thousands of people who came didn't mind since there were other bands and celebrities who filled in for him.

11:30 p.m. I was done with my Insider script and just when we were about to edit the video, I heard louder screams and people chanting "Manny! Manny!" Oh no, did he come back? My question was answered when I heard the song again, "Para sa yo, ang laban na to. Para sa yo, ang laban na tohhh...." I went out of the OB Van and sure enough it was Manny. He came back! Minutes later he was dancing with Pops Fernandez. The guy is amazing. He arrived very early in the morning from Las Vegas and since then, he was just, to borrow Gary V's title, Mr. Pure Energy. Because of Manny's tenacity, I had to redo my script at the last minute. Again, basta ikaw Idol!

That's Manny. Last year I interviewed him when he returned to the country after losing to Morales. Even then, he had so many fans and I noticed he just wanted to please them all, gamely posing for pictures and signing autographs even as his companions urged him to get going. If he could just shake hands with each of the thousands of people present during his victory party, I bet you he would.

Just like this year, Manny opened his house last year to anybody who wanted to watch his fight. He told his relatives to bring out the TV set so that their neighbors could watch. I know because I was sent to General Santos City to cover his family and relatives during his first fight with Morales. I remember his two cute boys running around the house oblivious to their father's fight. I remember his brother who was practically stuck to the radio as he listened to the live report on Manny's fight and I remember him being so upset when his brother lost. He was convinced Manny was cheated. Manny's mother was also something else. She was praying the rosary in front of a Virgin Mary statue in a corner while everyone gathered in the living room to watch the super duper commercial-ridden fight which was then shown on RPN 9. At first she tried to watch, but when Manny was hit the first or second time, she couldn't bear it and just went on praying and crying with her eyes closed until the fight ended. When I talked to her afterwards, she said she couldn't bear seeing her son hurt. She also told me she doesn't really like watching his son's fights because it just might give her a heart attack.

This year was different though. I saw Manny's mother being interviewed on Rated K and she was all-smiles. There were also clips of her watching Manny's fight. During an interview, she said she had a good feeling Manny would win. Wow, mother's instincts. Maybe last year she had a feeling Manny could lose? Because last year she was a nervous wreck and looked ten years older compared to this time.

I guess in Manny's next fight, it would be a good idea to observe his mom closely.

In the meantime, while the overly played "Para sa yo, ang labang itohh..." drive us nuts, I wonder how his duet with his wife, Jinky, sounds. I heard Manny's wife is a good singer and they have a duet in Manny's new CD.

Next question. Will Manny enter showbiz? Didn't he host "Kamao" with Robin Padilla and Vina Morales last year? I really wish he won't follow Onyok Velasco's footsteps. But I would rather have Manny become an artista than a gambler or politician, I don't know which is worse.

All I know is that I will never ever NEVER wear my shoes this way again.

Barbie's Ken

2006-01-19T02:47:00.000+08:00

If you're wondering why former Barbie's Cradle lead singer and now solo artist Barbie Almabis is smiling these days -- it's because she's making beautiful music with someone. No, I'm not talking about her new album (though she does have one coming out), I mean it in the figurative sense!

I interviewed Barbie at the Lovapalooza launch party, and the whole time, a tall guy in an all black get-up was watching her intently. I thought he was a curious onlooker, but I later found out that he's actually Barbie's "special friend". The good-looking guy is the son of a former military man turned Senator. He looks like a younger version of his dad sans the moustache(clue, clue!)

The very private Barbie was quite shy about discussing her love-life. Even the guy, who has a high-profile father, was uncomfortable about the media attention -- he would cover his face everytime the camera would focus on him. I did find out that their "relationship" is fairly new. Whether they'll hit the right notes, only time will tell. I do wish them all the best, as they make a lovely couple.

And speaking of the right notes, Barbie is coming out with a new album in a few months time. She says the album will feature a newer sound which she describes as, "less jazzy and more pop rock". Will her love songs be inspired by real life? Just asking... =)

Uma and Sam: We're here to stay!

2006-01-16T01:31:00.000+08:00

Pinoy Big Brother housemates Uma Khouny and Sam Milby are all smiles after receiving their special working permits from Bureau of Immigration Commissioner Alipio Fernandez. The Fil-Israeli Uma and Fil-American Sam needed to get working permits since they do not carry Filipino passports. They had to pay a fine though of P 10,000 and P 40,000 respectively for not complying with the BI's requirements on time. That's small change for these PBB stars who already have a new TV show and endorsement deals. The two say they can now breathe easier as they can work (legally!) without fear of getting deported. No need to cry girls, they're here to stay!

Internet Love-Affair

2006-01-13T21:08:00.000+08:00

Would you marry someone you've never even met?

I met Beth on a flight from Amsterdam to Cardiff, Wales in June 2005. She was my seatmate on that connecting flight and we got to talking since we both came from Manila. As Beth and I chatted, I discovered she was on her way to meet her "future husband." I asked her how they met and she told me, "through the internet." And just like that, I had my story.

Beth turned out to be a computer programmer at ABS-CBN, no less! She wasn't the typical "take-me-out-of-this-rut" kind of girl actively looking for a foreigner husband. You see, it started out of curiosity. Beth was doing research on graphic design and was looking at the layout of Yahoo Personals. On a whim, she decided to register and voila - men all over the world became instant admirers!

One of them was Andrew, a 32-year old entreprenuer based in Bridgend, Wales (you probably thought he was 50!) When I interviewed him in person he told me it was "love at first sight"... from seven thousand miles away. Beth's simple, no-make-up but pretty picture in her profile did it for him.

Andrew "courted" Beth for almost a year thru chatting and e-mail. Once, he even came to Manila to meet Beth's family and then he proposed... now Beth is Mrs. Andrew, and from the looks of it, she couldn't be any happier.

During my three-month stay in Cardiff, I was surprised to meet many Filipinas married to Welsh men and most of them met -- you guessed it -- through the net! This phenomenon is actually not new, as even before the internet, there was already such a thing as “mail-order brides.” Of course, that's another story. I also met the "older generation" of Filipina women married to Welsh men -- one couple I met had been married for 15 years. They told me they started as "pen pals" and their husbands "met" them thru magazine ads. Very interesting indeed.

So why do these foreigners prefer Filipinas? Based on my interviews, they like Pinays because they see them as beautiful, exotic, subservient, mysterious and easily controlled. While the stereotype of why Filipina women prefer foreigners is because they see them as a means to escape poverty and a chance at (economic) freedom. I'm sure there are a number of studies on the sociological or socio-anthropologal aspects of how the West perceives the East and vice versa, so I won't pretend to be an expert.

What struck me most, however, was the comment of one Welshman who'd been married to a Filipina for twenty years. He told me he liked pinays because they are "better wives and mothers." I thought his wife, who was beside him at that time, would take offense at being portrayed as simply a "domestic goddess." I asked her what she thought of her husband's remark, and her answer was "I'm proud to be a good wife and mother to our children."

Well, I figured if it works for them, then who am I to judge? As in any relationship, there are pluses and minuses. There are a number of horror stories related to "mixed" marriages, but there are also those who will just make you sigh and say, "I'm happy for them." I guess in the end, it's not so much how you met but how much effort you put into the relationship to make it work.

If you want to see my report about Beth and online dating, do catch Balitang Europe this Sunday at 11:30 pm on ANC channel 27 and TFC Europe at 2pm (Manila time). You'll be able to catch me on Balitang Europe every Sunday, starting this weekend. I do hope Filipinos in Europe will enjoy the show -- as well as Filipinos who have relatives in Europe -- malay n'yo, ma-feature namin ang kamag-anak ninyo! =)

Tune in on Sunday!

Beauties of the MMFF

2006-01-11T22:55:00.000+08:00

It seemed like lower was better at the recent Metro Manila Film Festival. I'm talking about necklines here, as seen from the gowns of the stars. Here are some pictures I took at the event. Sorry for the low quality as I was using the camera on my phone. Enjoy!

Ohh, my Darling... Darling Lavina

Assunta de Rossi

Darna in White Angel Locsin with beau Oyo Boy Sotto

Star of the Night Iya Villania

Alessandra de Rossi

Ageless Lani Mercado in Paul Cabral

FPJ's daughter, Lovi Poe

"Janno Who?" Bing Loyzaga

Ana Capri

The Lone Thorn Rustom Padilla

Crossing swords..err.. microphones with GMA's Lhar Santiago

Showbiz Tidbits

2006-01-05T00:19:00.000+08:00

Manny Pacquiao bought a Porsche Cayenne as a Christmas present to himself.

Plinky Recto's ex was her annulment lawyer.

JB Magsaysay gave Ms. Germany a necklace. When the two guested in Magandang Umaga Pilipinas, the Ms. Earth beauty contestant complimented JB on his shell necklace, so he gave it to her as a "goodwill" present.

Ai-Ai De Las Alas is "Mrs. Milby" because Sam forgot her last name so she told him to just call her "Mrs. Milby".

Big Brother Champion Nene and Bob spent the new year together with Bob's family in Bulacan.

And finally...konting plugging, hehe...get yourself a copy of the latest Star Studio magazine with Piolo and Judy Anne on the cover. Learn some of Piolo's shocking confessions, take a peek into Onemig Bondoc's P10 million house, be a guest at Andeng's (Bong Revilla's pretty sister and Diether Ocampo's ex) multi-million peso wedding, and check out their travel exclusive featuring photo's from my European trip. :)

The Louvre in Paris with my mom and nephew, Nicolas

View of The London Eye on the river Thames

The Grand Canal of Venice

Plinky's Ex Speaks Up

2006-01-04T21:23:00.000+08:00

I called Plinky Recto's ex-live in partner today to get his reaction after the TV host claimed her ex "abducted" their 1 year and 3 month old son.

The man said it was legal for him to have custody of their son since he had a TPO or Temporary Protection Order. He also called Plinky "mentally sick" and said their child needed protection from his mother.

At first, he told me he didn't want to be interviewed, and that if I come out with our conversation on TV, he would send me to jail for a year -- or at least that's what I heard since the cellphone line was choppy.

I told him he had my word if he wanted to talk off-the-record -- I just wanted to hear his side of the story. But during the course of the conversation, he agreed to be quoted on some statements.

He said he believes Plinky wants the media's attention because "she's an actress, a has been and wants to revive her career" and that "she wants to run for Mayor of Lipa City."

He also wanted to clarify that Plinky's permanent neck injury wasn't caused by him. He said that according to the doctor, it's a chronic injury, meaning it's been there all these years -- "even before we met," Plinky's ex said.

In spite of everything, Plinky's Harvard-educated ex said he is still open to reconciliation and friendship. He said he is willing to give Plinky a monthly allowance and will share custody of their son "if Plinky gets psychiatric help."

He also said, "I don't want to fight her. I just hope she stops this thing, it's not doing me, her, our son any good."

But Plinky is not backing down. "Shino-showbiz lang kayo nyan. Iba ang salita niya sa publiko sa ginagawa siya. Hindi siya mapagkakatiwalaan. Wala siyang palabra de honor!"

With that, the battle continues...

Vic Sotto: "GMA didn't ask me to give way to Mulawin"

2005-12-27T00:24:00.000+08:00

Vic Sotto is now in the middle of a controversy over an apparent "rift" with his home channel, GMA 7, even as his movie Enteng Kabisote 2 continues to rake it in at the box office. Enteng reportedly earned P 12.4 million on it's December 25 opening date making it the top grosser that day. Now we hear that it's a close fight between Enteng and Bong Revilla's Exodus for the number one spot. Meanwhile, another fantasy movie, Mulawin, remains in the number three spot.

During Enteng's victory party (which was held simultaneously with Exodus' victory party), Bosing couldn't escape being asked about the "rift" that came out in Inquirer's entertainment page on December 26. GMA 7 already issued a statement saying that it is unfair for them to be accused of not promoting Enteng when Vic was interviewed in Beinte Kwatro Oras and S-files.

Vic, on the other hand, is also being accused of not promoting Mulawin in Eat Bulaga. The noontime show is produced by TAPE, Inc., and not GMA 7. To my surprise, Vic bluntly admitted that it's true, "Eh para naman akong loko nun kung i-promote ko ang kalaban, plastic naman yun. Di ba, kumbaga, and GMA naman puwede nila i-promote ang Mulawin the whole day. Ako sa tanghali lang naman ako nakaka-promote. Di naman ako makapag-promote sa ibang timeslot." But Vic is very much a kapuso because of his sitcom "DA de di do du." He elicited laughter when he continued in jest, "Ewan ko lang kung sa TV show ko mismo (referring to his sitcom), lumabas ako, lumabas ba? Ah oo lumabas daw."

The tension was apparently heightened when Vic's co-stars in the movie weren't allowed to guest in the talkshow "Sis." The co-stars admitted they did tape an interview about the movie for "Sis" but it was never aired. Vic however said he could understand that since it is the program's prerogative. "May guestings na na-cancel pero naiintindihan ko. Wala akong sama ng loob." Even Bong Revilla's Exodus reportedly didn't get promoted on GMA 7 as much as Bong wanted, and Bong is also a kapuso.

But Vic added, "In fairness to them, they interviewed me for Beinte Kwatro and S-files. It just shows di kami pinagbabawalan ng GMA, meron lang silang pinoprotektahang project. Siyempre ganun talaga, you protect your own investment. Business yun eh."

There were also rumors that GMA asked Vic to give way to Mulawin but Bosing denies this. "No, there's no such thing."

In the middle of all the "nasaan ang puso" intriga questions thrown at Vic, Rey Pumaloy asked an interesting question, "Kung ordinaryong tao si Vic Sotto, mapapansin kaya siya?"

I looked at Bosing. I noticed his eyes are lighter than dark brown. Ay mestizo pala siya! He still looks the same way that I remember him when I was ten years old. His answers, however funny or kenkoy they may be, show the intelligience underneath the wry smile. His mere presence commands respect. He may be famous (or infamous) for the green jokes he used to throw at aspiring beauty queens with Tito and Joey, but there was no trace of that at the presscon. He was Bosing, the down-to-earth kind. He made jokes and gave everyone a good laugh. So I guess it's not so much his looks (though a lot of people say he is "papable") but his personality that endeared him to his fans.

In the end, the reporters pressed to get a good, intriguing soundbite from Vic about the apparent "rift". Vic gave in, "Buti nga nag-number three pa sila!" He was joking of course...with just a tad touch of irony. Everyone laughed.

And then another reporter asked, "Can you please tell us the budget for Enteng Kabisote? If Mulawin spent 80 million and Exodus 70 million, eh kayo?"

The answer came easy for Bosing, "Eh di 90 million!"

Kristine Hermosa wants to make amends with Echo, Mom...

2005-12-26T23:49:00.000+08:00

"Sana kausapin na ako ni Echo, sana maging friends ulit kami." Kristine Hermosa surprised the press when she suddenly opened up about her rift with former beau and loveteam Jericho Rosales (who is now happy with Panday co-star Heart Evangelista). She didn't say why.

Then, she suddenly burst into tears when asked about her message to her family this Christmas. "Sana magkabati-bati na, magmahalan na lang tayo." Tin-tin hasn't spoken to her mom in two months since she went back to Diether Ocampo's arms. Her mom reportedly doesn't approve of Diet. "Karapat-dapat naman talaga siya (Diet), sana nandyan lang siya, sana maging strong kami para sa isa't isa."

No doubt, the Kristine-Diet romance is one of the top newsmakers of the year after the two secretly tied the knot in a civil wedding in Nueve Ecija. The two never admitted they got married even as Tin-Tin sported a huge diamond (engagement?) ring and what seemed to be a wedding band on her finger. But Tin-Tin did talk about having the marriage "nullified" and not "annulled" (though I'm not sure what the difference is -- can a lawyer help me here?), meaning, there was a wedding after all.

The question now is, if she had the wedding nullified, why is she back with Diet? Kristine tried to explain that the petition for nullification is nothing personal but merely a legal matter. She said she can't expound on the issue further since the matter now is in court and "hindi ko ma-explain kase naguguluhan din ako."

What's important for Kristine now is that she is happy with Diet. "Siya pa rin ang mahal ko at wala akong pinag-sisisihan."

Ayun na! Abangan ang susunod na kabanata!

Celebrity Christmas

2005-12-24T17:03:00.000+08:00

Where will your favorite stars be this Christmas?

Claudine Barreto: "Sa bahay namin ni Raymart. It's gonna be fun because it's the first time the Barretos and the Santiago's are spending Christmas together so ang kulit non!"

Sam Milby: "I'm spending it with my relatives in Bulacan. I was supposed to go to Ohio to be with my family. I thought I was going to be in the States but the shooting of my movie with Bea and John Lloyd in New York was postponed to January."

Jericho Rosales: "Somewhere in Asia."

Sharon Cuneta: "We will be spending it in my parents' house in Dasmarinas Village. My cousins and I are all very close, everyone will be there. It's really the time to be with family. It's nothing showbiz, except for my cousin Ciara (Sotto) and my Tita Helen Gamboa. I'm really looking forward to being with them and just be ourselves."

Piolo Pascual: "Sa bahay ko (in Paranaque). I'm really excited because my mom, sisters and relatives are all here from the States. It's the first time in more than fifteen years that we will all be together."

John Lloyd Cruz: "In New York. Two of my siblings live there. I'm flying there after doing a series of shows in California with Bea (Alonso). It's the first time in 6 years that we will be having this kind of reunion."

Judy Anne Santos: "Sa bahay lang with my family. It's my first Christmas with Ryan (Agoncillo) since our relationship became official so it's going to be special."

Iya Villania: "I usually go to Australia but this time I will be spending it in Manila. My family are the ones who came here for Christmas so I'm really looking forward to it."

Dina Bonevie: "I was in California for four months. I'm excited to be back to spend Christmas in our house in Ayala Heights with Danica and Oyo Boy. I missed them so much!"

Jay-R: "I've never been to New York during Christmas so right after the filmfest parade (Jay-r is in the movie "Exodus"), I'm flying to New York on Christmas day. It's gonna be fun, ice skating on Times Square, watch the ball drop since I will be staying there till the New Year."

Imelda in Divisoria

2005-12-21T23:02:00.000+08:00

"Have you been to 168? If not, "di ka in!"

I first heard about 168 a month ago from a rich couple who described it simply as the "best place to shop". I thought, "Oh my, another 6750, home to high end specialty shops like Bulgari and Escada, forget it." And then I heard the clincher, "It's in Divisoria, you know, malapit sa Tutuban." I wanted to ask in disbelief, "What, you go to Divisoria?"

They described 168 as the "mother of all tiangges." I wanted to die, it sounds like heaven! So for almost four weeks I was hearing creepy little voices saying 168, 168, 168, over and over again. I waited for the day, and it came like it was my destiny. My bosses in the newsroom assigned me to cover the story. Actually It was given to me last week, but because I was too busy covering other stories I only went last Thursday.

Soler street was jampacked with traffic. The signs were everywhere, "This way to 168." Finally, there it was, 168 shopping mall. Why, it's a mall! There's actually two malls, mall 1 and mall 2. Inside, I saw three floors of tiangges everywhere. So, this is what's "eating into mall sales," as Inquirer put it on their frontpage. For those who are curious about what 168 means, the chinese interpret it as "one road to success."

True enough I bumped into China Cojuangco who was dressed down in her cap, jeans and sneakers. You'd think she was just an ordinary shopper but I noticed the bodyguards who tried to be inconspicuos. She was with a friend minding her own business when I suddenly came into her face with an ABS-CBN microphone and my camera in tow, introduced myself quickly and asked her the only question that came into my mind, "What are you doing here?" I had meant to ask "What's a person like you doing in Divisoria?" but it sounded too blunt.

Fortunately China understood my question and said, "I'm always in Divisoria! I like coming here because it's cheap and you can make tawad pa." Then she mentions other market places in Divisoria which I cannot recall. She even said some items are more expensive in 168 compared to other Divi stores, "maybe because of the rent, but it's okay, what's a few pesos, it's aircon pa." I told her she seemed to know Divisoria really well and she proudly said, "Oh yes!" China seems so down to earth. I couldn't help but notice the towel on her shoulders, as in parang driver! This girl is amazing. My friend, Lui Villaruz (China's BF) is lucky. Remember "Senorito Lakswatsero" when it was still Magandang Umaga Bayan? He also did the Gilbeys barkada commercial and some supporting roles in some Star Cinema movies.

Tama na nga ang tsismis. :) Back to 168, I heard Imelda Marcos is a "suki." Her daughter, Congresswoman Imee Marcos (another "suki") was quoted as saying, "My mom will get sick if she doesn't go to 168 once a week." Believe it or not, I heard she even bought unbranded (probably made in China or Korea) shoes! Manay Gina de Venecia is another fan. Baby Arenas has also been spotted and many more socialites, politicians, showbiz personalities, fashionistas, etc.!

Wow, is Divisoria changing? "Dati kase pag sinabi mo Divisoria, mainit, maputik, pero dito sa 168, malinis, aircon, at mura talaga," so one woman told me. Most items in 168 are being sold by Chinese traders and come from China, Hong Kong and Korea.

168 has gone a long way since it's soft opening in December 2003. Now it's more popular than ever. Mall 3 is already under construction. I've been told 30 to 50 thousand people go there on weekdays and up to 80 thousand people walk through the tiangges on weekends. Just be prepared for the "siksikan" especially on weekends. But nowadays when times are hard, whether you have a fat wallet or an empty one, people want value for their money.

If you're not done with your Christmas shopping.. 168 beckons.. you have 3 days left!

Happy shopping! :)

Say You, Say Me, Say No Apologies

2005-12-21T22:56:00.000+08:00

This article has been sitting in my drafts folder for some time now. Unfortunately, I've been away from my PC for quite some time, so I was able to post it only now. Hope you still find it interesting...
* * * * * * *

"I don't owe her any apology. Hindi ko siya kilala and I am not a showbiz person. I come from a reality program. Hindi ako ang nag-create ng situation na to. I did not call her names. I just expressed my feelings about JB." This was Say Alonzo's answer to a reporter who asked if she had anything to apologize for.

Angelica are you listening?

Say, as usual, was frank and open when bombarded by questions about her break-up with JB. By this time, she knew about my exclusive interview with Angelica. I found out from Say's pretty younger sister, Kelly, that her mom cried after watching the story. My heart went out to her mom because she felt her daughter's pain. This was the same case with Angelica's mom, who was so affected when she found out that her daughter was accused of being the "third party."

It's always hard reporting a story when you know that somebody is bound to get hurt -- but we do what we have to do. Say's mom told me she did not blame me for the report, and that she understood that I had to air Angelica's side.

But after everything that's been said and done, Say is standing by her decision not to take back JB. She says she still loves him -- but can no longer trust him. But at the same time, she says, she is not closing her doors. She said she didn't mean to drag Angelica into the picture. She was asked on "The Buzz" why she was acting strangely towards JB, and she simply answered the question -- she expressed how she felt, what she believed, including what people had told her was supposedly Angelica's part in the equation. Imagine, she was inside the house for 103 days, and when she got out all she heard from her well-meaning friends were Angelica and JB this and that. What's is a girl like her to do?

I always say it's a privilege being a reporter when people entrust you with their feelings and thoughts. The best part is hearing two sides of the story. It gives you a better perspective of the situation and why things happened the way they did. I do not blame Angelica or Say for feeling and saying what they felt. They should just be aware though of the consequences, especially when they're talking on TV. The audience is watching and listening. Judgements will be made, heroes will be praised, villains will be condemned. In the end, it's not always about what they feel and what they want to say -- they know that the world (or the Philippines) is watching, since they're expressing their thoughts and baring their souls to a rolling camera.

BJ still In-Love with Rica?

2005-12-08T16:58:00.000+08:00

"At this point if it's not her, then I'd rather not be with anyone."

Bernard "BJ" Palanca surprised the press during his birthday press conference when he said this about Rica even after the two broke up a year ago.

More on TV Patrol World tonight...6:30 pm onwards...

Say, Angelica, JB Love Triangle

2005-12-06T23:13:00.000+08:00

Sorry guys it's been a hectic work week but I promise to write more about this soon...so stay tuned!

Let me just give you a quick overview of what's been happening:

Angelica breaks her silence and tells Say to clear her name because JB and her are just friends. (check out the shirt!)

Say will not apologize for anything she's already said because she just expressed how she really felt.

JB still wants Say back.

Will she take him back? Say's answer and more on my next blog...

Check out Angelica's side below. Say's side coming soon!

Angelica's Side

2005-12-05T22:36:00.000+08:00

Angel's T-shirt

Her t-shirt said it all: "Tell your boyfriend to stop calling me." Those were the words written on Angelica's black baby tee. This girl knows how to make a statement even without having to open her mouth.

I noticed the shirt right away as Angelica approached me for my exclusive one-on-one interview with her for TV Patrol World. She seemed to be in a good mood, laughing as she sat in the "hot seat." I pointed out the shirt. "Wala lang, basta, wala na kase akong masuot, lahat nasa labahan," she said sarcastically but still smiling. She was very pretty with hardly any trace of make-up. Her baby fat had melted away revealing a fuller, more womanly figure. Her movie "Santa Santita" again came to mind. She abruptly transformed from a sweet and innocent looking Angelica to a younger version of "Taray Queen" Annabelle Rama. I don't blame her. She was accused of stealing someone else's boyfriend on national TV.

I later found out the shirt was a gift from her good friend Heart Evangelista, who gave her the shirt in October when the rumors about her and JB started. Even then, Angelica never talked about the issue when the showbiz talk shows and entertainment reporters were prodding her to say something. She thought it was a non-issue and simply hoped it would die a natural death. But far from doing so, the issue got a full shot of adrenalin when Say accused Angelica on "The Buzz" of being JB's "other woman"! Of course, naawa lahat kay Say and Angel became an instant "kontrabida."

Say and JB's Romance

For those who don't know the story, let me rewind a bit. Say and JB became boyfriend-girlfriend after only a month of being inside the Pinoy Big Brother house. They professed, in their actions and words, undying love for each other as witnessed by all the viewers. When JB got evicted, he promised to wait for Say and so their love story went.. until.. until that picture! A picture of JB and Angelica na allegedly magkayakap. It was shown to Say by her sister when she was evicted from the PBB house Saturday, accompanied with a number of horror stories and rumors regarding JB and Angelica. This explains Say's cold treatment of JB on stage when they finally meet in person.

Controversial Picture

I saw the picture and I thought it was harmless -- unless that wasn't the one in question. Angelica showed it to me and said somebody sent it to her friendster account. I'm sure you all want to see it, if you haven't yet. I will scan the picture and post it here soon. It just shows JB na naka-akbay kay Angel. Yun lang, parang normal friends. According to Angel, that was taken during a gimmick at Embassy Bar, where they went out with a group of friends. "Bilang artista, sanay na ako na may lumalapit, kumukuha ng picture, so yun, nag-pose lang kami ni JB dahil ni-request nung taong yun," Angel explained.

Sobra na, Tama na

She said she's been pushed to the wall, "Para ako naging kabit, wag naman sana nila akong siraan ng ganito, hindi naman totoo." She said she only wants to clear her name because "feeling ko parang sobra na. Gumi-mick kami sa Embassy, bakit masama? Kabarkada ko siya. So ngayon ako ang dahilan kung bakit break sila? Excuse me, ayusin n'yo yang gulo n'yo. Wag kayong mang-damay!"

The fact is that Angel and JB have been barkada even before JB's stint in PBB. Angel is actually closer to his two brothers -- the other one works for ABS-CBN. So naturally, as barkada, they go out.

100 Seconds

What about Say's accusation that Angel waited for JB outside the PBB house during PBB's "100 seconds?" This was when each housemate got the chance to spend time with their loved ones. JB and Say were so emotional when they saw each other and they hugged each other like there was no tomorrow. So when people heard Say's revelation, sino ba naman ang hindi magagalit kay JB at Angelica? If it's true that JB is dating Angelica, how could he do that while his "date" was waiting outside? Worse, how could Angelica wait outside? A person's normal reaction would be, ang kapal, diba?

When I asked Angelica if she was really outside the PBB house that time, she answered without batting an eyelash, "Yes. Nandun ako, pero hindi ko hinintay si JB, excuse me!"

She said the "100 seconds" happened during JB's thanksgiving party where she even met Say's family. She described them saying, "mababait sila." After the party, Angelica went with JB's brother, Pau, to the PBB house. Angelica says it was just a coincidence that they were taping Say's 100 seconds with JB that time. She says she decided to tour the house as it was her first time there. "Inikot ko yung house, kasama ko pa nga si Direk Lauren (Dyogi, PBB's director). Lahat naman ng pumupunta dun ginagawa yun, nagkataon lang na nandun din si JB. Hinintay ko raw siya? Ano gagawin ko kay JB?" Angelica said in frustration.

Understanding Say

Despite her obvious anger, Angelica said she's trying to understand Say. If she were in Say's shoes, a prisoner from the outside world for more than 100 days, she would probably feel the same. But Angelica says, she would confront JB first before making any accusations, "hindi ako mangdadamay ng ibang tao sa TV."

Poor Say. Poor Angelica.

Say was hurt and only expressed how she felt when she heard about her ex-boyfriend and his alleged "girlfriend."

Angelica was hurt because she was accused of being the "other woman" when JB and her are just barkada.

In a perfect (or normal) world, Say would confront JB. JB would tell her the truth that there's nothing going on between him and Angelica. Say would then (hopefully) understand and they would live happily ever!

Ahh, all the world is a stage.. especially in showbiz!

P.S.

You really want to know the scoop? Angelica spent her Birthday last November at JB's house in La Union, but she was reportedly with her real love. Anyway, this has nothing to do with the issue. Next time ulit! :) Let's leave Angelica and her love life in peace for now...

Angelica Breaks her Silence

2005-12-05T17:46:00.000+08:00

Watch out for my exclusive interview with Angelica Panganiban on TV Patrol World tonight 6:30 pm onwards. Angelica answers for the first time the truth behind the rumors that she is JB's "other woman"...

to be continued!

Marvin Agustin: Man Enough to Face the Music

2005-12-01T22:39:00.000+08:00

I wonder how Marvin Agustin felt when during a presscon, a reporter asked him how it felt like being a "has-been"! He was still smiling, but I wondered what could he have be thinking, or rather, feeling? I didn't hear his answer. I don't think he gave one.

That was just the beginning. Right after that someone asked him if he was thinking of transferring to GMA-7 "since his career was going nowhere." Marvin said he had no plans of jumping ship, since he owed a lot to ABS-CBN who took care of him for nine years. He also said he's happy that he was allowed to do projects for other companies like Canary Films, which is producing his new movie "Kutob," a Metro Filmfest entry directed by Jose Javier Reyes. He added that he was even allowed to star in the rival network's upcoming Magpakailanman episode.

With that, another reporter commented, "Isn't that so telling? Pinapayagan ka sa rival station? Ibig sabihin, pinapalayas ka na!" Marvin just smiled. Another reporter followed-up with, "Do you think they would allow Piolo or Jericho to do the same? No way!" Marvin kept his smile and said, "Masaya ako at may trabaho ako."

Then came the questions on his being a new daddy to three-month-old twins, Santiago and Sebastian. A reporter commented in front of everyone, that the twins were the product of an illicit affair. Rumors at that time even said that the affair was actually a one-night stand. I looked at Marvin and wanted to ask, how can you take all this? But before I could speak, my face must have given me away. He motioned his hand to his ear, "Pasok dito, tapos labas sa kabila."

Marvin has admittedly made a lot of mistakes, and to some, this one may be the biggest. He was still going out with the daughter of Manila Mayor Lito Atienza, Chi-chi, when rumors started spreading that he had impregnated another girl. The confirmation of the rumor eventually caused the collapse of his relationship with Ms. Atienza.

The mother of his twins, Tetet, also comes from a political clan. She is the daugther of former Isabela Governor Faustino Dy. Tetet is not new to the showbiz scene. According to an article of Ms. Ethel Ramos in The Manila Times, she was once romantically linked to Nino Muhlach and Aga's younger brother, Albert.

Marvin and Tetet have no plans of getting married yet. Marvin described her as his "best friend." He said he has a good relationship with the Dy family who agreed to let the babies carry his real last name, Cuyugan. Then from out of nowhere my good friend Ogie Diaz asked a very Ogie Diaz question, "Do you still have sex?"

Marvin pretended not to hear it, but then everyone started laughing, and he joined in. It looks like Marvin has come to terms with how his life turned out. Despite all the "hard" questions, he remained calm and composed. He has kept his boyish charm and his ever-ready smile appeared sincere. In fact, he looks so much better now, tanned and fit as he had to work out for his psycho role in "Kutob."

What I admire about Marvin is that he is man enough to face the consequences of his actions. He said, "I made a mistake, but this time I want to make it right by being a good and responsible father." His face noticably lights up when he talks about his twins. It's evident how much he enjoys being a father. He also calls Tetet the "best mom." "I'm glad this thing happened to us, with her, not with anybody else," he mused.

Marvin may not be the darling of ABS-CBN right now, but he is living his life, taking care of his businesses -- ricecapades, dunkin donuts, etc -- and moving on. The old adage may be true, "pana-panahon lang yan." But then, there will always be that hope of better weather ahead.

Speaking of American Idol...

2005-11-30T01:04:00.001+08:00

New York (Associated Press) -- The quick insults will continue to be heard on "American Idol," at least for the next several years.

Fox announced Tuesday that it had reached a deal that keeps the insult-wielding Simon Cowell as a judge on AI for at least five more seasons. His contract had been due to expire at the end of the season that starts in January.

The announcement comes with the settlement of a lawsuit against Cowell by fellow British pop impresario Simon Fuller. The lawsuit was reportedly a stumbling block in Fox being able to reach a deal to keep Cowell on "American Idol."

A spokeswoman for Fremantle Media, which distributes AI and produces Cowell's new show, "X-Factor," confirmed the case had been settled out of court, but refused to give details. She said both sides were happy with the outcome.

Fox would not comment Tuesday on reports that it was considering moving one of the two weekly editions of "American Idol" to Thursday night.

In his copyright infringement lawsuit, Fuller had claimed that Cowell had copied the format of "Pop Idol" - the British version that predated the U.S. version of "American Idol" - for "X-Factor."

The deal announced Tuesday extends Fox's partnership with AI producers 19 Entertainment Ltd., Fuller's company.

"I'm delighted to be committing to a further run with Fox in the States," Fuller said. "Simon Cowell is a key component of the incredible success of `American Idol,' and I'm delighted that we'll continue working as a team with FremantleMedia and Fox."

Cowell said his job as on-air judge is a personal thrill, and that he's happy to be working with "my good friend Simon Fuller."

An e-mail from Constantine?

2005-11-28T23:13:00.000+08:00

I wanted to move on from this topic, but I will have to blog about it one last time. I received an e-mail from LiPzTiCk GiRL forwarding to me a message she says is from Constantine. I do not know whether it's really him or not. In any case, her e-mail is as follows:

* * * * * * *

Hi Nina, there's always two sides to a coin. We're not expecting you to change your views in him but we think it's fair to hear his side of story.

Sincerely,
Flip Bettys

here's his message:

From: "constantine maroulis"

I tried to post this there...but had to register

can you post this??

"That is not at all what happened. I was so unbelievably gracious with the fans. Who are some of the best in the world by the way. I took millions of photos with everyone. If my crew turned someone away it was because I wasn't looking. The security was very tight. I remember sitting outside the club. (if it is the same place) Outdoor seating and an upstairs area inside? I was with Riko (bodyguard), who is very protective, he was sitting with me. My Production Manager for the shows, Mals. Her friend and one other bodyguard standing. Some people were just snapping pictures in my face. I don't really mind but the people I was with did so we moved inside. That was it. A pretty girl came up to me and asked for a picture an I turned her down? Yeah right!! NOT! I am so not like that...

C~

* * * * * * *

LiPzTiCk GiRL, thank you for forwarding the message to me through e-mail. I think it's also been posted in the comments. Marlen, thanks too for e-mailing. Amber, thank you for introducing yourself with a name and an e-mail. Your sentiments are well taken.

TV Patrol Re-Launches in Naga and Legaspi

2005-11-28T12:24:00.000+08:00

Just got back to Manila this morning after spending Sunday in Naga and Legaspi with Ces Drilon. We were invited by the ABS-CBN stations in Bicol to help out in a medical mission they conducted. Ces and I also helped promote the re-launch of thier local TV Patrol. Naga and Legaspi will now have just one newscast, anchored by Cyril Toralde. Do catch that newscast in Naga and Legaspi tonight, right before TV Patrol World.

On another note, a number of you have been commenting in the Plinky Recto thread asking about the identity of her ex-partner lawyer. Honestly, she did not tell me who he is, but I found out from other sources. Some of you were asking for initials and some even posted certain names as your guess. Some were correct, others were wrong, but I've decided not to post the names anyway for the protection of all the parties involved.

Someone did post in the comments section a new blog on the Plinky Recto Civil Case The blogger says it isn't Plinky's official page but that it will be monitoring the case.

Have to go.. will blog more later after work...

Dear Anonymous People

2005-11-26T11:25:00.000+08:00

Boy oh boy, I had the surprise of my life when I read some comments from nameless, faceless people in my Constantine from hell blog. Some were getting so unbelievably nasty I had to moderate the comments (which seemed to be coming from just one or two people). I watched in horror as someone even had the audacity to place stupid comments using the username ninascoops! Grabe, I guess it's my baptism of fire since I just started this blog just 2 weeks ago. Welcome to the wild wide world of the world wide web where anything goes.

Anonymous people, this is my blog and my home. You're welcome to visit, but I won't let you sh-t on my rug. I'm entitled to my own opinion and I can write whatever I want. I'm writing from personal experience and how I felt at the time. If you had a pleasant experience with the guy then good for you. If you want to praise him to high heavens, then get your own blog. Or go to a public forum. I would even welcome your posting a hyperlink here. Wala lang bastusan.

Some of you called me unprofessional. If I was, my disappointment with Constantine would've reflected in my reports. On the contrary, I even picked the best soundbites and made him look good.

Still, I thank you for your comments and your precious time. Hopefully one day, some of you will have the guts to introduce yourselves properly. I do have an idea who some of you may be since there were only a handful of people present in that room when I did my interview. But I don't want to jump to conclusions.

I really want to get past this. Some of you, I'm sure, I will be meeting again in the future. The truth is I don't want enemies. It's just not my personality. I didn't really think that one simple blog would generate such a reaction. I just wanted my visitors to enjoy all the flavors this site has to offer, yes, including the bad ones.

Honestly, ayoko nang mag-taray (because I'm really not) or show-off with smarty-pants comments. In the spirit of Christmas I sincerely want to make amends with those I might have offended, with Constantine's fans, and yes even with Constantine who's probably blissfully asleep in L.A. righ now with nary a worry in the world.

Nakakatawa, tayo pang mga Pilipino ang nagsisiraan. Haayy Buhay...

Constantine: To Hell and Back Again

2005-11-25T23:15:00.000+08:00

I just got off the phone with former beauty queen Peachy Veneracion who had a very memorable experience with Constantine (not the movie about the fallen angel, of American Idol silly). She was still mad (considering it's almost a week since he left) after Constantine rebuffed her when she asked to have a picture taken with him at a bar in Makati.

You see, Peachy was a die-hard fan of Constantine. In fact she kept voting and campaigning for him in American Idol when she was in the States. So there he was, the Greek God of an American Idol just a few tables away in the same bar she was at. What would you do? Of course she approached her ex-idol, told him, "I'm so glad to meet you, you are my idol. Can we have our picture taken?" But like a vampire who saw light, he suddenly covered his face and refused Peachy's kind request.

What's a few seconds of smile, click, click? Besides it was just her and not a horde of screaming fans. And who could refuse the beauteous Peachy Veneracion? I told Peachy not to sweat it, since she's not alone (check my previous post on Constantine and Amiel Martin Cabanlig's story).

It's always sad when you admire somebody so much and end up getting disappointed when you meet them in person. Sometimes, it's better to just have this fantasy about them in our heads rather than having the stark reality stare you in the face.

HOLLYWOOD ALERT: Jessica & Nick Announce Split

2005-11-25T02:10:00.000+08:00

Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey have announced they are parting ways. So sad as it will be Christmas soon.. a time for families to be together. You can read the exclusive in US Weekly when it hits our magazine shops (plugging lang, buy it from Ces Drilon's Magnet).

They may not have produced any shockingly blonde children, but at least a book came out of their collaboration.

Oh well, this is my last blog for the night, so sleepy... goodnite!

Plinky Recto Finds Her Voice

2005-11-25T01:18:00.000+08:00

Covered the GABRIELA presscon where the highlight was TV Host Plinky Recto. Will blog later.. but do watch my story on TV Patrol at 6:30 tonight.

You can also read the GABRIELA statement on the News Central blog.

...continuing my blog

There she was, Plinky Recto, beautiful as ever. I remember watching her as the classy, sassy, articulate host of the once top rating program "It's a Date." She was the proverbial "it" girl, close-up model, "crush ng bayan." From TV personality she tranformed herself to a Pilates Fitness Guru and now at 38, she looks stunning.

My daydreaming abruptly ended when I heard them shouting "Karahasan sa Kababaihan! Labanan! Wakasan!" over and over again. I suddenly realized where I was. Treehouse, Kapihan sa Cypress. Most reporters would know right away that this is the common venue for presscons held by militant groups such as Gabriela. I remember coming here every Saturday and to the Kapihan sa Sulu every Sunday when I was still in the General Assignments beat. But never in my wildest dreams would I imagine Ms. Plinky Recto in a Kapihan.

"Karahasan sa Kababaihan! Labanan! Wakasan!" I heard them say it again and again and again. Poor Plinky looked uneasy as she tried to open her mouth once, twice to utter the words along with other members of Gabriela while the press photographers and cameramen eagerly took their shots. Clearly she was out of place. In the end, though, she stood her ground and managed to say the words with confidence. Yes! I finally got my opening video.

If you watch TV Patrol World you would know by now that Plinky came out two days ago in an exclusive interview with Mario Dumaual saying she suffered physical and emotional abuse from her partner, the father of her one-year-old boy.

I couldn’t believe it as I watched Mario’s report and heard her say that she now has a permanent neck injury, two of her fingers are numb, and that she has to take medication 24/7 since he started beating her up in June this year. She filed a criminal complaint before the NBI in July. She also filed a petition under RA 9262, the “Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004” (My Gad! Only in 2004).

The question now of course is why would someone like Plinky Recto, whose brother is a Vice-Governor (Ricky Recto), another a Senator (Ralph) and a sister-in-law who’s a Mayor (no less than Vilma Santos) want to come out in the open?

A source tells me this guy is that powerful. He is a prominent legal counsel who handles high profile cases. Aside from supposedly stalking her, breaking her car windows and getting her lawyer’s car tires flattened, Plinky says, "he is capable of anything." Plinky now fears for her life and her family’s after he allegedly gave them death threats.

In other words, she may be a Recto and all, pero nakahanap siya ng nakatapat. Not crazy katapat, but katapat in terms of influence and resources. Now she says she has no choice but to turn to the media for her case to prosper. Her lawyer said, “Its sad, despite all these hearings, the end is not yet in sight.”

Plinky came out in the open on her own. She admitted the Rectos were shocked, but gave her their support. You see, she didn’t tell her brothers it was that bad until of late. She said that it has always been in her personality to keep her problems to herself and not include her family. But she also knows she’s a public figure, and now that everyone knows she’s a victim of violence, there is no turning back, it’s time to fight!

If you meet Plinky in person, you see right away she’s nice, perhaps too nice especially when it comes to men. She said it herself, “Perhaps my character flaw is that I take and I take and you think the person you love will change. You believe this is it, this is the person I want to spend the rest of my life with (pauses) well I think it’s the story of a woman in love.”

Some people may blame Plinky, like the 22-year old Subic victim, who some say “was asking for it.” That is just b-ll. Nobody has the right to abuse women under any circumstance. Period.

Now...where is my songbook...ahh...here it is...sing with me...My Love is Dangerous by Freddie Mercury.

My love is dangerous, dangerous, my love is dangerous,
Always make you bleed, always makes you bleed,
Always make you bleed - love is dangerous.

Don't follow in my footsteps, you don't belong to me
You only make a mistake, don't try and understand me,
Don't try and understand me, all I'm trying to say -

My love is dangerous, dangerous, love is dangerous
Make everybody cry, everybody cry
Everybody cry - love is dangerous.

Don't waste your time with loving, love don't work for me
Don't try to show your feelings
Step carefully - step carefully, all I'm trying to say-

My love is dangerous, because I'm your enemy
Watch your step carefully
'cause I know, I know, I know, I know, I know me
Dangerous, no can give you guarantee, I'm your one day ecstasy
Next day no

Dangerous, ooo dangerous, Love is dangerous,
Love is dangerous, love is dangerous,
All I'm really trying to say to you - love is dangerous

No go play fire with me - fire dance for me
You no can take a pisstake
Don't go criricise me, no go analyze me,
All I'm trying to say -

My love is dangerous, because I'm your enemy
Watch your step carefully
'cause I know, I know, I know, I know, I know me
Dangerous, no can give you guarantee, I'm your one day ecstasy
Next day no

Dangerous, dangerous, my love is dagerous
Always make you bleed
Always make you bleed
Always make you bleed
love is............

ZSA ZSA: MS. Manners

2005-11-24T23:10:00.000+08:00

She's known as the Divine Diva but she didn't forget her manners.

During the last night of the wake of Dolphy's son Freddie, Zsa Zsa Padilla stayed outside the venue the whole time while Dolphy and the mother of Freddie were inside (but not seated beside each other).

Ang Ligaya sa buhay ni Franzen

2005-11-23T22:19:00.000+08:00

Meet Joy, Franzen's wife. I took this picture of them during Franzen's press conference. I would imagine his wife to be just as candid as him, but Joy was definitely not kakosa material. She seemed like the opposite of Franzen -- simple, soft-spoken and sweet. I even saw her wiping the sweat from Franzen's face while they were in a corner, before he faced the press. What an angel! Ito talagang si Franzen sinusuwerte.

But I was struck by how Franzen handled the question of whether he thought of flirting or courting his pretty housemates. He admitted they were good looking but that he would never cheat on his wife. The press asked why, and his answer was so simple, "Mahal ko lang po talaga ang asawa ko, yun lang po!" Awww.. Franzen.. you had me at hello!

Franzen: Kakosa ng Bayan

2005-11-22T21:20:00.000+08:00

Using his hands, Franzen was about to take out his tinga infront of a group of reporters at his very own and very first press conference, but decided not to. The other reporter's didn't notice it, I didn't notice it, until I reviewed my tape. And in true Franzen fashion, after a few attempts to make it sungkit, bigla na lang niya itong...gulp! Nilunok!

The most popular Pinoy Big Brother housemate did not disappoint the press. He answered every question thrown at him. Including what really happened that night when he showed his housemates the product of his wet dreams. Was that a joke? What did he do under the sheets? Did he really relieve himself? Was he alone or with someone? And as if the questions weren't shocking enough, Franzen answers matter-of-factly, "Kusa po siyang lumabas! Pinakita ko! May Ebidensya po!" Ayayay!

He later explained he did what he did because they were joking around and he just wanted to give his housemates a good laugh. Franzen reasoned he would joke around or be super pasaway because he gets so lonely inside the house and that was his way of amusing himself. Hmmm... he knows he's playing a game and he said he wanted to win. Shouldn't he try his best to be obedient and try not to violate the rules? "Ganito po talaga ako eh," Franzen answers without batting an eyelash. Yun na. Ganun lang ka-simple.

But what concerns some of us is that many still wanted Franzen to stay inside the PBB house despite himself. He violated so many rules and yet he remains a favorite. One time, we did man-on-the-street interviews to ask if Franzen should be evicted. This was after Big Brother decided to evict Franzen because he exceeded his limit of committing violations. As expected, most of them wanted him to remain in the house "kase kawawa naman, mahirap lang yung tao."

Ang mga Pilipino talaga sadyang maawain. I must admit I initially wanted Franzen to win because he needed it the most. Pero dapat ba siyang kunsintihin? I had an epiphany when I interviewed a guy who proudly said, "Gusto ko si Franzen, simbolo siya ng mga Pinoy, ang dakilang pasaway!" Ouch! The truth hurts indeed.

No offense sa mga kakosa ni Franzen, I have nothing against the guy. He was nice and kenkoy when I met him. I admire his honesty but he said it himself, "natutunan ko na may limitasyon ang pagiging pasaway."

Hayy salamat. I'm glad Big Brother's decision prevailed instead of leaving it to the people to decide whether they should keep Franzen or Cass, who wanted to sacrifice her slot to save Franzen.

Not everyone was happy, but it was simply the right thing to do.

Mig Ayesa: Mr. Nice Guy

2005-11-16T02:00:00.000+08:00

"Take off your shirt! Take it off!" people were screaming at rocker Mig Ayesa as he took to the stage at Shangri-la Makati's Conway's.

In fairness to the fair (as our segment producerRichie would say), the guy is lean and mean. Underneath that shirt was a six-pack all right. No, he didn't take off his shirt but the buttons were loose. :)

Mig rose to fame after Australian band INXS launched its own rock star search and he landed in the final three. His performance at Conways was a blast even if he only sang three songs including his heartbreaking version of "Baby I love your way." Everyone went wild, including his Filipino relatives, among them human rights lawyer Katrina Legarda.

"I was born here, my parents were born here, my grandparents were born here. I'm Filipino genetically, geographically thru and thru...I just happen to grow up in Australia. I'm proud to be a Filipino and I'm proud to be Australian," Mig said when asked about his Fil-Aussie roots.

He seemed tired but you can tell he has a happy disposition. He smiled often and has that approachable aura. What happened to the bad boy image rock stars are supposed to have? "Rock and roll should be an attitude with your craft, not with your being," Mig answered thoughtfully.

You can find out more about Mig on his homepage.

Constantine from Hell

2005-11-15T14:00:00.000+08:00

That Constantine has an attitude problem. He acts like he's the biggest rock star. Sino ba siya?No wonder they thought of naming his soon-to-be aired ABC sitcom “Everybody Hates Constantine.” I arrived at Mycinema, Greenbelt 3 at 7:30pm for a one-on-one interview with the American Idol finalist. He was wearing a shirt with the words “rock royalty” printed on it. The very same shirt he was wearing since he landed at our very own Manila airport at 4 in the morning. Hindi man lang nagpalit. The guy looked dirty and tired. He admitted he was still jetlagged as he finished a bottle of red bull. Prior to my interview, the crew from Wazzup Wazzup had a taste of his attitude. He ordered the poor camera man to stop even if he only started shooting just seconds ago. Before that, when the sexy Wazzup host asked him her last question,"Constantine, where do you go from here?", he answered in typical rocker fashion, "To hell." And when she turned her back he murmurs something like, "And soon, you'll be there too."

When my turn came, the pr people (who weren't at all ma-pr) told me to re-schedule the alloted 5 minute interview because he's tired. My God I didn't even want to interview him in the first place but as a reporter you usually can't choose whom to interview. It's my job to get that interview and I insisted to get it and I did.

The report came out in Insider and Studio 23's News Central. He revealed he will have a new sitcom loosely based on his life. He says he loves the Philippines and Filipinos are beautiful etc. etc. His lovelife sucks etc. etc. He just wants to make music, work hard, have fun etc. etc.

The job was done. I didn't let my emotions affect my news report about Constantine, otherwise he's toast. Maybe he had a bad day. Still, I wonder why he fell on his butt when he tried to show off his high kick in front of a tv camera crew in the States. That was a defining moment in his career that will forever be etched in "America's funniest or most shocking TV moments".

Ang Pagkain ni Aga Muhlach

2005-11-12T01:10:00.000+08:00

Aga Muhlach just finished eating two chicken joy meals, two palabok meals, two burger steak meals, a total of tananan...six meals in one sitting! No kidding! "Puwede ka ba namang kumain ng Chicken Joy na walang balat?", he said as his manager Tita Ethel gave him a stern look that probably means, hmm...ang career pag-ingatan! She reminds him he has taping on Monday. I made a comment for him to eat just the ulam and forget the rice but Tita Ethel was quick to rebut, "Hindi puwede dyan ang walang rice!"

I couldn't believe it. How could he eat like that and be Aga Muhlach? "Hindi na naman ako mag-di-dinner," he said. Ahh, he is human after all. In fact Aga lost a considerable amount of weight since I interviewed him at the Barrio Fiesta event in London. "I lost twenty five pounds," I heard him say. He had to when he was doing the movie Dubai with Claudine and John Lloyd. He even added that he reached 200 pounds during the month of (i forgot). I asked him how he lost weight, "work out and diet," he said.

Enough about Aga's weight. The interview was done at a Jollibee Outlet along the controversial Diosdado Macapagal highway. He was there to promote "Ma-Aga ang Pasko sa Jollibee." The project is on it's 11th year and it's about sharing your old toys and books to less fortunate children. So if you have time, drop by any Jollibee outlet and donate whatever you can. Go ka na! Promise you'll feel better after. :)