‘We don’t know how true this is because we know Chito and he always conducts himself with the proper decorum.’

Derek Ramsay and Beauty Gonzalez are understandably ecstatic after the screening of their horror film, “Kampon,” last Monday night. The press congratulated them for coming up with an effective fright film that will really give viewers a good scare.

“It’s my first horror movie kaya naman I was apprehensive as to how it would go, so I’m glad the premiere night audience really enjoyed watching it and everyone was screaming at the jump scares,” says Derek.

“Ako naman, first Metro Manila Film Festival entry ko kaya curious din ako to see how viewers would like it and it’s so nice to watch it with them dahil they were all affected and reacting like they’re really terrified by the scary portions,” says Beauty.

Their respective spouses came to support them at the premiere night: Derek’s Ellen Adarna and Beauty’s Norman Crisologo. “Ellen really wanted to see my love scenes with both Beauty and Zeinab Harake,” says Derek. “Kinukurot-kurot niya ako during the bedscenes but she’s really a very supportive wife. We were holding hands while watching and she really has no problems with the intimate scenes. She’s also an actress and we’re all professionals here.”

As for Beauty, she says her husband Norman is very understanding. “Wholesome naman ‘yung bedscene namin ni Derek. Mas wild ‘yung bedscene ni Derek with Zeinab na may kagatan pa sila ng labi.”

As a horror flick, “Kampon,” as directed by King Palisoc, really delivers the expected jump scares. What is truly horrifying here is that all the violent mayhem is performed by a 7-year-old little girl, who looks so cute and innocent but is so creepy and powerful as she can give life back to dead people and even make heads of other people explode at will.

***

Miguel Tanfelix is thankful that right after the hit action-adventure series, “Voltes V Legacy,” he is now reunited with partner Ysabel Ortega in the heartwarming drama, “Firefly,” produced by GMA Pictures and GMA Public Affairs.

“Nakakatuwa dahil it qualified as an official entry in the Metro-Manila Film Festival that opens on Christmas Day,” he says. “Shooting pa lang ng movie, nag-enjoy na kami kasi it’s a road movie that takes us to beautiful scenic spots in Bicol like the Mayon and Bulusan Volcanoes.”

In the movie, he and Ysabel play passengers in a bus going to Bicol, where child actor Euwenn Mikaell also rode to find the fabled island of fireflies from the stories his mother, played by Alessandra de Rossi, told him.

Miguel says it’s nice to be part of a movie that delivers a very positive message to its viewers. Of course, one good reason why he enjoyed shooting the film is it gave him the opportunity to spend more time with Ysabel. So what’s the real score between them now?

“We don’t want to give yet our relationship a definite label. But as of now, we can say we’re dating each other exclusively.”

***

This year’s Metro Manila Film Festival has not yet officially started but it’s already getting to be quite controversial. Ace director Chito Roño has been chosen to be the chairman of the jurors who’ll choose the winners come the award night that will be held at the New Frontier Theater on Wednesday, December 27.

Last year, it was director Laurice Guillen who headed the jury committee that also got a lot of flak for snubbing the heartwarming family movie, “Family Matters,” that was later on vindicated in other award-giving bodies this year.

The other jurors in this year’s board of judges reportedly complained when Chito Roño commented that “Mallari,” a period film starring Piolo Pascual is “Dreadful! Ang pangit ng ‘Mallari’ at pinakapangit ang acting ni Piolo.”

Someone told us that the other jurors complained because of this. “Umalma sila kasi bakit daw kailangang mag-comment agad ang chairman nila,” says our source. “Dapat nga naman, he should have kept it to himself at sa deliberation nila niya ito ginagawa.”

They felt he is trying to influence the other jurors. They say he should be watching the entries just by himself and keep his comments to himself. We don’t know how true this is because we know Chito and he always conducts himself with the proper decorum. Maybe the MMFF committee in charge of the whole festival could clarify this.

Another concerned quarter said that Tirso Cruz III being the current head of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) might exert undue influence for the entry “When I Met You in Tokyo” to also win come awards night.

It is said both Tirso and his wife Lyn Ynchausti Cruz play important role in the movie as Edwin and Anita. And they might try to affect the decisions of the jurors in favor their movie.

Honestly, we think this is quite baseless. We don’t think Pip will risk staining his unsullied reputation just to make “When I Met You In Tokyo” bring home some awards. If ever the movie would get to win some trophies, we’re sure it’s because they deserve it, so let’s stop these useless speculations.

Veteran actor Ronaldo Valdez, who celebrated his 77th birthday on November 27, passed away on Sunday, December 17, according to the confirmation by the Quezon City Police District (QCPD).

The actor’s passing was shared with the public by his son, singer-actor Janno Gibbs, via Instagram on Monday, along with a request for privacy during this grieving period.

“It is with great sorrow that I confirm my feather’s passing. The family would like to request that you respect our privacy in our grieving moment. Your prayers and condolences are much appreciated,” Janno Gibbs wrote on Instagram.

Ronaldo Valdez, discovered by the late Douglas Quijano in the mid-’60s, began his acting career at 18 in “Rosang Tattoo” (1965). He gained prominence in 1966 as the leading man opposite Susan Roces in “Pepe en Pilar,” becoming a favored leading man for actresses like Susan and Boots Anson Roa.

He was also paired with Vilma Santos in “Karma” and with Nora Aunor in “Fes, Esperanza, Caridad” where he was directed by his father-in-law, National Artist Gerardo de Leon, who also directed him in “Lilet” starring Celia Rodriguez.

He married de Leon’s younger daughter Fe or Baby in 1968 and their son, Janno Gibbs was born in 1969, followed by their daughter Melissa in 1972. He was a favorite of Danny Zialcita who starred him in films like “Lalakwe,” “Si Malakas, Si Maganda at si Mahinhin” and “Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan.”

He scored a grand slam in 1993 when he won all the best supporting actor trophies from all local awards-giving bodies for his heartwarming performance as Aiko Melendez’ loving dad in Joey Reyes’ “May Minamahal.”

His last great lead role was in “Seven Sundays” where he played the dad of Aga Muhlach and Dingdong Dantes. His very last movie was “Ikaw at Ako,” which was just shown in theaters last week. In its press con, only his leading lady Boots Anson Roa-Rodrigo was present and she said Ronaldo was feeling indisposed.

He got to work with all the top directors of his time, like Ishmael Bernal in “Pagdating sa Dulo”, Eddie Romero in “Mad Doctor of Blood Island” (which was released abroad), Lino Brocka in “Sa Kabila ng Lahat” and “Lumuha Pati mga Anghel,” Celso Ad. Castillo in “Virgin People.”

On television, he was a much sought-after contravida and father or grandfather in countless drama series like “Ang Probinsyano,” “Pasion de Amor,” “Los Bastardos,” “2 Good 2 Be True.”

Following news of his death, netizens and colleagues in the industry paid tribute to Valdez and expressed their condolences to the actor’s family.

“You will be missed. Rest in peace, my friend!” wrote Vilma Santos.

Singer Gary Valenciano wrote on Instagram: “You were one person who I loved to watch.

Your authenticity never failed to move me. Thank you, sir Ronaldo Valdez. I never had a chance to work much with you but in those few moments I spent talking with you, it made me feel blessed to know that I got to meet someone like you.”

Because of his portrayal as Sebastian “Lolo Hugo” Agcaoili in “2 Good 2 Be True” and his commercial as Colonel Sanders for a fast-food chain, Valdez was also beloved by Gen Z, who lovingly referred to him as “Lolo Sir” on their social media posts.

Valdez is survived by his wife Cecil, children Janno and Melissa, and grandchildren.

The QCPD is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding his death, emphasizing the importance of refraining from speculation and respecting the family’s privacy during this challenging time.

In a statement, the QCPD said it was extending its “heartfelt condolences” for the death of Valdez.

“As of today, QCPD is currently conducting a thorough investigation to ascertain the cause of the death of Mr. James Gibbs, aka Ronaldo Valdez,” the QCPD said.

“We understand the importance of this matter; hence, we are working diligently to gather all relevant facts and evidence,” the QCPD also said.

The QCPD assured the public that “any findings from the investigation will be officially released.”

“We also urge the public to refrain from concluding and respect the family’s request to grieve in private,” the QCPD said. (With Victor Reyes)

KYLIE Versoza won the Miss International crown in 2016 then went into acting and has done sexy roles. But she does not want to be identified with sexy roles even if people say she is just naturally sexy.

“I would like to take it as a compliment and it’s not my fault kung sexy talaga ang dating ko, but I don’t want being sexy to define me,” she says at the press con of “Penduko” where she plays a wholesome role as the love interest of title roler Matteo Guidicelli. “I don’t want people saying sino ba si Kylie? ‘Di ba ‘yung sexy? I want to be remembered more as a good actress, mabuting kaibigan, a good daughter, mabait na tao, as I want to be treated with more respect.”

She’s just happy to do a fantasy-action movie like “Penduko” which is for general patronage and can be seen even by little kids. She plays Liway who has special powers and gets to do a lot of action scenes.

“I like Liway as she represents woman empowerment. She’s the valedictorian in their class, a strong woman who champions women’s rights. I trained for the fight scenes we have in the movie, specially in arnis. Challenging talaga ang role ni Liway kasi I’m also made to deliver long lines in malalalim na Tagalog and I’m so happy naitawid ko naman siya.”

***

Alessandra de Rossi plays Elay, the mother of child actor Euwenn Mikaell as Tonton in GMA Pictures and GMA Public Affairs’ entry in the coming Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), “Firefly.” In the story, Alex would often tell whimsical stories at bedtime to her son and it is about the fantastic pulo ng mga alitaptap.

The boy Tonton will then search for that fabled island of the fireflies somewhere in the Bicol Region. Also in the powerhouse cast of “Firefly” are Dingdong Dantes as the narrator who frames the story while narrating it to Max Collins, a writer who is initially hostile to Dingdong while interviewing him and doesn’t believe that he is really the author of a children’s book about fireflies that won a national book award.

This year has been quite a busy one for Alex. Aside from “Firefly,” she was also seen in the movies “Walang Kaparis” with Empoy Marquez and “What If” with JM de Guzman, and the six-part mini series on Netflix, “Replacing Chef Chico” with Piolo Pascual and Sam Milby.

“And it’s nice to end the year with a good entry in the annual film fest,” she says. “I hope the new year 2024 will also be as good.”

***

‘Ni wala pa nga akong award or anything.’ – Beauty Gonzalez

Beauty Gonzalez says her new movie, “Kampon,” is her fifth horror flick after “Feng Shui 2,” “Abandoned,” “Hellcome Home” and “In My Mother’s Skin,” which was shown on Prime Video. But she doesn’t want to be called as “The New Horror Queen” now that Kris Aquino, who used to do a lot of horror flicks, is retired.

“I don’t think I’m deserving,” she says. “Ni wala pa nga akong award or anything. But I’m glad I did ‘Kampon’ as I think it’s the scariest horror movie I’ve ever done. Viewers should be prepared as it’s really scary.”

How does it feel that “Kampon” is said to have been first offered to Kris?

“I don’t mind. I take it as a challenge kasi she’s the one who is considered as the ‘Horror Queen.’ It’s a good role and it gives me the chance to work with Derek Ramsay who has won best actor awards. Also, I really want to work with Atty. Joji Alonso and her Quantum Films kasi they make good quality films and Derek won his best actor awards for films he did with them. The important thing is I got the role, I gave it all my best and I enjoyed portraying it.”

How did she react when she learned she’d do a love scene with Derek?

“At first I thought, asawa nga pala siya ng best friend ko. But my husband, na siyang unang naging friend ni Ellen (Adarna) before me, he just laughed it off. Alam niya work lang, so pareho sila ni Ellen, they just laughed about it. Derek is a gentleman at mabilis naming natapos ang scene.”

DEREK Ramsay was last seen in the GMA series “The Better Woman” in 2019. Now, after four years and after he got married to Ellen Adarna, he’s officially back on the big screen with an entry in the coming Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), “Kampon,” a horror movie.

Derek is fortunate with the December film fest as he has won his two best actor awards from his entries in the MMFF 2O14 for “English Only Please,” and in 2017 for “All of You.”

Both movies were produced by Atty. Joji V. Alonso of Quantum Films, who is also the producer of this year’s “Kampon.” So if good luck comes in threes, he might just be lucky to get his third award for “Kampon.” What’s his role?

“I play Clark, an ex-cop married to Beauty Gonzalez, who plays Eileen,” he says. “Hindi kami magkaanak and I thought it’s I who has a problem kasi I have many personal issues.

I was just forced to retire from my job and Beauty’s family, ayaw sa akin. It’s a very challenging role and I enjoyed it.”

Their problems became more complicated when someone left a child, Jade, played by child actress Erin Espiritu, on their front door one rainy night. Beauty pitied the little girl and welcomes her at their home. Then strange things start happening to them.

How is it doing love scenes with Beauty?

“She is my wife Ellen’s best friend and very close sila, so doing a love scene with her on cam is kind of awkward. It’s uncomfortable, but Beauty is very professional about it so we’re able to deal with it very quickly. Naitawid naman namin but si Ellen, she’s actually happy na my ka-love scene in my comeback movie is somebody she knows.”

***

‘Jillian should have been a much sought-after endorser by now for beauty products as she really looks so lovely on screen.’

Jillian Ward is no doubt the top teen star on GMA today. Her past show, “Prima Donnas,” rated so high that it had a Part 2. And her current afternoon series, “Abot Kamay na Pangarap,” has been on the air for more than a year and is still going strong.

Jillian is so talented as she not only sings well but also acts well. Her portrayal of her role as the young doctor, Annalyn Santos, in “Abot Kamay na Pangarap,” is getting raves from viewers. She is one star who we really saw growing up before our very eyes. She was introduced in “Trudis Liit” in 2O1O when she was 5-years old. It was a big hit, so she was quickly given follow up shows, “Jillian, Namamasko Po” and later, “Daldalita.”

Unlike other child stars, Jillian never experienced the so-called awkward stage when she’s transitioning from being a kiddie star to a teenage star. She just kept on acting even as a tween in shows like “Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko,” “Sa Piling ni Nanay,” etc.

Jillian can really now qualify as one of GMA’s top big stars and her fans are wondering why she was not given a prominent part in the GMA Christmas Station ID. Her edge over other teen stars is that she has a wholesome image. Her counterpart at the rival network is Andrea Brillantes, who also started as a child actress but is now 2O.

We all know that Andrea, at her very young age, has a very colorful lovelife and has already been linked to various teen actors like Grae Fernandez, Seth Fedelin, JK Labajo, Kyle Echarri and the basketball player Ricci Rivero with whom she has a much talked-about affair that ended in an unsavory exchange of words and accusations. And the latest story about Andrea is that her name was dragged in the break up of Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla, for which she got a lot of nasty comments.

Andrea certainly knows how to be talked about as she even went to the barber shop owned jointly by KathNiel in a mall to have her photos taken while she was there, then she sent them to Daniel.

Andrea seems to be basking from all her notoriety and she seems to believe that publicity, whether good or bad, is still publicity. And in direct contrast to her, Jillian has maintained a clean, wholesome and rosy record all throughout her career.

We don’t know who’s really managing her career, but considering the immensity of her popularity at the moment, Jillian should have been a much sought-after endorser by now for beauty products as she really looks so lovely on screen.

‘Ako kasi, when I feel that at the end of the day, if you could see that the relationship is not working anymore, huwag nyo nang ituloy. – Rhian Ramos’

RHIAN Ramos is happy to make her first movie since the pandemic, “Ikaw at Ako,” also her first movie opposite Paolo Contis. “I accepted the movie kasi I really want to work with Paolo dahil matagal na akong nagagalingan sa kanya,” she says. “He’s so versatile, puede sa drama, also sa comedy. I also like the story where three couples are represented: puppy love among two kids, then kami ni Paolo as Anton and Marga, a married couple on the verge of breaking up, and last sina Tita Boots Anson Roa and Tito Ronaldo Valdez as an elderly couple face with the problem of Tita Boots having Alzheimer’s disease.”

She says she can relate to her character as Marga.

“As a woman, pareho kami, we are ready to give everything when we are in love. I will fight for our love pero kapag nakita kong hindi na talaga puedeng ipilit, I will still choose myself to prevent having a broken heart.”

It’s an open book she has had a lot of breakups in real life. “Yes. I’ve been there, 23 times, joke! Ako kasi, when I feel that at the end of the day, if you could see that the relationship is not working anymore, huwag nyo nang ituloy. Don’t prolong the agony. Just move on.”

It’s common knowledge she and our representative in the recent Miss Universe, Michelle Dee, are very close friends. Rhian openly campaigned for her in social media and admitted she felt frustrated when Michelle didn’t make it in the top five. “I think she deserves to be in the top five,” says Rhian. “But I’m glad she won best in national costume, Voice of Change and Spirit of Carnival special awards.”

About her love life, Rhian’s relationship with businessman-politician Sam Versoza remains going strong. “We’re okay, we are happy with each other,” she says.

***

Enchong Dee is proud to play one of the three martyred priests whose heroism is given the importance it deserves in the historical film, “Gomburza,” an official entry in the Metro Manila Film Festival that opens in theaters on Christmas Day.

“This is a film that all Filipinos should watch for them to realize how rich our history is,” he says. “The three Filipino priests here, sina Fr. Mariano Gomez, Fr. Jose Burgos and Fr. Jacinto Zamora, ibinuwis nila ang mga buhay nila para sa paglaya ng bayan natin mula sa mga conquistador na Kastila. I play Fr. Zamora and it’s great working with Dante Rivero as Fr. Gomez and Cedrick Juan as Fr. Burgos. We all got to understand our history better because of our involvement in this film.”

The three priests fought for the secularization of the Catholic Church and were executed in 1872 for allegedly inciting Filipino revolutionaries to participate in the Cavite Mutiny. When they were killed by garrote in Bagumbuyan, it so happened that 10-year-old Jose Rizal witnessed it.

Their death helped inspire Rizal to write his novel “El Filibusterismo.” Young people today do not know what Gomburza stands for. Enchong himself can attest to this as he was a host in PBB last year when the young housemates were asked about the three priests and they have no idea who the martyrs are.

“At ‘yun nga ang layunin ng movie, ang ipakilala sila sa today’s generation of young people,” adds Enchong. “Kasi ako mismo, I’ve heard of Gomburza but I don’t know their full story, so I’m sure after watching our film, more young people will love our country more as they’d realize the sacrifices our heroes did for our freedom.”

***

Mark Anthony Fernandez has two new movies. One is the sexy suspense-thriller, “Ganti-Ganti,” on Vivamax, and the comedy-drama, “Para Kang Papa Mo,” to be shown in theaters nationwide on December 13. So how is he now?

“Okay naman, steady lang,” he says. “I’m happy and busy with my work. Sunod-sunod ang projects ko sa Viva and I’m thankful hindi ako nababakante nang matagal.”

What’s his role in “Ganti-Ganti”?

“As the title says, it’s about revenge. The story is quite complex. Asawa ko rito si Angeli Khang and she hires Sean de Guzman to kill me. Pero maraming twists and you can never where it is going.”

How about his role in “Para Kang Papa Mo”?

“It’s the story of a father and his son who turns out to be a transwoman. Kami ni Nikko Natividad play the lead roles. Kasama rin dito ang mga kapwa ko Gwapings noong araw, Eric Fructuoso and Jao Mapa.”

Is it true Direk Darryl Yap wants Jomari Yllana, an original member of Guwapings, to be in the movie but it didn’t push through because of a rift between him and Jom?

“Yes, it’s true, pero tapos na, naayos na. Nagkatampuhan lang naman kami, about four or five years ago, medyo malalim, hindi kami nag-uusap, pero okay na. He called me up and we talked. Sinabi ko ‘yung side ko, so naplantsa naman. Okay na. We can now work together.”

ROB Gomez surprised a lot of folks when Miss Multinational Philippines 2021 Shaila Rebortera revealed that they have a love child, a daughter who’s turning a year old on December 5. He says some folks advised him to keep it a secret since his showbiz career is just starting.

Rob feels so blessed as he has a new movie, the trilogy “Shake, Rattle & Roll Extreme.” And right after “Magandang Dilag” which was a big hit on GMA, he now has a new series right away and, this time, it’s in the evening on GMA, “Lovers/Liars.”

He says he rarely sees his daughter Amelia after he and her mom parted ways. “I really miss her and my wish is makita ko sana siya this holiday season,” he says. “I promise to spoil her on Christmas Day.”

How is his relationship with Shaila at the moment?

“We’re trying to iron out some kinks,” he says. “I hope we can celebrate Amelia’s first birthday together.”

He plays a controversial role in “Lovers/Liars” as the dad of Michelle Vito’s daughter who is also having an affair with a gay doctor, Polo Ravales.

“Mas challenging ang role ko as it’s a different kind of love triangle. I’ve never been in a gay relationship so it’s a big challenge for me to play the role of a guy who can do it with both man and woman.”

***

‘He is writing the songs and the book is being written by Pinay writer Liza Magtoto who did “Huling El Bimbo.”’

David Pomeranz is a singer and songwriter whose hit songs are often heard in karaoke bars, like “Got to Believe in Magic” and “King and Queen of Hearts,” used in the hit movie “Zapped.” But he didn’t write them, he just sang them. :

“These two songs are very close to my heart since they introduced me to the Filipino people in 1983 when I had my first concert here at the Folk Arts Theater,” he said. “They were written by the wonderful Charles Fox and Stephen Guyer. Charles also wrote the hits ‘Killing Me Softly’ and ‘Ready to Take a Chance Again’.”

Born and raised in Long Island, New York, he was only 19 years old when he began performing as a front act for The Doors, Billy Joel and The Carpenters. “I was on tour with The Carpenters in their own plane when Karen called me so I went to the cockpit and it turns out she herself was the pilot,” he said at the press con of his “Coming Home: The 40th Anniversary Concert Tour” that will see him doing shows in various cities around our country.

It starts on December 3 at Zamboanga KCC Convention Center, followed by Cagayan de Oro Lim Ket Kail Mall on December 4, at the PanPacific University Center in Pangasinan on December 5, at the Albay Astrodome in Bicol on December 10, at the Calapan Convention Center in Mindoro on December 12, at the Mango Grove at Maguindanao del Sur on December 13, Summit Hotelin Tacloban on December 15, at the Calbayog Sports Center in Samar on December 17 and the Iloilo Convention Center on December 19. In Manila, the concert will be held at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, with Vina Morales as his guest on December 8.

David is now writing a new musical about our country. He is writing the songs and the book is being written by Pinay writer Liza Magtoto who did “Huling El Bimbo.” David is now based in Clearwater on the Tampa Bay Area in Florida with his wife Kelly Yaegermann.

***

Angelica Cervantes started as a singer in 2017 when she was 17 years old as a member of the girl group, Bella Donnas. She was taking up tourism at Lyceum University when she was offered to try acting in 2020.

“The pandemic just started and wala po akong ginagawa so I accepted it,” she said. “My first movie was ‘Eva’ starring Angeli Khang, where I played a supporting role.”

She then played more supporting roles in “Kaliwaan,” “Silab” and the series “Wag Mong Agawin ang Akin.” She now stars in “Haslers,” directed by Jose Abdel Langit and to start streaming on Vivamax on December 8.

“Kasama ko sina Quinn Carillo, Hershie de Leon and Denise Esteban. We play four friends na very close noong una pero nagkaiba-iba ng landas sa buhay. Ako po si Cheska, ‘yung pinakamatalino sa lahat who became a lawyer.”

Angelica admits she is now in a relationship. When she is asked how her boyfriend accepts her work as a sexy actress, she said: “Hindi po boyfriend, girl po siya. Bi po ako. Three years na rin kami. Nagkaroon din po ako ng boyfriend noon. But mas malakas ang emotional bonding namin ng karelasyon ko ngayon.”

People tend to say that when there’s smoke, there’s fire because it’s easy to deny the separation rumors if they aren’t true.

LOOKS like it’s the season of breakups as so many showbiz couples are rumored to have gone their separate ways: Richard Gutierrez-Sarah Lahbati, Daniel Padilla-Kathryn Bernardo, Kim Chiu-Xian Lim, Janine Gutierrez-Paulo Avelino, Elijah Canlas-Miles Ocampo, Kris Aquino-Mark Leviste.

In Richard and Sarah’s case, netizens are bothered about their reported split up. They met in 2012 when they were paired in the series “Makapiling Kang Muli.” Sarah was a “Starstruck winner.” She was 18 years old and Richard, 10 years older.

After the show, they went to Switzerland, where Sarah was born and raised. It turned out she was already pregnant. She gave birth to Zion on April 29, 2013; Kai was born 5 years later, March 21, 2018.

Richard and Sarah tied the knot in March 2020.

Showbiz pundits say there’s probably truth to the rumor that their marriage is kaput. “Ang dali-dali namang i-deny kung hindi totoong hiwalay na sila,” says one showbiz old timer.

“But the fact remains na walang nagsasalita sa kanila, even Richard’s mom, Annabelle Rama, na normally ay nagsalita na kung totoong intact pa rin ang marriage ni Richard with Sarah.”

One netizen wrote directly to the couple: “Richard and Sarah, I love your family. I always enjoy looking at your family pictures and videos. But lately, obvious na may problema kayo because you no longer post your pictures together. I feel so sad. All I can is pray to God na sana magkaayos pa kayo.”

***

Michelle Vito was part of ABS-CBN Star Magic Circle 2013 where she was launched along with Liza Soberano, Julia Barretto, and Janella Salvador. They were just teenagers then.

She is now 26 years old and currently playing the role of a young single mother in the new GMA-7 primetime drama series, “Lovers/Liars,” co-produced with Regal Entertainment.

“Some people think na lumipat na ako sa GMA but, hindi po, sa Regal po ako may kontrata,” she clarified. “But I’m really so thankful na sa dami ng mga artista, ako ang napili nilang isama sa ‘Lovers/Liars’ na big drama project kasi comeback ito ni Miss Claudine Barretto.”

The show is quite daring but she says she will not be required to do any provocative love scenes. “Hindi ko pa po kaya. Minsan pa lang ang nakipag-kissing scene, with Enzo Pineda (her boyfriend now). Pero wala sa usapan noon na tototohanin niya, dapat daya lang.

Tapos, tinotoo niya. Hindi ko pa siya boyfriend noon. Siguro, eventually, I might do it, but the project would have to be really worth it.”

Her boyfriend Enzo Pineda used to be with GMA-7 as a winner in “Starstruck.” What did he say when “Lovers/Liars” was offered to her? “Okay naman sa kanya kasi ang last show ko pa sa ABS-CBN was in 2020 pa, ‘Bagong Umaga.’ Noong may pandemic, wala talaga, so I’m just so happy to be back acting before the cameras again.”

***

Viva Films continues giving breaks to young and new filmmakers. The latest one is Christian Paolo Lat, a Pinoy filmmaker whose family migrated from San Pedro, Laguna to Ottawa, Canada when he was in his early teens.

He then returned to the Philippines to study at the International Academy of Film and TV in Cebu. He went to Los Angeles and found work as an actor-director in UrbanFlix and the network of the clothing brand FUBU. He made his first full-length feature this year, “Ginhawa,” an entry in the Cinemalaya Film Festival.

The 30-year-old Lat’s first movie for Viva is “Sugar Baby” about girls for hire and their sugar daddies. It stars Azi Acosta, Robb Guinto, Jeffrey Hidalgo and Mon Mendoza.

“I want to thank Viva for assembling an amazing cast for my first movie with them,” he said at the press con. “They brought to life on screen the characters I have in mind when I wrote the script. It’s a great ensemble and we had good team work. It was exciting to work with them dahil mababait lahat sila. It’s now streaming on Vivamax and it’s number one so please watch it.”

‘Non-showbiz guy and let’s just leave it at that to protect his privacy. – Jane de Leon’

JANE de Leon played a starring role in Regal’s “The Debutantes” in 2017, way before she was chosen to play Darna. She’s now glad to be back with Regal in “Shake Rattle & Roll Extreme” that opens in theaters on November 29. What is her episode and what’s her role?

“Our episode is ‘Rage’, directed by a very young filmmaker, Joey de Guzman who’s from New Zealand. I’m with Paolo Gumabao, Rob Gomez, Dustin Yu, Bryce Eusebio, Mika Raines and Sarah Edwards. We play thrill-seeking young people who go out of town to watch a meteor shower, not knowing that the meteors from outer space carry ferocious virus that infect humans and turn them into zombies who are full of rage and eat people.”

After she played Darna and Janella Salvador played Valentina, the snake woman, people started pairing them off and asked that they do a GL or Girls’ Love movie. What can she say about some people putting malice into their relationship?

“Kami naman ni Janella, pareho kaming natutuwa sa suportang ibinibigay ng mga tao sa friendship namin,” she says. “We don’t mind kung sinasabing bagay kaming love team. We interact with the fans na natutuwa sa amin, kaya siguro minahal din nila ang friendship namin.”

But what is the state of her heart now, after Arron Villaflor confessed that they used to be in a relationship?

“‘Yung kay Arron, antagal na noon. As of now, happy naman ako. I am actually dating someone. Non-showbiz guy and let’s just leave it at that to protect his privacy.”

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Claudine Barretto is back in a drama series, “Lovers/Liars,” now showing on GMA-7, a romance between a rich woman and a younger man. Claudine is paired with Yasser Marta, who plays a young architect.

“I’m very happy and excited because doing a teleserye is really my forte,” she says. “But noong umpisa, grabe ang nerbiyos ko and I was throwing up kasi ngayon lang ako ulit sasalang sa teleserye. But everyone in the show is very caring, and with the help of our director, Crisanto Aquino, maayos naman ang tapings namin.”

What made her accept the project? “Ang daming ibang scripts offered to me but I chose this kasi it gives me the chance to finally work with Regal. In the early ‘90s, I was supposed to do Gwapings with them, but hindi natuloy. Ngayon, finally, natuloy rin and I like the story when they explained it to me kasi iba siya sa mga nagawa ko na before. It’s about secrets and lies that can ruin relationships.”

“Lovers/Liars’” male co-stars include Christian Vasquez as Victor Tamayo, a powerful and influential politician; Polo Ravales as Ronnie Santiago, a respected cardiologist; Rob Gomez as Joseph Mendiroso, a medical sales rep who has a secret affair with Polo; Kimson Tan as Kelvin, an entrepreneur who comes from a wealthy family victimized by a scam.

The female co-stars include Shaira Diaz as Mika, a talented girl who has to face discrimination at her workplace; Lianne Valentin as Hannah, a woman who agrees to be paramour of a politician to support her family; Michelle Vito (in her first series as a Kapuso) as Andeng, a single mom who will do everything to support her love son; and Sarah Edwards, a Regal resident actress who also plays an important role.

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Hajji Alejandro started his singing career in the ‘70s as a member of the Circus Band. He went solo and was dubbed the “Kilabot ng mga Kolehiyala.” Now 68 years old and still very active in the entertainment scene as part of the Hitmakers with Marco Sison (66 years old), Nonoy Zuñiga (69) and Rey Valera (69).

They’ve been together for two decades and they will now celebrate their 20th anniversary with “XXceptional Hitmakers 20th Anniversary Concert” at Solaire Theater on December 1.

Did they foresee that their careers will last this long?

“Not at all,” says Hajji. “The important thing kasi is that I’m just enjoying what I’m doing.

We just play music and we love doing it for our audience.”

“I also didn’t expect it,” says Marco. “Dream ko talaga kumanta and I was a student when I joined ‘Student Canteen’ and won. I think destiny ko ito and I’m thankful to God for this blessing.”

“As for me, my dream is to become a doctor,” says Nonoy. “I went into singing to finance my studies. Ibinigay ito sa akin ng Panginoon and for that, I’m thankful.”

“Ako naman, sinubukan kong magnegosyo, walang nangyari,” says Rey. “So, sa pag-compose na lang at pagkanta ako napunta at dito ako tinanggap so I just let it flow. I’m grateful na up to now, ‘yung songs ko, ginagamit na theme songs sa TV dramas at pelikula.”