She returns to primetime in a TV series with Gabby Concepcion and reunites with husband Dingdong Dantes in a Star Cinema movie.

MARIAN Rivera will be visible soon on both the small and big screen. She’s in a new TV series with Gabby Concepcion and she’s reunited with husband Dingdong Dantes in a movie called “Rewind” for Star Cinema.

She has personally talked to their kids, Zia and Sixto, that their mom will be busy in the next few months. “Kahit mga bata pa sila, I explained to them what I will be doing at naintindihan naman nila,” she says. “Bale four months lang naman ‘yung tuloy-tuloy na shoot ko and after that, back na to our usual routine.”

And she’s now also busy promoting her latest endorsement, Blanc Pro, the new skin care brand that is a member of the trusted Beautederm group of companies.

“I am happy to be in my latest partnership with Miss Rei Tan of Beautederm and help launch her Blanc Pro Skin care line,” she says. “I’m really using their great products, especially Jeju White Lotion that has transformed my skincare routine, leaving my skin feeling nourished, hydrated, and absolutely glowing.”

Miss Rei Tan says she’s happy to have Marian to be the face of Blanc Pro. “Marian has become a very dear friend,” she adds. “She’s also our endorser for Beautederm Home and her effectivity in pushing the brand has made it a best seller. That’s why my team and I also chose her to be the face of Blanc Pro as she’s a perfect combination of beauty and talent, who’s a success in her career and at home as wife and mother.”

“Ate Rei is really an inspiration to everyone – especially to aspiring entrepreneurs. I admire her business acumen. She knows what she’s doing and she really knows her consumers kaya mahal ko talaga si Ate Rei.”

***

Ataska Mercado, a singer and TV host is launched in “Bugaw,” the latest Vivamax drama to stream on July 7. Ataska leaves her wholesome image to do sexy scenes as a woman kidnapped and forced into prostitution. So what prompts her to go sexy?

“I really love acting,” she says. “Half of my life is music since I joined ‘The Voice,’ but half of it is films talaga. I joined Viva when I was only 13 years old. I played James Reid’s younger sister in ‘Miss Granny’ and I got to sing the song ‘Pangarap Kong Bituin’ there. I also played support in ‘How to Love Mr. Heartache’ with Diego Loyzaga. So now, this is a career move for me.”

Will her family and friends be shocked about what she did in the movie? “My parents are understanding and supportive as they know I really love to act. Yes, my friends might be shocked but I trust Viva kasi I’ve been with them for eight years now and I know I’m working with professionals.”

She’s glad when she learned her director will be Yam Laranas. “I’ve watched his movies and I really like his work. Nakakatuwa nga kasi Kuya Jay Manalo is in his ‘Balahibong Pusa’ and now, katrabaho ko na siya rito. I’m honored to work with both Direk Yam and Kuya Jay.

They’re both very helpful so I’m so happy sila una kong nakatrabaho ko sa first Vivamax project ko.”

***

McCoy de Leon is happy he moved to Viva Artists Agency as he continues to get a steady string of assignments. After the movie “Habangbuhay” with his reel and real-life partner, Elisse Joson, he did the movie “Deleter” and now, he’s in the new Viva One suspense-thriller mini-series, “Deadly Love,” as one of Louise de los Reyes’ leading men.

“I’m glad na tuloy-tuloy lang ang trabaho ko,” he says. “I’m just grateful for all the opportunities that come my way.”

To think he got depressed when ABS-CBN closed down and then the pandemic came.

“Mahirap kasi that time, wala kang ginagawa. Ang kalaban mo, ang sarili mong pag-iisip.

Ano ba? Ganito na lang ba? Anong gagawin ko? May baby kami, tapos may mga kapatid pa akong pinag-aaral. Buti na lang nga dumating ang offer ng Viva at may dumating na blessings.”

So what is his role in “Deadly Love” that premieres on Viva One on July 10? “I play Benjo, isa akong police investigator. Ipinadala ako sa bayan nina Louise to investigate yung parents niya. Hindi niya kasi alam, may secret sa pagkatao ng parents niya so their life became so complicated.”

‘Masaya kami, everyone’s positive at naging close na kami. – Paolo Contis’

PAOLO Contis is elated his new “Eat Bulaga” co-hosts came to support the premiere night of his movie, “Ang Pangarap Kong Oskars” that is now showing in theaters: Mavy and Cassy Legaspi, Buboy Villar, Kimpoy Feliciano and Alexa Miro. The movie is a combination horror-comedy directed by GMA’s Jules Katanyag.

Paolo plays Bobby B, a producer of hit films whose dream is to make the first Pinoy movie win in the best international film category of the Oscar Awards. He breaks up with his executive producer and financier, Jon Santos, and teams up with his friend, Joross Gamboa as DMZ, a struggling director, to come up with their dream project.

They come up with a movie with supernatural elements involving “aswangs,” mythical monsters in Filipino culture. A very good scene in the movie shows them arriving in the beautiful island of Catanduanes to shoot their film on location.

Paolo admits his life has changed now that he is hosting a daily show like “Eat Bulaga.”

“Dati, I wake up late, but now I have to wake up early to be at the studio,” he says. “From my place in Makati, inaagahan ko ang punta sa studio sa Cainta para hindi ako matrapik.

But I’m enjoying the people I work with. Masaya kami, everyone’s positive at naging close na kami. As for the comments, we want to thank everyone. We listen to the positive ones at ‘yung namba-bash lang, okay lang.”

***

Viva One’s new 6-part mini-series, “Kung Hindi Lang Tayo Sumuko,” is based on a book of poems by Marcelo Santos III (“Para sa Hopeless Romantic” and “Para sa Brokenhearted”).

“Kung Hindi Lang Tayo Sumuko” is about the joys and pains of love and romance. It focuses mainly on three couples. First is Allie (Coleen Garcia) and Benedict (Carlo Aquino) who met through a whirlwind romance and they look forward to their years of growing old together. But as they prepare for their wedding, the flaws in their relationship start to surface because of their different family backgrounds.

The next couple is Georgina (Rhen Escaño), a fashion designer, and Mark (Jerome Ponce). They are in a long-distance relationship and are slowly drifting apart.

The last couple is Sandy (Ryza Cenon), who acts as a mother to her friends and voice of wisdom, but got pregnant early so she gets married and her husband, Derrick (Kiko Estrada), turns out to be a womanizer.

Lovers and married couples will surely be able to relate to the characters and stories portrayed in “Kung Hindi Lang Tayo Sumuko,” a series directed by Carlo Catu that streams exclusively on Viva One soon.

***

Marco Gumabao is certainly one of the busiest Viva hunks today. On the big screen, he just did the sexy romcom “Baby Boy, Baby Girl” with Kylie Versoza which is currently the number one movie on Prime Video.

On TV, after doing the series “Di Na Muli” with Julia Barretto, he now stars in another series, “Deadly Love,” this time with Louise de los Reyes, for Viva One that starts streaming on July 10.

Aside from this, he is also in the cast of the current TV5 sitcom, “Kurdapya,” with Yassi Pressman. And he is shooting yet another new series with his inamorata, Cristine Reyes, “Minsan Pa Nating Hagkan ang Nakaraan,” a TV remake of the film with the same title shown in 1983 starring Vilma Santos, Christopher de Leon and Eddie Garcia.

The new version will star Cristine and Marco in the Vilma-Boyet roles as illicit lovers, with Cesar Montano playing the Eddie Garcia role as Vilma’s older husband. Marco is glad Viva paired him with Cristine, and they are now very open about their relationship with Cristine’s daughter from her past relationship embracing him wholeheartedly.

‘But as we become closer, some long kept secrets start to surface that kinda spoil our budding relationship. — Rayver Cruz’

GMA Public Affairs goes into film production with “The Cheating Game,” starring the reel and real love team of Julie Anne San Jose and Rayver Cruz. Both are so happy that after they were paired as hosts of “The Clash” for 5 years, they now do their first film together.

So what are their roles?

“I play Hope Celestial,” says Julie Anne. “I’m already engaged to my fiance, but I found out he has been unfaithful to me, so I called off our engagement. Depressed, I also walked out on my job and the life I thought was mine.”

“I play Miguel Agustin,” says Rayver. “I’m a self-made businessman and when I meet Julie Anne as Hope, we quickly warm up to each other. But as we become closer, some long-kept secrets start to surface that kinda spoil our budding relationship.”

The film packs a powerhouse cast that includes Martin del Rosario as Brian Villogo, Winwyn Marquez as Vanessa, Yayo Aguila as Faith Celestial, Candy Pangilinan as Tita Gelly, Phi Palmos as Joi Celestial, Thea Tolentino as Natalie, and Paolo Contis as Mister Y.

Also included in the star-studded cast are Charm Aranton, Chef Jose Sarasola, Charlize Ruth Reyes, Roce Ordoñez, Aaron Maniego, Andrea So, Ida Sabido, Evan Tan, Roi Oriondo, Bernadette Anne Morales, and Felds Cabagting, as directed by best-selling author Rod Marmol.

***

Jaclyn Jose is currently in two movies, “Acetylene Love” with Allen Dizon and “Poon” with a star-studded cast headed by Janice de Belen, Gina Pareno, Ara Mina and others. She has now also just finished taping a six-part mini-series, “Deadly Love,” that will start streaming on Viva on July 10.

“I play Marga, mother ni Louise de los Reyes as Tessa and asawa ko si Raffy Tejada as Julio,” she says. “Misteryoso ang pagkatao namin ni Raffy and later on, hindi matitiyak ni Louise kung kami ba talaga ang magulang niya at ano ang lihim sa aming pagkatao. It’s an intriguing story with very dark characters.”

Since she’s an award-winning actress, how is it working with newcomers?

“I make sure I don’t intimidate them,” she says. “Kaya lagi akong kinukuha ng Viva kasi alam kong inaalagaan ko ang mga baguhan nilang artista. Hindi ako ‘yung tipong naninindak ng baguhan at sa set, tipong hindi malapitan. I consider ‘yung mga baguhan as mga anak-anakan ko and I make them feel na pareho lang kaming artista kasi gusto ko, maganda ang rapport namin pag may eksena kaming ginagawa.”

Has she experienced the series’ title, “Deadly Love,” in real life. “Oh yes. Naka-experience na ako. Deadly love talaga. But don’t ask for the details anymore kasi it’s all done now.

Tapos na siya at naka-recover na ako. But yes, it happened to me and it was very scary.

Pero minsan lang yun nangyari sa akin at never ko na hinayaang mangyari ulit. Kapag hinayaan mong maulit pa, katangahan na ‘yun, ano?”

***

Viva Films had a reality search for new talents, “Pantaxa Laiya,” to beef up their stable of stars. Its two winners, Angelika Hart and Aiko Garcia, now play their first starring roles in the second season of “High on Sex 2,” which starts streaming on Vivamax on July 2 and is directed by GB Sampedro.

Angelica is 19 years old. What is her role? “I play Joanna, anak ng isang pastora. I look conservative, pero nasa loob ang kulo.”

Did she have any reluctance doing sexy scenes?

“None. Direk GB Sampedro made it clear from the start what he expects from us so we know what we’ll do. This is part of my job as an actress, pinasok ko ito, so okay lang.”

How about “Pantaxa” co-winner Aiko Garcia? “I’m 23 years old and from Sibugay Zamboanga and my family is still there. I play Allaine, isang gender-fluid girl so halos lahat ng girls dito, naka-bed scene ko.”

Didn’t she have qualms bedding the other female members of the cast? “No, kasi naging very close na kaming lahat while we were doing ‘Pantaxa’ in Batangas. We’re all comfortable with each other and we just trusted Direk GB Sampedro as we know hindi naman niya kami ipapahamak.”

‘Michelle, in turn, has confessed recently that she is bisexual, meaning, she is attracted to both sexes.’

RHIAN Ramos laughs off the rumor she is in a lesbian relationship with current Miss Universe Philippines Michelle Dee. This came after she admitted she and Michelle have been best friends and housemates for two years now. Michelle, in turn, has confessed recently that she is bisexual, meaning, she is attracted to both sexes.

“I am not Michelle’s only friend who supports her wholeheartedly,” she says. “We know she really worked hard for it and we will be there in El Salvador to personally give her moral support and encouragement on the finals night of this year’s Miss Universe.”

It’s also common knowledge Rhian has a boyfriend, businessman-politician Sam Versoza and despite rumors that they’ve called it quits, the truth is they are still very much together. “Sam has a good heart and he’s doing a lot of charity works, so I’m very proud of him.”

Rhian is part of GMA’s new drama series, “Royal Blood,” that starts airing this Monday to replace “Hearts on Ice.” “I play the second child of Tirso Cruz III as our family’s patriarch, Gustavo Royales. I play Margaret, a gray character, very mysterious, with secrets of her own. The viewers will be guessing kung mabait ba ako o masama.”

***

Eisel Serrano made waves last April when her movie with Carlo Aquino, “Love You Long Time,” made it as an official entry in the summer Metro Manila Film Festival. She and Carlo play characters who get to know each other through an old cellphone but it turns out they belong to different time periods. The film got good reviews and even won as third best picture.

Eisel is turning 25 on September 23. She is the middle child of three siblings and her parents hail from Tarlac. She has a degree in travel management, cum laude, from the University of Sto Tomas. She got to act in some episodes of “Maalaala Mo Kaya.” She did two movies, “Anak ng Macho Dancer” and “Kontrabida” starring Nora Aunor. How does she feel when people say she looks like Janine Gutierrez?

“Of course, I’m so flattered because Janine Gutierrez is Janine Gutierrez. Maganda na, magaling pa so flattering talaga. But eventually, I want to have my own identity and my own image.”

Who among the current Viva stars would she like to get to work with?

“Unang-una, si Sarah Geronimo who is so good in singing and acting. I really admire her and I hope that someday, I will be given the chance to work with her. Among their actors, I also want to work with her hubby, Matteo Guidicelli who’s now also with Viva.”

***

TV5 NOW AIRS a new show, “Gí¼d Morning Kapatid,” hosted by Gretchen Ho, Jes Delos Santos, and Justin Quirino. To start your day right, they will deliver a comprehensive blend of current events, trending topics and engaging human interest stories. The morning show promises an informative viewing experience — a perfect companion for your first cup of coffee.

And in the evening, TV5 intensifies the evening news with two fresh anchors, KaladKaren and Mikee Reyes, to their main primetime news program, “Frontline Pilipinas.” This is part of TV5’s bid to reinforce its position as main source of trustworthy journalism and current news during the primetime block.

JULIA Barretto and Diego Loyzaga have worked before in a TV series with ABS-CBN, but now, they’re paired for the first time in a movie, “Will You Be My Ex?” produced by Viva Studio and directed by Real Florido. It will be shown in theaters nationwide of June 21.

“It’s about college sweethearts who broke up and meet again after many years,” says Julia.

“I play Chris, a fun-loving, perky and free spirited young woman who comes from a family of artists. Diego naman is Joey, who’s quiet, formal and comes from a rich, well-respected family.”

So how is it working with Diego?

“He’s fun and great to work with, such a gentleman and a real professional kaya napapadali ang trabaho namin,” says Julia. “Everyone on the set, led by Direk Real Florido, did their best and we all got along so well so we enjoyed shooting the movie.”

She got positive reviews for her last movie, “Expensive Candy.” How is “Will I Be Your Ex” compared to that?

“Definitely, this one is very much more emotionally challenging. My role is quite heavy and it’s emotionally challenging in the sense na ‘yung journey ng character ko dito, is up and down, on and off, laging may push and pull na nangyayari sa buhay niya. Diego and I have several dramatic scenes and the story is really very touching, but it’s good that we were so supportive of each other kaya naging very smooth lang ang trabaho namin.”

She’s sure moviegoers will support her movie with Diego even if they’re not an item in real life. It’s common knowledge that she’s happy in the arms of Gerald Anderson while Diego is now a dad and is very happy to have his first child in Sydney.

***

‘She already did primetime dramas before and she has also gone solo, kaya mas sanay na siya — Mavy Legaspi’

Mavy Legaspi and Kyline Alcantara star in a new romantic TV series, “Luv Is: Love at First Read,” that replaced “Family Feud.”

A collaboration between GMA Network and Wattpad Webtoon Studios, it is the first primetime show of the Mav-Line love team.

“I play a guy named Kudos Pereseo,” says Mavy. “I’m a hotshot varsity player in school but a hopeless romantic who is still searching for what I consider my ideal girl.”

“Ako naman po si Angelica Dimakapili,” says Kyline. “I’m an avid fan of K-pop and K-drama, but I don’t believe in love kasi my own mother has bad experiences when it comes to romance and men.”

“We come from different worlds but our paths will cross because of a diary,” adds Mavy.

“I’m really excited kasi both Kyline and I play very challenging roles. I feel somehow pressured kasi si Kyline is already a seasoned actress compared to me. She already did primetime dramas before and she has also gone solo, kaya mas sanay na siya.”

Supporting them are Sparkle stars Therese Malvar, Marco Masa, Pam Prinster, Mariel Paminutan and Kapuso heartthrobs Bruce Roeland, Larkin Castor, Josh Ford and Tiktok stars Gabby (Vito) and Kiel, known as the Gueco Twins.

Mavy and his twin sister, Cassy, are also in the roster of new hosts for “Eat Bulaga” along with Paolo Contis, Betong Sumaya, Kokoy de Santos, Buboy Villar, Alexa Miro and the girl group XOXO.

***

Congratulations to Robert Douglas Walcher IV for winning 2023 Mister Teen International title held at Bangkok, Thailand, a few days ago. Robert is the son of actress Patricia Javier and Dr. Rob Walcher, a well known chiropractor. It will be recalled that Patricia herself was crowned as Noble Queen of the Universe in 2019.

“I am so happy that the Mister and Miss Teen International pageant organizers are very family-oriented,” says Patricia at her son’s victory party. “They teach their candidates to always give love and respect to people, specially their parents.”

Patricia says the pageant is unique in the importance they give to the parents. “I just love it that they invite the parents of the candidates to be present during the competition and if their child would win, they are even given the privilege to personally put the crown and sash on their own child. Rob and I are so proud of our son as he really did his best in representing our country.”

Robert is 16 years old and will be in Grade 11. He also took home a number of special awards during the competition, including Best Smile, Mister Charming, Mister Teen Sash Factor and People’s Choice. He has a very dynamic presence and his luminous star quality is so evident. Also, he is very tall at 5’11”, has a good physique as he really works out and is very articulate.

So is he joining showbiz? “If the opportunity comes, why not? Right now, I’m more into music. I play the guitar. Maybe I can also try acting or hosting, if given the chance.”

‘May nagpaparamdam but I don’t wanna encourage them kasi ang concentration ko lang ngayon is my career — Jillian Ward’

JILLIAN Ward is now one of the hottest GMA teen stars with the huge success of her afternoon drama series, “Abot Kamay na Pangarap.”

It started airing in September and after nine long months, it is still rating very high. There are times when its ratings are even higher than Kapuso shows on primetime. No wonder it just keeps on being extended when most GMA dramas now run for only a minimum of three months.

Jillian started as a child actress when she was only five years old in shows like “Trudis Liit” and “Daldalita.” She never experienced taking a vacation while on that awkward tween stage as she continues to have shows all throughout her career, like “Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko” and the two seasons of “Prima Donnas.”

Jillian turned 18 years old last February. She’s lucky GMA-7 gave her a great role in “Abot Kamay na Pangarap” as Analyn Santos, the daughter of Carmina Villaroel who proved to be a child prodigy and became a doctor in her teens who encounters a lot of trials in her personal life and career.

“I’m really so happy and thankful to GMA for giving me this great character na naging malaki ang impact sa viewers,” she says. “It’s also a good transition for me from my former child star image to playing a more mature role. I’d also like to thank Tita Carmina who plays my mom dahil napakalaki ng tulong niya sa akin para magampanan ko effectively ang character ni Analyn.”

After she turned 18, folks want to know if she’s ready to accept suitors. “Wala nga akong time matulog dahil sa trabaho, suitors pa?” she laughs. “May nagpaparamdam but I don’t wanna encourage them kasi ang concentration ko lang ngayon is my career. Darating din ang love life sa tamang panahon, kapag ready na talaga ako.”

***

Kim Chiu is the new endorser of Sisters Sanitary Napkins and Pantyliners. Megasoft Hygienic Products VP Aileen Choi-Go says they got Kim as she has admirable qualities.

“She’s a good actress, a great host, a fine businesswoman. May building nga sa Cagayan de Oro na balak ko sanang bilihin, pero naunahan niya ako. And she’s a really generous sister to all her siblings, lalo sa sister niyang nagkasakit at binantayan niya talaga hanggang gumaling. Kaya bagay lang talaga siyang maging endorser ng Sisters Sanitary Napkins and Pantyliner,” says Aileen Choi-Go.

Kim felt so happy when they got her as endorser. “When they offered it to me, yes agad ako kasi I really believe in the product. Isa pa, friend ko na talaga si Atchi Aileen.

Nagkasundo kami agad kasi pareho kaming Chinese at pareho ring Bisaya. Also, I really look forward sa program nila that tours schools all over the country.”

This visit to schools stopped during the pandemic but they’re about to resume it soon. “I want to meet all the young women who are experiencing puberty. Kasi ako, when I first had my monthly period, I was in grade 6 at nasa school ako. My classmates made fun of me as I was not aware na nagkaroon pala ako. After that, two weeks akong hindi pumasok sa school kasi I don’t know how to handle it, how I would react. So I want to explain to these young girls that they have no reason to be afraid as it is all part of being a woman.”

Kim continues to be so busy. She has three new projects this year. And she’s now taping one of them, the drama series “Linlang” with Maricel Soriano, Paulo Avelino and JM De Guzman.

***

Lizzie Aguinaldo the great, great granddaughter of first Pres. Emilio Aguinaldo is joining showbiz. She just launched her first single, “Baka Pwede Na,” with lyrics and music by award-winning songwriter Joven Tan, and released by Star Music. How did her family react when she told them she’s joining showbusiness?

“They were shocked, kasi ako pa lang sa family namin ang first na nag-showbiz,” she says.

“But they understand naman na dream ko talaga ito, to be a singer and now, they’re very supportive.”

Lizzie turned 15 on January 21. The third of five kids, she is now in grade 9 at the British International School which put up their own billboard congratulating Lizzie for her debut single.

“Nagulat nga po ako,” she beams. “Kasi ‘yung billboard kasing laki ng bahay namin.

Nakakatuwa.”

She has a fairly easy entry in showbiz. A family friend introduced her to Tan who quickly composed a song for her. Let’s make way for Lizzie Aguinaldo, whose first single “Baka Pwede Na” is now on various radio stations nationwide.