Friday, April 23, 2010

Carmina Villaroel reacts to ex-hubby's 'sex change plan'

MANILA, Philippines - Actress-host Carmina Villaroel fully supports the reported plan of her former husband to undergo sex-change operation.

Villaroel used to be married to former matinee idol Rustom Padilla, brother of Robin Padilla. Years after Villaroel and Rustom’s separation, he came out of the closet and publicly declared that he is gay. He later changed his name to Bebe Gandanghari.

Reports are now circulating that Gandanghari is planning to undergo sex-change operation, but the gay actor has yet to confirm them. Rumor also has it that Robin left the country for a while after Gandanghari had breast implants.

In an interview with abs-cbnNEWS.com, Villaroel said she sees nothing wrong if Gandanghari pushes through with his reported plan. She said she supports Gandanghari’s decision as long as it makes him happy.

“Kung wala naman siyang sinasagasaang tao, kung malinis at marangal naman ang pagkuha niya ng pagpapagawa niya… Hindi naman kasalanan ang magpagawa o magpa-retoke,” she said.

She added: “That's his choice. Mabibigla pa ba tayo? I mean, kung 'yon ang kaligayahan niya, [go]."

Villaroel has twins, Cassandra and Maverick, with current partner actor Zoren Legaspi.

Earlier, Ang Ladlad, a party-list group for lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders (LGBT), has given Gandanghari its “moral support.”

Although Gandanghari is not an official member of the organization, the gay actor is a supporter of Ang Ladlad.

Source: ABS - CBN

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Luis gets gift from "ex-love" Angel

MANILA, Philippines- The actor-host Luis Manzano told "SNN:Showbiz News Ngayon" that he received a gift from his former girlfriend Angel Locsin when he celebrated his 29th birthday last Wednesday.

Manzano, who's again wooing Locsin, declined to say what Locsin's gift was, saying it was something he needed.

“It’s just something na noong magkasama kami nabanggit ko na kailangan ko or gusto ko and she was thoughtful enough na bigyan ako out of the blue.”

He jokingly said,” hopefully may isa pa (for my birthday).”

Angel’s birthday

After Manzano’s special day, it’s Locsin’s time to receive gifts. Locsin will turn 25 on April 23.

Manzano said that he has already bought his present for the actress. The host-actor declined to reveal what his birthday gift for Locsin was because he wanted to surprise her.

He admitted that they were more comfortable with each other's presence now compared to what they had before they broke up. Despite what they have went through, Locsin and Manzano still share one thing in common: they both believe that birthdays should be made to feel special.


Source: ABS - CBN

Eugene Domingo plans to marry in the future

MANILA, Philippines- Comedienne Eugene Domingo said she is also thinking of getting married in the future.

“Gusto ko rin maglakad naman sa gitna kasi naiiyak talaga ako kapag may naglalakad na bride tapos sinasalubong ng groom,” said Domingo, who is set to star in a film titled "Here Comes The Bride."

“Dumating naman ang pagkakataon na nangarap naman akong ikasal… kahit nga bakla iniintay ‘yon,” she teasingly said.

For now though, the 38-year-old veteran comedianne is happy being single.

"Here Comes The Bride" also stars Tuesday Vargas, Cherry Pie Picache and Angelica Panganiban. The movie will be screened in June of this year.-SNN: Showbiz News Ngayon

Source: ABS - CBN

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Ruffa - Ylmaz "The Next Chapter"?

Kapatid star Ruffa Gutierrez reveals that her ex-husband, Turkish businessman Yilmaz Bektas, has sent her tickets to Istanbul, Turkey at least 10 times these past months but she rejected each one.

This information, which she shared at the press conference for her weekly drama anthology "5-Star Specials" on TV5, serves as postscript to reports that Yilmaz allegedly wants her back.

Ruffa commented on the matter with ambivalence. "He wished me well with my life, which he never thought that he would be able to do...so, kung nare-realize niya that he wants to work things out because of the kids, because of the family, I think... only time will tell."

A recent report said that Ruffa had shown TV host-editor Ricky Lo the following messages that Yilmaz sent her:

"I'm gonna get you back, Mrs. Bektas. I am not going to let you go! I started a life with you, will finish with you. You are my soulmate."

"Do you want baby? Living in Spain? Lovely house with peace, happiness? REAL FAMILY?"

Ruffa said she had shown the messages because she felt Lo was "challenging" her "credibility" when it comes to Yilmaz's feelings for her.

"I wanted him to know that what I'm saying is true so, I showed him the text. At least nakita niya," she said.

Asked if Yilmaz texts her "I love you," Ruffa confirmed so but emphasized that when he does, she usually replies with "Are you drunk? Are you sure you know what you're saying?"

"Ewan ko, siguro I'm irresistible lately. 'Yong mga nasa past ko, na-realize nila that, wala, they miss me," Ruffa cooed, tounge-in-cheek.

Do they talk about his reported wedding to 2006 Miss Universe Zuleyka Rivera Mendoza, which was published in a Turkish newspaper last month?

"He refuses to answer. Every time I tease him [about it], hindi naman niya ako sinasagot."

Ruffa admitted that when she first heard about it, she expected a "strange paint to hit me" but none came.

"Yilmaz and I, we've moved on three years ago. And we've already filed the annulment so obviously we've moved on," she asserted.

Ruffa added she has not time for love these days especially now that her career is on a roll. She has just started on showbiz talk show "Paparazzi" which is begining to get favorable reviews. Her other show, "Talentadong Pinoy," where she sits as judge, is a consistent toprater.

By April 26 at 8 p.m., her acting prowess would be put to the test once more via "5-Star Specials" where she works with top actors and director. The pilot titled "For Better or For Worse" pairs her with her former flame Zoren Legaspi.

Despite these big shows, Ruffa refuses to think of herself as Queen of TV5.

"I have no time times to think about titles. Ang iniisip ko lang lately is how I'm gonna find the time to go to the derma and spa."

A reunion with Yilmaz - does it cross her mind, too?

"Malay mo kung hindi ko na siya type when I see him! Ang tagal na. I'll cross the bridge when I get there. Can I see him first?"

Source: Manila Bulletin

Pacquiao saddened over Valero’s death

People's Champ Manny Pacquiao is saddened over the news that Venezuelan boxer Edwin Valero committed suicide in prison on April 19.

“Nagulat ako sa pangyayari. Malaki siguro ang problema nila,” the pound-per-pound king related on “TV Patrol World,” April 20.

The 28-year old Valero, a former WBC Lightweight Champion, was arrested on Sunday after admitting to have killed his young wife, Jennifer Carolina Viera de Valero, at their hotel room in Valencia. He hanged himself inside his cell using his pants as ropes. Security personnel were still able to rush him to the hospital but shortly after, he was declared dead due to asphyxiation.

Pacquiao expressed his condolences to the family of the pugilist who was being considered as one of his future opponents. Valero and his wife are survived by their two children.

“Kung anuman ‘yung problema nila, ipagdasal na lang sa Panginoon,” he said.

Known as the only boxer with a perfect knock-out record, Valero was undefeated in all his 27 fights. He is recognized for his aggressive style in fighting, thereby earning him the tag “Inca,” which means “warrior.”

“It was a terrible tragedy… he and Manny would’ve made a great fight,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum.

Pacquiao and Valero are friends. Valero even went to the Philippines in December 2008 to attend Pacman’s 30th birthday celebration in General Santos.

Source: The Manila Bulletin "Entertainment Article"

A broken-hearted KC

"It was like a movie scene, the way I fell for you. Only you didn’t fall. Now it’s not like the movies at all,” KC Concepcion sang to prove two points via her single “Not Like The Movies.”

First, that she can make heartbreak believable.

Second, that a good original can still light up a troubled OPM industry where it’s almost impossible to predict which songs would hit.

The Megadaughter recently launched her sophomore CD “KC,” a follow-up to “a.k.a. Cassandra,” both from Sony Music. In the new all-original compilation, KC wrote three songs “Magandang Umaga,” “Takipsilim,” and “Worth the Wait.”

KC told Bulletin Entertainment how she felt the songs were like her babies.

“Parang mga baby ko ‘yon. I wrote three songs in six hours. Sabi ko, para talaga akong nanganganak ng triplets, yung after 20 minutes, ito na naman, parang meron pang lalabas,” said KC at Hard Rock CafĂ© in Makati City where the CD was launched.

Apart from “Not Like The Movies,” the chosen cuts include “Breathe You” and “Hulog.” “Very romantic ‘yong ‘Breathe You.’ Nung kinakanta ko siya, parang sobrang sarap lang kantahin. ‘Hulog’ is a song actually written for a girl. Ginawa namin, we changed one line to make it parang a girl singing it to a guy. So, pag nakita ninyo yung lyrics, actually merong glitch, dahil yung nakasulat talaga ‘malambing ngunit pumapalag.’ Yun ‘yong guy version, pero actually yung girl version na ni-record namin is ‘mahigpit ngunit pumapayag.’”

In the genes

KC is proud to have started a new breed of young artists coming from celebrity parents, like her interviewee, Andi Eigenmann, on The Buzz two Sundays ago.

KC shared, “Actually ngayon, I’ve come to terms with it. Ang naiisip ko lang, free for all. Kumbaga, if you have the heart for it then you have the right to be in it. I feel good that, you know, I guess kahit papaano, nauna ako sa movement na ‘yon and puwedeng ako yung maging ate nilang lahat dahil na-experience ko yung music, teleserye, pelikula. Pinasok ko rin yung pagbi-VJ, pinasok ko yung hosting, pinasok ko yung commercials. So, if they need any advice in the future, kung pareho yung pinagdadaanan nila, I can be there for them.”

She was also happy to be in touch not only with siblings by Sharon Cuneta and stepdad Kiko Pangilinan but also with her other siblings by her biological father Gabby Concepcion.

“Lahat kami in touch. To be in touch with my sisters and also to let Frankie and Miel know that I also have other sisters and to see that open sila doon and very generous naman sila na hindi sila nagta-tantrums about it or anything. Medyo mahirap kasi yun, e. Yung parang masabi sa kanila na, ‘Hey, this is what’s happening and I love you. I’m your ate for life, you’re my baby sisters for life. But I want you to know I also have sisters on my Papa’s side.”

KC then showed the pictures of her other sisters to which Frankie remarked after seeing one of them, “‘Ate, she really looks like you!”

Source: Manila Bulletin

Nikki Gil parts with Star Magic; calls her move a ‘calculated risk’

Kapamilya star Nikki Gil surprised people Tuesday with the announcement of her shift in management team from Star Magic to ALV Talent Circuit.

At the press conference feted by her new manager Arnold Vegafria, she described her decision as a “calculated risk” and one that her camp had talked over with people who matter to her, including Star Magic head Johnny Manahan.

“It pains me to think I am no longer one of his daughters but I will always look up to him as a father and mentor. I won’t be where I am today if not for Star Magic’s assistance but as they say, nothing is permanent in life. I just look at this like that of a daughter na nagdalaga na and who is now in transition,” Gil told Bulletin Entertainment in an exclusive interview.

She rebuffed suggestions that her boyfriend, singer Billy Crawford, also under ALV Talent Circuit, had a hand in her latest career decision.

“No, magkahiwalay ang work at personal life namin. But since gusto ko ‘yung nakikita kong pagpapatakbo ni Arnold sa career niya at sa best friend ko [Iya Villaniya], I signed up with ALV na din,” she explained.

Gil also nipped in the bud the ill talk that she has been comparing the frequency and quality of her exposure on “ASAP XV” vis-a-vis Toni Gonzaga’s and Sarah Geronimo’s. She said the two stars belong to an entirely different league so it’s illogical to engage them in rivalry.

“And in the first place, bakit naman ako magbibilang ng segments? EP [Executive Producer] ba ako? Advertiser o kliyente para gawin ‘yon?” she exclaimed trying to make light of the matter.

Then turning serious, Gil intoned, “Sino ang matutulungan o mapapasama kung gagawin ko ‘yon? I know that like me, Sarah and Toni are just doing their jobs on ‘ASAP.’ And the three of us are friends. I mean we’ve shared the same dressing room for five years now! And we hang out and text each other. I just pray na mapagod ang mga tao who are out para pagsabungin kami.”

She added that given the number of stars on “ASAP XV,” the amount of work that she’s being given is “big enough” and “more than usual.”

Gil’s contract with the show will expire in June. Still, she would not say if she will leave the show or the network altogether by then.

“I leave it up to my new manager to decide on such things. My focus is on honing my craft. I am happy being a Kapamilya at the moment,” she emphasized.

Does she have second thoughts on moving out of Star Magic?

“No. I trust my new manager and my bigger manager, God. He has seen me through my career and everything has been smooth-sailing naman. I admit, though, that with all these changes, I’ll be needing His grace and favor more than ever.”

Gil said that, as usual, she will take everything one day at a time.

“Although leaving family behind is heartbreaking, I have to train myself to look ahead or I’m never gonna get anywhere.

“Like I said, this move is a calculated risk. I just hope the odds are not against us.”

Source: Manila Bulletin