Pokwang has a new man

POKWANG is in love.

The comedienne-TV host, however, said she wants to "take things slow" between her and Mexican-American boyfriend, Ryan Navarro, whom she met during a show in the United States early this month.

"My daughter knows about Ryan, but I don't plan to introduce him to her just yet. We only met recently. I want the timing to be right," Pokwang told Inquirer Entertainment on Wednesday. "I've got to hand it to him though, he seems serious about getting to know me more. He asked me if he could visit me here in Manila on my birthday."

Pokwang, Marietta Subong in real life, was born on Aug. 27. "Ryan has two kids and is a divorcee. We met when I joined the recent 'Heartthrobs' show in Dallas, Texas. He was one of the security officers hired for that gig," Pokwang said.

She recalled: "After the show, he came up to me and said he really enjoyed my performance. He volunteered to show me around. Since I had free time, I agreed to go. He then asked for my number and we've been talking and exchanging text messages since."

Pokwang only has good words for the guy. "He's nice and very handsome. He's also a gentleman. I like it that he appreciates my work. I'm not ready to admit to him that I really like him. I just want to take things slow. I want to know him better," said Pokwang, one of the hosts of the noontime game show "Wowowee."

Pokwang said it's important that Ryan understands her work as a comedienne and her life as a public figure. "Intrigues are unavoidable in my kind of work. He should be ready for them," she explained.

At the media gathering to promote her show, "Okey Ka Pokie Ko," set on April 30 at the Metro Bar in Quezon City, Pokwang also candidly talked about prioritizing work over love and how rumors are affecting her as "Wowowee" host.

Would you be willing to give up your show biz career for love?

I will continue working hangga't kailangan pa ako ng show biz. If I feel that the audience has gotten tired of watching me, then I'd quit. I don't think Ryan is in a hurry to settle down. He's only 29. But if I see that he's sincere at mamahalin n'ya kaming mag-ina, I'm OK with quitting work.

Willie Revillame ("Wowowee" main man) is very protective of his lady hosts. Does he already know about Ryan?

I brought our pictures to the "Wowowee" set already. Kuya Willie was pleased. Gusto n'ya si Ryan. Kinikilig s'ya para sa akin.

How true is the rumor that you're not getting along with the show's four new female hosts?

I wish people could see how we bond in the dressing room. Ang lalandi namin. What's interesting to note is that Mariel (Rodriguez), Valerie (Concepcion), RR (Enriquez) and I are all adjusting to the new girls (Carmen Soo, Jed Montero, Isabelle Abiera and Kelly Misa). I don't think of them as competitors. We're in one show; we're part of one family.

PBB Big Winner Melissa Cantiveros is often compared to you. How do you find her as a comedienne?

Kapag magkamukha talagang napagkukumpara. I've worked with her once. She's very nice and funny. I think she's got what it takes to make it in this business-'di pa nagsasalita nakakatawa na. I gave her some advice. I told her, "Mag-ipon ka because work in show biz is not permanent." I also explained to her the importance of having her own car, kahit second-hand lang muna. It's good that she listens.

Would you advice her to focus more on work instead of her relationship with Jason (Francisco)?

I think they sincerely love each other, but when it comes to matters like that, labas na ako. I just hope they will work together and not try to pull each other down.

"Okey Ka Pokie Ko" also features Bugoy Drilon, Laarni Lozada, Voice Avenue and the trio Luningning, Milagring and Mariposa.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer

In My Life tops 26th PMPC Star Awards for Movies

MANILA, Philippines - Star Cinema’s In My Life topped the 26th PMPC Star Awards for Movies held last Saturday night at Ateneo’s Henry Lee Irwin Theater — Movie
Actress for Vilma Santos (who was not present); John Lloyd Cruz, Movie Actor; Luis Manzano, Movie Supporting Actor; Olivia Lamasan, Movie Director; Charlie Peralta, Movie Cinematography; Raymond Lee, Olivia Lamasan and Senedy Que, Movie Original Screenplay; and Movie of the Year.

The other winners were:

• Movie Supporting Actress: Gloria Diaz (Sagrada Familia)

• New Movie Actor: Romalito Mallari (Dinig Sana Kita)

• New Movie Actress: Barbie Forteza (Puntod)

• Movie Child Performer(s): Mica dela Cruz (T2) and JP Mesde (Tulak)

• Digital Movie Sound Engineer: Ronald de Asis and Mark Locsin (Dinig Sana Kita)

• Movie Sound Engineer: Ditoy Aguila (Ang Panday)

• Digital Movie Musical Scorer: Francis Brew Reyes (Dinig Sana Kita)

• Movie Musical Scorer: Brian Cua (Kimmy Dora)

• Digital Movie Original Theme Song: Sana Ako Ay Marinig (Dinig Sana Kita)

• Movie Original Theme Song: Tanging Ikaw (Ang Panday)

• Digital Movie Production Designer: Brillante Mendoza (Lola)

• Movie Production Designer: Richard Somes (Ang Panday)

• Digital Movie Editor: Charliebebs Gohetia (Astig)

• Movie Editor: Theresa Vanessa De Leon (Kimmy Dora)

• Digital Movie Cinematographer: Odyssey Flores (Lola)

• Digital Movie Screenplay: Jerry Gracio (Astig)

• Digital Movie Director: Cesar Apolinario (Puntod)

• Digital Movie: Puntod (ADC Productions)

• Male Star Of The Night: Jericho Rosales

• Female Star Of The Night: Lorna Tolentino

• Male Face Of The Night: Luis Manzano

• Female Face Of The Night: Iza Calsado

• I-White Celebrity Of The Night: Bangs Garcia.

• Darling Of The Press: Donna Villa

• Ulirang Artista Lifetime Achievement Awardee: Gina Pareño

• Ulirang Alagad Ng Pelikula Sa Likod Ng Kamera: Carlo J. Caparas

Source: The Philippine Star

An optimistic Lucy Torres still campaigns for Richard

MANILA, Philippines – Despite the Commission on Elections’ (Comelec) disqualification of Richard Gomez’s candidacy, his wife, television host Lucy Torres, still proudly campaigns for her husband barely 2 weeks before Election Day.

“I don’t have the luxury of time. The moment I am done with my commitments in Manila, I go home immediately to Ormoc and share the campaign with Richard,” Lucy said during the launch of her newest endorsement, an herbal weight loss powder, Wednesday afternoon.

She goes with Gomez, a disqualified congressional candidate, even in the remotest places to campaign for her husband. Gomez too has been staying practically in the province since the election period began.

Torres said Gomez would even dissuade her from joining the campaign rallies, but she would not yield.

“Sabi nga niya sa akin na huwag na akong sumama sa kampanya dahil kaya naman daw niya,” exclaimed Torres. “I will be 100% behind my man…. I don’t mind being pressured and my physical body exhausted just to see Richard win.”

Torres has been shuttling from Manila to Leyte and back to fulfill her show biz commitments.

Torres was also optimistic that Comelec will reverse its earlier ruling disqualifying her husband from the congressional race.

Gomez was disqualified from running after he reportedly failed to establish his residency in Ormoc City, Leyte.

“The disqualification is still on appeal,” said Torres. “But we have enough pieces of evidence to support his claim. I am very optimistic Richard will be off the hook sooner than we expect.”

“In the end, the truth will prevail,” Torres remarked.

Source: ABS - CBN

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

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

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