Ara's candidacy a go

Author: Ethel Ramos
Column: Studio Whispers

WHAT do Nacionalista Party (NP) stalwarts Timmy Chipeco, former Rep. Gilbert Remulla and Atty. Adel Tamayo, all young and good-looking, have to do with the promotion of a concert featuring the popular bands in the country, such as Bamboo, Parokya ni Edgar, Kamikaze, Sandwich and Itchy Worms, plus the Bubble Gang's Iyo Tube sensations, Moymoy Palaboy?

"Well, they are here to support us with the concert," said Camille Villar, daughter of presidentiable Manny Villar and the brains behind the event. "Sayang nga that they are not participants. Except, of course, for Atty. Adel, who will do a song number."

Scheduled tomorrow, September 26, at the SM Mall of Asia, the concert, dubbed as "Rockatropa," will have for hosts young actresses Valerie Concepcion and Cristine Reyes.

"The concert is for free," added Camille. "We invite everyone to watch 'Rockatropa' and be part of the Filipino youth empowerment.

The concert is a project of NP's "Akala Mo" advocacy, which aims to empower Filipinos to make informed decisions rather than relying on the "akala" mentality.

Likewise, the event, said Laguna Congressman Timmy, will also serve as the launching pad of NP's BDABOSS (Be the Boss), a youth entrepreneurial campaign which seeks to promote entrepreneurship among the youth.

To get free tickets, log on to Akala Mo (http:/www.akalamo.com) and click on the Get Your Ticket link in the "Rockatropa" ad. Answer five questions and click on the Register button. A message will then appear containing the ticket. Print the ticket and present it to the registration booth to gain entrance.

Tickets will also be given on-site. Registration starts at 4 p.m.

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Ara Mina didn't know how to react when, after the presscon of her upcoming series, "Tinik sa Dibdib," which is scheduled for airing September 25 on GMA 7, entertainment writers bombarded her with questions about the report linking her to Interior Secretary Ronnie Puno.

"My God," she exclaimed, sounding exasperated. "How can that happen when I'm not even close to him?

"Kilala ko siya, why not? But every Filipino naman does."

Ara thinks the reason her name is being linked to Puno is because she attended a presscon organized by a staff of DILG upon the invitation of good friend, Rachelle Barrameda, who was asking for support regarding the death of sister Ruby Rose.

"It was through me kasi kaya nalapitan nina Rachelle at ng kanyang pamilya si Secretary Puno. Thanks to my dad (former Quezon City Representative Chuck Mathay), who is a friend of him," Ara said.

In that particular presscon, which we attended, by the way, Secretary Puno was not present.

***

Ara was also asked about her current relationship with her controversial younger sister, Cristine Reyes.

"We are okay," she replied. "I'm so happy for her, since she is doing very well in her showbiz career.

"Currently, she is the bida in two films: 'Patient X' with Richard Gutierrez and 'Ang Darling Kong Aswang' with Bossing Vic (Sotto)."

Are failed to mention that ABS-CBN is also currently preparing a soap that will feature Cristine.

Ara also added that in November, she and Cristine are leaving for a concert in the US.

***

"Tuloy," Ara answered, when asked if she is pushing through with her plan to run for councilor in the 2nd district of Quezon City.

In that case, we told her, she will be running against fellow GMA 7 talent, Alfred Vargas, who is also running for the same position.

"I don't think so," Ara corrected us. "Anim na slot kasi for councilor ang paglalabanan. Meaning there is enough room for the two of us."

In preparation for her decision to join politics, Ara said she is planning to resume her studies.

Ara is a high school graduate.

Known for her numerous advocacies, Ara heads a foundation which takes care of the special needs of kids with autism and Down's syndrome.

When, God willing, she wins as councilor, her first project will be focused on streetkids who beg for alms. She wants them to go to school, where, Ara declared, they really should be. "At sana," she continued, "mabigyan din ng hanapbuhay ang kanilang mga magulang via a livelihood program which, perhaps, the Council can create."

Source: Malaya