From hip-hop prince to ballroom champion

Author: Isah V. Red
Column: Life & Entertainment

Unbelievable is how young ballroom dancing champion Rodjun Cruz describes the moment he heard his name and Lina Basas, his dancing partner, as winners in the finals of U Can Dance Celebrity Edition Version 2 on ABS-CBN recently.

His own disbelief in his good luck that night stemmed from the fact that he never liked ballroom dancing. “I like hip-hop,” he says.

Having been thrown in the middle of the dance floor as one of the celebrity contestants in the dance competition on television, Rodjun had no choice but to learn cha-cha, tango, rhumba, fox trot and paso doble. To everyone’s surprise, Rodjun who just turned 20 last Oct. 10, did more than just learn the quick step. He became quite an expert.

For Rodjun it was like discovering something within. “I never imagined I could do ballroom dancing,” he intimates. “My mom [Melody of the singing Cruz clan of Tondo] likes ballroom dancing, and when she’d ask me to go with her I’d howl in protest.”

These days, the entire Cruz clan has reasons to be proud of Rodjun, not only because he brought home a quarter of a million in prize money, but more in the fact that he did something out of what he usually did.

Rayver Cruz, also in show business, is beaming with pride for his kuya.

Before winning the grand prize in U Can Dance, Rodjun also won the jackpot in Wowowee’s “Merrygalo” portion.

Rodjun is a member of the multi-awarded dance group Animé. The young dancing champion attributes his agility on the dance floor in the rigorous training he got from his dance group. Yet, he also credits Lina Basas, a professional ballroom dance instructor, for being very patient with him while they practiced before each competition.

Rodjun expects his career to be upswing with his new dance discovery. No, he’s not thinking of becoming a dance sport athlete, not yet. “I think I started too late to be able to qualify as an athlete in dance sport.” Yet, he also doesn’t want to close the doors on the idea. “I will need more time to practice and perfect the routines needed for competitions.”

Rodjun, a former child co-host of the show 5 and Up has grown tall enough to be the next matinee idol. While he is seen every now and then in shows like Asap (in the defunct series such as Spirits and Calla Lily, he is focused though on earning a college degree. That is why he hasn’t taken a leave from school. He is currently a junior in business administration with major in management at St. Francis of Assisi College.

The 5’ 11” young dance champion is also an avid basketball fan. “I am also into it, playing with friends when I have the time,” he reveals. In his free time, he also tries to be good in playing the guitar. Like everyone in the Cruz family, Rodjun is quite a singer, which is an excellent complement to his Terpsichorean talent.

Now, as a full-grown adult he promises to go to the gym regularly so he could have the body that he’d need when offered roles that require him to show off his physique.

Prized catch on Eat Bulaga!

Wally Bayola and Jose Manalo are two of Eat Bulaga!’s prized catch—in keeping the audience in stitches, that is. Both have a natural flair for comedy, with their funny punch lines, drag queen looks, various character sketches, or in just simply being themselves.

Being part of every Pinoy’s lunch time for several years now proves how well these two comedians have blended in with the whole fun gang. Each day is a fresh opportunity for Wally and Jose to display their comic abilities and talents in performing.

Jose, who started behind the scenes, has shown great chemistry with Vic Sotto, particularly in the “Bulagaan” portion where he gets to display his ability to dish out and take comic punches with the veteran host and comic.

Wally, on the other hand, is the perfect foil for Jose’s goofy antics. His comic timing is impeccable as well as his hilarious ability to elicit guffaws through his silly impersonations: a sexy girl, a senile grandmother, or a rich matron.

Behind the cameras though, their fans know that both funny men are dedicated family men as well. This bolsters their wholesome image that is just perfect for a noontime show watched by many Filipino families.

Fun and easy to work with, Jose and Wally prove that a noontime show’s success hinges not only on its exciting games and fabulous prizes or its extravagant numbers but more so, on its bevy of hosts that are gifted entertainers that capture the hearts of Pinoys everywhere.

Shaina Magdayao turns 18

One of the young stars with the prettiest faces, talented young star Shaina Magdayao is turning 18 on Nov. 6.

Instead of the usual debut, Shaina is going on a trip to Japan with her family. Traveling is one of the passions of this young lady. It can be recalled that Shaina started in showbiz as a child star. Her first drama series was Marinella with Camille Prats and Serena Dalrymple. Then she joined the cast of Mula Sa Puso (1997), Pagdating Ng Panahon (1998), Sa Dulo ng Walang Hanggan (2001), K2BU (2002), Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay (2002), Tanging Ina (2003) and Ikaw Ang Lahat Sa Akin (2005).

Soon, a new Shaina will be seen in the series starring Piolo Pascual and Angel Locsin.

But prior to that, Shaina is starring in two movies, both entries in the forthcoming Metro Manila Film Festival. That is what is making her so excited about these days that she’d rather think of them than going into a grand coming-out party.

She and Rayver Cruz are starring in Regal Films’ Bahay Kubo with Maricel Soriano. She is also in Maverick Films’ Katas ng Saudi with Senator Jinggoy Estrada and Lorna Tolentino.

Shaina is also one of the Ultimate Dance 4 which has its own successful dance album and is also part of the Supahdance album. UD4 is a regular in ASAP. Also noteworthy is Shaina’s product endorsements. She endorses Her Bench, Avon Whitening, Lactacyd and Cose Bags. She is also being sponsored by Skechers.

Star Magic is very proud that one of their children is turning into a woman… a very beautiful and talented one! Shaina is sure to bloom and will reach greater heights as a woman and an artist. Her Star Magic family can only wish her all the best, always!

Source: Manila Standard Today

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