Gretchen denies breakup with Tonyboy

Author: Mario E. Bautista
Column: Freehand

SHOWBIZ observers say Claudine Barretto is the luckiest among the three Barretto sisters. She's lucky for having a successful acting career and for having a devoted husband like Raymart Santiago.

As we all know, Marjorie is now separated from Dennis Padilla while the latest gossip is that Gretchen has also called it quits with companion Tonyboy Cojuangco a few weeks ago. But Gretchen denied this, saying they're still very much together.

"Our relationship has its flaws, just like other couples," she says, "But we will stay together until the end of time with our commitment and unconditional love. "

NO EVICTION NIGHT

THREE female housemates on Pinoy Big Brother Celeberity Edition 2 are nominated tonight for eviction: beauty queen Riza Santos, racing queen Gaby de la Merced, and Mommy Yayo Aguila. But there will be no eviction tonight since the mother of Yayo Aguila died and she had no choice but to make a voluntary exit. What a pity since many were predicting that Yayo will win and a lot of viewers like her.

If the eviction pushed through, our guess is that it will be Gaby who'd go since she has already gone out of Kuya's house when she attended an international seminar in the U. S. But Ethel Booba wants Riza out as she knows Will Devaughn, whom she is openly seducing, is attracted to Riza. She doesn't want to have a rival for Will's attention.

Ethel returned just to get Will at all cost after she was dumped by her boyfriend, Janvier Daily, who was the reason why she went out of Kuya's house in the first place as she reportedly missed him so much, without knowing she's history as far as he is concerned. Now, she acts like an obsessed gay in heat with Will, who seems uncomfortable with all the fuss she gives him. Ethel also celebrated her birthday inside Kuya's house with a special concert held at the PBB Eviction Hall entitled "Thank You So Much". Ethel is a good singer and her opening numbers, "I Will Survive" and "Funky Town", really sent even her housemates dancing while they're watching her on a TV set.

Since it's Christmas, the Celebrity Housemates made a big lantern (8x8 ft. ) and this is now displayed at the Paskuhan Village. Former housemates Donnie Geisler, Jen da Silva and Zara Aldana officially turned it over to the Philippine Tourism Authority of Paskuhan Village to be part of its annual Giant Lantern Festival. This is the first lantern exhibited there not made in Pampanga and this will be there until December 30. Meantime, you can also hear the Misa de Gallo now being held at 4a. m at the PBB Activity Center with Fr. Joey Gonzales officiating.

One exercise that the housemates did is to imitate each other to make their colleagues aware of their respective perceptions of one another. This proved to be an eye-opener for them as they were able to see how they come across to other people. In the spirit of Christmas, the housemates are also playing the Kriss Kringle game with each of them adopting another housemate secretly until revelation time, like Ethel's baby is Jon Avila, Yayo's baby is Riza, Gabby's baby is Will, Mariel Rodriguez' baby is Yayo, and so on. Mariel played a prank on the boys by putting various things on their beds, like a big water bottle for Will.

The boys decided to get back at the girls and also messed up their room, but Kuya squealed on them and the girls (who were then in the confession room) rushed to their room and found the boys there pulling a prank on them. They all had a good laugh.

ANAK NG KUMANDER: MANNY'S BEST FILM

Manny Pacquiao said he spent P30 million for "Anak ng Kumander", his filmfest entry which had its presscon at Crowne Plaza the other day. Because Manny is now with GMA-7, some of the network's executives, led by Annette Gozon-Abrogar and Redgie Magno were present. It was a rather disorganized affair because it was held adjacent to another affair Manny was promoting for Solar Films. Manny said he's leaving for the U. S. , hence, his presscons were done hastily.

Written by Rod Santiago and directed by Jose Kaka Balagtas, the story starts with the respected Kumander Oyong (Dante Rivero), who got assassinated by traitors to their rebel cause. Fifteen years later, his son emerges as the new leader, Kumander Idel (Manny P), fighting for justice, helping poor farmers and fighting drug lords and carabao robbers. His enemies are Senor Boyong (Roi Vinzson) and a corrupt cop, Col. Aquino (Roldan Aquino). His leading ladies include Ara Mina as news reporter Zandra Regalada, Valerie Concepcion as Ka Maya and Lara Morena as Ka Lara. Introduced in the film is Manny's brother, Rogelio Pacquiao as Lt. Paredes.

"Marami na akong nagawang movies before, pero ito na ang most challenging and pinakamaganda sa lahat," says boxing idol Manny who'll be showing here he is not only a champ in real life but also in reel action scenes involving lots of shooting and explosions.

RICHARD GETTING TO KNOW JEWEL BETTER

AT the Gutierrez family Christmas party, Richard Gutierrez said it's not true he's pissed with GMA-7 as it's now favoring Marian Rivera's "MariMar" over his "Kamandag". "Kalokohan 'yun dahil mas big-budgeted ang action scenes, costumes, sets at special effects ng 'Kamandag' kumpara sa 'MariMar'," he says. "To promote it, we also have our own battery of top publicists kaya paano sasabihing napapabayaan kami? I'm really happy with 'Kamandag' and GMA-7 and I'm doing my best para suklian ang kabaitan nila. Heto nga, umalis lang ako sa taping namin to attend this Christmas party. Eight hours nang kinukunan ang fight scene namin ni Mark Anthony Fernandez who plays Lucero, pero hindi pa rin tapos. I'm also happy for Marian and I'm proud of her that 'MariMar' is doing good. Hindi rin kami naaapektuhan ng mga intriga sa amin as we're now even shooting a Valentine movie, 'A Very Special Love'. Enjoy nga ako kasi magaan siyang katrabaho. Mabait pati sa crew. Pinagtatawanan na lang namin ang mga intriga sa amin dahil naiinggit lang siguro sila sa big success ng 'Kamandag' at 'MariMar' sa ratings. "

What can he say now that Alessandra de Rossi has joined the cast of "Kamandag"? "Barkada na kami noon sa 'Click' pa kaya excited ako to work with her again. "

She says she's reluctant to have kissing scenes with him as he's "sobrang guwapo"? "Magtigil nga siya, siya nga itong nagpapa-sexy sa underwear fashion show ng Bench at award-winner na siya. "

Is it true he's now dating his leading lady, Jewel Mische, and they're often seen together in his car?

"Jewel is very sweet and easy to get along with, so after the taping, sometimes, we have coffee together. Pero hindi madalas 'yun, mga twice pa lang. Sa cast kasi siya, yung iba, kilalang-kilala ko na, unlike her na newcomer pa lang, so ngayon pa lang namin kinikilala ang isa't isa, which is important kasi we work together almost everyday. Ganun lang 'yon. "

SLOW BUT SCARY

MOTHER LILY hosted a Christmas party for the press at her Valencia digs last Saturday. Present were stars of her three entries in the Metro filmfest. From "Bahay Kubo" came Gloria Romero (who turned 73 on Dec. 16), Yasmien Kurdi, Jiro Manio and Rita Iringan. From "Shake Rattle & Roll 9" came Lovi Poe, Boots Anson Roa, Matt Evans (whose hair is now straight) and Melissa Ricks. Representing "Desperadas" were Ruffa Gutierrez, Rufa Mae Quinto, Iza Calzado and Jay-R. Director Joel Lamangan, who megged "Bahay Kubo" and "Desperadas" was also there. Mother Lily raffled off many prizes from quezo de bola and coffee sets to refrigerator, TV, aircon, bicycles, and freezer.

The following night, "Shake Rattle & Roll 9" was premiered at SM Megamall and, although all episodes were a bit slow moving, the viewers still got the chance to let off deafening screams especially in the "Christmas Tree" episode when the tree came to life and swallowed John Lapus alive, then chased the family of Boots Anson Roa, Gina Alajar, John Prat, Lovi Poe, Nash Aguas and Sophia Baars. Whoever designed the monstrous tree deserves a pat on the back for a job well done. It really looks very real on the big screen and definitely scary.

Also effective is the "Engkanto" episode when the deadly evil spirit played by Katrina Halili summoned zombies from a dead tree that started chasing Matt Evans, Melissa Ricks, Mart Escudero, Felix Roco and Jewel Mische. As for the "Bangungot" episode, it looks like its story idea was inspired by "Nightmare on Elm St. " as the terrifying plotline happens while the major characters, played by Roxanne Guinoo, Dennis Trillo and Pauleen Luna are asleep and dreaming. Roxanne has the biggest role as Dennis' boss and former girlfriend who's obsessively in love with him that she performs a ritual that unleashes their mutual nightmares. She was agressive in that scene where she grabs Dennis' face and starts kissing hungrily on the lips. There's even a twist in her personal story in the end and Roxanne's performance as the beleaguered anti-heroine is definitely very convincing.

A TREAT FROM MOTHER RICKY

BEAUTY tycoon Ricky Reyes tendered a party for the press at his mansion in Valle Verde VI (which he said will be up for sale soon as it's time for him to move again to a new and more lavish abode) and party organizer Aster Amoyo was surprised because gatecrashers also came to the exclusive affair. It's good Mother Ricky had the affair catered so the food didn't run out even if more guests came than expected.

Mother Ricky is glad that his Philippines Hair Diva Search 2007 is getting very good feedback from viewers and the public in general. There are now seven remaining contenders and they went around offering their services to some residents in Bgy. Don Manuel in Quezon City. In return for their services, they asked for clothes, toys and food from their clients and they will give all the goodies they collected to The Childhouse whose needy wards are their beneficiaries. The show is aired on QTV 11 every Sunday from 10 a. m. to 11 a. m. Find out who among the remaining candidates will emerge as winner and becomes the first Philippines Hair Diva.

"All of them deserve to win dahil puro magaganda at inspiring ang life stories nila," says Mother Ricky. "Kaya lang, siyempre, this is a competition and only one will win. "

Jessica Soho GOES TO MEXICO

PINOYS are fond of things Mexican because of telenovelas like "MariMar" and the Mexican pugilists defeated by Pinoy boxers like Manny Pacquiao. As "Kapuso Mo , Jessica Soho" turns three this Saturday, there is a blast of treats straight from Mexico . Jessica does full-length interview with MariMar's Sergio, Eduardo Capetillo. Soho also joins the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the most extravagant religious event of Mexico. She tries reaching the peak of Aztec Pyramid in Teotihucan. Find out if she manages to reach the top. Also, there is a feature on bullfighting - the most known leisure form for Mexicans. Catch all of the above at the 2007 Catholic Mass Media Awards Best TV News Magazine Show, Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho. KMJS airs right after Bitoy's Funniest Videos on GMA-7.

Source: People's Journal