Joross admits past with Katrina

Author: Aster Amoyo
Column: If I Know

Joross Gamboa admits that he really went out with Katrina Halili before.

"Yes, but those were (just) exploratory dates, parang getting-to-know-each-other. Wala lang. But it didn't prosper because we both got busy," confirms the handsome star.

How does he feel that Kat is said to be very close to R & B singer Kris Lawrence these days? The voluptuous star even admitted that she invited Kris to their home in Palawan last Halloween.

"It is okay. As I've said, what Kat and I had before was just initial stage. We were just starting to go out. I can see they're very close and I'll be happy for them if ever. Kat naman remains a friend. "

Recently, his past flame Roxanne Guinoo figured in a controversy with ex-BF Jake Cuenca when they were in Guam. Asked for his opinion, Joross calmly answers:

"Honestly, I didn't believe the news. Based on how I know her, she wouldn't do something like that. Remember, we were on for a year so I would know. What I can say about Roxanne is that she can fall in love so deeply. During our time, no physical violence happened so it's really hard to believe what came out in the news. "

Joross' message to Roxanne?

"Sana, anuman ang pinagdadaanan niya, malampasan niya. I wish her all the best. "

On the career front, Joross is clearly on the upswing. Aside from the sexy comedy "One Night Only," which is an official entry to the forthcoming Metro Manila Film Festival, he is also part of the indie movie, "Sumpa. " He'll be pitting acting skills with the seasoned Mark Gil. The good-looking heartthrob also plays an important role in the Cristine Reyes' soap Eva Fonda, at ABS-CBN 2.

CO-STARS INSECURE OF OGIE?

AT the recent press conference for "Desperadas 2," one of Regal Films' official entries to the 2008 Metro Manila Film Festival, Ogie Alcasid surprised showbiz scribes when he appeared in a green gown and was fully made up. Actually, it's his character Luga Luda in the Joel Lamangan project. His presence brought the house down.

But of course, there were sacrifices on his part.

"I had to come to the set two hours before the actual call time because I had to be made up and it's no easy task. And once I'm wearing the gown already, I couldn't pee anymore. I had to do it before the take. It's hard but as I see the rushes, it was all worth it. I'm thankful to Mother Lily (Monteverde) and Direk Joel (Lamangan) for considering me for the part. Originally, the role was intended for Eugene Domingo. "

This early, many are saying that he's a shoo-in for an acting award and that he stole the thunder from the four gorgeous ladies.

"No naman. All of us have our moments in the movie. Ruffa (Gutierrez), Rufa Mae (Quinto), Iza (Calzado) and Marian (Rivera) are all good actresses. I don't think they felt insecure with me whatsoever. We all did our best and what's important is that we all had a good time doing the film," says Ogie.

TIM'S NEW SHOW

"LIVING It Up" host Tim Yap has a new show titled Tim's Table. What makes it special is that it's the first on-line celebrity talk show in the country.

"We had a successful launching last November 8. Actually, the program's format is lifestyle, talk and celebrity-oriented rolled into one. It is comprised of five parts which we tag as 'webisodes'. Like in fine dining, we serve it in chronological order. We start with appetizers then end with dessert. We discuss anything. For my first episode, our topic was aphrodisiacs," the bubbly TV personality informs.

Asked why he ventured into an on-line show, Tim simply said:

"For me kasi, life can't wait, eh. I'm doing this because I want to become a better host. Perhaps, I just know how to make my own opportunities. This is the future. My role model is Oprah Winfrey who also experiments on a lot of things. "

On a lighter note, Tim is also busy with worthwhile projects like the recently concluded Artist's Fair Filipino which is already on its fourth year.

"That's right. This year, our theme was Paskong Pilipino. We held it at the second floor of SM Mall of Asia last November 29-30. It's actually a bazaar where we sold old clothes. With me in this project were hot stars KC Concepcion, Richard Gutierrez, Iza Calzado, etc. Proceeds of the event went go to the Verlani Foundation. It feels good if you know how to give back to charity. "

WHY ALEX CAN'T STOP WORKING

SPEAKING of "One Night Only," Alessandra de Rossi doesn't mind if she's sharing the spotlight with Katrina Halili, Jennylyn Mercado, Valerie Concepcion and Diana Zubiri. In a big cast like this, one concern will be equal length of exposure.

"Actually, it's no problem. I just do my best naman in every project I make. Wala naman kasi 'yan sa pahabaan ng role. What's important is you deliver. Isn't it nice if the viewers will remember you for your performance?

"Like my character Angela. She's a naïve provincial gal who is a movie bit player. You should watch my scenes with Paolo (Contis) inside the motel room. It's simply riotous. We were assigned the most comedic moments and we enjoyed it a lot," explains the actress known for her being frank.

At present, she's one of the busiest Kapamilya stars. Apart from "Betty La Fea," she will also be seen in the upcoming projects "Tayong Dalawa" and "Dragonna. " She also appeared in "MMK" recently. She's really on a roll.

"I'm working for my family kasi, eh. I send money to Italy regularly. My dad is already retired. I have two younger sisters going to school. Margarita (18), will be in college soon while Isabel (16) is in high school.

"I can't afford to be idle. That's the reason why I moved to ABS. I'm happy naman because they are giving me projects. But I'm not exclusive to them, huh. Alam mo naman ako, strike anywhere. Wherever there's work, count me in," she says with a laugh.

Interestingly, Alex will be out of the country this Yuletide season.

"Yes, I will be spending it in Italy. Sinagot ni Assunta (de Rossi, her sister) ang fare. I was telling her nga to include shopping money, eh. (Laughs. )But I think, she and Jules (Ledesma, Assunta's husband) are also coming. It'll be a happy gathering for sure. "

Source: People's Journal