No love lost between Ruffa and Lloydy

Author: Isah V. Red
Column: Life & Entertainment

John Lloyd Cruz is 26 today (born on June 24, 1983, feast day of St. John the Baptist), but the actor who didn’t imagine he’d get this popular when he was discovered at Sta. Lucia East Grandmall is not in town to throw a big bash.

He left last Sunday for the US where he will have a part in the Star Magic artists’ two-city tour.

Friday before his departure, Lloydy (as he is known among his closest friends) met with the press. Nursing a cough and slight fever (no, it wasn’t H1N1, he insisted), he indulged the nosy reporters with answers to questions that pointedly referred to the rumors about him and Betty La Fea co-star Ruffa Gutierrez, a decade older than he is.

“It doesn’t feel right if I speak about it,” the actor said. “I don’t like the idea of embarrassing other people, but since all of you are eagerly asking about it, then I’ll answer you.”

On how he felt that Ruffa and her mother Annabelle Rama had kissed and made up, he said, “I am happy that they did and that’s the only thing I can say because my knowledge of the circumstances that led to their tiff was limited.”

On how he felt about Annabelle’s dare to admit that he love’s Ruffa, John Lloyd seemed exasperated but answered the question anyway, saying, “To be man enough [magpakalalake] to admit something when there is none? What will I admit when the word ‘love’ doesn’t even exist in us?”

Lloydy explained though that he and Ruffa will remain friends whatever happens. Intrigues, insinuations, innuendoes and whatever gossip hurled at him will not change that.

“I am just hoping it will die a natural death,” he said referring to the rumor that he and Ruffa are a couple now. Recently named by the Guillermo Mendoza Memorial as Philippine movies’ Box Office King after being declared and given the same title by the SM cinemas, Yes Magazine also named him the third most powerful celebrity in the country today. He will soon be seen in a movie with Vilma Santos that also stars Luis Manzano who plays his lover.

The tabloid press is so hot about his “kissing scene” with Manzano. Lloydy pleads, “Let’s not make a big deal out of it. It’s part of the movie and it’s not even torrid. It was just a brush on our lips not a kiss. Besides, this is not my movie, this is Ate Vi’s movie, so please all I want is for us to respect the people involved in the movie.”

Now, the birthday boy is having fun in Los Angeles with his relatives and maybe some other Kapamilya stars, but his heart is here in Manila where his family is all enjoying the fruits of his success.

Piolo Pascual in Maruja?

Sorry, I wasn’t able to predict this one… Piolo is going to be in Komiks Presents Mars Ravelo’s Nasaan Ka Maruja.

The star that the Kapamilya network refers to as the Ultimate Heartthrob makes a dashing entry into the world of Cristy (Kristine Hermosa).

This was revealed to us last Saturday during a hastily organized press conference to announce Piolo’s stint in the Saturday primetime series.

Actually, Piolo had known he’d be in the cast all along. “Magaling lang akong magtago,” he said in jest. “But I was able to tape my parts before I left for Paris [for the series I Love Paris with KC Concepcion] but just didn’t want to spoil the fun.”

Piolo will play Gabriel, the real one, in Cristy’s dream as Maruja.

“I will be in the series till the end,” he revealed. “But I can’t elaborate on the details of my character. I believe it will make the series more interesting.”

The actor didn’t mind that he is only playing a cameo. “It’s fun to be with Kristine after a long time. I’ve always wanted to work with her again, and when this opportunity came along, I just couldn’t say ‘no’ and besides this will give me another level of experience,” he said.

Piolo’s character, as Gabriel, exists in the past, so he is mostly in period costume.

Meanwhile, he is also busy, apart from I Love Paris, with the promotion of his indie film Manila, which Star Cinema agreed to distribute commercially.

Agimat cast introduced

Gerald Anderson, Jake Cuenca, Coco Martin, and Jolo Revilla are thee four male young stars that will play lead roles in Agimat, the new series being developed by ABS-CBN.

Except for Jolo, the three were given the blessings of Ramon Revilla Sr. when the casting call was made.

Agimat will be based on four movies that starred the senior Revilla before he became a politician.

ABS-CBN bought the rights to the titles and the network is working on the format, storyline, and pre-production requirements of the new forthcoming series. The choices of the cast have been based on the success of Tayong Dalawa which features Gerald Anderson along with Coco Martin and Jake Cuenca.

Do we see Kim Chiu in the cast in one of the series?

Toni gives back through Red Cross

Despite a busy career split among acting, performing and hosting on a film and television, multimedia star Toni Gonzaga still manages to squeeze in a moment to help people in need. And this time, she extends both her hand and voice to one of the biggest projects launched by the Philippine National Red Cross in hand with recording label giant Star Records.

Toni, handpicked by Red Cross secretary general Gwen Pang, joins fellow talented artists in the local music industry such as Rock Princess Yeng Constantino and Prince of Pop Erik Santos in singing the upbeat theme song “Bagong Umaga,” included in the inspirational album called I Move, I Give, I Love for the Red Cross’s 150th anniversary worldwide.

“Siyempre, it’s an honor na makasama at maging part ng family ng Red Cross,” shares Toni. After serving as a member of the local government for five years, this is not the first time she has worked with the organization. During her term, which only ended last year, Red Cross was involved with health-and-sanitation-related projects Toni pushed through.

Meanwhile, like Erik and Yeng, Toni has also waived her talent fee for this project. “Bilang isang artista, paraan na rin namin ito para maibalik sa mga tao ang blessings [na natatanggap namin].” And according to the managing director of Star Records, Annabelle Regalado-Borja, the proceeds of the album will go to the Red Cross.

Also included in the Red Cross’s anniversary celebration, to be held today at the Mall of Asia Grounds in Pasay City, is a night of jamming with the artists who are part of the cause.

Pokwang’s apology

Last June 15, Pokwang (Marietta T. Subong in real life) went to the office of Ma. Consoliza P. Laguardia, chairman of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board, to apologize to her after she used boxing gloves bearing a representation of the Philippine flag during the June 12 broadcast of Wowowee.

Pokwang immediately made an apology after she was advised that she should not have used the boxing gloves. She promised Laguardia that she will not commit the same mistake.

Diether to the Edsa People Power Commission?

Actor Diether Ocampo received a letter from commissioner Christopher L. Carrion, Edsa People Power Commission co-chairman, inviting him to be a commissioner for the next three years. Should he accept the invitation, he will be in the company of former Senator Heherson Alvarez, Bro. Rolando Dizon, retired Gen. Antonio Sotelo, commissioner George Sarmiento, Rep. Agapito “Butz” Aquino, pastor “Boy” Saycon, undersecretary Arturo Valdez, Belinda Cunanan, Maan Hontiveros, among others.

The actor has not confirmed or accepted. He said in a text message that this is a big responsibility and that he might not be able to meet people’s expectations. He needs more time to think about it.

Sharon’s ‘Wings’

With her upcoming movie and US concert tour this month, you can only imagine how Sharon Cuneta can juggle her time as a distinguished actress and as a mom to her three beautiful daughters. But the Megastar didn’t get her title for nothing. You see, she does not settle with mediocrity—not for herself, and never for her family. Sharon Cuneta shines, not only while acting in front of the camera, but also when taking care of her family. That’s why The Megastar chooses only the best for herself and her family; to keep them both clean and germ-free. The Megastar chooses Wings Activeguard Bar as her new partner in giving the best care for her family.

Source: Manila Standard Today

Copyright © 2005 - 2009. Telebisyon.net. This article is a copyright property of Manila Standard Today. This page serves as an archived copy of the article written by Isah V. Red. All rights reserved. No part of this website shall be copied or reproduced in any means possible without explicit permission from the owners.