Regine returns to hosting singing contest with Keempee

Author: Joseph Peter R. Conzalez
Column: Life & Entertainment

Regine Velasquez admits that hosting a singing contest on television is close to her heart because it reminds her of her struggling days as a singer before reaching her present stature as a premier diva. Now, the Songbird is hosting GMA-7s latest singing search called Are You the Next Big Star, slated to air beginning Saturday (May 16).

Its a big honor and privilege that I was once again chosen to headline the show. For one, this is GMAs grandest singing tilt to date. Well have two champions: one male, one female. These hopefuls will each be rewarded with a whopping P1 million, a GMA exclusive management contract plus a recording contract with GMA Records, she says.

In Are You the Next Big Star ?, Keempee de Leon is Regines co-host.

I think its great. When management told me about it, I felt happy for Keempee. Hes one talented guy. Not only is he a competent actor and singer but a host as well. Here in Are You the Next Big Star, he will be the one interviewing the contestants from Day One of the competition.

Keempee will be with the candidates on and off the stage. He will get to know their personal lives: their dreams, aspirations, frustrations and what drives them to join the contest. He will become attached to these singing hopefuls. Keempee will definitely add an exciting flavor to each episode. He is the heart of the show.

Ai Ais new love

Many are happy to know that Ai Ai de las Alas is presently dating a Venezuelan model named Julio Cabrera. He is 25 years old and seems to be smitten by the charms of the Comedy Concert Queen. Actually, hes in town to see her.

According to Ai Ai, theyre still in the getting-to-know-each-other stage but stresses that Julio is kind. They are into group dates with some of their common friends.

Funny but at first, Julio didnt know that Ai Ai is a popular celebrity in the country until one of his friends told him.

The guy speaks Spanish but also understands English so communication isnt a stumbling block between them.

From Sergio to Cholo

After Ang Babaeng Hinugot Sa Aking Tadyang, Dingdong Dantes next project for GMA-7 is the remake of the hit Koreanovela Stairway to Heaven in which he will play Cholo. Many believe it will mark another milestone in Dingdongs career since it will be his first time to do a local adaptation of a Koreanovela.

Obviously surprised with the announcement, Dingdong told his fans that he will never let them down with this new role assigned to him. Prior to the formal announcement, there were already speculations that Dong was being considered for the Cholo part although his manager (Perry Lansigan) maintained they still didnt receive any offer yet. But now that its official, the sexy actor couldnt contain his excitement and is looking forward to its first taping day.

Since Stairway to Heaven is an all-out dramatic love story, the strong chemistry between its lead stars is an important factor. In the original version, Korean actress Choi Ji-woo was a perfect match for Kwon Sang-woo. Together, they really set the screen on fire. For GMA-7 adaptation, it would truly be a challenge to find Dingdong a new partner whose screen presence is as arresting and complementing as Marian Riveras. Dong and Marian undoubtedly make a handsome on-screen pair thats why the public love them together.

At present, some of the names floating for the part of the female lead Jodi are Jennylyn Mercado, Nadine Samonte, and Heart Evangelista. Its also thrilling to know who will be tapped to play Eunice, the other girl in the story who will make life hard for Jodi and will become her rival for Cholos affection.

Source: Manila Standard Today