Running, not running

Author: Ethel Ramos
Column: Studio Whispers

IT IS almost sure that when Edu Manzano runs for the senate in the coming elections, he will be with the ticket of former President Joseph "Erap" Estrada.

So will Grace Poe-Llamanzares, daughter of the late Fernando Poe, Jr., who is also aiming for a senatorial spot.

President Erap reportedly will announce his party's senatorial line-up – and confirm his decision to run again for the top post – on October 21 (not October 14, as previously reported).

How true is the report that he will most likely have Makati Mayor Jojo Binay for his running mate?

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Meanwhile, Mikee Cojuangco has denied the rumor that she will run for governor of Tarlac in the 2010 elections.

She said she will be busy this election campaigning for her cousin, Senator Noynoy Aquino, in his bid for the presidency.

Mikee's dad, Peping Cojuangco is a brother of Senator Noynoy's mom, the late President Cory Aquino.

Mikee has also denied that her husband Dudut Jaworski is running for public office.

Dudut ran for mayor in Pasig in the last elections. Unfortunately, he lost.

He once served as congressman of the lone district of Pasig City.

It's now Atty. Roman Romulo, son of Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Romulo, who holds the said position.

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The cast and crew of the GMA 7 series, "Ikaw Sana," are working double time. They want to tape as many scenes as possible to show while their director, Joel Lamangan, goes away to direct Regal Films' "Mano Po 6: My Mother," which is earmarked for this year's Metro Manila Film Festival. It will star Sharon Cuneta.

Part of the movie will be shot in Beijing, China.

"Everyone in showbiz knows that Direk Joel is a fast worker, so it's likely that he will be able to finish the movie in 20 shooting days, as agreed," said a kibitzer.

"Kaso, you can never tell when things might go wrong, like when typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng struck. O some other natural calamities."

"Mano Po 6" is produced by Mother Lily Monteverde's film outfit, Regal Entertainment. Others in the cast are Christopher de Leon, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Boots Anson-Roa, Dennis Trillo, Ciara Sotto and Heart Evangelista.

In featured roles are "Pinoy Big Brother: Teen Edition">Pinoy Big Brother: Teen Edition" runner-up Nicole Uytengsu and child actor John Manalo.

Playing special roles are Kris Aquino and Jericho Rosales.

The series, "Ikaw Sana," stars Jennylyn Mercado, Mark Herras, Mariz and senior actress Luz Valdez.

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Speaking of Luz Valdez, she is the reason Dina Stalder, owner of the BCP Dermatological Corporation, came to know about the Dominican Sisters of Regina Rosarii, which has its ministry, the Regina Rosarii Center for Contemplative Prayer at 70 Scout Fernandez, Quezon City.

It was from Luz, too, that Dina heard about the current advocacy of the congregation, their relief operation in Tanay, Rizal, which was badly hit by typhoon Ondoy.

During a mass two Saturdays ago, Sister Eppie, head of the congregation, mentioned the need of Ondoy's victims in Tanay for medicines for athlete's foot.

Dina's company makes dermatological products, including Dermablend and Dermalaine, which are now available in most supermarkets and department stores. And it so happens they also make anti-bacterial products, including cream for alipunga.

Through Luz, Dina immediately had four cartons of the anti-bacterial products delivered to the Dominican Sisters' ministry.

Sister Eppie wrote in her card of thanks to Dina: "Our God has manifested itself through you and your medicines.

"We were silently wishing to have these medicines.

"Thank you and may God bless you always."

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Jaclyn Jose has never regretted having two kids, even if they were born out of wedlock. If at all, she considers being a mom a blessing. Because of her two kids, she has been inspired to work harder. She wants them to have the best, especially when it comes to their education.

Jacklyn's firstborn, Andi (by Mark Gil), is now in college. Occasionally, Andi appears on TV. Jacklyn allows her to do so on one condition – that she not neglect her studies.

Jacklyn's son is in elementary school.

Considered one of the best actresses we have, Jaclyn has been working without let-up.

Currently, she is in the cast of "Nagsimula sa Puso," which launches Maja Salvador to stardom. This series, aired weekdays on ABS-CBN, also stars Coco Martin, Jason Abalos, Gloria Diaz, Joseph Bitangcol, Nina Jose and Gloria Romero. Direction is by Malou Sevilla.

"Nagsimulla" comes on the heels of another series, "Your Song Presents… Babalik Ka Rin," which also featured Jacklyn, this time as a villainous mother to Cristine Reyes.

"Dito sa 'Nagsimula…,' I play a similar role. Mamaltratuhin ko rin si Maja. But for a reason. Gusto ko sundin niya ako kung sino ang lalaking gusto kong pakasalan niya. Dahil alam kong iyon ang makakabuti sa kanya."

And how was it working with Maja?

"She is a revelation," Jaclyn answered. "Pinatunayan niyang she is a true Salvador."

The Salvador clan is well-known in the acting profession. Included are award-winning actor Phillip, the late Mina Aragon and Alona Alegre.

Jacklyn is a much-awarded thespian. When asked what more she wishes for, she answered: "More work, as I feel bored if I'm not working.

"At saka, sana nga bagong characters nang ma-challenge ang pagiging creative ko as a performer."

Source: Malaya