Talk show host, a battered girlfriend

Author: Ethel Ramos
Column: Studio Whispers

MOST of her friends thought this entertain-ment show host meant it when she announced she had called it quits with her boyfriend, a band member. Imagine their chagrin when very recently, they heard a report that he had beaten her up.

She was reportedly black and blue when she emerged from a police precinct to file a complaint against her boyfriend.

She obviously changed her mind about making the event public when she realized that, in no time, she will be the talk of the town instead of her talking about her fellow celebrities in her talk show.

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Hajji Alejandro who was the "Crush ng Bayan" in his time because of his unique singing voice, was at the opening of the newest branch of the Sexy Chef, a restaurant for the health conscious, at the Loop of ABS-CBN. The Sexy Chef is owned by Hajjis daughters Rachel and Barni, but this branch, their fourth, is co-owned by the sisters with their boyfriends, Philip Palma (Rachels) and Brian Banta.

The original Sexy Chef along Katipunan Avenue, according to Rachel, is still operational. Their two other branches are in Golds Gym Alabang and Golds Gym Glorietta.

"We are Golds Gyms exclusive food provider," Barni related.

The Sexy Chef branch at ABS-CBN is the first restaurant-café-style outlet.

"Actually, the idea to open up a branch in ABS-CBNs The Loop came about when a popular young artista told me, Your Sexy Chef should really open here in ABS CBN. Marami dito ang gusting kumain ng mga healthy food but they have zero options.

"So, pinag-usapan namin itong magkapatid. And we both realized that if there are professionals who are most conscious of their bodies,mga taga showbiz nga. Nang marinig ito nina Philip at Brian, who are, like me and Barni, health enthusiasts, they suggested na sumusyo."

Although the café is located within the stations Loop area, it is open to the general public, both for dine in and pick up. Only in the business for two weeks, it is now being frequented by young and established stars, newscasters and models, who find it a welcome haven from their hectic schedule at ABS-CBN.

At the opening of the Sexy Chef at ABS-CBN were Maria Ressa of the Public Affairs Department of ABS-CBN, Mariel Alberto, head of Star Magic, the discovery and talent arm of ABS-CBN, writer Mickey Muñoz, director Rory Quintos, sexy star Aubrey Miles and singer Luke Mejares.

By the way, guess who Rachel and Barni entrusted with conceptualizing the layout of their latest Sexy Chef branch?

Well, no less than Rachels friend, former star now designer Robin da Roza. Robin said he patterned his design from the Central Perk Café in the Hollywood hit series, "Friends." Because of its hot pink and chocolate colors, the Sexy Chef café exudes an immediate coziness and warmth, while displaying an edginess highlighted by its unique and eye-catching wall design.

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Pokwang is now a regular host of "Wowowee" on ABS-CBN, along with Mariel Rodriguez, Valerie Concepcion and Willie Revillame. This means that shell be on TV seven days a week.

"Wowowee" is aired six days a week, Monday to Saturday. Every Sunday, Pokwang is featured in the sitcom, "Thats My Doc," with Aga Muhlach, Roderick Paulate, Bayani Agbayani, Jake Cuenca, Precious Lara Quigaman and Nova Villa.

"Thats My Doc," directed by Danni Caparas, is aired after "Sharon."

Source: Malaya