Toni, Isabel: Self-declared virgins

Author: Mario E. Bautista
Column: Dream Factory

ALTHOUGH she has been on with Paolo Contis for more than two years, Isabel Oli swears shes still a virgin.

"Hindi pa kami lumalampas doon sa dapat lampasan," she says. "Were both Christians and we believe we should do the right thing at the right time. Kasal muna, bago ang lahat."

Maybe Paolo is now preparing for their settling down as he is now building his own house. "May pinagagawa na nga siyang bahay pero matagal pa bago matapos yun kasi marami siyang kaartehan na gusto niyang maging kabuuan ng bahay niya."

So will she live there later?

"After the wedding siguro, kung matuloy man. Pero kung hindi pa kami kasal, no, dahil may sarili naman kaming bahay ng family ko."

Isabel plays a vital role in "Gagambino" as a childhood friend of title-roler Dennis Trillo. She has the power of an alakdan or scorpion so her powers come from her long hair that, when braided, acts like the tail of the scorpion that spews venom. "All of us in the cast trained in actual combat and also in how to make animal movements. Ako, yung kung paano ang galaw ng scorpion ang inaral ko. Doon ako sa action scenes nahihirapan kasi I have to use my hair against my opponents. May kasamangspecial effects kaya mae-enjoy talaga ng viewers."

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Some writers raised their eyebrows when Isabel Oli said shes still a virgin. The same thing happened with Toni Gonzaga who also claims shes a certified virgin. Director Paul Soriano is her first boyfriend and they have also not gotten beyond the bounds of decency.

"Maniwala ka sa mga yan?" says one writer.

In our case, wed like to give them the benefit of the doubt. Not all showbiz women are willing to go to bed with guys at the drop of a hat.

At the presscon of "My Only U," which is now showing nationwide, Toni said shell surrender her purity only to the guy who shell marry and who she wants to spend the rest of her life with.

"At yun naman ang isang mapupuri ko sa boyfriend," she says. "Hindi siya yung type na pipilitin akong gawin ang isang bagay against my principles. It helps of course that he is a Christian with good moral values and he respects me as a woman. Im also sure that he is faithful to me. I can feel his sincerity. Hindi siya yung two-timer na mahilig sa babae. Pareho rin naman kaming hindi nagmamadali magpakasal. Im only 24. Siguro six more years, kapag may sarili na kaming business, puede na."

Toni is very proud of "My Only U." "Its a movie that tackles a dark serious subject matter, death, but in a light and comic manner. The character I play expects na mamamatay siya agad kasi everyone in her family, hindi umaabot beyond 25 years of age. Nang malampasan ko yun, natuwa kami ng landlord and friend kong si Vhong Navarro, but it turns tinamaan pala ako ng sakit na lupus, so may taning na rin ang buhay ko. Vhong is secretly in love with me. Ang problema, paano niya ako pasasayahin sa mga nalalabing araw sa buhay ko? The movie is both funny and sad at the same time kaya ibang klase."

Her tandem with Vhong has been proven a gold mine at the box office in "D Anothers."

What does she think is the secret of her good chemistry with him?

"Siguro its the fact na we both have zany personalities. Pareho kaming masayahin and we complement each other. Also, hindi namin dinadaya ang publiko na kunwari, kami na, just to promote a movie, and the viewers like our honesty."

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What can Pauleen Luna say now that Gerald Anderson has denied courting her?

"Wala," she says. "Totoo namang hindi siya nanligaw sa akin. Naging magkaibigan lang kami when we met at a party. Kaya nga natatawa ko sa sinusulat ng ibang writers na matakot na si Kim dahil aahasin ko si Gerald sa kanya. Binabantayan pa raw ako sa taping, which is not true. Naku, ako na mismong nagsasabi, wala siyang dapat ikatakot. Kung manliligaw nga sakin si Gerald, aaminin ko naman, e. Hindi ko itatago. Actually, noong lumabas ang tsismis, matagal na kaming hindi nagkikita."

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Julia Clarete is one artist who has staying power because she knows how to reinvent herself. As a co-host of the countrys longest-running and top-rating noontime show "Eat Bulaga," she says shes now at a point in her life where she is very contented. "With a supportive husband and an adorable one-year-old son to complement my showbiz career, I really couldnt ask for more," she says. "I felt like I won P1 million when I became an Eat Bulaga co-host. Its the best thing that happened in my career. The show has really done wonders for me as it gave me the chance to develop my other potentials. I used to be very shy, but Im a funny person at heart. Being around seasoned and brilliant comedians in Eat Bulaga really helped hone me as a TV host and as a comedienne. At first, I was intimidated by them as theyre veterans, but everyone welcomed me with open arms and quickly put me at ease. Eventually, I was able to absorb their brilliance through osmosis as their sense of humor is really contagious. Now, Ive really blended in and this show and everybody in it is already part of my system. I never had the kind of friends and confidantes that I now have in my Eat Bulaga. I open up my life and my thoughts to them and to Tita Malou (Choa-Fagar) and theyre always willing to listen and give advice."

Aside from her daily "Eat Bulaga" schedule as a TV host, Julia also satisfies her passion for performing in various singing gigs at night. A talented singer and guitar player, Julia also writes her own songs. When the opportunity comes, she plans to start working on her next album. She is also a serious painter who has had several art exhibits and also a great actress who got good reviews for her notable past performances. In "Eat Bulaga," she often dons the persona of Julia Salamankera who presents magic tricks that are often amazing and hilarious at the same time. This ability to perform magic tricks and breathe life to the unique character of Julia Salamankera is another proof of Julias versatility as a performer. With her multiple talents and willingness to explore other potentials, Julia is undeniably one multi-faceted artist who has what it takes to keep evolving in the ever-changing world of showbiz.

Source: Malaya