Vic to whisk Pia off to a secret destination abroad

Author: Ethel Ramos
Column: Studio Whispers

Christian Bautista is happy for former girlfriend, singer Rachelle Ann Go, who has found a new love in Gary Valenciano's son, Gabe Valenciano. In his case, he says he has remained loveless since they broke up last year.

This doesn't mean, Christian is quick to add, that he has no intention of falling in love again. It's just that he doesn't want to rush into another relationship.

"I'd rather take my time," he says. "Besides, busy din naman ako. In fact, I've just finished a new album, titled 'Romance Revisited: The Love Songs of Jose Mari Chan.'"

The album is produced by "platinum producer" Ito Rapadas, under the Universal Records label.

"Romance Revisited: The Love Songs of Jose Mari Chan" is a 19-track concept album which contains Christian's rendition of songs popularized by OPM luminary and "Double Diamond Artist" Jose Mari Chan.

In the album are Christian's collaboration with OPM's biggest names, Asia's Songbird Regine Velasquez (with whom he did a duet of Jose Mari's original song, "My Girl, My Woman, My Friend"), "Asia's Nightingale" Lani Misalucha ("Here and Now"), "Pop Princess" Sarah Geronimo ("Please Be Careful With My Heart") and Jose Mari Chan himself ("A Heart's Journey").

"He has always been my (singing) idol ever since. Kaya when I was told I'd do a remake of a number of his songs and he approved, I was overwhelmed," reveals Christian.

To date, Jose Mari's songs remain one of the most requested on radio stations, adds Christian. Jose Mari is a familiar name among all music lovers in Asia and in several countries in the US and Europe.

Plans are in the works to make Christian's latest album available in Asia. Just like his first single, "The Way You Look At Me," from his debut album released in Indonesia and other Asian countries, which earned quadruple platinum status.

In Indonesia, "Romance Revisited…" will be released under Indonesia's biggest record label, PT Aquarius Records (which also released Jose Mari's "Constant Change" in the '80s).

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Vic Sotto is treating Pia Guanio to a trip abroad for her birthday this month.

This early, Pia has already informed her producer in the GMA 7 shows, including "Showbiz Central" and "Saksi," that she is taking a leave of absence.

Until now, Pia sayls that Vic has not told her where they are going.

It was in "Showbiz Central" where Vic hinted that he might get hitched for the second time while being interviewed about his entry in the Metro Manila Film Festival entry, "Ang Darling Kong Aswang." Although, he didn't mention Pia's name as the girl he'll marry, everybody, including us, concluded that it is Pia who'll be the next Mrs. Vic Sotto.

Vic was formerly married to actress Dina Bonnevie, with whom she has two kids, Danica, now Mrs. Marc Pingris, and Oyo.

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Aga Muhlach and Raymond Lauchengco first appeared together in the movie, "Bagets." Both were still teenagers then and "Bagets" was their first movie together.

No need to say that after "Bagets," Aga became a young actor to reckon with. He started doing movies one after the other.

Raymond, on the other hand, became more popular as a singer and recording star. But occasionally he still did movies.

Now both married, Aga to Charlene Gonzales, with whom he has twins Atasha and Andres, and Raymond to non-showbiz Mia Rocha (they have a kid), the two are reunited in the Viva Films movie, which also pairs Aga again with Regine Velasquez.

"Raymond plays my elder brother in the movie," related Aga. "Dahil I had no idea he would be in it, nagulat ako when I saw him on the set when I reported for shooting.

"We had a lot of catching up to do. Kaya sa tuwinang may break kami sa siyuting, kuwentuhan kami ng kuwentuhan."

Aga learned that doing films and TV shows are just a sideline for Raymond, who is now a professional photographer. Raymond owns and manages a photo studio, with varied clientele.

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Two-year-old Baby James Yap will wear a barong designed and executed by noted couturier-designer Randy Ortiz as ring bearer at the wedding of Senator Mar Roxas and TV host cum newscaster Korina Sanchez.

The wedding is set on October 27 (Tuesday) at the Santo Domingo Church. There's no mention as to where the wedding reception will be held. This early, it is said that Gaita Fores, a cousin of Senator Mar and owner of a chain of restaurants, including Cibo and Pepato, will cater the food.

Source: Malaya