Yasmien joins Allan K in Japan

Column: If I Know
Author: Aster Amoyo

AFTER Angel Locsin (during her "Darna" days), Ogie Alcasid, Jonalyn Viray, Jennylyn Mercado, Mark Herras, Arnel Ignacio, Richard Gutierrez and Jewel Mische, it's Yasmien Kurdi and Allan K's turn to entertain and bring fun and joy to our kababayans in Tokyo, Japan when the Philippine Embassy (Tokyo) Labor Office mounts its joint celebration in commemoration of the Migrant Workers' Day and the 110th Philippine Independence Day on June 15 (Sunday), 9 a. m. to 4:30 p. m. to be held at the Oji Ayukayama Park in Tokyo, Japan. This will be Yasmien's first visit to Japan while Allan K. has been in and out of the Cherry Blossoms country.

"Thanks to GMA Pinoy TV! Finally, makakarating na rin ako ng Japan na dati-rati'y pinapangarap ko lang marating," says the star of "Babangon Ako't Dudurugin Kita. "

"Of course," bukod sa event na pupuntahan namin ni Kuya Allan, gusto kong mapuntahan ang Tokyo Disneyland," says an excited Yasmien.

Yasmien and Allan K. will be sent to Japan to promote GMA Pinoy TV and GMA Life TV with IPS' Access TV as its broadcast partner in Japan.

VISITING RUDY

ACTION star and former KAPPT prexy Rudy Fernandez is still battling with the "Big C" but his strong faith in the Lord keeps him going. It was in early 2006 when he was diagnosed with periampullary cancer (stage IV) which has already affected his liver. Since then, he has never stopped his endless medical procedures and treatments which include chemo therapy, radio-frequency ablation, PET-CT scans, etc.

Just like in the action movies he has starred in, Daboy (Rudy's pet name) is a fighter and he is fighting his biggest battle ever for his life. The strong support and prayers of his wife, Lorna Tolentino, his children - Mark Anthony, Ralph and Renz, close relatives and friends, fans and even from people he does not know continue to pour in.

Last Thursday afternoon, we had a chance to visit Daboy in his hospital bed together with good friends and colleagues Ricky Lo and Ronald Constantino. Mother Lily Monteverde came later with Direk Maryo J. de los Reyes in tow. Minutes later, Manay Lolit Solis together with Jojo Gabinete and Gorgy Rula arrived. While it pains us seeing Daboy in his sickbed, we truly admire his wife Lorna Tolentino for his continued strength and courage. LT doubles as special nurse and caregiver to her ailing husband.

Meanwhile, Daboy needs continued prayers.

SEN. JINGGOY WANTS TO MAKE ANOTHER MOVIE

ACTOR-politician Sen. Jinggoy Estrada is a strong contender for Best Actor in the upcoming Golden Screen Awards by the Entertainment Press Society for his good performance in MMFF's "Katas ng Saudi" megged by award-winning writer-director Joey Javier Reyes.

The award-winning movie was recently screened in Singapore and soon in Saudi Arabia. Because of the positive feedback the movie got, Sen. Jinggoy is inspired to produce a follow-up project which will tackle true friendship with Direk Joey still writing and directing it.

"Minsanan lang ako kung gumawa ng pelikula kaya gusto ko na matino at may moral value ang movie na gagawin ko," says the young senator.

His plans to do a movie with bosom buddies Sen. Bong Revilla, Phillip Salvador and Rudy Fernandez will have to be put on hold because of Daboy's present condition.
BIRTHDAY CELEBRANTS

ABS-CBN's Star Magic recently gathered their May celebrant talents for an intimate get-together with the entertainment press. They are Miles Ocampo, Krista Valle, Angel Sy, Jiro Manio, Chris Gutierrez, Alfonso Martinez,Carla Humphries, Nikki Bagaporo and Valerie 'Bangs' Garcia. Miles turned 11 last May 1. She started doing commercials at a young age and was an original member of "Goin' Bulilit. " She was last seen in "I've Fallen For You" and is now doing a movie with Sarah Geronimo as the singer's younger sister. She will also be seen in "Utoy" with comedy king Dolphy and singer-child actor Makisig Morales. Despite her busy schedule, Miles is a 6th grader at the School of Saint Anthony and dreams of becoming a flight attendant someday.

Krista Valle is half-British and half-Filipino and was launched in Star Circle Batch 15. She was last seen in the TV project "Abt Ur Luv" and is looking forward to more assigments. She celebrated her birthday last May 3 along with good friend, Valeen Montenegro.

Angel Sy turned eight last May 4. She was recently seen as the young Kim Chiu in "Maligno" and became part of "Princess Sarah," "Calla Lily" and "Anghel na Walang Langit. " She's a third grader at the Philadelphia School she is in the cast of ABS-CBN's Sunday kiddie gag show, "Goin' Bulilit. "

Award-winning young actor Jiro Manio is now 16 years old and his birthday was last May 9. He is best remembered for his sterling performance in "Magnifico". Being an actor, he doesn't mind portraying gay roles just like with what he did in the hit comedy movies, "Manay Po" and "Manay Po 2". He will also be seen in the sequel of "Tanging Ina" under Star Cinema.

Chris Gutierrez is the only grandson of showbiz legend Gloria Romero and the late Juancho Gutierrez. He also turned 16 last May 9. He is a junior student at La Salle-Greenhills. He was launched two years ago when be became part of Star Circle Batch 13.

Last May 19, Alfonso Martinez turned 21. He is the son of celebrity couple Albert Martinez and Liezl Sumilang-Martinez and of course, the favorite grandson of showbiz icon Amalia Fuentes.

Pretty Carla Humphries turned 20 last May 20. She is in the cast of Roxanne Guinoo's solo launching afternoon TV series, the TV remake of "Ligaw na Bulaklak. " She joins Melissa Ricks, Maja Salvador and Kim Chiu as cover girls of Preview Magazine.

Eleven-year-old Nikki Bagaporo's birthday was last May 23. Another regular of "Goin' Bulilit," Nikki was also in the cast of "Mga Anghel na Walang Langit" and "Flordeluna. " A six-grader at GSM Christian Academy, Nikki was awarded as Most Popular Child Perfomer in Guillermo Memorial Mendoza Awards. She loves attending jazz and hip-hop workshop.

Last but not the least, Valerie 'Bangs' Garcia turned 21 last May 26. A head-turner, Bangs was last seen in the action TV series, "Palos" and will soon be seen in the TV series, "Humingi Ka Sa Langit" and "Banana Split. "

<a_amoyo@pimsi. net>

Source: People's Journal