MISS UNIVERSE 2018 TO BE HELD IN THE PHILIPPINES?

By | May 1, 2018

Chances are, the Miss Universe 2018 will be held anew in the Philippines. Department of Tourism head Wanda Teo reported its possibility for President Rodrigo Duterte gave a go signal to allow it, granting that China won’t push through with the plan to be the site of the said beauty pageant.
According to secretary Teo, the Miss Universe Organization has not confirmed which country will be chosen as venue. But just in case, President Duterte has suggested that some activities should be in Boracay. If ever, DOT would opt Boracay to be the place for the swimsuit competition. Well, after all the controversies, Boracay might recover from its arduous gauntlet.
Trivia:
Just recently, colleague Vir Gonzales recounted veteran songstress Imelda Papin tendered a reunion for her original writer-friends at the birthday bash of her long time manager June Quintana. Beforehand, June was hospitalized for his ailment. As ever, the ever helpful Imelda took care of his hospital bills.
Upon the mention of Vir that I was the only one not present on the occasion that made Imelda sad, the memories of our togetherness reverberated. In the early ‘70s, June oftentimes invited Vir, Roland Lerum, the late Efren Esteban and me at the Alex Soda Fountain Sing-Along restaurant in Rizal Avenue, Manila. Imelda was a regular singer there, fresh from Bicol.
Our group often dropped by to have a bonding time with Imelda. Eventually, June divulged to us that she got the break to be a recording artist. Since then, June took the job as her manager, became a part of her tremendous success as warbler highlighted by the title Jukebox Queen, out of her most popular Tagalog songs.
Later, Imelda not only sang the theme ditties of movies but enacted major roles, topped by the Fernando Poe Jr. starrer Mahal Saan Ka Nanggaling Kagabi?, the title too of her famous song. Albeit she was so occupied with her works, Imelda had not ceased to see us, always at sing-along bar.
To recall, it was Imelda who had given me enough confidence to sing with this encouragement, “Don’t be shy. You have a good voice. Just be relaxed while singing.” My idea then was she just pleased me but was truly surprised. That time, Imelda told us for a change she would sponsor a show called Movie Reporters in Concert.
Unexpectedly, Imelda included me in the performers, with June, Efren and real warblers Lhar Santiago, a Student Canteen TV show singing champ and Rey Pumaloy who used to be a back up singer of Nora Aunor before they turned writers. The duo supported me, June and Efren not to be nervous during the actual show.
With the attendance of colleagues, showbiz celebrities and concert followers held at the Café Nicholas at the Malate, Manila, it was a big challenge for our group. Interestingly, that transpired before the EDSA People Power February Revolution the next day.
Looking back, the fact Imelda underwent dissapointments on her love life and in politics, she has remained a strong yet softhearted woman, the character that endears her to our group up to this day.
Michael V Creates a Stir in Singapore
In Singapore to interview the stars of The Avengers: Infinite War, Michael V didn’t expect he would create a stir. He personally met Robert Dawney Jr. of Iron Man fame and personally handed him the sketch he made on Robert. The latter was impressed, posted it at the Instagram which caught the fancy of media and Singaporeans who’ve been amazed by Michael’s comic style too.
Actor Benedict Cumberbatch who delineates Dr. Strange in The Avengers.. got his sketch too from Michael. A source from Singapore reported Michael won the admiration of TV, movie producers there who have shown gumption to offer him projects. Upon his return to the Philippines, Michael posted several photos with the Hollywood actors.
Luis, Kim Criticize by TV Viewers
Both Luis Manzano and Kim Chiu got egregious criticisms by some TV viewers in their regular programs. As the host of I Can See your Voice, Luis threw uncalled for offensive jokes to co-worker Bayani Agbayani. Allegedly, he insulted Bayani out of his poor English and diction that was an insult..But Luis retaliated.
“The critics should be careful for their comments. For one, Bayani and I are good pals. Before the show, we agreed it’s a part of our comic lines..Kayo ang kulang sa pangunawa.”
In Kim’s case, allegedly she failed in her dance number in ASAP Sunday TV program apparently showing she’s not a good dancer. Its choreographer Geocelle Sy expounded if was not Kim’s fault for the G-Force group who performed with Kim committed unequal acrylic, not good transition. Besides, Kim had a limited practice of the said number.
Mark’s Video Scandal Returns
After 12 years the viral video scandal of Mark Herras returns which truly puzzles him who uploaded it and what’s the purpose. Mark is worried not for himself but for the reaction of his girlfriend Winwyn Marquez, the actress who won Reina Hispano Americana 2017 who, at this writing is in Las Vegas
Over the phone, Winwyn reportedly stated that Mark shouldn’t be affected, a past issue that it was.” But I’ve the opinion that the culprit’s motive is to ruin my relationship with Winwyn.”Says Mark who banners the new TV drama series The Cure.
A Rift Between Dennis and Jennylyn?
Weeks back, Jennylyn Mercado hinted an engagement with lover Dennis Trillo. However, in the recent admission of Jen, she denied she’s not engaged with him. If anything, this caused the insensate talks the two have a severe misunderstanding. A co-writer did hush-hush to me Jen’s exact words.
“That’s not true. Firstly, we never announced our marriage plans so it’s only opinion of others. Secondly, we’re both occupied with our TV series. Dennis is busy with The One Who Got Away and I’ve started The Cure, my first action role. Wala kaming away whatsoever.”
Blind Item:
A hunk actor vividly recalled to a close chum about his past with this lovely actress who was once his girlfriend. He acquiesced that she was madly in love with him to the point of giving everything to please him, including sex. Yet it was his fault why their affair went kaput, feeling fusty then.
“Na-feel ko nagsawa ako sa pagka aggressive niya. I made a move to split with her. Yes, we remain friends but I can sense she still nurtures the pains I had done to her.” My source quoted the actor to say.
Latest Tidbits:
In the latest survey of Pulse Asia, among the top 12 who would make it in next senatoriable election are senators Grace Poe, Cynthia Villar, Pia Cayetano, Bam Aquino, Nancy Binay, JV Ejercito, Jinggoy Estrada, Lito Lapid, broadcaster Erwin Tulfo, Imee Marcos and Gen. Ronald dela Rosa.
Once again, a fiery Kris Aquino replied to bashers who criticize her for not allowing Bimby to be with his dad James Yap. At Kris’ Instagram, she insinuated Bimby doesn’t deserve James who’s abusive hypocrite, fake and user. Well, Kris implied that she only protects her son not to emasculate while growing up. Ah, expect James to contravene her offensive accusations.
Since Jasmine Curtis Smith inked a contract under GMA-7 tongue-waggers scatter she’s in a tiff with Maine Mendoza. Allegedly, it all started when Maine’s fans call Jasmine a mere starlet. Maine dismissed the folderol issue being in good relationship with Jasmine and even her sibling Anna Curtis. Truth to tell, Maine is willing to have a project with Jasmine and vice versa.
Luis Manzano intimated to scribes he can’t find a word to express his thanks to his girlfriend Jessy Mendiola who surprised him on his 37th birthday days back. Through Jessy, for the first time his parents Cong. Vilma Santos and Edu Manzano came along, together with his stepdad sen. Ralph Recto. With the presence of Luis’s half brother Ryan Christian by Vilma and Ralph plus Jessy’s family, it was most memorable natal day for Luis.
Did you know that Korean Ryan Bang who gains fame in the Philippines as TV host-actor finally got an offer from South Korea? Ryan seems to prioritize on staying in Manila, what with his lead movie role assignments led by Da One that Ghost Away, opposite Kim Chiu.