MANILA, Philippines—Although she was previously linked to a married politico, Controversial Star has a back-up lover: A similarly married scion of a political clan.

This soap opera has a twist: A close relative of the Boy Toy used to be married to CS’ Current Partner.

At a recent show biz event, CP was spotted conversing lengthily, seriously, with BT’s wife. He was reportedly apologizing for CS’ indiscretion.

Mega delay

Sharon Cuneta’s comeback movie with Star Cinema has hit a snag again. The shoot in Europe was reportedly delayed by almost a month.

A show biz observer noted that the constant delays have had a domino effect on Mega’s other movie projects. “She was hoping to finish at least three films this year, her 30th anniversary in show biz, but the Star Cinema project has effectively derailed her sked.”

KC and Chard united

Speaking of Mega projects, GMA Films has reportedly proposed a co-production with rival network ABS-CBN’s Star Cinema.

This project that could end the network war stars the much-ballyhooed team-up of KC Concepcion and rumored admirer Richard Gutierrez.

(The two reportedly spent Valentine’s together. “But we’re just friends,” they insist.)

“Star Cinema has been wanting to borrow Richard for the longest time,” said a Kapuso insider. “We thought this team-up with KC would be the perfect outing.”

Seems Star Cinema isn’t so hot on the idea and is reportedly sitting on the proposal. Perhaps Kapamilya execs would rather pair KC with homegrown stars Piolo Pascual, Sam Milby and John Lloyd Cruz.

Quipped a Mega Friend: “But Piolo’s reserved for Angel Locsin, Sam’s soap (“Maging Sino Ka Man”) isn’t doing well and John Lloyd treated KC’s aunt Ciara Sotto shabbily when they were a couple!”

Gaybreak’s a hit

Drumbeaters say that the gay movie “Daybreak” has posted a record in IndieSine as highest grossing film so far.

Directed by Adolf Alix, the risqué drama was approved without cuts by the Censors, which commended it, calling it “beautiful.”

Sam’s big workout

In his latest movie, Star Cinema’s “Big Love,” Sam Milby, who plays a 300-pound pastry chef, goes to Gold’s Gym to lose weight. Few moviegoers will know that he’s really been going to that gym (Galleria branch) since his exit from the very first “Pinoy Big Brother.”

Readers’ turn

And now we hear from readers who are moved (mostly annoyed) by some show biz stuff.

From Enemy of the State (akonanga2002@yahoo.com):

This is about the “Marimar” mania. Sobrang hit ang “Marimar.” Kaya lang, ’yung style na laging nakaka-score ang kontrabida, sobrang gasgas na. ’Wag naman ninyong gawing sobrang tanga ang bida — at ang viewers.

Nakakapikon e, parang laging battle of the brainless. Ang mga Pinoy na mahilig sa mga martir-martiran, e tuwang tuwa siguro sa ganito. Pero sana, pang-matatalino naman ang mga susunod na telenovela.

Para sa akin, pinakamaganda ’yung “Kung Mawawala Ka.” Sana me mga ganu’ng kwento ulit next time. Thanks.

No, they’re not

From Anna Lee C. Lamigo (prettyfellah@yahoo.com):

Regarding what Heckler At Large said about John Arcilla and Mark Dungo: They’re not an item po; they’re not gays.

The rumors are just rumors. They are often seen together because magkamag-anak sila at talagang close ang pamilya nila.

Rushes fan

From May Agbisit-Villaluz (mavillaluz@yahoo.com):

I just love Rushes. The Feb 20th edition had me chuckling real good, especially those side comments on Jolo’s Gucci bag gift to Lovi.

I do a great juggling act of job, motherhood and studies here in Connecticut, USA. But likas-tsismosa that I am, I find respite in reading RP show biz articles online. Rushes is on top of my must-reads. Thanks!

(E-mail rushes@inquirer.com.ph)