MIRACLES DO HAPPEN. This is Lorna Tolentino steadfast stand in the face of persistent talk that husband Rudy Fernandez condition has not improved. JOSEPH AGCAOILI
Dollywood Paolo Bediones tells personal story of survival By Dolly Anne Carvajal Philippine Daily Inquirer First Posted 19:28:00 05/13/2008
MANILA, Philippines—“I’ll be debt-free by the end of this year,” Paolo Bediones declares when asked about his own personal story of survival at the “Survivor Philippines’” jam-packed auditions in Iloilo.
He finally puts to rest speculations about his failed business venture. “I am taking care of debts that are not even mine. I trusted the wrong people and made hasty decisions.”
Pao has learned his lesson well. He’s wiping the slate clean as he gears up to take 16 castaways to a remote island (out of the Philippines) for a 39-day challenge in the local version of the groundbreaking reality series to premiere in August on GMA 7.
Created by Charlie Parsons in the 1990s, “Survivor” has 30 versions all over the globe. It sparked reality-mania worldwide. The Philippine franchise will stick to the rules by the letter. The Kapuso network is giving its all to ensure a spectacular Pinoy edition.
Ilonggos came in full force to SM Iloilo last May 8 and 9 to get a crack at being the sole survivor who should be ready to leave his/her comfort zone for the danger zone and win P3 million tax-free.
“It’s no artista search. We are looking for interesting characters who can last without extra rice,” says Pao. “Even if you’re the smartest or the most gorgeous, that doesn’t give you an edge in the auditions.”
For a while, Pao thought the game was over for him. “When ‘Extra Challenge’ ended, I got very depressed. I would go malling just to check if people still recognized me. Hosting ‘Survivor’ is ‘Extra Challenge’ times six. I’m overwhelmed that I still have it.”
His apprehensions about being incommunicado and in unfamiliar territory for 39 days? “I’m afraid I may not be able to keep the promises I made to myself, like staying fit while on the island,” he muses. “And I’m challenging myself not to cry. It’s not just the loneliness of being away. I may get to the point where I’d ask what I got myself into. What would I do after the work’s done? Magbibilang ako ng buhangin?”
Is he emotionally prepared to be away from his beauty queen GF, Abby Cruz? “It’s going to be a tough test to our relationship. This may sound cheesy but if we don’t have God in the center of our relationship, I don’t know how we will last being apart for that long,” he says.
He sees himself settling down with Abby after his “Survivor” stint. “I’ve told Abby everything about my past. Dark secrets and all (laughs). She’s kinda selosa pero nasa lugar naman.”
How would Pao handle it if one of the castaways flirts with him? “I’m not allowed to communicate with them. Besides, priorities change in the island. We will all be too busy finding ways to survive. No time for hanky-panky.”
Other auditions for “Survivor” will be held on May 16 (Dagupan), May 17 and 18 (Baguio), May 21 and 22 (SM North Edsa) and May 23 (SM Manila).
The wild beckons! Show the world that Pinoys will not just survive but prevail.
Colorful pair
Robin Padilla and Ai Ai de las Alas both have checkered love lives. Their first team-up in Viva Films “Ikaw Pa Rin, Bongga Ka Boy,” which opens today, is equally colorful.
The action-comedy flick has more twists and turns than a zigzag road. Ai plays a vet gripped with panic knowing her biological clock is ticking away. Binoe portrays a fireman who feels there’s a void in him aching to be filled.
During the controversial “Binoe episode” in my life, he told me unusual stories about all the girls he used to love. Such as the time he was pampered like a king but it felt like he had blinders on like a horse.
“Sobra-sobra magbigay ang babae na yon,” Binoe recalls. “Feeling ko sinusubuan ako ng masasarap na pagkain pero bawal akong tumingin sa iba. Para akong nasa golden cage.”
Now Binoe is set to hit gold in the box office again.
Optimistic son
Mark Anthony Fernandez remains optimistic about his dad Rudy’s bout with the Big C. “Gagaling si Papa,” he says with conviction. “Medyo humina lang siya ngayon kasi bagong opera siya. They had to take out water from his bile duct.”
How is he coping with the crisis? “Basta I always start my thoughts by putting the word ‘believe’ in my head. I believe that the pain papa is going through now is part of the healing process. I believe that God can move mountains.”
Daboy’s recovery rate must increase with a son like Mark who looks out for him and looks up to him.
Musical show
Regine Velasquez has no qualms about admitting that she got kinda “krung krung” when she toyed with the idea of leaving GMA 7.
“That’s water under the bridge. Time to move on,” she explains.
Her new musical show “Songbird,” which premieres May 15 at 11 p.m., gives her all the reasons to stay put in the Kapuso network.
“Every episode is thematic, with different genres of various singers. I will get a chance to sing songs you don’t usually hear in my concerts,” she says.
If she could choose just one song to sing, what would it be? “‘Pangarap Ko ang Ibigin Ka’ because it’s the first song Ogie wrote especially for me.”
In “Songbird,” there will be a song for everyone. It’s an EAResistible concert TV extravaganza!
Copyright 2008 Philippine Daily Inquirer. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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