MANILA, Philippines--?Love is worth fighting for if you think it?s real and you feel loved in return,? muses Regine Velasquez. This sums up her sentiments about falling for Ogie Alcasid against all odds. It?s very much like the love story of Urduja whose voice she dubs in the country?s first full-length digital and traditional animation.

?I can relate to Urduja,? says Regine. ?We are both strong and stand by our convictions.?

Opening on June 18, ?Urduja? showcases the artistry of Pinoy animators that have long been used by international producers. It features the voices of Cesar Montano as Limhang, Eddie Garcia as Lakanpati, Johnny Delgado as Wang, Jay Manalo as Simakwel, Michael V as Kukut, Allan K as Tarsir, Ruby Rodriguez as Mayumi and Epi Quizon as Daisuke.

The rest of our voices as proud Pinoys go with the film. It?s high time we create our own heroes.

On her own

KC Concepcion is everywhere. Now she?s ventured into recording. Her album ?a.k.a. Cassandra? (Sony BMG) is a fusion of original compositions and remakes in different arrangements. Very interesting examples are the ?80s hits ?Melt With You? and ?I Just Can?t Get Enough? harmonized with percussions which KC herself played live with Pinikpikan.

She also collaborated with songwriters Ryan Cayabyab in ?Ngiti Lang? and Joey de Leon in ?Doo Be Doo.? Cassandra is no longer a.k.a. Just Mega and Gabo?s daughter. She has stepped out of their shadow by shining her own light.

Fresh sound<

IS IT more than coincidence that Rico Blanco, who was once linked to KC, also launched his song ?Yugto? (Warner Music Phil) as a solo artist last Independence Day? It?s a fresh sound that has mixed so many elements into one powerful ensemble of epic music.

In ?Yugto,? you hear Rico as he has never been heard before. He has truly matured as an artist. Aside from writing and singing, he is also the producer and collaborator of his album tracks. Que Rico!

Military honors

GINA Alajar is one of Lorna Tolentino?s chums who helped her bear the unbearable during Daboy?s wake. ?I was so touched when three men in uniform approached me,? recalls Gina. ?They told me that Daboy, a reservist in the Philippine Navy, helped them a lot so they want to give him a 21-gun salute as a way of honoring him.? Hats off and bottoms up to Daboy?s undying legacy!

Alex and Piolo

ALESSANDRA de Rossi is thrilled to be paired off with Piolo Pascual for the first time. ?Too bad we don?t have a love scene. But I?ll plead for one,? she says, with a naughty laugh. Could she possibly fall for Piolo while shooting the indie film? ?Sayang three days lang kami mag-shoot. Not enough time for love to blossom.? Alex?s heart is no longer under renovation. She?s ready, willing yet unable to fall in love again for now.

?Survivor? journey

PAOLO Bediones is all revved up preparing for his ?Survivor Philippines? journey. ?I?ve never been so excited and nervous in my entire life,? he says. ?I keep praying that God will go ahead of us in the island. The 16 castaways have been chosen.? His GF Abby Cruz will keep herself busy while he?s gone by putting up her own clothing line. Will she be designing her gown in time for their wedding when Pao returns?

Who?s the monster?

EX-LOVERS Michelle Madrigal and JC de Vera are reunited onscreen in GMA Films and Regal Entertainment?s ?My Monster Mom.? ?My door may be closed for a reconciliation with JC,? Michelle says playfully. ?But I?m leaving the windows open.?

Showing on July 2, the movie is the story of a mother branded as a ?monster? for her audacious and terrifying persona. Starring... who else but Annabelle Rama? Enough said.

Working out

KRISTINE Hermosa and Oyo Boy Sotto were spotted working out together in Fitness First Alabang. Could they also be working things out? Is love gaining more weight than friendship between them?

E-mail wateringholeshangrila@yahoo.com.