MANILA, Philippines—Tongues wagged when Tonyboy Cojuangco attended the Cinemalaya indie fest opening over a week ago, minus Gretchen Barretto.

As if to silence the intrigue, La Greta went to the festival awards show Sunday night at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. She gamely signed autographs for fans and, said one fest organizer, was “beaming with pride.”

Tonyboy, proud head of the Cinemalaya Foundation, watched at least eight entries during the fest’s 10-day run. At the post-screening cocktail party for Jay Abello’s “Namets,” the fest big boss partook of masa merienda fare like isaw.

On Sunday, Tonyboy approached Tessie Tomas, star of the fest entry “100,” and teased her: “The only mistake in your film is that you had your back to the camera in the skinny-dipping scene.” Teysi retorted: “Maybe I can turn around in the sequel— ‘200’?”

In & out

Earlier that day, Greta and daughter Dominique attended the first birthday party of Rodrigo Santino, son of sister Claudine and Raymart Santiago.

Minutes before Gretchen’s arrival, erstwhile pal Ruffa Gutierrez was spotted heading for the exit. How’s that for perfect timing?

Mother’s gift

Regal producer Lily Monteverde was reportedly so touched by Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil’s “Boses” that, after the gala screening, she handed over a hefty check donation for the film’s chosen advocacy.

The Cinemalaya entry deals with the healing of a battered child through music. Mother Lily allegedly cried all through the screening.

All sizzle, no fire

Former Ingénue shed her sweet image by posing in girlie mags. On the cover of one men’s mag, FI wore next to nothing.

But what should have been a sales draw flopped big time, said an insider. “It could be because FI had no fire in her eyes. We were told she’s still recovering from a breakup [with a hot hunk].”
Truly, no computer software can correct that.

Brian on BBC

Australian-Canadian blogger Brian Gorrell has announced that a docu on his blog will be aired on BBC in a week.

He wrote on his site that the program will tackle the sexual abuse he experienced as a child. That’s his latest crusade—exposing the evil of sexual molestation and, not so incidentally, blowing the lid off the “casting couch” syndrome in the Philippine entertainment industry.

One step ahead

Trust Lea Salonga to keep one step ahead of … everything concerning every aspect of her sterling career—as singer, actress, even as celebrity product endorser.

Approached to be an image model-mom for Cycles, a very mild detergent for infant clothes and “everything that touches baby skin,” Lea surprised the proposal-bearers by saying she had actually been using the product for quite a while.

“Nagulat sila,” relates Lea’s mom Ligaya. “Sensitive kasi ang skin ni Nicole (the singer’s 2-year-old daughter).” Lea adds, laughing, “She kisses a hard-boiled egg and she breaks out.”

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Top of the talk shows

For those who missed last weekend’s gabfests on TV. (And why were are moved, if we are moved.)

Alfred Vargas, on an upcoming pairing with former girlfriend LJ Reyes in a drama series:

“Actor naman ako eh. Kahit sino ang makasama ko, okay lang sa akin basta maganda yung role.” (Ay, detached na siya.)

Dingdong Dantes, asked if he would approve of Marian Rivera’s cover shoot in a men’s magazine:

“No. 1 na siya eh. Siguro para sa akin, hindi. Kasi biased din ako dahil araw-araw ko siyang nakikita.” (Huh?)

Yasmien Kurdi, on news she is jealous of JC de Vera’s co-stars Michelle Madrigal and Rhian Ramos:

“Napaka-unfair naman sa akin at napaka-cheap na para akong naghahabol or something.” (Naghahabol.)

JC, on having projects without Yasmien:

“Si Yas nandiyan lang ’yan. Kahit anong mangyari sa akin, kahit ma-pair ako sa iba, nasa puso ko lang yan.” (Or something.)

Vicki Belo, asked if she and Hayden Kho have plans of getting married:

“Nag-e-enjoy pa kami. Kapag minamadali … ’di mo ma-savor o treasure every moment.” (Ma’m, plans pa lang naman e.)

Bianca Lapuz, on the annulment of her marriage to Vhong Navarro:

“Kung magulang ka at minahal mo naman ’yung taong naging parte ng buhay mo, it’s one of the best gifts we can give each other and that is our freedom. May sacrifices si Vhong, may sacrifices din ako. So okay na ’yun.” (Buti na lang.)

Gretchen Barretto, on being a legal wife:

“Siyempre, ayaw natin (maging kabit). Gusto nating legal di ba? Unless masokista ka at gusto mong maging hindi legal. Gusto mo illegal.” (Aray, pointed ha?)

Vic Sotto, on his team-up with Dolphy:

“It’s been a learning experience. Nakilala ko kung sino si Dolphy. Mas magandang tao pala siya kaysa doon sa inaakala ko.” (May K, in short.)

Willie Revillame, on preparing his last will and testament after discovering he has an intestinal illness:

“Di mo masabi … baka bukas makalawa, wala ka na sa mundo. Inayos ko lahat … ayoko nang magkaproblema ’yung mga taong iiwanan ko … Sa Studio 3 [ako ibuburol] kasi … diyan ako bumagsak, diyan ako umangat. Gusto ko nga pag nakaburol ako nagbu-boom-tarat pa rin ang mga tao.” (Yup, we can visualize that.)

(The Buzz, Startalk)
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