MANILA, Philippines - Why didn't Sarah Geronimo and John Lloyed Cruz kiss in their movie, "A Very Special Love?"

Sarah explains in Preview magazine's October issue: "A lot of young people look up to me. It would not be a good example if they saw their Ate Sarah in a kissing scene."

Wonder how the fans would feel about Ate Sarah in dramatic eye makeup and stunning coats from Burberry of London, looking very sophisticated? Chances are, they wouldn't recognize her.

Actually, Sarah has changed in many ways. For starters, she's 20. Isn't she allowed to have a boyfriend yet? Too busy perfecting her singing, she says, especially now that she wants to be known for more than her old birit style.

She's succeeding, too. Her new album, "Just Me... Sarah," out in the market, is a pleasing showcase of her much-improved pipes. We've been listening to it for two straight weeks.

So the physical makeover for the magazine cover effectively echoes her vocal transition from shrill to versatile. Songwriters have to work double-time to churn out compositions that will give it justice.

Hello, Hunter!

Aubrey Miles gave birth on Friday to baby boy Hunter Miller. The father is Troy Montero. On dzMM's "Talakan," hosts Ogie Diaz and Ahwell Paz read a text message from a fan who wondered when Aubrey would own up to having another child. Naughty, naughty.

Prima donna spews venom

Talent Search Discovery used to be sweet and simple. Now she's reportedly become overbearing.

According to a shocked witness, TSD was overheard "throwing her weight around" in a boutique.

Dressed to shrill

Yet another Talent Search Discovery attended a show biz event wearing unflattering clothes.

Her explanation: "This outfit was given by a fan. My manager hasn't found a clothes sponsor yet." Actually, a spy snapped, the tacky outfit matched her voice.

Discount hunk

A gay mole informed Rushes that the Stud-for-Hire previously mentioned in this column has dropped his asking price from P2,500 to P1,500.

Blame the global economic crisis. Also, SFH has no new movie offers.

Cause of delay

Shoot for an upcoming movie was delayed, but not because of the lead stars' conflicting schedules. A source complained that the unlikely cause was Minor Comedian, who's currently juggling several projects, busier than the big stars.

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Top of the tabloids
The top show biz stories in local tabloids this week. (And why we are moved, if we are moved.)

Nonstop Nadia
#Kung makapal ang mukha ni Mommy Rose Flaminiano mas makapal daw ang mukha ni Nadia Montenegro! (Nakup.)
#Nakakaloka ang mga drama ni Nadia! (The waterworks on "Startalk"? We thought that was pretty good.)
#Mommy Rose walang salamin sa bahay kaya nasabing puro mantika lang ang mahihita kay Nadia? (Greasy subject, huh?)
#Di pa rin napapatawad ni Gretchen Barretto si Nadia! (Lalo na ngayon, malamang.)
#"Humanda kayong lahat!"-Nadia. (Beware the wrath of a woman scorned.)

Fight Club
#Kapag nalaman niyang nagpakasal si Mariel Rodriguez kay Zanjoe Marudo, "Sasabunutan ko siya!"-Boy Abunda (Boy, is that you?)
#Aga Muhlach ayaw makigulo sa gusot nina Kris Aquino at Charlene Gonzales. (Last we heard, kasali na siya.)
#John Lloyd Cruz binato ang GF sa isang resto? (Baka naman binato ng pizza.)
#Ina nina Vina Morales at Shaina Magdayao naglayas, di pa umuuwi. (Parang may mali dito.)
#Shaina binantaan ang nakabuntis kay Vina! (Dito rin.)

This way to love
#Ex-wife ni Ogie Alcasid sarap na sarap sa luto ni Regine Velasquez! (Kilawing puso?)
#Ogie niyakap ang bagong dyowa ni Michelle Van Eimeren. (Thank you, bro? Good luck, bro? Bakit, bro?)
#Rayver Cruz inaming matagal na niyang crush si Sarah Geronimo. (What's stopping him? Let us guess...)
#Lovi Poe, Jolo Revilla magdyowa na? (Ay, question pa pala 'yun?)
#Lovi tinakasan ang ina para si Jolo ang makasama! (Parang Lovi-o and Jolo-iet.)

Two steps back
#Jennylyn Mercado balik sa kandungan ni Mark Herras. (Ano 'yung baby episode, detour lang?)
#Nami-miss ko si Wowie de Guzman!-Judy Ann Santos (Not in that way?)
#Anak ni Sen. Bong Revilla, gusto na raw hiwalayan ang asawa? (Kawawang Lani.)

Cristine in crisis
#Cristine Reyes di raw nagtangkang magpakamatay! (E di, hindi.)
#Cristine mukhang baliw!-Angelica Panganiban. (She's not alone.)
#Wala nang naniniwala sa kadramahan ni Cristine. (Kitam?)

Not happening
#Angel Locsin at Marian, di magtatapat! (Sayang.)
#Vina Morales di pwedeng pakasalan ng dyowa? (Alam n'yo naman 'yan e.)
#Gretchen Barretto, Tony Boy Cojuangco nagsasama sa iisang bubong pero... (Tiresome, tiresome.)
#Gretchen di raw pinalayas ni Tony Boy. (E di... hindi!)
#Dingdong itotodo na ang paghuhubad! (Ina-announce pa ba 'yan?)
#KC Concepcion mag-isang sumama kay Richard Guetierrez papuntang Vienna! (Owws?)
#Regine Velasquez pasok sa soap ni Robin Padilla! (Sana comedy uli.)
#Mark Anthony Fernandez payag magpakita ng pwet pag maganda na! (Smiley here.)

(Bandera, Tumbok)
E-mail us: rushes@inquirer.com.ph