MANILA, Philippines - Gabby Concepcion celebrated his birthday eve in ?un-show biz? fashion last Nov. 4 at the Swire Elan Suites in Greenhills. ?It was supposed to be a surprise party planned by my road manager Joy Gonzales and given by my good friends Melinda Gamay, Alex and Aida Cruz,? said Gabs. ?Ang script ng wife kong si Ginbee mag dinner lang daw kami and mag check-in with our daughter Sam. But I saw my friends in the lobby so medyo palpak (laughs).?

Be that as it may, he was still touched by the presence of his elementary and high school buddies, close friends and family. No press. No paparazzi. No big celebrities. Only those who really matter to Gabs.

Since his homecoming last April, Gab?s life has been one big frenzy. So on his birthday, he took time to smell the roses after holding the thorns that controversies brought his way.

A video of his well-wishers was shown. When it was his mom?s turn to be onscreen, he put his arm around her. Ginbee kidded him. ?Next na babati ang Daddy mo.? It?s Gab?s first birthday since his dad passed away.

We took turns in roasting and paying tribute to Gabs. Everyone agreed that Gabs should try comedy soon. He finds humor in everything.

The charming owner of IM shirts (which Gab endorses), Jenny Alinea, says, ?People want to buy the same shirts that Gabs wears in his show. Gusto nga nila yung mismong shirt daw na sinuot ni Gabby.?

Gabs was the picture of an ?ulirang ama? when he fed Sam. His adorable li?l princess will soon be in a TV ad. To keep the suspense, Gabs requested me not to print Sam?s pic yet.

?Just like his dad, Sam loves being around people. She doesn?t like to sleep during parties. Everyday Gabs is the one who bathes Sam,? said Ginbee. ?We are both hands-on parents. We don?t have a yaya or a maid.?

They are each other?s anchor. As Gabs turned a year cuter, he can look back and ahead with his killer smile knowing that he comes in peace and love is in everything he does.

Not game

Heard that Nadia Montenegro was invited to be a contestant in her ?frenemy? Gretchen Barretto?s game show, ?You and Me Against The World.? A common friend revealed, ?Okay daw kay Greta pero nung tinawagan ng staff si Nadia ayaw niya. Siyempre naman. Ang pangit naman na pagbatiin sila sa game show. Di naman biro biro lang nangyari na away nila. Madaming nasaktan at nadamay.?

If and when Nadj will guest on Greta?s show, its title should be changed to ?You and Me Against Each Other.?

Game enough

At the taping of Greta?s show, there was a bit of tension in the air when her rumored ex-flame John Estrada was a guest. Perhaps to prove that he has moved on after their ?kisscandal,? John was game enough to join Greta?s game show.

?Dapat nakatingin ka sa host,? Greta teased John. She also mentioned that John?s GF now is a Brazilian like the butler in her program. La Greta was playing it cool while John acted cold.

Bingo girl

Could it be that Polo Ravales? new girlfriend is former ?Go Bingo? Girl Eliza? They were spotted being so lovey-dovey in his bar Stoodio and in Subic. I texted Polo for the real score but he hasn?t replied. Has the heart of Polo gone bingo?

Newest love team

?I feel like a kid all over again when I?m with Dion Ignacio,? Yasmien Kurdi said. They are the Kapuso network?s newest love team in Sine Novela presents ?Saan Darating Ang Umaga?? (premieres today in Dramarama sa Hapon on GMA 7).

Based on the hit movie in 1983, it?s about a closely-knit family mercilessly torn apart by tragedy. The acclaimed director of the original film, Maryo J. de los Reyes, will also be at the helm of the TV series.

Yas portrays the role of Shayne which was originally played by Maricel Soriano. ?Just like Shayne, I?m an only child,? said Yas. ?And parang barkada ko lang ang parents ko.?

When does she feel like crying out loud ?Saan Darating ang Umaga?? ??Pag puyat ako from taping and I have to go to school pa. Gusto ko i-dialogue yon. Pati na ?Pasan Ko ang Daigdig.??

Drama Princess on cam, Drama Queen off cam.
Inspired by Daboy

For the second year in a row, Jinggoy Estrada is joining the Metro Manila Film Festival. His 2008 entry is ?Magkaibigan,? the moving story of two friends and their families. As a kumare of Jinggoy, I can attest that he really goes the extra mile for his friends.

Sharing stellar billing with him are Dawn Zulueta, Maricel Laxa and Christopher de Leon. It brings to heart and mind the real-life friendship of Jinggoy and the late Rudy Fernandez. In a way, the movie is inspired by Daboy. Will Jinggoy?s inspired performance bag him the Best Actor award again just like in last year?s MMFF?

PERSONAL: Muchisimas gracias to the muy gracioso GM of The Tides Boracay, Pete Gonzales, for making me feel instantly at home.

Thanks a mil to my dear friend Happy Ongpauco for the yummy treat in her Hawaiian Barbeque Bora. It?s a taste of heaven in Paradise Island!

E-mail wateringholeshangrila@yahoo.com