MANILA, Philippines—I cornered Dingdong Dantes and asked him if he doesn’t feel threatened that Diether Ocampo is reportedly moving to GMA 7.

“Not at all,” Dong replied. “Diet is my senior. Nauna siya sa ‘G-Mik.’ Next batch ako sa TGIS.”

The two hearthrobs ought to do a project and call it “Double D.”

Entertainer of the Year

Ogie Alcasid is elated to bag the Aliw Entertainer of the Year award for the third time. He is really a chanteur non pareil.

Anything else he aims for? “I would like to do an album of an all orchestral arrangement of Filipino classics.”

Ogie’s music is already etched in Pinoy history.

Joys of fatherhood

Gabby Concepcion got up earlier than usual and went out of his way to attend the opening of Padre Pio Clinic in St. Francis Church in Mandaluyong at 10 a.m last Nov. 19.

Gabs regaled the doctors and guests with his stories about his late dad’s devotion to Padre Pio. He was pleasantly surprised to bump into an old friend at the blessing. “It’s been ages since I last saw him. Ninong ‘yan ni KC.”

Gabs’ face lights up every time he talks about his fab daughter. Even if he doesn’t get to see KC as much as he wants to, he can still relish the joys of fatherhood with his 10-month-old baby Sam.

Big spender

Rihanna reportedly spent an obscene amount of money in Babo boutique in Greenhills. The R&B superstar went gaga over the shop’s RTW.

What breakup?

John Lloyd Cruz and Liz Uy were spotted having a nightcap at Bugsy’s in Ortigas. That should put an end to rumors about their split-up. They were seated at the lovers’ couch. Cozy Loydie and Lizzie.

New woman

Dennis Padilla has a new woman in his life after splitting up with Marjorie Barretto. His girlfriend is a stunning young Australian. Head over heels with Miss Land Down Under.

Charming resto

I had a blast at the opening of Boy Abunda and Boy So’s Café La Carmela (38 Jupiter St, Makati). The warmth of Boy in his TV shows is all the more felt in his charming resto which specializes in Italian cuisine.

Boy So’s La Carmela de Boracay Resort Hotel is frequented by celebs when they are in Paradise Island. So he opened the café for city folk to experience the spirit of Bora. Food and juicy stories served at Café Carmela—the Abunda way daily.

Happier now

Alfred Vargas is happier now that his girlfriend is not from show biz. “Less intrigues and pressure,” he says. “She keeps me grounded.”

What keeps him busy aside from acting is his farm. “I supply vegetables for FCA (Fresh Choice Always) Veggie Cart. Veggie safe and delicious.” For a small amount, investors in FCA earn it right back in six months (www.ani.com.ph).

Alfred practices healthy eating, clean living and right loving.

‘Cory The Musical’

Catch “Cory The Musical” on Nov. 29 at 8 p.m., Nov. 30 at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., Dec. 1 at 8 p.m. and Jan. 16-17 at the Meralco Theater. It’s a project of Lourdes “Bing” Pimentel and Nestor Torre (writer/director of the play).

Pimentel says it is a love offering of the Filipino people to the former president. Cory is essayed by acclaimed singer-actress Isay Alvarez (tickets 8513120).

Time for people, este, audience power!

PERSONAL: Many thanks to my dear friend Aiza and her super staff at Aizen Salon (behind FIgaro Morato) for the ultimate pampering. Check out their services and you’ll see what I mean.

E-mail wateringholeshangrila@yahoo.com