MANILA, Philippines—Edu Manzano is thrilled that his ex, Vilma Santos, wants him to be her leading man in “A Mother’s Story,” with their son Luis.

“It is a privilege for any actor to perform with an actress of Vi’s caliber,” Edu beams. “And I hear that Luis Manzano guy is pretty good, too (laughs). Mana sa nanay.”

Edu hasn’t been formally offered the role yet. “Heard that Luis will be portraying a gay character. I have no issues with that,” Edu says. “It would be amusing to see him take on a different persona.”

The movie ought to be called “Family Affair.”

‘Tanging Ina’ 2

Will Ai Ai de las Alas’ “Tanging Ina Ninyong Lahat” surpass the box-office hit “Tanging Ina”?

Star Cinema’s entry to the 2008 Metro Manila Filmfest shows Ai Ai’s Ina embarking on a new direction since her kids are grown-up already. She ends up being the President of the Philippines.

The single mom in her emotes. “It pains me every time my kids ask me, Alis ka, ma?” sighs Ai. “Kahit simple joys lang like magkasalo kami kumain, I can see in my kids eyes that they’re happy to be with me.”

What are the things she learns from her kids? “How to use the computer, play PSP 3, do magic with cards and tamang Ingles.” On and off cam, Ai is truly a tanging ina and ama!

European holiday

Marvin Agustin enjoyed his European holiday immensely. “I like Europe now better than the US,” Marvs said. “It’s so rich in history and culture. If I didn’t have work back here, I would want to live in Paris.”

Marvs fell for the Land of Eiffel!

Comic ‘promdi’

Known for playing contravida on TV, Alessandra de Rossi takes on the role of a comic promdi in “One Night Only,” Octo Arts Films Metro Manila Film Festival entry.

Alex has no qualms about billing with her co-stars Katrina Halili, Diana Zubiri, Valerie Concepcion and Jennylyn Mercado. “Alam ko naman kung sino ang hot ngayon,” she says. “At sa haba ba naman ng pangalan ko, kahit saan mo ilagay yan, makikita pa rin.”

Alex and Jennylyn have set aside their personal differences so they were able to work together smoothly. What will her Christmas be like? “Malamig ang Pasko ko (laughs). Di lang kasi wala akong BF but kasi I’ll spend Christmas in Italy with my family and winter dun! But in God’s perfect time, I know I’ll meet Prince William.”

There goes the fiery Italiana. Arriba Alessandra!

Both worlds

Dr. Hayden Kho Jr. juggles his time between medicine and show biz. “I get a different kind of satisfaction from both worlds,” says Hayden. “But being a doctor is more fulfilling because I also give fulfillment to people who want to look good and gain back their self-confidence.”

Hayden is currently finishing his diplomate and has been to Paris and Greece for training in the latest anti-aging treatments. He is elated to be a nominee for Best New Male TV Personality in the Star Awards. With an inspiration like Dr. Vicki Belo, how can Hayden fail?

Just rumors

Rufa Mae Quinto laughs off rumors linking her to Sam Milby. “He just invited me to his house para makita ko ang design,” explains Pchi. “Kasi he knows I’m building my dream house. We got close lang during Bible study.”

Pchi has reached the point in her life where she’s searching for something deeper. “Ang hirap kahit sinong guy na madikit sa akin sa party or wherever bigla na lang nili-link to me. Basta one day, I want to be the happiest wife and mother. Abangan nila ’yon. Grand finale!” Save the best for last, right Pchi?

Celebrity endorser

Rhian Ramos is the very first celebrity endorser of Sabella. From its humble beginnings in Ali Mall, the label’s rise in the retail market has been extraordinary. After 20 years in the business, Sabella will launch Filipiniana Collections, Junior Plus which caters to those who don’t want to look matronly and WOF, a stylish line for women over 50. Prêt-à-porter, prêt a succéder.

PERSONAL: Birthday Cheers to my true friend, True Faith’s main man Medwin Marfil! Congrats Med for your composition which bagged Song of the Year (“Ikaw” by Sarah Geronimo) at the Awit Awards. Mighty proud of you!

Happy Birthday to my ever-dependable friend Jie Vidal.

E-mail wateringholeshangrila@yahoo.com