MANILA, Philippines—Diether Ocampo was ecstatic to meet renowned musician Chris Cornell, former Soundgarden and Audioslave frontman, during his shoot with his family for Baby Couture magazine’s Spring issue.

“My band Blow used to do covers of Chris’ songs,” said Diet. “I’m a big fan of his music. It was a great experience to get to talk to him.”

Anything Chris said that made an impact on Diet? “He told me that we should not cease surprising ourselves. Who knows? Lightning might strike.”

Thunderous applause comes that way.

No more hurts

Jomari Yllana is not prone to jealousy attacks even if his girlfriend Pops Fernandez will be reunited with her ex-hubby Martin Nievera in their “Missing You” concert (Feb. 6 at the Big Dome).

“I’ve realized that Pops will never look at me the same way she looked at Martin,” Jom muses. “I am convinced that she can never love me the same manner that she loved him. The key to any relationship is to respect a partner’s once broken heart.”

Jom, Pipay and Mart have no more hurts in their hearts. Love has given them a better fate.

Guess list

A director got so exasperated with an actress during their shoot for a TV ad. She was supposed to have a long spiel promoting the product. But even after endless rehearsal takes, the actress could not enunciate the words properly. So Direk had no other recourse but to scrap all her lines except one.

“Ang ikli nalang nga nung sasabihin niya, palpak pa din,” revealed an ad agency insider. “May problem talaga siya sa diction. Kaya no choice yung client. They aired the ad even if they’re not exactly satisfied with her way of speaking.”

The sought-after actress is better seen than heard. EARittating eye-candy?

A modeling world kibitzer insists that the real cause of the breakup of an actor and an actress is a hot male Brazilian model. Nope, Mr. Latin Lover didn’t snatch away the actress but the actor! Gay ka na ba? Gay na gay na!

Dollywood live

Pardon the shameless plug, my beloved readers.

Catch Dollywood in living color daily in my new TV show with my gay son I.C. Mendoza, “I.C. D.C. Chikalectric.” The show airs on Thursdays starting tomorrow, 6:30-7:30 p.m. (with replays at 12 p.m. and 12 midnight the following day) on the Viva Cinema Channel powered by Mediascapes’ Cignal TV direct-to-home.

It’s a fun and unpretentious show where IC and I will try our darn best to carry on my late great mom’s legacy in our own crazy, little way. We will focus on the stars not just as personalities but more importantly, as persons.

Being a true child of show biz, I’ve seen and been through it all. Let my show say the rest. This one’s for you, mommy!

PERSONAL: Happy Birthday to my mini-me I.C. I am more than proud to be your kunsintidorang ina. Cheers to our so bading na bonding!

Thanks with all my heart to Boss Vic del Rosario, Ms Veronique, Sir Vincent, Direk Chi de Jesus, Homer Espiritu, Cel Santiago, Evelyn Manuel, Virna Canete and the rest of the “Chikalectric” family for believing in IC and me. Working with you is its own reward.

E-mail wateringholeshangrila@yahoo.com