IT WAS SUCH A DELIGHT TO interview Rhian Ramos on “My Foursome,” my online (PLDT MyDSL’s Watchpad) show with three other journalists. She shrugs off rumors linking her to Dingdong Dantes.

“I’ll never want anyone who belongs to someone else,” she said. “Even if Marian and Dong have not admitted anything, it’s obvious that they have a deep connection.”

Is she chummy with Marian? “We make beso naman,” Rhian quipped. “I’m usually the first one to approach her when we see each other.”

Does Dong seek love advice from her? “We try to keep things at a professional level. Though it’s hard not to get carried away during our romantic scenes. You really have to feel it, to make the scene realistic. Even after taping, I still feel giddy sa sobrang pagka-internalize ko ng role ko in ‘Stairway to Heaven.’ I even dream of Dong sometimes. Nothing romantic — once I dreamt we were riding bump cars.” Is Rhian’s dream a reflection of the bumpy ride that she and Dong have as a love team because of Marian’s presence in Dong’s life?

Robin’s love letter

Robin Padilla’s claim to fame may be the tough guy characters that he plays on screen, but he has proven to be a gentle soul whose natural charisma has won the hearts of his legion of fans.

Many heartaches ago, Binoe’s charms also got to me. A four-page hand-written love letter from him is one of my priceless possessions. Binoe wrote to thank me for being there for him when he was down and out. Now that he’s back on top again, I can’t help but smile and be happy for him. I went through the fire with Binoe, so through the years he remains dear to me.

Tears for two

Speaking of Binoe, could it be true that his wife Liezl Sicangco has married someone else in Australia, where she’s based? To quote a part of Binoe’s letter to me: “Before, I only loved Liezl because she loved me when I was nothing. But now I love the two of you because you also loved me when I was an asshole.”

For sure, Binoe is hurting, but he just won’t show it. Will he take comfort in the thought that as a Muslim he can have many more wives?

Sine Sindak

In celebration of Cinema One’s 15th anniversary, it gave avid viewers a Halloween treat: Sine Sindak sa Eastwood. Two shrill-jerking films were shown — the Cinema One original “Yanggaw” and the “Shake, Rattle & Roll 2K5” final segment, “Lihim ng San Joaquin.”

Kapamilya stars led by Megan Young, Joem Bascon, Victor Basa, Dimples Romana and Brent Javier attended the event. MYMP, Duster and Sandwich kept the party mood going, while John Lapus and Tuesday Vargas brought the house down with their hosting. There was free fortune telling and tarot-card reading for those who bought ABS-CBN Publishing magazines. It was all treat, no tricks, as the premier Pinoy movie channel kept brewing what they brew best.

Happy birthday!

Gabby Concepcion turned another year cuter last Nov. 5. What are his immediate plans for this new year in his colorful life? “I’ll make time to see old friends and relatives,” he told us. “Even though I have many new friends, iba siyempre ’yung friends from way back. They know me too well, so they’ll make dangerous enemies,” he laughed.

Indeed, friends are God’s way of compensating us for growing old.

E-mail wateringholeshnagrila@yahoo.com