DINGDONG Dantes shrugs off rumors that his girlfriend Marian Rivera already has a child.

"It's the biggest joke of the decade," he exclaims. "Thank you to the great inventors for providing Marian and me with entertainment."

But what's even more entertaining is Dong and Marian's movie, "You To Me Are Everything," where they dabble in romantic-comedy for the first time. It is an endearing love story of Iska (Marian), a cheerful Igorot from the mountains and Raphael (Dong), a son of a wealthy politician.

By some fortuitous turn of events, Iska suddenly inherits millions while Raphael becomes penniless after his father is convicted for corruption.

"For a change, our movie is light and funny," Dong quips. "We all need to get de-stressed during this election period."

How is Marian handling the 'motherhood' rumor? "The truth will always come out," Dong explains. "What matters is what people who love her believe. I can vouch that the talk going around is a complete lie."

What if Marian really has a kid? "There is nothing wrong with having a kid," he says. "It is one of God's supreme gifts as long as it is done in a responsible manner. One thing's for sure, I will be a great father to my kid if and when the time comes."

For now, Dong and Marian need no kids because they have each other to baby.

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During a lull on TV5's Sunday noontime show, "PO5," Ryan Agoncillo told his co-host Apple Chiu in jest, "Mabuti na lang matangkad ka at baka pagkamalan kitang si Juday."

Although they do have a striking resemblance, of course the apple of Ryan's eye can never be Ms Chiu and will forever be his preggy wifey, Juday.

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When Maxene Magalona found out that JC Tiuseco was the next guest in the same show where she was also invited to grace, she became uneasy. Apparently, she didn't want to cross paths with him in the studio.

Although they never openly admitted anything, it goes without saying that they were more than just friends. That explains the bittersweetness in the air.

Could it be true that prior to JC's win in "Survivor," he was set to marry his non-show biz GF? Then when show biz beckoned, things got complicated between them which affected his budding romance with Maxene.

If only we could plan love's sequence of events. L'amour always has a script of its own which plays out beyond our heart's control.

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Could it be true that Manny Pacquiao bought a prime property in Tagaytay for his ladylove? "Tinamaan talaga si Pacman," insists my source. Hmmm...seems like his opponent's punches in the ring are no match to Cupid's sting.

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I was so touched when Gabby Concepcion texted me a few hours before the pilot episode of "Paparazzi" (Sundays 2:30 p.m.), my show on TV5 with Ruffa G. and Tita Cristy, was aired. His message read: "Good luck and congrats on your new show. I'm so lucky you are my friend."

Thanks, Gabs. I'm even luckier to be your friend.

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The hottest and hippest dating game, "Take Me Out," can now be enjoyed by Pinoys with its localized version on GMA 7 (Mondays to Fridays starting tonight before "First Time"). The Kapuso network holds the airing rights of the "Take Me Out" franchise, which is owned by Fremantle Media and was first commissioned in Australia. It has successfully run in many countries like Denmark, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and the UK.

Prince of Soul Jay R hosts the show as he plays matchmaker to a pool of 30 single ladies who hope to meet the man of their dreams. Eenie minnie minie moe, catch your man on this show!

E-mail wateringholeshangrila@yahoo.com