Ogie Alcasid, president of the Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-aawit (OPM), is overwhelmed by the support of lawmakers for his vision for the music industry.

?I?m touched by the congressmen?s genuine concern in saving the industry from sinking further,? he says. ?They realize that if we do not act now, it will die a natural death.?

What is his ultimate dream for the industry? ?For it to come alive again. That all we could hear and would want to sing and experience would be Pinoy music.?

Any frustrations? ?I do not let frustrations prevent me from attaining my goals,? he says. ?With a great OPM board and a general sentiment of profuse idealism, we can do it.? OPM could very well stand for Ogie?s Patriotic Mission.

Separate ways

Meryll Soriano admitted on ?Paparazzi? that she and Joem Bascon have called it quits. ?Since I?ll be studying in London, I thought it would be best for both of us to part ways because I don?t believe in long-distance relationships,? she explained. ?He understands that I have to pursue my dream and he doesn?t want to get in the way. I wish him well and hope he gets to fulfill his dreams, too.?

How does she feel that Joem is being linked to one of the dancers of her dad?s upcoming show? ?Gusto ko alagaan ni Joem ang puso niya.?

Joem loves Meryll enough to let her go so she can grow.

A thing of beauty

Gloria Diaz is excited to be back on TV via GMA 7?s ?Beauty Queen,? which premiers tonight after ?Ilumina.? She plays the franchise owner of a pageant.

What?s the difference between beauty queens of yesteryears and today? ?Not much difference,? she muses. ?Same tension and competitiveness, but the contestants now are more aware that it is a stepping stone to fame and fortune.?

What?s the most memorable moment during her Miss Universe reign? ?When I gained weight,? she recalls, laughing. ?I had to refrain from eating dessert.?
But now she can have her cake and eat it, too.

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