Some say Sarah Geronimo's reign as the Princess of Pop is slowly being threatened by fast-rising pop star Angeline Quinto, who many will remember as the amateur singer who beat Charice Pempengco in a singing contest when they were still kids.
Geronimo, however, sees it differently. "Competition is always good. It's an opportunity to get better," the mild-mannered singing sensation said.
Not one to rest on her laurels, Geronimo used a short break from her singing commitments to undergo vocal training and dance workshops in Hollywood. "I know for a fact that my vocal range is not that deep, so I worked on that. It's not really about competing, though.
"For me, it's about improving, getting better."
While in the US, there were rumours that Geronimo would do a project with US-based Pempengco. It went into overdrive when the international teen pop sensation's handler, David Foster, said an interview that it would be great to have Geronimo and Pempengco collaborate.
Geronimo, however, says: "Until something more tangible happens, that is just a rumour. Having said that, of course it's something that I am looking forward to."
Back from her US trip, she looked sharp and invigorated when she was welcomed by the press at the airport. Asked about another hot issue — her alleged transfer to TV5 — Geronimo said, "I'm staying with ABS CBN. At kung gusto pa rin po ako ng Kapamilya, mananatili po ako dito [and for as long as the Kapamilya network wants me, I'll stay]."
Back to work
Geronimo still has a few days off before she gets back to her old grind. One of the projects waiting for her is a movie with John Lloyd Cruz. This is the third time the two will be starring in a film together — both A Very Special Love and You Changed My Life were box office hits. She quips, "I'm looking forward to that. It's always a pleasure to work with Lloydie."
Acting, Geronimo said, is also one of the aspects of her work that she would like to improve on. "So this new project, which I believe is pushing through, is a welcome opportunity to improve on my craft."
With an emerging crop of talented artists, there surely are contenders to Geronimo's throne. For now, however, she is secure where she is — expect more beautiful music and movies from this, the Princess of Pop.
Marian's On a roll
Fresh from her triumphant return to prime time TV via the top-rating epic series Amaya, Marian Rivera is now in the thick of production for a movie, Panday 2, which has been selected for screening at the Metro Manila Film Festival in December.
In the film, Rivera co-stars with Bong Revilla and Vic Sotto.
Her latest film, Temptation Island, is making a killing at the box office, proving she's not only a big star on TV but on the silver screen as well. Two big stars are also lined up to collaborate with her on future film projects — action star Robin Padilla and top dramatic actor Aga Muhlach.
The feud continues
All is not rosy in Marian Rivera's life, however, as she finds herself embroiled in a bitter feud with erstwhile good friend Heart Evangelista.
The two actresses, who co-star in Temptation Island, are still at odds following a misunderstanding on the set of the film.
Just when everyone thought the two had patched things up before Evangelista left for a holiday in Brazil, one of her tweets made headlines last week. Evangelista allegedly tweeted that Rivera is dumb, stupid and without class. She has since said her Twitter account had been hacked.
Evangelista has promised to smooth things over upon her return.
Brothers in arms
Actors Dingdong Dantes and Aljur Abrenica will soon star in a new drama series entitled Cain at Abel, a contemporary adaptation of the popular biblical story.
Dantes, a versatile actor who has already proven his acting skills, is expected to mentor his younger co-star.
Abrenica, on the other hand, must prove he's up to the task, as recent projects showed he still has a lot to learn. Critics were all over him for his ham acting in his series, Machete, which ended its run with poor ratings, and also on Temptation Island, where some say he was outshone by Tom Rodriguez and even newcomer Mikael Daez.
Divine concepcion
Gabby Concepcion is leaving ABS CBN for TV5, and the veteran dramatic actor's first project in his new home studio is P.S. I Love You, a remake and TV adaptation of a classic movie he did with his ex-wife, megastar Sharon Cuneta.
Concepcion couldn't make any headway the last two years, with a lawsuit filed against him by erstwhile manager Rose Flaminiano. But all that is water under the bridge now and the actor is happy to just be moving on.
He is the latest veteran to be recruited by TV5, which also recently signed Aga Muhlach who, according to sources, will be hosting a franchised reality show.
Playlist: Anne Curtis, Actress and aspiring singer
Song on repeat mode: Tinamaan by Andrew E.: It's an original piece for my first (and hopefully not last) album. Finally I get the chance to fulfil a life-long dream. I found a crazy producer, lol.
One to make me cry: Total Eclipse of the Heart by Bonnie Tyler: Very powerful song. Watch out for it on my album, I'll sing it with Sarah Geronimo. Yikes!
This one makes me move: Girls Just Wanna Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper: I'm going to do a remake of this song; it will be more upbeat and wackier, in my usual style.
At karaoke I would sing: Alone by Heart: Seeing people wince when I sing it is an absolute delight, so I sing it every time I get the chance.
Track I'd skip right now: Nothing in particular, but I'd skip anything that's too heavy or loud.
