Tsismis: Latest gossip from the Pinoy world

Amazing grace

Grace Lee is the woman of the hour. The low-key Kapuso TV host and DJ is the apple of the eye of the first bachelor president of the Philippines, Benigno Aquino. tabloid! caught up with the Korean charmer.

How does it feel to be dating the president?

To be honest, it's like dating any other man; when you get it into your head that you're dating somebody in power, then it feels different. But otherwise, it is normal.

For the record, you're just dating. Nothing beyond that yet?

Yes, we're still just dating, trying to get to know each other. I was surprised he admitted it on national TV, it would have been better to get to know him and his family if we were under the radar.

Speaking of family, have you met them?

Yes, I've met the president's sisters, except for Kris [Aquino]. They're very nice.

You haven't heard from Kris - no calls, no tweets?

Nothing. And I hope people don't put so much into it. Kris is a very nice person from what I've heard. What I heard was she was looking forward to meeting me, so the feeling is mutual.

How did it all start?

We met at an event in Cebu last year. No sparks, no nothing. But when the Korean president visited Manila, I was invited to say something as a Korean who has been living in the Philippines.

If Sandara Park were here, she would have been the most obvious choice; but I'm a little bit in the news because of my work, and so I was called to represent the community. I invited him for a radio interview over at my show. Then we had dinner after that.

Tell us about the second date.

I was surprised I got a call last New Year's day. He greeted me and we went out, but really discreetly. I've also cooked for him his favourite Korean dish — bulgogi or barbecue beef.

What did he say?

He liked it of course [laughs]. I don't know, you have to ask him.

Did you feel you have to keep it a secret?

I didn't want to say anything out of courtesy and respect for his high position and protocol; and nobody asked. Until, I guess more and more people are seeing us so I guess when he was asked in one of his public appearances, he just admitted it.

What are the president's chances?

Too early to say [laughs]. But I enjoy his company; he is a very intelligent and admirable man. His love for his country is very inspiring.

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Hollywood punch

Manny Pacquiao is Hollywood-bound. The Filipino boxing champion is scheduled to leave for Los Angeles in March to start filming for a movie with The Transporter actor Jason Statham. It looks like his fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr is not going to happen in May, as many expected, because Pacquiao will be busy filming instead of training for the dream match. This is not the first time that the champion will be acting — he starred in forgettable films like Lisensyadong Kamao (Licensed Fist), Anak ng Kumander (Son of Commander) and Wapakman.

Reaching for the stars

Speaking of Hollywood, Fil-Am actor, Sam Milby, arrived in New York last week to pursue his Hollywood dream. He is scheduled for several auditions, thanks to an American TV producer who saw him perform in a concert last year and invited him for screen tests and interviews. One of his auditions is for top US network ABC — makers of hit shows like Desperate Housewives and Grey's Anatomy.

It's over!

Kris Aquino' six-year marriage to celebrity athlete James Yap has officially been annulled. The two were married in July 2005 amidst controversy. Nobody believed Yap, a good-looking and promising basketball superstar, would fall for someone like Aquino, who was 11 years older than him. But they went ahead with their marriage and even had a son, Baby James. The marriage showed signs of trouble when Yap was allegedly involved in an extra marital affair in 2008. Both parties admitted they have never recovered from the crisis, no matter how hard they tried.

Movie shelved

The highly anticipated reunion movie of ex-couple Sharon Cuneta and Gabby Concepcion has been shelved. Though disappointing to their fans, Cuneta said she was advised by the producers that the movie is no longer pushing through. Sources say Concepcion has made a lot of demands, which the producers thought would just be an unnecessary burden on the production when it begins, so they decided to shelve the movie.