Tsismis: Latest gossip from the Pinoy world

Livin' a dream

After joining many small-time singing contests, Angeline Quinto finally had her taste of success when she won the Star Power search on ABS CBN last year. From her humble beginnings, Quinto is now slowly making her mark in show business, and is being considered an heir apparent of no less than Asia's Songbird Regine Velasquez. She has now also conquered the silver screen, with her debut film, Born to Love You, about to be released soon.

You've come so far. How do you feel?

It has been an unbelievable journey, and I am very thankful I was given the chance. All the hard work and persistence finally paid off. I can still remember the days when I used to hop from one singing contest to another, all in the same night, just to pursue my dream and put food on our table. Now, I am blessed with so much I cannot ask for anything more.

You're in a different world now. Can you honestly say you've adjusted fully to show business?

I still think sometimes this is all just a dream; but I keep telling myself if I don't fully immerse myself in it, I could never succeed in it. This is my career now, and I am enjoying it because singing is really my first love. I cannot say I've changed much — maybe the way I dress or the way I look, but after I remove my make-up and come home to my grandmother I still see myself as the same girl that used to fight for survival every single day. It's so different now, the world I live in, but for me the way I look at myself nothing has changed.

You're always being pitted against Sarah Geronimo. You were in a singing competition years ago. Now that you are both in show business, has the competition intensified?

Sarah is a good friend and mentor, I can never put myself alongside of her. She has accomplished so much and I am actually an admirer. Her success is my inspiration. It's just the fans that probably want to see us compete, but there has never been and will never be competition between the two of us.

You're not just a singer now. You just finished your first movie, with Coco Martin as your leading man. What can you say?

When I was first told I would be having my first movie, I was so excited. And when they told me next I would be paired with Coco Martin, I almost fainted. It's the fan mentality in me. I am a big fan, so imagine my nervousness during our first shooting days. I was so uneasy, I couldn't act. Thankfully, he was such a generous mentor and guided me all throughout. Singing I can easily do. Give me a microphone and I will sing. Acting is so different, but I enjoyed it and hope I can also do more so I can improve.

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Manny's a gangster

Champion Manny Pacquiao is set to appear in his first Hollywood film after he was cast in Brass Knuckles, starring Filipino-American comedian Rob Schneider. Pacquiao is in Los Angeles at the moment training for his upcoming fight with Timothy Bradley in June in Las Vegas. Fans of the boxing champ need not worry, because Pacquiao will be filming only after his fight with Bradley. The film, where Pacquaio will play the role of a gangster, is set for an end of the year release. The film will also star Academy Award-winner Benecio del Toro and Mexican-born actor Jacob Vargas.

Pageant-ready

Arci Munoz has her eyes set on joining a beauty pageant next year. The young actress, who is being groomed to be one of the stars of TV5, said she has been concentrating on her career at the moment, but is also determined to be a beauty queen. Munoz, who is studying theatre arts at the University of the Philippines, wants to be known first and foremost as a good actress; although she does not deny her childhood dream was once to be crowned a beauty queen, and so will probably join a pageant next year. She is currently in a prime time series, Felina, and is being eyed for a role in a major film to be produced by TV5's film arm later this year.

Sam is single

Sam Pinto denies she is the third party behind the break-up of long-time couple Derek Ramsay and Angelica Panganiban. Pinto said she has only met Ramsay once, when they did a TV commercial for a local beverage brand. They never kept in touch after that. The model-actress admitted she got annoyed when she heard her name being dragged into the controversial break-up between Ramsay ad Panganiban. It was even alleged that she met up with the now-single Ramsay when he went on a trip to Australia recently. Pinto also denied she was dating a surfer-model. "I'm very much single," she declared.

King reigns supreme

Bianca King is delighted that after two top-rating afternoon soaps, she has now been cast as one of the lead stars of a primetime series, Luna Blanca, which will air on GMA7, seen via OSN in the Middle East. King, who has for so long been cast as a character actress, got her break last year when she starred in Sinner or Saint, which was followed up by Broken Vow. It will be her first time in a lead role on prime time, which could further bolster her career as an actress. King, who is also dabbling in directing music videos, is keen on directing for film someday; but that will have to take a back seat to concentrate on her now blossoming acting career.