Confused couples

As if on cue, two explosive news items welcomed the New Year for Philippine showbusiness. Seen kissing at the countdown celebration of GMA 7 were controversial rumoured lovebirds Regine Velasquez and Ogie Alcasid.

The two have consistently denied they have a relationship, claiming it's impossible because Alcasid is a happily married man.

Alcasid is said to have spent Christmas Down Under with former Miss Australia titlist Michelle Van Eimeren and their children. Asked how it was spending Christmas with his family, he said: "I'm happy because I spent Christmas with my children."

With these words, the diminutive but popular singer may have fuelled speculation that he and Velasquez are an item. Add to this the fact that they arrived together for the TV special, and hugged at length during the final countdown to the New Year.

He was also said to have promised some journalists present during the event that he will make a few announcements soon. As to what these are, your guess is as good as ours.

Break-up

An explosive new item broke out, confirming Angel Locsin and Oyo Boy Sotto's break-up. The couple were thought to have one of the steadiest relationships in the industry, but things haven't been too well between the two lately. Our insiders say the reel and real life partners called it quits as early as Christmas Eve (that hurts!), but confirmation came only recently.

Stunt

Wags insist there is no third party involved, but rumours are going around that Sotto is now enamoured with older actress Bing Loyzaga.

But we also heard the break-up is just a silly attempt to drum up interest for Locsin's forthcoming soap, Asian Treasures. Her last two movies, including the big-budgeted and controversial Mano Po 5, didn't do quite as well as expected.

If this really was a publicity stunt, let's hope it generates the desired TV ratings; otherwise, it's a cheap gimmick.

What will 2007 hold in terms of romance for Ogie Alcasid, Regine Velasquez and Angel Locsin?

Cesar Montano criticised the organisers.

My lips are sealed

Who is this actress who reportedly spent a huge sum of money — two million pesos (Dh150,368), to quote a few sources — to buy tickets to her own movie?

The prima donna was so scared her movie would be a flop she used her husband's billions to buy the tickets, then gave them away to family and friends. You can't blame her.

After putting herself in a rather embarrassing light with all her nasty revelations prior to her comeback, she wouldn't want to come out of the whole thing a big loser.

That would have further humiliated her and ruined her already tattered reputation among Manila's A-listers.