Gossip from the Philippines

Lovin' Lovi

Lovi Poe took a big risk when she started taking on mature roles last year. Though many were sceptical of the roles she was accepting, she went ahead and now it seems to be paying off. She earned rave reviews for a role in the indie film Walang Hanggang Paalam, where she played a 16-year-old troubled teenager. The film won the Best Picture award at the recently concluded Soho International Film Festival in New York. She also received praise from critics for her performance at the festival.

Princess No More?

Gretchen Barretto lobbied to host a showbiz talk show recently, as she's no longer getting a generous allowance from her live-in partner, businessman Tony Boy Cojuangco. With her high-maintenance lifestyle, Barretto now needs a job. And it looks like she's got it! She will be taking the place of good friend Ruffa Gutierrez on The Buzz.

Back in the Limelight

Legendary actor Nora Aunor is making a comeback after a long hiatus in the US. The last time she made headlines was when her film Himala was named CNN's Best Asia Pacific Film. The actress recently had surgery in Japan as part of her comeback. She has been nominated for another international recognition — the 10 Best Asian Actresses of the Decade in the 2010 Green Globe Film Award. The Green Globe aims to recognise the power of film to inspire environmental awareness.