Second chance

Aside from actress Katrina Halili, there was one other celebrity who got involved in a sex video scandal with Heiden Kho — Maricar Reyes. She shunned the controversy and kept her peace throughout. While Halili’s career suffered, Reyes’ flourished, getting choice assignments in -rated ABS CBN’s drama series. Last week, Reyes got married to singer Richard Poon. The couple met in July 2012, and after several months got engaged. Our best wishes to the Reyes and Poon.

Gutierrez is on new career path

Another celebrity who seems to be serious about a new career is beauty-queen-turned-actress-and-TV-host Ruffa Gutierrez, who is celebrating her 39th birthday this month by going back to studies. Gutierrez recently announced she will be enrolling in a short-course in International Political Economy at King’s College in London. Many think this is a prelude to her joining politics, although she denied she has any political ambitions. Her mother, feisty talent manager Anabelle Rama, ran and lost in Cebu (a province south of Manila) during the last elections. Gutierrez said she just wants to get a certificate or diploma, a lifelong dream of hers. She said the last time she was in school was when she was still 16, after which she joined showbusiness and became Miss World First Princess in 1993.

Bautista to hone acting skills

Talk about new directions. Pop star Christian Bautista, who recently transferred from ABS CBN to GMA, seems to be making headway in his desire to be an actor. He has been cast as one of the lead in the new soap With a Smile, starring opposite Andrea Torres. Bautista has had several support stints in TV shows in his former studio, but this will be the first time he will be the lead. He also denied there has been a rift between him and fellow Kapuso artist, Mark Bautista, who was allegedly first offered the role. Bautista says he is keen on honing his acting skills, but will still be singing as it is what he does best.

Battered woman

Brazilian model Daiana Menezes, who has made the Philippines her second home, posted some alarming messages on her Twitter account last week; she even put a photo of her bruised arm on Instagram. As a result, a lot of people suspect abuse. Shortly after, her boyfriend, a congressman from Cagayan de Oro, a province in Mindanao, confessed they had a major fight but have now made amends. Mysteriously, Menezes has refused help from an NGO fighting against women’s abuse and has posted messages saying all is well, for now.