Critic’s Choice
Paulo Avelino couldn’t believe it when his name was called as the winner in the Best Actor category of the recently concluded Urian Awards, perhaps the most coveted among all acting trophies in the awards circuit in Philippine showbusiness. What made Avelino’s feat more impressive is that it was also the first time he has been nominated. He won for his stirring portrayal of a student who is infatuated with his teacher in the film Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwaang Paa (Dance of Two Left Feet). Avelino beat 10 other actors, including award-winning veterans Tirso Cruz II, Ronnie Lazaro and Raymond Bagatsing, to win his first acting award.
Cool daddy
Arnel Pineda, lead vocalist of American rock band Journey, announced on his Twitter page that he’s now the father of a new baby girl. Pineda said his wife, Cherry, gave birth to Thea Chenell at around 6pm last Friday. The rockstar was emotional as he paid homage to mothers for their “sacrifice”. This is Pineda’s second child; his first, born from a previous relationship, is a 6-year-old boy named Cherub. Pineda is currently in Manila and will soon be back to the US for a series of shows with Journey.
Shouting match
Comic and TV host Vhong Navarro denied rumours that he and It’s Showtime co-host Vice Ganda had a shouting match in a hallway just outside the studio where they stage their daily, live noontime show. Navarro says he’s the type who would rather have a quiet talk over a disagreement or feud, preferring to sort it out without any drama. The comedian also said everything is well within the Showtime family, despite persistent rumours all is not well within the group, which has been so much under pressure to do well in the ratings. Navarro confirmed he remains good friends with his fellow host.
Friends again
Katrina Halili and Marian Rivera have apparently buried the hatchet. Halili has asked Rivera to be one of the godmothers of her soon-to-be-born baby. She is now seven-months pregnant and is going on a full-time break after the successful run of My Beloved, where she played yet another villainous role, making Rivera’s character’s life a living hell. The two even renewed their spat, which began as far back as their Marimar days, that would have kicked Halili out of the show. Rivera intervened on her tormentor’s behalf, saying she may just be having her usual pregnancy tantrums.
