Tsismis: Latest gossip from Pinoy World

She has been through a number of tough relationships, but actress Jennylyn Mercado still believes she will find the right man.

Her much-publicised love affairs have often been tumultuous, with her last break-up with actor Dennis Trillo even reportedly involving violence. This time, however, Mercado is hoping her blossoming friendship with actor Luis Manzano will turn out to be a happier, more fulfilling relationship.

"I'm not after a fairy-tale love story. I just want a simple relationship where I can truly be happy being loved by my partner and getting the support that I need as a woman and as an artist," Mercado says. "Of course, he must be prepared to love my son as if he were his own."

The actress has a son from a previous relationship with actor Patrick Garcia. That, too, ended on a bitter note, with Garcia's family even requesting a paternity test. The insinuation that someone else could have fathered Alex Jazz angered Mercado so much, she didn't allow Garcia to see their son, until recently. "Everything is okay now between Patrick and myself," she admits.

"We're friends, even the family is okay. We need to do this for Alex Jazz."

At the moment, Mercado is focused on her career and her new role as a mother. "Everything changes when one becomes a parent," she says.

"Now, I am responsible for another person's life. And I would do everything to make sure he gets a better childhood experience than what I had."

It is an open secret that Mercado suffered physical abuse from her stepfather. "I wouldn't want the same thing to happen to Alex Jazz. It's enough that I had to go through a horrible experience. Even now, whenever it comes up, it still brings back painful memories. I want my child to grow up feeling loved."

Mercado considers motherhood to be the greatest thing that has happened to her. Though she appreciates the fame and fortune celebrity has brought her, "nothing compares with the exhilaration of being a mother".

"It is a big responsibility, but also a great blessing to be given the chance to give life to someone and to help create a great future for them."

I'm alive

Through a tweet, Angel Locsin disproved rumours, which circulated on some websites, that she had reportedly gone missing when a luxury yacht sank off the coast of St Tropez in France.

It is true, however, that the actress went on a cruise in France, but she is very much alive. She and a couple of other ABS CBN artists had a show in Paris. While there, the actress took the chance to get a much needed break.

When she returns, she will be busy preparing for a new movie pairing her with box office king, John Lloyd Cruz.

Next drama queen?

Fast rising young star Julia Montes is being dubbed the next drama queen, following in the footsteps of Claudine Barretto.

At least, this was how she was introduced by Jerry Sineneng, the director of her new movie, Way Back Home.

Sineneng worked with Barretto a lot in her younger years, and was one of the people who moulded the actress into becoming one of the finest in the industry.

Though flattered, Montes admits she still has a lot to learn, and would rather carve her own niche.

No wedding bells — for now

Although Zanjoe Marudo and Bea Alonzo have more or less confirmed they are in a relationship, the couple say no engagement took place on a recent trip to Paris.

Marudo says he has never been happier in his life and that Alonzo is the type he would take to the altar, but he hasn't proposed yet, even though the ambience would have been perfect.

The actor says he is willing to wait, but is ready any time Alonzo feels she's ready to walk down the aisle.

Enrique doesn't mind being second

Young actor Enrique Gil has no qualms about being second choice for the movie Way Back Home of Star Cinema.

The actor is being paired with Kathryn Bernardo, star of the hit TV series Mara Clara. He replaced another teen star, Albie Casino, who was removed from the project after getting embroiled in the controversy surrounding the pregnancy of Andi Eigenman.

Gil believes it doesn't matter whether one is first or second choice. "What matters is that you play the part so well it gets remembered," he adds.

Playlist: Carl Guevarra, Actor/model

Song on repeat mode: I Am King by Christian Bautista. Christian is very good here, and it's a very inspiring song.

One to make me cry: I can't think of any, or maybe You Raise Me Up by Josh Groban.

This one makes me move: The Edge of Glory by Lady Gaga. I've heard it a couple of times and it's got a great tune.

At karaoke I would sing: Pangarap Lang Kita by Parokya ni Edgar. I'm going to try this one, but only if the girl I have a crush on is in the audience.

Track I'd skip right now: Mean by Taylor Swift. Reminds me of someone I don't really like.