Vice bites back
Speaking to tabloid!, Vice Ganda breaks his silence on allegations he has become conceited, and his alleged fight with his director on It's Showtime.
There are a lot of rumours about your show in Abu Dhabi not being a hit. What can you say about this?
We had a good show and a good turnout. It's not an overflowing crowd, but the producers are happy.
Those who came were happy. That's all I can do as a performer — the promotion of the show is up to the producers. I don't know where reporters in Manila get their stories.
You have been the subject of nasty stories saying you're now big-headed and in the twilight of your career. Your reaction?
I don't want to be the one to say this, but I just had the privilege of starring in the biggest box office hit of all time last year. Unless my next five movies all blow out at the box office, I doubt I am in the twilight of my career. When I know it's time, I'd be the first time to acknowledge it. I am known for being brutally frank with other people; I am so much more honest with myself.
About being a swell-head, I don't know where that is coming from. Maybe on occasions when I am pressured or stressed I let it out and it comes off wrongly on people, but I am the same person I was when I was just a comic in a small comedy bar in Manila.
The ones around me are giving me the importance of being a star, not me.
Tell us about your relationship with the director on It's Showtime. Are you really not seeing eye-to-eye?
I was away from the show for a while because I had a series of shows in the Middle East. I have no problem with Direk Bobet [director Bobet Vidanes]. If there are stories circulating about his displeasure with me, please ask him, not me. I am okay with the show.
So it's not true that he resigned and you were the reason for his resignation?
He has not resigned. The network has already clarified that. So, if there is no resignation, why are they still throwing all sorts of malicious stories at me?
How's your relationship on the show?
We're not sweet, but we're also not at odds. What more can I say? I come across as blunt when I say these things, because that's how I am. This is me when people first knew me, and all of a sudden I am a prima donna when I am just being me.
How do you feel about all this?
I am hurt, of course. But I tend to focus more on the positive things that are happening in my life. That's all I can do.
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Daiana doubles Paris
Manila-based Brazilian model-TV host Daiana Menezes said she's been tapped to stand in for American hotel heiress and reality show star Paris Hilton in one of her shows. The Brazilian beauty would not say which show it is, but she promised she will reveal all later.
It's for this new gig that she's sporting blonde hair and a fringe at the moment.
Menezes also told tabloid! she will no longer be a part of the hit noontime show Eat Bulaga because she wants to learn more and do more as an actress in the Philippines. She said the parting of ways was amicable since her manager is also the show's executive producer.
Dingdong's magic in Malaysia
Dingdong Dantes flew to Malaysia last week to promote Endless Love, a TV series he and Marian Rivera starred in two years ago.
The show is currently enjoying a good run in Malaysia, where it is being shown for the first time, dubbed in Bahasa.
Dantes flew in on the request of the network airing the programme, based on numerous requests from adoring fans.
This is Dantes' second time in Malaysia to promote a TV show; the first was when he also promoted another hit show he had with Rivera, Marimar, several years ago.
Richard's back on prime time
Young superstar Richard Gutierrez will be back on prime time TV when his new show, Makapiling Kang Muli (To Be With You Again) airs in May.
The show pairs Gutierrez with dramatic star Carla Abellana and teen actress Sarah Lahbati.
The last time Gutierrez had a soap was the middle of last year with Captain Barbell, although he did host Survivor Philippines Celebrity Double Edition towards the end of 2011.
Fans are excited to see if he has any chemistry with Abellana and Lahbati, who will be paired with Gutierrez for the first time.
Angel renews her contract
Angel Locsin has signed a new three-year contract with ABS CBN, dousing speculation she is transferring to TV5.
Locsin said she is very happy with how her career has blossomed in the Kapamilya network.
In addition to doing a still untitled series opposite Sam Milby, Locsin is also slated to do several movies with Star Cinema — the first will pair her opposite Dingdong Dantes and the second is a movie which will pair her with Gutierrez.
