Celebrity Files: A Survivor of Life at 40

Celebrity Files

A Survivor of Life at 40

Megastar Sharon Cuneta says she is seriously considering writing her autobiography.

“At 40, my plans to write my autobiography are really becoming more and more possible,” she told entertainment reporters recently. “I never thought as a child that I would be wounded and a survivor of life at 40.” According to her, so much has been written about her life, “sometimes wrongly.”

“The main point of my book should be to show people the ups and downs of my life, and hopefully give the something inspiring and empowering, just like what I do now on Sharon (her Sunday talk show on ABS-CBN),” she said. “I don’t think I need to include the gory details of my life anymore. I’m not the type to, say, make sira to Gabby (Concepcion, her first husband) because we have a daughter.”

Sharon launched recently her latest CD, Isn’t It Romantic?, which she dedicates to her loved ones, close friends, devoted fans and showbiz colleagues. In her dedication to husband Senator Kiko Pangilinan, she wrote, “You have brought me maybe not the same kind of ‘fire’ there is inside of me but the kind of peace that has eluded me so long.”

Wedding of the Year

Billed as the “Wedding of the Year”, the Claudine Barretto-Raymart Santiago nuptials was set in the luxuriant hills of the golf course of exclusive Tagaytay Highlands last March 27.

The afternoon garden wedding was “strictly” for family and friends and only a few accredited photographers and ABS-CBN’s video team were allowed in the ceremonies and reception. ABS-CBN, where the bride is a contract star, had exclusive rights to document the wedding

Claudine wore a gown by Randy Ortiz and the couple exchanged rings from Tiffany. Pink, lilac and mauve were the color motifs, described in one report as “grand, lavish and English country style.” Giveaways were bonsai plants, prepared under the supervision of the groom, a bonsai enthusiast.

The star-studded sponsors included former President Joseph Estrada, ABS-CBN chair and president Eugenio Lopez III, GMA top honchos Gilberto Duavit and Felipe Gozon, Susan Roces, Lipa City Mayor Vilma Santos, Dolphy and former senator Tito Sotto.

Martin is Hurting

Martin Nievera didn’t mince words about his displeasure with ABS-CBN, which he said was “neglecting” him.

“There’s so much I can do with or without the show having to be about me,” he told a group of entertainment writers. “I’m one of those players who can make the three-point shot. If you want me on your team, use me; don’t bench me.”

Martin was referring to how his role in the network’s Sunday show ASAP had diminished through the years. From being one of the top four hosts (together with ex-wife Pops Fernandez, Ariel Rivera and former Miss Universe Dayanara Torres) when ASAP was launched in the early ’90s, Martin now considers himself as one of the “less-used artists” on the show. The current edition of the show has over 30 hosts led by Zsa Zsa Padilla, Gary Valenciano and Kuh Ledesma.

Martin added: “If you ask ABS-CBN why these things are happening, they’ll say, ‘It’s because Martin is never here.’ Try throwing me an offer—don’t wait for me to be available.”

He clarified that he didn’t want out. “I’m not telling the people [running the show] how to do their jobs; I’m offering my services. If you need another male host, I’m your guy.”

He disclosed he had received far bigger offers from rival networks but he chose to stay with ABS-CBN. “I’m a team player. Do you know how many offers I’ve gotten from the other side? A lot. They’re offering me a lot more than what I’m making right now. ABS-CBN has never offered me a contract.”

On April 15, Martin is doing a fundraiser in Los Angeles with MiG Ayesa and other US-based Filipino artists for the Leyte landslide victims. In May, he is touring Europe with Pops and in July he has a concert in Las Vegas.

Asked about his dream as a performer, he replied: “I want to be really big and come back to this country, my hometown, and do a big show with an orchestra for free. It would be fully produced but I will not charge a cent. That’s when you know you’re a big star.”

James' Calming Effect on Kris

KRIS Aquino continues to mesmerize Pinoys with her candor, vanity and chatter. “Whether they like me or not, I’m honest,” explains the 35-year-old TV host on why she remains popular.

Kris is the country’s No. 1 product endorser today, pitching 17 products – from corned beef and shampoo to beer, soap and apparel. She is thankful to her very supportive mother, former President Cory Aquino, who, she reveals, patronizes all the products that she is pitching.

Six years ago, when she broke off with Philip Salvador, father of her 10-year-old son Joshua, Kris’s career was languishing. Except for a shoe polish brand, “No advertiser would touch me,” she recalls.

Now at the peak of her career and immensely in love with her 25-year-old boyfriend James Yap, Kris is on cloud nine. “I like myself best now,” she enthuses. “When in your thirties and at the peak of your beauty, and you know you’ve done something with your life but you’re still excited about each day. I like it that James is here. He’s supportive and calm.”

Don't Count Erap Out

If you think former President Joseph Estrada is a beaten man consigned to the dustbin of history, think again. Erap was in headlines recently when he took the witness stand for the first time on March 22 to present his side in the ongoing plunder case against him.

Five years after being deposed as President and put behind bars for plunder, Erap remains a popular figure, especially among the poor who still hold him in high esteem. In fact, surveys show that he is far more popular than incumbent President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who succeeded him in 2001.

According to the latest nationwide survey of the polling firm Pulse Asia, up to 65 percent of Filipinos believe that the resignation or removal of President Arroyo from office is the best way to solve the country's political crisis.

When asked to pick who among the incumbent President and two former presidents they trusted the most, nearly half, or 48 percent, chose Estrada. He was followed by Fidel Ramos (31 percent) and Mrs. Arroyo (22 percent).

In contrast, half of the respondents considered Mrs. Arroyo the least worthy of their trust, followed by Ramos (38 percent), and Estrada (25 percent).

Results were mixed on the best leader for the country, with 23 percent picking Vice President Noli de Castro, 17 percent choosing Estrada, and 13 percent opting for Senator Panfilo Lacson.

But when asked to name the most unacceptable individual to lead the country, about a third or 32 percent of respondents picked Mrs. Arroyo, with the next five names getting no more than 11 percent each – Susan Roces (11 percent), evangelist Brother Eddie Villanueva (11 percent), Ramos (10 percent), Estrada (7 percent) and Lacson (7 percent).

More Than a Business Manager

Angeli Pangilinan-Valenciano, head of the Genesis talent management company and wife of Gary Valenciano and who now handles the career of Heart Evangelista, is more than a business manager to the young actress.

“I guess Heart knew that at this point in her life she needs not just a business manager and a career planner but also a spiritual counselor,” explains Angeli why Heart turned to Genesis after her contract with Star Magic expired. Genesis is managed by the Valencianos who are Born Again Christians, whose talents and employees share the same religious beliefs.

Angeli disclosed that before Genesis accepted Heart as a client, she and husband Gary had a six-hour spiritual counseling session with the actress.

The young actress turned to Angeli when rumors persisted that she was pregnant and was set to leave for the United States and stay there until she gave birth.

“I am not pregnant, and neither did I have an abortion,” Heart has firmly declared time and again.

Angeli has advised Heart to sue the “malicious” tabloid reporters and columnists should the actress lose any of her endorsement contracts due to the recent series of “incorrect and defamatory” write-ups about her.

But the erring showbiz reporters need not worry for now. According to Heart, none of her endorsement deals have been terminated due to her supposed violation of morality clauses.

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