HIS
newly-separated actress is afraid to lose the custody of her kid that she makes
sure she’s with her 24 hours a day. Never mind if it means giving up her TV
career temporarily.
Her estranged husband is reportedly threatening to file
charges against her for being an unfit mom. He wants to be given the right to
take care of his daughter.
***
Comebacking actor Gabby Con-cepcion’s first project with ABS-CBN
is a teleserye with Claudine Barretto. Titled "Iisa Ka Lamang," the
series will also star Susan Roces as Claudine’s lola. Others in the cast
are Diether Ocampo, Joel Torre, Maricel Laxa, Laurice Guillen and, possibly,
Eddie Gutierrez.
"Pero duda akong tatanggapin ni Eddie ang
series," said our source. "Hindi ba tinanggihan na niya ang offer to do
‘Lobo’? He is set kasi to do a series with GMA 7."
Ruel Bayani and Manny Palo have been tapped to direct the
series,.
The cast is currently undergoing a workshop before buckling
down to work.
***
Claudine has just wrapped up work for her first horror
series, "Maligno," which will air anytime soon.
"Replacement ang ‘Maligno’ ng malapit ng mag-end
na action series, ‘Palos’," said an informer."
"Maligno" marks the actress’ return to TV after giving birth
to her son Rodrigo Santino. The boy is turning one in July.
Claudine was still pregnant with Santino (yes, this is his
nickname) when she did the TV series, "Walang Kapalit," with Piolo Pascual.
We heard the report that Claudine will also play Gabby’s
leading lady in his first movie for Star Cinema.
***
Are reports claiming that Kristine Hermosa is being difficult
on the set of her teleserye, "Reyna ng Banyera," true?
Well, it they are, then too bad. "Reyna ng Banyera" is doing
well in the ratings game. In fact, an ABS-CBN insider told us that there are
plans to prolong the series.
"Reyna ng Banyera" director Andoy Ranay reportedly refuses to
extend the series. He may not articulate it but, our informer whispered, it’s
likely that he is fed up with Kristine’s prima donna attitude. But the
professional that Direk Andoy is, he promised the powers that be of ABS-CBN
that he will remain at the helm of "Reyna ng Banyera" up to its end.
***
Richard Poon is not only a singer; but he is a songwriter as
well.
Richard, whose family owns the Mr. Poon chain of restaurants,
has written a song for Piolo Pascual. The song is featured in Piolo’s new album.
Richard, who used to cook for customers in one of branches of
Mr. Poon, is admired for singing standards. He said he took after his mom who
was, in her time, a pop star. At his concert, "Richard Poon: I’ll Take Care of
You," he will sing a Chinese song which his mom translated into English.
Still new in the music game, Richard now regularly performs
in the ABS-CBN Sunday musical noontime program, "ASAP Live." He is featured in
one of the show’s segments, "Serenading."
"Being in ‘ASAP Live,’ is challenging," he said. "Sometimes I
feel pressured because, since I am new in the industry, I don’t know what to do.
But I’m so overwhelmed with Sir Deo’s (Edrinal) support for me."
Edrinal is the unit head of "ASAP Live."
"ASAP Live" is also the producer of Richard’s first major solo concert will
be directed by Georcelle Dapat. It will take place at the Music Museum on May 1
and 2.
