Thanks to gf, John Lloyd
now a spiffy dresser

JOHN Lloyd Cruz looked every inch the executive when he met with the members of the movie press, who were invited to view his elegantly furnished office in the advertising agency, Eco Moda Manila. He was in a suit which didn’t only become him but also enhanced his looks.

All of those present agreed that since John Lloyd’s romantic liaison with Preview magazine editor Liz Dy, his fashion sense has improved tremendously.

How much has Liz influenced him, fashion wise?

"Very much," answered John Lloyd. "Although I really love clothes, para sa akin, hindi kailangan bago at mamahalin ang damit for one to look good. Kailangan lang bagay ito sa may suot at alam din nitong dalhin ang kanyang suot."

As Armando Solis in the teleserye, "Betty la Fea," John Lloyd is the big boss of Eco Moda. Thus, he needs not just to be a neat and good dresser but he has to epitomize geniality and gentility. He has to exude a "kakaibang" allure.

Handsome, smart and educated, Armando knows his assets. But he also has his bad traits. He is a certified chick boy and somewhat arrogant.

Betty, played by Bea Alonzo, is Armando’s exact opposite. She and her family live a hand-to-mouth existence, unlike Armando, who was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. It was through sheer patience and with the support of her parents that she was able to finish her studies.

Betty is also kind-hearted, hardworking and is always smiling and happy. Though far from being good-looking, she knows she will succeed.

"I’m so glad that Lloydie (John Lloyd’s pet name) is playing Armando. Like in out past team-ups, alam kong we will again make it," said Bea.

***

Definitely a first in radio is the new show, "LOL (Laugh Out Loud)," which starts airing on Sunday, August 24, 1 p.m. on DZMM.

"LOL" is a weekly talent search for the best stand-up comedian who can make the listeners laugh with hilarious spiels.

"Actually, the idea came from Ma’m Charo (Santos-Concio, president of ABS-CBN)," said Angelo Palmones, station manager of DZMM. "She probably felt that DZMM should come up with a comedy program which will lighten the mood of our audience, especially during this time of crisis.

"Kaya to be effective, we are searching for new comedians. Yes, by holding an audition," he added.

The audition for "LOL" will be on Thursday, August 28, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Those interested should be between 18 to 40 years old with no current TV exposure. Making people laugh should be inherent to him. Prizes at stake are a "kabuhayan showcase,: a cash prize of P100,000, plus a contract with DZMM.

We asked Palmones if eventually there is a possibility for the winner to win a contract with Star Cinema and ABS CBN.

"Well, you’ll never know. Kapag talent ka ng radio, maraming good opportunity na naghihintay sa ‘yo."

By the way, for details, please call 415-2272, local 5659 or 5627, Monday to Friday, 1 to 5 p.m.

***

Do you know that Comedy King Dolphy was a radio comedian?

There was a time, he revealed in his book, "Hindi Ko Ito Narating Na Mag-isa," when he was doing five radio shows a week! All sitcoms.

Monday, there was "Oras ng Colgate"; Tuesday, "Darigold Jamboree" with Panchito, Eddie Ilarde, Pepe Pimentel and a guest star, usually an actress; Wednesday, "The Big Broadcast," starring several stars of Sampaguita Pictures; Thursday, "Roadshow" with Helen Gamboa; Saturday, "La Tondeña Incorporada"; and Sunday, "Kulang sa Pito," with Susan Roces.

It was the late Eugenio Lopez Jr., owner of ABS-CBN whom Dolphy fondly calls Kapitan, who gave him his first break on TV.

"He offered me a show on TV," recalled Dolphy, "I asked him, ‘Puwede ba ako?’ Kapitan’s answer was swift. Kaya nga daw niya ako kinukuha.

"That saw the birth of ‘Buhay Artista.’ Panchito and I were the stars of the show."