Tantalizing transformations on the tube

KUTCHER. Portrays a billionaire on “Two and a Half Men.”

For months now, fans of the hit but troubled sitcom, “Two and a Half Men,” have been speculating about the role that Charlie Sheen’s replacement, Ashton Kutcher, will play on the show when it resumes its run next season. Well, the cat is out of the bag: He’ll portray an “Internet billionaire” nursing a broken heart.

The character’s updated back story is expected to energize the sitcom’s storytelling, which for too long has revolved mainly around its former star’s sexual shenanigans. That’s funny, all right – but, a bit old around the sagging neck wattles, don’t you think?

With the younger Kutcher on board, the show could tackle a wider range of topics, themes and tics. Will the viewing public get turned on by the bracing change of pace? Well, Kutcher sure hopes so—or else, he could get a spanking from the missus (Demi Moore). – Hmmm, come to think of it, that may not be such a bad deal, after all…

Other makeovers

Similarly on the transformation train is actress Judy Ann Santos, who “does a Janice de Belen” and resurfaces on the tube after her long maternity leave – as the host of a cooking challenge, “Pinoy Master Chef, Junior Edition,” which starts telecasting soonest.

Some viewers have dissed the transformation, because they think it’s way out of the star’s comfort zone – but, they’re wrong. Fact is, Juday has taken some cooking classes and once ran a restaurant, so she’s no babe in the woods when it comes to the culinary arts.

And, the fact that she’s a mom means she’s good at handling kids, so the young cooks competing in the tilt won’t be intimidated by her stellar persona, which will have to be put on the back burner for a spell.

Self-titled album

For his part, young actor JM de Guzman has been making a name for himself on TV series like the recently concluded “Mula sa Puso,” but he has now come up with a self-titled album that shifts the focus to his singing and songwriting talents. He’s promoting his CD on August 28 at SM Clark and September 4 at SM Sta. Rosa.

New option for BB

From Rustom Padilla to BB Gandanghari was the transformation to end all transformations – but, now that the smoke from that spectacular shockeroo has subsided, what will “BB” do to keep her performing career viable? There just aren’t enough gender-bender roles out there to keep her performing on a fairly regular basis.

The key, of course, is for BB to vary her options – and it looks like that’s what she’s proceeding to do. A friend shares that she’s currently in New York, where she’s kept busy – as a fashion model.

Read more...