MATTEO Guidicelli
It’s uncanny that the news about Coco Martin and Matteo Guidicelli fighting over Maja Salvador would erupt days before Maja’s indie movie, “Thelma,” opens.
It could just be a coincidence. Either way, it thrusts Maja all the more into the limelight. Talk about being embroiled in the right controversy at the right time.
In Maja’s interview on “The Buzz,” she appealed to the public to focus on her movie, then went on to admit that she and Matteo are indeed a couple. But after Matteo and Coco’s clash at the Star Magic Ball after-party, she said she’s no longer sure where the relationship is heading.
She even compared herself to Thelma, the character she portrays, saying they both don’t run away from their problems. Such is the art of subliminal plugging, which seems to be in the job description of most local actors these days.
Prior to confronting Coco, Matteo was said to be already in a foul mood. Other stars at the ball claimed that Matteo told Helga Krapf (a Star Magic talent) to vacate her seat because he wanted Maja to sit beside him. Helga was so humiliated she didn’t finish her dinner and left the table pronto.
Does Matteo have enough reason to be jealous, even now that Maja’s teleserye with Coco, “Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin,” has ended? If Maja and Coco did have some “minsan moments,” wasn’t that coterminous with their show? Besides, I heard that Coco is wooing Mercedes Cabral but they are just keeping it hush-hush.
Star Magic has issued a statement that matters have been resolved between their wards. Funny that the ball was meant to foster camaraderie among the Kapamilya stars. Turned out, the highlight of the ball was the Coco-Matteo brawl!
Moving on
Tintin Bersola-Babao is overjoyed to be the newest Kapatid – moving to TV5 after spending 18 years on ABS-CBN.
MAJA Salvador
“I am grateful to ABS because as a homegrown talent, dun ako nagkapangalan,” she says. “And especially because that’s where I met my hubby Julius. But we all have to grow as artists. I’m happier now to be part of TV5 where I feel so warmly welcomed.”
She was on the verge of retiring as a TV host until TV5’s offer came along. “Life indeed begins at 40,” she says. “I turned 40 last year and honestly, I was ready to retire when this opportunity was given to me. Meron pa palang plano si Lord para sa akin. Doing “Kumare Club” with Tiyang Amy (Perez) and Nyora Chiqui (Roa) made me realize how much I’ve missed the daily grind, the energy and vibe of a live show.”
Isn’t there any conflict with her husband Julius who stayed behind in ABS? Will he eventually move to TV5, too? “No conflict at all,” she explains. “Julius has always been my No. 1 fan, supporting me all the way. He is only too happy now, seeing my dreams come true, doing a show about moms and soon, a solo program. He is still happy with how ABS takes care of his career, so he’s not transferring. As to what the future holds, that remains to be seen. Options will always be there.”
Tin has always been one of the most refreshing faces on TV. Even if she’s now with a different network, her good old charms stay the same.
Proud moment
Kudos to Ramon Revilla Sr. and Johnny Remulla Sr. for bagging the Gawad Miong Award. It was a proud moment for them and their sons, Senator Bong Revilla and Cavite Governor Johnvic Remulla Jr.
The prestigious award, named after first Philippine President Emilio Aguinaldo, was given to the older Revilla and Remulla for their exemplary service to the people of Cavite. The awardees are long-lost friends who parted ways due to political differences. Bong and Johnvic vow to strengthen the reconciliation of their clans and continue the legacy of their fathers.
PERSONAL: Happy birthday to my ever dependable angel in Singapore, Jigs Pagulayan.
Muchisimas gracias to New World’s Carla Hontiveros, my dear friend Grace Calingo, Eric Cham, Palladium Super Club and Marvin Agustin’s Sumo Sam Greenbelt 3 for helping me make my daughter Bianchi’s birthday celebration extra special.
E-mail wateringholeshangrila@yahoo.com.