VHONG Navarro gets a reminder from Deniece: “This isn’t a movie.”
An exasperated lawyer’s opinion, as a private citizen, on the astonishing Vhong-Deniece exchanges on television:
“The contending parties should stop talking about the merits of the cases (several have been filed). There is such a thing as a ‘sub judice rule’; unfortunately, at this point, only the opposing camps can tell one another to shut up. Usually, this happens when one feels that the other has more access to media. Ironically, the rule is invoked only when it’s convenient. Right now, no one is saying shut up because both have, or get, considerable access to media and they both want to talk.”
In short, we’ll have to grin and bear it some more.
Swishy newcomer
Not a few observers have noticed that Boisterous Upstart is a little too swishy for comfort. BU is pampered as well—surrounded by a huge entourage fit for a diva, a team of flamboyant experts (hair stylist, makeup artist, fashion designer, personal assistants) all day long.
Not surprisingly, BU has imbibed the colorful crew’s ways. Vociferous Relative is getting antsy. But this is just desserts: VR maltreated members of the rainbow brigade in the past.
Hello, stranger
Now, this was awkward.
Showbiz Insider was having coffee in a posh place when Glamorous Stranger suddenly appeared, bussing and hugging SI like a long-lost friend.
Befuddled SI couldn’t remember who GS was but went along, chatting up GS while grasping for clues. Finally, SI connected the dots. GS was a gifted performer left virtually unrecognizable by cosmetic enhancements.
Hopeless
Cute Neophyte and Hot Newcomer were supposed to be launched alongside Budding Beauty in a high-profile project.
At the last minute, CN and HN were replaced with Hunky Heartthrob and Handsome Performer. Insiders said the bosses realized that CN and HN lacked the required acting chops. Added a mole, “[They] can’t act their way out of a wet paper bag.”
BB is enough of a gamble to start with. The execs couldn’t risk it all with two more untried (and untalented) newbies.
Mean streak
From the Inquirer Radio program “Inquirer Entertainment” (dzIQ 990 AM, Monday to Friday, 3 to 5 p.m.):
If you ask loyal fans, all those nasty rumors about Dreamy Idol’s lousy attitude are hogwash. But to his devotees’ dismay, DI recently put his foot in his mouth again. Perhaps he thought he was being witty.
DI’s jokes outed him as the mean-spirited warlock that he was. True colors shine through.
Mr. & Mrs. Bully
From the Inquirer tabloid Bandera:
Vivacious Entertainer experienced torture in the hands of both Overbearing Lover and his Estranged Partner.
When VE and OL were still together, EP made sure to buy front-row tickets to VE’s shows.
EP and pals would watch just to intimidate poor VE.
FROM Nikki Gil’s Instagram: The singer was maid of honor at best pal Iya Villania’s wedding to Drew Arellano last Friday.
EP also sent VE “threatening” text messages and relished watching her perform under immense pressure.
Who knew OL was attracted to fellow bullies?
Top of the talk shows
For those who missed last weekend’s TV gabfests (and why we are moved, if we are moved):
- James Yap on not seeing his son Bimby for the past five months: “Sana makita ko siya soon … Sa [mga] billboard ko na lang siya nakikita, sa pelikula.” (Oh, that’s just not right.)
- James on Bimby using the surname Aquino in the movie “My Little Bossings”: “OK lang ’yun, basta sa pelikula. Pagdating sa totoong buhay, sa tingin ko parang ’di tama.” (Tama ka diyan.)
- Kris Aquino on James’ grievance: “There has been no reason, legal or personal, preventing James from going to Bimby’s school to pick him up and take him out for merienda. James just hasn’t exerted the effort.” (He says, she says. Tsk, tsk.)
- Gia Barretto on sister Gretchen’s recent TV interview: “Fast forward a year and you still cannot heed our request to leave us alone? Somehow, using social media was not enough. Filipinos were once again treated to your ranting. And at whose expense? Of course, my family’s.” (And your unwitting—sometimes unwilling—spectators! Kami ’yun.)
- Jake Cuenca on rumors that he had a past encounter with Cedric Lee: “Hindi ko siya kilala. [People] are [probably associating] this with [the shooting of my car] a long time ago. To this day, hindi ko alam kung sino ang gumawa.” (We’ll take your word for that.)
JAKE Cuenca has no idea why his name was dragged into the Vhong-Deniece-Cedric scandal.
- David Bunevacz on Lee allegedly leading the mauling of Navarro: “Like Vhong, I was wrongfully accused, held against my will, physically violated, terrorized and threatened [with death]. What happened to Vhong is not the first time such a crime has been committed. It is clear that evil deeds are being exposed.” (That’s right, remind us.)
- Deniece Cornejo, who’s accusing Navarro of raping her, asked if she was afraid of anything: “Kung wala kang ginagawang mali, wala kang kailangang ikatakot. Alam mo ang katotohanan, alam mo kung nasaan ka.” (But, but… that CCTV footage…)
- Deniece’s message for Vhong: “Ngayon panalo ka, pero matakot ka sa ikalawang buhay. Ako handa akong ibuwis ang buhay ko; nagsasabi ako ng katotohanan, hindi ako natatakot.” (Too much drama. Gosh.)
- Deniece implores Vhong to “man up”: “Kuya Vhong, hindi ’to pelikula, totoong buhay ’to … Kung meron man ditong binaboy, hindi ikaw—ako ang binaboy mo.” (And she calls him “Kuya.” Something’s amiss.) (Startalk, Buzz ng Bayan)