Nora Aunor snubbed twice in a row

GERALD Anderson and Kim Chiu initially felt ill at ease on set.

Dropped from the list of newly proclaimed national artists, Nora Aunor has been left out of another government lineup.

“Whistleblower,” a film starring Aunor and directed by indie filmmaker Adolfo Alix Jr., fell short of the final eight entries to the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF). It’s not even a stand-by entry—there are usually two—in case one of the eight backs out.

The annual MMFF is spearheaded by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.

An insider said organizers found Aunor’s film too serious—“and drama is always a tough sell for the festival.” Aunor’s internationally acclaimed movie, “Thy Womb,” was pulled out of cinemas ahead of schedule when it competed at the MMFF in 2012.

Franchises and sequels dominate this year’s roster. The lone spot for the requisite “prestige project” has been given to the Robin Padilla starrer, Enzo Williams’ historical-action film “Bonifacio: Gusto Mo Ba Siyang Makilala?”

A mole ranted: “To think ‘Whistleblower’ is an indictment of corruption and therefore supports a government crusade!”

Drink and tell

Troubled Actor got drunk and became too chatty for comfort.

Even his drinking buddies turned uneasy when TA, in an alcohol-fueled delirium, revealed intimate details of his romance with Popular Star, who is now happily involved with Influential Celebrity.

What made TA’s pals most uncomfortable was his allegation that Major Personality, a contemporary, was a peeping Tom. TA said MP got a kick out of watching while he and PS fanned the flames of desire. Ew.

V for vendetta

ANGEL Locsin thanks her boyfriend’s ex-flame.

Wanting to work with Gifted Performer, Industry Insider sent feelers through loyal supporters, who then lobbied for the collaboration.

The plan went pfft. Did II get even by blocking GP’s success in a high-profile event? Unforgiving II reportedly made sure GP would be snubbed by big shots.

Walking papers

Boob-tube Personality went out of town for a gig. While BP was away, Closeted Lover proceeded to play.

Unknown to CL, BP did a little sleuthing and informants told on CL, who was caught cheating.

BP went ballistic and gave CL the walking papers, with instructions to pack up and disappear.

Not-so-great pretender

From the Inquirer tabloid Bandera:

Controversial Newsmaker had just arrived from a short trip and was in no mood to hobnob with fans.

RAYMART Santiago sees light at the end of the tunnel.

At the airport, fellow travelers greeted CN, who pretended not to hear and just kept walking, head bowed. Is CN still trying to look devastated by personal travails? A group of overseas Filipino workers asked CN for souvenir snapshots. CN ignored them, too, pretending to talk to someone on the phone.

CN may crash into a wall (again) because of all this fake drama.

Top of the Talk Shows

For those who missed this week’s TV gabfests (and why we are moved, if we are moved):

Joey de Leon on the controversy surrounding Nora Aunor’s exclusion from the new batch of national artists: “Kung ano ’yung batas, ’yun ang batas … Basta para sa ’kin, ang national food [ay] noodles.” (Talk about dodging.)

Pauleen Luna, asked by Joey who her “national love” is: “Isa lang naman… si Vic Sotto.” (Naman.)

Lolit Solis on Kris Aquino feeling hurt and expecting an apology from Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista after he said on TV that he would stop courting the TV host: “’Di ba ang nag-chismis naman sa affair nila eh si Kris Aquino? Dapat nga mag-sorry kay Herbert si Kris, e!” (Agree. Spin a win.)

Raymart Santiago on facing estranged wife Claudine Barretto in court to discuss the custody of their children: “Ayoko nang idetalye. Mas maganda na nakikita kaming lumalabas na nakangiti kaysa nakasimangot.” (Now can we make this go away?)

NORA Aunor’s film, “Whistleblower,” failed to make the lineup of this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival. AFP

Raymart on his and Claudine’s court cases: “Unti-unti nagkakaroon na ng liwanag.” (Unti-unti, we stopped caring.)

Gina Alajar, asked if she’s disappointed about her son Geoff Eigenmann’s breakup with Carla Abellana: “Carla was part of the family for four years … Nakakalungkot. Nakita na ni Geoff ang sarili niya growing old with her.” (Are you saying, mom, that this one’s on Carla?)

Gina on rumors linking Geoff to Kylie Padilla: “I don’t think that’s true … Nakakapikon din ’yun.” (He can handle this, mom.)

Gina on the person (reportedly Aljur Abrenica) who talked about the issue on TV: “Naiinis ako sa taong nagsalita kasi parang ’di naman niya iniisip ’yung sinasabi niya. Ni wala naman siyang pruweba. Ginawa niyang guilty ang anak ko.” (Mom!)

Jennylyn Mercado on being single: “Nae-enjoy ko. Mas happy yata ako na ganito. Wala akong iniisip kundi sarili ko, anak ko, family ko at career ko. Doon umiikot ang mundo ko ngayon.” (Sana, noon pa.)

Jennylyn, asked if she would attend her ex Patrick Garcia’s upcoming wedding with a nonshow-biz girlfriend: “’Pag inimbita ako, pupunta ako. Wala namang masama.” (It wouldn’t hurt to think twice, promise.)

Jennylyn, asked about rumors that another ex, Luis Manzano, is planning to marry Angel Locsin: “Ayoko munang pag-usapan, wala na ako doon … But I wish them well.” (Eh, pa’no kung imbitahin ka?)

Angel on Jennylyn wishing her and Luis well: “Thank you … Wala akong masasabi, weird naman ’di ba?” (Yup, and stop right there.)

Gerald Anderson on working with his ex Kim Chiu on a new project: “Matagal ang pinagsamahan namin. Pero sa tagal din naming hindi nagkasama, andun pa rin ’yung konting ilang.” (If it’s that coffee commercial, you hide it really well. )

Kim on working with Gerald again: “Parang walang nangyari. May hiyaan factor nu’ng una … Ilang taong nakalipas na ’yun.” (Work is work.)

Vice Ganda, asked if he and rumored boyfriend Terrence Romeo are back together: “Wala akong nakabalikan … Masaya lang talaga ako ngayon.” (Fine.)

Toni Gonzaga on celebrities being bombarded with personal questions during press cons: “When you say something, sasabihin ginagamit ’yung issue. Kapag ’di ka nagsalita, bitter ka naman … Ang hirap din.” (Welcome to show biz. Wait, you’re no newbie.)

Kris to Toni: “I-enjoy mo na lang ang TF (talent fee) na nakuha mo sa endorsements!” (Everything is about TF: Would you dare take this position? Uh, really?)

“Startalk,” “The Buzz”