Paolo Bediones takes a break

PAOLO Bediones will weather this storm, says a pal. FILE PHOTO

I used to hang out with Paolo Bediones after his gigs with the Coffee Band at Foamy Brews Bar. Playing the keyboard is one of his passions. We had a lot of fun bonding moments.

The last time I saw Pao was when I got my Gawad Tanglaw Hall of Fame citation as best entertainment columnist two years ago. Before I went up the stage, he told me he was proud of me.

As a friend, I feel sad that Pao had to take a “voluntary leave of absence” as TV5 news anchor on account of a sex video scandal.

According to TV5, however, he remains as host of the public affairs programs “Demolition Job” and “Rescue 5.”

It’s ironic that when Paolo shifted from show biz to newscasting, he got embroiled in a major controversy. Knowing him, I am sure he will get his groove back soon. Just like the reality show he hosted before, he’s a born “Survivor.”

Cherie’s stand

Cherie Mercado, Pao’s TV5 colleague, weighs in:

“Through the years, I’ve come to know Paolo, the man behind the celebrity. He has no mean bone. I’ve seen him face tough career and life challenges. He always tried his best to learn from each. He’s in a rough spot now, but I’m sure he’ll bounce back.”

Edu’s tweet

Edu Manzano’s (@RealEduManzano) tweet on Monday piqued my curiosity. It went: “So, how many of you [have] received a death threat today? Check mine out, clearly written by amateurs and idiots.”

He attached a screen cap of a nasty text message sent to him that implies that he influenced the Ombudsman’s decision to suspend Ronnie Ricketts as chair of the Optical Media Board (OMB). Just because Edu was OMB chair from 2004 to 2009!  Hopefully, this issue will be resolved soon, so Edu can enjoy his birth anniversary on Sept. 14.

Edu’s take: “I am pissed. Why are Ronnie’s supporters picking on me? The evidence was strong … there is no need for a conspiracy theory, especially not one that involves me.”

Tip to Billy

An unsolicited advice to Billy Crawford from this barfly: Consume alcohol but never let it consume you!

Billy’s “It’s Showtime” cohost Kim Atienza shares his thoughts on the singer’s detention after causing a commotion in a police precinct. The kuya in Kim will always look after Billy.

“God always has a good plan; nothing is an accident. We all have our frailties. Billy has a good heart. He will get over this in no time. I love him like a brother and I am here for him.”

Sizzling Anne

Anne Curtis sizzles in the movie “The Gifted,” even in a fat suit. We asked her:

What did your role teach you about obesity?

I learned how hard it is to be heavy. We should be sensitive and patient toward overweight people, if they move at a slower pace because it’s not easy.

Your message to women who are not gorgeous?

Be comfortable in your skin. We were each created to be beautiful in our own unique way.

Have fun at The Crowd Bar (Madison Square on Pioneer Street, Mandaluyong) on Sept. 13, 9 p.m.

Catch the bar’s “Rated R” concert, which marks the birth anniversaries of my good friends Richard Villanueva and Derick Gernale. The show features “Pinoy Dream

Academy” champ Laarni Lozada, “Stars on 45” winner Haydee Manosca, Freshmen, Alpha, James Sison, Juan Rhyme, Garth Garcia, “That’s My Tomboy” finalist Aki Perez,

Kim Orencio, Sky Teotico and other surprise guests.