Coco’s Christmas wish this year
I have always been vocal about my admiration for Coco Martin. His rags-to-riches story is inspiring. Coco and Kris Aquino topbill Star Cinema’s Metro Manila Film Festival entry “Feng Shui 2” (opens Dec. 25). With Coco’s success, he needs no feng shui; he is clearly Lady Luck’s fave.
Here’s my one-on-one with Coco:
Do you believe in feng shui?
Nope. But I respect those who do. I believe God rewards us with good fortune if we are kind and if we keep striving.
What was it like working with Kris?
It was always a happy set. I miss our long chats between takes. I learned a lot from her about budgeting.
What’s your Christmas gift to yourself?
None. But every time I finish a project, I always reward myself. When I finished the soap “Ikaw Lamang,” I bought a Mini Cooper. This Christmas, the gift I hope to get is more time with my family, to make up for being busy all year round.
What’s the best thing that happened to you in 2014?
A lot of good projects came my way. And my whole family remained healthy and safe.
What’s the biggest trial you overcame in 2014?
The controversial Bench fashion show. It taught me a lot. It made me realize that I should be more cautious when it comes to the projects I do because as a celebrity I have a big responsibility to the audience.
Papal gratitude
Rita Avila is euphoric after receiving a note of thanks from Pope Francis for the copies of her books, “8 Ways to Comfort With Grace” and “The Invisible Wings,” which she sent to His Eminence.
“It was my childlike nature that prompted me to send the books,” Rita said. “His reply to me was mailed by The Apostolic Nunciature in Manila.”
Just like most of us, Rita is eagerly awaiting the papal visit in January. “I would rather not disturb him with my questions,” Rita quipped. “His wisdom will touch our lives; his presence will inspire us.”
Viva el Papa y Rita!
Back to Dubai
I am so looking forward to my nth Dubai trip for the “UAE Back-to-Back Christmas Showdown 2014,” featuring sexy stars Maui Taylor and Rachel Lobangco, plus the best Michael Jackson impersonator (in my book), Jericho Valencia.
To all my readers in the City of Gold, don’t miss the shows: on Dec. 19, at Rocky’s Café, Regent Palace Hotel Bur Dubai; Dec. 20, at Manila Beats, City Tower Hotel Fujairah; and on Dec. 21, at Amigos Bistro, Bin Majid Hotel and Resort Ras Al Khaimah.
The show’s producer is Eventologist Dubai. Special thanks to my Dubai angel Jonathan Gulmatico, Catherine Realizan, Kaye Egea, Arnold Dictado and City Gate Travel for making it happen. (Tickets: 050-1539498 or [email protected])
Since our kababayan in the United Arab Emirates long for a Pinoy kind of Christmas, these special shows will bring them holiday cheer to help them forget their homesickness. That’s a Christmust!
Joross Gamboa kisses the hand of his bride Katz Saga.
Caterer to celebs
2014 was the year of celebrity weddings. Fave caterer to the stars Juan Carlo The Caterer (JCTC) (www.juancarlothecaterer.com or 929-2674) provided the sumptuous food to many celeb events, including Ogie Alcasid-Regine Velasquez, Chito Miranda-Neri Naig and Joross Gamboa-Katz Saga.
JCTC also took care of the food at the despedida de soltera of Marian Rivera.
Betcha by golly chow!
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