Shalani not intimidated by cohost Mariel

Shalani Soledad is unperturbed by the presence of Mariel Rodriguez as her new co-host in “Wil Time Bigtime.” “I have always admired Mariel as a host,” she says. “I am looking forward to learning from her.”

How will she handle the inevitable comparison? “As professionals, we should not let it affect us,” she replies.

Even if she will soon be Mrs. Roman Romulo, she remains close to Willie Revillame who was romantically linked to her a few headlines ago.

“The staff and I attended the blessing of Will’s new events place,” she says. “Full support kami for his new venture. Roman and Willie have been friends ever since and he is also close to Roman’s sisters, Mons and Berna.”

As she happily mixes politics, show biz and romance, Soledad is now on solid ground.

Countdown

Ogie Alcasid is eagerly counting the days till his wife Regine gives birth to their baby boy next month. He is now composing a song for his son-to-be.

While waiting for the stork, Daddy Ogie as Mateo will be busy playing with pets Daisy the duck, Bobby the pig and Kirat the mouse in GMA 7’s heartwarming drama series “Daldalita” (weeknights before 24 Oras), top-billed by child sensation Jillian Ward. The presence of real animals will make the show uniquely entertaining.

Also in the cast are Rufa Mae Quinto as Cherry, Mateo’s scheming girlfriend and Manilyn Reynes as Katrina, Daladalita’s protective aunt.

Didn’t sparks fly on the set for Ogie and Manilyn? “We were never on naman,” Ogie says, laughing. “Pa cute lang na pa link-link.”

While we’re on the subject of romance, Ogie’s “Boy Pick-up” character in “Bubble Gang” is being raved about. It has even become a trending topic on Twitter.

What are some pick-up lines that worked for Ogie when he was still single? “I never used such lines, “ he says. “Dinadaan ko lahat sa kanta.” Ogie’s music can touch where words can’t reach.

Aborted move

Could it be true that Sharon Cuneta’s plan to move to TV5 might not push through after all? Same with Bea Alonzo. Nothing’s final until the cameras grind. The price (talent fee) is immaterial to prized stars like them. It’s all about being in the right network at the right time.

New time slot

“Juicy Express” is on a new time slot—Monday to Friday, 11:45 p.m. on TV5. The cooking/talk show of Gelli de Belen, “Jellicious,” will take its place at 11 a.m. The wacky “Juicy” gang will surely get more risqué now that the show airs late at night. Peak hours of chikadoras on the prowl!

Scrimpy hunk

I couldn’t stop laughing when my gay friend told me about this hunky actor who got the P50 tip his friend left at the bar and replaced it with 20 pesos. The actor also reprimanded the waiter when he was charged 30 pesos for a hard-boiled egg. I wonder if he also scrimps on his actress/girlfriend. His queer way of saving money is not saving his image a bit.

E-mail [email protected]