JERICHO Rosales says that his new endorsement is “such a blessing.”
WHAT a fun weekend I had at the launch of Kuya J’s Restaurant in Cebu with endorser Jericho Rosales and my colleagues Isah Red, Eugene Asis, Jojo Panaligan and PR man, Butch Raquel. The gracious owners of Cebuanos’ well-loved eatery, Win and Pinky Chang and Lowell Yu, made us feel instantly at home. Their dishes like crispy pata, kare-kare, and grilled scallops are too yummy for words. Kuya J’s has 18 branches nationwide and plans to open 50 more by the end of 2015. Spread the joys of being well-fed!
Jericho and I share the same birth anniversary (Sept. 22), so the festivities felt like an extended celebration for us. I was touched when Echo greeted me “Happy birthday!” during his jampacked mall show at SM Cebu. He even dedicated a song to me. Not too many celebs are as accommodating as him.
Even if the Kapamilya heartthrob was tired from his Dubai trip, he did not turn down any request for pictures and autographs. Kuya J and Echo make quite a blockbuster combination
Here are Echo’s musings:
“These (fishes at Seafood City, Cebu) bring back fond memories of my struggling days in the fish port and the market. That’s why I know every fish by name and I’m an expert in cleaning fresh fish.
“My birth month was full of love, celebrated with close friends, my son (from a previous relationship) Santino and my wife Kim. Kim and my son are close. My Kuya J endorsement is such a blessing. I feel like a real kuya (elder brother) because the owners and staff treat me like family. Hope I will be their endorser till I am a Lolo J.
“Kim and I are not in a hurry to have kids. It will come in God’s perfect time. For now, our baby is our marriage because we give it all our TLC (tender loving care).
“Kim loves to travel and do fashion. I am giving her my full support just as she supports me in my work. We both work hard so we can save up for our future kids. The best thing I love about my wife is that she’s crazy about me. I hit the jackpot!
“I am excited to work with Jennylyn Mercado in ‘Walang Forever.’ I like how bubbly she is. I’m doing a rom-com which I’ve always wanted to try. It will be quite a challenge for me to portray someone who is bitter and negative because I’ve always believed in forever.
“I don’t mind if I wasn’t the first choice. I replaced JM de Guzman. Even in my recent teleserye, ‘Bridges of Love,’ I was not the original choice. It’s no big deal.
“I would rather leave it to the audience to decide if they prefer my tandem with Kristine Hermosa in the original version of ‘Pangako sa ’Yo’ or KathNiel’s teamup in the remake.
“I am planning to come up with a new album. I am thrilled that one of my compositions, ‘Pusong Ligaw’ from my previous album, ‘Korona,’ bagged an award recently.
“I compose songs while I’m stuck in traffic… My source of inspiration varies.
“I ignore bashers. I want social media to be a positive force. We should not get our validation from strangers.”
SINGER Regine Velasquez will have a new series of shows.
Regine’s new shows
Regine Velasquez is still on a high after her successful “Regine Series Mall Tour” for PLDT Home subscribers. Regine will enthrall fans anew at The Theatre, Solaire on Nov. 6, 7, 20 and 21. Free tickets for the Nov. 20 show will be raffled off to PLDT landline subscribers who upgrade to the Regine Series Telset from Oct. 1 to Nov. 9. Personally, I always enjoy chatting with Regine. She spreads her joie de vivre around so well, onstage and off.
Thankful celebrant
Heartfelt thanks to my Discovery Suites Ortigas (DSO) family for such a heavenly birthday staycation. DSO’s personalized service sets them apart from other hotels in the area. I opted to celebrate quietly this year with my kids, Bianchi and IC, at our favorite haven in the metro. We are thankful to my DSO fam, especially to Sabrina Sy, Celine Arenillo, Leeds Trompeta, James San Diego, Eric Rivera, Joyce Nadres and Sarah Fabie.
Upon checking in, my kids and I were pleasantly surprised to see our framed family pic in our suite’s living room, our names embroidered on the pillowcases, and a bouquet of flowers for each of us.
Our little “Family Three” enjoyed cooking in the sleek kitchen. We also had fun choosing pillows from their unique “Pillow à la Carte” menu. We also had a blast during cocktail hour at the hotel’s Serendipity Lounge. We made good use of the gym facilities, sauna and pool. We had separation anxiety when it was check-out time. (For reservations, call 7198888 or visit www.discoverysuites.com)
Spinning resto
Merci beaucoup to our dear family friend, chef Jessie Sincioco, for the sumptuous birthday dinner at her fab 100 Revolving Restaurant (33rd floor MDC 100 Bldg., Eastwood, Libis, Quezon City. For reservations, call 9621016). I fell in love with her dishes at first bite! Try dining 360 degrees with a spectacular view of the city.