Trick or treat for ‘noche buena’

TALK about mixing metaphors … and holidays!

Hot Idol was cash-strapped during last year’s Yuletide season. A friend suggested that HI return to his old sideline and turn tricks to earn a quick buck.

HI reluctantly accepted a blind date with Rich Benefactor.

The next day, HI had enough grocery money to buy ham and queso de bola for a very traditional noche buena with loved ones.

And what a quaint Christmas spread it was!

So famous, so corrupt

Handlers are now hell-bent on presenting Popular Stars as simple and down-to-earth.

PS made the mistake of being identified with a certain Controversial Personality.

Alas, PS were labeled as recipients of tainted cash—to the tune of millions of pesos.

Supporters are worried that PS would lose whatever minuscule credibility they have left.

Fear factor

Major Celebrity is on pins and needles.

MC has openly expressed reluctance to join a splashy event. MC is not so optimistic about this daring move. Quite justifiably, MC isn’t keen on failing in such a spectacularly public fashion.

MC wants to quit while ahead, but there is no turning back now.

Touch move!

Exciting sightings

Cute Charmer is relentless in pursuing Handsome Hunk.

Problem is, CC can be a tad reckless and has been dropping clues about their “special” bond everywhere.

Is CC spreading all those rumors to ensnare slippery HH?

CC was allegedly spotted with HH in a tourist destination down south. They were also seen dining out in a posh resto.

Too many sightings to be mere coincidence?

Or is CC determined to mark HH as personal property?

Missing in action

From the Inquirer tabloid Bandera:

Grizzled Entertainer is in hot water again.

GE purportedly “borrowed” a musical instrument from a retailer. Now, it looks as if GE has no plans of returning said item. The store owner is getting antsy because GE is nowhere to be found.

There is talk that GE has sold the missing merchandise.

GE is allegedly back to an old vice and is often in dire need of moolah.

Uh-oh.

Top of the talk shows

For those who missed last weekend’s gabfests on TV. (And why we are moved, if we are moved.)

John Lloyd Cruz on what he has learned from doing “A Second Chance”: “Mas maganda ang understanding ko about relationships.” (Coming soon: “A Third Chance”…)

Nadine Lustre on fans comparing her tandem with James Reid to Lloydie and Bea Alonzo’s: “It’s such an honor kung sabihin nila ’yan. Pero maraming bigas pa ang kakainin namin.” (Apparently, she doesn’t avoid carbs.)

Nadine on starting to enjoy success: “I’ve been wishing na dumating ’to … I like this life better.” (Enjoy the ride.)

Donna Cruz on recording a comeback album: “Nami-miss ko talaga ang pagkanta … it’s my first love. My husband is coproducing … todo-support s’ya.” (Wow! All in the family!)

Journey frontman Arnel Pineda on making an original album: “Walang tumatak sa ’kin na original songs … tina-try ko naman ngayon [to make it] hindi sa tulong ng Journey …  Hindi ako katulad nina Martin Nievera and Gary Valenciano na may pinanghahawakang hit songs from the ’80s.” (His journey continues.)

Robin Padilla on his wife Mariel Rodriguez’s two miscarriages this year: “Na-shock ako … Nabuo na ang mga plano, pangarap.” (Try and try …)

Matteo Guidicelli, asked if his sold-out concert will have a repeat: “Sana, kung nagustuhan nila!” (Will Sarah G. be there?)

Iñigo Pascual on his screen partner Julia Barretto on netizens making a fuss about her allegedly being spotted flirting with James Reid: “Hindi niya pinapakita na naapektuhan siya.” (Dedma much?)

Michael V, asked about the secret behind his success: “Bukod sa swerte, ang sikap at tiyaga ko na magpasaya ng tao; ang passion for what you do, for the art and industry.” (Newbies, listen!)

Alden Richards on being hailed PMPC best drama actor for “Ilustrado”: “After four years and 11 months ko sa industriya, at least nabigyan ako ng chance ma-recognize.” (When it rains, it pours.)  TV Patrol, 24 Oras