This tweet of Aiza Seguerra caught my attention: “I’m seeing a lot of gay bashing in the comments on ‘Protegé’ and I am not liking it. Know the story bago kayo magsalita.”
I asked Aiza to expound on it. “Just because they are showing their emotions, bakla na?” she asks. “And if he is, so what? Nababawasan ba ang pagkatao dahil dun?”
Gender should not be an issue in a talent search. What does the word protegé mean to begin with? The show must live up to its title by turning stumbling blocks into building blocks.
No sour notes
Christian Bautista is excited about his new album, “Outbound” (Universal Records). “I stepped out of my comfort zone,” he says. “It has upbeat songs; I had to put on my dancing shoes.”
It includes “All That’s Left,” “Unphotographable,” “Faith” from “The Kitchen Musical,” “I’m Already King” from “A Special Symphony,” “What Can I Do,” “Never Far Away” with Jim Brickman, “Wrong Number” with K-Pop R&B trio One Way and “Sakura” with Avex Japan artist Baby M.
Christian doesn’t mind a bit if he seems to be more popular in Indonesia than in the Philippines. “I guess that’s the thrust of my career,” he explains. “But wherever I go, I take along the Pinoy spirit. I’m happy for the chance to show the world what Pinoys have.”
He is euphoric about his “Kitchen Musical” experience in Singapore, which brought him and costar Karylle closer. But who’s the girl closest to his heart? “I go dating,” he says. “But I’d rather keep it low-key. Di naman sa na-trauma na ako sa love. I just want more privacy when it comes to my love life. Rumors about my gender don’t bother me. Immune na ako.”
Let them talk, Asia’s Pop Icon will just sing. No sour notes for him.
New superhero
Ruffa Gutierrez is having the time of her life in Dubai, away from the John Lloyd-Shaina brouhaha. After the “Talentadong Pinoy” show in UAE, Ruffa is off to watch the Pacquiao-Marquez match in Las Vegas.
Prior to her departure, she clarified in “Paparazzi” that she had nothing to do with the squabbles of her ex, Lloydie, and Shaina. “I have my own Batman now,” she says. “Sobrang haba ng hair ko. Di ako ang tipo ng babae na maghahabol.” Ruffa has been through hell and back in the name of l’amour. Hopefully, her new Batman will be her superhero for life.
Halloween break
Ronnie Ricketts, his wife Mariz and their kids took a much-needed vacation in Hong Kong during the Halloween break. “Matagal na kami di nakapag bonding abroad,” Ronnie says. “So we thought of celebrating our panganay’s birthday there. I didn’t even bring my cell phone para focused talaga sa pamilya.”
Ronnie also organized a get-together for his late brother, Toffer, whose ashes were flown back from the United States last Saturday. The OMB chief is never too busy for his loved ones. They serve as his anchor when the going gets rough.
Two Boys
I am looking forward to the grand opening tomorrow of Sir Boy’s Food Republique at 29 Panay Ave. corner Roces St., Quezon City (0917-6388003). It is owned by the two “Boys” in my life, whom I cannot love enough—Boy Abunda and Boy So. Their resto offers sumptuous Filipino “lutong bahay” dishes and a P99 eat-all-you-can buffet, not to mention all the juicy chika that the two “Boys” serve freely.
Good food, good mood!
Hunks invasion
Finesse self-adjusting shampoo embarked on a call center invasion, during which Philippine Volcanoes hunks led by Andrew Wolff shampooed the hair of more than a hundred call center agents. The agents also stand the chance to win Samsung digicams via raffle draws on Nov. 15 and 30. Hip, Hip, HAIRray!
PERSONAL:
Madamo gid na salamat to my La Carmela de Boracay family especially to Boy So, Yong Amodia, Francis Dagohoy and Marlon Villar for another heavenly vacation.
E-mail wateringholeshangrila@yahoo.com