Lucy Gomez: I’d rather dance than act

After the much contested Pacquiao-Marquez match, I couldn’t stop laughing when I came across this line on Facebook: “Do not judge Pacquiao because you are not the judge— Marquez (Melanie).”

Pinoys find humor even in the most serious stuff. Amid the brouhaha over the results of the boxing match, the true Pinoy spirit can never be knocked out.

Less stressed

Phoemela Baranda is on serene mode. “Since I left ‘The Buzz’ I’ve become less stressed,” she says. “I enjoy not working on a Sunday anymore. I sleep earlier now because I have to be up by 3 a.m. for my segment ‘Porma’ in ‘Umagang kay Ganda.’ Some of my friends tease me na para na akong manang because I hardly party na. Some people naman think I’m out of circulation. On the contrary, mas dumami pa nga ang hosting rackets ko now that I’ve changed my lifestyle. After the morning show, I get to do more things so mas productive ako and I feel healthier because I have time to go to the gym regularly.”

Are things also better for Phoem in the love life department? “I’m single by choice,” she says. “I wanna focus on my work and get rich (laughs). Love can wait.”

Is she in good terms with her ex Ira Cruz and his GF Mylene Dizon? “Mylene and I have always been sort of awkward towards each other even when Ira and I were still together, since they had something before us,” she admits. “So I don’t see the need for us to be chummy now.”

Phoem is in full bloom. No time for gloom.

Cameo roles

Lucy Torres-Gomez is hesitant to try acting. “I can’t imagine portraying someone else,” she muses. “I have a cameo role in a coming movie but I play a ghost. Hanggang ghost, angel or fairy roles lang ako because that doesn’t require much acting. I’d rather dance than act.”

But in a way, dancing is also acting. When Lucy dances, she puts her heart and soul into every move. Probably when she’s ready, the dance goddess will get her groove in the acting department, too.

Major concert

Kean Cipriano is all excited about his major concert, “One Stage, One Night,” on Nov. 26 at the Aliw Theater (tickets at SM). He is equally excited on his team-up once again with Alex Gonzaga in TV5’s version of the hit movie “PS I Love You.”

Will their thwarted romance be rekindled? “Alex and I had moments,” he admits. “At dadalhin ko ’yun kahit saan ako magpunta.”

What about his closeness to Vice Ganda? “Some people put malice in our friendship, which really irks me,” he says. “Basta kami ni Vice walang halong ka-showbizan ang closeness namin.”

Even with his newfound success as an actor, the rock star in him vows he will never leave his band, Callalily. “Sama-sama kami nag-umpisa so walang iwanan,” he notes. “’Pag may raket ako na pwede sila mag-join, I bring them with me.”

Show biz is temporary. The bond of Kean’s band is for keeps.

Martin’s solo

Martin Nievera sent me this text message after he read my review of his concert with Side A in my column last Monday:

“Thanks dear. I am forever grateful to you. But just so you will know the truth, Sarah Geronimo did not opt out of the theme song of ‘No Other Woman.’ It was really my solo in the medley.”

New endorser

Bea Binene will strut her stuff in Bum apparel’s fashion show, “Reveal Your Dark Side,” on Nov. 25, 7 p.m. at the Music Hall of SM Mall of Asia. As the brand’s new endorser, she will wear the Holiday collection with cosplay as the show’s theme.

As early as 1 p.m., shoppers can play live video games with fab prizes at stake. Registered cosplayers will have their catwalk presentation at 3 p.m.

Bea and the gang are all dressed for success!

E-mail wateringholeshangrila@yahoo.com

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