Pokwang is ‘happy… yehey,’ thank you

THE IDLE chatter in show town was that comic Pokwang got depressed over the demise of her old noontime program “Pilipinas Win na Win.”

Making matters worse, when the new noontime show “Happy Yipee Yehey” was cooked up, she failed to clinch a hosting gig that eventually went to younger comedienne Melai Cantiveros.

According to the grapevine, the turn of events pushed Pokwang to the brink and she threw a tantrum in the office of Star Magic (the talent management arm of ABS-CBN).

“For the record, in my seven years in show biz, ’yan na ata ang pinaka-chakang intriga na binato sa akin,” she said of the rumor.

“I have huge respect for Mr. M (Star Magic big boss Johnny Manahan) whom I consider as my mentor,” she said in Filipino. “I am grateful for all the good projects Mr. M and Star Magic have given me through the years.”

The rumored war with Melai confounded her, too

No brewing rivalry

“Where did that come from? There’s no reason for me to get mad at Melai. The poor kid is just here to work. Like me, she is her family’s breadwinner,” she insisted.

There’s no brewing rivalry between her and Melai or any other comedienne for that matter.

“I will never get tired in repeating: I’m not greedy. I want to share the Lord’s blessings. Hindi lang ako ang anak ng Diyos. Others are deserving of the good breaks that I also got in the past,” she explained.

She denied the talk that she got despondent over the career slump.

“I’m happier pa nga compared to before… I’m content even though I don’t have a love life,” she quipped.

She admitted that she misses the lunchtime grind.

“But I respect management’s decision,” she said.

Her old co-host Mariel Rodriguez and pal Toni Gonzaga took over the time slot. “Plus Randy (Santiago) and John (Estrada) are my exes (ex-boyfriends),” she joked.

She’s set to start filming a yet-untitled movie (under Star Cinema and M-Zet), with Vic Sotto, Bea Alonzo, Jose Manalo, Wally Bayola, Zaijan Jaranilla and Xyriel Manabat.

Also in the works is a new teleserye for the Kapamilya network.

She’d rather focus on the positive, especially in light of the tragedies in Japan, where she once worked as performer.

“Prayers are our only weapon. Let’s put our trust in God,” she said.

In the same way, she has become immune to controversies.

“Manhid na ako. I pity those who keep inventing intrigues about me. They can’t sleep thinking about me.”

She confessed that she herself spent sleepless nights over the prospect of watching “Tum: My Pledge of Love,” Mariel’s movie with Robin Padilla—the comedienne’s crush.

“When I see Robin, I’ll tell him: You can always change your mind. I’m just here!”