Memo from Big Boss: Stop talk of scandal

It’s official. Big Boss has issued a memo ordering employees, particularly on-camera talents, not to discuss the scandal involving Controversial Star.

“We were told never to mention CS and his Scandalous Partner by name on any show,” said a mole.

Why the blackout? Is BB distancing the station from CS? Did BB suddenly realize that CS could negate whatever gains the company has posted so far?

Delaying tactic

Sources allege that backers of a movie top-billing Powerful Personality are making things difficult for the producers of another film starring another Influential Celebrity.

Apparently, PP’s people have asked a certain supplier to prioritize their film, at the expense of IC’s movie. As a result, the release of IC’s movie was delayed.

A mole suspects it’s “sabotage,” designed to hurt the box-office chances of IC’s movie. IC’s movie was unable to open on time in several cinemas because of the snafu.

Blossoming or bristling

Beautiful Star insists she has moved on, but, really, she’s still bristling.

In her latest act of rebellion against Former Sweetheart, BS consented to a provocative pictorial for a sexy men’s mag.

BS also granted a rather intriguing interview – raising questions more than providing answers. Another way to cope with heartbreak?

Mid-lifing together

Showbiz Insiders are aghast. Controversial Celebrity is demanding to be paired with Hunky Actor in her next project.

CC has eyes on a May-December romance and, in her proposed script, HA should be running after her. She also insists on having steamy bed scenes with HA, according to a well-placed source.

Seems CC’s handlers know that HA’s recent notoriety could help boost the duo’s flagging careers. Then again, the R-rated project comes a bit too late for both CC and HA. Instead of being daring, the stunt may come across as simply desperate.

Cause of delay

At a recent big event, supporters of Popular Star 1 and 2 blamed Famous Celebrity for the delay.

FC slowed things down and not a few innocent bystanders, including PS1 and 2, were affected. FC took forever because the public appearance was turned into a political campaign, complained a source.

FC wasn’t just promoting a movie but also gunning for votes – for the next election, said a spy.

More to come?

Mo Twister has denied that he had a hand in the December 19 uploading on the Internet of a second video – this time featuring him and ex-girlfriend Rhian Ramos kissing. At the start of the video, Mo is heard saying, “This is her [Rhian’s] computer.”

Weeks earlier, Mo was slapped with a lawsuit following his tell-all video in which he claimed that Rhian had an abortion.

There are rumors that at least two more videos will be leaked to the public soon. Who is circulating these rumors? Who is the source of the videos?

Art of the deal

After insinuations from her new handlers that she might move to TV5, KC Concepcion decided, after all, to stay with ABS-CBN as a talent.

“Dito ako lumaki sa ABS-[CBN], so siyempre andito pa rin ako … I have exciting projects,” she said in a statement.

KC is set to do a teleserye, “Alta,” with Gretchen Barretto and Angelica Panganiban. She will likewise keep her hosting job in “ASAP.”

Dad again at 68

WASHINGTON – Robert De Niro, 68, and his wife, Grace Hightower, have welcomed their second child, a baby girl named Helen Grace, media reports said on Saturday.

People magazine reported on its website that the girl was born through a surrogate mother and was in good health. The exact timing of the birth was not mentioned.

De Niro and Hightower met in London in 1987 and married in 1997. Their son Elliot was born in 1998.

The Oscar-winning actor has four other children: daughter Drena, 40, and son Raphael, 35, with former wife Diahnne Abbott; as well as 16-year-old twin sons Julian and Aaron, also born through a surrogate mother, with ex-girlfriend Toukie Smith. AFP

Top of the Talk Shows

Top of the talk shows: For those who missed last weekend’s TV gabfests (And why we are moved, if we are moved):

Jolo Revilla, asked what makes Kris Bernal attractive: “’Yung pagiging simple niya. ’Yun lang naman ’yun, eh … Pero friendship na muna ngayon.”  (Later na lang?)

Kris Bernal, asked if Jolo Revilla is courting her: “Hindi ko naman nararamdaman na nanliligaw na siya … Lagi siyang nagte-text.” (Ayan na.)

Dingdong Dantes on his relation-ship with Marian Rivera: “Nag-mature kami hindi lang as individuals, but also as a couple. Kumbaga lahat ng mga napagdaanan namin, eh sobrang naka-contribute sa growth namin… We learn from our mistakes. We just inspire each other all the time. I see that this will go a long way.” (Okay, but why is this reassurance necessary every month?)

Pauleen Luna on being linked to Vic Sotto: “Whatever it is … I just want to keep things private first … I just want to keep quiet right now. I don’t think I owe anyone an explanation.” (Confirmed. Please don’t explain.)

Rayver Cruz, asked by girlfriend Cristine Reyes about the person who makes him jealous: “Hi, Kuya Derek!” (Ramsay? Why hedge, indeed?)

Rayver, asked by Cristine if he sees himself settling down with her: “Aminin na natin na mahirap mag-expect sa kahit na ano. Mahirap magsalita nang tapos. Pero kung ako tatanungin, oo naman. Bakit hindi? Maalaga ka, responsable, wife material.” (In a word, maybe.)

Miss Universe 3rd runner-up Shamcey Supsup on joining beauty pageants: “Para sa ’kin, sa lahat ng ginawa ko sa buhay ko – board exams, architecture school – isa ’to sa mga pinakamahirap na pinagdaanan ko. But it was all worth it.” (Looks it.)

Angel Locsin, asked how she sees her love life in 2012: “I think mas makulay!”  (Walang bawian ha?)

Eugene Domingo, asked about the secret to her recent success: “Ngayon, ikaw na ang pinapanood. Ngayon, kaibigan ko na ’yung mga hinahangaan kong artista. Ang naiisip ko lang, dahil siguro hindi ako namili. Dahil siguro naghintay ako ng tamang panahon. Dahil siguro hindi ko kinakalimutan kung sino ’yung mga tumulong sa ’kin noong araw … I must have done something good.” (Maria von Trapp, is that you?)

KC Concepcion on 2011: “It’s been a fulfilling year. Hard, oo grabe, may mga panahon na mahirap talaga. Naramdaman ko talaga na you’re not spared. Pare-pareho tayong lahat. Mayaman o mahirap, artista o hindi, kapag masakit, masakit.” (Bakit naman hindi?)

KC Concepcion, asked if she’s ready to love again: “Hindi ko muna iisipin ’yung love life! Love life ko na muna ’yung mga viewers. Sila na muna mga boyfriend ko!” (Let’s see.)

Judy Ann Santos, asked if she and Ryan Agoncillo plan to have a new baby soon: “Napapag-usapan, lalo na kapag nakikita mo kung gaano kagaganda ’yung mga anak mo…! (Talking about it sounds like a good way to put it off.)

The star of “Manila Kingpin: Asiong Salonga Story,” Laguna Governor ER Ejercito, asked what lesson about love and relationship he can share with his children: “From the school of hard knocks, I think you have to find a partner who will bring out the best in you.”

Iza Calzado, asked if there’s someone “inspiring” her these days: “I inspire myself. Self love!” (“The Greatest Love of All”—remember the song?)

Luis Manzano, asked what he gave Jennylyn Mercado for Christmas: “Siguro ’yung magkaroon kasi ng boyfriend na ganito ka-gwapo, ’yun na ’yun, eh! Hindi lahat meron nito, eh. Tugatog na ’to ng pagre-regalo!” (Joke lang?)

(Startalk, E-Live, Showbiz Central, The Buzz, with Allan Policarpio, Contributor)