Swindler strikes again

Too bad for the fans of Vice Ganda in the Middle East, his show in Abu Dhabi won’t push through.

According to my Dubai-based friend, an agent here in Manila didn’t remit Vice’s talent fee. “It’s not the first time that the same agent ran away with the money,” my source revealed. “He did the same thing with Charice. Tinangay ang $60,000 deposit, that’s why her show in Dubai last year had to be canceled.”

It’s sad that this agent is giving Pinoy concert promoters in Dubai a bad name. It’s not fair at all. I’ve seen for myself how hardworking our kababayan impresarios are in Dubai when I was there for Monteswati’s production of Luke Mejares’ show. All they want is to bring cheer to homesick Pinoys in the UAE. Shame on that double-crossing agent! He has no place in the City of Gold because he’s such a phony.

Baby shower

Priscilla Meirelles-Estrada will be having a baby shower on Sunday at the Manila Peninsula. It will be a tea party in honor of Anechka (her daughter with John Estrada is due to be born on March 4), for the benefit of the kids of Cribs’ Foundation.

Awards will be given to those wearing the best English Afternoon Hat.

Will Priscilla and John raise their daughter the Brazilian or Pinoy way? “It will be a combination of the best that both cultures have to offer,” she says. “I admire Filipino family values and culture. Even if I’m Brazilian, I’m Pinay at heart. John and I will raise our baby to be God-fearing and independent.”

Would they allow her to follow in their footsteps? “It will be up to her if she wants to join show biz or a beauty pageant,” Priscilla quips. “My role as a mother is to guide and support her all the way. I will give her the pros and cons and support her decision.”

Would she allow her baby to be close to John’s kids (with Janice de Belen)? “Of course,” Priscilla says. “We are one family. I’m sure her half-siblings will love her and vice-versa.” Viva for the coming of the muy guapa hija Filipina y Braziliana!

Too good to refuse

Cesar Montano is weighing an offer that’s too good to refuse. If he agrees to do the project, he will be cast in a love triangle with a box-office love team.

He welcomes the idea of being paired off with a younger leading lady. His wife, Sunshine Cruz, has no qualms about it, too. “Basta I remind Buboy that it’s no beauty contest,” Shine says. “’Di naman pagandahan ang labanan. Of course, maraming mas younger and sexier than me, but after all we’ve been through, I’m secure na as his wife. Gusto kong matuloy yung project kasi markado ang role ni Buboy. At matagal nang na-miss ng publiko ang artistang makakasama niya, if ever it pushes through.” It’s high time the lover boy in Buboy shines anew onscreen.

Personal thanks

Madamo gid na salamat to my angel of a friend, Boy So, for always making me feel so welcome in my fave refuge, La Carmela de Boracay.

Thanks a mil to Pinky of Fernando’s Bakeshop for being sweeter than all their yummy cakes.

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