Prospective John Lloyd-Andrea pairing stirring up a hornet’s nest

Just the thought of working with John Lloyd Cruz thrills Andrea Torres no end. “I’m honored and grateful that Kuya Willie Revillame is considering me for his sitcom with JL,” she quipped. “But until it’s official, I’m still nahihiya to answer questions about JL. Besides, I have to contain my excitement at baka maudlot ang plano.”

After JL’s hiatus from show biz, for sure he’s raring to work with Andrea, too. Since their exes (Derek Ramsay and Ellen Adarna) are now engaged, JL and Andrea’s onscreen pairing would most likely create sparks of intrigue. In the spirit of fun, here’s my suggested title for their sitcom, “Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Tayo Ngayon?”

Cassy is GF material for Mayor Isko’s son

The cute tandem of Cassy Legaspi and Joaquin Domagoso in GMA 7’s hit rom-com, “First Yaya” (FY) is such a “giddy vibes provider.” Cassy portrays Nina, rebellious daughter of the President (played by Gabby Concepcion), while Joaquin is Jonas, a student activist.

Since they both grew up in show biz, the daughter of Carmina Villaroel and Zoren Legaspi and the son of Isko Moreno clicked instantly. Make way for loveteam “CaQuin” in the time of COVID-19. Let them spread their kind of kilig, which is highly contagious.

Here’s my chat with Cassy (C) and Joaquin (J):

What’s the best and toughest part about being the kids of Carmina and Zoren and ‘Yorme’ Isko?

C: The best part is that my parents let me be the person I want to be. They don’t pressure me to live up to their standards, show business-wise.

J: The toughest part about being my dad’s son is not being able to spend time with him often because of his work.

What show biz and love advice did your parents give you?

C: They taught me to take show biz seriously. It’s fine to have fun, but I also have to remember that this is a profession. It’s all about making a name for myself but, at the same time, staying grounded. Not to think about love yet and focus on work first.

J: It’s not an advice, but it’s something I’ve learned from my parents’ marriage. Through love and effort, mountains can be crossed, bridges can be built, and that no challenge is too hard to face because my parents face them all together.

What are you learning from the character you portray in ‘FY’?

C: It’s OK to let your guard down and be vulnerable. Not to always put up a tough front. To be upfront with my emotions.

J: Not to judge people too easily because we don’t know everything that’s going on in their lives. By not judging them, they can turn out to be a great friend, after all.

Is your partner boyfriend/girlfriend or best friend material?

C: I’d like to throw this question to my dad (laughs).

J: Cassy is girlfriend material. She’s encouraging, supportive and caring. She has a way of bringing out the best in me.

Game show fuels Yassi’s competitive spirit

After Yassi Pressman’s endearing portrayal of Alyana in “Ang Probinsyano,” she’s all set to spice up our Saturday nights as the host of “Rolling In It, Philippines” on TV5 (premieres at 7 p.m. tonight). It is the local adaptation of the United Kingdom’s No. 1 game show in 2020.

Contestants can get luckier as they play with a celebrity partner to help them through the rounds and win up to P2 million pesos. The unpredictable flow of the show will give viewers an adrenaline rush.

Yassi’s foray into the game show genre fuels her competitive spirit. “I get emotionally invested in the backstories of the contestants, about their hardships in life,” Yassi pointed out. “That’s why I really cheer them on. Their stories remind me of the time my family was still struggling, so my mom had to work overseas. But instead of focusing on what we did not have, I focused on what we had.”

Now that we are rolling with the punches amid the pandemic, “Rolling In It” gives us a fighting chance.

Rabiya and beau’s ‘complicated’ relationship

After Rabiya Mateo revealed in her interview with Tito Boy Abunda that her relationship with Neil Salvacion is now “complicated,” I asked my media colleague in Iloilo (Rabiya’s hometown) to fish for info.

His reply goes: Neil’s and Rabiya’s friends told me that he is not responding to her calls or texts. He seems to be avoiding everyone. He must have his reasons. He’s not the type who likes to be in the limelight. When Neil accompanies Rabiya to rehearsals, he just sits quietly in a corner reading something.”

Since they have been together for seven years, could it be just a case of the so-called “seven-year itch”? It’s sad when the standard line of lovers “You complete me” turns into “You complicate me.”