Ruffa walks out on TV talk show

I was deluged with text messages after “Paparazzi” aired last Saturday. People asked why one of our co-hosts, Ruffa Gutierrez, was fuming mad on Twitter, apparently at the “Paparazzi” writers, to the point that she announced she was leaving the show.

I was not at the TV5 studio that time since I was assigned to do a live feed from Makati Medical Center for an update on Dolphy’s condition. But according to the staff, Ruffa got irked during the show’s “Bulong ng Palad” segment. It’s the portion where the hosts whisper naughty questions to our guest.

Since it was Ruffa’s birthday celebration, she was put on the hot seat. In her tweets, she said the questions were disrespectful and uncalled for:

“Wala kayong kwenta at wala kayong respeto”; “hindi nyo man lang naisip na nanonood ang mga anak ko!”; “‘The Buzz’ would never do this to me. EVER!”; “From this day on, I will no longer be part of ‘Paparazzi.’ I will never tolerate disrespect”; “I refuse to be part of trashy reporting…”

I sent her a text message but, at press time, she hasn’t replied. If it’s any consolation, the viewers are clueless about the questions whispered to Ruffa. She could have just played along. Still, she had every right to feel bad. Different strokes for different folks. I hope things could still be ironed out.

(TV5 sent this statement to the media Saturday afternoon: “Management is seriously concerned about the turn of events today on ‘Paparazzi’ and is looking into the incident. We promise everyone that we will take appropriate action.”)

Calling all MJ fans

It was Michael Jackson’s third death anniversary yesterday. As an avid fan, I have not stopped grieving. But on a lighter note, MJ fanatics like me should rejoice because there’s an MJ Gallery/Café in Sofitel Ponte 16 Macau.

I want to take the next plane to visit the place and buy all the MJ memorabilia to add to my collection. I got to chat with Dorian Holley, MJ’s vocal coach for the “This Is It” documentary-concert-film, via Facebook. I asked him about his most unforgettable moment with the late King of Pop. “It was when Michael said, ‘I love you’ on our last night on stage together,” Dorian said. “How could I know it was the last time I’d see him?”

Dorian plans to record some of MJ’s songs for an album. “Maybe I should reach out to MJ fans and ask what songs they would like to hear me do,” he said. “They can send me a message on Facebook. I’m missing MJ and praying for his family.”

Chatting with Dorian is the next best thing to chatting with MJ. I can’t thank Dorian enough for being so accommodating. It’s been three years since my idol passed away. But hearing

Golf bag-shaped birthday cake for John Estrada, from wife Priscilla. niceprint photo

his music makes me forget that he’s no longer here.

Better man

John Estrada with daughter Inah and son Yuan nice print

John Estrada celebrated his 38th birthday with a bang last June 14 at the Gallery in Eastwood Richmonde Hotel. His fab wife Priscilla Meirelles gave him a high-end Scotch whisky brand with his name engraved on it, a golf bag-shaped birthday cake and a golf club which he had long wanted to buy.

“Since the birth of our baby Anechka, John has become a better man,” Pri gushed. “He has become more patient and understanding and seems to be inspired by our little angel.” It’s John’s first birthday since he became a daddy all over again, yet he still is as “papable” as ever.

‘Aparisyon’

New York-based Filipino filmmaker Vince Sandoval, who’s making waves in the international scene, flew back to the Philippines to direct “Aparisyon,” a drama-thriller competing at the 8th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival in July.

The story is about a group of cloistered nuns in the months leading to the declaration of Martial Law. Mylene Dizon and Jodi Sta. Maria lead the cast, which includes Raquel Villavicencio, Rustica Carpio and Fides Cuyugan Asensio.

Sandoval wears multiple hats in “Aparisyon,” his second feature; he also wrote, co-produced and co-edited the film. Before “Aparisyon,” Vince dab bled in noir melodrama for his first full-length feature, “Señorita (2011),” which had its world premiere in competition at the prestigious Festival del Film Locarno in Switzerland. “Señorita” is nominated for best first feature at the Frameline International LGBT Film Festival in San Francisco.

On top of that, Vince got word that the Young Critics’ Circle (Philippines) cited “Señorita” in five categories, including best picture (it won for best editing). Asked about his transition from directing a sex drama to a thriller about contemplative nuns, Vince said: “It might seem like an 180-degree turn, but the films explore similar themes. Besides, I’ve always been fascinated by subjects that seem obscure—like cloistered nuns in the early ’70s—and in unearthing the human core embedded in those stories.”

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Personal: Thanks a mil to my fab friend with a heart of gold, Small Laude; endless thanks to Narciso Chan for being ever so thoughtful; happy Birthday to Philip Cuazon.

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