(From left) Aga Muhlach, Vic Sotto, Claudine Barretto. Images: FILE PHOTOS
Aga Muhlach looking back on his low points of his showbiz career, and Vic Sotto revealing that production company TAPE already settled its more than P30-million debt were among the biggest news that rocked entertainment headlines in the second week of May.
Meanwhile, Claudine Barretto saying that she will never get married again as a promise to estranged husband Raymart Santiago, Eugene Domingo’s initial thoughts of entering the convent before her marriage, and Xyriel Manabat’s sassy response to a basher who took notice of her armpit hair also caught the attention of readers.
On the other hand, Michelle Dee being crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2023 is the breaking showbiz news this time around.
Be updated with a roundup of the biggest entertainment news from May 5 to May 11.
‘Nasa baba ka na, aapakan ka pa’
Aga Muhlach. Image: screengrab from YouTube/Karen Davila
Aga Muhlach recalled a time in his career when there were fellow actors who treated him unkindly when he was at a low point in showbiz.
During his and his wife Charlene Gonzalez’s interview with broadcaster Karen Davila, the actor recalled doing his first movie “Bagets” at age 13 and eventually “getting lost” because of the fame.
“Hindi ko alam kung anong mangyayari, then [the movie] became so big and I got so lost there. At 14 years old, solo na ako, nakatira na ako mag-isa and nagre-rent ako ng apartment,” he recounted.
When asked why he left home at an early age, Muhlach admitted, “I just thought this was life already. I thought this was the good life until you learn it [that] fame is different from finances. It does not mean na sikat ka, yayaman ka,” he continued.
Muhlach disclosed how he then came to a point when he had no money and was being kicked out of his place because he could not pay the bills and rent.
“Bagsak ako that’s why inayos ko ‘yung sarili ko. In 1990, 1991, that’s when I said, ‘No, this is not right,’” he recalled. “I was really down-and-out and there were actors before who would…talagang…grabe.”
Although Muhlach opted not to name any specific actors, he said this experience made him vow to himself that he would never be like those celebrities despite the fame.
READ: Aga Muhlach recalls being down-and-out, looked down upon by actors: ‘Nasa baba ka na, aapakan ka pa’
‘Salamat at na-media at nabayaran’
Vic Sotto talks to the press.
Vic Sotto disclosed that production company TAPE already settled its more than P30-million debt to him, days after the TV host said he did not mind whether or not he got paid.
Vic revealed this to the members of the press during an interview after the media conference for his upcoming sitcom “Open 24/7.” May 8.
“Salamat at na-media at nabayaran,” he said while chuckling. When one of the reporters asked again if the production company really paid him, Vic replied, “Oo. It’s not a joke.”
The showbiz veteran opted not to disclose the exact amount the production company paid him, and reiterated that “Eat Bulaga” mainstays TVJ—composed of Vic, Tito Sotto and Joey de Leon—value principle more than money.
“‘Yung TVJ sanay sa gano’n e. We started nang halos wala kaming sine-sweldo,” he stated. “Well, sabi ko nga nung isang araw, hindi naman pera-pera ang usapan. Mas mahalaga ang prinsipyo sa pera… Ayon nabayaran na. Thank you. Hindi ko naman inaasahan ‘yon pero thank you na rin.”
When asked if the issues between “Eat Bulaga” and the new management under the Jalosjos family have already been settled, Vic did not immediately give an answer.
“I will comment on that when the right time comes,” he said.
READ: Vic Sotto reveals TAPE already paid debt to him: ‘Di ko inaasahan pero thank you na rin’
Claudine’s promise to Raymart
Claudine Barretto. Image: screengrab from YouTube/GMA Network
Claudine Barretto confessed she has no plans of getting married again, saying she wants to focus on being a mom to her children and that she had already given her wedding vows to her estranged husband, actor Raymart Santiago.
The seasoned actress disclosed this during an interview for “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda” last May 5, as show host Abunda asked, “You will not marry again? [Why]?”
“No. I think I already gave my promise to my ex-husband and I think that’s enough. I mean, I have my children—I have four,” she said. “Parang that alone takes so much of my time, my energy, my strength so I will focus on that.”
Claudine then spoke about motherhood as she expressed her admiration for her mom Inday for being able to carry on despite her life being “never easy.”
“What I learned from my mom is that once you become a mother, once you bear children, your life is not yours anymore. Your life becomes your children’s lives. It’s something that you have to devote your life and time to,” she stated.
During the interview, Claudine also made known that even if she does not get to spend so much time with her sisters Gretchen and Marjorie, all is well among them.
Claudine disclosed that she has been communicating with Gretchen and that the latter recently sent her a message, saying she was proud that Claudine “is getting [her] life back.” As for Marjorie, the younger Barretto sister said they don’t get to talk as much but “all is well” between them.
Claudine clarified as well that she and her niece Julia are “good” and that they have seen and greeted each other during recent events. The actresses also took a photo together during one of those events, but Claudine said she did not post it on social media because she did not see the need to do so.
READ: Claudine Barretto has no plans of marrying again: ‘I already gave my promise to my ex-husband’
Eugene almost giving up on love
Danilo Bottoni and Eugene Domingo. Image: Instagram/@eugenedomingo_official
Eugene Domingo finally opened up about her romance with her husband, Italian film critic Danilo Bottoni, confessing she had already accepted a “life of being single” and was contemplating entering a convent before she met him in Italy.
The actress spoke about this during an interview for “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda” last May 3, after show host Abunda asked if Domingo would leave show business for love.
“Yes. At this point, my goodness, I’m a golden girl. This is the second half of my life,” she answered. “I have given the first half to always just about me and helping my family. The second part would be for me and Danilo.”
Although Domingo did not immediately disclose details about their wedding, she called him “my husband” in answering one of the “Fast Talk” questions.
Domingo then narrated how they met each other when she attended the Udine Film Festival for her 2013 film “Barber’s Tales,” recalling how she thought he was a “stalker” when he first approached her.
Domingo did not immediately warm up to Bottoni, but she eventually reached out to him, and their friendship would later turn into romance.
Xyriel’s ‘pits
Image: Instagram/@xyrielmanabat_
Xyriel Manabat is not one to get affected by unsolicited comments as she fired back at a netizen who seemingly tried to ridicule the actress by pointing out her underarm hair on Instagram.
Manabat responded to one @jasminecomfort_00 who left a comment on her Instagram post last May 5, in which the actress was wearing a black spaghetti strap top while giving a closer look at her “Star Magic Hot Summer” makeup look.
“May hair ‘yung armpit,” the netizen said, to which Manabat replied, “Uhm coz tao ako? So what about it?”
Following her seemingly sassy response, fans then chimed in to call out the netizen and stress how body hair is normal.
READ: Xyriel Manabat claps back at netizen who took notice of her armpit hair: ‘So what about it?’
Michelle Dee is Miss Universe Philippines 2023
Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee. Image: Instagram/@iamdoc
Michelle Dee of Makati was named as Miss Universe Philippines 2023 at the culmination of the pageant’s coronation night held at the Mall of Asia Arena last May 13.
She edged out 37 other aspirants to inherit the title from last year’s winner, Celeste Cortesi, and will now represent the Philippines in the 2023 Miss Universe pageant which will be held in El Salvador later this year.
Dee is a daughter of 1979 Miss International Melanie Marquez and was crowned Miss World Philippines in 2019. Last year, she finished as Miss Universe Philippines-Tourism in the national competition.
Earlier at the preliminary competition, she received the Miss Aqua Boracay, Miss Pond’s, and Miss Zion Philippines awards.
Two more ladies completed the winners’ circle, first runner-up Christine Opiaza ofZambales, and second runner-up Angelique Manto of Pampanga.
Meanwhile, Bohol’s Pauline Amelinckx was named as Miss Supranational Philippines 2023 while Baguio’s Krishnah Gravidez was chosen as Miss Charm Philippines 2023.
Dee will try to become the fifth Filipino woman to bring home the crown, after Gloria Diaz in 1969, Margie Moran in 1973, Pia Wurtzbach in 2015, and Catriona Gray in 2018. EDV
READ: Michelle Dee of Makati crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2023