Showbiz Roundup: Heart Evangelista on Vicki Belo, Alex Gonzaga’s ‘joke’; Matteo Guidicelli and in-laws

Heart Evangelista sharing her side of the story regarding her alleged snub of Vicki Belo and Alex Gonzaga in Italy, and Matteo Guidicelli’s his relationship with his in-laws were among the hottest showbiz news that caught the attention of readers in the third week of May.

On the other hand, Kim Chiu’s sister Lakam recalling her “very critical” experiences in her 18-day hospital stay, as news about JK Labajo’s new love, Rhian Ramos and Maja Salvador’s viral photos, and Michelle Dee’s Miss Universe Philippines evening gown performance were also some of the scene stealers in the entertainment scene.

Take a look at the biggest showbiz news that covered the week of May 12 to 18.

‘Hindi ko naman siya nakita’

Months after the alleged snub of Vicki Belo and Alex Gonzaga at the Milan Fashion Week, Heart Evangelista finally shared her side of the story, saying she was busy during the event.

Belo and Gonzaga made headlines in November 2022 after they joked that the actress-socialite didn’t greet them even though they were seated in the same row during the fashion event in Italy. Days later, the former clarified that they were merely “kidding and joking around.”

Evangelista said in the May 12 episode of “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda” that during those events, she actually wouldn’t have the time to meet with other people as she is very “focused” during the fashion show and that she wanted to make the most of her experience in Milan.

“Hindi ko naman siya nakita. I’m not there to chitchat. I’m there to immerse myself. Para sa mga hindi nakakaintindi, [fashion] is art. And you appreciate art. For me, ‘yun talaga ang hilig ko eh,” she said.

Following the reports of Evangelista’s alleged snub, Gonzaga also clarified her remarks on Facebook, pointing out that she didn’t actually meet the former in Italy.

READ: Heart Evangelista speaks out on alleged snub of Vicki Belo, Alex Gonzaga: ‘Hindi ko naman siya nakita’

‘I wish to love them for Sarah’s sake’

Matteo Guidicelli admitted that he still has no communication with his parents-in-law, saying there were “several instances” in which he and his wife Sarah Geronimo attempted to visit her parents’ house.

Guidicelli opened up about his relationship with Sarah’s parents, Divine and Delfin, in an interview for “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda” last May 15. He said that he wanted to accord them the respect they deserve as his in-laws.

“They are my mother-in-law and father-in-law. I want to respect them the best way possible, and I just wish one day everything will be OK because I know how much they love Sarah and I know how much Sarah loves them,” he said.

“We’re civil — I’d like to believe so. I pray every day for strength, wisdom and humility na hopefully one day maging OK ang lahat for Sarah’s peace of mind,” he further added.

When asked whether it is true that the couple once visited the village where her parents reside but were denied entry, Guidicelli initially quipped that he did not remember such instance and chose to keep the matter private.

Guidicelli then disclosed that Sarah has an open communication with her parents, but it’s not the case for him as they are still not on speaking terms with him. Despite this, he remained hopeful that they will reconcile in the future, noting how anything is possible with a “pure heart.”

“At the end of the day, it’s so important to realize how much we should honor our parents through thick or thin. Whatever happens in life, they are our parents and they brought us to life.”

Guidicelli also spoke about his and Sarah’s plan to have children “in God’s time” and regarded it as their “ultimate goal.” When asked how many children he wants, Guidicelli responded, “The more, the merrier.”

READ: Matteo Guidicelli says Sarah Geronimo’s parents still don’t talk to him, reveals attempts to visit them

Lakam’s ‘very critical stage’

Kim Chiu’s older sister Lakam opened up about her recent 18-day hospitalization and revealed that she underwent a “very critical stage” wherein her family had to make a “life-changing decision.”

Lakam disclosed this through an open letter in which she expressed her gratitude to those who helped her and prayed for her, as seen on Instagram last May 12.

“I was in a very critical stage for the first [five] days, unable to talk, hear and see. I couldn’t even imagine I was able to get through it,” she continued. “Being in this kind of situation is no joke. My family had to make a life changing decision without them knowing if I could make it or not.”

While Lakam did not state what her condition was, she thanked each of the medical staff who took care of her as well as her family and sister Kim, whose “positivity and strength” was one of the reasons Lakam was able to overcome her condition.

“I couldn’t thank you enough for making quick recovery a possibility… They really played a big part in my recovery. Your love really means to me,” Lakam said as she asked for more prayers for her speedy recovery.

Kim disclosed Lakam’s condition on the actress’ 33rd birthday last April 19. After a few days, Kim then announced that Lakam had been transferred from the ICU to a normal room, and finally regained consciousness last April 24.

READ: Kim Chiu’s sister recalls critical stage during hospitalization: ‘I was unable to talk, hear, see’

Rhian and Maja’s viral photos

“I got scolded by my grandma,” said actress Rhian Ramos after an Instagram post of her wearing a green string bikini and matching bandeau top recently went viral — although she claimed that it would draw such attention.

Ramos was explaining to Inquirer Entertainment that it’s normal for her to wear that kind of swimsuit so as not to get tan lines, and her boyfriend, Tutok to Win Party-List Rep. Sam Verzosa knew it and does not find it distasteful at all.

“When that thing happened on social media, I was like, ‘Oh no! What did I do?’ But the way I understand it, malice is in the eyes of others. For some people, it’s nothing but then, for others, it’s a big deal. I just wish people would not overreact. Lahat naman tayo may ganyan.”

Rhian also denied rumors that she and the congressman broke up in February. “For relationships to last, you will need to put in a lot of hard work,” she told Inquirer Entertainment on Tuesday night.

Meanwhile, Maja Salvador also reacted to news that her photos of her get-together with fellow former Kapamilya actors Bea Alonzo, Piolo Pascual, John Lloyd Cruz, Jericho Rosales and Heart Evangelista created online buzz recently.

The photo was taken during a reunion dinner hosted by Johnny Manahan, former head of ABS-CBN’s Star Magic.

“People say what they want. That dinner had long been arranged. It was supposed to be for Mr. M’s birthday last February, but all of our schedules only matched on that day in April. It was a happy reunion. John Lloyd went straight to the venue from the airport, and so did Heart,” she recalled.

“It was an opportunity for all of us to reconnect, as well as for us to discuss possible projects that we could all do together in the near future. Luckily, I am able to speak to most of them on a regular basis, so of those who were present, it was nice to see Diether (Ocampo) again,” Salvador added.

JK Labajo’s new love

Singer-songwriter JK Labajo confirmed that he has now found new love, but would rather keep the identity of the lucky lady to himself for now. He broke up with actress-beauty queen Maureen Wroblewitz in 2022.

“At this point, I would much rather keep my new relationship private. She is also from the industry and is also into music. There’s nothing wrong with being open about the relationship you’re in. It’s just that, based on my experience, things tend to get complicated when the public gets involved,” he pointed out.

When prodded to tell more about his new girlfriend, JK said: “We have collaborated on a lot of things, but for now, I’d rather focus on my new album. You see, coming from a breakup, I was able to write a lot of songs that I now want to release. A lot of people will be able to relate to these songs.”

READ: Rhian Ramos, Maja Salvador on their viral photos; JK Labajo on his new love

A love letter to her mom, and characters Freya and Serpenta

Michelle Dee’s flamboyant performance during the MUPh’s evening gown competition was inspired by her mother, Melanie Marquez, whose signature “S” walk clinched her Miss International crown in 1979.

During the pageant, Dee sashayed in her elegant asymmetrical black dress by Mark Bumgarner, going from one side of the stage to the other before stopping in the middle and doing a quick turn, all while serving a fierce look to her audience. Her performance earned her the Best in Evening Gown award, and she eventually emerged as Miss Universe Philippines 2023 last May 13.

The beauty queen’s evening gown performance was an intentional move on her part, according to pageant coach Ian Mendajar on his Instagram account on Sunday, May 14, saying it was a tribute to her mother during her “modeling days.”

“Michelle’s gown routine is inspired by our Miss International 1979, Michelle’s mom, Melanie Marquez. The ‘S’ walk after her 2nd establishment is one of Melanie’s signature walks during her modeling days while her final pose is inspired by her Mom’s supermodel poses,” he said.

The coach also shared that Dee’s performance was also a love letter from her previous roles Serpenta in “Agimat ng Agila” and Freya in “Mga Lihim ni Urduja,” as a way of making the latter’s personality “shine.”

“We also married a touch of her recent roles ‘Serpenta’ and ‘Freya’ as we needed Michelle’s personality and presence to shine — ensuring that her performance was nothing short of who she really is,” he added.

Dee will represent the Philippines in the Miss Universe pageant in El Salvador, where she will vie for the country’s fifth Miss Universe crown after Gloria Diaz (1969), Margarita Moran (1973), Pia Wurtzbach (2015), and Catriona Gray (2018). EDV

READ: Miss Universe Philippines Michelle Dee’s evening gown walk a nod to mom Melanie Marquez

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