Joshua Garcia finally pursuing his ‘longtime dream’

Joshua Garcia is cooking up a storm on and off-cam. Aside from acting, his other passion is cooking. So he enrolled at the famed culinary school Center for Asian Culinary Studies (CACS) of my good friends, top chefs China and Gino Gonzalez.

The Kapamilya actor is so into it that he even created a personal blog on Instagram, @joshwannacook. As the cliché goes, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. But what if it’s the man who knows how to cook well and he happens to be Joshua Garcia? That’s definitely husband material right there.

Here’s my chat with Chef Gino :

What course did Joshua take?

It was a customized fast-track course. Jodi Sta. Maria went first, so Joshua knew of our school because of Jodi since they have a teleserye (“Unbreak My Heart”) together. Jodie’s done, but Joshua is taking a few classes with specific themes, like Vietnamese and a few Asian classes. His backbone training is French for his lessons, but he was also exposed to Spanish, Italian and Asian cuisines.

Does Joshua plan to open a resto?For now, no plans as far as I know, but I think [that’s a possibility] in the future.

What’s Joshua like as a student?

He is very focused. He really takes in everything that is taught to him. He even watches chef-themed shows and movies. It’s been his longtime dream to take up culinary classes.

Ricky and girlfriend’s ‘instant connection’So happy for my longtime friend, Ricky Davao, because it seems that he has finally found his match in Malca. The cool couple is so well-suited for each other.

Here’s my chat with Malca:

What makes Ricky and you click?

We had instant connection when we first met. We share a love for food, music, chilling at home (and doing nothing), and watching films or plays. I understand his “show biz world” because I used to work in the industry 11 years ago.

What’s your reaction to what Jackielou Blanco, Ricky’s ex-wife, said that she regrets their splitup?

It happened 23 years ago. There’s nothing wrong with her statement. We all have our regrets because we always hope for the best. There are things that we cannot control, but life must go on.

What Gabby and Albert have in common

Heartthrobs of the ’80s Albert Martinez and Gabby Concepcion joined forces to touch the hearts of teachers by being Gabay Guro (GG) volunteers gratis et amore. Now on its 16th year, GG levels up its commitment to pay tribute to Filipino teachers by mounting back-to-back events.

At the fun press con hosted by Ogie Diaz, GG chair Chaye Cabal-Revilla announced the star-studded event, “Pagpupugay at Pasasalamat Kay Ma’am at Sir,” headlined by Sharon Cuneta, Regine Velasquez, Ogie Alcasid and other Kapamilya stars.

Aside from the extravaganza, huge prizes will be raffled off. It will be streamed live on Oct. 14, 1 p.m. from the Dolphy Theater to GG’s FB page and YouTube channel. It comes on the heels of the successful Teachers’ Day celebration, “Together4Teachers,” in Butuan City. It was graced by Imee Marcos, Pops Fernandez, Mark Bautista, Jed Madela, Jona, Daryl Ong, Regina and Ate Gay.

At the media con, Gabby revealed that teachers have a soft spot in his heart because his mom was a teacher back in the day. Meanwhile, Albert said that being part of GG is his way of paying it forward. Both Gabby and Albert laughed like crazy when Ms Chaye teased them if it’s true that Albert was Sharon Cuneta’s boyfriend before she eventually married Gabby. Then, she added that GG’s events in previous years paved the way for Gabby and Sharon, as well as Martin Nievera and Pops Fernandez to make peace. So GG could very well be called Gabay Puso, too.

A ‘Smart’ way to win ‘Hamilton’ tickets

Smart Infinity (SI) members can unlock a pair of “Hamilton” VIP tickets when they upgrade, renew or switch to SI. That is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the advantages awaiting the members. Through its Limitless Plans, SI extends a suite of lifestyle perks and privileges.

“Hamilton” has won Tony, Grammy and Olivier Awards, as well as the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, it has taken the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theater. Its Manila season runs till Nov. 26 at The Theatre at Solaire. INQ