Showbiz Roundup: Kris Aquino’s new BF; Karla Estrada and Daniel Padilla’s house

Kris Aquino’s heart is happy as she went public with her relationship with a Makati-based doctor, although she didn’t reveal his identity. She also clarified that her new beau was not the reason behind her split with Batangas Vice Governor Mark Leviste.

Meanwhile, a frustrated Karla Estrada stressed that her family home in Quezon City — gifted by her son Daniel Padilla — is not for sale. She also denied selling the house due to financial problems.

Looking to backtrack on the hottest entertainment news? Here’s a quick refresher on INQUIRER.net’s explosive headlines from June 28 to July 4.

Kris’ new beau

Kris Aquino opened up about her new beau, a doctor in the Philippines while clarifying that there was no overlapping between him and ex-boyfriend Mark Leviste.

Aquino spoke about this through an interview with Ogie Diaz, as seen on his YouTube channel on June 29. She has been seeking medical treatment for her autoimmune diseases in California. Still, she hopes to return home before the end of September 2024 if she clears her forthcoming medical tests.

“It just flowed. He’s a doctor and I think that’s part of the reason why it was easy, kasi alam niya kung ano ‘yung pinagdadaanan ko,” she told Ogie Diaz in an interview when his team went to California where she is seeking treatment for her autoimmune diseases. Aquino however did not disclose her new beau’s identity.

“He’s part of the reasons why I’m confident na pwede akong umuwi kasi alam ko na there’s someone who will help in taking care of me. So obviously, by saying that, alam na nila na he’s a doctor based in the Philippines — in Makati,” Aquino further said.

Meanwhile, Aquino also clarified that her new inspiration was not the reason behind her breakup with Batangas vice governor Mark Leviste, and her relationship with the Makati-based doctor started long after she split with the politician.

Karla no longer selling house gifted by son Daniel

Karla Estrada announced that her two-story family home in Quezon City, which she is originally reportedly selling for P50 million, is no longer on the market.

Irked by a report by a digital magazine, Estrada took to Facebook to say the property is no longer for sale. She said people should stop posting pictures of their house alongside their family picture, or that it’s been on sale since three years ago.

Pictures of its facade and interiors and video clips of the property were first posted by a real estate agent’s Facebook account. It also promoted the property on its Instagram Stories in December last year, describing it as an “elegant owner’s built house.”

But Estrada would have none of this now, saying the house is staying with the family.

“Nakakatuwa naman ang Preview.ph at may panahon pa na ma post ang bahay ko na for sale since 3yrs ago. At hindi lang bahay ko ang may picture pati kami ng nga mga anak ko ha. Tanong ko lang, ano po ang koneksyon ng picture naming mag iina sa bahay na for sale, may pangalan ko naman na buo pa nakasulat na may ari ng bahay,” she said.

Estrada also shot down the rumors that their house was up on the market because they were suffering financially.

Manny Castañeda, 69

Veteran actor and director Manny Castañeda died at age 69, Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) chair and CEO, and lifelong friend Jose “Joey” Javier Reyes said on July 1.

Reyes who was one of the closest people to the actor-director told INQUIRER.net that he had been diagnosed with pneumonia a month ago. “He has been sickly lately. Just a month ago he was diagnosed with pneumonia, and also a heart condition.”

In his Facebook post, Reyes shared an old black-and-white photo of himself with Castañeda as he recalled the good times with his “BFF” of 61 years.

Reyes said he and Castañeda “were there for each other all the way,” despite having different “political beliefs” and sharing arguments throughout the latter’s life. This, according to Reyes, is hard for him since he won’t be able to “bitch it out” with his best friend.

He also added that Castañeda was a “great part of [his] life” and his presence is “irreplaceable.”

“I never told this [to] you when you were around because I knew you would just cringe and tell me to shut up, but you are such a great part of my life because you are my irreplaceable BFF. I am going to miss you big time,” he wrote.

Castañeda started acting in 1979 when he starred in the movie “Aliw.” He was also a regular fixture at the “Sic o’Clock News,” a political satire and comedy show in the late 80s.

Meanwhile, as a filmmaker, Castañeda is best known for his work in the films “Sa kabilugan ng buwan,” “April, May, June,” “Shame,” and the segment “Impakto” in the 1994 film “Shake, Rattle & Roll V,” among others.

Sharon is a ‘KathDen’ shipper

Sharon Cuneta declared she is a fan of Alden Richards and Kathryn Bernardo’s tandem, known as “KathDen,” and admitted she is hoping a real-life romance will blossom between the two.

In a TV Patrol interview, Cuneta was asked about the rumors that Richards is courting Bernardo, to which she gave an enthusiastic response.

“Ayokong magsabing oo, pero tawagan ko si Alden mamaya,” she joked. “Nahihiya kong magsabi ng ‘Anak, kayo na ba?’ Pero nag-message ako sa kanya, [sabi ko] ‘Anak, kung totoo ‘yan, napakasaya ko!”

Having worked with them on different projects, Cuneta vouched that Bernardo and Richards both possess the same good qualities.

Ara explains phone use at PETA show

Ara Mina addressed critics of her gadget use during Philippine Educational Theater Association’s (PETA) onstage showing of “One More Chance,” saying she merely took a quick look at her phone to check for messages.

Ara Mina was at the receiving end of criticism after a fellow theatergoer shared a photo of audience members — including the actress — who used phones and even a laptop while the play was ongoing. The theatergoer further called out PETA and its ushers for not calling their attention to such actions.

She spoke about the incident at a media event for her “All of Me” concert.

Ara Mina further noted that neither she nor her companion brought a laptop to the show and that they are not related to the individual who did. Explaining why she was photographed using her phone, she said, “Two hours and a half ‘yung play, normal lang [na] sisilipin mo rin!”

Pregnant Ria enjoys HK getaway with Zanjoe, parents

Ria Atayde jetted off to Hong Kong for a quick getaway with her husband Zanjoe Marudo and her parents Sylvia Sanchez and Art Atayde, before welcoming her first child.

Ria explored the sights of Hong Kong, particularly the Victoria Harbor, with Marudo and her parents where they posed for photos, as seen on Sanchez’s Instagram account on June 26.

The post showed Marudo holding Ria’s baby bump, while another photo showed the “Viral Scandal” posing with Sylvia and Art.

“Excited for the arrival of our little Marudo. Final trip for Mommy @ria before she embarks on motherhood full-time. Yahooooooo,” Sanchez’s caption read.