Hayden: I like Quark; he’s a real man

The coming nuptials of Vicki Belo and Hayden Kho will definitely be the wedding of all weddings. It’s not just another May-December romance but a union that has weathered the seasons of love month after month.

Any concrete plans for the big day?

“We don’t have a date yet,” Hayden told me. “We still have to iron out some things. Haven’t thought of the motif yet but that will most likely depend on me. Vicki just wants to reveal herself in her beautiful Monique Lhuillier gown on the day of the wedding. I’m just kidding.”

What are Hayden’s sentiments regarding the apprehensions of Vicki’s son Quark about him?

“I am quite sure Quark’s comment, which seemed to be a snide remark, was just a natural reaction from a son who loves his mom very much,” Hayden pointed out. “The statement has two meanings: One, if I hurt his mom again, he will give me some kind of suffering that I deserve. Two, he loves his mother so much, he is not afraid to say something like that on TV.”

He continued: “It’s too bad some media groups focused on the first, when there’s more power in the second—a son’s unwavering love for his mom. I like Quark. He’s a real man.”

I remember asking Vicki once why she had stood by Hayden through all the controversies. “How sure am I that it will work out with anybody else?” Vicki replied.

I’ve never seen Vicki happier than when she is with Hayden. They bring out each other’s best. After having gone through the fire together, Vicki and Hayden are all set to love each other through the years. For better, for worse and for keeps.

Biz partner

Rufa Mae Quinto laughs off rumors linking her to Boy2 Quizon. “Magkatrabaho lang kami,” she clarifies. “And he is also my business partner. They should stop linking me to this and that guy. I am always in love naman. Love is in the air.”

P-Chi is “loverless” but not loveless because she always has so much amore to give.

Gender non-issue

Birthday boy Jed Madela celebrated his special day by bringing cheer to the elderly at Golden Acres.
“It has been my tradition for five years,” he said. “It’s more fulfilling to spend for the aged and entertain them than host a lavish party and invite guests who can afford to always have a good time.”

Jed just got back from a stint in Malaysia where he released an album and recorded the Bahasa version of Ogie Alcasid’s “Kailangan Kita” (“Antara Kita” meaning Between Us) for a Malaysian telenovela. Jed is also busy promoting his “Classics” album, which contains old favorites like “Love Story,” “What I Did For Love,” “Let Me Try Again,” “Moon River” and “Times of Your Life.”

Would he be willing to take a three-month hiatus abroad, like his colleague Christian Bautista who is now doing a play in Singapore? “I’d rather stay put and show my talent here,” he said. “When I won in WCOPA, I was offered to try my luck in Hollywood but I opted to come home.”

Since his love life has always been quiet, people are quick to judge that he’s probably gay.

“I’m tired of explaining that gender issue,” he said. “People will believe what they want to believe. I’m secure in the thought that I am not gay.”

It’s the malambing Ilonggo in him that makes Jed mild-mannered. “The Voice” has spoken. His detractors better stop talking.

Reunion repeat

Some things are worth repeating. Just like the Hotdog reunion concert. If you missed the band’s first show, catch the repeat on July 26 at Dusit Hotel.

No less than President Noynoy watched the Hotdog concert—with a date. Will P-Noy watch again with a different date this time?

Hotdog may be an all-American snack but when it comes to music, the Hotdog band brings out 100 percent Pinoy pride.

PERSONAL: Merci beaucoup to mon cheri ami, Yong Nieva, for always making me feel so at home in his resto, Thaipan (Scout Lascano). Birthday cheers to my fab “sis” and the Queen of Foamy Brews, Camille Bernabe.

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