Election circus

PRECIOUS Lara Quigaman and Marco Alcaraz

The filing of certificates of candidacy by prominent clans has turned into a circus. Looks like it’s more of a family affair than one of national interest.

Talks have been circulating that Luis Manzano is also planning to go into politics like his mom, Governor Vi. Isn’t he wary about the flak he might get?

“That’s part of it but I can’t say for sure if I’ll run,” he quips. “If I feel there’s a calling and I feel it’s time, (then I’ll run). Some clans are effective.  So why fix what ain’t broken?”

He adds: “But if certain clans are not performing according to the citizens’ standards, then it’s up to them (the people) not to vote for those politicians.”

On lighter stuff, Luis, Toni Gonzaga and Vice Ganda are all set to take you on a solid laughing trip in “This Guy’s in Love With You Mare,” which opens today.  It’s all about a bizarre love triangle.

“Our movie shows that love is equal regardless of gender,” he says. “Whether gay or straight, love entails compromise, sacrifice and forgiveness.” The hilarious movie is the ultimate bading (gay) bonding. Here’s to bading ties that bind!

Countdown begins

It’s countdown time for Precious Lara and Marco Alcaraz as they await the arrival of their firstborn, Noah, in November.

Meanwhile, they are busy with their other “baby,” Kuisine, along Molito Madrigal Avenue across Alabang Town Center.

“It’s a French-Asian fusion resto, which we put up with our friend Nina Almoro, who studied in Le Cordon Bleu in Paris,” Lara beams. “Our specialties are truffles pasta topped with chicharon, chicken foie gras croquettes and more. When Marco and I went to Paris a few years ago, we thought of having our own French resto someday. It’s a dream come true.”

And their Baby Noah will be the sum total of all the dreams they ever had.

Back to drama

Janice de Belen is back to what she does best, which is drama, in ABS-CBN’s “Ina, Kapatid, Anak.”

How different are soaps these days than when she started out in Flor de Luna?

“Back then, the pacing was slow,” she points out. “Plots were simpler. Secrets could be hidden for years.”

How does she motivate herself for a heavy dramatic scene? “I suppose all my tears in the past have helped me cry on cam,” she says. “And I mean every single tear.”

To lighten up after her melodramatic shoots, Janice turns to her giraffe collection, which she’s had for 10 years.

“I have this fascination for strong and big animals,” she notes. “I also like sharks. But I would go near a real giraffe but stay away from sharks.”

Another fascination of hers is Adam Levine. “For me, he’s officially the sexiest man alive,” she gushes. “He sings so well. Crystal clear voice. He’s a no-frills guy. I love his tattoos. I wanted to faint when I watched him up close in his concert.”

When asked about her love life, Janice says she’s fine being single. Imaginary thoughts of her being “Eve” to Adam (Levine) are enough to keep her giddy till a new love comes along.

Major turn-off

This chanteuse is a major turn-off in her out of town/country gigs. She shamelessly solicits “love donations” from the audience for the house she is building.

Of course, she says it in jest. But aren’t jokes half-meant?

A friend of mine who watched her provincial show told me that her adlibs are uncalled for. She must learn to assess what kind of crowd there is so she could establish the proper rapport. In her show abroad, the Pinoys got appalled when she said: “I heard you give expensive gifts to performers. Hope you’ll give me some, too.”

Such audacity! Those tokens of appreciation from the crowd should be freely given and not demanded.  Shouldn’t she please the crowd first with a better performance so she would be deserving of their gifts from their hard-earned money?

PERSONAL: Thanks a mil to my good friends, Rose and Paul Ranara for always taking good care of me in Bangkok. Fashionistas, check out their fab yet affordable outfits on [email protected]