Dingdong Dantes follows network execs’ orders.
Dingdong Dantes would rather not comment on the raging war between girlfriend Marian Rivera and prospective leading lady Heart Evangelista.
Will the Kapuso teleserye with Heart still push through? “GMA 7 knows best,” Dong says. “I’ll just follow their orders.”
Work is work. And love is love. So Marian shouldn’t worry about a thing. Heart is not after Dong’s heart.
Real slap
Studio insiders insist that Cherie Gil slapped teleserye costar Jean Garcia in one of their scenes even if it wasn’t in the script. Perhaps Cherie just got carried away in the heat of their confrontation. La Vida Contravida is something Cherie has perfected all these years.
No-show
Noranians were disappointed when La Aunor didn’t arrive as scheduled last week. Her son, Ian de Leon, is dying to see her after so many years.
“She wasn’t able to come home because she still has some obligations to fix,” he explains. “But I trust that she will be home soon. As far as I know, her much-awaited movie will push through. Sobrang miss na namin siya ng mga kapatid ko.”
What’s his fondest memory of his mom? “When Kiko and I visited her in the US in 2006, we did a couple of shows with her,” he recalls. “We were able to have a heart-to-heart talk. When it was time for Kiko and I to fly back to Manila, ang higpit ng yakap namin ni mommy na parang ayaw na naming maghiwalay.”
How would he want to spend bonding time with his mom when she finally comes home? “I want it to be spontaneous para mas masaya,” he says. “I wanna have a candlelight dinner with her and watch movies at home na kumpleto kaming pamilya.”
For Ian and his siblings, the Superstar is also a WonderwoMom! Her comeback movie should be called, “Ang Walang Katapusang Paghihintay kay Ate Guy!”
Embracing change
Pops Fernandez and Martin Nievera: Too many memories in old home, she says.
I immensely enjoyed my girl-bonding with good friend Pops Fernandez. After dinner at Serendra, she took me to her fab four-story split-type home which has an Asian motif. It’s been a year since she transferred from Alabang and started living alone.
“Surprisingly, it was not hard for me to let go of our house in Alabang,” she said. “To think Martin and I and our kids lived there for a long time. There are too many memories. But I guess it has run its full course. We all have to embrace change to keep growing.
“Robin and Ram live on their own. They spend for everything but, of course, as a mom di ko rin sila matiis so I buy them groceries. I’m at peace living alone. My kids visit me often enough since we live close by.”
To fans who keep asking me on Twitter (@dollyannec) when Pops would make a TV comeback: “For now, I’d like to venture into producing more shows and concerts,” she said. “I have so many nice concepts for a show but I don’t have to be in it. The intriga side of show biz has worn me out. I’ve always been such a private person that’s why I don’t have a Twitter account and I hardly update my Facebook. I get praning when it comes to social networking (laughs).”
How’s her heart these days? “Let’s just say I’m inspired,” she replied. “That’s why I am productive with my various business pursuits on the side. I’ve never felt so alive!”
With her newfound sense of equilibrium, you can call Pipay “Miss Bliss.”
Acoustic night
Catch Acoustic King Paolo Santos in an intimate show on July 29 at Uno Bistro (Salem Commercial Complex, Domestic Road, Pasay City). Call 0926-8730353.
PERSONAL: Grazie mille to Yab and Amy Van der Hulst, Chef Tiziano Cavallini and Jason Valencia for the best authentic Italian cuisine at Dolce Vita (Casa Tesoro, Mabini St., Ermita) Molto buono!
E-mail: wateringholeshangrila@yahoo.com