GRETCHEN Ho and Robi Domingo
When show biz and sports merge, it’s headline material. Some instances are when PBA cagers end up with actresses or when Manny Pacquiao ventures into yet another TV show. Lately, the newest sensation is UAAP Women’s Volleyball. The championship battle between De La Salle Lady Spikers and Ateneo de Manila Lady Eagles were always jampacked. The players of both teams have gained movie star-like popularity. The charming spiker of Ateneo, Gretchen Ho is exclusively dating TV heartthrob, Robi Domingo.
“We’ve known each other since high school,” says Robi. “Gretchen and I met at a soiree. At first there were bad vibes between our batches. We’ve been dating since June 2012. But as much as possible we want to keep it low-key. We have an agreement not to divulge too much information because we want to keep our bond sacred.”
How did you show Gretchen your support after her team lost the championship?
I told her to look at the bigger picture. Even if they didn’t win, mas nag-trending pa siya and the rest of the Fab Five of Ateneo sa Twitter than the winners. She still has a long journey ahead. Volleyball wasn’t a popular sport before but now it’s a huge craze because both teams have solid supporters. I heard there’s a plan to organize a Volleyball Professional League a la PBA. Gretchen is more than qualified to play there.
Will you allow her to join show biz, too?
That’s not for me to say. I know she’s interested in TV hosting. I leave it up to her. I’m just here to support her.
Considering that you’re busy with your three new shows on ABS-CBN (“The Biggest Loser,” “I Dare You” and “The Voice”), how do you manage to squeeze Gretchen in your frenzied sched?
I always live by the rule that you will always allot time for things you really want to do. You can never be too busy for people you care for.
Gretchen and Robi take time out to be together so it will never be “time’s up” for them.
Close encounter
My sister Clara was overjoyed to have an up close and personal encounter with her idol, Troian Bellisario when she was in town recently. Troian plays Spencer Hastings on “Pretty Little Liars” which airs on ETC. Endless thanks to Wilson Tieng and Tessa Alviz for making it possible.
Clara got the surprise of her life when Troian posted a picture (on Instagram/Twitter @sleepinthegarden) of the gift which she handmade for her—a few lines of Troian’s fave song, (“The Difference in the Shades” by Bright Eyes) printed on a board dipped in coffee with pressed flowers. The PLL star placed this caption on the pic: “This brought tears to my eyes. As did your letter @claratagasa. Thank you so much. I have the best fans.”
Since then, my sister has been deluged with tweets of PLL fanatics all over the globe. It’s so heartwarming to know that there are still Hollywood celebrities like Miss Bellisario who relish simple joys.
Que Bellisima Bellisario!
‘Full Monty’
Mark Bautista is raring to play Jerry Lukowski in Viva Atlantis Theatricals’ musical, “The Full Monty.” (The show runs from April 19-May 5 at the Carlos P. Romulo Theater, RCBC Plaza, Makati. For tickets, call 8919999).
It’s all about six unemployed mill workers who come up with a radical idea to make quick cash by presenting a strip act at a local club. On the journey to their “full monty,” they slay their inner demons and discover the liberating power of true friendship.
“It’s my first time to do a musical with Atlantis so I’m really excited,” gushes Mark. “It’s a lot different from the mainstream play I did at the CCP (Cultural Center of the Philippines) two years ago, ‘Noli Me Tangere.’ They have to catch the play to find out how far I will go in exposing myself.”
Watch and yearn, ladies!