Showbiz Roundup: Rachel Alejandro’s RBF; Ogie Diaz on ‘Eat Bulaga’ ‘cancelation’

(From left) Rachel Alejandro, Ogie Diaz, Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon. Images: FILE PHOTOS

Rachel Alejandro‘s candid confession about leaving a negative impression among her colleagues, including the late Dolphy, made it to the top of entertainment news the past week.

Meanwhile, entertainment insider Ogie Diaz took to his on his Facebook and showbiz vlog to deny having started rumors that “Eat Bulaga” will go off-air due to low profit , as he reminded the public to have a more understanding eye when it comes to reading his reports.

Hoping to keep up with the latest showbiz buzz? Here are the biggest entertainment news of INQUIRER.net in the week of April 19 to 25.

Rachel Alejandro’s RBF

(From left) Rachel Alejandro and Dolphy. Images: FILE PHOTOS

In a “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda” interview aired on April 18, Rachel Alejandro admitted that there was a time in her career when she had been misunderstood by the late actor-comedian Dolphy as being disrespectful, owing to her emotionless expression.

Abunda asked Alejandro if there was ever a time in her career when some veteran stars took it negatively, to which the latter admitted some were indeed “offended.” The singer-actress said being “so driven” resulted in her being misunderstood by some of her colleagues, including Dolphy himself.

“[It came] to the point na unfortunately, may legends in the industry na minsan nadadaanan ko sila sa hallway tapos hindi ko napansin dahil I’m thinking about my lyrics. Na-offend sila,” she said. “Si Tito Dolphy, nagalit sa’kin. Sabi niya, ‘Iyang si Rachel Alejandro hindi marunong magbigay ng respeto.’”

“Medyo na-misinterpret nila ‘yung seriousness ng face ko. As they say, resting b**** face (RBF),” Alejandro told Abunda. “I was so driven. And I’m always thinking of what I’m going to do, hindi ako pwedeng magkamali.”

Alejandro immediately made sure to make up to the late screen veteran, saying, “Tapos talagang ‘Tito Dolphy!’ talagang apologies. ‘I didn’t see you.’”

This incident eventually taught Alejandro to be more aware of her surroundings, especially in a professional setting. She said that she made it a point to greet everyone wherever she goes.

Ogie Diaz on ‘Eat Bulaga’ cancellation rumors

Ogie Diaz, “Eat Bulaga” hosts. Image: Instagram/@ogie_diaz, @tvjofficial

Ogie Diaz denied spreading rumors of “Eat Bulaga” going off-air due to financial struggles on Facebook and his showbiz vlog, stressing that netizens should watch his full report before “jumping to conclusions.”

Diaz touched on the noontime show’s rumors in his YouTube vlog last April 16, with his vlog co-host Loi Villarama reading claims from one Kapatid Insider on Facebook. This led to “Eat Bulaga” hosts Tito Sotto and Joey de Leon dismissing these claims, calling out “liars” for spreading it on social media.

In response, the showbiz insider took to his Facebook page on April 19, to clarify his report. “Para po ito sa mga tumalon agad sa konklusyon na kinumpirma namin na mamamaalam ang Eat Bulaga, dahil nalulugi na ito. Panoorin niyo po nang buo. Wag agad magre-react. Check niyo kung kinumpirma namin.”

Diaz also added the link to his YouTube vlog in his post, whose thumbnail includes the phrase: “Magsasara na ang ‘Eat Bulaga’? Why?”

“Eto po ang resibo,” he continued in the caption. “Konting oras, data o wifi lang ang kailangan para malaman niyo kung ano talaga ang ibinalita namin.”

Then, on the April 20 episode of his vlog, Diaz again reiterated that it was not him who initiated speculations of the noontime show “Eat Bulaga” going off-air.

“‘Yung iba na hindi nanonood at dumedepende lamang sa binabasa nilang thumbnail or title, jina-judge na kami. Ang bilin ko, panoorin nang buo kung paano namin binalita at nilatag ‘yung isyu. Unang una sa lahat, meron kaming pinagkuhaan. Binasa namin at noong sinabi na nalulugi ang ‘Eat Bulaga,’ hindi rin naman kami naniwala,” said Diaz.

The showbiz insider said he’s aware that he can’t “please everybody” with his vlogs while reminding the public to be more mindful of how they present their reports.

Stacey Gabriel dominates MUPH event in Boracay

Stacey Gabriel (right) with Aqua Boracay Marketing Manager Christopher Co/MISS UNIVERSE PHILIPPINES FACEBOOK PHOTO

Pageant veteran Stacey Gabriel reaped three accolades at the Swimsuit Challenge event of the Miss Universe Philippines 2024 pageant held in Boracay on April 20.

The delegate from Cainta, Rizal, was proclaimed the first-ever Miss We Sportz at the end of the show held at the poolside of the resort on the island’s Bolabog beachfront, dubbed “the better side of Boracay.”

Gabriel, who was second runner-up in the 2022 Binibining Pilipinas pageant, was also one of the eight “Aqua Angels,” who joined the roster of 20 “Arete Tagaytay Goddesses,” also proclaimed in the same evening.

Joining Gabriel are her fellow Bb. Pilipinas alumnae, 2015 Miss Intercontinental first runner-up Christi Lynn McGarry from Taguig City and 2018 Miss International first runner-up Ahtisa Manalo from Quezon Province. Bacoor’s Victoria Velasquez Vincent, who was crowned Miss Universe Philippines-Charity in 2021, was also in the mix.

Popular bets completed the group—national athlete Alexie Mae Brooks from Iloilo City, professional musician Dia Mate from Cavite, reality TV star Kayla Carter from the Filipino community in Northern California, and Tarah Valencia from Baguio City.

Seasoned contenders among the 12 ladies who joined the eight “angels” were 2014 Miss Intercontinental second runner-up Kris Tiffany Janson from Cebu, 2019 Miss Tourism International Cyrille Payumo, 2022 Miss Supermodel Worldwide Alexandra Mae Rosales, 2010 Bb. Pilipinas candidate Selena Antonio-Reyes from Pasig City, and 2021 Miss Philippines Earth contestant Anita Rose Gomez from Zambales.

Joining them were overseas-based delegates Kymberlee Street from Australia, Mary Joy Yasol from Miami, and Christina Chalk from the United Kingdom. Completing the roster were Daniella Villar from Cabanatuan City, Rethiana Rosa from Camiguin, Eunice Deza from San Pablo City, and Mary Josephine Paaske from Talisay City.

Darren Espanto ‘getting to know’ Jillian Ward

Darren Espanto and Jillian Ward | Images: Instagram/@darrenespanto, @jillian

Darren Espanto said he and Jillian Ward are friends and “getting to know each other” after they immediately clicked when Ward appeared on “It’s Showtime.”

The two are currently being paired by the fans online, and when asked how he felt about it, Espanto said that he didn’t expect a positive reception from the viewers.

“She has this bright aura which is I noticed right away when I met her. Saka she’s very shy until you get to know her,” he said. “Before we parted ways, napag-usapan nga namin na sana one day, we could do a collaboration, kasi nagsama kami sa parang corporate event before. Malay po natin, makapag-prod po kami sa Showtime.

Espanto revealed that Ward followed him on social media, which was a gesture he gave back. “After that episode, I was surprised, kasi siya pa ang unang nag-follow po sa akin, so I followed her back.”

When asked if he’s courting the actress, Espanto said they are still “getting to know each other.”

Kris Aquino sorry for ‘weakness’ on Bimby’s birthday

Kris Aquino and her son Bimby. Image: Instagram/@krisaquino

Kris Aquino penned a birthday greeting for her youngest son Bimby’s 17th birthday, saying she was emotional during the occasion because of her fear of no longer being around to celebrate his next one.

Aquino, who is battling multiple autoimmune diseases, gave a glimpse of their simple celebration in California through her Instagram page on April 19.

Addressing Bimby, Kris continued, “I’m keeping the promise I made to you—September 28, 2018, when we first knew there was something scary about my sudden weight loss and my complete blood test result.”

“I’m sorry for showing weakness yesterday when I cried nonstop because of my fear that I may not be around to be with you on your 18th birthday,” she said.

Kris underscored that despite her life-threatening conditions, her youngest son has matured so much and has remained his faith in God. “My one wish is for your character to remain strong, your values and integrity stay admirable, your respectful and polite manner unchanged, and your passion for learning will continue to inspire you to make the most of your education,” she said.

Concluding her message, Kris reminded Bimby: “Love doesn’t die, my [honey].”

Kris also briefly spoke about her health and said that news about it “has mostly been sad.” She, however, did not expound as she did not want to “ruin the good vibes” of her son’s birthday.

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