Erik Santos Finds constant date

Prince of Pop Erik Santos won as the Favorite Male Artist of MYX in the recently concluded MYX Music awards. Erik garnered the most number of text votes among other contenders-and this was the reason why his management outfit (Backroom, Inc.) scheduled an interview for him last Wednesday afternoon at the Ten Tita's Restaurant in Gateway Mall (the newest mall at the Araneta Center in Cubao, Quezon City).

But since Rufa Mae Quinto was vocal about her admiration for Erik, we wasted no time in asking him what's the real score between her and the bombshell. Rufa Mae was tickled pink when she told the press that she felt "electrified" when Erik kissed her on the lips when he guested in the bombshell's concert last May 28.

"Yes, we are dating," was Erik's very honest reply. "I really like her a lot. She's a very special person and a smart girl." Erik also added that he and Rufa Mae often talk with each other on the phone, before they go to sleep (of course, on separate beds), and when they wake up in the morning." They have been dating for two weeks, sometimes just the two of them or with Ryan Brusola (Rufa Mae's road manager).

Erik says it all started with a kiss. Rufa Mae was teasing both Erik and Mark (Bautista) who appeared in her birthday concert for a kiss on the lips as birthday. Erik thought Mark did kiss Ms. Booba on the lips so when it was his turn to do so, he did kiss her on the lips. "I felt my knees trembled when I did that," says the singer with a smile. What was with that kiss that Rufa Mae couldn't forget and she told the press about it when she gave a blowout for the success of her solo concert. It was Erik's fans who were able to read about how Rufa Mae felt about him that informed the singer that the bombshell has the hots for her.

For now, Erik can't say if their going out together could lead to something more, although he was candid enough to admit he really admires the sexy comedienne as a person and how she takes care of her family, in the same manner that Erik dotes on his own family. Eriks says he's flattered by Rufa Mae's words as he knows that probably half of the entire male population in the Philippines is fantasizing to have Rufa Mae as a girlfriend.

Erik is 23, while Rufa Mae is 28. "But she doesn't look her age," says the singer who invited the sexy star to come with him at the MYX Music Awards where he won as Favorite Male Artist. She wore a sexy attire, which Erik didn't mind. "When I got to know her, she already has that sexy image. I'm not in a position to change her."

The singer says he's very happy with what he feels for Rufa Mae, even admitting that he plans to court her. He feels fine with what he's doing, like driving his car to drop by the set of Rufa Mae's movie even in the wee hours of the morning, something that Erik doesn't normally do. They always talk on the phone; their conversations are always peppered with laughter since Rufa Mae is a very funny person.

"But she can also be serious. And she's truly smart. What we see Rufa onscreen is not what she is offscreen. You've got to know the real her for you to appreciate her better," says Erik who's obviously smitten with the bombshell's charm.

On July 7 and 8 Erik will join fellow Backroom talents Frenchie Dy, Kim Flores, K and the Boxers and Rufa Mae Quinto in a musical caravan in Koronadal City, South Cotabato. As the celebrity endorser of BPI Remittance Service Erik will hold a show at SM Batangas on July 9.

Erik will also perform in a back-to-back concert with Sheryn Regis at the Summit Center in Zamboanga City on July 15. Erik is one of the hosts of ASAP Mania on ABS CBN every Sunday. For inquiries call Backroom at 4351120 or email [email protected].

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cams-whether operated by big-time operators or not, always leave an imprint of sad tales and victims hapless on the injustice done against them. This time, QTV Channel 11 brings to the fore a program that will educate and at the same time entertain viewers on these shady schemes and malicious operations via "Na Scam Ka Na Ba?," the newest infotainment program on QTV Channel 11 that will debut this Tuesday, June 20, 8:30-9:30PM on the primetime entertainment block.

The weekly program will be hosted by veteran actor-director Leo Martinez, with the sexy Maureen Larrazabal as his lovely co-host. The exciting combination of Leo and Maureen is complementary to the program's nature-though serious in concept, the spiels will be delivered in a light and entertaining manner.

"Na-Scam Ka Na Ba?" aims to educate the viewers on the big and small-time scams perpetrated by con-artists and gang members. The program will also feature scam victims retelling their sad stories of being duped or attacked by con artists. Also, witness the confessions of gang members as they narrate how their modus operandi works. Listen and gain insights on how to avoid being "scammed."

"According to our research, most of the victims of scams are people from the provinces who come to Manila for the first. As soon as they get down from a bus or embark from a ship, these con-artists are already observing would-be victims," says Leo. "As our program producer Gigi Santiago said, the program will give both information and entertainment."

It is not like an investigative kind of show that presents exposes or follows up cases. But they hope to inform the public, especially newcomers in Manila or any other city for that matter, to be vigilant and be always on lookout for con-artists and gang members.

According to Ms. Wilma Galvante, the executive in-charge of production, the new show wants to present a different side of a reality show concept, one that is not a contest or an artista search, but something that can give valuable information to households, something that we can understand and learn something from. And Ms. Galvante feels they have the perfect host in Leo Martinez.

"We don't want to go investigating but we just want to inform people that there are scams being perpetrated in our midst and we should be careful," added Ms. Galvante.

Ms. Gigi Santiago added that "Na Scam Ka Na Ba?" was meant to be a show for GMA 7 but since there is no time slot available, the creative team decided to pitch the project to QTV as their reality program for GMA 7's sister channel. Leo and Maureen's name came into the picture as hosts. No other names came to the fore as hosts but the two. As for Maureen, this marks a new dimension in her career as

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"Maalaala Mo Kaya" opens a new chapter this week when it makes it move to the Friday time slot. And fresh from the success of her back-to-back hits "Close to You" and "All About Love," Bea Alonzo gets the rare distinction of being the first guest star to headline MMK in its new time slot as she plays the role of real-life Sasmuan, Pangasinan Mayor Lina Bagsina.

In an episode directed by Jerry Sineneng, Bea gives life to the highlights of Mayor Bagsina's inspiring story. Known as the "Cinderella of Sasmuan," Mayor Bagsina beat the odds to rise from being a humble housemaid to become the highest elected official in her town. How did she do it? And what lessons can her life story teach us all?

Bea is thrilled with the opportunity to lead off this exciting new chapter in MMK history.

Charo Santos-Concio hosts another unforgettable episode as MMK moves to its newer and better timeslot every Friday.



After being the favorite primetime drama chronicling true-to-life stories that give hope and inspire millions, MMK hopes to rekindle the fire that made it number one drama on TV before "Magpakailanman" came along.

They gave up the fight to "Magpakailanman." Will MMK be successful in its new gamble?