Jericho Rosales A Big Hit in Ghana, Africa

After months of watching "Pangako Sa `Yo" and "Sana'y Wala Nang Wakas" dubbed in English, the locals of Ghana, Africa finally had the thrill of seeing Jericho Rosales live in the flesh. He performed as the main act of the 50th Independence Anniversary festivities at the National Theatre (Accra, Ghana), giving Ghanaians more reason to celebrate last March 6.

"Their reaction to his visit was nothing short of wild hysteria, matching the excitement of the visits of Thalia, Pope John Paul II and F4," enthused Jericho's management associate, Marinez Elizalde of Manila Genesis Entertainment and Management. "People showed up at the airport, along the streets, en route to the hotel and every place that Jericho would go. We were both so shocked. Even little kids would run to him and give him hugs and handshakes. It was amazing!" she added.

The alternate chanting and shrieking of "Christian!" and "Angelo!" (the characters Jericho played on "Sana'y Wala Nang Wakas" and "Pangako Sa 'Yo," respectively) by the frenzied mob clearly certified the two teleseryes as smash hits in Ghana. "People would drop everything just to watch these shows, and have clamored for more of Jericho's shows to be aired," reported Janet Carboo-Danquah, manager for Public Relations of Ghana's local TV3 Network.

Arranged by the promoter, Dzigbodi Attotey of N.A.G. Media Ltd., Jericho appeared on Ghana's local television programs such as "Music Music" and "Start" where he promoted his album and talked about the Philippines. Local radio stations committed to play songs from his album: Jeans Loose Fit (distributed by EMI Records). Jericho wrote all the songs in the album.

At showtime, which also featured Ghanaian award winners Batman Samini, Ofori Amposnsah and Ebo, pandemonium broke out at Jericho's initial appearance on stage rendering "Nightsky," a cut from his album. Displaying his versatility as a singer apart from being an actor, Jericho's energy soared higher with his dynamic performance of "Mr. Mart," yet another cut from the same album, as the cheering African audience rocked the theater. The only cover in his repertoire that night was John Legend's "Ordinary People," which he dedicated to the appreciative crowd. He exhorted the appreciative crowd not to act rashly but to think things through and just "take it slow, 'cause you and I are all ordinary people."

Back home and in high spirits, Echo, who was Enpress' and PMPC Star Awards' Best Actor nominee (for the movie "Pacquiao"), is getting ready to act again as projects are lined up for him by his home studio ABS-CBN. After turning down about six soap operas, a couple of film offers and going on a self-imposed hiatus, he is preparing to hit the television screen again this year with several TV assignments. He had a very heartwarming meeting with ABS-CBN senior vice president Cory Vidanes and Star Cinema managing director, Malou Santos, who promised a film as soon as a concept was finalized.

In the music gig scene, together with his band Jeans, Jericho takes to the malls once more in the second leg of their album promotional tour featuring the second single "Tuwing Nakikita Ka." Sponsored by Penshoppe and Walker and produced by Manila Genesis in partnership with Silvermoon Productions, other performances include bar concerts at Ratsky Malate on March 22, and 29 at 10 p.m. and Club O in April. He will have a provincial tour in April as well. Negotiations are ongoing for trips to the USA, Kuala Lumpur, Brunei and Kenya.

Ara, Polo impossible to reconcile

It seems impossible for Ara Mina and Polo Ravales to reconcile now that Viva Hot Babe Zarah Lopez has claimed she and Polo have a relationship. Zarah revealed in a radio interview that even before Ara came into Polo's life, she already had an intimate relationship with the former teen star who played a gay role in "Manay Po." Ara was naturally hurt with the revelation as even before Zarah came out in that interview, someone told Ara that Zarah and Polo were seen dating at Embassy Bar.

Zarah has even claimed she had sex with Polo in his car, and that he also introduced her to his mom. With this revelation, Ara is no longer surprised why her boyfriend suddenly turned cold, not even sending her text messages. The two broke up last February 9 but promised to keep in touch in an attempt to fix their relationship of more than one year.

"All of a sudden, he stopped calling me. Maybe this story is true that's why he hasn't been contacting me," said Ara. "I still love Polo and I really wanted that we are able to fix our relationship. Sana lang sinabi na lang niya sa akin na may iba na siya. Iyon naman ang usapan namin. I can accept that had he only told me."

But Polo chose to keep quiet about the issue, not wanting to comment anymore in the hope that that by being quiet the issue would no longer be blown out of proportion.

"Migz" Zubiri actor material

Congressman Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri could have been an actor, or a model, with his looks and charisma, but chose to serve his countrymen. He is also an athlete and a noted environmentalist.

Migz is very fond of show business, and most of its personalities. "Once elected to the Senate, I would like to find ways on how to help the industry. We should recognize the movie industry's contribution, not only in economic ways, but more importantly its contribution to the Filipino heritage."

A couple of years back, Migz co-hosted the environmental adventure oriented television show "Team Explorer"-a real eye-opener of a show for its audience since it involved a lot of traveling, exploring and showcasing of scenic spots in the Philippines.

"I am not alien to show business. I am quite familiar with its inner workings and have lots of friends coming from the industry. I intend to address what I think puts uncertainty to the industry's future like the imposition of heavy taxes and piracy, which could lead to the death of the local movie and music industry."

Multi-awarded film director Joel Lamangan directed the political ad of Migz that will be coming out in the next few days. The ad features four teen stars and a senior star who's supporting the candidacy of Migz to the Senate.