Tessie Tomas' dream spoof

We felt honored to be invited to the intimate lunch hosted by Ms. Tessie Tomas, the original first lady of Philippine television, to celebrate her 28th year in showbiz. Ms. Teysie, as she is fondly called, did several award-winning shows like “Teysie ng Tahanan” and “Abangan ang Susunod na Kabanata,” where she played Barbara Tencgo, for ABS-CBN, as well as the sitcom “Bahay Mo Ba ‘To?” and the Pinoy version of the popular Koreanovela “Kimsamsoon” for GMA-7.

But she’s now back with ABS-CBN where she’s a mainstay of “George and Cecil” and “Tonyong Bayawak.”

Ms. Teysie is celebrating her 28th year in showbiz this October and is likewise celebrating her 59th birthday. Last July, she won as best supporting actress from the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival for the indie film “Sanglaan.” She was also a best supporting actress nominee in the recently concluded Urian Awards for the indie film “100.”

Ms. Teysie might have one big show when she celebrates her 30th year in show two years from now. When asked if she has plans to revive the character Meldita (inspired by Madame Imelda Romualdez Marcos and is probably the most popular character that she spoofed), Ms. Teysie said she is waiting for the restaging of the comedy spoof “Rock the Vote” because she’d rather go for ensemble acting.

She also said that she wants to do an impersonation of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo because she is such a controversial person.

“Ang gusto ko talaga, whether you are famous or infamous with your nunal, or anything else, with the money in your pocket, you should be featured in a show that has Tessie Tomas in the main act,” Ms. Teysie said, speaking like President GMA.

Does she have any political ambitions and will she run in next year’s elections?

“I’d probably run in the gym or at the Quezon Memorial Circle,” she answered. “But I also got offers to run as governor in Western Samar where I came from, but I have to admit that had I not married Roger Pullin, I would have probably been enticed to run. But my husband doesn’t want me to. He doesn’t want me to enter politics because our life might only be affected because he believes politics could be dirty.”

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Young singer Jay Perillo, third placer at GMA’s “Are You The Next Big Star” contest, happily reported that his dreams are slowly but surely taking shape. At the recent presscon for Viva Artist Agency talents, Jay said he’s included in the cast of the new movie that Regine Velasquez will do for Viva Films. He will play the love interest of Nikki Bacolod who, in turn, plays the younger sister of Asia’s Songbird.

Jay is also now gathering materials for his album to be produced by Viva Records and he’s hoping that Regine would make good on her promise to guest in his album and do a duet with him. He also hopes to record two of his own compositions and include them in his album. He is still waiting to be given a slot in SOP, the Sunday musical-variety show of GMA, although he has been told that he will be included in a new show that will premiere on the network soon.

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Young actress Ynna Asistio shed tears of joy at her debut party held Friday night (September 25) at the auditorium of the Textite Tower in Ortigas Center. She was overwhelmed at the show of love and support from her family and friends who joined in the celebration of her 18th birthday despite the strong rains that engulfed the whole of Metro Manila. The well-wishers were led by her mom, Nadia Montenegro and her dad, former Caloocan City Mayor Macario “Boy” Asistio.

Ynna, who recently signed up with the GMA Artist Center, was escorted by rumored suitor Mark Herras.

Of course, present that night was Ms. Annabelle Rama who gave Ynna the message that her career should be her priority and not boys who would try to win her heart. Tita Annabelle was obviously taking a potshot at Mark who was seated beside Ynna onstage.

“Kailangan mo muna kumita ng pera para mabawi natin ang nagastos sa debut,” the feisty talent manager of Ynna quipped, sending the audience into laughter.

Three years ago, Mark sought the permission of Nadia if he could court Ynna, and the mom of Ynna said that if Mark would be willing to wait then she might give her blessing. Nadia believes that the friendship of Mark and Ynna got better and bloomed since they met each other. True, she is giving Ynna the permission to accept suitors and since Mark was patient enough to wait for three years, then it seems he has the inside track to Ynna’s heart (and to Nadia’s as well). But Nadia made it clear that when it comes to matters of the heart, it’s up to Ynna to decide. Besides, Nadia added, she still wants to have a private talk with Mark and Ynna.

Incidentally, Ynna just signed up with GMA Artist Center, but according to Nadia, she made it known to Tita Annabelle that schooling would remain Ynna’s priority. She wouldn’t want to disrupt Ynna’s studies (she’s now in   second year college) and would love to see her daughter finish a degree even if she’s making a go of her showbiz career.

Nadia was very happy at the successful turnout of Ynna’s debut even if she nearly got stressed over the preparations. She said it was important to her that Ynna would be happy during her debut, and even if she didn’t expect something grand like the big coming out party that her parents prepared for her, Nadia said she wanted Ynna’s 18th birthday to be memorable.

Speaking of Mark, he gave Ynna a laptop as birthday present. He even asked Nadia for a suggestion on what to give the young lady. Nadia jokingly told Mark that he has three choices—a house, a car, or a laptop. Of course, Mark chose the least expensive gift but what was also needed by Ynna because her laptop, according to her mom, was already two years old, and needed to be replaced.