Edu Manzano's big surprise

PLUS: IS COMEDY DIRECTOR WENN DERAMAS LOSING HIS TOUCH?

Edu Manzano sprung a big surprise last week by accepting the offer to be the runningmate of Defense Secretary Gibo Teodoro in the presidential elections next year. True, Edu’s name surfaced as one of those being groomed to be the vice presidential bet of the administration party, along with fellow actors, Sen. Bong Revilla and Batangas Governor Vilma Santos, with whom he has a son, Luis. But there were also reports that he was being courted by the Liberal Party to join its senatorial ticket.

With the anointing of Manzano, Bong could set aside politics for the meantime and focus on the making of  “Ang Panday,” one of the entries to the Metro Manila Film Festival in December.

“There are no more problems. It’s 99.9 percent sure the film will be shown,” said Bong. The showing of “Ang Panday” hit a snag because the Commission on Elections has not come out with specific guidelines for entertainment personalities running for office next year. Showing the film before campaign period which starts early next year could be considered as premature campaigning, and Bong and other showbiz celebs like Ara Mina who are running want a clear ruling from the poll body.

One thing is certain: Bong would be running for reelection in the Senate.

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Comedian Gary Lising was hospitalized following a heart attack last week. His close friend, Noel Trinidad, broke the news in a text message to Ariel Ureta, host of a radio program on DZMM, that Lising was taken to the ICU of the Makati Medical Center.

Lising and Trinidad were part of the wacky cast of “Champoy,” a show inspired by the highly popular US television gag show “Laugh In.” Another mainstay of the show was Subas Herrero.

Lising is famous for his risqué jokes and quick wit.

Let us pray that he recovers soon.

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Director Wenn Deramas must be losing his touch. “Ang Tanging Pamilya” is not half as funny as the “Ang Tanging Ina” series he megged. Perhaps it’s because the story is like a chicken that has lost its head. It’s running around in circles with no clear direction. AiAi de last Alas tries her best to hold the movie together but she can’t do it alone. Ex-president Joseph Estrada is out of his element in a comedy movie. Sam Milby and Toni Gonzaga struggle with contrived lines and corny gags. Mommy Dionesia, however, lives up to her earlier billing as a natural comedian. Still “Ang Tanging Pamilya” is a big disappointment.

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A California court has rebuffed the bid of the father of Michael Jackson to be given an allowance from the estate of his son.

The court ruled that Joe Jackson cannot inherit any of the assets of the pop icon because Michael did not include him in his will.

“I don’t think he gets to step into this and create further litigation,” noted Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff. “Joe Jackson takes none of this estate. This is a decision his son made.”

The pop superstar, who died in June, was never close to his dad. At one point, Michael revealed that his father had abused him when he was child. Michael grew up with his mother and was closer to his siblings.

In his will, Michael left his assets to his mom, Katherine, his children and children’s charities.

According to an Associated Press report that cites court documents, Joe Jackson claims his monthly expenses exceed $15,000 which includes $1,200 for rent, $2,500 for food; $1,000 for entertainment, gifts and vacations and $3,000 on hotels.

His welfare check amounts to only $1,700, so he relies on handouts from his son to get by.

The Jackson estate just got richer by $60 million, thanks to the film “This Is It,” which made it big in the international box office.