TV5 reinvents, woos big stars

plus: Aiai Delas Alas coy about grecian holiday; maricel soriano has new sport, new love

AiAi delas Alas is trying to be coy about her recent six-day trip to Greece. The comedian claims she visited a “chatmate” of hers. So who’s the mystery guy? AiAi refused to name him, but let on that he’s 37 years old and a bachelor.

Hmm. If he’s just a chatmate, why did AiAi spend a bundle for air fare and hotel accommodations just to eyeball him? “Life is too short. If I didn’t do it, I would have wasted the chance,” explains the comedy diva.

The guy knows that AiAi is a comedian here, but he doesn’t know just how big a celebrity she is.

AiAi says that while in Greece, she stayed mostly in her hotel. Yes, there was some kissing, but she swears that there was no hanky-panky. “I was afraid,” she laughs.

AiAi also confides that she and Kris Aquino are friends again. Their friendship hit a big bump after AiAi was tagged as the source of the buzz that Kris and James Yap were on the verge of splitting because of a certain Hope Centeno. AiAi admits that up until now, James is still sore at her. So she swears that she’s learned to keep her lips sealed. “I promised Kris that I won’t open my mouth anymore.”

AiAi is also trying to shed some pounds in preparation for a concert at the Araneta Coliseum in November celebrating her 20th year in showbiz. She eats only crackers for lunch, would you believe?

The comedian also has a Valentine concert on February 14 at the Manila Hotel, entitled “Ai Am Your Valentine” with Janno Gibbs, Rufa Mae Quinto, Mark Bautista and Ms. Pilita Corrales.

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With her contract with ABS-CBN ending this February, there is also talk that AiAi will be moving over to TV5. But she’s not confirming or denying it.

AiAi is just one of the big stars TV5 big chief Manny Pangilinan is said to be wooing as his network reinvents itself. MP is also trying to pirate Regine Velasquez and Ogie Alcasid from GMA-7. Maricel Soriano is also supposedly on MP’s list.

TV5 has long languished in the shadow of the two giant networks. Mr. Pangilinan wants 2010 to be the network’s breakthrough year. And by the way he’s been trying to hook big names in local entertainment, money seems to be no object.

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Speaking of Maricel Soriano, many are noticing that she’s definitely blooming. The reason? Her badminton coach. “He’s good looking. Moreno. About Maricel’s age. Married but long separated. Not super-rich but comfortably well-off,” reports my source.

That explains why Maricel has taken a long vacation from making movies. Her last film was last year’s horror thriller “T2.” Her last TV series was “Florinda.”

Not only can badminton improve your health. It can do wonders to your love life as well.

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Fans of Arnold Schwarzenegger will be glad to know that the “Terminator” is coming to Manila this week. No, he won’t be here to film the newest sequel of the cult sci-fi flick. Schwarzenegger, who is now governor of California, will be here to discuss with government officials strategies in boosting rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts in calamity-stricken areas.

According to Malacañang, Schwarzenegger will use his muscle – political muscle, that is – in finding ways to address damage left by catastrophes such as the typhoons that devastated Metro Manila and a wide swatch of Luzon last year.

Hasta la vista, baby!

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Jay Leno and Conan O’Brien are still not on talking terms.

Several days after he reclaimed his old late-night slot, Leno has admitted to Oprah Winfrey he felt that “it didn’t seem appropriate” that he and O’Brien talk to each other while negotiations over “The Tonight Show” were in progress.

Leno returned to late night after NBC practically shoved out O’Brien, whom it had anointed as Leno’s successor.