Lea Salonga named Miss Universe judge

Will the Philippines’ Miss Universe bet Shamcey Supsup enjoy an edge over her rivals now that another Filipina, international stage actress and singer Lea Salonga, is one of the pageant’s judges?

Not necessarily, according to Lea. "I’m hoping that she does well, so if I give her a high score, she’ll deserve it," she said of Shamcey in a TV interview last week.

This year’s Miss Universe will be crowned at the pageant’s climax in Sao Paolo, Brazil, on Tuesday, September 13 that will be telecast live in the Philippines.

Sitting with Lea in the judges’ panel will be Brazilian race car driver Helios Castroneves, American broadcast journalist Connie Chung, supermodel Isabeli Fontana, actresses Vivica Fox and Adrienne Maloof, and Miss Universe 2003 Amelia Vega.

Lea said she hasn’t yet framed the question that she will ask of the finalists. She hopes to compose one during the long flight to Sao Paolo.

Shamcey topped at least two online surveys last month. But it’s the official online voting that will count. The topnotchers in the official poll earn an outright berth in the semifinals.

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Bimby is one lucky boy. The financial future of the only son of Kris Aquino and James Yap is definitely bright.

"We have invested in some property for him," said Kris, referring to Bimby. "His education has all been worked out, and he can take a master’s degree if he wants to. He has a trust fund, just like Joshua."

Bimby’s career as a product endorser also seems to be doing pretty fine. He has a contract for a commercial that is good until 2013.

Kris keeps close tabs on Bimby’s schedule, though, considering his schooling. "His work is limited only to weekends and we space it so that he has just one TV commercial and one photoshoot a month."

Bimby’s financial state cropped up after Kris brushed aside rumors that her estranged husband James Yap will be richer than their son once the couple divide their wealth as part of the annulment agreement.

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President Aquino ran into his ex-girlfriend Shalani Soledad at the Dumaguete City airport last week.

The two were returning to Manila after attending separate events in Dumaguete. They exchanged pleasantries before taking separate flights.

Shalani is now being linked to Pasig City congressman Roman Romulo. The two were reportedly spotted holding hands in church recently. Shalani claims he and Roman have not gone past the dating stage.

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LJ Reyes is not hiding that fact that she and Paulo Avelino have been living in. "I was never one to deny what is true," LJ said.

So are there any wedding plans? "None yet. Maybe that will come later," LJ said when interviewed during a break in the taping of Time Of My Life, GMA-7’s soap offering.

The couple have a 13-month-old baby, Aki.

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Toni Gonzaga celebrates her first decade in showbiz with a concert, Toni@10, at the Araneta Coliseum on September 30.

It will be the first time Toni will be performing at the Big Dome, and she promises to make it memorable for her fans.

Toni was only 13 when she joined a singing contest, marking her debut in showbiz. Her big break came when she did a soft drink commercial where she delivered the line, "I love you, Piolo!" That paved the way for a hosting stint in Eat Bulaga.

In 2005 Toni moved to ABS-CBN where she tried her hand at acting, singing and dancing. She earned the title of the ultimate media star after appearing in hit movies and recording five albums.

Toni@10 will be directed by Johnny Manahan and produced by Star Events, Epic Entertainment, and Tag Concept.

Guesting in the show will be Piolo Pascual, John Lloyd Cruz, Vhong Navarro, Pokwang, Alex Gonzaga, and Gary V.