Valentine wedding for James & Mic?

Because a “J. Yap” is reported to be getting married, some people readily concluded that the one referred to is James Yap and the girl is none other than his girlfriend Michela “Mic” Cazzola.

The truth is that “J. Yap” is Jeffrey Yap who is James’ bosom buddy who has proposed to his Chinese girlfriend and their wedding is scheduled before end of the year (or early next year?).

There’s also a report that James and Mic are planning a Valentine wedding in February next year, on the 13th which is James’ 34th birthday.

Asked about it, James told Funfare, “Wala pa, hindi pa,” adding half in jest, “we are waiting for MJ to grow up para siya ang ring bearer namin.”

MJ is Michael James, the sweetheart’s first-born whose name combines those of his dad and mom (Mic). The boy turned two-months old on Oct. 8, a day marked by a simple celebration by his parents who, so far, haven’t shown MJ’s face. “Si Mic ang ayaw,” said James who is excited about his role as a hands-on dad (helping prepare MJ’s feeding bottle, change MJ’s diapers and make MJ burp). “Gusto ko sanang makunan kami ni MJ ng picture na pinapalitan ko ang lampin niya.”

MJ is James’ third child, after one with a former (non-showbiz) girlfriend and James Jr./Bimby with ex-wife Kris Aquino.

Up to now (and until she can), Mic said that she continues to breastfeed MJ whom she calls “my love” whose baptism (in Catholic rites because both James and Mic are Catholic) is tentatively set for Dec. 30.

“We have yet to make the list of the godparents,” said Mic, and it will surely be a mix of showbiz, sports and business.

Up to now, James said that he’s still waiting for Bimby to visit his younger brother who, in no time, will be calling him kuya.

“Bimby is welcome to see MJ anytime, after all magkapatid naman sila,” said James. “Even Kris is also welcome anytime. Walang problema kay Mic; it’s not an issue with Mic.”

Jude: Born in the Philippines and raised in Brunei

Upcoming Pinoy singer in Brunei

Gyver Jude Talabis Concon (or simply Jude), 24, has been making a name as a singer in Brunei where he was raised (although born in the Philippines) since he was a year old. At 10, he started singing in church. In 2010, he joined a singing contest called Pilihan Talentime 2010 organized by Radio Television Brunei and won first prize under the non-Bruneian category. That kick-started a series of appearances on radio stations and events in Brunei.

Jude has just released (through MCA-Universal Music) his first-ever single, Time Machine, from his upcoming debut album. The song is available for streaming and downloading on iTunes, Spotify, Deezer, etc.

Ang Hindi Nakikitang Pakpak the musical is based on The Invisible Wings, one of the many children’s books by Rita Avila (right)

Rita’s book is now a musical

If Rita Avila seems to be soaring on wings, it’s because her book, Ang Hindi Nakikitang Pakpak (English title is The Invisible Wings), is now a musical to be staged at the St. Cecilia’s Hall of St. Scholastica’s College Manila on Oct. 20, 21, 27, 28 and 29 (with shows at 8 a.m., 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.; ticket is priced at only P350).

Adapted by Neil Tolentino, with libretto by Chynna Roxas, music by Barbie Dumlao and direction by Joey Ting, the musical stars Lester Andrada, Candy Arcangel, Arvin Baltazar, Hazelyn Cascano, Bobby Andrew Garcia, Jerome Ignacio, Meggy Katigbak, Faith Leynes, Shery Leynes, Ram Mariano, Donald Ocfemia Jr., Matel Patayon, Pia Paulican, Cristina Peredo, Neil Raagas, Alex Reyes and Sarina Sasaki.

“Para akong lumilipad sa tuwa,” said Rita, an award-winning writer of children’s books.

The musical is endorsed by Bishop Honesto Ongtioco, DD, Bishop of Cubao; and Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Archbishop of Manila.

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