Kris leaves Today show, will host Balitang K - FUNFARE by Ricardo F. Lo

First, the sad news: Today with Kris Aquino is signing off (after more than four years on the tube) on March 9 (Friday). Guess which show will take its timeslot (I know but I’m not telling you – yet.)

Now, the happy news: Kris will resurface late afternoon, also on ABS-CBN, as the new host of Balitang K, replacing Korina Sanchez who’s taking over as host of TV Patrol after Noli de Castro resigned to run for Senator. Kris remains as Boy Abunda’s co-host on The Buzz.

Balitang K will be retitled Balitang Kris. Can Kris equal, or even surpass, the record of the feisty Madame K (I mean, Korina)?

Let’s find out starting on March 12 (Monday) when Kris begins her stint as Balitang K host. She better be as good as, if not better than, Korina. Or else…

Ang Babae sa drawer ni mother

Out of the blue, the strong resounding voice of Mother Lily broke a lazy afternoon. "Sino siya?!" questioned the Regal Dowager as she looked with arched eyebrows at the photos of a sexy woman in provocative poses. Joey Gosiengfiao, who was standing behind her, echoed, "Zino Ziya?!"

It seemed that Mother Lily discovered the photos of the woman in her drawer at the Regal office. Around her desk that time were Direk Chito Roño, Direk Joey Reyes and Manny Valera who had a meeting with Mother and who all gave a curious look at the woman’s photos.

Also present was the personal valet of Father Remy Monteverde (Mother Lily’s husband), Manolo Maglayo, who politely took the pictures from her to place them at the shelves behind her.

"Nagkamali ho ako ng lagay" said the valet.

"Bakit, kay Father ba iyan!" asked Mother.

"Hindi ho! Naiwan ng bakla. Agent o manager yata yun. Nataranta nang pumasok kayo. Naiwan niya," immediately denied the valet.

Mother, who has a keen eye on faces and star pontentials, at once ordered to look for the gay agent or the woman, "Joey, hanapin ang babaeng ito! Malakas ang appeal at may pagka-animal ang dating."

So whoever brought the photos of this sexy woman to Mother Lily’s desk, you can see the lady producer at once. Or the woman herself may present herself before Mother Lily. A movie contract or launching movie awaits her. Lucky girl!

Starry Hair Asia event on March 6

One of the happiest persons now that Lorna Tolentino and Fanny Serrano have kissed and made up (torn apart by politics and brought together again no doubt by politics) is none other than Evelyn Alvaran-Cruz, publisher of Hair Asia which is mounting its 10th National Open Championship for Hairstyling and Makeup on Tuesday, March 6, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the World Trade Center (on Roxas Boulevard, Manila).

Otherwise, Evelyn would have had a big headache if she found herself between two opposing forces (both her good friends), unable to decide who to drop and who to pick — or, so as not to hurt one, drop both of them. That is, as co-hosts of the event, a task Lorna (Evelyn’s ninang sa kasal) and Fanny have been doing for 10 years now.

"What a relief that they have reconciled," said Evelyn.

The Hair Asia 10th National Open Championship will be Lorna and Fanny’s first public appearance together after their much-publicized reconciliation. The event promises to be even more star-studded and more colorful than the previous ones, what with Sharon Cuneta, together with Senatoriable-husband Kiko Pangilinan, invited to unveil Profile, a new hair and makeup magazine to be launched also on that day.

Other stars expected to grace the event include dermatologist Elvie Pineda and daughters Rachel and Lani Lobangco (Elvie is one of the exhibitors; she’ll hold a product demo on skin, accept free consultation on body reconstruction and body couturing, etc.) and many others.

To be honored with Lifetime Achievement Award is the ailing Jun Encarnacion who started at Beny Baluyot’s beauty parlor as a shampoo boy and janitor.

A round-trip ticket to London, site of the spectacular Salon International hair exhibition, plus a P15,000 cash prize, a gold medal trophy and gift packs, await the over-all winner of National Open Championship.

The event that has drawn thousands of local beauty stylists to compete year after year for top honors and major cash awards, promises to outdo itself in prizes and surprises this year. Stylists who finish first runner-up and second runner-up will receive P10,000 and P5,000 respectively, in addition to medals, trophies and gift packs. Generous cash prizes, medals, trophies and gift packs will be presented to the 24 most outstanding stylists and other competitors during special-awards segments.

As in previous years, the National Open challenges aspiring and professional beauty practitioners to come up with their best creation in any or all the contest’s four categories: Ladies Creative Color, Haircutting and Blow-dry; Men’s Creative color, Haircutting and Blow-dry; Commercial Makeup and Creative Hairstyle; and Bridal Makeup. A distinguished panel of judges will determine winning entries based on hair and makeup design, technique and application, total look, and appropriate costume and accessories.

"More than helping improve their living conditions, I think the competition has inspired participants to polish their skills and work ethics," observes Evelyn. "Being recognized by their peers and professionals stylists give participant a sense of dignity and self-respect."

Major sponsors include Koulours Premum Hair Bleach, Tricks Styling Line from Splash, L’Oreal Professionnel and Wella. Other exhibitors are: Ah-Glow, Aktuelle, Belcon Marketing, Braidwood International, Elvie Pineda Beauty Care Center, Framesi, Golden Fabulouz, Hortaleza Beauty Center, Jun Encarnacion Beauty Institute, Micopope Salon Equipments, Modern Salon Supplies, Max Factor, Persona Cold Wave Lotion, Persona Aromatherapy Hot Oil Treatment, Schwarzkopf, Sebastian, TIGI by Glamour Essential and Total Beauty Supplies and Philippine International School of Fashion.