In fairness to Sherilyn

Yes, you guessed it: The TV host(ess) referred to in a recent Funfare blind item as having broken up with her husband is none other than Sherilyn Reyes (co-host of Eat, Bulaga and member of the Bubble Gang cast, both on GMA 7). Her estranged husband is Jun-Jun Santiago, brother of Randy, Rowell and Raymart, and son of the late director Pablo Santiago and former actress Cielito Legaspi.

The other day, somebody who described herself as Sherilyn’s "defender" explained to Funfare why Sherilyn and Jun-Jun’s four-year marriage has hit the rocks. (The couple has a four-year-old son.)

"Their decision to separate didn’t come at the spur of the moment," said Sherilyn’s "defender." "It was a mutual decision. The truth is that their marriage had been shaky for one year already. They both tried to patch things up, but then…"

The "defender" added that Sherilyn was an "emotionally battered wife" who also suffered "verbal abuse" from her husband.

"No," the "defender" further explained, "Sherilyn’s going a bit sexy on TV wasn’t a form of rebellion; it was with Jun-Jun’s consent. Sherilyn was the type of wife who never ventured out of their house or appeared on TV without first consulting her husband."

The couple used to live (with Sherilyn’s parents and some family members from her native Cebu) in a house owned by Jun-Jun’s mother but when they split up a month ago, they decided to both move out to their own respective places (Sherilyn to her own condo unit somewhere in San Juan, Metro Manila).

The "defender" also clarified that Sherilyn’s Bulaga co-host Anjo Yllana (married to Jackie Manzano with whom he has two kids) is not a "third party" in the break-up, contrary to rumors. "Nagbibiruan lang talaga sila ni Sherilyn sa show," according to the "defender."

(Postscript: According to another Funfare DPA, Sherilyn and Jun-Jun are now talking about filing an annulment of their marriage. Again, it’s a "mutual decision" between them.)

You can vote for Miss World

Now in Sun City, South Africa, for the Miss World contest is the Philippine bet, 19-year-old UP student Gilrhea Quinzon, who’s competing with 104 other beauties from the same number of countries including China which is joining the contest for the first time. Yes, you read it right: There are 105 candidates, the biggest number ever in any international beauty contest.

The grand coronation night will be held on Nov. 17 (Saturday) to be telecast starting mid-morning by IBC Channel 13 "live" from Sun City (with a replay that same night). But before that, on Nov. 8 (Thursday, about the same time), IBC 13 will also telecast the swimsuit competition.

Here’s the good news for us beauty-contest-loving people: We can help choose the Miss World by actually voting for your or my Top 3 choices (if you’re nationalistic and the "I love my own" type, cast a vote for Miss Philippines). All you have to do is call 0044-706-994-9073 (from your cellphone or your PLDT or Bayantel line) and cast your vote. That easy, that simple. The voting procedure will be announced during the Miss World swimsuit competition telecast so stay tuned – and keep your ears wide open.

The judges will collect all the votes received by telephone and use them to make their final decision. (More on this in future columns.)

Meanwhile, the first Miss Earth will be chosen tomorrow (Oct. 28) at the UP Theater (UP Diliman, Quezon City), with only 35 of the expected candidates (40-plus all in all) participating (blame it on the current uncertainty around the world). The contest is organized by Carousel Production of which Ramon Monzon is president.

Funfare’s "beauty experts" (Joey Cezeare, Gery Yumping, Francis Calubaquib and London-based Felix Manuel) have picked the standouts in the Miss Earth batch. Here they are:

• Miss India, Shamita Singha, a 22-year-old English Literature graduate who joined the Miss India beauty pageant in 1999 and was adjudged Miss Personality. She stands 5’ 8" tall, weighs 121 lbs. and measures 34-26-36. She is charming, intelligence and very regal. She was awarded as the Best in National Costume.

• Miss Kazakhstan, Margarita Krovstova, a 20-year-old model and student, who stands 5’ 10" tall, weighs 121 lbs. and measures 36-25-36. She was also Kazakhstan’s entry in the Miss World pageant last year. She was among the finalists and awarded as Best in Long Gown.

• Miss Philippines, Carlene Ang Aguilar, a 19-year-old sophomore student at the Assumption College who stands 5’. 8" tall, weighs 120 lbs. and measures 35-25-35. Many were surprised upon seeing with her gorgeous figure, a far cry from what she used to be. She is flawless and intelligent.

• Miss Venezuela, Lirigmel Ramos is an 18-year-old student from Caracas, who stands 5’ 8" tall, weighs 123 lbs. and measures 33-26-37. She is very regal, friendly and poised.