‘Silent’ rivalry: Eula vs Jean

Avid followers of the top-rated ABS-CBN soap Pangako Sa’yo probably don’t notice it – yet – but there’s a "silent" rivalry going on between two of its stars, Eula Valdez (as Mrs. Powers) and Jean Garcia (as the rich mom of Jericho Rosales). Besides the soap’s lead stars, Kristine Hermosa and Jericho among others, Eula and Jean are also audience-drawers in their own right because of their powerfully absorbing performances, with Eula enjoying an edge, in a manner of speaking, having beaten Jean in the Best Drama Actress race at the last PMPC Star Awards for Television.

Don’t look now but the "silent" rivalry (all for the good of the show – and for the public’s viewing satisfaction) between the two ferocious females has gone beyond just the acting department. A Funfare DPA said that, having amply proven both their thespic talent (with Jean at her best doing a bida-kontrabida role and Eula in a sophisticated role, first starting as a poor woman who metamorphosed into a lady of wealth and power), the "contest/competition" has graduated – or "degenerated"? – into the sartorial department.

Their roles require Eula and Jean to be at their sartorial best all the time, with Eula again enjoying a safe edge over Jean because of her impeccable sartorial taste and style – "Making poor Jean insecure," the DPA added. "Ang wardrobe kasi ni Jean, kadalasan at karamihan parang pang-Japayuki daw, probably bought in Japan while Jean was working there as a Japayuki; while Eula’s clothes are designer-style ang dating."

Is Jean taking it sitting down? Not at all, especially since she has a rich Japanese businessman boyfriend who, according to the DPA, can spoil Jean rotten and give her anything, just anything, she wants and asks for.

So if you notice (look closely now… don’t blink!), Jean’s wardrobe has improved considerably; she is said to spend – nay, splurge! – as much as P80,000 to P100,000 for clothes everytime she goes shopping. Well, that’s her money and it’s none of anybody’s business how she spends – nay, splurges! – it, is it?

Now, is Eula ruffled by Jean’s sartorial "offensive"?

The DPA broke into a wide smile and said, "Not at all. With her elan, Eula can make an inexpensive dress look expensive. Nasa pagdadala ’yon, wala sa halaga ng damit."

Congrats, Manny P.!

Congratulations are in order for the President and CEO of PLDT, Manny Pangilinan. Year 2002 greeted him with a sterling feather in his already star-studded cap. Last week, the San Beda College honored Manny with a Doctorate Degree Honoris Causa in the field of Humanities citing his significant contribution to Philippine Business and his unfailing effort to uplift Philippine society.

In reaction to the degree, Manny said, "This award was given not to me but for my work – a life’s effort in the sweat and grime of the human spirit. I therefore hold this award simply in trust for all those who have made these possible, in particular the mentors of my formative years in San Beda."

Aside from this, the prestigious Asiamoney Magazine awarded PLDT with back to back awards as best in Investor Relations and best in Corporate Website. Both awards are a testament to PLDT’s commitment to corporate excellence and ePLDT’s leading position in the field of new media.

PLDT also ranked highly as among the best companies in the Philippines for Corporate Governance given by The Asset Magazine, a leading regional financial publication. The citation is in recognition of PLDT’s management excellence and success in balancing the corporate and socio-civic goals of the company.

The year that passed was characterized by one success after another for PLDT. Not only did they strengthen their dominance in the fixed line and satellite business, the same year also saw their wireless GSM business take over the No. 1 slot by over 1 million subscribers and their internet/new media business grow to be the biggest in its field.

Why Julio should stay

As I’ve been saying, it’s a good thing that Julio Diaz has changed his mind about migrating to the States (and working there as an X-ray technician, which was his occupation before he was lured into showbiz) because he still has a lot to give as an actor; the industry still needs good senior actors like him.

Julio is in the cast of the sex-drama Kaulayaw and he’s looking forward to doing bigger and better roles (like those he used to do) both on the small and big screens.

Meanwhile, according to Julio, he’s being offered by the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo to topbill a play entitled Sa North Diversion Road featuring nine character roles by pairs, with him doing all the male leads (quite a tall order, isn’t it?). The nine female characters will be portrayed by Filipino talents in Japan.

Staging of the play will be soon and if it clicks (let’s hope it will), who knows, it might be mounted in Filipino communities in Canada and three US cities.

Well, good luck, Julio – and may more offers pour in.

What’s up?

• The Paulinian Alumnae Association of Manila invites all graduates of St. Paul College of Manila to celebrate and attend the school’s Annual General Alumnae Homecoming on Sunday, Jan. 27. Led by the High School Jubilarian Classes of 1952, 1962, 1967, 1972 and 1977, the homecoming activities will include a thanksgiving Mass at the SPCM Chapel, presentation of a special award to Fr. James B. Reuter, SJ, merienda cena and raffle at the quadrangle and a special show at the Fleurde-lis Auditorium. The show entitled An OPM Homecoming will feature top recording artists and celebrities and a performance by world-class pianist and Golden Jubilarian Nena del Rosario. Show begins at 6 p.m. while registration of alumnae starts at 2 p.m. For show tickets and inquiries, contact Veronica Villanueva of the Alumnae Office at telephone no. 5234259.