Two Powerboys who want to be taken seriously

"I wanna be like Aga Muhlach. No, gusto ko pala mahigitan siya! Everyone wants to be better than anyone." So says Jay Salas, one of the Powerboys. His groupmate, Greg Martin, agrees. "Yes, why should you want to be like someone else? Aim for something higher."

Jay and Greg, besides being seen daily on MTB are now part of Berks, ABS-CBN’s newest teen series aired Saturdays, 4 p.m.

Directed by Gilbert Perez with Chris Viloago as second unit director and Rodel Lindayag as headwriter, Berks is a TV show about young people living a frenzied lifestyle and coming into terms with their strengths and weaknesses while dealing with school, work, and the highs and hassles of young love. Berks stars John Prats, Heart Evangelista, Sarah Christophers, Khalil Kaimo and Allyson Lualhati, among others.

Jay plays the playboy owner of a dorm while Greg Martin plays balikbayan Bruce, a cyber-shop waiter who grabs the chance to meet his online girlfriend from the Philippines.

Greg and Jay never thought that an appearance in a deodorant ad would open so many doors for them. And now that they’re in show business, they want to prove to everyone that they’re actors in every sense of the word. "I took up acting courses in New York University and I’m taking my career quite seriously. I don’t just want to be a balikbayan actor whose career is short-lived. I would like to go beyond that perception," shares Greg.

Meanwhile, Jay dreams of a career in Hollywood. He would like to take up acting to hone his craft and enhance his acting portfolio.

While the two are having fun in showtown right now, Greg and Jay lament about loss of privacy and lack of time for their respective girlfriends. But the best thing about it? Says Jay, "Besides the fame and the feeling of being appreciated by everyone, plus the numerous perks like nice treatment and stuff, we love the money they pay us!"

Spoken like true actors.

Alwyn a big boy now

Alwyn Uytingco is fast gaining popularity as a matinee idol. The former child star is now grown-up. He is being paired with Shaina Magdayao in ABS-CBN’s newest sitcom Bida si Mister, Bida si Misis which reunites Maricel Soriano and Cesar Montano. The sitcom is directed by Johnny Manahan, with Ricky Victoria as headwriter. Other stars of the show are Smokey Manaloto, Earl Ignacio (who is also part of the show’s pool of writers), Bearwin Meily and Dyords Javier.

In the TV show, Alwyn plays Sherwin, a nerd secretly in love with their neighbor’s daughter, Shaina.

"I’m comfortable with our loveteam," says Alwyn. "Shaina is a nice young girl. Mabait at napaka-ganda and she’s very easy to work with." But Alwyn doesn’t see himself courting Shaina in real life, yet. "I just came out of a relationship and it didn’t work out. Parang puppy love lang eh. I realized I’m not ready for a commitment. But if ever I am, ang una kong liligawan si Shaina."

Alwyn, an ABS-CBN Talent Center artist, is also cast in Regal Films’ Anghel Sa Lupa. Directed by Joey Reyes, Anghel sa Lupa is a feel-good movie Alawyn says is "guaranteed to touch the heart. It’s a must-see for the entire family."

Anghel sa Lupa stars Dina Bonnevie, Ricky Davao, Cogie Domingo, Jiro Manio and Maxene Magalona.

Blue is back

After taking the world by storm and reaping several awards in the process, Blue is back with their sophomore album One Love.

One Love contains the title track, which is a certified hit in the Philippines and the rest of Southeast Asia, Europe and Australia. It also boasts of Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word, a new version of Elton John’s 1976 hit which incidentally also features the legendary singer.

Lee speaks in behalf of Blue, "We are massive fans of Elton and personally, he has always been one of my musical heroes. It’s an honor to have the chance to record with him. I have always loved Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word. It’s a classic Elton song."

Meanwhile, Blue has indeed secured its place as one of the hottest groups in the world. It bagged the Best Newcomer in the UK Smash Hits Awards, the Best Pop New Artist in the UK Pop Awards and the Best British Newcomer in the British Awards. One Love is now nearing the one million mark.

One Love is available in record bars nationwide in CD and cassette formats under EMI Music Philippines.