Anna Dizon is ‘simply different’

Simply because she is different in many, many ways does not make me dislike Anna Dizon. The truth is, I like her because she is different. And she’s not apologetic for who she is because she is a kind-hearted human being.

Show business is a wild jungle where the strongest and the smartest rule and survive. There was a time when the name Anna Dizon would figure in showbiz chats – the singer with the strambotic MTV where she appeared as an angel with humongous wings. "Ginastusan talaga," quipped a movie writer. I never had the chance to personally meet Anna – but she would come out once in a while on The Buzz in taped interviews. John Lapus, who has a resemblance to Anna, would fondly spoof her in his segment. There was a time when The Buzz did a feature on the Divas – Kuh Ledesma, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Regine Velasquez, Lani Misalucha, Jaya – and made famous the line – "after all, Anna Dizon is Anna Dizon."

I still don’t know Anna well but I like her even more. Why? Because Anna is a good sport. "Walang masamang tinapay sa akin," she explained when asked if she got offended on the spoof The Buzz did on her wedding (to August Flor). But Anna was obviously amused. It truly takes a big girl to be able to laugh at herself.

In person, Anna is affable and sensible. She is truly nice. She has a coterie of fans who follows her around, carrying huge letters that form her name. They were there at the studio patiently waiting for Anna and August’s appearance at The Buzz. She is funny and gregarious. She listens intently to questions asked of her. She answers them directly without letting go of the loving hands of her good-looking husband, August!

Last month, she marched down the aisle at the Sta. Maria dela Strada Parish Church in Katipunan, Quezon City. After a courtship of five months, she says, she has found her soulmate in August Flor. The wedding was officiated by Rev. Fr. Tomas Flores Jr. Reception was at the Isla Ballroom of the Shangri-La EDSA Hotel. The event was directed by Rei Nicandro. Jackie Castillejo hosted the program. Anna’s make-up was by Fanny Serrano while official photographer was Robert Altanuran. Theme of the wedding was Make Love, Not War. The couple hied off to Club Noah, Palawan for their honeymoon, courtesy of their Ninang Rose Bacani.

I wish you all the best, Anna and August!

Regine, Martin in Cebu

Cebuano fans of Regine Velasquez will surely be delighted to learn that the Songbird, along with Concert King Martin Nievera are bringing their World Concert Tour to the Queen City of the South at 8:30 tonight, at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel.

Regine and Martin will sing their biggest hits along with numerous duets and production numbers. Aside from a medley of favorite ’80s love songs, Regine and Martin will perform a medley of ‘70s hits and a new Broadway medley. Musical director is Gerard Salonga.

Meanwhile, Regine is still enjoying great success not only in the concert scene but in her other endeavors as well. Her movie with Christopher de Leon is slated to join the Manila Film Festival while the movie soundtrack album is fast climbing the charts. She still hosts the top-rating Sunday musical variety show SOP. She also endorses Nestlé Ice Cream Back to Back.

Martin Nievera and Regine Velasquez The 2003 World Concert Tour is a production of Maxi-Media International and presented by ABS-CBN, Marie France Bodyline International, Facial Care Center, Samsung Electronics, Nescafe, Coffeemate, Nestle Ice Cream Back to Back, Creamsilk Hair Conditioner and Smart in cooperation with Mossimo, Beam Toothpaste and Farlin Baby Care. The concert is also supported by The Philippine STAR, Solmux, Tokyo Tokyo, Alberto Shoes, Wendy’s Hamburger, Makati Shangri-La Hotel and the Manila Bulletin. Official radio sponsors are K 91FM, Magic 89.9, Joey@ 92.3 Rhythms, RX 93.1, I-FM 93.9, Mellow Touch 94.7, 96.3 WROCK, Home Radio 97.9, 99.5 RT, RJ 100 and 105.1 Crossover.

Tickets for their concert tonight are available at Dunkin’ Donuts branches, Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and SM Cebu Customer Service.

Girlie Rodis’ birthday

Our good friend Girlie "GR" Rodis recently celebrated her birthday at the TWA (Talent Works Asia) office in Ortigas. During the celebration, the new office was also inaugurated. Present were TWA talents like Mikee Cojuangco with son Robbie, China Cojuangco, Cris Villongco, Janet Basco, Celeste Legaspi, Mitch Valdes, Benjie Paras, Wayah Gallardo, Cacai Bautista and Rachel Alejandro.

TWA was formed from the merger of Music Manila Inc. (an iAyala initiative) and Creative Management, Inc. The TWA team is headed by GR as president with Rosette Hernandez as vice-president and JP dela Vega as marketing manager.