Richard in Ping’s party?

Curtain-raisers:

• Ruffa Gutierrez might give birth much earlier than second week of August (original schedule), according to her mom, Annabelle Rama, who flew in from L.A. two weeks ago and who’s flying back Friday night in time for the baby shower for Ruffa on Sunday, June 1. "The baby looks like Ruffa," gushed the lola-to-be. "She was photographed inside Ruffa’s tummy at kamukhang-kamukha niya si Ruffa."

• Could it be true that Cher Calvin (based in Las Vegas because of her job at The Fox News) and her dad, Roger Calvin, are offended by Cher’s ex-boyfriend Troy Montero’s "bad-mouthing" them? I told my Las Vegas DPA that, in fairness to Troy, all he said was that, contrary to reports, it was he and not Cher who initiated their break-up. Besides that, I haven’t heard Troy say anything bad against Cher.

• The romance between a very much married singer and a petite singer (with a love child by a foreigner) is as strong as ever. They are casual (desimulado) about their affair so it’s not obvious. It’s not true, however, that they are now living-in. "He’s still living with his wife and children," said Funfare’s roving DPA.

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Those who intend to run in the 2004 elections are starting to send "feelers" but the final line-ups won’t be known maybe very late this year or early next year.

Richard Gomez is vocal about his plan to run for Senator but his problem (if it is) is how to raise the P100 million he said a Senatorial candidate needs in order to win. That much!?!

I have good news for Richard: Presidentiable (Sen.) Ping Lacson, who is one of the three aspirants in the LDP Party, told Funfare that he’d be happy to have Richard run in his slate. In that case, Richard might not have to raise – and spend! – the P100 million he said he needed for his Senatorial bid.

I had my first "up close" encounter with Sen. Lacson during a recent dinner he hosted for The STAR editors and I must say that, contrary to my negative impressions about him (brought about, no doubt, by the negative press about him), I found the man shy and soft-spoken. In short, very likeable. Those human-interest TV plugs are very effective in softening the "police/military" image of Lacson and, admittedly, making a lot of people look at him from a better point of view.

Asked if he approved of his son Junjun’s romance with Jodi Sta. Maria, Lacson smiled (meaning "yes"), adding, "Mabait si Jodi. Maganda pa."

While some "presidentiables" are thinking of producing bioflicks, Lacson said that no way would he have his life story made into a movie again. Once was enough. A few years ago, Rudy Fernandez played Lacson in the Senator’s bioflick. Was it faithful and true to reality?

Smiled Lacson, "It was only 70 percent accurate. For one thing, I don’t shoot while flat on my back. That was the same thing I told (the defunct) Asiaweek when I was interviewed about the movie."

Robin eases Cesar, Aga out of ad

Now it can be told: According to the people behind Restolax (Paracetamol+Ibu-profen), they first considered Cesar Montano and Aga Muhlach as Restolax endorser but they finally settled for Robin Padilla (talent fee undisclosed) because of Robin’s ability to endure pain and surmount adversity.

It’s public knowledge that Robin has gone through several life-threatening experiences and suffered intense pain that could have downed a man of lesser stuff. And Robin has scars all over his body as "souvenirs," just like Jackie Chan.

Robin’s stance on the Restolax ads is inspired by Muay Thai, a form of sports with rhythmic movements similar to those of Thai Chi. Restolax is supporting Robin’s Manila Filmfest entry, Alab ng Lahi, where he co-stars with Eddie Garcia and Japanese actor Jacky Woo.

Promising Star Circler

Twenty-one starry-eyed hopefuls were launched recently as members of the Star Circle Batch 11. As in previous batches, only about four or five show real promise. Only time will tell who will make it.

Avid Funfare reader Marian believes that Juddha Paolo has the makings of a star, the same guy in that soft-drink commercial.

"I’m in love with the hotta hotta guy," wrote Marian, "especially when I saw him in Whattamen. I saw him twice in Greenbelt and since then I couldn’t get my mind off him. Please tell me more about him."

This much I can tell Marian about Juddha Paolo: His first name combines the names Jesus and Buddha. He’s a half-Spanish and half-Filipino who lived in the States for 14 years. An admirer of macho Hollywood actor Russell Crowe, Juddha is athletic, being a training member of the Philippine Boxing Team. He loves rummaging through ukay-ukay and was on the best-dressed list in junior high school. He’d love to try all kinds of roles – comedy, action or drama – although showbiz-watchers (Marian included) will agree that he’ll shine as a bold-drama actor.

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