Matet to wed March 20

Curtain-raisers:

• Yes, it’s true: Dominic Ochoa and Janna Victoria have broken up. Dominic himself said so during a recent radio interview.

• Now, could it be true that Rica Peralejo and Bernard Palanca have also split up? For confirmation – or denial? – tune in to Sharon Cuneta’s show tomorrow (Sunday, Feb. 29) on ABS-CBN (after The Buzz) where Rica herself (one of Sharon’s guests) will reveal the "real score."

• Please say a little prayer for the recovery of movie writer Bong de Leon who is confined at the Medical City in Pasig City with a swollen pancreas. This should also serve as notice to Bong’s relatives in Bicol. Bong’s attending physicians are doctors Gerardo Sabado and Venancio Gloria (relative of Unitel Films’ boss Tony Gloria).

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FLASH: Matet and her basketball-player boyfriend Mikey Estrada got married in civil rites the other day (Feb. 26). The affair was rush-rush and hush-hush, with only immediate members of the couple’s families and very close friends present. Matet’s mother, Nora Aunor, was there but Matet’s father, Christopher de Leon, was not. (As everybody knows, Matet is Nora and Christopher’s adopted daughter.)

Matet is two months pregnant, thus the unplanned marriage. They will get married in church on March 20.

Mikey is new in the basketball league; said to come from a deeply Christian family. He and Matet have been going steady for more than a year.

ngram, Austin At Little Asia

I When James Ingram and Patti Austin graced the Manila Valentine’s concert scene, one of the restaurants they enjoyed dining at was Little Asia, which was the presentor of their concert. It was also the venue of the promotional press conference.

Ingram and Austin were welcomed by Little Asia’s amiable, general manager Charlemagne Lim. Patti enjoyed the Caesar’s Salad, Sea Bass in Creamy Dill Sauce and Gindara Teriyaki, all served with sidings of plain rice.

Charlemagne and Ingram first met in August 1998 during the concert produced by Charlemagne’s partner. So the visit to Little Asia was more like a reunion of friends. Charlemagne shares, "James kept on saying, ‘I’m so proud of you, Charlemagne.’ That was after he asked if the restaurant is owned and operated by me."

Charlemagne joined Ingram at his table with Ingram’s wife and manager Debbie and personal trainer Milan, who is an Olympic world record holder.

Ingram and company literally devoured Little Asia’s favorites, like the Boneless Tilapia with Honey-Mayo Sauce, Japanese Tofu Steak, Gindara Teriyaki, Fish Fillet in Black Bean Sauce, Sauteed Spinach, Seafood Fried Noodles and Yang Chow Fried Rice. Sweet cravings were met with servings of Crepe Samurai, Buchi Balls and Ripe Mango Shake.

Ingram and company were full! "He did not even let a piece of food go to waste by gulping down the last cube of Tofu Steak," recalls Charlemagne.

But what probably warms the heart of Charlemagne more was that "James went out of his way to have Patti join in the photo-op showing the facade of Little Asia. He kept on repeating how proud he is of me to the point that he volunteered to promote the restaurant. He even got plenty of my business cards and the restaurant’s table napkin, which he’ll give away," adds Charlemagne.

For someone in his caliber, Ingram knows the value of friendship. Imagine him getting down on his knees at the main door of Little Asia and belting out how proud he is of his friend. Small wonder that he signed a poster that is now prominently displayed, "To Little Asia, the best restaurant in the Philippines."

Aldeguer Sisters Mark 30th Year

Thirty years ago, the Aldeguer Sisters, Terri and Laly, made Philippines as well as Southeast Asian history as Jazz Dance Masters by introducing and popularizing Modern Jazz with syncronized headthrows, expression, distinction and precision. The three-decade evolution of artistic vision and insurmountable passion for creative expression has been the inexorable thrust of the Aldeguer Sisters.

Through the impact of the arts in their personal and professional life, Terri and Laly founded Performing School as a way of improving the quality of life, inspiring artistic creativity, preserving and promoting cultural heritage in our community.

In celebration of the 30 years of service in the Performing Arts, the Aldeguer Sisters Performing Arts Center, will hold the first Annual Tribute 2004 at the historic Roosevelt Hotel at 7000 Hollywood Boulevard, CA, March 25, 6 to 10 p.m. Hors D’Oeuvers reception will be served from 7 to 8 p.m.

The highlight of the celebration is the Talent Showcase of the Center’s almost 40 gifted performers. It is also the launching of the Aldeguer Sisters Scholarship Foundation which was established to create an after-school activity for children and young adults with innate talents in dance, music and theatrical arts as vehicle and alternative in "Keeping Our Children Off The Streets" through the magic of the arts. It is also the Scholarship Foundation’s opportunity to fulfill their artistic dreams and aspirations to one day perform in mainstream America.

There is no end to the Aldeguer Sisters as they continue their tireless work in training and honing the talents of children. Gracing the celebration are the patrons of the arts who believe in the cause, like Pompii Lising and Laarni Campo of Keyes Toyota of Van Nuys as corporate sponsor, Deborah Chun of the The Cross School of Music as gold sponsor, executives from Dreamworks Production, World Disney, Warner Bros., Fil-Am and mainstream media headed by Los Angeles Times and Talent and casting Agents from different agencies.

(E-mail reactions at rickylo@philstar.net.ph)