A Valentine baby for Tintin, Julius

Curtain-raisers:

• Oops! Sorry but Lav Diaz’s new, nine-hour opus Ebolusyon Ng Isang Pamilyang Pilipino, wasn’t shown as closing film last Monday (July 12) of the 6th Cinemanila International Film Festival because the editing isn’t finished yet. Instead, Lav’s other film, the five-hour-long multi-awarded Batang Westside will be shown on Sunday, July 18, 6 p.m. at Greenbelt 1. Incidentally, the filmfest has been extended, according to CIFF head Tikoy Aguiluz, to accommodate other late-coming foreign films and not the controversial documentary Imelda after a 20-day TRO on its showing has been lifted by a Makati court.

• Jim Paredes assures that the 25th run of Tapping the Creative Universe (a cutting-edge creativity workshop) will uncover and unlock the joy and creativity that yearns to express itself in all aspects of life. Through intreractive activities and guided exercises, the workshop will not only enable participants to meet their blocks but also introduce ways and practices that will help them overcome and remain unblocked for life. People from all walks of life have taken the attended the workshop which runs for six sessions. More sessions are scheduled on July 19, 21, 22, 23, 24 and 26, 7 to 9 p.m. at Rockwell Club. Fee is P5,000 per for all six sessions inclusive of snacks. For particulars, call 426-5375 or 929-0230.

• The 13th Philippine Tong Ho Institute general alumni homecoming is scheduled for Oct. 9, 8 p.m. at the school ground. Members of this batch are requested to contact Yolanda Yap at 0917-6200528, (6342)7103257 or (6342)7102975; or Fatima Sia at 0917-7911833 or (632)8926266.

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Now it can be told: Tintin Bersola wanted to make sure that she’s really pregnant before she texted the good news to the ninongs and ninangs (Tintin is that organized; she plans ahead), among them media persons Mario Dumaual, Ruel Mendoza, Aster Amoyo and your columnist.

In her text message, Tintin simply informed us that, yes, she’s indeed seven weeks and three days pregnant with her and husband Julius Babao’s first child due middle of February 2005 – a Valentine baby, if and when.

"I consulted my OB-Gyne, Dr. Cathy Lim (of St. Luke’s Medical Center) and she confirmed it," said Tintin who experienced false alarm last Feb. and last May when she missed her "monthly." "May heartbeat na ang anak ko," Tintin added with the undisguised excitement of an expectant mom."

If it’s a boy, Tintin and Julius (who were married on Dec. 8 last year) will call him Antonio; if a girl, Antonia.

"I’m always sleepy these days," said Tintin who appears on the early-morning ABS-CBN show Magandang Umaga Bayan (MUB) just the same. "I always feel fatigued and dizzy. I’ve gained four lbs. I expect to gain 20 more during my pregnancy."

The infanticipating Tintin craves for yogurt, sardines, mongo, pork and beans, any kind of beans.

"And Julius’ scent," added Tintin. "Gusto ko palaging inaamoy si Julius with his perfume on."

Sylvia Has Tampo vs ABS-CBN

One-time Queen of Television Sylvia La Torre arrived a few days ago from California with her husband, Dr. Celso Perez de Tagle, purposely to have a gown designed by Aureo Alonzo for their golden wedding anniversary this coming Oct. 9.

In a brief chat with Funfare, Sylvia mentioned in passing her little tampo with ABS-CBN due to some boo-boo committed by the organizer(s) of the station’s 50th-anniversary show held last year at the PICC.

Sylvia recalled that somebody representing ABS-CBN contacted her in California, inviting her and Oscar Obligacion to be among the event’s special guests (pioneers of ABS-CBN). During several calls and text messages, Sylvia was informed that she and Oscar would be given two round-trip tickets each, plus honorarium. (Oscar later backed out.) Sylvia was made to believe that she would do a special number at the grand show at the PICC and she looked forward to it.

To make a long story short, Sylvia packed her things and turned down two engagements in California, excited as she was to be part of the station’s grand event. Sadly, however, the plane tickets never came; the phone calls and text messages also stopped. One week before her supposed departure, Sylvia called up the ABS-CBN contact and, sob and sigh, it was then that she knew that everything had been called up.

"No," said the ever-sweet, ever-smiling Sylvia, "I have nothing against ABS-CBN, konting tampo lang naman po. I love that station. After all, I’d been a part of it for years. Pioneer ako dun, eh."

Sylvia starred in such classic ABS-CBN shows as Oras ng Ligaya for more than 15 years and Tang-Tarang-Tang for more than 10 years, and other shows beside, making her Queen of Television during her time. (She was last seen two years ago in the GMA sitcom Biglang Sibol.)

Based in California with her family since the early ’80s, Sylvia and Celso have three children, all married and have families of their own: Artie has three kids, Bernie has three and Cheche has two. Two of Sylvia’s apos are good singers, their lola’s apparent heirs.

"I’m staying with Cheche’s family in San Bernardino County," said Sylvia. "That’s where we are celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary, in San Bernardino County."

So how has life been out there? Doesn’t she get bored? Doesn’t she miss showbiz?

"Happy kami doon," smiled Sylvia. "Twice a week, Celso and I go out with Oca (Obligacion) and his wife Myrna. At home, I cook. I’m also busy with shows, mostly fund-raising events. Kaya sing pa rin ako nang sing. Walang humpay."

Six Feet Under Promo Quiz

The final season of HBO’s original series Six Feet Under will premiere the last of two episodes on Aug. 3 at 9 p.m. To hype up the series before the finale, Funfare and HBO are conducting a joint quiz promo. Easy does it: Simply answer the set of questions Funfare will be publishing starting in today’s issue and e-mail your entries to [email protected]; subject: Philippine STAR-HBO SFU contest.

The first five senders of the correct answers will each receive a copy of the SFU book (very nice; "collectible"). Participants must answer all the questions (three sets each) based on 11 episodes. They should write their complete name, address and contact numbers. (Call 725-7891, 727-5251 or 726-5132 up to 30 for inquiries.)

And here’s the fifth set of questions (for Episode 307, telecast last June 22; watch for the replay):

• In "The Game," who is Keith?

1. Liza Minelli

2. Nicole Kidman

3. Jeanne Tripplehorn

• What is the name of the game played at a brunch party that Keith and David attend?

1. Truth or Dare

2. Leading Ladies

3. Twenty Questions

• What song does Ruth sing as Arthur accompanies her on the organ?

1. Three Little Maids

2. My Favorite Things

3. Moon River

(E-mail reactions at [email protected]