Will Mother Lily host her own show?

Don’t look now but ABS-CBN is deadset on getting Regal Matriarch Mother Lily as host of a 13-episode (one season) talk show.

According to Funfare’s Bohol Avenue DPA, ABS-CBN executive Charo Santos-Concio is "moving heaven and earth" to get Mother Lily’s nod – that is, if rival network GMA doesn’t beat her to the draw. "You see," added the DPA, "GMA has also been sending Mother Lily feelers to host her own TV show."

Interesting, isn’t it?

The DPA didn’t say what the format of the ABS-CBN show will be but whatever it is I’m sure it will be something to look forward to. Being articulate in her own way and, yes, opinionated, Mother Lily will make a good host. Not many people know that she is up-to-date on issues other than those related to showbiz, her turf.

"One season is all that ABS-CBN is asking for," said the DPA. "It will be a good show, what with Olivia Lamasan being eyed to direct it."

If Mother Lily says yes, there’s reason for the competition to be worried.

"Against whom (at GMA) will Mother Lily be pitted?" asked the DPA. "Stay tuned for further developments."

No hard feelings for Donita Rose

Over lunch with the Vera-Perezes at the Sampaguita Compound last Sunday, German "Kuya Germs" Moreno clarified reports that he was "sore" (nagtatampo) at Donita Rose whom Kuya Germs counts among his "mga anak" whom he groomed on his defunct show That’s Entertainment.

According to the report, Kuya Germs got peeved when he saw Donita guesting on other shows but didn’t even bother to do so on his own show, Master Showman, on GMA.

"Donita and I already talked on the phone," said Kuya Germs. "She was in Singapore."

It’s right for Kuya Germs to not really be "angry" but to feel bad about That’s "graduates" not knowing how to, you know, look back where they come from. I’m not referring to Donita but, as Kuya Germs put it, "to those who have forgotten." Those who started on That’s include Lea Salonga, Sheryl Cruz, Manilyn Reynes, Ruffa Gutierrez, Janno Gibbs and several of today’s popular stars.

"It makes you feel good if your anak says ‘Hi’ to you every now and then," said Kuya Germs. "At my age and at this stage of my life and career, what gives me real satisfaction is seeing That’s talents go places and never forgetting to look back."

Every Sunday, Kuya Germs and his family join the Vera-Perezes for lunch. But last Sunday was special because it also served as salu-salo for Kuya Germs who is celebrating his birthday today (guess how old he is?). The Vera-Perezes were all accounted for, from Mama Nene Perez to her children Marichu, Gina, Lillibeth and Chona, and some of Mama Nene’s grandchildren. Also present were Kuya Germs’ relatives, including nephew Dr. John Nite and Kuya Germs’ son Federico with wife Shiela (Vina Morales and Shaina Magdayao’s older sister) and their four cute children.

Incidentally, Kuya Germs is pushing through with his grand dream to turn part of Eastwood City in Libis, Quezon City into a local version of Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, calculated to be a big attraction for movie fans. All that Kuya Germs needs is time – and money.

To Kuya Germs, may you have many more birthdays to come!

Briefly noted

• A "must" for James Dean fans (like this one): Warner Home Video is marking the 55th death anniversary of Dean (who died in a car crash at age 24) by releasing a DVD Gift Set that includes all his films – East of Eden (available for the first time on DVD), Rebel Without a Cause (new two-disc special edition), Giant (two-disc DVD special edition) and James Dean: Forever Young, the new definitive documentary set which had its debut at the Cannes Filmfest last May. The whole set costs only P2,100. A collector’s item.

I have my own set and I’ve been watching the films over and over again, lamenting over Dean’s early, untimely death.

Buy your own and you won’t regret it.

• Fr. Corsie Legaspi will lead a pilgrimage which includes visits to the miraculous Black Madonna, the martyr site of St. Maximillian Kolbe, the birth place of Pope John Paul II and the apparition site of the Divine Mercy, all in Poland and sight-seeing in Vienna (the Benedictine Abbey where The Sound of Music was filmed); the fairy-tale-like Neuschwanstein Castle after which the Disneyland logo was patterned, and Oberammergau (site of the passion play every 10 years in Bavaria) and a side trip to Munich. A Eucharistic celebration will be held in Prague, Czech Republic, in honor of the Sto. Niño. There will also be healing sessions conducted by Fr. Corsie. (For inquiries, call Salve Uyloan at 0917-4110154 or Adam’s Express Travel at 521-1638, 521-1651 or 521-1698.)

* * *

E-mail reactions at [email protected]