Bea Alonzo speaks up (well, almost!)

And finally, after nearly three weeks of (pregnant) silence, Bea Alonzo showed up on The Buzz last Sunday to talk about her rumored involvement in the reported suicide of an ABS-CBN assistant lady director (whom Funfare won’t identify in deference to her memory and the feelings of those she left behind) in late December last year.

Actually, the ugly rumor has been spreading, with every version taking on a different color as it passed from ear to ear. According to one story, Bea wanted to end her "relationship" with the deceased who was reportedly talking to Bea on the cellphone when she pulled the trigger.

Anyway, I liked the way Bea handled the issue on The Buzz. She did speak up – well, almost! – but without admitting any "relationship" with the deceased or denying any of the various rumors that continue to spread up to now. Speaking in Tagalog, Bea instead appealed to the rumor-mongers to stop it already.

Bea in her own words: "Para doon sa mga taong hanggang ngayon ay idinidikdik pa rin ang balitang ‘yon, gusto ko sabihin sa mga taong ‘yon na patahimikin na natin siya. Kasi wala na ‘yung tao, eh. Hindi na niya kaya ipagtanggol ang sarili niya. Tama na. Nakikiusap ako, para na rin sa kanyang pamilya, na tumigil na ang nagkakalat ng balitang ‘yon." (Roughly: "To those who up to now are insisting on that news, I want to tell them to let her rest in peace. She’s not around anymore to defend herself. Enough already. I am appealing, also in behalf of her family, for the rumor-mongers to stop it already.")

With Bea on The Buzz was John Lloyd Cruz, her leading man in their forthcoming Star Cinema movie, Close to You (introducing Pinoy Big Brother graduate Sam Milby in yet another young love-triangle story), who made the same appeal.

At the same time, Bea confirmed that she’s enmeshed in a domestic problem with her mom and grandmother, although she refused to talk about the rumor that she and her mom have been going to the casino.

"I’ve always tried to keep my private life private," said Bea, "so I hope I and especially my family will be spared from gossip. Ours is a problem that can be sorted out among ourselves."

Her only prayer, said Bea, is for God to give her enough strength to hold on.

"I hope that God will guide me to do what is best for everybody," she added.

Miss Earth not going out with Carlos Morales?

Remember the "juicy" rumor that reigning Miss Earth Alexandra "Alex" Braun Waldeck (of Venezuela) is going out with Carlos Morales and that one time she even had to "escape" from her chaperons just to see Carlos?

In a long-distance interview with Funfare "beauty expert" Felix Manuel (with Joey Cezeare, Gery Yumping and Francis Calubaquib), the 22-year-old 5’8" stunner bluntly denied the rumor, saying she only learned about it from the Internet.

"I am concerned because the rumor might strain my relationship with Carousel Productions (which is behind the search for Miss Philippines-Earth and the Miss Earth)," Alexandra told Felix. "It’s not true that I ‘escaped’ to see him or any other guy."

Now busy with environment-related activities as the official spokesperson for her country’s environmental ministry, Alex is going to Chile in March to promote the 2006 Miss Earth Pageant which will be held (in Chile) outside of the Philippines for the first time. She’s expected to come back in May to grace the 2006 Miss Philippines-Earth Pageant.

Here are excerpts from Felix’s interview with Alex:

Can you describe to us a typical day in the Miss Venezuela beauty school?

Well, three months prior to the national pageant, all the girls are herded to the Miss Venezuela beauty school. A typical day would start at the gym. Then you have to attend oratory classes and rehearsals for dance and walking. Osmel Sousa, world-renowned beauty queen-maker and president of the Miss Venezuela Organization, makes sure every girl is trained and given individual attention to find out what their weaknesses and strengths are. His team of surgeons (cosmetic and dental), dermatologists, nutritionists, makeup artists, hairstylists, image consultants, choreographers, etc. meet often to determine if the girls are adequately prepared for the national finals.

What do you usually eat in the beauty school?

Our weight is strictly monitored there. You can have cereals, non-fat milk and fruits for breakfast then tuna or chicken breast and rice for lunch and dinner. Every girl has a different diet regimen depending on her weight and how fast or slow her metabolism is. It is a scientific process, I guess. I won the swimsuit award in the Miss Earth Pageant, so I guess my hard work in the gym paid off. I have to confess that I have gained three pounds during my entire stay in Manila. I cannot resist lechon, lapu lapu and mangoes. The mangoes here are the sweetest I have ever tasted.

In a recent global survey, Venezuelan men and women are said to be the vainest in the world. Is this true?

I do not think it is vanity. It’s just that we are expected to look good because of the impression that we are the most beautiful people in the world. I believe that Venezuelans try to look good not only physically, they also pay attention to their emotional and spiritual well-being.

Any beauty secrets?

Always wash and cleanse your face especially after wearing makeup. It is important to eat a balanced diet and have regular exercise.

Any plans of joining Philippine showbiz?

I would like to appear on TV or in a movie. I was told that Mariela Perez Branger, Miss Venezuela 1967 and first runner-up in the Miss Universe contest, made a movie for a Filipino film outfit (Arizona Kid, shot entirely in the US).

What Aiko, Martin will wear on their wedding

When Aiko Melendez exchanges "I do’s" with model Martin Jickain on Feb. 16, she will wear a beautiful gown specially designed by Pepsi Herrera while Martin will be in a Barong Tagalog made by Mel Vergel de Dios.

Not being a fashion expert, I will let Pepsi describe the gown: "It’s a low-neckline bone-white pure silk Venetian taffeta gown. The soft sweep A-line gown with a chapel train will have a cascade of cut glass and caviar jades interspersed with crystals, pailets and faux diamonites. A blusher veil caps the whole ensemble."

According to Mel, Martin’s Barong Tagalog is "Victorian-inspired, with a Nehru collar and coat sleeves. It is made of 100 percent piña."

Raymund Isaac is the official photographer. Caterer is VS & NF and makeup artist is Juan Sarte. Jed Madela will sing during the bride’s ceremonial walk, and Ogie Alcasid and Impressions Music Ensemble at the reception.

* * *

E-mail reactions at [email protected]