They’re nice, courteous & polite

(Third of three parts)

In my past two columns, I’ve been enumerating the names of the young showbiz people I find to be nice, polite and courteous. Now, if you are a young star and you don’t find your name in any of the three installments, the reason could be one of the following: 1) I’ve never had the chance to interact with you; 2) I’ve forgotten about you because I’m getting old (which is why I think I deserve some courtesy from you young people; and 3) I don’t think you should be in the list (for those who don’t agree with my list, make your own). Anyway, here is the final list of the young showbiz stars I find to be very nice because they are courteous and polite:

Richard and Raymond Gutierrez – They have no choice but to be nice to me because we are related by affinity. But really, these boys are very polite, courteous and warm – just like their Ate Ruffa Gutierrez. For all the things you can say about Annabelle Rama (she can be quarrelsome especially when she has to protect her family), you have to praise her (and her husband Eddie Gutierrez) for raising children who are well-loved in this industry.

Angel Locsin – I have a special fondness for her because she was the last girlfriend of Miko Sotto (who was really like a nephew to me). Aside from that, she is really a very sweet girl. To this day, she maintains close ties with Ali Sotto, who would cook sinigang for the young girl from time to time. To return the favor, Angel would bring pasalubong for her Tita Ali – like durian when GMA 7 held a Kapuso Fans’ Day late last year in Davao.

Paolo Contis – I knew him as a kid in Ang TV (I was doing Showbiz Lingo in the same station around that time) and he was a boisterous kid. Growing up, he turned out to be a fine young man with impeccable manners.

Dennis Trillo – He is the type who would get up from his seat to shake your hand. Such rarity in showbusiness.

James Blanco – From the time I interviewed him on location in Subic in 2001, we’ve maintained this warmness toward each other. He is a very pleasant young man.

Mark Herras – Among the products of StarStruck – from the first batch to the most recent – he is the nicest. Sure, he has this playboy image hounding him, but then, that is no longer my concern.

Ryza Cenon – Among the StarStruck girls, I have to say that she is the sweetest and the most thoughtful. This has made me very fond of her.

Marco Alcaraz – We had not worked together before because I think he started his career in the other station. At the Gold’s Gym where we both work out, however, he just approached me one time and introduced himself and I was impressed with such good manners. (It’s the younger person who should approach the older one first – that’s how it works.)

Sunshine Dizon – Her disposition in life is as sunshine-y as her name.

Jake Cuenca – Another gym body. He would always say hello to me when we see each other at the fitness center.

Carlos Agassi – I didn’t really know him well before because I had already left ABS-CBN when he got there. But I get to see him in Gold’s Gym in Makati and he seems to be a nice person.

Diether Ocampo – He had always been respectful of people who were ahead of him in the industry. Unfortunately, I can’t say the same about the ex-wife.

Bernard Palanca – The Revilla niceness surely runs in his blood.

Meryl Soriano – I have this fondness for her not only because we share the same birthday, but primarily because she is a very sweet in person.

Mylene Dizon – I respect her not only as an actress, but more so as a person who is very polite and pleasant.

Luis Alandy – Courteous must be his middle name.

Marvin Agustin – I knew him since 10 years ago and he still retains his basic politeness and good manners.

Diana Zubiri – A bit reserved in private (in total contrast to her sexy image), she knows the rules of courtesy.

Ciara Sotto – Her sweetness could make you diabetic.

Paolo Ballesteros – He isn’t only Mr. Pogi. He is also Mr. Nice.

Rufa Mae Quinto – She is very funny both in public and in private. Off-camera, she is even more charming.

Christian Esteban – Another StarStruck product who is very courteous and polite.

Iza Calzado – My all-time favorite when it comes to niceness. Not so long ago, a former dermatologist of mine, Dr. Nellie Jiao, sent me a text message about how she got the opportunity to work with Iza in a QTV 11 show and the good doctor was all praises about the actress. All I could say to that is amen.