10 revelations from Assunta

It was very refreshing to watch Assunta de Rossi on

The Buzz Tough Ten Segment.

Kris described Assunta as one with “refreshing candor.” 

Among the things she revealed are the following:

1. She and husband Jules Ledesma have stopped being pressured into having a baby. Stress and timing are the culprits. Maybe when they get to transfer to another house, she said, they might be able to “produce” children.

2. She is not that strong compared to her other siblings. “Mahina ang loob ko.”

3. She seldom gets mad but she is “nakakatakot magalit.”

4. She does not feel bad that she is no longer considered for lead roles. “People want to see real actors. Hahanapin ng tao yong marunong umarte. Whatever project is offered to me means something. Hinahanap ako e. I might not be a superstar or a matinee idol but this is what I have. God gave me talent.”

5. She loves her life now. “It might not be perfect but I wish I had known Jules earlier. Sana maaga ko siyang nakilala.”

6. She said that God might be preparing her for something great.

7. There are only three things she and Alex (Alessandra de Rossi) will not quarrel about: Money, work and men.

8. Jules is not a wife beater contrary to wild rumors that he is a batterer. “Talak lang ng talak. Jules is a passionate person. He is so upfront and very transparent.”

9. “Divorce is not an option. We always try to work things out. There are times when we are like high school students.”

10. She and her mother have made peace. “Na-realize siguro ni mommy na dapat di niya ako pinahiya sa public. Nag-sorry na rin ako. Pamilya pa rin kami.”

Bravo, Sam!

Spelling Bee, the repeat

Atlantis Productions’ recent hit musical The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee will return for a limited repeat run from July 3 to 12 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati.

Spelling Bee centers around a fictional spelling bee in Putnam County, New York. Six kids in the throes of puberty face off in the battle of their lives. They compete against each other as well as members of the audience. Three adults help adjudicate the proceedings: A nostalgic former spelling bee winner, a mildly insane Vice Principal and The Official Comfort Counselor completing his community service to the state of New York. Spelling Bee has a Tony Award winning book by Rachel Sheinkin and music and lyrics by Tony Award winner William Finn.

No two Spelling Bee shows are alike, as Spelling Bee  features “starring roles” each night for two volunteer audience members and two surprise celebrity guest spellers. Celebrity guest spellers during the recent sold-out run included Lea Salonga, Jett Pangan, Pinky Marquez, Cheska Ortega, Leo Rialp, Jon Santos, Cherie Gil, Sen. Chiz Escudero, Noel Trinidad, Gabe Mercado, Sitti, Miguel Mendoza, Gina Alajar, Christian Bautista, Isabella Gonzales, Franco and Ayen Laurel, Geneva Cruz, Wency Cornejo, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Rajo Laurel, Nyoy Volante, Teresa Herrera, Aiza Seguerra and Eula Valdez. Spelling Bee  has been hailed by many as one of the funniest, if not the funniest musical in recent memory.

Director Bobby Garcia says, “We are so thrilled that audiences have embraced Spelling Bee! It is extremely rare that a musical really finds an audience that keeps coming back to the show wanting more. It was such a joy to rehearse and stage this show and we are really excited to be able to repeat the show for a limited two week run in July!”

Spelling Bee is directed by Bobby Garcia, choreography by Chari Arespacochaga, set design by Tuxqs Rutaquio, lighting design by Johnsy Reyes, costume design by Twinkle Zamora, vocal coaching by ManMan Angsico and musical direction by Jojo Malferari.

Spelling Bee is made possible through a special licensing arrangement with Music Theatre International.

For details, call 892-7078 or 840-1187.

Personality development workshop

Shine! DOT Com Tutorial and Music School offers Summer Personality Development Workshop for girls and boys at the Celebrity Club, Quezon City.

Headed by singing lawyer, writer and radio broadcaster lawyer Dot Gancayco, Shine! School has enticed students from top private schools in Metro Manila to its personality development workshop where boys and girls aged seven to 17 learn singing, dancing, acting, social skills, modeling, good grooming and public speaking. Workshop is ongoing until May 9.

Shine! DOT Com Tutorial and Music School also offers Volleyball for kids’ physical development. Individual lessons on piano, guitar, voice, violin and flute are also offered at the school site at 5-C Scout Torillo St. Diliman Q.C. parallel to Tomas Morato. College Exams Review beginning April 27 will also be held in the school at Scout Torillo St.

For details, call 0917-5244245, 0921-5249394 or 922-8632.