Is John Lloyd mending a broken heart?

Still a big question mark is the rumored breakup of John Lloyd Cruz and stylist Liz Uy. The buzz about the separation has been going on since February. And people are asking: Are they or aren’t they? Two months ago, John Lloyd admitted on The Buzz that he is not easy to love. “Naging mahirap yong nakaraang buwan but not to the point where we will separate. Siempre hindi madali. Hindi ako madaling mahalin.” John Lloyd also said that “Kung pagkukulang ang pag-uusapan, may kanya-kanya tayong konsepto ng pagmamahal. And I don’t think people can question that.”

Liz, who is in Europe, refused to comment on the rumored parting of ways. “I don’t want to comment on my relationship with John Lloyd. He is in New York and I want to enjoy my time in Paris.”

She also laughed when asked if there is a third party involved in the supposed hiwalayan. Liz is a new friend of mine. She is one of the nicest girls I have met of late. She is inarguably one of the most stylish. She is pretty, smart and unbelievably hard working.

John Lloyd is in New York working on his movie In My Life under Star Cinema. For the first time, the actor will work with Star for All Seasons Vilma Santos and her son Luis Manzano. John Lloyd and Luis play lovers in the movie. An intimate photo of John Lloyd and Luis taken from the movie recently surfaced on the Net sparking crazy speculations about the two. The movie is also a comeback of sorts for Gov. Vi who has not done a movie in the last five years. Director is Olivia Lamasan.

Former 14K member wows audiences

Former 14K member, Johann dela Fuente, recently won audiences’ hearts as the “not that smart” Leaf Coneybear in Atlantis Productions’ hit staging of the Tony Award winning musical The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. He will reprise the role in the limited repeat run from July 3 to 12 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati.

Johann, whose peculiar way of spelling difficult words charmed audiences in the sold out run of Spelling Bee, trained under Ryan Cayabyab and went on to be part of 14K along with other artists like Jolina, Von Arroyo, and Radha. But his first love has always been musical theatre. He has appeared in numerous musicals including Dreamgirls for Atlantis Productions. He says of his 14K training, “I started training when I was 10 years old with Mr. Ryan Cayabyab and Douglas Nierras. I learned discipline from them and how to give 101 percent all the time. I also learned to enjoy every second I was on stage and to give back the glory of God in every curtain call, because He’s the one who blessed us with talent.”

Playing Leaf Coneybear is a dream come true for Johann. He says, “Leaf is one of my dream roles. We are quite similar. I’m known for my spiky hair and, just like Coneybear, I have had my ups and downs in life, but I always try to see the brighter side of things.”

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 ever alike, as it features starring roles each night for two volunteer audience members and two surprise celebrity guest spellers.

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.

Comfy footwear from Lacoste

Vangie Kua reports that Lacoste Footwear has new styles this season. There is IBIZIA, easy-to-wear, easy-to- pair shoes that are perfect for a lazy weekend with friends, but stylish enough for a casual dinner date.

For easy Saturdays and lazy Sundays, there is Neon Mi, a stylish pair of slippers that gives new meaning to casual wear. Neon Mi comes in classic colors that pairs well with all your summer fashion statements. Tirage, on the other hand, gives the usual sandals a dash of sophistication to make you stand out in your favorite summer destinations. Tirage comes in a variety of fun colors for men and for women. Zepher Padded has all the comfort of your favorite sneakers and with the right outfit. It can easily take you from the court to the club.