Feisty, funny Annabelle

Feisty, funny and fabulous Annabelle Rama celebrated her birthday with a big charitable bang. Her family and talents accompanied her to the House of Refuge Foundation where she gave presents to orphans. Annabelle remembered her days at an orphanage. “Naalala ko kung saan ako nanggaling. When I was a kid, pinapasyal lang kami sa park ng mga madre at saka walang food. When I see orphans, I see myself in them,” said Annabelle.

Last year, Annabelle got the scare of her life when she found a lump on her right breast.

“After my birthday, I am going back to Bangkok. Dati when I had a check-up yong right boob ko meron ng bukol. I will have my check-up again,” she revealed.

Aside from wishing for good health, Annabelle admitted she is no longer concerned about material things. “I have plenty of material gifts given to me by my children, my friends and people who love me. All I wish for now is, for some people to stop sowing intrigues especially against my son Richard. I wish they would end all controversies. Magdasal na lang tayo.”

Despite controversies hounding her family, Annabelle said that she is much stronger now. “Lalo akong nagiging matibay para sa pamilya ko. My family and I have become closer especially Ruffa and Richard who are always at the center of controversies.”

“Mommy I love you and take care of your health,” said Richard. From Lorin and Venice, “We wish you good health lola. We love you.” And from Eddie Gutierrez, “Sana sumunod siya kung ano ang advice ng doctor niya. I want her to stay healthy. I wish her happiness and good health.”

Miriam Quiambao moves on

Miss Universe first runner-up Miriam Quiambao is happy that she has finally started to move on. Her divorce with ex-husband Claudio Rondinelli is now on its last leg in Hong Kong courts. Once the decision is out Miriam is set to file annulment papers in Philippine courts. No, it is not true that she was a battered wife. She suffered from verbal and emotional abuse but she was not physically punished. She also admitted that her ex-husband fell in love with another woman.

“We are through with the hearing and I feel I am now able to move on. Isang malaking tinik ang natanggal sa likod ko. When I moved back here, it was a fresh start. Tapos na ang nakaraan at pwede ko ng iwan and I can really move forward and focus on my career and have a happy and wonderful life,” Miriam said.

Miriam and ex-husband Claudio have remained friends. They still call each other, like when they celebrated their birthdays. “It’s kind of sad because we spent two and a half years together. But we still wish the best for each other.”

Miriam married Claudio in 2004 in the romantic beaches of Boracay. She made Hong Kong her base but after two years she returned to Manila.

And for now, Miriam is dating but is not yet ready to fall in love. “I want to take my time. I am focusing on my career. Unlike before na pabigla-bigla ako, now I am taking my time to know people,” she added.

Carmen Soo’s beauty secret

Carmen Soo was in town to attend the launch of Clinelle the new product she is endorsing. Carmen starred with Jericho Rosales in the teleserye Kahit Isang Saglit which is nominated in the international Emmys. She would love to go to New York for the Emmys.

Carmen would not reveal how much she was paid to endorse Clinelle. She said however that she has been using it even before she was tapped to be its face. Her favorite is SnoWhite Mask which she claims can make her skin fair and glowing almost instantly.  She is also a fan of the LMS Cream, which she uses twice daily to keep the lines away and brighten her face.  Carmen’s picks are just some of Clinelle’s comprehensive product lines that will match any skin type.

The Clinelle Professional Care is a ph-balanced skin care range that has been tested by dermatologists to repair, refine and protect the skin — for clearly visible and long term results. It utilizes cutting-edge research and development from the US to synergize 100 percent botanical extracts, natural essential oils and vitamins.  The result of which liberates the skin from the six common irritants that clog pores, cause pigmentation problems, dryness, irritation and other allergic reactions.