Survey: Robin is No. 1 idol

Curtain-raisers:

•  Those behind it may not know it yet but their show is set to be axed anytime soon...very soon! In fact, they have just (unknowingly?) taped their farewell episode. In television, that’s how the cookie crumbles. People involved are usually the last to know. Sad, isn’t it?

• A showbiz couple have long broken up and they are just putting up appearances, giving the impression that all’s well between them. But for how long can they keep pretending?

• Could it be true that a presidentiable offered a popular actress P40 million in cold cash and a comedienne two houses to endorse him but they politely said no?

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In an informal project study conducted by a private research group among 20-24-year-old males from CD households, Robin Padilla emerged as the No. 1 idol. He was cited for his “charisma, tough-guy image and desire to help others.”

Robin’s “toughie-themed” commercials (for Trust, etc.) proved to have the highest recall among the respondents who repeated Robin’s line in the Revicon commercial, “Tink pasitib; huwag kang aayaw!”, as their motto. (Robin has just renewed his contract with Revicon.)

Besides being updated on Robin’s recent TV starrers like Totoy Bato, Joaquin Bordado and Asian Treasures, the respondents were found to be still enamored with his early films like Anak ni Baby Ama, Bad Boy and Maging Sino Ka Man which they watched when they were in their pre-teen years.

They said they love Robin in his unique look: reversed baseball cap or cowboy hat, muscle shirts underneath leather jackets and faded jeans. “At saka ‘yung chaleco niya,” one fan said, referring to Robin’s leather vest worn over a shirtless chest, “gusto ko iyon!”

Moreover, a few claimed to have copied Robin’s hairstyle, mannerisms and way of talking, but not the way he moves or walks. “’Yung tindig nga niya, ang hirap gayahin, kasi katawan niya ‘yon, eh,” they conceded.

“Naaalala pa rin namin iyong sinabi niya kay Ma’am Sharon (in Maging Sino Ka Man) na ‘Mahal na nga kita, eh!’” said one respondent.

Robin was also named as “the most desirable leading man” for KC Concepcion, Toni Gonzaga and Bea Alonzo.

The respondents also acknowledged Robin’s civic work as a concerned citizen, pointing out his charity work, anti-drug advocacy and peace-keeping involvement. “Tumutulong na siya ngayon,” said one respondent. Most notable of which was when he acted as negotiator with Vice Pres. Noli de Castro in a hostage taking of the Abu Sayyaf. “Nakapagpatigil siya ng labanan ng mga kapatid niyang Muslim at mga sundalo.”

Another plus factor for Robin is his Liwanag ng Kapayapaan Foundation which runs a free school in West Fairview, Quezon City for talented but poor children, both Muslims and Christians.

Why Phil broke ties  with his manager

Here’s the official statement of Phil Younghusband (photo) in reaction to the issue between him and his manager, Joyce Ramirez:

I make this statement to protect the innocent parties who have been dragged into this mindless and intentionally malicious bout of statements about me printed in some newspapers and tabloids, or written in blog sites and postings by bogus or anonymous writers. I find no need to defend myself; instead I see it just fit to once and for all bring out the truth as it is.

Since returning from England in 2008, I have had this goal of not only promoting football as a sport but also as a fulfillment of a dream for all kids, young and old, as well as presenting it as a tangible means of reaching one’s goal and improving one’s life in every sense of the word, all these here in my mother’s homeland, the Philippines.

With regard to endorsements, I am in good relations with Alaska Milk Corporation and am still under contract with them. I am also under contract with Fit & Right, Freego and High Sierra. My contracts with Hanford, Kenny Rogers and Energo ended on good terms in 2009. I have also other projects in the works which will be made public in the very near future. It goes without saying that I am and will continuously work on staying a positive and professional endorser as well as a role model as an athlete (footballer, coach, businessman and just a normal guy).

With respect to my personal life, which I would really much rather remain private, I am as normal as any person my age. I am not prone or inclined to engaging in any vices. I do not drink to get drunk (as it is detrimental to my development as an athlete and it is prohibitive, considering my profession) nor is gambling a habit or pastime of mine. I am very close to my mother and little sister, so womanizing and degrading women (of all ages) in any way is against my principles. I do not want to pursue a career in show business and am currently focusing and concentrating on football and the “promotion” of the sport. This has kept me busy and happy.

I have been having issue with my current manager, Ms. Joyce Ramierez of PR Asia, and because of this I chose to sever any communication with her since it has been made clear that our goals, objectives and principles seem tragically and seriously incompatible.

— PHILIP JAMES

PLACER YOUNGHUSBAND

Briefly noted

• If you have to watch only one Valentine concert, make it Love Forever Young which stars Jose Mari Chan and Karylle slated for Feb. 14 at the Grand Ballroom of Bellevue Hotel, with special guests Liza Chan-Parpan (Joe Mari’s daughter) and Jennifer Uy (the brilliant opera singer). The repertoire consists of romantic and classic love songs (naturtally!) designed to make you fall in love even more or all over again. Tickets are priced at P2,000 for deluxe seats and P2,500 for premier seats. Door opens at 7:30 p.m. and show starts at 8:30. Call 771-8181.

• Featured as guest in tomorrow’s (Feb. 7) edition of Generation RX (Studio 23, 10 to 10:30 a.m.) is Ellen Lising who will discuss permanent cosmetics (permanent eyeliner, permanent lipstick, permanent eyebrows, etc.). Ellen owns and manages her own beauty clinic (phone 413-3375).

(E-mail reactions at [email protected] or at [email protected])