Rachel getting wed not once but twice

BREAKING NEWS: The blind item in this corner several issues ago is now a “wide-awake” item.

Yes, the singer-actress referred to in the item as having loved (a singer-actor) and lost him to a singer-actress and has finally found Mr. Right is none other than Rachel Alejandro who is getting married not once but twice. The lucky guy is Carlos Santamaria, a Spanish journalist.

The first wedding will be held in the Philippines (somewhere in Batangas) first week of April next year and the second, in Spain possibly in September.

The couple during Carlos’ pamanhikan Thursday night with (from left) Rachel’s dad Hajji Alejandro, her ‘Mommy manager’ Girlie Rodis, Rachel’s mom Myrna Demauro and Rachel’s grandmother Nena Alejandro

Last Thursday night, a thanksgiving dinner was shared by the Alejandros, together with Carlos, at the house of Rachel’s mom, Myrna Demauro. After the dinner, Carlos formally asked Rachel’s hand in marriage from mom Myrna, Rachel’s dad Hajji Alejandro, her grandmother Nena Alejandro and Rachel’s “Mommy manager” Girlie Rodis. Not present in the pamanhikan were Carlos’ parents who are in Spain.

Carlos is in town from Bangkok where he works for the EFE, a Spanish newswire service, purposely to watch Rachel in Xanadu (which is on its last two weekends at the RCBC Theater, Makati City; for tickets, call Ticketworld at 891-9999).

Why Charice’s GMA special was scrapped

Sad news: Charice’s (photo) planned Christmas special for GMA has been scrapped. Here’s the statement from GMA explaining why:

GMA Network today received an official statement from Ms. Grace Mendoza, manager of Charice Pempengco on the postponement of the singing star’s television performances and commitments in the Philippines.

“Filipino singing star Charice will not be returning to her homeland this weekend for several previously announced TV performances and appearances. The singer, according to her physician, is “suffering from dehydration caused by a recent stomach flu.”

“I want to apologize for disappointing my fans and supporters in the Philippines but I have been advised by my doctor to rest for the next couple of days,” commented Charice.           

GMA Network regrets not being able to do the planned Christmas special with Charice at this time but understands that her well being is first and foremost. The Network on the other hand is glad to announce to all her fans and followers that Charice has committed to do a TV Special with the Kapuso Network as soon as she is able to come home.

Johnny the actor in ABS-CBN’s Imortal

Johnny Revilla (also shown at right) with Imortal co-stars Rico Blanco (left) and John Lloyd Cruz (as Johnny’s adopted son)

I am thrilled every time I watch the ABS-CBN soap Imortal in which my good friend Johnny Revilla plays the adoptive father of John Lloyd Cruz. Frankly, I know Johnny to be a music-lover (who manages his wife Janet Basco) and I’m pleasantly surprised to find him a good actor (pala). May pinag-manahan. After all he’s descended from the Revilla clan headed by the enduring veteran actor Armando Goyena. He’s the only son in a brood of seven daughters (including Maritess Revilla ex-Araneta and Tina Revilla-Valencia).

What I know is that Johnny had no interest in joining showbiz. He lived in the States for a number of years and shied away from this industry for the longest time.  

“First of all,” said Johnny, “my Tagalog was very bad then,” adding with a laugh, “But it’s a little better now. It was only because I had the break to work and do scenes with my Dad that I agreed to do the movie Yamashita: The Tiger’s Treasure (with direk Chito Roño) that I was lured into the entertainment industry. I found out that it was really in my blood (as they say) to be able to emote in front of everyone, at the behest of the assistant director on set.”     

Johnny hosted in numerous occasions and was one of the main anchors of a morning magazine show Windows (remember that?), and the annotator, announcer, overall coordinator of Pinoy Wrestling in the ‘90s.

“I decided to do Imortal because of the opportunity to work with John Lloyd Cruz and Angel Locsin.  My goodness, who in this profession would NOT want to work with them? John is such a consummate actor and Angel is one of the best drama actresses now. Then there was the possible return of Vivian Velez, who is still so lovely and stunning. Plus, the cast is so good including Jimmy Fabregas, Jake Roxas, Maricar Reyes (great as Sam), etc. Also, it was an opportunity to work once again with directors Jerry (Sineneng), whom I had the pleasure of working with in Precious Hearts Romance, Trina (Dayrit), with Tayong Dalawa and Chito. I mean, it was a no-brainer.”

In Imortal, Johnny plays Simon Teodoro, a real estate mogul, who is driven only by business.  He is a very cold soul and has no emotional attachment to anyone, including his real son, Lucas (who is aptly played by Rico Blanco). Simon adopts Mateo (JLC) who he believes (initially) is a lobo. Simon teaches Mateo how to be ruthless in business and he takes to Mateo as his son more than he does Lucas. It’s a “meaty” role.

“I guess after I was hunyango in Tayong Dalawa,” said Johnny, “I became a credible bad guy.”

Other TV shows Johnny has appeared in include Christine 2000 (with his sister Tina), Ang Iibigin Ay Ikaw, Agawin Mo Man Ang Lahat and Tayong Dalawa. His movie credits include (aside from Yamashita) Here Comes the Bride, A Very Special Love, You Changed My Life, D’Anothers and All About Love.

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