Entertainment

The 'perfect role' for the returning Diana

April 15, 2011 | 12:00am

Whatever it was that she went through during her brief absence from showbiz definitely added depth to Diana Zubiri’s acting as shown in her first kontrabida role as Danica, the main tormentor of Barbie Forteza who plays the title role in the GMA soap Nita Negrita.

“I’m happy with this break,” said Diana who is celebrating her birthday today. “It’s the perfect role for me at this stage of my career. But I wouldn’t call it a really kontrabida role; it’s more of an anti-heroine role which is finally giving me an outlet for my dramatic knowhow.”

Diana is mum on what she did during her “forced vacation,” except to say that she has gone back to school.

“I’m thankful to the GMA bosses for adjusting my taping schedule so that it doesn’t conflict with my studies.”

Mutya’s B-day treat for kids

Mutya Orquia (photo), who plays the title role in the ABS-CBN soap Mutya, will treat her kiddie fans to an unforgettable experience as her birthday treat to them.

Kids ages three to 11 who are also celebrating their birthdays in May are invited to join in the celebration. How? Send “DEAR MUTYA<space>name/birthday/address/reason why you want to join the party” to 2331 for Globe, TM and Sun Cellular subscribers or to 231 for Smart and Talk ’n Text subscribers.

Some 120 kids with good answers will be chosen to celebrate with Mutya on her special day.

Mickey Perz helps Japan victims

Star Magic artist Mickey Perz (photo) has been tapped as director and public affairs head of Supporting Japan, a 30-day relief project to help the earthquake and tsunami victims in Japan.

“Japan has always been supporting our country,” said Mickey, “now it’s our chance to help its people.”

The campaign was launched on April 4 in cooperation with Helping Hands & Hearts Foundation, Rustan’s, Shopwise, Landmark, Watsons and Metro Rail Transit.

Donors may send their contributions through cans displayed at all Helping Hands & Hearts Foundation customer counters until April 30; and all MRT stations until April 19. Supporting Japan T-shirts are also on sale at Rustan’s and Landmark.

Known for his dancing skill, Mickey is one of the resident choreographers of ASAP Rocks’ Supah Dance. This Filipino-Austrian has been teaching kids and teeners at his own Planet Jupiter Dance Studio.

What’s up?

• Here’s your chance to have your song included in the upcoming international album of Gary Valenciano (photo): If you have an original Christian or inspirational composition in English or Filipino, send it on MP3 format via YouSendIt at [email protected]. Your composition must be of good quality recording and accompanied by either a musical instrument or simple a cappella. Make sure that you also provide a copy of the lyrics with the proper credits to go with it as well as your complete contact details. Those chosen will be informed through e-mail after the May 15 cut-off date.

• Oops! Jose Mari Chan and wife Maryann Ansaldo have five, not just four as reported in yesterday’s column, children. The youngest, future Marine Biologist Marie Angelica, was not included in the list. The couple’s four other children are Lisa, Michael, Joe and Franco who have inherited their dad’s singing talent. Joe Mari and Maryann have five grandchildren. Joe Mari’s new album, The Manhattan Connection, will be available in record bars anytime now soon, released by Universal Records, and will also be on sale at Starbucks outlets nationwide.

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Reese wears a Monique Lhuillier at wedding

Reese Witherspoon, 35, looks radiant in her gown designed by Monique Lhuillier during her wedding to Hollywood talent agent Jim Toth, 40, on March 26 at the garden of her own ranch in Ojai, California. The People magazine story describes the gown as ‘blush-hued with a Chantilly-lace corset bodice and full tulle A-line skirt…adorned with a double-face silk satin ribbon cascading silk flowers.’ It was also Monique who designed the gown of Reese’s 11-year-old daughter (by Resse’s ex-husband Ryan Phillippe) Ava who was the maid of honor. — Photo reprinted from People magazine

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Boy graduates with Master’s Degree at PWU

TV host and STAR columnist Boy Abunda is a picture of happiness as he graduates with a Master’s Degree in Communications Arts at the Philippine Women’s University (PWU) last Monday. Among Boy’s friends who graced the event were Aquino sisters Ballsy, Viel and Pinky; Gov. Chavit Singson; Gretchen Barretto; Erik Santos; Mons Romulo-Tantoco; Pinky Nelson; Boy So (of La Carmela de Boracay); Mike Sicat (of Mes Construction); Carol Yao of Nikon; Mrs. Ng of Astoria Plaza; Dr. Steve Mark Gan; Danton Remoto with Ladlad party list members; Arnold Reyes; and Boy’s partner Bong Quintana. Below: Boy (second from right) when he still had lots of hair years ago, at a party with friends (from left) Shirley Pizarro, Ricky Lo, Leah Salterio and Narciso Chan (of Sony Music).