Gretchen: 'We're here to work, not fight'

Gretchen Barretto is excited about her forthcoming TV project tentatively titled Alta. Here she gets to work with KC Concepcion, Angelica Panganiban, Zanjoe Marudo, Sam Milby, Luis Manzano, among others. Gretchen is preparing for the new teleserye and that includes shopping. But unlike her last teleserye Magkaribal, the new show is not just about fashion but high society, thus the shopping. “I have been collecting clothes for my costumes in the movie for the last six months. I have also been exercising. We are also attending workshops,” she said.

She is also excited to work with her co-actors. As with Angelica, the actress said, that they have already bonded in Magkaribal and whatever misunderstanding she has had with her, it is now a part of the past. Even then, she said that she still has apprehensions meeting the new cast particularly the girls. It is the same feeling she had when she was starting work on Magkaribal. “When I started Magkaribal I had apprehensions about meeting the other actors and working with them. I’m in that state again. Iniisip ko ngayon, ‘Magkakasundo ba kami?’”

The actress is very positive that she will forge new friendships with her Alta co-actors. “We are here to work and not to fight. We are here because of the audience.”

A story conference is scheduled for all the actors very soon. “I am excited na. Soon we will start taping.”

Coco Martin to co-star with Judy Ann

Congratulations to Coco Martin for winning Actor of the Decade in the recently concluded Gawad Urian. Coco is thankful for all the blessings that he has been getting. He could not believe that he was bestowed the honor of being Actor of the Decade. “Kayamanan ko ito na maipagmamalaki sa aking mga anak,” he said.

Coco is over the moon with a new project he will co-star with Judy Ann Santos. “Sana matuloy. Noong araw ng hindi pa ako nag-aartista, tagahanga niya ako. Sana matuloy.” Coco is also at a loss as to what preparation he will make in case the project with Juday pulls through.

Mommy Dionisia marks birthday with style

Mommy Dionisia also called the Pacmom celebrated her 62nd birthday in style at the Pacquiao Gym in General Santos City last May 15. Mommy Dionisia changed gowns four times. It was big time celebration with Manny’s friends attending the party. Among them were former President Erap and Loi Estrada, Gov. Chavit Singson. Mommy Dionisia received an Hermes bag personally handpicked by Jinkee Pacquiao, a rosary made of Swarovski crystals, sandals and dancing shoes.

Direk Paul praying Toni is ‘The One’

Are Paul Soriano and Toni Gonzaga headed for the aisle? Talks have been around that the duo is preparing for their wedding. “I am only 27. I think I need three more years to enjoy all the opportunities that continue to come my way,” said Toni.

Paul is one with Toni in saying that his girl needs three more years before tying the knot.

“She wants three years. Then three years, I’ll wait. I pray every night that she’s the one I’ll spend my life with. I think we have invested four years of our life together. Through tough times and good times and we are still here together and happy as ever. I’ll definitely pray three years later it is still us. If she says three years, I will wait. Siya ang boss.”

Still according to Paul, he leaves everything regarding wedding preparations to Toni. “If she wants to get married in Taytay, we will get married in Taytay. I will leave the wedding to her. Just tell me what time, where and I will show up. For me talaga the wedding is about her. I will just be there.”

No, it is not true he said that he is building a house for her. Not yet, anyway. But definitely according to Paul it will happen in the future.

No snubbing incident between Bea, Gerald

So it is not true that former rumored lovers Bea Alonzo and Gerald Anderson snubbed each other at the Guillermo Memorial Foundation Awards? “Walang dedmahan na nangyari. We were seated far apart. But I said hi. Pero alangan namang puntahan ko pa nandun sila Ms. Ai-Ai so nakakahiya naman,” Gerald explained.

Bea also confirmed that no snubbing happened between her and Gerald. “Hindi kami nag dedmahan. Nakakahiya naman kung gagawa pa ako ng ekseana at alam natin na kung lumapit pa ako doon mas malaking bulungan yon.” Kim who was also at the awards night confirmed that nobody snubbed anybody. “We said hi. And why should we snub each other? Kahit po kailan di kami nagkasamaan ng loob.”