Cong. Alfred’s ‘secret weapon’

Curtain-raiser:

• There’s a rumor that Kapuso Dingdong Dantes (photo) is moving from GMA to (or has already signed up with) the Kapamilya Network ABS-CBN. True or false? Funfare called up Dingdong’s manager Perry Lansigan to verify. “Yes,” Perry admitted, “we are negotiating with both GMA and ABS-CBN but nothing is final yet. Dingdong’s contract with GMA will expire in August yet, so until then we don’t have a final decision yet.”

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Congressman-elect Alfred Vargas (of Quezon City’s new fifth district) attributes his virtually-landslide victory (with more than 43,000 votes over his closest rival) not only to his track record as a councilor and his academic credentials (an Ateneo graduate, etc.) but also to his beautiful wife, Filipino-Italian Yasmine Espiritu, who was often mistaken for her lookalike Marian Rivera during the campaign.

“So I had to make a clarification,” Alfred regaled his friend movie writers during a victory/thanksgiving lunch yesterday at Annabel’s restaurant. “Every time Yasmine appeared onstage, the crowd would scream, ‘Marian! Marian!’ so when they appeared together I pointed out who my wife is and who the real Marian is.”

Yasmine has proven to be Alfred’s “secret weapon.”

“And I thanked Marian for helping me a lot, too,” added Alfred who is among the showbiz guys who won in last May 13’s elections, including reelected QC Mayor Herbert Bautista and Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte (both unopposed), Councilors-elect Roderick Paulate, Anjo Yllana, Precious Hipolito, Gian Sotto and Lala Sotto. “Kuya Germs is right. Quezon City is true to its reputation as the City Of Stars.”

QC’s fifth district has more than 192,000 registered voters and the turnout was more than one half, with Alfred getting 69,000 votes. The month-long campaign gave Alfred a chance to find out what his district needs most, so he’s preparing to file the bills needed to help meet those needs.

“There’s a shortage of schools, so I’m building four national high schools,” said Alfred. “Other barangays have schools but four others don’t have.”

Meanwhile, Alfred is taking a much-needed break by taking a family vacation in Italy with Yasmine and their kids Alexandra and Aryanna. Alfred will be back shortly while Yasmine and the kids will return in time for Alfred’s oath-taking on June 30.

Since he gained more than 15 pounds during the campaign, Alfred is also determined to lose his excess poundage (down to his ideal weight of 180 lbs. for his 5’10” frame) before he resumes showbiz work.

“I can never turn my back on showbiz,” he claimed. “It’s my bread and butter.”

Beauty queens are big winners, too!

Not only actors but also beauty queens emerged winners in the recent elections, among them (all now members of Sangguniang Panglunsod):

• Jennifer Pingree, 1st District, Valenzuela City. Jennifer was 1990 Bb. Pilipinas International. She replaces her husband, former Councilor Gerry Esplana, once a PBA cager and college coach.

• Daisy Reyes, 2nd District, Pateros, Rizal. Daisy was 1995 Mutya ng Pilipinas second runner-up, 1995 Miss Expo International fourth runner-up, 1996 Bb. Pilipinas World, Miss Personality at 1996 Miss World, 2009 Mrs. World Philippines and Top 12 semi-finalist at 2009 Mrs. World.  She’s also a film and television actress, recording artist and entrepreneur.

• Maricel Morales, Lone District, Angeles City, Pampanga. Maricel was 1995 Mutya ng Pilipinas, Top 12 semi-finalist and Miss Photogenic at 1995 Miss Asia-Pacific, 1996 Miss Tourism International candidate, 2000 Mrs. World Philippines and first runner-up at 2000 Mrs. World.  She’s also a film and television actress. Maricel has two sons by Ace Espinosa, her estranged husband.

• Francis Dianne Cervantes, Lone District, Hagonoy, Bulacan.  Dianne was 2006 Miss Philippines Earth-Fire (third runner-up) and Miss Golden Sunset Resort.

All but Pingree are re-electionists.

— Reported by Celso De Guzman Caparas

Will the brother also rise?

If, by chance, you see Enrique Gil shooting for a series or a film, performing live in some event or show, most likely you will spot a young looker, assisting or driving for him. No, he is not his Personal Assistant. He is Javy, Enrique’s older brother who just graduated with a B.S. Nursing degree from Southville International School in Las Piñas City.

Last March, Javy succumbed to the call of the klieg lights.

“In the beginning, I wasn’t so sure I wanted this...,” said Javy. “Well, for one, I was still in school, then somewhere along the way I’ve noticed the attention and support Enrique’s fans were giving me, too. Tapos nahihila na rin ako madalas sa stage para kumanta. I get so surprised with the crowd’s response maski di naman ako artista talaga.”

Javy is aware of the big advantage he has having Enrique as his brother, but with that thought is also the pressure he faces.

“Magaling talaga si Enrique, I am witness to how
he worked so hard. So I can’t deny the pressure, but kakayanin ko yan para sa fans,” says Javy. “I’ll take more acting workshops, voice and dance classes — anything to make me a well-rounded entertainer. I just want to take this time to learn as much as I can and I am determined.”

Javy was a certified Candy Cutie in 2011 and 2012. He also starred in the indie film The Animals directed by Gino Santos for Cinemalaya and appeared in TV shows like Kris TV, The Buzz and Showbiz Inside Report (S.I.R.).

Javy is managed by Stages, which handles the careers of Enrique, Sam Concepcion, Tippy Dos Santos, Karylle and Christian Bautista.

(E-mail reactions at [email protected]. You may also send your questions to [email protected]. For more updates, photos and videos visit www.philstar.com/funfare or follow me on www.twitter/therealrickylo.)