PDA at NYC Phl Day parade

“Inseparable.” “Sweet.” “Lovely.”

Those were the words not from Funfare’s Big Apple correspondent Edmund Silvestre but from onlookers who described reelected Sen. Chiz Escudero and his girlfriend Heart Evangelista at the Philippine Independence Day parade in New York City last June 2.

Reported Edmund, “The ‘hot’ couple was among the special guests of the biggest Pinoy celebration in the US East Coast. While the stars of the three Filipino TV networks (Kapuso, Kapatid and Kapamilya) joined the parade on board their respective network’s float, Chiz and Heart marched side by side with the dignitaries led by Consul General Mario de Leon Jr., Philippine Ambassador to the United Nations Libran Cabactulan, US Federal Judge Lorna Schofield, Cavite Rep. Lani Mercado, Tourism Undersecretary Teresa Martinez, Philippine Independence Day Council, Inc. (PIDCI) president Fe Martinez and Grand Marshal Dr. Rebecca Castro Rivera.”

Edmund said that Chiz looked dapper in an elegant barong, while Heart, donning a modern Filipiniana dress, was radiant and made more glamorous by her pricey Christian Louboutin.

“Ang taray ng lola mo naglakad ng naka-Christian Louboutin,” Edmund quoted one male parade organizer. 

Observers said the two, despite their age difference, make a good couple, with Heart doing her best to not upstage the newly reelected senator. It was a classic PDA (Public Display of Affection).

“She is so beautiful, but she seems quiet and reserved,” said one Independence Day officer, who also marched with the couple. “It’s obvious she didn’t want to steal the thunder from Chiz.”

According to some, Heart wouldn’t wave unless her name was yelled by the crowd. 

“She waved when we called out her name,” said one fan who watched the festivity along Madison Avenue. “She has a beautiful face at balingkinitan. Kaya pala nabaliw sa kanya si Escudero.”

As of Friday, June 7 (NY time), the couple was still in town, reportedly to attend another festivity scheduled last Saturday (June 8) capping the series of Philippine Independence Day celebrations.

 Meanwhile, several artists from GMA, TV5 and ABS-CBN also lent their star power to the New York revelry. Consul General Mario de Leon noted that it’s the first time the three competing networks joined forces to co-sponsor the Philippine freedom day in the Big Apple.

Fans could not contain their excitement as the artists acknowledged the crowd adoration with affectionate smiles, hand waves and flying kisses.

Said Edmund, “The GMA float, preceded by a large group of electrifying young Fil-Ams strutting well-choreographed dance moves, featured Sen. Bong Revilla Jr. along with fellow Kapuso stars Marian Rivera, Rafael Rosell and Julie Anne San Jose.”

Marian was quoted as saying, “It’s a big honor for actors like me to be invited here and become part of this important celebration. Thank you po sa inyo and I’m proud to be a Kapuso.”

Marian has one of the biggest fan bases in the US, according to GMA marketing consultant in the US Grace Hufano-Labaguis. “Her two most recent primetime teleserye, Amaya and Temptation of Wife, are two of the most popular drama series followed religiously by numerous US Filipinos via GMA Pinoy TV.”

“Hindi siya suplada, ang bait nga!” said one enthusiastic fan. “She’s always smiling and she even agreed to have her picture taken with her fans. Super sa ganda at sexy.”

Bong and Rafael had their own screaming fans who were calling them “Indio” and “Nigel,” their respective characters in the teleserye Indio and Temptation of Wife.

“It’s fun, enjoy talaga,” Bong said. “The reception was very warm. The people were calling me by my TV character. They said they were following Indio.”

TV5’s float had Aga Muhlach and Derek Ramsay, both of whom got the loudest shrieks from female followers. Megastar Sharon Cuneta managed to join the Kapatid float at the last stretch of the parade, and later performed at the cultural show along with other artists.

Aga, who lost his congressional bid in Camarines Sur last May 13 (but has filed a protest), said it’s good to stay away from Philippine politics at the moment while contemplating his next move. The multi-awarded actor is still in town this week to shoot for his weekly adventure show Pinoy Explorer. 

Edmund: “Derek, on the other hand, proved to be a magnet among female fans — young and old. Even parade organizers, many of them senior citizens, couldn’t contain their excitement with Derek’s presence as they alternately kissed and hugged him before and after the festivities.”

“Sobrang guwapo pala niya in person, I was surprised,” gushed PIDCI president Fe Martinez, who was not among those who took advantage of the Kapatid hunk.

ABS-CBN’s float showcased Gary Valenciano and son Gabriel Valenciano, along with popular immigration lawyer Michael Gurfinkel. 

Gary’s father died of cancer last May 29, but Gary, celebrating his 30th year in the music business, said his family convinced him to not miss the New York festivity as his father would not have wanted him to disappoint numerous fans waiting for him.

“New York is very dear to my dad because this is where he met my mom,” shared Gary, who later mesmerized the crowd at the cultural show with slow and fast numbers with son Gab.

Award-winning Filipino drama actor John Arcilla, who appeared in the film Bourne Legacy and in the Sundance-winning film Metro Manila, also participated and rode in an open car. Not a few recognized him from Bourne Legacy and several shows he starred in including Maalaala Mo Kaya and the recent A Beautiful Affair.

“Guwapo pala ‘yan in person and he looks much younger,” said Vivian Velasco, one of the parade officers. “Down-to-earth siya.”

Ner Martinez, head of the parade committee and brother of character of Leo Martinez, said this year is one of the most memorable Philippine Independence Day gatherings in New York City as the three giant TV networks from the Philippines set aside their rivalry and differences in order to give Filipinos in the East Coast “a real star-studded event to celebrate a very important occasion.”

“It’s not just freedom and pride of our heritage that we are celebrating here,” said Ner. “It’s also our unity and solidarity as a people.”

What’s up?

• Showbiz secretary Emma Guevarra wishes to thank the doctors who attended to her during her recent gall bladder surgery, namely Dr. Roel Tolentino and Dr. Cabrera (surgeons), Dr. Marieto Partoza (pulmonologist), Dra. De Jesus (cardiologist) and Dra. Lora Tin Hay (endocrinologist).

• A Funfare DPA said that Hayden Kho has found a new girlfriend (unidentified), confirming reports that he and Dr. Vicki Belo are now “true friends” and like brother/sister.

• A Young Actress (YA) could hardly wait for her soap to end, to the point of wishing that the producer would just “kill” her character. Reason: It pained her to be seeing her Co-Star now sharing food on the set with YA’s ex-boyfriend when he visited the set. C-S is now the girlfriend of the actor.

(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.)