No business like show business

In the middle of a busy studio, I am right behind the screens watching the hosts talk to the camera of a morning show while waiting for my turn to be on air. It is close to sunset and everyone on cam is pretending it’s sunrise. Welcome to show business, where both the reel and the real exist and coexist with each other.

The sooner you accept the facts, know your position and set your goals, the sooner you’ll get there. It is an exciting ride filled with unexpected guests — both pleasant and unpleasant — but exhilarating nonetheless. “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” doesn’t get any more relevant than in this environment. I love it.

So when I went to the Makati Shangri-la for the 60th anniversary coffeetable book launch of the Kapuso network, I expected it to be a gathering of glitbiz’s finest and fiercest. What greeted me were warm hugs and firm handshakes from GMA-7’s topnotch executives and stars. Advertisers from A to Z were also fully present, as if to show the network their full support to an institution that has been molding the Filipino nation’s consciousness for 60 years now.

In the photo booth was Jessica Soho playing mother hen to her news team, as she herded them for a group picture. It was refreshing to see the people who bring the news to us (come hell or high water) let their hair down (just a bit) and enjoy the festivities without having to work and report the happenings on camera. The ballroom was filled with scene movers and shakers hobnobbing with each other — politicians with actors, actors with advertisers, advertisers with network executives — an inter-social orgy of people who all need each other, happily celebrating a memorable milestone.

I spot GMA big bosses Felipe Gozon and Jimmy Duavit, who saunter across the room and thank the guests who attended. Earlier, these fine young gentlemen were onstage having a moment with P-Noy, special guest of the event. VP Binay was also there, and the two were the biggest stars that night, with everyone having photo ops with the two most powerful men in this country.

Speaking of power, I went straight to the center where I saw a figure in gold, the Miranda Priestley of Philippine television, grand dame Wilma Galvante, who, to me, is one of the most honest, straight-to-the-point sharp-shooters this industry has known. She will never mince words but you can trust her with your life, yet she shows no emotion — a subtle smile and a knowing look is all you’ll get — but you feel her sincerity through and through. The stars come in and out, and after the obligatory hi’s and hello’s and picture-taking, make their mark for the exit. I chose to stay and chitchat with executives and advertisers, interested in what kind of conversations they were having. Yes, they were talking about telenovelas, asking me about the latest in the biz and who was the subject of last night’s blind item. I guess to paraphrase the Avenue Q song, “Everybody’s a little bit showbiz.”

The world of cinema according to Cris

 While we’re on the topic of glitz, FILA lady boss Cris Albert, inspired by the world of film, has been creating campaigns for her baby (that’s FILA) based on the trendsetting movies of late. We all saw her as Alice in Alice in Wonderland, as Aphrodite in Clash of the Titans and the latest installment in the cinema series, as Bela in Eclipse — the premiere of the film, FILA made sure to host an invitational gala that brought together stars in sports, fashion and lifestyle. “It’s her birthday and she’ll cry if she wants to,” because what Cris wants, Cris gets, at least in terms of making FILA one of the hottest brands in the market. 

So for her birthday, Cris, in Marie Antoinette mode, set up Members Only to look like the palace and gardens of Versailles, complete with Jeff Koons-inspired tabletops. Cris never leaves anything to chance, and makes a full-on production each time her brand sees it fit. For the Eclipse shoot which I was a part of, the Fila team brought an entire crew to Tagaytay Highlands where a world of vampires and werewolves vying for Cris’s attention was put together in great detail. Make believe, for art’s sake, with a cast and crew of characters to fully enhance the fiction feel.

But what is truly unique about Cris I saw not during the shoot — I already knew that of her. What made the overnight shoot extra special was seeing Cris bond with her staff over champagne and fast food — the ultimate high-low combo — as they laughed and played drinking games and spilled secrets to each other. How’s that for bonding with the boss?

Call it zest for life, pizzazz meets determination, call it whatever you want. Cris says, “I sport life!” As we all should.

Yummy Italian and snazzy Brit

 My favorite escape? Dining inside the confines of this cozy modern Italian resto — the Nicanor Garcia (formerly Reposo) hot spot L’Incontro. This, my friends, is the city’s yummiest hideaway. Away from the maddening mall crowds, away from prying eyes (yes, even when I’m there) is simple and yummy Italian fare, now made yummier with Tina Pamintuan at the helm.

I arrived a bit late to the opening of Tina’s latest baby and the guests were already happily full and in high spirits from the night’s opening festivities. I saw Tina having a heart-warming bonding session with her mom and sister and they looked like triplets having a ball. I have personally dined with friends (secret and not-so-secret) and each time, the meal is more than memorable. Pair it with the best wines that her cellar can offer and you’re guaranteed to have a great gastronomic experience you wouldn’t want to hide!

From there I hopped over to my home Republiq, where Jaguar was launching its latest model, the latest XJ. The Resorts World hall was filled with flashy yet classy cars, all vying for your attention. What a great parade it was! The people were equally attention-grabbing, a bevy of players known for their devotion to craft and for their pursuit of perfection. The very well-loved and down to earth Soong family, from dad Willy to sons Marc and Jason, mom Maureen and daughter Louelle (who is back in New York) the peeps behind the Jaguars and the Maseratis and the Range Rovers and the U Boats and other toys for the big boys were on hand to welcome their guests, who were in full party mode with the fast and not-so-furious peeps present.

Cars and stars — there’s no escaping the glitz in that.

Party Pilipinas

 My Sunday hot shots include backstage snaps during live sessions of Party Pilipinas at the GMA studios. When I was a kid, GMA Supershow was my Sunday noontime habit. Fast forward a few years and I am here, doing hosting chores alongside friends from the industry, watching the best and the brightest in Philippine and global entertainment show what they’ve got. A blast, in other words. 

I have never felt so humbled, excited and blessed. Have a blessed week, beloved Supreme readers.

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 For more photographs and more memories, follow me at twitter.com/iamtimyap.