Unlikely Couple of the Week: Kris Aquino and apl.de.ap?
MANILA, Philippines - The Black Eyed Peas singer apl.de.ap is back in the country to shoot a commercial for San Miguel Beer Pale Pilsen with the Queen of All Media, Kris Aquino. Not one to shy away from the limelight, she playfully flirted with Apl at a press conference, asking him, “Are you single? Because I’m single now,” probably alluding to the fact that she has moved on after her annulment with James Yap. It would be interesting to see how the two fare as a couple, since she has a larger-than-life personality that tends to eclipse all others and Apl is a worldwide star used to raging fangirls. Imagine the juicy headlines “Former First Daughter elopes with rap star” but what would definitely be juicier is the story when they break up.
Confusion of the Week: Airport terminal fee increase?
Travelers celebrated with the decrease earlier this month of airport terminal fees from P750 to P550. However, news spread that the discount is only temporary following Transportation Secretary Mar Roxas' pronouncement that they were considering hiking the fee back up in order to fund NAIA 1's rehabilitation. Then things got really confusing when Manila International Airport Authority GM Jose Angel Honrado said that a fee increase would only occur if "if there's a need for it" and stressed that right now, there isn't any and if ever, "it will have to undergo the normal process of getting board approval and public hearings." However, there are other reports that the increase is already being discussed by the board and while it won't take effect immediately, we shouldn't be surprised if the fee goes back up to P750 as 2012 progresses. Hey, government, please get back to us once you make up your minds. Kthxbye! Cai Subijano
Stereotype of the Week: Crooked politicians
The stereotype of crooked politicians has rubbed some government officials the wrong way, prompting them to file a House resolution that appeals to the local film industry to stop portraying them as villains or crooks to avoid negative public perception and stereotypes. This move seems a little egotistical and may impede artistic expression, or freedom of speech at the very least. A passing of this resolution may result in complete censorship of government portrayals, a move unpleasantly reminiscent of North Korea. They should be proving themselves instead of whining, and really should be thankful that they are being portrayed in a pivotal role. As they say, there are no small roles, only small parts kidding!
Surprise of the Week: Adrien Brody in the Philippines
This time, it’s not at all like that Ryan Gosling in Siargao (sob!) scenario. It was definitely a real surprise for fans when news broke out over Twitter that Adrien Brody was spotted in the Philippines doing what, God only knows. Rumor has it that he’s part of The Bourne Legacy being shot here, but the official word is that he’s on his way to the beach. Either way, fans are excited, especially those who are tired of pretty-boy-next-door Hollywood hunks, and are eager to track him down wherever he will be going (Boracay? Palawan? Puerto Galera?). Like everyone else, he stood in line at the airport and wasn’t recognized by the crowd. There are so many words to be said about his presence here, but blogger and PhilSTAR columnist Cecile Zamora-van Straten said it best: “Be still, my heart…”