Friday, September 26, 2008 Serna: Van: future actor, scarf fashionista By Roger Serna Sounds and images
PINOY Dream Academy fifth placer Van Roxas was in town this week and met some members of the E-group in an informal chat at the Laguna Garden Café. His handler, Mario Colmenares, arranged that meeting.
Van gamely answered our questions except those that involved sensitive ones, especially one which was referred to as the
“Bugoy scandal.” He said he was not aware of such a thing inside the academy.
We can’t tell if he was telling the truth or he just succeeded in following the instructions of some “unseen” hands prompting him.
Van, who can be attributed for starting the scarf-for-males fashion trend, admitted he has many scarves in his collection. Although he has been in the limelight for sometime now, he still feels uncomfortable when his good looks and other physical attributes are the subject of conversation.
He added that he might branch out to acting when opportunity knocks on his door but singing will still be his priority especially with the many things he has learned inside the academy.
We can only wish him good luck.
***
On the holiday dedicated to Don Sergio Osmeña, iStore at the SM Cebu Northwing held its grand opening with members of the Cebu media and some from the business sector attending.
We marveled at the awe-inspiring technological gadgets like iPods, LCD TV, desktop and laptop computers, among others.
Young businesswoman Jaja Chiongbian-Rama had her hands full in making us feel comfortable. When asked what her role was or position in iStore she humbly said she was just helping.
She introduced us to iStore’s managing director and proprietor Stanley Yap and marketing and PR girl Chezka Martinez. Apple’s South Asia managing director Philip Chua was the guest of honor.
As in any other big event, the most awaited portion was the raffle consisting of exciting items, like the iPod Shuffle, Nano and Touch. Unfortunately, Lady Luck was not on our side that day. Sad.
***
The E-group composed of Cebu media covering the entertainment beat wishes to thank Jaja Chiongbian-Rama for accommodating the selection of the Ms. Press Freedom Week ’08 at the cozy Formo resto-bar at the Banilad Town Center last Saturday.
Jaja was so generous in also hosting a buffet dinner for the guests. We cannot thank you enough, Ja!
The title was won by Sun.Star Cebu’s Katrina Marie Balmaceda. The Freeman’s Marigold Lebumfacil, Cebu Daily News’ Darlanne Sino Cruz and KBP Cebu’s Princess April Esparis composed the court of honor.
Congratulations!
***
Psalmstre Enterprises big boss Jim Acosta was obviously on Cloud 9 that night of Sept. 20 when the lingerie show, dubbed Katrina Xposed: A Sexy September Affair, was held at the Teatro Casino.
Produced by CreaWorks Asia, the show was well attended and ran almost flawlessly save for some segments that were too long for comfort.
Boss Jim may already be mapping out the repeat of the show in Manila as he said in the show’s opening segment. Why not a repeat soon right here in Cebu where it all started?
***
Tomorrow, the now globally famous dancing inmates of the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (thanks to YouTube will do its regular monthly performance at the center’s quad.
This month’s edition has the inmates bouncing to the rhythm of Jamelia’s song Superstar, as its latest addition to the list of dances. Performances are slated at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Catch them.
***
It’s final. Maja Salvador and Rayver Cruz, who were considered the probable guests in Gaisano Country Mall’s month-long anniversary celebration, are out of the list.
Blame it on their hectic schedules. In an e-mail, Rosemarie Gaisano’s hardworking assistant, Julian Cañete, enumerated the firm’s guests including Empress Schuck and Jason Abalos (Oct. 5), Bangs Garcia and Alfred Vargas (Oct. 18), Lovi Poe and Victor Basa (Oct. 25) and Yasmien Kurdi ang Mark Herras (Oct. 31).
Yasmien’s and Mark’s appearance also marks the launching of the firm’s Christmas promo. Mark the dates, star trackers.