More ABS-CBN shows to sign off

Snooky Serna appeared on the Sunday showbiz program "S-Files" and confirmed her separation with husband Ricardo Cepeda. She said, however, that there's no third party involved in the breakup of her marriage with Ricardo and it's neither a dispute regarding money matters that caused them to part ways.

"Napagod na lang ang puso ko," was how Snooky described the situation that led to the separation. If you recall, "Kapag Napagod ang Puso" was the title of Snooky's movie with Christopher de Leon where she played a battered wife. But Snooky corrects reports that she's a battered wife.

The former child actress has signed up a two-year managerial contract with Ms. Annabelle Rama. She will soon be appearing in various GMA programs, including "Darna," where a role will be written for her. Snooky reportedly had a heart-to-heart talk with Tita Annabelle. We even heard she cried buckets of tears when she talked with Tita Annabelle as she recounted the sad episodes of her life.

* * *

There's no stopping Jerome Sala! After winning as grand champion in "Search For The Star In A Million," he now has a solo album. Jerome's self-titled debut album under Star Records was launched yesterday at "ASAP 05."

Jerome's limited edition album contains an interesting mix of songs. He has his own versions of "Take A Look Inside My Heart," "One In A Million You," "Simpleng Juan" and "I Will Take You Forever." It also includes the Basil Valdez hit, "Kung Ako'y Iiwan Mo," Jerome's prize-winning song in "Search for the Star in the Million." And for a bit of nostalgia, the album also features "Gulong ng Palad," the theme song of the classic soap opera that will be revived soon by ABS-CBN.

Jerome, dubbed as The Pinoy Crooner, is very much excited with the release of his debut album. "This is a dream come true for me," said the young singer. "I am really excited to share my music with the public through my album."

A true blue Bol-anon, Jerome was very pleased with the support given by his kababayans to his budding singing career. And as a token of gratitude, Jerome will hold a two-day free concert on July 11 at Pilar, Bohol, and on July 12 at Balilihan, Bohol.

Jerome is also holding a free concert for his Metro Manila fans to be held on July 13 at the Music Museum that will also serve as the press launch of his self-titled debut album. You can also buy copies of Jerome's album at the Music Museum entrance on Wednesday, the night of his free concert. The album is now out and is available on CDs and cassettes.

* * *

TV host Ethel Booba is still very popular even if she's hounded by numerous controversies. She felt like a superstar at the premiere night of "Sablay Ka Na, Pasaway Ka Pa" held last week at Biliran, Leyte. She was such a big hit with the crowd and they packed the venue like sardines. The Naval Institute of Technology gym was filled to the rafters and the crowd wildly greeted Ethel and his boyfriend Alex Crisano when they entered the venue of the premiere.

Ethel attended the premiere together with Cong. Mikey Arroyo, Katrina Halili and the rap group Salbakuta. The premiere was held at Biliran, Leyte upon the invitation of Cong. Gerry Espina who also appears in the movie.

Ethel was surprised to learn she was popular in the province. "I was really surprised. It was my first time in Biliran at feeling ko superstar ako kasi kasi know ng mga tao ang name ko. Kahit saan ako magpunta, kilala nila ako, pati ang boyfriend ko si Alex. Natutuwa ako kahit na may intriga sa amin ni Alex, nandiyan pa rin ang suporta nila sa amin," said Ethel. We asked Ethel about her problem with her family and she said it's far from being resolved but for now everything is quiet. She vows not to grant any TV interviews if the topic would be her family. She said it doesn't look nice if she and her family would talk ill of each other on TV.

"Tao lang naman ako na marunong masaktan. Gusto ko lang naman maging maligaya sa piling ng lalakeng mahal ko," she said.

* * *

More ABS-CBN shows are on the way out. "MRS," hosted by Roderick Paulate and Amy Perez, is bowing out on July 15. "Bora," featuring the Hunks - Piolo Pascual, Diether Ocampo, Carlos Agassi, Jericho Rosales, and Bernard Palanca - is also bowing out of the tube soon. Already axed were "Kaya Mo Ba 'To?" and the showbiz program, "Showbiz No.1."

"Bora" will be replaced by "Ex Ko 'To" starring Alma Moreno, Rudy Fernandez, Aiko Melendez and Jomari Yllana. "Showbiz No. 1" will be replaced by "Gulong ng Palad" starring Kristine Hermosa in the role of Luisa (originated by Marianne dela Riva) and TJ Trinidad who will play Carding (originated by Ronald Corveau). There was supposed to be an audition for the role of Peping (popularized by Romnick Sarmenta) but the production decided to give it to Nash Aguas, the grand kid questor of "SCQ."