Lauren, Juliana and what they have in common

Yes, Juliana Palermo and fast-rising model-actor Lauren Novero of "Mga Pusang Gala" have many things in common. She is dark-skinned and so is he. They are both sexy and captivating. She was a product of a beauty contest in Davao, while he started his showbiz career by winning Body Shots 2001. She attracted attention and earned praise on her launching movie XXX.com a couple of years ago. She was touted as the next big thing acting-wise because she was very natural, on top of being classy, liberated and witty. Lauren, on the other hand, was given by veteran actor Ricky Davao a grade of eight on a scale of 10 for his portrayal of Dom, the promdi who carried on an affair with Davao, an aging gay writer, in "Mga Pusang Gala."

Despite being a neophyte, Lauren acts effortlessly as if there were no cameras trailing him. His well-toned body and good looks register well onscreen, making this 5'11 stunner, indeed, a star to watch out for. But the truly common denominator that makes Lauren and Juliana a shining gem is their love for family.

Lauren is a college dropout. He took up Electronics Communications Engineering but was not able to finish it because of peer pressure. Instead of attending classes he went out with friends, spending the money supposedly for his tuition in his gimmicks; and for that, this second to the eldest and only boy in a brood of five was considered the black sheep of the family. Lauren admitted he never was a role model to his siblings, but things have changed now because his family is his first priority.

"God fearing and laging iniisip na makatulong sa family niya," this was how he answered when asked by the Cebu press a few weeks back to describe the real Lauren Novero. "Gagawa na ako ng lahat ng mabuti sa kapwa. Tutulong ako sa family ko, mga kaibigan. Lahat ng kabutihan gagawin ko," was his sincere reply when asked by colleague Orley C. on how he would spend his last life if he were a cat who already used up eight of his nine lives.

Lauren Novero can be intimidating at first, being the type of person who'd just stay in a corner and keep silent unless you'd indulge him in a banter. But when he becomes comfortable with you, he'd be cracking jokes. Like when he was asked about his singing career, he quipped, "Meron akong single. It's entitled "Bawat," composed by Diego. Hindi yung pambansang bakla ha [in 'Bubble Gang']."

As for Juliana Palermo, who was turned down by the Bb. Pilipinas Committee two years ago for reasons unclear, she has become a real beauty queen to me after watching her on "Rated K" last Sunday. "Basta ganitong may mga kapansanan, they should be loved fully. Dahil angels eh," she told host Korina Sanchez when asked what to her is a "kapatid." She may have sounded like a beauty queen in that answer, but I knew it was not mere lip service. There was honesty in those sparkling eyes, so much so that my heart applauded in approval.

Maybe unknown to many, Juliana has been looking after a younger brother who is blind and a "special child." For such a modern, glamorous woman going out of her way to take care of her brother on her own, what can I say but that is something admirable to the highest level. She shared that taking care of him is never easy especially when he has tantrums. She added that because he cannot communicate very well, she had to second-guess what is wrong. God knows until when she could hold on, but I'm certain that it is her love for her brother that gives her the strength and inspiration to persevere.

Now 20 years old, Juliana, who was once crowned Miss Kadayawan and Mutya ng Davao, is purely Filipina but was raised in the U.S. In 2004, she screened for the Bb. Pilipinas pageant because it has been her childhood dream to represent the country in international beauty contests particularly Miss Universe. But her appearance in Tikoy Aquiluz' sexy flick XXX.com worked to her disadvantage for she was barred from joining the pageant.

I had wanted to write about her non-inclusion in that pageant in 2004, but I didn't have a column then. (Sigh!) With her very Filipina beauty and wit, I'd say it's a great loss if we won't give her a chance to represent the country in any of the three major pageants, Miss Universe, Miss World and Miss International. She was willing to surrender everything and devote all her time to being an ambassadress of goodwill had she been given the chance to be part of Bb. Pilipinas.

It was not her fault that her first movie was sexy. Besides, there was no frontal nudity in that movie and her sexy scenes were essential to the story, which was about a Fil-Am who had to engage on cybersex to support herself and her family. See, that movie was very Filipino; it spoke about us, our efforts and sacrifices just so to survive in this country marked by political turmoil and economic trouble.

Now, what have our so-called beauty queens done so far as ambassadresses of goodwill? Juliana has yet to take part in the Bb. Pilipinas, but already has the potential to be a good charity worker because of her love for children who are handicapped. Given the right push and support, she could very well become an epitome of a beauty with a cause. Yes, our beauty queens have charity works, but these have been lined up for them as part of their duties in their reign. For all we know, their participation in these charity works are just for publicity's sake and out of their fear of being dethroned.

Lately, I have not heard from Juliana's camp if she's still interested to screen for Bb. Pilipinas. I hope she has not yet changed her vow to keep on trying for six years until she gets accepted. Not allowing a sexy star to be part of the most prestigious pageant in the country smacks of discrimination.

Meantime, Juliana has an upcoming movie with Manny Pacquio, Eddie Garcia and Aubrey Miles. In her next film outing, we would see her paired with Lauren in a movie entitled "Kaleldo," a Pampangueño term for hot summer, wherein they will play husband and wife. The movie also stars Johnny Delgado, Cherrie Pie Picache and Angel Aquino. Well, for sure there would be intrigues linking Lauren and Juliana, but I do hope Lauren won't forget what he told us that he goes for a "long-term relationship." So I expect him to keep that promise so as not to hurt his Cebuana girlfriend who is a good friend of mine. Oh Lauren, try hurting her and you'll surely be getting bad press in Cebu.

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Speaking of friends, the casting of votes for the "Search For A Star In A Million" league of 12 has officially began. Our strongest bet, fellow Cebuano Jimmy Marquez, is doing just fine. I had the chance to watch him last Sunday and indeed, his chances are great. He sang Gary V.'s "Gaya Ng Dati" and did really well. "You did not fail me Jimmy," was Rowell Santiago's verdict, which was echoed by Agot Isidro. Gary V. was all praises and even used the adjective "superb" to compliment Jimmy's performance. Jimmy did not fail us too!

But hey, that was just the beginning of a bigger battle where discrimination might figure along the way. I hate to say this but Jimmy's being gay might become an issue. Organizers said it's not and I hope they mean it. But I'm bothered about rumors that ABS-CBN is eyeing for a male winner to join the Champions league. I hope that these are all but rumors to pump up the ratings of the show.

For me, Jimmy is a gift and no doubt the strongest to beat, not to mention certainly down-to-earth. He has the talent and the right attitude. Then let's give him the chance to shine and live that dream of becoming a star. If in the end Jimmy deserves to win, then let it be, judges.

Jimmy should be well applauded for being honest and proud enough to openly admit he is gay. Go Jimmy! I'm behind you and I'll support you until the end of this interesting and exciting journey to stardom. But friends, I can't do this alone, cast your votes while there is time. Jimmy was only number two in the ranking last Sunday. Let's make him number one by texting SIAM JIMMY send to 231 for Smart and 2331 for Globe. I just did my part. Please don't fail me. Thank you very much.

Belated happy birthday to my good friend and savior Ms. Flora Mata of The FREEMAN's Circulation Department and to my friend Mitch Mendoza last Sunday, August 28. Advance happy birthday to the ever-beautiful and now GMA-7 "Balitang Bisdak" reporter Lalaine Go on Saturday, September 3. React at [email protected] or text to 09286252596.