Vina's fond memories of Robin

After fresh triumphs abroad - a successful stint on Indonesia's own version of "American Idol" and an extensive concert tour of the U.S. - Christian Bautista returns home, and celebrates his 24th birthday, with a personal "pasalubong" to his loyal fans. STAGES, Christian's management team, is producing "Heartfelt" - an intimate evening of love songs, personally chosen by the Romantic Balladeer and requested by his fans, at the Music Museum on November 11 and 12.

For two romantic evenings, Christian will be serenading his devoted listeners, with a line-up of songs that includes "One Last Cry," "You To Me Are Everything," and "If Ever You're In My Arms Again," as an expression of his heartfelt gratitude for their continuous patronage of his music and various projects. Talented Coca-Cola girl and MYX VJ Nikki Gil, and another Trumpets Playshop's young talent Sam Concepcion will be his special guests.

The intimate atmosphere of this concert will be a refreshing change for the "Star In A Million" alumnus, after months of non-stop performances in stadium-sized venues here and abroad. "'Heartfelt' will be all about the fans," says Christian. "I'm in constant awe of how generous they are with their time, and expressions of support. I really haven't thanked them enough."

Christian's growing following stayed behind him even after "Star In A Million" and saw him race past many of his contemporaries in the industry with a record-breaking speed. Before long, his albums were going platinum not just in the Philippines but in another Asian country as well. The juiciest commercial endorsements were soon signing him on - Bench, Smart Communication, Greenwich Pizza, Skechers, Swatch, Bed Head products, among others.

With the solid backing of STAGES, his record label Warner Music Philippines, and ABS-CBN - Christian's career has branched out to acting and hosting for TV as well.

As "Lorenzo" in ABS-CBN's hit teleserye "Kampanerang Kuba," his fan base has expanded even more, and so with his regular spots on "ASAP." His recent guest appearances in hugely popular TV franchise "Indonesian Idol," and wildly successful U.S. concert tours attest to that.

"I wouldn't be anywhere right now without all these amazing people," he says with sincerity. "Knowing they're out there listening, wanting to know what I'm going to do next, keeps my feet on the ground. I owe it to them. 'Heartfelt' is how I can say thank you in the way I know best."

"Heartfelt" is also STAGES' follow-up to its immensely successful run of "Footloose the Musical." Now revved up to stage more major musical productions in the future, the company continues to develop projects for its homegrown talents, beginning, of course, with its top discovery. Aside from more concerts, a major musical is in the works - "The Fantasticks" - top-billing Christian, whose professional roots were, lest it be forgotten, in the theater.

A romantic weekend with "Heartfelt" will be onstage on November 11 and 12, 9 PM at the Music Museum. Audie Gemora directs the show, while IJ Gacia handles musical direction. For ticket reservations, call Ticketworld at 891-9999 or STAGES at 818-1111 loc. 225. Ticket prices: P600 and P1,000.

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We saw Coca-Cola Girl and MYX VJ Nikki Gil when we dropped by at the ABS-CBN compound one afternoon. We took the opportunity to approach her for a little chat to which Nikki willingly obliged.

Nikki is rumored to be playing beautiful music with Gabriel Valenciano (the second son of Gary Valenciano) so we dared ask Nikki about the rumor. She said that she and Gabriel are still in the stage of getting to know each other stage although they've met years ago. They haven't gone deeper than friendship although the two have met in the same Christian community where they are both involved in the music ministry.

Nikki was flattered to know that Angeli P. Valenciano, Gabriel's mom, likes her. "It's an honor," she says when told that Angeli approves of her in case her friendship with Gabriel develops into a romantic relationship. It was even Angeli who told some close friends in the press that she approves of Nikki for Gabriel.

We also saw Nikki and Gabriel at the opening ceremonies of the 2005 Star Olympics (they were two of the segment hosts) held at the Elephant World at the Araneta Center last October 1 and they do look good together. The fans even approached them to have pictures with them.

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Vina Morales is looking for a copy of the video of her 18th birthday which she celebrated in a hotel. It was only recently she discovered she didn't have a copy of it. It was the time Vina was so enamoured with Robin Padilla who was her escort during her debut.

She now recalls fondly the time she was so in love with Robin but she's thankful to her parents who guided her and "prevented" her from making a go of her relationship with Robin as she was still young and vulnerable.

Vina's turning "25" on October 17, but she's not throwing a party. Well, she's not really 25, but she won't reveal her age. She had been living on her own for two years now and she likes the idea of living independently.

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While there is no impediment if ever Marvin Agustin and Tetet Dy (the mother of Marvin's twins Santiago and Sebastian) decide to marry, the two have no immediate plans of tying the knot. Both of them are unattached and no one would probably protest if ever that happens for the sake of the twins. But Marvin himself said that marriage is out of the question as of the moment, but added that their priority is thinking of the future of the twins.

Being mature individuals, Marvin said he and Tetet would rather focus on the future of the twins. They do not consider the birth of the twins a mistake. "In fact, itinuturing namin na blessing ang nangyari na ito dahil dinagdagan namin ang apo ng aming mga magulang," said the actor. "We don't want to add pressure to ourselves. It's better that we take care of the twins and prepare for their future."

Since the twins Sebastian and Santiago will be brought home to the Philippines, Marvin said their main concern is taking care of the kids. But Marvin is somewhat evasive when asked regarding the status of his relationship with Tetet. He's consistent in saying that taking care of the twins is his top priority, not marriage. Well, at least, not at the moment.

"Basta sa ngayon ay mommy at daddy kami ng mga anak namin. Hanggang doon na lang muna," said Marvin who's playing the lead role in the upcoming movie "Kutob."