Why Sharon Cuneta lost weight

The Araneta Coliseum is the venue of Sharon Cuneta's return to the concert stage after a three-year self-imposed hiatus. The long wait is finally over for the numerous fans of the megastar who had been waiting for her to stage a big comeback in the concert scene as on February 12, Sharon stages "My Mega Valentine," which will be produced by Artist House and Sony-BMG Music Pilipinas.

When Sharon met the press at the Holiday Inn Galleria Suites last week, she looked every bit ready for the concert. She has lost so much weight and a few more pounds off her, she will be back in her fighting form, meaning the ideal weight she would want to achieve. She made it clear that she did undergo some medical procedure to enable her to lose unwanted pounds.

"I am not even specifying what kind and I am not saying where and who performed the procedure. I've always been honest with you (the press) but please don't ask me to go into details. I'm afraid that if I go into specifics, I might never hear the end of it. I'd like to keep things to myself," she said.

Sharon is afraid that if she'd go into details, those who might get the wind of it might get the idea of going through the same medical procedure. "What if the procedure doesn't suit the person? What if, in the process, somebody would die? So it's best that they know I went through a medical procedure. I am still at it. But I have been a very good girl. I've been following a strict diet. And I am also doing a lot of exercises to keep myself fit."

She decided it's time to go back to work, not because she needed to, but she misses her first love that is singing. The medical procedure was what she needed to get back into shape since she didn't have the luxury of time even she really wants to be back as soon as possible.

"It was my decision and nobody can force me to do something, much less lose weight. It's not even the writeups that had been saying I was overweight and was hiding from the public. What drove me to undergo the medical procedure was because I got tired of being heavy. Now it's time to get back into shape."

That Sharon is doing a Valentine show is a reason for her fans to celebrate. Joining her in the musical event are Kuh Ledesma, Christopher de Leon and Christian Bautista. Completing the cast is harpist Noelle Cassandra, with Louie Ocampo as musical director. Manahan directs the show. "I will be singing with my idols," she said, referring to Kuh and Boyet. She loved the songs of Kuh and the movies that had Boyet as leading man. She's happy to be sharing the same stage with her idols for the first time.

Aside from her Valentine concert, Sharon's also preparing for her return on TV via a talk-variety show on ABS-CBN, as well as a movie with Aga Muhlach for Star Cinema. She will also be doing a concert tour in the United States and possibly Europe, plus provincial concerts in the key cities in the Philippines.

* * *

What is the good-looking and dusky model-turned-actor Lauren Novero doing in the new musical play to be staged at the Cultural Center of the Philippines? Lauren was chosen from among those who auditioned last December to play the role of Dodong in the Tanghalang Pilipino production of "ZsaZsa Zaturnnah (Ze MuziKal)."

Dodong is the "delicious" love interest of alter egos, Ada, the "Parlorista Ng Bayan" played by Tuxqs Rutaquio, and Zsazsa Zaturnnah, the ultrasexy superhero played by versatile actress Eula Valdez.

This is Lauren's first venture into the world of theatre. Even though he's a newcomer in the field, he's no neophyte when it comes to portraying the gay lover role. In his debut film, the critically-acclaimed digital film, "Mga Pusang Gala," he was the lover of versatile actor Ricky Davao. But doing a musical is something new for Lauren since aside from acting, he will try singing. He will also be doing fight scenes with the zombies and power-tripping Amazonistas headed by Queen Femina Suarestellar Baroux (portrayed by singer-actress Agot Isidro).

It seems Lauren is getting his fill of serious projects. Simultaneous with his rehearsals for this musical play, he's also doing the musical film titled "Abadeja, A Filipina Cinderella" which is currently in the post production period.

The movie has English dialogues and features the indigenous Manobo tribe under the direction of balikbayan Myrna Muljern. He's also doing another movie titled "Lambanog" (Rice Wine), with Luis Alandy, Danica Sotto and John Lapus directed by Paolo Alessandro Herras.

Lauren just finished his second film titled "Kaleldo" (Summer Heat") where he co-stars with seasoned performers Johnny Delgado, Cherry Pie Picache, Angel Aquino, Juliana Palermo, Criselda Volks and Allan Paule with Dante Mendoza at the directorial helm. Just like "Mga Pusang Gala," "Kaleldo" got a B-rating from the Cinema Evaluation Board. He's also a semi-regular on the GMA 7 fantaserye "Etheria."

"ZSAZSA ZATURNNAH (Ze MuziKal)" is directed by Chris Millado, the 2002 Aliw Awardee for Best Stage Director (Insiang). It will be shown every weekend beginning February 10 to March 5 at the CCP Tanghalang Huseng Batute. Tickets are at P500. For reservations and inquiries, please call 832-3661 or 832-1125 locals 1620/1621.

* * *

The Prince of Pop, Erik Santos sings a duet with Asia's Songbird Regine Velasquez in the song Bakit Ba Iniibig Ka. The single composed by singer/songwriter Ogie Alcasid was especially written for the duo and is included in Erik's second album, "Who's Loving You Now." It is a beautiful piece about being passionately in love with someone but couldn't find a reason why.

Bakit Ba Iniibig Ka, which is now enjoying excellent airplay in radio stations, boasts of an MTV directed by Bb. Joyce Bernal. Star Records, producer of the album, left no stone unturned in the production of Erik's MTV. It also hired the services of award-winning cinematographer Charlie Peralta. The MTV produced by Joji Mangabat, was shot on location in an exclusive subdivision in Quezon City.

Erik will have a busy February. He is one of the performers, with Pops Fernandez and Jimmy Bondoc, at the remote coverage of the longest kissing event, Lovapalooza, in Cebu. He is also guesting in Big Champion Frenchie Dy's concert at Zirkoh on February 17 and on February 18, he will be in Casino Angeles in Pampanga. Erik goes to Baguio for the Ifm Pop Fiesta February 24.

For inquiries on Erik Santos please call backroom at 435-3808/928-3121 or e-mail [email protected]