A Friday to Remember with AJ and Ana

I met the fast-rising ABS-CBN star, AJ (Angel James) Dee III in Balamban last Friday where he was celebrity guest for Gaisano Balamban and Countrymall's A Million Thanks Family Car raffle draw. He was expected to arrive here as early as 9am that day but since PGMA had an unannounced visit to a certain establishment in Manila, some streets there had to be closed to motorists, so much so AJ's trip to the airport and arrival here were delayed. As soon as he was introduced to us at the airport, AJ appealed unendingly for our understanding. And because he flashed a sweet smile with eyes twinkling, I immediately told him it was just fine.

AJ, at a closer look, is really oozing with sex appeal. He exudes so much machismo with his to-die-for figure (well, he wasn't first runner-up in two model searches two years ago for nothing). AJ, who comes from an affluent Chinese family in Naga City, is very refined in his manners, soft-spoken and shy. The eldest in a brood of four (three boys and an adopted girl as their youngest), AJ was discovered when he escorted a Ms Bicolandia candidate in 2004 and was immediately lured to try his luck in the big city. A graduate of Business Management at the Ateneo de Naga two years ago, he grabbed the opportunity only after he finished schooling.

Arriving in Manila sometime in 2004, AJ was immediately welcomed into the portals of ABS Style talent agency that immediately fielded him to the Mossimo Model Search and Bikini Open Competition that year wherein he landed first runner-up in both. Next in line was ABS-CBN's TV Idols search last year, where he placed first runner-up again, thus earning a slot in Star Magic. Co-managed by TV host Boy Abunda's Backroom Artists, AJ got the chance to co-host with Anne Curtis and Pokwang in the Wanna Buzz segment of the showbiz-oriented program "The Buzz." He became very visible in TV later and secured a "masa" appeal when he became part of "Vietnam Rose" that concluded recently in the Kapamilya's primetime block. For now, while he awaits new projects, AJ is occupied with guestings, as well as corporate and provincial shows.

For a virtual newcomer to be managed by Boy Abunda, AJ must have something that caught the latter's attention. Therefore, he must double his efforts to become a legitimate versatile performer because judging from his performance at the Balamban Sports Complex he definitely still has a lot of proving to do. The venue was filled to the maximum comprised mostly by teenagers who didn't care standing just so to get a glimpse of AJ. He rendered two songs, including Orange & Lemon's "Pinoy Ako." He can sing, yes, but he lacked stage presence. And he was shocked when an aggressive girl hugged him and then grinded before him when they danced together onstage. Therefore I say AJ still has to put a lot of energy and enthusiasm into his performance.

The good thing about AJ though is that he's open-minded. On our way back to the city, I told him he has to give it his best when he performs because that lack of vigor might make people think that he is either hiding something or he's a plain snub. AJ flashed his sweet smile once again before admitting that he is learning to be comfortable and confident in public, as he was never used to be the focus of attention. He said he is just shy, but not a snub let alone a pretender. According to him he is very family-oriented and a homebody as he was used to just interact with relatives. In fact, it's good to know that unlike many models who are busy bar-hopping, AJ would rather stay at home when he has no taping or guesting. And he goes to ABS-CBN only when he is needed there "para iwas intriga." But AJ, a theater actor back in his college days, really loves what he's doing.

AJ is loveless. He had a girlfriend who's also from Naga City but they agreed to call it quits because she wanted to prioritize her medical studies. But they still have constant communication so who knows they would still end up with each other at the right time. He used to be attracted to Anne Curtis, but has developed into fondness, as he became good friends with Anne and her boyfriend Paolo Araneta because they used to talk every Sunday in between tapings for Wanna Buzz. He likes Anne because she is "sweet, makulit and simple-walang ka arte-arte." But for now he is poised to find his place in showbiz as a drama actor while pursuing hosting at the same time. What do I say? Good luck AJ, break a leg!

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Friday night had me dining with Bb. Pilipinas World Anna Maris Igpit at the Laguna Garden Cafe along with some members of the Models Association of Cebu (M.A.C.). In attendance were Queen of Asia Oceania Karla Bautista, Anna's model-boyfriend Harold Dee, fellow models Elvira Stehr (who is competing for Supermodel of the World Philippines), Fern Mediquillo and Cassidy Shun (competing for Best Model Philippines), Stephan Urtizberea (for BodyShots Search Philippines) and Elite Model Charity Lagahid. Some members of Clothes for life were there too such as Edwin Ao, Protacio, Marichu Tan and Wendell Quisido. Talk show icon and good friend Jude "Morning" Bacalso, who came all the way from Dumaguete City, as well as photojournalist Gerard Pareja dropped by. Managing head for Norkis Group of Companies, Mr. Adolito Flores and wife joined in that intimate victory party thrown by MAC. manager Chicoy Tomol.

Because I came in late since I had a light meal with Mommy Rose Gaisano at the Lighthouse Restaurant in Countrymall first, I just made "beso" with Anna when I got there, followed by a "kumustahan portion" as I told her how regal and gorgeous she looked in her floral summer dress. Of course, the huge crown on her head and the sash made her appear every inch a beauty queen. So after a brief talk with Anna wherein she related her worry during the pageant night wherein she did her own make-up for the first time, I left Anna to the company of her other guests as I was guided by Chicoy to a table occupied by the designers.

Anyhow, a reliable source told me the other day that the panel of judges reportedly chose Anna for the Bb. Pilipinas Universe title, and that Davao's bet Lia Andrea Ramos was actually chosen for the Bb. Pilipinas World, but judges had to deliberate again and interchange the titles due to age requirements in the international pageants. You see Lia is already 25 years old and Miss World organizers are reportedly particular with age, preferring candidates as young as 18 years old for the crown. My source added that candidate no. 13, Marie Ann Umali (the Francine Prieto look-alike who replied "love is indescribable because love is it" to the question of actress Iza Calzado), was supposedly eyed for the Bb. Pilipinas International crown. But after she flunked in the Q&A portion, she right away lost her chances at the title. Meanwhile, first-runner up Rosalyn Santiago was said to be the "most hated" candidate for being "proud, too aggressive and sometimes boastful."

Oh well, should all these be true, I actually don't care because I like those who have been chosen for the three respective titles. Their beauties are very oriental that I believed they would definitely steal the scene in the international pageants they'll be competing in. And of course, with Denille Lou Valmonte, Lia and Anna, trust that they'd do good in the interview portion because all three women have great communication skills. So I say, thank you judges for choosing them to represent the country!

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I had a sumptuous dinner at the newly reopened Yo Latino restobar along Salinas drive in Lahug last Wednesday courtesy of JY's Junjie Gonzales. I especially liked the spicy chicken wings and sisig and enjoyed drinking "sex by the beach" cocktail, after being intrigued by the concoction's name. The place is very spacious and comfortable plus the waiters are very alert, courteous and good-looking! (He he he!) Yo Latino is definitely the place to go, if you are looking for comfort and a mouthwatering meal. Check it out!

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Catch the "Eat Bulaga" barkada live at Abellana Sports Complex at noon today and the "Pinoy Pop Superstar" finalists' road show at the SM Cebu City covered terminal later at 6pm. Also don't forget to cast your votes for the PBB housemate Budoy Marabiles to stay on by typing BB (space) Budoy and send to 2331 for Globe, Touch and Addict mobile subscribers and to 231 for Smart and Talk 'N Text users.

Finally I won't end this column without greeting a very happy birthday to two women who played important roles respectively in my writing job-Madam Mayen Tan (tomorrow, March 26) who was instrumental in my becoming an entertainment columnist and Mommy Rose Gaisano (today), who believed in me and always invited me to interview her guest celebrities. Thank you so much for your kindness.

React at [email protected] or text to 09193194947.