Piolo survives yet another intrigue in silence

Piolo Pascual did the right thing by keeping his silence when his name was dragged into the issue involving Richard Gomez, Rufa Mae Quinto and Erik Santos. He chose not to dignify Richard's rather unfair remark that debased Piolo's (Erik's, too) masculinity.

The award-winning actor admits intrigues are part and parcel of show business. "In this business, you won't survive without the intrigues because these things add spice and color to this world," says Piolo. What he is cautious about is his family's reaction. They get affected by things written about him, especially if these are not true.

"My concern is for them (my family) not to harbor ill feelings towards others. When they get to read something bad that is written about me, they get mad. What I tell them is that they should not be bothered by these things since I don't try to get bothered by them as well," says Piolo who understands the concern of his mom and siblings, especially when write-ups already turn foul or nasty.

"As long as I am not bothered by the intrigues, they should not worry about me. They do understand how I feel about these things," says Piolo who is the featured artist in this Saturday's episode of "Star Magic Presents" where he gets to work with newcomers Lauren Young and AJ Perez.

In the episode titled "All About A Girl," written by Delfin Ilao and directed by Joey Reyes, Piolo plays Alvin who stays with his relatives in Manila, while fixing his papers to migrate to Canada. He becomes fond of Lea (Lauren Young), whom he encourages to develop her self-confidence. But the girl mistook this for love. Meanwhile, his cousin Egay (AJ Perez) feels sad because he has feelings for Lea.

"It feels good to work with newcomers because we were once newcomers too and if not for the support given to us by other stars, we won't be where we are now," says Piolo. "It feels good to be of help to young stars because they make us feel young too."

Piolo, together with his mom and sister, visited 17 cities in one month in their recent trip to Europe. Rumored sweetheart Rica Peralejo and her sister also went along with Piolo. Social realities in the eyes of 'Twilight Dancers'

In a country where political killings are rampant, and boundaries no longer exist between showbiz, politics and prostitution, the gay bar has become a symbol of society. The moment its doors open, anything can come in through the door -from fame, fun, money to sometimes danger for the macho dancer.

Coming from the heels of "Macho Dancer," "Sibak: Midnight Dancers" and "Burlesk King," "Twilight Dancers" offers a disturbing yet humorous look at Philippine social realities through the eyes of three macho dancers.

Dwight (Tyron Perez), who is young and at the peak of his trade, loses the girl (Glaiza de Castro) he loves to a politician's son (JE Sison). Alfred (Allen Dizon), at 28, is past his prime and is kicked out of the club. Bert (Lauren Novero), 30, has long since given up dancing, and is now the bodyguard-driver of a corrupt yet jolly businesswoman, Madame Loca (Chrerry Pie Picache).

Madame Loca, who prides herself in getting horny at the sound of gunfire, and has for motto "Go Global," manipulates the events that push the three dancers to fight for survival, and to finally confront issues of love, friendship and betrayal.

To top it all, a deaf-mute wife (Ana Capri) refuses to go back to her macho dancer husband; a director (Jerry Lopez-Sineneng) keeps promising stardom to a male dancer (Terence Baylon), who in turn lies to his mother that he works at a call center; a transvestite performer (IC Mendoza) fakes being a virgin; an upcoming club star dancer/gigolo (Kris Martinez) takes advantage of unsuspecting gay customers; a gay balikbayan overseas worker Bruno (William Martinez) splurges his hard-earned dollars on macho dancers nightly; a tyrannical mayor (Joel Lamangan) cross-dresses at his birthday party; a union leader (Nor Domingo) gets shot by an assassin in broad daylight-the unique pastiche of contemporary Philippines is set to the tune of sexy male bodies and horrifying truths.

But as the club's manager Taurus (Arnell Ignacio) would say, they are only here to serve the carnal desires of men. The show has to go on.

CenterStage Productions presents "Twilight Dancers" from the same tandem that made "Sibak" and "Burlesk King"-writer Ricardo Lee and director Mel Chionglo. It will have its world premiere at the Toronto International Festival this September 8 with subsequent press, industry and public screenings on Sept. 9, 11, 13 and 15.

Manila and Philippine screenings start Sept. 20.

The movie is the biggest break for Starstruck 1 avenger Tyron Perez who sheds his wholesome image by taking on the role of a macho dancer. This is a big leap indeed for Tyron, who was at first nervous when he started shooting his scenes. But he says that this is a prestigious project made by a competent director and that he's quite confident that with this role, people might finally notice not just his good looks but also his talent.

"I know a lot of people were surprised when they learned I accepted the role of a macho dancer," says Tyron. "I was really nervous the night before my first day on the set. I had to dance in a party scene wearing only my underwear. That was my first scene and it was with Joel Lamangan. And there were a lot of people involved in the scene."

Tyron admits feeling embarrassed as well. "But when I started dancing, I just let go. I just pretended no one was there but me. And even if I was dancing wearing only a bikini to hide my nakedness, I just pretended I was wearing pants so I won't feel ill at ease while doing it," he says. Lovi Poe in a (real) loveteam with Cogie?

The numerous intrigues hounding Lovi Poe these past few days may have sort of traumatized her, but she's not the type who'd quit that easily. True, she was hurt by the intrigues, not realizing that saying her dad Fernando Poe, Jr. was a good man would elicit a negative reaction from some people. Other than that, Lovi wouldn't want to comment any further.

Lovi is paired with Cogie Domingo in the final season of the top-rated series "Love to Love" which starts airing on Sunday, September 3. The two is rumored to be playing beautiful music but Lovi (and Cogie too) says they are still in the getting to know each other stage although they have been going out for quite sometime now. But always on group dates.

"I enjoy his company because he's a perfect gentleman and is fun to be with," says Lovi of Cogie. The stint in "Love to Love" is the first team up of the promising singer and the comebacking actor who vows to pick up from where he left off. After an auspicious start in the business, Cogie disappeared from the scene but now he's back to claim his place among the stars. Lovi, on the other hand, is trying her hand in acting although she says she's first and foremost a singer.