Ara Mina, from showbiz to politics

Ara Mina claims she's ready for the slings and arrows that would come her way when she sets her foot into politics. She says she's definitely running in the May elections but can't decide for what position because there are a lot of offers.

While there are many who support her decision, there are those who believe it's not a good idea. Advises one veteran writer: "She's better off concentrating on her acting career and her love life." The writer forgot to mention Ara's singing career. She has hired a voice coach, reportedly the dean of the UP College of Music. That's how serious she is.

In fact, she had to rush off from a recent presscon because she had a rehearsal for her concert at the Araneta Coliseum on February 3. The proceeds from the show will go to the Ara Mina Foundation, her own charity organization.

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Did you hear about this composer who flew to Spain to present the song he made to a foreign singer who recorded Tagalog songs for her new album? Once in Spain Mr. Composer had to drive four hours just to be with the singer, a former student of his. It seems that his interest in the singer goes beyond the musical; the two were said to be an item when they were still on campus. A friend of mine marvels at the eagerness of the composer to see his ex-student and ex-girl. The hitch? Mr. Composer is married.

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I'm amazed to learn that my good friend Ricky Gallardo thought up the title of Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo, the top grosser at the recent Metro Manila Film Festival. And there's an interesting tale behind it. Long ago, Ricky got a call from Mary Ann Bautista, his friend. Mary Ann was fishing for a catchy title for a script she was entering in a scriptwriting contest. Ricky at that time was working for an ad agency. Ricky asked for a synopsis and Mary Ann narrated it to him. "I told her to call back after 30 minutes while I thought it over."

When Mary Ann called back, Ricky had the title for her: Kasal Kasali Kasalo. Mary Ann won the contest and offered P5,000 from her winnings to Ricky. "I refused because I felt she needed the money at the time."

Mary Ann eventually sold the story to Star Cinema several years ago. The story got shelved. When Star Cinema decided to join the filmfest it dug up Mary Ann's script. The story went through several revisions but the original title was retained.

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If you think Pinoy Big Brother was laden with intrigue, conspiracy and bitchiness, you should watch Britain's Celebrity Big Brother. The British version of the reality TV show has raised a storm because of insinuations that one of the housemates, Indian actress Shilpa Shetty, has been singled out for racial slurs by her companions.

The 31-year-old Shilpa has been verbally abused and called even a dog by her tormentors, triggering outrage not only in Britain but in India. The issue threatens to strain relationships between the two countries, with the Indian government demanding that London take action. It has overshadowed the visit to India of British finance minister Gordon Brown, the man who is expected to be the next prime minister. One British tabloid dubbed the show "Bigot Brother."

In the midst of it all, Shilpa is not complaining. The furor has catapulted her to international fame. Before Big Brother, she was a fair-to-middling actress in India's Bollywood. Now she's a global celebrity. The show's ratings have also gone off the charts as viewers keenly await the confrontation between Shilpa and her most vicious foe, Jade Goody. Last Friday, the viewers were to vote whom between the two to boot out of Big Brother's house.

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It's the third week of January, but so far only one film has been reviewed by the Cinema Evaluation Board. The first to earn a tax rebate is Agent X44 of ABS-CBN Productions starring Vhong Navarro, Pokwang, Mariel Rodriguez, Mura, Juliana Palermo and Tony Ferrer.

Will there be a dearth of Philippine films this year? After Agent X44, there's only one other movie up for review: Regal's The Promise, starring Richard Gutierrez and Angel Locsin. Regine Velasquez and Piolo Pascual are said to headline a co-production of Star Cinema and Viva Films, and there's Ang Cute ng Ina Mo starring AiAi delas Alas and Anne Curtis. Sarah Geronimo is also scheduled to start work on her launching movie this month. After that, no other movies are in the making. Even Mother Lily Monteverde hasn't announced any new project. Could it be she's disheartened by the lukewarm reception in the box office for Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah? And what about Cesar Montano? Will he still be enthusiastic after moviegoers stayed away from his Ligalig?