Search for RP's Next Top Model premiers March 13

Ruffa Gutierrez flew into town a day ahead of her two adorable kids. The children had jet lag, so they couldn't join mama during the presscon for upcoming show on RPN-9, the Philippines' Next Top Model. The show is based on Tyra Bank's America's Next Top Model and airs every Tuesday starting March 13.

Did you know that Tyra Banks is charging Solar Entertainment, the show's producer, a cool $100,000 for her endorsement? "That's why Solar is asking for donations," Ruffa joked.

After screening more than 3,000 aspirants nationwide, the show has come up with the final 14. The winner will have a modeling representation with the Starz modeling agency in Hong Kong, an editorial fashion spread on Preview Magazine, half-million pesos in cash from Mane and Tail Shampoo, a P150,000 modeling contract with Saga Events, an endorsement from L'Oreal Paris for their local campaigns, among other perks.

The Philippine's Next Top Model will have 15 episodes.

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Let's offer a little prayer to a kindhearted actor who is about to enter a dark phase in his life. A doctor has diagnosed him to be suffering from a life-threatening medical condition. He is seeking a second opinion but he's prepared for the worst. He's leaving any moment for the US for a more thorough check-up.

This actor is respected and loved by many in the movie industry, and his friends were shocked upon learning about his condition.

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Many didn't recognize the girl Jolo Revilla had in tow when he arrived at the 80th birthday celebration of his granddad, Sen, Ramon Revilla Sr. at the One Esplanade on Macapagal Ave. last Wednesday. Asked who she was, Jolo didn't give her name, but said she was a "special non-showbiz friend." That could only mean one thing: reconciliation between Jolo and Grace Adriano is out of the question. Come to think of it, It's been quite a while since Jolo and Grace broke up. Maybe it's for the best.

Senator Revilla's party turned out to be a family affair to remember. His children, led by Andeng Bautista-Ynares and the other lawmaker in the family, Senator Bong Revilla, put on a very heartwarming show.

Bong and wife Lani Mercado had a spectacular dance number. Bong also sang, and Andrea did a duet with Ogie Alcasid. The grandchildren were not to be outdone. Strike sang and the teen-age grandkids did the hip-hop, to lolo's delight.

A very special guest, President Macapagal-Arroyo, dropped by later in the evening.

The senator also got his biggest birthday wish - to have Sangley Point in Cavite converted into a container port. It's a project he's been working on after as chairman of the Philippine Reclamation Authority. A container port would mean jobs and growth for the province. Ramon Revilla is truly a Caviteno at heart!

In his speech, he said he has made his peace with God. He has no regrets. He is in fact happy that his many love children would benefit from the law that allows them to use his family name.

Very few showbiz celebrities attended. We spotted Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, Phillip Salvador, Bobby Andrew and his wife Bhien. There was a smattering of politicians, including Ilocos Sur governor and senatorial candidate Chavit Singson. Other politicos greeted Senator Ramon via an audio-visual presentation.

The senator's son-in-law, former senator and basketball great Robert Jaworski was there together with his son Dudut. Jawo paid tribute to the old man, and so did Andrea's husband, Junjun Ynares.

Providing the entertainment were Jolina Magdangal, Ai Ai delas Alas, Iya Villania, Christian Bautista and Pops Fernandez with Pilita Corrales.

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Senatorial bet Chiz Escudero turned on his bagets charm for the entertainment press after he got an endorsement from Regal Films' Mother Lily Monteverde. "I thank Mother Lily for recognizing my cause," Chiz said in his acceptance speech.

It's a shame the youthful congressman from Sorsogon, who has been rating exceptionally well in the latest surveys, has no plans for the moment to embark on a showbiz career. I'm sure Mother Lily would have lined up several projects for him.

Chiz had a taste of how demanding showbiz is after shooting a TV campaign commercial. No less than award-winning director Carlitos Siguion-Reyna megged the commercial. "I didn't know how hard the job of an actor is," Chiz says. He has asked his fellow legislators to pass a bill that would ease the tax burden of the movie industry.