Actor Richard Gomez plans on running in 2010 polls

Richard Gomez is planning on throwing his hat once again into the political ring come 2010. But the actor said that he would take note of the surveys first before he makes a go of what elective office he shall seek next year. However, he said, he’s being convinced to run as congressman of Ormoc City.

This was the statement given by Richard at the presscon on Wednesday at Anabel’s Restaurant in Morato Avenue, Quezon City, launching him and wife Lucy Torres-Gomez as endorsers of Birch Tree Full Cream Milk that is being reintroduced in the market.

“There are some people talking to me and urging me to run for a congressional seat,” said Richard who, in 2001, ran as a party-list representative under MAD (Mamamayan Ayaw Sa Droga). But since the group was identified with former President Joseph Estrada, the actor felt that politics got in the way and their group was disqualified despite having enough votes to make it to Congress. Richard once again tried his luck in politics by running as a senator in 2007, but he also didn’t make it. But this wouldn’t stop him from trying his luck anew next year.

“I am not losing hope. Even if I didn’t make it on my first two tries, I am still involved in my advocacies on sports and against drugs,” said the actor. If he figures well in the surveys, he might just dip his hand anew in politics.

“Ibig sabihin kasi niyan, the people in Ormoc want a change in leadership. Besides, naniniwala ako sa surveys. Iba pa rin na alam mo ang pulso ng mga tao,” added Richard.

Meanwhile, the actor and his wife Lucy have yet to find a new manager to chart their careers. It’s been more than a month since their former manager Douglas Quijano crossed the Great Beyond. Even though there were rumors that Richard and Lucy had taken Johnny Manahan as their manager, the actor said they haven’t signed with him yet, although the starmaker is one of those being considered. Among the alagas of Tito Douglas, it’s only Richard, Lucy, Joey Marquez and Jomari Yllana who haven’t signed with a new manager yet.

By September, Richard returns as host of the top-rating game show “Family Feud” and he’s very excited to go back to hosting the game show. He added that some changes would be instituted in the game show, plus they will be building a new set to make the show even more interesting for the viewers.

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It’s been five years since Janice de Belen did a movie. Now, she’s making a comeback via “Last Viewing,” the latest movie of indie film director Ronald Bertubin who gave us the movies “Sikil,” “Kurap,” and “Lovebirds.”

The actress was convinced to play the role of a mother who lost her autistic child although she admitted to being reluctant at first to accept the offer. What made Janice say yes were her three daughters who told her to take the offer since they haven’t had the chance to watch their mom in a movie. During the time that Janice was still active in doing films, her children were still too young to watch them. By the time they got older, Janice was more concentrated on her career as a TV host.

Even for teleseryes, Janice would rarely accept acting jobs. But when the offer came to do Last Viewing, she was intrigued, not only by the catchy title but also with the chance to do a dramatic role. No, she joked, she didn’t go sexy in the film but portrayed a dramatic role that she thoroughly enjoyed. Janice is still unsure though if she would do more films after this project.

“I just want to take things slow. I am still not sure if I am ready to accept another movie project. I am still feeling my way around. Besides, nami-miss ko ang mga anak ko pag di ko sila kasama. Kung gagawa ako ng movie, mababawasan ang oras na ii-spend ko with my kids. Nami-miss ko sila, pati ang bahay. Siguro mas gusto ko talagang maging laid back as compared to before,” said Janice during the premiere of Last Viewing held Tuesday night at SM Megamall.

Besides, Janice had just finished a Culinary Arts course and she wants to make use of her newfound skills in the kitchen. She has other plans in life and one of them is to put up her own restaurant.

She also signed up with Popoy Caritativo, the manager of Dennis Trillo, Marian Rivera and Mart Escudero. She picked Popoy to be her new manager because they have been friends before and she feels he knows a lot about her career and could help her a lot.

When asked to comment on the rumor that their talk show “Sis” would be axed soon, Janice said the show is set to celebrate its 8th anniversary this month. “Our show is always rumored to be axed but we are still here,” she said.

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Music lovers can look forward to what will truly be a hit-filled evening when Viva Concerts and Events present OPM icons Basil Valdez and Joey Albert together in a concert at Skydome in SM North EDSA on August 15.

Both Basil and Joey made their mark during the 70’s and 80’s with hit recordings of original Filipino compositions. These contemporary classics will be the highlight of their first concert together after many years, titled Incomparable.

Basil’s hits include Ngayon at Kailanman, Hanggang sa Dulong ng Walang Hanggan, Lift Up Your Hands, Tuwing Umuulan at Kapiling Ka, while Joey’s hits include Tell Me, Ikaw Lang Ang Mamahalin, Yakapin Mo ako, I Remember the Boy, and Iisa Pa Lamang just to name a few.

Basil and Joey were able to do some shows together during the 80’s and have remained friends. They are both excited about doing this concert and promise to perform all their hits.