Dingdong Dantes defends Rhian Ramos

Dingdong Dantes came to the defense of Rhian Ramos amid talk that the young actress is not suited for the role of the leading lady Jodi in the GMA series “Stairway to Heaven” which starts airing on Monday, September 14.

Rhian’s detractors are not in favor on the actress being chosen for the coveted role in this new series being directed by Bb. Joyce Bernal, Andoy Ranay and Mac Alejandre. But Dingdong took the cudgels for Rhian, saying that she fits the role to a T. “Once you get to see Rhian, you’d surely say that GMA 7 did the right thing in casting her as Jodi,” said one of the world’s sexiest men on his co-star in “Stairway to Heaven,” the Koreanovela that became a big hit when it was shown on GMA 7 in 2005.

The press noted the natural chemistry of Dingdong and Rhian even if this is the first time that they are working together in a TV drama. “We didn’t have a problem connecting with each other in our scenes. The workshop we did before we started the taping was a big help in making me and Rhian feel comfortable with each other. We hit it off well,” added Dingdong.

The popular actor gave the assurance that his partner is doing very well with her role and impressed upon the press that Rhian’s performance would certainly endear the audience.

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Rufa Mae Quinto refused to talk about DJ Mo Twister when we visited her on the set of Bubble Gang last Monday. She told us not to write anymore about the issue involving her and DJ Mo since it would only make the latter more popular.

It’s obvious that the sexy actress is displeased anew at DJ Mo after the TV host wrote in his Twitter account that Rufa Mae had a relationship with Cong. Mikey Arroyo. When Rufa Mae got mad, DJ Mo explained in Showbiz Central last Sunday that he was only joking. What a lame excuse if you ask us. You don’t make such things a joking matter, especially since Mikey Arroyo is very much married.

Rufa Mae made it clear that she didn’t want to be linked with a married man, especially since she has boyfriend and there’s no way that she would have a connection with Mikey, save for the fact that she campaigned for him many years ago when he first ran as congressman in Pampanga. Other than that, there’s no reason to link her to the son of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Why does DJ Mo always pick on Rufa Mae? Are they really friends that he can afford to make the actress the butt of his jokes and expect that he’d get away with it via a simple apology that doesn't even sound sincere? Rufa Mae is adamant in her intention of not talking to DJ Mo should she report back to work on Showbiz Central this Sunday. She’s not even sure if she’d be going to Showbiz Central this Sunday, as she would really not want to run into the blabbermouth.

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In tonight’s epispode on “Bubble Gang," Moymoy Palaboy would rock ala Lady Gaga to the tune of Poker Face.

Meanwhile, celebrate the birthday of Yaya. Find out what’s the special ingredient that she would use on the fried rice that she would serve her guests.

Rufa Mae and Wendell Ramos had too much “Putithione” that made their siblings not able to identify them.

Other comic sketches include the overacting painter and the discount addict. Find out what happens when newspapers disappear in the segment “Kapag Nawala na ang Dyaryo.”

Special guests in “Bubble Gang” are Rainier Castillo and Cherry Ann Kubota.

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Cannes winners Brillante Ma. Mendoza and Raymond Red open and close the 11th Cinemanila International Film Festival, which is scheduled to run from October 15-25, 2009 at the Market! Market! Cinemas, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

Cannes 2008 Best Director Brillante Ma. Mendoza's latest film Lola, which opens Cinemanila on October 15, is also the Philippines’ surprise entry to this year’s Venice Film Festival. Meanwhile, Cannes Palme d’Or winner (for his short film Anino) Raymond Red's first major film in nine years Himpapawid (Manila Skies) closes Cinemanila on October 25. Himpapawid is the RP’s entry to this year’s prestigious Tokyo Film Festival.

This year’s Cinemanila is presented by the Cinemanila International Film Festival Foundation and the City of Taguig. For more information on the 11th Cinemanila International Film Festival, log on to www.cinemanila. org.ph.