Will JaDine become the next KathNiel?

Now that current teen idols James Reid and Nadine Lustre have signed up with ABS-CBN, we should expect then that the two will become even bigger and brighter stars in the days to come. It’s a big plus factor for the careers of James and Nadine that the Kapamilya network took interest in them.

The giant network will certainly use all their resources and platforms to make their newest teen stars as among the best in the field, popularity and talent-wise. ABS-CBN took a gamble in making big stars of Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla. The two proved the Kapamilya think-tanks right by doing two successful TV shows and two hit movies. Up next would be James and Nadine.

Still showing in theaters is the movie “Talk Back and You’re Dead,” the latest movie of James and Nadine, directed by Andoy Ranay. We had the chance to watch the flick in Gateway Cinema last Saturday and it was packed. The audience was mainly made up of teenagers and young adults who were obviously fans of James since they would break into a shriek each time the good-looking former “PBB Teen” winner was shown onscreen. Majority of the audience were mostly girls so they really went out for James. They swooned over the kilig scenes of James with Nadine.

Compared to their first movie “Diary ng Panget,” James did better acting-wise, same with Nadine. The female fans of James went gaga with his gangster moves.

Surely, the fans of Nadine and James will hope that ABS-CBN will give the two a teleserye that will intensify the kilig factor of the tandem. And they are surely waiting for the next JaDine movie, the teaser of which was shown in the ending of “Talk Back and You’re Dead.”

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Action star-turned TV host (via “Talentadong Pinoy”) Robin Padilla supported the anti-pork rally that was held at the Luneta Park on Monday. He also visited the Andres Bonifacio Shrine beside the Manila City Hall.

The action star is set to resume work for the filming of “Bonifacio,” his official entry to the 2014 Metro Manila Film Festival this December. Last year, Robin won the best actor award at the festival for the movie “10,000 Hours,” directed by Bb. Joyce Bernal.

A newbie director is handling Robin in his “Bonifacio” movie. But being handled by a new director is nothing new for him, or even working for a director who hasn’t had the chance to work with him.

When Robin did “La Visa Loca” for Unitel Productions under the direction of Mark Meily, his performance garnered critical acclaim. He likewise won two acting awards for his work from the Golden Screen Awards and Urian.

When we got to interview Robin at the presscon of “Talentadong Pinoy,” the action star expressed excitement for his “Bonifacio” flick. He said he did extensive research on the life of the hero and the movie will show some information about Bonifacio that we never knew existed or were not taught to us during our school days. That should be interesting.

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The Ice Bucket Challenge is the “in” thing now even for our local celebrities. Some of the stars who took the challenge were Kris Aquino, Korina Sanchez, Aga Muhlach, Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera, Zanjoe Marudo and Bea Alonzo, Robin Padilla and Mariel Rodriguez-Padilla, Anthony Taberna and even former Vice President Noli de Castro. They took the challenge on dumping ice on themselves just like the Hollywood celebrities who gamely took on the task to stir awareness for ASL (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis).

But as “Eat Bulaga” host Joey de Leon said, more than dumping ice water on themselves, it would be best if these celebrities donate an amount for the ALS awareness campaign. That was what talent manager Girlie Rodis did when director Jose Javier Reyes nominated her. Same thing will be done by talent manager Lolit Solis who said that she will ask her fellow “Startalk” co-hosts to do the same.

It would also be a fine gesture for local celebrities to send donations for worthy causes and for those people in need and not use the Ice Bucket Challenge for a mere publicity stunt. Of course, we can’t fault them if they want to ride on the bandwagon, but it would have more impact if they would also give a donation for those who need it.

We hope that the celebrities who chose to hitch their name to the Ice Bucket Challenge will also find in their heart to help fellow actress Tiya Pusit who has been confined in the hospital for a month now and is in need of financial assistance for her medication and operation for various ailments.

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Featured guests in the “Best of Episode” of “Bubble Gang” tonight are Sheena Halili, Mikey Bustos, Kobe and Andre Pares, plus Odette Khan, Roi Vinzon and Ms. Jaclyn Jose.

Segments include gags on treasure hunting, wedding proposal and funeral gags. Mr. Assimo strikes again by arguing with his driver because of a flat tire. Then he argues again with somebody while buying flowers for his loved ones.

In the segment, “Ikaw at Ang Ina,” a mother gives advice to her daughter while in the rich kid, poor kid segment, it presents the differences between a rich kid and a poor kid.

In another funny segment, Junior tried admitting to his parents that he is gay but his parents would not believe him.

In the “Master Showcase,” the game show host is even more excited than the player.

“Bubble Gang” airs every Friday on GMA 7. Its mainstays are Michael V, Rufa Mae Quinto, Boy 2 Quizon, Antonio Aquitania, Sam Pinto, Betong Sumayao, Sef Cadayona and Jan Manuel.