Why Judy Ann is mad at Mark Anthony

Curtain-raisers:

* Could it be true that Judy Ann Santos is mad at Mark Anthony Fernandez because of a, well, "tongue out" incident during the taping of an episode for Judy Ann Drama Special (telecast recently) where a still- too-thin Mark appeared as guest? You see, according to the Funfare DPA, the two had a love scene where Mark was supposed to kiss Judy Ann gently on the lips (as in a simple smack -- "harmless," you know). But what Mark did was put out his tongue, so Judy Ann got mad. Oh, well, you can't blame Mark. If you're kissing a pretty girl like Judy Ann, you, too, will get carried away, won't you?

* Could it be true that five GMA shows will soon be axed, among them the Ara Mina starrer Super Klenk, Ispup and Comedy Central Market? I hope GMA will reconsider the decision about Comedy Central Market which is so funny and so innovative and original that I actually go home early on Friday nights to catch it. In fact, if you ask me, GMA should shorten Bubble Gang to just one hour and extend Comedy Central Market from 30 minutes to one full hour.

* Could it be true that a popular TV host is not really as lonesome as he makes people believe he is? Try to call his house phone early mornings and chances are, it will be the host's girlfriend who will answer the phone with her bedroom voice. And while you're at it, maybe you should ask the girl what the weather forecast is.

As he grows more mature as an actor, Albert Martinez continues to reinvent himself and try new things, explore new possibilities and, so to speak, rush into areas where less plucky actors fear to tread (yes, such as going bold).

Because of his derring-do, Albert has successfully junked his boy-next-door image and assumed a new role as a serious actor willing to do anything his roles call for, including strip to his birthday suit (something which Albert has been minimizing, perhaps in deference to the feelings of his family -- wife Liezl and their three children -- who frowned on his very sexy portrayal in Ekis).

While lying low from the movies (he has been a bit scarce lately, or haven't you noticed?), Albert has been, that's it, trying new things, such as doing a stage play, Paglayang Minamahal, where he proved himself to be not only a good actor but also a good singer.

Don't look now, but Albert has again explored a new field -- making commercials and documentaries, something which has intrigued him no end.

Now he gets the chance to do the same -- and more! Albert has been involved from Day 1 in the making of a 20-minute audio-visual presentation (AVP) for the Boysen line of products. He brainstormed with the creative people, threw in his concepts and ideas, and appeared as the lead talent.

The "how-to-do-it-yourself" video is entitled Ask Albert and we see him as a head of the family-a handyman who talks about the different products of Boysen. To be seen throughout the duration of Worldbex 2000 exhibit currently ongoing at the World Trade Center in Roxas Boulevard, the video is a hit among the participants which include construction people, painters, architects and ordinary dads.

"I like the fact that I'm doing something close to real life. When I was in the States trying to start a family, I was hands-on in the running of our household. I was building, painting, doing the dirty work if that's what you call it. If there's something broken, I fix it myself. Ako ang padre de familia, kaya dapat alam kong gampanan iyon. Especially in the States, you do things on your own," he smiles, recalling those years gone by.

In her white uniform, Maritess Gutierrez looks cute as the chef of the newly-opened Aresi (Tomas Morato corner Scout Albano Streets in Quezon City) which has been attracting, among others, a showbiz crowd not only because of its fine cuisine (take a bow, Maritess!) but also because of its ambience.

On the day we were there, we spotted Dolphy and son Eric Quizon discussing over dinner their new film, Walterina: Comfort Gay, with director Gil M. Portes and Eric's manager Dolor Guevarra. Any day, you're bound to bump into or rub elbows with showbiz folk, Aresi being just a stone's throw from ABS-CBN and a few minutes drive from movie offices (like Viva films, Star Cinema, etc.).

Aresi's architecture (high ceiling, wide spaces and surrounding walls glistening with gently flowing water) is the idea of Marc Dualan who co-owns the place with Gerry Apolinario, Berna Apolinario, Rody Apolinario, Ferdie Ngo and Joel Aguilar.

Incidentally, Maritess (Gloria Romero's only daughter, in case you've forgotten) is a Culinary Arts graduate from the Center for Culinary Arts, Manila. Her mom was among Aresi's special guests during its opening, with Quezon City Mayor Mel Mathay and Speaker Manny Villar doing the ribbon-cutting honors.