• Could it be true that a certain semi-active actor had his little member, uh, enlarged? What for?
• Could it be true that Miss Globe International Rica Balagtas is being relentlessly pursued by a dashing Turkish who was among the judges in that contest held recently in Istanbul, Turkey?
• Could it be true that Katrina Paula has "tasted" Marvin Agustin, and same thing with Sabrina M. with Rico Yan? Or could Katrina and Sabrina just be bragging (as usual!)?
Therefore, Funfare will be as brief as possible – and as space permits – with the following items:
• Phillip Salvador, who’s running for Vice Mayor in Mandaluyong City, wears yellow shirts (plus a touch of blue) in his house-to-house campaign in the 27 barangays comprising the city. Now, why is he very "Cory yellow" when he’s running under the Puwersa ng Masa banner? "It’s our uniform," said Phillip who has obviously gained a few very becoming pounds.
"I’m used to being in the slums because most of my movies have been shot in depressed areas (one of them Lino Brocka’s Jaguar which was filmed around the Smokey Mountain)," said Phillip whose running-mate is Bibot Domingo.
Having survived all the mudslinging, Phillip added that his only "complaint" is that Mandaluyong residents have been keeping his posters inside and not outside their homes.
"Ginagawa nilang souvenirs," added Phillip, "with my autograph."
• Makati Mayorable Edu Manzano also wears yellow (with shades of green) in his outings and that’s because he’s with the administration’s (and therefore "very Cory") side, People Power Coalition.
"This is the toughest fight of my life," said Edu, "both in my acting career and my political career."
It’s because being pitted with a tough opponent, Edu has put not only his future but also his life at stake.
"But we will overcome," he promised. If David could beat Goliath, why couldn’t’ I.."
• Around Navotas, Metro Manila, incumbent Mayor Toby Tiangco (a nephew of Mel Tiangco), 33, gets a second look with his movie-starish features (commanding at 5’11"), especially when he rode in a motorcade with Joyce Jimenez. Toby was elected Vice Mayor in 1998 but became Mayor last year when the mayor died of a stroke.
Toby is flattered to be mistaken for a movie actor."
"But then," he said, "looks without brains are meaningless. Looks fade but good performance has more lasting effects."
• Already well-ensconced as a TV host (and head of the ABS-CBN News and Public Affairs Department), why did Dong Puno quit television (only temporarily, I hope) and ventured into the murky waters of politics?
"I have received countless blessings from the Lord," said Senatoriable Dong, 55, "and I believe it’s time I returned God’s favor by serving the people."
Because he’s a good man (as I’ve been saying), Dong’s being pro-Erap (walang iwanan) won’t work against him, I’m sure. He’ll be on my list, definitely. I’m voting wisely so I’m crossing party lines.
Asked if he’s voting wisely, too, Dong smiled, "I’m voting straight Pu-wersa ng Masa."
Meaning he’s going to vote for even (party-mates) Miriam and Jamby?
Dong simply smiled. No comment.
• In Biñan, Laguna, one of those running for councilors is young lawyer (29) Gary Tan Gana Jimenez, nephew of my good friend (and fellow movie writer) Baby K. Jimenez who’s now based in L.A.
Gary, an Ateneo graduate, was the supervising producer of Compañero y Compañera, the show hosted by Sen. Rene Cayetano and Gel Santos-Relos. Gary is pushing for libreng payong legal (free legal counsel) as part of his platform.
• Meanwhile, have you been missing Maribeth Bichara on Keep On Dancing (where she’s the choreographer)? Maribeth has taken a leave of absence from the show to help campaign for her brother, Al Francisco Bichara, who’s a reelectionist governor in Albay.
"So far," said Maribeth, "maganda ang feedback kay Al."
Maribeth proudly revealed that it was during her brother’s term that the Province of Albay was awarded (last April 26) in Malacañang by the Philippine League of Local Budget as the Most Outstanding Local Government Units in Local Bud-get Administration. Albay was cited for excellence in the delivery of Public Services following Fiscal and Budgeting Policies and Procedures.
• And last but not the least. . . remember Abel Acosta (who used to be a "support" to such action greats as Rudy Fernandez, Phillip Salvador and others)? Tony Patawaran in real life, Abel topped the race for Baliuag (Bulacan) councilors in 1998 and he’s now running for reelection (People Power Coalition) with incumbent Baliuag Vice Mayor Romy Estrella who’s running for Mayor.