Is Jolina leaving ABS-CBN?

For several weeks now, there have been sporadic reports that Jolina Magdangal was leaving ABS-CBN, her home studio these past 10 years, and its sister companies Star Cinema and Star Records, which have groomed and built her up to be the star that she is now.

Or is she being "kicked out," according to some reports, because she and the rest of the Magdangals (including Jolina’s father, Jun Magdangal, who’s her manager) are "masama ang ugali" (bad-mannered) and are hard to please?

To get the real score, Funfare called up Jun Magdangal who, while confirming that Jolina was, indeed, cutting ties with ABS-CBN/Star Cinema/Star Records, said that the parting was friendly and devoid of any bitterness (on either side) or any hard feelings.

"It’s like this," said Jun. "Jolina has multi contracts, one with Star Cinema which expired in July last year, a co-management contract (with Talent Center) which expired last May 14, her TV contract which expired in December last year and another with Star Records for which she still has to do one more album. We’ve decided not to renew those contracts."

After the release of Jolina’s last movie for Star Cinema, the smash-hit Kung Ikaw ay Isang Panaginip (with Leandro Muñoz and Rafael Rosell IV), a possible two-picture (extended) exclusive contract was discussed but Jun insisted on a non-exclusive contract so that Jolina would have a chance to do movies with other companies (Regal, Viva, FPJ, etc.).

For Star Records, Jolina has done four solo albums, four soundtracks and a few remix albums, all of which, according to Jun, were best-sellers, just like her concerts both here and abroad which were also, according to Jun, successful.

Was Jun, on behalf of Jolina, demanding for a special treatment as far as Jolina’s TV appearances/guestings are concerned? (On A.S.A.P., all the stars – including the "super" ones like Pops Fernandez and Zsa Zsa Padilla – usually do productions numbers with other stars and seldom do they perform solo, Jolina included.)

"Exposure-wise," admitted Jun, "Jolina deserves better; she shouldn’t be treated as ‘just one of them.’ I discussed the matter with company executives two months ago and they gave word that they would do something about it. Nothing has been done about it so last May 3, I decided to write a ‘reminder’ letter to Johnny (Manahan, a.k.a. ‘Mr. M.’ head of the ABS-CBN Talent Center) and Johnny sent me a reply last May 6, simply thanking me for the chance to have worked with us. Jolina’s other show, Arriba, Arriba!, has no problem because it’s doing well in the ratings game."

Is Jun making his usual tampo as, well, bargaining leeway for the renewal of Jolina’s contracts? Is he, as usual, playing hard-to-get? Is he back to what showbiz-watchers call his "cat and mouse" tactic, "threatening" to move to another station/company so that ABS-CBN and sister companies will run after Jolina?

"It’s just a career move," said Jun. "There are other opportunities ‘outside’ and we want to take advantage of them. As it is, Jolina is still with ABS-CBN but not on an "exclusive" basis. How long she will stay depends on how ABS-CBN will be treating her."

Well, let’s wait and see who will have the last laugh.

Jessa a hit in Seoul

Last April 21, Jessa Zaragoza scored a "first" of sorts by being the first Filipino artist to perform at the Chang Chung Gymnasium (as big as our Folk Arts Theater) in Seoul.

The concert, sponsored by the United Workers Association, the Bulacan Association and the International Paul Church (Foreign Workers Mission), attracted not only Filipino workers in South Korea but other nationalities as well.

Jessa sang selections from her Star Records CD (which was a sell-out after the concert) and her other hits like Bakit Pa?, Paano Kaya? and Ibigay Mo Na. Homesick Pinoy workers there cried upon hearing those songs, many of them quietly singing along with Jessa.

It was Jessa’s husband, Dingdong Avanzado, who directed the show, also appearing as a guest performer.

PDSI sets Family Day on June 2

The Philippine Dermatological Society, Inc. (PDSI) is holding a Family Day on June 2, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Santuario de San Antonio Social Hall in Forbes Park, Makati City, to celebrate its 50th Foundation year.

Dr. Nellie T. Yu, chairman and head of the social committee, said that several activities are being lined up for the event, including Ballroom Dancing with Dance Instructors, Kiddie Korner, Sing-Along Karaoke, Know-Your-Co-Dermatologists, Bazaar, Bingo Social and Make-Over Sessions.

As I’ve always been saying, Nellie is a walking advertisement of her clinic (one in Makati and another in Binondo, Manila), what with her smooth skin and ever-youthful looks. She’s the sister of Seiko Films boss Robbie Tan. Very low-key, Nellie has dozens of star-clients.

For inquiries about the June 2 affair, call 813-2429, 241-1071 or 242-0480.