Heartthrob on the campaign trail

Grant me the serenity to accept with patience the things that I cannot change; the courage to change the things that I can; and the wisdom to know the difference.— St. Francis Of Assissi

This is what Senatoriable Francis "Chiz" Escudero quotes in silence every morning as soon as he wakes up. And that likewise is his guiding principle on the campaign trail where he is considered, although he can’t believe it, a heartthrob who attracts crowds the way a matinee idol does.

"He is my newest Regal Baby," said Regal Matriarch Mother Lily Monteverde who called a special presscon for movie writers to present Chiz as the latest addition to the roster that includes such names as US-based Gabby Concepcion, the Martinez brothers Albert and William, and Richard Gomez (another senatoriable).

For the record, it was Mother Lily who set the trend of inviting movie writers to a presscon for political figures back in 1992 when Gen. Fidel Ramos ran for President. "Candidates can reach out to people even in the most far-flung places in the Philippines because everybody reads stories by movie writers," explained Mother Lily. Thus, when election time comes around, it is the movie writers candidates seek out to help spread their message.

So, added Mother Lily, addressing almost a hundred movie writers at the newly-renovated function hall of her own Imperial Palace Suites (on Timog-Morato Rotonda, Quezon City), "I am presenting the charming, charismatic and intelligent Chiz. You see, I support those who have talent, whether they want to shine on the silver screen or in the Senate. I strongly believe that Chiz will shine in the Senate because he is hard-working, sincere and well-educated. We have the same advocacy for the youth, education, culture and the arts. Say Chiz!"

What Chiz projects in his 30-second campaign TV plugs is what he really is — self-effacing, down-to-earth and in touch with the masses who have no qualms shaking his hands, hugging him, pinching him, putting their arms around his waist while they pose for pictures with him (as they did when he filed his certificate of candidacy at the COMELEC, accompanied by Susan Roces, his other heavyweight backer).

"He was patient during the shooting of the four-story boards for the commercials, which took all of three days," said direk Carlitos Siguion-Reyna whose work stands out in a field spiced by commercials of other candidates also helmed by A-list directors (Joel Lamangan for Migz Zubiri, Peque Gallaga for Chavit Singson and Lino Cayetano for his brother Alan Cayetano). "And all he said was, ‘Ako rin!’ Chiz is not an actor but he manages to deliver the message with those two words."

We all know how brilliantly articulate Chiz is in the Senate, driving home whatever point with impressive cool, Let’s unveil the hitherto "unknown" side of Chiz, to wit:

• He and his wife Christine Flores are finally having their first child — twins, actually — after more than eight years of trying;

• He stands 5’8", weighs 150 lbs., wears medium-sized shirt and medium-sized briefs (waistline is 33") and size 7.5 shoes; and

• His favorites include tinolang manok (dish), Catherine Zeta-Jones (fantasy figure), American President (movie), mountain-biking (workout), target-shooting (sport), and bacon fried crispy with hard-boiled egg (breakfast).

How does he feel about being considered a heartthrob/sex symbol?

"I’m flattered but I don’t think I’m deserving."

Asked who his role model is, Chiz said, "A mix of Mahatir Mohammad (of Malaysia) for his nationalism and vision for his country, Lee Kwan Yew (of Singapore) for the same reason... and both knew when to step down...(Ferdinand) Marcos for his legal mind, Joseph ‘Erap’ Estrada for his being able to communicate with the masses and being understood by the people, Cory Aquino for bringing a tinge of her personality, which has nothing to do with politics, into government."

Let’s say "Chiz!" to that.

Dingdong and Jessa plus Rachel a hit in US

The husband-wife team of Dingdong Avanzado and Jessa Zaragoza, with Rachel Alejandro (Dingdong’s "ex"), did a successful staging of This Thing Called Love in Stockton and L.A., both in California. It was the same concert, with additions here and there, Dingdong and Jessa did as a Valentine presentation in the Philippines last year, a few months before they migrated to California.

Funfare got a copy of a review written by Jim Borja. Here’s an excerpt:

...The repertoire was well-thought-out; the spiels and banter were spontaneous, funny and engaging but wholesome; the pacing was perfect; and there was not a single dull moment. To say that the performances were superb is an understatement...It’s the kind of show that has the potential to be timeless...

Dingdong and Jessa are planning to stage the same show in other parts of the US.

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