Diet: Did he or didn't he?

Last week, Funfare came out with the “scoop” that Diether “Diet” Ocampo has turned from Kapamilya (ABS-CBN) to Kapuso by signing an “exclusive four-year-maximum” contract (to the tune of, hold your breath, P37 million in total?) with rival station GMA Network. According to the Funfare story, fed by an unimpeachable source, the contract guarantees continuous work for Diet, starting with the soap All About Eve (co-starring Iza Calzado, Sunshine Dizon, Jean Garcia, Eula Valdez and Richard Gomez), hosting and movies for GMA Films (the Kapuso sister company).

In the flurry that followed that “scoop,” Diet denied the story in the ABS-CBN newscast TV Patrol World and answered persistent text messages from the media only with a “Merry Christmas.”

Rikka Dylim of the ABS-CBN Star Magic issued a somewhat vague “official” statement that said: Diet is still with Star Magic and we hope he will make the right decision. Meaning, at that time Diet hasn’t yet made up his mind?

Now, the Bigger Question: Did Diet sign up with GMA or didn’t he?

A highly-reliable DPA told Funfare that Diet did sign the “draft of the contract” with GMA but turned chicken (or a dog with tail between the legs?) when ABS-CBN made a counter-offer (that he couldn’t refuse?).

Funfare asked a legal expert if the “draft” that Diet reportedly signed was valid and binding.

“Yes, it is,” said the bar topnotcher, “unless, he attached in writing some ‘reservations’ like terms he wanted included in the contract aside from those already mentioned.”

What if, according to reports, the “indecisive” Diet had a change of mind and heart, and signed a new contract with his almost-former home station?

“Then,” added the legal expert, “the second contract (with ABS-CBN) is not valid and therefore not binding.”

What if Diet again changes his mind and honors his “contract” (take note: in quotation marks) with GMA?

“Then,” said the legal expert, “ABS-CBN can sue him, in the same way that GMA can take legal action against him if he doesn’t honor his contract with the station.”

Whew! What a dilemma Diet has put himself in! Imagine being caught between two forces (sa pagitan ng naguumpugang mga bato)? Is Diet such a big star that the two giant networks would engage in a tug-of-war over him?

If you ask me, there are dozens and dozens of potential talents just waiting to be discovered and built up. That’s what we are in dire need of these days, aren’t we? Fresh and talented new faces.

Dindo would have been mighty proud

Did you know that the late Dindo Fernando, one of the country’s great drama actors, would have turned 68 last Nov. 19? Had he lived, Dindo (Jose Chua in real life) would have been mighty proud of his and wife Cory David’s grandsons Raphael and Agustine (Gustee), children of the couple’s daughter Rica and her husband Antonio Quejado III.

The Quejados are based in Venezia, California, where the two boys are studying at the Robert Semple School, Raphael in Grade Five and Gustee in Grade Three.

Here on an extended visit, Cory relayed to Funfare the good news that her grandsons are exemplary students. 

Raphael was granted last January the President’s Education Award “in recognition of (his) Outstanding Academic Excellence” and last June a Certificate of Citizenship “for (his) kindness, respect and generosity.”

Pres. George W. Bush sent Raphael the following letter, written on The White House stationery, dated January 3, 2008 and duly signed:

Congratulations on receiving the 2008 President’s Education Award.

Education helps shape the future of our country and is the cornerstone of a helpful tomorrow. For 25 years, the President’s Education Award has honored students like you who have shown a strong commitment to academic excellence and have built a solid foundation for a lifetime of accomplishment. This award demonstrates that when you do your best and follow your dreams, there is no limit to what you can achieve.

I applaud you for your hard work and determination, and I encourage you to rise to the challenges of new opportunities, be willing to take risks, and apply your talent to great purposes. I appreciate your parents for the love and guidance they have given you, and I am grateful to your teachers for their dedication to you. By preparing a new generation of leaders for success, they are helping to make America stronger and better.

Mrs. Bush and I send our best wishes.

George W. Bush

Meanwhile, last June Gustee was given a Certificate in Mathematics for being an “Outstanding Mathematician,” described by his teacher as “a wonderful student (who) works hard at everything he does...can read grade level material comfortably and answers comprehension questions confidently...done a fantastic job at spelling and dictation tests...also doing well on all math assessments and facts assessment... has turned in all homework neatly, correctly and completely. Gustee is a joy to have in class.”

Dindo must be smiling in his grave.

Spaziale Splendy bathrobe launched

The Italian bathrobe line-up of Spaziale Splendy from Milan, owned by Emilio Minna, was recently launched at the Carusso Restaurant (also owned by Minna) at Nicanor Garcia (former Reposo St.), Makati City. The bathrobes will be sold exclusively at Rustan’s.

Jean Saburit organized the event with the help of Hair Asia, Inc. president/CEO Evelyn Alvaran-Cruz.

“The Italian Ambassador, Ruben Fedele, and his wife Cossetta, helped us invite dignitaries,” said Jean.

Among those present were former First Lady Imelda Marcos, Rustan’s Nedy Tantoco, Cesar Montano, Gretchen Barretto (who looked stunning), her fellow Bb. Pilipinas Chiqui Brosas (Universe, 1977) and Annette Liwanag (Maja, 1977, the same year Jean was Bb. Young-Pilipinas), Becky Garcia, Gina Zablan, Cory Quirino, Eleanor Leung (of Pleasure Place in Metrowalk), Ruby Chua and daughter, Charles Lhuiller and Atom Henares.

Added Jean, “The sumptuous dinner was courtesy of Mr. and Mrs. Fazzini, consisting of Angus Steak, Fresh Salmon, Parma Ham of Sweet Melon, Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream and Caviar Cake.”

After the dinner, singing and dancing followed. Mrs. Marcos sang her favorite songs while Arthur Mamuntag and Lilibeth Garcia serenaded the guests.

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