Good start for Jon

From superbod champ to Pinoy Big Brother housemate to superhero, Jon Avila has had a great start in showbiz. Blessed with extra creamy good looks and charm, you can’t imagine him being single. His charm is so strong that even Status: Single star Rufa Mae Quinto is rumored to be smitten.

We asked Jon whether he plans to court Rufa Mae who is currently single. He quickly dispelled the rumor but yes, they are enjoying each other’s company and that a special friendship is in full swing. “We both love to go out for coffee, movies and kwentuhan. I learn a lot from her about the industry,” he added.

But the one real thing that he admitted is that he feels great to be given a chance to work with the sexy comedienne in the movie Status: Single, the pre-Valentine offering of Viva Films and Rufa Mae’s On-Q 28 Productions, which opened last week. It is written and directed by Jose Javier Reyes.

“In this movie, Rufa Mae has tips for men on how to treat their woman,” Jon shared. “There’s too much pressure to be with someone, but this movie tells everyone na ok din maging single.”

In Status: Single, Jon plays the role of Iñaki, the nerdy and timid son of the owner of the company where the 30-year-old virgin Teodora “Doris“ Mesina (Rufa Mae) works.

Also joining Rufa and the superhunk in this movie are fellow hunks Rafael Rosell who is the drop-dead gorgeous Fil-Am bartender Hans, and Alfred Vargas, the handsome and intellectual Sean. Paolo Contis plays the role of Randy, Doris’ macho but very gay best friend. The cast also includes Mylene Dizon, Desiree del Valle and Angelu de Leon.

“Status: Single is about a woman with a never-ending quest to find true love,” Rufa Mae said. In a story a lot of modern women can relate to, Rufa Mae’s character is anxious to get married after her boyfriend (Mark Bautista) dumps her and all her girlfriends get married one after the other.

To make her dream of walking down the aisle come true the soonest time possible, Doris seeks the help of her very handsome, very macho but very gay best pal Randy in looking for the perfect husband.

“Aside from the strong statement that the movie wants to convey, Status: Single is also the fulfillment of Jon’s wish to be an actor. “I’ve always wanted to be an actor even when I was a little boy,” he confessed. “I’m so glad to be part of this movie.”

Meanwhile, Jon, the lead star of the TV series Kapitan Boom, is set to make a grand TV comeback. He will be part of the upcoming TV show Sanlakas, the Justice League-like gathering of the mightiest Komiks superheroes like Lastikman, Tiny Tony and Varga. For now, the details of the airing are kept under wraps, but Jon is already excited about the project.

He also co-hosts the TV5 dance show, Shall We Dance, and is part of the Coverboys that is regularly seen on A.S.A.P. ’09 on ABS-CBN. With all these big projects, Jon feels so blessed, and promises to work harder.

The half-Irish, half-Filipino hunk now speaks good Tagalog and he admits that he’s still polishing it in preparation for more projects that will come his way. He’s also proud to be a Filipino.

Inner Wheel Clubs’ national conference

The Inner Wheel Clubs of the Philippines, Inc. will hold its annual national conference on Feb. 6 and 7, at the Grand Plaza Ballroom of Sofitel Philippine Plaza, Pasay City. The event is spearheaded by national pres. Vicky Magadia and conference overall chairman Menchu Romero. International president from Denmark, Suzanne Nielsen is coming to Manila to grace the occasion.   Members all over the country are encouraged to attend this convention to affirm their commitment to the ideals of selfless friendship and service to humanity.

Once On This Island set Feb. 12

Once On This Island, the hit Broadway musical originally directed and choreographed by Graciela Daniele, will be staged at the Insular Life Corporate Center Auditorium, Insular life Drive, Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang Muntinlupa City on Feb.12 (2 p.m.), 14 and 15 (8 p.m). With book and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, music by Stephen Flaherty, and based upon the novel My Love, My Love by Rosa Guy, it is presented by the Jesu-Mariae International School, Inc. Act Society under the direction of Ma. Dulce D’Bayan.