Baby James: The youngest recording artist

Kris Aquino and Baby James also launched the edu-taining album We Are 1 under Star Records. Baby James is now the youngest recording artist. “The album is based on our experiences. Ako ang nagsulat lahat. I did the instruction and I shared my experiences while growing up as well as the experiences I have had in raising my children.’

Baby James according to Kris dances well. “Marunong siya sumayaw. This early, Tito Mel Feliciano is now teaching Baby James dance steps so we are going to have a music video.”

While some movie stars would not allow their children to join showbiz, Kris says she is the opposite. “Gogogo!” she said.

Kris informed that her mother former President Cory is coping well with her medication. “She had internal therapy radiation. She is coping very well from the last scan. Maganda yong result ng colon surgery niya. Humuhugot siya ng lakas from everybody who continues to pray for her. While it is important to have the financial resources when you are ill, it is also important to have family and friends who really care for you at mag-e-extend ng pag-aalaga sa yo. Family support system is really important.”

Jewelry scam

A few weeks ago, we read in the front pages about Sen. Loren Legarda taking a stand on behalf of friends who were allegedly duped by a certain Marilen Guisande. According to the papers, Marilen would entice rich clients into giving heirloom pieces for either pawning or selling. Marilen would allegedly pawn the precious million-peso jewelry and when it was time for the owners to redeem them, the jewels were nowhere to be found.

Recently, showbiz was rocked by a similar controversy involving big stars. Named in the reported jewelry scam is Analyn Manalo, whose better half, comedian Jose is one of the hosts in a noontime TV show. Analyn according to reports name-dropped showbiz personalities to convince buyers. Even Kris Aquino and James Yap’s names were dragged. “I have stopped buying jewelry ever since my mother got sick. I don’t know them at sa pagkamaingat ni James sa pera, hindi siya bibili ng alahas,” explained Kris. “I wish I knew them. At least may saysay yong pag-drag sa pangalan namin. I have been in ABS-CBN for 12 years at hindi ako umaapak sa kabilang station and they have never been to ABS for me to know them.”

Unhappy Claudine

Claudine Barretto is not so happy with the court’s decision on the case she filed against Joanne Castro. Last week, Joanne pleaded guilty to the crime of unjust vexation, a case filed by Claudine and husband Raymart Santiago. “We were surprised why she pleaded guilty to the charges. But we are not 100 percent happy. For the attempted kidnapping to prosper, kailangan hawak nila ang anak mo ng three days.”

Claudine was also shocked to learn that Joanne was fined P100. “Hindi po ako kuntento. Nakakaloka yong P100 bail.”

Claudine believes there is a syndicate behind Joanne. “Hindi ito karaniwang tao. I have met her. I have spoken to her. Matatalinong tao ito. Yong kapatid niya pulis, yon ang itinuturo niya.”

Claudine also pleaded with Joanne to bring out the names she had mentioned to the NBI. “Ituro mo na kasi hindi pwede na ikaw lang mag-isa dito. Kagaya ng sinabi mo marami kayo kaya ilabas mo na.”

Meanwhile, Joanne’s lawyer explained that the punishment given to his client is enough. She was also fired from her job. “Na-trauma na siya ng husto. She just wants to move on.”

A girl for Dawn this time

Dawn Zulueta’s classmates at the Assumption College gave her a baby shower. Dawn is already on the eighth month of pregnancy. She is due to give birth via C-section. It’s a girl for Dawn and husband Rep. Anton Lagdameo. “My baby is healthy. Kaya lang I have diabetes and hypertension. Everything is monitored,” said Dawn.

“I am happiest talaga with my children, my husband Anton, my family. I guess all the glamour and glitz of showbiz come in second or third. My family will always come first.”

I received a text message from Dawn updating me on her delicate situation. “Baby Girl is holding up well at 33 weeks now despite my diabetes. However, my doctor wants to run tests on me these next few days. If results aren’t favorable she may need to deliver me by next week — earliest. She also said I definitely won’t reach my 38th week in July. So I guess we’re having a June baby soon!”

Rica Peralejo’s engagement

Rica Peralejo is engaged to Joseph Bonifacio. The two met at Victory Christian Fellowship where Joseph is a young pastor. It is the same Christian group where Donita Rose, Piolo Pascual and other friends are members. Last May 30 at Sonya’s Garden in Tagaytay, Joseph proposed marriage. “I really felt like a woman. It is the first time that I am going into a relationship where God comes first,” said Rica. All for the best to the future pastor’s wife!