What stars look forward to in 2010

I got a text from the girl of the moment (or hour) Krista Ranillo which says, “Hi Tito Boy, I’m aware of the talk that supposedly I’m pregnant and I even went to Cebu to have myself checked. I wish that this rumor could be put to rest because it doesn’t only hurt me but my family as well. I am not pregnant and I have never stepped foot in any hospital in Cebu. When I was here in December, I barely had time to sleep because of the work load, much more fly to the province to see a doctor. It’s a new year, a new decade I hope we can all move forward. Thank you so much and more power.”

Krista ended her text with a quote from the Bible, “Love your enemies, bless those who curse you. Do good to those who hate you. And pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you. That you may be sons of your father in heaven” —Matthew 5:44-45.

The text message was sent to me through good friend, Chit Ramos.

Thank you Krista for letting us know how you feel.

Truth of the matter is, we have been waiting to hear Krista’s answer to rumors that have been circulating for the longest time now — that she is the paramour of Manny Pacquiao. Followers have formed themselves into groups: Team Krista, Team Jinkee, Team Manny like what people do in sports tournaments.

The Manny-Jinkee-Krista talk is now a favorite national pastime. So much has been said and spewed. Being public figures, this is the price they have to pay to a public who deify them one day, and then mercilessly strip them of their halo the next day. Time magazine talked about people mistaking “public prowess for private virtue.”

Jinkee should fight for what belongs to her. It is her fundamental right. Manny the invincible pugilist will have to come up with his best punches to parry the blows. Krista in her silence will have to depend on the infinite goodness of God, the power of love, of her family and the proclivity of people to forget and swiftly move on to the next controversy. She is the most vilified in this battle having been knocked out even before the bout started. (I truly wish her well).

And here’s what some stars look forward to in the Year of the Tiger.

Sid Lucero — I am looking forward to seeing more movies produced this year. I’m hoping these films are much better than the best in 2009. I hope this industry of ours will continue to flourish.

Francine Prieto — I hope 2010 will be a better year for me and my family.  I also hope we can do our share in saving and protecting the environment. Also, I hope people will be nicer, kinder and be more considerate and compassionate. Peace is something we can all work at.

Jordan Herrera — 2010 will hopefully be a better year for everyone.  We can wish for so many things but I guess the most important things to look forward to are still the basics — health and happiness, wealth and wellness.  For an actor like me who has gone through highs and lows in my career, I look forward to more projects that will constantly reassure me that I can be good in my chosen career.

Micah Muñoz — I look forward to a good year — one which is safe and prosperous and would open a lot of opportunities. A new year that will give fair work opportunities to those who work hard in improving their craft, even if they are not as well connected as their counterparts.  I look forward to a year of real change, change for the better.

A Touch of Dutch

The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands present noted Dutch-born pianist See Siang Wong in a special concert with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) slated on Jan. 23, 8 p.m. at CCP’s Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (Main Theater). The concert is under the baton of Maestro Hermenigildo Ranera.

Dubbed as A Touch of Dutch, the program includes two piano concertos of Franz Joseph Haydn’s Piano Concerto in D-Major, Hob. XVII:11 and Ludwig van Beethoven’s Piano Concerto Nr. 3 in C minor, op. 37.

Ticket prices are P400 for Orchestra Center and P300 for Orchestra Sides. For details, call the CCP at 832-3704/832-1125 locs. 1409/1800-1808; Ticketworld at 891-9999 or log on to www.culturalcenter.gov.ph.