Ruffa accepts Kris' apology

Yes, Ruffa Gutierrez has accepted Kris Aquino’s apology for making her bara-bara (rudely interrupting) in their ABS-CBN show The Buzz. But the big question is: Will Ruffa show up this Sunday, March 14, which is her last day on the show, to bid her followers a fond farewell (see you on TV5 soon)?

Here’s Ruffa’s full statement:

Let us move forward with dignity and honor. Love, love, love! Peace, peace, peace! God bless us all!

I was reluctant to make a statement regarding such a small incident but since I felt the need to defend myself against unwanted rumors and ayoko na pong palakihin ito, I am saying my piece.

First of all, I hold Tito Boy (Abunda) and Kris in such high regard as professional mentors.

Secondly, I wasn’t reacting to just the video clip shown wherein Kris remarked, “Aminin mo, mas masaya dito.” Hindi naman po ako mababaw at pikon na tao. I always conduct myself as a professional to let small matters such as that bother me. That being said, the reason why I reacted that way, seemingly OA or not, is because aside from being understandably emotional since it was my last two episodes in The Buzz, the series of condescending remarks noticed by viewers through the years which I have constantly brushed off in the spirit of “pakikisama” also took a toll on me.

I invite you to view replays of past episodes on-line and you will understand exactly where I’m coming from. Offcam, sometimes Kris acknowledged my presence and other times (like that Sunday, March 7), I would be ignored.

I didn’t “walk out.” After what I thought was a commercial break, I felt tears were starting to well up. I went back to my dressing room to compose myself. But the tears wouldn’t stop.

Thirdly, my mom has nothing personal against Sen. Noynoy and the Aquino family. She never attacked the good senator’s character. Just like you and I, my mom has her own perspective and we should respect that. After all, we do live in a democracy.

Lastly, in the spirit of unity and as a nod to our long tenure on The Buzz, I appreciate and accept Kris’ public apology. I will always remember my three years on The Buzz with great fondness. I will miss everyone dearly!

(Note: Ruffa’s mom Annabelle Rama has also accepted Kris’ apology. As the cliché goes, all’s well that ends well. Added Ruffa, “I just want to make a graceful exit.”)

* * *

There’s a rumor, presumably spread by detractors and envious quarters, that Justin Timberlake is not really performing “live” during the Changing Lives: Timbaland Shock Value II Tour concert slated for March 27 at the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Concert Grounds and will be seen only on LCD screens. Justin is a special guest performer together with Jojo.

“No truth to the rumor,” said Jun Lorenz Mamangon, founder and CEO of N91LIVE which is behind the concert in partnership with All Youth Channels Inc. “Justin’s manager Johnny Wright has signed an agreement with N91Live that Justin will show up and perform at the event. Wright said that Justin is excited about coming to Manila.”

Justin was here when he was still a member of ’N SYNC. 

Added Francis Lumen, president of the All Youth Channels Inc., “What we will see on March 27 is something special from all three international artists — Timbaland, Jojo and Timberlake. Justin alone is preparing eight to nine songs, most of which with Timbaland, the master-producer behind the Shock Value II album. There are numbers that Timberlake and Timbaland have created specially for this project. I’m really thrilled to bring these great artists together on one stage.”

The last Shock Value II concert where Justin and Timbaland were last seen performing together was held at the House of Blues on Sunset, in Hollywood, California, and it was sold out! Justin and Timbaland’s performances, including Sexy Back, lasted for more than one hour and a half, according to Francis.

“There was non-stop clamor from their fans. Justin and Timbaland performed that night as if there was no tomorrow. When those two get together on stage, I tell you, they are hot and nothing comes close.”

(Note: Changing Lives: Timbaland Shock Value II Tour is presented by Smart Buddy and Smart Bro for PLDT/SMART Foundation. Donate at any TicketWorld outlet at P4,500 for VIP Donation tickets, P3,000 for Gold Donation tickets, P1,500 for Silver Donation tickets and P300 for Bronze Donation tickets plus service charge! Contact TicketWorld at 891-9999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph. For more information, log on to www.u92.fm. Timbaland presents Shock Value II is now available in all major record bars nationwide and is exclusively brought to you by MCA Music Inc.)

Owl City also coming for show

Owl City, headed by 22-year-old front man Adam Young, the genius behind the hit song Fireflies, will have a concert at the Trinoma 4th floor roof deck on March 14.

Thanks to his hit song, Fireflies, his rise to fame enjoyed a pace that not many new artists get to enjoy especially if they are categorized in a new genre.

In a recent interview, Young told the story behind his hit, “I planned a weekend out camping because there was going to be a meteor shower that night and so I remember lying on my back, looking up at the sky and seeing these shooting stars and thinking how much they abstractly resemble fireflies and I thought, what a cool idea that would be to translate that whole vibe, mood and feeling into music.”

His advice to young musicians?

“Take your vitamins, don’t run with scissors, eat lunch with the other kids at school, and drink your milk.”

Owl City and his albums are exclusively distributed by MCA Music Inc.

(E-mail reactions at [email protected] or at [email protected])