Angelica & Derek still together

Local showbiz was rocked with the news that lovely couple Derek Ramsay and Angelica Panganiban have parted ways. The cause of the alleged break-up according to the rumor mill is a lady from Dumaguete. Derek and Angelica’s romance has been the subject of wild speculations for a long time now.

On the rumored Dumaguete girl, Derek said, “There is no truth to the rumor. Nag-punta ako sa Dumaguete to recruit players, tapos may girlfriend na ako? May chinek-in daw ako sa hotel na kaming dalawa lamang? Nadadamay na rin yong hotel that I stayed in, mga pamilya ng mga kaibigan ko.”

Angelica dispelled rumors by blogging, “Mahirap-hirap po kami patumbahin. Pinatibay na kami ng panahon at pinapatibay niyo kami. Kung patuloy niyo kaming hihilahin pababa, patuloy naman kaming lalaban pataas.”

During the Enpress Golden Screen awards night where she won Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy, Angelica said, “Masyado na kaming matagal para maglokohan pa. Hindi naman uso sa amin yong traydoran o ano. Inaasar ko pa nga siya, yuck, two timer. Patagal ng patagal, gumaganda yong relationship namin. Sabi ko nga feeling ko kami ang magkakatuluyan.” Recently, Angelica and Derek were seen together dining with Derek’s family.

KC turns 1 as Buzz host

KC Concepcion celebrated her first anniversary as host of The Buzz last Sunday. She also turned a year older. Celebrity friends and family greeted Kristina.

Kris Aquino said, “Bilib talaga ako sa kanya. She is serious with her job at kinarir niya talaga yong pag-host at mas lalong lumalalim as host.” Kris is looking forward to having a talk show with KC.

Sister Frankie and Miel also sent KC messages. Frankie said, “She is an idol to me because she is such a great singer and actress. That inspires me a lot and she’s also a great person. She has a nice personality. And she has so many friends everywhere that surround her and love her. She gives constructive criticism. I really owe a lot to my Ate because she is a role model to me.” And from Miel, “She is my idol because she is really a sweet sister. And she loves us like a mom.”

From goddess to princess

While multi-awarded musical theater performer Rachel Alejandro prepares for her wedding to Carlos Santamaria tomorrow, April 9, she is also preparing to return to the musical theater stage in the Elton John/Tim Rice pop musical Aida which runs from June 24 to July 10 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati.

Rachel last won audience’s hearts as Kira in the hit musical Xanadu, which had two runs in Manila last year.  She has also played Kate Monster/Lucy the Slut in multiple runs of Avenue Q and Mimi in Rent in Manila and Singapore.  In Aida, Rachel plays Princess Amneris, daughter of the King of Egypt who is in love with Radames, a captain in the Egyptian army.  After a brief honeymoon, she will begin rehearsals for the Tony Award winning musical.

Rachel said, “From the very first time I watched Aida on Broadway, I watched it twice and cried buckets each time, I knew I wanted to play Amneris, the princess. She is like the narrator of the story. She opens the show and at the end, her character’s transformation is critical to the story’s tragic yet somehow satisfying resolution. I’ve been so fortunate to have been given the chance to play such funny, memorable roles for Atlantis — Kate Monster/ Lucy The Slut for Avenue Q and most recently, Kira/Clio in Xanadu. Once again, as Amneris I get the funniest punchlines in the show. As always, I’m looking forward to hearing the audience laugh and cry with me.”

With a pop-rock score that features stirring ballads and rousing choral numbers, Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida is a modern crowd pleaser that won four Tony Awards including Best Original Score.  It will be directed by Chari Arespacochaga. The Manila engagement of Aida Is made possible through MTI and Disney Theatricals.

A limited number of shows are now available for show buying and fund-raising opportunities. For details, call Atlantis Productions at 892-7078 or 840-1187.