Fanny's hobby, Dax's lucky charm & Boots' lovelife

We go to Fanny Serrano’s boutique at least every three weeks for hair coloring, and to check on what hobby this beauty expert/designer/actor/interior decorator/landscaper had gotten involved in this time around. And we are never ever disappointed.

The last time, we found Tita Fanny with young independent photographers taking pictures of his gowns on a model, while breaking all the rules. They were like indie filmmakers of the still camera. When we visited last week, TF was excitedly preparing the promo for the annual Cosmetologie Beauty, Wellness & Trends Event on its third year at the SMX Convention Center on Feb. 21 and 22.

We recall on its first year, PICA (Philippine International Cosmetologist Association) demonstrated take-offs in wardrobe and makeup, our favorites being the Mona Lisa, and a bald Madonna & Child. This year, TF decided to bring his artists out of the closet and had the indie photographers work on the “Creator-Model” tandem on hair and makeup, as TF himself chooses Diane Castillejos, sportscaster with a look few will recognize in her.

The cosmetologie event of PICA and Premier Events Plus Group is offering basically the same yearly seminars on the first day. The second day is devoted to competitions in hair cut and coloring, bridal makeup, the red carpet look, fantasy make-up and a new addition of nail art.

After the event, TF goes back to his showbiz career where he has won much acclaim for various portrayals on television and in the movies. His biggest honor yet was in the indie film Tarima of direk Neal Tan where as a tortured gay he tied with Coco Martin, current reigning matinee idol for the Gawad Tanglaw Best Actor award, and another win for Gawad Pansin, while being nominated by all awards giving bodies for Best Actor.

What is next? We ask him and he says, very soon he will start work on another acting piece under direk Joel Lamangan which excites him even more. What could this possibly be? “Secret pa,” he says, but confirms that he is most challenged by it since he is cast for the first time not as a flaming gay. What this means is that he is being recognized solely for his acting ability.

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Dax Alejandro has a thin CV yet his reputation is solid

There are not too many who know of actor Dax Alejandro or even acknowledge his existence. His CV is thin and yet his reputation is solid, and what’s important, he is considered by those he has worked with as a lucky charm.

We ask his manager Chiqui Gil what Dax’s secret is. He says Dax is hardworking and patient, takes the initiative to learn new things by himself, and is perfect for Pinoy roles. We had met him briefly last year when the film Busong, the indie tribute to the natives of Palawan by director Auraeus Solito was making waves everywhere. We take a look at his resumé and find involvements in TV, movies, theater, music video and commercials. We have a feeling this year — dragon or otherwise — will be Dax’s year to shine.

 For those interested, Dax’s CV — Minsan Lang Kitang Iibigin, ABS-CBN; Busong, Cannes’ Directors Fortnight; Cinemalaya; Eurasia Film Festival, Kazachstan, winner of Fipresci International Critic Award; IFFI international Film Festival of India; 38th Brussels International Film Festival, Emile Cantillon Prix du Cinema de Demain; Pikit Mata, indie film; Letting Go, music video with Jamie Rivera, Star Records; Noli Me Tangere, lead as Elias, Gantimpala Theater; Muralla, lead as Bonifacio; Action Stars, Knowledge Channel, lead as Ipe; Coca Cola 100 years commercial, second lead as grandson.

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Who would ever think we could challenge Boots Anson-Roa (photo) to an ambush interview on her love life no less? But as we told her, if we didn’t do it, someone else would so it might as well be us and get the facts straight. Friends had long been hearing of Boots’ innumerable suitors who had thought it prudent enough to start courting the widow. What a catch she would be, we all agree. Not only is she pretty, but principled, intelligent, and a workaholic. Often, listeners of DZMM teleradyo’s Sunday Music and Memories would catch Boots’ co-host Willie Nepomuceno making slightly veiled insinuations of her suitors. So what is the lowdown? We ask her.

Yes, she confirms, there have been those na nagparamdam. But no one new. They have been those who had been family friends from before. “There is only one I am dating regularly when he is in town,” Boots admits. Apparently, this man is a doctor who lives in the States, belongs to the association of physicians there, was once a student of her mom at UERM, and comes around from time to time. And Willie Nep has met him, when he came to the studio one Sunday during the show. So there you have it folks. Walang labis, walang kulang.

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