Daiana: It's more fun in Phl

Never mind if she got entangled in problems last year, Eat, Bulaga! co-host Daiana Menezes stressed that it’s indeed more fun in the Philippines which she has come to consider as her second home.

“I’ve lived in seven countries and it’s more fun in the Philippines so I chose to stay here,” Daiana told a writer-friend, if not for good perhaps for long. “I’m not here for the money that’s why I pay my taxes. I’m here because I like and want to and not because I need to.”

She has settled the “delinquency case” (caused by her negligent accountant) filed against her by the Bureau of Internal Revenue and moved on after breaking up with director GB Sampedro. She has also restored her condo unit that got burned down also last year.

Did Daiana decide to stay and work here because, according to rumors, her family was hard up back home in Brazil?

“Not true,” said movie writer Jun Nardo, Daiana’s friend.

One of the nicest women in showbiz, forever smiling and easily likeable, Daiana finished Fashion Design at a university in Brazil.

“Her father, Helio Menezes, runs, owns and manages seven branches of the Soul Shoes store,” said Jun. “From her earnings, Daiana had a resthouse built for her dad, which has a swimming pool and a soccer field. Daiana is a football enthusiast. Her grandparents own their own place in Brazil called Barrio Menezes located in Cataguases, Mina Gerais-Brasil.”

Year 2012 is turning out rosy for Daiana.

“I should be more careful in dealing with people this time,” she said.

Platform 2012 set for March 18

Lorenz ‘Banjo’ Achacoso Albano and wife Sarah Meier who are behind Platform 2012

You are invited to Platform 2012, an event showcasing Filipino talent and creativity set for Sunday, March 18, from 12 noon to 8 p.m., at The Playground, Ronac Art Center (next to the Petron gas station) in San Juan City.

“We conceptualize Platform to inspire the youth to stand up for their passion and love for fashion, art, music, design and culture,” said Lorenz “Banjo” Achacoso Albano who’s behind the event with his wife Sarah Meier.

Young entrepreneurs (committed to developing clothing lines, art and culture products, independent accessories and lifestyle items) are participating not only to sell to the public, but to display the fruits of their hard work.

With “Unite & Conquer” as the theme for the event, the organizers are committed to creating a highly interactive experience for both independent brands, and the discerning consumer — “Two segments of Philippine society that we feel deserve more,” said Banjo. “We hope to become not only a hub for finding exclusive clothes and creations, but also a symbol of what our next generation can aspire to be.”

Touted as “Manila’s First Youth Culture Convention,” Platform 2012 is presented by Smart in cooperation with Zalora, Alora, Alive Athletics, Chocolate Clothing and Uretex, together with Status, Garage, Clavel, stylebible.ph, Ystar, Megastyle, Urban MYX, Talk TV, Solar Sports and BTV.

Reminder from MMFF execom to producers

The Metro Manila Film Festival 2012 execom reminds producers that the deadline for the submission of notarized application forms and scripts is May 23. Eight will be chosen official entries to the filmfest.

Earlier at the launching of MMFF 2012 and appreciation dinner for the winners of last year’s filmfest, lawyer Francis Tolentino announced that Viva Communications, Inc. will be handling the production, marketing and promotion of this year’s parade of stars (Dec. 24) and awards night (Dec. 27) to be held at the Meralco Theater in Pasig City.

Tolentino is the chairman of the Metro Manila Development Authority and the filmfest execom.

The execom and Vic del Rosario of Viva are working closely to ensure another successful MMFF. Last year’s filmfest grossed an all-time high of P636,792,509.57. Not counted were the earnings of entries extended beyond the filmfest period.

While the filmfest is Metro Manila-wide in billing, it is actually nationwide in scope. It opens Dec. 25 and closes first week of January.

(E-mail reactions at [email protected]. You may also send your questions to [email protected]. For more updates, photos and videos visit http://www.philstar.com/funfareor follow me on www.twitter/therealrickylo.)