Best of the week: Cyndi and Gaga in Manila, and the Pinay with the Hollywood date
Makeover of the week: Charice Pempengco
MANILA, Philippines - Things involving Charice and makeovers seem to strike a chord with the public, who probably want her to forever look like the child star that she was. But she’s already 19 and is bound to experiment with many looks, proof of which was the recent Preview cover. The backlash with this makeover is more intense, with reactions mainly questioning her sexuality. The comments are ridiculous but her fellow singers are supportive, with Lea Salonga summing up the perfect comeback: “A new haircut, fashion sense, or pastime doesn’t make someone gay.” Justin Bieber agrees.
Farewell of the week: Karl Roy
It was a sad day for rock fans when news arrived that Karl Roy passed away Tuesday morning due to cardiac arrest. Karl is best known for being the frontman for Kapatid and P.O.T., two renowned bands in Pinoy funk and rock. Despite his tough guy appeal, he is fondly remembered as a man who was never afraid to be himself and who actively supported aspiring acts. He is gone too soon at 43, but we know that heaven is now a livelier place with Karl around. We will miss you.
Confirmed rumor of the week: Lady Gaga in Manila
Chief Supremo Tim Yap broke the news over Twitter that Lady Gaga is returning to Manila on May 21 for “The Born This Way Ball.” News of ticket prices and venue have yet to be released, but rumor has it that the newly-constructed SM Arena will be home to Gaga’s out-of-this-world antics amidst a large Gothic castle. Many thought that the SM Arena’s opening project would be the UAAP where NU is playing host, but apparently Henry Sy is a Little Monster excited to dance along to Judas. It’s going to be the largest congregation for beckies this year and on concert night, chatter of how great she is will be eclipsed only by the sound of Grindr.
Opening of the week: The Mind Museum
The Mind Museum finally opened yesterday after much fanfare. For those living under a rock, The Mind Museum is the first world-class science museum in the country with over 250 original exhibits, 90 percent of which are created by local craftsmen. Some of its notable exhibits include a mini tornado generator, a giant human brain, remote-control Martian rovers, and a 40-foot tall T-Rex called Stan. Reviews of the museum have been mixed, with some loving the place while others claim the door charge is too high. Despite that, we’re thankful that such a museum has finally been built in the country. I mean, where was The Mind Museum when we went on field trips to the Manila Zoo and the Mongol Pencil factory?!
Concert of the week: Cyndi Lauper in Manila
Gay icons are slowly coming to Manila, with Kylie Minogue’s “Aphrodite” concert last July and Gaga’s “Born This Way Ball” this May. But the ate of all gay icons (and the Katy Perry of the ‘80s), Cyndi Lauper, will be performing tonight at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, proving that hits like Girls Just Wanna Have Fun and Time After Time can still keep up with Marry The Night and Give Me All Your Luvin’. Speaking of Madonna, teh, ano na? Are you really coming? You’re the only gay icon who hasn’t visited the Philippines and we can’t live off rumors forever.
‘Kabogera’ of the week: Rocio Olbes
Many of you probably don’t know who Rocio Olbes is, but you may want to take tips from her if you want to snag a Hollywood actor. That’s because she is the current beau of Adrien Brody, that beautiful man recently spotted in the country. The two have been Page Sixed by The New York Post, seen leaving abruptly after dinner with friends (wink, wink). Rocio is a Filipina international bag designer whose works have appeared in Grazia, Elle and Vogue, as well as publications in the Middle East and Russia. She also looks like a supermodel and was featured in Vogue Italia just last year. We’d like to believe that the same thing could happen to us but in the words of Tito Boy, ikaw na, Rocio. Ikaw na.