BEST OF THE WEEK: Zanessa, DC vs. Marvel, and the return of Coyote Ugly

MANILA, Philippines - War of the Week: PilyangSweet versus ‘Idol’

What’s wrong with celebrities lately? Is there a shortage of attention in the industry? In a fit of Twitter rage that even Annabelle Rama has yet to unleash, Cristine Reyes waged war over a certain “idol,” a co-star in the Sunday variety show ASAP. Tweeting non-expletives but nonetheless the equivalent, @PilyangSweet ranted over Twitter the alleged misbehavior a singing star is showing, and gave clues that trailed to Sarah Geronimo’s doorstep. Is Sarah secretly crushing on Rayver Cruz, who is supposedly Cristine’s current flame?

Split of the Week: Zanessa

Vanessa Hudgens removed “Birthday Sex” from her iPod playlist, and we understand why. Like an octogenarian dying of old age, her four-year relationship with Zac Efron ended this week due to natural causes. Vanessa, who turned 22 on the day of the break-up, said the split was mutual and that she and Zac remain friends. It was just really headed that way, she says, and no third party is involved. Others suggested Zac’s questionable gender as reason, though Vanessa shrugged it off. To paraphrase a High School Musical song, he’s breaking free!

Other Split of the Week: RyRey and ScarJo

Perhaps, more surprising than the Zanessa split was the Ryan Reynolds-Scarlett Johansson split. The couple had always been low-key and quiet, the perfect formula for a long-standing showbiz relationship. But, alas, the comic universe divide was too much. In the end, Green Lantern and Black Widow had to go their separate ways. Blame it on the Marvel vs. DC story arcs.

Groupie of the Week: The Disney Princesses

Snow White, Cinderella, and Sleeping Beauty are so 20th century since the advent of Hannah Montana and High School Musical. Real-life Disney princesses rose to fame in the 21st century and Walt Disney is able to rest in peace. But what have the princesses done? Miley Cyrus is bound to receive some spanking from Daddy Billy after smoking salvia, and Demi Lovato will be in rehab for a while. She might wanna call that a short vacay. Who can forget Vanessa Hudgens’ racy and naughty pictures? She hopes no more floats after her recent breakup with Zac Efron. Ahh, the life of the royals!

Closure of the Week: The Vizconde Massacre

At least on judicial terms, the 19-year-old Vizconde Massacre case was given closure this week by the Supreme Court. In a vote of 7-4, the SC justices acquitted primary suspect Hubert Webb, and six others. Lauro Vizconde meanwhile almost fainted in dismay of the decision. “Help me find the real killers then,” he said in a statement. The Webb family rejoiced immediately after hearing the decision, claiming the vindication is long overdue. Whether or not the suspects deserve acquittal, the 19 years of trial says a lot about our justice system.

Comeback of the Week: Piper Perabo

The first time we saw Piper Perabo, she was dancing on top of a bar with LeAnn Rimes and Tyra Banks fighting the moonlight to no avail… But that was also the last time we saw her. But with this week’s announcement of Golden Globe nods, she’s back in the spotlight with a nomination for Best Actress in a TV Drama for Covert Affairs. And all we really want to ask Piper is, “Anyareh? San ka pumunta, teh?”

Annual Event of the Week: The Oblation Run

Every year on December 16, devout Catholics in the Philippines wake up early to go to Mass at dawn, right before you hear the cock sing its a-doodle-do. Likewise, every year close to that day, hordes of gay men and jolly women troop to UP Diliman (and other campuses now) to go see naked men running. Members of the Alpha Phi Omega fraternity started the tradition decades ago, and the naked protest lives on to this day. Different issues serve as protest themes every year, and this year it could not be more appropriate: the State U’s Budget Cut. Yes, we want it uncut. At least, the budget, that is.