By the Inquirer Entertainment Staff
MANILA, Philippines--'Tis the season of giving... expensive presents! Drama Actor asked Showbiz Insider to buy a Christmas gift for Lady Love.
SI was stunned when DA handed over a check for P150,000. DA wanted to surprise LL with a baby Birkin. Nothing fake or cheap for LL! After all, she's had to endure all sorts of nasty intrigues since hooking up with DA.
Walking ATM
Speaking of costly gifts:
Insiders are upset with Hunky Actor who, they allege, has been abusing the kindness and generosity of Controversial Celebrity.
CC apparently gave HA full access to a personal ATM card and the guy has been withdrawing like crazy of late.
CC's pals are livid, asking: "Why does HA, who has wealthy benefactors here and abroad, need to extort moolah from CC?"
Maybe HA wants to be a billionaire... really bad.
Blast from the past
Perplexing, this. According to Reliable Source, TV5 is thinking of teaming up new recruit Aga Muhlach with Willie Revillame, John Estrada and Richard Gomez in a sitcom reminiscent of the old ABS-CBN show, "Palibhasa Lalake."
Ah, boys will be boys. But isn't the concept a little too retro for comfort?
Undue influence
Supporters of Popular Star are worried that Famous Celebrity is pulling strings and that, as a result, the latter's film got the bigger share of the studio's attention in the marketing and promo department.
Not that PS needs help there. She can very well bank on years of goodwill. Unlike FC, who has earned only ill will.
Who the Puck?
Spotted in a PAL flight to the country was hot young Hollywood star Mark Salling, or Puck on the show "Glee."
Fellow passengers were charmed by the singing hunk who "was low key and unassuming."
"He just took a taxi. He was going on vacation in Boracay with a friend."
How true is this?
Totoo kaya? Zanjoe Marudo and Bea Alonzo were spotted in Old Swiss Inn on December 25 -
"very sweet," says our Thrilled Mole.
The next day daw - this report from Thrilled Mole 2 - they were seen together again, this time as half of a foursome, in Starbucks, Edsa Shang mall, with Lino Cayetano and Liz Uy.
That was close
December 28 on "Unang Hirit," Lhar Santiago, reported that during the MMFF parade on December 24, Dennis Trillo almost got into a fist fight with the person in charge of their float, when his girlfriend and "Rosario" co-star, Jennyln Mercado, almost figured in an accident.
Giving back
Gerald Anderson threw a Christmas bash and gave presents to his fans as his way of thanking them, "Showbiz News Ngayon" reported on December 27. "Sobrang thankful ako na nandiyan sila," Gerald said.
Angel stays
On the same "SNN" night, Angel Locsin brushed off rumors that she is transferring to another network soon.
"May kontrata pa po ako sa ABS-CBN. Hindi ko naman po siguro hobby na lumipat ng istasyon." (Uh, we didn't know that.)
Empress' castle
Empress Schuck - still on the same "SNN" night - said she waited a long time before her career took off. When it did, the young actress took full advantage. She just gifted her family with a new house.
Create a... scandal!
These days, it's as quick as mixing instant coffee.
Just add water and, presto, a waning star or wannabe promoting a new product becomes the toast of Showtown. It's too obvious to ignore.
Scandal breaks on Monday.
Expect the star in question to have a tell-all on Wednesday and/or throw a press conference and/or appear in public (where he/she can be "ambushed") on Friday, in time for the weekend chismis shows.
If the star and his/her drum beaters are lucky, the intrigue will get picked up for another week.
Unless another enterprising star comes up with another cheap gimmick. Bayani San Diego Jr.
Top of the talk shows
For those who missed last weekend's gabfests on TV, and why we are moved, if we are moved.
Regine Velasquez, on her red wedding gown:
"Kasi... sa mga soaps [at] movies, nagsusuot na ako ng trahe de boda na puti... parang gusto ko ng iba." (Akala namin, ano, kasi... wala lang.)
Michelle van Eimeren on Ogie, her ex-husband:
"He's like parang kapatid ko. He just looks so happy, so I'm very happy for him." (Parang okay naman.)
Message to Regine and Ogie, from Michelle's new husband, Mark Morrow:
"I just wish them happiness in the future." (Parang okay din.)
Diether Ocampo on rumors he is courting Kris Aquino:
"I think we're both not ready for that." (Wala na yan... tapos na ang promo period for "Dalaw.")
("Startalk," "The Buzz" with Gerry Plaza and Allan Policarpio, Contributors)
