November 2008 Archives

It seems Diether Ocampo is not crossing over to GMA 7. At least, not yet. It turns out Ocampo is still under contract with Star Magic, the talent arm of ABS-CBN, a network statement said. “Diet (Ocampo) remains in Star Magic. We will trust he will make the right choice,” a short SMS message from Star Magic's publicity head Rikka Dylim read. In the most recent communication with the actor, he only replied with the message "Happy New Year" a few days after he texted a similar holiday greeting "Merry Christmas" to the entertainment press asking about developments about his reported transfer. Sources tell us that the latest message meant he would make a "major" announcement during the New Year, whether he would turn "Kapuso" or stay a "Kapamilya." As he is still under contract with Star Magic, he could not negotiate outside of his home network. This means, Ocampo misrepresented himself as an "independent artist" when he talked to GMA 7 executives--a claim made by GMA 7's Senior Vice President for Entertainment Wilma Galvante no less--a gross violation of his ABS-CBN contract. In her interview with the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Galvante also said Ocampo "signed" a "long term" agreement, exposing him to possible breach-of-contract lawsuits. After the interview was published, Ocampo's camp denied the actor signed a contract with GMA 7, a fact that even Kapuso network insiders corroborated. This makes us wonder, what was Galvante's basis to state that Ocampo had already inked a deal with GMA 7? Was she misinformed or has she fallen prey to the actor's posturings for a heftier contract with his network of 13 years? Or did Ocampo really sign a "secret" agreement with GMA 7 and Galvante made the mistake of announcing it too soon, blindly believing his "independent artist" introduction? Or was the news leaked unexpectedly, leaving them in utter chaos? Quite expectedly, Ocampo kept his silence throughout and may continue to do so at least until the "New Year," as our sources say. Galvante has also since kept mum about Ocampo's supposed transfer plans after Star Magic revealed the actor's live contract. But in hindsight, Galvante can always show the contract she claimed Ocampo signed if she would stand by her claim and prove she was not lying. She however chose to just avoid the topic. Is she holding it back until Ocampo's Star Magic contract expires or has she abandoned the matter altogether? A close associate has this to say about the whole brouhaha: "Siguro nagpapaligaw lang si Diet sa Dos. Kung hindi kakagat, meron pa siyang isang option. Ang hirap parang nagpapagamit ang Siete. Di dapat ganoon." If this is true, it seems this actor may be playing his cards too much.

Singer-actress Karylle appeared she has gotten over the pain and was looking forward to start anew, both in her personal life and professional career. It seemed she abandoned everything that she and Dingdong had together--from her stint in GMA 7 to even their Quezon City videoke bar-cum-restaurant joint venture. But who can blame her? While people can sigh and think of what could have been, Karylle would not allow herself to become a prisoner of her past. She has decided to move on. This is quite evident in her taped interview with "The Buzz" on Sunday. This was not set in her home or in the studio, but during Gary V's recent 25th anniversary concert, a sign that she is ready to face the controversy head on and frolick. Here's our report on the interview: "Finally, after weeks of silence, part of which was joining a retreat to cope with the heartbreak, singer-actress Karylle now has the strength to face a love lost. And, quite dramatically, she realized her desire to move on from this difficult chapter in her life, as her first TV interview on the breakup showed last Sunday.  "Kasi sa pagmamahal, wala namang regrets. Basta nagmahal ka, nagmahal ka ng totoo, yun lang naman yun eh. Kung mag-work out man o hindi, wala na sa kamay ko yon,” she told ABS-CBN’s “The Buzz.” Karylle said her breakup with her boyfriend of three years, actor Dingdong Dantes, followed a “process.” “It was a mutual decision. Hindi siya nangyari overnight so matagal siya na proseso kasi siyempre hindi ka naman magigising bigla na lang tapos sasabihin mo, ay break na tayo,” she said. Karylle admitted going through all the painful “stages” in the breakup, and declared she was now in the acceptance stage, which she considered a personal victory. “Hindi ko naman made-deny na nasaktan ako. Pero ang nangyari naman kasi talaga pinagdaanan ko lahat ng stages ng isang breakup na may denial, may hurt, may bargaining, tapos may acceptance. At this point, nandito na ako sa acceptance. Natanggap ko na ang lahat ng nangyari kasi sa bawat na masakit na nangyayari, may magandang naidudulot.” How did she succeed in entering the acceptance stage? Karylle said focusing on her work helped a lot. “Right now kasi yung focus ko nasa pagtrabaho lang. Hindi ko na masyadong iniisip ngayon kung ano ba yung iniisip niya (Dingdong) o mararamdaman niya kasi as of now para maging maayos naman yung buhay ko, isipin ko muna yung trabaho ko,” she said. Karylle, whose relationship with Dingdong flourished as they both worked for GMA 7, is now set to embark on a new phase in her career as a contract artist of ABS-CBN. Apparently not looking back, Karylle smiled when she answered the interviewer’s question if she still loved Dingdong. “Hindi na,” she said. But for Dingdong, coping seems far from over, despite his heavily-backed and successful on-screen tandem with fellow Kapuso centerpiece star Marian Rivera. “Nag-sink in na lahat eh. Kasi nung time nung nangyayari ang lahat ng ito, busy kami sa pag-shu-shoot. Pero, ngayon na’t dumating na lahat at nag-settle down na lahat, siyempre, you can’t change things overnight. It will take a while. (But) I will be okay,” the actor told GMA 7’s “Showbiz Central” also on Sunday."

Aside from planning her upcoming wedding to Ryan Agoncillo, Judy Ann Santos is currently very much involved in fundraising, promotional and lobbying efforts for her film, "Ploning," which the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) chose as the country's entry to vie for a nomination in the Best Foreign Language Film category in the 81st Annual Academy Awards of the US Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which will be held in February next year. Since 1984, FAP chooses the country's entry to this Oscar category each year. According to Judai, more than P5 million have been raised, aside from the Film Development Council of the Philippines' P2.5 million doleout, to back "Ploning's" bid to at least enter the shortlist list of films that the 6,000 AMPAS members will screen and vote for and, hopefully, gain a place among the five Oscar nominations that will be read during the 81st Oscars night in February--a first-ever feat in Philippine cinema. Judai and her co-producer in the movie, Panoramanila Pictures, are currently in the thick of US-based promotions for the film, directed by Dante Nico Garcia, for a possible favorable vote among the AMPAS members that include Hollywood actors, directors, writers, producers, and other film professionals, particularly the foreign films committee that chooses the final roster of nominees on Oscar night. A key highlight in this effort, Judai said, is the rare partnership of ABS-CBN and GMA 7 to back "Ploning," a period flick about a mysterious spinster desperately in search for a lost love. “I’m happy to say that I’ve talked both to ABS and GMA and I’m very happy na they obliged to join forces and both ABS and GMA artists are willing to help. Pero nakikipag-usap pa kami sa mga ibang kumpanya (that) could unite for this particular event,” Judai said in an interview with GMA 7's "Startalk" two weeks ago. Judai waxed nationalistic in her effort to push "Ploning" onto the Oscar stage. “Ang buong fund-raising, ginagawa po namin ito para na po talaga sa Pilipinas. Hindi lang po para sa ‘Ploning’ na pelikula or para sa Panoramanila. Para sa mga Pilipino at sa buong Pilipinas na makilala tayo finally sa ibang bansa since very talented ang mga Pilipino. I think it’s high time na maipakita natin sa kanila na nag-sanib-pwersa naman talaga tayo for a good cause.” A noteworthy effort indeed. But some say, particularly pundits in the history of Philippine submissions to the AMPAS, it's Herculean. Even Judai admits, "para itong suntok sa buwan." Never since the inception of the Best Foreign Language Film category in 1956 did a Philippine film earn an Oscar nod for the award. Experts pointed to a variety of reasons -- from the FAP's "wrong choices" to a perceived AMPAS bias against countries who rarely produce films that merit international recognition. Not even the so-called independent digital cinema revolution helped in the cause despite having achieved film festival honors around the world. The film-otaku blog quoted AMPAS members as saying that despite the promise of these independent films, such as the 2006 entry "Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros" and the 2007 submission "Donsol," poor digital format transfers, which made copies of the film appear fuzzy and viewing difficult, led to their fall. But the most glaring reason was the mere fact that the Philippines only sent four films to the Academy in 28 years, from the 1950s to the 1980s. This gave the impression that the country lacked films that merit international recognition, said Ron, the film-otaku blog owner, who identified himself as an "assistant instructor at AdMU" in the blog's profile page. During those 28 years, only Lamberto Avellana's "Anak Dalita" in 1956; Gerardo de Leon's "The Moises Padilla Story" in 1961; Luis Nepomuceno's "Dahil sa Isang Bulaklak" in 1967; and Eddie Romero's "Ganito Kami Noon...Paano Kayo Ngayon?" in 1978 were submitted. Also from 1986 to 1994, no films were submitted, owing to what Ron said was a dearth in quality filmmaking in those years. If the category's claim of honoring the best film from each country was true, then for the Philippines, it would be unthinkable not to submit such films as Lino Brocka's "Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang," "Maynila Sa Kuko Ng Liwanag," "Insiang," "Jaguar" and "Orapronobis"; Peque Gallaga's "Oro, Plata, Mata;" and Ishmael Bernal's "City After Dark" and "Himala." But they were not submitted. The Philippines could have gotten at least an Oscar nomination from any of these classic films. International visitors to the CNN "Screening Room" web site even voted for "Himala" last month as the Best Asia-Pacific film of all time, edging out Akira Kurosawa's "The Seven Samurai" and Ang Lee's "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," both Academy Award winners. Another reason, the film-otaku blog noted, were FAP's questionable choices, including those that did not even won local awards, like FAMAS or Gawad Urian. If our local award-winning bodies ignore them, what more can we expect from the Academy Awards? But even FAP's logical or correct choices were still shunned, including Brocka's "Kapit Sa Patalim (Bayan Ko)," Marilou Diaz-Abaya's "Karnal" and Tikoy Aguiluz's "Segurista." The film otaku blog noted that these films have themes that are not the AMPAS's "cup of tea." In an April 9 post, Ron said: "The Academy traditionally prefers costume epics, war films (particularly those that have to do with the second World War), culturally significant pictures, intimate interpersonal pieces, or works by renowned auteurs. With a few exceptions (like [Chito Roño's] Dekada '70, perhaps), the country's recent submissions have not played on any of these popular themes." To finally get an Oscar nod, Ron said, the Philippines must submit a film that "1) is co-produced by a foreign company; 2) is directed by a premiere, internationally known Filipino filmmaker; 3) is about a major historical event or figure, such as the revolution against Spain, the EDSA Revolution, or, the Academy's favorite, World War II (or another film on Jose Rizal, or one based on his "Noli Me Tangere" or "El Filibusterismo"); 4) and gets major representation (actual awards would just be a plus) in Cannes or Berlin." As for Filipino independent digital films that have won several awards in international film festivals and could have the best shot at an Oscar nomination, the issue of "flawed video transfer" should be addressed, Ron added. Will "Ploning" address these issues and have a strong chance in achieving a first-ever milestone in Philippine cinema? Direk Dante thinks so because, he said, "Ploning" offers a theme on love and hope that is fresh and positive, thereby attractive to AMPAS voters.  To further realize its goal, "Ploning" producers should use all the collected funds to improve the film's audio and video quality for better viewing experience that will further entice AMPAS members. These funds should also be used in the production and placement of promotional materials, such as trailers, posters and print ads, in Hollywood and the Los Angeles area, where most of the AMPAS members are concentrated. Panoramanila's reported hiring of a US-based publicist, Murray Weismann and Associates, should further boost the film's chances. Influential and prominent Filipino-Americans in the US have also thrown their support to "Ploning" by bankrolling screenings of the film across the US.  A jampacked screening of the film was recently held at the Kodak Theater. In spite of this, a lot of cinema buffs still argue about "Ploning" being a worthy choice to land an Oscar nod, moreso with the film's daunting task of competing against 67 other submissions, such as Cannes Film Festival Palme d'Or winner, Laurent Cantet's "The Class" from France,  Aamir Khan's “Taare Zameen Par” from India, and Pablo Trapero's "Lion's Den" from Argentina. But for "Ploning" producers, lobbyists, and promoters, it seems the battle for the Oscar nomination can be won through effective marketing and publicity, including comprehensive promotional campaigns and US-directed packaging to further draw American interest in the film, something no previous Philippine entry has achieved before.

Is this a sign of trouble for singer-actress Vina Morales, who announced in September that she is happily expecting her first child and referred to businessman Cedric Lee as the father? All of a sudden, the child's paternity came into question. Was Vina lying when she indirectly revealed the identity of her child's father? Is Vina protecting the identity of the supposed real father? Is Cedric merely refusing responsibility for the child? Is this part of an agreement between Vina and Cedric to parry a possible concubinage suit? Is Cedric's legal wife Judy threatening to file a case? Are Cedric and Vina still together as a couple? Has Cedric reunited with his wife and kids? These were some questions on the minds of people who read Cedric's short but revealing interview with S Magazine for its November issue. In the article, Cedric was quoted as saying that the actress did not mention his name as the father of her unborn child, which was seen by many as a categorical denial that he fathered the baby, in her September 28 interview with "The Buzz." "I didn't hear Vina Morales say on TV that I am the father; she just said he's not from show biz and that there was no need to mention the father's name. It was actually the co-host of The Buzz, Cristy Fermin, who mentioned my name a few times," Cedric said. We got hold of a copy of the video of that episode of "The Buzz." He was correct in stating that Vina did not mention his name.  However, Vina clearly said yes to Cristy Fermin when the host asked her if Cedric was really the father and if he was willing to take responsibility. Here's the part when Cristy made reference to Cedric as the father of Vina's child: Cristy: “Pinaninindigan ba ni Cedric Lee ang baby mo?” Vina: “Yes po, very supportive siya. He will always be there for me, for my baby.” In its own report on Vina's confirmed pregnancy, the Philippine Daily Inquirer received an SMS confirmation from Star Magic, ABS-CBN's talent arm in which Vina is under contract, that "the father is her non-showbiz boyfriend Cedric Lee." Star Magic now refuses comment on the matter since "Vina is still in the US." Vina is touring the US for a series of shows despite her condition. In the S Magazine interview, Cedric was asked if the "rumors" were true that he is the father of Vina's child. He responded: "I am a married person and I have two sons with my wife. I am not part of show biz and I prefer a quiet life." This statement seemed far off from previous statements he gave the entertainment press. Without going into details, Cedric said in a statement months back that he had long been separated from Judy and were in the process of nullity of marriage when the issue of his relationship with Vina came up.  Also without elaborating in the statement, Cedric indirectly mentioned about a "relationship" with Vina, whom he said he met when he was "technically single," and added that Vina is not "a homewrecker." This particular statement was earlier quoted in several show biz oriented talk shows and entertainment columns, including the S Magazine article: "Vina is not a homewrecker. Vina will not knowingly, willingly, and purposely enter the relationship that would cause the breakup of a family. I've been separated for quite a while before I met Vina. In fact, I had two other relationships before I met her. When I met Vina, I was technically single. I'm in the process of simpifying my life and that means that the issue of annulment has been raised. However, I will not elaborate on this matter out of respect for the privacy of all parties involved, especially that of my kids." It seemed that Cedric intended to keep his relationship with Vina and paternity to the child, if indeed true, under wraps. To legal sources, it is apparently a logical move for Cedric because confirming paternity would mean facing charges of concubinage, a criminal act of husbands maintaining active sexual relations with a "woman not his wife," which is a legal action Judy can take against him. It carries a maximum penalty of six years imprisonment, according to Article 334 of the Revised Penal Code. As for the "concubine," the only penalty is "destierro" or “not (being) permitted to enter the place or places designated in the sentence, nor within the radius therein specified, which shall be not more than 250 and not less than 25 kilometers from the place designated,” as stated in Article 87 of the Code. But, our legal sources said, concubinage is hard to prove in court. But a common statement that Vina and Cedric may make that they are parents of the child could boost such a case against them, they added. Vina's September pronouncement apparently did not sit well with Cedric, or at the very least, his lawyers, given that the annulment case with Judy was still pending. Concubinage can still foster even if the nullity of marriage case is still ongoing, our legal sources said.

Is there trouble brewing between top stars of the "Kapuso" network? If newspaper and Internet reports are to be believed, there seems to be a turf war going on between two camps of GMA 7 artists--on one side, the camp of Richard Gutierrez, the network's premiere talent, and on the other, the group of Aljur Abrenica, the station's rising male star. The conflict was allegedly rooted on a supposed altercation between the main protagonists at a popular bar in Quezon City last month. In this incident first reported on Philippine Entertainment Portal, Richard approached Aljur and allegedly hit the latter in the head two times. This stunned Aljur, who stood up, faced Richard, and asked him, "What's your problem?" Richard responded, "You, what's your problem?" Cooler heads intervened and avoided what could have been a major incident. Some believe the incident had something to do with both actors' links to Jewel Mische, another GMA 7 contract artist who was Richard's co-star in "Kamandag" and Aljur's batchmate in the reality talent program, "StarStruck." In a statement given to PEP, Richard flatly denied hitting Aljur, but confirmed he "politely" asked the latter to leave the table they were occupying because he was "uninvited." He also denied that Jewel was the cause of the altercation. The report said the entire second floor of the bar had been occupied by Richard and his circle of friends. Part of the statement read: "Time management is what stars whose schedules are busy need to master, for it is during these moments of privacy that a star can unwind, relax, and de-stress. "Unfortunately, however, a star like Mr. Aljur Abrenica, an acquaintance, does not seem to understand that stars need space too, and barging in on our table unexpectedly, sitting down uninvited, and partaking of the drinks freely, does not speak well of a person's social graces..." Aljur, for his part, broke his silence in the recent launch of "Luna Mystica," which stars Richard's "Codename: Asero" co-star Heart Evangelista. In the press conference, Aljur said there was "no truth" to Richard's version of the incident. While he confirmed a part of Richard's statement that said that the altercation did not have anything to do with Jewel, Aljur revealed that he and Richard "were not okay" without giving more details.      For now, it was apparent that GMA Artist Center, the talent management arm of GMA 7, had been taking a lot of effort to appease both camps and refusing to make statements on the incident. But by the looks of it, lines have been drawn and the war may be far from over.

What could be a better reunion of ‘Iskul Bukol’ co-stars than the inclusion of one cast member who went astray…from the law? This makes the upcoming film, “Iskul Bukol…20 Years After,” extra special for Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon, who will reprise their roles in the top rating TV comedy on IBC-13 from the late 1970s to the 1980s in this much-awaited reunion movie for this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival. Ritchie d’ Horsie, whose real name is Ritchie Reyes, will rejoin the “Iskul Bukol” cast after the trio shouldered his long-standing bail bond of P120,000 since his arrest for illegal drug use in 2004. After his release from the Quezon City jail, Ritchie immediately went into character as the Escalera brothers’ (Tito and Joey) reliable sidekick in his first shooting day for the film on Wednesday. “This is a wake-up call for me,” Ritchie said in Filipino in an interview with reporters visiting the movie shoot in a Manila college. “I would only concentrate on changing my ways and God.” Vic, who played the diligent and bookish Vic Ungassis in the TV comedy, admitted that they gave up on Ritchie after they shouldered his bail bond several times. “He always kept on going back to his old ways. I told him the last time that this is it, you should learn your lesson,” he said in a separate interview. Now, they are very much willing to give Ritchie another chance at renewing his life. “After all, we have been friends for so long,” Vic said. Aside from “Iskul Bukol,” Ritchie also appeared with Tito, Vic, and Joey in the longest-running noontime show, “Eat Bulaga,” as one of its original hosts when the program premiered on RPN-9 in 1979. Vic added he is impressed with Ritchie’s transformation. “He’s okay. He’s healthier,” Vic said. Ritchie will not be the only original ‘Iskul’ cast member to rejoin the zany Wanbol University alumni in “Iskul Bukol…20 Years After,” which is co-produced by Octo Arts Films, M-Zet Films and APT Entertainment. Mely Tagasa (Miss Tapia), Jimmy Santos (Big J), Anthony Roquel (Tonette Macho), Redford White, and Bibeth Orteza will again portray the roles that became household names during the show’s hey day. Gian Sotto, Oyo Sotto and Keempee de Leon will also appear, obviously, as the children of Tito, Vic and Joey respectively. Ryan Agoncillo, Pauleen Luna, Jose Manalo, Wally Bayola, Francine Prieto, Benjie Paras, and Carlene Aguilar, among others, will portray supporting roles.

Marian Rivera appears, albeit half in jest, more on the defensive lately since news of the split between Dingdong Dantes and Karylle were confirmed. In a press presentation of the "One True Love" shoot in Parañaque, Marian kept on evading all the talk on what caused the breakup, which has obviously affected her. Amidst all of these, GMA-7 and its film partner Regal Entertainment seem happy with their prized love team. Our colleague, Marinel Cruz, reported: “Lumayo ka sa ‘kin. Kaya tayo nagiging topic ng tsismis,” Marian Rivera told on-screen partner Dingdong Dantes after a short session with photographers on the set of their upcoming movie, “One True Love.” The lensmen and a group of entertainment writers recently visited the set in Posadas Village, Sucat, Parañaque. The two lead stars had been filming there for a week, logging more than 18 hours a day. “Tama na ang mga sweet poses. Ayaw ko na ng tsimis,” Marian said, maybe just half in jest. That signaled the end of the 10-minute photo op. The photographers earlier requested Dingdong and Marian, in a royal blue mini-dress and silver-colored slippers, to sit beside each other— real close— on a bench by the village pool. Dingdong has been in the news lately after breaking up with singer-actress Karylle, his girlfriend of three years. People have been pointing to Marian as the cause. She has consistently, vigorously, denied this. Dingdong and Marian first teamed up in the top-rating Pinoy adaptation of the Mexican telenovela, “Marimar,” on GMA 7. The successful tandem was followed by another top-rating show, Mars Ravelo’s “Dyesebel.” “One True Love” is their first big-screen project, a co-production of GMA Films and Regal Entertainment. The actors were scheduled to shoot the honeymoon scene later that day. “Sasayawan nila ang isa’t isa,” director Mac Alejandre said of the scene. Marian hastened to add, “It’s just a fun scene. Mabuti hindi seryoso.” Alejandre said there were three other movie sets: a house in Tiera Pura, in Fairview, Quezon City, where most of the scenes with Iza Calzado were shot. Dingdong and Marian’s wedding scene were filmed at Fernbrook Gardens in Alabang, Muntinlupa. A Quezon City hospital was the venue, the director said, of a “touching scene that would reveal a big twist.” In “One True Love,” Dingdong plays Migs, a medical intern set to marry Joy (Marian), a nurse. Days before the wedding, however, his ex-girlfriend Bella (Iza) returns from the United States, single and still very much in love with him. Migs then figures in an accident and suffers from lacunar amnesia, the type that blocks out specific time periods from one’s memory. In his case, he can’t remember the three years he has been in love with Joy, leaving him only with memories of Bella. To Joy, this is unacceptable. She vows to make Migs remember, even if it means competing with Bella. At press time, filming was halfway through. Alejandre is confident that the movie will beat the deadline for its nationwide screening on Nov. 19. “I don’t think the fact that we’re rushing would have an effect on the outcome. We’re primed for this. Some of the best films were done in really short a time,” Alejandre explained. Dingdong and Marian chatted with the writers and TV crew over lunch at the village clubhouse. Both actors had fried chicken and spring rolls. Later, Regal Entertainment supervising producer Manny Valera, who was celebrating his birthday that day, turned up with cake and ice cream. Dingdong said he had been on the set for three straight days. “We are using one of the model units as the house that Migs and Joy share. The administrator forbade us to sleep in there. That was tough, especially on workdays that we finished filming at 3 a.m.,” said the actor, looking relaxed in a floral buttoned-down shirt, jeans and rubber slippers. Alejandre confessed that Dingdong and Marian were “sweet” on- and off-cam. “Their closeness doesn’t end when I say cut,” he added. “It begins when they arrive on the set and ends when they leave for home. I was part of the team that built the Marimar-Sergio tandem. This is something we had hoped for. We’re happy about this — even though people have other interpretations.” “One True Love” also stars Bianca King, Jennica Garcia, Pinky Marquez, Chinggoy Alonso, Tessie Tomas and Boots Anson-Roa.

Karylle, who only recently admitted breaking up with actor Dingdong Dantes, will move to ABS-CBN, her new management team said in a statement. STAGES, which produced the successful local theater presentation of “West Side Story” that featured Karylle in the lead role of Maria, has taken over talent management duties for the singer. It said Karylle’s transfer had the blessings of top GMA-7 executives Wilma Galvante and Darling de Jesus. The move confirms rumors that the young singer was set to transfer to the Kapamilya network. Speculations arose that the sudden decision to transfer was a result of the break-up, widely believed to have been fueled by Dingdong’s career choices and reports of an alleged romance with perennial co-star Marian Rivera. Marian vehemently denied any special relationship with Dingdong. Dingdong and Marian are among the current top stars of GMA 7. "As Karylle's new partner in the industry, we've been exploring the best projects for her, in and out of television networks, that will continuously hone her singing, acting and hosting skills. She's got incredible talent that is yet to realize its full potential," said Carlo Orosa, Business Head, STAGES Talent Group. According to the statement, Karylle was “grateful to GMA-7 for the all the opportunities the network has given her. GMA-7 has been behind her success since the early years of her career.” It also quoted Galvante as wishing “her the best, and leaves the door open if she decides to return to GMA-7 someday.” Before she transfers to ABS-CBN, Karylle will fulfill her pending commitments with GMA 7, “including her appearances on ‘SOP,’ ‘Kakasa Ka Ba sa Grade 5,’ and her singing the Philippine National Anthem at the Manny Pacquiao-Oscar de la Hoya boxing match at Las Vegas, Nevada on December 6.” “Karylle, warmly welcomed by ABS-CBN executives Cory Vidanes and Deo Endrinal, will be seen in ABS-CBN's musical variety shows, and soap operas.  She is set to record a new album, and reprise her critically-acclaimed portrayal of Maria in STAGES' production of hit Broadway musical, "West Side Story," in 2009,” the statement further said.

After finally admitting they have indeed gone separate ways, Dingdong Dantes and Karylle still left people in the dark on what really caused their relationship to end. But, according to Dingdong, it's definitely not a "third party," referring to his perennial screen partner Marian Rivera. “Wala. No third party at all. Yun ang isang klarong bagay,” Dingdong told GMA News on Wednesday. Apparently, Dingdong's intriguing comment that they now had different priorities was the most logical reason. But what priorities? Dingdong's television and movie career? Karylle's musical theater or recording career? But that has been a given for a long time, even before they were a couple. I'm sure there's more than meets the eye. According to Dingdong, everything will be revealed at the right time. “Masasagot naman ang lahat na yan. Di ko naman itinatanggi yon at hindi ko naman iniiwasan yon because I also believe that some people who want to know, they have the right to know because we’re in this industry at magkasama dito noong naging kami,” Dingdong added. Dingdong, however, revealed he still keeps close contact with Karylle on "issues." “Yes we discuss issues. Nag-di-discuss kami like normal, walang pagkakaiba. Kung meron kailangang pag-usapan at i-resolve, napag-uusapan namin ng maayos.” As Karylle remained unavailable for further comment on the breakup, Dingdong says he is trying to forget the hurt by concentrating more on work and devote time for his family. “Ako, all I am thinking of right now is to concentrate on the movie ('One True Love' with Marian) because patapos na siya. At the same time, during my free time, I devote my attention sa pamilya ko na talang nandyan palagi para sa akin.”

A looming announcement that may not happen at all. First of all, a confirmation. Sources all close to the couple confirmed that Dingdong Dantes and Karylle have indeed split. Actually, for them, it's old news. They have long separated, they say. The reason? Well, that's where they all provide conflicting claims, from both growing distant from each other to the never-ending rumors of a love triangle with Marian Rivera. Dingdong was all over the news the past week saying that he and Karylle will end all speculation and reveal the truth by way of a media interview. But it seems that won't happen as Karylle is reportedly now making herself scarce, even to Dingdong, as the truth about their relationship is slowly being leaked outside of their circle. "I'm still waiting for her," Dingdong responded to our SMS last Friday. Another source was quite emotional: "Zsa Zsa (Padilla) is upset." This source even went as far as claiming that Karylle's mother was arranging for her daughter's transfer to ABS-CBN after she found out that GMA-7 did not intend to stop the circus, all adding fire to the controversy that involves its current top stars, who are allegedly using her daughter to keep them prominent in sleazy entertainment press write-ups.  But the frenzy may not even benefit both Dingdong and Marian.  It will place Dingdong in a bad light because it would seem that he "dumped" Karylle for his once slumping "career" that found new life in an on-screen partnership with Marian, who whether she likes it or not, will be viewed as the villain, the "third party" in the off-screen troubled romance, even if she dedicates a two-hour special on a Sunday night just denying she had anything to do with the supposed separation. Maybe this is the reason for the extended silence on the matter. Maybe both sides are thinking it over. Maybe the network is doing some serious crisis management. But whatever's the score, Dingdong and Karylle should end this once and for all. And they should be honest and direct about it. As the controversy grows, who knows who else might get hurt.