James has nothing to be afraid of

Curtain-raiser:

• Starting today, Morly & Gorgy: Showbiz Talk Ganern, will be aired daily from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. on DZRH. Hosts are Morly Alinio and Gorgy Rula who are “in na in” on showbiz goings-on.

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Since the drug menace is the hottest issue at the moment, most of the local stars have been asked what their opinions are.

Edu Manzano said that it’s okay with him to reveal the list of showbiz drug users only if there is solid evidence.

Sen. Tito Sotto, an anti-drug advocate, seconded that motion.

But Robin Padilla frowned on having such a list made public.

When James Reid was launched as the newest Fujifilm endorser (after Bea Alonzo), he wasn’t spared the same question.

“I am willing to undergo a drug test,” said James, noted to be clean-living, without blinking, adding that he was behind Pres. DU30’s relentless campaign against drugs.

“We are excited to embark on this partnership with James,” Takuya Maeda, Fujifilm Philippines division head for electronic imaging and photo imaging, told the press. “He embodies what the Fujifilm brand is about — young, current and innovative.”

Even before he was hired as endorser, James said that he had been using Fujifilm camera since late last year.

“I have tried other brands,” he admitted, “but I like Fuji camera better.”

During the open forum, James was asked who he would pick as model in three categories:

• Portrait — “My girlfriend.” (Without naming but obviously referring to Nadine Lustre)

• Figure — “My girlfriend.” (Again, without naming but obviously referring to Nadine Lustre)

• Nude — “My pet cat.” (Answering after thinking for a while)

Understandably, James’ favorite model (in whatever category) is Nadine.

“I love taking her pictures during her unguarded moments,” said James, “especially when she’s sleeping.”

Among his favorite shots of Nadine is the one he took at sunset in Lake Tahoe.

“The effect was magical,” gushed James. “There was something pink in the darkening sky and it was so beautiful.”

Last Sunday, James and Nadine met the movie press for their new Kapamilya starrer (starting last Monday, after Ang Probinsyano), Till I Met You which was partly shot in Greece coinciding with the sweethearts’ sixth monthsary. But they were not able to really celebrate because they were busy shooting. (The premier telecast of TIMY got a 28.2 percent rating against GMA’s Descendant of the Sun’s 17.2 percent.)

“Greece is one of our dream destinations. Our shoot was mostly for day effect so during dinner, our companions would look for different restaurants while James and I would keep to ourselves,” said Nadine. “That was in Santorini where we saw a beautiful sunset.”

Coming after the top-rated JaDine maiden TV starrer On The Wings Of Love (OTWOL), Till I Met You is a must-be-watched love story, directed by Antoinette Jadaone who has a unique way with kilig themes. Starring with James and Nadine is indie-theater actor JC Santos who (spoiler alert) plays a closet gay secretly in love with James.

Athlete, police inspector among bets for 2016 Misters of Filipinas

Left: Vincent Jarina, the athlete from Negros Occidental. Above: Police inspector Chriz Dulagan (center) with 2015 Manhunt Philippines Don McGyver Cochico (left) and 2015 Mister International Neil Perez

Two moreno hunks stood out during last Sunday’s press presentation of the 2016 Misters of Filipinas Search. A policeman and a varsity player were among the top picks from pageant observers.

Trinity University of Asia varsity player Vincent Issen Christopher Jarina from Negros Occidental towers above his competitors at the 2016 Misters of Filipinas Search.

The amiable 6’2” athlete is a greenhorn in the male pageant scene. Despite being a newbie, the moreno looker has prepared himself for this year’s competition. He regularly goes to the gym and plays basketball to keep fit and has been updating himself with the latest local and international issues. “Misters of Filipinas is more than just a search for good-looking men. It is an event where you can highlight your advocacy. I joined the search to make the youth aware that through sports, they can keep fit and avoid vices,” he enthused during an interview prior to the press presentation last Aug. 28 at One Canvas in Makati.

The down-to-earth cager comes from a broken family and he considers his parents separation as one of the most difficult moments in his life.

“It was sad to see my parents separate, but I had to be strong and that’s when I got into basketball. I tried to make something positive out of the situation,” he said. “I focused on training and as a varsity player. I was a scholar. I would also like to encourage the youth to participate in sports all the time.”

Trying to continue the winning “Gwapulis” tradition at the 2016 Misters of Filipinas Search, police inspector Chriz Dulagan of Sagada is set to follow in the footsteps of Mister International 2015 Neil Perez and Manhunt Philippines 2015 Don McGyver Cochico.

Chriz has faced obstacles and struggles in life head on. He grew up with eight siblings and had to work at the tender age of 11 when his father died in an accident.

“I saw how hard it was for my mother to raise all of us single-handedly so I had to help out by doing odd jobs. Aside from farming, I worked in construction, carrying sacks of pebbles. Despite the challenges and hardships, I was class valedictorian during grade school!”

Because of all the hardships, he became more motivated and decided to continue working while in high school where he finished sixth over all in his batch.

He has been preparing since he got in the competition. Apart from physical preparations, he is also focusing on his advocacy of helping the “vulnerable population” — the elderly, children, women and the LGBT community.

During a school visit at Kabayanan Elementary School in San Juan, he distributed leaflets and spoke to different classes on the importance of avoiding drug abuse.

Both will compete with 28 other hunks from all over the Philippines and Filipino Communities abroad on Sept. 18 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila. — Reported by Felix Manuel

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