Love can wait for Ara Mina

Ara Mina denies she wasn't paid for her services during her recent concert tour in the United States with Jessa Zaragoza and Marissa Sanchez. But Ara confirmed that their show in Los Angeles was indeed cancelled due to lack of ample promotions. The actress-singer says the producer requested them that the LA show be rescheduled for the second leg of their "Soul Sisters" tour. She, Jessa and Marissa acceded to the producer's request.

"I was paid for the show. If I have not been paid, it would have gone on TV and I would have myself interviewed regarding it. Besides, Kuya Dondon (Monteverde, her manager) would certainly not like that and complain if I did not receive payment for it," says Ara.

The actress is starting a new show on QTV 11 titled "Family Zoo," a comedy where she plays wife to former basketball idol-turned actor Benjie Paras. This is the story of Connie (Ara) and Lorenzo (Benjie) who lives in a zoo together with their two kids, Ipo (Paul Salas) and Ina (Anna Danielle), who can talk to animals. It starts airing on Tuesday, May 2, at 8:30 pm on QTV 11.

Also cast in the series are Jojo Alejar, Jana Roxas, Chuck Allie, Nanette Inventor, Isko Salvador, Diego Llorico, and Renee Summers.

Ara is very pleased with the report given by BMG Records that her latest album titled "Moving On" is selling very well. She's scheduled to go on a bar and mall tour to promote her album. As for the matters of the heart, Ara is taking her sweet time. She's still going out with Polo Ravales, but there's no commitment yet. She's also still going out with acoustic singer Jimmy Bondoc once in a while although it's not being written about, unlike her going out with Polo (who's very vocal about his panliligaw of Ara).

While Ara's mom reportedly said that she's not in favor of Polo for her, Ara understands her mom's concern after her failed relationship in the past. That's why Ara is concentrating on her career, while love has to take a backseat for the time being.

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The 15th anniversary offering of "Maalaala Mo Kaya" is certainly a major TV event with no less than the Star for All Seasons and Lipa Mayor Ms. Vilma Santos featured in a special episode that tells the story of a fellow Lipeno, Daisy Hernandez (whom Mayor Vi requested that she be able to flesh out her inspiring story of courage on TV).

ABS-CBN had long wanted Mayor Vi to appear in an episode of "Maalaala Mo Kaya" but she can't find a good story to make until she heard of Daisy's story and that of her daughter April. So after 15 years, the multi-awarded actress is finally appearing in the widely-followed and top-rated drama series that is intended as a Mother's Day presentation of the show. It was supposed to be the Mother's Day offering of "Maalaala Mo Kaya" last year but they were unable to finish it on time because of Vilma's busy schedule. Just when Vilma had the time to shoot, director Olive Lamasan had to leave for abroad and could not do it. That's why it took one year to have it finished.

The episode titled "Regalo" will be aired on May 4 and 11. Indeed, Vilma's rare TV comeback and direk Olive's directorial salvo for 2006 (this is also her comeback assignment for "Maalaala Mo Kaya" after seven years) is much-awaited and something to look forward to.

We had the chance to watch it in a special preview held at the ABS-CBN early this week and mind you, Vilma dished out another acting gem worthy of an award. Same with her co-star Ricky Davao who plays her husband and young star Maja Salvador who plays her daughter April. It's a must-view TV event.

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QTV 11 is determined to continue with the inroads it has done since it started operations last November 11. While the station is taking efforts to improve its signal (after receiving complaints that some households are unable to find the new channel), the neophyte station is taking its work seriously in bringing something different to its own set of viewers. For a new station, getting an audience share of 5% is already some kind of achievement for them.

Premiering on QTV 11 on Monday, May 1, is "Project 11," the coolest and zaniest gag show on primetime television. Expect tons of laughs and rib-tickling gags from Monday through Fridays at 8 pm from the wacky barkada of "Project 11."

Join the exciting and wacky bunch of Bearwin Meily, Boy2 Quizon, Wilma Doesn't, Julia Clarete, John Feir, Gwen Garci, Vivo Ouano, Vaness del Moral and Ryan Yllana.

Each funny man and gal will take turns in dropping off the laugh bombs every night as each "Project 11" episode is certified tawanan to the max.

Seated on the director's chair in "Project 11" is Uro dela Cruz, the same director of the top-rating and long-running gag show, "Bubble Gang." Creative consultant for the show is Mon Roco, with Ceasar Cosme as headwriter. They are also "Bubble Gang" mainstays as well.

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Ryan Agoncillo arrived late at his album launch held at Dish on ABS-CBN as he still came from the shoot of his digital indie movie "Umuulan, Umaaraw" where he co-stars with Precious Lara Quigaman and Herbert Bautista (who is co-producing the project with his siblings Harlene and Hero Bautista).

"I just can't leave the set because my scenes were with Vice Mayor Herbert," says Ryan who's very pleased with this project under Vicor that released this unique double-disc compilation of love songs performed by the best OPM artists in "Lovespeak by Ryan Agoncillo."

Known for his honest and heartfelt statements, Ryan shares his thoughts on love and life in a rare CD recording containing some of the best love songs interpreted by OPM greats like Sharon Cuneta, Basil Valdez, Martin Nievera, Gary Valenciano, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Pops Fernandez, Side A. Tux, Ric Segreto, Raymond Lauchengco, Paolo Montalban, Aiza Seguerra, Nyoy Volante with special guest performers Rowell Santiago and Panjee Gonzales.

A rare treat awaits OPM fans as Young Superstar Judy Ann Santos revives her singing career through a special song "No Ordinary Love" dedicated to Ryan.

Of course, Ryan was not spared of the intriguing questions during the album launch like his feud with Piolo Pascual. He wouldn't want to comment on the issue anymore. He says whatever it is that he wanted to say, he already said so in the email already, which he sent out. Answering the queries again would be sounding redundant, he says.

As for the issue that he has a child but didn't tell Juday about it, Ryan says he had probably sired five kids already if all the items that came out were to be believed.

"If I had a kid, I would admit it. Hindi naman siguro masama kung aminin ko ito," says Ryan who also didn't want to comment that the reason why he was unable to promote his album in "ASAP 06" was probably because of Piolo, who is a mainstay of the show. While he says he's disappointed that he was unable to promote the album in "ASAP 06," he enjoyed his guest stint at "Eat Bulaga" where Juday also made a surprise appearance.

"They treated me very well and made me feel welcome," says Ryan of the "Eat Bulaga" staff.