The truth about Sunshine

When Sunshine Dizon was rushed to the ICU of the Cardinal Santos Memorial Hospital several days ago, the rumor was that she took an overdose of something in a suicide attempt, especially since the doctor pumped that something out of her stomach.

Asked about it yesterday at the mini-presscon for her GMA soap Kung Mawawala Ka, Sunshine said, "And why should I try to commit suicide when everything’s going fine in my life and career?"

Yeah, why should she?

"It was food poisoning," added Sunshine. "I must have eaten something that made me very sick, so the doctor had to pump it out of my stomach. I’m also suffering from hypothyroidism, that’s why sometimes I gain weight. I’m down to just a few pounds over a hundred because of the medicine which makes me burn fats fast."

Last year when Sunshine, who’s turning 19 on July 3, left for the US, there were all sorts of speculations. According to the gossip mill, Sunshine had decided to turn her back on showbiz because, 1) she was broken-hearted after she broke up with Polo Ravales (who was briefly romantically linked to Alessandra de Rossi, with the "romance" cut short by people around Alessandra because Polo was said to be a "bad influence"), 2) her mom, one-time movie producer Dorothy Laforteza ("famous" for wearing blinding jewelry on national television), was forcing her to work and 3) she couldn’t get herself off drugs (specifically Ecstasy).

Without blinking, Sunshine clarified the issues one by one.

"I did plan to quit showbiz and just study (any course in arts) in L.A. where my dad, Isagani Bengzon Dizon (manager of a casino in L.A.), has been staying these past years. But then, I realized how lonely life was in the States. Besides, I missed showbiz and my friends.

"It’s not true that my Mom was forcing me to work. My Mom has her own money so she doesn’t have to depend on me. I was just really burned out because of all the intrigues, so I left.

"I can face anybody and tell him straight in the eye that I haven’t taken drugs. I’ve seen people take drugs, including Ecstasy, but I’ve never tried it. Nobody can force me to take it, not even out of curiosity, because I’m the type of person na hindi puwede pilitin."

Even without a lovelife, Sunshine swore that she’s happy just working. She shoots for her other GMA show, the sitcom Daboy en Da Girl, on Mondays and for Kung Mawawala Ka on Tuesdays and Thursdays, leaving Wednesdays and Fridays as her rest days during which she simply stays home.

"I’m not the gimikera type," she said. "I’m really a homebody."

Dingdong’s controversial composition

In his new album Here To Stay (Star Records) launched recently, Dingdong Avanzado included the song Paalam Na which he and former girlfriend Rachel Alejandro co-wrote back in 1995, the same year it won two trophies at the Awit Awards (for Best Ballad Recording and Song of the Year).

Since Dingdong is, as everybody knows, now married to Jessa Zaragoza, there’s a rumor that Jessa wasn’t so happy with the inclusion of that song in Dingdong’s album, that’s why they reportedly fought about it. Until now, Jessa and Rachel don’t see eye-to-eye, they haven’t let bygones be bygones, so you can understand why Paalam Na doesn’t sound like music to Jessa’s ears.

"Not true," Dingdong said about the rumor(s). "Richelle (Jessa’s real name) knew from the start that Paalam Na would be part of my album, kaya wala kaming problema d’un."

In short, it’s more the song than the singer/composer that counts and as far as Dingdong is concerned, Rachel is past.

"By next year," he said, "Richelle and I hope to finally have our first baby."

Jolina is GMA’s choice

When Jolina Magdangal first stood behind the podium with the Presidential seal behind it in Malacañang, she felt like President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo who is as petite and as cute as Jolina.

"Ganoon pala ang feeling ng isang GMA," said Jolina who is hosting the show The Working President.

Malacañang wanted to perk up the show which has been airing since the time of Presidents Cory Aquino, Fidel Ramos and Erap Estrada by getting a young and credible personality as host. Malacañang comissioned a reputable advertising agency to run a survey and the winner turned out to be... Jolina?

"It was a hard decision to make," admitted Jolina who had to consult her family, friends and fans before she said yes. "I have long wanted to help bring the entertainment industry and the youth closer to the President and at the same time make our people aware of the government’s thrusts and directions. By accepting this job, I know I can achieve all these objectives."

The Working President is aired every Friday from 7 to 8 p.m. over NBN 4, every Saturday from 8 to 9 a.m. over ANC 21 (Skycable) from 8 to 9 a.m., IBC 13 from 12 noon to 1 p.m., Channel 11 (Home Cable) from 5 to 6 p.m. and RPN 9 from 11 p.m. to 12 m.n., every Tuesday over RPN 9 from 10 to 11 a.m., ICS TV 56 (Destiny Cable) from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. and Thursdays over RPN 9 from 10 to 11 a.m.