•Dingdong running in 2019? •Kiko: I’m happy for Sharon! •Vilma: Wedding before apo

Curtain-raisers:

• Any time now, a TV-movie actor will receive an “urgent demand” from the lawyer of his manager to whom he owes more than P11 million in cash advances and non-payment of commission. The actor is notorious for being a big spender, buying expensive cars and branded items for his actress-girlfriend…you know, the better to impress her? Actually, he doesn’t have to do it because his girlfriend is said to love him for what he is and not for what he can give her. 

• More “firsts” among Filipinos: Mindanaoans remind Funfare that Pres. DU30 is the first Philippine president from Mindanao. Might also add that Carlos P. Garcia was the first Boholano to be elected president of the Philippines.

• Could it be true that macho actor “J” got a right hook to the tummy (sinikmuraan) from actress “M” who resisted his advances on the set of the TV series they are doing together? The actor is believed to be happily married to a beautiful lady so his action is puzzling. Isn’t he “satisfied” with his wife? Or is he just “playful” by nature?

***

Because he is taking up a course in Public Administration  at the UP Open University, the same course taken by Batangas Rep. Vilma Santos and Ormoc City Mayor Richard Gomez before they ventured into politics, Dingdong Dantes is all the more “suspected” of seriously planning to run in next year’s mid-term election. For congressman or for senator?

Is he or isn’t he?

Let’s hear it straight from Dingdong himself: “I will not deny that there are certain groups talking to me. Maybe the question should be…kailangan ba? I mean, I love my family, I love my work as an actor, and I also value my community work. Therefore, it is something that shouldn’t be answered only by me alone.”

Dingdong heads his own Yes Pinoy Foundation and was appointed by former Pres. Noynoy Aquino as commissioner-at-large for the National Youth Commission. If ever he decides to run, will Dingdong wave the Yellow (Dilaw) banner?

Dingdong’s wife Marian Rivera said that she would support Dingdong if and when he ventured into politics. Dingdong is no doubt winnable. If elected (senator?), Dingdong would place Marian at par with her arch rival Heart Evangelista whose claim to fame includes being a Senator’s Lady. Heart is the wife of Sen. Chiz Escudero.

***

Sen. Kiko Pangilinan and wife Sharon Cuneta (shown with ex-husband Gabby Concepcion, center; and ex-boyfriend Robin Padilla, right)

People must be wondering how Sen. Kiko Pangilinan reacts to his wife Sharon Cuneta’s propensity for posting on social media her lovey-dovey pictures with ex-boyfriend Robin Padilla and ex-husband Gabby Concepcion. Doesn’t Kiko get, ehem, “jealous?”

Busy with his work in the Senate, Kiko hardly has time for showbiz gossip, keeping mum even when Sharon posted on her Instagram and Facebook accounts that she and Kiko “almost lost each other last year” (no elaboration added).

Asked about his reaction, Kiko texted Funfare: “I already shared my thoughts before, saying that she has my 110 percent support and that we are all thankful that the public has responded positively not only to the commercial (Sharon and Gabby’s McDonald’s TVC.—RFL) but also to the revival of her career. The success of her movie with Robin (Star Cinema’s Unexpectedly Yours.—RFL) late last year as well as the success of her commercial this first quarter (of 2018) are welcome blessings. I am proud of her latest achievements and happy for her.”

***

Batangas Rep. Vilma Santos with son Luis Manzano and Luis’s girlfriend Jessy Mendiola: When will, Luis give his mom an apo?

Are Luis Manzano and Jessy Mendiola really getting married?

That’s what the sweethearts have been “threatening” since last year, teasing the public with social-media pictures of them in romantic poses.

Meanwhile, Luis’ mom, Batangas Rep. Vilma Santos, is waiting in suspense when Luis would give her her first apo. Luis jokingly told Vilma that maybe his younger brother Ryan Christian could fulfill her fondest wish before Luis could.

“Of course, I want a grandchild, all right, pero siempre dapat kapag kasal na sila,” Vilma told Funfare. “I told Lucky (Her pet monicker for Luis.—RFL) na tumatanda na siya at birthday na naman niya sa April 21. He’s turning 37 na.”

What about the wedding (daw)?

“Dinner kami nina Lucky at Jessy sa bahay noong isang gabi,” Vilma told Funfare, “pero wala naman binabanggit na kasal, although nagbibiruan.”

What’s up?

Britain’s Got Talent’s Calum Scott (photo) will treat mall guests at Shangri-La Plaza to his sweet and soulful music on March 4, Sunday, 6 p.m. at the Grand Atrium. The 29-year-old singer, known for hits like You Are the Reason and Rhythm Inside, as well as his cover of pop icon Robyn’s Dancing on My Own, is set to launch his debut album Only Human on March 9. The human resources employee-turned-pop artist has topped charts across different platforms, including iTunes, YouTube and Spotify. In the Philippines alone, his music has hit over 23 million streams. For inquiries, call 370-2597/98 or visit www.facebook.com/shangrilaplazaofficial. Follow the Shang on Instagram: @shangrilaplazaofficial.

(E-mail reactions at [email protected]. For more updates, photos and videos, visit www.philstar.com/funfare or follow me on Instagram @therealrickylo.)