Derek Ramsay accepts AJ Violago’s apology over ‘fake’ plate issue
There’s been such a hullabaloo over Derek Ramsay’s Porsche 918 Spyder controversy. His businessman friend, AJ Violago, was apprehended while driving Derek’s rare hypercar because AJ used a fake plate with his initials (AJV) on it. Derek and AJ have gone to the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to turn in the Porsche and their driver’s licenses.
Amid all the brouhaha, I checked in on my friend, Derek. After he called me up to share the story behind the story, it made me realize that Derek puts a premium on friendship. Even if he has everything that money can buy, for Derek the best things in life are not things.
Here goes Derek’s story:
“I was in Vietnam when AJ got apprehended while he was driving my car. That Porsche has been with me for five years. I bought it as an investment because its value increases every year. I’ve always been a law-abiding citizen. I never use fake plates. AJ has apologized to me profusely for changing the plate. I told him it was a stupid thing to do. As a friend, I accepted his apology. When I’m fed up with a friend because of his faults, it’s friendship over. But when a friend owns up to his mistakes and says sorry. Then our friendship is worth saving.
“I understand that the LTO people are just doing their job. AJ will pay the fine. ‘Bugbog na bugbog na si AJ sa social media. I hope people go easy on him. I have retired from showbiz, and yet controversy is still hounding me (chuckles).”
Hats off to Derek for going the extra mile in the name of friendship. Not to mention letting a friend rack up the Porsche’s mileage, courtesy of him (pun intended).
The Cinemalaya Queen
Ruby Ruiz ought to be called the “Cinemalaya Queen.” She bagged her fourth Balanghai trophy for Best Actress at the 2026 Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival. No other actor has achieved such a feat in the festival’s history.
Ruby won for her portrayal of Biring in “Status: Rejected,” which centers on a 69-year-old widow (Biring) who seeks solace in the digital world after her nth US visa rejection.
Too bad that I missed Ruby’s movie, but based on its rave reviews, the film could very well be called “Status: Elevated.”
Bravo to Ms. Ruiz for outdoing herself. Because of her, aspiring actors would rather sparkle like “Ruby” than shine like a diamond.
Here’s my chat with Ruby:
Does winning Best Actress in a tie make the victory any less sweet?
“About sharing the laurel of a Best Actress with Pokwang, it is so humbling! Hindi lang ako ang magaling (laughs), and if I could share it with one more actress, who was also a nominee, I would share it wholeheartedly.”
How did Biring impact you as a woman?
“Regardless of age, a woman is more often vulnerable to giving in to small gestures of kindness, affection… like Biring, a woman is more likely to empathize (with) situations where mother instinct, willingness to be of help is triggered… we’re a little bit more impulsive and gullible.”
In what ways are you like Biring?
“Oohhhh, in so many ways (hahahaha) at 65, I realized I yearn for more attention and affection from my children. When you feel or imagine that your relevance is diminishing, you amplify that to loneliness… I go through that now and (am) trying to cope with it.”
What was the biggest rejection you experienced?
“When I was denied residency in a foreign country and I was obliged to go back home, that was one of my most painful rejections. I cried and pleaded for reconsideration and empathy but to no avail.”
What’s your advice to Biring as Ruby ?
“Be more vocal and expressive of how you feel… don’t carry the burden and guilt, if you need help and assistance from your children, it’s normal. It doesn’t make you less of a mother.”
What’s New on VMX
For only P169 monthly, VMX lets you stream beyond your wildest dreams.
Here are the new releases from the premier streaming platform for adult entertainment that balances gripping narratives with aesthetic sensuality.
Sweet revenge is churned in “Creampie,” a provocative thriller that explores the dangerous consequences of desire, manipulation and betrayal. It stars Angel Castro, Christy Imperial, Margaret Sison, Vince Rillon and Mark Dionisio. Hidden passions and dark secrets simmer beneath the surface of a quiet town. As loneliness and temptation blur the lines between right and wrong, Gema (Angel) finds herself drawn into a web of illicit relationships that promises escape but ultimately leads to betrayal.
Fresh o? the heels of its provocative predecessor, “Todo Kayod 2” turns up the heat once again. Helmed by cult director Roman Perez Jr., the follow-up anthology continues to explore the erotic possibilities in the workplace. Taking us through the experience are hosts Sahara Bernales and Alecca Adarna, who will guide audiences through a brand-new curation of stories that push boundaries and redefine passion. Each narrative acts as a window into the hidden, passionate lives of everyday workers, making it a compelling watch for fans of nuanced erotic dramas.
Another daring anthology is unveiled in “Daddy’s Girl.” Hosted by Astrid Lee, the special collection delves into stories that explore complex age-gap relationships, authority, temptation and forbidden attraction.
Astrid introduces a curated lineup of films that examine the many faces of the “daddy’s girl” dynamic — from unconventional romances and secret affairs to emotionally charged relationships that challenge societal norms. It brings together iconic Filipino films and VMX Originals under one compelling theme.
Enchanting Chanty
Filipina-Argentine Sparkle artist Chanty Videla is taking a break from her K-pop group, Lapillus, to venture into another kind of ‘K’ world… Kapuso. She top-bills GMA 7’s sports drama, “Kamao,” which airs weekdays at 3:20 p.m. Chanty portrays Chloe, the love interest of Makmak, played by Anton Vinzon. Here comes enchanting Chanty.
Here’s my chat with Chanty:
What are you learning from your character Chloe?
“From Chloe, I’ve learned that just because you love someone, it doesn’t mean you side with them even when they’re doing something wrong.”
How do you feel about fans shipping you and Anton?
“I’m happy that a lot of fans appreciate both of us in our roles. I enjoy watching fan edits of us on- and off-screen.”
What makes Anton and you click?
“It’s because we are similar in some ways. We both tend to be quite reserved sometimes. That’s what makes our interactions natural because we don’t force ourselves to socialize. We just have our own pace.”
If Lapillus makes a comeback, will you leave showbiz?
“I don’t see any reason to quit showbiz for K-Pop or vice versa. Why not make it work? It’s a matter of managing it wisely.”
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