Best of the Week: Britney, Superheroes and 'Vanity Fair'

Cover of the week: Vanity fair’s hollywood issue

MANILA, Philippines –  After exposing ScarJo’s ass and delving into young Hollywood, Vanity Fair goes back to basics with this year’s Hollywood Issue. Eschewing a theme, they decided to do it like the old days and just put the most exciting actors and actresses working right now on the cover. And speaking of the old days, the 1940s theme is a return to form for the magazine’s Hollywood issues, after the last few years’ lackluster covers. Now, the only mystery is Olivia Wilde’s dress. There must’ve been some Showgirls drama going down behind the scenes because she only made it to the shoot with Jennifer Lopez’s late 90s scraps.

Leak of the week: ‘Femme fatale’

Okay, not a leak per se but a leaked album cover. Even then, this little appetizer to Britney Spears’ new album was enough to get her fans salivating, eagerly awaiting her comeback. The new album is described as a “tribute to bold, empowered, confident, elusive, fun, flirty women and men.” With Britney, Gaga and Beyonce all releasing albums in the same year, the next year is going to be a gay old time for all mankind.

Big break of the week: Henry Cavill as the new Superman

So whatever happened to Brandon Routh? Well, the last time we saw him he was flying to outer space—which explains why Henry Cavill, the perennial role loser, is finally getting his big break. After almost becoming Superman in 2006, then being helmed by no less than Stephenie Meyer as “the perfect Edward” for the Twilight saga and losing superheroic stints like the Green Lantern, Batman and the not-so-supernatural James Bond, The Tudors’ Sir Charles Brandon is donning the crimson cape, and this time it’s for real. The movie is set to be released in 2012, and the villain is set to be General Zod, from Superman II. We recommend Chuck Norris for that role.

New dabarkads of the week: Iza Calzado

So after strutting her stuff on primetime and becoming “Binibining Isla Pilipina,” what’s next for Iza Calzado? Turns out she’ll be invading noontime TV soon. Iza recently confirmed that she will be co-hosting the country’s longest running noontime show, Eat... Bulaga!, together with TV legends Vic Sotto, Joey de Leon and soon-to-be-transvestite Paolo Ballesteros. It’s not yet final as to when she’ll be starting, but Iza said the talks were done a long time ago. “I might need to go on vacation,” she said in an interview. We agree. Wearing a bikini while the country is under a cold spell is bad for your health.

Sports veteran of the week: Olsen Racela

Never mind that “Olsen” was coined from All Saints’ Day, Olsen Racela of the San Miguel Beermen just catapulted himself to basketball greatness and Philippine history. This week, Racela announced his retirement from the PBA, after 18 years of playing balls and baskets. His team, on the other hand, honored him by decreeing that jersey number 17 should never be worn again after him. In a short ceremony before the Game 3 of the All Filipino Cup finals, Racela was give a tribute by his teammates and colleagues. Nonetheless, he also took the opportunity to thank all those that have been significant to his career, including his dad Cesar Racela. “I hope I make you proud,” he said.