A day with ABS-CBN's stars
With singer Jed Madela
Technically, it was not really "a day" with the stars. What it is, was about four hours of star-gazing and star-gushing on the actors of giant radio and television network ABS-CBN marked with real fun and excitement.
With this writer shamefully lacking of up-to-date information on the identities of the beautiful faces on Philippine television, thanks to the wonder of The Filipino Channel (TFC), Ilongga Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Joann and Jeana saved the day.
With Ogie Diaz
Call it perfect timing or really sheer luck, that fateful day saw a 4pm appointment to visit former colleagues in ABS-CBN DZMM (thanks to the warm welcome of Sir Angel Palmones and special thanks to the DZMM security guard who was most efficient, most professional and a 'star' himself for being gracious. Too bad I missed friends Melanie De Leon and Edwin Servidal, now a DZMM reporter. Good to see other staff who took care of us- provincial correspondents-ages ago) and same 4pm to be the guests of actor Piolo Pascual. Thanks to "Piolo's angels" -- Gina Calungsod, everybody's Tita Edith and the network security guards' bestest friend "Sisa" -- there indeed was quality time with Piolo and a lot of other stars.
With Chad and Yeng of Pinoy Dream
Academy
And "stars" indeed were them all, befitting of the adoration and deserving to be idols of many. Everybody with the single exception of one actor, (Smokey Manaloto) gamely and most graciously posed for pictures taken outside Studio 10 during the rehearsal for the network's Christmas presentation. (Manaloto was all smiles when asked for a picture yet in seconds he walked inside the studio saying he'll just check on something yet somehow got lost)
With Piolo Pascual
Makisig "Super Inggo" may have been the youngest of the stars then approached yet he was at par with the older ones in terms of graciousness. A total relief which does not make one feel sorry to spend hard-earned money on Filipino movies and time spent on TV viewing. Same graciousness and warmth felt by the group from teenage actress Kitkat and singer Sheryn Regis, reason why as a personal note -- may they both go a long way.
With ex-Pinoy Big Brother housemate
Jason
Luis "Lucky" Manzano would make all parents proud with him seemingly truly happy to pose for pictures with virtual strangers -- very gracious and obviously very well-bred. Showbiz reporter Ogie Diaz too, harried yet with a genuine smile for that quick shot. Ilonggo singer Jed Madela was all accommodating and extra accommodating upon knowing the visiting group was "kasimanwas." Chad of Pinoy Dream Academy easily can make converts of all doubting Thomases on his star-appeal. And then there was Piolo. The group's main man.
With Luis 'Lucky' Manzano
No wonder this one has become more than just an idol. After hours of rehearsal and a full day at work, this one star made all the trouble so worth it. Joann with her three wardrobe-exchanges and Tita Sonia with her Vicks Vaporub ("In case I faint," she explained). Fresh from Dubai (as in within 24 hours of arrival), Joann and Jeana's first purpose in life is to see Piolo. Jeana who only had 3-day stay in the Philippines took her Piolo and other ABS-CBN stars album to the United States . Joann on the other hand guarded her own set of photos saying "this is a matter of life and death."
Thank heavens for the stars especially those that are shining. Piolo the brightest of them all that day and for many days to this group of Ilonggos who came for a visit and spent a day with the stars.