AIKO Melendez, 41, considers “May Minamahal” her best and most memorable movie.
The actress told “Magandang Buhay” host Karla Estrada, Melai Cantiveros and Jolina Magdangal that “May Minamahal” is her first time to play a lead role and be paired with Aga Muhlach, who was her boyfriend at that time.
“He was my first love,” Aiko confessed with a grin. “My very first boyfriend as well.”
Aiko and Aga, of course, did not end up together. Aiko has been married twice, the first to actor Jomari Yllana and the second to chef Martin Jickain. She and Jomari have a son, Andre, 17, who is following in his parents’ footsteps.
With Martin, who works at a plush restaurant at Bonifacio Global City, Aiko has a 10-year-old daughter, Marthena, who is her spitting image.
“Puwede ring artista,” her friends say.
Aiko says she is very protective of Marthena and would like her to finish high school before she joins showbiz, if ever.
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“May Minamahal,” directed by Jose Javier Reyes in 1993, is currently being restored by the ABS-CBN Restoration Department, headed by Leo Katigbak.
Aiko said she wants her co-stars in “Wildflower” to join her at the restored version’s premiere, if ever.
“Wildflower,” of course, is ABS-CBN’s ratings winner in the afternoon. It stars Maja Salvador, Sunshine Cruz, Wendell Ramos, Joseph Marco, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Christian Vasquez and Tirso Cruz III, among others. Also in it are Vin Abrenica and Roxanne Barcelo, plus Yen Santos.
Producer is Maru Benitez and creative director is Willy Laconsay.
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Christian Bables, 24, doesn’t deny he fancies older women.
He revealed he was 22 when he fell in love with a 38-year-old.
“Sobra akong nasaktan when we broke up,” Christian admitted. “Right now, wala akong girlfriend.”
He’s been focusing on his showbiz career. He stars in “The Ghost Bride,” which is doing very well at the tills.
“At ang nakakatuwa, we are getting good reviews as well,” he said, “Which is not a surprise, as ‘The Ghost Bride’ is by acclaimed megman Chito Roño. “It was always my dream to be directed by him in a movie or a series.”
Asked if it’s true he no longer wants to accept offers to play a homosexual, he replied, “Actually, it’s the talent management which is in-charge of my showbiz career, which helps me decide kung anong project ang tatanggapin ko.”
Christian was a revelation as the gay friend of Paolo Ballesteros in “Die Beautiful. His role as Barbie won him several best supporting actor awards, including from the Urian Awards.
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Close friends and family are flying in to witness the exchange of vows of actress Anne Curtis and chef Erwan Heusaff in New Zealand tomorrow, November 11.
Last Wednesday, a day after his “Hey Matteo” press con, Matteo Guidicelli left for New Zealand to attend the wedding. No word, however, if girlfriend Sarah Geronimo was with him.
Of “Hey Matteo,” the singer-actor said his very successful Cebu concert at the Waterfront Hotel last year inspired him to do a repeat in Manila. He is keeping his fingers crossed his show at the Kia Theater this November 30 will be as successful as his concert in his hometown.
“Kung sabagay, maganda this early ang feedback,” he said, “We will start selling tickets soon.”
To be produced by Big Bang Productions, “Hey Matteo” will feature top concert director Rowell Santiago and musical director Louie Ocampo. Guests include Kiana Valenciano, rapper Loonie and Morisette Amon. Matteo will be accompanied by his own band.
“I assure everyone that they will enjoy the concert. The repertoire has been carefully planned and we have included revivals and new songs, including those from my new album, ‘Hey Matteo.’”
Will Sarah watch the concert?
“She will be invited,” he quickly replied.
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Singer-actor Kean Cipriano fulfilled his promise to bride Chynna Ortaleza to marry her in church on Tuesday, November 7.
“Sa simbahan this time,” the groom said.
They exchanged vows at the Parish of the Hearts of Jesus and Mary in Quezon City, two years after tying the knot in civil rites in 2015.
Their one-year-old daughter Stellar was the flower girl.
According to Kean, they wanted the church ceremony to be intimate.
“We wanted the event kasi to be as simple and quiet as possible, kaya we kept the guest list to a hundred,” the groom said.
Reception we at Pio’s Kitchen in Quezon City.
