Iwa Moto will sure to vigorously campaign for Senator Ping Lacson, who has formally announced his decision to run for president in next year’s elections.
Iwa is the current partner of Pampi Lacson, the ex-husband of actress Jodi Sta. Maria. Pampi and Jodi have a son, Thirdy. With Iwa, Pampi has two kids, a girl and a boy.
Iwa was a former GMA contract artist. Her mom is a Filipina named Aileen Quimado and her dad is a Japanese. She decided to use her real family name, Iwamoto, as her screen name.
The 33-year-old mom of two was first runner-up in the third season of “Starstruck” on GMA.
***
Andrea Torres’ sister, a doctor, is getting married soon.
“Baka nga raw makasabay pa sa kasal ni Derek Ramsay kay Ellen Adarna,” whispered our source.
As is common knowledge, Andrea was in a relationship with Derek in 2019. They broke up last year. In February 2021, Derek and Ellen met and fell in love.
Ellen, meanwhile, was formerly with actor John Lloyd Cruz, with whom she has a son, Elias Modesto.
So far, John Lloyd has not expressed any comment regarding Derek and Ellen’s coming wedding.
Well, he may be busy making up his mind whether to proceed with the sitcom he is supposed to do with GMA.
“Mukha nga kasing hindi pa in the mood magtrabaho si John Lloyd,” a kibitzer commented.
“Obvious na financially stable pa siya.”
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In the mood to work is 2020 Miss Universe Rabiya Mateo.
But she has yet to crown her successor. The Miss Universe Philippines coronation night scheduled for September 25 has been postponed and the final date has yet to be announced.
Rabiya just signed up with GMA and recently guested in the weekly show, “The Boobay and Tekla Show.”
***
Manila Mayor Isko Moreno has thrown his hat in the presidential race.
He has chosen Willie Ong, a popular cardiologist and internist, to be his running mate.
TV personality Raffy Tulfo is also running. But he has yet to announce whether he will run for the senate of for vice president.
“Baka maging running mate siya ni Manny Pacquiao,” said an observer. “Sure na nga raw kasi si Senator Manny na gusto niyang maging presidente.”
Well, if Raffy does run, he will have to give up his shows on TV5.
***
This anecdote happened more than two decades ago, according to Annabelle Rama, but she loves talking about it.
As Annabelle reasoned: “Kasi, cute. Kuwentong showbiz.”
Annabelle recalled that Ruffa was only 12 when she and a reporter-friend brought Ruffa to Mother Lily Monteverde.
“At that time, gusto na talagang mag-artista ni Ruffa,” said Annabelle. “And I was all for it, too. As we were not yet financially secure.”
Mother Lily was busy while talking to Annabelle and company. The conversation went like this:
Mother Lily: “Ruffa’s real name?”
Annabelle: “Sharmaine po.”
Mother Lily (without looking at her guests): “Maganda. Pero dapat maikli lang. Para matandaan kaagad ng mga batang kaedad niya. Na siyang magiging tagahanga niya.
“Now, where is she?”
“At that time, ang liit pa ni Ruffa, parang hindi 12 years old kaya, ang comment ni Mother, ‘Akala ko ba si Eddie Gutierrez ang tatay niya?’” recalled Annabelle. “Bagama’t natataranta ako, I told Mother, ‘di pa ho nagkakaroon ng mens si Ruffa.”
When they returned to Mother Lily a few months later, Ruffa was not only taller but also had curves.
Well, Ruffa not only became a Regal Baby, she also became a beauty queen. She won the title Miss World Second Princess in 1993.
Of course, she now has two daughters, Lorin and Venice, who are as lovely as her.
Ruffa married Turkish business Yilmaz Bektas in 2003. Four years later, they separated.
Their marriage has been annulled.
