DENISE Esteban was a member of an all-girl song and dance group called P-Pop who joined Vivamax to shed off her wholesome image. She was introduced in “Kaliwaan,” then did meaty lead roles in “Doblado” and “Kara Krus,” “Secrets” and “High School on Sex.”
Denise turned 21 on May 7 and now shares top billing with Rose Van Ginkel in “Star Dancer,” the first movie of writer-director Pamela Miras for Vivamax. What’s her role?
“I play Odessa, an aspiring ballet dancer and a scholar in a ballet school,” she says. “But I got seriously injured in an accident so I have to let go of my dream of being a professional ballet dancer. To provide for myself and also help make ends meet for my family na umaasa sa akin, I end up working as a stripper in a nightclub.”
Because of her sexy good looks and her talent in seductive dancing, she quickly became the club’s top star dancer. But Rose Van Ginkel, who plays Giselle, the former star dancer, returns to the club to reclaim her throne from Odessa. A battle royale then ensues between the two sexy women who become mortal rivals.
“Abangan nyo po yung dance sequences namin ni Rose Van na patalbugan kami sa dance floor,” says Denise. “We trained hard for this. Ang galing-galing ni Rose Van hindi lang sa pagsayaw, but also in acting, so I always have to be on my toes to make sure na hindi niya ako maiwanan. We had fun doing our dancing scenes at nagpalakpakan nga ang mga tao sa set after we did our scenes together.”
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Ogie Diaz (real name: Roger Pandaan) started as an assistant and entertainment writer in Cristy Fermin’s fan magazines in the late ‘80s. He then branched as a comedian in the hit sitcom, “Palibhasa Lalake,” and later did movies for director Joey Reyes like “Hiling,” “Radio Romance,” “Pare Ko” and “Rollerboys.”
Later on, he became a talent manager and two of his wards were Vice Ganda and Liza Soberano, who both became very successful. He also appeared in teleseryes like “Walang Hanggan,” “May Bukas Pa” and “Bituin.”
Ogie later gained fame as a vlogger and influencer, and now, he is hosting the show “Kung Saka-Sakali” for the Pie Channel. This is a reality show that presents true stories of what if’s in the lives of its guests. At the first anniversary of Pie Channel, Ogie was interviewed by the press and he shared some tips to his co-vloggers and influencers in the hit interactive channel.
“Una sa lahat, huwag react agad sa bashing. I-enjoy ninyo lang ‘yung bashing and look at it positively. Kasi kapag wala ng namba-bash sa inyo, ibig lang sabihin, hindi na kayo relevant.”
And he stresses that when they join showbiz, they should be respectful to their seniors.
“Lagi ninyong tatandaan, kung sino yung mga senior stars na nakakasalubong ninyo, babatiin ninyo at magpapakilala kayo sa kanila. Nauna sila rito sa industry, kaya dapat lang na kayo ang magbigay-pugay.”
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‘She says she was the one who personally selected and recommended Beauty for the show.’
and BONG REVILLA
Lani Mercado laughs off allegations she is jealous of Beauty Gonzales who plays her husband Bong Revilla’s new leading lady in the upcoming GMA-7 action comedy, “Walang Matigas na Pulis sa Matinik na Misis.”
“Naku, wala na sa’kin ang ganyang mga selos-selos,” she says. She says she was the one who personally selected and recommended Beauty for the show. “Napanood ko si Beauty sa ibang shows niya and she’s good. I know Bisaya siya and I have some friends na Bisaya rin at naaaliw ako kapag tumatalak sila sa mga mister nila so naisip kong si Beauty nga ang kunin at gawing Bisaya ang character ng wife sa show.”
“And she made the right choice,” says Sen. Bong Revilla. “First time pa lang namin mag-shoot at tinawag niya ako ng Tulume, alam ko na, she’s perfect for the role.”
In real life, is Sen. Bong a henpecked husband? Bong butts in and says: “This is the story of my life,” he laughs, then touches Lani’s face. “Hindi. Ang asawa ko pa?”
“Masunurin po ako,” says Lani. “Law-abiding citizen. Very thankful lang kami kay Lord kasi after 37 years, we’re still together. Even our kids, maayos lahat ang buhay. We’re so proud our daughter Inah has passed the bar and is now a lawyer, while our daughter Loudette will be a doctor.”
