She may have been sidelined for a while but now Katrina Halili is definitely back in harness.

She was launched recently as the new face of Bench Underwear and has since been seen in GMA-7’s “Dear Friend.” When she met a handful of the entertainment press last Wednesday, one of her new assignments discussed was her “return to the Belo care” via her signing up with Flawless for this year’s campaign.

To all these, Katrina is very happy. She said, “Ang gusto ko po talaga ngayon ay magtrabaho. Kasi alam naman po nating lahat na medyo nagkaproblema (referring to the raging controversy recently about the love triangle involving her and the high profile couple of Dr. Vicki Belo and Dr. Hayden Kho). Ngayon po mas focused na ako magtrabaho. Bumili nga po ako ng bahay kasi I have decided to really focus my energy on work.”

Katrina explained that she refused to buy a house before this because she has kept an open mind about work. “Kung meron, meron. Pero kung wala, e di uuwi na lang ako sa Palawan. Ganoon po ang mindset ko dati. Pero nung nangyari ang mga controversies, I realized I didn’t want to bow out of showbiz leaving that kind of impression. Now I am more serious about work,” she said determined.

Katrina also said that this means she is taking a break, too, from her lovelife. “Mas distracted po kapag may lovelife,” she said also explaining that Kris Lawrence and I agreed to focus on their respective careers first and discontinue going out. “But we’re still friends. We still talk and sometimes see each other. Hindi po totoo na magka-away kami,” she ends.

***
Mica is Direk Chito’s new discovery

In the new Star Cinema movie “T2” directed by Chito Roño and starring Maricel Soriano, the child actress who goes by the name of Mica Dela Cruz surprised everyone with her very impressive performance.

She plays the role of the mysterious orphan in the movie who will be taken care of by the character of Maricel, who plays a social worker in the film. Mica, we were told, is the sister of actress Angelica Dela Cruz.

During the press con, Mica engaged everyone whenever she is asked to tell the press about her experience in “T2.” More than anything, the little girl expresses how grateful she is for being cast in the movie headlined by the Diamond Star.

She says, “Sobrang natutuwa po talaga ako na nakasama po ako sa movie na ito. Kasi po si Ms. Maricel ang kasama ko tapos si Direk Chito pa. Sobrang karangalan po talaga ito. Masayang-masaya po talaga ako.”

Direk Chito said Mica turned up as the one deserving of the role after he auditioned approximately 80 kids. “Nung nakita ko si Mica, alam ko na na para sa kanya ang role na iyon. Magaling siya,” he said.

Maricel also has good words only for the little girl. “Kahit puyatan na, kapag tinawag siya para mag-take, akala mo hindi nangyari na nagyaya na siyang umuwi a while ago dahil sa antok. Magaling ang batang ito,” she said.

“T2” also stars Derek Ramsay, Eric Fructuoso, Camille Pratts, and Mon Confiado. It opens April 11.

***
The 80s concert-cum-car show on April 4

“G-Strip Rewind: An 80s Concert & Car Show” featuring premiere bands like The Dawn, True Faith, Color It Red, The Jerks, Wency Cornejo of After Image, Luna and Nexxus is being mounted by Sun Cellular, in partnership with Greenhills Shopping Center.

Bringing back the music of the 80s via this free live show on April 4, from 5 p.m. ‘til way past midnight, the G-Strip of Greenhills Shopping Center will be transformed into the hottest happening place as partygoers reminisce the “She Bop” and “Tenderness” days the 80s are known for.

Another exciting feature of the event is a Car Show for auto enthusiasts who will definitely enjoy the array of classic wheels on display featuring “mitsulancerph,” “old-schooler auto club” and “classic” auto club.

In-between sets during the concert, fun games will also be held and exciting prizes and freebies will be given away courtesy of Sun Cellular.

The very affordable prepaid products of Sun Cellular will be showcased at the booths located at the concert venue.

“G-Strip Rewind: An 80s Concert & Car Show” is just one of the ways through which Sun Cellular expresses its gratitude to subscribers who continue to support and patronize its value-for-money products and services. It is also a great graduation treat for Batch 2009 graduates.