Oh My Girl! (OMG),” Regal Films’ anniversary offering starring young superstar Judy Ann Santos and multi-media comedian Ogie Alcasid, is a unique heart-warming comedy and an entirely different laugh story.

“OMG” is the story of two childhood friends in an orphanage who outgrew each other.

Says Mother Lily Monteverde: “This is a comedy with a heart. This is my tribute to those people who relentlessly supported Regal because of real love and friendship all these years.” On her part, Roselle Monteverde-Teo emphasizes: “This is a different laugh story which will touch a familiar chord in our being. This movie is our treat to those who are yearning for real love and friendship in their lives.”

Directed by Dante Nico Garcia, “OMG” also has Roderick Paulate and Carmi Martin working together for the first time in a comedy film. They play mortal enemies in “OMG.” They have worked together several times on television and their comic skills have not gone unnoticed through the years.

The film also stars Manilyn Reynes, John Prats, Nova Villa, Frenchie Dy, and Jon Avila plus cameo performances by Songbird Regine Velasquez and Megastar Sharon Cuneta among others.

“OMG” opens on July 29 in theaters nationwide.

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Vic Sotto and Paula Taylor, a fresh team-up in ‘LOL’

Vic Sotto, now also dubbed as “Comedy King,” has a new leading lady in the person of Paula Taylor, international VJ and Asia’s fast-rising model, and TV-movie actress. They are now the freshest tandem to grace Philippine cinema and they topbill the forthcoming comedy film “Love OnLine (LOL),” a presentation of OctoArts Films, M-Zet TV and APT Entertainment.

If Paula seems familiar, it’s because she has been seen on several TV and print ads (like Canon Cameras, Rebisco Whole Wheat Crackers, Kenny Rogers Roasters, Plains & Prints, Myra-E, Colgate to name a few). She was born in Bangkok, Thailand from a Thai mother and a British father but Paula grew up in Perth, Australia.

During her growing up years, Paula often visited Thailand and her striking looks and trademark smile eventually caught the eye of local modeling agents. After graduating from high school in Perth, Paula moved to Thailand to pursue a career in modeling. She also appeared in numerous Thai TV shows, TV commercials and Thai feature films before becoming a regular VJ for Channel V Thailand. She eventually became an overnight household name when she appeared with childhood friend Natasha Monks in the reality-show “Amazing Race Asia 2.”

Paula has also made her debut in a Hollywood film entitled “Shadows,” a supernatural thriller starring William Hurt, Cary Elwes, and fellow Thai actress Ploy Jindachot. Paula, who co-owns a fashion boutique in Thailand called Polita, plays second female lead in “Shadows.”

Vic has only good words for his new leading lady. “She is very easy to work with. Hindi siya maarte.

Cowboy nga eh. Kahit ano ipakain namin kinakain niya. Parang Pinay din. Nakakatuwa siya. Walang problema sa set.”

“LOL” is directed by Tony Y. Reyes and also stars Jose Manalo, Manilyn Reynes, Matt Evans, Melissa Ricks, Dominic Roco, Gina Pareño, Ricky Davao and Leo Martinez.

“LOL” is set for release in mid-August.

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Philanthropist marks 60th birth anniversary

It was a busy weekend for philanthropist Rikki Jimenez, who celebrated his 60th birthday in an intimate lunch thrown by his good friend, ABS-CBN President Charo Santos-Concio at her newly renovated home in La Vista, Quezon City. Rikki, who has been celebrating his birthday with lavish parties for the past 15 years, opted for a quiet lunch party considering the difficult times now.

Rikki’s party coincided with the anniversary of his Rikki Jimenez and Friends Foundation Inc. (RJFFI), a non-profit, non-governmental organization engaged in providing educational, medical and dental assistance to our less fortunate fellowmen.

Those who greeted the birthday boy at the party included Charo and husband, TOYM awardee Cesar Concio Jr.; lawyer Ningning Muñoz; philanthropist Tereret Tambunting-Liboro; veteran newshen Ethel Soliven-Timbol; Cesar’s daughter Rina Concio-Quinto and DENR Undesecretary Eli Quinto. Charo, Ningning and Tereret are all RJFFI officials.

Rikki’s Foundation will be going on a medical mission by yearend in Quezon Province to provide assistance to the needy.

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Luke Mejares at Club Vito

Once more, Luke Mejares will try to conquer the hearts of Caviteños with his performance tonight at Club Vito in Noveleta, Cavite. This, after a very successful performance in A Amadeo, Cavite last Wednesday, courtesy of Mayor OJ Ambagan.

Luke is expected to fill up Club Vito, the cozy bar owned by Jobert Sucaldito, Rez (of Buns & Pizza), contractor Buboy and DJ Mark. The club is located along the National Hi-way in Brgy. Magdiwang in Noveleta. Club Vito offers good food and a cozy ambiance to its patrons. Every last Sunday of the month, the club offers a musical special topbilled by some of the country’s best crooners and acoustic artists. Luke premieres the monthly special tonight.

“Masuwerte si Luke sa mga events ko. Palaging masaya ang audience every after his performances. Kaya suki ko na ‘yan. He’s always on top of my list pag kantahan na ang pinag-uusapan,” says tri-media personality Jobert Sucaldito who occasionally produces concerts too.

Also, on July 31, Luke will once more stage “Luke…It’s Michael Jackson” at the Music Museum. This is Luke’s way of paying tribute to the beautiful music of his idol, the world’s music icon Michael Jackson to whom Luke owes his musical influence. Luke has done this tribute in April last year and since MJ is gone, there’s a big clamor for a repeat.

Joining Luke in “Luke…It’s Michael Jackson” are Thor, the Manoeuvers and the Sabado Boys (Paolo Santos, Jimmy Bondoc, Mike Chan and DJ Myke). Tickets are now available at the Music Museum and at Ticketnet.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, July 26, go to Mayor Tommy Osmena, Dondon Nakar, Ms. Annie Ausmolo, Mrs. Anita Udarbe-Lorenzana, Ms. Annabelle Adriano, Director Heidi Sison, Pacito Hipolito, Pamela Nava, Cynthia Lim, Joseph Roble, Janelle Quintana and actress Jennina Garcia…Happy wedding anniversary to Bombit and Deena dela Cruz…Belated b-day greetings to Francis Simeon of StarStudio magazine (July 18)…