IZA CALZADO

It may look awkward for an actress to play the role of a gay, but for Iza Calzado, she does it with excellence.

“It looks complicated at the very start,” Iza said. “But being a woman, I soon adjusted myself to the role. Of course, there are always some excesses in terms of mannerism or behavior of real gay, so I have to balance all of them as called for by the role.”

Iza plays the role of Rowena Joy, a man-turned-gay and then after the necessary surgical treatment, she turns into a “complete” woman!

In essence, that is the gist of the next SRO Cinemaserye Presents “Rowena Joy.” The new GMA-7 teleserye airs on Aug. 20, right after “Cruel Love.”

The other members of the cast are Paolo Ballesteros, BB Gandanghari, TJ Trinidad, John Apacible, Shamaine Centinera, Rez Cortez, Lawrence Gutierrez, Joseph Paras, Sherrie, Prince Stedan, and Renz Michael Valerio.

“Rowena Joy” evolves from the longing of a young gay to live like a real woman. Paolo Ballesteros plays the role.

When the young gay confesses to his father that he is a gay, he is thrown out and vanished from the family.

To survive, the young gay has to live with his friends until he goes to Japan and finds a job. Yet, his thoughts of becoming a full woman dominates his mind.

When he returns to the Philippines, he undergoes a total sexual transformation and changes his name to Rowena Joy, played by Iza Calzado. His or her new identity boosts her self-esteem and liberates her from the nightmares of the past.

However, she meets Gino, her longtime best friend and secret love. Will she reveal now her true identity? Will she be able to face and handle the problems, disbelief and distrust which may crop up out that revelation?

The story indeed sounds like true-to-life!

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Jericho, Kristine reunites in ‘Dahil May Isang Ikaw’

It’s been exciting televiewers this new Kapamilya teleserye which reunites two of the network’s most loved stars, Jericho Rosales and Kristine Hermosa. After five years, they are working together again in “Dahil May Isang Ikaw,” a drama project that is set to premiere on Aug. 24 on ABS-CBN Primetime Bida.

Jericho of course is the multi-awarded dramatic actor and Kristine is one of the most beautiful faces in local showbiz, and theirs is a loveteam that is unforgettable. They conquered the hearts of local as well as overseas televiewers via their TV and movie hits, namely “Pangako Sa ‘Yo,” “Sana’y Wala Nang Wakas,” “Ngayong Nandito Ka,” “Trip” and “Forevermore.” And if televiewers are excited about their loveteam’s comeback, the two of them are likewise ecstatic about “Dahil May Isang Ikaw.”

Said Jericho: “Years din ang lumipas bago kami ulit nakagawa ng primetime series ni Tin kaya excited kami talaga. Can’t wait na nga na mapanood kami ulit ng mga tagahanga namin.”

On her part, Kristine enthused: “Parang biglang naging fresh ‘yung ‘Pangako Sa ‘Yo. Siyempre naman ang tagal rin kasi bago kami ulit nagkasama ni Echo.”

According to the director of the series, Jerry Lopez Sineneng, “Many have anticipated the return of the Echo-Tin team-up. Ibang klase kasi ang charisma ng dalawang ito. Kahit pa sabihin mo na matagal silang hindi nagkaroon ng projects together, may craving pa rin sa tandem nila.”

Also in the cast of “Dahil May Isang Ikaw” are Grand Slam Queen Lorna Tolentino, comebacking Gabby Concepcion, one of the finest actors we have; Chin Chin Gutierrez, one of our best character actresses; talented character actor John Estrada; Karylle, who’s making her first teleserye on the Kapamilya Network; and, three-time Best Actor awardee Sid Lucero.

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1st ‘Us Girls’ August Awards

After three years of featuring the latest in the world of fashion, beauty, food, health, traveling and gadgetry, “Us Girls” will be featuring the “Us Girls August Awards” today, Aug. 20, at the New Eastwood Mall in Libis, Quezon City.

Awards to be presented cover the following categories: “Stylist of the Year,” “Make-up Artist of the Year,” “Most Fashionable” and “Face of the Year,” among others.

A trendsetting celebrity will also be bestowed with the “Us Girls Icon Award” for embodying the real modern woman – independent, smart, adventurous and current.

Some of the nominees are Claudine Barreto, Kim Chiu, Anne Curtis, Carla Abellana, Isabelle Daza, Nikki Gil, Kristine Hermosa, Angel Locsin, Cristine Reyes, and Maja Salvador for “Face of the Year.”

Anne and Isabelle vie again for the “Most Fashionable” award against fellow head-turners Nicole Anderson, Pauline Juan, Divine Lee, Bea Soriano, Blanca Valero, Georgina Wilson and celebrities Denise Laurel, Marie Lozano, and Camille Villar.

The “Us Girls August Awards” will telecast on Aug. 30 at 7 p.m. on Studio 23.

Iya Villania, Megan Young and Angel Aquino host “Us Girls” every Sunday, 7 p.m. on Studio 23.

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De La Salle University Testimonial Dinner

The Accounting, Finance, Business and Governance Department of the De La Salle Graduate School of Business (DLSGSB) headed by Dr. Benjamin I. Espiritu, Chairman; recently honored and awarded Professor Danny Cruz a Certificate of Recognition and Appreciation for more than 35 years of invaluable contribution to accounting education and his stewardship of the GSB Accounting and Finance Department at the Makati Sports Club.

The testimonial dinner was attended by Dean Philip E. Juico, faculty members, friends, and members of the family.

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Tidbits: We are greeting today the b-day celebrants of Aug. 18 (because we inadvertently used the Aug. 20 celebrants last Tuesday): Patricio L. Lim, Ma. Elena “Ballsy” Aquino-Cruz, Girlie M. Antonio, Noel Bautista, Atty. Larry M. Patag, Marilen Tantoco, Clarita Cristobal, Marilou Garcia-Morera, Girlie Tan, Jojit de Nero, Barbara Addison, Rochelle M. Renosa, Elena V. Diga, Virgie Vega, Mrs. Luzviminda Galang, Boy Limjoco, Lara Lua and sexy actress-comedienne Angelica Jones…