Boxing champ Manny Pacquiao is now all set to pursue a more serious showbiz career via the sitcom “Show Me Da Manny.” The show promises to be the wackiest and most hilarious weekly comedy TV show as it showcases the comic skills of the “Pambansang Kamao.” The sitcom premieres Sunday night (Aug. 23) after “All Star K! on GMA-7!

Leading the cast of the sitcom with the “Pound for Pound King” is primetime teleserye queen Marian Rivera.

It is the first comedy sitcom for Manny, and he is expected to convert his deadly punches in the ring into rumbles of booming laughters.

For Marian, it is also one big challenge for her, as she has to transform her seriousness as a drama actress into a role brimming with fun and laughter.

The other members of the cast of “Show Me Da Manny” are Paolo Contis, Benjie Paras, John Lapus, Rochelle Pangilinan, Lovie Poe, Jevin Santos, Tuesday Vargas, Mike “Peklo” Nacua, AJ Dee, Lito Camo, Karla Acosta, and 1996 Olympics silver medalist Onyok Velasco – and in a special role – Dionisia “Pocmom” Pacquiao.

During the press conference (held at Jimmy’s Bar along Timog Ave.) that launched the show, Manny was already dishing out some comic antics which elicited laughter from the press.

Manny was asked if the presence of Marian in the show would somehow cause Jinkee, his wife, to feel jealous.

“Jealousy is normal,” Manny said. “It is an indication that one is truly in love!” He stressed: “Ours – the show – is just a job. And we promise you that we will make you laugh, and have a weekly hilarious evening!”

“Show Me Da Manny” is the story of an amateur boxing champ named Manny Santos (Manny Pacquiao) who runs a boxing gym called “Gym Santos” which he inherited from his parents.

Suddenly, a new, sophisticated and modern gym called “Gym Paredes Fitness Center” opened nearby, and it is owned by Ella Paredes (Marian Rivera).

The rivalry between the two gyms begins, Manny’s clients transferring to Ella’s gym, and Manny discovering that Ella is also winning his heart!

Do not miss this hilarious show, “Show Me Da Manny” which begins airing tonight on GMA-7!

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Danita Paner makes comeback as a singer

Danita Paner, the “prodigal daughter,” is back and doing her parents (Manny Paner and Daisy Romualdez) proud once more by getting serious in her showbiz endeavors. Among them is the forthcoming musical-variety show “September to Remember” on Sept. 27 at the Tent City of the historic Manila Hotel.

To be topbilled by Rico J. Puno, Erik Santos, Sam Milby and Richard Poon, “September to Remember” will have the special participation of Poohkwang, Rep. Ed Zialcita and Dr. Manny Calayan. Stage director is Jobert Sucaldito while Homer Flores is musical director.

The show is presented by DR Production in cooperation with Pagcor, PCSO, Department of Tourism, Philippine Star, Manila Hotel, Manila Bulletin, ABS-CBN, Manny Pacquiao, Chavit Singson, and Joel Cruz of Aficionado Germany Perfrume.

Proceeds will be used for the construction of a chapel in the San Roque Church in Agmanic, Santa Fe, Romblon.

In the show, Danita will sing some of the songs in her second album under Viva Records. The album is actually a re-packaged CD of her first album which was not promoted properly because of the personal problems that Danita went through. This time, Richard Poon is writing some original songs to be added in her new album.

Danita is now being managed by Eric Raymundo, who also manages Sam Milby and Richard Poon. She is now undergoing workshops in preparation for both her acting and singing careers.

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Santino turns 8

Everybody’s “miracle boy” Zaijian Jaranilla (Santino to televiewers who watch him avidly in ABS-CBN’s toprating show “May Bukas Pa”) turns eight years old today, Aug. 23. To celebrate his milestone, the Kapamilya Network gifted him with a trip to Hong Kong Disneyland (from Aug. 21-23) which is actually a wish-come-true for him.

“Excited po ako. Matagal ko na po kasing gusto makapunta sa Disneyland. Nakikita ko po ‘yun sa TV kasi at parang ang saya-saya po doon,” Zaijian enthused during a recent press conference for “May Bukas Pa.” “Gusto ko po mag-thank you sa ABS-CBN kasi ibinigay po nila ‘yung isa sa mga birthday wishes ko.”

Of course, Zaijian wouldn’t want to celebrate his birthday alone. And so apart from his trip to Disneyland, a children’s party will happen on Aug. 29 where 50 kids are invited to have fun with the “miracle boy.” ABS-CBN interactive and 101.9 For Life will choose the 50 lucky kids who will join Zaijian in his faun birth bash. Forty kids will be chosen by the interactive group and 10 kids will be selected by the radio group.

Aside from his goal of making the kids happy, this is also Zaijian’s way of sharing the blessings he has been receiving ever since he surfaced in the public consciousness through his product endorsements and eventually through the drama series “May Bukas Pa.”

The party for the 50 kids is also Zaijian’s way of showing his gratitude to the Filipino families who have made “May Bukas Pa” their primetime habit.

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Jolina to grace Sundance  10th anniversary party

Sundance celebrates 10 fruitful years in the direct-selling industry and its celebrity endorser, “Unang Hirit” co-host Jolina Magdangal will grace the grand anniversary celebration today (Aug. 23) at Le Pavilion along Roxas Blvd.

The Las Vegas-themed event will be divided into four segments: Lavish production numbers, a colorful fashion show, awarding of top 20 dealers and the most awaited grand raffle draw. Of course, Jolina will be there to entertain the guests with songs from her latest album. Jolina has been the face of Sundance for more than two years now and the partnership has become stronger than ever. Jolina will be joined by equally popular performers like Christian Bautista, MYMP and the funny group Raging Divas.

Prizes at stake in the “Arangkada sa Dekada” raffle promo are P200,000 for the grand prize, P100,000 for the 2nd prize and P50,00 for the third prize. Premium items will be given out to non-major winners such as computer sets, a Sundance Kabuhayan Package worth P60,000, DVD home theater, refrigerators and scooter.

The main dealers, on the other hand, will be honored by Sundance managing directors Joa Pajaro and Peter Yu. Each of them will receive a plaque of appreciation, special gifts and a free hotel accommodation at Discovery Suites in Ortigas.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Aug. 23, go to Mrs. Marietta P. Goco, Toni Galang, Jenny Zamora, AJ Singson, Stephanie Gamboa, Boy Gabriel, Necy Marco, Judith Pajaro, Merci Bermundo, Ludy Yu, Raquel de Jesus Torres, Louise Boy Alberto of New York, Jules Ozamis, Ingrid Colangelo, Joanne Dizon, Sophia Mari Ayson, Lorenzo Samel de Boda, Nellie C. Delgado, Manny B. Marinay and Nikki Gil… Elaine Mariel Q. Surbano celebrated with her 18th birth anniversary with her closest friends last Aug. 22 at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati. Elaine is a freshman double-major (AB Economics/BS Business Management student at the De La Salle Unviersity. She wore a gown by Bobby Novenario…