The ABS-CBN nightly teleserye “May Bukas Pa” remains to be a toprating show and this is definitely the reason why it has been extended till January next year. Ever since it started airing, “May Bukas Pa” has been on the top of Philippine primetime TV ratings according to the Taylor Nelson Sofres nationwide survey results.

The show has undoubtedly become part of the Filipino family’s viewing habit with its inspiring story. The success of “May Bukas Pa” could also be attributed to the charisma and appeal of the young star of the show, Zaijian Jaranilla, now more popularly known as Santino, his character who is Bro’s (Jesus Christ) instrument in performing miracles in the drama series.

The show’s popularity is also due to the fact that it features a superb roster of stars both the mainstays and the guest performers (right now it has no less than Comedy King Dolphy as special guest). In the mainstay cast are Albert Martinez, Dina Bonnevie, Tonton Gutierrez, Maja Salvador, Rayver Cruz, Dominic Ochoa, Lito Pimentel, Desiree del Valle, Arlene Muhlach, Ogie Diaz, Jaime Fabregas, Ron Morales, David Chua, Victor Basa, Ruben Gonzaga, Badji Mortis and Ms. Liza Lorena.

Among the big name stars who’ve guested in the show include Ms. Susan Roces, Lorna Tolentino, Christopher de Leon, Claudine Barretto, Ai Ai delas Alas, Gabby Concepcion, KC Concepcion, Toni Gonzaga, John Estrada, Anne Curtis, Cristine Reyes, Maricar Reyes, Gardo Versoza, Johnny Delgado, Robert Arevalo, Dante Rivero, Boots Anson-Roa and Vhong Navarro.

Santino marks his milestone

Zaijian who turned eight years old Sunday (Aug. 23) said ABS-CBN has given him a trip to Hong Kong Disneyland as his birthday gift. As Santino, he has become the “miracle boy” who continues to inspire televiewers and those who he comes in contact with in his young life. He’s really an amazing kid, according to his veteran co-stars like Dina Bonnevie and Arlene Muhlach, who said “he is really gifted, and he is so dedicated to his craft. He easily memorizes his lines kahit gaano kahaba. At hindi siya napapagod.”

We asked Zaijian if his parents still spank him even if he is a big star now (and popular worldwide thanks to The Filipino Channel), and he said yes with a smile, “pag malikot po ako, pinapalo pa rin ako ng lola at papa ko.”

Arlene and actor-writer Ogie Diaz play husband and wife in “May Bukas Pa.” Arlene is still a little overweight but interestingly she has remained pretty and youngish-looking despite having a seven-year-old daughter and an almost two years old son. “From 300 lbs. I went down to an ideal weight before but then nabuntis naman ako sa second child ko, so I gained weight again,” Arlene laughed.

Arlene was 16 when she became part of German Moreno’s “Big Big Show.” Her contemporaries included Lani Mercado and William Martinez among others. She later made movies under Regal Films and Via Hoffman Productions and she has had the chance to work with big stars like Sharon Cuneta and Maricel Soriano. But then she got married young so Arlene put on hold her acting career. When she resumed her acting career, Arlene appeared in “Ligaw na Bulaklak,” “Marimar,” “Kampanerang Kuba,” Kung-Fu Kids,” and “The Anothers” to name a few.

Dina’s dream roles

In “May Bukas Pa,” Dina Bonnevie plays wife to Albert Martinez’s mayor character. She likes her role, she said. But she thinks she has been stereotyped in “mataray” roles for a long time. “Gusto ko maiba naman sana.”

Like she would like to play a character na singer-dancer siya like what Jennifer Lopez has played in some past movies; she would also like to play something akin to what Hilary Swank portrayed in “Boys Don’t Cry.”

“I would also like to play someone mentally deranged, or bulag. Basta, roles na hindi common. Lagi na lang mataray roles ang napupunta sa akin,” Dina laughed. But she liked being in “May Bukas Pa.” “We are like one big family. We are close, we always bond together kaya masaya kami and I’m glad that the show will take us till 2010.”

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Karylle plays her most challenging role to date

Actress-singer Karylle is excited about her inclusion in the newest ABS-CBN teleserye “Dahil May Isang Ikaw” which starts airing Monday, Aug. 24. This is her first soap in the Kapamilya Network and she said that so far her role in “Dahil May Isang Ikaw” is the most challenging role that has been assigned to her. It is recalled that while she was with GMA-7, Karylle appeared in some fantasy series like “Encantadia.”

Karylle has earned a lot of experience from the musical plays, TV shows and movies that she has participated in in the recent past. And in “Dahil May Isang Ikaw,” she will showcase her greatly improved acting craft.

Dubbed the “Enchanting Diva,” Karylle who is definitely one of the most promising actresses of her generation plays Danica, the third person in the love triangle involving Miguel (Jericho Rosales) and Angel/Ella (Kristine Hermosa). This is an entirely different role but soon enough Karylle was able to get comfortable with it and with her co-stars.

“I’ve worked with Echo na rin kasi sa ‘I Love Betty La Fea’ and in ‘Maruja’ naman with Kristine. Kaya walang ilang factor. I’m very much at ease working with these fine actors. But I must say that it’s a challenge rin working with them na sabay, dagdag mo pa yung mga magagaling na artista na kasama rin namin. I feel a bit pressured (laughs). Who wouldn’t di ba? In fact, I’m also a fan of the Echo-Tin love team,” Karylle said.

“Dahil May Isang Ikaw,” directed by Jerry Lopez Sineneng and Rechie del Carmen, premieres Monday night on ABS-CBN.

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Alma Concepcion graces Prettylooks Makati opening

Actress Alma Concepcion who is now into the construction business was among the special guests who graced the recent dedication and formal opening of Prettylooks Salon and Spa’s newest branch at the UG10 Cityland Pasong Tamo in Calle Estacion, Brgy. Pio del Pilar in Makati. With her at the ribbon-cutting ceremony were Cristina Decena, Susan Co-Ong and husband Dr. Rizalino dela Fuente, the owners.

Cristina of course is the president of the Bank of Norzagaray and the celebrity endorser of Prettylooks. Both Alma and Cristina are patrons of Prettylooks, and among the procedures that they’re proud to have underwent in the salon is their wrinkle-free and young-looking hands.

Both being in high-profile endeavors that require constant contact with people, Cristina and Alma believe that the hands are prominent parts of the body that are easily noticeable. Now, people admire them for having wrinkle-free hands. “Like the neck, our hands could betray our age,” Cristina said. “And so we should not wait for them to show how old we are. A visit to Prettylooks is what I always recommend my friends.”

Susan, who is a pharmacist by profession, has another expertise: Body tattoo, of which she is one of the pioneers in the country, and for which she has won awards from international competitions.

Other procedures offered at Prettylooks include aesthetic varicose and spider vein treatment, permanent make-up, eyelash ferming, warts removal and artefill replacement therapy (non-surgical nose lift, face lift and butt lift).

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings Monday, Aug. 24, go to former Senator Tito Sotto, Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, former Manila Councilor Star Querubin, Raul Teehankee, Aber P. Canlas, Tony Adriano, Symphony A. Yuquimpo, Mimi Munoz, Zeny Iripol, and Atty. Jun Torrente…