Cheryl Cosim

When word got around that ABS-CBN news anchor and TV host Cheryl Cosim was leaving the network to move to TV5, there were speculations that there must have been a bad blood between Cheryl and the Kapamilya network.

The report is that starting March, Cheryl will be made to anchor the primetime newscast on TV5 with Paolo Bediones, who also holds an executive position in the network.

Cheryl will also be given her own public affairs program on TV5. She is reportedly the only female news personality at ABS-CBN who received a formal offer from TV5.

We learned Cheryl received a very lucrative offer from TV5, which the Lopez-owned network reportedly finds it hard to match.

Contrary to speculations, however, there is no bad blood between Cheryl and ABS-CBN. But we heard Cheryl hasn’t formally signed her contract with TV5. Is she having second thoughts or is there a counter offer being made by her ABS-CBN bosses, which prevents Cheryl from formally signing a deal with TV5? Will the Kapamilya network really let her go?

Cheryl has been working at ABS-CBN for 14 years, but up to now, she hasn’t been given a break to do a newscast. She anchors the hourly news updates from morning to evening, but it will probably still take years to see Cheryl do the full-length newscast nightly. There are others ahead of the line, like Karen Davila and Ces Drilon.

The network also decided to give good breaks to the likes of Pinky Webb and Bernadette Sembrano, overlooking Cheryl’s dedication and loyalty. She practically lives in the station, working seven days a week from early morning until late evening. You see her on TV and hear her on DZMM.

That is probably why Cheryl considered the TV5 offer because that is a big break for her career as a broadcast journalist.

* * *
A new CD from Martin Nievera

His fans would surely be delighted to know that Concert King Martin Nievera has a new CD entitled “As Always,” which is expected to prove that he is here to stay and will be for always one of OPM’s most sought-after artists. “As Always,” which boasts of the most collected songs of all time and which showcases Martin’s incredibly smooth vocals, is released by Polyeast Records and is now available at O Music and Odyssey Music and video outlets nationwide.

The album contains mostly revivals that cover a wide range of styles, and one of them is “You’re All I Need,” an original from the ’80s band hitmaker White Lion, which Martin renders in his own inimitable version. Another song in the album is his duet with R&B Princess Kyla, James Ingram’s “How Do You Keep the Music Playing,” performed in moving collaboration between the two of them.

The other songs in the 15-track collection of well-loved compositions are “Miles Away” (Colin Blunstone), “Every Time You Go Away” (Paul Young), “Honesty,” (Billy Joel) which Martin remakes with a more haunting style; “One Hundred Ways” (James Ingram), done with guitar hooks romancing Martin’s vocals; “If You Leave Me Now” (Chicago), a soulful rendition of Michael Jackson’s “One Day in Your Life,” “Fixin’ A Broken Heart” of Indecent Obsession, “Living Inside Myself” (Gino Vanelli), and “More Than You’ll Ever Know” (Michael Ruff).

“As Always” comes on the heels of Martin’s Platinum record and all-covers album “For Always” which was released in 2009. Martin has gained much success especially with his albums with EMI Philippines and Polyeast Records that hit the top and singles that have stayed since his debut in the 80s.

By the way, Martin will be at Gateway on Feb. 4 to promote “As Always.” Of course he will be singing, with a live band, some tracks from his latest offering.

* * *
‘Starry Starry Night,’ a pre-Valentine dinner treat

Wine Museum Hotel and Restaurant offers a pre-Valentine Treat dubbed “Starry Starry Night” on Feb. 12 with a romantic and sumptuous Spanish Buffet dinner complimented with two glasses of red wine.

Listen to Master Henry Ong, a Singaporean and world famous feng shui consultant for 40 years, who will talk about feng shui and entertain your questions. Among his favorite client is Pound for Pound King Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao.

During the night you will have a chance to consult your future from the fortune teller experts: Alex Angeles, a Tarot card reader since 1977, and favorite guests in variety talk TV shows; Psychologist Ms. Kris Baclit, whose expertise is of study of hand writing as a tool to determine a person’s status of mind and depression levels; Johnny Midnight, the toning guru of the Philippines and promoter of pyramid energy and the only accredited Tarot card reader of the World Society of Mystic Cartomancers; and Brother Eddie, the resident fortune teller of the popular “Boys Night Out” segment in 85.9 FM radio. Also free Name Analysis from Johnny Midnight.

Join and experience this once in a lifetime romantic treat for only P1,500/person as cover charge. All other consultation tarots, palms, psychologist, astrologist is charged separately.

For inquiries and reservation, visit Wine Museum Hotel and Resto along Tramo, Pasay City (at the foot of the fly-over towards airport from EDSA).

* * *
Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings on Feb. 2 go to actor Lloyd Samartino, JC Bonnin, Ms. Aida M. Posadas, US-based beautician and tattoo expert Puring Nuguid, Nello Nayo, Monette Ejercito, Cornelio de Guzman, former MB section editor now with Malacañang Press office, Serafin Buan, Michelle N. Bello, Robert Espinosa, columnist Ruther Batuigas, Maning Salac, Charito Ong, Engr. Emerson G. Visaya, New York-based lawyer Carol Tanjutco, Dante Nagtalon, Dr. Candy Capellan of UDMC, my UK-based sister Susan M. Almontero, and actor Jay Aquitania. Happy wedding anniversary to Jules and Angel Lopez.