Cesar Montano

We had lunch with Cesar Montano at our favorite I-Republik restaurant along Tomas Morato St. last Wednesday and there was nary a premonition in him that two days after (on Friday morning), he would lose his son Christian Angelo, who shot himself to death at their house in Quezon City. Angelo was only 23.
 
Angelo was supposed to go with Cesar to Bohol where he is running as governor, but because it was his girlfriend’s birthday last Thursday Angelo begged off. Cesar never thought that he would never see his son alive again. Angelo is one of his two children with his first wife. The other one is a girl named Angela.

During our luncheon meeting, Cesar was happily narrating how his wife Sunshine Cruz is enjoying interacting with the Boholanos, and how good she is now in speaking the Cebuano dialect. We commended his lean physique, a result of a tedious preparation for the election campaign, he said.

Cesar was also excited about the Ninoy Aquino film project where he has been assigned the title role. The filmbio will be directed by Marilou Diaz-Abaya who also directed him in some award-winning films including “Muro-Ami” and “Rizal.”

But the film will most probably be finished within the next two years, Cesar said.

We condole with Cesar and family on the tragedy that has befallen them.

Herewith is Cesar’s official statement issued Friday afternoon, March 26:

“To our dear friends from the media:

“I received the shocking news of my son, Christian Angelo’s death very early this morning while I was in Bohol. I, along with my wife Sunshine and daughter Angela, immediately flew back to Manila first thing today to be with my son.

“No words can describe the grief that my family and I are experiencing with this devastating news. He was so young, a cheerful, thoughtful, and loving son who has a generous heart and spirit.

“I was just with him yesterday before leaving for Bohol. Little did I know that it would be the last time I was to see him alive.

“Dr. Tony Leachon, a good friend and neighbor, pronounced Angelo dead on arrival at the Malvar General Hospital in Quezon City early this morning. Initial police investigation showed that Angelo died from a single gunshot wound in the head. We are still trying to piece together some facts pertaining to his death.

“While I am still reeling from this tragic incident, my family and I would like to appeal to everyone to respect the privacy of my grieving family at this time.

“Thank you very much for your understanding. May God’s strength be with all of us.”

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Gutierrez siblings takes the spotlight Sunday

In showbiz, if there’s a family of actors and actresses that reigns, it would definitely be the Gutierrez family. And taking the spotlight this Sunday that you wouldn’t want to miss are the Gutierrez siblings Ruffa, Richard, and Raymond.

GMA-7’s Primetime King Richard Gutierrez will groove as he returns to the dance floor after several years since he left “SOP.” Finally, Richard has agreed to be one of the hosts of “Party Pilipinas” (replacing “SOP Rules”). Not to miss on Sunday are Richard’s dance moves inspired by no less than international choreographer Fusion.

Though busy with several projects, Richard gave time to his rehearsals with Fusion for his solo dance number. And why wouldn’t he be inspired? Fusion’s unique dance style and powerful stage performance has made a mark in Hollywood that prompted music icons to request him to perform, choreograph and even tour with them. Among this celebrities are Madonna, Beyoncé Knowles, Akon, Diana Ross, Backstreet Boys, ‘N Sync, SisQo, Missy Elliott, Puff Diddy, Lil Kim, Justin Timberlake and Ludacris.

To delight his fans even more, Richard will also render a song number with his “In Your Eyes” leading lady Claudine Barretto, as he welcomes the latter to the Kapuso Network.

Richard’s twin brother Raymond Gutierrez is also part of “Party Pilipinas,” undeniably because of his hosting skill, not to mention the fans’ clamor of having the twins in one show.

Raymond is one of hosts of “Showbiz Central’s,” the rival Sunday talk show of “The Buzz” where his Ate Ruffa was a host.

And now that Ruffa Gutierrez is with TV5 to helm her own talk show “Paparazzi” (with co-hosts Cristy Fermin and Dolly Ann Carvajal), televiewers should catch the opportunity to see her on Sunday on “Showbiz Central” as Ruffa might not guest anymore in any show when her own show starts airing.

Since this is Ruffa’s first time in the show, she will face not only his brother Raymond, but also the rest of the hosts, who will take her to the hot seat and discuss issues concerning her in the “Don’t Lie to Me” segment of the show.

Televiewers should watch how Ruffa will answer issues regarding her transfer from ABS-CBN to TV5, her guesting to her former show’s rival, and the most explosive one: Was she hurt to know that her ex-husband Yilmas Bektas will soon be marrying a former Miss Universe? Definitely no one should miss “Showbiz Central” on Sunday for more exciting revelations.

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2nd ‘ASAP XV’ episode Sunday

The second episode of “ASAP XV” which was taped in Boracay recently will be aired on Sunday on ABS-CBN. The taping was made controversial yet exciting when one of the hosts, Anne Curtis, accidentally exposed her right breast due to “wardrobe malfunction.”

For “ASAP VX sa Bora” and three other events – Cinema One’s outdoor screening of “Kimmy Dora,” a trade show featuring ABS-CBN’s daytime and primetime shows, and a MYX show – the network brought more than a hundred of their stars, among them John Lloyd Cruz, Sam Milby, Luis Manzano, Vina Morales, Sam Pinto, Paul Jake Castillo, Melai Cantiveros, Jason Francisco, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Arnel Pineda, Zaijan Jaranilla, Iya Villania, Shaina Magdayao, and many others.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings on March 28 go to Consul General Antonio P. Villamayor, Roselle Nava, Lily Mendoza, Lita M. Esteban, Esperanza Cabunoc, Katrina M. Mercado, Mrs. Elsa Syjuco, Amada Ocampo Gutierrez, Cynthia Calvo Evangelista, Polly J. Bautista, New York-based Espie M-Phansaithong, Joseph Bitangcol and Thou Reyes of ABS-CBN Star Magic.