Claudine Barretto

The much anticipated self-titled show of Claudine Barretto on the Kapuso Network is set to be aired on April 10 but on this day, the Kapamilya Network reportedly will also show a “Maalaala Mo Kaya” episode in which her sister Gretchen Barretto will appear.

During last Monday’s grand press conference for GMA-7’s new drama anthology “Claudine,” the actress said she is not pleased or happy about this report. “Hindi ako natutuwa, malungkot ako sa balitang ito. Sana hindi nila pagsabayin ang airing ng show namin. Mga parents namin more than 70 years old na sila, and they’re not happy about it either,” she said. Claudine recalled that she and Gretchen had a falling out for a long time and it was only three years ago that they started talking again.

“Sana, huwag siyang pagamit…”

Anyway, “Claudine” marks the actress’ return to television and it will be shown every Saturday night after “Pinoy Records” on GMA-7. The network’s big boss Atty. Felipe Gozon said, “We at GMA-7 believe that Kapuso na rin si Claudine at isa siyang magaling na artista… in her show, she will prove why she is rightly called drama queen…”

On her part, “we are making drama anthology ‘in’ again,” Atty. Annette Gozon-Abrogar said, and who to feature better than Claudine Barretto, who is dubbed today’s Queen of Television Drama? “We have lined-up many Kapuso stars who are raring to work with Claudine.”

Ms. Wilma Galvante, on the other hand, said she was impressed with the actress professionalism and hard work, which is contrary to what she has heard about the actress in the past. “Sabi nila prima donna siya, nangpa-pack-up ng taping and other nasty things about her. But from our negotiations and talks, the pictorials, the tapings – I found out these are not true at all… On top of her artistry, Claudine is her own person. And with a good creative team to work with, how could she not shine in her show?”

In response, Claudine expressed that she was overwhelmed with the warmth of the welcome and the support she’s getting from her new home studio and its people. “This is the first time that I got out of my comfort zone… and I feel so blessed…” Needless to say, she will do her best to reciprocate the love and support they’ve given her at the Kapuso Network.

So what can she say about the title “Drama Queen of GMA?”

“Okay lang ito sa akin,” she beamed.

In a VTR, most of those who wished Claudine the best in her new home and new show included Kapamilya stars Judy Ann Santos, Diether Ocampo, director Wenn Deramas and Kris Aquino who said that she is blessed to have a friend and “sister” like Claudine, and now that the long wait is over, “the drama queen is back, and I look forward to seeing you in your best in your show…”

A first with Raymart

In the pilot episode of “Claudine” entitled “Alzheimer’s” and which is helmed by multi-awarded director Laurice Guillen, Claudine is paired for the first time with her husband, Raymart Santiago who has been a Kapuso for quite a long time now. In the story about selfless love, Raymart plays Andy who is afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease.

Claudine said of their team-up: “Akala ko impossibleng magkasama kami sa isang drama, pero nangyari. So I’m so happy; conscious ako at first, kasi we haven’t had the chance to work together in the past. I was amazed, ang galing-galing niya, I’m really proud of him.”

So it won’t be impossible for her and former flame Mark Anthony to be teamed up too? Claudine’s answer: “With Raymart, parang imposible noon pero nangyari, kaya with Mark, siguro there will come a time that we will work together, kasi Kapuso din siya. Pero hindi pa napapanahon…”

Well said, Claudine. In the meantime, let’s watch out for “Claudine” to premiere on April 10, only on GMA-7.

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From Manila, designer moves to the province

Friends of Rikki Jimenez are wondering why he left Manila last year. Rikki, a former fashion designer who later became society columnist/writer of Manila Bulletin and Malaya now lives in what he calls “idyllic, Lucban, Quezon,” famous for its annual “Pahiyas” festival.

Rikki will open his “Arts and Antiques at iba pa” shop (which sells mostly old paintings and furniture) in Brgy. Tinamnan near the town’s grotto known to Catholic devotees as “Kamay ni Hesus.” He also transferred the office of his Rikki J & Friends Foundation Inc. (RJFFI) in the same place. Incidentally, RJFFI participated in Pterygium Medical Mission (cataract mission) held at JDMC at Bacolor, Pampanga last Dec. 20, 2009. RJFFI officers and directors are Belen Lovina Ticzon Martel, Charo Santos Concio, Ningning Muñoz, Rebecca Lagdameo, Tereret Liboro, Ernie Ordonez and Mel Chionglo.

Talking of Belen Martel, the RJFFI chairperson now lives in New Jersey, USA with hubby Don Antonio (Tony) V. Martel, Jr. of Harrison Plaza. Their unica hija Antonia Martel is a budding fashion designer at the Big Apple. According to Rikki, the good couple, Tony and Belen watched (their WOW! experience of a lifetime!) TV a few months ago the launching of Endeavor at NASA and they rushed to their balcony and saw with their own eyes the space shuttle took off.

By the way, last month, Rikki tendered a light dinner at Cosa Nostra on the occasion of the birthday of his good friend Ethel Soliven Timbol, a former Lifestyle editor of Manila Bulletin.

Present at the occasion were philanthropist Tereret Liboro; fashion guru Tony Cajucom; Lucena City business couple Alex and Sol Yu and Dino and Vikki Lagdameo who came with daughter Nikka of St.Scholastica’s College and Ethel’s daughter Bebeth of ABS-CBN.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings on April 8 go to Louie Mamengo, Ysabel Genato, Stephanie Pili, Jenny Edlagan, Emma Guevara, Estrella Luz B. Cabebe and Star Magic’s Kyle Balili.