Beauty queen-actress Ruffa Gutierrez returns to no-nonsense acting today in TV5’s weekly drama anthology “5-Star Specials” which was first topbilled by the Diamond Star Ms. Maricel Soriano.

Because she has a lot of work these days ever since she moved over to TV5 from ABS-CBN, “Because I’m so busy now, I don’t even have time to go to a spa, which I think I need very much!” she exclaimed. But she’s not complaining, she’s just too happy to be given work to do. “I’m really excited kasi iba-iba ang mga nagagawa ko sa TV5.”

She has “Paparazzi” every Sunday, and “Talentadong Pinoy” where she is the regular talent scout, and now “5-Star Specials” where she will be featured for a month.

Ruffa’s initial episode in “5-Star Specials Presents… Ruffa” is entitled “For Better or For Worse” and interestingly (as well as intriguingly), she is paired (again!) with Zoren Legaspi, her former boyfriend. They first worked together in Regal Films’ “Underage 2,” but they were not partners then. Their last project together (which is actually their reunion after many years) was on the big screen in the box-office hit “Shake, Rattle & Roll X,” an entry to the 2009 Metro Manila Film Festival.

Ruffa said she has a comfortable working relationship with Zoren. “Masaya kami. I’m happy na hot na hot ngayon si Zoren, ang dami niyang commercials.” When asked about the possibility of another romantic interlude between them, Ruffa exclaimed “Puwede ako pumatol sa mas bata but never sa may asawa!”

Their episode, which also features Joanne Quintas and Carlene Aguilar, is a comedy-drama under the direction of Eric Quizon. “Lahat ng mga directors ko dito ang gagaling. Sina Joel Lamangan, Laurice Guillen, Argel Joseph, Joey Reyes and of course, Eric Quizon.”

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Jay R hosts GMA’s ‘Take Me Out’ show
Starting Monday, April 26, a new and exciting show will premiere on GMA 7. Hosted by the so-called Platinum Prince of Soul Jay R, “Take Me Out” is a dating game will be surely be enjoyed by Filipinos despite our predominantly conservative culture.

Jay R, the first choice to host the show although they had other choices, according to Gigi Santiago Lara (she refused to name their other choices though), will play matchmaker to 30 single ladies who hope to meet and date the man of their dreams. The singer has been primed to inject his own brand of character, charisma, humor and style in hosting “Take Me Out” the first of its kind reality-dating show.

Each of the 30 single ladies, who come from different places with different personalities and backgrounds, are each assigned a specially designed lighted podium with their respective names. The mystery guy must impress the women through first impressions, surprise interviews and videos about himself.

Televiewers should watch out for the ladies who would be “taken out” and the date of the winning couples which will be recorded and aired in the succeeding episodes.

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Restaurateur marks birth anniversary
Pablo Garcia-Morera celebrated his birthday recently in Valle Verde in the company of family and close friends in the food industry. Among them were Chef Marc Chalopin and Chef See of Enderun Colleges, Master Chef and Restaurateur Anastacio de Alba, Miguel Cerqueda of Genesis Hotel Management Group, Grace Chua Chiaco of Kitaro Sushi who came with husband, Dr. Chuch Chua Chiaco, Sandra and Chit Cacho of Gandhi Restaurant, Sherwin and Elaiza Choi of PTC Foods and many others.

Dinner was served al fresco in the beautiful gardens, preceded by an abundance of sushi, Jamon Pata Negra, Queso Manchego and varied tapas. Chef Marc not only baked the huge birthday strawberry shortcake, but also sang in French as others did their own versions in Spanish, English and Filipino.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, April 26, go to Senator Jamby Madrigal, Rep. Mikey Arroyo, former Senator now Permanent Envoy to ASEAN Orly Mercado, Romnick Sarmenta, Atty. Rodelo Poltan, US-based Lani Oteyza, Daisy S. Viray, Ronald Lorenzo, Edgardo Grau, Oscar F. Bautista, Thelma B. Tapia of Tagum City, Jeorge Batalia of New York, Josie Raso of PCSO, and Engr. Marcelino Samaniego… Happy wedding anniversary to Olaf and Jessa Torino of Dubai.