Phoemela Baranda

When “The Buzz” segment host Phoemela Baranda guested on “Wowowee” a few weeks ago, we heard Willie Revillame teasing her about a “past,” that she should admit that they used to go out together. Phoemela just laughed while slapping Willie on the shoulders. We sensed something fishy then, and so when we got the chance to talk to Phoemela (at a sumptuous lunch hosted by Jennifer Ang Tiu at Peking Duck Restaurant at Greenbelt 5 during which she was introduced to us as the new celebrity endorser of the Get Laud! clothing line since June 2009), we asked her about it. And she did not deny that indeed she and Willie used to date. “But nothing serious,” she said.

“Actually, I was the one who introduced Willie to his ex-wife Liz Almoro,” Phoemela said. “Liz was my best friend.” Liz and Phoemela were both models. Phoem continues to model to this day, although she is now busier with hosting jobs. She is in tandem with Jobert Sucaldito (with whom Willie Revillame is currently feuding and who is believed to be the reason the controversial but well-loved host has not been seen on “Wowowee” for the past two weeks) since the start of “The Buzz.” Their new segment is called “ICU.”

Phoem is now a talent of ABS-CBN but actually she started out with “Eat Bulaga” on GMA-7. She later joined Paolo Bediones in “Extra Challenge,” replacing Miriam Quiambao. After “Extra Challenge,” she moved over to ABS-CBN to be a segment host of “The Buzz.” Phoem is also now anchor for “TV Patrol.”

Phoemela was tapped as celebrity endorser for Get Laud! in June last year and if she is partial to the clothing line, it’s for obvious reason. In her shows, she wears Get Laud!

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Luis Alandy: GMA-7’s ‘Drama Prince?’

He’s been in the business for quite sometime and with his experience in the soap biz, it’s way too easy for Luis Alandy, who could be called GMA-7’s Drama Prince, to succumb to the pitfalls of the profession – “clichéd mannerisms and dialogues, stereotyped character pegs and worst of all, the unforgiving tirades of a gullible viewing public who erroneously believe that you are who you portray.”

So how can one break away from such acting clichés?

Luis said “For the past three years, I’ve done like six soaps with the network, mostly character roles.And it’s always been a constant challenge to veer away from the norm.’’

So, what’s it like doing his current drama series with the mother and daughter tandem (Jean and Jennica Garcia)? Are “take one” scenes a common occurrence? “When you’re doing 40-50 sequences in a day, it’s hard to breeze through everything without glitches,” Luis confessed.

Despite his hectic taping schedule, Luis still finds time to do indie films. His more recent stints include “Panahon Na,” a story of redemption and second chances, where he starred with Irma Adlawan, Joseph Bitangcol, Joem Bascon and Mercedes Cabral. Directed by Sean Lim, the movie premiered at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology last June 2009, under the auspices of Gawad Kalinga and the City of Taguig.

He is also equally proud of his participation in the historical documentary “Buenavista (Ang Kasaysayan ng Lucena),” which cast him alongside Eddie Garcia, Delia Razon, Ricky Davao and Precious Lara Quigaman.

Luis is currently managed by ALV Talent Circuit.

Incidentally, multi-talented Nikki Gil is also now under the management of Arnold Vegafria’s ALV Talent Circuit which is soon to celebrate its 15th year in the business. With Nikki in the talent agency are Iya Villania, Jay-R, Kris Lawrence, John and Camille Prats, Carla Abellana, Bianca King, and Nikki’s “special friend” Billy Crawford.

Nikki said “I’m no stranger to the ALV family. Even from way back, I’ve had the good fortune of working with ALV and his wards in various shows and productions, and they’re really very professional and fun to work with. So this is a coming home of sorts,” she referred to her joining ALV’s talent agency.

Nikki’s first starring role was in the indie film “The Red Shoes” where she was teamed up with Marvin Agustin. She will also star in the forthcoming Atlantic Productions’ theater production of “Legally Blonde (the Musical).” Nikki recently released her third album “Somebody to Love” under Polyeast Records label. Nikki is seen every Sunday on “ASAP.”

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings on May 20 go to Ms. Pilita Corrales, former Rep. Butz Aquino, Lolit Solis, Carla Humphries, Miriam Pantig, Yolanda Alvarez, Remy Bicomong, May Jessica Macapulay, Relly Elipano, Peter Timbol, Joriz B. de Guzman, Onehaneh Landingin, and Dr. Hayden Kho. Happy wedding anniversary to Emil and Anna Rodriguez.