Unwittingly, Iriga City Mayor Madelaine Alfelor-Gazmen has become a star herself – not because she was again successful in mounting the latest triple beauty pageants – Miss Iriga City, Miss Rinconada, and Miss Bicol Tourism – but because she has been a star performer as city chief executive!

To add glamour to the triple beauty pageants, top celebrities from Manila were invited, like Lucy Torres-Gomez, now a neophyte congresswoman, who served as member of the board of judges with Power Dance director Douglas Nierras; and Iza Calzado who hosted the entire show.

Mayor Gazmen, who is now on her third term as city mayor with a landslide victory, has been responsible for the dynamic growth of the city. A 1.4 hectare public market, her latest major project, will soon be finished and benefit her constituents.

Anyway, Iza Calzado, one of the country’s outstanding actresses, or who you may describe as a consummate artist, has admitted that she is encountering some personal difficulties. She has been out of work for the last six months. Her last show was “Kaya Kung Abutin Ang Langit.” But she guested last Sunday in “Party Pilipinas.”

She also revealed that when she bought her house, she did not expect that some adverse changes in her life would suddenly emerge and she was not ready to overcome them.

“Next time,” she said, “I would hire a financial consultant.”

Iza also said that she already received a good offer to buy her house. And she is considering it.

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‘Equus’ is Repertory’s mid-year offering 

“Equus,” the controversial play that had “Harry Potter” star Daniel Radcliffe doing frontal nudity onstage in West End and Broadway, is Repertory Philippines’ mid-year offering.

A recipient of the Tony Award and New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award for best play, “Equus” (Latin for horse) is a riveting piece of theater that is at once relevant and mesmerizing in its storyline and theme.

Red Concepcion and newcomer Marco Manalac alternate as the young man Alan Strang, the character played onstage by Radcliffe. At the helm is multi-awarded actor-director Audie Gemora.

First staged by Repertory in the ’70s with Leo Martinez, “Equus” returns Monday with a powerhouse cast: Miguel Faustmann, Jaime del Mundo, Dido dela Paz, Roselyn Perez and Tami Monsod, among others.

“Equus” opens on July 9 at 8 p.m. and thereafter on July 10, 16, 17, 23 and 24 also at 8 p.m. Matinees at 3:30 p.m. are on July 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25. Venue is Onstage, 2nd floor at Greenbelt 1, Paseo de Roxas, Makati City. For ticket inquiries or log on to www.repertory.ph.

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Rayver fulfills his big dream

Star Magic talent Rayver Cruz recently fulfilled a dream that he and his parents shared: He graduated last April from St. Francis of Assisi College with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Business Administration major in Management.

The actor made a pact with his late father Rodolfo that he would never stop schooling even if the joined show business. Rayver is grateful to his school for helping him cope with the demands of his career alongside his academic load.

“I would never have done with without the support of the faculty and administration of the school,” he said. “Being a movie star is not forever. Kaya huwag dapat pababayaan ang pag-aaral.”

Showbiz is not new to young actor-dancer. His mom Elizabeth and dad Rodolfo are part and parcel of the local entertainment world, being members of the famed 747 Band.

A “veteran” commercial model (he started at the age of 9 as a model for a milk brand), Rayver also had experience performing on stage. In the movies, he has tackled several genres – from horror to drama to love stories.

Unlike most young people his age (he turns 21 soon), Rayver prefers to stay home when he has no showbiz commitments. He would rather sleep, tinker with his laptop, play online games or hang out in Cabooze, a resto-bar he and his brothers RJ and Omar put up along Aguirre St., BF Homes, Parañaque.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings Monday, June 21, go to Ilocos Sur Gov. Chavit Singson, Ms. Ruby Tuazon, Louie Ocampo, Edgar Allan, Al Santos, Janet Martinez, Princess Lizette Villegas, Jonniel Caadan, Jun Jun King Austria, Dinia Diosay Entrata, Baby Avenido, Emily Matias-Mendoza, and Margaret Ong…Happy wedding anniversary to Rollie and Auring Suclad, Boy and Carmen Soingco, and Reno and France Magadia…