Young Star Magic talent Erich Gonzales, though she is one of the fast-rising stars of ABS-CBN, admitted to have a lot more to learn, especially from veteran stars. And this is why she doesn’t mind if she’s again playing support role in her newest soap, “Magkaribal.” In the recent past, Erich has played lead star to various teleseryes of the Kapamilya Network.

“There is really no problem working with Ms. Gretchen Barretto and Bea Alonzo who play the lead roles in ‘Magkaribal.’ We young stars have a lot to learn from veteran stars,” Erich said. Also in “Magkaribal” is Erich’s loveteam mate Enchong Dee with whom she did the movie “Paano Ko Sasabihin,” which was  very challenging since they used sign language.

Erich also considers Coco Martin a veteran star, not because of his age, but because of his accomplishments as an actor, both in indie and mainstream films. Coco has won acting awards for his roles in indie films and this of course won Erich’s admiration. When Coco produced “Noy,” Erich admired him even more. So when she was required to do a bed scene with him in “Noy,” Erich did not have any qualms doing it.

By the way, Erich was launched recently (at ABS-CBN’s 9501 main restaurant) as the newest endorser of Silka Papaya Soap. It is interesting to note that even during her younger years in Davao, she and her mother and sister have been using the product. Erich believes that Silka’s products can really take care of her skin.

Joining Erich during her launch was Iya Villania, who’s been Silka’s Ambassadress of Beauty since 2004. “I was one of the first endorsers of the product,” Iya said. She always gets compliments for her fair complexion and Iya credits that to Silka.

Iya denied some rumors saying she and Drew Arellano had broken up. “Hindi ah. We’re still together. It’s been four years since we got into a relationship.”

Iya graduated recently from La Salle’s St. Benilde with the degree of AB Psychology (with honor!). This means she will have more time now for her showbiz career. Soon, she’ll be doing a sitcom with Robin Padilla.

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2010 Entertainment Box-Office Awards

Considering the attendance of many stars, as awardees and presentors, the 41st Entertainment Box-Office Awards, recently held at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium at RCBC Bldg. in Ayala Ave., Makati was a success, making Mrs. Corazon M. Samaniego, the president of the Guillermo Mendoza Memorial Scholarship Foundation, and her fellow officers very happy.

Among those who arrived ahead of the others were Zaijan Jaranilla (a.k.a. Santino), who was Child Performer of the Year and whose now defunct show “May Bukas Pa” was chosen TV Program of the Year, and Ms. Gina Pareño, who received a lifetime recognition Global Achievement by a Filipino Artist.

John Lloyd Cruz and Sarah Geronimo (who didn’t make it) won again as Box-Office King and Queen. Luis Manzano shared the Film Actor of the Year with John Lloyd; while Gov. Vilma Santos won as Film Actress of the Year.

Among the other awardees were Gerald Anderson and Kim Chiu, Prince & Princess of Philippine Movies & TV; Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera, Most Popular Loveteam of the Year; Enchong Dee and Erich Gonzales, Most Promising Loveteam of the Year; Coco Martin and Angelica Panganiban, Most Promising Male/Female Box-office Star; Martin Nievera and Pops Fernandez, Male/Female Concert Performer of the Year; Gary Valenciano and Nina, Male/Female Recording Artist of the Year; Jericho Rosales and Frencheska Farr, Promising Male/Female Recording/Performer of the Year; Ai Ai delas Alas, Comedy Queen of the Year; Vic Sotto, Comedy Box-Office King, Cathy Garcia Molina, Most Popular Film Director of the Year.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings for July 4, go to former Vice President Teofisto Guingona, Ms. Minerva G. Laudico, Jill Olaza, Elizabeth A. Robinson, Lourdes Fernandez-Austria, Diosdado Belen of Hawaii, Rona Mahilum, Rhelin S. Reyes, Valeriana F. Martinez, Philamy Rivera, Brigido F. Silan of Queens Village, New York; and Lolit Navasero-Magpantay of Calamba, Laguna… Happy wedding anniversary to Joseph and Angie Liao and Rod and Alice Villanueva…