When it starts airing on July 12, expect a whole new viewing experience with ABS-CBN’s new teleserye, “Noah.” Not only does it offer a well-crafted story, highly acclaimed directors, world-artistry from hardworking staff and crew but also it is topbilled by two of the country’s phenomenal talents – Piolo Pascual and Zaijian Jaranilla.

Piolo of course is the Philippines’ Ultimate Heartthrob, and Zaijian is ABS-CBN’s miracle boy who touched the lives of viewers worldwide with his performance as Santino in the top-rating “May Bukas Pa.”

Piolo and Zaijian, according to one of the directors, Lito Cayetano, are tailor-made for their roles. “Their characters are perfectly woven for them,” he shared. “Mararamdaman mo ‘yung chemistry nila as father and son.’’

The story is about Gabriel (Piolo) who is searching for his lost son Jacob (Zaijian). His search will lead him into a mysterious island called Noah where he will eventually find his lost son who is now called Eli. Along the way, Gabriel will encounter the Ungtas and Eve (Kristine Hermosa).

The others in the cast are Cherry Pie Picache, Nonie Buencamino, Jolo Revilla, Ana Capri, Joem Bascon, Melissa Ricks, Renzo Cruz, Baron Geisler and Jodi Sta. Maria. “Noah,” by the way, boasts of a unique set – a warehouse customized to look as a forest and home of the Ungtas.

Co-directing “Noah” with Lito Cayetano is Malu Sevilla.

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Against the odds

Jade Ecleo’s victory on becoming the Vice-Governor of Dinagat Islands is an example of the ability of people to rise from the ashes and survive the obstacles and hardships of the 2010 elections. Jade wanted to take the gubernatorial seat again to have continuity for her projects for the Dinagatnons. However, out of respect for her mother who wanted to run as governor, she opted to run for vice governor instead.

For the benefit of those outside of the Dinagat Islands, the Ecleo dynasty began during 1965.This would make it seem that Jade’s mere running should guarantee a victory because of her family’s great influence. But this time around, she was alone financially and morally. Not to mention that running against her own family was nerve-wracking in itself. However, despite these challenges, the people’s voices were heard and she won. What kept her strong throughout the moments when she felt alone was her faith. If she had given in to fear, she would have never won the battle.

Vice Governor Jade Ecleo opted to have her Oathtaking Ceremony at Loreto, the oldest community in Dinagat Islands where she won by landslide. It was presided by Judge Leonora R. Edera.

By the way, Jade will be the guest performer of Dingdong Avanzado and Rachel Alejandro in their concert on Aug. 7 at Metrobar West Ave. She is also set to do a concert on Oct. 9 at Surigao Gym to launch her album. Another concert to launch her album in Manila will be held on Oct. 16 in Metrobar.

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Lito’s Camp Suki overwhelms Taal

Lito Perez, owner of Camp Suki, located in front of Mt. Carmel Church in New Manila, Quezon City, overwhelmed Taal, Batangas recently during its grand santacruzan. Lito is a popular fashion designer and owner of Camp Suki which is known for being the largest costume resource in the country. Camp Suki, established in 1979, is the only one of its kind in Manila and perhaps in the Philippines.

Lito Perez successfully had his one man show recently, the First Grand Santacruzan at Taal, Batangas where he dressed up 50 sagalas joined by the PUP models headed by Prof. Jhon Mark Distor and some beautiful ladies of Taal, Batangas. The event was in cooperation with the Brgy. Capitana Zone 1 Zeny Bello and Ms. Joyce Pilarski, the Hermana Mayor and Emperatriz in this Santacruzan, her sisters Mabet Penas and Sol Penas who just came from Germany and London.

Star Villareal, the only showbiz celebrity among the sagalas and who is a newly graduate of TUP, is the Reyna Elena, escorted by Dashler Cojuangco Chua of Emilio Aguinaldo.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings for July 11, go to cooking expert Sylvia Reynoso-Gala, jeweler Jul Dizon, Robert Roque of Tempo, LA-based Jerry Hunter, Baby Monroy, Meynard Penalosa, Eliseo Aurelio Jr., Powell Renosa, Charmaine Gail A. Pagente, Erik De Venecia, Johnna Mae S. Magbanua, Oliver Teves, Bex Vinaviles, Hanny Flores and entertainment columnist Merci Lejarde… Happy wedding anniversary to Rusty and Menchie Salazar…