Maja Salvador

Star Cinema is set to bring the horror genre to the next level via its latest offering “Cinco,” which opens on Wednesday in more than 100 theaters nationwide. It is recalled that in the past, Star Cinema came up with two blockbuster and record-breaking horror movies, “Feng Shui” and “Sukob,” both starred in by Kris Aquino.

“Cinco” is titled as such because it features five episodes named after five parts of the body: “Mata,” “Mukha,” “Braso,” “Puso” and “Paa.” Featured in the five episodes are some of today’s most versatile stars.

“Mata,” directed by Ato Bautista, stars rumored sweethearts Maja Salvador and Rayver Cruz with David Chua; “Mukha” starring one of ABS-CBN’s most in-demand TV hosts, Mariel Rodriguez, Nanding Josef and Ketchup Eusebio has for director Nick Olanka; “Braso” stars the Gigger Boys: Sam Concepcion, AJ Perez and Robi Domingo under the direction of Frasco Mortiz, one of the network’s young and brilliant directors; “Puso” has in the cast Pokwang and hunk Zanjoe Marudo, Malou de Guzman, Empoy Marquez and Bangs Garcia with box-office director Cathy Garcia-Molina at the helm; and “Paa,” topbilled by Jodi Sta. Maria, Barbie Sabino, and Sharmaine Centenera is directed by Enrico Santos.

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Kristel, FHM’s 27th sexiest star

Kristel Moreno, who is in the cast of the episode “Braso” together with Baron Geisler and Fred Payawan, is No. 27 in FHM’s 100 Sexiest Stars, something she is very, very proud of. Kristel is also very happy these days because her showbiz career is flourishing. Since she was five years old, Kristel (the 19-year-old niece of Alma Moreno) has already impressed people with her acting and dancing talents.

Now under ABS-CBN’s Star Magic, Kristel has appeared in some Kapamilya shows and will also be seen soon in a drama anthology which was shot in Macau.

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Gorgeous Jiriane

From “pogi” to gorgeous – that’s the story of comedian Jiriane Montilla.

He was about 15 years old when he became one of the finalists of “Mr. Pogi” contest in “Eat Bulaga.” German “Kuya Germs” Moreno, who was one of the judges, noticed his talent and his good looks and he made him a regular in “Master Showman” now known as “Walang Tulugan.”

“I think he liked my Barry Manilow medley that time,” recalled Jiriane. “The first time I sang in his show I thought I was just a guest. He surprised me by making me one of his co-hosts!”

Jiriane admitted that at that time he already knew that he was “gay.” But he had to live up to the image of being a “heartthrob” in the show. He was even a member of the group “In Boys” which was a boy band consisting of five handsome vocalists.

Jiriane can’t come out openly about his sexuality because then he had girlfriends and he feared his mother’s reaction. But slowly he manifested the truth through his shows in comedy bars. In “Master Showman,” he would promote his shows and his co-hosts would ask him why he was doing shows in comedy bars where gay stand-up comics usually perform.

He has appeared in some sitcoms like “Show Me Da Manny” and performed at The Library. Kuya Germs was in the audience and Jiriane would never forget what his mentor said during his show: “Bumigay na, kaya ibigay na natin!”

As to his style in comedy bars, he describes himself as the sweet and funny type who lightly pokes fun on his audience. Rather than offend guests, he makes sure that his punchlines are witty and not bellow the belt.

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Bong Q. named EARIST trustee

Bong Quintana, Backroom’s vice president and special events manager, took his oath of office recently as the newest member of Eulogio “Amang” Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology (EARIST) Board of Trustees. He obtained the seat after he was elected as the president of the EARIST Alumni Association.

Aside from his professional career, Bong juggles his time taking his Master’s Degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management/Executive Program at EARIST. This program is open to academicians, industry practitioners and others who would like to be part of the Hospitality and Tourism Industry.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings on July 14 go to Manny V. Pangilinan of PLDT and TV5, Roselle Monteverde-Teo, Kitchie Benedicto-Paulino, Rudy Bediones, Lucita Soriano, Susan de Belen, Romy Suzara, Nerissa G. Cabral, Dr. Merly T. Tan, former Caloocan Vice Mayor Nancy Quimpo, Mila Marquez Blanquera, Ricky Calderon, Mizbee Salvador, and Esperanza Palma Orpiano who turns 94. Happy wedding anniversary to Alberto and Sofia Piguing. Belated b-day greetings to Rikki Jimenez of U-NID-ME (July 13).