Ogie Alcasid

From the looks of it, hitmaker Ogie Alcasid could qualify to be a National Artist soon, what with his achievements in the music industry. We all know that Ogie is one of the most love and bestselling musical artists in the country in the past two decades. He has composed topsellers for himself and other artists, and all of his 20 albums have been certified platinum and gold discs. It could be later rather than sooner though because there are still others more qualified to become National Artists soon, like Dolphy for one.

Anyway, if he does become a National Artist, Ogie’s latest album under Universal Records, “Ngayon at Kailanman: A Tribute to George Canseco.” will have two National Artists. The album features 14 compositions of the late George Canseco, among them “Ngayon at Kailanman” of course.

The other songs in the must-have album are “Yakap,” “Ikaw,” “Kung Ako’y Iiwan Mo,” “Kaibigan,” “Paano Kita Mapapasalamatan” and “Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan.” These had been charttoppers and performed in the past by Basil Valdez, Kuh Ledesma, Sharon Cuneta, Regine Velasquez, Pilita Corrales, Dulce, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Leah Navaro and Martin Nievera among others.

Ogie recalled that he first met George Canseco during an awards night. “He approached and congratulated me. He said I won the top prize, he already knew it simply because he was the chairman of the board of judges.” That same evening, George generously imparted songwriting tips to Ogie. These pointers on rhyme, phrasing and right choice of words further improved Ogie’s own techniques.

“George was kind enough to remind me that a song is actually a poem, so all the exact rules in creating poetry must be followed,” Ogie said. When the opportunity to record “Ngayon at Kailanman” album came, Ogie said he was so inspired.

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Let love reign

When true love reigns over any undertaking, that project will certainly succeed – whether in showbiz, or in any other kind of profession!

We know a friend, who, after she has acquitted herself from a controversial relationship with a popular action star (Phillip Salvador), she began moving on smoothly and steadily, making her business grow.

We are referring to Cristina Decena, who for a while was hot news on TV, radio and print because of the charges she filed against her erstwhile live-in actor. The charges were decided in her favor, but she hastened to add that she had already forgiven the actor.

Just recently, Ms. Korina Sanchez was her guest of honor at the inauguration of her Montenegro Estate, a three-hectare residential subdivision in Sto. Domingo, Fil-am Friendship Highway, Angeles City.

Ms. Sanchez, wife of former Sen. Mar Roxas and one of the country’s top radio/TV broadcasters, has been a friend of Cristina for years. They have worked together in several charity missions.

Helen Nikolette Henson, Bb. Pilipinas 2010 2nd runner-up, hosted the inauguration of the Montenegro Estate. With her charm and beauty, Helen is really a stunner!

Alma Conception also added glamour to the affair with her song numbers.

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Healthy recipes in Q11 cooking show

New healthy recipes are being featured in Q Channel 11’s cooking show called “Sarap at Home,”aired weekdays at 10:10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., on Saturdays at 2 p.m., 5:45 p.m. and 8:50 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m., 5:40 p.m., and 8:20 p.m.

Sam Oh, one of the most charming and beautiful hosts on Philippine television, plays the character of a funny and independent career woman. Joining her in Season 2 of “Sarap at Home” are celebrity guests Heart Evangelista, Iza Calzado, Daniel Matsunaga, JC Tiuseco, Fabio Ide, Kris Bernal and Jackie Rice.

Viewers are treated to over 50 innovative dishes that are easy to prepare using San Marino Hearty Lines composed of San Marino Corned Tuna, San Marino Tuna Paella, San Marino Tuna Fillet, San Marino Blue Mackerel, and San Marino Tuna spread.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings on Aug. 3 go to Judge Espie Fabon Victorino, former Rep. Butz Aquino, Alex Javier, Alex Libongco, Joyce Bautista, Linda M. Venago, Polly Chua, Geraly Japuz, Ricky Cobangkiat and MB editor-in-chief Crispulo Icban Jr.