Gabby Concepcion

MANILA, Philippines – Enjoying a second wind in his showbiz career after 13 years of absence is original Regal Baby Gabby Concepcion. Gabby is of course a matinee idol in the ’80s, and the other half of the highly successful reel-and-real loveteam with Sharon Cuneta. When he made a comeback two years ago, even Gabby himself couldn’t believe the warm and enthusiastic welcome that his fans accorded him, and the media frenzy, too.

With his return, Gabby took his celebrity status a notch farther with TV shows, movies, product endorsements and even a solo album. He transcended his matinee idol phase to become a bankable dramatic actor. He has been aired with the country’s top dramatic actresses, the likes of Nora Aunor, Vilma Santos and Lorna Tolentino among others. His movie with Vilma Santos, “Sinungaling Mong Puso,” gave Gabby a Best Supporting Actor award from FAMAS in 1992. His film with Lorna “Narito ang Puso Ko,” earned him a Gawad Urian Best Actor trophy in 1993.

Now Gabby topbills Regal Films’ latest offering “White House,” and he said he finds challenge in appearing in a horror film. He plays a psychic who can communicate with ghosts. He must find a way to rescue the soul of his daughter who was abducted by a Black Lady.

The actor said he was immediately excited to do a horror thriller, for a change.

The role is truly a new and big challenge for him. He even met with a spirit medium, who gave him pointers on how to do his newest acting assignment.

Filmed in an actual haunted mansion in Baguio City, “White House” also stars Iza Calzado, Maricar Reyes, Lovi Poe, Joem Bascon, Mo Twister, Megan Young, Jairus Aquino, Sarah Lahbati and Janus del Prado.

Directed by Topel Lee, from a screenplay from Aloy Adlawan, “White House” opens Oct. 20.

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Will Adam Lambert’s Manila concert be ‘For Adults Only?’

Is it true that the forthcoming concert of “American Idol” Season 8 runner-up Adam Lambert on Oct. 10 at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds might be “For Adults Only?”

Reportedly, there are certain groups complaining that Adam doesn’t hold wholesome live performances. In one of his recent concerts in the US, he was said to have kissed on the lips a good-looking male fan in the audience.

If teenagers 18 and below are out to watch Adam’s Manila concert, it wouldn’t be nice for them to see Adam repeat his act and kiss a Filipino male in the crowd.

Since the very talented Adam joined “American Idol,” his gender has been an issue among the fans of the popular talent search show. Even if Adam has not been vocal about his questionable sexuality, he has captured millions of fans worldwide.

In a country like the Philippines where there are many conservative adults, there are parents who do not favor their teenage children to watch Adam Lambert. Certain groups reportedly block the show or be allowed the “For Adults Only” tag.

We are not sure what will be the reaction of Adam’s local concert producer regarding this development in his Manila show. The singing idol has certainly lots of teenage fans, but crowd attendance will definitely be affected if the “For Adults Only” rule will be implemented.

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Mrs. Philippines-Universe is Mrs. Intelligence

Mrs. Philippines-Universe 2010 Maria Muriel Moral-Pandi won the first-ever Mrs. Intelligence title at the 2010 Mrs. Universe Pageant and Competition held recently at the Great Courtyard of the Vilnius University in Vilnius, the Capital City of Lithuania (in Europe). Mrs. Finland Jennika Hannussari won the 2010 Mrs. Universe title.

Moral was the 1988 Bb. Pilipinas-Maja International who won the Miss Maja Simpatica and Best in National Costume Awards at the 1988 Miss Maja International Contest. She is married to businessman Joeffrey Pandi. At the 2010 Mrs. Universe, she competed against 25 national beauty queens from all over the world. She bested them in the interview, impressing the judges with her report on the Philippine, Lithuanian and international/global human trafficking problems during the pageant’s panel discussion which was organized and supported by the Lithuania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“Women of the World against Violence and Human Trafficking” was the theme and main thrust of the 2010 Mrs. Universe Contest/Event.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Oct. 3, go to Edward V.P. Maceda, actress Rio Locsin, Tessa Mauricio-Arriola, Lani Aquino, Rina Pineda, Edison Silva, Tessie Lim, Mon Fernandez, Beth J. Natividad, and MB’s Pepito Rotallo and Robert Requintina… Happy wedding anniversary to Mario and Virgie Delmonte of Queens Village, USA…

Related articles:

Gabby Concepcion: Musings of a former matinee idol
White House Provides Backdrop for Regal’s Horror Film
Gabby Concepcion took three takes in duet with Sharon Cuneta