“Pinoy Idol” winner Gretchen Espina has proven her worth big-time by winning recently the Awit Awards’ Best New Female Recording Artist.

It even proved prophetic that Gretchen’s debut album was entitled “Shining Through.” But she has taken her victory with humility, saying that it was unexpected. But she likewise reiterated the message that she deserved winning the coveted title she earned upon joining GMA-7’s local take of the global hit “American Idol.”

“It’s surreal. I’m happy that Awit recognized my music. I couldn’t have done it without those who helped me make the album. I’m forever grateful sa mga taong tumulong,” she said in an interview.

The triumph serves as another vindication of Gretchen’s talent who back in “Pinoy Idol” in 2008 was in the “safe zone” all throughout the competition. With support from her management, the GMA Artist Center, she is currently busy doing concerts, corporate gigs, and regional tours, as well as promoting her 12-track album released by Sony Music late last year. The album offers, apart from the carrier single “Kasalanan Nga Ba?,” her “Pinoy Idol” victory song “To You.”

Recently, Gretchen appeared in the hit GMA-7 kantaserye “Diva,” playing the role of Debbie Romasanta who is best friend to Glaiza De Castro’s character Tiffany. She describes the acting experience as “totally different from performing on stage.”

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Adieu to Grandmaster Topher Ricketts

It is with sadness that Max and Edith Ricketts report the untimely death of their son Topher. They were profoundly touched by the outpouring of love and support shown him by his martial arts students who flew to San Diego from as far away as Australia, Italy and the Philippines as well as points throughout the US. Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri, along with Marshal Del Rosario and Raffy Ladao, visited him in the hospital last September and brought a video, featuring warm and cheerful greetings from many former students. Among those coming from Manila were Benny and Patrick Littonjua.

Always the martial arts Grandmaster, Topher was giving lessons at his home up to his final days. His brother Alex, who is in the US Army airborne in Afghanistan, flew home on emergency leave. Optical Media Board Chair Ronnie Ricketts and wife Mariz and daughters Marella and Marie were also able to visit for 10 days in late September.

After he passed away, a group of former students led by Bill Aranda, Arnold Noche and Marrisa Feliciano put on a touching and brilliant martial farewell [Halad] at the viewing and blessing of the body. The finale of that unique program was a dramatic martial arts demonstration by Bruce and Brandon Ricketts, two of Topher’s sons.

A memorial mass, officiated by Fr. Chito Valenciano, and dinner were later held at the Ricketts residence. There, childhood memories were related by so many, including Christina Gloria and Ediben Alicante. Edith sang to a teary-eyed audience a plaintive “Ave Maria” at the close of the mass, which also celebrated the Virgin of Peñafrancia whom Topher was devoted to. By the way, Tim Fisher, husband of her sister Princette Naldo, also passed away recently.

The Ricketts family wishes to thank all those who prayed for, called, sent mass and condolence cards and visited Topher.
A very special thanks to his sister-in-law, wife of Alex, Ma. Elizabeth Chua Ricketts, who, as a registered nurse, administered medical treatment to him constantly during his final weeks. Topher is survived by his wife, Ma. Elizabeth Mercado Ricketts, and his four sons, Jason, Bruce, Brandon and Jett. Loving support was also shown Topher by his mother-in-law Sebastiana “Inday” Villa Mercado and his wife’s aunt, Nelly Ong, wife of former BIR Commissioner Jose Ong.

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Aljur, Kris serve for a good cause

Fruitas, the freshly squeezed juice drinks available in carts in shopping malls, will hold its first celebrity servers event on Nov. 13. Fans can catch Fruitas celebrity endorser Kris Bernal at 1 p.m. and Aljur Abrenica at 3 p.m. at the Fruitas outlet in Landmark Trinoma supermarket.

Customers are invited to join Kris and Aljur to this event. All sales on that day will be donated to the Lady of Pentecost Parish, an 11-year-old parish which is part of the Sta. Maria dela Strada Parish along Kalayaan Rd. in Quezon City. Fruitas hopes to help in the parish’s program which is the SIKAP educational assistance that helps students and the BINHI catechetical program that helps 500 kids in the neighborhood.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings for Nov. 10, US-based singer Merci Molina, Pauleen Luna, William Uy, Ditas Lerma, Ross Ocampo, Ding Zamora, Amadeo R. Dacanay, Joyce Alcantara, Nimfa D. Torres, Nina Salgado, Dahlia Y. Martinez, Van June Sapigao, Dr. Filomena Luna, Corazon Tan Endozo, Norma Lozano, Jeremie Antiporda, Vicky San Diego Orteza, Avelina dela Rea, Ph.D, MB’s Samuel Dionisio, Koh Yadori and Rafael Rosell of Star Magic... Belated b-day greetings to Kaye T. Bernal (Nov. 9)...