It’s the finale week for GMA-7’s “Beauty Queen,” and so the drama series has become more intense. The previous week ended with Maita (Iza Calzado) fighting for her life after Dorcas (Katrina Halili) deliberately ran over her. They struggle to find a donor with a matching blood type, Virgilio (Juan Rodrigo) suddenly appeared to save the life of the daughter he never knew he had.

With Virgilio’s appearance to save Maita from the brink of death, can Amparo (Elizabeth Oropesa) learn to forgive him for doing her wrong? Will Maita accept him as her real father?

Will Maita succeed in becoming a beauty queen? With Dante (Luis Alandy) out of the picture (he took the bullet intended for Maita out of his love for her), who will she end up with, Donald (Marvin Agustin) or Marc (TJ Trinidad)?

These are the questions in everybody’s mind as the much-followed drama series nears its end this week. In a recent press conference, we asked Maita what she can’t forget about “Beauty Queen.” The multi-awarded actress cited among others Bembol Roco who impressed her for being so funny.

“He forgets that he is Bembol Roco when on the set.” Iza chuckled. All the guys she worked with in “Beauty Queen,” she won’t forget she said, for being “makukulit.”

But of course, most of all, her working experience with equally multi-awarded Elizabeth Oropesa would be unforgettable. “We first worked together in ‘Te Amo’ but it was while doing ‘Beauty Queen’ that we became real close. Nagkalapit kami nang husto dito sa ‘Beauty Queen,’ parang naging mom ko talaga siya,” Iza said.

She added: “She’s a very smart lady. It was very refreshing to talk to someone like her who come from showbiz and who evolved into someone else. She impressed me so much. She is an advocate of alternative (natural) medicine.” For this, Iza said she related with Elizabeth because she is also into healthy endeavors, something she’d like to be more knowledgeable about.

Also most unforgettable for Iza while doing “Beauty Queen” was, of course, her wearing a two-piece bikini that really showcased her “pang-beauty queen” figure. She isn’t interested in joining a real beauty contest, considering that she has what it takes to be a beauty queen. “Well, so sorry but I’m past the age limit already,” she laughed.

After “Beauty Queen,” Iza will do a movie and join “Eat Bulaga” as a regular host .

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Sam Pinto, SML’s newest ‘it’ girl

In San Mig Light’s newest TV commercial, rising star Sam Pinto is seen emerging from another favorite hang-out– the clubhouse pool. Indeed it’s a breathtaking sight, with Sam proving that she certainly fits the role of endorser of the country’s No. 1 low-calorie beer.

Sam (real name: Samuelle Lynne Pinto) confessed that scoring a deal with San Miguel is something unexpected. “I feel so blessed, this is a dream come true. The San Mig Light project is definitely a breakthrough in my young career,” shares the 21-year-old actress-model who’s now with GMA-7, managed by Viva. Sam has graced the covers of popular magazines and is considered among FHM’s Top 10 Sexiest Women of 2010.

For its part, the San Mig Light team thinks that Sam fits the brand’s attributes to a T.

“Sam is more than what pleases the eye, her positive persona is something that makes you linger for more of her presence. Sam is carefree, pleasant and confident, magaang kasama, just like San Mig Light,” shares the brand representative.

In the commercial, clad in a blue two-piece bikini that compliments her “katawang pang-San Miguel Light,” Sam sashays with her trademark class, grace and confidence, as if the pool is her playground and the sun is her best buddy.

“I love swimming and outdoor activities. I also play badminton,” when asked how she keeps herself fit and sexy despite her confession as a hearty eater. Sam also does daring and exciting things like bungee-jumping and sky-diving.

She eats whatever she wants but in small quantities. “Frequent small feeding works for me,” Sam adds.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings for Feb. 3 go to Dulce Lucban, Rafael Dulalia, Marilou Cayton, Jojo “Jude” Digao of the Office of Sen. Kiko Pangilinan, Tinay C. Lopa, MB nurse Lorna Victa-Molina, writer Ety Fariñas, Virgie Fantilagar and Timmy Boy Sta. Maria of ABS-CBN Star Magic...