MANILA, Philippines — Bacolod City celebrated recently Bacolaodiat Festival, which was initiated by Mayor Bing Leonardia a few years ago to coincide with the celebration of the Chinese New Year. GMA Network celebrated the event by bringing the lead stars of “I Heart You Pare” and “Alakdana:” Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, Dingdong Dantes, and Louise de los Reyes, Paulo Avelino and Alden Richards.

Regine and Dingdong took part in the Bacoloadiat Festival Kapuso Night at the North Capitol Road in the city. Prior to this, Regine and Dingdong met the local press at Planta Hotel.

Regine described her role as “babaeng bakla.” “I am actually a real woman pretending to be gay in ‘I Heart You Pare.’ It’s not an easy role, although I thought at first it’s easy to be a babaeng bakla, hindi pala. Every now and then when I deviate, the director would remind me of my role,” Regine said.

Dingdong described his role as very challenging, something different from what he has played in the past. “I just came from two heavy dramas, and now I’m doing comedy. I play a club manager with 15 loud characters around me. It is a unique show; it has the elements of drama and comedy. This is the first time that the gay world is explored. Masaya. As to working with Regine, I’m deeply honored.”

On the other hand, Louise expressed delight that she was given the lead role in “Alakdana.” The 17-year-old Caviteña was only eight when she appeared in “Ang TV 2,” after which she laid low for a while. Louise appeared in “Pilyang Kerubin” and “Tween Hearts.”

Although she’s loaded with work, she sees to it that she doesn’t neglect her studies (she’s taking up Foreign Service at Lyceum in Cavite where she is a full scholar).

Her real name is Mary Grace Perido. Peque Gallaga gave her the screen name, Louise de los Reyes, when he directed her in an indie movie two years ago.

She has a five-year contract with GMA Artist Center.

“Alakdana” reportedly outranked its competition via an 8.1 percent rating, almost double the 3.9 percent rating of its counterpart program on the rival channel.

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GMA’s Barangay LS 97.1 launches ‘TugStugan Na!’
Barangay LS 97.1, the flagship FM station of GMA Network, reinvents on-air programming with a new catch phrase – “TugStugan Na!” The new branding of Barangay LS will have its corresponding visual peg to be launched formally today, Feb. 20 over “Party Pilipinas.”

The television commercial features Kapuso stars Jake Vargas, Sam Pinto, Gwen Zamora and Pekto. They are joined by the DJs of Barangay LS, namely, Papa Jepoy, Papa Bodjie, Papa Dudut, Ate Liza, Papa Tolits, Mama Belle, Papa Baldo, Papa Kiko, Papa Bear, Papa Dan, Mama Cy, and Chikotita.

According to Program Director Glenn Allona, Barangay LS bears the distinction of having successfully established the “crazy fun” sound brand in the market thru very popular programs like “Talk To Papa” and “Wanted Sweetheart,” among others.

“The new ‘TugStugan Na!’ theme for LS is also a very positive call-out for the listening public as it encourages them to tune to more positive vibes,” added Project Manager Margaret Gil.

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Radio DJ joins Belo in ‘Salamat Dok’

Magic 89.9 radio DJ Angelika Cruz, popularly known to listeners as “Angelicopter,” joins cosmetic surgeon Dr. Vicki Belo in this Sunday’s live edition of “Salamat Dok,” from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. on ABS-CBN.

Angelicopter will talk about the breast enhancement procedure she recently underwent with the Belo clinic. She will also discuss treatment of stretch marks after giving birth.

“Salamat Dok” provides information on medical concerns, with free on-air consultation with the guest physician. Every third Sunday of the month, Dr. Belo guests in the program to discuss the newest procedures being offered by the Belo Medical Group. Bernadette Sembrano hosts.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Feb. 20, go to Mrs. Chari La’O Bagatsing, Mrs. Emy Rodriguez, Mrs. Ditas Remulla, Lito Gruet, Lalaine Legasto, Diego Nicolas Capili, Teresita Abiva, Enrico Castelo, Marina Calma Visaya, Perla Dungo, Tiffany Santos Red, Amelia Lopez, Mary Grace Agoncillo, Betty Luz Fo Chua, Dolly Bohol, Prof. Lulu L. Geslani, and US-based Tony Antonio, former MB provincial editor... Domingo G. Landicho, one of the country’s most awarded writers today, is the featured artist in a one-man exhibit that is ongoing (till Feb. 25) at the GSIS Museum ng Sining. A well-known novelist, poet, playwright, biographer and author of children’s books Landicho has published more than 50 books by the UP Press, the Ateneo de Manila University Press, De La Salle University Press, UST Press, C & E Publishing and the National Book Store. Landicho is a Professor Emeritus of UP and writer-in-residence of DLSU. He is also an actor of theater, TV and films and had acted with Mel Gibson in the MGM picture “The Year of Living Dangerously” directed by Peter Weir.