From left: Alwyn Uytingco, Ellen Lising, Jennica Garcia and Richard Hiñola

MANILA, Philippines -- A live, spicy morning show called “StarBox” from GMA 7 begins airing on April 4, Monday to Friday before “Family Feud.”

Though studio-based, the bulk of the show will be remote, or on location where people, chosen at random, will voice their respective opinions on various issues or controversies affecting the country or well-known personalities including celebrities!

Veteran TV host Ali Sotto and Radio DJ Papa Jack will anchor the show while twins MM and MJ will do the rounds.

Ms. Sotto, who has just come back from a three-year sojourn in Europe, said she felt so blessed having been assigned the show by GMA-7.

Papa Jack said that he feels so honored working with Ms. Sotto. The disc jockey has a big following or listeners because his radio program is down-to-earth, mostly conversations with young people discussing on air their tragic love affairs, and even at times including intimate relationships.

Ms. Sotto explained that “StarBox” is distinct from other spicy TV talk shows because we go to the people instead of inviting them to go to the studio. Hence, there is always freshness in each episode that is unscripted.

“StarBox” also connects the viewers in various social media links like the Facebook and Twitter. It encourages people anywhere they are to become active participants in the discussions, exchanging opinions, and viewpoints.

Alwyn and Jennica, Ellen’s new endorsers

In local showbiz, one of the prime requirements, aside from good looks, is flawless skin. More often than not, stars commission excellent dermatologists to take care of it.

Ellen’s Aesthetic Skin Care Center, one of the pioneers when it comes to facial and other skin rejuvenation, has recently signed up real life sweethearts Jennica Garcia and Alwyn Uytingco as celebrity endorsers.

They join other endorsers Melanie Marquez, Patrick Garcia, Carlo Aquino, Malu Barry, Evangeline Pascual and Sugar Mercado. Check www.ellenaesthetics.com for more details.

Shine! Dot Com announces fifth summer workshop

Shine! Dot Com Tutorial, Enrichment and Music school announces that enrollment for its 5th Annual Personality Development Summer Workshop is now open. Shine! Dot Com, owned by singing-lawyer-writer Dot Gancayco, is at the forefront of cultivating confidence, poise, and creativity in kids, teens, and  young adults.

This annual workshop gives its students an avenue to explore their inner selves and discover their uniqueness as an individual while learning, meeting new friends, and having fun. Classes offered include Social Skills & Etiquette, Public Speaking, Good Grooming, Modeling, Singing, Dancing, and Acting. The workshop will stage a culminating show on May 1, featuring performances from the students themselves.

Shine! Dot Com workshop teachers come from the finest academic institutions in the country, including the University of the Philippines, the University of Santo Tomas, De La Salle University, and the University of Asia & the Pacific. The teachers include Angelo Cachero (public speaking), Stephanie Sol (modeling & good grooming), Sha Supangan (social skills & etiquette), JB Jatayna (singing), Yvette Ruiz (dancing), and Chic San Agustin (acting). The workshop will be held at Celebrity Sports Club in Capitol Hills Drive, Diliman, Quezon City.

Classes will be held every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, at 1:30-3:30pm, from April 2 to May 1.The workshop is open to boys and girls aged 7 to 17 years old, as well as to non-members of Celebrity Club.

E-mail inquiries to melargo@gmail.com.