MANILA, Philippines -- It was in late December last year when reports surfaced that Aga Muhlach had signed up with TV5.

Although Aga admitted that there, indeed, were negotiations ongoing between him and the top guns of TV5, namely Atty. Rey Espinosa, Bobby Barreiro and Perci Intalan, the official contract signing took place only in March.

Aga said he had to make sure he had formally informed (note, not asked permission) his bosses at ABS-CBN particularly, Gabby Lopez and Ms. Charo Santos, of his decision to join TV5 before the news broke on print and TV.

Earlier, he discussed his decision with Malou Santos, managing director of Star Cinema. “I made sure that Malou was the first to know about my decision,” Aga revealed. “In the 20 years or so that I’ve worked with Star Cinema and ABS-CBN, naging napakabait sa akin ni Malou.”

Aga added: “I owe to her all the good and award-winning movies I did with Star Cinema. Mahirap mag-enumerate, dahil napakarami.”

Aga told Malou that should Star Cinema need his services for a future movie, he can still make himself available, “Kasi, ang contract ko with TV5 for three years, guaranteed only for television.”

In an earlier talk he had with Malou, they agreed that Aga’s next movie for Star Cinema, after “In the Name of Love” (soon-to-be released co-starring Angel Locsin) will be with Lea Salonga.

Aga will formally start working for TV5 in June. His first project with the Network is still under wraps, although they have already agreed on the format.

For becoming a kapatid, Aga is given options (to choose the format of his shows) and privileges (to decide on who his co-stars and directors will be).

Meantime, the actor revealed that he is proud of his upcoming movie with Angel Locsin. While it took almost two years for them to finish “In the Name of Love,” he assured everyone it is worth the long wait.

He regrets that it will take a while again before he and Regine Velasquez can resume shooting for their equally long overdue movie, “Of All the Things.” They are supposed to resume work in between his shooting for “In the Name of Love.”

“Mga three days na lang sana matatapos na ang movie. Kaya nga, I assumed na maipapalabas ito before the year ends. But Regine’s current condition is more important. I agree that she should rest,” Aga added.

Regine is infanticipating.

Travel exec now a Party-List solon

I knew her as a hardworking and committed travel executive with whom I travelled within a familiarization tour to London (where we visited most of the landmarks and must-see-destinations like Buckingham Palace) many years ago when she was still operating her own travel and tour business.

Juliet is an Accounting graduate from UE, took her MBA from La Salle, and rose to be a successful banker, businesswoman and travel executive. There was a time that she also hosted a radio program on health and wellness on DZMM while doing other businesses like dealership (of Squalene, among others).

We lost touch somehow and the next time I saw Ms. Juliet Cortuna was during a courtesy call that the Lady Legislators Association (headed by Rep. Gina de Venecia) made on Manila Bulletin Chairman Dr. Emilio T. Yap. I was surprised, and very proud of course, to know that she is already a congresswoman, representing A Teacher Party-List. To gain more know-how and expertise about her new job, she enrolled in a Public Administration course at UP.

During a recent visit to her office at Congress, I saw how dedicated Rep. Cortuna is to her job, which she described as “providential.”

“Since I was given this chance to serve by God, I might as well do my best.”

Rep. Juliet is a member of various committees in Congress, among them: Housing, Banks & Insurance, Government Reorganization, Civil Service, and Foreign Affairs.

‘Daan sa Krus’ musical at Concert at the Park

The National Parks Development Committee, in partnership with Teatro Mensaheros, usher in the Lenten Week via staging “Daan sa Krus,The Musical” in Concert at the Park today at 6 p.m. at the Rizal Park Open-Air Auditorium. Ms. Minette Padilla is program host.

Written and directed by Jose Jeffrey Camanag, with music by Maestro Jesse Lucas, “Daan ng Krus, The Musical” is The Way of the Cross presented in musical theater style. Stage and TV personality Roeder plays “Hesus.”