MANILA, Philippines -- We had breakfast with one of our favorite people in the world, Mother Ricky Reyes last week and we inevitably got to talk about this vicious rumor about his alleged poor state of health.

Previous buzz said that the beauty guru is now in dire need of financial assistance because of his sickness, thus his numerous property are for sale.

We know that this was farthest from the truth because we have been seeing Mother every now and then. And that part about losing money? That came out really funny because Ricky Reyes, at the risk of catching the attention of BIR, is still one of the wealthiest people we know and he’s not the type who would squander his wealth being a simple person at heart.

He is not sick at all. Some of his real estate property are for sale because he is under this de-cluttering mode since two years ago.

Ricky always tells us that a person who has reached the peak of his dreams will find himself knowing what in life really is important.

“Somehow big houses don’t appeal to me that much anymore. I’ve done it. I already know what I want. I will have everything I need, everything to make me happy and comfortable with my family in a smaller house. That’s what Cris and I have been planning,” he said.

When we told Mother the rumors, he just laughed off our comments by saying, “Hayaan mo na sila magtsismisan. At least, they still find me interesting enough to talk about,” he said and laughed his usual engaging laughter.

He has been holding exclusive seminar-workshops for small groups of people teaching Hairstyling and Make-Up techniques which is a part of his “Gandang Seminar: One on One with Mader Ricky.”

The recent Hairstyling and Make-up Seminar-Workshop held at the Ricky Reyes Penthouse on Aurora Blvd. in San Juan last May 9-11 was so successful that a new batch of enrollees have been accepted for the May 30-June 1 period. They are also accepting enrollees for June 20-22 classes.

The seminar allows the student to participate in the “Project Runway” event to showcase what they have learned and present them before a panel of judges led by Ricky.

For details, contact Mr. Willie Victoriano at 0933-4802437 or at 9980986 or visit www.rickyreyeslearninginstitute.com.ph.

GMAAC talents go for glam  in Black Book

When the weather was so unpredictably bad, GMA Artist Center (GMAAC) recently held an elaborate launch at the glitzy club Republiq at Resorts World for its brand-new 2011 catalogue of artists which they call The Black Book.

Not even typhoon Bebeng’s prelude of heavy rains, thunder and lightning could deter the stars and GMA network bigwigs from coming out of their comfort zones last May 24 to be present in the well-appointed occasion.

Atty. Felipe Gozon, GMA president and Chief Executive Officer presided over the short and simple event, in the presence of other GMA executives led by GMAAC head, Ida Ramos-Henares, Vice President for Talent Management Division.

The crowd also included Atty. Annette Gozon-Abrogar, president of GMA Films; and other GMA executives Joey Abacan, Marivin Arayata, Gigi Santiago-Lara, Reggie Bautista, among many other guests.

Atty. Gozon said, “GMA-7 a few years ago didn’t even have any contract artist under its management. But now, more than seven years after, GMAAC has produced homegrown artists, some of whom have made outstanding mark in the entertainment industry as a whole. Definitely, the Talent Development and Management Department of GMA Artist Center is now a key partner in making us the No. 1 station in the country today.”

Those who took centerstage that night were Iza Calzado, Rhian Ramos, Mark Herras, Aljur Abrenica, Kris Bernal, Sheena Halili, Dion Ignacio, Ryza Cenon, Bela Padilla, Dominic Roco, Kevin Santos, Vaness Del Moral, Stef Prescott, Prince Estefan, Princess Snell, Dex Quindoza, Pancho Magno, Benedict Campos, Rey Talosig, and Djanin Cruz; Starstruck talents Sarah Lahbati, Nina Kodaka, Fianca Cruz, Rox Montealegre, Lou Sison, Vicky Ortega, Steven Silva, Rocco Nacino, Enzo Pineda, Sef Cadayona, and Diva Montelaba, La Diva; tween stars Barbie Forteza, Louise delos Reyes, Alden Richards, Julianne San Jose, Bea Binene, Joanna Marie Tan, Derrick Monasterio, Lexi Fernandez, Krytal Reyes, Joyce Ching, and Kristoffer Martin; hosts Luane Dy, Victor Aliwalas, Stephanie Henares and Gino Dela Pena; comedians Chariz Solomon, Moymoy Palaboy, and Jan Manual.

Those who failed to make it to the event were Marvin Agustin, Jackie Rice, Iwa Moto, Joshua Dionisio, Rich Asuncion, Yasmien Kurdi, Nadine Samonte, Solenn Heussaff, Lovi Poe, Isabelle Daza, Isabel Oli, siblings Maxene Magalona, Saab Magalona, Elmo Magalona, Arkin Magalona and Frank Magalona, Kylie Padilla, Frencheska Farr, Gwen Zamora, Ellen Adarna, Chynna Hortaleza, and Jillian Ward, among many others.

The glamorous photos were taken by Doc Marlon Pecjo and his assistants Roy Macam, Ria Regino and Kench Genato.

At the launch, performers were La Diva, Julieanne San Jose, Brenan Espartinez, Geoff Taylor and Jayanne Bautista. Tim Yap was main host for the night, and at some point, he was joined by GMAAC’s multi-awarded hosts Stephanie Henares, Gino dela Peña, Luane Dy and Victor Aliwalas.

GMAAC head Ida Henares takes pride in this accomplishment. “It took us two years to complete this catalogue and we are very happy to present it to you as it is today. We are very happy with the output. Here’s hoping to more years of success at the GMA Artist Center as we celebrate our 10th year,” she said.