Paolo Contis with three ‘bolilits.’

MANILA, Philippines -- You may call them the TV version of the Azkals, but “Futbolilits” is more than that. It outlines an intense rivalry between two teams of young footballers, one team playing according to the rules while the other determined to win regardless of the rules.

“Futbolilits,” which begins airing tomorrow, July 4, before “24 Oras” on GMA-7, features excitement that comes into the colorful world of football.

The non-bulilit cast includes Reymart Santiago, Jennylyn Mercado, Paolo Contis, Angelika dela Cruz, Nova Villa, Benjie Paras, and Daniel Matsunaga.

The “bolilits” are Yogo Singh as Kikoy, a football enthusiast who aspires to follow in the footsteps of his idol, Hero; Renz Valerio as Sherwin, and Isabel “Lenlen” Frial as Tetang.

“I am not a football player,” Paolo, who plays Enrico, said. “But we have tutors on the set.” As Enrico, he is the coach of Raszkulits. Enrico is the rival coach of Frankie, played by Raymart Santiago.

Paolo revealed that they have been taping “Futbolilits” for three weeks already. “When we shoot a football scene, it usually takes us 12 hours,” he said.

Paolo has two daughters, the elder is three years old while his “bunso” is only three months old. He said that he plans to wed his partner Lian Paz next year.

Gwen gets recognition from peers

It is more difficult for young actors to gain respect for their craft because many are criticized for being sellouts, half-baked acts with nothing to offer but their pretty faces.

Gwen Zamora proved to be an exemption.

The “Bubble Gang” mainstay who was first noticed in last year’s Metro Manila Film Festival entry “Si Agimat at the Enteng Kabisote” was recently nominated New Movie Actress of the Year by the Philippine Movie Press Club for said performance.

“Gwen is turning out to be a fine actress. Kasi kahit sa workshop namin masipag siya sa mga acting exercises. At nahasa na rin siya nang husto sa ‘Bubble Gang,’” said Vangie Labalan, who served as her acting coach.

Ogie Alcasid said of Gwen: “Gwen struck me as a really nice person. Obviously gifted with her drop-dead mestiza looks, I was even more impressed with her wealth of experience.’’

Born to pastry chefs Philippe and Therese Agnese, Gwen has travelled around the world because of her dad’s job in various five-star hotels. “I was born in Australia and lived there for six years. We moved to the Philippines until I was 14. After that, we also lived in Singapore, Thailand and China,” she shared in a past interview. When Gwen returned to Manila, she enrolled in Digital Filmmaking at the College of St. Benilde.

Cosmedics Treatment Center expands anew

The Cosmedics Treatment Center has expanded its services anew with the addition of Ganaban Dental Clinic to its group.

Cosmedics was started several years ago by the husband and wife team of Drs. Alvin Jorge and Guia Theresa Favor Jorge. Their line-up of physicians also now includes Drs. Arwin G. Ganaban and Angeline J. Go-Banaban.

Cosmedics, located at the LGC Bldg., 1595 Quezon Ave., offers aesthetic services and products.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings for Sunday, July 3, go to former Vice President Teofisto Guingona, Dr. Minerva G. Laudico, Jill Olaza, Elizabeth A. Robinson, Lourdes F. Austria, Rona Mahilum, Valeriana F. Martinez, Philamy Rivera, landscape artist Lolit Navasero Magpantay of Calamba, Laguna, Mrs. Brigida Silan of Queens Village, New York, and Diosdado Belen of Hawaii... Happy wedding anniversary to Joseph and Angie Liao, and Rod and Alice Villanueva... Brazilian slipper brand Dupe is now in the Philippines (available at SM Megamall and Mall of Asia, Landmark Makati, Landmark Trinoma, Shopwise Araneta and Shopwise Festival Mall). Belated b-day greetings to June 29 celebrants go to Pat-P Daza-Planas, Dulce Catan, Ana Litton, Paula Peralejo, Silvia Malupeng, US-based Edna dela Cruz, Peter C. Escano, Pamela Ayson, Paolo Santos, Alnette Tan, Iggy Tensuan, Cita Luciano, Pete O Manalo, Chyx Alcala, broadcast journalist Emily Marcelo, and MB’s VP-Executive Dept. Girlie Capellan Tan... Happy wedding anniversary to Rody and Ching Herrera, and Ernesto and Mary Cerrada…