Ali Sotto

MANILA, Philippines -- Ali Sotto is back with a new, promising show, “Personalan,” a talk-drama that premieres today on GMA News TV Channel 11 at 5 p.m. Ali is excited to land another show, after the “untimely demise” of her previous show “Star Box.”

“Personalan” aims to give importance to the fact that everyone has a story to tell.

Presented in the show are real-life experiences or situations using various genres – reality-based, talk and drama. Ali has warned against physical contacts or “sakitan.”

“Eto ang show of its genre na walang sampalan, sabunutan at walang plastikan.’’

Ali added, “I will invest emotion sa mga subjects, para hindi parang nagtatrabaho lang at binabasa ang teleprompter tapos ay uuwi na.’’

“Personalan” is similar to a drama show, in that it introduces a protagonist, a villain and secondary characters who contribute to the situation at hand.

The program also offers insights from relatives and friends of the featured individual.

Life coaches will also be available to help resolve conflicts.

Said Gigi Santiago-Lara, GMA Network’s AVP for Alternative Productions:

In ‘Personalan,’ we are pushing that lahat ng bagay puweding daanin sa masinsinang usapan.’’

Popular ’60s band coming over

Gerry and the Pacemakers, a group that helped shape the sound of the ’60s and who popularized the hit songs “How Do You Do It,” “I Like It,” “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” “Don’t Let the Sun Catch You Cryin’” and “Ferry Cross, the Mercy,” is coming over for a two-night concert billed “Timeless.” The first will be on Aug. 5 at 8 p.m. at Waterfront Hotel in Lahug, Cebu, and the second will be on Aug. 6 at the PICC Plenary Hall.

Sharing the stage with Gerry and the Pacemakers is Chip Hawkers, formerly with the English rock n’ roll band called The Tremeloes, Ramon “RJ” Jacinto, Rockin’ 60s, and The Bloomfields.

“Timeless” is presented by DMC Phils. and Clear Channels Events, and Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (nominee to the 7th Wonder of the Nature). Major sponsors are Snack Time, SM Cinema, RJ 200, RJ TV, Esquire Financing Inc. Dusit Hotel, and Waterfront Hotel Lahug.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings for Monday, July 25, go to the country’s ace comedian Dolphy, Pop Princess Sarah Geronimo, former MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando, psychic Jaime Licauco, designer Meg Paris, Margot Vargas-Osmena, Mayenne Carmona, Sonny C. Salgado, Anna Eloisa C. Bulong, Nita Araquin, Malynne Villongco, Lolit Leabres, Hazel Corpus Testa, Annie R. Convocar, Bong Bolivar of Cosmopolitan Agency, and Linabelle Villarica…Belated b-day greetings to Cristina Sale of Think Bright Caloocan City (July 22)… Condolence to the Anson and Valenciano families on the death of Aida V. Calacas, younger sister of Gary's dad Vic Valenciano. Her remains lie at Loyola Memorial Chapel in Marikina...