Judy Ann Santos with Chefs Rolando Laudico, Fernando F.C. Aracama, and JP Anglo. (Photo by Ryan Ramos)

MANILA, Philippines -- In her forthcoming show, “Junior Master Chef Pinoy Edition,” Judy Ann Santos represents the caring and nurturing mother and housewife we are all familiar with. But this time, we will be seeing a slimmer actress as she plays host of a cooking show.

Juday, minus those unwanted pounds, amazed the press when she appeared at the press conference of “Junior Master Chef Pinoy Edition.” Her new enviable physique could only mean the drama queen is ready for a comeback.

“Actually, sabi ko kapag pumayat na ako at one year old na si Lucho saka ako magtratrabaho ulit sa movies or TV projects, pero wala pa nga one year old si Lucho pero eto na ako,” Juday said. The day before the press conference, she said she and husband Ryan (Agoncillo) started shooting their movie together, “House Husband.”

Anyway, in “JMC Pinoy Edition,” which starts airing on Aug. 20 on ABS-CBN, 20 talented kids from across the country will face cooking challenges until only one is proclaimed the first “Pinoy Junior Master Chef” who will receive P1 million and a culinary scholarship.

Juday will be joined by three master chefs: Chef Fernando “Ferns” Aracama, Chef Rolando “Lau” Laudico, and Chef JP “Jayps” Anglo who will serve as judges and mentors. Juday is herself a culinary arts graduate but she’s not a chef yet.

GMA Network signs up Leana

Another YouTube sensation, Leana Tabunar, is out to conquer mainstream entertainment. The talented eight-year-old is now a Kapuso after signing an exclusive contract with GMA Network last week.

Present during the contract-signing were Ms. Wilma V. Galvante, GMA Senior Vice President for Entertainment, Atty. Annette Gozon-Abrogar, GMA Films president; Joey R. Abacan, GMA Vice President for Program Manangement, and Leana’s parents, Zaide Elizabeth Tabuniar and Manuel Gavino.

Ms. Galvante said Leana will be a mainstay of “Party Pilipinas,” and her debut appearance will be on Aug. 21.

Leana’s parents signed a one-year exclusive contract with GMA.

Ms. Galvante added that when she and other GMA-7 executives, including Atty. Abrogar and Joey Abacan, saw Leana’s YouTube video, they were very impressed by her talent.

Manila Hotel concert for charity

The historic and trademark The Manila Hotel, together with the University of Sto. Tomas Conservatory of Music, presented recently a benefit concert featuring talented students of the 400- year-old Pontifical University. This is to continue Manila Hotel’s commitment to support projects benefitting underprivileged communities.

Beneficiaries of the concert, dubbed as “La Musique du Coeur (Music from the Heart)” are the kids of Sun for All Children, and the charities of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Proceeds from the concert were used to buy food, toiletries and other basic necessities distributed to the children of the chosen charities of DSWD District V office in Paco, Manila.

The repertoire included classical pieces by Mozart, Bach Handel, Vivaldi and Rusticana.

“With this event The Manila Hotel has successfully fostered its strong connection to the less fortunate members of our community,” said Manila Hotel Asst. VP for PR and Corporate Communications Nian Liwanag-Rigor.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings for Wednesday, Aug. 17, go to Fred Elizalde, Apolinario Lozada Jr., former Mayor Jose Yap, Jean Saburit, Elena Fernando, Belen Lovina Ticzon, Emma C. Lim, Fe Marzan, Jowee Mendoza, Elona Magvale, Susan Sta. Ana, Karl Yman N. Martinez, MB’s Mark Dy, Eliza Ballesteros Salas, Maria Teresa Cañete-Macalde, Michelle Foronda del Rosario of San Francisco, California, and singer-evangelist Rey Salac... Happy wedding anniversary to Rudy and Vangie Fontanilla…