Gov. Chavit Singson flanked by Jean Saburit (right) and daughter Nicole Andersson

MANILA, Philippines -- Former beauty queen-model Jean Saburit proves she still has what it takes to be an effective actress.

She has appeared in soaps like “Eva Fonda” on ABS-CBN and “Mga Nagbabagang Bulaklak” on TV5. In both teleseryes, Jean played villain roles.

“I love doing kontrabida roles. They are very challenging. At my age, I do not aspire for lead roles anymore. Gusto ko ang kontrabida roles, gaya ng ginagawa nila Joan Collins and Cherie Gil. Mas gusto ko ang nang-aapi kaysa ako ang inaapi,” she laughed.

Jean looks forward to another project with 5.

She’s excited to work again, if only to help her move on after the death of her beloved mom last year. Now that she has put her mom’s estate in order, Jean is ready to act again.

Jean marked her birth anniversary recently and her good friends Ms. Anna Marie “Anet” R. Ablan and Ralph Joseph threw her a surprise dinner cruise onboard Gov. Luis “Chavit” Singson’s yacht Escalera. Chavit, the godfather of her daughter Nicole Andersson, has been a good friend ever since Jean and former husband Peter were still together.

Anet is the honorary consul of Belarus and host of “Ikons in Circles” shown on GNN Channel 8 (aired Thursdays at 9-10 p.m. and Fridays at 4-5 p.m.), while Ralph is president of Philippine Wine Merchants and Ralph Wines & Spirits.

That explains the abundance of white and red wine that night.

They went well with Jean’s Caviar birthday cake!

Jean was the favorite model of former First Lady Imelda Marcos in her fashion shows in Malacañang which were attended by, among others, President Ford, Princess Margaret, the King of Morocco and Governor Ariyoshi of Hawaii.

The birthday girl was assisted by her equally beautiful and talented daughter Nicole and another good friend Evelyn Alvaran-Cruz, in entertaining guests, who included Ambassadors Robert Brinks (The Netherlands), Al-Batti Waddi and wife Nadia (Iraq), Australian Consul General Georgette and Hugh Wilson, Consul Joe Hassad of Lebanon, and Jonathan Poms of the US Embassy.

Also among her well-wishers were Dario Gardini of Carusso Rest. which catered the sumptuous Italian buffet; Emilio Mina of Especiale Robes from Milan, Italy (some of his robes were modeled by four Brazilian young ladies), Dr. Betsy Kasemi of Kazemi Clinik, Atty. Joy Tabahonda of DoJ, Lee Quejado who sponsored the music and the singers who serenaded the guests, Ms. Edna Diaz, president of Bestworld Wine Beverage), Marie Guingona, Ambassador of Peace Barry Gusi and wife, and Gov. Chavit.

Siklab presents ‘Ignite’ tonight

Through the initiative of Melo Velarde and Gino Tambuatco, engineering students from De La Salle-Manila, a production outfit called Siklab Productions was formed recently to support La Sallian bands.

Gino and Melo explain that bands from Taft are not getting as much exposure. Siklab was formed to address the issue.

Their launching event, “Ignite,” will be held today, Sept. 3, in Casa Nami Surf Pub, a surf-themed bar on Jupiter St., Makati. It will feature unsigned bands from La Salle’s main campus in Manila: Under Fire, Klan, D53, Lady Ransom, Never the Less, Neverdie, Pinas, The AK47s, and independent giant Enemies of Saturn. Tickets are priced at the industry-standard P150, with one free beer.

For more information, visit their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/siklabproductions.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings for Sunday, Sept. 3, go to MTRCB Chair Mary Grace P. Llamanzares, Dr. Nonoy Zuñiga, Dr. Gary Sy, Aris Demavivas, Malu Barry, Lito Galang, Cion Reyes, Romy Navarro, Danny Manalac of Canada, Cecile N. Bello, Ma. Christina Timbol, Bong Panlilio, Mona Aquino Ventura, Nene Rogacion, Remedios “Babot” T. Armas of New York, Francisca D. Montefalco, Joenna M. Isidro, US-based Jam Morales, Jeannette Joaquin, Daphne Cortes of Star Magic, and MB’s Ronniel de Guzman and Aris Ilagan...