Gary Valenciano

MANILA, Philippines — His colleagues in the entertainment industry pay tribute to Gary via a TV special to be shown tonight at 10:45 p.m. on ABS-CBN’s “Sunday’s Best.” The TV project marks Gary V.’s 28th year in the business and the 25th year of his management company, Manila Genesis.

Entitled “With Love, Gary Valenciano,” it is inspired by his CD of the same title, released in time for the twin-anniversaries.

The CD is a compilation of theme songs of TV and movie projects which Gary himself performed for ABS-CBN and Star Cinema. The latest among these are “Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin” and “Where Do I Begin (Love Story),” theme of the movie, “In the Name of Love.”

Other songs in the CD are “Kung Tayo’y Magkakalayo,” “Tayong Dalawa,” “Sana Maulit Muli,” “And I Love You So.”

Paying tribute to Gary in the TV special include colleagues Ryan Cayabyab, Kuh Ledesma, Martin Nievera, Zsa Zsa Padilla, German Moreno, Lorna Tolentino, Ogie Alcasid, Aiza Seguerra, Jed Madela, Piolo Pascual, Erik Santos, Sam Concepcion and Jericho Rosales among others.

UNICEF’s Angela Travis and Michelle Borromeo will share insights about their Ambassador of 13 years now. Gary V’s children – Gab, Paolo and Kiana – will also be there alongside Sam Milby, Billy Crawford, Yeng Constantino, Jovit Baldovino, Robin Nievera, Angeline Quinto, Marcelino Pomoy and Maria Aragon.

By the way, when asked who are the country’s most promising young singers, Gary V. mentioned his daughter Kiana together with Sam Concepcion and Angeline Quinto.

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Jukebox queens’  rivalry revived

The rivalry between two Jukebox Queens, Imelda Papin and Claire dela Fuente, is somehow revived with their participation in GMA-7’s newest show “Protégé: The Battle for the Big Break” which premieres tonight.

Imelda and Claire play mentors to two of the aspirants. Together with the other music icons as fellow mentors (Janno Gibbs, Rachel Ann Go, Aiza Seguerra, Jaya, Jay-R, Joey Generoso, Gloc-9, and Rey Valera) they went to the provinces to hunt for their respective protégés.

“Our rivalry will definitely be alive again,” Claire said. “At hindi ako patatalo,” she said in jest.

“Protégé” with Ogie Alcasid as Journey Host, Dingdong Dantes as Gala Presentor and Jennylyn Mercado as Reality Host, will have Bert de Leon, Joey de Leon and Louie Ocampo as judges.

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Meet the newest TV barkada

Young televiewers are in for a fun treat as U.B.E. (Ultimate Barkada Experience) premieres today, Sept. 4, on “Growing Up” on the Kapamilya Network. The show is top-billed by Kathryn Bernardo, Julia Montes, Diego Loyzaga and Daniel Padilla. Also in the series is Maricar Reyes with supporting cast Neil Coleta, Yen Santos, EJ Fallurin, and Kiray Celis.

Directing the show is Lino Cayetano who’s back after one year of absence.

ABS-CBN wanted to develop its young artist in different roles that’s why “Growing Up” came about, Lino said. “Masarap ang feeling working with these young stars because you know may future sila.”

Set in a seaside community, “Growing Up” has Ella (Kathryn) and Tammy (Julia) rallying their friends to help raise money for Ms. Lisa Ortega (Maricar), their favorite teacher who was diagnosed with a serious ailment. Together with the friends, they join various contests to raise funds for Ms. Ortega, who despite her ailment, continues to guide them in their journey as teenagers.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Sept. 4, go to Mrs. Amelia Juico Gordon, Amanda E. Layug, Ashley Pauline S. Gatdula, Marilyn Legaspi, Liza Margarette B. Lumauig, Rizalino Fraga, Ericson “Padz” Paduit, and Rustom Padilla (a.k.a. Bebe Gandanghari, currently based in the US)…