MANILA, Philippines — We had the chance to visit Iriga City once again recently upon the invitation of the hardworking and devoted public servant Mayor Madelaine Alfelor-Gazmen. It was the occasion of the city’s 43rd Charter Foundation Day and as expected it was another colorful and exciting three-day event conceived by Mayor Gazmen for the commemoration of the city’s founding by providing entertainment for her constituents.

On special occasions (they have four events every year including the Tinagba Festival) Mayor Gazmen always invites top entertainers and showbiz celebrities and this time she brought to Iriga City Gladys Reyes, Geoff Eigenmann and Douglas Nierras (plus Ian Batherson whose mother hails from Iriga City) to serve as judges in the Drum and Lyre Corps competition. Geoff and Gladys did more than that, they also rendered some songs to the delight of the Irigueños present.

Before the competition proper on Saturday, the DLCs from the different schools of the city (complete with well-shaped majorettes) paraded around in their colorful costumes. And then, the champion DLCs in previous years (2007-2010) performed their winning numbers.

But what impressed us most was the Military Silent Drill by the Philippine Army 9th Infantry Division that showcased not only the cops’ skills and discipline but also their less serious side as they swayed and wiggled to rock music.

Capping the day’s event was a Majorette Showcase 2012 performed by UNEP, La Onsolacion College, Zeferino High School, Rinconada National Yechnical Vocational School and UASANT that preceded the awarding ceremonies.

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Gladys to interview Vilma, Nora

Gladys who’s now mother of three with husband Christopher Roxas who’s her childhood sweetheart is happy that her show on Net25 entitled “Moments” is still going strong.

Gladys will have “moments” with Gov. Vilma Santos, Lorna Tolentino and maybe superstar Nora Aunor soon.

The actress also has a forthcoming movie with Kris Aquino, “Segunda Mano.” Kris saw her performance in her final scene in “Guns and Roses” and was so impressed that she offered Gladys a role in “Segunda Mano,” which is Kris and Dingdong Dantes’ entry to the 2011 Metro Manila Film Festival.

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Geoff teams up with Heart

In his next teleserye on GMA-7, Geoff will have a new leading lady in the person of Heart Evangelista. And since they are not taping yet, Geoff took the opportunity to visit his dad, Michael de Mesa, and brother AJ.

Geoff’s last show was “Magic Palayok.” About his girlfriend Carla Abellana’s going sexy in her movie “My Neighbor’s Wife” which opened Sept. 14, the actor said it was something they discussed before shooting started.

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Lovi, Paulo in ‘Aswang’

Remember the ’80s horror film “Aswang,” topbilled by Alma Moreno? Regal Films is now shooting a remake of the Alma Moreno flick.

This time, Lovi Poe fills in the shoes vacated by Alma to portray a beautiful “aswang,” and her new leading man is Paulo Avelino.

Paulo is on the rise these days. He walks the ramp as part of Cosmopolitan Top 10 Most Sought After Bachelors tonight, Sept. 15.

After “Aswang,” Paulo will start work on his very first ABS-CBN teleserye.

The “Aswang” remake features Jillian Ward, Mark Abaya, Bembol Roco, Albie Casiño, Joem Bascom and Precious Lara Quigaman.

The film is directed by Jerold Tarrog as a follow-up to the acclaimed “Funerarya” episode of “Shake, Rattle & Roll.”

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Sept. 15, go to soprano Jo Gomez, pianist-composer Emy Munji, California-based Cherie Querol Moreno and Francis Valderama Jr., Gani and Ruby Ann Buenaflor, JR Pajaro, Engr. Nick Ablaza, Bobby Martino, Nina Ramos, Geraldine R. Tan, Marichi Nabong, Sonny M. Ola, Dolores Banaria, Mabel V. Ferrer, Evelyn Fuentebella, Jazmine Angelo, Ms. Dulce Baybay of ABS-CBN Foundation and awarded director Wenn Deramas… Belated b-day greetings to Bessie Badilla (Sept. 11) and MB’s Ramon Ting (Sept. 13)...