MANILA, Philippines -- For Vice Ganda, working with Derek Ramsay in Star Cinema/Viva Films’ “Praybeyt Benjamin” is a dream-come-true: “Derek has been my fantasy for a long time. Matagal ko na siyang iniilusyon, pinapantasya. At ngayon natupad na ito.”

What made the experience more exciting and unforgettable is their shower scene together. “Actually may kissing din kami,” Vice proudly revealed. “Pero panoorin na lang ninyo para malaman niyo kung paano kami naging intimate ni Derek.”

The movie megged by director Wenn Deramas is a salute of sorts to Vice for his achievements as stand-up comedian, TV host and actor. After proving his mettle in such hit TV shows as “Showtime” and “Gandang Gabi, Vice,” and on the big screen (“Petrang Kabayo,” his first starring role which was a box-office hit), Vice has become today’s most popular gay icon.

“Praybeyt Benjamin” opens Wednesday.

Direk Wenn attested to how hard Vice worked on the movie. “Kahit ano ang ipagawa ko sa kanya, ginawa niya nang mahusay hindi lang ang mga comic scenes. He endured all the physically demanding scenes such as the training and combat scenes.”

Direk Wenn said he has been a great fan of Vice’s since he watched him perform at Punchline. “But with his performance in ‘Praybeyt Benjamin,’ lalo akong humanga sa kanya.”

On his part, Vice said, “Masayang-masaya ako at ipinagkatiwala sa akin ng Viva at Star Cinema and of course si Direk Wenn ang pelikulang ito, my second chance na maging bida.”

In the movie, Vice plays Benjamin Santos who has to uphold his family’s tradition of military service (even if he’s gay) when his grandfather (played by Eddie Garcia) is captured by terrorists. He has to save his grandfather and the whole war-torn country as well.

Also in the cast of “Praybeyt Benjamin” are DJ Durano, Vandolph, Jimmy Santos, Dennis Padilla, Carlos Agassi, Malou de Guzman, Kean Cipriano.

Boy Abunda bares ‘Perfect Combination’

We enjoyed so much the Q&A between “King of Talk” Boy Abunda and Vice Ganda on “The Buzz” last Sunday. Both are spontaneous and witty and it was fun listening to their repartee.

Vice asked Boy how much he was worth, who he will bring to heaven or hell, what his and Bong Quintana’s (his partner for more than two decades now) biggest fight, etc. It was a tribute to Boy, who is celebrating his birth anniversary on Oct. 29.

Boy is also getting more and more in demand as a celebrity endorser. Just recently, he announced he made the perfect choice of endorsing Glupa.

“Glupa is a breakthrough antioxidant, anti-aging and beauty-enhancement product line – the best that I’ve used so far. From the many skin whitening and anti-aging products I’ve used, Glupa is the one that lives up to its promise. You notice the difference even after only a few weeks. Your skin becomes not only whiter but smoother and takes on an added glow.”

Ms. Aiza Diuco-Soriano, president and CEO of Age Defying Solutions Phils. (Adsphil), said: “Glupa ends the confusion most women and even men are facing right now, and that is which product to use to achieve white and youthful skin.”

Adsphil is the newest player in the beauty industry in the Philippines, established May 18, 2009.

Libera’s Christmas album

EMI Music through Polyeast Records has released Libera’s first Christmas album with 16 tracks of traditional and new arrangements of classical and contemporary holiday tunes. The album is an exciting mix of secular and sacred Christmas songs including “Joy To The World,” “O Holy Night,” “Carol Of The Bells,” and “White Christmas.”

Libera, an all-English vocal group under the direction of Robert Prizeman, first visited the Philippines in October 2009.

They also performed at Waterfront Hotel in Lahug, Cebu City.

Libera’s most recent release, “Peace,” was No. 1 in the UK, Japanese and Philippines classical charts.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings for Wednesday, Oct. 26, go to Viva’s big boss Vic del Rosario, former producer now US-based realtor Gina Nolasco, Janet Arnaiz, Rusty Salazar, Victor de Vera, Jose Israel Bravo, California-based Priscilla P. Tuazon, Jennifer B. Ongkiko, Grave Velasco, photog Jherry Santiago, and Sonny Bustamante of New Jersey, USA… Happy wedding anniversary to Santiago and Cecille Villareal…