MANILA, Philippines — Cristine Reyes seems to be headed for drama stardom with the unprecedented box-office success of “No Other Woman” and the big following that her drama series “Reputasyon” has amassed. She could even be a Box-Office Queen real soon.

Asked what she can say about all this, Cristine said, “I did not expect that ‘Reputasyon’ would become a big hit especially since it’s shown in the afternoon and not on primetime.”

The twin success of “No Other Woman” and “Reputasyon” has inspired Cristine to strive to become better in her craft. To think that there was a time that she wanted to quit.

“May ugali kasi ako na impulsive. Pero natuto na ako.”

At 22, Cristine said she’d like to play “roles na matindi, hindi na pa-cute, yong palaban, yong mapapasabak talaga ako sa intense acting.

“Tapos na ako sa skin-baring roles.”

Cristine has indeed gone a long way since she appeared in “Kahit Isang Saglit,” “Eva Fonda,” and “Kristine.”

About her boyfriend, “very supportive si Rayver (Cruz), he has always been. He encourages me to do well in my job, and he is not insecure.”

The latest gift she received from Rayver is a Balenciaga bag.

Isay, Big Band at Teatrino

Isay Alvarez-Seña brings back nostalgia and romance of the big band era when she performs with acclaimed musical arranger Mel Villena and the AMP Big Band in two special shows at the Teatrino in Greenhills on Nov. 24 and Dec. 1.

 Dubbed “Isay Alvarez-Seña Swings Out With The AMP Big Band,” the concert series recalls the glory days of the grand dames of jazz such as Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan.

It’s a dream come true for the veteran stage performer and mainstream actress, who pays tribute to her singing idols such as Sylvia La Torre, Katy dela Cruz, Armida Siguion-Reyna and other local music greats.

Prior to her foray into theater and her ensuing pivotal stint in “Ms. Saigon,” Isay started her career as a lounge singer.

Isay’s songs range from classic jazz standards to Broadway hits, and even traditional Tagalog hits such as “Waray-Waray,” “Balut,” “Galawgaw” and “Hahabol-Habol.”

“Isay Alvarez-Seña Swings Out With The AMP Big Band” is directed by Robert Seña, also featured as guest. Showtime is at 8 p.m.

Mutya Swimsuit competition at Sheridan

The swimsuit competition of Mutya ng Pilipinas 2011 will be held at Sheridan Beach Resort & Spa in Puerto Princesa, Palawan on Nov. 27.

Participating are the 30 candidates including delegates from Belgium, Norway, Germany, Canada, California and Arizona, USA.

Sheridan Beach Resort and Spa is the official resort of the Mutya ng Pilipinas candidates.

The candidates’ stay in Puerto Princesa this year is made possible by the support of City Mayor Edward Hagedorn, a supporter of Mutya ng Pilipinas since 2008. He inspires the candidates to seriously take the pageant’s advocacy of promoting eco-tourism.

Mutya is headed by Joseph Tan as chairman.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Nov. 23, go to Maxene Magalona, Maridel Villavicencio, Mrs. Siony Prioreschi, Bert and Aida Rejano, Clemencita “Menchie” Romero, Loleng Africa, New York-based Queenie F. Perez, John Forster Francois Rutherford Corpuz Doles IV, and Dominique Llamas of Star Magic... Happy wedding anniversary to Romy and Nita Magat of Fairview, QC… Belated b-day greetings to California-based Nemesio Dagang (Nov. 20) and Phloxy Palma (Nov. 21)…