MANILA, Philippines — Local media noticed a good change in Maricel Soriano recently. The star of Regal Entertainment’s entry to the forthcoming 2011 Metro Manila Film Festival, “Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow” surprised everyone with her newfound soft-spokenness.

This wasn’t the Maricel Soriano of old, but we find it a good change in her. We suspect that her new manager has something to do with it.

Anyway, in the big-budgeted movie directed by Jun Lana, Maricel plays a wealthy mother to Eula Caballero’s character. Maricel is also reunited with Gabby Concepcion in the movie, which also stars Jericho Rosales, Dennis Trillo, Lovi Poe, Carla Abellana, Solenn Heussaff, Paulo Avelino, Agot Isidro and Ronaldo Valdez.

The movie takes pride in big scenes, such as an earthquake scene which is vital to the plot.

Maricel said she learned a lot from her young co-stars. “I had a lot of pleasant experiences with them. Magagaling sila lahat, I felt so blessed working with them. They’re all very good. Parang nanalo na ako sa lahat ng suporta na binigay nila sa akin...”

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Solenn as Ginebra Calendar Girl

Incidentally, Solenn who co-stars in “Yesterday…” was launched recently as Ginebra’s 2012 Calendar Girl. Ginebra San Miguel formally introduced Solenn to the media during GSMI’s recent media launch.

The tall and alluring “Survivor” finalist, actress-host was the hands-down choice for the sought after calendar project. Said Ginebra Marketing VP Nelson S. Elises: “Despite her stature and popularity, Solenn is still able to relate to people from all walks of life.”

The calendar, shot by awarded celebrity photog Mark Nicdao, shows Solenn in five eye-catching poses.

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Young singer gives back

Young singer Kris John Paul Gonzales is excited over his concert for a cause, “Christmas Showers of Grace” on Dec. 11 at the Star Theater.

The 10-year-old singer said he loves to perform for the less fortunate, especially street children.

The concert, topbilled by renowned Filipino-American operatic tenor Sal Malaki and also featuring soprano Tricia Amper-Jimenez, will benefit different groups like the Living the Gospel Community for the ongoing construction of a family formation in Nazareth, Mantalongon, Cebu, the Lilion Boys Home and the Oblate Sisters of the Most Holy Redeemer. Presenting the show is the Spring Rain Global Consultancy, Inc. headed by Glenda Antonio.

Sal was clearly impressed by the child prodigy: “I know the boy has talent, and he has a very good foundation, I’m happy that his father, Noel Gonzales, has his full support.”

Kris, who prefers singing Italian songs, further impressed Sal with his chosen genre.

Kris has performed during a victory party tendered by Gov. Chavit Singson for boxing champ Manny Pacquiao, a fundraising concert at the St. James the Great Parish Church in Alabang, among others.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Dec. 11, go to former Sen. Aquilino Pimentel and granddaughter Hannah, Rep. Lucy Torres-Gomez, Mrs. Lovely Romulo, our “inaanak” Kristoffer Ian de Leon, Francisco R. Sibal, Brenda del Rio, Alice Cabahug, Mark Manalang, Vicky Salvador, Ellen A. Velasco, Emil Anton Coronel, Nelson Navarro, Baby Nebrida, Dik Trofeo, Col. Reynaldo Cabauatan, Halina Perez, Lulay dela Cruz, Hazel Tuazon-Soriano, Lina P. Ramos, Lily Salazar, Alberto Ting, Atty. Estrellita Aguirre, Cecile Marcaida, Puna de Borja, Yong An Chiu, and Karen Martinez… Belated b-day greetings to MB’s Lily Peralta-delos Reyes (Dec. 9)...