MANILA, Philippines — At the recent thanksgiving party that he tendered for the entertainment press for the success of his movie “Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story,” actor-turned politician ER Ejercito proudly said “2011 was a great year – for me, my family and the province of Laguna. Napakadami ang parangal na aming natanggap…”

Among these awards, he specifically mentioned the Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award, the highest award for a public servant leader which he received from Pres. Noynoy Aquino.

Before the year ended, he won 11 major awards for “Asiong Salonga” at the 37th Metro Manila Film Festival Awards Night. “I was expecting eight awards only, but they gave my movie 11! Pero mas maganda rin sana kung ibinigay din sa akin ang Best Actor award,” he smiled.

But he congratulated Dingdong Dantes for being named Best Actor. “I’m happy for him. He is one of the most talented and most dynamic young leaders of Pres. Noynoy. He is a good actor, maybe he deserved the award more than me.”

But he isn’t losing hope, “Sana maging maayos ang lahat para marami pa kaming matanggap na parangal, sana makatsamba ako sa susunod pang awards…”

He congratulated and thanked all those involved in the production of “Asiong Salonga,” and cited Tikoy Aguiluz for being “a brilliant director, maganda ang vision niya. He texted me on New Year’s Day and he apologized for the aberya he caused. I hope we could reach a compromise para maibalik na ang pangalan niya sa credits, especially since we want to release the film internationally.”

And if they are able to come to terms and settle things, Gov. ER would like Tikoy to continue work on his next big project, “El Presidente,” which is about the life – and loves – of Pres. Emilio Aguinaldo.

If they couldn’t reach a compromise, ER has in mind another awarded director, Mario O’Hara, to continue the movie. O’Hara was Nora Aunor’s director in the award-winning film “Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos.” Nora plays the second wife of Emilio Aquinaldo, played by Gov. ER.

• • •

Sarah still the Unica Hija

The year 2011 was also a bountiful year for singer-actress Sarah Geronimo.

Apart from film, TV and concert projects, Sarah continues to be the face of Unica Hija clothing line. Way before the holiday season, Unica Hija launched its Holiday Collection.

By the way, Unica Hija is owned by LC Star Power Ventures, Inc.

• • •

Andi talks about motherhood

In the January issue of Yes! Magazine, young mother Andi Eigenmann has been given an 11-page exclusive feature where she detailed everything from her pregnancy to the birth of her love child Adriana Gabrielle or Elle.

The interview was granted five days before her due date while the photos were taken five days after her date with the stork.

It’s an interesting read, especially to fans who’ve admired Andi’s innate talent and her ability to brave the storms of her young life.

Also featured in the magazine are the weddings of Jolina Magdangal and Mark Escueta, Kyla and Rich Alvarez, and Nonito and Rachel Donaire. It also gives readers a deeper insight on the Rhian Ramos and Mo Twister scandal.

• • •

VIPs, celebs at Carl’s confirmation

Political VIPs and showbiz celebrities will stand as sponsors at the confirmation rites for Daisy Romualdez’s son Carl which will be held at the Manila Cathedral on Sunday. Reception will be held at Roma of The Manila Hotel.

Leading the VIP sponsors are Vice President Jejomar Binay, Ilocos Sur Gov. Chavit Singson, and Valenzuela Councilor Shalani Soledad. Other sponsors include Dr. Emil Yap III, James Yap, Barbara Perez, Liberty Ilagan, and many others.

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings Sunday, Jan. 8, go to Dr. Jaime Laya, Judge Aurora Navarette-Recina, Mrs. Amparo Aspiras, jeweler Benjie Yap, Rowena Bautista-Mendiola, realtor, Louismil Gala, Francis Alincastre, Carrie Javier of DSWD, Bernie Espiritu, Manny Hernandez, Mrs. Carmencita Valentino, Tom Canchela, Joselito Testa, Norsel del Rosario, Graham Rae Buenaseda, MB’s Ramir Medino and Robert de Luna and Tanya Scaife of Star Magic… Happy wedding anniversary to Mr. and Mrs. Medardo del Rosario of California, and John and Lira Cortado…