MANILA, Philippines — JUST A THOUGHT: A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. – Herm Albright

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RHIAN WORKING: Still recovering from the storm that jolted her life, Rhian Ramos is working quietly behind the scenes.

A source from GMA Films says the drama actress has been shooting a movie, “My Kontrabida Girl,” contrary to rumors that the picture has been shelved. “Kontrabida” co-stars Rhian and Aljur Abrenica, himself missing in action on the small screen. The romantic comedy was initially conceived to be released in time for Valentine’s Day, but the ugly controversy that plagued Rhian and her failed relationship with Mo Twister altered plans of its release.

GMA is buying time to release the film while it awaits the subsequent dissolution of the issues that hounded its lead star. A network source asked me recently what Rhian’s chances of reclaiming her career are.

I said that knowing the Filipinos’ natural tendency to forgive and forget, it will be just a matter of time before the situation swings back to normal.

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BLOW THE SIREN: Speaking of Valentine’s Day, so-called Soul Siren Nina sings her hit songs and more in a special pre-Valentine’s Day dinner-concert at Taal Vista Hotel in Tagaytay City on Feb. 11.

Nina and the Classix Band provide a fitting follow-up to a 6-course set dinner at the East Wing Ballrooms 2 & 3 of the vintage hotel celebrating its 75th anniversary this year.

Guests at the Valentine show are entitled to a complimentary glass of wine and a long-stemmed rose for the ladies.

Meanwhile, guests who prefer to stay overnight can avail of the Valentine Dinner-Concert with Room Package priced at P9,999 for the Deluxe Room (East Wing) and P8,999 for the Superior Room (West Wing). The package includes buffet breakfast for two, a glass of wine and special raffle.

Room only packages are also available at P5,999 for the Deluxe Room (East Wing) and P4,999 for the Superior Room (West Wing). Inclusive of buffet breakfast for two, a bottle of wine, welcome drinks, 20 percent discount at Asmara Spa and 10 percent discount at Café on the Ridge.

On Feb. 14, Café on the Ridge celebrates with a special dinner buffet at P988 per person with a live violin performance. A wine buffet at P500 per person and a Valentine cocktail selection is also available at the Lobby Lounge.

Taal Vista Hotel is located along Kilometer 60, Aguinaldo Highway, Tagaytay City. For inquiries, log on to www.taalvistahotel.com.

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STAR TRANSFEREE: Let’s see how ABS-CBN can once more thrust the magic wand on former GMA-7 starlet Paul Salas, who has been picked by the network to lead the youthful cast of the new Saturday afternoon show, “Oka2kat.”

Fourteen-year-old Paul was one of 14 finalists on GMA’s reality show, “Starstruck Kids,” but who later moved to channel 2. His transfer preceded those of Iza Calzado, Carmina Villaroel, and Janice de Belen.

The “Oka2kat” lead role is Paul’s second big break at ABS-CBN where he earlier starred as Uragon in “Kung Fu Kids.”

The revival of “Oka2kat,” a popular horror-adventure series on the same channel in the ’90s, also stars Joshua Colet, Jane Oineza, Sue Anne Ramirez, and Makisig Morales. How these kids have grown in seemingly just seconds!

(nescuar@yahoo.com)