At the deck of Superstar Virgo: Rex Smith seated with (from left) Crispina M. Belen and Tracy Smith; standing are Danee Samonte, Carlo Gaa, Johnny Tsai, Jane Tsai, and Maddie Samonte;

MANILA, Philippines — We were invited by Star Cruises to join a Singapore-Malaysia cruise on board Superstar Virgo recently, and among those we noticed easily was the presence of Filipinos everywhere who were ready to serve anyone.

Also taking to the microphones during happy hours in the entertainment outlets of the luxury ship are Filipino talents including a “Talentadong Pinoy” winner. The first group we listened to (at the Tavern Bar) was a trio rendering a plaintive “Anak,” Freddie Aguilar’s internationally famous composition.

Also a featured performer on the second night of our trip was Rex Smith, the voice behind “You Take My Breath Away” and “Simply Jessie.” Rex – accompanied by wife Tracy and foreign acts promoter Danee Samonte and wife Maddie – just finished two Valentine concerts in the Philippines, did a show at The Lido where the entertainment fare that night also included “Reflections of Russia,” and “Evening Rhythm with Platinum Duo.”

We learned that Filipinos comprise 60 percent of the more than a thousand crew of Superstar Virgo. Making us real proud too was the fact that the Cruise Director, Ms. Myla Zinampan, was also a Filipino.

For January, six out of nine of the “Achievers of the Month” were Filipinos. They were Rayver Hernit, Personnel Coordinator; Christopher Benavidez, Jr., Senior Club Security Guard; Ginno Violanta, Housekeeping Attendant; Chona Farillon, Receptionist; Jerome Mallari, waiter; and Nelson Barroga, 1st Señor Accommodation Repairman. Barroga was also one of two “Achievers of the Year,” the other being Nishant Monga, Entertainment Supervisor.

In the Shipboard Management, there were six Filipinos out of 17. They included Dodie Rosacay, Hotel Manager; Anselmo Eme, Executive Asst. Manager; Alfonso Madama, Executive Housekeeper; Ana Llamas, Senior Human Resourse Fleet Manager; Janice Murillon, Front Office Manager; and Ms. Zinampan. By the way, the Captain of the Ship was Magnus Guttberg from Sweden.

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‘Project Runway Phils.’ Premieres Today

“Project Runway Philippines Season 3,” a competition for up-and-coming designers, premieres today, March 25 on ETC at 8 p.m. The 15 contestants will be guided along the way by host Tweetie de Leon-Gonzales with mentor Jojie Lloren and judges Rajo Laurel and Apples Aberin.

Contestants are: Ioniica Abraham of Manila, Almor Albano of Laoag City, MJ Alimanza of Zambales, Yves Camingue of Cebu City, Mel Claveria of Camarines Sur, Karla Galang of Quezon City, Jenno Gacasan of Cebu Coty, Glenn Gonzales of Pangasinan, Fatima Guererro of Nueva Ecija, Enzo Liboon of Bacolod, Joseph Montelibano of Parañaque, Lhenvil Paneda of La Union, Mika Redoble of Pasig, Cheetah Rivera of Manila and Normanie Santos of Bulacan.

“Project Runway Philippines” is presented by L’Oreal Paris, Pond’s Age Miracle, and is in partnership with Mega Magazine and iAcademy.

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Gerald Delights In Simple Thrills

Gerald Anderson gives his fans more reasons to adore him. As the latest endorser of Jollibee’s Burger Steak, Gerald reveals his practical side.

“When I still lived in GenSan, my team won the basketball tournament and we celebrated our victory in Jollibee,” he recalled proudly. “Going to Jollibee and having my favorite Burger Steak is definitely a pleasure I love to enjoy frequently.”

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, March 25, go to Mrs. Loleng Panlilio, former Pangasinan Gov. Nancy Sison, Esther Vibal, Rosemarie Sy Gaisano, Dolly Nazareno, Josefina “Nena” Gutierrez, Danny Yu, Leo Katigbak, Iris R. Sanchez, Marizza Sayas, Henrick Chiu, Quintin Alianza and entertainment writer Dinno Erece…