Bela Padilla

MANILA, Philippines — With her mestiza looks (her mom is Filipina and her dad is British), and the right height plus her talent, actress Bela Padilla is indeed beauty queen material. It’s actually in one of Bela’s plans, to join a beauty contest. But not at the moment, she told some members of the entertainment press who visited the set of “Hiram na Puso” in Damar Village recently.

“I’d really like to join a beauty contest, I’ve long been prompted to do so, pero hindi pa sa ngayon kasi aside from ‘Hiram na Puso,’ I have other forthcoming projects,” said Bela who turned 21 last May 3. She also plans to audition for the remake of “Magdalena,” Bela revealed.

In the meantime, Bela said, “Abangan ng mga viewers ang mga madramang eksena sa ‘Hiram na Puso’ in the coming days. Mabibigat na drama talaga. Mga 99 percent ng mga eksena namin ay iyakan.” In the series, Bela plays daughter to Gina Alajar.

Bela originally was a Kapamilya who also appeared in TV5 shows. But after guesting in “Totoy Bato,” her manager told her to try being a Kapuso star, too. “Ayun, naging Kapuso ako.” Since joining GMA-7, Bela has appeared in four soap operas, “Endless Love,” “Machete,” “Sisid” and “Hiram na Puso.”

Also in the series is Marc Acueza, who like Bela also came from ABS-CBN. As a Kapamilya, Marc appeared in such shows as “Tanging Ina,” “Berks” and “Basta’t Kasama Kita.” He was a Kapamilya for about five years, after which Marc concentrated on his studies. When he resumed his showbiz career it was as a Kapuso.

Marc first appeared in “Trudis Liit,” followed by “Sisid,” where he enjoyed a long exposure, and now “Hiram na Puso.” Marc is also a sports-enthusiast who engages in rock climbing, basketball and other sports during his spare time. He obtained a course in Business Management from the International Academy of Management and Economics (IAME).

• • •

JayR Front Act For Taylor Concert

JayR will be the front act in the “Back 2 Back Ultimate Concert” of Taylor Dayne and Edwin McCain at the SM MOA Arena on June 1.

It is recalled that JayR became famous for his hit songs “Gameface,” “Bakit Pa Ba,” “Kung Mahal Mo Siya,” “Ngayo’y Narito,” “Sexy Girl” and “Hey Ma.” He is an accomplished singer-songwriter who has released albums like “Gameface,” “JayR,” “Christmas Away from Home, “Soul in Love,” and “JayR Sings OPM Love Classics.” JayR’s own brand of R&B style and sexy moves will definitely wow the audience as he opens the much-awaited concert of Taylor Dayne and Edwin McCain.

The concert will take music lovers down memory lane as it features such hit songs like Dayne’s “Tell It To My Heart,” “Prove Your Love,” “I’ll Always Love You,” “I’ll Be Your Shelter,” “With Every Beat Of My Heart,” “Don’t Rush Me,” “Heart Of Stone,” “Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love,” and “Love Will Lead You Back;” and McCain’s “I’ll Be,” “Write Me A Song,” “Beautiful Life,” “Walk With You,” and “I Could Not Ask For More.”

The “Back 2 Back Ultimate Concert” of Taylor Dayne and Edwin McCain is produced by Blue Dream and supported by Astroplus, MYX, Manila Bulletin, Business World, Manila Concert Scene, Clickthecity.com and Edsa Shangri-La Hotel.

The concert will also be staged at the Waterfront Hotel in Cebu on May 30.

• • •

Geraldine Herrera Returns To ‘Kawan’

TV host-producer-writer and theater artist. Geraldine A. Herrera returns to UNTV as one of the main segment hosts of “Kawan Ng Cordero” (KNC), a gospel-based children’s show. She is Lola Ising in the Bible Story segment.

This year UNTV’s “Kawan Ng Cordero” received at least two recognitions, namely as finalist to Germany’s Prix Jeunesse Int’l. Festival for Quality in Children’s TV Worldwide” in the non-fiction TV program category out of 353 entries worldwide, and a recognition from NCCT (National Council for Children's Television) which extolled the program as child-friendly in its moral content.

Ms. Herrera who is one of the pioneering artistic directors of Balintataw Film & Theater Arts (founded by the National Artist for Theater Mrs. Cecile Guidote-Alvarez) has concluded her acclaimed travelogue and educational television show billed “Maestra Viajes” which ran for four years on UNTV with partial grant from the NCCA. She acknowledges the support of KNC management, in particular the most recent TOPLEAP (The Outstanding Philippines Leadership Excellence Award in Philanthropy) awardee and top gun of UNTV Mr. Public Service Daniel Razon who has enhanced her expertise in the pursuit of her craft as a caring-sharing multi-media artist.

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, May 29, go to Mrs. Celia Laurel, producer Robbie Tan, Raul Piedra, Enna Gutierrez, Pearl Susim, Dr. Luz Espiritu, Nestor C. Encariza, Ruby B. Villaruz, Col. Reynaldo Gopilan, Oliver Bundalian, Pacita Aguirre, Virgie Lovely, Charmaine Vea Baldo, Dianne Bautista, Shirley Uy, Rommel Placenta, Ines Ragodon, Berna Duran Velasco and Barbara Milano…