AYEN MUNJI-LAUREL

Women who believe that beauty is “more what is inside and translates what is within” and “when you feel good about yourself, you feel beautiful” are said to be women of substance. And one of them is actress-singer Ayen Munji-Laurel of the Kapuso Network. Ayen is currently making good impression with her performance in the top-rating GMA-7 adaptation of the Koreanovela “Temptation of Wife.” Ayen was also featured in the Marian Rivera-starrer “Amaya.”

Ayen’s concept of beauty fits to a T the philosophy that Zen Institute espouses. According to Zen founding president, Dr. Mary Jane “MJ” Torres, Zen’s guiding philosophy is “Elegance in simplicity” and “true beauty rising from the inner well-being.” She adds “thus what we prescribe our clients at Zen Institute is a lifestyle protocol and not just a specific service.”

Ayen was asked what she considers sexy and she quipped: “Sabi ng asawa ko (Franco Laurel) sexy ako… but it may be that some people would think na when you are physically in proportion – sexy na, but for me, it is more of how you carry your self – when you exude that confidence… that’s being sexy…no matter whether you are fat or slim – it is how you carry yourself, if you exude that confidence – you are sexy.” Ayen is in fact so sexy and young-looking that people get surprised to learn that she already has kids: a 21-year-old daughter, a 17-year-old son and another 10- year old daughter.

Did Ayen believe her face or body needed some improvements that’s why she went to Zen? She answered in the affirmative. “Yes. I have been working out, doing physical exercise even at the early age of 14. I do Pilates and other exercises. Zen has helped me a lot especially with their Resonax.” Dr. MJ said Resonax is their signature weight management and body contouring and firming therapy.

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Dion Ignacio Plays Lead Role

GMA Artist Center’s Dion Ignacio is playing a lead role for the first time and this is on “Magdalena,” directed by Gina Alajar, and where he is paired with Bela Padilla.

“Sa akin po ok lang na support ang roles ko kasi dun ako matututo ng husto. But thank God pinalad ako to have this role,” Dion humbly said in an interview.

Dion, a former “StarStruck” finalist, is by far best remembered for playing Raul Agoncillo in the 2008 afternoon soap adaptation of “Saan Darating Ang Umaga.” His latest project is expected to change that.

With the likes of Ryan Eigenman, Pancho Magno, and Vivo Ouano playing alongside him, Dion fits in the shoes of a caring man out to love the scarred Magdalena with all his heart.

This is a big jump for Dion after faring well in his performances in “The Good Daughter” and “Amaya” where he played the character of Paul Noche and Kuling, respectively. In the big screen he was last seen in “Patient X.”

“Masaya at pressured ako. Pero I’m making that pressure as my way to do this job well,” he added.

Other members of the cast of “Magdalena” are Pauleen Luna, Lexi Fernandez, Ryan Eigenmann, Prince Stefan, Chariz Solomon, Mercedes Cabral, Bodie Cruz, Via Antonio, and indie movie star Irma Adlawan.

Apart from his acting skills, Dion also plays bass guitar in a band and is a member of an all-male group.

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EK’s EKids Talent Search On

Calling all talented kids! Enchanted Kingdom brings you the most exciting challenge for kids this new year, the first EKids Talent Search Competition.

All interested participants must be aged 6-12 years old, must possess exceptional talent in singing, dancing, poetry, drama and other extraordinary talents. He/she must be energetic and have a pleasing personality and charm. Participants may perform solo, duet or as a group with maximum of six members. Chosen performance must not exceed five minutes. Music and props must be provided by the contestants. Talents, acts, and performances as well as choice of music must imbibe positive values and must conform to the Safety Policies and Regulations of Enchanted Kingdom.

Auditions will be held at the EK Makati Sales Office, G/F The Biltmore Condominium, 102 Aguirre St., Legaspi Village, Makati City Jan. 11, 12, 18, 25, at Boardwalk Party Place, from 2-4 p.m. only). To schedule auditions and for more inquiries, and for the complete EKids Talent Search Competition Guidelines and Qualifications, visit www.enchantedkingdom.com. 

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Jan. 9, go to Ms. Redie Acuna-Magno of GMA 7; Fiscal Ma. Victoria Alba Estoeta, Cely Castro, Ody Tensuan, Nenette Claudio, Gina Valdes Rivera, Erick Esguerra, Lydia Motol, Cely A. Pili, Amor Taojo-Oyong, Colette Centino Glazzer, singer Icy (Justine Moral), Jose Pedro E. Cuartero, Ana Mendoza’s mom Marilu Mendoza. Star Magic’s Melissa Ricks and my grandson in New York, Ethan Elijah Silan Belen…