We were all "starstruck" at the office the other day when Lorna Jean "LJ" Reyes, one of the four finalists — and a potential winner! — to the well-followed Starstruck competition on GMA-7 came to visit. LJ captured the hearts of everyone, and it took a while before she could disengage herself from those who wanted to pose for souvenir photos with her. LJ gamely and good-naturedly obliged and for this our officemates were even more enamored with her, promising her their all-out support.
LJ is only 17 and she personifies the exuberance and innocence of youth. She is natural in her ways, her bedimpled face lighting up when asked about certain personal things. Like, is Mike Tan really courting her? And who would she want to be paired with whenever she is offered a movie? About the first question, Mike himself told us that time the four finalists were presented to the press/media at The Forum, that he indeed had all the intentions to court LJ but couldn’t at the moment because they are not allowed to become personally or romantically involved during the contest.
As to the second question, LJ’s eyes became mere slits as she giggled with her answer: "Nasa ibang station siya eh." But when pressed harder, she said it’s Jericho Rosales who she would like to co-star with in a movie. And Richard Gutierrez too.
When she wins as the "Starstruck Ultimate Survivor," LJ said she would put her prize money (R1 million) in a bank first while she decides on what to do with it. But the first time we interviewed her at The Podium, LJ said she could use the money to lure back to the country her mother who is currently working in the US. By the way, LJ is 75 percent Chinese and come to think of it, three other "Starstruck" contestants have Chinese blood too, like Mike Tan. "Only Ryza (Cenon) has no Chinese blood, I think," told LJ.
LJ is currently a senior high school student at St. Stephen’s. She could speak Fokien and writes in it too.
At "SIS" last Wednesday, LJ and Ryza guested and in the spirit of the Chinese New Year, psychic experts were asked to name who they think will be the ultimate "Starstruck" survivor and they bravely named LJ. At the MB offfice we also asked LJ how she feels when people favor her over Ryza she humbly answered, "I’m not thinking about it. Hindi ko po talaga alam. Pero ok naman po kami ni Ryza whether we’re in front of the camera or not."
With the "Starstruck" judgment night scheduled on Feb. 20 at the Araneta Coliseum, expect a tighter, head-to-head competition between LJ and Ryza. "I have no idea yet on what will happen come judgment night but I’m having fun with what’s happening now."
When she was younger, LJ said she had been starstruck herself, and would sometimes mimic her favorite actors. Dancing and acting are two of her stronger talents. In fact, some of our young directors are raring to direct her in some movie or TV projects, noting her potential as an actor. LJ isn’t that good in singing, she herself admitted, and that is why her manager (for the contest duration only as of now) Manny Valera has enrolled her in voice lessons.
* * *
Pops’ concert aired tonight
For those who missed Pops Fernandez’s much talked-about "It Girl" concert staged at the PSC-ULTRA last December, now’s your chance to see it - on TV. "It Girl" will be shown tonight at 10 on ABC 5 where she has two shows: "Sing-Galing ni Pops" with John "Sweet" Lapus (every Saturday at 9 p.m.), and her musical talkshow "Pops!" every Monday night at 10. With Pops in the two-hour special are guest performers Jay-R, Christian Bautista and The Hotlegs.
In this concert, the country’s certified concert queen pays tribute to international divas Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce Knowles, Britney Spears, Janet Jackson and Madonna. As expected, "It Girl" is a high-powered song-and-dance presentation with Pops’ signature production numbers and fabulous costumes. The show also features songs from Pops’ latest album under Warner Records entitled "When Words Are Not Enough," plus of course her own rendition of standard pop classics.
It’s a tough call being an"It Girl" but for Pops, she is without doubt the country’s "It Girl" because she has managed to keep the public’s interest up in the more than 20 years she has been in showbiz. She’s more than just a celebrity - she’s a woman of distinction, style and fashion.
Over the years, Pops reinvented herself in every concert she has staged and every album she has released. She has even reinvented the artist in her into a fashion designer and businesswoman with her Pipay line. A woman who wears many hats with elan, splendor and verve, Pops is the epitome of the modern Filipina who’s in control of her life.
Incidentally, Pops will team-up with Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez in "Queens...OnFire,"which blazes tonight and tomorrow at the ULTRA. Guest artist is Prince of Pop Erik Santos. This concert by the country’s fiery divas will certainly be a most interesting and unforgettable one, it being the first time that they are performing together. At the helm is Rowell Santiago, with Homer Flores and Raul Mitra as musical directors. It is produced by Star Media Entertainment in cooperation with GMA- 7.
* * *
Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Feb. 11, go to Jackielou Blanco, Mrs. Lulu Malvar, Donna Cruz-Larrazabal, Lulu Tan Gan, Larry Baring of Davao, Marilou Alejandro, Conchita de Fule, Jerry S. Matias, and Mrs. Milo Bondoc, Onemig’s beloved mom.
