Representing the Regal matriach, Mother Lily Monteverde, at the contract-signing held at the Centural Imperial Hotel, was Mother Lily’s daughter Roselle Monteverde-Teo. Accompanying Marian was her manager, Popoy Caritativo. Popoy is also the manager of Dennis Trillo and Gary Estrada.

After the contract-signing, Roselle couldn’t conceal her excitement with the newest addition to the Regal family’s galaxy of glittering stars. "Marian has everything it takes to succeed in the movies," Roselle said. "In addition to being stunningly beautiful, she also has tangible acting talent and the necessary, disciplined attitude towards her work."

Mother Lily, who has been discovering and nurturing showbiz icons for 40 years now, knew immediately that Marian had something special. "I handpicked all of Regal’s stars based on my gut feel," the lady producer explained. "And with Marian, I knew instantly that she has the makings of a star. The camera just loves her and men and women stare at her when she’s out in public. I’m very proud and extremely happy that she’s my newest Regal Baby, if that term is still fashionable!"

Actually, even before she signed the contract, Marian has appeared in a Regal production, the forthcoming "Pamahiin," topbilled by the multi-awarded Dennis Trillo and Iya Villania. "Pamahiin," directed by Rayhan Carlos, is slated for an April 19 opening.

After "Pamahiin," Regal has already lined up several projects for Marian, including a couple of possible entries to the 2006 Metro Manila Film Festival. Marian, by the way, is seen daily in the toprating afternoon soap "Agawin Mo Man ang Lahat."

Watch out for this lovely, promising talent!

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It seems only yesterday when Daisy Romualdez was seen bringing along in her meetings and social events a tot named Danita Paner, her youngest daughter, who looked so shy and was just seen in a corner doing her own thing, reading her book, or writing or drawing things on her notebook everytime Daisy was in a business or production meeting.

That tot is now 17 years old, and showing signs she could be a potential singing sensation in the very near future! In fact, Danita is now poised to do her debut album. And this is why, she may not enter college yet this coming schoolyear. Danita just graduated from high school.

She’s been preparing for her singing career, studying voice at various schools like Stardev, and Krystine Valdez’s music school called Voice Boxx. And now Danita is certain she can start recording her debut album under Viva Records.

A few years back, Danita has been guesting in concerts produced by her mom in such venues as Hotel Rembrandt, the Manila Peninsula Hotel and The Manila Hotel among others. Danita’s last concert was the Rico Puno-topbilled Valentine concert at The Manila Hotel.

Indeed, Danita has proven that she is a talent to reckon with.

When she turned 17 last April 2, Daisy hosted an elegant and intimate dinner party for Danita at the Nuvo Bar and Restaurant in Greenbelt 2. Among her guests were her close friends and some classmates, close family friends like Congressman Butch Pichay, Governor Chavit Singson and wife Che; Gloria Romero and daughter Marites and grandson Christopher Gutierrez; Clavel Bendanna and children including Liz A. Revillame, Chari Lao Bagatsing, Baby, Annie Tambunting, and some others.

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For the 18th year, director–actor Lou Veloso mounts his celebrated senaculo "Martir Sa Golgota" in various Metro Manila venues and beyond, in celebration of the passion and death of Jesus Christ. Confirmed performances dates are April 11, Pagsanjan, Laguna, under Mayor E.R. Ejercito; April 12, Plaza Hugo, Sta. Ana where it all began; April 13, San Juan plaza under Mayor J.V. Ejercito.

The production is presented by Tanghalang Sta. Ana, the community–based theater group that Lou formed and is his irrefutably significant contribution to the community. Martir, through the years, has attracted donors and celebrities agree to appear for free, like company members who swarm the activities for training and invaluable bonding. This year’s Christ is company member Russel Sorillo.

Celebrities this year are led by Tommy Abuel as Pilate, Ivy Violan as Mary, Jenine Desiderio as Magdalene, Bodjie Pascua as John the Baptist, Miguel Castro as Angel and Juan dela Cruz, Allan Mirasol as Judas, Roanne Mallari as the hemorrhagic, Ces Aldaba as Caiphas, Perry Dizon Escaño, Abel Napuran, Beats Rivera, Albert Jimenez, Frank Lorenzo.

Through the years, "Martir" has evolved into a musical with five new songs this year from Vince de Jesus. Yearly, too, "Martir" grows by adapting to contemporary issues. This year, the director combines the period play with current street rallies.

For inquiries on "Martir Sa Golgota" performances, call Lou Veloso at 0927–3416203; and Bibsy Carballo at 721–0801.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, April 10, go to PCSO Chairman Serge O. Valencia, Margarita P. Juico, Ryan Agoncillo, Champagne Morales, Agnes Hilario, Chris Serrano, Mickey Moreno, Richard Bonifacio, Dr. Rene Santos, Prescilla T. Aquino, Lourdes "Divine" Banaria Duran, Aldrich Lorenz Po-Lim and Humberto "Hubert" Ligon Tabora...