It’s not also true that Rachel Anne Wolfe was Ricky Yabut’s date that night. The truth is that they were a group that went to Nuvo Rest. in Greenbelt after watching Rachel’s show at Merk’s.

Gretchen was in the group, she and Rachel being good friends from way back. If fact, they are "Unexpected" "Cool" friends. ("Unexpected" is the title of Gretchen’s album, while Rachel’s is entitled "Cool.")

Ricky also watched the show, for old time’s sake. You see, Ricky was Rachel Anne’s boyfriend when she was about 16, and he was 24. Rachel was then the reigning Bb. PilipinasYoung International. But the relationship didn’t last so long (they were on for only two yearfs) because Ricky married Cita Revilla.

Rachel met and got engaged to her first husband with whom she has one son. They migrated to the US a little after.

We asked about the kissing scandal, Rachel said as far she knew, there was no such incident. What happened was they were grappling for the bill, "kaya siguro it looked like they were kissing, nag-aagawan ng bill, nag-uunahan sa pagbayad sa bill, ganun ang nangyari."

Rachel hopes that the issue will now be put to rest "kasi kawawa naman si Gretchen."

Tonyboy left for the US sans Greta

But now that Tonyboy has left for the US for his medical treatment without Gretchen, the rumor that all’s not well between them continues to spread.

But Rachel insists they’re still together, they’re still a couple, and that the reason Gretchen didn’t go with him is she want to be with daughter Dominique in the event something happens in the country.

"Ayaw nilang iwanan si Dominique na mag-isa," Rachel said.

Asked if the report saying Rachel and Ricky were going on a date has reached his husband John Spilaleta (an advertising exec in New Jersey), Rachel said she tells her husband everything that’s happening to her in the Philippines. "He trusts me, as much as I trust him, and he knows my past with Ricky."’

Rachel in "RetRAWgrade" show

Rachel is having a dance concert billed as "RetRAWgrade," on March 12 at Warehouse 135 in Makati. She’ll be performing dance music mostly from the 70s and 80s, songs from Euphoria, Stargazer, and LouieY days. Perrforming with her are some dancers of Douglas Nierras.

The day after the dance concert party, Rachel flies to the US to be with her family and to fulfill a singing engagement at the Bistro Filipino in Queens, New York.

At the time of our interview (at a dinner event at Hyatt Hotel & Casino for the delegates of the International Association of Business Communicators, the Philippine Chapter of which has Rachel’s sister-inlaw Roni T. Merk is president), Rachel has just gotten back from a successful show with his brother Richard Merk at the Sugaland Hotel. Right now, the IABC group is in Boracay for the culmination of the songwriting contest "Sing Young Competition," of which Rachel is one of the judges.

Rachel is still busy promoting her CD album "Cool" for which she just finished a "HousemixCool" version of it. She’s not only an interpreter of songs, but a composer too. The songs in her album are her compositions. About the album, Rachel said "My album ‘Cool’ represents a phase in every woman’s life. We have to admit that a woman’s personality is so complex – in her life, there are a lot of hellos and goodbyes, growing up and pain. ‘Cool’ very much represents what I am now. I’ve evolved. It’s time for me to exhale. I’ve reinvented myself. Masarap - I really enjoy life!"

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Mariel Rodriguez remains a controversial celebrity

Ever since she became a PBB housemate at Bahay ni Kuya, Mariel Rodriguez has become a controversial personality. Liked and disliked at the same time by viewers of the ABS-CBN’s most popular reality-based TV show, But Mariel survived all the controversies. But still, many would like to know who between Zanjoe Marudo and Jon Avila is her real boyfriend. For long, Mariel had the public guessing as to who her heart really belongs to.

Even her manager Boy Abunda doesn’t know the real score in his talent’s lovelife.

Anyway, aside from being one of the hosts of Cinema One’s five shows on the Celebrity Central Block (she hosts the Monday show "Celebrity Hit List" which gives pop culture aficionados and celebrity enthusiasts the latest and the hottest, who’s in and who’s out, who’s fabulous etc.) Mariel is also on a quest to find the next Del Monte Fit ‘n Right Ambassador through the "Got 2B Fit Challenge 2008." The program is a tie-up with ABS-CBN and Del Monte Fit ‘n Right, the first and only juice drink with the revolutionary L-Carnitine that helps burn fat.

The search which has five boys and five girls as challengers is aired every Saturday at 9:30-10 p.m. From thousands who auditioned, the 10 finalists were chosen to sweat it out in a onemonth realitybased fitness competition in the Fit ‘nRight Camp. The finals will be held in Boracay and it will be aired on March 29. The winners will receive P500,000 in cash, and an ABS-CBN Star Magic management contract.

The 10 challengers of the first reality-based lifestyle and fitness program on local TV are Joanne Ignacio, Angel Landayan, Alex Lindenberg, Amy Macuto, JR Marfori, Jim Oller, Julie Puentenegra, Elmer Sanga, John Seprado and Gayle Valencia.

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Emma Cordero featured in a charity show today in Japan

The International Association of Lions Clubs, Manila Sunrise Lions Club, District 301-A1, Philippines and Lion members in Japan are having a charity show at The New Otani Hotel, Fukuoka, today, March 7, and featured is Ms. Emma Cordero, dubbed "Asia’s Princess of Songs of the Philippines." "This activity is in line with the charity works done by the club to help the less fortunate people in our country especially the children," Emma said.

Ms. Cordero, who is also the president of the club, has done several charity works in our country. She is now based in Fukuoka, Japan. She is the owner of the Our Lady of Fatima School in San Pedro, Laguna, where she has scholar students, who are among the beneficiaries of fundraising event in Japan. The school was built in her desire to help the less fortunate children particularly in their educational needs. The other beneficiary of the show is the "Ang Bahay Parola Foundation in San Pedro, Laguna who takes care of street children. The event will also feature other artists in Japan.

The director of the show is Mr. Kazunori Kure.

Another activity of Manila Sunrise Lions Club is the Governor’s Visitation at the Lions District Hall, Arquiza St., Malate, Manila on March 10, 2008.

Ms. Cordero will also sing the theme song of the stage play entitled "Special Child" to be held on March 11 at Tiendesitas. She’ll also be coming home to attend the Graduation and Recognition Ceremonies of her school, the Our Lady of Fatima de San Pedro School, on March 15.

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Tidbits: Happy bday greetings today, March 7, go to Ms. Carmen Pateña, former SBMA Chair Tong Payumo, Tom Apacible, Rica Peralejo of "Unang Hirit," Leo Martinez, Ella Mae Saison, Nora Robles, Francis Choy, Dr. Johnny Labadahon, Karylle Abigail Adao, Tomas B. Medina, Charlotte Quiambao-Pascual, Macrina Ilustre, Perpetua C. Plastina, Carmen Bautista, Veronica R. Samio, and Gerald Anderson of Star Magic.