He made that loud and clear last Sunday (during the elimination night held at Center Stage at SM Mall of Asia) before "Pinoy Idol’s" hopeful, rocker Toffer Rei was announced as the latest to be eliminated. But it also seemed as a remark targeted to the past eliminated "Pinoy Idol" contestants as well. If you recall, a number of "Pinoy Idol" fans were irked by the elimination of contestants they deemed more worthy of staying than the others.

That was also a timely comment after his plea that "Pinoy Idol" fans vote wisely so they would have a deserving and commendable winner. It was also timely to ward off issues of him being a scrutinizing judge as drama always unfolds whenever he is dissatisfied with a contestant’s performance.

He went on to say, "Wala kaming ibang gagawin kundi yun lang. Huwag ninyong sayangin yung oras ninyo sa pagdradrama. Huwag sayangin ang oras ninyo sa drama…walang kuwenta yun," he stressed.

Ogie Alcasid, on the other hand, noted that all "Pinoy Idol" contestants who’ve reached this far deserve to be congratulated already for a job well done. While Jolina Magdangal reminded that the public has the final say via text votes.

Last Sunday’s bottom group was composed of Toffer Rei, Ram Chavez and Daryl Celis. Among the three, Ram got the worst comments from the judges during Jaya’s session wherein each one of them rendered their own interpretation of a Jaya song. Surprisingly, Ram was the first announced as safe.

Then it all boiled down to Toffer Rei and Daryl Celis. Fortunately for Daryl, his second time on the bottom group was also his second time to be saved by text votes.

"Akala ko nga ako na ang matatanggal kasi next week puro bands naman. At hindi ako mahusay magperform sa mga bands," said an insecure Daryl after the show last Sunday. "Pero it depends pa rin on what band will be chosen for me. Pag-aaralan pa rin this week."

In next week’s competition, he is hoping that he gets South Border because that is his favorite band. And if he gets lucky and gets South Border he would want to sing "Love of My Life."

"Alam ko hindi ako masyadong mahusay sa mga R&B songs pero I think nasa mga songs na napili ko lang and dahilan. If I get South Border, mas confident ako sa song na ‘Love of My Life’ kasi alam ko yun at gusto ko siya," he related.

When asked what has been his edge among others in the bottom group, he just shrugged his shoulders.

"I’m just thankful. Bahala na in the coming challenges. I’m also readying myself of the possibility that I would be eliminated next week because magagaling ang mga kalaban ko," sighed Daryl who revealed that becoming a member of the Top 12 was already an achievement for him in "Pinoy Idol."

As to what his strength, he attributes it to having more room to improve himself as a singer and performer being his first time in a competition. For Daryl, he finds Ram to be a threat among the male competitors and Penelope among the female contestants.

As to what he does to improve himself, he answers, "I always well practice my songs."

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Another Revilla catches the acting bug

From the pigeonhole:

Another Revilla is set to join the entertain-ment world, but this time

via the legi-timate stage.

George Schulze is set to follow the footsteps of his grandfather, the legendary matinee idol Armando Goyena (real name: Jose "Pinggoy" Revilla). He is a nephew of iconic 70’s beauties Maritess, Tina, and Cita Revilla. His cousins Bianca Araneta and Bernard Palanca, along with his sister Lexi Schulze, have already found themselves in tinseltown through the glamorous world of television.

Only 18 years old and a high school graduate of La Salle Zobel in Alabang, George takes the lead role of Prince Bryan in Theater Down South’s staging of the hilarious musical "Rapunzel," which runs at the Insular Life theater from Aug. 10-Sept. 21, under the direction of acclaimed Repertory Philippines’ actor Michael Williams.

George is training his sights on a film course overseas, but prefers to get his feet wet in theater, having previously trained under Freddie Santos through the Trumpets Playshop. Despite his youth, he is a very dedicated performer and an amiable fellow.

He also exhibits a rare intensity onstage, which has sent his grandfather to tears, primarily because George is a very brave leukemia survivor, whose own story is one for the books. A former fitness buff, he used to take regulated medication to improve his physique, but which apparently caused an imbalance in his white blood cells. For over two years now, he has been undergoing chemotherapy, with his family closely by his side. Thank God that George is on the way to full recovery.

Well aware of the showbiz penchant for mestizo actors, especially those who are genetically gifted with the acting ability, George is taking everything in stride. He has his theater mentors to keep his feet firmly on the ground. But he is sure to give his audience their money’s worth when "Rapunzel" gets going on the boards.

Written by the same team behind the Emmy Award-winning hit TV series "Friends," TDS’ contemporary take on the popular fairy tale goes by the tagline "love is in the hair." For block sales, fundraising, sponsorships, and other inquiries, email info@theaterdownsouth.com.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, July 23, go to Sec. Wilhelm Soriano, JCI Senator Joe B. Jimenez III, Pol Toledo, Joseph Siytangco, Dr. Francisco Casanova, Suzie Lazo, Walter Bucher, Emma Cimanes, Pinechie Tanopo-Lim, entertainment columnist Cristy Fermin, MB’s Barbie Atienza, and Rayver Cruz of ABS-CBN Star Magic….