Annabelle Rama and Wilma Galvante

In an “emergency” press conference last Thursday noon, Ms. Annabelle Rama told the entertainment press that her talent, JC de Vera has not renewed his contract with GMA-7. In fact, his contract with the network expires on March 14, she said. “Hindi totoo na hanggang 2010 ang kontrata niya. I will let you know on Monday or Tuesday if  we are renewing or not,” Annabelle said. As to the claim of GMA-7 that the contract of their talents are automatically renewed for another year, according to Annabelle there is a certain provision to this and  “this is so if they receive our acknowledgment signature.

Kakausapin ko muna si Atty. Gozon (GMA Pres./CEO). After that malalaman ninyo kung sa kabila na gagawa ng TV shows si JC.”

The insistent rumor is that JC is moving over to ABS-CBN; in fact, he is said to be in the cast of Judy Ann Santos’ forthcoming soap “Habang May Buhay.”

Annabelle’s problem with GMA-7 started when she did not want to accept jobs being offered by the network for her talents, Heart Evangelista and JC de Vera. Because of this, she and Wilma Galvante, SVP-Entertainment, got entangled in another “word war,” with Annabelle allegedly texting Wilma “bastos” words. Annabelle explained that she doesn’t like Wilma’s style “na nangha-harrass, at dinadaan lagi sa lawyer-lawyer. Hindi ako nagagalit na walang dahilan. Ayoko ng tinatakot ako, madali naman akong kausapin eh...”

Heart’s case has been settled after her parents discussed the matter with Atty. Gozon. In JC’s case, however, Annabelle said that he was being given another stint on the drama series “Obra” where he did convincing performances in the past. JC was excited that he has been given another job to do, but then Annabelle turned it down because he is not the lead actor but Marvin Agustin who plays a bida-kontrabida role. “Ayoko na magka-loveteam sila ni JC.”

“JC has been with GMA-7 for six years and thanks to Annette Gozon, nabigyan siya ng magandang role sa ‘LaLola.’ Ngayon na-proved niya ang sarili niya as a leading man, idedemote siya?”

Also at Annabelle’s presscon was Karla Humphries (the former Kapamilya star who was reported to have engaged in a kissing scene with Raymond Gutierrez) who is now being managed by Annabelle.

“She is a decent girl from a good family background. Kaibigan siya ni Raymond and in fact he told her to audition for a role in ‘Zorro.’ Pinagpaalam namin kay Mr. Johnny Manahan at pumayag naman siya when we thought she had the chance to be in ‘Zorro.’ Wala naman pala…”

In another press conference at GMA Network, Ms. Galvante admitted that it was their fault that they are now having problems with Annabelle. “Pinagbigyan namin siya before and we are suffering the consequence. Now, network decision will prevail. di kami nabibili, di nabibili ang integridad ng mga officers ng GMA-7. Her talents are okay, especially Richard who has been working very hard…” She insisted that JC has a binding contract with GMA-7 and so he has no right to refuse a project assigned him. Atty. Gozon’s advice is for them to go by the book; they can compromise but the network will always prevail.

Wilma added: “Ultimately, it would be the network’s decision if I will sue her for libel  because I represent the network. Pag minura niya ako, then minura niya ang network.”

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Bb. Pilipinas ’09 winners to be crowned tonight

The Bb. Pilipinas 2009 beauty pageant will have its grand finals and coronation night tonight at 8 at the Araneta Coliseum. To be hosted by Paolo Bediones and Iza Calzado, it will be telecast on GMA-7 at 10 p.m.

This year’s edition marks the 45th year of the country’s most prestigious beauty search. Three lucky ladies will be crowned Bb. Pilipinas-Universe, Bb. Pilipinas-International and Bb. Pilipinas-World.

They will represent the country in the Miss Universe, Miss International and Miss World beauty competitions. They will be chosen from among the 24 candidates, namely: Vanessa Johnson, Carisheila May Kuijpers, Richell Angalot, Gizelle Jasmin Rivamonte, Diana Arevalo, Ma. Paula Bianca Paz, Jane Dela Cruz, Cheryl Oliveros, April Love Jordan, Priscilla Navidad, Regina Hahn, and Jaysel Arrozal, Sandra Inez Seifert, Keann Mallari, Pamela Bianca Manalo, Mary Tiffany Jones, Marie-Ann Umali, Marie Loraine De Guzman, Stephanie Señires, Melody Gersbach, Hazel Sutch, Priscilla Mae Honorio, Barbara Salvador, and Abegail Lesley Cruz.

Prior to the coronation night, the candidates busied themselves with pre-pageant activities that enabled them to showcase their talents and catwalk prowess, and to reach out to the less fortunate.
The 2009 Bb. Pilipinas is presented by Natasha in cooperation with Areneta Center and GMA-7.

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Carmen S teams up with Anthony

Carmen Soriano returns to the Captain’s Bar of Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Makati today, March 7, with the balladeer Anthony Castelo for another edition of “Romancing.”

This is the first time that the demure diva will be performing with the heartthrob of the 80s who popularized “Balatkayo,” “Nang Dahil sa Pag-ibig,” “Kaibigan,” “Hahanapin Ko” and others.

This is Carmen’s second “Romancing” concert at the Captain’s Bar. Her first was with Jun Polistico last Friday, Feb. 20.

“Romancing” is a Viva Concerts & Events production directed by Roxanne Lapus.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, March 7, go to Ms. Carmen Patena, Leo Martinez, Rica Peralejo, Tom Apacible, Gerald Anderson, Nora Robles, Francis Choy, Dr. Johnny Labodahon, Karylle Abigail Adao, Tomas B. Medina, Jay Paul Galino, Charlotte Quiambao-Pascual, Macrina Ilustre, Perpetua C. Plastina, Carmen Bautista, Veronica R. Samio, Ella Mae Saison and Tong Payumo, former SMBA chair...