(These are the summaries of some of the featured segments aired on GMA-7’s “Showbiz Central” and ABS-CBN’s “The Buzz” on Oct. 11, 2009.)
 
Businesswoman Mikaela Bilbao has denied sending text messages that link actresses Gretchen Barretto and Pops Fernandez to road project transactions with Road Board’s former executive director, Rodolfo “Dody” Puno.
 
The two actresses made headlines last week after being accused of obtaining commissions from the said project.
 
Mikaela was dragged into the controversy when one of her clients, Ana Abiera, a common friend of Gretchen and Pops, said that Mikaela sent her the text messages because the businesswoman was disgruntled for not getting her share of the commission.
 
The first of the three text messages read: “Kung meron mas malala kaysa sa mga bagyo na pinagdaanan ng bansa natin is that may konting katotohanan sa sinasabi ni Sen. Miriam Defensor pati ang mga artistang sina Gretchen Baretto at Pops Fernandez ay kasama na nakikikomisyon sa mga proyekto. Mas matindi pa sa buwaya ang mga ito at pati source ng pinahanap nila ay na-123 nila. Kung ebidensya ang pagbabatayan mismong sulat kamay ni Gretchen ang percentage ng komisyon sa road safety at road works ng mga raket ni Dodie.
 
"Alam ni Gretchen at Pops kung sino ako. Matagal akong nananahimik at nagpapagaling pero ayaw nila akong tantanan. Puwes sa senado kami magkikita. Wala akong kinakatakutan kahit sino pa. Alam ko Ana na humingi kayo ng 500k na advance sa Serena kasama mo si Gretchen. I recorded my conversation with Jenny Munar.”
 
Mikaela said:  “Hindi ko alam kung bakit nila ako pinupuntirya. Wala akong nilapitan sa kanila.” 
 
She commented on another of the text messages that read, “Pakisabi sa dalawa mong alaga…hindi ko sila tatantanan at hindi ko sila uurungan. Mismong tatay ko binaril ko, mismong anak ko hindi ko inuurungan. Sino sa tingin nyo kayo? Gusto kong malaman kung gaano kayo katapang. Nananahimik ang buhay ko pa-letter-letter pa kayo. Antayin ninyo ang sagot ko.”
 
 “Buhay pa ang tatay ko at hindi ko siya binaril. Kung pumatay ako ng tao dapat nakakulong ako ngayon. And my son is not an abused child!” Mikaela exclaimed.
 
Asked if she has any idea of their [Gretchen and Pops’] supposed “raket,” Mikaela said, “I am part of some of the parties they go to, I hear some things but I don’t know they are ‘raket’.”
 
Mikaela clarified that she did not change her number, adding it was Pops and Gretchen who changed theirs. She dared “La Greta” to sue her so that the truth will come out.
 
“Please, please kasuhan mo na ko. Go ahead! Matagal ka nang sinusuwerte. Para malaman na ng lahat ang totoo. Hindi ako pinalaki para matakot sa isang Gretchen Barretto.”
 
In an interview that came out on another entertainment website, Gretchen denied all the allegations, adding that she is “consulting with lawyers” regarding the matter.    

Kris denies Noy benefits from Star Magic drive  
 
TV host Kris Aquino denounced insinuations that her brother, Sen. Noynoy Aquino receives checks from the Star Magic relief effort, “Magic for a Cause.”
 
 “It’s unfair [to say that],” she said. “May sariling adhikain si Noy.”
 
Although careful to not publicize her brother’s relief efforts, Kris reluctantly revealed that “Noynoy was in Pangasinan yesterday [Oct. 10, to help people there]” to prove that he is helping out people on his own.
 
She added: “None of my shows carried footage of Noy’s relief operations, para maging fair. Kasi I’m here as Kris the personality not as Noy’s sister.”

Maja’s substitute for love
 
Maja Salvador confirmed she has broken up with Carlo Aquino to focus on her career. “Nag-decide na lang muna ako na wala munang something. Naintindihan naman niya ako,” said she.
 
Asked if she is ready for sexier roles, Maja said, “Basta kaya ko po, bakit hindi?”

One more chance for Sam and Anne?
 
Sam Milby admitted “hanging out” with ex-girlfriend Anne Curtis, but cleared that they are “not together.”

On the other hand, Anne said she enjoys Sam’s company and that both of them are open to romantic possibilities.

“‘Yung love ko naman para sa kanya, hindi naman yun mawawala agad,” she said.

Charice duets with David Archuleta, Sean Kingston
 
International singing sensation Charice Pempengco has collaborated with American Idol Season 7 runner-up David Archuleta in one of the tracks in his Christmas album titled, “Christmas from the Heart.” The album hits stores on Oct. 13.

Charice’s next song after “Note to God” is a duet with Sean Kingston [of “Beautiful Girls” fame]. She will also have a series of shows with producer David Foster, and will promote her movie, “Alvin in the Chipmunks,” on December.

Judy Ann not pressured to conceive
 
Showbiz couple Judy Ann Santos and Ryan Agoncillo said they are not pressured to have a baby although they themselves want to have one soon.

 “Dasal lang. [Siguro] sabi ni Lord, ‘enjoy-in niyo muna ang isa’t-isa.’ Basta kung ibibigay, ibibigay,” said Judy Ann.
 
Evicted ‘PBB’ housemates open to joining showbiz 
 
Newly evicted housemates Kenny and Toffi Santos, and JM Lagumbay are open to joining showbiz if opportunity knocks. The three were evicted after failing the respective tasks assigned to them by Big Brother.

“Gusto [man] naming mag-stay [sa loob ng bahay],  hindi naman kami na-frustrate [na na-evict kami],” said Kenny.

While waiting for their breaks, the twins will return to their basketball ventures, while JM resumes his work.

More ‘PBB’: Not 3 but 10
 
Not three but 10 new housemates were welcomed to “Pinoy Big Brother Double Up” on Oct. 10.
These are Filipino-Austrian Rod Stumvol, champion target shooter Steve Jumalon, banker Patrick Villanueva, medical representative Riza Mae Patria, restaurant server Johan Santos, nurse Cathy Remperas, US balikbayan Hermes Bautista, Jimson Ortega and his Spain-raised wife Kathleen Lopeña, and transvestite Rica Paras. 

‘Survivor’ castaways haunted by ghosts?
 
Survivor Philippines castaways Jervy “Patani” Daño, Jace Flores, Kaye Alipio and Kiko Rustio claimed to have had their pre-Halloween spook inside an abandoned building in Clark, Pampanga.

The castaways divulged to have heard “sobs” and “answers” from ghosts. “’Di ko makita yung mukha niya. Umiiyak siya, parang may hinahanap,” recalled Kaye.
 
Eirik Cruz, a paranormal consultant, said what the four sensed could have been real ghosts.
Cruz used a ghost meter as basis for the conclusion.

Julia Clarete’s son catches rare disease
 
“Eat Bulaga” host Julia Clarete revealed that her two-year old son Beans caught a rare disease called “Staph Infection,” in which parts of the digestive system develops pus. Beans was confined in the hospital for a few months but is now recuperating.

Richard Gutierrez taken by Cristine’s beauty
 
Richard Gutierrez admitted to have been “stunned” while doing his first scene with “Patient X” leading lady Cristine Reyes.

“First time kong mag-buckle noong naka-eksena ko siya. Stunning talaga ‘yung beauty niya so napatulala talaga ako,” confessed Richard on “Showbiz Central.”

In the same interview, Richard said that he will not change anything about mother Annabelle Rama, even her “over-protectiveness.”

“I learned to love that part [over-protectiveness]. ‘Yun ang hindi namin makakalimutan,” said he.
 
Mark Herras bares more skin for dance album
 
Starstruck Ultimate Survivor Mark Herras showed more skin in a recent pictorial for his third dance album. “Hindi na rin naman ako bata--- 22 na ko---so it’s about time,” he said.
 
Rufa Mae and Akihiro Sato get intimate in ‘Moshi Moshi’
 
Kissing scenes and love scenes are a-plenty in “Cinemaserye Presents: Moshi Moshi I Love You” starring Rufa Mae Quinto and Akihiro Sato.

The Brazilian-Japanese model confessed that it has been his long-time dream to meet the sexy comedienne. “I don’t know what I have to do now that she’s here,” he said.
 
 Rufa Mae returned the compliment by lauding Akihiro’s talent in acting. “First time niya pero ang galing nga niya eh,” said she.
 
Heart Evangelista on cloud 9 over ‘Mano Po’ stint
 
Heart Evangelista is now officially a ‘Regal baby’ after being chosen to play Sharon Cuneta’s rebellious daughter in “Mano Po 6: My Mother.”

The Kapuso star said she is still in “cloud 9” after learning the news. “I’ve been waiting for something like this ever since I was a kid. Para akong nanalo ng something big just to be with Ms. Sharon,” Heart said who is paired with Dennis Trillo in the film.

Magalona family celebrates Francis M’s 45th birthday
 
Maxene Magalona, daughter of the late Francis Magalona, shared that they had dinner to celebrate the 45th birthday of her father last Oct. 4. It was their first time to celebrate Francis’ birthday after he succumbed to leukemia in 2008.
 
Marvin Kiefer distances self from Jef-Nyoy split up
 
Marvin Kiefer, a “Survivor Philippines: Palau” castaway who was recently booted out of the show, cleared speculations that he had something to do with the break-up of fellow castaway Jef Gaitan and singer Nyoy Volante.
 
“Before [the contest] malapit na silang mag-break. Si Jef na ang bahalang sumagot sa mga issues na ‘yan,” he said.
 
The 18-year old model also said he has no hard feelings for Jef who voted him out of the reality show. “Mahirap tanggapin pero alam kong ginawa niya ‘yun para protektahan ang sarili niya.”

A ‘charitable’ b-day for Rhian  
 
Rhian Ramos opted to celebrate her 19th birthday by conducting her own relief drive for typhoon victims.

“Sana po makatulong ‘to para makabangon tayong lahat,” she said.

With her were family, friends, and even fans, who all gave her greater joy on her special day. The “Stairway to Heaven” actress is set to release her own dance album.

Gina Alajar proud of “Lolo”’s Oscar nomination
 
Actress-director Gina Alajar feels proud that her film, “Ded na si Lolo,” has been picked as the country’s official entry to the Oscars for Best Foreign Language Film.
 
“Ito ang dapat na pelikula na ipadala abroad because it’s very Filipino.”