Action star turned senator Bong Revilla happily announced that the Commission of Elections (COMELEC) has approved the showing of his Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry, “Panday.”

“Mukhang tuloy na tuloy na ang showing ng ‘Panday.’ Nagpapasalamat ako sa Comelec, [pati rin] kay Atty. [Romulo] Macalintal,” said the senator-actor.

He guaranteed that the film will not be used as a political tool.

“Hindi natin ito ginagamit sa pulitika. Regalo natin ito sa mga bata,” Bong maintained.

Another reason that relieved Bong is his firmed up political plans.

“More than a week akong in limbo [dahil] hindi ko alam ang tatakbuhin ko. Nung nasabi ko na [na tatakbo ulit akong senador], ang luwag sa dibdib,” he related.

Also running in 2010 is his wife Lani Mercado, who will try her luck for a congressional seat in Bacoor, Cavite.

Carla Abellana, Dennis Trillo joins ‘StarStruck V’

Newbie hosts Carla Abellana and Dennis Trillo hope to provide something new to “StarStruck V.”

“The fact na bago kami, very fresh, so mag-e-enjoy lang kami talaga,” said the “Rosalinda” star.

The two will join original host Raymond Gutierrez and replace former ones, Dingdong Dantes and Jolina Magdangal.

Dennis believes that his colorful past in showbiz will inspire wannabes.

“Makakatulong 'yong nangyari sa career ko na maraming mga naging ups and downs para maka-inspire sa mga [StarStruck] survivors,” he said.

Carla and Dennis dismissed suggestions that romance might blossom between them during the show’s run.

“Parang jumping into conclusions [agad], kakakilala palang namin,” Carla said.

Dennis seconded: “Ang focus namin ay pagandahin ang ‘StarStruck.’”

KC Concepcion bonds with half-sis

Young star KC Concepcion is happy for the growing closeness she has with her half-sister, Garrie, who is Gabby Concepcion’s daughter with Grace Ibuna.

“Nag-meet kami ng kapatid kong si Garrie. Totoo pala 'yong lukso ng dugo. Nangyayari pala talaga 'yon,” KC said.

KC is also excited over her forthcoming film under Star Cinema.

“It’s very different sa mga previous na nagawa ko. It’s something na matagal nang hinihintay ng lahat pati [na] ako,” she hinted.