Denise Laurel welcomes 2010 with Disco Lights

The new year has been busy indeed for Denise Laurel. Aside from her regular VJ stint on Studio 23, the bubbly beauty has her plate full with acting, singing and just plain enjoying life.

“I’ve got a lot of surprises coming out in 2010!” laughed Denise in a recent interview on my radio program promoting the release of her single “Disco Lights.”

“I’m focusing on my music more this year. There’s ‘Disco Lights’ which was produced by Marcus David,” continued Denise. “It’s a very fun dance track… different from the ballads I’m used to. I also have a duet with Kris Lawrence on his current album.”

“Disco Lights” downloadable through Smart Sandbox or as a ringback tune by texting “disl” to 2728 for Smart subscribers only.

Denise is also continuing her acting work with the upcoming afternoon soap opera “Midnight Phantom” where she will star opposite Rafael Rosel.

Not a third party

During our radio interview, the current John Prats and Shaina Magdayao controversy which has been hounding Denise Laurel came up. Recent showbiz reports have insinuated that Denise was the reason behind their breakup but Denise set the record straight.

“John Prats and I are just friends,” she said. “He’s my on-screen love team and we work well together and we’ve built a following. Fans may see of us more this year, actually. On television Pratty and I have great chemistry, they say. But sometimes people cannot distinguish REAL life from the REEL life.”

Denise admits that work has been keeping her so busy that she barely has time for herself, let alone to have a boyfriend.

“I’m surrounded by family and friends but it’s by choice that I remain single. I have a lot going on right now and it would be unfair to a partner if I had one…” she laughed. “God will set the time and give me the right man in due time. But right now, it’s all work, work, work!”

John Lloyd Cruz and Shaina?

After Denise’s radio guesting, I received news from an entertainment insider wishing to shed some light on the whole John Prats/Shaina Magdayao split. Shaina though has said that the reason behind their split up is that she wanted to grow up and be free to have some fun.

However, the buzz going around showbiz circles right now is that John Lloyd Cruz might be the reason behind their break up. The insider said that Lloydie and Shaina have been spotted together “acting sweet” since July but the pair has not said anything to the press regarding the hearsay.

Aiko Melendez on Good Times

Actress turned politician Aiko Melendez also paid our studio a visit for a radio interview to address some showbiz feuds that have found their way into Quezon City politics.

Aiko, who is running for QC vice mayor with Mike Defensor as her mayor, gave her reaction to a statement made late last year by Ara Mina saying that she would not vote for Melendez. (Ara Mina is running for QC councilor in the upcoming elections)

“My advice to Ara is that politics is different from show business. It’s not ‘acting’ – being a councilor is a working position,” said Aiko. “For any candidate, if there’s any doubt in your mind then you should reconsider.”

Aiko has successfully translated her big-screen success to the political arena with 9 years of public service under her belt. Aiko accepted the challenges and fell in love with the work which also brings her closer not just to her fans but more so, to indigent communities in her district.

During our interview, Aiko revealed that women and children are closest to her heart by the ordinances and resolutions that convey protection for these sectors. In 2001, she passed a resolution urging the city mayor to create a Women’s Welfare Fund for the rehabilitation of the abused, abandoned, and exploited women, apart from a children’s welfare fund for abandoned, abused and sexually and exploited children.

“I’ve taken up the fight for equality of women, which is why I pushed for a resolution establishing an institution for abused and battered women which includes counseling for them to regain their selves,” says Aiko. “I’m using my popularity for the public to learn about these important issues.” In 2002, she created an ordinance to simplify processing and approval for essential documents through a “one stop-shop” that will handle applications, requests, petition, and other related materials relative to constructions, development projects, real state and other activities.

Her presence in various functions around the city also added credibility and “star power” which drew the attention of the public to her advocacies. Whether it’s a mass feeding, market visit, or anti-drug campaigns, Aiko has effectively assumed the role of a public servant who touches the lives of the poor and it’s definitely no “act.”

Herbert Bautista’s Ghost Survey?

Aiko has also made headlines when she bravely questioned the latest SWS survey that places Herbert “Bistek” Bautista at 75%, ahead of other mayoral candidates. Melendez said only ghosts can come up with a survey where 75 percent of undeclared number of respondents would go for Bautista. Bistek is already involved in a corruption controversy where millions of pesos worth in “ghost projects” have yet to be accounted for.

“The SWS survey is a clear cover-up for the result of the survey called ‘Project Sunrise 103’ which was done by Belmonte’s boys. Too bad, the move was very obvious,” Melendez said.

Despite her busy schedule and the entire political hubbub, Aiko manages to be a loving mother to Andre and daughter Marthena. She shared; “My having children helped me a lot carrying out my responsibilities as a public servant. They helped me understand the needs of my constituents, especially the underprivileged children. What I can give Andre and Marthena in terms of emotional and spiritual support the same feeling of care and concern – I also dream of giving to the children of Quezon City.”