The 22 year old Filipina-Indian beauty queen represented the Republic of the Philippines in the pageant and placed fourth runner-up to Jimena Navarrete of Mexico. She was confident all through out the show and cheerfully admitted during her after-show interview with ABS-CBN that she was nervous during the Q&A portion. She was asked by the American actor William Baldwin about the one big mistake she made in her life and what she did to make it right. Then she replied and I quote, “You know what sir, in my 22 years of existence, I can say that there is nothing major, major…I mean, problem that I’ve done in my life, because I am very confident with my family, with the love that they are giving to me. So, thank you so much that I am here. Thank you, thank you so much!”.

Immediately, her answer got everybody’s attention and made the whole world remember the expression — “Major major”, which, if translated to Filipino gaylinggo, is “bonggang bongga”. It is currently a trending topic on the social networking sites.

Filipinos are very proud with Venus and was on total support before, during and even after the pageant. Filipino celebrities like Miriam Quiambao and Tim Yap also extended their praises to her on twitter saying “Congrats Venus! We’re still proud of u!” and “Miss Phils Venus Raj’s journey from the rice fields of Camarines Sur to Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas is a feat in itself. She made us proud!:-),”, respectively.

Thankful to the Filipinos who supported her, Venus stated that she is very excited to go back to the Philippines and see her family with whom she says that gives her the love and support that made her be in her position right now.

Of the 83 contestants, Venus topped them all making it in the top 5. The outgoing titleholder Stefanía Fernández from Venezuela gave the crown to Jimena Navarette of Mexico who was proclaimed then as the Miss Universe 2010.

This selfless act somewhat mirrors Juday’s role in the upcoming Wenn Deramas film, Hating Kapatid, where Juday portrays the stern older sister of Sarah while their parents work abroad. Juday generously offered her advice last night, during the press conference of the said film.

The gist of what Sarah has absorbed goes along the lines of not rushing your love life, that it will come naturally, so she should avoid forcing romance upon herself.

The young singer’s closeness with Juday seems apparent enough, but when asked if she confides the same way to her mother, Divine, she replied that, as a mother, her intuition is enough to recognize the difficulties of a young woman. Sarah’s difficulties, in this case.

Rayver Cruz, who was once romantically involved with Sarah, admitted that he has been going on friendly group dates with Christine Reyes. Sarah was asked if she was aware of this. She responded with a yes, and said that there were no issues regarding the matter.

She was asked if she regrets that the relationship with Rayver didn’t work out. She paused, and merely said that as of this moment, work, studies and family come first. Standard showbiz bullet dodging, Sarah.

Sarah was then asked if her communication routes with Rayver were still open. She dodged the question more badly this time.

Next we go to Sarah’s musical-serye with  Sam Milby. After finishing her recent project, Hating Kapatid, Sarah proceeded to work on a musical drama series with the effeminate Sam Milby. She mentioned that at this point, she has only gone on one taping day, as she’s busy touring the U.S. and Canada. Sarah elaborated that she has already done a scene with Sam, and added that thanks to Sam’s good looks, working with him is more enjoyable.

The next question she received cannot be more predictable: Is it possible that you will be linked to Sam in the future? Sarah answered that fleeting butterflies in your stomach are inevitable, and they don’t necessarily mean that a deep connection will be established. Again, standard showbiz answers. I wonder how many times this had been said during the course of local show business.

Filipino-Italian actor Matteo Guidicelli has previously disclosed that he possesses an admiration for Sarah. Sarah considers working with him on stage.

And finally, issues with John Lloyd Cruz.

Sarah was last year deemed as the Box-Office Queen for A Very Special Love, in which Sarah and John Lloyd played the role of lowly office employee and a hard-headed, short-tempered boss, respectively.

Last June 22, Sarah once again reigned as the Box-Office Queen for the sequel of the romantic comedy You Changed My Life. Sarah was unable to receive the trophy herself due to her tour. Her leading man John Lloyd, however, was able to happily accept his award from Guillermo Mendoza Memorial Scholarship Foundation.

In the same event, John Lloyd revealed the third installment of his movie with Sarah, which will be directed by the same director, Cathy Garcia-Molina.

Despite this, Sarah mentioned that plans for the film were not final. She admitted that she was afraid to follow up the success of the previous two films. She wanted to just leave it at that.

Sarah was asked how she feels about John Lloyd admitting his relationship with Shaina Magdayao. She said she was glad because John Lloyd seems proud of his relationship with Shaina.

Sarah stated that when she finally gets herself a boyfriend, she will, of course, also reveal it publicly.

In between sobs, Kris Aquino — popular talk show host, actress, and youngest sister of incoming President Benigno Aquino III — confirmed that her marriage to basketball star James Yap has come to an end, after five years of an often-turbulent relationship.

“With finality I can say, ako sumuko na (I have given up),” Aquino said on ABS-CBN’s “The Buzz” on Sunday.

This page requires a higher version browser Aquino said it was not a “spur of the moment” decision, adding that both she and husband Yap, a popular basketball player, tried long to fix whatever problems they had.

Aquino, who has acquired a reputation for her candor in airing her personal pains and peeves under close media scrutiny, however refused to elaborate on the reasons behind the apparent failure of their marriage. “(Whatever the reason) why this marriage, on my part I’m saying, is over, the only person I will owe an explanation to, and the only person who can demand from me (why we separated), is my son,” Aquino said. Aquino has a three-year old son, Baby James, with Yap. “He deserves to hear (the reason) only from me and only from James. We owe it to him… to explain to him,” Aquino explained. Rumors of the separation first came out last week after Aquino failed to attend an event in Cebu due to marital problems, according to her “The Buzz” co-host Boy Abunda. The couple went through at least two other controversies in their almost five years of marriage. Early this year, Aquino was reported to have made a scene outside the house of a woman named Mayen Austria, with whom Yap was widely rumored to be having an affair. Previous to that, the marriage also made headlines in 2007 following rumors of Yap’s yet another romantic affair, reportedly with a Belo Medical clinic receptionist. Aquino married Yap, who is ten years her junior, in 2005. Apart from Baby James, Aquino has a 15-year-old son with former husband, actor Phillip Salvador. On the same episode of “The Buzz,” Aquino bid farewell to her colleagues after a 10-year hosting stint in the show. Saying it was a “big sacrifice” for her, Aquino is leaving the show to avoid criticism which may affect the administration of her brother, who is all set to take his presidential oath of office on Wednesday.—Jerrie M. Abella/JV, GMANews.TV

MANILA, Philippines – International singing sensation Charice said on Twitter Tuesday that she is set to join the second season of the hit US musical TV show “Glee”.

“It’s official. I’m on Glee (next season)…,” Charice announced on her Twitter account.

The young singer maintained that the first rumor of her joining the “Glee” cast was not true.

“But then after that I tried to audition. And I made it! Let’s party!” the obviously rejoicing Charice tweeted.

Charice will play the role of a foreign exchange student whose killer vocals get lead star Rachel contemplating murder.

Last month, Charice vehemently denied a newspaper report saying she is set to join the next season of “Glee.”

The report quoted Charice’s Philippine manager Grace Mendoza.

Charice’s mother, Raquel Pempengco, said in a previous interview with abs-cbnNEWS.com that she has no idea about Mrs. Mendoza’s statement.

Charice even posted her denial on her Twitter page.

“I just want to let you all know that it’s not true that I’m going to be on Glee… How I wish! Haha.”

She added: “LOL. Rumors!!! I am not going to be on Glee..Haha…That’s really funny. I didn’t know about the Glee (role). Hahaha, until I saw Perez’s blog. This is really confusing.”

Currently, Charice is in the US promoting her debut global album, which was launched in “The Oprah Winfrey Show” last May 10.

MANILA, Philippines – Toni Gonzaga has confirmed that her camp and the management of ABS-CBN are now discussing the possibility of her replacing Kris Aquino on “The Buzz.”

When asked about the progress of the negotiations, however, Gonzaga declined to give additional details.

“Ngayon kasi parang hindi pa namin puwedeng sabihin lahat. Ako kasi it’s not yet over until it’s over. Marami pang puwedeng mangyari, maraming pwedeng mabago. So, may mga pag-uusap,” she said.

And since there is no announcement yet from the management, she said she does not want to assume anything.

“Dito sa industriyang ito lahat ng gagawin mo may pressure, whether it be pupunta ka sa isang show, may gagawin ka, kahit ano… pelikula, hosting. Pero right now, hindi pa natin iniintindi ang ganoong bagay. Sasagutin natin ‘yan kapag final na ang lahat. Sa ngayon kasi hintayin natin ang magaganap. Meron pang ilang weeks si Ate Kris,” she said.

Just the same, Gonzaga said it would be an honor for her to work again with Boy Abunda, Aquino’s co-host on “The Buzz” and “SNN: Showbiz News Ngayon.”

“It’s always a pleasure to work with Tito Boy. Siguro it’s an honor na rin for me kasi being with someone in the business noong bago pa lang ako, siya ‘yong nag-interview sa akin. Noong bata pa lang ako napapanood ko na siya sa iba’t ibang talk shows before. Nabigyan ako ng pagkakataon na maka-trabaho siya sa SNN noong nag-substitute kami kay Ate Kris. Malaking bagay na rin sa akin ‘yon. Ang dami kong natutunan sa kanya,” she said.

She went on to describe Abunda as “very professional” and someone who “doesn’t steal the limelight from you.”

“Hinahayaan ka niyang mag-shine in your own way and he pushes you, tinutulungan ka niya kapag kasama ka niya sa isang hosting stint. Hindi niya pinaparamdam sa ‘yo ‘yong status niya, ‘yung capabilities niya as a host. Ang mas pinaparamdam niya sa ‘yo ‘yong maging comfortable ka sa kanya and this is something na I will always treasure,” she said.

Aquino’s last day on “The Buzz” is on June 27. -Report by Bernie Franco, ABS-CBN.com

On her Twitter page, Cristine said that producers of their US show “Sisters Act” did not pay them despite doing 4 shows in Los Angeles, Nevada and Chicago. She said she and her sister did not continue with another scheduled performance in Las Vegas after the producer failed to pay them.

“Nobody should ever feel embarrassed if they’ve been victimized by a con artist. Why? Because after all the hard work… we are not paid. I want to cry!” she said in her June 7 tweet.

Reyes named their producer as a certain Ms. Alegria Natividad.

“Yes, we have a contract but hindi yon nasunod kasi masyado kaming mabait kaya nag-perform pa rin kami kahit walang bayad…It’s not fair, ms. alegria natividad didn’t [give] our money, so in Vegas kapag wala pa rin di na kami magpe-perform,” she said.

On her Twitter page, Reyes thanked fellow Filipinos who took them out for a treat and even paid their hotel bills.

“No pay no show.. di pa kami bayad ni Alegria Natividad sa ibang shows namin dito sa States. How nice di ba? No food rin. Kanya-kanya kami. Good thing may mababait na Pinoy nag-treat sa amin, mabuhay kayo!” Reyes said.

But, in a text message sent to Showbiz News Ngayon, Ara cleared the name of the show’s producer stressing that it was their promoter, a certain Guia, who failed to pay them.

“Just want to clear also na bayad lahat ng producers sa promoter namin na si Guia. Si Guia ang di nakabayad sa amin,” Ara said.

Ara said all of their shows in the US were successful. She is set to fly back in Manila this Friday. (Read more on ABS-CBN News and Yahoo! Entertainment News)

Aquino said he is still choosing among at least three options, although he noted that Bahay Pangarap inside the Presidential Security Group (PSG) compound near Malacañang seems to be the best choice.

“Pangarap seems to be the best, minimal ang idadagdag o ire-replace,” Aquino said in an interview with reporters in his Times Street home in Quezon City Tuesday night.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo usually receives important guests at Bahay Pangarap. Because it only has one room, another room has to be constructed for Aquino’s aides if he decides to live there.

Three of Aquino’s sisters have said Bahay Pangarap seems to be the most plausible option for the 50-year-old Aquino, a bachelor.

Aquino said another being considered is the Goldenberg Mansion, also near Malacañang, which used to be the office of the Marcos Foundation. It was also used to hold former First Lady Imelda Marcos’s collection of excavated porcelain and pottery.

But Aquino noted that the Goldenberg Mansion was about the size of the Arlegui mansion, which he said was “too big.”

Aquino said he is envisioning the Premier Guest House — where former President Joseph Estrada stayed — to be his and his executive secretary’s office.

“One would not want to have the living and office sections in the same building, baka makalimutan ng tao may time-off,” Aquino said.

Times Street home

Aquino now appears to be averse to the idea of residing at his Times Street home, saying he wants to spare his neighbors from rallies. Even though he has yet to take his oath as president, militant groups have already held brief protest rallies in front of his house.

Aquino said that while he may use his Times Street home to meet with some congressmen and officials of departments in Quezon City, he still wants to “preserve” his house, which was bequeathed to him by his mother, the late former President Corazon Aquino.

“Baka naman mamaya ang painting ng nanay ko magkaroon ng bagong autograph or signature (My mother’s paintings might end up with an additional autograph or signature,” he added in jest. Many of Mrs. Aquino’s paintings are displayed inside the house.

Despite this, Aquino said he would still stay in his Times Street home “from time to time” to take a break from work.

“If this house becomes unused it will deteriorate and I wouldn’t want that to happen. At kung gusto ko makahinga nang kaunti there’s nothing like home to do it in,” said the president-elect.

Aquino said one or two of his household staff would stay in his house once he has moved to his new official residence. He will take his oath as the country’s 15th president on June 30 at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila. — RSJ, GMANews.TV

Out of the 12 finalists who battled it out during the grand finals at the Araneta Coliseum on June 12, the small-town boy with the “God-given” voice proved he not only has the pipes reminiscent of Journey frontman Arnel Pineda, but, as Kris puts it, he has “charisma.” Bulletin Entertainment saw how the crowd got smitten by him that night. Jovit got the loudest cheers, mostly coming from the Jovinatics. Off-air, during the Independence Day performance night show, fans screamed out his name; raising streamers and waving balloons the moment he stepped on stage.

After his performance came the verdict: Comedienne and “Pilipinas Got Talent” judge Ai-Ai delas Alas dubbed him as an “endangered specie” while Kris seems to have set in stone that he is “the next big superstar.” Even man of few words Freddie M. Garcia a.k.a. “FMG” used multiple adjectives in describing how pleased he was with Jovit’s version of Brian May’s “Too Much Love Will Kill You.” “You are unbelievably very, very good,” said Freddie. The online community loves Jovit, too. His performance of “Faithfully” (1,690,509 views), and semi-finals rendition of “Carrie” (734, 481 views) have turned him into one of the most-watched contestants on YouTube. So, whether Jovit joins the powerhouse singers on “ASAP XV” or take over Willie Revillame on “Wowowee” or star on a teleserye with Sarah Geronimo, one this is for sure: Pinoys will remain forever his… faithfully.

(Read more on Manila Bulletin News and Yahoo! Philippines Entertainment News)

The 16-year-old singer told ABS-CBN News that he is planning to buy a vacant lot for his family, send his siblings to school and help his parents financially.

“Bibili po ako ng lupa kasi nangungupahan lang kami. Papaaralin ko ang mga kapatid ko, [at] matutulungan ko na ang magulang ko,” he said.

The first PGT grand winner, who hails from Batangas, also advised other aspiring and struggling singers not to stop dreaming. “Huwag kayong mawawalan ng pag-asa… Magtiwala kayo sa sarili at siyempre sa Diyos.”

His parents, Cristeta and Larry, have one wish for their son.

“Sana huwag kang magbago. Nandito lang kami para sumuporta lagi sa’yo,” Larry said.

Baldivino was declared the first PGT grand winner during the talent-reality show’s finale Sunday night at the jampacked Araneta Coliseum. The teenager, who sells siomai in Batangas, has topped (48.81%) the overnight text and online votes.

Dance groups Baguio Metamorphosis and Velasco Brothers were hailed runners up. They received P100,000 cash prize each.

PGT judge Kris Aquino described Baldivino as ABS-CBN’s next singing superstar after his heartfelt rendition of Queen’s “Too Much Love Will Kill You.”

His fans, who called themselves Jovinatics, went in full force at the Big Dome to show their support.

He already created a mark during his audition after singing The Journey’s “Faithfully.” His video was uploaded on YouTube and was viewed more than 3 million times.

He was then dubbed as the next Arnel Pineda, with the striking resemblance of his voice to that of the Filipino international artist.

PGT’s finale was hosted by Luis Manzano and Iya Villania. Watch the replay of both the final performance and results night on Studio 23 this Saturday and Sunday at 6 p.m.

Bryant, however, isn’t thinking soccer at the moment because basketball is the only thing on his mind. Boston hosts the Lakers in Game 4 of the title playoffs this morning (Manila time) with the Celtics looking to even the series count at two wins apiece.

“The World Cup is one of the most amazing things in sports,” said Bryant. “I love it. I love watching the games and seeing it all. I love seeing the greats and the big teams and we all want to see our country fighting hard against those big guys.”

Once the Finals are over, Bryant said he’ll be glued to his TV set and catch all the soccer action. The Lakers star is featured in Nike’s big-budget World Cup commercial with England’s Wayne Rooney and Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo who are both seeing action in South Africa.

How the US, one of 32 countries that qualified to play in the eight-bracket eliminations, will fare is a big question mark although there is optimism that coach Bob Bradley’s squad won’t disappoint. The Americans, after all, upset Spain, 2-0, in the semifinals of the Confederations Cup in South Africa last year and led, 2-0, at the half before bowing to Brazil in the championship match.

The US is bracketed in Group C with England, Slovenia and Algeria and will play the Three Lions to open its campaign tomorrow. Group A is made up of Mexico, Uruguay, France and South Africa while Group B is composed of Argentina, Nigeria, Greece and South Korea. The others are Group D – Serbia, Germany, Ghana and Australia, Group E – Netherlands, Cameroon, Denmark and Japan, Group F – Italy, Slovakia, Paraguay and New Zealand, Group G – Brazil, Portugal, Ivory Coast and North Korea and Group H – Spain, Chile, Switzerland and Honduras.

The 18th edition of the quadrennial World Cup will be staged in venues located in nine South African cities with Johannesburg hosting the finals. The four teams in each group play a round-robin in the first round with the two top finishers advancing to the round of 16 where first-placers and second-placers face off in crossovers between Groups A and C, E and G, B and D and F and H. Survivors move on to play in the quarterfinals, then the semifinals and ultimately, the finals.

Sports Illustrated picked Spain and England to reach the finals with La Furia Roja becoming only the eighth country in history to capture the World Cup since its inception in 1930. German legend Franz Beckenbauer chose Brazil and Spain to vie for the championship. Aside from the World Cup trophy, the Golden Boot is at stake – the special award for the top scorer in the tradition of Just Fontaine in 1958, Eusebio in 1966 and Gerd Muller in 1970.

Brazil has won the most titles with five in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002. Italy is second with four in 1934, 1938, 1982 and 2006. Germany is third with three in 1954, 1974 and 1990. Argentina clinched in 1978 and 1986 while Uruguay did it in 1930 and 1950. France captured the trophy in 1998 and England, in 1966.

At the last World Cup in 2006, Italy defeated France, 5-3, in a penalty shootout in the pulsating finals that saw French captain Zinedine Zidane ejected in the last 10 minutes of overtime for head-butting the chest of Italian Marco Materazzi.

The tournament opens with two matches today – South Africa against Mexico in Johannesburg and Uruguay against France in Capetown.

Three Asian countries made it to South Africa via the two-year qualifying competitions involving over 200 countries all over the world – South Korea, North Korea and Japan. In 2002, co-host South Korea became the first Asian team to advance to the World Cup semifinals, ousting Italy and Spain in the process. Back from the 2002 team are goalkeeper Lee Woon Jae and midfielder Park Ji Sung. However, Argentina and Nigeria are expected to leave South Korea behind in the group stage. North Korea’s hopes hinge on goalkeeper Ri Myong Guk, known as the “Gatekeeper of the Iron Wall” and cerebral coach Kim Jong Hun but the Democratic People’s Republic will encounter rough sailing against groupmates Brazil and Portugal. Japanese coach Takeshi Okada is dreaming of qualifying for the semifinals but the Netherlands and Cameroon seem too tough to topple even with Asia’s footballer of the year Yasuhito Endo, five-year Celtic veteran Shunsuke Nakamura and skipper Yuji Nakazawa.

Italian Fabio Capello is at the English helm with his $6.8 million salary on the line. Rooney will be at the forefront of the attack, his credentials bolstered by 25 goals in 60 international matches. A disciplinarian, Capello has ordered his celebrity English players to leave their wives, girlfriends and millionaire lifestyles behind because they’re at war in South Africa.

Spanish coach Vicente del Bosque’s lineup is star-studded with Liverpool’s Fernando Torres, Arsenal’s Cesc Fabregas, Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas, Xavi, Xabi Alonso, Andres Iniesta, Sergio Ramos and David Villa. Since 2006, Spain has lost only once in 45 outings and blanked Germany, 1-0, in the European finals two years ago. Leading the strike force are Villa, with 37 goals in 57 caps, and Torres who appears to be fit after undergoing surgery to remove torn cartilage in his right knee last April.

Then there is Brazil whose coach Dunga has left out stars like Ronaldinho, Alexandre Pato and Adriano from the roster to assemble a blue-collar, no-frills team. Brazil learned a bitter lesson in 2006 when France kicked out the flashy and showboating crowd favorites in the quarterfinals. Dunga, captain of Brazil’s World Cup championship team in 1994, will lean on his experience and the gamesmanship of Maicon, Kaka, Robinho, Gilberto Silva, Julio Cesar and Luis Fabiano in the crusade for a sixth title.

Also tipped to figure prominently in the race are Argentina, Portugal and Serbia. Argentine legend Diego Maradona is now calling the shots for the national team whose stars include FIFA Player of the Year Lionel Messi, Carlos Tevez, Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain and Diego Milito. Portugal’s problem is it will likely encounter Spain in the crossover round of 16 but Ronaldo, the world’s highest-paid footballer, is unfazed. Serbia is a darkhorse bet to make it to the semifinals with 6-7 striker Nikola Zigic, 19, Neven Subotic, 21, Dejan Stankovic and Manchester United’s Nemanja Vidic showing the way.

Obama, who has fought a public battle to kick the habit himself, called hours after parliament proclaimed Aquino the official winner of the May 10 election on Wednesday, the new president-elect told reporters.

“At some point I attempted some humour,” Aquino said.

“I said, ‘Mr President I understand we have the same issue with smoking.’ He told me, ‘Well, I quit that already. I quit, it’s your sole problem but I’m ready to offer advice.’”

Aquino said the US leader promised to send the advice “at the time that you decide to quit.”

The 50-year-old Aquino, said by former colleagues to smoke up to two packets a day, conceded during the election campaign that stopping smoking would be good for his health and that he intended to kick the habit eventually.

However he changed his mind after learning he had won, saying quitting now would add stress to his life, and he has pointed out that as long as he follows smoking regulations and does not bother anyone, he should be free to smoke.

Obama, 48, promised his wife he would quit smoking when he ran for president — but has admitted succumbing to the occasional cigarette several times since moving into the White House.

Aquino described his conversation with Obama as “very pleasant” and said he found the US leader “very sincere” in strengthening ties with the Philippines, a former colony and a military ally in Asia.

The two men touched on a possible visit by Aquino to Washington, Aquino told reporters, but the Filipino stressed he would have to attend to other concerns of the state first

Popular actor John Lloyd Cruz is frustrated with sustained speculations associating him with divorced actress Ruffa Gutierrez. This, Cruz hinted, is mainly due to his apprehension that the persistence of such “baseless” supposition could only lead to “bad” things. “I hope [rumor mongers] realize that they should stop [spreading the rumors] already as it might already be affecting a certain family’s [situation] or that there are people who might hear of the rumor and think of it in another way,” said he, adding somewhat ominously, “Maybe something may happen in the future or God knows when, that is not good or pleasant,” he explained in a mix of Filipino and English during a recent TV interview. Cruz’s statement seemingly echoes what Gutierrez’s had implied in past interviews concerning his estranged husband Turkish businessman Yilmaz Bektas’ attitude towards rumors hounding her. According to Gutierrez, Bektas is still very much aware of her activities and would call her to jealously nag her about various rumors involving her. Per Gutierrez, Bektas is still insisting that they get back together. Like Cruz, Gutierrez is insisting that she is “just friends” with the former. Gutierrez and Cruz became associated when they did the hit series “I Love Betty La Fea.” According to Cruz, he and Gutierrez are still friends and that they are still communicating. “But it’s not that active anymore…we’re both associated with different [TV] stations. She’s doing a lot of things that she needs to focus on, just like me.” Cruz insisted that recent rumors of him and Gutierrez being seen “biking around together” at The Fort is a “lie.” “It’s not true. There’s not a percentage of truth to it.” Asked if rumored sweetheart Shaina Magdayao is affected by continued rumors linking him to Gutierrez, Cruz just smiled. “No. She doesn’t even question me,” said he.

“When you’re president, ang dami-daming batikos so, paminsan-minsan kailangan mo ring marinig na you’re doing a good job, most especially galing doon sa totoong nagmamahahal sa’yo. And ako, I’m really a positive person,” said Kris during a live TV interview on June 9, a few hours after her brother’s proclamation.

And how has she carried out her, well, duties so far?

“Like kapag feeling ko ang ganda ng speech niya, ang ganda ng pagkasagot niya, tine-text ko siya kaagad. Kapag feeling ko pogi siya that day, nagte-text din ako kasi kailangan naman talagang may balance tayo,” she related on “TV Patrol World” that same day.

The ever-controversial actress-TV host also reiterated her earlier promise that she will now “behave.”

“From this day forward magiging obedient na ko sa kanya (Noy).”

Kris, along with her sisters Ballsy Aquino-Cruz, Pinky Aquino-Abellada and Viel Aquino-Dee, will be what anchor Ted Failon dubbed as “konsensya ng bayan;” the ones who will tell all to Noy including the “bad news.”

“Pangulo na siya ngayon, kaya lahat kami ay bow sa kanya. Pero sabi nga niya kailangan niya ng magsasabi sa kanya kung merong mga katiwalian na hindi umaabot sa kanya. ‘Pag pangulo ka na kasi, mahirap, ‘yung ibang tao hindi masabi sa’yo ‘yung mga pangit na balita, ‘yung mga bad news. Inaasahan niya na kami ang magsasabi sa kanya,” said Ballsy.

Meanwhile, Kris pleaded the public to give her “The Buzz” and “Showbiz News Ngayon” co-host Boy Abunda a break. Note that Boy, whom Kris considers her best friend, has been a target of criticism since Noy divulged contemplating on making him the next Department of Tourism secretary.

“I really want to put a close to the topic already kasi naaawa ako sa best friend ko sa dami ng mga batikos na tinanggap niya. Inamin ko naman ‘yun sa ‘The Buzz’ na sa akin nagsimula, pero alam mo nagsimula at nagwakas ang usapan between Boy at Noynoy. Unfortunately in an interview, nabanggit ni Noynoy ang pangalan ni Boy even after the initial talks already died down.

“So let’s give Boy a break kasi hindi naman niya tinanggap, hindi natuloy, and alam ko rin naman talaga na marami ang naninindigan at nagsabi din na merong maitutulong si Boy Abunda sa ating bayan,” she said.

Should Noynoy appoint celebrities to be part of his much-awaited Cabinet lineup or to any other government position, Kris said “it’s ultimately [his] decision;” a statement that seemingly puts to rest the observations that she has an influence over her brother’s choices.

Kris added: “I think it will also be based on public sensibilities and sensitivities. Ang pinagdarasal ko lang sana pagbigyan ng pagkakataon ng mga tao ‘yung mga gusto talagang sincere ang paninilbihan na ibigay sa bayan natin.”

The presidential and vice-presidential proclamation yesterday became another occasion for showbiz and politics to mingle. Spotted inside the Batasang Pambansa were ABS-CBN executives, president Charo Santos and channel head Cory Vidanes, talent manager Deo Endrinal, singer Ogie Alcasid, actor Dingdong Dantes, actor-director Cesar Montano, Regal Films matriarch Lily Monteverde, Kris’ cager-husband James Yap, designer Paul Cabral and fashion editor Liz Uy.

Speaking of Liz, her ex-boyfriend John Lloyd Cruz told “TV Patrol” in a separate interview that he has congratulated her for reportedly being tapped as the “First Stylist.”

“I sent her a message. I just congratulated her as always. And I’ll always be proud of her,” the three-time Box Office King said.

Kris’ advocacy

Apart from being a cheerleader to Noy and a bastion of truth for the nation, Kris will also be busy with her advocacy of helping unfortunate young students, particularly those in Grades 1 up to Grade 3. She starts off by distributing 2,000 school supplies in Tarlac on June 10.

And as ordered by her president-brother, the “Kung Tayo’y Magkakalayo” star will be “giving back” to those who supported Noy during his campaign, and reach out to all.

“Sinabi ko kay Noy na namimili ako kung saan siya malakas. Pinaalalahanan ako ni Noy na ‘No Kristina, kailangan mag-reach out ka sa lahat dahil ikaw ‘yung may kakayanan,’ [and] as Ate [Ballsy] said nga, dahil sa napapanood ako sa TV araw-araw, mas madali na makapunta at makalapit sa kanila so after Tarlac merong kaming Cebu and may isang area sa Mindanao,” she said.

“Nasa level kami ngayon nang hindi kami muna nag-uusap,” Pokwang told “SNN: Showbiz News Ngayon.”

She admitted that her job was among the reasons they have grown apart. “Kasi hindi nya naiintindihan ang trabaho ko.”

“Nag- I- Love-You-han na kami kaya lang… kinulang lang siguro ng tiwala sa isa’t isa. Kasi may naririnig din ako. May nakakita sa kanya doon, mga kakilala namin, sa isang bar, may kasamang girlalet…Tapos dumagdag pa ‘yong sa trabaho ko. May mga text siya kapag hindi ako agad nakakapag-reply,” she said.

She also confessed that the distance took a toll on their relationship. “Hindi ninyo nakikita ang isa’t isa. Tapos ‘yon nga, kung ano-ano ‘yong mga iniisip.”

She also said in jest: “Sayang ang lahi niya. Blue eyes pa naman siya. Pangarap ko ‘yon.” -Report by Marchie Mallari, ABS-CBN.com (Read more on ABS-CBN News and Yahoo! Philippines Entertainment News)

Said Edmud, “Whether she likes it or not, Jinkee shares the limelight with Pacman wherever he goes.”

The spotlight, for sure, will get even brighter at the Philippine Congress when Rep. and Mrs. Emmanuel Pacquiao become the powerhouse couple (Hollywood-style) alongside Leyte Rep. Lucy Torres and husband Richard Gomez, Cavite Rep. Lani Mercado and husband Sen. Bong Revilla, soon-to-be former Pres. and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and husband Mike Arroyo.

Continued Edmund, “At the Boxing Writers Association of America’s (BWAA) gala last June 4 at the Roosevelt Hotel in Manhattan where Manny was honored with twin prestigious awards — Fighter of the Year and Fighter of the Decade — we witnessed how Jinkee was also swarmed by thrilled fans seeking autographs and Kodak moments with her husband. Thank God, she’s a good sport and she seems to enjoy the adulation. Those who can’t get close to Manny like me — no thanks to his burly bodyguards and fanatic fans, hmmmp!!! — would turn to Jinkee. She would oblige with a warm smile.

“Okey lang naman, basta masaya lahat, okey lang,” Jinkee assured “Nandito naman tayo lahat to support Manny.”

Businessman and Pacman supporter Rolly Velasco (of NYC’s Your Family Auto Service Center, who paid the $200 gala ticket)) likened Jinkee to Jaclyn Jose upon seeing her walk into the ballroom like a breath of fresh air.

Consul General Cecilia Rebong, who was present at the gala, noted Jinkee’s “simple yet elegant” style.