NEWSFLASH

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JAO-JUDY ANN ROMANCE BLOOMING?

Manila, Dec. 16, 1997 - At last, Manila's movie columnists are writing something about Judy Ann Santos besides the rift between her Mom and her manager.

The Manila Standard's Isah Red reports that Judy Ann and Jao Mapa were seen very sweet to each other at the gala premiere of Lupita Kashiwahara's new film at Louie's Cinema.

Even former Senator Butz Aquino, brother of Lupita and Ninoy, could not help but comment that "So, it's true!" when he saw Judy Ann plant a goodbye kiss on Jao's cheek.

Jao just smiled rather impishly, while Judy Ann made faces as if to say it isn't true, according to Isah. The two star in Lupita's "Babae" which is expected to reap awards in the coming Metro Manila Film Festival.

Isah's sources say the romance off-screen is not a publicity gimmick for the movie, because the two seem so comfortable with each other.

"Judy has never looked happier than when she's with Jao," said a close friend of the actress.

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