NEWSFLASH

---

JESSICA-VAN DAMME AFFAIR DETAILS

Manila, Jan. 29, 1998 - What seemed to be a publicist's gimmick is turning out to be real. International action star Jean Claude Van Damme is carrying on with actress-turned-manager Jessica Rodriguez.

As Philippine Headline News Online(PHNO) had earlier reported, Jessica's live-in lover of many years Benedict Aquino told newsmen that he had left the actress and their two children because "Jessica was having an affair with Jean Claude Van Damme."

The story has now been picked up by other newspapers, with newer and more interesting details added. Here's the latest.

According to Dolly Anne Carvajal (daughter of Inday Badiday) in her Philippine Daily Inquirer column, the Jessica-Jean Claude love story began with a little phone pal game.

Movie producer Shirley Kuan who has known Jean Claude for a long time called him up while she was in Hong Kong with Jessica. Jean Claude was then shooting a movie in Hong Kong. Shirley let Jean Claude talk to Jessica and two other Filipina friends on the phone.

After the three girls talked to Jean Claude, Shirley asked the actor who among the three he had taken a fancy to, and he chose Jessica.

The next day, Shirley met with Jean Claude at Planet Hollywood, with all three Pinays in tow. Without telling him which one was which, Jean Claude singled out Jessica instantly. It's been a thrilling time for Jessica since then.

Van Damme calls her several times a week from whatever part of the world he happens to be. When she's not home, he leaves messages on her answering machine. Van Damme has asked Jessica to be with him in Brazil, where he will shoot his next movie "Inferno" and have romantic dinners.

Jessica's only frustration is that Van Damme prohibits any picture-taking with him, because he is peeved by women who are awed or star struck by his fame.

Jessica has fallen in love with Jean Claude the person, not Van Damme the star. He has just divorced his fourth wife.

Another columnist was present when Jean Claude phoned Jessica and asked her to meet him for Valentine's Day in Los Angeles.

Jessica tells friends that Jean Claude makes her feel secure about herself, beautiful and desirable.

---