NEWSFLASH

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ZSA ZSA CHOOSES ALL-WORK, NO-PLAY LIFESTYLE

Manila, Sept. 12, 1998 - Zsa Zsa Padilla, who won the Star, Urian and Film Academy Best Actress trophies, is a victim of the current bold movies trend.

"Putting it simply, there are no offers," she says mater-of-factly. "They're doing nothing but sex dramas these days and I can't do such kind of movies. I did a kissing scene once, and it was with Dolphy in TATAYNIC."

Television seemed the only acting avenue left open. "When GMA-7 offered me to do HIWALAY KUNG HIWALAY DAW, I was very happy. At last, an outlet for my acting, which I really missed doing."

Zsa Zsa, who started her showbiz career as a singer, is also reviving her recording career. She is in the midst of production of a new album for Viva Records.

"The album was supposed to be launched this month, but work on the project was interrupted when I had to be with Dolphy in the hospital for three weeks during his heart bypass operation. Now there are only three songs left to finish," Zsa Zsa said. "I am really excited because I have not had a new album in a long time. This one has six original songs and four revivals."

One thing she can't stand is the gossip that follows her every move. A few months ago, she was linked romantically by malicious gossip columnists who insinuated that she was about to leave Dolphy for a young member of the Passage Band.

"That was really foul. To begin with, the band merely guested in "Limited Engagement" which was my show. But what's even more annoying is that people tend to believe these things because stories have a way of getting bigger and bigger. There were even reports that I was following the band wherever they were performing. Like I was a groupie," she complained.

The rumors led her to change her lifestyle completely. "You know, I don't even have a nightlife or social life. After work, I go straight home to read, precisely because I don't want people seeing me kung saan-saan at tiyak matsitsismis ka lang."

At home, she plays dutiful and attentive nurse to Dolphy, who was advised by doctors to take it easy for a couple of months before returning to work.

"He does not like having a professional nurse looking after him, so his two sisters and I take turns in the hospital and at home. I had to study how to take his blood pressure, which has to be carefully monitored regularly," she explained.

His health crisis made the couple realize the value of good diet, and the two are now strict vegetarians.

The only annoyance left is the occasional newsflash or rumor that Dolphy is dead, or is in serious condition. "It's really nakakapikon. The truth is, he is recuperating very well," she said conclusively .