EDU  MANZANO  TO  TIE  THE  KNOT  FOR  3rd  TIME?

MANILA, FEBRUARY 1, 2007 (MALAYA) STUDIO WHISPERS by ETHEL RAMOS (‘If a wedding happens, it will be the third for Edu, who was once married to Lipa Mayor Vilma Santos and actress Maricel Soriano.’)

IS the relationship between Edu Manzano and his TV host-newscaster girlfriend on the path to wedded bliss?

A source close to Edu said that this is, so far, one of his most serious romances "Pina tino siya ni you-know-who," our informer said.

If a wedding happens, it will be the third for Edu, who was once married to Lipa Mayor Vilma Santos (mother of Edu’s son, Luis Manzano) and actress Maricel Soriano. For the girl, it will be her first.

* * *

Vhong Navarro refers to top comedian Dolphy as his idol. If he can be half as successful and enduring as the comedy king, then he cannot ask for more.

Like Dolphy, Vhong has been linked to several beautiful women, the latest being Desiree del Valle.

Can Vhong imagine himself having 18 children like Dolphy? Vhong was asked.

"Naku, hindi siguro," he replied. "Tama na sa akin ang apat. Since I already have two (Bruno and Yce, by two different women), tama na ang two more. Mahirap ang buhay ngayon. Mahirap lalo ang magpaaral."

When asked who between his sons is inclined to follow his footsteps, Vhong answered: "Siguro si Yce. He is a good dancer and as outgoing as I am."

Yce, 8, is his only son by his estranged wife, Bianca Lapus. Bruno’s mom is not from showbiz.

Vhong related: "Kinausap na nga ako ni Tita Cory (Vidanes, one of ABS-CBN’s top guns) about Yce. Papayagan ko na daw ba ang bata na mag-artista? Sabi ko, huwag muna. Gusto ko mag-aral muna siya."

* * *

Vhong has just released his latest album, "Chickboy," under Star Records. "Chickboy" is the theme song of Vhong’s latest Star Cinema movie, "Agent X44." Like in his movies, according to Annabel Regalado, managing director of Star Records, Vhong has a way of sinking his character in every song he records. "Sa bihis, the way he talks and especially the way he dances," she says.

His newest album has five tracks, all of which are composed by renowned composer/producer Christian Martinez. Other songs in the album are "Yugyugan Na," "Wag Kang Makulit," "Anak Ka ng Langit" and "Hala Bira."

All of Vhong’s albums have turned platinum, pushed by his hits like "Don Romantiko," "Cha-Cha-Cha," "Pamela," "Totoy Bibo" and, of course, "Chickboy."

* * *

Any moment now Vhong will start taping for his TV series, "Buhawi Jack," where he will have no less than Judy Ann Santos for his leading lady. His talent manager, Chito Roño, will direct the series.

Right after "Buhawi Jack," he will start taping for his teleserye, "Lastikman." He has no idea yet who will play his leading lady and who will direct the project.

His new movie for Star Cinema (still untitled) will again pair him with Toni Gonzaga, who was his leading lady in the blockbuster movie, "D’Anothers." Direction will be by Joyce Bernal.

He was earlier told that Toni would play his leading lady in "X44," but she had to be replaced by Maricel Rodriguez because of Toni’s busy schedule.

"Kung sabagay, maayos namang kapareha si Mariel. In fact, I’m grateful to her dahil kumita din ang ‘X44’," said Vhong.

Did he make a pass at Toni?

"Wala akong balak na ligawan si Toni. She’s too much of a friend, na parang awkward na ligawan ko siya. I would like to have her as a friend forever," Vhong answered.