GRETCHEN  ASKS  TO  BE  PAIRED  WITH DEREK

MANILA, SEPTEMBER 7, 2009 (MALAYA) STUDIO WHISPERS by ETHEL RAMOS (‘It was Gretchen – would you believe? – who introduced herself to Derek.’)

As a tandem, Aljur Abrenica and Kris Bernal seem to have it all. Yes, in so short time, they created a following which inspired GMA 7, their home studio, to entrust them with their first TV series, "Dapat Ka Bang Mahalin?"

"Dapat Ka Bang Mahalin?," surprisingly, did the ratings, which accounts for the powers that be behind GMA 7 to promptly give them a follow-up series, "All My Life."

"All My Life," co-starring Aljur and Kris with some of the best in the TV field, Gellie de Belen and Zoren Legaspi, among others, is another success in the ratings game.

"I’ve always admired those two kids," said Mother Lily Monteverd, Regal Films matriarch, "I’ve followed their TV careers from the start.

"I thought it’s high time that their popularity is translated into the big screen," she said further.

"No, I wouldn’t say I’m taking a gamble by giving them the lead roles in my outfit’s new movie, ‘Nandito Ako…Nagmamahal Sa ‘Yo.’ I have high hopes for this movie."

"Nandito Ako…Nagmamahal Sa ‘Yo is directed by the award-winning Maryo delos Reyes and shot in the very poetic and picturesque Bohol. It showcases the most romantic spots of the province.

Said Mother Lily: "It’s a most heartwarming story of love, acceptance and commitment.

"With this film, we are challenged to stand for the love that is true and lasting, just as Regal’s commitment to always be on the lookout for the most promising stars of the future. And I mean, Aljur and Kris."

"We, at Regal Films, are happy to be given the chance to launch a very popular love team into the big screen. With this, we keep the Filipino movies alive," said Roselle Monteverde-Teo, Mother Lily’s daughter and herself a top gun at Regal Entertainment.

Aljur and Kris are both from "Starstruck," the reality talent show on GMA 7.

***

Are Anne Curtis and Sam Milby back in each other’s arms?

They were together when they arrived at the Star Magic Ball held at the Rizal Ballroom of the Shangri-La Hotel Makati and attended by all the Star Magic talents of ABS-CBN.

"Despite our break-up," said Anne, "Sam and I have remained friends. Since I had no date at ganun din siya for the Star Magic Ball, we agreed to be each other’s date."

Anne has just renewed her contract with ABS-CBN. But she has no upcoming series after "The Wedding," which had its last episode last Friday.

"Next year na siguro ako magkaka-teleserye," she revealed. "Meanwhile, I’m doing a movie before the year ends. Na next year ha, syempre pa ang release date."

Anne left Friday for the US for a concert with the hosts of "Wowowee."

***

Derek Ramsey is reportedly Gretchen Barretto’s personal choice to play her leading man in her upcoming series with her younger sister, Claudine.

Derek and Gretchen were both at the Star Magic Ball and that was their first time to meet each other.

It was Gretchen – would you believe? – who introduced herself to Derek.

Derek, naturally, already knew her.

He was at the Star Magic Ball with girlfriend of three years, Angelica Panganiban.

Since both are busy, they hardly have time for each other. Angelica is busy with the movie "I Love You…Goodbye," the Metro Manila Film Festival entry of Star Cinema this year. She is also busy taping her upcoming series, "Rubi," with Jake Cuenca as her leading man.

And she also has her regular weekly gag show, "Banana Split."

Derek is busy with work himself. She is Angelica’s leading man in "I Love You…Goodbye," which also stars Gabby Concepcion and Kim Chiu.

He is featured in the series "Precious Hearts Romances Presents…Bud Brothers: Ang Lalaking Nagmamahal sa Akin," with Tomi Gonzaga as his partner.

"Kaya as soon as we have time, "Ange and I are going on a trip to Africa," said Derek.