HEART  EVANGELISTA  IN  THE  MOOD  TO  CELEBRATE

MANILA, OCTOBER 23, 2009 (MALAYA) STUDIO WHISPERS by ETHEL RAMOS (Heart agrees that she has never felt so lucky.’)

HEART Evangelista threw a party for members of the entertainment press and some friends at their family-owned restaurant, Barrio Fiesta in Megamall, Mandaluyong. She was celebrating her winning a best actress trophy for her performance in the indie film, "Ay, Ayeng," in the last FAMAS Awards.

Heart said she regrets not receiving the trophy herself at the 57th Gabi Ng Parangal of the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS), which was held at the Pagcor Grand Theater in Sucat, Parañaque.

Heart was informed about the ceremony very late. Otherwise, she would have attended the event, as it would have been an excuse for her to don a gown and have herself styled.

"Kung sabagay, nakinig din ako sa advice ni Jun (Lalin, the associate of her talent manager Annabelle Rama) na matulog na lang ako, dahil nga I to shoot the following day for ‘Mano Po 6, My Mother’ (which co-stars her with Sharon Cuneta for the first time."

"Pagbutihan mo," Jun even advised her.

She remembered she was awoken by the sound of loud knocking. "Iyong tipo bang akala ko may nangyaring ‘di inaasahan.

"Nang buksan ko ang pinto, it was my mom standing. Kaagad, sabi niya, ‘Your dad wants to talk to you.’

"Then my dad blurted na nanalo nga raw ako ng best actress award."

***

Since it was already late in the night, Heart said she chose to call Jun the following day.

"My first question was: Who got the award on my behalf?"

"Sagot ni Jun, ‘yung producer ko nga daw sa ‘Ay, Ayeng.’ And before I could ask him more questions, he told me that my producer refuses to give me my trophy, since I did not attend the award."

Well, it turned out that Jun was just kidding. Heart had her trophy with her when she faced members of the entertainment press and her friends at the blowout.

Kuya Germs, recipient of the best supporting actor trophy for the indie film, "Paupahan," was also present. He, too, had his trophy with him.

"Kaya this is a double celebration," stated Annabelle, sounding ecstatic. "Yes, for Heart and Kuya Germs."

***

Heart agreed that she has never felt so lucky. Her winning her first best actress trophy came on the heels of the confirmation that she has been chosen to play Sharon Cuneta’s daughter in the Metro Manila Film Festival entry of Regal Entertainment, "Mano Po 6, My Mother."

"That alone is an award na rin," she enthused, "considering how many young actresses have been eyed for the part. Tapos, heto at ako ang napili.

"I’ve always believed that it would be an experience to remember na makatrabaho ang mga artistang hinahangaan ko, tulad nga ni Ate Sharon.

"Having Joel Lamangan for my director is a bonus. It’s my first movie na siya ang magdidirek."

Actually, the film will mark Heart’s first time, too, to do a movie with Christopher de Leon. And Zsa Zsa Padilla, Dennis Trillo and Ciara Sotto.

"My hope is that I deliver," she added.

***

With the game program, "Game Ka Na Ba?," reportedly undergoing a reformat, there is a possibility that its host, Edu Manzano, may be asked to rejoin the ABS-CBN morning program, "Umagang Kay Ganda."

Edu needs something to keep himself busy while he is making up his mind to run for a national post in the 2010 elections. As we all know, he has also resigned from his post as Optical Media Board (OMB) chief and might be replaced anytime now by action star Ronnie Ricketts.

According to an earlier report, Edu might run for senator under the party of former President Joseph Estrada, who, we heard, is, definitely, running for president.

Edu’s talent manager, June Rufino, though, said he has yet to make up his mind.

Edu used to be the vice mayor of Makati. When he ran for mayor the next elections, he lost.