Kris apologizes to Ruffa, Annabelle

MANILA, Philippines - Celebrity TV host Kris Aquino on Monday apologized to fellow "The Buzz" co-host Ruffa Gutierrez and her mother, Annabelle Rama, after Gutierrez walked out of the show on Sunday, March 7.

In a statement sent via text, Aquino said she had dinner with her brother, Liberal Party presidential bet Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III, who asked why he was being dragged into the issue.

Rama had earlier commented that people should not vote for Noynoy because the Aquino family was now becoming too proud even though the Liberal Party senator had yet to win.

Aquino said she and Gutierrez had a good working relationship for the past two years when the latter replaced Cristy Fermin as "The Buzz" co-host.

She also maintained that she never meant any malice against Gutierrez when she said that staying "Kapamilya" was much better. Gutierrez is leaving ABS-CBN after signing a non-exclusive contract with TV5 where she will do five shows including a showbiz talk show with Mo Twister and Cristy Fermin.

"I would like to extend a loving hug to Ruffa. I viewed the tape & although I still feel I gave my comment w/ affection, maybe it made her feel even worse because she's now moving in a new direction," she said in her text.

She added: "It is w/ Ruffa that I enjoyed a healthy working relationship with & I only have good words to say about her. To Ruffa, I sincerely apologize for causing u hurt. My brother Noynoy would like to add that we live in a democracy, one where we are very free to make our own choice for president."

Aquino also noted Rama disliked Noynoy and the Aquino family because of their association and "vocal proclamation of admiration for Dingdong [Dantes] and his selfless contribution to help Noy's presidential bid."

Dantes, a GMA-7 talent, is considered the biggest threat to the leading man status of Rama's son, Richard Gutierrez.

In her statement, Aquino also apologized to Rama for any distress that she and her family caused. "Hindi po ako mayabang, kaya ako nagpapakumbaba ngayon," she said.

She also said she told her brother that she is willing to move elsewhere if he wins the presidency and she is deemed a liability.

"I promised Noy that if he does win, and I'm a cause of stress for him and his presidency, I'll gladly take my 2 boys to live anywhere there is TFC so that I can continue to work but with our overseas Filipino brothers & sisters," she said.

She said Noynoy reprimanded her by saying: "Dinner daw yun- hindi teleserye ko."

Ruffa walks out of "The Buzz"

Rama admitted Sunday that she asked her daughter Ruffa to leave "The Buzz" set after she became fed up with co-host Aquino's constant interruptions during the show. "Naiinggit siya kay Ruffa siguro," Rama said during a phone interview over the talk show "Showbiz Central."

"Umiyak si Ruffa. Kanina pa, sa dressing room. Sabi ko, umalis ka na diyan sa The Buzz... Siya kasi makulit. Siya gusto niya magtrabaho. Ruffa, naiintindihan kita, nagtatrabaho ka sa ‘The Buzz’. Pero kung babastusin ka ni Kris eh hindi naman na tama iyon. At hindi ka lumalaban, eh binabara ka niya lagi. Ba't naman ganoon? Pinapabayaan mong api-apihin ka diyan?" she told host Pia Guanio.

Rama said that she already told ABS-CBN bosses that she was pulling out her daughter from the show.

"Ako, nagpaalam ako kay Cory [Vidanes, ABS-CBN Channel Head], kay Charo [Santos-Concio, ABS-CBN President], at saka kay Linggit Tan [ABS-CBN Head of Entertainment Production] na ipu-pull-out ko na si Ruffa. I did not tell them what's the reason, pero sa ginawa niya kay Ruffa... [kailangan ko sabihin sa] taumbayan, kaya ko pinull-out si Ruffa sa The Buzz, unang-una, pambabara ni Kris sa kanya di ko na ma-take," she said during the "Showbiz Central" interview.

"Ruffa, alam kong addict ka sa trabaho. Pero pag sa trabaho mo naman, kapag ginaganoon-ganoon ka ng mga kasama mo, hindi na tama 'yong ganyan. Kaya tama na pinaalis ko siya [at] mabuti na nakinig ka sa nanay mo," she said.

She also had some harsh words for Aquino.

"Kaya ako'y nananawagan sa taumbayan na huwag niyo na iboto si Noynoy [Aquino, Kris's brother running for the presidency], kasi hindi pa nga nananalo si Noynoy eh ang yabang-yabang na ni Kris. Akala mo siya na ang may-ari ng showbiz," she said during the interview.

Ballsy defends Kris

Aquino's older sister, Ballsy Aquino-Cruz, meanwhile defended Aquino from comments that she is turning into a liability for Noynoy.

"I don't think she's a liability. Everywhere I go they ask about Kris and am told they love her," she said.

Ballsy said Kris has been a big help in raising funds for their brother's presidential bid. Asked if Kris was turning Noynoy's campaign all about herself, she replied: "Of course not. That's so unfair naman. If you know Kris, you will see what a big, kind and generous heart she has."

Talent manager and columnist Lolit Solis, meanwhile, urged Kris to take a leave from showbiz talk shows for the duration of the campaign.

Solis said all of Aquino's words and actions could be twisted and used to attack Noynoy's campaign. Kris currently hosts "The Buzz" while she is a judge on ABS-CBN's talent show "Pilipinas Got Talent." She is also part of the cast of the primetime teleserye "Kung Tayo'y Magkakalayo."

She is currently on leave from her nightly gossip show "SNN."

The Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting earlier urged celebrity endorsers such as Kris Aquino and Willie Revillame to take a leave from their shows during election season. Aquino, however, said she is banned from using her shows to promote the candidacy of her brother.

Despite her walkout, Gutierrez has stated in her Twitter account that she will continue to support Noynoy's candidacy.

'Give my sister some space' - Noynoy

MANILA, Philippines – Kris Aquino-Yap’s only brother, Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, has appealed to media and the public to give his youngest sister time to sort out her personal problems.

Aquino reiterated his appeal amid the latest controversy faced by his sister and her husband, basketball star James Yap.

News reports said the actress-TV host made a scene outside the house of Mayen Austria in Valle Verde, Pasig City. While there, she allegedly hurled invectives at Austria, Yap’s rumored girlfriend, and at her mother.

On Friday, Aquino-Yap issued her side of the story. She denied the allegations against her.

The senator said his sister has yet to ask their other siblings for advice on the matter. He also could not confirm or deny if the incident really did happen as he was in La Union when news broke out.

The Liberal Party standard-bearer maintained that his sister’s problem is in no way connected to his candidacy and capacity to lead the country.

He also apologized for not being too “showbiz” about it.

Yap family airs side

Meanwhile, the star cager of Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants seemed unfazed by the controversy.

Yap was seen spending quality time with his son after a commercial shoot.

Yap’s parents also refused to be affected by the negative reports about their son and daughter-in-law.

Yap’s mother Annie made a similar appeal to put a stop to rumors about her son and daughter-in-law.

Mrs. Yap believes that her daughter-in-law is not capable of doing such a thing. She likewise belied reports that her son has another woman.

She added that politics could be behind the spread of negative reports about her family particularly since James’ father is running for a political post in Negros.

Who is Krista Ranillo?

MANILA – Actress Krista Ranillo (born Cristalle Lauren Tupaz Ranillo) is the talk of the town these days because she is being linked to Filipino boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao.

But very little is known of the 24-year-old sexy starlet, who has graced the covers of numerous men's magazines and starred in racy independent films.

Intrigues may be nothing new to Ranillo as she comes from a showbiz family. However, it is safe to say that her rumored affair with Pacquiao is the biggest intrigue she has faced yet.

Ranillo is the daughter of actor Matt Ranillo III and Linda Tupaz. She is the granddaughter of Matt Ranillo, Jr. and Gloria Sevilla, considered the "King and Queen of Visayan Movies."

Her father’s siblings, Suzette, Lilibeth, Dandin and Juni, also joined show business. Her step-grandfather is actor Amado Cortez, who comes from the Padilla showbiz clan which includes Rudy Fernandez, Robin Padilla, Carlos Padilla and Zsa Zsa Padilla.

According to The Internet Movie Database (IMDB.com), Krista’s name came from the movie “Kristo,” wherein her father played the title role of Jesus Christ.

It also reportedly comes from her birthday's (December 10) proximity to Christmas Day.

She started out in television soap operas in GMA-7 where she was under contract for almost 12 years. She took a break from showbiz from 2002 to 2007 to focus on her studies at the Ateneo de Manila University.

'Angelic but wicked'

She earned a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with tracks in Communication Arts and Psychology in 2007, and was reported to be a consistent Dean’s Lister.

In her school yearbook, Aegis '07, a write-up describes her thus: "Everyone beware of Krista Ranillo! With her angelic face, sweet smile, gorgeous body, and brains to die for, she seems heaven-sent."

"This religious, charming, talented artista/model/everything-else princess seems too good to be true," the write-up states, with glowing reviews of her loyalty and warmth as a friend.

However, the writer notes that Ranillo also has a naughty side.

"But behind that innocent facade lies a mischievous little devil who can make you believe that you can only buy blue books in the States and and that you missed a very important quiz when you were absent," it states.

Of her "wild side" the write-up goes: "When you're with Krista, you're sure to be laughing your head off with all her hilarious tricks and quick quips. It doesn't matter what you do together, for she's always ready to go along with anything spontaneously crazy."

She is described as a responsible student who "finishes her papers early so she can spend the weekend with her friends" and was often described by peers as being aloof.

"Often one of the first to rally loudly for a free cut in class, Krista is actually quite a nerd!" the text states. "Though some may think she's 'mataray' because she hardly hangs out in school, she's actually sleeping at home!"

"Truly, Krista Artista is a walking contradiction. Angelic but wicked, funny but serious, silly but nerdy, social but anti-social, sweet but naughty, caring but mischevious," the write-up says.

Already having the makings of a celebrity, Ranillo's batchmate ends the write-up with: "Can I have your autograph?!"

Wholesome to sexy

Krista Ranillo on the cover of MAXIM Philippines. She writes as a sex columnist for the magazine.

Ranillo shunned her wholesome image and became a sexy actress for her showbiz comeback. She even serves as the resident sex columnist for MAXIM Philippines.

Her father was opposed to her sexy image, and the two were reported to have fought over this issue for a time.

Her film credits include the action-drama flick Two-Timer (2002), followed by Chopsuey (2007), where Ranillo played the sister of actor Piolo Pascual, a Filipino-Chinese man on the throes of depression.

In 2008, Ranillo starred in the comedy film "Iskul Bukol: 20 Years After" as part of an ensemble cast.

She also starred in Paupahan (2008) as a bit-player actress who provides sexual favors for even the lowest-tier production staff while shooting a movie. She has scenes in the indie film where she goes topless.

This year, she starred in Marino, a film about seamen. Ranillo, who played the role of a prostitute, was cast along with Ara Mina and Allen Dizon (who produced the film Paupahan).

Krista signed up with ABS-CBN in 2008 and starred in Carlo J. Caparas’ “Pieta” alongside Ryan Agoncillo. She played the role of Martha, the love interest of Agoncillo’s character.

She also appeared in episodes of "Your Song" and "Maalaala Mo Kaya" and was also a temporary Star Patrol host for TV Patrol World.

Krista is part of the 2009 Metro Manila Film Festival entry "Wapakman" topbilled by Pacquiao. She is also set to star alongside Coco Martin in "Agimat: Ang Mga Alamat ni Ramon Revilla presents Tonyong Bayawak."

Love life

A mystery girl (left), said to be Krista Ranillo, rides shotgun with boxer Manny Pacquiao (right) after he guested on an American talk show.

According to numerous reports, Ranillo had been in a long-term relationship with television director Dominic Zapata. The pair were reportedly together for 7 years, though there are also reports that the pair have split up.

Most recently, she was romantically linked with her co-star in the film "Whapakman", boxer Manny Pacquiao.

Rumors swirled that the pair were having an off-screen affair after they were seen together at a party in Hong Kong.

During Pacquiao's latest bout with Puerto Rican boxer Miguel Cotto in Las Vegas, Ranillo was brought along with the "Pacquiao team." Entertainment reports alleged that Pacquiao paid for Ranillo's stay at a Las Vegas hotel.

A video on the internet also purportedly shows Pacquiao getting into a black sedan with a mystery girl (said to be Ranillo) in the passenger seat, after he guested on the US talk show "Jimmy Kimmel Live."

These rumors were further fueled when Pacquiao's wife Jinkee was seen crying during a thanksgiving mass after Pacquiao's "Firepower" match last Sunday, and refused efforts by Pacquiao to comfort her.

Mrs. Pacquiao also skipped out on her husband's after-party and mini-concert at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino.

Later on, actress Gina Alajar said on her Facebook account that Mrs. Pacquiao should not let Manny go since "Krista Ranillo is not worth it."

Answering comments posted on her Facebook page, Alajar went on to allege that Ranillo likes married men and that the young actress is short on values.

Ranillo was reported to be the cause of Alajar's split with her former husband, director and actor Michael de Mesa.

These rumors, however, were denied by her manager Arnold Vegafria. He insisted that Ranillo and Pacquiao are "just good friends."

Pacquiao refused to comment when abs-cbnNEWS.com pressed him on the issue, while Ranillo has yet to give a formal statement.

Gina Alajar clams up on Pacquiao-Krista 'affair'

MANILA - Veteran actress and director Gina Alajar was evasive Tuesday when sought for comment on the alleged affair between People’s Champ Manny Pacquiao and young sexy star Krista Ranillo.

In a phone interview, Alajar refused to further comment on the issue, saying she already issued a statement to a popular newspaper.

"Hindi na ako magco-comment doon," Alajar said.

Alajar was dragged into the issue after she posted a controversial shout out in her Facebook account in connection with the alleged Pacquiao-Ranillo affair. She wrote: “If I were Jinkee Pacquiao, I would not give up Manny. Krista Ranillo is not at all worth it!”

In 2001, reports said Alajar and former husband Michael de Mesa ended their marriage supposedly because of the actor’s alleged love affair with Ranillo, who is a current columnist for men’s magazine Maxim.

In a previous interview with abs-cbnNEWS.com, Pacquiao also sealed his lips on the issue.

"No comment ako diyan," said the pound-for-pound king in an interview with abs-cbnNEWS.com before he flew to Las Vegas.

The popular boxer also clammed up when asked to comment on reports that he and his “Wapakman” leading lady were spotted dating in Hong Kong.

Prior to Pacquiao’s fight on November 15 (Manila time), reports said the boxer and his wife, Jinkee, allegedly had an argument over a rumor that he was caught going inside Ranillo's hotel room in Las Vegas.

Ranillo was reportedly in the United States with her father, veteran actor Mat Ranillo III, to watch Pacquiao’s fight with Miguel Cotto.

Ranillo’s camp has already denied these rumors. Ranillo’s manager, Arnold Vegafria, maintained that the sexy star and Pacquiao are just “good friends.”

"She said that they are good friends and they are going out together as a group. That's all I know," Vegafria said.

Vegafria added: "They are doing a movie together. Krista and two of my artists are his leading ladies - Krista and Bianca King... I think this is also part of the promo. We will see. I will talk to Krista when she comes back."

Vegafria also maintained that Ranillo is happy being single.

"She's very aware of what's happening but she just laughed it off. And I spoke to her, she denied it. Sabi niya sa akin Manny is a married man and hindi siya pwedeng makisali. So ganoon, hanggang friends lang," Vegafria said.

Sharon ups 'reward' money to P10-M!

Remember the P1-M “reward” money Sharon Cuneta put up last year for whoever could produce “hard evidence” (pictures, etc.) that her husband, Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, has a mistress?

Sharon named that “price” sure as she is that the persistent rumor is untrue and without basis.

Don’t look now but Sharon is even willing to raise the amount to — hold your breath — P10-M because she said she knows fully well, convinced beyond any doubt, that the rumor is the product of an evil mind’s wild imagination.

“In this age of the Internet and sophisticated cellphones,” said Sharon during a one-on-one with Funfare the other day after the press launch of her new album Children’s Rhymes and Lullabies (released by Sony Music), “how come nobody is producing any proof?”

The “old issue” was casually brought up during the one-on-one because Kiko has already announced his intention to run for vice president in the 2010 elections, again as an Independent like he did in 2007 when he ran for reelection.

For sure, skeletons will be rattled and Kiko’s opponents will dig up as much “dirt” (if any) as they can, including the yarn about his having “another woman” with whom he has not just one but two children (daw).

“What else can they throw at us?” asked Sharon. “Everything about us is public knowledge. There’s nothing left to dig up.”

Asked if she’s ready to be a Second Lady, Sharon said she is.

“It’s something you should prepare for.”

Sharon graced the Rock The Vote concert held a few days ago to encourage new voters (numbering more than one million) to register and, that’s it, vote in 2010. Kiko was among those who organized the event.

“I am supporting my husband all the way,” she stressed, adding that she and Kiko thoroughly discussed his 2010 plan before Kiko announced it. “I believe in my husband’s ability.”

Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos is being lured by some presidentiables as their running mate. If Gov. Vilma says “yes,” she’ll be pitted right smack with Kiko.

What if...? Funfare asked Sharon who is an avowed Vilmanian.

“Of course,” she said, “I will have to root for my husband. I’m sure Vilma will understand. If, for example, her husband Ralph (Recto, director-general of the National Economic Development Authority) would run against my husband, siempre Vilma would rally behind Ralph.”

In the meantime, while the start of the campaign is eight months away, Sharon is focused on her career.

Her latest movie, Star Cinema’s BFF (Best Friends Forever), a riotous comedy directed by Wenn Deramas and co-starring Ai-Ai delas Alas, shows to the hilt Sharon’s comic side which has never been fully exploited. BFF pokes fun at the two stars’ physical defects — Sharon’s excess poundage and Ai-Ai’s prominent chin — and moviegoers lap up with gusto the two stars’ self-deprecating humor.

“I enjoyed doing the movie,” admitted Sharon. “It was so much fun that after the shooting, I really missed everybody.”

She’s now busy promoting the Sony album which is divided into four parts, each consisting of English songs with corresponding Filipino translations: School/Learning Time (Alphabet Song, Seven Days a Week/Pitong Araw Sa Isang Linggo, Sampung Mga Daliri, etc.); Play Time (I’m A Little Teapot/Ako Ay Maliit na Pitsel, Maliliit Na Gagamba/Eency Weency Spider, etc.); Activity Time (Magtanim Ay Di Biro/Bahay Kubo, Leron Leron Sinta, etc.); and Sleep Time (Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, When You Wish Upon A Star, etc.), plus the bonus track You’re My #1 from Sharon’s Nido Milk TV commercial. The CD comes with a Sing-Along with Sharon Disc 2.

She’s also preparing for her US concert tour that will start at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas, produced by US-based journalist Jackie Regala; and, possibly, the production of an indie movie in which she herself might star.

But even if she and ex-husband Gabby Concepcion have recently already “made peace” personally when they crossed paths in ABS-CBN, much to the relief of their daughter KC who had been wishing for it, Sharon dismissed any possibility of them doing a “reconciliation” movie (preferably with KC) — not now anyway...not with the forthcoming 2010 elections.

“I don’t want my family to be dragged into the movie’s promotion and publicity,” said Sharon, referring especially to her and Kiko’s young daughters Frankie and Miel who are too young to draw a line between the reel and the real. “It’s enough that Gabby and I have talked na personally although we’d been talking on the phone.”

And what did she and Gabby talk about this time?

“Wala lang. About small things.”

Nothing heavy, really.