N SPITE of his big success as a boxer, Manny Pacquiao still has his heart in show business. In fact, a lot of people consider his fight as not just for the gold, nor for the honor it has brought our country, but more so for entertainment.

The non-title fight looked bigger than other title fights by lesser interesting boxers. But Manny, being a showbiz person that he is, has become an icon. He is good as a boxer, that's a fact, but he's better as an entertainer. He has made the world stopped for a moment, to see the end of the Mexican Erik Morales saga, as seen by millions of spectators around the world. It was like watching "Lord of the Rings" and rejoicing on how the midgets won over the challenges to keep the rings. Now, Manny has kept the ring for himself, his country, his fans. So, what's next? We are sure Manny is going to make a new movie.

Whether it would click at the box-office like he did his fight in Las Vegas or not is still a big question. His last movie, "Lisensiyadong Kamao" bombed at the tills. But like what we've said, no matter what, Manny loves making movies. Producer Mommy Rose Flaminiano knows that. That's the reason why she went to Las Vegas to make the first movie offer to Manny, after his historical win.

Who will be his leading lady? Juliana Palermo was also there in Las Vegas to watch him, and people surmise that she would be her. We don't know whether Mommy Rose and Manny have ended forging a contract, but for sure, Manny is going to make a new movie. Why, he could finance it himself. With his winning money, he's the richest boxer in Philippine history now. He could produce the movie himself. Next round, please.

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THERE have been a lot of actors who have been victims of rumors of being gay.
 
So, what's new when newcomer Sam Milby becomes the next target? Well, that's how it is in local showbiz. Even the likes of Christopher de Leon, Edu Manzano, Phillip Salvador and others who, at one time or another, became victims of such rumor. And just recently, Piolo Pascual. But the end justifies the means, so they say. What you become in showbiz is what you do. Sam, for his part, can just shrug them off and go on with his career. He has a bright future, if only he could take good care of it. In his first movie, Star Cinema's  "Close To You" with Bea Alonzo and John Lloyd Cruz, he completes the love triangle.

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There are rumors that estranged lovers Ethel Booba and Alex Crisano are back in each other's arms again despite their public confession that everything is over between them. 

Lately, the two were seen together in several occasions, an indication that they have reconciled. But neither one of them would confirm nor deny said allegation. Ano ba talaga, Ethel?

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Total Entertainer Rico J. Puno, an exponent of OPM (Original Pilipino Music) in the 70's, has been in the entertainment business for over three decades now but he's glad that he is still singing and performing up to this time not only in the Philippines but also in other countries.

"Napakasipag ng manager (Norma Japitana) ko, she takes care of my bookings at hindi siya nagpapahinga sa paghahanap sa trabaho not only for me but also for her other talents kaya hindi rin kami nawawalan ng trabaho," says the Makati councilor.

"When you don't see me here, tiyak na nagtatanghal ako sa ibang bansa. Ang nakakatuwa lang, hanggang ngayon ay mainit pa rin ang pagtanggap ng ating mga kababayan sa akin at sa ating musika. Hindi talaga sila nagsasawa. Ito 'yung rason kung bakit pabalik-balik kami ng Amerika at sa iba pang parte ng mundo kung saan may mga Pinoy," he relates.

Rico J. is excited to work with the current top entertainers like Regine Velasquez, Ogie Alcasid and Ai-Ai de las Alas in a two-night pre-Valentine concert at the Big Dome on February 10 and 11.

"First time ko silang makakatrabaho kaya excited ako. At saka, iba ang konsepto ng concert kaya mas lalong exciting," he beams.

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