FTER three soaps (Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay, It Might Be You, Ikaw Lang Ang Mamahalin) and two films (First Romance, Now That I Have You) together, Bea Alonzo says John Lloyd Cruz had finally been more communicative while they were doing Close To You.

"He used to just keep quiet and keep to himself in one corner during shooting breaks," she says. "Now, he makes an effort to make small talk and I really got closer to him."

Is it because John reportedly got insecure of Sam Milby while they were shooting the movie?

"No," says John quickly. "Why should I feel insecure when I know mas matagal ang pinagsamahan namin ni Bea? Besides, I know Sam is being linked to another girl [Toni Gonzaga]."

They admit they're now more comfortable in each other's company.

"Unlike before, na lahat trabaho lang," adds John, "this time, we've learned to care for one another not just as co-actors but as good friends. As to where this is all eventually going, we don't know yet. All I know is that I'm discovering a lot more good things about Bea and I'm really getting to appreciate her company even more."

In Close To You, Bea and John play childhood friends with him harboring a secret love for her. When former classmate Sam Milby returns from the US as a pop idol, Bea follows him during his concert tour, very much enamoured with him.

The film turns into a love-triangle story, and Sam fears he might antagonize diehard Bea-John fans.

"I'm happy to be starring with them in my very first movie but I hope their fans will understand that this is just work for me and I don't want to look like a villain who's separating them from each other," he says.

Sam gets to sing the film's theme song and also that of the ABS-CBN Koreanovela Only You.

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CONGRATS to Sharon Cuneta for her hit My MegaValentine Concert at the Big Dome.

Stars who went to watch her included Aga Muhlach, Charlene Gonzales, Gary V, Robin Padilla, Ciara Sotto, Rachelle Ann Go, Pinky de Leon, but the loudest went to Manny Pacquiao, whom Sharon asked to join her on stage.

Sharon's entire family — Mommy Elaine, husband Sen. Kiko, kids Frankie and Miel, and brothers and sisters — were there to support her. Her spiels were so hilarious as she can shamelessly make fun of her self. She was jubilant over her new slimmer figure and proudly proclaimed she can now see her toes.

She gave beautiful renditions of Barry Manilow songs, and did fantastic duets with Christian Bautista (My Prayer), Christopher de Leon (Sana'y Maghintay Ang Walang Hanggan), Kuh Ledesma (a medley of Ryan Cayabyab compositions), and the upbeat songs they all sang together were really great, particularly I'll Never Fall In Love Again.

It's really a perfect show for the Valentine season.

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WE saw Pinoy Big Brother Director Lauren Dyogi in the show and he happily reported to us that the PBB Celebrity Edition is rating much higher than the previous one.

They just had their first nomination night for eliminations and the three nominees are Keanna Reeves who got nine votes, DJ Rico Robles, and Mang Rudy Fernandez whom his colleagues pitied because he had high blood pressure and developed blisters on his amputated leg while staying in Big Brother's House.

The developments during the show's first week are really very interesting.

John Prats opened up about his past relationship with Heart Evangelista and told the other housemates how they'd celebrate their "monthsary."

Keanna and Budoy have great bonding as they both speak Visayan. Budoy is a real funny character who sings all the time.

It's also revealed that Rico and Roxanne had met each other in the past and Rico was in love with her even then, but she didn't reciprocate it. Now, he's trying his best to win her but she seems cold and distant to him.

The housemates also presented their new dance routine for the new PBB theme song Sikat Ang Pinoy, with Rustom and Bianca as lead choreographers. Some viewers tell us, though, that they prefer the original theme song of the Orange and Lemons.

In place of Wowowee, the housemates now occupy the slot after Kris Aquino's game show, with Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Challenge where they get to play all sorts of hilarious games. So you can now see them at noontime and in primetime, too.

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