Maricar Reyes, 24-karat woman!

BUZZSTATION

Edgar Cruz

06/15/2010

Since stepping into the limelight, Maricar has given the public many reasons to admire her. The 25-year-old actress and model’s unusual strength of character made her an icon for women everywhere.

From the moment Maricar decided to cast her lot in show business two years ago, it didn’t take people long to realize that she was cut above the rest. Her credentials — a BS Biology degree from the Ateneo de Manila University with a medical education from the University of Santo Tomas — spoke for themselves. A commercial model, she made her mark in the business by how well she registered on camera and, more important, how well she carried herself off it.

Maricar seemed to be to the business born. Her star rose quickly, perhaps faster than most people expected. It was actually Star Magic head and TV and concert director Johnny “Mr.M” Manahan who paved the way for her entry into the business. Although she did not have any real acting experience except for her TV commercial, he invited Maricar to join the network’s stable of stars. He put her through acting workshops with some of the best creative mentors in the business to hone her talent.

Today, Maricar continues to challenge herself in different ways. Outside of showbiz, she took up running, joining triathlons and training as hard as any other athlete. Of course, her being a doctor is what has taught Maricar the value of being healthy and fit. She eats healthy, exercises regularly and most of all tries to channel positive thoughts. When things become too difficult, Maricar turns to God. When there are trials that come her way, her main weapon is prayer. “I pray a lot,” she says.

Maricar is a survivor. She’s proven that time and again, leaving no doubt in people’s minds that she is one star who will go the distance in showbiz, if not life itself. This was what made Karat World decide to sign her up as its new celebrity endorser. As the face of Karat World’s year-long “Because we deserve it” campaign, Maricar will help communicate the brand’s message that women deserve the finest in life simply because they are who they are.

Karat World’s main target market is the woman of today: Strong, independent-minded and driven. Maricar Reyes has faced the challenges of showbiz gracefully and with poise. She is a survivor. Nowadays, her career is on the upswing, with a number of TV and movie projects that are lined up for her. She was even voted the Fastest Rising Star of 2009. That is why Karat World has selected Maricar Reyes, doctor, triathlete, model and celebrity, but above it all a woman who has successfully proven that anyone can stand up after a storm and come out a winner everytime.

Enzo Pineda, born to be a hero

Nineteen-year-old Enzo Pineda, Starstruck V First Prince, joined the Bench show at the Philippine Fashion Week at the SMX Convention Center. Enzo is born to model. Six foot tall, his mom is former Rustan’s model Macy Macam; his dad is boxing champ Manny Pacquiao agent Enrico Pineda. Combining good looks, extraordinary height and his parents’ marketing savvy, Enzo is bound to be a star. Magazine pictorials are occupying him now as he’s also joining the Bench show at Araneta Coliseum in July.

Things are happening fast to Enzo’s entertainment career. He replaces Mark Herras in GMA7’s high-rating kantaserye Diva, a Regine Velasquez starrer. Mark will move to Langit sa Piling Mo, an original story by Senedy Que and directed by Gil Tejada. Enzo comes from a well-to-do family. Into soccer, football, archery and taekwondo, he says he and his brother were raised by their parents to be independent, and he is out to prove to everyone that he is his own man. He was taking up entrepreneurial management at the University of Asia and the Pacific before deciding to audition for StarStruck V.

As part of GMA Artist Center (GMAAC), Enzo is taking acting and self-development workshops handled by mentors such as Miggy Tanchangco, Freddie Santos and Gina Alajar, among others. He has set his sights on becoming a versatile performer. Last night, he appeared in Show Me Da Manny. He is also looking forward to starring with Sarah Lahbati, Steven Silva and Diva Montelaba in a future episode of Love Bug (The Last Romance).

For sure, Enzo is occupied with television guesting. But if you’ll ask him, he wants to be a screen superhero. He has the hero stance that characterizes the savior of the oppressed and conqueror of villains. No wonder it made sense when he joked that he is wishing to become a superhero who televiewers will find awe-inspiring and realistic. He does have the credentials, and the fact he has earned the tag Crush Ng Bayan makes his little quip much more of a prophecy. He once quipped, “I have to play with my strenghts.”

It should not come as big surprise if Enzo does land a superhero role soon, even if he is tapped for a heavy drama character, a villain or a weakling. He has his sights in growing as a versatile actor doing varied portrayals. Promisingly he has a very good shot at it, much as his Pinoy hero goal. He added, “I’d like to be a good example for people my age. Whatever challenge that come my way, I’ll face it.”

As for his association to the other four Starstruck V winners, Enzo believes that the collective strength of them being together is a good starting point for their careers. Their weekly performances as regular hosts for GMA7’s Party Pilipinas both empower the Starstruck goal of exposing highly qualified artistas as well as their individual impacts among entertainment fans. Enzo’s outgoing personality seems to reflect positively a disciplined persona. That appeal, or better said X factor, will propel him to greater heights, with or without a cape.

Gabby will be there for KC on Father’s Day

When KC Concepcion was quizzed at the I’ll Be There media conference at Tyay Restaurant on why she stood up Jericho Rosales in their scheduled movie date, her face turned red. The same thing happened when Gabby Concepcion was asked about the other children he fathered out of wedlock. It looks like the reaction is common among daughter and dad. But we did not see the end. Up until now, the mediacon’s organizers are getting the flak why such a big event was held in such a small venue.

But KC still will celebrate Father’s Day with Gabby in theaters nationwide, of course, and Sen. Kiko at home! Aptly timed for Father’s Day, I’ll Be There will truly be remembered not just by fathers, but also by families in general.

Starting tomorrow, Star Cinema proudly brings an event you never thought would happen. Jericho, KC, and Gabby star in I’ll Be There, a story about forgiveness, acceptance and unconditional love. Opening on June 16, I’ll Be There, megged by Maryo J. Delos Reyes, will captivate Filipino all over the world.

Ever since Gabby came back to Manila in 2008, fans have been endlessly requesting for him and his daughter to have a project. Two years later, the wish is granted. I’ll Be There is an almost true-to-life story of a father Poch dela Cerna (Gabby) who left his daughter Maxi dela Cerna (KC) at an early age and was reunited after more than 10 years of separation. The movie gave Gabby and KC a chance to spend more time together, in an attempt to make up for lost time.

New York-based Maxi dela Cerna (KC) is an up-and-coming fashion designer who has been sponsored to open her own boutique. Her recently deceased mother left her with a piece of land in the province, part of the conjugal property she shared with Poch dela Cerna (Gabby). The uptight, guarded Maxi struggles to immerse herself in life in the farm where she meets Tomy Santibanez (Jericho), her childhood friend who is mending his immature ways with his seven-year-old son.

Eurasia, Europe and Asia girls

The country’s wonder girls and Viva’s newest sensation to date has begun to conquer their turf, Europe and Asia as their name suggests, with their recent Asian tour considered a smash ht. The five-member feminine force is set to perform in parts of Europe this month and by July will be back re-invading crowds in other parts of Asia. The strikingly pretty girls behind the hit remake of the classic “Working Girls” movie theme adds another glitter to their accomplishments with the release of their self-titled debut album from Viva records.

The classy, sexy group is composed of Filipino-Japanese Kristine Nieto (who placed first-runner up in the Be Bench search), Filipino-German Lana Roi (pageant winner spearheaded by Century Tuna), pure Pinay Gail Nicolas (2007 Mossimo Bikini Summit grand champion), Filipino-Italian Sara Polverino (Ang TV alumna), and Filipino-British Kelly Ann Gamboa of Davao. They are currently seen regularly performing on GMA’s weekly Party Pilipinas.

The carrier single of Eurasia’s 12-track package, “Ikaw ay Perfect,” approprietly suggests tonal flattery and the perfect 10 look. Other original cuts are “Kaya mo ‘Yan,” “Honey, My Honey,” “Don’t Be Shy, Boy,” “Hinding-hindi (Ka Magsisisi),” “Floating,” “All I Want,” “Init Ay Madarama,” and “Sumayaw.” There are also cool renditions of “Walk Like an Egyptian” and “Mambobola.”

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