From boy to girl, Rustom Padilla is now BeBe Gandanghari

By Joseph Peter R. Gonzales

After a three-months in America, Rustom Padilla is back and surprised everyone with his new screen name: BB (for Binibini) Gandanghari, which he announced on national television via a guest appearance in GMA-7?s Startalk.

Rustom, who now insists she is a woman, came in on the set like in full female outfit and do, answered questions from Joey de Leon, Lolit Solis, Butch Francisco, and Ricky Lo.

?Rustom doesn?t exist anymore! He?s dead! I am BeBe,? he firmly said and refused to answer questions that have something to do with Rustom.

Asked about the possible reaction of his immediate family regarding this development, BeBe said, ?I promise not to give them humiliation despite this big change in me. I?ll be a good girl.?

It was learned that while in New York, BeBe studied modeling and enrolled himself in a Pilates class to achieve a more woman-like figure.

Now that he?s back in town and with a new identity, many are curious if he has a boyfriend already.

?Actually, I?m not yet ready to fall in love at this point in time. I?d rather concentrate on my career. But I must admit I don?t want to grow old alone. It?s just that my career is my priority as of now. If plans won?t miscarry, I?ll be starting a film soon so I hope the people will watch out for it.?

For his preferred leading man in his future projects, BeBe singled out Richard Gomez as his top choice.

?For one, he?s taller than me. I think we?ll make a great pair on screen,? he said as a matter of fact.

Based on the audience?s warm reception of BeBe inside the studio, it?s time people in show business forget about Rustom Padilla.

Echo now in Betty La Fea

Jericho Rosales is the latest actor in the ABS-CBN?s re-imagining of Yo soy Betty la fea, known here as I Love Betty La Fea.

Jericho plays a character named Aldo, a surfer. Most of his scenes will be on the beach. Many are asking what?s going to wear in the show.

?I?ll be in board shorts. I?m also told to be topless in many scenes. This is the reason why I?ve been working out religiously of late to achieve a leaner frame in preparation for the role. But definitely, I will not be caught wearing a skimpy [pair of] trunks,? announces the handsome actor.

As Aldo, Echo will form a love triangle in the story with Bea Alonzo and John Lloyd Cruz. Isn?t he afraid that the fans of the two will get mad at him?

?For me, it?s work. It?s not my cup of tea to intrude into any partnership. I am sure that the fans now are more intelligent. They know that it?s just a role. Actually, it?s a good part. The production team assured me that Aldo will be a fun and interesting character. And he?s not an antagonist!?

Incidentally, this will be his maiden screen collaboration with Cruz. As early as now, the viewers are excited to see them acting on the same screen considering their impressive track record as two of their mother studio?s best bets in the acting department. There?s the question as to who will upstage who.

?Honestly, I don?t think about it. I don?t want to be affected by it. I welcomed the idea of working with John Lloyd in this soap because I wanted to work with a good actor like him. I am not here for an acting duel with him.

?Upstaging a co-actor is not my cup of tea. For one, it?ll be a waste of time. It?s like crab mentality. And I hate that. The success of the show largely depends on everybody. It?s a concerted effort. I?ve always been a team player!?

With all his past achievements, insecurity has no room in Echo?s being.

?I feel comfortable with my present stature and so does John Lloyd for sure. Actually, it?s not only him whom I want to work with. There?s also Piolo [Pascual]. You know, there are lots of competent actors in our stable and it will be a truly great experience to work with them in the future,? ends the hunky actor.

Not based on her own life

Rufa Mae Quinto says that her character in her latest potboiler Single under Viva and her very own Q 28 Productions is not really based on her.

?Actually, my role in the story is [someone who is] panicky because she?s already in her early 30s yet, she?s not even engaged when all of her girl pals have already tied the knot. So, she?s in a desperate search for Mr. Right. In real life, I?m not saying I don?t dream to be settled with someone in the future but as of now, I still enjoy being single,? reveals the voluptuous comedienne-host.

Her last relationship was with the Latino Bobby Lopez. As expected, their long-distance relationship didn?t work out. After it fizzled out, she was reported to have gotten close to Single co-star Jon Avila who is very vocal in saying that he likes her so much. What?s the real score between them?

?Actually, I don?t want to talk about guys at this point in time to stop all the malice. I was advised by some people to be quiet, for a change, with regard to my love life and that?s just what I?m doing.??

?Regarding Jon, he?s really thoughtful. But, what really attracts me to him is his professionalism. I admire his dedication, and I appreciate that since I am the producer of the film, his unwavering support makes me work harder.

?Jon is also like the others who became my friends while doing the project. There?s Rafael Rosell. Mark Bautista, too. Paolo Contis has been very supportive and he?s an old friend. I?m blessed to be in very good company while finishing the project, especially, with our director, Jose Javier Reyes. With his sunshiny approach, work has become more fun and light for the rest of the cast.?

Rufa Mae considers her single status a way to accomplish more tasks and personal dreams sans restrictions.

?Many tell me I can marry anytime I want now, but the $64-question is, ?Who is the guy I?m going to share the rest of my life with?? And one more thing, I still have my family. They keep me going, and they are always there for me. I?m very secure when it comes to my personal life, that?s why it?s not really a big deal if my love life always gets derailed.?

For the wacky star, she just wants to make use of her time wisely while waiting for the man who will sweep her off her feet.

??I still have to work hard and save for the dream house that I want to call my own. For the longest time, the welfare of my family was my top priority. I think and feel it?s about time to think about myself. So, while the guy is not yet around and I have not found him, I guess life has to go on, and I don?t want to miss the opportunities. I am a certified workaholic and I enjoy it. It comes with being single,? Rufa Mae sums up.