Over and done with

By Joseph Peter R. Gonzales

In the March 14 edition of Cool Center?Hello, It?s Me!, GMA-7?s new late night weekly talk show hosted by Anjo Yllana and Eugene Domingo, Jomari Yllana finally aired his side on the controversy between him and Martin Nievera the cause of which is his silence over his break-up with Pops Fernandez. Prior to this, the Concert King declared that Jom is no longer okay with him for breaking the heart of his former wife and that he doesn?t want to collaborate with him again for a project. Ironically, this sad state of event followed the huge success of Missing You, Pops and Martin?s recent reunion concert that Jom?s production company produced.

The following are excerpts from Jomari?s official statement:

?Mr. Martin Nievera, I think I don?t owe you any explanation nor am I accountable and responsible to you for my actions. Actually, Pops and I already settled things. We had a three-hour talk and whatever transpired in our conversation, we promised to just keep to ourselves. But I assure you that we settled the issues between us in a mature manner.

 ?The love and respect Pops and I feel for each other remain. And I want to thank her for clearing the issues surrounding us of late. In doing so, my name is cleared in the eyes of the public.

 ?After my conversation with her, I even told a close friend that it?s the first time that my breakup with someone went on fine: no hurt or anger whatsoever. It feels good!

 ?What I can?t understand is why you?re dragging yourself into the scene which obviously involves only me and Pops. When the two of you had a conflict, I kept my distance because I knew I should be out of the frame.

?With regards to your statement that you don?t want to work with me anymore, that?s your prerogative. As far as my production is concerned, we settled our obligations with you accordingly. In fact, we made you and Pops the highest-paid concert local entertainers to date.

?I don?t remember doing something offending to you in the past Mr. Nievera. I?m just a quiet guy. And I want to tell you that I?m handling my situation in a very mature way. You didn?t lose Pops because of me. You lost her because of your immaturity, which you are again doing.

?Lastly, I want to apologize to the public if I?ve chosen to be mum about my split-up with Pops. What?s important is that we already settled the pressuring issues. And the good thing is, we mutually agreed to retain our friendship. And as a sign of my respect to our almost four-year relationship, I would rather remember the beautiful memories we shared than make a big circus out of our breakup.?

According to Jomari, it?s his last time to talk about the matter.

Is it really the end of the issue or Martin will answer back?

Let?s see in the coming days.

Irreplaceable

Asked who among today?s younger crop of male singers would probably follow in his and pal Martin Nievera?s footsteps, Gary Valenciano says there?s none.

?I believe that there will be no artist who can replace Martin and me. I think we are two accomplished artists of a particular season and a particular time in the local music industry but definitely there will be better performers in the future who will set the standards in their time. There will always be a comparison but it?s just fine because it keeps the public longing and wanting for more. It keeps them excited to discover what Filipino artists can greatly offer,? he explains.

Interestingly, after his very successful 25th anniversary concert at the Big Dome, local music scene?s Mr. Pure Energy expressed his interest to go back into acting. Many know that apart from being an outstanding singer and dancer, he?s also a good actor. He even won a Best Actor trophy from the Star Awards for Television then.

During the late ?80s until the early ?90s, he made lots of hit and memorable potboilers which starred him opposite some of the country?s most popular female stars like Ibulong Mo sa Diyos (with Batangas Governor and Star for All Seasons Vilma Santos-Recto), Kaputol ng Isang Awit (with Megastar Sharon Cuneta-Pangilinan), Maria Went to Town (with Diamond Star Maricel Soriano), Hataw Na (with Miss Universe Dayanara Torres), and Natutulog Pa ang Diyos (with Grand Slam Queen Lorna Tolentino).

?I very much welcome the idea of doing acting jobs in the coming days. I?m excited to do movies. In fact, there?s an offer I?m studying at present. I can?t divulge the details yet but the cast lineup is pretty interesting. It?s so hush-hush, even the story line, I still don?t know yet. But I?m thrilled with the thought,? states Gary.

Sexy Mark 

Many notice Mark Anthony Fernandez?s sexy built. According to one of the male leads in GMA-7?s recently launched soap opera All About Eve, he has Ricky Davao to thank for.

?He was the one who advised me on how to trim fast. He gave me a technique: I bought a poster of Brad Pitt and forced myself to look at it every day. That way, I felt challenged and inspired to achieve a leaner and sexier figure like my idol. Funny but it worked!? reveals Mark.

As to his being a second choice to Diether Ocampo for the role of Kenneth in All About Eve, the talented actor doesn?t mind.

?Actually, what?s important is I?m the last choice. I?m lucky with projects which weren?t originally mine.?