Sacred lines, silly love and smart career moves

Actor Boom Labrusca may be late in calling out the inappropriateness of shirtless, seductive dancing men during the Sto. Niño Festival celebration in Tondo. That kind of performance is not part of the holy observance — which is precisely why it takes place outside the Sto. Niño Church, not inside it. No self-respecting priest would ever allow such a display within church walls.

Those grinning, well-bodied men should never imagine that their seductive street dancing was a holy offering to the Sto. Niño. It simply was not.

The inclusion of this kind of provocative dancing actually began with Cebu’s Sinulog Festival, which is more of a tourism-driven spectacle than a strictly religious event. Even there, the performances happen on the streets — not inside the church.

Those who feel scandalized by such dancing should simply not watch it. And they should stop whining about it.

And no — it is not true that these dancers were holding images of the Sto. Niño while performing. No decent person would allow their beloved Niño to be part of what borders on a devilish act.

When love makes celebrities sound silly

Pinoy showbiz stars can turn completely illogical in the name of love. A prime example is Barbie Imperial and Richard Gutierrez, who recently admitted they are indeed a couple — with “no plans to hide it” — yet also claimed they “simply don’t want it known,” arguing that people cannot destroy what they don’t know.

The contradictory statement was made during an interview with JRB Creative Productions’ social media platforms on 18 January. The two will star in the upcoming series Blood vs. Duty, alongside Gerald Anderson and Bela Padilla.

Catriona Gray’s acting debut

Not all Pinoy stars made questionable choices this week. Some did something genuinely smart — like Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, who is set to make her acting debut in The Loved One, the reunion film of Anne Curtis and Jericho Rosales.

The announcement was made by Gray’s management company, Cornerstone Entertainment, on January 20. Cornerstone is also producing the film.

A glimpse of Gray’s character was revealed in the trailer released on 19 January, showing her in what appears to be a strong supporting role that could influence the love story between Rosales and Curtis’ characters. One scene shows Gray locking eyes with Rosales; another shows them chatting over beer.

According to Cornerstone, Gray added a “special flavor” to her role with the guidance of filmmaker Irene Villamor.

“The Loved One officially marks Gray’s acting debut — a much-awaited and well-deserved new feather in her cap,” Cornerstone said. “Since winning Miss Universe 2018 nearly eight years ago, Catriona has continuously proven she is a true multi-hyphenate queen.”

Aira Lopez shows grace amid gossip

Aira Lopez and her boyfriend, Batangas Vice Governor Mark Leviste, are not showbiz stars — but their association with media icon Kris Aquino has kept them in the spotlight. Leviste was once romantically linked to Aquino and recently sent her flowers and chocolates, sparking gossip.

Lopez, however, responded with grace.

TV host-athlete Lopez addressed a Facebook post suggesting that Leviste’s gesture might mean a possible reconciliation with Aquino, who is currently recovering from surgery while battling 11 autoimmune diseases.

“‘Wag na po nating gawing issue ang lahat (Let’s not make an issue of everything),” Lopez said. “Whether he gave chocolates or not, wala pong problema sa akin (I have no problem with it). I even encourage Mark to visit Ms. Kris in the hospital.”

“I sincerely wish her well and pray for her recovery,” she added.

Now that is what you call a decent woman.

Liza Soberano finally wises up

Liza Soberano, who has long pursued stardom in the US, has unfollowed two former boyfriends on Instagram: Enrique Gil and Jeffrey Oh, whom she met through Gil.

Perhaps out of loneliness, Soberano once accepted Oh as a boyfriend despite being aware of his criminal record. Nothing screams helplessness more than that — but it appears she has finally come to her senses.

As of Monday, 19 January, Soberano is no longer following either Gil or Oh. Gil has also unfollowed her. Oh’s account remains private, so it is unclear whether he returned the favor.

In a 2024 interview, actor James Reid revealed that Oh owed him over P100 million, along with other unsettled liabilities from various companies, which eventually led to Oh’s termination.

The lesson is simple: If you hang out with thieves, you may soon become one.

Play sweet — and smart — Liza Soberano.