Cristina Decena made her millions from real estate and other business endeavors. Her name has also been linked to some showbiz affairs, from her romantic involvement with Phillip Salvador many years back, to her failed marrige to Ariel Villasanta – whose late mom Elvie had a comedy show that Cristina also produced. Still, she keeps embarking on new projects despite the fact that she has to be heavily guarded (in her home or wherever she goes) following an attempt on her life last year.
Cristina’s latest venture is a TV show titled “Business Flight,” co-hosted by beauty queen Venus Raj, who is now a freelancer after her stint with ABS-CBN. “When I was being fired upon by hired killers last year, my prayer was ‘Lord, huwag mo ako pabayaan, maraming tao ang umaasa sa akin. Maraming taong mawawalan ng trabaho kung mawala ako sa mundo.’ My son was driving for me that day and it was also his presence of mind that saved us. Ever since, lumakas ang pananalig ko sa Diyos,” she shared. Hence, “I’d like to continue helping people. I’d like to share my blessings.” “Business Flight” will feature people like Cristina who worked hard and became successful in their fields. She will be traveling around the world in search of Pinoys with inspiring success stories. So far, they’ve taped episodes in London, Japan and other parts of Asia. Meanwhile, Venus will be hosting a segment on arts, culture and food. Cristina noted, “Venus is very much like me na nag-pursige to succeed despite poverty. Her own life story is inspiring.” Venus isn’t new to TV hosting and has opted to put acting in the backburner to concentrate more on her studies at the University of the Philippines. “I’m taking my masters degree in Community Development. My undergrad is Journalism. Gusto ko pong maging teacher in the future,” Venus said. “Business Flight” premieres today and will air every Sunday at 9 a.m. on GMA News TV.
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Hotel Sogo Celebrates 21st Foundation Day
Hotel Sogo, which opened its first branch in Bagong Barrio, Caloocan City in February 1993, recently celebrated its 21st Foundation Day. The event held at Elements at Centris was attended by the hotel’s top executives and directors: CEO Edmundo Las, COO Gus Corpus, Finance Director Raul Dy, HRD Director Rolina Dimalanta, Engineering Director Onin Delos Santos, and Sogo Employee Relations Council Chairman Joey Flores. Also present were the various Sector Heads, the Branch Managers, Department Heads and the Board of Directors. Graced by performers Nataraha Dancers, Daddy’s Home and Faith Cuneta, the celebration also aimed to acknowledge the roles of their employees in attaining the company’s vision: To be the leader in the lodging industry and to be the largest hotel chain in the Philippines. Recognition was given to those that have rendered five, 10, 15 and 20 years of continuous and loyal service to the company. Apart from Manager of the Year and Branch of the Year Awards, the Masipag Awards were also given to employees with exceptional traits. Hotel Sogo’s 33 branches nationwide, with its newest in Naga City, have features like numerous in-house movie channels and piped-in digital music. It is the only hotel where guests are welcomed with the traditional Japanese bow that, according to its officers, “epitomizes the distinct level of courtesy and service that sets us apart from our competitors.”
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Brillante Mendoza Film Production Workshops
Center Stage Productions, chaired by Cannes Best Director Brillante Mendoza, will conduct its first “Brillante Mendoza Film Production Workshops” from March 31 until April 5. This was announced recently by Zoe delos Santos, communications director of Center Stage Philippines. The weeklong intensive workshop on filmmaking features renowned and awarded filmmakers such as Chito Roño and Joel Lamangan as speakers. Speakers for the acting workshop are Eugene Domingo and Coco Martin. The scriptwriting class will be under Armando Lao, while the cinematography workshop will be handled by Odie Flores and Trevore Hone. The “Brillante Mendoza Film Production Workshops” is in partnership with Samsung. Classes will be daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Showbiz Personality Ties The Knot
After 20 years, top Quezon City Barangay Kagawad Marlou Ulanday finally married showbiz personality Tania Montenegro last March 8 at the St. Vincent Church in Tandang Sora, Quezon City. Among the principal sponsors were QC Mayor Herbert Bautista, Joey Marquez, Charlie “Atong” Ang, Rep. Christopher Belmonte, Rep. Winnie Castelo, Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte, Ricky Reyes, Edgar “Bobot” Mortiz, Precy Vitug, Daisy Romualdez, Dr. Vicki Belo, Concepcion Saturay and others. Mark Herras, Jojo Manlongat, Anthony and Jose Juan Pla, John Kevin and James Soto were groomsmen; their bridesmaids were Gretchen Barretto, Charina de Villa, Alyssa Assandra P. Asistio, Alynna Alexandra P. Asistio, Alyann Alissandra P. Asistio and Amykka Alandra P. Asistio.
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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, March 30, go to Gen. Romeo Maganto, Jean Gonzalez, Capt. Juan Santos Ruiz, Jennifer Peña, Al Perez, Pros Antonio, Vicina Fores, Gilbert Brown, Marilou Custodio, Luz de Guzman, Clenia Dumanche, Antonio dela Luna, Ma. Alice S. Labao, Dinyo Mateo, Hermie Villanueva of PCSO PR Dept., Deejames Vonn, Lito A. Lagana Sr. and Enrique Gil of Star Magic…
