Not his type? PNoy turns down date with Pamela Anderson

MANILA - There won’t be a date between President Aquino and former Playboy playmate Pamela Anderson.

Lacierda said the issue concerning the elephant Mali has already been previously referred by the Office of the Executive Secretary to Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala. 

“Pamela Anderson is in LA and the President is not going to LA anytime soon,” Lacierda said in reaction to Anderson's reported invitation for Aquino to have dinner to discuss the plight of Mali.  

“The Executive Secretary has already delegated that study to Secretary Alcala of the Department of Agriculture,” he added.

“Secretary Alcala will be all too willing to meet with Pamela Anderson,” Lacierda said in jest.

Anderson, a former star of TV series Baywatch, had sent a letter to the bachelor Philippine president suggesting a dinner date so they can discuss the transfer of the 39-year-old ailing elephant Mali from the Manila Zoo to a reputable sanctuary.

"[S]hould you find yourself in Los Angeles, I'd love to take you to dinner and talk more about how we can help Mali," she said.

"Thank you for taking a strong, serious stance on her behalf by issuing a directive to consider moving her to a sanctuary. In a world filled with political self-interest, your character and integrity are inspiring," Anderson, a supporter of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), said.

Experts and animal rights activists have been campaigning for Mali's transfer, saying the Manila zoo has failed to give the animal a comfortable home and proper care.

"In her current environment, Mali is cruelly denied socialization, stimulation, room to explore, and everything else that is natural and important to her," PETA said.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Aquino appeals for privacy for Grace Lee's family

MANILA, Philippines -- After disclosing that he has been dating Korean entertainment host Grace Lee, President Benigno Aquino III is asking for privacy for her family who, he said, was being harassed.

Aquino aired his appeal at the Thursday’s Pulong Bayan after a law student asked him how he and Lee are doing.

Saying they were “okay,” Aquino went on to lament that Lee’s family has been harassed because of the public’s desire for more information on their relationship.

In one instance, he said, Lee’s mother was harassed inside her own grocery store. But he gave no details of the incident.

In an earlier interview, Aquino had cited the right to privacy guaranteed by the 1986 Constitution.

“The Constitution provides for the right to privacy. Maybe you can spare me some of that right under Article 3,” he said.

The bachelor president has often been irked when asked about his love life but has, on several instances, spontaneously discussed this in public.

Before he admitted to dating Lee, Aquino had lamented that his love life had become like a sugar-free soft drink.

His former girlfriend, Valenzuela Councilor and television host Shalani Soledad recently married Pasig Representative Roman Romulo. While he wished them well, Aquino did not attend their wedding.

Aquino has also dated teacher Bunny Calica, celebrity stylist Liz Uy, and stockbroker Len Lopez.

source: interaksyon.com

Grace Lee shares birthday wish for Aquino, admits he 'makes me happy'

MANILA, Philippines – As the 52-year-old bachelor President spent his birthday in earthquake-ravaged areas in the south, Grace Lee had a simple wish for the man she has been dating: may he continue loving his country.

She also had a candid admission: though they are not yet officially a couple, he makes her happy when they are together.

At the same time, Grace denied reports that President Benigno Aquino III had offered to secure her with a team from the Presidential Security Group (PSG).

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said Malacanang Palace has no idea as to the source of reports that Mr. Aquino has offered his personal security to Grace Lee. She said they still have to review whether or not the mandate of the PSG can cover even persons outside of the official family of the President.

Valte also declined to comment on reports quoting Grace Lee as saying she and Mr. Aquino sometimes talk animatedly for three to five hours, and they enjoy conversing on many things. Valte said she does not comment on the private life of the President.

In an earlier exlusive interview with TV5's Luchi Cruz-Valdes, Grace admitted the age difference between them (she is 29, he, 52) sometimes bothers her, but said they are “not playing here,” a remark viewed as an indication that they are seriously dating.

source: interaksyon.com

Grace Lee Turns Hot Topic; Singer Blows Top Over Poster

MANILA, Philippines — Now that Korean Grace Lee is the latest “apple of the eye” of swinging bachelor, President Noynoy, expect the TV personality to be the subject of much public interest. While we wish the dating couple well, it will be interesting to see if she gets the nod of the sisters of the President.

• During a recording for the promo of her latest show, this singer lost her cool when she saw a poster of another singer at odds with her daughter. Although she seemed to be joking when she blurted out invectives, a source said, her staff immediately removed the poster and placed it back when the studio session was over.

• Iza Calzado is the most recent GMA artist to jump over rival network’s fence. Iza had been very vocal about not holding any grudge against her former talent management office when she decided to transfer. “It’s just that the projects presented to her are so irresistible – a soap opera, a reality show hosting job, Sunday variety show, and very good episodes of “Maalaala Mo Kaya.” The source added that Iza already closed three new endorsement deals upon transfer. Lucky girl.

• Congratulations are in order for GMA Films’ “The Road.” We heard that the movie will be part of the international “Scream Festival” happening in the US in May. If plans don’t miscarry, there will definitely be a grand premiere night when the festival begins.

• Marvin Agustin is one cool daddy. We spotted him at Enchanted Kingdom two Saturdays ago with his twin boys during a charity event he hosted for the children of Operation Smile in celebration of his birthday.

• Cesar Montano is in New York meeting with some Hollywood producers for a project when news about him being appointed to the Optical Media Board (OPM) surfaced this week. However, he told us that he has yet to receive any communication from Malacañang about it. Cesar will be coming back on Feb. 10 for the remaining promo schedules of “Hitman.” Premiere night will be on Feb. 21 at SM Megamall Cinema 10.

• Newlyweds Cong. Roman Romulo and Councilor Shalani Soledad-Romulo spent their honeymoon in Paris, we heard. The couple was billeted at Vicki Belo’s rented flat in downtown Paris, according to our source.

• We heard that the perfume business of Hayden Kho Jr. has already been acquired by the Ever Bilena group, which leaves much room for the controversial former doctor to pursue again his career in showbiz. We heard that he is now being managed by Stages under Carlo Orosa.

source: mb.com.ph

PNoy Confirms Dating Grace Lee

MANILA, Philippines — It’s confirmed.

President Benigno S. Aquino III admitted Wednesday he is dating Korean television and radio host Grace Lee.

“Well, we’re seeing each other,” was the 51-year-old bachelor President’s answer when asked on the real score between him and Grace Lee.

He, however, did not disclose other details, saying that he has a right to privacy.

“Sa Constitution po natin may nakalagay na privacy, eh. Baka pwedeng mabahaginan din ako ng karapatan na yon under Article III [There is a right to privacy under our Constitution. I hope you could accord me that right under Article III],” Aquino said, referring to the Bill of Rights under the 1987 Constitution.

For her part, Grace Lee affirmed that she is dating the Chief Executive.

“What the President said is true,” Lee said in the noontime newscast Balitanghali aired on GMA News TV Wednesday, where she hosts show business news Starbites.

“I don’t think may room for clarification kasi very simple and truthful naman yung sinabi ni Presidente [I don’t think there is any room for clarification because what the President said was simple and truthful],” she said.

Asked, however, when they started seeing each other, Lee’s only reply was “Secret.”

Earlier, Lee said she will leave it to the President to speak on the matter. The Palace had also been mum on the issue, saying that it does not comment on private matters concerning the President.

It was radio disc jockey Mo Twister, in his Twitter account, who revealed that he was able to make Grace Lee squeal on her date with the Chief Executive.

President Aquino and Grace Lee met in an event in Cebu last year. Lee was the event’s emcee and President Aquino acknowledged Lee as “gwapa” (beautiful) before he delivered his speech.

Several women had been linked to the President when he came into office, starting off with his former girlfriend, Valenzuela councilor Shalani Soledad, who is now married to Pasig Rep. Roman Romulo; stylist Liz Uy, stock broker Len Lopez, and teacher Bunny Calica.

President Aquino was also being matched with Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, who visited the Philippines last week but the President dismissed the issue.

source: mb.com.ph