Four showbiz personalities topped the Philippines’ social media list as the most-talk-about stars last week.
These newsmakers have made different impacts to showbizlandia; but who among them emerged as this week’s biggest losers and respectable winners? Find out here on Showbiz Wedge!
At The Top
Nadine Lustre
FHM Philippines recently announced Nadine Lustre as the country’s sexiest woman after running a monthlong poll on their official Facebook page.
In an interview with ABS-CBN News, Nadine thanked all her fans who supported and voted for her to win the coveted title. “Thank you po. Maraming, maraming salamat po sa lahat ng mga bumoto. And of course, sa FHM,” she said. “I’m really happy and I’m really proud.”
The “It’s Showtime” host got a total of 491,039 votes or 9.85% of the total. The men’s magazine also praised her by writing on their Facebook post, “Nadine Lustre’s ascension to the Throne of Sexy comes as no surprise – not only does she have the most loyal fans, she also has the glowing assets to show for it. Give her a warm welcome!”
Maureen Wroblewitz
Speaking of magazine, there was also a teenage woman who recently won the fifth cycle of Asia’s Next Top Model. Her name is Maureen Wroblewitz, an 18-year-old Filipinas German model who represented the Philippines. She appeared on the cover of the July issue of Nylon Singapore and signed with Storm Model Management as part of her prize package.
During her run on the show, Wroblewitz received the highest score of the week three times, and was one the top three contestants for the cycle’s final runway alongside fellow contestants Minh Tu Nguyen from Vietnam and Shikin Gomez from Malaysia.
Maureen was crowned the winner of the competition during the final episode and made the record for being the first-ever Filipino winner of the show’s history.
Falling Down
Jake Zyrus
Four years after coming out, Charice Pempengco has finally let go of her female side and embraces Jake Zyrus — his male persona.
The former “Glee” star also revealed to the world that she underwent an operation to remove her bust. The singer also admitted she received testosterone injection.
Jake said on her interview with “24 Oras”, “No matter what people say I know to myself who I am, I know that I’m a man, so I’m going to be.”
But some people did not hold back sharing their thoughts about Jake’s decision to leave Charice who was loved by Filipinos. Most of them bashed the “Pyramid” singer while some others expressed their regret as they tried to warn Jake of the consequences she might face now that she’s undergoing such transition.
Well, that’s the mentality of most Filipinos. They would criticize someone as long as they can until the victim becomes über-successful. Then they will use the magical phrase “Proud to be Filipino.” Ganyan tayo eh.
Manny Pacquiao
Another international star who hit rock bottom is the senator and boxer Manny Pacquiao. Pacman lost his WBO welterweight title to Australian boxer Jeff Horn through a unanimous decision.
Immediately after the fight, Manny said he had to respect the decision, but he later pointed out that he had been confident he had won the fight. “I’d make sure that I get competent officials,” said Manny. “What I want is a fair deal for both fighters. If I lose, I lose. If I win, I win. That’s what I want.”
In an interview with ABS-CBN News, the senator showed gratitude to some A-lister supporters for letting their feelings be known. “Thank you for the support and for also believing that I won the fight,” he said in the TV interview. “I’m praying that it will not affect or ruin the boxing industry.”
Nonetheless, Manny had a rematch clause in the contract; meaning the 38-year-old Filipino could negotiate to fight Horn again before the end of the year.
ABOUT: Showbiz Wedge is a weekly column written by Keneth Quinto. The column focuses on the ups and downs of the most talked-about personalities in show business. E-mail reactions at lionheartvnet@gmail.com. For more updates, photos and videos visit www.lionheartv.net or follow me on www.twitter.com/lionheartvnet, www.instagram.com/lionheartvnet.