Victor Basa, nilalait ang suot

Sangkaterbang panlalait ang nakuha ni Victor Basa sa mga press people nang um-attend ito ng premiere night ng kanyang pelikulang Xenoa 2 dahil sa kanyang outfit, na hindi pang-artista at hindi pang-premiere night.

Tinalo nga siya ng milya-milya ni Lance Raymundo, na may markadong role sa Xenoa 2 dahil talagang pinaghandaan niya ang event na ‘yon, kagaya ng iba pang mga celebrities na dumalo.Ewan kung bagong gising lang si Victor nang gabing ‘yon dahil nakasimangot kaya ang naging star of the night for the press people nang gabing ‘yon ay si Lance.

Sa girls naman ay puwede na ring mag-tie sina Isabel Granada na nagsuot nang napakagandang gown at si Tara Tambunting, na napaka-hip and cool but chic naman ang dating.

Harinawa’y magsilbing aral kay Victor ang gabing ‘yon na kaila-ngan niyang mapaka-glamorous bilang artista lalo na sa mga events na kagaya nu’n.

Victor Basa attended StyleBible.ph launched in cyberspace

Guests walked proudly on a white ramp as numerous photographers snapped their photos. Last Friday night, October 3, fashionistas gathered at Club Ascend in Fort Bonifacio Global City to showcase their personal style during the grand launch of the newest portal for fashion, www.StyleBible.ph.

Gretchen Barretto, Tessa Prieto-Valdes, and Coverboys member Victor Basa were among those who attended the launch of Preview Magazine's online affiliate. Wearing a yellow blouse and pearl strands, Gretchen agreed to be interviewed briefly before she went around and chatted with the other guests. Gretchen made it a point to view the fashion website by visiting one of the computer terminals set up in the venue. Not surprisingly, La Greta was voted as one of the Top 14 Style Stars who were chosen that night.

Lifestyle columnist Tessa arrived wearing a colorful halter dress, with a beaded long-sleeved cover-up and a mint-green hat for accessories. Among the designers spotted that night were Rajo Laurel, Joey Samson, Louis Claparols, Ryan Leyva, and Charina Sarte.

Incidentally, www.StyleBible.ph is a partnership between GMA-7's New Media Inc. (NMI) and Summit Media. This is their third project after launching PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) and www.spot.ph, which caters to foodies and restaurant owners.

PEP Inc. president Lisa Gokongwei-Cheng and GMA NMI president Judd Gallares were present, as well as Preview editor-in-chief Pauline Suaco-Juan and creative director Vince Uy. During her speech Ms. Juan stressed that launching an online portal like this does not mark the end of the print magazine. On the contrary, she expressed her enthusiasm for the interactive features of the site that would allow fashionistas to have ready access to style suggestions at their fingertips.

Isabelle Johanna "Isha" Andaya used to be the associate fashion editor of Preview from 2002 to 2005. As the managing editor of StyleBible.ph, she promised that their website will be "delivering the hottest of Philippine fashion, the newest in beauty, and the coolest parties on a daily basis."

The brief program was hosted by MTV VJ Andi Manzano, who admitted that she loved dressing up, just like many of the guests who attended that night.

Victor Basa: No qualms playing gay role

Young actor Victor Basa said that he has no qualms in portraying gay roles.

Basa said this is the reason why he agreed to do his first gay role in a romantic comedy film titled "Maling Akala."

Basa, in this latest digital film, said that he is open to do unusual roles only if the story is really good.

"No qualms whatsoever I took it after I read the script that's what I do. Hindi ako ‘yong 'oy may movie ka' tapos kukuniun ka lang ‘no, the management make it a point na you like it talaga, I read the script at nakita ko na maganda talaga. Iba ang aspect sa gay issue so I took it," Basa told abs-cbnNEWS.com in a Cinema One Originals press conference held Tuesday at Gusi Restaurant in Quezon City.

Basa stressed he did not hesitate to do the film because he believes that the audience are bright enough to understand unique stories.

"I trust the audience, our audience is educated so they are ready for different kind of stories," he said

Basa said that to make a good film, actors and actresses should learn to love their roles first.

"As an actor I tried to love every script, every character that I play so I would be able to play it the best I could...always give our best and to do that kailangan mong mahalin ‘yong role mo," he said.

When asked if he is willing to do another gay role, Basa replied: "Why not? Ayaw ko din po ma-typecast pero okay lang, if I'm good at it, why not? As an actor we reinvent ourselves, our characters -- it's just a skin after the film you shed it, we evolve and actors keep learning."

The movie

"Maling Akala" tells the bittersweet love story of JP and Teta. The film gives us a glimpse of how a gay man and a woman relationship works... or maybe not.

In the movie, JP becomes an instant fugitive when he accidentally killed his handsome lover and boards a bus to escape. Seated beside a nine-month pregnant Teta, who after a few hours went into labor. After giving birth, JP accompanies mother and baby home to their fishpond in Sasmuan, Pampanga. Teta impulsively introduces JP as the father of her child surprising both JP and her parents.

When JP and Teta agree to act as husband and wife, their queer, dysfunctional tale begins that make them both realize things new and realistic about themselves.

"Maling Akala" is part of the 2007 Cinema One Originals and a nominee for Best Cinematography in 2008 Golden Screen Awards and 31st Gawad Urian 2008.

The film also gives Basa a nomination for Breakthrough Performance by an Actor in 2008 ENPRESS.

Catch Basa's remarkable acting by watching "Maling Akala" at the Indie Sine of the Robinson's Galleria from November 5 to 11.

Underwear models,up close and personal

Wondering if underwear models really wear what they endorse, I bravely asked one of Penshoppe’s icons, Victor Basa, if he certainly uses one. He promptly answered, “Yes, yes . . . here” and, flashing the label of his underwear, aptly showed me that he is in fact, using the brand. Flushed, I shyly said, “no it’s alright, you don’t have to show me, just answer my question.”

Strutting onstage wearing nothing but bikini briefs and oil, Basa it isn’t hard to do at all, especially with so many other studs sharing the tight spot on the limelight, fellow models who have grown to be his friends.

“I highly regard the concept and layout of the advertisement, for this reason I was able to pose even with only brief on,” he says. The 23-year-old Basa admits that he was conscious prior to the shoot, a bit stiff, but was able pull it through with the help of her co-models. He admits that he’s a “brief guy” from Mondays to Saturdays and wears boxers on Sundays when he has nothing to do but rest at home.

Half-Japanese, half-Brazilian Akihiro Sato is the latest ambassador of Penshoppe. Making waves in the country, Sato was able to penetrate the scene with both TV and print ads in his first four months in the country—undeniably the turning point of his life.

“I’m proud and happy to be in the Philippines and tends to be here forever,” Sato enthusiastically shares, adding, “I’m learning the Filipino language at this moment and hopes to become a movie star in the Philippines.”

Revealing that he is extremely shy, Sato at 22 recently walked on the ramp as one of hottest guys for Cosmopolitan’s Bachelor Bash 2008, which allowed him to conquer the consciousness and awkwardness he felt when sauntering in nothing but underwear. He disclosed that he was paid in Euros for the Penshoppe project.

Now on his fourth year in the modeling industry, Sato was first discovered in Brazil by the seashore where he lives. He started at an early age of 16 and jumped into professional modeling when he was 18.

Aside from his well-structured body, he displays three Japanese tattoos engraved in his ribcage that reveal details in his life– love, sun and woman are the ideas that he can’t live without.

He girds for his stints at the runway by preparing his mind and body. Thrice weekly trips to the gym are a must. A special diet that includes vegetables, fruit, soymilk and intake of protein supplement is what he does to keep his body fit.

More than just baring all, underwear models reveal a discipline and fortitude that make the stand tall and proud.

Victor Basa says gay rumors prove that he tackles role convincingy

Sa sobrang excitement ni Victor Basa, nagkandapiyuk-piyok siya sa "Sunglasses at Night" number ng Coverboys kahapon sa Hotel Sofitel in Manila, dahilan para kantiyawan siya ng marami.

"Nagulat kasi ako sa response ng mga taong naroon," sabi ni Victor. "I got so overwhelmed, at ibig sabihin lang, may feelings ang pagkanta ko. It was too late to realize that I was singing off-key, at aminado ako, pumiyok talaga ako," pag-amin ni Victor nang makausap ng PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal).

Ipinakita na lang ni Victor that he can have grace under pressure. Hindi naging dahilan yun para masira nang husto ang performance ng Coverboys. Kasama niyang nag-perform sina Rafael Rosell, Jon Avila, Jake Cuenca at John James Uy.

"It happens naman in live shows, and we're really trying to sing live na talaga. Kaya lang, hindi puwedeng maging excuse yun para hindi namin paghusayan yung trabaho namin.

"Masyado lang talaga akong na-excite at nawalan ako ng control sa performance ko," napapailing na sabi ni Victor.

Kunsabagay, showboys naman talaga ang Coverboys at hindi raw sila boyband para masabing kailangang mahuhusay silang kumanta.

"Pero, so far, happy ako being a Kapamilya," nasabi na lang ni Victor. "Naroroon palagi ang moral support. Natutuwa ako, because every week, mayroon kaming raket, out-of-town shows. Mayroon talagang clamor for us to perform live, kaya dapat na pinagbubutihan namin.

"Tuloy pa rin yung trabaho ko as a VJ, at saka lagi kaming napapanood sa A.S.A.P., and I'm really very happy," dugtong niya.

EXPOSURES AND GIRLS. Masuwerte na rin si Victor at hindi naman siya nawawalan ng exposure. Sa rami ng talents ng ABS-CBN, kokonti lang talaga yung naisasalang nang madalas.

"Maraming artista who are really struggling," says Victor. "I love my job. I love acting, yun talaga ang hilig ko."

Kung anu-anong tsismis din kay Victor, pero sa mga na-link na girls sa kanya, isa lang ang parang inaamin niya.

"Ah, yung sa amin ni Valeen Montenegro," sabi pa ni Victor. "We were together for about a year. Eventually, na-weigh namin ang pros and cons. She has to work and she has to attend school. Nasa college na kasi siya, e.

"Wala pa naman akong nababalitaan na may tsismis sa aking ibang girls, kasi, ang focus ko talaga, nasa trabaho."

CONVINCING AS GAY. Pero, hindi humihinto ang gay rumors about Victor. Kasi nga, may ilang TV exposures si Victor na gumanap siyang gay, and there was even an indie film, Maling Akala, na convincing siya as a gay.

"Nakagawa na ako ng gay roles, and that's just okay," sabi pa niya. "Those are just roles. I consider myself lucky enough to be given such challenges.

"Bihira ang nakakaganap ng gay roles na nakukumbinsi yung mga tao. I know myself better. They can say whatever they want, for as long as I'm doing my job well, yun ang importante.

"Malaki lang kasi ang audience, lalo sa TV. Nag-iiba ang interpretation lalo na kung larger than life na sa screen.

"I don't think na mata-typecast ako, I accepted nga another indie film, yung Xenoa 2 na hindi naman ako gay roon. Sci-fi adventure film yun, kaya excited ako. I guess people look at me, not as the character, but as an actor who can portray different kinds of roles."

Metro Him features life-changing haircuts and on the Cover: Victor Basa, Mikee Carrion, Carlo Adorador, and Trishan Cuaso

Haircut doing anything for you? Could you do with a little more volume here, a little trim there? A few snips can make a world of difference in a man's hairstyle, and his over-all look and confidence, so says the latest issue of Metro Him Magazine.

This four-year-old bimonthly magazine has put together an 11-page special on hair, including styling solutions to facial features one wants to hide, the seven hair sins, and eight hair makeovers. There is also a special report on hair loss: the available solutions in Manila, the costs, side effects, and views from the experts.

This new Metro Him is graced by four of Manila's top male models on the cover: Victor Basa, Mikee Carrion, Carlo Adorador, and Trishan Cuaso, a distinguished group of the modern Filipino men who reveal there is more to them than their good looks - they're funny, smart, and have had their hearts broken.

Which are the same qualities one will find in Rocky Salumbides, quite possibly the most successful Filipino male statuesque of the moment. Rocky, who recently signed up with Ford Models, Inc., appears in the magazine's fashion story on the best rainy weather looks.

Popular for being the modern Pinoy man's style bible, Metro Him doesn't disappoint this new issue with its wide array of style suggestions and solutions: from the best pair of jeans that will flatter one's shape (whether one is tall, athletic, big or thin) to how to dress for when meeting a girlfriend's parents and from the best underwear pieces to wear on those most private moments to the latest shopping destinations in the city.

Plus that Islam scarf wrapped around your neck really means. The journalist Patrick Paez writes an essay on the evolution of the keffiyeh - from being a badge of courage to being a post 9/11 fashion accessory.

Also in this issue are profiles of 1980s director Danny Zialcita who gives Metro Him his first interview after more than two decades of reclusion, Olympic boxing hopeful Harry Tanamor, and four of the country's young male ballet dancers and how they continue to dance despite the odds.

Metro Him is published bimonthly by ABS-CBN Publishing, Inc. and is now available in all leading newsstands and bookstores.

Victor Basa - Metro Him Magazine

Victor Basa is on the cover of the latest issue of Metro Him Magazine together with top male models Mikee Carrion, Trishan Cuaso and Carlo Adorador.

Model Filipinos - Rulers of the Fashion Runway. Metro Him is now available at magazine outlets nationwide.

Tell and tell

All well that ends well. ’Yan ang drama nina Victor Basa at PJ Valerio nang magkita sa trade party ng ABC 5 sa SMX kamakailan lamang.

Matatandaang nagkaroon ng gap ang dalawang aktor nang akusahan ni Victor si PJ na isa itong bakla.
Nagsimula ang away nang ligawan ni PJ si Valeen Montenegro habang nasa loob ng Bahay ni Kuya ang dyowa nitong si Victor.

Pero ngayon, okay na sila. Dapat lang, ’no! Pare-pareho na silang may show sa bagong ABC 5.
Samantala, kahit tsugi na ang T.e.e.n.s. ni PJ, mapapanood pa rin siya sa isang youth-oriented drama mula sa direksyon ng batikang director na si Al Quinn.

Kasama ni PJ dito sina Empress Schuck, Dino, Imperial, Ryan Julio at Nikki Guevara. ’Yan ang bagong aabangan sa nasabing network.

At siyempre, regular pa rin syang makakasama ni Kuya Germs sa  Walang Tulugan ng GMA-7.
Ang isa pang dapat abangan sa bagets ay ang kanyang pagganap bilang bida sa latest offering ng Repertory Philippines ngayong Agosto.

Gagampanan nya ang lead character na Captain Shang sa Mulan mula sa direksyon ni Joy Virata.

by Mercy Lejarde

Young actress Andi Jose admits crush on Victor Basa

Young actress Andi Jose admitted that she has a crush on actor-model Victor Basa.

In an interview with abs-cbnNEWS.com, Jose said that she first saw and admired Basa as a model.

"Opo (crush ko) kasi nakilala ko po siya as a model, nakikita ko siya kung saan saan tapos nagkakilala kami," Jose said during a press conference for Star Magic members born in June.

Jose said that she formally met Basa only three weeks ago. But she said that she was told by her mother, multi-talented actress Jacklyn Jose, that Basa actually spent time with her when she was still young.

Basa and Jose's family were neighbors then.

"My mom told me that he used to take care of me, and I used to call him 'Kuya Toy'," said Jose.
Basa, who was also present during the conference, confirmed that they spent time together as children.

Basa said he remembered that Jose used to always be in shorts. He also said that she used to have short hair, and that she called him 'Kuya Toy' because he was always carrying a toy.

Andi or Andrea Eigenmann in real life, is the daughter of Jose by actor Mark Gil.

She was part of ABS-CBN's defunct television series "Prinsesa ng Banyera." She entered the limelight when she entered the Pinoy Big Brother house as the second houseplayer.

After spending almost two days inside the PBB house she decided to have a voluntary exit.
"Isolated ka, tapos na culture shock ako," explained Jose.

Jose just turned 18 and celebrated her birthday last Friday, June 27th at the Loyola Grand Villas Clubhouse with relatives and friends.

Victor Basa, No match kay Willie Revillame na karibal kay Roxanne Guinoo

Nakaharap namin si Victor Basa sa presscon ng Star Magic's June birthday celebrators last Thursday.

Akala namin nu'ng una, wala man lang kaming mahuhugot na something controversial sa binatang ito na isa sa mga members ng Cover Boys.

But as we gon in our interview with him, nalaman naming best of friends sila ni Jake Cuenca na siyempre, ang common denominator nila ay si Roxanne Guinoo na ex ni "Palos" at ngayon ay nali-link naman kay Victor.

Sey ni Victor, "So far, friends lang kami (ni Roxanne)."

Nakakahiya raw kay Jake kung liligawan niya ang byuting bida ng Ligaw na Bulaklak. May tinatawag daw siyang "respeto" na puwede ring sabihing delikadesa. Ito ang reason kung bakit ayaw niya pang ligawan si Roxanne kahit alam naman ng lahat na hiwalay na ito kay Jake.

Kuwento ni Victor, present daw si Roxanne sa birthday celebration niya, pero nilinaw niyang... "As a friend, I invited her."

'Yun nga lang, nalaman naming wala si Jake sa party ni Victor dahil may ibang commitment kuno ito.

Nabalitaan rin namin minsan na type ni Papi Willie Revillame si Roxanne Guinoo. In fact, ito ang leading lady niya sa Mr. Housewife.

'Di ba natatakot si Victor Basa na makabangga si Papi?

Nag-smile lang si Victor at ang say nito..."All is fair naman in love and in war. At saka 'di ko naman nililigawan si Roxanne."

Aba, mukhang may takot ang binata kay Papi 'no?

At sa balitang magbubungee jumping kuno sina Papi at Roxanne, mensahe ni Victor, "Ingat sana!"

Sabi namin, "Kanino mag-iingat si Roxanne, kay Willie?"

Nilinaw kaagad ito ni Victor, "Sa pagba-bungee jumping siyempre. Baka madisgrasya!"

Aba, mukhang ingat na ingat talaga sa pagbibitaw ng salita si Victor, ha? Aba'y malaking pader ang kanyang makakabangga kung sakali. Iba si Papi 'pag na-in love.

Victor seen with Roxanne

Nabalita rin na kung may Bea Alonzo daw si Jake Cuenca, si Victor naman daw ang pumoporma kay Roxanne Guinoo ngayon. Hindi naman itinanggi ng model turned actor na crush niya si Roxanne, pero sa ngayon ay di siya nanliligaw sa aktres kahit pa nga minsan ay lumabas na sila.

"I like her, sobrang bait niya, sobrang maalaga but yung manligaw, hindi. Nag-Starbucks kami one time then we went to Rockwell. She's with her assistant, nagkaayaan lang nung nagkita kami sa ABS. Saka when we're together, di namin napag-uusapan ang mga sobrang seryosong bagay or kahit si Jake, puro light stuff lang. "Saka fresh pa yung breakup namin ni Valeen, siya naman kay Jake. May tinatawag na three months grace period. Kailangan yun para maiwasan yung love in a rebound."

Hindi kaya malaking factor din kung bakit hindi maligawan ni Victor si Roxanne ay dahil kasama niya sa Coveboys ang ex ni Roxanne na si Jake? "Kasi si Jake, close kami niyan, kailangan ko siyang kausapin bilang respeto lang. Magkaibigan kami," pag-amin naman uli ni Victor.

Victor Basa admits 10-month relationship with Valeen Montenegro

Consistent si Valeen Montenegro sa pagsasabing nanliligaw lang sa kanya si Victor Basa. Pero sa pakikipag-usap ng PEP sa Coverboys member recently, inamin nito na tapos na nga ang 10-month relationship nila ng mestisang young star. In fairness to Valeen, inamin din ni Victor na both of them agreed on keeping their relationship discreet muna.

"As much as possible, we kept it very private. Kasi sa work namin, ayaw naming makaapekto sa trabaho ng bawat isa. Like for example, alam ng tao na kayo, pag nag-away kayo o nagkaroon ng tampuhan, alam ng lahat."Nauwi sa breakup ang relasyon nila, but who initiated the breakup?

"Alam ko na di maniniwala ang mga tao sa isang mutual breakup but yun talaga ang nangyari. We weighed the advantages and disadvantages, kasi siyempre ako, may work, Siya may work din and nag-i-school din siya. Ang sinabi ko sa kanya, she has to focus on her schooling and sa career niya and she also realized that. The good thing is that we're still friends."

Sa mga interviews kay Valeen, sinabi nitong ayaw muna nitong makipagrelasyon dahil strict daw ang parents niya. Tinanong ng PEP kay Victor kung naging issue ba ang pagiging istrikto nga ng parents ni Valeen sa relasyon nila.

"It never became an issue. I love her parents," sagot ni Victor.

Victor Basa’s frontal nudity in the net?

Victor Basa denied he’s the naked hunk whose pixelized mid-body shot is now the hot hit in the net. The gorgeous guy looks like him but he said it’s not him. Victor celebrated his 23rd birthday (June 6) with the media with other Star Magic members born in June like Gretchen Fullido (June 4), Aldred Gatchalian (June 14(), Andi Eigenmann (June 23), Gemmae Custodio, Zaira dela Pena (June 10), Sophia Baars (June 12), Katrina “Hopia” Legaspi (June 13), and Arno Morales (June 14).

When BuzzBox met Victor more than two years ago, he was a silent guy who calculated the person he's talking to before saying anything. Now he has evolved: He gets warmer faster, has learned the art of sharing and knows where he stands. The actor has turned workaholic, having turned himself as a MTV VJ, events host for ASAP 08, a member of Coverboys and a go-cart racer. He has clearly come out of his shell.

He showed some emotion when he explained why he called PJ Valerio a gay. He courted Valene Montenegro while inside Big Brother house when he knew they were boyfriend/girlfriend.

On Penshoppe

As Penshoppe's official Ambassadors of Style, these ten dynamic individuals deftly embody the spirit, spunk, and style of this trailblazing Filipino fashion brand. Behind this batch is a hip crew of stunning and svelte models, each with their own endearing quirks and characteristics, who are not only fearless and fashionable, but loads of fun too.

Aside from gracing blitzkrieg of billboard, broadsheet and boob tube advertisements, Club Pen models simultaneously serve as ambassadors of goodwill; as these endorsers and image models not only make time for photo shoots and fashion shows, but for Penshoppe's outreach programs as well.

Models includes Heart Evangelista, Victor Basa, Jericho Rosales, Melissa, Matt, etc.. It's easy to see why the new Club Pen crew cuts quite a dashing figure: they are beautiful and bright young things who, by the looks of it, seem determined to make their mark in the world. Rock on Club Pen!

Joross Gamboa, Alex Gonzaga, and Victor Basa form zany love triangle in "Your Song"

Star Magic talent Victor Basa is not afraid of being typecast as a gay character. He believes the audience is mature enough to differentiate reality from fiction. The alumnus of Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Edition 2 told PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) that he did not hesitate to accept this role, especially since he's the one being pursued in the story of Your Song, which airs starting today, May 4.

SYNOPSIS. Bobby (Joross Gamboa) falls in love at first sight with John (Victor Basa). The problem: Jen (Alex Gonzaga) is in love with Bobby, and the bigger problem, Jen is the sister of John!

Bobby is a Culinary Arts graduate and restaurant chef. John is a Law graduate who has already taken the Bar Exams, and unfortunately, failed twice, so he needs to take it again. Jen is the sweet, caring, and loving sister of John.

Bobby will do everything just to get John's attention and Jen will stop at nothing till she gets Bobby's heart. She always gives gifts and bakes something for Bobby. Little do they know that they're consulting the same article in a magazine about capturing someone's heart.
Who will win in this bizarre love triangle? Is there really a loser in love?

For Jen and John, what will they choose—the love for their sibling or the love they feel for somebody special?

These three young stars were handpicked for this story because Joross and Victor have been commended for their portrayal of gay roles in the past. Alex Gonzaga has proven to be a versatile actress who is effective in both drama and comedy.

Under the direction of Manny Palo, watch an intriguing, and exciting story of love between Joross Gamboa, Alex Gonzaga, and Victor Basa in Your Song Presents: Without You. This mini-series features the theme song, "Here I Am" by Erik Santos. Your Song also stars Noel Colet, Lui Villaruz, Carla Humphries, Aloy Norona, and Nina Dolino.

Meet the sexy Coverboys during their May 9-10 concert

Expect sexy production numbers to be prepared by the nine members of the Coverboys for their first concert titled Coverboys Uncovered. TV idols Jake Cuenca and Rafael Rosell; Star Magic talent Marvin Raymundo; Pinoy Big Brother housemates Zanjoe Marudo, Victor Basa, Jon Avila, and Will Devaughn; and Be Bench models John James Uy and Ron Morales promise to make their fans scream with delight during the event to be held on May 9-10 at the Music Museum.

During the Coverboys Uncovered press conference at Jozu Japanese Bar and Grill in Quezon City last April 30, PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) asked the organizers what makes this concert different from the production numbers of the Coverboys during ASAP.

"It's more revealing. You will see the hidden talents of the Coverboys. And, of course, they will tease the audience," says Ronald Padriga, synergy specialist.

Coverboys Uncovered will showcase the playful, naughty, and steamy side of the all-male group. Special guests Vice Ganda, Ethel Booba, John "Sweet" Lapus, and Nikki Gil will make the concert even more enjoyable. This concert features the choreography and direction of Georcelle Dapat of the G-Force and is produced by ASAP Live and MJM Productions.

How long have they been rehearsing for this concert? Jon Avila says, "I've been in the Coverboys for one year now so I guess that one year has been practice for me. It will be worth your money."

According to Rafael Rosell, the Coverboys have developed a strong bond because of their weekly stint in ABS-CBN's Sunday variety show ASAP. "Kapag pumunta kayo sa dressing room namin ‘pag Sunday, it's like we're in a bar talking. Kulang na lang ang beer at billiards table. Sumasayaw kami dun, we try to memorize the lyrics of our songs."

For Star Magic Batch 15 member Marvin Raymundo, he felt a bit uncomfortable while shooting the video directed by Jojo Saguin. Marvin explains that the concept of the video is to have the Coverboys portray various fantasies of women. In his case, he is cast as a techie guy who chats with women on the Internet. Other members of the Coverboys will play a gardener, a construction worker, a hip-hop dancer, and a lifeguard.

Marvin says that he often encounters people saying negative things about the group but he takes the criticisms as a challenge. "Yung iba sinasabi, bakit kami nagkaroon ng concert, but you just have to prove them wrong, so we're really preparing for this concert." The 20-year old model-actor has appeared in the ABS-CBN shows Pedro Penduko, Super Inggo 1.5 and Lastikman.

The Coverboys were then asked if they have a special guest who will watch the concert. Zanjoe says Mariel Rodriguez will be in Hawaii, Rafael says his girlfriend Malaya Lewandowski is in Abu Dhabi, while Will Devaughn is unsure whether or not Riza Santos will watch the sexy concert. As for Jon, he says that his mother will be arriving in the Philippines on May 7, just in time for the opening night on May 9.

For inquiries about the concert Coverboys Uncovered scheduled on May 9-10 at the Music Museum, please call Ticketworld at 891-9999.

Victor Basa wants to pursue serious roles after "Astigs"

Hanging out with his Astigs co-stars for the last time made model turned actor Victor Basa emotional. As he himself would put it, "bittersweet," is the exact word to describe the entire Camarines Sur experience.

"Masaya halos lahat kami naka-try mag-wakeboard," he animatedly confided to PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) last Saturday, April 19, while loitering around the CamSur Watersports Complex (CWC).

Wakeboarding, however, was not the chief purpose of the Camarines Sur visit. The Astigs team was there to shoot the farewell episode of the teen-oriented show which will be shown this coming May.

The smile on Victor's boyish face momentarily faded. "It's sad and at the same time I'm happy because a lot in the group, you know, we have shows," added the MTV VJ.

If it's any consolation, Victor pointed out that being part of Astigs helped a lot in honing his acting chops. Just like all of his other young co-stars, Victor humbly acknowledged that when it comes to acting he still had a long way to go.

"I'll miss them. But at least we were able to use this as an opportunity to progress in our acting and I've developed real friendships," he paused before letting out another sigh, "I'm gonna miss this group."