IN the roster of GMA talents, we have always kept an eye on Derrick Monasterio.
He was launched in the show Tween Hearts in 2010, alongside many aspiring wannabes, some of whom faded away much faster than they entered the world of show business.
Now 20, Derrick has transformed himself into a hunky matinee idol. We were hoping his mother studio had seen his promise two or three years earlier, but they had other stars in mind.
When Bench, a major apparel brand, put a very sexy Derrick on its billboard not so long ago, we felt we got validated and, perhaps, that huge exposure also made GMA take a second look at what they’ve had wait in the wings for quite some time.
Derrick is tall—almost 6 feet in height, and his physical features are outstanding. He told us during the recent media gathering to promote his new show, the afternoon soap Hanggang Makita Kang Muli, that he continues to work his abs—his most striking physical asset to many. But we think he’s got more. His glutes are exemplary, his thighs are fierce, his legs are strong and beefy.
He shared that he is an American, Spanish, Filipino and Jamaican mix. That he consumes any food that he fancies but works out seriously to keep fit and healthy. “I like to eat, but I have learned to be responsible, to balance everything with workout and exercise. I know that I have a tendency to gain weight easily but I’m also lucky that I can up my metabolic rate to a faster burn when I want to.”
“Balance is the key,” he emphasized. “I love my work as an actor but I would also like to finish my legal-management course someday. I would want to be very sure when I finally fall in love. But I feel that I have to seize the moment and maintain my momentum as an actor. I’m beginning to be entrusted with good roles and wonderful projects on TV, and I am happy with the way my career is going.”
Derrick hopes to also finally land a really good role in a film, and he also dreams of representing the country in international film festivals.
“I’d like to take the big leap soon into serious films. I’m preparing for it.”
CERTIFIED FOODIE
Even after the last day of the widely followed ABS-CBN romantic drama series On the Wings of Love, respected actress Cherry Pie Picache still won’t have the luxury of time to take a much-deserved vacation.
Her hands are still full, especially now that she is the new face of Alab Restaurant, a venture she got herself into a year ago. Picache is not just a co-owner and investor, but she also sits as the marketing director of the restaurant. Her partners for the reinvented restaurant are Joel Fernando of JB Music and Sports, and Christine del Castillo of Moderne Culinaire Academy.
“I’m so grateful for the kind of following that the James Reid-Nadine Lustre tandem generated for our TV series, and although the bittersweet feelings remain now that it has ended, I’m happy that everyone in the show is moving on, “she said, adding, “For my part, I have this restaurant which will definitely keep me busy as I wait for my next job as an actor.” Over the weekend, the UP Town Center branch of Alab restaurant had its formal launch and blessing, and friends of Picache and her partners showed their support. The main branch is located in the Tomas Morato area and another branch will open in a few weeks at the Venice Piazza in McKinley Hill at The Fort.
“The new Alab restaurant is the melting pot of the best flavors and the most interesting dishes from all over the regions of the three major islands of the Philippines. We plan to add another branch somewhere in the southern part of the metropolis before the year ends. It’s a leap of faith to operate more than three branches, but we are confident we will be able to pull through,” Picache added.
Just like the films she takes part in, Picache, who describes herself as a certified foodie, volunteered that every dish in Alab has a story. “And just like every role that I portray, I give it my best—focus, execution and delivery. As a restaurateur, I feel that every single dish that we offer should be able to not only satisfy the cravings of our patrons, but also make every visit a memorable one.”
NYOY VOLANTE: TAKEN
WE are very happy that Nyoy Volante has finally married his longtime girlfriend Mikkie Bradshaw. Both esteemed theater actors, Nyoy and Mikkie tied the knot in simple rites at the Manila Cathedral in Intramuros on February 24, with family and friends cheering for the two.
“I’m finally taken,” Nyoy said. “Kidding aside, this is perhaps the happiest day of my life.”
We first met Nyoy when he was still a student at the College of Saint Benilde. We were commissioned to do the libretto of the life story of Benilde Romancon, a Christian brother who was beatified a saint in 1948, for the 10th anniversary celebration of the academic institution in Manila. Award-winning composer Jesse Lucas created the music and we were instructed that we had to cast Benilde students in the musicale, which we named Big in God’s Eyes.
The then-diminutive Nyoy auditioned and we were unanimous in choosing him to play the lead character in the musicale. Throughout the rehearsals and the many performances, Nyoy did not disappoint.
He eventually pursued music as a profession and his talent brought him to the entertainment world
He became a successful acoustic artist and had quite a following. A few years ago, he explored acting for theater, and the passion has never left him. He met Mikkie in theater and their love story blossomed into something really beautiful.
We wish the newlyweds a lifetime of bliss, music and happiness. n