IT’S CONFIRMED.

Mariel Rodriguez has left ABS-CBN’s “Happy Yippe Yehey” to move to TV5’s “Wiltime Bigtime” come October.  And we heard hubby Robin Padilla will follow her after his “Guns and Roses” ends on ABS. It’s said Mariel is no longer happy hosting “Happy Yippe” as co-host Toni Gonzaga is giving her the cold shoulder. After they had a tiff last year, things between them were never the same again even after they’ve ostensibly patched up their differences on TV.

Cristy Fermin said it’s not surprising that many Kapamilyas are moving to the Kapatid network. “Grabe kasi ang taas ng pasuweldo sa TV5,” she told us. “Ako, ang suweldong nakukuha ko rito in one month, five months ang katumbas sa kabila. Pati mga utility boys naming galing sa kanila, P1,000 a day ang bayad kaya mas happy talaga sila sa Happy Network.”

Some folks say Mariel will be replacing Shalani Soledad who’s engaged to be married to Cong. Roman Romulo. But Cristy told us Shalani is not leaving the show as her husband-to-be agrees for her to go on with her hosting career even after their wedding.

RICHARD WON'T REVEAL DESTINATION

RICHARD Gutierrez left for the yet undisclosed destination of “Survivor Philippines Celebrity Showdown 2” last Sunday.  Before he left, he underwent rigid physical check up to make sure he’s in tiptop shape in hosting the show for 45 days. He also had the proper vaccines to protect him from possible diseases abroad. He won’t reveal where his destination is and who the castaways are.

“Basta we have an exciting line up at mas marami sila ngayon,” he says. “Nauna na doon si Direk Rico Gutierrez (who replaced original director Monti Parungao who moved to TV5) to try out the challenges na ipagagawa sa castaways. Mas maraming twists and surprises din ngayon so I’m really energized. I feel I’m now more prepared kasi may experience na ako doon sa una so I know what to expect. I brought all my exercise equipment as I’m preparing for the Ironman triathlon that I plan to join next year and also have my own triathlon fundraising event for my birthday in January. I’ve done boxing, basketball and martial arts, triathlon is the new challenge for me.”

RAYMOND EMBARKS ON NEW CAREER

RAYMOND Gutierrez was there when we interviewed his twin brother Richard Gutierrez before his departure and it’s obvious he lost a lot of weight. What did he do? “I eat only the dishes supplied to me by Sexy Solutions of Dr. Vicki Belo,” he says. “I also go to the gym to do boxing and some weights. Also, no more alcohol for me.”

Aside from being a TV host of “Showbiz Central” and “Party Pilipinas,” Raymond also embarks on a new career as the style director of the local version of Esquire, with Erwin Romulo as chief editor. “We’re coming out with our first issue of Esquire Philippines in October with Manny Pacquiao on the cover,” he adds.

RED CARPET SCREENING

NORA Aunor's fans will be glad to know that they’re given the chance to watch the red carpet premiere screening of their idol’s comeback show on TV5, “Sa Ngalan ng Ina,”  tonight (Sept. 22) at 6 p.m. to be held at SM the Block. 100 tickets will be distributed on a first come, first served basis. Ate Guy will be there to lead the cast that includes Christopher de Leon, Eugene Domingo, Bembol Roco, Nadine Samonte, Edgar Allan Guzman, Alywn Uytingco and Eula Caballero, with Director Mario O’Hara.

THE BIGGEST LOSER IS A WINNER

THE five finalists of “The Biggest Loser,”  now called The Fab Five, was presented by ABS-CBN to the press last Tuesday: Angela, Art, Hazel, Larry and Raffy.

Other eliminated contestants were also there to keep them company: lan, Andy, Eboy, Edden, Eric, Joy, Leigh, Winwin and Ryan. We asked them all who they think would win and two names emerged: Larry (the former cop who was fired because he’s too overweight) and Raffy (the good-looking youngest guy who has a facial tic with uncontrollable twitching of his eyebrows said to be inherited from his dad and granddad).

Why them? Here are the answers: Larry – “Sobrang sipag at tiyaga niya sa workout. Nagre-rest na kami o kumakain, siya, workout pa rin.” Raffy – “He’s like our little brother. He’s the most deserving kasi he needs the money for his family.”

What will Larry and Raffy do if they’d indeed win? “I will use the money for the education of my children,” says Larry.

“I will use part of it for a small business, kahit food cart lang,” says Raffy. “Tapos dadalhin ko ‘yung kapatid ko sa Hong Kong Disneyland.”

Raffy has found his ladylove in the show: the lovely Hazel. They’re now considered the Love Team of “Biggest Loser.”  How did they fall in love with each other? Raffy: “First time I saw her, ang ganda niya kahit mataba siya. Nagtaka ako dahil sabi niya, no boyfriend since birth siya e maganda naman siya.” Hazel: “First time ko naman siyang nakita, I found him agad as charming. Kahit chubby siya, malakas pa rin ang charisma niya.”

Our guess is that ABS-CBN will build them up as the network’s newest love team since they both look good enough to be artistas. The finale will be held at Ynares Stadium on October 8. The winner gets P1 million cash, a condo unit from DCMI Homes, a Vespa scooter, Whirlpool appliances, one year membership with Fitness First. Second place gets P500,000, third place gets P300,000 and they both get scooters and appliances also.

“Biggest Loser” is aired weeknights after “Guns and Roses.” For updates, log on to biggestloser pinoyedition. abs-cbn.com, also on BL PinoyEdition on Twitter and FB.

HIT RADIO SHOW

ONE of the hit radio shows on Barangay LS 97.1 FM is “Talk to Papa,”  the program for lonely and problematic listeners hosted by Papa Kiko who becomes their instant friend. He used to co-host it with Papa Bear, who has moved to another station, so he has a new co-host, Papa Obet. Papa Kiko’s real name is Erwin David. He started his radio career at 19 in Lucena while still a comm. arts student at Enverga University (also the alma mater of our ed Eugene Asis).  He’s now 27 years old.

He became a regular at Campus Radio in Lucena and, in 2008, when Campus Radio in Manila became Barangay LS, program manager Glenn Allona recruited DJs from the provinces and he’s one of them. He chose Kiko to be his radio name as it’s one of the most common names in any barangay. What’s the most difficult issue he has handled from his listeners? “‘Yung questions about sex,” he says. “We have to restrain ourselves kasi GMA is a wholesome network, so kailangan, hindi masyadong bastos. It’s like a balancing act kasi you have to be frank and candid, but dapat, hindi offensive ang dating.” Barangay LS is known as the TugsTugsgan Na slogan. Watch our for their next promo called Tugs Tugs Da Moves.

MOST HATED ACTOR

NEIL Ryan Sese has played several character roles before on various TV shows but it’s only now that he’s fully noticed by the viewing public as Simeon in GMA-7’s monster hit on primetime, “Munting Heredera.”  “I’d like to thank Direk Maryo de los Reyes as he’s the one who  chose me to play this role,” he says. “Crucial ang role ko as Simeon as I’m the only one who knows the secret who among the several kids in the show ang siyang tunay na ‘Munting Heredera.’ After the big earthquake that separated Mark Anthony Fernandez and Camille Prats just before they’re about to get married, kinuha ko si Camille na nagka-amnesia at pinapaniwala ko siyang kami ang tunay na mag-asawa.  Since then, ang dami ko ng ginawang kasamaan sa show and everywhere I go, I’m recognized as Simeon at may mga nagagalit sa’kin, so I have to explain that I’m just playing a role. Mas lalo pa akong sasama sa story ngayon as I’d do everything to get back Camille as Sandra at ang batang sinasabi kong anak namin, si Michelle. Lumalaki naman ang financial problems ni Gloria Romero as Donya Ana and Robert Arevalo will offer her help but she’d reject it, but Boots Anson Roa will continue to oppose her.”