PEOPLE WHO tuned in to “The Buzz” for KC Concepcion’s confessions tell us they’re disappointed as KC didn’t tell outright that Piolo Pascual is gay. At the net, they complain that for a “tell all interview,”  this is “vague, cryptic. Malabo.” Some even advised her to seek the advice of Carmina Villaroel about her experience with Rustom Padilla.

Come on, guys, you don’t really expect her to be that blunt. You should just read between the lines. Also, we heard she and Boy Abunda were warned not to reveal anything that might destroy Piolo, who, let’s face it, is still one of ABS-CBN’s top properties even if folks say his movies and TV shows no longer hit it big the way the projects of John Lloyd Cruz and Derek Ramsay do.

As it is, KC has already revealed much, like Piolo first tried to woo her when she was only 18 and he courted her for two years, on and off. He returned to her on her birthday in April 2010 and asked for another chance. They officially became on in October 2010. We’re just confused when KC said he’s her first showbiz relationship. What about Rico Blanco and Lino Cayetano? Aren’t they also from showbiz?

Here are some of KC’s statements from which you can make your own deductions:

“It’s my first showbiz relationship, pareho kami ng trabaho. So I think the best thing is that natuto ako na parang naging mas mature talaga sa relationship na ito. First relationship ko rin na seryoso talaga to the point na may mga bagay na hindi naman ako komportable, nagagawa mong tanggapin kasi mahal mo and you choose to accept. Mas naiintindihan ko kung ano ’yung pagmamahal. It sounds corny pero ’yung mas accepting ako.”

“Marami pong naklaro sa akin, ’yung mga kaya ko at ’di ko kayang gawin bilang babae na minsan… kailangan mo ring intindihin ‘yung sarili mo. Kasi, bigay lang ako nang bigay. Saka iniintindi ko lahat. Parang masyado akong nagbigay ng benefit of the doubt sa lahat. Intindi lang ako nang intindi. Tanggap lang ako nang tanggap. Hindi pala dapat gano’n.”

“May mga hinahanap ako na basic lang na hahanapin ng isang babae sa isang boyfriend, sa isang lalaki. Ayoko na magbigay ng details, kasi ayokong siraan siya. Pero let’s just say na lahat talaga, kaya ko, lahat! Lahat ng kung may anak siya, tinanggap ko ‘yun. Tinanggap ko ‘yung anak niya! Kahit may mga times na hindi ko siya maintindihan, tinanggap ko. Kasi, sinasabi sa akin ng mga kaibigan namin na personality niya ‘yun. Kapag may mga bagay na hindi ako sang-ayon, na ginagawa sa isang babae, tinatanggap ko. Kasi, naniniwala akong mabait siyang tao. May mga bagay na hindi ko na kayang lunukin. Hindi ko na kaya ‘yun tanggapin...Kasalanan ko rin ito sa sarili ko. Kasi siyempre, ginusto ko naman ito, ‘di ba? So, kasalanan ko rin sa sarili ko. Kasi, pinag laban ko pa, eh. Saka  sobra-sobra talaga akong nagtiwala. Sobra.”

“May mga masasayang moments naman Tito Boy. Hindi kasi ako mahilig magkuwento ng problema namin sa iba hangga’t kaya ko pa and I guess noong time na na-realize ko na talaga na hindi na talaga ito gagana, dalawa o tatlong buwan talaga akong pumapasok sa “The Buzz” every Sunday or sa “ASAP Rocks” na kunwari, okay lang lahat kasi akala ko mawawala lang siya, na akala ko parang hindi naman kailangang malaman ng ibang tao para maayos ’yung problema. But then talagang kapag pumapasok ako ’tapos pagdating ng commercial break, hindi ko na talaga alam kung anong mararamdaman ko dahil sa lahat  ng pinagdadaanan namin. Nagkukulong na lang ako sa banyo, hindi ko na pwedeng gawin ’yun eh, hindi ko na siya kayang gawin mag-isa.”

“Bigla na lang akong maiiyak, kasi hindi pala ako okey. Ewan ko kung bakit, paanong nangyari, ‘yung pain at saka ‘yung sama ng loob naging galit, na talagang nagugulat din ako kasi first time ko na rin na parang napapamura na rin ako. Hindi naman ako ganun, and bigla na lang akong maiiyak kasi hindi pala ako okay. And then siya, natatawa lang siya. Kapag nakikita kong ini-interview siya, idadaan lang niya sa joke. Feeling ko, ‘Bakit ikaw ganyan, ako ganito?’ Bakit parang hanggang sa huli, mag-isa lang ako rito? Anong sasabihin ko sa pamilya ko? Anong sasabihin ko kay Mama na tanong nang tanong kung kami pa ba o hindi na? Kasi, kapag sinabi kong hindi na, magtatanong siya, ‘Bakit?’ Anong isasagot ko sa kanya? Anong isasagot ko sa lola ko (Elaine Cuneta) na mahal na mahal siya? Hindi ko masabi kasi, eh. Hindi ko talaga masabi sa kahit na sinong tao kung anong nangyari. Hindi ko talaga puwedeng sabihin.”

“Nag-sorry naman siya. Binigyan ko siya ng second chance, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh chance. Pagdating ng eighth chance, parang na-realize ko, hindi lahat ng problema, nadadaan sa kilig. Hindi lahat ng problema, nadadaan sa tawa. Hindi lahat, nadadaan sa kilig. Kasi, ang galing-galing niyang magpakilig! Ang tanga-tanga ko nga, Tito Boy, eh. Dumating lang siya sa point na parang, ‘Sandali lang, parang hindi na natin inaano ‘yung totoong nangyayari. Kasi, titingnan ka lang niya, ay, wala na, nakalimutan ko na lahat! Lagi na lang gano’n. PJ knows  exactly why we broke up. He knows exactly why. And araw-araw na nakikita ko siya, araw-araw na magkasama kami, parang tug of war talaga. Kasi, ito ‘yung taong minahal ko, o mahal mo, pero sobra akong nasasaktan ngayon. Pero mahal ko siya, pero hindi na talaga puwede. Araw-araw na magkasama kami, iniisip ko, ‘Dito lang tayo sa Amerika nagkaroon ng panahon na tayong dalawa lang, ni hindi natin na-enjoy?’ Dahil hindi na gagana.”

“Naniniwala naman ako na ‘pag sinasabi ni PJ na minahal niya ako, naniniwala naman ako na meron namang katotohanan ‘yon. Pero masakit man sabihin, hindi ako ‘yung… siguro nag-fail din ako dahil hindi ako ‘yung kailangan niya sa buhay niya. Or hindi ako ‘yung hinahanap niya sa buhay niya. And hindi ko maibigay sa kanya ‘yung kailangan niya. Ang hinihingi ko lang sa kanya, PJ, please huwag kang magagalit sa akin dahil nasaktan ako. Huwag kang magagalit sa akin dahil hindi ako perpekto. Huwag kang magagalit sa akin dahil may mga bagay na hindi ko na kayang intindihin at tanggapin. Huwag kang magagalit sa akin kung kailangan ko munang maramdaman ito lahat. Kung kailangan ko munang mag-respond at mag-react kung paano normal na mag-react ang isang babae sa sitwasyon ko, please.”

What’s the lesson she learned from the relationship?  “Magtira ka para sa sarili mo. At ang tiwalang ibibigay mo sa taong mamahalin mo, dapat alagaan ng taong mahal mo.”

She wouldn’t want to give any message to Piolo. But what’s her wish now? “Sana makahanap na ako ng true love.”

MARIAN DENIES TIFF WITH LOVI

MARIAN Rivera denies rumors she’s currently at odds with friend Lovi Poe after Lovi accepted working with Heart Evangelista in “Legacy.”

“Naku, intrigahin daw ba kami ni Lovi,” she says at “Ang Panday, Ikalawang Aklat” presscon. “Huwag n'yo na kami gawaan ng isyu dahil hindi totoo 'yan. Nagkita lang kami sa ‘Party Pilipinas’ and we’re both happy to see each other, nagkumustahan kami. After matapos ang sitcom naming ‘Show Me Da Manny’, bihira na kami magkausap but we’re okay. At bakit naman ako magagalit kung magkasama sila sa isang show?

May karapatan ba akong pumili ng mga makakasama ng kapwa ko artista, eh  hindi naman akong nagpapasuweldo sa kanila? So please, tantanan nyo na isyung 'yan at okay talaga kami.”

She truly had a great time working with Sen. Bong in “Panday 2.”  “What’s nice about him is mabait siya sa lahat ng tao. Pati sa extras, staff and crew, pantay ang tingin niya. May concern siya sa lahat ng katrabaho niya sa shooting at down-to-earth siya.”

As Arlana in “Panday 2”, her character has a surprising twist into it.

“I just can’t reveal kung ano, but du’n pa lang, worth it na talaga panoorin ang movie.”

How about the rumor that Bong’s wife, Cong. Lani Mercado, got jealous of her? “Naku, paano siya magseselos, eh siyang nanay ko sa ‘Amaya’ at kinukuwento ko sa kanya lahat ng nangyayari sa set?”

Marian is really working hard these days. In “Amaya,”  they’ve been doing her fight scenes as a warrior in the uprising against Ryan Eigenmann as Angaway, who gets killed. But Gina Alajar as Lamitan succeeds in poisoning Sid Lucero as Bagani and Amaya’s rebellion doesn’t succeed as Lamitan crowns herself as the new leader of their kingdom. Amaya returns with Aljur Abrenica as Dayaw to the Manobos, hoping they’ll be able to cure the sick Bagani.

BETTER THAN THE ORIGINAL

WATCHING“The Little Mermaid” was a nostalgic experience for us. We watched the original Disney animated version in 1989 when our daughter Hannah was only 10 years old at the old SM Annex which has since been demolished. Years later, we watched again with her the local play with Carol Banawa in the title role and KC Concepcion as the Princess who’s her rival over the Prince, at the Meralco theatre. Now, we just watched the Broadway Disney version, also staged at Meralco, this time with our 3-year old granddaughter named after my late wife, Victoria, and she was so mesmerized all throughout. She kept clapping her little hands and was even dancing while seated on our lap. At the end of the first act, during the intermission, she kept telling us: “More. More.”

And we can’t blame her, for it is indeed a wonderful show, one of the best local stagings of a Broadway musical we’ve seen, despite the new happy ending.

We just adore Rachelle Ann Go as Ariel. She gives an exuberant and breathtaking performance, with her winning stage presence and her voice a clear and sparkling soprano as she sings “Part of Your World.”

She should definitely do more theatre. We just wish she has better chemistry with Erik Santos as the prince. On Broadway, Ariel (played by Sierra Boggess who did Christine in the 25th anniversary of “Phantom”) was on rollerblades to give the appearance of gliding on stage.

The costumes (with fish tails bobbing on their own) and the sets are all fabulous in creating the illusion that you’re in another world, with the color palette so delightful it’s easy to see if a scene was meant to be underwater or above land. The lighting complements them perfectly. The use of shadow puppets was just amazing, especially when Ariel loses her tail and gains a pair of legs.

Jinky Llamanzares commands the stage whenever she’s on with her flashy gay diva portrayal of Ursula the Octopus.  Another standout is OJ Mariano as Sebastian. He changes his voice and accent in his comic interpretation of Sebastian the crab and shines in all his scenes. He also gives a great rendition of “Under the Sea” and “Kiss the Girl.”

His costume (with its Thai-inspired headpiece) is even better than that of the black Sebastian who played it on Broadway. Kudos to Bobby Garcia and Chari Arespacochaga for their superb handling of the material.

INSIDE PBB

THE first back-to-back eviction night was held for PBB UnliDay and UnliNight last Saturday. At UnliDay, hosted by Bianca Gonzales after “Angelito, Batang Ama,” it was Lordwin Claveria, the MaabiliDaddy of Quezon, known for his farting, who was ousted. He got a low 4.56% of votes. Real life sweethearts Mark Luz and Kim de Guzman got a lot of  sympathizers with 20.17 and 19.95% of votes, respectively. Erica Arlante, the other nominee, got 6.82%.

At UnliNight, hosted by Toni Gonzaga after “Nasaan Ka Elisa,”  Diane Aquino, the Seksing Bossing of QC, was eliminated getting a negative 9.38% of votes. The good-looking Slater Young of Cebu was the highest pointer, saved with 28.95% of votes. We were expecting Kigoy Abarico will be the one evicted but he got 7.93% of votes. We guess voters want to give this former streetkid-snatcher a second chance. Tol Chua got 6.39%.

When asked who she thinks would be nominated again, Diane said it’s Kigoy who stole a kiss from her once and wouldn’t let her go when she’s about to leave Kuya’s house. “Sinasarili ako ni Kigoy,” she said. “Ayaw niya ko i-share sa iba.” She said Kigoy should learn how to respect women.

As for Lordwin, he thinks the one to be nominated next is former Red Power Stranger Reg since he’s acting very bossy like Paco. A new housemate was added in UnliNight, Seth, an American who succeeded in convincing the other housemates that he’s married to Luz. It turns out he’s a Bisaya from Cebu and speaks fluent Tagalog.

YOUNG ACTOR'S MOM DIES WHILE HE'S PERFORMING

AFTER Iza Calzado loses dad Lito to the big C, it’s the turn of Jake Vargas’ mom to succumb to colon cancer on Nov. 26. Jake was interviewed in “Showbiz Central” and he was doing a mall show when his manager, Kuya Germs, informed him of his mom’s passing. “Malungkot, pero masaya na rin kasi tapos na ang paghihirap niya,” he said.

“Dinarasal ko sanang umabot man lang siya ng Pasko, pero hindi na nangyari.”

His friends in “Tween Hearts,” who guested in “Showbiz Central” interviewed by Jennylyn Mercado, all condoled with him. They said they know Jake will be brave enough to handle the grief he’s now experiencing.

When they were asked who among them is the most vain, they all pointed to Derrick Monasterio, who deservedly won the most promising male newcomer award from the PMPC. “After each take, titingin siya sa salamin sa kanyang cellphone and ask ‘Okay ba ang hair ko, ang hitsura ko?” they revealed. To which Jennylyn quipped: “Siguro pati sa salamin sa ibabaw ng table, chine-check mong hitsura mo.” And the funny and irrepressible Derrick said: “Pati po sa tubig.” When he guested in “Startalk,”  he was asked in what category he won and he said: “Sa best male newcomer po. Male, ha, hindi effeminate.” In fairness to Derrick, he really shows much promise. He has star quality so apparent in the first episode of “The Road” where he plays Lexi Fernandez’ boyfriend who undergoes a horrifying experience.

REP. ENRILE READY FOR SHOWBIZ

REP. Jack Enrile of Cagayan, son of Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile and Ambassador to the Vatican Cristina Castaner Enrile, is dipping his hands into showbiz as major presenter of “Twogether as One,” the concert of PDA champ Laarni Lozada and Prima Diva Billy at Zirkoh Morato on December 7. Billy is managed by Jobert Sucaldito, who’s now helping Rep. Jack to be closer to the press. Rep. Jack says he’s a music lover that’s why he’s presenting the concert. “I’m not a singer but I do have a good ear for music,” he says. “I watch local concerts and movies. Ever since, all out ang suporta ko sa entertainment industry as my aunt, Armida Siguion Reyna, is a respected name in showbiz so I’m really proud of her.”

He admits he was happy-go-lucky as a young man and his dad even cut his credit line to teach him to be independent. He was involved in the controversial death of actor Alfie Anido in 1981 as his sister Katrina was the late Alfie’s girlfriend. He says he’s now ready to face the entertainment press. They can ask him anything they want and he’ll answer them even if the question is about that case that happened 30 years ago.