Finally, we know who Betty La Fea is...and it’s none other than Bea Alonzo.

Playing ugly-duckling roles isn’t new to Bea, as her breakthrough role was one such in Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay, where she was first paired with John Lloyd Cruz.

I guess she was destined to play the role, because even though the rights of the popular telenovela were secured two years ago, according to ABS-CBN business unit head Deo Endrinal, they decided not to bring it into life right away. Two years ago, you wouldn’t actually think Bea could do Betty.

But now, riding on the success of the hit US series Ugly Betty, Betty La Fea is expected to be a flagship prime-time program of ABS-CBN.

Congratulations on your bagging the title role of Betty La Fea.

I’m really happy and grateful. I prayed that I would get this much-coveted role. But I didn’t want to hope too much, so that it wouldn’t hurt much if I didn’t get it. I really, really need this....

But it means bigger expectations since even before the start of the first shooting day, everyone already has had an opinion on the project.

Bigger expectations means bigger pressure....Add to the fact that the franchise of the series isn’t exactly cheap. I don’t know if Pinoys would accept this. More than anything else, I want to come up with a great show that will touch on the hearts of Pinoys to look beyond the physical attributes.

Let’s go back to your statement, “I really, really need this.” Why?

Well, I have to confess that I went through an emotional period. I took a rest after Maging Sino Ka Man, and I found myself dwelling on personal issues. Of course, I’m the breadwinner....Well, not only that but I’ve been thinking about lots of things. And I also need this project, I guess, for a little boost of my self-confidence.

Is that personal issue you’re also referring to was your breakup with Miko Palanca?

I hope you understand when I say I’d rather that we not talk about it. I’m happy being single and free. I’m enjoying my freedom, and I’m doing my job. I’m happy. Let’s focus on Betty La Fea....

OK. What can you say to accusations going around that you grabbed the role from Regine Velasquez?

There was no sulutan of any sort. I know she was touted to play the role. Not only her but a lot of names surfaced of possible Bettys. As far as I’m concerned, I didn’t grab the role from anyone because I don’t want that to also happen to me. Bottom line, this is work, and I would like to work and do great projects like Betty La Fea.

URDUJA LiveS and Sings!

A TOTAL of 85,000 drawings in almost 2,000 scenes that represent 8,771 feet of film, and 400 Filipino artists in digital and traditional animation in studios that spanned from Makati to Palawan, were needed to resurrect from the mist of myth and the crags of history the story of Urduja, the warrior princess of Pangasinan of yore.

Never fade away

ON June 12, 2005, the founder of Pinoy Rock, the band Juan de la Cruz (JDC), staged the Pagkalas concert at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. It coincided with the nationwide celebration of Independence Day.

Gab Fab: Sorry, Regine, Bea is Betty

Finally, we know who Betty La Fea is...and it’s none other than Bea Alonzo.

Playing ugly-duckling roles isn’t new to Bea, as her breakthrough role was one such in Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay, where she was first paired with John Lloyd Cruz.

Shaken&Stirred: Luxurious upgrades

OH dear, pretty much little has changed around these parts since we were last here—well, sweetie, at least as far as the Australian Brian Gorrel’s efforts to reclaim the life savings he insists was filched by DJ Montano,

Fermantations: WHEN A LEGEND CAME TO TOWN

THE menu he planned in his head, during his flight back to Manila from Spain. Because Juan Carlos de Terry knew he was arriving on a Saturday, too close for comfort for the Thursday dinner he was hosting—and cooking—at his now famous restaurant, Segundo Piso.

Cooks: Neptune’s Catch is Gold

ONE of the best choice fish in a culinary competition is seabass, a thick, fat slice of it. This fish is so fat that it’s almost impossible to overcook it and it is naturally delicate in flavor, with a good dose of umami interlaced into its briney juices.

Dencio’s goes high-end

Anyone will tell you that the Dencio’s chain has certainly become an authority in the Filipino food scene, being popular with both families dining out and the young market on a night out with friends.

A Heart for Furry Friends

THESE days, animals have become more than just pets and constant companions. We see socialites and wannabe stars parading their dogs and cats, stuffed in designer handbags, complete with custom-made outfits and bejeweled collars.

Teaching moms to be ‘baby-ready’      

WHEN a young girl experiences her first menstruation, the only person whom she can count on to see her through that turning point in her life is her mom. Knowing that mom is always there to provide her with guidance on personal hygiene, the birds and the bees, as well as what to expect as she matures, gives her reassurance and confidence as she approaches adulthood.

Something Like Life: Looking for love on the World Wide Web

WHEN I interviewed them, I was almost half-annoyed as they absentmindedly gazed into each other’s eyes, held hands and gave each other affectionate pats. They playfully bantered and laughed at each other’s funny—and not-so-funny—remarks. “Inggit ka lang!” the voice in my head jeered. And I couldn’t help but chuckle myself.