There is a deeper meaning to Rustom
Padilla's new name. Bebe stands for his new motto, "Be all what you can be."
Rustom Padilla is now known as Bebe Gandanghari
Sunday, January 18, 2009
12:29 AM
Rustom Padilla came back from a three-month stay in the U.S. last Thursday, January 15. Rustom, who studied modeling in New York, surprised Startalk at the airport with his feminine classy look and ramp-model bearing.
When Startalk got hold of Rustom, the first thing they asked was whether airport officials had any difficulty distinguishing him and his passport photo.
"Medyo," smiled Rustom. "Pero hindi naman. Pero, pinapapunta muna nila ako sa foreigners, so, sabi ko na Pilipino ako. They just asked me to take off my shades. I think natutuwa sila na makita ako. Ma'am ang tawag sa akin so, I feel like a woman."
Rustom has taken his sexual preference to a new level by changing his name to suit his lifestyle.
"I'm a woman, so, call me Bebe [pronounced, "bibi"]," the artist known as Rustom Padilla told Startalk. "I'd really appreciate it if you call me Bebe. Rustom's not here. Bebe's here, she's alive and kicking! Bebe's a character that people are gonna watch and I'm gonna portray...so, Bebe's here to stay."
Bebe is short for Binibining Gandanghari, and it's a role Rustom definitely wants to portray.
"That's my name," Bebe said. "She is a God-fearing, loving lady. I am a woman. I am a woman. Bebe's a woman...Emotionally, physically, biologically, spiritually, psychologically, socially..." at this point, Bebe's seriousness faded and he quipped, "Ano pa ang gusto mo, financially?"
Though a lot has changed in Bebe's overall physique, he didn't comment on whether he was drinking estrogen pills or has undergone any operation. At this time, he can be proud of his vital statistics. "I think it's 35-26-35," he said.
Will Bebe's family react once he sees them?
"I'm sure everything will be fine," said Bebe. "Wala naman akong sinasaktan na tao. Wala naman akong ginagawang masama. I do my own decisions and as long as I know that it is responsible, I'm only asking for pang-unawa."
WALKING THE RAMP AT STARTALK. Bebe guests today live at Startalk to talk about his plans now that he's back home. Startalk's Butch Francisco gives a welcome remark ("Long live, Bebe!") as Bebe goes onstage to give the viewers a taste of New York style modeling.
Once seated, Joey de Leon immediately went for the "Question": Has he undergone a sex change operation?
"I'd rather not comment about it sa mga panahon na ito," Bebe said. "So, I hope napagbibigyan n'yo ako doon."
But for now, is Bebe willing to undergo a sex change?
"That's a hard decision, so I'd rather not talk about it," said Bebe. "I'm in the middle of everything."
Did he decline now to have it?
"No comment"
Lolit interjected, "Bakit Bebe? Parang bibi na gansa!?"
Bebe laughed and explained, "Actually, my full name is Binibining Gandanghari. So, my nickname is Bebe."
Joey, who mused about Bebe's full name, asked, "Bakit Gandanghari, Bebe? Bakit hindi Dalawanghari or Isanghari? Or bakit hindi Gandangreyna?"
Get showbiz news anytime, anywhere on your mobile! Just key in PEP ON and send to 4627. Available to all Sun, Globe, and Smart subscribers.
More News
- AGB Mega Manila TV Ratings (Feb. 8): Four new shows make strong impact on the ratings game HOT
- Bing Loyzaga dismisses malicious rumor linking her to Jake Cuenca
- Richard Gutierrez and PEP finally find peace HOT
- Angelica Panganiban wants to settle down with boyfriend Derek Ramsay someday
- Sam Milby has separate projects with Anne Curtis and Maja Salvador
- AGB Mega Manila TV Ratings (Feb. 5-7): May Bukas Pa finishes on top HOT
-
Couples
Bong Revilla and Lani Mercado remain together despite the trials in their marriage
Lani: "Dapat alam mo kung ano ang dapat ipaglaban mo at kung ano ang hindi mo dapat ipaglaban."
-
Features
Shalani Soledad says she has a good relationship with Kris Aquino
The lady councilor thinks Kris's current issue with husband James Yap will not harm Sen. Noynoy Aquino's presidential bid.
-
Indie
Mon Confiado plays gay psychotic killer in Pilantik
This suspense thriller was supposed to be topbilled by Bb Gandanghari.
-
PEP Finder
Cindy Kurleto happy with her life in Peru but misses Manila
The former Eat..Bulaga! mainstay is saddened by news about Francis Magalona's demise.
Most Popular
- Sharon Cuneta on her adopted son: "I think yung nag-iba lang, hindi siya lumabas sa akin. But I chose to be his mother."
- Shaina Magdayao speaks up about her split with John Prats
- Pokwang answers some issues about Wowowee
- Jolina Magdangal revamps herself with new look; changes manager
- Piolo Pascual admits KC Concepcion is part of his birthday wish
- PEP EXCLUSIVE: PART I Marlene Aguilar narrates the "violent environment" her son Jason Ivler grew up in
- Maricel Soriano returns from hibernation after her mother's death
- PEP EXCLUSIVE: Part III Marlene Aguilar: "Jason's fan club will change the world."
- AGB Mega Manila TV Ratings (Feb. 5-7): May Bukas Pa finishes on top
- Bayani Agbayani is thankful to GMA-7 for opening its door to him again
Advertisement


