GMA-7's Sunday top-rating showbiz talk show Showbiz Central proved the skeptics wrong. Proving its worth and even overtaking the competition, the show—hosted by Pia Guanio, John "Sweet" Lapus, Raymond Gutierrez, Rufa Mae Quinto and Mo Twister—turns One!
Uploaded: June 13, 2008
Before the photo shoot began, the Showbiz Central staff surprised Ruffa Mae Quinto with a chocolate cake. Rufa Mae, whose birthday is on May 28, just turned 30 a day before the pictorial.
"Good health," said Rufa Mae when asked by PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) about her birthday wish.
Before joining Showbiz Central, Mo was already a well-known personality both on radio and TV. Joining a showbiz talk show didn't require much adjustment, according to him.
"I think it's the same, e," Mo told PEP. "We talk about show business in our radio show [and] also here in Showbiz Central. So it really, parang show business or tsismis, or intrigues or issues, really it knows no demographic, everybody is interested in it. Everybody is tsismoso. We are all tsismoso," he grinned.
One of Showbiz Central's most popular segments is Sweet's Don't Lie ToMe.
"Marami pa kong gustong sana sumalang [sa lie detector test]," smiled John. "Sa mga kaibigan kong artista, this is all for fun," he called out animatedly.
Mo recalls his excitement when GMA-7 offered him Showbiz Central: "When they offered it to me, I was really excited kasi to be part of a GMA show on a Sunday, 4:00 pm. I understand the importance of a slot like that. You just kinda get excited because it's such a big offer to be entrusted as one of the key members of the show. It was very flattering."
Rufa Mae Quinto looks splendid in her flowing floral gown. Having fun in front of the camera, the sexy comedienne's mood buoyed up as the shoot progressed.
Even during downtime, John is still all business. "Galing talaga mag-project nito ni John," praised one of the show's staff. To which the other staff nodded, "Sanay na Sanay."
Talking about the camaraderie of the hosts, Raymond Gutierrez shared, "We're enjoying. ‘Yon ‘yong mahalaga. Because in the beginning it was kind of awkward pa between all of us.
Each of the Showbiz Central hosts exhibits unique traits that blend well with the group. Pia's smart and sophisticated personality definitely adds gloss to the show.
Pia consults Direk Rico on the details of her take. Although feeling tired, Pia stayed put with the other hosts, waiting for Rufa Mae and Mo Twister's final shot for the evening.
Rufa Mae's yellow attire perfectly compliments her bubbly personality
"Playful pero sexy pa rin," Direk Rico tells Rufa Mae from afar. "P-chi, dapat kita pa rin ‘yong figure mo," explaining Rufa Mae's teasing body language throughout the take.
How far is Rufa Mae willing to go for Showbiz Central? Sky's the limit, it seems. Supported by a harness, Rufa Mae willingly allowed her curvaceous body to be suspended in thin air.
"Hindi madali ang buhay ng isang Rufa Mae Quinto," she would later tell PEP, referring to her life as a celebrity.
Peek-a-boo: With Rufa Mae rising in the air, Mo Twister, hiding behind the sexy comedienne's skirt, peeked from below.
Rufa Mae and Mo work as a pair in the Central Jury portion of Showbiz Central. Rufa Mae candidly revealed to PEP that initially she didn't have fun working with Mo because of his alleged "presko" ways.
Their working relationship eventually improved and they're now comfortable with each other. "Okay na kami ngayon. Mabait naman pala siya," Rufa Mae giggled.
Rufa Mae celebrates the end of a long day's pictorial. She was leaving the next day for a short vacation in Hong Kong and to visit current flame Bobby Lopez.
