Showbiz Central turns 1!
Updated: 06/13/2008
Views: 135
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!

-
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.
Photography: Noel Orsal
-
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.
Photography: Noel Orsal
-
Right on cue: John "Sweet" Lapus sure knows how to project himself in front of the camera.
Photography: Noel Orsal
-
One of
Showbiz Central's most popular segments is Sweet's
Don't Lie To Me.
"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.
Photography: Noel Orsal
-
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."
Photography: Noel Orsal
-
Director Rico Gutierrez was very pleased with Mo Twister's ability to act and deliver the right facial expressions.
"Puwede palang artista ‘tong si Mo, e," winked Direk Rico after the take.
Photography: Noel Orsal
-
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.
Photography: Noel Orsal
-
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."
Photography: Noel Orsal
-
Sweet listens intently as Direk Rico gives out last minute instructions before calling a take.
Photography: Noel Orsal
-
Rufa Mae Quinto asked for a blower to spice up her pictorial.
Photography: Noel Orsal
-
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.
"But it progressed, the show, parang we've became close. We started enjoying it and after the show we'd find ourselves just talking in the back, in the dressing room and making kuwentuhan na. So ngayon, we see each other as friends na talaga."
Photography: Noel Orsal
-
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.
Photography: Noel Orsal
-
Pia Guanio went straight to Studio B for the shoot and pictorial immediately after her hosting gig for that day in the news program 24 Oras.
Photography: Noel Orsal
-
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.
Photography: Noel Orsal
-
It's Raymond's turn to be photographed for the VTR.
Photography: Noel Orsal
-
Raymond gets prepped up during a short break.
Photography: Noel Orsal
-
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.
Photography: Noel Orsal
-
Direk Rico tells Pia the look he's hoping to capture on reel—sexy and classy at the same time.
Photography: Noel Orsal
-
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.
Photography: Noel Orsal
-
Changing the chic getup Pia wore earlier, this time she dons a "vampish" attire.
Photography: Noel Orsal
-
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.
Photography: Noel Orsal
-
Rufa Mae tries to keep her balance while flashing that sweet smile of hers.
Photography: Noel Orsal
-
Rufa Mae pensively waits for the harness to lift her off the floor.
Photography: Noel Orsal
-
Direk Rico, Rufa Mae and Mo are caught in a huddle as they discuss the last take of the shoot. The pictorial lasted until almost midnight.
Photography: Noel Orsal
-
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.
Photography: Noel Orsal
-
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.
Photography: Noel Orsal
