Asian Mass Media Awards at the Camelot Hotel

By Giselle Sanchez

Published Apr 14, 2026 08:06 am

This coming April 26, celebrities Jennifer Lee, Patricia Javier, Angelique Lazo, and many others, including myself, will be putting on our best smiles (and yes, our fabulous outfits!) as we head to the much-anticipated Asian Mass Media Awards at the Camelot Hotel.

Patricia Javier

This event, led by its hardworking chairperson, Nel Talavera, is not just about handing out trophies; it’s about honoring people who have used media as a platform to inspire, inform, and uplift. In a world flooded with content, it’s refreshing to celebrate those who still choose purpose over popularity, and substance over noise.

Personally, I always believe that media is more than just exposure—it’s a responsibility. Every story we tell, every performance we give, has the power to touch lives. And that’s exactly what this awards night is all about: recognizing those who continue to use their voice for something bigger than themselves. Here are the awardees for Excellence in Mass Media and Performing Arts:

Jennifer Lee

Jennifer Lee -This former Viva Hotbabe Turned DJ was chosen to receive the award in Performing Arts for her badass portrayal of Miru in Maria (2019), a Netflix movie produced by Viva Films starring Christine Reyes. If you watch the film, you will give the now successful events DJ a standing ovation for her action movies and acting prowess.

Angelique Lazo

Angelique Lazo – Currently PTV 4’s news anchor for their daily afternoon newscast program Sentro Balita. Asian Mass Media Awards is giving her this for the Excellence award in Mass Media for her expert engagement with social impact in her talk show, In Person with Ms. Angelique Lazo.

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Patricia Javier- After recently winning three back-to-back awards this past three months – the Huwarang Filipino Award 2026 last February, the FAMAS Prestige Beacon of Timeless Beauty and Inspiration this March, and the 6th Crystal International Women's Award early this April – this Excellence in Performing Arts will be another diamond added to the crown of this Noble Queen of the Universe 2019.

Giselle Sanchez

Giselle Sanchez – I would like to use my column to thank the Asian Mass Media Awards for the award. As I quote the letter they gave me, “We would like to award you the for Excellence in Mass Media and Performing Arts for 1) promoting Filipino achievers and excellence as a writer in Manila Bulletin, 2) Your outstanding performance as Vanessa in the award-winning Netflix series Niña Niño, 3) for your top-tier world-class performances in stand-up comedy, singing and hosting in your concert performances held last year in the United Kingdom, Europe and Dubai giving joy to the overseas Filipino workers.

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Other awardees include Marian Rivera, Dennis Trillo, Martin Nievera, William Thio, Lovely Rivero, director Jeannie Villarico, and Jessica Soho.

GOSSIP GIRL: Starstruck at the booth - DJ Angelica's night with Ina Raymundo at the Don Bosco Victorias Alumni Homecoming

By Giselle Sanchez

Published Feb 10, 2026 10:41 am

Last Saturday in Victorias, Negros, the energy at the Don Bosco Victorias Grand Alumni Homecoming was already electric — until it got an extra jolt of star power. Spinning the night into a full-on celebration was DJ Angelica (@angelica_20dj), whose set became the soundtrack to a memorable reunion. What didn’t she expect? Sharing the moment with two award-winning actresses—Ina Raymundo and yours truly, and yes, I am an award-winning actress as well.

Giselle Sanchez, Ina Raymundo, and DJ Angelica

I caught up with DJ Angelica after her set, and the glow on her face said it all. “Starstruck po ako. I have always idolized Ina Raymundo as a kid. Look at my outfit, it’s giving Ina Raymundo vibes as a Sabado Nights Girl!" she laughed, still buzzing from the night. But what stayed with her wasn’t just the celebrity aura—it was the kindness. She shared how accommodating and genuinely warm Ina was. No diva energy, just real human warmth—the kind that makes you forget you’re talking to a screen icon and remember you’re among fellow women who love the work.

I must agree with Dj Angelika, working with Bench endorser Ina is so easy and anxiety-free. Ina has an aura and demeanor that makes you feel that you are not in the presence of a superstar. Maybe it’s the warmth of a mother Ina possesses. She really lives up to her name, Ina, which means mother. Angelica shared that Ina invited her to sit, eat, and take photos with her- simple gestures that meant the world to a working DJ who had come to deliver vibes, not chase selfies. “Parang barkada mo lang siya. Some actors, although I won't name names, will even tell me to leave the tent, saying that the tent is exclusive to them. But not you and Ina.” She said, describing how easy the conversation flowed. That’s the magic of events like these: when generations and roles blur, and everyone just shows up as themselves.

For DJ Angelica, the night was more than just another gig. It was a reminder that presence matters. I was thankful for kasi may ‘star presence’ yung event,” she admitted, “pero mas thankful ako sa kindness.”

In a scene where clout can feel louder than character, she walked away, reminded that the best stories come from shared tables, not just shared stages.

From the booth, Angelica kept the dance floor alive—reading the crowd, weaving nostalgia with modern beats, and giving the alumni a soundtrack worthy of their homecoming. It’s a skill DJs quietly master: to hold space for joy while being invisible enough for the spotlight to belong to the moment. That night, she did both.

As a performer who’s seen the industry from stage, screen, and backstage chaos, I’m always rooting for the ones who do the work with heart. DJ Angelica is one of those. She shows up prepared, plays with generosity, and carries gratitude in her pocket. That’s the kind of energy that travels far—long after the last track fades and the lights come up.

So here’s to nights where the music hits right, the company feels kind, and the memories linger.

Victorias Negros felt the love last Saturday—and DJ Angelica took home a story she’ll spin for years. DJ Angelika will spin at the BGC Manila House on Feb 14, for their Valentine's Night.

GOSSIP GIRL: A Valentine's concert from Marissa Sanchez

 

By Giselle Sanchez

Published Feb 3, 2026 09:13 am

Watch singer Marissa Sanchez at the Music Museum in Greenhills, San Juan, on Feb. 13, 2026, at 8 p.m. The singer-comedienne promises that everyone will have “A Happy Funny Time,” which is why she titled her concert as such. 

In a one-on-one interview, Marissa tells Gossip Girl that she got so busy with her side hustles of online selling and acting gigs that she almost forgot her real talent, which is singing and comedy.

Marissa Sanchez

"My accountant sister Ate Doray keeps pushing me to focus on singing. She tells me to make acting and online selling my sideline—because soon, age will steal my voice. I can only explain too far, but my Ate was right. I agreed to hold two concerts each year: on Valentine’s Day and my birthday. It’s quite difficult nowadays to mount your own concert.  

"No matter how brilliantly diligent my sister is, she doesn’t understand the brutal logistics of this industry. Talent alone doesn’t cut it anymore. Age and appearance dominate, especially in Filipino culture, where visual appeal reigns supreme. Let’s face it, my body betrays us all eventually. I think most of you will only understand why.”    

What many fail to grasp is that Marissa is not only a singer—She is a complete performer. Her comedy timing, impersonation skills, and dancing are part of a whole package. I have seen this woman work, and her diligence is impressive. “I really worked hard for my upcoming concert because I believe that a good show demands everything.  I refuse to compete with others, only with myself. Evolution is non-negotiable. Good enough has never been acceptable. Each performance must surpass the last. With musical director Mr. Elmer Blancaflor and three major surprise guests, this show must be something different, something extraordinary.”

During our interview, I was looking at her, and I could feel that the rehearsals were creating a toll in her body, “Well, it’s kinda good because I am losing weight because of this hahaha! Bear in mind, Giselle, that I am a single mom, so preparation for this show has become exhausting. Add that I side hustle while I am rehearsing, selling online for my Ate Gina’s business, Mikka’s Closet. The landscape of online selling has shifted dramatically. With social media platforms saturated with celebrities, veteran artists like myself get buried in the noise. The transition to online selling was jarring—I couldn’t see my audience, couldn’t feed off their energy. Comedy thrives on reciprocity; now everything feels intangible, disconnected. The industry has evolved, and veteran performers face different opportunities now than we once did. Still, I’m grateful for Mikka’s Closet—selling apparel and perfumes is honest work.”

Marissa’s show promises a mix of comedy and music. Call Reima Ancheta for tickets at 09171170315. Tickets are at P2500, P2000, and P1500. This show is presented by the Ogie Diaz Talents. 

GOSSIP GIRL: Rufa Mae Quinto says she is still shocked after losing her husband

By Giselle Sanchez

Published Sep 2, 2025 12:38 pm

Actress-comedienne Rufa Mae Quinto is navigating one of the most heartbreaking moments of her life following the sudden death of her husband, former San Francisco police officer Trevor Magallanes. It was painful for me to interview her. Rufa Mae'scomments were short and brief but contained so much grief. “I am still in shock up to now.  I am very, very sad. 

"Kasi maayos family ko until one day di ko na alam biglang di ko na alam…(My family was okay until one day… I really do not know what happened up to now…) But as his wife, I have to do this viewing celebration for Trevor to pay tribute to him. He was a good man. He deserved this tribute," Rufa Mae tells Gossip Girl.   

On Aug. 15, family, friends, and colleagues gathered in California to celebrate Trevor’s life, a man remembered for his dedication to serving his country and his family. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Rufa expressed gratitude to the many friends who traveled from across the United States to stand with her. 

“Inihanda namin ang hall at courtyard para sa celebration of life. Maraming family, friends, at workmates ang dumating para magbigay-pugay sa kanya,” she wrote.

A special playroom was even prepared for children to honor Trevor as “the gamer,” reflecting his lighter side beyond the police uniform. 

According to a statement from the San Francisco Police Department, TrevorMagallanes joined the force in September 2018 as part of the 263rd Recruit Academy Class. He served in the Mission, Tenderloin, Central, and Taraval Districts before concluding his service in February 2023.

“Trevor served the communities with dedication and commitment,” Interim Police Chief Paul Yep wrote in his condolence message. He noted that Trevor is survived by his beloved daughter Athena, who was described as “the light of his life.”

For Rufa Mae, the loss of her husband is not only a personal tragedy but also a devastating blow to their young daughter. 

“I’m deeply saddened by this development. Hope u give us time to mourn his loss especially my daughter,” she said. “Just pray for us that we will get thru this by the help of God.”

Alongside the outpouring of support came a flood of rumors and unverified claims about Trevor’s death. This has deeply upset Rufa Mae, who appealed to the public to stop spreading fake news. “We are still gathering factual information about his death. Even we or his immediate family are still verifying what happened,” she stressed. “So we kindly ask his friends or anyone to stop spreading fake news or mere speculations.”

Despite the pain, Rufa Mae continues to hold on to her faith. “Hanggang sa huli… hanggang sa muli, mahal kita Trev,” she wrote in one of her tributes.

For now, her focus remains on protecting her daughter and honoring the memory of her late husband. Amid grief, gossip, and public scrutiny, Rufa Mae shows resilience as she carries on with love and strength.

GOSSIP GIRL: Meg Imperial’s vertical film 'Purse Lady' on Facebook goes viral

BY GISELLE SANCHEZ

Apr 29, 2025 11:12 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Vertical films are short and creative movies in portraits instead of landscapes.

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Meg Imperial

Vivamax Queen Meg Imperial’s new vertical film,” Purse Lady,” is going viral on Facebook. The sexy actress has three million followers on Facebook. 

Vertical films are short and creative movies in portraits instead of landscapes. These are the short films you see on Facebook, like Dhar Mann, which focuses on good values and faith, which I like. There is another vertical program I love, which is about the emperor of China disguising himself as a pauper to find a wife. When you watch it, you will get hooked and proceed to the viewing app it is promoting. 

I was able to interview Meg regarding her new project on the set because I am also a part of Purse Lady. I asked Meg about her role and a little synopsis of the film, “My name is Jade Yu, in the vertical film, and I am the 'Purse Lady.' I am a multi-millionaire but a recluse, very shy, like a hermit. I own an international bag and purse business, such as Louis Vuitton or Chanel. My bags are known worldwide, but not me as a person. I don’t come out on social media. Everybody knows my name, but cannot put a face to me since I live like a hermit. Since elections are coming up, many candidates seek financial support from my company through solicitation letters, even if they do not know my face. But I do not know these politicians, so I got an idea from my secretary to be an undercover assistant to these politicians, to check if they deem me fit to support them financially for their campaign. But lo and behold, while this happens, a lady imposter suddenly emerges and poses as me, the 'Purse Lady.' She takes my esteemed and prestigious reputation, wealth, influence, and money. How to get it back? Watch our program in the Just Vibin App since you can only watch so much on Facebook," Meg tells Gossip Girl. 

The Just Vibin App is a downloadable app on your iPhone or Android phone that features creative content produced by the Purse Lady and other content creators. Just Vibin has a Creator Boost Program, which helps emerging talents monetize their content through tips, subscriptions, and product sales. Just Vibin allows creators to be featured on curated community pages and live events, making finding and building an audience easier. The creator who produced Purse Lady is director Nijel de Mesa, an award-winning director who recently won the  Best International Film Director award for his movie "Malditas in Maldives" at the 2024 Jinseo Arigato International Film Festival. 

I asked the writer-director and former Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB)  Vice Chairman why he called his vertical film “Purse Lady”. Was this a pun to our “First Lady,'' “Hahaha! Giselle, you are always a funny, brilliant girl! The Purse Lady is about a Lady who owns a purse business. So it has nothing to do with the First Lady of the Philippines. But for the title to ring a bell, I did hook it to the title First Lady, but no allegory or insinuation to her in the film. The series highlights the journey of woman entrepreneurs focusing on her resilience to get out of her rut because of an impostor ruining her reputation. I produced this in my production NDM studios and used the Just Vibin App as my social platform to release it.”

Those who are intrigued by "Purse Lady" can download the Just Vibin App for free and enjoy its programs and entertainment.