eleaguered and controversial couple Cesar Montano and Sunshine Cruz have kissed and made up, and if they deny this, showbiz observers only have to wait for their kissing scene to be shown in the forthcoming action series "Palos" on ABS-CBN.

The kissing scene happened at the taping of "Palos" last Sunday. So how was it kissing each other after a long while? Sunshine says "okay lang, we are professional actors naman." After the scene, Cesar and Sunshine had a close-door heart-to-heart talk that lasted quite a long time. They had to knock at the door when Sunshine was already badly needed for the taping of her other scenes in the series.

If you ask Cesar, things are settled between the two of them, actually since New Year's Eve when Cesar and his children (from his first marriage) joined the Cruzes for the traditional dinner to welcome the new year.

Also, at the moment the couple's three daughters are staying at the Montanos' Sct. Rallos residence.

Sunshine confirms that indeed their children are with their father but she's still in her mother's house in Parañaque while her condo unit in Greenhills is being prepared for her moving in real soon.

A close friend of the couple reveals "bumili pa nga si Cesar ng mga gamit para sa condo ni Sunshine sa Macau ," which shoud be a sign that they are now in good terms. Some action scenes for "Palos" were recently shot in Macau .

Sunshine affirms her love for Cesar but there are things to be changed between them, and so they have to talk some more to settle their differences, she says. "I really am hoping for the best for us. Maybe we only have to change something in ourselves if we want the relationship to work," she said.

Now about "Palos," which is slated to be shown before the month ends, it also stars reel-and-real life sweethearts Jake Cuenca and Roxanne Guinoo who were also reported to have split. At the recent press conference for "Palos," Jake thanked ABS-CBN for giving him the opportunity to be part of this important project.

Cesar said he's proud to be working with Jake who he described as professional, masipag and dedicated to his craft.

About Sunshine, Cesar said they've worked together in some sitcoms and movie projects in the past, and he has seen how professional and dedicated she is in her work. "Serious actress siya that's why I wasn't surprised when she got nominated (for Best Actress) for her role in our movie ‘Ligalig.'" The movie was an official entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival in 2006.

"Palos" the action series is based on the movie version which starred Bernard Bonnin (Charlene Muhlach and Richard Bonnin's father) who's also in the cast playing the role of Ninong, an influential ex-general in an organization called Neptune . One of the directors, veteran megman Toto Natividad, said the series is fast-paced and high-tech, more modernized of course than the movie version.

"Kuwento ito ng mag-ama (played by Cesar and Jake), na hindi alam na mag-ama sila," Toto said. "It tells of the love of a father for his son, and the hatred of a son for his father. Cesar is Fabio, one of the best agents of Neptune ; he's courageous and streetsmart.

Jake, on the other hand, is Giancarlo, a top agent who has only one mission in life. Although he is good in his work, he doesn't want to be perceived as the best because of an unfortunate incident in his past.

So who's the real Palos? Find out when the action series (also featuring Ms. Gloria Romero, Jodi Santamaria-Lacson, Dennis Padilla, Carla Humphrey, Vandolph, Jay-R Siaboc, Wendy Valdez, Ron Maloles, Regine Angeles and Julia Baretto) begins.

With Trina Dayrit and Erik Salud joining Toto Natividad in directing the action series, and with a star-studded cast, "Palos" is indeed a much-awaited nightly show on ABS-CBN Primetime Bida.

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NBN newscaster Aljo Bendijo now also a clothes endorser

If ever he gets tired of being a newscaster, Aljo Bendijo now has a fallback career - as commercial endorser.

Established and successful fashion designer Boyet Fajardo has chosen Aljo as endorser for his new line of men's clothes, seeing in the NBN Channel 4 newscaster the perfect character and personality to project the corporate image for his men's designs. Being a newscaster, Aljo has a serious image, just right for Boyet Fajardo's formal clothes, and perfect too for his casual line.

And since Aljo is a first-time endorser, Boyet chose a fresh location wherein to do the pictorial - Vietnam !

"Aljo, a friend from way back, is a fresh face in the commercial endorsement field, so I thought it would be interesting to do his pictorial in a different and not-too-often-seen place, so why not Vietnam ?

The pictorial was done in Ho Chi Minh. Photos were by Pham Van Tai and direction was by Thang Le Van.

By the way, Boyet Fajardo's clothes are available at Robinson's Department Stores in Galleria, Ermita, Festival Mall and the Landmark at Trinoma.

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"A Hearty Dinner Show" at Le Pavillon on Feb. 9

Enjoy a unique brew of acoustic songs, comedic numbers, and romantic ballads in the pre-Valentine dinner show, "A Hearty Dinner Show With Fun" on Feb. 9 (Saturday) at Le Pavillon along Roxas Boulevard , Pasay City.

The Valentine presentation with a difference presents Nina, Marissa Sanchez, and Mark Bautista in what promises to be a volatile evening of music and humor. The show features as guest the 2007 Pinoy Popstar champion, Maricris Garcia. Dinner is served at 6:30 p.m. to be followed by the show at 7:30 p.m.

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