Mariel Rodriguez: Talking her way to success

If you were to think and list down who among today’s stars have become a familiar sight on TV, from noon till night, every day of the week, count Mariel Rodriguez in the list. She co-hosts ABS-CBN’s Wowowee Mondays to Saturdays, gives updates on goings-on inside Big Brother’s house on PBB Uber, talks about the latest showbiz buzz every Saturday on Entertainment Live with Toni Gonzaga, Bianca Gonzalez and Luis Manzano, hosts the Kapamilya cable movie and celebrity news on Cinema One and even does product endorsements. Yet she remains giggly, energetic and seems to be talking nonstop. Many wonder if the 23-year-old host who made a name out of talking is for real.

“This is my true personality. I don’t think becoming quiet would show the real me because I talk even in my sleep,” Mariel says during the press launch of her latest product endorsement, the Eezy Twist and Brush.

Although Mariel broke into the entertainment scene by playing Pamela on MTV Asia’s Rouge, her big mouth and husky voice, says Mariel, have introduced her to a wider audience as she clinched different hosting jobs. She became one of MTV Philippines’ VJs before being Paolo Bediones’ co-host on Extra Challenge. Then, she moved to ABS-CBN where PBB business unit head direk Laurenti Dyogi found her kilometric answer to his question impressive enough to make her part of the 24/7 reality show as one of its hosts.

“My being talkative serves me well and I can’t be thankful enough for the people who continue to have trust in me,” says Mariel who only shuts up when watching Gossip Girl.

Yet sometimes, Mariel admits, her very lively spirit and actions are always mistaken for overacting or what she says is kulang sa pansin particularly when she spent some time inside the Bahay ni Kuya as one of the guest housemates. Still, Mariel is unfazed by the tag and insists she is just sharing the positive atmosphere that she grew up with.

“I don’t want to put myself in compromising situations but there were incidents that got me into trouble due to my tactlessness,” Mariel offers.

One shocking incident, she vividly recalls, happened when she made one funny comment after a serious scenario was aired on TV. Mariel relates how she melted in shame for what she did after the station head called her attention. She hastily apologized for her mistake.

Another one was when she blurted out a word on-air without knowing its meaning saying, “I even shouted it for everybody to hear only to find out later how bad the word was.”

Yes, Mariel has learned to be more careful in her words but still can’t slow down in her talking. This almost always leads to happy situations.

“Before, I wanted to be a dramatic actress but with what’s happening lately, I think I can be part of a sitcom because even if I cry, people still find me funny,” Mariel quips.

And what can she say about Precious Lara Quigaman being taken out of Wowowee?

“We all felt bad because we love Lara. I texted her to know how she’s doing and she texted back that she’s fine and thanked me for remembering her. So far I don’t have problems dealing with other people. Madaldal lang talaga ako,” Mariel replies.

Mariel flies high as Mars Ravelo's Varga

Fans will soon see Mariel Rodriguez flying high in the sky and beating villains as the super-heroine Varga in the next installment of Mars Ravelos Komiks Presents. Gifted with great looks and a fabulous physique, Mariel started out as a commercial model before getting into hosting, eventually becoming one of the co-hosts of the hit noontime show "Wowowee" and the top-rating reality program "Pinoy Big Brother."

Maria Erlinda Termulo in real life, Rodriguez also ventured into acting, appearing in several drama and comedy shows on ABS-CBN, including doing a special role in "Kung Fu Kids" as the mother of the lead ninja kid. Now, this posh gal will take on another challenge as she portrays Varga, a well-loved character created by Pinoy komiks genius, Mars Ravelo.

"Varga" follows the story of a powerful being from outer space who lands on Earth to protect mankind from the forces of evil. As Varga, she goes through different life experiences that will test her character while she saves the world in secret.

"Varga" will be the second chapter in the Mars Ravelos Komiks Presents series,. The first Komiks series presented "Kapitan Boom!" top-billed by model-turned-actor Jon Avila. "Kapitan Boom!" is a huge success, enjoying high ratings in its Saturday time-slot.

The Father of Pinoy Superheroes, Mars Ravelo created "Varga" in 1947. "Varga" first appeared in Bulaklak magazine. It was "Varga" whom Ravelo would later evolve into the ultimate Pinoy superhero icon, "Darna" in 1949, when the comics creator joined Pilipino Komiks.

Mariel and Zanjoe spotted in Hong Kong

A Hongkong-based source told us that Wowowee and Pinoy Big Brother host Mariel and rumored boyfriend hunk actor Zanjoe Marudo were seen at the lobby of the Marco Polo Hotel. Mariel was wearing big bubble-gum shades and Zanjoe camouflaged in a fisherman's hat. Thinking that they won't be recognized, the two strolled around the city and little did they know, Filipino chismosos saw them and quickly tipped us.

According to our source, Mariel and Zanjoe stayed in just one room. Is it true? We'll go and ask Mariel next week if this Hongkong getaway is true or not.

Mariel has been very vocal about her feelings for hunk-actor Zanjoe for the past few weeks. Sources confirmed to us that Mariel and Zanjoe were officially an item and they've been going out a lot more often.

Mariel admitted in an interview, although indirectly, that she's more comfortable and happier right now with Zanjoe around. She no longer calls him "mystery man" because apparently, she's tired of saying the old, boring line: "We're just friends."

"I'm so tired of saying that line coz clearly, we're not just friends!"Mariel confessed.

She may be vocal and frank about her feelings, but her manager TV host Boy Abunda warned her and appealed that Zanjoe should be the one to confirm the status of their relationship.

Last week, during the ABS-CBN Trade Fair in Embassy at The Fort, we caught up with Zanjoe and ambushed him with questions regarding Mariel. But all we got was just a run-around, literally! We asked how everything with Mariel is right now, and the only response we got from himwas "Masaya!"

Mariel Rodriguez is okay with changes in "Wowowee"

Naka-move on na si Mariel Rodriguez sa mga intrigang ibinato sa kanya paglabas ng Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Edition pagkatapos niyang maging special guest housemate. Patunay nito ang patuloy na pag-usad ng kanyang showbiz career. May bago siyang product endorsement at nakalabas din siya sa isang episode ng Maalaala Mo Kaya with Zanjoe Marudo, na ipinalabas last Friday, January 25. Plus, may special participation din siya sa bagong action-fantasy drama series ng ABS-CBN na Kung Fu Kids.

"My career is not affected," banggit ni Mariel sa PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal). "If [for] example, my career is affected, then I would really be devastated. But actually, maganda yung nangyayari sa career ko ngayon, so I can't say na napektuhan ang career ko."

Kasunod ng mga isyu kay Mariel ang balita na hindi na raw siya muling tatanggapin sa Wowowee bilang co-host ni Willie Revillame.

"The funny thing is I never heard that," nagtatakang sabi ni Mariel. "Ako ang nagsabi na I needed a break when I came out. Yung unang beses ako na lumabas, sunud-sunod kaagad. So what I want, I personally asked them kung puwedeng bigyan n'yo naman ako kahit isang linggo na magpahinga naman ako sandali."

Kumalat din ang tsismis noon na may gustong magpa-alis sa kanya sa Wowowee.

"Hindi, hindi ako aware," sambit ng TV host.

May lumabas ding balita na sumama raw ang loob sa kanya ni Willie dahil mas pinili kasi niya si Kuya ng PBB kesa sa kanya.

"No," tanggi ni Mariel. "Hindi ko naman yun choice, e. If you remember, kinulong ako doon [sa Bahay ni Kuya]. I was surprised."

Nag-usap na ba sila ni Willie?

"Hindi naman kailangan. As far as I know, okay naman kami," saad niya.

Personally, napapansin ba niya na kumokonti ang exposure niya sa Wowowee?

"Sobrang hindi. I don't feel that at all," aniya.

Pagbalik niya sa Wowowee, hindi ba siya nanibago sa mga pagbabago rito, including her appearance sa mga portions ng show?

"No, marami kami, equally divided," sabi niya. "Ako, honestly, tumaba yung puso ko nung nalaman ko na marami kami. You know why? I asked them, ‘Bakit dumami?' Sabi nila sa akin, ‘Because you weren't here.' Yun ang sagot nila sa akin.

"I don't know if I'm allowed to say this, kasi baka I will get in trouble. Heto na naman ako, nagsasabi na naman ako ng totoo. Pero ganun, tumaba ang puso ko. Ganun kasarap yung pakiramdam mo."

Hindi ba siya nai-insecure sa kapwa niya co-host sa Wowowee na si Precious Lara Quigaman na balitang favorite daw ngayon ni Willie?

"I have no reason to be insecure," ngiti ni Mariel.

Wala bang aalisin sa mga bagong co-hosts ni Willie now that she's back?

"Ay, kawawa naman sila na biglang, ‘Okay na. Thank you, ha.' It's not fair. And you know what? I had my time. I enjoyed my exposure and everyting ng Wowowee. Sino ba naman ako para mag...how do I say this?"

Magsolo?

"Yeah, yeah... From the start, wala akong pakialam kung gaano karami yung ano, kung sino ang nasa gitna or kung sino or ano. It doesn't matter to me. Ako, nasa side kasi yung anggulo ko, yun ang importante sa akin. Promise!" ani Mariel.

Jon Avila wants Mariel Rodriguez to be his Valentine date

Jon Avila was hesitant at first to reveal his Valentine's date at the launching of the Friendster Fan Profile at Taguig City yesterday afternoon, January 23. But the former Pinoy Big Brother celebrity housemate has something planned for his special girl.

"I'm not sure. I'm thinking, I'm gonna cook. Siguro, in an intimate location," was his short answer.

But how does a heartthrob like Jon woo a girl?

"Sweet text. Just to let them know I'm thinking about them. You know, buy little gifts, you know, like small things, simple things. I appreciate the simple things," he said.

But when pressed if PBB host and ex-special guest housemate Mariel Rodriguez will be Jon's date for the special occasion, Jon hesitated.

"I wanted it to be her. We're still in the process of getting to know each other. It's fun. We're having fun," the 22-year-old model said.

"Everyone has their special someone in their life. I'm not really with anyone at this time." Jon said he is busy with his goal of making the transition from model to actor. "This what I wanted to do in the first place a few years ago. I mean, it's about time na."

Riza on Mariel

Nilinaw ng dalaga na okey na sila ni Mariel Rodriguez.

Nagkaroon na raw sila ng chance na mag-usap ng TV host and they’ve ironed out things.

“I really like Ate Mariel. Gusto ko siya and I guess, she didn’t mean anything what she said in the past. Between me and Ate Mariel, there’s no issue,” wika ni Riza nang makausap namin.

Mabuti naman kung ganoon. Well, recently kasi ay naging sentro rin ng usa-pin ang tungkol sa pang-ookray nina Mariel at Ethel Booba kay Riza. Kung ka-ya’t todo-react naman ang parents at relatives ng beauty queen ng Canada.

Hanggang sa nagkausap daw sina Mariel at Riza nu’ng Big Night at nabalitaan naming humingi ng paumanhin si Mariel sa dalaga.

In fact, nu’ng unang beses na nag-host si Riza sa Wowowee, inaalalayan pa siya ni Mariel sa spiels niya. Bumabawi talaga si Mariel, Not bad.

Riza Santos still considers Mariel Rodriguez as her friend

"It's completely untrue," says Riza Santos about rumors saying that she almost filed a case of oral defamation against fellow Pinoy Big Brother celebrity housemate Mariel Rodriguez. "My parents would not sue. I would not sue Ate Mariel."

Riza narrated the events that happened that Friday night, December 28, during the stag party of Ruben Gonzaga who was about to get married the next day.

"I went inside the house to change my shirt kasi mainit sa labas." Whila Riza was inside the PBB house, Mariel was left outside talking with Ethel Booba. The Ultimate Pasaway admitted that she was smitten by Will Deveughn, who is being linked to Riza. In response to Ethel's affection towards Will, Mariel cursed Riza, saying, "Pu--ng inang virgin na ‘to [Riza]. Pu__ng ina talaga! Pu_i siya. Ki_i ng ina niya!"

Riza revealed: "Totoo lang, hindi ko pinanood yung video kasi alam ko na kung anong sinabi niya. At that point, I felt I didn't need to see it. I looked it up at You Tube and I saw everything. I saw the comments. I read what she said.

"There is no point in dwelling over it and thinking about it kasi she approached me naman and I accepted [her apology]. We've moved on from there.

"She said, ‘Sorry, alam mo naman we're friends.' Alam ko naman kaibigan kami so for me, it's not an issue," said Riza sincerely.

What can she say about the fact that Mariel made a face when she read the slip of paper indicating that Riza was the Second Big Placer of Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Edition 2.

"Hindi naman nag-iba yung tingin ko kay Ate Mariel. You can interpret it in different ways, pero I haven't really talked to her about that particular issue. But I haven't changed my opinion about Ate Mariel. I'd still treat her the same way and I still consider her as my friend. I'm not going to treat her differently."

Don't you think Mariel should be held accountable for her actions? "Sa tingin ko, she's old enough to know the things she should say, how she should act. She's at that age when she knows the difference between right and wrong. She's at an age when she can make a sound judgment of anong dapat niyang gawin," said Riza.

The 2006 Ms. Earth-Canada title holder also pointed out that she has signed a five-year, nine-picture contract with Viva Films. In the upcoming Robin Padilla-Ai-Ai delas Alas movie, Riza will have a role as a balikbayan.