Piolo Pascual is the busiest actor lucky to be working these days when show business is at an all-time low. The actor is solidly booked for films, television, recordings, concerts domestic and overseas, and endorsements until 2007!

Last year, Piolo’s handlers were in panic when the actor got embroiled in successive career-threatening controversies from which there seemed to be no way out. The scandals involving Piolo was a PR nightmare, the despair of spin doctors.

First, there was that explosive sex video that supposedly showed the actor engaging in sex with a male partner. Although the clip — widely seen on the internet and circulated nationwide through cell phones — was later found to be bogus, it had done considerable harm to the actor’s wholesome image.

Then there was that brouhaha about alleged vote buying by Piolo’s camp at the Star Awards for Movies so he would bag the best actor award. Word about the alleged vote buying leaked before awards night but, even if Piolo was not involved in the supposed vote buying, somehow it cast suspicions on his previous best actor trophies.

But miraculously, Piolo proved to be a tough cookie. He was not vanquished as hoped for by secret detractors. If at all, the actor — a devout Christian — found a fresh start in show business, winning a whole new following that was spawned by his new underdog image.

Today, Piolo hardly has time for family and self. His work schedule is a handler’s despair. One of them says that juggling the actor’s daily schedule is an everyday challenge, not often met by success.

Recently, Piolo’s people decided to scrap a major concert that the actor was set to do at the Araneta Coliseum next month simply for lack of time. Tried as he did, the actor simply could not squeeze in enough time to prepare and rehearse for the show. Many were disappointed; Piolo is one of a very few artists who can effortlessly pack the gigantic Araneta Coliseum.

Jasmine still R.P.’s Fil-Am idol, in Hollywood film with Hilary

Jasmine Trias breezed into Manila last week to promote her first album and, like in her first visit last year, won many hearts.

The media was impressed with Jasmine’s attitude. Unlike most visiting Fil-Ams, performers especially, who downplay their Pilipino heritage, she proudly owns she is Pilipino inspite being born and raised in Hawaii.

She expressed disappointment at her inability to speak Pilipino without a twang but said she will try to learn to speak it the proper way. Her album, simply titled “Jasmine” and released in Manila under Universal Records, features a few original songs in Pilipino written by local composers. Jasmine said she had a difficult time singing it and needed a coach to be able to pronounce the words properly. According to music columnists, she didn’t do poorly in the Tagalog lyrics. Her album showed there was an honest effort to do justice to the Pilipino songs.

During her short stay, Jasmine received three film offers. One will pair her with Jericho Rosales. The “American Idol” third place finalist was thrilled being that, Jericho is one of her favorite actors. Jasmine says her family watches a lot of TFC (The Filipino Channel) so she is quite familiar with Philippine show business.

Jasmine disclosed that if ever the film deals will materialize, they will have to wait, however, because she is slated to do a movie in Hollywood, if not late this year, in early 2006 with Hilary Duff.

She fervently hopes though that the movie with Jericho will push through, even if the two others won’t, Jasmine said.

Among those who were happy to see Jasmine in Manila was singer Mark Bautista. The latter met Jasmine in Hawaii a few months ago when his group, The Champions, played in Honolulu. He said he was instantly smitten by Jasmine’s beauty, her down to earth quality, and her Filipina ways.