Gretchen Espina was voted as the very first Pinoy Idol in the star-studded finale night of Pinoy Idol last night at the SMX (SM Mall of Asia Convention Complex). Gretchen Espina, 20, from Biliran Province in the Samar-Leyte Region, and daughter of the Governor of Biliran Province, bested 21-year-old Jayann Bautista of Pampanga in the final two to win the first ever Pinoy Idol. The Pinoy Idol finale night started with a three-way battle for the Idol title with Ram Chaves of Cagayan De Oro City eventually placing third.

Jayann Bautista and Gretchen Espina each sang their own interpretation of the Ogie Alcasid composition “To You,” ala American Idol’s memorable final songs like “A Moment Like This,” ( Kelly Clarkson), “I Believe,” (Fantasia), among other greats. Let’s just wait and see if the Gretchen Espina final song “To You” will attain great popularity in the Philippines. In fairness to Gretchen Espina, she i think of the performers on Saturday were the best and it’s true that she was a revelation that night. I actually like her version of “For Your Eyes Only,” she sang it with feelings, not just with hysterics and histrionics. (mind you, lol)

The prizes pala for the first Pinoy Idol were amazingly huge in Philippine standards (which Gretchen Espina should just donate to her province mates, she does not really need some of those) with 1 million in cash from SM Supermall, a recording contract from Sony BMG, a management contract from GMA Artist Center, a brand new car courtesy of Mitsubishi, and a condo unit in New Manila courtesy of Avida Towers.

Richard Gutierrez past and hopefully present girlfriends. Presenting Georgina Wilson, commercial model and an A-List beauty. And everyone’s fave, KC Concepcion who posed in the “nude” with Richard Gutierrez in the latest issue of Star Studio magazine. The photos are Richard Gutierrez sexy moments with KC Concepcion and with former girlfriend, Georgina Wilson.

Should we include this Anne Curtis and Richard Gutierrez kiss. Richard Gutierrez former girlfriend as well in these sexy moments..

Ruffa Gutierrez celebrated her 34th birthday recently, and she celebrated it in 2 fabulous bashes. The first was on June 21, in Blue Leaf, Taguig, where Ruffa hosted a chic and fabulous party for 200 guests. It was a gift from Dr. Vicki Belo of BeloMed as Ruffa is its newest endorser. The who’s who and the controversial of Philippine Showbiz attended the event, including stars from the warring networks of GMA nad ABS-CBN. Angel Locsin and Richard Gutierrez had an animated banter. Richard Gutierrez arrived with leading lady KC Concepcion. Sunshine Cruz was in attendance, minus husband Cesar Montano, in a revealing outfit. Rufa Mae Quinto almost bumped into the couple Jessa Zaragosa and Dingdong Avanzado. Anne Curtis and Sam Milby were almost glued to each other. Several celebs were also spotted such as Ruffa’s bestfriend Donita Rose, brother and Pinoy Idol host Raymond Gutierrez, Marvin Agustin, Geneva Cruz, Rachelle Alejandro, John Estrada and partner former Ms. Earth Priscilla Mereilles, Richard Gomez and Lucy Torres-Gomez, Agot Isidro with hubby Manu Sandejas, etc..It was a glittery glittery night indeed…

And then yesterday was Ruffa’s actual birthday, and she celebrated it with a so-called Spa day in Philosophy Spa with friends Pops Fernandez, Phoemela Barranda, Donita Rose, Ana Roces, Ms. Girlie Rodis, among others, don’t ask me where was Gretchen Barretto, lol….food was catered by Margarita Fores (Cibo,Pepato) and cupcakes from Sonja’s Kitchen.

And speaking of Gretchen Barretto, she allegedly blamed Ruffa’s secretary who is the one who revealed all that happened in the Dusit Hotel credit card issue.

Photo Credits: MJRodis

Raymond Gutierrez is GMA’s most in demand host. Currently, Raymond Gutierrez even has to drop Showbiz Central from his roster of shows hosted live, he can only do off set interviews and voice-overs but not its live telecast. Raymond Gutierrez is one of the original hosts together with Pia Guanio and John “Sweet” Lapus in Showbiz Central.

Raymond Gutierrez hosts Pinoy Idol, SOP, and his QTV 11 lifestyle show Living It Up with Issa Litton, Sam Oh and Tim Yap. The reality singing show American Idol franchise, Pinoy Idol, is what is keeping Raymond at his toes most of the time. Pinoy Idol is now being telecast live on Fridays to Sundays but since he hosts it, he is also kept busy even on days that it is not broadcasted live.

With all his busy schedule, Raymond Gutierrez is just ignoring the gay rumors and is laughing all the way to the bank.

Ogie Diaz had this “constructive criticism” of Pinoy Idol host Raymond Gutierrez on his column:

SI Tita Annabelle Rama na rin ang nagsabi sa The Buzz na okay lang sa kanya kung constructive criticism. Meron kasi kaming puna kay Raymond Gutierrez sa screen registration sa Pinoy Idol na sana’y mabigyan ng aksiyon.

Sino ba ang kanyang make-up artist? Kasi, last Saturday, medyo prominent ang kanyang eye shadow. Ang eye shadow ay inilalagay para mabuhay ang malamlam na mata.

Ewan kung namalikmata lang kami’t hindi pala eye shadow ’yung itim na ’yon. Pero kung eye shadow man ’yon, sana sa susunod na Pinoy Idol episode, wala na ’yon o i-lighten man lang.

Sayang ang husay ni Raymond sa hosting kung nagnanakaw naman ng atensiyon ang eye shadow.