Toni Faces The Real World Again

Toni's presence inside the house was certainly refreshing for everyone. Even if her stay was a brief one, she succeeded in touching the hearts of the housemates with her funny stories as well as her preaching moments.Tonight, they were just having dinner as if nothing momentous was about to happen. What seemed so important was the fact that Big Brother allowed them to eat together in an easier way.

Later however, they were suddenly told to lock themselves up inside the boys bedroom until further instructions. For the last time, the selected housemates rehearsed a surprise number for Toni's mom since the latter is celebrating her birthday today. It was an original composition of Mcoy which was performed by Victor and Riza. In between verses, Yayo read heartfelt words of gratitude to a loving mother.

Big Brother gave them the impression that the whole thing would simply be recorded. But even as they practiced, Toni was already on the confession room, preparing for her unexpected departure! Soon after this, the housemates cautiously gathered on the living room, waiting for another impromptu task from Kuya. Much to their shock however, Toni, in her black dress, gave her farewell message to them!

As she recited her moving poem that reflected her appreciation for the housemates individualities, they weren't able to resist the urge to cry. For in truth, she has become a certified housemate to them. It was obvious on how she tightly hugged each of the girls while she whispered words of courage at a time where they are all fighting exhaustion not only from the various challenges but also their personal worries.

To fetch her on the spot was Mrs. Crisanta Gonzaga who heard the housemates special number for her in the flesh! Afterwhich, Toni tearfully thanked her mom for raising her as she is now. But the touching picture they made quickly passed to the moment of her goodbye. She will certainly be missed not only by them but also the viewers loved to see her longer inside the big yellow house.

Toni the Swimming Instructor???

It was fortunate that Yayo and Mcoy were obliging to join Toni on the pool. After all, they were clueless on the stipulation behind their sudden swimming lesson. Mcoy was the hardest to train though since he has a fear of deep waters! But the Musikerong Daddy has nothing to be worried about because actually, Toni is the perfect instructor for them for she had been taking lessons since she was six years old! With that edge, she succeeded in persuading her students to complete one lap!

To Big Brother, Toni admitted how difficult the task was for her, knowing that she's impatient by nature. However, all her efforts became worthwhile after she witnessed the emotional reunion of the Mom in Distress and her son Adam Martinez. Unable to believe Kuya's surprise, Yayo refused to move towards him at first. Then with Toni's urging, Adam tightly hugged Yayo, who burst into tears. Later, she stressed that there's nothing more satisfying than sharing precious minutes with a loved one.

The second House Guest

The primetime stretch also made way for celebrity house guest#2 Toni Gonzaga! Reminiscent of Mariel's sudden entry before, she was shocked with the reality of what's happening as soon as she saw her personalized set of toiletries! The mainstay host of PBB knew that she would have the same fate as her friend but not at this point. Holding her emotions in check though became impossible when she finally had the chance to talk to her mom on the phone for one minute.

Funnily enough, her concern towards her work remained utmost in her mind aside from her mother's upcoming birthday. Still panic-stricken, she chattered how the housemates may find her strict because of her role as a host including her ongoing diet just for the show, unsuspecting that this is all it will come to. Eventually, she gained her courage to face the housemates and even enjoyed a slumber party in honor of her addition to the household.

The newest celebrity houseguest

A mystery box in the living room revealed 2 medallions for the first two nominees. However, Toni brought in from the confession room two more medallions for Baron and Donnie to wear. The tense atmosphere inside the house didn't even give room for Toni to make "chika" with her fellow host and now houseguest Mariel Rodriguez. But it turns out that Kuya has another trick up his sleeve and is giving time for the two to bond! Toni gets presented a box similar to Mariel's when she first entered the house. Almost on the verge of tears, Toni opened the box that contained her lapel mic, a robe and a "secret phone", Kuya's gift to his second celebrity housemate. What will Toni do now that she's inside the house? Will she adjust as well as Mariel did?

Toni Gonzaga (from wikipedia)

Celestine Cruz Gonzaga, popularly known by her screen name Toni Gonzaga, is a Filipina movie and TV actress, variety program host, singer, commercial model and magazine covergirl. She is one of the most visible multimedia artists in Philippine showbiz.

Biography

Birth, Childhood, Faith

Toni was born on a Friday,January 20, 1984, a 6.8 lbs. baby girl to Methodists parents Carlito and Crisanta Gonzaga. Toni's real name Celestine is a name after a boxer given her father.

Fondly called Tintin by her closest friends, her parents made sure that she and her younger sister, Catherine, were raised with Christian morals and values.

At the age of 4, Toni joined various local-singing competitions in their barangay in Taytay, Rizal. At a very young age, Toni was already used to facing audiences of hundreds.

Toni was baptized as an infant and confirmed a child into a local United Methodist Church in her hometown of Taytay, Rizal where her family is actively involved in leadership and music ministry. However, she may be spotted attending evening worship at Greenhills Christian Fellowship or sometimes at Victory Christian Fellowship especially when her Sunday mornings get very busy which goes to show that she never misses attending a Methodist worship as much as possible. She is very vocal about her evangelical faith and her active involvement in Methodist worship.
Acting career

Toni started her career as a talent of GMA Artist Center and initially landed small roles. After 4 years, Toni decided to go freelance. While attending high school, Toni was busy joining auditions, competitions, and VTR screenings of advertising agencies.

When she reached the age of 17, she took her talent to a higher level. She tried her luck in lounge singing in hotels and bars like Calesa Bar, Hyatt Regency, Sulo Hotel, and Holiday Inn, just to name a few. She went to school in the day and did her singing engagements at night.

Fate had more in store for Tintin other than her lounge act. Her agent informed her of an audition for a TV commercial (TVC) for a popular soda brand. Luck was definitely on her side. She was chosen as the lead talent in that TVC and gained instant popularity with her famous line, I love you Piolo!

That TV ad sparked the fortunate series of events that marked the start of her television career. Soon, offers to do guestings in television shows came but it was her guesting in the sitcom Daddy Di Do Du that got her a regular stint on TV. TAPE Inc., the production outfit behind the show, offered her to be one of the hosts in the noontime show Eat Bulaga.

While doing so, she also managed to host a Studio 23 show, she later transferred to ABS-CBN, GMA's rival and from here on, her career was catapulted to greater heights.

Recording artist

In 2001, Toni released her self-tilted debut album under Prime Music. But she made a mark in the music industry last 2006 when she diversified once again in the music industry under Star Records and came out with her second album titled "You Complete Me", with her carrier single "We Belong" became number one on the hit charts.[citation needed]

In 2007, fresh from the success of her second album, she came up with a follow up album entitled "Falling In Love". Currently her single "Catch Me I'm Fallin'" is number one on music charts. One of her single from this album, "Perfect World", is the soundtrack of one of Philippines' newest online MMORPG from Level UP! Inc. with the same title.

About Toni

Toni or Celestine in real life, was born on a Friday, January 20, 1984 and weighed in at 6.8 lbs. to proud parents Carlito and Crisanta Gonzaga. Her mom craved “santol” and “mais con hielo” during her pregnancy. The eldest child, Celestine was named after a boxer by her father.

Fondly called Tintin by her closest friends, her parents made sure that she and her younger sister, Catherine, were raised with Christian morals and values, and were conscientious to put God first in everything they did.

At the age of 4, Tintin joined various local-singing competitions in their “baranggay” in Taytay, Rizal and always won first prize. She became an instant favorite among the townsfolk. In fact, during her late uncle’s term as Mayor of Taytay, Tintin was always invited to sing in community events. When her father ran for public office, she started doing hosting stints in social events and gatherings. At a very young age, Tintin was already used to facing audiences of hundreds.

Tintin had always seen singing as a way of self-expression. At 9, her father would bring her to auditions and singing competitions. In fact, she was able get through the first round of auditions at Repertory Philippines but Baby Barredo, one of Repertory’s directors, sent her home during a rehearsal instead for some reasons. That incident didn’t stop her from pursuing her dreams. When she was 13, she managed to get into GMA’s Artist Center. Initially, she landed small roles and after 4 years, she decided to go freelance. She continued going to other auditions and competitions, as well as VTR screenings of advertising agencies - all these while she attended school.

When she reached the age of 17, she took her talent to a higher level. She tried her luck in lounge singing in hotels and bars like Calesa Bar, Hyatt Regency, Sulo Hotel, and Holiday Inn, just to name a few. She went to school in the day and did her singing engagements at night.

Fate had more in store for Tintin other than her lounge act. Her agent informed her of an audition for a TV commercial (TVC) for a popular soda brand. Luck was definitely on her side. She was chosen as the lead talent in that TVC and gained instant popularity with her famous line, “I love you Piolo!”

That TV ad sparked the fortunate series of events that marked the start of her television career. Soon, offers to do guestings in television shows came but it was her guesting in the sitcom “Daddy Di Do Du” that got her a regular stint on TV. TAPE Inc., the production outfit behind the show, offered her to be one of the hosts in the noontime show “Eat Bulaga.” By this time, Tintin changed her name to Toni and became a household name.

Amidst the fame and busy schedule, Toni makes special time for Church every Sunday. Before going to bed, she reads a chapter in the Bible. Being a devout Christian, Toni continues to develop a closer relationship with God, whom, as she said, is her source of strength. Though now famous and very much in demand, she still chooses to serve people in her hometown of San Isidro - a vocation she said that enables her to be God’s faithful servant.

At 23, she has accomplished quite a lot. It just goes to show that determination and hardwork pay off well in the end. Family and friends are proud of what she has done thus far. As to what she intends to do in the years to come, Toni said she plans to finish her education and set up her own business as well. And how about her blossoming career in showbiz? Toni said she would still pursue entertaining the audiences, especially her fans who have remained loyal and supportive of her. That, she says, is but her own simple way of showing her appreciation to all who have applauded and cheered for her every step of the way.