In reel life, actor Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa has been a heavy, frequently on the wrong side of the law, even filming six weeks inside Folson Prison in the 1992 film "American Me."

At 8:30 a.m. today, Tagawa will visit the Waiawa Correctional Facility on O'ahu to talk about second chances with 200 inmates in a long-term, therapeutic drug treatment program called Kashbox, where 20 will be graduating to eventually re-enter the community.

Tagawa, who starred in the recent "Balls of Fury" and who will be in two episodes of NBC's hit show "Heroes" this fall, will draw on his martial arts philosophies to tell the grads to resist temptation to not live by the law. He will advise the inmates to develop a "warrior mentality" of individuality to enable them maintain the mentality necessary to remain out of prison.

— Wayne Harada, Advertiser entertainment writer

'UGLY BETTY' STAR WOMAN OF YEAR

LOS ANGELES — The accolades keep coming for America Ferrera.

The Emmy-winning star of "Ugly Betty" is now the Hispanic Woman of the Year, the Hollywood Reporter and Billboard announced yesterday.

The publications will honor Ferrera and the 25 most powerful Hispanic women in film, television and music at their inaugural Hispanic Women in Entertainment breakfast at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel on Tuesday.

"It's an honor to be in such esteemed company," Ferrera said in a statement. "And it's a thrill to see talented women recognized for their work behind the camera."

Ferrera has won Golden Globe, Emmy and Screen Actors Guild awards for her portrayal of Betty Suarez on the ABC show.

CANNON, EBANKS GO SEPARATE WAYS

NEW YORK — Months after a public proposal in Times Square, Nick Cannon and Victoria's Secret model Selita Ebanks have parted ways — for the time being.

"Selita and Nick are taking a break to focus on their careers but still very much love each other and remain the best of friends," Ebanks' publicist, Melissa Raubvogel, said yesterday.

Cannon popped the question in May. The rapper-actor got down on bent knee as the words "Selita, will you marry me?" flashed on a giant TV screen in Times Square. He then gave Ebanks a 15-carat diamond ring he helped design.