May Bukas Pa -- no. 1

“May Bukas Pa” topped the Total Urban Luzon TV ratings survey of AGB Nielsen for the week of July 12 to 18, 2009.

TOP 30 PROGRAMS IN URBAN LUZON
(July 12 to 18, 2009; AGB Nielsen)

1. May Bukas Pa (ABS-CBN) - 31%
2. Tayong Dalawa (ABS-CBN) - 30%
3. Zorro (GMA-7) - 29.9%
4. 24 Oras (GMA-7) - 29.1%
5. Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (GMA-7) - 28.9%
6. Only You (ABS-CBN) - 28.7%
7. TV Patrol World (ABS-CBN) - 27.5%
8. Rated K (ABS-CBN) - 25.8%
9. Imbestigador (GMA-7) - 25.6%
10. Rosalinda (GMA-7) - 24.4%
11. Eat Bulaga! (GMA-7) - 24.2%
12. Boys Over Flowers (ABS-CBN) - 23.8%
13. Talentadong Pinoy (TV5) - 22.9%
14. All My Life (GMA-7) - 22.8%
15. Adik Sa ‘Yo (GMA-7) - 22.3%
16. Kung Aagawin Mo ang Lahat Sa Akin (GMA-7) - 22.2%
17. Sharon (ABS-CBN) - 21.8%
18. Bitoy’s Funniest Videos
(GMA-7) - 21.7%
19. Mel & Joey (GMA-7) - 21.5%
20. Maalaala Mo Kaya (ABS-CBN) - 21.3%
21. Ngayon at Kailanman (GMA-7) - 20.3%
22. Wowowee (ABS-CBN) - 19.9%
23-24. The Singing Bee (ABS-CBN) - 19.6%
23-24. Kap’s Amazing Stories (GMA-7) - 19.6%
25. Cinema FPJ: Agila ng Maynila (ABS-CBN) - 19.5%
26. Are You The Next Big Star? (GMA-7) - 19%
27-29. George and Cecil (ABS-CBN) - 18.9%
27-29. Hole In The Wall (GMA-7) - 18.9%
27-29. Kambal Sa Uma (ABS-CBN) - 18.9%
30. Daisy Siete (GMA-7) - 18.8%

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Charo Santos-Concio on MMK as Cory Aquino -- soon

ABS-CBN President and Maalaala Mo Kaya (MMK) host Charo Santos-Concio is looking forward to peforming for a special episode of MMK, including the possibility of playing the role of former President Cory Aquino.

In a press conference for MMK’s 18th year anniversary, Santos said that she wants to do her special episode for the 20th anniversary of the country’s longest drama anthology in 2011.

“Sabi ko, sa 20th anniversary. Oo, two years from now," Santos said.

The MMK host explained that although she wanted to play a role for MMK, she cannot do it now because of her hectic schedules and commitments as president of ABS-CBN, the country's largest broadcasting newtwork.

"Kasi may ginagampanan akong ibang papel dito sa ABS-CBN at ayaw ko naman na, siyempre lahat ng panahon ko at oras ko ay binibigay ko muna doon. Pero oo nga, naiingit ako. Nakakainggit, hindi ba? Sabi ko, pagdating ng 20th ay may lola role ako or mother role," she said.

Santos, the brains behind MMK, said that she has acted twice on MMK.

As Cory Aquino

Santos said that if given a chance, and if the MMK team would ask her, she is also willing to play the life of former President Corazon 'Cory' Aquino.

"Depende sa ano 'yan, kung ika-cast tayo ng director, why not? Isang malaking karangalan na gampanan ko ang papel ni President Cory Aquino, magandang karangalan 'yan," Santos said.

As MMK celebrates its 18th year, five special episodes will be aired for the whole month of August. The stories will showcase love and friendship, forgiveness, healing and inspiration.

Directed by John-D Lazatin and Dado Lomibao, four of the stories were shot in US and were based on the real-life stories of Filipinos based abroad.

Special episodes

For its first episode on August 1, comedy queen Ai Ai delas Alas and promising young star Erich Gonzales will give life to the story of a mother and daughter whose tragic lives turn out to be a story of hope and inspiration.

On August 8, the lives of war veterans living in America will feature veteran actors like Noel Trinidad, Nanding Josef, and US-based Filipino actors like Joji Isla, Prospero Luna, Lucita Soriano and Louella Albornoz.

On August 15, Ryan Eigenmann and comebacking actress Giselle Tongi portrays a couple who experiences hardships and trials as they try to make a new life in the "land of promises."

On August 22, Princess Punzalan gives life to a story of woman trapped in an unhappy marriage. As she reaches mid-life, she will try to seek the love she thought was lost. The episode also stars Michael Demesa and Miguel Vera.

For its fifth anniversary episode on August 29, one of the country's best actress, Gina Alajar, with young star Lauren Young, play mother and daughter who are forced to live in US. As Grace (Alajar) journeys and works as a caregiver, she meets Milly (played by American actress Lynn Waters). Overcoming their differences in culture and language, the two women learn strength and the true meaning of family from each other.

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Bea Alonzo takot sa tambalan nila ni Sam

Nakunan na rin ang kinatatakutan ni Bea Alonzo na lovescene nila ni Sam Milby para sa pelikula nilang And I Love You So.

“Wala naman pala akong dapat ikatakot o ipag-alala, hindi kami nagkailangan ni Sam, naging komportable pa nga kami. Nagawa pa naming magbiruan habang kinukunan ang eksena,” pagkukuwento ng aktres na naki-jam sa concert ni Sam bilang support sa bago niyang kapareha. Pero inamin niyang takot na takot siya sa kahihinatnan ng movie.

“Nasanay na kasi ang manonood na makita akong kasama si John Lloyd (Cruz, ka-loveteam niya). Eh dito first time kong makakasama sina Sam at Derek Ramsay, tapos bukod sa mature ang role ko, mature pa talaga ang theme ng movie. Make or break talaga para sa akin ang film,” sabi niyang may kaba.

When asked kung may tsansa siyang manalo ng award for her role, sinabi niyang : “Wala akong craving sa awards, bonus na lamang kung mananalo ako or even, ma-nominate man lang”.

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Bacolod boy is kideoke idol

Jude Matthew Mendoza of Bacolod emerged as grand champion in this year’s search for videoke idols organized by leading mall-based entertainment center, World of Fun.

Videoke Next Level, Fun Pamilya Na! screened thousands of hopefuls from all over the country to find the kid videoke idol. The grand finals was held recently at the activity center of SM North Edsa.

Jennifer Morillo from SM Sta. Mesa was declared first runner-up and Emielyn Rose Conjurado of General Santos was proclaimed second runner-up.

Videoke Next Level, Fun Pamilya Na! was presented by World of Fun in cooperation with Yamaha School of Music and supported by SM Supermalls, Negros Navigation, 88DB.com, F Salon & Body Spa, Arabama Grill and Catering Services, Rebisco (Chubby, Starr and Lipps), Fruits ’n Waffles, Dermcare, Picture City, Vicor, Aristocrat Restaurant, JobsDB.com and Crissa. Media partners were TV 5, Business Mirror, Radyo Veritas 846, UNTV and Makisig Network.

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Rhap Salazar latest videos

Rhap Salazar at Ruffa & Ai performed "We Are The Champions"

Another video after the jump.

Rhap Salazar sang "All By Myself" @ ASAP

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Santino 'nakikialam' sa matatanda

Patuloy sa pagtatagumpay ang May Bukas Pa na nagtatampok sa isang batang artista na tinatawag na bagong Niño Muhlach. For months now, simula nang umere ang serye ay parang ang lahat ng manonood sa TV ay gustong makita si Zaijian Jaranilla na mas tinatawag ngayon sa pangalan ng character niya sa serye na Santino. Marami ang naniniwalang tunay nga siyang kaibigan ni Bro at nakapagpapagaling siya ng mga may sakit at nakakatulong sa maraming problema kasama na ang emosyonal sa tulong Niya.

Pakiusap ko lang sa mga sumusulat ng mga istorya na itinatampok sa serye - ilagay si Santino sa dapat niyang kalagyan. Huwag siyang masyadong nakikialam sa usapan ng mga matatanda, at maging ng mga pari, lalo na sa mga bagay na dapat ay hindi pa naiintindihan ng mga bata. Sa bagay na ito kasi ay nawawala ‘yung kaugaliang Pilipino na kinalakhan ng marami sa atin, na hindi dapat sumasabat o nakikialam ang bata sa usapan ng matatanda.

Lumilihis ito sa kagandahang asal na lagi nating itinatatak sa isipan ng mga bata. A little older child, perhaps, can give his two cents worth, sa ilang problema sa buhay pero hindi ang isang batang nasa edad ni Santino.

As a whole, inspiring ang mga istorya ng May Bukas Pa na ang theme song ay mas gumanda pa sa bagong bersyon ni Erik Santos.

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Sharon, Gabby payag na maging asawa ni KC si Piolo Pascual

MASAYANG-MASA-YA si Piolo Pascual dahil ‘di niya akalain na makapagpo-produce siya ng pelikula.

Sad to say nga lang, hindi nagustuhan ng mga nakapanood na entertainment reporter ang first produced in-die film niyang Maynila.

Comment ng mga ito, napakapangit daw ng pag-kakagawa ng Maynila na black and white pa raw ang dating.

Pero, bawi ng mga nagtaray, siguradong magugustuhan ng publiko ang isa pang indie film, na produced din ni Piolo titled Kimidora, na pinagbibidahan nina Eugene Domingo at Dingdong Dantes.

Tungkol naman sa ‘re-lasyon’ nila ni KC Concepcion, balitang sinagot na si Piolo ng dalaga nina Sharon Cuneta at Gabby Concepcion.

“Hindi pa po ako sinasagot. Pero, napakasarap ligawan ni KC,” pahayag ni Piolo na ayaw namang sabihin kung paano niya sinu-suyo ang dalaga ni Megastar.

Ikinatuwa ni Piolo na boto sa kanya sina Sharon at Gabby para kay KC kung sakaling siya na nga ang ma-ging boyfriend o asawa ng dalaga. Malaking bagay raw ‘yon para magpursige at patunayan na malinis ang hangarin niya kay KC. Pero te-ka, gaano nga ba niya kamahal si KC? Kaagad na sagot ni Piolo: “Secret!”Basta ang alam daw niya ay masaya si-ya kapag kasama si KC at nawawala ang kanyang mga problema. At higit sa lahat, nakita raw niya sa dalaga ni Mega ang hinahanap niya sa isang babae.

Anyway, ano naman ka-ya ang magiging reaction ni Piolo kapag nakarating sa kanya na hindi pa handang makipagrelasyon ni KC? Ito raw ang ipinangako ng dalaga sa parents na sina Sharon at Gabby na hindi pa muna niya seseryosohin ang pag-ibig.

Kaya naman sobrang sa-ya rin nina Megastar at Gabo dahil gusto rin nila na mag-concentrate muna sa showbiz career at mag-enjoy sa pagkadalaga ang kanilang anak.

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Harry Potter franchise hits P1-billion mark in RP

There’s no stopping Harry Potter from waving his magic wand at the Philippine box-office. The formidable film franchise has now crossed the elite P1-B milestone (P1, 012,396,258 to be exact) as the series’ sixth installment, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince grossed a wicked P157.59-M as of July 26 or after only 12 days of release. This was announced by Francis Soliven, GM of Warner Bros. (F.E.), Inc. which distributed the film locally.

The Harry Potter franchise becomes the first movie series to collectively breach the P1-B ceiling in gross sales in the Philippines, besting other blockbuster franchises like Spider-Man, Star Wars, The Lord of the Rings, Pirates of the Caribbean and James Bond.

“This is another major accomplishment for the Harry Potter franchise and Warner Bros.,” said Soliven in making the announcement. “The public’s fascination with Harry, Ron and Hermione and their magical adventures is unprecedented and will continue to endure for ages to come. We’re pleased and proud to have been instrumental in bringing the world of Harry Potter to the people.”

The success of the film adaptations of J.K. Rowling’s beloved books started in 2001’s Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone which grossed a commanding P137.50-M, and subsequently followed by 2002’s Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (P156.34-M), 2004’s Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (P147.17-M), 2005’s Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (P199.51-M) and 2007’s Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (P214.27-M).

The franchise comes to its conclusion with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Parts 1 & 2 to be released in 2010 and 2011, respectively.

In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) suspects that new dangers may lie within Hogwarts, but Dumbledore (Michael Gambon) is more intent upon preparing him for the final battle that he knows is fast approaching. He needs Harry to help him uncover a vital key to unlocking Voldemort’s defenses — critical information known only to Hogwarts’ former Potions Professor, Horace Slughorn (Jim Broadbent). As romance blossoms around him, Harry remains aloof with far more important matters on his mind. He is determined to make his mark, albeit a dark one. Love is in the air, but tragedy lies ahead and Hogwarts may never be the same again.

Still playing across the Philippines, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Entertainment Company.

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Winners: 5th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival

List of winners: 5th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival

Best Actress: Ina Feleo (Sanglaan)

Best Actor: Lou Veloso (Colorum)

Best Supporting Actress: Tessie Tomas (Sanglaan)

Best Supporting Actor: Arnold Reyes (Astig)

Best Director: GB Sampedro (Astig)

Best Film: Last Supper No. 3

National Council for Children’s Television Award: Dinig Sana Kita

Audience Choice (Full Length): Dinig Sana Kita

Special Jury Award: Colorum and Ang Panggagahasa Kay Fe

NETPAC Award: Baseco Bakal Boys

Best Screenplay: Nerseri

Best Cinematography: 24K

Best Production Design: Mangatyanan

Best Editing: Astig

Best Musical Score: Dinig Sana Kita

Best Sound Recording: Astig

Best Short Film: Bonsai

Special Jury Award: Blogog

Audience Choice (Shorts): Tatang

Best Director (Shorts): Dexter B. Cayanes (Musa)

Best Screenplay (Shorts): Behind Closed Doors

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Miss Universe 2009, watch live sa ABS-CBN

LIVE mula sa Nassau, Bahamas ang telecast ng 58th Miss Universe beauty pageant sa Agosto 24 (Lunes) nang 9:30 PM sa ABS-CBN.

Tinatayang 85 bansa at teritoryo ang magtatagisan sa timpalak na ito. Ang kinatawan ng Pilipinas ay ang 23-anyos na si Pamela Bianca Manalo.

Nagtatrabaho si Pamela Bianca bilang isang flight stewardess at dating host ng Studio 23 variety show na “Rush TV Atin ‘To.”

Kapatid niya si Katherine Ann Manalo na semi-finalist sa Miss World 2002. Ang kanyang tiya na si Nenita Ramos ay semi-finalist sa Miss International 1968.

Si Pamela Bianca kaya ang susunod kay Dayana Mendoza ng Venezuela bilang Miss Universe?

Ang primetime telecast ng Miss U ay sa Agosto 24 nang 8:00 PM sa Velvet (SkyCable channel 53).

Muli itong matutunghayan sa Agosto 25 (Martes) nang 8:00 PM sa Studio 23, Agosto 26 (Miyerkules) nang 8:30 PM sa Velvet, Agosto 27 (Huwebes) nang 10 PM sa ABS-CBN, at Agosto 29 (Sabado) nang 10:00 PM sa Velvet uli.

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Diether Ocampo latest news

Malaki talaga ang pagpapahalaga ni Diether Ocampo sa mga hayop at sa mga bata kahit wala pa siyang dinideklarang sariling anak.

Aktibo siya SA PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) at kamakailan lamang ay nagdiwang siya ng kanyang kaarawan kasama ang mahigit isang libong bata ng KIDS (Kabataang Inyong Dapat Suportahan) Foundation bilang pagtulong na rin sa mga kabataan.

Sa loob ng mahigit sampung taon sa show-business, pinatunayan ni Diet na hindi lamang ang kanyang maamong mukha at magandang katawan ang nagdala sa kanya sa kasikatan kundi pati ang kanyang kagalingan sa pag-arte.

Naipamalas na niya ang kanyang talento bilang aktor sa kanyang mga pelikula sa Star Cinema kaya umaasa siya na sana’y magkaroon siya ng panibagong pelikula.

Sa pagyabong ng kanyang karera bilang isang respetadong aktor ng industriya, mas marami pang mga proyekto ang handang ibigay ng ABS-CBN para sa kanya. Ang kanyang kagalingan sa pagganap bilang Jonathan sa Only You ang nagpatunay kung gaano kaepektibong aktor si Diet.

Ang Only You sa kasalukuyan ay bumihag sa puso ng mga manonood sabay sa pagtalakay sa mga itinatagong kagandahan ng mga Pilipino sa loob at labas.

“Kakaiba talaga ang pakiramdam kapag na­appreciate ng tao yung craft mo. Sarap ng feeling, parang nasa cloud nine lang,” masayang pahayag ni Diet sa kanyang blow out party.

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Judy Ann Santos sa ASAP

Kasabay ng pag-arangkada ng rating ng Only You, ipagdiriwang din ni Diether Ocampo ang kan­yang kaarawan kasama si Angel Locsin bilang kan­yang special guest.

Makikisaya rin sina Jed Madela, Mark Bautista, Erik Santos at Christian Bautista habang hina­harana ang Teleserye Queen ng kanyang panahon na si Claudine Barretto sa kanyang birthday.

Ang nagbabagang love triangle nina Gerald An­derson, Kim Chiu at Jake Cuenca ay hindi pala­lampasin ang kasiyahan kasama ang napaba­bali­tang sweethearts na sina Mega Daughter KC Con­cepcion at Piolo Pascual.

Upang ipagpatuloy ang umuusok na pagdiriwang, handog ng Kanto Boyz na sina Billy Crawford, Vhong Navarro, John Lloyd Cruz at Luis Manzano ang mga awitin na nagpasikat kay Vilma Santos kasabay ng patikim sa kanyang t.v. special na Vilma: a Woman for All Seasons.

Tatapak sa ASAP stage ang nag-iisang Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo na magbibigay saya sa pamamagitan ng isang awitin para sa nalalapit niyang pelikula.

Ang 2009 Junior Grand Champion Solo Vocalist of the World at Junior Grand Champion Performer of the World ng prestihiyosong World Cham­pionships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) na si Rhap Salazar ay makikisaya rin.

Para sa mas maiinit na Sunday afternoon performances, tumutok lamang sa ASAP’09 pagkatapos ng Matanglawin sa ABS-CBN.

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Sarah Geronimo waits for the right love to come

Her bubbly personality and soft-spoken voice have won many hearts. Proofs are Sarah Geronimo’s chart-topping records, sold-out performances and box-office movies. In spite of her success, she remains humble. This is why everybody wants Sarah to be their own daughter — and why Unica Hija, owned by LC Star Power Ventures, Inc., chose her to endorse the clothing line.

Like Sarah, the Unica Hija wearer is someone simple but has good taste. She is also confident, doesn’t go for flashy clothes and knows the current trends.

Recently, Sarah showed all that when Unica Hija staged a meet-and-greet with fans at the SM Fairview. Open Line also had a chance to ask Sarah questions e-mailed by her followers. Below are excerpts from the interview.

She also endorses Careline Cosmetics which offers skin-safe products for the youngsters, and stars in a TVC showing the true meaning of beauty.

Now that you are 21. What are the things you plan to do? (Chryzelle Sanvictores of Binangonan, Rizal)

I want to become independent. (Can I now live on my own?) I can’t. I want to learn things a 21 year old should know. I’ll be asking my mom to teach me how. These things are about personal matters and career.

Did John Lloyd Cruz court you? (Love Palma, Iloilo City)

He never sent feelers. He took good care of me (during shoots). He was friendly. There was no courtship that happened.

What’s your take on John Lloyd-Ruffa (Gutierrez) special friendship? (Sahara Khan, Hong Kong)

I can’t say anything about it. (I think) they are grown ups. And they are responsible for their actions.

And are you somehow affected? (Rowena Sabia, Subic)

I’m not John Lloyd’s former girlfriend.

There are many names such as Mark Bautista, Rayver Cruz and Mark Villar linked to you. How do you feel that you have many admirers? (Virgilio Gorospe, Caloocan City)

I’m happy that there are those who appreciate my talent — not my beauty. They enjoy seeing me perform.

Where is love in your life now? (Olivhet Fernandez, Biñan)

It’s not really my priority. My career and my studies top my list. As what people say, the right time for the right love will come. I’ll just wait for it. I think there’s nothing wrong talking to or laughing with the persons I like.

I want him (my first boyfriend) to be my first and last.

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Maricel Soriano Kapuso ang bagong manager

Yes, Maricel Soriano has a new manager in the person of Malou Choa-Fagar, Eat Bulaga’s executive producer and top executive of APT Entertainment, na siyang nag-produce ng six films sa Sine Direk seies ng magagaling na directors ng DGPI.

Kung hindi kami nag-kakamali, nasa limang taon din ang pinagsamahan nina Maricel and former manager niyang si Wyngard Tracy.

Siyempre, dahil in sorrow nga that night si Marya, hindi na namin ito inistorbo for an interview para tanu-ngin ang reason ng paghihiwalay ng landas nila ng da-ting manager.

Nang tanu-ngin naman na-min si Tita Malou, sabi niya ay Tuesday of last week nga lang naganap ang turn-over ng management ni Marya from Tito Wyngard.

Matagal nang good friend ni Marya si Tita Malou, kesehodang Kapuso ang huli at Kapamilya ang una, kaya walang dahilan para hindi tanggapin ni Tita Malou ang pagmamanage kay Marya.

Ayon kay Tita Malou, na-endorse nang maa-yos ang lahat at inilatag ni Tito Wyngard sa kanya ang existing contracts ng aktres, lalo na ang TV commercials.

That night, ibinalita ni Tita Ma-lou na tumawag na nga sa kanya si Malou Santos for a Star Cinema project.

May offer daw for Marya at mukhang ito nga ‘yong comedy film with Ai Ai delas Alas, na unang nasulat na siyang magi-ging MMFF entry ng Star Cinema bilang kapalit ng Kris Aquino film (who begged off to shoot to spend time with her mom Cory Aquino).

Pero ang latest, ayon sa nasulat na interview kay Ai Ai, hindi na raw muna magagawa ni Marya ang film nila dahil marahil sa pagpanaw ng kanyang ina at nasa sorrowful stage pa ang aktres. Instead, isang Angelica Panganiban ang MMFF entry ng Star Cinema kasama si Derek Ramsay at Gabby Concepcion.

Samantalang may Ai-Ai movie pa rin ang Star Cinema, with ex-president Joseph Estrada, at ka-join din si Mommy Dionisia Pacquiao na nagsabing: “Sa GMA na lang si Manny, sa ABS-CBN naman ako!”

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Diether Ocampo: May dahilan kaya buhay pa ako

Pagkagaling sa US kung saan ay binabagabag niya ang lahat ng mga kasama niya sa Star Magic concert tour nang magkaroon siya ng seizure habang sila ay nagri-rehearsal para sa isa sa kanilang gagawing palabas, pinuntahan ni Diether Ocampo ang kanyang ex na si Kristine Hermosa.

“Hindi ko minaliit ‘yung mga ginawa niya para sa akin nung kami pa. Nagpasalamat ako sa kanya dahil nagka-trabaho kami at natapos kami ng maayos, magkaibigan pa rin kami sa kabila ng lahat. Also I thanked her for her concern nung magkasakit ako sa US. Sila lamang ng kapatid ko ang pinaka-malapit na tao sa akin na nag-asikaso sa akin dun.

“Ngayon ko lang na-realize na marami akong dapat na ipagpasalamat, gaya ng pangyayaring naka-move on na kami pareho ni Kristine. Tinanggap ko rin ang karotohanan that life is too short. Nun, ang dami kong reklamo sa buhay, but now I’m happy that I’ve been given another chance to live.

“Before, trabaho lang ako nang trabaho. Ni hindi ko naisip ang buhay ko, naka-focus lang ako sa pangyayaring kailangan kong buhayin ang family ko. Ngayon, alam ko nang pahalagahan ang buhay at ang mga taong nakapaligid sa akin. May dahilan kaya buhay pa ako.

“I’ve taken all the tests in the US, I was declared negative from any illnesses pero, pagdating ko rito, nagpa-confine pa ako, nag-seek ng second opinion, ganun din ang resulta. Sabi ng mga doktor baka raw sinagad ko ang sarili ko, dahil mayroon akong athletic heart, bottom line, it probably was the delayed effect of jetlag.

“Ayaw ko ng feeling na nag-aalala ang mga tao sa akin. Sanay ako na ako ang nag-aalala para sa kanila kaya nag-promise ako na magpapa-easy easy muna ako, hindi ko na sasagarin ang sarili ko, aalagaan ko na ito,” mga pagtatapat ng aktor na mahigit ng 10 taon nang nag-aartista at sa panahong ito ay ipinamalas niya na hindi lamang ang kanyang good looks at magandang panganga­tawan ang pasaporte niya sa tagumpay kun­di lalo na ang talento niya sa pag-arte.

Hinangaan siya sa mga pelikula niya sa Star Cinema tulad ng Nasaan Ka Man (2005, kasama sina Claudine Barretto, Jericho Rosales, Hilda Koronel at Gloria Diaz), Jologs (2003, with John Prats and Vhong Navarro) at ang kanyang biggest break nung 1999 kasama sina Maricel Soriano at Claudine Barretto sa Soltera. Ang kanyang mga teleserye ay naging paborito rin ng mga tao at maging ng mga kritiko - Iisa Pa Lamang, Maligno, Lobo, Princess Sarah, Margarita at marami pang iba.

Kasabay ng pagdiriwang niya ng kanyang kaarawan na ginanap sa isang Pizza Hut house sa E.Rodriguez Ave. ay ang pagpapasalamat niya dahil sa napaka-taas na rating ng Only You na kung saan ay kasama niya sina Angel Locsin at Sam Milby.

“Hindi ko man ka-level ang dalawa dahil mas nauna akong mag-artista sa kanila, nagre-respetuhan kami, naging magkakaibigan. Naging parang magka­ka­patid kami at nagtutulungan sa set,” pag-aamin niya.

Ilang taon nang endorser si Diether ng Pizza Hut kung kaya suportado siya nito maging sa kanyang mga non-showbiz projects tulad ng KIDS (Kabataang Inyong Dapat Suportahan) Foundation at PETA (People for the Ethical Treat­ment for Animals na kung saan ay isa siyang advocate.

“I’m happy dahil nagustuhan ng tao ang character ko sa Only You na Jonathan. When I portray him talagang genuine ang heart ko, and I feel ibinabalik ng mano­nood ang concern ko sa kanila,” pag-amin niya sa kanyang character.

Isang malaking factor sa pagiging maganda ng aura ngayon ni Diet ay ang pagi­­ging happy ng lovelife niya. Feel niya, nakita na niya ang mga hinahanap niyang katangian sa isang babae sa kanyang girlfriend ngayon. Nasabi na niya rito na he’d like to spend the rest of his life with her. “She’s it! And I hope it will turn out well with us,” sabi pa niya of her La Sallite cum laude girlfriend who’s being trained to be a diplomat or an ambassadress.

Wala na talagang mahihiling pa sa buhay niya ang aktor. Kung papayagan pa ng sked niya, nag-iisip din siyang gumawa o mag-produce ng pelikula. At gusto niyang gawin ito soon. May mga kinakausap na siyang mga tao.

“Gusto ko naman ibang level of challenge, makatrabaho ng mga ibang tao naman, willing ako to discover a new world. May gagawin pa ako kaya andito pa ako sa mundo. Ito ang tutuklasin ko,” anang aktor na nung mismong araw ng kanyang kaarawan ay kasama ang pamilya niya na nagdiwang ng kanyang birthday. Pumunta rin siya ng Pampanga para magpakain ng 2,000 bata, for his KIDS Foundation.

[via]

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The other Boy and Kris

She walks, talks and laughs like Kris Aquino every Saturday night as Crissy in the ABS-CBN’s gag show Banana Split.

Little did Angelica Panganiban know that her delightful but convincing spoof of Kris Aquino would become a hit among viewers.

“The role made me discover something new about myself,” she said. “It’s like having a new identity.”

After all, Angelica has never been known as a comedienne. She has appeared mostly in drama movies and TV shows since she entered showbiz at a young age and won Best Supporting Actress and Best Child Actress for her performances in A Love Story, Ama, Ina, Anak and Separada.

But the young actress has found her mark in comedy when she was asked to imitate Kris in Banana Split few months ago when the show launched its third season with new cast members.

“I have been watching Kris in SNN so I studied how she delivers her spiel and her body movements,” said Angelica, who was worried how Kris would react. “I was flattered when I learned that Kris liked the way I mimic her. There was less pressure from then on.”

Like Angelica, Jayson Gainza has been getting good reviews for spoofing Boy Abunda as Bhoy of NNNN.

“Imitating Tito Boy is challenging even if I have been doing it for quite some time. I have to watch him regularly on TV to know his latest expressions,” he said.

But the comic skills of the former Pinoy Big Brother housemate is not limited to just spoofing. He is fast and quick in delivering punchlines spontaneously like in the segment Brod, Bro, Bru, level up wherein he translates words and phrases into gay lingo on the spot.

According to production manager Cynthia Jordan, the show found a gold mine in NNNN and it has been performing strongly in the ratings since the segment was introduced in April.

Launched in 2007, Banana Split has gags initially and focused on naughty, daring sketches with all female-cast. It later evolved into a gag show with Jayson, Zanjoe Marudo, John Prats, Pooh and Pokwang joining original cast members Angelica and RR Enriquez.

“We’ve been getting good feedback about the show because of its barkada feel. We can still be a bit overly playful but less rowdy than before,” she said. “There is unmistakably very strong camaraderie among the cast members, who actively contribute and collaborate with our production staff to make some scenes funnier.”

Director Bobot Mortiz says the formula to make Pinoy viewers laugh has not really changed.

“Filipinos love gag shows. The jokes are the same and recycled to reflect the current times,” said direk Bobot, who was also behind the success of Goin’ Bananas in the ’80s, Tropang Trumpo in the ’90s and Goin’ Bulilit.

Direk Bobot is bringing in new surprises to make Banana Split even funnier as the gag show enters its fourth season starting tonight after XXX. And a possible showdown between Boy and Kris and Bhoy and Crissy will be something worth waiting.

[via]

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Danilo Barrios is happy to be back on ABS-CBN

After spending two years away from the limelight, Danilo Barrios returns to showbiz via Tiagong Akyat, the first chapter of Agimat: Ang Mga Alamat Ni Ramon Revilla Sr. Danilo will play one of Gerald Anderson’s ex-convict pals together with Joseph Bitangcol. Since he previously starred in action-thrillers both on TV (Spirits, Lastikman) and the big screen (Spirit Warriors, Yamashita: The Tigers’ Treasure, Spirit Warriors 2, Lastikman), the 25-year-old actor/dancer said he wouldn’t have a hard time portraying another offbeat role. “Actually last work ko yung Lastikman kami nila Vhong (Navarro). Tapos ngayon, sobrang happy ako na nagkaroon ulit ako ng break. Most of the cast nakilala ko lang sa story conference namin. Yung iba matagal ko ng kilala pero hindi ko pa nakakatrabaho. Kaya excited ako kasi I am sure madaming adventures yung group namin,” he told ABS-CBN.com.

While he was on a break, Danilo related that he kept himself busy with out of town shows with his girlfriend—former Viva Hotbabe Jaycee Parker—and sometimes with the Streetboys. Despite his lack of regular acting stints, he remained optimistic about his career especially his love life. “Hindi sunod-sunod yung trabaho pero enjoy naman. Okay naman ang buhay, enjoy sa love life.” He and Jaycee have been together for five years now and Danilo’s glad that they are past growing pains stage. “Kailangan talaga ng respeto at honesty sa isa’t isa. Kailangan din meron kayong trust. Kasi kung hindi niyo kayang magtiwala sa isa’t isa, magsa-suffer yung relationship. Tsaka we’ve learned to compromise.”

Danilo further shared that between the two of them, Jaycee is the one who gets jealous easily, but not necessarily because of other girls. “Hindi totoo [yung chickboy image ko na sinasabi nila.] Kung nagkakaselosan man kami, pa-cute na selos lang. Kasi, minsan, kunwari uuwi ako ng Tarlac (his hometown), tapos maiiwan siya sa Manila, magseselos siya kasi nandun ako sa family ko at hindi ko siya masama dahil may trabaho siya, yung mga ganon lang. Pero siyempre dahil matagal na kami, madami talagang trials na dumating sa relationship namin.”

Perhaps what keeps them together is the fact that they know how to handle their misunderstandings as mature adults. “Pareho naman kaming nanuyo. Pero kailangan pareho kaming hindi mainit ulo at nasa mood kami na mag-usap. Kasi kung hindi lalo kaming nagka-clash. So it’s much better na ‘pag nag-away kami or may hindi kami napagkasunduan, kailangan 30 minutes to one hour bago kami mag-usap,” he added.

[via]

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Sarah Geronimo in-love na yata kay John Lloyd

Bakit hindi namamatay ang isyung pagdededmahan nina John Lloyd Cruz at Sarah Geronimo?

Ilang televiewers ang nakakapansin na may dedmahang nagaganap sa dalawa nu’ng isang linggo sa ASAP ’09.

How true na apektado umano si Sarah sa pagkaka-link ni Lloydie hindi lamang kay Ruffa Gutierrez, kundi pati na kay Cristine Reyes?

Maingay pa ring pinag-usapan ang tungkol sa diumano’y pagdi-date daw nina Cristine at John Lloyd sa isang restaurant sa may Katipunan.

May ilang nagsasabi ka-sing hindi lang daw basta friendly meeting ang naganap sa dalawa.

May kind of sweetness ever daw kasi sina Lloydie at Cristine. Ganoon?

Naku, iba-ibang bersyon na tuloy ang lumalabas sa anggulong ito.

Marahil, kaya may dedmahan factor kina John Lloyd at Sarah, dahil na rin sa mga kuwentong ito.

Komento naman ng ilan, bakit maapektuhan si Sarah kung wala siyang nararamdaman para kay Lloydie?

Ayan, hindi tuloy na-wawala ang mga speculations na pinaasa umano ng aktor si Sarah.

Kahit naman sinong tao, ‘pag pinaasa at biglang nauwi sa wala ang lahat, aba’y masasaktan din, ‘di ba?

Sana nga hindi true na pinaasa ni John Lloyd si Sarah. Ayaw ng fans.

‘Yun na!

[via]

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Priscilla Meirelles says 'yes' to John's marriage offer

You must have heard the good news that John Estrada has proposed marriage to his Brazilian girlfriend Priscilla Meirelles who readily said, “Yes!” Well and good since John has been an honest-to-goodness eligible bachelor since his marriage to Janice de Belen was annulled. The ex-couple have four children (excluding Iggy Boy, Janice’s son by Aga Muhlach, whom John treats like his own).

Funfare Update gathered that John “surprised” Priscilla with the proposal at Elbert’s Steak House (which he reserved days in advance) in Makati City last week.

This twist in the couple’s romance came on the heels of Priscilla’s announcement in her Facebook that she was “no longer in a relationship.” That must have prompted John to iron out whatever kinks there were. What better way to win back Priscilla than to spring that kind of proposal on her?

The wedding date hasn’t been set yet.

[via]

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Piolo Pascual: I don't want people to sin

It is said that a minor vehicular accident happened along EDSA, Guadalupe caused by Piolo Pascual’s splendid, glorious Bench billboard where he displays a body, a face, a spirit (and yes, a pair of jeans) that’s so arresting, not even the stench of the Pasig River can rudely distract anyone looking at it.

“You’re causing some people to sin,” I asked. “I just do my job. It’s a Bench billboard. We follow concepts. And I don’t want people to sin,” he chuckled. Some actually suggested that Piolo’s billboard be pulled down as it distracts motorists. Piolo is clueless, does not know what to say because he genuinely knows in his heart that he has done nothing wrong.

“Rica Peralejo is getting married and if you were asked to be part of the entourage, would you accept?” Piolo, Rica and Joseph Bonifacio, her pastor boyfriend all come from the same church. I continued to probe, Would you take the role of a man who does not believe in God? “Yes. I don’t want to limit my range as an actor. For as long as there’s redemptive value at the end, I would do it.” Would you fall in love with a woman who does not believe in God? “Yes. And if that happens, she’ll believe in God,” he shot back laughing.

As a child Piolo lived and played in the streets of Mandaluyong. He was painfully shy. As the youngest of six siblings, he got the hand-me-downs from his elder brothers. His father was a disciplinarian. His mom was a doting mother. He went to school at St. Francis and the University of Sto. Tomas and found his way to Teatro Tomasino where he experienced the seductive power of theater.

“You and your friends are producing the launching movie of Eugene Domingo (Kimidora which opens in theaters nationwide on Sept. 1). Why is she the most deserving from among your many talented friends,” I asked. “It’s about time that a talent like Uge (Eugene’s nickname) is given a break. I believe in her and in her talent,” he explained.

Last week, Piolo’s indie movie Manila opened Cinemalaya 2009 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. This movie is said to be inspired by Lino Brocka’s Jaguar and Ishmael Bernal’s Manila by Night. People who have seen the movie say that he delivers a sterling performance here.

“How much are you worth?” I looked at him straight in the eye trying to get a figure. “I work hard. I share. I spend my money wisely. I save. I am comfortable and I am grateful,” he enthused.

“Are you afraid to be a has-been? A lot of things have been said against you. Pero hindi ka pikon. What will make you see red? Will you ever leave showbiz? Are there days when you wake up feeling ugly?” I fired this series of questions.

“No, hindi ako natatakot na malaos. We all get there. I can’t complain with all the blessings I have. But I want to age gracefully. I am not afraid to grow old. Hindi ako pikon. I think after what I have been through, it’s hard to make me pikon. I’m fair game. I don’t think I’ll leave showbiz. For as long as the public wants me, I will stay. Oh yes, there are days when I feel ugly,” he answered.

I reminded him that “many years ago, you told me in an interview that you wanted to die early.” “Not anymore. I have changed in that respect. It’s God’s call. I’m grateful for the gift of life,” he declared.

“Some girl out there like Kimidora will come out and say, “Nabuntis ako ni Piolo Pascual, what will you do?”

“Lagot. Babatukan ko siya,” Piolo roared in laughter like the young man that he is who truly loves life with a passion.

[via]

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Willie Revillame died

Willie Revillame died, of what? Is Willie Revillame dead? The internet seems to be murdering another popular and influential actor/singer/host in the person of Filipino Willie Revillame.

Yes, there is a news trend online saying that Willie Revillame is dead.

Willie Revillame is the host of the famous daily variety show "Wowowee" and he is one of the richest celebrities in the Philippines.

I don't think Willie is dead. Or is he?

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Third movie nina Sarah at John Lloyd malabo na

Dahil sa nagsusulputang intriga mukhang malabo ng matuloy ang third installment sa blockbuster movies nina Sarah geronimo at John Lloyd Cruz na A Very Special Love at You Changed my Life.

Tsika ng Careline image model na si Sarah, maraming factors na dapat i-consider at marami pang puwedeng mangyari kaya hindi pa siya makapagsalita kung may third screen team-up sila ni Lloydie.

Umaasa rin ang Pop Star Princess na magkaroon ng part 3 ang screen tandem nila ni Lloydie at sana raw ay magustuhan pa rin sila ng mga manonood.

Subalit dahil sa mga isyung kinasasangkutan ng kanyang ina at si John Lloyd ay mukhang wala pang kalinawan ang pagtatambal nilang muli.

Ayaw na raw magkomento ni Sarah tungkol sa isyu ng kanyang ina at ni John Lloyd para hindi na ito lumaki at tuluyan nang matapos.

Naawa na raw ito sa kanyang ina na lagi na lang nami-misinterpret ng ilan.

[via]

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Sarah Geronimo's 21st birthday special on ASAP 09

Sarah Geronimo's 21st birthday special on ASAP 09 -- videos.

More videos after the jump.

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Piolo Pascual ayos na sa pamilya ni KC Concepcion

Maraming kalalakihang may gusto sa anak ni Sharon Cuneta na si KC Concepcion ang maiinggit sa magandang kapalaran ni Piolo Pascual dahil ang lakas-lakas ng laban nito kay KC.

Parehong boto sa aktor ang mga magulang ni KC na sina Sharon Cuneta at Gabby Concepcion, ganundin ang tumatayong ama nito na si Sen. Kiko Pangilinan.

“Walang problema sa akin si Piolo, he’s good for KC,” anang sikat na ina ni KC.

“Basta respetuhin lang niya si KC at ang pamilya nito,” sabi naman ng senador.

Samantala, inamin naman ni KC na lubhang napaka-aga pa para magseryoso siya sa pag-ibig. Kung saka-sakali daw ay mayroon pa siyang limang taon para enjoyin ang kanyang pagiging dalaga, na sinang-ayunan naman ng kanyang ina.

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Jericho Rosales hindi na nag-deny sa 'balikan' nila ni Heart

Magkaibigang muli ang ex-sweethearts na sina Heart Evangelista at Jericho Rosales kaya hindi imposibleng magkabalikan ang dalawa.

Hindi ikinakaila ni Echo (Jericho) na espesyal sa kanya si Heart hanggang ngayon at wala pa umano itong kapalit sa kanyang puso.

“Heart is special and she will always have a heart in my heart,” ani Echo na masaya sa bagong development sa kanilang bagong friendship ni Heart matapos silang mag-break a year ago.

For now, malabong magtambal muli sina Echo at Heart dahil Kapamilya si Echo at isa namang Kapuso ngayon si Heart.

Pero posible itong mangyari sa pelikula, either sa Star Cinema o ‘di kaya sa Regal Films.

[via]

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Rhap Salazar and The Young Voices of Negros win top prizes at 2009 WCOPA

Team Philippines has done it again at the grand finals of the 13th World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) held at the Westin Bonaventure in downtown, Los Angeles.

ABS CBN’s original Little Big Star Rhap Salazar won the coveted titles Junior Grand Champion Solo Vocalist of the World and the Junior Grand Champion Performer of the World. The vocal quartet The Young Voices of Negros won the title Junior Grand Champion Group Vocalists of the World.

Twelve-year-old Rhap sang a one-minute version of Celine Dion’s All By Myself at the final show.

“Hours before the finals, Rhap’s voice was getting tired due to extensive rehearsals for two straight days. He did everything to conserve his voice. Despite the odds, he gave a stellar performance worthy of the top prizes in the junior division. The American judges were simply blown away by his soaring vocals,” said WCOPA Philippine National Director Carlo Orosa.

On the other hand, The Young Voices of Negros (Katrina, Kristina, Aissa and Kristopherson Madrigal) performed a highly polished rendition of And I Am Telling You from the musical Dreamgirls in four-part harmony.

WCOPA’s newest junior champions Rhap and The Young Voices of Negros will be featured on ABC’s Good Morning America through the My Life in Three Words segment.

During the weeklong competition, Filipino celebrities showed their support for the team – Isay Alvarez, Louie Reyes, Butch Jimenez, Tricia Jimenez and Rhap’s best friend Charice Pempengco were among them.

Since the Philippines joined the WCOPA in 2005, seven Filipino performing artists have won the global competition’s top prizes: Jed Madela (2005 Grand Champion Vocalist of the World and Grand Champion Performer of the World), The Cercado Sisters (2006 Grand Champion Group Vocalists of the World), Reymond Sajor (2007 Grand Champion Vocalist of the World), Aria Clemente (2007 Grand Champion Vocalist of the World and Grand Champion Performer of the World), Catherine Loria (2008 Grand Champion Vocalist of the World and Grand Champion Performer of the World), and Rhap Salazar and The Young Voices of Negros this year.

[via]

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Sarah Geronimo gusto nang magka boyfriend

Solo endorser si Sarah Geronimo ng Unica Hija, kaya siya ang nag-cut ng ribbon sa 15th outlet ng clothing line sa SM Fairview noong Sabado ng hapon. Kahit late, hinintay pa rin siya ng kanyang fans na tuwang-tuwang makita siya.

Hindi na mabilang ni Sarah kung ilan ang endorse­ment niya at thankful siya kina Leo at Ana Lagon na siya ang napiling endorser ng Unica Hija na three years niyang tutulungang ibenta sa consumers.

Tuwang-tuwa pala si Sarah sa five days vacation niya na nataon sa birthday niya sa July 25 at gusto niyang mag-out of town. Cute ang sinabi nitong gusto na niyang magka-boyfriend, pero feeling niya, hindi pa siya ready na makipagrelasyon.

Itinanggi pala ni Sarah na nagparamdam sa kanya si John Lloyd Cruz at kaya lang sila nagka-ilangan sa ASAP two Sundays ago dahil matagal silang ‘di nagkita.

Ano naman ang comment niya sa nabalitang relasyon nina John Lloyd at Ruffa Gutierrez at ang pagkaka-link ng actor kay Cristine Reyes?

“Wala akong mako-comment ‘dun. Sabi ko nga, malalaki na sila, responsible na sila sa action nila. Wala rin akong masasabi sa kanila ni Cristine, ganu’n pa rin ang sagot ko. Malalaki na sila at alam na ang kanilang ginagawa. Wala akong karapatang magselos sa mga nali-link kay John Lloyd dahil ‘di naman niya ako ex-girlfriend,” pahayag ni Sarah.

[via]

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Charice interview with Boy

Charice could have achieved another dream – share the stage with Michael Jackson. The “most talented girl in the world” was already rehearsing for her stage appearance with the “gloved one” when the sad news of his death reverberated in all corners of the globe. To sing with the King of Pop was a once in a lifetime chance for Charice. Like millions of people from Kabul, Afghanistan to Malabon (There’s this man in Malabon who mimics Michael Jackson superbly! He also collects all sorts of Michael Jackson’s paraphernalia). Charice mourned and wept for Michael. And her dream to sing with the King of Pop was gone forever. Charice has two albums Charice A Note To God with David Foster and My Inspiration under Star Records. She also has Charice Entertainment that handles her career. David Foster whom she met through Oprah is her mentor and Oprah her adviser. She has rubbed elbows with Celine Dion, Andrea Bocelli, Paris Hilton, Josh Groban, Mariah Carey and many others.

Here are excerpts from an exclusive interview I had with her in her new Tagaytay home.

The first contest, do you still remember? What was your piece?

In Laguna at the Pavilion Mall. I sang the Tagalog version of You’re My World, Ikaw ang Aking Daigdig.

How old were you when you joined your first contest?

Seven years.

How many contests have you joined?

About 80.

Do you keep your trophies?

They are stored in Batangas. The other trophies are too old and they are kept in a storage room.

Were other contestants scared of you?

In singing contests, we have what we call “bato.”

Mga bato? Who are they?

Mga bato, that’s how we called the seasoned ones. And they were really very, very good. And they called me “buhangin.”

Was there a time that you had to join the contest because you needed money and you had to win?

That was the time when somebody stole my mother’s money. My mother lost four thousand pesos to thieves. We didn’t have transportation money.

What about that story when you had just transferred to a place and you didn’t even own a bed?

We only had foam as bed. And we had plastic chairs. We borrowed a table from our neighbors.

Banig (native mat)?

Yes. The foam which we used as our bed was too small for us. It got lost so I told mommy, maybe you can ask a neighbor to lend us money and we will join singing contests. I joined one in Batangas. Had I lost, we woudn’t have money for our fare back home.

Your memorable experiences “as buhangin”?

People would laugh at me when they saw that I was sleepy.

Why?

Because when I am sleepy, I lose my voice. Other contestants loved it when I am sleepy. But my mother would bring me toy soldiers that I could play with and would keep me awake.

How are you as a daughter?

I am the mischievous one. My younger brother would always give in. And it would always appear that my younger brother is the older one.

Oprah Winfrey, how is she? What do you call her?

Charice: I am not comfortable calling her Oprah. But she does not want to be called Ms. Oprah. One time, I wanted to have a photo with her so I called her “tita” on impulse. And she said, “what’s that?” I told her, “auntie”. She is so casual and so kind.

So everytime you go to the States, you get in touch? You call her?

It’s her assistant that I talk to most of the time. But I send her letters. I write letters to her and to David Foster. They say “this is just the sweetest!”

Oprah is now your mentor?

David Foster is my mentor. Ms.Oprah is my adviser.

Who introduced you to David?

Oprah called David. That’s the real story behind David and Friends. She called sir David... David, that is how David wants to be called.

Who among the celebrities do you want to meet?

Justin Timberlake.

Do you aspire to become a movie star?

Yes. I was so inspired when I was shooting Alvin and the Chipmunks.

Who are you when no one is watching?

I love to play with my younger brother Carl. Magaling po kasi si Carl maghubog ng clay. It’s his talent. He can make minitature Transformers.

Who is your crush?

Josh Groban.

Your indulgence like clothes and make-up?

I spend my money well. We are used to budgeting our money.

Rumors have it that you and your mother have become swell-headed. Comment?

People who are with us, and who have been with us can say that my mother and me haven’t changed. I am still the same Charice.

The National Historical Institute wrote you a letter after you sang the National Anthem at a basketball game.

I sang the anthem with a slower tempo.

You are being compared with Sarah Geronimo and Sam Concepcion? Is this a problem?

That is not an issue.

Have you and Sam retained your friendship?

We saw each other last month. Nothing has changed in our friendship. Ate Sarah is an idol.

They say your mother is hard to deal with. She is a stage mother.

She is really a stage mother. She is all I have. She’s the best mother. She is a stage mother because she takes good care of me. But she does not make the decisions. I have my manager. I have my business agency.

[via]

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Charice and Rhap Salazar, 2009 WCOPA

Charice went up on stage to hug her friend Rhap Salazar after the 2009 WCOPA event. Rhap Salazar won the Grand Champion award!

This blog supports Rhap Salazar all the way! Watch the video below.


Watch more Rhap Salazar - 2009 WCOPA videos here.

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Rhap Salazar 2009 WCOPA Grand Champion

Our very own Rhap Salazar won the 2009 WCOPA Grand Champion Performer of the World title! Jed Madela on Twitter: "Finals is over! Rhap Salazar won! I knew Rhap Salazar will make it. Have you seen the Rhap Salazar and Charice duet yet?

Watch Rhap Salazar in these 2009 WCOPA videos:

Rhap Salazar - WCOPA 2009 - And I Am Telling You

More videos after the jump.
Rhap Salazar - WCOPA 2009 - Reach

Rhap Salazar - WCOPA 2009 - Somewhere Over The Rainbow

Rhap Salazar - WCOPA, 2009 - All By Myself

Rhap Salazar - WCOPA, 2009 - I'll Be There


Rhap Salazar, your 2009 WCOPA Grand Champion! Note: this is just an audio as no cameras were allowed "All By Myself".

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National TV Ratings

TOP 10 DAYTIME AND PRIMETIME PROGRAMS NATIONWIDE
(July 14 to 16, 2009; Taylor Nelson Sofres)

July 14, Tuesday

Daytime:

1. Kambal Sa Uma (ABS-CBN) - 26.6%
2. Wowowee (ABS-CBN) - 26.3%
3. Precious Hearts Romances Presents Bud Brothers (ABS-CBN) - 20.7%
4. Naruto Shippuuden (ABS-CBN) - 18.1%
5. Kung Aagawin Mo ang Lahat Sa Akin (GMA-7) - 17.7%
6. Eat Bulaga! (GMA-7) / Mr. Bean (ABS-CBN) - 17.5%
7. Love Or Bread (ABS-CBN) - 17.4%
8. Maria de Jesus: Anghel Sa Lansangan (ABS-CBN) - 17.1%
9. Ngayon at Kailanman (GMA-7) - 16.1%
10. Daisy Siete: Kambalilong (GMA-7) - 15.7%

Primetime:

1. May Bukas Pa (ABS-CBN) - 39.4%
2. TV Patrol World (ABS-CBN) - 38%
3. Only You (ABS-CBN) - 37.1%
4. Tayong Dalawa (ABS-CBN) - 36.9%
5. Boys Over Flowers (ABS-CBN) - 31.6%
6. Zorro (GMA-7) - 26.4%
7. Rosalinda (GMA-7) - 24%
8. 24 Oras (GMA-7) - 23.7%
9. The Wedding (ABS-CBN) - 22.6%
10. Adik Sa ‘Yo (GMA-7) - 22%

July 15, Wednesday

Daytime:
1. Wowowee (ABS-CBN) - 25.7%
2. Kambal Sa Uma (ABS-CBN) - 24%
3. Precious Hearts Romances Presents Bud Brothers (ABS-CBN) - 19.8%
4. Mr. Bean (ABS-CBN) - 17.9%
5. Eat Bulaga! (GMA-7) - 17.1%
6. Naruto Shippuuden (ABS-CBN) - 16.9%
7. Maria de Jesus: Anghel Sa Lansangan (ABS-CBN) - 16.4%
8. Pilipinas, Game KNB? (ABS-CBN) - 16.1%
9. Kung Aagawin Mo ang Lahat Sa Akin (GMA-7) - 16%
10. Love Or Bread (ABS-CBN) - 15.5%

Primetime:

1. May Bukas Pa (ABS-CBN) - 37%
2. TV Patrol World (ABS-CBN) - 34.6%
3. Tayong Dalawa (ABS-CBN) - 33.7%
4. Only You (ABS-CBN) - 34.5%
5. Boys Over Flowers (ABS-CBN) - 28.4%
6. Zorro (GMA-7) - 22.5%
7. Adik Sa ‘Yo (GMA-7) - 20.9%
8. 24 Oras (GMA-7) - 20.6%
9. Rosalinda (GMA-7) - 20.5%
10. The Wedding (ABS-CBN) - 19.9%

July 16, Thursday

Daytime:

1. Wowowee (ABS-CBN) - 27.2%
2. Kambal Sa Uma (ABS-CBN) - 24.3%
3. Precious Hearts Romances Presents Bud Brothers (ABS-CBN) - 19.8%
4. Eat Bulaga! (GMA-7) - 19.6%
5. Mr. Bean (ABS-CBN) - 18.6%
6. Naruto Shippuuden (ABS-CBN) - 18.1%
7. Kung Aagawin Mo ang Lahat Sa Akin (GMA-7) - 18%
8. Love Or Bread (ABS-CBN) - 17.7%
9. Ngayon at Kailanman (GMA-7) - 17.2%
10. Daisy Siete: Kambalilong (GMA-7) - 17.1%

Primetime:

1. May Bukas Pa (ABS-CBN) - 42.4%
2. TV Patrol World (ABS-CBN) - 39.7%
3. Only You (ABS-CBN) - 38.3%
4. Tayong Dalawa (ABS-CBN) - 36.3%
5. Boys Over Flowers (ABS-CBN) - 32.6%
6. Zorro (GMA-7) - 26.6%
7. 24 Oras (GMA-7) - 25.7%
8. Rosalinda (GMA-7) - 24.8%
9. The Wedding (ABS-CBN) - 22.4%
10. Adik Sa ‘Yo (GMA-7) - 20.6%

Source: TNS via PEP, Starmometer

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Ruffa Gutierrez na-imbiyerna kay RR Enriquez

Nasa hot seat na naman si RR Enriquez at tila may isyu na naman siyang dapat sagutin.

Ito ay kaugnay sa balitang hindi raw type ni Ruffa Gutierrez ang umano’y pag-spoof niya sa TV host/ beauty queen sa comedy show nilang Banana Split.

Actually, hindi namin napanood ang episode na ito sa The Buzz kung saan nagbigay umano ng paha-yag si Ruffita tungkol sa panggagaya ni RR sa kanya.

Sa Banana Split, halos lahat ay tungkol sa spoof.

In fact, nagaya na rin ni RR si Katrina Halili at iba pa.

Hindi rin aware si RR tungkol sa umano’y komento ni Ruffa pero nagbigay na rin siya ng paliwanag nu’ng dalawin namin siya sa studio ng Wowowee.

“I don’t want to comment kasi hindi ko pa naman naririnig ang tungkol sa bagay na ‘yan. Hindi ko kasi napanood ang reaction niya about it. Pero kung hindi niya feel ang panggagaya ko sa kanya, ‘yun naman kasi kumbaga, eh, utos lang ng direktor saka trabaho lang. Hindi talaga ako magaling sa pangga-gaya,” depensa ng co-host ni Willie Revillame.

Dagdag pa ni RR, nahihirapan siyang gayahin si Ruffa dahil sosyal at slang daw magsalita ang beauty queen/ TV host.

Aniya, sa puntong ito, wala siyang magagawa dahil utos ito ng direktor sa kanya.

Biruan pa namin, baka wala rin siyang diamonds na kasing dami nu’ng kay Ruffa?

“Hindi ko kasi napanood, eh. Kung hindi man niya sinasabi ang salitang kalokah, eh, utos naman kasi ‘yun ng di-rektor, eh. ‘Yun nga, dahil inutos lang ng direktor at nasa script, kailangan ‘yun ang sundin ko,” dagdag pa ni RR.

Dahil sa intri-gang ito, tinanong namin si RR pa-ano kung sabihin sa kanya ni Ruffa nang harapan na hindi niya gusto ang panggaya nito?

“ Siguro kung magka-ganooon man, eh, sina Direk na lang ang dapat pagsabihan tungkol di-yan,” say pa niya.

Giit ni RR, hindi lang naman daw si Ruffa ang ginaya niya.

Sa Banana Split kasi, inaabangan talaga ang spoof segment nila.

Ito kasi ang nagpapataas sa rating ng show nila.

Muli ay sinabi ni RR, hindi niya napanood ang komento ni Ruffa kung kaya hanggang dito lang ang kanyang masasabi.

Kunsabay, mahirap nga talaga magsalita pa, baka iba rin ang maging interpretas-yon ng ilan.

Bakit kaya hindi na lang praktisin ni RR ang panggagaya kay Ruffa, baka sakaling ma-perfect pa niya ang larangang ito.

Practice makes perfect, ‘di ba?

[via]

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Judy Ann's problem with pregnancy

JUDY Ann Santos admits that she will have a hard time going through pregnancy. She adds though that she will welcome all the challenges and is sure will enjoy every bit of it.

She and husband Ryan Agoncillo have transferred to their new home which is almost complete with sala set, some appliances, bed and other basic needs. “Okey na naman lahat, pati water so we decided to transfer na,” she said during the presscon for her new movie, ‘Oh My Girl’ with Ogie Alcasid for Regal Entertainment. “Medyo inaayos na rin naming mabuti ang kitchen. Alam n’yo naman it’s my favorite part of the house.”

Juday Ann is sure she will spend more time in the kitchen especially when she’ll be heavy with her first baby.

[via]

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Maricar Reyes becoming a novelty?

IS Maricar Reyes becoming a novelty? Impressive is the word for the pilot of her first starring episode in Your Song two Sundays ago, winning over the last episode of Dear Friend’s Bakasyunistas. The curiosity factor to see the girl opposite Dr. Hayden Kho in three videos (and possibly counting) is very high and the rating of her Your Song confirms this solidly.

Unfortunately, last Sunday, against the pilot of the newest Dear Friend episode Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay starring Sunshine Dizon, Polo Ravales and Chynna Ortaleza, it fell short, rating-wise so we wonder what gives? Are her viewers already satisfied in seeing her act after the pilot that they return to web-surfing hoping to catch the latest installment of her adventure with the doctor?

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Sarah Geronimo's clothing line

Para sa mga fans at followers ng Pop Princess na si Sarah Geronimo, abangan ang pag-rampa niya bukas, Sabado (July 18, mula 2-6 p.m.) para sa leading RTW na Unica Hija sa kanilang official opening ng pinakabagong branch sa SM Fairview.

Matutuwa ang mga makakakita kay Sarah dahil may meet-and-greet session siya pagkatapos ng ceremonial ribbon-cutting kasama ang mga owners at managers ng SM Fairview branch.

Siyempre hindi mawawala ang espesyal na autograph-signing at picture-taking stint lalo na sa mga masuwerteng bibisita sa Unica Hija store sa Sabado. May treat pa si Sarah sa mga fans niya ng mga games and surprises.

Ang pagbisita ng Pop Princess sa SM Fairview outlet ay isa lang sa maraming Unica Hija on-ground activities na nakalinya para sa mga susunod pang linggo. Bilang Unica Hija endorser, nakatakda nang irampa ni Sarah ang mga latest collection sa iba’t ibang events. Abangan din ang exclusive line ng Unica Hija na nakalagay mismo ang stamp ng pangalang Sarah Geronimo.

[via]

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Rachel Alejandro is single again!

Just heard that Rachel Alejandro has broken up with her non-showbiz boyfriend. Her manager, Girlie Rodis, is mum on the matter. She won’t even as much as give a “hint” if the homecoming of Rachel’s ex-boyfriend Lee Robin Salazar from the States after a five-year absence from showbiz has anything to do with Rachel’s (sudden?) decision.

The good news is that Rachel has made peace with Jessa Zaragoza, wife of Rachel’s ex-boyfriend Dingdong Avanzado. Jessa made an unfavorable remark about Rachel who kept quiet even if Girlie noisily took the cudgels for her.

Rachel and Jessa, together with Geneva Cruz and Roselle Nava, are starring in Ladies of the ’90s, a forthcoming concert produced by Viva Events & Concerts, Inc. During the photo shoot, Jessa and Rachel happily bonded as if nothing happened. Because they have matured, the four girls look even more gorgeous, confident and oozing with sex appeal.

Asked what keeps her fit, Rachel said that she practises what she preaches (or “sells”), meaning the daily diet of the Sexy Chef she and her sister Barni own and manage.

[via]

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Sandara Park sings "In Or Out" in Korea

Sa talk show na Yu Hui Yeol's Sketchbook sa Korea, nagperform para sa kanilang fans si Sandara Park at ang kanyang mga kasamahan sa 2NE1, isang sumisikat na Korean all-female singing group. Kinanta rin dito ng binansagang Pambansang Krung Krung ng Pilipinas ang kanyang former hit novelty song na “In Or Out.” Sa nasabing presentation, nagpakitang gilas ang apat na miyembro ng grupo na kinabibilangan din nina CL, Minzy at Bom. Nang pagkakataon na ni Sandara na kumanta ng solo, ang chorus ng “In Or Out” ang kinanta niya at kinagiliwan ng fans. Hindi man maintindihan ng mga Koreano ang salitang Filipino na kinanta ni Sandara, sumaliw sila sa palakpak dahil sa magandang beat ng kanta na for a time ay naging paborito rin dito sa bansa.

Ang nakakaaliw kasi dito, bukod sa nagiging pinakabago at pinakamainit na grupo ngayon sa Korea ang 2NE1, hindi pa rin nakakalimutan ni Sandara ang Pilipinas. Ayon pa sa isang kaibigan ni Sandara sa ABS-CBN.Com, bago naganap ang nasabing fans presentation ng 2NE1 ay nakipag-ugnayan si Sandara sa kanyang mga kaibigan sa ABS-CBN upang humingi ng minus one ng “In Or Out” at matagumpay namang nakuha ito courtesy of Star Records, ang kanyang former recording label.

Samantala, muntik na palang hindi makasama si Sandy sa 2NE1, ayon sa president ng managing company niya na YG Entertainment na si Yang Hyun Seok. Ayon sa YG president sa ginawang documentary film sa 2NE1, kahit na may hilig at dedikasyon sa pagkanta si Sandara ay hindi naman daw ito ganoon ka-exceptional. Subalit namukod tangi naman siya habang tine-train sila dahil siya ang pinakamatapang sa lahat dahil kinaya niya ang mahirap na training, ipinakitang isa siyang kaibigang maasahan at masipag sa trabaho.

Dagdag pa ng producer ng first album ng 2NE1 na si Teddy, kahit na mahiyain si Sandara, kapag humaharap na siya sa tao pagdating sa promotion, nagiging bibo ito, isang pagpapakita na siya’y isang propesyunal.

Ini-launch na ang unang album ng 2NE1 last July 8 at busy si Sandara at ang kanyang grupo sa pagpro-promote ng kanilang pangalawang single na “I Don’t Care.”


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Jericho Rosales 2 beses nang naisama sa sinehan si Heart

I’m sure hindi makakaapekto sa pagbababalik-telebisyon ng tandem nina Jericho Rosales at Kristine Hermoso ang nababalitang pagka­kamabutihan na naman ng aktor sa kanyang ex-girlfriend na si Heart Evangelista.

After all, may sarili namang lovelife si Kris­tine, palagi silang nakikitang mag­kasama ng publiko ni Oyo Sotto, ang pina­ka-latest ay sa isang bas­ketball game. Tanggap na ng lahat ang kanilang relasyon.

May nakakita rin kay Jericho, nang manood ito ng sine na kasama si Heart. Hindi niya ito itinanggi when confronted.

“Actually twice na kaming nanood ng sine, kamakailan lamang. Madalas naman kaming magkita sa church. Minsan binigyan kami ng Diyos ng pagkakataon, inimbita ko siya at dahil wala namang masasaktan sa aming paglabas, sumama siya.

‘’Nag-usap lang kami, may mga bagay kaming naiwan sa aming nakaraang relasyon. Ngayon pinipilit naming kahit maging magkaibigan man lamang. We’re working on our having peace and healing,” anang aktor na katulad ni Heart ay maganda ang takbo ng career.

Bukod sa kanyang dumaraming product endorsement, katatapos lang niya ng kanyang matagumpay na konsyerto na nakita ang kanyang musical talent na mas nauna pang hinangaan sa labas ng bansa.

Ibinabalik ng ABS-CBN ang tandem nila ni Kristine sa star-studded series na Dahil May Isang Ikaw kasama sina Lorna Tolentino, Gabby Concepcion, John Estrada, Karylle, Chinchin Gutierrez, at Sid Lucero.

[via]

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Anne Curtis ninakawan

Pinasok ng mga magnanakaw ang bahay ng aktres na si Anne Curtis kamakalawa at tinangay ang ilan niyang gamit noong Martes ng madaling-araw.

Sinabi ni Anne sa presscon ng bago niyang endorsement na Green­wich Lasagna na nawala ang isa niyang bag at ibang mga damit.

Natuklasan lang ni Anne kama­kalawa ng umaga ang nakawan nang nagte-taping siya ng kanyang television series.

“Fortunately, walang valuables na nawala kasi naka-lock ang room ko but it’s a bag at mga damit,” sabi pa ng aktres.

Ayon kay Anne, nakapasok ang mga magnanakaw nang puwersahang buksan ng mga ito ang isang bintana ng kanyang bahay. Natutulog ang kanyang mga kasamba­hay nang mangyari ito.

Gayunman, nagpapasa­la­mat si Anne na wa­lang nasak­tan sa insidente.

“Walang nasaktan and I think iyon ang pinaka-grateful ako na ang mga kasama ko sa bahay ay hindi nasaktan. Eve­rything is safe,” sabi pa niya.

Binalewala ni Anne ang is­pe­­kulasyon na inside job ang naganap na panloloob o isa niyang tagahanga ang may kagagawan ng nakawan.

Idinagdag niya na iniimbestigahan na ng se­curity ng subdivision ang pangyayari bagama’t hindi pa siya nagre-report sa pulisya.

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National TV Ratings - July 13

MULA sa TNS, narito ang National Ratings ng mga programa ng ABS-CBN 2 at GMA 7 noong LUNES (Hulyo 13):

Umagang Kay Ganda 7.8% vs. Unang Hirit 6.1%;

Tiny Tony 8.1% at Shen Beng Kids 7.1% vs. Pokemon Master 7.0%;

Naruto 6.9% vs. Jackie Chan Adventures 8.8% at Buzze Beater 8.4%;

Amazing Twins 7.0% vs. Hunter X Hunter 8.9%;

Ruffa & Ai 7.8% vs. SiS 6.8%;

Game Ka Na Ba 15.1% vs. Lalola 9.3%;

Wowowee 26.5% vs. Eat Bulaga 17.7% at Daisy Siete 15%;

Kambal Sa Uma 25% vs. Ngayon at Kailanman 16.6%;

Precious Hearts Romances 19.8% at Maria de Jesus 15.5% vs. Kung Aagawin Mo Ang Lahat Sa Akin 18%;

Mr. Bean 17.4% at Naruto Shipuuden 16.9% vs. Chil Princesses 10.7%;

Love or Bread 16.8% vs. Hole in the Wall 14.5%;

Boys Over Flowers 31.1% vs. All My Life 16.9%;

TV Patrol World 36.6% vs. 24 Oras 24.4%;

May Bukas Pa 38.2% vs. Zorro 26.1%;

Only You 33.6% vs. Rosalinda 20.9%;

Tayong Dalawa 35% vs. Adik sa ‘Yo 19.7%;

The Wedding 18.3% vs. Cruel Love 14.4%;

Showbiz News Nga­yon 11.8% vs. Ripley’s Believe It or Not 8.5%;

Bandila 6.3% at Kalye 4.1% vs. Saksi 4.3%;

Games Uplate Live 0.9% vs. I-Witness 3.1%.

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Ryan Agoncillo mahirap nang talunin sa TV hosting

Plus factor ng programang Talentadong Pinoy na napapanood sa TV5 every Sunday evening ay ang host nitong si Ryan Agoncillo. It was also TV5 who gave Ryan the chance to host the very first Philippine Idol.

Hindi man nasundan ang unang episode ng popular na palabas sa TV sa US, nakilala na ang kahusayan sa paghu-host ng aktor na hindi ko malaman kung bakit sa pag-arte ay nabibigyan ng project ng kanyang home network, ang ABS-CBN, at maging ng GMA 7 na kung saan siya ay napapanood din, gayong mas magaling siyang host.

Yes wala yatang bahay ang hindi naka-on sa Talentadong Pinoy tuwing Linggo ng gabi dahil sa kakaibang talento na ipinakikita ng maraming Pinoy gayong may mga katulad din na programa sa ibang network na pwede nilang salihan. Baka mas malalaki pa ang premyong mapapanalunan.

Ang maganda kay Ryan, hindi niya kailangan ng co-host. Kaya niyang magdala ng isang show na mag-isa. Feeling ko pa nga mas makakabawas pa ng kanyang effectivity sa show kung may kasama siya. Pero pwede siyang magkaroon ng co-host, he’s one personality na pwedeng mag-blend sa sinumang kanyang makasama. Isa pa rin ito sa kanyang talento. Hindi siya maramot, marunong siyang mag-adjust.

Kung mari-realize lamang ng kanyang network ang pambihirang talento ni Ryan o kaya ay kunin siya ng ibang network para maging host, I’m sure Ryan will become Philippine TV’s “The Host.”

[via]

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Charice supports Rhap Salazar

Here’s another entry in Funfare’s continuing coverage of the ongoing Hollywood Olympics in L.A., courtesy of this corner’s Hollywood “eye”:

International singing sensation Charice has paid a visit to the Westin Bonaventure to show support to Little Big Star batchmate Rhap Salazar who is currently competing in the junior singing division at the 13th World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA).

Charice, whom Rhap considers his best friend, together with a slew of Philippine showbiz figures (Boy Abunda, Kris Aquino, Luis Manzano, Sam Milby, Erik Santos, Billy Crawford, Johnny Manahan, Piolo Pascual, Rachelle Ann Go, Sarah Geronimo, Sheryn Regis, Sharon Cuneta and Korina Sanchez), provided financial aid for the young male singer to compete in the said annual event.

He also received a subsidy from Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Young performing artists from nearly 40 countries including the US and The Philippines compete for the “Grand Champion of the World” titles in dance, vocal, modeling, acting, comedy, instrumental and variety at WCOPA.
Grand finals will be held on Friday night, July 17, at the Grand Ballroom of the Westin Bonaventure.

[via]

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Charice - My Backyard (audio-video sync)

Charice - My Backyard (audio-video sync). Charice lent her voice to the campaign song "My Backyard", which was arranged by acclaimed musician Gino Cruz and the lyrics written by the CENTEX students.


With a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, HP ushers in another eco-sensitive initiative that intensifies its dedication to help the country's youth today build a greener and more sustainable tomorrow with HP's My Backyard campaign.

Bringing together the power of technology, innovation, and education, HP's My Backyard sparks new hope for saving the environment with the help of students from the Center of Excellence (CENTEX) in Tondo, Manila as it launches a full roster of activities that foster environmental awareness, protection, and restoration.

Among the campaign's activities include community-wide clean-up exercises and the development of a dedicated website' where students can upload photos, essays, and videos featuring nature-friendly themes. The CENTEX grade school students also composed an original song and a music video that aims to inspire people to adopt behavioral changes and become responsible stewards of the environment. Similarly, HP enhanced the student's awareness about today's environmental issues through interactive discussions with environmental advocates.

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Freddie Aguilar clarifies 'monkey' remark

“Bayan Ko” singer Freddie Aguilar has clarified his controversial remark that drew flak from fellow singers Arnel Pineda and Gary Valenciano.

“Hindi ako nagsasabi ng monkey. Ang sabi ko kaya tayo binabansagan, [tayong] mga Filipino, [na] unggoy dahil manggagaya tayo,” Aguilar said in a taped interview aired on “The Buzz” Sunday.

In one of his interviews, Aguilar reportedly slammed Pineda, the Filipino vocalist of American rock band “Journey,” and international singing sensation Charice for proving what international singer Mariah Carey had reportedly said about Filipinos.

Carey had allegedly likened Filipinos to monkeys because they would only mimic the styles and songs of other international artists.

Aguilar maintained that he never mentioned Pineda in that interview.

“Si Arnel (Pineda) hindi ko siya isinama doon. Binanggit lang iyong pangalan ni Gary (Valenciano), tapos si Regine (Velasquez) din. Sabi nila tinawag ni Mariah Carey na ganoon (monkey) tapos dinugtong ko na lang iyon. Pero actually isa lang ang tinanong, si Charice lang,” he said.

The Filipino folk music icon, however, stressed that he has nothing against Charice and Valenciano. He said he was merely voicing out his opinion.

“Tinanong ako sa opinion ko. Alangan naman ang ibigay kong opinyon hindi iyong nararamdaman ko,” he stressed.

He acknowledged though that Charice is a good singer. He added that he would be impressed more if she sings original Filipino music in her gigs abroad.

Aguilar, who is behind the worldwide hit "Anak," also made this challenge to all Filipino singers: “Ako magtatanong sa lahat ng mga singer na Filipino. Bakit puro banyaga ang kinakanta ninyo? Iyan ang tanong ko. Hindi iyong tinatanong niyo sa akin kung bakit ko kayo tinatawag na unggoy.”

“Kayo ang nagpatawag na unggoy dahil gaya-gaya kayo,” he added.



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Claudine Barretto, walang raket

NAKABALIK na ng bansa ang pamilya ni Claudine Barretto. Halos one month silang nag-stay sa Amerika para magba-kasyon.

Tiyempo namang may show din doon ang Star Magic talents kung saan isa si Clau-Clau sa mga pioneers, kaya naging business and pleasure ang trip niya.

Wala pang balita kung kailan ulit magkakaroon ng teleserye si Clau. Ang huli naming nalaman, gagawa siya ng pelikula with sister Gretchen Barretto, pero hindi pa niya idinitalye sa amin ang tungkol dito.

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Valerie Concepcion ayaw nang pag-usapan si Cristine

HANGGANG ngayon ay usap-usapan pa rin ang di-umano’y pagkakaroon ng gap nina RR Enriquez at Valerie Concepcion. Ayaw naming maniwala. Kapag nakikita namin sila sa studio ng Wowowee, madalas ay nagti-chikahan naman sila, kaya for us ay imposible ang intrigang mayroon silang gap. Kung ating matatandaan, nagkaroon ng isyu sa pagitan nina RR, Cristine Reyes at Pokwang ilang linggo na ang na-kararaan. Nagsimula ang iri-ngan ng tatlo sa sitcom nilang Banana Split, hanggang nagka-gap sila at nauwi pa sa pag-alis ni Cristine sa naturang sitcom. At lumabas ang balitang si Cristine ang diumano’y kinakampihan ni Valerie kung kaya na-apektuhan daw ang sama-han nila ni RR.

“Ay naku, wala kaming away o tampuhan. Nag-hang-out pa kami, nanood ng basketball,” sabi ni RR.

Muli ay nilinaw ni RR na wala silang gap ni Val at napakababaw naman daw kung maaapektuhan ang friendship nila dahil lang sa away nila ni Cristine.

Dagdag pa ni RR, hindi na lang nila pinag-uusapan ni Valerie si Cristine bilang respeto na lang umano kay Val dahil alam ni RR na close nga siya sa kinaiinisang aktres. Si Valerie naman ay nakikinig lang from a distance. Napapangiti na lang siya sa sinasabi ni RR. Tinanong namin ulit si RR kung kahit ba noong height ng isyu nila ni Cristine ay never silang nagkaroon ng ilangan factor ni Val.

“Never. Alam ni Valerie na may gap kami ni Cristine at alam ko rin na kaibigan niya si Cristine. Kami ni Val, wala kaming gap or something,” paglilinaw pa ni RR.
Paano kapag nagkita ka-yong muli ni Cristine? Babatiin ba niya ang aktres?

“Babatiin. Ako naman, makakatingin nang diretso sa kanya dahil wala akong ginagawang masama,” ma-riing pahayag pa ni RR.

[via]

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Freddie Aguilar naiinggit kay Charice!

Umaani ng batikos ngayon si Kaka Freddie Aguilar dahil sa sinabi niya sa isang panayam tungkol sa panggagaya diumano nina Charice Pempengco, Arnel Pineda, Gary Valenciano at Regine Velasquez.

Ayon kay Kaka (tawag kay Freddie) nang ma-interview ng mga reporters sa opening ng kanyang Ka Freddie’s Music Bar and Restaurant sa Adriatico, Malate, pinatunayan lang daw ng mga nasabing singers na totoo ang dating sinabi diumano ni Mariah Carey na ang mga Pilipino ay unggoy. In short, gaya-gaya.

Ang punto ni Ka Freddie, mas maganda raw sana kung ang kinanta ni Charice sa mga guestings nito sa USA shows ay awiting Pinoy at hindi mga kanta ni Celine Dion.

Kay Gary V., in fairness ay pinuri naman niya ang kahusayan ni Mr. Pure Energy pero dahil ginagaya raw nito si Michael Jackson, noon pa ay alam na niyang hindi ito sisikat internationally dahil wala naman daw sumikat na copycat.

Nag-react na si Gary V. sa sinabi ni Kaka. Dinepensahan pa ni Mr. Pure Energy si Charice at say niya, stepping stone lang naman ang ginawa ng young singer and panahon lang ang kailangan nito para mailabas ang originality.

Anyway, dahil sa mga pahayag ni Ka Freddie ay napagbintangan siya tuloy na naiinggit sa kasikatan ng mga kapwa singer.

May reaksyon naman ang nagpasikat ng kangang Anak tungkol dito at nai-forward sa amin ang kanyang text message sa isang katoto.

“’Di ako naiinggit. Masaya nga ako na sumikat sila, eh. Nanghihinayang lang ako ’pag napapanood ko ang mga Latino sa TV (sa Amerika), kumakanta ng Latino. Ang mga Hapon, kinakanta, Hapon. Ang mga Italyano, kinakanta, Italyano, etc.

“Pero ’pag Pilipino na ang singer, ang kinakanta, English. Bakit, ikinahihiya ba natin ang sariling nating musika?

“Bakit? Bakit? Bakit?” ang mahabang text message ni Kaka na aside from being a music icon ay kilala rin sa kanyang pagiging makabayan.

[via]

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Sarah Geronimo kasunod na ni Nora

Mukhang si Sarah Geronimo na nga ang susunod na pinakamalaking star sa kanyang henerasyon at ito’y batay na rin sa pagiging box office, hindi lamang ng kanyang mga pelikula kundi maging sa kanyang mga concerts here and abroad at maging sa benta ng kanyang mga albums at pagiging in-demand celebrity endorser.

Kung si Nora Aunor ay Superstar, si Vilma Santos ay Star for All Seasons, si Sharon Cuneta ay Megastar, Diamond Star si Maricel Soriano at Asia’s Songbird naman si Regine Velasquez, si Sarah naman ay Popstar. Halos iisa ang pattern nina Nora, Sharon, Regine at Sarah na pare-parehong nagsimula bilang singers bago kinilalang mahuhusay na aktres.

Ang kaibahan lamang ni Sharon kina Nora, Regine at Sarah, hindi siya sumali sa anumang amateur singing contest.

Sina Nora, Regine at Sarah ay parehong nagmula sa singing search, si Nora ay naging kampeon sa Tawag ng Tanghalan, si Regine sa Bagong Kampeon habang si Sarah naman ay sa Star for a Night.

Although pare-parehong pagkanta ang kanilang naging puhunan, hindi rin sila nakaiwas sa larangan ng pag-arte.

Matapos tanghaling Box Office Star si Sarah along with John Lloyd Cruz na kanyang nakapareha sa dalawang hit movies, may bagong pelikula na namang sisimulan si Sarah kung saan malamang na makatambal niya si Gerald Anderson.

Sa darating na July 25 ay 21 na si Sarah kaya tinanong namin ang butihing ina ng dalaga na si Mommy Divine kung papayagan na niya na magka-boyfriend ang anak.

“Nasa kanya naman `yon,” ani Mommy Divine sa press launch ng bagong TVC (TV commercial) ni Sarah sa Careline Cosmetics kung saan siya ang latest endorser.

“Kung ready na siyang magka-boyfriend wala namang magiging problema sa amin ng daddy niya. Nandito lamang kami para i-guide siya,” dugtong pa nito.

Although tanggap ng publiko ang tambalan nina Sarah at John Lloyd, malabong ma-link ang dalawa ngayon dahil mas mainit na pinag-uusapan ang pagkaka-link nina Ruffa Gutierrez at John Lloyd. Wala namang problema kay Sarah dahil magkaibigan at magkatrabaho lamang sila ni Lloydie.

May boyfriend o wala, masaya si Sarah sa takbo ng kanyang career - sa singing, sa acting, sa concerts at maging sa pagiging in-demand celebrity endorser.

Samantala, hindi ikinakaila ni Sarah na iniyakan niya ang pagkamatay ng King of Pop na si Michael Jackson na isa sa kanyang mga idolo mula pagkabata. Pinagpuyatan din niya ang memorial service na ibinigay sa music icon nung Martes ng gabi hanggang madaling araw at habang pinapanood niya ito ay hindi niya maiwasan ang umiyak.

“Hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa ako makapaniwala na wala na si Michael (Jackson) pero mananatili siyang buhay sa puso at isipan ng mga taong nagmamahal sa kanya sa buong mundo at isa na ako roon,” ani Sarah.

Ayon kay Sarah, kung hindi namatay si Michael, gusto sana niyang panoorin ang comeback concert nito sa London pero dahil sa nangyari, mananatili na lamang itong pangarap na hindi na kailanman matutupad.

Sa mga awiting pinasikat ni Michael, paborito ni Sarah ang Man in the Mirror.

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Piolo Pascual, KC Concepcion in "Lovers in Paris"

Mukha namang tinototoo na ni Piolo Pascual ang panliligaw kay KC Concepcion. Nung umuwi ito from Cannes Film Festival ay limang taong supply ng pabango ang uwi niya para sa dalaga.

Mula naman sa US na kung saan galing si Piolo makatapos ang konsiyerto ng Star Magic ay dala naman niya ang maraming padala ng mga fans para kay KC, tulad ng scrapbooks at T-shirts.

Both Piolo and KC are excited na masimulan na ang pagpapalabas ng kanilang seryeng Lovers in Paris. Pero sa kanilang dalawa, si KC ang may pinakamalaking takot na baka hindi ito maging kasing-lakas ng mga ibang serye ng Dos.

“Malalakas lahat ng series ng ABS-CBN, naka­katakot lang na baka hindi maging kasing-lakas ang Lovers in Paris,” may pag-aalalang sabi nI KC.

Tungkol naman kay Piolo, walang pagkabahala si Mega. Kilala niya at nirerespeto ang aktor. Alam niyang nasa mabuting kamay ang kanyang anak.

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Willie's 'dream girl' unveiled

Siya na nga ba?

Those who have seen the MTV of Willie Revillame’s new hit single Ikaw Na Nga (also composed by Vehnee Saturno like some of Willie’s songs) must be wondering if the pretty girl featured on horseback with the Wowowee host is his “dream girl” in real life. And who could she be?

The epitome of beauty and brains, she’s none other than Isabelle Daza, daughter of 1969 Miss Universe Gloria Diaz (oops! sorry, Glory, can’t help attaching that “eternal” title to your name) and ex-husband Bong Daza.

Asked if Isabelle is, you know, siya na nga ba, Willie (rumored to be “sweet” with a CEU student) could only sigh, “How I wish!” He’s hanging on Cloud 9.

The next question is: How was he able to get Isabelle’s nod to co-star with him in the MTV, considering how painfully shy Isabelle can sometimes be?

“Well,” Isabelle told Funfare in an exclusive interview, “I was in Europe when my mom called me, ‘Do you want to do a music video?’ She told me it was going to be with Mr. Willie Revillame. I wasn’t too sure because I’m shy, so I told my mom, ‘Can we talk about it when I get home?’ She said the song is nice; it’s No. 1 now. ‘You’re gonna be the Dream Girl in it; it’s going to be shot in Baguio.’ So I said, ‘Okay, I don’t mind doing it.’ So, that’s it.”

In Europe, Isabelle was on a month-long holiday with friends (Raymond Gutierrez, Anne Curtis and John Lloyd Cruz’s ex-girlfriend Liz Uy, among them) and, after visiting, among other places, Prague, Venice and Rome, she proceeded to Madrid where she took up a three-week crash course in Spanish — “So I could converse to my (maternal) grandmother in Spanish; she’s a Spanish teacher, you know. Besides, my mom’s whole family speaks Spanish, so I said, ‘Why not?’ I wasn’t doing anything that summer anyway.”

Before shooting the MTV, Isabelle met Willie when he dropped by Gloria’s house to have coffee.

“My mom was a guest on his show once. At our home, my cousins and I talked to Willie and got to know him better.”

The one-day MTV shoot was extended to two days because of the rain. A good horseback-rider, the athletic Isabelle (who also plays football) found it a breeze.

“It was fun. Tito Willie was so afraid he would fall and he was screaming, ‘Ibaba mo na ako!’ Put me down, you know. Funny guy. On the set, he was making a lot of jokes to make me less uptight and more comfortable. Even during the shoot, he continued making jokes. I was laughing all the time. Also, his staff was very nice. We got along well. We would eat together.”

Isabelle was chaperoned by her yaya, her mom’s maid and another lady. Safe and secure.

Told that Willie said that she’s his “dream girl” in real life, Isabelle was surprised.

“Really? I didn’t know that! Besides being funny, he’s simple and down-to-earth. His staff really, really loves, respects and takes care of him. I think he’s really humble, very low-key, low maintenance. He told me about his rags-to-riches life story. I think it’s amazing for someone like him to maintain his humility. Even if he’s earning a lot of money, it doesn’t take much to make him happy. Give him hot chocolate for merienda and he’s happy na.”

Asked if she’s, ehem, fancy-free, Isabelle stammered, “Well, it’s something private, so...”

Would she accept an offer to be one of Willie’s Wowowee co-hosts, Isabelle hesitated, “Well, right now, I’m about to graduate (De La Salle University), finishing my studies in Early Childhood Education with some Marketing and Business courses. After I graduate, I’m going to see what I’m going to study next. I’m not so sure yet what I’m gonna do.”

Showbiz?

“My mom is in showbiz and so are some of my friends. But I’m not ready to enter showbiz.”

Yet?

“It’s a tough field. So many talented and beautiful people, and so many intriga. The competition is cut-throat. I don’t want to make siksik there. It’s scary!”

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Gary Valenciano sobrang apektado sa pagpanaw ng King of Pop

LAST Wednesday night ay nagpuyat si Gary Valenciano para lamang mapanood ang live TV broadcast ng memorial service nang pumanaw na The King of Pop na si Michael Jackson.

Habang nanonood si Gary, panay ang test niya ng kanyang sugar blood le-vel.

Mabuti ay habang na-nonood ay low sugar ang dugo niya.

Kasi, buhat nang namatay si Michael Jackson, super naapektuhan si Gary.

Nalungkot siya sa untimely death ng kanyang idolo.

Nang mabalitaang namatay si Michael ay nasa Beijing, China si Gary para sa isang singing engagement.

Nakadagdag daw sa tension kahit papaano ang ba-lita.

Para kay Gary, malaking kawalan sa music sindustry ang kanyang idolo.

* * *

DAHIL naman sa maagap na pagbabantay kay Gary Valenciano ng asawang si Angeli Pangilinan, ilang beses nang nakaligtas si Gary sa near death experiences.

Nangyari ang pinaka-grabe noong 2005 nang mag-show ang ABS-CBN sa Pasadeña, California.

Nagising si Angeli na nagsi-seizure si Gary dahil sa biglang pagtaas blood sugar nito.

Minsan naman ay nagi-ging abnormal ng kilos si Gary dahil sa sobrang baba naman sugar count niya.

Sa nangyari sa Pasadeña, kinailangang tumawag ng 9/11 ang hotel na kanilang tinutuluyan.

Walang malay si Gary at na-revive lang siya ng paramedics.

“Buti at nagising ako. Nakatawag agad ako ng tulong. ‘Yung mga kasama ko ay pinagsasampal si Gary para lang magising. Ako naman panay ang dasal kong huwag munang kunin ng Angel of Death si Gary. Miracle ang nangyari dahil na-revive ang asawa ko. Nakapag-perform pa siya the next day sa show ng ABS-CBN,” kuwento ni Angeli.

May instances namang hinihimatay si Gary sa concert niya.

Kaya ang ginagawa ni Angeli ay pinanonood niya mismo ang performance ng asawa.

Kapag may napansin siyang naiiba sa kilos ni Gary ay agad niyang sina-sabihan ang staff para mabilis na mabigyan ng medication si Gary.

Tanging si Gary ang namamayagpag ngayon bilang active singer at performer sa bansa.

At malaki ang pasalamat ni Gary sa pag-aalaga ng asawang si Angeli.

Sa ngayon ay may naka-lagay nang aparato sa katawan ni Gary, ang insulin pump.

Nalalaman nito agad kung kailangang bigyan ng insulin o hindi ang isang diabe-tic.

Kailangang nagpi-prick pa rin si Gary para malaman ang sugar count.

Ang insulin pump ang kanyang ginagamit kung kinakailangan .

Dahil sa may insulin problem si Gary, nakabuti sa kanya ang bagong food supplement na GluControl.

Si Gary ang endorser nito na mabibili sa mga pangu-nahing drug stores, except sa Mercury Drug.

Ang GluCongrol ay ang una at nag-iisang diabetic care supplement na mayroong Pycnogenol, a clinically-proven formulation that helps manages blood sugar, improve circulation and lower blood pressure.

* * *

MAY nalalapit nang concert sina Gary Valenciano at Martin Nievera sa Mall of Asia concert ground sa September 17.

Super-preparation na ang ginagawa ng dalawa.

Inamin ni Angeli sa press na mas mauuna ang pangalan ni Martin sa billing ng concert na may title na As for One kaysa sa asawang si Gary.

“Siyempre, naman mas mauuna si Martin dahil mas una siyang naging singer sa asawa ko,” depensa ni Ange-li.

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