Maria Venus Raj on The Buzz - Videos

Sa panayam ni Maria Venus Raj sa The Buzz kahapon, sinabi ng pambato ng ‘Pinas sa katatapos na Miss Universe pageant na inasahan niya na niya na siya ang magiging fourth runner-up matapos ang question and answer portion ng show. “After the question and answer (portion), yes (inasahan ko). May final walk, ‘di ba, after the q and a, parang naglalakad ako (nasa isip ko) fourth runner-up, fourth runner-up,” natatawa niyang sabi. “Ako very positive pa rin na matawag na manalo pero nakikita mo ‘yung reaction ng mga tao at judges.”

Hindi rin daw siya napipikon na naging trademark niya ang “major, major” dahil sa isinagot niya during the Q&A portion. “At least every time na sasabihin ng mga tao kahit na siguro matanda na ako o may pamilya na ako, ‘pag sasabihin nila ‘yung ‘major major’, ‘Ay si ganito ito ng Miss Universe!’ Pag andun ka unconscious ka sa mga sinasabi mo, siguro hindi ako aware na inulit ko na siya ng dalawang beses.”

Tinanong din si Venus kung pabor ba siya sa mungkahi ng iba na magkaroon na ng translator ang mga pambato ng Pilipinas sa mga international beauty contests. “Sa akin po okay lang kasi iba po nga naman ‘yung pag-explain ng mga bagay-bagay when it’s in your language. Parang hindi ka na mag-iisip kung ano ang tamang words na gagamitin.”

Kung sino ba sa tingin niya ang deserving na mag-uwi ng korona, ang sagot ni Venus ay, “Miss Mexico really deserves the crown pero I know Miss Australia from the start, kasi kasama ko po siya sa tour and kami ‘yung roommate.”

Bukas naman daw si Venus sa pag-aartista at malaking karangalan daw sa kanya kung mapabilang sa fashion-serye na Magkaribal.

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Sarah Geronimo Won't Leave ABS-CBN

There have been reports that Sarah Geronimo will no longer renew her contract with ABS-CBN when it expires this December. Rumor has it that her talent agency, Viva, wants her to transfer to another network so that she could further her showbiz career. But the Popstar was quick to refute such reports, saying that she is very happy with the way the Kapamilya network has taken care of her all these years. “Naku, bakit ko naman po iiwanan ang ABS-CBN? Ang laki-laki ho ng naitulong sa akin ng ABS-CBN. [And] may ginagawa po kaming show so bakit naman po ako lilipat?” she said during a recent press visit to the set of her upcoming musical-drama, Idol.

Even her mom, Divine Geronimo, was clearly surprised when the local press asked her about the issue. “Ay wala kaming alam d’yan. Diyos ko, huwag naman ganyan, bad ‘yan!” Nevertheless, Sarah stressed that she would have to ask her manager first if there’s truth to such speculations. “Wala po akong alam sa mga pinipirmahan ko. Hahaha! Hayaan ni’yo po, tatanungin ko si Boss Vic (Del Rosario) kung totoo talaga ‘yan,’” she added.

Sarah still remained unfazed when prodded about the possibility of being compared to Charice who will soon be seen in the American TV musical, Glee. As it was, some Filipino viewers claim that Idol merely copied the concept of the Hollywood show. “Ay! Ano ba, i-compare ba sa Glee? Siyempre ibang-iba naman po ang Idol. Magkapareho lang sa aspect na musical TV show siya, pero iba naman po ang storya. At Glee yun! Iba ang followers ng Glee, iba rin naman siguro ang followers ng Idol. O pwede ring pareho ‘di ba? Sana [ganon ang mangyari]. Basta huwag na lang po natin i-compare.”

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Busy year for Vice Ganda

It’s probably because of his famous lines “May nag-text!” that Vice Ganda is now the official endorser of Globe’s All Super Txt P20, a special promo wherein the P20 load can text 200 text messages on all networks. The promo will run today until Oct. 31.

“Feeling ko tuloy, ka-level ko na sina Sarah Geronimo at Zaijian Jaranilla, dahil member na rin ako ng Globe family!” enthused Showtime resident judge.

Speaking of Showtime, Vice cleared the issue that he already left the talent search show of ABS-CBN. But he admitted that he took a leave to replenish his act and energy.

“Du’n sa napagod, napagod talaga ako sa Showtime,” said Vice. “Kasi, nakakaubos din ‘yung sampol-sampol na ‘yan. Pag nandu’n ka, hindi puwedeng hindi ka magsampol. Eh, for nine months, feeling ko, ubos na ubos na ako.”

Vice wanted a longer vacation but the Kapamilya management declined. “Sabi ko, mag-re-recharge lang ako. Eh, hindi sila pumayag nang mahabang panahon ng bakasyon, kaya two weeks lang akong nawala, eto, back to normal na naman. At na-realize ko, I love my Showtime family!” shared the outspoken comedian.

But come Oct. 13, Vice will be missed by his Showtime fans again. He is US-bound on the said date for a series of shows in California with Lani Misalucha. They will be in Stockton, California on Oct. 15; San Diego, Oct. 16, and Los Angeles, Oct. 17.

The duo will then bring the show to Canada on Nov. 20 and 21, in Toronto, Ontario and Baltimore, Maryland, respectively.

“Kasi, first quarter pa lang ng 2010, natanguan na namin ‘to,” explained Vice. “And I’m excited to work with Lani. D’yos ko, kinakabahan nga ako, baka biritan lang ako nang biritan niyan, wala na akong choice kungdi magpatawa na lang ako nang magpatawa, dahil hindi na ‘ko makabirit!” he added laughing.

Indeed, this is a very busy year for Vice. Juggling his TV work, international tours, and local comedy bar shows, he is also currently shooting the finishing touches for his launching movie Petrang Kabayo under Viva Films. A trailer of the film is already being shown in local theaters. And those who have seen it are already predicting a blockbuster movie for Vice.

“Kaya kinakabahan ako, dahil launching movie ko na ‘to. Make or break sa career ko ‘to, kaya inubos ko talaga ang nalalaman ko sa pagpapatawa ko,” said Vice. The movie will be shown on Oct. 6.

Vice is also in the cast of Regal’s filmfest movie this December, Super Inday and the Magic Bibe. Marian Rivera plays Super Inday. And who’s the Magic Bibe? Who else but Vice Ganda!

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Charice at home in Richmonde

Charice Pempengco has come a long way from her humble beginnings as an amateur singing contestant. Now she has the distinction of being the first Asian artist to have a Top 10 album in the US Billboard chart and being named the Most Talented Girl in the World by Oprah Winfrey. Upcoming for the petite singer with a big voice is a stint in the popular TV series Glee.

She recently showcased her outstanding singing prowess, which is already known internationally, to her Pinoy fans during her concert series at Newport City, McKinley Hill and Eastwood City. The newly-opened banquet facilities of Eastwood Richmonde Hotel played host to Charice Live! press conference while the Richmonde Hotel Ortigas became her home during the Manila stop of her international concert tour.

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Sam Milby tongue-tied around Sarah Geronimo

Kahit crush ni Sam Milby si Sarah Geronimo, sa tingin namin ay hindi siya magkakalakas ng loob na ligawan ang Pop Princess dahil kapag nakikita niya ito ay nahihiya siya.

Saksi kami kung gaano siya parang natatameme kay Sarah nang bisitahin namin sila sa set ng Idol. Namumula ang aktor at pinagpagpawisan habang katabi niya ang leading lady.

Very vocal naman si Sam na isa sa “idols’ niya si Sarah along with Johnny Depp, Matt Damon, Coco Martin and John Lloyd Cruz.

“Sa mga production numbers ni Sarah sa ASAP XV, nanonood ako sa gilid, and wow, ang galing niya at grabe ’yung dedication niya sa trabaho. Magaling siya talaga, everything she does, and pang-word class ang performances niya,” papuri ni Sam kay Sarah.

Aminado rin naman si Sam na ilang beses pa lang silang nag-taping at kung baga, wala pa silang naki-create na closeness or bonding moment kaya understandable na hiyang-hiya siya sa dalaga.

Sa kanyang love life, ani Sam ay single pa rin siya at walang commitment. Patuloy pa rin daw ang communication nila ni Marie Digby pero dahil nga magkalayo sila, hanggang sa komunikasyon na lang daw muna sila at hindi pa nagkikita uli since May.

Samantala, very proud si Sam sa bago nilang musical series ni Sarah na Idol dahil kakaiba raw ito sa lahat ng nagawa niya dahil magkakumbinasyong singing and acting ang tema ng serye.

Magsisimula na ang serye sa Sept. 6 with an all star cast mula sa direksyon ni Ruel Bayani.

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Ryan Agoncillo pumayag ipatali ang ari

Hindi bakla ang role ni Ryan Agoncillo sa pinaka-bagong comedy series ng TV5 na magsisimulang mapanood sa Sept. 6, 8-9 p.m, ang Lady Dada. Nagbihis babae siya sa payo ng isang kaibigan (Keempee de Leon) para lamang mapalapit sa kanyang asawa’t anak matapos siyang pagba­walan na lumapit sa kanila after na manggulo siya sa bar na pag-aari ng kanyang asawa (Mylene Dizon) at ng dating manliligaw nito (Ryan Eigen­mann).

Ang hindi niya inaasahan ay liligawan siya ng kapatid ng kanyang asawa (Roderick Pau­late) sa pag-aakalang isa siyang ba­bae. “Ang ganda-ganda ko rito. I never ima­gined myself dressed in a woman’s clothing before. This one’s for the books, seriously,” sabi ni Ryan.

Pinuntahan pa siya sa simula pa lang ng taping sa set ng kanyang asawang si Judy Ann Santos kasama ang panganay nilang si Yohan para okeyan ang kanyang costume. Na-shock si Juday pero si Yohan ay natawa lamang.

“Wala akong ginagaya sa pag-portray ko ng role ko bilang Lady Dada na ang mean­ing ay lady daddy. Sinusunod ko lang ang mga instructions ni Direk Joyce Bernal. First time ko itong mag-make up. Inisip ko na lang kung ano ba ang gagawin ko bilang ama, hanggang saan ko ipu-push ang sarili ko? Mas nahihiya pa nga akong mag-action kesa mag-babae. Huwag lang akong mag-bold,” pa­birong sabi pa ng part-time actor at full-time host na ang ser­yeng Lady Dada ay eere lamang ng limang linggo.

When asked kung bakit parang napakaikli nito, kumpara sa maraming serye na napapanood sa telebisyon, sinabi ni Ryan na talagang sakto lamang sa itinakdang panahon ang istorya ng Lady Dada. Lalaglag na ito kapag naging 13 weeks.

Para sa kanyang disguise, pumayag si Ryan na magsuot ng high heels, mag-wax, mag-make up. Minsan ay itinali pa ang kan­yang ari.

“Pero hindi ko nagustuhan. May paraan pa para maitago ito pero hindi ’yung taliin ito dahil feeling ko, parang naglalakad ako ng patalikod. Anim na oras akong hindi kompor­table,” pagtatapat niya.

Kung gagawing pelikula ang Lady Dada, sinabi niyang papayag siyang gam­panan muli ito kung si Bb. Joyce ulit ang magdidirek.

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Agua Bendita Finale Week

High-rating primetime series on ABS-CBN ‘Agua Bendita’ takes a bow next week as it splashes on to its exciting finale.

The show has served as Andi Eigenmann’s launch pad to stardom. And now that her first major project has come to an end, Andi just can’t help but be sad about its ending and be hopeful for the upcoming opportunities, “Nalulungkot po ako ng sobra.Halos araw-araw ko na rin po kasi kasama yung mga ibang cast and crew kaya alam ko mamimiss ko sila talaga. Pero masaya rin naman po dahil matatapos po ang Agua Bendita na todo pa rin ang suporta ng tao hanggang sa huli. Hindi sila bumitiw kaya nagpapasalamat po ako.” Andi further shared, “This is not naman po the end. I’m hopeful that more opportunities will come and that makakatrabaho ko pa po silang lahat sana sa future.”

‘Agua Bendita’ has remained on top of its game for the past seven months. It is indeed a consistent high-rater and has never been toppled on its timeslot. In fact, it has become a household mention. As it sets on to its final curtain call, deepest secrets will be revealed and twists will unfold.

Witness the concluding scenes of ‘Agua Bendita’ this week, Monday to Friday, after ‘Noah’ on ABS-CBN.
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Venus Raj sa showbiz ang bagsak

Hindi tinatanggal ng Miss Universe 4th runner-up Venus Raj ang posibi­li­dad na mag-artista. Ito ay makaraang marinig na interesado ang ABS-CBN na makuha ang kanyang serbisyo para sa top rating drama series na Mag­karibal.

Bagaman at may mga tungkulin siya na dapat munang gampanan bilang Bb. Pilipinas, ang pag-aartista ay isang gawain na welcome sa kanya. Ka­tunayan nang tanungin siya kung sino ang gusto niyang makapareha, binanggit niya ang pangalan ni Coco Martin.

Napaka-ganda ng attitude ni Venus sa pag­tang­gap sa kinahinatnan ng kanyang paglahok sa pina­ka-sikat na beauty contest sa buong mundo. Wala siyang pagsisising nadarama sa posibilidad na ma­a­aring hindi niya nakuha ang korona dahil sa hindi magan­dang sagot niya sa tanong ng isang hurado sa kanya. Naniniwala siya na hindi siya naka­tak­dang maging Miss Universe at masa­ya na siyang maka­sama sa Top 5.

Sa kanyang pagdating, inuna niya ang pag­da­law sa burol ng kanyang namatay na kaibigan at trainor na si Melody Gerbs­bach. Sinabi niyang may mga gawain itong nai­wan na kailangan niyang ipag­patuloy, ga­ya ng pangangasiwa ng Miss Bi­colandia.

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2010 Mutya ng Pilipinas Contestants

Twenty-four hopefuls, including two overseas delegates from the US, are competing in the 2010 Mutya ng Pilipinas contest scheduled tonight at the newly-opened Performing Arts Theater at the Resorts World Manila (to be telecast next Sunday, Sept. 5, on ABS-CBN starting at 10:30 p.m.).

Theme of this year’s search is “Viva Pilipinas, a celebration of the beauty of the Philippines and the Filipino Women.”

The five winners will represent the Philippines in various beauty contests abroad, including those for Miss Tourism International, Miss Asia Pacific, Miss Intercontinental, Top Model of the World and Miss Tourism Queen of the Year.

Report Funfare’s “beauty experts” Felix Manuel, Joey Cezeare, Francis Calubaquib and Gery Yumping, “In the past two weeks, the 24 official candidates were busy with various pre-pageant activities, among them the swimsuit competition held in Puerto Princesa City where Miss East Coast USA Christi Lynn Ashley McGarry bagged the Best in Figure and Miss Fitflop special awards.”

As usual, Funfare asked the “beauty experts” to pick the “12 most likely” winners.

“Our choices are not meant to influence the judges who are people of integrity and independent-minded,” said the “beauty experts.”

Here they are (in alphabetical order according to place represented):

• Mutya ng Batangas Suzette Hernandez, 24, 5’6.5” tall and measures 31-25-35

• Mutya ng Bicol Carla Jenina Lizardo, 20, 5’7” tall and measures 34-27-34

• Mutya ng Bogo (Cebu Province) Ma. Tanchellie Lobete, 19, 5’6” and measures 34-24-36

• Mutya ng Cebu Karen Fatima Montañez, 22, 5’6” tall and measures 33-25-36

• Mutya ng East Coast USA Christi Lynn Ashley McGarry, 22, 5’10” tall and measures 34-25-36

• Mutya ng Guiguinto Christine Jam Marasigan, 20, 5’7” tall and measures 33-26.5-36

• Mutya ng Lapu-Lapu (Cebu Province) Sharon Grace Angel, 19, 5’9.5” tall and measures 34 25- 37

• Mutya ng Midwest USA April Mendoza, 21, 5’6” tall and measures 34-28-33

• Mutya ng Palawan Cheysen Capuno, 18, 5’5” tall and measures 33.5-23-35

• Mutya ng Pangasinan Barbara Salvador, 23, 5’6.5” tall and measures 35-25-35

• Mutya ng Puerto Princesa Cindi Madumma, 23, 5’6” tall and measures 33-25-35

• Mutya ng Subic Bay Kim de Guzman, 18, 5’5” tall and measures 32-24-32

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Imortal with John Lloyd Cruz and Angel Locsin - Video

Check out the new 2-minute teaser of the highly-anticipated “vampire-serye” on ABS-CBN.

“Imortal” stars John Lloyd Cruz and Angel Locsin.

Helmed by Chito Roño and Jerry Lopez Sineneng, Imortal is set to premiere on ABS-CBN’s Primetime Bida soon.

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Venus Raj Returns

Binibining Pilipinas Maria Venus Raj believes she has brought honor to the nation when she was named 4th runner up in the Miss Universe pageant last Tuesday.

Arriving home before dawn yesterday, Venus said her critics can say anything against her but she knows that she had performed well.

“If it’s your fate to win the crown, you’ll get it,” she said in Filipino.

“What’s important here is that I’ve been included in the top-five list. I cannot undo (my answer). Let’s just move forward.”

Venus said she does not regret anything, and that she would have given the same answer had she been asked the same question today.

“Speaking English has somehow helped me too,” she said.

During the interview portion, Venus was asked what her biggest mistake in life was and how she fixed it.

Her answer: “You know what, sir in my 22 years of existence I can say that there is nothing major major, I mean, problem that I have done in my life. Because I am very confident with my family, with the love that they are giving to me. So, thank you so much that I am here, thank you thank you so much.”

Many believed that had Venus Raj given a more impressive answer, she could have won the Miss Universe crown.

Some suggested that she should have brought an interpreter so she could have spoken freely in a language with which she was comfortable.

Venus was the only Asian to have secured a slot in the top five.

It was the first for the Philippines in 11 years since Miriam Quiambao placed first runner-up in the Miss Universe pageant

Senate honors Venus

The Senate honored yesterday Venus for placing fourth runner-up in the Miss Universe pageant at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Introduced by Sen. Manuel Lapid Jr., Senate Resolution No. 140 was unanimously approved during yesterday’s session.

“This honor brought by our Filipino beauty queen deserves to be commended for the pride and recognition she brought our country,” read the resolution.

“By being crowned fourth runner-up, Maria Venus Raj made our country proud and has shown the world the spirit of Filipino beauty, excellence and grace.”

The Senate recognized Venus for working her way from an impoverished family to become the country’s representative to the prestigious beauty pageant.

The Senate also approved Resolution 32 congratulating and commending Filipino martial artist Eros Vincent Baluyot, 17, for winning the gold medal in the White Belt Adult Division of the 2010 World Brazilian Jiu-jitsu championships held in Long Beach, California last June 3 to 6.

“The Philippine Senate has on several occasions paid tribute to outstanding Filipinos for their astonishing feat of bringing home pride and glory to the country by becoming champions in international sporting competitions,” read the resolution.

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Aiza Seguerra in Cebu Show

Fresh from her successful show, Aiza’s Love…Life! @ Onstage with Gerard Salonga and the Filharmonika, Aiza Seguerra flies to Cebu today for a special show at Ayala Center Cebu. The show is still in line with the promotions of Aiza’s second Asian Edition album, Perhaps Love. Show starts at 5 p.m. with autograph signing and photo ops after the show exclusive to album buyers for the day. The show is presented by Ayala Center Cebu, Marriott Hotel Cebu, The Gustavian and Rico’s Lechon.

For details, check out Aiza’s fan page at www.facebook.com/aiza-seguerra.

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David Foster eager to meet more Pinoy singers

When he comes to Manila for the first time to hold a show dubbed Hitman David Foster and Friends at the Araneta Coliseum on Oct. 23, 8 p.m., the other thing he wants to do, aside from visiting Charice’s house is to meet other Filipino talents.

“I want to see local talents because I know there’s a lot of great Filipino singers,” he says.

Decades before he discovered Charice via YouTube, a Filipino talent already caught the discriminating Foster’s fancy.

“Way back in the ’70s when I was still in a band,” he recalls, “We had a Filipino singer whose name was Flip. He was great!”

His list of talented Filipino singers has since become longer,

Foster calls Lea Salonga “a wonderful singer.” Neither can he forget “the kid in Journey” (Arnel Pineda), whose success story has touched him so much Foster thinks it would make good material for a movie script.

Singers, for him, are not the only great thing about Filipino music.

“I know there’s a lot of great indigenous music in the Philippines. And I’m interested to use them,” the singer-songwriter states.

Foster sounds more like a fan than the top star maker we know him to be when he talks about Charice, his goddaughter.

“I liken the day I saw her to the first time I saw Celine Dion. All I can see back then was this young French girl singing onstage. I saw Charice and everything melted away. I can only see this powerful little child with a huge voice. It was a phenomenon for me,” he recalls.

Foster predicts that Charice “will be an international superstar and all of Asia will be proud of her.”

So close is Charice and her American godfather Foster even knows about the furor that erupted over her Botox treatment.

“When you’re young and impressionable, people are just pulling you to just do this and that,” he observes. “You don’t know exactly what you’re doing and I think that’s what happened here.”

Charice is one of the artists Foster will be performing with in Manila. The others are his friends, Natalie Cole, Peter Cetera, Ruben Studdard and the Canadian Tenors.

And while many expect it to be an evening of Foster’s songs (e.g.The Prayer, Hard to Say I’m Sorry, The Glory of Love ,Man in Motion, etc.), the musician is not about to hog the spotlight all by himself.

“Natalie and I only had one big hit together so I want her to do some of her music, too,” he relates.

Foster has some of the other numbers figured out, too.

“Peter Cetera and I will do all the songs we worked on together for Chicago. Ruben Studdard will cover some of my R&B kind of stuff. We’re gonna have fun!”

By fun, he means not just standing there on stage and performing his hit after hit. Foster promises to let the audience feel his show all the more by “going to the audience and picking out somebody to sing just randomly for 30 seconds.”

Thus, his advice to concertgoers: “If there’s any singer out there who wants to get my attention, this could be your big moment. I’m gonna try to pick somebody who is actually a singer.”

Who knows, Foster might even take the new singer under his wing and turn him/her into a superstar? The list of top singers Foster’s unerring eye for talent turned into superstars is long and familiar. It includes, besides Celine Dion and Natalie Cole, Andrea Bocelli, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Barbra Streisand, Cher, Christina Aguilera, Josh Groban, Kenny Rogers, Sheena Easton, Michael Bolton, Prince, Donna Summer, The Corrs, Bee Gees, Neil Diamond, Kenny G and others.

“I do have a feeling about people,” Foster admits. When I heard Andrea Bocelli for the first time, When I saw Celine for the first time, you do get to sense that you’re around greatness.”

So how do you sense greatness? How can Foster predict that this newbie standing before him will someday be somebody?

His answer is surprisingly simple: “I have to think like the average person. If I like what I see, other people will like it, too.”

Of course, no one is perfect. Foster did have misses along the way. Foster admits the public didn’t accept some of the artists he thought had incredible talent the first time he saw them.

But he just shrugs them off as one of the pitfalls of the business.

“I’m just happy I’ve survived in this business for 40 years. I’m still making music people want to hear,” he says.

Yes, Foster’s music shows no sign of fading away. In fact, it can even link two generations — the old and the new. That’s a feat, especially in this age of free downloads and digital music.

(For tickets to Hitman David Foster and Friends, call Ticketnet at 911-5555).

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Gloria Diaz Comment on Cebuanos

What did you just say Gloria Diaz? Miss Universe 1969, Gloria Diaz, was asked about having an interpreter for the Philippines bet to international beauty pageants. She cited an example, saying a "Cebuana can hardly speak English or Tagalog"...what?

Cebuanos should be angry with this!

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Venus Raj Lost the Crown Due to Her Answer

Miss Philippines and Miss Universe 4th runner-up, Venus Raj, deserves all the accolades. She did her best and in fact, she made it to the top 5 in the recent Miss Universe pageant -- a fate we have all waiting for. Venus made it happen! However, her answer to the final question (though not bad, but her just being honest) may have cost her the title. She is now everywhere online and major TV shows in the US are showing her not-so-good answer.

What do you think? Details of the coverage last night can be found here.

Here is a video from Yahoo.

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Miss Universe 2010 Live Blogging - Winners, Results

Welcome to this Miss Universe 2010 live blogging. Please refresh your browser for updates. The top 15 Miss Universe 2010 beauties have been revealed. They are, in no particular order:

Ukraine, Anna Poslavska
Mexico, Jimena (Ximena) Navarrete Rosete
Ireland, Rozanna Purcell
Russia, Irina Antonenko
Colombia, Natalia Navarro Galvis
Puerto Rico, Mariana Paola Vicente
Jamaica, Yendi Phillipps
Albania, Angela Martini
France, Malika Ménard
South Africa, Nicole Flint
Guatemala, Jessica Scheel
Australia, Jesinta Campbell
Belgium, Cilou Annys
Czech Republic, Jitka Válková
Philippines, Maria Venus Raj

It's the swimsuit competition with scores:

Ukraine, Anna Poslavska - 8.333
Mexico, Jimena (Ximena) Navarrete Rosete - 9.265
Ireland, Rozanna Purcell - 8.784
Russia, Irina Antonenko - 7.843
Colombia, Natalia Navarro Galvis - 7.643
Puerto Rico, Mariana Paola Vicente - 8.443
Jamaica, Yendi Phillipps - 9.426
Albania, Angela Martini - 8.229
France, Malika Ménard - 7.586
South Africa, Nicole Flint - 8.229
Guatemala, Jessica Scheel - 8.071
Australia, Jesinta Campbell - 8.583
Belgium, Cilou Annys - 7.571
Czech Republic, Jitka Válková - 7.429
Philippines, Maria Venus Raj - 8.957

Miss Universe 2010 Top 10:

Ireland, Rozanna Purcell
Albania, Angela Martini
Philippines, Maria Venus Raj
Jamaica, Yendi Phillipps
Mexico, Jimena (Ximena) Navarrete Rosete
Ukraine, Anna Poslavska
Puerto Rico, Mariana Paola Vicente
South Africa, Nicole Flint
Guatemala, Jessica Scheel
Australia, Jesinta Campbell

Commercial break! Next is the evening gown competition. From there, the top 5 will be chosen. Go Venus!

Commercial break is getting longer. Oh, it is back now. Top 10 in their evening gowns. Scores will be posted.

Ireland, Rozanna Purcell - 8.548
Albania, Angela Martini - 8.693
Philippines, Maria Venus Raj - 8.714
Jamaica, Yendi Phillipps - 8.884
Mexico, Jimena (Ximena) Navarrete Rosete - 8.913
Ukraine, Anna Poslavska - 8.743
Puerto Rico, Mariana Paola Vicente - 7.971
South Africa, Nicole Flint - 8.420
Guatemala, Jessica Scheel - 8.286
Australia, Jesinta Campbell - 8.841

Based on the scores, Venus is still in the top 5. Long commercial break again!

Special awards are being awarded. Miss Thailand got two -- Ms Photogenic and Best in National Costume. Miss Australia got the Miss Congeniality award, voted by peers.

Long commercial break again! Miss U is back for the top 5.

Miss Universe 2010 Top 5
Mexico, Jimena (Ximena) Navarrete Rosete
Australia, Jesinta Campbell
Jamaica, Yendi Phillipps
Ukraine, Anna Poslavska
Philippines, Maria Venus Raj

Question and Answer:

Mexico, Jimena (Ximena) Navarrete Rosete -- about importance of internet. Translator is present.

Australia, Jesinta Campbell - about banning religious dress.

Jamaica, Yendi Phillipps - about death penalty practice: acceptable or not?

Ukraine, Anna Poslavska - about airports' full-body scanning machines. How do you feel about it?

Philippines, Maria Venus Raj - what big mistake have you committed in your life and what have you done about it. Tsk. I don't like her answer. She said she never committed any big mistakes in her 22 years of existence. And then she thanked everyone for the experience.

Long commercial break again.

Last walk of the 5 finalists.

Clips from sponsors. This will be long.

Last walk of Miss Universe 2009.

Long commercial break again.

Miss Universe 2010 Winners:
4th runner-up: Philippines, Maria Venus Raj
3rd runner-up: Ukraine, Anna Poslavska
2nd runner-up: Australia, Jesinta Campbell
1st runner-up: Jamaica, Yendi Phillipps
Miss Universe 2010: Mexico, Jimena (Ximena) Navarrete Rosete

Thanks for joining this live blogging event. Leave your comments if you have any. Visit this blog often.

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Lea Michele on Charice's voice

Glee star Lea Michele was amazed on Charice's voice.

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Pokwang at the Buzz - Video

Pokwang said what is to be said about issues concerning her on her latest guesting on the Buzz.

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ABS-CBN Refutes Willie Revillame’s Statements Against the Network

Mr. Bong R. Osorio, Head of ABS-CBN Corporate Communications, released a statement regarding Willie Revillame‘s latest claims against the Kapamilya network.

Here is the press statement on Willie Revillame which was sent by ABS-CBN to Starmometer.com minutes ago:

Walang naging kasunduan ang management ng ABS-CBN at si Willie Revillame hinggil sa pagbabalik niya sa Wowowee noong July 31.

Ang suspensiyon ni Willie ay matatapos sa August 24 pa. Si Willie ang may intensiyong bumalik sa Wowowee noong July 31.

Ang totoo, wala pang desisyon ang management bilang pagbibigay halaga sa damdamin ng mga manonood na ang iba ay tutol sa kanyang pagbabalik sa telebisyon dala ng inasal niya noong May 4 at iba pang mga naunang pangyayari.

Isang patunay na hindi pa siya nagbabago ng ugali ay ang paglalahad niya ng mga kondisyon sa kanyang pagbabalik.

Pinapatanggal niya sina Mariel Rodriguez at Pokwang sa programa at dapat din daw siyang suwelduhan habang siya ay suspendido.

Naniniwala ang management ng ABS-CBN na dapat isabuhay muna ni Willie ang mga pinahahalagahang values at work ethics ng kumpanya bago s’ya bumalik sa telebisyon.

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Melody Gersbach Dies in Car Accident

Bb. Pilipinas International 2009 Melody Gersbach dies in a car accident around 11 a.m. today, August 21, 2010, at Bula Town, Camarines Sur.

Melody Gersbach, together with her make-up artist Alden Orense, and driver were on their way to Naga City for the Miss Bicolandia beauty pageant when their Toyota Innova collided with a passenger bus at around 11:00 a.m. The three died on the spot.

The driver of the bus identified as Wilson Pontillas has surrendered to the police in nearby Pili town.

Gerbach represented our country in the 2009 Miss International pageant where she was among the 16 semi-finalists.

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Lorna Tolentino Back in Films

LORNA Tolentino is glad to do a film again, Star Cinema’s 17th anniversary presentation, “Sa’Yo Lamang,” where she plays Christopher de Leon’s wife that he deserted for another woman 10 years ago. “My last film was ‘Katas ng Saudi’ in 2007 and my last work with Boyet was ‘Mano Po 2’ in 2003.”

In “Sa ’Yo Lamang,” she plays mom to four grown up kids: Bea Alonzo, Coco Martin, Enchong Dee, and Miles Ocampo. Bea is paired with Diether Ocampo and Zanjoe Marudo, Coco with Shaina Magdayao and Enchong with Lauren Young.

“I’m very thankful dahil the roles I get now follow kung ano 'yung totoong edad ko (48). Lahat sila puede ko na talaga maging anak in real life. My role here as Amanda is so different from my past award winning roles before in ‘Maging Akin Ka Lamang’, ‘Narito ang Puso Ko’ or ‘Abakada Ina’. Mas malalim ang kanyang pagiging ina, asawa at tao.”

The conflict starts when Boyet returns to their family. Lorna accepts him back but their kids are all hostile to him, especially Bea. Boyet is very glad to be part of a movie about a family. “My family is very important to me kasi without it, I’ll be a goner, walang direction ang buhay ko. It’s for my wife and kids that I work really hard.”

He’s 54 but he looks trim and fit, much younger than his age. What’s his secret? “I just enjoy life and it pays that you work with beautiful people and I have beautiful friends. I just thank God for all the blessings that I receive, even the smallest ones.”

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Venus Raj Miss Universe 2010 Swimsuit Competition

Venus Raj - Miss Universe 2010 Swimsuit Competition - Preliminaries.

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Venus Raj - Miss Universe 2010 Evening Gown - Video

Video: Venus Raj - Miss Universe 2010 Evening Gown Competition - Preliminary competition.

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Venus Raj Miss Universe 2010 Presentation Show - Video

Video: Venus Raj - Candidates' Introduction - Miss Universe 2010 Presentation Show

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Star Cinema to force Sarah, John Lloyd to do last sequel?

WE don't know why some folks say that a new John Lloyd Cruz-Sarah Geronimo movie is a remote possibility. It’s said Sarah is disappointed with John Lloyd for choosing Shaina Magdayao over her in real life. Another camp says it’s John Lloyd who’s sulking because Sarah chided Lloydie in a TV interview for promising to take care of her but he didn’t keep his word.

We’ve just talked to a local producer and we’re told they’re trying to get the lucrative Valentine Day playdate for next year, but they were informed it’s already been reserved for Star Cinema who aims to release the third and final edition of the John Lloyd-Sarah trilogy of love stories. Sarah’s “Hating Kapatid” might have done well at the box office, but we’re told it still failed to top the box office gross of her two films with Lloydie, “A Very Special Love” that raked in P180 million and “You Changed My Life” that grossed more than P210 million. With such revenues, how can Star Cinema resist not making another sequel?

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Kris Aquino di Sumipot sa Pilipinas, Win na Win

Nagulantang na naman ang buong mundo kahapon sa hindi pagsipot ng isang host ng Pilipinas, Win na Win.

This time, si Kris Aquino naman ang wala kaya mabilis agad itong naging usap-usapan. Tatlo na nga lang naman sila nina Valerie Concepcion at Pokwang matapos umalis si Robin Padilla at nitong huli nga ay si Mariel Rodriguez, heto’t hindi na rin nakasipot si Tetay.

Maging sa Internet ay naging usapan agad ito at may mga ispekulasyon na rin agad na baka raw magri-resign na rin si Kris.

Inalam namin ang rason sa hindi pagsipot ni Kris and we learned na may fever daw ang TV host-actress.

Naka-ready na nga raw lahat ng staff niya nang makatanggap sila ng message kay Kris na she can’t make it today dahil may lagnat siya.

Ayon sa staff, baka dahil sa weather kaya nagkasakit si Tetay.

As of press time, hindi pa namin alam kung makakapag-report na si Kris today sa PWNW.

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Odds to Win The Miss Universe 2010

Wohoo! Odds to Win The Miss Universe 2010 are posted at BetUS.com, and Miss Philippines Maria Venus Raj may have the chance to win it.

Miss Mexico +700

Miss Russia +700

Miss Ireland +750

Miss USA +750

Miss Venezuela +750

Miss Colombia +900

Miss France +900

Miss Philippines +900

Miss Australia +1200

Jordan Bach, Gambling911.com

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Miss Philippines Venus Raj - National Costume

Miss Philippines Venus Raj walked in her National Costume during the presentation at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

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Mariel Rodriguez - Not Pregnant

UMALIS kahapon patungong Amerika si Mariel Rodriguez. Pero bago umalis ang rumored girlfriend ni Robin Padilla, nagpa-interview pa siya sa kaibigang co-host ng E-Live na si Bianca Gonzales.

Ani Mariel: “I am taking a break. I need this break. Please ibigay n’yo sa akin ito. I did a one-on-one interview with Bianca, it will air on E-live on Saturday. And just so its clear before malicious people start making speculations (with a smile). I’m not pregnant.”

Pero how true na nagka-sakit ang dalaga at super-alaga daw sa kanya si Ro-bin?

Teka, hindi kaya isa rin si Mariel na aalis bilang host sa noontime show Pilipinas Win na Win? Marami kasing staff ng PWW na dating staff ng Wowowee ang balitang nag-resign na. Pati raw ang business unit manager na si Jay Montelibano, nag-resign na last week at kasunod niya ang ilang dating kasamahan ni Willie Revillame sa Wowowee.

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Kris Aquino fires back

KRIS Aquino admitted she was hurt by the confession made by mother-in-law, Mrs. Annie Yap on “Showbiz Central” that their family never liked Kris for their son, James.”Wala kaming masamang sinabi ever kay James,” she said. “Yung narinig kong never akong nagustuhan, siyempre, masakit yun. Pero para na lang sa anak namin, mananahimik ako.”

She then talked to Mrs. Yap directly. “Mapapanood po 'yun ng apo n’yo at some point in time kasi nasa Internet na. Masakit para sa’kin na 'yung apo n'yo, sinisiraan ang nanay niya sa kanya. Kadugo n'yo pa rin po ang anak ko. Sana kahit konting pagmamahal, bigyan n’yo siya.”

Kris keeps on declaring she wants to be friends with James, but the last development we heard is that James has filed for formal visitation rights as he learned (this is unconfirmed) that Kris wants to keep Baby James away from him and intends to change the boy’s surname from Yap to Aquino. Some quarters also continue to link Kris to Makati Mayor Junjun Binay, widower son of VP Jejomar who has four kids, after she said they’re really close. But one astute observer says the possibility of a serious romance developing between them is remote. “You’ve seen the past men in Kris’ lovelife. Lahat sila tall, pogi, hunky types, so you know na what she prefers in her men.”

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Miss Philippines Interview Video

Miss Philippines Venus Raj was asked "What piece of advice would you give to a man?", "What is the best gift you have ever received?", "What is the worst date you have ever been on?" and make an impression on the following: lion, car starting, rocket launching, sheep, cow and robot.

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Anne Curtis against joining the Kapuso network again

TSIKANG magbabalik-GMA7 na si Anne Curtis. Ito ang kumalat na balita matapos lumabas sa Eat Bulaga, Startalk at Showbiz Central ang mestisang aktres.

Natural na ikinagulat ito ni Anne dahil walang katotohanan daw na lilisanin na niya ang ABS-CBN para muling maging Kapuso.

“Pinayagan lang po ako ng Dos na mag-promote ng In Your Eyes sa Kapuso at ang sarap ng feeling na makapag-promote ka sa dalawang TV networks,” say ni Anne

Sa Showbiz Central habang nagpo-promote siya with her co-star Claudine Barretto ay naiklaro ni Anne na masaya siya sa kinalabasan ng pelikula nilang In Your Eyes na idinirek ni Mac Alejandre ang joint venture ng GMA Films at Viva Films. Pagkatapos ng guesting ni Anne sa Showbiz Central ay dumiretso na siya sa premiere night ng kanilang movie sa Cinema 9, Megamall kasama ang ama na naging escort niya.

Kasama namang dumating ni Claudine si Raymart Santiago with his brother and sister-in-law.

Wala si Richard Gutierrez dahil nasa Thailand pa ito at tinatapos ang taping ng Survivor Philippines na malapit nang mapanood sa GMA7 ngayong Agosto.

Anyway, dumating naman ang mga kapatid at parents ni Chard sa pangunguna nina Annabelle Rama, Eddie Gutierrez, Raymond at Ruffa Gutierrez. Kumpleto rin ang mga alaga ni Bisaya na nandoon para suportahan ang pelikula nina Chard, Anne at Claudine. Umaatikabong halikan at bed scenes, pero hindi bastos ang pagkakadirek ni Mac Alejandre.

May katuwiran sina Anne at Claudine na ipagmalaki ang kanilang first movie together, lalo na ang una na kakaiba ang husay na ipinakita sa pagdadrama.

Ang galing-galing ni Anne na super na-in-love kay Chard kaya lahat ay ginawa para makasama rin niya ito sa Tate sa tulong ni Claudine. Sa Tate magaganap ang conflict ng pagmamahalan nina Anne. Kung bakit at ano’ng nangyari, dapat panoorin sa mga sinehan sa Wednesday (August 18).

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Kapamilya hurt by Willie's attack

HANGGANG ngayon nga, tugang ay may 'feelers' pa rin daw na ipinahahatid kay Willie Revillame na gusto pa rin siyang makausap ng ABS-CBN management.

Hindi raw talaga kasi nila inakalang magpa-presscon si Willie nitong Lunes at magbigay ng pahayag na may finality na ang lahat sa kanila ng naturang network.

Ayon sa nakalap naming tsika ay 'nabigla' ang big bosses ng DOS sa tipong pagpapakita na naman ni Willie boy ng arrogance (pagkaarogante baga laban sa Channel 2) kaya't agad nilang kinontak si Willie dahil may open communication lines naman daw talaga sila. But the thing is, tumanggi ang dating host ng Wowowee, at aniya ay ipinauubaya na niya sa kanyang mga abugado ang mga pangyayari.

As we write this, tugang na Butch, patuloy na naninindigan ang Kapamilya Network na mayroon pang obligasyon sa kontrata niya sa ABS-CBN si Willie.

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SalinAwit continues conquest

Richard Merk is a man possessed. Those who know him will quickly attest to this. When he undertakes a project, he sticks to it come hell or high water till kingdom come.

An accomplished jazz singer after mom Annie Brazil recognized as the Queen of Jazz, Richard is the Prince of Jazz who stubbornly sticks to his Wednesday night sorties at Merk’s even when all other jazz joints have closed down.

Nowadays, however, Richard has adopted a new child, the SalinAwit baby, a 35-year-old adult courtesy of poet Pete Lacaba who has translated foreign classical songs into Tagalog. To date Pete has 130 SalinAwits.

Pete’s hobby soon turned into an advocacy and caught fire among music lovers who began singing his poetic translations in their own gigs. One such music lover was Richard who feels the need to rescue the marvelous concept from the dungeon and bring it into the light, he says. He proposed a SalinAwit sa Merks so the Makati crowd could appreciate what previously had almost exclusively been an alternative art form. Pete was not exactly comfortable with the idea. He must have felt it was like sleeping with the enemy, a case of indie vs. mainstream.

But Richard was insistent and of course he prevailed. The first Merk SalinAwit was last March 16 with Armida Siguion-Reyna, Gino Padilla, Suzy Unas, Ramon “Montet” Acoymo, Ricky Davao, Richard and Pete himself. The second was June 22 with Willie Nepomuceno, Cooky Chua, Mara Viola, lawyer Ferdie Topacio, Richard and Pete. And next will be today with Jacqui Magno, Raquel “Kelly” Villavicencio, Ricky, lawyer Ferdie, Richard and Pete. It is obvious how insistent Richard can get.

The lineup at Merk’s displays an interesting mix of newcomers, alternative performers, jazz singers, loyal enthusiasts absent from venues like the Conspiracy, SalinAwit’s base in Visayas Avenue. Raquel is an award-winning production designer, writer and now actress; jazz icon Jacqui is a former Circus Band member of the ‘70s. Both Kelly and Jacqui are participating in SalinAwit for the first time.

Lawyer Ferdie is not exactly a newcomer having had his own happy hour Thursdays set at Merk’s for sometime now. Ricky is the veteran, having started out with Pete, jamming in piano bars. Their pianist most of the time is the amazing Ferdie Borja who to us is the best accompanist in town, familiar with all the songs one could think of, and one who never ever tries to steal the thunder from the singer although he very well could.

Call Merk’s at 757-4720 to 21 for SalinAwit reservation or just go to Greenbelt 3, third level.

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Sa ‘Yo Lamang Trailer - Released

Star Cinema has released the trailer for their upcoming family drama – “Sa ‘Yo Lamang.” A 17TH ANNIVERSARY OFFERING OF STAR CINEMA! SHOWING IN PHILIPPINE THEATERS ON SEPTEMBER 1, 2010!

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Liezl Sicangco envious of Mariel

Sa isang umpukan ng press ay napag-usapan ang tungkol sa naging pagsasalita ni Liezl Sicangco ng kung anu-ano laban sa dating asawang si Robin Padilla. Needless to say, dahil matagal na rin namang kilala si Binoe ng mga reporters, marami ang hindi naniniwala sa mga akusasyon ni Liezl.

May nagsabi ngang ano pa raw ba ang dapat ireklamo ni Liezl gayung ang tatlong properties worth P100M na binili ni Robin sa Australia para sa kanilang mag-iina ay ibinigay nang lahat ng action star sa kanila.

Para sa marami ay in bad taste ang pagsasalita ni Liezl para sa dating asawa to think na may pinagsamahan sila at ama ito ng kanyang mga anak. Hinala tuloy ng lahat, nagseselos lang ito kay Mariel Rodriguez.

“Siguro, naiinggit siya sa P1.2M na singsing na ibinigay ni Robin. Ano pa ba naman ang dapat niyang ikainggit eh binigyan naman siya ng mga bahay?” say ng isang nakakaalam ng kuwento ng mag-asawa.

“At saka, wala siyang karapatang mainggit sa pwesto ngayon ni Mariel dahil siya ang unang nag-asawa ng iba,” say pa sa umpukan.

Taong 2009 pa nagpakasal si Liezl sa isang New Zealander at kwento nga ng isang reliable source, naging napakasakit daw nito kay Binoe.

“Grabe ’yung mga panahong ’yun para kay Binoe, kung alam lang nila,” kuwento ng aming source.

Ngayon ay naka-recover na si Binoe at may bago nang pag-ibig. Wish lang ng mga kaibigan ng action star na patahimikin na siya ni Liezl at hayaan na lang maging maligaya ang dating asawa.

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‘Sa ’Yo Lamang’ a must-see for the whole family

Ten years ago, Star Cinema came up with an award-winning masterpiece, Tanging Yaman by Laurice Guillen starring the country’s most acclaimed actors. Year 2000 was the Year of the Jubilee, a fitting time for the Filipinos to see and experience the landmark film.

This 2010, the company is very proud to bring to the screen once again a new gathering of the industry’s most talented and brightest to the big screen. Again by Direk Laurice, excitement is building up as early as now for Sa ’Yo Lamang.

Starring Lorna Tolentino and Christopher de Leon, Diether Ocampo, Coco Martin, Zanjoe Marudo, Shaina Magdayao, Enchong Dee, Empress Schuck, Miles Ocampo, Lauren Young and Bea Alonzo, the story revolves on a family torn by circumstances. Will love, faith and forgiveness prevail during the most trying times in their life.

With the script from Ricky Lee and a team of young, talented writers from Star Cinema, Sa ’Yo Lamang will once again be a fitting tribute to the family once more in these times that hope has sprung again for the Filipinos worldwide.

Sa ’Yo Lamang opens in theaters nationwide on September 1.

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Willie says not only Pokwang will be replaced if Wowowee returns

KAUGNAY pa rin ng pagsasalita ni Willie Revillame tungkol sa kanyang saloobin sa ABS-CBN, Wowowee, at sa iba pang mga isyung kinakaharap niya, nilinaw ng dating TV host ang usap-usapan tungkol sa diuma-no‘y “pagpapakupkop” niya sa TV5, na pag-aari ni Mr. Manny Pangilinan.

Isyung sa Kapatid Network na siya gagawa ng TV shows sa oras na maayos na ang mga legalidad sa kanyang kontrata sa Kapamil-ya. Pero wala pa umanong katiyakan ito.

Pag-amin ni Willie Boy, wala pa naman daw negosasyon na naga-ganap sa pagitan niya at ng TV5. Tungkol naman sa isyu kay Pokwang, na umano ay nagbitaw ang ko-medyana ng negatibong words against Willie Boy, sagot ni Willie: “Kung me-ron man siyang sinabi about me, eh, siya ang accountable roon. Wala akong sasabihin dahil wala akong galit sa kanya. Basta alam ni Pokwang, nandoon ako nu’ng panahong nagka-problema siya. Tama na ‘yun.”

Naungkat kasi ang isyu sa umano ay pagsasalita ni Pokwang ng mga negatibong bagay tungkol kay Willie, lalo na nu’ng panahong wala ang host sa Wowowee.

Ngayon naman may balita pang sinasabi umano si Pokwang na hindi naman talaga si Willie ang dapat pagkautangan niya ng loob sa pagsikat niya sa Wowowee, kundi si Ms. Charo Santos-Concio, ang presidente ng ABS-CBN.

True nga kaya na sinabi ito ng komedyana?

Nilinaw din ni Willie ang sinabing ipatatanggal niya si Pokwang sakaling magbalik sa ere ang Wowowee.

May pagka-aroganteng sabi pa ni Willie Boy: Hindi lang si Pokwang, silang lahat ay papalitan, sakaling naibalik ang Wowowee. Marami na rin silang natamasa sa programa, it’s time to give chance to others.”

Pero iginiit ng TV host na wala siyang galit kay Pokwang.

Matatandaang nagsimula ang tampuhan ng dalawa nu’ng panahon ng kampanya last elections, dahil magkaiba sila ng partidong sinusuportahan kahit magkasama pa sila that time sa Wowowee.

At para naman makuha ang panig ni Pokwang sa isyung ito kay Willie, binig-yang-diin niya sa interview sa kanya sa TV Patrol na wala siyang galit kay Wil-lie. Ayaw niyang mag-isip ng ibang bagay kasi naka-focus ang komedyana sa pag-aalaga sa may sakit ni-yang ina.

Todo-iwas din si Pokwang na magkomento pa tungkol dito, bilang pagsu-nod na rin sa direktiba ng namamahala sa noontime show kung saan isa sa host ang komedyana.

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Piolo Pascual isang taon nang tumatakbo!

Isa si Piolo Pascual sa mga pinaka-ban­kable actors sa ngayon. Kabi-kabila man ang kan­yang ginagawa ay mayroon pa rin siyang oras para sa kanyang bagong passion, ang running o pag­takbo. Isa si Piolo sa participants ng Inter­natio­nal Triathlon sa Camsur na Ironman 70.3 Philip­pines na gaganapin sa August 22. “We’re going to the Ironman in Camsur. I’m doing relay mixed category. We have a female swimmer and two guys for bike and run. I’m doing the run. Last year I did 10k, I’m doing 21 in Camsur and hope­fully I get to do 30 if I have to train. Then next year I’ll do a full marathon,” pahayag ni Piolo para sa SNN (Showbiz News Ngayon). Kahit sobrang hectic ng schedule ni Piolo ay naisisingit pa rin daw niya talaga ang kanyang sport.

“Since we tape in Subic, kapag wala akong eksena I bring my bike with me. There’s a course where you can run, even during training ay naka­kapag-train ako. The rest of the week ay tuma­takbo ako sa U.P.,” dagdag pa ng aktor.

Ibang klase raw ang fulfillment na nararam­da­man ni Piolo sa pagkahilig niya sa sport.

“Time flies by, I’ve just started running last year, ngayon nagte-train ako ng triathlon, I’m really excited to be there. It’s a different high. It’s a different feeling to be there, and when you’re at least not per­ceived to be an artista, you’re just like any of them,” seryosong pagtatapos ni Piolo.

Malapit na nating mapanood ang Imortal, ang bagong teleserye na pagsasamahan nina John Lloyd Cruz at Angel Locsin. Sobrang abala ngayon ni Lloydie sa taping ng nasabing tele­serye kaya hindi na raw muna matutuloy ang pelikulang dapat ay muling pagtatambalan sana nila ni Sarah Geronimo. “Hindi ko alam yung to­to­ong reason, ang alam ko lang ngayon it’s safe to say na hindi na siya tuloy. Nakapanood ako ng isang interview, sinabi niya (Sarah) na he­sitant na nga siyang gawin yung third installment ng A Very Special Love, and gusto kasing mangyari na iwan na yung success sa part 2 na lang sa You Changed My Life, nakuha naman natin ‘yun. Sabi rin niya na okay lang din naman na ibang istorya na lang, ibang pro­ject na,” paglilinaw ni John Lloyd.

Hindi man natuloy ang pelikula nina Sarah at John Lloyd ay excited naman daw ang aktor sa bago niyang gagawing pelikula kasama ang multimedia star na si Toni Gonzaga.

“I’m very excited! I’ve seen her movies, and dati na akong fan ng kanyang wit, humor ng kanyang talent and na-present na sa akin and naging part din tayo ng maiksing brainstorming na naganap noong nakaraang Linggo and tuwang-tuwa ako, tingin ko ay ito ang perfect project para sa amin ni Toni,” nakangiting pahayag ni Lloydie.

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Charice on Us Girls

Showtime resident judge Vice Ganda and TV Patrol star patroller Marie Lozano will join Iya Villania, Chesca Garcia-Kramer and Angel Aquino on Studio 23’s Us Girls to count down the 10 most eligible bachelors in the country.

Find out who makes the list of the most admired and desired single men on Aug. 15 at 6:30 p.m.

Charice will share secrets to Us Girls. Get to know the real person behind the powerful voice in Pyramid before she sets off for Hollywood as hit TV show Glee’s newest star.

This week’s episode will also be about Pinoy pride as the show takes part in the country’s celebration of Linggo ng Wika. See breathtaking sites, taste the famous dishes of Pampanga, and marvel at inventions that are uniquely Pinoy.

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Sa Yo Lamang Music Video

Star Cinema has released the music video of the upcoming family drama movie “Sa ‘Yo Lamang.” The movie is set to open on September 1, 2010.

Watch: Sa'yo Lamang music video by Juris directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina:

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Luis Manzano Boxer Shorts Scandal Picture?

IT seems that Luis Manzano, who in the past was content in subtly showing off his excellent physical form, has turned more daring.

His wet boxer shorts accidentally slipped during the shooting of his latest movie, almost exposing his most private parts.

His mother, Gov. Vilma Santos advised him to be more careful next time. Luis blames no other than himself for the incident.

But others say it was deliberate on Luis’ part as he admitted at one point that he is some kind of an exhibitionist, in a fun way. But accident or deliberate, isn’t it an assault on good morals especially that he is a celebrity, an idol and a son of a public servant?

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Liezl mad at Robin!

HANGGA’T maaari, ayaw nang magsalita ni Robin Padilla tungkol sa isyu na galit na galit ang ex-wife niyang si Liezl Sicangco dahil napapabayaan niya ang mga anak nila dahil kay Mariel Rodriguez.

Nag-emote kasi si Liezl, na kasalukuyang based sa Australia, na wala nang oras si Binoe na dalawin ang bunsong si Ali dahil sa nililigawang TV host-actress.

Anim na linggo na raw hindi nagkikita ang mag-ama, hinaing pa ni Liezl.

Minsan daw, pinatutulog pa ng action star sa kanyang mobile home ang mga anak.

Apat lahat ang anak nina Binoe at Liezl, tatlong babae at isang lalaki, si Ali nga.

Madalas daw, kuwento ni Liezl sa isang interview, umiiyak si Ali tuwing nakakausap niya.

Kaya naman nakikiusap raw siya sa dating asawa at dasal niya’y pakinggan siya nito ngayon na kung wala na itong panahon sa pag-aalaga sa mga anak, ibalik na lang sa kanya sa Australia.

Wala rin daw pakialam si Liezl kay Mariel dahil may sarili naman itong buhay. Ang pinuproblema lang niya ay ang mga bata.

Sa isang text message na ipinadala sa pamamagitan ng manager niyang si Betchay Vidanes, sinabi ni Robin kahapon na hindi siya maaaring magbigay ng negatibong komento sa mga naging pahayag ni Liezl.

Naiintindihan daw niya ang pangamba nito dahil sadyang protective lang bilang ina ng kanilang mga anak.

Mahigit 20 years ding nagsama bilang mag-asawa sina Binoe at Liezl bago na-annull ang kasal nila kamakailan lamang.

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ABS-CBN Consolidated Revenues Grow 44% in 1st Half of 2010

ABS-CBN’s consolidated revenues grow 44% in 1H 2010, pushing net profits to nearly triple to P2.27 billion.

For the first six months of 2010, ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation (“ABS-CBN” or the “Company”) (PSE: ABS, ABSP), the country’s largest multimedia conglomerate, generated profits of P2.27 billion from strong growth in regular advertising revenues complemented by political ad spending. This is 179% more than net income of P813 million in the first half of 2009.

For the six months ending June 30, 2010, ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation (“ABS-CBN” or the “Company”) brought in consolidated revenues of P16.84 billion from advertising and consumer sales, which are P5.16 billion or 44% higher than the P11.69 billion in the first half of 2009.

Consolidated advertising revenues across all platforms and subsidiaries reached P11.5 billion in the first six months of the year, P4.78 billion or 71% higher than the P6.72 billion in the same period in 2009. This total includes non-recurring advertising revenues amounting to P2.33 billion, which are advertising revenues from political advocacies and political ads that cannot be replaced by revenues from regular advertisers during non-election periods.

Recurring advertising revenues, mostly from regular advertisers, grew by P2.45 billion or 36% to P9.17 billion, attributable to both a strong increase in total advertising minutes sold and the rate adjustments that took effect in August last year and in February this year.

Total advertising minutes sold by Channel 2 in the first six months of the year jumped 42%, boosted by strong regular advertising minutes growth, complemented by election-related advertising that contributed 11% of total minutes sold. Advertising minutes sold to regular advertisers in the first semester rose 26%, driven by strong national ratings and high audience shares.

In a reversal of relative share in total minutes sold, Channel 2 enjoyed a 60% share v. GMA7’s 40% share of the combined total minutes sold by the two channels beginning in May. Channel 2 has overtaken GMA 7’s advertising minutes load since March, based on figures from Nielsen Media Research.

ABS-CBN maintained its national audience share and ratings leadership with total-day audience share averaging 44% in the second quarter, keeping a comfortable lead of 12 to 13 percentage points over GMA7, based on the Kantar Media/TNS National Philippines Television Audience Measurement service.

ABS-CBN has also taken the lead in Metro Manila with a 38% audience share in June, and in Mega-Manila with a 36% audience share. In South Luzon and in the Visayas and Mindanao regions, ABS-CBN dominated the airwaves in June with audience shares hovering at around 60% or higher, and maintaining 35 to 50 percentage point-wide margins over GMA7.

In June 2010, ABS-CBN swept the top 11 slots in the Top 20 programs list, with the top 10 programs enjoying ratings of at least 25% and audience shares ranging from 43% to as high as 61%. Primetime programs launched in the first half of 2010—Agua Bendita, Kung Tayo’y Magkakalayo, and Pilipinas Got Talent—enjoyed national program ratings in the mid- to high 30s. Habang May Buhay, Momay, Tanging Yaman, Rubi and PBB Teen Clash enjoyed ratings in the mid-20s and held their own against competing programs in the same time slots.

Consumer Sales for the first semester of 2010 amounted to P5.34 billion, registering an increase of P376 million or 8% over the first half of 2009 growth, mainly from ABS-CBN Global and Skycable.

ABS-CBN Global’s revenues rose by 14% in US dollar terms but this was slowed down to a 9% year-on-year growth in peso terms by the appreciation of the Philippine peso exchange rate. ABS-CBN Global’s overall viewer count increased by 10% year-on-year, driven by continuing strong double-digit subscriber growth in cable TV and IPTV subscriptions. Double-digit subscriber growth in Canada was driven by new cable distribution partnerships, while in Australia, more affordable and flexible plans attracted new direct-to-home subscribers.

Skycable’s revenues from cable TV and broadband services grew 13% year-on-year in the first semester, driven by a 92% increase in broadband service revenues as its broadband subscriber count rose 61% versus a year ago. Skycable’s low-priced postpaid cable TV offering Sky280 and higher-ARPU SkyBroadband services have been gaining traction among their target markets.

Three of ABS-CBN Film Productions, Inc. six films in the first six months of this year– I Love You, Goodbye, Miss You Like Crazy and Here Comes the Bride–topped the P100 million mark in box office receipts.

Expenses

Total expenses in the first six months of 2010 grew by P2.12 billion or 23% year-on-year to P11.32 billion, driven mostly by higher production costs and general and administrative expenses (GAEX).

Total programming hours of in-house produced primetime dramas, afternoon programs, and variety shows increased by 22% in the first six months of the year, as Channel 2 introduced more local programs in response to viewer needs as well as advertiser demand. Correspondingly, total production costs in the first semester of 2010 rose by P896 million or 30% to P3.84 billion.

Cost of sales and services grew by only 5% or P166 million to P3.49 billion, in line with the increase in consumer sales. ABS-CBN Global’s cost of sales grew 11% in peso terms from higher variable costs associated with the growth in IPTV subscriptions, even as its sale of services and goods rose by 9% year-on-year. Skycable’s cost of sales rose by only 5% year-on-year even as its subscription sales went up by 12%.

Total General and Administrative Expenses (GAEX) posted a 42% or P1.14 billion year-on-year increase to P3.82 billion, which includes P591 million for non-recurring employee costs including performance pay and pay adjustments to keep compensation packages competitive. Netting out the non-recurring employee costs of P591 million, recurring total GAEX growth is only 20%.

Net Income and EBITDA

As a result of continuing efforts to manage and control our expenses even with strong revenue growth, recurring net income reached P1.26 billion in the first half of 2010, 55% or P445 million more than the P813 million net income generated in the first half of 2009.

Net income from non-recurring political ad revenues amounted to P1 billion for the first semester of the year. Consequently, total reported net income for the first semester reached P2.27 billion, surpassing full year 2009 net income. This is also 179% or P1.45 billion higher than the year-ago period.

Net profit margin for the first half of the year is 13%, six percentage points higher than the 7% net profit margin in the first semester of 2009.

Recurring EBITDA for the first half of 2010 totals P3.56 billion, an improvement of P189 million or 6% over the recurring EBITDA of P3.37 billion in the same period a year ago. Adding non-recurring EBITDA from political ads of P1.44 billion, total reported EBITDA reached P5 billion, 48% or P1.63 billion higher than reported EBITDA in the first half of 2009. This translates to an EBITDA margin of 30% which is one percentage point higher than the EBITDA margin for the first half of 2009.

Capital expenditures

Capital expenditures and film and program rights acquisitions for the first half of 2010 amounted to P1.25 billion, P108 million or 8% lower compared than in the same period last year. The total CapEx budget for the year is P3.49 billion which is expected to be fully used up by the end of 2010.

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ABS-CBN's official statement on Willie

THROUGH ABS-CBN head of corporate communications, Bong Osorio, here is the network's official statement on Willie Revillame:

We take note of Willie Revillame's pronouncements in his press conference yesterday.

Willie is bound to ABS-CBN by a contract until September 2011. He violated the behavioral provisions of his contract when he threatened the ABS-CBN management during the May 4, 2010 episode of Wowowee, with a resignation if management does not fire another artist of the network. His behavior was generally seen as a display of disrespect and arrogance, completely unacceptable to the Filipino public.

As the one who violated his contract, Willie has no right to have it unilaterally invalidated. Contracts are binding agreements that must be respected by the contracting parties involved. The one who violates the contract cannot be allowed to dictate whether it should continue or end. Otherwise, contracts will have no value and may be terminated based on whim.

ABS-CBN is the aggrieved party, and as such, is the only one that can decide to end the agreement.

Despite all that had happened, ABS-CBN was willing to continue with the contract. Willie however, refused to take responsibility for his actions.

ABS-CBN wishes to reiterate that it will hold Willie to his obligations under the contract which expires September 2011.

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Willie rescinds contract with ABS-CBN

WILLIE Revillame held a presscon with Atty. Ferdie Domingo and Atty. Nards de Vera to clarify issues about him and ABS-CBN. “Three months akong nawala,” he says. “Pinag-isipan ko itong mabuti, ipinagdasal ko and talked about it with my family, friends and lawyers.

“Nagpaalam na ako sa ABS at tinatapos ko na ang kontrata ko sa kanila na dapat hanggang September, 2011 pa dahil sa treatment nila sa’kin. In May, sumulat na ako, nagpapa-release ako sa contract sa kanila, sabi nila, hindi puwede. Magpahinga muna raw ako. Una kong meeting kay Linggit Tan (ABS exec) noong July 10 sa bahay ko sa Tagaytay, napagkasunduang babalik na ako sa Wowowee on July 31, so nagbigay ako ng inputs para sa pagbabalik ko. On July 13, I met naman with Ma’am Charo Santos at kinumpirma niyang babalik na ako at sabi pa niya, galingan mo, ha. So nag-meet na ako with the staff para pagplanuhan ang pagbabalik ko. But on July 20, nakipag-meet uli sa’kin si Linggit Tan. Hindi na raw ako babalik sa Wowowee at okay raw ba sa’kin a once a week show sa Studio 23. Sabi ko, nagsara na tayo. Napakasakit ng sinasabi mo sa’kin. Marami pa raw ayaw na bumalik ako sa Wowowee. Binuhos ko ang buong buhay ko sa Wowowee. Napabayaan ko'ng sarili ko. Ang gusto ko lang, magpasaya ng tao sa araw-araw kaya nagpapaalam na ko sa ABS.”

What if ABS sues him? “At this moment, there’s no more contract as Willie has decided to rescind it based on legal grounds with the way he was treated which were not according to the terms of their contract,” says Atty. Domingo. “If they’d file case, then we’re prepared to face them and Willie has to defend himself, but we’re hoping there’ll be no lawsuits anymore.”

Is it true Willie made demands that led ABS to change its mind, like ousting Pokwang? “Ang demand ko, mawala silang lahat as we want to have a new show. I want to give break to others na puwedeng mag-host.”

It’s said ABS exec Cory Vidanes didn’t like him to return? “Ma’am Charo said masama'ng loob ni Ms. Cory sa’kin. Siguro may tampo siya kasi sinabi ko sa sulat ko na wala siyang ginawa about my request kay Jobert Sucaldito. Wala kaming away. Hindi ko alam kung ba’t nagkaganun. Pero hindi ko pinepersonal 'yun. Dapat, ang isipin na lang natin kung paano tayo makakapadulot ng saya sa tao.”

Can Willie now do shows with other stations? “He can and it they don’t want it, they can file an injunction, but this is unlikely as it will be heard in court and I’m sure they’ll listen to Willie’s reasons.”

Can he move Wowowee to other stations? “No,” says Willie. “Sa kanila 'yun. Kung ako ng magpo-produce ng show, gusto ko walang limitasyon sa prizes. I’ve talked to sponsors and they’re willing to give 12 house and lots.”

Is there an offer from another network? “Meron, but I haven’t decided yet to talk to them.”

What can he say about Kris Aquino replacing him? “Wala akong sama ng loob. It was just offered to her.”

Any comment about the new show, Pilipinas Win na Win? “None. Hindi naman ako nanonood nun.”

Putting up own network

IN another development, Willie in his presscon said that he is open to any network that will be interested in his services.

"Ang gusto ko lang, magpasaya ng mga Pilipino," he said. "At ang makatulong sa kanila."

But he hinted that he would be more comfortable if he would produce his own show. In fact, he has put up his own outfit, Wil Productions, that would take care of his future shows.

Since he cannot use the title Wowowee anymore, he said he already has a title in mind, but won't divulge it at the moment.

In the future, he is also planning to put up his own network which he will call Wil Network. It will be housed in the Wil Tower now being constructed in front of the audience entrance of ABS-CBN. He revealed that a studio is now being built beside the building where he plans to hold his future shows.

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Complaint for Ate Glow!

Tumawag ang isang kaibigan naming doktor sa Jose Reyes Memorial Hospital.

Ikinuwento nito na ’yung fellow doctor niya ay nakabanggaan ang isang kilalang gay comedian na si Ate Glow.

“Nabangga ng kasama ko ’yung sasakyan niya. Hindi naman tinakbuhan. Pero siyempre, kasalanan ng doktor, kaya sagot niya ang pagpapagawa.

“So, ipinasok na sa talyer, pero three weeks pa ang dapat hintayin bago magawa. Eto na. ’Yung doktor, masyadong mabait ’yon. Parang nasamantala nitong bading.

“Three weeks daw na wala siyang kotse, kaya magre-rent-a-car daw siya ng P3,000 a day, kaya pinababayaran niya ’yon sa doktor. So, magkano ’yon? P63,000?

“Tumatawad ’yung doktor. Gusto ng bading, singkuwenta mil. Sabi nu’ng doktor, hindi niya kaya. Hanggang sa maging kinse mil, pero sabi ng doktor, hanggang P10,000 lang ang kaya niya, take it or leave it.

“Ayun, naging P10,000 na lang. Pumayag na rin ang bading. Pero okay na ’yon. Kasalanan naman ng kasama kong doktor, eh. Mabait kasi, ayaw na ng gulo.

“Ang ikina-shock lang ng doktor, eh, ’yung sinabi raw ni Ate Glow na, ‘Sa Jose Reyes ka pala nagtatrabaho? Sa ospital na paglabas ng pasyente, pilikmata lang ang walang bacteria?’

“‘Yun ang pagkakasabi. Buti na lang, mabait ’yung doktor, dinedma na lang ang sinabi niya. Kaya nu’ng isinumbong sa aming mga doktor, kami ang nagalit, dahil sobra naman ’yang si Ate Glow kung magsalita.

“Sabihin mo sa kanya, magpepreno siya sa pagsasalita. Kahit public hospital ito, baka dito siya humingi ng tulong balang-araw!”

Totoo ba ’to, Ate Glow?

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Nanay ni James Yap niyari si Kris

Hindi na nakapagpigil ang ina ni James Yap na si Mrs. Annie Yap. Kahapon sa Showbiz Central, ibinunyag na niya ang sama ng loob sa kanyang dating manugang.

Si Pia Guanio ang nag-interview sa kanya.

Kasama sa mga sinabi ni Mrs. Yap na ayaw na ayaw niya kay Kris Aquino sa umpisa pa lang. Iniyakan niya ng magdamag nang pirmahan niya ang parental consent na hiningi sa kanya ng anak na basketbolista.

Yup, may kinailangan pa siyang pirmahan bago naganap ang kasalan ng dating mag-asawa at wala siyang alam sa nang­yari.

Isang madaling araw na lang ay tumawag sa kanya si James at sinabing kasal na sila.

Sinabi niya rin na bago ikinasal sina Kris at James, may girlfriend ang anak niya. Pero iniwan ito ni James for Kris dahil mahal na mahal nito ang kapatid ni Pa­ngulong Noynoy Aquino.

Hindi rin daw totoong babaero ang anak niya. O kung may naghahabol mang babae, ’yun ay dahil sikat na basketbolista si James.

Nananawagan din siya na sana ay ’wag na lang ikuwento ni Kris sa TV ang mga nangyari sa kanila ng anak niya. Na sana raw ay pag-usapan na lang nila kung anuman ang naging problema.

Inaasahang reresbakan ni Kris ang mga sinabi ng kanyang ex-biyenan sa Pilipinas Win na Win.

Abangan ang umiinit na kuwento sa dating mag-asawa. Exciting ito!

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Willie Revillame Announcement?

What ‘important’announcement’ will Willie make today?

Willie Revillame will make an “important announcement’ at a lunch presscon today at a Quezon City restaurant.

Funfare is not at liberty to reveal what it is, but according to DPAs (Deep Penetration Agents), the “important announcement” could send “shock waves” in the TV industry and might lead to lawsuits (not specified).

Three guesses: 1). Will Willie go back to ABS-CBN?, 2). Will Willie cut his ties with ABS-CBN?, and 3). Will Willie announce that he’s moving to another network?

“Willie will be with his lawyers,” said the DPAs. “The announcement is that important and that sensitive.”

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Cristine Reyes: Difficult to be happy if you know you're hurting somebody

CRISTINE Reyes, even while trying to evade some questions from SNN host, Boy Abunda, had spilled a lot on the show.

She looked nervous, but so pretty, and her words were short but had said a lot. Her replies revealed that she and Rayver Cruz were "almost there," when she learned that he was seeing another girl (who, we surmise, was Sarah Geronimo). But she and Rayver have remained friends, and they go out on group dates, along with her friend, Dianne Medina (another young actress whose career never took off) and boyfriend, Rodjun Cruz who is, well, Rayver's brother. Foursome, di ba?

Cristine said: "Mahirap maging maligaya kung may nasasaktan kang iba." Maybe, what she said had substance, but we feel is different from what is really going on. Cristine said she and Rayver were "almost there" but they have remained good friends, and still going out on group dates with the brother and the girlfriend. Ang gulo, huh?

Even Cristine's sister, Ara Mina has her "blessing" on Rayver. So, they're just friends who go out on dates and their priority is their career. We heard that line a hundred times from a hundred stars, and to cap the story, they will admit that they have broken up.

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2 Different Tears - Wonder Girls New Album

The Wonder Girls, responsible for the hit Nobody But You, have a new album, 2 Different Tears, released under MCA Music. MCA Music, in partnership with Wonderful Philippines and official music channel partner MYX will hold Nobody But You! The Wonder Girls 2 Different Tears Album Launch Party today at 10 a.m. onwards at Astroplus, SM North Edsa, The Block and Odyssey Music & Video and SM Megamall.

Limited exclusive freebies and fun activities await album buyers. For free Wonder Girls’ 2 Different Tears ring back tone text 2DTENGLISH (for the English version) or 2DTK (for the Korean version) and send to 2728 for Smart and Talk ‘N Text subscribers.

To get free Wonder Girls’ Nobody ring back tone, text NOBODYFREE and send to 2728 for Smart and Talk ‘N Text subscribers. For more Wonder Girls ringback tones, text KPOP to 2728. You can also text WG to 234 for more Wonder Girls downloads on your cellphone.

The event is sponsored by MCA Music, Inc. and Myx Channel.

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Marvin Estrella Debuts Album

It was Marvin Estrella’s big dream to be a recording artist and after many years of showcasing his singing talent in various competitions in California, where he has been residing with his family since l992, he finally realized this dream.

Estrella just released his self-titled debut album (partly recorded in Los Angeles) featuring Vehnee Saturno’s composition, Huwag Nang Matapos Pa as carrier single. It has been enjoying airplay on 91.5 Energy FM, 97.1 LSFM and 102.7 Star FM. Three tracks in the 12-track album are revivals, while the rest are Saturno songs.The album is distributed by Synergy Music Corp. and is available in SM Record Bars nationwide.

Other Saturno songs are Ang Aking Puso, Sa’n Ka Na Ngayon, Wake Up, Taking You Home, Kulang Man sa Lambing, Nasaan Ka Man, Sino Ang Hindi Iibig? and Will You Hold Me? while the three revivals are Pa’no Kaya (originally popularized by Jessa Zaragoza), Whitney Houston’s All At Once and I Can’t Say Goodbye to You.

A graduate of a four-year course in Telecommunications, Estrella is a network analyst at British Telecom in LA. He is on leave but will go back to LA soon to fulfill two singing commitments this month. Aside from singing in mini shows, Estrella was back-up singer in Katrina Halili, Kris Lawrence and Jonalyn Viray’s concerts in the US.

He also auditioned for American Idol Season 7 and although he did not make it, he considers it a great experience that enhanced his quest for excellence.

Estrella was only six when he started showing a passion for musical performance by joining amateur singing contests. He wants to be known as a versatile singer. He also writes songs. He hopes to use some of his compositions in his next album.

Estrella can be reached via ladineroxas2@yahoo.com for bookings. He will soon have a mall tour in SM stores nationwide.

Listen:

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Luis and Angel's possible reconciliation fizzles out

HINDI na natuloy ang napabalitang balikan blues nina Luis Manzano at Angel Locsin.

Naging usap-usapan ang muling panunuyo ni Luis kay Angel. Sinabi pa ng TV host sa isang talk show na may pag-uusap na magaganap sa pagitan nila ng aktres.

Pagkatapos nu’ng araw na ‘yun wala na ring nabalitaan tungkol doon. May mga nagtatanong nga kung ano raw ba ang nangyari.

Naunsiyami raw ba ang balikang Luis-Angel?

Well, malay natin baka napag-usapan ng dalawa na they just stay friends. Puwedeng ito na lang ang pinagkasunduan nila.

Hindi na rin nagsasalita pa si Luis about Angel. Ang aktres naman ay balitang abala ngayon sa proyekto niya with John Lloyd Cruz kaya hindi siya masyadong visible para interbyuhin.

Sa tingin namin, tanggap na rin ni Luis na ganoon na lang din sila ni Angel.

Bongga pa rin naman ang career nilang dalawa kahit sabihin pang hindi na sila magkasama.

Well, sana nga ay maka-tagpo rin si Luis ng babaing mamahalin siya nang tapat.

Naalaala namin kung pa-ano siya maghintay sa isang taong minahal niya nang lubos.

So, sa tingin namin this time, it’s all worth the wait kapag may dumating na sa kanya. Siguradong ito rin ang hangad ng inang si Governor Vilma Santos para sa anak.

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ABS-CBN wins 2 Marketing Excellence Awards

ABS-CBN bagged 2 trophies from the 4th Integrated Marketing Communications Effectiveness Awards.

ABS-CBN’s election campaign “Boto Mo, iPatrol Mo: Ako ang Simula” and Christmas campaign “Bro Ikaw ang Star ng Pasko” bagged two Silver awards for Best Media Initiated Campaign at the prestigious Tambuli Awards: 4th Integrated Marketing Communications Effectiveness Awards.

ABS-CBN, the only TV network recognized by the award-giving body given by the University of Asia and the Pacific, launched multimedia campaigns to empower citizens in making the 2010 elections work and to bring hope to Filipinos last Christmas after typhoon Ondoy struck the country.

ABS-CBN’s 2009 Christmas campaign dubbed as “Bro Ikaw ang Star ng Pasko” effectively used a theme song and music video of the same title to give importance to the light and spark of hope that emanate from each one of us and most significantly, from God Himself during the most trying times. It was launched during the aftermath of typhoon Ondoy, which made the campaign very timely and reflective of the current plight of society.

“When we were putting the campaign together, the intention was simple–mount a meaningful and relevant Christmas campaign. After witnessing how Filipinos acted as one to help the victims of typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng, we were compelled to exalt ‘Bro.’ In giving it back to Him, He gave it back to us big time–by a very warm employee and audience reception, and a Tambuli Award to boot!” said Zita Aragon, Program Marketing Head.

“This award is important to the network because it is recognition of ABS-CBN’s leadership in the area of branded entertainment. We hope to have more wins like these in the future,” Customer Marketing and Production Services Group Head Teresita Villareal added.

ABS-CBN also launched related components to the campaign such as the selling of Christmas lanterns called ‘Parol ni Bro’ where proceeds helped fund the Bayanijuan and Sagip Kapamilya projects of ABS-CBN Foundation Inc., and the network’s Christmas special held at the Araneta Colisuem.

Meanwhile, ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs’ “Boto Mo, iPatrol Mo: Ako ang Simula” election campaign successfully used various platforms to promote vigilance among citizens and encourage Filipinos to register to vote. The nationwide campaign had a music video, a concert that brought together Boto Patrollers, citizen journalism workshops, registration to join the BMPM movement offline and online via a microsite, among others.

“Boto Mo iPatrol Mo: Ako Ang Simula demonstrated the potential of media to inspire hope, to empower people, to be of service to the Filipino. This Tambuli Award is a vote for the thousands of Boto Patrollers all over the country, sila ang simula ng lahat, sila ang kampanya,” said Ira Zabat, Creative Director.

The Tambuli Awards aims to recognize campaigns that promote both business and societal values while demonstrating effectivity. This year marks the first time the award giving body introduced the Best Media Initiated Campaign category. The award proper was held last July 14, 2010 at the Li Seng Giap Auditorium of the University of Asia & the Pacific.

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Kris outshine on Binoe-Mariel loveteam?

Sa pagbubukas ng Pilipinas, Win na Win nu’ng Sabado, ilang opinyon din ng manonood ang aming narinig tungkol sa noontime show ng Dos na ipinalit sa Wowowee.

Isa lang ang komento ng marami, okay naman daw sana pero parang alangan si Kris Aquino sa ganoong show. Maging si Kris, inamin na it will take a month or so bago niya makuha ang tamang choreography ng opening number nila na mga host sa PWNW.

True, pansin nga namin.

Sa totoo lang, bilib kami kay Kris sa hosting style niya sa game and talk shows, pero mukhang hindi siya bagay sa PWNW.

O, ito po ay obserbas-yon lamang ng marami, baka may mag-react naman di-yan, huh!

Isa pa, pansin din na-ming nasasapawan ni Kris ang pagpu-push sa love-team nina kina Robin Padilla at Mariel Rodriguez, huh!

Ayon pa sa isang ma-nonood, bakit daw ganoon?

Si Mariel ang napapabalitang girlfriend ngayon si Robin pero ang nakaraan nina Kris at Binoe ang nauungkat?

‘Yun na!

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ABS-CBN to air live 2010 Miss Universe pageant

The most beautiful day in the universe happens once more in Las Vegas.

The most gorgeous women from all over the world gather for the annual Miss Universe pageant airing via satellite on ABS-CBN on Aug. 24, 9:30 a.m. with a primetime telecast the same day on Studio 23 at 7:10 p.m. and on Velvet at 6:30 p.m.

The Miss Universe Organization once again chose the entertainment capital of the world as this year’s venue which saw the crowning of Miss Universe Lupita Jones (Mexico) in 1991 and Miss Universe Alicia Machado (Venezuela) in 1996.

“Las Vegas is so fabulous, we had to come back again for the Miss Universe pageant,” said Miss Universe Organization president Paula M. Shugart in a press release. “The world will be watching as women from all around the globe descend on Mandalay Bay to compete for the crown and the title.”

Among the candidates competing for the title is our very own Maria Venus Raj. The 21-year-old fashion model came from a struggling family in Bicol, where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism through a scholarship grant. At an early age, she joined various local beauty pageants as she carried her dream of winning a world beauty title someday.

Whoever wins the crown this year will continue what reigning Miss Universe Stefania Fernandez, who is the sixth Miss Universe title-holder from Venezuela, has started which includes traveling around the world to help educate students from local schools about HIV/AIDS.

The Miss Universe pageant airs on ABS-CBN for the fourth consecutive year which makes the Kapamilya network the home of Miss Universe in the Philippines. ABS-CBN senior sports correspondent Dyan Castillejo will follow Venus in her journey and report pageant highlights via TV Patrol and Bandila.

Will Venus become the third Filipina to win the crown?

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TJ Manotoc on ANC

Inabangan ang pagdating ng brodkaster na si TJ Manotoc sa primetime newscast ng ANC, the ABS-CBN News Channel na The Rundown ka­gabi.

Yup, makakasama na ni Ces Oreña-Drilon mula Lunes hanggang Biyer­nes ng 8:00 p.m. ang beteranong mamamahayag na tatalakay sa pag­gamit ng bagong teknolohiya para umasenso, mga kuwentong may dalang inspirasyon, at mga report mula sa citizen journalism campaign na Bayan Mo, iPatrol Mo sa kaniyang segment.

Gagamit pa ng I-Pad si TJ upang ipakita ang mga reaksiyon at opinyon ng mga manonood habang umeere ang programa.

“Ito ang munting kontribusyon ko sa pagbubuo ng bansa,” ani Manotoc sa kaniyang bagong assignment.

Tulad niya, nais ding magdala ng pagbabago sa buhay ng mga Pilipino ang kilalang sports en­thusiast at environmentalist na si Paolo Abrera, na napanood na sa Mornings@ANC simula ka­hapon din, 9:00 a.m. sa ANC.

Si Paolo ang bagong sports and technology guy ng programa at host ng bagong segment tungkol sa kalikasan na Going Green.

Nagpahayag ng pananabik si Paolo na maka­sama sina Ginger Conejero, Ron Cruz at Gigi Grande sa araw-araw na paghahatid ng balita at iba pang importanteng impormasyon sa Mor­nings@ANC.

“Malaking karangalan ang maging bahagi ng isang respetadong news channel sa bansa,” ani Abrera.

Samantala, inilunsad na rin kamakailan lang ang bagong programa ni Tony Velasquez na Future Perfect na tumatalakay sa gamit ng mga bagong teknolohiya sa mga Pilipino tuwing Miyer­kules ng 7:00 p.m.

Inabangan naman ang dalawang dokumen­tar­yong hatid ng ANC na nagbigay linaw sa mga isyu sa kasalukuyan at nakalipas na adminis­tras­yon. Noong Hulyo 26, sinimulan na ni Senior ABS-CBN News Reporter Lynda Jumilla ang apat na ling­­­gong paghihimay sa mga eskanda­long pumu­tok noong panahon ni Arroyo sa The Arroyo Years: A Legacy of Un­finished Business. Noong Lunes, binalikan ni Jumilla ang kontrober­siyang Hello Garci.

Sa Huwebes naman ng 9:30 p.m., ma­papa­nood ang pinakamalalaking isyu at hamong kinaharap ni Pangulong Aqui­no bawat linggo sa The First 100 Days, kasama ang iba’t ibang batikang anchor ng ANC.

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Christian Bautista does K-Pop

Christian Bautista broke new ground again as the first Filipino artist to collaborate with a Korean Pop Group. He recorded the hit song Wrong Number with K-Pop group One Way.

“2010 has been a year of many firsts and many surprises and my collaboration with One Way is one of them,” says Christian. “Being part of one of the best upcoming K-pop groups is a great opportunity, a challenge to continue to explore other music genres. I hope fans will appreciate the version we did.”

In preparation for this special duet, Christian mustered enough courage to overcome what people see as his limitation as a performer by undergoing extensive dance classes almost every other day.

“People have a hard time imagining me dance, so I really want to devote as much time as I could to practice,” says Christian, who has Jungee Marcelo as his dance coach. “I am working very hard and I know

I’ll be better in the future. I am determined. And, I am thankful I have Jungee’s support.”

This proved Christian’s dedication to his craft. It is also a part of his new persona — bolder, more exciting . He started off improving his physique, exposing his “to-die-for” abs in a number of billboards for brands he endorsed.

Formed last February, One Way was in the country recently to promote its first album, One Way Street, distributed by Universal Records.

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