Tuesday, November 30, 2010

A Repost From PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal)



Gerald Anderson on Bea Alonzo: "Nag-decide kami na maging friends na lang."

Gerald Anderson on Bea Alonzo: "Nag-decide kami na maging friends na lang."
Slideshow: Showbiz Photos

Pagkatapos ng matagal na panahon ay inamin ni Gerald Anderson na nakikipag-date nga siya dati sa kapwa ABS-CBN star na si Bea Alonzo.

Unang ibinalita ng PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) na nakipag-break si Gerald kay Bea kahit hindi kailanman nila inamin sa publiko ang kanilang naging relasyon. (CLICK HERE to read related article.)

Ayon sa report na ito, nag-aminan ang dalawa ng kanilang feelings sa isa't isa habang nasa Heartthrobs concert-tour sila noong Abril sa New York.

Sa naturang PEP report din napabalita na nakipaghiwalay si Gerald kay Bea habang nasa final leg ng Heartthrobs concert tour sa London in early November.

Bagamat malakas ang bulung-bulungan tungkol sa kanilang dalawa, walang inamin sina Gerald at Bea.

Sa presscon nga noong September 16 ay sinabi pa ni Gerald sa mga miyembro ng press: "Hindi ko nililigawan si Bea."

Napaigting pa ang mga paniniwalang may namumuong pagtitinginan ang dalawa nang makitang magka-holding hands noong Star Magic Ball noong September. Ngunit itinanggi pa rin ito ng binata.

Ngunit sa isang panayam kamakailan ng ABS-CBN kay Gerald, inamin na nga sa wakas ni Gerald na lumabas sila ni Bea.

"We were seeing each other, but we decided to stay friends na lang muna," aniya.

"I was fortunate enough to get the chance na makilala ko si Bea beyond being an actress at ako din nakilala n'ya... ang bait niya.

"But like I said, nag-decide kami na maging friends na lang."

Reposted From PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal)

Sunday, November 28, 2010

A Repost From PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal)


William Martinez's family asks for privacy from media

William Martinez's family asks for privacy from media
Slideshow: Showbiz Photos

Hanggang kahapon, November 27, Sabado, base na rin sa ulat ng StarTalk TX ng GMA-7, ay nagdesisyon ang pamilya ni William Martinez na huwag munang ipa-cover sa media ang pangyayari ng pagkaka-confine sa ospital ng aktor sa St. Luke's Medical Center dahil sa stroke.

Gayunman, tiniyak ng dating asawa ni William na si Yayo Aguila na stable ang kundisyon ng aktor.

Nooong Miyerkules, November 24, sa Twitter account ng panganay nilang anak na si Patrizha Martinez, sinabi nito na...

"Had to be at the hospital at 5 am for papa's CT scan. And I arrived at 5:15. My dad said 'You're late!' which were the clearest words I've heard from him since Monday.

"I'm so dead but at least it's a positive sign that he's aware of his surroundings."

Nagpasalamat din si Patrizha sa paggalang ng media sa desisyon nilang manahimik hinggil sa kalagayan ng ama.

Sa pamamagitan rin ng Twitter account, nag-iwan ito ng pakiusap ...

"To those people who are still trying to ruin my Papa, please stop. Negative energies never win. My dad is a good person with a huge heart and will never do anything to hurt anybody.

"We trust that God has a perfectly good reason why this happened and we hope that you leave it at that."

Noong nakaraang Hulyo, inamin ni Yayo na hiwalay na sila ni William, her husband of 25 years. Gayunman, sinabi ng aktres na hindi niya isinasara ang kanyang pintuan sa isang possible reconciliation.

Reposted From PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal)

Saturday, November 27, 2010

A Repost From PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal)



Sharon Cuneta regrets "tampo" with Aga Muhlach; clarifies issues appearing in showbiz columns

Sharon Cuneta regrets "tampo" with Aga Muhlach; clarifies issues appearing in showbiz columns
Slideshow: Showbiz Photos

Masaya ang simula ng press launch kahapon, November 26, ng Zen Zest para sa new line of perfume essences ni Sharon Cuneta. Ginanap ito sa Plaza Ibarra, sa Timog Avenue, Quezon City, pasado alas tres ng hapon.

In high spirits ang Megastar noong bumaba ito sa winding staircase ng main hall ng venue. "Para naman akong magde-debut," ang nakangiti niyang banggit.

Earlier that day, nagdaos ng Thanksgiving Party si Batangas Governor Vilma Santos-Recto sa Annabel's Restaurant, Tomas Morato Avenue.

Kaya naman, ang masayang bati ni Sharon sa mga press at media people, "Good afternoon. How's the raffle? It's Vilmanian Day! Vilmanian din ako!

"I know that it's been a happy day for you, and I hope that we also make it happier pa sa pagsasama-sama natin dito. So, alam n'yo naman, uupo lang ako, magtatanong kayo, sasagot ako."

Bago ang Q & A (Question and Answer), nagkaroon muna ng one-on-one interview with the event host, Drew Arellano, tungkol sa kanyang "Loving" scent.

Si Mega raw ang pumili ng pangalan para sa kanyang mga fragrances, at ang kanyang photo ay kuha ni Raymund Isaac.

Sumunod dito ang ilan pang katanungan mula sa mga reporters tungkol sa kanyang latest venture. Ang kolumnistang si Jun Nardo ang nag-usisa kung bibigyan ba ni Shawie (isa sa mga palayaw ni Sharon) ng "Loving" ang mga naging leading man niya?

Ang topic ay nauwi sa isyu na kinasangkutan niya at ni Aga Muhlach kamakailan.

"Nahiya pa kayo diyan!" ang sabi ni Sharon. Alam ng singer-host-actress ang gustong marinig ng mga taga-press at media: Ang kanyang pang-iisnab kay Aga Muhlach, na naging kapareha niya sa pelikulang Kung Ako Na Lang Sana (2003).

Naganap ito sa 20th anniversary concert ni Ai-Ai delas Alas sa Araneta Coliseum noong November 19.

Pero may pakiusap si Sharon: "Kindly just make it accurate because it's a sensitive topic."

Dugtong niya, "Kailangan ang aim natin ay magkasundu-sundo. Kasi, peace-loving ako."

ISSUE WITH AGA MUHLACH. Sa kanyang mahabang kuwento, sa PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) at iba pang miyembro ng media, inamin ng Mega Star na meron siyang "tampo" kay Aga Muhlach.

Simple lang daw ito at natural lang sa mga magkakaibigan.

Ang "tampo" ay kanyang naiparating sa pamamagitan ng isang "biruan" sa concert. But it was in the spirit of fun, aniya. "Laglagan yung concert ni Ai-Ai, di ho ba? Ang dami ko pa sanang gustong sabihin, na parang... tutal naglaglagan na, yung biruan..."

Noong binanggit daw ang pangalan ni Aga, na noon ay nanonood ng concert kasama ang asawang si Charlene Gonzalez, ang naging hirit ng Star Power main host ay "Sino siya?"

Ang naging interpretasyon duon ng ibang media, lalo na ang mga malalapit kay Aga, ay "binastos" ni Sharon si Aga.

Mukhang ito rin ang naging interpretasyon ni Aga.

Naisulat ang insidente, at lumabas ito sa entertainment columns ng mga manunulat, tulad nina Ricky Lo (Funfare column sa Philippine Star), Salve Asis (Pilipino Ngayon), at Manay Ethel Ramos, ang manager ni Aga.

At, may naiugnay nang isyu, gaya ng "inisnab" din daw ni Mega si Lea Salonga, na special guest sa concert.

Nagpaliwanag na si Sharon sa kolum ni Ricky Lo. Pero, ayon kay Sharon, may mga puntong naisulat ang huli na hindi ayon sa mga detalyeng binanggit niya.

Kasama raw dito ang gagawin niyang pelikula with former partner Gabby Concepcion, na love story at hindi horror ang genre, at ang sinasabing "rejected" daw siya dahil si Lea Salonga at hindi siya ang makakapareha ni Aga.

"In fairness to Kuya Ricky, I think pinapagaan na lang niya yung sitwasyon dun sa sagot ko. Pinagaang na lang niya because I called him after... I think, he was in a hurry to finish it, so meron lang mga [information] na mali nang konti.

"I never said the project with Gabby [under Star Cinema] was the horror movie. There are three stories being written for us, pero, siyempre, pipiliin mo ang pinakamaganda. The horror [movie] is supposed to be a separate project.

"Yung project din ni Lea with Aga, hindi yun ang project namin. Nagkataon lang, parang si Lea ang pumasok this year. Wala namang kinalaman si Lea," ang pahayag ni Sharon.

Nilinaw ni Mega na hindi niya inisnab si Lea.

Ito ang kuwento ng Kapamilya star tungkol kay Lea at sa concert na naganap: "Lea immediately tweeted about it. She said that's not true because, paglabas niya, she sang before me...

"Pagbaba niya, nandun na ako sa backstage. Nagyakapan kami.

"Sabi ko pa nga, 'You know, we should do a back-to-back!'

"She said, 'That would be fun!'

"Yung ganun ba na masaya!"

Pagdating sa isyu nila ni Aga, pauna ni Sharon, "Kasi yung tampuhan, usual between me and Teng. Parang na-blown out of proportion." Teng ang tawag ni Sharon kay Aga, na siyang pangalan ng character ni Aga sa huling pelikulang pinagsamahan nila.

Nakunan ng SNN (Showbiz News Ngayon) ang sinasabing "isnaban" sa concert ni Ai-Ai.

Sa pagpapatuloy ni Sharon, "Kasi parang na-bad trip forever yata yung tao [Aga]. Yun ang impression. Hindi exact words, pero parang na-'nega.'

"But, after a while, nakita nila, okey lang. Nagpapatawa na kami't lahat. Hinanap ko pa siya [sa audience], sabi ko, 'Naku...' ganyan-ganyan. Pero in the end, sabi ko, 'Joke!' Gumanyan ako."

Pero hindi niya inasahan ang naging reaksiyon ng aktor.

"Alam n'yo, sa totoo lang, I thought kakausapin niya ako, 'Ems, bakit ganyan?'" banggit ni Mega. Ems naman ang tawag ni Aga kay Sharon, base rin sa pelikulang pinagsamahan nila.

Hindi rin nakatulong na lumabas na ang isyu sa mga kolum, ayon kay Mega.

"Ang sa akin, sa mga artista, meron ding maski papa'no, may honor code.

"Yung parang kayo, magkakapatid, na meron yung hindi na nilalabas, meron yung nilalabas.

"Parang sa inyo, mga press kayo, you know what to write about, what not, o huwag na lang," ang punto ni Sharon.

Dagdag pa niya, "So, anyway, to make a long story short, nung lumabas yung article ni Kuya Ricky [Lo], merong nabanggit na, 'my DPA [deep penetration agent] thinks...'

"Parang kasi, basta, something-something about the movie not being done and I'm rejected.

"Na kasi, alam ko naman kung kanino galing lahat. Pareho din yung sinulat nina Tita Ethel [Ramos] at Salve [Asis]."

Kilala sa showbiz bilang matalik at matagal nang magkakaibigan sina Ricky, Manay Ethel, at Salve.

TRUTH BE TOLD. Ang paglilinaw na unang ginawa ni Sharon, sa kolum ni Ricky Lo, ay para magbigay-linaw sa kanyang "tampo."

Binanggit niya ang hindi natuloy na pelikula nila ni Aga at ang magkakasunod na pagtanggi ng aktor na mag-guest sa kanyang concert noong nakaraang Agosto at magbigay ng video greeting sa farewell show ng Sharon noong Setyembre.

Pahayag niya, "It's a very sensitive topic. Ang dami ko kasing puwedeng sabihin, but, you know, I don't know if I'm alone in wanting to save the friendship.

"Ang totoo po nun, dapat hindi naman lalabas yung mga rason ng tampo ko. Seven years na kaming magkaibigang matalik.

"Seven years! As in, puwede na niya akong batukan," ang sabi ni Sharon, sabay tawa.

Pagdedetalye niya, "I know him. He knows me. I love his family.

"Minsan, pupunta 'yan sa bahay, kakain. Si Kiko [Senator Francis Pangilinan], kasama. You know, it was all going very well.

"Meron lang little things na, siguro, palilipasin ko yung iba, kasi, lalaki naman siya, babae ako. Pero, after a while, siyempre, parang meron ka ng mga tampo na between you lang naman."

Naging emotional siya nang banggitin ang mga naisulat sa "Funfare" ni Ricky.

"After the Ricky Lo article, parang naawa naman ako sa sarili ko, so I have to defend myself. I have to give reasons."

She makes clear that she already said "sorry" in that column.

"I'll say it again to you. I'm sorry to the audience of Ai-Ai. I'm sorry to Ai-Ai. I'm sorry to Aga if he felt slighted.

"But, you know what? I really felt, while it was going [on], I had it all under control... na lalabas na talagang joke kasi talaga!"

At ngayong naging isyu na ang kanyang "tampo," hindi naitago ni Mega ang kanyang naramdaman. Isinalaysay niya kung gaano sila kalapit ni Aga bilang magkaibigan.

Aniya, "Truth be told, sumakit lang ang loob ko, kasi hindi ko alam, bawal palang magtampo, di ba?

"Ako, I'm quick to say 'Sorry.' I'll tell you one thing, I'm not perfect, ha... Pero alam mo what kind of friend I am," sabi ni Sharon, na wari'y ipinararating niya kay Aga.

"Walang-wala akong pagkukulang sa kanya. Minahal ko siya. Totoo ako sa kanya.

"Hindi ko siya sinu-showbiz dahil friendship to me is sacred. I don't have many [friends], e.

"I'm nice to everyone. It's my nature. Pero, I'm not friends with everybody.

"So, ang sa akin, wala akong pagkukulang sa kanya. Kung maaari lang, lahat ng hingin niya, ibibigay ko, gano'n akong kaibigan.

"So, wala lang. Nami-miss ko lang siya. Nami-miss ko lang yung mabigyan ng konting importansiya, not because I will see him, like, 'Oh, he's the man...' No!

"Importansiya bilang kaibigan, kasi one thing about me is, I never demand what I cannot give, okay?

"'Yun lang ang hinihingi ko. Sobra bang kahilingan 'yun?" sabi pa ni Sharon.

Mabuti raw siya bilang kaibigan. Kaya nga, sambit niya, "Pag nawala ako sa isang kaibigan, promise, malaki akong kawalan."

Hindi na mapigilan ang pagtulo ng luha ng Mega Star habang nagkukuwento, kaya huminto muna ito for a few seconds habang pinapahid ng tissue ang mga gilid ng kanyang mata.

"Teka, pangit ako sa TV," pakuwela pang sabi niya, na ikinatawa ng mga dumalong press.

WHAT HAPPENS NOW TO THEIR FRIENDSHIP? "I already apologized," sabi ni Sharon.

Hinihintay na lang daw niya ang mga susunod na pangyayari.

Hindi naman daw siya yung taong mapagtanim ng galit, kaya kung halimbawang magkausap silang muli ni Aga, walang mababago sa samahan nila.

"Lambing lang ang katapat ng mga tampo ko," sabi ni Sharon.

Kaya rin daw nalulungkot siya na nauwi ito sa "sagutan sa column."

Ang sabi pa ni Ems, "Teng, ipagtanggol mo naman ako."

Reposted From PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal)

Friday, November 26, 2010

A Repost From PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal)


Carla Abellana admits her relationship with boyfriend Geoff Eigenmann is going through a rough patch

Carla Abellana admits her relationship with boyfriend Geoff Eigenmann is going through a rough patch
Slideshow: Showbiz Photos

Itinanggi ni Carla Abellana ang mga usap-usapan na nakipag-break na raw siya sa boyfriend niyang si Geoff Eigenmann dahil sa restrictions ng kanyang ama na si Rey "PJ" Abellana.

Pero inamin ng young actress na may pinagdaraanan ngang problema ang kanilang relasyon sa ngayon.

"Geoff and I are going through difficult times now," pagsisiswalat ni Carla. "May mga problema kaming inaayos ngayon.

"Pero normal lang naman 'yon sa kahit sinong couple, e. Kailangang i-iron out lang talaga yung issues and differences between us.

"Pero, hindi naman totoo yung lumalabas na nag-break kami dahil sa daddy ko or what. Walang ganun."

Nakausap ng PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) at iba pang entertainment press si Carla sa presscon ng Shake, Rattle and Roll XII kagabi, Nobyembre 25, sa Imperial Suites Hotel, Quezon City.

Hindi naging specific si Carla kung ano ang problemang inaayos nila ng kasintahan.

"[We have our] differences. Kasi siyempre iba na, e.

"Recently lang kami naging official, though magkakilala na kami for a year-and-a-half. Iba pa rin yung, him being my boyfriend, me being his girlfriend.

"Iba na yung mga pinagdadaanan, e. Iba na yung mga hardships and struggles ng isang couple so yun ang medyo sine-settle namin. Nag-a-adjust kami," paliwanag ni Carla.

Dagdag pa niya, hindi naman malala ang kanilang pagkakalabuan. Madalas pa rin naman kasi silang mag-usap.

"Bago ako dumating dito, magka-text kami," saad niya. "We're even planning to see each other after the presscon.

"So, hindi naman kami yung magkaaway na hindi nagpapansinan. Inaayos naman namin.

"I would do anything and everything to fix things."

Itinanong ng press kay Carla kung bakit siya lang ang nagsasalita tungkol sa issue, habang tahimik naman si Geoff.

"E, pangit naman din kasi kung lalaki yung magsasalita, di ba?" sagot niya. "Kung lalaki yung puro salita. E siyempre, sa akin din lang naman manggagaling ang lahat.

"Ako ang magko-confirm, kasi siyempre may mga opportunities na ganito, tulad ng presscon. So, di ba?

"Hindi naman ako magsisinungaling. Kung nandiyan naman ang press at ang media to ask me, sasabihin ko naman."

Panawagan ni Carla, itigil na sana ang isyu dahil nahihirapan ang kanyang boyfriend, na busy sa taping para sa GMA-7 primetime show na Grazilda.

"Sana, di ba, huwag na nating gawa'n ng issue na hindi naman totoo kasi nahihirapan siya.

"With work pa lang, lalo na ngayon halos araw-araw silang nagte-taping, hirap na hirap siya. Halos wala siyang tulog every day.

"So, nakakaawa lang that he's going through a lot of things personally and professionally. So, sabi ka nga, sana matigil na din," saad ni Carla.

Reposted From PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal)

Thursday, November 25, 2010

A Repost From Thea Alberto of Yahoo! Southeast Asia

Getting to know Liz Uy

By Thea Alberto – November 24th, 2010
600liz_luy

By Thea Alberto
Yahoo! Southeast Asia

Search entries for Liz Uy surged after President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III admitted they were dating—just a month after he broke up with Shalani Soledad.

People were obviously eager to learn more about the “new” girl who might, well, be the next First Lady. After all, a Malacañang wedding doesn’t seem so impossible now that presidential sister Kris Aquino admitted she loves Liz for her “Kuya” and that she would want them to have lasting happiness.

The President himself said in jest that he is entertaining the thought of having kids in the next five years, which is within his term as the country’s Chief Executive.

But Liz Uy was mum all this time—sometimes giving hints about the state of her heart via Twitter. This only made the charming chinita more mysterious.

Because, apart from the well-known fact that Liz is the former flame of actor John Lloyd Cruz (they were together for over three years) and that she is the president’s stylist, fashion industry outsiders know very little about her.

Thankfully, Liz has opened up to Yahoo! Southeast Asia and shared tidbits about her interesting job that led her closer to President Aquino.

In an email interview, the Hotel and Restaurant Management graduate of De La Salle University-College of St. Benilde shared how she landed her current (dream) job.

“I got lucky. Preview EIC Pauline Juan interviewed me and that same day I filled the position of editorial assistant and until now I’m still with them. Well, half of me,” Liz said.

The 30-year-old stunner has since gone up the ladder and is now Preview’s Fashion Editor.

A typical work day for Liz means “drowning in clothes” and rubbing elbows with the country’s brightest showbiz personalities.

“Celebrities are not what they’re perceived to be. They’re fun, down-to-earth, and easy to work with. Most importantly, [they are] very professional,” Liz said when asked about how she deals with people in her job.

Liz said she loves working with (potential sister-in-law) Kris Aquino, newsmaker Gretchen Barretto, young fashionista Anne Curtis, and admired actress Bea Alonzo.

Now, Liz is a celebrity in her own right and a fashion icon, too.

When asked about her current fashion inspirations, Liz said: “It changes, currently [I love] the cyber fashion gods—Carine Roitfeld, Anna Dello Russo, and Giovanna Battaglia.”

And her present favorite designer brand would be Yves Saint Laurent.

Liz also shares that though she prefers being away from the spotlight (she told us she’s also uncomfortable with sit down interviews), she’s “really not a shy person if you get to know me.” In fact, she can “be in front of the camera” but “only if it’s work related.”

At her young age, Liz has proven herself in her chosen field. But is she prepared to take the daunting task of being a First Lady if ever her romance with Aquino flourishes?

When asked how she is handling all the news that came out about her and the President: Liz only has this to say: “Next question please. :) .”

Reposted From Thea Alberto of Yahoo! Southeast Asia

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

A Repost From Ed Sicam of Yahoo! Southeast Asia

Hits and misses on ‘Eat Bulaga’

By Ed Sicam – November 24th, 2010
Contributed photo

By Ed Sicam
For Yahoo! Southeast Asia

What is the longest running noontime variety show in the country today? The answer, of course, is “Eat Bulaga” which has been on the air for the past 31 years, and counting. To think there was a time when producer Tony Tuviera wanted to give up because the show wasn’t rating. Commercials were few and far between. “Student Canteen” was lording it over the lunch hour slot. He couldn’t even pay his people on time. Luck was not on his side. Once, the guy bringing the talent fees was held up.

Tony’s luck changed when he launched “Mr. Macho” after he watched some gay performers in a nightspot. The show’s numbers improved. Then Coney Reyes moved over, child star Aiza Seguerra captured the hearts of the viewers and the triumvirate of Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon finally hit it off with the audience. From that moment on, there was no place to go but up. Advertisers started coming in and at last, everyone was being paid on time. Eventually, “EB” overtook “Student Canteen” and never looked back.

With their popularity as “EB” hosts, Tito, Vic and Joey moved on to bigger things. The trio came out in several comedy films, many of which did well at the tills. They also came out in top rating sitcoms like “Iskul Bukol” and “TODAS.” Their individual careers also flourished. Tito topped the senatorial elections in 1992, placed third in 1998 but lost in 2007. He ran once more in 2010 and regained his seat. Vic has produced and starred in many box office hits. He also has other TV sitcoms and game shows to his credit. Many consider him the new Comedy King displacing Dolphy, who is already semi-retired. Joey de Leon is a constant presence on GMA and TV5 shows.

Today, “Eat Bulaga” continues to rule the noontime slot. Its strongest competitor, “Wowowee,” has been canceled and its replacement, “Pilipinas Win na Win,” is way behind in the ratings. .

Calling the present “EB” a variety show, however, is misleading.. It’s more like an extended game show that runs for more than two hours. “EB’s” main preoccupation right now is to give away as many cash prizes as possible to the viewers at home as well as the studio audience. To me, this is a form of bribery. Viewers tune in to the show because they might be rewarded with cash and not because the program is entertaining.

In most of the games, luck determines who will win the prize. Numbers are drawn to determine who among the viewers and those in the studio and at home will compete. Well, the “Pinoy Henyo” portion does require some exercise of the contestant’s brain cells. But that’s the exception rather than the rule.

The “All for Juan” portion where Jose and Wally give away cash prizes to lucky households looks impressive because it is staged outside the studio. But where is the entertainment value? Maybe, the people in the community where “Juan for All” enjoy the experience but what’s so exciting about Jose and Wally giving away cash and goods? Trying to elicit watchable moments from the lucky winners is a chore. And where are Tito Vic and Joey (most of the time, Tito is busy with his job as majority floor leader in the Senate) while all this is going on? They’re seated lazily in their chairs reacting to Jose and Wally’s shenanigans. I must congratulate the show, though, for its environmental campaign where communities are encouraged to bring out their plastic stuff for recycling.

Why doesn’t “EB” bring back its talent segments where contestants win prizes not because they won a lottery but because they had something entertaining to show the audience. Of course, “EB” tries to redeem itself on Saturday when the show opens with an impressive production number complete with costumes and nice sets. They also have the “Keri Mo Teh” segment where female celebrities compete in unusual challenges. Kudos to the show too for downplaying their sexy dancers.

Why can’t we have more musical numbers during the week? By concentrating on giving away prizes, the show is wasting the talents of people like Michael V, Jimmy Santos, Julia Clarete, Ruby Rodriguez and Alan K.

Finally, although I admire Joey’s talents as a TV host, I must take exception to his suggestive jokes. His performance is specially grating during the “Pinoy Henyo” portion when an “EB” Babe dressed as a flight attendant comes in with a food tray and Joey asks her those double-meaning questions.

Reposted From Ed Sicam of Yahoo! Southeast Asia

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

A Repost From AFP



N.Korea shells S.Korea island, 4 troops wounded

South Korean marines are seen during a drill on South Korea-controlled Yeonpyeong island in the disputed Yellow Sea. Several North Korean artillery shells landed on a South Korean border island Tuesday wounding four soldier, damaging homes and injuring two civilians, YTN television reported.
Slideshow: Faces of Asia PH

SEOUL (AFP) - – Several North Korean artillery shells landed on a South Korean border island Tuesday wounding four soldier, damaging homes and injuring two civilians, YTN television reported.

A resident of Yeonpyeong island near the tense Yellow Sea border told YTN by phone that some 50 shells landed and dozens of houses were damaged.

The South's defence ministry could not immediately confirm damage or casualties.

"A North Korean artillery unit staged an illegal firing provocation at 2:34 pm (0534 GMT) and South Korean troops fired back immediately in self-defence," a ministry spokesman told AFP.

Another island resident, Lee Jong-Sik, told YTN: "At least 10 houses are burning. I can't see clearly for the smoke. The hillsides are also on fire.

"We were told by loudspeakers to flee our homes."

TV footage showed huge plumes of smoke rising from the island.

The South's Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed that some shells landed directly on the island, where a South Korean Marine detachment is based, and others in nearby waters.

The incident comes amid high cross-border tensions over the North's nuclear programme and the deadly sinking of a South Korean warship near the border in March.

Reposted From AFP

Monday, November 22, 2010

A Repost From PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal)



Sharon Cuneta defends daughter KC Concepcion from controversies that refuse to go away

Sharon Cuneta defends daughter KC Concepcion from controversies that refuse to go away
Slideshow: Showbiz Photos

Inilahad kanina sa The Buzz ng Megastar na si Sharon Cuneta ang pinakatatagong saloobin niya sa mga intriga laban sa anak na si KC Concepcion.

At ang mga palaban niyang mga pasabog sa taped interview na ipinalabas November 21 ng The Buzz...

"Ano lang 'to, trabaho lang 'to!

"Ang iniingatan ko, ang pagkatao ng anak ko! Oo, iyon ang concern ko bilang magulang," ang unang sinabi ni Sharon.

Sa pagputok ng balitang bahagi na ng Star Magic ang TV host/actress na si KC, maraming mapanirang intriga ang lumabas laban sa kanya.

At kung noon ay nanahimik ang Megastar sa isyu, ngayon, ang palabang dipensa ni Sharon...

"I think it's a matter between her and Shirley [Kuan], and Sandra [Chavez]. Kami ni Shirley nagkakaintindihan, kaya nga dapat siguro itigil na ito.

"Siguro may mga napapag-usapan yung both sides na hindi naman dapat nakakarating pa sa press.

"Parang I find it so cheap!

"So just let it die a natural death kasi they're all okay na."

Dagdag pa rito, bumuwelta na rin si Sharon sa mga taong patuloy ang paninira kay KC.

"Medyo inaapi yung anak ko. Medyo may sinungaling or may mga ganun na nakakarating sa amin. Nagre-react ako kasi hindi lumalaban yung anak ko pag ganun, e.

"Pag medyo lumampas, unahin natin yung pagka-nanay ko, hindi ko uunahin yung pagka-artista ako. Ina ako ng babaeng pinaggagagawan mo ng kalokohan. So mag-ingat ka lang!"

Nang tanungin naman kung ang naging malamang na pahayag ng Megastar ay may kinalaman sa napabalitang paninira ng TV host na si Mariel Rodriguez diumano sa anak, ito ang kanyang naging sagot...

"I think nasagot na ni KC yun. So mabuti naman, dahil gusto ko mang sumagot, hindi na bale!"

Mariel allegedly questioned KC's abilities as TV host, that she only got into show biz because of her Sharon and Gabby.

"Oo, kasi tapos na, e."

Ngunit sa kabila nito, nananatiling positibo pa rin si Sharon. Ang dahilan, ang higanteng pelikulang pagsasamahan nila ni Gabby Concepcion sa susunod na taon.

"Yung amin ni Gabby ginagawan ng story na siyempre ia-approve pa namin. Tapos, I think may hinahanda rin ang Star [Cinema], so bahala na.

"It's the right time, it's okay, we're all okay, everyone's happy. Everyone's fine."

Reposted From PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal)

Sunday, November 21, 2010

A Repost From AFP


Philippine president scraps new tourism slogan

Chocolate Hills, an unusual geological formation, seen here in Tagbilaran, Bohol, Philippines. In the latest setback to attempts to revamp the country's image abroad, President Benigno Aquino said on Saturday a better slogan should replace the motto "Pilipinas Kay Ganda" (Philippines What a Beauty), which his government introduced just days ago.
Slideshow: Faces of Asia PH

MANILA (AFP) - – President Benigno Aquino ordered the scrapping of the Philippines' new tourism slogan after an attempted rebrand was criticised as boring and unattractive to tourists.

In the latest setback to attempts to revamp the country's image abroad, Aquino said on Saturday a better slogan should replace the motto "Pilipinas Kay Ganda" (Philippines What a Beauty), which his government introduced just days ago.

"The (tourism) stakeholders don't sound content. So probably, we need to do more than just fine-tune it. We should look for something more fitting," Aquino told reporters.

The president conceded that more people seemed to like the previous slogan, "Wow, Philippines", which was used by the government of former president Gloria Arroyo for some eight years.

Aquino said he had asked his tourism secretary, Alberto Lim, to show him the full blueprint of the new tourism programme so he could review it.

The "Pilipinas Kay Ganda" slogan has been bitterly criticised by tourism industry leaders and legislators.

Critics called it bland and said that the fact that it is in the national language, not English, made it incomprehensible to foreigners.

They also said the logo that accompanies it looked strangely similar to the travel logo for Poland.

The scrapping of the slogan was the latest in a series of setbacks suffered by the Tourism Department.

On Tuesday, it had to take down its latest online tourism campaign after critics panned the website and warned that unwary surfers aiming for the site at beautifulpilipinas.com could easily end up on a porn website instead.

The Philippines has been struggling to shake off its image as an unsafe destination after a botched police rescue of foreign tourists seized in a bus by a dismissed policeman in August left eight Hong Kong residents dead.

Lim has said he was confident the tourism ministry would attain its full-year target of 3.3 million arrivals, from just over three million in 2009.

Reposted From AFP

Thursday, November 18, 2010

A Repost From PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal)


Shalani Soledad takes criticisms about her hosting constructively; reconnects with biological father after 30 years

Shalani Soledad takes criticisms about her hosting constructively; reconnects with biological father after 30 years
Slideshow: Showbiz Photos

Marami nang nagbigay ng kanilang opinyon tungkol sa hosting skill ni Valenzuela councilor Shalani Soledad. May mga nagkagusto sa kanyang ipinakita, pero mas marami ang naniniwalang marami pa siyang dapat i-improve.

Nagsimula si Shalani Soledad bilang co-host ni Willie Revillame sa Willing Willie noong November 8.

Pero sa kabila ng mga puna tungkol sa kanyang paghu-host, sinabi ni Shalani sa panayam ni Cristy Fermin sa Paparazzi noong Linggo, November 14, na nag-enjoy siya sa kanyang unang linggo bilang co-host ng Willing Willie.

Ano ang una niyang naengkuwentrong hindi kagandahang nasulat tungkol sa pagiging co-host ni Willie?

"Wala po. Wala pa naman po masyado," sabi niya.

"Pero ang paniniwala ko kasi, we cannot always please everybody. At ako naman, alam ko naman, alam ko, I accept na hindi po ako kagalingan, or hindi po ako magaling na mag-host.

"Kaya alam ko na marami pa akong dapat matutunan. Kaya po lahat ng criticisms na ibinibigay, I really take it constructively para ma-improve ko naman ang sarili ko."

WORKING WITH WILLIE. Kumusta naman sila ni Willie?

"Okay naman," sagot niya. "Akala ko nga noong una, si Willie, marami kang akala...pero mabait po."

Dagdag nito, "One thing that attracts me most kay Willie, yung dedication niya at saka yung passion niya sa trabaho."

Ngayon pa lang ay madalas nang tuksuhin sina Shalani at Willie, lalo na't break na ang konsehala kay President Noynoy Aquino.

Tinanong ni Cristy si Shalani kung naniniwala siya sa "panandaliang relasyon?

"Basta kami po, nag-i-stick lang sa sinabi niyang huwag daw po akong mai-in love sa kanya!" natatawa niyang sabi.

"Basta, pinapangatawanan naman po natin yun. Sabi ko naman, madali naman akong kausap."

Paano kung lumundag ng ilang panahon at ma-in-love nga sa kanya si Willie?

"Naku, very professional naman po si Willie, and I'm looking forward for having a good and professional relationship with Willie," sagot ni Shalani.

REUNION WITH HER BIOLOGICAL FATHER. Sa isang episode ng Willing Willie, binati ni Shalani ang kanyang tunay na ama na si Adolfo "Adi" Aguirre, dating chairman ng Banco Filipino.

Noong September lang nitong taon nakita at nakilala ni Shalani ang kanyang biological father. Three months old lang kasi si Shalani nang huli siyang makita ng kanyang ama.

Kaya hinimok ni Cristy na magkuwento si Shalani sa pagkikita nila ng ama.

"Kasi, yung akala ko nga, patay na ang daddy ko. Kasi, for the longest time, hindi sila nag-uusap ng mommy ko.

"Wala na kong hinanakit na, 'Bakit hindi mo ako hinanap noon, hindi mo man lang ako trinay na kausapin?'

"Pero sabi ko nga, everything siguro happens at the right time. Ngayon, tanggap ko na ang nangyari sa kanila ng mommy ko, wala nang galit.

"So, it happened at a very right time," lahad ni Shalani.

How was their first meeting?

"Masaya po," sagot niya. "Overwhelming, kasi for the longest time, hindi ko naman siya nakikita.

"Niyakap ako ng daddy ko. We embraced each other but no amount of words can really explain that.

"It was very emotional, at the same time very overwhelming. Alam mong masaya. At least, part of you is whole again."

"During our first meeting, it was, 'How are you? How come we haven't got the chance to see each other for this long? Don't worry, we'll have our whole lifetime to spend together.' Yung mga ganoon.

"We are very much in constant communication. Just this morning, kausap ko po siya, and he was saying he was watching the show and good luck daw."

SHALANI'S FAMILY. Hindi man nagisnan ni Shalani ang kanyang biological father, buo pa rin daw ang naging pagkatao niya dahil sa mga taong nakapaligid sa kanya.

"May mga time siyempre na hinahanap-hanap mo. But I grew up with sa side ng mommy ko na napupuno naman. Like I have my uncle, si Tito Mon [Ramon Soledad] and sa lolo ko rin.

"Spoiled ako sa lolo ko. My brothers and then my cousins, they are all boys. Hindi ko man nakasamang lumaki ang daddy ko, parang ang dami ko rin father figure.

"And of course, I would also like to take this opportunity to thank... Alam n'yo, hindi ko ito madalas na nababanggit, pero my stepdad, si Papa Dan, who really helped us—yung pagpapalaki sa amin, guidance, advises.

"Hindi kasi siya masyadong makuwento, si Papa Dan. But he's always there."

SHALANI'S "HEART." Pagkatapos kumustahin ang iba't ibang aspeto ng kanyang buhay ay tinanong ni Cristy si Shalani kung kumusta ang kanyang "puso."

Hindi man direktang sinabi ni Cristy kung ano ang ibig niyang sabihin, malinaw naman na ang ibig niyang tukuyin ay ang breakup nila ni PNoy.

Natawa muna si Shalani bago sumagot. Aniya, "Masaya dahil masaya rito sa TV5. Happy network, e."

Magtatagal ba siya sa TV5?

"I hope so, I hope so," sabi niya. "I would like to build a very nice relationship with TV5.

"Kaya kay Mr. Manny Pangilinan, sa lahat ng management, salamat po. Salamat po for taking care of me."

Sa Willing Willie, magtatagal din ba siya?

"Sana po, sana," sambit ni Shalani.

Reposted From PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal)

A Repost From PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal)

Shalani Soledad takes criticisms about her hosting constructively; reconnects with biological father after 30 years

Shalani Soledad takes criticisms about her hosting constructively; reconnects with biological father after 30 years
Slideshow: Showbiz Photos

Marami nang nagbigay ng kanilang opinyon tungkol sa hosting skill ni Valenzuela councilor Shalani Soledad. May mga nagkagusto sa kanyang ipinakita, pero mas marami ang naniniwalang marami pa siyang dapat i-improve.

Nagsimula si Shalani Soledad bilang co-host ni Willie Revillame sa Willing Willie noong November 8.

Pero sa kabila ng mga puna tungkol sa kanyang paghu-host, sinabi ni Shalani sa panayam ni Cristy Fermin sa Paparazzi noong Linggo, November 14, na nag-enjoy siya sa kanyang unang linggo bilang co-host ng Willing Willie.

Ano ang una niyang naengkuwentrong hindi kagandahang nasulat tungkol sa pagiging co-host ni Willie?

"Wala po. Wala pa naman po masyado," sabi niya.

"Pero ang paniniwala ko kasi, we cannot always please everybody. At ako naman, alam ko naman, alam ko, I accept na hindi po ako kagalingan, or hindi po ako magaling na mag-host.

"Kaya alam ko na marami pa akong dapat matutunan. Kaya po lahat ng criticisms na ibinibigay, I really take it constructively para ma-improve ko naman ang sarili ko."

WORKING WITH WILLIE. Kumusta naman sila ni Willie?

"Okay naman," sagot niya. "Akala ko nga noong una, si Willie, marami kang akala...pero mabait po."

Dagdag nito, "One thing that attracts me most kay Willie, yung dedication niya at saka yung passion niya sa trabaho."

Ngayon pa lang ay madalas nang tuksuhin sina Shalani at Willie, lalo na't break na ang konsehala kay President Noynoy Aquino.

Tinanong ni Cristy si Shalani kung naniniwala siya sa "panandaliang relasyon?

"Basta kami po, nag-i-stick lang sa sinabi niyang huwag daw po akong mai-in love sa kanya!" natatawa niyang sabi.

"Basta, pinapangatawanan naman po natin yun. Sabi ko naman, madali naman akong kausap."

Paano kung lumundag ng ilang panahon at ma-in-love nga sa kanya si Willie?

"Naku, very professional naman po si Willie, and I'm looking forward for having a good and professional relationship with Willie," sagot ni Shalani.

REUNION WITH HER BIOLOGICAL FATHER. Sa isang episode ng Willing Willie, binati ni Shalani ang kanyang tunay na ama na si Adolfo "Adi" Aguirre, dating chairman ng Banco Filipino.

Noong September lang nitong taon nakita at nakilala ni Shalani ang kanyang biological father. Three months old lang kasi si Shalani nang huli siyang makita ng kanyang ama.

Kaya hinimok ni Cristy na magkuwento si Shalani sa pagkikita nila ng ama.

"Kasi, yung akala ko nga, patay na ang daddy ko. Kasi, for the longest time, hindi sila nag-uusap ng mommy ko.

"Wala na kong hinanakit na, 'Bakit hindi mo ako hinanap noon, hindi mo man lang ako trinay na kausapin?'

"Pero sabi ko nga, everything siguro happens at the right time. Ngayon, tanggap ko na ang nangyari sa kanila ng mommy ko, wala nang galit.

"So, it happened at a very right time," lahad ni Shalani.

How was their first meeting?

"Masaya po," sagot niya. "Overwhelming, kasi for the longest time, hindi ko naman siya nakikita.

"Niyakap ako ng daddy ko. We embraced each other but no amount of words can really explain that.

"It was very emotional, at the same time very overwhelming. Alam mong masaya. At least, part of you is whole again."

"During our first meeting, it was, 'How are you? How come we haven't got the chance to see each other for this long? Don't worry, we'll have our whole lifetime to spend together.' Yung mga ganoon.

"We are very much in constant communication. Just this morning, kausap ko po siya, and he was saying he was watching the show and good luck daw."

SHALANI'S FAMILY. Hindi man nagisnan ni Shalani ang kanyang biological father, buo pa rin daw ang naging pagkatao niya dahil sa mga taong nakapaligid sa kanya.

"May mga time siyempre na hinahanap-hanap mo. But I grew up with sa side ng mommy ko na napupuno naman. Like I have my uncle, si Tito Mon [Ramon Soledad] and sa lolo ko rin.

"Spoiled ako sa lolo ko. My brothers and then my cousins, they are all boys. Hindi ko man nakasamang lumaki ang daddy ko, parang ang dami ko rin father figure.

"And of course, I would also like to take this opportunity to thank... Alam n'yo, hindi ko ito madalas na nababanggit, pero my stepdad, si Papa Dan, who really helped us—yung pagpapalaki sa amin, guidance, advises.

"Hindi kasi siya masyadong makuwento, si Papa Dan. But he's always there."

SHALANI'S "HEART." Pagkatapos kumustahin ang iba't ibang aspeto ng kanyang buhay ay tinanong ni Cristy si Shalani kung kumusta ang kanyang "puso."

Hindi man direktang sinabi ni Cristy kung ano ang ibig niyang sabihin, malinaw naman na ang ibig niyang tukuyin ay ang breakup nila ni PNoy.

Natawa muna si Shalani bago sumagot. Aniya, "Masaya dahil masaya rito sa TV5. Happy network, e."

Magtatagal ba siya sa TV5?

"I hope so, I hope so," sabi niya. "I would like to build a very nice relationship with TV5.

"Kaya kay Mr. Manny Pangilinan, sa lahat ng management, salamat po. Salamat po for taking care of me."

Sa Willing Willie, magtatagal din ba siya?

"Sana po, sana," sambit ni Shalani.

Reposted From PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal)

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

A Repost From Chuck Smith of Yahoo! Southeast Asia

Marian shrugs off Vivian’s comments on her acting

By Chuck Smith – November 17th, 2010
600nppa_marianshrugsoffvivian_101117

By Chuck Smith
For Yahoo! Southeast Asia

Marian Rivera shrugged off negative comments from Vivian Velez about her portrayal in a TV adaptation of a film the veteran actress topbilled in 1981.

In an interview with Yahoo! Southeast Asia, Marian said she respected Vivian’s comments about her performance in “Ang Babaeng Hinugot Sa Aking Tadyang,” which was aired from February to May in 2009 on GMA 7, and noted her remarks were not completely critical of her.

“ Kasi una sa lahat, hindi naman kami magkakilala at hindi ko naman siya kilala sa personal niyang buhay. Ngayon, kung may nasasabi siya tungkol sa akin, e irerespeto ko na lang yun,” she said.

“Marami naman siyang magandang sinabi tungkol sa akin, tulad ng sinabi niya na angelic face ako. Dapat ba akong malungkot nun? Sa akting, opinion niya yun. Ang importante, habang ginawa ko yung ‘Tadyang’ e marami namang nagsabi sa akin na nagustuhan nila yun. Kanya-kanyang opinyon lang ng tao yun,” Marian added.

Would she want to prove to Vivian that she can act? Marian said no.

“Siguro wala akong dapat patunayan sa kanya. Ang kailangan ko patunayan yung mga taong nagmamahal sa akin.”

Vivian made scathing comments regarding Marian’s acting in “Tadyang” during the press conference of the ABS-CBN show “Imortal.”

“Hindi bagay. Sorry, that is my (opinion). Akin yun, e. Hindi bagay… Kasi alam n’yo nung ginagawa namin yung ‘Hinugot,’ napaka-complex nung character nung babae, very, very complex. Ang kailangan lang talaga doon…kulang ng anghang,” Vivian said.

Marian said intrigues have always been part of her career ever since she became a breakout star in the hit primetime drama “MariMar.” With the recent issues thrown at her, the lead star of Regal Films’ remake of “Super Inday and the Golden Bibe” said she’s gone to accept intrigues.

“Ang buhay ng artista ay ganyan. Kung wala kang intriga, hindi ka artista,” Marian told Yahoo! Southeast Asia during the press conference of her current starrer.

“So siguro, bilang artista, public property ka e. Siguro yun yung consequence mo talaga. Hindi naman all the time kailangan e happy ka, lahat smooth lang. Hindi naman pwedeng laging ganun ang buhay,” she said

“Lahat na binatikos sa akin e. So wala na, dedma na lang. Tawanan na lang,” Marian added.

On playing ‘Super Inday’

Marian’s new film is another remake. This time, she’s reprising the role Maricel Soriano portrayed in the 1988 film. But Marian said she’s not really worried that her performance will be compared to Maricel’s portrayal, especially since she asked for the Diamond Star’s blessing before taking on the role.

“Pumunta talaga ako kay nanay (Maricel) para humingi ng basbas, humingi ng opinyon niya, at bilang magpaalam sa kanya na ako naman ang gagawa ng ‘Super Inday.’ At hindi ako nagkamali, binasbasan niya ako. Sinabi niya na susuportahan niya ako,” she said.

“Basta kung sino ako, gusto raw niya ako bilang ako. At gawin ko raw yun sa pelikula,” Marian added.

Maricel and Marian previously worked together in “Bahay Kubo,” a Regal Films entry to the 2007 Metro Manila Film Festival.

Although a self-confessed fan of Maricel, Marian said she made her character her own and did not use Maricel’s original “Super Inday” character as a peg for her acting.

“Ginawa ko ang ‘Super Inday’ sa sarili kong pagsisikap at bilang Marian Rivera,” she said, although she said Soriano served as her inspiration.

“Super Inday and the Golden Bibe” is one of the entries for this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival and will also star Jake Cuenca, John Lapuz, and Pokwang.

Dingdong’s acting award

Marian also said she was proud of boyfriend Dingdong Dantes winning his first Best Actor award in this year’s PMPC Star Awards for Television for his role in “Stairway to Heaven.” A remake of the hit Koreanovela, “Stairway to Heaven” is Dingdong’s first primetime drama outside the “Dong-Yan” love team since they first starred together in “MariMar.” What can she say now that Dingdong got his first acting recognition in a show where he was teamed with a different leading lady, rising star Rhian Ramos?

“Okay yun, mas pabor sa akin yun. Ibig sabihin napatunayan niya yun sa sarili niya na kahit wala ako, na tulad ng binabatikos sa kanya dati. O ngayon napatunayan niya sa sarili niya, at proud ako dun,” she said.

“Syempre proud ako saka happy ako para sa kanya na nagawa talaga niya yan, naiarte niya ng tama. Alam ko na lahat halos ng nakapanood ng ‘Stairway to Heaven’ e humanga talaga sa kanya,” Marian further noted.

The fact that Dingdong dedicated his award to Marian is enough for her.

“Nakakatouch lang na sa akin pala nila niya inalay yung award. Ang haba naman ng hair ko,” she quipped. Marian was not present during the awarding ceremony, but she said Dingdong constantly called her during the event. In fact, it was Dingdong who told Marian that her show, “Show Me Da Manny,” won the Best Comedy Show award.

Of course, she would want to be recognized for her acting as well, but Marian believes she’d get it in her own time.

“Syempre sino ba namang artistang ang hindi hahangarin na magka-award, di ba? Pero kung panahon mo, panahon mo. Kung hindi, hindi. Darating naman yun e. Sa sobrang daming blessings na dumarating sa buhay ko, siguro naman dahan-dahan lang. Unti-unti. Hindi lahat ng bagay ibibigay sa ‘yo.”

“Binigay na sakin, maayos naman pamilya ko. Maayos naman ang career ko. Ang GMA, may bagong project para sa akin. Tapos may movie pa ako. Tapos kami ni Dingdong e OK ang relasyon namin, at inalay pa niya sakin yung award niya. Ano pa ba hihilingin ko?” Marian said.

Reposted From Chuck Smith of Yahoo! Southeast Asia

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

A Repost From Gina Abuyuan Of Yahoo! Southeast Asia

Five lessons for kids from Pacman vs. Margarito

By Gina Abuyuan – November 15th, 2010
600ap_margarito

By Gina Abuyuan
For Yahoo! Southeast Asia

Manny Pacquiao does more than make Filipino hearts swell with pride and lower the crime rate to almost zero during a fight.

On a micro-scale—the family unit, the level that matters the most—he opens the opportunity for kids to learn what winning is all about, especially in this time and age when victory means crushing the enemy and gloating.

Sensing the frenzy online and my furious following of tweets on the fight, my twin sons asked me: “Why does Pacquiao always win?” “Because he practices like crazy!” I answer instantly.

According to Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell, successful individuals—The Beatles, Bill Gates, for example—have spent at least 10,000 hours of their lives doing what they have become famous for.

Make this fact relatable to your children by pointing out what they like to do, or what skill or talent they have. One of my sons, Mateo, is heavily into origami—not just the paper boat and and plane stuff, but the hardcore, intricate creations: trilobytes, crane with feet, five-petalled lily, frog. He even gave “lessons” recently at Expo Kid in Rockwell. He began last year on his own, sans teacher, and was hooked.

Lesson no. 1: Practice, train, and rehearse your skills every chance you get.

But Pacquiao didn’t ALWAYS win. In 2005, he lost to Erik Morales. After, Freddie Coach came into his life and has since been unbeatable. I point this out to Marco and Mateo. “To also win, you have to have a good coach or mentor.”

Sports journalist Allen Barra writes in The Daily Beast: “(Roach) has worked with dozens of champions over the years and learned his training skills from the great Eddie Futch. He told me Pacquiao is, ‘Maybe the greatest two-handed fighter I’ve ever seen. You see a lot of great fighters who have one great punch and a good second punch. Joe Louis had the greatest jab I’ve ever seen. Joe Frazier had a great left hook, Mike Tyson had a killer right. But Manny has the best punch of anyone in boxing with either his right or his left.’”

Lesson no. 2: Choose a teacher that will help you excel.

While many get caught up in what people think of them, putting image before purpose, Pacquiao remains focused on his goal: winning the fight. Training with a single-mindedness chronicled in other reports, he also remains unfazed by criticism and trash-talk.

Marco sums it up: “You mean he believes in himself?”

Exactly. Stand your ground.

Lesson no. 3: Be strong within so you can be strong on the outside.

Pacquiao is also known for “lifting up” his fights to God and country. I point this out to the boys.

We are not a religious family, but—I like to believe—a faithful one. Mateo considers his good night prayers a powerful call to a Divine Force to protect him. This is the same God that allows (because He could very well NOT) Pacman to win.

Lesson no. 4: When you call to God to help you in a fight, you’ll know you’ll win; and if you don’t, there’s a really good reason why.

In the last rounds, I show the twins how Pacquiao is just prancing around, when he could have easily battered Margarito into a human burrito.

Post-fight, the 8-time Welterweight Champion tells the commentator: “Boxing is not for killing each other.”

Marco, struggling for the words in his 6-year old vocabulary, remarks when I ask him what he thinks about Pacman letting Margarito go. “It’s only a game…it’s about compassion.”

Lesson no. 5: The gracious and merciful victor is the best kind of all.

Reposted From Gina Abuyuan of Yahoo! Southeast Asia

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