Monday, May 30, 2011

A Repost From Philip C. Tubeza of Philippine Daily Inquirer

Chinese-Filipino trader tagged in smuggling of black coral

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CARGO INSPECTION Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri shows photographers some of the rare black corals during an inspection of the seized illegal shipment at the Bureau of Customs in Manila. NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

MANILA, Philippines—A Chinese-Filipino businesswoman has been identified as the financier in the foiled attempt to smuggle P35 million worth of marine life that exposed the massive destruction of a black coral network off Cotabato province reportedly five times the size of Manila.

Exequiel Navarro, consignee of the illegal shipment, identified the woman and two accomplices, but their names were withheld pending investigation, Customs Police Director Nestorio Gualberto told reporters on Monday.

“The businesswoman is supposed to be the financier of the project. She exports marine products to Taiwan,” Gualberto said. “(Navarro) is claiming he was only used by the Chinese businesswoman.”

Navarro is under investigation after customs officials intercepted two large container vans containing cargo declared as rubber and consigned to him earlier this month. The shipment revealed more than 21,000 pieces of black corals, 161 dead turtles and other marine life.

Coral expert Gary Williams of the California Academy of Sciences estimated that the area damaged or destroyed due to the harvesting of the black corals could reach up to 190.8 square kilometers, or five times the size of Manila, which has a land area of 38.55 square km.

Gualberto said Navarro also implicated two men—one in charge of the harvesting, and the other the shipper.

Navarro to be judged

Gualberto said the Bureau of Customs would initially file charges only against Navarro in the Department of Justice on Thursday for violating the country’s Fisheries Code.

Gualberto added that the bureau also would seek Navarro’s inclusion in the Bureau of Immigration’s watch list to prevent him from leaving the country.

“We cannot make any arrest because the incident happened a long time ago. (Navarro) is freely roaming around, but he cannot leave the country,” he said.

Gualberto said Navarro also offered a sworn affidavit to the bureau, but the agency turned it down and suggested that he submit it instead to the justice department.

“These are his allegations, but it remains to be proven if that Chinese woman has something to do with his case,” he added.

Li n Lim Trading

Theresa Mundita Lim, chief of the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau, said on Monday that Navarro had disclosed in his affidavit that the contraband was consigned to the Zamboanga-based Li n Lim Trading.

She said Navarro had claimed he was not a part of the trading company and that he was only a representative of the transport company hired to ship the contraband.

Environment Secretary Ramon Paje told reporters that President Aquino had directed the prosecution of Navarro and the imposition of “stringent penalties” on him.

Paje said criminal charges against Navarro would be filed for violations of the Wildlife Act, which provides harsher penalties, instead of the Fisheries Code.

He also said the value of the damaged and confiscated species was lower than the actual costs.

“The value is understated so far,” Paje said. “The damage to our water resources runs up to hundreds of millions of pesos.”

It takes more than two decades for coral reefs to recover, he noted. Further, the destruction of the reefs will have a domino effect on other species that depend directly and indirectly on it.

Senate inquiry

Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri, chair of the Senate committee on environment and natural resources, inspected the contraband at the port of Manila on Monday.

“We will conduct an investigation to put a stop to this rape of our seas and natural resources,” Zubiri told reporters. “I am a diver and it pains me to see these harvested corals and dead animals.”

In a privilege speech later in the Senate, Zubiri condemned “in the strongest possible terms” the destruction of coral reefs, describing it as “economic sabotage.”

“We cannot let this high crime pass without our scrutiny … We will expose all the people behind this crime, particularly the financier and masterminds of this syndicate,” he said.

Citing a World Wildlife Fund estimate in 1994, the senator said destroying a kilometer of coral reefs cost between P6.165 million and P54 million over 25 years.

“If we lose our corals and marine biodiversity, we will lose these marine grounds where the fish spawn, lay eggs and feed on. In short, we will lose our rich fishing grounds and deprive millions of Filipinos who rely on fishing for their livelihood, as well as pose a threat to our food security,” Zubiri said. With reports from Kristine L. Alave and Christian V. Esguerra

Reposted From Philip C, Tubeza of Philippine Daily Inquirer

Saturday, May 28, 2011

A Repost From Jimi Escala of PEP

PEP: Gov Vilma Santos on Luis and Jennylyn's blossoming romance

Mainit na pinag-uusapan ngayon ang namumuong relasyon sa pagitan ng Kapamilya TV host-actor na si Luis Manzano at Kapuso actress-singer na si Jennylyn Mercado.

Although may dalawang buwan pa lang silang magkakilala at lumalabas, may mga naghuhusga na at merong lantarang inaayawan ang sinasabing pagkakaroon ng relasyon nina Luis at Jennylyn.

May nagsasabi na hindi bagay ang dalawa, lalo pa't may anak sa pagkadalaga si Jennylyn at kabi-break lang nito sa dati niyang boyfriend na si Dennis Trillo.

Matapos magsalita ang dalawa sa magkahiwalay na pagkakataon, marami naman ang naghihintay sa pahayag ng ina ni Luis—ang Star for All Seasons at Batangs governor na si Vilma Santos.

Personal na nakausap ng PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) si Governor Vi nitong Miyerkules, May 25, sa governor's mansion sa Batangas.

Dito ay isiniwalat niya ang kanyang damdamin sa pagkakamabutihan ng kanyang panganay na anak at ni Jennylyn.

"Alam n'yo, mahirap tayong manghusga," umpisa niya.

"In the first place, nagiging isyu lang ito at napapalaki kasi may kanya-kanya nang interpretasyon.

"Pero sa totoo lang, bago pa lang naman ito.

"Siguro mga dalawang buwan pa lang nagkakakilala at nagdi-date ang anak ko at si Jennylyn.

"Hindi ako nagsasalita ngayon to meddle, nanay lang ako," paglilinaw ng actress-politician.

"Buhay ng anak ko 'yan, mature na si Lucky [palayaw ni Luis] to do and decide sa dapat niyang gawin.

"Ako, bilang nanay niya, naka-guide lang.

"Isa lang ang sinasabi ko sa anak ko at gusto kong ipaalam sa kanya.

"Sabi ko, 'As long anak na wala kang iniisahan, wala kang tinatapakan, at wala kang inaapi, then go on with your life.'

"Unang-una, single si Lucky.

"Pangalawa, sa pagkakaalam ko, wala namang commitment si Jen ngayon.

"So, they're just having a nice time together, so sana pabayaan na lang natin siyang masaya.

"Yun lang naman ako, e.

"But again," patuloy ng Star for All Seasons, "at the end of the day, wala siyang sinasaktan, wala siyang inaapakan, wala siyang sinisiraan, gusto lang niyang lumigaya, then let it be."

THE COMPARISON. May mga paliwanag si Luis sa hiwalay na interview, kunsaan ikinumpara niya si Jennylyn sa kanyang ina pagdating sa pagkakaroon ng anak at pagdating ng bagong pag-ibig.

Umani ito ng batikos sa ilang nagmamalasakit kay Governor Vi. Ayon kasi sa mga ito, iba raw naman ang estado ng ina ni Luis kaysa kay Jennylyn.

Ano ang komento ni Ate Vi tungkol dito?

"Pero who are we to judge?" sambit niya.

"In the first place, kung nasabi 'yan ng anak ko, nagpakatotoo lang.

"Siya kasi siya ang involve dun.

"Kasi yung bata dun na sinasabing may anak na, siya yung anak.

"Nagkataon lang sa akin, na nagkaroon ako ng mga biyenan na hindi mapanghusga.

"Kasi when I got married [again], I had a baby already."

Ang tinutukoy ni Ate Vi rito ay si Luis nga na anak niya sa kanyang first husband na si Edu Manzano.

Dagdag niya, "Masuwerte ako sa biyenan ko at hindi ako hinusgahan.

"At ngayon nga, magtu-25 years na ang relasyon namin ni Ralph [Recto].

"So, it doesn't matter kung may anak ka—yun ang gusto niyang [Luis] sabihin.

"Kaya ako ang ibinigay niyang ehemplo, kasi siya yung bata.

"And look at him... Now, he is a happy boy, he is a productive boy.

"Hindi apektado para sabihin, 'Sino 'yan? May anak 'yan.'

"Siya kasi yun at binigyan niya ng ehemplo ang sarili niya.

"Nagtatrabaho lang naman ang anak ko, at wala siyang sinasaktan.

"Gusto lang niyang sumaya at masaya siya ngayon, so let it be."

Sabi pa ni Ate Vi, "Sa totoo lang, nagsalita lang ako sa inyo tungkol dito, hindi naman sa ako ang nakialam.

"Dahil hindi naman talaga ako nakikialam sa lovelife ng anak ko. I am just here to guide

"But then, ang huli nito, desisyon ng anak ko. Kasi nasa edad na si Lucky para magdesisyon para sa kanyang sarili."

Humihingi pa rin ba ng advice sa kanya si Luis?

"Oo naman, pero bibihira," sagot ng Batangas governor.

"Basta ang concern ko lang sa kanya na, 'Anak, masaya ka, happy ka, anything to do about that, may mga pabor at meron din talagang hindi. Anak, sanay ka ba?'

"Sabi niya sa akin, 'I can carry at kaya ko naman, Mom.' Kaya tahimik na ako rin.'"

MEETING JENNYLYN. Although hindi pa raw niya ganun kakilala si Jennylyn, pawang mga magagandang salita ang masasabi ni Governor Vi tungkol sa Kapuso star.

Kailan niya unang na-meet si Jennylyn?

"Yun naman, e, birthday ng anak ko. Nagkataong Holy Week.

"So, si Lucky, sa Batangas, sa Punta Fuego gumawa ng kanyang birthday party with his friends.

"So, inimbitahan niya si Jen.

"And that was the time I met Jen. She was very pleasant."

"Tita Vi" raw ang tawag sa kanya nito.

"Maganda at mabait siya," sabi pa ni Ate Vi tungkol kay Jennylyn.

"Bago lang nga ito, e. Kasi pag pinag-usapan, parang anim o isang taon na.

"Si Jen came from a relationship, nagne-nurse pa kanyang puso.

"Yung anak ko naman, e, single, gusto rin maging masaya.

"Wala namang commitment pareho ang dalawa, so huwag na nating husgahan.

"Alam n'yo, ang buhay namin, bukas sa madla.

"Hindi tayo pwedeng magsabi kung sinong tama o sino ang hindi.

"So, public property kami, may mga taong maglalabas ng kanilang opinion. So, okey lang.

"Basta malinis ang intensiyon at walang sinisiraan, then go ahead, okey lang sa akin yun.

"Basta uulitin ko, ang importante lang, masaya ang anak ko."

Pinasalamatan naman ni Ate Vi si Jennylyn dahil sa magagandang sinabi raw nito tungkol kay Luis.

"I thank Jen sa magandang adjectives na sinabi niya sa anak ko—'very gentleman' at iba pang tunay nga namang nakakataba ng puso. Salamat sa kanya.

"Siyempre lahat ng magagandang sinabi niya sa anak ko, doble ang saya ko.

"Lahat ng gagawin nila sa anak ko, doble ang epekto sa akin nun being the mother," sabi ni Ate Vi.

HIGH-PROFILE RELATIONSHIP. Sa previous relationships ni Luis ay walang masyadong ingay.

Nakailang karelasyon na rin naman si Luis, pero ang sa kanila ni Jennylyn ngayon ang tila pinagpipiyestahan nang husto.

Ano ang masasabi ni Governor Vi tungkol dito?

"E, kasi, may mga nagsasabi kasi na hindi bagay, naggagamitan, parang kesyo wala sa tono...

"Pero hindi nila buhay 'to, buhay ng anak ko ito.

"Masaya siya, e.

"Sabi ko, wala namang naaapakan.

"Pero ang gusto ko, masaya ang anak ko.

"Hindi naman puwedeng ako ang kausapin, o kausapin ko si Lucky.

"Ganun talaga, tanggap ko na 'yan. Being a public property, pag-uusapan talaga.

"At saka merong pabor at hindi.

"At matitigil lang naman siguro 'yan kung magdesisyon na ang anak ko na mag-asawa.

"Binata pa ang anak ko, hayaan na lang muna natin siyang maging masaya," pakiusap pa ng Star for All Seasons. - Jimi Escala, PEP

Reposted From Jimi Escala of PEP

Thursday, May 26, 2011

A Repost From GMA News


Miriam tops list of senators with most bills filed

Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago has topped the list of senators who filed the most number of legislations in the Senate.

A document from the Senate legislative bills and index service indicated that Santiago topped the 23 incumbent senators with 882 measures (758 bills and 124 resolutions) filed in the 15th Congress.

In a statement, Santiago said she “worked (her) ass off" in filing bills because she wants to send the message that the main task of the Senate is legislation and not criminal investigation.

“A public hearing on a controversial issue generates a lot of publicity, but usually the result is merely a recommendation to the Ombudsman. By contrast, internet research is very quiet and solitary, but one bill could make a difference in the lives of people," she said.

Among the controversial measures filed by Santiago in the 15th Congress is the Senate’s version of the Reproductive Health bill, Senate Bill 2378 or “An Act Providing for a National Policy on Reproductive Health and Population and Development."

Other senators

Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada was second in the list with 581 files measures (553 bills, 27 resolutions) followed by Sen. Manuel Villar Jr. with 539 (395 bills, 144 resolutions). The rest are as follows:

4. Antonio Trillanes IV — 304 (292 bills, 12 resos)

5. Lito Lapid — 239 (179 bills, 60 resos)

6. Loren Legarda — 198 (137 bills, 61 resos)

7. Francis Escudero — 154 (128 bills, 26 resos)

8. Ramon Bong Revilla Jr. — 150 (126 bills, 24 resos)

9. Edgardo Angara — 117 (102 bills, 15 resos)

10. Juan Miguel Zubiri — 90 (56 bills, 34 resos)

11. Ralph Recto — 88 (50 bills, 38 resos)

12. Pia Cayetano (74: 48 bills, 25 resos)

13-14. Franklin Drilon — (45 (23 bills, 22 resos) and Vicente Sotto III — 45 (10 bills, 35 resos)

15 Francis Pangilinan — 43 (15 bills, 28 resos)

16-17. Juan Ponce Enrile — 40 (18 bills, 22 resos) and Teofisto Guingona III — 40 (13 bills, 27 resos)

18 Ferdinand Marcos Jr. — 39 (20 bills, 19 resos)

19. Gregorio Honasan II — 34 (13 bills, 21 resos)

20. Sergio Osmena III — 33 (14 bills, 19 resos)

21. Panfilo Lacson — 31 (31 bills)

22. Alan Peter Cayetano — 20 (7 bills, 13 resos)

23. Joker Arroyo — 17 (17 resos)

The Senate will adjourn sine die on June 9 and will resume session on July 25. — KBK, GMA News

Reposted From GMA News

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

A Repost From Roy Luarca of PDI/ ANN



Marquez-Pacquiao III a done deal

Manila (Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN) - Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao's confirmation, boxing pundits have long agreed, is as binding as a signed fight contract.

"Tuloy na po 'yun, abangan n'yo (It's on, wait for it)," Pacquiao said during an interview with ABS-CBN's Dyan Castillejo.

The Filipino ring superstar was, of course, referring to his third clash with Mexican great Juan Manuel Marquez on November 12 in Las Vegas.

Marquez, the WBA and WBO lightweight champion, signed the contract--which assures him a personal-high $5 million purse plus a share in pay-per-view revenues--last May 19 at Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles.

Pacquiao's adviser Mike Koncz is to bring the contract to Manila for the pound-for-pound king's signature. Koncz has not arrived from the United States, though.

Under the fight's financial terms, Pacquiao will get $20 million--virtually the same amount he earned in his lopsided unanimous decision victory over Shane Mosley on May 7--plus a share in PPV revenues.

In their first tussle in 2004, Pacquiao settled for a draw despite knocking Marquez down three times in the first round. They met again in 2008 at 130 pounds with Pacquiao squeezing out a split decision on the strength of a third-round knockdown.

The trilogy is set at a catch weight of 144 lb with Pacquiao's WBO welterweight title also at stake. Marquez fought and lost to Floyd Mayweather Jr. in the same catch weight in 2009.

If Marquez beats Pacquiao, a fourth fight will be held with the Mexican, who stands to receive $10 million.

Reposted From Roy Luarca of PDI/ANN

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Capsulized Version of RH Bill As Published By Inquirer.Net



Sa mga kumukontra sa RH bill, ilalagay ko po dito ang capsulized version nito na inilathala nang Inquirer.net. Take note na KONTRA SA ABORTION ANG RH BILL taliwas sa mga kumukontra dito. Sana po ay maliwanagan tayo sa mga tunay na hangarin nang RH bill:


Start of repost:

THE BILL IS NATIONAL IN SCOPE, COMPREHENSIVE, rights-based and provides adequate funding to the population program. It is a departure from the present setup in which the provision for reproductive health services is devolved to local government units, and consequently, subjected to the varying strategies of local government executives and suffers from a dearth of funding.

The reproductive health (RH) bill promotes information on and access to both natural and modern family planning methods, which are medically safe and legally permissible. It assures an enabling environment where women and couples have the freedom of informed choice on the mode of family planning they want to adopt based on their needs, personal convictions and religious beliefs.

The bill does not have any bias for or against either natural or modern family planning. Both modes are contraceptive methods. Their common purpose is to prevent unwanted pregnancies.

The bill will promote sustainable human development. The UN stated in 2002 that “family planning and reproductive health are essential to reducing poverty.” The Unicef also asserts that “family planning could bring more benefits to more people at less cost than any other single technology now available to the human race.”

Coverage of RH. (1) Information and access to natural and modern family planning (2) Maternal, infant and child health and nutrition (3) Promotion of breast feeding (4) Prevention of abortion and management of post-abortion complications (5) Adolescent and youth health (6) Prevention and management of reproductive tract infections, HIV/AIDS and STDs (7) Elimination of violence against women (8) Counseling on sexuality and sexual and reproductive health (9) Treatment of breast and reproductive tract cancers (10) Male involvement and participation in RH; (11) Prevention and treatment of infertility and (12) RH education for the youth.

Strengthening of Popcom. The existing Population Commission shall be reoriented to promote both natural and modern family planning methods. It shall serve as the central planning, coordinating, implementing and monitoring body for the comprehensive and integrated policy on reproductive health and population development.

Capability building of community-based volunteer workers. The workers shall undergo additional and updated training on the delivery of reproductive healthcare services and shall receive not less than 10-percent increase in honoraria upon successful completion of training.

Midwives for skilled birth attendance. Every city and municipality shall endeavor to employ an adequate number of midwives and other skilled attendants.

Emergency obstetrics care. Each province and city shall endeavor to ensure the establishment and operation of hospitals with adequate and qualified personnel that provide emergency obstetrics care.

Hospital-based family planning. Family planning methods requiring hospital services like ligation, vasectomy and IUD insertion shall be available in all national and local government hospitals.

Contraceptives as essential medicines. Reproductive health products shall be considered essential medicines and supplies and shall form part of the National Drug Formulary considering that family planning reduces the incidence of maternal and infant mortality.

Reproductive health education. RH education in an age-appropriate manner shall be taught by adequately trained teachers from Grade 5 to 4th year high school. As proposed in the bill, core subjects include responsible parenthood, natural and modern family planning, proscription and hazards of abortion, reproductive health and sexual rights, abstinence before marriage, and responsible sexuality.

Certificate of compliance. No marriage license shall be issued by the Local Civil Registrar unless the applicants present a Certificate of Compliance issued for free by the local Family Planning Office. The document should certify that they had duly received adequate instructions and information on family planning, responsible parenthood, breast feeding and infant nutrition.

Ideal family size. The State shall encourage two children as the ideal family size. This is neither mandatory nor compulsory and no punitive action may be imposed on couples having more than two children.

Employers’ responsibilities. Employers shall respect the reproductive health rights of all their workers. Women shall not be discriminated against in the matter of hiring, regularization of employment status or selection for retrenchment. Employers shall provide free reproductive health services and commodities to workers, whether unionized or unorganized.

Multimedia campaign. Popcom shall initiate and sustain an intensified nationwide multimedia campaign to raise the level of public awareness on the urgent need to protect and promote reproductive health and rights.


End of repost.


Ang kaibahan po sa situasyon ngayon ay walang access sa tamang impormasyon at libreng contraceptives ang mga babae kapag nagpunta sa health centers samantalang kapag napasa na po ito bilang batas ay makapupunta sa health centers ang mga ginang upang lubos na maunawaan ang wasto at nararapat na family planning method na pipiliin nila. Libre din po ang lahat nang contraceptives mula sa contraceptive pills, condoms, iuds, ligation (tali) at vasectomy at sterilization para sa mga lalaki. Sa gusto nang natural method ay ituturo din nang health centers ang tamang pamamaraan para hindi mabuntis. Sana po ay naliwanagan tayo sa tunay na layunin at pamamaraan nang RH bill. Maraming salamat po. God bless us all.

Saturday, May 21, 2011

A Repost From Maridol Ranoa-Bismark of OMG! Philippine News Blog

Zsa Zsa’s marriage annulled

Zsa Zsa Padilla (Jerome Ascano, NPPA Images)

Zsa Zsa Padilla (Jerome Ascano, NPPA Images)

Patience is indeed a virtue. After one long decade of waiting, Zsa Zsa Padilla finally got what she's been hoping for: the annulment of her marriage to Dr. Modesto Tatlonghari.

The court has finally granted her petition for annulment with finality, as reported in Ricky Lo's Philippine Star column on Saturday, May 21.

A reliable source told Yahoo! OMG! Philippines that Zsa Zsa could have filed for nullity of marriage early on due to a technicality. But Zsa Zsa decided against it because it would make her eldest daughter, Karylle, illegitimate. Hence, the petition for annulment.

It will be recalled that Zsa Zsa and her beloved, Dolphy, were all set in marry in Las Vegas seven years ago. Zsa Zsa's gown has been made and wedding invitations sent. But the wedding had to be called off at the last minute.

Now, everyone is asking if that long-delayed wedding will finally push through.

Zia Quizon, Zsa Zsa's daughter by Dolphy recently joined showbiz herself.

Reposted From Maridol Ranoa-Bismark of OMG! Philippine News Blog

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

A Repost From PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal)


Marian Rivera considers starring in GMA-7's most expensive series a "challenge"

Malapit nang umere ang epicserye ng GMA-7 na Amaya, pero nakaka-tatlong taping days pa lang daw ang bida ritong si Marian Rivera.

Pero marami na raw nakunang eksena ang direktor nilang si Mac Alejandre dahil magsisimula ang kuwento nung bata pa ang karakter na ginagampanan ni Marian bilang Amaya.

"Kasi, papasok ako week two, e. Yung week one, wala ako, lahat puro bata," banggit ng aktres nang makausap siya ng PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) sa pocket presscon na inihanda ng Kapuso network para sa mga bida ng Amaya na sina Marian Rivera, Mikael Daez, at Sid Lucero, kaninang tanghali, May 17.

Ginanap ang presscon sa Executive Lounge ng GMA Network Center sa Timog Ave., Quezon City.

Ayon kay Marian, sa Morong, Bataan pa ang location ng taping niya kahapon, May 16.

Pero bukas, May 18, ay sa Pagsanjan, Laguna naman daw ang location nila.

"Oo, madami talaga, e, madami," sagot ni Marian nang tanungin ng PEP kung bakit tila malalayo at marami silang location.

Paliwanag niya, "Pulo-pulo kunwari. Pero ang importante kasi, yung kinukunan, may dagat—magandang dagat.

"Kasi meron nga kaming Karaoka na tinatawag, na malaking bangka siya."

Ang tinutukoy ng aktres ay ang sasakyang pandagat na sadyang ginawa para sa Amaya na nagkakalaga diumano ng milyong piso.

"Nakasakay ako dun kahapon, yun yung eksena ko kahapon," banggit pa niya.

PASAWAY NA BINUKOT. Nilinaw naman ni Marian ang akala ng iba na kuwento ng mga Muslim ang Amaya dahil sa nakikitang costume ng ilang cast members sa mga larawang nailathala na. Pero ang kuwento raw nito ay base sa mga totoong pangyayari.

"Alam ko, sinaunang panahon po talaga, at itong Amaya na ito, yung pangalan, e, ginawa na lang po siguro.

"Pero yung istorya, kung ano yung nangyayari noong araw, lahat totoo.

"Kasi may mga taga-UP na may mga study sila tungkol ditto, kung paano talaga yung mga binukot.

"Yung mga binukot, e, yung mga prinsesang hindi puwedeng makita ng ibang kapwa-tao, lalo na sa ibang lugar.

"Parang kung sa alahas, e, iniingatan, tinatago, walang pwedeng makakita.

"Bilang pasaway ako, so gusto ko makakita ng ibang lugar, yung sky, yung dagat—gusto ko makita lahat.

"Kasi sa binukot, ito lang makikita, nakatakip ako all the way.

"So, ako yung binukot na pasaway!" paglalarawan ni Marian sa kanyang role.

MOST EXPENSIVE SERIES. Hindi lang miminsang inanunsiyo na ang Amaya ang "pinakamalaki, pinakamagarbo, at pinakamagastos" na seryeng ginawa sa kasaysayan ng GMA-7.

Bilang pangunahing bituin sa isang napakalaking proyekto gaya ng Amaya, hindi ba nakakaramdam ng matinding pressure si Marian sa responsibilidad na nakaatang sa kanyang balikat.

"Sa bawat primetime show na ginagawa ko, palagi naman may pressure 'yan," sagot ng tinaguriang Primetime Queen ng Kapuso network.

"Pero ang importante diyan, natsa-challenge ako, nagkakaroon ako ng project kung paano ko ie-explore na naman yung sarili ko, paano ko na naman dadalhin si Amaya, ako bilang Amaya.

"Kasi bawat serye, natatapos at natatapos, nag-iiba yung character ko.

"So, this time, lagi ko sinasabi, first time ko gagawa ng original story.

"Kasi, lagi na lang remake, e—Marimar, Dyesebel, Darna, [Babaeng Hinugot Sa Aking] Tadyang, Endless Love...lahat remake.

"So, ito yung first time ko na gagawa ng isang soap opera na original story at walang kapangyarihang nakikipaglaban.

"Kasi bawat fight scene ko, parati ako may powers. This time, wala.

"As in sariling tao, sariling training ko na makikipagsapalaran ako.

"At ako lang ang babaeng warrior na makikipaglaban sa lahat ng lalake. So, ganun kabigat," dire-diretsong pahayag ni Marian.

THE WARRIOR. Dumaan ba siya sa training para sa role niya bilang mandirigma?

"Opo, arnis," sagot niya.

"Kasi naniniwala sila na arnis daw... Kasi ang gusto lang naman nila mangyari, hindi naman maging hustler ako sa arnis, pero yung tipong tamang tindig, tamang paghawak.

"Kasi yung sword minsan, malilito ka, e, kung ano harap sa likod. Kasi halos magkapareha.

"So, tinuturo sa amin paano tamang paghawak, tamang kamay, tamang pagsugod.

"So, hindi basta-basta may espada ka...gaganun ka, hindi.

"Kasi meron daw silang mga routine na kailangan magaya namin nung araw.

"So, medyo mahirap kasi detalyado lahat, hindi ka puwedeng gumawa ng sarili mong bersyon."

LEARNING THE OLD LANGUAGE. Bukod sa pagsasanay ng arnis, ang isa pang pinagtutuunan ng pansin ni Marian ay ang pagsasalita ng malalalim na Tagalog.

"Katulad kahapon, ang daming lenguwahe na ang lalalim, na ngayon ko lang narinig.

"Na, 'kailangan ko humawak ng isang kantilan para maghiganti at sugurin ang mga kawal.' Yung mga ganun, sobrang bibigat at lalalim!

"Kumbaga, yung normal na soap opera, puwedeng swak lang, e, na, 'Ay, gusto ko mahanap yung prinsesa, sasaksakin ko siya!' Puwede naman ganun.

"Ang problema, hindi puwedeng ganun... 'Nararamdaman kong kailangan kong hawakan ang isang kantil at sugurin ang mga kawal upang ipaglaban ang ating...'

"Ganun! Parang makata, ganun kalalim.

"So, ang kantilan pala, espada ang ibig sabihin.

"Karuruk-rurukan, katas-taasan pala.

"So, parang medyo nakaka-challenge lang din, pati mga lines.

"Imbes na acting mo lang iintindihin mo, hindi, pati yung lines.

"Kasi hindi puwede magkamali kaya paulit-ulit kami..."

Nagbigay pa ng ibang halimbawa si Marian ng mga malalalim na salita na natutunan niya: "Ang tawag sa tatay, Baba. Ang tawag sa nanay, Alya. Ang tawag sa prinsesa, Bay..."

"Educational talaga—yun ang tamang term."

NO BIG DEAL. Noong mga nakaraang panayam kay Marian, madalas niyang sabihin na hindi dapat pagtuunan ng pansin ng press ang napabalitang "topless scene" niya sa Amaya.

Pero marami pa rin ang nagulat nang sa mismong teaser ng epicseryeng ito ng GMA-7 ay napanood si Marian na naka-topless. Isang kumpirmasyon na totoo nga ang napabalitang may ganung eksena ang aktres.

Ngunit hangga't maaari ay ayaw itong pagtuunan ng pansin ni Marian dahil mas marami pa raw mahahalagang bagay na dapat pag-usapan.

Aniya, "Actually ano, naging big deal yung eksena na 'yan, pero hiningi din naman sa akin ni Direk 'yan.

"Hinihingi ko din yung kooperasyon n'yo na ayaw ko na din pag-usapan yung regarding diyan sa topless.

"Kasi ang feeling ko, ang dapat pag-usapan dito, yung istorya, yung kagaganda ng cast talaga.

"Pinaghirapan yung Karaoka. Kumbaga, imagine mo, ginawa yung bangka na yun ng ilang buwan para lang magamit sa taping namin.

"Yung mga location namin, pati yung binukot na...binubuhat ako, ha.

"Alam mo, imadyinin mo yung duyan, tapos may apat na hawakan, apat na lalake nakahawak sa akin. Tapos nakaupo ako sa duyan na nakatago.

"Bawat kaming prinsesa, may ganun—si Rochelle [Pangilinan], ako, si Ms. Gina Alajar...

"Except si Ms. Lani Mercado bilang uripon siya. Uripon is alipin na nanay ko siya.

"So, lahat kami na mga prinsesa dun, lahat may sariling binukot.

"So, parang dun na lang mag-focus, huwag na dun sa istorya na nakaganun [topless].

"Kasi, hindi naman namin gagawin yung ganun kung wala nung araw na nakaganun talaga."

Nilinaw rin ni Marian na hindi naman ganun ang hitsura o costume niya sa kabuuan ng serye.

Kuwento niya, "Ako nga, kahapon, naka-prinsesa ako.

"Marami naman akong damit, e. Actually, pito ata yung damit ko, e—tatlo yung prinsesa, may alipin, may warrior...

"At yung pagiging alipin ko is tatagal lang 'yan ng isang buwan. The rest, buong istorya, warrior na ako."

Ang karamihan naman daw ng male cast ay naka-bahag.

"Iyan talaga yung hindi ko pagkakaila—lahat ng lalake, kahapon, isandaang cast 'yan, lahat nakabahag!" bulalas ni Marian.

Reposted From PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal)

Monday, May 16, 2011

A Repost From Chuck Smith of OMG! Philippine News Blog

omg! Philippines News Blog

Pia Guanio bares details on engagement

Pia Guanio (Jacqueline Timola, NPPA Images)

Pia Guanio (Jacqueline Timola, NPPA Images)

Pia Guanio
caught many by surprise when she officially announced her engagement to non-showbiz boyfriend Steve Mago last week on GMA-7's "24 Oras." The announcement came after Philippine Star entertainment editor Ricky Lo broke the news on his column. And according to Pia, she too was surprised by Steve's proposal since they have only been dating for less than a year.

"It was quite a surprise. I wasn't expecting it at all primarily because, you know, I mean, I'll say it straight, we've been dating for less than a year only so it really came as a surprise to me that he made such a big move so soon," the television host said in a live interview with GMA 7's "Showbiz Central" on Sunday, May 15.

Pia is one of the showbiz-oriented talk show's main hosts.

Pia revealed that her surprise prompted her to hide under her blanket when Steve proposed to her.

"One morning, he woke me up, and when I opened my eyes, instead of his face, I saw a box with a ring in it. And instead of saying something, I hid under the covers. Kasi nakakabigla talaga and it's a little bit overwhelming and you don't know what to say when it finally does happen. And then outside he had prepared pala breakfast with champagne," she said.

Pia added that while her immediate response was that of surprise, her answer to the proposal was obvious: "Hindi ko na kailangan pang ieksplika. I'm like, 'yah'!"

The "pamamanhikan" happened on May 7, Saturday, in Tagaytay. The families of both parties were present during the affair.

As for the exact date of their wedding, she said, "sometime next year, maybe." "It depends on where it's going to be. Basta it's gonna need sunny weather," Pia added.

But while she said they haven't really finished the details of their wedding, Pia is certain that it would be a simple affair. "I can't imagine an engrandeng wedding. I can't imagine entertaining so many people. It's going to be very intimate and it's going to be very simple," she explained.

A private matter

Pia said she intended to keep the engagement a "very private matter" because Steve and his family are "very private." However, she felt that denying the engagement at this point would have been inappropriate.

"Since tito Ricky Lo broke the news in his column, I think it was in bad taste naman to deny it. So I had to do the rounds because I'm part of that show, I'm part of this show," Pia said, quickly adding that she would limit her interviews to her shows.

Besides being the co-host of the Sunday showbiz-oriented talk show, the 38-year-old Kapuso is also part of "Eat Bulaga" and is the entertainment segment host of GMA 7's daily primetime newscast "24 Oras."

Pia also said she promised Steve's mom "that this would stop to a certain point kasi nga they're very private, they're not used to this whole thing at all."

"And of course, we also want to protect that privacy," she added.

Reasons

Although Steve is not a showbiz personality, his name has figured in a number of showbiz reports recently due to a "kissing photo scandal" posted on the "Fashion Pulis" blog. The man on the photo, which shows a man and a woman inside a dining establishment inside a shopping mall in Makati, is allegedly Steve Mago, while the woman is allegedly Pia.

Besides this, however, not much is known about Steve. Who exactly is the man who is soon to be the husband of Pia?

"Well, what he is a really sweet guy. He's very thoughtful. One of the best things that I liked about him is that he's such a thoughtful guy. In any plan that he has, even for himself, he will always include you. And I find that very impressive kasi these days people can be very self-centered, can be very…wala, parang out lang for their own interest. And I love na finally you found a person who can be your partner in life in attaining the same goal," she said.

Pia said they met through a good friend.

So what made her say yes to Steve's proposal, even though they've only been dating for less than a year? According to Ricky Lo's column, they started dating "barely a few months after" Pia broke up with "Eat Bulaga" co-host Vic Sotto last July.

"Well, of course you always pray to God to help you discern what His will is for you, di ba? And parang I think ever since this relationship with Steve started, parang there would be a way always to do things, there would parang a means always to make things possible. I felt like God was opening doors for us to get together, to get closer," Pia said.

She added that Steve's willingness to become a Christian when they first started dating is also a factor in her decision. "And I've always been praying and praying for that to happen. It wasn't at all a struggle," Pia said.

And what has changed since the engagement? "You don't see me out anymore," she quipped.

Reposted From Chuck Smith of OMG! Philippine News Blog

Sunday, May 15, 2011

A Repost From PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal)


Jackie Rice eager to recover from her fractured toe to resume taping of Sisid

Sa taping ng upcoming GMA-7 afternoon series na Sisid noong Martes, May 10, isang aksidente ang nangyari habang kinukunan ang eksena ng bidang si Jackie Rice at ng isa sa leading men niya, na si Dominic Roco.

Kuwento ni Jackie sa Startalk TX, "E, galit ako. Galit po ako dun sa eksena, kahit ano gagawin ko, sisipain ko kahit ano.

"Yung [silya], nasipa ko siya nang mali."

Ito ang dahilan ng pagkabali ng buto ng isa sa mga daliri sa kanyang paa.

"Ito, sa right foot ko, nagka-fracture.

"Masakit nga po siya, tuwing gabi hindi na ako nakakatulog.

"Wala pong opera [surgery], wala.

"Hinihintay lang yung buto na gumaling, magdikit. Naghiwalay kasi, e."

Nang mangyari ang aksidente, tinuloy at tinapos pa rin daw ni Jackie ang kanyang mga eksena kahit may iniinda siyang sakit.

"Nahihiya rin po ako siyempre, nag-antay sila," sabi niya.

"Tsaka siyempre yung production, yung GMA mismo, ginastusan nila yung araw na yun, tapos mahihinto lang dahil sa akin.

"Kung kaya naman, bakit naman hindi?

"Actually, hindi naman po namin ginusto ito, e.

"Kaso nangyayari daw talaga ang aksidente.

"Actually, hindi pa ako nao-ospital, first time kong ma-ospital dahil dito.

"Parang binebeybi ako na kailangang naka-wheelchair.

"Ayoko nga ng may saklay, pero bawal siyang ilakad."

Umaasa naman si Jackie na mabilis siyang gagaling para makabalik na siya sa taping ng Sisid, na mapapanood na sa Mayo 30, sa Dramarama sa Hapon ng GMA-7.

"Sabi sa akin, mga four to six weeks.

"Pero sana mas maaga kasi hinihintay talaga na magdikit ang buto.

"Nagka-fracture, so bali mismo yung buto niya.

"Gusto ko nang bumalik sa taping, e.

"Ang daming natetengga dahil, di ba, dahil lang sa paa?

"Kaya 'yan, gagaling ako kaagad.

"First show ko 'to, oo, kailangan. Kailangang magdikit siya," sabi ni Jackie.

Reposted From PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal)

Saturday, May 14, 2011

A Repost From GMA News.TV


Lacson seeks justice for victims of false testimony

Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson has urged Congress to impose tougher penalties on witnesses who give false testimony and on public servants who force others to commit perjury.

Lacson summed up his proposals in Senate Bill 2803, which seeks to strengthen three articles in the Revised Penal Code that deal with false testimony. The provisions he wants revised are Articles 180, 183 and 184.

For crimes in which the defendant is meted the penalty of arresto mayor and was convicted because of false testimony, the senator also wants arresto mayor for the perjurer.

Arresto mayor is imprisonment of “one month and one day to six months," according to the Code.

Lacson said the bill warrants approval because “[t]he assertion of falsehood, under oath or affirmation, is becoming prevalent. False testimonies and sworn statements are sometimes being used to support malicious complaints with the intent of harassing and persecuting innocent persons."

He also said a prosecutor wrongfully accused him of masterminding the murder of publicist Bubby Dacer and Dacer’s driver, Emmanuel Corbito. [See: Lacson: State prosecutor pressured witness to tag me in Dacer-Corbito case]

“Some public prosecutors, in violation of the code of their profession, instead of making sure that justice is done, suppress facts and conceal witnesses capable of establishing the innocence of the accused. Sometimes they even offer false testimonies and perjured witnesses to support their unfounded charges," Lacson explained in the bill’s explanatory note.

Lacson proposed a fine of P1 million and perpetual disqualification from public office for any public official or employee who gives false testimony or causes it to be made. — ELR, GMA News

Reposted From GMA News.TV

Friday, May 13, 2011

A Repost From PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal)


Angel Locsin on dating Phil Younghusband: "Wala naman kaming itinatago."

Isang blooming at masayang Angel Locsin ang humarap sa press matapos niyang mapanood ng ikalawang beses and kanyang pelikulang In the Name of Love. Katambal niya rito sina Aga Muhlach at Jake Cuenca.

Noong Miyerkules, May 11, ay kasamang dumating ni Angel ang kanyang "suitor" na si Phil Younghusband upang dumalo ng block screening ng In the Name of Love sa Podium Cinema.

Sa naunang panayam kay Phil, inamin nito na unang beses niyang manood ng Tagalog film, at masaya siyang kasama niya si Angel. (CLICK HERE for related article.)

Ano naman kaya ang reaksiyon ni Angel tungkol dito?

"Actually, hindi naman niya naiintindihan yung pelikula namin, [pero] nanood siya," ang nakangiting sagot ng Kapamilya actress.

"Hindi niya talaga maintindihan yung sinasabi namin, yung mga dialogue namin.

"[Pero] pumapalakpak din siya, nakakatuwa siya."

Kuwento pa ni Angel, sinadya niya raw na late sila dumating ni Phil.

"Kalahati pa kami nang manood kasi ayaw kong makita niya yung pole dance. Pero hindi niya alam yun!" tawa niya.

OUT IN THE OPEN. Matatandaan na bago mag-Valentine's Day ng taong kasalukuyan ay inaya ni Phil si Angel na mag-date sa pamamagitan ng Twitter. (CLICK HERE for related article.)

Matapos nun ay naging usap-usapan na ang madalas na pagkikita nila. Ngunit sa block screening ng pelikula ni Angel lang nakita ng publiko na magkasama ang dalawa.

Patago nga ba ang kanilang mga pagkikita?

"Wala naman kaming itinatago," tanggi ni Angel.

"Hindi siya first time [na lumabas kami]. Pero siguro, yung with camera."

Mas ginusto raw ni Angel na sa block screening na lang isama si Phil dahil ayaw niya raw na maging agaw-eksena sa premiere night ng pelikula niya sa Star Cinema.

"Pag-usapan muna natin yung In the Name of Love, wag yung lovelife ko," sabi niya.

"Ayaw ko naman kasi na kakasimula pa lang ng pelikula, mada-divert yung attention, kung gaano kaganda yung pelikula, iba yung mapag-usapan."

Pagdating sa tunay na estado ng kanilang relasyon, naging mailap si Phil sa pagsagot tungkol dito, at sinabi pang si Angel na lang ang tanungin.

Pero katulad ni Phil, hindi rin direktang sumagot ang dalaga nang tanungin tungkol dito.

Ani Angel, "I'm thankful na ganito kami, masaya kami, sa ngayon, masaya kami."

Reposted From PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal)

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

A Repost From PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal)


Gardo Versoza confirms topless scene of Marian Rivera in Amaya

Last May 9, Monday, nakatanggap ng tawag ang PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) mula sa girlfriend at manager ni Gardo Versoza na si Ivy Vicencio, who was reacting vehemently to an item na lumabas sa isang tabloid.

Ang item ay pagtukoy sa kasalukuyang partisipasyon ni Gardo sa epicserye ng GMA-7, ang Amaya.

Ito ay may kinalaman sa costume ng aktor bilang isang pre-colonial Filipino warrior named Raha Mangubat, the village chieftain.

Bilang mandirigma noong unang panahon, ang suot ni Gardo at ng kanyang mga kasama ay ang very revealing na bahag.

Ayon sa news item, diumano'y pinagalitan ng Amaya director na si Mac Alejandre sina Gardo at Daniel Fernando dahil ayaw raw maghubad ng dalawang aktor, o magsuot ng bahag nang walang underwear.

Na, diumano rin, hindi confident sina Gardo at Daniel sa kanilang pangangatawan.

"Hindi totoo 'yon!" sabi ni Ivy sa PEP.

"Noong una pa lang, wala nang problema kay Gardo sa costume na isusuot niya. Kaya nga nag-workout siya nang husto, e.

"Naiinis ako dahil iisipin na naman, nag-iinarte at may attitude problem si Gardo kaya gano'n," katwiran ng girlfriend ng aktor.

GARDO ON WEARING BAHAG. Nakausap na rin ng PEP si Gardo tungkol sa costume niya sa Amaya, at wala namang nabanggit ang aktor tungkol sa anumang naging issue sa pagsusuot niya ng kapirasong saplot sa maselang bahagi ng kanyang katawan.

"Ang alam ko, si [Bulacan] Vice Governor Daniel ang nag-alangan dahil sa posisyon niya," nabanggit ni Gardo sa naunang interview.

Naitanong din ng PEP kay Gardo, bilang dating kilalang sexy actor, kung kumportable pa rin ba siya sa pagsusuot ng costume na may pagka-revealing, tulad ng bahag na nae-expose ang kanyang behind o butt.

Natawa si Gardo, na sumang-ayon din.

"Oo, kasi na-psyche ko na rin ang sarili ko, e. Parang pag na-conscious ako sa costume, feeling ko, hindi magiging maganda yung labas ko. Kasi, siyempre, magiging balakid yun sa paggalaw ko."

Makakapagpaalala ang "look" ni Gardo sa Amaya sa kaseksihang napanood sa kanya sa mga pelikulang sex-oriented na tinampukan niya noon sa Seiko Films in the mid-'90s, tulad ng Machete II at Kandungan (both with Rosanna Roces as leading lady); Sabik Sa Halik at Halimuyak Ng Babae (both with Priscilla Almeda as leading lady).

Natawa siya nang bahagya. "Oo, pero yung noon, siguro mas mahirap gawin kasi may mga love scenes, e.

"Ito naman kasi, sa Amaya, yung talagang character, di ba?

"Para kasing pag ibinalik mo doon sa panahon nila, wala naman talagang sobrang balot na balot.

"Mga gano'n talaga yung suot nila, parang yung tipo din ng mga Ifugao.

"Ang galing nga ng mga set at costumes, e. Para siyang pelikula!" pagtukoy din ng aktor, na malaki ang mga eksenang ginawa para sa pilot episode ng epic drama series.

"TOPLESS" MARIAN RIVERA. Maging ang female lead ng Amaya na si Marian Rivera ay may mga kontrobersiyal na ulat hinggil sa papel at exposure.

Naging usap-usapan na nga ang diumano'y pagta-topless daw ng dalagang aktres sa serye.

Nagkaeksena na ba sina Gardo at Marian sa mga na-tape nang episodes?

"Oo," sabi ni Gardo.

"Yung sa amin, nakunan na yung naghahabulan kami [sa gubat]...dream sequence 'yon."

Sa eksena, naka-topless nga ba si Marian Rivera? As in, nakalabas ang kanyang dibdib, tulad ng mga mountain maiden sa mga kauring palabas sa pelikula man o period TV drama series?

"Oo," pagkumpirma pa rin ni Gardo.

"Pero natatakpan yung dibdib niya ng mahabang buhok, siyempre. Na pag tumatakbo siya, hindi naman naaalis. Nakadikit yata, para safe.

"Hindi mo naman mapapansin din yun pag kinukunan ang eksena dahil ang focus, yung character.

"Hindi ko din alam kung gagamitin pa din nila 'yon. e. 'Yan din ang dapat na abangan," sambit ni Gardo, na may pag-aalinlangan.

Sa pinakahuling kaganapan, bahagi ng ipinapalabas na Amaya teaser ang eksenang tumatakbo si Marian, bilang Amaya, na walang saplot ang itaas na bahagi ng katawan.

Ang kanyang mga dibdib ay natatakpan ng mahabang buhok na hindi naman lumilihis sa pagkakaayos niyon, kaya safe pa rin ang dalagang aktres sa kanyang "daring exposure."

And Gardo was right sa kanyang sinabi tungkol sa eksenang 'yon ni Marian, na ipinapakita na sa teaser ng Amaya.

Reposted From PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal)

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

A Repost From Nerisa Almo of PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal)

PEP: Justin Bieber: 'I have to be a role model'

"It's crazy but it's amazing to know that so many people care about me and care about my music that much. You know, they wait outside hotels. They wait in places and run in places just to catch me. It's incredible and definitely amazing," says Justin Bieber who appreciates all the support he gets from his avid fans all over the world. The 17-year-old Canadian pop superstar wowed his Pinoy fans last night, May 10, in his My World Tour concert at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds in Pasay City. -- Nerisa Almo
This is what the 17-year-old Canadian pop superstar told the local media a few hours before his concert Tuesday night, May 10, at the SM Mall of Asia concert grounds in Pasay City.

Wearing a checkered polo shirt, denims shorts, and Vans sneakers, Justin gamely answered questions from the media, who patiently waited for him inside the air-conditioned tent at the backstage.

The "Baby" singer said, "I'm 17, I'm young, I'm not an adult yet so people are gonna think I just make music for young people. But my music is for everybody.

"You know, I definitely write songs that are suitable for people my age. But I'm pretty sure that everybody can relate to love."

Justin's popular songs include "One Time," "Never Let You Go," "U Smile," "Somebody to Love," and "One Less Lonely Girl."

Although his music right now is mostly for teenagers, Justin said, "My music will grow as I grow older."

And music, according to the young singer, will make him stay in the industry as he grows older.

Justin said, "I think, over everything, the main focus is the music. I mean that's why I'm here, that's why I do this, it's all because of music.

"Basically, I relate all my emotions to everybody through my music. So, I think that through my life.

"I'm gonna change and things about me will change, so my music will change. But all throughout, it's all about music."

MUSIC AS A GOOD INFLUENCE. The young singer also mentioned that aside from connecting to his fans, his music is also a good tool to influence people.

Justin related, "With my music, a lot of people who are going through hard times result in listening to my music.

"It's just good to hear like the girl, she was in the hospital and going through chemotherapy and just listening to my music, it helped her get through it.

"That's just a great thing, it's the music and being able to inspire people. I think that's the best part of it."

BEING FAMOUS. Everytime Justin holds a concert, it's expected to be a sold-out event because many teenagers around the world, especially female fans, idolize him so much.

Justin said that it's overwhelming and he thanked his loyal followers for showing such support to him.

The young singer-songwriter said, "My fans are really devoted. And really, I enjoy it.

"You know, this has been a crazy world sometimes.

"Sometimes I get overwhelmed because it's crazy, the cameras and the faces and stuff, and a lot of people are always around you. But I'm having a lot of fun."

Justin is aware that his concerts sometime create traffic jam and put cities in craze because of his fans. And the former You Tube sensation appreciates this very much.

He said, "It's crazy but it's amazing to know that so many people care about me and care about my music that much.

"You know, they wait outside hotels. They wait in places and run in places just to catch me. It's incredible and definitely amazing."

But other than being a popular music artist, Justin think it's more important to be a role model to the youth.

He said, "There's so many people that are listening to me and who are watching my every move.

"I know that I'm gonna make mistakes but I'm gonna try to just be the best I can be."

"I'm not gonna do anything that I would normally do.

"But I think I'm a good person in general, so I think people will see that."

SUCCESS SECRETS. During the press conference, Justin was also asked to share three secrets of his success.

The young man from Ontario, Canada replied, "If it's working, don't change it.

"Like if something's working, don't try to change it because usually that messes everything up."

Then, he reminded aspiring young singers, "Just be relatable to your fans or just be relatable in general so that other people can feel that they can relate to you, so that people can know how you feel and they can know everything.

"I think that's important, too.

And the most important secret, according to Justin: "Make sure you're having fun while doing it.

"If you're not having fun then it's not gonna be worth it.

"Always have fun."

After the Philippines, Justin will be performing in other Asian countries such as Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Japan. - Nerisa Almo, PEP

Reposted From Nerisa Almo of PEP

Monday, May 9, 2011

A Repost From PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal)


Charice follows rule in singing the Philippine National Anthem at Pacquiao-Mosley fight

Si Charice ang kumanta ng Pambansang Awit ng Pilipinas, ang "Lupang Hinirang," sa laban nina Manny Pacquiao at Shane Mosley noong Linggo, May 8, sa MGM Grand Arena sa Las Vegas, Nevada.

Ang Pambansang Kamao ang nagwagi pagkatapos ng 12-round fight nila ni Mosley.

Ano ang pakiramdam ni Charice habang inaawit niya ang Pambansang Awit ng Pilipinas sa harap ng libu-libong tao sa loob ng MGM Grand at sa milyun-milyong nanonood sa pay-per-view television?

"Talagang kailangang nasa tamang tiyempo at talagang dapat focused talaga, so kinakabahan ako.

"Actually, nag-rehearse ako kanina, pero talagang may timer ako. Kasi, di ba, alam natin na naging issue na rin 'yan before?" sabi niya.

Ang tinutukoy ni Charice ay ang pagbatikos ng National Historical Institute sa mga kumakanta ng "Lupang Hinirang" sa mga laban ni Pacquiao.

Patuloy ng singer, "Gusto ko lang na para walang issue and all that, gusto ko na...

"Alam ko naman na... I mean, nobody's perfect, na walang makaka-perfect talaga nun.

"Pero gusto ko na sundin lang yung patakaran."

Ang StarStruck V First Prince na si Enzo Pineda ang nag-interview sa Pinay international singing sensation sa Las Vegas mismo.

Ipinalabas ang taped interview kay Charice kahapon, May 8, sa Showbiz Central.

Ano ang ginawang paghahanda ni Charice?

"Parang nililibang ko yung sarili ko before ng performance," sagot niya.

"Kasi yung mga ganitong event, talagang ano, e, sira ako diyan, e.

"Kasi talagang pag kinabahan ako, talagang nandun yung tanggalin ko yung balat ko dito [daliri sa kamay], balat doon...

"So, kailangan talaga yung pino-focus ko yung sarili ko sa iba, sa ibang bagay.

"Minsan naglalaro ako."

Reposted From PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal)

Friday, May 6, 2011

A Repost From Chuck Smith of OMG! Philippine News Blog


omg! Philippines News Blog

Katrina Halili ‘catches up’ with life

Katrina Halili (Jerome Ascano, NPPA Images)

Katrina Halili (Jerome Ascano, NPPA Images)

Katrina Halili
has been known for being quiet during interviews--which is why members of the press were surprised with the aura Katrina exuded during the press conference of her latest soap opera, "Munting Heredera." She was calm yet playful, a change for reporters who were accustomed to a reserved Katrina.

"Masaya po ako ngayon e," she told the entertainment press on Tuesday, May 4.

When asked why she was happy, Katrina said: "Masaya. Masaya lang. May trabaho. Family ko. Friends ko."

Change of perspective

Katrina admitted that her perspective in life has changed, although it's not something she did intentionally.

"Hindi naman sa sinasadya ko na gusto ko ng lumabas, gusto ko ng makipagusap, gusto ko ng maging ibang tao. Di ko plinano lahat. Basta naging ganun lang. Siguro dahil sa experience. Di ba, experience is the best teacher? ," Katrina said. "Actually sila sa taping, nagugulat sa akin e. Lumalabas na ako, tapos nakikipagkwentuhan na ako sa kanilang lahat."

According to Katrina, she was placed in circumstances that made her change.

She added: "Hindi na po ako rock. Tao na ako."

Katrina said she was a "rock" for three years. "Para akong nakatulog ng mahimbing ng sandali," she said.

Although she didn't mention it directly, the actress was obviously alluding to her sex video scandal with Hayden Kho Jr.

Puzzle pieces

So what made her decide to change?

"Siguro nakilala ko lang yung sarili ko. Nalaman ko lang na bakit ganun, bakit di ako nakikipagusap, bakit di ako lumalabas," Katrina said.

She also described her state right now as a 'catch up' phase.

"Kuma-catch up ako sa mga dati kong di ko ginagawa. Para tayong mga unfinished puzzle di ba? Tapos yung mga hold back natin yun yung mga pinupulot natin para mabuo ka. Hindi ko sinasadya na pinupulot pero nilalagay ako ng pagkakataon na parang, ganun ba yun, parang di ko naman ito ginagawa dati ha," Katrina explained.

Not ready for relationships

But despite being more relaxed and amiable, Katrina said she's not yet ready to have a boyfriend, adding she has learned to focus more on other people before herself and her lovelife.

"Mas gusto kong ayusin yung sarili ko na ako lang. Tapos iintindihin ko family ko and friends ko. Dun lang yung utak ko," she said.

Katrina further explained: "Hindi ko naman kailangang hanapin sa isang tao para mainspire ako at para ayusin ko ang buhay ko. Pwede ko ayusin yung sarili ko na mainspire lang sa buhay ko, sa trabaho ko, sa mga taong nagmamahal sa akin."

Effect in work

And how has this change affected her work?

"Sa pag-aartista ko, siguro mas focused ako ngayon. Mas gusto kong pagbutihan yung trabaho ko, kasi gusto kong suklian yung mga taong nagtitiwala sa akin. Kasi dati,pag tinanong nyo ako, 'wala, okay lang, uuwi akong Palawan.' Pag wala akong trabaho, ok lang. Tapos na ako sa sarili. Tinutuloy ko yung buhay ko para sa iba na," Katrina said.

As Lynette, Katrina plays antagonist to Camille Prats in "Munting Heredera." How will this kontrabida role be different from her other portrayals in the past?

"Iisipin ko pa po ha. Pero dapat talagang paiiyakin ko yang munting prinsesa na yan, si Sarah," she said, referring to Camille's role as Sarah Crewe in the 90s film "Sarah... Ang Munting Prinsesa."

"Munting Heredera" begins May 9 right after "Captain Barbell" on GMA Telebabad.

Reposted From Chuck Smith of OMG! Philippine News Blog

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