A Repost From Ed Sicam of Yahoo! Southeast Asia

• Some notable 2010 developments in TV

  By Ed Sicam, For Yahoo! Southeast Asia Tuesday December 28, 2010 10:11 pm PST

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Some notable 2010 developments in TV

By Ed Sicam, For Yahoo! Southeast Asia Tuesday December 28, 2010 10:11 pm PST

As the year 2010 comes to a close, I am listing some attention-getting developments that made this year a memorable one for viewers.

● Willie Revillame. The most controversial figure on TV this year was Willie Revillame who faces several lawsuits from ABS-CBN for breach of contract by performing on TV 5. He’s the male version of Kris Aquino who attracts both fanatical loyalists and equally fanatical detractors. I first noticed Willie in the 1980s when he was just an aspiring drummer in a jazz joint called Birdland. Before I knew it, he was performing as a sidekick of the lead stars in movies then later started co-hosting a noontime show with the APO Hiking Society on ABS-CBN. He would eventually become the main host of “Magandang Tanghali Bayan” where he was twice suspended by the network on the urging of MTRCB for vulgar remarks and ungentlemanly behavior during the show. He was given another chance by ABS-CBN in 2003 to host “Wowowee.” This is where he gained a lot of following oftentimes outrating “Eat Bulaga,” the perennial noontime leader.

Willie was suspended again for his arrogance in threatening to resign if his network did not fire talent manager and entertainment writer Jobert Sucaldito for criticizing his program on Radyo Patrol. He was also widely lambasted for uttering supposedly unsavory remarks when an inset of Cory Aquino’s funeral was placed on his show. This time ABS-CBN came down hard on Willie and grounded him for several months. Willie did not take this lying down and instead moved over to TV5. The Kapamilya network has tried unsuccessfully to block the airing of his show but Willie’s lawyers have been doing a great job keeping him on the air.

ABS-CBN only has itself to blame. They gave Willie too many chances in the past because he was attracting high ratings and lots of advertisers. Now, Willie has become a headache that refuses to go away.

(Before I submitted this report, I logged on to TV5’s website and found no trace of Willie’s photo or his program “Willing Willie.” Was this just a case of the website being updated or is something else going on? Hmmm.)

● A stronger TV5. The once-unheralded network is proving to be a worthy challenger to the erstwhile market leaders, ABS-CBN and GMA. With new owner Manny Pangilinan’s awesome financial backing, TV5 has upgraded its technical facilities and attracted stars from the other networks with tempting offers to jump ship. So far, aside from Willie Revillame and Vic Sotto, the talents they’ve landed are not that spectacular.

One of its earliest recruits was Paolo Bediones who left GMA-7.Though I admire his hosting ability, he doesn’t have the same clout as, say Mike Enriquez or Mel Tiangco. Dolphy no longer commands a wide audience so he has become more of a symbol. Maricel Soriano is not the glittering Diamond Star that she was before. Cristy Fermin cannot hold a candle to Boy Abunda. If it’s true that Aga Muhlach has signed up with them, I would consider him a big catch. Are more big names coming? I’m sure the two other networks are now conducting loyalty checks among their big contract stars and offering them financial inducements.

● The proliferation of talent contests. This year saw the networks airing talent shows of every size, shape and color. One of the early birds in this genre was TV5’s “Talentadong Pinoy” hosted by Ryan Agoncillo. It actually started airing in 2008 but made its greatest impact in 2010 when it became TV5’s highest rating program. The format of the show, patterned after “America’s Got Talent,” where singers, dancers, acrobats, comics, musicians, etc. competed in a free-for-all format , was also a segment in the noontime show, “Eat Bulaga” where Ryan is a co-host. It was called “Kahit Sino Pwede” which was eventually phased out to give way to other games like “Pinoy Henyo’ and “Sa Pula, Sa Puti.”

ABS-CBN soon responded with “Showtime” which made Vice Ganda a household name. Proof of his popularity was the huge crowd that attended his concert at the Big Dome. GMA-7 offered “Diz Iz It” but decided to axe it after several months due to poor ratings.. Later, the Kapamilya network would also introduce “Pilipinas Got Talent,” based on the popular US show hosted by, among others, Regis Philbin and Jerry Springer. In contrast, Sharon Cuneta’s “Star Power” on the same network would focus on female singers while TV5’s “Star Factor” with theater veteran Audie Gemora conducted a search for, well, stars.

With so many talent shows, do the three networks have enough room to accommodate the winners in their program line-up?

● Vic Sotto’s continued reign as the “Comedy King” both on TV and in the movies. I mean no offense to Dolphy who has amassed an enviable record in Philippine show business unequalled by his contemporaries. I am a big fan. Although Dolphy is still visible in his TV5 sitcom “Pidol’s Wonderland,” it is obvious that he is no longer in top form. Nor can he be considered as the reignin Comedy King. That title now belongs to Vic. Even Dolphy’s movie “Father Jejemon” fared poorly at the Metro Manila filmfest while Vic and Bong Revilla’s “Si Agimat at Si Enteng Kabisote” is still the top grosser. Vic also has several shows on GMA 7 and TV5. He reminds me of a younger Dolphy who often played the underdog in his movies but emerged victorious in the end. Long live the past and present Comedy Kings.

Reposted From Ed Sicam of Yahoo! Southeast Asia

A Repost From Glenda Villena of Yahoo! Southeast Asia

• 'Rosario' producers disappointed; MMFF stands by results

  By Glenda Villena, For Yahoo! Southeast Asia Monday December 27, 2010 02:47 am PST

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'Rosario' producers disappointed; MMFF stands by results

By Glenda Villena, For Yahoo! Southeast Asia Monday December 27, 2010 02:47 am PST

Controversy won't seem to let go of its tight grip on the Metro Manila Film Festival.

A sudden change in the rules for the 36th MMFF “Gabi ng Parangal” or awards night on Sunday, December 26, was met with criticism and protest.The MMFF organizing committee had decided to just name the top three jury-selected nominees in each category, which led to the apparent snub of even the early award favorites.

Case in point is the highly budgeted historical drama “Rosario” from Cinemabuhay and Studio 5. Two people involved in the movie, director Albert Martinez and actress Jennylyn Mercado, were not even named as nominees for their respective categories despite the film winning Second Best Picture and the Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Cultural Award. It had also been graded “A” by the Cinema Evaluation Board.

Because of this, producers of the film did not hide their disappointment.

In an e-mail to Yahoo! Southeast Asia, “Rosario” producer JoAnn C. Banaga put the nomination process into question.

“CINEMABUHAY and STUDIO 5 are not happy with the nomination process,” Banaga said. “The big question here is -- How could the director of a RATED A movie not even get a nomination? Rosario got highly rated by the Cinema Evaluation Board composed of movie experts... who were the judges of the filmfest? And how could the MMFF change their rulings and just announce the top 3 nominees when in the past years all entries had nominations in each category? When did they change that ruling, overnight lang? We are not saying Ai Ai is not deserving of the award but how can Jennylyn not be nominated at all? Hindi ba siya as deserving as Ai Ai? Disappointing!”

'Rosario' cast: Dennis Trillo, Jennylyn Mercado, and Sid Lucero (Jerome Ascano/NPPA Images)

Meanwhile, Dolphy’s historic double victory in the Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor categories also raised questions if the comedy king really deserved the recognitions for his roles in “Rosario” and “Fr. Jejemon.” Critics say the merits were only given out of mercy to pay respect to Dolphy, who indicated that this would be his last festival appearance.

Committee defends selection process

Butch Francisco, a member of the MMFF board of jurors was quick to defend the board's final decision, starting with the nominees for best actress.

“It’s difficult e unang-una kasi, si Marian Rivera…she was so natural. Carla Abellana was a revelation,” Francisco told entertainment reporters.

Francisco also gave his comments on why Jennylyn was not included in the top three nominees for best actress.

“There is a certain character to carry the movie di ba? Yun, I don’t know I still have to stress out everything in my head but we were kind of expecting that this was going to happen, when we were submitting it,” added Francisco.

The showbiz host and writer also stood by the decision to award Dolphy the Best Supporting Actor and Best Actor recognitions.

“Dolphy really deserved two awards. Even if he only had very, very few scenes with Rosario, such as the scene where he was talking to MVP (business tycoon Manny Pangilinan, grandson of the lead character in the film), that’s a winner in itself. (In that scene when) he was in the office of MVP, that was the best performance by Dolphy ever. I mean surpassing even practically “Ang Tatay kong Nanay,” which was his best,” Francisco told Yahoo! Southeast Asia. "In ‘Father Jejemon,’ he was natural. He carried the movie. He was effective in every scene so it’s not because we think this is going to be his last. I wish he’d have some more, so if he gives a performance similar to this, again he’ll probably win again. Except for the communion scene that was my only quarrel in the film, they took it out. But it didn’t affect the movie, the acting,” he added.

Meanwhile, President Benigno C. Aquino III’s spokesperson Edwin Lacierda, who acted as chairman of the MMFF Board of Jurors, said he was happy and satisfied with the selection of winners.

“Yes. The members of the board of judges came from different sectors part of them mostly from the film industry. It was chosen based from the appreciation of each member. I think the process was very democratic, so it seems like the public also is in agreement with the choices of the winners,” Lacierda told Yahoo! Southeast Asia.

When asked if he is ready to face criticisms from the public who were not happy with the outcome of the MMFF, this is what he had to say.

“I have no problem with that. We can always defend the process by which we adhere when the winners were chosen. Walang problema yun. We can face whoever the critics are and tell them this is how we did it and it was based on the assessment of the judges,” said Lacierda.

Board of Jurors

Aside from Lacierda and Francisco, other members of the board of jurors include Ricardo Tropeo, Deedee Sytangco, Robert Arevalo, Emmanuel Borlaza, May Paner, Maria Baby Villegas, Arnold Cabaluna, who is a public school teacher from Mandaluyong City, Justin Binos, a student from Makati City, and Newton Medina, a bus driver from Muntinlupa City.

The pool was originally kept secret to maintain objectivity and credibility. Earlier this month, the inclusion of the members from the public sector replaced earlier rules on determining best picture winners that allot 50% of the jury vote to gross share. The newly added members of the board from the public sector went through film appreciation sessions courtesy of MMFF committee chairman Francis Tolentino, who is also the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman.

Trimming down nominees from the original 8 down to 3-5 contenders was earlier decided to secure a more solid decision process.

Next year, more changes will be applied to the MMFF awarding process, including the introduction of text or SMS votes to determine the festival winners.

Reposted From Glenda Villena of Yahoo! Southeast Asia

A Repost From PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal)

Ai-Ai delas Alas and Kris Aquino urge people to watch Dolphy's MMFF movie

PEP - Tuesday, December 28

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Ai-Ai delas Alas and Kris Aquino urge people to watch Dolphy's MMFF movie

Slideshow: Showbiz Photos

Naging emosyunal si Ai-Ai delas Alas nang magbigay-pugay siya sa King of Comedy na si Dolphy at hilingin sa mga tao na huwag nang iboykot ang pelikula nitong Father Jejemon, na isa rin sa mga entry sa ginaganap ngayong 2010 Metro Manila Film Festival.

Ito nga ang isa pang wish si Ai-Ai bukod sa wish niya na manalo ng Best Actress award sa 2010 Metro Manila Film Festival Awards Night na eventually natupad nga kagabi, December 26. (CLICK HERE to read related story.)

Ilang oras bago ang awards night ay nabunyag ang mga wish na ito ni Ai-Ai sa kanyang live guesting sa The Buzz kahapon habang kausap ang host na si Boy Abunda at guest host na si Kris Aquino.

Matapos magpasalamat ni Ai-Ai sa mga tao dahil sa malaking kinita ng pelikula niyang Ang Tanging Ina Mo (Last Na 'To!) sa first two days ng MMFF ay inihayag na niya ang kanyang wish para kay Mang Dolphy.

Aniya, "Sana po ay patuloy n'yo pa ring tangkilikin ang Tanging Ina. Pero meron pa rin po akong isang kahilingan sa inyo.

"Ngayon pong Pasko, puwede namang dalawa ang inyong gift. Yung gift n'yo po sa akin sa Tanging Ina, sa Dalaw ni Kris.

"Isa pa rin pong hinihiling ko sa inyo. Kasi po, tutal tapos na naman po yung mga kontrobersiya tungkol sa sensitibong parte sa pelikula ni Tito Dolphy, natanggal na.

"Alam n'yo po kaming mga komedyante, nandito po kami... si Tito Dolphy po muna bago po kami. So, malaki po ang utang na loob namin kay Tito Dolphy, kaming mga komedyante.

"Dahil siya po ang unang-una na nagpauso ng mga comedy. Ni-ready niya po ang mga taong-bayan para sa comedy films ng Metro Manila Filmfest.

"Ngayon po, nakikiusap po ako na sana panoorin po natin ang Father Jejemon," naiiyak na hiling ni Ai Ai.

Ito raw ang isang paraan niya para bigyang-pugay ang Comedy King.

"Ako po, nagbibigay-pugay po ako kay Tito Dolphy dahil gusto ko pong maging masaya siya. Kaya sana manood po kayo ng Father Jejemon."

Matatandaang ilang sektor ang pumuna sa ilang eksena sa pelikula na umano'y pambabastos sa paniniwala sa relihiyong Katoliko. Ito nga ay ang communion scene kung saan nahulog sa dibdib ng isang babae ang banal na ostiya at naipit naman sa pustiso ng isa pa.

May ilang grupo pang nagtawag na iboykot daw ang Father Jejemon.

Bago nga lumala pa ang naturang kontrobersiya ay nag-self regulate na ang produksyon nina Dolphy at Zsa Zsa Padilla at tinanggal na ang mga naturang eksena. (CLICK HERE to read related story.)

Bukod sa pag-iisyu ng public apology, sumailalim din ang Father Jejemon sa second review ng Movie and Television Review and Classification Board.

Ang kontrobersiyang ito ang isa sa itinuturong dahilan kaya kasalukuyang nangungulelat sa takilya ang Father Jejemon.

KRIS PRAISES DOLPHY. Matapos magsalita ni Ai-Ai, si Kris naman ang nagbahagi ng kanyang kuwento tungkol kay Mang Dolphy.

"Ikukuwento ko lang yung what he did for my brother [President Noynoy Aquino]. He went out of his way to say sorry kay Noy. And he said sorry to me. Sabi ko, 'Wala yun, naintindihan ko.'"

Noong nakaraang national elections kasi ay ang kalaban sa pampanguluhan ni President Noynoy na si Senator Manny Villar ang inendorso at sinuportahan ni Mang Dolphy.

Pero kinalimutan na raw nina Kris ang bagay na ito bagkus ay nirerespeto niya si Mang Dolphy at ang pamilya nito dahil sa pagso-sorry at pagpapasalamat sa kanila.

Kuwento niya, "Nung binigyan siya ng award [Grand Collar of the Order of the Golden Heart Presidential Award] ni Noy and they went to Malacañang, sobra yung pasasalamat na ginawa nila.

"Parang they were saying na hindi na nga nila kinampanya si Noy, but Noy recognized pa his contribution to so many people. I said, dapat lang naman kasi ang laki talaga ng naibigay ni Tito Dolphy for our industry.

"You know, I respected them so much," patuloy ni Kris.

"Number one for apologizing because they didn't have to. At number two, for saying thank you kasi hindi madaling mag-thank you, ha. Maraming mayayabang na hindi marunong mag-thank you.

"Pero si Tito Dolphy is the epitome of humility. So, sana let's pray for him talaga for his good health and his success."

Dagdag pa ni Kris, sigurado naman daw na ang iba pang big stars sa MMFF entries ay nakikiisa na sana ay walang madehado sa ginaganap na film festival.

"I'm sure Vic Sotto and Senator Bong Revilla share the same sentiment na you know, haligi talaga ng industriya natin [si Tito Dolphy]. So, we should uplift each other."

Ang pelikula nina Vic at Senator Bong na Si Agimat at Si Enteng Kabisote ang nangunguna ngayon sa takilya sa MMFF.

Marami nga ang naghahangad na sana ay umarangkada pa sa takilya ang Father Jejemon, lalo na't nagwagi pa si Mang Dolphy ng Best Actor para rito sa MMFF Awards Night. Nanalo ring Best Supporting Actor ang Comedy King para naman sa pelikulang Rosario.

Reposted From PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal)

A Repost From Glenda Villena of Yahoo! Southeast Asia

• Bong-Vic starrer tops MMFF first day box office

  By Glenda Villena, For Yahoo! Southeast Asia Sunday December 26, 2010 09:53 am PST

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Bong-Vic starrer tops MMFF first day box office

By Glenda Villena, For Yahoo! Southeast Asia Sunday December 26, 2010 09:53 am PST

A merged franchise of fantasy flicks during the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) took the reins in the box office during opening day.

Based on figures the 2010 MMFF Organizing Committee supplied Yahoo! Southeast Asia, “Si Agimat at Si Enteng Kabisote,” which stars Sen. Bong Revilla and Vic Sotto, had an opening day gross of P31 million as the festival commenced on Christmas Day. The film, a co-production of Revilla’s Imus Productions, Sotto’s M-Zet Films, OctoArts Films, and APT Productions, was touted as the festival top-grosser due to its wide audience reach, appealing visual effects, and a dream match-up of top-grossing lead actors.

Ai Ai delas Alas’s “Ang Tanging Ina Mo (Last Na ‘To),” the final chapter of another blockbuster film franchise from Star Cinema, finished second with a first-day gross of P20 million.

At third is the Kris Aquino-led horror film “Dalaw,” which is another Star Cinema entry, grossing P12.5 million on opening day. A close fourth is Regal Films’ “Shake, Rattle and Roll 12,” with P11.8 million.

Here are the rest of the festival entries and their box office earnings last December 25:

“RPG Metanoia” (Star Cinema, Ambient Media) – P5.1 million

“Super Inday and the Golden Bibe” (Regal Films) – P4.7 million

“Rosario” (Cinemabuhay, Studio 5) – P3.2 million

“Father Jejemon” (RVQ Productions) – P1.4 million

Photo courtesy of the Metro Manila Film Festival

Reposted From Glenda Villena of Yahoo! Southeast Asia

A Repost From PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal)

Ogie Alcasid Regine Velasquez are now officially husband and wife!

PEP - Thursday, December 23

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Ogie Alcasid and Regine Velasquez are now officially husband and wife!

Slideshow: Showbiz Photos

Kasal na sina Ogie Alcasid at Regine Velasquez.

Naganap ang kasal ng dalawang singers sa Terrazas de Punta Fuego, isang beach resort, sa Nasugbu, Batangas, kaninang bandang alas-tres ng hapon, December 22, at natapos ito bago mag-5 PM.

Ayon kay Karen Pagsolingan, ang representative ng PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) na dumalo sa wedding, naluha sina Ogie at Regine habang nag-e-exchange ng kanilang wedding vows. Ibinigay ng dalawa ang kanilang vows sa pamamagitan ng kanta.

Sa isang bahagi ng wedding vow ni Ogie ay sinabi niyang, "I'll be your number one Reginean, your Brad Pitt, and Justin Bieber..."

Bilang bahagi ng kanyang wedding vow, inawit ng Songbird ang "Di Ko Malimutan" ng APO Hiking Society. Nangako siyang mamahalin niya si Ogie, na ayon sa kanya ay "cute na cute" siya. Nanghingi na rin si Regine ng paumanhin kay Ogie dahil minsan ay nasusungitan niya ito, ganun daw yata ang malapit nang "mag-menopause." Tawanan ang mga bisita sa kanyang biro.

Tinapos naman ni Regine ang kanyang wedding vow sa linyang ito: "I've never felt so happy all my life."

Nakasuot si Regine ng bright red gown, na gawa ni Monique Lhuillier. Si Ogie naman ay naka-coat and tie.

Nang iproklama sila bilang husband and wife, tumugtog ang "Kailangan Ko'y Ikaw," na isinulat ni Ogie para kay Regine.

Maganda at romantic ang venue ng kasalan.

Ayon sa report ni Karen Pagsolingan ng PEP, "The venue was filled with violet, pink, and white flowers. Visitors are dressed in pastel colors. The altar is overlooking the hills."

Nangunguna sa mga bisita si Pangulong Noynoy Aquino, na isa sa groomsmen.

Sabay na naglakad ang matriarch ng Regal Films na si Lily Monteverde at Viva big boss na si Vic del Rosario bilang principal sponsors. Principal sponsor rin si Sharon Cuneta ngunit nagka-problema siya sa kanyang gown. kaya kahit naka-makeup na siya,

Ilan pa sa mga bisita ng Songbird at sa Singer-Songwriter ay ang mga kaibigan nila sa showbiz na sina Kris Aquino, Ai-Ai delas Alas, Michael V., Senator Bong Revilla, Christian Bautista, Noel Cabangon, John Prats, Rachelle Ann Go, Direk Louie Ignacio, at Direk Dante Nico Garcia.

Kasama rin sina Dennis Trillo, Jose Mari Chan, Pia Magalona, German Moreno, Kuh Ledesma at ang anak niyang si Isabella. Naroon din ang mga Gutierrezes na sina Eddie, Annabelle, Ruffa, at Richard.

Ilan sa couples na dumalo ay sina Richard Gomez at ang asawa niyang si Cong. Lucy Torres, na nakasuot ng isang gray na gown. Kasama naman ni Dingdong Dantes ang kasintahang si Marian Rivera, na naka-light blue-green sequined gown.

Kasama naman ni Robert Chien ang asawang si Lea Salonga, na nakasuot ng baby pink na gown. Kasama naman ni Janno Gibbs ang asawang si Bing Loyzaga at ang kanilang dalawang anak na babae. Sabay ring dumating ang magkasintahang sina Dra. Vicki Belo at Hayden Kho Jr.

Dumalo rin ang big bosses ng dalawa sa GMA-7 na sina Atty. Felipe Gozon, Wilma Galvante, Lilybeth Rasonable, Darling de Jesus, at Redgie Magno.

Ang ibang dumalo ay ang Bench owner na si Ben Chan, TAPE executive na si Mr. Tony Tuviera, at TV5 big boss na si Mr. Manny Pangilinan.

Hindi naman mawawala and dating asawa ni Ogie na si Michelle Van Eimeren kasama ang mga anak niyang sina Leila at Sarah. Kasama ni Michelle ang asawang si Mark Morrow.

Ginamit sa naganap na kasalan ang mga kanta nina Regine at Ogie, kasama na ang "Pangarap Ko ang Ibigin Ka" at "Kailangan Kita."

Kasunod ng kasal ay ang reception na gaganapin sa beachfront ng Terrazas de Punta Fuego.

Reposted From PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal)

A Repost From Manila Bulletin

Mosley fight a done deal - Bob Arum

Manila Bulletin - Tuesday, December 21

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MANILA, Philippines - Less than 24 hours after getting back to his familiar haunt in Las Vegas, Bob Arum was back in business, meeting with rap mogul James Prince in an effort to close out a deal for a May 7 showdown between Manny Pacquiao and Shane Mosley. "We had a very good meeting," Arum told the Bulletin on Tuesday, still fresh from a five-day working vacation in the Philippines where the Hall of Fame promoter discussed with Pacquiao the date and place of the fight and the name of the opponent. Prince now represents Mosley and Arum is looking forward to a formal announcement being made anytime soon since the Top Rank chief is embarking on a vacation in Aspen in Colorado and Cabo San Lucas in Mexico. James will now run the documents up with Mosley and Arum answered in the affirmative when asked if the entire proceeding was meant to just dot the Is and cross the Ts. While in the country last week, Arum was able to finalize the date and venue of the much-awaited fight, naming the 17,000-seat MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas as the venue. As this developed, trainer Freddie Roach said he will have Pacquiao ready for whoever is selected as foe, stressing that Mosley poses the biggest threat since the 39-year-old US puncher is more dangerous than the two other candidates: Juan Manuel Marquez and Andre Berto. "I am not counting him out," said Roach on Tuesday while wrapping up at the Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood. Roach said Mosley is "very dangerous in the first four rounds." Reminded that Mosley is pushing 40, Roach shrugged it off, citing that Mosley was devastating when he mauled Mexican toughie Antonio Margarito "when he was pushing 39 years old." "If people think this is going to be an easy fight for Manny, they're crazy," added Roach, who was also in the country last week with Arum.

Reposted From Manila Bulletin

A Repost From PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal)

TV5 on Aga Muhlach's rumored transfer: "Kung may ia-announce man kami, gusto namin in a big way."

PEP - Tuesday, December 21

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TV5 on Aga Muhlach's rumored transfer: "Kung may ia-announce man kami, gusto namin in a big way."

Slideshow: Showbiz Photos

Una nang lumabas dito sa PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) ang balita tungkol sa paglipat ng isa sa big stars ng ABS-CBN na si Aga Muhlach sa TV5.

Diumano'y pumirma na raw ng kontrata ang aktor at sa January 2011 na ito magsisimula sa TV5. (CLICK HERE to read related story.)

Kaya naman ang tungkol dito ang inusisa ng PEP nang makausap namin ang Vice President for Entertainment ng TV5 na si Perci Intalan sa presscon para sa regional expansion ng Kapatid network na ginanap pa sa Lenox Hotel sa Dagupan City, Pangasinan, noong Sabado, December 18.

Kasama rin sa naturang presscon sina TV5 COO Bobby Barrero at Head of Provincial Operations Raul dela Cruz.

Pumirma na ba talaga si Aga ng kontrata sa TV5?

"Masyado pa kasing maaga para pag-usapan yang mga ganyan," sabi ni Sir Perci.

"Kung may ia-announce man kami, gusto namin in a big way.

"Kasi pag in-announce namin ng paunti-unti, nawawalan na ng impact, kung may ia-announce kaming malaki," tila bitin na pahayag ni Perci.

Gaano ba katotoo yung mga nababalitang mga artista at TV executives na lilipat daw sa TV5?

"Alam n'yo, pag may naiisyung ganyan na may lilipat na artista para mapag-usapan, at saka may mga executives daw na magta-transfer, I would say na 30 to 40 percent doon totoo.

"The rest, nagugulat lang kami," saad ng network executive.

Ano ang reaksiyon ng TV5 sa bagay na ito na parang nagagamit silang leverage ng ibang artista?

"Kami, we know naman na that's how the business works. Kanya-kanyang side lalo na pag magne-negotiation or something.

"But also sometimes, ito rin ang pinagsisimulan ng intriga. So, sometimes nakita lang, pumunta lang, or nakausap ako o kausap si Nay Cristy [Fermin], o kung sino, ayan na, natsismis na lilipat daw sa TV5.

"Kami as a network, ang stand namin, well, salamat napag-uusapan kami.

"Salamat at ganun kalaki ang tingin sa amin ng industriya, na pag mayroong nag-iisip umalis o nag-iisip mag-iba ng environment, kami kaagad ang nasa isip.

"Hindi na lang ABS ngayon or GMA, e. Ang iniisip nila, TV5 kaagad," saad niya.

PIOLO & SARAH. Isa sa mga nabalitang lilipat umano sa TV5 ay si Piolo Pascual. Pero pinabulaanan na ito ng aktor at solid Kapamilya daw siya.

Pero tinanong pa rin namin si Sir Perci kung kasama ba sa mga hindi natuloy sa paglipat sana sa TV5 si Piolo.

"Kasi, the truth is I never met Piolo," sabi niya.

"So, again, hindi naman sarado ang pinto namin. Kasi, ganyan-ganyan din yung question dati kay Willie [Revillame], di ba?

"And that time, I really don't know him personally because I never met Willie. But eventually, nangyari naman [ang paglipat].

"So, ako, I've learned na hindi ko masasabi categorically na hindi natuloy o matutuloy, anything can happen.

"But pag nandiyan na, ia-announce na."

How about yung isyu naman ng pag-transfer daw ni Sarah Geronimo?

"Yung kay Sarah, alam ko kung saan nanggagaling. Because people think na si Boss Vic [del Rosario of Viva Entertainment] nga is always seen sa TV5. And si Sarah very well known na Viva talent.

"So, ang daming nagtatanong: 'Si Boss Vic nandiyan na, si Sarah ba lilipat?'

"I won't deny na hindi namin pinag-uusapan. But siyempre, nandoon yung biruan, nandun yung exploratory.

"But at the end of the day, may kontrata pa si Sarah sa ABS, e. So, yun.

"In the future baka, di ba?"

Mas nagiging maingat ba sila ngayon kaya hindi sila nagbibigay agad ng detalye, lalo na pag may lilipat sa kanila?

"Hindi naman sa ganun," sagot ni Sir Perci.

"Ang legal [department] naman has always advised us. And then yung presidente namin [Atty. Ray Espinosa] is a lawyer, so kinokonsulta rin namin kung puwede na bang pag-usapan yung ganitong bagay o hindi pa.

"Pero malakas din kasi ang loob namin, like kunyari dun sa mga projects na parating, di ba, ang dami-dami naming ina-announce na? Dahil nga kilala sila [mga lumilipat na artista], so we weigh that.

"And sabi namin, magli-leak at magli-leak din naman kaya might as well ia-announce na namin yung mga shows.

"And we're confident na the shows will work for us.

"Hindi namin kasi iniisip ngayon kung ano ang katapat, e. Ang iniisip namin, kung magugustuhan ba ito ng mga audience namin.

"E, yung audience naman namin, we're confident na meron nang loyal kahit papaano sa TV5. Kasi nakakapag-launch na kami ng show na nagna-number one on its first episode.

"Obviously, nanonood sila kaya mas malakas na ang loob namin."

REMAKES. Naisulat na rin dito sa PEP ang bagong shows na aabangan sa TV5 sa 2011, na ina-announce nga during the Christmas Party for the Press kamakailan. (CLICK HERE to read related story.)

Pero ang tanong ng mga press ay kung bakit marami sa mga show na ito ay movie remakes, gaya ng Utol Kong Hoodlum, Bagets, Humanap Ka Ng Panget, Babaeng Hampaslupa, P.S. I Love You, at iba pa?

"Actually, ginagawa rin naman yun ng other stations," sagot ni Sir Perci.

"Kasi itong mga movies na ito ay may recall na sa mga tao. But ang gagawin namin ay hindi lang namin ire-retell yung mga istorya.

"Like kunyari yung Bagets, new generation na, and totally bagong generation na rin ng viewers, e. So, bago yung cast, bago yung approach.

"The fact na marami kaming gagawing remakes, it doesn't mean na wala kaming gagawing original.

"Marami rin kaming gagawin and we just have to announce it yet."

Dahil napag-uusapan nga ang remakes, naitanong din ng mga press kung wala bang balak gumawa ang TV5 ng remake ng Palibhasa Lalake, o ng katulad ng format nito, lalo na't karamihan sa mga bida ng comedy show na ito ay nasa TV5 na katulad nina Richard Gomez, John Estrada, Amy Perez, at Anjo Yllana.

"Matagal na naming pinag-uusapan 'yan, e. Kaso siyempre, ayaw na muna naming i-touch yun.

"Pero sila na rin mismo nagkakaroon ng chance na magsama-sama.

"Kasi doon nga sa show ni John Estrada na Hapi Together, may time na ginest niya si Goma [Richard Gomez], si Joey [Marquez], si Anjo.

"So, baka, hindi ko masasabi kung mangyayari."

Hindi kaya magkaroon na naman ng kaso ng copyright infringement with ABS-CBN kung saan nagsimula ang Palibhasa Lalake?

"Hindi, kasi obviously it will not be the same. Yung cast though, puwede namang magsama-sama.

"Yun nga lang, hindi kami sure kung kaya namin pagsama-samahin talaga kasi, una, yung schedule nila kailangan magtugma-tugma.

"Pangalawa, malaking budget ang kailangan doon kasi ang dami nilang magsasama-sama.

"But definitely, napag-uusapan."

EXPANSIONS. Confident ang TV5 na mas titindi pa ang lakas nila dahil sa mga isinasagawa nilang expansions.

Nauna na nga rito ang regional expansion nila sa Pangasinan. Nag-kickoff ito sa live airing ng Willing Willie sa Beachfront Capitol Complex sa Lingayen, Pangasinan noong Sabado, December 18, na talagang dinumog ng libu-libong mga tao.

Marami pa raw dapat abangan sa ginagawa nilang regional expansion sa Pangasinan. Magtatayo na raw sila ng TV5 Dagupan office at Baguio news bureau.

Sa first quarter ng 2011, ang TV5 ay magkakaroon din ng local news programs at variety shows sa North Luzon, lalo na't nakapag-acquire na sila ng franchise sa Baguio.

Kaya napapanood na ang TV5 sa North Luzon areas gaya ng Baguio, Mt. Province, La Union, Tarlac, at Pangasinan via Channel 28.

Ang dalawang major areas na isusunod nila para sa kanilang regional expansion ay ang Davao at Cebu.

Sisimulan na rin ng TV5 ang kanilang international operations by first quarter ng 2011.

"Marami pa kaming gagawing expansions, improvements by 2011. Just wait and see because we're all geared up to really hit it big in 2011," sabi ni Sir Perci.

Reposted From PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal)

A Repost From Glenda Villena of Yahoo! Southeast Asia

• Cristine continues to lambast Sarah

  By Glenda Villena, For Yahoo! Southeast Asia Wednesday December 15, 2010 07:48 pm PST

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Cristine continues to lambast Sarah

By Glenda Villena, For Yahoo! Southeast Asia Wednesday December 15, 2010 07:48 pm PST

Cristine Reyes continued to lambast the object of her Twitter ramblings in a series of text messages sent to tabloid columnist and TV host Cristy Fermin.

The messages, which were shown during the December 14 episode of TV5's "Juicy," confirmed that indeed the object of the sexy actress's angry outbursts was Sarah Geronimo.

"Ang kinasasama ng loob ko kasi ako ang nagdadala ng mga ginagawa niya kay Rayver. Oo nasaktan siya pero hindi yun dahilan para manapak ka," Cristine said.

The "Martha Cecilia's 'Kristine'" star maintained that she did not "steal" Rayver Cruz from Geronimo and that what happened during the "ASAP" rehearsal was a bad joke.

Cristine added: "Tama sila biruan po yun. Pero kung magbibiro ka po sana yung wala kang papatamaan. At maling biro yun kasi alam niya na hindi ako nang-agaw. Alam na alam niya po yun."

Reyes also accused Geronimo of being "two-faced."

"Huwag niya po ako palabasin na mang-aagaw o naghahabol yun lang po ang kinapipikon ko. Titirahin niya ako patalikod pero pag nandun po ako ang bait niya sa akin," Cristine said.

Throughout the ordeal, Cristine somehow admitted her still on-going relationship with the fellow Kapamilya star, Rayver, who has kept mum since the whole issue started. She also hinted that allegedly Geronimo influenced "ASAP" to put a stop to Rayver's opening numbers. She explained: "Alam niyo po ba kung bakit nakakapag opening ulit si Rayver sa ‘ASAP'? Dahil sa 'kin. Pinaglalaban ko yun. Ngayon lang ulit yan nakakapag-opening."

Meanwhile, Geronimo's handler Anna Dasig defended the Pop Star Princess from Cristine's accusations last Sunday. Addressing Cristine, she said, "Nagbibiruan lang sila ni John Prats kanina. Ewan ko kung bakit kailangan mong mag-react ng over ng ganito? Relax ka lang!"

For his part, John Prats has expressed his sadness over the issue explaining that there was nothing wrong with what Geronimo said during rehearsals. He is hoping that Cristine and Sarah would patch things up.

Reposted From Glenda Villena of Yahoo! Southeast Asia

A Repost From PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal)

Regine Velasquez becomes emotional on her "last day" in Party Pilipinas

PEP - Monday, December 13

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Regine Velasquez becomes emotional on her "last day" in Party Pilipinas

Slideshow: Showbiz Photos

Naging emosyunal si Regine Velasquez sa huling araw niya sa Party Pilipinas kaninang hapon, December 12.

Pansamantala muna kasing hindi mapapanood ang Asia's Songbird sa musical-variety show ng GMA-7 dahil sa paghahanda sa kanyang kasal kay Ogie Alcasid sampung araw mula ngayon—December 22.

Sa bandang huling bahagi ng Party Pilipinas kanina ay binigyan ng maliit na "tribute" si Regine.

Pagkatapos kantahin ng singer-actress ang isa sa mga awitin sa kanyang bagong album na Fantasy—ang "Ok Lang Ako" na nilika ni Chito Miranda ng Parokya Ni Edgar—ay iginawad sa kanya ang Gold Record Award.

Wala pang isang buwan na na-release ang bagong album ni Regine, pero nag-Gold na ito. At ayon sa Universal Records boss na si Kathleen Dy ay No. 1 dahil sa lahat ng record stores.

Sa kanyang pagpapasalamat, nabanggit ni Regine na na-realize niya na ang Fantasy na pala ang huling album niya bilang "Regine Velasquez." Next year kasi ay magiging "Mrs. Ogie Alcasid" na siya.

Pagkatapos ng awarding kay Regine ay sumunod na ang pagkanta ng mga kasamahan niya sa programa na sina Jaya, Kyla, Rachelle Ann Go, at ang La Diva (Jonalyn Viray, Aicelle Santos, at Maricris Garcia) ng ilan sa mga pinasikat niyang mga kanta: "Kailangan Ko'y Ikaw, "Love Me Again," "Dadalhin," at ang cover version ng "On The Wings of Love."

Pagkatapos bumirit ni Jaya ng "On The Wings of Love" ay tinawag niya si Regine, na katabi ni Ogie sa may gilid ng stage, para magsalita at magbigay muli ng isang awitin.

NEW PAGE IN REGINE'S LIFE. Pag-akyat ng Asia's Songbird sa stage, natatawang sinabi niya kung bakit binibigyan siya ng tribute samantalang hindi naman siya tuluyang magpapaalam sa Party Pilipinas.

"Hindi ako magpapaalam, mag-aasawa lang ako!" bulalas niya.

Pagkatapos nito ay naging seryoso na si Regine at nagsalita siya tungkol sa bagong yugto na papasukin niya sa kanyang buhay.

Sabi niya, natapos na ang "pag-iisip" niya para sa kanyang mga magulang at mga kapatid.

"Tapos na po ako do'n. Lahat po ng mga kapatid ko, and thank God, they are all doing well. And my parents are doing well also.

"Maraming salamat kay Lord kasi natapos ko na 'yon," naluluha nang sabi ni Regine.

Hindi naman kaila sa marami na si Regine ang nagtaguyod sa kanyang pamilya mula nang manalo siya sa Bagong Kampeon hanggang sa sumikat siya bilang singer ar aktres.

"And there was a time na ako na lang ang iniisip ko," patuloy ng Asia's Songbird.

"So ngayon, medy mababago ulit kasi hindi ko na masyadong iisipin yung sarili ko. Kasi, kailangan isipin ko na meron na pala akong partner."

Ang tinutukoy na "partner" siyempre ni Regine ay ang magiging asawa niya na si Ogie Alcasid.

Pagkatapos nito ay pinasalamatan ni Regine ang "lahat ng mga nakasama ko simula pa lang"—mula sa una niyang manager na si Ronnie Henares hanggang sa kanyang kapatid na si Cacai Velasquez, na siyang humahawak sa career niya ngayon.

Dahil hindi niya mapigilang umiyak habang nagsasalita, nagbiro ito ng: "Pasensiya na kayo, medyo emotional ako, hormones! Hello!"

Patuloy niya, "Nagpapasalamat din ako sa mga taong tumulong sa akin.

"Higit sa lahat, nagpapasalamat po ako sa mga kaibigan ko na patuloy pong sumusuporta sa mga album ko, nanonood ng mga pelikula ko, bumibili ng mga CD ko.

"Nagbabasa ako minsan sa Internet, nakakatawa, kasi nilalagay nila do'n: 'Regine at 40, ikaw pa rin!'

"Bakit naman kailangan may 40 pa?" natatawa niyang sabi.

"No, but thank you.

"From the bottom of my heart, hindi ko po mararating kung ano po ang narating ko ngayon kung wala po kayo.

"Maraming-maraming salamat po," naiiyak na sabi pa ni Regine.

THANK YOU, BUT NO GOODBYE. Pero paglilinaw niya, "Hindi po ako nagpapaalam, nagpapasalamat lang po ako.

"Hindi naman po ako magpapaalam dahil ayaw naman po akong pahintuin ng magiging asawa ko.

"I'm very thankful na sabi niya, kung pagod na ako, magpahinga ako sa ibang bagay na ginagawa ko. Pero huwag ko daw iwan ang pagkanta.

"Thank you very much, Babu," mensahe ni Regine sa kanyang future husband.

Pinasalamatan muli ni Regine ang mga nakatrabaho niya sa Party Pilipinas.

"Magkita-kita tayo next year kasi may pasabog ako next year! Good luck! Abangan n'yo!" dagdag niya.

REGINE'S "SONG." Pagkatapos nito ay tumugtog na ang piyesa para number niyang "You Are My Song."

Pero pagkatapos ng unang verse ng kanta ay hindi na naituloy ni Regine ang pagkanta dahil tuluyan nang umagos ang luha niya.

"Ano ba?!" natatawa niyang sabi, pero hindi pa rin niya mapigilan ang kanyang emosyon at hindi pa rin siya nakakanta.

Dahil dito, sinalo na lang siya ng kaibigan niyang si Jaya, na nasa gilid na ng stage, at siyang nagtuloy ng kanta. Sumabay na rin sina Kyla, Rachelle Ann, La Diva, at maging si Ogie.

Nang maka-recover si Regine nung bandang huli ay itinuloy niya ang pagbirit sa kanyang sariling kanta.

Bagamat hindi muna mapapanood si Regine sa Party Pilipinas, hindi naman siya tuluyang mami-miss ng kanyang fans dahil may nakahanda na siyang teleserye sa Kapuso network.

Isa sa opening salvo ng GMA-7 sa 2011 ang I ♥ You Pare na pagsasamahan nina Regine at Dingdong Dantes.

Reposted From PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal)

A Repost From PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal)

Aga Muhlach says all is well between him and Sharon Cuneta; denies he is the subject of a network-transfer blind item

PEP - Saturday, December 11

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Aga Muhlach says all is well between him and Sharon Cuneta; denies he is the subject of a network-transfer blind item

Slideshow: Showbiz Photos

Namigay ng mga regalo si Aga Muhlach, at ang ini-endorso niyang fast-food chain na Jollibee, sa mga batang kapus-palad at galing sa mga bahay-ampunan kaninang tanghalian sa PICC Forum 3, CCP Complex, Pasay City.

Kunektado ang gift-giving activity na ito nina Aga at ng fast-food company sa kampanya nilang "MaAGA ang Pasko" toys and books drive na nag-kick-off para sa taong ito noong November 11 sa One Esplanade, Pasay City.

Mga bata mula sa iba't ibang mahihirap na barangay sa Metro Manila at iba't ibang bahay-ampunan ang biniyayaan nina Aga ng mga regalong laruan, libro at pagkain.

May mga palaro, photo booth, at food carts pa para sa mga bata na nakinabang sa mahigit 30,000 gifts na magkakahalong mga laruan at mga libro.

Pagkatapos ng pamimigay ni Aga ng mga regalo ay pinaligiran na siya ng mga naghihintay sa kanyang showbiz press people na kinabibilangan din ng PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal).

OK WITH MEGA. Siyempre pa, tinanong agad ang aktor tungkol sa nakaraang tampuhan nila ng Megastar na si Sharon Cuneta.

"Okey na. 'Tsaka wala naman kaming problema talaga. Everything's okay. It's just blown out of proportion. And, uh... ayos na yun. All's well.

"There were so many things that have been said already, so... all is well, so I'll just stop at that. Okey na yun," ulit pa ng aktor na binagayan ng buhok niyang may highlight na pula at gold.

Tinanong din si Aga kung sa pagbabati ba nila ay may kasunod na bang proyekto silang gagawin ni Sharon.

"Wala pa. Wala pa talaga. I think may gagawin pa siya... at ako, may ginagawa pa 'ko. Pero in time, pagka dumating yung tamang proyekto para sa amin, I mean, why not? I'm always willing to work with her and she knows that naman. So, hindi naman yung..."

Tila pinigilan ni Aga ang sarili na magdetalye pa kung bakit nga lumabas ang tampuhan issue sa kanila ang kaibigan niya, bago nagpatuloy. "Wala yun. Hindi nagtatampo yun. Okey na yun."

Para kay Aga, tapos na ang isyu sa kanila ni Mega at ayaw na niyang magkomento pa.

"I don't wanna comment on that anymore. All is well at yun ang importante roon. Basta hindi ako... Wala. Wala naman akong ginawang masama. Tampuhan lang namin yun. Wala yun. Ganun naman talaga kami parati," nakangiti pang sabi ng aktor.

PAST RIFT WITH GOV. VI. Nabanggit din kay Aga ang tungkol naman sa ni-reveal kamakailan ni Batangas Governor Vilma Santos-Recto na nagkaroon din sila ng matagal na tampuhan, pero bati na nga sila uli ngayon.

"Ha? Ano ba yan? Ang dami namang tampuhan!" nagtataka, pero nakangiting tugon agad ni Aga. "Wala yun. Anu-ano lang yun, nothing serious. Ngayon lang ako nagsalita...it's all good, really. Yun lang yun.

"Sino ba naman ako para makipag-anuhan sa kanila? Ako pa, kalalaki kong tao, no?

"Mahal ko sila. Sobra! Si Ate Vi, mahal ko yan. Sobra," sabi pa ni Aga.

BLIND ITEM. Sinagot din ni Aga ang isyung siya raw ang tinutukoy ng blind item ng kolumnistang si Ricky Lo.

Isinulat kasi ng beteranong kolumnista at TV host sa column nitong Funfare sa Philippine Star na lumabas ngayong araw, na may apat na Kapamilyang lilipat sa Kapatid network na TV5.

Si Aga raw ang isa sa apat na iyon, dahil sa clue na "Good morning MVP..."

"Blind item yun, e. Sigurado ba kayong ako yun?" sagot muna ng guwapong aktor.

"Ako ba yun? Wala..." tanggi pa niya.

Reposted From PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal)

A Repost From PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal)

Solenn Heussaff on entering showbiz: "I'm sure I would have bumps and uphills along the way, but I'm willing to try it out."

PEP - Friday, December 10

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Solenn Heussaff on entering showbiz: "I'm sure I would have bumps and uphills along the way, but I'm willing to try it out."

Slideshow: Showbiz Photos

Isa sa mga naging paborito sa katatapos lang na Survivor Philippines Celebrity Showdown ay ang model at makeup artist na si Solenn Heussaff.

Napukaw niya ang interes ng mga manonood dahil bagamat galing sa mayamang pamilya, kinakitaan siya ng pagiging down to earth.

Sa pagtatapos ng Survivor, kung saan nakaabot siya sa Top 3, sinabi ni Solenn na napakaraming opportunities na nabuksan para sa kanya.

Pumirma na siya ng kontrata sa GMA-7 at Regal Films kaya mapapanood na siya nang mas madalas sa TV at maging sa pelikula.

COVER GIRL. Si Solenn din ang cover girl this month ng nangungunang fashion magazine sa bansa, ang Preview.

Siya ang pinakaunang cover girl na na-feature sa bagong teknolohiya na ginamit ng Preview—ang augmented reality technology.

Ang augmented reality technology ay isang proseso kung saan pinagsasama ang isang real-world scene at computer imagery.

Sa presscon ng December 2010 issue ng Preview kaninang tanghali, December 9, na ginanap sa Cav Wine Shop sa Bonifacio High Street sa Taguig, isang masayang Solenn ang humarap sa PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) at iba pang media.

"I don't know what to expect. It's not only the first in Preview. I think it is also the first in the Philippines. So, it's very touching," sabi ni Solenn nang tanungin kung ano ang pakiramdam na siya ang kauna-unahang cover girl na gumamit ng gano'ng klaseng teknolohiya.

Ayon pa kay Solenn, ito ang pinakauna niyang solo cover shoot.

"I did 'Ten Women To Watch Out For,' but this is my first solo for Preview."

Kuwento pa niya, naging masaya at madali ang shoot ng pinakauna niyang solo magazine cover—maliban lang sa isang bagay:

"The hardest part was actually memorizing the lines. I had a hard time with the words!" natatawang sabi ni Solenn.

ENTERING SHOWBIZ. Bagamat sinabi ni Solenn noon sa Survivor Philippines na wala siyang balak pumasok sa show business, hindi rin niya nagawang iwasan na pasukin ang mundong ito.

"Even after Survivor, I said I will not go, pero opportunities came my way but I never went to look for them.

"If I wanted to join, I could have joined a few years ago, I've been asked a few years before," banggit ni Solenn.

Hindi rin niya inakala na magiging ganoon ang pagtanggap ng mga tao sa kanya at sa show.

"I knew people would watch but I never knew that the impact was so high, the ratings was so high, the viewing was so high also."

Ngayong nasa show business na siya, kumusta naman so far ang experience niya?

"It was really fun, so far," sagot ni Solenn.

"I'm sure I would have bumps and uphills along the way, but I'm willing to try it out."

Ayon pa kay Solenn, kailangan niya pang pag-aralan ang pagsasalita ng Tagalog at pagbutihin lalo ang kanyang pag-arte.

Sa pagpasok niya sa show business, handa na rin ba siya sa mga intriga?

Ngumiti si Solenn at sinabing, "Hopefully, I watch out what I say."

SURVIVOR. Bilang parte ng Final Four ng Survivor Philippines Celebrity Showdown, isa si Solenn sa paboritong manalo bilang Celebrity Sole Survivor. Ngunit napunta ang titulong ito sa Brazilian-Japanese model na si Akihiro Sato.

Hindi ba siya nanghinayang na hindi siya ang nanalo?

"Obviously, I didn't think I'd get this far, and I'm happy. Good for him [Akihiro].

"But I think we all deserve to win. So, I'm not gonna go back there and be depressed!" tumatawang sagot ni Solenn.

Nakita na ba ng tao ang totoong Solenn sa Surviror?

"They saw me in Survivor. So, that's what I am in real life.

"So, parang they can look at me like that.

"Pero I'm not a traitor, ha!" pahabol niya.

RICHARD GUTIERREZ. Sasabak na rin sa mundo ng pelikula si Solenn sa pamamagitan ng isang Valentine movie trilogy, kung saan makakasama niya ang host ng Survivor Philippines Celebrity Showdown na si Richard Gutierrez.

Ang working title ng pelikula ay Suddenly it's Magic. Makakasama nina Solenn at Richard sa isang episode si Lovi Poe.

Samantalang sina Rhian Ramos at Eugene Domingo naman ang leading ladies ng matinee idol sa dalawa pang episodes.

Ano ang nararamdaman ni Solenn para sa first movie niya?

"Very excited, plus I get to work with someone I'm close to," sagot ni Solenn.

Ang tinutukoy siyempre niya ay si Richard na nali-link sa kanya ngayon romantically.

Ano nga ba ang totoong status ng relationship nila?

"We hang out a lot," sabi ni Solenn.

"And I'm very close to Mond [Raymond, twin brother of Richard], he is my best friend.

"I also to get to hang out in their house a lot and I get to see the [Gutierrez] family a lot also."

Dagdag pa niya, "He is my friend and we have grown close right after we got out of Survivor.

"We are really close friends and I enjoy his company."

Posible bang may mabuong magandang pagtitinginan sa kanilang dalawa ni Richard ngayong magkakatrabaho sila ng mas madalas?

"But I'm not a manghuhula, so I don't know what's gonna happen in the future.

"So far, we are friends," sagot niya.

Nabanggit din ni Solenn na ise-celebrate niya ang New Year sa Boracay kasama si Richard, at mga kaibigan niyang sina Raymond Gutierrez, Carla Humphries.

Kasama rin daw ang kuya ni Solenn si Erwan Heussaff at ang girlfriend nitong si Anne Curtis.

Incidentally, ex-girlfriend ni Richard si Anne.

Ano naman ang Christmas gift niya kay Richard?

"I'm painting his portrait, so that would be my Christmas present para madali lang.

"I have other portraits but I'll make it before the others," sabi niya.

UPCOMING PROJECTS. Bukod sa Valentine movie niya with Richard, makakasama rin si Solenn ang young actor sa GMA-7 fantaserye na Captain Barbell.

Maglu-launch din si Solenn ng kanyang debut album sa second quarter ng 2011.

Ano pa ba ang gusto niyang gawin?

"I really wanna do comedy," ang mabilis na sagot ni Solenn.

Katuwiran niya, "Cause, I really don't know how to cry and also I'm not...

"I've got a good childhood, so I have nothing to think about that will make me cry.

"So, hopefully, comedy."

Pagdating naman sa makakapareha niya, bukas daw siya sa kahit na kanino.

Pero aniya, "I'm happy with Richard now. I'm comfortable with him."

Reposted From PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal)

A Repost From Philstar.com

Vic to Oyo: Best wishes

Philstar.com - Thursday, December 9

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Even if they say that father (or mother) knows best, Vic Sotto is keeping his hands off on his son Oyo Boy Sotto who’s marrying Kristine Hermosa at an undisclosed venue on 1-11-11.

“I can only wish them the best,” Vic told Funfare in a one-on-one before the presscon of Si Agimat at si Enteng Kabisote, the 2010 Metro Filmfest entry in which he co-stars with Bong Revilla who is also co-producing with Vic, GMA Films, OctoArts Films and APT Productions. “I will pray for them para maganda ang kanilang magiging pamilya, maayos at maraming anak. The more children they have, the merrier.”

Asked what tips he could give Oyo and Kristine, based on his experience (one failed marriage to Dina Bonnevie, Oyo’s mom, and two love sons from previous relationships), Vic admitted that he’s not a good marriage counselor (obvious ba?).

“Basta, I’m not the type who would meddle in their marriage. But I’m just around if they need my advice, kung kailangan nila ng tulong ko. Hindi ko style ang magbigay ng unsolicited advice. I’d rather leave Oyo alone; hahayaan kong siya mismo ang dumiskarte. He and Kristine are already of age. Experience is still the best teacher. When they live together, they will find out kung anong diskarte ang dapat gawin. They should know that there’s no such thing as a perfect marriage. The important thing is compromise, compromise, compromise!”

Told that Oyo is beating him in the marriage “race” (as did his and Dina’s daughter Danica Sotto who got married to Mark Pingris three years ago), Vic laughed.

“Okay lang. Sabi ko nga, eh, parati akong nasa huli lang. Sila na, una na silang lahat. Basta ako, sagot ko na ‘yung huli.”

Since he has, even if he didn’t want to confirm it, broken up with Pia Guanio, his girlfriend of seven years, Vic has become a bachelor again who may be a member like Pres. Noynoy “P-Noy” Aquino of SMP (Samahang Malamig ang Pasko). Will it be blue Christmas for Vic this year?

“As usual, I will spend it with family.”

Pressed on to reveal the truth about him and Pia, Vic simply smiled.

“We’re good. There’s nothing important to talk about. We’ve already said what is there to say. If there’s a new development, we will announce it.”

But he mentioned in passing that Pia is going abroad with her family after Christmas.

Is he going with them?

“No,” said Vic, “hindi ako nakakuha ng visa.”

To where?

“I’m not at liberty na sabihin kung saan.”

Meanwhile, Vic is preoccupied with the promo for Si Agimat at si Enteng Kabisote which is predicted to top the Metrofest since it combines the box-office power of the two perennial filmfest top-grossers.

Besides being reputed to be lady-killers, what do Vic and Bong have in common?

“We are both workaholic,” Vic qualified. “We have become closer since we started shooting the movie. Dati-rati, hanggang bati-batian lang kami. When we met, we would tell each other, ‘Gawa tayo ng pelikula together.’ Kumbaga, chika-chika lang. Now, it’s not just chika-chika anymore. We are both serious workers. Maganda ang bonding naming dalawa.”

(Directed by Tony Reyes, Si Agimat at si Enteng Kabisote also stars two newcomers — Gwen Zamora for Vic Sotto and Sam Pinto for Bong Revilla.)

Reposted From Philstar.com

A Repost From PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal)

Zsa Zsa Padilla on Dolphy: "At this point of his life, he just wants everyone to be happy."

PEP - Wednesday, December 8

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Zsa Zsa Padilla on Dolphy: "At this point of his life, he just wants everyone to be happy."

Slideshow: Showbiz Photos

Maagang dumating si Zsa Zsa Padilla sa press conference ng Father Jejemon kagabi, December 6, sa Imperial Palace Suites.

Ang Father Jejemon ang official entry ng RVQ Productions sa Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) ngayong taon. Bida rito siyempre ang Comedy King na si Dolphy.

(CLICK HERE to visit PEP's microsite about the 36th MMFF)

Hindi kasama sa cast si Zsa Zsa, pero naroon siya sa presscon bilang co-producer ng pelikula.

Bago ang presscon proper ay nagkaroon ng pagkakataon ang PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) at at iba pang miyembro ng media na makausap si Zsa Zsa.

FIRST-TIME PRODUCER. Ano ang dahilan at napapayag siyang maging co-producer ng Father Jejemon?

"Siyempre, kung yung partner mo nakikita na kelangan ng tulong, di ba? So, yun," sagot ni Zsa Zsa.

Para sa mga hindi nakakaalam, 20 years nang nagsasama sina Mang Dolphy at Zsa Zsa. Ang RVQ Productions ay ang film company ng Comedy King at ng kanyang pamilya.

Ano ang naging bilin sa kanya ni Mang Dolphy?

"Huwag masyadong mainit ang ulo. Kasi siya, cool na cool," nakangiting sagot ng tinaguriang Divine Diva.

Ayon kay Zsa Zsa, gusto rin niyang subukan mag-produce ng isang indie film.

"Yung maliit lang, para mas manageable," aniya.

Mukhang tuluy-tuloy na nga ang pagiging film producer ni Zsa Zsa dahil sinabi ni Mang Dolphy sa press conference na ipapasa na niya ang pamamahala ng RVQ Productions sa kanyang partner.

THE BAD NEWS. Hindi rin naiwasang itanong kay Zsa Zsa ang tungkol sa panggagahasa diumano sa isang apo ng Comedy King. (CLICK HERE to read related story.)

Kapansin-pansin ang pagbabago ng mukha ni Zsa Zsa nang mapag-usapan ang tungkol dito.

"Matagal din kasi naming hindi nako-contact yung ama noong child. So, it's hard to really talk about it. But it's really very sad," buntong-hininga ni Zsa Zsa.

Ano ang naging reaksiyon ni Mang Dolphy nang una niya itong nalaman?

"He was angry," sambit ng singer-actress.

"Hindi mo maintindihan kung paano nagagawa ng isang tao sa kapwa niya tao... Lalo na sa isang bata na special child."

Hindi ba siya nahirapan na sabihin ang balita kay Mang Dolphy?

"He was very strong. He was able to take it.

"Actually, even before I told, he already knew about it. Nabalitaan niya sa TV.

"Pero minsan, may mga balita na ako mismo ang nagsasabi sa kanya.

"Hinahawakan ko siya, alam niya pag seryoso yung mukha ko.

"Alam na niya, hihintayin niya kung ano sasabihin ko.

"Pero minsan, timing din.

"He's really very strong. Nature niya 'yon," saad ni Zsa Zsa.

ON DOLPHY'S HEALTH. Kinumusta rin ng press kay Zsa Zsa ang kalusugan ng 82-year-old na komedyante.

"Hindi naman ako doktor, so ang hirap din i-assess, di ba?

"Pero he was vocal enough in saying... Nakikita ko naman na yung partner ko, he is 82 years old," sabi ni Zsa Zsa, 46, na nangingilid na ang luha.

"Alam naman niya, kasi I tell him it doesn't matter sometimes... Kasi minsan, di ba, may mga OA [overacting] sa sakit, di ba?

"Kumbaga, lahat na lang masakit, like hypochondria.

"Ako, I have this slight hypochondria na, in a sense, masyado akong strikto pagdating sa sakit sa pamilya ko."

Ang hypochondria ay medical term para sa "health phobia."

Patuloy ni Zsa Zsa, "Sa awa ng Diyos, laging nahuhuli.

"Like yung anak ko, first day pa lang ng dengue, hindi pa masyado uso yung dengue, kumbaga, dahil sa kapraningan ko sa ganun, first day pa lang, nalalaman kaagad.

"You know sometimes, people say, 'O, wala 'yan, baka depressed ka lang.'

"But it is your body and you have lived with it your whole life, you should know what is wrong.

"So be vocal about it, tell us. Don't be shy.

"Kadalasan din, ang Pilipino, nahihiya, ayaw gambalahin yung kapamilya nila.

"In general, ang Pilipino, ganun. Kasi ayaw nating ginagambala yung mahal natin sa buhay.

"Hanggang sa kaya natin, kakayanin natin."

DOLPHY'S DREAM ROLE. Kuwento pa ni Zsa Zsa, dream role daw ni Mang Dolphy ang maging pari sa isang pelikula.

"When he started this project [Father Jejemon], he had so much hope for this project.

"Talagang dream role niya ito. Masayang masaya siya.

"Sabi niya, kailangan matapos ito nang tama.

"Sa edad niya na 82, halos kumpleto na yung bucket list na si Dolphy.

"Natutuwa ako na naka-check na ito sa kanyang listahan, ang role na pagiging pare," sabi ni Zsa Zsa.

Nagpapasalamat din ang singer-actress sa pagkakataon na makatrabaho ang kanyang partner sa pelikula.

"I discovered him as an artist and his love for his craft," aniya.

Pinuri rin ni Zsa Zsa ang partner sa perspektibo ng Comedy King pagdating sa trabaho.

"Kahit pagbawalan siya ng doctor niya, let's say, 'Wag ka muna lalabas sa public, magpahinga ka.'

"E, siyempre kasama sa trabaho na pag gumawa ka ng pelikula, hindi naman natatapos yun sa paggawa mo ng pelikula.

"May post-prod, dubbing, tapos mga presscons pa," sabi ni Zsa Zsa.

Hindi ba naging mahirap kay Dolphy ang paggawa ng pelikula?

"When the camera is on, an actor will always be an actor," sagot ni Zsa Zsa.

"The same with you as a writer, kahit na may arthritis ka na at hindi ka makasulat, kahit na idikta mo yung naiisip mo.

"It doesn't mean that your mind is gone, right?

"So, ganun din yun pagdating sa pag-arte."

Ano ba ang sa tingin niya ay gusto pang makamit ng Comedy King?

"I just have an inkling of what it is. But, at this point of his life, he just wants everybody to be happy, yung sa pamilya niya," sagot ni Zsa Zsa.

CHRISTMAS PLANS. Hindi lalabas ng bansa sina Mang Dolphy at Zsa Zsa ngayong Christmas season, hindi katulad ng nakagawian nila dati.

Magiging abala ang dalawa at ang kanilang pamilya sa MMFF.

"This will be our 21st Christmas together," banggit ni Zsa Zsa.

"Sa 21 years na 'yon, merong nag-Vegas kami, merong nag-Hong Kong... Ilang beses 'ata nag-Hong Kong kami. Merong Japan...

"Pero kung merong nag-festival [MMFF], isa sa amin, tradisyon namin sa bahay lang."

Hindi na din daw sila nagbibigayan ng regalo sa isa't isa tuwing Pasko.

"Minsan quits. Uso sa amin yun. 'Bibigyan ko pa bang gifts? Wag na!'

"Kasi kung ganun na kayo katagal magkasama, minsan hindi na ganun kaimportante ang material.

"Or, kung meron mang material na bagay na gusto mong ibigay, it doesn't have to be Christmas eve."

Maikli ang naging sagot ni Zsa Zsa nang tanungin naman ang kanyang Christmas wish: "Good health lang to everyone."

TO THE CRITICS OF THE FILM. Hiningan din si Zsa Zsa ng komento tungkol sa mga posibleng mag-criticize sa Father Jejemon.

"Sino ba itong mga critics na ito?" tanong niya.

"Siyempre, titignan mo kung may kapasidad bang mag-criticize. Baka naman napulot lang sa kanyang kapitbahay or somewhere.

"'Tsaka, lalo na kung hindi mo pa napapanood yung pelikula, hindi mo puwedeng husgahan; lalo na kung napanood mo lang yung trailer.

"Hindi mo nagustuhan? Puwede namang hindi lang maganda yung pagkagawa ng trailer, hindi ba?

"There are people who have been in the business for how many years. There are so much to learn from these people.

"So, respeto lang."

May humirit mula sa press na: "Ibang klase kang producer!"

Na sinagot naman ni Zsa Zsa ng: "Only because I sleep with the talent!"

ON HER THREE DAUGHTERS. Samantala, napag-usapan din ang kanyang "tres marias"—si Karylle, na anak niya sa kanyang unang asawa, at ang mga anak nila ni Dolphy na sina Nicole at si Zia.

Umiwas sa pagbibigay ng komento si Zsa Zsa tungkol sa love life ng panganay nitong si Karylle.

Nauugnay kasi ngayon si Karylle sa lead vocalist ng bandang Spongecola na si Yael Yuzon.

At nang tanungin kung boto siya rito, sagot ni Zsa Zsa, "Sabi nila, sila nagsasabi nun. I don't wanna talk about Karylle's personal life."

Si Zia naman ay unti-unti na rin pinapasok ang local music scene.

Kasama siya sa album ni Dolphy na Handog Ni Pidol: A Lifetime of Music and Laughter.

Nag-duet silang mag-ama sa kantang "You Are Just In Love (I Wonder Why)."

Kailan magkakaroon ng sariling album si Zia?

"Next year," sagot ni Zsa Zsa.

"She is still busy with school. She is in the process of writing her own music."

Ang bunso namang si Nicole, na kasama nila kagabi sa press conference, ay pansamantalang nandito sa Pilipinas.

Nag-aaral sa Nicole sa Australia at nasa ikatlong taon na sa kolehiyo.

Reposted From PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal)

Photos Courtesy of PEP