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Monday, March 31, 2008

Philippine Consulate in New York Urges Filipino-Americans to Vote for Ramiele Malubay

Yes, American Idol is of national importance in the Philippines. But who wouldn't???
(Where was the Nigerian Consulate for Chikezie???)

[quote]
Dear Friends in Media and Community:

Please find below letter of Mr. Joseph Zing requesting for assistance in promoting Ramiele Malubay - the Filipina contestant on Americal Idol.

Your support to our very own kababayan would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you very much.

Philippine Consulate General New York

* * *
The Honorable Ms.Rebong:

We write to your honorable office asking for your valuable help in promoting and supporting your very own Ramiele Malubay - the Filipina contestant on American Idol.

She has the talent and charisma to reach all the way to the top. However, as she struggles against insurmountable odds, she needs the very committed support of her fellow countrymen in this battle. In fact, she is the only genuine Amateur competing against seasoned professionals.

Any help your office can extend will be greatly appreciated by her committed fans, including the thousands of Filipinos living here in the USA and in the Philippines. Should you have the time, please visit her official fan site at http://www.ramiele.com.

Thank you very much for whatever manner of assistance you may be able to extend to her.

Sincerely,

Joseph Zing
[/quote]

Source: rickeydotorg

3 Pinoys Make It To Australia�s "So You Think You Can Dance"

3 Filipino-Australians made it to the Down Under�s edition of So You Think You Can Dance. The hit reality show is like American Idol for dancers and Australia bought the franchise from Fremantle Media for its local version. From thousands who auditioned, 10 girls and 10 guys made it to the final cut including 2 pinays and one pinoy!

The 3 Filipinos who made it to the Top 20 are:
Rhiannon Villareal
Joel De Carteret
Demi Sorono
So You Think You Can Dance - Australia is already half-way of its first season as half of the Top 20 were eliminated in previous episodes. Our very own Joel de Carteret has just been eliminated last week, however, Demi and Rhiannon made it to the Top 10 and still in the running to win the title of Australia�s most favorite dancer.

Know more about Joel de Carteret.
Know more about
Demi Soronon.
Know more about
Rhiannon Villareal.

KC CONCEPCION Working on Her First Music Album

KC Concepcion is now a multi-hyphenate. She started out as a commercial model, and later tried her hand at theater and television acting. Now, she's giving recording a shot, via her still untitled debut album under Sony BMG. This album will be released in May 2008.

KC's participated in the whole creative process of making the album. She's proud of what the album will become.

"Maganda po 'yong feel ng album kasi gusto naming mangyari 'yong music niya��pag bumiyabiyahe kayo or long road trip��yon ang nilalagay n'yo sa CD player n'yo. Para siyang easy listening na very relaxed, very masarap pakinggan. Hindi siya bumibirit, hindi siya masyadong nag-i-impose sa listener," said KC.

So far, she has recorded about one fourth of the whole album. It will offer some originals and revivals, like a Top 40 popularized by Barbadian singer Rihanna.

"Gumawa kami ng bagong version ng �Umbrella' na very ethereal, pinatong-patungan namin ng vocals ko. Umiba 'yong tunog ng �Umbrella' dito. Ballad pa rin po siya, parang naging very mystical siya."

There are also some hit songs from the '80s and early '90s. "We also have �Just Can't Get Enough,' �80s, na ang tumugtog po don Pinikpikan. And we have ballads like �It Must Have Been Love' at marami pang iba mga Tagalog songs na surprise. One is from my favorite artist Joey Ayala, na favorite song ko from his collection."

Her mom Sharon Cuneta has listened to some of the raw tracks that KC has recorded so far. "Nasa iPod po niya [�yong songs], pero hindi pa kasi tapos. Every time naririnig namin, meron kaming gustong idagdag or bawasan. Marami pang mangyayaring mixing, so hindi pa final 'yong tracks."

What remains sure is that what KC has done in her yet-to-be-released album has pleased her mom. Says KC: "Excited siya at gusto niya 'yong mga kanta."

BRITNEY SPEARS Delivered the Highest Rating Ever for "How I Met Your Mother"

The first television appearance of Britney Spears in the CBS comedy �How I Met Your Mother� drove up a record-breaking 10.62 million viewers for the series according to Nielsen Media Research.

The figure is up more than 1 million viewers from the week before, and some 2.4 million from what the sitcom averaged before the season was upended by the Hollywood writers strike.

Monday�s much-awaited telecast also generated the largest audience between the ages of 18 and 49 in the show�s three-year history.

Watch the video clip of How I Met Your Mother - All Britney Spears parts:


Sunday, March 30, 2008

2008 Nickelodeon Kids Choice Award Winners

The big winner as almost anyone could have predicted in this year's Nickelodeon Kids Choice Award (KCA) is teen sensation Miley Cyrus who took home awards for Favorite TV Actress and Favorite Female Singer.

Here is the KCA Winners as Voted on by Kids:

* Favorite TV Show: Drake and Josh
* Favorite Reality Show: American Idol
* Favorite TV Actor: Drake Bell
* Favorite TV Actress: Miley Cyrus
* Favorite Cartoon: Avatar: The Last Airbender
* Favorite Movie: Alvin and the Chipmunks
* Favorite Movie Actor: Johnny Depp
* Favorite Movie Actress: Jessica Alba
* Favorite Animated Movie: Ratatouille
* Favorite Animated Voice: Eddie Murphy (Shrek The Third)
* Favorite Music Group: The Jonas Brothers
* Favorite Song: �Girlfriend� by Avril Lavigne
* Favorite Female Singer: Miley Cyrus
* Favorite Male Singer: Chris Brown
* Favorite Male Athlete: Tony Hawk
* Favorite Female Athlete: Danica Patrick
* Favorite Book: Harry Potter Series
* Favorite Video Game: Madden NFL 2008
* Wannabe Award: Cameron Diaz

Vote For FHM's 100 Sexiest Women in the World 2008

Yes, it's back! Who will top the FHM Top 100 Sexiest Women list this time? Will it be Katrina Halili (possibly her 3rd time in a row?), Angel Locsin (revenge!), Ehra Madrigal, Angelica Panganiban, Bianca King or another girl will surprise us?!....which goes by the name of Marian Rivera.

Voting period is from April 1 to June 15 only.

How to vote? Here's how:
2. Or thru your mobile phone:

Instructions:
1. The FHM 100 Sexiest poll is open to all Smart, Globe, Sun, Talk N� Text and Addict Mobile subscribers.
2. To vote, the texter must text in FHM100 and send to 2948. Example: FHM100 Marian Rivera. Texting of votes costs P2.50 for Smart, Talk N� Text, Globe and Addict Mobile while P2.00 for Sun.
3. 1 text vote = 5 entries
4. To get a complete list of all keywords, text FHM100 to 2948.
5. Send all keywords to 2948 for Smart, Globe, Sun, Talk N� Text and Addict Mobile subscribers.

GMA 7's PINOY IDOL Premiers on April 5, Saturday

All systems go for the premiere of Pinoy Idol, the Philippines franchise of the no. 1 tv program in the land! The pilot episode is going to be aired this Saturday, April 5, 2008, on GMA 7 Kapuso network, right after Pinoy Records.

As part of the upcoming pilot episode of Pinoy Idol on GMA 7, SOP Constellation of Stars performed a medley of Idol songs by Carrie Underwood to Clay Aiken, from Guy Sebastian to Chris Daughtry. And the finale - the wildly popular �I Am Your Brother� by Filipino-American Reynaldo Lapuz (Pambihira!).




Jaya - I Believe by Fantasia Barrino
Kyla - This is My Now by Jordin Sparks
Regine Velasquez - Jesus Take the Wheel by Carrie Underwood
Janno Gibbs - Do I Make You Proud by Taylor Hicks
Ogie Alcasid - Angels Brought Me Here by Guy Sebastian
Jay-R - Home by Chris Daughtry
Jolina Magdangal - A Moment Like This by Kelly Clarkson

(Jay-R and Jolina Magdangal�s part were not included in the video)

Fit �n Right Got 2B Fit Challenge 2008 Winners

JR Marfori and Julie Puentenegra bested 8 other finalists to become the fit, fab, firm, and famous ambassadors of Del Monte Fit �n Right Got 2B Fit Challenge 2008.

Male Goldilocks Go Lite Special Winner:
JR Marfori
Before: 221 lbs.
Now: 194 lbs.

Female Goldilocks Go Lite Special Winner:
Julie Puentenegra
Before: 156 lbs.
Now: 141 lbs.

The Non-Winning Finalists:
Male Contestants
Alex Lindenberg
Jim Oller
Elmer Sanga
John Seprado

Female Contestants
Joanne Ignacio
Angel Landayan
Amy Macuto
Gayle Valencia

GERALD ANDERSON Chosen to Play JULIAN in the Pinoy Version of "My Girl"

Binigyan ng solo presscon ng ABS-CBN ang young actor na si Gerald Anderson para sa official announcement ng pagkakapili sa kanya bilang leading man ni Kim Chiu na gaganap sa kauna-unahanang Koreanovela franchise na gagawan ng Pinoy version ng Kapamilya network, ang My Girl. This is another first na handog ng ABS-CBN sa kasaysayan ng telebisyon sa buong Asya.

Iba-iba ang pangalan na lumutang kung sino ang magiging kapareha ni Kim sa My Girl pagkatapos i-announce sa presscon ng "Dream Big Kapamilya"�to launch the new seasons of Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition Plus at Pinoy Dream Academy�na si Kim ang gaganap bilang Jasmine na lead sa naturang Koreanovela.

Pero nilinaw ng executive at business unit head ng ABS-CBN na si Mr. Deo Endrinal sa presscon na bago pa man i-announce na si Kim na ang napili nila para sa My Girl, napagdesisyunan na rin nila that time na si Gerald ang makakapareha niya at gaganap bilang 21-year-old na si Julian. Hindi lang daw nila agad in-announce na kasama rin si Gerald sa My Girl dahil presscon nga ni Kim 'yon para sa Dream Big Kapamilya shows.

"Happy po ako siyempre and excited din ako. It's my first time kasi. Oh, I have to go through some workshop para mag-mature ang acting ko and internally na rin," sabi ni Gerald sa interview.

Sinimulan na rin daw ni Gerald na panoorin ang Korean version ng My Girl and so far, nasa seventh episode na siya.

"It's very good. I really like Julian's character. He's very strong and affectionate also," sambit ng young actor.

Sinorpresa naman si Gerald ni Kim nang umapir din ang young actress sa solo presscon ng ka-love team. Natanong tuloy si Gerald kung ano ang ireregalo niya sa nalalapit na 18th birthday ni Kim sa April 19.

"Surprise," ngiti ni Gerald. "Basta malalaman din ninyo 'yon."

Anytime now ay magsisimula na sina Gerald at Kim sa taping ng My Girl, na nakatakdang ipalabas sa May. Pero sa April, mauunang ipalabas ang isa pang show ng pares na pagbibidahan ni Claudine Barretto, ang Maligno.

"Hindi sila mag-overlap," paniniguro ni Gerald.

Saturday, March 29, 2008

KATRINA HALILI has a New Coffee Table Book

Aminado ang sexy young actress na si Katrina Halili na isang malaking sugal ang kanyang pagpu-produce ng sarili niyang coffeetable book. Dito, ipapakita niya raw ang lahat ng kanyang makakakaya bilang isang sexy model. Pangarap daw kasi ni Katrina ang ma-feature sa ganitong klaseng babasahin.

�Kasi nung bata pa ako, mahilig akong tumingin ng magazines. Tapos ngayon nagshu-shoot ako na ako ng FHM, �tapos nakahiligan ko na rin siya. Naisip ko, bakit hindi ko gawin,� kuwento ni Katrina sa GMA News.

Boracay Island ang napiling location ni Katrina sa kanyang unang layout. Sa isang cove malapit sa Station 1 ng Bora naganap ang pictorial. Hindi maikakaila na nakikipagsabayan ang kaseksihan ni Katrina sa ganda ng lokasyon.

Isang sea goddess at isang socialite shipwreck survivor ang drama ni Katrina sa kanyang unang mga layout.

Rediscovering DINGDONG DANTES




Can�t get enough of this season�s �King of Briefs�?

YILMAZ BEKTAS Reportedly Dating 2006 Miss Universe ZULEYKA MENDOZA



MOVING ON?
Matagal-tagal na ring walang naririnig mula sa estranged Turkish husband ni Ruffa Gutierrez na si Yilmaz Bektas pagkatapos niyang bisitahin ang asawa at ang kanilang dalawang anak dito sa Pilipinas noong August 2007.

Pero ngayong linggo ay lumabas sa mga pahayagan at magazines sa Turkey, kagaya ng Hurriyet, na may bagong babaeng idini-date si Yilmaz. Ang bagong babae sa buhay ng Turkish businessman, ayon sa mga reports, ay si Zuleyka Rivera Mendoza�ang 2006 Miss Universe mula sa Puerto Rico.

Sa isang issue ng Hurriyet ay may artikulo tungkol sa relasyon nina Yilmaz at ng 20 years old na si Zuleyka. Nabanggit din ang pangalan ni Ruffa, ang 1994 Miss World 2nd Runner-up, na asawa nga ng Turkish businessman. Sa kasalukuyan ay inaayos na nina Yilmaz at Ruffa ang kanilang divorce upang mapawalang-bisa ang kanilang kasal.

Kasama rin sa naturang artikulo ang isang solo picture ni Zuleyka at dalawang litrato na magkasama sila ni Yilmaz na tila kuha sa isang party. Sa isang larawan ay parehong naninigarilyo ng tobacco sina Yilmaz at Zuleyka, samantalang sa isa naman ay tila may ibinubulong si Yilmaz kay Zuleyka habang hawak-hawak ng Turkish businessman ang leeg ng dating Miss Universe.

Pagkatapos ng kanyang reign bilang Miss Universe, susubukan naman ngayon ni Zuleyka ang mundo ng pag-arte bilang television actress. Kasama siya sa Telemundo soap opera na Dame Chocolate.

RUFFA KNOWS.
Pagkatapos lumabas ng balitang ito tungkol kina Yilmaz at Zuleyka, marami ang nagtatanong kung alam na ito ni Ruffa. Ayon sa mga nakapaligid sa TV host-actress ay alam na ito ni Ruffa at ng kanyang pamilya.

Ayon sa malalapit na kaibigan ni Ruffa, naiyak ang TV host-actress nang mabalitaang may girlfriend na si Yilmaz.

Nag-aalala ang mga kaibigan ni Ruffa na baka sa mga bagong pangyayaring ito ay magkabalikan pa ang mag-asawa. Sabi nila, ganun daw kasi talaga ang ugali ni Yilmaz. Pinapagselos lang nito si Ruffa sa pamamagitan ng pagpapakita na may iba nang babae sa buhay niya bilang pang-akit ulit sa asawa.

Kung si Yilmaz ay may bago nang minamahal, sa tingin naman ng mga kaibigan ni Ruffa, ay wala pa ring ipinapalit ang TV host-actress sa kanyang asawa ng ilang taon.

ANNABELLE IS HAPPY.
Pero kung meron namang natutuwa sa balitang tungkol sa relasyon diumano nina Yilmaz at Zuleyka, ito ay walang iba kundi ang ina ni Ruffa na si Annabelle Rama. Hindi naman kaila sa lahat ang kagustuhan ni Annabelle na tuluyan nang iwanan ng kanyang anak si Yilmaz.

Inaamin pa nga ni Annabelle sa mga malalapit sa kanya na araw-araw niyang ipinagdadasal sa Sto. Ni�o niya na huwag nang balikan ni Ruffa si Yilmaz. At ang isang paraan na nakikita niya upang mangyari ito ay ang makahanap ng ibang pag-ibig si Yilmaz, na tila nagkaroon na ng katuparan ngayon.

Tungkol naman sa mga anak nina Ruffa at Yilmaz na sina Lorin at Venice, ayon sa malalapit na kaibigan ng TV host-actress, tila hindi na nabibigyan ni Yilmaz ng atensiyon, panahon, at suporta ang mga bata. Ayon sa mga kaibigan ni Ruffa, ito raw ang ikinalulungkot ni Ruffa.

Source: pep

Entertainment Live's Detailed Report on IRA EIGENMANN's Alleged Nude Photos

See video report below courtesy of ABS-CBN's Entertainment Live!



PBB Teen Edition Plus Housemate's Guardians Enter the Big Brother House

As what Lauren Dyogi announced as a first in any Big Brother shows around the world, the guardians of the 14 teen housemates of PBB Teen Edition Plus entered the house but in a separate location. Big Brother�s first reminder for them: if any one of them quit, go outside the house for medical reasons or any other reason not mentioned in their agreement, their corresponding teen housemate will be evicted automatically.



Carina - Mommy ni Beauty
Rose - Mommy ni Rona
Sandy - Mommy ni Nicole
Ningning - Mommy ni Linda
Gerry - Daddy ni Jieriel
Boy - Daddy ni Robi
Anna - Tita ni Josef
Ike - Tatay ni Jolas
My Love - Mommy ni Nan
Erning - Tatay ni Ejay
Violy - Pangalawang Nanay ni Valerie
Jinky - Mommy ni Priscilla
Minda - Mommy ni Alex
John - Kevin�s Dad



Friday, March 28, 2008

PBA Star ROMMEL ADDUCUL Stricken with Cancer

'BIG C' ON A RAMPAGE.
Days after the Aquino family issued a statement announcing that former President Corazon "Cory" Aquino has colon cancer, comes the news that basketball superstar Rommel Adducul is suffering from nasopharyngeal cancer.

According to reports, the hardworking cager is currently undergoing chemotherapy sessions to prevent the cancer cells from spreading. Nasopharyngeal cancer is said to be rare in Western countries but common among Asians. The cancer cells develop in the nasopharynx which is the air space lying at the back of the nose and above the soft part of the palette.

Rommel, who plays for the Purefoods Giants, started exhibiting signs and symptoms of the disease during the recently concluded PBA (Philippine Basketball Association) finals where they lost to eventual champion the Sta. Lucia Realtors.

"I saw him really grasping for air and I didn't realized that one of his nostrils is already blocked," revealed Purefoods head coach Ryan Gregorio in an interview with ABS-CBN News.

Most of his teammates also noticed a prominent lump on Rommel's neck during the championship series.

Among those who learned first of Rommel's delicate condition is teammate Kirby Raymundo. "Honestly medyo naiyak ako parang pagpunta ko dito sa practice parang ang bigat, mabigat. Talagang malaking tulong siya sa team dahil siya yong center namin," said a distraught Kirby.

CALM BUT UNCERTAIN.

Despite his condition, the Tuguegarao native tried his best to maintain a brave face when sports reporter Bill Velasco cornered him for an interview.

"Hindi ako nagwu-worry," enthused the optimistic center. "Kasi I think �pag sinabi kasing cancer life and death na, e. Pero �yong sa �kin, mababang klase lang siya na 80 percent na hindi na siya magre-recur 'pag naundergo ko �yong chemo 'tsaka radiotherapy," he added.

Rommel's therapy would sideline him for the upcoming conference. Purefoods, however, opted to keep him in the roster thus explaining Rommel's presence during team practice and scrimmages.

The former San Sebastian College standout, however, is unsure on when will he be returning to hardcourt duty.

"Siguro next conference," he tentatively replied. "Sigurado na talaga na All-Filipino [Conference] talaga makakabalik na ako, pero itong conference na �to hopefully," he groped.

SHOWBIZ ROMANCE.
Even before joining the professional ranks, Rommel was already popular among local basketball aficionados. A three-time recipient of the NCAA Most Valuable Player plum, Rommel powered the San Sebastian Stags to five straight championships before jumping to the Philippine Basketball League (PBL) where he continued his dominance.

He surprised many people when he opted to join the Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA) instead of entering the more established PBA. Despite earning criticisms, Rommel's stint in the MBA proved to be fruitful as shown by the handful of awards he reaped during his stay. He finally made his long overdue PBA debut in 2003 when he was drafted by the Barangay Ginebra Kings. The 6'6" center was also a consistent fixture in the National Team.

Other than his stellar hardcourt achievements, Rommel was thrown more in the spotlight when he had a romantic relationship with Fil-Italian actress Assunta de Rossi. After their separation, Rommel made tabloid news again when he was rumored to be dating controversial actress and TV host Kris Aquino. Kris ended up marrying Rommel's Purefoods Giants teammate James Yap in 2005.

Rommel is married to Jocelyn Cobankiat.

Thursday, March 27, 2008

ALESSANDRA DE ROSSI is FHM's April 2008 Cover Girl

At last, Alessandra De Rossi will grace the cover of FHM Philippines April 2008 issue.

And as part of the deal, you will get Alex' demo album when you buy a copy of FHM April issue. Not only that, in case you wanna take a glimpse of her very first music video, login to http://www.fhm.com.ph. Wow! It seems like Alex is also trying her luck in the music scene. Goodluck!

Alex's pictorial with Jun De Leon was done in Paul Del Rosario's yatch named Advance 92. Her make-up by Barbi Chan. Styling by Ana Kalaw and hair by Felicity.

Concert ni TONI GONZAGA May Repeat

Happy na sa lovelife, happy pa sa career. �Yan ang drama ng buhay ni Toni Gonzaga ngayon. Last Hollyweek ay magkasama sila ng boyfriend niyang si Paul Soriano sa kanilang bahay.

Samantalang ang career naman niya, hataw in fairness.

Masasabing successful ang 2008 ni Toni. Simula pa lang ng taon ay napakarami ng magagandang kaganapan sa kanya. Minahal ng bayan ang karakter niya bilang si Onay sa Maging Sino Ka Man, isang blockbuster ang My Big Love nila ni Sam Milby, may platinum album siya, kabi-kabilang product endorse­ments, mga hosting stints, at higit sa lahat sold out ang concert niya sa Aliw Theater noong Feb. 9. Kaya naman magkakaroon ito ng repeat na pro­duced ng Manio Events, MJM Production, and Nitram Entertainment, ang Catch Me Again, Toni Gonzaga sa Aliw Theater, CCP Complex, sa May 2, 8 p.m.

Muli ay patutunayan ni Toni sa concert na ito ang kanyang versatility bilang performer, singer, at dancer. Makakasama niya ang kanyang ka-loveteam na si Sam at mga kaibigang sina Vice Ganda, Gerald Anderson at Allan K. Si GB Sampedro ang magdi-direk ng show at si Marc Lopez naman ang musical director.

Ang mga tickets (P1,500, P1,000, P800, at P400) ay mabibili sa lahat ng SM Ticketnet outlets o tumawag sa 911-5555 at sa Nitram Entertainment sa 719-5726.

American Idol 7 - Who Got Kicked Off?

Click inside to find out which contestant got stripped off of tonight�s American Idol.

VIDEO LINKS:
Group Song - �Right Back Where We Started From� (Watch here)
Carly Smithson - �I�m Not Pregnant� (
Watch here)
Caller wants Ryan Seacrest�s job (
Watch here)
Kimberly Locke performs (
Watch here)

JON AVILA as 'Kapitan Boom' on ABS-CBN's Komiks

Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Edition 2 Jon Avila will a superhero on ABS-CBN's weekly show 'Komiks'.

His debut television show is titled Kapitan Boom! created by the father of Pinoy superheroes Mars Ravelo.


IRA EIGENMANN's Nude Pictures, Fake or Not?

Racy pictures allegedly of young actress Ira Eigenmann are spreading on the Internet like wildfire, with various websites and blogs posting the unflattering images while creating links to spread the pictures specifically into adult forums.

There are rumors circulating that Ira's ex-boyfriend, who is said to be an American, took the provocative pictures, then later posted them on the web.

Others, however, contest the authenticity of the images, arguing that the woman shown in the photo is not Ira at all, and that the pictures were either fabricated or the woman involved is just a spitting image of the young actress.

Why dont you see it for yourself and decide...are those pictures really authentic or not?

YES! Magazines 2007 Readers Choice Award Winners

Definitely, no year would be complete without the country's leading and best-selling entertainment magazine's list of the most beautiful, the most popular, and the most favorite celebrities of the year as voted by its readers.

Here is the complete list of winners:

Favorite Actor and Actress of the Year: Piolo Pascual and Maricel Soriano
Favorite Real-Life Sweethearts: Ryan Agoncillo and Judy Ann Santos
Favorite Movie of the Year: Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo
Favorite TV Show (Drama) : ABS-CBN's Maging Sino Ka Man
Favorite TV Show (Fantasy-Adventure): GMA-7's Super Twins
Favorite Youth Oriented Show: GMA-7's Boys Nxt Door
Favorite Reality/Game Show: GMA-7's StarStruck: The Next Level for the Reality/Games category.
Most Handsome Celebrity: Richard Gutierrez
Most Beautiful Celebrity: KC Concepcion
Most Fashionable Young Male Celebrity: Richard Gutierrez
Most Fashionable Young Female Celebrity: Anne Curtis
Young Female Superstar: Jennylyn Mercado
Young Male Superstar: John Lloyd Cruz
Most Popular Loveteam: John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo
Celebrity Home of the Year: Jennylyn Mercado
Celebrity Condo of the Year: Dennis Trillo's Condo
Scene Stealers of the Year: Ogie Alcasid and Regine Velasquez's admission of their relationship
Next Big Male Star and Next Big Female Star: Gerald Anderson and Kim Chiu
Band of the Year: Bamboo (We Stand Alone Album)
Band Song of the Year: Akin Ka Na Lang by the Itchyworms (Noontime Show Album)

2008 MYX Music Award Winners

Filipino artists clad in their best chic rock attire graced the 2008 MYX Music Awards that aims to celebrate the most popular singers and bands in the Philippine music industry. The third edition of this annual music event took place last night, March 26, at the Meralco Theater, Ortigas Center.

Some of the highlights of the evening include the performance of international hip hop artist Apl.D.Ap of the Black Eyed Peas and the tribute to Magna Awardee Gary Valenciano, who is celebrating his 25th anniversary in showbiz.

Apl.D.Ap (whose real name is Allan Pineda) also received a Special Citation for his outstanding contribution to the music industry and to his homeland, the Philippines. His compositions "The Apl Song" from the album Elephunk and "Bebot" from the album Monkey Business are hailed as songs that exemplify his pride in his Filipino heritage. He was also cited "for his efforts to pave the way for Filipino artists and Filipino-American artists through his label, Jeepney Records."

In his acceptance speech, Apl addressed his kababayans and said, "First of all, I want to thank God. Maraming salamat sa MYX Awards. I want to thank all the fans for supporting me. I want to thank my group, the Black Eyed Peas, for believing in me, for letting me make a Filipino song in Tagalog to represent my culture. [applause] I will continue to represent Filipinos all over the world, y'all! They ask me, �What makes you Filipino?' I say, I will be Filipino today, I will be Filipino tomorrow, and I will be Filipino in the future. Maraming salamat!"

Aside from participating in the MYX Music Awards, Apl hopes to make a guest appearance on ABS-CBN's noontime show Wowowee and perform in local clubs. This native of Angeles, Pampanga will be here in the country until April 5. Apl also revealed that he is doing a solo album that is scheduled to be released this year.

"One of my songs is called �Island'... I wrote it when I was here during Christmas. It's about the beauty of the country and the hardship of the country. I'd like to represent that all over the world," says Apl with a smile. During the awards night, Apl performed "Island, " prompting some members of the audience to stand up and groove to his upbeat music.

MYX Magna Awardee Gary Valenciano was overwhelmed by the production number that paid tribute to him and his unforgettable songs such as "Hataw Na" and "Sana Maulit Muli." The medley of songs was performed by some of the best names in the music industry including Ogie Alcasid, Regine Velasquez, Vina Morales, Ebe Dancel, Jett Pangan, and Janno Gibbs. Mr. Pure Energy himself was very surprised to see his own sons, Paolo and Gabriel, take part in the production number since they managed to keep it a secret from him.

The big winner during the awards night was Sarah Geronimo, who was named as Favorite Artist, Favorite Female Artist, Favorite MYX Celebrity VJ. Her song "Ikaw" was also chosen as Song of the Year. The pop singer is currently in the United States for her concert series, which is why she sent a taped message that was aired during the program.

Among the presenters that night were Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Edition 2 housemates Riza Santos, Will Devaughn, Jon Avila, Gaby dela Merced, and Ruben Gonzaga. Other artists tapped to be presenters include Nancy Castiglione and her fianc�e Doug Kramer, Valerie Concepcion, Katya Santos, Yeng Constantino, Marc Abaya of Kjwan, and Dingdong Dantes. Aside from presenting an award, the sexy group Kitty Girls performed a lively dance number that excited all the hot-blooded males in the audience that night.

Directed by Rowell Santiago, the third edition of this annual music awards was hosted by MYX VJs Luis Manzano, Iya Villania, Nikki Gil, Drei, Mica, and Igi. To determine the winners of the different categories, sixty percent of the scores came from the viewers of MYX while the remaining forty percent came from the votes of the artists themselves.

Here is the complete list of winners in the 2008 MYX Music Awards:

Favorite Music Video: Tuliro by Spongecola
Favorite Song: Sarah Geronimo ("Ikaw")
Favorite Artist: Sarah Geronimo
Favorite Male Artist: Erik Santos
Favorite Female Artist: Sarah Geronimo
Favorite Group: Spongecola
Favorite Rock Video: "Vampire Social Club" by Chicosci
Favorite Mellow Video: "Alam ng Ating Mga Puso" by Rachelle Ann Go
Favorite Urban Video: "Like That" by Billy Crawford
Favorite Collaboration: Rachelle Ann Go and Christian Bautista in "Pag-ibig Na Kaya"
Favorite Remake: Kyla
Favorite New Artist: Sam Concepcion
Favorite Indie Artist: Updharmadown
Favorite International Music Video: "Teenagers" by My Chemical Romance
Favorite Guest Appearance in a Music Video: Kim Chiu and Gerald Anderson (Love Team by Itchyworms)
Favorite Media Soundtrack: Spongecola ("Tuloy Pa Rin" in Pedro Penduko at ang Mga Engkantao)
Favorite MYX Celebrity VJ: Sarah Geronimo
Favorite MYX Live Performance: Pupil
Favorite MYX Bandarito Performance: Zelle

The MYX Music Awards 2008 TV Special will air on Sunday, March 30, (8 pm) on Sky Cable Channel 23.

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

REGINE VELASQUEZ is the Voice Behind PRINCESS URDUJA

In the 13th century, Princess Urduja of Central Luzon falls in love with a Chinese pirate named Limhang. Their inter-racial love story is filled with challenges since Urduja's father, Lakanpati, wants her to marry a brave warrior named Simakwel.

For the first time ever, a local production company will produce a full-length animation film that capitalizes on the talents of Filipino animators. APT Entertainment Inc., the producer of this epic film, hired 10 to 12 animators to conceptualize and bring the various characters to life on paper and finally on the big screen.

Voiced over by some of the biggest stars in showbiz, Urduja is a visual feast that celebrates the talents of Filipino animators. The feisty princess of the Tawilisi tribe is voiced over by Regine Velasquez while her loved one, Limhang, is dubbed in by Cesar Montano. The patriarch Lakanpati is given voice by Eddie Garcia while his favored warrior, Simakwel, is voiced by
Jay Manalo.

Other interesting characters in Urduja include Wang (Johnny Delgado), Mayumi (Ruby Rodriguez), Daisuke (Epy Quizon), and the talking animals named Kukut (Michael V.) and Tarsir (Allan K.).

In the press conference of Urduja held earlier today, March 26, at Florabel restaurant at The Podium, Mr. Antonio "Tony" Tuviera of APT Entertainment Inc. narrated that he had been planning to do this project for the past 10 years.

"It took us almost ten years to make this. Actually, we're on the eleventh year now. It started in 1997 and it was actually a dream of mine. My original dream was to make a series of animated features on television. But along the way, I found out that it was quite impossible to do on television because of the cost," he says.
"Then I started to do a full-length film. In the span of eleven years, I gave up six or seven times and convinced myself that it was really impossible."

Yet somehow, Mr. T (as Mr. Tuviera is fondly called) found the resources and the drive to push through with the project in an effort to give Filipino animators a chance to shine in their homeland.

"I wanted to give our animators a chance to be recognized," he declares. "They are actually doing a lot of animation abroad�some of them are in Pixar, Disney...ang dami. They are doing animation but never silang nakakuha ng credit. Yung mga Biker Mice...so sabi ko, bakit hindi sila bigyan ng recognition dito?"

As a result, Urduja is a product of traditional and digital animation that is hailed as the first of its kind in the Philippines.

Regine was handpicked by Mr. T to play the royal princess of the Tawilisi tribe in this film. Why did he choose Asia's Songbird to portray this pivotal role?

Mr. T points out: "Noong unang-una pa lang, nakita ko na tama na totoong kumakanta [ang i-cast]. Kasi, usually, sa America ang ginagamit nila yung hindi totoong kumakanta. 'Tapos, ang pakakantahin sa CD, ibang tao."

He reveals that he talked with Regine regarding this animation film as early as three years ago. The singer-actress readily agreed to do the project without even asking about her talent fee or other pertinent details.

When asked about the production cost of doing this epic film, Mr. T says,
"It will be a tough task to get back the investment, but I cannot really quote an amount. It will be tough even if it's a hit, I don't think we can get it back. Trial and error ang process."

Why didn't he release this film during the Metro Manila Film Fest to cash in on the holiday spending spree of families?

"Number one, never kong naisip na gawin �yon kasi kay Vic Sotto ang Metro Manila Film Festival. Never kong lalabanan si Vic dahil magkakasama kami, e. Number two, �pag festival, ang daming kalaban, ang daming magagandang pelikula na kalaban, so ang hirap." Despite all the challenges, Mr. Tuviera is optimistic about the future of animation in the Philippines. In fact, after finishing Urduja, which is now in the post-production phase, he is hoping to pursue his original dream of creating an animated television series, and hopefully in 2010, release another full-length animated film.

See movie trailer below:


American Idol 7: Top 10 Performance Night

Theme of the Week: Songs From Their Birth Year

Ramiele Malubay - �Alone� ( Watch here)
Jason Castro - �Fragile� (Watch here)
Syesha Mercado - �If I Were Your Woman� (
Watch here)
Chikezie - �If Only For One Night� (Watch here)
Brooke White - �Every Breath You Take� (Watch here)
Michael Johns - �We Will Rock You/We are the Champions� (Watch here)
Carly Smithson - �Total Eclipse of the Heart� (Watch here)
David Archuleta - �You�re the Voice� (Watch here)
Kristy Lee Cook - �God Bless the U.S.A.� (Watch here)
David Cook - �Billie Jean (Chris Cornell arrangement)� (Watch here)

YENG CONSTANTINO is Still Hurting After a Breakup with RJ JIMENEZ

Pinoy Dream Academy grand winner Yeng Constantino said she is still mending her broken heart after a breakup, but affirmed that she is now moving on with her life.

"I think I'm okay now. I'm not going to say that I'm happy but I'm moving on because you see... I'm strong."


Constantino's statement stemmed from reports of her sudden breakup with her off-screen parter and former PDA scholar RJ Jimenez, that she first revealed during an interview with hosts Boy Abunda and Kris Aquino in their daily morning program Boy & Kris.

After the recent split up Constantino revealed she is still feeling the pain, but is certain that she is now stronger than ever.

"I think this is just part of growing up and I believe that I have to experience all those things, and I think it's okay," the nineteen-year-old singer-composer said.

Constantino admitted that "technically" Jimenez was her first love, which is why she cried when they decided to part ways.

"For me it's really painful, I don't know but it's something like that," she said.

When asked if she is ready to share the exact reason behind the breakup, Constantino replied, "It's just like that. We'd been very busy, we are attending to a lot of things. You see before as in everyday we were together inside the PDA and you cannot help but to feel affection."

The singer recalled that her special feeling for Jimenez grew while they were still inside the academy and continued after they stepped out of the academy.
"I'm not gonna deny it, I really like RJ becaue he is so kind."
According to Constantino she last saw Jimenez during a rehearsal of the weekly show ASAP '08 but they did not even talk.

Now, the artist has decided not to entertain suitors and to just concentrate on her work.

"No dating. I will just focus on my career, my family. I really need to help my family not just my mother or father but as well as my lola and my other relatives."

Ellen de Generes Invited ARNEL PINEDA and the 'JOURNEY' Band to Perform on Her TV Show

Arnel Pineda, the new lead singer of popular American rock band "Journey," was praised for his awesome singing talent by well-known talk show host Ellen DeGeneres.

"I�m thankful because finally they�d recognized Filipino talents� I'm just one of the few who really gets lucky. So I thank God for that. I was surprised. I did not expect that she will feature me on her show. Then there are also gossips that she wanted me and the whole band to guest on her show," Pineda told during an interview.

Pineda�s statement stemmed from reports and video clips from www.youtube.com showing DeGeneres featuring Pineda on her program, "The Ellen DeGeneres Show". On the show, she shared some details on how Pineda turned out to be the newest vocalist of the band.

In the video, DeGeneres said: "This guy, this is not lipsinging he's actually singing. His name is Arnel Pineda, (shows clip of Pineda while singing) anyways he is incredible! So the guitarist from journey Neal Schon saw this video and he sent email to Arnel and Arnel emailed back and now Arnel is in the studio recording the Journey album. He is gonna be the lead singer of "Journey" how cool is that. Let that be a lesson to you don't stop believing. And I think I want him on the show I think we were talking to him about he maybe on the show -- I think the whole band."

Ellen also acknowledged that there are lots of talented singers from the Philippines and even mentioned young Filipina singer Charice Pempengco, who guested on her show which drew a lot of viewer attention.

At the moment, there are already reports that talks are in the process to have Pineda and the whole band of Journey -- Neal Schon (guitar), Jonathan Cain (keyboards), Ross Valory (bass), Deen Castronovo (drums), to be on the said show.

But according to Pineda the decision whether it is possible for him to guest on "Ellen" will be decided by the management of "Journey."

"We have to find out first if it�s valid, if it�s okay or not to guest on her show, only the "Journey" can decide on it," Pineda explained.

Pineda also said that up to now he has not yet received any call from "Journey" regarding the said invitation but if given the choice, he will definitely accept the opportunity.

Right now, Pineda is in the country to take a short break away from his work. He arrived March 12 and stayed with his family during the Holy Week. He is set to go back to the US on March 29 to do one show.

Pineda restated his gratefulness to all his fans and supporters who are always there for him.
"Thank you. I'm also thankful that they are supporting the Filipino talents. I will try my best to make you guys proud of me."

The singer joined his first band at age 15 and has been singing professionally for the past 25 years. His voice also won him the Best Vocalist award at the World Band Explosion in 1987 -- a feat that he repeated the following year.

He has been a veteran of several bands and was a regular in clubs in Makati, Olongapo and Quezon City. His last band, The Zoo, released its first album "Zoology" under MCA Universal Records last September 2007.

It was Pineda's stint in The Zoo that got him noticed by Journey axeman Neal Schon. Schon said he was looking for a replacement singer on popular video-sharing site YouTube.com when he discovered videos of Pineda and The Zoo singing Journey songs, such as "Open Arms" and "Faithfully".

After this, the band asked Pineda to join them as their vocalist and the rest is history.

See Ellen's Invitation below:



KIMERALD: Still the Hottest Teen Loveteam to Beat

[On Their Loveteam]
Contrary to rumors, teen stars Kim Chiu and Gerald Anderson say their love team isn�t splitting up--in fact, they're saying that it's now stronger than ever.

The two have become so inseparable and compatible as a love team that their fans eventually merged their names into "Kimerald" ala Hollywood couples Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner ("Bennifer") and Brad Pitt with wife Angelina Jolie ("Brangelina").

"Ayaw po muna namin na magkahiwalay, gusto po namin na kami pa din yung mag-partner," the young actress Chiu told abs-cbnNews.com in an exclusive interview inside the ABS-CBN compound.

"Mas komportable kami sa isat isa, mag-trabaho umarte," Anderson added.

And to prove their strong partnership, two big projects are already lined up for them this first quarter of 2008, including the horror series "Maligno" on ABS-CBN.

The two even shared that they constantly help each other out during tapings, making sure that they are ready when time comes to deliver their lines.

"Okey lang nagtutulungan kami sa mga eksena nagtho-throw lines kami palagi para pagpunta namin sa set ready na kaming dalawa," Chiu said.

Anderson on the other hand bared some details on their working relationship with the rest of the cast, especially with the series lead star Claudine Barretto.

"Okey naman po sila... si Ms. Claudine okey naman po, noong una nakaka-intimidate pero sobrang naging okey din po kaming lahat," Anderson shared.

A few days ago, the new season of Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition was launched and some say new teen stars will rise from that batch just like Anderson and Chiu did.

The two became the biggest stars of the previous season of PBB Teen Edition and they say they are not worried about possible competition from the new batch.

In the past two years when their "Kimerald" tandem became a hit, they've had two blockbuster movies, a top-rating teleserye, several television shows and countless endorsements, proving that they found their rightful place in showbiz.

[Pinoy "My Girl" ]
And just recently, they were thrilled about being chosen to star in the the Pinoy version of the hit Koreanovela "My Girl."

"I really had no idea. I just prayed that I will be given a new project. Then it happened!" Chiu exclaimed. The teen star wasn�t able to hide her joy and she literally cried during a press conference where she learned that she was chosen to play the lead role in the said project.

But before doing "My Girl," Kimerald will first illuminate the small screen as part of the stellar cast in the second featured presentation of Sineserye Presents: the Susan Roces Cinema Collection: the project will be the television remake of the horror flick "Maligno" with lead stars Claudine Barretto and Diether Ocampo.

Fans will see a different Kimerald tandem in "Maligno", for they will be playing mature roles in this mini-series.
"It�s quite challenging because the story is different from the light romance that Kim and I played before. It�s horror and is very dark so serious acting is really required of us," Anderson said.

"We are always together in this series Gerald is my cameraman and I'm a reporter. My character as Eliza, I'm trainee reporter and I really idolize Ms. Claudine who is also a reporter but a very good reporter," Chiu said.

"Dito yung character namin hindi siya pa-cute kasi nag-work siya dito for a purpose. Ako ay cameraman dito na na in-love kay Eliza character ni Kim tapos 'yon marami kaming ibat ibang investigation na gagawin namin. Ako si Joaquin," Anderson added.

At the rate that their careers are going, the young stars have no reason to feel threatened with the new faces in PBB Teen Season 2.

Catch their loveteam as they pursue bolder roles in the horror series "Maligno," haunting the TV screens this coming April on Sineserye Presents: the Susan Roces Cinema Collection on ABS-CBN.

Source: abscbnnewsdotcom

APL De AP of Black Eyed Peas is in Manila for MYX Awards

International artist Allan Pineda, one of the original members of chartbusting hiphop group Black Eyed Peas, is back in the country to receive a special citation for his contribution as a Filipino artist at this year's MYX Music Awards.

Pineda, also known as Apl De Ap, arrived in the Philippines early Tuesday morning, a day before the music awards.

Pineda will also be a presenter for the awards, aside from being given special recognition for his contribution to the music industry in the Philippines and all over the world.

His compositions have pertained to his nationality and promoted the Philippines, and his music has paid tribute to his motherland.

The MYX Music Awards honors local artists and performers who won the hearts and votes of Filipino audience.

Some of the performers are rock band Sandwich, the Kitty Girls, Grand Star Dreamer Yeng Constantino and many more.

Big stars in the field of music will stand as presentors for the event, including controversial couple singer Regine Velasquez and singer-composer Ogie Alcasid.

They will be also joined by singers Jay Contreras of the band Kamikazee, Chito Miranda of Parokya ni Edgar, ex-Pinoy Big Brother housemates Ruben Gonzaga and Gaby dela Merced, MYX North America VJs Chris Cayzer and Amber Davis, and popular host Edu Manzano.

The 3rd MYX Music Awards is under the direction of Rowell Santiago and musical director Homer Flores. Witness the event and catch the biggest artists and hits in Pinoy music this Wednesday, March 26, 8 p.m. at the Meralco Theater. Also watch the MYX Music Awards 2008 television special on March 30 at 8 p.m.

Also catch MYX 24/7 on Sky Cable Channel 23 for the latest updates on the MYX Music Awards. As always...MYX. Your Choice. Your Music.

Source: abscbnnewsdotcom

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

HERO ANGELES Joins the Cast of "Dyesebel"

Tiyak na matutuwa ang fans ni Hero Angeles dahil kasama na si Hero sa cast ng bagong fantaserye ng GMA-7 na Dyesebel na pagbibidahan nina Marian Rivera at Dingdong Dantes.

Ngayong araw, March 25, nagsimula nang mag-acting workshop si Hero bilang paghahanda sa taping. Ang hindi palang sure ay kung ano ang role ng young actor sa kanyang first ever regular TV show sa GMA-7.


Si German Moreno ang tumatayong manager ni Hero at siyang tumulong sa kanya na mapasama sa Dyesebel.

Naaalala namin ang aming pakikipagkuwentuhan kay Kuya Germs, kung saan sinabi niya na gusto niyang sa primetime ang unang maging regular show ng bagong alaga.

Naniniwala si Kuya Germs na mas magkakaroon ng impact ang labas ni Hero sa GMA-7 kung sa primetime siya mapapanood na siya ngang mangyayari.

Kung alin-aling shows na ng Kapuso network nabalitang mapapasama si Hero na lagi namang hindi natutuloy. Wala nang urungan sa Dyesebel dahil si Kuya Germs na mismo ang nagsabi nito.

Nagsimulang maging visible si Hero sa mga programa ng GMA-7�gaya ng Maynila, Tok Tok Tok, Mel & Joey, Whammy, SiS, Nuts Entertainment, SOP. Gigsters, at iba pa�pagkatapos niyang lisanin noong 2005 ang ABS-CBN kung saan siya nagsimula bilang kauna-unahang winner ng talent search na Star Circle Quest.

Naging isa sa pinakamainit na tambalan ang love team nila noon ng Koreana na si Sandara Park. Ngunit dahil sa personal na away ng dalawa ay nabuwag din ang kanilang love team at naghiwalay sila ng landas.

Ngayon ay nagsisimula nang makilala si Sandara sa bansa nitong South Korea samantalang si Hero naman ay susubukang buhayin ang kanyang naudlot na showbiz career.

Ang ka-batch ni Hero sa Star Circle Quest na si Joseph Bitangcol ay napapanood na rin ngayon sa GMA-7. Kasama si Joseph, na ex-boyfriend ni Sandara, sa kasisimula pa lang na Babangon Ako't Dudurugin Kita.

Ang huling regular TV show ni Hero ay ang SCQ Reload: Kilig Ako ng ABS-CBN noong 2005.

It's Confirmed! MARIAN RIVERA - OUT, RIZA SANTOS - IN sa Dolphy-Vic Sotto Movie

Hindi na matutuloy ang young actress na si Marian Rivera sa Dolphy-Vic Sotto movie. Si Marian sana ang gaganap na leading lady ni Vic at anak ni Dolphy.


Pero as of yesterday, March 24, naiba na ang casting. Out na raw si Marian at ipinalit sa kanya ang Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Edition 2 ex-housemate na si Riza Santos.

Ayon kay Duds Santiago, PRO ng Viva Entertainment, hindi pa niya alam kung tinanggap na ng Viva Artist Agency, na siyang humahawak sa career ni Riza ang project. Pero alam ni Duds na nakipag-meeting na ang producers ng Dolphy-Vic movie sa mga Del Rosario.

Upto this time, wala pang formal statement ang manager ni Marian na si Popoy Caritativo sa hindi pagkatuloy ng young actress sa project. Pero malamang na ang schedule ni Marian ang rason kung bakit hindi na niya matatanggap ang project. Magsisimula na kasing mag-taping si Marian ng Dyesebel sa April 2. Sa Palawan ang location ng pilot episode ng Dyesebel. Ang balita ay one week silang mag-i-stay roon at baka ma-extend pa.

Sa Friday naman, March 28, ang scheduled first-day shooting ng first team-up nina Dolphy at Vic sa pelikula. Kahit makabalik ng Maynila si Marian, ang Dyesebel ang kanyang magiging priority.

Wala pa ring title ang movie nina Dolphy at Vic Sotto to be directed by Tony Y. Reyes. Bukod sa main cast at kay Riza, si Ryan Agoncillo pa lang ang alam naming kasama sa pelikula na matagal nang hinihintay ng marami.
If ever, first movie ni Riza ang Dolphy-Vic film project. Big break ito sa beauty queen at sana nga ay simula na ng magandang takbo ng kanyang career.

Kahit wala pang pelikula at regular TV show, controversial na rin si Riza nang ma-link siya kay Mark Bautista at nitong huli ay kay Will Devaughn, na nakasama niya sa PBB.

KRIS AQUINO, Nakunan!

Isa na namang trahedya ang dumating sa pamilya Aquino.

Isang araw pagkatapos niyang i-announce na may colon cancer ang kanyang ina na si dating pangulong Corazon Aquino, nakunan ang talk show host at aktres na si Kris Aquino.

Nasa seven and half weeks na ang kanyang dinadala. Ito sana ang ikalawang anak ni Kris at ng mister niyang si James Yap at pangatlo pagkatapos nina Josh (anak ni Kris sa aktor na si Phillip Salvador) at Baby James.

Ito ang text message na ipinadala ni Kris sa ilang malalapit na kaibigan:

"Dr. Pastorfide [Kris's doctor] already ruled that I had miscarriage. My gestational sac has collapsed and my ovum is blighted. This I'm sure is part of God's will because He wants me to be able to give my mom the best care and as much time as possible without any health concerns of my own."

Nakumpirma ang pagbubuntis ni Kris noong March 13 sa taping ng kanyang game show sa ABS-CBN na Wheel of Fortune.

Monday, March 24, 2008

MARTIN NIEVERRA Joins SOS (Society of Seven) in Las Vegas Show

Martin Nievera joins Society of Seven (SOS) as the group begins looking for a new home.

That subhead of a show review of the ongoing SOS show in Las Vegas with Lani Misalucha and, yes, Martin Nievera, should ring merrily for Martin diehards.

A clipping of the review from the Las Vegas Review-Journal, bylined MikeWeatherford, was e-mailed to me by Funfare�s Big Apple correspondent Edmund Silvestre (news editor of The Filipino Reporter) who announced that the SOS and Lani (but minus Martin) will perform at Showboat Casino in Atlantic City (New Jersey) on May 4, produced by Drs. Ramon and Ching Legarda of Group Ole.

Said Edmund, �I want to share the review with your readers.�
Here it is, in full, headlined Martin Nievera and Lani Misalucha team up for stellar duets from the Josh Groban songbook:

They almost waited too long to figure this out.

The Society of Seven is a tourist institution in Hawaii, but has battled for years to maintain a high profile on the Strip.

Martin Nievera, the son of one of the Society�s original singers, likewise had tough luck trying to transfer his momentum to Las Vegas. He�s �The Concert King� of the Philippines, and at 46, can still pack arenas there. But it has been hard to push beyond that base to a wider audience, and formal singers not named Groban or Bubl� aren�t a hot commodity these days.

So, perhaps inevitably, these two have joined forces. Something Nievera has waited his whole life to do, he tells the audience. But guess what? The show closes at the Flamingo on April 13. Magician Nathan Burton takes over the afternoon berth in the showroom. SOS will go on tour and try to find a new home on the Strip in September.

That still gives them six weeks to demonstrate the potential of their combined force to future casino hosts. The show is instantly stronger, even though it�s a bit tentative and a little like a shotgun wedding.

Nievera restores the stellar male voice the Society has been missing since the death of longtime member Gary Bautista in early 2006. The showy singing has been left up to female star Lani Misalucha, but nothing quite replaced her duets with Bautista.

When Misalucha and Nievera serve up the inevitable rendition of The Prayer, or Somewhere from West Side Story, there�s no better singing in any ongoing show on the Strip.

Sure, a few of us would like to see if Misalucha could handle more nuanced vocals, maybe something jazzy to balance the full-throttle dynamics. But business is business, and the real mystery is why a show so perfectly attuned to American Idol and Groban�s song catalog would meet any resistance on the Strip. Perhaps many people, like a certain woman I live with, look at the ads and mistakenly assume the group does a Hawaiian-style show with grass skirts and island music.

Instead, the SOS formula has always been to balance Broadway singing with the �60s show-band tradition of costumed impressions and cross-dressing. Nievera is willing to dive in, offering what may well be the world�s first comic spoof of Groban and gamely putting on the dress to be one of the Supremes to Misalucha�s Diana Ross.

For better or worse, the impressions and spoofs all fall in the first 45 minutes, ranging from co-founder Bert Sagum as Little Richard to Misalucha as Celine Dion, Beyonc� and Britney Spears (a bit that really should go on hold until the real Brit seems less precarious).

Then the show turns the corner, and it�s basically all serious from that point on. A better blend would avoid Excessive Wig Syndrome followed by sudden withdrawal, something all TV doctors caution against.

Nievera hit the ground running this time. But if he and the Society are still a packaged deal in September, it will be time to bring in an outside director. Call it �Keeping up with the Scintas,� the only other full-time attempt (unless you count Danny Gans) to court customers from the pre-Pure era of Vegas.

The Scintas were wise to sit down with new producers and dissect every element of their Las Vegas Hilton act, though the changes ended up being more subtle than drastic. Likewise, it�s time for the Society to back up and rid the show of accumulated tics, such as co-founder Tony Ruivivar repeatedly thanking the audience for coming, which leads to False Finale Syndrome. (He�s covering for quick changes backstage, but why not talk about the history of the group or something?)

And while it�s cool that Nievera follows in his father�s footsteps by doing an impression or two, the rest of the group could follow the lead of his pop hits medley and say, �We�re good in our own right too.�

Moments such as the group�s offering a cappella backing to Misalucha�s version of Swing Low, Sweet Chariot give you high hopes for what they could come back with in September if they think this thing through.

Source: rfl, philstardotcom