"I have decided to team up with Manny Villar and the Nacionalista Party because we share many things in common."

Vicente C. Sotto III has commended the production of “Tulak,” a movie which features the victims of illegal drugs and how their lives are ruined.

Cesar Montano is a man of many talents. In the meantime, however, Cesar is giving focus to his art.

A grand welcome is being prepared in Beijing for the arrival of Sharon Cuneta and the 80-member entourage of “Mano Po 6: My Mother’s Love.”

In a recent press conference, the GMA Network Entertainment announced the network’s lineup of programs to end the year 2009 and open 2010.

Fans of Bong Revilla and the “Panday” franchise need not worry anymore that the movie might not be shown in the 2009 MMFF.

The title of his latest album, “Byahe,” speaks well of himself.

The biggest ever season of “StarStruck” premieres tonight after “Kaps Amazing Stories.”

Cherry Mobile officially opened its first concept store recently at the fourth floor of SM Annex at SM North Edsa.

KBS will celebrate its 40th anniversary with a special thanksgiving dinner party on Friday, Nov. 13.

"Carinderia Queen” has a very interesting casting: True-to-life mother and son, and father and daughter.

“Tanging Pamilya” is expected to be another blockbuster at the tills.

One of the many reasons why we must watch Repertory Philippines’ re-staging of “Sweeney Todd” is Marvin Ong.

MMDA and MMFF chairman Bayani F. Fernando has appealed to the Comelec to exempt from election ban the official film entries of actor/candidates to the 2009 MMFF.

Ruffa Gutierrez has appealed to people to stop insinuating that she has a relationship with presidential contender Sen. Noynoy Aquino and Makati Councilor Jun-Jun Binay.

With the trail of destruction that typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng left at their wake, the task of rebuilding and restoration remains a challenge.

Fresh from his recent concert stint with international hiphop superstar Akon, Billy was delightfully surprised with his double victory.

Judging from the trailer alone, it could be said that “Ang Tanging Pamilya” is already a big winner.

Sen. Loren Legarda returned recently to Luneta to “plant seeds of hope for all Filipinos.”

"I’m happy I won an award at this time, when I now appreciate things."

"Galing ng Pinoy,” a music video, hails the Filipino, either here or abroad, as one “who stands shoulder to shoulder with anyone.”

Politicians and showbiz celebrities mingled freely and joyfully during the wedding of Senator Mar Roxas and broadcaster Korina Sanchez last Tuesday.

Due to the overwhelming success of the Star Magic World Concert Tour in the US four months ago, the show will be presented in the Philippines.

Starting on Wednesday, Oct. 28, audiences nationwide will finally meet “Patient X.”

Named SM’s Little Star during the pageant’s Grand Finals held recently at the Music Hall of SM Mall of Asia was Queenie Charmaine Sulit.

If  Megastar Sharon Cuneta is very excited about her latest movie “Mano Po 6: My Mother,” it’s because it has many “firsts” for her.

"It was a perfect script for me,” Richard Gutierrez said about “Patient X” where he plays the lead role as a doctor.

Just recently, we saw Charice sporting a new “tan” look.

It was through the efforts of German Moreno that the 57th Gabi ng Parangal of the FAMAS pushed through last Sunday.

A movie set in war-torn Iraq entitled “Kick Off” won the Best Picture award at the recently concluded 14th PIFF.

Expect a hilarious 24th season of “Daisy Siete” via its “My Shuper Sweet Lover” which starts airing Monday, Oct. 19 on GMA-7!

The Philippine Night sponsored by the Film Development Council of the Philippines, the Philippine Embassy and the Department of Tourism in Korea held at the elegant Favian Restaurant at the Grand Hotel was well-attended.

Kenny Wizz, acknowledged as the No. 1 Michael Jackson impersonator in the US and overseas, will take center stage on Oct. 21 at a dinner-show at the Heritage Hotel in Pasay City.

He has proven his worth as an actor in teleseryes like “Ysabella,” “Panday,” “Nasaan Ka Maruja,” and “The Wedding,” and in some movies including “Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo,” “One More Chance,” and “And I Love You So,” and now Derek Ramsay is also a sought-after product endorser.

This new rock band called Kaos may intrigue you with its name alone.

For her indefatigable efforts to promote Philippine art and culture, Marlene Aguilar has caught the attention of the Deputy Prime Minister of Samoa.

What do Tony Gloria, Ronnie Henares, Arnel de Pano and Leo Valdez have in common?

A Philippine delegation left Sunday, Oct. 11, for Korea to attend the 14th Pusan International Film Festival which is now ongoing till Oct. 16.

After covering the two “Wowowillie” shows at Lake Tahoe’s Harrah & Harvey’s Outdoor Arena and Seattle’s Tacoma Dome, we proceeded to the Big Apple for our annual vacation and to visit our son Lester and his family.
 

On Oct. 11, the new SM Little Stars will be chosen.

Trailblazing DMV Entertainment has found another gem of a talent in the person of Jay L Dizon.

Remember Cheska Iñigo of “Bagets 2” fame?

Yes, that was the impression of Korean superstar and recent visitor to the country Kim Bum of Maja Salvador.

If our very own Claire dela Fuente is ecstatic and super excited these days, it’s because she did a duet with Michael Bolton.

We asked her what she remembers most about her previous trips to the Philippines and the international musical legend Dionne Warwick said “shopping.”

Typhoon Ondoy delayed constructions of the Pinoy Big Brother house and almost stalled the pictorial of the new housemates.

The Air Supply said they will donate the proceeds of their concert here in Manila to the victims of typhoon Ondoy.

Maja Salvador has risen to the challenges of her TV and movie projects and has proven herself to be on a league of her own as a dramatic actress.

"Smart is the new sexy" has been coined by Atty. Adel Tamano, and of course he should know, smart as he is, making him sexy too.

After turning 15 classic movies into top-rating TV shows, GMA Network launched back-to-back two more afternoon programs for its 2009 last quarter shows.

Bearwin “Da Bear” Meily is out to do the impossible and set a Pinoy Record in GMA-7’s “Pinoy Records.”

Rachelle Ann Go and Jed Madela will rely on vocal harmony and their power pipes to pull through “True Champions.”

After their top-rated GMA-7 drama series, Aljur Abrenica and Kris Bernal now appear in their first movie.

The movie, “Yaya & Angelina, The Spoiled Brat,” is not all about fun and laughter.

Her real name was Cherry but her cousins and friends told her the name did not fit her because she had a big-sized head.

Although he dreamed to be an actor when he was young, Sam Milby said he did not expect it to happen early enough.

Air Supply is coming back to Manila to perform at a major concert on Oct. 3 at the Araneta Coliseum.

Yes, human organs are being sold and this is a reality in our midst and especially among the poor.

Another very successful “Wowowillie” show was staged on Sept. 13 by Willie Revillame and his group at the Tacoma Dome.

"Reunion” is indeed a reunion of two pairs of lovers who broke up due to one reason or another.

Now in their 40th year, the Apo Hiking Society will have a grand concert on Sept. 25-26 at the Skydome, SM North Edsa.

The presscon launching of the Pinoy remake of the Koreanovela “Stairway To Heaven” is a tearjerker already by itself.

Once more, Willie Revillame has brought joy and hope to Kapamilyas in America.

Aljur Abrenica and Kris Bernal were “caught in the act” in a very daring situations during the shooting of their launching movie.

An exciting show to watch on the night of September 12 is “Face to Phase… of love, life, laughter and beauty.”

As we go into the final stretch of the year, wonderful projects continue to pour into the esteemed artists of The Talent Factory.

Popular actor and now host of “The Singing Bee” show Cesar Montano recently signed a contract to be the endorser anew of Mega Sardines.

The night was young when stars all came down from the sky.

The StarStruck mania has begun anew and thousands from all over the archipelago have manifested interest in becoming the next stars.

After “Zorro,” primetime king Richard Gutierrez is back on television, but this time as host of “Planet: Philippines.”

It is the general impression that a sailor has a girl in every port.

The movie “Manghuhula” is as the title suggests, about fortune-telling, and it explores the true nature of the craft, or shall we say a “gift.”

The appeal of young stars is really such that fans and supporters would go all lengths to have a glimpse of them no matter the inconvenience of the situation.

The much-awaited premiere of “Celebrity Duets Season 3” airs Friday night, after “Wish Ko Lang,” GMA-7.

Carlo J. Caparas who feels the most beleaguered and insulted, may throw his hat into the political arena.

Good looks and talent are not enough to make one a star. But one thing could: Proper management.

"Tarot,” Marian Rivera’s latest movie with her home studio, Regal Films, premiered last Monday, Aug. 24 at SM Megamall, while its regular showing begins Wednesday, Aug. 26 in theaters nationwide.

When the American rock band Chicago first came to the Philippines for its debut concert in the early 1990s, it immediately endeared itself to thousands of Pinoy fans who were smitten by its breath-taking sound and unique style that resonated in its string of great hits.

The ABS-CBN nightly teleserye “May Bukas Pa” remains to be a toprating show and this is definitely the reason why it has been extended till January next year.

Boxing champ Manny Pacquiao is now all set to pursue a more serious showbiz career via the sitcom “Show Me Da Manny.”

A new movie outfit called Spring Films has promised to come up with exciting and meaningful commercial films as it launches a new season in Philippine Cinema.

Senator Manny Villar recently introduced to his friends in the entertainment press the six spokesmen of the Nacionalista Party of which he is the standard bearer.

It may look awkward for an actress to play the role of a gay, but for Iza Calzado, she does it with excellence.

Wife is beautiful at 70, thus said Mother Lily who marks a milestone today, Aug. 19. On this  special day, the Regal Films matriarch doesn’t want to celebrate with a lavish party.

The musical is really a love story of Cory and Ninoy. Their love for each other and their love for the country.”

Her image has always been that of a sexy comedienne and she has proven her mettle as such.

Two American businessmen from Las Vegas, John Maher and Neal Stuckey, chief executive officer and vice president for operations of Synergy Medical Products, respectively, have expressed genuine desire to produce a concert in December for the benefit of indigent Filipinos suffering from diabetes.

We understand now why Gov. Bellaflor Angara-Castillo was so enthusiastic to promote Aurora through the Mutya ng Pilipinas 2009 beauty pageant; Aurora province is indeed rich in natural resources.

Popular young actor Sam Milby has expressed excitement over his very first dramatic movie “And I Love You So” which teams him up with Bea Alonzo, which is also another first for the actor.

Even while he’s just starting to reap success from his debut album “Ready or Not,” hip-hop and R&B sensation Young JV has gone on to prove that for him, giving is more important than receiving.

Long before he joined GMA-7’s reality-TV show “Celebrity Duets,” MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando has already ingrained in his system the passion for singing.

The four guards who never wavered in their stance all throughout the funeral march deserve a pat on the back for their efforts and sacrifice.

Claire Dela Fuente’s  newest album, which could be her most personal, “Timeless, Songs Of My Life,” has been released by Viva Records this week.

Congratulations to first-time movie producers Boy Abunda and Boy So. Their initial venture, “Astig,” was the topgrosser in the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival.

Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. has expressed high optimism that the local movie industry will soon recover from its near extinction because of the enactment of a law which provides the reduction of the 30% amusement tax to 10%.

The day after they were presented to the media last week the 36 candidates to this year’s Mutya ng Pilipinas beauty pageant motored to Aurora Province for the various activities scheduled for them there.

Tita Cory was Kris Aquino’s big fan. But Cory criticized her daughter if only to help Kris improve as an artist.

It was at the airport that PGMA announced that “Komiks King” Carlo J. Caparas has been named National Artist for Visual Arts.

ABS-CBN drama anthology “Maala-ala Mo Kaya” marks its 18th anniversary with the airing of five special episodes starting Saturday night.

Erich Gonzales expressed how lucky she feels these days that she has been given the biggest break of her showbiz career.

A repeat of the rivalry between Regine Velasquez and Eva Castillo during the early years of their singing careers will be shown SRO Cinemaserye Presents “The Eva Castillo Story.”

The Dingdong Dantes Experience  is an audio-visual project and not Dingdong’s compilation of his personal exploits.

ABS-CBN Star Magic artist Diether Ocampo said his birthday last July 19 was the most meaningful so far.

Music icons Melissa Manchester and Imelda Papin team up for a show in Las Vegas, Nevada on July 31 and Aug. 1-2.

Oh My Girl! (OMG),” Regal Films’ anniversary offeringJudy Ann Santos and Ogie Alcasid, is a unique heart-warming comedy and an entirely different laugh story.

There are at least 170 indie films being screened at the 2009 Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival and Competition which is ongoing at the CCP until July 26.

Ten of thousands of votes were recently cast at PETA AsiaPacific.com for celebrities who exude passion and compassion.

GMA Artist Center talent Yasmien Kurdi has expressed disgust over the plan of a rich businessman to introduce and implement in the country the Greyhound Dog Racing.

It started quietly and modestly, until it snowballed with such fervor and intensity into an awesome experience rarely seen in popular music and culture.

It’s not actually his first indie movie but his first for the Cinemalaya Film Festival and Alfred Vargas is truly excited and proud of “Colorum.”

Many of the workers particularly among those who belonged to the rank and file, have been out of jobs for quite sometime already and may have also failed to send their sons and daughters to school.

“I am a girl six times a week. I’m only a man now on Sundays when I have to do ‘SOP'," Ogie Alcasid joked.

Touted as one of the best young actors of this generation, Sid Lucero is no doubt making the right moves.

Piolo Pascual has turned producer and his initial venture, “Manila,” will open the 5th Cinemalaya Film Festival on Friday, July 17, at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

Another controversy has again put to the test Optical Media Board Chair Edu Manzano’s integrity.

Former First Lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos led outstanding Leyteños and Samareños who were honored recently by the Tacloban City government.

In addition to the well-known and acclaimed VAA song artists, there are other “voices” from the agency who may not be as busy but equally talented.

GMA-7 launched over the weekend before its advertising partners and friends its four newest primetime shows.

The Nacionalista Party is hopeful that the film industry players will find it even more rewarding to produce top-quality films with the amusement tax reduced by two thirds.

The FDCP represented the country at the recent 12th Shanghai International Film Festival which gave focus to the French new wave cinema, Chinese classic films after liberation and honored the films of Alfred Hitchcock.

It was a grand “surprise” birthday bash tendered for former First Lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos last July 2 at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza.

No other than Sen. Jinggoy Estrada described “Bente” as “a sensitive movie.”

America galloped its way into the hearts of millions of Pinoy fans during its hugely successful comeback concert tour here in December 2007.

Some of the delegates performed for the media when the composition of Team Philippines was announced.

Hair Asia has shown all-out support to beleaguered actress Katrina Halili by unanimously choosing her as the cover girl of its latest edition.

Cebu City – It was another grand event that GMA Network presented to Kapuso fans in this city last weekend.

Another big event in the local entertainment scene that every avid music enthusiast would be ecstatic about is the forthcoming return of American singing sensation Boyz II Men

The launch coincided with the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Solferino on that day (June 24), which is the birth of the Red Cross worldwide.

"Villa Estrella,” a horror flick, is Star Cinema’s grand 16th anniversary offering.

ABS-CBN is set to revive the legendary characters that once top action star Ramon Revilla played in his landmark movies.

Aiko Melendez and Jomari Yllana are a couple (meaning husband and wife) once again.

The finalists to this year’s Circle of 10 Image Model search were presented recently to the media by founder and executive director Tom Adrales.

We were in this tranquil and beautiful city with warm, respectful people last weekend for the Ms. Iriga 2009 beauty pageant together with colleague Ricky Lo, Jeffrey Hidalgo, BDO’s Senior VP Geronimo D. Diaz, and Atty. Raymond Fortun as judges.

The box-office supremacy of John Lloyd Cruz and Sarah Geronimo will be affirmed once more with their coronation as Box-Office King and Queen at the RCBC Plaza along Ayala Ave., Makati City.

Sec. Puno has offered his assistance to Katrina Halili regarding her complaint against Dr. Hayden Kho and the alleged distributors of her sex video.

The recently concluded Wowowee Olympics held at the Araneta Coliseum no less was a huge success.

Internationally renowned pianist and recording artist David Osborne is scheduled to perform at the historic Manila Hotel on June 21.

The entertainment industry is currently mourning the passing of a respected member, Douglas Quijano who succumbed to cardiac arrest last Saturday (June 13).

This is why, no matter how hectic his schedule is, he finds time to go to school.

Madam Auring may be an object of ridicule to those who don’t really know her, but she’s one very interesting person to many, including celebrities from across the globe, and the rich and powerful in our country in the past.

The well-loved tandem of Judy Ann Santos and Ryan Agoncillo, now a real-life couple, is back via the comic teleserye “George and Cecil”.

Congratulations to the winners of the recently held PMPC 25th Star Awards for Movies. “Baler,” a co-production between Viva Films and Bida Foundation, won most of the awards – nine!

Viva’s big boss Vic del Rosario, told me that in spite of the insistent clamor for a follow-up to the blockbuster “You Changed My Life”, Sarah can only do one movie a year.

It is very seldom that the country’s top caliber stars are gathered together in one production!

GMA-7 has a new primetime show that promises to make televiewers addicted to it.

Matinee idol Richard Gutierrez has fully recovered from that near-fatal car accident and has resumed taping for “Zorro.”

It was a fun-filled event that happened last week at the SM Mall of Asia’s Science Discovery Center, now called the Nido Fortified Science Discovery Center as Nido Fortified milk has partnered with SM to promote improved science learning among children.

Tradition continues, and today the Halili-Cruz School of Ballet (HCSB) presents its young, aspiring ballerinas and danseurs in another enjoyable celebration of talent and creativity via “Summer Dance Divertissement 2009.”

"Dapat Ka Bang Mahalin?,” starring Aljur Abrenica and Kris Bernal, has been garnering a consistent high rating among other afternoon TV drama series.

Senator Jinggoy Estrada delivered Monday at the Senate Hall a privilege speech asking that the management of the Metro Manila Film Festival be given to the industry itself – which means that the leaders of the local movie industry become the sole implementors and managers of the yearly film festival.

The grand finals for the “Century Tuna Superbods 2009: Bods and Brains Challenge,” a competition in celebration of healthy minds and bodies, went on as scheduled last May 2 at the Pearl of the Pacific and Plazoleta, Boracay.

The grand finals for the “Century Tuna Superbods 2009: Bods and Brains Challenge,” a competition in celebration of healthy minds and bodies, went on as scheduled last May 2 at the Pearl of the Pacific and Plazoleta, Boracay.

He is yet to become a big star, but Dino Imperial is slowly getting there, what with good projects coming his way.

Experience the timeless music of Chicago in their upcoming concert tour in Manila beginning May 7.

In a recent interview with Kris Aquino for “Showbiz News Ngayon (SNN),” Anne Curtis was asked to comment on alleged rumors saying Viva Films “bought” her "Baler" Best Actress award for her.

Kris Aquino is no longer Ai Ai de las Alas’ best friend.

Here’s another talented Filipino-American who’s making a name in Los Angeles, California.

Reports say Judy Ann Santos’ producers, associates and friends in show business were hurt for not being invited to her wedding to Ryan Agoncillo.

Filipino-German actress Paraluman died last Monday (April 27) at a little past 5 a.m. She succumbed to cardiac arrest. She was 84 years old.

Despite the many leading ladies he has been linked to, Piolo has successfully avoided romantic attachment, always saying the right time hasn’t come, and that Miss Right hasn’t come into his life.

From the looks of its trailer, ABS-CBN has given the classic tale of “Maruja” a modern-day horror-romantic spin.

It was a different Angel Locsin who met the entertainment press recently at the Dolphy Theater in the old ABS-CBN building.

Dubbed “For Dear Earth,” the concert is in line with the advocacy for cleaner air and water, and against negative thoughts that pollute the environment.

“We need to really keep on hoping for better things to come,” she expressed during a break in a rehearsal the other day at Teatrino in Promenade, Greenhills.

He earned many prestigious awards, the latest of which was a Presidential Medal of Merit.

In a recent episode of “Showbiz News Ngayon (SNN),” Boy Abunda and Kris Aquino featured Mar and Korina in their much-needed sojourn in Tagaytay last Holy Week.

Hole in the Wall,” a very entertaining and unique game show starts today (after “Gokusen”) on GMA-7.

It’s four times the great music, laughter, and love when these four individual artists are on stage.

In town is Malaysian actress-model Carmen Soo who is now a Kapamilya star, joining the roster of stars of the country’s leading star discoverer and builder, ABS-CBN Star Magic.

The singers, assisted at the piano by Carlos Perion, will render opera arias and duets, Broadway hits and well-loved kundiman pieces.

Not everybody has the luck to meet up with the King of Comedy.

It excited her no end that after more than four decades, veteran actress Perla Bautista has been given a title role to play – as “Fausta,” a holy woman who founded the Sacred Heart College (SHC) in Lucena City run by the Daughters of Charity.

"There has not been any Filipina yet who played a leading role in a mainstream Hollywood movie,” Jelynn Rodriguez stressed during a press conference.

Pop-rock icon Lou Bonnevie marks three important events this April.

Much-awaited by horror movie fans is the Star Cinema’s latest offering “T2,” dubbed the official “must-see” summer movie of 2009, and which opens today, Black Saturday, in over 100 theaters nationwide.

Kapuso star Katrina Halili, two-time FHM’s Sexiest Woman, said that the man she’s on the lookout for these days is “someone responsible, yung lalaki talaga na hindi nanlalaglag ng iba para lang ipagtanggol ang sarili…”

It’s back to school for former beauty queen Charlene Gonzales starting next week, when she starts attending Business Management Entrepreneurship classes at the Harvard Business School, yes, in the US.

Another Filipino talent, Catherine Loria, captivated the world with her amazing voice when she bagged two grand titles in the 2008 World Championships of Performing Arts.

It seems that the dancers at the Halili-Cruz School of Ballet (SHCSB) don’t get tired at all.

Chris Cayzer is back and his goal is simple – to make his original music heard!

Horror flick fans are in for a good treat when “T2” opens after the Holy Week.

Yes, for a long time now Sheryl Cruz has been Geoff Eigenmann’s crush.

We got a chance to talk to Richard Gomez during a press visit last week at the set of GMA- 7’s “All About Eve,” an adaptation of the hit Koreanovela that was shown on the Kapuso network a few years ago.

From the way it looks, Aljur Abrenica is being groomed as the next matinee idol by GMA Artist Center.

Gerald Anderson should know what to say when it comes to staying inside Kuya’s house. His advice to PBB aspirants is “Be yourself, have fun!”

Ms. Cory Vidanes was named recently the new head of Channel 2 Mega Manila, effective March 18.

Mowelfund has served more than 4,500 members through medical and other benefits.

"Symphony of Hope” is indeed a show to look forward to, if only for the fact that it features the legendary Side A band with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) and at the Cultural Center of the Philippines no less. This promises to be one unforgettable night indeed especially for fans of Side A and for the additional fact that the show will also feature noted actress and singer Karylle as guest artist.

There are more than one reason why people brave all odds to join reality-TV shows. The reasons were as varied as the personalities who presented themselves for auditions to “Survivor Philippines Season 2” last weekend. The two-day auditions were held at the Food Court of SM Cebu where on the first day (March 15) about 1,400 survivor wannabes patiently lined up for their turns to be interviewed.

In a phone patch interview with entertainment and sports writers last Monday noon, Pambansang Kamao Manny Pacquiao admitted his fault as he stressed “mas matalino na ako kaysa kahapon…lahat naman tayo nagkakamali, kahit mga pinakamagaling na kampeon…” and now that things had been ironed out among Solar Entertainment, GMA Network and MP Productions, Manny can now concentrate on his training.

He may be controversial, with negative issues hurled to his direction every now and then, but Baron Geisler has proven to be a remarkable actor, as he showcases his acting mettle in ABS-CBN teleseryes like the defunct “Eva Fonda,” “Pieta,” and now in the toprating “Tayong Dalawa,” topbilled by Gerald Anderson, Kim Chiu and Jake Cuenca.

Sarah Geronimo has been proclaimed “Box-Office Queen” for 2008 by the Guillermo Mendoza Memorial Scholarship Foundation headed by Mrs. Corazon M. Samaniego. “Box-Office King” is of course John Lloyd Cruz, Sarah’s leading man in “A Very Special Love.”

The war of the country’s two giant networks was triggered anew by Manny Pacquiao’s decision to move (back) to ABS-CBN from GMA-7 where he has an ongoing contract as talent. 

The war of the country’s two giant networks was triggered anew by Manny Pacquiao’s decision to move (back) to ABS-CBN from GMA-7 where he has an ongoing contract as talent.
 

Excessive taxes have always been the problem of the movie industry for a long time now.

It’s very encouraging to know that some of our young stars are responsible enough to engage their time and efforts in worthwhile endeavors like the country’s fight against illegal drugs spearheaded by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor). The movie and TV stars, among them Pauleen Luna, Roxanne Barcelo, Nadine Samonte, and Isabel Oli attended a recent press conference held at the Alegria Lounge of Casino-Filipino Pavilion to show their support to the forthcoming Grand BIDA (Batang Iwas Droga) March slated on March 21.

If there is one word that would best describe Philosophy by Mikaela Advanced Aesthetic Center, it is aggressive. Yes, everybody who reads the papers should know by now what we mean. It’s been noted that the aesthetic center hasn’t only been aggressive in its advertising campaign to create awareness of its existence and its various services, it is also aggressive in its choice of endorsers.

Simply Olivia.

If plans push through, the movie superstar Nora Aunor will film in the US will be directed by Celso Ad Castillo whose son Chris Castillo, who’s been a resident of the US for a long time now, wrote the script of the film project “Do Filipinos Cry in America?”

They are both achievers and established stars and they are also good friends so it would be exciting to see young superstar Judy Ann Santos and singer-songwriter and comedian Ogie Alcasid team up in an outrageous comedy. This is “Oh, My Girl!” the latest offering of Regal Entertainment, Inc.

The fight between two entities claiming to be the “real” FAMAS (Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences) continues to this day. In an urgent press release sent to us by FAMAS Pres. Art M. Padua, he decried the claim of the Jimmy Tiu group to be the only “legitimate body to conduct the FAMAS annual awards.”

’ll never say something that will somehow criticize the father of my daughter,” Sheryl Cruz said during the launching of her album, “There’s No Place Like Home.” “I do not like my daughter to diminish her admiration for her father.”

Master Rapper Francis D. Magalona will be laid to rest today, six days after succumbing to cancer of the blood at the Medical City last March 6. His remains will be cremated early this morning, then will be brought back to the Christ the King Parish Memorial Chapel  where a holy mass will be held at 9 a.m. After that, his ashes will be brought to the Loyola Memorial Park in Marikina City for interment.

2008 proved to be a banner year of sort for Anne Curtis, and now she looks forward to more success this year.

After her successful movie team-up with her "Lobo" leading man Piolo Pascual, Angel Locsin is set to start working on her new soap opera, "Only You," a Filipino adaptation of the popular Koreanovela of the same title. Angel will have leading men in the ABS-CBN teleserye, Sam Milby and Diether Ocampo. And they will tape portions of the show in the original setting which is Korea. Taping starts this March.

In an “emergency” press conference last Thursday noon, Ms. Annabelle Rama told the entertainment press that her talent, JC de Vera has not renewed his contract with GMA-7. In fact, his contract with the network expires on March 14, she said. “Hindi totoo na hanggang 2010 ang kontrata niya. I will let you know on Monday or Tuesday if  we are renewing or not,” Annabelle said. As to the claim of GMA-7 that the contract of their talents are automatically renewed for another year, according to Annabelle there is a certain provision to this and  “this is so if they receive our acknowledgment signature.

They were once upon a time a romantic couple who were about to get married, but things didn’t work out for Dingdong Avanzado and Rachel Alejandro, being young and quite immature then. “It wasn’t meant to be,” Rachel said when we asked why they split. “But it’s all right because I’ve seen how happy Dingdong and Jessa (Zaragoza) are in their marriage.”

Because of its immense success when it was first staged in Dec. 30, 2008, the concert “Legends of OPM” will be re-staged anew to give in to insistent clamor from those who missed it. The show will be held tonight, also at the PICC.

It was an interesting mix of political and showbiz celebrities who graced the recent birthday party of Senate Protempore Jinggoy Estrada at the Blue Leaf Rest. at McKinley Hills Subd. in The Fort.

She is tall – 5’ 7” – with exotic dark olive skin, hair freely hanging beyond her shoulders. She is a Portuguese mestiza with a Filipina mother. She was born in Toronto, Canada, but she learned fast to speak Tagalog though she had only visited the Philippines twice only.

From the pigeonhole:
It’s been almost six years since Pops Fernandez played her last dramatic role in GMA-7’s primetime drama series, “Twin Hearts,” which then starred Karylle and Dennis Trillo.

Expect beautiful, nostalgic music again tonight and tomorrow night at the Music Museum as three of the country’s greatest balladeers – Jun Polistico, Anthony Castelo and Victor Wood – stage another performance of their “The Great Balladeers” show. Their concert series, presented by Viva Concerts and Events, opened successfully at the Music Museum last Feb. 7, with the three of them captivating the audience with their hit songs which they popularized and recorded during their heydays four decades ago.

When Mo Twister asked if Hayden Kho was a gold-digger, Vicki said he wasn’t like her previous boyfriend. Hayden never asked her for anything.

Former airhostess Margarita Marquis (we met her at the Paris International Film Festival in Paris, France last year) has a very interesting story to tell, indeed movie material and it’s no wonder she’s now planning to make it into a movie, having tapped the services of an American awardwinning scriptwriter Steward Lindh to write the script. Entitled “Sand Prints,” the script has been read by some US producers and Margarita is just waiting for the right offer and opportunity.

From the pigeonhole:
For the fifth time, Richard Gutierrez has proven that he’s the undisputed king of Valentine films. The currently showing “When I Met U,” the Valentine offering of GMA Films and Regal Entertainment, is doing exceedingly well at the box-office. The past days saw lovers of all ages lining up at theaters nationwide where “When I Met U” is showing.

From the pigeonhole:

TNS Media Research Philippines launched Wednesday its national television audience measurement data. According to their report, their panel is composed of 1,200 households covering urban Philippines, which can be broken down into seven sectors.

The colorful life story of Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay has been translated into film and will soon hit the local screens, courtesy of 7101 Islands Entertainment Productions, headed by director-producer Cyril Lorenzana. Entitled “Walang Iwanan, Walang Atrasan,” the movie tells the highlights in the life story of the feisty, tough but principled city executive who is known for his loyalty and sincerity to friends and those people around him. “This is why we titled his filmbio ‘Walang Iwanan, Walang Atrasan,” Direk Cyril told us at the press conference for the movie held recently at Ascott Makati.

CEBU CITY – We attended for the fourth time the Sinulog Festival (the so-called Queen of All Festivals because of the millions it attracts, whether Sto. Niño devotees or just spectators or tourists), this time upon the invitation of ABS-CBN. Although we were not able to join the procession last Jan. 17 (which according to police estimate was participated in by more than 1.2 million Sto. Niño devotees) but we attended the 6 a.m. mass the following day, unmindful of the inconvenience and discomfort of close body contacts with fellow devotees who like us wanted to push their way closer to the improvised altar in front of the Basilica del Sto. Niño. Every year, the masses during the Sinulog Festival have to be held outside of the church to accommodate the big crowds.

A formal dinner reception was hosted by Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim on Wednesday night to honor Filipino artists who made the country proud at the recently concluded 35th Brussels International Independent Film Festival 2008. At the dinner reception held at the Bulwagang Antonio Villegas of Manila City Hall, Mayor Lim also presented the ceremonial Key to the City of Manila to H.E. Gregoire Vardakis, Ambassador of Belgium to the Philippines.

The international entertainer and recording artist David Pomeranz arrived here from Philadelphia to witness, the day following his arrival, the contract-signing between the Operation Smile Philippines and the Ultimate Entertainment, Inc. which will produce three concert tours in the Philippines early next year with the US-based singer as the main performer.

There are several reasons why Anne Curtis is most excited about her role in “Baler,” Viva Films’ entry to the forthcoming 2008 Metro Manila Film Festival.

She may still be grieving, five months after the death of her beloved husband, but Lorna Tolentino is slowly recovering from her grief.

Most possibly, he’s the most accomplished host in the country today, and for this Paolo Bediones kicked off recently his year-long 10th anniversary celebration with a thanksgiving party for the entertainment press during which he also announced the Grand Survivor Finale on Dec. 12.

For Prince of R&B Jay-R, Christmas must be enjoyed fully well, and one way of doing it is to have Christmas songs and music at the touch of your finger anytime of the day.

As always, upon their arrival from another successful European tour, the UP Singing Ambassadors visited Manila Bulletin to serenade us with a few of their winning songs.

Everyone who was at the Manila Hotel Tent City last Sept. 12 had great nostalgic fun listening to Petula Clark’s rendition of songs of the 60’s and 70s which she popularized during her heyday as Britain’s most successful female singer who also later became America’s No. 1 vocalist during the British musical invasion of the US in the 60’s.

In an interview over the weekend, Gabby Concepcion confirmed to us that indeed he’s been having problems with his manager, Mrs. Rose Flaminiano, and all about his managerial contract with her and contracts of his shows and supposed commitments which the actor wanted to see but his manager apparently didn’t want to show to him, he said.

I am pretty sure a lot of music fans still remember with great fondness the cheerful, throbbing and evocative sound of “Downtown,” the classic hit of the 1960s which captures the exciting and colorful spirit, mood and style of that special district in the city of one’s affection.

The ultimate thrill is back

Two of Asia’s superstars, Wu Chun and Calvin Chen, arrived over the weekend to promote their afternoon show “Romantic Princess” which is now approaching its final two weeks on ABS-CBN.

After a five-year absence from the silver screen, sexy Viva Hot Babe Maui Taylor is making a comeback via the movie “Torotot,” a collaboration by Viva Films and Production 56.

Despite receiving negative remarks for his alleged dismal performance last week from the “Pinoy Idol” judges — Ogie Alcasid, Jolina Magdangal and Wyngard Tracy — lady luck and text voters helped save Daryl Celis from elimination, beating Robby Navarro during last Saturday’s showdown, July 6 at the Centerstage of the Mall of Asia.

Ejay Falcon, Robi Domingo, Nicole Uysiuseng and Beauty Gonzalez are the newest breed of upcoming young stars on account of their being the Big Four Winners of the recently concluded Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition Plus (PBBTEP).

Alfie Lorenzo, the manager of Judy Ann Santos, called us to clarify a Juicy Corner item about his ward causing several pack-ups in the tapings of her new teleserye for ABS-CBN.

Steve Tyrell approached singing by becoming a producer first.

Now nearing its one-week run in theaters nationwide, “When Love Begins,” starring together for the first time, Aga Muhlach and Anne Curtis, has become a breakout hit for Star Cinema and, of course, its co-producer, Viva Films.