Sarah Jessica Parker Commends Boy Abunda's Interview

Sarah Jessica Parker thanked Boy Abunda for asking interesting questions during her interview who visited the Philippines last week to grace the opening of SM Aura. Abunda said he was given seven to 10 minutes for the one-on-one interview with Parker during the opening of SM Aura Premier. Parker even promised Abunda to have a longer interview next time.

Abunda said he was coming from Laguna for an event and went straight to Bonifacio Global City, checking in at the nearby F1 Hotel so he won't late for the interview. He also related that the interview schedule was moved to an earlier time and they had to run from the hotel to the mall because “I didn’t want to miss it. It was worth it. What a genuine person,” he told guest co-hosts Toni Gonzaga and Gretchen Barretto in The Buzz last Sunday.

Abunda pointed out that when Parker refused to be picked up by a limousine from the airport, and instead rode in the van together with her staff. The "Sex and the City" star also requested to eat at a “turo-turo,” but was taken to a Filipino restaurant instead. According to Gonzaga, Parker tried the classic Pinoy cold treat, halo-halo, at the Milky Way Café in Makati City.

The interview was done in a good taste that it distanced away from the usual questions that Filipino reporters/journalists ask to foreign artists which is directed for the interviewee to praise the Philippines. This is very far from the irksome interview done by Ricky Lo with Anne Hathaway. We hope to see more international stars being interviewed by Tito Boy in the future.

Lea Salonga in Martin Late @ Night

Philippine TV’s ‘Big Mouth’ Martin Nievera is set to give TV viewers world-class entertainment this Friday (May 17) as he reveals the ‘dark side’ of Broadway Diva and “The Voice of The Philippines” coach Lea Salonga in “Martin Late @ Night.” What are the things about Lea’s personality that most people don’t know about her? Behind her beautiful and soothing voice, is it true that she likes things associated with violence? Meanwhile, Martin will make the night even more thrilling as he and Lea hold a ‘blind auditions’ in “Martin Late @ Night” featuring world singing champion Jed Madela and the ‘Kalokalikes’ of her “The Voice” co-coaches Apl de Ap and Sarah Geronimo. Don’t miss “Martin Late @ Night,” every Friday night, after “Bandila” on ABS-CBN. For more updates, log on to www.abs-cbn.com or follow @abscbndotcom on Twitter.

Director Rahyan Carlos in The Bottomline

Explore the art of acting this Saturday (May 18) as Star Magic artists’ training head and TV-film director Rahyan Carlos shares his expertise in “The Bottomline With Boy Abunda.” Is performing an in-born talent or is it a skill that can be learned over time? What is the main secret of celebrities who are able to maintain their status in the showbiz industry? With the growing number of popular personalities today, who among the young stars does Direk Rahyan believe have the potential to reach the success of veterans such as Dolphy, Vilma Santos, Nora Aunor, and Sharon Cuneta? Don’t miss the 2012 Golden Screen TV Awards Outstanding Celebrity Talk Program “The Bottomline With Boy Abunda” this Saturday, 11:30 pm, after “Banana Split.” For more updates, just log on at www.abs-cbn.com or follow @abscbndotcom on Twitter.

PGT4 Semi-Finals Kick Off This Saturday

The race to the grand finals finally begins as ABS-CBN’s biggest and grandest talent-reality show “Pilipinas Got Talent” kicks off its semi-finals round this Saturday (May 18) where the top 12 semi-finalists will compete in an intense live talent showdown to take one of six grand finalist slots. Expect leveled up performances and leveled judges power as the Big Three judges Kris Aquino, Ai Ai Delas Alas, and Freddie “FMG” Garcia will now choose two acts to make it to the grand finals. The act voted by viewers via text and online will again automatically take a grand finalist slot while the judges pick their top two bets among the acts that will rank 2nd, 3rd, and 4th in the nationwide votes. First up to compete this week are quick mask artist Tito Cris Castro, twin dance group Symmetry, unconventional acoustic band Mp3, YouTube sensation Roel Manlangit, flairtender Chaeremon Basa, and black light dancers Zilent Overload. Just recently, folk dancers Bughaw Folkloric Dance Group and car drifters Lateral Drift Productions completed the roster of semi-finalists during the 6th and last quarterfinal match. Who will become the first three grand finalists of season four?   Don’t miss the first live semi-final performance night this Saturday (May 18) after “MMK,” and watch the first live semi-final results night on Sunday (May 19), after “Rated K” on ABS-CBN. Tweet your thoughts on the show using the hashtag #PGT4.

“Be Careful With My Heart” Concerts Draw Thousands in Los Angeles and Kissimmee

Social media was crawling with photos and comments the past weekend following the back-to-back concerts of the Philippines’ number one daytime show, “Be Careful With My Heart”, at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California last Friday and at Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee, Florida on Mothers’ Day.

“Super saya talaga! 3 hours akong tumatawa (It was super fun! I was laughing for three hours),” posted Nelly Sugabo on Facebook.

“It was one of the best Filipino concerts I’ve been to. It was really ka-familia,” echoes Lorna G. Torres.

Event-filled May 10 had the defending Stanley Cup champions Los Angeles Kings going up against St. Louis Blues for Game 6 of their nail-biting Western Conference Quarterfinals series at the famed Staples Center. Award-winning film director Baz Luhrmann’s much publicized, lavish Jazz Age drama “The Great Gatsby” starring superstar Leonardo DiCaprio also opened on the same day. But the City of Los Angeles declared May 10 as “ABS-CBN TFC Be Careful With My Heart Kapit Bisig Day” via a Proclamation signed by no less than Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and the entire City Council.



The Proclamation was presented by Mayor Pro-Tem of Walnut, California Antonio Cartagena, Filipino-American Service Group, Inc. Executive Director Susan Dilkes, and Philippine Consul General Maria Hellen Barber De La Vega of Los Angeles to Be Careful With My Heart Business Unit Head Ginny Ocampo, ABS-CBN Head of Ad Sales, Trade Marketing & Events Ricky Resurreccion and ABS-CBN North America Managing Director Olivia De Jesus. It honored the commitment of ABS-CBN, TFC and the show to promote Filipino participation in the recently held Philippine elections and the May 21 municipal election in Los Angeles County. Consul General Barber De La Vega praised the Philippine government partnership with TFC by saying that voter registration for overseas absentee voting increased five-fold as a result of TFC support.

The fans trooped to the landmark Shrine Auditorium and filled it to the rafters, making the concert among the most attended events in the venue. On Mothers’ Day, May 12, Florida fans of the show also came in full force to the Silver Spurs Arena to profess their love for Sir Chief, Maya, Abby, Tart, Sabel – beloved characters of the popular TFC teleserye – with world-class singing champions Yeng Constantino and Jovit Baldivino.


Both concerts – the U.S. leg of an ongoing world tour of the show that already took them to the Middle East and will take them to Canada next – played on the strengths of the top-rating teleserye: it highlighted segments that were light, breezy, feel-good, wholesome (with an acceptable dose of impish humor) and generally upbeat. Stage Director John-D Lazatin and Musical Director Lorrie Ilustre mixed high-energy musical dance numbers with light romantic songs, acting contests, laugh-a-minute dating games that involved the audience, and showstoppers from Constantino and Baldivino.

Rosario “Tart” Carlos (Doris) and Vivieka Vivieka (Sabel) displayed their comic genius and onstage chemistry with their Madonna-Lady Gaga song-and-dance-off layered with a trade of witty barbs and retorts delivered with perfect comic timing. The two comediennes also backed up Jodi Sta Maria (Maya) in the “Be Careful With Your Acting” portion that brought the house down with three gentlemen participants from the audience reenacting a favorite scene between Sir Chief and Maya.

Sta Maria was a beautiful vision on stage, elegant, poised and charming, drawing admiring stares and public declarations of “I love you, Maya” from the audience as she serenaded the crowd with songs like Kaba andTorete from the show’s gold-selling soundtrack.

Mutya Orquia (Abby) had a cute exchange with TFC Barangay USA’s Gelo before doing an even cuter Call Me Maybe number with Carlos, Vivieka and the dancers.

The decision to intersperse musical segments with video clips from the show that took the audience to a journey of love of Sir Chief and Maya was wise, eliciting swoons and excited screams and shouts from the crowd.

The ear-shattering shrieks, as expected, were reserved for the touring cast’s central male figure, Richard Yap(Sir Chief). As soon as he sang the opening lines of This Thing Called Love, camera flashes flooded both venues as fans tried to capture frame-by-frame the Philippines’ phenomenally popular 40-something matinee idol.

The dating games with Yap concluded with passionate hugs and kisses for him from the chosen candidates to the delight (and perhaps a tinge of envy) from fans in the audience.

Shrieks reached record decibels anew when Yap and Sta Maria performed their much awaited duets, showcasing their indubitable chemistry as one of the country’s top love teams.

The party atmosphere in the house was at its peak when the entire cast did an OPM disco medley for its finale. By this time, the entire audience was on its feet, applauding, cheering, singing along and snapping photo mementos to capture historic moments of the U.S. visit of their most beloved family teleserye from TFC.

“We wanted to deliver the quality entertainment experience that people have come to expect from TFC and we are overjoyed by the positive comments that validated our intention,” said Resurreccion. “We want to thank everyone who supported the event – the cast and crew, our partners and sponsors, the media, the fans, our government officials, and the entire Filipino community for making all these happen.”

“These successful back-to-back concerts mark the beginning of a TFC events season in 2013 that promises only the best for our valued customers all over North America,” said De Jesus.

For more information on the “Be Careful with My Heart” U.S. concerts, please visit tfc-usa.com/events or visit and like TFCUSOfficial fan page on Facebook.

Kevin Balot's Story in “MMK”

ABS-CBN’s longest running drama anthology “Maalaala Mo Kaya” will share this Saturday (May 18) the inspiring life story of Miss International Queen 2012 Kevin Balot. One of the most promising Kapamilya actors Martin Del Rosario will portray the role of Kevin. Being the only boy in the children of three, Kevin tried to hide his real identity and fulfill his father’s dream for him to become an engineer. However, Kevin and his father’s relationship began to change when he eventually decided to come out of the closet. How will Kevin prove himself to his family? What will he do to show to everyone that his gender is not a hindrance to achieve his own dreams? Also featured in the “MMK” episode this Saturday are Al Tantay, Shamaine Centenera, Kokoy De Santo, Kristel Fulgar, Toby Alejar, Emmanuelle Vera, Cheska Billones, Louise Bernardo, Princess Freking, and Dax Bayani. It was researched by Agatha Lee Ruadap, written by Benson Logronio, and directed by Mae Czarina Cruz. Don’t miss another memorable heavy family drama episode of “MMK” this Saturday, after “Wansapanataym” on ABS-CBN. For more updates, log on to www.mmk.abs-cbn.com, and follow @MMKOfficial on Twitter and visit the official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/MMKOfficial.

Iza Calzado Lauds Zanjoe Marudo's Performance in 'Bromance'

Actress Iza Calzado lauded Zanjoe Marudo for pulling off his dual role -- one gay, the other straight -- in the movie “Bromance.”

Calzado is among the celebrities who graced the special screening of the Skylight Films project on Tuesday night.

In an interview with ABS-CBN News, Calzado said she is amazed that Marudo was able to distinctly convey his two characters.

“Maganda 'yung pelikula. Nakakatawa ang mga scene, ang galing ni Zanjoe mag-play ng isang homosexual. Ang hirap din kasi he’s playing two characters and alam mo na mahirap iyon pagtuuanan ng pansin kung paano niya madi-differentiate ang dalawa,” she said.

After the screening, Calzado extended her congratulatory message to the entire cast and crew of “Bromance,” which opens in theaters nationwide on Wednesday.

“Congratulations kay Zanjoe, kay Cristine (Reyes) at sa lahat ng bumubuo ng ‘Bromance’ lalo na sa inyong director na si Wenn Deramas. Mabuhay kayong lahat,” she said.

Deramas is also the director behind the blockbuster comedies "The Unkabogable Praybeyt Benjamin", "This Guy's In Love With U Mare!" and "Sisterakas."

Vice Ganda's 'Karakaraka' Music Video Premieres

Local celebrity athletes get goofy in a bus rave in the music video for Vice Ganda's hit single "Karakaraka," which was released online Wednesday by ABS-CBN's Star Records.

Directed by Raffy Francisco, the music video features appearances from campus cagers Kiefer Ravena, Jeron and Jeric Teng, as well as Philippine Volcanoes members Eric Tai, Andrew Wolff and Chris Ervingham.

The group, along with Vice Ganda, are seen partying inside a bus as they perform the "Karakaraka" dance moves as popularized by the comedian on the noontime variety program "It's Showtime" and his comedy talk show "Gandang Gabi Vice."

"Karakaraka," which also features rapper Smugglaz, is the first single from Vice Ganda's recently released self-titled album, his first under Star Records.

Ahead of the album's release, "Karakaraka" became the No. 1 most-downloaded track in the online music portal MyMusicStore.com.ph, when the song was released last month.

Aside from "Karakaraka," Vice Ganda's new album features the tracks "Manhid Ka," "Hindi Siya Kundi Ako," "Dahil Mahal na Mahal Kita," "Akin Ka Na Lang," and remixed versions of the songs.

The 37-year-old comedian is also gearing up for his third major solo concert, "I-Vice Ganda Mo 'Ko sa Araneta," which will be held at the Big Dome in Cubao, Quezon City on May 17.

Vice Ganda will be joined on stage by Kapamilya stars Daniel Padilla, Enrique Gil, Paulo Avelino and Dawn Zulueta, singer Regine Velasquez and his "Sisterakas" co-star Ai Ai delas Alas.

Caloy Faces Miguel's Revenge in "Little Champ"

Lucas (Jhong Hilario) finally forgives and reconciles with his father, Amang Leon (Lito Lapid) after the latter accidentally abandoned him when he was a child. Caloy (JB Agustin) along with his father, Lucas and mother, Helen (Lara Quigaman) are also happy now that their family is complete.

Meanwhile, the happiness of the family will be interrupted by Miguel (Jake Roxas) as he has found Caloy’s whereabouts. In this week’s episodes of the hit fantaserye “Little Champ,” Caloy faces Miguel’s anger and revenge because of his son’s death, which he blames on Caloy.

How will Caloy and Helen survive Miguel’s wrath? Will Lucas be able to save his son and wife? Will the superhero horse, Chalk, finally return to fight Miguel and save his best friend and his family’s?

Find out this week in “Little Champ” on ABS-CBN Channel 2 weeknights before “TV Patrol.” For more updates and feedback about the show, like the official Facebook fanpage of “Little Champ” at http://www.facebook.com/LittleChampOfficial and follow @LChampOfficial on Twitter. Little Champ toy horses, costume accessories, and other official merchandise are now available at leading toy stores nationwide.

Izzy Canillo is "My Little Juan"

From the expanding universe of the primetime drama series “Juan dela Cruz,” the cute and fun-loving character of the young Juan is back as Kapamilya child wonder Izzy Canillo topbills ABS-CBN’s newest Kapamilya Gold teleserye “My Little Juan.”

After showcasing his remarkable talent in the reality search “Star Circle Kid Quest Season 3,” and programs such as “Ikaw Ay Pag-ibig” and “Goin’ Bulilit,” Izzy quickly won the hearts of everyone with his recent portrayal as the young Coco Martin in “Juan dela Cruz.”

With the premiere of “My Little Juan” this Monday, Izzy will return as the extraordinary boy Juan who is the son of the Tagabantay Amelia (Mylene Dizon) and King Samuel (Albert Martinez).

“My Little Juan” features the story of Juan’s whole childhood and his exciting adventures with Fr. Cito (Jaime Fabregas) before he became a full-fledged superhero. It is directed by Darnel Villaflor.

Don’t miss the grand premiere of “My Little Juan,” on Monday, 2:45pm, after “It’s Showtime” in ABS-CBN’s Kapamilya Gold. For more updates, log on to www.abs-cbn.com, or follow @abscbndotcom on Twitter.

Why Rufa Mae Quinto is Frequently Seen on ABS-CBN

After nearly 20 years in showbiz, Rufa Mae Quinto is looking to further "explore" the industry, with her recent Kapamilya guest appearances marking her first steps.

The 34-year-old sexy comedienne appeared in the May 11 episode of the ABS-CBN sitcom "Toda Max," which stars Robin Padilla, Angel Locsin, Vhong Navarro and Pokwang.

"Feeling ko nga regular na ako sa 'Toda Max.' Pangalawang beses ko na last month lang, tapos bumalik ako, same character as Weida," Quinto told reporters on Tuesday.

"Masaya ako kasi parang ngayon lang ako nakapag-summer special sa ABS, sa Kapamilya," she said.

Quinto, a talent of Viva Artists Agency, is largely identified with rival network GMA-7, where she is seen as a regular cast member of the long-running gag show "Bubble Gang."

Referring to her projects in both rival networks, Quinto said, "Kasi freelancer naman ako, kaya kahit saan, kahit kailan, maaasahan niyo po ako, I'll be there. Iyon ang dahilan."

She added: "Sa tagal na natin sa industriya, gusto ko naman ma-explore ang lahat ng tao, lahat ng kamera, lahat ng direktor."

"Gusto kong makipagtrabaho sa ibat-ibang klaseng tao, mga artista. Gusto ka naman ng iba naman. By choice ko naman [ito], not by force," she said, laughing.

Apart from her Kapamilya guestings, Quinto's move to expand her showbiz career will see her topbill an action-comedy film set for release in July.

Directed by Marlon Rivera ("Ang Babae sa Septic Tank"), "Miri: Ang Huling Henya" features Quinto in a "serious role" as an agent out to combat crimes.

To mark her birthday on May 28, Quinto is also set to be featured in a "goddess-themed" photo exhibit on May 30 at Opus Restaurant and Lounge in Pasay City.

"Wish ko for my birthday," she said on Tuesday, "is long life to live, at saka health is wealth, 'di ba, at beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, so I want to hold the beauty, myself."

Turning Chairs on The Voice of The Philippines

With less than a month before its anticipated premiere, the Philippine edition of "The Voice" is sharing a peek at the big, red turning chairs which have made the contest format a global franchise.

In a trailer released Tuesday on the Facebook page of "The Voice of the Philippines," the four superstar coaches -- Lea Salonga, Sarah Geronimo, Francisco "Bamboo" Mañalac and Allan "apl.de.ap" Pineda -- are seen "turning" in their chairs to face the singing hopefuls.

As in the original competition, "The Voice of the Philippines" will have the coaches recruiting contestants in the "Blind Auditions."

In the first phase of the competition, the coaches will screen the auditionees with their backs turned to them. Only the voice will be the determining factor in prompting the coaches to push their button and turn their chairs around to signal their intention to recruit the contestant.

In the event that two or more coaches choose a particular contestant, they will have to convince the auditionee to pick them.

Each team will be trimmed down, however, as "The Voice of the Philippines" start the "Battle Rounds."

After mentoring and training their artists, each coach will pit two of their own team members in a "sing-off." The winning contestants will advance to the next round -- the live performance shows.

Meanwhile, on micro-blogging site Twitter Wednesday, Salonga addressed comparisons between the appearances of the chairs as seen in the local edition of "The Voice" and its counterparts in over 50 other countries, specifically the popular United States version.

The same red chairs, as seen in the United Kingdom edition of "The Voice," were also recently the subject of headlines when online publication The Sun reported about a "wacky rule" of the multinational franchise.

According to the report, the coaches on the show are prohibited from referring to the famous chairs as "spinning."

"One of the most important ones is they must never say that their red chairs spin — they only turn... The red chairs only go round 180 degrees so the creators of the show say they can’t be described as spinning, even though that’s what most viewers say," it said.

Set to air in June on ABS-CBN, "The Voice of the Philippines" will feature as hosts celebrity sisters Toni and Alex Gonzaga, and former "Pinoy Big Brother" housemate Robi Domingo.

"Mommy-Nappers" in "Wansapanataym"

ABS-CBN’s top-rating fantasy-drama anthology “Wansapantaym” will teach kids and families about the importance of giving appreciation to mothers this Saturday (May 18) in the special episode ‘Mommy Nappers.’ In the episode, Kapamilya child star Lance Lucido will portray the role of Tyrone, a young boy who spends most of his time researching about aliens rather than helping his Mommy Agnes (Yayo Aguila). Will Tyrone finally learn to appreciate his mother more when the aliens in their neighborhood kidnap his mom? Together with Yayo and Lance in the ‘Mommy Nappers’ episode are Kit Thompson, Ingrid dela Paz, Nanette Inventor, Gerald Pesigan, Bea Basa, and Casey de Silva. It was written by Ferdinand Aguas and directed by Erick Salud. Don’t miss the storybook of Pinoy kids, “Wansapanataym” special this Saturday, after “Kapamilya: Deal or No Deal” in ABS-CBN. Also, watch out for the reruns of its past episodes ‘Hair There Everywhere’ on Thursday (May 16), and ‘Flores de Mayumi’ on Friday (May 17) in “WansapanaSummer,” weekdays, 10:15am in ABS-CBN. For more updates, just log in at www.abs-cbn.com or follow @abscbndotcom on Twitter.

ABS-CBN’s First Quarter Income Up by 66%

The consolidated net income of ABS-CBN Corporation (“ABS-CBN” or the “Company”) (PSE: ABS, ABSP), the country’s largest media and entertainment company , registered P508 million in net income for the first quarter of 2013, a significant increase of 66% compared with P306 million in the same period last year. The growth in income was fuelled by strong regular advertising revenues as well as election-related ads. Consumer sales also grew at a significant rate.

ABS-CBN generated consolidated revenues of P7.9 billion from advertising and consumer sales, a 21% increase compared to last year.

Advertising revenues reached P4.4 billion, an increase of 22% from a year ago. Consumer sales amounted to P3.5 billion, posting an 18% increase. Sky Cable continues to be a major driver of growth with revenues increasing by 43% to P1.6 billion. The growth in revenues is partly attributable to the acquisition of Destiny Cable.

Total costs and expenses increased by 17% to P7.2 billion brought about by increases in production costs, cost of sales and services , and general and administrative expenses.

Capital expenditure and film and program rights acquisition amounted to P1.1 billion which was the same level of spending last year.

ABS-CBN led in national audience share and ratings for Urban and Rural audiences with prime-time audience share averaging 46% in the first three months of 2013, a 16 percentage point lead over GMA’s, based on Kantar National TV Ratings.

For the first quarter, the top 15 programs for Total Philippines (Urban and Rural) were from ABS-CBN, with the following occupying the Top 10 slots: Juan dela Cruz, Ina Kapatid Anak, Juan dela Cruz Ang Simula, Wansapanataym, Princess and I, MMK Ang Tahanan Mo, Pilipinas Got Talent Saturday, TV Patrol Weekday, Be Careful with My Heart, and Aryana.

ABS-CBN Film Productions, Inc. released 6 films in the first three months of 2013. Three of them–One More Try, Sisterakas and It Takes a Man and Woman grossed more than P200 million each.

Wynn Andrada Inks Recording Deal with Star Records

Acoustic singer and composer Sherwin ‘Wynn’ Andrada, a finalist in the recently concluded songwriting competition ‘Himig Handog P-Pop Love Song,’ inked a recording deal with Star Recording Inc. recently. The 18-year-old music artist is set to release his first solo album, which will include his P-Pop love song entry titled “Tamang Panahon.” “I’m so overwhelmed by this opportunity. Most of the songs to be included in my album are my original compositions that are mostly love songs,” he said. Wynn also shared how he inspires himself to write songs. He quipped, “In songwriting, I’m getting my inspiration from my personal experiences, from my crushes or sometimes from my friends’ stories.” When asked who among the Kapamilya female stars “inspires” him, Wynn named Kim Chiu as his celebrity crush and said that he would even be willing to write a song just for Kim. Aside from his singing and songwriting skills, Wynn also knows how to play several musical instruments such as drums, bass guitar, acoustic guitar, and many more. He is also open to doing acting projects in the future. Present at the contract signing were Star Creatives head Malou Santos, Star Records head Roxy Liquigan, Star Songs head Marivic Benedicto, and talent managers Don Don Monteverde, Rex Belarmino, and Chinie Go.