Blogatorials: The Noisy GMA7 Philippine National Anthem

GMA 7, in partnership with SM Malls, just released their music video for the National Anthem with their stars portraying some historical people. They are again claiming that this video marks a historical landmark on Philippine Television. But ABS-CBN already did this several years ago.

One thing I noticed is that the GMA 7 version is too noisy, that the song can not be heard anymore. The importance of the song was not given emphasis. As for ABS-CBN version, the song is so solemn, that you can feel proud to be Filipino just from hearing the song.

So here are the two version and judge which one is better.

Jay Sean Live in Manila

BlueDream Entertainment and MMI presents All or Nothing: Jay Sean LIVE in Manila! on September 3,2010 (8PM) at the Araneta Coliseum. Tickets will be available in all SM Ticketnet outlets.

Jay Sean (real name: Kamaljit Singh Jhooti) is a British singer-songwriter, rapper, beatboxer & record producer. His American debut single "Down" topped the Billboard Hot 100, making him the first solo artist of South Asian origin and first UK urban act to top the Hot 100. It was the 7th best selling song of 2009, having sold more than 3 million digital copies in the US and 6 million copies worldwide, making him the most successful British/European male urban artist in US chart history. Jay Sean was ranked #35 in Billboard's Hot 100 Artists of 2009.

ABS-CBN is the official media partner of this event.

Da Vince Code on ASAP XV

This Sunday, meet the new band in town on ASAP XV, the Da Vince Code!

Watch out for another leg of 1dol promo featuring Da Vince Code's members Sam Milby, DJ and Micah Lamar, Micael Caldito, James Torres and Kyle Amor.

The Making of Idol!

Last night, we have seen a short feature on the upcoming musikaserye on Primetime Bida, Idol.
Here is the said video:

Falling in Love Theme Song of Agua Bendita

Agua Bendita will have its final 2 weeks and as a tribute to this phenomenal teleserye, here is the music video of the teleserye theme song Falling in Love by Six Part Invention.

Kapamilya Snapshots: Agua Bendita Thanksgiving Party

Due to the phenomenal success of the fantaserye Agua Bendita which will end soon, the show staff held a Thanksgiving Party together with the stars. Here are some of the pictures on the said event.

Mariel Rodriguez Bares All on E-Live

Before leaving the country for a vacation, Mariel Rodriguez sat down for an exclusive interview with Bianca Gonzalez for Entertainment Live. Mariel clarified the issues surrounding her decision to take an indefinite leave from showbiz. “Actually I’ve been asking for a vacation. Wowowee pa lang noon. I asked if I could have a birthday leave kahit mga two weeks lang. The first and second week of August. But I was denied because mag-start kami ng [Pilipinas] Win na Win.”

She also quickly dismissed speculations that she is leaving because she is pregnant. “I was thinking they’re going to say I am pregnant. I’m not pregnant. I just really need a break.” The TV host-actress admitted that she will be spending her vacation with Robin Padilla, who also took a leave from Win na Win to observe Ramadan, a sacred tradition in his religion, Islam. “He’s going to be there. Kasi parang perfect na talaga ‘yung timing. I don’t know if it’s destiny or timing.”

Regarded as one of the busiest showbiz personalities, Mariel has decided to put her career aside for a while to give herself time for love. “It’s an indefinite leave but my decision is definite. But it doesn’t mean that I don’t love my job. I love my job. I’m going to come back. I’m taking a risk. It is a risk kasi hindi ko alam kung ano pa ang mababalikan ko. Sana makabalik pa rin ako sa ginagawa ko. But I’m really happy. I don’t regret the decision I made. Finally I’m doing something for myself.”

She added that she had asked the permission of her manager Boy Abunda, and that by the time she decides to resume her career, she will still be welcomed. “That’s the first thing Tito Boy told me. He said, ‘Mariel, if we’re going to do this, paninindigan natin ‘to.’ I really don’t know [when I will come back]. But I will be back. Sana welcome pa rin ako.”

When asked if during her vacation she and Robin are planning to get married, Mariel said that it is not very impossible. “Kung ano ang gusto nilang isipin, at this point, I will just go where life takes me.” She even joked, “Bahala na si Batman…o bahala na si Robin! Ha ha ha! Let’s see pagbalik ko. Pagbalik ko chichikahin ko kayo. Robin said na kapag kami nagpakasal hindi namin isisikreto. Sasabihin namin. We will be proud.”

Mariel also gave her reaction to the controversial statements of Robin’s ex-wife Liezel Sycangco who claimed that Robin’s priority now is Mariel that’s why he no longer has time to take care of their four children. Mariel said, “I’m not contradicting kung ano man ang feelings ni Ms. Liezel. Kung ano ang gusto niyang sabihin pwede niyang sabihin because siya ang ina. Ang sinasabi ko lang ‘yung nakikita ko na mabuting ama si Robin. Sobrang ina-idolize ni Ali (the youngest child) si Robin. Every time Ali eats, si Robin ang nag-slice ng steak niya. Si Robin ang nagbubukas ng tubig niya. Grabe niya asikasuhin si Ali. Sinusundo niya sa school.”

But she confessed that because of Liezel’s statements, she got worried thinking that she could also be contributing to the problem, so she cleared things out with Robin. “I can’t help but feel that I’m partly the reason. Although Ms. Liezel naman said that she has nothing against me. Maybe they’re just thinking that I’m now the priority. I asked if he just wanted me to walk away. He said na hindi naman ako ‘yung reason. It’s really between him and Liezel, and for the kids.”

The whirlwind romance between the 26-year-old TV host-actress and the 40-year-old action star, which began when last May Robin filled in for Willie Revillame as host of Wowowee where Mariel is also a mainstay, has been subject to controversies and criticisms. Many had said that Mariel, who just came from a bitter breakup with Zanjoe Marudo, was just falling prey to Robin’s killer charm.

In the past 20 years, Robin has had the reputation for being a womanizer after having string of relationships with known female celebrities which include Kris Aquino, Vina Morales, and Sharon Cuneta. This chapter in Robin’s life was recently unfolded in StarStudio Magazine. “Nahihiya nga ako sa kanila. I would tell him, ‘You better tell me baka meron ka pang ibang babae na wala sa magazine na ‘yan,’” shared Mariel.

But Mariel managed to accept Robin despite his past. “It’s not an issue. My first impression was, bad boy siya, maraming babae. Pero nung nakilala ko siya, hindi e. He was so much more. Sobra siyang matalino. Ang lalim niyang tao.”

She is not putting any label on her relationship with Robin, but only said that she had never been this happy in her life. “Ito na ‘yung pinakamasaya ko. Sana [he’s the one].” Mariel talked about how Robin would make her feel like the most important girl in the world. “Like a queen. It’s the simple things. I thought hindi na uso ‘yung pag-open ng door sa car. He’s rather die than let me open the door. Bababa siya talaga para i-open ‘yung door for me.”

To those still unsure if she made the right choice of putting her career aside to be with Robin, Mariel said, “But I also have my personal dreams as Mariel. Feeling ko at the end of the day, para saan ba ‘yung career woman na ginagawa natin, ‘di ba para rin ma-attain natin ‘yung dream natin as a person. Kung pwede ko naman i-try na gawin ‘yung gusto ko hindi naman siguro masama. Baka naman pwede maging masaya. Ayokong mag-regret. ‘Di ba that’s how girls are? We are willing to give anything. Kapag ako ay nagmahal. Tama! ‘Yung kasalukuyan ‘yung ang magdo-draw ng future. Kailangan i-enjoy lang namin ang kasalukuyan. Ganun naman ‘yun. Wherever the road will take us.”

Mariel clarified that Robin is not pushing her to leaving her successful showbiz career just for him. “The funny thing is he always tells me na I’m at the peak of my career. Sobra ‘yung support niya. Sa palagay ko hindi niya ako ilalagay sa posisyon kung saan kailangan kong mamili.” Also according to her, Robin is also not requiring her to embrace Islam should they get married. “The good thing about Islam is they respect other religions. Walang pilitan. Never pa ‘yun naging isyu talaga. For now I love my religion, just how Robin loves his.”

During the interview, Bianca couldn’t help but cry as her best friend related how happy she is right now. “I’m happy for you but siyempre nandun ‘yung, because I’m your ate. Robin please take care of Mariel madami talagang nagmamahal sa kanya sobra.”

To appease Bianca’s worries and also that of the public, Mariel sent out a message. “Just be happy for me because I’m really happy. We cannot take any more heartaches. If I get another heartache, i-strap niyo na sa akin ‘yung [straightjacket] kasi ayoko na.”

Diether Ocampo on Sa 'Yo Lamang

Diether Ocampo has been an actor for 15 years now. Despite the emergence of younger actors, Diether still has the youthful face and body to compete with these newbies. His years in the industry have given him the wisdom which he hopes newcomers will also put in their hearts if they want to last in the business. “Nakakatuwa kasi mahirap at mahabang proseso rin ang pinagdaanan ko. Matagal na panahon din akong nag-training. Pangarap ko rin na marating ‘yung mga narating ng ilang hinahangaan kong artista. Although malaking responsibilidad [to be doing big-time projects] pero I’m glad na nabibigyan ako ng pagkakataon na magamit ‘yung mga natutunan namin.”

Diether has his Kapamilya network to thank for the success he is enjoying. He is featured in the upcoming Star Cinema offering Sa ‘Yo Lamang top-billed by Bea Alonzo, Christopher De Leon, and Lorna Tolentino. “Nagpapasalamat ako sa lahat ng tumulong, nagbigay sa akin ng opportunities. Alam naman nating hindi lahat nabibigyan ng magagandang pagkakataon. I’m very thankful.” Diether will also be seen in the comedy flick Mamarazzi opposite Eugene Domingo and in an independent film.

Diether Ocampo said that he can relate to his latest movie, Sa ‘Yo Lamang because like his character, he grew up without a father whom he lost at age six due to cancer. He said that at a young age, he was forced to make hard decisions for himself. “’Yung personal decision mo naaapektuhan so I guess kahit naman yata sino kapag may pinagdadaanang ganyan ‘yung mga desisyon mo whether sa love life or sa career, malaking factor na pini-play. [Parang sa sitwasyon ni] Bea (Alonzo) nahihirapan kaming mag-decide lalong-lalo na sa family.”

Considered as one of the prized leading men of Star Magic, Diet shared that his road to success was not always easy, but was worthwhile. Some press people also made comments at the Sa ‘Yo Lamang press conference that the actor remains an in-demand leading man despite being in the business for many years. “Nakakatuwa po kasi syempre ang hirap po kasi ng prosesong pagdadaanan, eh. Ilang taon din kaming nag-training so pangarap ko rin na marating din ang narating ng hinahangaan naming mga artista. Although malaking responsibilidad, natutuwa kami na nabibigyan kami ng pagkakataon na magamit ang aming natutunan at sana masabi pa rin ng mga kaibigan na mga press na papa-ble pa rin ako,” he joked.

Diet also thanked the seasoned actors included in the film like Lorna Tolentino and Christopher de Leon, for guiding them to perform well. “Malaking tulong ‘yung mga kasamahan namin sa industriya like ‘yung mga artista na beterano dahil sila ‘yung gumagabay sa amin kaya all the way na parang pinapahalagahan namin ‘yung sinasabi nila, gaya ng mga director, mga producers, writers. Para sa mga tulad ko, madami pa po kaming pagdadaanan, madami pa rin kaming pag-aaralan kaya I’m looking forward sa mga darating pang proyekto.”

At the press conference of Sa ‘Yo Lamang, reporters got curious about the secret to Diether’s youthful look. The actor said, “Siguro malaking bagay talaga ‘yung may happy disposition ka sa buhay, you have a very positive outlook. Kasi ‘yung mga taong nakakatrabaho namin sila rin ‘yung nagbibigay sa amin ng inspiration. Sa kanila kami natututo ng mga kailangan namin para ma-motivate kami sa trabaho. We get better and better.”

Diether also makes it a point to have a regular workout at the gym, and he hopes that even as he ages, people will still find him “papa-ble.” “Kasama talaga sa trabaho that you have are disciplined sa body mo. I think nakapag enjoy na kami nung medyo bata bata pa kami kaya ngayon iniiwasan na namin ‘yung mga bagay na hindi na namin kailangan o makakasama lang sa amin. Ngayon focus na lang sa mga magagandang bagay. Sana dumating ang panahon na sa isang press con, masabihan din ako na “papa-ble’ pa rin ako katulad ni Sir Boyet (Christopher).”

Sa ‘Yo Lamang premieres nationwide on September 1.

Coco Martin on Sa 'Yo Lamang

Having done many daring love scenes in his past independent films, Coco Martin was teased by members of the media during the press conference of Sa ‘Yo Lamang if he also had a love scene in the Star Cinema offering. Coco answered with a laugh, “Bagong bago po. Meron, ha ha ha!” His character in Sa ‘Yo Lamang will be involved in a case of teen pregnancy with Shaina Magdayao.

Coco added that since he has done love scenes before, he felt it was his responsibility to take care of Shaina. “Actually napaka-thankful ko na kasi nagtiwala sa akin si Shaina. Ito kasi ‘yung kauna-unahang love scene niya. Para sa akin nakakatakot ‘yun kasi since ito ‘yung first, baka after ayaw na niyang gumawa.”

He further confessed that when told about the love scene, he was worried how Shaina’s boyfriend John Lloyd Cruz would react. “Respeto na lang kay John Lloyd kasi nahihiya ako, ha ha ha! Baka mamaya ma-offend siya. Sa una nga nagtataka ako bakit tinanggap ni Shaina ‘yung role kasi masyadong mature. Pero sa tingin ko naman, pagkatapos ng love scene, okay naman ang nagawa namin ni Shaina.”

Sa ‘Yo Lamang marks Coco’s very first mainstream film. He began starring in ABS-CBN teleseryes in 2008, and his much-raved-about performance as the rebellious brother of Jake Cuenca and Gerald Anderson in Tayong Dalawa earned him the Star Awards Best Actor trophy. Coco thanked the Kapamilya network and Star Cinema for including him in Sa ‘Yo Lamang which gave him the opportunity to star alongside acclaimed actors Lorna Tolentino and Christopher De Leon.

Coco will return to primetime teleserye via Idol which is also top-billed by Sarah Geronimo and Sam Milby. By next year, he will start shooting a new indie film which will pair him with French actress Isabelle Huppert which will be directed by Brilliante Mendoza. Direk Brilliante has worked with Coco in the indie movies Masahista (2005), Tirador (2007), Serbis (2008), and Kinatay (2009) which earned Brilliante the Best Director award at the Cannes Film Festival.

Angelica Panganiban Paired with Vhong Navarro on Star Cinema's Bulong

ABS-CBN.com got the chance to visit Angelica Panganiban during the first shooting day of her new movie Bulong (working title) opposite Vhong Navarro at Cainta, Rizal last August 18. Since this is the first time that they’d be working with each other, Angelica said that she can’t wait to see their chemistry on screen. “Nakakasama ko lang siya sa ASAP. So siyempre nakaka-excite kasi sa likod ng cam ‘di alam ng tao na parang barkada kami ni Vhong. Kaya ‘di na namin kailangan ng workshops para maging kumportable kami sa isa’t isa,” she began.

Angelica further shared that Bulong is a horror-comedy film where she plays the role of a street-smart girl who’d unexpectedly become close to Vhong who works as a nurse. “Kaya nga suspense din nung una kung sino ang makakapareha ko dito kasi suspense din itong ginagawa naming movie. Natutuwa ako kasi sobrang kakaibang tandem talaga. Alam mo yun, maraming babae na gusto siya maka-work kasi sobrang versatile niyang artista. Ngayon lang din naman ako nag-comedy, e siya sanay na sanay na sa ganitong genre. Kaya sa pelikulang ito sa kanya lang din ako umaasa.”

Angelica was also proud to say that director Chito Roño would be joining them in this latest offering of Star Cinema. “Naku, sobrang tagal na nung nagkatrabaho kami sa Separada, nung 1994 pa. Kakaunti na lang natatandaan ko sa mga nangyari noon. Nung bata ako sobrang lambing niya, pero totoo yung sinasabi nila na noon pa strikto na siya. Pero siyempre ngayon mas iba na kasi kumbaga kaya ko ng makipagkwentuhan sa kanya at may napag-uusapan na kami na parehas na kami ng pananaw sa buhay.”

After the success of the movie Here Comes The Bride and the gag show Banana Split, you’d think that the talented actress wouldn’t be nervous about doing another comedy film. But Angelica shared that it would still be a challenge to meet the viewers’ expectations this time around. “Hindi, sa totoo lang ‘di siguro alam ng tao na sobrang daling magpaiyak ng tao pero napakahirap magpatawa. Kaya siyempre may kaba akong nararamdaman. Pero kilala naman natin si Direk Chito na napakahusay pagdating sa horror at sa comedy naman nand’yan si Vhong. So confident naman ako na lahat kami magtutulungan para sa movie na ito.”