Kapamilya in Focus: Bea Alonzo

Phylbert Angellie Ranollo, Tisay to her family and friends, was born on October 17, 1987 to her British father and Filipina mother, Mary Ann.

Joining beauty contests was her first step on its path to showbiz world. As destiny took its course, through this contest that a Filipino fashion designer Oscar Peralta spotted Bea and introduced her to some key people in the business. In 2001, she was launched as a member of Star Circle’s batch 10 and debuted as Bea Alonzo.

Though promoted by a big TV Network in the Philippines as a new breed of actress, things did not go well instantly. As a future superstar, the challenge to prove herself is inevitable. Bea went through all the struggle of being a novice in this kind of business. Her initial talent fees will not augment even her transportation and clothing allowance. Yet the desire and determination to be a star overshadowed all these.

In early 2003, Bea caused quite a stir among critics and teleserye buffs alike, receiving critical acclaim for her performance as awkward nerdy girl turned feisty law student Katrina Argos in ABS-CBN’s Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay. Her convincing portrayal of a 21-year old in spite of being only 15 at the time and her strong chemistry with on-screen partner, John Lloyd Cruz brought kilig surges to every household in the Philippines and abroad.

The overwhelming response of the “accidental teleserye couple” was unexpected. The two are now known as one of the country’s premiere loveteams, not only known for their sizzling chemistry but for their powerful acting prowess.

The media quickly took notice of her sheer talent. The Philippine Star’s columnist Ricky Lo was once quoted, “she acts with the intensity of a veteran even if she’s actually a relative greenhorn.” In Star Studio magazine’s October 2003 issue, Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay co-director Don Cuaresma exclaimed that Bea has “the masa appeal of Sharon Cuneta, the intensity of Maricel Soriano, and the acting range of Lorna Tolentino.”

Her team-up with John Lloyd propelled Bea’s career into a new heights. She admits that paring to a famous co-star was her ticket to stardom. In this same TV series where her acting talent was noticed and she earned the nomination for Best Actress in a TV Drama. As fans of their tandem continues to grow, more and more opportunities opened for Bea as well as John Lloyd. This on-screen partnership was featured in five more TV Drama series. “It Might Be You”, “Ikaw Ang Lahat Sa Akin”, “Maging Sino Ka Man”, "Maging Sino Ka Man: Ang Pagbabalik" and the Philippine Remake of "I Love Betty La Fea".

Their tandem was brought into six movies including “My First Romance” where she also bagged the “Best New Movie Actress” at the PMPC Star Awards, "Now That I Have You", "Close To You", "All About Love", "One More Chance" where the two won Box Office King and Queen in 2007 and "Miss You Like Crazy". Although Bea has been paired with John Lloyd Cruz for several years, she claims that there has been no real romantic involvement between them.

She was also paired with other actors such as Piolo Pascual in "Dreamboy", Jericho Rosales in "Pacquiao" and Sam Milby in "And I Love You So".

In June 2008, she also released her debut album The Real Me under Star Records

Bea also became endorser of different products such as Creamsilk, Johnson’s Face Powder and Avon.

As to date, she is now starred in the classy, fashion-serye "Magkaribal" with Gretchen Barretto and Star Cinema's 17th Anniversary offering "Sa 'Yo Lamang" with a powerful cast including Lorna Tolentino and Christopher de Leon.

Miss Mexico is the Miss Universe 2010

Mexican beauty Jimena Navarrete was crowned Miss Universe 2010 for the beauty pageant's 59th season. The Philippines' own candidate, Venus Raj, placed 4th runner-up in the competition.

Navarrete was crowned Miss Universe on Monday (US time) in an upset victory that stunned a pageant world which had predicted a winner to emerge from Ireland, Venezuela or the United States.

The 22-year-old from Guadalajara, resplendent in a flowing ruby-red evening gown, said she plans to study nutritional science but has been modeling since she was 15.

She is expected to spend her year as Miss Universe drawing attention to the plight of people with HIV/AIDS and breast cancer, according to pageant officials.

Beyond the diamond-encrusted tiara affixed to her head moments after Miss Jamaica, 24-year-old Phillipps, was declared the runner-up. Navarrete receives a one-year scholarship to the New York Film Academy, a year's supply of shoes, dresses and hair products. Her coronation ends the reign of outgoing Miss Universe 2009 Stefania Fernandez, 19, of Venezuela.

Miss Jamaica Yendi Phillipps was the first runner-up in the pageant, followed by Miss Australia Jesinta Campbell and Miss Ukraine Anna Poslavska.

Navarrete's question, which came from Olympic gold medalist skater Evan Lysacek, asked her for her views on what to do about the problem of children using the Internet without proper supervision.

She responded vaguely but, evidently, adequately. "I do believe that the Internet is an indispensable, necessary tool for the present time," said Navarrete, the first Mexican winner of the contest since 1991.

"We must be sure to teach them the values that we learned as a family."

The judges, clearly, were satisfied. Former Miss USA judge Alicia Jacobs, seated in the Events Center a row ahead of Miss Universe owner Donald Trump, said Navarrete was a shoo-in once the final five were announced.

The 22 year old Jimena Navarrete , who won the “Nuestra Belleza Jalisco” title, went on to win the coveted “Nuestra Belleza México” in Yucatán. She is reported to have studied nutrition and has definitely come a long way after winning the “Nuestra Belleza Jalisco” title.

This is the second time Mexico has won the Miss Universe title, the first was back in 1991, when Lupita Jones won the title.

A total of 83 contestants joined this year's Miss Universe pageant held at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, USA.

The two-hour finale was devoid of political controversy that has erupted in past years at this event, even as the last five contestants each fielded a question.

Here are some of the pictures of the pageant.

ABS-CBN Reiterates Its Stance Against Willie Revillame

ABS-CBN on Tuesday reiterated its stance that Willie Revillame, the controversial host of the now defunct “Wowowee,” has no right to end his contract with the network.

In an official statement, ABS-CBN Corporate Communications head Bong Osorio maintained that Revillame is in no position to make such demand because he violated “the behavioral provisions” stated in his contract.

"We would like to reiterate that Willie was the one who violated the behavioral provisions of his contract and thus has no right to have it unilaterally invalidated," Osorio said.

Revillame’s contract will end in September of next year.

Osorio made the statement following Revillame’s move to file a case against ABS-CBN.

The controversial host has sought “judicial confirmation” of his rescission of contract as host of the noontime show “Wowowee.”

The TV host filed his petition last Friday before the Quezon City Regional Trial Court.

He asked for more than P11 million in damages and legal fees from the TV network. The complaint was raffled off Monday to the Quezon City RTC Branch 84 under Judge Luisito Cortez.

On Spotlight: Megan Young

The young actress said that is a pleasure to work with seasoned actors Aga and AiAi, who now have become her friends. On the other hand, Megan said that she gets to have the opportunity to cater to a wider range of audience via Channel V, which is being shown within Asia and Australia. She also takes pride in saying that through the music channel, she is glad that local artists get featured on a certain segment.

Megan has also been part of the recently concluded teleserye Rubi where she played the younger sister of Jake Cuenca’s character. “It was fun but it was different in a way kasi ‘yung character ko mas bata, maligalig, kikay so iba siya sa dating roles na binibigay sa akin and it was fun naman,” she explained.

She also defended the said teleserye from criticisms that say the show was quite violent and sexy for viewers. “Not everything could be conservative. It’s not exaggerated (because) it’s true so hindi pwedeng kampante ka. It happens,” she reasoned out. Megan said that on another perspective, one could say that the show has reflected the other side of life. “Sa totoong buhay marami pang malalaking nangyayari. Ako in a way I guess many people might have said that it may trigger some people but ako ha, if they are gonna look at it in a different light, it could also mean na you’re making people aware lang of what is happening.”

Isabel Abiera's 18th Birthday

Former Wowowee co-host and Rosalka kontrabida Isabel Abiera is excited about her 18th birthday party on August 29. She said she is thankful to all her friends and sponsors who helped organize a debut party for her. “My debut party will be this Sunday sa Hotel Intercontinental Grand Ballroom. It’s also my tribute to my Rosalka family, sa Wowowee, Star Magic. Ang theme ng party is 1930s old Hollywood. Kaya nga sa grand ballroom ko naisip gawin because perfect ‘yung place. It would be nice to relive that time in history. Lahat naka-1930s attire like mga classic stars sina Greta Garbo, Audrey Hepburn, Marlon Brando. Lahat mukha kaming glamorous.”

Isabel shared that she invited all her friends, mostly special those she got to work with at ABS-CBN. “Darating sina Empress, Felix Roco, Matt Evans, Dominic Ochoa. ‘Yung mga friends ko sa Wowowee na sina Mariel (Rodriguez), RR (Enriquez), Pokwang, Kelly (Misa), I will invite them and sana talaga makapunta sila. ‘Yung mga nakatrabaho ko sa Star Magic like sina Dino (Imperial), AJ (Perez), Enchong (Dee), Alfonso Martinez, Robi Domingo. Lahat sila invited so sana makarating sila.”

Isabel said Felix will be her escort and last dance partner for her debut because after working together in Rosalka they have grown really close. “Surprise na lang kung sino ang first dance ko.Sa Sunday niyo na lang malalaman. Basta ang last dance ko is si Felix. Magkasama kasi kami sa Rosalka and sa story magka-partner kami dun. Siya na rin ang escort ko for the night.”

Is she just friends with Felix, or did she choose him as her escort because there’s something romantic going on between them? Isabel clarified, “Just for the night ko lang siya magiging partner. As a person I think he would be a very good boyfriend pero ngayon we are good friends. Hanggang dun lang.”

Though she is about to turn 18, Isabel explained that she is not yet ready to have a boyfriend. Now that many opportunities have been opened for her because of her exposure in Wowowee and Rosalka, her priority at the moment is her career. “If the time is right siguro malalaman ko kung ready na ako. Wala pa naman nanliligaw. Siguro kasi natatakot ang mga boys sa akin, ha ha ha! I don’t know. Also maybe because wala rin akong time. Right now ang focus ko talaga is my work.”

Venus Raj Finished 4th Runner-Up on Miss Universe 2010

Venus Raj finished 4th runner-up on the recently concluded Miss Universe 2010. The crown Miss Universe 2010 went to Miss Mexico. Miss Australia won 2nd runner-up while Miss Ukraine won 3rd runner-up.

The major question for Venus Raj was "What is the one big mistake that you did in your life? And what did you do to make it right?"

She answered "In my 22 years of existence, there is nothing major, major problem that I have done in my life. Because I am very confident with my family and the love they are giving to me. So thank you so much."

It may not have been the best answer but the truth is, Venus Raj uplifted our spirits of FILIPINOS this morning and that's what matters.

And take note that she's the only Asian candidate included from Top 15 to Top 5.

We are very proud of you, Kapamilya Venus Raj!

Venus Raj on Miss Universe 2010 Top 5

Venus Raj ranked 5th among the Miss Universe 2010 semifinalists. The other top 5 candidates were from Mexico (Jimena Navarrete), Australia (Jesinta Campbell), Jamaica (Yendi Phillipps) and Ukraine (Anna Poslavska).

Here are their scores:
Mexico 8.913
Jamaica 8.884
Australia 8.841
Ukraine 8.743
PHILIPPINES 8.714

The last time the Philippines placed in the pageant was in 1999, with Miriam Quiambao bagging first runner up.

The Philippines has two title holders --- Gloria Diaz, who won in 1969 and Margarita Moran, who won in 1973.

Beauty queens from Australia and Thailand won special awards at the 59th Miss Universe pageant held at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, USA. Miss Australia Jesinta Campbell won the Miss Congeniality Award while Miss Thailand Fonthip Watcharatrakul was given the Most Photogenic and Best National Costume awards. Campbell is also among the top 5 candidates of the pageant.

The main event was hosted by multi-platinum superstar singer Bret Michaels and "Today" correspondent Natalie Morales.

Venus Raj on Miss Universe 2010 Top 10

Miss Philippines Venus Raj was included in the Top 10 of Miss Universe 2010. Others are candidates from Ireland, Jamaica, Albania, Mexico, Ukraine, Puerto Rico, South Africa, Guatemala and Australia.

Venus Raj on Top 15 Semifinalists of Miss Universe

Our very own Venus Raj made it to the top 15 semifinalists of Miss Universe 2010. Others who were included are the candidates from Puerto Rico, Ukraine, Mexico, Belgium, Ireland, South Africa, France, Australia, Jamaica, Russia, Albania, Colombia, Guatemala and Czech Republic.

Watch out for more updates on Miss Universe 2010 live via satellite on ABS-CBN.

Sarah Geronimo on Cebuana Lhuillier

Sarah Geronimo was joined by great kontrabida actresses Gladys Reyes and Celia Rodriguez with the TV host Lolit Solis in this new TV advertisement for Cebuana Lhuillier.

Vhong Navarro on Changing Time Slot of Showtime

Showtime was recently moved to the noontime slot, which pushed back Pilipinas Win na Win to 2:30 p.m. Showtime host Vhong Navarro admitted that he feels pressured since he sees it as a big responsibility for him and his co-hosts Anne Curtis, Vice Ganda, and Kuya Kim Atienza. "Siyempre nakakakaba kasi siyempre ibang lugar ito, ibang teritoryo ito alam naman natin ang teritoryong ito is Wowowee, iba ang market kung baga kami nakikidaan lang sana suportahan pa rin kami. At the same time siyempre ang makakatapat natin alam naman natin na pagdating sa industriya institution na yun, thirty one years." But despite the pressure, he feels overwhelmed by the trust ABS-CBN gave them. "Siyempre nakakatuwa yun para sa amin kung baga parang ipinagkatiwala sa amin ng management ng ABS-CBN na ibigay yung timeslot na yun sa Showtime."

As a natural comedian, Vhong admitted that he whenever he works, he is not after the competition, but the smiles and laughter of the audience. "Salamat po ang sa amin lang is mapasaya namin ang mga manonood… hindi kasi ito competition lang, kasi kahit off camera mapapansin niyo talagang hindi kami bumabalik sa dressing room, nandun lang kami nila Anne Curtis, Kuya Kim, Vice Ganda nagpapasaya lang kami ng mga madlang people, yung mga audience. Nakakatuwa kasi walang workshop yun, hindi namin pinaplano bigla na lang nangyari."

They have a lot in store for Showtime's second season. "Oo, talagang pinaghahandaan namin, ang gusto lang namin makumpleto kami dahil nga si Kuya Kim nagpapahinga pa siya, nagpapagaling. Si Vice out of the country pa pagbalik nila mas [marami pang gimik]."

Vhong is currently shooting for his upcoming movie, Bulong under Star Cinema which also stars Angelica Panganiban and Bangs Garcia.

Christopher de Leon on Sa 'Yo Lamang

Christopher De Leon plays a father trying to seek forgiveness from his children in Star Cinema’s upcoming film Sa ‘Yo Lamang. After four decades of being in showbiz, Christopher still gets the pleasure of headlining big projects and working with new breed of stars. At the press conference of Sa ‘Yo Lamang, Christopher praised his young co stars in the film. “Sina Bea (Alonzo), Coco (Martin), Diether (Ocampo), Zanjoe (Marudo) are all professional. I get inspired by their discipline. Nung araw kasi wala kaming disiplina, ha ha ha! Kami nina Bembol, Jay. Ang mga batang ito are all disciplined and I get inspired. My mentors have told me, ‘the highest form of art is discipline.’ I see that in them.”

Christopher admitted that with age comes exhaustion. But whenever he would arrive on the set and see these stars’ dedication to their work, he instantly becomes excited to work. “Dumadating sila sa set ng maaaga, they read their lines, they follow the director’s instructions. Ako kasi minsan parang tinatamad na. Pero kapag nakikita ko sila, nahahawa na rin ako. Siyempre they expect so much from me kaya performance level dapat. This is a job that we all love doing, I still love doing this. I had a great time working with them.”

At 53, Christopher still manages to maintain a youthful look. The ‘drama king’ also revealed some of his beauty secrets. “I work out as much as I can. I go to my doctor for my skin care. Importante ‘yun siyempre kasi sa mga close up shots.” He added that what adds up to staying young looking is keeping a positive outlook in life. “I’m just enjoying life. I’m with beautiful people, kaya siguro nakakahawa. I always thank God for all the blessings that I receive, even the smallest things. I’m thankful for my friends, the people who love me, people who smile at me and accept me when they see me.”

Showtime Beats Eat...Bulaga!

ABS-CBN daytime programming is now regaining its strength as Showtime beats Eat...Bulaga! last Saturday based on the Kantar/TNS ratings. Pilipinas Win na Win! is also improving performance from 12.5% on Friday to 14.4% on Saturday. Kapamilya Blockbusters (16.3%, 17.2%, 16.5%) overtakes Kapuso Movie Festival (15.2%, 12.5%, 15.6%).

For the weekdays primetime programming, Noah (37.7%) maintains leadership with Agua Bendita (36%) and TV Patrol (35.8%) in close second and third. Momay (28.2%) sustains its strength and keeps its position in top 5 list.

ABS-CBN shows top Saturday primetime led by Tatak ng Agimat (26.3%) closely followed by MMK (26.2%), the Making of Idol (26.1%), TV Patrol Weekend (24.7%), and Agimat Elias Paniki (24.3%). TV Patrol Weekend (26.2%) tops Sunday primetime followed by Goin’ Bulilit (24.9%).

August 20, 2010 – Friday:

Gising Pilipinas (1.0%) vs. Rescue (Replay) (1.6%)
Kabayan (1.9%) / Umagang Kay Ganda (6.6%) vs. Unang Hirit (4.8%)
Dora The Explorer (6.8%) vs. Doraemon (6.3%)
Spongebob Squarepants (7.9%) vs. Detective Conan (7.3%)
Simply KC (6.9%) vs. Knock Out (7.1%)
Banana Split (9.7%) vs. Love Ni Mister Love Ni Misis (5.8%)
Kapamilya Blockbusters “Kasal Kasali Kasalo” (16.3%) vs. Danz Showdown (6.6%) / Kapuso Movie Festival “Malikmata” (15.2%)
Showtime (15.9%) vs. Eat… Bulaga! (15.9%)
Pilipinas Win Na Win! (12.5%) vs. Trudis Liit (12.5%)
Rosalka (13.4%) / Impostor (14.4%) vs. Basahang Ginto (12.4%)
Panahon Ko ‘To! (12.1%) vs. Wag Matakot! Wachamakulit Makibata! (8.2%)
He’s Beautiful (17.1%) vs. Hole In The Wall (10.4%)
Elena M. Patron’s Momay (28.2%) vs. Langit Sa Piling Mo (15.7%)
TV Patrol World (35.8%) vs. 24 Oras (22.4%)
Noah (37.7%) vs. Pilyang Kerubin (21.2%)
Rod Santiago’s Agua Bendita (36.0%) vs. Ilumina (20.5%)
Magkaribal (26.3%) vs. Endless Love (22.0%)
Kristine (20.7%) / SNN Showbiz News Ngayon (10.6%) vs. Bubble Gang (12.4%)
Bandila (6.2%) vs. Saksi Liga Ng Katotohanan (6.3%)
S.O.C.O (4.4%) / Trip Na Trip (1.9%) vs. OFW Diaries (3.0%)

August 21, 2010 – Saturday:

Salamat Dok (3.2%) vs. Pinoy MD Mga Doktor Ng Bayan (2.8%)
Kabuhayang Swak Na Swak (4.4%) vs. Shonen Onmiyoji (3.9%)
Honey Watch Out (4.0%) vs. Black Jack (6.5%)
Mathtinik (5.8%) vs. Art Angel (6.8%)
Dora The Explorer (7.9%) vs. Sunnyville (5.8%)
Avatar The Legend of Aang (8.6%) / Spongebob Squarepants (10.0%) vs. Ka-Blog! (5.9%)
Kulilits (6.6%) vs. Maynila (Larawan Ng Bansa) (8.5%)
Kapamilya Blockbusters “My Only U” (17.2%) vs. Kapuso Movie Festival “Banal” (12.5%)
Showtime (Saturday) (20.1%) vs. Eat… Bulaga! (Saturday) (17.7%)
Pilipinas Win Na Win (Saturday) (14.4%) / Entertainment Live! (13.0%) vs. Startalk (7.9%)
Cinema FPJ Da King On ABS-CBN (15.9%) / Failon Ngayon (20.8%) vs. Wish Ko Lang! (12.9%)
TV Patrol (Sabado) (24.7%) vs. 24 Oras (Saturday) (17.1%)
Agimat (24.3%) / Tatak Ng Agimat (26.3%) / The Making Of “Idol” (26.1%) vs. Kaya Ng Powers (15.1%)
Maalaala Mo Kaya… (26.2%) vs. Jejemom (17.1%)
Twist And Shout (16.3%) vs. Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho (21.8%)
M3 Malay Mo Ma-Develop (8.7%) vs. Imbestigador (16.8%)
Banana Split (6.7%) vs. Comedy Bar (7.1%)
The Bottom Line With Boy Abunda (3.0%) / Sports Unlimited (1.1%) vs. Walang Tulugan With Master Showman (1.8%)

August 22, 2010 – Sunday:

The Healing Eucharist (4.3%) vs. Jesus The Healer (1.7%)
Kabuhayang Swak Na Swak (4.7%) vs. In Touch (1.6%)
Salamat Dok (4.8%) vs. Flash and Dash (4.7%)
Hana Yori Dango (4.1%) vs. Jollitown (8.8%)
Huntik (4.6%) vs. Knockout (8.0%)
Matanglawin (8.9%) vs. Aha (8.8%)
Kapamilya Sunday Blockbuster “Exodus” (16.5%) vs. Kapuso Movie Festival “One True Love” (15.6%)
ASAP XV (14.6%) vs. Party Pilipinas (12.2%)
Your Song Maling Akala (10.9%) vs. Lovebug Presents Exchange of Hearts (7.3%)
The Buzz (15.2%) vs. Showbiz Central (9.2%)
TV Patrol (Linggo) (26.2%) vs. 24 Oras (Sunday) (16.1%)
Goin’ Bulilit (24.9%) vs. Pepito Manaloto Reality Sitcom (20.9%)
Rated K Handa Na Ba Kayo? (21.2%) vs. Kap’s Amazing Stories (21.9%)
Sharon (19.5%) vs. Mel & Joey (16.5%)
Twist And Shout (11.4%) vs. Show Me Da Manny (11.8%)
Sunday’s Best “Mega Drama” (5.2%) vs. Anatomy Of A Disaster (9.4%)
Urban Zone (1.5%) vs. Diyos At Bayan (1.0%)

Miss Universe 2010 Live Via Satellite Today

Don't miss the chance to watch Miss Universe 2010 live via satellite from Las Vegas at 9:30 am today. Support our very own Venus Raj as she vie for the prestigious crown.

Miss Universe 2010, the biggest and most awaited beauty pageant in the globe, is currently being held at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, USA.

A total of 83 gorgeous women from all over the world are competing for the 2010 Miss Universe title.

This year, nine personalities from different part of the world stands as judges for the pageant.

The nine telecast judges for the Miss Universe 2010 are the following:

Chazz Palminteri – American actor and writer
Chynna Phillips – American singer and actress
Criss Angel – Greek-American illusionist and musician
Evan Lysacek – American Olympic Gold Medal Figure Skater and Dancing with the Stars participant
Jane Seymour – English actress and Dancing with the Stars participant
Niki Taylor – American model
Sheila E. – American musician
Tamron Hall – MSNBC anchor
William Baldwin – American actor, producer and writer