Christopher de Leon on Working With Young Stars on Sa 'Yo Lamang

WALA raw naging problema si Christopher de Leon sa pakikipagtrabaho niya sa mga baguhang artista ng ABS CBN para sa pelikulang Sa’yo Lamang ng Star Cinema. Katunayan, puring-puri ni Boyet ang mga bagets, lalo na si Bea Alonzo, na gumanap na anak niya sa movie.

“Si Bea kasi, nakasama ko na siya sa Maging Sino Ka Man. Very competent and professional siya. Wala kang makikitang arte sa kanya. That’s what I like about her.

“Si Coco Martin naman, medyo ninerbyos daw sa akin. I don’t know why? Pero, to be honest, ninenerbyos din ako sa eksena namin. First day ko `yon, and with director Laurice Guillen who is a perfectionist. Kaila­ngan sakto mga beats, kailangan eksakto mga emotions. So, ninerbiyos din ako,” kuwento ni Boyet.

“Pero, they’re fun to be with. Si Enchong Dee, maraming tanong sa akin. Like, ‘Sir, ano bang nangyari sa inyo nu’ng mga araw? Ano bang mga kwento? Paano kayo pumasok sa pelikula? How long have you been in the industry?’

“He’s very interested in his future in the industry. Ang dami naming napag-usapan,” sambit pa ni Boyet.

Final Splash of Agua Bendita This Week

ABS-CBN’s high-rating primetime television series “Agua Bendita” takes a bow this week as it splashes on to its exciting finale.

The show has served as Andi Eigenmann’s launch pad to stardom. And now that her first major project is about to come to an end, she can’t help but be sad about its ending and be hopeful for the upcoming opportunities.

“Nalulungkot po ako ng sobra. Halos araw-araw ko na rin po kasi kasama ‘yong mga ibang cast and crew kaya alam ko mami-miss ko sila talaga. Pero masaya rin naman po dahil matatapos po ang ‘Agua Bendita’ na todo pa rin ang suporta ng tao hanggang sa huli. Hindi sila bumitiw kaya nagpapasalamat po ako,” she said.

She added: “This is not naman po the end. I’m hopeful that more opportunities will come and that makaka-trabaho ko pa po silang lahat sana sa future.”

“Agua Bendita” has remained on top of its game for the past 7 months. It is a consistent high-rater and has never been toppled on its timeslot.

As it sets on to its final curtain call, deepest secrets will be revealed and twists will unfold.

Witness the concluding scenes of “Agua Bendita” this week, Monday to Friday, after “Noah” on ABS-CBN

Enchong Dee's Beginnings on Star Studio September 2010 Issue

Enchong Dee never dreamt of becoming an actor. Growing up in his hometown of Naga City, Enchong’s first aspiration was to be a swimmer, which he eventually did become when he and his family moved to the city and he became an athlete for the De La Salle University. But in a feature story of Star Studio Magazine for the month of September, Enchong’s fate changed when a photo of him together with other UAAP athletes was published in newspaper and was spotted by talent manager and publicist Keren Pascual. “Although a bit shy and awkward, he had that quiet confidence that told me he had a lot more to offer than just good looks,” Keren told Star Studio.

“There’s no harm in trying,” was what Enchong said when asked if he wanted to be in showbiz. However, during his first appearance on ASAP, Enchong realized what a tall order show business was. “I was trying so hard to fit in. I saw all these big stars doing dance moves perfectly, singing at the top of their lungs, and hosting, and I was like ‘No way could I do all that!’”

But like a true-blooded sportsman, Enchong didn’t back out without a putting a good fight first. He began doing minor roles on TV, starting with the weekly teen-oriented series Abt Ur Luv. What followed was a series of other support roles, while Enchong continued with his schooling and sports. His big break came when was chosen to play third wheel in Kim Chiu and Gerald Anderson’s Koreanovela adaptation My Girl. Then he was formally launched to leading man status when he was paired with Erich Gonzales in 2009’s Katorse.

Read Enchong’s full interview on the latest issue of Star Studio Magazine, now available in newsstands nationwide.

Enchong Dee's Answer to Allegations of Traffic Mishaps

Inilabas kahapon sa The Buzz ang panayam kay Enchong Dee hinggil sa isyung iniiwasan daw umano ng aktor ang nasagasaan niyang lalaki. Naganap ang nasabing aksidente noong Agosto 4 sa may Taft Avenue kung saan nagkabanggaan ang kotse ni Enchong at isang public jeepney. “Wala akong kasalanan dun sa nangyari. Kahit ‘yung mismong guard on duty sa lugar na ‘yon na nagbigay ng report sinasabi niya hindi ako ang may kasalanan,” kuwento ni Enchong kay Boy Abunda. Kahit daw kasi naka-stop na ay tumakbo pa rin ang driver ng jeep. “Sabi ng pulis na nandun ay ‘yung jeepney driver ang may kasalanan, I was at the right place and sumunod lang ako (sa batas trapiko).”

Sa nangyaring banggaan ay naipit naman ang paa ng isang pasahero ng jeep na si Marlon Bonalos dahil nakalabas ang kanyang paa sa sasakyan. Sinabi rin ng kinauukulan na walang kasalan si Enchong dahil responsibilidad umano ng driver na sabihan ang pasahero nito na ipasok ang paa sa jeep.

Gayunpaman pumunta pa rin si Enchong sa ospital para kamustahin ang naaksidenteng lalaki sapagkat ito raw ang tamang gawin. Nagbigay umano siya ng P700 kay Marlon para sa mga kailangan niya sa mga oras na iyon. Sa parehong araw raw ay nagbigay din siya ng P3,000 upang mapatingin ang paa ni Marlon at makabili ng mga kinakailangang gamot.

Agosto 15 daw ay muling nag-text ang lalaki kay Enchong upang humingi uli ng tulong subalit hindi na nakadalaw si Enchong dahil isinugod din siya ospital dahil sa dengue. Nagpadala pa raw uli siya ng P3,000 at isang saklay. Punto pa ni Enchong, covered na raw lahat ng medical expenses at gamot nang unang iniabot niyang tulong.

Masama kasi ang loob ng aktor dahil sa pagpapa-interview ng lalaki sa kabilang istasyon at sa mga akusasyon nito. Depensa raw ng lalaki sinabi raw ng crew na pumunta sa bahay niya na hindi raw sila aalis hangga’t hindi siya nagpapa-interview. Bilang tugon naman sa pagpapa-interview ng lalaki, ito ang sinabi ni Enchong, “Sinabi mo magpakalalaki ako. Unang-una, kung hindi ako nagpakalalaki, nung oras pa lang na sinabi ng mga pulis na wala akong kasalanan, umalis na sana ako. Hindi na sana ako nag-abot ng tulong. Nakakalungkot lang na after all the help, ganito pa ang nangyari. Sana naiintindihan mo ang lahat ng nangyayari,” paliwanag na lamang ng aktror sa interview.

On Spotlight: Ann Li After PBB

Usually, those who are evicted from the Pinoy Big Brother house have little trouble embarking on a showbiz career once they return to the outside world. But for Taiwanese 15-year-old Li Yi Shuan—known to her fans as Ann Li, the “Diligent Daughter” of Pinoy Big Brother Teen Clash 2010—the road to fame is proving to be a long and winding one.

Ann entered the Pinoy Big Brother house on Day 22 as one of the “teenternational” housemates. After the first set of housemates was merged into one group that lived in one half of the house, Big Brother picked another set of teenagers to live in the other half.

Ann was part of that set, which was composed of teenagers without Filipino lineage who live in the Philippines . (The show’s eventual winner, Australian 17-year-old James Reid, was also part of the teenternational group.) Her parents are originally from China , but she grew up in the Philippines .

Ann was evicted from the Pinoy Big Brother house on Day 75, but aside from the occasional guesting, she hasn’t gotten many chances to showcase her talents. Most of the big breaks have been given to the ex-housemates who made it to the Big 6. But Ann says she doesn’t mind waiting for her own big break—and she’s willing to do whatever it takes to make it happen. “OK lang naman yun sa akin. They won, so it’s part of their prize. I’m happy for them.”

While waiting for her time to shine, Ann is taking workshops so she’ll be more than prepared when that time does come. She’s already an accomplished dancer (she trained in ballet and jazz even before she became a housemate) and figure skater, plus she’s taking voice lessons at the Grand Palace in Cubao. “They’re going well,” she says of her voice training. “My teacher says I’m better now than I was on my first day,” she laughs. “I’m having fun.”

One of the things that caught viewers’ attention during Ann’s run on the show was her friendship with James. She and James have a very devoted fanbase called the JamLi Poppers, who threw a lavish party in their idols’ honor recently. When asked if she wants to be paired with James in a project, Ann says it’s really up to the Kapamilya network’s top brass to decide. “It’s their choice, pero pwede, I think. We’ve been close since our first week inside the PBB house. I know him really well, so it won’t be hard for either of us.”

But whether or not her future projects will see her paired with James, Ann says she’s ready for whatever opportunities ABS-CBN will see fit to give her. “Basta bigyan nila ako ng chance, I’ll take it,” she says.

ABS-CBN Reminds Other Networks of Willie's Contract

Two rival networks had been told by ABS-CBN not to ink an agreement with Willie Revillame, citing the controversial television host’s existing contract obligations with the Kapamilya network, the camp of Revillame has disclosed.

Lawyer Leonard de Vera, Revillame’s legal counsel, said ABS-CBN wrote Channels 5 and 7 to remind them of Revillame’s contract. In its letter, the network also said that it is prepared to take necessary legal actions if they enter into an agreement with the host, he added.

“Sumulat din ang mga abogado ng ABS sa Channel 5 at Channel 7 at sinabi, ‘Huwag kayong makikipag-kontrata kay Willie. Kapag hindi, puwede tayong mag-demandahan,'” de Vera said in his exclusive interview with celebrity talk show “Paparazzi” aired Sunday.

According to de Vera, Revillame also received a letter dated August 18 from ABS-CBN reminding him of his agreement with the network and the possible legal consequences if he refuses to follow them.

“Nag-iba ang complexion ng case. May threat of a law suit already. So, sabi ni Willie, ‘Sino naman ang channel na makikipag-kontrata sa akin na alam nilang merong asuntong aabutin...’ Sa katapusan ng usapan na ito, malalaman kung may karapatan si Willie o ABS ang may karapatan na ipitin si Willie,” the lawyer said.

De Vera maintained that Revillame has the right to end his contract with the network, saying that ABS-CBN purportedly failed to fulfill its obligations stated in the agreement.

“Hindi kami humihingi ng injunction dahil ang feeling namin may karapatan si Willie na to just walkout and say goodbye dahil nga hindi tinutupad ng ABS-CBN ang kanilang usapan,” he said.

“Ang kontrata ni Willie na pinirmahan niya noong 2008, good after 2011, is [he’s] going to be a talent for a particular program called ‘Wowowee,’ with the following compensation package… Ang ginawa nila in-abolish nila ang programa. So, ano pa ang kontrata? Hindi naman sinabi sa kontrata na nakatali ka sa amin for any program,” he noted.

Revillame and ABS-CBN had a falling out following the TV host's outburst last May, when he threatened to resign if the network would not fire fellow Kapamilya talent Jobert Sucaldito.

Revillame got irked reportedly because of Sucaldito's criticisms of "Wowowee."

Recently, he announced that he wanted to end his contract after “Wowowee” went off the air.

He accused the network of treating him “unfairly.” He also lambasted ABS-CBN for allegedly reneging on their initial agreement that the TV host would return to the show on July 31.

Linggit Tan, ABS-CBN senior vice-president for TV entertainment, has already denied that there was such an agreement.

The controversial host has been offered new shows on Channel 2 and sister company Studio 23, but he turned them down.

"Paparazzi” also aired its interview with Revillame, who said he had endured so much for his TV program especially when it was beset with controversies.

One controversy that he cited was the tragedy that hit “Wowowee” in February 2006. Seventy one people were killed during a stampede that occurred before the show’s first anniversary special at the PhilSports Stadium (also known as Ultra) in Pasig City.

He said he had apologized to the victims alone and without any representative from the ABS-CBN management.

“Gabi gabi ho sampung patay pinupuntahan ko. May kasama ba ako? Wala akong kasamang management. Kung sino man ho ang napuntahan kong pamilya ng namatayan na nakiramay ako, alam ninyo po yan,” he said.

“Sa lahat ng ito sinasabi ko na kasi pinagtakpan ko ang management. Ako lahat,” he said.

He went on further by claiming that he also took the blame for the Aug. 20, 2007 “Wilyonaryo” cheating allegation. The show was accused of deceiving the contestants of “Wilyonaryo,” a game portion of the program.

He said he was severely criticized but he took full responsibility even though it was not his fault. He said it was mere “production glitch.”

“Ayoko ng pumasok after the stampede. Ayoko na, pinapasok nila ako… Ayoko ng bumalik sa ‘Wilyonaryo.’ Sabi ko nakakahiya na itong programang ito,” he said.

He also cited his controversial outburst over the airing of the funeral of the late former president Corazon Aquino.

“Hindi ninyo po alam bago ipalabas yan tumawag na ako sa management. ‘Huwag na natin itong ilabas kasi hindi magandang tingnan. Nagsasaya kami [habang] nagluluksa ang sambayan…' Pagkatapos po noon nag-usap kami ni Linggit Tan,” he said.

“Ang sabi ko, 'Ibigay na natin itong ‘Wowowee’ sa pamilya Aquino.’ Ano ba ang one day na hindi kami nag-show? Alam mo ang sabi mo (Tan) sa akin, kailangan nating kumita,” he added.

Revillame has already sought “judicial confirmation” of his rescission of contract as host of the noontime show "Wowowee".

War of the Roses Heats On

Young actress Angelica Panganiban is keeping her silence on the controversy involving her and Claudine Barretto.

In a statement, lawyer Joji Alonso, Panganiban’s legal counsel, said the actress has been advised to refrain from commenting on Barretto's accusation that Panganiban has been spreading lies about her.

Panganiban, Barretto said, has been alleging that she had an extramarital affair with Derek Ramsay’s best friend, Martin Castro. Ramsay is Panganiban’s boyfriend. Castro is also a friend of Raymart Santiago, Barretto’s husband.

Barretto vehemently denied the allegation. She suspects that Panganiban is allegedly trying to ruin Castro and Ramsay’s friendship by spreading the rumors.

But Alonso maintained that Panganiban has “not done anything wrong, much less, maligned Claudine. On the contrary, it is Angelica who is being maligned by these unfounded accusations.”

Alonso added that there’s no need to “dignify this incident by saying something more than what has already been said.”

“It is hoped that with this statement, this issue comes to an end. Whatever more is said against Angelica shall be a cause for the filing of the appropriate civil and criminal cases,” the statement read.

It added: “Star Magic has been constantly in touch with Ms Shirley Kwan (Barretto’s talent manager) as we hope to settle the issues involving our artists.”

Barretto is reportedly planning to file a case against Panganiban.

Reports said the issue started last July when a party was held at Castro’s home. Barretto, Ramsay and Panganiban were reportedly present at the party.

Panganiban was reportedly in a sour mood when she arrived at Castro’s home.

That same night, reports said, Barretto went over to Panganiban to ask her about another issue involving Barretto's older sister, Gretchen.

Barretto said she was told that Panganiban had started a rumor alleging that Gretchen would give Ramsay expensive stuff.

When confronted, Panganiban had reportedly offered an insincere apology to Barretto.

Barretto reportedly said that she was only protecting Gretchen.

When sought for comment, Gretchen has distanced herself from the controversy.

It would be recalled that Gretchen and Panganiban was once involved in a verbal tussle. They eventually settled their differences after Panganiban's public apology.

Star Magic's Johnny Manahan, meanwhile, sent a text message to entertainment website Philippine Entertainment Portal (PEP) to defend Panganiban.

The text message read: “The only reason Angelica has not come out to defend herself against Claudine's accusations is because of what she has to say would be so devastating to Claudine’s career. That is why she has chosen the path of silence. Angelica still has compassion for Claudine and rejects all the falsehoods attributed to her.”

Barretto is a former Star Magic talent before she transferred to GMA 7.

Karen Davila, Fashionista Newscaster

Kristin Karen Davila is dressing up in her bedroom and I am asking her if she could wear a formal gown. She lets out a throaty shriek and says, “Nooo!” — we get a lot of that and laughter, too, during our pictorial in her home near her home studio, ABS-CBN, in Quezon City. The station wouldn’t allow it unless there was a prior request, she says. Then she tells of a past pictorial for a glossy magazine for which she was called “upstairs” to explain why a news anchor such as herself was wearing a gown for a pictorial.

Her answer: “But you know, I’m also a fashionista!”

This is Karen Davila: candid, girlie, advocate, award-winning broadcast journalist, serious, homemaker, achiever, obsessive about her hair, mother, and a fashionista.

Karen’s closet is a mix of high and low fashion — she has Hermes bracelets, caftans for only P1,000, designer pieces such as Michael Kors, and moderately priced labels such as Zara. She cannot, she says, in her conscience go all high-end knowing that come evening she would be delivering news about the latest disasters that strike the poor and render them homeless.

Karen is also a devoted mother, cutting short the interview because she had to take her sons — David, 8, and Lucas, 2 — to the mall, a weekend routine with the family, along with their dad — Channel 5 head of news operations DJ Sta. Ana.

Her bookshelves are filled with books on art, biographies, fashion, and awards she has won (from TOYM to Star Awards, and short-listed for the Asian TV Awards and CNN, among others) throughout her 16-year TV career, which she started straight out of college.

Back in the late ‘80s to early ‘90s, I would see Karen at UP’s College of Mass Communication wearing jeans and always put together. We were classmates in one or two classes that were taken up by both broadcast (she) and journalism (me) majors. Throughout the years we would run into each other or I would interview her as she became bigger and more famous as a TV reporter first (Brigada Siete with Louie Beltran and Saksi with Mike Enriquez on Channel 7); as a documentary host, writer and producer for The Correspondents on ABS-CBN where she moved to in 2000. And now as anchor for what seems to be the Mt. Everest for broadcast journalists — primetime news.

As anchor of TV Patrol, she is in our homes every weekday, delivering the worst news and those rare, uplifting stories; as host on ANC’s Headstart, she’s at the start of our mornings; she is also on our car radios on DZMM’s Pasadas sais Trenta.

Recently, Karen was chosen as a young global leader for the World Economic Forum, one of only three Filipinos chosen worldwide. There are 300 young global leaders for the class of 2010, which includes the likes of fashion designer Stella McCartney, Youtube co-founder Steven Chen, and Twitter co-founder and CEO Evan Williams.

Karen explains, “The Young Global Leaders are a group of professionals under 40 that have shown excellence in their field and have the influence to shape policy in global affairs.”

She attended the World Economic Forum in Vietnam, which allowed her an informal interview with Vietnamese President Nguyen Minh Triet, focusing on economic policies and development of Vietnam.

She was also invited to speak at the Harvard Project for Asia & International Relations (HPAIR) conference held in Singapore. She spoke on “Free media and developing nations.”

The first HPAIR conference she attended was at the Harvard Campus in Boston, where she spoke on “Gender equality of women in Asia.”