Matt Evans Turns 24

Young actor Matt Evans turned 24 today.

Born Matthew Nicolas Evans, he joined showbiz when he became part of the reality show "Pinoy Big Brother (PBB)" in 2006.

A Fil-Am, Evans has a Filipino mother and an American father whom he has never met. He was known for his curly hair while inside the PBB house.

He became more popular as Pedro Penduko in "Komiks Presents: Da Adventures of Pedro Penduko" and "Pedro Penduko at ang mga Engkantao."

Evans was also part of the defunct TV drama shows "Iisa Pa Lamang" and "Kambal sa Uma."

Currently, Evans is part of ABS-CBN's hit afternoon series "Rosalka." He will also be the leading man of Bianca Manalo in Juanita Banana.

Patrol ng Pilipino on October 26

There's always something more to a news story. The public may not see the whole picture if all they watch are the newscasts on TV.

This is the reason for a new show, "Patrol ng Pilipino", which will be aired weekly starting Tuesday, October 26, after "Bandila."

In "Patrol ng Pilipino", reporters will give viewers an in-depth look at stories that matter, and unmask the side of news often witnessed by them.

Featuring uncut, raw, and real stories, the program will also reveal the faces behind each story, the emotions involved, and the real lives that make up the numbers and data in news reports.

For the first episode, ABS-CBN reporter Jorge Cariño files an in-depth report of Typhoon Juan and how it ravaged the province of Cagayan and nearby areas.

The show promises to show every angle of a news story to give viewers the information they need in order to understand the report and act as needed--because the public deserves to know the complete truth.

Daphne Oseña-Paez, Certified Style Icon and Amazing Homemaker

Daphne Oseña-Paez may be one of the country’s fashion and beauty icons, but she has a lot of things going on in her life that she rarely thinks of herself as one. The host/producer of Urban Zone has also evolved into a “lifestyle brand” by coming out with her own line of furniture, bed linens, and even jewelry. “I’ve always had a background in creativity and art. I’ve a degree in Fine Art History and Urban Planning at the University of Toronto. I’ve always envisioned that I would develop products that will make your home stylish starting with the linens. I have focused on licensing my brand kind of like Martha Stewart. These are all lucrative operations by me and my partners in the industry,” said Daphne in an interview with ABS-CBN.com at a recent event for Forever Olay.

Daphne’s really proud of what she has accomplished through Urban Zone because the show has inspired many viewers to work hard so they can create beautiful homes of their own as well. “Urban Zone is basically just a show that I had envisioned to create for F where I grew up. I’ve been there for seven years. And then after that I just wanted to sell stories about how people live. So I go to different houses that are stylish and then I ask them about the designs. It actually evolved and it became the authority in interior design in the country. We didn’t plan on touching people's lives. But I’m getting so much email about how it inspired people so I am just happy with what we’ve done so far.”

But being a mother to three young girls, you’d be surprised at how Daphne managed to be a career woman and a devoted homemaker at the same time. “Sophia is 7, Lily is 4, and Bella is 1. It’s all about knowing your priorities and I’ve my rules from the very start. I say no to a lot of work. I say no to work that takes me out of town too much. I don’t know other TV hosts that would say no to a trip to Paris, but I’ve said no because for me children are only young once and I really want to be there for my children.” Obviously, spending quality time with her family is still her number one priority. “I think that is the biggest blessing that I am really grateful for. None of this would mean anything without my husband and children who are so healthy, beautiful, and loving,” she added.

Daphne further shared that she once had the chance to join showbiz, but she declined simply because it’s not her thing. “I know my strengths and weaknesses. I’ve been offered before to be part of a teleserye. And I’ve been offered a part in the movie A Very Special Love as John Lloyd Cruz’s sister. My name is actually in the credits but it was only in the photos that I appeared. I am terrified of acting. Maybe one day [I’d try acting], if I drink enough wine. I don’t know,” she related with a laugh.

One thing she’s sure of though is that longevity in the biz can be achieved through sheer hard work and lots of patience. “If I can give advice to all the younger people who are in television, choose your projects and take care of yourself. This might work for others differently, but don’t do things just because they will make you famous. I took my time, I knew my craft. I did not become the network's TV star, but I learned how to run a TV show.”

Maritoni Fernandez Joins Dr. Vicki Belo on Salamat Dok

Maritoni Fernandez will talk about the effects and gratification of the SmartLipo procedure she did with the Belo clinic in this Sunday's live edition of Salamat Dok, 7:30 to 8:30am on ABS-CBN2.

Maritoni will join noted cosmetic surgeon Dr. Vicki Belo, who will explain the state-of-the-art SmartLipo procedure, an easier and more sophisticated way to remove fat.

Other featured facial treatments are Ulthera, a revolutionary skin tightening machine that is considered a non-surgical face lift and Cosmelan, an anti-aging product from Spain designed to prevent and improve skin imperfections caused by hyper-pigmentation.

Salamat Dok provides information on medical concerns, with free on-air consultation with the guest physician. Every month, Dr. Belo guests live in the program to discuss the newest procedures being offered by the Belo Medical Group. Bernadette Sembrano hosts.

The Coming of Jason Abalos

Tulad ng programa niyang “Precious Hearts Romances Presents Alyna,” tuloy-tuloy din ang pagsikat ng aktor na si Jason Abalos, lalo na’t napapansin na rin ngayon ang kaniyang pagiging ‘hunk’ bilang ‘Dominic’ sa programa.

Dahil rancho ang setting ng “Alyna,” madalas naipapakita ni Jason ang kaniyang matipunong pangangatawan pati na rin sa maiinit na eksena nila ng katambal niyang si Shaina Magdayao.

Malayo na rin ang narating sa showbiz ni Jason, na nagsimula bilang finalist sa season two ng dating ABS-CBN talent search na Star Circle Quest. Sa kombinasyon niya ng tall, dark, and handsome features at husay sa pag-arte, siguradong magtatagal pa ito sa karera.

Gayunpaman, hindi nagiging kampante si Jason, kaya naman tutok din siya sa kaniyang business na printing shop.

“Mahirap pero kailangan kayanin at pagsabayin ko ‘yung pag-arte at negosyo. Lumalaki na ‘yung demands, kailangan na ng mas malaking warehouse, kailangan na ng workshop kasi dumadami na ‘yung mga kostumer namin,” kuwento niya.

Hindi na rin daw niya nabibigyan ng panahon ang kaniyang puso. “Pwede naman pagsabayin kung saka-sakali. Siguro ang pagkakaroon ng taong mamahalin, yun ang inspirasyon ko. Ngayon, mahal ko yung career ko. Gusto ko tumagal, mahal ko trabaho ko,” paglilinaw ni Jason.

Abangan si Jason kasama sina Shaina, Sid Lucero, at Kaye Abad sa nakakakabang mga tagpo ngayong linggo sa “Alyna.” Sa pagbabalik ni Rex at Lilet, susubukan nilang bawiin ang kanilang dating mga kasintahan na si Alyna at Dominic. Anong magiging reaksyon nila kapag nalaman nila ang tunay na ugnayan sa pagitan ni Dominic at Alyna?

Abangan iyan sa “Precious Hearts Romances Presents Alyna” mula Lunes hanggang Biyernes pagkatapos ng “Juanita Banana” sa ABS-CBN.

Showdown of Showtime Hosts on 1st Anniversary Special

The hosts of ABS-CBN’s hit talent variety show will treat their viewers to a showdown.

Fans of the country’s favorite talent variety program “Showtime” are in for a surprise as hosts Vhong Navarro, Anne Curtis, Kim Atienza, resident judge Vice Ganda, and the duo of Teddy Corpuz and Jugs Jugueta battle each other in a showdown on the show’s first anniversary today (Oct 23).

Navarro, Curtis, Atienza, Ganda, Corpuz, and Jugueta have been rehearsing in private for the past week to make sure they will get the favor of guest judges including Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano, “Panahon Ko ‘To” host Luis Manzano, former ‘hurado’ Gladys Reyes, one of the hottest loveteam of their generation Kim Chiu and Gerald Anderson and International sensation Arnel Pineda. The winning group will also take home a cash prize!

Hit singers Sitti, Karylle, and Nyoy Violante will also have a special number with a chorale group of Aetas. They will be the show’s beneficiary this year.

Since it went on air, “Showtime” has delivered amusement and inspiration to viewers, while giving ordinary Filipinos a chance to feel like stars on television. The show is also the source of phrases “May Nag-Text,” “Sample, Sample,” and “Party-Party,” which are now being used by viewers in their everyday conversations.

The show was also the launching pad for in-demand dance groups today like “XB Gensan” and “Boyz Unlimited.”

Join the fun in the special first anniversary celebration of “Showtime” this Saturday (Oct 23) before “Pilipinas Win na Win” on ABS-CBN.

Usapang Lalake Hosts on Us Girls

Women are from Venus, men are from Mars but this Sunday (Oct 24) on Studio 23, they’ll be in one place when “Us Girls” puts the wacky hosts of Studio 23’s new male-oriented show “Usapang Lalake” to a challenge.

Join Iya Villania, Chesca Garcia-Kramer, and Angel Aquino as they take commercial model Arron Sese, radio DJ Jobert Austria, former actor Boom Labrusca, and stand-up comic Alex Calleja to a battle with the naughty bunch of hot-blooded males from Magic 89.9’s hit radio program Boys Night Out with Aaron Atayde of Studio 23’s “Pabida.”

Television’s Fab Three will also immerse and try out everything popular on the streets today—from street food like Betamax and Isaw to different trends in fashion such as K-Pop, Jejemon, Hip Hop, Punk, and Gothic Emo.

Don’t miss this week’s celebrity house raid because sexy comedienne RR Enriquez will also give us a tour of her home sweet home.

All these and more on the country’s fashion and lifestyle magazine show authority, “Us Girls” every Sunday at 6:30pm on Studio 23.

Boy Abunda Takes the Hot Seat on The Bottomline

NOW! IT’S HIS TURN! The country’s King of Talk Boy Abunda takes the other side of the frame as he takes the hotseat and answers the bold and feisty questions thrown by the bottomliners on ‘The Bottomline: The Boy Abunda Birthday Special’.

Hailed as the Best Talk Show and earned a special citation from the recent Catholic Mass Media Awards for providing a venue for clearing up issues surrounding individuals through in-depth interviews and enlightening the viewers about the truth behind every topic, ‘The Bottomline’ sets on a two-part special for Tito Boy’s birthday (October 23 and 30).

For two consecutive Saturdays, ‘The Bottomline’ veers away from its ‘war room-guest-war room’ set-up as it brings its host, Tito Boy, to the fore. Set to be grilled by the bottomliners, represented by his friends from the entertainment industry (namely Shirley Quan, Bobbie Garcia, AiAi delas Alas, Jobert Sucaldito, Bianca Gonzalez, Erik Santos) politics, Philippine Women’s University, and the Aquino Sisters Ballsy Aquino-Cruz and Pinky Aquino-Abelleda. Tito Boy bares it all. His close buds namely, Pinky Nelson, Dennis Ngo, Mike Lopez, Bianca Lapuz, Xiao Chua, and Bryan Bagsic will also be asking tough questions.

Have you been unfaithful at any time? How rich are you? Have you ever thought of having your own son or daughter? Do you still have time for sex? From shallow to brazenly-asked questions, Tito Boy will face it and react to it chin up, no holds barred.

Born in Borongan, Eastern Samar, Tito Boy was first known for his skills in public relations. In 1989, Tito Boy put up his own firm, Backroom Incorporated and became the publicist of Martin Nieverra, Zsazsa Padilla and Kuh Ledesma. He also turned out to be the talent manager of famous celebrities. However, what really made his star shine was when he entered the hosting arena and eventually became one of the highly-regarded talk show hosts in the industry. Thus, the moniker “King of talk.”

Get to know Boy Abunda more as he, with the help of his friends, expose his unexplored side on ‘The Bottomline: The Boy Abunda Birthday Special’ on October 23 and October 30 after Banana Split.

Kapamilya Snapshots: KC Concepcion's Visit to Mindanao for WFP

For the second time around, movie and television personality Kristina Cassandra Concepcion, more popularly known as KC Concepcion, led Monday a feeding program for children sponsored by the World Food Programme (WFP) in three evacuation sites in Datu Salibo, Maguindanao.

The actress, despite her hectic movie and television schedule, has been working the past three years in concurrent capacity as WFP Philippines ambassadress against hunger “for free.”

“This is the reality of life and I am inspired by such thing to do well to those in need of my help. I love Maguindanao,” she told newsmen here in a press conference after her Maguindanao visit.

At the Pagatin Elementary School in Salibu, the actress fed children with nutritional porridge in ankle-deep waters due to the overflowing of a nearby river.

“The last time I was there, the school was not flooded yet,” she said in an anxious tone.

Concepcion’s visit here with WFP is her second, with the first one taking place sometime in May last year.

Stephen Anderson, WFP Philippines country representative, said that in the past their organization was feeding some 250,000 evacuees in Maguindanao alone.

“However, we are glad to hear that the number of evacuees has reduced since the government’s efforts to push the peace process in Mindanao,” he said.

From feeding 250,000 evacuees, Anderson said latest WFP data showed that the figure significantly reduced to 65,000 displaced individuals in the province.

“It seems that our efforts to bring back normalcy to the lives of the displaced people in Maguindanao are paying off,” he said.

Anderson said that in Maguindanao alone, the WFP has spent some P26 million in its feeding and livelihood assistance programs the past 18 months.

With this, the WFP is set to tap the internet for its new fund raising program “We Feed Back” that is slated for launching soon.

“The program could be likened to a social networking site where donors create an account and help us feed deprived Filipinos especially in conflict zones of the country,” Concepcion said.

Here are some of her pictures courtesy of www.darlasauler.com.

Sam Milby on Blue Water Day Spa Fun Run

They were at the venue very early in the morning, with the run scheduled to start at 5 a.m. At the starting line, in his white singlet with a blue #4264 sticker, Sam Milby waits with a handful of other celebrities that have come to join the first-ever fun run organized by Bluewater Day Spa on Oct. 17 at the SM Mall of Asia grounds.

Milby, who says this run is his “first in my whole life,” finished the 5k. “’Yung number ko, it was for the 3k but I ran 5k. When I came through, akala nila 3k. So ‘yung time nila was for 3k,” he shares. “But I think the difference is about 20 minutes.”

It’s not bad for someone who claims, with amusement, that he hasn’t been engaging in a lot of physical activities lately. “Puro taping ako eh. Siyempre, I have the show ‘1DOL’ so kahit workout, hindi ako nagwo-workout, matagal na.”

Despite this only being a fun run—a friendly race with shorter distances compared to a marathon, and where participants mostly run for their own enjoyment rather than competition—Milby admits that he feels he needs to get back into exercising again.

“Of course I think it’s something I should start getting into lalo na, dahil kahit papano, tumatanda na ako. 26 na ako,” he says. While that is in no way considered old, he smiles, “I feel like I’m old… mga kasama namin sa ‘1DOL,’ 16, 17 [years old lang]…”

In fact, after this experience, Milby is a little optimistic about future runs. “I hope so, I plan on it,” he says when asked if he would do it again. “Ngayong matatapos ang ‘1DOL,’ I hope… Even next weekend may isa pang marathon,” he relates.

Indeed, Milby may have also been quite conscious of his health lately, especially since he’s had that incident in Japan in March this year. While there for a TFC show with other Kapamilya stars like Zanjoe Marudo, Milby had passed out in a public toilet from fatigue and lack of sleep. He’d been in the toilet for about half an hour before he was discovered, but had even joked in a past interview, “Malinis naman ‘yung toilet!”

And with that, Milby—who is also an endorser of Bluewater Day Spa along with other celebrities—says he takes care of himself in other ways. “Siyempre with my schedule, whenever I go to Bluewater, it’s something that really helps me unwind. It really rejuvenates me.”

But Milby’s schedule will modify a little bit as “1DOL” soon ends its run on TV. “Matatapos na, last week na ito,” Milby says.

Unfortunately for the show’s fans, they will not be able to extend it. “’Yung tine-tape namin sa umaga, ‘yun ang ipapalabas sa gabi… At aalis na si Sarah, aalis na ako. Ako para sa Heartthrobs Tour. Wala talagang pondo [na taped episodes], walang ilalabas sa TV so we have to end the show.”

Milby’s fans might have to wait a little longer, though, to see their idol. “Wala pang naka lineup [na bagong project]. Actually, biglaan na matatapos ‘yung ‘1DOL.’ I expected it to last a lot longer,” he admits.

But he won’t be out of commission for long. Milby reportedly joins several ABS-CBN stars like Piolo Pascual, John Lloyd Cruz, Gerald Anderson, Bea Alonzo and Pokwang for The Heartthrobs Tour at the ASB-CBN Expo 2010 in London on Nov. 7. The Heartthrob Tour had a series of successful shows in the U.S. early this year.

Milby states he will begin filming a new movie in January next year. “Wala pang title, I don’t even know for sure who it’ll be with.”

“But I have a movie na lalabas next month,” he adds. “It’s an indie film for Cinema One, called ‘Third World Happy.’”

Spotted at the first Bluewater Day Spa Fun Run 2010 along with Milby and about 3,500 registered runners were other celebrities and Bluewater endorsers like avid runner Karylle, models Daniel Matsunaga and Fabio Ide, race director Coach Rio dela Cruz, coach Alfrancis Chua, the fresh-looking model/endorser/entrepreneur and also avid runner Mikaela Lagdameo (best known as the gimmick-mate of John Lloyd Cruz in TV ads), actor and former “Txtube” host on GMA, Boom Labrusca, “Survivor Philippines” season 1 winner JC Tiuseco and same season castaway, Kiko Rustia, designer JC Buendia, Mercator’s Jonas Gaffud and about 30 other models.

Here are some more of his pictures on the said event.

On Spotlight: Laarni Lozada

Laarni Lozada is easily your story of a small-town girl who dreamed big and never looked back — a rags-to-riches tale that will never grow old.

“Isa lang akong babaeng nangarap at nabigyan ng chance maging singer,” says Laarni on her good fortune.

Laarni was named the grand winner of Pinoy Dream Academy (Season 2) two years ago. She bested 15 other scholars after 13 weeks of being under grueling public and media scrutiny inside the Dream Academy house. Laarni took home P1-M, a house and lot, a water refilling business, and a slew of other prizes. She is now the newest addition to Backroom’s string of artists.

Her showbiz credentials include the likes of Ryan Cayabyab and Vehnee Saturno composing songs for her: Manalig Ka (Cayabyab) for the Scholar’s Sing Cayabyab album and Kung Iniibig Ka Niya (Saturno) for her self-titled debut recording Laarni Lozada. The Saturno composition became the theme song for the ABS-CBN soap opera Kambal sa Uma. She also revived Roselle Nava’s famous romantic ballad Bakit Nga Ba Mahal Kita as the soundtrack to the Alyna episode of Precious Hearts Romances.

Laarni says it was everything she imagined her showbiz career would be.

Coming from a poor family in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat, Laarni recalls she always dreamed of making it big in showbiz. At age four she was already practicing her vocal prowess in the middle of a ricefield, where the whole Lozada family worked as farmers including young Laarni, and her six other siblings. Growing up, Laarni regularly joined singing contests in her barangay, always placing second or third place. She also used to grab a wooden spatula to serve as her microphone, standing up on a bangketa (a long rectangular, backless wooden chair) to perform for her small audience. At school, she led her classmates in singing the National Anthem — from elementary to high school. Laarni says, someday she’ll be the one singing the National Anthem in one of the fights of boxing champ Manny Pacquiao.

“I remember climbing up a jackfruit, just looking up at the skies and daydreaming. I also used to carve my dreams on a bottle gourd (upo). Every wishing star I spotted, I wished on it. And with every (stem) of rice I planted, I told myself “I am getting my family out of here,” recalls Laarni.

Truly, if you wished hard enough, the universe will conspire for you to get it. With the help of an aunt, Laarni was able to pay for her fare going to Manila and continue university. But still not having enough money to fund her college tuition at the Philippine Women’s University (PWU), Laarni applied for scholarship. At PWU, she worked as a telephone operator and became member of the school choir (she got paid P2,500 every 15 days for singing everyday at the choir). On the side, Laarni took in odd jobs like being a wedding singer or band member.

“I survived by thinking only of achieving my goals even without money and with my family so far away from me,” she shares. Her rocketship came two years ago, when Laarni auditioned for the PDA Season 2.

“I remember having only P380 at that time and I still needed to pay for the requirements like a full body picture during the first audition. Good thing, I had a friend who I remembered had one full body picture of mine. I rushed to her, promising I will return the picture someday. I lined up as early as 7 a.m. (at the ABS-CBN compound) only to face director Laurenti Dyogi at 3:30 p.m. I didn’t have breakfast, lunch, not even merienda. I endured the long wait and hunger thinking of my fellow aspirants who were experiencing the same ordeal,” says Laarni.

Laarni apparently stood out to Dyogi, one of the panelists, when she sung her now famous Lead Me Lord audition entry.

“I was initially thinking of singing Run To You by Whitney Houston. But when I was put in front of direk Dyogi, I froze. The song Run To You escaped my mind completely. I thought, this is the person (Dyogi) who is going to make all my dreams come true. Lead Me Lord came out of my mouth.” Laarni is a devotee of the Virgin Mary and goes to Malate Church every Sunday.

The Sultan Kudarat native adds that Lead Me Lord became her redemption aria of sort that she only realized at the moment her voice was belting out the song of prayer. “I poured everything into that song. I thought of all my struggles, my parents, my dreams...,” she fondly remembers.

Dyogi let Laarni finish the whole song and asked her to sing another one. The rest, as they say, is history.

Laarni admits that the whole experience makes her laugh now. She believes she still has much to offer to her public.

“I am proud of my achievements. But like what I always say, I still have a lot to prove to the people. I still have a lot of things to do. It doesn’t matter if people call me too ambitious because I am. I have a lot of ambitions. I know what I want and I know I can make things happen. I believe I can make things happen,” confesses Laarni.

Kimerald: Love Team Under Fire!

The Kim Chiu-Gerald Anderson loveteam is currently under fire. Their fans are in a rebellious mood after it was reported that they broke up and Gerald is now courting Bea Alonzo while Kim is said to be dating Jason Abalos. At the presscon of their latest movie, Till My Heartaches End, Gerald broke down when questioned if he ever asked Kim Chiu “Mahal mo ba ako?” the way his character, Paolo, asked Kim’s character, Agnes, in their new movie.

“In four years, we had a special relationship, very happy moments together,” he starts crying at this point. “Ang masakit dun, ang dami kong binigay na problema sa kanya, heartaches, pero tinanggap pa rin niya ako. Hindi ko mapapantayan ang mga ginawa niya para sa akin. Tinanggap pa rin niya ako. Ang ayoko sa lahat, yung makasakit ako ng tao. I want to be a good role model kasi noong Ondoy, naging hero ako sa paningin ng mga tao. Pero tao rin ako, nagkakamali din ako. I’ll lie if I said di ako nasasaktan na may fans na nag-back out sa’kin at ayaw na kong suportahan. I got plenty of hate mails. Pati ang pamilya ko nadadamay. May tumatawag sa nanay ko at sabi papatayin ang anak niya. Ewan ko kung bakit umabot sa ganun.”

He then stands up and leaves the stage where the film’s stars are seated during the open forum. It’s later announced that he won’t return anymore and medics are treating him as he is hyperventilating. How does Kim feel about all this? “I want to tell everyone na sana maging okay na ang lahat, kasi ako, okay ako,” she was directing her answer to the fans of her love team with Gerald who were there attending the presscon. “May naririnig akong papatayin si Bea Alonzo, sasabuyan ng asido. Sana, tanggapin na lang natin kung anong nangyari at intindihin na lang nilang may personal din kaming buhay. Alam ko na ang fans ko, nasasaktan sila for me. Nahahati sila and I can’t blame them for their opinion. Siempre, I’m happy nakasuporta sila sa’kin, pero sana, tama na ang gulo, hindi na maganda ang nangyayari.”

Maybe their fans side with her as it was reported that she tried committing suicide after Gerald broke up with her. “I’ll never do that — such a stupid thing. Why would I kill myself? I have siblings to take care of. Sinong bubuhay sa kanila? I’m also having my dream house constructed. How can I finish that if I’d kill myself? Gerald is a good person, so they should stop hating him. As for me, masaya naman ako ngayon and I have nothing against him.”

Extreme fan mentality can be dangerous for your sanity and we hope these fans who are very possessive of their favorite star will get a life of their own. But how do they think will these stories linking them to other stars affect the box-office results of their film?

“I hope people will just forget all the chismis and bad intrigues and judge the film by its own merits,” says Kim. “Kasi we gave it our all, our 100 percent, and I’m just very proud that we got to do this movie.”

The film is written and directed by Jose Javier Reyes. “I got a call from Star Cinema last Sept. 15 asking me if I’m busy and if I could do this Kim-Gerald film. I said yes as I really want to work with them. I believe hinog na sila for mature roles. But they said, may playdate na, Oct. 27. I said, okay, send me the script. They said, wala pang script. I said we should then meet right away. And so in two days before we met, I was able to write the script that is inspired by 500 Days of Summer about young love, pero malayong-malayo na roon. This is the story of Paulo and Agnes, played by Gerald and Kim. Paulo is anak sa labas, maraming hang-ups. Agnes is a nursing graduate about to take the board, no boyfriend since birth. The story is told from the point of view of their friends: Martin del Rosario and Enrique Gil for Gerald, Cacai Bautista, Manny Chua and Eda Nolan for Kim. It’s the journey of two people in love and where it’s going. I presented it to Star Cinema and they said go. O heto, matatapos na kami ng shoot and I must say maraming gugulatin sina Kim at Gerald dito as they portray very mature roles and are both very competent in it. Totoong-totoo ang performances nila and very different from the typical soap opera acting style on TV that they’re used to. It will touch the hearts of viewers, even the theme song as rendered by Carol Banawa.”

Source: Mario E. Bautista, Philippine Star

ABS-CBN Will Do Remake of Snooky Serna's "Bata Pa Si Sabel"

ABS-CBN will do a remake of Snooky Serna's launching movie under Regal Films in 1981, "Bata Pa Si Sabel".

Snooky Serna is Sabel, a young provincial lass who is wooed by two ardent suitors, played by Albert Martinez and Joel Alano. Sabel's elders declare that she is too young to get into the game of romance, but Sabel believes otherwise. So she goes ahead and follows her heart - even if it means experiencing confusiion and pain. This story is directed by the late Joey Gosiengfiao.

Iya Villania on "The Wedding Singer"

It will definitely be a treat, not trick, for the hopelessly romantic Pinoy by the end of October as 9 Works Theatrical brings to the stage their musical version of the hit romantic comedy film “The Wedding Singer” that starred Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore.

The musical, which capitalizes on the 1998 blockbuster, which reportedly had a modest budget of $21 million but registered a whopping $123 million in ticket sales, has for its lead stars Gian Magdangal of GMA-7 and Iya Villania of ABS-CBN.

“The Wedding Singer” was mounted on Broadway in the early months of 2006 and ran all the way to the end of the year, with music by Matthew Sklar, lyrics by Chad Beguelin and book by Beguelin and Tim Herlihy. Executive producer Santi Santamaria and director Robbie Guevara say they had always been impressed by “The Wedding Singer.”

“The music struck me. It was great, there was romance,” says Santamaria.

“Santi was wondering how come ‘The Wedding Singer’ was not being staged locally. He said it is such a good show,” Guevara says.

It was in early 2008 when Guevara started working to secure the rights to locally produce the musical, which was staged in Britain after it closed on Broadway.

“When the rights finally became available in 2010, it was a dream come true,” Guevara reveals.

Gian Magdangal and Iya Villania star in 9 Works Theatrical’s “The Wedding Singer.”The plot takes place in 1985 when Robbie Hart is New Jersey’s favorite wedding singer, rocking reception halls with his signature tune, “It’s Your Wedding Day.” He is the life of the party, until his own fiancée leaves him at the altar. Shot through the heart, Robbie makes every wedding he plays in as disastrous as his own failed romance.

Enter Julia Sullivan, a winsome waitress who wins his affection. The only trouble is, Julia is about to be married to Wall Street tycoon Glen Guglia and unless Robbie can pull off the performance of his life, the girl of his dreams will be gone forever.

The cast of the musical is a mixture of people from showbiz and veteran and newbie theater actors and actresses chosen from hundreds who auditioned.

Magdangal plays Sandler’s role as hopeless romantic wedding singer Robbie Hart. Magdangal appeared as Roger in 9 Works Theatrical’s “Rent the Musical.”

Villania stars as waitress Julia Sullivan, with theater veteran Shiela Valderrama-Martinez as alternate.

Martinez was part of the opening team of Hong Kong Disneyland as the first Asian to play Nala in the “Festival of the Lion King” and Bebe in the “Golden Mickeys.”

It is Magdangal and Villania’s second time to work together since “Footloose the Musical” five years ago, and Villania says both of them have grown as actors over the years.

“The story was made more emotional, to adopt to the Pinoy taste,” says Magdangal, who was also part of 9 Works Theatrical’s “Rent.”

“Robbie’s character is fun and crazy. The musical is very energetic so I guarantee that people will enjoy it,” he shares.

“This is one of the biggest reasons why I came back. This is one of the roles that I’ve always wanted to do,” Martinez adds.

Nikki Valdez is Julia’s bubbly and lovable cousin Holly, with former Miss Saigon-UK tour talent Analin Bantug as her alternate. Jeremy Aguado is Julia’s fiancé Glen Guglia.

“This is one of my biggest breaks in theater. Holly’s role is beautiful. Filipinos will like it because we are hopeless romantics,” Valdez says.

Other members of the cast are Lorenz Martinez (Sammy), Johann de la Fuente (George), and Myrene Santos (Linda).

“The Wedding Singer” is known for its tribute to pop songs of the 80s, hilarious script and hits like “Someday,” “ If I Told You,” “Single” and “Grow Old With You.”

Choreographer Francis Matheu said the dance steps were made more vibrant. “We injected a lot of 80s moves that people will be very familiar with. No boring moment, the lines are very witty from start to finish. We tried to capture every inch of the 80s,” he says.

“The Wedding Singer” sponsored by Rockwell Club, ABS-CBN Foundation, SM Department Store, MAC Cosmetics and The Philippine STAR opens on Oct. 23, 3:30 pm at the Meralco Theater, Ortigas Avenue in Pasig City. Other playdates are Oct. 24, 29, 30, Nov. 5, 6, 7, 13 and 14, 2010. For details, visit www.9workstheatrical.com or call 891-9999.

More Cute Still Photos from John Lloyd Cruz and Toni Gonzaga

Here are some more still photos from the movie of John Lloyd Cruz and Toni Gonzaga under Star Cinema. This has a working title of Amnesia Girl and helmed by Box Office Director Cathy Garcia-Molina. It will be released probably on November 2010. This pictures are courtesy of www.mychos.com.

New Characters in PHR Presents Kristine

More characters will be introduced on ABS-CBN's "Martha Cecilia's Kristine" which for sure will make the TV series more exciting.

Two of them are Rayver Cruz and JM De Guzman.

JM has actually been casted long before "Kristine" premiered in August, but it's only on the coming episodes that he will finally show up as Nathaniel Cervantes, cousin of Jewel Fortalejo (Cristine Reyes) and Emerald Fortalejo (Denise Laurel), and the son of Margarita (Irma Adlawan) and Josef (William Lorenzo).

Rayver Cruz meanwhile is a surprise addition in the cast playing a "very interesting" character, as Lance Navarro who will have a major major part on the life of Jewel.

It's kinda exciting to see Rayver and Cristine together on "Kristine" because they were an "item" before and it's their first time to work together and be paired in a soap.

Both were part of "May Bukas Pa" but Cristine was only a guest there and they never had scenes together.

Imortal Now Number 1 Nationwide!

The fantaserye starring Angel Locsin and John Lloyd Cruz stole the no. 1 spot from Noah last night, October 20, according to Kantar Media.

For the first time since its pilot episode last October 4, Imortal finally captured the top spot in Kantar Media’s national tv ratings. The John Lloyd Cruz-Angel Locsin starrer received 32.7% taking the lead from Noah which only got 32.2% last night.

Can Imortal maintain the no. 1 position in the nights to come?

Here are the comparative TV ratings of Kantar Media for October 20 among national households:

Gising Pilipinas (2.0%) vs. Reporter’s Notebook (Replay) (1.1%)
Umagang Kay Ganda (5.9%) / Simply KC (5.2%) vs. Unang Hirit (6.2%)
Dora The Explorer (5.7%) vs. Doraemon (8.3%)
Spongebob Squarepants (7.5%) vs. Detective Conan (9.0%)
Banana Split (7.3%) vs. Shaman King (7.8%)
Panahon Ko To! (7.7%) vs. Shining Inheritance Revisited (5.5%)
Showtime (13.5%) vs. Love Ni Mister Love Ni Misis (5.0%) / Asar Talo Lahat Panalo! (6.6%)
Pilipinas Win Na Win! (10.1%) vs. Eat… Bulaga! (16.6%)
Rosalka (13.7%) vs. Ang Yaman Ni Lola (10.1%)
Alyna (14.7%) vs. Trudis Liit (12.5%)
Kapamilya Blockbusters “Maging Sino Ka Man” (12.7%) vs. Koreana (11.6%)
He’s Beautiful (15.9%) vs. Temptation Of Wife (11.4%)
Kokey @ Ako (23.0%) vs. Bantatay (19.1%)
TV Patrol World (30.1%) vs. 24 Oras (23.1%)
Noah (32.2%) vs. Survivor Philippines Celebrity Showdown (22.5%)
Imortal (32.7%) vs. Grazilda (18.4%)
Magkaribal (27.7%) / Idol (18.4%) vs. Ilumina (17.0%)
Kristine (13.9%) vs. Beauty Queen (13.5%)
SNN (Showbiz News Ngayon) (7.3%) vs. East Of Eden (7.8%)
Bandila (4.1%) vs. Saksi Liga Ng Katotohanan (5.7%)
Storyline (2.6%) vs. Born To Be Wild (3.5%)