Blogatorials: "Imortal" Under Siege

Looks like there's Black Propaganda now against the highly rated "Imortal". On an article published in the Philippine Daily Inquirer (which is connected to GMA7) criticized the said teleserye as if it was the worst show in the Philippine television.

The writer should watch first the GMA teleseryes and compared it with that of ABS-CBN to judge which is doing better. If the writer is saying that Imortal is a lazy immitation of Twilight. What about Grazilda (sounds like Godzilla!) which is a very cheap copy of Enchanted.

Looking back in history, there were allegations that GMA7 was paying showbiz journalists to release black propaganda against ABS-CBN stars. Remember Kris Aquino, Piolo Pascual and Sandara Parks?

Kapamilya Nominees on 2010 Star Awards for TV

Various shows and talents recognized by the Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC) have always been anticipated by many in the entertainment industry annually.

On Wednesday, the PMPC finally announced the official list of nominees for the Star Awards for TV which will be held this coming November 13.

A number of Kapamilya shows and personalities were nominated for various categories, as shown below:

Best Primetime TV Series

Dahil May Isang Ikaw
Kung Tayo’y Magkakalayo
Habang May Buhay
Tanging Yaman
Agua Bendita

Best Magazine Show Host

Korina Sanchez (Rated K)
Karen Davila (Wonder Mom)

Best Documentary Program Host

Karen Davila (The Correspondents)

Best Female Newscaster

Karen Davila (TV Patrol)

Best Single Performance by an Actress

Angel Locsin (MMK)
Gretchen Barretto (MMK)

Best Reality Program Host

Showtime hosts
Mariel Rodriguez (PBB Double Up)
Toni Gonzaga (PBB Double Up)
Bianca Gonzalez (PBB Double Up)

Best Female Showbiz-Oriented Show Host

Kris Aquino (SNN)
Bianca Gonzalez (E-Live)
Toni Gonzaga (E-Live)

Best Male Showbiz-Oriented Show Host

Luis Manzano (E-live)
Boy Abunda (The Buzz)

Best Female TV Host

Sharon Cuneta (Sharon)
Pokwang (Wowowee)
Sarah Geronimo (ASAP XV)
Toni Gonzaga (ASAP XV)

Best Male TV Host

Martin Nievera (ASAP XV)
Piolo Pascual (ASAP XV)
Luis Manzano (ASAP XV)

Best Talent Search Program Host

Luis Manzano (Pilipinas Got Talent)
Billy Crawford (Pilipinas Got Talent)

Best Reality Program Host

Mariel Rodriguez (PBB Double Up)
Toni Gonzaga (PBB Double Up)
Bianca Gonzalez (PBB Double Up)

Best Public Affairs Program Host

Bianca Gonzalez (Y-Speak)
Boy Abunda (The Bottomline)

Best Comedy Actress

Pokwang
Judy Ann Santos
Angelica Panganiban

Best Drama Actress
Judy Ann Santos
Angelica Panganiban
Lorna Tolentino
Maricel Soriano
Chinchin Gutierrez
Kim Chiu

Best Drama Actor

Piolo Pascual
Coco Martin
Jericho Rosales
John Estrada
Sid Lucero
Gerald Anderson

Charice Shares Tips to Star Power Finalists

International singing superstar Charice is never forgetful of her humble beginnings as she pours continuous support for aspiring performers who are taking their chances by joining reality contests.

During her recent visit to the, the homegrown Kapamilya singer took time out her busy schedule to meet the 20 talented girls of "Star Power, Sharon's search for the Next Female Pop Superstar," a reality singing contest who is now on the look out for the best female singer sensation.

The Star Power finalist were all thrilled and overjoyed to meet their idol face to face.

Charice, who has been a product of both amateur and professional singing contests shared some tips for the contestants, as they are now journeying their way to stardom.

“Madaming tao na nagiisip na ang daling naabot ni Charice, pero sa totoo lang ang hirap, ang hirap makuha ng lahat,” she said.

As experiences have strengthened her, Charice advised the girls to be always positive despite possibilities of failures and disappointments. For her, victory is not always about winning and losing is the greatest way to learn more and to improve one’s self.

“Hindi maiiwasang natatalo, part ng life iyan. Hindi ka isang batikang singer kung hindi ka nagdaan sa pagkatalo, isa yan sa reasons kung bakit lalakas yung loob mo, kasi pag natalo ka, mas gagawin ko yung best ko sa susunod,” she added.

Aside from her inspiring words, the young singer revealed that friendship must always prevail over competition. Charice shared that she has two bestfriends who were once her singing rivals, yet never treated them as competitors.

The modest singer also said to the contestants that she, just like anyone of them, is just budding singer and has no right to give any tips for them.

“Wala akong right magbigay ng tips dahil hindi akop naiiba sa inyo, I guess pare-pareho lang tayo, kaya just be yourself. Alam kong malayo ang mararating niyo, just stay the same, be humble at mamahalin kayo ng tao” Charice ended.

"Star Power, Sharon's search for the Next Female Pop Superstar" airs every Sundays at the Kapamilya network after Rated K

Boy Abunda Turns 55

King of Talk Boy Abunda is celebrating his 55th birthday today.

For this year, Abunda deviated from the usual way of celebrating his birthday as he organized a star-studded badminton tournament last Tuesday.

With the aim of providing a venue to enjoy and be fit at the same time, the Boy Abunda Badminton Cup (BABC) was well attended by the celebrant’s celebrity friends who are also badminton enthusiasts.

Regine Angeles Turns 25

Actress-model Regine Angeles turned 25 today.

Angeles, who started out as a model, joined showbiz after she won in a popular clothing shop's model search in 2007.

She is a member of ABS-CBN's Star Magic. She was known for her role as Pola Durante in the television series "Palos" in 2008.

She was also part of the TV shows "My Girl," "My Only Hope" and "Tayong Dalawa" with Gerald Anderson and Kim Chiu.

Last year Angeles became part of the comedy show "Banana Split" and "George and Cecil."

Vivian Velez Wants to Work With Bea Alonzo

Comebacking actress Vivian Velez expressed her intention to work with young actress Bea Alonzo.

In an interview during a thanksgiving party for ABS-CBN's "Imortal," Velez said that aside from John Lloyd Cruz and Angel Locsin, her co-stars in "Imortal," she also hopes to work with Alonzo, whom she described as a great actress.

"Well si Bea isa sa pinakamagaling nating artista ngayon when it comes to acting," Velez said.

Dubbed as Miss Beautiful of her generation, Velez cited not only Alonzo but also her mother network for a job well done when it comes to honing its stars.

"Lahat nasa ABS-CBN. I think ABS-CBN management really takes it seriously na dapat hindi lang sikat ang isang artista o maganda. Kailangan magaling ding umarte," she said.

Velez figured in a controversy after she expressed her opinion about the acting of Marian Rivera, who did the TV remake of Velez's film "Babaeng Hinugot Sa Aking Tadyang."

In the interview, Velez maintained that she was just giving her opinion as an actress.

"Alam mo naging isyu nga 'yon. In fact ang daming nagagalit sa akin [na mga] Marian fans because of the opinion I said. Alam mo kasi nag-filmmaking din kasi ako. Nakalimutan ko na nasa showbiz na pala ako so kailangan maging plastic ako at hindi magbigay ng tamang opinion.

"So nagkamali ako doon kasi ako lang naman sinasabi ko kung ano ang opinion ko. Wala akong masamang sinasabi. Siyempre may karapatan ako kasi pelikula ko 'yon at ako ang gumanap doon so pwede kong sabihin kung nagustuhan ko o hindi."

Velez said she never intended to hurt anyone because she also experienced getting constructive criticisms when she was also starting in showbiz.

"Pero ako hindi ako nagalit kahit kanino. Para sa akin constructive criticisms 'yon kaya pinagbuti ko lang ang acting ko at ang craft ko. I think that's the way other actresses or actors should take it. Opinion ko lang naman 'yon pero baka ang iba ay nagandahan, hindi ba? Pero ako, 'yon nga ang sinabi ko--'Kulang sa anghang.' 'Yon lang," Velez said

ABS-CBN Signs PhP10-Billion Loan for Debt Refinancing, Expansion

Multimedia giant ABS-CBN Corporation signed a 7-year P10 billion syndicated term loan agreement with 8 banks to refinance existing loans and fund expansion plans.

In a statement on Friday, ABS-CBN said that bulk, or P6.6 billion of the entire loan, will be used for debt refinancing, while P3.4 billion will fund capital expenditures in digital terrestrial TV infrastructure and the continuing expansion requirements for cable TV, among others.

It added that it is "taking advantage of prevailing low interest rates and its stronger financial performance in recent years."

The country's largest multimedia conglomerate will save about P92 million in interest expenses as the new loan, which has a fixed rate and floating rate portions, was priced at 65 basis points over the 7-year PDST-F benchmark and the 3-month PDST-F, respectively.

The consortium of banks -- Bank of the Philippine Islands, Banco de Oro , Security Bank, Insular Life, Allied Bank and AlliedBank Savings, and PNB and PNB Life -- structured the loan as an unsecured and unsubordinated bullet and partly amortizing. It matures in 2017.

BPI Capital Corporation acted as Lead Arranger and Sole Book-runner for the transaction. BDO Capital and Security Bank acted as loan arrangers, while PNB Capital and Insular Life were co-arrangers. BPI's Asset Management and Trust Group will serve as the loan's facility agent.

The loan was signed by ABS-CBN president and chief operating officer Ma. Rosario Santos-Concio and chief finance officer Rolando P. Valdueza.

"The oversubscribed order book for our debt refinancing and new debt is a clear manifestation of how our partnership has grown over the years," Valdueza said

No Rift Between Toni Gonzaga and Charlene Gonzales

Rumors are spreading now about the alleged rift between The Buzz hosts Toni Gonzaga and Charlene Gonzales-Muhlach. The issue apparently started from some people’s observations posted in the online community board pinoywap.net, resulting to allegations that Toni’s fans are now saying bad words against Charlene. But both TV hosts were shocked, when PUSH asked them about the intrigue.

“Huh? Hindi, naku di mang-aaway fans ko! Saka I think wala namang reason kung bakit sila magagalit kay Ate Charlene kasi ang bait-bait ni Ate Charlene. I’m sure di nila magagawa yun,” Toni said.

Even Charlene made it sure that this rumor is false, and definitely won’t affect their relationship. “Working with Toni, KC (Concepcion) and Tito Boy (Abunda)… It’s been a pleasurable experience. At sobra kaming nag-eenjoy and it’s nice that I was given the opportunity to work with genuinely sincere and kind people in the industry. At habang tumatagal mas mas lumalalim ang friendship namin, kaming apat,” Charlene assured PUSH and the fans.

Taong Unggoy on Failon Ngayon

What awaits 23-year old teenager Paulo who is ridiculed for his physical appearance and tagged as a human monkey?

When Paulo was born, his body already is already filled with these thick and pitch black birthmarks as well as big moles that spreaded all the way to his face.

According to his mother Aida, she was three months pregnant with her son when she got annoyed with this monkey owned by the owner of the place where they are residing back then in Guadalupe, Makati. Her husband was so fond of the monkey that he would even feed it with melon seeds.

Her “paglilihi” may be a possible reason based on local Filipino beliefs, but medical experts still have to look at Paulo to determine his case.

As of the moment, Paulo is just helping his mother out in the daily chores. He already stopped going to school after he received a very discriminatory remark from the institution saying that he should stop studying because no one will hire him with his looks.

Join Ted Failon this Saturday (Oct 30) and find out how you can help Paulo in “Failon Ngayon,” in its new timeslot at 9:30 PM on ABS-CBN.

Alyna's Sid Lucero Gets Acting Nods in Local and International Awards

Sid Lucero is poised to move up from being an award-winning actor to a multi-awarded one after snatching another nomination for his portrayal in the ABS-CBN drama “Dahil May Isang Ikaw.”

The son of veteran actor Mark Gil, who stars in the top-rating afternoon drama “Alyna,” is up for a Best Actor trophy at the 2010 Star Awards for Television. He is also nominated in the prestigious 2010 International Emmy Awards for the same role.

Proud of his most recent achievement, Sid said his secret is his passion for his craft and also the talent and hard work of the people who work with him.

“’Yung mga project, ginagawa namin for two reasons; one, mahal namin yung trabaho namin, and two, ginagawa namin yung trabaho namin as a team. And after learning that people like our job, we want to do better. And then these things start coming in,” Sid said when he was told about his nomination.

Despite all the recognition he has received for his acting skills, the actor has remained humble.

“I do not want to take the credit for whatever character I portray kasi in the first place it’s the writer’s brainchild kung sino o ano yung character na gagampanan ko. Then I add my own interpretation about that character, and then the director adds his or her own ideas. There’s a whole team who contribute to the character and to the show,” the actor said.

Indeed, the entire team of “Alyna” is getting rave reviews for their tour-de-force performances. From leads Shaina Magdayao and Jason Abalos to the rest of the cast. And more Sid, his character poses another acting challenge. How will Rex fight for his love and right to be recognized as the father of his and Shaina’s child?

Once again, the show demolished competition last week with ratings that peaked to 20.4% last Wednesday versus Little Star’s 10%, a rare feat for an afternoon program.

This week, Rex and Lilet (Kaye Abad) will be forced to live together in the ranch by Lilet’s father, Don Menandro, who opposes their plan to separate. What will happen now that Alyna (Shaina Magdayao), Dominic (Jason Abalos), Lilet and Rex are in the same roof? Will Dominic and Alyna’s love prevail while Lilet and Rex try to woo them separately?

Also watch out for the arrival of Doña Fausta, the aunt of Rex and Dominic, who will suspiciously take the side of Alyna. Watch the riveting developments in the daytime story of primetime quality, “Precious Hearts Romances Presents Alyna” Monday to Friday after Juanita Banana on ABS-CBN.

Andi Eigenmann Pairs Up With Robi Domingo

Your Song star Andi Eigenmann reveals that she has never felt the need to ‘belong’ to the ‘in’ group when she was still going to school. This Sunday in ABS-CBN’s ‘Your Song presents Andi Eigenmann’, Andi plays the opposite as she tries to fit in with the school’s popular girls.

“Never naman ako nagpa-pressure sa mga kaibigan. I make my own decisions and I never let my decisions be influenced by others. I may consider their ideas pero not totally na magpapapressure ako. And my friends naman are not like that,” Andi shared when asked if she ever felt pressured by her peers.

In Your Song, Andi will undergo a series of tests just so she could be part of the ‘in’ crowd in school. She will be asked by the ‘mean girls,’ headed by Cathy Remperas, to pretend to be a boy so she can be allowed to join the fraternity initiation where she will meet Robi Domingo. Will Andi endure such consequences just to be able to become a part of the ‘in’ circle or will she realize that she doesn’t need to change just to be accepted? Will love bloom between her and Robi?

Based on the survey of Kantar Media last Sunday (October 24), Your Song Presents Andi has remained to be Pinoy’s favorite Sunday afternoon viewing habit as it posted a national rating of 10.5% versus GMA 7’s Reel Love Presents Tween Hearts who scored 8.5%. Don’t miss another unique episode of ‘Your Song presents ‘Andi Eigenmann’ this Sunday as it tackles on the issue of peer pressure, after ASAP XV on ABS-CBN.

Karen, Julius Out; Noli, Korina, In?

There will be some major major changes in TV Patrol after the exit of Maria Ressa from ABS-CBN.

The news and current affairs bosses have talked to Julius Babao and Karen Davila that certain reformats will be made in TV Patrol and that certain personalities will be put in their place. Although they haven’t been directly assured, the evening slots of Bandila have been reserved for them.

So who are likely to go back to primetime news?

Since the old guards are back, it won’t be hard to understand the return of broadcasters-on-extended leaves Noli de Castro and Korina Sanchez to be back to work along with fellow old guard Ted Failon.

Vivian Velez on Imortal

Currently enjoying her role as the ambitious and powerful Lucille Zaragosa on Imortal, Vivian Velez is happy to have been given a good role for her showbiz comeback. During the Thanksgiving and Halloween party of the cast and crew of Imortal held last October 24 at the Fuel Up Bar in Quezon City, the former model-turned-actress couldn’t help but feel thankful for the unexpected blessing. “Of course I’m so happy kasi it’s been a long time since I’ve appeared tapos ganyan pa na nag-number one pa kami so masayang-masaya ako. Alam ko na from the very start na when I was reading the script when it was offered to me, alam ko na na maghi-hit siya. Alam ko na kasi andun lahat ng right ingredients eh. Andun lahat,” she says.

Since the show’s premiere telecast last October 4, Vivian admits she has been dealing with backlash about voicing out her opinion on Marian Rivera’s performance in the remake of the her 1981 movie Ang Babaeng Hinugot Sa Aking Tadyang. The Imortal actress couldn’t hide her disappointment regarding some negative feedback that has been written about her online, since she believes everyone is entitled to his/her own opinion. “Alam mo, naging issue nga yan, ang daming nagagalit sa akin na mga Marian fans. It was an opinion that I felt. Pero nag-filmmaking din kasi ako, nag-aral ako ng filmmaking for two years and so nakalimutan ko na nasa showbiz ako, so kailangan pala maging plastic ako at hindi magbigay ng tamang opinion. So nagkamali ako dun kasi ako lang naman, ang sabi ko lang naman, kung ano yung opinion ko. Wala naman akong masamang sinabi. Siyempre may karapatan naman ako kasi pelikula ko yun at ako yung gumanap doon so puwede ko naman siguro sabihin kung nagustuhan ko o hindi. Not for anything else, I don’t want to hurt anyone,” she stresses.

Vivian also made it clear that she was not riding on the issue, nor was she deliberately trying to hurt anyone intentionally with what she said. “Sana hindi naman sila masaktan kasi kahit nung una, ung nag-uumpisa rin naman ako, madami naman nagsasabi sa akin na hindi ako magaling umarte but I did not say ‘boo’ to them. I just had to prove myself. Pero hindi ako nagalit kahit ganyan. Para sa akin, constructive criticism yun kaya pinagbuti ko yung craft ko. I think that’s the way any other actress or any other actor should take it. So opinion ko lang naman yun, baka naman yung iba nagandahan ‘di ba? Pero ako, yun lang yung sinabi ko, kulang sa anghang, yun lang,” she says.

What's Next For Emmanuelle Vera?

The young singer-actress who played the fiercest rival of Sarah Geronimo on the just-concluded "Idol" will now concentrate on her singing career.

Emmanuelle Vera will soon resume recording her album, which was temporarily put on hold in lieu of the kantaserye.

She refers to her stint on"Idol" as a blessing since she has always been a fan of Sarah.

“Noong nalaman ko na makakasama ko siya, I was so nervous. It was a blessing. She made us feel na hindi kami baguhan, na we’re friends talaga. That’s the best part of it,” she said.


“Idol” aired its last episode last Friday, Oct. 22, completing not the standard one season (13 weeks) but 10 weeks only. Did Emmanuelle know before hand that the soap will suffer its fate?

“Initially kasi po hindi ko alam kung ano po ang running time dapat ng teleserye. So I don’t know it was really cut short but what happened was we were taping everyday. Naging hand-to-mouth po ‘yung show. Nag-iba ‘yung storyline kasi ‘di ba po sa Pilipino hindi po ready sa light, happy teleserye. They wanted more drama," she said.

Playing Diana,who tormented Sarah’s Billie character on “Idol”, got the ire of some of the Popstar's fans. Emmanuelle felt this firsthand initially but she said everything is okay now.

“Actually, ‘yung Popsters, ‘yung mga close sa kanya (Sarah), sila ‘yung nagtayo ng fans club para sa akin, ang Emmanuellenatics .

"In the end, akala ko sila ‘yung magiging haters sa akin pero sila ‘yung naging supporters sa akin.”