Are Rayver Cruz and Cristine Reyes An Official Couple Now?

Rayver Cruz and Cristine Reyes were recently caught getting cozy with each other on the set of Kristine Series. People who have seen them together could even attest to the fact that there are really sparks between them. But in an interview, the young actor stressed that he’s not courting Cristine or anyone else for that matter. “Hindi e. Magkaibigan lang kami. Ayoko muna isipin yung mga ganong bagay. Mas ok na maging single muna at mag-concentrate ako sa trabaho. Nakakatuwa kasi tuloy-tuloy ang blessings sa akin. Meron akong soap, Shake, Rattle, and Roll at bagong endorsement kaya mas ok kung work na lang muna.”

A few months ago, the two almost had a falling out when Rayver attempted to court Cristine while he still had an unfinished business with then rumored girlfriend Sarah Geronimo. But right now, Rayver was happy to say that they have grown closer than ever. “Hindi ko sinasabing mas matimbang [si Cristine kay Sarah]. Ayoko kasi magbitaw ng salita kahit kanino. Pero siya (Cristine) kasi lagi ko kasama. Natutuwa ako na magkaibigan na kami ulit. Kasi sa mga nangyaring issues noon, parang nagkaroon ng tensyon. Pero ngayon nawala na ulit kasi napasok ako sa Kristine Series, napasok siya sa ASAP XV so nakakausap ko siya ulit and masaya, masaya ngayon sa set.”

When asked if it was their co-star Zanjoe Marudo who helped bridge the gap between them, Rayver was quick to dismiss such speculations as well. “Si Z? Pati tuloy si Z nadadamay sa mga isyu. Kaya kapag nagkwekwentuhan kami natatawa na lang kami. Si Z nakakatuwa kasi siya yung una kong mga naging kaibigan sa soap. Pero matagal na rin naman kaming magkaibigan tapos ngayon lang kami nagkatrabaho so nakakatuwa. Pero hindi siya bridge, walang bridge kasi wala naman nangyayari sa amin ni Cristine. Hahaha!”

But is it safe to say that he will be celebrating the Christmas season with someone special? “Basta hindi naman malamig ang Pasko ngayon sa Pilipinas, mainit ngayon,” he meaningfully added.

Jake Cuenca and Karylle Amused Over Dating Rumors

Hunk actor Jake Cuenca is amused over reports that he’s dating singer Karylle.

The issue started when a fan posted a question on Twitter if there’s something going on between Jake and Karylle after they were spotted together on a date.

“Hindi talaga totoo ‘yan. I’ve never been on a date with her,” Jake denied on “Showbiz News Ngayon,” Nov. 19.

The actor explained how the rumor could have started.

“Basta as far as it goes, nakakasabay ko lang siya sa simbahan from time to time. I see her with her family and I’m also with my family. More than anything, ‘yun lang ‘yon,” he said.

Seemingly bothered by the dating issue were Jake’s mom and rumored girlfriend Melissa Ricks.

“Nag-text sa akin ang mommy ko, gusto niya ‘yung totoo. Then sumunod si Mel na magkaibigan sila ng nanay ko. Sabi ko wala talaga. Mamatay man ako, walang katotohanan ‘yan or anything... kahit itanong mo pa kay Mel. Wala siyang galit na nararamdaman para kay Karylle because definitely this is a fabricated issue.”

Although her actions spoke louder than her words, Melissa was always noncommittal when talking about her relationship with the actor.

“Magtu-two years na kaming mag-friends and we’re getting closer. We’re getting to know each other more. Nae-enjoy ko ‘yung kasama ko siya and pag kasama namin siya ni Ate Kitkat,” Melissa said in a previous interview.

Karylle, for her part, was just as amused as Jake.

“Natatawa na lang ako when I hear the issue. Hayaan na lang natin itong mag-go on forever kasi alam ko naman kung ano ‘yung totoo, eh. And I’m sure alam naman niya kung ano ang totoo. Melissa, nakakahiya pero wala ka namang kailangang problemahin,” Zsa Zsa’s daughter explained.

In a recent event, Jake and Melissa displayed romantic overtures as the former kissed the latter’s forehead. The actor admitted spending some time with the apple of his eye.

“‘Yun ‘yung mga iilang pagkakataon na magkasama kami. Basta ‘pag may chance na makasama siya, gusto ko naman sanang sulitin kasi halos everyday kaming nagtatrabaho.”

Admitting “I’m not a saint,” Jake said he’s not the type that will hurt the ones he loves. “Hindi naman ako pinakamabait na lalaki sa buong mundo. Alam ko kung ano ang makakasakit sa kanya (Melissa). Alam ko rin ang makakasakit sa mga kapwa ko, sa paligid ko, kaibigan ko man, magulang ko man o si Mel man--na espesyal sa akin.”

Sitti Soon to Conquer Portuguese-Speaking Countries

Bossa nova singer Sitti reveals that she and Warner Music Philippines are in talks with record labels in Portuguese-speaking countries for the release of her albums in those territories.

In an interview, the singer admits they are inspired by the international success of other OPM artists particularly that of Christian Bautista’s in Indonesia.

“I think I need to study Portuguese in order to increase my chances in making it internationally. But, yes, we are working on finding a market abroad,” she said.

If they succeed, the singer will reach about 260 million Portuguese speakers in such countries as Brazil, Uruguay, Venezuela, Swaziland and Argentina.

Sitti believes having an album composed of strong original materials is key to meeting their aim. This is the reason that her next album due out in 2011 will have no cover songs. If it can’t be helped, she said she will only record covers of OPM hits and then again, just one or two of these.

Sitti’s discography so far is comprised by “Café Bossa,” “Sitti Live!,” “Sitti In The Mix,” and “My Bossa Nova” and “Contagious.”

Asked if people remember her more for the covers than her originals, Sitti points out that she has a signature tune: “Para Sa Akin.”

“At di lang naman ‘yung kantang ‘yon ang original ko pero yun ang tumatak sa isip ng tao. It still is one of the most requested songs kapag nag-sho-show ako, in fact,” she said.

The bossa nova singer is slowly moving away from doing cover songs. In her show titled “Sitti Live in Metrobar” on Nov. 20 at Metrobar in Quezon City, she has devised her repertoire to consist of just 30% bossa nova numbers. The rest will showcase her flair for other genres such as pop and ballads.

Does she get offended when audience members fall asleep in her shows?

“No! (laughs) Talaga namang soothing ang bossa nova music. Kahit ako, aminado na-re-relax sa bossa music.”

According to the release, Sitti chose to concentrate on singing bossa nova songs after people commented that it suits her.

“Bossa nova was never forced on me. It’s something I fell in love with. There is just something about it that soothes and subdues me, like it quiets my inner thoughts,” she is quoted to have said.

Her musical influences include Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, Astrud Gilberto and Gal Costa.

She refuses to believe that being known for her genre is limiting. She argues that one can always reinvent himself and that one only needs to know what works and what doesn’t when it comes to picking covers.

“There are songs that are ‘untouchables.’ I think some singers fall flat on their faces when doing cover songs because they choose songs that are too big for them or are already perfect. Pag ganun yung kanta, di mo na dapat ginagalaw,” she said.

“Sitti Live in Metrobar” features Erik Santos and Aljur Abrenica as guest performers.

Sitti is seen regularly on TV as a member of “ASAP” Sessionistas. This month, she performs Wednesdays at Martini’s Bar in Mandarin Hotel and Thursdays at Café Lupe.

Kapamilya Snapshots: SWATCH Christmas Event With John Lloyd Cruz and Anne Curtis

Celebrities and executives gathered at the SWATCH Christmas Event on November 18 at The Gallery, 2/F Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center, Makati City. Attending the event were John Lloyd Cruz, Anne Curtis, Heart Evangelista, Tim Yap, Tessa Prieto-Valdes, hosts Luis Manzano and Billy Crawford, Inno Sotto, SWATCH Creative Director Rowell Santiago, SWATCH Vice President Charles Bletry, Jaime Zobel, and SM's Steven Tan, among others.

Eight designers presented their creations inspired by Christmas icons and SWATCH colors on their muses--Joey Samson with muse Suyen Lim, Louis Claparols with Ruby Gan, Puey Quinones with Janine Dizon, Martin Bautista with Pam Quiñones, Gian Romano with Mandy dela Rama-Santos, Jerome Lorico with Samantha Lewis, Chris Diaz with Pauline Prieto, and Joel Escober with Marina Benipayo. Inno Sotto was also at the event with his muse, Heart Evangelista. A two-minute SWATCH clip directed by Rowell Santiago starring John Lloyd Cruz and Anne Curtis was also shown.

New collections from SWATCH were launched, including the Limited Edition Seasons Collection and the New Gent Collection.

The SWATCH New Gent Collection takes after the SWATCH Gent Originals. The collection has 10 trendy models in wintery colors: Black Rebel, White Rebel, Red Rebel, Burgundy Rebel, Petrol Rebel, Blue Rebel, Olive Rebel, Brown Rebel, Warm Rebel, and Purple Rebel. Each watch is priced at P3,500. All New Gent watches feature a 41mm wide watch head, a color-coded dial, a day/date window, and a matte silicone strap.

Here are some of the photos.

John Lloyd Cruz and Anne Curtis on Swatch

Anne Curtis And John Lloyd Crus celebrate the gift of time as they are the new endorser of Swatch.

Watch their video.

Kapamilya Snapshots: Kapamilya Stars at the Coca Cola-Araneta Center Christmas Tree Lighting

Last November 12, Araneta Center Giant Christmas Tree was lit and mesmerized thousands of Filipinos who can’t help but be amazed at the grandeur of this 100ft tall Christmas symbol.

This year, the Araneta Group together with brand partner Coca-Cola teamed up for yet another unforgettable Christmas extravaganza, working together with the local government of Quezon City.

Earlier that day, there was a grand parade led by a convoy of Coca-Cola Christmas trucks carrying two of the hottest youth icons of today and Coca-Cola ambassadors Kim Chiu and Enchong Dee with teen celebrities Empress Schuck, Joseph Marco, Matt Evans and the Pinoy Big Brother Teen Clash of 2010 housemates Ivan Dorschner, James Reid, Ryan Bang, Bret Jackson, Tricia Santos, Jenny Sol, Devon Seron and Fretzie Bercede along with the Philippine Navy Band.

Right after the caravan, Coca-Cola Christmas Caravan entertain the guests through fun games and activities. There were food kiosk, and free sampling of ice-cold Coca Cola for everyone to enjoy.

Before the official tree lighting ceremony started, Kitchie Nadal also performed on stage. Then, the exciting countdown to the “it-moment” was joined in by officials from the local government, Araneta Center and The Coca-Cola Company along with Kim Chiu and Enchong Dee along with other personalities and celebrity guests.

Standing at almost 100ft. and with more than ten thousand lights and hundreds of stars and Coca-Cola Christmas balls, this year’s Giant Christmas Tree is a sight to behold with huge ribbons and colorful gift boxes serving as accents.

Unlike in the previous years, Coca-Cola gave the amazed partakers more reasons to light up happiness among themselves and others around them as it held the first-ever simulated lights and sounds show.

The hottest stars from ABS-CBN highlighted the event with a star-studded show topbilled by Carol Banawa, Gigger Boys (Sam Concepcion, Enrique Gil, Robi Domingo), Sitti, Juris, Velasco Brothers, Yeng Constantino, Bugoy Drilon, Rhap Salazar, Star Power finalists, Karylle, Martin Nievera, Zsa Zsa Padilla and more.

Here are some of the pictures of the event courtesy of www.push.com.