ABS-CBN Won 2 PopDev Awards

ABS-CBN bagged 2 awards in the recent 6th Population and Development (POPDEV) Media Awards this year sponsored by the Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development (PLCPD).

In the Broadcats Category, Karen Davila won the Best TV Documentary Awards with her story "Napabayaang Sinapupunan" on The Correspondents. While Abner Mercado comes as a runner-up with his story “Agaw Buhay" also on The Correspondents.

Marielle Gaceta-Catbagan of Salamat Dok won the Best Magazine Program or Talk Show Award with the story on “Family Planning Options". Her story on “Father’s Role in Family Planning" on Salamat Dok comes as a Runner-up.

The Magic Continues on Star Circle Quest

The search is on for the next kiddie superstars as Star Circle Quest casts its magic once again on ABS-CBN starting December 4 after Wansapanataym.

In 2004 and 2006, ABS-CBN launched a nationwide talent search that opened the doors for multi-talented kids like Nash Aguas, Sharlene San Pedro, Quintin Alianza and Mika dela Cruz to become the industry’s brightest kid superstars; that is, Star Circle Kid Quest. The quest went on in 2009 and consequently found new talented young gems, namely, Bugoy Carino and Xyriel Manabat.

This year, the magic goes on with Star Circle Quest for the Next Kiddie Superstars. Hosted by KC Concepcion, the program aims to discover fresh, young faces with amazing talent and charming personalities and consequently, develop them to become award-winning stars and good role models for kids. Moreover, Bugoy and Xyriel, two notable alumni of SCQ Kids, will join KC as co-hosts; they will be assisting the new SCQ Kid Questors throughout the journey towards superstardom.

But unlike the previous editions, the program is in search not for one but two Kiddie Superstars – a boy and a girl. For 12 weeks, the aspiring kiddie superstars will undergo a rigorous selection process to be facilitated by the quest’s credible jurors Direk Rowell Santiago, Vina Morales, and Gladys Reyes. They will be exposed to different talent and personality development workshops that would unleash their potential.

Who will be in and who will be out? Find out on Star Circle Quest for the Next Kiddie Superstars which will premiere on December 4, Saturday, after Wansapanataym on ABS-CBN.

Rage Heats Up on Alyna

The calm after the storm brings more trouble to the lead characters of the top-rating afternoon drama “Precious Hearts Romances Presents Alyna” led by Shaina Magdayao (Alyna), Jason Abalos (Dominic), Sid Lucero (Rex), and Kaye Abad (Lilet).

Dominic’s discovery that Alyna was taking care of his brother Rex in secret led him to a jealous rage that made him doubt Alyna’s love for him once again. In the coming days, Alyna will see Dominic come back to his cold and indifferent self, while Rex’s wife Lilet continue to be on her bad side.

This bump in Dominic and Alyna’s relationship will also cause a strain between their friends Patrick (Paul Jake Castillo) and Liza (Beauty Gonzalez), who were starting to get-along with each other after pretending to be a couple.

Can Alyna win back Dominic’s trust? Or will their fight further bring Dominic closer to his former girlfriend Lilet? Watch the exciting developments on “Alyna,” weekdays at 4:30pm on ABS-CBN’s Hapontastic.

While a storm just hit “Alyna,” it has been all sunny for Sid, who is fresh from New York after attending the 2010 International Emmy Awards.

Sid walked the red carpet in the prestigious event, where he bumped into big-time TV personalities such as former American Idol Simon Cowell.

“He was very nice and gave me a couple of seconds of his time to take a photo…a few seconds of my life that I will never forget,” Sid shared. He said he also didn’t waste time and roamed the streets of the place famously known as the “City that never sleeps.”

Though he didn’t get to bring home the Best Actor trophy for his performance in “Dahil May Isang Ikaw,” Sid still brought honor to the country just by being nominated. Sid said hearing his name among the nominees gave him such an incredible feeling.

“I was muttering the name of the actor I wanted to win the whole time. And true enough, his name was called. When I heard his name the first thing that came into my mind was “holy cow, I still can’t believe I’m here,” he said.

With his Emmy experience, Sid said he realized how happy he is to have chosen this profession. “I love my job. I may lose all, even the job itself, but my love for it can never be taken away,” he said.

Catch Sid’s amazing acting prowess with the country’s other bright young actors Shaina Magdayao, Jason Abalos, and Kaye Abad in the afternoon drama of primetime caliber, “Precious Hearts Romances Presents Alyna” from Monday to Friday after “Juanita Banana” on ABS-CBN.

Hearthrobs on London FilExpo 2010

Piolo Pascual, Sam Milby, Gerald Anderson and John Lloyd Cruz rock the ABS-CBN’s FilExpo 2010 in London as TFC offers new rates across Europe.

Philippine movie and television’s biggest stars recently raised temperatures all over the United Kingdom and London with another show-stopping event that only The Filipino Channel (TFC) can bring. Dubbed as “The Heartthrobs”, Piolo Pascual, Sam Milby and John Lloyd Cruz certainly did not disappoint Kapamilyas who attended the first ever ABS-CBN FilExpo 2010 in London with special performances to match their sexy good looks and charm.

Joining The Heartthrobs are box-office prince Gerald Anderson and the ever-radiant Drama Princess Bea Alonzo at ExCel London, right in the heart of the famous London Royal Docks. These Kapamilya stars regaled the throng of crowds bringing smiles to Filipinos who have long been away from home. Bringing more cheer and laughter to almost 3,000 attendees is the versatile comedienne and TV host Pokwang.

TFC, in its commitment to bring the best in Philippine entertainment to Kapamilyas all over the world, has recently announced new rates for both existing and new TFC subscribers in the UK and Europe. For only £19 or €25 monthly, subscribers can enjoy their favorite ABS-CBN shows like “Showtime” and “Imortal” and get the latest Philippine news from “TV Patrol”. According to ABS-CBN Europe and Middle East Managing Director Mr. Edgardo Garcia, “through this price restructuring, we hope to provide better service for all our subscribers and entice our other Kapamilyas to subscribe to TFC as well.”

Always looking to bring elements of home to Filipinos globally, TFC has once again succeeded in serving, connecting and instilling national pride among Filipinos in England and Europe. “We at TFC are very grateful to the Filipino community in the United Kingdom for the overwhelming response and continued patronage of ABS-CBN shows and talents.” Garcia said. He went on to address the Global Pinoys by saying, “You can be sure that TFC will continue to bring our subscribers only the best shows at rates that are easy on the pocket.”

"My Amnesia Girl' Earns PhP43.86 Million in First 5 Days

Star Cinema’s My Amnesia Girl had a good fight against the giant Hollywood film Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 last weekend.

Although the Toni Gonzaga-John Lloyd Cruz starrer failed to top the local box office last weekend period of November 24 to 28, it managed to haul a very descent PhP43.86 million despite the presence of Harry Potter which is posed to become the highest-grossing Hollywood movie in the Philippines for 2010.

The figure came from third party tabulator Box Office Mojo and based only from 90 major movie screens in the country which means around 15 to 25 theaters in the provinces were not yet accounted for. This also means the Star Cinema rom-com movie could have earned around P50 to P60 million for the said period.

KC Concepcion Hosts Peace Video Conference

Actress KC Concepcion, a World Food Programme ambassador against hunger, hosted a peace technology video conferencing at the Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) on Tuesday.

Thousands of high school and college students from different parts of the city convened at the university to witness and participate in the event made possible by a non-government organization.

The event tackled the different experiences of individuals relating to cultural and religious discrimination.

Grace Rebollos, a peace advocate and WMSU president, said the experiences would remind people that all are affected and such pain in the community must never be repeated.

She said children must be taught early on the values of fair justice and treatment in a society where there are people with mixed cultures and religion.

The conference was funded by Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID).

Film Review of "My Amnesia Girl"

This is not the story you think it is.

Contrary to perceptions that the concept is based on the hit chick flick, “50 First Dates,” Star Cinema's latest offering, “My Amnesia Girl,” has its own story to unfold.

The first on-screen partnership of bankable stars John Lloyd Cruz and Toni Gonzaga, directed by "comedy-romance genius" Cathy Garcia-Molina, has passed the test with flying colors.

Cruz and Gonzaga's humorous chemistry has drawn an overwhelming public support.

But aside from the experimental team-up, the hit cheesy lines, the simpleness of the script, the emotional meatiness of the story and the playful musical scoring perfectly fitted the scenes.

Tricky. Catchy. Developing. Though some twists seem to put off the excitement, the soul of story was flawlessly executed.

Indeed, “My Amnesia Girl' gives justice to its genre as it makes the moviegoers laugh, feel the kilig moments and cry.

True love

The story is about finding true love that knows no time, challenges even memories.

Apollo (Cruz) is a sales-advertising junkie who wants to settle with true love.

As he reminisces his love affairs with former partners (cameo roles played by Kaye Abad, Jodi Sta. Maria and Angel Locsin), Apollo is reminded of Irene (Gonzaga), a photographer who he loved dearly.

They have the almost perfect love story, not until a confused Apollo left his bride-to-be at the altar.

Years after, the ex-lovers meet by chance but Irene cannot remember him anymore. To make up for his mistakes, Apollo endures all the challenges just to make her remember.

How can Apollo rekindle their botched romance? That's the heartbreaking part.

Highlights

Aside from the overwhelming efforts that Apollo did for Irene, “My Amnesia Girl” speaks about learning the truth, bearing the pains, forgiving and asking for forgiveness and second chances.

Who would ever forget Cruz’s “Pwede?” The flick also showcased pick-up lines - though frequently heard in some popular FM radio stations - that captured the interest of the viewers, like:

"Kung ikakasal ka saan mo gusto? Ako kasi sa tabi mo."

"Alam mo, para kang tae... Hindi kasi kita kayang paglaruan."

"Ihi ka ba? ...Hindi kasi kita matiis eh."

Apollo: Lumiliit ka ba?

Irene: Hindi, bakit?

Apollo: Kahapon kasi nasa isip lang kita, ngayon nasa puso na kita.

“My Amnesia Girl” is now on its 2nd week. It is still showing in over 100 theatres nationwide

Source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Noli de Castro and Korina Sanchez on Walk of Fame

Sa pambihirang pagkakataon, pinarangalan ng beteranong showman na si German Moreno sina Noli de Castro, Korina Sanchez, Cheche Lazaro at iba pang batikang brodkaster sa Eastwood Walk of Fame na karaniwang nagtatampok ng mga icon at iba pang sikat na bida at idol sa show business.

Laking tuwa nina de Castro at Sanchez na mahanay sa mga alamat ng show business tulad nina Sylvia la Torre, Freddie Aguilar, Bella Flores, Julie Vega at iba pa.

Kinilala rin sina Jericho Rosales, Coco Martin, Janice de Belen, Imelda Papin, Claire dela Fuente, Eva Eugenio at iba pang bituin.

Ayon kay Moreno, tama lamang na kilalanin ang mga personalidad sa media dahil pinakislap din nila ang telebisyon at kalakhang showbiz.

Kinilig din si Sanchez sa pagdalo ng kanyang idolo na lagi niyang ginagaya noon sa radyo dzMM

Toni Gonzaga Believes Time Heal All Wounds

In Robin Padilla’s interview with Bianca Gonzalez on Showbiz News Ngayon, they discussed the rift between Mariel Rodriguez and Toni Gonzaga, two people who are quite close to the both of them. Robin said that he and his wife do talk about this issue.

“Ang lagi ko lang sinasabi sa kanya nasa showbiz kasi tayo, kaya yung maliit na bagay, lumalaki ng ganyan, hindi naman magtatagal yan. Sa liit naman ng mundo ng show business, magkikita at magkikita kayo at ang mamayani ay yung pinagsamahan ninyong dalawa. Sana maayos at kapag naayos niyo yan, gumawa na rin kayo ng pelikulang tatlo, pangarap niyo daw yun,” Robin explained to Bianca.

He added that his change of plans regarding his leading lady for an upcoming movie had nothing to do with Mariel and Toni’s misunderstanding. “Yung sa amin ni Miss Toni, walang kinalaman si Mariel doon, nagkataon lang na namumukadkad yung pag-ibig namin noon kaya siya ang napagtuunan ng isyu.”

Bianca even shared a statement Robin said after the interview. “Off cam, I would like to share, sinabi ni Robin na ‘Walang sinumang lalaki, kahit ako pa, ang hahadlang sa pagkakaibigan niyong tatlo.’”

Also in a recent interview, Toni expressed her sentiment on reconciling with Mariel. “Wala naman sigurong problema o gusot sa industriyang ‘to na hindi nasusulusyunan. Yung wish and prayer ng mga taong malalapit sa amin, nagmamahal sa amin and I guess, both parties yun din ang dasal, we will get there.”

The actress also emphasized that everything will eventually just fall into place for her and Mariel. “Tingin naman natin, kapag ah tama na talaga yung panahon and yung time lang naman talaga ang kailangan, sabi nga nila time heals all wounds.”

As for the said movie project for her, Mariel and Bianca pushing through, Toni said that what is more important is their friendship off camera. “Dream project namin yun, ayaw ni Bianca (laughs). Lokohan lang yun, ayaw naman kasi ni Bianca umarte, so lagi lang namin niloloko si Bianca. More than the project, more than anything else, siguro mas maganda yung behind the camera, kung ano man yung samahan.”

Mara Clara and Noah Leads Nationwide

Primetime Bida teleseryes take rounds in leadership nationwide. Mara Clara leads on Friday, while Noah on Monday.

Here are the comparative Household Ratings of ABS-CBN and GMA-7 programs from November 26 to 29 based on the overnight ratings of Kantar Media/TNS among National households.

November 26, Friday

Morning:
Gising Pilipinas (ABS-CBN) 1.1%; Kape't Pandesal (ABS-CBN) 1.7%; Rescue Replay (GMA-7) 1.6%
Umagang Kay Ganda (ABS-CBN) 5.4%; Unang Hirit (GMA-7) 4.6%
Dora the Explorer (ABS-CBN) 6.4%; Doraemon (GMA-7) 7.1%
Spongebob Squarepants (ABS-CBN) 5.6%; Detective Conan (GMA-7) 9%
Banana Split Daily Servings (ABS-CBN) 5%; Shaman King (GMA-7) 8.9%
Panahon Ko 'To! (ABS-CBN) 6.3%; Shining Inheritance Revisited (GMA-7) 6.8%
Showtime (ABS-CBN) 13.3%; Love Ni Mister, Love Ni Misis (GMA-7) 5.2%; Kapuso Movie Festival: Ikaw Lamang (GMA-7) 9.3%

Afternoon:
Pilipinas, Win Na Win! (ABS-CBN) 10.2%; Eat Bulaga! (GMA-7) 16%
Juanita Banana (ABS-CBN) 12.2%; Ang Yaman Ni Lola (GMA-7) 9%
Alyna (ABS-CBN) 12.3%; Little Star (GMA-7) 9.9%
Kapamilya Blockbusters: Ang Alamat ng Lawin (ABS-CBN) 10.2%; Koreana (GMA-7) 14%
Down With Love (ABS-CBN) 14%; Temptation of Wife (GMA-7) 15.9%

Evening:
Kokey@Ako (ABS-CBN) 23.5%; Bantatay (GMA-7) 19.7%; Press It Win It (GMA-7) 15.5%
TV Patrol (ABS-CBN) 26.3%; 24 Oras (GMA-7) 18.5%; Willing Willie (TV5) 14%
Noah (ABS-CBN) 27.7%; Survivor Philippines Celebrity Showdown (GMA-7) 18.4%
Mara Clara (ABS-CBN) 29.5%; Grazilda (GMA-7) 17.4%
Imortal (ABS-CBN) 26.8%; Beauty Queen (GMA-7) 16.2%
Kristine (ABS-CBN) 16.7%; East of Eden (GMA-7) 10.2%
Perfect Match (ABS-CBN) 11.9%; SNN: Showbiz News Ngayon (ABS-CBN) 6%; Bubble Gang (GMA-7) 8.1%
Bandila (ABS-CBN) 3.1%; Saksi (GMA-7) 3.6%
S.O.C.O. (ABS-CBN) 2.7%; OFW Diaries (GMA-7) 1.7%

November 27, Saturday

Morning:
Salamat Dok (ABS-CBN) 1.8%; Pinoy MD: Mga Doktor ng Bayan (GMA-7) 3%
Kabuhayang Swak Na Swak (ABS-CBN) 3.3%; Hanep Buhay (GMA-7) 4.6%
Honey Watch Out (ABS-CBN) 3.2%; I Got It! (ABS-CBN) 4.4%; Tamagotchi (GMA-7) 4.7%
The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron (ABS-CBN) 7.1%; Art Angel (GMA-7) 5.5%
Avatar: The Legend of Aang (ABS-CBN) 8.4%; Spongebob Squarepants (ABS-CBN) 9.9%; Race-Tin Flash and Dash (GMA-7) 4.9%
Boys Over Flowers Forever (ABS-CBN) 9.1%; Hole in the Wall (GMA-7) 5.3%; Maynila (GMA-7) 8.3%
Kapamilya Holiday Blockbusters: The Incredibles (ABS-CBN) 14%; Kapuso Megahit Festival: Batman Begins (GMA-7) 10.9%

Afternoon:
Showtime (ABS-CBN) 12.6%; Eat Bulaga! (GMA-7) 19.7%
Pilipinas, Win Na Win! (ABS-CBN) 10.9%; Startalk (GMA-7) 8.9%
Entertainment Live (ABS-CBN) 7.8%; Wish Ko Lang (GMA-7) 11.5%

Evening:
Kapamilya Saturday Blockbusters: Shake, Rattle & Roll 9 (ABS-CBN) 15.1%;
TV Patrol Weekend (ABS-CBN) 19.4%; Kapuso Movie Festival: Fantastic Man (GMA-7) 16.2%; Willing Willie (TV5) 13.2%
Wansapanataym (ABS-CBN) 24.4%; 24 Oras Weekend (GMA-7) 16.5%; LOL Laugh or Lose (TV5) 10.7%
Maalaala Mo Kaya (ABS-CBN) 23.3%; Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho (GMA-7) 17.3%; Talentadong Pinoy (TV5) 11.7%
Failon Ngayon (ABS-CBN) 11.9%; Imbestigador (GMA-7) 13.5%
M3: Malay Mo Ma-Develop (ABS-CBN) 4.9%; Banana Split (ABS-CBN) 3.4%; Comedy Bar (GMA-7) 7.1%
The Bottom Line With Boy Abunda (ABS-CBN) 1.2%; Sports Unlimited (ABS-CBN) 0.8%; Walang Tulugan With The Master Showman (GMA-7) 1.7%

November 28, Sunday

Morning:
The Healing Eucharist (ABS-CBN) 4.2%; In Touch With Dr. Stanley (GMA-7) 0.8%
Kabuhayang Swak Na Swak (ABS-CBN) 4.4%; Pinoy MD (GMA-7) 3.9%
Salamat Dok (ABS-CBN) 4.7%; Blazing Teens 2 (ABS-CBN) 5%
Popoy: Isang Kwentong Pasko (ABS-CBN) 4.8%; Flame of Recca (GMA-7) 5.9%
Beyblade (ABS-CBN) 5.1%; Shin Mazinger Z (GMA-7) 5.7%
Matanglawin (ABS-CBN) 8.6%; AHA! (GMA-7) 6.6%
Pinoy Pride 2: Condes vs. Horikawa (ABS-CBN) 10.6%; Kapuso Movie Festival: Scaregivers (GMA-7) 16.7%

Afternoon:
ASAP XV (ABS-CBN) 14.4%; Party Pilipinas (GMA-7) 10.3%
Your Song Presents Andi (ABS-CBN) 8.3%; Reel Love Presents Tween Hearts (GMA-7) 9.6%
The Buzz (ABS-CBN) 11.9%; Showbiz Central (GMA-7) 8.9%

Evening:
TV Patrol Weekend (ABS-CBN) 20.7%; 24 Oras Weekend (GMA-7) 14.4%; Pidol's Winderland (TV5) 8.2%
Goin' Bulilit (ABS-CBN) 19.6%; Pepito Manaloto (GMA-7) 16.6%; Magic? Gimik! (TV5) 15.4%
Rated K (ABS-CBN) 21.6%; Kap's Amazing Stories (GMA-7) 17.4%; Talentadong Pinoy (TV5) 13.9%
Star Power: Sharon's Search for A Pop Superstar (ABS-CBN) 15.7%; Mel & Joey (ABS-CBN) 12.5%; Show Me Da Manny (GMA-7) 9.8%
Sunday's Best (ABS-CBN) 4.3%; SNBO: Segurista (GMA-7) 7%
Urban Zone (ABS-CBN) 1.6%; Diyos at Bayan (GMA-7) 0.8%

November 29, Monday

Morning:
Gising Pilipinas (ABS-CBN) 0.8%; OFW Diaries Replay (GMA-7) 1.3%
Umagang Kay Ganda (ABS-CBN) 4.4%; Unang Hirit (GMA-7) 4.1%
Dora The Explorer (ABS-CBN) 7.9%; Doraemon (GMA-7) 7.9%
Spongebob Squarepants (ABS-CBN) 9.9%; Detective Conan (GMA-7) 9%
Mr. Bean (ABS-CBN) 8.6%; Shaman King (GMA-7) 9.8%
Banana Split Daily Servings (ABS-CBN) 9%; Shining Inheritance Revisited (GMA-7) 7.7%
Kapamilya Blockbusters: Ang Darling Kong Aswang (ABS-CBN) 20.4%; Kapuso Movie Festival: Masikip Sa Dibdib (GMA-7) 7.7%

Afternoon:
Showtime (ABS-CBN) 16.4%; Eat Bulaga! (GMA-7) 18.6%
Pilipinas, Win Na Win! (ABS-CBN) 13.3%; Ang Yaman Ni Lola (GMA-7) 11.4%; Little Star (GMA-7) 11.1%
Juanita Banana (ABS-CBN) 14.5%; Alyna (ABS-CBN) 15.6%; Koreana (GMA-7) 13.3%
Down With Love (ABS-CBN) 12.2%; Shout Out (ABS-CBN) 15.4%; Temptation of Wife (GMA-7) 16%

Evening:
Kokey@Ako (ABS-CBN) 24.8%; Bantatay (GMA-7) 19.5%; Press It! Win It! (GMA-7) 16.2%
TV Patrol (ABS-CBN) 27.5%; 24 Oras (GMA-7) 18.1%; Willing Willie (TV5) 16.3%
Noah (ABS-CBN) 27.9%; Survivor Philippines Celebrity Showdown (GMA-7) 16%
Mara Clara (ABS-CBN) 25.5%; Imortal (ABS-CBN) 25.3%; Jillian: Namamasko Po! (GMA-7) 16.5%
Kristine (ABS-CBN) 17.6%; Grazilda (GMA-7) 16.1%
Perfect Match (ABS-CBN) 13.3%; Beauty Queen (GMA-7) 11.3%
SNN: Showbiz News Ngayon (ABS-CBN) 7.3%; East of Eden (GMA-7) 8.3%
Bandila (ABS-CBN) 3.6%; Saksi (GMA-7) 5.2%
XXX (ABS-CBN) 1.7%; I Witness (GMA-7) 2.3%

Source: Kantar/TNS

Sharon Cuneta Don't Want to Interfere With KC Concepcion's Career

While she would rather not meddle in daughter KC Concepcion’s career, Sharon Cuneta said that she is happy with KC’s decision to transfer management from Shirley Kuan and Sandra Chavez to Star Magic. “When she chose Sandra and Shirley to be her managers, siyempre happy ako kasi mga kaibigan ko ‘yon, okay naman,” Sharon related.

She also confirmed that there had been a misunderstanding between KC and her former managers, but they were able to sort it out in the end. “Kung meron silang hindi pagkakasunduan, pareho silang may pagkukulang eh, but I prefer to see on the outside. Hindi porke’t kadugo ko ang isang tao kahit kapatid ko pa kung mali, blind ako na kakampi,” Sharon justified. She also said that she only publicly spoke for her daughter when she saw the negative write-ups about KC. “I felt also na sobra na rin ‘yung nasusulat. My daughter is not perfect but you know, she’s a good kid.”

Sharon said that she is happy that KC is a Star Magic artist and is hoping that she will continue to be successful in her career. She went on to say that she would only give KC advice when she asks for it. “KC is bullheaded and strongwilled like me and my mom. Mabait siya pero magkaiba kami ng personality. Talagang marami kaming similarities pero mas marami kaming [differences]… siguro also because she went to school in Europe.” Since she was independent at an early age, Sharon said that KC was able to deal with things on her own.

The Megastar also belied claims that her daughter is a person difficult to work with. “She’s a very hard worker tsaka magaling namang siyang makisama kahit sa crew, sa staff. They all naman say that she’s adored.” There is also one advice that she wants to tell her daughter when it comes to showbiz. “’Yung hindi magpakain sa sistema ng showbiz at hindi niya makalimutang gawing pamilya ang prayoridad. ‘Yun ang importante kasi. Lahat ng success naman na makamtan wala rin namang mangyayari [‘pag kinalimutan ang pamilya],” said Sharon.

She also did not deny that she was hurt by the issue that KC had a misunderstanding with Mariel Rodriguez. However, Sharon said that she does not want to interfere and is confident that her daughter is capable of dealing with this issue. “Sabi ko lang sa daughter ko, life is too short. Just be smart enough to be able to choose to spend time [wisely]. So whatever what is between them, ako as a mother lang ang reaction ko. Ayokong makialam. Siyempre kaipokritahan naman kung sabihin ko hindi, okay lang [dahil] hindi okay sa akin ‘yon.”

Infringement Case Against Willie Revillame is Not an Act of Vengeance!

Despite Willie Revillame’s protests, ABS-CBN is determined to pursue the copyright infringement case against the former Wowowee host together with his production outfit Wilproductions Inc and TV5 network.

In a complaint filed on November 24 at the Makati Regional Trial Court, it was stated that Willie’s new show, Willing Willie, on TV5 “deliberately and intentionally imitated Wowowee’s concept, layout, and set ‘to steal’ the goodwill [that the noontime show] has built over the past five years of airing in the network.” The Kapamilya network also stressed that TV5’s act of broadcasting of the allegedly infringed program (Willing Willie) “has caused and continues to cause irreparable damage to ABS-CBN.”

During the initial hearing yesterday, November 30, ABS-CBN business unit head Alou Almaden was first to testify that Wowowee was not solely conceptualized by Willie, but rather a result of a group effort.

ABS-CBN’s lead counsel Bong Susmero stressed that Willing Willie is clearly a rip-off of Wowowee. “Hindi nila binago yung programang Wowowee. Daladala nila (referring to Willie and his cohorts) pumunta sa Channel 5. Hindi na sila nag-create ng iba. Walang originality. Kung ano na lang yung pinatakbo sa Channel 2 yun na din ang pinatakbo sa Channel 5. Kaya panay ang sinasabi nila tuloy ang ligaya, tuloy ang saya, tuloy ang programa ni Willie.”

Contrary to Willie’s recent interview with the local press, the network also maintained that they have a legitimate cause for filing the copyright infringement case against him and the other respondents. “ABS-CBN filed case in good faith and simply to protect its rights under the law. It's not motivated by 'vengeance' to get back at anyone. Infringement of Intellectual Property rights is a very serious matter act to stealing another's property. It's also like plagiarism which the public has condemned in recent events,” lead counsel Susmero said.

Christian Bautista Inspires Singing Contests' Non-Winners

While he failed to bag the Star In A Million title in 2003, Christian Bautista remains an inspiration to non-winners of singing contests. The balladeer said that he had his share of trials and is glad that it paid off. “Hindi siya madali. Maraming ups, maraming downs, maraming challenges, maraming big moves na kailangang gawin, maraming heartbreaks na kasama pero all that, natutuwa ako kasi bini-bless ako ng blessings,” Christian explained at the launch of his Christmas album entitled A Wonderful Christmas under Universal Records. “Ang pinaka-pinakaimportanteng lesson na maituturo ko, ‘yung ibang non-contest winners, sa akin lumalapit, eh. Sinasabi nila, ‘Christian kahit natalo ako, walang problema kasi ‘pag nakikita ko ‘yung ginagawa mo I can still make it.’ So ‘yun ang the best.”

Christian was even able to establish an international career. “Nagpapasalamat ako na kahit non-winner ako marami pa ring blessings na dumarating. Thank you kay God,” he said. Christian recently finished shooting his first film outside the Philippines in Indonesia.

What is most challenging for Christian now is that he regularly needs to travel in and out of the country while maintaining his career locally and in other countries. “Ang plano namin is to always leave something relevant, significant para pwede kaming makaalis,” revealed Christian. “Like when we went to Singapore to shoot the video of ‘Please Be Careful With My Heart’ in Mandarin, we had to do some promo here first and go there in Indonesia to do a movie, then go back here and do Star Power. Meron namang Star Power sa ngayon.”

But the singer said that he is willing to go through these troubles because not everybody is given the chance to penetrate the international scene. “Medyo tricky siya pero minsan lang din makakuha ng trabaho sa ibang bansa so I’ve been here for six years na rin naman and gina-grab ko lang talaga ‘yung opportunity kasi malaki talaga ang opportunity.”

Miss Earth 2010 to be Telecast on TFC

For the first time, the Miss Earth Beauty Pageant, the largest and most widely participated in pageant produced by Carousel Productions headed by Ramon Monson, will be held in Saigon, Vietnam on December 4. ABS-CBN Global, through The Filipino Channel, will telecast the Miss Earth Beauty Pageant on Sunday, December 5, at 9pm. Sixty-nine beauties from all over the world are entered in the Miss Earth contest this year.

The 2010 Philippine representative is Kris Psyche Orozco Resus, a fashion model and beauty queen from Infanta, Quezon. She won the Miss Earth Philippines title last April 25 at a water-themed event at the Aquatica in Manila Ocean Park. The Miss Earth contest promotes environmental awareness.

Resus, 22 years old at the time of her crowning, stands 5’6” and her vital statistics are 33-23-34. She is an Associate in Arts student at the University of the Philippines’ Open University, the fifth constituent university of the UP System located in Los Banos, Laguna. She bested 48 other candidates in last April’s pageant which focused on the protection and preservation of Mother Earth. She also won the Best in Swimsuit special award.

Last May, Resus and her court joined forces with EcoWaste Coalition at a public event held in Quezon City, Philippines to promote simple, yet creative 3R (repurpose, reuse, recycle) solutions to avert a potential garbage crisis after the Philippine national elections. The campaign was intended to repurpose, reuse and recycle the huge volume of campaign materials instead of burning and burying them which would, in turn, pollute many communities.