Angelica Panganiban and Vhong Navarro on Working Together in Bulong

Star Cinema’s kick off movie titled “Bulong” this year.

In an interview with “E-Live” on Saturday, Panganiban confessed that she was challenged to do this movie because she has been doing heavy drama ever since.

“Bago kasi yung horror sa akin. Dati nakagawa [na] ako [ng horror pero] ako yung multo. Mahirap siya kasi siyempre yung imagination mo, pinaglalaruan yung isip mo so mahirap na masaya,” she said.

But more than this, Panganiban disclosed that she considers herself lucky to be given the chance to work with actor comediane Vhong Navarro in the salvo movie.

“Thankful din ako. Maraming gustong makatrabaho si Vhong dahil sa generation niya, siya yung pinakamahusay na komedyante,” she said.

According to her, the comedy aspect of the film allowed her to be a little "laid back" which helped her in her acting.

“Ang maganda naman kasi sa Bulong nagko-comedy kami so kahit mukang tanga na yung reaksyon ko, okay lang,” she said breaking into laughter.

Panganiban was recently recognized as the Best Comedy Actress by the PMPC in its 24th Star Awards for TV.

Meanwhile, Navarro is also ecstatic about working with Panganiban.

“Talagang pinapangarap kong makatrabaho ka kasi nung unang trabaho natin, Separada pa. Ngayon dalaga ka na, nakatrabaho kita ulit...I’m happy na tinanggap mo yung project thank you at marami ako natutunan sa yo magaling kang artista, magaling kang komedyante. You’re perfect,” he said.

“Bulong” will be shown in theaters nationwide on February 2, 2011.

Non-Invasive Facial Procedures on Salamat Dok

How do the likes of Lorna Tolentino, Albert Martinez and Zsa Zsa Padilla maintain their camera-ready looks? Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Vicki Belo discusses Thermage, the non-invasive facial procedures that can make one look better in this Sunday’s live edition of Salamat Dok, January 16, 7:30 to 8:30am on ABS-CBN2. Thermage ensures tighter skin, renewed facial contours and healthier collagen.

Meanwhile, singer-TV host Christian Bautista will give a testimonial on how he got rid of acne and acne scars on his face using popular treatments at the Belo clinic. Salamat Dok provides information on medical concerns, with free on-air consultation with the guest physician. Every third Sunday of the month, Dr. Belo guests in the program to discuss the newest procedures being offered by the Belo Medical Group. Bernadette Sembrano hosts.

Piolo Pascual's Decades 2 Album Tops Astrovision/Astroplus Charts

Piolo Pascual has topped the latest Astrovision/Astroplus album charts.

Piolo's "Decades 2" album was the top-selling album from January 3 to 9, 2011, both on OPM and Over-All categories.

His album actually has already topped the charts during its debut week, December 13 to 19, and now it's back on top.

It's indeed one great gift for Piolo who has just celebrated his 34th birthday last January 12, 2011.

In the OPM chart, Piolo is back at #1, dislodging Willie Revillame's "I Love You" album which dropped to #2.

He also rules in the Over-all chart (OPM and Foreign) as the new #1, from being #10 the previous week.

TOP-SELLING OPM ALBUMS
1. "Decades 2" Piolo Pascual (Star Records)
2. "I Love You" Willie Revillame (Viva Records)
3. "Your Song" Lea Salonga (Sony Music)
4. "Faithfully" Jovit Baldivino (Star Records)
5. "2ND Album/I Do" Jovit Baldivino (Star Records)
6. "RPG Metanoia" Various Artists (Star Records)
7. "I'll Be Seeing You" Richard Poon (MCA Music)
8. "By Popular Demand 3" Various Artists (Universal Records)
9. "Kidz Sing Along Collection" Various Artists (Ivory Records)
10. "Byahe" Noel Cabangon (Universal Records)

Around The World in 80 Days on Kapamilya Blockbusters

This Sunday, Kapamilya Blockbusters brings you the movie Around The World in 80 Days.

The film is based on Jules Verne's novel of the same name and the original 1956 film. It stars Jackie Chan, Steve Coogan and Cécile de France. The film is set in 19th-century Britain and centers on Phileas Fogg (Steve Coogan), here reimagined as an eccentric inventor, and his efforts to circumnavigate the globe in 80 days. During the trip, he is accompanied by his Chinese valet, Passepartout (Jackie Chan).

Kapamilya Snapshots: Kristine Hermosa - Oyo Boy Sotto Wedding

Kristine Hermosa and Oyo Boy Sotto got married in a sunset wedding held just today, January 12, 2011, at the Club Balai Isabel in Talisay, Batangas. The wedding happened at 5PM and only 150 guests were invited.

Here are some of the pictures of the said private wedding.

Venus Raj on Declining Willie Revillame's Offer

After a series of negotiations, 2010 Miss Universe runner-up Maria Venus Raj finally signed up with the Kapamilya network last January 14 at the ABS-CBN compound. According to ABS-CBN Business Unit Head Linggit Tan, the 22-year-old reigning Binibining Pilipinas-Universe is welcome to be part of the Kapamilya network for as long as she likes.

Venus admitted that she received an offer from former ABS-CBN talent Willie Revillame to be a part of his show on another network. But Venus passed on the offer because any career decision she made also had to be done in consultation with Binibining Pilipinas Charities, which are managing her career. “May offer talaga. Nakausap ko si Mr. Willie Revillame one time nung nagkita kami sa isang function pero sinabi ko nga na hindi rin naman ako lang ang nag-decide sa mga bagay na yun at alam ko naman na parang nag-sa-start na rin yung negotiations with ABS-CBN at that time,” she said.

Venus said she graciously declined the offer so there isn’t any bad blood between her and Willie. “Hindi ko rin naman talaga siya nakikita ng personal at nakakausap so feeling ko wala naman. Magaling naman yung nakuha nilang co-host ni Mr.Willie Revillame so okay lang din yun,” she said. Venus also vehemently denied being courted by the host. “Hindi naman, grabe naman yun. Nagkita lang kami, nagkausap, ganun lang. Wala naman sigurong ample time para magligawan,” she stressed.

Agimat Returns on ABS_CBN

This January 24, Agimat: Ang Mga Alamat ni Ramon Revilla will return on ABS-CBN. Watch the teaser.

Mutya's Teaser

From the creators of hit teleseryes May Bukas Pa and Agua Bendita comes another heartwarming fantaserye, Mutya. Watch the teaser.

Miles Ocampo and Ejay Falcon on MMK

Miles Ocampo said that being paired with Ejay Falcon for Maalaala Mo Kaya’s January 15 episode was a very challenging experience for her. “Tungkol siya kay Mary Jane, isang batang na-in love kay Collin na 23 years old. Kakaiba yung story kasi bukod sa age gap nila, may kapansanan yung lalake kaya parang imposibleng magkagustuhan sila.Pero papatunayan ni Mary Jane na tanggap niya kahit ano pa si Collin. Kaya lang may mga hahadlang dun sa pag-iibigan nila so yun ang dapat abangan ng Kapamilya viewers sa MMK this Saturday.”

Although there are no kissing scenes required in the script, the former Goin Bulilit star couldn’t help but feel nervous about playing a mature role for the first time on screen. “Ay hindi po. Wala pong kissing scene, mga titigan lang (laughs). Pero titigan na eksena nga lang sobrang nate-tense ako. As in ‘di po ako makatingin sa kanya (Ejay) ng maayos, sobrang kinakabahan ako. Mabait naman po si kuya Ejay. Tinutulungan niya po yung katrabaho niya para ’di mailang sa kanya.”

Nevertheless, Miles maintained that she’s really grateful to ABS-CBN for giving her a chance to prove her worth as a potential dramatic actress. “Ang sarap ng feeling tsaka medyo nakaka-pressure din kasi parang pinagkatiwala nila yung role na ito kasi alam nilang kaya kong gawin,” she beamed

Cinderella's Sister on ABS-CBN

A modern day Cinderella story comes to life beginning Monday (Jan 17) as ABS-CBN premieres the hit Korean romantic-drama Cinderella’s Sister.

Meet Zaren (Moon Geun Young), a girl who grew apathetic towards life because she was raised by a mother who is always relying on her man. Her whole life changes when her mom finally found the right person to marry and takes her to her stepfather’s house.

Her new life may be luxurious but Zaren feels everything in her new home doesn’t fit her. Things get even more complicated when her new stepsister Briana (Seo Woo), who is the apple of her father’s eye and loved by almost everyone, enters the picture.

Conflict brews between the two as Zaren competes for the affection and care she never felt growing up and does anything she can to stop Briana from getting the one that she completely owned— her mom.

Briana has no intention of taking away Zaren’s mom from her and even tries to reach out to Zaren so that they can be real sisters. Will she feel the same way though if her prince charming Timothy (Chun Jung Myung) has his heart set on Zaren?

Watch the romance and drama unfold in Cinderella’s Sister, premiering this Monday (Jan 16) after “Martha Cecilia’s Kristine” in ABS-CBN Primetime Bida.

Star Power 5: Angeline Quinto, The Pop Belter of Manila

If there is one thing that Angeline Quinto takes care of, it is her health for sickness can ruin her powerful belting and her chance to become Sharon’s Next Female Pop Superstar. “Iniingatan po namin lahat talaga yung health namin. Kasi sa panahon ngayon, talaga naman pong hindi maiiwasan magkasakit kaya talagang super vitamins po ako. Kapag may mga time at wala kaming schedule, talagang sinusulit ko po yun para magpahinga at siyempre, nag-aaral po talaga ng mga bagong kanta.”

If ever she’ll be hailed the grand champion, a party awaits Angeline’s fans, who have tremendously increased throughout the competition. “Kung sakali po, gusto ko po magpa-thanksgiving celebration talaga. At saka gusto ko pong pasalamatan ng personal yung mga taong sumuporta at naniwala po sa akin, lalong lalo na po yung ‘Angeliners’ po at saka siyempre yung pamilya ko po.

It’s amazing that at the beginning of Star Power, Angeline felt helpless for no one believed in her. But look at her now, fans are swarming every Sunday just to hear her every performance.

Star Power 5: K-La Rivera, The R&B Sweetheart from Canada

Given with innate singing talent and not to mention beauty, there’s no doubt that Canada-based K-La Rivera is now ready to face the glamorous world of showbusiness. With conviction she said: “I think ready na po ako kasi alam ko po when you’re in showbiz, ang daming fans. I’m flattered when I see those who support me, even if you’re just standing there, parang ang feeling ko, I have an ability just to make them happy. If ever I will be a star and I have that ability to bring happiness to them, to inspire them I think I am definitely ready for that po”.

“I am shocked. Medyo nagulat po kasi lahat po sila talagang talented, when I heard everyone. Alam ko po na it will be the viewer’s choice, medyo nagulat po ako kasi lahat po sila, they all have their family and friends, at ako hindi masyadong maraming supporters. I feel so honored that the Filipinos have accepted me, that they’ve allowed me to continue and come this far. I feel blessed at sana po magpatuloy pa ito.”

K-La confessed that way back in Canada, she’s been trying to penetrate the international music scene, but it was hard. She, however, is very grateful that she made it to the globally watched Star Power. “Pangarap ko po talaga is to be an international singer. When I was back home sa Canada, I was really trying to get it up there pero medyo mahirap po, alam ko po sa Pilipinas, Filipinos really enjoy music, kaya I tried to see if I can sing and live my dreams. This is a dream come true,” K-La said

The R&B Sweetheart had to leave her family in Canada just to battle it out in Star Power.

Star Power 5: Monica Sacay, The Charming Biritera of Leyte

Until now, Leyte-native Monica Sacay can’t believe she made it to the concluding part of this season’s Star Power. She’s truly indebted to her ultimate and No. 1 mentor Megastar Sharon Cuneta.

“Siyempre lahat naman po kami masayang-masaya na maging part ng Final Five. Bibihirang pagkakataon po ito at opportunity na ibinigay po sa amin. Kaunti na lang nandiyan na yung pangarap mo at nasa tuktok ka na. Sobrang nagpapasalamat po talaga ako,” Monica said.

Monica also doesn’t fear constructive criticisms, for it might help her improve and eventually, vanish her inequities. But for her detractors, if there are any, she tries not to take it seriously. “Hindi naman po kasi maiiwasan talaga yung mga criticisms. Kahit ngayon nga po, may naririnig ko po ang mga criticisms nila. Eh, iyakin po talaga ako. Pero sinabi ko po sa sarili ko at napag-isipan ko po na dapat kayanin ko yung mga consequences ng pinasok kong mundo. Dapat panindigan ko na ito. ”

It’s been several years since Monica became an orphan, but sometimes she still feels sad about it. When her father died her mom got sick and eventually became weak. To finance her mom’s medicine, Monica sang in weddings, birthday parties and even wakes. Her situation was at its worst when she needed to beg for alms just to feed her family.

Star Power 5: Akiko Solon, The Sweet and Sexy Siren of Cebu

Win or lose, Akiko Solon, the Sweet and Sexy Siren of Cebu won’t regret anything she did just to make it to Star Power finals. Having joined several singing competitions in the past, which includes Cebu’s sensational Little Big Star, Akiko is now brave on accepting her fate—be it not in favor with her.

In case she won’t make it as Sharon’s Next Female Pop Superstar, Akiko plans to stand still and continue the singing career she has begun. “Kasi sinimulan ko na. Ayaw ko naman po putulin, gusto ko pa din i-pursue.”

Akiko is confident she can do well in the finals. She, however, knows that her co-finalists are as good as her. “May confidence po ako. Ganumpaman, sabi ng Papa ko na dapat maging thankful ka pa rin ako na ganito kalayo ang narating ko sa Star Power. Dapat alam ko pa rin yung limitasyon ko. Sinasabi ko nga sa sarili ko na wag maging overconfident,” Akiko said.

Akiko was a consistent high school scholar way back. Being academically competitive, the Cebuana singer has honed herself in facing the challenges that come along her way.

Star Power 5: Krissel Valdez, The Soulful Diva of Davao

For local band singer Krissel Valdez, she never thought that she’ll ever make it to a nationwide talent search like Star Power. What adds to the pressure she constantly feels from the beginning is the fact that Star Power isn’t the same-old-story talent reality competition, it’s “Sharon’s Search for The Next Female Pop Superstar.”

Krissel, however, fervently prays to overcome all anxieties and fears that she might feel while at the leg of the competition. “Pray lang po ako ng pray. Yun po talaga weapon ko and armor ko para sa pressure. I trust God, trust my talents and oftentimes iniisip ko yung pamilya ko kasi without them, hindi ko din naman po to magagawa. So, just think of all your inspirations para po mawala yung pressure sa’yo,” Krissel shared.

When asked how she is preparing for the big night, the Davao’s pride said: “Disiplina at super practice, lalo na po ngayon na hindi po kami yung pumipili ng mga songs namin. So, whether we like it or not, we have to love the song, practice discipline—wag lang masyado kumain ng sweets at never na akong umiinom ng malamig na tubig. Listening po is also important. I also take vitamins.”

It can be recalled that at the start of the competition Krissel confessed her world almost fell apart when she discovered that her beloved grandfather, whom she considered her father, has cancer. Krissel and her family were left by her biological father when she was still a child. But despite having a broken family, she was still able to hone her exemplary singing skills. Krissel is very grateful to her single mom who bravely raised her.

Star Power Final 5

In a world where change is the only constant thing, expect even bigger twists in Star Power.

This credo applies in last Sunday’s Star Power, as the ultimate Megastar Sharon Cuneta reveals that not only four but five contenders can finally battle it out to become Sharon’s Next Female Pop Superstar.

Who among Akiko (Cebu), the Sweet and Sexy Siren; K-La (Canada), the R&B Sweetheart; Monica (Leyte), the Charming Biritera; Angeline (Manila), the Pop Belter; and Krissel (Davao) the Soulful Diva, will shine the most and be hailed the grand champion?

This Sunday on Star Power, after Rated K, the Final Five contenders start to prepare in the much-awaited grand finals on February 20. Only a few weeks are left for them, so they don’t waste even a single minute. They rehearse diligently and apply strict discipline in their numbers. But are their efforts enough to bring them to their dream title?

Also on Sunday, the Star Power girls will perform duets with some of the industry’s biggest names. Are they ready to collaborate with the real stars? Find out!

To vote for your favorite contestant, just text SPOWER and send to 2331 for Globe, TM, and Sun Cellular subscribers and 231 for Smart and Talk ‘N Text subscribers.

For bulk voting, i-text ang SPOWER BULK—Globe, Touch Mobile, Smart and Talk and Text and Sun Cellular—sa2366.

Witness the making of a true star! Catch Star Power, Sharon’s Search for the Next Female Pop Superstar, this Sunday, afterRated K on ABS-CBN.

ASAP Sessionista 20.11 Concert at the Big Dome

The ASAP Sessionistas, touted as the country’s finest session artists, will showcase beautiful music as they unite once more for the grandest concert jamming event of the year—“ASAP Sessionistas 20.11!” live at the Big Dome on February 5.

Fans and supporters of this renowned group will have the ultimate time of their lives as they listen, jam and groove to the hottest, biggest and most requested hits of today performed by no less than ASAP’s unmatched concert artists.

The ASAP Sessionistas, a multi-awarded powerhouse composed of the very first ever female diamond awardee “Diamond Soul Siren” Nina, the one and only “Queen of Acoustic Pop” Juris, “Knight of R&B” Duncan Ramos, the country’s premiere “Big Band Crooner” Richard Poon, reigning “Bossa Nova Diva” Sitti Navarro, and the unstoppable “Asian Acoustic Sensation” Aiza Seguerra will be joined for the first time by one of Philippines’ favorite – the “Acoustic Princess” Princess Velasco.

This all-star ensemble started as a regular segment in the country’s undisputed Sunday musical variety show, ASAP.

From then on, their meteoric rise to fame as a group brought them all over the country and even in major concerts abroad – namely in Anaheim and San Jose California, New York and Guam. Plus they have also enchanted and enthralled Filipinos in Canada particularly in Toronto and Calgary!

This 2011, the ASAP Sessionistas promises a more exciting repertoire and a splendid mix of acoustic, rock, bossa, soul r&b and pop.

“ASAP Sessionistas 20.11” is proudly brought to you by ASAP Live! and MJM Productions and is directed by Dido Camara. For tickets, call Ticketnet at 9115555.