Anne Curtis Supports ABS-CBN New Noontime Show

Anne Curtis, one of the main hosts of the TV show "Showtime", is supportive of ABS-CBN's plan to air a new noontime variety show.

The network's plan was bared by push.com.ph last Thursday

"We knew that from the beginning. They asked 'Showtime' very quickly at the end of last year to become noontime for 3 hours. So naloka kami every time kapag may nawawala o [nung sinabi nilang,] 'Ilagay natin 'yan'. And we agree naman to that.

"But 3 hours ang haba-haba pala. So we took on the challenge that was given to us. And they told us naman back in December na it's gonna be until February. So it's OK. Go, fight kami diyan," she said.

Curtis revealed that it was a big relief for her to learn that "Showtime" will be brought back to its original running time and time slot.

"They told us, thank God, that they would bring us back to 10:30 which is really our market. Like, all the students complain on Twitter na hindi sila nakakapanood dahil kasabay ng klase," Curtis said.

Report has it that the new show will be top-billed by Toni Gonzaga, Randy Santiago and Mariel Rodriguez.

Curtis got dragged into a controversy recently involving Rodriguez and Gonzaga. Previous reports said it was Curtis who told Gonzaga that Rodriguez was badmouthing her.

When asked for her reaction now that Rodriguez will be back on noontime, Curtis replied: "I think that would be good. I think that's a statement already that Poki, Mariel, Valerie--they are already pang-noontime host. I think it should be given back. If given a chance, then why not? They had a long break. They need to come back na."

Curtis maintained that even after the Gonzaga-Rodriguez issue, she had nothing against Rodriguez.

"Wala, wala talaga as in nothing," she added.

Until now, there is still no official statement yet regarding the new show’s working title and schedule of airing.

Piolo Pascual's Reaction to Phil Younghusband's Admiration to KC Concepcion

Hunk actor Piolo Pascual has given his reaction to Azkals heartthrob Phil Younghusband's public declaration that he has a crush on actress KC Concepcion.

In an interview with “Showbiz News Ngayon” during the unveiling of the QuattroMondial monument at the University of Sto. Tomas on Thusday, Pascual disclosed that he does not have anything against Younghusband since anybody is entitled to his or her own feelings.

“I guess anybody is entitled to that. Hindi naman mapipigilan ang mga tao to express their intention or say what they feel. May security naman so wala tayong problema,” he said.

Although they never admitted that they are officially a couple, Pascual and Concepcion have been vocal about their closeness.

Pascual, meanwhile, belied reports saying that he is prohibiting Concepcion from doing a kissing scene with actor Sam Milby in their upcoming movie.

“That’s work. She can do anything. She’s an actress,” he said.

Concepcion, on the other hand, affirmed what Pascual said.

“I don’t think that’s true. Very dedicated si Piolo sa work niya bilang aktor. Bakit niya kailangan ma-affect. Si PJ pa, napakasensible na tao,” she said.

Concepcion and Milby are set to do a movie under the direction of Cathy Garcia-Molina

Anne Curtis Will Have Her Own Album

Actress-host Anne Curtis announced that her dream of having her own album will finally come true.

In an interview, the actress said that part of her bucket list is to have her own CD.

"Magkaka-album ako. Serious ako! Oo nga (magre-release) sa VIVA, yes. Inupo ko ang VIVA at sinabi ko sa kanila bakit magkakaroon ng album si Vice Ganda before me. Nasa 13 years na ako sa showbiz. So, si Vic boss sabi niya, 'Sige pagbigyan na natin siya'," Curtis said.

A self-proclaimed frustrated singer, Curtis said her album set for release this year will feature her favorite songs.

"Ako ang kakanta at magkakaroon din ako ng guest sa album ko," Curtis added.

The actress dedicates her upcoming album to all the people whose passion is to sing but cannot sing well.

"For me kasi it's a statement to all the singers out there na hindi nakakakanta pero passion nila ang kumanta," she said.

Erich Gonzales No Longer Affected With Attitude Issues Against Her

Erich Gonzales dispelled recent claims that she has a misunderstanding with close friend Empress. As a matter of fact, she—with the rest of the Chiurigogobaschu members Kim Chiu, Melissa Ricks, and Kitkat—will be present at Empress’s upcoming 18th birthday celebration. “We’ll all be there and si Empress ngayong 18 na siya, we wish her all the best,” said Erich.

This was not the first time that Erich had to deal with rumors that she had a rift with a friend, leading the press to ask her why she thought these stories persisted. “Hindi ko po alam at wala naman pong katotohanan ‘yon. Magkakaibigan po talaga kaming lahat at wala naman po talagang nagbago kahit busy kami. We still keep in touch like, text or call and ‘yun po ‘pag may free time we go out kahit dinner lang. Hindi ko po alam kung bakit may ganyang intriga but it’s really part of showbiz po. Okay lang ‘yon, hindi naman ako nagtatanim ng sama ng loob kahit kanino.”

Erich also said that she is not affected by these accusations because she knows that she cannot please everybody. “As long as kilala mo ang sarili mo at kilala [ka] ng mga taong naniniwala sa ‘yo, you don’t have to worry about anything. As long as wala kang ginagawa [na masama] kahit kanino, wala kang inaapakang tao, malinis ang kunsensiya mo. [Kapag] ikaw masaya ka rin magre-reflect din po ‘yon sa ‘yo.”

She also explained that she does not hold any grudges against her critics like some showbiz writers and that she understands that it is part of their job. She continued that it is all part of showbiz. “’Yung mga tsismis na ganyan sanay na rin po ako kasi they meron at meron pa ring masasabi sa inyo kahit anong gawin ninyo and not only to me naman. Kahit ibang artista rin naman so huwag na lang papaapekto kasi hindi naman totoo.”

Anne Curtis Going to Korea for Green Rose Shooting

Malapit na nating mapanood sa Primetime ang pinaka-aabangang Pinoy version ng Koreanovelang Green Rose na pinagbibidahan nina Anne Curtis, Jericho Rosales and Jake Cuenca. Engrande ang nasabing serye dahil sa Korea pa mismo kukunan ang ilang mahahalagang eksena.

Nauna nang pumunta sa Korea si Jericho para kunan ang mga eksena niya. Sa Sabado ay nakatakda namang sumunod si Anne doon para kunan ang mga scenes niya with Echo. “Of course kukunan namin ang mga Korea scenes namin which is of course major part ng story ni Echo yung Korea side. I’m there for three days,” pahayag ni Anne.

Ngayon pa lamang ay pinaghahandaan na raw ng aktres ang extreme cold weather na dadatnan niya sa Korea. “We’re all very excited especially sobrang lamig daw ngayon doon. Nag-text na si Echo na bring earmuffs, bring gloves, mga tipong Northface na jacket kasi super lamig daw,” dagdag pa ni Anne.

Masayang-masaya si Anne na naging part siya ng serye dahil magaling daw ang buong production team. Matagal-tagal na rin daw nila itong pinaghandaan para maging mas maganda ang kalalabasan ng kanilang programa. “We’re really happy na they took time with the teleserye talaga. It’s all been shot in advance before the airing which is in February na, so we’re all very excited talaga. You can tell by the shots by the production. They’re all tutok to make this one of the best teleseryes of 2011,” kuwento pa ng aktres.

ABS-CBN's New Noontime Show!

ABS-CBN is currently working on a new noontime show which will premiere next month and it will be hosted by John Estrada, Randy Santiago, Toni Gonzaga and Mariel Rodriguez-Padilla.The title of the show is still unknown as of the press time.

Mariel Rodriguez was a co-worker of Willie Revillame in the defunct show Wowowee. Meanwhile, John Estrada and Randy Santiago were Willie’s co-hosts in Magandang Tanghali Bayan where they became friends.

As we all know Mariel and Toni had a misunderstanding that all went well during the birthday of Toni, where Mariel sent a text message greeting her on her birthday.

Kim Chiu Speaks Up About the Rumored Rift Between Erich Gonzales and Empress Schuck

Nagbigay na ng pahayag si Kim Chiu tungkol sa ‘di matapos-tapos na intriga tungkol sa kanyang original barkada na Chiurigogobaschu. May mga nagsasabi kasi na hindi nagpapansinan lately sina Erich Gonzales at Empress kahit na five times a week silang nagkakatrabaho sa Shoutout, isang teen-oriented show ng ABS-CBN. Pero sa pagkakaalam daw ni Kim ay wala namang iringan sa pagitan ni Erich at Empress. “Lagi na lang. Kung hindi kami ni Erich [ang magkaaway], si Empress at Erich naman. Ano ba talaga Erich? Wala talaga. As in, sobrang nagkita kami nung birthday ni Mel (Melissa Ricks). So yun, masaya naman.”

Noon pa ay meron na ring issue na medyo nagtatampo ang ilang Chiurigogobaschu kay Kim dahil napapalapit ang huli kay Maja Salvador, na may sarili ding group of friends na tinawag naman nilang Tugs Tugs. Pero hindi naman daw ito big deal dahil pare-pareho namang silang Star Magic artists kaya kahit sino pwede naman maging close friends. “Hindi ko nga alam kung saan nanggagaling ang intriga. Ewan ko, hindi naman namin iniisip yun.” Baka naman nagpapatalbugan sila pagdating sa kanilang respective projects sa ABS-CBN? “Sa aling paraan? Wala namang ganun.”

Sa kabila ng kanilang busy schedules ay may oras pa rin naman daw silang lumabas at mamasyal bilang barkada. “Hindi nga lang kumpleto kasi siyempre kung hihintayin naman namin na lahat makasama, e matatagalan talaga bago kami magkita. Kasi siyempre meron at merong isa na hindi makakasama dahil may trabaho. Pero I’m sure, soon lahat kami magkikita-kita din.”

Alfred Vargas Happy to be Kapamilya Again

After an almost one-year hiatus from showbiz, Alfred Vargas is back on the Kapamilya network as he plays the role of Irvin, prince of the sea in the upcoming fantasy series Mutya, which premieres on Primetime Bida on January 31, Monday. The 29-year-old actor had left showbiz temporarily to run in the second district of Quezon City where he won as councilor. Now that the election ban is over, Alfred looks forward to being back in the limelight since there is no direct conflict with his work schedule as a government official. “Hinahanap rin kasi nila ako sa TV, yung mga constituents ko. Ayoko naman sila biguin. Eksaktong-eksakto kasi this is like a comeback of sorts for me. I think Mutya is the perfect comeback project for me,” he admitted during the press conference for Mutya held last January 27 at the ABS-CBN compound.

Alfred shared that his manager Lolit Solis really encouraged him to accept the project. “Sabi niya na mag-ingat kami sa comeback ko, dapat maganda talaga yung role at saka talagang markadong-markado. And this role was too good to turn down. Mutya is about family. It’s about the sadness of being alone and how you long for your family, kung gaano ka-importante yung pamilya mo. Doon sa Mutya, ako yung head ng family, ako ang prinsipe ng dagat. Kasama ko si Precious Lara (Quigaman), ma-i-in-love ako sa kanya tapos magbubunga yung aming pagmamahalan into this napaka-adorable and napaka-endearing na si Mutya so dun magre-revolve yung kuwento and maraming challenges ang dadating and I really find my character very interesting tsaka challenging. Adventurous yung character ko and very passionate. Pagka may gusto siyang gawin, susundin niya yung puso niya. Ang character ko dito is very underwater. Super dami naming underwater scenes tapos madami ring mga dramatic scenes,” he said.

Alfred had no problems shooting underwater scenes since he is already a veteran of fantasy series and movies where he had to play the role of a Merman a few years back.

Alfred said there has been no problem for him to manage his time between showbiz and politics. “Ang schedules naman, as long as you take time for each of your priorities, maaayos at maaayos yun. I am very happy to be here and sobrang saya nung tapings and I’m happy to work again after winning the elections. Sobrang perfect nitong project na ito,” he explained.

Since his contract with another network expired last year, Alfred said the offer to be part of Mutya came at an opportune time. “Nakapagpaalam naman ako ng maayos and I’m very happy. My friends and my bosses form GMA are very supportive pa rin sa akin. After winning the elections, yung first offer came from Kapamilya and ang ganda nung role. Thank you very much and ibang-iba na dito ngayon kasi naalala ko nung dito ako nag-start sa Pangako Sa ‘Yo. The people I knew then are the people na kumuha rin sa akin ngayon so nakakatuwa kasi nagtiwala sila sa kakayahan ko as an actor. Kasi unang sinabi nila sa akin, ‘Uy bagay sa iyo itong role na ito. Para sa iyo ito,’” he said.

As of the moment, Alfred said he is happy with the fact that he is not tied down exclusively to any network because he also wants to prioritize his responsibility to the people. “I haven’t signed any contracts. Kasi right now, for this particular project lang. For now I don’t think I’ll be comfortable signing any exclusive contract kasi may commitment muna ako sa tao so I don’t want to commit myself to any corporation. Pero as an actor, they have my full commitment na pagbubutihan ko ito kasi ang ganda talaga ng role na binigay,” he said.

Catch more of Alfred on Pablo S. Gomez’s Mutya when it premieres Monday, January 31 on Primetime Bida. Mutya also stars Precious Lara Quigaman, Sandy Andolong, Jayson Gainza, Jairus Aquino, and upcoming child star Mutya Orquia.

Ogie Diaz Apologizes to Charice and Angry Fans

Many Charice fans are still calling for ABS-CBN management to fire its showbiz columnist and Entertainment Live host Ogie Diaz. This comes in spite of Ogie’s apology to Charice and her fans after his posts on his Twitter account caused a stir in the online community. During the press conference for the upcoming fantaserye Mutya, Ogie told those who are demanding that he be chastised by the Kapamilya network, “Kung ako man ang gusto ninyong isumpa, kung hindi ninyo pa rin ako mapatawad, galit na galit pa rin kayo sa akin, ako na lang ang isumpa ninyo. ‘Wag na kayong mandamay ng ibang tao. Ako naman talaga kasi ang directly involved dito.”

Early this week Ogie tweeted that the ‘nerdy glasses do not look good on Charice’ and compared the rising Pinay international singer to Lea Salonga. “Isa lang ang masasabi ko: iba pa rin ang charisma ni Ms. Lea Salonga sa mga Pinoy, very fluent pa siya sa Tagalog, lalo na sa English.” Furthermore, on his tabloid column, Ogie reacted on the incident regarding Charice’s last visit to Manila where the singer allegedly snubbed local reporters, and according to him, the young singer has no right to act like she’s still in Hollywood when she’s actually in the Philippines.

Realizing that his comments have angered legions of Charice fans, Ogie immediately released his statement of apology aired on the news program TV Patrol. “Sa mga Chasters, lalo na kay Charice, ako ay humihingi ng paumanhin dahil na offend kayo sa opinyon ko at sa mga tweets ko. Nagpapasalamat ako sa mga Chasters na tumanggap ng paghingi ko ng dispensa habang ang ibang hindi pa ay ipinagdarasal ko pa rin ang kapatawaran.”

Ogie was also informed about the tweet of Lea Salonga who seemed to have come to the defense of Charice. Lea tweeted, “To say the least, I'm a bit concerned. I don't know what Charice has done to deserve the ire of Ogie Diaz.”

However, Ogie chose to just respect Lea’s opinion. “Wala naman akong masasabi d’un kasi opinyon ‘yun ni Ms. Lea. Hindi nga yata opinyon ‘yun kung hindi pagtatanong din. Hindi naman porke nag opinyon ka eh may nagawa nang masama sa iyo. Democratic country naman tayo kaya pwede mag opinyon ang kahit sino.”

Ogie shared what he learned out of this controversy. “Grabe sobrang madami akong natutunan dito. And I’m sure kahit silang mga hate ako eh marami ring natutunan dito. Even Charice and her mom meron ding natutunan. We can’t please everybody talaga. ‘Tsaka siyempre dapat responsible pa rin tayo sa ating mga sinasabi at mga action.”

He said that he will just continue to pray for those people who still refuse to accept his apology. “Kung feeling ng iba hindi ako naging responsible, hindi ako naging sensitive, na sa opinyon ko eh hindi ko isinaalang-alang ang mga damdamin nila…kaya nga ako humihingi ng dispensa. Kung ayaw nilang tanggapin, wala na akong magagawa. Ang importante nagawa ko po ang parte ko bilang isang tao.”