Binibining Pilipinas Marks More Milestones in 2011

In a surprising twist of events, 40, not 24, ladies will vie for the Binibining Pilipinas Beauty Pageant’s highly coveted titles this year.

“We want it to be different this year. This year, it’s really amazing. The number of qualified girls, there’s just so many of them. So many qualified girls and we can’t just limit them to 24, so that’s why we decided to extend it,” Gines Enriquez, Araneta Coliseum Sales and Marketing Manager, explained to Bulletin Entertainment after the Binibining Pilipinas 2011 Special Press Preview held at the Gateway Suites last Jan. 29.

The decision to choose 40 instead of the traditional 24 official candidates is a first in the pageant’s 46-year history. Members of the press were invited to witness the screenings that began last week; another move that is also a first since the entire screening process used to be a private affair.

Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc. chair Stella Marquez Araneta explained to Bulletin Entertainment why they decided to involve the media more actively this year.

“We like to do things that will be more relevant to the year. And I think that people want to be more involved, that's why I have invited people to come in and see what we do,” said she.

Araneta also clarified that there had not been any changes in the pageant’s selection process rules in light of the Venus Raj nationality mix-up last year.

“No, no. There are no difference[s] in the rules. The rules are the same.

“There was just a mistake that she brought some papers that were not for the international contest and that's why she was disqualified. Once things were fixed, then she was welcomed [back].

“But the rules are still the same, they have not changed,” she said.

The remaining 50 applicants endured the rigorous, more than six-hour long final screening in front of a panel consisting of Araneta, BPCI co-vice chair Pitoy Moreno, and past and reigning beauty queens including Venus Raj, 2010 Bb. Pilipinas - International Krista Kleiner, 2010 Bb. - Pilipinas World Charina Gatbonton and 2010 2nd runner-up Nicolette Henson.

“We are thinking of who will represent the best from the Philippines, and that's all my concern. But of course, we select girls who are qualified to enter a beauty contest internationally and have a chance to win,” Araneta said.

This year’s roster of applicants was composed of registered nurses, models, hosts, athletes, and corporate professionals, among others. Aside from parading in their cocktail dresses and two-piece swimsuits, some of the applicants also showcased their talents such as singing, guitar playing and beatboxing.

However, two candidates who stood out because of their backgrounds were former “Deal or No Deal 26k” girl Martha Chloe McCulley and Kathleen Subijano, younger sister of 1994 Bb. Pilipinas – World Cara Subijano.

Below is the full list of the 40 official candidates for the Binibining Pilipinas 2011 coronation night to be held in April at the Araneta Coliseum:

Jenette Noguchi, Elizabeth Clenci, Gianna Therese Quintos, Shamcey Supsup, Diana Arevalo, Mary Jean Lastimosa, Jenilyn Olivar, Teresa Pamela Ludovice, Ma. Kristina Marasigan, Queenierich Rehman

Camille Alexis Baltazar, Glennifer Perido, Krystle Ann Grant, Jennielyn Natividad, Patricia Marie Tumulak, Paula Camille Figueras, Roxanne Cabañero, Marish Alyssa Marquinez, Hazelyn Santos, Arabella Hanesh

Carla Lacson, Martha Chloe McCulley, Diane Necio, Luzelle Felipe, Jenn Roe Gubat, Isabella Manjon, Ma. Paula Bianca Paz, Ladylyn Riva, Kathleen Subijano, Wendy Lucas

Sabrinne Al-Tawil, Janine Tugonon, Kenneth Dimaapi, Angelica Ong, Samantha Purvor, Zephora Mayon, Carolyn Ty, Grendel Alvarado, Sarah Nicole Clenci, and Suzette Hernandez.

Sharon Cuneta's Billboard for Marie France Will Not Be Removed

An official of weight slimming center Marie France Body Clinic has vehemently denied speculations that Megastar Sharon Cuneta's latest billboard will be removed for purportedly violating a guideline set by the Ad Standards Council (ASC).

"Totally not true. Totally absurd. We never claimed anything that's not true, that people don't see. She even answered that herself on her interviews. We, or even the ASC, have not received any complaint. It's approved and the billboard is up because it's real. Even the photographer, down to the stylist, can attest to the pictures released," said NJ Torres, public relations officer of Marie France.

In January, Cuneta was chosen to be Marie France's latest endorser. Her billboard, which can be seen along major highways in Metro Manila, shows a healthy Cuneta versus a slimmer version of her.

Reports said some groups were claiming that Cuneta’s billboard doesn’t reflect the truth, and that it is violative of an ASC provision that states that “before and after situations must reflect truthful and factual comparisons.”

“Comparisons of the 'antecedent' situation with the subsequent 'situation' must not be exaggerated or misleading," the provision adds.

According to its website, ASC is a non-stock, non-profit organization, which aims to promote truth in advertising through self-regulation of advertising content.

The management of Marie France, however, maintained that Cuneta’s photo was “unretouched” contrary to what others claim.

“As what we said before, with Sharon Cuneta's status, we don't think she will also put herself in that situation just to sell a lie. Let's be happy, watch and see. Again, not totally true, " Torres added.

Source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Vilma Santos and Sharon Cuneta Will Star Together in a Suspense Thriller Movie

It seems that award-winning filmmakers Jeffrey Jeturian, Adolf Alix, Jr. and Armando Lao will have to give way to prizewinning senior film director Chito Roño.

Roño will carry out a much delayed but largely anticipated project for Vilma Santos.

The Star for All Seasons and the incumbent governor of Batangas has already met with the big bosses of Star Cinema to discuss the project. Contrary to earlier reports that Santos would star in a drama piece, a suspense thriller is in the offing.

The informant said there’s no major changes in the production staff as Roño will once again be at the helm.

According to our sources, Sharon Cuneta will finally join Santos in the film.

Cuneta is very excited about her pairing with Santos, one source said.

“Sharon is an avid Vilma Santos fan,” exclaimed the informant.

The source added that this project must be the main reason the megastar has been battling the bulges.

The shoot of the film will reportedly start in June.

Photo courtesy of www.pinoyparazzi.com

Source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Toni Gonzaga Thrilled With Her New Noontime TV Show

Television host-actress Toni Gonzaga is gearing up for her first ABS-CBN noontime show, which is set to air this February.

In an interview with "Showbiz News Ngayon," Gonzaga said she is excited to be part of the still untitled TV program. On the show, she will work alongside actress Mariel Rodriguez, singer-host Randy Santiago and actor John Estrada.

"I've waited 5 years just to be able to finally do it. Binusisi, pinag-usapan, pinaganda para makapag-pasaya ng tao," she said.

Gonzaga, who used to be part of “Eat Bulaga,” downplayed speculations that she is set to compete with her former co-hosts when her new show airs on the same timeslot.

“Actually ang nasa isip ko nga, ang main goal ng programa para hindi talaga makipag-compete. Ang gusto lang talaga namin is for them to have an alternative, to have a show that could inspire them, make them forget their problems for a while kapag pinapanood nila kami,” she clarified.

She declined to give further details about the upcoming show. She, however, hinted: “Basta may malaking pasabog ang ABS-CBN para sa mga noontime viewers ng ating mga Kapamilya.”

Gonzaga is also hosting "ASAP," "The Buzz" and “Pinoy Big Brother.”

Source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Rima Ostwani is Jolo Revilla's Leading Lady in Agimat

Guess who will be Jolo Revilla's leading lady in Agimat's Kapitan Inggo. It's no other than the former girlfriend of Diether Ocampo, Rima Ostwani. This is her first TV acting job.

Rima is being managed by Backroom, Inc. of Boy Abunda.

KC Concepcion on Working With Sam Milby

In a recent interview with KC Concepcion, she sets the record straight about her closeness with Sam Milby who will be her leading man in her upcoming Star Cinema movie. She stressed that they’ve been good friends for several years already. “Hindi ko maalala exactly how many years na, but Sam is a very good friend. Actually, he’s my best guy friend. I just remember nung one time, parang group kami na nasa restaurant, nag-open up siya about some things, and then parang kami yung nagkasundo sa grupo na yun,” said KC, perhaps referring to Sam’s cell group which also includes her boyfriend Piolo Pascual.

Apparently, they instantly connected because they share the same interest for extreme sports like motocross. In fact, KC was only 11 years old when she sprained her knee in a motorcycle accident while Sam got injured a lot of times because of his motocross competitions. “I can remember mahilig din siya sa motor. May trauma na ako sa motor dahil sa aksidente ko sa motor dati. Pero dahil din sa hilig ko sa motor [kaya kami nagkasundo]. So ganon naman e. When you have things in common, parang may mga pag-uusapan kayo.”

When asked if they had the chance to catch up with each other recently, KC said that she really enjoyed having him as her dance partner for mom Sharon Cuneta’s birthday concert. “Nakapag-bond na kami sa rehearsals ng sayaw, pero sayaw lang naman yun, sandali lang. Lahat kami nagtratrabaho and I like that about yung friendships ko with other people, yung mga nagiging kaibigan ko busy din. So alam mo yun, maganda kasi you inspire each other to work, you inspire each other to be busy and to be productive. Tapos ‘pag nagkitakita kayo, exciting kasi madami kayo pag-uusapan.”

As for their first movie together, KC was proud to say that she’s been hearing positive feedback about their tandem. “Wala pa po akong updates, but I feel the excitement, kasi yung sayaw namin sa Araneta Coliseum, medyo nakakuha kami ng magandang feedback sa aming mga supporters; So it’s something that I look forward to do kung mangyari talaga at kung gugustuhin ng mga tao, sana matuloy.” Is she open to doing kissing scenes with Sam even if he’s her guy best friend in real life? “Kate (Winslet) kissed Leo (Leonardo DiCaprio), so yes,” she beamed.

Source: www.push.com.ph

Mutya Debuts Strongly Nationwide

The new Kapamilya fantaserye debuted strongly last night, January 31, placing second to Mara Clara in the primetime race.

Kantar Media National TV Ratings
(January 31, 2011 – Monday)

Daytime:

Gising Pilipinas (0.6%) / Kape’t Pandasal (1.0%) vs. TUnay Na Buhay (Replay) (1.6%)
Umagang Kay Ganda (5.6%) vs. Unang Hirit (4.9%)
Dora The Explorer (5.5%) vs. Doraemon (7.4%)
Spongebob Squarepants (6.6%) vs. Jackie Chan Adventures (9.8%)
Mr. Bean (6.9%) vs. Shaman King (9.9%)
Banana Split Daily Servings (7.6%) vs. One Piece (10.4%)
Kapamilya Blockbusters ‘Alyas Pogi Ang Pagbabalik’ (13.4%) vs. Love Ni Mister Love Ni Misis (5.9%) / Kapuso Movie Festival ‘Isang Kahig, Tatlong Tuka…’ (12.0%)
Showtime (11.9%) vs. Eat… Bulaga! (19.3%)
Agimat (10.3%) vs. Alakdana (10.4%)
Malparida (10.7%) / Juanita Banana (11.0%) vs. Little Star (11.4%)
Shoutout Level Up (8.0%) vs. Koreana (14.4%)
Alyna (11.0%) / I Love You So (Autumn’s Concerto) (13.7%) vs. Temptation Of Wife (21.3%)

Source: Kantar/TNS Media

Enchong Dee and Erich Gonzales on Meg Magazine February 2011 Issue

MEG magazine has “EnRich” a.k.a. Enchong Dee and Erich Gonzales on it’s cover this Valentine month!

Enchong Dee and Erich Gonzales have been together in various TV and movie projects and they become very close…as friends.

Erich revealed during her interview in the launching of a product endorsement that Enchong is currently “eyeing” for someone to become his girlfriend and it’s definitely not her. Rumor has it that Kim Chiu is the apple of the young actor’s eyes and he would like to take the friendship with the .

Enchong, on the other hand, also hinted that his partner Erich is “blooming” nowadays in time for Valentines. In an interview by SNN last night, Enchong said “Masasabi ko naman na masaya rin naman si Erich, inspired din naman siya, kaya masayang masaya ang relationship namin, pareho kaming masaya.”

Other features inside the Love Month issue of MEG include “100+ Valentine’s Lust-Haves”, “How to Wear Shimmery Eyes & Side-Pinned Hair,” “Rebound Love,” “Approach a Guy Without Being Slutty” and so much more.

Other celebrities featured are Alex Gonzaga & Kean Cipriano, Melai Cantiveros & Jason Francisco, David Archuleta and many more.

MEG, the EnRich issue, is now available nationwide wherever magazines are sold.

Last 2 Weeks of Precious Hear Romances Presents Kristine

Will the epic TV adaptation of the Philippines’ number one best-selling pocketbook series have a fairytale ending for lead characters Bernard, Jewel, Lance, Diana, Marco, Scarlet, Nathaniel, and Jasmin?

That’s what viewers of primetime’s most daring teleserye have to watch out for as ABS-CBN’s “Martha Cecilia’s Kristine” enters its thrilling last two weeks.

This week, Jewel and Bernard will finally find their son Baby Leonard after facing threats of danger from Margarita Fortalejo. Desperate to get her memory back, Jewel will undergo hypnosis. Will this get her back in Bernard’s arms or will Diana triumph in her fight to get the man she loves?

Meanwhile, the stars of “Kristine” are feeling mixed emotions with the impending finale of the show. Lead star Zanjoe Marudo (Bernard) said he is sure to miss everything about the show, especially the cast and crew.

“Naging regular na ang Kristine sa buhay ko. Naging close ako sa kanilang lahat pati kina Direk. Masaya yung taping, kahit sino pwede ko makakuwentuhan at mapaglaruan,” he explained.

Z added the show will be one for the books as it is not only the sexiest local teleserye produced but is also one that doesn’t have a superstar.

“Sa Kristine, lahat kami hindi icon, o superstar na artista. Challenge kaagad kung paano namin mapapa-work yung show eh hindi kami sobrang celebrities. ‘Yung mga dating show ko kasi, madaming big stars. Kaya dito sa Kristine, mas pressured ako pero at the same time enjoy dahil dun sa trabaho,” said the Prince of Passion.

One more thing he won’t forget is all the intrigues that came to him during the show, especially the Twitter incident with leading lady Cristine Reyes. “Dahil doon, mas naging kilala namin ang isa’t isa. Naging parte na rin siya ng buhay ko, ng sistema ko. Mami-miss ko yung pagiging masiyahain niya, makulit at matakaw,” he said.

Zanjoe even professed his friendship with Cristine. “Kahit hindi na kami magkasama ni AA sa Kristine, Ako ang magiging tagapag-tanggol niya, ‘pag wala si Rayver. Hahaha!”

Cristine Reyes, on the other hand, said although she’s sad there’s still reason for her to be happy as the program did very well in its run.

“Masaya naman ako dahil sa naging success ng show namin. Ngayon, bihira ko lang madinig na may tumatawag sa akin by “Cristine.” Halos lahat sila, “Jewel” ang tawag sa ’kin. Masaya ako na nagmarka sa kanila ang pagganap ko,” she said.

The Jewel of Romance added that aside from her career, “Kristine” also had a positive effect in her personal life.

“Dahil sa Kristine, nagkaroon ako ng ng ibang pamilya. Si Tita Margarita (Irma Adlawan) na masungit kay Jewel sa serye, mabait kay Cristine sa tunay na buhay. Ganun din si Anna (Angel Jacob) parang nanay mag-alaga sa akin. Si Don Leon (Lito Legaspi) parang lolo sa pagbibigay ng advise. Pati nga si Alfon (Eric Fructuso) na kaaway sa serye, parang kuya sa tunay na buhay,” she explained.

Cristine intimated she also found a very close friend in her leading man Zanjoe Marudo through the show. “Nagpapasalamat ako na nakasama at nakapareha ko siya sa serye kasi marami akong natutunan sa kanya bilang artista at bilang tao,” she said.

Zanjoe and Cristine are happy that fans continue to support their pairing despite the fact that they are not a real couple. “Yun ang pinaka masayang pakiramdam dahil gusto nila kung paano niyo ginampanan yung characters. Minahal nila kami as Jewel at Bernard, saka bilang Cristine at Zanjoe,” Zanjoe said.

Join the whole country in the thrilling last two weeks of “Martha Cecilia’s Kristine” after “Imortal” on ABS-CBN.

Imortal 2nd Season Press Conference

Magbubukas na ang 2nd season ng Imortal soon! Ano ang mga dapat abangan? Alamin mismo mula kina Lia at Mateo! Watch and chat sa Kapamilya Conference coverage ng NEW SEASON OF IMORTAL PRESSCON bukas FEB 2, 12NN (Manila time) sa http://imortal.abs-cbn.com/chat

Melissa Ricks in Nasaan Ka Elisa?

Melissa Ricks is soon again to star in the upcoming teleserye Nasaan Ka Elisa?. This is the Philippine adaptation of the telenovela from Chile, Donde Esta Elisa?.

The story involves the events of the disappearance of Elisa, one of the daughters of the couple formed by Raimundo Domínguez and Francisca Correa, who after 17 years of marriage become so desperate that their own marriage is in danger.

When she disappears, the secrets of every member of the family and friends began to surfaced out; the paranoias start, histories from the past, themes that were supposed to be buried and the recriminations among family members start.

All these events lead into having a long list of suspects, among them the family members, fellow students, former workers of the tello and several friends that used to go to the same places she was going before disappearing.

Here is the teaser of Nasaan Si Elisa?.