Philippine Azkals vs. Mongolian Blue Wolves on Studio 23

The Philippine Azkals are out to show what they’re made of as they collide with the Mongolian football team on Wednesday in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup qualifier at the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City.

More than 15,000 Filipino fans are expected to pack the stadium to see the Azkals play against the Mongolian line up in what is considered by many as the biggest football match in the Philippines in years.

The Azkals have become the darling of Filipino sports fans following their feat in the 2010 Suzuki Cup.

The Philippine team’s German coach, Hans Michael Weiss, said his boys are raring to give their best in front of their country men.

“They have experience in Indonesia, Vietnam and now they at last, looking to play for their own crowd... playing a good match,” said Weiss.

The other side of a home court advantage, however, is the pressure the Azkals will still have to contend with to win and keep up with the rising expectations of their followers.

Coach Weiss said he kept on reminding the Azkals not to let their popularity get into their heads and to remain determined even against “easy opponents”.

The Azkals ranked 152nd while Mongolia is at 182nd, according to FIFA or Fédération Internationale de Football Association (International Federation of Association Football) .

"Of course the Philippines is stronger, they (Azkals) are much higher than our position [in the FIFA rankings] but any team playing in the field... always aim to win,” said Mongolia media officer, Gantuga Bulgan.

The Mongolians, nicknamed as the Blue Wolves, arrived in Bacolod City on Monday after a week of training in Guangzhou, China.

The Blue Wolves assured football fans of a great game ahead.

Weiss said it is crucial for the Azkals to win the first leg in the home-and-away qualifying series.

“To win the first leg is important in qualifying,” he said. “Mongolia have been inactive for the past couple of years and they come from cold weather, so we will try to catch them out by pushing forward and trying to score goals early on.”

The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) also reminded Filipino fans who will watch the games in Panaad Stadium to wear white t-shirts in support for the Azkals.

Making up the Azkals’ final line up are:

· Aly Borromeo
· Eduard Sacapano
· Neil Etheridge
· Anton del Rosario
· Jerry Barbaso
· Kim Relucio
· Joebel Bermejo
· Rob Gier
· Ray Jonnson
· Nestorio Margarse
· Emilio Caligdong
· Simon Greatwich
· Peter Jaugan
· Mark Ferrer
· James Younghusband
· Reymark Palmes
· Jason de Jong
· Patrick Hinrichsen
· Jason Sabio
· Phil Younghusband
· and Ian Araneta

The Philippine Azkals have become so popular that FIFA or Fédération Internationale de Football Association (International Federation of Association Football) has taken notice.

In fact, FIFA.com featured the team on its front page.

The game between the Philippine Azkals and Mongolia will be aired live in the Philippines courtesy of Studio 23. It will be aired live starting at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 9,2011.

The replay of the game will be on BALLS Sky Cable channel 34 on February 10, 2011, Thursday at 6:30 p.m. and on February 13,2011, Sunday at 6p.m..

Angelica Panganiban on Pantene Nature Care

Another kapamilya star is endorsing a shampoo product. Now, its Angelica Panganiban for Pantene Nature Care.

The power of nature and the power of Pro-V science come together for the first time. See how Angelica discovers hair that bounces back with life.

Kathryn Bernardo's 16 Roses Revealed on Mara Clara

Today's episode of Mara Clara reveals the Kapamilya stars who danced with Kathryn Bernardo's Mara character during her 16th Birthday celebration. Her father portrayed by Bobby Andrews was her first dance, followed by Kapamilya actors including Sam Milby, Matteo Guidicelli, Joem Bascon, Ejay Falcon, Xian Lim, Robbie Domingo, Enrique Gil, Arron Villaflor, Martin del Rosario, Joseph Marco, Zaijan Jaranilla and Jake Cuenca. Also included are the Mara Clara casts EJ Jallorina who played Mara's gay friend Butch, John Manalo and Albie Casino.

Kapamilya Stars on Bench Summer 2011 "Return to Temptation" Campaign

Premier clothing line Bench releases their Summer 2011 "Return to Temptation" Campaign with mostly Kapamilya Stars! Aside from Jake Cuenca and the Mara Clara casts, the summer ad campaign includes Gerald Anderson, Kim Chiu, Sam Concepcion, AJ Perez, Ejay Falcon, Joseph Marco, Melai Cantiveros, Jason Francisco, Paul Jake Castillo, Johan Santos, Ron Morales, Rayver Cruz, Jon Avila, Rafael Rosell, Iya Villania, Karylle, Zanjoe Marudo, Shaina Magdayao, Diether Ocampo, Enchong Dee, Angelica Panganiban and Piolo Pascual.

Here are the pictures of the Kapamilya stars plus some Kapuso stars.

PBA Kabarkada Na!

The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Board of Governors has approved the proposal of Solar Entertainment Corp. to transfer the television coverage of the games in the next two conferences to ABS-CBN’s Studio 23.

The PBA Board granted approval on Monday after evaluating the technical facilities and capability of Studio 23.

"The members of the Board have consulted with their respective principals regarding the said transfer," said board chairman Rene Pardo in PBA’s official statement.

"Given the time constraints and lack of available and acceptable VHF channels at this time, the Board allowed the transfer of the coverage to Studio 23 for the rest of the season," he added.

Solar Entertainment proposed to transfer the coverage after government channel RPN-9, which aired the games for several years, decided to reformat its programming.

PBA Commissioner Chito Salud said they made the decision so that fans will continue to enjoy the games.

"The Board's decision ensures that our fans will continue to enjoy our PBA games for the 36th season," said Salud.

"It has always been the primary consideration of the Board of Governors that our games are brought to a wider and younger audience," he added

11 Most Fascinating and Interesting People of 2010 on Cinema One

Premiere movie cable channel Cinema One bravely presents its list of 11 Most Interesting and Fascinating People of 2010 in the channel’s special program entitled Eleven hosted by no less than the King of Talk, Boy Abunda.

Carefully strained from a bevy of names who made a mark in the field they’re known for, these 11 luminaries who are an exciting mix of celebrities, sportsmen, media, politicians and people in the arts and culture are distinct achievers. They set new standards of being an achiever while inspiring others.

One of them who made it to the list is President Noynoy Aquino, the country’s first bachelor President whose image sent off messages of a new hope. Manny Pacquiao is another standout. The People’s Champ did not earn this perfect sobriquet for nothing. He knocked out opponent after opponent in international rings. Charice Pempengco made it to the list. Her determination and perseverance lead to her global success. Maria Venus Raj has to be in this list. Hers is a real Cinderella story. From her humble beginnings to controversies of her nationality that stripped her off of her crown to rightfully reclaiming it and then finally representing the country in the Ms. Universe Pageant makes her the ‘major major’ modern woman that she is. John Lloyd Cruz, Vice President Jojo Binay, Gretchen Barretto, the Azskals, Maria Ressa and Inno Sotto are the others who deservingly complete the list. “Eleven” presents exclusive engaging interviews and features on some of these very fascinating Filipino personalities and celebrities.

Cinema One’s “Eleven” will be presented by Cinema One on February 8 at 7 pm with replays on February 12 (1am) , February 12 (1pm) , February 13 (10pm), February 17 (11 pm) and February 23 (3pm) .Tune in to Cinema One to catch them all! Available on SkyCable Gold,SkyCable Silver and other quality cable operators nationwide. Also catch it soon on Studio 23.

Mara Clara Casts on Bench Summer 2011 "Return to Temptation" Campaign

Mara Clara proves to be a nationwide hit as the whole young casts became new endorsers of Bench clothing lines. Kathryn Bernardo, Julia Montes, Albie Casino and John Manalo are included in the Bench Summer 2011 "Return to Temptation" campaign.

Buhawi Jack and Rated K Top Weekend Ratings Nationwide Ratings

Based on the Kantar Media National TV Ratings (February 4 to 6, 2011), “Buhawi Jack” and “Rated K” are most-watched programs last weekend.

Here is the complete list:

February 4, 2011 (Friday)

Daytime:
Gising Pilipinas (1.0%) / Kape’t Pandasal (1.7%) vs. Rescue (Replay) (1.5%)
Umagang Kay Ganda (5.4%) vs. Unang Hirit (4.5%)
Dora The Exporer (6.3%) vs. Doraemon (7.8%)
Spongebob Squarepants (8.1%) vs. Jackie Chan Adventures (8.5%)
Mr. Bean (7.0%) vs. Shaman King (9.4%) / One Piece (9.9%)
Banana Split Daily Servings (7.9%) vs. Love Ni Mister Love Ni Misis (5.2%)
Kapamilya Blockbusters ‘Isusumbong Kita Sa Tatay Ko…’ (14.4%) vs. Kapuso Movie Festival ‘April Boy’s Sana’y Mahalin Mo Rin Ako’ (8.2%)
Showtime (12.0%) vs. Eat… Bulaga! (17.0%)
Agimat ‘Bianong Bulag’ (12.5%) vs. Alakdana (12.9%)
Malparida (11.6%) / Juanita Banana (12.0%) vs. Little Star (12.6%)
Shoutout (8.2%) vs. Koreana (17.1%)
Alyna (12.1%) / I Love You So (13.2%) vs. Temptation Of Wife (22.7%)

Primetime:
Sabel (20.3%) vs. Bantatay (19.8%)
TV Patrol (25.3%) vs. 24 Oras (19.8%) vs. Willing Willie (9.1%)
Noah (30.2%) vs. Dwarfina (17.6%)
Mutya (31.9%) vs. Machete (17.4%)
Mara Clara (34.1%) vs. Beauty Queen (21.1%)
Imortal (26.0%) vs. The Baker King (20.0%)
Kristine (17.0%) / Cinderella’s Sister (12.6%) vs. Bubble Gang (12.7%)
SNN Showbiz News Ngayon (6.0%) vs. Saksi Eleksyon Special Edition (5.2%)
Bandila (3.8%) / S.O.C.O. (3.4%) vs. Tunay Na Bahay (2.7%)

February 5, 2011 (Saturday)

Daytime:
Salamat Dok (2.3%) vs. Pinoy MD Mga Doktor Ng Bayan (2.8%)
Kabuhayang Swak Na Swak (3.8%) vs. Hanep Buhay (4.0%)
Honey Watch Out (3.0%) vs. Tamagotchi (5.0%)
I Got It (4.6%) vs. Bakugan Battle Brawlers (6.4%)
The Adventures Of Jimmy Neutron Boy Genius (6.7%) / Avatar The Legend Of Aang (7.9%) vs. Art Angel (5.1%)
Spongebob Squarepants (8.1%) vs. One Piece (6.3%)
Boys Over Flowers Forever (7.6%) vs. Maynila (8.1%)
Kapamilya Holiday Blockbusters ‘Lilo & Stitch’ (11.3%) vs. Kapuso Valentine Film Festival ‘Let The Love Begin’ (12.9%)
Showtime (11.8%) vs. Eat… Bulaga! (Saturday) (18.5%)
Entertainment Live! (7.6%) vs. Startalk (7.0%)
Mutya (12.9%) vs. Misteryo (8.1%) / Wish Ko Lang! (13.0%) vs. Willing Willie (Saturday) (13.0%)
Failon Ngayon (17.6%) / TV Patrol Weekend (21.2%) / Star Circle Quest (18.7%) vs. Kapuso Movie Festival ‘Kutob’ (16.6%)

Primetime:
Wansapanataym ‘Buhawi Jack’ (23.2%) vs. 24 Oras Weekend (18.1%)
Maalaala Mo Kaya… (22.3%) vs. Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho (20.9%)
Laugh Out Loud (12.1%) vs. Imbestigador (15.3%)
Banana Split (7.5%) vs. Comedy Bar (6.8%)
The Bottom Line With Boy Abunda (3.6%) / Sports Unlimited (1.8%) vs. Walang Tulugan With Master Showman (1.8%)

February 6, 2011 (Sunday)

Daytime:
The Healing Eucharist (5.1%) vs. In Touch (0.5%)
Kabuhayang Swak Na Swak (3.6%) vs. Pinoy MD Mga Doktor Ng Bayan (3.5%)
Salamat Dok (3.6%) vs. Blazing Teens 2 (4.5%)
Beyblade (4.0%) vs. Bakungan Battle Brawlers (5.5%)
Matanglawin (7.8%) vs. Aha (5.7%)
Kapamilya Sunday Blockbusters ‘Herbie Fullyloaded’ (13.9%) vs. Kapuso Movie Sunday Festival ‘Pikachi The Movie 5′ (6.7%) / The Making Of My Valentine Girls (6.5%)
Asap Rocks (12.0%) vs. Party Pilipinas (9.1%)
Your Song Presents Kim (9.5%) vs. Reel Love Presents Tween Hearts (10.3%)
The Buzz (10.1%) vs. Showbiz Central (6.8%)

Primetime:
TV Patrol Weekend (17.0%) vs. 24 Oras Weekend (13.6%)
Goin’ Bulilit (20.9%) vs. Pepito Manaloto Reality Sitcom (19.7%)
Rated K Handa Na Ba Kayo? (21.9%) vs. Kap’s Amazing Stories (20.9%)
Star Power Sharon’s Search (15.5%) vs. Mel & Joey (15.1%) / Show Me Da Manny (11.1%)
Sunday’s Best ‘Lani Misalucha The Nightingale Sings’ (3.6%) vs. Sunday Night Box Office ‘Kaleldo (Summer Heat)’ (5.9%)
Urban Zone (1.4%) vs. Diyos At Bayan (0.9%)

Source: TNS/Kantar Media

Mariel Rodriguez on Happy Yippie Yehey

Sa darating na Sabado ay muli nating mapapanood sa telebisyon si Mariel Rodriguez sa pinakabagong noon time show na Happy Yippie Yehey. Marami ang nag-aabang sa pagbabalik ng TV host. Noong Sabado ay nag-guest si Mariel sa Entertainment Live matapos siyang mawala ng ilang buwan. Naikuwento niya dito na masaya siya bilang may bahay ni Robin Padilla.

“Nagpaka-wife ako. Alam n’yo namang bagong kasal kami ni Robin, so kailangan kong maging mabuting maybahay, and I’m very happy being a wife. Very happy ang aming married life. Mas maalaga si Robin sa akin rather than ako ang mas maalaga sa kanya,” pahayag ni Mariel.

Masaya rin si Mariel sa pagkakaayos nila ni Toni Gonzaga. “Noong una, it was kinda awkward. Oo small talk may ganun, noong finally nadoon na, it felt good kasi nailabas na. The nice thing is during the time na we were talking, ang daming nangyari sa amin, kaming dalawa. Iba yung journey na pinag-uusapan namin ngayon. It’s a different level din. It’s a new chapter,” masayang kuwento pa ni Mariel.

Maging si Toni ay excited na rin sa show na pagsasamahan nila ni Mariel. “Nag-dry run na kami for the segments for the flow of the show. It was very relaxing, it was smooth. Di kami nag-trabaho at nagkita ni Mariel ng matagal. Noong pagsabak namin, walang adjustment na nangyari kasi memorize ko na siya, memorize na rin niya ako. We’re looking forward to something bigger, better, happier, so yung mga bagay na hurtful ay ayaw na naming pag-usapan. We both agreed with that, na huwag na nating pag-usapan,” kuwento naman ni Toni.

Nagkaayos na rin sina Mariel at ang nakatampuhan din noon na si Luis Manzano. Napag-usapan ng dalawa kung ano ang naging problema nila at na-solve naman nila ito. Ngayon ay masaya na muli ang pagkakaibigan nina Mariel, Toni at Luis.

Anne Curtis Feels Relieved That Showtime Will be Back on its Original Timeslot

Anne Curtis explained that she was not surprised when she and the Showtime team heard that their program will return to its original timeslot—which is 10:30 a.m.—when Happy, Yippee, Yehey premieres this coming Saturday, February 12 at noon. “We knew that from the beginning,” explained Anne. The talent-search show was placed in the noontime slot after Pilipinas Win na Win bid goodbye last December 31, 2010.

“They asked Showtime very quickly at the end of last year to be noontime for three hours, so naloka kami," she said. "We took on the challenge given to us, but we were told naman back in December that it will only going to be until February, so it’s okay. Fight kami dyan.” The Fil-Australian shared that it was challenging for them to keep the show running for three hours every episode in a noontime slot.

Rather than being sad, Anne shared that she feels relieved that Showtime will be in the morning again because it is when their real target audience is available. “Kasi at least you know we’re back on the timeslot of young audience kasi if you’ve noticed the audience in Showtime, they’re all young, they’re students. Gusto nila nakakanood muna sila ng Showtime and then they go to school, kaya minsan naka-uniform sila [‘pag pumupunta ng show].”

She said that when Showtime’s timeslot was changed to noontime, many students reacted on Twitter and complained that they could not watch the show anymore because they needed to be in school during the new timeslot.

Anne was also asked for her opinion on Mariel Rodriguez’s return to hosting since she will be part of Happy, Yippee, Yehey. The two had a rift last year because Anne got involved in the Toni Gonzaga-Mariel issue. “I think that would be good,” began Anne. “They’re really pang-noontime and I think it should be given back… to them. She had a long break she needs to come back na.” The actress also stressed that she is on good terms with Mariel but did not elaborate.

Aside from Showtime and her endorsements nowadays, Anne is busy with a new teleserye, titled Green Rose with Jericho Rosales and Jake Cuenca and a movie with Luis Manzano entitled Who’s That Girl. “I don’t think I could ask for anything more,” said Anne on her career. “But if there is something more to happen, then I’d happily take it all in. I’m just taking everything in day by day [and] no expectations. I just want to be happy, [to have a] positive year. I wanna have a great 2011, and I wish the same for everyone else.”

Source: www.push.com.ph

ABS-CBN Got 8 Nominations at the 2011 New York Festivals TV & Film Awards

ABS-CBN got a total of 8 nominations at the 2011 New York Festivals TV & Film Awards. The 54th International Television & Film Awards Show will take place in Las Vegas from April 9-14, 2011.

Two telenovelas from the Kapamilya Network are competing against the soap opera El Clon from the United States. These are Dahil May Isang Ikaw (topbilled by Jericho Rosales, Kristine Hermosa, Gabby Concepcion, and Lorna Tolentino) and Magkaribal (starring Gretchen Barretto and Bea Alonzo).

TV Patrol's coverage of the August 23 hostage-taking titled "Bloodbath in Manila" earned a slot in the category, Coverage of Breaking News.

Ces Drilon's late-night program, I Survived, is nominated in the Docudrama category. Meanwhile, Patricia Evangelista and Paolo Villaluna's Storyline is nominated in three categories: 1) Biography/Profiles, 2) Community Portraits and 3) Social Issues/Current Events.

Aside from its shows, ABS-CBN was also recognized in the Copywriting: Promotion Spot category for its entry titled "Altar." This was created by the station's Creative Communications Management for the fire prevention month.

The shortlisted entries for the 2011 New York Festivals Television & Film Awards will be judged by a grand jury coming from 35 countries worldwide.

Sarah Geronimo Excited for Valentine Concert With Martin Nievera

Bukod sa pelikula, busy rin si Sarah Geronimo sa pag-aalala para sa kanyang concert with Martin Nievera sa February 12, ang What Love Is?, na gaganapin sa Araneta Coliseum.

Flattered daw si Sarah dahil pinili umano siya ni Martin na makasama sa concert na ito.

"Sobrang excited na talaga ako! Kinakabahan. Kasi Mr. Martin Nievera ang kasama ko sa concert. Talagang I'm truly honored na pinagbigyan niya ang isang beginner na katulad ko na makasama niya sa isang concert," sabi niya.

"Beginner" ang tawag ni Sarah sa kanyang sarili dahil kasisimula lang umano niya sa music industry. Samantalang isa na si Martin sa mga senior singers sa Pilipinas at itinuturing Concert King.

Tumanggi si Sarah sabihin kung ano ang bagong mapapanood ng mga tao sa concert nila ni Martin.

"Just watch the concert to find out. Sana po mapanood nila yung show. Maganda yung show," sabi niya.

Sarah Geronimo on Working With Leading Men Gerald Anderson and Matteo Guidicelli

Masaya si Sarah Geronimo dahil kasisimula pa lang ng taon ay nabigyan na siya ng pelikula ng Star Cinema, ang film production arm ng ABS-CBN.

Makakapareha ni Sarah dito ang dalawa sa young leading men sa Kapamilya Network—sina Gerald Anderson at Matteo Guidicelli.

Saad ni Sarah, nakapag-shooting na sila ng ilang araw para sa pelikula, na idinidirek ni Mae Cruz.

"Ay, masaya, masaya po sa set," sabi ng young singer. "Positive, at walang nakasimangot. Hopefully, ganun pa rin kapag malapit na yung playdate...

"Para nga kaming magkakapatid sa set, e. Nagkagaanan kami ng loob kaagad, kahit yung mga kapatid ng karakter ko."

Inilarawan din ni Sarah kung anong klaseng mga leading men sina Matteo at Gerald.

"Kasi hindi pa kami nagkatrabaho nang matagal, pero ang napansin ko naman sa kanilang dalawa, pareho silang professional, gentlemen, inaalalayan ako talaga. Yung respeto sa babaeng co-star, makikita mo sa kanila," saad nito.

Inamin ni Sarah na nararamdaman niya ang pressure sa paggawa ng bagong romantic-comedy film para sa Star Cinema.

"Ang pressure naman, lagi namang nandiyan 'yan. Sabi nga ni Gerald, we should take it as a challenge na rin para mas pagbutihan natin ang mga trabaho natin. Para hindi naman ma-disappoint ang mga tao.

"Bahala na si Lord kung anong magiging outcome ng proyektong ito, kung maa-appreciate ng mga tao. Pero alam namin sa sarili na ibinigay namin yung makakaya namin para pagandahin ang pelikula," sabi ng Pop Princess.

Sarah Geronimo Stresses She Will Still Remain a Kapamilya

Kahit pa pumirma na si Sarah Geronimo ng one-year contract sa ABS-CBN noong September 2010 ay hindi pa rin mamatay-matay ang mga usap-usapan na lilipat umano ang Pop Princess sa TV5.

Kaya naman mariin nang itinanggi ni Sarah ang isyung ito sa panayam sa kanya ng press sa isang event para sa Maaga ang Pasko ng Jollibee ngayong umaga, February 8, sa Mandarin Oriental Hotel sa Makati City.

"Basta hindi po, hindi po totoo," saad ng Kapamilya singer na mina-manage ng Viva Artists Agency.

Dagdag ni Sarah, hindi niya alam kung totoo ngang may offer ang Kapatid Network sa kanya.

"Hindi ko po alam. Tanong n'yo po kay Boss Vic kung meron," sabi ni Sarah, na ang tinutukoy ay ang big boss ng Viva na si Vic del Rosario.

Pagpapatuloy ng batang singer at aktres, "happy" naman siya sa network niya ngayon.

"Siyempre, katulad nga po ng sinasabi ko, magmula nang pumasok ako sa ABS-CBN, iba na yung pag-aalagang ibinigay nila, pagsuporta. Sila yung kauna-unahang istasyon na nagbigay sa akin ng pagkakataong umarte.

"At ganun din sa ASAP, iba din yung binibigay nilang break talaga. So, malaking bahagi po sila ng career ko," saad ni Sarah.