Ces Drilons Fights for Honor of Pinoy Soldiers on Krusada

The current investigation on irregularities in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has been the talk of the town, much more with the sudden death of a former AFP chief, whose name was dragged into the controversy.

The allegations of corruption against the officials of AFP have tainted the image of the military. It has left a bad impression, especially for the soldiers who had and continue to risk their lives in the name of the country.

Ces Drilon feels for the good soldiers who are not given enough attention due to the smeared named of the AFP. Her father used to be one of them that is why she is this motivated to help raise the honor of the military despite this controversy involving its officials.

In tonight’s episode of Krusada, Ces will show the different stories of ordinary soldiers and their families. Some of them remain strong and in the field, while some have been sidetracked by illness or serious war-inflicted injuries.

Ces will also investigate the issue on the fund for United Nations Peacekeeping troops allocated for Filipino peacekeepers in Haiti.

Krusada airs after Bandila.

Anne Curtis Wishes to Have a TV Project With Angel Locsin, KC Concepcion and Bea Alonzo

For the first time ever, ABS-CBN contract stars Angel Locsin, KC Concepcion, Anne Curtis and Bea Alonzo have joined forces to do a special project.

"It was a pictorial that we shot altogether. Ang galing ni [photographer] Mark Nicdao napagsama-sama niya kaming lahat. Ito ay [coffee table book]," Curtis said during a press conference for a television series called “Green Rose”

Curtis, who is hosting "Showtime," said she hopes that all of them can appear in one television project in the future.

"Sana magka-show kaming lahat. Pero ang ginagawa ng ABS-CBN ay hinahati-hati kaming lahat, kasi alangan namang nasa isang show kaming lahat. At least lahat may isang teleserye or show. Kasi kung nasa isang show kami baka hindi na kami mabigyan ng ibang shows. Pero sana, kahit guesting or something, ay magkasama kaming lahat," she said.

Curtis is also promoting her movie, "Who's That Girl?," while Locsin is doing "Imortal" alongside John Lloyd Cruz.

Concepcion is hosting "The Buzz." She is also set to do a movie with Sam Milby. Bea Alonzo is paired with Robin Padilla in ABS-CBN TV series "Guns and Roses."

Jericho Rosales Reacts on the Nomination of his Series in the New York Festival TV Awards

Actor Jericho Rosales is excited that his now defunct television series, "Dahil May Isang Ikaw," with Kristine Hermosa is among the finalists at the prestigious New York Festivals (NYF) International TV and Film Awards 2011.

He said he is “very honored” and “very blessed” to do TV programs that made it to international competitions.

"Masaya ako kasi mostly ‘yong mga teleserye na ginagawa ko dito ay napapadala abroad at nano-nominate sila. Glory to God, ‘yong honor talaga," Rosales said during a press conference for his upcoming series, "Green Rose," with Anne Curtis.

For the second time, “Dahil May Isang Ikaw” has been nominated in the international competition. In 2010, it was named one of the official nominees at the 38th International Emmy Awards.

In 2010, the TV series was nominated under the Telenovela category, while it's supporting actor, Sid Lucero, was nominated under the Best Performance by an Actor category.

Another TV project of Rosales, “Kahit Isang Saglit,” merited a nomination at the 37th International Emmy Awards in 2009. “Kahit Isang Saglit” was nominated under the Telenovela category.

Rosales admitted that he is nervous over this new recognition. “Hindi ko kasi alam ‘yong standards nila.”

Nonetheless, if given a chance, the young actor said he wants to attend the awarding ceremony in Las Vegas in April.

"If they will allow me, pupunta ako. I am actually planning to go to New York din naman," Rosales added

Philippine Azkals Beat Mongolia Blue Wolves, 2-0

The Philippine Azkals carved out a hard-earned 2-0 victory over the Mongolia Blue Wolves in the first leg of their Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup qualifying tie at the jampacked Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City on Wednesday night.

Emilio "Chieffy" Caligdong tricked a defender near the Mongolian goal and nutmegged the Blue Wolves' goalie to hit the back of the net.

The second goal was scored by Phil Younghusband in the 92nd minute, deep into injury time.

Following a sneaky pass from Jason Sabio, the Filipino-British midfielder muffed his attempt against a Mongolian defender.

Following a sneaky pass from Jason Sabio, the Filipino-British midfielder muffed his attempt against a Mongolian defender.

Younghusband, however, followed this up with a curling shot that sent the Filipino spectators to jubilation.

He acknowledged the cheers coming from the crowd, even doing a cartwheel to celebrate their second goal.

The Azkals, not known for their offense, put up a solid attacking game against the Blue Wolves.

In the first half alone, the Filipinos had 7 goalscoring attempts against the Mongolians' 2 attempts.

Caligdong was so ecstatic with the victory.

“Sobrang saya ko,” said the Ilongo booter. “Kung anong ibinigay na instructions ni Coach [Hans Michael Weiss], ginawa ko lang.”


Younghusband, for his part, said he was relieved to score the second goal.

He said that it has given them a good lead going into their next game with the Blue Wolves.

“One-nil is always a difficult score line when going to an away ground. It was just more of a relief to score the second goal and give us a bigger cushion and more comfortable scoreline," said Younghusband.

Weiss said the win has effectively sent a message to other competitors in the Asian level.

“The Philippines is now in the competition,” said the German coach, who was tapped by the Azkals’ management after the team’s success in the 2010 Suzuki Cup.

The Azkals received a major morale boost from more than 18,000 Filipino fans who trooped to Panaad Stadium.

Weiss said the home crowd has certainly perked the Azkals’s confidence.

“They are wonderful,” the German said of the Filipino fans. “Fantastic, I can’t find the words.”

Younghusband said the support they get from their fans is astounding.

“It's amazing to see all the support around us, the people here are amazing. They are so passionate, I'm very privileged to wear the jersey,” said the Filipino-British.

The Mongolians said during the post game that the Filipino booters drew them into a tough battle.

One of their players received a red card in the first half after being slapped with 2 yellow cards, one for a foul and another for handball.

This, they said, was a big blow to them as this reduced their line up to just 10 players.

The Blue Wolves will seek their revenge on March 15 when the home-and-away cup tie resumes in Ulan Bator, the capital and largest city of Mongolia.

The Azkals, on the other hand, plan to spend 6 days of training and acclimatization in Baguio City to prepare themselves for Mongolia’s cold climate.

Younghusband said that the Mongolian climate won’t be an issue for the Azkals especially for Filipino-British people like him.

“We have a lot of plays in Europe, in the cold. It's actually a lot easier playing in the cold. In the heat you sweat a lot… I'd rather play in the cold,” he said.

Meanwhile, Philippine Football Federation (PFF) president Mariano Araneta Jr. disclosed that President Benigno Aquino III released P3 million from his Social Fund for the organizational needs of the Azkals-Blue Wolves match.

"Although President Aquino earlier sent his regrets that he would be unable to grace the occasion, he, however, released P3 million to help us fund this big international football event," Araneta said.

"We are grateful for his support of the Azkals and Philippine football, which should inspire our boys to play their best in front of our countrymen," Araneta said of the event backed by the POC, PSC, Smart and Mizuno.

Araneta added that the Azkals’s emphatic victory served as a belated present for the President who celebrated his 51st birthday last Tuesday.

Among those who witnessed the match were Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Peping Cojuangco and Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Richie Garcia, whose sports agency helped install the additional light at Panaad so that the match could be televised.

Also present were ABS-CBN Chief Executive Officer Eugenio “Gabby” Lopez III, ABS-CBN Vice-President for Sports Peter Musngi, Batangas Vice-Governor Mark Leviste, former Commission on Elections (COMELEC) commissioner Gregorio “Goyo” Larrazabal and Negros Occidental Congressman Carlos “Charlie” Cojuangco. – With reports from Ira Pedrasa, abs-cbnNews.com and TJ Manotoc, ABS-CBN News

Studio 23 will replay the ABS-CBN Sports’ overage of the AFC CHALLENGE CUP: PHILIPPINES VS MONGOLIA on February 12, Saturday, from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m

Bulong Earns PhP33.25 Million on First 5 Days

“Bulong”, Star Cinema’s horror comedy film, topped Philippine box-office last week with a haul of P33.25 million in first 5 days.

Starring Vhong Navarro and Angelica Panganiban, “Bulong” is Star Cinema’s opening salvo for 2011 and the first local mainstream movie to be screened this year after the Metro Manila Film Festival.

Star Cinema’s previous horror films earned higher in their first 5 days of showing. “Cinco” which was shown July last year had an opening gross of P38.59M while the MMFF entry “Dalaw” earned around P50 million. However, the P33.25 million opening weekend gross of “Bulong” is not bad at all.

“Bulong” bested 3 Hollywood movies which also debuted last week: The Rite (#3), Burlesque (#4) and the Warrior’s Way (#9). It was also the grand opening week of “Tangled” after its 3D debut last 2 weeks ago.

Us Girls Valentine Episode

Us Girls lists down the most “kilig” real-life celebrity couples on their Valentine’s episode.

Tune in for some ‘kilig’ moments from Judy Ann Santos and Ryan Agoncillo, Angelica Panganiban and Derek Ramsay, Mariel Rodriguez and Robin Padilla, and KC Concepcion and Piolo Pascual on the Valentine’s Day Special of “Us Girls” this Sunday (Feb 13) on Studio 23.

Aside from the four famous couples, the country’s fashion and lifestyle magazine show authority will also put the spotlight on the love stories of six “Kabarkada” pairs, who are also ready to paint the town red come February 14.

Hosts Iya Villania, Chesca Garcia-Kramer, and birthday girl Angel Aquino will also be there to help you prepare for your own date. Find out cool new beauty and fashion tips that will surely captivate your significant other.

Haven’t planned anything yet for your sweetheart? No worries as the Fab Three will also share last minute preparation ideas that can make this Valentine’s Day one to remember.

Some lucky Kabarkadas will also get to hang-out with hunk actor Xian Lim on an “Us Girls” double date.

It’s all about love on the 2010 PMPC Best Lifestyle Show “Us Girls,” 6:30pm on Studio 23.

Toni Gonzaga and Mariel Rodriguez Describe Their Friendship as a Work in Progress

Ever since it was announced that Toni Gonzaga and Mariel Rodriguez would both be on Happy Yipee Yehey!, people have been wondering how they would work together after their controversial falling out last year. But during the press con of their upcoming noontime show, they refused to say how they managed to overcome their misgivings about their friendship. “Kasi kung i-elaborate pa namin, ang haba na e. Tsaka ang hirap na rin pong mag-explain at magkwento dahil ang tagal na. Kahit ano pang sabihin namin, yung ibang tao may mindset na about us, so hayaan na lang namin. Ang importante, kaya kami nagkasama ulit ni Ma, hindi dahil may show, pero dahil matagal na rin kaming naging okay, actually last year pa naman. Siguro ngayon magiging sensationalized lang dahil ngayon lang ulit kami makikita na magkasama together,” said Toni who previously accused Mariel of betraying her several times.

Mariel admitted that she was scared that they would never be able to revive their friendship. But one thing she learned from what they went through is the fact that anything could be solved through proper communication. “Ako nagkaroon ng ganong worry na baka hindi na maibalik yung dating samahan, because the friendship matters. If you don’t care about the friendship, [deadma na] ‘di ba? Pero yun nga siguro yung magic dahil maganda yung foundation ng friendship namin [kaya nalampasan namin yung misunderstanding namin noon]. But it’s what happens after which matters now, na ngayon okay na kami.”

Toni further shared that they didn’t expect to be part of the same show soon after their reconciliation. But it’s definitely meant to happen especially because they can’t deny the fact that they work so well together as hosts. “Ako sobra akong na-excite sa idea na inofferan ako ulit mag-noontime show, mahirap naman tumanggi. Si Mariel naman, setting aside yung mga pinagdaanan namin, we worked together for many years already. Yung chemistry at rapport na nabuo namin, hindi mo makukuha na yun, buo na yun. So ang sarap ng feeling na magkakasama kayo sa isang show.”

At this point, Toni and Mariel were honest enough to say, however, that they’re not yet one hundred percent okay with each other. Not because they have lingering doubts about their friendship, but it’s just that they’re still in the process of working things out. “When you experience new storm or a bump in the road, tapos magsisimula kayo ulit, you take it one step at a time. It’s a work in progress,” said Toni. To which Mariel added, “Parang sa mag-boyfriend at girlfriend ‘di ba? Ganon naman talaga yun e. Ito yung natural na nararamdaman namin ngayon. Hindi naman yung mine-measure na, ‘Ay mas close kami noon!’ Hindi na pinaplano, meron siyang tamang panahon.”

For now they’re still planning when they would spend quality time with their good friend Bianca Gonzalez who’s really thrilled with Mariel and Toni’s reconciliation. “Siya ang pinakamasaya ngayon. We still have to set a date kasi ngayon we have dry runs for the show. Basta dadating tayo d’yan,” Mariel stated.

Source: www.push.com.ph