ABS-CBN Ties Up With Solar TV for NBA Games

ABS-CBN Corporation announced on Friday that it will air National Basketball Association (NBA) games over free TV starting February 19, 2011.

As part of a co-production agreement between ABS-CBN Chairman-Chief Executive Officer Eugenio "Gabby" Lopez III and Solar TV Network Chairman William Y. Tieng, ABS-CBN will air NBA games and related programs, including the Pre-Season, Regular Season, Playoff and Final plus magazine shows such as NBA Action and Real NBA, over the next four years.

These games will be aired on Studio 23 and ABS-CBN Channel 2. Solar TV will still air the games daily on BTV.

“ABS-CBN Corporation thanks Solar TV Network for entrusting to the Kapamilya Network the free TV telecast of the National Basketball Association games,” ABS-CBN said in a statement.

The alliance between ABS-CBN and Solar TV, which holds the rights to the popular basketball franchise, will begin with the NBA All-Star Weekend on February 19 (Manila time).

"This historical alliance will commence on Studio 23 with the NBA All Star-Weekend taking place at the Los Angeles Staples Center. Scheduled is the Rookies-Sophomore Games on February 19th followed by All- Star Saturday Night on February 20th (featuring the Skills Challenge/Slam Dunk Contest/ 3-Point Shooting Competitions) and culminating with the prestigious All-Stars Game with Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and company on Monday, February 21," a statement from Solar TV said.

“I am happy to say that both parties share a common passion for basketball and a common legacy for sports broadcasting. At the end of the day, this game is all about teamwork. With this alliance, SolarTV and ABS-CBN have a winning combination,” Tieng said in a separate statement.

"Filipino sports fans can be assured that ABS-CBN, the country’s largest multimedia conglomerate, will continue to offer only the best in sporting events and specials. And our partner Solar TV can be assured of the all-out support that ABS-CBN is giving in bringing the NBA brand closer to more Filipino homes,” added ABS-CBN Corp.

The co-production agreement between ABS-CBN and Solar TV covers the NBA's 2010-2011 Season to the 2013-2014 Season.

Zaijan Jaranilla and Xyriel Manabat Excited to Work With Vic Sotto

Aside from working with Bea Alonzo, Vic Sotto will also work with child stars Zaijan Jaranilla and Xyriel Manabat, known for their roles "Santino" and "Momay."

Zaijan and Xyriel admitted they are nervous working with Sotto, their "Idol", but stressed that they are also excited to do the film with him.

"Kay Bossing Vic po, nahihiya," Jaranilla said.

"Ako po mayroon nga po akong copy ng movie niya na 'Love Online,'" Manabat said to prove the she is a fan of Sotto.

Philippine Mythology on Matanglawin

Many believe that they are just a figment of the imagination, while others claim that they exist. Are mermaids, dwarves, fairies and other enchanted creatures real?

Kim Atienza finds out this Sunday (Feb 20) as he delves into the mysterious world of Philippine mythology.

Join the country’s Trivia King as he travels the country in search of these Filipinos who believe in their existence and even claim to have seen and befriended them.

Is it true that there have been mermaid sightings in our very own seas? Do Dwarves really bring you luck or misfortunes in life?

Don’t miss another exciting episode of Students Choice of Educational Program in the 7th USTv Students Choice Awards, “Matanglawin,” this Sunday (Feb 20). 9:30 AM on ABS-CBN.

Star Power Final Showdown

Who among Akiko, K-La, Angeline, Krissel and Monica will be Sharon’s Next Female Pop Superstar?

Star Power Final 5 Akiko, K-La, Angeline, Krissel and Monica are in the highest fighting spirits, as only hours are left before they finally face the competition’s most crucial point, the grand finals. They are about to give their best performances in a showdown which will conclude this season’s Sharon’s Next Female Pop Superstar.

The competition which will be aired live from Ynares Center in Antipolo after Rated Kon ABS-CBN features not only one but three rounds of fierce showdown among the now most talked about Star Power girls. All of them take the last chance to garner their dream title to become the grand champion.

To lessen the nervousness and pressure that the Star Power girls are feeling, their ultimate mentor Megastar Sharon Cuneta comes to rescue and calms them down with her inspiring words. Mega says though the girls face the peak of the competition, they must still enjoy and remain positive.

Besides their remarkable exposures on TV, whopping prizes await the hailed Sharon’s Next Female Pop Superstar—P1 million, SUV Hover from Great Wall Cars exclusively distributed by State Motors Corporation, Sony Entertainment showcase with special home theater and very elegant JMK diamond jewelry set

To be hailed Sharon’s Next Female Pop Superstar, Star Power 5 must garner many text votes, which comprise the 40% of their final score. Of course, they must please the Star Power judges and ABS-CBN Management who will decide the 60% of their scores.

Monica, the Charming Biritera of Leyte; Krissel, the Soulful Diva of Davao; Angeline, the Pop Belter of Manila; K-La, the R&B Sweetheart ng Canada; and Akiko, the Sweet and Sexy Siren of Cebu face another the final twist that would test their abilities and competence as full-fledged performers.

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—sa 2366.

Witness the making of a true star! Catch Star Power, Sharon’s Search for the Next Female Pop Superstar, this Sunday, after Rated K on ABS-CBN. Also catch the ASAP Sessionistas 2011 concert on February 5, Saturday, 8p.m. at the Araneta Coliseum.