Empress Schuck Clears Issue on Not Inviting Kim Chiu on Her Debut

Ilang araw bago maganap ang kanyang debutante party ay nagkaroon ng mild accident si Empress sa kanyang bahay. Kuwento ng aktres, papunta siya sa comfort room sa kanilang bahay nang mabangga nito ang pinto na akala niya ay bukas. “Madilim, naglalakad ako, nabangga ko ‘yung glass door. Akala ko kase bukas siya. Nagkaroon ng minor injuries,” kuwento ng aktres sa The Buzz kahapon. Gayunpaman very thankful ang aktres na kahit nagkaroon siya ng stitches sa noo ay hindi seryoso ang aksidente niyang natamo.

Ipinaliwanag din ni Empress na hindi totoong hindi niya inimbita ang kaibigang si Kim Chiu sa kanyang birthday party. “January pa lang inilista ko na ‘yung 18 roses and 18 treasures ko and sinabi na ng handler ko na may gagawin na si Kim ng February 20. Sabi ko, ‘patay naunahan na ako.’ Siyempre kami pong mga artista hindi madaling ma-move ‘yung sched namin, so parang ngayon hopeful na lang ako na sana makaabot siya kung anong meron siya ngayon,” paliwanag ni Empress hours before her birthday celebration. Dagdag pa ng aktres, kung may mga lumalabas na kwento na nag-away daw sila ng grupo niyang Chiurigogobaschu— na kinabibilangan ni Melissa Ricks, Erich Gonzales, Kitkat at Beauty Gonzales—ay hindi ‘yon totoo. “Kahit ano pong lumalabas hindi lang po sa amin ni Kim, kahit sa aming grupo hindi po totoo lahat ‘yon.”

Hindi rin daw big deal kung wala siyang escort sa kanyan debut. “’Yung pagkakaroon ng escort hindi siya special, hindi siya big deal sa akin. Wala po akong special someone, never naman akong nagkaroon, so okay lang po na solo flight.”

Depende rin daw sa proyekto kung papayag na siyang makipag-kissing scene ngayong dalaga na siya. Pero kung pipili siya ng unang makaka-kissing scene ay gusto niya itong maging si Enchong Dee. “Kasi po si Enchong siya po talaga ‘yung pinaka-close ko na lalaki sa show business. Nung nagsa-start po siya, kami ang naging close, hanggang ngayon close kami. Nag-love team kami dati. Isa po talaga siya sa mga tina-trust ko na kaibigan. Kung magkakaron ng kissing scene hindi na kailangang mag-ilangan,” tapos ni Empress.

Naluha naman ang dalaga nang biglang handugan siya ng isang espesyal na awitin ng kanyang ama sa live show mismo ng The Buzz.

John Lloyd Cruz on His Transformation as a Vampire in Imortal

The much-awaited transformation of John Lloyd Cruz as a vampire was finally launched last week in Imortal, where he practically rose from the dead and vowed to seek revenge against the wolf clan led by Angel Locsin.

You would think that a talented actor such as John Lloyd would no longer feel nervous about taking on such a role. But he admitted to Push.com.ph that he was equally surprised with the turn of events in his very own teleserye. “Gano’n pala siya ka-dark. Hindi ko in-expect na ganon magiging ka-dark yung journey ng character. It’s amazing pero scary din. Kasi ikaw bilang gagawa ng character, kailangan mo pasukin yung mundo niya at kung ano mang ginagawa niya. Medyo scary pero challenging at interesting.”

John Lloyd’s role in Imortal is different from his previous projects in the sense that he’s being portrayed as someone ruthless—the type who wouldn’t think twice about wreaking havoc in other people’s lives. His character is filled with so much hatred that it bothers him even off cam. “Hindi pa naman ako ganong naaapektuhan, pero medyo ano lang din, it gets really dark sometimes. Malaking tulong kasi medyo matagal na tayo sa industry. 14 years na rin tayong umaarte. I am not saying na madali, pero medyo nagagawa mo na sa paraan na hindi ka gaano mahihirapan.”

John Lloyd also expressed his gratitude to his avid fans who never fails to show their support in all of his endeavors. “Sana patuloy nilang subaybayan at abangan yung mas maganda pang mga fight scenes at dramatic moments ng bawat character. Kaka-start pa lang ng bagong season ng Imortal and asahan ni’yo pong gabi-gabi kayo ay bibigyan namin ng iba’t ibang experience sa loob ng ilang minuto sa Primetime Bida.”

Source: www.abs-cbn.com

Empress Schuck Gets Stitches Before Her Birthday

Young actress Empress Schuck had to get stitches after she accidentally banged into her room's sliding glass door.

In an interview with "The Buzz," Schuck said that it was last Friday when the accident happened.

"Bale po Friday 'yon ng mga 4 am. Natutulog na po ako noon gusto kong mag-CR. May walk-in closet po ako, glass door po yon na sliding door. So naka-close siya madilim po naglalakad po ako, nabangga ko po ang glass door kala ko kasi bukas siya," Schuck said.

Schuck, who turned 18 on Sunday, said that she got cuts on her hands, nose and forehead. She said she got 5 stitches on forehead alone.

"Nagkaroon po ako ng minor injuries, yun sa kamay po may sugat, sa ilong po at sa forehead po," she said.

The actress refused to show her forehead but said she opted to have "bangs" to cover the stitches.

"Opo. 5 stitches po pero okay naman po," Schuck said.

Schuck celebrated her 18th birthday last Sunday night at the Grand Terrace in Quezon City where she wore a Pepsi Herrera gown.

Her showbiz friends like Enchong Dee, Felix Roco, Matt Evans, EJay Falcon, Dino Imperial and Jake Cuenca were part of her 18 roses while Andi Eigenmann, Beauty Gonzales, Melissa Ricks,Kitka, Erich Gonzales and Kim Chiu were part of her 18 treasures.

Source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Xyriel Manabat Turns 7

Child actress Xyriel Manabat celebrated her 7th birthday with a "Hello Kitty" theme.

In an interview with ABS-CBN News, Manabat said that she was really happy that all her friends in and out of show business were able to come and join her party.

"Ok lang naman. Masayang masaya po ako kasi yung inimbita namin pumunta sila. Pero yung iba kaya di nakapunta kasi may importanteng gawain," Manabat said.

The child star shared that her only wish is to have more projects.

"Wish ko more projects and more blessings to come," she said.

Asked of the gift that her proud parents gave her, the child actress replied: "Kiss!"

Manabat rose to fame after portraying the young Agua and Bendita in ABS-CBN's "Agua Bendita" with Andy Eigenmann as the lead star. Her first leading role was in the series "Momay."

She also joined "Star Circle Quest Kiddie Idol" in 2009.

She portrayed the young "Rubi" in a hit TV series with the same name. She also gave life to the young Marcela on "I Love Betty La Fea."

She also appeared in “Maalaala Mo Kaya,” "Dahil May Isang Ikaw" and "Noah."

Currently, she is gearing up for a movie project with Prince of Comedy Vic Sotto.

ABS-CBN Bags 5 Anvil Awards

ABS-CBN Corporation bagged 5 honors during the 45th Anvil Awards, the most prestigious award in the local public relations industry.

ABS-CBN got a Bronze Anvil award and an Award of Excellence for its Guinness World Record-breaking fun run “10.10.10. Run for Pasig River." Awards of Excellence were also given to “Boto Mo, iPatrol Mo,” “DZMM Kapamilya Shower Na,” and “Sagip Kapamilya.”

About 116,086 Filipinos joined ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.’s Pasig fun run, which beat the world record on the largest footrace in terms of the number of participants.

The large-scale project not only generated funds for the Pasig River rehabilitation project “Kapit Bisig Para Sa Ilog Pasig," it also made the public more involved in the Pasig cause, ABS-CBN said.

Multi-platform election campaign "Boto Mo, i-Patrol Mo," on the other hand, encouraged Filipinos to be more active and vigilant in choosing the next leaders of the country. The campaign triggered a spike in voter registration and created wider awareness on election issues and candidates through its activities such as the monthly nationwide BMPM days, citizen journalism workshops, leadership forums and debates, election specials and a concert.

The “DZMM Kapamilya Shower Na” campaign turned a 20-foot container van into a mobile shower facility that benefitted thousands of typhoon Ondoy victims. The mobile shower van has 12 fully-tiled cubicles with shower heads and mirrors, and was deployed to areas struck by calamities to help victims.

ABS-CBN’s “Sagip Kapamilya,” meanwhile, mobilized all its resources to bring forth the much-needed relief of Ondoy victims in the form of food and non-food items.

The Anvil Awards is an annual event organized by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP) that honors outstanding public relations programs and tools.

Prior to the Anvil Awards, ABS-CBN earned recognition for its various PR programs at the Philippine Quill Awards, a partnership between the International Association of Business Communicators and the Asia Pacific PR Awards.

Source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Kris Aquino's Birthday Issue of K Mag

Queen of All Media Kris Aquino, who now hosts the popular game show The Price is Right, celebrates a milestone in her life. On turning 40 last February 14, she proves once more that a strong faith, a positive attitude, and a love for life are all the anti-aging vitamins one needs to stay on top of one’s game at any age!

From cover to cover, this K Mag issue is chock-full of great tips, trends, and talk―all in the name of celebrating life!

Kris’s friends share their wisdom on key topics for this issue: Dr. Vicki Belo on “Staying young;” Fr. Jun Sescon on “Finding strength and significance;” and fashion designer JC Buendia on “Dressing well.”

But first, find out more about “the real Kris,” straight from the people who know her best. While her life seems to be an open book, some things about the multimedia star is known only to a chosen few. For instance, who else would know that she was a mean baseball player in her high school days, but someone who has seen her from her awkward years? Or that Kris is a human fairy godmother who likes to make things happen for other people? Who else could gauge that the Queen of Talk has, indeed, grown more mature and practical, but those who have seen her go through life’s ups and downs?

The real Kris Aquino is, indeed, generous and giving as the story “Making a difference” will show. Last December, Kris Aquino traveled all the way to Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental to visit her fan, Jessie Asiñero. The star of Dalaw, 2010 Metro Manila Film Festival’s highest grossing horror entry, was so touched by Jessie’s story on Failon Ngayon that she took it upon herself to meet the 32-year-old woman who suffers from a deformity that weakened her bones.

While Kris made her fan very happy, she also came out of the experience much more appreciative of the courage and zest for life the latter showed. This was but one of the significant experiences Kris has learned in the last year or so.

Read about her thoughts and activities in the last couple of months before her birthday in Kris’s exclusive K Journal, where she talks about “Living life to the fullest.” In this section, she details her movie-making moments, reveals that she is a foodie at heart and happily shows the “joys of eating,” among others. She also takes us through her trips to Singapore with her two boys, Josh and Bimby; and Bali, Indonesia, with her close friends Lucy Torres-Gomez, Zsazsa Padilla, and Liz Uy.

Kris opens up once more, hoping to inspire her readers to achieve a better quality of life. After all, turning 40 is but a chance to renew, rejuvenate, and even rewrite your path. Judging from her unbridled passion for love and life, Kris shows that, indeed, “40 is the new 20!”

Star Power Grand Winner is Sarah Geronimo's Rival

Angeline Quinto is the first grand winner of ABS-CBN's "Star Power: Sharon’s Search for Next Female Pop Star," hosted by Megastar Sharon Cuneta.

Quinto got the highest percentage of 90.88% on the singing competition from text, online voting and from the judges. The grand finals night was held at Ynares Stadium in Antipolo.

"Sobrang pasasalamat ko sa Panginoon sa lahat ng blessings na binigyay niya sa akin. Noong nakapasok ako sa Star Power hindi ko po inasahan yung ganito. Matutupad na din ang pangarap ko na magpa-thanksgiving sa lahat ng simbahan na pinupuntahan ko lagi," Quinto said.

It was sweet victory for Quinto who once lost to Pop Princess Sarah Geronimo in the singing competition "Star for A Night" in 2002.

In winning the Star Power competition, Quinto went home with the P1 million grand prize, an entertainment showcase, diamond jewelry set, 1-year managing contract with Star Magic, a recording contract with Star Records and a brand new car.

Now that she has won the ABS-CBN talent competition, Quinto will now be part of ABS-CBN's variety show "ASAP" with the rest of Star Power finalists Krissel, Monica, K-La and Akiko.

Asked who she wants to work with in ASAP, Quinto replied: "Sa ASAP lahat po, pero ang gusto ko si Sarah (Geronimo)."

The Regine Velasquez look-a-like said she's ready to face intrigues, which is part showbiz.

"Alam ko naman na handa na ako sa mga mangyayari. Ang nilo-look forward ko po ay mga intriga takot po ako doon pero handa na po ako," Quinto said.

She said that she's also open to try acting and said she wants Aga Muhlach to be her leading man.

"Star Power: Sharon’s Search for Next Female Pop Star" premiered last October 10,2010. It was hosted by homegrown champions, Prince of Pop Erik Santos and Asia's romantic balladeer Christian Bautista.

Judges for the show were Mitch Valdes, Bobot Mortiz and Billy Crawford.

Source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Taylor Swift Gave Sam Concepcion a Big Hug

If Sam Concepcion is walking on Cloud 9, it’s because Taylor Swift gave him a big hug last Saturday night at the Big Dome where he front-acted for her. It happened backstage after Sam finished his opening act which was warmly received by the record crowd that filled up every nook and cranny of the venue.

The one-hour-and-a-half show started promptly at 8 o’clock with the playing of the Philippine National Anthem. Then Sam sang Yeah Three Times, followed by an abridged version of his hits Kung Fu Fighting and Even If, and closed his act with Fireworks, backed up by the De La Salle dance company.

While coming down the stairs from her dressing room, Swift saw Sam. She ran to him and gave him a big hug, saying, “Sam, you were awesome! Great! Thank you!” According to Sam’s manager Carlo Orosa who witnessed the whole thing, Sam was so overwhelmed by the unexpected hug that he was immobile for a while. “I didn’t expect her to hug me,” Sam finally said, “she seemed so excited, so I got excited, too!”

Onstage after her first song, Swift shouted to the audience, “Do you love Sam Concepcion?” The coliseum shook with the audience’s thunderous applause and “Yes!!!!” cheers.

The SRO crowd included Richard Gomez and wife Lucy Torres, Michael V., Sam Milby, Maja Salvador, Kim Chiu, Vice Ganda and Kris Aquino.

Blogatorials: GMA7 Number 1 Nationwide? Is This a Joke?

GMA-7 is now running a series of TV plugs claiming that they are now the no. 1 network not just in Mega Manila but also in Urban Luzon and Nationwide. The claim was based from Nielsen TV Audience Measurement (NUTAM) from January 1 to February 14, 2011. Is this a joke? Whatever! If they claim that they are number 1, how come almost all the product endorsers are Kapamilya stars? How come almost all of their celebrities remain to be starlets? Are the kapamilya shows like MMK, Mara Clara, Mutya, Imortal, Showtime and others a hit nationwide? I am so clueless about this claim of the Kapuso Network. Maybe they just want to have the impression for the advertisers that they are doing good. But advertisers seems to be not so foolish to believe that.

Bea Alonzo Explains Why It's Tough to be an Actor in the Philippines

Bea Alonzo recently posed as Audrey Hepburn for The Best of Hollywood Tribute Photo Exhibit sponsored by the Velvet Channel. This event, which is already on its third year, is geared to promote the exclusive airing of the 83rd Academy Awards on Velvet and ABS-CBN. In an interview with Push.com.ph before her photo shoot, Bea shared that she is betting for Natalie Portman to win the Best Actress trophy for her performance in the movie Black Swan.

After seeing Black Swan, Bea was very impressed with Natalie’s performance and that she salutes the Hollywood actress for the long and bloody preparation she went through for the role. Bea expressed her wish that maybe in one project she can be given months or a whole year to prepare for a single role. However, she knew that it’s impossible given the set up of showbiz in the Philippines.

“Sa Hollywood you are given like an entire year to prepare for one role. Dito sa atin you only have a month or two weeks to prepare before you shoot. So hindi talaga mag a apply sa atin ‘yung method acting. If mabigyan lang ako ng chance na mag prepare nang matagal I would love to. Mahirap lang ‘yun kapag two projects at the same time ang ginagawa mo, isang movie at isang teleserye usually.”

The 23-year-old actress, who is currently doing a teleserye with Robin Padilla and is about to begin shooting a movie with Vic Sotto, talked about the one time she was prepped for a role. When she was shooting the movie And I Love You So in 2009, director Lauren Dyogi gave her a surprise. “When I came to the set on the first day of shoot I was having a pretty and colorful day, I was holding a cup of coffee, sobrang energetic at 1PM. Direk Lauren told me, ‘Give me your cellphone. Isolate yourself. From now on you are not allowed to talk to anybody kasi today we’re going to shoot all your emotional scenes.’ Ang kukunan daw namin that day was the first anniversary of my husband’s death. Sabi ko pa ‘Are you serious?!’”

She was then made to stay in a room all alone and according to her, the isolation almost drove her crazy. “Wala akong makausap. Walang TV at cellphone. They were playing emotional songs. Timing pa na umuulan. Sabi sa akin I can cry whenever I feel like crying. Pakiramdam ko talaga para akong namatayan. Tipong makakatulog ka na sa sobrang pagod, pero paggising mo malungkot ka pa rin. Nasabi ko tuloy sa sarili ko, ‘Buti pa ‘yung ibon, malayang nakakalipad.’ I was so depressed!”

After many hours, she was called out of the room and was asked to shot a scene. Bea said she was carrying the melancholy emotion when she did the scene, even when the shoot was packed up and when she went home. “Kung ano na ‘yung hitsura ko, ‘yun na ang kinunan sa eksena. Wala akong make-up, ni hindi man lang na blower ‘yung buhok ko. Ang eksena was pinahiga ako sa bato and iiyak lang ako nang iiyak. After ng scene, siyempre cut. Pero ayoko nang bumitaw sa bato. Gusto ko na lang umiyak nang umiyak. Sabi ko kay Direk, ‘Wag mo nang gagawin sa akin ‘to kahit kailan!’ Paguwi ko sa bahay nakatingin lang ako sa ceiling, umiiyak lang ako kasi hindi ko na makalimutan ‘yung lungkot.”

Sharon Cuneta Falls on Stage at the Star Power Final Showdown

Everyone was shocked when Sharon Cuneta fell on stage again during the Star Power Final Showdown at Ynares Center in Antipolo last February 20. It happened right after Krissel Valdez’s powerful rendition of “And I am Telling You” during the early part of the concert. The Megastar was congratulating Krissel for her great performance when the former suddenly tripped over the latter’s long gown. They were locked in an embrace so both of them actually tumbled on the floor.

The local press who saw the shocking incident couldn’t help but worry about Sharon especially because it was a bit reminiscent of what happened in her birthday concert last month. But Sharon seemed to be ok for she was laughing when she got up again. The next time she appeared on stage, she even cheerfully remarked to Monica Sacay, ‘Lalayo ako sa gown mo, baka mahila nanaman ang takong ko! Hahaha!” Sharon also assured the media later on that it was just an accident and has nothing to do with her health at all.

In fact, Sharon remained full of zest throughout the concert. She was not only at her best hosting performance on cam but she was also very helpful in boosting the morale of all five contenders (Monica, Krissel, K-La Rivera, Angeline Quinto and Akiko Solon) during commercial gaps. The Megastar constantly assured them that they did a great job and that she was very proud that they would be launched as mainstays of ASAP starting on February 27.

Source: www.push.com.ph

Albie Casiño Denies Being Attracted to Julia Montes

Albie Casiño expressed his gratitude to all the viewers who made Mara Clara the most watched drama in the country. “It’s overwhelming na ang lakas ng suporta ng mga tao sa Mara Clara ngayon, so now magtutuloy siya sa book two. Sana patuloy pa rin na panoorin ng mga tao.”

The original Mara Clara, which aired during the ‘90s, elevated then teenaged Judy Ann Santos and Gladys Reyes to star status. The remake, which is already in its second season, also created stars out of then relative unknowns Kathryn Bernardo and Julia Montes (who play Mara and Clara respectively), and their leading men Ablie and John Manalo.

Although in the teleserye, Albie is the leading man of Kathryn while John is paired with Julia, a rumor recently came out that there was a “partner swap” off camera. John already confessed that he had a crush on Kathryn, but immediately clarified that he is too young to pursue her. On the other hand, Albie is said to be acting sweet towards Julia every time they’re on the set.

“Hindi po. Close lang talaga kami kasi nakakasama ko siya sa set halos araw-araw,” Albie said. He also spoke about the time when he and Julia were spotted together in a restaurant within the ABS-CBN compound. “Pareho kasi ang RM (road manager) namin. Kasama namin ‘yung RM namin nun.”

The 17-year-old actor went to set the record straight. “Nothing is going on between me and Julia.” Albie added that he is just focused on the big break given to him by ABS-CBN and he doesn’t want to mess it up by thinking about girls. “Hindi ko pa pinagiisipan ‘yung mga ganyan. Bata pa po ako,” he explained.

Source: www.push.com.ph

Drug Pushers in School on XXX

Bukod sa pagsusunog ng kilay para matutunan ang aralin sa klase, natututo na rin daw ang ilang estudyante sa isang paaralan sa paggamit ng droga!

Iyan ang isiniwalat ng isang tipster na dumulog sa tanggapan ng “XXX” para saklolohan ang tila nalilihis na landas na mga kabataan sa Binan, Laguna.

Isang bahay daw sa pagitan ng dalawang eskwelahan sa kanilang lugar ang diumano’y source at supplier ng marijuana.

Samantala, iimbestigahan din ni Anthony Taberna ang sinasabing missing in action na mga konsehan ng Nueva Ecija habang tutukan naman ni Julius Babao ang paghahanap sa isang lalaking nanlimas ng gamit ng kaibigan na nagkakahala ng halos P200,000.

Lahat ng iyan matutunghayan sa “XXX” ngayong Lunes (Feb 21), pagkatapos ng “XXX” sa ABS-CBN. Mapapanood din ito sa Studio 23 tuwing Huwebes, 9:30 AM.

Remembering 1986 EDSA People Power on Patrol ng Pilipino

Jing Castañeda interviews the Aquino siblings on their thoughts on the EDSA People Power Revolution 25 years ago that inspired several countries to do the same.

For the ordinary Filipino, the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution marked a turning point in our government and history. It reinstated democracy in the nation and made EDSA a symbolic and historical place where Filipinos exercise their freedom of expression.

But how was it like for former President Corazon Aquino and her family, which includes the Philippines’ current President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III?

In celebration of the 25th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution, let us revisit the legacy of the People Power through the eyes of the children and siblings of the two Filipino Presidents.

Join ABS-CBN broadcast journalist Jing Castañeda as she interviews the Aquino siblings on their thoughts on the historic event and how they think the country has changed since then.

Watch her report on “Patrol ng Pilipino,” this Tuesday (Feb 22) after “Bandila” on ABS-CBN.

Angeline Quinto is the First Ever Sharon's Star Power Search for the Next Female Pop Superstar Grand Winner

Angeline Quinto from Sampaloc, Manila is the grand winner of Sharon Cuneta's Star Power Search for the Next Female Pop Superstar.

Akiko, K-La, Angeline, Krissel and Monica competed for the last time Sunday night during the grand finals of Star Power held at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

There were 3 rounds of fierce showdown. Akiko Solon of Cebu was the first to get eliminated during round 1 when each of the final 5 performed a song of their own choice.

During the second round, the remaining four contestants sang songs that were chosen by the judges for them. K-La Rivera was the second finalist to get the boot.

The remaining three finalists–Monica, Angeline and Krissel–each performed an original song from Star Records as their final hurdle.

Monica Sacay of Leyte settled for third place. Angeline Quinto was announced the grand winner while Krissel Valdez of Davao ended up in 2nd place.

The prizes that Angeline won include 1 million Pesos, a car, an entertainment showcase from Sony, diamond jewelries, and a recording contract from Star Records.

Sharon Cuneta also announced during the grand finals that all 5 Star Power finalists will become mainstay of ASAP Rocks beginning this Sunday, February 27.