Xian Lim Disappointed That Friendship With AJ Perez was Cut Short

Xian Lim still couldn’t believe that he just came AJ Perez’s wake. Xian told Push.com.ph, “This is a super sad experience First time mangyari sa akin ito.” He added that when he visited the wake last April 18, he saw the devastation on the face of AJ’s father, Gerry Perez. “Kapag nakita mo dad niya you might breakdown. Grabe.”

Xian and AJ sat side by side for one week as guest judges on Showtime from March 21 to 26. The two would frequently see each other around the ABS-CBN compound whenever there were events since they have the same handler in Star Magic. They also worked together last year in the comedy film Mamarazzi top-billed by Eugene Domingo and Andi Eigenmann.

Xian said he was disappointed that his budding friendship with AJ was cut short by a terrible accident. “I am very sad that AJ Perez passed away. He was the type of person you wouldn't have an awkward moment with. There was always something to talk about. Nagkasama kami sa Showtime for one week and start na sana yun ng isang magandang friendship but it ended too soon. Rest in peace AJ Perez. I will miss you.”

Though he wanted to take a break during Holy Week, especially now that he is grieving the death of a friend, Xian still had to work. He was in Boracay doing shows for Studio 23. “Every year we do the Barkada Gimmick event to bring Studio 23 closer to people. We give them a good time with performances, awards, food, party, and all.”

The 21-year-old actor/model is also set to begin taping for the new teleserye Binondo Girl where he will play the leading man of primetime princess Kim Chiu. “Kim is a really good friend of mine. I see na magiging masaya ang bonding naming lahat dito sa bagong show and I know I will be comfortable around her.”

Source: www.push.com.ph

Erich Gonzales Shows Adventurous Side in Chalk Magazine

Erich Gonzales isn’t used to having many days off, but the 20-year-old actress admits she is not complaining one bit. “I’m happy when I’m doing something. I want my days to be productive. I want to be busy forever!” she shared in the April issue of Chalk magazine.

Although she has been doing mostly dramatic roles, Erich admitted she is a big fan of scary movies. “I like horror talaga. My scary movies are different though. They’re aaaah-scary, like horror movies from Thailand. I watched The Rite and it’s not scary-scary like The Exorcist,” she shared. But what really tops her list is a Korean comedy blockbuster. “My favorite movie of all time is My Sassy Girl. They did an American version that I didn’t like. Hindi nagaya yung original. Go watch the original!” she urged.

In Chalk’s cover story, the pretty Davaoena shows her adventurous side by admitting a penchant for traveling, riding jet skis, and rollercoasters. Of the latter, Erich said the scariest she’s ever ridden was the Superman ride in one of the giant theme parks in Los Angeles which she experienced during a past tour in California. ”When it was over, I was glad I was still alive!” she told Chalk magazine. Erich revealed cliff jumping is next on her list. “But I just learned that I need to train muna. I think you need two lessons. But oh my gosh, I saw lots of videos on YouTube! They haven’t gone down yet and I feel mamamatay na ako! But I really want to try it!” she excitedly shared.

When it comes to traveling, Erich said she would like to stay away from tourist traps and experience discovering new places alone as opposed to being with a group. “If you want to do something, you have to wait for them pa. I like exploring on my own, pero I’ve never traveled alone. Parang it’s not fun if you’re all alone. I want a ka-chika when I’m walking around,” she admitted. The pretty morena admitted that her current dream destination is Europe. “I really want to go to Paris, Italy, and Rome! And sana soon before I get too old,” she added. Erich also shared some travel tips for girls like her. I pack my own bags so make sure you’re not ngarag when you pack. If you are, you’ll forget a lot of things! Just relax. Also, take lots of pictures because they are memories. And don’t just shop! Learn about the history and culture of every place you visit,” she shared.

Currently on the annual Star Magic tour to Los Angeles, New York, and San Jose, Erich said she always looks forward to towards visiting and performing for the TFC fans. “They really made an effort to see us kahit sandali. They do sweet things that really affect me. Nakakataba ng puso,” she said.

Source: www.abs-cbn.com

Father of AJ Perez Recounts Last Moment With Son

Emosyunal ang panayam ni Boy Abunda sa ama ng yumaong artista na si AJ Perez na si Gerry para sa The Buzz. Binawian ng buhay ang young actor dahil sa vehicular accident noong April 17 pabalik ng Maynila galing sa isang show sa Pangasinan.

Nang itanong ni Boy kay Gerry kung ano ang pinaka nami-miss nito sa anak, sagot niya, “Everything. He does not complain. Tuloy lang. Ayaw niya ng gulo. Ayaw niya ng arguments, discussions. He wants everything the way it is.”

Unang tumulo ang luha ng ama ni AJ nang ikuwento niya na madalas niyang sabihin sa mga kaibigan at mga taong nagmamahal sa anak na hindi nakaramdam ng sakit si AJ nang pumanaw ito. Sa palagay niya ay ito ang gusto ng anak para hindi maging malungkot ang mga tao. “Ayaw niyang nagwo-worry ‘yung tao.” Gayunpaman, hindi raw ito ang tunay na nangyari. “Every time sinasabi ko ‘yun sa tao, parang naiiyak ako kasi it wasn’t the truth,” sambit ng ama bago siya napaiyak.

Matapos umanong mangyari ang aksidente, sinubukan ni Gerry na gisingin ang kanyang panganay. “I was trying to wake him up. And then I think he heard me. He wanted to open his eyes, and I heard him groan. A gasp of trying to breathe and lose it,” hayag niya. Magkatabi raw sila sa van nang maganap ang aksidente. Noong una raw ay inakala niyang internal bleeding sa ulo ang ikinasawi ng anak pero sa medical certificate umano ay lumabas na ang broken rib ni AJ ay tumagos sa kanyang puso.

Sabi pa ng ama, nang mangyari ang aksidente ay humingi siya ng himala dahil natagalan umano bago sila nakahanap ng ospital at madilim pa ang dinaanang lugar. Pero tinatagan raw niya ang loob dahil kailangan niyang ipaalam sa kanyang asawa at kapatid ni AJ ang nangyari. Tinawagan raw niya ang ina ni AJ at sinabing wala na ang kanilang anak. Naiyak umano ang kanyang misis at nasabi na bakit si AJ pa ang kelangang masawi.

Nang tanungin ni Boy si Gerry kung nagalit daw siya sa nangyari, ang sagot niya, “Nagsisi. Nagsisi ako. Hindi naman galit. Kasi I know he wouldn’t want that. Sinisi ko na ‘yung sarili ko. Kung sana…andaming sana. Bakit siya pa. Sana ako na lang,” hinagpis ng ama. Masyado pa raw bata ang kanyang anak at madalas pa siyang lapitan ng mga tao para sabihin kung gaano kabait ang kanyang anak. Nagsisimula pa lang daw sila umano ng kanilang pamilya na hayaan si AJ na gawin ang mga bagay nang mag-isa, gaya ng pagpayag nilang magbakasyon ito kasama ang mga kabarkada.

Sunod na itinanong ni Boy kung ano ang mahalagang aral na natutunan ni Gerry sa nangyari. “Treasure every moment, every day, every minute that you have with your son, your daughter. Sometimes kasi tayo we’re so into sa trabaho natin, negosyo natin. Pero just like that anything can happen.” Hindi raw kasi niya inasahan ang aksidente na babawi sa buhay ng anak. At hindi man lang daw niya nasabi sa anak na mahal niya ito bago siya pumanaw. “Don’t forget to say, ‘I love you, son.’ If you can say it everyday tuwing nakikita mo say, ‘I love you, son,’” pagbabahagi ni Gerry.

Ikinuwento rin niya na nagpakita umano ang anak nito sa classmate niya. “Ang sabi niya daw, parang naka-white daw si AJ and sabi daw ni AJ, nandito ako sa place na lumulutang ako. Sabi niya dito ako sa place na wala akong problema.”

Bilang mensahe para AJ, humingi ng tawad sa anak si Gerry. “I’m sorry, AJ, I’m sorry for our misunderstandings, sometimes hindi tayo nakakapag-usap nang tama talaga. AJ, sorry. Daddy loves you, Daddy loves you so much.”

Source: www.push.com.ph

Father of AJ Perez Shares the Story of Son's Last Trip to Boracay With Friends

Iisang linggo bago naganap ang aksidente ay nagpunta pa ng Boracay ang Kapamilya young actor na si AJ Perez. Unang lakad daw yun ni AJ na mga barkada lang ang kasama at hindi ang parents niya. Selebrasyon din daw ito ng graduation niya ng high school sa La Salle Greenhills.

Sinabi ni Daddy Gerry na bumilib siya sa asal ng anak niya sa pagkakataong 'yon dahil hindi raw ito nang-iwan ng kaibigan. Si AJ raw kasi ang tipo ng anak na hindi niya idi-disappoint ang magulang at gagawin talaga ang best niya.

Kuwento ni Daddy Gerry, na-late daw si AJ sa airport pabalik ng Manila dahil mabagal yung bangka at kailangan pang punuin. Kasama raw niya ang isang barkada niya dahil nauna ang flight ng iba nilang friends. Pinagalitan pa nga raw ni Daddy Gerry ang anak dahil baka gusto lang daw nitong ma-extend ang bakasyon niya sa Bora para gumimik.

Ang ginawa raw ni AJ, ipinasa nito ang telepono sa empleyado ng airline para kausapin ng daddy niya at patunayan na hindi siya nagsisinungaling. Naghintay sila ng next flight. Pero isang bakanteng upuan lang ang available.

"Mag-alibi ka na lang na may ASAP Rocks ka kinabukasan para mauna ka," utos pa raw ni Daddy Gerry kay AJ.

Pero nagpumilit si AJ na hindi niya puwedeng iwanan ang kaibigan niya. Kawawa naman daw ito na nag-iisa.

Ang problema ay halos ubos na ang baon ni AJ. Samantalang ang kasama niya ay 150 pesos na lang ang naiwang pera.

Magbabayad pa sila ulit ng plane tickets kinabukasan at titira pa sila ng hotel para magpalipas ng gabi.

Dinidisiplina rin kasi si AJ ng parents niya pati sa pera kaya ang laman ng ATM niya ay P7,000 lang. Nagkataong Sabado noon at sarado ang bangko para magdeposito ang parents niya.

Nakahanap naman si AJ ng hotel na matutuluyan, pero kailangang magising sila ng 3 AM dahil first flight sila aalis. Noong nasa airport sila, kulang na naman ang pambayad ng tickets dahil P150 na nga lang ang pera ng kaibigan niya.

Sabi ni Daddy Gerry, magpaalam na lang si AJ na mauna dahil kasya pa naman ang pera nito sa ATM. Pero matigas pa rin daw si AJ sa pagsasabing hindi niya puwedeng iwanan ang kaibigan.

Hanggang sa huling sandali ay nanindigan ang guwapong young actor na kailangang sabay silang uuwi ng kaibigan niya. Ang ending, nakagawa sila ng paraan dahil may kaibigan silang nasa Caticlan na nautangan kaya nakauwi sila.

Nang binigyan si AJ ng tribute sa kanyang burol sa La Salle Greenhills ay nagsalita ang kaibigang iyon ng young actor tungkol sa pagiging mabuting kaibigan nito.

Sobrang nag-enjoy raw talaga si AJ sa bakasyon niya sa Boracay at gusto pa sana niyang bumalik doon.

Source: www.pep.ph

John Lloyd Cruz and Angel Locsin on Imortal's Final Week

Puro good words lamang ang mayroon sina John Lloyd Cruz at Angel Locsin sa isa’t isa ngayong malapit nang matapos ang kanilang seryeng Imortal. Thankful ang dalawa sa isa’t isa dahil naging matagumpay ang nasabing teleserye dahil sa pagpupursige nila.

“Na-amaze ako kung paano siya sa family niya, lagi ko namang sinasabi ‘yon,” paglalarawan ni Angel kay John Lloyd sa panayam sa kanya ng The Buzz. “Sa pinsan niya, sa mother niya, sobra kung gaano siya (magmahal). I think ‘yung inspiration niya talaga ‘yung family niya sa lahat ng puyat niya and all.” Dagdag pa ng aktres, isa siya sa mga taong nagulat na malaman along the way kung gaano kalalim na tao si Lloydie.

Gumanti naman ng magagandang salita si Lloydie sa kanyang leading lady. “Mahirap hanapan ng mali si Angel Locsin, nagmumura ang kabutihan sa kanyang personalidad,” papuri ng aktor. “Hindi ko alam kung para saan ba ‘yan; sa future mo o family mo. Right now, kahit sa anong paraan, I really admire kung paano ang ugali niya sa trabaho.”

Huling linggo na ng Imortal kaya’t bukod sa pasasalamat ay hinihikayat ni John Lloyd ang mga manonood na suportahan sila hanggang sa kanilang huling yugto sa Biyernes, April 29. “Nagpapasalamat po kami sa pagtanggap sa pagsisimula at pagsubaybay habang ineere kami. At ngayon hihilingin namin sana huwag kayong bumitiw,” panawagan ni Lloydie. “Sana patuloy n’yong subaybayan gabi-gabi. Huwag n’yo pong kakalimutan ang Imortal. Sana kapit lang kayo hanggang sa matapos po.”

Flattered naman daw si Angel dahil talagang sumubaybay ang mga manonood sa Imortal at sinigurado niya na marami pang kaabang-abang na eksena sa huling linggo ng teleserye.

Source: www.push.com.ph

Pilipinas Got Talent Season 2 Semi-Finalists Announced

After 8 weeks of searching for the best acts in the country, the judges of "Pilipinas Got Talent Season 2" are a step closer to finding the next Jovit Baldivino.

Comedienne Ai Ai delas Alas, former ABS-CBN President Freddie Garcia and host Kris Aquino on Sunday announced the 36 contestants who made it to the show's semi-final round.

They are:

1. Romarico Sahorjo
2. Brian Brady
3. Angel Calalas
4. Freestylers
5. Maribeth Callanta
6. Madrigal Siblings
7. Kapidamu Band
8. Zaldy Carlos
9. Collins Gutierrez
10. Feliz Pichay of Bourbon
11. John Michael Narag
12. Joys Diva
13. Marcelito Po Moy
14. B4
15. Filogram
16. Genevieve Rochelle Arandia
17. Dance Selection
18. Kenny Padalla
19. Fernan Santuyo
20. Leonel Enopia and Elizabeth Dazo
21. Jose Emmanuel Cubil
22. Karinyoso Boys
23. Light Gauge Acoustic
24. Virgilio del Carmen
25. First Beat Effect
26. DJP Trio
27. Jacqueline Schubert
28. Next Generation
29. Suwahib Samplidah
30. Rafael Pavia
31. Lapinid Sisters
32. Larvae
33. Jeremie Tampoy
34. Buildex Pagales
35. Skeights
36. Happy Feet

The 36 contestants will compete for a slot in the finals beginning next Saturday at the PAGCOR Grand Theater in Casino Filipino, Parañaque City.

The "Pilipinas Got Talent Season 2" semi-finals will be aired live on ABS-CBN channel 2.

Baldivino is the first grand winner of ABS-CBN's nationwide talent show "Pilipinas Got Talent," besting 11 other finalists by getting almost half of the total text and online votes in the said contest.

The teenager who used to sell siomai in Batangas province took home the P2-million cash prize after impressing judges and television viewers with his "unbelievable" voice.

Source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

AJ Perez to Become Poster Boy of Eye Bank Foundation

Actress-host Ali Sotto has condoled with Maria Victoria "Marivi" Perez, who lost her son, actor AJ Perez, to a vehicular accident on Sunday.

Sotto’s son, Miko Sotto, died in December 2003 after accidentally falling from the ninth floor of a condominium building in Mandaluyong City.

On Tuesday night, Sotto went to the Christ the King Parish with her group Inang Naulila sa ANAK (INA) to express her condolences to AJ's family.

"Another thing that we have in common, apart from being a mother, [is having lost] a child. That's why our group is here, ‘yong Inang Naulila sa Anak, to try and comfort her in this very painful phase having lost AJ.

"Miko also donated 'yong corneas niya. I was just telling Marivi it has helped me cope. It's very comforting to know that ‘yong selfless act mo of donating the corneas of AJ, ...hindi meaningless 'yong death ng anak mo," Sotto said.

Sotto added she was also there to tell Marivi the idea of making AJ the newest poster boy of the Eye Bank Foundation of the Philippines.

"Perfect na poster boy for cornea donation kasi somebody as well known as he is and role model, mas madadalian ang Eye Bank na lumapit sa mga tao na namatayan pa lamang ng kamag-anak, ng minamahal sa buhay at sabihing, 'Gusto ninyo po bang i-donate ang corneas?' This time sasabihin, 'Yong kamukha ng ginawa ni AJ,'" Sotto said.

Source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Pokwang Joining Happy Yipee Yehey?

Comedienne Pokwang, who hosted the defunct shows "Wowowee" and "Pilipinas Win na Win," said she misses hosting an afternoon program.

She made the statement during her recent appearance on ABS-CBN's newest noontime show "Happy Yipee Yehey" to promote her movie, "Pak! Pak! My Dr. Kwak" by Star Cinema and M-Zet Films.

"Na-miss ko ito," she said.

John Estrada, one of the hosts of "Happy Yipee Yehey," asked Pokwang if she would consider being part of their show.

"Kung pagbibigyan ka ba na makasama namin, papayag ka ba?," he said during the show on Monday last week. Pokwang then proceeded to do her usual comic act instead of giving a straightforward response.

"May malaki kaming sorpresang ibibigay sa inyo pagkatapos ng linggong ito," Estrada told the audience.

Mariel Rodriguez, who used to host "Wowowee" and "Pilipinas Win na Win" with Pokwang, earlier said that "Happy Yipee Yehey" will soon have additional co-hosts, Push.com.ph reported.

The wife of action star Robin Padilla refused to name them as ABS-CBN management has yet to make the announcement

Source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Xyriel Manabat's 100 Days to Heaven Will Replace Imortal

Xyriel Manabat, who rose to fame after playing the young Agua and Bendita, is one of the lead stars of ABS-CBN's upcoming television series "100 Days to Heaven."

In an interview with "The Buzz" on Sunday, the child star confirmed that her show will replace fantasy series "Imortal," which is top-billed by John Lloyd Cruz and Angel Locsin.

"Ipapalit po doon sa 'Imortal," basta po malapit na malapit na," Manabat said. Cruz earlier said that the "Imortal" finale is set to be aired this month.

"100 Days to Heaven" tells the story of Anna Manalastas (portrayed by Coney Reyes), a bossy and cunning owner of a toy company who is about to go to hell. She strikes a deal with the Gate Keeper to give her a second chance at life and returns to the world as a helpless 7-year-old, which is played by Manabat.

Manabat said she attended acting workshops with Reyes and her other co-stars to prepare for her new role.

"'Yung kapag umarte po siya (Reyes), kahit po pwede na kaming umuwi ay pinapanood po namin siya," the child star said.

Also part of "100 Days to Heaven" are stars Jodi Sta. Maria, Dominic Ochoa, Valerie Concepcion, Smokey Manaloto and newest child actor Louise Abuel.

Source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Willie Revillame, TV5 Execs Sued for Child Abuse

TV host Willie Revillame and top officials of TV5 have been sued for child abuse by rights advocates on Monday in connection with a crying boy who was made to dance suggestively and was given P10,000 on “Willing Willie” last March 12.

Six people, including officials of the End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography and Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purposes (ECPAT), filed the complaint with the Quezon City Fiscal’s Office on Monday.

The complaint named Revillame, TV5 chairman Manny V. Pangilinan, and some officials of the broadcast company as respondents.

“The depiction of the child in such a sexualized fashion is tantamount to abuse and exploitation,” according to the complaint sheet.

“The degrading exhibition is compounded by the cruelty of the show's main host, mocking his [boy’s] appearance amidst the laughter of the jeering crowd,” it added.

The complainants, who belong to the group Stop Child Rights Exploitation in Media, accused Revillame and TV5 officials of violating several laws such as Republic Act (RA) 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Axploitation, and Discrimination Act; RA 9775 or the Act Defining the Crime of Child Pornography; and RA 9231 or An Act Eliminating the Worst Forms of Child Labor.

“We cannot allow these laws to be trampled upon. This merits collective action from those who have been fighting for children's rights for a long time now,” said Jean Enriquez, executive director of the Coalition Against Trafficking in Women-Asia Pacific.

TV5 declined to comment on the case on Monday as it has yet to receive a copy of the complaint, according to the company’s public relations consultant, Peachy Guioguio, who quoted TV5 legal department head Atty. Christine Ona.

Jay Montelibano, TV5 business unit head, insisted, meanwhile, that neither child abuse nor child exploitation happened in the show.

He said they are ready to defend their position before the courts.

The complainants stressed that they are not connected with any media company.

“We do want to be involved by the competition of TV networks, we are only concerned about the welfare of our children,” ECPAT president Amihan Abueva said.

The case is set to be raffled off to a Quezon City judge's sala on Thursday

Source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

AJ Perez's Last TV Appearance on MMK

Don't miss to watch AJ Perez's last TV appearance this Saturday, April 30on Maalaala Mo Kaya with Bugoy Cariño and written by Benson Logronio. AJ died in a highway accident last Palm Sunday, April 17.

Pak! Pak! My Dr. Kwak! Earns PhP15 Million on First Day

The Vic Sotto-Bea Alonzo starrer reportedly earned P15 million on its opening yesterday, Black Saturday.

According to Eric John Salut, ABS-CBN’s AdProm Head, the movie “Pak! Pak! My Dr. Kwak!” raked in P15 million at the box-office yesterday, April 23, 2011.

The comedy film is a co-production of Star Cinema and MZet. Other cast members include child superstars Zaijian Jaranilla and Xyriel Manabat, and top comedians Pokwang, Wally Bayola and Jose Manalo.

“Pak! Pak! My Dr. Kwak!” is now showing in more than 100 theaters nationwide.