Blogatorials: Who Should Replace Mariel Rodriguez on Happy Yipee Yehey?

Now that Mariel Rodriguez is out of Happy Yipee Yehey to join Willie Revillame on TV, who do you think should replace her on the noontime show?

Will it be Valerie Concepcion, who was also a part of the defunct show Wowowee together with Willie and Mariel? Valerie is now enjoying the role of being a kontrabida in the number 1 primetime teleserye 100 Days to Heaven.

Or will it be Bianca Gonzales, who is a part of the MTB trio with Mariel and Toni? They started to be together hosting the Pinoy Big Brother, then E-Live later.

Another good replacement can be Angelica Panganiban, her personality is also as loud as Mariel. Maybe it's now time to give hosting assignments for her. The problem then is that the show will be like an extension of Banana Split with co-stars John Prats and Melai Cantiveros.

Georgina Wilson is also a good choice. She proved that she can be a "masa" when she guested as a judge in Showtime.

Or try other stars to test if they will be capable of hosting like Jewel Mische, or Maja Salvador (Matteo Guidicelli is in the show.)

Who do you think?

ABS-CBN Brings Up State of the Art Soundstages

ABS-CBN Corporation is set to build state-of-the-art soundstages and backlots that will enable the Kapamilya network to meet the multimedia company’s expansion plans and its growing needs to serve the viewing public.

“The first soundstage will be up before end of 2012 in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan,” said ABS-CBN Chief Technology Officer Raul Bulaong, who is responsible for ABS-CBN’s production, post-production, animation, and transmission.
Bulaong said a soundstage is a sound-proof building in which TV shows and films are shot.

“It’s like building a place where you can put together a hospital room, a hotel lobby, and an office space side by side and even shoot scenes sequentially,” he said.

ABS-CBN is the first among the local TV networks to pioneer the construction of state-of-the- art soundstages as it was also the first to build state-of-the-art TV studios in the 90s.

Aside from soundstages, Bulaong said ABS-CBN will also be constructing backlots which are areas adjacent to a soundstage that will enable them to shoot exterior or outdoor scenes like streets in foreign countries, a slum area, or even a generic street in New York City without the need to travel to far flung places.

“With these facilities, you can easily do that. You just replicate the scenes,” he said.

Bulaong said the consumers stand to benefit from the plan. “ABS-CBN is producing a lot of TV shows aired on channel 2, Studio 23, cable TV channels like ANC, movies by Star Cinema,” he said.

And when the National Telecommunications gives its go signal for local networks to shift to digital TV, ABS-CBN will be launching five more new channels. This would mean more content and more shows that ABS-CBN should be able to produce efficiently.

For the city of San Jose del Monte, the construction of soundstages will be spurring development as demand for accommodation and recreation will be created as more production people and celebrities start trekking to Bulacan to work on TV and film assignments.

Piolo Pascual and Jericho Rosales Excited Over Their New TV Series

Hunk actors Piolo Pascual and Jericho Rosales will be working together in a project for the first time.

The two heartthrobs are set to team up for ABS-CBN’s upcoming drama series entitled “Padre de Pamilya".

Veteran actor Christopher de Leon will also be joining them in this television offering.

For Pascual, this project is a dream come true.

He said, “Dati pa namin hinihiling na magkatrabaho kami. Ito na, finally.”

Rosales also expressed his own share of excitement over this long awaited opportunity.

“I’m excited kasi kasama ko si Piolo and Boyet,” he exclaimed.

Meanwhile, Pascual and Rosales denied the alleged brewing tension between them.

Instead of dealing with the controversy, both of them said they would rather focus on giving their best to their new project for the public’s viewing pleasure.

Pascual admitted that he finds his role in the show challenging.

“Just to present 'yung nangyayari sa totoong buhay it's tough," he said. "Sobrang nakaka-stress ‘yung emotion dito sa proyekto.”

Other notable showbiz personalities who will be taking part in the series “Padre de Pamilya” are Maricar Reyes, Denise Laurel and Rafael Rosell.

Toni Gonzaga Marks Her 10th Year in Showbiz With a Concert at the Big Dome

Dubbed as the country’s Multimedia Star, Toni Gonzaga celebrates her decade-long showbiz journey with a concert, Toni @ 10, to be held at the Araneta Coliseum on September 30. Asked how she feels about mounting such a huge event, Toni said she is grateful that many of her colleagues have been supportive of her in this endeavor. Some of her guests include John Lloyd Cruz, Piolo Pascual, Vhong Navarro, Gary Valenciano, and Pokwang among others.

“Siyempre I am looking forward na mapanood nila kasi marami kaming handang surpresa. Ang tingin ko nga sa kanya parang pelikula e. It’s going to be a journey of my beautiful 10 years in the business. I am excited kasi ‘di naman tayo masyado nabibigyan ng chance to sing and perform on TV. But this time I would be able to do the things I love to do. Swerte ko dahil kahit papaano nabigyan ako ng pagkakataon na gawin yun sa Araneta.”

To be headed by ASAP director Johnny Manahan, Toni said that there’s a lot of big production numbers in store for the audience. She’s particularly excited with her showdown with her younger sister, Alex. “Siyempre bongga yung mga gagawin ko dito. But more than that, maraming guests na magpe-perform at kasama dun si Alex. Maganda yung numbers namin ng kapatid ko kasi kabugan na talaga, magkaalaman na talaga.”

Toni was also happy to say that ticket sales have been brisk. “We started off sa magandang pagbubukas ng ticket selling. As of now, alam ko almost half were sold and it’s still increasing everyday. In [less than] two weeks malalaman natin. Everyday maraming bumibili. Siguro because of the promotions that have been happening, maraming tao ang naging aware sa concert. So ayun, I hope to see you all there!”

Nina Misses Performing on ASAP

Soul Siren Nina shared that she will once again perform on ASAP Rocks when she releases her next album soon. Nina used to appear weekly on ASAP together with her fellow Sessionistas like Aiza Seguerra, Richard Poon, Sitti, and Princess Velasco. However, the petite singer has long since stopped appearing on the Sunday variety show.

When asked if her album launch on ASAP in the coming weeks will mark her return to the show as a regular performer, Nina replied vaguely, “Actually, meron [akong appearance sa show] kasi ‘yun naman ang crucial don, ‘pag lumabas na ‘yung album makikita na nila ako.” Nina also said that she also misses her fellow Sessionistas. Asked about their relationship, she replied, “Okay naman, same pa rin.”

Nina’s absence on ASAP also spawned controversies, like the rumor that she allegedly got pregnant. “Kahit dati pa kauumpisa ko pa lang buntis na [raw] ako. Sa umpisa ko pa lang may anak na ako kaagad. [‘Yun pala] anak ng kapatid ko, close ko kasi ‘yun. ’Yung mga ganong bagay ‘di ko na pinapansin. Kung buntis man ako tingnan na lang nila by themselves. Kung minsan na malaki puson ko baka meron lang ako nung mga araw na ‘yon kaya malaki ang puson,” she joked.

The singer just arrived in the country after a series of shows in the United States. “Masaya kasi may mga kababayan natin na para silang nasabik sa performance ng mga Pilipino. I’m sure ganun talaga sila, masayahin lang talaga ang mga Pilipino so hindi nakakapagod mag-perform sa kanila kahit na sunud-sunod ‘yung flight namin from one state to another.” Nina said that she performed in Los Angeles, Chicago, Las Vegas, and Alaska.

Apart from other shows abroad, Nina is now focused on the nearing release of her next album which is set for the last week of September. She also took pride in saying that she exerted her time and effort for her next album. “Talagang tinutukan ko ‘to [album] ibang sound naman pero may Nina touch. Gusto ko lagi ‘pag may lumalabas na album may bago. Kung pare-pareho baka magsawa sila, so ibang touch ng music pero may Nina pa rin. I’m sure mage-enjoy sila,” she assured. She said further that she is not pressured by the expectations to turn her album into a hit like her previous ones. “Gusto ko lang gumawa ng album para sa mga taong makikinig sa akin, hindi ko pine-pressure ang sarili ko na kailangan ko ‘tong pagbutihan para mag-double platinum. Ang gino-goal ko dito ay magustuhan ng tao. So kung magkaroon man ng award o magkaroon ng double platinum, bonus na lang ‘yon.”

Source: www.push.com.ph

Mariel Rodriguez Bids Goodbye to ABS-CBN

In three separate K-texts to her fans, Mariel Rodriguez confirms she is leaving her home network ABS-CBN. She thanks everyone who was important to her career and acknowledges that it is the Kapamilya network who launched her to stardom. She also adds in the last message that she will attend Toni Gonzaga’s concert on Septemeber 30 and that they are still friends. Mariel says it’s the hardest thing she had to do in her whole life and she hopes to keep in touch with her followers despite her leaving the network.

Below are Mariel’s Ktext messages, all dated September 23, 2011.

“This is the card I sent to tita cory vidanes I told tita cory that I will still go to her bday parties this is nothing personal...its just work. Tita cory is one of a kind. The most approachable and down to earth boss. Tita cory was always good to me. If u have the chance to thank her pls do so...kasi ang bait niya talaga sakin so that's it!!!!! Its a new chapter. I closed a book... I'm starting a new one...but the pages from the previous book will never be forgotten. have a happy weekend!!!!”

“This is the card attached to the flowers I sent tita linggit I said thank you to her because she always believed in me and my talent. She was more than a boss to me. She...tita linggit will always be in my heart. So many people. The others I haven't even thanked. I said my thank yous to boss gabby,mam charo,tita cory,tita linggit, mr.bong osorio and direk lauren. Direk lauren was the one who interviewed me when I was still in channel 7. Then direk lauren got me in his unit. I remember what tito boy told me when he said I was going to do pbb... Tito boy said 'mariel its not a lot of money but you are gna get the exposure of a lifetime' that's what tito boy told me. I never forgot. Direk lauren was always honest with me. I am grateful. I know our paths will cross again I didn't get to thank sir deo but sir deo made me varga... He also believed in me...oh my gosh baka forever ang ktext kung babanggitin ko lahat ng malaki ang role na naplay sa buhay ko. Pero lahat yun nasa heart ko. Maraming salamat abs-cbn!!!!!”

“Official. I said my thank yous to abs last wednesday. I will always be grateful for the breaks that they gave me, the unforgettable experiences and the wonderful people I met along the way. Abs is home. I don't like saying goodbye. I'm hopeful that one day I will see them all again. I grew up in abs. They made mariel rodriguez. Thank you abs-cbn. Thank you for the wonderful years!!!!!!!! Thank you!!! Sometimes there are things that u don't exactly want to do but have to do in order to grow. Thank you for everything!!!!!!!!!!!! This is the hardest decision I've ever had to make. The hardest. Gusto ko magpasalamat sa lahat ng mga nag email,pumirma, nagtweet...lahat. The bosses told me about all of them. thank u po sa pagmamahal. Salamat na marami. I asked interactive if I may keep my ktext they were kind enough to allow me to keep it so that I can still be in touch with all of you!!!!!! I love you all!!!! Hindi po ito madali. Kaya lang I have to stand by my word. Thank you!!!!!!!!! I will be going to toni's concert on the 31st I asked her already. That just goes to show that no matter our differences and misunderstandings friendship will supersede all. Okay? I hope that clarifies everything thank u again!!! May God bless all of us.”

Jake Cuenca Takes on His First Gay Role in MMK

Maalaala Mo Kaya will celebrate its 20th anniversary with five special episodes set to air this October. One of these episodes will be top-billed by Jake Cuenca in his first time to play a gay role. During the press conference MMK: Dalawang Dekada which was also graced the show’s host and ABS-CBN President Charo Santos Concio, Jake shared that he had a great time doing the gay role. “I just really had fun doing the episode. Sobrang saya naming lahat kahit medyo nagmamadali kami sa taping at mahirap. Kapag napanood sana maramdaman niyo rin ‘yung sayang naramdaman naming lahat. It was my first time doing a gay role that’s why it was very challenging for me.”

In the episode shot in Barcelona, Spain, Jake plays a gay man who is torn by the embittered relationship of his parents, played by Vivian Velez and Ricky Davao. Jake’s father is a full-blooded Spaniard from Barcelona, but Jake never got the chance to see them during the shoot because of the hectic schedule.

The matinee idol confessed that at first he was shocked when told what role he would play. “Actually natakot ako nung inoffer sa akin. Sabi sa akin ng handler ko may role raw for me sa MMK and sa Barcelona ishu-shoot. Una kong tanong, ‘Sino leading lady ko diyan?’ Ha ha ha! Two days later sinabi sa akin na gay role nga.”

But the 23-year-old star explained that he is serious about his craft that’s why he didn’t want to back out from the challenge. “I think I was ready for it. Coming from In the Name of Love, ang dami ko nang natutunan. At first, I was scared to do it but I knew I was ready and matagal ko nang gustong gumawa ng ganito ka-challenging na role. Tuwing nago-offer ang MMK ng role it always an honor kasi nabibigyan kami ng pagkakataon na mag-guest. With no hesitation, I said yes.”

During the initial reading of the script, Jake had transvestite celebrity Bebe Gandanghari as his character peg. But when production began in Barcelona, he got to meet the person on which his character was based. Jake said, “Going into the character ang naging peg ko was Bebe Gandanghari. Nagpapayat ako for two weeks. Pero napadali ‘yung pagpasok ko sa character kasi kasama namin sa shoot ‘yung letter sender. Nakakakwentuhan ko siya, nakikita ko siya bago ako gumawa ng eksena kaya nami-mimic ko siya. Siya na ‘yung naging peg ko. Swerte ko na nandun siya. I took time to get to know him.”

With his experience in the MMK episode, Jake said he is open to doing another gay role as he considers that a part of learning as an actor. “Alam ko na darating talaga ‘yung gay role. It was just a matter of time. Ito ang isang bagay na kailangan kong patunayan na kaya kong gawin. Gusto ko na mas malayo sa totoo kong personality, mas maganda siyang gawin.”

Source: www.push.com.ph

Angeline Quinto Starts Filming the Movie With Coco Martin

Angeline Quinto said that it was a dream come true for her to be paired with acclaimed actor Coco Martin for their launching movie You Light Up My Life. She further shared that Coco was very helpful during their first shooting day together at Manila Baywalk last September 21. “Isa na naman sa mga pangarap ko ang natupad. Masayang-masaya ako kasi ‘di naman ako pinababayaan ni Coco. Tinutulungan niya po ako sa mga eksena. Alam naman din niya [na crush ko na siya noon pa]. So talagang siya lagi ang lumalapit sa akin kasi minsan talaga naiilang ako sa kanya.”

Although she’s a newbie in acting, the Star Power champ has a lot of potential according to Coco. To which Angeline humbly replied, “Talaga sinabi niya yun? Nung una siyempre kinakabahan ako tapos naiilang ako. Kasi wala naman akong alam sa pag-arte. Pero ginagawa ko lahat ng makakaya ko para sa movie. At alam nating magaling na artista si Coco. Ayoko naman mapaghulihan ako. Tsaka marami akong pinagdaanan bago ako isinalang dito sa proyektong ito. Nagkaroon din kami ng workshops so sana maging maganda ang resulta ng team-up namin.”

Since You Light Up My Life is said to be a romantic-comedy, Angeline was asked if she’s ready to be pitted against Sarah Geronimo who’s currently shooting a movie with Gerald Anderson. “Ay opo naman. Kasi naisip ko na nung una pa lang na panibagong intriga na naman ang haharapin natin. Siyempre hindi naman maiiwasan na minsan makaapekto yun sa akin lalo na kung negative yung feedback ng tao. Basta ako, hindi naman lahat ng tao nabibigyan ng ganitong pagkakataon kaya talagang ginagawa ko lahat para sa trabaho ko. Pinangarap ko ito e.”

The Popstar Princess recently renewed her contract with ABS-CBN and rumor has it that one of her stipulations was to ensure a higher career status than that of Angeline. But the latter refused to believe such reports, saying that she even goes to Sarah for advice. “Hindi naman po ako naniniwala dun, feeling ko hindi yun magagawa ni Sarah. Kasi kapag siya ang kausap ko, siya ang pa nagsasabi sa akin na talagang mararating ko lahat ng pangarap ko kasi mabait daw akong tao. Minsan sa kanya rin ako humihingi ng advice kasi alam kong napagdaanan din niya lahat ng mga napagdadaanan ko ngayon.”

Is she already used to being compared with Sarah by their respective fans? “Opo eh, kasi Star Power pa lang ang dami ko na naririnig na ganyan. Kumbaga nasanay na din ako, normal lang yun sa buhay showbiz,” she added.

Source: www.push.com.ph

Back to Back Showdown on Happy Yipee Yehey

Most talked about noontime show “Happy Yipee Yehey!” offers an intense showdown this Saturday, as sizzling hot “My Girl” contenders compete for the pageant’s monthly finals while wonder kids once again battle for their dream “Batang Genius” title.

Bring back the good old times as new wave hit songs are revived by the handsome RJR trio Randy Santiago, John Estrada and Rico J Puno.

Pokwang, together with Melai Cantiveros, Jason Francisco and Matteo Guidicelli, will also give a special Madonna-inspired performance with University of the Philippines (UP) Pep Squad, the champion of this year’s UAAP Cheerdance Competition.

Weekends are never the same when you’re with your favorite noontime barkada. Don’t miss the fun and the whopping gifts and prizes to be given away in “Happy Yipee Yehey!,” Mondays through Saturdays, after Showtime on ABS-CBN. Bida Best Kapamilya!

Valerie Concepcion Happy to be Kontrabida in 100 Days to Heaven

Masaya si Valerie Concepcion dahil naging bahagi siya ng teleseryeng 100 Days to Heaven. Kung noon ay na-enjoy ni Valerie ang pagho-host sa noontime show ay naramdaman naman niya ngayon ang pagiging aktres.

“Siyempre I feel so blessed na nakasama ako sa show na ’yun, ’tapos big hit pa,” nakangiting bungad ni Valerie.

Paano kaya pinaghahandaan ng sexy actress ang kanyang bad role sa serye? “Nag-workshop po ako kung paano ko mapapaganda ’yung pag-act kasi big hit nga ’yung soap. Siyempre kailangang makipagsabayan sa mga artista. Hindi puwedeng mapag-iwanan so I took a workshop with Bever­ly Vergel. Tinuruan niya ako kung paano magalit ng ma­katotohanan kahit hindi ka nagagalit deep inside,” kuwento ng aktres.

Hinahanap-hanap kaya ni Valerie ang pagho-host? “Ac­tually ako, nami-miss ko mag-host pero kung gusto ako ng management na mag-concentrate muna ako sa acting siguro tama lang din kasi parang nag-uumpisa ulit ako sa acting eh, para mas maraming ma-explore. ’Di ba baka mamaya magaling ako sa comedy, sa horror, para at least iba-iba,” natatawang sagot ni Valerie.

Anne Curtis Can Do a Lucy and a Gretchen if Necessary

Anne Curtis is confident that she can simultaneously essay the martyr persona of a Lucy Torres and the feisty stance of a Gretchen Barretto.

Anne’s character in “No Other Woman” is likened to Gretchen’s strong-willed image while Cristine Reyes’ perfect wife role is akin to Lucy’s ideal wife personality.

Actually, the question as to which role she can better play stemmed from a scene in which Carmi Martin, Cristine’s mom in the movie, articulated, “I-pack up mo na si Lucy Torres, ilabas mo na si Gretchen Barretto. Ako na ang bahala sa red stiletto mo.”

Erwan Heussaff’s girlfriend, who plays Derek Ramsay’s other woman in the movie, thinks she can be both.

“I think... me... already alone, I can have both personalities. Puwede akong maging perfect wife. But if you ask me if I can pull off a Gretchen… I can do that also,” explained Anne.

Perhaps to demonstrate her feisty nature, Anne unabashedly admitted that she indeed ran after a former boyfriend in the past.

“Yes, oo,” she quipped. “I think kasi kapag na-in love ka, mababaliw ka talaga… na wala ka nang pakialam kung ano ang sasabihin ng mga tao. O-all out ka talaga para sa taong mahal mo. Me gano’n ako,” she explained.

Asked if it was with Sam Milby, the actress blurted, “Secret!”

Anne is excited over this movie as it offered her the chance to work with Cristine and Derek.

“Ang fresh kasi ng pagsasama namin. Parang we’re all open to go all-out in this movie in terms of not only the physical things but also in… [having] our characters grow. Kung merong hindi naiintidihang eksena nagtutulungan kami. Ang hirap i-tackle kung hindi mo mismo na-experience.”

On her romantic relationship with Erwan, Anne said, “I don’t think anyone can have a perfect relationship but I’d like to think that my relationship is the closest to going perfect.”

Despite the minor imperfections, Anne said that when in a relationship, she “never cheated and never want to cheat! Kasi I believe in karma.”

Andi Eigenmann Showed Off Baby Bump in Star Studio Magazine

Andi Eigenmann confidently showed off her baby bump on a magazine cover for the first time via Star Studio magazine.

The same “TV Patrol” report related that Eigenmann remains hopeful that she’d be able to find the guy who would love and ultimately marry her.

The former “Agua Bendita” lead is also thankful for the outpour of support that she has been receiving ever since her mother Jaclyn Jose confirmed her pregnancy last June.

Eigenmann is set to give birth to a baby girl in November.

Kim Chiu Spreads Early Christmas Cheer

With the approaching Christmas season, Kim Chiu took the opportunity to express her Christmas wish for herself and her co-Kapamilya stars.

“Para sa lahat ng Kapamilya, ang wish ko ay to be more successful sa ating lahat, sa lahat ng mga tao. After all the hard work, 'yun naman ang gusto natin. After all the hardships ay success naman at the end of the year,” Chiu said in a taped interview during her photo shoot for Hair Asia that's aired on “TV Patrol” Sept. 21.

According to the report, Chiu was the magazine’s first choice for cover girl for their Christmas issue.

“Panibagong style ng generation natin, so parang ako 'ata ang pinakabata,” the actress said.

Chiu also expressed happiness over the success of her first project after her team-up with former onscreen partner Gerald Anderson, the primetime soap “My Binondo Girl.”

“Nagpapasalamat ako sa mainit ng pagtanggap ng tao. Nagpapasalamat ako sa mga fans, lahat ng friends and pamilya. Lahat sobrang pasasalamat ko,” she said.

Derek Ramsay Talks About Fidelity

Unlike his character in “No Other Woman,” Derek Ramsay maintained that he has never cheated on his long-time girlfriend Angelica Panganiban.

"Kahit itanong n'yo pa kay Angel, wala. Papatayin ako ng nanay ko!" PEP quoted him as saying.

Engaging in illicit affairs is "the worst thing" one can do in a relationship, Derek deemed.

“I think my parents will disown me if I do that,” he added.

On allegations that he wasn’t completely faithful to Solenn Heussaff, his girlfriend of three years, and Angelica, Derek said, “I think you guys can see that it took us one year, for Angel and I, to get together.”

And even in the future, the Kapamilya hunk-actor doesn’t see himself having a mistress.

“Ako kasi, before I sleep, I always talk to Angel. To find out if anything's wrong. Kung may problema man, gusto ko nang ilibing bago matulog. That's some of the advice that my dad gave me.

"And I remember, on his 60th birthday… napaiyak talaga ako. He said, they (Derek's parents) went through so many things, but if you have the chance to do it all over again, he'll do it with the same woman. So, ‘yun, always talk. You need to talk, you need to open up," he said at length.

Derek vowed that he’s over the stage of having several relationships including one-night stands.

"Tapos na 'yun!" he said, laughing.

He recalled, "You know, when you are a teenager, you go hanging out, experience a lot of things. Mas lalo na kapag athlete ka, girls threw themselves on you."

Nevertheless, growing up in a household with four women—his three sisters and his mother—taught Derek the value of respecting the opposite sex.

"Hindi ako ‘yung tipo ng lalaking mambabastos ng babae even if it's for one-night stand. If you'll gonna tell me, sige, you'll have fun in the evening, the next morning you'll kick her out of the door, hindi ko kayang gawin ‘yun. At hindi ko gagawin ‘yun,” he explained.

He also clarified that the one-night stands he had was during his college days.

“I'll be honest with you, you go out, you get drunk, you have fun, you get a few drinks, and you make out with somebody,” said Derek.

Prodded to comment on the perennial question on when he’ll walk down the aisle with Angelica, his sweetheart for five years now, Derek said, “We don't have to rush. Things are going so well. For me, kapag nagpakasal ka na, things change, eh.

"I don't want her to go back and say na, 'Sana nagawa ko 'to sa career ko.' Malulungkot ka, eh. I want her to grow. Let her blossom..."

Biggest Loser Will Gain Big in Grand Finale

Contestant Art Mendoza, who used to weigh 341 lbs., said his biggest fear is to gain the weight he lost during his four-month training inside the “Biggest Loser Pinoy Edition” camp.

Art, one of five finalists competing for the title of The First Pinoy Biggest Loser, now weighs 236 lbs.

The 35-year-old is battling it out with Angela Chico-Lupangco, 26; Hazel Chua, 22; Larry Martin, 36; and Raffy Tan, 22.

“When I got out of the camp (located in General Trias, Cavite), I knew I wouldn’t be able to spend four to five hours of gym time, but I was able to change my lifestyle,” Art said during a media gathering on Tuesday held at the ABS-CBN compound in Quezon City. “I make sure to work out for an hour and a half every day.”

He admitted he’s been big since he was a kid. “For two or three years I was fit. Those were the times when I played football in the United States. But I wasn’t as fit as I am now. After that, I gained more. Two months before the competition, I even weighed 360 lbs.”

Before the contest, Angela, who used to weigh 233 lbs., said she already accepted the fact that she would always have weight issues. “I even said I’d die fat. But in the camp we were taught that there’s hope for people like us, that to achieve our ideal weight, we just need to focus and be determined,” said Angela, who now tips the scale at 155 lbs.

“Biggest Loser” is based on the franchise that first became popular in the US. The show starts with a weigh-in that serves as the baseline for determining the overall winner. The contestants are separated into two teams of six contestants, each wearing separate colored T-shirts.

Various challenges and temptations are featured in the episodes. Those who win the challenges are given special privileges, such as a weight advantage for the next weigh-in, or full immunity from being voted off the show. The teams are dissolved when the number of contestants has shrunk to a predetermined smaller number. The contestants then compete against each other.

“When I decided to join, my goal was just to lose the weight,” said Hazel, who used to weigh 206 lbs. “I guess when it rains, it really pours. I’m contented with what I have now. I can’t ask for anything more.” Hazel, who now weighs 150 lbs., has also found her first boyfriend in the camp—Raffy.

“I’ve never been this happy about how I look,” said Raffy. “I already weighed 170 lbs. when I was in grade 6. I gained more through the years until I reached 220 lbs.

He added that he’s “experiencing many firsts these days. For the first time, I can go to a shopping mall and buy clothes for myself that are not extra large, double X or even quadruple X.” Raffy now weighs 207 lbs.

Larry, a former police officer, said he left the force because he lost his self-respect. He was at 255 lbs. during the initial weigh-in. “I had a lot of vices. I was a heavy drinker. I blame myself for what happened to my body.” Now he steers clear of temptations. “I’m working on changing my life. You’ll never know, maybe I could go back to being a policeman again soon.” He is now down to 170 lbs.

The show is presented by Sharon Cuneta, with Derek Ramsay as game master. It also features trainers Chinggay Andrada and Jim Saret, nutritionist Nadine Tengco and psychologist Randy Dellosa.

Previously eliminated contestants were Ryan Razon, Edden Cruz, Allan Choachuy, Winwin Cabinta, Eric Limatog, JM Oloris, Joy Siy and Eboy Bautista.

When asked if they could fall in love with somebody with weight problems, Eboy gave the most interesting response. “I don’t think looks is a factor. I’ve also experienced rejection from someone because of my weight problem,” he said. “I sometimes think of meeting that person again just to say, ‘look at me now!’ There’s somebody for everyone.”

Art added: “I was married before, but was separated last year. I’m a believer that beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. Fat or thin, as long as she’s beautiful for me, it really doesn’t matter.”

Like Hazel, Joy said she has been “single since birth. I’ve met quite a number of chubby people since the show. I believe ‘pag malaking tao, malaki rin ang puso. It doesn’t matter if he’s fat or thin as long as we get along well. I’m so jealous of Hazel. Nakatyamba siya!”

The winner will be announced during the grand finale on Oct. 8 at the Ynares Stadium in Pasig. At stake: P1 million, a newly furnished condominium unit from DCMI Homes, a Vespa scooter, a 40” Sony Bravia Internet TV, Whirlpool appliances and a lifetime membership from Fitness First.

Cristine Reyes Happy Being a Kapamilya

With good projects coming her way, actress Cristine Reyes categorically refuted rumors that she'll transfer to the Kapatid network.

"Hindi, a!" blurted the “Reputasyon” star in an interview with PEP posted on Sept. 21.

"Nag-e-enjoy ako sa mga ibinibigay sa akin ng ABS. Happy ako sa ABS."

One of the hottest issues in the industry today is about stars jumping ship to TV5, as fueled by the supposed tight relationship between Viva Entertainment’s head honcho Vic del Rosario and TV5's top bosses. As it is, the “No Other Woman” star is one of the gems of the all-around entertainment agency which probably caused the rumor to proliferate further.

Having learned about the buzz of her alleged transfer through tweets to her account (@EVAFONDA2008), Cristine believes that she would be consulted about it should the Viva boss decide to ship them to a different network.

"Siguro magkakaroon muna ng discussion. Pero so far naman, I'm happy sa ABS-CBN.

"Kung meron man pong ganung offer [from TV5], hindi ko po alam.

"If ever, mabait naman po ang Viva, e, kung saan mas masaya yung alaga nila, doon sila,” explained the actress.

She went on, "Siyempre mahirap namang magtrabaho kung alam mong ayaw mong magtrabaho kung saan ka lilipat."

With these words, Reyes was asked if she didn’t like TV5.

To which she replied, "Hindi naman sa ganun,” while adding, "Siyempre, kung saan ka mas kumportable, kung saan ka binibigyan ng mas magandang project at naa-appreciate ka ng mga tao, doon ka."

In line with her upcoming movie “No Other Woman,” which tackles infidelity in marriage, Reyes was asked how she would react if thrust in such a scenario.

"Pag nalaman ko yung guy na may iba siya, siguro papapiliin ko siya kung sino sa aming dalawa,” she said.

Cristine continued, "Kung pipiliin niya yung isa, okay lang. It means hindi siya para sa akin.

"Kung ako yung pipiliin niya, kailangan na niyang hiwalayan yung isa," Reyes maintained.

In the film, Reyes’ character was prodded by her mom (played by Carmi Martin) to reclaim what is rightfully hers. That said, Reyes was asked if she’s willing to "recover" the person she loves even though he’s already in the arms of another.

"Sa tingin ko, ayokong gawin yun na maghahabol ako sa lalaki.

"Kasi, ayokong ipilit yung sarili ko sa taong ayaw na sa akin. Kasi parang tatapakan ko lang yung sarili ko. Marami namang iba diyan na puwede akong mahalin," said she.

Albert Martinez Says Nasaan Ka Elisa is a High-Risk Project

Albert Martinez is at the prime of his life. He has a new mystery-serye, “Nasaan Ka Elisa,” on ABS-CBN and an awesome Belo billboard to boot.

“Elisa is a high-risk project. It has no anchor actor,” he points out. “It’s not a traditional soap with a familiar plot. New concept in execution, scoring and editing. It’s very challenging for me and my coactors. I love challenges. Taking risks is the reason I’m still active in the industry. As for my billboard, I’m happy I achieved my goal of staying fit and healthy at 50. It’s worth the years of discipline.”

At his age, Albert is still oozing with sex appeal. How does he stay away from temptation? “I just focus on my family for whom I’ve worked so hard all these years,” he says. “I wouldn’t be crazy to let it go down the drain. My family is my foundation.”

ABS-CBN Accuses Willie Revillame of Falsifying P426-M Bond

Network giant ABS-CBN has added another case to its legal tiff with its erstwhile millionaire host.

The TV network has lodged falsification raps against Willie Revillame and two others, claiming that the signatures that appeared on the P426-million bond submitted by Revillame to a Quezon City court in 2010, were not the TV host’s.

In an affidavit, ABS-CBN chief legal counsel Maximilian Uy filed charges against the TV5 host, notary public Romeo Monfort and bondsman Reynaldo Fong before the Quezon City prosecutors’ office.

In particular, Uy lodged raps for falsification of commercial documents and falsification of documents by a notary public, punishable by Article 171 and 172 of the Revised Penal Code.

Uy said he was sure ABS-CBN would have obtained the court’s temporary restraining order on Revillame’s new TV show on TV5 had the falsification been established earlier.

The TV network alleged that Revillame’s signature on the P426-million bond submitted to Judge Luisito Cortez of Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 84 was forged.

To back up this claim, Uy submitted sample signatures of Revillame in other court documents, in which the signatures were different from the bond.

In 2010, the network had asked the court to issue a temporary restraining order against Revillame who had jumped ship to TV5 and was about to launch a new show, “Willing Willie.”

ABS-CBN filed a P426-million damage suit against Revillame for backing out of his contract.

Later on, the court ordered Revillame to pay the P426-million bond to answer for any damages the network may have suffered.

Monfort was the notary public who notarized Revilame’s joint declaration of his P426-million bond, along with Fong, the vise president of Asia Insurance (Philippines) Corp.

In his 28-page affidavit filed Wednesday, Uy said he was familiar with Revillame’s signature because of numerous documents the host has executed for, and addressed to the network.

“Based on my personal knowledge of and familiarity with respondent Revillame’s signature, an examination of the alleged signatures of respondent Revillame appearing on the subject bond immediately shows that these purported signatures are not the signatures of respondent Revillame.”

He added that in other court documents, no other signature appeared to be “even remotely similar” to the signature found in the joint declaration and bond.

The ABS-CBN chief legal counsel explained that if the allegedly falsified bond was not accepted by the court, the network would have been granted its TRO against Revillame’s new show.

“Complainant ABS-CBN has suffered and continues to suffer damages as a result of respondent Revillame’s submission of the falsified subject bond in a judicial proceeding where complainant ABS-CBN is the adverse party,” Uy said.

The network added that it has suffered damages amounting to P1,707,670,587.84 since November 2010 for each week that Revillame violated his contract with ABS-CBN, which would expire in 2012.

KC Concepcion's Revelations Decoded

Here is the take of Inquirer's columnist Nestor Torre on the relationship of KC Concepcion and Piolo Pascual:

For some weeks now, televiewers have been the recipients of recondite or downright mystifying updates or “progress reports” on the KC Concepcion-Piolo Pascual romance and its periodic upheavals.

First off, KC’s mom, Sharon Cuneta, surprised viewers with her concerned comments about the two stars’ relationship, intimating that all was not well with it.

After Sharon’s guarded declaration of concern, however, not much was heard from KC or the iconically laconic Piolo, so people’s confusion persisted. Until last September 4, when KC finally talked at greater length about the less-than-perfect “situation.”

Declarations

Even KC’s declarations, however, were guarded and in fact sometimes spoken in a kind of “code” that viewers had to figure out or “deconstruct,” to divine what she really meant!

Here’s a breakdown of the “highlights” of KC’s “loaded” comments, the better for us to arrive at a more complete picture of what is really taking place – if we’re all that interested:

The couple has kissed and made up, and in fact attended the Star Magic Ball together, and Piolo even gifted KC with jewelry.

But, some things still have to change. “Hindi na puwede ang dati. Hindi tinataguan or tinatakasan ang mga issue. It’s commitment time.” Hmmm…

When asked if, despite everything, she was happy, KC couldn’t give a categorical reply. Uh-oh.

But, not to worry, KC resolutely declared, ups and downs are par for the course for “all” relationships(?) – so, hope springs eternal that the eight-month relationship won’t irretrievably flounder before the year ends.

Real score

After assimilating all that, what’s the real score? We sense that KC could be chafing because the busy Piolo, who’s used to getting his way and doing things in his time, place and pace, may not be giving her the time and attention she needs.

“Quality time” sounds nice, but young women in a relationship need and want more than that, and Piolo may be remiss in that regard.

KC says they recently talked “everything” through, but we don’t know if “reforms” regarding the time issue were part of the “package.”

The next bunch of comments – on the need for change, confronting rather than running away from issues, greater commitment, stop going by cozy past practices – reveal KC’s need for greater clarity, proactive dynamism and excitement in the relationship with her older and perhaps more “habituated” beau.

Relationship

At the end of her “sharing” on “The Buzz,” KC declared again that she was “fully committed” to the relationship, despite everything, and contra mundum.

But, what about the laconic Piolo? What is he prepared to do to make his beloved KC truly happy? Abangan ang susunod na coded message!

Source: Nestor Torre, Inquirer.net

Piolo Pascual Mobbed by Fans in Kuwait

Almost 200 fans greeted Kapamilya idols Piolo Pascual, Jovit Baldivino and yours truly at the airport in Kuwait. Not even the right number of security personnel could stop the fans who mobbed Piolo. They kissed him, grabbed his head, touched his hair, pulled his arm, and hugged him from all corners of his body. The Kuwait airport was like a concert venue with fans screaming and crying.

It was a good thing Jovit Baldivino, 17 years old and was as small as a ninja.

I don’t know how he did it but just like a trained ninja, he managed to slip from the crowd unnoticed, blended with the fans and I just saw him inside our car going to the hotel. How did he do that? Was he gifted with stealth powers by some ninja master in Batangas where he was born and raised?

I made the wrong decision. Thinking that it was only Piolo the fans were after, I steered away from the group (on my own! stupid decision) and let the fans mob Piolo.

I forgot that the mob mentality also had the transference mentality. Let me explain transference in the most layman way I can.

A star gets mobbed in rings. The first ring of fans that encircles the star are the luckiest. If security is low, they can grab his face and kiss him, pinch him, take his picture and hug him.

The second ring of fans can still touch his hand or pull his arm. The third, fourth and fifth rings can only take his picture. When you’re in the sixth ring up to the tenth, you can be as lucky as to get a glimpse of the back of Piolo’s hair.

But a fan has so much energy. So much adrenaline flows through a fan’s body because he or she was able to see the top of the head of Piolo Pascual. And because there is so much desire, love and energy going on, these attributes need to.

Be transferred to somebody else. It cannot be her fellow fan or friend because he or she sees that person on the same level. It has to be somebody close to a fan’s idol, or engaged in the same profession.

“Hey isn’t that Giselle Sanchez walking alone with her bags? Isn’t she going to perform together with Piolo Pascual, sharing the same stage with him. Don’t we get to watch her on television just like we watch our idol Piolo Pascual? Isn’t she a Kapamilya just like our idol Piolo Pascual? OMG! I have so much energy, love and passion for Piolo and I only saw the top of his head. I need to pour out all of this energy!” that was the thought balloon I could see over a fan’s head fast approaching me.

Then the most horrifying thing happens. She shouts with all her might, “Aaaaaaaa! Si Giselle Sanchez!!!!!” as she ran to my direction.

This prompted others to follow, until I started building my own fourth, fifth and sixth rings of fans myself. The problem was, I was alone. No security, not even a friend or family to protect me.

And so this was the story of my life. The fans came and conquered. I was hugging my bag while fans pulled my hair, kissed my cheeks and lips, hugged me from the front, side, back, pulled my arms and squeezed my hands. I finally got to the car (I don’t know how I did it all by myself, but I was able to). I was shaking, almost in the verge of tears and Piolo asked me with all calmness, “What happened to you?”

“Hindi na ako sanay!” (I’m not used to this anymore!), I told Piolo and the group. Yes I had my heyday about 10 years ago when I used to host a variety show everyday and a dating game show every weekend. My van would be shaken by fans whenever I refused to go out for lack of security.

But this was a decade ago. I got married, had two children and was contented doing support roles and front acts for big stars. I was happy walking in the mall with people just greeting me and my children. I can even go to Divisoria now without fainting.

Back in my shiny star days, I tried to go to Divisoria in a cap, T-shirt and loose jeans with no make-up. When somebody was able to spot and recognize me (it must be my glowing skin – joke!), I was immediately mobbed in less than three minutes and I woke up in a clinic due to a fainting spell. The doctor said, there was no air for me to breathe, so I fainted.

But this was a decade ago. I had no mob practice anymore. I wasn’t ready to be competing for air molecules with a mob so I could breathe.

Gee whiz, I wasn’t ready for fans anymore. And they were not my fans in the first place. They were Piolo’s fans transferring their energy and love to me.

I was kinda grateful for the love and the fans. But when your hair gets pulled, shoulders get squeezed, and your personal bubble space gets invaded by lips kissing your cheeks, ears, forehead and mouth without anybody to protect you, you just wanna cry.

And I was shaking in the car asking Piolo how he does it? He chuckled and laughed.

Source: Giselle Sanchez, Manila Bulletin
Known as Asia’s Funny Girl, Giselle will be performing with Nikki Gil and Billy Crawford on Sept. 23 in Pagadian City. Follow her in Facebook (giselasalon@yahoo.com) and Twitter (@GiselleXanchez) by logging on to her website www.gisellesanchez.com where she writes about her Bohol beachfront hotel.

Nora Aunor Wants to Make a Noisy Comeback Via Accusations Against ABS-CBN

After a supposed unpleasant working experience in ABS-CBN, Superstar Nora Aunor admitted that she doesn’t want to work with the Kapamilya network again.

In her revealing interview with YES! Magazine, the award-winning actress was quoted as saying in a report by PEP, "Actually, wala na 'yon. Kaya lang, hindi ko lang kaya 'yong palakad nila, eh. 'Yon lang. Maaaring wala na akong sama ng loob kay Charo [Santos-Concio, ABS-CBN president], wala akong sama ng loob kay Malou [Santos, Star Cinema head]. Pero ayoko na rin sa Dos."

In her decades-spanning career, Aunor has done two TV projects with ABS-CBN, namely “Bituin” in 2002, with Cherie Gil, Carol Banawa, and Desiree Del Valle; and the drama anthology “Star Drama Theater Presents: Nora,” in 1992.

Aunor recalled in the same magazine interview, "So, di, kinontrata nila uli ako. Nauna pa ako, eh, sa set, wala silang problema sa akin. No'ng natapos na 'yong ilang weeks... [biglang wala na].”

She continued: "Ngayon, mabuti na lang do'n sa kontrata, nakalagay na kapag sila nagkamali, obligado silang bayaran pa rin ako kung ano 'yong dapat ibabayad sa akin.

"One hundred percent no'ng dapat total na ibabayad sa akin ‘pag hindi ako ang may kamalian, babayaran ako."

The Kapamilya station, through its Entertainment Head Linggit Tan, issued a statement to YES!, published in the same issue, lamenting Aunor’s supposed unprofessionalism.

In the statement, Tan said that Aunor’s “Star Drama Theater” stint, which was supposedly for one season running for 13 weeks, “had to be cut short because of her unprofessional working habits.”

She likewise pointed out that Aunor exhibited the same behavior when she did “Bituin.”

“For a soap to work, it has to be consistent in terms of quality, acting, production timetable... But the working habits of Nora, naulit-ulit...” said Tan.

Tan also said that “certain quarters representing her (Aunor)” had “talks” with ABS-CBN “prior to her much-talked about return to the Philippines."

"They came to us! In all fairness to the network, we never entertained any of those offers. It's to our detriment naman to say hindi siya interesado sa amin. We didn't respond to those feelers. It's not her option to choose us...” she added.

Despite the apparent bad blood that still exists between the Superstar and ABS-CBN, Tan said, “we wish her well.”

MMK Offers 3 Special Episodes for 20th Anniversary Celebration

Sa pagdiriwang ng 20th anniversary ng “Maalaala Mo Kaya,” (MMK) special red carpet welcome ang hinanda para sa host nitong si Charo Santos kasama ang cast ng 3 special episodes ng MMK ngayong Oktubre.

Buena mano ang “Palawan” episode ng award-winning director na si Brillante Mendoza. Tungkol ito sa pakikibaka ng isang nabulag na ina laban sa isyu ng ilegal na pagmimina sa Palawan. Tampok dito si Angel Aquino.

Pinasilip din ang “Happy Feet” episode ng “Pilipinas Got Talent” winners, ang tap dancing duo na ginampanan nina John Prats at Nash Aguas.

Itinampok naman ng “Barcelona” episode si Jake Cuenca bilang bading na anak ni Ricky Davao.

Walong daang real-life stories ang tinalakay ng “Maalaala Mo Kaya” na hawak ang record bilang longest-running drama anthology sa Asya.

Giit ni Charo, puso ng MMK ang pagpapatingkad ng Filipino family values tulad ng sakripisyo, pagmamahal at pagharap sa pagsubok sa buhay.

Aabangan din sa “Sunday's Best” ang special MMK docu tampok ang mga rebelasyon ni Charo kay Gov. Vilma Santos.

“It’s evolution, what impact has a program made on the Filipino people. Mostly ganyan and ‘yung mga katangian naming dalawa bilang Scorpio women,” kuwento ni Charo.

Plano rin ni Charo ang mas malakas na suporta sa mga letter senders.

Aniya, “Binabalikan namin, tinitignan namin kung ano ang mangyayari sa kanila. One day, if I have more time, I would want to set up some assistance to our letter senders via counseling.”

Natatawang dagdag ni Charo, sana'y mapagpatuloy pa rin nila ang MMK sa susunod na 20 years.