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Mar 10, 2009

THE TRUTH ON POPS AND JOMARI BREAK-UP

Posted by Shee

By: Mario Bautista

IT'S BEEN rumored before that Pops Fernandez and Jomari Yllana have broken up but the rumor proved to be false. Now, it's circulating once again that they have called it quits and some people won't believe it as they were just so lovey-dovey when Jom produced the reunion concert of Pops with ex-hubby Martin Nievera at the Big Dome last month, "Missing You"", which is about to be shown this Sunday night on GMA-7.

But no less than Pops' good friend and co-star in "Betty La Fea", Ruffa Gutierrez, said that a mutual friend of theirs confirmed to her that Jom and Pops have split. Someone said it's just a cool off period for them but Jom himself has declared that they have indeed broken up. But he made it clear that it isn't true that they didn't fight over money, as earlier reported.

"There's also no third party involved at hindi rin dahil wala kaming time kaya kami nag-split," he adds. "Wala ring kinalaman ang 'Missing You' concert nila ni Martin. Basta meron lang kaming hindi mapagkasunduan. Dati na kaming madalas magtalo but lately, mas napapadalas kaya we thought it's best na hiwalay muna kami. Pero hindi kami nag-aaway. Irreconcilable differences lang talaga na nauuwi sa pagtatalo. Iba yun sa nag-away. Huwag nyo na lang itanong kung anong pinagtatalunan namin as it's too personal. It happened two weeks ago and I'm hoping naman na magkausap pa rin kami one of these days. Ngayon lang naman umabot sa ganito ang problema namin and I'm not closing any doors. As of now, pareho lang kaming busy. She's taping 'Betty La Fea' at ako naman, kasali sa 'Zorro' ni RIchard Gutierrez sa GMA-7 for which I have to take special fencing lessons dahil may mga eksena ng eskrimahan dito. Parehong malayo ang locations namin. Busy rin ako para sa second concert na ipo-produce ng aming Fearless Productions, ang show ng American Idols na sina David Cook and David Archuleta on May 16. So, puro trabaho lang muna ang hinaharap ko ngayon."

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MOCHA AND JC PARKER HOT VIDEO

Posted by Shee

By: Mario Bautista

WE JUST SAW a video of singer Mocha and Viva Hot Babe JC Parker posted on the net. They're making love, kissing each other passionately (as in "laplapan" to the max talaga, complete with tongue) and then mashing each other's boobies. This is about 5 minutes long. It's obvious that both Mocha and JC are aware that a camera is in front of them to tape what they're doing. Is this a part of a movie or a promo for something?

Mocha is really getting hotter, what with her 2009 controversial calendar also showing her in revealing poses and her fans demand to have copies when she performs in regular gigs and corporate shows. SHe's now also a part of Maxim Magazine where they feature a sneak peak into her private life. The photo blog will leave everyone guessing about her sexual preference.

Surely the video with JC will fan all the more the rumor that Mocha favors lesbian affairs, especially after her provocative photos with other girls came out in a tabloid. As for JC, we know she is still going steady with Streetboy Danilo Barrios. Or have they called it quits?

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SUNDO

Posted by Shee

By: Mario Bautista

ROBIN PADILLA stars in the the year's first horror thriller, "Sundo", from the makers of the horror blockbuster "Ouija", GMA Films and Director Topel Lee. How is "Sundo" different from the first horror flick he did, "Kulimlim" by Maryo de los Reyes?

"Magkaiba sila," he says. "In 'Kulimlim', I'm possessed by dead criminals. Dito, I play Romano, an ex-soldier who goes into seclusion and can see spirits around people who'll soon die. Sila yung mga sumusundo. Sister ko si Rhian Ramos, who's blind. She persuades me to return to Manila with Sunshine Dizon, my childhood friend. On the way to Manila, kasabay namin sa sasakyan sina Katrina Halili, Glydel Mercado, Hero Angeles and our driver, Mark Bautista. Sa daan, we manage to avoid a fatal accident pero magiging dahilan yun para ang mga sundo ng bawat isa sa amin will try to get us. Ako yung magiging link para makatulong sa mga kasamahan ko nang hindi sila masundo and be taken to the other side. Sa 'Kulimlim', I did everything Direk Maryo asked me to. Ganundin dito kay Direk Topel, kahit may sarili kong interpretation sa scene, I followed him. He'd say dagdag dito, bawas diyan, pero sa isang eksena, kailangan kong umiyak and I told him bakit ako iiyak, e sundalo ko ritong sanay sa giyera? Inabot tuloy ng three days ang reshot ng eksenang yun."

How's it working with his younger co-stars? "Kay Sunshine, I was warned: siga yan, wag kang luluko-loko susuntukin ka niyan.Sabi ko, naku, sunshine ito, pero baka ma-sunset ako rito. But as the shooting went on, na-prove kong napakahusay niyang artista. Nararamdaman ko kasi tumatayo ang buhok ko sa husay niya. Si Rhian, the first time kaming magkakilala, sabi niya sa'kin: isa pong malaking karangalan na makatrabaho ko kayo. Na-touched ako. Kasi may mga nakatrabaho kong young stars before, pero walang respeto sa matatanda. Ang totoo, naiyak ako noon, di ko lang pinakita sa kanya. As an actress naman, napakahusay niya. Bulag siya rito at naka-contact lens siya maghapaon, but wala siyang reklamo. Ang bilin ko lang sa kanila, wag nila kong tatawaging tatay. Kuya lang. Kaya nagkasundo naman kami."

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NEW VIVA RECORDING ARTIST

Posted by Shee

By: Mario Bautista

VIVA RECORDS has a new recording artist and she's hot: Martha Joy. Discovered in Canada and now managed by Pilita Corrales (who also brought Jaya home from the U.S.), Martha's family name is Lim, the only child of a Pinay and a Portuguese dad. Born and raised in Toronto, she joined Canadian Idol in 2007 and was the youngest contestant to make it to the top ten when she was only 16.

"I started taking voice lessons when I was 9, with classical training," she says. "But I really love to do pop more. I can also play the piano. In 2004, Tita Pilita did a show in Canada and I sang with her. She wanted to take me to Manila even then but my mom said I have to finish high school first. So after, graduating from high school, I came here and was introduced to Boss Vic del Rosario who then signed to me to a 3-year management contract. My first project with them is recording my self-titled debut album."

Martha Joy stands 5'7" with dusky good looks. She looks somewhat like Iza Calzado. "I've met her and she's so nice. She said we should pretend na sisters kami." People are also telling her to join the Bb. Pilipinas. "But I feel I still have to get myself into perfect shape before I join it."

Did she leave a boyfriend in Canada? "No. I've never had one. I've been so focused on my studies."

In November 2007, she had her first solo concert at the Toronto Centre for the Arts. "It's my thanksgiving to all those who supported me when I joined Canadian Idol. Kahit di ako nanalo, it was a great experience for me."

How come she speaks fluent Tagalog? "I learned it from watching Tagalog movies and TV shows."

She has three Tagalog songs in her 15-tracked album: "Pagka't Mahal Pa Rin Kita", "Laging Ikaw", and "Dumating Ka", the carrier single. "She's a fast learner," says Viva's Baby Gil. "Wala nga siyang Canadian accent at all. You give the song her today. The next day, kabisado na niya."

She wowed the press people who attended the launching of her album at Tangerine Restaurant in Greenhills. She has wonderful range and intonation, hitting high operatic notes with ease. All the songs in her album are original. The English tracks are "The Right Moment", "Only My Heart", "Broken", "Holding on to a Dream", "I Love the Sunshine", "That's How It Has to Be", "All of a Sudden", "This Special Night", "Just Exactly Like We Planned", "Maybe", "Nothing More to Say", and "Do You Think of Me". The album is now available in all record stores nationwide.

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GMA ARTIST CENTER NEW TALENTS

Posted by Shee

By: Mario Bautista

GMA ARTIST CENTER signed up four new talents to join their stable: Boy2 Quizon, Ram Revilla, Princess Violago, and Chef Nino Logarta. Boy2, grandson of Dolphy, is seen regularly in "Bubble Gang". Chef Nino hosts Q 11's "Daddylicious", a lifestyle and cooking show. Ram Revilla is the half-brother of Sen. Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. He has appeared in some movies before. Princess Violago was part of the horror-comedy show "Hooo U" three years ago but she went to the U.S. so her showbiz career was stalled.

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2008: THE YEAR'S BEST FILMS AND PERFORMANCES

Posted by Shee

By: Mario Bautista

Here's a list of local films shown this year, mostly indie digital releases shown in limited theatres.
January - Retaso, Condo, Sikil, Roxxxane, Ang Lihim ni Antonio. - 5 films
February - Selda, Daybreak, My Best Friend's Girl Friend, Big Love. - 4 films
March - Ate, Half Blood Ninja, Supah Papalicious, Abadeja, When Timawa Meets Delgado. - 5 films
April - Manay Po 2: Overload, Ploning, When Love Begins. - 3 films
May - Ikaw Pa Rin: Bongga Ka Boy, Sa Pagdapo ng Mariposa, Caregiver. - 3 films
June - Urduja, Serbis, Hugot, Kambyo. - 4 films
July - Paupahan, My Monster Mom, Tirador, A Very Special Love (the year's biggest hit so far), Kalakal, Paalam Aking Bulalakaw, Hubad, and entries in Cinemalaya Filmfest: Jay, 100, Boses, Brutus, Concerto, Namets, Huling Pasad, Ranchero, Baby Angelo, My Fake American Accent. - 17 films
August - Project X, Imoral, Dobol Trobol: Ready to Rambol, Loving You, Torotot, Eskandalo, For the First Time. - 7 films
September - Italy, Thank You Girls, Ay Ayeng, Quick Trip, Teach Me to Love. - 5 films
October - Mag-ingat Ka sa Kulam, Binyag, My Only U. - 3 films
November - Kurap, Xenoa 2, Walang Kawala, Lukaret, One True Love, Scaregivers, Sapi, Lalamunan. - 8 films
December - Cul de Sac, Eraserheads The Reunion Concert, Lovebirds, Adela, Keys Me Manananggal Me, the Cinema One Filmfest entries Dose, UPCAT, Yanggaw, Kolorete, Alon, Imburnal, Motorcycle, and the Metro Manila Filmfest entries Magkaibigan, Desperadas 2, One Night Only, Baler, Iskul Bukol: 20 Years After, Shake Rattle & Roll X, Tanging Ina Ninyong Lahat, Dayo. - 20 films

That's a total of 84 films. Only 28 are mainstream films and 56 are indie digital films. You can't really say that the local film industry is alive because the indie flicks cater to a very limited market and are usually shown in only one or two theaters (usually Robinson Galleria's Indie Sine). More often than not, they're released with the viewing public not even aware that there's such a movie being shown since they're seldom promoted.

2008 also saw the continued decline of the public's interest in awards-giving. There was a time when awards nights were glittering affairs shown live on TV. Now, the award-giving bodies have a hard time getting sponsors so there's no live coverage anymore. In some cases, there are delayed telecasts of some awards nights, like Star and FAMAS. Some awards were held so late in the year, like the Urian and FAMAS that gave away its trophies in September and November.

And do you know that this year, each award giving body has a different choice for best picture? For Star Awards (the first to give out awards in March), their best picture was "One More Chance". For the Golden Screen, it was the indie Cinemalaya movie, "Pisay". For the Gawad Pasado, it's "Ataul for Rent". For Young Critics Circle, it's "Foster Child". For the Urian, it's "Tirador". For the FAMAS, it's "Katas ng Saudi". For the FAP Awards, it's "Banal". It only goes to show that the diverse tastes of the various award-giving bodies make them all the more least credible.

And here are our choices for the year's best film and performances. Our best films are all indie digital films shown in the Cinemalaya filmfest last July: "Jay" directed by Francis Pasion, "100" by Chris Martinez, "Boses" by Ellen Ongkeko, and "Brutus" by Tara Illenberger. Francis, Chris and Tara are all first time directors. "Jay" starts as a documentary about a murdered homosexual named Jay. How the docu was made is then shown as the main part of the movie. The TV host who made docu is also named Jay and the movie becomes a satire on how media can distort facts in the quest for better ratings.

"100" is about a young woman who learns she'll die in three months and then makes a list of all the things she wants to do before she finally expires.

"Boses" is a very moving melodramatic story of a young battered boy who is redeemed by music with the help of a sympathetic violinist.

"Brutus" is the coming of age story of two Mangyan kids, a girl and a boy, who take the job of illegally smuggling lumber downriver from the mountains to a town in the lowlands.

We can add to this Maryo de los Reyes' tale of marital infidelity that leads to a crime of passion, "Torotot", another digital film.

Among the mainstream films, we'd like to mention "Ploning" by Dante Garcia, "Baler" by Mark Meily and "Caregiver" by Chito Rono.

For best supporting actress, our list includes Shamaine Centenera as the mother who kills the rapist of his gay son in "Lihim ni Antonio", Mylene Dizon as the nurse from the city who serves in a backward town in "Ploning", Eugene Domingo as the dying invalid mom in "Ploning" and as the supportive best friend in "100", Cherry Pie Picache as the kind-hearted directress of a shelter home for distressed kids in "Boses", Angelu de Leon as the mentally disturbed teacher and Snooky Serna as the foul-mouthed broker of body organs for sale in "Paupahan", Flor Salanga as the mother of a murdered gay son in "Jay", Irma Adlawan as the generous aunt having an affair with their gardener in "Dose", and Manilyn Reynes as the lesbian manager in "One Night Only".

For best supporting actor, our choices are Ricky Davao as the abusived dad and Coke Bolipata as the helpful violinist in "Boses", Julio Diaz as the spineless cuckolded husband in "Serbis", German Moreno aka Kuya Germs as the aging gay in "Paupahan", Phillip Salvador as the rebel leader in "Baler", Peque Gallaga as the theater director who's fighting for artistic freedom in "Hubad", Emilio Garcia as the ruthless and corrupt gay cop in "Walang Kawala", and Tommy Abuel as the understanding father of a gay son in "Lovebirds".

In the lead actor category, sure to be rivals are Baron Geisler as the exploitative gay TV reporter in "Jay" and as the cuckolded husband who kills his wife and her paramous in "Torotot", Julian Duque as the battered boy who refuses to talk and turns out to be a precocious musician in "Boses", Christopher de Leon as the dying friend in "Magkaibigan", Yul Servo as the wronged husband who decides to forgive his erring wife in "Torotot", John Estrada as the woefully aimless husband in "Caregiver", John Lloyd Cruz as the cynical boss with an ax to grind against his own family in "A Very Special Love", and Polo Ravales as the ill-fated gay fisherman looking for his lost lover in "Walang Kawala".

Sure to be noticed as lead actress are Mylene Dizon as the dying heroine who makes peace with her loved ones and with God in "100", Judy Ann Santos as the village lass who has a positive effect on the people around her in "Ploning", Gina Pareno as the matriarch of a wayward family living in a dilapidated moviehouse in "Serbis", Irma Adalawan as the theatre actress having problems with her marriage in "Hubad", Sharon Cuneta as the wife and mother working in London who has to make a final choice about her irresponsible husband in "Caregiver", and Boots Anson Roa as the addled mom who can't accept her youngest son has fallen in love with another man in "Lovebirds".

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2008 YEARENDER

Posted by Shee

By: Mario Bautista

RING OUT THE old, ring in the new. But before we say a final goodbye to 2008 to welcome 2009, let's take a last glimpse at the colorful happenings in tinseltown for the past 12 months. Showbiz won't be showbiz without the colorful feuds and controversies involving our stars so let's start in that department.

Gabby Concepcion returned to Manila in March after staying in the States for 13 years. He signed up to do a movie with GMA Films, but then he got another manager, Mommy Rose Flaminiano, who made him sign a contract with ABS-CBN. After verbally committing to endorse Met Tathione to Jobert Sucaldito, Gabby and his manager signed up with the rival Lucida, so Jobert filed a case against them that became personal when Jobert also filed cases of libel against Mommy Rose and her husband, Ed. Sadly for Gabby, his comeback soap on ABS, "Iisa Pa Lamang", did not rate impressively as expected.

After only a few months, Gabby and Mommy Rose had a falling out due to money matters. Gabby wants to have his contract with Mommy Rose rescinded so she filed a case against him. Nadia Montenegro got involved in this feud, with Mommy Rose alleging she's a "sulsoltant" of Gabby. Cristy Fermin, a defender of Mommy Rose, also got into the fray, announcing on "The Buzz" that Nadia gave birth secretly and a friend of her took care of the baby for a while before she adopted it. Nadia filed a case against Cristy and ABS suspended Cristy not from "The Buzz" and her DZMM radio show. Mommy Rose was also sued by Aster Amoyo, , Ara Mina, Maui Taylor and Aubrey Miles for deceiving them about real estate that left them having loans with PAG-IBIG Fund without their even knowing it.

Aside from the Mommy Rose-Gabby conflict, there were other incidents involving managers and talents this year. Kuya Germs was so displeased when he suddenly found out that his was, Billy Crawford, left him without even a by your leave to be managed by Arnold Vegafria. Billy also left GMA-7 and transferred to ABS-CBN to host "Pinoy Dream Academy".

Alfie Lorenzo also had a short-lived tiff with longtime ward Judy Ann Santos, who also got a lot of flak when she defended Meralco's much abhorred system's loss claim in a TV commercial. Alfie felt hurt when Juday consulted a lawyer about her new contract with ABS without even telling him about it. Juday quickly appeased Alfie's bruised ego by going to his house and saying sorry to him.

Mother Lily Monteverde ousted comedian Eugene Domingo from her two filmfest entries where she's supposed to play lead roles, "Desperadas 2" and "Shake Rattle & Roll X", all because her manager didn't agree to the producer's manner of payment. Other managers felt it's two good opportunities missed for Eugene and her manager should have just accepted the the proposed arrangement since these film projects will no doubt help further boost her stock as a lead actress.

Manager Becky Aguila got mad when someone who used to work for her, Mel Pulmano, went to GMA-7 and had herself interviewed, revealing some unsavory stories about Becky and her wards. Becky sued Mel for alleged malversation of funds and Jennylyn Mercado sided with her. Mel filed a countersuit about unfair labor practice on Becky's part.

Annabelle Rama had a rift with two other women: Lolit Solis and GMA-7 exec Wilma Galvante. She felt Lolit was attacking her daughter Ruffa Gutierrez and defending Lani Mercado when Lani allegedly snubbed Ruffa at the wake of the late Rudy Fernandez. Lani apologized to Ruffa later and the tiff between Annabelle and Lolit was quickly forgotten. About Wilma, Annabelle felt she's favoring Dingdong Dantes over her son Richard Gutierrez when the Araneta Coliseum concert of Dingdong and Marian Rivera coincided with the opening date of Richard's movie with KC Concepcion, "For the First Time". They patched things up when Wilma herself approached Annabelle at the Los Angeles airport when they were both about to watch the recent fight of Manny Pacquiao.

Bubbles Paraiso, a new actress managed by Annabelle, was accused by Starstruck's Jewel Mische of hitting her on the head with her elbow during the inauguration of GMA-7's new annex studios. Bubbles denied it but Jewel issued a letter saying what happened was true and she was really bullied by Bubbles and other actresses who were with her at that time.

John Estrada was arrested at the airport for having bullets in his luggage while Jay Manalo was similarly detained for cracking jokes about a bomb. Ara Mina had a feud with own sister Cristine Reyes, who joined her Ate Ara in moving over to ABS-CBN. Ara currently has now with ABS but Cristine is currently seen in "Eva Fonda" and "Banana Split".

After that inauguration affair, some GMA stars went to a bar in Makati and there was an alleged fight involving Richard Gutierrez and Aljur Abrenica that is said to involve Jewel. Richard issued an official statement saying Jewel was not there at all. What happened was that Aljur approached his table and had some free drink, so he had to tell him to leave. Aljur said later that none of this was true. Richard didn't bother to respond about this anymore.

Katrina Halili, LJ Reyes and Alyssa Alano all complained about Riza Santos snobbing them in the dressing room of a show, which Riza denied. Now, Riza has been sued by the company building her up, Viva Entertainment, for not honoring their commitments with them.

William Martinez and Yayo Aguila, along with their daughter Patrizha Maree, filed a case against Baron Geisler who allegedly performed some acts of lasciviousness on her while they were in a bar. Baron also filed a case against her but this was dismissed and the case filed against him was elevated in the courts.

Sunshine Cruz had a tiff with the sister, Mercedes or Ched, of her husband Cesar Montano who she said uttered many derogatory remarks against her. The case is now pending in court.

ABS stars Claudine Barretto and Angel Locsin had a confrontation in a beauty parlor. There was an exchange of words but ABS management quickly made a move for them to reconcile with each other.

Rufa Mae Quinto had a word war with Jessa Zaragoza and Dingdong Avanzado.

To balance the negative stories, Charice Pempengo made waves in the international music scene when she guested in the shows of Ellen Degeneres, Paul O'Grady and Oprah Winfrey, gaining raves. She had the chance to do duets with Andrea Bocelli, Josh Groban and Celine Dion. Vocalist Arnel Pineda joined Journey and also gained raves for his singing.
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Joey de Leon of "Eat Bulaga" and Willie Revillame of "Wowowee" had a feud resulting from Joey's jokes in his show, with Willie crying on camera complaining about Joey's alleged tirades against him. This was aggravated when Joey allegedly called Willie's co-host, Pokwang, an aswang. In the new Supreme Awards night, the two of them reconciled with each other in front of the camera.

Mocha and her singing group filed a case against the tabloid Parazzi for alleging that they are lesbians in a series of private photos that Parazzi published showing them kissing each other. Meanwhile, a sex video showing Criselda Volks doing all sorts of sex acts with a guy was circulated on the net and in cellphones and Criselda admitted it's indeed she and her boyfriend.

Charlene Gonzales was annoyed when Kris Aquino called her nagpapa-star several times during a fashion show and allegedly asked Kris: "What's your problem?" This leaked to the press and Kris reportedly apologized later.

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2008, A SEASON OF BREAK-UPS

Posted by Shee

By: Mario Bautista

2008 is a season of breakups. The most dramatic breakup was that of Dingdong Dantes and Karylle, after three years of going steady. For a while, it became a guessing game if they're still on or not as they both avoided being interviewed by the press about it. When they finally admitted that they've split, it no longer came as a surprise. Marian Rivera is suspected to be the cause of their breakup but Dingdong denies this. The broke up had a positive effect on Karylle in that it boosted her languishing career. ABS-CBN signed her up to a contract, also EMI Records for a new album, and she's now also Bench's newest endorser. Marian got mad when she felt that Karylle insinuated in a TV interview that she's pregnant and cried during a press conference to say that she's hurt and offended.

Jennylyn Mercado and Patrick Garcia broke up while she was carrying their baby. Patrick wants permission for him to see their son but Jen adamantly refuses to show him their child.

Roxanne Guinoo and Jake Cuenca broke up, also Bea Alonzo and Mico Palanca. Jake was linked to Bea and Roxanne, who reportedly can't let go of him, is said to have confronted while they were doing a show in Guam and the confrontation ended violently. Both Roxanne and Jake denied this.

Another dramatic breakup involves Jericho Rosales and Heart Evangelista. Heart moved to GMA-7 and, at the start, she claimed that they're still on. Later on, she changed her tune and said she has broken up with Jericho by email and phone, since Jericho was then taping a new soap in Malaysia. Heart now has a new non-showbiz boyfriend, Francisco Delgado, while Jericho is being linked to his Malaysian leading lady, Carmen Soo.

Two couples broke up before then reconciled then broke up again. Paolo Contis broke up with girlfriend of nearly three years, Isabel Oli, who still feels so bad about it up to now. Dennis Trillo broke up with Cristine Reyes to give priority to his career and it was rumored that she drank a bottle of perfume because of this but she denied trying to kill herself over a broken heart.
Iza Calzado also called it quits with non-showbiz boyfriend Jerry Garcia as she chose to prioritize her career over his proposition of marriage.

Lovi Poe and Jolo Revilla broke up (althought they never admitted they were on) because Lovi's mom was against it, Jolo being an unwed father. But now, they're sweet with each other again.

Another couple who said they were not really on but just exclusively dating was Sam Milby and Anne Curtis. It was only after they broke up that they admitted something serious was going on between them, causing Anne to cry on TV. Pauleen Luna and mayor boyfriend Sherwin Gatchalian also called it quits.

Two married couples broke up. Sunshine Cruz and Cesar Montano, Anjo Yllana and Jackie Manzano. Lucky for both of them, they have reconciled before the year is over, making their kids happy.

Another married couple who broke up is Sheryl Cruz and her U.S. based husband, Norman Bustos. Their long distance relationship apparently didn't work. Their daughter is staying with Sheryl here in Manila. The distance between them is also the reason cited while Cherie Gil broke up with violinist husband Rene Rogoff. Their two kids are staying with Rene in Israel.

Sharon Cuneta and Sen. Kiko Pangilinan was also rumored to have broken up but it proved to be false as they even had a vacation in the Caribbean as a family. Sharon admitted later that they had a spat. She offered to give a cash reward to anyone who can prove that her husband has another woman.

One of the year's most controversial breakups is that of high profile cosmetic surgeon Dra. Vicki Belo and her doctor-actor boyfriend Hayden Kho who admitted he tried committing suicide by taking sleeping pills because of the split. He later confessed that he did have a brief fling with Katrina Halili but denied he also played with fire with Rufa Mae Quinto.

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WEDDINGS IN SHOWBIZ

Posted by Shee

By: Mario Bautista

People love weddings so let's talk about them now. Showbiz folks who tied the knot with non showbiz partners include Joyce Jimenez and Paul Eli Egbalic in L.A. on August 23, Camille Prats and Anthony Linsangan also in L.A. on January 5, Maybelyn Francisco and Michael Fernandez on January 18, comedian Maverick Reloca and Charisse Utuanis on January 28, TV host RJ Ledesma and Vanessa Pastor on March 9, TV reporter Nina Corpuz and Vince Rodriguez in Paris on May 20, Inah Revilla and Vince del Rosario on May 28, Jude Estrada and Rowena Ocampo on June 2, TV reporter Bernadette Sembrano and Emilio Aguinaldo IV on June 12, and Cheska Garcia and cager Doug Kramer on October 9. Angelika de la Cruz also tied the knot in a civil wedding with businessman Orion Cesareo in October.

The stork was also busy this year. Visited by stork were Camille Prats who gave birth to a baby boy, Nathaniel Caesar, on January 24 in L.A. Teen star Eda Nolan, 19, gave birth to Gian Andrei on February 2, with Starstruck runnerup Gian Carlos, also 19, as dad. Former TV host-singer Jeni Hernandez gave birthday to Atheona Alice Morales on March 21. Former Viva Hot Babe Sheree gave birth to Gian Hailey on June 5 with Philippine Idol runnerup Gian Magdangal as dad.

Danica Sotto became a mom to son Jean Michel, with Pure Food cager Mark Pingris as dad, on June 29. July 11, it was Gladys Reyes who gave birth to a girl, Gianna Aquisha, her second child with Christopher Roxas. August 16, it's Jennylyn Mercado who gave birth to love son Baby Jazz, with Patrick Garcia as dad who has not seen their baby up to now. On September 29, Alicia Mayer gave birth to a baby boy with an unamed politician as father, said to be the son of an evangelist. 19 year old Inah Revilla, daughter of Sen. Bong Revilla and Lani Mercado, delivered a baby girl, Alexa Daniela, on September 30.

Aubrey Miles gave birth to son Hunter Cody Miller on October 3, with Troy Montero as dad. Raymond Lauchengco's wife, Mia Rocha, made him a father on October 19 when their daughter Nathalie was born.

Sex Bomb dancers Weng Ibarra and Evette Pabalan also gave birth this year. Weng is married to an American soldier while Evette, to a Filipino dentists. Nanette Medved had her second child with husband Chris Po. Jennifer Sevilla also became a mom while Paolo Ballesteros became a dad courtesy of his U.S. based girlfriend. Gabby Concepcion's third wife, Ginbee, also gave birth to a baby girl, his fourth daughter, all "panganays".

Currently pregnant are Nancy Castiliogne (with twins), Manilyn Reynes (her third child with Aljon Jimenez), singer Jaya (now three month preggy with her second child) Angelika de la Cruz and Vina Morales (both five months preggy as we write, their first.)

People come, but people also go. And those who left this year include the late Rudy "Daboy" Fernandez after a lingering battle with the big C. He passed away on June 7 and long lines were formed during his wake at Heritage Memorial Park. Four directors made their final goodbyes: Felix Dalay, Abbo de la Cruz, Gilbert Perez and Khryss Adalia. Others who went away were comedian Zorayda Sanchez and an institution on radio, Tiya Del. Two entertainment writers joined them: Billy Balbastro and Gil Villasana. So many loved ones of showbiz denizens also bid farewell: the fathers of Gabby Concepcion and writer Roldan Castro, the mothers of Edu Manzano, Herbert Bautista, June Torrejon, Ethel Ramos, the sister of Nitz Miralles, Pauleen Luna's grandmother who was held up and brutally shot in public, two brothers and the mom of Rowena Agilada, and our own wife, Victoria Arcega-Bautista and her mom Lourdes Maceda-Arcega. Let's all pray for the repose of their souls. The last to go were Starstruck discovery Marky Cielo and singer Didith Reyes who both passed away in their sleep. Let's all pray for the repose of their souls.

Those who encountered health problems include Francis Magalona and Johnny Delgado who are both undergoing chemotherapy, Annabelle Rama (who had hysterectomy), husband Eddie Gutierrez (who had angioplasty), comedian Tiya Pusit who nearly went blind, Eraserheads vocalist Ely Buendia who collapsed during their reunion concert, and producer Josabeth Alonzo. Let's all pray for their complete recovery.

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TOP TV SHOWS AND MOVIES IN 2008

Posted by Shee

By: Mario Bautista

NO DOUBT the top TV star of the year is Marian Rivera, whose shows where she portrayed the title roles, "Marimar" (which ended in March) and "Dyesebel" which started in May) are both topraters that hit 40 plus percent in the ratings. Other GMA-7 TV shows that rated well are "Codename: Asero", "Joaquin Bordado", "My Name is Kim Sam Soon", "Luna Mystika" and even the afternoon soaps, "Magdusa Ka" and "Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan".

ABS-CBN was not as lucky in the ratings game as their bets like "Dyosa" with Ann Curtis, "Iisa Pa Lamang" with Claudine Barretto and Gabby Concepcion, "Kung Fu Kids", "My Girl", "Lobo", "Betty La Fea" and "Patayin sa Sindak si Barbara" failed to topple their GMA rivals in the Greater Metro-Manila surveys. But their newscaster Ces Drilon really hit the headlines when she was kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf along with two cameramen. They were subsequently released through the intervention of Sen. Loren Legarda.

The reality talent searches continued. ABS-CBN had Pinoy Big Brother Teens in May and June (won by Ejay Falcon whose career failed to go anywhere after he won) and Pinoy Dream Academy (won by Laarni Lozada who now has an album). Ongoing is Pinoy Fear Factor.

On GMA-7, they had Pinoy Idol (won by Gretchen Espina, whose career has also not gained any grounds), Celebrity Duets (won by MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando), and Survivor (won by JC Tiuseco.) Richard Gomez became a game show host in "Family Feud" and it's now rating very well. Meantime, his colleague Joey Marquez and Keempee de Leon's reality show, "Kung Ako Ikaw", was replaced by "Bilib Ka Ba Nights" consisting of three different magazine shows featuring video clips of funny and weird incidents.

ABC-5 has been replaced by TV 5, Shake Mo TV Mo, and they presented a roster of various new shows, including the game show "You & Me Against the World" which saw the return of Gretchen Barretto on TV as its host, the horror show "Midnight DJ", the sitcom "Everybody Hapi", the youth oriented show "Lipgloss" and many more. GMA-7 later sued TV 5 in court as the station is now allegedly own by Malaysians, which they say is against the law.

The local film industry remains in the doldrums. Here's a list of films shown this year, mostly indie digital releases shown in limited theatres.

January - Retaso, Condo, Sikil, Roxxxane, Ang Lihim ni Antonio. - 5 films
February - Selda, Daybreak, My Best Friend's Girl Friend, Big Love. - 4 films
March - Ate, Half Blood Ninja, Supah Papalicious, Abadeja, When Timawa Meets Delgado. - 5 films
April - Manay Po 2: Overload, Ploning, When Love Begins. - 3 films
May - Ikaw Pa Rin: Bongga Ka Boy, Sa Pagdapo ng Mariposa, Caregiver. - 3 films
June - Urduja, Serbis, Hugot, Kambyo. - 4 films
July - Paupahan, My Monster Mom, Tirador, A Very Special Love (the year's biggest hit so far), Kalakal, Paalam Aking Bulalakaw, Hubad, and entries in Cinemalaya Filmfest: Jay, 100, Boses, Brutus, Concerto, Namets, Huling Pasad, Ranchero, Baby Angelo, My Fake American Accent. - 17 films
August - Project X, Imoral, Dobol Trobol: Ready to Rambol, Loving You, Torotot, Eskandalo, For the First Time. - 7 films
September - Italy, Thank You Girls, Ay Ayeng, Quick Trip, Teach Me to Love. - 5 films
October - Mag-ingat Ka sa Kulam, Binyag, My Only U. - 3 films
November - Kurap, Xenoa 2, Walang Kawala, Lukaret, One True Love, Scaregivers, Sapi, Lalamunan. - 8 films
December - Cul de Sac, Eraserheads The Reunion Concert, Lovebirds, Adela, Keys Me Manananggal Me, the Cinema One Filmfest entries Dose, UPCAT, Yanggaw, Kolorete, Alon, Imburnal, Motorcycle, and the Metro Manila Filmfest entries Magkaibigan, Desperadas 2, One Night Only, Baler, Iskul Bukol: 20 Years After, Shake Rattle & Roll X, Tanging Ina Ninyong Lahat, Dayo. - 20 films

That's a total of 84 films. Only 28 are mainstream films and 56 are indie digital films. You can't really say that the local film industry is alive because the indie flicks cater to a very limited markert and are usually shown in only one or two theaters (usually Robinson Galleria's Indie Sine). More often than not, they're released with the viewing public not even aware that there's such a movie being shown.

2008 also saw the continued decline of the public's interest in awards-giving. There was a time when awards nights were glittering affairs shown live on TV. Now, the award-giving bodies have a hard time getting sponsors so there's no live coverage anymore. In some cases, there are delayed telecasts of some awards nights, like Star and FAMAS. Some awards were held so late in the year, like the Urian and FAMAS that gave away its trophies in September and November.

And do you know that this year, each award giving body has a different choice for best picture? For Star Awards (the first to give out awards in March), their best picture was "One More Chance". For the Golden Screen, it was the indie Cinemalaya movie, "Pisay". For the Gawad Pasado, it's "Ataul for Rent". For Young Critics Circle, it's "Foster Child". For the Urian, it's "Tirador". For the FAMAS, it's "Katas ng Saudi". For the FAP Awards, it's "Banal". It only goes to show that the diverse tastes of the various award-giving bodies make them all the more least credible.
Next: the year's best films and performances.

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DJ MO AND RUFA MAE SHOWDOWN

Posted by Shee

By: Mario Bautista

RUFA MAE QUINTO is supposed to have a showdown with DJ Mo, her co-host in the Hot Seat portion of "Showbiz Central". It's Mo who allegedly started the rumor that she had an affair with Hayden Kho, but Mo failed to appear in their show last Sunday. "Natakot siguro," someone quips.
Rufa Mae cried buckets while defending herself. "Wala po akong sex video at wala po akong kinalaman kina Dr. Vicki Belo at Dr. Hayden Kho,” she says. "Hindi ko sila kasama sa pelikula at hindi ko sila sponsor. Ang lola ko, mga kapatid ko, nasasaktan sa mga intriga tungkol sa akin kasi parang ang cheap-cheap ko na."

We guess this cannot be helped since she's been linked to several guys since she started in showbiz, from Jay Manalo and Sen. Bong Revilla to Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, Rudy Hatfield, Erik Santos and her non showbiz boyfriends. Now, she's being linked to Jon Avila and she herself seems to be cultivating this as he's her leading man in the movie she herself co-produced with Viva, "Civil Status: Single"

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SHOWBIZ CENTRAL FINAL EPISODE FOR 2008

Posted by Shee

By: Mario Bautista

WE GUESTED as a panelist in "Showbiz Central's" final episode for 2008 as they reviewed the top showbiz stories they featured exclusively in the show: the premature passing away of the late Marky Cielo, the Judy Ann Santos-Ryan Agoncillo engagement, the Ogie-Regine-Michelle Van Eimeren relationship, the rift between Jennylyn Mercado and Patric Garcia, Francis Magalona undergoing chemotherapy, the first interview with Ely Buendia after he collapsed in the E'Heads reunion concert, and many more.

A special feature in the show is Pauleen Luna returning to the Hotseat to answer the question that she chose to seal and not to reveal when she first guested in that segment. The question is why she broke up with Marvin Agustin. She said she felt that she's not his priority but his twin kids. She also admitted her parents were against it. But truth to tell, the issue is so old as it has been superseded by Pauleen's breakup with Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian. Maybe they should also have just asked her why she broke up with him too.

The Don't Lie to Me portion had some innovations. It now uses a digital equipment and the graphs showing red, blue and green lines indicate the pulse rate, heart rate, blood volume and other bodily functions of the star while being grilled. The first guest to be subjected to this is Carlene Aguilar, the beauty queen-unwed mom who has ventured into showbiz. First question: Noong komprontahin mo si Cristine Reyes sa "All Star K", si Jenny Miller ba talaga ang sinadya mo roon? She said yes and it's true. She says she had no inkling Cristine was there. Next question: Nagtatampo ka nga ba sa mommy mo she makes decisions about your son Calyx? She said yes and it's true.

Nagseselos ka pa ba kapag may babaeng nali-link kay Dennis? She said no and it's a lie. She added that she has no objections if Dennis is linked with other women. What she doesn't like is his being linked to Cristine Reyes. "Sana iba naman, para may variety." She says that if ever Dennis will get a stepmom for their son, she wants it to be someone na "maayos at disente", implying that Cristine is not. To which a Cristine defender quips: "Hoy, manalamin muna siya, no? Si Cristine, hindi dalagang inang gaya niya, no?"

Kaya ka ba nagpa-sexy sa FHM Magazine ay dahil damang-dama mo pa rin ang breakup n'yo ni Dennis? She said yes and it's true. The last question is: Did you really turn down the marriage proposal of your boyfriend now Yo Ocampo? She said no and it's a lie. She said Yo has not proposed to her at all.

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2008 YEARENDER REPORT FOR MOVIES

Posted by Shee

By: Mario Bautista

AND THIS the final part of our 2008 yearender: our honor roll of the year's best film and performances. Our best film choices are all indie digital films shown in the Cinemalaya filmfest last July: "Jay" directed by Francis Pasion, "100" by Chris Martinez, "Boses" by Ellen Ongkeko, and "Brutus" by Tara Illenberger. Francis, Chris and Tara are all first time directors. "Jay" starts as a documentary about a murdered homosexual named Jay. How the docu was made is then shown as the main part of the movie. The TV host who made docu is also named Jay and the movie becomes a satire on how media can distort facts in the quest for better ratings.
"100" is about a young woman who learns she'll die in three months and then makes a list of all the things she wants to do before she finally expires.

"Boses" is a very moving melodramatic story of a young battered boy who is redeemed by music with the help of a sympathetic violinist.

"Brutus" is the coming of age story of two Mangyan kids, a girl and a boy, who take the job of illegally smuggling lumber downriver from the mountains to a town in the lowlands.

We can add to this Maryo de los Reyes' tale of marital infidelity that leads to a crime of passion, "Torotot", another digital film.

Among the mainstream films, we'd like to mention "Baler" by Mark Meily, "Ploning" by Dante Garcia, and "Caregiver" by Chito Rono, but none of them has as great an impact to us as the indie films we've mentioned above.

For best supporting actress, our list includes Shamaine Centenera as the mother who kills the rapist of his gay son in "Lihim ni Antonio", Mylene Dizon as the nurse from the city who serves in a backward town in "Ploning", Eugene Domingo as the dying invalid mom in "Ploning" and as the supportive best friend in "100", Cherry Pie Picache as the kind-hearted directress of a shelter home for distressed kids in "Boses", Angelu de Leon as the mentally disturbed teacher and Snooky Serna as the foul-mouthed broker of body organs for sale in "Paupahan", Flor Salanga as the mother of a murdered gay son in "Jay", Irma Adlawan as the generous aunt having an affair with their gardener in "Dose", and Maricel Laxa as the feisty but supportive wife in "Magkaibigan".

For best supporting actor, our choices are Ricky Davao as the abusived dad and Coke Bolipata as the helpful violinist in "Boses", Julio Diaz as the spineless cuckolded husband in "Serbis", German Moreno aka Kuya Germs as the aging gay in "Paupahan", Phillip Salvador as the rebel leader in "Baler", Peque Gallaga as the theater director who's fighting for artistic freedom in "Hubad", Joseph Roble as the wacky friend in "UPCAT", Emilio Garcia as the ruthless and corrupt bisexual cop in "Walang Kawala", Yul Servo as the NPA leader who helps the Mangyan kids in "Brutus", and Tommy Abuel as the understanding father of a gay son in "Lovebirds".

In the lead actor category, sure to be rivals are Baron Geisler as the exploitative gay TV reporter in "Jay" and as the cuckolded husband who kills his wife and her paramour in "Torotot", Julian Duque as the battered boy who refuses to talk and turns out to be a precocious musician in "Boses", Christopher de Leon as the dying friend in "Magkaibigan", Yul Servo as the wronged husband who decides to forgive his erring wife in "Torotot", John Estrada as the woefully aimless husband in "Caregiver", John Lloyd Cruz as the cynical boss with an ax to grind against his own family in "A Very Special Love", and Polo Ravales as the ill-fated gay fisherman looking for his lost lover in "Walang Kawala".

Sure to be noticed as lead actress are Mylene Dizon as the dying heroine who makes peace with her loved ones and with God in "100", Judy Ann Santos as the village lass who has a positive effect on the people around her in "Ploning", Gina Pareno as the matriarch of a wayward family living in a dilapidated moviehouse in "Serbis", Irma Adalawan as the theatre actress having problems with her marriage in "Hubad", Sharon Cuneta as the wife and mother working in London who has to make a final choice about her irresponsible husband in "Caregiver", Dawn Zulueta as the patient and sacrificing wife of a dying man i "Magkaibigan", and Boots Anson Roa as the addled mom who can't accept her youngest son falling in love with another man in "Lovebirds".

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KARYLLE'S ALBUM DEDICATED TO DINGDONG

Posted by Shee

By: Mario Bautista

KARYLLE USED to be with Universal Records but she now launches a new album for PolyEast. "No problem," says PolyEast boss Ramon Chuaying. "We're sister companies anyway and we both believe in Karylle's talent."

Karylle's album is titled "Time for Letting Go" and it sounds like it's dedicated to ex-BF Dingdong Dantes. Truth is, most of the songs in the album can be connected with her breakup with Dingdong. Is this intentional?

"The album aims to help those who've gone through painful experience and want to bounce back," she says. "The retreat I took and the counseling sessions I had with Fr. Ted Gonzales of Center for Family Ministries at the Ateneo helped me a lot and I'm glad I chose to be open about the whole experience and face the problem head on. As a result, I met a lot of good people who inspired so many realizations because they found similar bumps and sparks of light in their own journies. I learned of the 5 stages to bouncing back and they're reflected in my songs. First is Denial, when you keep saying you're okay when you're not. This is in the song 'Hulog ng Langit'. Then, it's Anger, and this is in the songs 'Almost Over You' and 'You've Made Me Stronger'. Third is Depression, which is very tough but thank God, my family and friends helped me through it. This is in the song 'I'll Never Get Over You Getting Over Me', which is my album's lead single. Next is Bargaining, the longest stage when one bargains whether you should stay or go on. You keep on asking yourself the question 'What else could have I done to save the relationship?' This is in the songs 'Minamahal Kita', 'Touch Me in the Morning', 'Wala Na Ba ang Lahat', 'I Live for Your Love' and my duet with Martin Nievera, 'The Best of Me'. The last stage is Acceptance. In my journal, I wrote: 'I have to let go of the beautiful future I'd imagined with my special someone. Beautiful as it was, it's now just a dream we once shared. I must let go of it to make way for newer, bigger and better dreams.' And I did. This is reflected in the songs 'Something New in My Life' and 'Leaving Yesterday' (an OPM original by Keno)."

Karylle has definitely moved on. She's prettier now and as her Bench endorsement proclaims: "Single is sexy'. She has projects with ABS-CBN (she's in the new KC Concepcion-Piolo Pascual soap "Lovers in Paris") and she believes this first album with PolyEast will further forward her career as a singer. She's being linked now to Jericho Rosales and Christian Bautista, but she says she'd rather give her heart a rest.

"I'm not ready yet to commit again. So many good opportunities are happening in my career and I'd rather prioritize them muna more than anything else. Ipo-promote ko pa ang album kong 'Time for Letting Go' in various shows so dun muna ang focus ko."

Does she maintain communication with Dingdong? "We talk naman kasi we're still business associates. But hanggang doon na lang muna."

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ANOTHER MOVIE FOR KC AND RICHARD???

Posted by Shee

By: Mario Bautista

THE VICTORY party for the success of "When I Met U" was held at Gazebo Royale on Visayas Ave. last Thursday night. In the spirit of goodwill, GMA Films prexy Anette Abrogar raffled off P50,000 worth of cash prizes to the invited press people, with stars Richard Gutierrez and KC Concepcion drawing the names of the winners. What can they say to their loyal KChardee fans who are requesting Star Cinema and GMA Films to pair them together again?

"It really depends on the producers if they'd allow us to be reunited," says KC. "Hopefully, we can work together again sooner rather than later."

"Ako rin, I pray na sana nga makagawa kami uli ng movie in the near future," adds Richard.

Have they made a commitment to each other to be faithful even if they'd temporarily separate ways?

"We're still too young to make any serious commitment," says KC. "There's a right time naman for everything and siguro, as time goes by, who knows? Basta at this point, I can say that of all my male friends, I'm really closest to Richard."

"We'll both be busy with our respective new shows ("Zorro" for Richard and "Lovers in Paris" for KC) and I'd surely miss KC," says Richard. "Ngayon pa nga lang, nami-miss ko na siya. I will miss her completely, everything in her. We had a lot of good times and good memories together and I'll miss all that."

"Ako naman, mami-miss ko yung kulitan namin," adds KC.

"When I Met U" is still extended in several theaters and we're told there are many repeat viewers who don't seem to get tired of viewing it all over again.

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WHAT'S WRONG WITH MIKE TAN???

Posted by Shee

By: Mario Bautista

MIKE TAN was the big winner in Starstruck Batch 2 but Batch 4 winner, Aljur Abrenica, is now the lead actor in "Dapat Ka Bang Mahalin" and he just plays a supporting role in it. Even the late Marky Cielo, Batch 3 winner, had more assignments than him before he passed away. Writers at the presscon of "Dapat Ka Bang Mahalin?" are all wondering why Mike's career is lagging behind when he has the advantage of height, is equally good-looking and can also act.

"Honestly, I myself am asking the same question," he says. "Iniisip ko na lang na I'm still waiting for my own break kasi sabi, pana-panahon daw yan. In the meantime, I just do my best to whatever they assign to me and hopefully, darating din ang time ko. But there are times when I get discouraged at iniisip ko nga, kapag matumal pa rin ang jobs for me this year, I'll just go back to college."

His last soap was "Maging Akin Ka Lamang" more than half a year ago. "Ang tagal ko ngang walang trabaho but I'm glad kasi maganda naman ang role ko in 'Dapat Ka Bang Mahalin' as Kris Bernal's elder brother. Our dad is a cop, Juan Rodrigo, and he was so happy when I passed the PMA exams at akala niya, susunod ako sa yapak niya. But then, nabuntis ko si Maybelyn de la Cruz kaya maaga kong nag-asawa. He's disappointed in me and this gets worse when Kris elopes with Aljur at maaga ring nag-asawa. Ako, naging pabigat sa family namin as I'm jobless."

Come to think of it, no one in their batch really made it big. His runnerup, CJ Muere, has gone back to school while the girls, Ryza Cenon and LJ Reyes, also have lukewarm careers. Mike admits he and LJ went steady for 10 months. "After we broke up, hindi muna kami nagpapansinan kasi pareho kaming nabigla sa breakup namin. But now, we're good friends again. Wala ng ilangan and we now talk."

Mike is very serious in improving his craft as an actor and took acting lessons with CCPs' Nanding Josef who then cast him as Elias in a staging of "Noli Me Tangere". "I enjoyed the experience so much and I really learned a lot. It made me realize how serious the job of acting is. I'd really like to do theatre again kasi ibang-ibang mundo yun. Right now also, I'm shooting an indie film, 'Marino', where I play the younger brother of Allen Dizon who's a seaman married to Ara Mina na kasama ko rin sa 'Dapat Ka Bang Mahalin'. Ako rin, I want to be a seaman like my brother in the story."

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MEGAN WANTS A LOVE SCENE WITH JERICHO AND SAM

Posted by Shee

By: Mario Bautista

MEGAN YOUNG is part of Starstruck Batch 2 but she has since moved to ABS-CBN under Star Magic. Her role as Marcella, the younger sister of Ruffa Gutierrez, in "Betty La Fea" made her a familiar face on primetime. "When people see me in public now, they call me Marcella, even in school," she says. "It makes me feel good as it means nagmamarka naman pala sa viewers ang role ko."

Some writers tell her at the party organized by Star Magic's Rikka Dylim that she now has a better career than the winners in Startstruck 2 as she's in a hit primetime show. "Hoy, friends ko sila. But I'm glad I moved to ABS kasi wala naman akong ginagawa noon sa kabila."

She's also told that she should join the Bb. Pilipinas as her tall dusky beauty will surely be a hit there. "Maybe next year. I've just turned 19 lang naman on February 27 so puede pa ko sumali. But I have to work out muna to make sure I'm in tiptop shape before I join."

What did she do on her birthday? "I was taping so this weekend, I will just go to my lola who's based in Subic and host a party there for my friends."

Her younger sister, Lauren, has a ka-love team, AJ Perez, and they're now paired in "Underage". "Oo nga, buti pa siya, may ka-love team." Does she approve of Lauren and AJ being paired together? "Oo naman. Sabi ko nga sa sister ko, dapat, may kissing scene na sila in 'Underage'."
Would she be willing to go sexy in a movie? "Why not? Basta artistic. Nag-two piece bikini na nga ako in 'Betty La Fea' a few nights ago." Who'd she like to do a love scene with? "Jericho Rosales and Sam Milby. Basta sila, puedeng-puede."

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THE COMEBACK OF CHAD

Posted by Shee

By: Mario Bautista

CHAD PERALTA is one of top finalists in Pinoy Dream Academy 1. Born and raised to Pinoy parents in Sydney, Australia, he is a good rock singer but he can also sing other genres. He also wants to try acting after guesting in an episode of "Your Song". "I took acting workshops to prepare for this," says Chad who can now also speak fluent Tagalog.

How come he was missing in action after he launched his album with Star Records? "I left in November to visit my folks in Sydney then I went to my brother in Connecticut, U.S.A. so January na ako nakabalik. But now I'm doing lots of provincial shows and bar gigs again. I'll be doing a big show in Bacolod on March 18 and I'm also training for a new boxing show, 'Warriors', to be shown on RPN 9 starting April, hosted by Carlos Morales. I joined the celebrity boxing in ABS before and I won over Blakdyak then. I now run six kilometers every morning then do boxing at the Elorde Gym in Katipunan."

Chad turned 24 on Feb. 4 and he celebrated it with Rikka and other writers at World Music in Greenhills recently. If he'd be given a teleserye, he's dreaming of being paired with Bea Alonzo or Maja Salvador. "They're the standouts for me," he says.

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SINGING BEE IN UNIFORM

Posted by Shee

By: Mario Bautista

MEN AND WOMEN in uniform will be featured in "The Singing Bee" this Saturday and they will face defending champs of the Side A Band led by Joey Generoso. Those who'd compete are trios from the Philippine Army, Philippine Navy and Philippine National Police, as well as the enforcers of the MMDA and guards from Intramuros.

On Sunday, the contestants will be athletes, including basketball stars Arwind Santos, Paul Artadi and Ronald Tubid; boxers Onyok Velasco, Milan Melindo and Z Gorres; taekwondo jins Donny Geisler, Toni Rivero and Japoy Lizardo; including representatives from Team Dancesport and Team Lady Maroons from the UP Diliman Volleyball team who aim to get the P2 million prize for the recuperation of their injured teammates.

Host Cesar Montano wants to remind viewers that they can also win cash prizes in the Singing Bee A or Bee text promo. Just answer the question the week then text BEE to 2366 and you can win up to P20,000. Don’t miss the “The Singing Bee” after “Komiks Presents: Flash Bomba” on Saturday and Sunday after “Goin’ Bulilit” on ABS-CBN.

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VIVA CINEMA ON CABLE

Posted by Shee

By: Mario Bautista

SOMETHING BIG is happening on cable TV. Viva Cable of Viva Communications launches its newest channel, 'Viva Cinema', on pay TV through Cignal Digital TV. A 24/7 general entertainment channel, it features talk shows, showbiz news, lifestyle shows, local and international movies. One of its entertaining shows is “Chikalectric”, a daily one-hour magazine show hosted by the mother-son tandem of Dolly Ann Carvajal and IC Mendoza. Columnist/TV personality Dolly Ann talks about the latest chika in the industry with son IC, a comedian who starred in movies like “My Kuya’s Wedding” and “Manay Po 2”. Another must-see is “Daily Top 5” that features interesting showbiz trivia hosted by young singer-actress Nikki Bacolod. Dubbed as one of the rising pop artists in the country, as well as a budding actress, Nikki earned good reviews with her recent supporting role in the award-winning film “Baler” and as the main villain “Diana” in ABS-CBN’s top rated show “Diosa” starring Ann Curtis. For those who want to know how it feels like to be a celebrity, they can watch “Celebrity Factor”, the show for those who want to be a celebrity for a day and live like a celebrity -- for less. This daily program is hosted by model, actress and FHM Babe CJ Javarata. Get your fill on true showbiz stories with “Celebrity Real Life Stories” and find out how the careers of showbiz icons began. Also included in Viva Cinema’s general entertainment schedule is “Zoom In”, an inside look at goings-on behind the camera, with star interviews and insights on movies in the making. Viva Cinema also features the biggest movies and TV series such as music specials and concerts in “Big Special”, action movies of the week in “Big Bang”, comedy movies of the week in “Big Laffs”, drama movies of the week in “Big Night”, featured actors of the week in “Big Star”, featured directors of the week in “Big Time”, and movie premieres of the week in “Big One”. Cignal Digital TV also carries Pinoy Box Office (PBO), the 24/7 Filipino movie channel. This year, expect bigger shows and surprises as PBO gives you more movie marathons of the hottest movie stars every month. It will also feature more movie premieres of local and Tagalog-dubbed Hollywood movies. Plus, get ready for another round of Digitales, PBO’s digital film competition, now on its third year. To get the latest Viva Cinema and PBO programming schedule, visit www.viva.com.ph.

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