Venus (finally, finally!) starts Binibini training

A light at the end of the tunnel, at last?

Keep your fingers crossed.

After the brouhaha over her dethronement and eventual reinstatement, 2010 Bb. Pilipinas-Universe Maria Venus Raj started training yesterday preparatory to the Miss Universe pageant scheduled for August perhaps in Las Vegas (tentative venue).

Said “beauty-contest specialist” Gerry Diaz, “Venus and her supporters who genuinely have her welfare at heart should appreciate the fact that the Bb. Pilipinas Charities Inc. (BPCI) for the first time in 46 years has reconsidered a dethronement and has agreed to a reinstatement. While the BPCI may have missed a step or two in dethroning Venus, I still credit it for this move, and it should no longer matter whether this was for humanitarian reason or not. Let’s not forget as well that from the very start, BPCI has said, and I heard it on GMA News when it broke the story of Venus’ dethronement, that it wished to emphasize that Venus did not have malicious intent.” (Again, I agree.)

Gerry added (and I also agree) that first runner-up Nicolette “Nikette” Henson, tapped to replace Venus if and when Venus won’t be able to leave if she can’t get a passport, acted “queenly” through it all. Nikette visited Venus after her dethronement and assured her that whatever the outcome would be, they would remain friends.

“When Nikette visited her folks in Pampanga,” Gerry said, “they asked her why she didn’t look happy. Nikette said, ‘Why should I be happy over somebody’s misfortune?’ She accepted best wishes from her friends but she never proclaimed herself as the new Bb. Pilipinas-Universe in her Facebook account. Tahimik lang siya.”

In a brief phone chat with Funfare yesterday, BPCI head Stella Marquez-Araneta confirmed that Venus has indeed reported yesterday to start training.

“She and her court will take up crash courses at the school run by Vivienne Tan (the judge who asked Janina San Miguel the ‘controversial’ question at last year’s Binibini pageant),” said Madame Stella. “The 2009 winners (Bianca Manalo, Universe; Melody Gersbach, International; and Marie Anne Umali, World) will also help train Venus and her co-winners.”

Meanwhile, Venus should rush the application for a passport, or else...

Source: The Philippine Star

Is Mariel Rodriguez next?

First it was John Lloyd Cruz. And then Angel Locsin. These last few days, it has been director Joyce Bernal.

So, is “Wowowee” and “Pinoy Big Brother” host Mariel Rodriguez next to be rumored as an alcoholic?

During the press conference for her Cossack Blue endorsement last week, Mariel said she is ready for such talk but warns that she would only accept being called a drinker, not alcoholic.

“Di naman ako pa-sweet so let me say this: Drinking alcohol is not dirty – it’s fun. We all drink to have fun pero iba ‘yung umiinom lang sa lasinggera na di na makapagtrabaho o pumupunta sa work na lasing-lasing,” she said.

“Ang alcoholic, it’s like alcohol na ang breakfast mo!”

Mariel calls herself a “vodka girl” and that she used to drink more before she had regular shows on ABS-CBN because it can be a good way to bond with people.

“But remember, drink moderately,” she said. “Especially sa aming mga artista na may mga bata who look up to us. Di pwedeng laklakera.”

The desire to drink comes over Mariel when she is stressed from work. Mariel describes herself as one who “works like a mad dog” that’s why she deserves a bit of fun from time to time.

If not drinking, it’s traveling that Mariel indulges in to beat stress. She and boyfriend, model-actor Zanjoe Marudo went to Hong Kong to unwind recently.

“Kapag Holy Week, Mahal na Araw and Christmas lang talaga ako nakakapag-biyahe ng hindi job-related so we make the most of the free time we have,” she said.

Asked if she and Zanjoe drink during their break, Mariel simply said, “Umiinom din naman si Zanjoe paminsan-minsan – ‘di naman siya nagmamalinis pagdating ‘dun.”

Will she ask her new “Wowowee” co-hosts to drink with her?

“Why not? Like I said, it’s a good way to bond and even Kuya [of PBB] tells me I should bond with the new girls.”

Among all the new “Wowowee” hosts, Mariel is most amused with Malasyian actress Carmen Soo because of the latter’s limited English and Filipino vocabulary.

“Ako ang interpreter niya. When something is said on the show that she doesn’t understand, I take the initiative to explain it to her. Kulang na nga lang ay ako ‘yung laruan na nilalagyan ng mga barya tapos biglang gagana para mag-interpret. Carmen is so cute!”

She denied speculations that she is insecure of the newbies.

“I have had my time to shine on the show. Sila naman.”

Source: The Manila Bulletin

26th PMPC Star Awards winners known on April 24

MANILA, Philippines - The 26th PMPC Star Awards for Movies is all set to give awards to deserving winners on April 24 at the Ateneo de Manila University’s Henry Lee Irwin Theater.
Main hosts are Boy Abunda, Ruffa Gutierrez and Lorna Tolentino, while trivia hosts are Toni Gonzaga and JC de Vera.
Billy Crawford will sing and dance in the opening, a showdown of dance number will be performed by Bangs Garcia, Rochelle Pangilinan, Joross Gamboa, Rainier Castillo, Edgar Allan Guzman, Mariposa, Luningning and Milagring.
Christian Bautista will sing for Ulirang Artista Lifetime Achievement Awardee Gina Pareño.
Kyla, Jay-R and Kris Lawrence will sing the nominated theme songs.
The finale number will be performed by a surprise star.
The PMPC gives its First Ulirang Alagad ng Pelikula sa Likod ng Kamera and the recipient is the Komiks King, TV and Movie director and National Artist Carlo Caparas.
The 26th PMPC Star Awards for Movies is produced by Starview Productions and directed by Arlene Tolibas. It will be aired on April 25, 9:30 to 11:30 pm at TV5.

Here are some of the nominees:
Movie Of The Year:
Ang Panday (GMA Films and Imus Productions); I Love You Goodbye (Star Cinema); In My Life (Star Cinema); Kimmy Dora (Spring Films); Mano Po 6: A Mother’s Love (Regal Entertainment)

Digital Movie Of The Year:
Astig (Cinemalaya Foundation, Boy Abunda and Boy So Productions); Ded Na Si Lolo (APT Entertainment and Directors’ Guild of the Phils.); Dinig Sana Kita (Cinemalaya Foundation and Echo & Mirage Media); Dukot (CDP Events and Entertainment Productions and ATD Entertainment); Puntod (ADC Productions)

Movie Director Of The Year:
Mac Alejandre (Ang Panday); Joyce Bernal (Kimmy Dora); Laurice Guillen (I Love You Goodbye); Joel Lamangan (Mano Po 6: A Mother’s Love); Olivia Lamasan (In My Life)

Digital Movie Director Of The Year:
Cesar Apolinario (Puntod); Joel Lamangan (Dukot ); GB Sampedro (Astig); Mike Sandejas (Dinig Sana Kita); Soxie Topacio (Ded Na Si Lolo)

Movie Actress Of The Year:
Iza Calzado (Dukot); Sharon Cuneta (Mano Po 6: A Mother’s Love); Eugene Domingo (Kimmy Dora); Angelica Panganiban (I Love You Goodbye); Vilma Santos (In My Life)

Movie Actor Of The Year:
John Lloyd Cruz (In My Life); Allen Dizon (Dukot); Roderick Paulate (Ded Na Si Lolo); Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. (Ang Panday); Lou Veloso (Colorum)

Movie Supporting Actress Of The Year:
Gina Alajar (Dukot); Gloria Diaz (Sagrada Familia); Heart Evangelista (Mano Po 6: A Mother’s Love); Zsa Zsa Padilla (Mano Po 6: A Mother’s Love); Rhian Ramos (Ang Panday)

Movie Supporting Actor Of The Year:
Aldred Gatchalian (Bente); Luis Manzano (In My Life); Phillip Salvador (Ang Panday); Fanny Serrano (Tulak); Dennis Trillo (Mano Po 6: A Mother’s Love)

Movie Child Performer Of The Year: Nash Aguas (Kamoteng Kahoy); Mica dela Cruz (T2); Patricia Gayod (Puntod); JP Mesde (Tulak); Robert Villar (Ang Panday)

New Movie Actress Of The Year:
Louise delos Reyes (Agaton And Mindy); Iren Liel Escaño (Ded Na Si Lolo); Barbie Forteza (Puntod); Paloma (Pitik Bulag); Maricar Reyes (And I Love You So)

New Movie Actor Of The Year:
Enchong Dee (Paano Ko Sasabihin); Zyrus Desamparado (Engkwentro); Romalito Mallari (Dinig Sana Kita); Joey Paras (Last Supper No. 3); Chase Vega (Agaton And Mindy)

Movie Original Screenplay Of The Year:
Laurice Guillen, Mark Meily, and Karen Ramos (I Love You Goodbye); Roy Iglesias (Mano Po 6: A Mother’s Love); Raymond Lee, Olivia Lamasan and Senedy Que (In My Life); Chris Martinez (Kimmy Dora); Carmi Raymundo, Norissa Soriano and Chie Floresca (You Changed My Life)

Digital Movie Original Screenplay Of The Year:
Cesar Apolinario, Melchor Encabo and Tammy Dantes (Puntod); Charlotte Dianco (Fidel); Jerry Gracio (Astig); Mike Sandejas (Dinig Sana Kita); Soxie Topacio (Ded Na Si Lolo)

Movie Original Theme Song Of The Year:
Tanging Ikaw from Ang Panday, music, lyrics by Ogie Alcasid and interpretation by Regine Velasquez; Kimmy Dora from the movie of the same title, music by Michael Angelo Manalang, lyrics by Emman dela Cruz and interpretation by Ricci Chan

Digital Movie Original Theme Song Of The Year:
Ang Buhay Nga Naman from Ded Na Si Lolo, music, lyrics and interpretation by Noel Cabangon; Astig Ka from Astig, music by Jojo Espinosa and Edgardo Rustia, lyrics by GB Sampedro and Candy Pangilinan, interpretation by Rodrum; Gabay Ang Awit from A Journey Home, music by Janette Ayroso, lyrics by Mia Louise Ramos , interpretation by Jonathan and Denden Beltran, Devin Villacruz, Joy Villacruz, Kimberly Kwok, Wally Ang, Will Tan and Katherine Dematera; Sana, Ako’y Marinig from Dinig Sana Kita, music and lyrics by Francis Brew Reyes and Niña Sandejas, interpretation by Zoe Sandejas

Darling Of The Press:
Toni Gonzaga; Angel Locsin; Vicky Morales; Annabelle Rama; Donna Villa.

Source: The Philippine Star

Michael V stars in first reality sitcom

As we all know Michael V has a bottomless reservoir of creative ideas. His been trough a lot of projects recently commercial adds and TV shows. His newest newest brainchild is the first-ever reality sitcom, “Pepito Manaloto” which will premiere on March 20 after “Pinoy Records” on GMA 7’s “Sabado Star Power.”

Its almost a true-to-life story of Pepito (Michael V), a poor man who dreams of providing a good life for his wife Elsa (Manilyn Reynes) and only son Jonjon (Joshua Pineda). His life changes dramatically when he becomes the lone winner of P700 million in the national lottery.

Pinoys would certainly desire Pepito’s rags-to-riches story. Michael V himself had humble beginnings.

What does he miss about his life before he became rich and famous? “I miss the anonymity,” he says. “But I can find that by going somewhere else. Rich and famous is a tall order. I’d like to think of myself as comfortable.”

How does he keep himself from being trapped in the trappings of success? “We in the family keep each other grounded,” he quips. “We are our own worst critics. I keep in mind what my good friend Ogie Alcasid told me that hindi mo ’yan madadala sa langit. Our kids are the only treasure we can take up there.”

What have fame and fortune taught him? “That I can use money to make not just my life better but other’s lives as well.” Michael V has truly found the joys that money can and cannot buy!

Dingdong, Marian spotted shopping for appliances

I’m not a bit surprised that Maja Salvador would question an item in this column about her and the friend of Roxanne Guinoo’s fiancé locking themselves up in a car. It’s every celebrity’s prerogative to cover up, for image preservation.

Perhaps she thought nobody would squeal on them. But someone privy to her affairs tipped me off about it.

Nothing wrong with enjoying the naughty pleasures of youth. She’s a fancy-free, gorgeous young lady, who ought to have fun once in a while. All work and no play...

***

Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes were spotted shopping for appliances in Rockwell where they are rumored to have a love nest. I teased Dong about it. He told me they were just looking for a gift for their friend. Or were they secretly savoring the thrill of playing bahay-bahayan?

***

It was a toss-up between Dingdong Dantes and Richard Gutierrez for the next host of “Survivor Philippines.” Richard is it, as announced on Friday, although Dong actually hinted to us earlier that he wasn’t about to take over the hosting chores left behind by Paolo Bediones in the reality show.

***

Got a surprise call from my fab sis Vicki Belo while she was in Bohol (her fave local destination). She wants to clarify that she is no longer addicted to Hayden Kho.

She followed a step-by-step process on how to overcome an addiction. Been there, felt that. Sweetness (of the young and the restless) has always been Vicki’s and my strongest weakness.

***

I still am in a euphoric state after the 8th Gawad Tanglaw Awards where I won Best Entertainment Columnist for the third year in a row. It still feels like the first time.

The awarding this year was made even more memorable by my Mom’s Lifetime Achievement Award (posthumous).

Kudos to the esteemed members of Gawad Tanglaw, most especially Teresita Bagalso (president), Jaime G. Ang (president emiritus) and Romeo Flaviano Lirio (chairman emiritus) for a well-attended affair. Among the awardees were Vilma Santos, John Lloyd Cruz, Luis Manzano, Coco Martin, Roderick Paulate and Zaijan “Santino” Jaranilla.

My endless thanks to Gawad Tanglaw for inspiring me to write even on days when show biz gets too ungrateful to bear. Special thanks to fab couple Loy and Tati Fortuna for the victory party they hosted for me at Watering Hole, Ryan and Jen of Sober Club mobile bar, Vicki Belo, Tito Sotto, Malou Choa-Fagar, ABS-CBN’s Bong Osorio and Kane Choa, GMA 7’s Butch Raquel, TV5’s Peachy Guioguio, Viva Films’ Boss Vic del Rosario and Veronique Corpuz, my Santa friend Allan German, Goldilocks, True Faith, Ricky Davao, Luke Mejares, Ambet Nabus, Mr. Fu and my close friends and family, especially my kids Bianch and IC for making my celebration complete.

Super duper thanks to PDI Entertainment for bearing with me, my loyal readers for the vote of confidence, my late great Mom for teaching me how to write the right stuff and, most of all, to the greatest writer of my life story, the Lord. My heart runneth over!

***

At press time, the lead star of “Agua Bendita,” Andi Eigenmann, hasn’t appeared in her TV series. Viewers are impatiently waiting for her to surface. Could it be true that the scenes of the kids will be extended because of their impressive performance? Shine on, little stars with big talent!

***

Discover the sweet story of unexpected sparks and romances, of love lost and found in GMA 7’s “Dear Friend” summer special, “My Stalking Heart” (Sundays at 3 p.m.). The four-part episode (which premiered yesterday) is top-billed by Jennica Garcia, Carl Guevarra and “Survivor” Season 2 castaways Jef Gaitan and Marvin Keifer.

Find out if destiny really brings two people together and if love can be found when and where you least expect it. Time to find your summer love somewhere out there.

***

It’s little wonder that TV5’s “Talentadong Pinoy” was able to break into the viewing habit of Filipinos. The talent show, which has already received awards and is the leading program of its genre (despite the number of same-format shows from the two giant networks), is well-loved by the Pinoy audience clearly for its entertainment value and overall program done in very good taste.

In “Talentado,” every contestant is treated with respect no matter their eccentricities, handicaps or flaws. Ryan Agoncillo fits his role as host to a tee for his natural rapport with the contestants, judges and studio audience.

It is a feel-good show. The judges give constructive criticisms and there’s never an instance that we hear of a contestant getting maligned by the comments in the show. Congratulations to the show for its successful grand finals last Saturday. Cuneta Astrodome was filled to the rafters, a testament to the show’s popularity and success.

Source: inquirer.net

Gerald Anderson shares his simple regimen in maintaining his looks

Gerald Anderson's strong appeal sends his female fans screaming whenever he appears in television shows, movies, and fashion shows. And his getup is often imitated by guys his age and even the younger ones.

You'd think it must be hard to maintain his looks and image. But Gerald says otherwise.

In an interview during the media conference of his new Dermablend endorsement recently, the former Pinoy Big Brother teen housemate said his beauty regimen is actually low maintenance.

"Hindi ako vain at all," he insists. "Minsan nga pinapagalitan ako dahil kahit anong gusto kong suot, kahit anong [style ng] hair ko, okay na 'yan."

However, the 21-year-old actor could as well have mentioned the saying, "Cleanliness is next to godliness." He declared, "Malinis akong tao. Gusto ko palagi akong malinis."

Like other celebrities, Gerald advises regular visits to a dermatologist. "Dapat once or twice ako nasa derma."

Unfortunately, he doesn't follow this religiously because of his busy schedule.

So, what does he do instead to maintain his fair, mestizo look?

"'Yon nga, soap, water, shampoo. Minsan nga, quick bath lang dahil minsan late na ako nagigising dahil puyat. 'Yon lang, simple lang."

Gerald credits his active lifestyle to having a well-built body. He tells the media, "Siguro nakikita ninyo, marami akong ginagawa like basketball, jogging, gym. Konting kain pero mas [particular] ako sa cardio [exercises]. Gusto ko talaga mas physical ang ginagawa ko, so 'ayon, I always play basketball."

Angelica Panganiban and Derek Ramsay reconcile after their breakup

May lumabas na report ngayong araw, March 3, sa isang daily broadsheet na nag-break na raw sina Angelica Panganiban at Derek Ramsay.
Three weeks ago raw nangyari ang breakup nila. Ayon pa sa balita, dahil sa pagiging "selosa" raw ni Angelica ang dahilan ng paghihiwalay ng magkasintahan at walang third party involved.

Napag-alaman ng PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) mula sa isang source, who is very close to both Angelica and Derek, na totoong nag-break ang dalawa. Pero ayon sa aming source, nagkabalikan din agad sina Angelica at Derek.

Kagabi, March 2, lang daw nangyari ang reconciliation sa pagitan ng magkasintahan. Ibig sabihin nito, naayos agad kung anuman ang hindi nila pagkakaunawaan.
More than three years na ang relasyon nina Angelica at Derek, na parehong may primetime soaps ngayon sa ABS-CBN. Si Angelica, 23, ay nasa Rubi samantalang si Derek, 30, ay nasa Habang May Buhay naman.