Friday, June 25, 2010

Bea Alonzo enjoys shooting in Divisoria

Aside from the thrill of working on Magkaribal, Bea Alonzo also enjoys taping in Divisoria, the haven for discount shopping. Bea revealed that she has always wanted to check out the place, but couldn’t because of her busy schedule. “Makikita niyo kung gaano ka-colorful yung Divisoria, sa part [ng character] ko. Ang ‘fashion capital’ ika nga, ng Pilipinas ay ang Divisoria. Nae-enjoy ko mag-shoot dun kasi maraming mabibili. Talaga namang napakasarap kasi kahit na naguu-ulan ngayon at napakaraming tao, feeling ko hindi ako makakapunta dun kung hindi kami nag-shoot. Ngayon nakapunta na ako, ang ganda pala ng Divisoria,” Bea shared.

Although the show is not yet airing, Bea is proud of what Magkaribal achieved in the kind of scenes they have executed already. She admitted that she was teary-eyed when she saw the official trailer. “Masayang-masaya ako, ang sarap ng pakiramdam. Binasa namin yung script bago namin ginawa and nung nakita ko na [yung trailer] ngayon, lalo na yung flashback nung mga bata, parang I was feeling kind of emotional kasi ngayon ko lang nakita yung pinaghirapan ng lahat. Tapos at the same time nakaka-pressure sa aming lahat kasi napakalaki niyang show, napakalaki ng ginastos ang ABS-CBN at napakaganda [ng kinalabasan].” Bea said that their fans should look forward to her intense scenes with Gretchen Barretto. “May konti na kaming na-shoot but we have yet to shoot a lot of scenes kung saan magkakaroon kami ng mga confrontations at mga mabibigat na eksena [ni Ms. Gretchen Barretto] together.”

Since Derek Ramsay is her leading man in the story, she was asked if she also has love scenes with the actor. “Meron kaming mga ganyang klaseng scenes din pero magkaiba ang execution kasi magkaibang klaseng love [yung sa aming dalawa ni Ms. Gretchen]. Siguro mas tame,” Bea said.

Meanwhile, Bea was asked what her fashion style is. She reveals that fashion is more of expression of her feelings and she does not stress herself in picking out clothes. “I don’t take fashion seriously kasi I dress according to my mood. Halimbawa, I am feeling sad today, siguro I will wear black. May mga kulay yan e, according to your mood. But when I am happy, magco-colorful dress ako. Dati nung bata ako, mas hindi ako aware dressing up properly. Siguro I owe it to the It Girls (her ASAP girl group), kung paano ako nag-evolve, kasi every Sunday they make an effort to dress up and bumili ng mga damit, kaya ginagawa ko rin yun para makasabay.”

Luis Manzano and Billy Crawford are all set to host ‘Panahon Ko ‘To’

ABS-CBN.com got the chance to visit Billy Crawford and Luis Manzano on the set of their very own game show, Panahon Ko ‘To. The two were very happy to be given another hosting stint right after the success of Pilipinas Got Talent. “Sabi ko nga bihira ka makahanap ng partner mo sa hosting na pareho kayong lalaki. Usually kasi makikita mo either solo or babae’t lalaki. Siyempre ‘pag parehong lalaki nand’yan yung ideas ni’yo magka-clash. So bihira yung ultimo kulitan niyo, saluhan niyo, nandun. So we're very happy na ganon nangyari sa amin ni Billy boy. The fact that we’re having fun at work, na-translate yun sa TV kaya nae-enjoy ng viewers namin,” Luis began.

What makes Panahon Ko ‘To different is that it’s an original Kapamilya game show where each competing team is comprised of three players of varying ages. “Kailangan mayroong medyo mas nakakatanda, may isang bata, may nasa gitna. Our questions would cover areas from the 1960s to the millennium. Kung sino ang representative ng team, siya ang makakasagot. Kaya buong pamilya pwedeng manood ng Panahon Ko ‘To kasi it’s all about reminiscing about the good times at saka historical din in a way. You also learn new things about music, movies, games sa Facebook…everything and anything na pinagdadaanan ni’yo,” Billy explained.

Luis is confident that he and Billy will be able to pull off this show since they are both knowledgeable with pop culture given the nature of their line of work. “Siyempre marami na rin naman kaming pinagdaanan sa buhay and it's safe to say na well-versed naman kami sa nangyayari sa paligid (i.e. latest trends today and what was popular way back when). Pero nakakagulat din yung iba naming nadi-discover while hosting the show. Tsaka iba kasi ang franchise sa original. Siyempre kahit papa’no mas iniingatan yung original kasi bagong-bago unlike yung Pilipinas Got Talent meron na silang sinusunod na format. So we’re really grateful to be given this big a blessing.”

Will there be any conflict with their schedule since Pilipinas Got Talent will be launching a new season probably before the year ends? “Like what I’ve said sa very, very last spiel ko dun sa Results Night ng Pilipinas Got Talent, magkikita-kita pa rin tayo ulit sa season 2. And hindi naman siguro mag-overlap yun sa Panahon Ko ‘To. ABS-CBN knows better. Kumbaga ito (Panahon Ko ‘To) na yung pahinga namin from Pilipinas Got Talent. In the same way na of course mga latter part siguro of this year uumpisahang i-mount yung season 2,” Luis stated.

Gary Valenciano is still unsure if he will be chosen as the next president of OPM

During his contract signing for ASAP XV, Gary Valenciano shared that the Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-aawit (OPM), a recognized committee representing local singers and performers, had recently held an election for its Board of Directors. Gary now sits on the OPM board with fellow artists Ogie Alcasid, Dingdong Avanzado, Noel Cabangon, Christian Bautista, and Jose Mari Chan. “I'm excited, I'm very honored. Hindi ko pa alam kung ano ang posisyon ko. I don't know where I would be effective,” said Gary.

When asked if he is being eyed by the board of directors to serve as the next president of OPM, Gary explained that he has yet to sit down with the other directors for a formal election. For now what he deems more important is to think about the plans of OPM for the industry. “Before the nominations took place there was a rundown, almost like bullet points, as to what OPM has done from the day that it was established. And it's sad na many of the things we continue to fight for have not really progressed at a level that can really change. For example, the rights of the artists, not all artists know about their rights.”

Gary has been with OPM since 1986 and now he feels that he is in the position to help out other artists who are just starting in the business. “Malaki ang paniniwala namin na may magagawa kami. We have our plans at least for the next two years. At sana makuha rin namin yung cooperation ng government, ng media, both radio and television, to really establish what OPM was meant to be.”

The music icon further commended his good friend Ogie for his efforts to reach out to other artists and help with their plight. “Ogie has really been showing all the effort. And he has not backed out when people need him to be there. He’s a solo artist pero he's the one asking to meet yung mga banda. Grabe raw yung nalaman niya na hindi alam ng mga ito ang karapatan nila sa industriya. We have a lot to do. And I hope that kung anuman ang nagawa namin for the next two years, will only open [the opportunity] for things to come."

Gary and Ogie, together with other artists, are set to collaborate for a song dedicated for the inauguration of President-elect Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III this June 30. Gary said that he is just waiting for Ogie to finish composing the song which he and the other artists will sing. Mr. Pure Energy expressed his happiness about the chance that almost all musicians will get together for a momentous event in history. “We are all part of this country, we will be under one president. We have our own things to do, but the fact that everyone decided to make time to be together for the momentous event is just great. That says a lot about what kind of artists we are. If it’s good for the Filipinos, for the country, then it doesn’t matter kung saang network ka pa galing.”

Kim Chiu on her alleged split with Gerald Anderson: ‘Walang hiwalay, walang kami’

“No, walang hiwalay, walang kami, wala namang nangyayari,” said Kim Chiu who was still all smiles despite the barrage of questions about her alleged breakup with rumored sweetheart Gerald Anderson during the press con of her newest endorsement last June 22. She maintained that just because they don’t get to hang out as much as before doesn’t mean that they already had a falling out. “Sabi nga rin namin saan ba nanggaling yung mga ganong balita? Siguro minsan makikita kami ng tao na hindi kami nagpapansinan or hiwalay kami ng lugar, hindi kami magkatabi umupo, hindi kami nagtatawanan—siguro yun na yung meaning nila ng away.”

The two were often photographed looking cozy together at various ABS-CBN events in the past. But coupled with the news about their separate projects after their teleserye Kung Tayo’y Magkakalayo, there were also rumors that there’s a noticeable change in their attitude towards each other. To which Kim simply replied, “Wala, ganon pa rin kami as kung ano man kami. Hindi na nga kami nakikinig masyado sa mga tsismis, hindi na rin kami nagbabasa masyado ng mga balita kasi naapepektuhan lang kami. Minsan magugulat na lang kami na ‘Uy, eto na naman tayo o!’ Mamamatay din yang isyu. Mapapagod din sila (their detractors).”

Kim assured everyone though that she’s happy with her love life right now. But she refused to answer if it’s Gerald who’s keeping her inspired or if she has other suitors at the moment. “You’re making the question harder…Only time will tell. May tamang panahon sa bawat bagay. Like what I’ve said, okay kami, as in. Parehas pa rin ang level of friendship namin. Tsaka hindi naman totoo yung mga balita sa amin.”

As to their on screen team-up, Kim believes that she and Gerald would still have more projects together in the future. “Your Song nga niya dati hindi rin ako kasama e. Ngayon din ako may Your Song at hiwalay muna kami. Isang show lang naman yun e, meron din naman sa susunod. Kung matutuloy yung movie namin, yun abangan nila. Yung sa ASAP naman, kung hindi man kami laging nagkakasama sa production numbers, hindi naman kasi kami ang nagde-decide nun kundi yung creative staff. Sila ang nagbibigay sa amin ng gagawin namin for the show. So okay lang kahit ano,” she reiterated.

Kapamilya Stars triumph in the 41st Guillermo Mendoza Memorial Awards

Kapamilya stars shine once again in the 41st Guillermo Mendoza Memorial Awards Night. ABS-CBN celebrities, directors and programs bagged the major awards given annually by the Guillermo Mendoza Memorial Scholarship Foundation Inc.

Leading the roster of winners are Gerald Anderson and Kim Chiu as Prince and Princess of Philippine Movies and TV while Coco Martin and Angelica Panganiban are recognized as Promising Male and Female Box Office Stars. Enchong Dee and Erich Gonzales, a love team up that began in the ABS-CBN show Katorse, won Most Promising Love Team of the Year.

May Bukas Pa also continues to receive recognition from different award-giving bodies and this includes TV Program of the Year from the 41st GMMA. Zaijian Jaranilla, the boy popularly known as Santino, also bags Child Performer of the Year. May Bukas Pa directors Jojo Saguin and Jerome Pobocan receive the Most Popular Directors of the Year Award.

Star Cinema, winner of the Film Producer of the Year Award, bags almost all the major recognitions in the film category. Ai-Ai delas Alas wins the much-deserved Comedy Box Office Queen. In My Life, Vilma Santos and her son Luis Manzano’s first movie together, bags the major acting awards including Film Actress of the Year Award for the Star for All Seasons and Film Actors of the Year Award for Luis and John Lloyd Cruz. Meanwhile, Director Cathy Garcia- Molina wins Film Director of the Year for You Changed My Life. John Lloyd Cruz and Sarah Geronimo are hailed Box Office King and Queen for the same movie.

In addition, the 41st GMMA Bert Marcelo Award is given to Wowowee host/comedienne Pokwang. Internationally-acclaimed indie film director Brilliante Mendoza and actress Gina PareƱo receive the Global Achievement by a Filipino Artist Award.

Aga Muhlach returns to TV in M3

Aga Muhlach is set to make his TV comeback as he stars in M3 (Malay Mo Ma-develop), a weekly romantic-comedy-drama series with Ai Ai delas Alas which premiers on July 3. The story will develop around a bachelor (Aga) and a single mother (Ai Ai) who is working hard to give her son a good life.

During M3's press conference held at Dolphy Theater yesterday, the King of Romance/Drama said that he enjoys the company of his leading lady, Ai Ai. "It is fun, looking forward to taping days with her, kasi yun nga kapag umeeksena ka--kita niyo naman kanina kahit sa press conference--- masaya lang. Alam mong magaling umarte kaya kapag magkaeksena kayo hindi ka manghihina kasi parati kang excited. She's a great actor. Ang galing niya. Kapag magte-take nga kami wala kaming rehearsal, ibo-block lang kami. Minsan inaabot kami ng umaga and kapag kailangan na kami matapos, sunod sunod na yung eksena namin. Five scenes nagagawa namin sunod sunod. Kasi yung reaction niya tama, pag nageksena kayo, alam mo kung saan siya pumupunta, alam mo rin yung susunod mong sasabihin, hindi ka mawawala sa eksena mo dahil naiintindihan mo yung sinasabi niya," Aga shared.

Since it has been two years since Aga's last project, he admits that he finds it difficult to adjust to the demands of time schedules since TV programs usually take long hours of taping. "Yes, nanibago ako sa time nung una, yung taping hanggang umaga but kaya lang after a while, nung nakadalawa at tatlong puyat ako naalala ko na yung mga ginagawa ko noon. It is still the same. Kung baga mas mainit lang (ang panahon) ngayon, mapawis. Sa studio walang pawis, kaya lang ang taping kasi namin on location kaya mainit talaga although ang bait naman nila kasi binibigyan nila ako ng trailer na may aircon, yung set na dilapidated nilalagyan din nila ng aircon. Okay na okay."

Aga said that M3 is his much-awaited TV project. He believes in the strength of the story and said that it will surely bring entertainment to the every family. "Expect sila (fans and audience) ng magandang storya. Gusto ko ipaalam sa lahat na yung storya na susundan nila is maayos at maganda. Hindi ko masasabing tatawa lang kayo ng tatawa at yun lang ng yun. Hindi ko rin sinasabing iiyak kayo ang sa akin lang you will look forward to your weekends now. Sana yun ang gusto kong mangyari na it is a pleasant viewing experience every Saturday, its like while you're watching and then pag-end bitin siya so aabangan mo yung susunod kasi maganda talaga yung plot ng M3."

Meanwhile, since Aga will be seen on TV regularly again, many are curious and are speculating if he will be guesting as a host in Wowowee. Aga appreciated the idea but he was quick in giving his answer that he will not be accepting the job in case it will be offered to him. "Thank you na naisip nila yun (kaya lang) parang ang hirap talaga, hindi ko kayang gawin talaga. Mas masarap na panuorin ko na lang yun although minsan ang sarap pag nagpo-promote ako sa mga noon time shows at sa live shows, ang sarap ng feeling kapag nandun ka na (sa istage) pero bago mangyari yung show andun yung nerbiyos kaya nakaka-tense talaga." More importantly, he does not want to bypass Willie Revillame as they are good friends. "Kung baga parang show niya yun, sila nagbuo nun, parang it is not right na papasok ako dun. Huwag na lang.

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Kitkat finds a new love

Naging maboka ang sikat na komedyanteng si Kitkat sa pagsasabing dismayado ito sa mabagal na pag-usad ng kaso at warrant of arrest na idinulog nito sa NBI at Camp Caringal laban sa dating boyfriend nitong nanloko sa kanya. “Medyo. Kasi nga, wala naman tayong ganoon ka-laking powers para mapadali ang lahat. Nakakalungkot lang na magi-isang taon na at wala pa ring nangyayari. Pero naintindihan ko rin naman sila, actually, kagagaling ko lang sa Camp Caringal nung isang araw to follow-up 'yung warrant of arrest dahil kailangan din 'yun or else baka mabaon lang sa baul ang lahat, ‘di ba? Napakabagal lang talaga ang proseso. Gustong-gusto ko na kasing makitang pinagbabayaran niya lahat ng ginawa niya sa akin, kasi, until now, kapag naiisip ko talaga 'yung pangyayaring 'yun sa aking buhay, my god, lungkot-lungkutan na naman ang drama ng lola mo sa buhay. Pero hindi naman na masyado dahil mayroon namang naga-guide na sa akin now, isang taong siyang nagbibigay sa akin ngayon ng pag-asa na life must go on at masarap ang buhay," mahabang bulalas ni Kitkat nang madatnan namin siya sa isang pictorial session ng Star Magic.Kasa-kasama nga ni Kitkat for almost nine months na ang kanyang inspirasyon ngayon. Ang lalakeng nagbibigay buhay daw sa kanya sa araw-araw, si Walby. “Yes. Almost nine months nakami ni Walby. Huwag na lang natin ilagay apelyido para huwag naman maloka ang lolo mo dahil non-showbiz naman siya. Actually, sobrang pasalamat ako kasi siya 'yung nandiyan ngayon para sa akin. Sobrang bait na siya lagi ang kasa-kasama ko sa mga lakad ko and everything, para ko na nga siyang alalay, jusko day, okay siya at mapag-pasensiyang tipo ng tao na nagiging absorber ko na yata. Alam niya naman kasi na malaki ang tiwala ko sa kanya. Actually, kababata ko siya, kilala ko na ang buong pagkatao niya at kilala niya rin ang buong pagkatao ko, kaya ganoon na lang siguro ang biglang buhos ng tiwala ko sa kanya at pagmamahal sa kanya na hopefully, hindi na ako iiyak sa kanya,” kuwento pa sa ABS-CBN.com ni Kitkat.Balita namin ay magpapakasal na sila this within the year ni Walby? How true? “Actually, anytime naman ay nakahanda na kaming pareho especially ako. Kung anuman ang mangyari, ready na ako na harapin ito. Kaso lang, wala pa talagang ganoon eh! Hindi pa rin naman siya nagpo-propose sa akin, wala naman siyang nasasabi sa akin o nababanggit man lang, so ang lola mo, wait lang! At saka, hindi naman kami nagmamadali ni Walby, basta kung dumating, darating naman 'yun eh, ‘di ba? As of now, wala pa akong natatanggap na proposal. Hinihintay ko lang actually," natatawang sagot ni Kitkat.Busy rin si Kitkat sa mga out of town and out of the country shows nito. Isang show sa TV din naman ang nakatakdang gawin ni Kitkat sa bakuran ng ABS-CBN.