KAPUSO MOVIE MARATHON THIS SUNDAY BRINGS TWO HIGHLY ENTERTAINING FILMS: 'BEAN' AND '1ST KO SI 3RD'

GMA’S SUNDAY MOVIE MARATHON will entertain you this weekend with two highly entertaining movies that will make you laugh your hearts out.

First is the rollicking comedy called “Bean” which stars, who else but the irrepressible Mr. Bean himself, also known as Rowan Atkitson.

The movie will show Mr. Bean as a clumsy security guard in London who gets into his most hilarious mishap when he travels to America.

His mission is to bring in a highly valuable painting to a Los Angeles museum. This results in a series of ribtickling misadventures as he ventures in his first trip to the U.S.A. and messes up everything and everyone along his way.

Meanwhile, hopeless romantics are in for a treat in the romantic comedy drama film "1st Ko Si 3rd” on GMA Blockbusters. The movie revolves around a simple yet unconventional love story.

Corazon (Nova Villa) is a recently retired government employee who is married to Dante Rivero.

She feels bored with her husband and her life lights up again when she accidentally crosses paths with her first love as a teenager, Third (Freddie Webb, played by Ken Chan as a young man).

The several decades of their being separated from each other suddenly disappear when they are reunited. Will Nova eventually leave Dante and return to her first love, Freddie?

 Tune in this Sunday on “Kapuso Movie Festival” after the lifestyle show “Taste Buddies” and “GMA Blockbusters” after “Dear Uge”, only on GMA-7.

Continue reading

DR. FERDZ RECIO & DR. NIELSEN DONATO BACK WITH FRESH NEW EPISODES OF THE AWARD-WINNING SHOW, 'BORN TO BE WILD'

DOC FERDZ at the Iloilo Marine Sanctuary

‘BORN TO BE WILD’ has won various awards as best educational program and as best environment-oriented program. It started in 2007 hosted by vet and animal lover Dr. Ferdz Recio with Kiko Rustia.

Kiko has since been replaced by Dr. Nielsen Donato (since 2012) and the show has garnered its own share of loyal followers as the country’s most toprated travel documentary and wildlife show.

Since the lockdown, the show has been showing only replays, but starting this Sunday, they will now come up with fresh new episodes.

For its comeback episode, Doc Nielsen, will come to the rescue of a cloud rat trapped in the rooftops of some residents in  Tanay, Rizal.  Doc Nielsen will help the cloud rat return to its natural habitat in the jungle of the Sierra Madre mountains.

As for Doc Ferdz, he will visit a sea turtle marine sanctuary in Iloilo. He and his team will now see if a turtle they have rescued before is now well enough to be returned to the ocean where it thrives.

Doc Ferdinand Recio has his own legion of fans. He has 20 years of experience as a veterinary specialist and has his own wellness center for animals in Victoria Towers, Timog Avenue, QC.

Animal lovers praise him for his friendliness and for explaining the health issues of their pets satisfactorily. Don’t miss the new episode of “Born to be Wild” this Sunday on GMA-7, right after Drew Arellano’s “AHA!”

Continue reading

KRIS AQUINO MAKES GRAND COMEBACK IN 'LOVE LIFE WITH KRIS' ON TV 5, SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 5 TO 6 pm

KRIS AQUINO will finally be back on TV with her new talk show, “Love Life with Kris”, on August 15, Saturday, TV5, 5 to 6 PM, produced by Positive Exposure Production and directed by Gab Valenciano.

Kris will also be the creative head. They’re doing it with all the expected health protocols to insure the safety of everyone involved in the show.

There have been attempts for her to do a new show before but they didn’t push through.

“I believe in God’s perfect timing,” says Kris. “We’re currently facing difficult times and the show’s concept is born out of today’s need to boost hope and courage in the lives of the everyday Filipino.”

The show will have three major segments.

“The first one is dedicated to the home, women and mothers,” adds Kris.  “We will be featuring chefs, mothers, and restaurants who will share with us their inspiring stories, and of course, their sumptuous dishes and recipes for sharing with the whole family. 

“Another segment will feature one-on-one interviews with news worthy people who are currently standing out in today’s headlines. The third segment is dedicated to inspire the Filipinos.

“The show will focus the spotlight on individuals and organizations who are good role models for the Filipino with their outstanding traits of resilience and optimism.  People who have dedicated their lives to make a difference in this world.  We aim to spread fun, laughter, hope, and inspiration across the nation.”

Aside from the main show aired live on Saturdays at TV5, the show will also have digital episodes to be shown four times a week on the show’s official Facebook page.

This early, Kris has received congratulatory remarks from her fans who long been waiting for her return to hosting her own show.

Here are some of their messages for her on the net: “Welcome back, Krissy. I’m so happy and can’t wait to see you doing what you do best on television.” 

“It’s about time! Rest assured that all of us at home will be tuned in on TV5 when your show starts airing.”

“Sobrang miss na namin ang iyong candid and perky style of hosting kaya can’t wait to see you in ‘Love Life with Kris’ on TV5 starting August 15. Hoping for the show’s big success!”

Continue reading

SANYA LOPEZ TOPBILLS EPISODE OF 'WISH KO LANG' THIS SATURDAY ABOUT SISTERS STRUCK BY LIGHTNING IN BATANGAS RECENTLY

SANYA LOPEZ

AFTER JAK ROBERTO went back to work in “Magpakailanman”, it’s now the turn of his sister, Sanya Lopez, to tape for a fresh new episode of “Wish Ko Lang” to be shown this Saturday, August 1.
She and Ayeesha Cervantes play sisters in Laurel, Batangas who were tragically struck by lightning during a very recent fierce thunderstorm, with Sue Prado and Allan Paule as their parents.

Kathleen and Khaycee only want to provide for their family especially since their father is slowly losing his vision. To make matters worse, he was retrenched from his job after the lockdown.

Their mother tries to make both ends meet by making suman that Kathleen and Khaycee then sell to the public. But they got short on capital, so their mother has to go to the mountains to get ingredients such as coconuts used for the suman.

Their mother tells them not to join her but Kathleen and Khaycee are worried about her safety and insist on going with her.

It is raining very hard and so the sisters decide to take shelter inside a hut while their mother continues sourcing for coconuts. Nobody expected what would happen next— lightning struck Kathleen and Khaycee inside the hut.

Ever since the sisters’ death last July 12, their family has been trying to pick up the pieces and start life anew.

Kathleen and Khaycee's dream include getting their father treated, putting up a business for their mother, and sending their two siblings to school. Now, the family wishes they would be able to make Kathleen and Khaycee’s dreams come true.

Sanya says that she is honored to be part of this heartwarming true story.

“I was so excited when I found out na I’ll be part of a new episode of ‘Wish Ko Lang’ kasi I'm so glad to act again before the camera. Lalo na nga at very challenging yung story ng dalawang magkapatid who get involved sa isang tragic event sa buhay nila. Ang ganda ng story nilang magkapatid.”

As TV production is still very limited these days, Sanya says she is grateful how the “Wish Ko Lang” team took care of her and her co-actors.

“Siyempre ang first challenge dyan is how would you stick sa safety protocols. I was lucky that I was with professional actors and production team kaya everything went smoothly.”

The reenactment portion of Wish Ko Lang! is directed by Rommel Penesa, second unit director of Descendants of the Sun (The Philippine Adaptation). Sanya only has good words about Direk Rommel.

“Direk Rommel has always been my favorite director. Parang tatay ko na ‘yan. Alagang alaga ako n’yan sa set at alaga rin nya mga scenes ko. He’s very good in his craft."

Don’t miss the compelling true story of Kathleen and Khaycee this Saturday in Wish Ko Lang! with host Vicky Morales, after Tadhana on GMA-7.

Continue reading

“TRUE DETECTIVE” HBO TV series review: 3 SEASONS OF RIVETING, WELL ACTED CRIME DRAMAS, SPECIALLY SEASON 3

TRUE DETECTIVE SEASON 3

STEPHEN DORFF & MAHERSHALA ALI in TRUE DETECTIVE SEASON 3

True Detective Season 1

COLIN FARRELL, RACHEL MCADAMS, TAYLOR KITSCH & VINCE VAUGH IN 'TRUE DETECTIVE' SEASON 2

‘TRUE DETECTIVE’ is an HBO crime-drama mini-series that has had three seasons. Each individual season features different stories, all of them very dark in nature, and its own ensemble cast.

Season 1 starred Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson as police detectives in Louisiana who pursue a perverted serial killer in the course of 17 years. The style of the storytelling is a very slow burn, but it will reel you in as it gives a fascinating tweak to the familiar crime drama genre.

It starts in 1995 when they investigate the mysterious death of a prostitute. The killer remains at large and in 2012, another woman is murdered and the death scene is similar to that of the 1995 victim.

It’s all very complex, but Matthew and Woody are both outstanding in their respective roles, as two men who eventually realized that the universal battle between good and evil will forever go on.

Season 2 is set in the fictional city of Vinci in California and stars Colin Farrell, Rachel McAdams and Taylor Kitsch as three law enforcers from different police agencies whose path converge while investigating the bizarre death of a businessman connected with a crime lord played by Vince Vaughn.

This is a very well acted series and the four main stars did a superb job in delineating their respective complex characters, who are all very flawed individuals with their own deep dark secrets.

Colin killed a man who raped his wife, but it turns out he’s not really the rapist. His wife gets pregnant and he’s not even sure if he’s the dad but he takes real good care of the boy.

Rachel admits has affairs with other cops and confesses she prefers big dicks, not the length but, she says, the thickness or the girth.

Taylor is a soldier turned cop who has a girlfriend who's pregnant, but he’s actually a closet gay who had an affair with another soldier.

Vince wants to drop his criminal activities but is duped by his associate who ran away with his $5 million so he returns to being a crime lord.  The way the series is resolved not that satisfying and we wish it were better written.

The third season is set in the Ozarks at Arkansas and the story is told in a span of 35 years. This is the best for us.

It starts in 1980 and ends in 2015 and the most outstanding thing here is the performance of Mahershala Ali in the lead role.

Ali has won two Oscar best supporting actor awards, for “Moonlight” in 2016 (not that impressive) and for “Green Book” in 2018 (truly very deserving as the black pianist who becomes good friends with his white bodyguard.) But he is at his best here in “True Detective, Season 3.”

The story starts in 1980 when a 12-year old boy and his 10-year old sister tell their dad that they’ll just go to the park but they don’t return home. Ali as Wayne Hays, a Vietnam veteran, is called in to investigate with his partner, Stephen Dorff as Roland West.

The boy is later found dead in a cave but the sister is never seen again. The case is pinned on a native American who is just framed up by higher authorities to give the case a closure.

In 1990, the case is reopened when the finger prints of the abducted girl are found, indicating she’s still alive. Again, the investigation is botched and the crime is pinned on the girl’s dad.

Then in 2015, a TV show revisits the crime. By this time, Ali is already in his 70s and suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, but he is determined to solve the crime and he and his old partner, Dorff, finally uncovers what really happened to the children.

It’s a very convoluted story and the story is not told chronologically but jumps back and forth in the three time frames.

Whether you’d buy the resolution of the case or not, there is no denying that Ali gives a very compelling performance as Wayne Hays. The aging make up applied to him is perfect and his acting from being a much younger man to someone who has dementia is just magnificent.

This is also actually his own story as it also shows his romance with a teacher (Carmen Egojo) who writes a book about the case that becomes a best seller. Egojo also gives an awesome performance as the wife who eventually realizes that the man she married is someone difficult to live with.

Dorff also gives sterling support as the partner who is also shown getting old like Ali.

We were teary eyed in its final scenes but we won’t say too much as it will be a give away. Suffice it to say that how the series is given a touching conclusion at a time when Ali’s memory is fading away is something that will just melt your heart.

Continue reading

KEAN CIPRIANO, CES DRILON, RIA ATAYDE & NADINE LUSTRE EXPRESS THEIR DISILLUSIONMENT WITH THE COUNTRY'S CURRENT STATE OF AFFAIRS

KEAN CIPRIANO

CES DRILON

RIA ATAYDE

NADINE LUSTRE

OTHER CELEBRITIES who freely expressed their feelings about the government just before the SONA are Kean Cipriano, Ces Drilon, Ria Atayde and Nadine Lustre.

Kean wrote when he saw the thousands of people stranded and packed like sardines at Rizal Memorial:

“Nag-lockdown at quarantine nang ilang buwan. Hinuli ang mga taong hindi raw sumusunod sa quarantine protocols. Pero hindi hinuli yung mga nasa posisyon na lumabag kasi raw VIP. Tapos di raw alarming yung dumaraming COVID cases. Tapos eto… haay! Gaguhan 2020.”

And in another tweet, he wrote:

“Ano ba talagang plano? I never felt secure. It never felt safe.  Ang daming nagkakasakit. Ang daming namamatay. Ang daming nawawalan ng trabaho. Ang daming nagsasarang negosyo. Ang daming nagaaway. Ang daming kasinungalingan. Ang daming excuses. Ano ba talaga ang plano?”

And here’s Ces Drilon who just lost her job as ABS-CBN News Channel executive editor speaking at the SONA protest rally:

"Kami po ay biktima ng isang mapaniil na administrasyon.  Freedom of the press is an important foundation of our democary.  Ang freedom of the press po ay isang haligi ng ating demokrasya. 

"Ang lagi pong katwiran ng mga tagapagtanggol sa pagsasara ng ABS-CBN, hindi naman daw nawawala ang press freedom, dahil patuloy ang paglabas ng TV Patrol sa Internet, sa cable. At patuloy naman ang ibang channel sa pagbo-broadcast.  Oo nga, patuloy ngang napapanood ang TV Patrol, ngunit para lamang sa may cable, may Internet.

"Paano na po ang halos 70 million na mga Pilipino na umaasa lamang sa radyo at telebisyon?  Kami ay hindi na nila napapanood at naririnig. Kami po ay off-the-air.  At tungkol naman sa patuloy na broadcast ng ibang istasyon, malaki po ang epekto sa pagsasara ng ABS-CBN, dahil babala po ang nangyari sa amin sa mga inuulat nila.

"Meron pa bang nag-uulat kaya ng totoong nangyayari? Malamang ay matatakot na rin po silang mapasara. Mensahe po ang nangyari sa amin na, 'Magulat kayo at baka kayo na ang susunod.'"

And here’s what Ria Atayde wrote:

“Sa lahat ng nangyayari, nagiging mas mahirap ang kumapit sa pag-asa. Sa lumipas na apat na taon, ang dami nating pinagdaanang opresyon sa ating bansa — mula sa pagpatay sa mga mamamayan hanggang sa kawalan ng kakayahang humarap sa krisis at pandemya.

"Hindi tayo pwedeng maging pipi at bingi na lamang sa mga abuso sa ating bayan at mga kababayan.

“Tayo ay, bago ang lahat, mga Pilipino. Karapatan at tungkulin natin ang panagutin ang mga pinunong ating hinalal. Hindi natin pwedeng hayaang unahin nila ang kanilang pag-unlad habang ang ating mga kapwa Pilipino ay nagdurusa.

"Lumaban ka sa kahit anong paraang komportable para sa’yo. Pero pakiusap, manatiling mapagmatyag at wag magbulag-bulagan. Alam kong marami sa atin ay mas maginhawa ang kalagayan kumpara sa iba, pero tayo ay iisang bansa. Ang kinabukasan natin ay kinabukasan nila.  Gising na, ginagago na tayo!”

And here’s how Nadine Lustre feels:

“Pagbabago, hindi abuso. Pagkakaisa, hindi mang-isa. Hawak kamay, wag hugas kamay. I’m a Filipino and I stand for my country. We deserve better.  Covid exposed the government for what it really is.

"The people need help, compassion (minus Koko) and transparency, not threats and lies. Yung P275 Billion na inutang nila, hanapin niyo. Wag ako. Kaloka. Makapaghalaman na nga. Naga-anxiety ako. Leche!”

Continue reading

SUNSHINE DIZON SAYS SHE CAN NO LONGER BE BLIND TO THE SAD THINGS HAPPENING TODAY IN OUR COUNTRY

JASON ABALOS started it all when he was annoyed by Presidential spokesman Harry Roque that Pres. Duterte was just joking about corona virus. He wrote in his social media account: “Namatay ang kaibigan kong pediatric surgeon dahil sa virus, tapos may panahon pa kayong mag joke?  Pagbabago ang ginusto ko nang binoto kita hindi panggagago!”

Now several other celebrities expressed their dissatisfaction in their own accounts. Here’s Sunshine Dizon on Facebook: “Matagal na rin ako nanahimik. Sabi ko, kung wala magandang sasabihin, manahimik na lang, pero mas malaking kasalanan ang mag bulag-bulagan kung alam mo nang hindi na tama.

“Marami akong kaibigan na hindi ko na siguro magiging kaibigan pag katapos nito pero ayos lang kasi ibig sabihin hindi talaga sila kaibigan.

"Bago nyo ako husgahan at tawaging bobo gaya ng iba dyan na ang huhusay at ang lalakas ng loob magmaliit ng kapwa nilang Pilipino, kahit wala naman sila ni singkong nai-ambag para sa kultura at bayan. Oo, hindi po ako abogado, pero marunong po akong mag basa at marunong din akong umintindi.

“Gusto ko pong mamuhay sa Pilipinas kasama ng aking mga anak, pamilya at mga kaibigan ng payapa at walang takot na may mga tao na matatas at makapangyarihan na pwedeng abusuhin ang batas na dapat ay poprotekta sa ating lahat.

“Gusto ko pong mamuhay na walang takot na ako ay pwedeng mapag susupetyahang terrorista dahil nilabas ko lang ang aking mga saloobin o akoy sumali sa isang protesta.

“Hindi tamang mawalan tayo ng boses at karapatang pumuna kapag tayo ay may mga mali nang nakikita.

Gusto kong lumaki ang aking mga anak sa ating bayan na malayang makakapagpahayag ng kanilang saloobin, rerespetuhin ang kanilang karapatang pantao.

“Sumasang-ayon ako sa batas na magpo-protekta sa ating lahat laban sa terrorismo, pero hindi ako sang ayon sa batas na hindi malinaw na posibleng maabuso sa mga kamay ng mga taong nakatataas at makapangyarihan na pansariling pakinabang lang ang uunahin.

“Araw araw tumataas ang bilang ng may mga sakit dahil sa covid. Nasaan na ang kongkretong plano para sa bayan? Wala pa rin mass testing. Pero nagawang ipasara ang Abs-Cbn at tanggalan ng hanap buhay ang higit sa 11,000 na pamilya.

“Nagawa ang ANTI-TERROR BILL. Paano at ano pa ang mga pwede nilang gawin ngayong ito ay naisabatas na? Wag na tayong magbulag-bulagan. Kailangan nating ipaglaban ang ating kalayaan at protektahan ang ating karapatang pantao.”

Continue reading

ALDEN RICHARDS HAPPY TO PLAY RIZAL IN 'ILUSTRADO' THAT YOU CAN NOW WATCH STREAMING WITH OTHER GMA HISTORICAL DRAMAS

ALDEN RICHARDS is happy that GMA-7 has brought back the historical drama he did, “Ilustrado”, where he got to portray our National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. You can watch it streaming on GMANetwork.com.  The series has 20 episodes and won best drama series in the PMPC and Catholic Mass Media Awards. Alden himself won best drama actor in the Star Awards for TV.

The show has an all star-cast and supporting him are Kylie Padilla as Leonor Rivera, Eulza Valdez as his mom Teodora Alonzo, Solenn Heussaff as Nelly Bousted, Max Collins as Consuelo Ortiga, Jaclyn Jose as Conchita Monteverde, Glaiza de Castro as Gregoria de Jesus, Ricardo Cepeda as his father Francisco, Marco Alcaraz as his brother Paciano, Polo Ravales as Venchito Monteverde and many more.

“I’m really proud and honored that I was able to do this show and now, everyone can watch it streaming,” says Alden. “It’s a painless way to learn history. Nagpapasalamat ako sa GMA sa pagbibigay nila ng halaga sa kasaysayan, kasi naniniwala ako sa kasabihang ‘Ang hindi lumingon sa pinanggalingan, hindi makararating sa paroroonan.’ 

'Dito sa GMA, we give importance to history at gusto naming ipakilala sa mga susunod na henerasyon ng mga manonood ang katapangan at kadakilaan ng ating mga bayani. Dito sa GMA, hindi lang tayo proud to be Kapuso kundi proud to be a Filipino rin.”

Other historical shows that GMA Network has uploaded for streaming are “Amaya” with Marian Rivera, “Indio” with Bong Revilla, “Katipunan” with Sid Lucero as Andres Bonifacio and the docu-drama about martial law, “Alaala”, which won an award at the New York TV Festivals and also stars Alden Richards as activist writer Bonifacio Ilagan, supported by Gina Alajar, Bianca Umali and Rocco Nacino.

It may be the season of the corona pandemic that crippled the entertainment industry but Alden is one of the few fortunate stars who remains to be so busy.

He’s seen on TV every day as host of “Eat Bulaga” and “All Out Sundays”. He also remains to be a much sought after endorser. His new TV commercial with Bea Alonzo has just come out and he now has four new more endorsements.

He’s also been chosen by the Dept. of Health to be their endorser for their BIDA Campaign against the corona virus. He says:

“BIDA stands for  B - bawal ang walang mask kapag lumalabas. Letter I - i-sanitize ang mga bagay at iwas hawak sa mga bagay sa labas. Letter D - dumistansiya ng one meter sa ibang tao and that's physical distancing na pino-promote naman talaga ng DOH ever since the COVID-19 started.

"Letter A - Access for the right information about the virus. Ang dali kasi ng access sa fake news ngayon, so it's really important for us to remember na we always have to rely on official institutions na makapag-announce ng mga bagay hinggil sa pagprotekta sa atin at 'yung laban natin sa COVID-19.”

Continue reading

BASHERS INSULT BIANCA UMALI FOR BEING SO THIN, RURU MADRID DEFENDS HER

BIANCA UMALI posted her latest photo looking quite emaciated and, as may be expected, haters bashed her right away. Here are some of the insults she got: “Mukhang tuyot na nilaspag na ni Ruru.”  “Panget mo mag-alaga, p’re. Ginawa mong kalansay. Di naman ganyan yan dati.”

Altough they have yet to officially admit that they’re going steady, Ruru quickly defended his inamorata. He replied to the impolite basher: 

“Anong problema mo, bastos? Sigurado ka dyan? Brad, katawan nya yan, kung gusto nya magpapayat o magpalaki, nasa sa kanya na yun, labas na ako dun at dapat ganun ka rin. 

"Kesa yung kumikilatis ka ng katawan ng ibang tao, kilatisin mong maige yung sarili mo, brad. Dami nang naghihirap sa mundo, ganyan ka pa rin. Baguhin mo na ugali mo!"

Ruru expressed despair at how judgmental people have become these days. "I dont know what's wrong with people right now? Parang ang dami laging opinyon ng mga tao. 

"Sa totoo lang, mas masakit na kung sino pa yung mga kababayan o mga kalahi natin, sila pa yung nagda-down sa atin. Sana wala ng ganun, sana sinusuportahan na lang natin ang isa't isa."

But Bianca’s fans quickly defended her to show their support for her on the net. Here are some of their encouraging comments for Bianca: 

"How ironic that some girls are into body positivity and boosting self esteem, and yet they are the ones who will judge and bash u. So sad for Bianca Umali, She doesn’t deserve that kind of bashing. Sabi nga, her body, her choice. Grow up kiddo, change ur mindset for the better.”

 “I don’t see any problem with her picture. It simply proves how gifted she is with her bone structure. Ganda kaya niya! No need for contour make up because it shows! Bianca Umali is beautiful inside and out.”

More fans expressed their support for Bianca and called on the bashers to foster women empowerment, supporting each other and not bashing one another. 

Of course, this will fall on the deaf ears of bashers, simplybecause  bashers were born to bash and it’s in their nature to just keep on bashing to bring some happiness into their own miserable lives. 

Continue reading

STARS WHO ARE NOW DOING ONLINE SELLING: SISTERS GLENDA GARCIA & MELISSA YAP WITH THEIR OWN HOME MADE BRANDS

GLENDA GARCIA and HER DELICIOUS ONE SWEET BITE PEANUT BUTTER

GLENDA GARCIA with the packed lunches SHE COOKS FOR HEALTH WORKERS IN VARIOUS HOSPITALS

MELISSA MENDEZ AND her SWEET DELIGHTS by MELISSA CHEESE PIMIENTO

LOTS OF STARS are going into online selling now that work in local showbiz is on hold since there are no shootings for new movies or tapings for new TV shows. This will surely help augment their income in this season of the pandemic. As they say, necessity is the mother of invention.

Two of the stars who are selling their own products online are sisters Glenda Garcia and her Ate, Melissa Mendez (she celebrated her birthday last Monday.) 

Glenda is selling her own One Sweet Bite brand of peanut butter, home baked cakes, chili garlic sauce and shrimp salad. Glenda sent us her peanut butter and it’s truly a great treat, perfect for peanut butter sandwiches.

But Glenda has such a big heart that she continues to make packed lunches for the health workers and medical frontliners in various government hospitals, with several friends helping her in shouldering the cost.

“This is my way of giving back kasi talagang nagpapakasakit silang ibuwis ang sarili nilang buhay alang-alang sa maysakit nating mga kababayan,” she says.

Glenda is part of the cast of GMA-7’s new TV series, “First Yaya”, with Marian Rivera and Gabby Concepcion, but taping has been stalled because of the pandemic and they don’t know yet as to when it will resume.

As for Melissa, she makes her own brand of cheese pimiento called Sweet Delights by Melissa that is truly delightful.  Melissa is in the cast of Regal Entertainment’s horror flick, “Mga Kaibigan ni Mama Susan”, directed by Chito Rono.

She plays the aunt of lead actor Joshua Garcia. This is an entry to the December Metro-Manila Filmfest and they would have to start its shooting soon to make it to the filmfest deadline.

You can place your order for Glenda and Melissa's products through their FACEBOOK accounts.

Continue reading

LET'S PRAY FOR OLIVIA DE HAVILLAND, WHO LEFT A LASTING LEGACY WITH SO MANY SIGNIFICANT FILMS

OLIVIA DE HAVILLAND in the final scene of  THE HEIRESS

LET’S JUST give a last tribute to Hollywood icon Olivia de Havilland who died in her home in Paris last Sunday at the age of 104. It was truly a long and fruitful life. We grew up watching Hollywood and she is one of our favorites, along with Ingrid Bergman and Katharine Hepburn.

We first saw her in “Gone with the Wind” when it was reissued as a 70mm. We enjoyed her performance there as Melanie, much than Vivien Leigh as Scarlett O’Hara.

She also made lots of action-costume films with Errol Flynn, like “Captain Blood”, “Robin Hood”, “They Died with their Boots On”, “Santa Fe Trail”, “Dodge City”, “Charge of the Light Brigade”. And she’s also known for her long running feud with her own sister, Joan Fontaine.

As head of Film Programming at ABC-5 before martial law, we got to see her other important films which were shown in “Million Dollar Movies”. They were in black and white and we previewed them in their platform then, 16mm. These are her best films for us:

“HOLD BACK THE DAWN” (1941) - She plays a naive schoolteacher on a field trip with her students in Mexico.

She meets a Romanian gigolo (Charles Boyer) who seduces her and she falls in love with him without her knowing that he is just using her so he can get an immigrant’s visa to the U.S. This melodrama is a real heartbreaker but it has a happy ending.

“TO EACH HIS OWN” (1946) - This is the tearjerker where Olivia won her first Oscar best actress award. She plays an unwed mom who is forced by circumstances to give up her son for adoption.

The boy grows up to be an air force pilot fighting in the war. The ending where Olivia finally gets to dance with her son (both father and son characters are played by John Lund) will just melt your heart.

‘THE SNAKE PIT’ (1948) - She plays a writer who becomes a schizophrenic inmate in a mental hospital, but she doesn’t remember at all why she is confined there. She hears voices and is detached from reality. The film portrays the seemingly hopeless situations in the asylum that is compared to a snake pit.

Olivia slowly regains her sanity and in the end, gets to leave the hospital. It’s a gripping film that deals with mental breakdown and the slow process of recovery. Olivia won the New York Film Critics best actress award for her performance.

‘THE HEIRESS’ (1949) - Based on Henry James’ novel “Washington Square”, her character as Catherine is unforgettable. She’s a terribly shy old maid intimidated by her domineering and very wealthy father (Ralph Richardson in a similar memorable performance).

She falls in love with a handsome goldigger, Morris (an impossibly handsome Montgromery Clift before his face was damaged by an accident).

They plan to elope but when Morris learns she’s giving up all her inheritance, he doesn’t show up. Years later, he would come back, and courts her again, but she has become bitter and callous. That final scene where Morris is knocking on the door while Catherine goes up the stairs, ignoring him completely, is one of the most unforgettable endings we’ve seen in the movies.

Olivia won her second Oscar best actress award for this film. This was remade as “Ikaw Pa Lang ang Minahal” with Maricel Soriano giving a similarly engaging performance.

“MY COUSIN RACHEL” (1952) - Based on the novel by Daphne Du Maurier (who also wrote the classic “Rebecca”), Olivia plays the title role, a very mysterious woman who is suspected to have caused the death of her first husband.

Despite the suspicion, she still wins the love of her cousin, Philip (Richard Burton in his first Hollywood movie), who gives his estate to her. That’s all we can reveal about the plot as anything else will be a spoiler. This has been remade in 2017 with Rachel Weisz as Rachel and with a different ending.

Let's pray for the repose of Olivia de Havilland's soul. She surely left a lasting legacy with the significant films she left behind.

Continue reading

CAMILLE PRATS & IYA VILLANIA BACK IN 'MARS PA MORE' WITH SPECIAL FIRST ANNIVERSARY EPISODES

CAMILLE PRATS and Iya Villania have something in common. They both have three kids: two boys and one girl. This is why they get along so well as co-hosts in the GMA-7 morning show “Mars Pa More”, which will start airing new episodes starting this Monday, July 27.

“Because of the lockdown, we had nothing but reruns muna and then si Iya gave birth to her third baby,” says Camille. “Tamang-tama rin, we are celebrating our first anniversary ni Iya as co-hosts sa show.”

The show used to be “Mars” on GMA News TV with Suzi Entrata as Camille’s co-host. When it was transferred to GMA-7, Iya took over since Suzi is also with GMA’s other morning show, “Unang Hirit”. Camille says Iya is a fun co-host.

“Kasi she’s naturally funny,” she says. “Throughout the show, talagang ang saya-saya kasi tawanan kami nang tawanan as we present serious topics concerning women in an entertaining manner. We talk about our experiences as wives, mothers, and also about housekeeping and physical fitness. We also have guests who open up their own lives to share their own personal insights and inspire our viewers.”

The show’s different segments include Pusuan Mo Mars about personal stories, Handy Mars about housekeeping, Mars Masarap about cooking, Mars Sharing Group about sharing common experiences close to their hearts, Push Mo Mars about physical fitness, and Mars Magaling about family games. They also offer house tours of their guest celebrities.

Camille is proud that they have not only female but also male viewers. “Meron din kasi kaming segments with Pars participating, husbands and fathers who want to improve their relationships with their wives and children. So we encourage the Pars to hook up with Mars in raising well their families.”

Mars Pa More’s week-long fresh episodes are produced from home, with the two hands-on moms becoming their own cameramen, lighting directors, make-up artists and stylists. On Monday (July 27), the special guest is Comedy Concert Queen AiAi Delas Alas as she gives Kapuso viewers a peek at how her family thrives in the new normal and a how-to of her Fluffy Cake on Mars Masarap.

Then DJ Loonyo takes the audience on a “walk-cumentary” on Hangzhou, China to show how things are getting back to normal from the pandemic. He also does a fun choreography for your next TikTok content on Push Mo Mars.

On Tuesday (July 28), revel in exclusive house tours and a morning of chikahan with Glaiza de Castro as she introduces their simple yet comfortable bed and breakfast hotel and talks about her long-distance relationship with her Irish boyfriend;

and soon-to-be-dad Rodjun Cruz also opens his house and receives Feng Shui tips on how to invite prosperity in his living space and throws in a 5-minute home workout to keep everyone healthy and in shape amid the closure of gyms.

Relieve stress and woes fueled by the crisis this Wednesday (July 29) with a funny commentary from comedian Betong Sumaya as he whips up an easy corned beef omelet dish on Mars Masarap.

Also joining in on the fun is TikTok personality Marvs who will star in a comical sketch together with viral sensation Aling Nena who is the person behind the famous lines ‘walang ganun mars?’

It’s about to rain ‘feels’ on Thursday (July 30) as Kapuso couple Barbie Forteza and Jak Roberto spill the beans on how they conquer relationship hiccups and maintain a healthy communication in the new normal. The two will also concoct the perfect Dalgona Coffee that everyone is raving about.

On Pusuan Mo Mars, a mother and COVID-19 survivor tells the heartwarming tale of love and triumph as she bravely nurses her child at the peak of her illness and shares how she overcame discrimination while on her way to recovery.

Finally, Rocco Nacino and Kris Bernal make the Friday (July 31) episode extra special with their fun quaranthings to kill everyone’s boredom. Certified plantito Rocco gives his first-hand tips on how to become a plant enthusiast while Kris shows her easy-to-follow workouts using something as simple as a bag!

Also, get to know more about a couple who still pushed through with their quarantine wedding ceremony. Don’t miss the exciting new segments and surprises on Mars Pa More’s week-long anniversary special beginning Monday (July 27), 8:45AM, only on GMA Network.

Continue reading

SO WHAT'S THE REAL SCORE ABOUT BEA ALONZO? IS IT ALDEN RICHARDS OR DOMINIC ROQUE WHO'S MAKING HER HAPPY NOW?

alden-bea

dominic-bea

BEA ALONZO has been loveless since she broke up with Gerald Anderson who was censured for “ghosting” since it’s reported that he has already focused his attention on Julia Barretto while still officially on with Bea.

Now, Bea, who’ll be 33 on October 17, is being linked to two guys who are both younger than her. First is Alden Richards, who turned 28 last January 2, and then Dominic Roque, who turned 30 on July 20. 

The age difference between them is not really that much, almost negligible, so it’s unfair for Alden fans who say it’s not “bagay” for their idol to be linked to Bea since “mukhang tita niya lang si Bea.”

Of course, it’s easy to see that this Alden-Bea thing is all just hype since they did together a shampoo commercial in Thailand. They replaced John Lloyd Cruz and Angel Locsin as the former endorsers of the product.

Their camp posted on social media their photos taken during the shoot of the commercial and there’s one where they seem to be having a contest staring intently at each other. This “Titigan” shot intrigued a lot of people who concluded that “may kemistri naman pala sila. Bagay rin naman pala sila.”

Some folks inquired as to who won in their “titigan” contest and Bea replied: “Me!” But Alden quickly countered her and wrote: “Ako ang nanalo rito.”

Will they make a movie together? We don’t see any reason why they should not. If and when Star Cinema is back in operation after the corona lockdown, we’re sure they’ll make a Bea-Alden romance one of their priority projects.

As for Dominic Roque and Bea, there’s seems to be more truth in this supposed secret romance about them. They’ve been rumored to be playing beautiful music together since last year but there has been no confirmation so far.

Then a few days ago, in celebration of his 30th birthday, Dominic posted his sweet photos with Bea, said to be have been taken when they had a vacation in Japan before the lockdown, with the caption: “Tila ako’y nabighani,” and he combined it with a heart emoji.

It’s said their close friends know what is the real score about them but it’s all still under wraps. Someone quipped that it seems Bea is hesitant to admit their relationship in public.

Well, we can’t blame her because, she’s a big star and compared to her, let’s face it, Dominic is still a nobody.

He joined showbiz as a model for a clothing brand in 2008 then branched out into acting in the teleserye “Habang May Buhay” which starred Judy Ann Santos, a good friend of his aunt, Beth Tamayo.

But his star never really soared and after 12 years in the business, he remains playing supporting roles in soaps like “Luna Sangre” and “Pamilya Ko” and movies like “Seklusyon” and “My Ex and Whys”.

Some quarters are now saying Bea doesn’t seem to be proud of her new relationship that’s why Dominic will forever be the “boyfriend sa dilim.”

A Bea supporter even wrote online: “Kung si Dominic talaga ang nagpapasaya sa kanya, aminin na lang niya. Okay lang naman yun as everyone and everything is fair and square in love and war.”

Continue reading

MICHAEL V SO ALIVE & KICKING, NOW BACK HOME BUT STILL ON SELF QUARANTINE

MICHAEL V is the latest local celebrity to get the dreaded corona virus after Christopher de Leon, Iza Calzado, Sylvia Sanchez and husband Art Atayde who all survived it, and actor Menggie Cobarrubias who wasn’t as fortunate in fighting the disease.

In his latest social post, Bitoy (his pet name in the industry), disclosed that he had a chest X-ray as he’s feeling weak and doctors suspect he might have pneumonia, a complication some corona patients contracted after being infected by the virus. AN unscrupulous and irresponsible blogger even reported that he's already, which is fake news.

Bitoy posted: “Sa mga concerned, nagpa-X-ray ako kahapon para masiguro kung meron akong pneumonia. Medyo mabilis kasi akong mapagod. Niresetahan nila ako ng antibiotics at sinabihang sa bahay ko na lang ituloy ang pagpapagaling. Naka-self quarantine pa rin po ako para sa safety ng lahat ng nasa paligid ko.”

He then thanked his fans who sent him concerned messages showing their support and he asked them to continue to pray for him to get well soon. He also gave them some reminders about their own health conditions.

“Lagi pong maging malinis sa inyong paligid at pangangatawan. At lagi ring magsuot ng mask at personal protective equipment or PPE. Stay home everyone and stay safe.”

As of now, Bitoy cannot tape fresh new episodes for his two hit GMA-7 shows, the award-winning gag show “Bubble Gang” and the family sitcom, “Pepito Manaloto”. “Sana nga, gumaling na po ako para makabalik na sa trabaho at sa taping,” he prays. So let’s all offer a prayer for his healing and for him to regain his good health sooner than soon.

Continue reading

SHARON CUNETA APPRECIATES JENNYLYN MERCADO'S SYMPATHY FOR ABS-CBN & ITS EMPLOYEES WHO LOST THEIR JOBS DUE TO THE SHUTDOWN

SHARON CUNETA thanked Jennylyn Mercado for supporting ABS-CBN and its employees who lost their jobs after the station's shut down.

She wrote a special message addressed to Jennylyn: `“Salamat, Ms. Jennylyn Mercado. @mercadojenny Mabuti ka pa at ibang mga Kapuso, nakikiramay sa lungkot at pagluluksa naming mga Kapamilya.

"Sa Industriyang ito, iisang pamilya at puso lang naman meron tayong lahat. Salamat sa pakikiisa mo, ninyo sa amin. Sana lahat katulad mo at ng iba pang Kapusong nalulungkot at dumadamay sa amin.

“Masakit yung nadapa na, tinatadyakan pa ng iba. Nakakakilabot yung nakita pa naming nagdidiwang at nagsasaya noong hindi binigyan ng bagong prangkisa ang ABS-CBN. Kinatutuwaan ba ang sakit ng wala namang masamang ginawa sa ‘yo?

“Hindi biro ang tanggalan ng hanapbuhay ang 11,000 na tao - dahil sa bawat isa sa 11,000 na yan, may ilang miyembro pa ng pamilyang nada­may ang buhay sa pagkawala ng trabaho ng isa.

“God bless you and all of you Filipinos who grieve with us. Para kaming yung mga inatakeng bigla sa Pearl Harbor nung WW2. Sa loob ng 2 buwan, bigla na lang “binomba” ang bahay namin at sa pagtanggal sa trabaho ng marami - ngayon pa - sa gitna ng krisis at pandemya - paghahanapin ninyo ng ibang trabaho - parang halos pinatay niyo na rin ang kabuhayan ng napakaraming pamilya.

“Hindi naman prioridad ngayon kung dapat ba palitan ang pangalan ng NAIA o hindi o palitan ang sampaguita as our national flower. Doon na muna tayo sa totoo at mahalaga. Nasunog nyo na ang tahanan namin. Tama na muna ang pag-iisip ng kung ano o sino pa ang puwedeng gamiting pantakip ng tunay na dapat sinosolusyunan ngayon. HINDI TAYO NANANALO AGAINST COVID-19."

Continue reading

CATRIONA GRAY DEAD SET ON FINDING OUT WHO UPLOADED HER PHOTOSHOPPED NUDE PHOTOS ON THE INTERNET

CATRIONA GRAY has officially complained to the NBI about the photoshopped nude photos of her that someone uploaded on the internet. She's deadset on finding out who uploaded her alleged “nude” photos online so she can file a legal case against that person.

We heard they are also intending to file a court case against the publications who unscrupulously used the fake photos and printed them in their papers.

But honestly, in hindsight, the investigation of such cases never prospered even if they were brought to the attention of the NBI before.

So many other celebrities with nude scandal videos have tried to find out who uploaded them. Examples are Hayden Kho and Paolo Bediones, whose showbiz careers were truly destroyed by their respective sex videos. They tried but never found out who the culprits were.

It’s said Catriona’s camp is also thinking of filing a case against Clint Bondad, but let’s face it, Clint never really said or revealed anything malicious.

He just made some nasty innuendoes saying he’s going to  reveal some pasabogs about Catriona. But that actually harmed himself more than Catriona, as he sounded so much like a boyfriend scorned, so bitter and cannot accept the fact that Catriona now has a new boyfriend, Sam Milby.

It’s Clint who actually has to do more explaining now because the Thai billionaire trans who’s reportedly his inamorata, named Anne Jakrajutatip, is getting more outspoken about their relationship Anne is said to be the Chief Executive Officer of an international content provider with many TV series and movies shown in Thailand, including Pinoy TV series whose rights she got from GMA-7 and ABS-CBN.

In her latest social media post, Anne wrote, addressed to Clint : "I will clean up your DIRTY SECRET now! The Stupid EGO of a man will always destroy his life... it's true. You can play the Universe but I'm the Queen of the Galaxy... I'm too strong and won't be defeated! Do the right thing now!"

She also said that Clint is just bluffing and has no secrets to reveal about Catriona. She added: “Grow up, people! Don't get played!"

 As they say, the plot thickens. Make what you will of that and draw your own conclusions.

Continue reading

JOSHUA GARCIA GETS BIG BREAK AS HE GOES SOLO IN THE METRO FILMFEST HORROR ENTRY, 'MGA KAIBIGAN NI MAMA SUSAN'

JOSHUA GARCIA with co-stars Melissa Mendez, Ricardo Cepeda and child star Red Bustamante

WE’RE NOT even sure if the global corona pandemic would be over by December but the Metro-Manila Filmfest Screening committee have already chosen four scripts that will be the first four official entries in the annual December festival.

These are Regal Films’ “Mga Kaibigan ni Mama Susan” directed by Chito Rono, Christian Acuna’s “Magikland” (the last film of the late Peque Gallaga which is now on post-production), “Praybeyt Benjamin 3” (ABS-CBN Film Productions Inc./Viva Communications Inc.), starring Vice Ganda and “The Exorcism of My Siszums” (Tincan Productions), starring sisters Toni and Alex Gonzaga, directed by Fifth Solomon.

Among the four, the most promising is “Mga Kaibigan ni Mama Susan” and we’re happy for Mother Lily and Roselle Monteverde because last year, they failed to make it in the annual filmfest.

This is a horror film and we can be sure it will scare us as Director Chito Rono has a good track record in making effective horror flicks like “Feng Shui”, “Sukob” and “The Healing”.

“Mga Kaibigan ni Mama Susan” is based on the best selling mystery novel by hit maker Bob Ong whose previous works, “Aba Nakakabasa Na Pala Ako” and “Lumayo Ka Nga Sa Akin” were filmed by Viva Films.

This is the biggest break of Joshua Garcia as he is going solo and this will prove if he could now stand on his own minus his usual ka-love team, Julia Barretto, who left him for “Between Maybes” with Gerald Anderson and we all know what happened.

The book is written like the narrator’s diary. Joshua plays the narrator, Galo, an engineering student in Manila who goes home to their province to be with his sick grandma who raised him.

This is Mama Susan, played by Angie Ferro, a member of a religious group whose creepy members have a weekly meeting in her house that’s full of statues of different saints.

His Lola eventually dies, but while he’s looking after her remains, she suddenly stands up and walks to him.

Supporting Joshua and Angie in the movie are Melissa Mendez and Ricardo Cepeda as his aunt and uncle in Manila, Patrick Quiroz, Kelvin Miranda, MIko Gallardo and Henz Villaraiz as his barkada.

Continue reading

THE WAY BACK movie review: A BASKETBALL MOVIE ABOUT AN UNDERDOG TEAM COMBINED WITH THE REDEMPTION STORY OF AN ALCOHOLIC COACH

BEN AFFLECK has won an Oscar for scriptwriting for “Good Will Hunting”, an Oscar for producing in “Argo” and also won acclaim as a director in “Argo” and “Gone Baby Gone”.

As an actor, we last saw him playing villain to Anne Hathaway in the confused Netflix film, “The Last Thing He Wanted”.

He now goes dramatic in “The Way Back”, a combination basketball movie about an underdog team and the story of redemption of a recovering alcoholic. This was released by Warner Bros. digitally because of the global pandemic.

Ben Affleck delivers a splendid performance in the lead role of Jack Cunningham, a loser whose life is a mess after a tragedy happened causing his marriage to crumble.

He’s now a construction worker who spends his nights drinking in a bar, wallowing in anguish and self-loathing. Ben does all this without going over the top and reigning in the melodrama.

His mom, sister, and also his ex-wife, all express concern about his drinking problem and his living an isolated life.

Jack then gets a call from a priest at the Bishop Hayes Catholic School where he was the top basketball player in high school, leading their team then to championship.

The priest offer him to be the school’s basketball coach after the current one had a heart attack. He’s hesitant at first but relents and accepts the job.

The coaching job works wonders on him and also on his team as he whips the student players into shape.

He helps kids with potential, specially Brandon (Brandon Wilson) who’s very good but doesn’t get any encouragement from his own father. Jack can relate as he himself had serious dad issues with his own father before.

Slowly, the erstwhile team of losers starts winning games and Jack stops his drinking. But Director Gavin O’Connor (“Miracle”, “The Accountant”) doesn’t want this to be your usual familiar film with the traditional happy ending where everyone turns perky and positive.

There are some victories, but some things turn sour, particularly when a personal setback drives Jake back to the bottle.

You’ve seen this kind of movie before in other sports flicks about underdog teams like “Bad News Bears”, “Hoosiers”, “Slapshot”.

In fairness to the basketball sequences here, they’re filmed with some sense of reality. They feel like real games, the kids are real, their opposing teams look real, even the referees and other people.

As a story of redemption, Ben treats his role as Jack on a very personal note.

He knows it’s a damaged, not so pleasant character and you can really feel the disappointment he had over the flaws and failures in his past life bottled up inside of him, specially when he learned that his wife has a new love life.

It’s a role that echoes strongly the Oscar-winning role of his brother Casey Affleck as the grieving dad with deep emotional scars in “Manchester by the Sea”.

Continue reading

DINGDONG DANTES ON LOCKDOWN LIFE WITH WIFE MARIAN RIVERA & THEIR KIDS, HAS TAPED NEW EPISODES FOR 'AMAZING EARTH'

DINGDONG DANTES admits his better half Marian Rivera is the one who’s more a disciplinarian in rearing their kids Zia and Ziggy.

“Maaga pa, naturuan na niya si Zia about how to behave well,” he says. “And now, tinuturo rin niya yun kay Ziggy. “Both of us try to explain everything to Zia kasi inquisitive na siya.

"Like she’s asking kung hanggang kailan ba itong virus problem natin, and we try to answer as truthfully as possible na wala pang katiyakan ang lahat. Matalino si Zia kaya hindi mo puedeng bolahin so we try to answer her questions without any filter.”

Because of the virus, Dong has stopped taping new episodes for his primetime series, “Descendants of the Sun” and for his infotainment show, “Amazing Earth”. But now, he has resumed taping for “Amazing Earth” and they will show brand new episodes starting this Sunday afternoon at 5:25 PM.

“Maingat ang lahat sa taping,” he says. “Naka-mask kami, may social distancing at yung ibang crew, may PPE. We shot sa rooftop kaya open air, hindi enclosed area.”

The show features Dong doing an exclusive interview with a Pinoy post-graduate student in Wuhan, China, Jan Robert Go, an assistant professor in UP who experienced lockdown in China. “It’s very interesting,” says Dong. “Ikukuwento niya all his experiences in Wuhan where the corona virus originated.”

The show will also explore the Indian subcontinent and the stunning and mystic Ganges River in the Filipino version of the BBC nature-documentary, ‘Hidden India,’ and jaw-dropping beauty of Vinicunca or Rainbow Mountain in Cusco, Peru, unveiling the reason behind the Andean mountain’s colorful sand.

This new episode also features one-of-a-kind bridges made of fig trees by the Khasi people; the beautiful Majuli island; feral Bengal tigers; territorial mudskipper; and predatory crows preying on hatchlings of Olive Ridley turtles.

Dong has also put up his own food delivery business called DingDong PH. He made sure all the riders working with him are properly trained how to handle first aid and emergency situations.

"Pagdating sa safety, walang biro ang aming paghahanda. DingDong PH conducted thorough training sessions, so our first batch of riders will be ready in case of accidents or any emergency. Our hashtag is #DingDongPH #YouRingItWeBringIt."

Continue reading

JANELLA SALVADOR GETS AN OFFER FROM CHANNEL 5 BUT MANAGER MANNY VALERA DECIDED NOT TO ACCEPT IT

JANELLA SALVADOR met with Channel 5 people now that ABS-CBN has been shut down and it was reported that they didn’t like her right away because “nagmaldita siya”.

Janella’s manager, Manny Valera, said that her contract has always been with him and not with ABS or Star Magic.

He said that the offer of Channel 5 is for a talk show with Pokwang and other co-hosts.

They’re thankful for the offer but they decided not to accept it at this point “since fresh na fresh pa yung issue ng non-renewal ng ABS-CBN franchise. We didn’t want it to appear na we’re such in a hurry to leave the Kapamilya network kasi they were nice and supportive naman to her.”

He added they can’t say anything bad about ABS-CBN. “It was Janella’s home for the past ten years and her last teleserye, ‘The Killer Bride’, was a hit. Wala namang nagmaldita during our meeting.”

He wants to thank Channel 5 for thinking of Janella.

“Maganda naman yung talk show they’re offering but we thought it best huwag magmadali and to just wait and see muna. We’re hoping there will be other offers sa last quarter of the year and sana, by that time, natapos na rin itong health crisis na pinagdaraanan natin sa ngayon.”

Continue reading

'ASIAN DREAM' SINGING COMPETITION PRESENTED BY SUBARUY ASIAN & MICHAEL BOLTON LAUNCHED ON AXN ON AUGUST 6, 7:45 pm

'ASIAN DREAM' WITH THOSTS MICHAEL BOLTON & MORISETTE AMON

THE 6 CONTESTANTS WITH MICHAEL & MORISETTE

A NEW INTERNATIONAL singing competition called “Asian Dream” will be launched on August 6, Thursday, 7:25 PM. This is presented by Subaru Asia in partnership with music icon Michael Bolton. Six talented singers from across Asia will compete for a spot in Bolton’s Asian Dream concert tour and as a Subaru ambassador.

The chosen six contestants are Karl Zarate from the Philippines, Becky Yeung from Hongkong, Linh Tran from Vietnman, Sasha Ka from Thailand, Poova Sri Rama from Malaysia and Tyen Rasif from Singapore.

Over the course of seven episodes, the contestants will be mentored, coached and pushed to the limits by Michael Bolton, and his co-host, singing sensation Morrisette Amon, along with celebrity guest experts.

Across the progressive elimination format, the singers face a wide range of physical and mental challenges that will make or break them, until the final showdown. The winner will perform in the Asian Dream concert tour with Michael Bolton next year.

Motor Image, distributor of Subaru cars in the region and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tan Chong International Limited, is committed to developing Asian talents who have passion, tenacity and drive. Motor Image previously sponsored programme favourite Asia’s Next Top Model and commissioned Bolt of Talent.

“We are proud to provide a unique platform and opportunity for aspiring singers to pursue their dreams. They are mentored individually by industry veterans, hone their skills through a series of challenges and improve their performance. Through this experience, as they grow as performers, I hope Asian Dream will serve as a launchpad for their future success,” said Mr Glenn Tan, Deputy Chairman and Managing Director, Tan Chong International Limited.

Mr Tan also appears on the show as a guest judge. The show will premiere on AXN, a regional channel that redefines the entertainment experience for discerning audiences through world-class TV programmes.

“As a platform that has been home to captivating reality competitions such as “The Amazing Race Asia” and “Asia's Got Talent”, we are proud to partner with Subaru to launch this highly-anticipated show, and are always on the lookout to work with strategic partners and brands that reflect our values and vision of bringing quality content to viewers”, said Ms. Avani Bhanchawat, Vice President, Affiliate, Media & Sponsorship Sales, KC Global Media Asia, which owns AXN.

Multi-Grammy award winner Michael Bolton, who is one of the creators of the show, appears as a resident judge on Asian Dream. He has sold more than 65 million records worldwide, including nine #1 singles, ten Top Ten albums, and over two dozen songwriting awards.

He became a viral internet sensation in the Saturday Night Live “Jack Sparrow” video, garnering over 200 million YouTube views.

Speaking about his involvement in Asian Dream, Michael said, “I am thrilled to be partnering with Subaru Asia to find some of the best and brightest stars in the region, and helping them rise to their full potential. Although I was signed at the age of 16, it took me eighteen years to breakthrough, so I feel I can relate to these young artists’ aspirations.

"It takes more than just a great voice or an x-factor to make it in the music business; it also takes commitment and drive, values which we share with my friend and collaborator Glenn Tan.”

Alongside Michael Bolton, Asian Dream boasts a veritable line-up of established Asian entertainers. Filipina singer and actress Morissette Amon is the other resident judge of the show. Since joining the world of show business at the age of 14, she has gone on to win more than 30 awards, including Artist of the Year and Pop Song of the Year.

Together with Michael Bolton, she guides the contestants as they rise to the challenge of becoming well-rounded, versatile and captivating performers.

The resident judges are joined by guest celebrities from across Asia, including Fashion Photographer Yu Tsai (United States of America), Actress Tan Kheng Hua (Singapore), Singer Sara Wee (Singapore), Choreographer Alif Archo (Singapore), Singer and Subaru Ambassador Mild Nawin (Thailand),

Singer and actress Janine Weigel (Thailand), Musician Thanh Bui (Vietnam), Singer and actress Ho Ngoc Ha (Vietnam), Asia’s Next Top Model Season 6 winner and Subaru Ambassador Dana Slosar (Thailand) and Asia’s Next Top Model Season 6 runner-up Mia Sabathy (Taiwan).

“Asian Dream” is produced by Refinery Media in association with Passion Films and will premiere across Asia on Thursday 6 August at 7.25pm, exclusively on AXN. The episodes are also available online thereafter at www.subaru.asia/asiandream.

AXN is available in the Philippines on Cignal Channel 121, SKYcable HD Channel 247, SKYcable SD Channel 49, GSAT Channel 57, and various provincial cable operators nationwide.

Continue reading