"It's Over Between Me and Echo" - HEART EVANGELISTA

And so, after all the blind items and the unconfirmed tab headlines, Heart Evangelista has finally admitted that she and Jericho Rosales have decided to part ways after going steady for more than three years.

“Heart realized that she has to focus on her career,” Annabelle Rama told the press. Annabelle is the new manager of Heart, with Heart’s father, Rey Ongpauco, as co-manager.

A few days ago, Heart signed a two-year contract with GMA-7. Heart was formerly a contract star of ABS-CBN where she did her last TV starrer, Pangarap Na Bituin.

“I also realized that I’ve done my parents wrong by disobeying them,” said Heart who reconciled with her parents after being estranged for three years.

It must be recalled that Heart entered into a relationship with Jericho against her parents’ wishes.

Asked if she and Jericho “lived-in,” Heart said no.

She decided to live independently in her own condo unit in Makati almost at the same time she started going steady with Jericho.

For a while, she was managed by Manila Genesis (headed by Angeli Pangilinan who wasn’t pleased by Heart’s switch from Kapamilya to Kapuso). Jericho is currently in Kuala Lumpur shooting a teleserye jointly produced by ABS-CBN and a Malaysian company. He remains a contract star of ABS-CBN/Star Cinema and is still managed by Manila Genesis.

Heart’s first project for GMA is the action-adventure series Asero (tentative title) with Richard Gutierrez in the title role, shooting of which will start this weekend.

“More than ever,” added Heart who is, like Jericho, a Born-Again Christian, “I also realized that you should never go against your parents.”

The rumors that Heart and Jericho were breaking up started circulating when it was known a few weeks ago that Heart had cut ties with Manila Genesis.

At first, Heart (and Jericho for that matter) was mum about the rumors.

“She reached a decision only yesterday,” said Annabelle (who, along with husband Eddie Gutierrez, is a long-time friend of Heart’s father). “Kaya ngayon lang siya umamin.”

BRITNEY SPEARS Reprises Guest Role on ‘How I Met Your Mother’

Her first guesting stint on “How I Met Your Mother” has fueled its ratings to its all time high. Now, Britney Spears is reprising her role as secretary Abby on the CBS comedy series.

“We’re all so thrilled to have Britney joining us once again,” series executive producer and co-creator Craig Thomas said in a statement.

The Britney Spears episode last March 24 won her good reviews and boosted the show’s viewership to 10.6 million compared to its average rating of 9.6 million.

The said episode ended with Britney (as secretary Abby) flirting with Barney (Neil Patrick Harris). The upcoming episode on May 12 has Abby and Barney sharing their mutual dislike of Ted (cast member Josh Radnor) and acting on it.

“How I Met Your Mother” stars Neil Patric Harris (Doogie Howser M.D.), Josh Radnor, Cobie Smulders, Alyson Hannigan and Jason Segel (”Forgetting Sarah Marshall”) as an urban family of 20-something New Yorkers.

Source: stamometerdotcom

American Idol 7: Top 5 - 'Neil Diamond' Performance Night

Theme of the Week: Neil Diamond Songs

Jason Castro - “Forever in Blue Jeans” (Watch here)

Jason Castro - “September Morn” (Watch here)

David Cook - “I’m Alive” (Watch here)

David Cook - “All I Really Need is You” (Watch here)

Brooke White - “I’m a Believer” (Watch here)

Brooke White - “I Am … I Said” (Watch here)

David Archuleta - “Sweet Caroline” (Watch here)

David Archuleta - “America” (Watch here)

Syesha Mercado - “Hello Again” (Watch here)

Syesha Mercado - “Thank the Lord for the Night Time” (Watch here)

And to save the best for last, watch Paula Abdul judge Jason Castro on two songs. Eventhough he only sang one! (Watch here.) Har! Har! Har! Does the judges have a pre-written comments to each and every performance even before the show starts? Mmmmm....

Judy Ann Santos' PLONING Graded "A" by Cinema Evaluation Board

Nakatanggap ng "A" rating ng Cinema Evaluation Board (CEB) ang Ploning ni Judy Ann Santos. Siyempre pa, masayang-masaya ang aktres, hindi lang para sa kanya kundi para rin sa kanyang direktor at best friend na si Dante Garcia.

Pang-apat na pelikula na ni Judy Ann ang Ploning na nabigyan ng "A" ng CEB. Nauna nang nakakuha ng "A" ang mga pelikula niyang Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo (KKK); Ouija; at Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo (SSS).

"Masaya at feeling blessed si Juday dahil simula sa KKK, Ouija, SSK up to Ploning, Rated A siya. Lahat din ng mga naunang films ay kumita at cited siya. Wagi ang babae!" reaction ng isang malapit kay Judy Ann.

Siguradong nawala ang lahat ang kaba at pagod ni Judy Ann sa magandang balitang ito. Box-office returns na lang ang kanyang hihintayin at mga kasamang nag-produce ng Ploning, na magbubukas na tomorrow (April 30) Hopefully, maganda ang laban nito sa takilya.

Dahil graded "A," makakakuha ng 100 percent amusement tax exemption ang Ploning.

Last Sunday, April 26, kahit pagod mula sa promo sa SOP, contract signing sa Regal Entertainment, at guesting/promo for Pantene sa The Buzz, dumiretso pa si Judy Ann sa SM Bacoor para mag-promote ng Ploning.

Suwerte rin si Direk Dante dahil first movie pa lang niya ay Rated "A" agad ang nakuha. Pressure lang ito sa kanya dahil kailangang kasing-ganda o mas maganda pa ang susunod na ididirehe niyang pelikula, na isang comedy comedy naman at si Judy Ann pa rin ang bida.

PMPC Announces Nominees for the '24th Star Awards for Movies'

Pormal nang inilabas ng officers and members ng Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC), Inc.—isang grupo ng entertainment writers and editors—ang official nominees para sa 24th PMPC Star Awards For Movies.

Pagkalipas ng ilang linggong pagtitiyagang mag-review ng cited films and performances para sa taong 2007, finally ay nakapaglabas na ng nominees sa 27 categories ang PMPC. Nagdesisyon din silang ihiwalay this year ang digital and mainstream film categories.

Para sa inaabangang Movie Actress of the Year, magbabakbakan sina Maricel Soriano (A Love Story), Judy Ann Santos (Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo), Cherry Pie Picache (Foster Child), Ai-Ai delas Alas (Ang Cute ng Ina Mo), Bea Alonzo (One More Chance), at Lorna Tolentino (Katas ng Saudi).

Take note na for two years in a row, nominado sina Marya, Juday, at Cherry Pie for Best Actress. Last year, nanalo si Judy Ann for Kasal Kasali Kasalo at kapwa naman nominated sina Maricel for Inang Yaya at si Cherry Pie naman for Kaleldo.

For the Movie Actor of the Year, maglalaban-laban naman sina Aga Muhlach (A Love Story), Piolo Pascual (Paano Kita Iibigin), Sid Lucero (Selda), Paolo Contis (Banal), Ryan Eigenmann (Baliw), at John Lloyd Cruz (One More Chance).

Last year, si Piolo ang nanalo as Best Actor for his performance in Don't Give Up On Us, ka-tie si Jericho Rosales for Pacquiao.

Noteworthy ring banggitin na as a first-time director, nominado si Dingdong Dantes as Movie Director of the Year para sa idinirek niyang episode sa pelikulang Angels. Makakalaban ng young actor-director ang mga batikang direktor na sina Maryo delos Reyes, Jose Javier Reyes, atbp.

Bukod sa gagawaran ng PMPC si Mr Rudy Fernandez bilang Ulirang Artista Awardee, ang isa pang special award that night ay ang Darling of the Press kung saan nominado sina Dingdong Dantes, Allan K, Diether Ocampo, Luis Manzano, at Regine Velasquez.

Headed by PMPC president and overall chairman na si Rommel Gonzales, hindi biro ang mag-mount para sa grupo ng ganitong kalaking showbiz industry event. Mabuti na lang daw at may producer pa ring nagtitiwala sa PMPC-ang GARP Productions.

Ngayong June 2008 nakatakdang ganapin ang 24th PMPC Star Awards for Movies sa AFP Theater sa Quezon City.

Narito ang kumpletong listahan ng official nominees para sa 24th PMPC Star Awards for Movies:

Movie of the Year
A Love Story (Star Cinema)
Angels: "Daddy's Angel" episode (Eagle Eye Entertainment Productions)
Ataul For Rent (Artiste Entertainment Works International)
Katas ng Saudi (Maverick Films)
One More Chance (Star Cinema)
Ouija (GMA Films and Viva Films)
Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo (Star Cinema)

Digital Movie of the Year
Confessional (Creative Programs, Inc. thru Cinema One Originals and Oddfield Productions)
Pisay (Solito Arts Productions, Philippine Science Foundation, and Pisay Batch ‘86)
Selda (Star View Productions)
Tambolista (Creative Programs, Inc. thru Cinema One Originals and Bicycle Pictures)
Tribu (8 Glasses Productions, Inc.)

Movie Director of the Year
Jose "Dingdong" Dantes III (Angels: "Daddy's Angel" episode)
Maryo J. de los Reyes (A Love Story)
Topel Lee (Ouija)
Cathy Garcia-Molina (One More Chance)
Jose Javier Reyes (Katas ng Saudi)
Jose Javier Reyes (Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo)
Neal "Buboy" Tan (Ataul For Rent)

Digital Movie Director of the Year
Adolfo Alix Jr. (Tambolista)
Jim Libiran (Tribu)
Auraues Solita (Pisay)
Jerrold Tarog and Ruel Antipuesto (Confessional)
Paolo Villaluna and Ellen Ramos (Selda)

Movie Actress of the Year
Ai-Ai delas Alas (Ang Cute Ng Ina Mo)
Bea Alonzo (One More Chance)
Cherry Pie Picache (Foster Child)
Judy Ann Santos (Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo)
Maricel Soriano (A Love Story)
Lorna Tolentino (Katas Ng Saudi)

Movie Actor of the Year
Paolo Contis (Banal)
John Lloyd Cruz (One More Chance)
Ryan Eigenmann (Baliw)
Side Lucero (Selda)
Aga Muhlach (A Love Story)
Piolo Pascual (Paano Kita Iibigin)

Movie Supporting Actress of the Year
Irma Adlawan (Ataul For Rent)
Iza Calzado (Ouija)
Gloria Diaz (Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo)
Eugene Domingo (Pisay)
Ara Mina (Selda)
Gina Pareno (Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo)
Maja Salvador (One More Chance)

Movie Supporting Actor of the Year
Publio Briones III (Confessional)
Emilio Garcia (Selda)
Sid Lucero (Tambolista)
Jiro Manio (Foster Child)
Luis Manzano (Ang Cute Ng Ina Mo)
Allan Paule (Selda)

Movie Child Performer of the Year
Nash Aguas (Angels: "Daddy's Angel" episode)
Quintin Alianza (Paano Kita Iibigin)
Paulken Bustillo (Paraiso: "Ang Kapatid Kong Si Elvis" episode)
Elijah Castillo (Pisay)
Steven Fermo (Gulong)

New Movie Actress of the Year
Ina Feleo (Endo)
Jennica Garcia (Hide and Seek)
Lovi Poe (Shake, Rattle and Roll 9)
Rhian Ramos (Ouija)
Mayo Suzuki (Telebisyon)

New Movie Actor of the Year
Matt Evans (Shake, Rattle and Roll 9)
Gammy Lopez (Pisay)
Zanjoe Marudo (You Got Me)
Will Sandejas (Sikil)
Jeroold Tarog (Confessional)

Movie Original Screenplay of the Year
Aloy Adlawan (Ouija)
Carmi Raymundo and Vaness Valdez (One More Chance)
Jose Javier Reyes (Katas Ng Saudi)
Jose Javier Reyes (Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo)
Gina Marissa Tagasa (Angels: Daddy's Angel episode)
Vanessa Valdez (A Love Story)

Digital Original Screenplay of the Year
Romualdo Avellanosa (Sikil)
Henry Grageda (Pisay)
Ralston Joel Javier (Tirador)
Ave Regina Tayag (Tambolista)
Ramon Ukit (Confessional)
Paolo Villaluna and Ellen Ramos (Selda)

Movie Cinematographer of the Year
Rodolfo Aves, Jr. (Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo)
Armin Collado and Pao Orendain (Angels: "Daddy's Angel" episode)
Neil Daza (Ouija)
Marissa Floirendo (The Promise)
Gary Gardoce (A Love Story)
Jay Linao (Resiklo)
Manuel Teehankee (One More Chance)

Digital Movie Cinematographer of the Year
Ruel Antipuesto (Confessional)
Rodolfo Aves, Jr. (Kadin)
Alberto Banzon (Tribu)
Odyssey Flores (Selda)
Charlie Peralta (Pisay)
Dan Villegas (Still Life)

Movie Editor of the Year
Renewin Alano (Katas ng Saudi)
Vito Cajili (Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo)
Marya Ignacio (One More Chance)
Marya Ignacio (Ouija)

Digital Movie Editor of the Year
Lawrence Ang (Tribu)
Kanakan Balintagos and Mikael Pestano (Pisay)
Aleks Castaneda (Tambolista)
Soon Lee Mi (Sikil)
Pats Ranyo (Confessional)
Paolo Villaluna and Ellen Ramos (Selda)

Movie Production Designer of the Year
Nancy Arcega (Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo)
Danny Cristobas (Ang Cute Ng Ina Mo)
Rodell Cruz (Resiklo)
Mark Sabas (Ouija)
Elren Vibar (One More Chance)
Willie Urbino (Ataul For Rent)

Digital Movie Production Designer of the Year
Armi Cacanindin (Tribu)
Beans Habal and Harley Alcasid (Tirador)
Martin Masadao, Regie Regalado, Dante Garcia, and Endi "Hai" Balbuena (Pisay)
Danny Red (Selda)

Movie Musical Scorer of the Year
Vince de Jesus (Ang Cute Ng Ina Mo)
Jesse Lasaten (One More Chance)
Jessie Lucas (A Love Story)
Raul Mitra (Paano Kita Iibigin)
Carmina Robles Cuya (Ouija)

Digital Movie Musical Scorer of the Year
Vince de Jesus and Jobin Ballesteros (Pisay)
Francis de Veyra (Tribu)
Pike Ramirez and Veena Ramirez (Selda)
Jerrold Tarrog (Confessional)

Movie Sound Engineer of the Year
Ditoy Aguila (Resiklo)
Ditoy Aguila and Rudy Gonzales (Ouija)
Albert Michael Idioma (A Love Story)
Addiss Tabong (One More Chance)

Digital Movie Sound Engineer of the Year
Ditoy Aguila and Mark Locsin (Tambolista)
Ronald de Asis and Addiss Tabong (Pisay)
Mark Laccay (Tribu)
Jerrold Tarrog (Confessional)
Paolo Villaluna and Ellen Ramos (Selda)
Mark Locsin (Baliw)

Movie Original Theme Song of the Year
"Chikboy" (Agent X44) Composed by Christian Martinez / Interpreted by Vhong Navarro
"Cute ng Ina Mo" (Ang Cute Ng Ina Mo) Composed by Christian Martinez / Interpreted by Makisig Morales
"Habambuhay" (Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo) Composed by Annabelle Borja and Rolando Borja / Interpreted by Yeng Constantino
"Hanggang Sa Dulo" (Batanes) Composed by Noel Cabangon / Interpreted by Jolina Magdangal
"Paano Kita Iibigin" (Paano Kita Iibigin) Composed by Ogie Alcasid / Interpreted by Piolo Padcual and Regine Velasquez
"Sa Aking Pag-uwi" (Katas Ng Saudi) Composed and interpreted by Davey Langit

Digital Movie Original Theme Song of the Year
"Ang Puso Kong Musmos" (Pisay) Composed by Carina Evangelista / Interpreted by Ebe Dancel
"Nais Ko" (Haw-Ang) Composed by Bayang Barrios and Sammy Asuncion / Interpreted by Bayang Barrios
"Nandito Ako" (Selda) Composed by Paolo Villaluna and Pike Ramirez / Interpreted by Pike Ramirez and Veena Ramirez
"Sundan Mo" (Chopsuey) Composed and interpreted by Ron Jancen Solis
"Tanging Ikaw" (Sikil) Composed and interpreted by Ron Jancen Solis

DYESEBEL Reigns the Lead in the Primetime Race

The pilot episode of GMA-7's "Dyesebel" was able to surpass the pilot episode of Marimar with an impressive 44.9 percent. The pilot episode of Marimar, Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera’s first tv series, registered 36.6% last August 13, 2007.

However, Dyesebel was not able to beat Darna’s pilot record of 47.1 percent registered last April 11, 2005. Darna still holds the record of the highest rating for a pilot episode, followed by ABS-CBN’s Pangako Sa ‘Yo with 46.5 percent.

ABS-CBN’s “Maligno” starring Claudine Barretto, Rafael Rosell and Diether Ocampo debuted at no. 10 last night with 17.5 percent. The suspense-series was put on a later timeslot because of some violent scenes.

Check out the top 10 daytime and primetime tv program last night:

April 28 (Monday)

Daytime:
1. Eat Bulaga! (GMA-7) - 24.5%
2. Daisy Siete (GMA-7) - 21.9%
3. Maging Akin Ka Lamang (GMA-7) - 20.2%
4. Kaputol ng Isang Awit (GMA-7) - 18%
5. Da Big Show (GMA-7) - 14.7%
6. Pilipinas, Game KNB? (ABS-CBN) - 14.2%
7. Wowowee (ABS-CBN) - 12.1%
8. SiS (GMA-7) - 12%
9. Naruto (ABS-CBN) - 11.6%
10. El Cuerpo Deseo (ABS-CBN) - 10.1%

Primetime:
1. Dyesebel (GMA-7) - 44.9%
2. Joaquin Bordado (GMA-7) - 37.6%
3. Babangon Ako’t Dudurugin Kita (GMA-7) - 31.6%
4. 24 Oras (GMA-7) - 29.6%
5. TV Patrol World (ABS-CBN) - 23.5%
6. The Singing Bee (ABS-CBN) - 20.8%
7. The Legend (GMA-7) - 20.8
8. Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition Plus (ABS-CBN) - 19.4%
9. Lobo (ABS-CBN) - 18.2%
10. Maligno (ABS-CBN) - 17.5%

Figures courtesy of AGB Nielsen Philippines via PEP

REGINE VELASQUEZ ‘Best of Me’ Birthday Special on GMA-7

GMA-7 aired Regine Velasquez birthday special entitled “Best of Me”. The birthday musical featured the Asia’s Songbird’s mansion in Ayala Heights, Quezon City inspired by the koreanovela “Full House.”

PRECIOUS ADONA: FHM Philippines May 2008 Cover Girl

Precious Adona, Be Bench model search finalist is FHM Philippines May 2008 cover girl.
Precious is featured in the upcoming Viva Films' movie Torotot which also stars Maui Taylor, Yul Servo and Baron Geisler under the direction of Maryo J. Delos Reyes.

JUDY ANN SANTOS and CLAUDINE BARRETTO Face to Face for the First Time on "The Buzz"

Nagharap na sa unang pagkakataon ang dalawang reyna ng teleserye sa ABS-CBN na sina Judy Ann Santos at Claudine Barretto sa The Buzz kahapon, April 27. Sabay na umupo sina Juday at Claudine kasama sina Gretchen Barretto at Ruffa Gutierrez para sa promotion ng Pantene na pare-pareho nilang ini-endorse.

Maaga pa lang ay parehong nasa magkatabing dressing room na sina Juday at Claudine. Katabi ng dressing room ni Claudine ang guest co-host ng The Buzz at kaibigan niyang si Kris Aquino. Nasa kabilang side naman ng bihisan ni Claudine ang dressing room ni Juday.

Kasama ni Claudine sa kanyang dressing room ang mister na si Raymart Santiago at ang dalawa nilang anak na sina Santino at Sabina.

Pagpasok pa lang ng studio ng The Buzz ay nakakabinging sigawan na ng mga fans nina Juday at Claudine ang nangibabaw. Pero wala namang naganap na bastusan o tarayan ang dalawang kampo ng mga fans.

Kilala si Claudine na fighter sa showbiz. Kahit laban ng kapatid niya, hindi umuurong si Claudine. Wala raw laban na inatrasan si Claudine.

"We were raised that way na kailangan talaga kapag mahal mo ang isang tao poprotektahan mo at ibibigay mo lahat sa taong yun," pahayag ni Claudine nang tanungin siya ni Boy Abunda tungkol sa pagiging palaban niya.

Kasunod nito ay si Judy Ann naman ang nagsalita kung paano siya makipaglaban.

"Tahimik po," sambit niya. "Kasi ‘pag tahimik ako, mas nakakapag-isip ako. Mas masasabi ko yung tamang salita na dapat kong sabihin. Nag-iisip muna ako dahil ayokong may pagsisihan ako bandang huli."

Tinanong ni Boy si Judy Ann kung ano ang naging epekto ng boyfriend niyang si Ryan Agoncillo pagdating sa laban niya sa buhay.

"Nagtatanong ako sa kanya kung tama pa ba ang posisyon ko. Tama pa ba yung pinaglalaban ko? Tama pa ba ang pinaninindigan ko? Nakikinig naman ako," sagot niya.

Pagkatapos nito ay diretsahan nang tinanong ni Boy sina Juday at Claudine sa nababalitang isnaban nila sa shoot at pictorial ng kanilang Pantene commercial. Bukod dito ay sina Judy Ann at Claudine kais ang palaging pinagtatapat ng kanilang mga tagahanga kaya hindi maiwasan na maintriga sila.

Ayon kay Juday, "Kahit naman nung bata pa kami Claudine, hindi naman talaga kami nagkaroon ng away. Yung mga tao lang sa paligid namin ang nag-aaway lang siguro. Pero kami mismo, hindi man kami nagkaroon ng chance na maging close kasi hindi naman kami nagkatrabaho, wala talaga.

"There was never a time na nag-away kami," patuloy niya. "Nagkikita kami sa mga parties, ganyan. Pero wala talaga. Kahit sa shoot namin, na-meet ko si Sabina, na-meet ko si Santino... Masaya ako for Claudine kasi ang saya-saya ng pamilya niya. Natutuwa ako para sa kanya."

Sabi naman ni Claudine, "Wala talaga. Wala kaming problema ni Juday. Ako rin I'm very happy for her. I think siguro nandito na kami sa level ng buhay naming na masaya na kami. Ako may pamilya na, siya malapit na. And may mga anak na ako, may anak na rin siya.

"And siguro, we're more mature now. Kung dati hindi namin pinatulan, I don't see any reason kung bakit kailangan na ngayon pa patulan namin. I'm really happy na nagkatrabaho kami dito [Pantene], kasi this is the first time talaga na magkasama kami. 'Eto na rin siguro ang pagkakataon na mas lalo kaming magkakakilala pa para magkaroon kami ng mas malalim na friendship na hindi nabuo noon dahil sa intriga," pahayag niya.

DAUGHTER of William and Yayo Filed "Acts of Lasciviousness" Charges Against BARON GEISLER

Nagsampa ng reklamo si William Martinez at ang kanilang 21-anyos na anak ni Yayo Aguila na si Patricia laban sa young actor na si Baron Geisler dahil sa "acts of lasciviousness."

Ayon sa report ng TV Patrol, nagpunta ang pamilya Martinez sa tanggapan ni Superintendent Sotera Macatangay sa PNP Women and Children's Desk sa Camp Crame, Quezon City upang isampa ang reklamo laban kay Baron.

Sa isa pang panayam kay William, sinabi ng aktor na hinawakan diumano ni Baron ang dibdib ng kanyang anak at niyaya itong "makipag-sex" sa kanya. Ayon kay William, nasa isang bar daw sa Quezon City ang kanyang anak kasama ng mga kaibigan nito nang mangyari ang insidente. Lasing daw si Baron noong mga oras na ‘yon.

Nilinaw ni William na ang kanyang anak mismo ang gustong magsampa ng reklamo laban kay Baron.

Ayon kay William, "Ilang araw na umiiyak ang anak ko. Na-trauma siya. Ang anak ko mismo ang gustong lumaban.

"Sinabihan ko na siya [Baron]. When he is drunk, ginagawa niya lagi 'yan. Kaibigan siya ng asawa ko, kaibigan ko siya. This is the only way for him to learn his lesson. Not just him but the other men who do things like this."

Nagkasama si Baron at ang misis ni William na si Yayo Aguila nang pareho silang maging housemates sa second edition ng Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Edition.

Samantala, nag-deny naman si Baron sa akusasyon na ito ni William at ni Patricia, sinabi nyang hinde totoong hinipuan at binastos nya ang dalaga.

Narito ang kanyang kabuuang sagot:

Filipina Actress MARIFE NECESITO in 'Love Triangle' with Two Hollywood Stars

Filipina actress Marife Necesito has a breakout role in the scorching domestic drama "Mammoth", a film that includes Hollywood stars Gael Garcia Bernal and Michelle Williams.

"Mammoth" is directed by critically-acclaimed Swedish director Lukas Moodysson. Moodyson is a winner of the Guldbagge Award (the Swedish counterpart to the US Oscar Awards) for Best Director.

Moodysson's film is about a love triangle between a businessman (Bernal), his wife (Williams) and the nanny (Necesito).

Moddyson also directed and produced Memphis Films' "Dogville" starring Nicole Kidman and Bjork"s "Dance in the Dark."

Necesito is not a superstar in the Philippines, but she is a respected actress on stage, film and television productions. Necesito passed a rigorous audition to bag the plum role.

Necesito bested other respected local actresses in the "Mammoth" tryouts, including Alessandra de Rossi, Chinchin Gutierrez, Joyce Jimenez and even seasoned theater and screen thespian Pinky Amador.

Read the rest of this story here

KIM CHIU Celebrates Her 18th Birthday

As a showbiz fan growing up in Cebu, Kimberly Sue Yap Chiu used to watch her favorite stars celebrate their birthdays only in their home television. Back then, the pretty chinita could only wonder how it feels like to celebrate one's foray into womanhood in grand fashion.

Last night, April 26, the 2006 Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition big winner finally tasted how sweet such moment is for any young lady.

Joined by her ABS-CBN family and close relatives, Kim Chiu celebrated her 18th birthday at the classy Glass Garden in Pasig City.

For the special occasion, Kim's friends and showbiz colleagues, particularly the young Star Magic stars, came in full force to celebrate with the debutant.

It was indeed a grand celebration right from the start complete with red carpet treatment for all the guests. At exactly 8:50 in the evening, Kim, who was donning a baby pink hued gown, descended from the majestic staircase-leaving everyone inside the venue in awe.

Waiting for Kim was her father, Mr. William Chiu, who took the honor of accompanying his lovely daughter to the podium.

In an earlier interview, Kim's father said that he is still not fond with the idea of his daughter accepting suitors, much more having a boyfriend at this point.

"‘Wag muna ngayon," he openly opposed, "Hanapbuhay muna. Padamihan muna pera niya bago magpaligaw. Madali lang ‘yang ligaw 'pag madami ka nang pera."

In a tender moment between father and daughter, Mr. Chiu served as Kim's first and only formal cotillion dance for the evening.

The evening of course would not be complete without Kim's love team partner Gerald Anderson. Kim and Gerald first met in Pinoy Big Brother where they first displayed their good chemistry. After their PBB stint, Kim and Gerald instantly became one of the most popular young love teams as proven by the success of the teleserye Sana Maulit Muli and the their first lead team up movie, I've Fallen For You.

Kim and Gerald will soon be seen in the local adaptation of the hit Korean telenovela, My Girl.

Now that Kim is already 18, is Gerald thinking of seriously pursuing his screen partner to make their reel romance real?

"Naku depende po sa kanya kung gusto niya. Pero 18, dapat puwede na," beamed Gerald, totally oblivious on the comments made by Kim's father.

But what made the evening extra special for the celebrant was the presence of her relatives, which is a rare occurrence according to the young star due to geographical distance and schedule conflicts.

"Minsan hindi talaga sila nakukumpleto. Ngayon lang dahil birthday ko, sabi pa nga nung ibang auntie ko na nandirito hindi daw sila makakapunta. Dalawa lang daw sa kanila kasi may ginagawa daw sila 'tsaka ‘yong iba nagbakasyon kaya naintindihan ko naman kasi lagi naman kaming ganun," explained Kim.

Overwhelmed with the support given by her home network, Kim was reduced to tears while giving out her message.

"Thank you dahil binigyan ninyo 'ko ng ganito kalaki at ganitong kaengrandeng debut na hindi ako makapaniwala na magkakaroon ako ng ganito. Dati pinapanood ko lang siya sa TV pero ngayon ako na ýong nagdi-debut," she said, unable to control her emotion. Drowned by the applause of all her guests and well-wishers, Kim humbly punctuated her message by saying once more, "Thank you... thank you so much."

Kim's debut, aptly titled My Girl Turns 18, will be telecast on May 4 at 9:30 pm on ABS-CBN.

PIOLO PASCUAL Nagbigay ng P300K sa Pamilya ng Na-comang Production Staff

Any act of charity ay hindi na ipinagmamakaingay by the donor himself, let his good deed speak for itself.

Never before written in recent past ang kahanga-hangang gawaing kawanggawa ni Piolo Pascual. Ayon sa aming source, isang kasamahan ng aktor sa produksyon from among the lowliest of lowly ang kamakaila’y inatake ng sakit.

Ang biktima, na isang lalake, na hindi naman madalas umano makatrabaho ni Piolo, slipped into coma. Realizing that the victim’s family would appreciate financial aid, hindi man cash ay itsineke na lang daw ni Piolo ang halagang pantulong.

Ang halaga lang naman ng tseke ay tumataginting na P300,000!

Source: philstar.com

DYESEBEL "Ang Aking Mundo" Music Video

See below Dyesebel's music video featuring the song “Ang Aking Mundo“ which wascomposed by Danny Tan, written by Dodgie and Ellis Simon and interpreted by Julie Ann San Jose of Sugarpop.

MARIAN RIVERA's Dance Album Reached Platinum

After only three months of released, nag-platinum na agad dance album ni Marian Rivera mula sa Universal Records, ang Marian Rivera Dance Hits.

Ang platinum mark ay equivalent ng 30,000 copies sold. Sobrang nagulat ito nang bigyan ng gold record award for the same album, kaya siguradong triple ang gulat nito ‘pag nalamang nag-platinum na ang nasabing album.

Hindi pa masabi ni Popoy kung magkakaroon ng volume 2 ang album at ang Universal Records ang magdedesiyon, pero kung may panibagong offer kay Marian, tatanggapin nito't, hilig nito ang sumayaw.

This Sunday, April 27, ang formal awarding ng latest achievement na ito ni Marian sa SOP.

ANNABELLE RAMA's "3 DONT'S" to RICHARD GUTIERREZ

Tawa na lamang nang tawa si Richard Gutierrez nang makausap ng press pagkatapos niyang mag-sign ng two-year guaranteed contract sa GMA Network last Friday, April 25, sa Boardroom ng GMA Network Center. Ang mga tanong kasi sa kanya ay maagap na sinasagot ng ina at manager niyang si Annabelle Rama, tungkol man sa career o love life niya.

Sa kabila ng pagiging napakabait na anak ni Richard, ano ba ang puwedeng ikagalit ni Annabelle dito kung sakali?

"Tatlong bagay lamang iyon: Iyong mag-drugs, kahit sino sa mga anak ko, hindi ko matatanggap na mag-drugs sila, ikamamatay ko iyon. Ayaw ko rin na lagi siyang nagmu-motor, sabi ko sa kanya, kung gusto niyang mamatay ako agad, sige sumakay siya nang sumakay sa kanyang Ducati. Hindi talaga ako mapalagay kapag nalaman kong nag-motor siya. Kaya kapag alam kong magmu-motor siya, pinasasabayan ko siya sa sasakyan ko, para kung may mangyari sa kanya, masasaklolohan siya agad. Isa pa na hindi ko matatanggap, iyong mag-asawa siya nang maaga. Siguro, kapag 30 years old na siya, puwede na [Richard turned 24 last January 21].

"Lagi kong ipinaaalaala sa kanya at sa iba pa niyang kapatid na lalaki, na magsawa muna sila sa pagkabinata. Mahirap iyong mag-aasawa sila nang maaga ‘tapos ay maghihiwalay din. Kaya sabi ko sa kanila, i-enjoy lamang nila ang pagiging binata nila. Dapat pumili sila ng girlfriend na hindi palamunin, kaya dapat ang kukunin nila iyong nagtatrabaho rin para tulong sila sa buhay.

"Hindi ako nahihiyang sabihan silang gumamit ng condom at iyong babae, sabihan nilang mag-pills. At hindi pa naman kami nag-away ni Richard tungkol sa babae. Hindi ko siya pinakikialaman pero kapag nalaman ko kung sino ang nililigawan niya, sinasabihan ko siya na huwag siyang magseryoso dahil wala siyang future sa girl.

"Kahit si Ruffa ngayon, sinasabihan ko siya na pumili siya ng tamang lalaki na magpapakain sa kanila ng mga anak niya. Ayaw kong pumili siya ng milyonaryo pero paiiyakin lamang pala siya."

FHM's 2008 100 Sexiest Women in the World

100. Holly Willoughby

99. Marion Cotillard
98. Victoria Beckham
97. Roxanne Mckee
96. Nicola Roberts
95. Dannii Minogue
94. Billie Piper
93. Kylie Minogue
92. April Scott
91. Kirstie Allsopp
90. Amber Heard
89. Kristen Bell
88. Odette Yustman
87. Hannah Spearritt
86. Ellen Page
85. Gloria De Piero
84. Katie Holmes
83. Katherine Jenkins
82. Michelle Ryan
81. Anna Kournikova
80. Agyness Deyn
79. Mary Elizabeth Winstead
78. Gwen Stefani
77. Denise Richards
76. Chelsea Davy
75. Petra Nemcova
74. Stacy Keibler
73. Tricia Helfer
72. Eva Green
71. Fearne Cotton
70. Sienna Miller
69. Mandy Moore
68. Nadine Velazquez
67. Milla Jovovich
66. Kimberly Walsh
65. Emily Scott
64. Ali Larter
63. Alexa Chung
62. Holly Valance
61. Vanessa Hudgens
60. Cameron Diaz
59. CharlotteMckenna
58. MarisaMiller
57. Jennifer Garner
56. Mischa Barton
55. Abbey Clancy
54. Evangeline Lilly
53. Shakira
52. Carmen Electra
51. Emma Griffiths
50. Rachel McAdams
49. Nicole Scherzinger
48. Kristin Kreuk
47. Monica Bellucci
46. Halle Berry
45. Katherine Heigl
44. Alesha Dixon
43. Nadine Coyle
42. Bar Refaeli
41. Lindsay Lohan
40. Heidi Klum
39. Natalie Portman
38. Olga Kurylenko
37. Avril Lavigne
36. Sarah Harding
35. Eva Mendes
34. Kelly Brook
33. Emma Watson
32. Sarah Michelle Gellar
31. Britney Spears
30. Maria Sharapova
29. Rachel Stevens
28. Charlize Theron
27. Jennifer Aniston
26. Jessica Simpson
25. Salma Hayek
24. Sophia Bush
23. Ana Ivanovic
22. Gisele Bundchen
21. Adriana Lima
20. Christina Aguilera
19. Jennifer Love Hewitt
18. Gemma Atkinson
17. Beyonce Knowles
16. Rachel Bilson
15. Alessandra Ambrosio
14. Eva Longoria
13. Jessica Biel
2. Kate Beckinsale
11. Rihanna
10. Keira Knightley
9. Angelina Jolie
8. Hilary Duff
7. Cheryl Cole
6. Scarlett Johansson
5. Hayden Panettiere
4. Elisha Cuthbert
3. Keeley Hazell
2. Jessica Alba
1. Megan Fox

Pinay DEMI SORONO Made It To ‘So You Think You Can Dance Australia’ Finals

Demi Sorono, the 28-year-old Filipina B-girl (break dancer) is one of the Final 4 in the first Australia's version of So You Think You Can Dance.

Two other pinoys who made it to the Top 20 are jazz dancer Rhiannon Villareal and hip hop dancer Joel "J.D." de Carteret, but were voted off as the show progresses. J.D. was eliminated in the final 12 episode while Rhiannon was eliminated in the final 8.

Despite lack of training in any dance styles except for street styles such as B-boying, popping, locking, house and new jack, she still made the judges and the voting public impressed when she danced tha samba, contemporary, boogaloo, jazz, rumba and pop.

Demi’s partner in the first half of the season was broadway and funk dancer Jack Chambers. The two never landed in the bottom 3 until now. There are some buzz that Jack Chambers is leading the popularity vote to win the title but Demi has her Filipino-Australians rooting for her.

Aside from Demi and Jack, Rhys Bobridge and Kate Wormald also made it to the finals. The four will compete for the title of Australia’s Favorite Dancer on April 27, 2008.

DINO IMPERIAL's Wet & Wild Birthday Bash

Dino Imperial wet and wild night on his 20th birthday party in Prince of Jaipur at The Fort. It almost also went into a Dino Imperial scandal, see photo of Dino Imperial lip-locking in wild abandon a party girl. I guess it is one thing to celebrate a birthday as a nobody than be a celebrity, if you’re an up and coming matinee idol, discretion is a must. And in Dino Imperial’s case, he turned it in his Dino Kilatis fashion, a wet and wild night as he turned 20.

Dino Imperial broke up last year with his girlfriend partly because of her jealousy to Empress Schuck. But the way Dino Imperial has been partying wildly, i don’t think Empress Schuck will entertain an off-screen relationship.

Source: propeller.com

PAOLO BEDIONES to Host "Survivor Philippines"

It's confirmed! Si Paolo Bediones na nga ang napili ng GMA News & Public Affairs to host Survivor Philippines.

Noong una, kasama lang si Paolo sa shortlist ng pinagpipilian para mag-host ng biggest reality show na dumating sa bansa. Ang magandang record ni Paolo bilang host ng Extra Challenge at Tok, Tok, Tok! Isang Milyon Pasok ngayon ang tiyak nagbigay ng edge para siya ang mapili.

Ito marahil ang dahilan kaya siguro ititigil muna pansamantala ng GMA-7 ang Tok, Tok, Tok! para makapaghanda si Paolo sa Survivor Philippines na madugo sa lahat ng aspeto.

Balitang sa August na magsisimula ang Survivor Philippines at sa labas diumano ng Pilipinas gagawin ang taping ng nasabing show at hinde na sa isang undiscovered places ng bansa ang magiging location gaya ng ini-expect ng marami.

Sa May na ang simula ng audition all over the country para hanapin ang 16 castaways na haharap sa intense mental and physical challenges na tatagal ng 39 days.

BILLY CRAWFORD Reportedly Hosting ABS-CBN's "Pinoy Dream Academy Season 2"

Billy Crawford might be another possible surprise transferee from GMA-7 to ABS-CBN.

Lumabas sa pahayagan ngayong araw, April 23, na nagulat ang mga nakapanood sa trade presentation na ginawa ng ABS-CBN para sa kanilang advertisers. Kabilang kasi sa mga programa nila sa second quarter ng taon ang second season of Pinoy Dream Academy (PDA), na ihu-host diumano ng Fil-Am international artist na si Billy Crawford.

Ang lumalabas kasing balita noon ay si Ryan Agoncillo ang maghu-host ng PDA. Pero sa trade launch ay si Billy ang ipinakita together with Toni Gonzaga and Nikki Gil.

Ayon sa isang executive ng GMA-7 nakatakda ding gumawa ng isang dance reality show si Billy sa kapuso network. "We are just waiting sa pagbabalik niya [Billy] dito for his second show on GMA-7 [Dance Match]. Nagpaalam lang siya na may gagawin siya sa States, 'tapos eto na. May show na pala siya sa kabila [ABS-CBN]," sabi pa ng Kapuso executive.

Although wala namang existing contract si Billy for his second reality show in GMA-7 after Move, na na-announce na noon pang November. Wala pa raw, pero napag-usapan na ito and, in principle, Billy has accepted the show.

Balita ring masamang masama ang loob ni German "Kuya Germs" Moreno, Billy's mentor since That's Entertainment days.

"Ni ha, ni ho hindi man lang nagpasabi sa kanya ‘tapos sa diyaryo na lang din niya ito mababalitaan. Alam mo naman, ang laki ng naitulong ni Kuya Germs kay Billy ‘tapos hindi man lang siya masabihan nito."

But more than Kuya Germs, ultimong ang manager ni Billy na si Raul Laurente ay nagulat sa balita dahil hindi niya rin daw ito alam.

At kung ano ang naging reaction ng GMA Network about Billy's alleged transfer? "So he transferred. So he's doing that show. Okay," ang sagot lang nila.

American Idol 7: Top 6 Performance - Who Got Kicked Off?

Click inside to find out which contestant got kicked off of tonight’s American Idol.

VIDEO LINKS:

Andrew Llyod Weber Group Song - “All I Ask of You” (Watch here)
Andrew Lloyd Weber talks about the Idols (Watch here)
“Tainted Love” Ford commercial (Watch here)
Leona Lewis performs “Bleeding Love” (Watch here)
It’s between Brooke White and Syesha Mercado (Watch here)
Carly Smithson gets the boot (Watch here)

Britain's Got Talent...Since When Has The Philippines Been British?

Author's Note:

[I chanced upon this article at 'yahoo answers' this morning and made me think about how other people reacted to something without even checking their concerns twice. You might say they're just bigheaded, insecure?...mmm, maybe racist, or wala lang, may masabi lang.

Why don't you be the judge. Read below and share your thoughts.... ]

Last night on Britain's Got Talent, there was an emotional performance of a Filipino female singer. I grant you, she had a great voice...but is there not a clue in the title of the programme? BRITAIN'S got talent!

She should not be eligible to enter, as she is clearly not a british subject, and only wants to to win OUR competition, and send OUR money home to the Philippines?

I'm not against talent, but this is a home grown show for home grown talent, and is quite clear in it's purpose.
Am I the only one who sat up and shouted at the TV in amazement that she got onto the show, let alone past the judges?

I'm interested to hear what you lot think about this...

Additional Details

Hmm, this seems to have stirred up a bit of a hornets nest. I'm no racist. I'm not agianst the girl personally, and I do admire her guts to leave her home land to seek work at the high price of leaving her two children at home. Us single mums have to make a lot of sacrifices to 'bring home the bacon', but I just felt it was not really in the spirit of the show.

Yes, I know she's been over here for 18months working, yes I know we as british citizens have a very mixed ancesteral history to us,(take the 10 yr old singer Charlie Green, who is of mixed parentage; white father/oriental mother) but this girl is NOT british (why else would she be introduced to us as a filipino if she was). It just struck me that this 'Britain' based talent show was not the place for her 'sob story', genuine as I believe it is.

Click Here to Read More of this Article

HEART EVANGELISTA is Now a Certified KAPUSO

Heart Evangelista has just signed an exclusive 2-year contract with the Kapuso Network at exactly 4 o'clock this afternoon at the 16th floor's Boardroom of GMA Network Building.

Present in the contract signing are GMA-7's big bosses - Atty. Felipe L. Gozon, Chairman, President & CEO; Mr. Gilberto Duavit R. Duavit, Jr., Executive Vice President & COO; Ms. Wilma V. Galvante, Senior Vice President for Entertainment; Atty. Annette Gozon-Abrogar, President of GMA Films; and lady executives Ms. Marivin Arayata, Ms. Redgie Acuña-Magno, and Ms. Lilibeth G. Rasonable.

Likewise present is her current manager Mr. Rey Ongpauco and co-manager Annabelle Rama.

Heart's first project is Richard Gutierrez' Asero whom she will be one of the latter's leading ladies. Ehra Madrigal is, according to source, the third wheel in the Richard-Heart tandem. They will shoot parts of the series in Dubai.

Aside from the said action series, Heart will also join the cast of SOP and will also star in an upcoming Sine-novela and Koreanovela adaptation according to Wilma Galvante, GMA’s Vice President for Entertainment TV.

HEART EVANGELISTA to Sign-Up with the Kapuso Network

Nakatakdang pumirma ngayong hapon, April 23, ang young actress na si Heart Evangelista sa GMA-7. Si Heart ang isa sa dalawang leading ladies ni Richard Gutierrez sa susunod na proyekto ng young actor sa Kapuso network, ang Asero; ang isa pa ay si Ehra Madrigal.

Matagal nang usap-usapan na may makakasama si Richard sa Asero na taga-ABS-CBN, ngunit hindi pa ito mapangalanan hangga't hindi pa napaplantsa ang lahat. Ngayong nagkasundo na ang GMA-7 at ang kampo ni Heart, tuloy-tuloy na ang paggawa ng project ng young actress sa Kapuso network.

Matatandaan na umalis na sa poder ng Genesis si Heart last week, bagama't wala naman talaga silang pinirmahang kontrata ng boyfriend niyang si Jericho Rosales pagkatapos nilang tumiwalag sa Star Magic ng ABS-CBN. Ang ina ni Heart na si Mrs. Cecilia "Baby" Payawal-Ongpauco ang siyang tumatayong manager ngayon ng young actress. Ang ina rin ni Heart ang balitang nakipag-usap sa GMA-7 para sa Asero.

Mamayang alas-tres ng hapon ang presscon at announcement ng pagiging Kapuso ni Heart. Siguradong masasagot na ang tanong kung tuloy-tuloy na ang pagiging Kapuso niya o one-shot deal lamang ito.

Maaari na rin sigurong sagutin ni Heart ang katotohanan sa balitang break na sila ni Jericho. Bagama't itinanggi na ito ng dating manager ni Heart na si Angeli Pangilinan-Valenciano, may nakapagsabi sa amin na nasa cool-off period sina Heart at Jericho ngayon.

American Idol 7: Top 6 - 'Andrew Lloyd Weber' Performance Night

Theme of the Week: Andrew Lloyd Weber Songs

Syesha Mercado - “One Rock N’ Roll Too Many” (Watch here)
Jason Castro - “Memory” (Watch here)
Brooke White - “You Must Love Me” (Watch here)
David Archuleta - “Think of Me” (Watch here)
Carly Smithson - “Jesus Christ Superstar” (Watch here)
David Cook - “Music of the Night” (Watch here)

What did Paula say??? (Watch here)
Andrew Lloyd Weber tells Archuleta to open his eyes (Watch here)

MADONNA DECENA of the Philippines Wowed Judges of 'Britain's Got Talent'

Another testament that Filipinos are among the most talented people in the world is Madonna Decena. On the second episode of Britain’s Got Talent Season 2 (England’s version of America’s Got Talent), the 33-year-old single mom blew the judges and the audience away with her rendition of the Whitney Houston classic “I Will Always Love You.”

Trembling and a little unsure of herself, Madonna walked onto the stage and told everyone her reason for being there.

Six months ago she flew out to Britain in the hope of creating a better life for herself and two young daughters. Agonisingly she had to leave her precious children behind with their grandparents in the Philippines, until she had raised enough money to send for them.

Her rendition of I Will Always Love You brought a collective lump to the auditorium’s throat.

“I know you were singing that song for your babies” said a tearful Amanda.

This audition was no Holiday for Madonna, it was potentially life-changing, and when the panel told her she had made it to the next round… it was as if all her dreams had been answered, just Like A Prayer.

Little Big Superstars

10-year old BRITNEY SPEARS on Star Search



10-year old AALIYAH on Star Search

11-year old JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE on Star Search

8-year 0ld WADE ROBSON on Star Search - Today, Wade is the choreographer to the stars. He can be seen as one of the choreographer/judges on “So You Think You Can Dance.”

12-year old DAVID ARCHULETA on Star Search - Watch David perform Fallin, And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going, I Surrender and You’re All I Need to Get By.

12-year old pinay JESSICA SANCHEZ on America’s Got Talent - Our very own Jessica wowed the judges with her rendition of Celine Dion’s “I Surrender”.

11-year old BIANCA RYAN on America’s Got Talent - Bianca performed “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” and proved that America really got talent.

8-year old CONNIE TALBOT on Britain’s Got Talent - She became a Youtube sensation after performing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” on the British version of America’s Got Talent.

10-year old JOSHEPINE “Banig” ROBERTO - the first pinoy to conquer “Star Search”

15-year old CHARICE PEMPENGCO on the Paul O’Grady Show - She’s taking the world by storm!

American Idol Most Likely Winner "David Archuleta" Once Beaten by a Pinoy

Followers of the American Idol (AI) Season 7 talent search will be pleasantly surprised to know that David Archuleta, said to be “the most likely” to win, was once beaten by a Filipino singer in another US-TV talent search. He’s none other than Mark Mejia and the show was Star Search, hosted by Arsenio Hall, which should be familiar to Filipinos because that’s where our very own Josephine “Banig” Roberto won the grand prize, the first Filipino ever to achieve that feat, in 1988.

Here’s the full story from Edmund Silvestre (news editor of the New York-based The Filipino Reporter):

David Archuleta, the half-American, half-Honduran teen crooner, will be the next American Idol, predict several TV critics in the United States.

But before the 17-year-old AI frontrunner’s inevitable coronation at the end of Idol’s seventh season a few months from now, it would be of great interest to note that David once lost to a Filipino-American singer from California on CBS’ Star Search.

It was five years ago when David, then 12 and winner of the Junior Singers Competition on Star Search, lost to then 10-year-old Mark Mejia of San Diego during the Battle of the Champions, a winners’ circle showdown. Also defeated by Mark was Tiffany Evans, 10, of Ocean City, New Jersey.

Fast forward to 2008. David, now a teen dreamboat, is inching his way to becoming the next American Idol, and in the process crushed the aspiration of another AI Season 7 Top 12 finalist, Ramiele Malubay of Florida, to become the first Asian-American to clinch the AI title. (Ramiele, a Filipino-American, is reportedly eyeing a singing career in the Philippines after the AI US tour).

And Mark? The Fil-Am boy, now 15, seems to have gone to oblivion. At least for now.

According to reports Mark, son of Emmanuel and Gilda Mejia, is gearing up for next year’s AI when he turns 16, the minimum age requirement for AI contestants.

And he may just succeed where Ramiele and Jasmine Trias (from AI Season 3) failed.

California Fil-Ams who have heard Mark perform at a recent community event in the West Coast said Mark still possesses the voice that made him a two-time Star Search Junior Singer Grand champion. In fact, they claim that compared to David’s, Mark’s voice today is “more polished and natural.”

In the looks (and height) department, however, they admit that Mark has a lot of catching up to do. “The boy needs a makeover if he wants to impress Simon Cowell,” one observer noted, referring to the AI British judge known for his scathing remarks.

See Mark's Star Search performance below:

And here is Mark today:

KRIS AQUINO's Comeback Leads the Reign of "The Buzz" in the Ratings Game

Last Sunday's return of Kris Aquino on ABS-CBN's “The Buzz” controlled its ratings to beat it’s rival “Showbiz Central” on GMA-7. The Buzz received a rating of 11.7 percent as against 11.5 percent of Showbiz Central.

The no. 1 daytime program last Sunday, on the other hand, was SOP. The GMA musical variety show was fueled by Regine Velasquez‘ birthday celebration and the launch of GMA Artist Center (GMAAC) Image Video Plug. Your Song featuring “Sayang na Sayang” starring Melissa Ricks and Matt Evans performed impressively in 3rd place with 13 percent beating its rival “Tasya Pantasya” which dropped to no. 7.

Last Saturday, the last episode of I Am KC did very well as it climbed to no. 4 with 20.8 percent in the primetime race. Pinoy Idol, on the other hand, dropped 2 notches to no. 6 with 20 percent.

Here are the Top 10 daytime and primetime programs from April 18 to 20 based on the overnight ratings conducted by AGB Nielsen Philippines:

April 19 (Saturday)

Daytime:
1. Eat Bulaga! (GMA-7) - 24.7%
2. Wowowee (ABS-CBN) - 17%
3. Wish Ko Lang (GMA-7) 15.2%
4. StarTalk (GMA-7) - 14.9%
5. Takeshi’s Castle (GMA-7) 14.6%
6. Pilipinas, Game KNB? (ABS-CBN) - 14.1%
7. Cinema FPJ: Da King on ABS-CBN (ABS-CBN) - 9.2%
8. Entertainment Live (ABS-CBN) - 7.5%

Primetime:
1. Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (GMA-7) - 28.7%
2. Bitoy’s Funniest Videos (GMA-7) - 26.1%
3. Imbestigador (GMA-7) - 23%
4. I Am KC (ABS-CBN) - 20.8%
5. Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition Plus (ABS-CBN) - 20.1%
6. Pinoy Idol (GMA-7) - 20%
7. TV Patrol World (ABS-CBN) - 14.7%
8. 1 vs. 100 (ABS-CBN) - 12.6%
9. XXX (ABS-CBN) - 12.4%
10. Nuts Entertainment (GMA-7) - 11.7%

April 20 (Sunday)

Daytime:
1. SOP (GMA-7) - 14.8%
2. ASAP ‘08 (ABS-CBN) - 14%
3. Your Song: “Sayang Na Sayang” (ABS-CBN) - 13%
4. Takeshi’s Castle (GMA-7) - 12.7%
5. The Buzz (ABS-CBN) - 11.7%
6. Showbiz Central (GMA-7) - 11.5%
7. Tasya Fantasya (GMA-7) - 11%
8. Gaby’s Extraordinary Files (ABS-CBN) - 7.9%

Primetime:
1. All Star K (GMA-7) - 26.2%
2. Mel & Joey (GMA-7) - 26%
3. Kap’s Amazing Stories (GMA-7) - 25.6%
4. Tok! Tok! Tok! Isang Milyon Pasok (GMA-7) - 24.8%
5. Ful Haus (GMA-7) - 19.9%
6. Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition Plus (ABS-CBN) - 18.1%
7. Goin’ Bulilit (ABS-CBN) - 17.4%
8. Signos (GMA-7) - 16.4%
9. Rated K (ABS-CBN) - 13.6%
10. Sharon (ABS-CBN) - 10.8%

Figures courtesy of AGB Nielsen Philippines via PEP.

ANGEL LOCSIN's Sexy Dance Number on ASAP '08

Lobo star, Angel Locsin, performed a sexy dance number during her 23rd birthday celebration on ABS-CBN’s noontime variety show, ASAP '08.

After the show, Angel celebrated her birthday with 300 kids from the slums of Payatas in Quezon City. She treated the kids to a McDonald's Party at The Good Shepherd Cathedral in Fairview with the help of women's advocate group Gabriela.

LUIS MANZANO, Pinoy Big Brother's New House Guest

Luis Manzano, Toni Gonzaga's co-host in the PBB Teen Edition Plus celebrated his birthday on last night's 3rd nomination night.

But Kuya, who never run out of tricks, turned the hightlight of the show to Luis.

The housemates has a birthday cake for him with candles and all. The teen housemates requested Luis to enter the house and blow the candles. The flustered Luis followed but he knew it was a trap. His entrance in Kuya's house lessened the nomination's tension as the girls were too excited to pay that much attention to Luis. After going off-air, Luis changed clothes and started to mingle with the teen housemates.

Kevin, Jocef and Nicole: Nominated for Eviction in the PBB House

The Pinoy Big Brother - Teen Edition Plus Housemates already casted their votes on whom they want to get out of the Kuya's house next Saturday.

Kevin is nominated for the second time, getting 13 points. Nicole got 6 points. Jocef, however, garnered 7 points on his third nomination which came from the Guardians who also casted their votes.

DYESEBEL's Billboard Unveiled on Showbiz Central; MARIAN and DINGDONG Talk About the Physical and Emotional Challenges of "Dyesebel"

The GMA ARTIST CENTER (GMAAC) Image Plug

150 contract artists of GMA Artist Center (GMAAC) converged for the talent arm’s image plug.

There are four installment of GMAAC image plug which were shot and directed by the popular music video director Louie Ignacio for two days at Bulacan Airport and at the GMA Network.

The first plug was patterned on The Matrix, where artist dressed in black. This features talent like Iza Calzado, Mark Herras, Yasmien Kurdi, Marvin Agustin, Jennylyn Mercado, Nadine Samonte, LJ Reyes, Isabel Oli, Angelika dela Cruz, Marky Cielo and Aljur Abrenica.

The second installment feature child stars of Artist Center.

While the third vignette is a music video of GMAAC singers, comedians and the talent arm's fresh faces.

And lastly, the fourth installment focus on singing sensations and hosts.