American Idol Season 8 - Top 36 Contestants

Here is the list of rumored American Idol Season 8 Top 36 contestants that will most likely compete live in the semi-final rounds starting Tuesday, February 17.

Adam Lambert
Hometown: Los Angeles
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/29158867

Allison Iraheta
Age: 16
Hometown: Los Angeles/Puerto Rico
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/allison_iraheta
Fansite: http://www.allisoniraheta.net/

Angela Martin
Age:27
Residency: Chicago, IL
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/toucha_dream

Ann Marie Boskovich
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/annmariesings

Anoop Desai
Age: 21
Hometown: Chapel Hill, NC

Aubrey Logan
Hometown: Boston, MA
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/aubreylogan
Website: http://www.aubreylogan.com/

Brent Keith Smith
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/brentkeith

Cody Sheldon
Age: 17
Hometown: Detroit MI
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/codisheldon

Daniel “Danny” Gokey
Age: 28
Hometown: Milwaukee, WI
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/danielgokey

Deanna Brown
Age: 25
Hometown: Louisville, KY
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/missdeannabrown

Felicia Barton
Hometown: Virgina Beach, VA
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/feliciabarton

Jackie Midkiff
Age: 17
Hometown: Alcoa, TN
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/jackiemidkiff

Jacklyn “Jackie” Tohn
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/jackietohn

Jakob McKay
Age: 23
Hometown: Houston, TX
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/jakobmckay85

Jasmine Murray
Age: 17
Hometown: Brokhaven, MS
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/jasmine682

Jennifer (Jenesis) Samoranos
Hometown: San Francisco
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Jenisis-Samoranos/644874552
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/jenisis1love

Jesse McCullagh
Hometomn: Westdale, NY
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/jessemccullagh

Junot Joyner
Age: 26
Residency: Bowie, MD/Baltimore, MD
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/junotmusicpage

Julissa Veloz
Hometown: Orlando, FL
Audition City: Jacksonville
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/alexzamusic

Justin Williams
Hometown: Mesa, Arizona

Kendall Beard
Hometown: Austin, TX
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/kendallbeardmusic
Website: http://www.kendallbeard.com/

Kristen McNamara
Age: 23
Hometown: Northern California
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/kristenmcnamara
Website: http://www.kristenmcnamara.com

Lanesha Young
Age 18
Hometown: Cincinnati, OH

Lil Rounds
Age: 23
Hometown: Memphis, TN

Michael Bartul
Age: 26
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois

Nate Marshall
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/nateandkatemusic
Website: http://cdbaby.com/cd/natemarshall

Otto Malone
Age: 28
Hometown: Tuscon
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/ottorotate

Perrie Cataldo
Age: 28
Hometown: Phoenix
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/perrie_cataldo

Phoebe Holiday
Age: 18
Hometown: Fairhaven, New Jersey
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/phoeberyannj

Reggi Beasley
Age: 21
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/reggibeasley

Ryan P.A. Johnson
Hometown: Cincinnati, OH/Hamilton, OH
Band’s MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/instereoband
Band’s website: http://www.instereo-band.com/

Scott Douglas MacIntyre
Hometown: Scottsdale, AZ
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/scottmacintyre
Website: http://www.scottmacintyre.com/

Stephen Fowler
Age: 26
Hometown: Cleveland, OH

Taylor Vaifanua
Age: 16
Hometown: SLC
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/taylorvaifanua
Website: http://www.taylorvaifanua.com/

Terrence T.K. Hash
Age: 23
Hometown: Charlotte, NC
MySpace: http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fusea…iendID=86640518

Von Lee Smith
Age: 23
Hometown: Greenwood, MO
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/vonleesmith

Elliot Gibson is Prince Harry Look-Alike

Chelsy Davy has no more reason to feel upset on her just concluded relationship with Prince Harry. Why? Prince Harry's loss might be a fortunate gain to his look-alike Elliot Gibson.

Can you guess who's who?

The 21 year-old, University of Newcastle economics student Elliot Gibson, who earns up to £500 a day as an impersonator, says he has had to go into hiding after being hounded by female fans hoping to snare the newly single royal.

"The past few days have been like nothing I've ever experienced. I was in London on the underground on Sunday and there was a group of 50 teenagers heading up the opposite escalator from me.
"One of the girls saw me and shrieked, "It's Harry!" and another shouted, "Chelsy didn't deserve you! Before I knew it there was a stampede coming the wrong way down the escalator full throttle – I'm sure they knocked down a person or two.

"I seriously thought I would be injured. I couldn't begin to think what they'd do to me if they caught me."

Elliot, who has a girlfriend at university, added "It was the same problem at the nightclubs. I was swarmed by fanatical girls.

"I kept saying, "I'm not him! I'm not him!" but some really aggressive women started grabbing and pulling at me."
Elliott has worked for the Fake Faces lookalikes agency for many years and has appeared on TV shows playing Prince Harry.

Source: dailymail

Sarah Geronimo Throws Poker Face at Lady Gaga

Philippines Pop princess and 2008 Box-office queen Sarah Geronimo performed her own rendition of Lady Gaga's hit 'Poker Face' on ASAP's SOS (Sarah On Stage).

Watch Sarah's performance below:

And see if she did justice based on Lady Gaga's own version HERE.

ABS-CBN Wins Big in 27th People's Choice Dangal ng Bayan Awards

The National Consumer Affairs Foundation awarded ABS-CBN and its stars with several recognition in the just concluded 27th People's Choice - Dangal ng Bayan Awards.

Here are the awards given to ABS-CBN 2:

Outstanding Young Professionals for TV Broadcasting and Journalism - Sol Aragones and Anthony Taberna

Outstanding Young Male TV Anchor - TJ Manotoc

Outstanding Young Female TV Anchor - Gretchen Fullido

Best Actor and Male Performing Artist - Sam Milby

Best Actress and Commercial Endorser - Anne Curtis

Best Male TV Game Show Host - Willie Revillame

Best Female TV Game Show Host - Kris Aquino

Best TV Comedienne - Pokwang

Best Male TV Host - Boy Abunda

Best TV Station - ABS-CBN 2

The awarding was held on January 31, 2009 at Araneta Center Cubao, Quezon City.

Ehra Madrigal is Isabel in 'Ang Pinakamagandang Hayop Sa Balat ng Lupa'

Kapuso sexy star Ehra Madrigal will star as Isabel in a GMA-7's TV adaptation of a classic movie 'Ang Pinakamagandang Hayop sa Balat ng Lupa'. Isabel was first portrayed by Ms. Gloria Diaz in 1975 and by Ms. Ruffa Guttierez in 1996.

Joining the cast are Paolo Contis, Ehra's younger sister Michelle Madrigal, Joseph Bitangcol and Ms. Gloria Diaz. This will be under the direction of Celso Ad Castillo only in GMA-7's sinenovela.

Photo courtesy of FHM Phils.

Judy Ann Santos and Ryan Agoncillo's Wedding Set on May 4

Ryan Agoncillo willingly answered all questions thrown to him by the press during the presscon of TV-5 for Talentadong Pinoy last January 29. Some of the things that were discussed pertains to his personal life.

Ryan told the press that he and Judy Ann Santos are currently looking for a house in the south area and is about to close a deal to their chosen home with four to five bedrooms, of course, one of which is for their daughter Yohan.

Ryan also gave some details on their upcoming wedding. According to Ryan, there will only be two sets of Ninong and Ninang. The megastar who is also Judy Ann's sister in showbusiness Sharon Cuneta will be the matron of honor and Ryan’s brother Dondi will be the best man. Paul Cabral will be in-charge of Judy Ann's wedding gown and so the whole wedding entourage.

Although he was hesitant to announce the wedding date, a source very close to the couple revealed that a very private wedding will take place on May 4 this year and there will be no TV coverage of the event will be allowed since they want everything to be private and solemn.

May Bukas Pa - Full Trailer

May Bukas Pa, is ABS-CBN's upcoming teleserye that will hit the station's primetime bida block starting February 2, with seven-year-old Zaijan Jaranilla portraying the role of Santino.

Zaijan, who also played the young Tiny Tony, will have Dina Bonnevie, Albert Martinez, Maja Salvador, and Rayver Cruz as supporting cast.

When I Met U - Movie Trailer

Regal Entertainment, Inc.
and
GMA Films

proudly present

the biggest and the most anticipated
romantic movie of the year

Richard Gutierrez, the valentine box-office king
and
KC Concepcion, in her very first valentine movie

They had their own separate lives...
But when fate made them meet...
...they started to question what real love is all about

Is love what others think is right?...
...or what you feel is real?

This Valentine's...
let love carry you away

And it all began...
When I Met U

Dingdong Dantes is the Featured Artist in the Pilot Episode of AXN Asia's 'The Duke'

After the recognition given to him by E! Television as the third sexiest men of the world last year, this time, another international channel is giving Philippine actor Dingdong Dantes a full credit by featuring him on the the pilot episode of the newest show of AXN, The Duke.

The Duke is a glossy men's magazine talk show that will feature men that stand a class above the rest. Men who are successful in their careers, who earned respect of their peers, and are role models. Someone whom they can call a "Duke."

Last December 2008, The Duke's host Eunice Olsen, its cameramen, director, executive producer, staff, and host went all the way from Singapore to have an interview with Dingdong right at his Cubao Quezon City residence.

The Duke will have air its pilot episode on February 9, 8 p.m., Singapore time.

Eat Bulaga 'Taktak Mo o Tatakbo' - Another Noontime Show Scam?

The Philippines longest running noontime TV show is currently facing a controversy.

A video clip on YouTube titled "Eat Bulaga Dayaan - Huling Huli" showed an alleged cheating in the 'Taktak Mo o Tatakbo' game segment of Eat Bulaga that sparked a flurry of commentary on internet forums.

In the jackpot round of the said segment, the contestant spun the roulette and it stopped almost midway the one million pesos and fifty thousand pesos. In the video clip, although it was a close call it seemed that the pointer was on the 1 million side of the roulette. But Vic Sotto said, "Ako tingin ko rito lamang sa, walang ano 'to ha, lamang sa singkwenta..."

Kelly Clarkson's "My Life Would Suck Without You" Sets Billboard's New Record

Kelly Clarkson's "My Life Would Suck Without You" vaults from #97 to #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 this week. That sets a new record for the biggest leap into the top spot in the chart's 50-year history. The old record was held by Britney Spears' "Womanizer," which shot from #96 to #1 in October. Clarkson's song also enters the Hot Digital Songs chart at #1, after selling 280,000 downloads in its first week.

"My Life Would Suck Without You," the lead single from Clarkson's upcoming fourth album All I Ever Wanted, is her second #1 on the Hot 100. "A Moment Like This," her American Idol victory song, shot from #52 to #1 in October 2002. (At the time, that was the biggest leap into the top spot in Hot 100 history.) "Suck" is Clarkson's first #1 on Hot Digital Songs. Her 2004 smash "Since U Been Gone" just missed the top spot, though it has sold more than 2 million cumulative downloads.

Source: Yahoo Music Blog

Derek Ramsay and Angelica Panganiban on 'Your Song Presents: Feb-Ibig'

Reel and real-life sweethearts Derek Ramsay and Angelica Panganiban will be the featured loveteam in the month-long episode of Your Song Presents this February.

This is not the first time Derek and Angelica's loveteam was featured on the show. They were first paired on the August 2007 episode of Your Song titled 'Upside Down' were according to them signaled the start of their real-life romance too.

According to Angelica, "I will play the role of Sheila . Isa siyang successful career woman pero pagdating sa love life, hindi siya kasing palad. Ngunit, magbabago ito nang makilala niya si Raphael (played by Derek)."

However, Derek will play the role of Raphael, "May-ari ako ng isang restaurant na may kaya. Si Sheila rin may kaya, pero malas sa pagdi-date ng mga boys niya. At lahat ng blind-date na dinadala niya sa restaurant ko. At maiisip niya, malas ang restaurant ko."

Also in the cast are Star Magic artists Diane Medina at Elaine Quemuel.

Your Song Presents: Feb-Ibig is directed by Manny Palo. And will air on the whole month of February starting February 1, right after ASAP '09 on ABS-CBN 2.

ABS-CBN TV Shows for February

A new late-morning program, a tele-thriller, a TV series, and a showbiz talk show will make the Kapamilya viewing habits extra-ordinary this February.

Their first offering, May Bukas Pa, is set to hit the primetime block starting February 2, with seven-year-old Zaijan Jaranilla portraying the role of Santino.

Initial reports announced that the project would be Marcelino, the local adaptation of the 1955 Spanish film, Marcelino Pan y Vino (Marcelino, Bread and Wine), also known as The Miracle of Santino. Apparently, ABS-CBN had a change of plans.

The young boy, who also played the young Tiny Tony, will be working with Dina Bonnevie, Albert Martinez, Maja Salvador, and Rayver Cruz, to name a few.

Second to the list is the morning tandem of a former beauty queen-actress-host Ruffa Gutierrez and Comedy Queen Ai-Ai delas Alas in a show called Ruffa and Ai. Find out how the two women are going to mix katatawanan with kakikayan starting February 16.

Thirdly, the tandem of Kris Aquino and Boy Abunda will be moved to primetime block. With the witty and weighty repartee of the king and queen of talk, the nights of Channel 2 viewers are bound to be livelier. SNN: Showbiz News Ngayon will have its first round of tittle-tattle on February 16.

For the fourth show, which will have its pilot episode on February 23, Maricel Soriano will give us the heart-thumping remake of Florinda, the third and last installment of Sineserye Presents: The Susan Roces Collection. The cast includes Roxanne Guinoo, Jay Manalo, Zanjoe Marudo, Cherry Pie Picache, William Martinez, and Nikki Gil.

Expect this latest offering of ABS-CBN to wreak havoc in the ratings game. New formats, new faces, and a big comeback are all poised and ready to make noise on the TV landscape.

'Love Me Again’ Earned 41.2 Million Pesos in Two Weeks

The first movie team-up of Angel Locsin and Piolo Pascual titled 'Love Me Again: Land Down Under' earned a total of 41.2 million pesos in two weeks.

On its first week, Love Me Again topped Philippine Box-Office by raking in 29.48 million pesos beating Hollywood films debuting at the same period like Bride Wars, Changeling and the Haunting of Molly Hartley.

While on its second week, the Star Cinema movie grossed 11.7 million pesos making it far second to the hollywood vampire movie Underworld: Rise of the Lycans.

See Box-Office results below for January 14 - 25 courtesy of Box-Office Mojo:

Philippines Box Office
January 14–18, 2009
(US $1 = 47.123 Philippines Peso)

1. Love Me Again = $625,779
2. Bedtime Stories = $231,069
3. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button = $151,729

Philippines Box Office
January 21–25, 2009
(US $1 = 47.3607 Philippines Peso)

1. Underworld: Rise of the Lycans = $413,615
2. Love Me Again = $247,307
3. Yes Man = $148,134

Nikki Gil is Ryan Agoncillo's New Love Interest on "Pieta"

Singer-actress Nikki Gil is now part of ABS-CBN's afternoon soap drama series Pieta.

Nikki will play the character of 'Guia', a secretary who will witness a crime done by Miguel (John Regala). Miguel orders Rigor to take care of Guia but it seems that Rigor has a soft spot for her, which prompts him to bring Guia to safety. Guia's love for her blind younger sister (Sharlene San Pedro) makes Rigor admire her more.

Will Guia make Rigor forget all about Martha (Krista Ranillo)? Until when can Rigor protect Guia?

Find out these and more exciting scenes on Pieta, Mondays through Fridays right after Parekoy on ABS-CBN 2.

The Cast of GMA Films "When I Met You"

Meet the casts of GMA Films and Regal Entertainment's "When I Met You" featuring the second movie team-up of Richard Gutierrez and KC Concepcion.

Benjie (Richard Gutierrez) - a struggling cargo pilot trapped in relationship with his fiancée Tracy and falls for another woman while on a trip to Palawan.

Jenny (KC Concepcion)- a mall promodizer whose fascination with romance and true love engulfs her in a quandary when she falls in love with Benjie.

Tracy (Iya Villania) - a rich and beautiful pastry chef who uses her beauty and her wealth to manipulate her boyfriend Benjie.

Albert (Alfred Vargas) - a stoic veterinarian who is a control freak; loves Jenny but controls everything about her.

Conching (Cherry Pie Picache) - Jenny's mother, an elementary teacher who has to earn her keep as the husband is handicapped.

Kardo (Tirso Cruz III) - Jenny's blind father, who stays home because of his handicap but is privy to Jenny's feelings for Benjie.

Manny (Chinggoy Alonzo) - Benjie's father, a compulsive gambler who makes his way into heavy debts and asks Tracy's help.

Sylvia (Chanda Romero) - Jenny's favorite aunt, a woman who moves from man to man in her relationships.

Kim (Chariz Solomon) - Jenny's best friend, another promodizer who becomes Jenny's confidante.

Tato (Bearwin Meily) - Benjie's friend and colleague in the office whom Benjie hooks up with Kim.

Cynthia - Manny's young and sexy lover.

Stella - Albert's grandmother, his only family left.

Marcus (Mavi Lozano) - Jenny's younger brother who is in college.

Bernice (Bubbles Paraiso) -Tracy and Albert's friend who weds in Palawan.

Teddy (Paolo Paraiso) - another friend of Tracy and Albert.

Beatrice - Tracy's mother who lives in Canada.

When I Met You is directed by Joel Lamangan and will open in cinemas nationwide starting February 11, 2009.

Youtube Pinay Bathroom Singers 'Rin on the Rox' Invited by Ellen DeGeneres

Ellen DeGeneres discovered another pinoy singing sensation on Youtube - 'bathroom singers' Rin and Rox - and she invited them to guest on her top-rating talk show.

'Rin on the Rox' are bestfriends Rin and Roxanne who do cover songs inside their bathroom and upload their videos on Youtube.

In a recent episode of The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Ellen invited the pinay singing duo to guest on her show.

"Recently, I found these two singers on the internet. These two girls are singing in the bathroom. So they are fantastic. If you are watching right now, please, please come on the show if you are watching. We have a wonderful bathroom here… But seriously, you are great. So please, please come on the show if you would like to," Ellen said.

Rin or Erin Paula is 20 years old and pure Filipino while Rox or Roxanne, 21, is half-pinoy half-white. They are both based in California, USA.

They mentioned in their YouTube channel 'hiphoprox' that they are proud to be Filipinos.

Ellen invites Pinoy YouTube singing sensation duo ‘Rin and Rox’


Rin on the Rox - If I Were A Boy


Rin on the Rox - T Shirt


Rin on the Rox - We Belong Together

TJ Trinidad is Now a Kapuso Star

Kapamilya identified actor TJ Trinidad will be soon be a Kapuso. Although TJ Trinidad claims that he is not really an exclusive star of ABS-CBN, he expresses his gratitude to the management of ABS-CBN for giving him good projects where he made a name for himself - Basta’t Kasama Kita, Krystala, Gulong ng Palad, Da Adventures of Pedro Penduko, Hiram Na Mukha, Rounin, Walang Kapalit, and Prinsesa ng Banyera.

"I was never under contract with ABS, it’s per project also. Kaya medyo matagal ako na nagkatrabaho uli after Prinsesa ng Banyera, kasi we just had to make sure that everything was okay. Si Tita Annabelle ang nakipag-usap sa ABS-CBN, nag-meeting kami and all that.

It’s not like bigla na lang kaming lumipat nang walang abiso. Nagpaalam kami nang maayos. We prioritized ABS-CBN first. Eventually, nagpaalam kami nang maayos at nagbigay sila ng green light. Ako, I owe it to the management of ABS. Kami naman, we don’t wanna burn bridges.

I don’t think it’s fair for people to speculate. I’ve proven my loyalty to ABS when I was there."

TJ Trinidad will soon be seen in Richard Gutierrez starrer 'Zorro' where he will play as Zorro’s nemesis.

He also change managers from June Rufino to Annabelle Rama.

15th Screen Actors Guild Awards List of Winners

The 15th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards (SAG) has named this year’s honorees for outstanding performances in 2008 in five film and eight primetime television categories and for film and television stunt ensembles.

Held at the Shrine Exposition Center in Los Angeles on Sunday night, January 25, 2009, the winners were unveiled as actors themselves selected the best performances from amongst their peers for movies and television in the year 2008.

Here is the complete list of winners:

MOTION PICTURE CATEGORY

Actor
Sean Penn, Milk

Actress
Meryl Streep, Doubt

Supporting Actor
Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight

Supporting Actress
Kate Winslet, The Reader

Ensemble Cast
Slumdog Millionaire

TELEVISION CATEGORY

Actor in a Telefilm or Miniseries
Paul Giamatti / John Adams - “JOHN ADAMS” (HBO)

Actress in a Telefilm or Miniseries
Laura Linney / Abigail Adams - “JOHN ADAMS” (HBO)

Actress in a Drama Series
Sally Field / Nora Walker - “BROTHERS & SISTERS” (ABC)

Actor in a Drama Series
Hugh Laurie / Gregory House - “HOUSE” (FOX)

Actor in a Comedy Series
Alec Baldwin / Jack Donaghy - “30 ROCK” (NBC)

Actress in a Comedy Series
Tina Fey / Liz Lemon - “30 ROCK” (NBC)

Drama Ensemble
Mad Men (AMC)

Comedy Ensemble
30 Rock (NBC)

LIFE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

James Earl Jones

Presenters at this year’s awards include Katie Holmes, Christina Applegate, Taye Diggs, Jon Hamm, John Krasinski, Amy Poehler, Anthony Hopkins, Susan Sarandon, Angela Bassett, Jon Hamm, John Krasinski, Eric McCormack, Kyra Sedgwick, William Shatner and Ernest Borgnine.

2009 UP Gandingan Awards List of Winners

ABS-CBN garnered 14 out of 26 citations, GMA-7 bring home 9 citations, while its sister network QTV 11 was named Most Development-Oriented TV Station at the third annual Gandingan Awards given by the UP Community Broadcasters’ Society at the UP Los Baños.

Here are the complete list of winners:

Best News Anchor: Korina Sanchez
Best Panel Moderator: Ted Failon
Best Talk Show: Boy and Kris
Best Talk Show Host: Boy Abunda
Best Public Affairs Program Host: Jessica Soho
Best Public Service Program: Wish Ko Lang
Best Public Service Program Host: Vicky Morales
Best Investigative Program: Imbestigador
Best Investigative Program Host: Mike Enriquez
Best Field Reporter: Jiggy Manicad
Best Documentary Filmmaker: Howie Severino
Best Morning Show: Umagang Kay Ganda
Best Music Station: MYX
Best VJ: Iya Villania
Best FM Station: Alam Mo Na 'Yan 101.9
Best Disc Jock: Martin D.
Best AM Station: DZMM
Best AM Announcer: Korina Sanchez
Most Development-Oriented Documentary Program: I-Witness
Most Development-Oriented Magazine Program: Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho
Most Development-Oriented TV Station: QTV11
Most Development-Oriented Panel Discussion: Harapan
Most Development-Oriented Radio Station: DZMM
Best Network: ABS-CBN

The awards are a tribute to socially-oriented television and radio programs and broadcasters and are meant to inspire the youth.

Manny Pacquiao, Oscar Dela Hoya and Charo Santos Lead NUTAM Weekend Ratings for December 2008

The much awaited Dream Match of Oscar dela Hoya and Manny Pacquiao registered a whopping 46% to top weekend NUTAM in the daytime category.

In Metro Manila, the Dream Match as aired on GMA 7, garnered 45.6% which can be considered mediocre among previous Pacman’s bouts. But in the NUTAM race, the 46 percent that it received can be considered as remarkable. Take note that 2nd placer, Wowowee, only got 20.9% which is more than a half lower.

In the weekend primetime race, Maalaala Mo Kaya received the most viewership last December 2008 beating erstwhile leader Rated K. The ABS-CBN drama anthology received 29.3% while 2nd placer Rated K got 27 percent. Two more kapamilya shows captured the 3rd and 4th spot - The Singing Bee and Komiks Presents respectively. GMA’s Bitoy’s Funniest Videos settled for the fifth slot.

Here are the Top 10 weekend programs for the month of December, based on a survey conducted by AGB Nielsen among NUTAM households:

Top Weekend Programs (Daytime)

The Dream Match: De La Hoya vs. Pacquiao** (GMA-7) - 46%
Wowowee (ABS-CBN) - 20.9%
Enteng Kabisote 4: Okay Ka Fairy Ko… The Beginning of a Legend** (ABS-CBN) - 19.5%
Cinema FPJ Da King on ABS-CBN (ABS-CBN) 17.3%
Eat Bulaga! (GMA-7) - 16.9%
ASAP ‘08 (ABS-CBN) - 16.1%
Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo** (ABS-CBN) - 15.5%
Wish Ko Lang! (GMA-7) - 14.7%
Startalk (GMA-7) - 14.6%
Your Song (ABS-CBN) - 13.5%

Top Weekend Programs (Primetime)

Maalaala Mo Kaya (ABS-CBN) - 29.3%
Rated K (ABS-CBN) - 27%
The Singing Bee (ABS-CBN) - 26.1%
Komiks (ABS-CBN) - 26%
Bitoy’s Funniest Videos (GMA-7) - 25.1%
Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (GMA-7) - 24%
Family Feud Celebrity Edition (GMA-7) - 23.7%
Kap’s Amazing Stories (GMA-7) - 22.4%
Mel & Joey (GMA-7) - 21.8%
Goin’ Bulilit (ABS-CBN) - 20.9%

** Special

Source: Starmometer

Dyosa and Wowowee Lead NUTAM Weekday Programs for December 2008

Last November 2008, the ABS-CBN teleserye 'Iisa Pa Lamang' ended its run topping the weekday primetime NUTAM race. The month after, the fantaserye 'Dyosa' took over the top spot with a total rating of 30.3 percent nationwide.

The Anne Curtis-starrer ended it’s run last Friday and is expected to top the primetime race again when AGB Nielsen Philippines release the results of January 2009 NUTAM.

In the weekday daytime race, Wowowee was able to maintain its lead as expected. The ABS-CBN noontime show received a total rating of 20.6% in the weekday daytime NUTAM and 20.9% in the weekend daytime NUTAM. Following closely is the GMA Sine Novela “Una Kang Naging Akin” with 20.5%. The Angelika dela Cruz, Maxene Magalona and Wendell Ramos starrer almost clinched the no. 1 spot but fell short of only 0.1% from Wowowee’s 20.6%.

Here are the Top 10 weekday programs for the month of December, based on a survey conducted by AGB Nielsen among NUTAM households:

Top Weekday Programs (Daytime)

Wowowee (ABS-CBN) - 20.6%
Una Kang Naging Akin (GMA-7) - 20.5%
Saan Darating Ang Umaga? (GMA-7) - 17.1%
Eat Bulaga! (GMA-7) - 16.9%
Pieta (ABS-CBN) - 16.7 %
Pilipinas Game KNB? (ABS-CBN) - 16.1%
Daisy Siete (GMA-7) - 15.1%
La Traicion (ABS-CBN) - 14.4%
Street Fighter (GMA-7) - 13.9%
Ghost Fighter (GMA-7) - 13.2%

Top Weekday Programs (Primetime)

Dyosa (ABS-CBN) - 30.3%
TV Patrol World (ABS-CBN) - 29.3%
I Love Betty La Fea (ABS-CBN) - 29.1%
Luna Mystika (GMA-7) - 27.8%
Eva Fonda (ABS-CBN) - 27.1%
Gagambino (GMA-7) - 26.1%
24 Oras (GMA-7) - 25%
Lalola (GMA-7) - 23.2%
Survivor Philippines (GMA-7) - 22.5%
Kapamilya Deal or No Deal (ABS-CBN) - 21.6%

Source: Starmometer

Philippine Television Stations Win 3 Gold World Medals in 2009 New York Festivals

Three TV programs from the Philippines earned Gold World Awards in the International Television Broadcasting Awards of the 2009 New York Festivals.

ABS-CBN has won 1 gold medal, 3 silver medals and 4 finalist certificates while GMA-7 and its sister station QTV-11 have won 2 gold medals, 1 silver medal, 2 bronze medals and 7 finalist certificates.

Here is the complete list of awards won and recognition received by the Philippines from the New York Festivals this year:

ABS-CBN 2:

WORLD MEDAL WINNERS

Gold World Medal - Variety Special:
Bantay Bata 163 10th Anniversary Special

Silver World Medal - Talk/Interview:
Boy and Kris

Silver World Medal - Action/Adventure:
Mars Ravelo’s Lastikman

Silver World Medal - Investigative Report:
Bandila - “Glutathaione Expose”

FINALIST CERTIFICATES

Best News Reporter:
Korina Sanchez

Best Children’s Program:
Kung Fu Kids

Best Family Program:
Wowowee

Best Magazine Format:
Rated K

GMA-7 & QTV-11:

WORLD MEDAL WINNERS

Gold World Medal - Coverage of an Ongoing Story:
Jiggy Manicad’s 24 Oras coverage of Corporal Abeto

Gold World Medal - Biography/Profiles Category:
Inno Sotto: A Fashion Special Documentary (QTV)

Silver World Medal - Newscast:
24 Oras - “Lanao Attacks”

Bronze World Medal - Magazine Format:
Chef to Go - “Pesco Vegetarian Meal” Episode (QTV)

Bronze World Medal - Public Affairs:
Reporters Notebook - Pinays for Export: The Asia Sex Trafficking Trail

FINALIST CERTIFICATES

Action/Adventure:
Joaquin Bordado

Social Issues/Current Events Category:
Emergency’s “Jumper Kids/Battered Children”

Community Portraits Category:
I-Witness’ “Crystal Mountain” Episode

Best Magazine Format:
The Sweet Life (QTV)

Best Magazine Format:
Ang Pinaka’s “Ang Pinaka Sikat na Pinoy sa Internet” (QTV)

Best Coverage of Breaking News:
News on Q’s “Batasan Blast” (QTV)

Social Issues/Current Events Category:
Draw the Line’s “Ormoc Cult, Early Marriage and Trafficking” episode (QTV)

Charice Will Sing for U.S. President-Elect Barack Obama

Pinoy singing sensation Charice is set to perform two songs to Barack Obama before he is sworn in as the 44th President of the United States of America.

Today, January 18, the young singing sensation will perform during the pre-inaugural ball to be held at the Grand Hyatt Washington Hotel. The actual inauguration of Obama is scheduled to take place at Washington D.C. on January 20.

Charice left the Philippines last Friday, January 16, to prepare for the historic event. Obama's staff requested Charice to sing "God Bless America" and "One Moment in Time," a song originally recorded by Whitney Houston for the 1988 Summer Olympics.

In a previous interview with Star Patroller Mario Dumaual, Charice pointed out, "Dati kumanta ako kay President Arroyo, ngayon kay President Obama naman. Iba po 'yong feeling na isa na namang Filipina ang makakapag-perform internationally."

If she is given the chance to talk with Obama, Charice will most likely tell the first African-American President of the US: "Just wanna say thank you for making this dream come true. This is not only an honor for me, not only for me, but also for the Philippines. Thank you."

Oprah Winfrey, an ardent supporter of Obama's presidential campaign, reportedly lobbied to have Charice included in the pre-inaugural ball. In her eponymous talk show, the female TV host called the Pinay singer as the "the most talented girl in the world" during an episode dubbed as "The World's Smartest Kids."

After performing in the pre-inaugural ball, Charice is scheduled to stay in the United States for almost three months to record her first international debut album to be produced by record producer and composer David Foster.

In the meantime, she is promoting Foster's latest CD-DVD Hitman: David Foster & Friends since she is one of several performers included in the album. Other performers were Kenny G., Michael Bublé, Josh Groban, Brian McKnight, Katharine McPhee, Andrea Bocelli and Celine Dion.

I Love Betty La Fea Welcomes Its New Casts Pops Fernandez and Karylle

Aside from Jericho Rosales who will play as Aldo, isang butihing lalaking inampon ng mayaman ngunit muling naulila at pinamanahan ng real state business, I Love Betty La Fea welcomes its new cast members Pops Fernandez and Karylle.

Pops will play as Paulina, ang certified party phile socialite na hindi na sosyal dahil poor na ang family niya. Pero nagpipilit pa ring maging class dahil hindi niya kayang maging mahirap.

At dahil magkatulad sila ng ugali, si Paulina at Daniela magiging BFF (Best Friends Forever). Si Paulina gustong mabawing muli ang nawalang yaman ng pamilya. Si Daniela naman gustong pabagsakin ang Ecomoda. Ngunit isa lang ang hadlang sa kanila...ang Betty-ful na si Betty.

While Karylle will play as Olivia, kapatid ni Paulina. 'Di tulad ni Paulina kuntento na sa kung anong meron siya basta't syang umiibig at iniibig.

Paano kaya maapektuhan sina Armando at Betty sa pagdating nila?

Paano magbabago ang mga buhay at pag-iibigan nila?

Find out the answers on I Love Betty La Fea, weeknights after TV Patrol at ABS-CBN Primetime Bida.

Rustom Padilla is Dead

Rustom Padilla is dead. Because he is now a lady. And the lady is known as BB Padilla.

BB is an alias for Binibining Gandang Hari.

BB arrived in Manila yesterday from a three month vacation in the US where he is rumored to have his organ changed. But according to BB he is not ready yet to comment about the issue, "I had a series of psychiatric treatment but I don't wanna comment if I had a sex change or not. But I am physically, emotionally, spiritually, and even financially 100% woman now."

Many speculated that this change was due to Rustom's upcoming one-man stage play titled "Binibining Gandang Hari" but according to BB whether there's a project or not BB will stay.

See the 3-part video interview of BB below where he talked about his future showbiz plans, couples Carmina and Zoren Legaspi, actors Richard Gomez and Piolo Pascual, and how his family accepted this new changes in his life:

Video source: binowgaylater

"She Has One of The Best Voices I’ve Heard In A Long Time." - David Archuleta to Charice Pempengco

Both Charice Pempengco and David Archuleta were part of Macy's Thanksgiving Parade last November 2008, unfortunately, they never had the chance to talk and get to know each other.

But the American Idol Season 7 finalist, despite his busy schedule, took time to expressed his admiration of Charice through his multiply account journal entry last January 6, 2009:

Read on...

"Before I go, I wan­ted to mention one thing real quick. I was ha­nging out at my house when my parents called me in to watch a story on Oprah about this girl named Charice. I had seen her on Youtube before and she was at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, but it was ama­zing to hear her story and her voice!

"She seriously has one of the best voices I’ve heard in a long time, and I had chills the entire time I was wat­ching about her life. So, instead of a song for the day I think you should check her out! It’s more like a person for the day. Ha! Ha!

"She was really ins­piring and for those of you who haven’t heard her yet, I think you’re in for a real treat! She sang My Heart Will Go On during her appearance on Oprah, and it’s ama­zing to see how much passion she has for what she does! I also loved how she talked about how important her mom was to her. I hope you guys enjoy."

People Asia Magazine's ‘2008 People of the Year’ Awardees

People Asia magazine honored 12 outstanding people for 2008 in their annual “People of the Year” Thursday night, January 15, at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza.

Here are 2008 awardees:

Charice - RP’s International Singing Sensation

Sharon Cuneta - The Megastar

Rosa Rosal - Veteran Actress and PNRC Governor

Noli de Castro - Vice President of the Philippines

Kristie Kenney - US Ambassador to the Philippines

Manny Villar - Philippine Senator

Joey Concepcion - Go Negosyo Author

Jejomar Binay - Makati City Mayor

Rajo Laurel - Renowned Fashion Designer

Andy Bautista - Kuok Group CEO

Joey Antonio - Real Estate Magnate

Dominique Lemay - Founder of Virlanie Foundation

Corazon Aquino - Former Philippine (Special Awardee)

The event was hosted by Johnny Litton and Champagne Morales.

2009 British Academy of Film and Television Awards - List of Nominees

The full list of nominees for the 2009 British Academy of Film and Television Awards (BAFTA) have just been announced.

Brad Pitt has nominated for Leading Actor in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button while Angelina Jolie received a nod for Best Lead Actress for her role in director Clint Eastwood’s Changeling.

Slumdog Millionaire and Benjamin Button both led with 11 nominations each.

See other films and actors who made it in 2009 BAFTA list of nominees:

BEST FILM

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Frost/Nixon
Milk
The Reader
Slumdog Millionaire

OUTSTANDING BRITISH FILM

Hunger
In Bruges
Mamma Mia!
Man on Wire
Slumdog Millionaire

THE CARL FOREMAN AWARD (For Special Achievement by a British Director, Writer or Producer for their First Feature Film)

Simon Chinn (Producer) – Man On Wire
Judy Craymer (Producer) – Mamma Mia!
Garth Jennings (Writer) – Son of Rambow
Steve McQueen (Director/Writer) – Hunger
Solon Papadopoulos, Roy Boulter (Producers) – Of Time And The City

DIRECTOR

Changeling – Clint Eastwood
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button – David Fincher
Frost/Nixon – Ron Howard
The Reader – Stephen Daldry
Slumdog Millionaire – Danny Boyle

ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY

Burn After Reading – Joel Coen, Ethan Coen
Changeling – J. Michael Straczynski
I’ve Loved You So Long – Philippe Claudel
In Bruges – Martin McDonagh
Milk – Dustin Lance Black

ADAPTED SCREENPLAY

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button – Eric Roth
Frost/Nixon – Peter Morgan
The Reader – David Hare
Revolutionary Road – Justin Haythe
Slumdog Millionaire – Simon Beaufoy

FILM NOT IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE

The Baader Meinhof Complex – Bernard Eichinger, Uli Edel
Gomorrah – Domenico Procacci, Matteo Garrone
I've Loved You So Long – Yves Marmion, Philippe Claudel
Persepolis – Marc-Antoine Robert, Xavier Rigault, Marjane Satrapi, Vincent Parannaud
Waltz With Bashir – Serge Lalou, Gerhard Meixner, Yael Nahl Ieli, Ari Folman

ANIMATED FILM

Persepolis – Marjane Satrapi, Vincent Parannaud
WALL•E – Andrew Stanton
Waltz With Bashir – Ari Folman

LEADING ACTOR

Frank Langella – Frost/Nixon
Dev Patel – Slumdog Millionaire
Sean Penn – Milk
Brad Pitt – The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Mickey Rourke – The Wrestler

LEADING ACTRESS

Angelina Jolie – Changeling
Kristin Scott Thomas – I’ve Loved You So Long
Meryl Streep – Doubt
Kate Winslet – The Reader
Kate Winslet – Revolutionary Road

SUPPORTING ACTOR

Robert Downey Jr. – Tropic Thunder
Brendan Gleeson – In Bruges
Philip Seymour Hoffman – Doubt
Heath Ledger – The Dark Knight
Brad Pitt – Burn After Reading

SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Amy Adams – Doubt
Penelope Cruz – Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Freida Pinto – Slumdog Millionaire
Tilda Swinton – Burn After Reading
Marisa Tomei – The Wrestler

MUSIC

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button – Alexandre Desplat
The Dark Knight – Hans Zimmer, James Newton Howard
Mamma Mia! – Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus
Slumdog Millionaire – A. R. Rahman
WALL•E – Thomas Newman

CINEMATOGRAPHY

Changeling – Tom Stern
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button – Claudio Miranda
The Dark Knight – Wally Pfister
The Reader – Chris Menges, Roger Deakins
Slumdog Millionaire – Anthony Dod Mantle

EDITING (With a tie nominations)

Changeling – Joel Cox, Gary D. Roach
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button – Kirk Baxter, Angus Wall
The Dark Knight – Lee Smith
Frost/Nixon – Mike Hill, Dan Hanley
In Bruges – Jon Gregory
Slumdog Millionaire – Chris Dickens

PRODUCTION DESIGN

Changeling – James J. Murakami, Gary Fettis
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button – Donald Graham Burt, Victor J. Zolfo
The Dark Knight – Nathan Crowley, Peter Lando
Revolutionary Road – Kristi Zea, Debra Schutt
Slumdog Millionaire – Mark Digby, Michelle Day

COSTUME DESIGN

Changeling – Deborah Hopper
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button – Jacqueline West
The Dark Knight – Lindy Hemming
The Duchess – Michael O'Connor
Revolutionary Road – Albert Wolsky

SOUND

Changeling – Walt Martin, Alan Robert Murray, John Reitz, Gregg Rudloff
The Dark Knight – Lora Hirschberg, Richard King, Ed Novick, Gary Rizzo
Quantum Of Solace – Jimmy Boyle, Eddy Joseph, Chris Munro, Mike Prestwood Smith, Mark Taylor
Slumdog Millionaire – Glenn Freemantle, Resul Pookutty, Richard Pryke, Tom Sayers, Ian Tapp
WALL•E – Ben Burtt, Tom Myers, Michael Semanick, Matthew Wood

SPECIAL VISUAL EFFECTS

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button – Eric Barba, Craig Barron, – Nathan McGuinness, Edson Williams
The Dark Knight – Chris Corbould, Nick Davis, Paul Franklin, Tim Webber
Indiana Jones and The Kingdom of Crystal Skull – Pablo Helman
Iron Man – Shane Patrick Mahan, John Nelson, Ben Snow
Quantum Of Solace – Chris Corbould, Kevin Tod Haug

MAKE UP & HAIR

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button – Jean Black, Colleen Callaghan
The Dark Knight – Peter Robb-King
The Duchess – Daniel Phillips, Jan Archibald
Frost/Nixon – Edouard Henriques, Kim Santantonio
Milk – Steven E. Anderson, Michael White

SHORT ANIMATION

Codswallop – Greg McLeod, Myles McLeod
Varmints – Sue Goffe, Marc Craste
Wallace And Gromit: A Matter Of Loaf and Death – Steve Pegram, Nick Park, Bob Baker

SHORT FILM

Kingsland #1 The Dreamer – Kate Ogborn, Tony Grisoni
Love You More – Caroline Harvey, Sam Taylor-Wood, Patrick Marber
Ralph – Olivier Kaempfer, Alex Winckler
September – Stewart le Maréchal, Esther May Campbell
Voyage D’Affaires (The Business Trip) – Celine Quideau, Sean Ellis

THE ORANGE RISING STAR AWARD

Michael Cera
Noel Clarke
Michael Fassbender
Rebeca Hall
Toby Kebbell

The awards ceremony will take at London’s Royal Opera House on Sunday, February 8.

BAFTA is Britain’s version of Hollywood's Oscar Awards.

Love It ot Hate It! : Victoria Beckham Armani Underwear Spring/Summer 2009 Campaign

Victoria Beckham models for the Emporio Armani Underwear spring/summer 2009 campaign, which was again shot by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott. (Her husband David shot the men’s version of the Emporio Armani underwear line.)

The 34-year-old former Spice Girl reportedly got paid $17 million for the gig, which is part of a three-year deal.

Vicktoria has said, "It’s an honor to have been selected by Mr. Armani to represent the Emporio Armani Underwear brand and to execute his vision with the incredibly talented team of Mert & Marcus."

What do you think of Victoria's Armani Underwear ad — LOVE IT or HATE IT?

Love It ot Hate It! : Katie Holmes Miu Miu Spring/Summer 2009 Campaign

Katie Holmes is featured in Miu Miu’s spring/summer 2009 campaign, which shot by acclaimed fashion photographers Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott in New York last November.

The 30-year-old actress rocks out one of Miuccia Prada’s graffiti-spattered day dresses in the ad, which was supposed to depict a “luminous icon radiating a sense of mystery and theatricality.”

UK’s Vogue explains the look was inspired by the films of Italian film director Federico Fellini.

What do you think of Katie's Miu Miu ad — LOVE IT or HATE IT?

Jericho Rosales is Betty La Fea's New Love Interest

Spoiler Alert: Jericho Rosales will play the new love interest of Betty La Fea!

Aldo, played by no other than Jericho Rosales, will rescue Betty from an accident. Betty will get closer with Aldo and will gradually increase her self-esteem and changes Betty's view of the world and teaches her that what matters most is not the "wrapper," but what is inside.Will the two fall in love with each other? What will happen now to the Betty-Armando love story?

Find out on I Love Betty La Fea, weeknights at ABS-CBN Primetime Bida.

Source: IloveBetty MultiplySite

Skittles Reflect The Rainbow Commercial Features Pinoy Stage Actor Jonjon Briones

The hilarious Reflect The Rainbows TV commercial of Skittles bite size candies which was first shown in America during the 66th Annual Golden Globe Awards features the Filipino stage actor Jonjon Briones.

Jonjon was first known at The Engineer in the highly-successful stage play Miss Saigon (Asia, London at Germany).

The said TV commercial was made one year ago but the overwhelming response in the ads made it worthwhile.

See Skittles: Reflect The Rainbow Commercial below:

American Idol Season 8 Premiere Telecast Garnered 10% Lower Ratings

American Idol premiered it’s Season 8 run with 10 percent fewer viewers than last year’s season opener, despite an addition of new judge.

However, its 30.1 million viewers were still enough to make it the no. 1 show in America having the biggest audience for any U.S. television broadcast so far this season.

The previous leader was held by the detective series CSI: Crime Scene Investigation which garnered 23.5 million viewers on its season premiere last October 9, 2008, according to Nielsen Media Research.

The wednesday season premiere of American Idol marks the lowest audience total for a season-debut episode since 2004, when 28.2 million tuned in.

The show’s biggest season premiere was in 2007, watched by 37.3 million viewers.

An additional judge was introduced this season making a panel of four judges. Kara DioGuardi, a songwriter and producer, joins veteran panelists Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson.

American Idol Season 8 is aired in the Philippines via a 7-hour delayed broadcast on QTV-11 Every Wednesday and Thursday at 6:00 p.m. and a replay in the primetime block.

Why Angel Locsin Cried on ASAP '09?

Right after their much publicized Macau trip with Luis' mom Batangas Governor Vilma Santos, rumors are spreading that Angel Locsin and Luis Manzano are having an LQ (Lovers’ Quarrel). Or, a lot of people are asking, have they broken up?

Was that the reason why Angel cried last Sunday when she guested on ASAP '09 to promote her Star Cinema starrer Love Me Again: Land Down Under opposite Piolo Pascual? (see video below)

According to some showbiz insiders, Angel and Luis did have a quarrel which started small and became bigger, although not yet so serious that it can’t be ironed out.

Was there a third party involved? And who's guilty?

"There’s a third party involved," wrote RFL on his Philstar showbiz column but didn't reveal who between the lovers is...'guilty'.

Is it Piolo Pascual?

Nope, Piolo is not the third party. Luis knows fully well that Piolo and Angel are just good friends, nothing more and nothing less.

First teamed up in the ABS-CBN soap Lobo, Piolo and Angel have a passionate love scene in Love Me Again but it’s not enough to make Luis jealous or insecure.

Oscars Award 2009 Best Foreign Language Films Announced; Ploning Not Included

The 2009 Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced the nine films eligible for Best Foreign Language Film category out of the 65 submitted films from different countries, including the Philippine's Ploning. But unfortunately, the Judy Ann Santos starrer movie did not make the cut.

The 9 films included in the shortlist are:

1. Revanche, directed by Gotz Spielmann (Austria)

2. The Necessities of Life, directed by Benoit Pilon (Canada)

3. The Class, directed by Laurent Cantet (France)

4. The Baader Meinhof Complex, directed by Uli Edel (Germany)

5. Waltz With Bashir, directed by Ari Folman (Israel)

6. Departures, directed by Yojiro Takita (Japan)

7. Tear This Heart Out, directed by Roberto Sneider (Mexico)

8. Everlasting Moments, directed by Jan Troell (Sweden)

9. 3 Monkeys, directed by Nuri Bilge Ceylan (Turkey)

Trivia:

1. Israel's entry Waltz With Bashir was already won Best Foreign Language Film at the recently concluded Golden Globe Awards 2009.

2. There are three Asian films included in this year's shortlist - Israel, Japan and Turkey).

3. Big favorite Gomorra (Italy), which already earned Golden Globe and Critics Choice Awards nominations, unfortunately missed the cut in this year's Oscars in favor of the surprising entries from Japan, Mexico and Turkey.

According to a report by Susan King in theenvelope.latimes.com, several hundred Los Angeles-based members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences voted for their six top choices among the 65 eligible films, while the three titles were selected by Academy's Foreign Language Film Award Executive committee

This short list will be narrowed down to five nominees by specially selected committees, both in Los Angeles and New York, who will spend this weekend screening three films per day.

The nominations for the 81st annual Academy Awards will be announced on January 22.

Manny Pacquiao To Star in a Movie with Sylvester Stallone

People's Champ-Boxing superstar Manny 'Pacman' Pacquiao is about to star in a movie with Hollywood action star Sylvester Stallone.

Pacman reportedly had a meeting with Sylvester Stallone last January 6 at Stallone's Los Angeles office to discuss the details of the movie.

According to Pacquiao's business manager, Erik Pineda, this will definitely not a boxing movie but something like a Jacky Chan - Chris Tucker starrer 'Rush Hour' type of film.

"Everything is in the planning stage but what’s certain is that Sylvester Stallone wants Manny Pacquiao in the movie as one of the co-stars." said Pineda.

28 Best Celebrity Quotes of 2008

As we welcome 2009, let's look back at the stars' 28 quotable quotes of 2008 (as published in Dolly Anne Carvajal's Inquirer Libre Showbuzz column).

Lea Salonga: "The day Nic was born eclipses everything else in my life. I'd allow her to follow in my footsteps if she wants to. But I'd tell her the pros and cons of the biz."

Dingdong Dantes: "I use love as an inspiration to work. So I believe love must come first. Even at least, love for self."

Gabby Concepcion: "I'm the easiest person to talk to. That's why I find it strange why some people would rather do things behind my back than tell me what they want pointblank."

Cesar Montano: "We should not let the system box us in. A true artist can never work in a box."

Aga Muhlach: "When my mom died, tumigil and mundo ko."

Ogie Alcasid: "The hardest song for me to sing are the songs I dedicate to my loved ones because I get too emotional."

Amalia Fuentes: "There's life after marriage."

Angel Locsin: "I've stopped dwelling on competition. I just focus on doing what I have to do the best way I can."

Rufa Mae Quinto: "After all I've been through in the name of love, I deserve nothing less than a fairy tale ending."

Roxanne Guinoo: "Sobra kasi ako ma-inlove kaya sobra din akong masaktan. But as long as alam kong di ako nagkulang, wala akong dapat pagsisihan."

Diether Ocampo: "Real gentlemen let silence speak. So silent I will remain."

Richard Gomez: "I am basically a man of few words. If my being serious on the set while focusing on work is miscontrued as aloofness or even bitchiness then so be it."

Dennis Trillo: "It's hard to play a superhero because people look up to you especially kids. So I have to really be good on and off screen so I would be worthy to be a role model."

Paolo Bediones: "No matter how cruel life turns out to be at the moment, God is good. Period."

Iza Calzado: "I'm not into gorgeous men. I prefer beautiful souls."

Tweety De Leon-Gonzales: "I love the constancy of marriage, the everyday chance to fulfill my daydreams, whether flirty or serious. I hate that marriage has brought me to a state of vulnerability and emotional dependence. I hate the transparency of my weakness. But then again it wasn't marriage that did all these to me. I think it was more like honest-to-goodness, old-fashioned love."

Ai-Ai Dela Alas: "Bagets lovers are good for the complexion but bad for the wallet."

Marvin Agustin: "If I had to live my life all over again, I would still want to start out poor and struggling. Those trials made me appreciate everything I have now."

Sunshine Cruz: "Most guys di ka papalitan as a girlfriend. Magdadagdag lang sila."

Toni Gonzaga: "It's not how much you earn, it's how much you save."

Vhong Navarro: "I'd rather break a girl's heart by telling her the truth than mislead her with a lie."

Direk Joey Reyes: "I refuse to be labeled as 'Kapuso' or 'Kapamilya'. I'd rather ba called 'Katrabaho'".

Lotlot De Leon: "I've met many guys but none of them are boyfriend material. Besides, I ran away before I fall."

Jomari Yllana: "No matter how bad a breakup is, I never speak ill of an ex-lover."

Miriam Quiambao: "If a guy wants to date me exclusively, he should be exclusively mine, too."

Nadia Montenegro: "I was amazed and appalled at the same time listening to others narrate my life story as they imagined it to be. It sounded like a telenovela unfolding before my eyes."

Lani Mercado: "As long as you know your rightful place as a wife, then you have nothing to worry about. When you feel you are weak, raise it all up to God and leave it up to Him."

Marc Nelson: "I am a citizen of the world having been raised in various places, but I'm a Pinoy at heart."

Ryan Agoncillo Covers Men’s Health January 2009 Issue

Talentadong Pinoy and Pinoy Fear Factor host Ryan Agoncillo is on the cover of Men’s Health Philippines January 2009 issue.

2008 is definitely the year Ryan Agoncillo managed to depart from the shadow of superstar girlfriend Judy Ann Santos. He revealed in Men’s Health how he gained a sense of purpose after proposing to her girlfriend, and the rest is history.

Late last year, Ryan had his very first starring role in a tv series via ABS-CBN’s daytime soap, Pieta. He was also tapped to be the host of Pinoy Fear Factor, also on ABS-CBN, and Talentadong Pinoy on TV5. He will soon star in the tv adaptation of their hit movie “Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo.”

Men’s Health Philippines is now available in all leading bookstores and magazine stands nationwide.

LJ Moreno is the Sixth Eliminated Participante of Pinoy Fear Factor; PFF SAISTIG Announced

Actress turned pre-school teacher LJ Moreno lost her chance to be the first "El Ultimo Participante" when she got eliminated during the sexta ronda de eliminacion.

In the first stunt, the participantes had to climb up one log and then balance themselves on top of five other logs before they could grab the yellow flag from each log. The fastest to do the stunt will get iwas-peligro or immunity from the elimination, while the biggest loser will suffer a serious consequence. Savanah Lamsen was unable to climb up the first log so she was automatically placed in the bottom three contestants.

The second stunt had a Pinoy Fear Factor candy store but instead of serving chocolate or candy, there were insects, rodents and various creatures served to the participantes. Manuel Chua had to eat one mouse, two cockroaches, five maggots, five scorpions, as well as earthworms Jommy Teotico of the Pump Squad suffered from a swollen lip when a scorpion stung him. Still, he was able to consume 20 scorpions. LJ Moreno could barely swallow the 20 cockroaches that she was assigned to eat. Meanwhile, Janna Dominguez was tasked to eat 20 worms.

In the final stunt, they had to complete the inverted bungee stunt, which involved holding one's breath underwater while hanging upside down and holding a weight. Former actress LJ had to face her fear of depths twice in this stunt because of miscommunication problems.

LJ insisted that she wasn't offered a nose clip on her first try, when she had a time of 12 seconds. The stunt team, however, said they offered her but she refused. The nose clip proved beneficial to the other contenders.

After reviewing the video and seeing no offer was made, Pinoy Fear Factor host Ryan Agoncillo allowed her to do it again to be fair. A teary-eyed Savanah was initially against giving friend LJ another crack at the stunt, knowing she would be eliminated if LJ did better. However, Ryan assured Savanah that she can also repeat the stunt if she wanted to. She didn't have to. LJ could only go breathless for 11 seconds on her second try.

Her co-participantes Manuel clocked in 1:18, Janna stayed for 39 seconds, and Savanah was submerged for 19 seconds before she let go of the huge weight.

"I can go home able to say that I gave my all in every stunt. I was able to face all my fears, and that alone is a big achievement for me," said LJ.

Moving on in the competition are the "SAISTIG" (Sais na Astig) composed of struggling businessman Manuel Chua, balikbayan Marion Cruz, model Jommy Teotico, kargador RJ Lapus, stand-up comedienne Janna Dominguez, and ledge dancer Savanah.

One of them will break a "Fear Factor" world record this week, while another will undergo an accident that will change the tone of the contest.

Watch the remaining six participantes take on more terrifying and gut wrenching stunts in the name of pride and for the sake of their loved ones on Pinoy Fear Factor with host Ryan Agoncillo from Monday to Friday after Eva Fonda. Highlights of the competition are aired on PFF: Special Edition every Saturday, 7 p.m. on Studio 23.

66th Golden Globe Awards 2009 Winners

Here are the winners of the just concluded 66th Golden Globe Awards.

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture

Kate Winslet - The Reader

Best Original Song - Motion Picture

The Wrestler (Music & Lyrics By: Bruce Springsteen)

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television

Tom Wilkinson – John Adams

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television

Laura Dern – Recount

Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series - Drama
Gabriel Byrne – In Treatment

Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Drama
Anna Paquin – True Blood

Best Animated Feature Film
Wall-E

Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy
Sally Hawkins – Happy-Go-Lucky

Best Mini-Series Or Motion Picture Made for Television
John Adams

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture
Heath Ledger – The Dark Knight

Best Foreign Language Film
Waltz With Bashir (Israel)

Best Performance by an Actress in a Mini-series or Motion Picture Made for Television
Laura Linney – John Adams

Best Screenplay - Motion Picture
Slumdog Millionaire - Simon Beaufoy

Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series - Musical Or Comedy
Alec Baldwin – 30 Rock

Best Performance by an Actor in a Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
Paul Giamatti – John Adams

Best Television Series - Musical Or Comedy
30 Rock

Best Original Score - Motion Picture
Slumdog Millionaire - Composed by A. R. Rahman

Best Performance by an Actress In A Television Series - Musical Or Comedy
Tina Fey – 30 Rock

Best Director - Motion Picture
Danny Boyle – Slumdog Millionaire

Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical Or Comedy
Colin Farrell – In Bruges

Best Motion Picture - Musical Or Comedy
Vicky Cristina Barcelona

Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama
Kate Winslet – Revolutionary Road

Best Television Series - Drama
Mad Men

Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama
Mickey Rourke – The Wrestler

Best Motion Picture - Drama
Slumdog Millionaire

The Globes are presented by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, a group of about 90 reporters covering show business for overseas outlets.