Zsa Zsa, Dolphy's sons receive comedy king's CCP award

MANILA -- Dolphy's long-time partner Zsa Zsa Padilla and his sons received on behalf of the late film icon the highest honor given by the Culture Center of the Philippines (CCP).
On Wednesday, the comedy king, along with six other individuals and an organization, were recognized with the Gawad CCP Para sa Sining at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (Main Theater).
The posthumous recognition was received by Padilla, along with Dolphy's sons Eric, Vandolph and Epi Quizon.
Born Rodolfo Vera Quizon, Dolphy was recognized  for his contribution in Film and Broadcast Arts. Dubbed the Philippines' "King of Comedy," the late veteran actor's career spanned over six decades.
He passed away in July last year after a five-year battle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. He was 83.
Another posthumous recognition was conferred on Zenaida Amador, founder of local theater production company Repertory Philippines, for her achievements in Philippine theater.
The other awardees of the Gawad CCP Para sa Sining are poet and critic Cirilo Bautista (Literature), artist Brenda Fajardo (Visual Arts), dancer-teacher Agnes Locsin (Dance), composer Ramon Santos (Music), and anthropologist Florentino Hornedo (Cultural Research).

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Patrick Adams of 'Suits' loves PH mangoes, beaches

MANILA, Philippines – This is not the first time in the Philippines for Canadian actor Patrick J. Adams, who is back in the country for a bit of work and some rest and recreation to further explore the local culture.
Known for his role in the American TV legal drama “Suits,” Adams said he visited the Philippines 15 years ago and discovered that the best mangoes in the world could be found here.
“We stayed in a resort in Cebu and we spent a couple of days in town. My father’s a journalist so we get to travel. We had a great time, so much mangoes. It’s so good here,” he said at a press conference on Wednesday.
While he feels unfortunate that he’s only been in the hotel since he arrived in Manila on Tuesday, Adams said he and girlfriend Troian Bellisario are looking forward to seeing nice beaches in the country in the coming days.
“We just got in yesterday and we literally went straight to the room and ate food and for a run in the gym. Now we are here. So all I’ve seen in Manila is this hotel and it’s a beautiful hotel. Sadly, we don’t have a lot of time,” he said.
“But we are gonna take off to some secret location. We’re gonna visit a beach somewhere for a while. We are trying to just keep it quiet,” he added.

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Heart Evangelista on marrying Sen. Chiz Escudero: 'Yeah, I think of that'

Humiling ang PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) kay Heart Evangelista ng sandaling interview sa backstage ng Party Pilipinas last Sunday, February 24.

Matapos ang appearance niya sa musical show ng GMA-7, nagpaunlak naman ang aktres kahit ito’y nagmamadali.

Agad naming tinanong si Heart tungkol sa naging bakasyon nito sa San Francisco, California, kasama ang nobyong si Senator Chiz Escudero.

Sabi ng Kapuso actress, “Okay naman, although medyo napagod lang kami dahil four days lang kami sa States.

“Oo, kasi two days siya [Chiz]... two days siya doon… but it was nice kasi I got to spend time with my sister. Ganyan.

“Nakapag-ikot-ikot ng konti. Tapos, yun."

Bakit four days lang ang bakasyon nila?

“Actually, parang three days in a half lang, ganoon lang yung time.

“Kasi kailangang magtrabaho and it's campaign time also.

"He needs to do what he needs to do, ako rin naman I need to do what I need to do."

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Rhian Ramos, ikinalungkot ang kalagayan ngayon ni Bella Flores

Ikinalungkot ni Rhian Ramos nang mabalitaan niya ang kalagayan ngayon ng beteranang aktres na si Bella Flores.

Matatandaan na noong nakaraang taon ay naoperahan ang aktres matapos maaksidente ito sa kanilang tahanan.

At ngayon nga, bukod sa bedridden na siya, ayon sa kanyang anak na si Ruby Arcilla, “madali siyang mapagod, tapos medyo forgetful."

“Honestly nagulat ako, e," sabi ni Rhian nang makausap siya ng PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) noong Pebrero 23, sa Baguio City, para sa Panagbenga Festival.

“Kasi nung nakatrabaho ko siya sa Kontrabida Girl (2012), which is very recent lang naman, uhm, she seems fine.

“And kahit kasi naka-off yung cameras, nag-uusap kami and she was quick, parang kung ano'ng character niya nga sa Kontrabida Girl, yung medyo ginagabayan niya ng konti yung character ko, e, yung binibigyan niya ‘ko ng advice, yun ang nangyari sa totoong buhay.

“She was telling me about showbiz, and she knew her lines.

“So for me, she was just so present and quick, na it’s hard for me to think of her not in that position.

“I hope her family is okay, and I hope she gets well."

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Gina Alajar directs former leading man Phillip Salvador in Unforgettable

Hindi na nabalikan ng award-winning actress na si Gina Alajar ang pag-arte dahil mas naging abala na siya sa pagiging direktor ng ilang TV series.

Huling umarte si Direk Gina sa mga GMA-7 teleserye na Hiram Na Puso, Luna Blanca, at Amaya.

Pagkatapos nito ay nagkasunud-sunod na ang pagdidirek niya na nagsimula sa Reel Love Presents Tween Hearts noong 2010.

Hinawakan din ni Direk Gina ang Machete, Luna Blanca (second unit director), Temptation of Wife (second unit director), at Magdalena.

Ngayon ay siya ulit ang pinahawak sa bagong afternoon drama series na Unforgettable.

Sabi ng actress-director, “Thankful naman ako sa Kapuso network for trusting me with these projects.

“Bago ko naman tanggapin ang isang project na idirek, binabasa ko muna yung script for the pilot week.

“If I find it challenging, I will do it.

"Nagkakataon naman na nagugustuhan natin ang mga offers nila.

“I get to work with new stars and the veterans—yung mga nakasabay ko noong bata pa ako.

“Ngayon, idinidirek ko na sila!" sabay tawa niya.

Nakausap ng PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) si Gina sa press launch ng Unforgettable sa GMA Network Center last week.

VETERAN STARS. Kabilang sa sinasabing veteran stars na idinidirek ngayon ni Direk Gina ay si Phillip Salvador, na ilang beses niyang nakasama sa mga pelikula noong dekada ‘80.

Inamin ni Direk Gina na isa si Phillip sa paborito niyang leading men dahil sa mga pinagsamahan nilang mga pelikula.

Nagkasama silang dalawa sa Kontrobersyal (1981), Caught In The Act (1981), Kapit Sa Patalim: Bayan Ko (1985), at Orapronobis (1989).

Parehong alaga at hinubog bilang mga mahuhusay na artista sina Gina at Phillip ng yumaong award-winning film director na si Lino Brocka.

Kahit na matagal na silang magkakilala ni Ipe, nangapa pa rin daw si Gina dahil first time niyang ididirek ang dati niyang leading man.

Careful daw si Gina dahil ayaw niyang i-assume na kaagad niyang makukuha ang tiwala ni Ipe porke’t siya ang direktor ng project.

Sabi niya, “Sa totoo lang, kinabahan ako.

"Malaki kasi ang respeto ko kay Kuya Ipe, kaya medyo tinatantiya ko pa rin siya kasi first time ko siyang ididirek.

“Matagal din kasi kaming hindi nagkasama sa isang proyekto bilang mga artista. Ngayon lang ulit tapos ako pa ang director niya

“So I don’t want to cross any lines na baka hindi niya magustuhan."

Pero natuwa naman si Gina dahil naging very cooperative ang aktor at wala siyang naging problema rito bilang artista niya.

“In fairness kay Kuya Ipe, he’s very open sa mga ipinapagawa namin sa kanya in regards to his role sa Unforgettable.

“At natuwa naman ako dahil nakikinig siya sa akin. Kung ano ang gusto ko sa isang eksena ay gagawin niya.

“Hindi siya yung nakikialam sa paghawak ko sa mga eksena. He listens and he does his job as an actor very well.

“Siya pa rin yung Phillip Salvador na kilala ko—magaling at madaling makatrabaho.

“It makes my job a lot easier and fulfilling dahil isang Phillip Salvador ang idinidirek natin."

HUMBLE. Isa pang nagustuhan ni Gina kay Ipe kahit noon pa man ay ang pagiging humble nito at matulungin sa mga baguhang artista.

Sabi ng direktora, “Another thing good about Kuya Ipe, kahit noon pa, he never makes you feel intimidated.

“Hindi siya yung tipo ng artista na laging ipapaalala sa iyo na mahusay siyang artista at marami na siyang awards—hindi siya ganoong klaseng tao.

“In fact, mapagbigay ‘yang si Kuya Ipe… he likes to share whatever he learned from being an actor sa haba ng panahon.

“Kung ano ang natutunan niya kay Direk Lino noon, ibinabahagi niya sa mga baguhan na nakakasama niya.

“Kaya noong pareho kaming maging mentors last year sa Protégé, yung ginagawa niya na mag-mentor sa lahat ng mga contestants, siyang-siya iyon… He likes to help ang mga baguhan talaga.

“And we all appreciated that about him dahil Phillip Salvador na ‘yan!

“Hindi na niya kailangan gawin ang ganoon, but still, ipinaramdam at ipinakita niya kung gaano siya ka-down-to-earth na tao.

“I am happy na nagkaroon ako ng pagkakataon na maidirek ang tulad ni Kuya Ipe."

REUNION. Ikinatuwa rin ni Gina na nakasama si Carmi Martin sa Unforgettable dahil parang nag-reunion ang "Brocka Babies."

Aniya, “Ngayon ko rin lang madidirek si Carmi and it was nice to be working with her again.

“Lumapit nga siya sa akin noong first taping day niya at sinabi niyang tuwang-tuwa siya na maididirek ko na raw siya.

“Nakakataba naman ng puso na galing iyon sa isang tao na matagal mo nang hindi nakakasama sa trabaho.

“Reunion nga ng mga alaga ni Direk Lino!

“Nagkasama na kasi kami nila Carmi at Kuya Ipe sa pelikulang Kapit Sa Patalim: Bayan Ko.

“Magkakasama kaming tatlo when the film was taken and shown during the Cannes Film Festival in 1985.

“Kaya ang sarap na makatrabaho ulit ang mga dati mo nang nakasama.

“Like what I said, people like Kuya Ipe and Carmi make my job easier kasi napaka-professional nila hanggang ngayon." -- Ruel J. Mendoza, PEP

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Yeng living her dream

MANILA, Philippines - It was six years ago when Yeng Constantino first dared to confirm if music was truly her path by joining the first edition of ABS-CBN’s reality singing search Pinoy Dream Academy (PDA). Her winning the title Grand Star Dreamer stamped her every right to pursue the dream of making it big in the music industry.
Since then, success, seemingly, has never been elusive to her. Hawak Kamay, her first composition, became an instant hit and continues to appeal to many until this day. Various recognitions and performances here and abroad followed. Her songwriting skills also made her a notch higher from other artists in the local music scene.
“I’m thankful to God that I am able continue to share my talent,” says Yeng, who, obviously remains the most visible from among her PDA batch. “To all those who support me all this time, thank you so much. And I’m happy whenever I get recognized for my work.”
Setting aside the financial comfort she gets to enjoy, Yeng confesses to feeling doubly happy whenever her songs become familiar tunes even to kids. “When I was a child I dreamt of going up on stage with those blinding lights to perform in front of many people.”
Indeed, Yeng is now living her dream and, even without any expectations, she is getting more than what she wanted. Having met and shared some insights with her favorite artists mean so much to her. “Nakausap ko si Chito Miranda na parang friend ko lang; nagtwi-Twitter kami at naka-BBM ko pa s’ya. And  Raymund (Marasigan), my favorite musician, produced this album (Metamorphosis, her fifth album which is released under Star Records).”
She considers Metamorphosis as the highlight of her sixth year in the music circuit as it carries 10 all-original tracks, nine of them are her compositions. Through album, the now 24-year-old singer also introduces music enthusiasts to a new sound that perfectly complements her new look — red hair, high heeled boots, metallic pants paired with long-sleeved blouse.

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Golden Screen TV Awards to honor four icons of TV industry

The Golden Screen TV Awards will honor four icons of the television industry on its award ceremony on Friday, March 1, at Teatrino in Greenhills.
Ageless actress Gloria Romero will receive the Helen Vela Lifetime Achievement Award for Drama, veteran comedienne Nova Villa will be conferred the Helen Vela Lifetime Achievement Award for Comedy, while GMA news anchor Mel Tiangco will get the Helen Vela Lifetime Achievement Award for News Broadcast.
The Entertainment Press Society, Inc., organizer of the event, will also give out a new special honor this year — the Dolphy Lifetime Achievement Award Ulirang Alagad ng Sining — named after the comedy king and TV legend who passed away last year. The recipient will be legendary actor and director Eddie Garcia.
Gloria Romero started her career at the age of 19 in Sampaguita Pictures. Some of her memorable movies were “Dalagang Ilocana” and “Tanging Yaman” for whichshe  won best actress awards at FAMAS. Her career spans 60 years.
On TV, she is best remembered for her role in the sitcom “Palibhasa Lalake” as the drunkard Tita Minerva, as well as her work in “Richard Loves Lucy” and “Ok Fine! Whatever.” After having been with ABS-CBN for quite a number of years, she transferred to GMA where she did the teleserye “Munting Heredera”. She is currently playing the lead role in “Forever” with Heart Evangelista and Geoff Eigenmann.

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Jennifer Lawrence’s clothes from ‘Silver Linings’ up for auction

LOS ANGELES – Clothing worn by Jennifer Lawrence in her Oscar-winning role as an outspoken young widow in comedy “Silver Linings Playbook” went up for auction on Tuesday, just two days after the Academy Awards ceremony.
Memorabilia dealer Nate D. Sanders put the skin-tight white dance pants, winter coat and sports bra Lawrence wore in the film up for sale in the online auction that will end on Thursday.
The items are expected to fetch between $500 and $1,500 following the 22-year-old’s Best Actress win on Sunday.
“She’s now on the record for having an Academy Award, which definitely gives it (the items) status now,” said Laura Yntema, spokeswoman for auction house Nate D. Sanders.
“The Hunger Games” star also won awards from the Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild in January for her “Silver Linings Playbook” performance.
Five items, either worn by Lawrence or from her wardrobe on the film, are up for auction with starting bids at $100.
They include the custom-tailored skin-tight white pants Lawrence wore during the film’s climactic ballroom dance scene with co-star Bradley Cooper.

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Seth Macfarlane says ‘no way’ he would host Oscars again

LOS ANGELES – Comedian Seth MacFarlane said on Tuesday that he would not host the star-studded Academy Awards ceremony again, after TV critics panned Sunday’s show.
“Family Guy” creator and star MacFarlane was asked on Twitter whether he would host the Oscars a second time after making his debut in Sunday’s show, and replied: “No way. Lotta fun to have done it, though.”
MacFarlane’s response came after TV critics slammed the telecast, in which 40.3 million Americans saw Iran hostage thriller “Argo” take home the top prize for Best Picture.
In a night of risqué jokes about female nudity and zingers about gays and Jews, MacFarlane, 39, poked fun at himself in an opening sketch with William Shatner and the “Star Trek” star told him he was in danger of being deemed “the worst Oscar host ever.”
While some critics lashed out at MacFarlane’s hosting, others placed more blame on the overall song-and-dance-heavy show, produced by Craig Zadan and Neil Meron, which ran for 3 1/2 hours.
MacFarlane’s appeal among young people did though provide an 11 percent bump in the 18-49 demographic coveted by TV networks and advertisers. And overall viewer ratings were up, making for the largest Oscar audience in three years.

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Anne Curtis reveals secret of ‘provocative’ outfit as MTRCB orders ‘ASAP’ probe

No, it was not a wardrobe malfunction.
Moments after the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board ordered an investigation of the high-slit black dress she wore on “ASAP 18″ on Sunday, Anne Curtis took to Twitter and Instagram late Tuesday afternoon to clear the air about her controversial attire during her song number on “ASAP 18″ on Sunday.
Her post reads:
“TAAAADAAA! I present to you the controversial @boomita (Twitter handle of designer Boom Sason) outfit I wore for my birthday number on ASAP.
“As you can see, we have a bodysuit with a hidden tangga (sic) to make way for the sky high slit skirt. It is made out of 2 pieces. In fact the “tangga” is made out of swimsuit material which Boom Sason is also known for making. I was completely protected.
“It may have seemed like a wardrobe malfunction to many but I can assure you, after making the mistake of not securing myself once I wouldn’t let that happen to me again. So to settle all your minds I just had to post this.
“Thank you to everyone that was concerned! To everyone that’s trying to make an issue out of it! Thank you! ABS-CBN News just told me it’s their most clicked on video on their site ever!
“Just relax everyone! Wearing a tangga is no newbie in the industry! It’s been around since the 80′s ”
Her explanation came two hours after the MTRCB announced on its Twitter account that it had summoned the show’s producers to “a gender-sensitivity investigation” over that same outfit.

MTRCB summons ASAP to gender-sensitivity investigation over alleged provocative outfit of one of its stars last Sunday.
— MTRCB (@MTRCBgov) February 26, 2013

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Shay Mitchell returning to Manila to promote clothing brand, to join ‘PLL’ co-star Troian Bellisario as well?

It looks like Troian Bellisario is not the only “Pretty Little Liars” star that will be sighted in the metropolis this week.
Filipino-Canadian Shay Mitchell, who was in town last December to promote the show, has made good on her promise to return to the Philippines. As per her latest tweet Tuesday afternoon (Manila time), the dusky actress had just left Los Angeles and was on her way to Manila.
This time, the purpose of her visit is to promote the fashion retail brand American Eagle Outfitters. As posted by her local fan club, Shay Mitchell Philippines, on their Facebook and Twitter pages, the actress will grace a private VIP party on February 28 and will also welcome the general public to the opening of AE’s concept store at Bonifacio High Street in Taguig slated on March 1.
Last February 24, Shay confirmed her return with the tweet, “Getting excited…!!! Philippines, I’m coming back.”
Despite not growing up here, Shay is a big fan of the Philippines. During her last visit, she was quoted as saying, “Filipinos are the happiest people in the world. Even my friends want to be Filipinos, too.”

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Robin Nievera stages first solo concert, with a little help from his famous mom

When Robin Nievera launched his debut album last year, he forged his own path in an industry where the legacies of his parents, OPM icons Martin Nievera and Pops Fernandez, loomed large.
As a guitar-wielding singer-songwriter, Robin made it clear from the get-go that he was not taking the same pop-star route taken by mom and dad. But, of course, they remain his inspiration and are very supportive of his efforts to make a name for himself.
On Saturday, March 2, at 8PM at the Teatrino in Promenade Greenhills – two weeks after his parents reunited for their most successful concert in recent memory — the eldest son of Martin and Pops will stage “The Nightmares Concert”, his first solo show.
The concert was Pops’ brainchild. “She told me after listening to the album, ‘Why don’t you do a concert?” Robin notes. “And it didn’t stop there. ‘I’ll produce it,’ she said.”
The album that gave Pops the idea for the concert is Robin’s self-penned and self-produced second album entitled “Nightmares”. Musically, it is anything but. It’s a 10-track set of all-original songs that find the 26-year-old musician exploring his gentler side and veering away from the rock sound of his debut album, “Overwait”.
The result is a more intimate album that puts the spotlight squarely on his soulful, bluesy voice, songwriting skills, and guitar-playing. The album is available for free download in Robin’s website, robinnieveramusic.com.
“The show is actually a dream come true for me,” Robin says. “So the title is actually a bit ironic. And I promise not to make good on it. This will be a night of good music. I’m making sure, together with my team, that everyone in the concert will have a great time, and that includes myself and my guests.”

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Hunk or dork? Sam Milby has yet to ask out Shaina Magdayao

“Dork” is not a word that many people would use to describe Sam Milby. But the Filipino-American actor thinks he is one — at least in the sense best translated in Filipino as “torpe” or “tyope”.
Sam has already opened up about his attraction towards Shaina Magdayao to her ex and his bosom buddy John Prats, but so far he has yet to ask her out.
“Wala pang progress. There are times that we hang out. Hindi ko pa rin siya niyayaya on a date na kaming dalawa lang. I don’t know. I don’t feel comfortable yet. As of now, enjoy lang kami ng ganito. No pressure,” he says.
How old is he — 14? The actor is twice that age, but he feels he has a good reason to be circumspect.
“At 28, I can say na when it comes to women, ‘yung mga nangyari na sa akin in the past, maiiwasan ko na mangyari now or maulit uli. I am picky na. So, if we talk about pag-ibig, ang gusto ko na now na mangyari eh, mas makilala ko na ang babaeng possible, papakasalan ko na,” he reveals.
Sam sees himself settling down between 33 and 35. That’s five to seven years away — plenty of time, he reckons, to know the girl he will take to the altar.
He finds Shaina’s “charming, beautiful and, most of all, good-hearted”.
On the one hand, he says he’s in no hurry to get into a relationship. On the other hand, he realizes he has put himself in a corner after declaring his intentions.

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BB Gandanghari has a lover in the US but says he broke his promise to visit her this month

BB Gandanghari had been mum about her relationship status for the longest time, but she was in such a good mood at a recent press conference that she finally opened up about having left her heart in the States.
“Magde-deny sana ako,” BB said with a laugh. “Magaling siyang magluto,” she said of her boyfriend.
And?
“Baka nga wala na kami,” she quipped.  “At a time like this, when you feel so pressured (at work), you just want somebody to be there, na makakausap mo.”
Love is bound to disappoint, be it in relationships that are unconventional or otherwise. The guy in question had promised to join BB here in Manila this month but didn’t make good on his word.
“I was really expecting na darating siya ng Feb, pero hindi nangyari so medyo na-disappoint ako. Mahirap mag-expect tapos hindi mangyayari,” she said.
Good thing that there is her second foray into theater to think about and occupy her time, something that does not disappoint like lovers that fall short on their promises.
In this latest restaging of “Halik Ng Tarantula,” adapted from the film and Broadway versions of “Kiss of the Spider Woman” by famous novelist Manuel Puig, BB plays both Molina, a persecuted gay inmate, and Irena, the spiderwoman, originally played by Sonia Braga in the film version and Vanessa Williams in the Broadway musical version.

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Nine Inch Nails to go back on road after reinventing itself

LOS ANGELES – Industrial rock group Nine Inch Nails is planning to hit the road again for a world tour after reinventing itself and adding new musicians.
Founder Trent Reznor, who took a hiatus after the band’s “Wave Goodbye” tour in 2009, told music website Pitchfork.com on Monday that the band is “reinventing itself from scratch.”
Reznor said in a statement that bass player Eric Avery, formerly of Jane’s Addiction, King Crimson guitarist Adrian Belew and Josh Eustis of electronic act Telefon Tel Aviv would join him in the revamped venture, along with previous collaborators Alessandro Cortini and drummer Ilan Rubin.
“I was working with Adrian Belew on some musical ideas, which led to some discussion on performing, which led to some beard-scratching, which (many steps later) led to the decision to re-think the idea of what Nine Inch Nails could be, and the idea of playing a show,” Reznor told Pitchfork.

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‘Zero Dark Thirty’ fails at Oscars amid political fallout

LOS ANGELES – “Zero Dark Thirty,” about the decade-long U.S. hunt for Osama bin Laden, has received more attention in the U.S. Congress than it did at the Oscars on Sunday, amid political fallout over its depiction of torture and alleged intelligence leaks to the movie’s makers.
The film, which has sparked outrage among both Democrats and Republicans in Washington over its depiction of torture, and allegations that the Obama administration leaked classified intelligence to help the making of the film, won no major Oscars on Sunday and only one award overall.
Just three months ago, the thriller, which culminates in Osama bin Laden’s killing by U.S. Navy Seals, was a strong contender to pick up the biggest prize of Best Picture, as well as the Best Actress and Original Screenplay awards.
By the end of Sunday night, however, it had picked up just one award — a shared Oscar for Sound Editing, which was a tie.
In recent weeks, the movie has seen a fierce backlash over its implied message that torture helped crack the bin Laden case.
Early signs of trouble came in mid-December when leading U.S. Senators Dianne Feinstein and Carl Levin, both Democrats, and John McCain, the Republicans’ 2008 presidential candidate, sent a letter to movie studio Sony Pictures, castigating the film.
They called the film “grossly inaccurate and misleading” for suggesting torture helped the U.S. track the al Qaeda leader to a Pakistani compound, where he was killed in 2011.
Three weeks later, the film’s director, Kathryn Bigelow, was omitted from the Oscar’s Best Director shortlist, chosen by about 5,800 movie industry professionals who make up the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Bigelow was one of only four big directors to be snubbed while the film did receive five Oscar nominations.
In January, Los Angeles Times film critic Kenneth Turan pointed the finger at Washington, writing: “Chalk up this year’s nominations as a victory for the bullying power of the United States Senate and an undeserved loss for Kathryn Bigelow.”
Even on Oscar morning, the film woke to unwelcome headlines. The relatives of a flight attendant who died in the September 11, 2001 terror attacks criticized the film for using a recording of her last call before her American Airlines plane struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center.
Harry Ong, the brother of the flight attendant, Betty Ann Ong, called the film “just outrageous.”
Republicans in Washington have been particularly critical of the film, alleging that it was used to help the re-election prospects of U.S. President Barack Obama, and that it revealed national security secrets.
Other victims of the September 11 attacks have voiced support for the film as did departing U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta.
Before Sunday’s Oscars, Rotten Tomatoes editor-in-chief Matt Atchity said: “Controversial movies suffer with Academy voters. I think ‘Zero Dark Thirty’ will have a tough time winning Best Picture because I think the Academy is going to go with less controversial choices.”

source: interaksyon

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Netizens believe Anne Curtis had no undies in birthday number on ‘ASAP’

The online discussions regarding the show-stopping number by Anne Curtis on “ASAP 18” on Sunday have already shifted from the obvious question of whether or not she was wearing any underwear underneath the high-slit black gown she wore on her production number of Rihanna’s “Diamonds”.
Although many have given their thumbs up to the sizzling song number, not a few people were left wondering if the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board should step in and impose the same sanctions they had imposed on “Party Pilipinas” early this month.
When he first assumed the position of MTRCB chairman last October, Atty. Eugenio “Toto” Villareal told InterAksyon that the regulatory body is very strict when it conducts the post-telecast reviews of live shows. “If there are violations then there will be sanctions but due process is always strictly observed in such cases,” he vowed.
In the case of “Party Pilipinas”, the MTRCB found enough grounds to place the show on a six-month probation following a “sexually charged” dance number on its January 27 broadcast in which Lovi Poe and Rocco Nacino simulated the sex act on a propped-up bed and also while suspended by a mobile harness several feet above the stage.
While Anne Curtis’ number is not exactly in the same league, it was nonetheless quite provocative as she also got drenched in fake rain showers towards the end of the song. All throughout, the birthday girl had her fans wondering if all she had under her gown was her birthday suit.

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Manny Pacquiao, Cesar Montano Join Hands To Knock Out Hunger

MANILA, Philippines - Aiming to eradicate world hunger is Manny Pacquiao, who recently signed up as Asian Ambassador for Global Village Champions Foundation (GVCF), a non-profit organization providing meals for the needy all over the world.
Also a congressman of Sarangani, the popular pugilist dubbed as the "Pambansang Kamao," recently met with officials of the group including GVCF founder and chairman Yank Barry who flew to the country to personally oversee the distribution of relief goods for the victims of Typhoon Pablo last year.
GVCF are getting ready to provide over 2 million meals in aid to two provinces considered hardest struck by the typhoon: Sarangani and Compostela Valley.
Contrary to popular belief, the problems caused by the typhoon continue to be felt in the region with Barry himself acknowledging that it might take years before the people in the area could recover from the devastation wrought by the calamity.
"I don't think the world understands the long term effects of the devastation that happened here," said Barry during a recent press conference. "It's going to take some time and it's a worry that some people don't even realize this."
Also joining Barry in his efforts is celebrity socialite Tessa Prieto Valdes and action star Cesar Montano who candidly confessed to being "in the dark" on the actual havoc caused by the destructive tropical storm.

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Vice Vows To Help Ryan With Tax Case

MANILA, Philippines – Like a parent to the rescue, Vice Ganda has pledged to assist Ryan Bang in resolving his tax case with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).
In a letter he sent to “Kris TV,” which host Kris Aquino read during its Feb. 27 episode, Vice said:
“Ryan always remember that you are special to me and I love you more than my boyfriend. Thanks for loving me like your real nanay. I will always be there for you. You may lose everything but you will never lose me and stop being jealous ‘cause I will never trade you for any guy. I love you baby.
“P.S. I will help you pay your utang to BIR because I love you. Love, Nanay Vice.”
Ryan appeared on the show along with his “Banana Split” and “Banana Nite” co-stars John Prats, Jason Gainza, and Pooh.
Note that last month, BIR filed a P1.8 million tax evasion case against the 21-year-old Korean comedian after he failed to register as well as file his income tax returns for 2010 and 2011. For his part, Ryan has expressed his willingness to sort this issue out with BIR the soonest, as well as to even personally apologize to them for his unintended shortcoming.
Ryan, who’s parents reside in Korea, looked teary-eyed while delivering a thank-you message for Vice.
“Siyempre Nanay Vice, I love you so much, alam na alam mo 'yon. Siyempre maraming salamat. Kahit anong problema dumarating sa akin, tutulungan mo sa akin. Maraming salamat. I love you so much alam mo ‘yan,” said he.
Kris likewise offered Ryan an advice in the same episode.
"Invest in a good accountant. Importante talaga 'yon  Maayos, malinis, kasi lalo na tayo na napaka-high profile (na tao)," said the Queen of All Media.

source: manila bulletin

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Pinoy Fans Touch ‘Pretty Little Liars’ Star’s Heart

MANILA, Philippines – Troian Bellisario, one of the four women leads on “Pretty Little Liars (PLL)”, may have her set of expectations about the Philippines from her two cast mates Lucy Hale and Fil-Canadian actress Shay Mitchell, but she certainly must not have expected to turn emotional during, of all things, a press conference.
Hosted by ETC, Troian sat with select members of the media where she said her co-star told her “awesome things” about the Philippines. “They told me that the fans are amazing, which is really cool. And just that I’m gonna have a blast, and that is totally right up my alley. There’s beautiful beaches, there’s beautiful things to see and people are warm and kind, and that it’s just some place that I couldn’t miss – so I’m here!”
It was, however, at the tail end of the get-together that a handful of her fans, the Bellisarians, were ushered into the room and it was then that things turned rather sweet and emotional.
“This is the day when I can finally say that dreams do come true,” a fan read the letter they brought her onstage. “Because now, the woman that we all admire is inches away from us… Who would have thought that we’re here staring at this gorgeous angel right now,” she continued.
Standing beside her, Troian’s eyes welled up, and she touched the fan’s arm when the latter faltered, nearly in tears as well. “Troian, we would like to thank you for spending time with us. This day is priceless; it’s incomparable. Seeing your smile and your laugh makes our hearts melt. We will always support you and love you all the way.”

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Angelica Cries Foul Over Detractors

MANILA, Philippines – While Angelica Panganiban has seemingly mastered the art of handling controversies, having weathered big ones in the past, she still can’t help but feel dismayed at people who fabricate negative stories against her.
There have been times when she has to trip the fine line between merely defending herself and appearing “guilty” to others in doing so.
“Mahirap po kasi na kaming mga artista… Wala ho kaming ibang ginawa kundi bigyan kayo ng entertainment... ‘Yung ibang tao naman walang ibang ginawa kundi mangalkal nang mangalkal ng baho ng mga iba’t-ibang mga tao para siraan sila, para pabagsakin ‘yung career nila, ‘yung pinaghihirapan nila,” she told “Bandila” on Tuesday night.
Noting that loved ones of any celebrity are also affected by such malicious intrigues, Angelica added, “Nakakalungkot din kasi ‘yung mga tao ‘pag may nabasang gano’n hindi naman na sila mag-iisip na ‘Totoo ba ‘to? Hindi ba ‘to totoo?’

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Carla Abellana on Geoff Eigenmann: 'He is special that way na lumalakas ako dahil sa kanya'

Hindi man naging romantic ang Valentine’s date ng magkasintahang Carla Abellana at Geoff Eigenmann last Thursday, February 14, nag-iwan naman ito ng marka sa Kapuso actress.

Sa interview ng PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) kay Carla sa backstage ng Party Pilipinas last Sunday, February 17, sa GMA-7 studios, ikinuwento niya kung ano ang ginawa ng kasintahan para sa kanya.

Aniya, “Yun yung part na nagbigay ng flowers si Geoff.

“Kasi, hindi lang ako ang binigyan niya kundi yung sister ko rin, saka yung mom ko, binigyan rin niyan…so yung special."

VALENTINE’S HANG OUT. Paano naman sila nag-celebrate ng Valentine’s?

“May bago kasing bukas na spa si Geoff at yung co-management niya.

“So, doon ako nag-spent ng Valentine’s date ko. Isang buong hapon ako doon nagpamasahe, facial, nails...

“Tapos noong gabi… nagbago yung plans namin ni Geoff kasi last minute nag-decide yung restaurant na kakainan namin.

“Na-cancel yung reservation namin, na-cancel yung plans namin na supposedly magdi-dinner kami that night.

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Savages showing exclusively at Ayala Malls

MANILA, Philippines - Three-time Oscar-winning filmmaker Oliver Stone returns to the big screen with the ferocious thriller Savages, featuring the all-star ensemble cast of Taylor Kitsch, Blake Lively, Aaron Johnson, John Travolta, Benecio del Toro, Salma Hayek, Emile Hirsch and Demian Bichir. The film is based on Don Winslow’s best-selling crime novel that was named one of The New York Times’ Top 10 Books of 2010.
Savages will be shown exclusively at Ayala Malls Cinemas starting today. Moviegoers can catch it at Glorietta 4, Greenbelt 3, Trinoma, Alabang Town Center and Market! Market!.
In the film, Laguna Beach entrepreneurs, Ben (Johnson), a peaceful and charitable Buddhist, and his closest friend Chon (Kitsch), a former Navy SEAL and ex-mercenary, run a lucrative, homegrown industry — raising some of the best marijuana ever developed. They also share a one-of-a-kind love with the extraordinary beauty Ophelia (Lively). Life is idyllic in their Southern California town until the Mexican Baja Cartel decides to move in and demands that the trio partners with them.

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Valerie Weigmann is Derek Ramsay’s new love interest on ‘Kidlat’

Things are heating up on “Kidlat”.
TV’s most popular primetime superhero (Derek Ramsay) may have lost his first love Lara (Nadine Samonte) to her current comatose state but just when Joey (Ritz Azul) is beginning to warm up to his alter ego, Voltaire, in comes another mysterious woman who is dead set on coming between Kidlat and his current object of affection.
That mystery woman is Natasha, a sassy and sophisticated fashion designer from South Africa who will be later revealed as the villainess Enigma.

Played by 21-year old Filipino-German “Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition” alumna Valerie Weigmann, the witchcraft-practicing Enigma is the latest evil character to join Kidlat’s increasing rogues gallery.
Though a little nervous to be part of a successful series, Valerie admits that she’s more than excited to meet everyone—particularly her new leading man.
“Excited at kahit paano kinabahan din ako. I’ve heard so many good things about Derek, like how he’s a gentleman. And it’s true, napakabait n’ya at very supportive to everyone. He’s easy to work with and we also got a chance to talk on the set kasi he has also been to Germany,” Valerie said during the press conference that introduced Enigma and the other new villains of the series, namely Warla (Paolo Ballesteros), Frosta (Shaira Mae) and Fuego (Mark Neumann).

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Oscar ‘losers’ to go home with $45,000 gift bags

LOS ANGELES – Oscar nominees who don’t end up with a coveted gold statuette at the Academy Awards on Sunday won’t go home empty handed after all.
Los Angeles-based marketing firm Distinctive Assets will be handing out its annual “Everyone Wins at the Oscars Nominee Gift Bag”, valued at more than $45,000, to the talented and well-dressed “losers,” the company said on Tuesday.
Among the items in the gift bags, known as swag bags, are trips to Australia, Hawaii and Mexico, personal training sessions, condoms, a bottle of tequila, hand-illustrated tennis shoes, appointments for injectable fillers and ‘portion-controlled’ dinnerware for those watching their figure, Distinctive Assets said in a statement.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which hands out the Oscars, stopped its practice of giving gift baskets to presenters and performers in 2007 after the practice came under closer scrutiny from U.S. tax authorities.
Celebrities who receive gifts and free trips at awards shows are expected to declare them to the Inland Revenue Service as income and pay the appropriate taxes.
The Distinctive Assets gift bag is not endorsed by the Academy but has been creating consolation goodie bags for 11 years now. The bags are delivered to the losing nominees to their homes directly or through their agents or publicists.

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Anne Curtis admits ‘It’s Showtime’ was ‘rattled’ by ‘Wowowillie’

No, there is no truth to earlier reports (not on InterAksyon) that “It’s Showtime” is going off the air anytime soon.
One of the show’s main attractions, Anne Curtis, however, has admitted that the cast and crew of the ABS-CBN variety show were “rattled” by the recent entry of TV5’s “Wowowillie” into the hotly contested daily noontime slot.
“We all met about it. Of course, we were rattled. There are more different shows for people to watch now and everything,” Anne said in response to a question posed by InterAksyon during Tuesday night’s launch of Century Tuna’s “No Other Tuna” campaign that features her as its sole endorser.
“All of us agreed not to take the competition to our hearts and our minds because that will only get us stressed. Our focus right now is to maintain the magic of the show, what works for us, ‘yung kulitan, the camaraderie and the fun factor and all,” the 28-year-old actress said.
Anne pointed out that as far as she is concerned, the market of the three different shows are not the same, so she sees no need for a major revamp or reformatting of “It’s Showtime”.
“We gradually add different elements to the show as we go along but for most part, we’re just doing what we do best and that is to make a lot of people happy and it works. I did notice that we have a lot more younger people in our audience so maybe what we need to work on some more is how we can relate to the older viewers,” she acknowledged.

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Markki Stroem takes dark, sexy route with coveted lead role in Cinemalaya entry

In an old Inquirer.com story, singer-actor Markki Stroem was asked if he preferred to be a matinee idol or a sex symbol.
His reply was instant and confident. “I like variety,” Stroem pointed out. “I don’t think I’ll be a good matinee idol, because I don’t like the pakilig or pa-cute style. I like dark themes. I have no qualms about being a sex symbol. Sexy is a good brand!”
In the dramatic epic “Amor Y Muerte” (Spanish for “Love and Death”), one of the official entries in the Director’s Showcase category of this year’s Cinemalaya in July, Markki Stroem gets a chance to flex his acting muscles and play dark and sexy.
The “Pilipinas Got Talent” Season 1 finalist leads the cast of “Amor Y Muerte”, which also marks the directorial comeback of veteran entertainment editor and filmmaker Cesar “Ces” Evangelista.
The two other main leads of the independent production are Althea Vega and Gino Quintana, who have both appeared in several indie films. “Amor Y Muerte” is actually Markki’s second indie effort after his hilarious portrayal of a transvestite in last year’s Cinema One Originals entry, “Slumber Party”.
In the auditions alone, Markki already left a good impression. A production insider told us of the screen tyro: “Very professional, alam niya ang needs ng role, pero go-go-go siya, a real artist.”
From the get-go, the creative team behind “Amor Y Muerte” made no secret of the requirements from those who wished to vie for the roles of the three main characters – it called for the actors to go au naturel.

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Lovi feels happy despite loveless state

HAPPY si Lovi Poe na nag-celebrate ng kanyang  birthday recently dahil pagkatapos ng Yesterday’s Bride, na nag-number one sa afternoon soap ng GMA 7, may kasunod agad siyang  bagong soap, ang unang tambalan nila ni Richard Gutierrez para sa evening prime time ng network. May tentative na working title na The Cure.

Bale ngayon lang sila totohanang mag-love team ni Richard. Although noong nagsisimula si Lovi noon ay nakasama  sa soap ni Richard na Captain  Barbell.

Matatapos ngayong week ang Yesterday’s Bride na unang solo love team nina Lovi at Rocco Nacino. Maraming humanga sa tambalan ng dalawa.

Kinikilala ngayon sa GMA sina Lovi at Rocco bilang new breed of dramatic stars.

Sa movie, malapit nang mapanood si Lovi sa pelikulang idinirek ni Joel Lamangan sa Regal Films, ang The Bride and the Lover kung saan kasama niya sina Jennylyn Mercado at Paulo Avelino.

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Indie Band To Continue Lawsuit Vs CN Blue, Agency

MANILA, Philippines - Indie band Crying Nut will not withdraw its copyright infringement lawsuit against boy band CN Blue and its agency FNC Entertainment stemming from the use of one of its songs on a TV show and DVD without permission.
In June 2010, CN Blue performed Crying Nut's "Deadly Offside" on music show Mnet "M! Countdown." The TV performance was included in a DVD released in Japan.
Last week, Crying Nut filed a 40 million won (P1.5 million) lawsuit against CN Blue and FNC Entertainment for copyright infringement.
FNC Entertainment said it was "M! Countdown" which made the request for CN Blue to perform the song
Mnet has admitted its fault and said that it paid Crying Nut last year for the use of the song. It apologized to Crying Nut and CN Blue.
FNC has also apologized to Crying Nut on behalf of CN Blue.
In a statement, FNC Entertainment said, "We would like to express our utmost regret on the recent happenings involving CN Blue. We admit without excuses that it was the agency’s fault for sending our artists to the stage without fully checking the audio files due to the urgency of a live broadcast," according to ENewsWorld.
"We would like to sincerely apologize on behalf of the members to the Crying Nut party, who has been troubled through the series of recent events. We deeply sympathize with problems that arose in this situation and promise to make sure this will not happen again in the future. However, concerning the DVD, as several new media and the broadcast station have been saying, we would like to once again state that the company did not participate in the commercial production," the agency said.
But despite the apology and compensation it got, Crying Nut will not back down and will proceed with the lawsuit.

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Matteo Guidicelli Gearing For Xterra 2013

MANILA, Philippines - If it's just about mind over matter then Matteo Guidicelli should be able to finish and win in the Vaseline Men XTERRA Off-road Triathlon on March 2, 2013 at Liloan, Cebu, but he fears not being physically prepared for it.
Matteo's aim is to qualify again for the 2013 XTERRA World Championships in Maui, Hawaii, which is only possible if he would be part of the top age group finishers vying for 40 slots.
"I hope to qualify again. I'm getting scared na because training ko hindi pa masyado dahil sa mga tapings ko for 'Paraiso.' Maraming araw na walang tulog kaya hindi pwedeng itodo," shared Matteo.
He added that if he is training on the day after a taping, he must get sleep for at least eight hours.
The Vaseline Men XTERRA Championship in Cebu will kick-off with two triathlon events on March 2 - the XTERRA Lite (a 500-meter swim, 20-kilometer bike and a 5-kilometer run) and the XTERRA Philippines Championship (a 1.5-kilometer swim, 35-kilometer bike and a 10-kilometer run).
The Vaseline Men XTERRA event will end with a trail run on March 3, in three demanding courses in 21, 10 and 5-kilometer distances for both the male and female categories. The top age group finishers for the 21K trail run will qualify for the world championships for the XTERRA Trail Run 2013 also in Hawaii.

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Jessica Sanchez New Twitter 'Millionaire'

MANILA, Philippines - Fans are now waiting for Jessica Sanchez to fulfill her promise of a "video chat conference" now that the singer has reached a million followers on Twitter.
The teen diva is the first "AI" contestant from the show's last season to have reached the cyber milestone with 1,000,735 followers as of Feb 20.
She is now way ahead of season 11 winner Phillip Phillips, who , as
of this writing, still only has 584,607 followers.
Sanchez made the "video chat conference" promise some weeks ago, seemingly with the intent of egging followers to help her achieve the goal.
The past week, Sanchez trended in the Philippines and worldwide as her fans started the campaign with the hashtags "#JayTo1Million" and "#FollowJessicaSanchez."
Obviously grateful for the support, Sanchez recently tweeted followers of her eagerness to follow up on her pledge.

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Kim Chiu: Why Would I Walk Out?

MANILA, Philippines – Kim Chiu belied talks that she walked out of the set of her drama series “Ina, Kapatid, Anak” after shooting an intense confrontation scene with estranged best friend Maja Salvador.
The young actress told “Umagang Kay Ganda” Wednesday that she did leave the set, but only because they’ve already wrapped up the shoot.
“Hindi naman ako nag-walk out. Bakit naman ako magwo-walk out kung ‘di pa tapos? Tapusin natin tsaka tayo umalis,” she maintained.
With the events in the series seemingly mirroring her supposed tiff with Maja, Kim laughed off notions that they’re not really “acting” in those confrontation scenes.
“‘Wag na lang nating pag-usapan ‘yon. Okay na ‘yon,” the 22-year-old Kapamilya star curtly said.
Personal tensions aside, Kim said she and Maja simply follow what’s on the script and deliver what’s required for their scenes.
She'd rather keep a positive perspective of the situation as well.
“Ang sa’kin, mahalin ko nalang ‘yung trabaho ko and mamahalin din naman ako ng trabaho ko. Tsaka ‘wag na munang isipin ‘yung personal na buhay. Ang mahalaga ‘yung nagpapasaya kami ng mga tao,” said the chinita actress.

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Bon Jour, 'Aparisyon'

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino independent film “Aparisyon” (international title “Apparition”) is set to compete in France for the 15th Deauville Asian Film Festival.
As posted on the film’s website, “Aparisyon” by Filipino director Vincent Sandoval has been selected as one of seven feature films in competition for the festival’s March 6 to 10, 2013 run. The horror film is nominated for the Lotus d’Or (Golden Lotus) Award for Best Picture. Sandoval will be in attendance, announced the website.
Starring Jodi Sta. Maria, Mylene Dizon, Raquel Villavicencio, and Fides Cuyugan-Asensio, “Aparisyon” follows the story of secluded nuns set in the pre-Martial Law era.
The festival programmer’s notes on “Aparisyon,” as posted on Deauville Asian Film Festival’s website, read “APPARITION offers a profound reflection on sin, guilt and faith, rooted in a specific historical and political context highlighted by the sophistication of the staging.”
It also commended “Filipino filmmaker based in New York” Sandoval, who “founded in 2009 IndioBravo Film Foundation, which allows the American public to discover the Philippine independent cinema. The same year, he wrote, directed and starred in his first short film, SENORITA, screened at many international festivals, including Cannes and Vancouver.”
Brillante Mendoza’s “Thy Womb” is only the other Filipino film in the festival’s official selection, which will be screening outside of competition.

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Sunshine drops Montano surname on Twitter

MANILA, Philippines - Following her recent marital troubles with her husband, actress Sunshine Cruz changed her account name on Twitter.
Cruz is now using the Twitter handle @sunshinecruz77 from the previous @shinemontano after her husband, actor Cesar Montano, allegedly "re-gifted" her presents to starlet Krista Miller.
"Yes!" Cruz told one of her followers if she is now using her screen name on Twitter.
The actress also took to Twitter to be thankful for the showbiz projects that are now being offered to her.
"So blessed to have 4 teleserye offers. WOW!:) It would be selfish of me to complain or mourn. God is faithful! HE prepared so much good things for me and my children," she wrote.
Last year, Cruz made a guest appearance on ABS-CBN's hit daytime soap"Be Careful With My Heart".

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Gloc-9 hopes to collaborate with Regine

MANILA, Philippines -- After collaborating with artists such as Ebe Dancel and Billy Crawford on his acclaimed album, "Mga Kwento ng Makata," rapper Gloc-9 hopes to continue working with other artists.
"Madami pa po (akong gusto makatrabaho). Lagi kong sinasabi na kapag nakakasama ko ang isang artist sa kanta ibig sabihin ako ay tagahanga. Ang dami kong artist na hinahangaan at sana ay dumating na makapagtrabaho kami," he told ABS-CBNnews.com in an interview on Monday afternoon after the rapper received eight nominations for this year's MYX Music Awards.
One of these artists is singer Regine Velasquez, especially after he performed his hit single "Sirena" with the veteran belter at Velasquez's "Silver" concert last January.
"Noong ginawa ko yung 'Sirena' with Regine Velasquez sa kanyang 'Silver' concert repeat, isa 'yon siguro sa pinakamapupuwesto kong highlights ng performing career ko. I'd be very honored to do collaborate with her someday," he said.
Considered as one of the best rappers in the country, Gloc-9 topped the 2013 MYX Music Awards nominations, mostly for "Sirena" which is up for Favorite Song and Favorite Music Video.
"Lagi ko pong sinasabi na ako po ay thankful dahil alam ko na nare-recognized nila ang trabaho namin. 'Yun palang ay panalo na para sa akin," he said.
Asked if he feels pressure to bring home the awards, the rapper said: "Honestly hindi namin siya tini-treat as pressure kasi sinasabi ko sa nominations pa lang ay panalo na. Anything after the nominations eh bonus na. Basta ini-enjoy lang namin talaga," he said.
Gloc-9 admitted that he never expected that his song "Sirena," which he recorded with Dancel, will be welcomed and accepted by Filipinos.
As such, the rapper believes it doesn't feel right to do another song along the same lines just to score another hit.
"Mayroon akong rule every time I write a song na 'you never force music.' Sa tingin ko kung 'yun ang magiging basehan ko sa pagsulat ng kanta, na gumawa ng follow-up sa 'Sirena,' ay medyo impure na siya," he explained.

source: abs-cbn news

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Nikki Gil looks forward to more acting projects

MANILA, Philippines -- After several years in show business, it seems actress-singer Nikki Gil has finally been bitten by the acting bug.
Encouraged by her well-praised performance in the primetime series "Apoy Sa Dagat," as well as in the stage musical "They're Playing Our Song," Gil said she is now itching to do more acting projects.
"I recently discovered na gusto ko siya. Ngayon masasabi ko na mahal ko pala ang acting, whether it be sa teleserye o sa teater. Gusto ko pala siya, mahal ko pala siya. Nag-aaral ako for it, nagre-research ako for it so sana ay mabigyan pa ng isang pagkakataon," said Gil, who played the young Odessa in "Apoy Sa Dagat," now being played by Angel Aquino.
Gil said she really enjoyed taping for the drama series.
"Sa isang banda parang background lang kami. Parang kailangan naming i-establish kung saan nanggaling sila Rebecca, Serena at sila Ruben. Pero sobrang ganda ng kwento ng 'Apoy Sa Dagat.' Kaya kung natuwa sila sa first part ay mas mahu-hook sila sa mga susunod na araw," she explained.
But at the same time, she said, "Malungkot ako kasi nag-enjoy ako na katrabaho sila. Kahit mabigat ang kwento ay ang saya ng set sobrang gaan kaya sobrang nalungkot ako pero I learned so much and I'm so excited for the rest of the story."

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PhilPop 2013: Looking for new songwriters

MANILA, Philippines - The illustrious Philippine Popular Music Festival songwriting competition is ecstatic about its second run this year. It has been accepting entries via its website www.philpop.com.ph until Feb. 28.
Last year, Filipinos from here and about 100 other cities around the world submitted their songs to PhilPop with the hope of being one of the Top 14 finalists and bagging the P1M grand prize. More than the prize, to be counted as one of the 14 among thousands of entries submitted is definitely something to be proud of.
Behind this endeavor is the PhilPop Musicfest Foundation Inc., a group led by Manuel V. Pangilinan as its chairman and steered by maestro Ryan Cayabyab who stands as the executive director. Other members of the board are Ogie Alcasid and Noel Cabangon, who lend their time and influence and steer the foundation towards a direction that will certainly uplift the Filipino music industry and aid in nation building by pushing forth the country’s musical identity.

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Hayop sa gimmicks

MANILA, Philippines - Joey de Leon has tried doing different shows on TV. At present, he has the long-running daily noontime show, Eat Bulaga and the weekly showbiz-oriented program, Startalk, both on GMA 7. On TV5, he is seen as occasional judge in the talent search, Talentadong Pinoy.
Recently, Joey started hosting a weekly primetime show about animals with Hayop sa Galing, which airs Saturdays at 8 p.m. on TV5. This time, he provides interesting information about different animals, complete with footage of animal incidents and interesting trivia.
Joey asks questions about animals to be answered by guest celebrities every episode. For the pilot, Ritz Azul and Martin Escudero joined Joey at Avilon Zoo, which is, so far, the weekly setting for the show.
The program asks informative trivia questions in Hayop sa Tanong. Before Lolong, what country was the biggest crocodile seen? The answer is Australia. Lolong measured 20 feet while the crocodile seen in Australia only measured 18 feet. However, Lolong already died second week of February, still of an unknown cause.
The show also gives information about animal events, animals that got into trouble, incidents involving animals and humans. Interestingly, there are many animals featured in the show like elephants, whales, crocodiles, kangaroos, bears, horses, bulls and even snakes.
What do you call the maneuver of a crocodile when it eats alive its prey? Death roll. How many times can a sea snake mate? Ten years. What snake can fly? Southeast Asian tree snake.

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‘Zero Dark Thirty’, ‘Argo’ win top Writers Guild Awards

LOS ANGELES – U.S. film and television writers gave their top two movie awards on Sunday to “Zero Dark Thirty” and “Argo” in the final Hollywood guild awards show before next week’s Oscars.
Writer Mark Boal won the Writers Guild of America award for Best Original Screenplay for “Zero Dark Thirty,” which chronicles the intense U.S. manhunt and daring raid that killed al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden.
Asked backstage what message he hoped to send to audiences with the film, Boal said: “I think (director Kathryn Bigelow) said it best when she said she wanted to shine a light on a dark decade. I don’t know that I could put it any better than that.”
“Argo,” about the Hollywood-assisted rescue of American hostages in Iran during the 1979 revolution, earned writer Chris Terrio WGA’s trophy for Best Adapted Screenplay.
“I’ve never actually won a call-your-name award before,” an overwhelmed Terrio said backstage at the awards.
The WGA awards gave the winning films a last boost in the race for the Oscars, the world’s top film honors, because many guild members also belong to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences that hands out the Oscars on February 24.
The guild gave a special nod to “Lincoln,” honoring screen writer Tony Kushner with a special award recognizing work that embodies the spirit of civil rights and liberties. “Lincoln,” a drama about President Abraham Lincoln’s fight to abolish slavery, was up against “Argo” for WGA’s Best Adapted Screenplay.
“Argo” and “Lincoln” are considered front-runners for this year’s Best Picture Oscar, although “Argo” recently has taken a slight edge after also nabbing the top prize from both the director and producer guilds, which each have strong records of predicting Oscar winners.
“Searching for Sugar Man” writer-director Malik Bendjelloul nabbed the WGA award for documentary screenwriting.
“Breaking Bad” won for Best TV Drama Series and the writers of “Louie” claimed the prize for TV Comedy Series. “Girls” was named for Best New TV Series.

source: interaksyon

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Regine Velasquez on Ogie Alcasid’s possible transfer to TV5: ‘I will support him’

Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez treated guests at the launch party for PLDT Fibr on Monday night to a showcase of her soaring vocals. The event is just one of many Regine is expected to grace in her capacity as a PLDT-Smart endorser.
With PLDT and TV5 chairman Manny V. Pangilinan watching in appreciation, Regine could not avoid answering questions about her husband Ogie Alcasid’s reported negotiations for a possible transfer to TV5 from GMA.
“Kung saan masaya asawa ko I will support him… siyempre!” she said.
The singer-actress, a long-time GMA talent, saw no problems with the prospect of Ogie and her working for separate TV networks.
“Ako, siyempre sa Kapuso pa rin ako. Okay lang naman ‘yun,” she remarked.
Regine acknowledged the support of Smart and PLDT for her concerts, including her two “Silver” major solo concerts and the “Foursome” Valentine concert she and Ogie had with Martin Nievera and Pops Fernandez.

 

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Singer Fergie says she and actor Josh Duhamel expecting baby

LOS ANGELES – The Black Eyed Peas singer Fergie said on Monday that she and her husband, actor Josh Duhamel, are expecting a baby.
“Josh & Me & BABY makes three!!!,” she tweeted. She also posted photos of herself and her husband as toddlers.
It is the first child for the couple married in 2009.
Duhamel, 40, appeared in the “Transformers” movies and stars this year in the film “Safe Haven.”
Fergie, 37, whose real name is Stacy Ferguson, joined The Black Eyed Peas in 2002 for their third album, “Elephunk,” which proved to be a huge commercial success.

source:   interaksyon

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History alive and kicking at this year’s Oscars

LOS ANGELES – History is alive and kicking at this year’s Oscars in an unusually rich year for movies that plumb the distant and recent American past and have resonated with both audiences and voters.
Four of the nine Best Picture nominees at Sunday’s Academy Awards ceremony — Iran hostage drama “Argo,” Osama bin Laden thriller “Zero Dark Thirty,” slavery revenge fantasy “Django Unchained” and U.S. presidential drama “Lincoln” — are the most discussed films of the awards season, with their very different takes on historical events.
“It’s an interesting year for thought-provoking movies that have a semblance of reality. Some look to where we come from and where we are going, and they get people thinking,” said Pete Hammond, awards columnist for entertainment industry website Deadline.com.
It’s a sharp contrast with 2012 when the silent film comedy “The Artist” was embraced by the 6,000 members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences as a love letter to old Hollywood.
This time, terrorism, slavery, war, politics and the CIA take center stage in films that try to make sense of calamitous times for the United States and draw lessons for the future.

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Marian laughs off Dennis ‘hardness’

TALAGANG tirahin pa rin si Marian Rivera lalo na nga’t patuloy ang pamamayagpag ng kanyang Temptation of Wife na pinatutumba lahat ng mga katapat na programa, huh!

Ang latest na tsismis kay Marian ay ang diumano pagwu-walk out niya sa set ng TOW. Hindi raw niya nagustuhan ang script ng episode na iti-tape na sinulat ng headwriter.

Sad to say, imbento lang pala ’yung walk out na ’yon, huh! Ayon sa executive producer ng show, laging happy raw sa script si Yan-Yan at walang negatibong sinasabi ang Primetime Queen!

Imbes na maaapektuhan ng tsismis, tinatawanan na lang ito ni Marian. Gaya ng eksenang nasilipan niya si Dennis Trillo sa kinunan nilang eksena. Kasi naman, sa episode, sinusuyo ni Dennis bilang Marcel si Marian bilang Angeline.

Eh, galing sa banyo si Dennis at tuwalya lang ang nakatakip sa bukol niya. Pero bago ang take, biglang natanggal ang tapis ng aktor sa harap ni Marian kaya sa halip na magitla sa nakitang bukol, humalakhak na lang ang aktres sa nangyari.

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Aiza resigns from show directly competing with ‘Eat Bulaga’

AIZA Seguerra is a mainstay in “Be Careful with My Heart” playing the role of Jodi Sta. Maria’s lesbian sister who had a child after one drunken night with Tom Rodriguez. When the show was re-scheduled by ABS-CBN to be a direct competitor of GMA7’s “Eat Bulaga,” Aiza decided to resign from “Be Careful” even if she enjoys being a part of it.

“Respeto na lang sa ‘Eat Bulaga’ kasi diyan ako nagsimula sa Little Miss Philippines hanggang maging regular ako sa show noong kabataan ko,” she says. “Diyan ako lumaki at malaki ang utang na loob ko kina Bossing Vic Sotto na isinama pa ako sa ‘Okay Ka Fairy Ko’ on at later sa mga pelikula niya. Walang Aiza ngayon kung hindi dahil sa ‘Eat Bulaga’. I’m glad na naiintindihan naman ng ABS ang reason sa pagre-resign ko.”

Aiza is still busy with her singing career. After her hit performance as the genie in “Aladdin”, she’ll next be seen in the repeat of the hit musical from Atlantis Productions, “Rock of Ages,” with Migs Ayesa.

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Pilipinas Got Talent returns to high ratings

MANILA, Philippines – The fourth season of the ABS-CBN hit reality talent show “Pilipinas Got Talent” (PGT) is definitely back with a bang as it secured once again the top spot in the ratings chart nationwide.
Based on the combined urban and rural ratings data from Kantar Media, PGT garnered a national TV rating of 29.6% when it aired its pilot episode last Satuday.
This is way ahead of its rival programs where GMA’s “Watta Job” with 9.7%, and TV5’s “Kanta Pilipinas” with a scant 3.5%.
Furthermore, Kantar Media listed "PGT" as the most-watched program in the whole country on Sunday, hitting a national TV rating of 25.8% against GMA’s “Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho” with 21.9%.
The reality talent show also made it to the worldwide trending topics on Twitter during the airing of its first two episodes.
After three successful seasons, "PGT" is again looking for someone in the country who can wow the judges and the viewers with his/her unique talent.

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Gloc-9, Christian top MYX Awards nominations

MANILA, Philippines – Rapper Gloc-9 continues to reap accolades for his latest album, "Mga Kwento ng Makata," this time at the MYX Music Awards, where he received eight nominations on Monday.
Gloc-9 received the most number of nominations, mostly for his hit single, “Sirena,” which is up for Favorite Song and Favorite Music Video.
Balladeer Christian Bautista scored six nominations, including two for “In Love With You,” a collaboration with fellow Kapamilya singer Angeline Quinto.

Other artists who received multiple nominations were pop singer Julie Anne San Jose, rapper Abra, the bands Never the Strangers and Callalily and the acoustic duo of Krissy & Ericka.
According to the music channel, voting starts on Monday at 5 p.m. Fans can vote through the MYX website at MYXph.com, on Twitter and a soon-to-be-launched MYX Music Awards Facebook app.
Here is the list of nominees:
Favorite Music Video

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Ejay Falcon denies avoiding Robin Padilla

MANILA, Philippines – Actor Ejay Falcon denied that he is avoiding Robin Padilla after his nipped-in-the-bud romance with the action star’s eldest daughter Queenie.
In an interview with “The Buzz” aired on Sunday, the "Pinoy Big Brother" winner said there is no truth to that rumor because he and Padilla still greet each other when they cross paths in ABS-CBN.
Falcon said he also remains friends with Queenie even if their romance did not blossom.
“Yung samin ni Queenie, talagang hanggan doon lang. Magkaibigan naman po kami eh. Napakamarespeto ko kasi sa kanila, lalo na kay Kuya Robin and siyempre kay Queenie,” he said.
Queenie and Falcon first worked together in the movie “Tum: My Pledge of Love,” a Bollywood-style movie directed and starred in by Padilla and his wife, TV host-actress Mariel Rodriguez.
They were also co-stars in the television series “Momay.”

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Iwa Moto three months pregnant with Pampi Lacson's baby

PEP SCOOP: Aksidenteng nakasalubong ng PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) ang aktres na si Iwa Moto sa Alabang Town Center sa Muntinlupa City.

Kasama ni Iwa ang kanyang boyfriend na si Pampi Lacson.

Kapansin-pansin ang umbok sa tiyan ng StarStruck alumna, kaya naman bagamat nagulat nang makita kami ay hindi na nito itinanggi ang tunay na kalagayan niya.

Inamin ni Iwa na tatlong buwan na siyang buntis sa anak nila ni Pampi.

Hindi nagpaunlak ng panayam si Iwa sa PEP dahil, ayon sa kanya, may mga inaayos pa siyang mga bagay-bagay.

Maliban sa pagsagot sa aming katanungan kung ilang buwan na ang tiyan niya ay wala nang iba pang sinabi si Iwa.

Ngunit tiniyak niya sa amin na darating ang takdang panahon na magbibigay siya ng pahayag.

Bagamat matagal na silang nagsasama, kasal pa rin sina Iwa at Pampi sa kani-kanilang mga nakahiwalayang asawa na sina Mickey Ablan at Jodi Sta. Maria.

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Pangarap ni Benjamin Alves, natupad sa bagong teleserye ng GMA-7

Natupad na ang pangarap ni Benjamin Alves na maging abogado kahit sa isang teleserye man lamang.

Gaganap na abogado si Benjamin sa bagong afternoon series ng GMA-7 na Unforgettable, na pagbibidahan nina Kylie Padilla, Mark Herras, at Phillip Salvador.

Sa interview ng PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) kay Benjamin, inisip daw niyang kumuha ng Law pagkatapos ng kolehiyo.

Saad ni Benjamin, “An English degree is really a good degree for pre-law.

“I thought about it… I thought a business law.

"Pero dito pa tayo [sa showbiz] at hindi pinalad na mapunta po ako doon.

“At gusto ng Diyos na nandito po ako sa Pilipinas at mag-showbiz. Yun po."

DREAM CAREER. Natuwa raw si Benjamin nang bigyan siya ng ganitong role sa bago niyang acting project.

“Ang gusto ko po sa ganitong role, never po in my life I’ll be a lawyer anymore.

“So, ah… maganda po siyang gampanan at marami po akong matutunan.

“Kasi po, when you take po any role, pag lawyer ka, lawyer ka sana.

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