Like My Files

Piolo: 'I'm at peace'

2012-02-24T04:52:00.001+08:00

MANILA, Philippines -- Actor Piolo Pascual said he is focusing on the more positive aspects of his life, months after his controversial breakup with actress KC Concepcion.

"Basta dasal and having a positive outlook. You have to love yourself," he said during the cover shoot for the magazine Men's Health on Thursday.

Pascual also said he is content with his life right now.

"I'm at peace," he declared. "Just let go and focus on everything positive."

Pascual is currently shooting for his upcoming series, "Nang Dahil sa Pag-ibig," which also stars Jericho Rosales. He is also working on his latest film with Angelica Panganiban.

Despite going through a rough period after the breakup with Concepcion, Pascual managed to stay in good shape.

In his second cover for Men's Health magazine, the actor showed of his rock-hard abs and fit body, which he credits to constant workouts.

"I eat everything I want, including a lot of rice," he said of his diet. "Balanse lang since I work out so much."

Source - Ginger Conejero, ABS-CBN News

'Unofficially Yours' earns more than P100M in 1 week

2012-02-24T04:49:00.001+08:00

MANILA, Philippines -- Star Cinema's Valentine offering, "Unofficially Yours," is now officially a mega-hit after gross revenues have topped P100 million in just over a week.

The movie, starring John Lloyd Cruz and Angel Locsin, made its debut on February 15 and earned P18.5 million on its opening day. It is on track to hit the P200-million mark, possibly overtaking last year's hit, "No Other Woman," as the second-highest grossing local movie of all time.

This is now Cruz's seventh film to make more than P100 million in its local release.

On Thursday, the film's stars left for Los Angeles, California to attend the film's international screening on Friday at the Alex Theater in Glendale.

Reviews of the film have been generally positive. It was also graded B by the Cinema Evaluation Board.

Baby Gil, writing for The Philippine Star, said the film "raises the bar" in romantic-comedies.

"'Unofficially Yours' is successful because of the chemistry between John Lloyd and Angel, and their dedicated acting," Gil wrote. Their characterizations are sharp, their dialogue smart and modern befitting reporters working in a news office, but at home reverting to traditional manners of the oldies."

Blogger Nicole Latayan said: "While others might say that this has a been-there-done-that feel with the friends with benefits topic, what I like about the film is that it stayed true to its intentions. It featured the highs and lows of that scenario, and it never attempted to feel that it’s above or beyond that. It also contained probably the best balance of comedy, romance, and drama in a long time."

Clickthecity.com also praised the film's stars. "The film is mostly charming. Much of the credit goes to the two leads, who share great chemistry. John Lloyd Cruz carries the movie with puppy dog eyes and a relaxed performance that gives the character a shade of realism. Angel Locsin looks quite comfortable in her role as well, making the character's vulnerabilities visible through the artifice of toughness."
Source - Ginger Conejero, ABS-CBN News

Fil-Am Sanchez makes Top 24 of 'Idol'

2012-02-24T04:41:00.000+08:00

Fil-Am Jessica Sanchez belts out "Natural Woman" during the American Idol auditions in
San Diego. Photo from americanidol.com

MANILA, Philippines – Another Filipina has made it to the Top 24 this year’s “American Idol.”

On Wednesday’s (Thursday morning in Manila) episode of the reality singing competition, Filipino-Mexican Jessica Sanchez was among the 14 contestants who made it to the Top 24.

The 16-year-old from Chula Vista, California was shown singing “The Prayer” by Josh Groban and Celine Dion during the auditions.

Netizens were ecstatic by the youngster’s talent.

Popular “Idol” blogger Rickey (www.rickey.org) wrote: “‘Idol’ just discovered the new Charice! Amazing! I’m so happy Filipino readers are going to support my blog again. Mabuhay!”

Twitter user Natalie Grant said: “OK - so I'm watching American Idol for the 1st time this season but this 16 year old Jessica Sanchez girl blows my mind. What a TALENT. Wow.”

Another Twitter user Q94jackson gushed: “She is the freaking winner !!! I'm sorry but she just made me cry and shiver and everything that music is suppose to do!”

The New York-based newspaper Newsday said Sanchez appears to be an early favorite to win the contest.

“Jessica Sanchez might be the favorite right now to win it all; you have to listen when she sings, something compelling about her powerful voice. She's also got complete control and a burning desire,” the newspaper wrote on Wednesday.

For the past several seasons, male contestants have always emerged on top. The last female “American Idol” winner was Jordin Sparks back in Season 6.

‘America’s Got Talent’

In a video posted on the “American Idol” website, Sanchez said she has wanted to join the contest since watching Kelly Clarkson win Season 1. Sanchez was only five years old at that time.

“I’ve been singing my whole life. My love for singing is what brought me here,” said Sanchez, who said Jennifer Hudson is her favorite “Idol” contestant.

Sanchez, who has been singing songs of Whitney Houston and Celine Dion since she was a little girl, said she likes R&B, urban and soul music,

“My tone is a lot different from the others,” she said, when asked what sets her apart from the other contestants.

This is not the first time Sanchez has joined a talent search. She was only 12 years old when she tried out for the first season of “America’s Got Talent.” Sanchez did not make it past the first voting round, and 11-year-old Bianca Ryan went on to win the show.

“I believe, I feel like I have something different,” Sanchez said in her “Idol” video. “I’m ready to bring it.”

Robles cut

This season of “Idol” also showcased another Filipino-American Ashley Robles, who was a standout at the San Diego auditions, where she sang Houston’s “I Will Always Love You.”

Robles, however, was cut during the Las Vegas rounds last week.

Also making it to the Top 24 were: Jen Hirsh, Haley Johnson, Elise Testone, Erika Van Pelt, Chelsea Sorrell, Baylie Brown, Brielle Von Hugel, Creighton Fraker, Joshua Ledet, Reed Grimm, Phil Phillips Jr., Collton Dixon and another Asian-American Heejun Han.

Source - ABS-CBNnews.com

Sexy Kapuso star Sam Pinto, happy na raw sa kanyang body

2012-02-24T04:36:00.001+08:00

Pinagtatapat pagdating sa paseksihan ang mga Kapuso star na sina Sam Pinto at Ellen Adarna, kapwa paboritong cover ng mga men’s magazine.

Last year ay nakuha ni Sam ang titulo bilang sexiest Pinay ng FHM magazine. Last month naman ay pinagkaguhan ng mga kalalakihan ang naturang babasahin kung saan ang sexy photo ni Ellen ang nasa cover.

Sa Showbiz Exclusive ng GMA News TV nitong Miyerkules, sinabing hindi ikinaila ni Ellen na may bahagi ng kanyang katawan ang dumaan sa cosmetic surgery.

Dito ay natanong si Sam kung okey din lang ba kanya na maging kabilang sa mga matatawag na “salamat po doc" beauty.

Pero sabi ni Sam, masaya na siya sa kanyang katawan ngayon. Pero wala naman daw masama kung may mga taong sumasailalim sa cosmetic surgery.

Source - FRJ, GMA News

Grace Lee, naglahad ng mga detalye tungkol sa kanila ni PNoy sa isang magazine

2012-02-24T04:33:00.000+08:00

Cover photo ng isang magazine ang itinuturing “woman of hour" at “apple of the eye" ni Pangulong Benigno “Noynoy" Aquino III na si Kapuso host Grace Lee.

Sa ulat ni Nelson Canlas sa Chika Minute ng GMA news 24 Oras nitong Huwebes, ikinuwento umano ni Grace sa Inside Showbiz magazine kung papaano sila nagkakilala ni Aquino.

Inilahad din ng 29-anyos na Kapuso host sa naturang babasahin kung ano ang mga common interest nila ng 52-anyos na binatang pangulo.

Sinasabing nagbigay din si Grace ng ilang detalye tungkol sa regalong ibinigay niya kay Aquino.

Nais umano ni Grace na makilala nang lubusan ang pagkatao ni Aquino, at hindi lang ang pagiging lider nito ng bansa.

Kamakailan ay namataan ang dalawa na magkasama habang tumitingin ng mga libro sa isang mall.

Source - FRJimenez, GMA News

Marian Rivera, napabilang sa ‘Top 10 International Beauties Of 2012’

2012-02-24T04:28:00.003+08:00

Nakasama ng ilang sikat na international models at celebrities ang Kapuso Primetime Queen na si Marian Rivera sa listahan ng ‘Top 10 International Beauties Of 2012’ sa isang website.

Sa Chika Minute ng GMA News 24 Oras nitong Huwebes, iniulat na nasa No. 9 position si Marian na ipinakilala sa TopTenz.Net bilang “major star in the Philippines."

Si Marian ang tanging may dugong-Asyano na nakasama sa top 10 list. Hindi naman ipinaliwanag sa Chika Minute at maging sa website kung papaano pinipili ang mga nakasama sa listahan.

Kasama ni Marian at nasa no.1 spot ang model-actress na si. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley na lead star sa Hollywood action movie na Transformers: Dark of the Moon.

Pang-pito naman sikat na Colombian singer-songwriter na si Shakira. Habang nasa No 3 spot naman ang Australian model na si Miranda Kerr – na misis ng Hollywood actor na si Orlando Bloom.

Kasama rin sa listahan sina:

- Lara Stone, no.2 (Dutch model)
- Irina Shayk, no.4 (Russian model)
- Katrina Kaif, no.5 (Actress-model)
- Cheryl Cole, no.6 (English pop and R&B recording artist)
- Laetitia Casta, no.8 (French model)
- Leryn Franco Asunción, no. 10 (Paraguay athlete-model)

'Inside Showbiz' 2012 sexiest women

Samantala, kasama naman sa 2012 Sexiest Women ng Inside Showbiz magazine ang ilang Kapuso stars.

Kabilang sa listahan sina Jennylyn Mercado, Heart Evangelista, Sarah Lahbati, Sam Pinto, at Bela Padilla.

Source - FRJimenez, GMA News

Moments of laughter break ‘monotony’ in Corona trial

2012-02-24T04:24:00.000+08:00

Just how fast is “faster than 12 o’clock”? And what is a military rank called DD? Do guys really shun from gossip? These were the topics that provided some smiles, if not laughter, in the otherwise monotonous impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona in the Senate on Thursday.

No less than the usually stern Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, after he asked one prosecutor how fast is “faster than 12 o’clock,” admitted that he was just trying to “break the monotony of the proceedings.”

The 88-year-old Enrile asked the question after public prosecutor Raul Daza responded to Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada’s inquiry on how fast the Supreme Court issued the temporary restraining order on the implementation of the watch list order against former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and her husband.

“Inilabas po ‘yung TRO nang mas mabilis pa sa alas-dose,” Daza said.

“Gaano ba kabilis ang alas-dose?” Enrile asked, sending many in the Senate session hall into laughter.

Read full story here By ANDREO CALONZO and KIM TAN, GMA News

Dingdong Dantes enrols in a Bacolod university; stresses importance of education

2012-02-24T04:19:00.003+08:00

Muling nakausap ng PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) si Dingdong Dantes sa shooting ng isang bagong TV commercial sa Marcos Hi-Way, Marikina, noong Martes ng gabi, February 21.

Pero bago pumunta sa TVC shoot ay napag-alaman namin na nanggaling pa si Dingdong sa Bacolod noong araw na yun.

Nagpunta ang Kapuso actor sa Bacolod hindi dahil sa anumang showbiz commitment.

Ito ay para sa isang personal na rason—ang makapagpatuloy ng pag-aaral sa isang unibersidad doon.

Sa kabila ng pagiging busy niya sa kanyang showbiz commitments ay naisisingit pa rin pala ni Dingdong ang kanyang pag-aaral. At nangangahulugan din ito na kailangang magpabalik-balik siya sa Manila at Bacolod.

Paliwanag naman ni Dingdong dito, "Gusto ko lang tapusin ang college ko. Konti na lang.

"Naka-enroll ako ngayon sa West Negros University sa isang particular program na swak na swak sa schedule ko at saka sa lifestyle ko as a working student."

Pero ang malaking tanong namin sa kanya: bakit sa napakalayong Bacolod niya napiling pumasok?

"Kasi doon lang ino-offer ang course na kailangan ko," sagot ni Dingdong.

Ang kursong kinuha niya ay Techno Management, na isa ring business course.

Hindi pa masabi ni Dingdong kung kailan siya eksaktong matatapos sa kinukuhang kurso. Depende raw sa frequency ng pagpunta niya sa Bacolod.

Saad niya, "Once a month, nandoon ako. Inuuwi ko lahat ng kailangan kong aralin at sagutan.

"Then, I communicate with my professors via email.

"May kailangan lang na minimum requirements na kailangan nandoon ako physically sa school."

Bakit niya naisipang magbalik-eskuwela gayong nakatapos na siya ng isang kurso sa Ateneo de Manila University?

Double major siya noong college, pero kinailangan niyang i-give up ang isang major niya para ma-accommodate ang schedules niya sa showbiz.

Sabi ni Dingdong, "Konti na lang kasi, I only need a few units left to get my degree.

"So, nagkataon na yung school offered this course that is very suitable sa working condition ko.

"Tamang-tama na yung mga subjects na kulang ko, ino-offer rin sa course na yun."

Read full story here By Rose Garcia, PEP

Alden Richards on doing daring roles

2012-02-24T04:15:00.000+08:00

Kapansin-pansing mas payat si Alden Richards nang humarap siya sa media para sa press conference nitong Miyerkules, February 22, kaugnay ng international release ng The Road.

Hindi itinanggi ni Alden na ang kalalabas lang na sexy billboard pictorial niya para sa Folden & Hung and dahilan ng kanyang pagpapapayat.

"During the pictorial po kasi at saka mine-maintain ko na rin po.

"Ayoko na rin pong bumalik sa dating katawan na medyo chubby po.

"Kaya tuluy-tuloy ko na lang po ang fitness ko po," sabi ng young actor.

Magpapaalam na ba siya sa pagiging tween star at magpapaseksi na siya?

"Hindi ko nga po alam," nakangiti niyang sabi.

Bakit siya nag-decide na mag-pose na naka-topless samantalang tanggap naman siya sa pagiging wholesome?

Ayon kay Alden, "Sa pictorial po kasi, nagkaroon po ng deal ang Folded & Hung.

"Na sabi nila sa akin, 'Bibigyan ka namin ng billboard, pero dapat mag-topless ka.'

"Parang ganoon po ang naging deal. Pinag-isipan ko po yun nang matagal.

"Before ako na nag-sign up, napag-usapan na po yun."

Bakit siya nag-decide na mag-topless magkaroon lang ng billboard?

"Kasi po, it's time na rin po kasi sa akin dahil 20 na rin po ako.

"Pagdating sa pagiging tween, masyado na rin po akong matanda.

"So, parang sinubukan ko lang po kung ano ang magiging effect ng billboard at naging okay naman po.

"Like sa sarili ko, nag-start po akong mag-gym. Gumanda naman po ang katawan, naging fit.

"Kaya happy po ako na nagawa ko ang billboard at wala naman po akong pinagsisisihan."

Sa palagay ba niya ay hindi pa rin mawawala ang wholesome image niya dahil sa billboard na ginawa?

"Siguro po hindi naman. At saka billboard lang naman po siya. For summer lang naman po."
Papunta na kaya ang desisyon niyang yun sa pagiging mas daring na niya?

"Kung sakali at may mga chances naman po na ganoon, open naman po ako magpa-sexy.

"Dapat hindi po ako maging choosy sa role kasi blessing po yun saka project.

"So, kung maganda po ang script at require ang pagpapa-sexy, okay lang po sa akin."

GOING INTERNATIONAL. Pero kung may nakakapagpasaya raw kay Alden ngayon, ito ay ang hindi raw niya inaakalang mangyayari sa pelikulang ginawa niya sa GMA Films noong 2011, ang The Road.

Bukod sa ipapalabas ito sa U.S. at Canada, partikular sa Los Angeles, isa rin si Alden sa nasorpresa sa announcement ng direktor nila na si Direk Yam Laranas kahapon na in competition din ang The Road sa Brussels International Fantastic Festival, na itinuturing na isa sa pinakamalaking festival para sa mga horror, thriller, at science-fiction films.

Ayon pa rin kay Direk Yam, kasali ang The Road sa 8th Fantaspoa - International Fantastic Film Festival of Porto Alegre, Brazil.

Sabi nga ni Alden, "Hindi pa rin... parang kung iisipin po talaga natin, parang mahirap paniwalaan.

"Na sa tinagal-tagal ng industriya ng showbiz sa paggawa ng pelikula, parang first time po na magkaroon ng international Filipino film na ipapalabas pa siya sa mga mainstream cinemas sa U.S.

"Na dito sa atin, parang SM, Robinson... as in mainstream talaga na pupuntahan siya for international screening.

"Masayang-masaya po ako na naging parte ng film.

"Masayang-masaya rin po ako na binigyan ako ng chance ng GMA na mabigay sa akin ang project na ito.

"At excited po ako sa mga susunod pa pong mangyayari."

Kung sakaling makakapunta raw siya sa premiere ng movie sa US, magsisilbing unang biyahe ni Alden yun sa ibang bansa.

"Pinagmamadali po nila akong kumuha ng passport.

"Kaya if ever po, first out of the country ko po 'to.

"Excited po ako. Super!

"So, excited po akong talaga kung sakaling matuloy."

DATE WITH ALDEN. Last Valentine's Day naman, nag-trending si Alden sa Twitter dahil sa gimmick niyang "Date With Alden Richards."

May sampu raw siyang napili, pero anim lang ang nakarating.

"Yung apat po kasi, malayo. Kailangan by plane pa po. Pero natuloy po ang date.

"Nakakatuwa kasi sineryoso po talaga ng mga fans," sabi ng young actor.

Saan sila nag-date?

"Noong February 16 na po. Kasi noong Valentine's Day po, nag-live chat po ako, doon ko po ini-announce.

"'Tapos noong 16, nag-date po kami ng mga girls sa Centerstage po. Nag-videoke po kami."

Naging masaya ba siya sa naturang date?

"Opo, kasi ibang experience po at bihira ko lang din pong makasama ang mga fans sa ganoon.

"After po ng date, nagkaroon po ng parang game sa Showbiz Central.

"Hinati sila sa tatlo at doon po ako pumili ng isa.

"Bale kahapon po nangyari yung one-on-one date, sa Taguig naman po. Sa The Fort."

MY BELOVED. Ipinagmamalaki rin ni Alden sa kanyang bagong primetime series na My Beloved, kunsaan siya ang gumaganap na kapatid ni Dingdong Dantes.

"Ang taas po ng rating. Sobrang natuwa po ang mga bossing natin.

"'Tapos, medyo natutuwa rin po ako dahil parang nag-iba na rin po ang role ko ngayon kesa do'n sa dating Alden sa Alakdana.

"Parang mas serious po. Mas maraming puwedeng magawa.

"Happy naman ako dahil kahit paano, may pumupuri naman kahit paano po.

"So, okay naman po." By Rose Garcia, PEP

PHILSTAR: The race for next world champ

2012-02-18T04:55:00.001+08:00

SPORTING CHANCE
By Joaquin Henson │The Philippine Star

Newly crowned IBF lightflyweight champion Johnriel Casimero of Ormoc City is the latest Filipino fighter to join Manny Pacquiao, Nonito Donaire, Brian Viloria, Donnie Nietes and Ana Julaton as world titlists. There are at least 13 Filipino contenders in line for cracks at the throne this year and it’s a mad race to the top. First in the queue is Sonny Boy Jaro who takes on WBC flyweight champion Pongsaklek Wonjongkam of Thailand in Chaburi on March 2. Jaro, 29, is up against an experienced veteran with a record of 83-3-2, including 44 KOs. Pongsaklek, 34, is on his second reign as WBC titleholder. Jaro was previously thwarted in two attempts to win a world title by Edgar Sosa and Giovani Segura so a third strike may mean it’s over and out. Like the Thai, Jaro is an “oldtimer” with a record of 33-10-5, with 23 KOs, but it’s his first try to capture a flyweight crown. A few weeks ago, Jaro looked scary in mowing down Samuel Apuya in a single round in Caloocan. He’s ready for the biggest challenge of his career. If Pongsaklek isn’t careful, he might be steamrolled by the rugged Jaro.

Next is former WBC lightflyweight champion Rodel Mayol who’s gunning for his second title in as many divisions. Mayol, 30, battles WBA flyweight king Hernan (Tyson) Marquez whose only career loses were to Filipinos Nonito Donaire (KO8) and Richie Mepranum (W10), both inflicted in 2010. Mayol takes on Marquez in Mexico on March 24. Mayol is unbeaten in his last four outings since losing the WBC 108-pound title to Omar Niño Romero on a unanimous decision two years ago. Mayol was deducted two points in the loss to Romero but even without the twin penalties, he would’ve lost the decision anyway as the judges showed margins of three, four and eight points. Marquez, 23, has a 32-2 record, with 25 KOs, compared to Mayol’s 30-5-2, with 22 KOs. Marquez has won his last five bouts, all inside the distance, with Filipino Edrin Dapudong one of the victims.

WBC No. 1 superflyweight Silvester Lopez has an appointment with Japanese Yuki Fujimoto in Laoag on Feb. 25 and is expected to dispose of the visitor easily. Lopez, 24, has been cleared by WBC president Jose Sulaiman as the mandatory challenger of the winner of the title fight between defending champion Suriyan Sor Rungvisai of Thailand and Yota Sato of Japan in Toko on March 27. If Lopez takes care of Fujimoto, it will be his fifth win in a row looking ahead to his title shot.

WBC No. 2 minimumweight Denver Cuello, 25, is nearing a title shot, too. He faces Indonesia’s Kid Suryana in Iloilo on March 10 in a tune-up for his title eliminator against Mexico’s Ganigan Lopez here in late April or early May. Cuello’s manager Aljoe Jaro won the purse bid to stage the eliminator here. Jaro said the eliminator may be a fight for the vacant title as WBC champion Kazuto Ioka of Japan has indicated he will relinquish the throne and move up to superflyweight rather than risk his unblemished record against Cuello.

Others in the list are flyweight Milan Melindo, superflyweight Drian Francisco, bantamweight A. J. Banal, bantamweight Malcolm Tunacao, bantamweight Rolly Lunas, flyweight Rocky Fuentes, flyweight Froilan Saludar, featherweight Lorenzo Villanueva and lightweight Mercito Gesta.

Melindo, 23, has a 26-0 record, with 10 KOs, and is fresh from a seventh round demolition of Mexico’s Juan Esquer. Melindo is ranked No. 1 by the WBO whose champion is Viloria. In fact, Saludar is No. 2 and Fuentes No. 3. Melindo would rather challenge a titlist who isn’t a Filipino so he could try the WBC’s Pongsaklek, the WBAs Marquez or the IBF’s Moruti Mthalane. Pongsaklek and Marquez are tied up with defenses against Filipinos, leaving Donaire victim Mthalane who’ll probably insist on fighting in South Africa where the chances of an invader winning are slim or none.

Francisco, 29, was once the interim WBA superflyweight titleholder. He lost the crown to Thailand’s Tepparith Singwancha who’s now the regular champion. The loss to Tepparith remains the only stain in Francisco’s record. Tepparith is due to stake the title against Tomonobu Shimizu in Yokohama on April 4. If the Thai retains, he might be persuaded to face Francisco in a rematch. Since losing to Tepparith, Francisco has beaten highly regarded Michael Domingo on points. Francisco’s record is 21-1-1, with 16 KOs.

Banal, 23, has rebounded from his shock loss to Rafael Concepcion four years ago to win nine in a row, the latest a decision over Mario Briones. Banal’s record is 26-1-1, with 19 KOs. He’s rated No. 1 by the WBO and if bantamweight champion Jorge Arce abdicates to challenge Donaire, the way is clear for a shot at the vacant throne. The No. 2 contender is Pungluang Sor Singyu of Thailand. Banal is also rated No. 3 by the IBF, No. 5 by the WBC and No. 5 by the WBA. More on future Filipino world champions in Sunday’s column.

Import turns zero to hero, lifts TnT

2012-02-18T04:52:00.004+08:00

SQUEEZE PLAY: Meralco’s Gabby Espinas tries to

squeeze himself out TnT’s double-teaming defense

by Larry Fonacier and import Omar Hassan Samhan

during their PBA Commissioner’s Cup game at

the Astrodome. JOEY MENDOZA

-By Nelson Beltran (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines - Talk n Text import Omar Hassan Samhan started with a 0-of-9 shooting before getting his game going and leading the Tropang Texters to a 102-96 overtime win over the Meralco Bolts in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome last night.

Samhan shook off his sluggish start and came through with 24 points, 20 rebounds, four blocks and one assist as the Texters opened their campaign for a second title-retention bid in the season on a winning note.

The 6-11 TnT reinforcement stepped up in the crunch, putting in eight points in the fourth quarter and six in overtime as the Texters kept their clean slate (5-0) in their head-to-head battles with the Bolts.

Meralco slid to 1-2 in the mid-season tourney.

“What he (Samhan) showed was not pleasing in the eyes. But he ended up with 24 points and 20 rebounds, and that’s not a bad production,” said Talk n Text coach Chot Reyes.

“He’s not athletic, he’s not flashy, but he’s effective and he has a high basketball IQ that’s why his teammates like playing with him. But the jury is still out on him,” Reyes also said.

The Texters struggled to get the win, but Reyes said he really didn’t expect much, considering their short preparation coming from their Philippine Cup title conquest.

Jimmy Alapag, Jayson Castro, Kelly Williams, Jarred Dillinger and Larry Fonacier delivered double-digit outputs as they cancelled out the huge numbers put up by Jarrid Famous, Mark Cardona and Chris Ross for Meralco.

Famous led all scorers with 28 points, Cardona added 25 points while Ross had another solid all-around game with 19 points, 13 assists, six rebounds and five steals.

Ross furiously attacked Castro’s defense and scored on a turnaround shot to force the extension play at 92-all.

The Texters still had a chance to win the game in regulation but Ranidel de Ocampo failed to convert a running shot at the buzzer.

Castro later got back at Ross, draining a three-pointer that pushed the Texters ahead to stay at 99-96.

Meralco had its last taste of the lead at 96-94 on a perimeter jumper by Ross with 2:15 left to play. The Bolts never scored again the rest of the way.

Missing all his first nine attempts, Samhan finally nailed a basket on a jumper with already over 20 minutes into the game. He buried two more baskets before the half ended at 45-42 in favor of the Texters.

The Texters banked on their deep lineup to keep up with the Bolts even with Samhan groping for form early on.

Philippine Cup losing finalist Powerade likewise got off to a triumphant start, fighting back from a 17-point deficit and nipping Rain or Shine, 122-120, in the nightcap.

Dwayne Jones poured in 32 points, Gary David drained 32, including the game-winning triple, while Jvee Casio added 14 points and 13 assists, leading the Tigers to the stirring win.

“He’s like that even in practice. The important thing is his defensive presence. He clogged the middle for us,” said Reyes.

Talk n Text also hardly missed the absence of Ryan Reyes who’s nursing a torn muscle on his left leg.

Four Champion Kiddie Chefs And A Suddenly Grown Charlie Green

2012-02-18T04:48:00.002+08:00

Philip

-By Nestor Cuartero (Manila Bulletin)

JUST A THOUGHT: Children begin by loving their parents; as they grow older they judge them; sometimes, they forgive them. – Oscar Wilde

MANILA, Philippines — COOKING CHILDREN: Men taking to the kitchen are a rarity. But, what can we say about three boys of elementary school age beating 56 other male and female contestants as finalists in the first TV adaptation of “Junior Master Chef?”

Three boys – Jobim, Kyle, and Philip – plus a lone female contender, Mika, made it to the finals of the kiddie cookfest hosted by Judy Ann Santos every Saturday night on channel 2.

All four kiddie chefs said they intend to pursue careers in the culinary arts as soon as they get to college. One of them, Jobim, who goes to Xavier School in Greenhills, also expressed interest in writing.

Tonight (Feb. 18) marks a milestone in their young life as the budding chefs face-off in the grand finale of “JMC.” The event will be held at the Treston International College in Fort Bonifacio and critiqued by a guest panel of 100 food tasters representing various sectors of society.

On top of the judging are regular chef-judges Ferns, Lau and Jayps.

A one million peso cash prize awaits the grand champion. Five hundred thousand pesos goes to the second placer; while the third and the fourth placers shall bring home 250,000 pesos each. All four finalists are also instant winners of scholarship grants at Treston.

I asked Business Unit Head Lauren Dyogi what the network’s plans for the four kiddie cooking whizzes are.

They can’t possibly hire them as cooks at the local cafeteria. Are they going to make them actors as well, just like they do with all other winners or discoveries on network reality shows?

Lauren said it would be a good idea to guide them in establishing a food business. But, being youngsters, that isn’t quite possible. Those who will show interest in showbiz are welcome to participate therein, he said.

• • •

CHARLIE GREEN’S RAINBOW: Later that same afternoon of Feb. 15, reporters found themselves talking with Charlie Green, the London-based Fil-British singer who only a few months back was just a child himself.

Charlie’s in town once again to push a new album, called “Rainbow.” The album was produced and recorded in Italy by Hollywood producer Christian de Walden and is being distributed locally by Viva.

Charlie surprised all of us when he materialized in the size of a full-grown man, standing at something like 5-foot-10. He was half-complaining about the sudden crack in his voice that usually marks a boy’s transition from childhood to puberty. It was the reason, he said, that he cut down his gigs to a minimum for about a year. Charlie is now 15.

The vocal change has prompted Charlie to revise his repertoire, so that these days, he no longer just sings standards. He has upped his line-up a bit to include more contemporary sound.

“Rainbow” gathers six original compositions by Filipino, Japanese, Italian and American composers, plus six covers.

Says a press release: The CD spotlights a versatile Charlie singing songs in Tagalog, Nonoy Zuñiga’s “Kumusta Ka;” in Japanese (“Sukiyaki” by Kyu Sakamoto); Spanish, Somos Novios (“It’s Impossible”), a duet with 16-year-old Danna Paola, famous Mexican star of music and telenovelas.

Charlie caused a sensation when he wowed audiences on the reality show, “Britain’s Got Talent.” “Rainbow” is his second album under Viva, following a self-titled debut album. The album is set for international release.

Judy Ann is happy viewers embrace her as TV host

2012-02-18T04:44:00.002+08:00

-By Mario E. Bautista (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines - When Judy Ann Santos was offered by ABS-CBN to host the cooking show for kids, Junior Master Chef Pinoy Edition, she didn’t have any hesitation and quickly accepted it.

“Yes, I accepted it right away, but when I got home, that’s when I had second thoughts about it,” she said. “I asked myself, did I make the right decision? As far as acting kasi is concerned, karugtong na ng pusod ko yan. But as for hosting, this would be the first time I would try it. Instead of getting nervous about it, though, I decided to just take it as a challenge to explore other fields in the industry, so that I can grow at hindi na lang lagi akong umiiyak sa pagda-drama in a teleserye.”

She added, “As the show went on, I realized that I’m enjoying myself too much in hosting it. I’m so glad that viewers have accepted me as a host, but honestly, sa tingin ko, my hosting needs some more improvement. I also have to thank my husband (Ryan Agoncillo), who’s the real host in our family. All his valuable inputs about my hosting helped me a lot.”

Juday has three top chefs as her co-hosts in the show: Chef Lau, Chef Ferds and Chef Jayps. What do they think of Juday as the show’s main host? Chef Lau (Rolando Laudico): “She’s very talented and not just a good actress. She’s a natural so I have no doubt na kahit anong pasukan niya, she’ll excel in it, like hosting.” Chef Ferds (Fernando Aracama): “I’m her fan and I believe she’s the last superstar of our generation. Magaling siyang tumikim ng nilulutong dishes.” Chef Jayps (JP Anglo): “I first met her in an island in Palawan when they were shooting Ploning. Four years later, I didn’t know we’d get to work together. The real Juday is so mabait, very generous in sharing what she has. She took us to her kitchen and told us, you can use whatever ingredients you want to use. She’s the most down-to-earth superstar I’ve ever met.”

The final four kiddie cooks are Philip Amarillo, Kyle Imao, Mika Tanaka, and the most good-looking of them, Jobim Jalbuena, who says he wouldn’t mind trying showbiz if there’s an opportunity. The top winner will bag P1M cash plus a culinary scholarship. The second placer will get P500,000 while the third and fourth placers will get P250,000 each.

We asked them how they’ll remember their Ate Juday as the host of Junior Master Chef. Philip: “Mabait siya. Tinuturuan kami ng tama.” Kyle: “Sobrang sayang kasama kasi lagi siyang masaya. Nagpapa-deliver pa ng pizza.” Mika: “Hindi siya mataray kundi sobrang mabait. Very patient pag nagkakamali ka.” Jobim: “She’s super mabait, super helpful in the kitchen. She gives us tips and won’t just criticize our cooking. We’ll miss her.”

The show is a big hit so ABS-CBN now wants Juday to also host its adult version, Master Chef, with chefs Lau, Ferds and Jayps once again as her co-hosts.

After her hit Metro filmfest entry, My Househusband, what’s her next acting assignment?

“ABS-CBN says there will be a teleserye before the year ends, which is good kasi nami-miss ko na rin acting in a drama show. There are other movie offers but nothing is final as of now.”

But what if she gets pregnant again? “Then I’d have to give priority to that muna. Let’s face it, I’ll be 34 na in May and the more I get older, it’d get more difficult for me to get pregnant, so kung ibibigay ni Lord ngayon, I’d gladly accept it. At this point, I put my family ahead of everything else. Meantime, don’t miss the Live Cook Off Finale of Junior Master Chef Pinoy Edition tonight at 6 after TV Patrol Weekend.”

DJ Mo Cries Foul Over Ogie's Spoof Video

2012-02-18T04:40:00.003+08:00

Illustration by Rod Cañalita

-By Tweetybird De Leon (Manila Bulletin)

MANILA, Philippines — Few months ago, a quite telling video featuring DJ Mo Twister was leaked online by an “unknown source.” In his tweet below, DJ Mo described it as an “abortion video,” where he cried his heart out for supposedly losing this child. His ex-girlfriend, who opted to remain silent, was dragged into the issue. During the “Mr. and Mrs. A” concert of Ogie Alcasid and Regine Velasquez, a video diary featuring Ogie that seemingly spoofed that of DJ Mo’s, was played.

DJ Mo Twister (@djmotwister) on what is classy:

“Just heard @ogiealcasid made fun of me crying in the abortion video. Classy move bud. Didnt you just have a child? Glad, its alive.”

“hey guys, dont worry bout it. i’m sure he got a good laugh out of it. a few kids dying is pretty fucking funny. unless its his @ogiealcasid.”

“thanks for offering an apology @ogiealcasid I texted you back, hope you got it.”

Ogie Alcasid (@ogiealcasid) on his apology to Mo:

“@djmotwister thanks for accepting the apology”

DJ Mo on his counter-apology:

“@ogiealcasid I’m sorry too for the tweets. My life turned upside down when the thing happened so I get defensive bout it. It is hard on me.”

Good thing that the good-natured Ogie offered his apologies immediately.

I just wonder, what’s running through the mind of Mo’s ex-girlfriend who was put to shame because of that video? Did Mo offer his apologies to her?

And, Mo, before crying foul over this, maybe should first find out who uploaded that video. Could it be him, or is it just me?

Whitney Houston to be buried next to father

2012-02-18T04:31:00.000+08:00

HERE LIES. The grave stone of Whitney Houston's father,

John Russell Houston, Jr, is seen at Fairview Cemetery in

Westfield, N.J., Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2012. According to

her death certificate, Whitney Houston will be buried on

Saturday, Feb. 18, 2012, in the same cemetery where her

father was laid to rest in 2003. AP/Beth DeFalco

-By Alicia Quarles (Associated Press)

NEW YORK — Whitney Houston’s final resting place will be next to her father, John Russell Houston Jr.
Houston will be laid to rest at the Fairview Cemetery in Westfield, New Jersey, after funeral services on Saturday, a source close to the family confirmed. Houston’s father was buried there in 2003.
Fifteen hundred guests are expected to attend the private funeral services including Aretha Franklin, Clive Davis and Stevie Wonder.
Houston died in Beverly Hills at age 48, one day before the Grammy awards.
From source: inquirer.net

Avril Lavigne rocks Manila with her Black Star Tour

2012-02-18T04:25:00.002+08:00

Avril Lavigne took her Black Star Tour to Manila and

performed before a jampacked crowd at the Smart-

Araneta Coliseum last night, February 16.

-Melo Balingit

-By Kathleen Benavidez (PEP)

A jampacked Araneta Coliseum rocked along with Avril Lavigne in her Black Star concert tour last night, February 16.

This is the second to the last show of the Black Star Tour Asia leg, which began on February 4 in Tokyo, Japan, and will end on February 18 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Entertaining the crowd at the beginning of the show is heartthrob Rez Toledo, more popularly known as Somedaydream, with his hit song "Hey Daydreamer."

The stage was then set for the much-anticipated appearance of the pop-punk princess.

The audience screamed upon seeing the Canadian singer who was wearing a loose black sleeveless top from her clothing line, Abbey Dawn, with black tights and boots.

Without any foreword, she kicked-off the show with the song from which the tour was named after, "Black Star."

She followed it immediately with the dancey-tuned "What the Hell" to loosen up the crowd.

After the first two songs, she greeted the crowd: "What's up, Manilaaaa!"

"We're so happy to be bringing the Black Star Tour here in Manila. Are you ready to go crazy?"

As if the screams were not loud enough, she repeated, "I said are you ready to go crazy tonight?"—which was met by even louder cheers.

The crowd banging ensued when she performed some of her older songs: "Sk8er Boi," "He Wasn't," and "I Always Get What I Want."

Moving on to her more sentimental pieces, she belted out "Alice," "When You're Gone," and "I Wish You Were Here."

A lot of her younger fans could relate with these more recent songs, particularly the last one—in which they sang along, "Damn, damn, damn, I wish you were, here, here, here!"

The fans then jumped along with her chart-topping hit, "Girlfriend," followed by a medley of "My Happy Ending" and Hayley Willams's original song "Airplanes."

Avril then introduced the members of her band, right before she performed the song "Smile" from the album Goodbye Lullaby.

Sitting in front of the drum set, she sang one of her most well-loved songs, "I'm With You."

On the last chorus, she made the eager audience sing, "It's a damn cold night, trying to figure out this life. Won't you take me by the hand, take me somewhere new, I don't know who you are but I..." and made them repeat it, twice.

At the end of the song, she bowed to the audience, blew a flying kiss, and said, "Thank you. Bye, Manila!"

Even the guitarists and the drummer left the stage as the lights dimmed.

But the crowd was not to be moved. They kept shouting "More, more!" until the screams became a loud, unified chant of "We want more, we want more!" while thumping their feet.

Isabel Oli, iginiit na friends lang sila ng ex-hubby ni Kris Aquino na si James Yap

2012-02-18T04:20:00.001+08:00

-By FRJimenez, GMA News

Hindi na naman nakaiwas si Isabel Oli sa pag-usisa ng media tungkol sa kung ano talaga ang relasyon nila ni James Yap, na ex-husband ni Kris Aquino.

Sa ulat ni showbiz reporter Aubrey Carampel, sinabing kabilang si Isabel sa mga celebrities na nakipagtalbugan ng kasuotan sa isang fashion event na ginanap sa Taguig.

Dito ay muli raw inusisa ng media si Isabel tungkol sa tunay na estado ng relasyon nila ng basketbolistang si James.

Patuloy kasi ang mga balita na romantikong nag-uugnay kay Isabel sa sikat na basketball player. Katunayan, lumabas sa isang artikulo ng Philippine Entertainment Portal (PEP.ph) na nabaitan daw si Kris sa Kapuso actress.

Boto rin daw si Kris na maging girlfriend ni James si Isabel, ayon pa sa ulat ng PEP.

Pero sinabi ni Isabel sa Chika Minute ng GMA news 24 Oras nitong Biyernes na magkaibigan lang talaga sila ni James.

“Nakakapagod na rin kasi parang paulit-ulit ko nang sinasabi na we’re friends, and yung lang talaga," pahayag ni Isabel.

Nag-alangan nga daw ang aktres nang dumalo siya sa birthday party ni James kamakailan nang makita niya na maraming tao at media na dumalo dito.

“Pagdating ko kasi parang akala ko konti konti lang, ang dami palang tao. Yun, hindi ko iniexpect na may camera… If ever may itinatago man kami e sana hindi na lang ako pumunta dun ‘di ba," paliwanag niya.

Kris backs Luis on new 'Deal or No Deal'

2012-02-18T04:16:00.003+08:00

Luis Manzano. File photo

-By ABS-CBNnews.com

MANILA, Philippines – Actor-host Luiz Manzano is excited to be hosting “Kapamilya, Deal or No Deal,” especially with the support of Queen of All Media Kris Aquino, the game show’s former host.

“She (Kris) sent me very positive texts, kumbaga suportado ako, so I’m very, very happy,” Luis said in an interview Friday with Jobert Sucaldito and Ahwel Paz on dzMM.

Luis, who worked with Kris on ABS-CBN's “Pilipinas Got Talent,” is aware of the role he is set to take as Kris’ successor.

“I have very very big shoes to fill,” he said. “’Di biro ang ginawang marka ni Kris, not just in hosting, but para sa ‘Deal or No Deal.’”

Part of the new role is to work with the game show’s staple “26K Girls,” who according to Luis are a new set from Kris’ edition of the show.

He admitted, in jest, that the girls caught his attention at first, “pero sabi sa’kin ng mommy ko, ‘Anak, tandaan mo, para kang babasaging kristal, marupok ka.’ Naiwas ko na ‘yung ganyan!”

“Kapamilya, Deal or No Deal” is the Philippine franchise of the Endemol game show “Deal or No Deal,” and will begin February 25, replacing “Junior Master Chef” in its timeslot.

Gerald Anderson for Mint Spring/Summer 2012

2012-02-17T06:51:00.000+08:00

Kapamilya star Gerald Anderson is the newest endorser of Mint. Definitely a fashion icon, He is introduced in the Spring/Summer 2012 ad campaign and it was shot by Jopet Sy at Oasis Hotel, Angeles City.

MINT S/S 2012 | GERALD ANDERSON | BEHIND THE SCENES from Mint Addict on Vimeo.

Jennylyn Mercado set to slightly reinvent herself as singer

2012-02-16T23:57:00.005+08:00

Jennylyn Mercado (second from left) with PolyEast
Records execs and her talent manager at the contract signing

-By Jojo P. Panaligan (Manila Bulletin)

MANILA, Philippines – Jennylyn Mercado has signed up with PolyEast Records which she hopes would help in her bid to reinvent herself as singer.

In an exclusive interview with Bulletin Entertainment, Mercado admitted that while other singers, especially the younger ones, have gone on to explore different musical styles, she remains within the confines of ballads and pop genres.

“Hindi ko alam kung kaya kong makipagsabayan pero I want to challenge myself this time around by experimenting a bit with my sound,” she said.

Mercado signed up with PolyEast Records because she likes it that the roster has such progressive artists as Zia Quizon, Kyla, and Bamboo. She believes the label is capable of helping her march towards a new direction, one that “babagay sa akin kahit na medyo bago ang tunog.”

Asked if she feels that her acting and hosting careers have somewhat eclipsed her singing, Mercado hopes not, saying that among the three, she’d choose her music anytime and hands down.

“Galing po kasi ako sa family of musicians at sa singing naman talaga ako nagsimula. Para sa akin at pamilya ko, para bang mortal sin kung hindi ka din lang sa music mapupunta. Malaking part po ng buhay ko ang music.”

Mercado, in fact, has at least 8,000 songs in his iPod. Just before the interview, she was “researching” for new songs at the PolyEast Records office.

The singer signed her recording contract with PolyEast Records on Feb. 15. The contract signing was presided and attended by the label’s general manager Jesmon Chua, A&R/producer Chito Ilagan, EVP Ramon Chuaying together with Mercado’s talent manager, Katrina Aguila.

Jennylyn Mercado attained a level of popularity when she was hailed winner of the first season of “StarStruck,” a reality-based talent search show of GMA-7. She released albums under GMA Records and Viva Records all of which yielded the hits “Sa Aking Panaginip,” “Moments Of Love” in duet with Janno Gibbs, “Maybe This Time,” and “Kahit Sandali.”

As performing artist, Mercado held a major concert at the Music Museum in 2006, and a birthday concert at the same venue two years ago.

Chris Tiu recalls encounter with Jeremy Lin

2012-02-16T23:54:00.000+08:00

Chris Tiu was a former team captain
of the Ateneo Blue Eagles UAAP
(University Athletic Association of
the Philippines) men’s basketball team

-By Julien Merced C. Matabuena (Manila Bulletin)

MANILA, Philippines – About two or three years ago, athlete-TV host Chris Tiu had the opportunity to play in a pick-up game against Jeremy Lin, the NBA’s latest breakout star.

“We were in Las Vegas with Smart-Gilas [the Philippines’ national men’s basketball team]. We were training in a camp there and at the same time, at the same venue, nandu’n din sila nagpa-practice...

“I think at the time, they were about to join the NBA draft. So they were preparing for the NBA draft, ‘yung mga prospective rookies nagte-training din do’n,” Tiu related in a taped interview aired on “24 Oras” on Feb. 15.

He admitted that he wasn’t able to see “anything super spectacular” from Lin then, but added that his injury may have had affected his performance.

Lin is the first American of Taiwanese descent to play in the NBA. Previously “overlooked” and "undervalued," he had been making waves in the professional US basketball league scene over the last few weeks for guiding the New York Knicks to their now seven-game winning streak. Lin joined the team on December last year and made his winning first game only on Feb. 4 against the New Jersey Nets.

Tiu expresses his admiration for the Harvard-educated player.

“Jeremy, of course he can score. But ‘yung talagang kakaiba sa kanya is his ability to create [opportunities] for his team mates. Ang galing niya pumasa, fast break, or ‘pag dum-rive siya.

“Oo magaling siya mag-assist, and para sa ‘kin ‘yun talaga ‘yung hinahanap ko sa mga players,” Tiu shared.

He added, “’Yung kanyang faith in God, I think it’s something that… I mean, that was one of the main reasons why he was able to succeed despite everything he went through.”

Aljur Abrenica: Girls Can Wait

2012-02-16T23:50:00.000+08:00

-By Julien Merced C. Matabuena (Manila Bulletin)

MANILA, Philippines – Aljur Abrenica has denied rumors linking him to Ava Jugeta, his batch mate on “StarStruck 4” and member of sexy female group Pretty Young Thing.

“Ava is just a good friend of mine. Isa siya sa mga unang-unang nakilala ko sa ‘StarStruck’ n’ung batch namin. And kilala siya ni daddy, kilala siya ni mama,” the actor said in a taped interview aired on “Unang Hirit,” Feb. 16.

Apparently, the communication lines between the two have been reopened through the popular microblogging site, Twitter.

“Nag-tweet siya sa ‘kin, ‘Ikaw ba talaga ‘to?’ ‘Yeah!’ sabi ko. Binigay ko ‘yung number ko, tinext ko na rin [siya], ta’s nagkita kami. Siyempre, na-miss namin ang isa’t isa,” Aljur said.

Meanwhile, the Kapuso star related that he and rumored girlfriend Kylie Padilla don’t get to see each other much these days.

“Minsan talaga dumating sa time na hindi kami masyadong nagco-communicate kasi sobrang busy niya. Ayoko rin naman na istorbo sa mga sched niya, sa mga trabaho niya. At the same time ako rin may tinatapos akong movie,” said he.

Aljur is currently taping for “My Kontrabida Girl,” while Kylie topbills the afternoon soap, “The Good Daughter.”

“So hindi na kami madalas magkita. Dito na lang sa ‘Party Pilipinas,” he added.

In an earlier interview, Kylie also confirmed not spending time with Aljur as much as they used to but claimed that they remain close to each other.

In any case, Aljur, like Kylie, said that he’s putting love in the backseat for now in order to focus on his career.

M&M means business

2012-02-16T23:42:00.005+08:00

SPORTING CHANCE
By Joaquin Henson (The Philippine Star)

They’re the Johnnys-come-lately in the business of managing athletes but Matthew Manotoc and Marvin Espiritu believe they’ve got what it takes to make a dent in the competitive field of sports agency.

For M&M, it’s all about being professional in their work and sincerely caring about the athletes they represent. Not that other sports agents aren’t professional or indifferent. Espiritu’s father Danny is considered the pioneer in the industry with a slew of marquee players under his wing, like Arwind Santos, Gary David, Jayson Castro, Mark Caguioa, Mac-Mac Cardona, Alex Cabagnot and Cyrus Baguio. Charlie Dy takes care of Jimmy Alapag, Kelly Williams and Ranidel de Ocampo, among others. Loy Allado, Ed Ponceja, Sheryl Reyes, Chris Tan, Lawrence Chongson and Mark Chan are also agents with big-name clients. What M&M tries to provide is a comprehensive approach leading to a secure future. “How to convince a player to join us is the first step,” said Manotoc, a 23-year-old former golf prodigy whose father Tommy was once a PBA deputy commissioner and mother Imee Marcos is Ilocos Norte governor. “We’re a full-service basketball agency where each of our athletes receives special attention in endorsements, financial planning, sports psychology, PR and marketing plans and off-season training. We want to set a standard of excellence and professionalism to become the country’s premier sports agency. The key is to build trust between athlete and agent. Because of my Western orientation, I feel I have a distinct advantage in dealing with Fil-Ams. On the other hand, Marvin has a distinct advantage with the locals because of his father’s extensive network and his familiarity with Philippine conditions. It’s the best of both worlds. We want our athletes to be our close friends. We play pick-up games with them and just like them, we live and breathe sports.”

In return, M&M is paid five percent of the value of a contract it negotiates for an athlete. For endorsements, the fee is between 20 to 30 percent. Is the five percent commission paid up front regardless of the term of the contract? Espiritu said the timing of the payment of fees is negotiable and depends on many factors, including preserving the viability of the sports agency.

“We approach every athlete professionally but with a personal touch,” said Manotoc. “We want to maximize an athlete’s earning potential in his sports career. Our dream is to bring back the glory days of PBA players as mainstream celebrities like when Sen. (Robert) Jaworski, Jerry Codiñera and Alvin Patrimonio were household names, even getting offers for movies and TV shows.” Manotoc blamed the Fil-Shams for diminishing the PBA’s popularity. “The fans turned to other sports leagues like the UAAP,” he said. “Ad agencies seemed to prefer putting spots in the UAAP than the PBA. We hope to change that attitude. The PBA is clearly back on track and fans are filling up the stadium again. We’re talking to ad agencies and explaining what players like Arwind and Alex can do as endorsers. We don’t want to transform athletes into artistas but we feel they’ve got earning potential as celebrities in their own right.”

M&M recently signed a contract with Viva Entertainment to enhance the image of athletes in the media landscape. “We want our clients to be seen as celebrities similar to Kobe Bryant and LeBron James with the ability to endorse mainstream product,” said Espiritu who linked his father’s client The Spiderman to Viva. “My father has given us a free hand to look for commercial opportunities for his athletes. We can package athletes together and use different marketing angles to guarantee maximum positive mileage.”

For starters, M&M picked Cabagnot, Santos, Japeth Aguilar, Chris Lutz, Marcio Lassiter, Caguioa, Castro, David, Cardona, Baguio, Julius Pasculado, Bobby Ray Parks, Yousef Taha and Jason Deutchman as the iconic candidates for commercial opportunities.

“The advantages of a celebrity athlete endorser are many,” noted Manotoc. “He can enhance brand equity, contribute, freshen and add a new dimension to a brand, build brand credibility, enhance message recall, influence the consumer’s purchase intention, increase media coverage, breathe new life into a brand, build consumer trust, target the health-conscious and active lifestyle consumers and deliver mass appeal.”

Both Manotoc and Espiritu are well-schooled for the job. Manotoc finished at Clarement McKenna College, an exclusive liberal arts private institution in Los Angeles and has been involved in investments for years. Espiritu attended the College of St. Benilde and is a successful entrepreneur with business interests in ice, wines and liquor. They’re engaged in sports agency on a full-time basis because it’s a commitment to their clients.

Postscript. Chicago coach Tom Thibodeau has edged out Miami’s Erik Spoelstra for the job to call the shots for the East in the NBA All-Star Game on Feb. 26 in Orlando. The Bulls are 24-7 and Miami, 23-7 at the cut-off to determine the conference leader. Despite playing without reigning NBA MVP Derrick Rose, the Bulls beat Sacramento, 121-115, yesterday to clinch it for Thibodeau even as the Heat downed Indiana, 105-90, on the road. If Chicago lost to the Kings, Spoelstra would be going to Orlando instead. Chicago displayed depth as six players scored in twin digits, including Kyle Korver who drained 4-of-5 treys … Barangay Ginebra consultant Alfrancis Chua’s father David Sr. passed away in San Francisco recently. Condolences to the Chua family … Harvard economics graduate Jeremy Lin sizzled with 27 points and 11 assists to lead New York over Toronto, 90-87, yesterday for the Knicks’ sixth win in a row. New York came back from 17 down and Lin shot the Knicks’ last six points, including the clinching triple with 0.5 of a second left. Amare Stoudemire was back from a week’s leave to mourn his brother’s death and hit 21 points in 33:36 minutes. Lin played 43:10 minutes and buried 2-of-2 triples. A sore point was his eight turnovers but who cares? The Dragon is breathing fire and the Knicks are suddenly the toast of the league.

Empress Schuck celebrates birthday with less fortunate kids

2012-02-16T23:39:00.001+08:00

-By ABS-CBNnews.com

MANILA, Philippines – Actress Empress Schuck had an advanced birthday celebration with less fortunate children.

Schuck, who will turn 19 on February 19, said she went to Ephesus Home for Girls and Bethany Sto. Nino Orphanage in Guiginto, Bulacan on Valentine’s Day to share her blessings.

Schuck said it has always been her dream to give back to other people since she has been blessed with more than what she needs.

“Masaya ako kasi ganun pala 'yung feeling. Sobrang sarap sa pakiramdam lalo na kapag nakita mo 'yung mga bata, 'yung mga ngiti nila, alam mong nag-e-enjoy sila. Cute sila tapos super clingy nila kahit hindi nila kakilala, doon ako mas nakyu-cute-an,” she said.

“Teenager pa lang ako, 13 pa lang ganyan, naisip ko since hindi naman kami mayaman sabi ko sa sarili ko sana 'pag dumating ang panahon na marami akong blessings sana ma-share ko 'yun sa ibang tao, lalo na sa mga bata,” the actress explained.

Schuck invited her “Mundo Man ay Magunaw” co-star Ejay Falcon to be with her during the outreach.

“Na-touch naman ako na game na game siya. So ayun, masaya ako na madaming tumulong, 'yung Star Magic, yung sponsors ko, si Ejay. Masaya ako,” she said.

Final 3 weeks for 'Budoy'

2012-02-16T23:36:00.000+08:00

-By ABS-CBNnews.com

MANILA, Philippines - The hit ABS-CBN television series "Budoy" is nearing its end, according to the show's lead actor Gerald Anderson.

"Actually malapit na kami [magtapos]. Nasa final three weeks na kami," Anderson said during a press conference for his newest endorsement, the clothing brand Mint, on Thursday night.

"Sobra ang buhos ng tiyaga namin dito sa show. Kaya nagpapasalamat kami ng bonggang-bongga," he said.

In "Budoy," Anderson plays the title role, a mentally challenged guy who will do everything to have a normal life with his loved ones and family.

For the show's upcoming finale, Anderson even agreed to cut his hair.

Also part of the show are Tirso Cruz III, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Janice de Belen, Mylene Dizon, Christian Vasquez, Jessy Mendiola, Enrique Gil and Barbara Perez.