Showbiz Portal

Chariz Solomon Pictures

2013-05-20T23:00:00.000+08:00

Sam Pinto Won'T Campaign To Be No. 1 In Fhm Now That Marian Rivera Is Leading

2013-05-20T18:00:00.000+08:00

SAM PINTO is only second to Marian Rivera in the early stages of FHM’S annual contest for the Sexiest Woman. Would she want to be Number 1 again after topping it for two consecutive years?

“Siempre naman, but I won’t be campaigning for myself,” she says on the set of “Indio” where she plays the Goddess of Water. “Hahayaan ko na lang ang fans ko to campaign for me. Bahala na sila if they want me to win. Kundi naman, okay rin lang for me.”

While “Indio” was on a two-week break because title roler Bong Revilla was busy campaigning for his family in the last election, Sam took a vacation and travelled to Japan, Turkey and Greece. “Sinamantala ko nang makapag-travel naman and it’s very relaxing.”

She was Number 1 twice at FHM. How come her home studio. Viva, has still not given her a launching film whereas newcomers like Yam Concepcion and Meg Imperial (both brought by Viva to ABS-CBN) have already had their launching films, “Rigodon” and “Menor de Edad”? “Okay lang. I’m not in a hurry. I’m sure the right time will come. Ako naman, I want to really prepare for that perfect moment na magsosolo na ako. Ayoko ng madaliang project lang. At di ko rin kaya yung sobrang pa-sexy, like yung ginawa ni Yam. Friends na kami before she joined showbiz and I admire her guts, but ako, di ko talaga kaya mag-frontal. At di rin makakaya ng family ko. Okay na sa’kin as of now doing teleseryes like ‘Indio’. My role as Diwata ng Tubig at Dagat really helped para mas makilala ako ng tao. Enjoy kami lahat sa set dito kasi puro mababait ang mga kasama kong diwata and si Sen. Bong Revilla. Now that it’s ending next week, we’re all proud to be part of a big-budgeted historical epicserye like ‘Indio’ na napakahirap talaga gawin but very fulfilling.”

Kaye Abad Worried About Child Abuse

2013-05-20T16:00:00.000+08:00

KAYE ABAD is already 31 but she looks younger than her age. She was only 17 when she did the hit youth show, “Tabing Ilog”, in 1999. The most successful member of their batch is Jodi Sta. Maria among the girls (who now stars in the hit “Be Careful with My Heart”) and, among the boys, John Lloyd Cruz, who became her BF during the show that ran for 3 years. After John Lloyd, Kaye was linked to Parokya ni Edgar vocalist Chito Miranda but they’ve also broken up. She’s now on with actor-singer Guji Lorenzana. Any wedding plans since she’s already 31?

“Naku, my parents nga, pine-pressure na ako dahil baka mapag-iwanan na raw ako ng biyahe,” she says. “Even Guji, he said kung ready na ako, sabihin ko lang sa kanya dahil ready na raw siya at kasundo naman siya ng buong family ko. Pero ako mismo, ayoko pa. Di pa ko sawa sa pagiging dalaga na you’re free to do whatever you want to do. I can feel na hindi pa ko talaga handa. I know yung mga mas bata pa sa’kin, naunahan na ako. Pero bayaan mo na lang sila.”

Why? “Unang-una, I’m scared the marriage might fail. Kasi andami kong nakikita, hindi nagtatagal ang pagsasama. I’m really scared of failed relationships. Ang hirap at ang mahal kayang magpa-annul, di ba?”

She’s scared how viewers might accept her as a cruel contravida in “Annaliza”? “Nagkontrabida na ko kay Shaina Magdayao in ‘Alynna’ before. But this time, yung batang Annaliza ang aapihin ko. Child abuse yun. First time ko magkontrabida sa bata, e. Aalis kasi para mag-OFW daw ang nagpalaki sa kanya, si Zanjo Marudo, at iiwan siya sa’kin. Doon ko aapihin kasi galit ako sa tunay niyang ama, si Patrick Garcia, who dumped me at si Denise Laurel ang pinakasalan. Ako ang nag-utos dito kay Carlo Aquino na kidnapin yung baby nila at napunta kay Zanjoe. Sobrang sama ng character ko rito as Stella.”

Ai Ai De Las Alas Opens Up On Her Being A Battered Wife

2013-05-20T14:00:00.000+08:00

AI AI DE LAS ALAS confirmed to her manager, Boy Abunda (who she calls Ama) in “The Buzz” that she and her husband of one month Jed Salang separated on May 2. They were married in Las Vegas on April 3, but were together for one year, 3 months.

“Tinago ko yung lahat ng pangit sa pagsasama namin,” she says. “Kasi gusto kong mabuhay na parang fairy tale na masaya kami, kasi yun ang gusto kong mangyari sa’ming dalawa. Pero nung May 2, hindi ko na kinaya. Gusto ko lang ng may kasama sa buhay, may kausap, yung may magmamahal sa’yo, kasi malalaki na ang mga bata. Nahihiya akong amining hindi ganun ang nangyari sa’min. Pinoproteksiyunan ko si Jed. Ayokong makita ng mga anak kong nasasaktan ako.”

Early in their relationship, someone already warned her. “May balak daw si Jed. Papatulan lang ako dahil sa (she can’t say the word and we can just surmise it’s “pera”). Pag nagawa na niya yung gusto niya, iiwanan niya na ako at may pakikisamahan siyang iba. Yung ex niya. Akala ko, siya ang bigay ng Diyos sa’kin. Pero na-confirm ko, pati sarili ko niloloko ko lang na masaya ako.”

On May 2, Jed wanted to celebrate their “monthsary” with a three day in a hotel casino. “Sabi ko, ayoko, hindi naman healthy yung magcasino lalo na para sa’kin. Makikita ko roon ng tao. Sabi ko, sa bahay na lang kami. Nagalit siya. E, tuwing nag-aaway kami, physical fight. Lumalaban ako. E, ang laki niya. Hinahagis ako sa kama, sampalan, bunuan. Noong hinila niya ko sa sahig at kinaladkad ako, na-realize ko, di ko na ‘to kaya. Kabibigay ko lang sa kanya ng dream car niya.”

Ai Ai really had a big breakdown and was crying all throughout. She confirmed there was a third party involved.

“At least ngayon, di ko na niloloko ang sarili ko. Yung pagmamahal ko sa kanya, napalitan ng galit at pagtataka kung paano niya nagawa lahat ng ginawa niya sa’kin. Pinuntahan niya ko sa salon para kausapin, pero may trauma na ko sa kanya. Maski mukha niya, hindi ko na kayang makita. Alam ni God lahat ng pinagdaanan ko. Yung pagkatao niya, akala ko kilala ko na, pero ngayon ko lang talaga nakilala.”

Boy asked her if Jed loved her? “Sa lahat ng nalaman ko, sa tingin ko, hindi. Kahit kailan, hindi,” she sobbed uncontrollably.

She said sorry to her kids. “Dapat, sapat na yung pagmamahal namin sa isa’t isa. Kami-kami na lang. Sa lahat ng nagmamahal sa’kin, pagpasensiyahan nyo na ako. Tao lang akong nagmahal. Lahat ng babae, yun lang ang pangarap, ang makasal.”

Will she be filing for divorce since they were married in the U.S.? “Yung divorce, yung legalities, ang lawyer ko na ang bahala diyan.”

Anything she wants to tell Jed? “Wala na akong sasabihin sa kanya. Basta ayoko na siyang makita.”

Like what we always say, there are family institutions that can help us in our relationships. We have no one else to blame but ourselves if we get into “magugulong relationships”. Before getting married, always try to undergo a good marriage preparation program. Remember Murphy’s Law. If anything can go wrong, it will. And this is so true for marriages. You have to prepare well for it as you just don’t live happily ever after as a couple automatically after the wedding.

Lineup Of New Drama Shows On Gma-7

2013-05-20T12:00:00.000+08:00

WE’RE TOLD it’s “Anna Karenina” topbilled by Barbie Forteza and Derrick Monasterio and not "Mga Basang Sisiw" that will replace “Indio” when it ends on May 31. “Mga Basang Sisiw”, the tearjerker about orphaned kids, will replace “Unforgettable”, the afternoon soap starring Kylie Padilla and Mark Herras. Other new GMA shows that will be introduced soon are “Hindi Kita Iiwan” with Bianca King and Dion Ignacio, “With a Smile” with Andrea Torres, Mikael Daez and Christian Bautista, “My Husband’s Lover” with Carla Abellana, Dennis Trillo and Tom Rodriguez, and “Genesis” with Dingdong Dantes.

Hail And Farewell: Bella Flores, The Queen Of Contravidas

2013-05-20T10:00:00.000+08:00

OUR CONDOLENCES and sympathy to the family of Contravida Queen Bella Flores who passed last early Sunday morning at the age of 84. Her real name is Remedios Dancel. We grew up hating Tita Bella for she’s so convincing in making lead characters miserable, like then tot actress Tessie Agana in “Roberta” and Gloria Romero, Lolita Rodriguez and other Sampaguita Pictures actresses in countless movies they did together.

Her partners in crime at Sampaguita were the late Van de Leon and the still active Eddie Garcia, the top male villains then. She won the FAMAS best supporting actress award for oppressing child stars Roderick Paulate and Gina Alajar in Lea Productions’ “Ang Kaibigan Kong Sto. Nino”.

When we went into entertainment writing and finally met her, we were charmed by her sweetness. She’s one of the senior stars we met with very good PR. We were introduced to her only once but after that, she’d greet us anywhere she’d see us.

She was diagnosed to have alzheimer’s disease last year and has been bedridden after she had hip surgery. Her daughter Ruby brought her to the Quezon City General Hospital when she complained of having difficulty with her breathing.

She was last seen on TV as the Lola Contravida to Jillian Ward in GMA-7’s “Trudis Liit” and on the big screen as herself instructing Rhian Ramos on the ins and outs of being a villain in “My Kontrabida Girl”. Let’s all pray for the repose of her soul.

Glydel Mercado Pictures

2013-05-20T08:10:00.002+08:00

Happy Birthday To Nora Aunor, Now A Bonafide Senior Citizen

2013-05-19T19:00:00.000+08:00

NORA AUNOR is turning 60 today, May 21, and it is to the credit of TV5 that even if her two shows with them, “Sa Ngalan ng Ina” and “Never Say Goodbye”, didn’t deliver the expected high ratings, they’re still treating her to a grand birthday celebration tonight. Our wish for Ate Guy is to be in perfect health, especially at this time when we’ve been hearing all sorts of negative stories about her physical well being. We also wish that she would seriously have her vocal chords rehabilitated soon so she could regain her golden voice. Happy birthday, Ate Guy. Her fans have a new movie to support, “Kuwento ni Mabuti”, directed by Mes de Guzman, an entry in the CineFilipino that opens in Gateway and two other theatre outlets on the last week of June.

Alden Richards Launches Debut Album At The Last Telecast Of 'Party Pilipinas'

2013-05-19T18:00:00.000+08:00

ALDEN RICHARDS is launching his self-titled debut album with Universal Records at “Party Pilipinas” today. He’s happy about it but also sad as it’s going to be the last telecast of “Party Pilipinas”. “Hinabol ko po yung launching ng album ko bago matapos ang show kasi ang actual release nito is on May 26 pa sa Trinoma,” he says. “The first single is ‘Haplos’ and other songs in it are ‘Can’t Find a Reason’, ‘Di Mo na Mababawi’, ‘Everytime I See You’ and ‘Sa Aking Tabi’. The album notes will please my fans as it has an article about 101 facts about Alden. We were all surprised sa Party P when we learned last Saturday na ending na pala ng Sunday show where I’m one of the regulars sa Queso Boys. Malaki ang utang na loob ko sa Party P kasi diyan ako nahasang kumanta at sumayaw.”

We tell him he needn’t feel despair as GMA might still include him in the show that will replace Party P in June. Also, he still has his primetime soap, “Mundo Mo’y Akin”, that’s rating so well so it’s been extended for four weeks.

“Natuwa kaming lahat sa cast when we learned extended kami. Kasi, paganda nang paganda ang twists sa show. Dati, passive lang yung character ko, si Jerome, supporting the women, but now, may sarili ng conflicts si Jerome. I put up my own restaurant then Gabby Eigenmann as Ziggy is blackmailing me para layuan si Lauren Young as Darlene while Ate Jolina Magdangal, who I consider my adoptive move, is in prison. Abangan nyo kasi magiging mas matapang na at palaban si Jerome.”

He also has two movie offers to be produced by Marvin Agustin, a rom-com with an older actress from ABS-CBN and a heavy drama. “I was referred by our director in ‘Mundo Mo’y Akin’, Andoy Ranay. But I’m not sure yet kung papayagan ako ng GMA Artist Center to accept it.”

Charice On How To Alienate Your Fans And Ruin Your Career

2013-05-19T17:00:00.000+08:00

YEARS FROM now, Charice can write a book on “How to Alienate Your Fans and Ruin Your Career”. No doubt she has gone far conquering international markets as a singer, as she has even done Hollywood movies like “Here Comes the Boom” and “Alvin and the Chipmunks”.

But now, her career is neither here nor there and if you’d read the reaction of her former fans on the net, they don’t really favour what she did to herself lately. First, she dressed up like a guy and now, she posted pictures of herself in a tank top showing off the tattoos in her body.

We don’t mind her sexual preference, that’s her own prerogative, but she shouldn’t have flaunt it. And now, the ugly tattoos? What’s she trying to prove? That she can get away with anything and everything?

The public loved her for being this simple, pint-sized but very talented singer from the Philippines who looks so pure and unassuming. But with her looks now, her image has definitely been tarnished and it’s not helping her career, locally and otherwise. Even her own relatives don’t approve of it.

The scuttlebutt that she eloped with Alyssa Quijano, the “X Factor Philippines” contestant who became her ward, also didn’t help her. Shades of Aiza Seguerra and “Protegee’s” Krizza Neri? It’s said the parents of Alyssa were so outraged and got back their daughter.

Award-Winning Former Child Actors Not Successful As Grown Up Leading Men

2013-05-19T16:00:00.000+08:00

AFTER DOING cameo roles in “Apoy sa Dagat” and “Dugong Buhay”, Patrick Garcia and Carlo Aquino are now back in a regular primetime teleserye, “Annaliza”. They’re wishing their roles will be longer this time and they’re wish is granted as they’ll be in the story from beginning to end. Patrick is Lazaro, the dad of Andrea Brilliantes, who plays Annaliza, with Denise Laurel as the mom. Carlo Aquino is Makoy, the kidnapper who steals Annaliza from them and gives the baby to his friend Zanjoe Marudo.

Both Patrick and Carlo started as child stars and won awards right away. Patrick did “Separada” and “Rollerboys” then won best child actor for “Madrasta” and best actor for “Batang PX”. Carlo won best supporting actor awards for “Bata, Bata, Paano Ka Ginawa”.

As teen stars, Patrick joined ABS-CBN’s teen stars in “Tabing Ilog” while Carlo did memorable dramas like “Minsan May Isang Puso” and “Sugatang Puso”. Patrick later moved to GMA-7 and did soaps like “Babangon Ako’t Dudurugin Kita”, “Full House” and “Iglot”. He went back to ABS-CBN doing “Unofficially Yours” for Star Cinema and the soap “Lumayo Ka Man sa Akin”.

Carlo won a best actor award for the indie film “Sa Aking Pagkagising sa Kamulatan”. Now 27, he played lead roles in “Tuli” and “Tumbok”. He did soaps with both GMA-7 and TV5 and he’s now back with ABS-CBN where he started as a child actor in 1992 on “Ang TV”.

Their careers as leading men didn’t really take off. Patrick is now 31 and has two kids: a son, Alex Jazz, with Jennylyn Mercado who’s now 5 years old and a daughter with non-showbiz GF Jessica Martinez named Chelsea, 3 months old. He wasn’t there when Alex was born since he and Jen had a falling out. But with Chelsea, he was there all the time. “Siempre, mas masarap yung feeling na you were there throughout the pregnancy until sa panganganak, every step of the way,” he says. “Nakita mo yung development at parang kasali ka sa pregnancy. Na-feel ko talaga yung pagiging father, which I didn’t experience kay Jazz.”

We just saw his son at the set of “Indio” with Jen and it cannot be doubted the boy is his since they look so much alike. But Jen said he barely gets in touch with them. “Pero okay lang,” Jen told us. “Kaya ko naman, e.” Patrick was asked about why he doesn’t see his son and he just said: “No comment na lang. It’s a sensitive issue. Basta ayokong pag-usapan yan.”

Annaliza starts airing tomorrow before TV Patrol, directed by Theodore Boborol and Cathy Camarillo.

Rhian Ramos' Lovelife Is So Stress Free Now Compared To Her Stormy Affair With Dj Mo

2013-05-19T15:49:00.001+08:00

RHIAN RAMOS is sad that “Indio” is ending on May 31. “Na-enjoy ko talaga gawin ito and I love my role as the diwata Magayon,” she says. “Nandun talaga ako from the start of the show hanggang sa matapos ito kaya I’m sure magpi-feeling senti ako pag wala na kaming taping kasi since September pa kami magkakasama rito, lalo na mga kapwa ko diwata. Doing this gave me confidence again kasi before this, matagal akong nabakante.”

So will she be the one to end up with Sen. Bong Revilla as Indio? “We don’t know, but as of now, may romantic development sa character namin ni Aljur Abrenica as Bagandi. Pinainom ako ng gayuma to fall for him and I willingly took it.”

What’s the reaction of the public to her role as a diwata? “Very positive. Lalo na yung mga Bicolano, kasi Magayon is a Bicol word meaning beautiful and Mayon Volcano came from the word Magayon.”

So what’s her next project after this? “I don’t know yet. But GMA has a coming big show at pinag-audition ako roon kasama ang iba pang GMA actresses. Hindi ko lang alam kung makukuha ako. Sa bagay nga mawawala ang ‘Indio’ and ‘Party Pilipinas’ and I also don’t know kung kasali pa rin ako sa ipapalit doon. Kung hindi, it means I can join my family again on Sundays. Kasi with Party P, I can’t join them having lunch together and watching a movie pag weekends.”

Her life is peaceful now. Doesn’t she miss all the controversies she got involved in before? “Naku, hindi. I’m so happy to give chance to others to be controversial.”

Has she forgiven DJ Mo? “I’m not sure. But in life, everything is possible. Basta I know, hindi siya makakabalik dito sa dami ng kaso filed against him.”

And how’s her new BF KC Montero? “Almost one year na kami. Everything is so peaceful, light, relaxed, happy. We don’t even have a big fight, petty ones lang kaya stress-free. Nasasanay na na ako sa ganito.”

Lovi Poe Finally Renews Contract With Gma-7, Refuses To Talk About Tv5 Offer

2013-05-18T22:04:00.004+08:00

LOVI POE finally signed her renewal contract with GMA-7, after so much hemming and hawing, last Friday afternoon. So what took her so long to make up her mind?

“I chose to go on vacation from TV and focused on doing three movies: ‘The Bride & The Lover’ which has just been shown, then ‘Sana Dati’ for Cinemalaya that’s now in the can, and ‘Lihis’ for the Sineng Pambansa na five shooting days na lang,” she says. “I really miss doing teleseryes after ‘Yesterday’s Bride’ but I thought it best to rest muna.”

So it’s not true she used the offer of TV5, where her manager Leo Dominguez is an executive, as leverage to get a better deal with GMA-7?

“Those who say that don’t really know what’s happening so they can say anything. Basta ako, I just really want to take a vacation. I don’t want to talk about the other network anymore. Basta now, I’m just happy I’m home with GMA. I started here at inaalagaan naman talaga nila ako. The people here are like my family and I can feel na minamahal nila ako.”

Is it true her new soap is “Genesis” and will pair her with Dingdong Dantes? “No,” it’s GMA exec Lilybeth Rasonable who answered. “We do have a new soap for me but it’s not with Dingdong. Pinag-uusapan pa. But she’ll do first a new episode for our drama show, ‘Magpakailanman’.”

Who does Lovi want to be her leading man in her new soap? “I’ve no personal preference. I can work naman with anyone and everyone. I’m just so excited to start the new soap that I’d be doing for GMA.”

What can she say about Grace Poe topping the senatorial race? “I feel so proud and happy for my sister. She didn’t expect it. She’s such a humble person and I feel she deserves it.”

Did she campaign for Grace? “Yes, in my own way, sa Twitter. I wanted to join her rallies but she said, no need na sumama pa raw ako. I just had lunch with her. I met her husband and kids and they’re all super nice to me. I know she’ll do good in the senate.”

We ask GMA top honcho Atty. Felipe Gozon if it’s true that he personally asked GMA bosses to run after Lovi when she was reported to be moving to TV5. “Hindi ko siya hinabol. Pero kung binata ako, hahabulin ko siya. She’s so beautiful and very talented. Gusto lang namin na yung magagaling, manatili rito sa amin.”

Bea Alonzo Is Zanjoe Marudo'S Lucky Charm

2013-05-18T22:04:00.001+08:00

ZANJOE MARUDO’s career is blooming and no doubt it really took off after he and Bea Alonzo were linked to each other. He can very well consider Bea his lucky charm. He’s just been launched in his first solo movie, “Bromance”, playing dual roles and its’ now doing well at the tills. Now, he’s the biggest star in the cast of ABS-CBN’s newest primetime soap, “Annaliza”, playing the pivotal role of Guido, popularized by character actor Renato del Prado in the original TV series. Has Bea seen her performance as a beki in “Bromance”? “Yes, tawa siya ng tawa,” he says.

So after his gay role, he’s now playing a father role in “Annaliza”. “Okay lang naman yun. When they told me the story, nagustuhan ko. Sa original TV show, masama yung character ko, si Guido. Pero dito, pinabait nila kasi ako ang aampon at mag-aalaga kay Andrea Brillante as Annaliza. I like stories about fathers and kids kaya enjoy akong gawin ito. At kahit wala pa kong anak, marami kong pamangkin kaya mahilig ako sa bata.”

So he’s ready to wed Bea? “Yan ang hindi pa. Hindi naman yang minamadali. Pinagpaplanuhan yan. Pag-iipunan ko pa. Pareho kaming may iba pang dapat asikasuhin bago lumagay sa tahimik.”

He’s doing wholesome roles now. Will he still accept sexy roles like in “One More Try” where he did butt exposure? “Oo naman. Sexy naman ako, e,” he laughs. “Basta maganda ang project, like ‘Scorpio Nights’ na classic, okay lang sa’kin.”

What Ai Ai De Las Alas And Husband Jed Salang Should Do To Save Their Marriage

2013-05-18T22:03:00.004+08:00

WHY ARE we not surprised about reports that Ai Ai de las Alas and car executive Jed Alvin Salang, who she married in Las Vegas just a month ago on April 3, have separated?

We remember that just before Ai Ai’s concert with Korean singer Psy a few months ago, she said she’s so happy with Jed and she wished other people would just be happy for that instead of saying negative like “di naman magtatagal yan.”

Right after the concert, we learned that Ai Ai flew to the U.S. because she had a fight with Jed, who then tried to woo her back. They patched things up and hurriedly get married. We’ve seen many couple who did this impulsive decision only regret it later on. Our advice for such couples is to don’t rush things and get a good marriage preparation program like the Discovery Weekend where they can discover how prepared they are for the sacrament of marriage and what are the chances of their staying together for a lifetime. Simply because there’s no such thing as living happily ever after marriage automatically.

Here’s hoping Ai Ai and Jed can still iron things out between them and reconcile. And if they do, our recommendation is for them to enrol in a good marriage mentoring or enhancement program that will help them work on their marriage successfully. Theirs is particularly hard because of the age gap since Ai Ai is 48 and Jed is only a few years older than the eldest son of Ai Ai.

Is Willie Revillame Being Kicked Out By Tv5 Or Is He Resigning Voluntarily?

2013-05-18T22:03:00.002+08:00

WONDER WHERE Willie Revillame will be going if it’s true that TV5 has decided not to renew his contract with them. To think TV5 spent millions recently in renovating their Delta Theatre studio just to accommodate Willie’s noontime show.

We heard Willie is getting P70 million a month from TV5. For its renewal, he’s demanding that his fee be upped to P90 million a month. TV5 management under its new prexy, Noel Lorenzana, decided not to bite since the show is not rating high anyway. Why would they pay so much for a show that doesn’t deliver the expected ratings?

Willie reportedly didn’t take this good-naturedly and decided to resign right away. So where would he go now? He definitely can’t go to GMA-7 which is “Eat Bulaga” country and ABS-CBN no longer wants to take him back.

Willie’s camp denied the veracity of these reports, saying things are still okay between and TV5. Well, anyway, even if they were true, he’s now quite well off and can afford not to work anymore. He already has beautiful mansions, new buildings, yachts, an airplane and a helicopter. He has enough in his coffers to last him a lifetime, even if he remains jobless for the rest of his life.

Michael De Mesa Never Thought His Acting Career Would Flourish After He Migrated To The U.S.A.

2013-05-18T22:02:00.001+08:00

MICHAEL DE MESA is happy to be part of the landmark epicserye, “Indio”. “Sobrang sama ko rito as villain to Bong Revilla but like what I tell the fans na nagagalit sa’kin, trabaho lang ito,” he says.

He has migrated to the States with current wife Julie but he returned to Manila to do “Valiente” with TV5.
“Hindi ko naman akalaing magsusunod-sunod ang offers sa’kin after that, kasi kinuha agad ako ng GMA-7 to do ‘Kasalanan Bang Ibigin Ka’ with Jackie Rice. Then even before that ended, they signed me up to a two-year contract at kinuha ko for ‘Indio’. Alangan namang tanggihan ko? I have a regular job in the U.S. but acting remains to be my first love. Pero tuwing may break, I go back to the States kasi kailangan ng five-year residency ko roon to get my greencard.”

After “Indio”, he’s doing a new movie with Robin Padilla, to be produced by Ronald Singson and Neil Arce who did ‘Coming Soon’.

Carmi Martin Pictures

2013-05-17T22:00:00.000+08:00

Alice Dixson Returns To Canada To Finalize Divorce Papers With Ex-Husband

2013-05-17T20:00:00.000+08:00

NOW THAT her soap ‘Never Say Goodbye’ has ended, Alice Dixson decides to leave for Canada for a long vacation. She’s supposed to have a follow up project right away, “Minsan May Isang Ina”, but it can’t start yet since the actress TV5 wants to get for the lead role, Lovi Poe, is “urong-sulong” or indecisive whether to stay with GMA-7 or move to TV5. But as of yesterday, she’s supposed to sign up anew as a Kapuso.

While in Canada, Alice will attend to the divorce case she and estranged husband Ronnie Martinez have filed. “Before we parted, napag-usapan naman namin nang maayos pati ang aming division of properties, like our house, so I think hindi na kami mahihirapan in getting our divorce papers,” she says.

She also has some catching up to do with her work there as a real estate broker, for which she has an official licence. “Ayoko namang i-give up yun at pinaghirapan ko yun. Isa pa, I’m a Canadian citizen na, and malay natin, baka I might work there din again sometime.”

So is she entertaining new suitors? “Naku, tigilan muna natin ang love life. Right now, kung wala akong work, I just want to spend time with my widowed mom who’s staying with me.”

Abs-Cbn Introduces Another Child Actress, Andrea Brilliante, In 'Annaliza' Remake

2013-05-17T18:00:00.000+08:00

AFTER XYRIEL Manabat, ABS-CBN is launching another child actress, Andrea Brilliante, in their remake of “Annaliza”, then played by the late Julie Vega. The soap ran from 1980 to 1986 on Channel 7, produced by Kitchie Benedicto, and also launched the love team of Rey PJ Abellana and Leni Santos. ABS already attempted to do this before with Dawn Zulueta, directed by Jerry Sineneng, but it was shelved. Now, it’s under the supervision of new business unit head Ruel Bayani and Denise Laurel plays the real mom of Annaliza.

Andrea is 10-years old but she’s been acting for a couple of years now, starting with TV ads. She was the daughter of Shaina Magdayao in “Alynna”, Princess in “E-Boy”, the young Jessy Mendiola in “Sabel”, the young Kim Chiu in “Ina Kapatid Anak” and the young Andi Eigenmann in “Kahit Puso’y Masugatan”. She also became a regular in “Goin’ Bulilit”.

“Excited po ako kasi gusto ko talaga maging bida,” she says at the presscon of “Annaliza”. “Talagang gagawin ko po lahat para maraming manood sa show namin.”

Supporting her in the show are Zanjoe as her foster dad, Patrick Garcia and Denise Laurel as her real parents, Carlo Aquino as the man who kidnapped her as a baby, Kaye Abad as her dad’s vindictive ex-lover who’d make her life miserable, and teen stars Khalil Ramos, Sue Ramirez, Kiko Estrada and Shy Carlos. Also in the cast are child stars Kyline Alcantara, Nathaniel Britt, Jillian Aguila and Reign Tolentino. It starts airing this Monday before “TV Patrol”.

Gma-7 Revives 'Anna Karenina' With A New Set Of Love Teams

2013-05-17T14:00:00.000+08:00

ANOTHER OLD show with “Anna” in its title is also being remade by GMA-7, “Anna Karenina”, which launched in the mid-90s the love teams of Dingdong Dantes-Antoinette Taus, Sunshine Dizon-Polo Ravales and Kim de los Santos-Dino Guevarra, directed by Gil Tejada.

The new love teams now are Barbie Forteza-Derrick Monasterio, Joyce Ching-Hiro Peralta, and former child stars Krystal Reyes-Julian Trono. It’s Gina Alajar who’ll direct them this time since Gina was very successful in helming “Tween Hearts” before. The more adult members of the cast include Manila councilor Yul Servo, Neil Ryan Sese and Maybeline de la Cruz. We think this would have been more attractive to viewers if Bea Binene would also be in the cast, but she’s now already busy with “Home Sweet Home”.

Sen. Bong Revilla Cries Harassment And Calls For Senate Investigation

2013-05-17T12:00:00.000+08:00

SEN. BONG REVILLA took a two-week break from taping “Indio” to help his wife Lani Mercado’s reelection bid as Bacoor representative, son Jolo’s bid as Cavite vice governor and brother Strike’s campaign as Bacoor mayor. He returned to taping two days after the election, still traumatized by the harassment his family got from Cavite cops.

“It’s all politically motivated,” he says. “May high powered guns daw kaming itinatago gayong wala naman. Parang minartial law kami. Mga pulis na dapat mag-maintain ng peace and order, siya pang nangha-harass sa amin. Hindi ako naniniwalang hindi alam ni Mar Roxas ito. Hindi kikilos ang mga pulis na yan without them being aware of it. Paiimbestigahan ko ito sa senado. Pati ama kong dating senador at maysakit, hindi na nila nirespeto. Buti na lang, hindi natakot ang mga tao na iboto pa rin kami, pati si Gov. Jonvic Remulla, sa kabila ng pananakot sa kanila, kaya nanalo lahat sina Jonvic, Jolo, Lani at Strike.”

“Indio” is ending in two weeks and he’ll have happy memories of it. “Mahirap itong gawin as it’s really big in scope and production, sobrang nakakapagod, but very fulfilling. Kahit saan ako magpunta sa Luzon, Visayas at Mindanao, Indio ang tawag sa’kin ng tao. Sa rallies, pag tinanong ko, nanonood ba kayo, lahat, nagtataas ng kamay. At feeling ko, dito ko talaga natutong umarte, thanks to Direk Dondon Santos. Ngayong patapos na kami, abangan nyo dahil ang dami pang magagandang mangyayari sa kuwento.”

What’ll he do next? “Bakasyon muna ko after this. May invitation for me sa Independence Day celebration sa U.S. next month. Pagbalik ko, paghahandaan ko na ang next entry ko sa Metro filmfest. Baka ‘Indio, The Movie’, palalakihin lang namin ng husto.”

The Big Wedding Movie Review: Its Big Stars Fail To Make The Film Work

2013-05-17T10:00:00.000+08:00

ONE LOOK at its poster and you’d think “The Big Wedding” is a heartwarming family comedy like “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” or “Father of the Bride” (both Spencer Tracy and Steve Martin versions), what with an assembly of big name stars in it like Robert de Niro, Diane Keaton, Robin Williams and Susan Sarandon (all Oscar winners), plus Katherine Heigl of the hit “Grey Anatomy” series, Amanda Seyfried of “Mamma Mia” and “Les Miz”, Ben Barnes of “Prince Caspian” and Topher Grace of “That 70s Show”.

The movie is based on a 2006 French hit, “My Brother is Getting Married”. It starts with Ellie (Diane) returning to their home after ten years of being separated from her sculptor husband, Don (Robert), who now lives in with her best friend, Bebe (Susan). She comes for the wedding of their adopted son, Alejandro (Ben) to Missy (Amanda). Alejandro’s biological mom, Madonna (Patricia Rae), is coming in from Colombia. A devout Catholic who doesn’t believe in divorce, Alejandro has made her believe that Don and Ellie are still living together as husband and wife.

Don and Ellie are then forced to pretend that they’re still married while Madonna is around for the wedding. Bebe has to scoot out of the house but returns later as a caterer for the wedding reception, leading to some supposedly funny consequences.

For added subplots to pad the narrative, we have Don and Ellie’s real children, Lyla (Katherine) and Jared (Topher). Lyla is a lawyer who can’t have kids but suddenly finds herself pregnant at a time she’s having a fight with her boyfriend. Jared is a doctor who remains a virgin at 30 and gets attracted to Alejandro’s biological sister (Ana Ayora) who also comes for the wedding and starts seducing him. Also around are Missy’s parents (David Rasche and Christine Ebersole), who have secrets and problems of their own, plus the priest who’d officiate wedding, Father Moinighan (Robin, his second time to play a priest after “License to Wed”). But despite the problems, this is meant to be a feel good movie so everyone is given his own happy ending with not only one but two weddings happening as the film makes a final fade.

Believe us when we tell you the narrative sounds more watchable when you read it from here than when you’re actually watching it on the big screen. Writer-Director Justine Zackham’s script is so dated and many situations lack wit, seeming like they have been lifted from past TV sitcoms. The actors are even made to do a lot of sex talk and are subjected to raunchy situations, but still to no avail. The truth is the movie is kind of humiliating for most of the performers, especially for De Niro after he just gave a masterful portrayal as the OCD dad in “Silver Linings Playbook”. This is such a big waste of talent, just like the star-studded junk, “Movie 43”, also shown recently.

Benjamin Alves and Kylie Padilla Pictures

2013-05-17T08:37:00.001+08:00

Benjamin Alves and Chariz Solomon Pictures

2013-05-16T23:00:00.000+08:00