A StarStruck Season Like No Other

A new batch of promising artista hopefuls will soon emerge to make waves in local show business as the pioneering reality-based artista search returns with its most intensified season yet – StarStruck The Next Level. Premiering on Monday (December 4) in GMA-7’s top-rating primetime block, the fourth StarStruck season takes the artista search to the next level by giving the new batch of showbiz aspirants bigger chances and greater challenges to achieve the dream they have always believed in.

Hosted by Dingdong Dantes and Jolina Magdangal with Raymond Gutierrez, StarStruck The Next Level will surely become the most talked about StarStruck season. For the first time in the history of the original artista search, StarStruck The Next Level will produce four equal winners by the end of the contest. Aside from the pair of StarStruck Ultimate Survivors, there will also be a StarStruck Ultimate Hunk and a StarStruck Ultimate Sweetheart – all four of whom will win P 1 M cash and P 2 M exclusive GMA management contract each plus an attractive range of additional prizes.

StarStruck The Next Level comes up with a hodgepodge of personalities with its unique batch of finalists, and viewers will definitely choose to witness these survivors’ StarStruck saga and follow their character development and interactions every step of the way. Each survivor has a story of his own that is bound to attract supporters and a distinctive charm that will surely capture the viewer’s heart.

Patok Ang Opening Ng Eat Bulaga!

NAGUSTUHAN namin ang isang opening number ng Eat Bulaga last week na ang tema ay tribute sa mga komedyanteng Pilipino. Makikita mong pinagbuhusan ng panahon at pinag-aralan ang mga ginawa nilang impersonation sa number na ‘yun.

Masasabing pinaka-impressive sa kanyang imperso-nation si Jose Manalo na ginaya si Chiquito. Pati ang kanyang paglalakad ay ga-yang-gaya niya si Chiquito. Pati boses nga ay nagaya rin niya. Kaya nga lang ewan kung bakit pinag-duet pa si-na Jose at Gladys Guevarra na gumaya naman kay Pilita Corrales sa isang kundiman.

Si Chiquito, noong na-bubuhay pa ay kilala sa pagkanta ng mga awitin ng Platters na You’ve Got that Magic Touch o Remember When.

Matindi rin ang ginawa nilang research.

Nagulat kami noong kantahin nina Eppie Quizon at Anjo Yllana, na nag-impersonate naman kina Dolphy at Panchito, ang isang novelty song na ginawa ng mga sikat na kumedyante noon pang 60s �" ang Huwag Kang Mang-Oonse.

Impressive din ang tri-bute para sa Reycards duet na ginawa naman nina Allan K at Paolo Ballesteros.

Kaya lang, komento ng marami, hindi kamukha si Allan K ni Carding.

Mas kamukha raw siya ng isang hindi magandang TV host.

Makikita mo na sa kabila ng kanilang mataas nang ra-tings ay talagang nagsisikap pa rin ang Eat Bulaga na mas mapaganda pa ang kanilang show, kaya talagang kawawa naman ang kanilang kalaban na inilalampaso na lang nila talaga ang ratings sa nga-yon.

Paolo together with ex and current gf

PAOLO Contis stars with his current ina bmorata, Isabel Oli, and his ex, Desiree del Valle, in “Atlantika.” Doesn’t he feel somewhat uncomfortable when he’s doing scenes with both of them?

“We have no scenes yet na magkakasama kami but I don’t think that will be a problem as it’s common knowledge na sina Desiree at Vhong Navarro na ngayon,” he says. “Friends ko naman ang mga ex ko. Three years kami ni Des and two years naman ako with Nancy Castiglione at ayos pa rin kami. As for Isabel, seven months pa lang kami but I can feel magtatagal ito as I like her being so simple. I’ve met her family in Cebu and also her parents who have moved to Singapore. This Christmas season, everyone will be here in Manila so kasali rin ako in their big reunion.”

His role in “Atlantika” as the villainous Piranus, nemesis of Aquano (Dingdong Dantes), is his most difficult assignment so far. “This is even harder than my role as villain to Richard Gutierrez in ‘Sugo’. Doon, we fly in air on harness in our fight scenes. Dito, we fight naman underwater and it’s no joke kasi ang costumes pa lang namin, mabigat na and we have to have an additional weight of 15 lbs. para kami lumubog sa tubig. Last week, I nearly drowned in Anilao buti na-save ako ng mga kasama namin. It’s good dati na akong diver even before I started doing this and I was able to return to the surface.”

Paolo plays a very macho role in “Atlantika” but in his new movie, Viva Films’ “Reyna,” he plays a screaming faggot as Chuvanesca, the nemesis of Keanna Reeves in a gay beauty pageant. “Girl na girl ako rito and when I’m in full make-up, they all tell me maganda pa ko sa totoong babae.”

Is it true he had a tiff with Keanna? “No, okay kami. What happened was she dropped by sa set of ‘Atlantika’ before we started shooting ‘Reyna’ pa. But I was then busy doing a scene with Dingdong kaya hindi ko siya napansin. Ayun, akala niya I snobbed her, e hindi naman. Nagkaayos na kami.”

Sunshine magpaparetoke ng mukha

HANNGANG sa January 2007 pa pala mapapanood sa Kapuso Netwok ang teledramang Bakekang kung kaya ang viewers ay tuwang-tuwa naman sa ba-litang ito dahil mahaba pa ang panahon para mapanood nila ito.

Ang bawat araw na napapanood nila rito ay nadaragdagan ang excitement dahil sa mga nakakakilig at nakakayanig nilang eksena, lalo na ang salpukan ng tatlong characters na kabataan na pinangunguna-han nina Nadine Samonte (bilang Lorraine), Yasmien Kurdi (Charming) at Lovi Poe (Kristal). Palibhasa’y maganda si Lorraine at panget naman si Charming kaya ganoon na lamang ang pagsusuplada rito. Maging si Kristal ay hindi rin nakaligtas sa panlalait ni Lorraine, na kahit maganda ito pero ina-away pa rin dahil kalaban niya sa popularity sa showbiz.

Inaabangan rin ang walang katapusang bangayan nina Sheryl Cruz (bilang si Valeria) at Sunshine Dizon (bilang si Bakekang). Nagsimulang awayin ni Valeria si Bakekang nang mapa-lapit rito ang asawa niyang si Kristoph (Jay Manalo).

Kaya nang mag-artista ang anak ni Bakekang na si Kristal, ang bawat project na pumapasok rito ay hino-hold ni Valeria, kinakausap niya ang producer at nilalagyan para itigil ang bawat proyektong gagawin sana ni Kristal.

Painit nang painit ang bawat eksena rito. Kaabang-abang din ang nala-lapit na pagpaparetoke ni Sunshine. Ipapaopera niya ang kanyang mukha, ang panget na mukha niyang Bakekang ay pagagandahin na, kaya matutuwa rito ang viewers sa planong ito sa sarili ni Bakekang dahil hindi na siya lalaitin pa ni Valeria dahil pareho na silang maganda.

Malaking rason kung bakit magpapaopera ng mukha si Sunshine, ito ay dahil muli siyang iibig kay Direk Manfred(Marcus Madrigal), direktor ni Kristal sa ibang project nito. Sa tanong kung matutuloy ba ang pagpapaopera ni Bakekang, iyan ang dapat aba-ngan ng televiewers?

Sa parte naman ni Valeria, tiyak na matutuwa ito sa pagpapaganda ni Bakekang dahil hindi na magu-gulo ang kanyang buhay. Umiibig na ito kay Direk Manfred kung kaya hindi na rin mababaling ang simpatiya nito sa kanyang asawang si Kristoph.

Katunayan, nang mabalitaan pala ni Valeria na umiibig ito sa director ay natuwa pa siya. Siya pa ang nagtataboy kay direk Marcus na maging sweet kay Bakekang dahil umano mabait ito.

Ang hindi alam ni Valeria, kapag gumanda si Bakekang ay siguradong darami ang mga manliligaw nito, baka mas lalong mapalapit rito ang asawa niyang si Kristoph dahil maganda na nga.

“Maraming pagbabago rito ang papel ni Bakekang, tiyak na palaging aabangan ito ng viewers dahil ang bawat eksena’y kaabang-abang! Hindi lamang ang mga eksena ko rito ang kanilang aaba-ngan kundi ang ibang characters din.

“Lahat kami rito’y may kani-kanyang sidelights o pang-award na papel kaya palagi nilang aabangan ang bawat yugto nito para hindi sila mabitin!” wika pa ni Sunshine.

Angel Locsin type makasama si Piolo

GOING back to Angel Locsin, hindi pa rin nito makumpirma kung tuloy ang pagsasamahan nilang pelikula ni Piolo Pascual under Regal Entertainment.

May mga naririnig lang na balita si Angel tungkol sa Piolo movie, pero wala pang kongkreto ang lahat.

Nagustuhan daw kasi ni Mother Lily Monteverde ang chemistry nina Piolo and Angel sa tv commercial nila ng isang coffee, at naisipan nitong pagtamba- lin ang dalawa sa big screen, na tila ang Regal nga lang ang may kayang gawin ‘yon.

Siyempre, common sense naman na di puwedeng gumawa si Piolo under GMA Films, at si Angel nama’y wiz puwede sa Star Cinema.

Bukod pa yan siyempre sa movie contract ni Angel sa Regal.

“Pero siyempre, gusto kong matuloy ‘yon kung may plano man dahil gusto ko rin namang makatrabaho si Piolo,” say ni Angel.

Kaso mo, mukhang matatagalan pa ang project na ito since after Mano Po 5 ay sisimulan agad ni Angel ang pang-Valentine offering ng GMA Films na inspired daw ng Hihintayin Kita Sa Langit, with Richard Gutierrez.

Fabulous daw ang script, say mismo nina Angel and Richard, mula kay Raquel Villavicencio, dahil kakaibang maturity raw ng Angel-Richard ang mapapanood sa said film.

As for Piolo over at Star Cinema, mukhang pinaplantsa na rin ng mga big wigs ang matagal na dapat niyang movie with Regine Velasquez, so malamang ito muna ang maging priority dito.

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The Bakekang star is a tireless worker

By Bot Glorioso
The Philippine Star 11/24/2006

Ten-year-old GMA Artist Center talent Jolina Marie Reyes is making a mark as a dramatic child star.

She convincingly played the role of young Kristal on GMA 7’s teleserye Bakekang which made televiewers clamor for her extended appearance together with the young Charming (Eunice Lagusad) and young Lorraine (Joyce Ann Folloso) recently.

Clinching the young Kristal role is no easy task for Jolina as queuing with 200 kids aspiring for the role needs a lot of patience. She was luckily chosen in the third batch of aspiring Bakekang stars on the set of the show in Fairview, QC.

"Jolina was chosen in the morning of the audition and by afternoon she started taping for her part," mom Bernadette shares.

Her effective portrayal of the role created such an impact that even if her stint in Bakekang has ended, people who see her off-screen still call her Kristal. Thus, Kristal became Jolina’s screen name.

Her acting stint began when Jolina’s aunt enrolled her at GMA acting workshop. This led to a bit role in the afternoon soap Pinakamamahal topbilled by Oyo Sotto and Marian Rivera.

"It overwhelms me that I’m now acting on TV. Before, I just imitated Danaya (Diana Zubiri of Encantadia) by wrapping a blanket around my shoulder as costume when playing with my sister at home," Jolina says.

Bulacan is home to Jolina where she still plays with her sister and neighborhood friends when not busy with tapings or guestings. She also takes care of her little brother whom she bought diapers and toys for when she got her first paycheck.

"I also bought a pair of Converse shoes that I really love and some clothes to wear for guestings and pictorials," she says.

Her mom says they bought clothes for Jolina as she owns only a few. They also have a hard time getting costumes for her.

Jolina’s dad, Ace York, works as a bellboy at Richmonde Hotel and his income is just enough to support the family’s basic needs. He is happy at how things are going for his daughter. He will support her as long as Jolina is happy but won’t force her to continue when the time comes that her daughter gets tired of acting.

But getting tired is far from her mind now as Jolina enjoys the work, the people and the exposure. It overwhelms her when someone asks for an autograph and she gets instant recognition off-screen.

Although busy with work these days, the Grade IV student of Grace Christian Academy still maintains good grades and is in the Top 10.

"I have tutorials on weekends and catch up on lessons by reading books," Jolina replies when asked about her studies.

After being an actress, Jolina wishes to become a nurse. She wants to help people who cannot afford to see a doctor when minor injuries arise. "Di ba po kaya ng nurse gamutin ang mga sugat para di na sila magbabayad?," she asks, showing her compassion for the less privileged.

Another goal is to buy a car from her talent fee.

"I also want to have a hotel so my dad will not travel far anymore to get to work," she says, showing how much she loves her dad.

For now, she enjoys the glare of the klieg lights and wants to follow in the footsteps of Jolina Magdangal and Angel Locsin.

The little Jolina also plans to take up voice lessons and become another Jonalyn Viray.

Jolina will show once more how she can cry a river in another GMA soap, Princess Charming with Eunice Lagusad.

Concert ng winners ng WCoPA, tagumpay!

NAGING makulay ang concert ng mga nanalo sa 2006 World Championship of the Performing Arts (WCoPA), na pinangunahan nina Pinoy Pop Superstar alumni Jonalyn Viray at Brenan Espartinez. Napuno ang Music Museum sa dami ng mga sumuporta. Kabilang sa mga dumalo sina Susan Roces, Mother Lily Monteverde at Orly Ilagan na bumilib sa galing ng mga naturang singers.

“At least narinig ng mga tao yung ginawa ng mga singers na ‘yun abroad,” ang sabi ni Yda Henares ng GMA Artist Center. “It’s their desire that the Philippine audience to be there with them when they’re performing, cheering them on.”

A Good Year For Carlo Aquino

By Isah V. Red

“It’s been a good, but crazy year.” Although, the year isn’t over yet, young actor Carlo Aquino feels that way about it. For him, this has been a very successful year, critically and commercially.

And why not? He after all bagged not one but two acting awards. The first was a Best Actor trophy from the Golden Screen Awards for the indie film Pagkagising Mula Sa Kamulatan, a psychological study about a troubled young man. The other was again a Best Actor trophy from the Philippine Movie Press Club Star Awards for television for his performance in the “Scapular” episode of Maalaala Mo Kaya where he played the youngest of three brothers separated after they were victimized by an illegal recruiter. His co-stars were Jhong Hilario and Ketchup Eusebio.

Carlo was also widely praised by TV viewers for his role as Oman in Bituing Walang Ningning. Although Oman was a minor character and wasn’t even in the original story, Carlo played it so well that his exposure grew because audiences demanded it. Now, there is talk that projects are being cooked up for him and Sarah Geronimo because of how well their team-up was received.

By now audiences are mesmerized by Carlo’s performance in the new afternoon soap, Makita Ka Lang Muli, on GMA-7, produced by TAPE Inc., the same company behind the long-running and top-rating Eat Bulaga.

Carlo shares stellar billing with Celia Rodriguez, Andrea del Rosario and Roderick Paulate.

The first time TAPE called to offer him the role, Carlo was abroad. Bituing Walang Ningning had just ended, and he was enjoying some downtime and bonding with his family. When told that Carlo was unavailable, the people behind the production said they really wanted him for the role, and were willing to wait until he returned.

As for the acting awards, Carlo couldn’t be more grateful. “I’ve always been a positive thinker, but I have never really expected to win awards,” says Carlo. “But [now that I have] I really cherish these awards. The feeling is so overwhelming. I’ve really been very blessed this year.”

Viva is also planning to go full-blast with his musical career next year. Carlo’s pop-alternative band will soon start recording.

Katrina, bagong ‘Pantasya ng Bayan’

WALANG dudang si Katrina Halili na ang bagong “Pantasya ng Bayan” ngayon. Ito’y pinatunayan niya sa launching movie na Gigil, na showing na sa mga sinehan ngayon.

Would you believe, pati mga bading, sumisigaw at kinikilig sa tuwing umaapir ang kaseksihan ng young actress sa big screen?

’Yung isa nga, biglang naging lalaki at sumigaw pa ng: “I love you, Katrina!”

May mga naaliw sa bakla, meron din namang hindi.

Agaw-eksena si Say Alonzo sa pelikula at ’di nagpatalbog sa kaseksihan ni Katrina.

In fairness sa dalawang lead stars ng Gigil (Katrina at Alfred Vargas), naibigay nila ang hinihingi ng istorya. ’Yun nga lang, karamihan sa mga nakapanood na’y disappointed dahil bitin sa pagpapaseksi ng dalawa.

Sana raw nagsuot na lang ng trunks si Alfred, tutal naman ay sa beach ang karamihan ng eksena nila.

Glaiza de Castro in "Asian Treasures"

UY, elevated na talaga sa pagiging bida ang alaga ni DMV na si Glaiza de Castro ha.

An underrated young actress na so far is more known as the look alike of GMA superstar Angel Locsin, magkakasama na nga ang dalawa sa upcoming soap ng GMA, ang Asian Treasure together with Robin Padilla, Marvin Agustin, Diana Zubiri and Marky Cielo in the top billing.

This year, Glaiza is the busiest supporting teen actress with the most number of mo-vies yatang ipinalabas inclu-ding Manay Po, Pacquiao, Sukob, White Lady, that macho dancing movie we kept forgetting the title, and soon sa Zsazsa Zaturnnah Ze Mo-veeh. That’s six in a year.

At sa TV, bukod sa upco-ming Asian Treasure, bida rin sila ni Marky sa Fantastikids. Tonight nga unang mapapanood si Glaiza sa primetime ng GMA, as one of the daughters of Tirso Cruz III and Gina Alajar sa Hortilano family story sa Magpakai-lanman.

‘Di ba huling na nominate si Glaiza for a TV acting award sa kalabang show ng Magpakailanman, ma-nominate kaya siya rito ulit?

Katrina Halili and Alfred Vargas Hot In "Gigil"

NAGSISIGAWAN ang nanggigigil na audience sa halikan nina Katrina Halili and Alfred Vargas sa premiere ng Gigil nitong Lunes ng gabi.

Nakatutuwa ang ginawa ni Direk Jun Lana sa treatment ng halikan nina Katrina and Alfred sa kanyang directorial debut in Gigil from Regal Films. We lost count personally kung ilang beses niya itong binitin kung kaya’t pinanggigilan nga ng audience kung kailan matutuloy ang halikan.

That is why tuwing may eksenang maghahalikan na, nagsisigawan ang audience kung matutuloy na ba this time or hindi pa. Nguni’t nang naghalikan na ang da-lawang bida, we strongly suggest na huwag itong panoorin ni LJ Reyes, ang real-life girlfriend ni Alfred.

Mainit at mahaba ang unang halikan ng dalawa. At kung gaano katagal ang kis-sing nila, ganoon din katagal ang gigil na gigil na sigawan ng mga tao sa loob ng sinehan. May second at third rounds pa ito sa bandang huli ng movie na parang Pac- quiao-Morales sa bilang at tindi, kaya ang mga lalaking nabitin sa kakulangan ng se-xy movies the past years, manggigigil sa tuwa sa pagbubukas ng movie today.

Napaka-sexy ni Katrina sa pelikula. Worth ang pag-kakapili sa kanya bilang this year’s world’s sexiest woman sa Pilipinas ng FHM magzine na pinanggigigilan din ng kalalakihan dahil mostly na-ka- two-piece ang girlash dito.

Jennylyn Mercado and Dennis Trillo team-up after Now and Forever “Dangal”

MAGPAPATULOY ang Jennylyn Mercado and Dennis Trillo team-up after Now and Forever “Dangal.”

Last two weeks na lang ang last season ng Now and Forever — ang next dito na Princess Charming will not be under the umbrella of Now and Forever, but we will go into that later — na part ng GMA Drama Rama Sa Hapon but since nag-click ang tambalang Jennylyn and Dennis, isusubok naman sila this time sa primetime. Sila pala ang magbibida sa bagong soap ng GMA-7, ang Ma-gic Twins. Magsisimula na ang taping nito this week, some days following the other Kapuso soap na si-nimulan na rin, ang Asian Treasure nina Robin Padilla, Angel Locsin, Marvin Agustin and Diana Zubiri.

Tila going separate ways na nga sina Jennylyn and Mark after their Super Noypi sa Regal Films ‘no? Si Mark kasi, ipa-pares naman kay Jackie Rice sa Princess Charming bilang main teen stars na pagbibidahan ni Eunice ‘Charming’ Lagunsad together with Carmina Villarroel and Zoren Legaspi.

Kapag nag-click din ang tambalang Mark and Jackie, what will stop GMA-7 na bigyan din sila ng primetime soap just like Jennylyn and Dennis di ba? If it happens, matagagalan nga bago makita ulit ng mga fans nina Jennylyn and Mark na mag-kasama ang idols nila.

For the time being, may Dennis muna si Jennylyn na nagsisimula na nga sa Now and Forever and soon, may Jackie na si Mark.

Ang Sarap Ng Kapusong Pasko

Wala akong oras sa intriga! -- Katrina

PINAGPIPIYESTAHAN ngayon ng press people ang isyu kina Katrina Halili at Aubrey Miles nang magsalita ang huli laban sa una. Sa radio interview ni Mo Twister kay Aubrey kamakailan lang, natanong ni Mo itong si Aubrey kung sino sa palagay niya ang isa sa “worst actresses” sa local showbiz. Nabanggit diumano ni ni Aubrey ang pangalan ni Katrina, kaya sa last presscon ng launching movie niyang Gigil ng Regal Entertainment (na showing na ngayong Miyerkules), eh, ‘di naiwasang hingan si Katrina ng kanyang reaksiyon. Apektado ba si Katrina sa comment na ‘yun ni Aubrey on the air? “Hindi naman po... Kung wala akong mga trabaho, magpapaapekto ako. Eh, ang dami kong work!” bulalas ni Katrina. Hindi ba siya nasaktan o na-offend si pahayag na ‘yun ng sexy star? “Hindi ako nasaktan, nagulat lang,” aniya. “Wala akong magagawa, opinyon niya ‘yun, eh.” Nang si Katrina naman ang hiningan namin ng opinyon tungkol kay Aubrey Miles, ayaw nitong magbi-gay ng anumang comment, dahil aniya, hindi pa raw niya talaga nakakatrabaho si Aubrey para makilalang mabuti. “Nakasama ko lang siya sa isang pictorial, pero wala pa kaming kahit anong pinagsamahan na may eksena kami pareho. “Kung may chance na makatrabaho ko siya, hindi ko sasabihing siya ang worst actress para sa akin.”

Bakekang's High Ratings

LUMALAKAS na lalo ang Bakekang ni Sunshine Dizon even at a later timeslot.Nakakagulat talaga ang ipinapakitang lakas ng first solo primetime show ni Sunshine. Biruin niyo, very late na itong pumapasok, the third sa GMA Tele Babad schedule right after Atlantika ni Dingdong Dantes. And yet, it is consistently beating all primetime shows from both stations for the past two weeks. Last Thursday nga, it not only got its highest rating recorded at 36.6 %, ito rin ang pinakamataas na show that primetime beating both its competitions with double digits difference at that.

Pacquaio drops Morales three times for KO

THE Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas was an absolute zoo on Saturday night, as thousands of Mexican and Filipino fans sold out the building to catch the third bout of a rivalry that captured the attention of boxing fans all over the world.
The fight started slowly in the first round, but they began to throw plenty of leather in the second. After the two fighters began to exchange huge punches in the second, Morales went down from a big right hand when he left himself open.
They went to war in the final seconds of Round 2 to make the entire arena erupt with applause.
At the start of the third and final round, Pacquiao began to batter Morales with power punches that had the tough Mexican on very unsteady legs. A barrage of punches sent Morales down for the second time. He was able to make it to his feet, but Pacquiao attacked him with big combinations to put him back in trouble.
Morales tried in vain to fight Pacquiao off. Another set of hard punches sent him down to the mat for the third time. Morales sat on the canvas, looked to his corner and indicated that he had enough, taking the full count from the referee to give Pacquiao the third-round knockout win.
Now what?
The biggest money bout at 130 pounds would be a rematch against Marco Antonio Barrera, a man he demolished in 2003. Reportedly, Barrera has a March HBO pay-per-view date already on the calendar.
Prior to the fight with Morales, the WBC ordered Barrera to face the winner. Whether or not there is enough time to properly promote such a big fight, given that the holidays are right around the corner, is unknown. It's really up to the promoters as much as the fighters to make the fight a reality.
Barrera has not fought a major opponent since 2004, when he met Morales for the third time. Back then Barrera needed an opponent like Morales because his career was trying to recover from the beating he received at the hands of Pacquiao in 2003. At the moment, he can still get away for a fight or two by facing B-level opponents, but his time is running out because fans are getting more frustrated with his level of opposition.
If a fight with Barrera is unable to get made, Pacquiao should not get upset because of the amount of talent at the super featherweight limit.
There are plenty of options at 130 or if he lures top fighters from 126 pounds to come up in weight.
Looking at the champions at 130, undefeated WBA champ Edwin Valero would be a fantastic bout for Pacquiao when taking their styles into account. The power-punching Valero has knocked out every opponent in his career. Eighteen of them are first-round knockouts. I can't even recall any other fighter that scored 18 first-round knockouts in consecutive fashion. The other two fighters on his record were stopped in the second and 10th rounds, respectively.
Another option is IBF champion Joan Guzman, undefeated, great stamina, but not the hardest puncher at the weight. He hit Jorge Barrios with everything but the kitchen sink and was never really able to hurt him. His style would also make for an exciting fight because of his activity level.
How about Humberto Soto? He is on a roll since beating Rocky Juarez in 2005. Soto is undefeated since 2002 and knocking opponents out cold. He's a very dangerous puncher and sometimes looks like a welterweight by the time of the fight. Very risky since Soto does not bring the biggest amount of dollars to the table.
Juan Manuel Marquez would be a great opponent because he has a decent Mexican following and he can fight.
It would not be advisable for Pacquiao to look for fights at 135, because he is too small for the top fighters at the weight. Joel Casamayor, Acelino Freitas, Juan Diaz and Jesus Chavez are all big men that get even bigger by the time of the fight. Chavez would be the only advisable fight, but unless the money was right I don't think the fight should be taken.

Robin Padilla, may hinanakit kay Dennis Trillo?

Patuloy ang pagsasanay nina Angel Locsin at Robin Padilla para sa kanilang action-packed show sa GMA na Asian Treasure. Matapos nilang mag-aral ng Muay Thai, Arnis at scuba diving, harness training naman ang pinagkaabalahan nila ngayon. Personal pa ring tinututukan ni Robin Padilla ang kanilang training. Nais daw kasi nitong maging turning point ng career ni Angel ang Asian Treasure bilang isang action star na babae. Hindi tuloy maiwasang ikumpara ni Regine Velasquez ang sarili sa aktor. Siya, bilang vocal coach ni Dennis Trillo sa una nitong album, at ang bad boy naman sa pagtuturo nito kay Angel Locsin. Ngunit may komento si Robin na tila tatama kay Dennis. “Pinagkaiba lang namin, itong tinuturuan ko, magalang,” patukoy ni Robin kay Angel. Makailang beses na raw kasi niyang nakasalubong si Dennis, pero hindi man lang siya binati nito . Depensa naman ni Dennis, “Kapag bumabati ako ng tao, it’s either ngingitian ko lang or tatanguan ko lang, or sasabihin ko lang, ‘Uy, sir, kamusta? Gaganun lang ako.”

Yasmien Kurdi and Rainier Castillo in Bakekang!

Daily Insider

IBINABALIK ang tamba-lang Yasmien Kurdi and Rainier Castillo sa Bakekang.

Pasok na rin si Rainier sa top-rating soap ni Sunshine Dizon right after Atlantika sa GMA TeleBabad. Rainier will play Joshua, ang anak ni Jennifer Sevilla na pasok na rin as Stella. Makikitira si Joshua sa bahay ni Rita played by Lotlot kung saan katulong si Charming (Yasmien). Sa pagpasok ng cha-racter ni Rainier, hindi agad love at first sight ang mangyayari dahil pangit nga si Charming, so magi-ging mean sa kanya si Jo-shua at lagi niya itong aa-sarin. Habang pinagpapahi-nga muna ang love team nina Jennylyn Mercado and Mark Herras, kina Yasmien at Rainier muna tututok ang spotlight. Technically, this is the first primetime soap na magkakasama sina Rainier and Yasmien, the other StarStruck I loveteam. Ang first soap ni Yasmien, ang Encantadia, ay sina Jennylyn and Mark ang ka-triangle niya. Si Rainier naman, walang partner sa unang da-lawang soaps niya, ang Etheria at Majika. Hanggang sa afternoon soaps and Sunday teen shows pa lang nagkakasama ang dalawa. Magtuluy-tuloy na kaya ang tandem nila?

Ruffa Gutierrez, full support kay Liz Almoro

Lingid sa kaalaman ng marami, magkaibigan palang matalik sina Ruffa Gutierrez at ang asawa ni Willie Revillame na si Liz Almoro. Magkaibigan din ang ina ni Ruffa na si Anabelle Rama at ang ina ni Liz na isang car dealer.Bagama't ayaw ni Ruffa na makialam sa gusot ngayon nina Liz at Willie, nais lang niyang magpahayag ng suporta kay Liz."Like I said, I don't really know what happens behind closed doors and I don't want to give any opinions about her marriage," sabi ni Ruffa. "Pero being her friend, nandito lang ako to pray for her. And anytime she needs me, she needs a friend to talk to, I'll always be here."Bukod kay Ruffa, nagpahayag na rin ng pagsuporta kay Liz si Maricel Laxa. Dumalo pa nga sa isa sa mga hearings si Maricel, ngunit hindi siya nagbigay ng gaanong pahayag.Sa pagbalik ni Ruffa sa bansa, abala siya sa iba't ibang projects, kabilang na rito ang renewal ng kanyang endorsement sa Calayan Surgi Center. "I'm really happy with their services," sabi ng dating beauty queen.Napansin din ng marami na kinukumpitensya ni Ruffa ang dating Miss Universe na si Dayanara Torres, na ang ine-endorso naman ay ang Beverly Hills 6750."Iba pa rin ang Pinoy. That's all I can say, 'di ba?" Pabirong sagot ni Ruffa. "Kailangan suportahan natin ang Pilipino, ang tunay na dugong Pilipino, like me."Kasama ni Ruffa sa pagbalik sa bansa ang dalawa niyang anak na babae. Gusto rin daw niyang magka-baby boy, at kung mangyari man iyon at tataba siya dahil doon nakahanda raw siyang sumailalim sa cosmetic surgery. "Sabi ko, hindi ako maga-undergo ng surgery right now. But if I have one or two more, hello naman, baka I'll need it na 'no?"

Dennis Trillo, singer na rin!

KUNG dati ay SOP at sa commercials lang natin nakikitang kumakanta si Dennis Trillo, ngayon ay full-fledged recording artist na siya!Hindi nga makapaniwala ang matinee idol sa kanyang career move. Ayon sa actor, "Kahit sino naman siguro talagang kakabahan. Lalo na, first time ko talagang magrecord ng album."Marami na raw siyang napatunayan sa pag-arte. Pero nang may mag-alok sa kanyang maging singer, oo agad ang sagot ni Dennis."Syempre, nandyan na yung pagkakataon and ayaw mo naman sayangin 'yon, kasi minsan lang 'to eh." Dagdag rin ni Dennis, "para naman ma-experience ko rin na gumawa ng album. Tutal, talagang passion ko naman dati yung music."At siyempre sa unang recording ni Dennis, ang Asia's Songbird lang naman ang kanyang producer! Tutok na tutok si Regine (Velasquez) habang nagrerecording si Dennis."It's my first time to work with Dennis. And I love producing an album," paliwanag ni Regine. "Yung pagiging creative ko as a singer nagagamit ko rin siya."At mukhang appreciated talaga ang coaching ni Regine kay Dennis. "Well-guided ako. Pinapa-feel niya na kumportable ako, na 'wag akong mailang."Sa mga love songs sa bagong album ni Dennis, hindi malayong mas marami siyang pakiligin.At ayon kay Dennis, para raw sa kanyang mga fans ang ginawang album. "Sila rin 'yung inspirasyon, kasi sila yung naniniwala sa akin."

Bahay Mo Ba To?

Bahay Mo Ba To?

By Ogie Diaz

Pero meron kaming favorite sitcom sa Channel 7 at tama lang na magwaging Best Comedy Show, ang Bahay Mo Ba ’To? Swak na swak ang mga artista, walang trying hard magpatawa, walang sapawan at lahat, nakakapag-deliver. Swabeng-swabe rin ang punchlines, kaya mararamdaman mong walang ka-effort-effort ang buong cast, kaya congrats! Ngayon. Bukas. At magpakailanman.

Magpakailanman by Ogie Diaz

Kuwento ng mag-asawang ang panganay na anak ay autistic, na sinundan naman ng mongoloid ngunit nakabawi sa ikatlo at ikaapat na anak. Ito ang kuwento sa Magpakailanman, pero nanghinayang kami sa magandang materyal, dahil mas isinatinig (voice-over) ni Tita Mel Tiangco ang kuwento kesa iniarte ng buong cast. Naniniwala kaming kayang gumastos ng GMA-7 para bigyan ng de-kalidad na presentasyon ang MKM, knowing Atty. Felipe Gozon na gusto ay laging quality ang bawat programa. Alam naming mataas lagi ang rating nito, pero baka naman puwedeng itaas din ang production value? Nagkakapare-pareho na ang kuwento, dahil very basic ang mga eksenang kinukunan ng direktor (o baka dapat ding baguhin ang daloy ng iskrip?). Bakit hindi sumubok ng iba-ibang direktor every episode para iba-iba rin ang hagod ng direksiyon sabawat kuwento? Tulad ng ginagawa ng Maalaala Mo Kaya, na hindinag-i-stick sa iisang direktor lang, kaya malalaman mo agad kung pangit o maganda ang pagkakalahad ng kuwento, depende sa execution ng direktor. May image na ang MKM na puro dayalog na lang at voice-over ni Tita Mel ang maririnig mo, pero kulang naman sa matitinding eksena. At sana, sa mga susunod na episode, ipinababasamuna kay Tita Mel ang buong kuwento para maiwasan na niyang itanong sa may-ari ng istorya ang mga tanong na nasagot na sa kuwento... Ngayon. Bukas. At magpakailanman.
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Pero meron kaming favorite sitcom sa Channel 7 at tama lang na magwaging Best Comedy Show, ang Bahay Mo Ba ’To? Swak na swak ang mga artista, walang trying hard magpatawa, walang sapawan at lahat, nakakapag-deliver. Swabeng-swabe rin ang punchlines, kaya mararamdaman mong walang ka-effort-effort ang buong cast, kaya congrats! Ngayon. Bukas. At magpakailanman.

Lorna Tolentino as Angel Locsin's New Mom...

Excited si Angel Locsin na maka-trabaho si Dina Bonnevie, ang ina ng kanyang boyfriend nas si oyo Boy Sotto, sa pelikulang Mano Po 5, kaya nanghinayang ito nang malamang pinalitan ni Lorna Tolentino ang aktres para sa role na nanay niya sa pelikula. Ngunit naiintindihan naman daw ni Angel kung bakit kinailangan itong mangyari, at dahil nga kasalukuyang may problema sa kalusugan si Dina, ay hinikayat niya itong magpagaling na muna. Ayon kay Lorna Tolentino, siniguro muna niyang maayos ang lahat bago niya kinuha ang nasabing role. Masaya rin siyang maka-trabaho si Angel. Bilib pa nga ito sa dalaga sapagkat napapanatili nitong “nakatapak ang paa sa lupa kahit na alam niyang siya ang flavor of the month”. Lubos namang nagpasalamat si Angel para sa mga papuring natanggap niya mula sa batikang aktres.

Happy 18th Birthday Pauleen Luna!

THE ‘BABY’ GROWS UPTHE “Eat Bulaga” family came in full force to celebrate with their “baby,’ co-host Pauleen Luna who had her grand debut party last November 10 at the North Greenhills clubhouse in San Juan. A star-studded affair, we spotted Oyo ‘Boy’ Sotto with girlfriend, Angel Locsin, Ciara Sotto, Ruby Rodriguez, Senator Tito Sotto, Susan Roces, Sheryl Cruz, Joey de Leon and wife Eileen Macapagal, Bibeth Orteza and lovely daughter, Michael V, Anjo Yllana, Julia Clarete, Marvin Agustin, Cindy Kurleto, Mark Herras, TAPE exec Malou Choa- Fagar, Alfred Vargas, LJ Reyes, among others. Pauleen was teary-eyed during the 18 candles portion when her friends gave her words of encouragement and wishes, followed by the usual dance with her friends and relatives from in and out of showbiz. Music was provided by cousin Randy Santiago’s band.

ABS-CBN Claim Doubted?

ABS-CBN CLAIM DOUBTED ABS-CBN is on a festive mood for the last few days and all fingers point to the recently released Television Audience Measurement (TAM) survey by AGB Nielsen where ABS-CBN reportedly got the better of its closest competitor GMA Network. TAM survey results, which cover 90% of the total urban population in the country, show ABS-CBN leading GMA in the Visayas and Mindanao regions. GMA, on the other hand, is ahead of ABS-CBN in Luzon . But a much closer look at the figures reveals another side to the story, which is a far cry to that of ABS-CBN claiming nationwide ratings supremacy. Apparently, 76% of the entire viewing population is located in Luzon where GMA is still the undisputed leading station, while Visayas accounts for only 14% and Mindanao a measly 10%. In the Metro cities alone, the TAM survey shows ABS-CBN leading GMA in Metro Cebu, Iloilo, and Metro Davao, while GMA maintains its dominance only in Metro Manila. Interestingly, Metro Manila accounts for 80% of the total TV homes and the remaining 20% is still divided between Metro Cebu, Iloilo and Metro Davao. With these data, an industry observer says there seems to be no basis to ABS-CBN’s claim that they are the leading network in the country since they only lead in areas where the TV population is undoubtedly smaller than that of GMA Network.

Danayara Torres on SOP this Sunday and Kapuso Movie Festival: Mulawin Part Two

ISANG relaxing Sunday afternoon ang haghihintay sa mga manonood dahil hatid ng GMA 7 ang SOP at Kapuso Movie Fiesta na si-guradong back-to-back nonstop quality entertainment.Live sa GMA studio 3 at SM Fairview, samahan sina Janno, Jaya, Ogie, Regine at ang buong tropa ng SOP sa paghahatid ng isang masayang hapon kasama si former Miss Universe Da-yanara Torres bilang special guest.Pagkatapos ng SOP, siguradong hindi bibitiw sa Kapuso network ang mga manonood dahil masasaksihan na ang inaabangang part 2 ng Mulawin: The Movie, ang tampok na pelikula sa Kapuso Movie Fiesta na nangunguna sa timeslot nito simula nang ito’y mag-premiere.Don’t miss SOP at Kapuso Movie Fiesta ngayong Linggo simula 11:45 a.m. sa GMA 7.

Gerald Santos... A Day On The Rainbow

Glancing at the monochromatic cover of his interestingly-named debut album "A Day on the Rainbow", one gets the sense that Gerald Santos’ startling victory in Pinoy Pop Superstar (PPS) Season Two hasn’t taken over his head. Instead, his intent gaze towards the ground is a seeming display of gratefulness. Add that to the aesthetic flair of his much-anticipated release and you’ve got a successful combination. At the tender age of 17, Gerald already has a solid fanbase. The moment he first stepped as a competitor in PPS to boot out first grand contender and fellow finalist Harry Santos, the signs all pointed in the right direction: his preordained journey has now begun, riding on the wave of his classic, old-school taste. Speaking of his classic taste, it is fairly evident in almost all of his performances. Gerald is a gifted singer with a knack for belting out beautiful ballads. Not to mention his polished maturity derives from extraordinary singers-songwriters Jose Mari Chan and Ogie Alacasid. With his album "A Day on the Rainbow", Gerald demonstrates all the reasons, and then some, why he deserved winning the PPS plum. Title track and first single "A Day on the Rainbow" penned by Rebel Magdagasang talks of a personal longing for someone so dear. Gerald’s soft vocals let the song flourish in pleasant fashion. There are no overpowering sky high notes that has become the staple of today’s up-and-coming singers instead Gerald settles for a toned down approach, fragile at first before it amps up and punches into the air, one that subtly evokes images of Jose Mari Chan.Using his remarkably adaptable voice, Gerald sings emotively about the cycles of love in "I Believe". This time though he belts out with all reckoning "Cause I believe you and me were meant to be together. I believe in our dreams that this has meant forever." Leaping into familiar grounds is "Di Sinasadya", "Ikaw", and "Mahal Kita", soulful tracks based on simple piano arrangement. Again that distinct hint of traditional splendor shines in these songs, which is actually accessible from pop-loving 18-year-olds to classic 50-year-old listeners. Fans and critics would be concentrating on the album’s gorgeous goodness boosted by accomplished producers and composers. Industry mainstay Vehnee Saturno supply the orchestra-backed, vocally-layered power ballad "Nang Minsan Pa" whilst "Isa Pang Pagkakataon" and "Puso Ko, Buhay Ko" follows suit but with a more flowing, poppy orientation. Lastly on "Kahit Isang Saglit", Gerald’s appeal is haunting and absorbing. The sparse acoustic set magnifies the classic song’s desperation and Gerald captured the essence of the ballad. Everything about it is full-scale yet the stripped down backing say otherwise; this proves that the selling point is sheer vocal talent. Here is one song that left a mark on PSS viewers and fans. This debut album is vastly focused on the pureness and simplicity of Gerald’s singing ability. He sounds raw and fresh here and not submerged under the weight of too much musical arrangement. Perhaps this is just a sign of bigger things to come. But for now let Gerald indulge us with his charms and talents. Gerald Santos’s debut album "A Day on the Rainbow" is released by GMA Records and distributed nationwide by Ivory Music and Video.

Asian Treasures

Dagdag na cast sa Asian Treasure sina Eddie Garcia, Ronaldo Valdez, Cristine Reyes, Ella V, Gio Alvarez at Caridad Sanchez. Tiyak na marami pa ang papasok sa adventure series habang tumatakbo ang istorya nito. Marami sa cast ang galing sa ABS-CBN, sa pangunguna ni Robin Padilla. Narito rin sina Marvin Agustin, Glaiza de Castro at Gio. Wish ng Kapuso viewers, bigyan din ng chance ng GMA-7 ang homegrown talents nila, lalo na ang products ng StarStruck na walang regular show.

Alfred Vargas... Gigil.. Muli

Mahina pa si Alfred Vargas sa presscon ng Gigil last Monday dahil kalalabas niya sa St. Luke’s Medical Center. Four days siyang na-confine mula November 2 dahil sa high fever at tonsilitis. Kabilang sa mga nag-alaga sa kanya’y ang nobyang si LJ Reyes. Habang may sakit, na-realize niyang suwerte siya sa GF dahil inalagaan siya at binigyan pa ng sponge bath. Kahit three months pa lang, strong ang relationship ng dalawa at kampante si Alfred na ’di magseselos si LJ kahit sinabi niyang “hot” si Katrina Halili at isa sa pinakamalakas ang dating sa talents ng GMA-7. Sobrang sexy and hot daw ito sa love scene nila, pero ’di masabi kung true ang boobs dahil ’di raw niya nahawakan. ’Kaloka! Tuloy na sa November 12 ang alis ni Alfred for Malaysia to tape Muli, ang mini-series na ilalagay sa slot ng Now & Forever. Kapareha niya rito ang Miss Malaysia 2005 at kasama sina Renz Valerio at Marian Rivera, sa direksyon ni Mac Alejandre. Dadalawin siya ni Lolit Solis sa Malaysia at wish nitong isama si LJ dahil gusto niyang bago ito umalis for New York sa December 15, magkita muna sila. Susunod siya sa dalaga sa Dec. 26 after the MMFF parade, dahil kasali siya sa Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah. Sa January 3, 2007 na ang balik niya, si LJ ay sa Jan. 5

Getting To Know SOP's Aryana

‘I’M NOT LIBERATED’LAST December, Universal Records formally introduced Aryana singing a new Christmas song, “Ako ang Nauna (Bumati ng Merry Christmas)”. She told us then she’s preparing her full length album. Now, after 11 months, her self-titled debut album has finally been launched with “Ulan” as the carrier single. Her real name is Nia-Deen Lim and she got her screen name from GMA-7 exec Wilma Galvante. Born in Guam, she started singing when she was three and by the time she was 10, she’s already a seasoned singer performing in various civic and social functions. When she studied in Los Angeles, she performed in stage musicals like “Singing in the Rain” and “The Circle of Life”. She has recorded some songs in L.A. and two of them were used in the hit TV show of Tyra Banks, “America’s Next Top Model”. In Guam, she became the grand champion in the Shining Star Idol competition and became the Pride of Guam. Choreographer-talent manager Geleen Eugenio saw her performing in the show of Jasmine Trias and offered to manage her. Universal Records signed her up and she recorded the song “Bop It” that was included in a compilation album that became doubple platinum. In the SOP Music Awards, “Bop It” won the Maximum Dance Blast trophy. She also represented our country in the 8th Shanghai International Songfest and won the Silver Prize plus the best song award. So why did it take a year before she released her first album? “We really took our time in preparing the album as I want it to show the real Aryana,” she says. “It’s not the usual teenybopper album but I do more serious singing here. The songs are heartfelt love tunes that both teeners and adults can relate to, like ‘Ulan’ which is about breaking up and making up, and the song I recorded with Brenan Espartinez, ‘Muli’.” Is it true she’s now going steady with Gabriel, the son of Gary Valenciano? “We’re good friends, but I was also linked to JC De Vera who I met in ‘SOP’, but we’re also not on. A lot of people think I’m liberated as I come from abroad, but I’m not. I still have to ask my parents’ permission before I can date anyone.” The other great cuts in her album are “Flying,” “Love Me Tonight”, “Babalik,” “Suddenly It’s Magic,” “Where Do We Run,” “Araw-Gabi,” “Honesty” and “Everybody Needs A Little Love”.

Te Amo... Maging Sino Ka Man

GMA Pinoy TV is showing one of its classic soap operas "Te Amo... Maging Sino Ka Man". It's funny how they are finally showing it while TFC is showing it current soap "Maging Sino Ka Man". Too bad they are not showing it at the same time. I just wonder how out of all the possible OPM theme songs in the Philippines. ABS-CBN picked one from something that GMA already has used?

Oh well, but I remember this soap. This came out at the same time Marina was shown on TFC. Te Amo was supposed to be like the fairy tale story of Cinderella. ABS-CBN thought GMA was making a fantasy series. They created Marina before this soap even came out. It turns out Te Amo was just a regular series. But that's how all the "fantaserye" shows started. Did TFC really start it, or created it the thought GMA going to make one.

Super Noypi: John Pratts Wants To Guest On SOP?

THERE’S a story that Katrina Halili touched John Prats’ private parts while shooting “Super Noypi”, earning her the title queen Hipo Queen. We ask John himself if this were true. “No, it’s not,” he says. “We joke a lot on the set but never niya akong hinipuan. Nagtataka nga ako kung bakit kami na-link sa isa’t isa when I already have a girlfriend. "Siguro it’s because I’m Katrina’s leading man in ‘Super Noypi’.” He reveals that his sweetheart is Miakka Lim, the daughter of former cager Frankie Lim and wife, Olen. “She’s a communication arts student in La Salle,” he added. “Two months na kami.” So, how is it working with Katrina, Mark Herras, Jennylyn Mercado and Polo Ravales in ‘Super Noypi’? “Enjoy ako. Maganda nga kasi mga Kapuso at Kapamilya, all working together in one movie. Actually, outnumbered kaming taga-ABS rito kasi kami lang ni Sandara Park ang kasama, but it all turned out very well. Nag-bonding kaming lahat ng husto. We even share the food na binabaon namin sa set.” Will he and Sandy be allowed to promote on GMA-7 shows? “I don’t know yet. Mark and I are talking about it. Maganda sana if he’d guest in ‘ASAP’ and I’d guest in ‘SOP’, kasi we both dance. But Mother Lily has a plan to make a dance movie starring the two of us. Kasi, dito sa ‘Super Noypi’, hindi naman kami nakasayaw. "I’m a superhero here na parang Night Crawler. I am good aswang with superpowers na super human strength, nakakatalon nang malakas at di namamatay.” Isn’t he threatened by PBB’s Gerald Anderson who is also billed by ABS as a dance whiz? “No. I’m not competing with him or anyone. Talaga lang dancing is my passion. Hindi naman ako pinababayaan ng ABS. I’m with Gerald in ‘Aalog’, but I also have ‘Crazy for You’, ‘ASAP’, and I do VJ work in Studio 23.”