EntertainmentAugust 20, 2009 6:06 am

Angelica Panganiban plays a femme fatale in ‘Rubi’

 
 
         Angelica Panganiban plays bida and kontrabida in Rubi, an adaptation of the popular Mexicanovela. People reacted enthusiastically to a preview of the series during the ABS-CBN trade show last August 13. Angelica was still on a high from the audience’s warm reception to the presentation when ABS-CBN.com caught up with her backstage. “Nakakakaba pero masaya siyempre dahil excited akong makita ng tao yung kakaibang timpla sa soap opera. Hindi ko inexpect na ganun ang magiging reaksyon nila. Siyempre umpisa pa lang ito pero it feels good na positive kaagad yung pagtanggap dun sa show. Wala akong masasabi pa kundi sobra-sobrang pasasalamat na sa wakas may nakakapansin ng pinaghihirapan ko bilang artista,” she happily stated. “More than the pressure, mas nagiging inspired ako na ipakita yung best ko sa sobrang tuwa, ganon ang nararamdaman ko ngayon,” she added.

Her character Rubi is far from the glamorous Scarlet of Iisa Pa Lamang since the former needs to use her female charms to go high up the social ladder while the other was born to privilege. When asked if she had any hesitations to go sexy on TV, Angelica explained that she agreed because the role calls for it. “Kung meron man akong natutunan sa career ko, dapat konting ingat [sa pagpili ng roles]. Kasi kapag nasa ganitong stage ka na pala ng pag-aartista, one mistake baka hindi ka na makabalik. Kumbaga, na-experiment ko na yung sarili ko noon, ngayon mas alam ko na kung anong dapat iwasan at kung anong tatanggapin ko. Siyempre yung pagpapasexy dito sa Rubi, hindi lang naman siya basta-basta lang kundi yun ang hinihingi ng trabaho so yun ang ibibigay ko. May reason kung bakit kailangan gawin yun and malalaman niyo yun kapag naipalabas na ang Rubi. So sana huwag mainip yung tao, sana panoorin nila,” she beamed.

Watch out for Angelica Panganiban, Jake Cuenca, Diether Ocampo, and Shaina Magdayao in Rubi coming soon on ABS-CBN.(www.abs-cbn.com)

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Entertainment 6:01 am

Sandara Park says she will come back to Manila with 2NE1

 

        
 
     Sandara Park could not believe the warm welcome she received during her three-day vacation in Manila last week. Not only did fans from her Star Circle Quest days know of her stint as a member 2NE1, one of Korea’s fastest-rising girl groups, but also people on the street as well. She was surprised to hear even men singing their second single, “I Don’t Care” on the street when they saw her. “Nakakagulat talaga. Hindi ko akalain na kilala na pala kami talaga dito,” she said with a shy smile.

2NE1 has been getting a lot of attention in the country because of people’s renewed interest in the Pambansang Krung-krung ng Pilipinas’ career abroad. Their song “Fire” has climbed to the top of local hit charts on music channels and various radio stations. Sandara was pleased to say that she and her group will be returning to the country soon to do some shows. “Hopefully, makabalik ako agad dito kasama sila. Sana matupad ko na ang dream kong makapag-concert sa Araneta (Coliseum)!” she said with a laugh.

Although Sandara mentioned that they also have plans to conquer Japan like Big Bang, their group’s male counterpart in Korea, she has big hopes that they would also be doing rounds of other Asian countries. She also said that fans have a lot to look forward to from 2NE1 including clothing endorsements, concerts, and their full album. Sandara also said that she’s also open to doing acting again, like her stint on Return of Iljimae but right now, her priority is her group 2NE1. “Pero who knows ‘di ba? Basta abangan na lang nila,” Sandara added.

When asked about the three other members of 2NE1—CL, Minzy, and Bom—Sandara has only praises for them. Living with the three girls in one apartment for more than a month now, Dara (as she is now called in Korea) said that they give each other encouragement, something that is really important during this period in their careers. She describes CL as a true friend and their leader who sometimes acts more mature than her even though she’s older. Bom, on the other hand, is really serious about singing and healthy stuff. As for Minzy, Sandara described her as the best dancer in the group. And as the youngest member, Minzy often emphasizes that she doesn’t want to be treated like a kid but wants to be on equal footing with the rest of 2NE1.

Before the end of her brief chat with ABS-CBN.com, Sandara admitted that she really misses the Philippines and hopes she has more time to spend with her friends the next time she comes for a visit. She also thanked everyone who gave her and 2NE1 gifts (Dara brought home three additional suitcases filled with presents and pasalubong). She emphasized that she will never ever forget Manila and will always treat the country as her home.(www.abs-cbn.com)

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Entertainment 5:59 am

Angel Locsin is confident that John Lloyd Cruz won’t ‘disappoint’ her

 
 
 
        After Only You, Angel Locsin’s next teleserye will be with John Lloyd Cruz, something she is supposed to work on after she finishes her movie with Aga Muhlach. She has said in her previous interviews that having the chance to work with a brilliant actor like John Lloyd is every actress’s dream. Moreover, she was told by the people who had worked with Lloydy that he is also very fun to work with. “Ibang umarte si John Lloyd. Looking forward ako na makatrabaho si Lloydy base sa mga naririnig ko, like sa mga past directors na nakatrabaho niya at mga artista. Sobrang fun daw niyang makatrabaho at marami ka raw matututunan,” Angel revealed. The actress also heard that John Lloyd said that he felt pressured after learning that Angel was all praise for him and that he hoped that he would not disappoint his future leading lady. Angel affirmed that she is certain that she won’t get disappointed with the actor and the only thing that would do so is if the project would be called off.(www.abs-cbn.com)
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EntertainmentJuly 11, 2009 1:09 am

Does KC Concepcion feel pressured about making ‘Lovers in Paris’ a big hit?

 

             After joining her mother Sharon Cuneta in the latter’s Mega Concert tour in the US, KC Concepcion is back to work on Lovers in Paris, her first teleserye which is scheduled to air in August on ABS-CBN. KC told ABS-CBN.com that taping for Lovers in Paris has been a great learning experience for her. “Parang against all odds ang situation naming lahat. This is my first teleserye pero lahat ng mga kasama ko, both actors and the production team, ang dami na nilang experiences sa paggawa teleserye. Sobrang ko silang tinitingala. I believe I’m learning from the best. Lahat ng Kapamilya stars na gumagawa ng teleserye e magagaling. They really show it. Humahanga ako sa kanila.”

Lovers in Paris is an adaptation of the popular Koreanovela of the same name. ABS-CBN has produced several top-rating teleserye adaptations like Kim Chiu’s My Girl, Bea Alonzo’s I Love Betty La Fea, and Angel Locsin’s Only You. For her part, KC admitted that she feels pressured to continue that winning streak. “We’re hoping for the best. Syempre ‘yung Only You ang lakas sa ratings. ‘Yung Betty La Fea successful din. Napag-uusapan na rin ‘yung bagong shows na makakatapat namin sa kabilang network. We’re all doing the best we can.”

However, KC clarified with ABS-CBN.com that she is not competing to surpass the success that Kim, Bea, and Angel have achieved with their respective teleseryes. “Kaming mga artista, we’re not here to compete naman with each other. Ang networks lang talaga ang nagko-compete. As artists we only do our best. We love the character na ginagampanan namin.”

The daughter of the Megastar promised the legions of ABS-CBN Primetime Bida followers that they will see a very different KC when Lovers in Paris debuts on TV. “Mahirap din ‘yung character ko kasi sobrang iba siya sa kung ano ‘yung nakikita sa akin ng mga tao. Madalas akong makita na nakabihis nang maganda, sa mga events at pictorials. Pero through my character in Lovers in Paris makikita niyo how I will try to reach out to a much broader audience. Iba ‘yung histura ko, galaw, mga pagdadaanan, lahat.”

The 24-year-old beauty added that she chose to make her own version of the character Vivian compared to that of the original Koreanovela. “Nung una pinapanood ko ‘yung Lovers in Paris pero naisip ko what if hindi ko na lang panoorin and gumawa ako ng sarili kong Vivian. Makikita niyo talaga na ibang-iba ako. Maingay, loka loka, makulit. Character talaga siya. Mestiza siyang Pilipina pero naging simple lang ang buhay. Hindi naging artista o beauty queen kaya maraming makaka-relate.”(www.abs-cbn.com)

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Entertainment 12:58 am

Vima Santos stars in an ABS-CBN special this August

 
 
         As much as Vilma Santos would like to go back to her first love, acting, the Star for All Seasons already has her hands full as a governor of Batangas. This year is going to be different though because not only is she going to do a Star Cinema movie (A Mother’s Story: In My Life), but she’s also set to star in her very own TV special next month.

Governor Vilma was at the ABS-CBN compound yesterday, July 8, for a photo shoot for the said project. “I am very excited kasi it’s been a while. But looking forward na after so many years meron ulit akong TV special. A part of my life is still show business. I really miss it. They do understand [every time I do a movie or a TV stint] and I owe it to the public too,” she said in an exclusive interview with TV Patrol.

While Vilma remained tight-lipped about the details of the show, she did divulge a few facts. “Surprise! Hintayin niyo na lang muna. But it will be shown for five Saturdays this coming August.” She also invited everyone to watch out for her upcoming movie with her son Luis Manzano and Box Office King John Lloyd Cruz. “We are going to offer something different. Even my character is something different. Pati itsura ko dun iba. It’s a comedy-drama. It’s not a full drama thing. Marami pong nakakatawang sitwasyon,” she guaranteed.(www.abs-cbn.com)

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EntertainmentNovember 25, 2008 6:58 am

Charice in the US to make her international album

 
        Singer Charice Pempengco continues to make the country proud as she gets more opportunities to showcase her talent in the international music scene. Dubbed as the new international singing sensation, Charice recently flew to the US to work on her slated first international album and other commitments. The producer of her album is no other than world renowned music man David Foster. She will be staying in the States for three months.

The young singer said that she is very excited about the project because it is her first international album, a rare chance for a Filipino performer like her to penetrate the global music scene. Details about the album are still kept hush-hush, but nonetheless, the project is highly anticipated brought about by Charice’s previous duets with famous celebrities like Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli.

Coincidentally, Foster has recently released a CD/DVD music compilation titled, Hitman: David Foster and Friends, and among the selections is Charice’s medley of Whitney Houston songs. Charice was shown performing I Have Nothing and I Will Always Love You in front of a big crowd who gave her a standing ovation. Included performers in the said album are international singers like Josh Groban, Brian McKnight, Babyface, Peter Cetera and Michael Buble among others.

Charice’s mother, Raquel, revealed in her previous interviews that the composer/producer had suggested that they make the US their home base since the young singer is beginning to start a career for herself there. But Raquel said that they still prefer to fly back to the Philippines every now and then for at least three to four days rest. She said that Charice and their family still consider the country their home.

Meanwhile, Charice was also recently awarded the Best New Female Artist at the Aliw Awards staged last November 11. She was apparently exhilarated by the award, which she considers her very first accolade in the local industry.(www.abs-cbn.com)

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Entertainment 6:55 am

John Lloyd Cruz and Luis Manzano are ready to play gay

 
      
       Governor Vilma Santos-Recto, Luis Manzano, and John Lloyd Cruz have finally sat down with Star Cinema executives and Direk Olive Lamasan for a story conference on their much-anticipated movie that has been slated for a 2009 release. Aside from the film being Governor Vilma’s comeback project, the movie is also creating much buzz because Luis and Lloydy will be playing gay lovers. Faced with such a challenge, both actors have said that they are prepared to do anything that the script requires of them.

In the said story conference, Luis and John Lloyd were asked if they consulted their respected real-life significant others about accepting the gay roles. (John Lloyd is in a three-year-old relationship with magazine editor Liz Uy while Luis is in a “special relationship” with Angel Locsin.) Lloydy replied, “Ako hindi. Dapat ba? (laughs). Trabaho kasi ‘to. Wala pa naman kami sa point na ‘yun [dapat i-consult ang work]. We have been together for three years. [Ang sa amin] kung trabaho mo ‘yan, trabaho mo ‘yan. Kung ano ang trabaho ko, trabaho ko. Pero alam niya na gagawa kami ng pelikula na ganito. Kung in the sense na kinailangan kong hingin ang permission niya, hindi. Ipina-alam lang, hindi ipinaalam.”

As for Luis, who took some time to consider the signing up for this project, he said that the decision was his own and there was no need to consult Angel or anyone else. “Siguro hindi consult but share. Not necessarily asking for approval na kung mag-no siya ay sorry hindi ko tatanggapin. Hindi ganun. It’s more of, ‘Guess what’s my next project? Makakasama ko ang mom ko at si Lloydy’ and not, ‘Okay lang ba sa ‘yo na gagawin ko ito?”

As early as now, many are already curious about just how “gay” John Lloyd and Luis will be in this movie. Without going into the details, Luis shared a brief description of his and John Lloyd’s characters. “It’s about two people who fell in love but it just happened that they are of the same gender. One doesn’t necessarily need to cross dress or to have a twang sa pananalita to be gay. They are two men who fell in love.”

Hailed as one of the most in-demand leading men of today, John Lloyd has proven his box-office drawing power while being paired with actresses like Claudine Barretto, Bea Alonzo, and Sarah Geronimo. But how will he fare with a man as his “leading lady?” Is he ready to do a kissing or love scene with Luis? “I’ve been very vocal naman since before na wala akong problema sa ganun. Pero sana lang ‘yung ka-eksena ko has to be a real man. Wala naman akong problema dun kay Luis (laughs). Ang orientation ko kasi bilang artista, kapag sumagot ka sa isang pelikula aasahan mong aalagaan ka. Pero halimbawang in the process ay meron kang kailangang gawin, napag-usapan naman, dapat mong gawin dahil trabaho mo ‘yun bilang artista.”(www.abs-cbn.com)

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EntertainmentNovember 12, 2008 12:52 am

Charice, set again to leave for the US

 
       After some guestings on ABS-CBN and singing the national anthem at the MYX Mo concert last Thursday, Charice happily reported that she is again set to leave for the States to appear in some shows and events. “Abangan niyo po ako sa November 19, sa Good Morning America. And sa November 29, sa Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, kasama ko po si David Archuleta, Miley Cyrus at iba pang Disney stars.”

Although she is reaping a lot of praises here and abroad, Charice aims high and hopes that she’ll be known as a talented Filipina all over the world. “Gusto kong makilala talaga, as in ng buong mundo. Gusto kong makilala ako ng mga taga ibang bansa na Pilipino ako,” Charice said with a wide smile.

Charice is set to release a DVD where she is featured together with some famous celebrities.(www.abs-cbn.com)
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EntertainmentNovember 10, 2008 2:27 pm

The Buzz hosts give revealing info about the Dingdong-Karylle-Marian love triangle

 
 
         Amidst the issue that real-life sweethearts Dingdong Dantes and Karylle have broken up because of Marian Rivera, the three have yet to speak to confirm what the real score is. Dingdong and Karylle continue to deny that they have decided to separate ways, with the actor even clarifying that Marian has nothing to do with the issue. News reports say that Marian and constant leading man Dingdong have developed feelings towards each other and the actress’ recent breakup with her non-showbiz boyfriend has given way for the two celebrities to pursue their alleged romance.

Meanwhile, on the Points, Opinions and Violent Reactions (POV) segment of The Buzz yesterday (November 2), the three hosts Boy Abunda, Kris Aquino and Ruffa Gutierrez—all shared bits of information in an effort to solve the puzzle. Ruffa went on to say that staff members from her previous film, Desperadas, who are now also the staff of Dingdong and Marian’s upcoming movie said that the two are very close on the set. "Sila (staff) ang nagkukuwento na super-sweet daw ang dalawa kahit na walang press," Ruffa revealed.

Kris on the other hand shared that her friend Popoy Caritativo, who is also Marian’s manager, told her that the actress and Dingdong aren’t a couple yet. "Hindi sila ni Dingdong pa," Kris quoted Popoy. Popoy also told Kris that Marian is currently happy now, to which Ruffa interjected, "’Yung staff ng Desperadas said, si Marian daw has never been happier in her life." However Kris emphasized there’s nothing wrong with being happy but not at the cost of someone getting hurt. Kris also said that Marian has indeed broken up with her boyfriend because of a commercial deal he did not approve of.

Boy on his part said there shouldn’t be any difficulty for Karylle and Dingdong to say if the relationship has ended and it would definitely simplify their problems. Boy also added another juicy tidbit to the topic by saying he has talked to Marian’s ex-boyfriend and he was told that there is no truth in rumors saying that he made Marian chose between him and the project.

The three hosts end the topic by saying that hopefully the issue between the couple and Marian be cleared up soon. Kris even added that she’ll ask Popoy if The Buzz can interview Marian to get her side on the controversy.(www.abs-cbn.com)
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Entertainment 12:55 am

Pinoy Fear Factor premieres tonight

 
 
      High adventure begins tonight on Pinoy Fear Factor: Argentina, South America. In the first episode, get to know the Dose Participantes who accepted the challenge of this newest reality stunt show. Marion dela Cruz, LJ Moreno, Janna Dominguez, Ram Sagad, Phem Baranda, Elmer Felix, Gail Nicolas, Jommy Teotico, RJ Calipus, Manuel Chua, Savanah Lamsen, and Jose Sarasola will go through a series of stunts to be hailed as the first El Ultimo Participante. Follow them in their trip from Manila halfway across the globe to Buenos Aires in Argentina. See how the 26-hour trip gave them quite a lot of time to get to know each other before getting into the actual competition. Host Ryan Agoncillo welcomes the Participantes to their quarters in Campo Miedo (Camp Fear). Everyone had to get used to the climate of Argentina, in which winter nights can become freezing cold because of the Antarctic winds. But the following day, fear heats everyone up when the Una Ronda Eliminacion is finally revealed.(www.abs-cbn.com)
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