Wednesday, December 29, 2010

A Repost From Daniel Estrin of Associated Press

Researchers: Ancient human remains found in Israel

Professor Avi Gopher from the Institute of Archeology of Tel Aviv University holds an ancient tooth that was found at an archeological site near Rosh AP – Professor Avi Gopher from the Institute of Archeology of Tel Aviv University holds an ancient tooth that …

JERUSALEM –

Israeli archaeologists said Monday they may have found the earliest evidence yet for the existence of modern man, and if so, it could upset theories of the origin of humans.

A Tel Aviv University team excavating a cave in central Israel said teeth found in the cave are about 400,000 years old and resemble those of other remains of modern man, known scientifically as Homo sapiens, found in Israel. The earliest Homo sapiens remains found until now are half as old.

"It's very exciting to come to this conclusion," said archaeologist Avi Gopher, whose team examined the teeth with X-rays and CT scans and dated them according to the layers of earth where they were found.

He stressed that further research is needed to solidify the claim. If it does, he says, "this changes the whole picture of evolution."

[Related: Chinese archaeologists discover 2,400 year old soup]

The accepted scientific theory is that Homo sapiens originated in Africa and migrated out of the continent. Gopher said if the remains are definitively linked to modern human's ancestors, it could mean that modern man in fact originated in what is now Israel.

Sir Paul Mellars, a prehistory expert at Cambridge University, said the study is reputable, and the find is "important" because remains from that critical time period are scarce, but it is premature to say the remains are human.

"Based on the evidence they've cited, it's a very tenuous and frankly rather remote possibility," Mellars said. He said the remains are more likely related to modern man's ancient relatives, the Neanderthals.

According to today's accepted scientific theories, modern humans and Neanderthals stemmed from a common ancestor who lived in Africa about 700,000 years ago. One group of descendants migrated to Europe and developed into Neanderthals, later becoming extinct. Another group stayed in Africa and evolved into Homo sapiens — modern humans.

Reposted From Daniel Estrin of Associated Press

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

A Repost From PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal)



Dina Bonnevie says son Oyo Sotto and future daughter-in-law Kristine Hermosa have prepared themselves before getting married

Dina Bonnevie says son Oyo Sotto and future daughter-in-law Kristine Hermosa have prepared themselves for marriage
Slideshow: Showbiz Photos

Balik-pelikula na uli ang aktres na si Dina Bonnevie via Who's That Girl? ng Viva Films. Pinagbibidahan ito nina Anne Curtis at Luis Manzano at idinidirehe ni Wenn Deramas.

Ginagampanan dito ni Dina ang papel bilang nanay ni Anne.

Ang iba pang nasa cast ay sina Eugene Domingo, Dino Imperial, at Dennis Padilla. Ang target playdate nito ay last week ng February o sa March 2011.

Sa tagal nang hindi gumawa ng pelikula ni Dina, hindi na nito matandaan kung ano ang huling pelikulang nilabasan niya. Sa pagkakatanda niya, "2004 o 2005" pa ang huling pelikulang nilabasan niya.

Sa pagkakaalam ng PEP, ang huling pelikula ni Dina ay ang I Will Survive ng Regal Films noong 2004. Nakasama niya rito sina Maricel Soriano, Eric Quizon, at Judy Ann Santos.

DINA'S CHOICE. Sa panayam ng PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) kay Dina, sinabi niyang choice niya ang pamamahinga sa paglabas sa mga pelikula dahil nawalan daw siya ng gana at naging busy rin siya sa kanyang telecommunication business.

Hindi na rin masyadong pinagtuunan ng pansin ni Dina ang pelikula dahil lumalabas naman siya sa mga TV series na parang pampelikula na rin ang treatment.

Pero aminado si Dina na nami-miss niya ang paggawa ng mga pelikulang gaya ng Tanging Yaman (2000) na idinirehe ni Laurice Guillen.

Mas excited siyang gumawa ng acting projects ngayon dahil sa pagbabago sa kanyang figure. Pumayat na raw siya ng ilang pounds.

Aniya, ang pagtanggap niya ng Who's That Girl? ay "testing the waters" lang muna kung kaya pa niyang gumawa ng pelikula.

LOSING WEIGHT. Napapangiti si Dina kapag napapansin ang laki ng ipinayat niya ngayon. Kaya nga kapag mas pumayat pa siya, posibleng alukin siya uling mag-pose sa isang men's magazine gaya ng ginawa niya sa FHM.

"Dyusko naman, baka sakalin na ako ng mga anak ko niyan! 'Mommy, may apo ka na!'

"Niloloko ko nga si Danica, 'Bakit? Tinatawag nila akong hot mama noon. E, di ngayon, hot lola!'

"Hindi na siguro, nakakahiya na!" sabi ni Dina, na may isang apo na sa panganay na anak na si Danica.

Paano nga kung alukin siya at pilitin na mag-pose uli?

"Magbu-Boracay na lang kaya ako o magpa-Palawan, tapos titipan ko na lang sila na, 'Kunan n'yo ako ha habang umaahon sa tubig!' But that's stolen!

"Grabe, hindi ko alam!" natatawang sabi ni Dina.

Malaki raw ang tulong ng bagong mga doktor ni Dina para pumayat siya.

"Since I was in Medical City, they changed my diet. Isa sa mga nalaman nila, I was taking steroids for my allergy.

"Di ba, no'ng nagsu-shooting kami [ng Tanging Yaman] sa Pampanga, lahar? I was allergic to lahar, kasi yung dust.

"So, araw-araw akong nag-i-steroids talagang nag-bloat ako. Water retention ang effect ng steroids saka nag-moon face ako dahil doon.

"Plus, my hormones went haywire dahil nga sa kaka-steriods. Parang naging abnormal ang function ng body.

"So, kinorek yun, and I also slowed down. Nag-slow down ako sa business, nag-slow down ako sa TV. I gave myself time to workout.

"Kasi that time, wala na akong panahong mag-gym. Talagang office-taping, office-taping.

"I didn't have time to have a lovelife. As in wala, zero. And ilang taon rin yung starting 2004 na parang tuluy-tuloy na.

"Tapos, I had only one relationship, tapos hindi pa ma-take no'ng guy. 'What? You're never available. You're always busy, lagi kang... You don't have time anyway.'" kuwento ni Dina.

Binalikat at sinalo na lang daw ni Dina ang kumpanya nang maapektuhan ito ng recession. Si Dina mismo ang nagpalakad ng sarili niyang negosyo kaya nawalan siya ng panahon sa personal na buhay at sa kanyang career.

Ngayong nakahanap na ng partner niya si Dina, binigyan muna niya ng break ang sarili para asikasuhin naman ang kanyang personal na buhay at career.

Kahit daw tumutulong pa rin siya sa marketing at implementation, ang kanyang partner daw ang siya namang humahawak sa engineering side ng kumpanya nila.

DATING AGAIN. May dahilan ang mga matatamis na ngiti sa labi ngayon ni Dina. Hindi naman niyang itinatangging lumalabas siya on dates sa mga nanliligaw sa kanya.

Tumanggi na lang si Dina na pag-usapan ang detalye ng mga taong umaaligid sa kanya ngayon dahil baka mabulabog daw ang kanyang privacy. Pero hindi raw "same age" niya ang mga sinasamahan niya on dates.

"Ang hirap kasing humanap ngayon ng same age, halos lahat may asawa na. So, it's either they're much, much older, or younger. What can I do?" sabi niya.

Hindi pa nga lang makapagdesisyon si Dina kung mas matanda ba o mas bata sa kanya ang susunod niyang magiging boyfriend.

"Ang hirap pumili, e," sambit niya.

"Kasi pag much older, ang maganda lang doon, stable na sila, hindi na sila childish. Mature. Kumbaga, wala ka nang iisipin, just be a wife.

"Kaya lang, wala nang hilig mag-gym, mag-workout, wala nang hilig manood ng sine, sumayaw, wala nang hilig mag-hangout pag Saturdays.

"Pag bata naman, mahilig mag-hangout pag Saturdays, mahilig mag-gym, mahilig mag-sports, masarap kasama, funny.

"Kaya lang, hindi stable. Nagiging problema ang insecurity factor na parang you're made and I'm just starting."

Hanggang dating lang muna raw ngayon si Dina dahil bukod sa inaalagaan nito ang kanyang ama, nagsisimula pa lang daw siya uling bumalik sa acting.

NEXT APO. Next month, January 2011, na ang kasal ng bunsong anak ni Dina na si Oyo Sotto sa kasintahan nitong si Kristine Hermosa. Aminado ang aktres na excited na siya sa masasaksihang event.

Itinuturing niyang dagdag miyembro ng pamilya niya si Kristine, pero ang request niya ay huwag siyang maging lola ulit agad.

Pero kung papipiliin si Dina, gaya ng ex-husband niyang si Vic Sotto, gusto raw niyang babae naman ang susunod niyang apo.

"Kasi meron nang son si Danica, at meron naman silang ampon na boy. So, sana naman may apo na girl, para maiba naman."

Ang tinutukoy ni Dina na may "ampon" ay sina Oyo at Kristine.

Hindi pa makapagbigay ng detalye si Dina sa kasal ng anak dahil mas gusto niyang ang mga ito ang magsabi ng mga impormasyon tungkol sa kanilang kasal.

Saka na lang daw siya magbibigay ng details kapag pinayagan siya ng kanyang anak at ni Kristine. Ayaw raw niyang mag-away sila ng anak.

THE ANNOUNCEMENT. May kuwento lang si Dina sa kung paano niya nakita ang engagement ring ni Kristine nang bisitahin siya nina Oyo, Danica, at ng mamanugangin sa kanyang opisina.

"Nagtaka ako, 'Why are you visiting me in the office? It's rare. You normally visit me at home. Parang strange. Why are you visiting me in the offce?'

"Tapos, tawa sila nang tawa. Sabi ko, 'Danica, ano bang nakakatawa?'

"Tapos, sabi ni Oyo, 'Ate, ano daw bang nakakatawa?

"Sabi ko, 'Oyo, may itinatago ka ba sa akin?'

"Sabi niya, 'Wala, Ma, wala, wala, wala.'

"Nakagano'n si Tin at hindi ko napapansin na nandoon na pala yung ring sa kamay niya. I didn't notice it kasi nga I'm busy dahil yung utak, nasa office mode.

"Tapos sabi niya [Oyo], 'Ma, Tin and I are engaged na.'

"Don pa lang ako napatingin sa kamay niya na, parang... one, two, three beats. Siyempre, nabigla ako, e.

"I would have expected na normally magsasabi muna siya na, 'Ma, I plan to propose na.'

"More or less, dahil nanay ako, in-expect ko na magsasabi na muna siya sa akin na may plano na mag-propose. 'Ma, what do you think?' Hindi siya sa akin nagsabi.

"So, inisip ko lang na, well, if my son made this decision, he must be very sure.

"So, ang natanong ko lang, 'Are you sure you love each other?' 'Yes Ma, yes Tita.' 'Okey.' Sabi ko, 'I'm happy for you,'" kuwento ni Dina.

Sa pagkakatanda ni Dina, last September nag-propose si Oyo kay Kristine. Kasabay raw 'yon ng birthday ng aktres.

May nakahanda na raw na regalo si Dina kay Kristine. Hindi lang niya alam kung isang araw bago maganap ang kasalan o ilang oras bago maganap ang kasal niya ito ibibigay.

"Nakahanda na, oo naman. Usually naman, it's jewelry, di ba? Surprise ko yun," sabi ni Dina.

THE TALK. Inaasahan ni Dina na walang problemang susulpot sa kasal nina Oyo at Kristine dahil kinausap na raw niya ang mga ito.

"Kinausap ko na si Tin. Sinabi ko sa kanya, 'Ready ka na ba? Siyempre, hindi na magiging pareho ang buhay mo. Baka hindi ka na makakatanggap ng gano'ng kadaming projects.'

"So, sabi ko, 'Nakahanda ka ba sa gano'n? Siguro naman, in the beginning, hindi pa kayo puwedeng mag-lifestyle na branded yung mga clothes, kasi mag-iipon pa kayo and everything.

"Sabi niya, 'Okey lang naman yun, Tita. Nakita ko na yun. Saka nakita ko na yun.'

"Hindi naman niya plano maging that busy sa showbiz.

"So, sabi ko, 'Sana lang huwag mong papayagan si Oyo na pigilan kang mag-work. Kung gusto mong mag-work, okey lang.'

"Sabi niya, 'Hindi, ako naman ang may ayaw ng sobra. Gusto ko yung tama lang na meron akong time para sa kanya at time para sa...' Siyempre, anak na'ng tawag ko doon, e.

"Pero ako kasi, I don't make pakialam, e. I let them be.

"Kung ayaw na niyang magtabaho o medya-medya lang magtrabaho, it's up to her. Or kung gusto pa rin niyang mag-full blast.

"I can only give 10 cents of my unsolicited advice. But it's really up to them," saad ni Dina.

May titirhan na raw na bahay sina Oyo at Kristine sa bandang South, ayon kay pa Dina.

"Ready na. Si Oyo ang... Hindi naman purchase. Rent lang muna, and sabi niya, after eight months, they're going to build na.

"Sabi ko nga, 'Bakit eight months?' Sabi niya, 'Wala, gusto ko lang eight months."

Na-impress si Dina sa balitang nagpahayag si Vic Sotto na willing siyang ibigay ang anuman, kahit bahay at lote, para kina Oyo at Kristine.

"Wow naman! Oo naman, one of the highest taxpayers siya, kaya niya yun!" tawa niya.

"Hindi ko kayang ibigay yun. Baka nga, why not?

"Si Danica din naman... Hindi naman binigyan, pero Danica and Marc [Pingris] are living in Vic's old house.

"May plano rin si Marc na magpatayo ng sarili nila. Gusto rin ni Marc their own, siyempre."

LESS PRESSURED. Mas tanggap daw ni Dina ang pagpapakasal ni Oyo kaysa kay Danica noon.

Paliwanag niya, "Hindi naman nakatira sa akin si Oyo. Sa akin siguro, not as scary kesa noon kay Danica. Kasi si Danica lived with me, e.

"Parang si Oyo left the house when he was 14. Although we're very close, we talk to each other, like most Sundays, we're together, we go to church together. We have dinner together or lunch.

"Every week 'yan. Unless may shooting ako, or may shooting si Oyo. But normally, walang paltos 'yan. Unless nagbiyahe sila.

"Hindi ko masyadong napi-feel yung emptiness. You know, na parang wala na akong birds to feed, gano'n. Gano'n yung feeling ko kay Danica kasi we lived together.

"Pero kay Oyo, he didn't live with me ever since he was 14. Hindi ko masyadong napi-feel yun.

"Ang mas napi-feel ko kay Oyo, yung parang, for a guy, 26, mature na ba siya? Ready na ba talaga?

"Kaya I keep asking him, 'Are you ready? Are you sure? Are you sure? Are you ready?

"Si Kristine rin, every time we have dinner, 'Anak, handa ka na ba talagang mapangasawa ang anak ko? Mahal mo ba talaga ang anak ko? Talaga bang gusto mo? Sure ka? Sabihin mo sa akin, ha? Huwag mong pilitin ang sarili mo.'

"'Tita, totoo talaga, mahal ko si Oyo.'

"Kasi, di ba? Ayoko namang ma-pressure.

"Oo, talaga, may worry ako. Kasi, di ba, men nowadays they get married at 30, 35? Minsan nga, 40 wala pang asawa, e.

"So, medyo natatakot ako. Twenty-six? Mag-aasawa na ang anak ko? Sure na ba? Sure na?

"E, sabi niya, 'Ma, I'm sure.' Saka naghanda naman sila maigi. They took marriage seminars.

"Nakita ko talaga na pinaghandaan nila. Hindi yung, 'Ay, buntis, sige, papakasalan ko.' Hindi gano'n. Talagang pinaghandaan nila.

"They went to the necessary procedure—licensing, seminars, counseling...

"Hindi buntis si Kristine, 'no!" diin pa ni Dina.

"Baka kasi isipin nilang buntis kaya magpapakasal, 'no! It's impossible.

"Kita mo ba siya ngayon kung gaano siya kapayat, mukha siyang patpat! Lalo pa siyang pumapayat ngayon."

Walang maisagot si Dina kung nasa plano na ba nina Kristine at Oyo ang magkaroon ng baby dahil wala naman daw nababanggit ang dalawa tungkol dito.

Pero sigurado naman si Dina na gusto siyempre nina Oyo at Kristine na magkaroon ng sarili nilang mga anak.

MIGRATING IN CANADA? Pinagtatakhan naman ni Dina ang balitang plano raw nina Kristine at Oyo na mag-migrate sa Canada kapag nagpakasal na sila.

"Walang nababanggit sa akin si Oyo," sabi niya.

"Kung may plano silang mag-settle sa Canada, e, di sana wala siyang plano na magpatayo ng bahay. I don't think so.

"Ano'ng gagawin niya doon? Hindi siya puwedeng mag-artista doon.

"Hindi naman siya puwedeng magtrabaho doon dahil dito, nag-aaral pa siya. He's taking up film kay Marilou Diaz-Abaya. So, parang imposible yata yun.

"Yung family ni Kristine, nandoon na sa Canada... I don't think so.

"Kung plano ni Oyo yun, e, di sana sinabi na niya sa akin. And why there?

"He has more opportunities if he go to Switzerland because he's a Swiss citizen.

"And bilang Swiss, when you go there, the head hunters will find you a job.

"He doesn't need to go looking for a job on his own. The Swiss government look for a job for you.

"And then, pag Swiss citizen ka, at pumunta ka ng Switzerland nang wala ka pang bahay, the government will help you in your housing until such time na kaya mo nang bumili ng bahay nang sarili mo.

"The government will pay for your schooling para matuto ka ng French.

"Bakit siya pupunta ng Canada, e, wala naman siyang opportunity doon?

"Sa Switzerland. O, di ba? Doon kami!" diin niya.

Inisip din daw ni Dina na umalis na lang ng Pilipinas at manirahan na lang sa Switzerland.

"Actually, last June, wala na sana akong balak na bumalik. I wanted to go home to Switzerland.

"I mean, my whole family is there. My mom and all of my sisters are there. Umuwi nang lahat, ako na lang ang hindi pa umuuwi and my dad.

"I can't, e, kasi sinong mag-aalaga sa tatay ko? So, dito ako, kasi nandito ang tatay ko.

"And my dad can't live there because he's not Swiss. Si Danica and my apo are Swiss," banggit pa ni Dina.

Reposted From PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal)

Monday, December 27, 2010

A Repost From PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal)


Ai-Ai delas Alas gets her big wish to win Best Actress in MMFF

Ai-Ai delas Alas gets her big wish to win Best Actress in MMFF
Slideshow: Showbiz Photos

Ang pagiging Comedy Concert Queen ni Ai-Ai delas Alas ay hindi lang napapatunayan sa tuwing meron siyang live performance sa mga concert, sa sarili man niyang show or as featured guest artist, kundi sa anumang pagkakataong nasa sentro siya ng entablado at pinanonood ng maraming tao.

Tulad kagabi, December 26, sa awards night ng Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2010, kung saan itinanghal si Ai-Ai bilang Best Actress para sa pagganap niya sa Ang Tanging Ina Mo (Last Na 'To)!.

Sa kanyang mahabang acceptance speech, naging emosyunal si Ai-Ai.

Ilang segundong hindi muna nakapagsalita dahil sa totoong pag-iyak, pero ito'y naging kaaliwan ng mga taong nanood ng seremonyas sa Meralco Theater dahil, sa sandaling nagsalita na ang actress-comedienne, ay tuluy-tuloy na ang pagbibitiw niya ng witty punchlines, na animo'y nasa comedy bar siya.

"Pasensiya na... Nahihiya kasi ako kung lahat sila nanalo, tapos ako lang ang hindi," umiiyak na simula ni Ai Ai, habang tangan sa may dibdib ang kanyang MMFF Best Actress trophy.

Earlier that night, tinawag din si Ai-Ai sa entablado ng mga kasama sa pelikula, led by Wenn Deramas (Best Director winner), para sa Best Picture award ng Ang Tanging Ina Mo.

Hindi dama ng audience ang matinding kaba na nararamdaman ni Ai-Ai ng mga sandaling 'yon dahil natural pang nagpatawa ang komedyana bilang pag-"thank you" rin.

"Ang gagaling n'yo," sabi niya, patungkol sa mga hurado. "Tama lahat ang desisyon n'yo... tama lahat!"

Wala pang best actress award no'n. Pero ang major awards (Best Picture, Director, Story, Screenplay, Supporting Actress, Child Performer) ay napagwagian na ng comedy film ng Star Cinema na pinagbibidahan ni Ai-Ai.

In a few minutes, in-announce na ngang si Ai-Ai ang nanalo bilang pinakamahusay na pangunahing aktres.

"THANK YOU!" Isa-isang binanggit ni Ai-Ai ang mga taong gusto niyang pasalamatan—buhay man o patay na—sa una niyang pagpanalo ng best actress award sa MMFF.

"Thank you so much po sa lahat ng mga bumoto," sabi niya, "at sa ABS-CBN family. Thank you po kay Direk Wenn na gumawa nitong lahat po. Lahat ng mga [gumanap na] anak ko—si Marvin [Agustin], si Shaina [Magdayao] na magagaling po dito. Kay Carlo [Aquino], kay Nikki [Valdez]...

"Thank you sa lahat po ng nagdasal para sa akin... Father Allan, lahat po ng Dominican nuns... Opo, nagdasal sila. Sabi nila, dapat Best Actress ako! Thank you sa mga bishop and the clergy!"

Nagtawanan ang audience sa bahaging ito ng speech ni Ai-Ai. At lalong nagtawanan sa sumunod na binanggit ng comedienne.

"Thank you sa mga kaibigan ko po na nagdadasal... Manager ko po, si Boy Abunda. Ang una kong manager, si Nap Gutierrez, tsaka yung namatay ko na pong manager, si Tita Angie [Magbanua]...

"Tsaka sa lahat po... Lito Alejandria, partner ko [sa business]. Lahat po ng mga press people na tumulong sa akin... sina Jobert [Sucaldito], si Richard Pinlac, si Tita Lolit [Solis], si Jojo Gabinete, si Ricky Lo, si Shirley Pizzaro, si Bayani San Diego, si Jun Nardo...

"Yung mga nakalimutan ko po, pasensiya na, pasasalamatan ko kayo sa The Buzz," banggit pa ni Ai-Ai.

KIDS AND CO-NOMINEES. "Siyempre po, dine-dedicate ko itong award na ito sa mga anak ko—kay Sancho [19 years old], kay Sean [17], at kay Sophia [14]," sabi rin ni Ai-Ai.

"Sa aking mga co-nominees... sino bang co-nominees ko?" tanong ni Ai Ai.

"Kay Kris [Aquino, para sa Dalaw], kay Jennylyn [Mercado, para sa Rosario]... Si Jennylyn ang mahigpit kong kalaban...

"Jennylyn, para sa 'yo rin 'to. Pasensiya ka na. Tutal, mas matanda naman ako sa 'yo, ibigay mo na 'to sa akin. Ibibigay ko sa 'yo, mas marami next time," kuwelang pagbibiro pa niya para sa Kapuso star, na nasa kaliwang bahagi ng audience section, katabi ng actor-boyfriend niyang si Dennis Trillo.

SPORT KRIS. Nasa kanang bahagi naman ng audience section si Kris at nakita itong nagtsi-cheer para kay Ai-Ai. Higit kailanman, ipinakita ni Kris na isa siyang good sport, lalo't matalik na kaibigan ang nagwagi.

Sa guesting nga nila ni Ai-Ai sa The Buzz noong hapon na 'yon ay sinabi ni Kris na kung hindi si Jennylyn ang mananalo bilang Best Actress ay gusto niyang si Ai-Ai ang mag-uwi ng tropeyo.

Kay Kris, nagsalita si Ai-Ai: "Friendship, sabi mo asa ako? Sabi mo, 'Asa ka pa?' O, tingnan mo!"

Hindi nabanggit bilang nominees for Best Actress noong gabing yun sina Jennylyn at Kris. Sa bagong ruling ng MMFF ay ang three top nominees lang ang babanggitin ng presenters.

Ang mga nakasamang nabanggit sa pangalan ni Ai-Ai ay sina Carla Abellana para sa Shake, Rattle & Roll 12 at Marian Rivera para sa Super Inday and the Golden Bibe.

Isinisigaw ni Kris na banggitin din ni Ai-Ai si Marian, pero nakalimutan na ng komedyana na banggitin ang Kapuso actress.

WISH FULFILLED. "Siyempre po, talagang nagpa-elevate po ako, sabi ko, 'God, sana mag-topgrosser kami at sana, Best Actress ako.' Ayan, ibinigay Niya agad. Thank you, God!" patuloy pa ni Ai-Ai, na muling napaiyak.

At press time ay pumapangalawa sa takilya ang pelikula ni Ai-Ai, kasunod ng nangungunang Si Agimat at Si Enteng Kabisote nina Vic Sotto at Bong Revilla.

In a few seconds naman, back to her element bilang comedienne ang award-winning actress, na may nakakatuwa pang sinambit:

"Isa lang po talaga ang hinihiling ko na hindi pa Niya ibinibigay—mapangasawa ko si Vic Sotto!

"Para kami na yung mag-produce [ng pelikula] at hindi ko na siya kalaban sa filmfest! Sa amin na lahat yung kita!"

Tawanan uli ang manonood, na may kasabay na palakpakan, bilang pagtanggap sa pagwawagi ni Ai-Ai.

"Thank you, Lord! Thank you po sa inyong lahat! God bless you po!" panghuling sambit ni Ai-Ai.

Reposted From PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal)

Sunday, December 26, 2010

A Repost From Gerry Plaza Of Yahoo! Southeast Asia

Last 'Tanging Ina' bags 10 awards; Dolphy sets record

By Gerry Plaza, Yahoo! Southeast Asia Sunday December 26, 2010 08:08 am PST

It was a hands down choice.

Being the last chapter of the beloved and blockbuster franchise, it was but fitting for the Metro Manila Film Festival to let the Ai Ai delas Alas family comedy take its final bow with a bang.

Star Cinema’s “Ang Tanging Ina Mo (Last Na ‘To)” bagged the coveted Best Picture award in the festival during the 36th MMFF Awards Night Sunday, December 26, at the Meralco Theater. This was a finality quite distant from the more recent stagings of the yearly all-Filipino filmfest during the Christmas season. Unlike the past years when box office performance was the main criterion, the 36th MMFF based its judging on artistry, creativity and technical excellence, innovativeness, thematic value and global appeal, which comprise 70 percent, and Filipino cultural and/or historical value, 30 percent.

The historical epic “Rosario” from Cinemabuhay and Studio 5 was named second best picture of the year, while the first-ever Filipino made CGI-based 3D animated film, “RPG Metanoia,” another Star Cinema entry in collaboration with Ambient Media, landed as the third best picture winner.

Aside from the Best Picture plum, “Ang Tanging Ina Mo (Last Na ‘To)” also bagged nine other major awards, including Best Actress for Ai Ai delas Alas, Best Director for Wenn Deramas, Best Supporting Actress for Eugene Domingo, Best Story and Best Screenplay for Mel Del Rosario, Best Musical Score for Jesse Lazatin, and Best Child Performer for Zyrel Manabat. It also won the award for Gender Sensitive Film.

Another fitting tribute was made to Comedy King Dolphy, who set a record of being the first-ever double acting winner in festival history by winning both Best Actor for “Father Jejemon” and Best Supporting Actor for his special role in “Rosario,” which also won the Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Cultural Award. The legendary comedian has indicated that this may be his last appearance in the festival due to his failing health.

Meanwhile, the Adolf Alix, Jr. film, "Presa," won the award for Best Indie Film in a separate competition.

Other winners include:

Best Make-Up: "Si Agimat At Si Enteng Kabisote"

Best Visual Effects: "Si Agimat At Si Enteng Kabisote"

Best Editing: John Wong for "Rosario"

Best Theme Song: “Kaya Ko” from "RPG Metanoia"

Best Sound recording: “RPG Metanoia” and “Super Inday and the Golden Bibe”

Best Production Design: Joey Luna, Mickey Hahn for “Rosario”

Best Cinematography: Carlo Mendoza for “Rosario”

Male Face of the Night: Bong Revilla

Female Face of the Night: Sam Pinto

Best Dressed Male Celebrity: Dennis Trillo

Best Dressed Female Celebrity: Jennylyn Mercado

Best Float: “Rosario”

With reports from Glenda Villena and Chuck Smith

Photos courtesy of NPPA Images and TV5

Reposted From Gerry Plaza of Yahoo! Southeast Asia

A Repost From GMA News.TV



Fil-Am family gets $10-M settlement for Toyota car crash

CHICAGO – Automaker Toyota acted as Santa Claus Wednesday but it looks like the car dealer was a Grinch.

Toyota offered $10 million to settle out of court a lawsuit that followed an August 2009 Toyota car crash in San Diego, California, which killed in a fireball a family of four people, including two Filipino Americans.

The tragic crash allegedly resulted from the Lexus "accelerating on its own" while on the freeway. The case against the Toyota manufacturer was dropped, but the civil case against Toyota car dealer Bob Baker Lexus will continue, according to the San Diego counsel of the families of the victims. Toyota agreed to pay $10 million to settle the lawsuit that arose from the crash of a Lexus car in a San Diego suburb, which killed California Highway Patrol officer Mark Wesley Saylor, 45; his Filipina wife, Cleofe L. Saylor, 45 (a native of Nabua, Camarines Sur); their daughter, Mahala Manda Saylor, 12; and Cleofe’s younger brother, Christopher N. Lastrella, 38. Lexus is the luxury brand of Toyota car models. THE VICTIMS. Mark Wesley Saylor (from left), 45, a California Highway Patrol Officer, and his daughter, Mahala Manda Saylor, 12, his wife, Cleofe L. Saylor, 45, a native of Nabua, Camarines Sur in the Philippines, and his brother-in-law, Christopher N. Lastrella, 38, are seen in this composite file photo provided by the Saylor family to newsmen after they all died in a ball of fire when their Toyota Lexus “accelerated on its own" last August on a freeway in San Diego, California. Courtesy of Joseph Lariosa.

The amount was part of a settlement reached in September between Toyota and the Saylor relatives, who had wanted the settlement kept under wraps. Toyota had opposed efforts of Bob Baker Lexus and several media organizations to make the settlement amount public. “Toyota and the Saylor and Lastrella families reached a private, amicable settlement through mutual respect and cooperation without the involvement of the courts, so we are disappointed that the amount of this settlement has now been made public against the express wishes of these families and Toyota," according to a Toyota statement. The accident turned into a national debate as Fe Lastrella, the mother of Mark Saylor’s wife, Cleofe, was invited before the Oversight and Government Reform Committee of the House of Representatives in Washington, D.C. to speak about the car crash. It also got the attention of the world’s largest automaker and prompted Akio Toyoda, the grandson of the Japanese company’s founder, to testify in an extraordinary appearance before a committee of the U.S. Congress.

Toyoda apologized to Congress, the millions of Toyota owners, and to the Saylor family repeatedly during his three hours of testimony. –MRT/JV, GMANews.TV

Reposted From GMA News.TV

Saturday, December 25, 2010

A Repost From PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal)




36th MMFF Parade of Stars is a big success

36th MMFF Parade of Stars is a big success
Slideshow: Showbiz Photos

Nagulat ang mga artistang kasali sa Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) ngayong taon dahil sa magandang reception ng tao sa 36th Parade of Stars kahapon, Disyembre 24.

Ang parada ng mga bituin ay ginaganap taun-taon upang i-promote ang mga pelikulang kalahok sa MMFF. Walo ang pelikulang kasali sa filmfest ngayong taon, kaya naman walo rin ang main floats na kasali sa parada.

Ito ang pagkasunod-sunod ng mga floats: Ang Tanging Ina Mo (Last Na 'To!, Father Jejemon, Super Inday and the Golden Bibe, RPG: Metanoia, Rosario, Shake, Rattle & Roll XII, Si Agimat at Si Enteng Kabisote, at Dalaw.

Nagsimula ang parada mula sa SM Mall of Asia, at natapos sa Quirino Grandstand.

Pasado ala-una ng hapon nang makaalis ang unang float sa MoA. Sa ganap na 5 p.m. na nang makarating ang huling float sa Quirino Grandstand.

Puno ng mga tao ang kalsada mula simula ng parada hanggang dulo. Pagdating ng Luneta, naipit na ang mga float dahil nakaharang na mga tao sa daraanan ng mga ito.

Sabik ang mga taong makita ang mga artistang nakasakay sa mga float. Bukod pa rito, nakikipag-agawan rin sila sa mga kendi, posters, at t-shirt na ipinamamahagi ng mga nakasakay sa float.

Pagdating sa Quirino Grandstand ay nagsibabaan na ang mga artista para sa isang maikling programa, hosted by German Moreno and Alex Gonzaga, kung saan inimbitahan nila ang mga tao na manood ng kani-kanilang mga pelikula.

FLOAT DETAILS. Ito ang mga detalye ng mga floats na nasa parada kahapon:

Tatlo ang float ng Star Cinema: Ang Tanging Ina Mo (Last Na 'To!), RPG: Metanoia, at Dalaw.

Nakasakay sa float ng Ang Tanging Ina Mo (Last Na 'To!) sina Ai-Ai delas Alas, Marvin Agustin, Shaina Magdayao, Jon Hall, at Nikki Valdez. Makulay ang disenyo ng float, at maraming bulaklak sa mga tabi nito. Naka-majorette costume ang pinaka-bida ng pelikula na si Ai-Ai.

Nakasakay naman sa float ng RPG: Metanoia ang mga Kapamilya child stars na sina Zaijian Jaranilla, Basty Alcances, Aaron Junatas, at Mika dela Cruz. Dahil ang pelikulang ito ang kauna-unahang 3D film na gawa ng isang local production outfit, may 3D glasses at popcorn sa design ng float nito. May mga life-size figures din ng mga karakter sa pambatang pelikulang ito.

Pulang-pula naman ang float ng Dalaw, ang horror film ng Star Cinema—may mga pulang kandila, pulang kurtina, at pulang pader. Nakasakay sa float na ito si Kris Aquino, Diether Ocampo, at Karylle. Nakikaway rin ang anak ni Kris na si Joshua.

Ayon sa mga staff ng Star Cinema na nakausap ng PEP, halos tatlong linggo raw na ginawa ang tatlong float. Mura lang daw ang ginastos at simple ang mga disenyo, dahil ang importante raw ay makita ng mga tao ang mga artista sa pelikula.

Dalawa naman ang float ng Regal Films: Super Inday and the Golden Bibe at ang Shake, Rattle & Roll XII.

Nakasakay sa float ng Super Inday and the Golden Bibe sina Marian Rivera, John Lapus, Jake Cuenca, at Jestoni Alarcon. Ipinakita ng float ang ilan sa mga elemento ng pelikula: may gintong itlog sa harapan ng float, at may golden bibe naman sa likod nito.

Dominante naman sa float ng Shake, Rattle & Roll XII ang kulay brown. Lumayo ito sa kulay na pula, na kadalasang disenyo ng mga float ng mga pelikulang horror. Nakasakay sa float na ito sina Carla Abellana, Andi Eigenmann, Mart Escudero, Gaby dela Merced, Rayver Cruz, Regine Angeles, Kristel Moreno, at Solo Kiggins.

Ayon kay Roselle Monteverde-Teo ng Regal Films, ilang buwan daw ang ginugol ng kanilang production designer para gawin ang dalawang float. Mga half-a-million daw ang kanilang nagastos para sa bawat float.

Marami ring stars na nakasakay sa float ng Si Agimat at Si Enteng Kabisote, na iprinodyus ng M-Zet, GMA Films, Octo Arts Films, Imus Productions, at APT Productions. Kasama dito sina Vic Sotto, Sen. Bong Revilla, Sam Pinto, Gwen Zamora, Jillian Ward, Joshua Dionisio, Barbie Forteza, Jhake Vargas, Bea Binene,Wally Bayola, Jose Manalo, Benjie Paras, Bing Loyzaga, at Alex Crisano.

Tila dinala ng float ang set ng Si Agimat at Si Enteng Kabisote, dahil maraming mga elemento ng pelikula ang nai-feature sa float, tulad ng espada, palakol, mga dragon, at iba pa.

Ayon kay Boy Tablizo, na isang production designer ng pelikula, December 15 daw sinimulang i-assemble ang float. Mga P450,000 naman daw ang suma-total na nagastos nila.

Samantala, nakasakay naman sa float ng Father Jejemon ng RVQ Productions sina Dolphy, Maja Salvador, Ejay Falcon, at ang Moymoy Palaboy. Mukhang maliit na katedral ang float ng Father Jejemon. Mayroon din itong isang glass case sa harap, kung saan umupo si Dolphy sa simula ng parada. Tila napagod agad si Dolphy kaya't sa kalagitnaan ng parada ay umupo na ito sa loob ng float.

Ayon sa isang staff ng Father Jejemon na nakausap ng PEP, tatlong araw lang daw ginawa ang float ng pelikulang ito. Lagpas P100,000 din daw ang nagastos nila.

Ang float naman ng Rosario ng Cinemabuhay Productions ang pinakakumplikado. Marami itong hagdan, at nakaupo ang bida ng pelikula na si Jennylyn Mercado sa pinakatuktok nito. Sa susunod na hagdanan naman nakatayo sina Sid Lucero, Yul Servo, at Dennis Trillo. Sa mga sumunod na hagdanan naman ay nakatayo ang mga dancers na naka-costume na tila mga performers sa Mardi Gras.

Ayon kay Albert Martinez, na direktor ng pelikula, kinuha nila ang konsepto sa bahagi ng pelikula kung saan nanalong 'Queen of Carnival' si Rosario. Dagdag pa niya, tatlong buwang pinag-isipan at binuo ang float. Ang presyo raw nito ay "somewhere between expensive and very expensive."

Sayang lamang at hindi nakaabot nang buo ang float ng Rosario sa Quirino Grandstand. Binaklas kasi ang float sa Libertad, corner Roxas Boulevard dahil masyado itong mataas para dumaan sa ilalim ng isang footbridge.

STAR'S REACTIONS. Nakapanayam ng PEP ang ilan sa mga bituin na sumali sa parada. Marami sa kanilang ang natuwa at nagulat sa magandang reaksiyon ng mga tao.

Natuwa si Marian Rivera ng Super Inday and the Golden Bibe dahil naririnig niya ang sigawan ng mga tao.

"Oo nga, e. Nakakatuwa kasi ultimo mga bata talaga, sinisigaw nila, 'Super Inday!'" saad niya.

Hindi naman makapaniwala si Sid Lucero ng Rosario dahil maraming tao ang nanood sa kalsada.

"I've never seen anything like this in my life. This is my first pelikula na nakasama ako, part ng Metro Manila Film Fest.

"Hindi ko alam na may floats talagang ganito. Hindi ko alam na bubuksan din ng Christmas and everything. I didn't even think the people will show up because its Christmas, but damn, ang daming tao," saad ni Sid.

Nalungkot naman si Dennis Trillo ng Rosario dahil sa nangyari sa kanilang float.

"Nagkaproblema ng kaunti yung float namin kasi masyado siyang mataas. So, merong area dun, mababa yung clearance. Yun kailangang baklasin namin yung... kung gaano siya kataas, kailangang bawasan namin yung taas niya. Yun lang naman," saad ni Dennis.

Optimitic naman si Kris Aquino ng Dalaw dahil sa magandang resulta ng parada.

"Ang daming tao this year na lumabas! May excitement talaga for our festival. It means na may tiwala talaga sila na magaganda ang lahat ng pelikulang ilalabas namin, so I wish everybody the best of luck," pahayag niya.

Reposted From PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal)

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

A Repost From ABS-CBN News



Heart Evangelista says sorry to Ai Ai

Heart Evangelista says sorry to Ai Ai
Slideshow: Showbiz Photos

MANILA, Philippines – Young actress Heart Evangelista apologized to Comedy Concert Queen Ai Ai delas Alas on Tuesday for missing the last installment of the “Tanging Ina” series.

During Tuesday episode of “Showtime,” where Delas Alas is a guest judge, resident judge Vice Ganda read a text message from Evangelista.

In the message, Evangelista thanked the cast and crew of “Tanging Ina” for giving her the chance to be part of the comedy movie. She was also remorseful because she had to turn down an offer to appear in the last installment due to her numerous commitments

“My dear ‘Tanging Ina’ family and Tita Ai Ai, thank you for the chance to be with old co-workers and friends and also to be part of the movie with that special role. I am deeply sorry for the outcome and I just wanted to let you all know that I was really looking forward to be part of it even for a day. God bless and I miss you all, from Heart,” the message read.

A teary eyed delas Alas warmheartedly accepted Evangelista’s apology, saying she still loves the young actress no matter what.

“Dahil nagso-sorry ka naman in spirit of Christmas, Heart, we miss you anak. And sana kasama ka namin sa last ng ‘Tanging Ina.’ Pero ganoon talaga. Anyway, Merry Christmas, Heart, and God bless... Heart anak, I love you,” she said.

When asked by ABS-CBN News why she got emotional over the actress’s message, Delas Alas said: “Naluha ako kanina...nasasayangan kasi ako sa pagkakataon na mapasali ka (Heart) ulit sa pelikula. Pero anak huwag mong iisiping galit ako sa’yo. May konting tampo, pero apology accepted.”

It would be recalled that Delas got disappointed over Evangelista's decision to pull out of the last installment of "Tanging Ina."

Among the movie's original cast members, only Evangelista failed to reprise her role as delas Alas’s fourth child.

Evangelista and actor Marvin Agustin are now talents of GMA 7. But Agustin was permitted to be part of the Star Cinema-produced movie.

Directed by Wenn V. Deramas, "Tanging Ina Mo, Last Na 'To" also stars Nikki Valdez, Carlo Aquino, Alwyn Uytingco, Marc Acueza, Shaina Magdayao, Serena Dalrymple, Jiro Manio, Yuuki Kadooka, Xyriel Manabat and Eugene Domingo. -Report from Gretchen Fullido, ABS-CBN News

Reposted From ABS-CBN News

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

A Repost From Glenda Villena of Yahoo! Southeast Asia




By Glenda Villena, For Yahoo! Southeast Asia Monday December 20, 2010 08:17 pm PST

Dolphy says sorry for 'Father Jejemon' scenes

By Glenda Villena, For Yahoo! Southeast Asia Monday December 20, 2010 08:17 pm PST

The Comedy King, Dolphy humbled himself yesterday as devout Catholics urged the public to boycott the movie "Father Jejemon" due to sensitive scenes that allegedly offended the Catholic faith.

Sensitive scenes

"Nag-so-sorry po ako para awayin ko ang Panginoong Diyos. Nahihiya ako sa nangyari dahil sa pasensyahan na Niya ako I was just meant to do good, pero kung ayaw nila, aalisin," Dolphy said in an interview shown through SNN last night.

Dolphy also explained that while shooting the movie which he produced with long-time partner Zsa Zsa Padilla through their film outfit, RVQ productions, they sought guidance from priests who also approved of the movie's script.

"Meron kaming advisers na pari dun e. Meron pa kaming paring pumupunta dun, tinatanong namin kung okay yung mga nasa script, okay naman," the Comedy King added.

Chairwoman Mary Grace Poe Llamanzares of MTRCB released an official statement, confirming that some scenes from the movie "Father Jejemon," those that sparked public outrage will be voluntarily removed by RVQ productions.

"RVQ Productions upon learning of the public's sentiments against some scenes on the teasers, immediately exercised self regulation, and deleted voluntarily the evoking scenes, this maybe a good example where the MTRCB ans a film production company have found a good accord, where the true benefactors are the viewing public," Llamanzares said.

Public reaction

Earlier this week, a text message condemning scenes from the movie's teasers circulated declaring that the film "Father Jejemon" had committed sacrilege.

The text message stated: "Please boycott Father Jejemon where the Holy Eucharist is accidentally dropped in between the cleavage of a female communicant. In another it is stuck between the dentures of a senior citizen. We must denounce this mockery of the highest form of worship. Let's not allow the King of comedy to make a comedy of the King of Kings!"

Zsa Zsa weighs in

Meanwhile, Zsa-zsa Padilla as a co-producer, did not escape the public's ill sentiments as negative commentaries spread like wildfire in the "blogosphere." In her recent tweets, she defended herself against the negative remarks being hurled by a concerned Filipino blogger living in the U.S.

She explained: "Totoo na halos patapos na ang pelikula nung pumasok ako, bilang co-producer ni Dolphy at ang trabaho ko ay mag-ayos ng bayarin sa pelikula na syang ginagawa ko hanggang ngayon. Kung matagal mo na sana akong kilala, sa tagal ng pagsasama namin ni Dolphy e ngayon lang ako sumali sa RVQ Productions. Dahil kinailangan nya ang tulong ko. Palagi ko ngang biro na ako ay ‘producer by default' dahil hindi makapirma ng cheke si Dolphy dahil ilang beses syang na-hospital at hindi, makapirma dahil sa dami ng tubo na nakakabit sa kanya. Napansin ko din na lalo syang nagkakasakit dahil sa "stress" sa production. Ang importante, natapos namin ang pelikula. Ito na marahil ang huli nyang pelikula. Sana naman, lalo na at magpapasko na, ipamasko mo na lang sa amin na bigyan mo naman kami ng pag-asa. Masakit ang mga isinulat mo pero kung yun ang opinion mo, wala kaming magagawa. Ang pelikulang ito ay para sa MMFF. Para sa mga Pilipino."

Zsa Zsa likewise added, "Kung makaka-uwi ka man at mapanood mo, sana pagkapanood mo na lang at saka mo kami pagsabihan ng masasakit na salita. Then it would turn out to be constructive then, right? Bago lang ako sa pag-produce ng pelikula at napakarami ko pang dapat matutunan. Kung mabibigyan ako ulit ng pagkakataon, mula pag-develop pa lang ng script, tututukan ko talaga."

Meanwhile, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines has yet to release its official statement regarding the issue.

Reposted From Glenda Villena of Yahoo! Southeast Asia

Monday, December 20, 2010

A Repost From Manila Bulletin


PH in uproar over error-filled peso bills

MANILA, Philippines (AFP) - Geographically-challenged Philippine maps and a rare parrot with the wrong-coloured beak have perturbed the country after the central bank rolled out error-filled new editions of its peso bills. The new-generation banknotes, rolled out earlier this month and containing the signature of President Benigno Aquino who took office this year, bombed spectacularly in the graphics department, critics say. The reverse side of the new 500-peso (11 dollar) bill features a rare native bird, the blue-naped parrot, with its red beak incorrectly rendered in yellow and the tail feathers underneath coloured green instead of yellow. A map on the bill -- which also carries portraits of Aquino's late parents -- mislocates Saint Paul's, a subterranean river that is designated as a UNESCO world heritage site. ''Yes, they have made a very big booboo on the parrot,'' said Jon Villasper, a cartographer who is also a member of the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines. ''Aside from that, they misplaced Tubbataha reef by around 400 kilometres and Batanes is not on the map. I believe they also misplaced Saint Paul?s subterranean river,'' he told AFP by email. Printed on the 1,000-peso bill is a map locating the Tubbataha Reef Marine Park, another prized Philippine UNESCO world heritage site, on or near Malaysian territorial waters. The map of the Philippines which features on six different bills re-draws the country's territory to place its northern limit 150 kilometres south of the actual line and exclude the Batanes island group. Ghelynne Avril del Rosario, a Manila lawyer, said the mistakes echoed a re-branding campaign by the tourism ministry that was withdrawn last month amid charges that its slogan was forgettable, it plagiarised Poland's campaign and the URL of its website was close to that of a pornographic site. Like the campaign, the bills are now fodder for ridicule on Internet social networking sites, Rosario told AFP. ''Just like scrapping the 'Pilipinas Kay Ganda (Philippines What a Beauty) slogan, let's scrap the new peso notes as well!'' she said. Central bank spokeswoman Fe de la Cruz acknowledged the criticism, but said space constraints limited the artist's room for manoeuvre. ''In choosing the design..., we are always guided by our commitment to enrich the appreciation and knowledge of the Filipinos we honour on our banknotes, as well as the unique sites and species our country should be proud of,'' she said. ''For our banknotes we used an artist's rendition of the Philippine map that by virtue of space and aesthetics does not reflect all of our islands and the precise coordinates of each site,'' she told AFP. ''Nevetheless, we appreciate constructive comments and we will take these into account moving forward.'' It was not the first time the central bank has been left red-faced over currency design. It was forced in 2005 to withdraw bills that misspelled the name of Gloria Arroyo, Aquino's predecessor as president. The bill, which called her Gloria Arrovo, became a much sought-after collectors' item.

Reposted From Manila Bulletin


Thursday, December 16, 2010

A Repost From ABS-CBN News



Gary, Kris speak up on Hubert's acquittal

Gary, Kris speak up on Hubert's acquittal

MANILA, Philippines – Following the acquittal of Hubert Webb and 5 others on the Vizconde massacre case last Tuesday, singer Gary Valenciano and Queen of All Media Kris Aquino have finally aired their sentiments about the matter.

Unknown to a number of people, Valenciano was among those who testified for Webb during his trial.

In an interview with “Showbiz News Ngayon” on Thursday, Valenciano related how he was approached by the Webb family seeking emotional support.

“I did testify na nakilala ko siya. It means a lot to me because the family really spoke to me before na can you please help us in any way. Sabi ko sa kanila, yeah but when I saw him, ang layo doon sa time that it happened. Okay lang po yun, we just need a little support. I said okay,” he recounted.

Valenciano also shared that he talked to Lauro Vizconde before he took the witness stand. “When I testified nag-usap din kami ni Mr. Vizconde. Sabi ko sa kanya sir I’m just here because the conviction in my heart is to bring out what needs to be brought out,” he said.

Valenciano stressed that although he is very happy for the Webb family now that Hubert is out of jail, he is still hoping for justice for Mr. Vizconde.

“Whatever has transpired now is only a step closer to more answers for the questions that have been asked. I’m happy for the Webb family. Hubert is basically going to begin from the very, very beginning. I can only wish him the best this time. But I’m confident, he’s got a good family backing him up,” he said.

Aquino also sympathizes for both families.

“My heart goes out to the Webb family because they lost 15 years of Hubert’s life with them. But my heart also goes out to Mang Lauro Vizconde because ngayon walang closure. Hindi rin niya alam kung sino talaga ang pumatay sa anak niya,” she said.

Aquino said that she is praying for the 2 families since both have become victims.

“I pray for all of them because for one family they lost so many years. For another man naman, yung akala niyang tapos na, hindi pa pala,” she said.

Aquino portrayed Carmela Vizconde in the “The Vizconde Massacre” film in 1993.

Reposted From ABS-CBN News

Sunday, December 12, 2010

A Repost From PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal)



Cristine Reyes's tweets against "IDOL" ignite hot dicussion on Twitter

Cristine Reyes's tweets against "IDOL" ignite hot dicussion on Twitter
Slideshow: Showbiz Photos

May alitang namumuo ngayon sa pagitan ng VIVA contract stars na sina Sarah Geronimo at Cristine Reyes.

Pumutok ito sa social networking site na Twitter, kung saan nag-post si Cristine sa kanyang account na PilyangSweet ng sunud-sunod na mensahe tungkol sa isang tao, na hindi niya direktang tinukoy kung sino.

Narito ang ilan sa mga tweet ni Cristine:

"Hindi ko gusto yun banat ng drama princess porket wala ako sa ASAP XV.akala mo ba e hindi makakarating sakin? Punong puno na ako sayo."

"Pagmamagaling magsayaw habulin ng mga babaeng sexy... FYI mali ka ng dialogue e baka habulin mo. Ikaw ang naghabol! binreak ka nga e!"

"nakikipaghiwalay sayo Ikaw ang habol ng habol! Alam mo yan! Alam mo ang TOTOO!!! Sa microphone m pa sinabi para marinig lahat ng artista!"

"napakasweet at napakabait ng image mo! Bakit Hindi mo totohanin in REAL LIFE?"

"uulitin ko Lang ha bago mo ka magbitaw ng salita siguraduhin mong Totoo! Kumanta ka na Lang! Bwiset ka!"

"Paka-bitter mo!"

"pakabait ng image mo Hindi nila alam Grabe ka Lang umarte! Nagpapatanggal ka ng artista sa asap kasi Di mo kaya makasama! Arte mo!"

"wag na wag mong sasabihin na ako ang naghabol dahil alam nating lahat na Ikaw ang halos mamatay sa kakahabol! alam mo yan!"

"at alam mong malinis kunsensya ko dahil Wala akong kasalanan sayo kaya tigilan mo ko ha! wag mo ko pikunin!"

"Naiirita ako sobra! Ayoko na mag-asap kasi ako naman ang aarte sa ngayon! Gagayahin ko rin ang drama niya! DRAMA PRINCESS!!"

"Hindi niyo naman mapapanuod sa asap kasi sinabi niya yung during rehearsal! At nakamicrophone pa! Ginagawa bigamy katawatawa!"

"Wag mo ko paparinggan at sasabihan ng walang katotohanan wag mo ko simulan kasi marami ako alam na kaartehan mo! IDOL pa naman kita!"

"What a backstabber with a super goody goody image and super sweet smile!"

"I'm not yet done with you. nawala Lang ako today sa asap lalapitan mo na agad. Grabe ka sarili mo ata tinutukoy mo sa parinig mo. MOVE ON"

"Baka naman till now e hoping ka pa? kaya nagpopowertrip ka na pinapatanggal niyo pa asap Kahit nakapagrehears na!"

"Oo nga pala Wala naman kami laban kasi Ikaw ang reyna! lahat ng gusto mo masusunod! Kahit nakakatapak ka ng bang Tao!"

"sige pagbibigyan kita! Kung ang tanging hiling mo Lang ba e makalapit sa kanya Hindi na ako mag-aasap! tutal show mo yun e.sayong sayo na!!"

"Hinding Hindi Ako papayag na ISA ako sa mapag-powertrip mo. Kung yung ISA ok Lang na ma-take ginagawa mo ako Hindi ko kaya."

"Hindi usapan ang talent o paramihanng fans! Hindi ako naghahanap ng kakampi! Magttweet ako ng Kahit ano dahil Sakin to."

"I'm so sure magddrama na naman yan. paawa effect. very talented. beat actress! Grand slam! mabuhay ka IDOL! bow ako sayo"

"MAGBIRO?!? PERO WALA NG PASARING alam naman ng lahat Kung ano yung biro na yun Di kami tanga."

WHO IS "IDOL" AND "DRAMA PRINCESS"? At press time, patuloy sa pag-tweet si Cristine tungkol sa taong binansagan niyang "drama princess."

Hindi ito naglagay ng anumang pangalan pero marami ang naniniwala sa Twitter na si Sarah Geronimo ang kanyang pinariringgan.

Panay rin ang banggit ni Cristine sa salitang "IDOL" bilang pagtukoy sa kagalit niya. Nagkataon namang ang huling pinagbidahang teleserye ni Sarah sa ABS-CBN ay ang iDOL.

Magkasama ang dalawa sa Sunday musical-variety show ng ABS-CBN na ASAP XV. Pero kahapon, December 12, ay wala si Cristine.

May isa pang taong tinukoy si Cristine sa kanyang tweets. Aniya, "nakipaghiwalay" ito sa kanyang kagalit.

Hindi rin niya ito pinangalanan pero ayon sa Twitter users, ito ay si Rayver Cruz, na nali-link ngayon sa nakababatang kapatid ni Ara Mina.

Magkasama sina Rayver at Cristine sa teleseryeng Kristine.

Sa mga nagtatanong kung ano ang kaugnayan nina Sarah at Rayver, nabalita noon na nagkaroon ng relasyon ang dalawang young stars. Bagamat pareho nilang itinanggi ito, marami ang naniniwala na nagkaroon sila ng ugnayan.

WHERE IT ALL BEGAN. Ang paghihimutok ni Cristine, ayon na rin sa kanya, ay nagsimula sa ASAP XV.

Ayon sa dalawang sources, bago nagsimula ang show, nagbitaw si Sarah ng isang comment habang kausap si John Prats. Ang sinabi raw ng Pop Princess, "'Pag magaling sumayaw, habulin ng mga babaeng sexy." Katatapos lamang noon ng dance number ni Rayver.

Nakarating ang comment ni Sarah kay Cristine, at bandang alas tres, nag-post ang huli ng, "I AM SO PISSED RIGHT NOW."

Habang tahimik si Sarah, sumagot naman ang handler nito na si Anna Dasig sa kanyang sariling Twitter account.

"@PilyangSweet nagbibiruan lang sila ni john pratts kanina..ewan ko kung bakit kailangan mong mag react ng over ng ganito? Relax ka lang! Alamin mo muna kung ano ang punot dulo bago ka magreact ng ganyan."

At ang huling anim na tweets ni Cristine sa isyu ay mga sagot niya sa sinabi ni Anna. Umiyak raw ito sa "sama ng loob." Ayon pa sa kanya, "wag siya kamo MAGBIRO ng Ganun Kung alam niya may pinaparinggan siya!"

TRENDING TOPIC. Ang mga tweets ni Cristine ay naging mainit na topic of discussion sa Twitter. Sa katunayan, ang salitang "Geronimo" ay umabot sa No. 9 top trending topic worldwide.

Hindi lang mga ordinaryong tao ang nakisali sa diskusyong ito kundi pati na ang iba pang celebrities.

Hati rin ang mga Twitter users kung sino ang kakampihan—may Team Sarah at meron ding Team Cristine.

Sa ngayon, hindi pa naririnig ang panig ni Sarah sa isyung ito, ngunit panay ang tanggol sa kanya ng kanyang mga tagahanga.

Sa pagkakakilala ng marami kay Sarah, madalas na tikom ang bibig nito sa tuwing nasasangkot sa isyu.

Sa kabilang banda, si Cristine naman ay kilala sa pagiging prangka sa pagsasabi ng kanyang saloobin. Matatandaang sa Twitter din pumutok ang alitan nila ni Pauleen Luna.

Hinihintay rin ng marami kung ano ang magiging reaksiyon dito ni Rayver.

Pinadalhan na ng PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) ng text message si Veronique del Rosario, ang lady boss ng VIVA Artist Agency na siyang humahawak sa career ng dalawang stars. Kung magkaroon man ng updates, agad itong ilalathala sa site.

Reposted From PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal)

Friday, December 10, 2010

A Repost From GMA News.TV



Grand Lotto winner let another bettor cut in line to win the P740-M pot

The New York-based balikbayan could have missed the mind-boggling jackpot if he did not let another bettor cut in line at the lotto ticket outlet. The winner of the P740-million Grand Lotto jackpot “generously" let another person place her bet first and waited for his turn before he could place his winning combination for the lottery prize, a Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) official said Thursday. The PCSO earlier said that the Grand Lotto winner, who placed his bet at an outlet in Olongapo City in Zambales, used the “Lucky Pick" method, which generates randomly selected numbers, to come up with the winning combination. (See: Jackpot! Olongapo bettor wins P741.176-M lotto prize) “May sumingit na babae bago siya tumaya pero hindi siya nagalit at pinabayaan niya. Mukhang mabait talaga siyang tao," PCSO chair Margie Juico told GMANews.TV in a phone interview on Thursday night.

(A woman cut in line before he could place his bet, but he kept his cool and allowed her to place her bet first.)

The woman also used the “Lucky Pick" method, which meant that if she hadn’t cut in line, she would have received the winning combination. “Imagine, kung hindi sumingit ‘yung babae at hinintay, siya dapat ang nanalo," Juico added.

Juico said the Grand Lotto winner, a 60-year-old married man with three children, was a balikbayan from New York in the United States, who returned to the Philippines for a “sentimental journey" in his home country. “He has been staying in the US for a long time. He went back to the Philippines to visit places. Nagkatuwaan lang silang magkakapatid na tumaya sa Subic at doon siya sinwerte [He and his siblings agreed to place a bet at Subic, just for fun, and he got lucky]," she said. The PCSO chairperson, who personally handed the prize to the winner on Thursday afternoon, described the balikbayan as a “kind-looking" man. (See: Lucky bettor claims P741-M Grand Lotto prize) “Nakakatuwa kasi simple lang talaga siya at mukhang mabait. Sinabi niya sa akin na madasalin din siya. Dininig ang panalangin niya," she said.

(It’s so heart-warming, because he’s really just an ordinary guy, and kind-looking. He told me that he prayed often. His prayers were answered.)—JV, GMANews.TV

Reposted From GMA News.TV

Thursday, December 9, 2010

A Repost From GMA News.TV


Pacquiao hits US fund-raisers for misuse of his name, image

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Wednesday arrested three Americans, including a Filipino naturalized US citizen, for allegedly using the name of Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao in their campaign to raise donations to fight dengue and malaria. In an interview, Pacquiao said he sought the help of NBI upon learning that Anthony Musso, Edward Gutierrez and former Filipino citizen Nora Llaniguez had put his picture, without his consent or knowledge, on their websites www.partnersagainstmalaria.org, www.stampoutmalaria.org and www.buyactrx.org. “Hiniling namin na mainbestigahan itong mga taong ito na gumagamit ng pangalan ko nang hindi ko alam, without my authority. Nagpost sila ng picture ko sa internet nang hindi ko alam," the congressman complained.

(We requested that these persons using my name without my knowledge, without my authority, be investigated. They posted my picture on the Internet without my knowledge.) The three were seeking donations to allegedly help “millions of children who get malaria and dengue fever," by buying medicines which the three themselves were also selling. Lawyer Eric Nuqui, NBI-National Capital Region supervising agent, said the three will be brought to the NBI office for further investigation to see if they should be charged with estafa. American trio approached Pacquiao before

Unfair naman sa akin na magpost sila ng picture ko at manghingi ng donation nang hindi ko alam. Kawawa naman yung mga tao na nagdodonate sila sa akin na hindi ko alam [It’s unfair for them to ask for donations using my picture without my knowledge. People they solicited donations from just got misled]," Pacquiao said. The lawmaker said the three had first approached him in Baguio this year. Since he was busy in training, he endorsed them to his chief of staff, lawyer Jeng Gacal. Gacal said, in a separate interview, that the three had wanted to make Pacquiao part of their foundation. Gacal turned down the request because the three insisted on peddling a certain type of medicine they were selling. “Lumapit sa amin na gusto isama si Manny sa foundation. Ang plano ay magdonate ng pera worldwide at the amount donated will be used for malaria and dengue, yun produkto rin nila," he said. (They approached us asking to include Manny in the foundation. The plan was to donate money worldwide, and the amount donated will be used for fighting malaria and dengue, also with their products.)

In a press release lifted from the group’s website, the group claimed Pacquiao had joined them as one of the “founding partners" of the Partners Against Malaria Foundation. Gacal said Pacquiao was in the US for his fight against Antonio Margarito when they were alerted that the eight-world-title boxing champion’s picture was for a time posted on the website. “Ang concern naming, baka me nabiktima na [Our concern is that during that time, there already might have been victims]," Gacal said. Claims and denials made by 3 Americans

Pacquiao said the three even accused his staff of extortion. “Ang sabi nila nanghihingi daw ang staff ko ng P20 million sa kanila para mai-set sila nang meeting sa akin. Nung inimbestigahan ko ang staff ko hindi naman tutoo [The three accused my staff of asking for P20 million to set a meeting with me. But I found out this wasn’t true]," he said. Musso, in an interview with reporters, denied the allegations, saying that he is involved in a legitimate anti-malaria campaign. He added that he lives in Cebu with his Cebuana wife. Gutierrez said their foundation is based in Makati, although he could not give the exact address. “We came to help this country and those who are dying of malaria and dengue. Our product is a very effective product that is saving lives worldwide and this is the reason why we are here," Gutierrez said. Llaniguez said they had several talks with Pacquiao in the past and came only to seek his help in promoting their product. – MRT/JV, GMANews.TV

Reposted From GMA News.TV

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