A Repost From Mike Smith

Groundbreaking hit Super Mario Bros. celebrates 25th birthday

by Mike Smith

Buzz up!

September 15 4:12 P.M.

Nintendo’s iconic mascot Mario has sold over 240 million video games, been heralded as gaming’s most recognizable face, holds seven world records -- and he’s passing another huge milestone this week.

According to Nintendo themselves -- and they ought to know -- the game that put Mario on the map turns 25 this week. Released on September 13, 1985, NES great Super Mario Bros. would quickly become the top-selling video game of all time, a title it would hold right up until last year when it was passed by Wii Sports.

Since then, he’s appeared in hundreds of games, enjoyed careers as a doctor, an archaeologist, a racing driver, and a golfer, and helped establish the Nintendo name as almost synonymous with video games themselves.

So what’s next for this gaming superstar? Retro-styled 2009 blockbuster New Super Mario Bros. Wii continues to sell well, landing at 6th place on the U.S. charts last month. Given Nintendo just trademarked a new Mario logo in Japan bearing the legend “Super Mario Bros. Anniversary," we doubt this gaming icon is going to retire any time soon.

Five things you (possibly) didn’t know about Mario

• Mario’s last name is also Mario. He’s Mario Mario, in fact.
• His first appearance was actually in 1981 in the arcade version of Donkey Kong, where he was known as “Jumpman.” He wouldn’t get his official name until the following year’s Donkey Kong Jr., also the only game where he plays the bad guy.
• Not only is Mario the best-selling video game character of all time, he’s also its most prolific: according to Guinness World Records’s 2008 edition, he’s appeared in 116 separate games.
• Mario’s distinctive high-pitched voice is provided by actor Charles Martinet, who also voices Mario’s brother Luigi and his longtime foe Wario.
• Nintendo released a follow-up to Super Mario Bros. in Japan in 1986, but deemed it too difficult for Western audiences. It wouldn’t hit U.S. shores as a standalone title until 2007, as a Wii Virtual Console title dubbed “Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels.”

Reposted From Mike Smith

A Repost From Gerry Plaza Of Yahoo! Southeast Asia

Robin, Mariel tie knot in Ibaloi, Christian rites

By Gerry Plaza – September 17th, 2010

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Showbiz Eye by Gerry Plaza
For Yahoo! Southeast Asia

The whirlwind romance has ended up before both Ibaloi and Christian altars on Monday, September 13.

Just over a month after Robin Padilla professed his love to TV host Mariel Rodriguez on live television, the couple twice tied the knot in Baguio City Monday afternoon, Robin’s manager Betchay Vidanes confirmed to Yahoo! Southeast Asia on Friday, September 17.

The first was an Ibaloi ceremony called mambunong, wherein both underwent sacred rituals, including a pig sacrifice in which the slaughtered animal’s blood was placed on their cheeks to legalize their union; a tayaw dance to announce and celebrate their marriage, and the drinking of tapuy wine to symbolize their love.

Robin’s mother, Eva Cariño-Padilla, is an Igorot.

In a report aired over ABS-CBN’s TV Patrol on Thursday, Robin only wore a bahag while Mariel was in a woven ethnic wedding dress.

Present during the Ibaloi wedding at Camp Seven were Robin’s relatives from his mother’s side and son, Ali. The rites were officiated by local mamburao or priest Jimmy Ong, who thought he was just doing it for a movie. He added in an ABS-CBN report that Robin called him to officiate the rites just to make Mariel believe that he was an Igorot.

Robin then married Mariel again later in the day before a Christian pastor.

Talks circulated that Robin had married Mariel much earlier, even before their trip to India, where they hied off for the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. Robin even introduced Mariel as “my wife” in a gathering there. Mariel denied the report but admitted she was very happy with her relationship with Robin that started and blossomed when both hosted the cancelled noontime show “Wowowee” in May when the action star replaced host Willie Revillame for two weeks. Robin then professed his love and gave a P1.2-M ring to Mariel during her birthday celebration in ABS-CBN’s “Entertainment Live” on August 7.

The couple then suddenly became unreachable over the last weekend, keeping their colleagues, loved ones and friends in the dark on their whereabouts. They shocked everyone with revelations about the secret rites on Monday.

Mariel is Robin’s second wife after his divorce in Australia with first partner Liezl Sicangco, with whom he has four children—Queenie, Kylie, Zhenzhen, and Ali. It was not reported if his marriage to Liezl had already been annulled in the Philippines.

Queenie told Yahoo! Southeast Asia a short but meaningful message: “I’m happy for them.”

Reposted From Gerry Plaza Of Yahoo! Southeast Asia

A Repost From PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal)

Toni Gonzaga confirms conflict with Mariel Rodriguez but doesn't say why

PEP - Thursday, September 16

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Toni Gonzaga confirms conflict with Mariel Rodriguez but doesn't say why

Slideshow: Showbiz Photos

Toni Gonzaga kept mum when asked about the cause of her misunderstanding with friend Mariel Rodriguez at the press conference of her upcoming fantaserye Kokey@Ako held September 15, at the 9501 restaurant in the ABS-CBN compound in Quezon City.

"Ayaw ko nang pag-usapan," she told the entertainment press.

She explained: "Tapos na kasi, so maigi na 'yong tapos na. Ayaw ko na. Kung ano na 'yong mga narinig ko, kung ano na 'yong mga nalaman ko, akin na lang 'yon. Huwag n'yo na siyang tanungin sa akin."

Toni also said that she has not talked to Mariel to iron out their differences.

Contrary to reports, Toni said her rift with Mariel has nothing to do with the latter's boyfriend, Robin Padilla, nor with Toni's aborted movie project with the action star.

"Hindi tungkol sa pelikula ito. Wala akong problema sa pelikula. Wala nang kinalaman 'yon. Actually, harsh mang pakinggan, wala akong pakialam doon [sa movie]," she said.

The host of The Buzz added: "Walang kinalaman si Robin kaya sana huwag na siyang idamay dito."

Has Mariel done something to hurt her?

"Ayaw ko na, ayaw ko nang i-elaborate," Toni said. "Basta bahala na lang sila kung ide-deny o iko-confirm.

"Basta ako, ang importante sa akin, marunong akong magpahalaga ng mga tao sa buhay ko. At saka hindi ako...

"Ayaw ko na. Kasi, kapag sinabi ko, alam n'yo na."

According to the multi-media artist, she discovered something that led to this conflict even before she and Robin were offered to do a movie project. Robin reportedly turned down the project, which was later cancelled.

"Actually, laking pasalamat ko dahil sa proyektong hindi natuloy, may mga nadiskubre ako na mga bagay-bagay.

"Na-realize ko kung sino 'yong mga totoong tao sa buhay ko.

"Ginamit siguro ni Lord na way 'yon para ma-realize ko kung sino ang dapat kong pagkatiwalaan."

When pressed to reveal the reason behind the rift with Mariel, Toni answered, "Basta 'yong mga nakarating sa akin... Siyempre, hindi ko naman siguro sasabihin na tapos na ang lahat kung hindi ako nasaktan, di ba?

"Alam na nilang lahat 'yon, alam na ng mga taong involved. And this is not coming from one person, this is coming from different sources.

"Ayaw ko nang pag-usapan kasi baka isipin pa na ginagamit ko or ano. Basta sa ngayon, tama ang sinabi sa akin ni Direk Wenn (Deramas, director of Kokey@Ako), 'Mag-ingat ka sa taong hindi mo kilala. Pero siguro sa panahon ngayon, mag-ingat ka sa mga taong kilala mo.'"

Does she feel betrayed after hearing those things?

Toni's answer was vague. "Hindi ko alam," she said. "Basta alam ko kung saan ako lulugar sa isang bagay at alam ko kung paano ako trumato ng mga taong pinahahalagahan ko sa buhay ko."

Is she waiting for an apology from Mariel?

"Wala na, hindi ko na hinihintay 'yon," she replied.

What if Mariel apologizes?

Toni said, "Madali naman akong kausap, e.

"Magpapalipas lang siguro ako ng sama ng loob. Actually, malalim, e, so time will heal the wound. Kaya nagte-thank you ako dahil wala munang PBB."

She was referring to the reality show she co-hosts with Mariel and Bianca Gonzales.

At the end of the interview, she mentioned the advice she got from her family and close friends: "Huwag nang pag-usapan, huwag nang palakihin, tutal matagal nang tapos 'yon. Mag-move on na lang tayo."

Reposted From PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal)

A Repost From ABS-CBN News

Kris Aquino, James Yap now on good terms?

ABS-CBN - Wednesday, September 15

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Kris Aquino, James Yap now on good terms?

Slideshow: Showbiz Photos

MANILA, Philippines- Television host-actress Kris Aquino has clarified speculations that she and her estranged husband, James Yap, are now on good terms.

"Alam mo kasi sabay naman kaming nagbantay sa ospital [noong magkasakit] si Baby James. I'm not going to say we are close friends now. I think that's a process. Matagal pa 'yon. Pero hindi naman kami magkagalit," she said.

Aquino, the youngest sister of President Aquino, made this clarification after greeting the PBA (Philippine Basketball Association) player during Tuesday’s episode of game-variety show "Pilipinas, Win na Win!"

During the show, Aquino uttered: "Get well soon sa tatay ni Baby James si James Yap. In-operahan siya sa ilong kasi nandoon ngayon si Bimby (Baby James) kung saan nandoon ang ospital. Dinalaw niya ang papa niya. Sabi niya, 'Mama you greet my Papa.’ So, get well soon."

Aquino maintained that she did it for the sake of their 3-year-old son. "Para matuwa si Bimby nag-greet ako. Nag-text ang yaya ni Bimby, si Gerbel. Sinabi niya, 'Thank you daw po sabi ng papa ni Bimby."

Aquino also said there's no truth to rumors that Yap still has personal stuff at the house he previously shared with the TV host-actress.

Rumor has it that Yap was having a hard time getting them, forcing him to shop for his personal things while on vacation in the United States.

"Ano naman ang gamit niyang nasa bahay namin? Lahat ng things niya nasa kanya. ‘Yong ibang mga gamit naka-box. Anytime puwede niyang kunin and pinabalik naman ng judge. Hindi ba nasa bahay namin lahat? Unfair to accuse me of getting his things," she retorted.

'Bimby is sick again'

In a message posted in her Twitter account, Aquino, meantime, bared that her youngest son is suffering from fever again.

"Bimby has a 39 Fever. I'm so worried. Will confine him. Last week lang he was sick, now sick again," tweeted Aquino.

Just last week, the 3-year-old son of Aquino and Yap was brought to St. Luke’s Hospital in Global City. According to the actress-television host, the toddler's platelet count went down.

On September 15, Aquino said her son was cleared of dengue, typhoid and pneumonia.

"Slept w/ Bimb in the hospital. Viral infection but clear of dengue & typhoid. We can go home later & next week ready for school na sya!" Aquino tweeted.

Belo endorser

Meanwhile, Aquino made a comeback as Belo Medical Group’s celebrity endorser.

When asked if people would see a new Aquino, the host replied: "Ayokong baguhin kasi feeling ko maganda na ako ngayon. Pero mas gaganda pa ako."

Aquino and cosmetic surgeon Vicki Belo, owner of Belo Medical Group, had a falling out years back after Belo’s receptionist was rumored to be having an affair with Yap. -With SNN: Showbiz News Ngayon

Reposted From ABS-CBN News

A Repost From Manila Bulletin

Pacquiao has rival all figured out

Manila Bulletin - Tuesday, September 14

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MANILA, Philippines - Manny Pacquiao on Tuesday said he has Antonio Margarito all figured out. Speaking to mediamen during his second day of training for the November 13 showdown with Antonio Margarito, Pacquiao demonstrated how he would deal with the rangy 5-foot-11 Mexican puncher when they collide at the Cowboys Stadium in Dallas. ''Ganito lang 'yan,'' Pacquiao said, throwing rapid-fire punches in the air while making use of his famed footwork at the spacious Elorde Gym on Del Monte Ave. in Quezon City. The three scribes put up a wide grin as he demonstrated how he would tackle Margarito, known for his aggressiveness and frightening power. Pacquiao actually arrived wearing a pristine-white short-sleeved shirt and black trousers and he did not waste time changing to his training gear as training assistants Buboy and Roger Fernandez and aide Jojo Sta. Teresa look on at the sidelines. Johnny Elorde, the son of the late Flash Elorde, who operates the well-equipped gym could not hide his amazement each time he sees Pacquiao work out a sweat. ''Manny doesn't allow himself to bloat when he has no fight scheduled,'' said Elorde, who was also on hand when Pacquiao showed up unannounced at his gym on Monday afternoon. Pacquiao plans to report to the Elorde Gym until next week and it looks like his training camp in Baguio won't start until the end of next week. Trainer Freddie Roach is arriving this weekend to reunite with Pacquiao and conditioning coach Alex Ariza, who planed in Monday morning but was still resting and was not around when the 31-year-old pound-for-pound king trained. When you'd think Pacquiao would just head back to his house in Sta. Rosa to rest his muscles, the fighter went to the Batasang Pambansa to fulfill his duties as Sarangani congressman.

Reposted From Manila Bulletin

A Repost From Manila Bulletin

Boy Abunda Defends Shaina from 'Bastos' Rumor
Manila Bulletin
Manila Bulletin - Friday, September 10

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MANILA, Philippines - TV host Boy Abunda quashed nasty rumors about Shaina Magdayao having been brought to a hospital recently.

For weeks now, Shaina Magdayao has been the subject of muted conversations in show business. According to talk, the young actress was rushed to a hospital allegedly because a scandalous accident happened to her and boyfriend John Lloyd Cruz during an intimate moment.

''Mga kaibigan, nais lamang po nating itama ang isang maling balita,'' Abunda began on ''Showbiz News Ngayon,'' Sept. 9.

''Kasi po may umiikot na malisyoso at bastos na balita na may kinalaman kina Shaina Magdayao at John Lloyd Cruz. The first time I heard about this tsismis... ang involved na ospital po, mga kaibigan, ay isang ospital sa Quezon City hanggang ito ay nalipat sa isang ospital sa Makati. Ito ay may kinalaman sa diumano'y pagdala kay Shaina Magdayao sa isang ospital...''

Then came Abunda's categorical denial.

''Ito po ay walang katotohanan. Ito po'y... this is unfair especially to a girl like Shaina. Hindi po ito totoo, 'wag po kayong maniwala.''

Abunda said the malicious and damaging rumor could not be true.

''As a matter of fact, si Shaina po ay busy sa kanyang taping para sa 'Precious Hearts Presents Alynna.' Samantala, si Lloydy naman po ay bising-busy din naman po para kanyang trabgaho sa 'Imortal.'''

''So, itong bastos, this nasty talks about Shaina having been brought to the hospital... inuulit ko po kasi dumating na ito sa mga blogs, sa internet... hindi po ito totoo mga kaibigan. 'Yun lang. Para lang ma-i set natin ang record nang straight,'' Abunda reiterated.

The TV host feels this is utterly unfair for Shaina as it is bereft of truth.

''Kasi pabulong na pinag-uusapan. Alam mo naman 'di ba 'pag may tsismis ang sarap (pag-usapan) lalo na...ito, we have to stop this. It's not fair,'' he said.

Reposted From Manila Bulletin

A Repost From Associated Press

Newborn baby found in Manila airport garbage bag

AP - Monday, September 13

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MANILA, Philippines – Authorities at Manila's airport found a newborn baby in a garbage bag that was apparently unloaded from an airplane that landed Sunday from the Middle East, officials said.

Security officials brought the baby boy, who was covered in blood and wrapped in tissue paper, to an airport clinic, where doctors and nurses examined him and cleaned him up, wrapped him in cloth and gave him a bottle of milk, airport officials said.

"After he was cleaned, he let off a soft cry," airport nurse Kate Calvo said. "He was healthy, his vital signs were OK according to our doctors."

A security officer noticed something moving in a garbage bag that was reportedly unloaded from a Gulf Air plane that arrived from Bahrain and found the baby inside, an airport statement said. The baby was later turned over to social workers posted at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Gulf Air officials were not immediately available for comment.

Social Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman said she was angered by what happened, adding that police have been ordered to search for the infant's mother, who could be criminally charged.

"I was simply outraged, no infant should be treated that way," Soliman said.

She said the baby will be turned over to the mother's relatives or put up for adoption.

Many Filipinos are forced to work as maids and laborers abroad, including the Middle East, to escape crushing poverty and unemployment at home.

Reposted From Associated Press