A Repost From ABS-CBN News

Mariel Rodriguez: Robin Padilla is not sleeping in my condo

ABS-CBN - Thursday, July 1

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Mariel Rodriguez: Robin Padilla is not sleeping in my condo

MANILA, Philippines - Actress Mariel Rodriguez has belied the rumor that actor Robin Padilla is already sleeping in her condominium unit.

In a press conference for her upcoming horror film “Cinco,” Rodriguez pointed out that Padilla would not do such thing because he is a gentleman.

"Sobrang gentleman ni Robin Padilla, sobra. Walang mali sa kanya. Sobra niyang gentleman so hindi siya ‘yong type na [ganoon]," Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez also denied reports that Padilla would drive her to ABS-CBN in Quezon City from her house for her hosting job on “Wowowee.”

When asked about the current status of her relationship with Padilla, the actress replied: "I saw him in another birthday party, he's really very nice. We’ve never gone out on date na kaming dalawa lang."

Padilla met Rodriguez when he became the first guest host of hit noontime show "Wowowee" for 2 weeks after its main host, Willie Revillame, took an “indefinite break” following a word war with Jobert Sucaldito.

In a previous interview with abs-cbnNEWS.com, Padilla's daughter, Queenie, hinted that his action star father was probably going out on dates with Rodriguez.

"Siguro po, hindi ko alam… kasi ever since nagkakilala sila halos hindi po siya umuuwi. ... hindi ko po alam kung nasaan siya. Siguro po nagda-date," the 19-year-old said.

Both Padilla and Rodriguez, the stars of upcoming ABS-CBN comedy program “Palibhasa Sikat,” have repeatedly denied that they were an item.

Rodriguez has recently split from actor Zanjoe Marudo. Padilla's marriage to Liezl Sicangco, meantime, ended in divorce 2 years ago.

Reposted From ABS-CBN News

A Repost From Thea Alberto at Yahoo! Southeast Asia

‘The ball is now in your hands’

By Thea Alberto – June 30th, 2010

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By Thea Alberto, Yahoo! Southeast Asia / Photo by Mike Alquinto & Voltaire Domingo, NPPA Images

In what seemed to be a prophecy, Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. once told his only son Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III to serve and lead the country in the best of his capacity.

In his letter to Noynoy dated August 25, 1973, almost a year after Martial Law was imposed, Ninoy lamented his incarceration and asked his son to continue his advocacies.

“The only advice I can give you: Live with honor and follow your conscience. There is no greater nation on earth than our Motherland. No greater people than our own. Serve them with all your heart, with all your might and with all your strength,” the older Aquino said.

“Son, the ball is now in your hands,” added Ninoy.

Thirty-six years later, Ninoy’s hunch proved to be true—with his only son now taking oath as the 15th President of the Republic of the Philippines.

Although Ninoy and his wife, the late president Corazon Aquino (who died of cancer August 2009), did not live to see this day, the younger Aquino took his oath before his four sisters, Ballsy, Pinky, Viel, and Kris, and before millions of Filipinos who believed his promise to eradicate corruption.

‘So help me God’

Amid cheers, Associate Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales administered Aquino’s oath of office at the highly yellow Quirino grandstand, minutes short of the 12:00 time as mandated by the Constitution.

A 21-cannon salute was delivered after Aquino’s oath while two choppers showered the crowd with yellow rose petals.

Fr. Catalino Arevalo, the family’s spiritual adviser, held the bible where Aquino symbolically placed his hand as he delivered his oath.

Earlier, Vice President Jejomar Binay also took the oath administered by Morales.

In a brief but highly symbolic move, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo formally relinquished her post to President-elect Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino.

The two arrived at the Quirino grandstand at exactly 10:35 am and exchanged handshakes before the crowd.

Earlier, Aquino and Arroyo shared the presidential car, a tradition in inaugurals.

At the Quirino grandstand, Arroyo then made her final pass in review. She was seen smiling at the yellow crowd.

Arroyo then left with her personal car.

Reposted From Thea Alberto Of Yahoo! Southeast Asia

A Repost From Thea Alberto at Yahoo News

Aquino team a mixture of old and new

By Thea Alberto – June 29th, 2010

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By Thea Alberto, Yahoo! Southeast Asia

President-elect Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III’s official team is a mixture of “old and new faces.” It is composed of people from his late mother’s Cabinet and those behind his presidential campaign.

“You will see old and new faces. You will see the young…and also young. But bottom line is these are the people who I believe have committed to the philosophy that the problems in this country are solvable,” Aquino told a press conference Tuesday, as he announced the names of his official Cabinet members.

Aquino will be the interim Secretary for Interior and Local Government while he has yet to determine his appointee for the much-coveted post.

“Kung di tayo nakakahanap ng alter-ego natin na buong buo ang pagtitiwala, e sino ang pagtitiwalaan mo kundi ako muna,” Aquino explained when asked why he had no appointee to the DILG.

What follows is a list of Aquino’s Cabinet members and his actual quotes about them:

Executive Secretary: Lawyer Paquito M. Ochoa Jr.

“Jojo has been helping me out. I’m not a lawyer, he has helped me out in understanding the law and the intricacies of the law ever since I started in public office. Both our parents were allies in the LP, have been consistent allies all throughout our lives,” Aquino said of Ochoa.

Foreign Affairs: Alberto Romulo

“[He] graciously consented to retaining his position. And we are very fortunate to have him as a senior member of the Cabinet,” said Aquino.

Finance: Former Secretary and Secretary-designate Cesar Purisima.

“I think his credentials speak for himself. But most of these people their credentials speak for themselves,” Aquino said.

Justice: Leila M. de Lima.

“I am very sure you are familiar with the quality of her work. As you know, the judicial is a very important portion of our platform and again we are very fortunate to get her to consent to carrying the burden primarily for judicial reform in our country,” he said.

Defense: Ret. Lt. Gen. Voltaire Gazmin

“Perhaps one of the key people for giving me the opportunity to be present before you because he took good care of us during the numerous coup attempts during my mom’s incumbency, as well as his continuous dedication to the Filipino people in this very abnormal situation we find our country in,” said Aquino.

Education: Christian brother, Fr. Armin Luistro of De La Salle system

“Coming from the AdMU I think it already speaks highly of the qualifications of Bro. Armin that I begged him to join the Cabinet,” said Aquino.

Budget and Management: Butch Abad

“The budget is the enabler of all of our policy decisions. We believe he is the best person at the present time to assist us in judiciously spending the people’s funds to help him and help us,” said Aquino.

NEDA: Cayetano W. Paderanga Jr.

“We will have a NEDA that will give us sound advice due to economic considerations and not political considerations,” he said.
.
Department of Agriculture: Quezon Rep. Proceso V. Alcala

“He has been heavily involved in environmental concerns within and without Quezon, organic farming and so many aspects of agriculture have been the advocacies of Rep. and Sec-designate Alcala,” he said.

DENR: Usec. Ramon Paje

DOTC: Jose de Jesus.

“As you know he served under my mother’s Cabinet both as Secretary to the Cabinet and one of the most if not the most hardworking members of my mother’s Cabinet,” he said.

Labor and Employment: Usec. Rosalinda Baldoz

“She used to head the POEA among other agencies. Her concentration also is with the workings of NLRC, which we believe is an adjunct of her agency under DOLE in need of very strong reforms. We find in her the capability to make this agency truly responsive to the needs of the working man,” said Aquino.

Health: Director of NKTI, Enrique T. Ona.

“In our interview we saw in him the potential to become a complete alter-ego, especially given the fact that health agenda is No. 3 on our platform. And he has been given instructions specifically with regard to expediting universal coverage of PhilHealth, one of our campaign promises,” said Aquino.

Tourism: Alberto Lim

“He has been involved in various business endeavors to include the setting up of El Nido and Amanpulo.”

DTI: Gregory L. Domingo

“Served in that capacity as Usec for (Board) of Investments. Presently executive director SM Investments Corp., international trade law and business law lecturer, MBA program, DLSU.”

DSWD: Corazon Juliano-Soliman, whom Aquino said “needs no introduction.”

DOST: Dr. Mario G. Montejo

“A man of numerous titles, meaning so many degrees. He is a person I have known for the past few years, actually few decades. Among the inventions his companies set up, they were a group of academicians who decided they wanted to make their studies more practical,” said Aquino.

Energy: Jose Rene Almendras

“I knew him since college days. He is a very good friend of mine presently with Manila Water. Obviously we want somebody who is not part of the industry inasmuch as there will be a lot of dealings with the industry. We do not want to fall into a trap of regulatory capture,” said Aquino.

DPWH: Rogelio Singson

“Very extensive CV. I don’t think he is a stranger to most of us. It is coincidental he is presently with Maynilad,” said Aquino.

DAR: Virgilio R. delos Reyes

“I met him first at the interview I was very impressed with the knowledge he possessed with regards to the problems pertaining to the [sector],” said Aquino.

Peace process: Teresita Deles

Presidential Management Staff: Julia Abad

“I have been served faithfully ever since I became senator about 3 years today by the Hon. Julia Abad . She has undergone numerous schoolings. But more than that she has my absolute trust having run my office,” said Aquino.

Presidential Spokesman: Edwin Lacierda

Pres Legal Counsel: Eduardo de Mesa, one of the first lawyers when Aquino took upon public service in 1998.

CHED: Dr. Patricia Licuanan

“She will, as her primary mission, rectify the current situation where the government agency tasked to oversee higher educational institutions seems to be sleeping on the job,” said Aquino.

BIR: Atty. Kim Jacinto Henares

“Kim has been functioning in effect as secretary to the Cabinet in all the policy briefings that I have been subjected to. She has been very effective in coming out with answers to a lot of the questions in my rushed preparations for this presidential campaign,” he said.

Chief of Staff, AFP: Maj. Gen. Ric David

PNP Chief: Jesus Verzosa

Reposted From Thea Alberto Of Yahoo! News Southeast Asia

A Repost From Janie Octia Of Yahoo! Southeast Asia

Kris says marriage is over

By Janie Octia – June 27th, 2010

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By Janie Octia, Yahoo! Southeast Asia

After days of silence regarding her marriage, actress-TV host Kris Aquino admitted she has given up on her marriage with basketball superstar James Yap.

In an interview with The Buzz’s Boy Abunda, Aquino said her decision was not made in a spur of the moment.

“On my part, with finality, I can say ako ay sumuko na,” Aquino said.

Reports of their troubled marriage came out after Aquino shared in her Twitter account that she and James are going through a “difficult time” and problems in their married life remained.

Two days later, Kris suspended her Twitter account.

Following the proclamation of her brother Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III as the president, she also announced her decision to leave her showbiz-oriented talk shows The Buzz and Showbiz News Ngayon, which she co-hosted.

She did this to avoid any controversy and issues that could affect her brother’s administration.

James Yap, who recently visited President-elect Aquino in his Times Street home, has yet to issue a statement regarding Kris Aquino’s latest revelation.

During the airing of her revelation on TV late Sunday, Kris Aquino was among the top topics on Twitter, as it was among the top Trending Topics.

Here’s the transcript of Kris Aquino’s interview on ABS-CBNnews.com.

Reposted From Janie Octia Of Yahoo! Southeast Asia

A Repost From Andreo Calonzo GMA News.TV

Noynoy formally invites Corona other justices to inauguration

GMANews.TV - 1 hour 6 minutes ago

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President-elect Benigno “Noynoy" Aquino III has already formally invited Chief Justice Renato Corona and other justices of the Supreme Court to attend his inauguration on June 30. Aquino said he has instructed a team to send invitations to all offices of the three branches of government, saying they are “co-equal" and should be extended the proper courtesy. “I would assume all the members of co-equal branches of government would be invited… Invitations will be delegated to the protocol office who I am sure will know whom to invite," he said in an interview on Thursday night. This page requires a higher version browser Aquino, who is set to take his oath of office at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila next Wednesday, however said that he did not issue a personal invitation to Corona. The president-elect said that he is too busy completing his Cabinet to send personal invitations to certain guests. “Kanya-kanyang toka sa trabaho para sa inauguration. Sa akin, pagbuo ng Cabinet, maghanda sa June 30 afternoon. We’re supposed to already give them marching orders. Yan ang primary ko," he said. (We divided the work of preparing for the inauguration. Mine is to form the Cabinet, prepare for June 30 afternoon. We’re supposed to already give them marching orders. That’s my primary task.)

Aquino chose to defy tradition by deciding not to get the incumbent Chief Justice to swear him in. He opted instead to take his oath of office before Associate Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales. The president-elect has repeatedly said in the past he will not recognize Corona’s appointment as chief justice, insisting that it is covered by the constitutional ban on appointments to government posts two months before the President leaves office.

The high court, whose 14 associate justices were appointed by outgoing President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, however ruled that the constitutional ban on midnight appointments does not cover the judiciary, and applies only to the executive branch. (See: Supreme Court allows Arroyo to appoint next chief justice) Carpio-Morales was the lone dissenter in this SC ruling, saying that the ban on midnight appointment applies to all three branches of government. Corona’s attendance uncertain Court spokesperson and administrator Jose Midas Marquez however said that Corona and the other justices’ attendance in the inauguration remains uncertain. Marquez said the justices only received their invitations on Friday afternoon. He added that Corona and the rest of the justices might have other appointments on Wednesday, so he could not say whether they would accept the invitation and attend the inauguration. Corona said in an earlier interview that he has not yet considered whether or not to attend Aquino’s inaugural since he has not yet been invited in the first place.—Andreo C. Calonzo/JV, GMANews.TV

Reposted From Andreo Calonzo Of GMA News.TV

A Repost From Sid Ventura Of Yahoo! Southeast Asia

Sparring Partner: Manny's 'Mystery' Opponent

By Sid Ventura, Special to Yahoo! Southeast Asia Friday June 18, 2010 06:12 pm PHT

Pacquiao-Mayweather is the big bout we've all been waiting for, but both camps have been silent recently. Just who exactly is Manny fighting in November?

Everyone is still assuming a Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather matchup is on later this year, but no one from both camps is saying anything. According to Robert Morales at boxingscene.com, Bob Arum will only confirm that Manny will have a bout in November, but at this point can't say who against. Meanwhile, Richard Schaefer of Golden Boy Promotions, also refused to comment on anything.

Between Floyd's announcements about a planned hiatus and the lack of even a shred of confirmation from Arum and Schaefer, you can't help but wonder if the megafight will take place at all. Meanwhile, names like Antonio Margarito and Tim Bradley are being floated around as candidates in case the Mayweather talks float through. Pacquiao himself was quoted as saying he wouldn't mind a rematch with two former victims: newly-crowned light middleweight champion Miguel Cotto and former junior welterweight champ Ricky Hatton.

Of these four, I don't see anyone who will be worth watching, but if I were to choose, Margarito would probably be the most intriguing prospect. He has the height (5'11") to make Manny work a bit harder. The problem is his reputation has forever been tarnished by a suspension due to the illegal substances found in his hand wraps right before he fought Shane Mosley in January last year.

Bradley has no name recall so I'm pretty sure Arum will quickly strike this name off the list. I'll bet most of you immediately searched his name on the Web as soon as you read this. As for Cotto, the Pacquiao camp must be salivating at the prospect of beating the Puerto Rican again with his WBA light middleweight title on the line. A win would give Pacquiao a title in an eighth weight class, a record that would undoubtedly stand for a long, long time. But seriously, this may be pushing it. Pacquiao fighting at 154 pounds will be testing the limits of his body. Besides, right now I think fighting Mayweather is more important than capturing an eighth title.

Hatton? I can only surmise that Pacquiao was joking when he said he would welcome a rematch with this guy. Who would want to watch that? Rematches are made if the first fight was a) exciting; and b) close to the point of being inconclusive. Pacquiao-Hatton was exciting, but in a mismatch sort of way. And it certainly wasn't close. What's more, if this fight is to be made, Hatton probably needs 10 years to get back into shape. The guy is so overweight that the joke making the rounds about him goes, "There is only one Ricky Hatton? Apparently now there are two."

(Sidebar: I think the rematch that needs to be made is Cotto-Margarito. Their first bout ended with Cotto taking a knee in the 11th round after a savage beating from Margarito. But then came the hand wraps issue with Mosley, and now everybody is wondering if Margarito didn't have anything loaded in his gloves that caused a tough customer like Cotto to quit. A rematch should settle the issue once and for all.)

For Pacquiao, I repeat: if this is going to be his last fight, then it should be against Mayweather and no one else. Forget about going for a title in an eighth weight class. Forget about those other pretenders. Go out with a bang and fight the best available opponent.

If November is when the fight will be held, then Arum has maybe three or four weeks to finalize everything and to resolve whatever issues are preventing him and Schaefer from hammering out a deal. In the meantime, the rest of the boxing world has four words for these two gentlemen: get it done, guys.

A sportswriter since 2001, Sid Ventura was one of the first in the Philippines to write a sports column exclusively on line. He also does television commentary for Philippine college basketball, is a senior writer for a local basketball magazine and has a day job that requires him to watch 1970's TV shows (true story). Before suffering a knee injury while running after his three-year-old daughter (true story, really) he played shooting guard at pick-up games. He could neither shoot nor guard. Got a comment or question? Send them and he may answer or use them in a potential column. E-mail Sparring Partner at sid.ringsidewithmanny@yahoo.com.

Reposted From Sid Ventura Of Yahoo! Southeast Asia

A Repost From Gerry Plaza Of Yahoo! Southeast Asia

Will romance with Shaina affect John Lloyd’s career?

By Gerry Plaza – June 21st, 2010

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Showbiz Eye by Gerry Plaza
Special to Yahoo! Southeast Asia

Amid all the vehement denials and outright dismissals of alleged romances in show biz, here comes someone who comes forth and admits the real score in his love life.

John Lloyd Cruz surprised the regular Sunday viewers of “The Buzz” with his admission that he and Shaina Magdayao are now an item.

“Matagal ko nang hinihintay ito,” he says. “Once and for all, gusto ko sabihin at sagutin na, yes, it’s us.”

According to Lloydie, the main reason he came out was that he wanted the speculations about their relationship and the purported links to other personalities to end.

“I wanted to come out and once and for all say something kasi ang dami nang nag-take advantage sa pagtahimik ko. Hindi na maganda kasi marami nang taong nadadamay and marami na ang taong nasasaktan. Hindi na nakakatuwa… Dapat magsalita na ako. Para sa kanila at di para sa akin. Wala akong maiko-complain sa buhay ko. “

To his detractors, he only has this to say:

“I wish them the same happiness I have right now.”

This is a very much welcome development for these two young stars, who have faced a barrage of intrigues over their now confirmed relationship. Previously, Lloydie had been charged with using Shaina to conceal another alleged romance with Ruffa Gutierrez, his co-star in the defunct “I Love Betty La Fea.” During the interview, he also admitted his relationship with Ruffa was “very special.”

He also reportedly promised Sarah Geronimo, his co-star in the blockbuster romantic comedies “A Very Special Love” and “You Changed My Life,” that he would soon woo her.

“Hindi mo ‘yun sinasabi o pinapangako sa isang babae. ‘O maghintay ka diyan ha, hintayin mo ko, after four or five years…’ Hindi mo naman alam kung anong puwedeng mangyari eh. Hindi ‘yan totoo.”

He also allegedly snagged Shaina from her ex-boyfriend John Prats, who supposedly didn’t know of their trysts while they were still together.

Lloydie claims he and John had ironed out the matter “man to man.”

“Iyon kasi ang nakakatawa saka sa kalagitnaan ng usap-usapan diyan, e, siyempre ang tamang gagawin ay kakausapin mo iyong tao. Nagkausap kami lalake sa lalake. Okay, maayos… Lalake sa lalake, sabi ko sa kanya na, ‘Let us put our egos behind us.’ Kung may naaapektuhan dito, ang babae.”

With his admission, Lloydie seems very serious about his feelings for Shaina and their romance would definitely become the hottest item in show biz in the weeks to come.

Why did it take Lloydie a long time to admit this? Somehow, it’s mainly because their relationship isn’t a studio-backed pairing; Lloydie rarely appeared, if ever, opposite Shaina, much less as a marquee love team.

Will it affect his career as a matinee idol, a three-time box office king? In my book, hardly.

John Lloyd Cruz is definitely one of the few young actors who have maintained a bankable acting career regardless of who he is paired with. What more with his personal life?

Photos courtesy of Star Magic/ABS-CBN

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Gerry Plaza is a longtime entertainment editor and writer who would never ever become a denial prince, much less a box office king. You can e-mail Gerry at gerry-showbizeye@yahoo.com

Reposted From Gerry Plaza Of Yahoo! Southeast Asia

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