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A young man proposes marriage to his girlfriend but afterwards loses his memory because of a helicopter crash. He is later assumed to be dead but in reality, he was able to survive the crash through the help of a marine biologist whose daughter helps the young man recover. In the process, the crash victim develops feelings for the young girl and even fathers a child with his new love.

However, fate intervenes and the man recalls his past life prior to the crash. How can he deal with two women in his life?

Based on the 1991 film Una Kang Naging Akin, the tenth Sine Novela of GMA-7 remakes the movie directed by Laurice Guillen starring Sharon Cuneta, Gabby Concepcion, and Dawn Zulueta.

In the TV version, Wendell Ramos is cast as Nick/Darwin, the man torn between Angelika dela Cruz (Vanessa) and Maxene Magalona (Jessa). Directed by Joel Lamangan, GMA-7's Una Kang Naging Akin tells the bittersweet love story of engaged couple Nick Soriano III (Wendell) and Vanessa Yumul (Vanessa)—both of whom come from prominent families.

Tragedy strikes when the helicopter that Nick is riding suddenly crashed in a remote island. A body is found in the crash site but it turned out to be Nick's officemate whose name was not listed in the passenger manifesto. The "death" of Nick caused great grief to Vanessa since she was already betrothed to be married to the young man.

On the remote island, Nick meets Dr. Modesto Mallari (Ricardo Cepeda), a marine biologist. Because of his memory loss, Nick introduces himself as Darwin.

Dr. Mallari takes Darwin to his home where he introduces his daughter, Jessa (Maxene), a beautiful painter. Darwin admits that he cannot recall his past and Jessa initially doubted his story. However, as time passed by, the two developed feelings for each other and have a child together.

Darwin becomes involved in another accident that triggers the return of his past memories. He remembers that he is a wealthy businessman named Nick who is about to marry his beloved girlfriend Vanessa. With the return of his memory, Darwin's identity as well as Jessa and their child no longer exist in Nick's recollection.

Will Jessa allow her husband to forget her and their son? Or will she have the courage to fight for what she thinks is rightfully hers? What will Vanessa do to keep Nick with her for good? How will she deal with Jessa and her son? Will Jessa's love for Darwin cause Nick to remember their marriage? And who really has the right to have Nick/Darwin? Is it Vanessa, the woman he first loved or Jessa, the woman who bore his firstborn son?

Other cast members include Alfred Vargas as Ronnie, the young man who is in love with Jessa; LJ Reyes as Liway, Jessa's half-sister who is also in love with Ronnie; Gina Alajar as Luisa, the estranged mom of Jessa and stepmother of Vanessa; and Raquel Villavicencio as Doña Margarita Soriano, Nick's arrogant mother.

Playing a pivotal role in the teleserye is Mel Martinez as Eli Solis, the manager of Jessa. Portraying relatives of Jessa are Jim Pebanco and Gilette Sandico as Tiyo Anding and Tiya Agnes.

The theme song titled "Una Kang Naging Akin" is performed by Pinoy Idol finalist Ram Chaves with music and lyrics by Tata Betita.

Follow the love story of lovers tricked by fate in Una Kang Naging Akin. The tenth Sine Novela airs starting Monday, September 1, on GMA-7's Dramarama sa Hapon. - Philippine Entertainment Portal

After the jam-packed premiere of For The First Time last August 26, KC Concepcion, Richard Gutierrez, and the rest of the crew flocked to Florabel's restaurant at The Podium for the after party. Spotted at this late-night gathering were other members of the cast which included the scene-stealing Candy Pangilinan, Phillip Salvador, TJ Trinidad, Carla Humphries, Denise Laurel, and Pinoy Big Brother alumni Gee-Ann Abraham and Bea Saw.

Star Cinema Managing Director Malou Santos, Maja Salvador, Michelle Madrigal, Ruffa Gutierrez, JC de Vera, siblings Paolo and Bubbles Paraiso, Richard's brothers Ritchie Paul, Elvis, and Raymond Gutierrez, and Be Bench finalist John James Uy were also in attendance. KC's parents Gabby Concepcion and Sharon Cuneta, who were at the premiere, did not make it to the after party.

KC and Richard were very sweet towards each other all throughout the party, further fueling speculations about the real state of their relationship. The two stars left around 4 am, very happy with the warm reception of the movie and grateful for the support of the Star Cinema team, their families, and their friends. But before he left the party, Richard announced that he was looking forward to another project with Star Cinema, something that might happen only by 2010 given his busy schedule and previous commitments.

For the First Time raked in P14 million on its opening day and is expected to pick up through the weekend.

Last year, Cosmo picked kapuso leading man Dingdong Dantes as their “ultimate hunk”. This year, the right to grace the cover of Cosmo Men went to 28-year-old kapamilya actor and host Derek Ramsay.

This year’s theme is “wild and wet” and find out the 69 chosen hunks in the special supplement of Cosmopolitan Magazine called “Cosmo Men”. The supplement features 30 glossy pages containing 69 half-naked men in their wetness glory.

Two days ago, we revealed the 10 Centerfold Hunks for 2008 and they are (aside from Derek) Jon Avila, Macky Escalona, Bruce Quebral, Ron Morales, Akihiro Sato, Geoff Eigenmann, Rocky Salumbides, Billy Crawford, and Paolo Contis. 6 of them are kapamilya stars namely Jon, Derek, Bruce, Ron, Geoff and Billy. One one made it from the kapuso network and he is none other than Paolo Contis.

Not just once but twice. Iwa Moto is on the cover of FHM Philippines for the second time.

The first time Iwa graced the cover of the leading men’s magazine was in December 2006. She was just 18 years old that time and she wore a one-piece bikini.

Yesterday, Iwa turned 20 years old. And by showing the world her maturity, she’s wearing a two-piece white bikini on the cover of FHM September 2008 edition.

Kapuso siren graces the cover of kapamilya men’s magazine…topless.

Two-time FHM Sexiest Woman in the Philippines, Katrina Halili posed for Maxim Philippines wearing nothing but body paint. The Obra star claims this is her sexiest pictorial yet for a men’s magazine.

Maxim September 2008 issue is now available in magazine outlets nationwide.

The acid-tongued stage mother Annabelle Rama made another attack on GMA 7, but this time singling out the network’s Senior Vice President for Entertainment Wilma Galvante.

Last Sunday, Annabele Rama aired her disappointment with the Kapuso network for pitting the free birthday concert of Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes on the opening day of her son’s movie with Star Cinema, “For the First Time.” The issue was even supported by the megastar Sharon Cuneta, the mother of KC Concepcion who is Richard’s leading lady in the movie.

Sharon said on national tv:

“You started a good thing, actually, the two of you. But you can only really do as much as you can, di ba? Ako din nag-ano, Tita, hindi ko alam kung sino ang nag-arrange nun [birthday concert of Dingdong and Marian] dahil marami pa namang kaibigan natin doon [GMA-7]. Pero hindi ko alam kung sino mismo. Parang sinabayan yata ng libreng show?”

“Kasi si Dingdong Dantes, mahal na mahal ko yung batang ‘yan. We’ve done a movie [Magkapatid], I call him my baby brother. Lahat naman tayo sumusunod lang sa inuutos sa atin, di ba? Even si Marian who’s very beautiful. Walang ano diyan sa mga bata, we’re all employees sa station so we follow. Pero nagulat lang ako, parang bakit halatang-halata naman, sabi mo nga Tita, Wednesday? Kasi sabihin natin isinasabay sa opening day ng For The First Time, na pagka kumita naman ‘to…”

KC attempted to stop her mom by saying “World Peace. World Peace.”

Some of the press people called Sharon “The Negastar” after the show was aired.

At the premiere night of “For the First Time” last Tuesday, Annabelle refused to talk about the issue for a while. The premiere night was attended and supported by both Kapamilya and Kapuso stars. It was star-studded and very successful.

Now in an interview with a major broadsheet, Annabelle Rama is name-dropping “Wilma Galvante” as the “culprit” for her “sabotage” theory. Annabelle remarked that Ms. Galvante has never been fond of his son Richard and she’s the one who scheduled the birthday concert of Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes on the same day as the opening of the Star Cinema movie.

“Sabotahe!” Rama said in the interview. “Sa umpisa pa lang magkagalit na talaga kami ni Wilma. Si Annette and Felipe Gozon lang ang may gusto kay Richard.” Atty. Gozon is the president of GMA-7 while his daughter Annette is the president of GMA Films.

Annabelle lamented the lack of support of Richard’s mother studio. She added, “Tinapatan nila ang lahat ng TV appearances ni Richard sa ABS-CBN. Kung may utak siya [Galvante], dapat naisip niyang this is Richard’s movie.”

Wilma Galvante aired her side by issuing a statement regarding the issue. She said that the reason why they chose August 27 for the “Let’s Celebrate” concert is simply because that’s the only available date presented to them by the Araneta Coliseum management. And although Marian and Dingdong’s birthday were in the earlier part of August, this week is their only available time for a concert since the two had a series of shows outside the country.

Apparently, the GMA executive has warned Annabelle via replying to the stage mother’s text messges that the content of her messages are prone to a lawsuit.

Here are the Top 10 daytime and primetime programs from August 26 to 28 based on the overnight ratings conducted by AGB Nielsen Philippines among Mega Manila households:



August 26 (Tuesday)

Daytime:

1. Magdusa Ka (GMA-7) / Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan (GMA-7) - 22.3%
2. Eat Bulaga! (GMA-7) - 21.8%
3. Marimar (GMA-7) - 19.6%
4. Daisy Siete (GMA-7) - 18.4%
5. Wowowee (ABS-CBN) - 16.9%
6. El Cuerpo del Deseo (ABS-CBN) - 16%
7. Pilipinas, Game KNB? (ABS-CBN) - 15.2%
8. Ligaw Na Bulaklak (ABS-CBN) - 13.5%
9. SiS (GMA-7) - 10.9%
10. Boy & Kris (ABS-CBN) - 9.7%

Primetime:

1. Dyesebel (GMA-7) - 36.9%
2. Codename: Asero (GMA-7) - 35.2%
3. 24 Oras (GMA-7) - 32.4%
4. The Singing Bee (ABS-CBN) - 29.2%
5. Dyosa (ABS-CBN) / Ako Si Kim Samsoon (GMA-7) - 27%
6. Iisa Pa Lamang (ABS-CBN) - 25.6%
7. TV Patrol World (ABS-CBN) - 25.4%
8. My Girl (ABS-CBN) - 24.4%
9. Gobingo (GMA-7) - 17.6%
10. Kapamilya, Deal Or No Deal (ABS-CBN) - 16.9%



August 27 (Wednesday)

Daytime:

1. Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan (GMA-7) - 23.5%
2. Eat Bulaga! (GMA-7) - 23.4%
3. Magdusa Ka (GMA-7) - 21.8%
4. Daisy Siete (GMA-7) - 20.3%
5. Wowowee (ABS-CBN) - 19.5%
6. Marimar (GMA-7) / El Cuerpo del Deseo (ABS-CBN) - 17.7%
7. Pilipinas, Game KNB? (ABS-CBN) - 16.9%
8. Ligaw Na Bulaklak (ABS-CBN) - 15.3%
9. Boy & Kris (ABS-CBN) - 10.6%
10. SiS GMA-7) - 10.4%

Primetime:

1. Dyesebel (GMA-7) - 39.9%
2. Codename: Asero (GMA-7) - 35.2%
3. 24 Oras (GMA-7) - 32.8%
4. The Singing Bee (ABS-CBN) - 29.1%
5. Ako Si Kim Samsoon (GMA-7) - 27.1%
6. Dyosa (ABS-CBN) - 26.6%
7. Iisa Pa Lamang (ABS-CBN) - 26.2%
8. TV Patrol World (ABS-CBN) - 25.7%
9. My Girl (ABS-CBN) - 24.6%
10. Kapamilya, Deal Or No Deal (ABS-CBN) - 20.7%



August 28 (Thursday)

Daytime:

1. Magdusa Ka (GMA-7) - 24%
2. Eat Bulaga! (GMA-7) - 23.4%
3. Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan (GMA-7) - 22.4%
4. Daisy Siete (GMA-7) - 21%
5. Marimar (GMA-7) - 20.6%
6. Wowowee (ABS-CBN) - 19.3%
7. El Cuerpo del Deseo (ABS-CBN) - 16.6%
8. Pilipinas, Game KNB? (ABS-CBN) - 15.9%
9. Ligaw Na Bulaklak (ABS-CBN) - 15.7%
10. SiS (GMA-7) - 13%

Primetime:

1. Dyesebel (GMA-7) - 40.9%
2. Codename: Asero (GMA-7) - 36.7%
3. Ako Si Kim Samsoon (GMA-7) - 31.2%
4. 24 Oras (GMA-7) - 30.4%
5. The Singing Bee (ABS-CBN) - 27.1%
6. Iisa Pa Lamang (ABS-CBN) - 26.7%
7. Dyosa (ABS-CBN) - 26.1%
8. My Girl (ABS-CBN) - 25.4%
9. TV Patrol World (ABS-CBN) - 24.2%
10. Pinoy Dream Academy (ABS-CBN) - 22%



Source: AGB Nielsen Philippines PEP.PH

Sa kabila ng kontrobersiya na bumalot kaugnay ng birthday concert nina Dingdong Dantes at Marian Rivera, ang Let's Celebrate: The Dingdong-Marian Birthday Blowout!, ay matagumpay itong naidaos kagabi, August 27, sa Araneta Coliseum sa Cubao, Quezon City.

Matatandaang naging malaking isyu ang pagtatapat ng birthday concert nina Dingdong at Marian sa first day of showing ng pelikula ng kapwa Kapuso star nila na si Richard Gutierrez kasama si KC Concepcion, ang For The First Time ng Star Cinema. Pero ganun pa man, parehong naging successful ang dalawang malaking events na ito sa career ng apat na nabanggit na artista, dahil ang balita ay umabot sa P14 million ang kinita ng For The First Time sa unang araw nito samantalang very successful naman ang birthday concert nina Dingdong at Marian.

Halos puno ang Araneta Coliseum kagabi hanggang sa bleacher, maliban sa Upper Box A kung saan maraming bakanteng upuan. Ayon sa mga taga-GMA-7 ay may ilang ticket holders ang hindi nakarating kaya kahit na marami pang tao sa labas ay hindi rin sila pinapasok dahil mahigpit na ipinatutupad ng Big Dome ang no ticket-no entry policy. Halos magsisiksikan naman na sa patron at lower box section sa dami ng tao at may ilan pa ngang nagkasya na lamang tumayo para mapanood ang show.

Except for Atty. Felipe Gozon and Mr. Jimmy Duavit, in full force na dumating ang GMA-7 executives led by Ms. Wilma Galvante and all its program managers and executive producers. Tila itinigil muna yata lahat ng tapings that night para sa birthday blowout nina Dingdong at Marian.

Bukod sa kanila ay namataan din namin ang creative consultant ng GMA-7 na si German Moreno, MTRCB Chairman Consoliza Laguardia, Dra. Vicki Belo, at ang mga pamilya nina Dingdong at Marian.

Seven p.m. ang sinabing simula ng Let's Celebrate, pero eksaktong alas-nuwebe na ito nagsimula. The whole show highlighted Dingdong and Marian's dancing prowess, although meron din silang mga song numbers.

Nagsimula ang programa with a grand production number involving throngs of dancers at ang La Diva ng SOP na sina Aicelle Santos, Maricris Garcia, at Mae Flores. Pagkatapos nito ay dumagundong ang buong Araneta nang lumabas sina Dingdong and Marian in a silver luxury car. Parehas ding naka-silver ang stars ng Dyesebel. Dito na sinimulang ipinamalas ng magka-love team ang husay nila sa pagsasayaw.

After this ay bumalik ang La Diva singing a medley of "Sweet Escape" and "Queen of the Night." Later on the show ay nagkaroon ng separate spot numbers sina Aicelle at Maricris, both GMA Records artists, rendering their hit songs "Ikaw Pa Rin" and "Bakit Ikaw Pa Rin," respectively.

After the La Diva medley, Dingdong did a Latin-inspired dance number with six of the most sought-after young actresses in GMA-7: Iza Calzado, Sunshine Dizon, Yasmien Kurdi, Bianca King, Iwa Moto, and Diana Zubiri.

Kung si Dingdong ay napaligiran ng mga magaganda at seksing babae, hinarana naman si Marian ng Kapuso male stars na sina Mark Anthony Fernandez, Paolo Contis, Dr. Hayden Kho, Alfred Vargas, Marvin Agustin, at ang singer-songwriter na si Ogie Alcasid, who also celebrated his birthday yesterday. Bawat pasok ng mga nagharana kay Marian ay grabeng tilian ang natanggap nila mula sa audience.

Isang sexy dance number ang isinunod agad featuring Dingdong and Marian to the tune of "Careless Whisper."

Binigyan din ng spot number ang dance groups na Maneouvres at Speed bago ang dance number ni Marian, kung saan sinayaw niya ang mga pinasikat niyang sayaw mula sa kanyang dance album—"Chiquita," "Walk Like An Egyptian," at "So Sexy." Sinamahan siya rito nina Rochelle Pangilinan, Regine Tolentino, at ng Abztract Dancers.

Bago ang song number ni Dingdong na "This Thing Called Love" ay may ipinakita munang VTR kung saan nag-reminisce at bumati ang mga nakasama niya before sa trabaho. Nagsalita rin ang ina ni Dingdong at ikinuwento ang pagsisimula ng young actor showbiz. Nagpakita rin ng rare clips ng mga commercials at audition ni Dingdong, who started appearing on TV commercials at the age of four.

After Dingdong's song number ay isany sexy number naman ang ginawa ni Marian, na naka-nightgown lang, habang kinakantahan ni Jay-R sa saliw ng awiting "Love Won't Let Me Wait." But before this, ay meron ding VTR na inihanda para sa kanya kung saan nagbigay ng mensahe ang mga malalapit sa puso niya.

Jay-R did a spot number singing his hit song "One Hundred Ways" from his latest album.

Ipinamalas muli ni Dingdong ang kanyang galing sa pag-indak kasama ang Dance Squad, Kids at Work, at Maneouvres. Sa hindi nakakaalam, dating miyembro bg dance group na Abztract si Dingdong bago siya sumabak sa pagiging artista.

Pagkatapos nito ay lumabas ang Las Piñas Boys Choir kung saan kinanta nila ang "Ikaw" habang ipinapakita sa giant screen ang mga ilang eksena nina Dingdong at Marian mula sa kanilang mga teleserye.

Nanatili sa stage ang La Piñas Boys Choir at sinamahan sila ng Asia's Songbird na si Regine Velasquez. Kinanta nila ang love theme ng Marimar na "Mahal Kita."

Bago matapos ang kanta ay lumabas sina Dingdong at Marian at sinabayan nila ng sayaw. Sa pagtatapos ng kanta ay naglapat ang kanilang mga labi na ikinatuwa ng lahat kaya muli na namang dumagundong ang Araneta.

Naiwan sa stage sina Dingdong at Marian para naman sa kanilang medley of love songs—"Umbrella," "Bubbly," at "Always Be My Baby."

Pagkatapos nito ay lumabas ang lahat ng guests nina Dingdong at Marian kasama ng isang malaking cake at kinantahan sila ng "Happy Birthday."

Nagpalitan din ng sorpresa ang magkapareha bilang regalo sa isa't isa. Una muna ang kay Dingdong kung saan sa VTR na ipinakita ang formal announcement ni Dan Railey ng E! Television sa pagkakapili ng young actor bilang isa 25 Sexiest Men of the World sa isang TV special na gagawin ng E!

Hindi naman nagpahuli si Dingdong sa kanyang sorpresa kay Marian. Ang birthday wish kasi ni Marian ay makitang muli ang kanyang ama na nasa Spain, na si Mr. Francisco Javier Alonzo Gracia na limang taon na niyang hindi nakikita. Hindi man nakita ni Marian ang kanyang ama ay nagbigay naman ito ng mensahe sa anak sa pamamagitan ng recorded message. Purong Kastila ang ama ni Marian kaya Espanol ang salita nito na in-interpret ng tiyahin ng young actress na naroroon din sa Spain. Hindi napigilan ni Marian na humagulgol nang marinig ang tinig ng ama.

Pagkatapos mahimasmasan ay nagpasalamat na si Marian, pati na si Dingdong, sa lahat ng mga tumulong sa kanila upang marating ang kinalalagyan nila ngayon.

Para sa mga bumuo ng birthday concert ay ito ang mensahe ni Dingdong para sa kanila: "Sa mga tinanggap ninyong batikos at paratang ay sinuklian n'yo lamang ng katahimikan. Maraming salamat sa inyo."

Akala ng lahat ay tapos na ang show at palabas na ang lahat, pero nagulat ang lahat sa pag-entra ni Corazon (Manilyn Reynes) kasama si Fulgoso. Natapos ang programa ng bandang 11:30 p.m. sa pamamagitan ng isang Brazilian-inspired dance numbe

Thousands of fans of the popular band Eraserheads are expected to troop to Bonifacio Global City Open Field to watch its much-awaited, one-night-only Eraserheads reunion concert on Saturday.

It is a dream come true for the fans to watch Filipino rock icons Ely Buendia, Raimund Marasigan, Buddy Zabala and Marcus Adoro to perform again live on stage after they disbanded in 2000.

Fears surfaced that the concert might not push through after its major sponsor, multinational cigarette firm Philip Morris Philippines Manufacturing Inc., came under heavy criticisms from the Department of Health and tobacco control advocates.

Critics had accused Philip Morris that its sponsorship was a violation of Republic Act 9211 or Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003, which prohibits tobacco advertisements in all forms of mass media, including the Internet.

DOH Undersecretary Alex Padilla also warned that Philip Morris officials could be charged criminally if it pushed through sponsoring the reunion concert.

Amid the pressure, Philip Morris announced that it was backing out of its sponsorship.

Radiohead Media Solutions Inc. subsequently bought the rights to produce the concert, ending speculations that Philip Morris’ decision could lead to the cancellation of the show.

“Hindi lang ito reunion ng Eraserheads. Reunion din ito ng maraming Pinoy who followed their music… it's a big risk but this is goodwill sa lahat ng fans ng Eraserheads,” Radiohead’s Francis Lumen said.

There was no confirmation yet on reports that Lumen had paid more than P15 million for the rights. The concern producer was also mum on reports that the band members would be paid P2 million each.

Actress Rufa Gutierrez said that she’s enjoying her life without answering any issues about her estranged husband, business tycoon Yilmaz Bektas.

“Wala mas type ko na ding tahimik iyong isyu about him kasi mahirap namang makapag-move on na you know I still continue to talk about him,” Gutierrez said.

The actress said that Bektas will forever be the father of her two kids – Venice and Lorin. She admitted that until now her kids are still communicating with their biological father who is based in Istanbul.

“Until now may communication pa din naman sila but I think whatever happens will just leave it behind closed doors,” she explains.

When asked if Bektas has a plan to visit his daughers here in the country, Gutierrez politely replied: "“I don’t know ask him na lang.”

The beauty queen titlist also admitted that she has not spoken with her showbiz friend Gretchen Barretto for a long time.

The actress said it’s not because of the controversial “credit card” issue but because her friend La Greta is out of the country.

“Okay naman kami ni Gretchen never naman kaming nagkaroon ng gulo or away, we are still very much friends,” she explains.

She said that after the “credit card” issue nothing has changed between them. “Sa amin naman ni Gretchen kapag may gulo ay naayos naman agad so iyon ang masasabi mong friendship talaga.

Gutierrez just signed an exclusive contract with ABS-CBN last Wednesday, August 27.

“Nag-renew po ako ng contract ko with ABS-CBN… and I’m very happy to still be a Kapamilya, isa sa mga tumulong at sumuporta sa akin at binigyan ako ng ABS-CBN noong time na down na down ako after the breakdown of my marriage,” Gutierrez said.

She said that ABS-CBN gave her a job that she truly enjoyed doing the reason why she’s really happy to be part of the Kapamilya family.

“Hope that for many more years ay nandito po ako sa kanila… every year ang contract,” she added.

Soon the actress will be seen on Kapamilya’s upcoming television series “I Love Betty La Fea” with Bea Alonzo and John Lloyd Cruz.

For the series, Gutierrez will portray the challenging role of 'Daniella.'

In a previous interview with abs-cbnNEWS.com, Gutierrez said: "Feeling ko I’m so blessed na binibigyan ako ng mga wholesome roles, but this is also a challenge for me because I wanna also be recognized as an actress."

Sharmaine Ruffa Rama Gutierrez, simply known as Ruffa, was Miss World 1993's Second Princess.

Aside from being an endorser, Gutierrez co-hosts ABS-CBN's weekly entertainment show "The Buzz" with Boy Abunda and Cristy Fermin.

Nangingiti na lang si Pauleen Luna sa kumakalat na balitang nililigawan na raw ng kanyang ex-boyfriend na si Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian of Valenzuela ang young star na si Charee Pineda.

Si Charee Pineda ay dating girlfriend ng isa sa original Starstruck star na si Tyron Perez. Nag-break sila last year after ng kanilang three years na relasyon. Lumabas si Charee sa ilang soap drama ng GMA-7, kabilang na rito ay ang Ikaw Sa Puso Ko (ng TAPE Inc.), Etheria at Impostora. Naging part din siya ng cast ng Let's Go at Gokada ng ABS-CBN 2.

May nagparating nga raw kay Pauleen tungkol sa naturang tsismis at natawa lang daw ito. Masyado raw kasing bata si Charee para pormahan ng kanyang ex-bf.

"Sa pagkakaalam ko, magde-debut pa lang si Charee," diin ni Pauleen. "Para namang masyadong bata na iyon, ‘di ba? Nagkakausap naman kami ni Sherwin at natawa rin siya sa tsismis. Hindi naman daw totoo iyon."

Kilala nga raw ni Pauleen si Charee at alam niya na SK president ito sa Valenzuela. Tinutulungan lang daw ni Mayor Sherwin si Charee sa mga proyekto nito para sa mga kabataan ng Valenzuela.

"I know Charee at alam ko na she has projects for the youths of Valenzuela. Tumutulong lang si Sherwin sa kanya. Siguro nabigyan lang ng malisya yung parati silang nakikitang magkasama.

"Hindi naman date yung ginagawa nila, e. Mga charity work ang pinagkakaabalahan nila kaya nakakagulat naman na malagyan iyon ng malisya."

Wala nga raw na ini-entertain na mga manliligaw si Pauleen ngayon. Para sa kanya ay magpapahinga raw muna siya sa pagkakaroon ng relasyon. Mas gusto raw niyang makasama ang mga barkada niya para mag-enjoy.

"I missed being single kasi. I realized na sa age kong ito, I should be enjoying my single life. Na-miss ko ang mga friends ko at parati nga kaming magkakasama at lumalabas. Masaya ako kahit walang boyfriend, sa totoo lang.

"Tulad ngayon, wala pa akong bagong show na ginagawa kasi tapos na ang character ko sa Ako Si Kim Samsoon at Eat Bulaga lang ang pinaka-work ko. Kaya I have time to really go out and enjoy my single life."

Kasabay nga sa pag-enjoy ni Pauleen ay ang patuloy na pagpapa-sexy niya. Endorser si Pauleen ng Dr. Joel Mendez Clinic at kitang-kita nga ang kaseksihan niya ngayon sa pamamagitan ng malaking billboard niya sa EDSA.

"Nagulat din ako sa kinalabasan ng billboard. Maraming kuha iyon at hindi ko alam na yun pala ang pinili nila. I'm happy with the results and I'm thankful din sa Renew Placenta because mas napapaganda pa nila ako lalo.

"Kasi this is the time na I have to be conscious of my figure and my skin. Single girl nga ulit ako at nasa market na ulit. So, they have to see something new and different sa akin. Sabi nga nila na the best breakup revenge is to look fabulous, ‘di ba? Kaya yun ang ginawa ko sa sarili ko." - Philippine Entertainment Portal

Kung isang malaking sorpresa at pasasalamat para sa isa hottest love teams ng bansa ngayon na sina Dingdong Dantes at Marian Rivera sa kanilang mga fans ang Let's Celebrate: The Dingdong & Marian Birthday Blowout! kagabi, August 27, sa Araneta Coliseum, isang malaking sorpresa rin ang ibinigay sa kanila sa naturang birthday concert. Sa part ni Marian, hindi nito napigilan ang sobra-sobrang mapaiyak habang yakap-yakap ni Dingdong nang marinig ang boses ng ama na bumabati sa kanya sa wikang Español mula sa Spain.



May ilang segundo nang tapos ang naturang recorded message ng ama na si Mr. Francsico Javier Alonzo Gracia, pero patuloy pa rin sa pag-iyak si Marian. Hindi itinago ng young actress na miss na miss na niya ang kanyang ama na limang taon na niyang hindi nakikita.



Habang humihikbi ay ipinaliwanag ni Marian ang kanyang saloobin. "Siguro marami po sa inyo ang hindi alam yung tungkol sa pamilya ko. Miss na miss ko na kasi ang Papa ko kaya ganun na lang ang naging reaksiyon ko. Sobrang mahal ko yun kahit hindi ko nakikita, kasi limang taon na kaming hindi nagkikita kaya ang saya para sa akin," pahayag niya sa gitna ng entablado.



After ng concert, nakausap ng PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) at ilang entertainment press si Marian. Pagkatapos niyang marinig ang boses ng kanyang ama, kailan naman niya pinaplanong dalawin ito?



"Hindi ko pa po alam. Boses pa lang po, masaya na ako. Ano pa kaya kung makita ko siya?" masayang-masayang pahayag ni Marian na overwhelmed pa sa success ng kanilang birthday concert at hindi inaasahang pagbati ng kanyang ama.



Dagdag niya, "Kung may pagkakataon, gusto kong talaga ako ang pumunta sa kanya, e."



Ayon kay Marian, five years na raw silang hindi nagkikita ng kanyang ama at madalas ay napuputol daw ang kanilang communication. Hindi ba siya nakaramdam ng sama ng loob sa ama?



"Never! Masama yun!" nakangiti niyang sabi. At saka isinunod na, ‘Tama na, maiiyak na naman ako, e!"



Nagulat daw siyang talaga na nagawa ng production team na ma-contact ang kanyang ama.



"Nagulat talaga ako kasi, wala talaga, as in wala! At hindi ko ine-expect na siya ang pinakamalaking sorpresa sa akin. Nagulat talaga ako. Kaya salamat sa gumawa at humanap sa kanya, mahal kita!" bulalas ni Marian.



Any message for her dad?



"Basta kahit na ano'ng mangyari, mahal kita. At sa lahat, higit sa pamilya ko na nagmamahal sa akin, especially sa lola ko, kahit na ano'ng mangyari, nandito ako para sa kanila. At hindi nagbago ang pagmamahal ko sa kanila," pahayag ni Marian.



Posibleng manibago ang daddy niya kapag nakita na siya dahil ibang-iba na siya at sikat na sikat na ngayon?



"Hindi pa rin! Ako pa rin ang batang gustung-gusto niya at mahal na mahal niya. Hindi magbabago yun, hindi!" may diin at natatawa niyang sabi.



SUCCESSFUL BIRTHDAY CONCERT. Masayang-masaya rin si Marian dahil sa tagumpay ng kanilang birthday concert at sa dami ng taong dumating sa kabila ng pag-ulan at kinabukasan ay may pasok pa.



"Siyempre, sobrang saya! Bilang artista, bibihira lang naman ang chance na mag-concert ng ganito at Araneta pa, sobrang laki! At para namang hindi malabo ang mata ko, nakita ko naman na puno naman siya. Sobrang ligaya namin ni Dong at sabi ko nga, gagawin namin ito dahil mahal namin silang lahat."



Para kay Marian ang ginawa naman daw nila sa Araneta Coliseum ay hindi para ipakitang mga concert performers sila dahil alam naman nilang hindi. Since it was a birthday celebration, so ang inisip nila ay ang maging masaya sila at makapagpaligaya sila ng mga sumusuporta sa kanila.



"At saka ano, hindi na namin inisip na baka magkamali kami rito, mapapahiya kami," dagdag niya. "Parang enjoy na lang namin ito, kasi ginagawa naman namin ito para sa kanila. At alam naming mahal nila kami at kahit ano pa ang gawin namin, iintindihin at mamahalin nila kami".



Sa kanilang speech sa katapusan ng show, hindi nakalimutang pasalamatan nina Dingdong at Marian ang isa't isa sa kung anuman ang meron silang tinatamasa sa kanilang career ngayon.



Sa tanong ng PEP kung pagkatapos ng Marimar at Dyesebel ay gugustuhin pa rin nilang silang dalawa pa rin ang mapanood ng mga tao na magkasama sa isang project, parehong mabilis ang naging tango ng dalawa.


Sabi ni Marian, "Siyempre, kung pagbibigyan ng chance, bakit hindi, di ba? Bakit hindi pa rin kaming dalawa ni Dong?"

Popular young actor John Lloyd Cruz has signed a contract with ABS-CBN to be part of its upcoming television series “I Love Betty La Fea".

Cruz said that he is thrilled and happy to do a new project with the Kapamilya network, and to work again with his long-time on-screen partner Bea Alonzo.

“Itong pinirmahan ko ay program contract ng ‘I Love Betty La Fea’ so it’s official. Part na ako may kontrata, so yun,” Cruz said.

Cruz, considered one of the most sought-after leading men in the country, said that he will remain loyal to his mother network, ABS-CBN.

“Hindi naman ako natigil ng pagta-trabaho sa ABS-CBN. Kapag ako lumabas ng bahay nasa mukha ko ang ABS-CBN ganoon ako ka-associated sa ABS-CBN and syempre solid tayo sa ABS-CBN,” he said.

Cruz said that his team up with Alonzo is still strong, despite his being paired with other leading ladies.

“I’m vey excited to tell everyone na ito, hindi naman (nabubuwag)… ganito talaga ang plano ma-sustain ang team up ni Bea.

“So ngayon I’m very happy to tell everyone na mayroon na naman kaming gagawin at makikita kami ni Bea sa Primetime Bida so sana ay huwag na kayong malungkot at magisip-isip ng kung ano-ano,” Cruz said.

The actor, fresh from the success of his movie “A Very Special Love” with Pop Princess Sarah Geronimo said that he still cannot say that he is totally independent of Alonzo.

“Parang hindi ko pa din kayang sabihin na kaya ko ng tumayo without her, sa tingin ko iyong duda ay kailangan para ma-maintain ang sanity mo bilang artista.”

Cruz started his career as a teen star, appearing in "Gimik" and "Tabing Ilog" as Kaye Abad's love interest.

Cruz is a member of ABS-CBN's Star Magic. His other television credits include "Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay," "It Might Be You",and currently "Maging Sino Ka Man."

He starred in the movies "Nagbibinata," "Mahal na Kung Mahal," "My First Romance," "Now That I Have You," "Dubai," "Close To You," "All About Love" and "One More Chance.”

Cruz is set to do a movie with Star For All Seasons and Batangas Governor Vilma Santos. Soon he will also shoot a film with actress Angel Locsin.

For the first time, fans were treated to a grand spectacle of two of our brightest, most beautiful young stars, setting the silver screen on fire with a conflagration of romance, raw emotionality and captivating scenery.

But wait: such a spectacle is actually familiar--we've seen a lot of that in the 1980s with Gabby Concepcion and Sharon Cuneta. That however will not dissuade fans who will surely swoon over the love team of Richard Guiterrez and KC Concepcion, who star together for the first time in their film, uh, "For the First Time".

Watching the first half-hour of the film, I began to wonder whether I was the only person in the audience old enough to be feeling a sense of deja vu: Gabby and Sharon then, Richard and KC now. There has never been a love team in recent memory that crackled with the same energy, the same romantic, saccharine, diabetic coma-inducing sweetness as what Richard Gutierrez and KC Concepcion were generating onscreen. Theirs is definitely the love team to beat.

Let's face it: those two simply look gorgeous together. In the months leading up to the negotiations between GMA-7 and ABS-CBN to make the Richard-KC tandem a reality, everybody--from network officials to members of the press, to die hard movie fans, to even the average Juan who gets a whiff of showbiz news every now and then--everybody must have felt a sense of destiny: the feeling that "Of course. We simply must have a Richard and KC love team."

And so this is where destiny has brought us: watching Richard cry his eyes out in scenes that definitely required him to channel more than just his Captain Barbel, Mulawin and whatever other action hero character he played in GMA-7. That Richard was able to shed that many tears is probably a kudos to director Joyce Bernal.

Destiny has also brought us the sight of KC using her lips for something more passionate than flashing that Gabby Concepcion smile for the cameras (hey, her biological father did start out as a toothpaste model): kissing Richard Gutierrez torridly a few times.

The plot is standard Pinoy romantic fare so it's really not a good idea to give spoilers: Rich, privileged but very smart, very level-headed girl meets hunky hearthrob. Said heartthrob is standard romantic movie "bad boy": he's a consumate playboy, treating women like objects and probably thinks he's hit the jackpot with someone as lovely as Pia (KC Concepcion) who, while intelligent, is quite naive in the ways of the world.

Playboy Seth (Richard Gutierrez) however is in for a surprise: true love is right around the corner and will soon break his own wayward heart. Pia gets heart-broken, too; after all, being an over-protected daughter never prepared her for the kind of games and betrayals that Seth will bring into her life.

Another "star" in the movie is Santorini Island in Greece, where the film's most beautiful scenes were shot. One could sense that Bernal herself may have fallen in love with the locale. There's another star who deserves mention: who else but the impossibly comic Candy Pangilinan, who livened up every scene where she played a love-struck yaya.

So if you want a sweet escape from your troubles for the day, "For the First Time" would not be a bad choice: its two beautiful lead stars combine with Santorini for a sweeping two-hour escape into our adolescent fantasies--back when romance felt like a frighteningly lethal drug that threatened to consume us, eclipsing reason, and earning us the ire of our parents.

Here's one thing I noticed though: back in the day, when they were the hottest love team in the history of Philippine movies, Gabby Concepcion and Sharon Cuneta acted better than KC and Richard. (KC, of course, has proven that she can act--but what else could she do with Pia's character?) do in this movie.

Hopefully, "For the First Time" is only the first of many more movies to come for Richard and KC. In time, perhaps, their fairy tale chemistry and acting would grow even more compelling, even following uncannily the success of the Gabby-Sharon phenomenon.

Then again, we know how that turned out: Gabby and Sharon watching their own daughter's movie premiere in separate theaters. So let's hope Richard and KC don't follow that road too closely. abs-cbnnews.com

Fans lined up excitedly at the third floor of SM Megamall last night, August 26, to catch a glimpse of For the First Time lead stars KC Concepcion and Richard Gutierrez. The premiere night held at SM Cinemas 9 and 10 was extra-special since it was attended by stars and executives of rival networks ABS-CBN and GMA-7.

Family members and friends of the lead stars gave their support for the 15th anniversary offering of Star Cinema, which is now being screened in more than 100 theaters nationwide. ABS-CBN president Charo Santos-Concio and chairman Eugenio "Gabby" Lopez III attended the event along with Ms. Malou Santos, Ms. Cory Vidanes, and Mr. Johnny Manahan. Also spotted at the venue were Olive Lamasan and Deo Endrinal.

Richard's co-stars in Asero such as Richard Gomez and Janno Gibbs were also spotted at Cinema 10 of the SM Megamall. Also in attendance were Asero director Mark Reyes and executive producers Carol Reyes and Angie Castrence, as well as Kapuso Network executive Ms. Redgie Acuña-Magno.

When Sharon Cuneta came with her husband Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan, she immediately exchanged hugs with the family members of Richard namely Annabelle Rama, Eddie Gutierrez, and their kids Ruffa, Raymond, Rocky, Ritchie Paul, and Ramon Christopher.

Cast members of For the First Time such as Phillip Salvador, Candy Pangilinan, TJ Trinidad, Bubbles Paraiso, Ana Roces, Bobby Andrews, Beatriz Saw, Gee-Ann Abraham, Carla Humphries, Denise Laurel, and Ahron Villena, made it a point to attend the premiere last night.

Among the early birds were German "Kuya Germs" Moreno and Jericho Rosales. Senator Bong Revilla Jr. was seated beside Ipe during the screening. Sisters Michelle and Ehra Madrigal were present as well as other Kapuso stars such as JC de Vera, Paolo Paraiso, and Rhian Ramos.

Celebrity couples came in full force such as Gary Valenciano and Angeli Pangilinan as well as Maricel Laxa and Anthony Pangilinan. Kapamilya stars were also there to watch the Star Cinema film such as Sarah Geronimo, Mariel Rodriguez, Ai-Ai delas Alas, Maja Salvador, and Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno.

Meanwhile, in Cinema 9 of SM Megamall, KC's biological father Gabby Concepcion quietly watched the film away from his ex-wife Sharon.

Prior to the screening of the movie, KC and Richard gave a short speech regarding their first team-up. Richard addressed the jampacked crowd and said: "Thank you so much for sharing this moment with us, salamat at nandito kayo. Sana magustuhan ninyo ang handog ng Star Cinema para sa inyo. At salamat sa GMA and Star Cinema na nagkaisa kahit sandali lang, maraming salamat sa inyo."

For her part, KC also shared her excitement about her debut for the big screen. "Wow! First of all, this has been a dream come true. I love you, Mom, I can see you. Dad! [referring to Senator Kiko]. Hinding-hindi ko po malilimutan po ito. I'm so proud that my first movie is with Star Cinema and Richard's first movie with Star Cinema. Salamat kay God, yun ang pinakaimportante sa lahat."

For the First Time director Joyce Bernal joined KC and Richard in asking everyone to spread the good word about their movie, which was shot in Santorini, Greece.

The story is about a happy-go-lucky guy named Seth (Richard) and a responsible girl named Pia (KC). While spending a vacation in Santorini with her Manang Josie (Candy Pangilinan), Pia gets to know Seth and his good friend Benjo (Nor Domingo). After spending a memorable vacation on the Greek isle, Seth breaks Pia's heart. He realizes that he has fallen deeply in love with Pia and follows her to Manila to apologize in person.

Right after the movie, Sharon gushed about the movie of her eldest daughter. "Paglabas n'yo ng sinehan, masaya kayo pero may moments na mata-touch kayo. I'm so proud of KC and Richard. Sabi ko kay Ruffa, ‘I can't believe she's up onscreen.' Saka bagay sila [KC and Richard].

"There are one scene na gusto ko nang awayin si Ipe [Phillip Salvador, who plays KC's father in the movie]." She was referring to the confrontation scene wherein KC's character Pia is pleading with her father (played by Ipe) who has not forgiven her for loving the wrong person in the past.

Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan, the stepfather of KC, admitted that he could relate very well to the character of Ipe. "Na-guilty ako kasi parang ako yung strict na tatay, e."

Sharon adds: "Parang siya yung maraming pinapatamaan dun. Ginaganyan ko siya [Sharon demonstrated by nudging her husband with her elbow], 'Ganyan ka, ganyan ka.'"

How does she feel that the hard work that KC put in this movie has paid off? "Ang anak ko wala pang tulog. Pero si KC, hindi ko rin masita kasi ganun din ako magtrabaho. Sanay na siya [Senator Kiko] na nawawala ang mga chicks niya sa buhay niya ‘pag may trabaho," says the Megastar.

PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) asked the Megastar about her assessment on the chemistry between the two young stars and she said: "Wonderful! Bagay sila. Ang lakas! Saka sana si Richard marami pang gawin for Star Cinema kasama namin."

It was also announced that night that Star Records will be releasing a compilation album titled Musika at Pelikula, which will include the theme song of For the First Time interpreted by KC Concepcion. - Philippine Entertainment Portal

MANILA, Philippines – Defending champion San Beda finally settled its score against the College of Saint Benilde Blazers pulling off a 91-74 win in Wednesday’s second game in the National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament at the Astrodome in Pasay City.

The win was the Red Lions’ closing statement in their off-court loss against the Blazers. San Beda downed Saint Benilde, 86-70, on July 18 but Saint Benilde put the game under protest after Lions center Sam Ekwe suited up using an old uniform.

The NCAA Management Committee sided with the Blazers and nullified the Lions’ win over the Blazers.

On Wednesday, Ogie Menor drained six three-pointers finishing with a season-high 35 points to lead the Lions to their ninth win in 12 games that propelled them back into the top spot.

The win improved the Lions’ record to a league-best 9-3 mark to gain solo leadership as the league enters the homestretch.

The loss ended the Blazers’ slim chances of advancing into the semifinals since San Sebastian also failing to cooperate in their cause as the Stags scored a 52-47 win over the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers. – GMANews.TV

STANDINGS
SBC 9 3
LC 8 3
JRU 8 4
SSCR 8 4
MIT 6 5
CSB 4 8
PCU 3 9
UPHSD 1 11

MANILA, Philippines – Defending champion La Salle and Far Eastern University (FEU) hope to strengthen their Final Four bids when they face separate opponents in Thursday’s game in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament.

The Green Archers, minus coach Franz Pumaren, will try to jeopardize University of Santo Tomas’ semifinal hopes when they face the Tigers in the 4pm encounter after the FEU-National University game at the Araneta Coliseum.

Pumaren is expected to miss the Archers’ last three games since he will be calling the shots for the Philippine junior team in the 20th Fiba-Asia Under-18 Championship from August 28 to September 5 in Tehran, Iran.

The Archers and the FEU Tamaraws are virtually fighting for the No. 2 spot, which enjoys a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four. Both teams hold an 8-3 card and could no longer overtake the Ateneo Blue Eagles for the top ranking.

La Salle is also expected to face tough opposition against an equally-determined UST side as the Tigers are trying to remain in the hunt for a Final Four berth.

At 5-6 the Tigers still have a good chance of earning a semis ticket since they trail the fourth-running University of the East Red Warriors (7-5) by 1 1/2 games. In order to achieve that, UST needs to sweep its last three games, one of which against La Salle.

The Tigers are also hoping the Warriors won’t earn win No. 8 and drop their final two matches to improve their chances of advancing in the next round.

A loss by the Tigers over the Archers coupled by a Warriors victory against UST on Sunday will end the España-based dribblers semifinal hopes. UE will face FEU on September 4 for its final game.

After UST, La Salle will face Adamson on Saturday before closing out the elimination round against archival Ateneo on September 6. The Tigers, meanwhile, will have the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons as their final opponent.

In the first game, the Tamaraws hope to exact revenge against the Bulldogs hoping to earn a much-needed win that could bolster their bid of earning the second twice-to-beat incentive.

The Bulldogs scored a come-from-behind 69-61 win over the Tamaraws behind the end-game heroics of Jewel Ponferrada. – GMANews.TV

STANDINGS
ADMU 11 1
DLSU 8 3
FEU 8 3
UE 7 5
UST 5 6
UP 3 9
NU 2 9
ADU 2 10

This September, MAXIM unveils its latest work of art: September cover girl Katrina Halili.

Katrina unleashes her appeal in barely there attire, from skimpy lingerie to gold body paint. In her own words, it’s the sexiest photo shoot she’s ever done—you have to see it to believe it.

Now we doubt that you’ll want more after that Katrina special, but there are four more steamy shoots inside the September issue! Have you ever wondered what kind of combination a Scottish father and a Filipina mother would produce? We’ve got the answer in the form of the awesome Natalie Marie.

MAXIM flew to the beautiful island paradise of Boracay for this pictorial. Not to be outdone, the Macau-based hotel manager Manette Mercado is at your service, parading in her naughtiest lingerie.

Do you feel like going out tonight? You might want to check out Heartbeat disco—the home of the five lovely dancers also featured in the September issue. You read that right: five sultry private dancers, just for you!

Now that you’re feeling naughty, check out the up-and-coming Mellow Johnson. Like the young actress’s name? Believe it or not, it’s real—just like her 100%-natural body!

Now that you’ve had your share of babes, Maxim gives you brain food, too. Read about the elite military squads dedicated to eradicating the cocaine jungles of Colombia.

Then there’s the in-depth report on local college basketball players receiving their share of illegal perks and benefits.

For your reading pleasure, this month’s “Tales from the Cyberside” features reader-submitted stories about call center babes who walk on the wild side.

For all these features and so much more, be sure to pick up your copy of MAXIM.

Star Cinema’s estimated first day gross of the KC Concepcion-Richard Gutierrez movie is between P14 million and P15 million.

The figure is definitely huge as other local movies usually earn that amount in 5 to 7 days. The amount is also comparable to the first day gross of Sarah Geronimo and John Lloyd Cruz‘ movie “A Very Special Love.” Both movies had their grand opening on a rainy day and Star Cinema claims its a shower of blessing or a sign of good luck.

“A Very Special Love” is a certified box-office hit not only because it surpassed P140 million but also it became the talk-of-the-town. The critics loved the movie because it’s well-made, it’s highly entertaining and the actors delivered. The movie, by the way, received the highest grade of “A” from Cinema Evaluation Board.

The same can be said in the Star Cinema movie “For the First Time.” The people who were able to watch it’s grand opening have only good words to say about the movie. They love the chemistry between its lead actors KC and Richard. And you can say that the camera loves both of them because they look great together on screen. And as a bonus, the beautiful sceneries of Greece will leave you breathless.

Although some critics find the execution of the dialogues between KC and Richard a little off, the two each has moments of promise in the acting arena. Richard’s portrayal of a happy-go-lucky playboy is very natural and his acting is quite refined. He is in control. KC, on the other hand, has her “kikay” moments you won’t believe it’s her first time acting in a movie. And who can forget Candy Pangilinan’s funny antics. Although her scenes are limited, she provided a high amount of entertainment value in the movie.

Although following the romantic movie “A Very Special Love” is tough specially for another romantic movie, “For the First Time” has a special appeal on its own. For one, it’s the first time that two treasured possessions from rival networks teamed up. That alone is reason enough to watch the movie.

And if the first batch of people who watched the movie liked it and talk about it, then its bound to be a monster hit that could establish more “firsts” in the movie industry.

The Richard Gutierrez-KC Concepcion romantic movie has been graded “B” by the Cinema Evaluation Board.

For the First Time is helmed by Bb. Joyce Bernal, the director of the top-rating fantaserye “Dyesebel.” Because of it’s “B” rating for excellence, Star Cinema is entitled is entitled to a 65% amusement tax rebate.

Other Pinoy Movies that received a Grade of B from CEB this year:

My Bestfriend’s Girlfriend (GMA/Regal) - B
My Big Love (Star Cinema) - B
When Love Begins (Viva/Star Cinema) - B
Ikaw Pa Rin Bongga Ka Boy (Viva) - B
Manay Po 2 (Regal) - B
Serbis (Indie) - B
Torotot (Viva) - B
Dobol Trobol (Octo Arts) - B
Paupahan (Indie) - B

So far, only four movies have received the highest grade of “A” from the Cinema Evaluation Board this year:

Caregiver (Star Cinema) - A
Ploning (Panoramanila) - A
Urduja (APT) - A
A Very Special Love (Star Cinema) - A

A huge and excited crowd showed up at the star-studded premiere night of KC Concepcion and Richard Gutierrez' first film together "For the First Time," Tuesday, August 26 at SM Megamall's Cinema 9 and 10 in Ortigas.

The film is KC's first movie while it is the first film of Richard with ABS-CBN's movie outfit Star Cinema. The film is again one of the offerings of Star Cinema for their 15th anniversary.

The movie is directed by well-acclaimed director Ms. Joyce Bernal.

"Maraming salamat po sa pagdating niyo, sa pagpunta dito sana po ay mag-enjoy kayong lahat. Thank you all, this has been a dream come true for me... 23 years ang hinintay ko salamat sa inyong nandito ngayon sa kapamilya, kaibigan at mga taga-suporta at kay Richard, salamat sa experience na maibabahagi namin," KC told viewers inside the theater before the film showing started.

"Maraming salamat dahil nandito kayo sa special moment ng buhay namin, first movie ni KC at first movie ko with Star Cinema. Thanks for the support," added Richard.

"For The First Time" is a story of Seth (Richard) and Pia (KC). Two people from different worlds. Seth is a rich, impulsive rake who doesn't like serious relationships while Pia is a prim and ambitious girl who feels responsible for the tragedy that has befallen her life.

The movie shows how love changes people. Seth would be transformed into a committed gentleman and Pia who refuses to fall in love would take a chance to fall in love again.

The two meets by accident in Santorini island in Greece where they would spend an unforgettable summer together. Seth leaves Pia and in Manila, they meet again.

KC who is known for being a grandma's girl also went emotional and appeared teary-eyed when she saw her grandmother Ms. Elaine Cuneta inside the theater. She said that she dove into doing film mainly because of her "lola."

"Well nakita ko ang lahat ng minamahal ko sa buhay na lahat present. 'Yung lola ka nandito siya. Yyung malaking rason kung bakit gusto kong gumawa ng pelikula para mapanaood niya at maging proud naman siya sa akin," KC said.

KC and Richard of course went to the premiere together and their respective families (Gutierrezes, Cunetas and Pangilinans) were also there to show their love and support.

Couples Sharon Cuneta was accompanied by husband Sen. Francis Pangilinan and Gutierrez' matriarch Anabelle Rama was with her hubby Eddie Gutierrez who is also part of the movie.

The other stars of the movie -- Candy Pangilinan, Beatriz Saw, Carla Humphries, Phillip Salvador, TJ Trinidad, Ana Roces, Bobby Andrews, Gee-Ann Abrahan and Bubbles Paraiso were also present.

Also spotted at the premiere were Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition 2 housemates -- Alex Anselmuccio, Robi Domingo and Ejay Falcon, actresses Rica Peralejo, Pop Princess Sarah Geronimo and Comedy Concert Queen Ai-Ai delas Alas, half-brothers Ton-Ton Gutierrez and Ramon Christopher Gutierrez, Sen. Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. and ABS-CBN's bigwigs -- president Charo Santos Concio and chairman Eugenio "Gabby" Lopez III.

As if uniting KC and Richard in movie was not enough, stars who are from ABS-CBN’ rival network, GMA-7, and who are also close to Richard were also there to show support.

Spotted were GMA-7 stars -- JC Devera, Ehra Madrigal and Richard's twin brother Raymond Gutierrez.

Gabby and Sharon

The night of course became complete with the presence of KC's biological father, the comebacking actor, Gabby Concepcion.

Gabby who wanted to show his support for her daughter KC just watched the movie at Cinema 9 with his family while Sharon and the other stars viewed the movie at Cinema 10.

KC and Richard first greeted the moviegoers at Cinema 9 where they met Gabby and thanked him for the support before they went to Cinema 10 to watch the whole movie with their families and other stars.

Sharon and Gabby of course did not get the chance to meet face-to-face, but were both happy for the success of their daughter's debut film.

"Kung masaya si KC, ako mga times 100, ako grabe ang pride ko sa turnout ng sumusuporta kay Richard at KC dito sa premiere. I'm thankful sa inyong lahat at baby ko naman ang inyong minamahal at kay Richard din," Sharon said.

"Salamat po sa pagpunta niyo dito, panoorin niyo po ang For The First Time at napakagandang pelikula po," Gabby said.

Viewers of the movie's special screening said the movie really moved and touched their hearts.

"(May matutunan kayo) kailangan na hayaang lumigaya ang anak at huwag bawal ang lahat," KC's surrogate father, Sen. Pangilinan said.

Sharon as a professional actress added she's also proud of her daughter's work. "For a beginner, not bad at all."

"For The First Time" starts its regular screening Wednesday, August 27, 2008 in over 100 theaters in the country.

Nakabalik na ng Pilipinas si Rufa Mae Quinto noong August 25 pagkatapos ng tatlong linggong trabaho at bakasyon sa Canada. Nagkaroon kasi ng series of shows si Rufa Mae sa Vancouver, Alberta, Winnipeg, Red Deer, at Edmonton kasama sina Allan K, Pooh, at Giselle Sanchez.

"Nag-show kami para sa ilang Filipino communities doon. Yung producer namin, ang bait-bait, sobra! Lahat yata ng gusto namin, ibinigay niya kaya naman kami, super ang pagbigay ng show. As in ibang level na talaga!

"Nakakatuwa nga kasi ang init-init ng pagtanggap nila sa amin doon. Kahit nga sobrang lamig doon ay dumating sila sa mga shows namin. Miss na miss na raw nila ang Pilipinas kaya masayang-masaya silang nanood ng shows namin doon," masayang kuwento ni Rufa Mae sa PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal).

Sinamantala na rin daw ni Rufa Mae at ng ilang kasamahan niya ang pagkakataon na mamasyal sa ilang magaganda at sikat na tourist spots sa Canada. First time nga raw ni Rufa Mae sa naturang bansa kaya nag-feeling turista siya sa kanilang masayang lakbay.

"Bihira naman ako maging turista, e. Kadalasan, kapag nasa ibang bansa ako, trabaho ang pinupunta ko. Hindi ko masyado na-appreciate ang mga magagandang lugar. Minsan kasi ilang days ka lang, ‘tapos uuwi na agad sa Pilipinas kasi nga may trabaho na naghihintay.

"Itong trip ko sa Canada, talagang nagbakasyon na rin ako. Kahit wala akong makeup at mukhang bagong gising, go, go, go ako talaga! Kahit ayokong maka-miss out sa pasyalan. Siyempre, nag-shopping ako pero more para sa pamilya ko at mga kaibigan. Konti lang para sa akin kasi ang dami ko nang mga gamit.

"Kung saan-saan kami nagpunta at ang gaganda ng mga lugar. Parang ang lapit-lapit mo sa nature kasi alaga ang mga bundok, ilog, at gubat nila. At ang fresh ng hangin parati. Parang walang gano'n sa Pilipinas masyado, di ba?

"Tutal nagpaalam naman ako sa mga EP [executive producers] ng shows ko sa GMA-7 na Dyesebel, Showbiz Central, Bubble Gang, at SOP na matatagalan ako sa Canada dahil ilang shows ang gagawin ko. Tapos naman na ako sa shooting ko ng Single sa Viva Films at I.T.A.L.Y. sa GMA Films. Itong pag-uwi sisimulan ko naman ang Desperadas 2 para sa Regal Entertainment. Kaya tama lang na napahinga ako nang husto," lahad ni Rufa Mae.

Na-miss nga raw ni Rufa Mae ang pagtatrabaho kaya naman handa na ulit siyang bumalik sa mga shows niya.

"Nakikibalita lang ako sa mga friends ko. Miss na raw nila akong mapanood sa TV. Kaya here I am! I'm back, ready or not!" sabay malakas na tawa ni Rufa Mae. - Philippine Entertainment Portal

"There is the time for everything. Timing is everything and this is the time to finally speak up," said Caloocan councilor and actress Marjorie Barretto, in her tell-all interview aired on The Buzz yesterday, August 24.

Marjorie has been caught up in controversies since last year but has chosen to keep mum, hoping that the "noise" would eventually fade away. "Tumahimik ako, for more than a year, hoping they will die down on their own. They didn’t die down," she revealed.

Marjorie faced the issues regarding her annulment with ex-husband Dennis Padilla, on being a mother, her allegedly romance with Caloocan Mayor Recom Echiverri and her alleged pregnancy.

"I could have gone out of the open at sabihin kung bakit talaga kami naghiwalay," Marjorie said about her ex-husband. "There was a major setback bilang asawa. Matiisin naman tayong mga babae kahit ano tatanggapin mo, but something happened along the way. Something that was caused by him na irreversible." She said that she wanted to protect Dennis but emphasized that whatever wrongdoing that Dennis did, it was enough for the annulment to be granted at the soonest time.

"I think I was a good wife. With the fact that hanggang ngayon, eh mahal pa rin ako ng ex-husband ko, it only means that I was a good wife," Marjorie stated. When The Buzz host Boy Abunda asked her what message she wanted to tell Dennis, Marjorie asked for her former husband’s forgiveness because she failed to stick with him till the end. "This annulment is only a proof that it’s a failure of my marriage and I’m not proud of it. Maybe I needed somebody to give me strength. Hindi rin niya naibigay ‘yon. I’m sorry that he has to go through this problem alone and I wish him well," was Marjorie’s meaningful message.

She may not be a perfect mother but Marjorie pointed out that now as a single parent, she is doing her best to provide for her kids. "I love to have more time with them but I try to be the best mom that I can be given the circumstances in my life right now," she described.

Meanwhile, Marjorie denied allegations that she is four months pregnant. The councilor pointed out how she could be pregnant now that she’s thinner than she’s ever been. She also bravely declared that she knows the two people, who are spreading rumors about her.

"There are two na nag-aambisyon na tumakbo ng mayor ng Caloocan sa susunod na eleksyon. Hindi nila ako kalaban directly. Hindi ko ito laban. I am an innocent victim here," she emphasized.

Another issue that continues to hound Marjorie is her supposed romantic relationship with incumbent mayor Recom Echiverri. For the longest time, Marjorie kept quiet about this.

"Hindi ko alam kung papano iha-handle ang issue," she confessed. "This is not a show biz matter. This is also political matter. Tumahimik ako kasi I just hoped it would just die down. Baka election fever lang ‘to," she pointed out. "Wala akong relasyon kay Mayor Recom Echiverri."

On the other hand, Marjorie is not closing her heart totally to love. "I have so, so, so, so much love in my heart. Ang suwerte ng huling magiging lalaki sa buhay ko because I’m gonna love him well, I will serve him well, I will treat him well I will be faithful. I will be loyal. I will be a dream girl. ABS-CBN.com

Who will be the first Pinoy Sole Survivor?

Will it be the laundry woman with the strong hands or the male model with the chiseled abs?

Could it be the driver who wants to achieve a better life or the nanny who dreams of showbiz stardom?

The first Pinoy Sole Survivor could be any of them or the 14 other hopefuls all vying for the P3 million grand prize in GMA-7's reality show.

After thousands of Filipinos flocked to local auditions, GMA-7 decided to give more people a chance to be part of this once in a lifetime event. Instead of 16 contenders, Survivor Philippines picked 18 castaways from different corners of the country and from all walks of life.

Among them is a female farmer who seeks greener pastures, a call center agent who wants to quit the graveyard shift and a basketball player who wants to take a shot to win the jackpot.

Isolated in an island, deprived of basic necessities and challenged to chart unfamiliar territory, 18 strangers will fight it out armed only with instincts, strength and wit.

Expect fierce competition, willful deceit and sly strategies as each challenger tries to be the last one standing. Who will outwit, outlast and outplay all castaways to become the first Pinoy Sole Survivor?

Find out as Survivor Philippines fires up your TV screens this September only on GMA-7. - Philippine Entertainment Portal

Actress Judy Ann Santos is now battling legal problems after her petition to dismiss the tax evasion filed against her by the Bureau of Internal Revenue was denied by the Supreme Court.

In a 27-page decision penned by Justice Chico Nazario, Santos' petition to reverse the resolution of the Court of Tax Appeals last June 19, 2006 due to lack of merit was denied.

The BIR filed a case against Santos for not declaring her income from her movie and product endorsements for the year 2002. According to one report, she has a P1.7 million tax liability.

In the decision posted on Supreme Court's official website, the Court's Third Division denied Santos’ petition for review seeking to reverse the June 19, 2006 en banc resolution of the CTA.

The said resolution denied Santos’ motion for extension of time to file petition for review to appeal the resolutions dated February 23, 2006 and May 11, 2006 of the CTA First Division, which had denied her motion to quash the information against her for violation of section 255, in relation to sections 254 and 248(B) of the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC), as amended, and her subsequent motion for reconsideration, respectively.

Concurring were Division Chair Justice Consuelo Ynares- Santiago and members Justices Ma. Alicia Austria-Martinez, Renato C. Corona, and Ruben T. Reyes.

The Court said that the CTA en banc did not err in denying her motion for extension of time to file petition for review, stressing that Santos cannot file a petition for review with the CTA en banc to appeal the resolution of the CTA First Division denying her motion to quash. “The Resolution is interlocutory and, thus, unappealable. Even if her Petition for Review is to be treated as a petition for certiorari, it is dismissible for lack of merit,” the High Court said.

The Court also held that there was no evidence of a clear and intentional discrimination against Santos, whether by Prosecution Attorney in recommending the filing of Information against her or by the CTA First Division in denying her motion to quash. It added that the only basis for petitioner’s claim of denial of equal protection of the laws was the dismissal of the charges against singer-actress Regine Velasquez (Regina Encarnacion Velasquez in real life), while those against her were not. It explained that Santos did not establish whether she and Velasquez were similarly situated, i.e., that they committed identical acts for which they were charged with and that they presented similar arguments and evidence.

The Court stressed that the assailed CTA resolutions directly addressed the arguments raised by Santos in her motion to quash and motion for reconsideration, respectively, and explained the reasons for the denial of both motions. It added that there was nothing to sustain a finding that said resolutions were rendered capriciously, whimsically, or arbitrarily, as to constitute grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction.

The case against Santos stemmed from her alleged inaccurate Annual Income Tax Return for taxable year 2002 filed with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) wherein she declared an income of only PhP8.033 million derived from her talent fees solely from ABS-CBN. Allegedly, Santos received more than the said amount, not only from ABS-CBN but also from other sources, including movies and product endorsements.

Santos was charged before the CTA in 2005. That same year, the CTA First Division issued an arrest warrant against Santos prompting the latter to file a motion to quash the information. On February 23, 2006, the CTA First Division denied her motion and scheduled her arraignment. Santos filed a motion for reconsideration which the CTA also denied on May 11, 2006. (GR No. 173176, Santos v. People, August 26, 2008)abs-cbnNEWS.com

August 20 (Wednesday)

Daytime:

1. Magdusa Ka (GMA-7) - 24.4%
2. Eat Bulaga! (GMA-7) - 24.1%
3. Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan (GMA-7) - 23.9%
4. Marimar (GMA-7) / Daisy Siete (GMA-7) - 20.1%
5. El Cuerpo del Deseo (ABS-CBN) - 18.9%
6. Wowowee (ABS-CBN) - 18.7%
7. Pilipinas, Game KNB? (ABS-CBN) - 17.9%
8. Ligaw Na Bulaklak (ABS-CBN) - 15.6%
9. Boy & Kris (ABS-CBN) - 12.5%
10. SiS (GMA-7) - 12.4%

Primetime:

1. Dyesebel (GMA-7) - 35.6%
2. Codename: Asero (GMA-7) - 34.2%
3. 24 Oras (GMA-7) - 33.1%
4. Ako Si Kim Samsoon (GMA-7) - 27.2%
5. The Singing Bee (ABS-CBN) - 24.1%
6. TV Patrol World (ABS-CBN) - 23%
7. Dyosa (ABS-CBN) - 22.5%
8. Dalja's Spring (GMA-7) - 20.6%
9. My Girl (ABS-CBN) - 20.5%
10. Iisa Pa Lamang (ABS-CBN) / Masquerade (GMA-7) - 19.9%



August 21 (Thursday)

Daytime:

1. Magdusa Ka (GMA-7) - 24.1%
2. Daisy Siete (GMA-7) - 23.1%
3. Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan (GMA-7) - 22%
4. Eat Bulaga! (GMA-7) - 21.3%
5. Wowowee (ABS-CBN) - 18.9%
6. Marimar (GMA-7) - 18.6%
7. Pilipinas, Game KNB? (ABS-CBN) - 16.7%
8. El Cuerpo del Deseo (ABS-CBN) - 16.5%
9. Ligaw Na Bulaklak (ABS-CBN) - 13%
10. SiS (GMA-7) - 10.8%

Primetime:

1. Dyesebel (GMA-7) - 40.2%
2. Codename: Asero (GMA-7) - 33.5%
3. Ako Si Kim Samsoon (GMA-7) - 31.6%
4. 24 Oras (GMA-7) - 29%
5. Dyosa (ABS-CBN) - 28.3%
6. The Singing Bee (ABS-CBN) - 28%
7. Iisa Pa Lamang (ABS-CBN) - 25.8%
8. My Girl (ABS-CBN) - 22.4%
9. TV Patrol World (ABS-CBN) - 21.4%
10. Dalja's Spring (GMA-7) - 20.8%



August 22 (Friday)

Daytime:

1. Magdusa Ka (GMA-7) - 21.7%
2. Eat Bulaga! (GMA-7) - 21.4%
3. Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan (GMA-7) - 21%
4. Daisy Siete (GMA-7) - 19.7%
5. Wowowee (ABS-CBN) - 18.3%
6. Marimar (GMA-7) - 17.5%
7. El Cuerpo del Deseo (ABS-CBN) - 17.3%
8. Ligaw Na Bulaklak (ABS-CBN) - 16.7%
9. Pilipinas, Game KNB? (ABS-CBN) - 16.3%
10. SiS (GMA-7) - 10.9%



Primetime:

1. Dyesebel (GMA-7) - 39.6%
2. Ako Si Kim Samsoon (GMA-7) - 31.1%
3. Codename: Asero (GMA-7) - 30.8%
4. 24 Oras (GMA-7) - 27.3%
5. The Singing Bee (ABS-CBN) - 26.4%
6. Dyosa (ABS-CBN) - 25.3%
7. Dalja's Spring (GMA-7) - 23.3%
8. My Girl (ABS-CBN) - 23.2%
9. Iisa Pa Lamang (ABS-CBN) - 22.7%
10. Pinoy Dream Academy (ABS-CBN) - 20.7%



August 23 (Saturday)

Daytime

1. Eat Bulaga! (GMA-7) - 23.3%
2. Pinoy Records (GMA-7) - 18.6%
3. Wish Ko Lang (GMA-7) - 18%
4. Startalk (GMA-7) - 17.3%
5. Wowowee (ABS-CBN) 17.2%
6. Takeshi's Castle (GMA-7) - 15.2%
7. That's My Doc (ABS-CBN) - 15.1%
8. Cinema FPJ: Da King on ABS-CBN (ABS-CBN) - 13.4%
9. Pilipinas, Game KNB? (ABS-CBN) - 11.1%
10. Entertainment Live (ABS-CBN) - 10.4%



Primetime:

1. Bitoy's Funniest Videos (GMA-7) - 30.1%
2. Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (GMA-7) - 29.6%
3. Pinoy Dream Academy (ABS-CBN) - 26.7%
4. Imbestigador (GMA-7) - 25.6%
5. Celebrity Duets (GMA-7) - 24.8%
6. Varga (ABS-CBN) - 21.7%
7. Maalaala Mo Kaya (ABS-CBN) - 20.3%
8. XXX (ABS-CBN) - 15.2%
9. Nuts Entertainment (GMA-7) - 11.6%
10. Sine Totoo (GMA-7) - 7%



August 24 (Sunday)

Daytime

1. ASAP ‘08 (ABS-CBN) 19.9%
2. SOP (GMA-7) - 16.1%
3. Your Song (ABS-CBN) - 13.1%
4. Dear Friend (GMA-7) - 12.9%
5. Takeshi's Castle (GMA-7) / The Buzz (ABS-CBN) - 12.7%
6. Matanglawin (ABS-CBN) - 12.5%
7. Showbiz Central (GMA-7) - 12.2%



Primetime:

1. Pinoy Dream Academy: Little Dreamers (ABS-CBN) - 27.8%
2. Tok! Tok! Tok! Isang Milyon Pasko (GMA-7) - 27.3%
3. Mel & Joey (GMA-7) - 26.3%
4. Sharon (ABS-CBN) - 24.8%
5. Kap's Amazing Stories (GMA-7) - 23.5%
6. Goin' Bulilit (ABS-CBN) - 23.2%
7. Rated K (ABS-CBN) - 21.4%
8. All Star K (GMA-7) - 19.1%
9. TV Patrol World (ABS-CBN) - 15%
10. Ful Haus (GMA-7) - 14.1%



August 25 (Monday)

Daytime:

1. Magdusa Ka (GMA-7) - 23.4%
2. Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan (GMA-7) - 21.9%
3. Eat Bulaga! (GMA-7) - 21.6%
4. Wowowee (ABS-CBN) - 20.2%
5. Daisy Siete (GMA-7) - 19.3%
6. Marimar (GMA-7)- 18.9%
7. El Cuerpo del Deseo (ABS-CBN) - 17.2%
8. Ligaw Na Bulaklak (ABS-CBN) - 16.4%
9. Pilipinas, Game KNB? (ABS-CBN) - 15.5%
10. SiS (GMA-7) - 14.9%

Primetime:

1. Dyesebel (GMA-7) - 37.2%
2. Codename: Asero (GMA-7) - 33.7%
3. 24 Oras (GMA-7) - 30.3%
4. The Singing Bee (ABS-CBN) - 28.7%
5. Dyosa (ABS-CBN) - 27%
6. Iisa Pa Lamang (ABS-CBN) - 26%
7. Ako Si Kim Samsoon (GMA-7) - 25.6%
8. TV Patrol World (ABS-CBN) - 25.1%
9. My Girl (ABS-CBN) - 24.3%

For the past several weeks, Charlene Sakoda, the executive producer of E! Entertainment Television in Los Angeles, California has been exchanging notes and calls to the manager of one of the hottest popular actors in the Philippines today—Dingdong Dantes. E! Entertainment is one of the largest and most popular networks in Hollywood and the most subscribed network around the world, which is available to 88 million subscribers in the U.S. and 600 million homes internationally.



E! Entertainment has decided to put Dingdong on their list of 25 Sexiest Men of the World.



The first e-mail sent by E! Entertainment, wherein they advised that "the actor Dingdong Dantes of the Philippines" might be included in their selection of 25 Sexiest Men, was first addressed to United Laboratories through Dingdong's Medicol Ibuprofen TV commercial. Later on, they did research on Dingdong's profile and work.



E! Entertainment's request was forwarded by Unilab to Dingdong's manager, Perry Lansigan. After that, e-mail exchanges flowed between Perry and E! Eventually, E! Entertainment decided to have Dingdong as the only Filipino celebrity to be included on their list. He will be featured in one of the special segments of E! through an interview.



Also stated in E!'s request letter is their intention to have footages and photos of Dingdong, his soap opera, movies, the Bench denim and underwear fashion show, and the Cosmo event.



Although E! also eyed another Filipino talent, the network people all rooted for Dingdong. The final choice came from the president of E! Entertainment, who personally chose Dingdong on the list.



Part of the letter stated: "I can assure you that we are only looking to glorify Dingdong Dantes and will only mention him and your footage in a positive light. The show is scheduled to air in the 3rd or 4th quarter of 2008. We do not have a more specific time frame as of yet."




Aside from Dingdong, the list also includes celebrities from other countries who are also considered sexy and popular on their chosen field as actors and sportsmen.



Here is the letter sent by Brian N. Potter, E! Entertainment's Rights & Clearances Supervisor, to Perry Lansigan dated August 18, 2008 and with E!'s letterhead:



Dear Perry,




We are currently producing a television program called "Sexiest: Men of the World" (the "Production") where we will feature 25 of the hottest males in the world. As part of the Production, we have decided to include Dingdong Dantes as one of the 25 Sexiest Men of the World! The list is still being generated but we can tell you as of the date of this letter that we have selected the following males:




Gilles Marini (France)

Kostas Martakhs (Greece)

Michael Lewis (Israel)

Dan Carter (New Zealand)

David Beckham (UK)




Here is the series description: Young, blonde celebutantes may be what you're used to seeing on news stands, but when it comes to appeasing the insatiable appetite of the world, you've got to serve up the hottest most delectable dishes imaginable! We cover the entire globe searching for the sexiest beach-hard bodies and the delicious divas that can melt you with their voices and crush you with their sizzling sex appeal! We'll also discuss studs that can capture your attention in a flash, pin-ups with deadly curves, famous footballers with all the right moves and their wives and girlfriends who bask in beauty.



In a quick research made by PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal), we found out that Gilles Marini is an actor who has appeared on the Sex And The City movie and several TV shows; Michael Lewis is an actor-model; Dan Carter is a rugby player; and, of course, David Beckham is a very popular soccer player. We haven't found anything yet on Kostas Martakhs though. But indeed, Dingdong is in a very hot company.



With this new development on Dingdong's already colorful showbiz career, the young actor has indeed conquered the world. PEP.PH

Filipino comedian Beethoven del Valle Bunagan, popularly known as Michael V, was on cloud nine after landing on the front cover of Reader's Digest (RD) 5th Annual Humor Special.

In an interview with GMA-7's Showbiz Central, Michael V said he was dumbfounded upon receiving the letter from RD informing him that he will be the cover of the magazine’s September issue.

The comedian said he was so surprised because he thought the magazine would only write a feature story about his life.

“Parang ‘di ako makapaniwala kasi may nagpadala ng sulat regarding the cover. Sabi pangalawang Pinoy palang daw ako na mag co-cover. ‘Yung una si [former President] Cory Aquino," he said.

“So parang di ko alam gagawin ko talaga. Kasi alam ko lang may feature. ‘Di ko alam na mag co-cover pala."

Michael V said that the recognition made him feel good.

Asked what might have prompted RD to choose him for its next month's cover, he quipped: “Ang pinagbasehan nila siguro yung Asian TV awards. Kasi nanalo na ako ng 3 beses sa Asian TV awards as comedy actor."

He said he was so flattered by this recognition as he admitted that he has yet to match the feat of other renowned Filipino comedians.

“Nahihiya pa rin ako. Parang feeling ko ‘di ko pa nagagawa ‘yung mga nagawa nila and at the same time may honor na ganoon. So parang I’m really very flattered."

The report said the magazine’s feature on him was no-laughing matter as it delved into Michael V’s life seriously.

He said RD wanted to know how he got his distinguished sense of humor.

“Tinanong nila ‘yung history ko as a person hindi lang talaga as komedyante, hindi as a professional. Inalam nila kung bakit nagkaroon ng gano'ng klaseng humor ang isang Michael V."

On the possibility of joining the international acting arena, he said he has yet to see the project offers.

At the same time, he stressed that his performance would primarily cater to Filipinos.

“Sana. Pero hindi ko masasbi hangga’t walang offer. Hindi naman ako magju-jump [into conclusions] ka agad eh. I-try ko rin pero ang serbisyo ko para sa mga Pilipino first and foremost."

Michael V is a mainstay of GMA-7’s gag show Bubblegang, which airs every Friday night. He is also hosting Bitoy’s Yari Ka – the Philippine counterpart of America’s funniest videos that airs every Saturday. - GMANews.TV

Actress Ruffa Gutierrez said that she is enjoying her role as Daniella for ABS-CBN's newest television series "I Love Betty La Fea", despite the fact that it's not easy portraying a villain.

The role is not natural to her because she is nice and very friendly in real life.

Gutierrez admitted that she underwent a workshop to give justice to her character.

"Well actually… ang buong cast talagang nag-workshop… pero at the same time humingi din ako ng one-on-one with 'direk' Laurice Guillen kasi matagal na din akong nag-drama at gusto kong mapaghusayan iyong role ko," she said.

"Gusto ko talagang mapag-aralan para at least mapansin ang aking acting at maging maganda ang feedback o reviews, so talagang I requested for that," Gutierrez added.

The actress said that she is thankful to Guillen for giving her time despite her hectic schedule as director and actress.

"Maganda iyong mga ginawa namin na inaplay ko na… sa eksena," Gutierrez said.

She said that her character as Daniella is really fun to portray and she is giving her best in playing the role.

"This is my role and there's a reason I had this kind of attitude so I might as well play with it na, gawin ko na at give na ang 200%. Bakit kailangang gawing soft ang character na hindi naman soft," she said.

Aside from being strict and snobbish, "Daniella" according to Gutierrez is also a very reasonable character.

"Galit siya sa mga taong kailangang pagalitan, galit siya for a reason and malalaman 'yon sa kanyang past," she said.

Gutierrez said that Daniella hates Betty for being loyal to Armando, who is the president of advertising house Ecomoda. Daniella's ultimate dream is to become the president of Ecomoda.

"I want her to get out of the way para lahat ng paghihiganti ko ay magawa ko at matuloy na, kasi laging nauudlot dahil kay Betty," she said.

Loveless Ruffa

Gutierrez made headlines when she decided to end her relationship with estranged husband Yilmaz Bektas. She shared that she is still loveless at the moment.

"Wala nga e, ang corny minsan na-lo-lonely ako," she said.

Gutierrez is mother to two lovely daughters, Lorice and Venice. She said she is now focusing on raising them as well as attending to her career.

"I just feel that I'm blessed... career ko naman ang bigyan ko ng pansin, kasi for how many years naman when I was in Istanbul puro pag-ibig at pamilya ang binigyan ko ng pansin so ngayon naman mga anak ko at career," said the actress.

Guttierrez, one of the big stars of ABS-CBN, said she hopes that people will support her new project.

abs-cbnnews