Showbiz Manila - Celebrity and Entertainment News from the Philippines

Jericho Rosales denies dating Cristine Reyes

by erikb on Oct.17, 2009, under Uncategorized

Hunk actor Jericho Rosales shot down speculations that he is romantically involved with sultry actress Cristine Reyes.

In an interview with abs-cbnNEWS.com during the launching of his newest album titled “Change,” Rosales stressed he is not dating Reyes whom he worked with in ABS-CBN’s “Kahit Isang Saglit.”

The actor admitted he and Reyes hang out, but with their friends and insisted that the actress is just a good friend.

“No, no. We don’t. We go out kaming magkakasama. I invited her sa birthday ko sa Magnet all of my friends,” Rosales said.

The actor’s clarification stemmed from reports that he and Reyes are now constantly dating.

Reports also said that Rosales was with Reyes the night before tropical storm Ondoy devastated Metro Manila on September 26.

“Yeah actually ako ang nagsabi noon kasi magkakasama kami ng kaibigan namin sila Mark Nicdao. Lumalabas lang kami, kami nila Gabriel and wala namang ibig sabihin na. Hindi naman. Wala kaming relationship,” Rosales explained.

Asked if there’s any possibility that his relationship now with Reyes could go beyond friendship, Rosales replied: “Not for now.”

In a separate interview with abs-cbnNEWS, Reyes also brushed aside the rumors.

“Hindi siya nanliligaw nakakahiya naman sa tao,” the actress said. She even denied reports that she and the actor are constantly dating.

“Well hindi naman date kasi group. I don’t call it a date kasi kung date kaming dalawa lang,” she said.

Reyes said Rosales is just a good friend and stressed that she’s enjoying her life being single.

The actress said she and Echo are going out with their friends but nothing is so special about it. Back with Heart Rosales also denied reports that he and former long-time sweetheart Heart Evangelista have reconciled and are now back in each others’ arms.

“I saw Heart a couple of months ago. ‘Yon ang inakala nila. ‘Yon ‘yong nag-ayos kaming talaga. Pero really and truly I’m single not naman lonely. Well dating? I can date, pwede akong mag-date pero wala pa. I’m open to the idea na hindi siya ‘yon,” Rosales said.

Aside from promoting his album under Star Records, Rosales is also busy taping his newest series “Dahil May Isang Ikaw” with former ex-girlfriend Kristine Hermosa. Rosales, who is now known for his heroism when he rescued some of his neighbors in Marikina during the onslaught of Ondoy, again helped typhoon victims through his endorsement Extra Joss. The energy drink company on Wednesday (October 14) donated P1 million to Sagip Kapamilya Foundation.

Rosales said the money will be used to help radio DZMM’s free shower project dubbed as “Kapamilya, Shower Na!”

Vilma Santos still wants Angel for Luis ‘Lucky’ Manzano

by admin on Sep.13, 2009, under News

Star for All Seasons and current Batangas Governor Vilma Santos broke her silence over the break up of her son-actor Luis Manzano with actress Angel Locsin.

In an interview with ABS-CBN News, Santos said her son and Locsin should be given a chance to settle their problem.

“Give them space, bigyan natin sila ng espasyo. Malay mo, it’s either of the two magtuloy-tuloy na ‘yan, end up as friends, or maybe, may chance magkabalikan,” Santos said.

Santos, who has been open about her fondness for Locsin for her son, said she hasn’t gotten a chance to talk with the actress, but admitted that her son already opened up to her about his relationship with Locsin.

“Hindi pa kami nagkakausap ni Angel, but open naman sa akin si Angel. But wala pa kaming chance na pag-usapan ang isyu na ito. (Si Luis) a little (nagsasabi na siya) mayroon na kami, but as a mother, reminder lang ako. But I don’t ask kung ano ang detalye or what happened. Maski naman ako, nahihiya. Isa lang like, ‘Oh anak, here also in show business, kapag medyo natanong ka diyan, less talk, less mistake. Be a gentleman.’ So, please don’t misinterpret him,” Santos said.

Santos also reacted to reports that a third party was the reason for the “break up.” The reports said actor Sam Milby was allegedly the reason behind it.

“Kung sinabi ni Angel na there’s nothing between him and Sam, why not? I believe Angel too. I mean, because nakita ko ang relationship ng dalawa. Ang ganda ng suporta, respeto at pagmamahalan ng dalawa (Luis and Angel). Doon testigo ako, they are happy with each other, they inspire each pther. Now that they are having this problem nire-respeto ko din.”

Santos also downplayed the report that some of the “Vilmanians” who are against Locsin affected her relationship with Luis. “Wala ‘yon. Kung mayroon man, it doesn’t mean na lahat ng Vilmanian ay ganoon na. And, napaka-petty na dahilan yan para mag-break sila. It has nothing to do with that,” she said.

Luis is Santos’ son by former husband, actor-host Edu Manzano.

Santos is currently promoting her upcoming movie, “In My Life” with Luis and actor John Lloyd Cruz.

Directed by Olivia Lamasan, Star Cinema’s “In My Life” premieres on September 15, Wednesday.

Sen. Manuel “Mar” Roxas II and ABS-CBN broadcaster Korina Sanchez will exchange “I dos” on October 23 at Sto. Domingo Church in Quezon City.

by admin on Sep.13, 2009, under News

Korina-Mar

Sanchez made this formal announcement on “SNN: Showbiz News Ngayon.”

“Sto. Domingo Church na sa wakas ang ating napiling simbahan. So, we want to make as many people as happy as possible on that day. Kaya iyong ibang bagay ay tinitipid [namin] para mas marami kaming mapakain at mapasaya,” Sanchez said.

According to its Wikipedia entry, Sto. Domingo Church, or formerly known as “Our Lady of La Naval,” is one of the tallest and largest in the country. The main altar has a mosaic of St. Dominic designed by architect Jose Zaragoza while Galo Ocampo designed the stained glass windows.

The church was built by the Dominican Order and originally stood within the walls of Intramuros. The church was transferred to Quezon City after its original structure was destroyed during World War II.

In a previous interview, event organizer Mike Niñana said the couple wanted a big church that will not only accommodate their respective families and friends but the public as well.

“Ang gusto nila invited ang public, magkasya. So ang importante, people’s church. Pangalawa malaki, magkasya lahat, hindi lang iyong mga kaibigan nila. Alam mo naman sila public figures,” Niñana said.

The engaged couple also considered Manila Cathedral in Intramuros, Manila and Quiapo Church.

Sanchez’s gown will be designed by Pepito Alba. Her ring bearer, meantime, is the youngest son of actress-host Kris Aquino.

Her wedding will be directed by Johnny Manahan, who is the director of popular noontime show “Wowowee.”

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Amid legal battles, Hayden Kho mulls studying law

by admin on Sep.07, 2009, under News

Hayden Kho 1 Embattled physician Hayden Kho believes that at this point, what he needs is more schooling – specifically, to study law.

Irene Garcia, lawyer for the doctor, shared this with Manila Bulletin Online recently, relaying that although there are no specifics yet, Kho’s plan is to “go back to school.”

She didn’t mention if Kho’s interest in law was stimulated by the legal problems he is now facing.

Just recently, the beleaguered doctor was suspended for a year by the Philippine Medical Association (PMA) for “conduct offensive to the profession.”

The PMA’s suspension of Kho came after actress Katrina Halili asked for the revocation of the doctor’s license from the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) – this, after videos of her and Kho having sex were leaked on the Internet.

“We are, in a sense, quite pleased with the decision. Hayden also knows about this and he said he is ‘thankful,”‘ Garcia said.

The PRC has yet to decide on the complaints filed by the sexy actress.

“We’re hoping that (the PRC) would follow the PMA’s lead,” says Garcia adding, “same with the DOJ (Department of Justice) – we’re just waiting (for their decision), but as I said, we’re hopeful (for a favorable resolution).”

In a previous interview, Santiago Del Rosario, chair, PMA committee on ethics and medical practice, said they wanted to expel Kho initially but due to his “act of remorse and atonement and his promise to go on medical missions,” they decided on a suspension instead.

That said, Kho’s suspension from the PMA does not prohibit him from practicing his profession, as the PRC alone can suspend or revoke a doctor’s license.

“I think the suspension is more agreeable for us. The decision is what we were hoping for at the onset. Actually, Hayden has suspended himself voluntarily prior…he stopped practicing already.

“My client is not washing his hands here. He knows what he has done and he is willing to accept whatever decision (the PMA) would have made.”

Garcia said Kho plans to continue doing socio-civic work in the interim.

“He has been rendering community service and will continue to do so. On top of that, he still undergoes psychotherapy.”

Kho recently joined White Ribbon Day, a campaign launched by the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) to prevent violence against women.

“This is one way of showing I support the fight against violence against women,” he said in a statement.

Source: Manila Bulletin – Saturday, September 5

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Stars descend on Makati for Star Magic ball

by admin on Sep.02, 2009, under News

One of most glamorous nights in the entertainment industry happened Sunday as ABS-CBN’s biggest stars descended on Makati Shangri-La Hotel for the 3rd Star Magic ball.

Wearing their most glamorous black and champagne ensembles, hundreds of Kapamilya stars graced the event as they marked the 17th anniversary of Star Magic.

Star Magic (formerly ABS-CBN Talent Center) is ABS-CBN’s home-based training and management program.

ABS-CBN president Charo Santos-Concio and Star Magic executive Johnny Manahan spearheaded the celebration.

Spotted in the ball were on-screen partners KC Concepcion and Piolo Pascual; Kim Chiu and Gerald Anderson; Melissa Ricks and Matt Evans; John Prats and Shaina Magdayao; and Erich Gonzales and Zian Lim.

Former couple Anne Curtis and Sam Milby arrived in the venue together.

Real-life sweethearts Zanjoe Marudo and Mariel Rodriguez; Angelica Panganiban and Derek Ramsay; and Nikki Gil and Billy Crawford were also present during Sunday’s party.

Former sweethearts Diether Ocampo and Kristine Hermosa came to the annual ball with their respective dates. Hermosa went with Oyo Boy Sotto while Ocampo’s date was girlfriend Rima Ostwani.

Star Magic pioneer Claudine Barretto, along with husband Raymart Santiago, was also present in the event.

Other Star Magic talents who attended the night of glitz and glamour were Laani Lozada, Bugoy Drilon, Joem Bascon, Meryll Soriano, Roxane Guinoo, Megan and Lauren Young, Thou Reyes, Jake Cuenca, Vina Morales, Jodi Sta. Maria, Jon Avila, Kitkat, Rica Peralejo, and Luis Manzano.

Non-Star Magic talents were also invited to the event. Ruffa Gutierrez, who was escorted by her brother Raymond, Pops Fernandez, Gretchen Barretto, Mark Bautista, Christian Bautista, Chokoleit, Lily Monteverde, Cathy Garcia-Molina, Jericho Rosales, John Estrada and sweetheart Priscilla Meirelles graced the occasion.

One of the highlights of the event was the awarding of prizes.

The 2009 Star Magic ball classic chic pair went to sweethearts Crawford and Gil. Maja Salvador and on-screen partner Rayver Cruz, meantime, were named the best dressed couple.

For the individual awards, meantime, John Lloyd Cruz, Bea Alonzo, and Curtis bagged the most stylish, most elegant, and most glamorous prizes, respectively.

Pascual and Concepcion took home the Moet and Chandon Sparkling couple of the night award. They shared the prize with Chiu and Anderson.

The Coke’s choice of most classic chic couple went to Rodriguez and Marudo, while singer Yeng Constantino bagged the most fashion-forward award.

The night was filled with laughter and music with the performances by Martin Nievera, Rhap Salazar and Jed Madella.

Source: ABS-CBN – Tuesday, September 1

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Heart Evangelista declared OK after appendectomy

by admin on Aug.31, 2009, under News

Kapuso star Heart Evangelista is “okay and recuperating” after undergoing an emergency appendectomy at Makati Medical Center Wednesday, Aug. 26.

Heart’s publicist Jun Lalin added that the young actress kept dozing off right after the operation while the anesthesia wore off.

The star was taping for Q11’s “Fashionistas By Heart” August 25 when she complained of pain in the lower right section of her body.

She was immediately rushed to the hospital where she was diagnosed of having an inflamed appendix.

Evangelista signed on for a new project with Richard Guiterrez titled “Patient X,” but had to opt out because of the surgery.

Most patients take up to 7 days off work to recuperate after appendectomy surgery.

Source: Manila Bulletin – Thursday, August 27

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Luis Manzano keeps a lid on rumored split with Angel Locsin

by admin on Aug.31, 2009, under News

Talks are ripe that Luis Manzano and girlfriend Angel Locsin have called it quits after they were seen snubbing each other in an ASAP segment.

Luis Manzano was quick to admit that they are going through “something,” but he refused to divulge details.

“Whatever our reasons or disagreements…it’s between us. No there’s no third party involved,” said he.

Prodded further, Vilma Santos’ son said the issue was not because of scheduling. “It’s not also [because we lack] time. We don’t bother with that because we respect each other’s schedules. We will never fight just because of something so petty [as time].”

Manzano is hopeful that they’ll both be able to settle the matter soon.

“Right now, we’re trying to work things out. Hopefully, we will be able to fix this.”

It should be remembered that the couple almost broke up early this year with Locsin even changing her Facebook status to “not in a relationship.”

Locsin is now in South Korea filming a TV commercial. Her manager, Becky Aguila, said she’s clueless about the break-up issue and all she knows is that Angel and Luis had a misunderstanding.

Aguila also said that she and Angel are extending their stay in South Korea for a “vacation.”

Source: Manila Bulletin – Tuesday, August 25

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Dream 106.7 Smooth Tuesdays launches Johnny Alegre’s newest album

by admin on Aug.27, 2009, under Music

One of the country’s jazz prodigies is back with an album that hoists Filipino talent with his beautifully crafted and skillfully mastered jazz arrangements. A world-class and wholly satisfying jazz opus entitled “Johnny Alegre 3” is a firm mark of what a genuine artist is in his truest essence, meticulously incorporating different musical styles to produce a wonderful jazz masterpiece.

Recorded in New York, this beautiful album features nine exceptional tracks, which Johnny Alegre performs brilliantly. Compositions by Alegre such as “Wildflower”, “Offering”, “From Long Ago”, “Theme from Humanfolk” and more harnesses energy and spontaneity that crosses international borders by his collaboration with international jazz legends Billy Hart and Ron McClure.

As a special treat, Dream 106.7 FM and MCA Music Inc. proudly present one of the country’s jazz prodigies “Johnny Alegre” as he launches his latest masterpiece! Have an evening of beautiful music as Dream 106.7 presents Smooth Tuesdays Featuring Johnny Alegre’s Album Launch, Happening on September 1, 6 pm at Strumm’s Makati.

Expect nothing but stellar performances and riveting melodies by our very own Filipino talent, together with international jazz legends! Truly, this is a global breakthrough for the Philippine guitarist-composer and a treat for the local and international audience! Johnny Alegre is a jazz journeyman and unique recording artist. His pioneering projects have contributed meaningfully towards bringing an emergent Asian milieu to the attention of musical audiences local and foreign, defying barriers of genre, demographics and cultural stereotypes. Alegre’s involvement in the Philippine scene encompasses scores of bands and recording projects, spanning more than three decades of history and discography in seminal “pinoy rock”, his early sorties into his country’s popular music genre, OPM (original Pilipino Music) and the epiphany into modern jazz in the recent years.

In his various capacities as composer-arranger, record producer and performing musician, his protean roles have been none short of forward-looking. Johnny Alegre formed what effectively became Manila’s premier jazz collective, Affinity,that caught the attention of the London-based jazz specialty label, Candid Records. Their first eponymous album was released in the Philippines in mid-2005, and subsequently re-released in the U.K. as “Jazzhound”. In 2008, Alegre released “Eastern Skies”, an orchestral jazz collaboration with conductor Gerard Salonga and arranger Ria Villena-Osorio. It was his response to the clamor for even more innovative music from “Manila’s jazz superband”. In pursuit of these encouragements, 2009 is the year of “3”, Alegre’s third outing: a U.S. trio recording of the guitarist-composer joined by two masters of the jazz genre, Billy Hart (drums) and Ron McClure (bass). This third release also marks his migration to his new home and record label, MCA Music (Philippines) of the Universal Music Group.

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‘Dinig Sana Kita’ and ‘Independencia’ will take part in 34th Toronto International Film Festival

by admin on Aug.27, 2009, under Movies

Two Filipino films—Dinig Sana Kita and Independencia—will be exhibited at the 34th Toronto International Film Festival in Canada from September 10-20.

According to Direk Mike Sandejas, lead stars Romalito Mallari and Zoe Sandejas, will accompany him when he attends the international premiere of Dinig Sana Kita in Toronto.

Dinig Sana Kita (international title: If I Knew What You Said) will be part of the Contemporary World Cinema, a section dedicated to the “best of current international filmmaking” (as described by the official website of the Toronto IFF).

Written and produced by Direk Mike, Dinig Sana Kita stars deaf actor Romalito Mallari, Robert Seña, Lorenzo Mara, and Sandejas’ daughter, Zoe. It bagged the Audience Choice award in the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival held last July. The film is produced by Echo and Mirage Media.

The film has also been invited to the Hawaii International Film Festival in October and the Brussels Independent International Film Festival in November.

Dinig Sana Kita, rated General Patronage by the Movie and Television Rating and Classification Board, is currently being screened at IndieSine, Robinsons Galleria until September 1.

Meanwhile, Independencia by Raya Martin will screen in the Vision program for its North American premiere. According to the official website of the Toronto IFF, this section is dedicated to “innovative works of newcomers and veteran filmmakers who are pushing the boundaries of contemporary cinema. It spotlights work that challenges our notion of mainstream cinema and explores experimental filmmaking techniques, new territory and technologies.”

Alessandra de Rossi, Tetchie Agbayani, and Sid Lucero are the main actors in this film. The black-and-white film was included in the Un Certain Regard section of the Cannes Film Festival last May.

Aside from being part of the Toronto IFF, Independencia will also compete at the Vladivostok International Film Festival in Russia next month and at the 47th Annual New York Film Festival that will run from September 25 to October 11.

The Film Society of Lincoln Center, organizer of the New York Film Festival, has described Direk Raya’s film by saying it “offers a kind of alternative history of the Philippines and its struggle for nationhood in this stylized tale of a mother and son hiding in the mountains after the U.S. takeover of the islands.”

This makes Independencia the third Filipino film to enter the New York Film Festival after Lino Brocka’s Insiang (1976) and Brillante Mendoza’s Serbis (2008).

Source: Philippine Entertainment Portal

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Antarctica’s first homicide heats up “Whiteout”

by admin on Aug.27, 2009, under Featured, Movies

Nature never intended you to survive in Antarctica. For U.S. Marshal Carrie Stetko (Kate Beckinsale), things are about to get even more dangerous, in Warner Bros.’ new suspense-thriller “Whiteout.” The only law enforcement in this unforgiving territory, she has just been sent to investigate a body on the ice. Antarctica’s first homicide. A shocking discovery in itself, it will plunge her into an even more bizarre mystery and the revelation of secrets long-buried under the endless ice…secrets that someone believes are still worth killing for.

As Stetko races to find the killer before he finds her, winter is already closing in. In the deadly Antarctic whiteout, she won’t see him till he’s a breath away.

“Audiences won’t immediately know what circumstances brought U.S. Marshal Carrie Stetko to seek a post in Antarctica, or what she hoped to find there, but they will feel from the film’s opening beats that she is anxious to get out,” says Joel Silver, who produced “Whiteout” under the banner of his Dark Castle Entertainment, and calls it “the coldest thriller ever made.”

Director Dominic Sena, marking his second collaboration with Silver following their 2001 action thriller “Swordfish,” concurs. “Whatever she came looking for at the bottom of the world, she didn’t find it. Meanwhile, the place has gotten to her—the cold, the claustrophobia, the isolation. She’s at the breaking point and counting down to that last flight out before winter closes in with its six months of darkness.”

Stetko’s departure plans are put on hold when a body turns up in the ice field. Frozen to the ground by blood and ice, his arms and legs strangely contorted, the body is that of an American geologist named Weiss, a member of a small research team studying meteorite fragments. Closer examination reveals numerous broken bones and a fresh gash in his leg that has been crudely stitched up, but the cause of death is a deep chest wound delivered by an instrument very common to this rough terrain: an ice ax.

As much as Weiss’s death is a mystery, its location is even more baffling. Miles from nowhere. No tracks, no maps, no gear. What was he doing way out here? A murder victim is the last thing Stetko expected to find after two years of arduous but uneventful duty, and certainly the last thing she wants to deal with now. Nevertheless, passing him off to the nearest U.S. authorities at McMurdo Station 900 miles away is not an option.

Unfortunately for Stetko whose bags are already packed, this doesn’t look like the kind of case that can be wrapped up easily. Instead, it becomes immediately more complex as Stetko turns her attention to the two remaining members of Weiss’s team, men who could be either prime suspects or the next victims of a killer whose motivation she has yet to discover.

Opening soon across the Philippines, “Whiteout” is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.