Miss India Manasvi Mamgai is Miss Tourism International 2008

Tagged as the Yearend Pageant, the 12th Miss Tourism International finals was held last New Year's Eve, December 31, 2008 at the Hotel Petaling Jaya in Malaysia with over 40 delagetes competed for the title.

Miss India Manasvi Mamgai, 21, won the competition with 5 other Asian countries in the semis including Miss Philippines Jam Charish Libatog.

Manasvi also received the Miss Popularity award.

It was the 2nd Miss Tourism International title for India after Candice Pinto in 2001.

In the pageant's 12-year history, the first Asian to win the title was Maria Esperanza from the Philippines back in 2000.

Miss Tourism International 2008: India, Manasvi Mamgai
Miss Tourism of the Year International 2008 (1st Runner Up): Brazil, Cibele Franczak
Miss Tourism Metropolitan International 2008 (2nd Runner Up): Bosnia and Herzegovina, Alma Mulalic
Miss Tourism Global 2008 (3rd Runner Up): Thailand, Ananya Chinsangchai
Miss Cosmopolitan International 2008 (4th Runner Up: Hong Kong, Ruby Wong Hiu Chun

Top 7 Finalists:
Cyprus, Ankica Kovacevic
Russia, Nubaryan Mari Aksel

Top 15 Semi-finalists:
Indonesia, Albertina Fransisca Mailoa
Malaysia, Angela Ching Cheau Thung
Paraguay, Giselle Elizabeth Riveros Diarte
Philippines, Jam Charish Libatog
Poland, Weronika Bronowicka
Romania, Ioana Mosneagu
Turkey
Uruguay, Johana Riva Garabetian

Special Awardees:
Miss KL Sogo Trendsetter: Thailand, Ananya Chinsangchai
Miss Goddezz Body Beautiful: Czech Republic, Martina Besikova
Miss Charm Sunway Pyramid: Romania, Ioana Mosneagu
Miss Poh Kong Glamour: Paraguay, Giselle Elizabeth Riveros Diarte
Miss Elegance: Bosnia Herzegovina, Alma Mulalic
Miss Radiance: Cyprus, Ankica Kovacevic
Miss Crowning Glory: China, Zhang Jia Nan
Miss Personality: Georgia, Kristine Dzidziguri
Miss Youthful: Indonesia, Albertina Fransisca Mailoa
Miss Eco-Friendly: Germany, Benita Schmitz
Miss Fitness: United Kingdom, Janine Allen Robertson
Miss Gorgeous: Uruguay, Johana Riva Garabetian
Miss Photogenic: Indonesia, Albertina Fransisca Mailoa
Best in Talent: Malaysia, Angela Ching
Miss Friendship: Malaysia, Angela Ching
Best in National Costume: Korea, Shin Suna
Miss Popularity: India, Manasvi Mamgai

Non-winning contestants:
Argentina, Lis Maricel Rodriguez
Armenia, Marine Avetyan
Australia, Caitlin Caesar
Bolivia, Maria Nuvia Montenegro Apuri
Croatia, Ava Karabatic
Estonia, Olga Sibanova
Finland, Ida Johanna Stepanow
Greece, Evdokia Palla
Japan, Nahoko Nakanishi
Kazahkstan, Aimanova Meruert
Latvia, Ilze Jankovska
Macau, Li Di
Montenegro, Andreja Stanic
Morocco, Kenza Tlemsani Maghraoui
New Zealand, Aliesha Phillipa Faulkner
Norway, Talita Trygsland
Panama, Annika Madelaine Forero Fuentes
Singapore, Preeti Sawalani
Sweden, Sheida Tilles
Taiwan R.O.C, Chen Li-Chun
Ukraine, Valeriya Nykyforets
Venezuela, Estefania Di Filippo
Vietnam, Phan Thi Ngoc Diem

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Valerie Bangs Garcia, Tanduay Rhum Calendar Girl 2009

After Ehra Madrigal, it's Valerie 'Bangs' Garcia's time to sizzle in the 2009 calendar of Tanduay Rhum.

Bangs has an upcoming soap on ABS-CBN, the Judy Ann Santos starrer 'Habang May Buhay' which Bangs taped a long time ago, but there's this rumor that she will be transferring to GMA 7.

During the 'Lucky '09', the New Year celebration of GMA 7 last December 31, Bangs was there to promote her calendar for Tanduay. She was actually the only Kapamilya star present in the occasion.

Was it a sign that she has already moved or is planning to move to GMA?

Read More......

2008 Best Films, Actors and Actresses

Year after year, Mario Bautista of People's Journal makes his own list of the best films and performances during the year, which somehow determines the outcome of the upcoming awards nights.

And for 2008, he has reviewed a total 84 films, 26 of which are mainstream movies while the rest are digital films, and comes up with his own honor roll of best films and performances for the year.

Anne Curtis, who won as Best Actress for 'Baler' in the 2008 Metro Manila Film Festival is not one of the Best Actresses for 2008, according to Bautista.

Take a look.

BEST FILMS
“Jay” directed by Francis Pasion
“100” by Chris Martinez
“Boses” by Ellen Ongkeko
“Brutus” by Tara Illenberger
“Torotot” by Maryo J. delos Reyes
“Baler” by Mark Meily
“Ploning” by Dante Garcia
“Caregiver” by Chito Rono

Best Actors
Baron Geisler as the exploitative gay TV reporter in “Jay” and as the cuckolded husband who kills his wife and her paramour in “Torotot,”
Julian Duque as the battered boy who refuses to talk and turns out to be a precocious musician in “Boses,”
Christopher de Leon as the dying friend in “Magkaibigan,”
Yul Servo as the wronged husband who decides to forgive his erring wife in “Torotot,”
John Estrada as the woefully aimless husband in “Caregiver,”
John Lloyd Cruz as the cynical boss with an ax to grind against his own family in “A Very Special Love,”
Polo Ravales as the ill-fated gay fisherman looking for his lost lover in “Walang Kawala.”

Best Actresses
Mylene Dizon as the dying heroine who makes peace with her loved ones and with God in “100,”
Judy Ann Santos as the village lass who has a positive effect on the people around her in “Ploning,”
Gina Pareno as the matriarch of a wayward family living in a dilapidated moviehouse in “Serbis,”
Irma Adlawan as the theatre actress having problems with her marriage in “Hubad,”
Sharon Cuneta as the wife and mother working in London who has to make a final choice about her irresponsible husband in “Caregiver,”
Dawn Zulueta as the patient and sacrificing wife of a dying man in “Magkaibigan,” Boots Anson Roa as the addled mom who can’t accept her youngest son falling in love with another man in “Lovebirds.”

Best Supporting Actors
Ricky Davao as the abusive dad and Coke Bolipata as the helpful violinist in “Boses,”
Julio Diaz as the spineless cuckolded husband in “Serbis,”
German Moreno aka Kuya Germs as the aging gay in “Paupahan,”
Phillip Salvador as the rebel leader in “Baler,”
Peque Gallaga as the theater director who’s fighting for artistic freedom in “Hubad,”
Joseph Roble as the wacky friend in “UPCAT,”
Emilio Garcia as the ruthless and corrupt bisexual cop in “Walang Kawala,”
Yul Servo as the NPA leader who helps the Mangyan kids in “Brutus,”
Tommy Abuel as the understanding father of a gay son in “Lovebirds.”

Best Supporting Actresses
Shamaine Centenera as the mother who kills the rapist of his gay son in “Lihim ni Antonio,”
Mylene Dizon as the nurse from the city who serves in a backward town in “Ploning”, Eugene Domingo as the dying invalid mom in “Ploning” and as the supportive best friend in “100,”
Cherry Pie Picache as the kind-hearted directress of a shelter home for distressed kids in “Boses”,
Angelu de Leon as the mentally disturbed teacher
Snooky Serna as the foul-mouthed broker of body organs for sale in “Paupahan,”
Flor Salanga as the mother of a murdered gay son in “Jay,”
Irma Adlawan as the generous aunt having an affair with their gardener in “Dose,” Maricel Laxa as the feisty but supportive wife in “Magkaibigan.”

Read More......

American Idol Season 8 Top 50 leakage

The 8th season of American Idol is about to kick off this January and as of this point, fans are craving once more for the show's spoilers and the names of those who made it to the Top 50, before they know it on TV, when it premieres on January 13 and 14.

Joesplaceblog has the list of rumored Top 50 contestants of American Idol Season 8 plus the names of those who at least made it to Hollywood:

Top 50

Angela Martin
Emily Wynne-Hughes
Jacklyn “Jackie” Tohn
Jakob McKay
Junot Jaynor
Justin Williams
Michael Bartul
Ryan P.A. Johnson
Stephen Fowler
Taylor Vaifanua:
T.K. Hash

Contestants who made it to Hollywood:

Aaron Blinds
Adam Lambert
Alan Jackson
Alexander Green
Alexander “Alex” Wagner
Alexandria Silva
Alexea Lawson
Alexis Middleton
Allison Barron
Allison Iraheta
Amy Mcintosh
Ann Marie Boskovich
Anna Kaelin
Anthony Safonov
Antonio Magana
Arianna Afsaro
Asa Barnes
Ashley Hollister
Ashley Mendez
Aubrey Logan
Audra-Kate Geiger
Austin Jonathon Sisneros
Barry Tomkins
Bellamy Williams
Brent Keith Smith
Brianna Horne
Bryan Peterson
Carla Trujillo
Casey Carlson
Cesar Morales
Chelsea Hunt
Christopher Brigham
Christopher “Chris” Chatman
Christopher “Chris” Medina
Christopher Pinkston
Clark Masters
Cody Sheldon
Damaris Rivera
Daniel “Danny” Gokey
Danielle “Danii” Roundtree
David Gowryluk
David Osmond
Deanna Brown
Denise Holbrook
Dennis Brigham
Derek Drake
Derik Lavers
Devon Baldwin
Dominic Lynch
Dominique Brown
Eddie Elkins
Emily Wynne-Hughes
Erika Wesley
Felicia Barton
Grant Baird
Imari Molifua
India Morrison
Jackie Midkiff
Jacquelyn “Jackie” Mendez
Jake Marshman
Jamar Rogers
James Harris
James Jannetty
Jana Beutler Holland
Jarret Burns
Jasmine Murray
Jason Rosario
Jeanine Vailes
Jennifer “Jenn” Korbee
Jennifer (Jenesis) Samoranos
Jeremy Sarver
Jesse McCullagh
Jessica Furney
Jessica “Jesse” Langseth
Jesus Valenzuela
JM Rieger
Joanna Pacitti
John Twiford
Jorge Nuñez Mendez
Josh Cloud
Joshua Tryon
Joshua Ulloa
Juan Planas
Julissa Veloz
Justin Williams
Katrina Darrell
Kaylan Loyd
Kaylee Cohen
Kechelle Hodge
Kelly Evetter
Kendall Beard
Kenneth “Kenny” Hoffpauer
Kris Allen
Kristen McNamara
Lacey Brown
Lauren Barnes
Lydia Parrott
Mallory Logue
Margaret “Margo” May
Markese Morris
Matt Corkey
Matt Giraud
Matthew “Matt” Breitzke
Megan Bohls
Megan Corkey
Melinda Camille
Michael Castro
Michael Sarver
Michael Steven Tristan
Mishavonna Henson
Monique Garcia Torres
Moorea Masa
Morgan McOwen
Nancy Wilson
Natasha “Tasha” Valentine
Natanial “Nate’ Marshall
Nena Lockheart
Nichol Berry Kennels
Nicholas “Nick” Hendrix
Nick Mitchell
Patricia Roman
Perrie Cataldo
Phoebe Holiday (Ryan)
Reggi Beasley
Ricky Braddy
Ryan Paul August Johnson
Raquel “Sarah” Houghton
Sarah Rose Flack
Scott Douglas MacIntyre
Sharon Wilbur
Shelby Swartwood
Stacie Ball
Stephanie Brit
Steven Darden
Tamara Taylor
Tatiana Nicole Del Toro
Thomas “Otto” Malone
Tom Korbee
Tuan/Twan Lozada
Tryphaena Joelle Nimmons
Von Smith

The American Idol Season 8 will have two-day premiere, on January 13 and 14, on FOX.

From there, the auditions of those contestants who made it to Hollywood will be shown until the Top 50 hopefuls are chosen.

Auditions were done in East Rutherford, New Jersey; Jacksonville, Florida; Kansas City, Missouri; Louisville, Kentucky; Phoenix, Arizona; Salt Lake City, Utah; San Francisco, California and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Yes, Puerto Rico

The Top 50 contestants will be cut down to Top 36, which shall be revealed on February 11.

Voting will begin on February 17, where viewers will decide as to who they think should advance to the next round of the competition. The 36 semi-finalists will be divided into three groups: 12 each night (February 17, February 24 and March 3).

Three finalists will be chosen each night based on the highest number of votes (1 male, 1 female and the one with the next highest vote) then the judges will choose 3 contestants to round up the Top 12 in a 'Wild Card' episode on March 5 .

Then the Top 12 finalists will be officially revealed on March 5 and their first performances is slated on March 10th.

In the Philippines, American Idol Season 8 will be shown once again on Q11.

Read More......

Another baby Pacquiao is born

On December 30 at 6:37 AM in Los Angeles, California (10:37 PM in Manila), Manny Pacquiao's wife Jinky gave birth to a 7.9 pound baby girl, their 4th child.

Jinky was admitted to Los Angeles Metropolitan Hospital early morning and of course, Manny was with her in the delivery room.

The baby Pacquiao is named Queen Elizabeth, obviously named after the famous queen of United Kingdom.

Looking at baby Queen Elizabeth, she inherited her mother's skin color and truly has the Pacquiao face just like her older sister Princess, Manny's 3rd child.

By January 10, Manny and Jinky along with newborn Queen Elizabeth and three other kids will be back in the Philippines.

Here's a video report from ABS-CBN's Umagang Kay Ganda:



***

Manny Pacquiao has been named Champion of Champions by ESPN Star Sports. In the final match, he was up against Malaysian squash player Nicol David and topped the poll with a landslide victory of over 90% of votes.

Earlier, Manny has also been named Boxer of the Year by WBC and Fighter of the Year by Yahoo! Sports.

Read More......

Oscars 2009 Best Foreign Language Film Predictions

Ploning, the Philippines' entry to the Oscar Awards 2009 Best Foreign Language Film category, still has a dim chance of making it to the Top 5, despite rigorous campaigns made by Judy Ann Santos herself, the female lead of the movie, and the film producers in the US this month.

In the 66th Golden Globe Awards 2009 nominations released two weeks ago, the 5 nominees for the Best Foreign Language Film mostly come from European countries with only one fron Asia: The Baader Meinhof Complex (Germany), Everlasting Moments (Sweden), Gomorrah (Italy), I've Loved You So Long (France) and Waltz With Bashir (Israel).

The Golden Globe Awards usually gives an idea as to the outcome of the Oscar Awards.

Meanwhile, in the 14th Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA) Critics' Choice Awards 2008, it almost has the same nominees for the Best Foreign Language Film with that of the Golden Globe, but this time with 2 contenders from Asia: A Christmas Tale (Un conte de Noël) • France, Gomorra • Italy, I've Loved You So Long (Il y a longtemps que je t'aime) • France, Let the Right One In (Låt den rätte komma in) • Sweden, Mongol • Kazakhstan and Waltz with Bashir (Vals im Bashir) • Israel.

With this, some sites have already listed down their predictions for the Oscars 2009 Best Foreign Language Film, none of which has cited 'Ploning' as one of the possible nominees:

Alternative Film Guide
The Baader Meinhof Complex (Germany)
The Class (France)
Everlasting Moments (Sweden)
Gomorrah (Italy)
Waltz with Bashir (Israel)

Runners Up: Tony Manero (Chile, The Home of Dark Butterflies (Finland), Captain Abu Raed (Jordan) and The Song of Sparrows (Iran)

Helium
Lion's Den (Argentina)
The Baader Meinhof Complex (Germany)
Tricks (Poland)
Gomorra (Italy)
The Class (France)
Waltz with Bashir (Israel)

The Film Experience
Revanche (Austria)
The Baader Meinhof Komplex (Germany)
Gomorra (Italy)
The Blind Sunflowers (Spain)
Everlasting Moments (Sweden)

Runners Up: Last Stop 174 (Brazil, The Necessities of Life (Canada), To Verdener (Denmark), The Class (France), Tulpan (Kazakhstan), O'Horten (Norway) and Waltz with Bashir (Israel)

D.é.j.à. v.u
The Home of Dark Butterflies (Finland)
The Class (France)
The Baader Meinhof Complex (Germany)
Taare Zameen Par (India)
The Song of Sparrows (Iran)
Waltz with Bashir (Israel)
Gomorra (Italy)
Everlasting Moments (Sweden)

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MMFF 2008 Box Office Gross (as of December 29, 2008)

34th Metro Manila Film Festival Philippines
Partial/Unofficial Box Office Gross Receipts
December 25 to 29, 2008

Day 1 (December 25, 2008)
1. Ang Tanging Ina N'yong Lahat - P20.9 million
2. Iskul Bukol: 20 Years After - P18.9 million
3. Shake, Rattle & Roll X - P13.1 million
4. Desperadas 2 - P7.0 million
5. Baler - P5.3 million
6. One Night Only - P1.5 million
7. Dayo - P1.2 million
8. Magkaibigan - P0.6 million

Day 1 Total: P68.5 MILLION

Day 2 (December 26, 2008)
1. Ang Tanging Ina N'yong Lahat - P20.1 million
2. Iskul Bukol: 20 Years After - P16.7 million
3. Baler - P9.9 million
4. Shake, Rattle & Roll X - P9.8 million
5. Desperadas 2 - P5.5 million
6. One Night Only - P1.2 million
7. Dayo - P1.0 million
8. Magkaibigan - P0.4 million

Day 2 Total: P64.6 MILLION

Day 3 (December 27, 2008)
1. Ang Tanging Ina N'yong Lahat P16.0 million
2. Iskul Bukol: 20 Years After P10.4 million
3. Shake, Rattle & Roll X P6.6 million
4. Desperadas 2 P4.0 million
5. Baler P1.8 million
6. One Night Only P0.8 million
7. Dayo P0.5 million
8. Magkaibigan P0.2 million

Day 3 Total: 40.3 MILLION

Day 4 (December 28, 2008)
1. Ang Tanging Ina N'yong Lahat P16.7 million
2. Iskul Bukol: 20 Years After P11.3 million
3. Shake, Rattle & Roll X P5.9 million
4. Desperadas 2 - P5.5 million
5. Baler - P1.9 million
6. One Night Only - P0.7 million
7. Dayo - P0.5 million
8. Magkaibigan - P0.2 million

Day 4 Total: 42.7 MILLION

Day 5 December 29, 2008
1. Ang Tanging Ina N'yong Lahat P14.2 million
2. Iskul Bukol: 20 Years After P7.8 million
3. Shake, Rattle & Roll X P5.1 million
4. Baler - P2.4 million
5. Desperadas 2 - P1.6 million
6. One Night Only - P0.7 million
7. Dayo - P0.5 million
8. Magkaibigan - P0.1 million

Day 5 Total: 32.4 MILLION

GRAND TOTAL: DECEMBER 25-29, 2008
1. Ang Tanging Ina N'yong Lahat - P87.9 million
2. Iskul Bukol: 20 Years After - P65.1 million
3. Shake, Rattle & Roll X - P40.5 million
4. Desperadas 2 - P23.6 million
5. Baler - P21.3 million
6. One Night Only - P4.9 million
7. Dayo - P3.7 million
8. Magkaibigan - P1.5 million

OVER-ALL TOTAL GROSS RECEIPTS as of Dec. 29, 2008: P248.5 MILLION

***

PHILIPPINE BOX OFFICE for 2008
as of December 29, 2008

1. A Very Special Love PHP 179,569,117
2. Caregiver PHP 139,536,302
3. For The First Time PHP 132,774,212
4. My Bestfriend's Girlfriend PHP 101,257,479
5. Dobol Trobol: Lets Get Redi 2 Rambol! PHP 90,507,251
6. When Love Begins... PHP 89,376,729
7. Ang Tanging Ina N'yong Lahat - (estimated) P87.9 million (as of Dec. 29)
8. Mag-ingat Ka Sa... Kulam PHP PHP 85,469,574
9. My Only Ü PHP 78,399,615
10. My Big Love PHP 69,703,502
11. SupahPapalicious PHP 66,988,528
12. Iskul Bukol: 20 Years After - (estimated) P65.1 million (as of Dec. 29)
13. One True Love PHP 62,482,432 (as of December 14, 2008)
14. Shake, Rattle & Roll X - (estimated) P40.5 million (as of Dec. 29)
15. Manay Po 2: Overload PHP 30,405,258
16. My Monster Mom PHP 29,209,289
17. Scaregivers PHP 26,079,691 (as of December 14, 2008)
18. Ikaw pa rin, bongga ka boy! PHP 24,668,554
19. I.T.A.L.Y. (I Trust and Love You) PHP PHP 23,709,311
20. Desperadas 2 - (estimated) P23.6 million (as of Dec. 29)
21. Baler - (estimated) P21.3 million (as of Dec. 29)
22. Urduja PHP 11,518,774
23. Ploning PHP 10,779,030
24. One Night Only - (estimated) P4.9 million (as of Dec. 29)
25. Loving You PHP 4,336,656
26. Dayo - (estimated) P3.7 million (as of Dec. 29)
27. Torotot PHP 2,133,244
28. Ate PHP 1,877,603
29. Magkaibigan - (estimated) P1.5 million (as of Dec. 29)
30. Half Blood Samurai (under PHP 1,000,000)

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There's no Filipino 'Twilight', says ABS-CBN

ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation has released a statement yesterday that there will no Filipino adaptation of the Hollywood box-office hit 'Twilight'.

According to ABS-CBN, the internet news about 'Takipsilim', the Filipino version of 'Twilight', are untrue.

"There is no truth to the Web reports, particularly in the Perez Hilton blogsite, that ABS-CBN is doing a local adaptation of "Twilight". ABS-CBN will be the first to announce if it is, in fact doing so," says ABS-CBN Corporate Communications' Bong Osorio.

Aside from Perez Hilton, some other sites who wrote or blogged about the 'Takipsilim' rumors include Yehey! Entertainment, Mykiru and an all-new blog dedicated to the rumored TV series.

Would you believe, even Ryan Seacrest (host of American Idol) has blogged about it?

Why is there a rumor like that?

Could it be true that ABS-CBN has changed its decision to do the remake because the remake received mostly objections and negative reactions?

Abs-cbnNEWs.com even did a story about it last week but it's now deleted. It was entitled 'ABS-CBN bags rights for local 'Twilight' remake'.

On December 24, abs-cbnNEWS.com uploaded a story, "ABS-CBN bags rights for local 'Twilight' remake". The source of the story was a report by entertainment writer Edgar Cruz posted on yehey.com.

The editor of the said ABS-CBN article apologized for the wrong reporting.

The duty editor who uploaded the story failed to check with ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp. whether the story was correct and accurate.

ABS-CBN Corp. Communications head Bong Osorio has since denied that the company will do a local remake of the movie, Twilight.

abs-cbnNEWS.com thus decided to remove the article from our website.

Our apologies. -- Eds.

With this, the said remake, to be entitled 'Takipsilim' is nothing but a hoax, as ABS-CBN does not plan of doing so.

The online petition of saying NO to 'Twilight' Filipino version has already solicitied 8,102 signatures (above the 5,000 target) and maybe that prompted ABS-CBN to withdraw its plan.

Read More......

Angel Locsin will shine brighter in 2009, according to a psychic

Psychic and Feng Shui Consultant Madame Suzette Arandela predicts that Angel Locsin will have a brighter 2009 ahead of her.

“Babalik ang dating ningning ng kanyang bituin. Makakabawi ang kanyang career ngayong 2009, " Madam Suzette shares to Abante-Tonite.

Probably the prediction is made out of the fact that her first movie with Star Cinema entitled 'Love Me Again (Land Down Under)' opposite Piolo Pascual will be the first movie to open in 2009. Well, it could be a good start for Angel.

When it comes to her lovelife, Angel will also have a stable relationship with current boyfriend Luis Manzano.

How about Angel's closest rival in showbiz, Marian Rivera?

According to Madam Suzette, if Marian (who is bombarded with so many intrigues) will not change her attitude, her career in 2009 will just be average.

“Kapag hindi nagbago ang attitude niya, magiging average lang ang kanyang career sa 2009. Malamang na mag-slow down ang kanyang career dahil sa kanyang ugali. May isang babaing sisikat ngayong 2009 na masasapawan siya,” she said.

On People's Taliba, it has also been reported that Marian Rivera's career in 2009 will not be as lucky as in 2008.

Quoting from the said article, "Marami ang nagsasa-bing kahit na nagpaka-wala ng ‘sandosenang ap-pliances si Marian Rivera sa mga entertainment press bago mag-Pasko, hindi pa rin daw ito susuwertihin sa taong 2009. Sabi ng ibang showbiz manghuhula, sasabit daw ang kamalasan kay Marian sa taong 2009 da-hil sa mga taong natapakan niya at nasaktan nitong 2008. Dahil nasa personality na raw ni Marian ang pagiging mataray at mapang-api, marami raw ang magwi-wish sa kanyang downfall sa dara-ting na taon."

Other predictions, according to Madam Suzette, include reconciliation between Sam Milby and Anne Curtis, blockbuster movie for KC Concepcion and Richard Gutierrez, another woman in between James Yap and Kris Aquino, health problems for Joey De Leon and Willie Revillame, more awards for Anne Curtis and Bea Alonzo might get pregnant if becomes careless.

Here's Madam Suzette's predictions this 2009 for some other showbiz personalities aside from Angel and Marian: (courtesy of Abante-Tonite)

WILLIE REVILLAME: “Mananatili ang pamamayagpag ng kanyang Wowowee show, pero dapat niyang ingatan ang kanyang kalusugan dahil nakikita kong maoospital siya.
“Malamang na magkaroon siya ng surgery.
Prone pa rin siya sa scandals at mai-involve siya sa ilang mga artistang babae. Magkakaroon siya ng bagong pag-ibig.”

RICHARD GUTIERREZ: “Mananatiling pataas ang career niya kahit sino pa ang itambal sa kanya.
“Dadami pa ang kanyang endorsement. Mag-iingat lang siya sa pagmomotor. Ingatan niya ang kanyang left leg.
“Pagdating sa kanyang lovelife, wala siyang seryosong makakarelasyon, pero mas magki-click ang tambalan nila ni KC Concepcion. Mas madadalas ang kanyang pagta-travel.
“Mas magiging ok ang kalusugan ng nanay niyang si Annabelle Rama, pero mas dapat pang mag-ingat ang tatay niyang si Eddie Gutierrez sa kalusugan nito.”

KC CONCEPCION: ­“ Mas magniningning pa ang bituin. Magkakaroon ng regular TV show. Maghi-hit ang pelikula nila ni Richard (When I Met You).
“Malamang na mag-aral uli siya. May kinalaman sa art ang pag-aaralan niya.
“Mas gaganda ang relasyon nila ng amang si Gabby Concepcion, pero prone to sickness ang ama.”

SHARON CUNETA: “May darating na family problem, pero pagdating sa career, mananatiling nasa top pa rin, pero may slow month siya sa kanyang career sa buwan ng July at August.
“Mas magta-travel pa. Malamang na mag-soul searching.”

RUFFA GUTIERREZ: ­ “Hindi pa tuluyang natatapos ang istorya nila ni Yilmaz (Bektas). Madalas pa rin silang magko-communicate dahil sa mga anak nilang sina Lorin at Venice.
“Tungkol sa lovelife, may isang politician na maghahabol sa kanya.
“Career-wise, mas magiging ok siya at magkakaroon ng bagong pelikula at bagong TV show sa ABS-CBN.”

KRIS AQUINO: “Hindi tuluyang matatahimik ang relasyon nila ng mister na si James Yap. Mai-involve si James sa ibang babae, pero hindi sila maghihiwalay.
“Nakikita kong mahal siya ni James, pero madali itong matukso sa ibang babae.
“Ingatan niya ang anak na si Joshua dahil prone ito sa sickness.”

DENNIS TRILLO:­ “Magiging ok ang kanyang career. Babalik ang dating sigla ng kanyang career.
“Magkakaproblema lang siya sa babae. Isang showbiz girl at isang non-showbiz girl ang mai-involve sa kanya.
“Dapat na mag-ingat siya dahil malamang na makabuntis uli siya.”

HEART EVANGELISTA:­ “Mas gaganda ang lovelife. Hindi na talaga sila magkakabalikan ni Jericho (Rosales).
“Mas magki-click pa kung ibabalik ang tambalan nila ni Richard (Gutierrez).”

JC DE VERA: “Mas aangat pa ang career this 2009. Mas gaganda ang relasyon nila ni Rhian (Ramos).
“Magkakaroon pa ng maraming investments. Magta-travel din siya.
“May isang babaing galit pa rin sa kanya hanggang ngayon.”

VILMA SANTOS: “Malamang na magkaroon ng surgery na may kinalaman sa uterus, kaya dapat mag-ingat.”

NORA AUNOR: “Hindi pa rin makakabawi sa kanyang career. Marami akong nakikitang negative sa kanya.
“Tungkol sa pera, hindi pa rin maganda ang dating sa kanya at magpapatuloy siya sa paglipat-lipat ng tirahan.”

VIC SOTTO:­ “Mananatiling maganda ang relasyon nila ni Pia (Guanio). Patuloy na mamamayagpag ang kanyang career.
“Malamang na magpakasal ang isang anak niya at magkaroon uli siya ng anak.”

JOEY DE LEON: “Dapat careful siya sa kanyang health, lalo na sa kanyang heart.
“Kikita siya ng malaki sa pagpe-painting.
“May isang anak na naman siya na papasukin ang showbiz.”

RUFA MAE QUINTO: “Mababawasan ng intriga ang kanyang buhay at tatlong pelikula ang gagawin niya.
“Hindi pa rin niya mahahanap ang kanyang Mr. Right sa 2009.”

OGIE ALCASID: “Magpapatuloy ang kanyang tagumpay at mas gaganda ang relasyon nila ni Regine.”

REGINE VELASQUEZ: “Malamang na magkaroon siya ng accident sa isang malayong lugar. Malamang na ma-hospital sa August o September.”

GRETCHEN BARRETTO: ­ “Puro problema sa pag-ibig, pero hindi pa rin sila maghihiwalay ni Tonyboy (Cojuangco).”

PIOLO PASCUAL:­ “Hindi pa rin siya magkakaroon ng serious love relationship. Mas magta-travel.”

SAM MILBY: ­“Ingatan niya ang kanyang left leg. Malamang na magkabalikan sila ni Anne (Curtis).”

ANNE CURTIS: ­ “Tatanggap pa ng award. Magiging maganda ang lovelife.”

JOHN LLOYD CRUZ: ­“Magkakaroon ng bagong girlfriend.”

BEA ALONZO: ­ “May poor health problem. Mai-in-love sa isang non-showbiz guy, pero mag-ingat at baka mabuntis.”

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'Ang Tanging Ina N'yong Lahat' now one of the Top 10 Box Office hits of 2008

As of December 28, 2008, 'Ang Tanging Ina N'yong Lahat' has earned a 4-day total of P73.7 million, a figure worthy enough to be included in the Top 10 Box Office Hits of 2008 as of this point.

At the end of the MMFF 2008 on January 7, 2009, expect 'Ang Tanging Ina N'yong Lahat' and 'Iskul Bukol: 20 Years After' both in the over-all Top 10, with the former securing a spot in the Top 5.

34th Metro Manila Film Festival Philippines
Partial/Unofficial Box Office Gross Receipts
December 25 to 28, 2008

Day 1 (December 25, 2008)
1. Ang Tanging Ina N'yong Lahat - P20.9 million
2. Iskul Bukol: 20 Years After - P18.9 million
3. Shake, Rattle & Roll X - P13.1 million
4. Desperadas 2 - P7.0 million
5. Baler - P5.3 million
6. One Night Only - P1.5 million
7. Dayo - P1.2 million
8. Magkaibigan - P0.6 million

Day 1 Total: P68.5 MILLION

Day 2 (December 26, 2008)
1. Ang Tanging Ina N'yong Lahat - P20.1 million
2. Iskul Bukol: 20 Years After - P16.7 million
3. Baler - P9.9 million
4. Shake, Rattle & Roll X - P9.8 million
5. Desperadas 2 - P5.5 million
6. One Night Only - P1.2 million
7. Dayo - P1.0 million
8. Magkaibigan - P0.4 million

Day 2 Total: P64.6 MILLION

Day 3 (December 27, 2008)
1. Ang Tanging Ina N'yong Lahat P16.0 million
2. Iskul Bukol: 20 Years After P10.4 million
3. Shake, Rattle & Roll X P6.6 million
4. Desperadas 2 P4.0 million
5. Baler P1.8 million
6. One Night Only P0.8 million
7. Dayo P0.5 million
8. Magkaibigan P0.2 million

Day 3 Total: 40.3 MILLION

Day 4 (December 28, 2008)
1. Ang Tanging Ina N'yong Lahat P16.7 million
2. Iskul Bukol: 20 Years After P11.3 million
3. Shake, Rattle & Roll X P5.9 million
4. Desperadas 2 - P5.5 million
5. Baler - P1.9 million
6. One Night Only - P0.7 million
7. Dayo - P0.5 million
8. Magkaibigan - P0.2 million

Day 4 Total: 42.7 MILLION

GRAND TOTAL: DECEMBER 25-28, 2008
1. Ang Tanging Ina N'yong Lahat - P73.7 million
2. Iskul Bukol: 20 Years After - P57.3 million
3. Shake, Rattle & Roll X - P35.4 million
4. Desperadas 2 - P22.0 million
5. Baler - P18.9 million
6. One Night Only - P4.2 million
7. Dayo - P3.2 million
8. Magkaibigan - P1.4 million

OVER-ALL TOTAL GROSS RECEIPTS as of Dec. 28, 2008: P216.1 MILLION

***

PHILIPPINE BOX OFFICE for 2008
as of December 28, 2008

1. A Very Special Love PHP 179,569,117
2. Caregiver PHP 139,536,302
3. For The First Time PHP 132,774,212
4. My Bestfriend's Girlfriend PHP 101,257,479
5. Dobol Trobol: Lets Get Redi 2 Rambol! PHP 90,507,251
6. When Love Begins... PHP 89,376,729
7. Mag-ingat Ka Sa... Kulam PHP PHP 85,469,574
8. My Only Ü PHP 78,399,615
9. Ang Tanging Ina N'yong Lahat - (estimated) P73.7 million (as of Dec. 28)
10. My Big Love PHP 69,703,502
11. SupahPapalicious PHP 66,988,528
12. One True Love PHP 62,482,432 (as of December 14, 2008)
13. Iskul Bukol: 20 Years After - (estimated) P57.3 million (as of Dec. 28)
14. Shake, Rattle & Roll X - (estimated) P35.4 million (as of Dec. 28)
15. Manay Po 2: Overload PHP 30,405,258
16. My Monster Mom PHP 29,209,289
17. Scaregivers PHP 26,079,691 (as of December 14, 2008)
18. Ikaw pa rin, bongga ka boy! PHP 24,668,554
19. I.T.A.L.Y. (I Trust and Love You) PHP PHP 23,709,311
20. Desperadas 2 - (estimated) P22.0 million (as of Dec. 28)
21. Baler - (estimated) P18.9 million (as of Dec. 28)
22. Urduja PHP 11,518,774
23. Ploning PHP 10,779,030
24. Loving You PHP 4,336,656
25. One Night Only - (estimated) P4.2 million (as of Dec. 28)
26. Dayo - (estimated) P3.2 million (as of Dec. 28)
27. Torotot PHP 2,133,244
28. Ate PHP 1,877,603
29. Magkaibigan - (estimated) P1.4 million (as of Dec. 28)
30. Half Blood Samurai (under PHP 1,000,000)

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Carlene Aguilar is FHM's 2009 wet opener

Dennis Trillo's ex-girlfriend and beauty queen turned actress Carlene Aguilar makes a big splash in the January 2009 issue of FHM Philippines.

As what FHM descibes Carlene, the young mom is beautiful, queenly and very, very 'wet'.

It is also Carlene's first sexy pictorial for a men's magazine.

Carlene, who is the mother of 2 year-old Calix Andreas, holds the record for being the first Philippine representative in Miss Earth and the only Filipina to compete both in Miss World (2005) and Miss Earth (2001). She was a semi-finalist in both pageant. She was also Miss Chinese International 2005 2nd Runner Up and Miss Internet WWW Queen 2006.

With her very sexy figure, she could still represent the Philippines in a pageant, this time in Mrs. World as soon as she gets married, hopefully with her new boyfriend Yo Ocampo.

Also featured in the 2009 opening salvo of FHM are Avi Siwa, Jenny Tran, Jhoy Mercado, Isabelle Du, Gwen Garci, Gail Nicolas, Hazel Anne Mendoza, Niña Jose, Jamilla Obispo and many more.

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MMFF Box Office: 'Ang Tanging Ina N'yong Lahat' widens its lead

After Day 3 (December 27, 2008), Star Cinema's MMFF '08 entry Ang Tanging Ina N'yong Lahat starring Ai-Ai de las Alas has maintained supremacy in the box office and widened its lead over closest competitor 'Iskul Bukol: 20 Years After' topbilled by Tito, Vic & Joey.

'Tanging Ina' sequel earned 16 million pesos during the third day, now with an accumulated total gross earnings of 57 million pesos.

'Iskul Bukol' on one hand had 10.4 million pesos on Day 3, to be added up to its 2-day total of 35.6 million pesos.

On Day 4, we'll see if the results of the MMFF 2008 Awards Night last Saturday will shake the box-office rankings.

34th Metro Manila Film Festival Philippines
Partial/Unofficial Box Office Gross Receipts
December 25 to 27, 2008

Day 1 (December 25, 2008)
1. Ang Tanging Ina N'yong Lahat - P20.9 million
2. Iskul Bukol: 20 Years After - P18.9 million
3. Shake, Rattle & Roll X - P13.1 million
4. Desperadas 2 - P7.0 million
5. Baler - P5.3 million
6. One Night Only - P1.5 million
7. Dayo - P1.2 million
8. Magkaibigan - P0.6 million

Day 1 Total: P68.5 MILLION

Day 2 (December 26, 2008)
1. Ang Tanging Ina N'yong Lahat - P20.1 million
2. Iskul Bukol: 20 Years After - P16.7 million
3. Baler - P9.9 million
4. Shake, Rattle & Roll X - P9.8 million
5. Desperadas 2 - P5.5 million
6. One Night Only - P1.2 million
7. Dayo - P1.0 million
8. Magkaibigan - P0.4 million

Day 2 Total: P64.6 MILLION

Day 3 (December 27, 2008)
1. Ang Tanging Ina N'yong Lahat P16.0 million
2. Iskul Bukol: 20 Years After P10.4 million
3. Shake, Rattle & Roll X P6.6 million
4. Desperadas 2 P4.0 million
5. Baler P1.8 million
6. One Night Only P0.8 million
7. Dayo P0.5 million
8. Magkaibigan P0.2 million

Day 3 Total: 40.3 MILLION

GRAND TOTAL (December 25-27, 2008)
1. Ang Tanging Ina N'yong Lahat P57.0 million
2. Iskul Bukol: 20 Years After P46.0 million
3. Shake, Rattle & Roll X P29.5 million
4. Baler - P17.0 million
5. Desperadas 2 - P16.5 million
6. One Night Only - P3.5 million
7. Dayo - P2.7 million
8. Magkaibigan - P1.2 million

OVER-ALL TOTAL GROSS RECEIPTS as of Dec. 27, 2008: P173.4 MILLION

In the over-all box-office chart for 2008, Ang Tanging Ina N'yong Lahat is now close to making it in the Top 10.

1. A Very Special Love PHP 179,569,117
2. Caregiver PHP 139,536,302
3. For The First Time PHP 132,774,212
4. My Bestfriend's Girlfriend PHP 101,257,479
5. Dobol Trobol: Lets Get Redi 2 Rambol! PHP 90,507,251
6. When Love Begins... PHP 89,376,729
7. Mag-ingat Ka Sa... Kulam PHP PHP 85,469,574
8. My Only Ü PHP 78,399,615
9. My Big Love PHP 69,703,502
10. SupahPapalicious PHP 66,988,528
11. One True Love PHP 62,482,432 (as of December 14, 2008)
12. Ang Tanging Ina N'yong Lahat (estimated) PHP 57,000,000 (as of December 27, 2008)
13. Iskul Bukol: 20 Years After (estimated) PHP 46,000,000 (as of December 27, 2008)
14. Manay Po 2: Overload PHP 30,405,258
15. Shake, Rattle & Roll X (estimated) PHP 29,500,000 (as of December 27, 2008)

See last year's MMFF box-office as of Day 3

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2008 MYX Hit Chart Yearend Countdown: Sarah Geronimo tops them all

MYX HIT CHART
Most Requested Videos (Foreign and OPM)
For the Year 2008

Obviously, Sarah Geronimo's A Very Special Love is the hottest song of 2008 as it both topped the Pinoy MYX Countdown, an OPM hits chart, and the MYX Hit Chart, a countdown of the most requested local and international songs.

Sarah Geronimo and Rico Blanco are the only solo artists from the Philippines to penetrate this year's over-all Top 20.

It's the 4th consecutive year for Hale and SpongeCola to make it in the 5-year old year-end countdown while a third consecutive time for both Sarah Geronimo and Callalily.

Last year, there were 15 OPM and 5 foreign songs in the MYX Hit Chart but this time around, the ratio is 11:9 still in favor of the OPM songs.

01. A Very Special Love by Sarah Geronimo
02. Betamax by Sandwich
03. When You Look Me in the Eyes by Jonas Brothers
04. 7 Things by Miley Cyrus
05. Susundan by Callalily
06. Pasubali by SpongeCola
07. Crush by David Archuleta
08. Decode by Paramore
09. Ang Sarap Dito by Project 1
10. Pitong Araw by Hale
11. Procastinator by Sandwich
12. Kailan by Bamboo
13. Ang Pusa Mo by Pedicab
14. The Fight Is Over by Urbandub
15. Happy Birthday by The Click Five
16. Bye Bye by Mariah Carey
17. This is Me by Demi Lovato & Joe Jonas
18. No Air by Jordin Sparks feat. Chris Brown
19. Realize by Colbie Caillat
20. Rico Blanco - Yugto


Previous Year's Countdown:

2007
1. Magbalik by Callalily
2. Jenny by The Click Five
3. Magsasaya by 6CycleMind
4. 'Wag Ka Nang Umiyak by Sugarfree
5. Ikaw by Sarah Geronimo
6. Nakapagtataka by SpongeCola
7. Pasan by Callalily
8. Famous Last Words by My Chemical Romance
9. Chicosci Vampire Social Club by ChicoSci
10. You Are The Music In Me by the Cast of High School Musical 2
11. Tuliro by SpongeCola
12. Shooting Star by Hale
13. Probinsyana by Bamboo
14. Prinsesa by 6CycleMind
15. Love Team by Itchyworms
16. Seven Black Roses by ChicoSci
17. Girlfriend by Avril Lavigne
18. Teenagers by My Chemical Romance
19. Alam ng Ating Mga Puso by Rachelle Ann Go
20. Love Will Lead You Back by Kyla

2006
1. Narda – Kamikazee
2. Bitiw – SpongeCola
3. Ulan – Cueshé
4. I Still Believe in Loving You – Sarah Geronimo
5. If You Walk Away – Rachelle Ann Go
6. Sugod – Sandwich
7. Doo Bi Doo – Kamikazee
8. Waltz – Hale
9. Stars – Callalily
10. Jeepney driver– Kala
11. Beep – The Pussycat Dolls
12. Welcome to the Black Parade – My Chemical Romance
13. Dahil Ikaw – True Faith
14. Invincible – Christian Bautista
15. Bakit – Rachelle Ann Go
16. Martyr Nievera – Kamikazee
17. Jeepney – SpongeCola
18. Direction – Slapshock
19. 241 (My Favorite Song) – Rivermaya
20. Bebot – Black Eyed Peas

2005
1. The day you said goodnight – Hale
2. Love Moves In Mysterious Ways – Nina
3. Tell Me Where It Hurts – MYMP
4. We Belong Together – Mariah Carey
5. True – Ryan Cabrera
6. Do Somethin' – Britney Spears
7. Kahit Pa – Hale
8. Stay – Cueshé
9. Untitled – Simple Plan
10. Incomplete – Backstreet Boys
11. Gemini – Sponge Cola
12. You'll Be Safe Here – Rivermaya
13. Same Ground – Kitchie Nadal
14. I Need You – Mark Bautista
15. Beautiful Soul – Jesse McCartney
16. Bright Lights – Billy Crawford
17. Kung Wala Ka – Hale
18. Wake Me Up When September Ends – Green Day
19. Helena – My Chemical Romance
20. Since U Been Gone – Kelly Clarkson

2004
1. Toxic – Britney Spears
2. Gravity – Jerry Yan
3. How Could You Say You Love Me – Sarah Geronimo
4. Come In Out Of The Rain – Sheryn Regis
5. Hands to Heaven – Christian Bautista
6. The Reason – Hoobastank
7. Yeah – Usher feat Ludacris and Lil Jon
8. This Love – Maroon 5
9. Everytime – Britney Spears
10. Mandy – Westlife
11. My Happy Ending – Avril Lavigne
12. Remember I Love You – Vic Zhou
13. Pagbigyang Muli – Erik Santos
14. Because of You – Kyla
15. Rainbow – South Border
16. One Meter – Jerry Yan
17. Noypi – Bamboo
18. Balisong – Rivermaya
19. Penny and Me – Hanson
20. Summer Sunshine – The Corrs

Read More......

2008 MYX International Top 20 Yearend Chart

MYX INTERNATIONAL TOP 20 (M.I.T. 20)
Year-end Countdown
Most Requested Foreign Videos for 2008

1. When You Look Me in the Eyes by Jonas Brothers
2. 7 Things by Miley Cyrus
3. Crush by David Archuleta
4. Decode by Paramore
5. Happy Birthday by The Click Five
6. Bye Bye by Mariah Carey
7. This is Me by Demi Lovato & Joe Jonas
8. No Air by Jordin Sparks feat. Chris Brown
9. Realize by Colbie Caillat
10. Bleeding Love by Leona Lewis
11. Empty by The Click Five
12. Dead by My Chemical Romance
13. With You by Chris Brown
14. Low by Flo Rida feat. T-Pain
15. Touch My Body by Mariah Carey
16. Burnin' Up by Jonas Brothers
17. When I Grow Up by The Pussycat Dolls
18. Womanizer by Britney Spears
19. Don't Stop the Music by Rihanna
20. Viva La Vida by Coldplay

MIT TOP 20 YEAR END COUNTDOWN (2007)
1. Jenny by The Click Five
2. Famous Last Words by My Chemical Romance
3. You are the Music in Me by the Cast Of High School Musical 2
4. Girlfriend by Avril Lavigne
5. Teenagers by My Chemical Romance
6. I Don't Love You by My Chemical Romance
7. Umbrella by Rihanna feat. Jay-Z
8. Irreplaceable by Beyonce
9. What I've Done by Linkin Park
10. Makes Me Wonder by Maroon 5
11. Wait For You by Elliott Yamin
12. Big Girls Don't Cry by Fergie
13. Don't Matter by Akon
14. Beautiful Girl by Sean Kingston
15. Say It Right by Nelly Furtado
16. Gimme More by Britney Spears
17. Thnks Fr Th Mmrs by Fall Out Boy
18. What Time Is It by the Cast Of High School Musical 2
19. Stolen by Dashboard Confessional
20. Your Guardian Angel by The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus

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Boy Abunda does not believe Marian Rivera is the biggest star

On The Buzz yesterday, host Boy Abunda stood by his statement that GMA's prized talent Marian Rivera is not the biggest star.

Boy's reaction came after a video of Marian was shown wherein the beautiful actress was asked to give a message to Boy regarding the latter's fearless statement last December 21 that Marian is not the biggest stat, but just one of the biggest stars of today.

Instead of greeting Boy, Marian gave a message to Kris Aquino instead: "Si Ate Kris na lang. I love you, Ate Kris."

"First I didn't expect naman Marian to say, 'I love you, Tito Boy,'" Boy reacted.

"I standby what I said. And Marian, I didn't call you names, I simply said, and I paid tribute to you, sinabi ko, you're one of the biggest stars. I standby my statement na I don't believe you are the biggest star," he graciously added.

"Kapag pinag-uusapan ang biggest star, marami 'yan, eh. Longevity, body of work, ikaw ba ay maraming pelikula, ikaw ba ay may concert. Malawak at malaki ang pamantayan ng titulong biggest star."

"I don't think you can be the biggest star with two hits (referring to Marimar and Dyesebel," Boy continued.

However, Boy recognized Marian's big achievements. "Back-to-back hits are hard to achieve and Marian achieved a lot." But he also cited other female big stars with great achievements in 2008 such as KC Concepcion, Sarah Geronimo, Bea Alonzo, Claudine Barretto and Judy Ann Santos.

"I didn't' say anything derogatory. I didn't say anything to disparage your name. To a certain point, being a big star in our industry is relative."

Boy's final message to Marian: "Marian if you love Kris Aquino, I love her more."

***

Just some fast trivia on Boy and Marian:

When Marian was starting on showbiz, Boy Abunda wanted to manage her career.

The two already had conflicts in the past, when Marian Rivera denied that Ervic Vijandre, her former boyfriend, personally knew Boy Abunda. Boy reacted on Marian's denial, “Nais ko lamang sabihin na hindi karangalan, karagdagan o kabawasan sa aking pagkatao kung hindi ako kilala ni Ervic!”

Boy Abunda was also the interviewer when Karylle gave her controversial "smile" as a response to the question: Totoo bang buntis si Marian kay Dingdong Dantes?

Read More......

12 Stars to Watch in 2009

Starstruck's Ultimate Hunk and latest Cotton Club endorser Aljur Abrenica has been cited as one of the 12 stars to watch out for in 2009.

Philippine Daily Inquirer cited down 12 promising stars who they think will shine the brightest in 2009.

Five are Kapuso (GMA) talents while the remainders are all from the Kapamilya network ABS-CBN, but four of those Kapamilya talents were originally from GMA.

In the description provided for each of the 12 stars to watch out for, you'll find out that Valerie Concepcion will play Thalia's character in the Filipino remake of the hit Mexican telenovela Maria Mercedes while Karylle will be part of another remake this time a Koreanovela, Princess Hours (with I think Maja Salvador in the lead role) and Cristine Reyes is tapped to do the TV remake of Burlesk Queen.

Here's the list of the 12 stars to watch out for this 2009, according to Philippine Daily Inquirer Showbiz and Style column:

1. Aljur Abrenica

Aljur Abrenica, 18, rose to prominence as the first “Ultimate Hunk” of the reality-based talent search “StarStruck” in 2006. He continued to draw attention with appearances in the teen drama “Boys Nxt Door” and regular performances in the Sunday noontime show “SOP.” His first major television role came in 2007 when GMA-7 tapped him to play the “Red Zaido” and Cervano, one of the three lead characters in the primetime fantasy series “Zaido: Pulis Pangkalawakan” opposite Dennis Trillo and the late Marky Cielo.

His inclusion in the top rating “Dyesebel” further exposed him to a broader audience. Aljur also had roles in successful box office hits “I.T.A.L.Y.” and “Loving You.”

Presently, he is part of the ensemble cast of the top rating fantasy series “Luna Mystika” as the tikbalang Libado.

Though Aljur is currently cast in mere supporting roles, a major lead role in a movie or television show could most certainly come next year.

2. Jon Avila

Who’s that guy on the billboard? Female motorists can’t help but notice his eye-catching, libido-pushing images along the Metro’s major thoroughfares. But this attention getter did not stop there. Like Sam Milby before him, this professional model made the big plunge into show business when he made the cut as a housemate in “Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Edition 2.”

The Irish Filipino Jon Avila, 21, who was born and raised in the United Kingdom, is now a household name. Dubbed the “English Outcast,” Jon was unceremoniously evicted from the reality-based TV show because of a controversy, but that did not discourage him from pursuing an acting career.

ABS-CBN picked Jon to play a fumbling superhero in the Mars Ravelo classic “Kapitan Boom” in the network’s “Komiks” anthology this year. The show generated a big following in its Saturday airing, as viewers started getting enamored with Jon’s boyish charms. He did not disappoint them. Apart from television appearances in “ASAP 08” as part of the Cover Boys and the dance program “Shall We Dance” on TV5, this young talent is embarking on a movie career, starting with the indie film “Nars” and the Star Cinema movie “When Love Begins.” Jon is filming his first major role opposite Rufa Mae Quinto in “Civil Status: Single,” a comedy scheduled for an early 2009 release.

3. Valerie Concepcion

Call it a blessing in disguise, but Valerie Concepcion’s abrupt exit from showbiz in 2004 due to her pregnancy worked wonders for her. It showed that life’s challenges can make one stronger, wiser, and in Valerie’s case, a topnotch actress-TV host.

When Valerie transferred to ABS-CBN after a respectable career in GMA-7 (which started with the 2002 youth-oriented series “Click” and ended with the 2007 fantasy series “Fantastic Man”), the spotlight focused on another aspect of her talent: TV hosting. Valerie received the 2008 PMPC Star Award for Best Female Variety Show Host for her efforts in the noontime show “Wowowee.”

That continuing stint provided her the needed exposure for subsequent projects, including product endorsements and guestings in the network’s youth oriented shows and drama anthologies. Valerie is now a regular in ABS-CBN’s “Banana Split,” further showcasing her acting talent, particularly in comedy.

Valerie has also crossed over to the movies with a role that departs from her usual girl-next-door portrayals. She stars in Octo Arts Films’ sex comedy “One Night Only,” opposite Diana Zubiri, Katrina Halili, Jennylyn Mercado and Alessandra de Rossi.

Next year is expected to be a banner one for Valerie, who will play the role Mexican singer-actress Thalia made popular in the 1990s—Maria Mercedes, set to become an ABS-CBN primetime offering.

4. Jake Cuenca

Considered one of the top hunks of ABS-CBN, Jake Cuenca, 21, was actually a former Kapuso and graduate of GMA-7’s teen drama “Click” in 2003. Jake indeed made such a big impact in his “Click” stint that GMA-7 herded him into their major television offerings. He landed plum roles in “Hanggang Kailan,” “Forever In My Heart,” “Encantadia,” and the Angel Locsin-starrer “Majika.”

Jake’s 2006 transfer to the Kapamilya network proved to be a good decision. Not only did he bag juicy TV roles, he also got a sizeable movie deal with Star Cinema for several projects. From late 2006 to 2007, Jake appeared in 14 ABS-CBN shows, from the fantasy series “Komiks Presents: Si Pedro Penduko at ang mga Engkanto” to the superhero classic “Mars Ravelo’s Lastikman.”

Jake grabbed his biggest role in the remake earlier this year of the Bernard Bonnin 1960s starrer “Palos,” in which he shared lead credits with Cesar Montano.

But the guy got more attention on the sidelines when he made tabloid headlines bannering his romance and eventual breakup with fellow ABS-CBN star Roxanne Guinoo. He also courted controversy when he got linked to another Kapamilya star, Bea Alonzo, which triggered Roxanne’s reported confrontation with Bea during a show abroad.

Amid all the talk, Jake is making heads turn as part of the ASAP Cover Boys, a group in the tradition of the Hunks that propelled the careers of Piolo Pascual, Diether Ocampo, Jericho Rosales, Bernard Palanca and Carlos Agassi. This is definitely a sign of more good things to come for this good-looking and sexy actor.

5. Will Devaughn

Will Devaughn, 25, captured the limelight immediately after landing fourth place in the “Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Edition 2” reality TV show. His stunning Filipino-African-American-German looks made him a natural choice for many product endorsements.

Will’s “Pinoy Big Brother” victory endeared him to a growing number of fans and led to appearances in ABS-CBN dramas such as “Love Spell” with fellow PBB alumna and Second Big Placer Rizza Santos, and “Komiks Presents: Da Adventures of Pedro Penduko.”

Will is also be part of the ensemble cast of the back-to-back Metro Manila Film Festival entry “Desperadas.”

2009 is definitely expected to be Will’s banner year with his involvement in two huge ABS-CBN projects—two comeback shows for two of the country’s most acclaimed and revered actors.

Will is included in Judy Ann Santos’ upcoming ABS-CBN teleserye, “Humingi Ako Sa Langit" and is part of Comedy King Dolphy’s most-awaited first teleserye, “Utoy.” This could be his biggest break yet.

6. Robi Domingo

Ateneo student Robi Domingo, 18, made his mark as the Second Big Winner of the “Pinoy Big Brother: Teen Edition Plus” series this year.

Since his big finish in ABS-CBN’s talent launchpad that started the careers of Sam Milby, Gerald Anderson and Kim Chiu, Robi has been aspiring to make it big in the biz without abandoning his studies. He had appeared in a number of ABS-CBN youth-oriented shows, including “Your Song” and “Love Spell,” but the acting bug has yet to bite, it seems.

Joining the video jock search in ABS-CBN’s music channel Myx proved to be his biggest breakthrough this year, which was enough to convince voters in the Philippine Movie Press Club to name him as this year’s Star Awardee for Best New Male TV Personality.

The award will surely open doors for this actor-TV host who has proved himself a role model among young fans. A comparison with Rico Yan further motivated him to pursue the late actor’s accomplishments in the biz.

Continuing his impressive Myx VJ stint, Robi appears headed for still grander things in 2009. A major TV or movie role seems to be within reach.

7. Sheena Halili

When people first saw Sheena Halili, they never thought she would have reached this far in the biz.

An early dropout in the initial 2003 “StarStruck” search, Sheena may have had second thoughts about joining the reality-based talent search. Although she signed a GMA-7 contract right after the show ended as one of the StarStruck Avengers, the group of contestants who failed to reach the competition’s Final Four, Sheena was not able to sustain the popularity she gained from the contest. This led to her exit from the limelight when her contract expired.

But when a casting call came for the Philippine adaptation of the Mexican series “MariMar,” Sheena, now 21, grabbed the opportunity and landed the supporting role of Monica, the sprightly best friend and collaborator of Katrina Halili’s character Angelica. That became her biggest break. As “MariMar” became the most watched television show in the Philippines during its six-month run and made its lead stars Marian Rivera, Dingdong Dantes and Katrina the biggest names in showbiz, Sheena was also rewarded with a revitalized acting career.

After “MariMar,” Sheena’s bubbly nature again filled the airwaves as one of the main antagonists in the Regine Velasquez-starrer “Ako si Kim Samsoon.” She is also cast in the successful worldwide telenovela franchise “La Lola,” and appears as one of the on location hosts of the Manny Pacquiao show “Pinoy Records.”

2009 will be no different from Sheena’s successful 2008 run as GMA-7 continues to line up projects for this young actress, who is enjoying her second wind.

8. Karylle

Who would have expected that a controversial break-up with her boyfriend of three years would eventually lead to this singer’s radical bid for showbiz superstardom? Now 27, Karylle is enjoying her time as a new talent of ABS-CBN and artist of EMI Music after months of despair and personal anguish.

Not to simplify what she went through, but Karylle emerged a winner from it all. The controversy and the media circus that played on her personal life indeed made her stronger and more driven as an artist and person. Karylle has opted for a clean slate since her split from Dingdong—a new management outfit, record label, film studio and television network. Who knows? A shift in image as well, as showbiz talks speculate on a possible cover for a popular men’s magazine.

Karylle is appearing in “ASAP ’08” after several years of performing in rival “SOP.” Her newly signed ABS-CBN contract shows that she is set to appear in several Kapamilya shows and Star Cinema films.

A banner year in 2009? That seems to be an understatement, what with several potential top raters lined up for Karylle. Reports have it that this singer is being cast in three major ABS-CBN projects, including a remake of the Susan Roces film “Maruja,” and two hit Koreanovela adaptations, “Lovers in Paris” and “Princess Hours.”

9. Lovi Poe

Her famous family name may have helped a bit, but definitely, Lovi Poe, 19, is a class on her own.

Lovi’s string of successes on television didn’t come overnight. Initially billed as a singer, Lovi proved that striking good looks are always an asset that television show producers can’t just ignore. As a 17-year-old Colegio de San Agustin junior, this young star started her showbiz career opposite GMA-7’s returning male lead Cogie Domingo in the 2006 “Love to Love: Jazz Got Lucky.”

After her initial stint, Lovi embarked on the turning point in her showbiz career, portraying Kristal in the highest rating TV show in 2007, “Bakekang.” As televiewers adored her pretty face and enthralling voice, Regal Films also took notice of her talent, casting her in 2007’s “Shake Rattle and Roll 9,” a performance that earned her a Star Award for Best New Movie Actress from the Philippine Movie Press Club.

She also became a hot subject on showbiz talk shows after Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr.’s son Jolo openly admitted that he was courting her. Though both deny any serious involvement, partly because of an alleged rift between Jolo and Lovi’s mom Rowena Moran, the young stars used the hype to the hilt with their appearance as a couple in the sine-novela “Kaputol ng Isang Awit” with Glaiza de Castro and the late Marky Cielo.

Lovi also juggles her acting career with her recording duties under Sony BMG, which released her second album, “Bloom” this year, a follow-up of her “Best of My Heart” CD that turned gold in 2006. She also held her first major concert, “Bloom,” at the Music Museum last October.

Lovi is currently involved with the GMA-7 adaptation of Latin American telenovela craze “La Lola.” With all these projects under her belt, Lovi seems all set for a more fruitful year ahead.

10. Cristine Reyes

Like her sister Ara Mina who accomplished a lot in the last decade, Cristine Reyes, 19, is fast becoming tinseltown’s next vixen.

Not only is this “StarStruck” alumna poised to achieve stellar status with her new, daring persona, she’ll do anything to achieve it, even leave the network that discovered and nurtured her career from Day One.

But Cristine has no regrets. She considers ABS-CBN more than accommodating for giving her a plum role in the Jericho Rosales-Carmen Soo drama “Kahit Isang Saglit,” a portrayal that even impressed multi-awarded actor Christopher de Leon. The network then cast her in the role of her dreams—in “Eva Fonda, 16” a sexy role popularized by Alma Moreno.

Though controversial, as the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board had reprimanded ABS-CBN for some scenes, the series is bound to get televiewers to notice Cristine’s acting talent and spellbinding appeal.

Indeed, 2009 will prove to be another big year for Cristine as she makes TV screens sizzle with an adaptation of Vilma Santos’ 1970s classic “Burlesk Queen.”

11. Rhian Ramos

The bubbly and perky teen star recently got her biggest break in the popular guy-turned-girl Latin American franchise “La Lola,” currently airing weekdays on primetime TV. Rhian’s breakthrough performance had led to top ratings for the show in its initial weeks.

But Rhian Ramos, 18, did not come from nowhere.

After appearing in TV commercials, Rhian was cast in the top rating 2006 fantasy series “Mars Ravelo’s Captain Barbell,” landing a supporting role to Richard Gutierrez that immediately made an impact on televiewers. Noticing this, the GMA 7 bigwigs included her in another Richard Gutierrez project, “Lupin,” playing the prominent Avril. As her celebrity flourished on and off cam, Rhian became a regular fixture in showbiz talk shows as controversies surfaced on alleged altercations with a fellow actress, some revealing Internet photos and hate blog entries. But these have not dampened Rhian’s young spirit as she became a favorite in most Kapuso shows, including the sine-novela “My Only Love,” “Pinoy Idol Extra,” and “Codename: Asero,” where she made a brief appearance with Richard.

Apart from her television projects, Rhian also appeared in several GMA Films projects, such as “The Promise,” “Ouija,” “I.T.A.L.Y.,” and “My Monster Mom,” as the young Annabelle Rama.

Her “La Lola” success would definitely lead to bigger things. A hardworker, Rhian is dead serious about staying in the industry for a long long time.

12. JC de Vera

JC de Vera, 22, has become the leading male actor of choice in GMA-7 dramas. He is in fact described as the network’s “Drama Prince” after good ratings from his performances in the sine-novelas “Pati Ba Pintig ng Puso,” “Pasan Ko Ang Daigdig,” and “Babangon Ako’t Dudurugin Kita”—opposite his erstwhile screen partner Yasmien Kurdi.

JC is also a 2004 “Click” graduate, who impressed his directors with deep and sensitive acting. He subsequently appeared on top rating GMA 7 shows “Sugo” and “Captain Barbell,” and the “Now and Forever” series where he was paired with the industry’s top actors.

But his recent dedicated anthology “Obra Presents JC De Vera” has proven that he can now be counted among the country’s top young actors.

As the male lead in the Latin American telenovela franchise “La Lola” and with his memorable performances in the movies “My Bestfriend’s Girlfriend,” “My Monster Mom,” “Loving You,” and the Metro Manila Film Festival entry, “Shake, Rattle, and Roll X,” and with his upcoming film “Sundo,” one can say for sure that JC has arrived and will continue to make his mark in the industry.

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'A Very Special Love' tops Pinoy MYX Year-End Countdown

Sarah Geronimo's A Very Special Love, which stayed on top of OPM MYX Countdown for 5 weeks, has been named the #1 OPM Song of 2008 or the most requested song/video on MYX.

A Very Special Love was the theme song of the 2008 box-office movie of the same title, starring Sarah herself and John Lloyd Cruz.

It's indeed a great achievement for Sarah to top the said countdown as 75% of the songs on MYX's Top 20 OPM Songs for 2008 are from popular group or bands such as Sandwich, Callalily, SpongeCola, Hale, Bamboo, Urbandub, Pupil, 6CycleMind, ChicoSci and MYMP.

Aside from Sarah, other solo artists in the countdown are Christian Bautista and Rico Blanco.

Rico's song Yugto was never a #1 song, but managed to hit the year-end countdown in a solid 11th position.

On MYX Hit Chart Year-end countdown, with both foreign and OPM songs, A Very Special Love is also on #1.

Here's 2008's PINOY MYX YEAR-END COUNTDOWN:
01. Sarah Geronimo - A Very Special Love
02. Sandwich - Betamax
03. Callalily - Susundan
04. SpongeCola - Pasubali
05. Project 1 - Ang Sarap Dito
06. Hale - Pitong Araw
07. Sandwich - Procastinator
08. Bamboo - Kailan
09. Pedicab - Ang Pusa Mo
10. Urbandub - The Fight Is Over
11. Rico Blanco - Yugto
12. Pupil -Disconnection Notice
13. MYMP - Now
14. SpongeCola - Puso
15. 6Cyclemind - Aaminin
16. Hale - Leap Of Faith
17. ChicoSci - Last Look
18. Sandwich - Selos
19. Christian Bautista - The One Who Won My Heart
20. Dice & K9 - Eargasmic

2007 PINOY MYX YEAR-END COUNTDOWN
1. Callalily - Magbalik
2. 6CycleMind - Magsasaya
3. Sugarfree - 'Wag Ka Nang Umiyak
4. Sarah Geronimo - Ikaw
5. SpongeCola - Nakapagtataka
6. Callalily - Pasan
7. ChicoSci - ChicoSci Vampire Social Club
8. SpongeCola - Tuliro
9. Hale - Shooting Star
10. Bamboo - Probinsyana
11. 6CycleMind - Prinsesa
12. Itchyworms - Love Team
13. ChicoSci - Seven Black Roses
14. Rachelle Ann Go - Alam Ng Ating Mga Puso
15. Kyla - Love Will Lead You Back
16. 6CycleMind - Upside Down
17. Imago - Sundo
18. Silent Sanctuary - Ikaw Lamang
19. Sandwich - Sunburn
20. Kim Chiu - Crazy Love

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'Baler' overtakes 'Desperadas 2' in the MMFF 2008 Box Office

After two days, 'Ang Tanging Ina N'yong Lahat' still leads the box-office with 41 million pesos (20.9 million pesos during the opening day and 20.1 million in the 2nd day).

Coming in close second is 'Iskul Bukol: 20 Years After' with 2-day total of P35.6 million.

'Baler' started out 5th in the box-office ranking last Wednesday, but in Day 2, the movie has climbed up to #3 overtaking Shake, Rattle & Roll X and Desperadas 2.

It's now 4th over-all and might move up the box-office rankings anytime soon after it won 10 awards last night.

Untouchable in 3rd slot is 'Shake, Rattle & Roll X' and trailing behind (still in the same order) are 'One Night Only', 'Dayo' and 'Magkaibigan'.

34th Metro Manila Film Festival Philippines
Box Office Gross Receipts
December 25 to 26, 2008

Day 1 (December 25, 2008)
1. Ang Tanging Ina N'yong Lahat - P20.9 million
2. Iskul Bukol: 20 Years After - P18.9 million
3. Shake, Rattle & Roll X - P13.1 million
4. Desperadas 2 - P7.0 million
5. Baler - P5.3 million
6. One Night Only - P1.5 million
7. Dayo - P1.2 million
8. Magkaibigan - P0.6 million

Day 1 Total: P68.5 MILLION

Day 2 (December 26, 2008)
1. Ang Tanging Ina N'yong Lahat - P20.1 million
2. Iskul Bukol: 20 Years After - P16.7 million
3. Baler - P9.9 million
4. Shake, Rattle & Roll X - P9.8 million
5. Desperadas 2 - P5.5 million
6. One Night Only - P1.2 million
7. Dayo - P1.0 million
8. Magkaibigan - P0.4 million

Day 2 Total: P64.6 MILLION

GRAND TOTAL: DECEMBER 25-26, 2008
1. Ang Tanging Ina N'yong Lahat - P41 million
2. Iskul Bukol: 20 Years After - P35.6 million
3. Shake, Rattle & Roll X - P22.9 million
4. Baler - P15.2 million
5. Desperadas 2 - P12.5 million
6. One Night Only - P2.7 million
7. Dayo - P2.2 million
8. Magkaibigan - P1.0 million

Day 1 & 2 Total: P133.1 MILLION

Source: MMFF Executive Committee

See last year's MMFF box-office as of Day 2

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MMFF 2008 Awards Night Winners

Viva Films' Baler emerged victorious in the 34th Metro Manila Film Festival when it took home 10 awards during the awarding ceremony held last night at Sofitel Harbor Tent, Pasay City.

Here's the complete list of winners in the MMFF 2008:

BY CATEGORIES

Best Festival Picture: Baler (Viva Films)
2nd Best Festival Picture: Ang Tanging Ina N'yong Lahat (Star Cinema)
3rd Best Festival Picture: Iskul Bukol: 20 Years After (OctoArts Films/M-ZET Productions/APT Entertainment)

Best Festival Actor: Christopher de Leon (Magkaibigan)
Best Festival Actress: Anne Curtis (Baler)
Best Festival Supporting Actor: Phillip Salvador (Baler)
Best Festival Supporting Actress: Manilyn Reynes (One Night Only)
Best Festival Child Performer: Robert Villar (Shake, Rattle & Roll X)

Best Festival Director: Mark Meily (Baler)
Best Festival Screenplay: Roy Iglesias (Baler)
Best Festival Original Story: Jose Javier Reyes (One Night Only)

Best Festival Musical Score: Dayo sa Mundo ng Elementalia
Best Festival Movie Theme Song: "Lipad" for Dayo sa Mundo ng Elementalia
Best Festival Sound Recording: Dayo sa Mundo ng Elementalia

Best Festival Cinematography: Baler
Best Festival Production Design: Baler
Best Festival Visual Effects: Dayo sa Mundo ng Elementalia
Best Festival Editor: Baler
Best Festival Makeup: Desperadas 2

Gender Sensitive Award: Baler
Gatpuno Antonio Villegas Cultural Award: Baler

BY MOVIES

BALER (10)
Best Festival Picture
Best Festival Actress: Anne Curtis
Best Festival Supporting Actor: Phillip Salvador
Best Festival Director: Mark Meily
Best Festival Screenplay: Roy Iglesias
Best Festival Cinematography
Best Festival Production Design
Best Festival Editor
Gender Sensitive Award
Gatpuno Antonio Villegas Cultural Award

DAYO (4)
Best Festival Musical Score
Best Festival Movie Theme Song: "Lipad" interpreted by Lea Salonga
Best Festival Sound Recording
Best Festival Visual Effects

ONE NIGHT ONLY (2)
Best Festival Supporting Actress: Manilyn Reynes
Best Festival Original Story: Jose Javier Reyes

ANG TANGING INA N'YONG LAHAT (1)
2nd Best Festival Picture

ISKUL BUKOL: 20 YEARS AFTER (1)
3rd Best Festival Picture

MAGKAIBIGAN (1)
Best Festival Actor: Christopher de Leon

SHAKE, RATTLE & ROLL X (1)
Best Festival Child Performer: Robert Villar

DESPERADAS 2 (1)
Best Festival Makeup

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Anne Curtis receives her first acting award for 'Baler'

Another Kapamilya actress has received her first Best Actress award after Angel Locsin had it last month.

Anne Curtis, female lead of Viva Films' Baler, was adjudged Best Festival Actress in the 34th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Awards Night held last night, December 27, 2008 at the Sofitel Hotel in Pasay City.

In 'Baler', Anne essayed the role of Feliza Reyes, a young, sweet and wholesome Filipina who fell in love with a Fil-Spanish soldier played by Jericho Rosales.

It was Anne's first serious and most challenging role in a movie. On television, she is best remembered for successfully playing the role of Celine in Maging Sino Ka Man.

Anne competed against other worthy contenders such as Ai-Ai delas Alas for 'Ang Tanging Ina N'yong Lahat', Dawn Zulueta and Maricel Laxa for 'Magkaibigan' and Marian Rivera for 'Shake, Rattle & Roll X'.

Jericho, on one hand, failed to bag the Best Actor title and lost to veteran actor Christopher De Leon for 'Magkaibigan'. It was De Leon's 8th Best Actor award from MMFF.

In 'Magkaibigan', De Leon played the role inspired by the late Rudy Fernandez and there he bested other deserving nominees such as Jinggoy Estrada for 'Magkaibigan', Ogie Alcasid for 'Desperadas 2' and of course, Jericho Rosales for 'Baler'.

Just like De Leon, Best Supporting Actor win for Phillip Salvador was highly expected. Phillip played Anne's father in 'Baler'.

During his acceptance speech, he was visibly ecstatic with his first award from the MMFF, also his first Best Supporting Actor trophy and he said that 'Baler' is his comeback movie after seven years. But last August, he was part of the movie 'For the First Time'.

Honorable mentions for the Best Supporting Award should have been given to Ryan Agoncillo for 'Iskul Bukol: 20 Years After', Chokoleit for 'One Night Only' and Carlo Aquino for 'Baler'.

The 2008 MMFF Best Supporting Actress trophy went to Manilyn Reynes, also her first, for her outstanding portrayal as a lesbian in 'One Night Only'. It was a bit surprising, but there's no other tough competitor for the award except for Eugene Domingo in 'Ang Tanging Ina N'yong Lahat' and Maricel Laxa for 'Magkaibigan'.

Robert 'Buboy' Villar, Little Big Star Season 2' Grand winner who rose to fame via 'Dyesebel', won as Best Child Performer for Shake, Rattle & Roll X. He was also outstanding in his another festival entry 'Iskul Bukol: 20 Years After'.

'Baler' took home a total of 10 awards including Best Picture, Best Director and the much coveted Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Cultural Award.

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