Charice at Macy’s Event with Miley & David!

Source: FUNFARE By Ricardo F. Lo, philstar.com

After her eye-popping guestings on Ellen and Oprah, and live performances with the likes of Celine Dion, Andrea Bocelli, Josh Groban, Alicia Keys and Michael Bublé, what’s next for Charice?

A lot, according to Funfare’s Big Apple correspondent Edmund Silvestre.

“Charice will join Hannah Montana megastar Miley Cyrus and American Idol runner-up David Archuleta as headliners of this year’s Macy’s annual Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City on Nov. 27,” said Edmund in a special report. “The event, presented by Macy’s, the world’s largest retail store, is one of America’s most lavish celebrations seen by over 3.5 million live spectators and over 44 million televiewers across the US. Aside from famed celebrities, the event’s notable attractions are its inflated giant balloons in the shape of well-loved cartoon or comic book characters.”

Macy’s is also the sponsor of the annual Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular in NYC which featured the pre-recorded song of Lea Salonga (Just Beyond The Dream) in its magnificent fireworks display last year, also seen by millions.

Charice, Miley and David will ride on different colorful floats and will perform separately along with other notable artists such as James Taylor, Andy Williams, The Cheetah Girls, Broadway superstars Idina Menzel and Kristen Chenoweth, the cast of Broadway musical Hairspray, the muppets cast of Sesame Street, plus Miss USA Crystle Stewart.

Edmund added that the NBC telecast of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will be hosted by Today Show’s Matt Lauer, Meredith Vieira and Al Roker (three of America’s most famous TV personalities). It will be aired on NBC network from 9 a.m. to noon (US East Coast time) in each of the four time zones in the continental US.

“Fil-Ams Oliver and Chona Cajanding of Society Hill, Jersey City, N.J. said they will watch the parade along with their teenage son, Gerald, and brave the freezing temperature just to see Charice up close.

“Oliver said that they already saw Charice in person at the Philippine Independence Day celebration in Manhattan last June, and they became instant fans. Oliver noted how cute Charice is and that she looked younger than her age (16). ‘She’s down-to-earth and always smiling,’ said Oliver. ‘Hindi nga nagagalit kahit ang kukulit ng fans na nagpapa-picture’.”

Last Oct. 28, Charice was also in the Big Apple to grace the celebration of Macy’s 150th anniversary at Gotham Hall, with Sean “Diddy” Combs, Eva Mendes, Jessica Simpson, Martha Stewart, Tommy Hilfiger, Clinton Kelly, Kenneth Cole, and celebrity chefs Ming Tsai, Tyler Florence and Todd English.

On Oct. 29, she sang at David Foster’s birthday dinner event at Bon Appetit Supper Club in Manhattan in front of guests who included Donald Trump, Gayle King, Clay Aiken and Dr. Phil. The next day, she was in Beverly Hills, California’s Hilton Hotel for The Big Bash, the annual Rising Stars Gala organized by the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles.

Charice is also part of David Foster’s newly-released album titled Hitman: David Foster & Friends which hit the stores last Nov. 11. Her track is included in the album together with songs from music icons Kenny G., Michael Bublé, Josh Groban, Brian McKnight, Katharine McPhee, Andrea Bocelli and Celine Dion.

Said Edmund, “On Nov. 19, Charice will promote the new album on Good Morning America on ABC, broadcast live from the Times Square in Manhattan.”

It will be Charice’s second time to promote on a US TV show, the first having been on CBS New York.

Media insiders said Foster is now in the process of looking for the right album material for Charice, who is backed by Oprah Winfrey no less.

“They want to release an album by Charice while she’s very hot in her guestings and appearances,” an insider said. “All eyes are on this girl, everyone wants to meet her and the industry is watching how far will this girl go.”

With David Foster and Oprah Winfrey behind her, how can Charice go wrong?

Charice gets thrill of her life over 1st award as performer

By REYMA BUAN-DEVEZA, abs-cbnnews.com

International singing sensation Charice is having the time of her life over her first entertainment prize as Best New Female Artist during the 21st Aliw Awards at the Manila Hotel.In an exclusive interview with abs-cbnNEWS.com, the singer said that she didn’t even know what to say when she received the award. She said she didn’t expect to win it.

“Of course I feel happy. This is the first time I received such award — Best New Female Artist — It’s a different feeling.” Charice said.

The young diva said that aside from her family and fans, she also shares the award to two other nominees — Ava Jugueta and KC Concepcion.

“I share my award (this recognition) with Kc and Ava because I really was not expecting this. Just being nominated really, I was happy to see my name in the list of nominees, like, Wow! It meant that I really belong to that league of people who are recognised artists”, the singer said.

Charice said that when her name was called out as the winner, she shook while she had her speech on stage.

“Because it was really my first time (to receive this award), when I held the award, I saw (the words) “Best New Female Artist” I felt really happy”, she said.

Charice said that she considers the award as her first as a performer.

She said that the Aliw Awards prize given November 11 is different from what was given to her and young jazz performer Charlie Green at the Music Museum. She said that award was in recognition of her and Green’s world-class talents.

“The award I received with Charlie Green was a plaque of appreciation for a world class performance. This award (is different) because this is where you are competing with other well-known artist for a title, it is something that you will never forget in your lifetime”, Charice said.

Charice is currently in Manila while on a break from her US commitments. She is set to leave for the US again next week to record her first international album.

as of 11/15/2008 10:22 AM

CHARICE SINGS, “I WILL SURVIVE,” AT THE ALIW AWARDS 2008

video by mangdiws

CHARICE AT THE ALIW AWARDS NIGHT 2008

Wed, Nov 12, 2008

“Charice won award for best new female artist”

Courtesy of Girlie Rodis and Michelle

CHARICE’S HOME ON UMAGANG KAY GANDA

couresy: charicemania

YouTube video by Nighthawk23

Charice will be performing live in UKG November 13, 2008 at 6 A.M. Philippine time

David Foster’s blowout bash

Source by nypost.com

David (right) signed 16-year-old Charice (inset) to a record deal at Oprah’s request: “When Oprah calls you and asks you to do something, you do it. She’s the Messi-O. So I did what I was told!”

The sound of music echoed through the Bon Appétit Supper Club and Café on October 29 when producer David Foster celebrated his 59th birthday—and while that wasn’t unusual, some of the singers were. The bash, which also celebrated his new CD/DVD Hit Man, featured the vocal stylings of Gayle King and Donald Trump on “Got to Be Real” and songs by Oprah Winfrey protégé, singer Charice Pempengco (who got a standing ovation). David was the perfect host: “I promised Donald he would be home by the 11 o’clock news, so we have to keep it moving fast tonight. He and Melania don’t want to be out late!” Is that because the Donald turns into a pumpkin at midnight? —KW

Photo: Melania Trump, Donald Trump And David Foster

Charice part of album with Dion, Buble, Groban, Kenny G

REYMA BUAN-DEVEZA, abs-cbnNEWS.com

International young singing sensation Charice proudly shared that she is part of David Foster’s newest album entitled “Hitman: David Foster & Friends.”

In an exclusive interview with abs-cbnNEWS.com, Charice said that she cannot believe that her track will be included in Foster’s album together with songs from music icons like Kenny G., Michael Buble, Josh Groban, Brian McKnight, Katharine McPhee, Andrea Bocelli and Celine Dion.

“Masaya po talaga ako at kasama po ako sa album ni Mr. David Foster. Nagulat nga po ako kasi ang lalaki ng mga pangalang kasama doon sa album. Tapos doon sa pinakita sa akin parang magkatabi po yata kami ng pangalan ni Celine Dion,” Charice said.
Charice is now in the country to take a short break. She is set to fly back to the U.S. to promote the album. Charice is scheduled to guest in America’s popular morning show “Good Morning America.”

“Second time kong magpo-promote sa American TV show yung una sa CBS New York, next ‘yung Good Morning America. Masaya ako at magge-guest ako sa Good Morning America kasi first time kong mag-guest sa ganitong sikat na morning show sa U.S.,” Charice said.

The young diva also shared that she will also be back at the CBS show and will be doing other international television guestings to promote Foster’s album.

“Hitman: David & Friends” will be released November 11th worldwide.

Charice met Foster last year in Los Angeles before she taped her guest appearance on “The Ellen Degeneres Show”. They later flew together to Las Vegas on a private jet to watch the farewell show of Celine Dion at the Caesar’s Palace Colosseum.

According to Charice, it was Foster who recommended her to Oprah’s show and it was Oprah who in turn recommended her to Foster to handle her international recording career.

After her two guestings on Oprah, doors of opportunity started to open as she started to conquer international celebrity events like Big Brothers Big Sisters, Macy’s 150th anniversary, and Carousel of Hope.

It will also be recalled that it was in Foster’s concert at Mandalay Bay last May that Charice met one of her music idols Andrea Bocelli.

Last July 20th, Charice wowed Italians as she performed at Teatro del Silenzio in Tuscany, Italy for pop tenor Andrea Bocelli’s birthday concert dubbed “The Cinema Tribute.” The world famous tenor invited her to that event after she performed for the benefit concert at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

Charice also proved that dreams do come true when she had her duet performance with international performer Celine Dion.

Charice will be leaving for the United States on Saturday, November 15th. She and her mother Raquel will fly back to Manila first week of December.

Floating Scenery: Charice to Ride the Largest Float

The 82^nd Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Rides Down Broadway On Theatrical Moving Stages

(Excerpts of Article) - New York, NY- November 2008 - Magical scenes float down Broadway as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade takes to the streets with a fleet of fantasy. It’s theatre down the street as the majestic floats in the annual family favorite transport spectactors from a woodland gathering to a castle of dreams. From foam, wood, metal, paint and the creative magic of the artists of the Macy’s Parade Studio, larger-than- life scenes take shape aboard moving stages.

A convoy of 28 floats including 8 new additions will make the scene on Thanksgiving. The freshman line-up takes us on the cross-country journey of Bolt, Princess fantasies at the Castle of Dreams, the lights of Tokyo subculture on Harajuku Lovers, a representation of the creation story on the True Spirit of Thanksgiving, bright optimism of the Shine On float, the smurftastic world of The Smurfs, the wonder of believing on Winter Wonderland, and the joy shared during a Woodland Family Gathering.

The magic comes to life straight from the imaginations and hard work of the Macy’s Parade Studio team. The floats of fancy are created every year by a team of designers, carpenters, painters, animators, and electricians who work year-round to construct the Parade’s moving stages. The magic begins from a pencil sketch. That initial concept guides the designers through a process that includes creating working models of the float, drafting blueprints and finally constructing the finished product. A host of creative and technical considerations guide the design and construction of a Macy’s Parade float. Not only must the float be a magical wonderland that will delight millions of spectators, but it must also be expertly engineered to collapse to no more than 12 ½-feet tall and 8-feet wide in size, which enables them to be transported through the Lincoln Tunnel to New York City from the Parade Studio’s home base in Hoboken, NJ on Thanksgiving eve.

For the Studio team, it’s all about the details. From the intricately painted facades to the thousands of flecks of glitter, the floats are born from the ground up, hand constructed, painted and weatherproofed for their big debuts. Once the floats are ready for the big day, the entire fleet is transported to the starting line at 77th Street and Central Park West, via GMC Truck, (the official truck of the Macy’s Parade) and re-assembled overnight in preparation for the step off at the sound of Let’s Have a Parade™!

But before the big day, the floats are kid-tested by hundreds of very lucky children at Macy’s Studio Day. Taking place this year on Tuesday, November 18th, Macy’s invites local New York and New Jersey school children to “test-drive” the new fleet giving the Parade’s target audience a sneak peek at the magic in store for Thanksgiving.

MARION-CAROL SHOWBOAT GOOD HOUSEKEEPING SEAL

In celebration of Macy’s 150th Anniversary, the Marion-Carol Showboat will sail once again down Broadway with a special honor this year. In commemoration of generations of longstanding commitment to quality family entertainment, Macy’s is the first-ever recipient of the “Honorary Good Housekeeping Seal.” With the official Seal from Good Housekeeping, which was just redesigned for its 100th Birthday, the Showboat, the largest vessel to ever float down the line of march, will join in the revelry. Measuring 33-feet tall, 16-feet wide and 42-feet long, the masterpiece of craftsmanship comes complete with an authentic looking paddlewheel and twin smokestacks. For the holiday trip the Showboat will carry special guests on board- Captain Macy, Macy’s own Ooh!, Ahh! and Wow! Bears, as well as singing sensation Charice.

Source Link: Macy’s East; Submitted by Archiemr4;

Josh Groban extols Charice, Lani

LOS ANGELES—Josh Groban described both Charice Pempengco and Lani Misalucha as terrific singers in our recent interview with him in a private villa at the Sunset Marquis Hotel in West Hollywood. Josh, casually dressed this late afternoon, heaped praises on the two Filipina singers. He recounted doing an impromptu duet with Charice in a dressing room while they waited to perform separate numbers in a show. Saying he was blown away by Charice’s pipes, Josh predicted bigger things for the young singer.

Josh said that singing “The Prayer” with Lani at his concert in the Philippines last year was an unforgettable and moving experience. He gushed about Lani’s vocal range and prowess, which was quite a compliment to the songstress since he has sung “The Prayer” with such renowned performers as Celine Dion, Andrea Bocelli and Charlotte Church.

The LA-born Josh is no slouch himself when it comes to singing. His new two-CD set, “A Collection,” which features some of his memorable hits from his four multi-platinum albums, gives ample proof. It’s remarkable that in a short span of seven years, Josh has sold more than 25 million albums. He stunned the music world when he became the best-selling recording artist of 2007 with the unprecedented sales of “Awake” and “Noel.” The latter, a collection of holiday songs, was the best-selling US album of 2007.

Best fans

When we met Josh at a holiday party last year, he told us that Filipinos are the best fans in the word. He hopes to return to Manila soon for another concert. He admitted that, to this day, he is still surprised when he goes to far-flung places and discover that people know his name and his songs.

Josh left college after a few weeks into the first semester because he got a record deal with Warner Bros. also through David. Asked what would have happened if he did not get such an offer at that point, he said he would have finished college and then … still tried his luck in the music field.

The singer, who sang a duet, “All I Know of Love,” with Barbra Streisand, recently added two more legendary vocalists to the list of artists he has sung with: Placido Domingo and Charles Aznavour.

He’d like to work with rock artists, and maybe do more acting, especially in shows or movies that would tap his comedic side. When we brought up his appearance in Jimmy Kimmel’s video spoof with Ben Affleck, he laughed and expressed how much fun that was.

Memorable hits

Six tracks from “Noel” are on disc 2 of “A Collection”: “Silent Night,” “Little Drummer Boy,” “Ave Maria,” “Panis Angelicus,” “Petit Papa Noel” and “Noche de Paz (Silent Night).” Among the 16 songs on disc 1 are “You Raise Me Up,” “Smile,” “To Where You Are,” “February Song,” “You Are Loved (Don’t Give Up)” and “Hymne a L’Amour.”

It’s too early for a recap of his career but this collection of hits so far prompted us to ask Josh about the highlights of his remarkable seven-year journey. “I think some of the big events have been very meaningful to me,” said the baritone, still boyish-looking at 27.

“Meeting David Foster and a Celine Dion rehearsal in 1998 were big moments,” he said. Josh’s vocal coach introduced him to David, the Grammy-winning producer and arranger, who hired him as a rehearsal singer for important shows. So there was Josh, only 17 and still in high school, suddenly face to face with Celine Dion, rehearsing “The Prayer” with her. He was a stand-in for Andrea Bocelli at the rehearsals for the Grammy Awards. “I didn’t know it was my big break,” said Josh, beaming. He admitted that singing with Celine for the first time was thrilling and nerve-wracking at the same time.

Thanks to a recording contract offered to him through David, it didn’t take long for Josh to be an artist in his own right, who eventually got to sing “The Prayer” with Celine Dion and then Andrea himself in shows, not rehearsals.

“Appearing on ‘Ally McBeal’ was a huge break,” Josh said. Also an actor, Josh was cast in the 2001 season of Calista Flockhart’s TV series, where he sang “You’re Still You” in an episode. The enthusiastic response of viewers—through thousands of e-mails—made producers ask Josh to reprise his role the following season.

“Meeting Oprah and being on her show—five times now—and having that relationship with her are incredible,” Josh said. He expressed gratitude to Oprah as it is acknowledged that his appearance on her show in December last year propelled “Noel” to the top of the charts.

“Performing at the Olympics,” Josh mentioned another peak—the 2002 Winter
Olympics in Utah where he sang “The Prayer” with Charlotte Church.

Source: by Ruben V. Nepales Philippine Daily Inquirer;

Charice, Miley Cyrus, David Archuleta And Many More Stars To Perform On NBC’s Live Broadcast Of The ‘82ND ANNUAL MACY’S THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE’

Balloons Taking to the Sky for the First-Time will be Buzz Lightyear, Horton, the Smurf Balloon and a Special Balloon of Artist Keith Haring’s work Figure with Heart

Miley Cyrus, David Archuleta and many more stars are set to perform on NBC’s live broadcast of the “82nd Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade” from New York City. “Today” co-anchor Meredith Vieira co-hosts along with Matt Lauer and Al Roker kicking off the festivities with the parade’s historic route beginning at 77th Street and Central Park West and winding down Broadway. The parade celebration will air on NBC from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. in all time zones.

Celebrating the start of the holiday season will be performers from stage, screen, sports and music riding down Broadway atop one of the parade’s moving stages. The stars joining the line-up include Trace Adkins, David Archuleta, Charice, The Cheetah Girls, Kristen Chenoweth, Clique Girlz, Miley Cyrus, Grandma and the Big Apple Circus, the cast of the Broadway Musical Hair, Harajuku Girls, Kermit the Frog, Lang Lang and the cast and Muppets of Sesame Street, Miss U.S.A. 2008 - Crystle Stewart, Idina Menzel, PushPlay, Darius Rucker, James Taylor, Uno the 2008 Westminster Dog Show Champion, Varsity Fanclub and Andy Williams.

The parade will feature many eye-catching floats and balloons and will offer many new additions, classic characters from children’s books, movies and television shows, a Who’s Who of popular culture icons. Joining the line-up of giant character helium balloons this year will be the Elephant “who meant what he said” the ever-faithful Horton, the super smurftastic Smurf and the infinity seeking Buzz Lightyear.

Also making its debut is a tribute to the beloved artist Keith Haring (who would have turned 50 this year), working in partnership with the Keith Haring Foundation, Macy’s Parade Studio reconceived one of Haring’s paper drawings, Figure with Heart, 1987, as a Giant Balloon. The balloon is a three-dimensional rendering of Haring’s drawing that will appear flat against the backdrop of the sky as it might have appeared on the subway walls once favored by the artist. Haring’s Figure with Heart is the latest entrant to the Blue Sky Gallery series. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade began the Blue Sky Gallery series in 2005 when parade officials invited artist Tom Otterness to create a balloon version of one of his classic pieces of Humpty Dumpty. Aiming to inject contemporary art into a pop culture phenomenon, the Blue Sky Gallery series continued in 2007 with the debut of “Rabbit” by Jeff Koons.

Star power continues to march on Thanksgiving morning with performances from some of the hottest Broadway shows including ‘In the Heights’, ‘Disney’s The Little Mermaid’, ‘Irving Berlin’s White Christmas’, and more. In addition, the world-famous Radio City Rockettes will kick it up a notch welcoming the parade in style.

The 82nd trip down Broadway will also feature over 1,700 cheerleaders, dancers, singers and performers; 900 clowns; 13 giant character helium balloons; 35 novelty/ornament balloons, balloonheads and balloonicles; 10 marching bands; 28 floats; and a host of celebrity performers. Over 10,000 participants including America’s best marching bands, celebrities, campy clowns, the parade’s signature giant character helium balloons, fantasy floats, and the one-and-only Santa Claus; will once again convene on the Upper West Side to bring the magic of the season to life for New York and the nation.

Returning parade favorites, stars of children’s television, video games, comic strips and feature films, complete the line-up of 13 giant balloons this year. Joining the three new giant characters will be Abby Cadabby, Beethoven, Dora the Explorer, Flying Ace Snoopy, Kermit the Frog, Pikachu, Ronald McDonald, Shrek, SpongeBob SquarePants and Supercute Hello Kitty. In addition to the giant characters balloons, the parade also boasts 35 novelty/ornament balloons and balloonicles giving the sky backdrop a tiered spectrum.

Magical scenes come to life on the moving stages that create a fantasy down Broadway. From an unexpected cross country journey to the lights of Tokyo subculture the newest floats in the Macy’s Parade line-up take spectators on voyages through the imagination. This year’s inaugural fleet include the cross-country journey of Bolt, Princess fantasies at the Castle of Dreams, the lights of Tokyo subculture on Harajuku Lovers, a representation of the creation story on the True Spirit of Thanksgiving, bright bold optimism of the Shine On float, the smurftastic world of The Smurfs, the wonder of believing on Winter Wonderland, and the joy shared during a Woodland Family Gathering.

In addition to the eight new stages, 20 floats will make a return appearance on Broadway this Thanksgiving. The returning float line-up includes 123 Sesame Street, Big Apple, Bridge To The Future, The Care Bears Winter Fun-derland, Cele-bear-ate Hugs Worldwide, Expedition to the Top of Rhino Mountain, Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends, Jolly Polly Pirate Ship, M&M’s Chocolate Candies on Broadway, Marion-Carol Showboat, Musical Innovation Bigger Than Life, New York Tin Toy, Pep Squad, Santaland Express, Santa’s Sleigh, Snoopy’s Doghouse, Spirit of America, Spirit of Liberty, Starship Discovery and Tom Turkey.

The beat is back on Broadway as 10 of America’s best marching bands hit the pavement. The musical heartbeat of the parade, the marching bands representing their home states and the nation in this year’s parade includes The James Bowie High School from Austin, Texas; Copiague High School from Copiague, New York; Fayetteville High School from Fayetteville, Arkansas; Georgia Institute of Technology from Atlanta, Georgia; The Greater St. Petersburg Area Awesome Original Second Time Arounders from St. Petersburg, Florida; Macy’s Great American Marching Band with representatives from every state and the District of Columbia; James Madison University from Harrisonburg, Virginia; Nogales High School from La Puente, California; Sioux Falls Lincoln High School from Sioux Falls, South Dakota; and West Johnston High School from Benson, North Carolina.

Broadcast on NBC since 1948, the parade has been transformed by television into a national tradition.

Source link:

RealityTVWebsite.com

David Foster on Oprah: Charice is the Real Deal!

by CherBear

Full Version

by bidangbata

Posted by KV

via: charicemania.com

Believe in the Magic - Charice in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Sat, Nov 1, 2008

Appearances, USA

(Excerpt of Article)

82nd Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade® Kicks Off The Holiday Season With Giant Balloons, Floats, Marching Bands and The One-And-Only Santa Claus.

New York, NY- November 2008- The magic begins this Thanksgiving at the sound of Let’s Have a Parade™, stirring Oohs, Ahhs and Wows from the crowds and millions of families across the nation. Once again Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade® kicks off the holidays with unparalleled pomp and pageantry. This annual whimsical procession goes down Broadway for the 82nd time on Thursday, November 27 at 9:00 AM and will once again cause a sensation delighting over 3.5 million live spectators and over 50 million viewers nationwide. America’s Parade and favorite holiday tradition steps off with over 10,000 participants including Macy’s volunteers, the nation’s best Marching bands, amazing performance groups, cheerleaders, clowns, giant character helium balloons, astonishing floats, and the one-and-only Santa Claus.

It’s in the Stars
Celebrating the start of the holiday season will be performers from stage, screen, sports and music riding down Broadway atop one of the Parade’s moving stages. The stars joining the line-up include Trace Adkins, David Archuleta, Charice, The Cheetah Girls, Kristen Chenoweth, Clique Girlz, Miley Cyrus, Grandma and the Big Apple Circus, cast of the Broadway Musical Hair, Harajuku Girls, Kermit the Frog, Lang Lang and the cast and Muppets of Sesame Street, Miss U.S.A. 2008- Crystle Stewart, Idina Menzel, PushPlay, Darius Rucker, James Taylor, Uno the 2008 Westminster Dog Show Champion, Varsity Fanclub and Andy Williams.

To read the full article, visit Macy’s PressRoom

Charice received rave reviews after the Big Brother Big sisters Event

Jenny Peters
October 31st, 2008 @ 10:30 AM - Beverly Hills, Calif.

Expectations ran high on Thursday night, Oct. 30, that superstar Tom Cruise would turn up at The Big Bash!, the annual Rising Stars Gala put on by the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles and the Inland Empire, despite the fact that he's living in New York at the moment while his wife Katie Holmes stars in a Broadway show. But we all know that he has his own plane, and can fly off at a moment's notice, which is why he was expected, since Paula Wagner, his long-time friend and producing partner, was being honored with the organization's Sherry Lansing Award.

But Tom didn't make the trip to honor Paula's mentoring skills; instead, his "Jerry Maguire" co-star and Oscar-winning buddy Cuba Gooding, Jr., did the honors. But first, earlier in the evening, that raucous actor jumped on stage with Joanne Worley and Fred Willard to help them run the live auction when bidding began to sputter.

"Hey, you white people with money, quiet down!" he joked, then led the multiracial crowd that filled the Beverly Hilton Hotel in repeating his signature saying, "Show me the money!"

Plenty of money was eventually raised for the BBBS organization, which also honored publicist Michael S. Sitrick with the Walt Disney Man of the Year Award and 12-year-old actress Abigail Breslin with the Young Heroes Award as stars Alan Arkin, Doris Roberts, Pam Dawber, Sarah Purcell, Jodie Sweetin, Jennifer Freeman and Larry King looked on.

But the real "Rising Star" of the night was Charice Pempengco, the 16-year-old Filipino singing sensation. The tiny gal with the huge voice wowed the audience with her astonishing rendition of "I Will Always Love You," leading to wild cheers and a standing ovation.

Who needs Tom Cruise, anyway, when the next generation of superstar is in the house?

Who needs Tom Cruise, anyway, when the next generation of superstar is in the house?

Charice To Perform At The 2008 Rising Stars Gala

Wed, Oct 29, 2008

Appearances, USA

Big Brothers Big Sisters to Honor Paula Wagner, Abigail Breslin & Michael Sitrick at 2008 Rising Stars Gala. Larry King, Alan Arkin & Cuba Gooding, Jr. to Present. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles will honor outstanding members of the Los Angeles community at its Rising Stars Gala, October 30, 2008 at The Beverly Hilton Hotel. The awards recognize individuals who are inspiring and positive role models for young people. Producer Paula Wagner, actress Abigail Breslin and publicist Michael Sitrick will be honored. Honorary gala co-chairs are Roy E. Disney and Sherry Lansing. Comic actor Fred Willard will host and the evening will feature entertainment by the cast of the movie musical, Forever Plaid as well as international singing sensation Charice Pempengco.

….

JoAnne Worley will open with a cabaret performance. Pam Dawber and Cynthia Garrett will conduct the “Make-a-Match” appeal. A fantastic opportunity drawing will be held and tickets are available at http://www.BBBSLA.org.

….

Cuba Gooding, Jr. will present the “Sherry Lansing Award” to producer Paula Wagner. Wagner has worked in the highest ranks of the entertainment industry as a powerful talent agent at Creative Artists Agency, as a successful producer through Cruise/Wagner Productions, and as co-owner and CEO of United Artists Entertainment, LLC.

…

Alan Arkin will present the “Young Heroes Award” to award-winning actress Abigail Breslin who serves as a positive role model to young people. Arkin co-starred with Abigail in her most memorable role in the critically-acclaimed movie Little Miss Sunshine.

…

Larry King will present the “Walt Disney Man of the Year Award” to Michael Sitrick, Chairman and CEO of Sitrick And Company.” Sitrick has provided advice and counsel to more than 500 companies, including some of the nation’s largest corporations and high profile individuals.

….

For more than 50 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles has been dedicated to empowering children who face economic, emotional and social challenges through a variety of programs, providing a professionally-supported, one-to-one mentoring relationship with a positive role model. Their work is as elementary as putting an adult friend in a child’s life, and as essential as putting hope into a child’s future. Big Brothers Big Sisters have proven successful in creating and nurturing relationships between adults and children. Mentoring works-one young person at a time. For information, please call 1-800-207-7567 or visit http://www.BBBSLA.org.

….

SOURCE Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles

courtesy: charicemania

Charice at Macy’s 150th Birthday Gala Celebration

Wed, Oct 29, 2008

Appearances, Buzz, USA

Plenty of celebrities – among them Charice Pempengco, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Eva Mendes, Jessica Simpson, Martha Stewart, Tommy Hilfiger, Clinton Kelly, Kenneth Cole, Ming Tsai, Tyler Florence and Todd English have turned out to New York’s Gotham Hall for cake and fireworks to celebrate 150 years of iconic US retailer Macy’s.

Even the Empire State Building got in on the act, being lit red in honor of its historical neighbor, while the store’s 34th Street homeland is being dubbed “R H Macy Way” for the day to commemorate the retailer’s founding father.

“It’s amazing to consider that Macy’s was doing business before many great brands like General Electric, Coca Cola and Ford Motor Company were even born,” Terry J Lundgren, Macy’s Inc’s chairman, president and ceo tells The Daily. “The longevity of the Macy’s brand, its place in American culture, and its legacy of serving customers for five generations are extraordinary.”

About Macy’s

Macy’s, the largest retail brand of Macy’s, Inc., delivers fashion and affordable luxury to customers at more than 800 locations in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam. Offering distinctive assortments including exclusive fashion and home brands, Macy’s stores are operated by four regionally based retail divisions – Macy’s East, Macy’s Florida, Macy’s Central, and Macy’s West – and an online store at macys.com.

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Additional Info:

by Randy Lerma

My niece just got home tonight from the Macy’s 150 years anniversary celebration at the Gotham Hall in New York.Charice was the “finale guest. She sang “All By Myself”, “And I Am Telling You” with David Foster playing the piano. She was introduced by David as a young discovery by himself & Oprah and announced that before she turns 17 years old, he will launch her album.

She will be leaving tomorrow night for LA for another show with David Foster.

Photo of Charice at Macy’s 150th Birthday Gala Celebration at Gotham Hall in NYC.

To order high-res pictures, visit www.wireimage.com

Source: Macy’s Press Release ; Fashion United ; Charicemania ; www.wireimage.com

Charice and Celine Post Concert Interview with Oprah!

courtesy Bidangbata

Charice Appearing with David Foster on Good Morning America in November

Appearances, Buzz, USA

NEW YORK, Oct 28, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Uber songwriter-producer and15-time Grammy winner David Foster assembled a stunning collection of artists in Las Vegas last spring for a spectacular night, which honored his hugely successful four-decade career. The result is “Hit Man:David Foster and Friends”the DVD/CD which is scheduled for release on November 11th on 143/Reprise Records. With stand-out performances by Andrea Bocelli, Michael Buble, Josh Groban, Celine Dion, Katharine McPhee, Blake Shelton, Kenny G, Peter Cetera, Brian McKnight and Oprah discovery Charice amongst others,Foster shines in the role of host and ring-master as well as keyboard accompanist to the slew of stars.

“Hit Man:David Foster and Friends” will air as part of the “Great Performances” Series on PBS stations around the country in December. In addition, the eagerly awaited David Foster autobiography “Hit Man:Forty Years Making Music, Topping the Charts and Winning Grammies” is scheduled for a November 11th release on Pocket Books.

Foster who was nominated for an unprecedented 45 Grammies, won two Emmys and was an Oscar nominee is scheduled to make severalTV appearances starting with a live performance on Oprah Winfrey on October 31st with Andrea Bocelli. In addition, a full hour devoted to the career of David Foster will air on Dr. Phil on November 11th. The show will include appearances by Seal whose new CD “Soul” was produced by Foster along with the great Natalie Cole. Foster will also visit Good Morning America the following week with15-year old Oprah discovery Charice and The View on November 19th with American Idol contestant Katharine McPhee.

Having worked with a virtual who’s who of the record business with artists including Celine Dion, Barbra Streisand, Chicago, Madonna, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Michael Buble , N’Sync,Earth, Wind and Fire,Gloria Estefan, Toni Braxton and scores of others, Foster has three Grammy “Producer of the Year” Awards. In 2007, Foster produced Josh Groban’s “Noel” which was the biggest selling CD of lastyear

To preview GoodMorning America click link below:

GMA ABC NEWS

CHARICE! ON A STARRY, STARRY NIGHT!

by Teddi Jutsen, Copyright 2008

What an exhilarating night it must have been for all who attended the Carousel of Hope, not just because of the line-up of Hollywood golden celebs that they could feast their eyes on but also because they all got a taste of the incredible talent of the magnificent teenage superstar, Charice! (yes, the exclamation point needs to be part of her name now because that’s how David Foster says her name!)

Charice! made the audience come alive with renewed enthusiasm as she stepped up on stage looking so adorable in her Michael Jackson inspired outfit, with the audience not knowing what they were in for! As expected, Charice! wowed them with her out-of-this-world rendition of “And I Am Telling You” (from the movie Dreamgirls), even the bass guitarist behind her couldn’t stop looking at her with unabashed appreciation, grinning from ear to ear, in utter disbelief. Once again, Charice! brought the crowd to their feet (including the bass guitarist!), as hollers and whoops of appreciation echoed through the room. And that was just the first song! David Foster was beside himself in absolute joy and delight, bringing one hand to his head in complete amazement of what he just witnessed!

Charice! went on to wow the audience again with her own interpretation of “I Will Survive”, an upbeat song which displayed Charice’s versatility and her seemingly magical ability to completely own that stage! Always the awesome entertainer, not only is she pretty, she can sing, she can dance, she can hold your mind hostage and your heart at her mercy… she is the total entertainment package.

At the end of her second song, Charice! had a brief exchange with David Foster and she was able to give the audience a short but sweet insight into her background. Charice! spoke with such eloquence and confidence, giving the impression that she is now starting to get the hang of this international star status. And it is so heartwarming to see the look of adoration on David Foster’s face as he watched his latest “Foster child” blossom right before his very eyes, not to mention the eyes (and ears) of just about every name that matters in Hollywood, and more importantly, the music industry big-wigs. Oh, she makes me so proud!!! (Ok, you can tell I’m biased, I’m a CHA-natic, I admit it!)

And just when the audience thought they had seen something incredible, Charice proceeded to blow them away with Michael Jackson’s 1983 hit, “Billie Jean”, busting out incredible Jacksonesque moves, displaying the most graceful moonwalk I’ve ever seen! (Michael Jackson, eat your heart out!) Charice! was just adorable! The audience was mesmerized! They were tantalised! Their hearts were captivated! The attraction was inescapable! They were hooked! Their lives as they know it has changed forever! They had been touched by the CHArmed one!

I am certain the stars all went to bed that night uttering the only word that can describe her: Charice!

Remember the name: CHARICE!

This next photo courtesy of PicturePerfectAgency.com

Charice' Pics and Videos in the Carousel of Hope 2008

. Click thumbnails to enlarge.

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Photos courtesy of Scubadoc

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FalseVoice Productions

Part 1

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Part 2

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Part 3

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Billie Jean Rehearsal

by Scubajoe

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MC Jay Leno

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Featured Performers Video Compilation

विडियो: Charice meets Mariah Carey

Charice meets Marriah Carey on the Andre Agassi Charity event

Andre Agassi summed up the evening early on Saturday. His 13th Grand Slam for Children, he said, was "in a different home, different year and different times."

The different home was the Lafite Ballroom at Wynn Las Vegas instead of the MGM Grand Garden, which was the host site of the previous 12 charity extravaganzas.

Different times?

Well, everyone in the crowd of 1,900 understood that part, and the ramifications, with financial markets in freefalls.

For a few hours, Agassi helped put that on hold with a best-ever lineup of entertainment that included Rod Stewart, Sheryl Crow (who teamed up with Stewart on a "First Cut is the Deepest" duet and sang "Always On Your Side" at Agassi's request), The Killers, David Spade, British star Natasha Bedingfield and special guest Charice Pempengco, a 16-year-old Filipino sensation who performed at Madison Square Garden last month.

Joining Agassi and his wife, Steffi Graf, on the red carpet were Steve and Elaine Wynn, Duke basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski, who guided Team USA to a gold medal at the Beijing Olympics, Donny Osmond and star chef Emeril Lagasse।

For the First Time’ Hits P107M on 2nd Week, ‘A Very Special Love’ Registers P178M on 6th Week

Star Cinema’s “For the First Time” hit P107 million at the box-office on its 2nd week according to official and partial tally of Box Office Mojo. More Philippine box-office records were shattered. Chiuahua, on the other hand, rules US Box-office.

Please take note that the Philippine box-office tally is one month delayed. The official final grosses of “For the First Time” and “A Very Special Love” are not yet reported.

Philippine Box-Office
(September 3-7, 2008)

1. For the First Time - $476,151 (2nd Week)
2. Babylon A.D. - $232,610
3. Dobol Trobol: Lets Get Redi 2 Rambol! - $66,560 (4th week)
4. Death Race - $56,022
5. Wall-E - $33,141
6. The Gravedancers - $27,129
7. Big Stan - $26,585
8. Congkak - $19,879
9. The X-Files: I Want to Believe - $19,443
10. The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor - $16,785
11. A Very Special Love - $16,591 (6th week)

A Very Special Love’s total gross for 6 weeks is now P178,508,154.60. It’s now the official no. 1 pinoy movie of 2008 so far. It’s also official that “A Very Special Love” has already broke the record of “Ang Tanging Ina” and it’s now the 2nd highest-grossing Pinoy film of all time.

“A Very Special Love” needs P7.91 million on its 7th to 8th week run to topple Sukob as the no. 1 Pinoy Box-office Hit of all time! Is it possible? Let’s wait for the official figures from Box Office Mojo.

Our All-Time Pinoy Top-Grossing Films will change significantly to:

1.SUKOB
(Star Cinema, 2006) P186.41 million

2. A VERY SPECIAL LOVE *
(Star Cinema/Viva Films, 2008) P178.5 million

3. ANG TANGING INA
(Star Cinema, 2003) P177.82 million

4. ANG CUTE NG INA MO
(Star Cinema, 2007) P165.99 million

5. KASAL,KASALI,KASALO
(Star Cinema, 2006) P162.37million

6. ANAK
(Star Cinema, 2000) P159.31million

7. ONE MORE CHANCE
(Star Cinema, 2007) P152.79 million

8. CAREGIVER
(Star Cinema, 2008) 140 million

9. A LOVE STORY
(Star Cinema, 2007) P139.61million

10. DON’T GIVE UP ON US
(Star Cinema) P129.06 million

11. ENTENG KABISOTE 3
(OctoArts, 2006) P128 million

12. SAKAL, SAKALI, SAKLOLO
(Star Cinema,2007) P122.90 million

13. YOU ARE THE ONE
(Star Cinema) P113.73 million

14. FOR THE FIRST TIME **
(Star Cinema, 2008) P107,865,797.74

15. ISUSUMBONG KITA SA TATAY KO
(Star Cinema, 1994) P104 million

With the entry of “For the First Time”, My Bestfriend’s Girlfriend is now OUT of the Top 15.

16. MY BESTFRIEND’S GIRLFRIEND
(GMA Films/Regal Films) P 101.24million

Legend:
* 6 weeks gross and still running
** 2 weeks gross and still running

US Box-office
(October 1-5, 2008)

1. Beverly Hills Chihuahua $29,300,465
2. Eagle Eye - $17,709,817
3. Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist - $11,311,751
4. Nights in Rodanthe - $7,368,259
5. Appaloosa - $5,050,310
6. Lakeview Terrace - $4,561,227
7. Burn After Reading - $4,120,129
8. Fireproof - $3,987,509
9. An American Carol - $3,656,000
10. Religulous - $3,409,643

John Prats gets his first title role after 17 years in showbiz

After 17 years, ngayon lang matatawag ni John Prats na title roler na siya ng isang importanteng TV project. Ito ang masayang ibinalita ni John sa PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) nang ilunsad sa media ang upcoming fantaserye ng ABS-CBN, ang Komiks Presents Mars Ravelo's Tiny Tony.

Simula ngayong October 11, mapapabilang na si John sa mga Pinoy superheroes na masayang pinanonood ng mga kabataan at buong pamilya kapag Sabado ng gabi.

"I'm overwhelmed! Ngayon ko lang talaga naramdamang artista ako. It took almost 17 years bago ako nabigyan ng solo starrer kong matatawag and it's worth the wait dahil nang mabasa ko ang kuwento, parang sinadya talaga para sa akin," masayang lahad ng young actor.

Once and for all ay nilinaw ni John ang napabalitang nagbalak siyang lumipat sa GMA-7, matapos niyang maramdaman na masyado nang mabagal para sa kanya ang TV career niya sa ABS-CBN.

"Totoo po yun," pag-amin niya. "Nagpaalam din akong pupunta muna sa States dahil ganun nga, parang wala nang nangyayari sa akin dito. Pero hindi nila ako pinayagan. They first gave me Your Song [with Aiko Melendez] at ito na nga ngayon, ang Tiny Tony. This completed everything."

Sinusugan naman ito ni Mr. Biboy Arboleda, isa sa top executives ng Kapamilya network. Sabi nito, "Because John has been a long time member of ABS-CBN, we owe to give him projects na talagang babagay sa kanya. Wala naman pong rigid rules kung alin o hindi ang para sa isang artista namin, pero lahat po ay may kanya-kanyang timing lang. May nauuna lang talaga. But this time, perfect na perfect for John ang role ni Tiny Tony. Pati age niya, perfect kaya't wala na talaga kaming ibang ikinunsider sa role kundi siya lang."

Aside from the actor's regular dancing stint over at ASAP '08 every Sunday noon, he also manages his billboard printing business and his younger sister Camille's and his nursery school.

"Iyan ang ilan sa mga natutunan namin sa showbiz," sabi ni John. "Nothing is permanent kaya't mabuti na yung may fallback ka once na talagang umabot ka na dun sa point na wala na, wala nang showbiz career," paliwanag nito sa PEP.

Inilarawan din ng young actor na masaya ang kanyang love life ngayon. Exclusively dating sila ni Shaina Magdayao at sinabi niyang malaking impluwensiya sa kanya si Shaina.

"Siya rin ang nagbibigay ng energy sa akin kapag sobrang low na low na ako o wala nang baterya kapag pagod na sa taping o shoot. Masaya kami at sana magtuloy-tuloy," detalye ni John.

‘For The First Time’ Registered Highest Opening Weekend

Although the Richard-KC movie “For The First Time” holds the record for the highest opening weekend this year so far with a whopping P78,966,833.66, “A Very Special Love” still holds the highest grossing pinoy movie of 2008 record with an impressive P168,168,171.60 on its 5-week run.

Please take note that the final grosses of both films from Star Cinema (For the First Time and A Very Special Love) are not yet posted. On the 5-week gross of “A Very Special Love”, it’s already the 3rd highest-grossing pinoy film of all time after Sukob and Ang Tanging Ina. The figures it need to beat is P186.41 million registered by the Kris Aquino-Claudine Barretto horror flick. We are still waiting for the final gross of both movies.

For the meantime, here are the Top 15 Highest Opening Weekend of Pinoy Films this year (so far):

1. For the First Time (Aug. 25-29) - P78,966,833.66
2. Caregiver (May 28-June 1) - P62,852,844.56
3. A Very Special Love (July 30 to Aug. 3) - P58,440,333.16
4. My Bestfriend’s Girlfriend (Feb. 13-17) - P45,834,201.35
5. Dobol Trobol (Aug. 13-17) - P44,672,115.60
6. When Love Begins (April 30-May 4) - P40,757,517.52
7. My Big Love (Feb. 27-March 2) - P30,763,209.40
8. My Monster Mom (July 2-6) - P16,157,096.73
9. Manay Po 2: Overload (April 16-20) - P14,346,933.50
10. Supahpapalicious (March 19-23) - P11,716,644.80
11. Ikaw Pa Rin Bongga Ka Boy (May 14-18) - P10,387,326.72
12. Ploning (April 30-May 4) - P6,123,073.30
13. Urduja (June 18-22) - P5,148,485.62
14. Loving You (Aug. 20-24) - P4,336,437.9
15. Torotot (Aug. 20-24) - P1,274,522.55

Contrary to the reports, My Monster Mom’s final gross was P28,872,135.81 and not P40 million.

Figures courtesy of Box Office Mojo and other news.

Bugoy Drilon and Laarni Lozada Win in 2008 Asian Star Entertainment Awards

Pinoy Dream Academy Season 2 winner and first runner-up, Laarni Lozada and Bugoy Drilon, were named Most Promising Female and Male Performers respectively in the 2008 Asian Star Entertainment Awards.

The awarding ceremony will be held Saturday, October 4, at the Mandarin Suites in Gateway, Cubao.

The Asian Star Entertainment Awards is a recognition given to outstanding artists in various fields of performing arts in the Asia Pacific region.

According to abs-cbnnews.com, Laarni is now a contract recording artist of Star Records and will soon work on her very first album.

Charice: Believing and Fighting for her dreams

Aubrey Miles gives birth to her son with boyfriend Troy Montero

Sexy actress Aubrey Miles already gave birth to her first son to boyfriend Troy Montero. They named their child Hunter Cody Miller.

Saksi reported that Aubrey gave birth at dawn today, 2:3o a.m. at St Luke's Medical Center through normal delivery. Hunter weighed 7.5 lbs.

Aubrey was already on her fourth month of pregnancy when she admitted to the public that she was pregnant. It an interview on The Buzz last April 20, 2008, Aubrey and Troy revealed that they are expecting their child together.

"Yes, I'm pregnant," said Aubrey. "Matagal na talaga kami nagko-conceive, last year pa, ni Cody [Troy's real name]."

Aubrey also said that she found out that she was pregnant on her third month already.

Aubrey and Troy have been together for five years now. The couple is planning to get married next year.

Charice nominated for Best New Artist in the 21st Aliw Awards

Aliw Awards has released its nominees for its 21st edition.

Aliw Awards is given out to recognize live performers—comedians, live acts, musicians, and entertainers.

Here are the nominees for the 21st Aliw Awards:

Best Performer in Hotels, Music Lounges and Bars
(Male) Nyoy Volante, Arthur Manuntag, Richard Poon, Ruben Laurente

(Female) Olivia, Nina, Consuelo Osorio;

(Group) 6cyclemind, Itchyworms, Route '70, Rhythm and Babes, Shane and the Brown Union, RetroSPECT

Best Major Concert
(Male) Erik Santos, Solo at Coliseum; Piolo Pascual, Ten Piolo; Martin Nievera, XXV; Billy Crawford, It's Time; Christian Bautista, Inspired

(Female) Ai-Ai de las Alas, Ai-Ai Ay!... The Greatest Performance of My Life; Manilyn Reynes, Manilyn Live @25; Regine Velasquez, Ang Ating Musika; Toni Gonzaga, Catch Me; Pops Fernandez, Divalicious; Lea Salonga, My Life...on Stage

(Collaboration) John Lesaca, Tots Tolentino and Noelle Cassandra, Love's What Matters Most; Erik Santos, Christian Bautista and Rachelle Ann Go, Ol 4 Love; Pilita Corrales, Carmen Patena, and Carmen Soriano, Golden Divas; Rico J. Puno, Sam Milby, and Nyoy Volante, All in Love; Nonoy Libanan, Verni Varga, Isay Alvarez, and May Bayot, Music From the Heart

Best Performance in a Concert
(Male) Martin Nievera, Reuben Laurente, Gary Valenciano, Erik Santos, Piolo Pascual, Ogie Alcasid

(Female) Faith Cuneta, Kuh Ledesma, Nina, Sitti Navarro

(Group) The CompanY, Loboc Children's Choir, Angelos

Best Musical Director
Tats Faustino, Manilyn Live@25; Louie Ocampo, XXV; Gerard Salonga, My Life...on Stage; Gerry Matias, All in Love; Mel Villena, Inspired; Raul Mitra, Ang Ating Musika

Best Concert Stage Director
Al Quinn, Manilyn Live@25; Rowell Santiago, Ai-Ai Ay!... The Greatest Performance of My Life; Johnny Manahan, Ten Piolo; Freddie Santos, My Life...on Stage; Jobert Sucaldito, All in Love

Best Choral Group
DFA Chorale, Ramon Magsaysay High School Chorale (Manila), UP Concert Chorus, UP Singing Ambassadors, UST Liturgikon, PAL Chorale

Best Dance Company
(Classical/Folk) Ballet Manila, Ballet Philippines, Halili-Cruz Dance Company, Quezon City Performing Arts

(Modern) Air Dance, EB Babes, Hot Legs, SexBomb Dancers

Best Cultural Group
Bungkos Palay (Science City, Munoz, Nuevo Ecija), Pagdungawan Cultural Group (Mati, Davao Oriental), Dagway Sigmahanon (Sigma, Capiz), Sining Kabpapagariya (General Santos City), Umahalukan Cultural Group (Quezon City)

Best Emcee
(Male) Boy Abunda, Ryan Agoncillo, Marc Nelson, Tim Yap, Luis Manzano

(Female) Mariel Rodriguez, Kris Aquino, Phoemela Baranda, Miriam Quiambao, Bianca Gonzales

Best New Artist
(Male) Daryl Lagos, Giu Comia, Richard Poon, Lex Lopez

(Female) Ava Jugueta, Charice, KC Concepcion

Best Stand-up Comedy Act
(Male) Pooh, Wally and Jose, Chokoleit, Vice Ganda, John Lapus

(Female) Pokwang, K Brosas, Rubi Rubi, Candy Pangilinan, Tuesday Vargas

Best Instrumentalist
Nonoy Libanan (Guitar), Jay Cayuca (Violin), Tots Tolentino (Sax), Coke Bolipata (Violin), Jovianney Emmanuel Cruz (Piano), Mary Ann Espina (Piano)

Best Stage Director
(Musical Play) Chris Millado, E.J.; Nor Domingo, Skin-Deep; Arthur Cassanova, Pippin; Dexter Santos, Orosman at Zafira

(Non-Musical Play) Cris Lim, Bangkay sa Corintho; Niel de Mesa, I Laugh You; Ricky Abad, The Death of Memory; Floy Quintos, Ang Kalungkutan ng Mga Reyna; Leo Rialp, Ang Dalawa Niyang Libing

Best Non-Musical Production
Bangkay sa Corintho; Romeo and Juliet; I Laugh You; The Death of Memory; Ang Kalungkutan ng Mga Reyna

Best Musical Production
Ang Pagong at ang Matsing; Isang Dosenang Sapatos; Avenue Q; Pippin; Orosman at Zafira; Skin-Deep

Best Stage Actress
(Musical) May Bayot, Skin-Deep; Isay Alvarez, Skin-Deep; Rachel Alejandro, Avenue Q; Aiza Seguerra, Avenue Q; Cris Villonco, Orosman at Zafira

(Non-Musical) Glory Ann Nacional, Bangkay sa Corintho; Monica Llamas, Romeo and Juliet; Shamaine Buencamino, Ang Kalungkutan ng Mga Reyna; Kimberly Diaz, Florante at Laura

Best Stage Actor
(Musical) Joel Trinidad, Avenue Q; Robert Sena, Skin-Deep; Jay-R, Footloose; Bodjie Pascua, Isang Dosenang Sapatos; Francis Ong, Ang Pagong at ang Matsing; Jet Pangan, E.J.; Roeder Camanag, Orosman at Zafira

(Non-Musical) Vince Tanada, Bangkay sa Corintho; Lance Raymundo, Romeo and Juliet; Joey Paras, Ang Bayot, ang Maranao at ang Habal-Habal sa Isang Nakakabagot na Paghihintay sa Kanto ng Lanao del Norte; Arnold Reyes, Ang Bayot, ang Maranao at ang Habal-Habal sa Isang Nakakabagot na Paghihintay sa Kanto ng Lanao del Norte

Best Classical Performer
(Male) Lionel Guico, Ramon Acoymo, Randy Gillongo, Guillian Marcelino, Pablo Molina

(Fedmale) Rachel Gerodias, Cynthia Guico, Ana Feleo, Josephine Gomez, Izarzuri Vidal, Camille Lopez

Best Child Performer
Makisig Morales, Mauna Kea Chan, Mika Roi Torres, Aria Clemente

Angel Locsin Tops Metro Magazine’s Power Women

Metro Magazine compiled a list of the country’s “Power Women” and Angel Locsin is their no. 1 pick because of her popularity and the causes she advocates.

In the October issue of Metro Magazine, they listed a few good women who continue to make a difference. Aside from Angel, who was voted as the Most Beautiful Pinay of 2008, these women also made it to the list:

Charo Santos-Concio

Wilma Galvante

Maria Ressa

Annette Gozon-Abrogar

Tina Maristela-Ocampo

Amina Aranaz-Alunan

Suyen Lim

Cristalle Henares

Marivic Añonuevo

Joanne Rae Ramirez

Hollywood’s Top 10 Young Celebrity Millionaires

Forbes Magazine released their 2008 annual Top 10 Young Celebrity Millionaires and Filipino-American Vanessa Hudgens made it to the list!

The three leads of the monster-hit movie franchise “Harry Potter” and Disney’s top-rating tv-musical-turned-movie all made it to the list.

The Jonas Brothers are newcomers to the list with an estimated worth of $12 Million, at number four.

Here is the complete Top 10 Highest Earning ‘Tweens’ List:

1. Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter) - $25 million
(tied with) Miley Cyrus (Hannah Montana) -$25 million

3. Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen (Full House, Dualstar Company) - $15 million

4. Jonas Brothers (Disney, Camp Rock) - $12 million

5. Zac Efron (High School Musical) - $5.8 million

6. Ashley Tisdale (High School Musical) - $5.5 million

7. Emma Watson (Harry Potter) - $5.5 million

8. Hillary Duff (Disney, Lizzie Maguire) - $5 million

9. Rupert Grint (Harry Potter) - $5 million

10. Vanessa Anne Hudgens (High School Musical) - $3.2 million

Weekend Music Charts

Here are the best in music this weekend from various Philippine Radio Charts.

101.9 For Life Amazing Tres
October 3, 2008

1. Paano na kaya - Bugoy
2. Now - MYMP
3. Pugad- Sugarfree

RX 93.1 Daily Survey
October 3, 2008

1. The Man Who Can’t Be Moved - The Script
2. Crush - David Archuleta
3. Im yours - Jason Mraz
4. Broken - Lifehouse
5. Mercy - OneRepublic

MYX Daily Top 10
October 3,2008

10.Urbandub - The Fight Is Over
09.Jonas Brothers - Burnin’ Up
08.Rihanna - Disturbia
07.Rico Blanco - Yugto
06.Miley Cyrus - 7 Things
05.Hale - Leap Of Faith
04.Bamboo - Kailan
03.Demi Lovato & Joe Jonas - This Is Me
02.MYMP - Now
01.SpongeCola - Puso

Jam Se7ens
October 2, 2008

1. Make It Mine - Jason Mraz
2. The Man Who Can’t Be Moved - The Script
3. You Don’t Know Me - Ben Folds feat. Regina Spektor
4. Shut Up and Let Me Go - The Ting Tings
5. Fell in Love without You - Motion City Soundtrack
6. Spiralling - Keane
7. That Green Gentleman - Panic at the Disco

103.5 MAX FM Early Returns
October 2, 2008

1. The Man Who Can’t Be Moved - The Script
2. That’s What You Get - Paramore
3. Just Stand Up! - Artists Stand Up to Cancer
4. Puso - Spongecola
5. The Shock of the Lightning - Oasis
6. Shut Up and Let Me Go - The Ting Tings
7. Fall for You - Secondhand Serenade
8. Your Universe - Rico Blanco
9. Great DJ - The Ting Tings (re-entry)
10. Superhuman - Chris Brown feat. Keri Hilson

Magic 89.9 Top 5 @ 5
October 2, 2008

1. Just Stand Up! - Artists Stand Up to Cancer
2. The Man Who Can’t Be Moved - The Script
3. Shut Up and Let Me Go - The Ting Tings
4. I Don’t Care - Fall Out Boy
5. Heaven Sent - Keyshia Cole Featuring Mario

Did Lani, Regine try to upstage each other?

Did Lani Misalucha and Regine Velasquez really try to “outshine” or steal scenes from each other during their recent concert in New York?

Here’s the real score, according to Funfare’s Big Apple correspondent Edmund Silvestre:

Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez and Asia’s Nightingale Lani Misalucha’s The Main Event concert at New Jersey’s Newark Symphony Hall last Sept. 20 delivered what could be the best Filipino concert ever staged in the US East Coast, bar none.

There were no pyrotechnics, no lavish set, no flying trapeze. Just the raw talent of two astonishing artists backed by impressive sound and lighting systems, and a brilliant band led by veteran musicians Lorie Ilustre and Cesar Aguas.

For almost three hours, Regine and Lani — both renowned for their extensive vocal ranges — took the stage like goddesses (in their ravishing gowns) sent from the heavens to regale mortals.

None of the two, it seeemed, intentionally upstaged the other. But it was obvious that they were both on guard, each making sure the other wouldn’t pull a trick on the other.

During a back-to-back of original Filipino songs, Regine belted Narito Ako with much gusto, which Lani followed up with a soulful Bukas Na Lang Kita Mamahalin. Not to be outdone, Regine came up with a powerful rendition of Ikaw Ang Lahat Sa Akin, which Lani challenged with a magnificent rendition of Ikaw Lang Ang Mamahalin. Both got long and rolling applause from an awed crowd.

From the opening salvo — a choreographed rendition of a medley from the film Dreamgirls and followed by Beyoncé and Shakira’s Beautiful Liar — to their encore of ‘70s disco hits (I Will Survive, Enough Is Enough, Raining Men), Regine and Lani managed to sustain high energy level throughout this concert produced by Calla Lilly Entertainment Production.

They elicited guffaws as they traded banter — unscripted, the two claimed — about Regine’s “inexperience” in relationships, Ogie Alcasid’s height, the Reycards (“Sino sa atin si Carding?” Regine asked), Zsa Zsa Padilla and Armida Siguion-Reyna’s styles of singing, and even about their own powerful vocal ranges.

Halfway through the show, special guest Christopher de Leon came out to wild cheers. True to Regine’s intro, Christopher is not only a great dramatic actor, but also a great singer. Well, not that great but good enough to hold his own in the presence of Regine and Lani. After his two solos, the dashing actor — still a babe magnet after all these years — joined the two divas in a beautiful and nostalgic number, Umagang Kay Ganda. Their voices blended well that gave Christopher a shining moment on stage.

Lani and Regine had an equal footing — almost! — in their New Jersey showdown until Lani pulled a bravura performance of Nessun Dorma, an Italian aria that became her killer signature song even in Las Vegas that could leave all her competition in the dust.

It was so breathtaking that even Regine’s splendid rendition of On The Wings of Love was no match. Lani’s Nessun Dorma was a tour de force that deserves a spot at New York’s Metropolitan Opera, or perhaps a duet with tenor Andrea Bocelli. Not a far fetched idea considering that Lani has already performed on stage with Josh Groban.

With Nessun Dorma, the Nightingale soared higher than the Songbird.

Jason abalos won Best Actor during the 31st Gawad Urian Awards

Indie Films sweeped all the awards in the 2008 Gawad Urian Awards.

Movies from major productions like Star Cinema, Regal or Viva didn’t win a single award as digital films grabbed all the trophies from technical to acting categories.

Here are this year’s winners:

Best Picture:
Tirador (Centerstage Productions)

Best Director:
Brillante Mendoza (Tirador)

Best Screenplay:
Jade Castro, Michiko Yamamoto, Raymond Lee (Endo)

Best Actress:
Cherry Pie Picache (Foster Child)

Best Actors:
Jason Abalos (Endo) tied with Sid Lucero (Selda)

Best Supporting Actress:
Angela Ruiz (Tirador)

Best Supporting Actor:
Emilio Garcia (Selda)

Best Production Design:
Lav Diaz and Dante Perez (Death in the Land of Encantos)

Best Cinematography:
Jeffrey dela Cruz, Brillante Mendoza, Gary Tria and Julius Villanueva (Tirador)

Best Editing:
Aleks Castaneda (Tambolista)

Best Music:
Francis de Veyra (Tribu)

Best Sound:
Ditoy Aguila and Junel Valencia (Tirador)

Best Short Film:
Rolyo by Alvin Yapan

Natatanging Gawad:
Kidlat Tahimik

The awarding ceremonies was held at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Little Theater Wednesday night.

Rustom Padilla Dressed like a Woman in Gawad Urian

Rustom Padilla pulled a surprise during the awards night of the 31st Gawad Urian.

He presented an award wearing a dress and a wig looking like his ex-girlfriend Carmina Villaroel. He said he dressed in drag to prepare for his upcoming movie.

Video Link: Rustom Padilla Pulls Out a Surprise at Gawad Urian

via: satarmometer

YES! answers complaints from Angel Locsin's fans about the Top 20 celebrity endorsers

The Summit Media publisher's group continues to receive emails from die-hard Angel Locsin fans protesting their idol's "non-inclusion" in YES! magazine's list of Top 20 Celebrity Endorsers for 2008. The list was published on the October 2008 issue of YES!

Summit Media President Lisa Gokongwei-Cheng herself already answered the complaint of Angel's fans, particularly a certain Varga Torres. Ms. Lisa's explanation was published here on PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) last Thursday, September 25. (Click here to read related article.)

PEP released a teaser last September 23 and we mentioned only five of the 20 celebrities included in the YES! list—Kapamilya stars Sharon Cuneta, Aga Muhlach, Kris Aquino, and Piolo Pascual, and the lone Kapuso, Marian Rivera. (Click here to read related article.)

The ranking of PEP was in no particular order. Selection was also done randomly. It was intended as a teaser for the October 2008 issue of YES!

Contrary to the claim of Angel supporters, the young actress is included in the Top 20 of Celebrity Endorsers for 2008; she is ranked 12^th overall. Kris Aquino topped the list.

After knowing that Angel is indeed included in the list, some of her fans insist that she deserve a much higher ranking. They claim that their idol has so many endorsements tucked under her belt.

But according to YES! editor-in-chief Jo-Ann Maglipon, their ranking was based on the endorsements of each celebrity with "live contracts up to at least October 2008." So their past endorsements, which have already expired, were not included anymore.

As already explained by Ms. Gokongwei-Chen, "YES! counted the number of endorsements of each celebrity and asked around the advertising industry about their talent fees. The YES! team then multiplied the number of endorsements versus the rate card in order to come out with an annual number."

As for Angel's case, according to Ms. Maglipon, it was the young actress' manager, Becky Aguila, who forwarded the number of Angel's endorsements this year and enumerated it herself to YES!

Ms. Maglipon described the YES! list of Top 20 Celebrity Endorsers for 2008 as a "foolhardy task." As she wrote in her editorial, "But no matter how studious the research and how accurate to the decimal point the final figures may be, I'm certain there will be managers, stars, and agents who will disagree passionately."

And in Angel's case, her fans.

Lastly, Ms. Maglipon said, "You don't have to agree. But trust me, YES! normally gets it right."

Star Magic launches 2009 Catalogue with an all-white affair

It was an all-white affair for the launch of Star Magic Catalogue 2009.

Buhay na buhay ang lobby ng EDSA Shangri-La Hotel kahapon, September 28, sa pagdagsa ng napakaraming artista na mga miyembro ng Star Magic. Ang Star Magic ay ang talent development center ng ABS-CBN na pinamumunuan ni Mr. Johnny M. Manahan na kilala bilang si Mr. M at ang kanyang kanang-kamay na si Ms. Rikka Dylim.

Dahil sa dami ng nandoon, para magkakilalanan kung sino ang artista, sino ang mga handlers/road managers at sino ang bisita, tila pinagkasunduan na ang mga artista ay darating in all white samantalang ang mga staff naman ng Star Magic ay in "all the colors of the rainbow."

Sabayan ang launching ng Star Magic catalogue sa EDSA Shangri-La para sa mga VIP at sa SM Megamall naman para sa mga fans na gustong makabili at makita ang kanilang mga paborito nilang artista na dadaan muna doon bago tumuloy sa hotel.

Kung ang 2008 catalogue ay hinati-hati sa kategorya ("Leading Ladies," "Torchbearers," etc), iniba na ito para sa 2009 edition.

Mas marami ang artistang nasa 2009 catalogue kesa sa 2008 edition. 191 lamang ang artista sa 2008 issue samantalang may 226 na headshots naman ang nasa 2009. Kasama na kasi sa bagong catalogue ang mga nanalo sa unang Pinoy Dream Academy, Be Bench, Pinoy Big Brother Season 2, at PBB Teen Edition 2 at pati na rin ang Star Magic Batch 16.

Walo na lang ang nasa cover ng 2009 kumpara sa labindalawa noong 2008. Sina Angelica Panganiban, Diether Ocampo, Kristine Hermosa, Sam Milby, Bea Alonzo, Piolo Pascual, Claudine Barretto, at John Lloyd Cruz ang nasa pabalat para sa 2009 catalogue na nasa 2008 din. Ang mga nawala ay sina Shaina Magdayao, Roxanne Guinoo, Rafael Rosell, at Zanjoe Marudo.

Head shots ang tipo ng litrato ng mga artista sa 2009 catalogue ngunit ang Top 24 ay may one or two-page fashion shot.

Una pa rin sa listahan si Claudine Barretto ("The Ultimate Star") na bago ma-release ang catalogue ay balitang baka hindi na sumali para sa 2009 edition. Sumunod sa kanya ang top actor ng Star Magic na si Piolo Pascual "The Classic").

Ang next 22 main stars ayon sa pagkakasunod ay sina Bea Alonzo ("Stunning Swan"), John Lloyd Cruz ("The Actor's Actor"), Kristine Hermosa ("The Reluctant Star"), Diether Ocampo ("The Activist"), Rica Peralejo ("Educating Rica"), Sam Milby ("Certified A-Lister"), Kim Chiu ("Everybody's Princess"), Gerald Anderson ("Boy Wonder"), Roxanne Guinoo ("Child Woman"), Jake Cuenca ("The Good Bad Boy"), Angelica Panganiban ("The Real Deal"), Zanjoe Marudo ("Man of the Moment"), Shaina Magdayao ("The Sweetheart"), Jon Avila ("Heroic Hunk"), Rafael Rosell ("Independent Spirit"), Maja Salvador ("Rising Thespian"), Jay-R Siaboc ("Wild Card"), Yeng Constantino ("Music Heartthrob"), Erich Gonzales ("The Good Girl"), Nikki Gil ("The Natural"), Pokwang ("Funny Lady"), at Vina Morales ("The Dynamo").

The rest, naka-lump sum sa "The Next Wave," kung saan bawa't pahina ay may tatlo hanggang apat na litrato; maliban kina Richard Poon, Jed Madela, Sheryn Regis, Megan Young, Thou Reyes, Mariana del Rio, Priscilla Meirelles, John "Sweet" Lapus, at ang Fil-Brit na si Charlie Green na may solo page.

Katulad last year—kung saan pinapunta na sina Carlo Guevara, John Uy, at Ron Morales kahit wala pa sila sa 2008 catalogue—may ibang artista na ring dumating na wala pa sa 2009 catalogue.

Kung maraming nadagdag sa 2009 catalogue, kapansin-pansin din na may nawawala mula sa 2008 catalogue. Una na rito sina Denise Laurel (na dating pangangalaga ni Eric Raymundo na manager din ni Sam), Michelle Madrigal (na nasa pangagalaga na ni Annabelle Rama), Joross Gamboa (na nasa pangangalaga na ni Becky Aguila), Gabb Drilon (na solo managed na ni Manny Valera), at ang mga babae ng unang Pinoy Big Brother na sina Say Alonzo at Chx Alcala.

Nakakagulat namang wala sa listahan si Charice Pempengco na galing sa Little Big Star samantalang nandoon si Charlie Green from Britain's Got Talent.

Ang isa pa sa mga sorpresang nagbabalik Star Magic bukod kay Vina ay ang Korean young actress na si Sandara Park.