Charice’s Guesting Stint in Oprah Aired on TV

Charice’s guesting stint in the Oprah Winfrey Show was finally aired on TV. Here’s the transcript and video of the said episode:
Oprah: My next young guest is an absolute sensation in the Philippines. I never heard her sing before but at the rehearsal last night my stage manager Dean says she was really something, right Dean?
Dean: Really strong performer. Really strong and confident.
Oprah: Yeah, I heard about this girl from David Foster. So let’s take a look.


Charice Pempengco has been lighting up the stage in her home country in the Philippines since she was only 4 years old. Described as a diva in the making, this little songstress began her career competing in talent shows belting out hits from her favorite American singers Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Celine Dion. But it wasn’t until a stranger posted her jaw-dropping tv performance on Youtube that Charice became an internet singing sensation and kind of a household name. Within just 3 months, Charice’s international popularity skyrocketed. Her videos, raked up 13 million hits online. And last November, Charice was invited to guest on Star King, one of Korea’s most popular television shows. Her spectacular performance brought down the house.
:: Watch the full version of her Oprah guesting stint here.
:: TV Patrol Reports about Charice’s Oprah Performance.

Kapitan Boom and Invasion Top Weekend NUTAM for April

ABS-CBN shows conquered both primetime and daytime weekend NUTAM for April 2008. According to AGB Nielsen, Kapitan Boom starring Jon Avila is the number one weekend program nationwide for the month of April beating PBB and I Am KC which placed 2nd and 3rd respectively. In the weekend primetime race, on the other hand, Invasion: Philippines Versus the World captured the top spot. Wowowee and ASAP placed 2nd and 3rd respectively.
Here are the Top 10 weekend programs for the month of April based on a survey conducted by AGB Nielsen Media Research Philippines among NUTAM households:
Top Weekend Programs (Primetime)


1. Komiks Presents Kapitan Boom (ABS-CBN) - 31.1%2. Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition Plus (ABS-CBN) - 28.2%3. I Am KC (ABS-CBN) - 28.1%4. Goin’ Bulilit (ABS-CBN) - 27%5. Bitoy’s Funniest Videos Yari Ka! (GMA-7) - 26.1%6. Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (GMA-7) - 24.5%7. Rated K (ABS-CBN) - 22.3%8. Pinoy Idol (GMA-7) - 21.4%9. Tok! Tok! Tok! Isang Milyon Pasok (GMA-7) - 20.5%10. Kap’s Amazing Stories (GMA-7) - 20.5%
Top Weekend Programs (Daytime)
1. Invasion: Philippines vs. The World (ABS-CBN) - 29.5%2. Wowowee (ABS-CBN) - 23%3. ASAP ‘08 (ABS-CBN) - 18.8%4. Eat Bulaga! (GMA-7) - 17.7%5. Your Song (ABS-CBN) - 17.6%6. Cinema FPJ: Da King On ABS-CBN (ABS-CBN) - 16.1%7. The Buzz (ABS-CBN) - 15.6%8. Pilipinas, Game KNB? (ABS-CBN) - 15.5%9. Love Spell (ABS-CBN) - 14.1%10. Entertainment Live! (ABS-CBN) - 13.8%
Source: AGB Nielsen Media Research, Philippines via PEP

2008 Miss Philippines-Earth Winners (from left to right): Miss Philippines-Eco Tourism - Maria Venus Raj, Miss Philippines-Air - Marie Razel Eguia, Mi

The doubts clouding Marian Rivera as the Philippine Primetime Queen has been shattered as Dyesebel conquered the nationwide (NUTAM) primetime ratings for the month of April. Last February and March 2008, Marian’s previous primetime series Marimar became the first GMA program in a long time to conquer the prestigious NUTAM ratings.
In the battle of weekday daytime programs, Wowowee continued it’s supremacy as the Willie Revillame noontime show topped the nationwide (NUTAM) weekend ratings for the month of April. Pilipinas Game KNB? finished second.
Here are the Top 10 weekday programs for the month of April based on a survey conducted by AGB Nielsen Media Research Philippines among NUTAM households:
Top Weekday Programs (Primetime)


1. Dyesebel (GMA-7) - 35.7%2. The Singing Bee (ABS-CBN) - 33.7%3. Kung Fu Kids (ABS-CBN) - 32.8%4. Lobo (ABS-CBN) - 31.2%5. Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition Plus (ABS-CBN) - 30.2%6. TV Patrol World (ABS-CBN) - 29.9%7. Joaquin Bordado (GMA-7) - 28.8%8. Kamandag (GMA-7) - 28%9. Palos (ABS-CBN) - 24.2%10. Babangon Ako’t Dudurugin Kita (GMA-7) - 22.5%
Top Weekday Programs (Daytime)
1. Wowowee (ABS-CBN) - 22.3%2. Pilipinas, Game KNB? (ABS-CBN) - 19.6%3. Eat Bulaga! (GMA-7) - 17.2%4. Prinsesa ng Banyera (ABS-CBN) - 17.1%5. Daisy Siete (GMA-7) - 17%6. Maging Akin Ka Lamang (GMA-7) - 16.1%7. One Piece (GMA-7) - 15.3%8. Kaputol ng Isang Awit (GMA-7) - 14.9%9. Powerpuff Girls Z (GMA-7) - 14.6%10. Doraemon (GMA-7) - 14.6%
Figures courtesy of AGB Nielsen via PEP.

Karla Paula Henry is Miss Philippines 2008

She was snubbed by Bb. Pilipinas earlier this year but it didn’t stop Karla Paula Henry of Cebu from reaching her dreams to become the country’s beauty queen. Last Sunday night, She bested 40 other candidates to win the Miss Philippines Earth 2008 title at the Crowne Plaza Galleria in Ortigas, Mandaluyong City. She will represent the Philippines at the Miss Earth 2008 pageant this coming November.

2008 Miss Philippines-Earth Winners (from left to right): Miss Philippines-Eco Tourism - Maria Venus Raj, Miss Philippines-Air - Marie Razel Eguia, Miss Philippines-Earth - Karla Paula Henry, Miss PAGCOR International Tourism Ambassadress - Melanie Felix, Miss Philippines-Water - Marian Michelle Oblea, Miss Philippines-Fire - Ma. Kristelle Lazaro

Josef Elizalde Talks About Nikki & Girlfriend on The Buzz

Fresh from his eviction from Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition Plus last Saturday night, Josef “The Lethal La Sallite” Elizalde appeared on The Buzz Sunday (May 12, 2008) afternoon together with her tita Anna to answer some intriguing questions being thrown at him by hosts Ruffa Gutierrez and Cristy Fermin.
Apparently, Mica Ocampo broke up with his boyfriend Josef through her blog because of the special “closeness” that Josef and housemate Nikki shared inside the big yellow house.
Josef, on the other hand, admitted something important via his The Buzz interview. Click the link below to watch the video:
:: Josef Elizalde - The Buzz Live Interview

When Love Begins Earned P69M in 2 Weeks

The Star Cinema and Viva Films’ romantic drama When Love Begins has already grossed P 69,277,632.90 on its two weeks of running. The Aga Muhlach-Anne Curtis starrer was second only to Hollywood superhero movie Iron Man, which already raked in P 120,930,291.90 for 2 weeks.
Compared with Aga’s previous movie “A Love Story” with Maricel Soriano and Angelica Panganiban, When Love Begins is lackluster at the boxoffice. A Love Story has grossed P 130,169,177.10 and it ran for 8 weeks. A Love Story was no. 1 in 3 weeks beating the Hollywood movie “Bourne Ultimatum” starring Matt Damon which also premiered last August 15, 2007.

Although When Love Begins can still run to 4 to 6 weeks of screening, it could only pull in approximately P10 million or less specially that Hollywood summer movies are now hitting the theaters. For what its worth, When Love Begins received a grade of “B” from the Cinema Evaluation Board which means the producers will only pay 50% for its amusement tax.


The independent movie “Ploning”, produced by various filmmakers collectively known as “Panoramanila”, has grossed P 10,546,847.40 in 2 weeks. This is an above the average performance for an indie-movie in the country. Furthermore, the Judy Ann Santos starrer was shown only in SM cinemas nationwide. Plus, it’s the first movie this year to receive a grade of “A” from the Cinema Evaluation Board.
Judy Ann’s previous movies like Ouija and Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo has grossed P87.3 M and P122.9 M respectively. Of course, we have to consider that SSS has no Hollywood movie competitor compared to Ouija so these two movies are both hits. And while her last 2 films are commercial successes, her latest film “Ploning” was a critical success.
Let’s take a look at this year’s box-office so far, shall we?
1. My Bestfriend’s Girlfriend:P 101,196,809.40 (6 weeks)
2. When Love Begins:P 69,277,632.90 (2 weeks)*
3. My Big Love:P 68,074,541.10 (6 weeks)
4. Supah Papalicious:P 66,523,342.80 (6 weeks)
5. Manay Po 2: Overload:P 29,750,322.90 (3 weeks)
6. Ploning:P 10,546,847.40 (2 weeks)
*still running
Figures courtesy of Box Office Mojo.

Andrea “Andi” Eigenmann is the 2nd House Player in PBB Teen Edition Plus

After the entrance of Farina “Shy” Runkle last week inside the Pinoy Big Brother house as the “House Player” ng bayan, another house player entered the house Sunday night and she is celebrity daughter Andrea “Andi” Eigenmann.
Andi Eigenmann is the daughter of veteran actors Jacklyn Jose and Mark Gil. She played the role of Sandy in the weekday daytime soap Prinsesa ng Banyera which is currently shown on ABS-CBN.

In the confession room, Big Brother instructed Andi with her task as the 2nd teen houseplayer. She was also introduced by Big Brother to the first house player, Shy.
Andi will now help Shy in exposing the true colors of the teen housemates to help the televiewers in picking the right person to win. Big Brother congratulated Shy for a job well done in exposing the true colors of some female teen housemates who are currently nominated for eviction this week. That’s why this time, Big Brother gave the mission to both Shy and Andi to “challenge” the character of the teen housemates, specially the guys.

Josef Elizalde Evicted from PBB House

After being nominated six times in a row for six consecutive weeks, Josef “The lethal La Sallite” Elizalde, was finally evicted in Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition Plus.

Here’s how the poll turned out:
1st - Rona - 43.12%2nd - Nikki - 30.81%3rd - Josef - 26.07%
And that’s the end to Josef and Nikki’s “love affair” inside the big yellow house.
Tita Anna, Josef’s guardian, also went home.

Sharon Cuneta on Star Cinema’s ‘Caregiver’

In celebration of the megastar’s 30th anniversary in showbiz and Star Cinema’s 15th year anniversary in the movie making industry, a film very close to the hearts of the Filipinos is about to be born.

Caregiver is about the story of Sarah, a grade school teacher who decides to give up teaching for a more financially-rewarding career as a caregiver in London. As she takes care of other people, who will take care of Sarah herself?

Being shot in Manila and London, Sharon is joined by John Estrada, Rica Peralejo, Monique Wilson, Jhong Hilario, Marita Zobel, Lotlot de Leon, John Manalo, Mickey Feriols, Boots Anson Roa and Makisig Morales.
Helmed by Chito Roño, Caregiver is eyeing for the May 28, 2008 release.

Charice still high after her "Oprah" experience

This time, it was Oprah Winfrey's turn to be charmed by the Philippines' Charice Pempengco.

With her Ellen DeGeneres appearance still lingering in the memory of her countrymen, young singing sensation Charice pulled off another stellar feat when she graced the highly-popular U.S. talk show Oprah, hosted by Oprah Winfrey.

Charice shared with The Buzz yesterday, May 4, that the influential American host and media mogul deliberately skipped watching her rehearsal because she wanted to be surprised during the actual taping.

"Kahit po siya hindi niya po ako kilala," said Charice to hosts Boy Abunda and Ruffa Gutierrez.

"Kumbaga, talaga pong gusto niya po ma-surprise sa talent ko so nag-perform po ako nandoon po siya sa gilid," she added, while obviously still reeling from the entire experience.

Throughout the performance, Oprah silently watched in one corner as Charice exhibited her vocal power along with other young talents.

"Nasa gilid po siya nanonood po, so kinanatahan ko po siya," recounted the 15-year-old belter from Cabuyao, Laguna. "Medyo naluha po siya tapos sinabi po niya sa akin nung after po ng performance ko, sinabi niya sa akin na hindi daw po siya makapaniwalang ganoon kagaling ang mga Pinoy."

WINNING FANS ALL OVER THE GLOBE. Oprah's enthusiasm with Charice's extraordinary talent isn't entirely new. Since placing third behind eventual champion Sam Concepcion in the local singing tilt Little Big Star in 2005, Charice's singing career skyrocketed, mainly through video postings of her performances in YouTube.

Prior to Oprah's show, Charice had been invited by some foreign programs after seeing her perform in South Korea's Star King. E! which later on cited Charice in its "The Daily 10" segment under the banner "A Star Is Born." The "Hollywood Royalty Segment," on the other hand, acknowledged the young singer with a headline that read "A Queen Is Born."

Unknown to Charice, American talk show host Ellen DeGeneres had been keeping an eye on her after watching her sing in YouTube. Ellen even showed clippings of Charice singing and went on to imitate her gestures before issuing an invitation to the Filipino talent to grace the show.

On December 19, 2007, Charice accepted Ellen's invitation and performed two songs on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. The young singing sensation also had the chance to personally meet esteemed American composer David Foster during her short U.S. stay.

Last April 8, 2008, Charice once again conquered the international stage, this time as a guest performer in London's Paul O' Grady Show. Charice dished out her two signature cover songs: "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going," taken from the movie Dreamgirls, and Whitney Houston's 1992 smash hit "I Will Always Love You." Charice received two standing ovations from the audience.

Charice was also featured in various news programs abroad, like CNN and France News.

But nothing still beats the euphoria of meeting and, much more, sharing the spotlight with the unrivaled Oprah Winfrey.

"Sa studio po, nung nag-guest po ako... So siyempre before po ako mag-perform, nung rehearsal po, ipinakita po sa akin ‘yong studio. So sabi po nila, tingnan mo na, diyan ka kakanta bukas," she recalled being told by the staff.

Just the thought of stepping inside the Harpo studio was enough to excite Charice. "So parang hindi po ako makapaniwala na ‘yon na ‘yong studio ng Oprah tapos sabi umikot ka diyan, tumalon ka... Tumalon po ako kasi talagang ‘yon po ‘yong pangarap ko—makapag-guest sa show na ‘yon," she confessed to Boy and Ruffa.

On May 12, the entire world will witness the realization of that dream.

courtesy: PEP

Anne Curtis fulfills childhood dream by playing mermaid in "Dyosa"

courtesy: PEP.com.ph

She is the goddess of the earth, sea, and sky. She is destined to restore balance to the universe. She is Dyosa, who will be played none other than Anne Curtis.

Through the help of ABS-CBN's PR manager Lorelie Dionisio-Piravalasamy, PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) was able to visit Anne Curtis during the first official taping day of Dyosa. This fantaserye directed by Wenn Deramas pairs Anne with Sam Milby, Luis Manzano, and Zanjoe Marudo.

After traveling over four hours from ABS-CBN compound in Quezon City, we arrived at the Aqua Farm in Calatagan, Batangas, where Anne had just taped her scenes as a mermaid. Anne then moved to the Ivory Beach where she shot underwater scenes while wearing a golden fish tail. She was assisted by two divers while Boy Siojo and Richard Arellano facilitated the underwater scenes.

After shooting her underwater scenes, PEP was able to talk with Anne as she rested inside her airconditioned tent.

Anne has been very vocal in saying that she has always wanted to play a mermaid. What was her reaction when she learned that she would play a mermaid for Dyosa?

She shrieks, "Yes! I know, dream come true na ‘to, that's why I'm so happy! I've always wanted to be a mermaid, it's really something I wanted to do and finally, I'm given the opportunity. Kaya career ko talaga kasi feel na feel ko."

Aside from playing a half-human, half-fish character, Anne will also transform into a centaur (half-human, half-horse), and a half-human with eagle wings.

"I'm the same person but with three different capabilities. She's the goddess of the sea, of land, of air. It's something I'm really excited about."

When we saw Anne shooting her underwater scenes, she would emerge from the water appearing as if she were topless. Anne's flawless skin is marred only by the faint bikini lines still visible on her back.

"It's not what you think. It's an illusion. Of course, lahat may takip. I have prosthetics. Sabi ko naman, I'm willing to do it just as long as it's an illusion... it's not the real thing. Kasi hindi ka naman makakaarte if you're not comfortable, di ba? So I wanted to have something na kumportable naman ako."

How did she prepare for her role as a mermaid?

"It helps talaga na beach person talaga ako. I only tried introductory scuba diving early this year, so nag-aral ako with the dive masters provided by the show. And they taught me how to do fin swimming, which is a sport now! It uses a monofin [to propel in the water]."

Is she ready to face critics who would compare her performance as a mermaid with GMA-7's Dyesebel (played by Marian Rivera)?

"I think that's only healthy competition naman and it's inevitable naman sa business natin. Kahit nga hindi shows, may comparison kaagad yun. So ako naman, hayaan n'yo na, part naman yun ng industry. Expected na yun. That's why I think you should give your best talaga para you don't have any regrets.

"People may criticize our show, pero at least, I gave my best. Walang [second thoughts] 'Sabi ko na nga ba, dapat I had to do this.' I'm ready to accept whatever criticisms may come my way, or praises sana," says Anne with a sweet smile.

There was a movie titled Diosa released in 1981, but Direk Wenn explained that this fantaserye has no relation to the Lorna Tolentino-starrer. In Diosa, LT portrayed an engkantada who exacts revenge on those who dared steal her precious jewels.

According to Wenn, this fantasy series was created especially for Anne. The lead character of Dyosa is an 18-year-old lass who is a descendant of Mariang Sinukuan and Bernardo Carpio. She is destined to rule the world of the upper Gods. But her discovery comes with a price—she must choose between fulfilling her destiny and the mortal whom she loves.

Anne Curtis's Dyosa is expected to air in the third quarter of the year during ABS-CBN's Primetime Bida.

Juday ‘tinapatan’ ni Charice

Parang may kara­patan talagang sumama ang loob ni Judy Ann Santos sa ABS-CBN. Kahapon, si Charice Pempengco ang napanood naming may birthday celebration sa ASAP, habang kasabay ang birthday celebration din ni Juday sa SOP. Naninibago lang siguro ang mga mata naming manonood na sa Kapuso Network si Juday madalas mapanood lately.

Nasanay na ang mga mata naming nasa Kapamilya Net­work siya at madalas lu­mabas. At ang the height, andun din si Sharon Cuneta sa SOP na dalawang oras daw itinago sa back stage dahil nga surprise guest siya ni Juday.

Nag-duet pa ang dalawa.

Bumati rin kay Juday ang 30 niyang mga kaibigan kasama na ang kanyang boyfriend na si Ryan Agoncillo.

Teka bakit nga ba walang birthday celebration si Juday sa ASAP?

coutersy: kapamilyaaficionado.bogspot.com

‘Hot Shot’ Starring Jerry Yan and Wu Chun Soon on ABS-CBN

ABS-CBN has bought the franchise of Hot Shot, a highly anticipated Taiwanese drama series that will take the whole Asia by storm! The last time that Taiwan triggered an unprecedented wave that swept the region was when they released Meteor Garden in 2001.

Taiwan’s 3 biggest male idols join forces to make ‘Hot Shot’ the country’s biggest television export since Meteor Garden. It will star Jerry Yan of Meteor Garden and member of the boyband F4; Wu Chun of Hana Kimi and Romantic Princess and member of the boyband Farenheit; and Show Luo, pop star and host.

This is unlike any other drama, “Hot Shot” has very high production cost. They plan to film 90 minute episodes, 13 in total, $60 Million TWD. They’re planning to release this drama in the summer of 2008 in complement with the Olympics fever. Eventually, it will also hit other Asian countries that include: Japan, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and the Philippines.

:: Check out Hot Shots on ABS-CBN’s “Especially for You” teaser

courtesy starmometer.com

The Dark Knight - Movie Preview

ovie from Maggie Gyllenhaal (Monster House), Heath Ledger (Brokeback Mountain, 10 Things I Hate About You), who just recently died, Michael Caine (The Cider House Rules, Children of Men), Gary Oldman (Dracula) and Christian Bale (3:10 to Yuma, Batman Begins).

Synopsis, production photos and trailer after the jump…

Gist: With the help of Lieutenant Jim Gordon and District Attorney Harvey Dent, Batman sets out to destroy organized crime in Gotham for good. The triumvirate proves to be effective, but they soon find themselves prey to a rising criminal mastermind known as the Joker, who thrusts Gotham into anarchy and forces the Dark Knight ever closer to crossing the fine line between hero and vigilante.

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High School Musical 3 Poster

The tv phenomenon is about to hit the silver screens worldwide as Disney brings back the wildcats in High School Musical 3! Check out the new newly released poster with Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale and the rest of the gang!

Disney’s “High School Musical” phenomenon leaps onto the big screen in “High School Musical 3: Senior Year”, which finds high school seniors Troy and Gabriella facing the prospect of being separated from one another as they head off in different directions to college. Joined by the rest of the Wildcats, they stage an elaborate spring musical reflecting their experiences, hopes and fears about their future. With incredible new music and exciting dance numbers designed to take maximum advantage of the big screen, this motion picture extravaganza delivers plenty of high-energy entertainment.

Coming only in theaters on October 24, 2008

courtesy starmometer.com

Lindsay Lohan to Appear on Ugly Betty

Another falling star is going to be saved by a comedy series! After Britney Spears had a career boost when she guested on the CBS comedy “How I Met Your Mother“, it’s Lindsay Lohan’s turn to guest on a tv series, and its the ABC top-rating comedy “Ugly Betty“.

But can Betty save her?

Last Saturday, Lohan began shooting for her guest appearance on the award-winning comedy which is set for its May 22 season finale.

Lohan is also said to be booked for as many as five episodes of the series’ third season, playing an old, down-on-her-luck pal of Betty’s.

Bea Alonzo is Betty La Fea

News courtesy of starmometer.com

Bea Alonzo was finally chosen by the ABS-CBN management to play the lead role of the Philippine adaptation of the hit Colombian tv series “Betty La Fea”. The news was confirmed by Wenn Deramas, director of such movies as Tanging Ina and Ang Cute ng Ina Mo, who will also helm the Philippine version of “Ugly Betty”.

The original Betty La Fea was shown in various countries from 1999 to 2001. It was first aired in the Philippines via GMA 7. Some countries like Mexico, Spain, Israel, India, Germany, Turkey, Russia, Netherlands, Greece, Croatia, Czech Republic and Portugal also bought the franchise of the Colombian telenovela to have their own version.

The most popular adaptation of the telenovela is the US version “Ugly Betty” which won various awards for Best Comedy series including the Emmys. The star of Ugly Betty, America Ferrera, also won various Best Actress awards for playing the role.

PBB Ejay and Valerie's first kiss together: Sweet!

Big Brother - Ejay's " First Kiss " with Valerie