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.

Dingdong and Marian’s Next TV Project is ‘Ang Babaeng Hinugot sa Aking Tadyang’

The primetime love team of Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera will be reunited for a tv series for the third time, and it’s the classic remake of “Ang Babaeng Hinugot sa Aking Tadyang.”

“Ang Babaeng Hinugot sa Aking Tadyang” is a suspense drama written by Carlo J. Caparas that became a classic in the 80’s. It originally starred “Ms. Body Beautiful” Vivian Velez and Eddie Garcia.

It is a story of a Psychology doctor who fell in love with his female patient who hates men. The patient is a serial killer, murdering every men she had a relationship with. She will also fall in love with the psychology doctor. But will true love heal her hatred with men?

Shooting of “Ang Babaeng Hinugot sa Aking Tadyang” is expected to begin in December after the showing of Dingdong, Marian and Iza Calzado’s movie “One True Love” (formerly Amnesia) to be helmed by Joel Lamangan.

Let’s take a poll shall we? Pabor ka ba sa next project nina Dingdong at Marian?

Sarah Geronimo and Howie Dorough Perform on ASAP

The Pop princess Sarah Geronimo performed her new single “I’ll Be There” with Backstreet Boys member Howie Dorough Sunday afternoon on ASAP ‘08.

“I’ll Be There” is the carrier single of Sarah Geronimo’s “Just Me” album from Viva records produced by Hollywood record producer, songwriter and Oscar nominee Christian De Walden.

Video Link: Sarah Geronimo and Howie Dorough Duet on ASAP

Kris Aquino Launches ‘The Greatest Love’ Album on ASAP

Kris Aquino made a “star-studded” compilation album as a tribute to her mom, former President Corazon Aquino.

The Greatest Love, the title of Kris Aquino’s latest album, was launched Sunday afternoon on ASAP.

The album is power-packed with inspiring songs sung by an all-star cast of performers:

1. Regine Velasquez and Lani Misalucha (”When You Believe”)
2. Gary Valenciano (”Isn’t She Lovely”)
3. Martin Nievera (”The Greatest Love of All”)
4. Ogie Alcasid (”Sa Ugoy ng Duyan”)
5. Piolo Pascual (”No Matter What”)
6. Mark Bautista (”Because You Loved Me”)
7. JayR (”A Song for Mama”)
8. Jed Madela (”I’m Your Angel”)
9. Ronnie Liang (”Iingatan Ka”)
10. Mcoy Fundales (”Bless the Beast and the Children”)
11. Kris Lawrence (”Thanks to You)
12. Sam Concepcion (”Mama”)
13. Billy Crawford (”How Sweet It Is”)

Billy Crawford’s “How Sweet It Is” serves as the first single off the album.

During the launch, The Greatest Love received a gold certification already from the Philippine Association of the Record Industry for the advance orders it received.

The Greatest Love CD will also be available in Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia.

Video Link: Kris Aquino “The Greatest Love” Album on ASAP

Bb. Pilipinas-World Janina San Miguel Quits, Danielle Castano Takes Over

The controversial beauty queen Janina San Miguel backs out from Miss World 2008 pageant.

This year’s Bb. Pilipinas-World Janina San Miguel has decided to quit because of the sudden death of her grandfather. She was supposed to be the Philippine representative to the upcoming Miss World Beauty Pageant to be held in Johannesburg, South Africa on December 14.

Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. (BPCI) issued an official statement Monday night as follows:

“The untimely demise of her grandfather, among other personal reasons, has caused her undue stress, thus hindering her from fulfilling her duties for the said title… BPCI wishes to express its gratitude to Ms. San Miguel for this act of graciousness and concern for the country. They also wish her well in her future endeavors.”

This year’s crowd favorite Danielle Castano, who happened to be first runner-up, will take over Janina’s duties as Bb. Pilipinas-World. Pageant enthusiasts were disappointed earlier this year when Danielle was not crowned as one of the three winners. But since she placed first runner-up, she will replace Janina as our representative in the upcoming Miss World pageant.

It’s interesting to note that 9 years ago, a similar thing happened. Mirriam Quiambao was only first runner-up at that time and became a replacement for the reigning Bb. Pilipinas Universe. From being first runner-up in Bb. Pilipinas, she ended up winning first runner-up in Miss Universe 1999. Will the same thing happen to Danielle? Or even win the very first Miss World crown for the country? Let’s keep our fingers crossed.

courtesy: starmometer

Charice's Album Reached Gold Status

Good news! Charice's Philippine CD-Lite Album has already reached GOLD status.

Charice Album Review By OPMUSIKAHAN, Learn more

Entertainment - Charice: "I feel like I’m dreaming."

How do you know when a star is born?

When you appear on Oprah, the biggest and highest rated US syndicated talk show, twice within six months — that should make you one. But when you become the unplanned special guest on Celine Dion’s spectacular Madison Square Garden show and perform in front of more than 40,000 people are not made up of your regular audience — and make them stand up on their feet in adoring ovation, you are a star!

Charice, the 16-year-old YouTube sensation less than a year ago is now the Philippines’ biggest singing sensation.

“Thank God she came out in all the right shows,” Martin Nievera says when asked how he feels about Charice’s success in the US. “Filipinos are so proud of her because she came out on Oprah. It’s a great day for a Filipino every time she does something with David Foster, Andrea Bocelli and Celine Dion. It really means a lot to every Filipino — rich, poor, balikbayan, in the province — they all see themselves in Charice.”

“She’s like my daughter, and, I think I speak for all the singers who are one year older than her — anyone, all of us — are so proud of what she’s done. We all dreamt of having that same break. It’s a good thing she’s brimming with talent and she’s so humble about it.”

The concert king was part of the One Kapamilya Go event organized by the The Filipino Channel this weekend at the Ontario Convention Center in Southern California. The event drew a larger than expected crowd that a new ballroom had to be opened (while several fire marshals had to be called on to bring order) to accommodate the overflowing crowd of mostly Filipinos who came to watch.

So, when do you really know when a star is born?

When you become the biggest attraction to an event that is supposed to showcase stars more senior and definitely bigger than you are, you are a star!

Though not her fault, Charice owned the stage this weekend. Sheryn Regis, Carol Banawa and Martin Nievera were all gracious and very supportive of this young Filipino singer’s unprecedented success in the US.

Charice’s presence at the weekend event marked her first appearance since her unscheduled duet with Celine the previous Sunday.

This writer had an exclusive interview with the star after her set and it was quite an experience. I had to scramble for position as Charice was whisked away by an entourage worthy of a Hollywood star while her muscular security men were trying to dodge her from fans who were literally screaming their lungs out for autograph and those precious handshakes. Thanks to Tita Millie Gurfinkel, I managed to take the singer to a quiet corner and got her talking for about 10 minutes.

Charice was with her unassuming mom who was unquestionably very proud of what her daughter has accomplished so far. Racquel, who is also a singer, found herself on the spotlight during Celine’s concert when the singer asked her to join Celine and her daughter on stage.

Excerpts from the interview:

Tell us about your Celine Dion experience.

It was super. It was great. I still couldn’t make myself believe it. She is my idol and it’s a dream come true for me to perform with her.

How does it feel performing with Celine in front of thousands of people in Madison Square Garden?

Seriously, I was really shaking. I know I can perform in front of a lot of people, but I was so nervous because I couldn’t believe I was her special guest and I would be performing a duet with her. It was unbelievable. She asked me if I was nervous and I said, “Yes.” She talked to me and it made me feel better. And also we were singing for my mom and it made me extra nervous.

You were singing for your mom, how was it like?

When we were on Oprah, Celine appeared on the show and she invited me to come to New York and sing with her for my mom. My mom cried at that time. It was really for my mom. It was Celine who suggested that I sing Because You Loved Me for my mom.

Did you ever see yourself performing before large number of crowds all over the world?

Actually, as much as possible, I don’t want to expect for things. I like to be surprised. I would like to believe that I can dream as much as possible but I still allow myself to be surprised at whatever blessings God would bestow on me.

Do you think you can measure all the blessings you have received from God?

I don’t know. I really don’t know. I feel like I am still dreaming. Not that I don’t want to. I only want to consider and appreciate each blessing as it comes. Like this duet with Celine, I don’t want to count and compare it to other blessings I had. All I want to do is just say thank you to God.

Have you adjusted to the commotion your mere presence generates ?

A little bit, yes.

How do you deal with it?

I don’t know. All I know is that I try to enjoy it.

Can you recall that exact moment when you felt the world has finally started to notice you and your talent?

I don’t really think about it. Like what Ms. Celine Dion suggested, all I should focus on is to perform and consider the audience as part of my family. I don’t want to think that they are starting to recognize me. All I want to think of is that I am just performing for them.

Do you expect a large crowd every time you perform now?

(Laughs) No. I don’t mind how big or small the crowd is. I have performed before small crowds so I don’t mind.

Do you plan on staying here in the US?

If there is an opportunity, I’d say why not. But I don’t ever want to forget where I came from.

How does being a Kapamilya mean to you?

I’m proud of being a Kapamilya. It’s what I represent in every performance that I make anywhere.

Will you start recording an album here in the US?

(Smiles) I have no idea. But I am hoping.

What can we expect in the next six months?

I have no idea. I have no expectations.

Any plans?

Secret.

Why not?

I can’t tell. I can’t, sorry. (And she smiles heartily)

There are talks of a groundbreaking development that will put Charice further into mainstream Hollywood very soon. Until then, all the Philippines can do is speculate and revel in the achievements of Charice and the pride she brings to every Filipino everywhere.

Please try to look at my blog chuvadjbianca.blogspot.com for any of my showbiz news.

the reason i dont usually add any new news to my blogs here is because i have blogsite. In case you wanted to look, feel free. Well, its more on Charice but there are still other local news i posted in there.


chuvadjbianca.blogspot.com

CHARICE EARNS RAVE REVIEWS FROM NYTimes, NY Post

Source: abx-cbnNews.com

Is Charice's star ever going to dim? By the looks of it, not anytime soon.

Fresh from the success of her performance in the concert of international pop star Celine Dion at Madison Square Garden, sixteen-year-old Charice continues to gain more fans after two major newspapers, the New York Times and the New York Post, heaped praises on her performance last September 15.

In an article published September 16, reviewer Jon Caramanica of The New York Times described Charice's voice as "impressive" and praised the young diva for giving a rougher, more emotional edge to her performance of Dion's hit song "Because You Loved Me."

"They performed 'Because You Loved Me', though Ms. Dion mostly stayed out of the way as Ms. Pempengco explored the song’s heretofore unheard rougher edges, with ample gesticulations and melisma.

"As Ms. Pempengco brought the crowd to its feet, Ms. Dion struck poses behind her: awestruck wonder, heartfelt empathy, ambient triumph," the New York Times review read.

A separate review written by Dan Aquilante of the New York Post described Charice's performance as the brightest moment of the Celine Dion concert.

"One of the most interesting turns in this show was the MSG debut of 16-year-old vocal prodigy Charice Pempengco, whose manager, Oprah Winfrey - that's right - secured the Philippine singer a duet with Celine for the song 'Because You Loved Me.'

"The Charice segment was the night's brightest moment. The teen was able to blast notes with Celine-like power, but she was also able to get in touch with the song's emotions," the review read.

Online videos of Charice's performance at the Dion concert showed people giving a standing ovation to the young Filipina after the duet.

Before they performed, Dion introduced Charice to the audience as a Filipina whose voice "can literally blow the roof off Madison Square."

"Charice vowed to save her mom from a life of desperation and despair. You know, through prayers and dreams and God-given talent, an incredible voice, Charice entered and won every singing contest in her native country and eventually, was noticed by such influential people such as Oprah and Oprah took her under her wings and David Foster joined in," Dion said.

She said she invited Charice as a guest to her concert after seeing the girl perform on "The Oprah Winfrey Show."

After inviting Charice to the stage, Dion praised the vocal prodigy and asked if she was nervous. When Charice answered yes, Dion said she always remembered to take the advice given by her manager and future husband, Rene Angelil, when she first started singing at the age of 12.

"He told me 'Celine, I know you're nervous. Don't be scared. You love to sing. When you go up there, you'll be nervous. Don't be.' I will give you an image that you can think about. Think that all the people you see in front of you are your brothers and sisters. You are singing in your living room and it's your family," Dion told Charice.

Charice then said that she was ready to sing and dedicated their song to her mother, Raquel.

Ever the gracious performer, Dion let Charice take the lead in the song - allowing the young singer to show off her vocal prowess that brought the house down.

"You did amazing, and the roof of the Madison (blew) up tonight," Dion said after the performance, adding that she could not wait until Charice had her own concert in Madison Square Garden.

"When you do perform in Madison Square, are you going to invite me? I love you and I can not wait to be with you to perform here for a whole concert," she added before Charice left the stage to more applause.

'The Most Talented Girl in the World'

Charice's whirlwind rise to popularity started after YouTube videos of her jaw-dropping performances caught the attention of popular US TV host Ellen Degeneres. Her performance at the "Ellen Degeneres Show" later led to appearances in the Oprah Winfrey show as well as performances with international stars Michael Buble and Josh Groban.

Charice also performed with renowed tenor Andrea Bocelli in his hometown in Italy.

In the episode titled "Dream Comes True", Oprah tracked the rags-to-riches story of Charice starting with how she once witnessed how her father almost killed her mother in a fit of rage before neighbors stopped him.

Charice said it was then that she and her mom decided to live their own lives away from their father. Charice's mom worked 16-hour days, six days a week to make ends meet while Charice signed up for more than 80 contests to help her mother.

"I really want[ed] to help Mom," she told Oprah. "When I'm joining singing contests, and I won some $50, she was, like, 'Okay, we're going to have some food for one month, and we're very happy.'"

She was later able to save enough of her contest winnings to help her mother pay for an apartment. In 2005, she joined the ABS-CBN talent contest "Little Big Star" where she placed 2nd runner-up to contest winner Sam Concepcion.

The series of YouTube videos posted by an avid fan later led to Charice performing at Star King, a famous talent show in South Korea, on October 2007.

But it was Charice's performance in the Oprah Winfrey Show last May that cemented her claim to fame. After hearing Charice sing, Oprah said she couldn't get the little girl with the big voice out of her head and invited her back to the show.

Instead of flying back to the Philippines after her appearance on The Oprah Show, producers pulled Charice off the plane and brought her back to Harpo Studios. Then, Oprah called legendary producer David Foster to see what the starmaker could do for Charice.

Oprah, who once called Charice "The Most Talented Girl in the World", says she is impressed not just with Charice's voice but with her attitude in life.

"One of the things I love most about Charice is that no matter what obstacles she's faced in her life, she's never given up on her dream of something better," Oprah said.

After Celine Dion Duet Performance, Philippine Singer 'Charice' To Tour United States

By ANC News, Pacific News Center

Manila, Philippines - After her duet with her idol, Celine Dion, Filipina singing sensation "Charice" will now tour the United States for recordings and a series of shows with "David Foster & Friends." Charice brought the house down during a performance with Celine at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Tuesday. The duet with Celine was a dream come true for Charice.

Charice also got a positive review from the New York Times, which described the young Filipina's voice as 'impressive'.

A Superstar in the Making

Source Extra TV

A star is born! Thanks to a little help from a couple of her friends -- like Oprah Winfrey and Celine Dion -- 16-year-old singing sensation Charice Pempengco's YouTube video has now been widely seen, and millions heard her amazing story on "Oprah" last May.

The diva-in-training got a chance to sing with one of her idols -- Celine Dion, who raved, "She has an amazing voice. She has an amazing heart, an amazing soul."

Charice grew up in poverty in the Philippines, and says she witnessed her own father try to kill her mother, who has been her voice coach since she was 4 years old.

Catch Charice and Celine when they perform together on this Friday's "Oprah."

**Charice on EXTRA (Charice and Celine rehearsal) mouse here to watch

CHARICE DUETS WITH CELINE

By Momar Visaya, Asian Journal

NEW YORK — Charice’s dreams are being realized, one by one, right before our very eyes.

On Monday night, Sept. 15, at the Madison Square Garden, the young singer became the first Filipino performer to sing a duet with Celine Dion, one of the world’s most successful artists in pop music. As of 2007, Ms. Dion has sold over 200 million albums worldwide.

“We have here tonight an incredible young singer that Oprah discovered a while back. If you watched Oprah last week, you know all about her. This young lady’s name is Charice. She’s 16 years old and she’s from the Philippines,” Celine said, as the audience applauded wildly.

Celine, in a rather long spiel, introduced Charice to her hordes of fans.

“Let me tell you, she has a voice that can literally blow the roof of Madison Square Garden and she just might,” the singer said.

With her voice almost breaking, Celine said that the real story was how Charice and her mom “escaped a terrifying experience,” referring to the fact that they had to leave Charice’s violent father to start life on their own.

“Charice vowed to save her mom from a life of desperation and despair. You know, through prayers and dreams and God-given talent, an incredible voice, Charice entered and won every singing contest in her native country and eventually, was noticed by such influential people such as Oprah and Oprah took her under her wings and David Foster joined in,” Celine continued.

This historic moment for the Filipina performer happened in between Celine’s fourth or fifth song, and she said that she doesn’t usually cut her sets but tonight was something special.

On last week’s Oprah, an entire episode was devoted to Charice and as a surprise to her, Celine invited her to sing a duet with her in the New York leg of her Taking Chances world tour.

While waiting for the show to start, Charice created quite the ripple when she was accompanied to her seat, with Oprah’s cameras following her. The audience screamed and called her. Charice waved back to them.

It was almost half an hour into the show when Charice’s moment arrived.

NEXT BIG (BUT TINY) STAR

By Nick Lees, The Edmonton Journal

The big hit of the weekend was petite Charice Pempengco, the 16-year-old Filipino singer who Foster introduced to Celine Dion. Charice flew off Sunday to sing with Dion in New York's Madison Square Gardens that night.

"She'll be the next big star," said Foster. He had her sing The Prayer, a huge crowd-pleaser.

Charice at David Foster & Friends: Harmony: Part I

Charice at David Foster & Friends: Harmony: Part II

Charice at David Foster & Friends: Harmony: Part III

Charice at David Foster & Friends: Harmony: Part IV

Vocalist Josh Groban, a Foster protege, was to appear as a surprise guest but begged off with strep throat.

Seal missed the dress rehearsal and arrived 35 minutes before the curtain went up, after attending his son's birthday party. Paul Anka, en route to China, also missed dress rehearsal when his plane was late.

The big hit of the weekend was petite Charice Pempengco, the 16-year-old Filipino singer who Foster introduced to Celine Dion. Charice flew off Sunday to sing with Dion in New York's Madison Square Gardens that night.

David Foster found two new stars while raising a record $3.8 million for his foundation on the weekend.

There was Tyler Hamilton, who won the Star Search competition. Then there was the darling of Edmonton's black-tie charity crowd, auctioneer Danny Hooper.

"David Foster asked me if I'd be the auctioneer for Muhammad Ali's Celebrity Fight Night, March 28 in Phoenix," Hooper said Tuesday.

"I have a prior booking, but I'm going to see if I can make alternative arrangements." Hooper was also asked to auction at next fall's Foster concert and gala, and has committed to being there.

Friends who have worked closely with Foster's foundation, which financially and emotionally supports children in need of organ transplants, tell me next year's event is in L.A. Tables are expected to sell in the $50,000 to $100,000 range.

TINKLING AMONG THE STARS

The single item that raised the most at the auction ($160,000) was Foster's polished ebony grand piano autographed by many celebrities, including Oprah Winfrey, Bill Clinton, Sheryl Crow, Andre Agassi and Barbra Streisand.

"The auction on Friday and Saturday nights raised a total of $950,000," said Angus Watt, who spearheaded events with his wife Heather, committee chairman John Holmlund, Ann Finzer, Kathy Ferguson, Don Metz, Doug Goss, Bob Westbury, Tommy Banks and Dianne Young.

NEXT BIG (BUT TINY) STAR

Vocalist Josh Groban, a Foster protege, was to appear as a surprise guest but begged off with strep throat.

Seal missed the dress rehearsal and arrived 35 minutes before the curtain went up, after attending his son's birthday party. Paul Anka, en route to China, also missed dress rehearsal when his plane was late.

The big hit of the weekend was petite Charice Pempengco, the 16-year-old Filipino singer who Foster introduced to Celine Dion. Charice flew off Sunday to sing with Dion in New York's Madison Square Gardens that night.

"She'll be the next big star," said Foster. He had her sing The Prayer, a huge crowd-pleaser.

IT COULD HAVE BEEN A JOKE

A surprise guest was Warren Buffett, the American businessman and philanthropist, named by Forbes this year as among the richest people in the world, with an estimated net worth of $62 billion US.

Buffett regularly travels with friends to Foster functions and was teased by the producer. Foster opened Buffett's wallet to find only $44.

Comic Sinbad had fun with that one.

WHAT IS 'FOSTER CASUAL'?

Still wondering what "David Foster casual" dress means are Rob Pepper and Dylan Wowchuk, hosts of the Pepper and Dylan Show on The Bounce.

The pair worked tirelessly to make David Foster's Star Search what the record producer described as "the best Star Search we've ever had."

But baby-faced Dylan showed up Friday to emcee the final contest at Lux restaurant wearing a designer T-shirt and blue jeans, while pierced-nose Pepper was elegantly attired in a mauve shirt and smart blue jeans.

"I've been to a lot of Hollywood red carpets and thought I was suitably dressed. The T-shirt I wore cost more than the suit I wore the following night," said Dylan.

He went to Henry Singers and borrowed a jacket and white shirt, but foundation representatives asked the pair if they minded if Hooper emceed.

"Danny was better suited to the crowd," said Pepper.

A DIVA IS A DIVA IS A DIVA

She chatted with Edmonton Symphony Orchestra fans with a girl-next-door approachability, but Renee Fleming still maintained the presence of a diva.

Invited onto the stage to meet fans after her performance last week, Fleming stayed as long as anyone else.

"It's easy to understand why she is known as 'the people's diva,' " said the ESO's Melayne Shankel. "She strives to balance singing in the great concert halls and operas houses of the world and yet lead a normal life."

The two-time Grammy winner said the Winspear was a great concert hall. "But I did have to find my spot on the stage," she said. "It didn't work when I went upstage. I had to move forward."

How does the 49-year-old look so fresh at the end of a three-act opera?

"Pilates," she said. "I invest a good few hours in Pilates every week."

Charice performs duet with Celine Dion at Madison Square Garden

BY REYMA BUAN-DEVEZA, abs-cbnNEWS.com

The country's pride, Charice again proved that dreams do come true after she performed a duet with one of her favorite international stars -- Celine Dion, September 15, Tuesday at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

In the concert dubbed as "Taking Chances World Tour, "Charice sang the hit "Because You Loved Me" with her idol Celine.

The song was actually chosen and dedicated for Charice's strength and love -- her mom Raquel Pempengco.

In the concert, the Canadian international star first told the life story of Charice.

"This young girl's name is Charice I'm so excited. She's 16 years old and she's from the Philippines let me tell you she has a voice and can literally blow the roof of Madison Square. But the real story is Charice and her mom escaped a terrifying experience and had to leave Charice's violent father. You know to start a life on their own, Charice thought to save her mom from life's desperation. Through prayers and dreams and God gave talent an incredible voice Charice entered and won every singing contest in her native country and eventually noticed by such a fortunate people saw the show on Oprah and Oprah want to take care of her wings and David Foster joined them.

"I had a chance to see Charice perform one of my song in Oprah last week. I have a little difficulty to talk right now because I met Charice and I'm so emotional and so I'm searching and looking for my words trying to control my emotion. I invited here to come her tonight to sing with me...,” said Celine Dion.

After Celine's lovely introduction to Charice she invited the latter to come up on stage and join her. Celine then told Charice how spectacular she is and how she looked really beautiful.

Celine even asked the young diva how she feels to be with her on the same stage. Charice admitted that she's nervous but Celine calmed her and said that she does not have to be.

"First of all you look spectacular you're beautiful, you're shaking, how do you feel? Don't be nervous I think people will understand that you're nervous. But let me tell you one thing, the talent we're not going to talk about because you have, we're not going to talk about strength because you have (Celine pointing to Charice's mom Raquel Pempengco) and so the love. And I have to tell you that the family we have to talk because you have too, one time my manager my husband told me 'Celine', because when I started to sing I was 12 years old so 12 and 16 it's the same, okay?

"He told me 'Celine I know you're nervous don't be scared you love to sing when you go up there you'll be nervous don't be.' I will give you an image that you can think about, think about that all the people you see in front of you are your brothers and sisters. You are singing in your living room and it's your family," Celine told Charice.

Charice in return said that she was ready to sing and agreed to dedicate their song "Because You Loved Me" to her mother Raquel.

The crowd, in standing ovation, roared and praised Celine and Charice after their performance.

"You did amazing, and the roof of the Madison (blew) up tonight," said Celine.

Celine also said that she loved Charice and that she could not wait to perform with Charice for a full concert.

"When you do perform in Madison Square are you going to invite me? I love you and I can not wait to be with you to perform here for a whole concert," Celine said before she let Charice leave the concert stage.

In Oprah

It will be recalled that Charice guested on Oprah Winfrey's show for the second time last September 9, Tuesday.

Charice thought that she will just have an ordinary conversation with Oprah's "Washington viewer" but she was shocked when her idol Celine appeared on live video conference and gave her message for the young diva.

While crying, Charice listened to Celine's message: "Hi Charice! I have to tell you that I'm speechless. I have heard you sing. I have seen a little of your life story and I am extremely ecstatic like the rest of the world who's watching right now...“I can't tell you that we

have lots of things in common and I also had a mother who is my strength… You have more talent than most people. You can sing, you can speak and sing with your heart, you can play guitar... and you can have dreams because your life story is quite a painful one. Thank God your strength comes from your mother and your heart will go on.”

But what made Charice burst into tears was when Celine offered a special number with her, an offer that Charice will treasure forever.

“If I may, I would love to do something very special with you. Next week, I'm going to be singing at Madison Square Garden and I would love to ask you to come and sing a duet with me. And we can sing together. Maybe we can sing "Because You Loved Me" and maybe we can dedicate this song to your mother. So I hope you can travel to New York and meet with me," says Celine.

Charice earlier told abs-cbnNEWS.com how excited she was to see her idol.

"Naku talagang happy ako kung makikita ko siya. Kahit hindi ko na siya maka-duet okay na sa akin ‘yon," she said.

Charice shared that she would put a checkmark on her dream drawing book where she had drawn Celine's face. Included in Charice's dream drawing book is the famous tenor Andrea Bocceli.

Last July 20th, Charice wowed Italians as she performed at Teatro del Silenzio in Tuscany, Italy with Bocelli for the tenor's birthday concert dubbed "The Cinema Tribute." Charice met the world-famous tenor when she performed for a benefit concert at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas last May.

Emotions With Exclamation Points

BY JON CARAMANICA, The New York Times

That may have been the wrong moment for approachability, but not all of Ms. Dion’s sensors had been dulled. Earlier, she brought Charice Pempengco, a young singer from the Philippines with an impressive voice, onstage. (Ms. Pempengco came to her attention through an appearance on “The Oprah Winfrey Show.”)

They performed “Because You Loved Me,” though Ms. Dion mostly stayed out of the way as Ms. Pempengco explored the song’s heretofore unheard rougher edges, with ample gesticulations and melisma. As Ms. Pempengco brought the crowd to its feet, Ms. Dion struck poses behind her: awestruck wonder, heartfelt empathy, ambient triumph.

As divas go, Celine Dion rates as exceedingly approachable. Her sheer vocal enormousness comes without the baggage of bitterness or hurt. She isn’t standoffish. Her best songs are large-scale epics about large-scale feelings, wide enough to swim around in, demanding nothing more than credulity. Skepticism is, by and large, futile.

With Ms. Dion, there is the voice and, increasingly, there are the gestures, and at Madison Square Garden on Monday night, she showed off a few new tricks without violating her core tenets of scale and pomp. Namely, she held true to her firm belief that there is no emotion that can’t be better delivered with judo chops and hammy facial manipulations.

This was, she said, her first New York concert in 10 years. For much of that time she has performed regularly in Las Vegas, and it shows. Where she once had the air of a coltish schoolmarm, she has grown into her sexuality.

She worked the large, square stage energetically, accenting her movements with Latin dance steps. Occasionally she would drop to her knees, then fall onto her back, a sort of limboesque maneuver. (A few years from now, “Dancing With the Stars” will undoubtedly be chasing after her.) Her outfits were, invariably, sparkly, as if she had just lathered herself in glue and rolled around on crushed mirrors.

For the first part of the show, though, she trumped her worst instincts with a persistent attack of brutal optimism, one unforgiving Brobdingnagian hit after another: “I Drove All Night,” “I’m Your Lady,” “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now.”

Later, she began “My Love” unaccompanied, and her notes were astonishingly clean and clear. But instead of connoting feeling — there is not a whit of blues in Ms. Dion’s voice — it felt like a technical exercise, a singer practicing her vocal workout in front of thousands of people. That flatness extended to other songs, especially “The Prayer,” a duet with a video recording of the pop opera singer Andrea Bocelli, and covers of Eric Carmen’s “All by Myself” and Heart’s “Alone,” both desperate songs sandpapered of their angst. Later, covers of Queen (unwieldy) and James Brown (toothless) strained the boundaries of good sense.

Spending so much time on other people’s work reflects a populist instinct, but sometimes it wasn’t called for. Her signature song, “My Heart Will Go On” from the film “Titanic,” is essentially about being alone. And though she delivered it here dressed in funereal black, it came at the show’s end as she marched around the stage convivially sending off a crowd that was already making for the doors; the lightness of the room was at odds with the gravity of the song.

That may have been the wrong moment for approachability, but not all of Ms. Dion’s sensors had been dulled. Earlier, she brought Charice Pempengco, a young singer from the Philippines with an impressive voice, onstage. (Ms. Pempengco came to her attention through an appearance on “The Oprah Winfrey Show.”)

They performed “Because You Loved Me,” though Ms. Dion mostly stayed out of the way as Ms. Pempengco explored the song’s heretofore unheard rougher edges, with ample gesticulations and melisma. As Ms. Pempengco brought the crowd to its feet, Ms. Dion struck poses behind her: awestruck wonder, heartfelt empathy, ambient triumph.

Oprah to manage Charice’s US career

Source: INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines--Charice Pempengco has wowed audiences around the world with her awe-inspiring performances and jaw-dropping vocal strength. After impressing the best in the US entertainment industry, Pempengco is now getting a formidable career boost with a new US-based manager.

World's Most Talented Girl: Part I

World's Most Talented Girl: Part II

World's Most Talented Girl: Part III

World's Most Talented Girl: Part IV

World's Most Talented Girl: Part V

Oprah Winfrey, considered the queen of US daytime TV talk shows, has agreed to manage Pempengco’s US career, according to Nixon Sy, audio marketing unit head of the young singer’s Philippine label Star Records in a DZMM report on Tuesday.

According to the report, Winfrey is set to dedicate a full episode of her syndicated talk show, “Oprah” to Pempengco, apart from other Hollywood performances she will arrange for the singer.

Oprah shares management duties for Charice with Star Cinema boss Malou Santos, who is handling her Philippine career.

A Very Special love is now the Top3 all time tagalog movie hits

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6O9xAclbck

Sarah Geronimo and John Lloyd Cruz's movie A very special love toppled all other recent movie including last year's box office One more Chance (with John Lloyd Cruz still as leading man). According to abscbn news, (featured on the url youtube) AVSL is now on its 7th week and still gaining more viewers.

A very special love is the 3rd top grossing Philippine movie following Kris Aquino's Sukob (2005) and Judy Ann santos' Kasal-Kasali-Kasalo (2006).

Charice to sing with Celine Dion in Madison Square Garden

By Ramil Digal Gulle, abs-cbnNEWS.com

"Hi Charice. Hi sweetheart. I have to tell you that I am speechless, to start with--and it's not a good way to start--I have, hmm, I have heard you sing. I have seen some, a little bit of your life story. And I am extremely ecstatic like the rest of the world who is watching right now. I can tell you that we have lots of things in common. And I also had a mother, still have a mother, who is my strength. My passion I carry in my heart. And so my beauty. And David Foster, you cannot even think of finding somebody even better than that to bring the best out of you. You have more talent than most people."

These were the words of a mother with a seven-year-old son who spoke to 15-year-old Filipina singer Charice Pempengco during an episode of Oprah. Charice, who has been the toast of music lovers all over the world, has probably heard similar praise before.

The difference is, the mother speaking via video conference from Washington, D.C. happens to be Celine Dion.

The magical moment, the words, the shocked expression on Charice's face when she realizes it's Celine Dion talking to her, are all captured in a YouTube link sent to abs-cbnNEWS.com. It's all there at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkLjVJOH41U

But that's not all. Dion goes on with her message to Charice with even more good news for the young Filipina:

"You can sing. You can speak and sing with your heart. You can play the guitar... And you can have dreams because your life story is quite a painful one. Thank God your strength comes from your mother and your heart will go on and I'm pretty sure of that.

"And if I may I would love to propose something. I would love to do something very special with you. Next week, I'm gonna be singing at Madison Square Garden and I would love to ask you to come and sing a duet with me. And we can sing together. Maybe we can sing "Because You Loved Me", and maybe we can dedicate this song to your mother. So I hope you can travel and come in New York to meet with me," Dion told Charice. According to www.oprah.com, Dion will perform at Madison Square Garden on September 15 and 16. (For the complete list of tour dates and venues go to this link: http://www.oprah.com/article/oprahshow/20080908_tows_celine)

Dream come true

Charice has met with a measure of international success but that moment with Dion is so far the peak experience for the former. Charice has always been open about her admiration for Dion, revealing that the very first song she learned to perform was the Canadian superstar's "My Heart Will Go On" which was the love theme of the Hollywood global blockbuster "Titanic".

It wasn't exactly God speaking to Charice, but that was probably the closest the Filipina singer could get to a similar experience. This was Celine Dion inviting her to sing a duet in Madison Square Garden!

No other Filipino singer has ever been bestowed with such an honor by a singer of such immense, global stature as Dion.

Dion in her message also told Oprah, "You have somebody amazing", referring to the Filipina.

Dion, who earlier told Charice that she could find no better person than David Foster to bring out her talent, then told Foster:

"David, take good care of that girl."

Dion is currently on a worldwide tour and will perform in every major city in North America. Dion's Madison Square Garden performance is part of that tour--and now Charice has received a personal invitation from the superstar to sing there as well.

Under wraps

abs-cbnNEWS.com a few months ago already received unconfirmed reports that there were talks for Charice to perform with "somebody really, really big" in the musical firmament. However, there was no way to confirm if the news was true, nor the identity of the "really big" music superstar.

All sources available to abs-cbnNEWS.com were keeping information about the talks very tightly under wraps.

Until the YouTube links were emailed to abs-cbnNEWS.com by an alert reader.

The Oprah episode did a substantial report about Charice, her career and the painful experiences in her life and her triumphs, including an exclusive performance with international tenor Andrea Bocelli in Tuscany. You can watch the report on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ii4jUSmFwUA

Perhaps, this story of a young Filipina singer's success is just what we need to hear to make us feel better, especially with all the bad news coming to us about our Court of Appeals, which has begun to seem very unappealing by the day.

If only, like Charice, more of us could reach for better, loftier things for ourselves and our fellow Filipinos, at a time when even some supposedly honorable members of the judiciary seem to have become comfortable debasing themselves.

Uploaded Videos of Charice in Oprah's 2nd guesting

Charice Dream Comes True

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The OPRAH Winfrey Show Presents:

World's Most Talented Girl: Part I

World's Most Talented Girl: Part II

World's Most Talented Girl: Part III

World's Most Talented Girl: Part IV

World's Most Talented Girl: Part V

courtesy: charicemania.com