By BOY VILLASANTA
abs-cbnNEWS.com

Every day seems like Christmas day in the Muhlachs' household, since love is so clearly in the air minute after minute among Aga, wife Charlene Gonzales and their twins, Andres and Athasia.

As the year wears out, Christmastime for the Muhlachs becomes less about material concerns
and more of spirituality and compassion.

In the case of Aga Muhlach, what else could he ask for at Christmas time, since he seems to already have all the things a man could wish for?

And yet this Christmas season rather poignant for the Muhlach family, who are still in mourning barely a month after Aga's mom, Anita Aquino, passed away.

Aga, his wife and kids, could not celebrate the yuletide season in the usual way. Still, Aga said that while Christmas in their home might be less joyful, the kind of caring shared among them stays the same as always.

This Christmas, Aga gathered all his loved ones and prepared gifts to distribute and a little noche buena for them to share.

He also led a prayer for the repose of his mother's soul.

Aga's dad, Cheng Muhlach, came in with son Andoy. Cheng drove all the way from New York in Cubao to Ayala Alabang where Aga and family reside.

Cheng had a surprise for his son, that really touched the latter's heart: a rare bottle of vintage Drakkar perfume.

“I gave him a bottle of Drakkar perfume. Iba 'yon. Wala nang gano'n. Hindi pa uso 'yong mga spray-spray, meron na ako no'n. Itinago ko 'yon at ang sabi ko sa kanya, kahuli-hulinan 'yon sa mga sinaunang pabango na nakatago sa akin. Sa kanya ko lang ibinigay 'yon kaya masayang-masaya siya," recalled Cheng.

(You can't find that sort of perfume anymore. Even before spray-ons became common, I already had that bottle. I kept that for so long and I told him it was the last among my collection of vintage perfumes. I reserved that bottle exclusively for him, and he was so very happy).

Father and son talk a lot on the phone, but Cheng said that Aga considers his Christmas gift extra special.

“Sabi sa akin ni Aga, kahit na madalas kaming mag-usap kahit sa telepono, iba raw 'yong mabigyan siya ng gift ng isang magulang. Kita ko, e, iba ang ngiti ni Aga nang ibigay ko ang regalo ko," said Cheng.

(Aga told me that it's a very special gift that passes on from a parent to a child.)

Talent manager and showbiz talk show host Lolit Solis has filed a counter affidavit answering libel charges pressed against her by actors Sam Milby and Piolo Pascual.

Solis accompanied by her lawyer filed the affidavit at the Manila Fiscal's office in the presence of Pascual's and Milby's legal counsels.

In her affidavit, Solis defended an article she wrote for a national tabloid, stating that her description of the supposed "sweetness" between the two actors had no malicious motive.

"I never imputed any malicious or defamatory condition to either Piolo or Sam," Solis wrote in her counter-affidavit.

She added that the response of the two matinee idols to the article is to blame for whatever negative impact the article had on their image.

"It was the complainants' own acts of publicly presenting their one-sided, constricted and hypersensitive assessment of my article which fuelled doubts in the public's perception of their sexuality..."

Solis said that what she wrote was covered by Constitutional freedom of speech and expression.

"It is a fair report on two celebrities, made well within the ambit of the constitutional guarantee of freedom of speech and expression"

Solis cleared that she was not joking when she said that she is wiling to give her service to the actors.

"'No hindi biro...I'm willing to do PR for Piolo and Sam habang buhay, habang nasa showbiz ako para mapatawad nila ako...pero I stand by kung anung sinulat ko...hindi ko babawiin yun."

She also said that she is planning to call up Mr. Johnny Manahan, talent manager of Pascual and Milby to say sorry and ask for their forgiveness.

"'Gusto ko tawagan si Mr. M. hindi ko kilala si Piolo at Sam, kaya hingi ako ng patawad kay Mr. M dahil alaga niya sila...baka mapatawad na nila ako."

The fiscal's office set the next hearing on January 17.

Actors Pascual and Milby, who both make a living as popular showbiz leading men and celebrity endorsers, filed libel charges against Solis on grounds that her article implying a homosexual relationship between them is false and ruins their reputations.

The controversial column by Solis was published by Pilipino Star Ngayon on October 15, 2007. Solis claimed she saw Milby and Pascual in the middle of a romantic tryst at the poolside cafe of the Hotel Sofitel last October 12.

The actors said that what Solis wrote is a complete fabrication.

Pascual and Milby are seeking P5 million each for moral damages.
Source: abs-bnnews.com

Charice Pempengco, the 14-year-old Filipino singer whose YouTube videos wowed audiences here and abroad, guested and sang in the American television show "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" last Wednesday (Thursday Manila time), ABS-CBN News Bureau Chief Ging Reyes reported.

CHARICE PEMPENGCO LIVE ON ELLEN DEGENERES SHOW


Pempengco guested on DeGeneres's nationally-syndicated television show where she sang "And I am Telling You" from the musical Dreamgirls.

After her performance, the audience gave her a standing ovation while host DeGeneres remarked, "you're amazing."

Upon her arrival in Los Angeles, Pempengco also met with music producer Davis Foster and prominent entertainment lawyer Ed Shapiro.
Shapiro said the teenaged singer's talent is "exceptional."

"You don't find the Mariah Careys everyday - they come once in a while. The Whitney Houstons, they don't happen all the time. [We] think Charice is literally that, that next to Whitney, next to Mariah," said Shapiro.

Pempengco was also emotional after her performance on Ellen's show, saying she did not expect that kind of reception in America.
"Yung isa sa dream ko, natupad na. Tapos lalo pa ng sinabi ni Ms. Ellen na 'you're already a big star here,' sabi nya. Tapos proud na proud daw siya sakin -- tuwang tuwa po ako. Hindi ko po akalain na ganito po ako tatanggapin ng mga taga-America. Hindi po nila pinansin kahit na Pinay ako - pinansin nilang pangalan ko," she said.

(One of my dreams came true, especially after Ms. Ellen said that 'you're already a big star here,' and that she's proud of me -- I'm really happy. I did not expect that Americans would welcome me like this. They did not mind that I am a Pinay - they only noticed my name)

Pempengco will return to the Philippines to fulfill several engagements, and she expects that she still has a long way to go after her unforgettable Hollywood experience.

Pempengco was a former contestant on the ABS-CBN show "Little Big Star," a children's singing contest hosted by Sarah Geronimo. She placed 2nd in the show's Big Division (for 10-13 year old competitors), behind Sam Concepcion and Gian Barbarona.

According to show's website (www.ellentv.com), the show "features a diverse mix of celebrity interviews, musical performers, audience participation, and segments spotlighting everyday people with extraordinary stories and talents." It has already won a total of 21 Daytime Emmy Awards, the website said.

Reuters

LOS ANGELES - Britney Spears' 16-year-old sister, who stars as a schoolgirl in Nickelodeon's popular TV show "Zoey 101," is pregnant.

The cable channel confirmed a report in the forthcoming edition of celebrity gossip magazine OK! that Jamie Lynn Spears is expecting a child.

"We respect Jamie Lynn's decision to take responsibility in this sensitive and personal situation. We know this is a very difficult time for her and her family, and our primary concern right now is for Jamie Lynn's well being," Nickelodeon said in a statement e-mailed to Reuters.

A high school student who lives in Louisiana, Jamie Lynn Spears reportedly met the father, Casey Aldridge, the son of a Tennessee papermill worker, at church. Jamie Lynn Spears' personal publicist was not available for comment.

Her big sister, Britney Spears, may not be the best source of parenting advice. The 26-year-old pop star lost primary custody of her two sons, aged 2 and 1, to ex-husband Kevin Federline after their divorce last year and is engaged in a bitter custody battle that has shone a harsh spotlight on her maternal shortcomings.

"Zoey 101," which wrapped production on its fourth and final season in September, revolves around a headstrong student at a co-ed boarding school in California. Fresh episodes will air through 2008, a spokeswoman for the Viacom Inc-owned network said.

Source:abs-cbnnews.com

AGB Nielsen Media Research Philippines on Wednesday identified GMA-7 as the television network being linked to bribery attempts to unduly influence TV ratings being harvested by the research firm in Bacolod City.

In an interview, AGB Nielsen general manager Maya Reforma said an informant revealed that it was GMA-7 that allegedly funded an operation to bribe metered homes in Bacolod City to watch GMA shows and influence the ratings.

Reforma said GMA-7 conducted promotional activities in Bacolod City to increase viewership for the network. She added that the research firm has yet to confirm if the activities influenced TV ratings in the area.

She said there was no reason for the research firm to stop the ratings surveys since the tampering could be an isolated incident.

Last week, ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp. sued AGB Nielsen Media Research Philippines for continuing to release possibly tainted nationwide TV ratings despite information that metered households used to gauge the ratings might have been bribed.

"The Filipino people and the entire media industry deserve to know the truth. We in ABS-CBN have discovered what can only be viewed as a systematic, organized and well funded attempt to cheat in the ratings," ABS-CBN Chairman and CEO Eugenio Lopez III said in a statement.

Vivian Tin, ABS-CBN Research and Business Analysis chief, said ABS-CBN informed AGB Nielsen Media Research Philippines last November 20 about the bribery attempts and urged the research agency "to stop the release of erroneous data, check their panel nationwide and resume release only when they can guarantee the integrity of the data."

She said the network filed a P63 million civil suit against AGB Nielsen after it continued to release the weekly TV ratings even after the informant met with AGB Nielsen officials. "They did go with the informant and he did show them the homes. According to the informant, the homes that he showed them were verified to be AGB Nielsen homes," she told reporters at 9501 restaurant.

ABS-CBN lawyer Maxim Uy said the network sued the research firm for breach of contract and for failing to keep as confidential information on metered households. The P63 million lawsuit is broken down into P45 million in license fees paid by the network to AGB Nielsen, P15 million in moral and exemplary damages and P3 million in attorneys' fees.

Uy said the network also requested the Quezon City Regional Trial Court for a temporary restraining order on AGB surveys.

GMA-7 reaction to tampering issue

On Tuesday GMA-7 denied that it was the station being referred to in ABS-CBN's lawsuit against AGB Nielsen.

In a statement, GMA-7 said it did not make sense to conduct alleged bribery attempts in Bacolod since the research firm does not release separate ratings data for the city.

The network also cast doubt on the informant's claim that he and six other people were able to locate 89 meter devices in Bacolod.

"Bacolod accounts for only about eight percent of the total urban TV households in the Visayas, according to computations based on the National Statistics Office population figures and AC Nielsen figures from their 2000 Fact Book. Eighty-nine devices are already more than 22 percent of the total panel homes in the Visayas," the network said.

"Besides, GMA Network's ratings in the provinces - particularly in the Visayas and Mindanao - have not shown any significant improvement since July of 2007 when it started to subscribe to the ratings of AGB. If there was any involvement on GMA's part on the alleged tampering of panel homes in the area, then its ratings there should have experienced significant increases," it added.

The network said it has also complained to AGB about the unexplainable disparity between the cable and non-cable ratings of GMA's programs
"which do not obtain in respect to ABS-CBN's programs."

"It is only in the Philippines that the ratings of programs on non-cable or free TV households exhibit a very different behavior from the cable households. Coincidentally, the Philippines is also the only country in the world where a competing free-to-air TV station also operates or controls the dominant cable company," the network said.

Cable television operator Central CATV Inc. is owned 66.5 percent by a Lopez-controlled holding firm SkyVision Corp. and 33.5 percent by Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. ABS-CBN owns 10.2 percent of SkyVision Corp.

How ratings are harvested

Tin said TV ratings are harvested by measuring the viewing behavior of TV audience in select households.

In the case of AGB Nielsen, the research firm chose 1,540 panel homes for its national urban television audience measurement (NUTAM) panel. The NUTAM homes represent 90 percent of the total urban population with TV sets or about 37 million individuals age 2 and above in the country.

In the selected homes, meters are attached to all TV sets in each household. The meter comes with a handset that has a button for each member of the household. Each household member is instructed to push the button assigned to them every time he or she is watching TV. The meter attached to the TV is designed to identify the channel to which the TV is on. By using the handset, the meter will know which programs the household member watches and how long he watches TV.

Once accumulated, the data from the handsets and meters will show the different types of people watching different channels and programs.

Tin said any attempt to unnaturally influence the behavior of members of the NUTAM panel like giving them incentives to watch programs that they do not want to watch will render a panel "unrepresentative." She said an unrepresentative panel will give wrong information and will lead TV networks to produce programs that people will not really want to see.

She said it was difficult to know the overall effect of the bribery attempts on ABS-CBN's ratings. "We don’t know to what degree that activity has impacted our ratings as a part of the national ratings in Bacolod and we cannot say that it’s not happening in any other areas so it is really hard to say how big the breach is, which is where I go back to what we have asked AGB to do. You have to make sure that the same breach has not happened anywhere else," she told reporters.

In a video presentation presented by ABS-CBN officials, the informant said he was hired to conduct the bribery operation late last year. At least seven people were allegedly involved in the operation to bribe metered households in Bacolod, he said.

He said they were able to identify the metered households by following a certain Edward who was assigned by AGB Nielsen to install the TV meters in Bacolod. He said they used motorbikes to follow Edward who usually rode a multi-cab with the plate number GNU-107 when going to the NUTAM households. He said Edward did not know he was being followed.

The informant said that after the meters were installed, their group then approached the members of the household and told them to switch to another channel in exchange for P500 in cash plus groceries. He added that many of the people they approached accepted the bribes because of financial hardship.

The informant said he was given a monthly salary of P6,200 plus P115 cellphone load allowance to conduct the operation. He said he and other members in the bribery operation received instructions from a "backchecker" from Iloilo.

He said he was able to identify 89 metered households when he was still working for the bribery operation.

The informant said their group also monitored metered households chosen by TNS-Trends but later focused on AGB Nielsen households because their employer wanted to influence the ratings. He said their employer wanted to cut down on ABS-CBN's lead in nationwide TV ratings by tampering with the viewing habits of metered households in Bacolod.

Source: abs-cbnnews.com

GMA-7 on Tuesday dismissed talk it was the television network that allegedly rigged the ratings administered by survey firm AGB Nielsen Media Research.

"The alleged informant of ABS-CBN must be referring to a station other than GMA Network in the case it filed against AGB Nielsen," it said in a statement.

The statement from ABS-CBN's informant did not jive with information that GMA was the network alleged as the one that cheated in TV meters installed in some homes in Bacolod City to measure viewership.

GMA's statement came after ABS-CBN sued AGB Nielsen for the alleged anomalies in the way it conducted ratings on TV programs.

ABS-CBN spokesman Bong Osorio said the network filed a case against AGB Nielsen after discovering "a systematic, organized and well funded attempt" to bribe metered households used to gauge viewer behavior and preference.

"The Filipino people and the entire media industry deserve to know the truth. We in ABS-CBN have discovered what can only be viewed as a systematic, organized and well funded attempt to cheat in the ratings," ABS-CBN Chairman and CEO Eugenio Lopez III said in a statement.

Osorio said that to measure TV ratings nationwide, meters are installed in randomly sampled households to check the viewing behavior of people in the areas covered. These households are considered as representative after passing statistical standards set by the research agency.

"The identity of these metered households is kept secure so that no outside entity can influence their behavior. This ensures that the ratings that come from these homes reflect their true behavior," Osorio said.

He said ABS-CBN was approached by a person who confessed that he was hired by another TV network to locate and bribe metered households in Bacolod to switch to a different channel and thus influence TV ratings in that area. ABS-CBN later verified the information with some of the households allegedly approached by the informant.

abs-cbnNEWS.com is the online news department of ABS-CBN Interactive, Inc., an ABS-CBN subsidiary.

By Reyma Buan-Deveza

Host, singer and actress Toni Gonzaga said that her relationship with sweetheart music video director Paul Soriano inspires her to be a better person.

"It’s a relationship that will really inspire you. The relationship is very casual, formal...it’s very relaxed, it’s something that you won't feel pressure," Gonzaga told entertainment press in a press conference at the Chronicle Lounge of ABS-CBN’s ELJ Building in Quezon City.

Gonzaga, who is one of the hosts for Pinoy Big Brother, said that the strong foundation of their relationship also lies on Soriano’s personality.

"He is very understanding and he doesn’t want to be involved in showbiz," she said.

Gonzaga said that her boyfriend wants to keep their relationship as private as possible and away from showbiz fuss.

"(He said) that it’s already enough that we admitted. That’s it for him."

It was July this year on national television when Soriano confessed his love for Gonzaga and revealed that his darling said yes to him last week of June.

By REYMA BUAN-DEVEZA
abs-cbnNEWS.com

Actor and model Jake Cuenca said that he is very grateful and happy for all the projects that he has been getting from ABS-CBN.

"My feeling is overwhelming, this is the happiest I’ve ever been professionally and at the same time I consider myself very, very happy," Cuenca told abs-cbnNEWS.com.

Cuenca shared his elation during the media presentation of Star Magic’s "Yuletide Babies" at 9501 of ABS-CBN’s ELJ Building in Quezon City Thursday morning. He also thanked the network for giving him the chance to star in the upcoming ABS-CBN action-drama television series "Palos."

"Palos" is based on the classic Filipino comics and film character of the same name ("palos" means "eel" in Filipino), who is a professional thief adept in the fighting arts and possesses acrobatic skills. He is called "Palos" because he is as slippery as an eel and is almost never caught.

The TV series is based on the "Palos" movies that were released from the 1960s to the 1980s. Actor Bernard Bonin played the character in all the films, starting with "Alyas Palos" in 1962.

Now, Cuenca will take on the mantle of Palos in the new series. "I really thank ABS-CBN for trusting me like this. For me, everyday I’m praying so I could live up to their expectations. I hope that people will support me and would be able to watch 'Palos'," the young actor said.

Cuenca also revealed that his new role requires him to get into martial arts as well as acting workshops.

"Martial arts training almost everyday, then there’s wushu plus acting work shop so the people could watch a different Jake Cuenca in this project."

According to Cuenca, "Palos" will be start airing in February of 2008.

The "Palos" cast includes Cesar Montano, Carla Humphries, Valerie Garcia, Bangs of Let’s Go, JR Siaboc, Wendy Valdez, Sunshine Cruz, Jodi Sta. Maria and Julia Barretto.

Cuenca is also a regular co-host of ASAP ’07, and stars in "Lastikman" and "That's My Doc".

Actress and singer Regine Velasquez dismissed rumors that she is pregnant with her first child with boyfriend Ogie Alcasid.

Her denial was rooted on reports that she has gained weight because she is expecting a baby.

Laila Chikadora of dzMM reported that according to her reliable source, it is impossible that Velasquez will get pregnant for the simple reason that she is taking contraceptive pills.

Prior to the report, Alcasid already dispelled talk that Velasquez is pregnant.

The pregnancy talk came following Alcasid's admission in June about his two-year romantic relationship with Valasquez.

Alcasid is married to former Miss Universe candidate Michelle Van Eimeren of Australia. The couple have been separated for almost four years now.

Taping for the show drew to a halt to give the fans abroad a chance to interact with the hottest loveteam in the Philippines. Marian and Ding Dong were overwhelmed with the reception they received.

“Masaya! Sa totoo lang, ‘di ko expect na ganun karami manood sa amin, puro Filipino,” Marian says with a happy smile.

The lovely young actress was laden with gifts by her fans. “Dolls, chocolates, perfume!” she shares with Startalk.
She adds that the screams when Dingdong’s name was called were deafening. Marian was surprised to learn that the Filipino community in the U.S. religiously follow the goings on in Marimar’s very complicated life.

“Feeling namin parang ‘di kami umalis. Daming Filipino. Although napaka-lamig doon, napaka-init ng pagtanggap sa amin.” Dingdong says when asked about their trip.

The two flew to the United States last December 2 and came back in less than a week. The vacation was quickly over as work resumed immediately upon their return home.

It will be a blue Christmas for sexy actor Alfred Vargas and young actress LJ Reyes.
Alfred finally revealed the collapse of his one-and-a-half-year romance with LJ. In an interview with a major broadsheet, the hunky actor opened his heart and in the process confirmed the breakup -- a persistent rumor that he and LJ tried hard to avoid for the past couple of weeks.
During the conversation, Alfred didn't hide behind the façade of his tough matinee idol image. The guy was obviously hurting.
"I had to hide some of her photos," said Alfred, who has a lot of cleaning up to do since his place is full with memories of LJ in pictures and gifts.
"It's always difficult coping after a relationship ends," he admitted.

AWKWARD AND WEIRD. From the outset, Alfred has been very wary in talking about the deteriorating relationship. His concern was more about LJ's capability to handle the press and the barrage of questions that would surely come her way.
"I can handle prying," stated Alfred, "but she's very private."
He then recalled a particular incident when LJ bumped into the crew of Showbiz Central in one of the hallways of GMA-7. LJ's demeanor, as seen on the footage, was one of dread and discomfort. She eventually begged off from an interview before bolting out hastily.
That incident paled in comparison to when Alfred and LJ saw each other during an event. "Awkward and weird," was how Alfred described the scene when reporters, asking for clarifications and throwing other personal questions, swarmed them.
OUTGROWING EACH OTHER. One nagging dilemma that plagued the relationship, Alfred said, was the issue of their limited time together.
Candidly, Alfred admitted, "We drifted apart. We fought hard to stay together...but we were simply too busy."
For Alfred, his busy showbiz schedule was one hindrance while the StarStruck 2 First Princess had her studies and showbiz career to prioritize. It was a bumpy road all the way to splitsville.
That's all the reason, insisted Alfred. And just to set everything straight, he hurled one final remark: "There's no third party involved!" -- PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal)

Celestine Cruz Gonzaga, popularly known by her screen name Toni Gonzaga, is a Filipina movie and TV actress, variety program host, singer, commercial model and magazine covergirl. She is one of the most visible multimedia artists in Philippine showbiz.

Toni was born on a Friday, January 20, 1984, a 6.8 lbs. baby girl to Methodists parents Carlito and Crisanta Gonzaga. Toni's real name Celestine is a name a boxer had given her father.Fondly called Tintin by her closest friends, her parents made sure that she and her younger sister, Catherine, were raised with Christian morals and values.At the age of 4, Toni joined various local-singing competitions in their barangay in Taytay, Rizal. At a very young age, Toni was already used to facing audiences of hundreds.Toni was baptized as an infant and confirmed a child into a local United Methodist Church in her hometown of Taytay, Rizal where her family is actively involved in leadership and music ministry. However, she may be spotted attending evening worship at Greenhills Christian Fellowship or sometimes at Victory Christian Fellowship especially when her Sunday mornings get very busy which goes to show that she never misses attending a Methodist worship as much as possible. She is very vocal about her evangelical faith and her active involvement in Methodist worship.Toni started her career as a talent of GMA Artist Center and initially landed small roles. After 4 years, Toni decided to go freelance. While attending high school, Toni was busy joining auditions, competitions, and VTR screenings of advertising agencies.
When she reached the age of 17, she took her talent to a higher level. She tried her luck in lounge singing in hotels and bars like Calesa Bar, Hyatt Regency, Sulo Hotel, and Holiday Inn, just to name a few. She went to school in the day and did her singing engagements at night.
Fate had more in store for Tintin other than her lounge act. Her agent informed her of an audition for a TV commercial (TVC) for a popular soda brand. Luck was definitely on her side. She was chosen as the lead talent in that TVC and gained instant popularity with her famous line, I love you Piolo!That TV ad sparked the fortunate series of events that marked the start of her television career. Soon, offers to do guestings in television shows came but it was her guesting in the sitcom Daddy Di Do Du that got her a regular stint on TV. TAPE Inc., the production outfit behind the show, offered her to be one of the hosts in the noontime show Eat Bulaga.While doing so, she also managed to host a Studio 23 show, she later transferred to ABS-CBN, GMA's rival and from here on, her career was catapulted to greater heights.
Endorsements

* Blooming Skin Clinic
* Blue Water Spa
* Care Line Cosmetics
* Colgate Fresh Confidence
* Enervon C Multivitamins
* Merrel Shoes
* Nescafe Classic
* Palmolive Naturals Conditioner
* Shapes Wear
* Leone Stylus Ballpen
* Vaniderm Glutathione
* Wade Shoes

By REYMA BUAN-DEVEZA
abs-cbnNEWS.com
Concert Queen Pops Fernandez said she will leave it up to ex-husband singer Martin Nievera to decide on whether or not to attend her 25th anniversary concert.
"I always said and I'm not denying that he (Martin) has been part of my 25 years (in showbiz), so let's see. It is up for him to decide," Fernandez told abs-cbnNEWS.com.
Fernandez will celebrate her 25th anniversary in show business with a grand concert on December 8. She already inked a contract with ABS-CBN, granting the network exclusive rights to tape and broadcast her concert, "Diva-licious" at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
Fernandez said Ram and Robin, her two sons with Nievera, will be part of her "super special concert" and will do a special performance with her.
"Yes I will. My kids will also join me. Like what I've said it's not an ordinary concert because it's extra-special for me because I'm celebrating my 25 years so I requested and I forced my kids to be with me this December 8," said Fernandez, laughing.
The singer also affirmed that her current sweetheart, actor Jomari Yllana, will be there to watch the concert and to give support.
Her grand production will be directed by Rowell Santiago and musically directed by Homer Flores.
Joining Fernandez in her most memorable concert will be ary Valenciano, John Prats, Kuh Ledesma, R&B prince Jay-R and Sharon Cuneta.
Fernandez is the daughter of action star Eddie Fernandez and singer Dulce Lukban. She began her singing career at the age of 16.
She hosted the hit 1980s TV variety series "Penthouse Live!" with Nievera. In 1995, Fernandez joined the cast of ABS-CBN's variety program "ASAP" and was chosen as Best Female Musical Variety Show Host at the KBP Golden Dove Awards in 1999.
Fernandez was dubbed as the country's "Concert Queen" for her ability to attract huge crowds. She is also an actress and has starred in several movies, including the box-office hit "Gusto Ko nang Lumigaya" and "Linlang" where she received critical acclaim.
She occasionally appears as one of the hosts for "ASAP."

If love is sweeter the second time around, then former Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity 2 housemate Ethel Booba is in "cloud nine" right now.
A dzMM report said Booba is happy now that she is back in the arms of former sweetheart, basketball player Alex Crisano.
The report added that after Booba’s breakup with boyfriend Janvier Daly, she and Crisano reconciled.
Because of this development, Emy Gabison, Booba's mother, said she no longer thinks that her daughter could forger her past.
She, however, said that she hopes her daughter and Crisano would love each other. She said that they should not hurt each other again.
Before reportedly reconciling with the cager, Booba said she will wait for Celebrity Edition 2 housemate Will Devaughn once he leaves the PBB house.
This developed as Booba admitted inside the house that she has a special feeling for Devaughn.
The sexy comedian said she is now free for Devaughn since she already broke up with Daly.
In an interview over ABS-CBN's "The Buzz," Booba admitted that even before she decided to join the reality-based show, her relationship with Daly was already in trouble.
Booba she said that she is now happy and has no regrets after voluntarily giving up the chance be the PBB Celebrity Edition 2's grand winner. Booba is in the limelight again after the media attention that was given to her and Crisano months ago about the ups and downs of their rocky relationship.
Before Booba and Crisano's breakup, a sex video circulated that allegedly shows that comedian and her boyfriend in a compromising situation. Booba denied that she was the girl in the video.

ource:abs-cbn.news.com

Maintaining public silence doesn't mean indifference.
Matinee idol Dennis Trillo defended himself against critics that he's intentionally stalling to distance himself from the controversy involving Carlene Aguilar and Cristine Reyes.
"Lahat ng posibleng communication na puwedeng gawin ginagawa ko para maayos," he said in a taped interview with Showbiz Central aired yesterday, November 25.
Dennis argued that the lack of an official statement coming from him must not be interpreted as coldness, or worst, lack of concern especially to those who were directly involved with the mêlée.
Trying to keep his poise while making a point, Dennis said, "May ginagawa ako para maayos ‘yon. Hindi ako walang pakialam lang."
Amidst all the bickering and growing speculations, the evasive young actor revealed that he was constantly talking to both warring parties to properly address the situation and hopefully arrive at a settlement.
TAINTED LOVE. When Carlene confronted Cristine at the taping of All Star K last November 7 at Broadway Centrum, sympathizers of the former beauty queen attributed the aggressive act to post-partum depression tangled with jealousy.
Dennis clarified that his relationship with Carlene was already strained even before she got pregnant with their baby.
"It was never planned," Dennis casually admitted, referring about Carlene's pregnancy. "Before pa noon, dun sa relasyon namin na ‘yon, marami na kaming mga problema sa press. Almost mga five years na on and off ‘yon. Meron kaming mga issues na hindi namin nari-resolve until 'ayun na nga, na-buntis na so naging kumplikado na ang lahat."
Carlene's departure to the US during the pregnancy only aggravated the uncertainty of the crumbling relationship.
"Lalo na nung pumunta na sa States. Hindi ko alam kung pagbalik niya rito papaano ‘yong situwasyon. So ganun na kagulo."
FINDING LOVE ONCE MORE. It was during this stage when Dennis's attention slowly gravitated towards Cristine Reyes.
"After ng Super Twins ‘yon, e," Dennis said in recollection.
Although the extent of their relationship remains foggy to the public, it is safe to assume that both Dennis and Cristine had mutual feelings for each other. "'Yong time na ‘yon, hindi pa rin kami naging ganoon ka-open... Pero ‘yon, eventually siyempre na-voice out na namin sa isa't isa," he added.
NO LOVE LOST. Dennis acknowledged committing a serious blunder by failing to formally halt his relationship with Carlene. With a relationship still hanging on the balance and a baby to cling on to, Dennis miscalculated the consequences of his error—particularly the confusion it brought to his unsuspecting ex-girlfriend.
Recognizing that Carlene has full custody of their baby, Dennis tensely confided: "Doon medyo kinakabahan ako, baka hindi ko na mabisita. Iyon ‘yong kinakatakot ko kaya gusto ko maging maayos kami as friends."
Out of sheer emotional exhaustion, Carlene reportedly cited that she's already done fighting for Dennis's love.
Responding to the comment, Dennis said: "Sana kung napagod man siyang ipaglaban ‘yong pagmamahal na ‘yon, sana huwag naman siyang mapagod na maging mabuting magulang kami dun sa anak namin."
But despite all the mess, Dennis imparted that there will always be love intended to the mother of his child.
"'Yong pagmamahal, nandoon naman ‘yon, e. Hindi naman mawawala, ‘di ba? Hindi naman puwedeng hindi mo siya mahal, ‘di ba? Kasi nandoon ‘yon, e. Nandoon pa rin ‘yong samahan. Siyempre 'yong pinagsamahan namin, matagal ‘yon and para maging mabuting magulang ka, kailangan nandoon pa rin ‘yong pagmahahal."
WATER UNDER THE BRIDGE. Last November 23, Cristine decided to withdraw the slander and oral defamation case she filed against Carlene.
The two met, talked, and eventually shook hands as a gesture of reconciliation.
"Natuwa ako and ipinagdasal ko ‘yon kaya masayang-masaya ako na nangyari ‘yon," quipped Dennis, who was obviously relieved.
As a parting shot, Dennis could only hope for the issue to finally simmer down. "Sana maging maayos na lahat. Mag-move on na tayo lahat." - Philippine Entertainment Portal
Source:http://www.gmanews.tv/story/70132/Dennis-Trillo-defends-self-against-critics

KC Concepcion had her hands full during the weekend as she shuttled from one place to another to grace two worthwhile projects that she promotes enthusiastically.
KC's first stop was Eastwood Center, Libis, Quezon City, last Saturday, November 24, to personally attend the Artists Fair Pilipinas III bazaar, which she co-organized. The beauteous commercial model has been a fixture in various charitable trade fairs sprouting around the metropolis.
"Hopefully, next time may mga ibang artists na kaming mai-invite from Cebu, Davao, ganyan. It's a half-celebrity bazaar. Celebrities selling their second-hand items, dahil mahilig ang tao sa mga artista and yung mga lumang kagamitan na cheap lang," explained KC to PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) while holding a pen and paper containing her event checklist.
Doing her share enthusiastically, KC dug into her closet and took out some old European magazines, clothes, hats and bags—all sold out during the first day of the bazaar.
But more than celebrities selling their items, the bazaar also serves as the perfect venue for artists like painters, young designers, and even poets to exhibit their works for potential buyers.
"Sana in the same way na mahilig sila sa mga artista, we also learn to enjoy visual arts. Dahil mga Pinoy napaka-talented and I'm sure masisiyahan sila ‘pag nahanap nila yung kasiyahan doon sa art," said optimist KC.
Proceeds of the bazaar, however, don't go into the pockets of the participants. This year, KC chose the Hands On Manila Foundation Inc. and the Virlanie Foundation as beneficiaries.
"Sana, kahit in our own little way, makatulong sa projects nila," smiled KC as she hopped from one booth to another.
KC AND THE MUSE. After catching her breath, KC and her rumored boyfriend Lino Cayetano proceeded to the Absinth Bar in Greenbelt, Makati City, not to party but, guess what?—to recite poetry.
With pre-programmed music and mood lighting as background, KC performed "Roses"—a romantic-sensual piece written by poet and spoken- word advocate, Kooky Tuason.
Incidentally, it was the same poem recorded by KC herself when she graced—along with Angel Aquino, Barbie Almalbis and Iza Calzado—the spoken-word album Romancing Venus Vol. 1 back in 2005.
Unknown to many, weaving words on paper has always fascinated KC. "I just do it for self-expression. It's another art form that I enjoy," she said beaming.
Studying in Paris intensified her love for the arts. Now a celebrity here in the Philippines, Megastar Sharon Cuneta's daughter is eager to share and help promote art awareness. She strongly believes that creative individuals just need encouragement and the proper venue to show their artistry.
KC shares her inspiration when she was living in Paris: "Siguro kasi I lived in a place na very passionate about visual arts and very supportive of their artists. There's always a venue for their passion na kahit isang sulok ng kalye meron kang makikitang artist na walang kaabog-abog nagpipinta lang siya or nagtitinda lang siya ng kung anu-ano. Nawawala ‘yong ego nila, parang nandoon ‘yong pride nila sa pagpapakita ng art nila kahit kanino." - Philippine Entertainment Portal
Source:http://www.gmanews.tv/story/70219/KC-Concepcion-shares-artistic-passion-from-Paris

ABS-CBN's latest Kapamilya star Angel Locsin is set to enter the most famous house in the land, the Pinoy Big Brother house.
DZMM's Laila Chikadora's source confirmed that Locsin will enter PBB house as a "celebrity house guest."
The report came after Thursday's voluntary exit of PBB Celebrity Edition 2 housemates, band vocalist Mcoy and stand up-comedienne Ethel Booba.
There is still no definite date on when Locsin is going to enter the house and what special task she will do inside.
Prior to Locsin's scheduled visit, actress and TV host Kris Aquino also entered the house and cooked for the housemates.
Angel will star in the Kapamilya network's latest television series, "La Loba Blanca," and will be shooting her first movie with actor Piolo Pascual under Star Cinema.
Source:abs-cbnnews.com

After a very public spat, actress Cristine Reyes and Binibing Pilipinas titlist Carlene Aguilar have finally settled their differences and agreed to reconcile.
“I’m really happy to announce that both parties have decided to settle their differences in the best possible terms. Both of them come out winners,” Atty. Dexter Laquanan, Reyes's lawyer, told radio dzMM.
Showbiz columnist Cristy Fermin said the reconciliation meeting happened at Rembrandt Hotel in Quezon City.
Laquanan said Reyes agreed to met with Aguilar after the latter's exclusive interview on ABS-CBN celebrity talk show "The Buzz" last Sunday.
He said Reyes and Aguilar both realized that the whole thing was just a big misunderstanding. “As far as Cristine is concerned, she understands where Carlene is coming from. She understands the sentiments and emotions of Carlene and because she understands Carlene and since she is also a woman she decided to withdraw the case," he said.
Laquanan said that on Monday (November 26), Reyes will file a motion to withdraw the slander case she filed against Aguilar.
The rift started when Aguilar confronted Reyes about her relationship with actor Dennis Trillo. Trillo had earlier admitted fathering a love child with Aguilar.
Earlier reports said Aguilar tailed Reyes to a dressing room in Broadway Centrum and whispered: “Hindi ka mahal no’n. Katawan lang ang gusto niya sa’yo (He doesn’t love you. He’s only interested in your body).”
After the incident, Reyes filed charges against Aguilar on November 14.
In her interview with The Buzz, Aguilar revealed that she and Trillo have been in a relationship for five years when she got pregnant. She said she and Dennis agreed that she would go to the US to protect Trillo's budding acting career.
Aguilar refused to confirm what she whispered to Reyes during the incident.
"I took the initiative to introduce myself to her. I shook her hand and introduced myself. Then I whispered something to her. I don’t want to elaborate on what I whispered to her because it's private. Then we left," she said.
She said she had felt aggravated upon hearing of news about Trillo's supposed affair with Reyes. She also got angry when Reyes sued her and even demanded a public apology.
"I’ll ask you, do you think private conversations, a whisper, an exchange of text messages between two parties merit a public apology?" Aguilar asked.
Source:abs-cbnnews.com

Pinoy Big Brother housemates stand-up comedienne Ethel Booba and musician Mcoy voluntarily exited the PBB house early morning of Thursday. It is unknown whether this would permanently end their stint in the second season of Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity edition, or if they would be given a chance to return.
Dubbed as the "Musikerong Daddy", Mcoy felt offended by a comment from Kuya (the Tagalog word for "Big Brother") about a 15-minute film shot by the housemates. The short film was one of the tasks given to them by Kuya.
Kuya mentioned that the film's script, which was written by Mcoy, was similar to "The Ghost of August Mayford” (a story about the ghost of a policeman killed in Alton town in the United States).
Mcoy got offended, saying that he was traumatized before by a plagiarism issue levelled against him and his (former) band Orange and Lemons.
That plagiarism accusation involved, interestingly, the song "Pinoy Ako" which is Pinoy Big Brother's official theme.
Mcoy calmed down when Kuya told him no insult was intended. Kuya said the film's concept was acceptable, but the Mcoy and the housemates could have done better. Kuya said that a more Filipino concept would have been more appropriate
In a conversation with the housemates later on, Mcoy explained that a fully Pinoy concept would be hard to do considering that the interiors of the PBB house were designed with a Victorian-era look.
Mcoy also pointed out that even the garden appears foreign because of the cherubim and peacock statues. Then Mcoy was called into the confession room for a one-on-one session with Kuya.
As soon as the Musikerong Daddy returned though, it became evident that their one-on-one talk did not resolve anything. On the contrary, he was fuming mad after their exchange.
Adding fuel to Mcoy’s anger was PBB’s “Ultimate Pasaway,” Ethel Booba. She expressed confusion over everything that was happening to them.
Already upset,Booba reiterated her "Praning Theory" (paranoid theory) regarding Mariel's true status; she asked whether Mariel was just a guest or a genuine housemate like them.
It is unclear whether the two were allowed outside the house to calm down and blow some steam, or whether they had already been kicked out. An unconfirmed report said that Ethel and Mcoy are prepared to forfeit their chance to win the PBB prize.
Prior to Mcoy and Ethel's exit from the PBB house, the nominees for eviction were Donnie, Jon and Riza.
Source:abs-cbnnews.com

Richard Rama Gutierrez (born January 21, Beverly Hills, California) is a Filipino film and television actor . In 2006, he was chosen to play the role of Captain Barbell. This superhero-action fantasy series aired in the Philippines via GMA Network, his mother station. Captain Barbell became the no. 1 primetime TV show in the nation, giving him an icon status. Then, his next TV series based on a Japanese anime/French legend, Lupin, premiered on April 9, 2007. His new series, Kamandag, based on a graphic novel by Carlo J. Caparas, will have him as the protagonist, Vergel, a half-serpent half-human who becomes the anti-hero Kamandag. Kamandag will start showing on November.
Gutierrez lay low in showbiz while trying to finish his studies. After the rest, he went back into show business, and was paired with Chynna Ortaleza in different TV and movie projects. His team-up with Angel Locsin in the hit TV Series Mulawin catapulted both stars,Mulawin was followed by the movie "Let the love begin" that earned 100 million Pesos in the box office, followed by another blockbuster hit the following year with "I Will Always Love You." Also, he also had another major performance in Captain Barbell as the title character. His Valentines flick co-starring with Angel Locsin was a huge success and was reported to be the Philippine's third highest-grossing of all time.
He also starred in Sigaw (2004), who is now being remade in Hollywood with the title "The Echo" and he got rave reviews from international critics for his unbelieveable performance in the movie. Angel Locsin was also in the movie.
Aside from his acting and modeling, Richard is also busy with his hobbies. His interest in cars bore fruit in his latest venture, Events Management. He also established his own independent record label called ICED OUT PRODUCTIONS, mainly dedicated to promoting the hip-hop/urban lifestyle and music.
Gutierrez has recently been dubbed by the media as "The Super Idol of the Philippine Cinema" due to his appeal and success.Gutierrez also have an endorsment this 2007. The DelMonte Fit and Right drinks that displays his improving body.

By BOY VILLASANTA
abs-cbnNEWS.com

Will rumors about an Ara Mina-Manny Pacquiao romance never die? Despite repeated denials by both the actress and the world boxing champion, rumors about their alleged affair hound them all the way to the location shoot for the film "Anak ng Kumander", at the Nipa Hut Resort in San Leonardo, Nueva Ecija.
It was a Wednesday morning, during a lull in the filming when members of the press caught up with the actress and the boxer inside a multi-purpose warehouse that alternately serves as gym, soundstage, dance floor or even session hall.
“Anak Ng Kumander” is MP Productions’ official entry to the 2007 Metro Manila Film Festival in December. Manny plays a rebel while Ara plays a TV reporter.
During the break Pacquiao could be observed whispering something to Ara, his right arm resting on her shoulder, as they talked in the presence of director Jose “Kaka” Balagtas, co-star comic Long Mejia, the film’s stuntmen, character actors, make-up artists and other production staff.
Pacquiao's right arm was resting on the actress' shoulder. The sight alone sparked speculations among the excited entertainment writers about the lead stars’ alleged romantic involvement.
“Naku, magtigil na nga sila. (Oh! Stop that already.),” Mina told abs-cbnNEWS.com. She was visibly irked that despite her denials, the rumor about her and the boxing champ seems to have taken on a life of its own.
What is it like working withPacquiao? “Ay, naku, ibang klase. Komikero siya. Puro biro. (Oh! He’s one of a kind. He’s such a comic. He’s always cracking jokes),” answered the pretty actress.
Mina said that her role in the movie isn't much, acting-wise. She said that it's Pacquiao who will be getting the meatier, more dramatic moments.
Real to reel
Mina seemed more excited about a film project she's currently discussing with directors Peque Gallaga and Lore Reyes. Titled “Ate,” the drama vehicle would pit her characte against that of her real-life sister, Cristine Reyes.
“Magkapatid kami rito. Next year namin isu-shoot. (We’re sisters here. We’ll shoot next year),” volunteered Mina.
The movie, to be produced by Ara herself, will demonstrate once more the older sister’s concern over her younger sibling. This is a truly a translation from real to reel life. No matter how vividly Ara is painted as an overprotective sis, she doesn’t mind.
“May pagkamakulit kasi si Cristine kaya kailangan na may gabay lagi. But I love her. I just want to protect her. (Cristine seems to be irrepressible so she needs constant guidance),” she quipped.
Reyes already filed a slander case agaisnt former beauty queen Carlene Aguilar, with Mina's full support. According to Reyes, Aquilar grabbed her hand inside a dressing room in Broadway Centrum and whispered something derogatory in her ear.
Aguilar is supposedly jealous about a supposed relationship between Reyes and actor Dennis Trillo, who is the father of Aguilar’s baby.
According to Reyes, Aguilar has been harrassing her in order to driver her away from Trillo. Reyes claimed that Aguilar sent her threatening text messages, telling her that Trillo "is only interested in your body."
Before ending her interview with reporters, Mina reacted to reports about her supposed move from GMA-7 to ABS-CBN.
“Kung sakali man mangyari ‘yon, magpapaalam ako sa GMA Network. So far, okay naman ako sa kanila. Alam nila na non-exclusive naman ang contract ko sa kanila pero sila ang priority ko. (If ever that happens, I’d ask permission from GMA Network. So far, I’m okay with them. They know I have a non-exclusive contract with them but then again, they’re my priority).”
Then Mina said goodbye. It was already three o’clock in the morning and she had to get to the US Embassy in Manila to follow up her travel documents to Guam.
When the actress left, Pacquiao was nowhere in sight.

Ernest Lorenzo (Enchong) Dee (born on November 5, 1988) is a Filipino actor, model, and champion swimmer. He is a member of ABS_CBN's circle of homegrown talents named Star Magic, ABS-CBN's Talent Management and Development Center and Stars in Star Magic Presents: Abt Ur Luv. Enchong, also known as Ernest, is part of the Philippine national swim team and has participated in the SEA Games and 2006 Asian Games. He has won over 400 medals as a swimmer and is currently training for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. He is currently studying Sports and Management at De La Salle University. He is the younger brother of fellow actor AJ Dee.
Aside from his weekend show Abt Ur Luv Ur Lyf 2, Enchong can also be seen in Primetime show of ABS-CBN's Lastikman which he plays the role of Raffy Gipit being a genious high school student. Enchong also had a lot of endorsements such as BENCH, KFC, and Globe.

Zanjoe Acuesta Marudo is a Filipino Actor, Cover boy,Fashion model and former housemate of Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Edition Season 1 together with Bianca Gonzales, John Prats and the big winner Keanna Reeves.
Zanjoe became a model after high school to earn money and he became a hunk of the month in the Philippine Cosmopolitan magazine. He also became of Philippine Cosmo Magazine's Top 10 Bachelors and Metro Calendar 2006. He recently appeared in the Bench Fever fashion show. In Philippine Cosmopolitan Magazine (Sept. 2006 issue), Zanjoe is one of the 10 Centerfold men in the "Cosmopolitan 69 Bachelors and 10 Centerfolds" supplement. Zanjoe is currently seen in one of ABS-CBN's top rating show Super Inggo 1.5 ang Bagong Bangis.

Actors Piolo Pascual and Sam Milby filed libel charges against talk show host and talent manager Lolit Solis and a newspaper editor for publishing an allegedly malicious article against them.
DZMM reported that the hunk actors, accompanied by their lawyers, filed the charges at the Makati Prosecutor's Office before noon Friday.
The actors included Veronica Samio, entertainment editor of Pilipino Star Ngayon in the charge sheet.
The lawsuit stems from a column by Solis and published by Pilipino Star Ngayon on October 15, 2007. In the column, Solis claimed she saw Milby and Pascual in a romantic tryst at the poolside cafe of the Hotel Sofitel last October 12.
The actors said that the story of Solis is a complete fabrication and a mere figment of her imagination.
Pascual and Milby lawsuit are seeking P5 million each for moral damages.

Solis' most controversial brush with the law was right after the 1994 Manila Film Festival Scam, where she and actress Ruffa Gutierrez were embroiled in an ultimately unsuccessful attempt to rig the results of the film festival in the awards for Best Actor and Best Actress.
Solis later admitted to switching the names of the real winners for Best Actor and Best Actress (Edu Manzano and Aiko Melendez) for her talent, Gabby Concepcion and Ruffa Gutierrez.
Source: abs-cbn news

Sam Milby is RP's Sexiest Pinoy

Sam Milby (born Samuel Lloyd Lacia Milby on May 23, 1984 in Troy, Ohio) is a Filipino-American actor, commercial model, and recording artist. Milby grew up with a Filipina mother native to Tago, Surigao del Sur and an American father. Milby became an instant celebrity and heartthrob after leaving the Pinoy Big Brother House in November 2005. He currently appears in a Sunday musical variety show, ASAP '07, through the segment called 'The Hearththrobs' with Piolo Pascual and John Lloyd Cruz. He also rendered his version of Only You to ABS-CBN's Tagalog-dubbed Korean soap of the same title.
Milby's first major film debut was Close to You, produced by ABS-CBN subsidiary Star Cinema and co-starring John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo. Milby also released a self-titled debut album in early 2006, which was repackaged in the third quarter of 2006.Heartthrobs, featuring Piolo Pascual and Sam Milby at the Music Museum last February 2 and 3, has a repeat concert on March 17 following the big success of their first concert together. Milby's top rating ABS-CBN primetime soap opera, Maging Sino Ka Man which garnered a 1.0% rating nationwide according to AGB Nielsen Philippines, will have a book 2 following a big success. Milby is a member of ABS-CBN's elite circle of homegrown talents properly named Star Magic. He is also starred in the blockbuster movie You Got Me with Toni Gonzaga and Zanjoe Marudo and he is schedule to shoot another movie with Bea Alonzo and Kristine Hermosa. Milby just concluded his successful US tour with Piolo Pascual, Pokwang and Rica Peralejo and scheduled for another European tour before the year ends. Milby is one of the busiest and bankable talents of ABS-CBNs Star Magic.

Juan Carlos Cuenca, popularly known as Jake Cuenca was born in San Jose,California, is a Filipino print and commercial model and a television and film actor. He first appeared in a youth oriented show in GMA 7 which is Click. He was a star of GMA Network but jumped to ABS-CBN when his contract with GMA Network expired. After moving in to ABS-CBN,Jake received various TV roles and shows and is now featured in the top rated shows of the network. He is also a member of the elite circle of homegrown talents properly called as Star Magic and is also a part of Bench Family and is considered as one of the Hottest young Celebrities today.
Cuenca got a big break in his career when he and girlfriend Roxanne Guinoo were given the chance to play the lead roles in the recently concluded and well received TV series Sineserye Presents: Natutulog Ba Ang Diyos?. Currently, he can be seen in the sitcom with Aga Muhlach, That's My Doc. He is a mainstay of ASAP '07 and a member of the group Star Magic's The Coverboys. He is also in the new fantaserye Mars Ravelo's Lastikman with partner Roxanne Guinoo, Vhong Navarro and Iya Villania where they play characters involved in a love quadrangle(square). He will topbill an upcoming teleserye entitled Palos with Cesar Montano.

Jake Cuenca is No. 27 RP's Sexiest Pinoy 2007

Video From: dropsy29

ABS-CBN launches its new Christmas station Id entitled "Walang Mag-iisa Ngayong Pasko" on ASAP last Sunday, November 11. The video features the Kapamilya Stars, news and public affairs personalities as well as radio personalities.

The R&B superstar AKON is coming for his first ever concert in Manila on November 29 at the Araneta Coliseum. His concert will feature his chart topping hits such as Smack That, I wanna Love You, Don't Matter, Sorry Blame It On Me, Lonely, Shake Down, Mama Africa, Sweet Escape (Duet with Gwen Stefani)and Bartender(Collaboration with T-Pain).

Background

He is the son of jazz percussionist, Mor Thiam. He was born in St. Louis, Senegal, but grew up in Jersey City, New Jersey[11]. He recorded his first song, "Operations of Nature," at the age of fifteen. He was then subsequently jailed for armed robbery and drug distribution charges, and used his time in prison to work on his music. Upon release, Akon began writing and recording tracks in his home studio. The tapes found their way to SRC/Universal, which released Akon's debut LP Trouble in June 2004. The album is a hybrid of Akon's silky, West African-styled vocals mixed with East Coast and Southern beats. Most of Akon's songs begin with the sound of the clank of a jail cell with him uttering the word "Konvict."

2004–2005: Trouble

Akon's solo debut album, Trouble was released on June 29, 2004. It spawned the hit singles "Locked Up" and "Lonely," as well as "Belly Dancer (Bananza)," "Pot Of Gold," and "Ghetto". Akon served a three-year jail sentence for grand theft auto, an experience that inspired his "Locked Up".[7] "Locked Up" reached the top 10 in the U.S. and the top five in the UK. His manager Robert Montanez was shot to death following a dispute in New Jersey in December 2005. "Ghetto" became a radio hit when it was remixed by Green Lantern to include verses from legendary rappers 2Pac and The Notorious B.I.G. In 2005, he released the single "Lonely" (which samples Bobby Vinton's "Mr. Lonely"). The song reached the top five on the Billboard Hot 100, and topped the charts in Australia, the UK and Germany. His album also climbed to number one in the UK in April, 2005. When music channel The Box had a top ten weekly chart, which was calculated by the amount of video requests, Akon's "Lonely" became the longest running single on the top of the chart, spanning over fifteen weeks. Akon then released another single featuring with a New Zealand rapper, Savage with the single Moonshine, which had become a success in both New Zealand and Australia, becoming number one in the New Zealand charts. In 2005, Akon gained more popularity after being featured on Young Jeezy's debut album, Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101, on the song "Soul Survivor" which became a top five hit on the Billboard Hot 100.

2006–2007: Konvicted

In 2006-2007 Akon has had one of the most successful spans any singer has ever enjoyed with eleven songs in the Billboard Hot 100. Akon's second album, entitled Konvicted, was released on November 14, 2006. Konvicted included collaborations with Eminem, Snoop Dogg and Styles P. Late August 2006, Akon released the single "Smack That" featuring Eminem, from the album. This single peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 for five consecutive weeks. The music video for "Smack That" was directed by Raymond Garced. "I Wanna Love You", the second single off Konvicted, was released in September 2006. It is a collaboration between Akon and Snoop Dogg. This single earned Akon his first number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100, and Snoop's second. "I Wanna Love You" topped the U.S. charts for two consecutive weeks. In January 2007, Akon released his third single "Don't Matter" which earned him his first solo number one and second consecutive Hot 100 chart topper. "Mama Africa" was released as a European single in July 2007, making it the fourth single. It debuted in the UK at number 47. "Sorry, Blame It on Me" is the album's fifth single which debuted in August 2007, on the Hot 100 at number seven, which also happened to be a career best. The song is not available on the original album, but instead part of the Deluxe Edition of Konvicted, which came out August 28, 2007. The sixth and final single was confirmed in an interview by Akon to be "Never Took the Time". [12] Konvicted debuted at number two on the Billboard 200, selling 286,000 copies in its first week. After only six weeks, Konvicted sold more than one million records in the U.S. and more than 1.3 million worldwide. The album was certified platinum after seven weeks, and after sixteen weeks it was certified double platinum. Konvicted was able to stay in the top twenty of the Billboard 200 for 28 consecutive weeks, where it peaked at number two on four different occasions. Currently it has sold more than 2.4 million records in the U.S. and 3.8 million worldwide in 30 weeks.
Akon performing at a 2007 Live Earth concert in New Jersey.
Akon performing at a 2007 Live Earth concert in New Jersey.

On October 5, 2006, Akon broke a record on the Hot 100, as he achieved the largest climb in the chart's 48-year-history with "Smack That" jumping from number 95 to 7. The leap is fueled by its number six debut on Hot Digital Songs with 67,000 downloads. The record was broken on April 7, 2007 by Beyoncé and Shakira's Beautiful Liar when it jumped from 94 to 3 on the Hot 100, because of their 150,000 digital downloads on the Hot Digital Songs.

In December 2006, Akon's "Smack That" was nominated for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration at the 49th Annual Grammy Awards, but lost to Justin Timberlake and T.I.'s My Love.

From April to July Akon performed in The Sweet Escape Tour with Gwen Stefani. From July to September he will embark on his worldwide Konvicted Tour. In September, Akon will start on the Canadian leg of the Good Girl Gone Bad Tour with Rihanna.

On August 2, 2007, Akon was scheduled to perform at the Rock tha Block Tour in Australia but had trouble obtaining a visa due to his criminal past. The tour was postponed until late August and his visa was eventually processed but Akon was quoted as saying "Australia is the home of the convicts so it's the last place I would have ever thought it would be a problem".[13]

Akon will release a Platinum Edition of his album Konvicted in UK on October 1.

2008 New Album

It has been reported on Shade 45 that Akon will release a 2008 solo album.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akon

The R&B diva Beyonce Knowles will be having a one-night concert here in the Philippines This November 7 at the The Fort Open Field in Bonifacio City, Taguig. She arrived 2:10pm at Ninoy Aquino International Airport yesterday. This is a part of her concert tour which started last April.


Beyonce paused for a while waving and facing the press people flashed with a smile upon arriving at the airport..