Cherie to young people: Don’t smoke

When she had throat surgery due to Reinke’s edema, Cherie learned a lesson she wants to share with young people.

“Don’t smoke,” she begs the youth. “Had I known smoking is really bad, I would have stopped it in my youth (Cherie started smoking at 15).”

After the surgery, Cherie’s Boston-based doctor warned her not to smoke or drink. She herself planned to stop smoking even before the surgery last June 4.

So she’s walking the talk.

Going under the knife has made Cherie realize how important a person’s voice is.

Actor’s instrument

“The voice is an actor’s instrument,” she said an interview for “Nine,” the Tony award-winning musical where she plays fabulous film producer Liliane Le Fleur.

“You should take care of it.”

Cherie also sees voice teacher Kitchie Molina twice a week for therapy and watches what she eats.

The voice therapy lessons were eye-openers for Cherie.

“I’m re-learning how to use my voice as an instrument. I’m also getting to know myself better using my music. I never realized I can make a song!”

Her drive to sing again six years after her last musical, “The Sound of Music,” hastened Cherie’s recovery. And now that she almost lost her chance to sing again, Cherie is making up for lost time.

“Nine”, which runs from Sept. 21 to Oct. 7 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium at RCBC Plaza, Makati, is a fitting comeback for Cherie where musicals are concerned.

She will trade lines with musical theater stand-outs Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Jett Pangan, Eula Valdez (remember Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah?), Sitti and Carla Guevara-Laforteza.

Cherie is bent on picking up the pieces of her rudely-interrupted musical theater work. Cherie will play the seductive Mrs. Robinson in Repertory Philppines’ version of “The Graduate” next. And she’s excited.

“It’s a different jargon,” she explains. “You have to deal with the orchestra. You have to think of so many things. Magkamali ka, damay yung iba.”

Her voice may still sound a bit raspy. But with therapy and a couple of musicals to exercise that voice, Cherie is positive things will be back to normal.

That’s the fighter in her; the kind moviegoers get to see in those feisty characters (e.g. Lavinia in “Bituing Walang Ningning) that have made Cherie’s performances a benchmark of acting excellence.

Maridol Rañoa-Bismark | Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom

Why Noel Cabangon is doing revivals

Although he prefers making original music, Noel Cabangon is not opposed to doing covers or revivals in his albums. In fact, he sees it as a means to maintain the “balance” between his craft and the business side of his music.

“Kasi, ako naman, I’m not just doing a revival. There’s also artistic input in coming up with music. And we’re also conscious in raising a little bit of the aesthetics or the artistry of the song,” Cabangon said in an interview with Yahoo! Philippines OMG! and other members of the press.

The singer-songwriter added doing revivals, at least in his case, isn’t simply a matter of singing an old song “na ganun-ganun lang.”

“There’s a fresh take, there’s a fresh idea involved in doing the revival, the cover,” he explained.

Cabangon’s latest album “Tuloy ang Byahe” (like his 2009 top-selling “Byahe) is composed of revivals like Basil Valdez’ “Tuwing Umuulan at Kapiling Ka,” Freddie Aguilar’s “Anak’ and even Smokey Mountain’s “Kailan.” But Cabangon is quick to explain that his output before that, “Panaginip,” is an album of original songs.

“Mas gusto kong gumawa ng bago, pero syempre it’s also a decision of the record label to (make revival albums). It’s a question of economics. Kasi they put a good investment, kailangan bumalik din yung investment.”

New music

There’s obviously a market for revivals. But Cabangon also believes there’s a market for original music. Record labels and artists themselves simply have to find ways to reach their intended audience.

“There’s a market for original songs. Ano rin yan, ang marketing din kasi, you have to persuade the listeners to buy it,” he said. “There has to be a venue for music to be heard. Kasi kung hindi maririnig talaga, hindi malalaman ng tao, it’s not going to be heard.”

The venue and the ability to market their music are what’s lacking among independent musicians in the country, he added.

“Naniniwala akong maraming magandang kanta sa indie, sa alternative, pero walang venue na marinig at mapromote. Yun yung isang challenge.

As for the current mainstream artists, Cabangon cited rapper Gloc-9’s “song “Sirena” as evidence that Filipinos are still open to original Filipino music.

“Ito, isang social commentary (pero hit). Kaya hindi mo rin mabasa (ang gusto ng tao),” Cabangon enthused.

“Yung love kasi, how far can you go, what else can you say about love. Everything has been said and done and siguro ibang experience, ibang anggulo siguro on how to approach it.”

“Kung titignan mo yung audience, may hinahanap sila na unique, genuine. Kasi tignan mo, si Gloc-9. Who would have thought si Gloc-9 would sing about the gender issue?”

Meanwhile, Cabangon is gearing up for a fundraising concert for the benefit of the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) on September 28 at the Music Museum in Greenhills, San Juan City.

Chuck Smith | Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom

The Wanted gladdens Pinoy fans’ hearts

Filipino fans who stormed UK boy band The Wanted’s concert at NBC Tent, Taguig City last Friday, Sept. 14 repeated the group’s line “I’m glad you came” many times over.

Band members Max George, Nathan Sykes, Siva Kaneswaran, Jay McGuiness and Tom Parker wowed the crowd with their hits, “Glad You Came,” “Chasing the Sun” and “All Time Low” plus over ten more other songs, including “Warzone,” “Lose my Mind” and “Rocket.”

"This is going to be an amazing night! Let's see how loud you can be," Tom told screaming Filipino fans after the opening song "Invincible."

The guys impressed fans by hitting the notes right while dancing and jumping around the stage. The Wanted also performed a couple of Coldplay hits such as “La Vida Loca,” “Every Teardrop is A Waterfall” and “Fix You” while playing the guitar and keyboards.

Some of the guys showed their love for the country by wearing bracelets and necklaces with the word “Philippines” printed on them. Siva even wore a shirt which displayed the Philippine flag.

Big dance party

Unlike other boy bands known for polished choreography, The Wanted admit they’re not good dancers. But it was cool watching the group groove to their songs. The concert was like a big dance party with fans singing, dancing and jumping along to the upbeat music and dance club-inspired songs.

The intimate venue allowed The Wanted members to get closer to fans and reach for their hands. The guys even allowed thrilled fans to kiss them.

They raised the excitement level some more by handpicking a few fans whom they serenaded with the song “Heart Vacancy" on stage.

As added treat, The Wanted performed their new single “I Found You” for the first time ever on stage.

“This is a special night because this is the first time that we’re going to perform this new single. And it’s happening here in the Philippines,” Jay said.

The band capped the show with their number one song “Glad You Came” and pointed to fans while rendering the familiar lines.

“We’re definitely coming back here. This has been like the best day ever. You’ve been amazing. You’re all beautiful,” Max told elated fans.

Karen Valeza | Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom

X Factor contestants defend mentor Charice

She’s only being true to herself.

“The X Factor Philippines” contestants Allen Sta. Maria and KZ Tandingan defended their mentor Charice from those who criticized her new image and hairstyle in the show.

“Sa amin masakit kasi bakit kailangan mong i-judge ang isang tao kung saan siya masaya? Siguro kung saan na lang siya masaya. Pero 'yun pong nangyayari sa kanya na iyon, nagiging lesson sa amin yon kasi sinasabi niya kung saan ka magiging masaya, saan ka maggu-grow, gawin mo iyon,” Allen said at the press presentation of “X Factor Philippines” Top 6 finalists in ABS-CBN compound on Friday, September 14.

KZ added that Charice’s new hairstyle also caught her by surprise. But she thinks what matters is that Charice is happy with the way she looks.

“Dati parang iba yung porma ni Charice. Pero sabi po niya, iyon ang nagpapasaya sa kanya. Sa amin, kahit hindi naman ganoon yung way namin ng pananamit, pero kung iyon ang magpapasaya sa kanya (okay lang),” KZ said.

See gallery: Charice through the years

Unfazed

Despite the flak she’s getting, KZ and Allen agree Charice remain unfazed and gives her best in mentoring them.

“Siyempre po, masakit din na naririnig namin na parang bina-bash siya o may sinasabi sa kanya ng masama. Mentor namin siya. Hindi na lang namin pinapansin kasi as a mentor ginagawa niya ang dapat niyang gawin kahit hindi kami laging nagkakasama. She makes it a point na gumawa ng demo namin para magkaroon kami ng arrangement,” KZ said.

The two girls denied they’re trying to mimic Charice’s performance. KZ and Allen stress that Charice guides them, but they add a personal touch to their performance.

“Kasi yung performance ko last time, ako nag-suggest lahat, na medyo sayaw. Pati yung mga damit ko rin, inapprove naman niya. Wala namang gayahan na nangyayari,” Allen insisted.

Mysterious Charice

KZ and Allen still find Charice “mysterious” even if they’ve been working together for months.” Unlike mentor-judges Gary Valenciano and Martin Nievera, who hang out more often with their respective contestants, KZ and Allen said they seldom meet Charice. But the international singer makes sure she gives KZ and Allen the best pieces of advice.

“Mysterious kasi kapag nag-uusap kami. Hindi namin madaling masasabi kung anong masasabi niya, yung tunay niyang nararamdaman. Hindi kami madalas magkasama. Pero kapag nagkikita kami, kinakamusta naman niya kami,” Allen revealed.

Allen and KZ are competing for the top 3 slot, together with other four finalists Jeric Medina from Paranaque, Gabriel Maturan of Dapitan City, Kedebon Colim of Cebu, and Daddy's home composed of Allan Silonga, Herbert Silonga, Eric Dacanay, and Jerome Icatar.

Gary, Martin, fellow mentor Pilita Corrales and host KC Concepcion urge viewers to vote for their favorite contestants.

"The X Factor Philippines" will air its finale in ABS-CBN on October 6 (performance night) and October 7 (results night).

Karen Valeza | Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom

Angel Aquino: I easily fall in love

Angel Aquino must be so romantic she’s fallen in love more than twice, and fallen out of love the same number of times. Her latest relationship went kaput in April, four months after she and the businessman officially got together.

What gives?

“I easily fall in love,” Angel admits. “That’s the problem.”

This heart-over-head attitude has seen Angel in her relationship with the father of her two daughters, a band member, and yes, the businessman. When she falls in love, she does so completely, failing to see the warning signs along the way.

Angel failed to see how incompatible she and the businessmen are in terms of upbringing and other things as well. So they wound up in splitsville.

Angel’s smiling face doesn’t show any sign of grief.

“A door closes. All windows open,” she explains. “Siguro ganon nga. We have to empty our hands para ma-fill out ni God ng mas madami pa.”

It helped too that Angel cried on her daughters’ shoulders.

“They see me in and out of relationships. And it’s getting embarrassing,” Angel owns up.

She doesn’t want to have it any other way. Angel wants to be as transparent as possible with her daughters, Iana and Thea, hoping “they’d pick up something from my mistakes.”

Heart-to-heart

Heart-to-heart talks with her girls have become common bonding moments. Now that they’re in college, Angel treats her daughters as her big sisters.

“They know what I’ve been through. And they inspire me,” she admits.

Angel recalls her conversation with her daughters. “We agreed not to let anyone go between us. No matter who we choose to be with, our relationship will never be strained,” says Angel.

The mother-daughter bond is such that Angel’s mother sometimes reminds her that she may be too lax on the girls by allowing one of them to go home at 3 a.m.

Angel allays her mom’s fears by saying her daughter 19, has not gotten into trouble, studies hard and therefore deserves all the trust she can get.

“Kahit alas-tres ng umaga o alas-tres ng hapon, kung may masamang mangyayari, may masamang mangyayari,” Angel futher tells her mom.

What matters most to Angel is that her daughter doesn’t hide anything from her. Angel feels proud that she even knows her daughter’s boyfriend.

Overwhelmed

Meanwhile, Angel herself is overwhelmed at the way her career is going these days.

“Hindi nila ako ma-pair off because I was married, with kids. It won’t work commercially,” she observes.

How time flies! “Biktima” pairs Angel off with Cesar Montano for the first time. The drama thriller, which opens on Wednesday, September 19, casts them as husband and wife.

As a journalist who resurfaces and revisits a painful past, Angel shows fear, rage and horror one after the other.

It’s the same range of emotions she expresses in many “Maalaala Mo Kaya” episodes. And it’s the same expressive eyes her audience follows with bated breath.

And now that she has proven she can be a bankable actress, thanks to “Amorosa: The Revenge,” Angel hopes the winning streak continues – with or without a love life.

Maridol Rañoa-Bismark | Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom

Bwakaw named PH entry to Oscars

"Bwakaw," Jun Robles Lana’s drama-comedy about growing old alone, is the Philippines’ entry to the Best Foreign Language Film category for next year’s Oscars awards.

Leo Martinez, Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) director-general, revealed this in a text message to Yahoo! Philippines OMG! He added that the FAP selection committee headed by National Artist for Film chose “Bwakaw” among other possible entries.

“Bwakaw” stars Eddie Garcia, Armida Siguion-Reyna, Rez Cortez, Gardo Versoza, Bibeth Orteza, Soxie Topacio, Soliman Cruz, Allan Paule, Joey Paras, Beverly Salviejo, Luz Valdez, Jonathan Neri and May-I Fabros had their shining moments in the film. “Bwakaw” is Lana’s tribute to his writing mentor the late Palanca awardee Rene O. Villanueva.

The indie film won a Best Actor award for Eddie and got Audience Choice honors at the Cinemalaya Film Festival. Rated A by the Cinema Evaluation Board, “Bwakaw” is competing at the Toronto Film Festival and New York Film Festival. Last year's entry was "Ang Babae sa Septic Tank."

Maridol Rañoa-Bismark | Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom

Is KC ready for a new relationship?

After going through a rough patch in her love life last year, KC Concepcion is “not in a hurry” to get into another relationship because she is taking her time in getting to know people.

KC recently revealed to the public her new admirer, Pierre Emmanuel Plassart, a filmmaker whose family is well-off in France. She maintained that they are not yet a couple.

“Hindi pa. I mean, hindi ko iniisip na kailangan officially kailan puwedeng sagutin or what. I'm meeting people. I'm going with the flow. Ang hirap din kasi we're not in the same country, so parang paano mo pagaganahin? But let’s wait and see. I’m not in a hurry naman,” KC said at the press conference of “The X Factor Philippines” on Friday, September 14.

The “X Factor” host said she doesn’t want to reveal much about her French admirer because he is non-showbiz.

“He’s not artista. Wala naman siya sa showbiz para gawin kong public yung buhay niya. So, I wanna give the public enough lang. Pero ayaw ko naman na parang masyado, kasi kawawa naman yung tao, siyempre private citizen naman iyon.”

Moving on

KC appreciates Pierre for making her happy and being her friend.

“It was something I owed my friends, I owed the guy na mabait sa akin na i-acknowledge siya na nakakapag pasaya talaga siya sa akin ngayon. But at this point natatakot pa din ako. Hindi biro yung pinagdaan ko last year. It was really something traumatic. So, ngayon it's nice that I'm moving on but I'm taking my time,” she said.

Her flourishing career and budding love life make KC feel more secure.

She admitted praying for a fruitful year after going through ups and downs.

“Sana naman sa lahat din ng pinagdaanan ng pamilya ko at ako in the last year, iyon lang talaga yung hiningi ko na, 'Lord, marami din naman akong napagdaanan na criticisms, ups and downs. Sana naman ang 2012 maging fruitful naman.’ Iyon talaga ang pinagdasal ko’.”

KC is happy for the good feedback she’s getting for her work in “The X Factor Philippines.”

“Siguro yung four years na nandito ako na may hinost din akong shows, parang ngayon siya namumunga talaga sa mga live show. And God-willing maging continuous yung success niya. Kasi hindi naman porke’t global show siya, it will do well sa bansa mo, di ba? Tamang-tama naman na nagustuhan ng Pilipinas ang ‘X Factor’ and I’m very grateful.”

ABS-CBN’s “The X Factor Philippines” will air its finale on October 6 (performance night) and October 7 (results night).

Karen Valeza | Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom

Markki Stroem's ideal woman

Markki Stroem, the Filipino-Norwegian “Pilipinas Got Talent” season one hopeful, has moved out of his boy-next-door image and into “Cosmo Men” celebrity centerfolds.

Markki was with nine other hunks at the Cosmopolitan magazine’s Bachelor Bash press conference last Tuesday, September 11 at the 55 Events Place along Scout Rallos in Quezon City.

He let members of media listen to his jazz cover of Carly Rae Jepsen’s viral hit, “Call Me Maybe.” It’s part of first solo album “Thousands of Pieces,” which was released end of August this year.

Markki's type of girl

Yahoo! Philippines OMG! poked around to get an idea of what the 24-year-old finds irresistible in a woman.

“I like them very smart, (I like girls) who can make me look stupid. I don’t know—I’m the kind of guy who likes that.”

Asked to expound, Markki said, “I like street smart with a hint of bookishness, more on a writer, someone who expresses herself through poetry.”

And while he isn’t seeing anyone special at the moment, Markki knows exactly what he’s looking for.

“I like really mysterious. I like when you talk to them and then you find out about them like after a long period of time, (and it’s) not given away.”

Jozza Palaganas | Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom

What Shamcey wants for the future

It seems as if Shamcey Supsup already has everything a girl can wish for: a beauty pageant title, topping the architecture licensure exams and a great love life. But there’s a lot more that she wants to do.

“I always talk with my friends. Sabi ko sana pag medyo experienced na tayo, we’ve explored all the places, we’ve worked in different constructions kasi architects, I would like really to go back and teach."

“Kasi it’s something na, it’s a legacy eh na even long after you’re gone what you teach these children will always be there, what you impart, the knowledge you give them will always be there. It’s something na parang kahit anong mangyayari, hindi mawawala. Kumbaga may maiiwan kang sarili mo ditto sa mundo,” Shamcey shared during the Miss Supranational press conference at the Gateway Suites last August 23.

Different kind of teaching

Shamcey also revealed that that she wants to teach construction.

She explained why she would like to focus on this masculine topic: “I want a different kind of teaching. Gusto ko yung much more practical, yung not just theories, not just books. I want to expose the students to real life, to real industry, to real construction. I want to give projects that will make them appreciate talaga, make them learn what they’ll be doing outside school.”

“Sana magawa ko. Pero that’s my dream,” she added.

The Miss Universe 2011 third runner-up graced the press conference to support Binibining PiIipinas 2012 first runner-up Elaine Kay Moll, the country’s first-ever representative to the Miss Supranational beauty pageant in Warsaw, Poland on September 14.

“Nakita ko yung dedication nya (Kay). Hindi sya agad nagrereklamo o nag-gi-give up every time may bagong challenge na binibigay sa kanya,” Shamcey observed.

Jozza Palaganas | Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom

Alden and the fame factor

Almost two years in showbiz has made Alden Richards a lot wiser.

“God, a lot,” he quantifies what he learned to Yahoo! Philippines OMG! at the Cosmopolitan Magazine’s Bachelor Bash press conference last September 11.

“Like in terms of acting, in terms of how to manage yourself, in terms of how to be confident and show what you have sa television… Yung showbiz ang laki nang na-contribute sa personality at sa buhay ko.”

More importantly, Alden has learned to recognize the “pros and cons” of fame and the business’ uncertain nature.

“It’s hard kasi with fame, you have intrigue, you have—of course there’s always pros and cons when it comes to any situation,” the Kapuso actor said.

“Pero sa showbiz, mas more na kailangan mong i-handle yung fame in a good way because it will get (to) you, drown you and that’s not good. If showbiz drowns you, alam mo yun, parang you’re famous now, tomorrow you’re not, you’re gone.”

Alden, one of 10 of Cosmo’s centerfold hunks, shared that he was already able to play his dream role in “The Road,” where he played a teenage serial killer.

If he had his way, Alden wants to see action on screen the next time around.

“Actually I want to do another project, like an action movie, something like that, (something) more of a Fernando Poe, Jr. kind of thing. That would be one of my dreams.”

Jozza Palaganas | Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom

Mikael Daez on being sexy

Mikael Daez has an easy, pleasantly familiar smile. That’s because a year and a half or two ago he was an anonymous pretty face for some of the country’s biggest brands. Then he auditioned for a lead role in the GMA drama-fantasy series “Amaya” and began his career as an actor.

Now Mikael has his eyes on two things in his immediate future: first, his starring role in the remake of “Sana Ay Ikaw Na Nga,” and in the more immediate future, the Cosmopolitan Bachelor Bash on Tuesday, September 18.

Cosmo hunk

The pressure to look “hunky” or “sexy” for the event was expected, but most of them seemed prepared, willing to prepare some more, or undaunted. Mikael was somewhere between all three.

“At first I felt the pressure, but then I realized this is me, I have never been the type to be a body builder, I’ve never been the Arnold Schwarzenegger type naman. So I don’t think people expect me to look like The Terminator.

“I’m a lean guy. I’m relatively on the thin side, lighter side. Hey, this is my body, I guess this is my appeal, I guess. So I’m just gonna be proud of that and then work on that. I’ll work out naman, try to be as sexy as I can possibly be. But I’m not gonna conform to any stereotype,” he told Yahoo! OMG! Philippines.

'Pretty happy' in showbiz

Mikael shared that since they started taping for “Sana Ay Ikaw Na Nga” he’s had about as little as two hours of sleep each night. And he makes up for lost sleep every time he has the chance to. But the lack of sleep seems worth it.

“I’m pretty happy. I’ve been in showbiz for a year and four months now, I think, and I feel really fortunate. I’ve been getting great opportunities. I just try to do my best, give it all I got because, I mean, these only come once in a lifetime so I might as well just pour my heart and soul into it.”

He is reprising Dingdong Dantes’ role in the 2002 version of the afternoon prime series, alongside Andrea Torres who is taking over Tanya Garcia’s character.

Mikael also shared that he considers his current roles his favorites because they challenge him.

“I really get to immerse myself and discover where I need to grow, where I’ve been growing as an actor, as a person, as someone who’s working.”

Jozza Palaganas | Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom

Gerald Anderson moves on

An extra cautious Gerald Anderson faced members of media at the launch of FHM’s September issue on September 13 at the Holiday Inn’s Bar One in Pasig City.

Gerald is the magazine’s fourth man on the cover following Robin Padilla, Cesar Montano, and last year’s Derek Ramsay for the annual FHM Collections issue.

“Ang galing, ang galing. Sobra akong nagpapasalamat na naisip nila ako na gawing pang-apat after those guys na alam naman nating mga idol talaga,” he told members of the media.

For the job, Gerald went to Hong Kong – his first magazine shoot abroad.

While the “Budoy” star was mum about Sarah Geronimo, he enthusiastically talked about the FHM cover, upcoming drama series with Cristine Reyes and shooting director Tikoy Aguiluz’s “El Brujo.”

Back on TV and film

It’s been around five months since “Budoy” ended, and Gerald has made the most out of his break time.

“Natutulog ako. At saka exercise at saka marami akong sports na sinasalihan,” he shared, adding that he’s been into kayaking, running, and wall climbing.”

He’ll be back on the primetime block with a new series. Although there are no complete details yet, he shared that he will be starring with Cristine and Diana Zubiri, who is making a comeback on ABS-CBN.

Gerald said post-“Budoy” expectations are making them take their time in making an apt follow-up project.

“Yun mismo ang gagawin ho ng ABS. Syempre kaya medyo natagalan din. Kasi, you know, nag-iisip sila ng magandang follow-up. At nag-iisip din for me, and no rush para sakin, kumbaga. Unang-una sobra kong blessed to have projects from ABS at ngayon magsa-start na rin ako (uli), malapit na.”

Aguiluz’s latest production, according to Gerald, “is an action film na hindi naman fantasy pero may drama.”

El Brujo is Gerald’s first action film. Two shooting days short of wrapping up, Gerald revealed that he and co-actor Jake Cuenca are looking forward to doing the last few action scenes.

Jozza Palaganas | Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom

Aiza Seguerra wary of her concert's grand venue

If she can have her way, acoustic star Aiza Seguerra would rather have her 25th anniversary concert held in a small venue, certainly not the size of Smart Araneta Coliseum where she is slated to play on September 28.

"I'm really not a big fan of big production numbers. Mas importante sa akin ang music quality at ang ambience ng intimate venues," she said during the press conference for her upcoming silver anniversary celebration show.

Starting at age 3 as a standout in “Eat Bulaga's” Little Miss Philippines, Aiza, now 28, is perhaps the youngest showbiz star to mark her 25th year as a celebrity figure.

And such a milestone deserves the big stage.

As well as big guest stars.

Starting with Tito, Vic and Joey who gave her her start in “Eat Bulaga,” "Bente Singko: Aiza Seguerra Anniversary Concert" will also have A-listers Gary Valenciano and Martin Nievera.

Also sharing the big stage with her are The Company, Gloc 9, Cooky Chua and Bayang Barrios. Aiza will be joined too by her fellow ASAP Sessionistas, namely Juris, Richard Poon, Princess and Nyoy Volante.

“Battle for the Big Break” grand winner Krizza Neri. whom she mentors, will also be on hand as special guest.

Surviving the awkward stage

The ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra will make sure the evening sounds as grand as the event but Aiza's effort to make it as intimate as possible is likely to make the atmosphere more relaxed. All her life she seemed to know how to handle things.

When asked about how she went through adolescence, from which many child stars fall into and don’t return, the singer-actress who currently appears in ABS-CBN’s “Please Be Careful With My Heart” replied, “I was prepared well for that awkward stage. Somehow alam ko na ang gagawin ko after I realized I’m no longer a child.”

In 2001, at age 17, Aiza re-established herself as a recording star with the release of her debut album. Thanks to her sublime interpretation of the Moy Ortiz and Edith M. Gallardo song “Pagdating ng Panahon,” the album went platinum five times over. In 2010, her album “Perhaps Love” was released in Singapore which ranked number 2 on the sales chart.

Aiza has also appeared in more than 30 movies and strengthened her popular appeal when she played daughter to Vic Sotto’s Enteng Kabisote in the hit TV series “Okey Ka Fairy Ko.”

Yugel Losorata | Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom

Brillante asks Filipinos to support local films

“Thy Womb” director Brillante Mendoza, who is back in the country with his La Navicella Venezia Cinema Award, a special recognition from film critics in Italy, hopes Filipinos will support the local film industry all the more.

“Pakiusap ko lang sa mga manunuood natin, maging mas masigasig lang para mas mainspire pa kami gumawa para sa mga Filipino audiences natin, hindi lang sa mga audiences natin abroad. Kasi we would also like to share kung bakit nila (foreign audiences) naaappreciate ang mga ganitong pelikula sa Pilipinas,” he told Yahoo! Philippines OMG! and other members of the press during his arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Brillante represented the Philippines at the Venice International Film Festival together with “Thy Womb” lead star Nora Aunor and cast members Lovi Poe and Mercedes Cabral.

Nora won the Bisato d' Oro Award special critics’ award. Brillante also got P. Nazareno Taddei Award Special Mention honors.

The director said the international audience’s warm reception was inspiring.

“Sobrang saya. Overwhelming ang response sa screening natin sa Venice (International Film Festival). Meron tayong standing ovation doon, so nakakataba ng puso. A prize outside the festival, it's a critics’ award in Italy. Meron silang sariling organization sa Italy na nagbibigay ng ganitong award sa mga pelikulang karapatdapat.”

Praise for Nora

He shared his joy over working with Nora, who didn’t have qualms working on an indie film like “Thy Womb,” where she played an infertile Badjao wife.

“Okay si Ate Guy (Nora). Walang problema, since the start pa lang na nag-umpisa kami hanggang sa paggawa namin at hanggang ngayon na kasama ko siya, sobrang nakakataba ng puso. Nakakatuwa na kahit superstar na siya at ito'y isang independent film pero yung partisipasyon niya ang laki-laki pa rin. Parang ang tagal-tagal na rin naming magkakilala, so masaya,” he said.

Brillante added that he has long accepted the Metro Manila Filmfest committee’s decision to exclude “Thy Womb” in the annual event. What matters to him now is that doors of opportunity are opening for the film in the international market.

“Naka-move on na rin ako kasi kumbaga hindi siguro para sa akin talaga yung festival na iyon. A meron silang kanya-kanyang criteria, masaya na tao. Lagi kong sinasabi na kung may magsara man, laging may magbubukas na mas malaki pa. Ito yung karangalan siguro na kapalit noon.”

More inspired

Brillante added that the success of “Thy Womb” inspires him to do quality films all the more.

“Kung nagkaroon na ng ganitong opportunity, sana yung mga manonood natin, panoorin na nila para naman makagawa pa kami ng mga ganoong klase ng pelikula sa susunod,” he said.

“Thy Womb” will be shown come November.

Brillante’s next film, “Captive”, starring Angel Aquino, Ronnie Lazaro and Mercedes Cabral, is inspired by stories of kidnapping and rebel group abductions.

“Hindi kami nagkaroon ng malaking publicity at promotion. I was hoping na sana kahit papaano mas maraming nanuod. Hindi kami pwedeng makipagcompete sa mga major companies, maliit lang kami, independent. Talagang kulang mg promotion iyan,” the director said.

Karen Valeza | Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom

Is Jodi falling for Jolo?

Jodi Sta. Maria is consistently mum about her love life, especially on questions regarding rumored boyfriend Jolo Revilla, who allegedly went to Hong Kong with her recently.

While she admits going to Hong Kong with her son Thirdy, Jodi refused to answer who else came with them.

“I have a son Thirdy (by former husband Pampi Lacson). Siya ang inspiration ko. Para sa kanya ako gumigising,” she said at the thanksgiving party of her top-rating morning TV drama “Be Careful with My Heart” on Tuesday, Sept. 11.

A year after she and Pampi separated, Jodi is ready to open her heart again.

“I guess I am,” Jodi replied to a question on whether she is ready to love again. She also said that she “never lost faith in love.”

Instead of talking about her love life, Jodi is more interested in discussing the success of “Be Careful with My Heart,” which she stars with Richard Yap, Aiza Seguerra, Sylvia Sanchez, Divina Valencia, Gloria Sevilla and Mutya Orquiza. Jodi and Richard also released a nine-track album for the show, which will have Saturday replays beginning Sept.15.

“Yung demand talaga ng mga tao na nagre-request na mapanood yung show, regalo natin ito sa kanila. Yung mga taong nagwo-work, nasa school, hindi nakakanood ng “Be Careful With My Heart,” gusto rin nilang ma-experience yung good vibes and yung positive thing na naidudulot ng show. Ito na yung sagot sa request nila,” Jodi said.

Karen Valeza | Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom

Jennylyn: There’s a reason behind cancelled Cebu trip

Jennylyn Mercado is not losing sleep over her botched trip with her family and boyfriend Luis Manzano to Cebu for the Ironman 70.3 Philippine Triathlon Race last August.

“Kesa problemahin ko pa yon, iniisip ko na lang na may rason kung bakit hindi yon natuloy,” the Belo endorser said.

Jennylyn may not have recovered the P300,000 she spent for booking the trip, which included a stay at the Shangri-La Mactan Hotel. Her (former) close friend, whom she entrusted the money with, sent a long email a day before the trip to say the funds were lost.

The actress’ manager, Becky Aguila, said Jennylyn recovered part of the money, and that’s fine with the Kapuso star. But the trust can no longer be restored because Jennylyn’felt her confidence betrayed.

“Ang daming araw para masabi niya kay Jennylyn na nawala ang pera. Why say it the day before the whole family and Luis were all set to leave for Cebu?” Becky explained.

“Last year pa ako kinukulit ni Jennylyn na i-block off ang one week for the triathlon, which she didn’t want to miss, no matter what.”

Like Jennylyn, Becky thinks everything happens for a reason. And that reason is for Jennylyn’s own good.

Instead of risking getting sick again because of the rainy weather and witnessing a tragedy that cost one of the biker’s death, Becky reports that Jennylyn was able to rest and attend the launch of GMA’s new showbiz-oriented show, “Hot TV.”

“Hot TV” is just one of the many shows that keep the 24-year-old singer-actress-host busy. She tapes the afternoon soap “Hindi Ka na Mag-iisa” Tuesdays and Thursdays. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays are for are “Protégé”; Saturdays are for shoots, pictorials and Regal Films’ “The Bride and the Lover”. Sundays are reserved for “H.O.T. TV” and “Party Pilipinas.”

Aguila adds that Jennylyn will start work on the high-budget TV series “Indio” by October and November.

Maridol Rañoa-Bismark | Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom

Eddie supports Annabelle’s political plans

Eddie Gutierrez has given his go signal to wife Annabelle Rama’s plans of running for Congress in the 2013 elections and is confident of her chances of winning.

“Wala naman sa plano namin na she will run for congresswoman of Cebu. Pero itong mga nakaraang araw na I was with her and I see that the masa of Cebu, they kind of like her. They reciprocate Annabelle’s being a Cebuana. They like her, parang ganoon. Nag-e-enjoy sila sa kanya,” Eddie told Yahoo! Philippines OMG at the pictorial of ABS-CBN’s newest drama “Ina, Kapatid, Anak” on Friday, Sept. 7.

He described how Cebuanos support Annabelle.

“Lumalabas yung mga tao from their windows and doors. They know that she is really a Cebuana. She tells her story, kung saan siya lumaki, kung saan siya nag-aral, kung ano nangyari sa buhay niya.”

This prompted Eddie to say “I think she has a chance.”

Soft spot

Eddie defended his wife from detractors, saying that Annabelle may be known as a “frank and strong person,” but she has a soft spot especially for fellow Cebuanos whom she wants to serve.

“I know that if she wins, she will do something for the poor people of her district. Sabi nila matapang, pala-away. Pero, nowadays I don’t see any setback. Especially now, parang ganado siya.”

Eddie advises Annabelle in her clashes with various personalities.

“I talk to her in a nice way. Meron siyang mga battles na, ‘Relax ka lang,’ you know? ‘I-avoid mo na 'yan.’ Kung merong gustong mag-provoke ng away sa kanya, (I tell her) ‘Refrain.”

Eddie is excited for “Ina, Kapatid, Anak,” where he is paired with Pilar Pilapil.

“In ‘Walang Hanggan,’ I shot only for ten days. Here, I’ve been taping for more than 20 days. Continuing pa. My role is (someone who is) very strong, powerful and very rich. I did a role sa isang pelikula na ginawa ko kay Carlito Siguion-Reyna, where I won Best Actor. Yung role na iyon was similar, but this is stronger,” Eddie said.

“Ina, Kapatid, Anak” also stars Kim Chiu, Xian Lim, Maja Salvador and Enchong Dee.

Karen Valeza | Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom

Love makes Liezel Garcia a better singer

Liezel Garcia, who admitted she and fellow singer Bugoy Drilon are in a relationship, shared that being in the same profession has more pluses than minuses.

“Ang advantages kasi nakakapagturuan kami, nagpupunaan kami, nagsasabihan kami ng what to improve. Ang disadvantages yung mga ibang tao pinapagcompare kami, like ‘Si ganyan mas magaling, mas okay.’ Pero mas more on advantages sa relationship namin,” Liezel said in a pocket interview at the launch of her self-titled debut album under Star Records.

She thinks love makes her a better singer..

“Malaki ang difference(kapag in-love). Kapag nagpeperform ako, mararamdaman ng mga tao iyon kapag masaya ka. Mas okay magperform kung masaya ka kasi na-aappreciate ng mga tao.”

Liezel dismissed rivalry issues between her and her first boyfriend.

“Siguro kasi friends naman kami from the very start, so wala namang inggitan,” she said.

How it started

Liezel and Bugoy’s friendship blossomed in “Pinoy Dream Academy.” After that they always sang together in TV guestings and mall shows.

It’s just been a year since they started their relationship and Liezel says that too early for them to get married.

“Trabaho muna, tsaka family, kasi kailangan pa naming mag-ipon, tumulong sa family. Siya kasi nagpapatayo ng bahay sa province (nila). Ako medyo tapos na magpatayo ng house sa Puerto Galera kasi katulong ko naman si Kuya.”

Liezel has been singing teleserye themes regularly. She is thankful for the opportunity since people remember her for these songs even though she doesn’t have a regular TV show.

“Super blessing iyan sa akin at thankful kasi kahit papaano natatandaan pa rin ako ng mga tao. Naririnig nila yung boses ko, nakikita nila yung name ko sa screen kapag pinapatugtog yung song, so malaking tulong iyon sa akin.”

Like other singers, Liezel tried acting via the defunct TV show “Wako Wako.” But even if she loves acting, singing and promoting her album is tops on her list.

“Pwedeng pagsabayin yung acting and singing. Pero mas focused muna ako sa singing kasi wala pa namang offer (sa acting). Nagho-hope ako na maging successful talaga.”

Liezel’s nine-track album carries six teleserye themes: “Wag Ka Lang Mawawala” from “Walang Hanggan” (a duet with Bugoy); ‘Kung Ako’y Iiwan Mo”; “Bakit Pa”; “Gisingin ang Puso”; “PHR Presents’ “Lumayo Ka Man Sa Akin”; ‘Kristine’s “Di Ko Kayang Limutin”; and her carrier single “Ngayong Alam Ko Na.”

Karen Valeza | Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom

Zsa Zsa back in Manila after successful surgery

Zsa Zsa Padilla is happy to be back in Manila after her successful kidney surgery at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

“Hello. Good morning, Manila! Home sweet home,” Zsa Zsa tweeted on Friday, September 7.

It will be recalled that Zsa Zsa left for the US last August to get a second opinion about a tumor the size of a golf ball in her kidney. Doctors diagnosed that she had Stage 1 kidney cancer. But she was relieved to find out that the tumor was benign after she underwent nephrectomy. This means she has no cancer after all.

“When I was diagnosed with cancer, immediately ang papasok sa utak mo as a mother, you have to be strong for your family. Nung benign sabi ko, ‘Oh my God!’ Ang tagal ng reaction ko, it was a slow process, ang tagal bago mag-sink in,” she said in an interview in TV Patrol on Friday, September 7.

For her, surviving the ordeal is “a sign for a miracle for me because of all of the prayers.”

Zsa Zsa also shared that she draws strength from memories of Dolphy, whom she calls “Lovey.”

“(Sabi ko) 'Lovey, we're going in na, okay? Hold my hand.’ I don't know if it was just me, but I felt a little bit of tingle here, sa tatlong fingers ko. And for me, it was a good sign that he was there,” Zsa Zsa recalled.

The singer-actress only revealed her health condition to the public over a month after Dolphy passed away.

Karen Valeza | Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom

Darth Vader and Pinoy rockers at John Williams tribute show

It's one thing to listen to a live concert of John Williams' film scores. But when film characters appear in it, the experience is taken to a whole new level.

On Sunday, Sept. 2, the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra paid tribute to the multi-award-winning composer through a live concert entitled “The Magic of John Williams,” held at the Meralco Theater.

The orchestra, led by conductor Gerard Salonga, performed themes from some of Williams' more familiar work: from the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics Fanfare, to the themes from “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” “E.T.”, “Harry Potter,” “Jaws,” “Superman,” and “Raiders of the Lost Ark.”

Jose Mari Chan and Nikki Gil

Salonga and the orchestra also performed the Williams-penned theme for NBC News, “The Mission.” According to Salonga, the piece was the peg given to him for the creation of the music for TV5's Aksyon TV.

“It made sense to perform it here,” Salonga added.

Special guests Jose Mari Chan and Nikki Gil joined Salonga and company for a beautiful rendition of “If We Were in Love” (from the 1982 film, “Yes Giorgio” starring Luciano Pavarotti). Gil also returned for the tender number “Can You Read My Mind” from the “Superman: The Movie” soundtrack.

Stormtroopers on stage

No John Williams tribute will be complete without the Star Wars suite, and that's what Salonga and the ABS-CBN Philharmonic did. The “Stars Wars Main Title” gained a standing ovation from the audience, prompting Salonga to laugh and say, “Hindi pa tapos!”

After performing “Leia's Theme” and the “Imperial March,” Salonga introduced the surprise of the evening: members of the Philippine outpost of international Star Wars costuming group, the 501st Legion, accompanied by some members of its sister group the Rebel Legion.

As stormtroopers, Darth Vader, Jedi, and even the Star Wars droids C3PO and R2D2 paraded, the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra proceeded to the encore, “ The Throne Room” from “Star Wars Episode IV.”

Rockers, represent

Former Sponge Cola drummer Chris Cantada, who is also part of the 501st Legion, was asked by Salonga to join the orchestra, on bass drum. A stormtrooper with the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra is a sight one does not normally see in such events.

At the very end of the show, Salonga could not help but hug Darth Vader as the audience gave a standing ovation.

Personalities spotted in the audience included maestro Ryan Cayabyab and his family, film director Marie Jamora, Buddy Zabala of The Dawn/Eraserheads, and Cinemalaya film score winners Mikey Amistoso (also of the band Ciudad) and Jazz Nicolas (also of the Itchyworms!).

Adrian Arcega | Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom

The Wanted’s fearless bid for world domination

On the eve of their Philippine concert on Sept. 14 at the NBC Tent in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig, U.K. boy band The Wanted, has released an EP for local distribution featuring the hits and hot singles drawn from the group’s first two albums.

In 2010, the group, composed of Liam Payne, Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik, came out with their debut album “All Time Low.” The title track from that debut hit number 1 in the U.K. The follow-up album “Battleground” was released a year later containing another number 1 hit, “Glad you Came.”

So how does the self-titled sampler EP fare?

ACTIVE TUNES. It’s convenient to compare The Wanted with the last wave of 90s boy bands like Backstreet Boys, Take That! and ‘N Sync. But this EP shows the distinct differences.

“Glad You Came” starts the album on a minor key then charges into triumphant dub-step. The performance bids at an epic dance track displaying the fearless form of a young band going seriously for the Big Time.

“Chasing The Sun” is even better, a sing-along raver with infectious hooks and an insistent bassline that will have toes tapping at home and butts shaking in clubs, Straddling a slew of pop and dance micro-genres, it’s the most appealing ear candy in the entire collection.

“All-Time Low” is a minor epiphany shuttling between atmospheric Coldplay territory and euphoric disco. It’s also the group’s first attempt at a pop blockbuster that appeals to a mainstream audience, a curious triumph in an age of fragmented indie-inclined tastes. Hats off to the boys in the band.

“Lightning” and “Rocket” are more traditional R&B-flavored dance numbers that recall the best years of old school boy bands.

FLAT LINER. In a compilation of overwhelming dance-y tracks, “Heart Vacancy” is a bit of a slow moving violation, a love ballad with a sing-songy delivery. It does not climax to any pretty hook or even a lyrical clincher. Unless you look at it as a breather in between hot, hot numbers.

THE WRAP-UP. Despite being a hodge-podge of tracks from albums produced at different times, the EP focuses on the musical strengths of the group and provides the proper launching pad for some longed-for global domination.

Do they have the winning moves to back up their conquering tunes?

We’ll know for sure on Sept. 14 when the lads play the NBC Tent in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

Tony Maghirang | Yahoo! Special Projects

Child star Mona Louise Rey gets new starring role

After her stint as the young “Blanca” in GMA Telebabad’s “Luna Blanca,” Mona Louise Rey is back in a starring role with “Aso ni San Roque” that premieres on September 10.

In the new drama, she is the blind girl Fatima. “Aso ni San Roque” will give Mona the opportunity to work with veteran actors and actresses such as Pen Medina, Nova Villa, Gardo Versoza and Buboy Garovillo, as well as other Kapuso stars Angelika dela Cruz, TJ Trinidad, Paolo Contis, LJ Reyes, Gwen Zamora and Rich Asuncion.

No competition

And while it looks like she won another starring role before “Luna Blanca” co-star Jillian Ward, Mona denies any competition between them.

“Hindi naman po porke’t naunahan ko siya magkaron ng show parang iniisip ko mas mataas po ako sa kanya. Hindi po,” the eight-year-old Bahraini-Pinay shared at the show’s grand press conference at the GMA Annex last September 3.

“Ang iniisip ko po, lahat po kami pantay- pantay. Walang mataas, walang mababa,” Mona said with the kind of conviction adults can look up to.

Being an actress

With the same conviction, Mona shares that she’s in it for the long haul and that she’s willing to go beyond being “mabait at mahirap.”

“Kahit ano po ibigay nila. Siyempre po gusto. Diba po lahat naman ng artista gusto makasubok ng iba-iba (roles)” she said adding that when she grows up, she wants to be and actress and a singer.

Fighting juvenile diabetes

Mona also stands out among other child stars because she has to deal with Type 1 diabetes since she was seven. She has to have insulin shots every day and avoid a lot of food to keep her healthy.

“Gusto niyo po ba malaman kung ilan ‘yung (blood) sugar (level) ko nung nalaman nila? Wag kayo magugulat,” she asked members of the media.

She said “658,” when the level to consider an adult to have established diabetes is at around 200 or less. Now she shares she’s down to 100-200mg/dl.

While insulin will not cure her, Mona doesn’t look at her illness as a hurdle.

“Tanggap ko naman po, hindi po namin pwedeng kwestyonin si Lord.”

Jozza Palaganas | Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom

8 fun facts to prep you for Keane live in Manila

To prep you for the live concert of the U.K. band Keane on October 2 at Smart Araneta Coliseum, here’s a few fun facts about them.

1. Keane recently became one of three bands in pop history to have five consecutive Number 1 albums on the U.K. charts, with “Strangeland” released in May 2012. They tie with Radiohead and Coldplay, and are beaten only by The Beatles.

2. Coldplay was actually the name Keane co-founder, composer and pianist Tim Rice-Oxley originally thought of for the band. But Rice-Oxley thought the name as “too depressing.” So he gave the name to this guy he met in college who was then in a band called Starfish. The guy was Chris Martin.

3. While Keane’s music is often compared to Coldplay’s, Rice-Oxley once said in an interview that to someone who’s never heard the band before, he’d describe their music, thusly: “I would say to expect something very melodic and very English. I think our nearest touchstones are The Smiths, then people like the Pet Shop Boys and U2, and earlier writers like Paul Simon and David Bowie, and even the American songwriters like Irving Berlin. We're also influenced by a lot of more electronic stuff like Depeche Mode and the Chemical Brothers. I would also tell people to expect unashamedly honest and personal lyrics.”

4. All that came to mainstream fruition with Keane’s 2004 debut album, “Hopes and Fears,” which garnered multiple awards and sold over five million copies.

5. Keane’s biggest hits include “Everybody’s Changing” and “Somewhere Only We Know.”

6.“Strangeland” is Keane’s fourth studio album, after “Hopes & Fears” (2004), “Under The Iron Sea” (2006), “Perfect Symmetry” (2008) and the “Night Train” EP (2010).

7. Of their latest album, “Strangeland,” U.K.’s Sunday Times said it “pull[ed] the heartstrings with a strength that even a band as notoriously emotive as Keane have rarely managed before.”

8. Said Keane frontman Tom Chaplin: “Our bloody-mindedness and desire to keep on changing as a band seems to have kept us alive, as well as our incredibly loyal and dedicated set of fans—thanks to everyone who has supported us! We hope to see lots of you out on the road over the next year, after which I guess we'll get back in the studio to try to make it six in a row!”

Catch Keane’s Strangeland World Tour in Manila on October 2 at Smart Araneta Coliseum. Tickets are available at www.smtickets.com or call 470-2222. For sponsorship please call 415-35555.

Yahoo! OMG! Staff | Yahoo! Special Projects

LJ Reyes a hands-on mom

LJ Reyes is enjoying every minute of motherhood.

“I’m a very hands-on mom. I think I’m very loving naman tsaka… kalaro niya (referring to her two-year-old son Ethan Akio) rin ako, ganyan, since bata pa naman ako. So, ganun, para lang kaming magkapatid,” she said at the grand press conference of GMA’s new telefantasya “Ang Aso ni San Roque” at the GMA Annex Studio 7 on September 3.

The new series marks another busy period for her. But LJ points out that she will also find time for her son and Paulo Avelino, her boyfriend and the father of her child.

“Minsan kahit sa biyahe na lang ako matulog. Basta kapag umuwi ako at gising siya (Ethan), pinipilit ko talagang magising. Pero pag talagang hindi ko na kaya, sinasabi ko ‘five minutes.’”

Playful toddler

The Kapuso star also shared her delight over her toddler’s personality.

“Sobrang playful po. Medyo bully nga po, loko-loko po kasi,” she says laughing a bit. “Maharot—'yun yung term. Talagang maharot po, talagang malaro. Kasi ako po, as a kid, when I was his age, ganun din ako, sobrang malikot.”

Paulo, she relates, is a hands-on dad despite his busy schedule.

“Nakikipaglaro din siya, ganyan. Tapos ‘pag—ganito kasimple—‘pag check-up, tinatanong niya kung anong nangyari sa check-up, ganyan.”

LJ admitted the challenge of it all is feeling guilty for not spending all her time with her son because of work.

“Pero siyempre, iba na po kasi talaga ang panahon ngayon. Siyempre nako-compensate naman ng ibang bagay 'yun. As (long) as 'yung binibigay mong time for him ay quality, I think wala naman siyang magiging reklamo. Sabi nga naming ng mga kapatid ko, basta iparamdam mo sa bata na mahal siya, walang magiging problema.”

Does she want her son to be in showbiz too, like mommy and daddy?

“Well feeling ko, showbiz 'yung anak ko. Kasi ‘pag nakakakita siya ng stage, umaakyat talaga siya ng stage. Pero, hindi po siguro. Paglaki niya at nakakapagdecide na siya nang mag-isa, siguro pwede… mag-aral muna siya, as much as possible.”

Jozza Palaganas | Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom

Robi Domingo keeps mum about personal life

Actor-TV host Robi Domingo used to be vocal about having a crush on Ateneo volleyball player Gretchen Ho. But now he has become tight-lipped about her.

“I don’t want to make it public yet, if ever. I would like to keep it private as much as possible,” Robi told Yahoo! Philippines OMG and other members of the press at the 6th Star Magic Ball on Saturday, Sept. 1.

Robi admitted he has a crush on Gretchen when he guested on “Kris TV” last June. He is always there to support her when she has a volleyball game.

Trending topic

Robi’s revelation earned him a lot of good feedback from fans. Robi and Gretchen’s names trended many times on Twitter whenever he’d mention her name in a show.

“Thank you. I’m happy as well. I don’t know about these things, but hearing it from you guys, thank you for the good feedback,” he said.

Is he ready to enter into a relationship?

“It depends on the situation. Situation ha, not with her,” Robi replied.

Robi went stag at the Star Magic Ball since he was busy hosting segments for “ASAP Rocks.”

“I think it’s kinda disrespectful to my date if I’ll not be able to entertain her at the same time. Kasi if ever I bring a date, I want 100% full attention,” he explained.

Up next for the “Pinoy Big Brother” host is another reality show ,“I Dare You.” While Robi admits he still gets nervous when hosting a show, many people agree he has improved on the job. They also observe that he has a natural eloquence.

Robi thanks his co-hosts for guiding him.

“I think I owe everything to Direk Lauren (Dyogi) , to MYX, Toni (Gonzaga), to Bianca (Gonzalez) and John Prats. They’re my major influences. Plus, to top it all off, Luis Manzano. So, I get all of my inspiration, my segue ways, my type of thinking from them.”

Karen Valeza | Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom

Parokya Ni Edgar 'more drunk' in ‘Inuman Sessions Vol. 2’

The six-man gang of Parokya Ni Edgar, perhaps the most intact among mainstream Pinoy rock acts, recently launched its second volume of "Inuman Sessions," a live recording album of specially staged performances.

"Mas lasing kami dito kasi nung ‘Volume 1,’ beer ang iniinom namin; this time, hard. So mas nakakalasing," admitted bass player Buwi Meneses in a chat with Yahoo! Philippines OMG!

That’s evident in the small but telling message at the back of the CD: "Wala nang iwawasak pa."

Drunken masters of Pinoy Rock

The album’s higher intoxication levels appear to have been triggered too by guest performances from Kamikazee, Yeng Constantino, Gloc-9, Miggy Chavez of Chicosci and Frank Magalona, son of the late Francis M. Tanduay was also said to have provided the drinks, thus, hard liquor came flowing freely for the 'middle-aged' boys while performing.

“Nung first volume we're having beer and siyempre may halong yelo pa yun kaya nung latter part ng show medyo lasang tubig na yung naiinom namin," Buwi said, stretching his metaphors (or not).

Parokya Ni Edgar has a reputation for being grounded musicians willing to do anything for the fun of it. They’ve cross-dressed in album sleeve photos and donned fake mustaches.

Wackiness

The first “Inuman Sessions” released in 2004, was another representation of their wackiness.

The message in the first volume was straightforward: "Nakainom lang." In their individual thank yous for that album, Buwi, popular for his “seriously funny” demeanor, simply quipped, "No thanks."

Asked if they tried recording a studio album while drunk, the bassist said, "No, we ‘don't do that kasi it might ruin the track, unlike dito sa 'Inuman Sessions’ na okay lang na sumabit sa playing kasi alam naman ng listeners na nakainom kami."

Among the inebriated versions in “Vol. 2” are "Mang Jose", "Tatlong Araw," "Papa Cologne," "Gitara," "Para Sayo" and "The Yes Yes Show."

20 years of togetherness in 2013

As for the secret behind the group's longevity—20 years next year—lead vocalist Chito Miranda said, "We're not having those conflict kasi di namin sineseryoso ang mga bagay. We're not musicians. We don't have much knowledge of what we're doing so we're just having fun as friends."

Parokya ni Edgar has produced such classics as "Buloy", "Halaga," "Harana," "Maniwala Ka Sana," "Silvertoes" and "Mr. Suave.”

"Inuman Sessions Vol. 2" is released by Universal Records.

Yugel Losorata | Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom