Wako Wako - Full Trailer

Wako Wako - Full Trailer


ABS-CBN has just released the full trailer of its newest fantaserye "Wako Wako." Watch below:

Wako Wako stars Ai-Ai delas Alas, Yogo Singh, Vandolph Quizon, Dennis Padilla, Maricar De Mesa, Carlos Agassi, Markki Stroem, DJ Durano, Franco Daza, Malou De Guzman, Liezl Garcia, Abby Bautista, Eagle Riggs and Gladys Reyes. Introducing the voice of PGT Season 1 grand finalist Ruther Urquia as Wako Wako.

“Si Wako Wako ay isang creature na pwede kang humiling ng kahit na ano. May limitasyon pala yun pagdating sa pag-ibig mga ganyan, pero mag iingat ka palagi sa hinihiling mo. Kasi baka may kapalit ito. Kumbaga yun ang idea nung kwento.” Direk Wenn Deramas said about Wako Wako.

Directed by Wenn V. Deramas, Wako Wako premieres this March 5 replacing "Maria La Del Barrio" on ABS-CBN Primetime Bida.

Video: ABSTVPromo on YouTube

By JED || Full Story @ Showbiznest

Bea Alonzo Covers MEG Magazine March 2012 Issue

Kapamilya Primetime Drama Queen Bea Alonzo is on the cover of Meg Magazine March 2012 issue.
 
The 24-year old actress shares about on accepting her body and exuding confidence. Well for all avid Bea fans out there who loved to collect her magazine covers, you should know that this is her first ever cover for MEG magazine.

 Other features inside MEG’s March 2012 issue include “255+ Fashion & Beauty Picks,” “Will a Boob Job Save Your Relationship?," “Iza Calzado: From fat to Fit” and more.
 As of now, Bea is busy on preparing for her upcoming movie under Star Cinema with Derek Ramsay as her leading man. Also with her reunion TV project with John Lloyd Cruz that set to begin on taping by next month.

 Meg Magazine March 2012 issue out now! So what are you waiting for? Grab Your Copy now! : ) By Zeaven28 || Full Story: Pinoy Showbiz Surfer

NBA All-Star Game Live on Studio 23 this Saturday

NBA All-Star Game Live on Studio 23 this Saturday


Before witnessing Hollywood’s highly anticipated gathering of its brightest stars, Studio 23 will first bring you to NBA’s equally anticipated gathering of its best players in the annual “NBA All-Stars” airing live at 8 a.m.

Two cities and three franchises accounted for six of the 10 players voted starters for the 2012 NBA All-Star Game, announced Thursday. The NBA All-Star Game is a game held annually between the top players in the Western and Eastern Conferences of the National Basketball Association. The game is part of All-Star Weekend, held every February, which includes other exhibition activities such as the Rookie Challenge, Slam Dunk Contest, and Three-Point Shootout.

Don’t miss all these exciting offerings only from your Kabarkada Network, Studio 23. Catch the replay on Studio 23 on Tuesday (February 28) at 9:30 p.m. and on ABS-CBN via “Sunday’s Best” on Sunday (March 4).

By JED || Full Story @ Showbiznest

My Kontrabida Girl - Movie Trailer

My Kontrabida Girl - Movie Trailer


After their hit team-up in the TV series "Ilumina", Rhian Ramos and Aljur Abrenica paired anew but this time on the big screen via GMA Films' upcoming romantic comedy movie “My Kontrabida Girl”.

“My Kontrabida Girl” tells a story of an effective character movie actress (Rhian) who is typecast as a cruel and scheming villain on screen just like Bella Flores, Celia Rodriguez and Gladys Reyes who had a cameo roles in the movie, but in real life, she’s a sweet girl who has yet to be lucky in love until he met a guy (Aljur) who will change her everything.

The movie which is slated to be shown in theaters nationwide this summer, also stars Enzo Pineda, Jhake Vargas, Bea Binene, Sef Cadayona, Ken Chan, Kevin Santos, Bela Padilla, Chariz Solomon and Ryza Cenon and under the direction of Jade Castro (Zombadings 1: Patayin sa Shokot si Remington).

Trailer:

By JED || Full Story @ Showbiznest

Mga Tagataguyod ng Mixed Martial Arts

Bumisita sa ABS-CBN at Balls Channel noong Lunes ang Filipino-American Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) middleweight star na si Mark Munoz. Malaki ang pasasalamat ni Munoz sa TV networks dahil sa paglalapit nito ng UFC at mixed martial arts sa puso ng mas maraming Pilipino. Binigayan ng mainit na pagtanggap si Muñoz nina (una sa kanan) ABS-CBN Cable Channels and Print Media Group Head March Ventosa at (una sa kaliwa) Balls Channel Head Jojo Neri-Estacio. Para sa mga updates, mag-logon sa www.ballschannel.tv at i-follow ang Balls sa facebook.com/BallsChannel at @ballschannel sa Twitter.

By Night Owl || Full Story: Kapamilyanewsngayon

Empress at Ejay, Mananatiling 'Kapamilya'

Masayang ibinalita kamakailan ng “Mundo Man ay Magunaw” stars na sina Empress at Ejay Falcon na pumirma na sila ng bagong kontrata sa Kapamilya Network.

“Nagpapasalamat talaga ko sa ABS-CBN management kasi pagkatapos ng 12 years, hindi nila ako pinabayaan,” ani ni Empress.

Dagdag naman ni Ejay, “ABS-CBN ang nagbukas ng pintuan sa akin para makapasok sa showbiz kaya nagpapasalamat talaga ako dahil mula PBB hanggang sa ngayon, nandito pa rin ako sa network na mahal ko.”

Kapwa excited ang mga bida ng “Mundo Man ay Magunaw” sa panibagong milestone na ito sa kanilang career. “Gusto ko rin talaga ng action. At kung mabibigyan ako ng pagkakataon, sana si Ejay pa rin ang kasama ko,” pahayag ni Empress.

Samantala, tulad ng mga career nila Empress at Ejay, dumadagdag na rin ang pananabik sa patindi na nang patinding kuwento ng “Mundo Man ay Magunaw.” Sa labis na pagkamuhi ni Doña Alicia (Tessie Tomas), gagawin nito ang lahat para maibalik si Olivia (Eula Valdes) sa bilangguan at tuluyang mailayo sa apo niyang si Jenny (Nikki Gil). Magtatagumpay kaya si Doña Alicia sa kanyang binabalak? Mababawi pa ba ni Olivia ang matagal nang nawala na anak na si Jenny? Matutuklasan na kaya ni Olivia na ang tumutulong sa kanyang si Sheryll (Empress) ang inaakala niyang patay na bunsong anak?

Huwag bibitaw sa de-kalibreng Kapamilya Gold teleserye ng ABS-CBN, ang “Mundo Man ay Magunaw,” araw-araw, 2:30pm, pagkatapos ng “It’s Showtime.” Para sa karagdagang impormasyon, mag-log on sa www.abs-cbn.com, sundan ang @abscbndotcom sa Twitter, o i-‘like’ ang Facebook fanpage ng show na http://www.facebook.com/mundomanaymagunaw.

By Night Owl || Full Story: Kapamilyanewsngayon

GMA Films' 'The Road' to Hollywood: History in the Making for Philippine Movies

After freaking the hell out of moviegoers in the Philippines with its unique but effectively haunting storyline and superb cinematography,

GMA Films’ 2011 thriller movie The Road will pave the way to Hollywood fame as it becomes the first ever all-Filipino film to be commercially released in North America and Canada this May.
 Through an international distribution agreement with GMA Films, Hollywood-based international film distribution outfit Freestyle Releasing will commercially release The Road in the mainstream American and Canadian markets beginning May 11, 2012.
 
The movie, a brainchild of internationally-acclaimed film director Yam Laranas, will be shown in over 50 theaters across North America and Canada.  And just like any Hollywood movie, The Road will also hold a glitzy premiere night at the Mann Chinese Theater in Los Angeles, California on May 9.  The event will be graced by the film’s producers, cast, Laranas as well as prominent celebrities in Hollywood and the international film industry.
 “I think this is the first time that a locally-produced Filipino film will be distributed commercially by an international releasing outfit in the U.S. and Canada, and treated like a Hollywood-produced movie.  This is not simply a special off-shore screening of a locally-produced film; this is in fact a full-fledged commercial distribution deal, and there’s a big difference between the two,” said GMA Films President Annette Gozon-Abrogar.
 “We are honored to have the opportunity to exhibit the ingenuity and creativity of our artists and directors in the international market.  It’s about time that we show the world that we, Filipinos, are not only good in boxing or singing, but we can also excel in the field of movie-making.  The release of The Road in the U.S. and Canada is good news not just for GMA Films but also for the Philippine film industry because this would inspire especially our new generation of directors, writers, cinematographers and artists to perfect their skills and aspire for greater heights,” said GMA Chairman and CEO Felipe L. Gozon.
 Laranas also expressed his happiness on the outcome of his film.

“I am very excited for GMA in this history-making and pioneering development for The Road.  This opens a ton of possibilities on the international arena not just for GMA Films or GMA Network but also for GMA Pinoy TV.  This only proves the quality entertainment of international standards is highly-important to the network,” he said.
 

Described by international film critics as “creepy to the extreme” (KillerFilm.com) and a “beautifully shot supernatural tale with incredible effects and great scares” (Bloody Disgusting), The Road is a story about a twelve-year-old cold case, which was recently reopened when three teenagers went missing while traversing an infamous and abandoned road.  As investigators try to find leads to the whereabouts of the missing teens, they also unearth the road’s gruesome past that spans two decades – a history of abduction, crimes and murders.  Although the road is isolated, anyone who tries to pass through it can be sure that he is not alone.  Lingering in the dark and desolate pathway is a vengeful ghost who makes sure no one leaves the road – alive!
 
The movie stars Rhian Ramos, Carmina Villarroel, Marvin Agustin, TJ Trinidad, tween stars Alden Richards, Barbie Forteza, Louise delos Reyes, Derrick Monasterio, Lexi Fernandez, Ynna Asistio and Renz Valerio. Also starring in the film are John Regala, Lloyd Samartino, Gerald Madrid, Allan Paule and Ms Jacklyn Jose.
 The Road will also be simultaneously released in digital home video format (DVD) and will be made available globally via subscription-based and online distribution platforms including Video-on-Demand (VoD), Amazon Prime, Netflix, and iTunes.
 GMA Films is the movie production arm of media giant GMA Network, Inc.
- text courtesy of GMA Network By Zeaven28 || Full Story: Pinoy Showbiz Surfer

Usher - Climax (Music Video and Lyrics)

Usher - Climax (Music Video and Lyrics)


Usher has just released on iTunes and all digital providers his new sexy track called “Climax” which will be included on his forthcoming album set for a release later this spring.

Listen and sing along with Usher here:

Going nowhere fast
We've reached our climax
We're together, now we're undone
When commands over choose you

Run away, do we separate?
Don't wanna give in
So we both gave up
Can't take it back
It's too late, we've reached the climax, climax

I've fallen somehow, feet off the ground
Love is the cloud, that keeps raining down
Where are you now? When I need you around
I'm on my knees but it seems we're going

Nowhere fast
We've reached our climax
We're together, now we're undone
When commands over choose you
Run away, do we separate?

Don't wanna give in
So we both gave up
Can't take it back
It's too late, we've reached the climax, climax

I gave my best, it wasn't enough
You get upset, we argue too much
We made our mess, what used to be love
So why do I care, I care at all
At all, at all, at all

Going nowhere fast
We've reached our climax
We're together, now we're undone
When commands over choose you

Run away, do we separate
Don't wanna give in
So we both gave up
Can't it back
It's too late, we've reached the climax, climax

You say it's better if we
Love each other separately
I just want you one more time
Where are you now when I need you around
I'm on my knees but it seems we're going

Nowhere fast we've reached our climax
We're together, now we're undone
When commands over choose you

Run away, do we seperate
Don't wanna give in so we both gave up
Can't take it back it's too late...

By JED || Full Story @ Showbiznest

Seeking a Friend for the End of the World - Movie Trailer and Poster

Seeking a Friend for the End of the World - Trailer and Poster


Check out the trailer and poster for Keira Knightley and Steve Carell latest movie "Seeking a Friend for the End of the World".


Synopsis: As an asteroid nears Earth, a man (Carell) finds himself alone after his wife (Connie Britton) leaves in a panic. He decides to take a road trip to reunite with his high school sweetheart. Accompanying him is a neighbor (Knightley) who inadvertently puts a wrench in his plan.

Seeking a Friend for the End of the World which also stars Patton Oswalt, Adam Brody, and Melanie Lynskey hits theaters on June 22, 2012.


Trailer:

By JED || Full Story @ Showbiznest

Vicki Belo and Hayden Kho Love Story Probed in ‘Showbiz Inside Report’

Vicki Belo and Hayden Kho Love Story Probed in ‘Showbiz Inside Report’


“Showbiz Inside Report” reveals the truth behind the scandal.

ABS-CBN’s showbiz-oriented talkshow “Showbiz Inside Report” will go through the lives of the two famous personalities behind the controversial break-up, Dra. Vicki Belo and Hayden Kho, this Saturday, February 25. Amid the scandalous separation, Carmina Villaroel, Janice de Belen, Joey Marquez and Ogie Diaz will get to know who the real Vicki and Hayden are behind the showbiz controversies they are involved in. How did their love story develop? What were the trials and difficulties that they experienced in their relationship? How did they cope with the involvement of the public in their relationship?

Don’t miss another must-see episode of ABS-CBN’s latest showbiz-oriented talkshow, “Showbiz Inside Report” every Saturday at 2:30pm, after “It’s Showtime.” For more updates, log-on at www.abs-cbn.com, follow @SIRTVOfficial on Twitter and ‘like’ their Facebook fanpage http://www.facebook.com/ShowbizInsideReport.AbsCbn.

By JED || Full Story @ Showbiznest

Philippine Popular Music Festival (PhilPOP), a Songwriting Competition Created to Enliven the Philippine Music Industry

Philippine Popular Music Festival (PhilPOP), a Songwriting Competition Created to Enliven the Philippine Music Industry


There are competitions for aspiring singers, dancers, actors, models, bands, chefs, even children wanting to be chefs but what about for songwriters?

With a local music scene widely dominated by imported music, the Filipino songwriter has become a stranger in his own land.

With this in mind, prominent names from various industries have come together to spearhead the creation of the Philippine Popular Music Festival.

PhilPOP is a songwriting competition open to all amateur and professional Filipino composers. By March 1, 2012, interested composers can start submitting their entries online at PhilPOP.com.ph. The deadline of submission is on May 10, 2012. Song entries must be in MP3 format and can be in any popular music genre or a fusion of known genres, in any form or structure. Each entry must not exceed four minutes. Contestants can submit a maximum of two songs, either as a sole composer or as a collaborator. Song lyrics may be in Filipino, English, any Filipino dialect or a combination thereof.

There will be three levels of screenings and during the semi-finals, the judges will choose the top 14 finalists. The final performance and competition night will be held on July 14, 2012 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC). The grand prize winner will receive P1 million in cash and a trophy. The second and third runners up will each receive a trophy and P500,000 and P250,000 in cash respectively. All non-winning finalists will receive P50,000. A People’s Choice award will also be given to the entry with the most number of online and text votes. The winner will receive P200,000 and a trophy.

The competition hopes to provide a channel through which Filipino songwriters can create new songs and discover new expressions or genres in popular music. The organizers of PhilPOP also hope to start spark renewed enthusiasm and pride in Filipino music by starting a brand new collection of freshly produced Original Pilipino Music (OPM).

“Filipinos, in general, are musically gifted,” music maestro and PhilPOP executive director Ryan Cayabyab said. “We are well-known the world over simply because of our immense talent. But we are not just a country of talented singers, dancers and actors. With PhilPOP, I also want to shine the spotlight on our world-class composers and songwriters,” he added. The renowned musician also noted that this songwriting event is not a “revival” of another popular songwriting competition in the past decade.




Maynilad president and chief executive Ricky Vargas, who is also the event’s organizing committee chairman, further noted the significance of PhilPOP. “It’s high time we celebrate the artistry of the Filipino songwriter. What better way to do that than by giving them an avenue to showcase home grown talent and shine on a stage of their own.”




Meanwhile, business icon and PhilPOP chairman, Manny Pangilinan, also shared his motivation for lending support to the competition. “There are two reasons why I'm back in the Philippines after living in Hong Kong for so many years. I miss our religion and our music. You hear God’s voice in music,” he said.




So what can our well-known composers say about the upcoming Philippine Popular Music Festival?

“The Philippine Popular Music Festival should offer what we all have been missing – a worthy venue to showcase the best and the brightest in OPM,” - Ely Buendia, songwriter/ musician

“Sobrang nakaka-excite ‘tong Philippine Popular Music Festival! More than a performer, a musician or anything else, I consider myself as a songwriter, and this makes it exciting for me…an event which will showcase the talent of my fellow Filipino songwriters. I honestly believe that this is what the music industry needs now: more original material. We have a deep bench of talented singers and musicians and we have to have a bigger pool of fresh new original songs to give them something new to sing. Revivals are okay but we need to come up with new songs to add to our piggy bank of classic Pinoy pop songs…and this Philippine Popular Music Festival will surely help our local music scene. Mabuhay ang original Pinoy music!,” - Chito Miranda, songwriter/performing and recording artist, Parokya ni Edgar

“It’s more fun in the Philippines! The 1st Philippine Popular Music Festival is an awaited competition that will draw the creativity of Filipino composers, old and new. This competition is a welcome endeavor to propel original Pilipino music to be known and recognized globally,” - Noel Cabangon, songwriter

“I'm so happy that a prestigious songwriting competition such as the Philippine Popular Music Festival is being launched! We in the OPM are supporting this show 100%! Mabuhay ang musikang Pilipino!,” - Ogie Alcasid, songwriter/multi-media artist/president of OPM

“Finally a song writing festival where both young and old songwriters can share their creation. This will truly inspire everyone and give a new, fresh and dynamic meaning to OPM,” - Louie Ocampo, songwriter/producer/music director

“I'm glad we're bringing back the SONG FESTIVAL. We need to encourage the young songwriters to write original music to express our own sentiments, tell our own story and re-awaken our natural gift for MELODY,” - Jose Mari Chan, songwriter/businessman

“A free people must sing and dance to its own songs. Let our soul be expressed through its original musical expressions. Mabuhay ang Philippine Popular Music Festival!,” - Jim Paredes, songwriter/artist/teacher

“Ang mga awit ay mahalaga dahil ito ang mga palatandaan ng ating buhay. (Songs are the markers of our lives),” - Raimund Marasigan, songwriter/producer/musician

“We talk about the Golden Age of Philippine popular music like it's a thing of the past. With the Philippine Popular Music Festival, we can encourage, reward and sustain the creation of high-level Pinoy pop. Let us support thr true creative genius of the Filipino songwriter,” - Gerard Salonga, orchestra conductor/music director/arranger/composer

“Such is the power of songs. Hindi kailangang magtibag ng bundok o mag-ahit ng gubat para makagawa ng bagay na kapakipakinabang. A good song can very well enrich everyone without having to make anyone poorer. By all means let’s have more of them!” - Gary Granada, songwriter/teacher

“Everytime I listen to OPM, I marvel at how good Pinoy songwriters are. i'm glad there's a competition like this that acknowledges that. At the end of the day, it's really about heart and good songwriting. Mabuhay ang OPM,” - Ebe Dancel, songwriter/musician/recording artist

“It's great to know that a truly prestigious competition will soon emerge. This will be a great venue to bring back the very best of OPM,” - Homer Flores, music director/musician/songwriter

“It's been almost a decade since the last Metropop Song Festival. About time another prestigious songwriting contest was held. This will be very exciting,” - Trina Belamide, songwriter/past president of KATHA

“This year will be a great time for Filipino composers to showcase some of their best compositions inthe 1st Philippine Popular Music Festival...now I'm turning on my competition mode and pressuring myself to write my "career best" composition,” - Jonathan Manalo, songwriter/producer

“This is the one very important event that’s been missing in our local music industry for a long time now. You have my support! Mabuhay and God bless!,” - Mel Villena, music director/arranger/musician/composer

“This is exactly what the music community needs at this time – a grand festival that would put focus back on the Filipino songwriter,” - Debbie Gaite, General Manager, FILSCAP



The Philippine Popular Music Festival is jointly presented by Maynilad, Meralco, PLDT, Smart Communications, Sun Cellular, PICC, TV5, DDB Philippines and official press launch food provider, Via Mare.

By JED || Full Story @ Showbiznest

Love Story nila Vicki at Hayden, Hihimayin sa 'Showbiz Inside Report'

Kikilalanin at aalamin nina Carmina Villaroel, Janice de Belen, Joey Marquez, at Ogie Diaz ang kwento ng dalawang taong sangkot sa maeskandalong hiwalayan na sina Dra. Vicki Belo at Hayden Kho ngayong Sabado (Pebrero 25) sa “Showbiz Inside Report.” Sino nga ba sina Vicki at Hayden para sa kanilang mga pamilya at kaibigan? Paano nagsimula ang kwento ng kanilang pagmamahalan? Ano ang mga pagsubok na kanilang pinagdaanan nang magsimula ang kanilang relasyon? Tutukan ang malalimang pagkilala sa dalawang taong sangkot sa hiwalayang pinag-uusapan at laman ng mga pahayagan sa showbiz-oriented talkshow ng ABS-CBN, “Showbiz Inside Report,” tuwing Sabado, 2:30 ng hapon, pagkatapos ng “It’s Showtime.” Para sa karagdagang updates, mag-log on sa www.abs-cbn.com, sundan ang @SIRTVOfficial sa Twitter, o i-'like' ang Facebook fanpage na http://www.facebook.com/ShowbizInsideReport.AbsCbn.

By Night Owl || Full Story: Kapamilyanewsngayon

Will Melason Rekindle Romance in ‘Pinoy Big Brother Unlimited’?

Will Melason Rekindle Romance in ‘Pinoy Big Brother Unlimited’?


Former housemates Melai Cantiveros and Jason Francisco finally confirmed rumors that they have broken up in “Pinoy Big Brother Unlimited,” which saw their apparent rift and return to the Big Brother house this week.

Melai, who has been giving Jason the silent treatment, admitted to housemate Deniesse that they have split up and is only waiting for Jason to apologize to her.

Jason, on the other hand, confessed to Big Brother that Melai might have felt insecure and unloved by Jason because of their misunderstandings. However, he insisted that he will not say sorry to her because he is not at fault.

Former “PBB Double Up” housemates Melai and Jason returned to the Big Brother house early this week to give out tasks aimed at bringing out the current housemates’ real personality. Now that they’re back in the famous house where their romance began, will Jason make a move to win Melai back?




Viewers also witnessed how evictee Paco effortlessly pretended as a homosexual and ‘came out’ to Tin early this week and even went as far as saying that he likes Carlo. This is to fulfill his task as a house player whose role is to bring out the remaining housemates’ true colors. Tune in this week to know how he will fare in Big Brother’s tasks, including trying the patience of eviction nominees Carlo, Deniesse, Seiichi and Tin.




Don’t miss the 12th eviction night of “PBB Unlimited” on Saturday (Feb 25) as one of the nominees will get the boot. To vote to save your favorite housemate, text BB(space)NAME OF HOUSEMATE and send it to 2331 for Globe, Sun Cellular, and TM subscribers, and 231 for Smart and Talk N’ Text subscribers. You may also vote online on pinoybigbrother.com.

Don’t miss the exciting developments in “Pinoy Big Brother UnliDay” with Bianca Gonzalez weekdays after “Angelito: Batang Ama” in Kapamilya Gold and in “Pinoy Big Brother UnliNight” with Toni Gonzaga weeknights after “Budoy” in Primetime Bida. Also stay tuned to “PBB Unlimited Updates” with Robi Domingo during “Angelito: Batang Ama” and “E-Boy” on ABS-CBN. For the program’s updates, follow his Secretary on Twitter at @OfficialPBB4.

By JED || Full Story @ Showbiznest

Kokoy Romualdez is Dead

Kokoy Romualdez is Dead


Former Leyte Governor Benjamin “Kokoy” Romualdez, 81, the younger brother of Ilocos Norte Rep. Imelda R. Marcos, succumbed to cancer, his son, Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez, told GMA News Online in a telephone interview.

He passed away at Makati Medical Center Tuesday afternoon. Rep. Romualdez said his father's remains will be brought to Leyte.

During the Marcos regime, Romualdez was appointed ambassador to China, Saudi Arabia and the United States while serving as Leyte governor. The Office of the Ombudsman last August filed a forefeiture case against Romualdez and his wife, Juliette Gomez-Romualdez, before the Sandiganbayan over their Swiss bank deposits amounting $5.19 million — now held in escrow at the Philippine National Bank. The case was based on a 2003 Presidential Commission on Good Government ’s (PCGG)

Complaint that the younger brother of former First Lady and now Ilocos Norte Rep. Imelda Romualdez-Marcos only had total net worth of P2,348,495.22 in his 1983 statement of assets and liabilities. “A comparison of respondent Benjamin Romualdez’ reported net worth in 1983 of P2,348,495.22 …with the US$2,000,000.00 initial deposit in SA 7676 will show the huge disparity between his lawful income and the secret Swiss bank accounts which he opened during his incumbency as public officer," the PCGG said in its 23-page resolution.

- Source

By JED || Full Story @ Showbiznest

Grace Ibuna Grants Iggy Arroyo's Body and Wealth

Grace Ibuna Grants Iggy Arroyo's Body and Wealth

Eillen Barry of TWM Solicitors and Grace Ibuna outside the Rolls building after the decision was granted in favour of Ibuna and Bernardina Arroyo-Tantoco

The tug-of-war in London on who has the right to repatriate and dispose the body of Congressman Iggy Arroyo to the Philippines ended yesterday afternoon when Justice Peter Smith of the UK High Court ruled in favor of Grace Ibuna and Arroyo’s second daughter Bernardina Arroyo-Tantoco.

Justice Smith granted the two a joint letter of administration allowing them to repatriate the late congressman’s remains in accordance with his wishes.

Earlier, Aleli Arroyo, the estranged wife of Iggy with her lawyer Atty. Lorna Kapunan, went to London to claim the body of the late congressman. But Ibuna, Iggy’s live-in partner stopped it via the High Court's 7-day, emergency injunction to prevent Arroyo’s body being removed from the funeral parlor JH Kenyon.

In Monday's hearing at Court 31 Royal Courts of Justice, Justice Smith asked an expert in the Philippine jurisprudence to determine the validity of Arroyo’s will in the Philippines.

Arroyo’s will was drafted in the US and he named his second daughter Arroyo-Tantoco to be the executor of the will. The will has two aspects: the disposition of Arroyo’s assets and remains.

Dean Ed Vincent Albano who was in Quezon City, stated under oath, via a video link that the last will which was drafted in the US is sanctioned by the Philippine law under Section 307 of the Civil Code.

His daughter Dina who was also in Quezon City faced the court via a video link. She confirmed that she is indeed the executor of her father’s last will.

She also testified that her father named her and Grace Ibuna in the late congressman’s medical directive, allowing her or Ibuna to decide on his behalf should he fail to decide for himself, particularly related to his health and the disposition of his body

It was made clear in the court that the first defendant, Aleli Arroyo was not named in any of the following binding evidence presented by Ibuna and the Arroyo sisters: declaration of trust, special power of attorney, health care directive and last will of Iggy Arrroyo.

Arroyo-Tantoco, as the executor of the will and "alternate agent" in the medical directive, was also queried by Justice Smith if would allow Ibuna to dispose the body of her father. To which she replied "yes."

In closing, Justice Smith asked Arroyo-Tantoco ‘how was the baby’ which elicited laughter in the courtroom. Iggy’s daughter could not fly to the UK and appear before the UK court because she recently gave birth.

Bianca Arroyo and Grace Ibuna were also both summoned in the court for cross examination.

Asked what awaits her in the Philippine courts, taking into consideration Aleli’s urgent petition for the custody of her husband’s body, Ibuna replied: "I don't know my Lord. I just want a dignified burial for my partner."

Aleli Arroyo sought a TRO and injunctions against Ibuna and several others. She claimed that under the Philippine law Arroyo’s body should go to her.

After almost four hours hearing the case, Justice Smith ruled in favor of Grace Ibuna and Bernardina Arroyo-Tantoco.

Eileen Barry of TWM Solicitors read the message of her clients outside the Rolls Building, Royal Courts of Justice:

"My clients Grace Ibuna and Bernardina Arroyo- Tantoco are very relieved that a decision has been made by the justice Peter Smith today granting them joint letter of administration to allow them to take the body of congressman Ignacio Tuason Arroyo home to the Philippines to be buried according to his wishes. It’s been a very painful and distressing time for the family and Grace and Bernardina are very thankful that’s they can now proceed to make the arrangement to bury their partner and their father ina dignified and respectful way and to allow everyone in the Philippines to have a chance to pay their last respects at long last to the congressman so that he can finally be laid to rest. That’s all the family would like to say for the moment and id ask you to respect their grieving."

"I just thank God my prayers were answered and thank our legal team who has done a great job, and we will see everyone home soon," Ibuna said, in a brief statement issued to the media.

- Source

By JED || Full Story @ Showbiznest

Adrien Brody Arrives in Manila

Adrien Brody Arrives in Manila



Is it really more fun in the Philippines?

That might be what Hollywood actor Adrien Brody, who is now here in the country, wanted to realize.



The Oscar Best Actor winner for his movie "The Pianist" in 2002 reportedly arrived in Manila early this week and now stays in one of our local beaches for some R&R.

Brody received widespread recognition and acclaim after starring in Roman Polanski's The Pianist.

Photo credit: Eva Cadelina

By JED || Full Story @ Showbiznest

American Idol 11 – Top 24

American Idol 11 – Top 24

Here are the Idol hopefuls who have made it to the Top 24 of American Idol 2012.

The Top 24

American Idol 11 - Top 12 Females

1. Elise Testone – Twitter, Facebook
2. Haley Johnson – Twitter, Facebook
3. Shannon Magrane – Twitter, Facebook
4. Baylie Brown – Twitter, Facebook
5. Hallie Day – Twitter, Facebook
6. Jessica Sanchez – Twitter, Facebook
7. Jen Hirsh – Twitter, Facebook
8. Chelsea Sorrell – Twitter, Facebook
9. Skylar Laine – Skylar Laine: Twitter, Facebook
10. Erika Van Pelt – Twitter, Facebook
11. Brielle Von Hugel
12. Hollie Cavanagh – Twitter, Facebook

American Idol 11 - Top 12 Males

1. Eben Franckewitz – Twitter, Facebook
2. Reed Grimm – Twitter, Facebook
3. Heejun Han – Twitter, Facebook
4. Deandre Brackensick – Twitter, Facebook
5. Aaron Marcellus Sanders – Twitter, Facebook
6. Adam Brock – Twitter, Facebook
7. Creighton Fraker – Twitter, Facebook
8. Phillip Phillips – Twitter, Facebook
9. Joshua Ledet – Twitter, Facebook
10. Jeremy Rosado – Twitter, Facebook
11. Colton Dixon – Twitter, Facebook
12. Chase Likens – Twitter, Facebook

Image: Ohmypia from IDF

By JED || Full Story @ Showbiznest

Marvin Reglos a San Beda Law Student Killed in Hazing

Marvin Reglos a San Beda Law Student Killed in Hazing


Marvin Reglos, a 25-year-old freshman law student from San Beda College, died from injuries sustained in an alleged hazing incident.

Reglos sustained severe bruises on several parts of his body as a result of his initiation rites in Lambda Rho Beta fraternity.

The victim was pronounced dead on arrival after his body was brought on Sunday night by two men on board a red Honda City with plate number WMF 174 at the Unciano Medical Center in Antipolo City.

Two suspects, alleged fraternity members Erick Edrosolano Castillo, 28; and Bodjie Amorin Yap, 24, were arrested on the same night Reglos was rushed to the hospital after they went back to the hospital, supposedly to check on the victim’s condition.

Police said the case is strong against the suspects after they found from their cellphones several text messages, supposedly from other fraternity members, warning not to speak out on the matter or reveal the identities of those behind the alleged hazing.

Yesterday, Reglos' father, Lucito, and sister, Lorvie, met with Justice Secretary Leila de Lima today to seek her help in the investigation into their kin's death and to request for a re-autopsy of Reglo's remains. De Lima has ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), an attached agency of the Department of Justice (DOJ), to conduct a parallel probe into Reglos' death.

Incidentally, De Lima co-founded an ally sorority of the Lambda Rho Beta, the Lambda Rho Sigma.

The San Beda College of Law, meanwhile, condemned the violent killing of Reglos saying it was an “unlawful and dreadful act of violence.”

“The San Beda College of law condemns the system of brotherhood that employs violence, intimidation, intentional force, or reckless imprudence as part of any of its ceremonies or practices. Consequently, the school does not recognize their existence,” the school said in a statement.

San Beda also said it will cooperate with the investigation of the National Bureau of Investigation and Philippine National Police.

The school’s administration, together with the Law Student Government, have also formed a committee to conduct the investigation of the administrative aspect.

By JED || Full Story @ Showbiznest