Krusada: Karen Davila Leads Campaign to Revive Philippine Theater Arts

Krusada: Karen Davila Leads Campaign to Revive Philippine Theater Arts


With the advent of television and film, theater may have lost its allure to Filipino audiences. While many theater actors and groups remain passionate and dedicated to the medium, the venues and opportunities for them to showcase their talent remain limited.

This Thursday (March 8) in "Krusada," Karen Davila will address the pressing problems behind theater's lustrous façade and uphold its importance in Philippine culture to prove that it can also cater to the Filipino masses.

Karen will visit Resort World Manila's Performing Arts Theater, the newest, largest, and most modern theater house in the country today. The stars of "The Sound of Music," veteran actors Pinky Amador, Miguel Faustman, Audie Gemora, and Janina Punzalan will also reveal their thoughts on their seemingly obsolete craft.

Also joining Karen in her crusade are organizations that train young theater actors such as the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA), Theater Actors Guild, and Teatro de Salinas of Cavite.

Listen, take part and be one with Karen's crusade because it takes more than words to make a stand. Watch "Krusada," which is nominated in the Social Issues/Current Events category at the prestigious 2012 New York Festivals International Television & Film Awards, on Thursday (March 8) after "Bandila" on ABS-CBN, or earlier on DZMM TeleRadyo (SkyCable Channel 26), 9:15 PM.

By JED || Full Story @ Showbiznest

Emmanuelle: The New OPM Sweetheart

Emmanuelle: The New OPM Sweetheart


With her sweet voice, amazing songwriting talent, pretty face, new teen singer Emmanuelle is poised to be OPM's newest sweetheart. Her self-titled debut album, produced by Universal Records, is out to prove just that.

The young singer expressed excitement over the release of her debut album saying, "this is really a dream come true for me. It feels like I've been given this rare chance of introducing myself to everyone through my music."

Emmanuelle wrote the album's carrier single Happy, a catchy, feel good song that will line her up along the industry's finest groundbreaking artists, along with Zia Quizon and Somedaydream.

She expresses gratitude to Universal Records for producing an album for a newbie like her, amidst the problems of the music industry.

"Emmanuelle is such a gifted artist," says actor Sam Milby. "She really can do everything- sing, act, dance, and write good music. This will surely be a treat to music fans all over the country."

Champion singer Erik Santos, on the other hand, compliments Emmanuelle's voice saying how sweet, ear-friendly it is.

The album also features Manong Guard, a duet with OPM pop rock princess Yeng Constantino.

"Masaya talaga ako na nakasama ako sa album na 'to," admits Yeng. "I am extremely happy that Emmanuelle has been given this chance to record some songs that she wrote herself – dun sa aspect na yun, pareho kaming singer-songwriter."

Aside from Happy, Emmanuelle penned songs like Dear Diary, and Tonight. She also interpreted songs of Ito Rapadas (Sandali Lang) and Jude Gitamondoc (Sarap Mabuhay). She also has her rendition of the hit ballad God Gave Me You.

Aside from being a gifted singer and songwriter, Emmanuelle is also a promising guitar player.

Emmanuelle is being managed by Cornerstone Talent Management Center (http://www.cornerstonetalents.com/).

Follow Emmanuelle on twitter: @xemmanuelle
Facebook: www.facebook.com/officialemmanuellevera

Emmanuelle's Track List:

1. Happy
2. Dear Diary
3. Tonight
4. Manong Guard with Yeng Constantino
5. Sandali Lang
6. Sarap Mabuhay
7. God Gave Me You

By JED || Full Story @ Showbiznest

UPLB Murder Suspect Caught by Laguna Police

UPLB Murder Suspect Caught by Laguna Police


Laguna provincial police director Senior Superintendent Gilberto Cruz said that one of the suspects in the murder a junior University of the Philippines-Los Baños (UPLB) Agriculture student Ray Bernard Peñaranda was arrested on Monday night, March 5, and is now in their custody.

Although Cruz declined to provide detailed information about the suspect, he still said that the suspect was supposed to be a “lookout” in the robbery-murder incident early Sunday, March 4.

The victim, who was on his way home from a dance rehearsal of Youth for Christ, a Catholic organization, was robbed and stabbed to death by two holdup men - riding in tandem on a motorcycle - just outside UPLB campus.

By JED || Full Story @ Showbiznest

Azkals to Change Its Name?

Azkals to Change Its Name?



If she had her way, former First Lady Amelita "Ming" Ramos wants the Philippine Azkals to change their name after 2 of their players were accused of sexually harassing her daughter, Asian Football Confederation (AFC) match commissioner Cristy Ramos.

Ramos said she fully supports her daughter's decision to file a sexual harassment complaint against Azkals Lexton Moy and Angel Guirado. She urged her daughter to remain firm and fight for the rights of women.

The former First Lady said the behavior of the 2 national players reflects badly on the name of the team. The name Azkals is an abbreviation of "asong kalye" or stray dog.

She said the Azkals should consider changing their name to bring back their dignity as the country's official football team.

Former president Fidel Ramos, meanwhile, said his daughter has been a sports official for a long time and obviously knows what she is doing.

He said the team should learn to respect sports officials and should start winning games.

- Source

By JED || Full Story @ Showbiznest

Grace Ibuna and Aleli Arroyo Met at Iggy Arroyo Necrological Service

Grace Ibuna and Aleli Arroyo Met at Iggy Arroyo Necrological Service


Ignacio “Iggy” Arroyo Jr.'s previous wife Aleli Arroyo and recent wife Grace Ibuna were both present at the House of Representatives on Monday, March 7, when lawmakers paid their last respects to late Negros Occidental Representative.

In a report by Philippine Daily Inquirer, it said that the remains of Iggy were brought into the plenary hall shortly before 9 a.m. after a 10-minute drive from the Arroyo’s home in La Vista Subdivision in Quezon City.

But while Aleli sat with the rest of the Arroyo family near the late lawmaker’s remains Ibuna was only allowed to stay at the VIP gallery. She sat there with her mother Linda Ibuna during the mass and necrological service.

Aleli sat with the Arroyo family along with former First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo, who wore a black arm band on his left arm, Ang Galing party-list Representative Juan Miguel Arroyo, and Camarines Sur Representative Diosdado Arroyo.

Ibuna told Radyo Inquirer that she would accompany the Arroyo family when they bring Iggy Arroyo’s remains to Bacolod after the necrological rites at the House plenary hall, and back to La Vista by Thursday.

Iggy Arroyo died due to a liver ailment in London last January 26. His interment is set on Friday, March 9, at the Manila North Cemetery.

- Source

By JED || Full Story @ Showbiznest

Kim Jones and Jericho Rosales’ Romance Bared

Kim Jones and Jericho Rosales’ Romance Bared

www.showbiznest.com

Kapamilya actor Jericho Rosales has found a new love in ETC lifestyle show host Kim Jones.

In his recent interview with Toni Gonzaga on The Buzz, Echo shared how he met his 24-year-old British-Spanish-Filipina girlfriend.

"Nagkakilala kami through… asawa ni Dominic Ochoa. Nag-dinner kami kasama ang mga kapatid ni Dominic at mga kids.

"Natameme ako, parang hindi ko alam kung ano ang gagawin ko. Nakita ko nga agad na ang ganda ng mata. ’Yung vibe kaagad, ‘yung aura niya.

"My family actually loves her, super, super loves her talaga.

"She's very open and inilalapit niya 'yung sarili niya sa mga mahal ko. Hindi niya ako nilalayo even doon sa trabaho ko at sa followers ko. Actually magka-tweet sila ng fans ko. They tweet each other. It's a really healthy relationship, hindi ba? We support each other. It's really nice." Jericho proudly said of Kim.

When asked if he thinks Kim is "The One," Echo simply said, "Well no, not really. Sinabi ko naman noon na in every relationship naman na nagkaroon ako, I tried my best always, di ba?

"So, of course, when you are in a relationship, you hope for the best, expect the worst, and you hope for the best, para at least, prepared ka."


By JED || Full Story @ Showbiznest

Toni Gonzaga is Witchy Mitch in ‘Wansapanataym’

Toni Gonzaga is Witchy Mitch in ‘Wansapanataym’


The first-ever month-long special of "Wansapanataym" starring the ultimate multimedia star Toni Gonzaga begins this Saturday (March 10) as she takes on the role of Mitch, a good witch who disobeyed her mother to use her magic powers for her own sake and vengeance.

Can Mitch stand up for her responsibility after putting her whole family in danger? Together with Toni in the 'Witchy Mitch' episode are Guji Lorenzana, Isay Alvarez, Atoy Co, Angel Sy, and Nina Dolino. It was written by Joel Mercado and directed by Eric Salut.

Don't miss the special month-long treat of "Wansapanataym" starting this Saturday, after "Kapamilya: Deal or No Deal" on ABS-CBN. For more updates log-on to http://www.abs-cbn.com/ or follow @abscbndotcom on Twitter.

By JED || Full Story @ Showbiznest

'Budoy' Promises a Heartwarming Ending this Friday

'Budoy' Promises a Heartwarming Ending this Friday


Fans of ABS-CBN's top-rating Primetime Bida teleserye "Budoy" recently flocked to SM Skydome to celebrate the grand fans day graced by its lead stars Gerald Anderson, Jessy Mendiola and Enrique Gil.

The cast of the series expressed their deepest gratitude and appreciation for the fans for supporting and welcoming Budoy in their hearts since it started airing on October 2011. Meanwhile, Budoy (Gerald) bravely tries to conquer and fight his own pains and hardships as Jackie (Jessy) surprisingly had a change of heart. How will Budoy cope with his broken heart? Can BJ (Enrique) keep his emotions to himself or will he finally confess his long-held feelings for his ex-girlfriend Jackie? What will the Maniegos do now that Budoy's mysterious sickness recurs?

Don't miss Gerald's last fight in "Budoy," every night after "Walang Hanggan" on ABS-CBN. For more information, log on to http://www.budoy.tv/, follow @budoy_tv on Twitter or like the Facebook fanpage www.facebook.com/budoy.tv.

By JED || Full Story @ Showbiznest