Paolo Valenciano pops the question at Gary's concert

Paolo Valenciano has proposed to girlfriend of six years Samantha Godinez at the concert of his father Gary Valenciano in the United States.

The Salamin vocalist and "ASAP 2012" mainstay proclaimed his love for Samantha onstage and popped the question, "Would you marry me?"

"I wanna talk about somebody who gave the best six years of my life. She always complains that I never talk, I don’t care, I never tell her how I feel. Tonight I want to let everybody here know how I feel. She’s given me the best six years of my life. It has changed me a lot,” Paolo said at the concert in Pechanga Resort and Casino in California on June 15.

Paolo's mother Angeli tweeted a video of his proposal, showing him standing beside Gary on stage, while the audiences cheered him (Paolo) on. Paolo then approached Samantha in the audience area and professed that he wants to spend the rest of his life with her.

"Sam, I want to wake up every morning seeing your face and I want you to nag me every night, ask me where I am and I want make lots of little Paolos and little Sams. I want to take care of you for the rest of my life. Would you marry me?” he said.

Samantha accepted the ring from Paolo as he sang lines from the song "Ikaw Lamang."

Happy parents

Proud parents Gary and Angeli retweeted congratulatory messages for Paolo and Samantha.

Sharon Cuneta tweeted, "Aaaaahhhhhh!!! Congrats, Pao and Sam!"

“I saw the video brooo!!! Yeeha!!! Daming kinilg sa'yo bro!!! :)," Jericho Rosales tweeted.

Iya Villania also congratulated the couple, "And just like that... YOU GUYS ARE ENGAGED!!!! :) hahahahaa!!!! I love it!!! About friggin' time, pao!!!”

Days after the proposal, Paolo tweeted, "Actually I always knew I was in love. I was just reminded I am MADLY in love."

By Karen Valeza | Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom

Who inspires Ella Cruz?

“Aryana” lead actress Ella Cruz admits being compared to contemporaries Kathryn Bernardo and Julia Montes is inevitable. But instead of taking it badly, Ella takes it as a good sign since Kathryn and Julia inspire her to reach her dream of playing a lead role even at a young age.

“Hindi naman maiiwasan na macompare kay Julia, kay Kathryn. Para sa akin, wala po iyon kase para sa akin, hindi competition para sa akin ang pag-aartista,” Ella said in an interview at the thanksgiving party of “Aryana” at the ABS-CBN compound on Saturday, June 16.

Ella revealed that she admires Julia’s and Kathryn’s acting in “Mara Clara” and “Way Back Home,” saying, “Ang galing talaga nila umarte.”

She added that she knows Kathryn and Julia personally because they worked together before in the kiddie gag show “Goin’ Bulilit.”

“Si Kathryn nakasabay ko pa siyang mag-audition noon. Si ate Julia naman, bago siya grumaduate sa ‘Going Bulilit, nakasama ko rin po siya. Noong time na naga-ASAP po ako, nagkita-kita kami,” Ella shared.

Kathryn and Julia are also supportive of Ella in “Aryana.”

“Natuwa ako kay Kathryn kasi bago mag-air yung “Aryana,”sabi niya, ‘Congrats Ella, fish na you.’ Natutuwa ako kasi si ate Julia nag-congratulate rin. Hindi sila nagbabago hanggang ngayon,” Ella revealed.

Tough times

Ella recalled the tough times she had before finally getting the lead role in “Aryana.”

“Super worth it po kasi simula noong bata pa ako, pangarap ko na ito. Ilang auditions na rin yung napuntahan ko pero hindi naman ako natatanggap. Ilang roles ang hindi ko rin natatanggap. Ito na yung kabayaran ng paghihirap at paghihintay namin ng mommy ko,” she said.

Now that more young people are noticing her, Ella knows she has to be more careful with her actions. “Kapag nagma-mall po, ang dami na pong tumatawag sa akin na Aryana. Dumarami na rin po ang mga Twitter followers ko. Sobrang natutuwa ako kase dumadami na ang fans ko at mga nagmamahal sa akin,” she said.

Ella wants to be a role model, inspiring others and encouraging them do their best and work for their dreams.

“Mangarap po sila at higit sa lahat huwag silang sumuko hangga’t hindi nila nararating ang mga gusto nilang marating. Be an inspiration to every generation, yung motto in life ko po. Mangarap at magsumikap rin.”

Meanwhile, Ella has only good words for her leading men—Paul Salas and newcomer Dominic Roque. Ella has known Paul since they were kids and treats him like a younger brother, while Dominic is like a “barkada” to her.

“Parang younger brother si Paul. Matagal na kaming nagkakasama, para na kaming magkapatid. Si Dominic, noong first day taping naming, mabait siya at bigla na lang nakipaghalubilo sa amin. Ang friendly niya. Barkada talaga kaming lahat.”

By Karen Valeza | Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom

Newcomer Michelle Vito enjoys playing a young kontrabida

Newcomer Michelle Vito is no longer a bit player. She has moved up to become a young kontrabida in the Kapamilya teen TV series “Aryana.”

Michelle plays Megan, tween mermaid Aryana’s (Ella Cruz) rival sister and schoolmate. Before landing the role, Michelle did commercials and played support roles in GMA 7 shows.

She enjoys playing the lead mean girl this time.

“Opo naman, enjoy (sa role). Since dati, iyon na yung role na ginagawa ko. Pero ngayon iba kasi dati friends lang ako ng mga mean girls, ngayon ako na yung mean girl,” Michelle said in an interview at the thanksgiving party of “Aryana” in Grams Diner in ABS-CB compound on Saturday, June 16. The “Aryana” cast members Ella Cruz, Paul Salas, Michelle Vito, and Dominic Roque held their thanksgiving party because of its high TV ratings.

Michelle also added, “Mas nai-enjoy ko siya kasi dati parang alalay lang ako, ngayon leader na.”

Hate messages

Like other 'kontrabidas,’ Michelle gets hate messages from viewers, but she doesn’t mind. It only shows her effectiveness as an actress.

“Meron sa Twitter. Sinasabi nila na ang sarap ko raw sabunutan, huwag raw akong magpapakita sa kanila. Pero okay lang naman kase it means na effecting yung acting. Nirereplyan ko na sa totoong buhay hindi naman talaga ganoon ang ugali ko,” she said.

Michelle said that she also receives a lot of good feedback, especially among teens.

“Meron ring mababait sa Twitter, nagha-hi at gustong magpa-follow back. Tapos nagdi-DM (direct message) po sila sa akin,” she quipped.

Michelle finds playing a villainess to Ella hard and challenging role, especially since she and Ella are close in real life.

“Sa totoong buhay, sobrang close namin ni Ella. Seven-years old palang ako magkakilala na kami ni Ella. So kapag galit ako sa kanya, mahirap. Pero iniisip ko na lang na role lang po iyon,” Michelle said.

The soft-spoken young actress shared that her TV role is different from her real character. Unlike her bad girl role, Michelle said that she is friendly, fun and always smiling.

“Sobrang kulit ko po talaga. Kapag mas nakilala niyo pa ako, makulit at laging tumatawa. Hindi rin ako masimangot, gusto kong laging ngumingiti,” she said.

Michelle, who plays as bully in “Aryana,” admits being bullied during her younger days. But she just shrugged this off.

“Minsan hindi natin maiiwasan na may makikipag-away. Hindi naman ako lumalaban kapag may nakikipag-away sa akin. Sa “Aryana,” may pinaghuhugutan rin ako. Noong bata po ako, lagi akong inaaway. Pero hindi ko naman po pinapansin, umiiyak na lang ako,” she relates.

Julia Montes fan

Among today’s young actresses, Michelle admires Julia Montes, who played young villainess Clara in “Mara Clara.” Michelle also wants to play lead roles just like Julia.

“Sa 'Mara Clara,’ sobrang galing po niya. Pag nag-aact siya, nakakainis talaga. Sa lahat ng acting niya, mabait or hindi, magaling talaga siya,” Michelle explains why she looks up to Julia.

By Karen Valeza | Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom

Enzo confirms Pacquiao-Bradley rematch

Enzo Pineda, one of GMA Artist Center's talents and the son of Eric Pineda, Manny Pacquiao's business manager, said the Pacquiao-Timothy Bradley rematch will definitely happen in November.

"I guess para sa akin okay nga yun kasi mas sobrang motivated si Kuya Manny to knock out Bradley," he expressed during the press conference of his latest TV series "Together Forever" starring Julie Anne San Jose and Elmo Magalona.

Enzo wasn't able to watch the bout in Las Vegas because of his hectic taping schedule for "Together Forever." He was also on stand-by for the forthcoming shoot of the GMA Films-Regal Entertainment movie "The Basement" by filmmaker Topel Lee (where Enzo stars with rumored girlfriend Louise delos Reyes).

"I'm really excited to be part of 'Together Forever' because it's something new for me and we are really working hard para talagang magustuhan ng mga fans at mga manunuod," said Enzo.

No love team

Unlike in his past shows, Enzo doesn't have a love team in “Together Forever.” He plays the eldest brother of the Trinidad siblings, but they don’t have the same mother.

"It's a different role and excited ako. I never met my father in the story but I accidentally discovered my step brothers and sister so I wanted to know more about my dad through my siblings," Enzo describes his character.

He added that he has to change his appearance from a "clean good boy look" to a bad-boy ala action star Robin Padilla.

As for the ratings game, Enzo knows he and the rest of those involved in the new show must work harder because “Together Forever” is replacing the top-rater "Tween Hearts" in GMA7's Sunday afternoon time slot. This alone, agreed Enzo, exerts a big pressure on him. But he is confident they could live up to people's expectations.

"Together Forever" is directed by Roderick Lindayag and will air every Sunday after "Party Pilipinas" on GMA-7.

Also in the cast are Janine Gutierrez, Renz Valerio, Steven Silva, Jackie Lou Blanco, Benedict Campos, Patricia Ysmael and Sef Cadayona.

By Walden Martinez Belen | Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom

Kathryn-Daniel love team not a threat to Paul Salas

The Kathryn Bernardo-Daniel Padilla love team is not a threat, it’s an inspiration.

This is what 14-year old actor Paul Salas believes in.

At the same time, Paul admits his love team with Ella Cruz must still prove itself.

"May pressure po kasi may napatunayan na po sila Daniel and Kathryn," said Paul. "Pressured din kami na pinagtatapat kami so kailangang galingan talaga naming at pantayan sila."

The two love teams are different in a number of ways. One is age. Kathryn and Daniel are older than Ella and Paul. Another is Daniel, unlike Paul, is vocal about his feelings for Kathryn.

"Best friends lang po kami kasi masyado pa po kaming bata. 14 lang po ako and 15 lang siya. Siyempre hindi pa po namin iniisip yan. Pag-aaral lang at trabaho po muna iniisip namin. Maybe in the future po. Best friends lang po kami lalo na sa time na nagtratrabaho kami," Paul expressed.

Ella, the "Aryana" star, agreed with Paul saying that they are focused on their studies.

Studies first

"Wala po akong nararamdaman kasi wala pa po sa isip ko ang mga yan. Pag-aaral lang at trabaho nasa isip ko and masyado pa po kaming bata para sa mga ganyan," she revealed.

Like any teenager, Paul and Ella bond by eating together on the set, tweeting and using Instagram. According to them, they use Twitter and Instagram to update fans, especially followers of their TV series "Aryana."

He and Ella intimated that they enjoy sharing what’s going on between them on and off camera. They feel like they’re building a closer relationship with fans. They are aware though that the Ella-Paul love team may have gotten stronger in “Aryana,” but could change when the series ends.

Ella commented, “Dararating na pagsasawaan din yung love team namin ni Paul. Siyempre po gusto ko rin ng ibang ka-love team kung saka-sakali po.”

Other things in mind

Meantime, Paul has other things in mind besides his love team with Ella. He revealed that he will be coming up with his album soon. His singing is something he is excited to share with fans.

As for the latest addition to “Aryana,” Dom Roque, who plays Hubert who is in love with Aryana, thus creating a love triangle in the story, Paul has this to say,

“We’re actually excited to have him kasi matagal na naming inaantay kung sino yung ka-love triangle namin. Matagal na naming inaantay kung sino ang magiging Hubert. We’re happy na si Dom po pala.”

By Walden Martinez Belen | Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom

It’s a girl for Pia

Pia Guanio is expecting a girl. The Kapuso host herself announced the good news during the June 18 telecast of GMA-7’s primetime news program “24 Oras.”

“We found out na siya ay magiging isang mini me,” she told “24 Oras” co-anchor Mel Tiangco. “It’s going to be a girl.”

When Mel asked how she and husband Steve Mago reacted when they learned about their baby’s gender, Pia quipped: “Si Steve (Mago, her husband), kinabahan. Kasi sabi niya, ‘Naku, patay ako sa inyong dalawa.’ Kasi dalawa kami, isa lang siya.”

In the pink of health

Turning serious, the “Eat Bulaga” and “Showbiz Central”co-host said she and her baby are in the pink of health.

“Walang siyang congenital problems, her weight is fine, she has ten fingers, ten toes, so I’m very thankful.”

Pia added, “In fact, nakaporma na siya. Gusto na yata niyang lumabas.”

Do they already have a name for their first-born?

“Hindi nga kami ready, e. Actually, ready kami sa pangalang panlalaki.”

Pia first announced she is expecting a baby January of this year.

By Chuck Smith | Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom

Dolphy's health improves

Comedy King Dolphy is still recovering but is in good spirits, now that he’s off the ventilator machine and hooked only on an oxygen tank.

Dolphy's sons Eric and Ronnie told "TV Patrol" on Monday, June 18, that their father's health is improving.

"Tinaggal na siya doon sa machine, yung tinatawag na ventilator, yung nagpa-pump ng oxygen sa katawan niya, sa system niya. Although hindi pa talaga tinanggal yung tube pero ngayon nakakabit na lang siya sa isang oxygen tank, which is actually good news because he is breathing on his own," Eric said.

Despite his condition, Ronnie shared that Dolphy still shows his funny personality, and he always smiles and responds to their jokes.

"Nag-joke ako then tumawa si Zsa Zsa (Padilla. Dolphy’s beloved), tumawa yung nurse. My dad was like tumatawa siya pero hindi malakas kasi syempre may mga nakakabit sa kanya," Ronnie recalled.

The family is overwhelmed at the moral support and thankful for the prayers they have been getting

Prayers help

“I sincerely believe the prayers help. We were prepared, we could talk about a lot of things, knock on wood, worse comes to worst. Every time we would talk about the worst thing, doon magkakaroon ng development or improvement sa dad ko,” Ronnie revealed.

Dolphy celebrated Father's Day in the hospital. Zsa Zsa Padilla showed a photo of Dolphy’s room on Twitter. Daughter Zia herself decorated the room with greetings and balloons.

Celebrities also showed their concern for the Comedy King and asked for prayers via Twitter.

"Let's pray for him tonite," Jim Paredes tweeted on Friday, June 15.

Martin Nievera tweeted, "Everyone everywhere please pray for our Dolphy."

By Karen Valeza | Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom

Amalia won’t drop case vs Bianca despite apology

Amalia Fuentes appreciates the apology Bianca Gonzales issued twice—on “Bandila” and “TV Patrol”—for what she wrote in her column titled “Love, Laughter & Intrigues with Eddie & Annabelle,” which appeared on the Feb. 12 issue of “The Philippine Star.”

But this doesn’t mean Amalia will drop the libel case she filed against the TV host-columnist.

“I appreciate na nag-sorry siya,”Amalia said at a get-together for her frend, former sexy star Yvonne. “At least, she knows better.”

But even if she wants to drop the case against the case, Amalia explained that she can’t do anything about it.

“Package deal yon. Hindi pwedeng tanggalin ang isa at si Anabelle ang ma-iiwan mag-isa,” Amalia points out.

As to Bianca’s statement that she was just quoting Annabelle in her interview, Amalia says, “Quoting is not a defense in a libel case. Dapat meron kang independence to know what will be (okay) lalo na siya.”

She even offered a suggestion: “Mabuti pa nilagay niya (Bianca) na na-involve si Eddie (Gutierrez, Annabelle’s husband) si Pilita (Corrales) and Liza (Lorena). Yung dalawang yon, hindi ma-de deny na may mga anak sila (with Eddie). Pero sa tingin mo ba, ako, si Amalia Fuentes, pwede akong sabihan ng isang Annabelle Rama lamang na ang pangit mo, iwanan mo si Eddie Gutierrez? Sa tingin mo magaganon ako?”

Amalia added that she wanted to talk to Eddie after reading Bianca’s column.

“Sasabihin ko kay Eddie, 'sabihan mo ang asawa mo, huwag akong i-involve. Bakit ako ang napili niyang i-involve?'”

What hurt Amalia even more is the fact that Bianca’s column appeared in “The Philippine Star,” which the veteran actress describes as “one of the most credible newspapers.”

By Maridol Rañoa-Bismark | Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom

Geneva’s message to Rhian

“Sana, alagaan niya ang tatay ng anak ko at mahalin ng lubusan.”

This is the message of Geneva Cruz, KC Montero’s ex-wife, to Rhian Ramos, who has been seen dating KC recently.

The rest of her text message to Yahoo! Philippines OMG! reads: ”I only want KC to be happy. He seems very happy so that makes me happy too. I have no unsolicited advice for Rhian since she got herself a `great man. ”

As for herself, Geneva admitted having a crush, but she’s biding her time.

“I’m crushing on 'someone’ but I don’t really need a man in my life right now. I know that a good one will come along because I’m not looking. But whoever he is, he will come into my life when I least expect it. Sana yung crush ko ngayon, but it really isn’t a priority right now.”

Geneva would rather focus on work for her upcoming album.

“Dun ko gustong ibuhos ang attention ko ngayon,” she relates.

But she is not giving up hope.

“I know God has someone out there for me. And when he thinks I’m ready to be in a relationship again, He will give it to me.”

KC has practically stood as the father of Heaven, Geneva’s son by Paco Arespacochaga throughout the time they were married.

By Maridol Rañoa-Bismark | Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom

John opens up about latest break-up

After his recent split with Bianca Manalo, John Prats says he is moving forward and is trying to cope with the breakup by enjoying his work. He also denies that a third party caused the break-up.

“Walang third party. Kahit sa kanya, kahit sa akin. Alam naman niya iyon kung an talaga. Minsan sa isang relasyon, hindi lang talaga kayo nagkakasundo,” John said in an interview on “The Buzz” on Sunday, June 17.

Although the break-up saddens John, he realizes that he is blessed in other things. So he is “moving forward” and hopes others will do so too.

“Siguro totoo ang sinabi ni Miss Kris (Aquino), kapag blessed ka sa isang bagay, sometimes hindi lang talaga nagwo-work and sa isang bagay. I’m hoping for our happiness. Sana okay na ang lahat at makamove-on. Ang status ko ngayon, moving forward and trying to enjoy my singlehood and my work,” John said.

John also denied rumors linking him to “Banana Split” co-star Angelica Panganiban, who is also currently single.

“Hindi. Masyado kaming friends. Too much familiarity, masyado niyang alam ang mga sikreto ko at masyado ko ring alam ang mga sikreto niya,” he said.

Family intervention?

Does his family anything to do with the breakup?

“Yung akin lang naman, kung ano man ang naging issues namin, amin na lang iyon. Hayaan ninyo na lang na kami ang mag-ayos na dalawa,” John said.

Was he made to choose between Bianca and his family?

“Wala namang ganoon. Iyon ang bagay na you cannot compare. Kahit ako naman sa kanya, never ko siyang papipiliin na ako o ang pamilya niya,” John replied.

John adds, “Because always, dapat piliin mo ang pamilya mo dahil for how many years sila ang nag-alaga sa iyo at hindi talaga dapat siya ikinu-compare.“

No regrets

He has no regrets over his relationship with Bianca and with his former girlfriends. “Hindi. Kasi ako yung tao na binibigay ko lahat kaya no regrets.”

He adds that he will always remember Bianca’s sweetness and thoughtfulness. He is also open to being friends again with her.

“Possible naman iyon. Never naman akong nagclose ng doors sa lahat. Sa mga nangyayari sa amin, feeling ko darating yung time na magiging magkaibigan kami,” John said.

By Karen Valeza | Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom

MMFF announces 8 official entries

Metro Manila Development Authority Chairman Francis Tolentino recently announced the eight official entries to the 38th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) which kicks off on Dec. 25.

They are:

"Conyo Problems," a comedy by GMA Films Inc. starring Aljur Abrenica, Benjamin Alves, Michael Daez, Solenn Heusaff, Isabel Diaz, Bianca King and directed by Andoy Ranay;


"El Presidente," a biopic action film from Cinema Concept International Inc. starring E.R. Ejercito and Cristine Reyes with Mark Meily as director;

"Mga Kwento ni Lola Basyang: Pedrong Walang Takot/Mariang Alimango," a family adventure from Unitel Productions Inc. and TV5, starring Richard Gomez, Paolo Contis, Iza Calzado, Rufa Mae Quinto with directors Mark Meily and Chris Martinez;


“Si Agimat, Si Enteng Kabisote and Me,” starring the comebacking tandem of Sen. Bong Revilla Jr. and Vic Sotto with Judy Ann Santos as leading lady, Tony Y. Reyes as director and Octoarts Films, M-Zet Productions, Imus Productions, APT Entertainment and GMA Films as producers;


"The Strangers," a suspense-horror from Quantum Films starring Enrique Gil, Enchong Dee and Julia Montes under the direction of Lawrence Fajardo;


"Shake, Rattle and Roll 14," the latest in Regal Entertainment’s horror franchise starring Vhong Navarro, Dennis Trillo, Herbert Bautista, Carla Abellana, Lovie Poe, Janice De Belen and Iza Calzado. The horror trilogy will be directed by Chito Roño;


One More Try (working title)," a drama-romance by Roel Bayani starring Dingdong Dantes, Zanjo Marujo, Angel Locsin and Angelica Panganiban produced by ABS-CBN and Viva Films and


“Sistereka" starring Vice Ganda and Kris Aquino under the direction of Wenn Deramas, produced by ABS-CBN and Viva Films


Better than last year?

The question in everyone's mind at the press conference was if this year's entries will earn more than P638-M, which was what the 2011 MMFF came up with.

Tolentino didn't give any figures but he said they would like the 38th MMFF to match last year's gross or even surpass it.

He added that this time around, "we hope we would be able to give more to the real beneficiary of the MMFF - which is the movie industry! Last year kasi we donated part of the MMFF income to calamity victims"

Selection results were tabulated by Alba Romeo & Co., the Philippine member firm of BDO International Ltd., a UK company representing a conglomerate of member firms worldwide. Alba Romeo and Co. has been chosen again official auditor of the 38th MMFF.

By Walden Martinez Belen | Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom