The pressure is on Joseph

Joseph Bitangcol is no longer the teenybopper people know him years back. He has stopped being the dreamy-eyed swain who melted at sight of his dream girl. Those juvenile ways have given way to a more mature, more substantial outlook.

The new Joseph sits well with his most recent role, one he never imagined he’d slip into at the height of his love team days. He’s playing national hero Jose Rizal no less in the educational indie film “Bayaning Pepe (Ang Pagpanday ng Isang Bayani)”.

Joseph knows it’s no so-so role.

“Grabe ang pressure,” he admits. “First time ko to play the title role. Jose Rizal is our hero. At magagaling na artista gaya ni Cesar Montano ang gumanap ng role na yon .”

Joseph is not letting the pressure dampen his spirits, though. He even welcomes it.

Tough, serious roles

“It will also help na makita nila that I can do tough, serious roles, yung hindi pa-tweetums,” he explains.

So he went the extra mile. Joseph watched as many Rizal films as he can. He refreshed his memory about our national hero by looking him up in the Net. The last thing he wants is to let his director, Carlos Morales (yes, the actor) down.

“Dati, alam ko cameo role lang,” recalls Joseph. “Nagulat ako ng naging bida na ako. Pinaglaban ako ni Carlos. Maraming sumingit na ibang artista sa akin.”

Carlos explains why: “After hanging out with Joseph in celebrity basketball games around the country, I noticed similarities between him and Rizal. They have the same built, looks and way of talking.”

He knows many Rizal films have been done through the years. And “Bayaning Pepe,” under Big Dreams Productions, must offer something new and different.

“This one,” says Carlos, “focuses on Rizal’s childhood, love interests (“Goin’ Bulilit’s” Jane Oneisha plays Leonor Rivera) and transition from the young Pepe to the distinguished gentleman Jose.”

Carlos is confident focusing on the young Pepe is one of the film’s biggest come-ons for students, the main target of the film.

Making a difference

“It can inspire them to greatness, in making a difference,” explains Carlos.

Since the proof of the pudding is in the eating, Carios--Big Dreams Productions--is proudly presenting the premiere of “Bayaning Pepe” on Friday, Aug. 17 at SM Manila.

Perhaps then, we can see and feel for ourselves what Joseph and Carlos are talking about. Who knows? In this time of national disaster when he need new heroes, especially among the young, this may just be what we need.

Maridol Rañoa-Bismark | Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom

Hollywood personalities show concern for the PH

Even Hollywood celebrities and personalities expressed their concern and support for the Philippines through the social networking site as heavy rains continue in Metro Manila and surrounding areas on Wednesday, August 8.

Hollywood radio personality and TV host-producer Ryan Seacrest asked Filipinos to “stay resilient” in his tweet.

“From London to Manila, my thoughts are with the people of the Philippines. Stay safe. Stay resilient,” he said.

‘American Idol” alumni David Archuleta and Jessica Sanchez also expressed their concern.

“Our thoughts go out to all affected by the flooding in Manila and the surrounding areas,” the season seven runner-up tweeted. David briefly stayed in the country earlier this year for his TV5 mini-series “Nandito Ako.”

#PrayforthePhilippines

Meanwhile, the Fil-Am “Idol” runner-up Jessica used the #PrayforthePhilippines Twitter hashtag when trended on the site on Tuesday, August 7.

“Sad to see the news coming out of the Philippines. Sending thoughts and love to everyone there,” tweeted “Idol” season seven winner David Cook, who recently performed in the Philippines.

Hip-hop group Black Eyed Peas members urged fans to pray for the country.

“Help me pray for my country,there's a big flood right now,” tweeted the Filipino-American rapper apl.de.ap (real name: Allan Pineda).

“Pray for the phillipines...my best friend @apl_de has family in manila...pray for @apl_de beautiful country...,” Pineda’s bandmate will.i.am tweeted.

Former contestants of the U.S. reality show “America’s Next Top Model” Shannon Stewart and Dominique Reinhart also asked for prayers for the Philippines.

“Sending love and worry to the Philippines. (Will also send aid donation using #reliefPH info....),” tweeted author and screenwriter Neil Gaiman.

(Click here to see how you can help calamity victims.)

Chuck Smith | Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom

Stunning July 2012 Magazine Covers feat. Iza Calzado, Erich Gonzales and Angel Locsin

An eye-catching Kapamilya leading ladies grace the covers of several of the country’s top magazines this month of July.

Kapamilya Dramatic Actress Iza Calzado graces the cover of Rogue Magazine’s July 2012 edition. It’s the 5th anniversary issue of the magazine which features the “reconstruction” of their latest cover girl Iza. The cover photo was photographed by Mark Nicdao and I think one of the most stunning cover stints by the lead star of ABS-CBN’s new primetime series “Kapag Puso'y Sinugatan”.

Erika Chryselle Gonzales Gancayco known as Erich Gonzales talks about her diva reputation and working with her latest leading man Mario Maurer in the “BIG DEAL” issue of MEG Magazine (July 2012). For the fans of Erich, don’t miss to grab a copy of this latest magazine cover of your idol. I’ve already saw the BTS photo shoots and I must say Erich graced this cover very well. She’s undeniably very gorgeous young actress!

Young Superstar Angel Locsin is on the cover of Maven Magazine’s June-July 2012 issue. It’s the 1st year anniversary of the ABS-CBN publication for smart, real and sexy women. And what a great to rejoice it’s 1st year by having a fabulous issue with one of today showbiz’ finest on the cover. And Maven did it! Find out why they tagged Angel as their “Ultimate Maven”.
  The July 2012 issue of Rogue, MEG and Maven Magazine are now available at all magazine stands and selected bookstores and supermarkets nationwide. Be sure to grab a copy! By Zeaven28 || Full Story: Pinoy Showbiz Surfer

2012 Most Popular Pinay Actress on the Web (Update) – Last 5 Days to Vote

5 days left before we announce this year’s Most Popular Pinay Actress on the Web, Primetime Queen Marian Rivera still unbeatable!
 
Currently on 2nd place is Walang Hanggan star Julia Montes. So far she’s the no.1 highest vote-getter among Kapamilya stars in the Final 15. Followed by Primetime Princess Kim Chiu. Completing the Top 5 are Erich Gonzales and Angel Locsin.

2012 Most Popular Pinay Actress on the Web
As of July 10 (Tuesday), 11:30 a.m. (votes on Facebook)

Marian Rivera - 7019
Julia Montes - 3300
Kim Chiu - 1833
Erich Gonzales - 1519
Angel Locsin - 1355
Kathryn Bernardo - 1273
Anne Curtis - 1149
Sarah Geronimo - 1146
Jennylyn Mercado - 937
Maja Salvador - 908
Toni Gonzaga - 886
Julie Ann San Jose - 798
Melai Cantiveros - 574
KC Concepcion - 523
Bea Alonzo – 387

Note: The web votes will be added on Thursday, July 12. Check out the Final Web Votes HERE

HOW TO CAST YOUR VOTE?

1. Go to our Official Pinoybizsurfer Facebook Page and click the “LIKE” button. If you already “LIKE” our Page, proceed to the next step.

2. After you LIKE our page, you can now proceed to the “Photos” section and click the album “2012 Most Popular Pinay Actress on the Web – The Final 15”.

3. To vote, just choose the image of your liked female celebrities and click on the word “LIKE” located below of the image. And presto! Your vote/s IN!

Reminder: To make sure your votes will be counted on July 15 (end of voting), you must be a fan of our Facebook Page. This is very important matter in case Facebook change the system of their security.
photo credit: Karimadon (Marian), Star Cinema (Erich), MEG (Julia & Kim) By Zeaven28 || Full Story: Pinoy Showbiz Surfer

Smashing Pumpkins Manila show moved

(UPDATE) Alternative rock pioneers The Smashing Pumpkins have decided to postpone their state-of-the-art concert this evening, August 7, at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

Billy Corgan tweets, "The safety of our fans is ALWAYS a huge priority. With 24 long hours delay our 1st Manila show will be at same arena, same time tomorrow!!"

Here's the official statement from the concert promoter:

"The Smashing Pumpkins would like to inform all our fans that due to the adverse weather and unforseen events beyond our control, we are left with no other recourse but to move our show to tomorrow, August 8, 2012. Same venue.

All tickets will be honored tomorrow. We thank you all for your understanding and support."

The brand-new Smashing Pumpkins is composed of original founder Corgan supported by fresh recruits: guitarist Jeff Schroeder, drummer Mike Byrne and bassist Nicole Fiorentino. The concert will feature multimedia effects adopting the same technology used in the recent staging of Pink Floyd’s “The Wall.”

Billy tweets from Manila

On August 6, vocalist Billy Corgan tweeted, “Manila with one L could you stop raining so I can go outside. So excited to be here for the first time. Press conference later today!”

In fact, only Corgan was present at the press con.

Despite having new members in the band, Billy expressed confidence that the new Smashing Pumpkins can cut it just like its former incarnations that produced classic albums “Gish” and “Siamese Dream.”

“They were fans of the band so they have their own personal experiences in terms of what Smashing Pumpkins means to a fan,” he said of the new members. “They saw the band during the ‘Siamese Dream’ and ‘Mellon Collie’ years and they remember how it was to see that band flying at its peak.”

Emotionally charged show

Corgan promised an emotionally charged Manila show.

He is playing “Ocerania” in full because he feels every track is as valuable as any other.

“I’m proud to say that on ‘Oceania,’ I feel we’ve cut our own path forward,” he told the Manila press. “Jeff, Mike and Nicole have made significant contributions to the tone and texture of ‘Oceania,’ which is an album that is unlike any I’ve ever made.”

“Oceania” is the first installment of Billy Cogan’s 44-song “‘Teargarden By Kaleidyscope,” based on the four phases of “The Fool’s Journey” version of the tarot. Critics describe “Oceania” to be the band’s most compelling album since “Machina,” consolidating on the best parts of previous works and pointing to new musical directions beyond grunge.

Corgan’s personal favorites off the album are “Pale Horse” and the title track. (His all-time best Smashing Pumpkins song is “Tonight, Tonight” because it never fails to generate “a beautiful response every night.”)

New generation of fans

Billy Corgan admitted he listens to Bach and Beethoven these days. Still, he appreciated that a number of ‘90s alternative bands have reformed to face a new generation of music fans.

He elaborated, “Some bands come back to relive the experience and to get back to that special place where they once made great music. What they forget is that this is the time for a 15-year-old or 20-year old. So bands from another generation have to make great music for 2012. I think, ‘Oceania’ is an album for this time.”

Grew up with Pinoys

Filipinos have a special place in Corgan’s heart. He remembered, “I grew up around a lot of Filipinos in the outskirts of Chicago. Some of my best friends in school are Filipinos. Some of my best friends now are Filipinos.

“I have great respect for Filipino family values. I learned a lot from your culture and it means something to me.”

The Smashing Pumpkins should have played in Manila a long time ago but now may be the best time as any for the band to sell the drama behind their music. Corgan mused, “The band now is fully connected. I believe each of us upholds the same musical values I’ve always pushed with the Pumpkins be they progressive, emotional, grand or restless.”

So it may be worth braving the rains to get to see Billy and company play some epic rock & roll.

Tony Maghirang | Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom

Aljur’s brother gives showbiz a try

Vin Abrenica was one of the standouts among the 16 finalists of TV5’s reality talent search “Artista Academy” when they were presented to the entertainment media on Sunday, August 5.

As his surname suggests, the 21-year-old showbiz aspirant from Pampanga is the brother of GMA-7’s Aljur Abrenica.

“I didn’t see myself na papasok ako sa showbiz dati,” Vin told Yahoo! Philippines OMG! and other members of the press in an interview.

In fact, Vin said he already had offers to enter show business before. But instead of following the path of his older brother, he decided to finish a Culinary Arts course. However, as he was completing his internship requirements for school, Vin realized his true dream is to entertain others.

“Noong andun na po ako sa OJT (on-the-job training) ko, naisip ko, after ng graduation ko, pupunta na po ako ng Batangas (where his family has a resort and restaurant business). Pero naisip ko na gusto kong sundan yung puso ko na gusto ko pala mag-entertain ng tao,” he said.

Vin added, “So hinanda ko po yung sarili ko physically. Saka yung mga talents ko na-enhance ko pa po. Nag-gitara po ako, nag-sayaw po ako, kumakanta-kanta po ako kahit sa banyo lang.”

Why not ‘Protégé’?

Since his older brother is already a big star in GMA-7, why didn’t Vin enter the Kapuso network’s reality talent search “Protégé: The Battle for the Big Artista Break”?

“Sa akin po kasi, nagsisimula pa lang po ang TV5. Nagsisimula pa lang din po ako. Parang fresh start po kami pareho,” Vin said. He also dismissed rumors that Aljur discouraged him from entering the GMA-7 artista search.

Vin further explained that he joined “Artista Academy” because “ayoko pong mag-shortcut.”

“Gusto ko pong daanin yung natural process. Gusto ko pong maging artista, kailangan ko pong paghirapan na maging artista,” he added, noting that the TV5 reality show is curriculum-based care of Wilma Galvante’s Asian Academy of Television Arts.

“Kailangan ko pong pagdaanan at pagaralan yung mga steps po bago makarating sa taas.”

Aljur AbrenicaComparisons

Vin is also aware that he will inevitably be compared to Aljur. And he knows it comes with advantages and disadvantages.

“Sa negative po, nasasaktan din po ako (macompare) kasi kapatid ko po siya. Mahal na mahal ko po siya. Ayoko po yung sinasabi sa akin na hihigitan ko raw po siya. Para sa akin, hindi ko siya tinitignan bilang kalaban,” he explained. “Sa positive po, nakikilala po ako bilang kapatid niya. Masaya po ako dun. Proud po ako.”

Vin also said, “Yung comparisons naman po, normal naman po yun. Pero yung mga nanlalait na po, siyempre masakit na po 'yun. 'Dun po ako nasasaktan.”

How will he move away from his brother’s shadow?

“I’ll just do my best. Gagawin ko po lahat ng best ko. Kung ano po ang kailangang gawin na trabaho gagawin ko dahil ito po ang pinili kong path ko,” he said.

Vin added he is not competing with Aljur.

“Ang bond po namin ni kuya, it’s my treasure. Sobrang you can’t imagine how close we are. Pareho kami ng clothes, pareho kami ng room, yung car ko galing sa kanya. Lahat pareho kami. I don’t see him as my competition. I see him as an older brother,” Vin said.

“Hindi ko po siya iniisip as competition. Gagawin po niya ang best niya at gagawin ko naman ang best ko. He’s my brother. I highly respect the man.”

Pointers

The Kapuso even gave the Kapatid pointers.

“Sabi niya, being an actor is not being pogi lang. Kailangan nag-aaral din at nag-iimprove. Kailangan panoorin ko raw sarili ko,” Vin recalled.

He added, “Kung may kailangan daw po ako sa kanya, andyan lang po siya para sa akin. Isang tawag lang daw po.”

The other finalists of “Artista Academy” are Akihiro Blanco, Alberto Bruno, Benjo Leoncio, Brent Manzano, Chris Leonardo, Chanel Morales, and Julia Quisumbing.

Completing the list of finalists are Malak So Shdifat, Marvelous Alejo, Nicole Estrada, Shaira Mae, Sophie Albert, Stephanie Rowe, Jon Orlando, and Mark Neumann.

“Artista Academy” airs daily after “Wil Time Big Time” on TV5.

Yahoo! Philippines OMG! welcomes opinions—and the occasional wisecracks—that enrich and highlight new angles on its stories. Below-the-belt rants may be a fact of online life, but that doesn't mean you should transform into a troll. You can speak your mind without bashing anyone. Keep it clean, folks.

Chuck Smith | Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom

Gary Valenciano's relationship advice

Now that eldest son Paolo Valenciano is getting married early next year, Gary Valenciano is proud that his son followed his advice about relationships.

“I advised him to build a relationship based on friendship rather than on a girlfriend-boyfriend basis. That way, she will remain your friend no matter what happens. Then, you can decide whether she’s for you or not,” relates Gary.

And because Paolo followed his dad’s advice, Gary is glad his son is marrying someone he approves of completely.

“I know Sam (Godinez, Paolo’s fiancée) since she was that tall (puts his hand a feet above the ground). We’re really connected since she’s related to Martin (Nievera),” states Gary.

He also reveals that this early, a top videographer is offering to shoot the first wedding in the family, for free.

Year 2013 is just as important in Gary’s career. The “I Do Bidoo Bidoo” star is celebrating his 30th year in showbiz with a bang.

“This time, we’re also tapping new media and giving people the option of seeing my past concerts in DVD or YouTube. People can download any song they want.”

That’s why, in contrast to his silver anniversary celebration where preparation was done months before, Gary is lining up next year’s activities as early as now.

A big part of Gary’s journey is the Apo Hikiing Society, whose songs Gary – and his “I Do Bidoo Bidoo” co-stars like Zsa Zsa Padilla, Ogie Alcasid, Eugene Domingo, Sam Concepcion and Tippy Dos Santos -- are paying tribute to.

'Di Na Natuto'

Danny Javier of the Apo handpicked Gary to sing his (Danny’s) composition “Di Na Natuto”, believing that it will catapult the then-skeptical singer to stardom.

“Mayabang ang dating niya sa akin noon,” recalls Gary.

But he knew he was wrong the minute Gary stepped into the studio and heard the song’s first few bars. True enough, “Di Na Natuto” became a big hit.

“The Apo has a certain way of expressing themselves that transcends generations,” observes Gary.

Now, he’s looking forward to Danny’s promise of giving him another original composition to interpret.

And this time, Gary doesn’t have the shadow of a doubt that it will again be something worth spending precious time on.

Yahoo! Philippines OMG! welcomes opinions—and the occasional wisecracks—that enrich and highlight new angles on its stories. Below-the-belt rants may be a fact of online life, but that doesn't mean you should transform into a troll. You can speak your mind without bashing anyone. Keep it clean, folks.

Maridol Rañoa-Bismark | Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom

Stars tweet for prayers, help as heavy rains continue

The continuous heavy rains and raging floods in Metro Manila and surrounding areas on Tuesday, August 7 have prompted local stars to use social networking site Twitter to extend prayers and help to those affected.

Celebrities like Ogie Alcasid asked their fans to pray for the people’s safety.

“Father God, we pray that you spare our nation from another catastrophe,” Ogie tweeted.

“Stay safe, everyone,” Kapuso star Rhian Ramos tweeted.

She also quoted the Sara Groves song “When It Was Over,” which goes: “Love, wash over a multitude of things, make us whole.”

Meanwhile, Kapamilya actress-host KC Concepcion urged Pinoys to “stay strong”

“Nothing we can do right now about mother nature. Pls just keep warm, eat when u can, rest in a safer place. Love u all,” she said.

Derek Ramsay, who is currently in London covering the 2012 Olympics, tweeted: “Be safe guys. My prayers are with all of you.”

“Stay alert and be ready to go help if ever the need arises,” Christian Bautista said. “Let us settle our differences and help each other in this season.”

TV host Bianca Gonzalez used her Twitter account to relay and retweet emergency hotlines and information. She even encouraged her more than one million Twitter followers to start extending help to the victims.

“Friends of all beliefs from around the world, please, please help us pray that the rains stop here. Thank you,” she tweeted while using the Pray for the Philippines hashtag.

Anne Curtis also urged her fans to send relief goods when the flooding subsides.

“To all my lovely followers lets get together blankets, towels any clothing items that you have to spare and donate them to Sagip Kapamilya,” she tweeted to her more than three million followers. “When the floods subside you may drop them off with canned goods and water at ABS-CBN.”

TV5’s Divine Lee, meanwhile, is using her Twitter to report those who are in need of rescuing.

Click here for a list of hotline numbers and social media links you can reach in cases of emergency.

Chuck Smith | Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom