Biggest Kapamilya Stars on Wansapanataym Christmas Specials

ABS-CBN’s top-rating fantasy-drama anthology “Wansapanataym” will start to spread the joy of the Yuletide season this Saturday (November 10) as it begins its eight-week Christmas countdown with episodes topbilled by some of the biggest ABS-CBN stars including Angel Locsin, Sam Milby, Erich Gonzales, Angeline Quinto, Julia Montes, Coco Martin, and the lead star of this Saturday’s episode Cristine Reyes.

As an early Christmas gift, Cristine will teach the whole family the real meaning of helping and giving as she gives life to the character of Monica, a young woman who believes that all good deeds have a price. When she is given a magical box that rewards her for all the things that she gives to other people, Monica abuses the power of the box and uses it to get everything she wants. Will Monica finally learn not to be greedy and realize the value of sincere thoughtfulness when she finds out that everything she has received was only stolen?

Together with Cristine in ‘Monito ni Monica’ episode are Jaime Fabregas, Carlo Aquino, Allyson Lualhati, and Elaine Quimuel. It was written by Yam Tanangco and Cris Lim, and directed by Darnel Joy Villaflor.

Don’t miss the 2012 CMMA Best Children and Youth Program, “Wansapanataym” this Saturday, after “Kapamilya: Deal or No Deal” on ABS-CBN. For more updates log-on to www.abs-cbn.com, follow @abscbndotcom on Twitter. By wanderer || Full Story: Kapamilyalogy

It's Showtime Maintains Ratings Lead Vs. Rival

The ABS-CBN noontime variety program "It's Showtime" has maintained its momentum in nationwide viewership, as it continues to top the national TV rating of its rival program.
After initially overtaking the nationwide rating of Television And Production Exponents' (TAPE) "Eat Bulaga" with its week-long third anniversary celebration, "It's Showtime" continues to garner more viewers across the country, according to the latest TV ratings data of Kantar Media.

Last Wednesday, October 31, the Kapamilya noontime show garnered a national TV ratings 13.6%, compared to the GMA-7-aired program's 13.4%.

Hosted by Vice Ganda, Anne Curtis and Vhong Navarro, "It's Showtime" continued its winning streak the next day, November 1, with 13.1% in nationwide rating compared to 11.9% for against "Eat Bulaga.".

Then on November 2, the ABS-CBN program reached the 14% mark in national TV rating, while "Eat Bulaga" only managed a slight increase with 13.2%.

For its newest season, "It's Showtime" continues to welcome performing families as contenders in the "second round" of the "Bida Kapamilya" talent competition. This time around, the contestants will have celebrity mentors guiding them towards a possible chance at emerging grand champion.

Kantar Media uses a nationwide panel size of 2,609 urban and rural homes, more than AGB Nielsen’s 1,980 homes that are only based in urban areas. Kantar Media’s panel represents 100% of the total Philippine TV viewing population, while AGB Nielsen reportedly represents only 57% of the Philippine TV viewing population.

ABS-CBNnews.com is the news website of ABS-CBN Corporation. By wanderer || Full Story: Kapamilyalogy

BALLS IPAPALABAS ANG UFC MACAO: FRANKLIN KONTRA LE

Dadalhin ng Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) sa unang pagkakataon ang bakbakan sa China kung saan tampok sina Rich Franklin at Cung Le sa UFC MACAO.

Ipapalabas sa Balls ngayong Sabado (November 10), 10:30 p.m. ang labanan nina Franklin at Le para sa middleweight title na gaganapin sa CotaiArena sa Cotai Strip, Macau.

Kilala si Franklin sa pagbibigay ng eksplosibong labanan na walang urungan habang ang istilo sa pakikipaglaban ni Le ay isa sa mga paborito ng mga manonood. Maliban kina Franklin at Le, kasama rin sa main fight card ang laban nina Thiago Silva, Takanori Gomi at Mac Danzig.

Huwag palampasin ang UFC MACAO ngayong Sabado (November 10), 10:30 p.m. sa Balls Channel (SkyCable Ch. 34).

Palaging tumutok sa Balls at maging updated sa mga pinakabagong pangyayari sa mundo ng sports. Ang Balls Channel ay available sa Sky Cable Platinum, Sky cable Gold, Sky Cable Silver at sa higit 200 quality cable operators sa bansa. Para sa ibang updates, bumisita lang sa www.ballschannel.tv, i-like din ang official fan page sa Facebook na www.facebook.com/BallsChannel at sundan sa twitter @ballschannel.

By Night Owl || Full Story: Kapamilyanewsngayon

KILALANG ALOPECIA ADVOCATE, MAGBIBIGAY INSPIRASYON SA “BOTTOMLINE”

Kwento ng kakaibang tapang at inspirasyon ang ibabahagi ng "The Bottomline With Boy Abunda" ngayong Sabado (Nobyembre 10) tampok ang nakaaantig na istorya ng singer-host at kilalang Alopecia advocate na si Abby Asistio. Sa pamamagitan ng life story ni Abby, alamin ang matitinding hamon na pinagdaraanan ng mga may Alopecia Areata o mga taong may pambihirang sakit na nagreresulta sa pagkawala ng buhok sa ulo o katawan. Ano ang pinakamasakit niyang naranasan nang magsimulang mawala ang kanyang buhok? Kinwestiyon ba niya ang Diyos dahil sa kanyang karamdaman? Sa kabila ng kanyang sakit, saan nakuha ni Abby ang lakas ng loob para palayain ang sarili sa kanyang mga kinakatakutan at maging inspirasyon pa sa ibang gaya niya? Huwag palampasin ang kwento ni Abby ngayong Sabado ng gabi, 11:30pm, sa 'Ani ng Dangal 2012′ awardee na "The Bottomline with Boy Abunda" ngayong Sabado, 11:30 ng gabi, pagkatapos ng "Banana Split" sa ABS-CBN. Para sa karagdagang updates, mag-log on lamang sa www.abs-cbn.com o sundan ang @abscbndotcom sa Twitter.

By Night Owl || Full Story: Kapamilyanewsngayon

Robin admits having hard time doing kissing scenes

MANILA, Philippines - Actor Robin Padilla admitted that he is having a hard time with the dramatic scenes for his upcoming series "Kailangan Ko'y Ikaw" with leading ladies Anne Curtis and Queen of All Media Kris Aquino.
"Nahihirapan ako, nahihirapan ako. Ibang tao kasi ako doon. Hindi siya action, drama. Hindi naman masama yung character ko doon pero sobrang mapagmahal ako doon," Padilla told reporters during the press conference for the first anniversary of "Toda Max."
"Pinag-aagawan ng dalawang babae, hindi ko kasi alam yung ganoon, hindi ako sanay. Hirap na hirap nga akong gampanan," Padilla added.
The actor said he already finished doing the kissing scenes with former sweetheart Aquino and now preparing for his scenes with Curtis.
"Yes mayroon din kaming (kissing scenes) doon nga ako hirap na hirap, kung paano ko hahatiin yung puso ko. Di pa nakukunan yung (kissing scenes) namin ni Anne pero sigurado yon. Kailangan pa akong humingi ng tip sa kissing scenes. Iba kasi yung paghalik ng aksyon sa drama. Yun yung ini-explain sa akin lagi, 'huwag masyado na namang action yung halik mo,'" the action star said.
"Yung kissing scene sa akin OK, pero sa love scene hindi ako sanay. Madaming tao, mahirap," he added.
Aside from "Toda Max," Padilla is also set to release an action film with brother Rommel and nephew Daniel Padilla.

ABS-CBNnews.com

Mr. World Philippines Andrew Wolff defines the essence of a man

Meet Andrew James Wolff: killer smile, good looks, brains, and most important of all, a heart. He’s also our official Mr. World Philippines (MWP) representative to the Nov. 24 , 2012  international pageant at Kent, England.
Where most pageants are about good looks, MWP director Cory Quirino explains during a media conference that Mr. World is also involved with serving society’s less fortunate; the pageant serves as a vehicle to promote a message of love, peace.
The 6’2 tall Andrew Wolff—who’s also a member of the Philippine Volcanoes—embodies all the qualities of Mr. World, says Quirino who personally selected and appointed him. Wolff, she says, uses his gifts both physically and intellectually and gives back to society.
Should Andrew Wolff take home the crown of Mr. World 2012, this could also very well mean a possible charity grant to a community in the Phillipines as Wolff will be traveling all over the world. He can really give a big push for the Philippines, adds Quirino.
In an exclusive interview with Interaksyon.com, the Lifestyle Section thought of preparing him for the pageant by asking him the top questions that have been asked beauty queens during the tough question-and-answer portion. (Questions lifted from a blog post from http://hatawbeauties2007.blogspot.com/2009/02/inside-beauty-queens.html)
Wolff was game enough to answer our questions. Drum roll, please:
Q: If you had US$1 million dollars, what would you do?
—Question for Ms. Margarita Moran, Ms. Universe 1973 Margarita Moran
Andrew Wolff: Well, you know I tithe, so 10% always goes to the church. You gotta give back and uhm, since I’ve been an active Christian, I believe it all comes from Him. What you give is what you receive. The rest, I will put it into investments to grow and help support my family and my kids, of course—I am heavily involved in the Tuloy Foundation an orphanage in Alabang and in rugby training and just anything to do with the kids and their livelihood.
Q: How big of a responsibility or  pressure do you see this appointment?
—Derived from question directed to Ms. Riyo Mori, Ms. Universe 2007
Andrew Wolff: Of course there will always be pressure but I’m used to pressure and performing. I’m into sports. As you know, I play for the Volcanoes and every time I get into the field, the pressure of carrying the flag of the Philippines is on our shoulders and it’s similar to this. I’m going to treat it the same way I do in a game. But it’s not just a game, representing the Philippines, that is. I’ll try to excel under pressure.
Q: What would you tell a boy suffering from low self-esteem?
—Derived from a question directed to Ms. Ruffa Guttierrez, 2nd runner up Ms. World , 1992, when asked what she would tell a girl suffering from low self-esteem.
Andrew Wolff: I’ve been there. I’ve had low self-esteem. I’ve been in all sorts of unwanted and bad situations. What I’d say to them is never give up, have faith, and everything will be okay in the end. Don’t give up. That’s it, Don’t give up. Focus. Bad things happen but there’s always time in your life to rectify things and change things for the better.
Q: What is the biggest misconception about the Philippines?
—Derived from question posed to Miss China Zhou Ling, 2nd runner-up Miss Universe, 2002 on the biggest misconception about her country.

Andrew Wolff: The biggest misconception about the Philippines is we’re just another poor kind of untalented nation. But we are not. The Philippines has many personalities out there in all different fields, whether it be medicine, entertainment, all these things, and Filipinos excel.
Given the chance, the right resources, and the right funding, the Philippines could take over the world. The Philippines is one of the most displaced nations. Everywhere I go, and anywhere I play rugby, I always find Filipinos. They’re always there, they’re always happy. If we give more chances to the unfortunate, reduce the corruption in the country, and spend the money where it should be spent, I think the Philippines can be one of the greatest nations in the world.
We’re talented and a few people recognize it. And of course we’ve got people like Gwen (referring to Ms. World 1st runner up, 2011)  and even Shamsuey (in reference to Miss Universe 2011, 3rd runner up) competing out there. Eventually, the world would know.
Q: One of the most famous beauty pageant questions was answered by Sushmita Sen, Ms. Universe 1994. It’s ‘what’s the essence of a woman?’ But for you, what is the essence of  a man?
Andrew Wolff: Well, you know, a man should have integrity. A man should be dignified, responsible. and carry all situations wether it be in the workplace or family.

Elyse Go | Photos by Mica Cruz for InterAkyson.com

The Fray excited to perform in Manila

American band The Fray, known for the hit song “How To Save A Life,” which was featured in the  TV drama “Grey’s Anatomy,” is looking forward to performing in Manila for the first time on Saturday, Nov. 10 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“When we started this band, we had no idea that we’d be travelling to places we haven’t been to. It’s an awesome thing to travel across countries to play our music. We’ve been getting requests from fans in the Philippines for a long time to come. We’re excited to finally see them and the beautiful country,” drummer Ben Wysocki told Yahoo! Philippines OMG in a phone interview.

Other members of the quartet are  Isaac Slade (lead vocals, piano),  Joe King (rhythm guitar, backing vocals) and Dave Welsh (lead guitar).

It is also credited with the hit songs “Over My Head,” “Look After You” and “You Found Me.

Ben himself can’t explain why the band’s songs connect with Filipino fans.

“It’s really an amazing thing and very humbling because when we write our songs, we have no idea how it’s gonna be perceived by people or what people gonna think of it. The song is taking a life on its own. It’s an honor for an artist to have the song connect to people in multiple countries,” he states.

‘Scars and Stories’

The band’s third album, “Scars and Stories,” which carries the lead single “Heartbeat,” contains songs that are more “aggressive,” reflective of the band’s growing self-confidence.

“I think we are more confident than we were before because over time we got to know ourselves better as songwriters and as musicians. It took us awhile to get to know ourselves,” Ben adds.

He relates how the band came up with “Scars and Stoires”:

“When we were talking about the title of the album, we all kinda thought about scars being a part of the thing, becoming a map, whether a literal scar on your skin or more of scars on your emotions, it becomes a map of where you have been as a person. It can be from a stupid thing you did, or something brave. Not all scars represent mistakes. It can also be a beautiful marking of where you’ve been.”

Aside from multiple albums worldwide, The Fray’s music has found its way in popular TV series such as “Scrubs,” “What About Brian,” “NCIS,” “One Tree Hill” and “Bones.”

Ben finds hearing and seeing their songs in TV shows a “crazy thing.”

“It’s pretty awesome to watch how they interpret our song and put into a theme, from somebody literally dying to the opposite where somebody’s life was saved. There’s so much drama attached to the music. Sometime it makes me laugh, but it’s pretty awesome. It’s fun to see our songs in those shows they are in.”

Karen Valeza | Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom

Robin: Rustom is alive in my heart

BB Gandanghari may have repeatedly said that Rustom Padilla is “dead,” but his brother Robin Padilla seems to disagree. Robin insists that Rustom is alive in his heart.

At the press conference for the first anniversary of Kapamilya sitcom “Toda Max,” Robin shared that he is willing to guest his brother on the show, but only if he appears as Rustom.

“Si utol naman masaya naman siya. Masaya na din kami at marami ding masaya para sa kanya pero siguro kung ige-guest namin siya, siya si Rustom at hindi siya si BB. Kasi mayroon ng Vice Ganda ang ABS-CBN. Huwag na nating dagdagan ng isa pa. Okay na siya doon sa channel 5, kapag nandito siya ay siya si Rustom,” Robin said.

Cold war?

The “Toda Max” actor revealed that he and BB are not in speaking terms and try to avoid each other. Robin said that he loves his brother and will always be there for him, but hopes BB understands his (Robin’s) religion and beliefs.

“Kapag nandoon siya, hindi ako pupunta, kapag nandoon ako, hindi siya tutuloy. Siguro masaya na kami muna doon. Basta alam niya ako ay masaya dahil masaya siya at alam niyang kapatid niya ako at hindi ko siya itatabla. Kapag kailangan niya ako ay darating ako sigurado. Pero sa ganitong pagkakataon, pareho kaming may religion, may religion ako at may religion siya. Dapat niya akong maintindihan doon at naiintindihan ko din siya,” Robin added.

He hopes BB would get past his current way of dressing, which Robin describes as  “sobra.” It will be recalled that BB called himself “an androgynous in process.”

“Sana lumipas na iyon, sana gumradweyt siya doon. Kapag grumadweyt siya doon ako ang unang yayakap. Siyempre kanya-kanyang estado iyan, sa pagsusuot ng mga bagay na para sa akin ay sobra. (Para) sa kanya ay hindi,” Robin said.

While he doesn’t approve of BB’s transformation, Robin admitted that he doesn’t want to “tame” his brother and control his freedom.

“Ayaw ko naman siyang mag-tame dahil ibig sabihin noon ay parang pinigil ko siya sa kanyang kalayaan, dapat lang ay may estado lang. May gulong iyan eh, pag-ikot niyan, ako naman yun makikita niya sa baba.”

Robin believes BB is just undergoing a phase in his life and he’ll get over it one day.

“Huwag muna tayong magkita 'tol dahil para sa akin eh sobra iyan,” Robin addressed BB. “Sa panahon na okay na siya, kasi lilipas din iyon, eh nandiyan ako.”

Robin is happy for the success of “Toda Max,” which also stars Angel Locsin, Vhong Navarro and Pokwang. He explained that they don’t just make people laugh, they also impart values.

“Ang lagi naming nilalagay sa sarili namin ay yung iiwang aral. Kapag sa taping namin, ang una naming pinag-uusapan ay kung anong aral na maiiwan namin (sa episode). Maganda rin na hindi kami nagsasapawan dito. Kung na kay Vhong ang istorya, lahat kami ay nakasuporta.”

Guests in the show’s month-long anniversary celebration called “Tribute to ABS-CBN Comedy Shows” are Epi Quizon, Vandolph Quizon, Ai-Ai delas Alas and Richard Gomez.

Robin dreams of having President Noynoy Aquino as guest in the show.

“Ang ‘Toda Max’ kasi ay kwento ng mga Pilipino. Palagay ko malaking medium ang ‘Toda Max.’ Marami kasing nagsasabi sa amin na ‘Ahh ganyan ang mga problema namin.’ So, sana next time mapagbigyan kami ni PNoy.”

Karen Valeza | Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom

Aiza is never too busy for love

No matter how busy she is, Aiza Seguerra’s to-do list always includes time for loved ones. So even if her schedule is bursting at the seams with taping for the romantic-comedy “Be Careful With My Heart” and the upcoming Atlantis Production version of Disney’s  “Aladdin” (Nov. 16 to Dec. 9 at Meralco Theater), the singer-actress makes sure she clears her calendar for  dinner dates with family and  her source of inspiration.

Aiza is not saying outright if that  wellspring of inspiration is Protégé singing champion Krizza Neri. Aiza fears things can get out of hand once she opens her mouth to speak.
<<<Read: Aiza gambles on Krizza Neri
“Whatever I have, sa akin na lang yon,” Aiza tells the press. “Na burn na ako the last time (referring to her breakup with Chen Sarte). Pati ibang tao, sumawsaw.  I don’t want that to happen anymore. If you see us outside, going out, that’s fine.  Hindi ko tinatago ang relationship. This is my relationship, not other people’s. I’m happy. Hanggang doon na lang ang makukuha ninyo sa akin.”

That sounds more like a warning than anything else.  And you know Aiza means business.


Three wishes

But this doesn’t keep her from revealing the three wishes she would like to ask a genie (the role she plays in Aladdin) should one emerge from a magic lamp.

“First, gusto kong tumangkad.  Tapos, gusto kong kumain ng hindi tumataba.  At third, gusto kong maging kamag-anak si Jamie Zobel de Ayala.”

Aiza is poker-faced, her eyes unblinking. She means every word she says.  And you realize that even artists with 25 years in the business like hers, can’t have it all.

The former child star is not losing sleep over this, though.   She’s already losing sleep because of  work.

“Next week na ang technical rehearsal ng Aladdin,” she says.  “So gabi hanggang madaling araw or umaga na ang taping, tapos diretso na sa rehearsals. Medyo patayan lang.”  

Busy, therefore, is an understatement for her these days.  But you won’t hear her complain.  After all, years of theater work have taught Aiza to love the discipline it gives her.

“Dati, gumagawa ako ng one theater production a year.   This year, dalawa na (she was in 'Rock of Ages' months back).  Wala ito sa plano ko.  But I won’t be here if I’m not enjoying it.”

Aiza’s genie is “playful and maloko.”  The genie also does a few dance numbers to complement the songs.  And therein lies the rub for Aiza.

“Doon ako nahirapan,” she admits.  “Matagal na akong hindi sumasayaw.  Sanay ako kumanta na nakaupo o nakatayo. Ngayon, back and forth ako sa stage.  Nakakahingal.”

Aiza is enjoying a second wind in her career and she’s beside herself with joy. 

“Hindi lahat nabibigyan ng chance na ito, kahit 25 years na sa industry.”

But nothing is  perfect.  The downside is she can’t enjoy her first love: singing.  And she misses the no-holds-barred feeling it gives her.

“Miss ko yung malayang tugtugan sa gigs, yung kung anong pwede mong gawin relax lang.  Yon ang downside sa pagiging artista ko.  Yung singing nasa backseat na.”

That’s the price she has to pay for her busy schedule.

Meanwhile, Aiza can add that to her wish list too.

Maridol Rañoa-Bismark | Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom