Showbiznest: November 2008

Sunday, November 30, 2008

1st Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards Philippines List of Winners

The winners of the 2008 Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards (KCA) Philippines were announced Saturday night at the Aliw Theater in Pasay City.

KCA Philippines was hosted by comedian and television host Michael V.

Here is the complete list of nominees and winners in the 1st Kids Choice Awards:

Pinoy Wannabe 2008 - KC Concepcion
Other nominees:
Charice Pempengco
Lea Salonga
Marc Nelson
Vhong Navarro

Favorite Actor - Dingdong Dantes
Othe nominees:
Gerald Anderson
John Lloyd Cruz
Piolo Pascual
Richard Gutierrez

Favorite Actress - Kim Chiu
Other nominees:
Angel Locsin
Iza Calzado
Marian Rivera
Sarah Geronimo

Favorite Musical Act - Christian Bautista
Other nominees:
Gary Valenciano
Parokya ni Edgar
Sandwich
Yeng Constantino

Favorite TV Show - Marimar
Other nominees:
Bubble Gang
Goin� Bulilit
Marimar
The Singing Bee
Zaido: Pulis Pangkalawakan

Favorite Cartoon Show - SpongeBob SquarePants
Other nominees:
Avatar, The Legend of Aang
Ben 10
Dora The Explorer
Tom & Jerry

Favorite Athlete - Chris Tiu
Other nominees:
Miguel Molina
Efren Bata Reyes
Japoy Lizardo
Manny Pacquiao

The Big Green Help Award � Ms. Chin Chin Gutierez

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Ang Tanging Ina N'yong Lahat - Full Trailer

Star Cinema has released the full trailer of the highly-anticipated Star Cinema movie "Ang Tanging Ina N'yong Lahat".

"Ang Tanging Ina N�yong Lahat" is the official entry of Star Cinema to the 2008 Metro Manila Film Festival.

56th FAMAS Awards List of Winners

Katas ng Saudi is the runaway winner in the 2008 Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) Awards night on November 29, 2008 at the Manila Hotel.

Here is the complete list of nominees and winners for the 56th FAMAS Awards.

Best Picture:
Katas ng Saudi (Mavericks Films) - Winner
A Love Story (Star Cinema)
Ataul for Rent (Artiste Entertainment)
Confessional (Cinema One Originals)
Paano Kita Iibigin? (Star Cinema)

Best Director:
Maryo J. Delos Reyes (A Love Story) - Winner
Adolf Alix Jr.(Batanes)
Jose Javier Reyes (Katas Ng Saudi)
Mark Reyes (Resiklo)
Neal Buboy Tan (Ataul for Rent)

Best Actor:
Jinggoy Estrada (Katas Ng Saudi) - Winner
John Lloyd Cruz (One More Chance)
Aga Muhlach (A Love Story)
Piolo Pascual (Paano Kita Iibigin?)
Ramon Bong Revilla (Resiklo)

Best Actress:
Lorna Tolentino (Katas ng Saudi) - Winner
Bea Alonzo (One More Chance)
Judy Ann Santos (Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo)
Maricel Soriano (A Love Story)
Regine Velasquez (Paano Kita Iibigin?)

Best Supporting Actor:
Mon Confiado (Faces of Love) - Winner
Dingdong Dantes (Resiklo)
Christopher De Leon (Banal)
Pablio Briones (Confessional)
Robin Da Roza (Paano Kita Iibigin?)

Best Supporting Actress:
Irma Adlawan (Ataul for Rent) - Winner
Angel Aquino (Faces of Love)
Eugene Domingo (Paano Kita Iibigin)
Gina Pareno (Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo)
Dimples Romana (One More Chance)

Best Child Actor:
Keir Segismundo (Foster Child) - Winner
Quintin Alianza (Paano Kita Iibigin?)
Julian Estrada (Katas ng Saudi)
Jayross Aquino (Resiklo)
John Carlo (Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo)

Best Child Actress:
Ella Cruz (Resiklo) - Winner
Alec Romana (Vagets)
Jemina Cruz (Banal)

Best Story:
Neal Buboy Tan/ Anthony Gedang (Ataul for Rent) - Winner
Vanessa Valdez (A Love Story)
John Paul Abellera / Tami B. Dinopaul (Paano Kita Iibigin?)
Jose Javier Reyes (Katas ng Saudi)
Eddie Romero (Faces of Love)

Best Screenplay:
Neal Buboy Tan (Ataul for Rent) - Winner
Mel Mendoza Del Rosario/John Paul Abellera (Paano Kita Iibigin?)
Vanessa Valdez (A Love Story)
Ramon Ukit (Confessional)
Rica Arevalo Faces of Love

Best Cinematography:
Ramoncito Redoble (Batanes) - Winner
Jay Linao (Resiklo)
Gary L. Gardoce (A Love Story)
Dan Villegas (Still Life)
Charlie Peralta (Paano Kita Iibigin?)

Best Editing:
Tara Illenberger (A Love Story) - Winner
Marya K.Ignacio (Paano Kita Iibigin?)
Marya K. Ignacio (One More Chance)
Pats R. Ranyo (Confessional)
Jay Halili (Resiklo)

Best Theme Song:
�Sine-Sine� (Confessional) - Winner
Pablo Vergara / Resty Hernandez (Anak ng Kumander)
�Hanggang Sa Dulo� (Batanes)
�Ang Himig Natin� (Banal)
Dave Langit �Sa Aking Pag-uwi� (Katas ng Saudi)

Best Art Direction:
Rodel Cruz (Resiklo) - Winner
Gerry Santos (A Love Story)
Chris Ecker De Guzman (Paano Kita Iibigin?)
Elfren Vivar (One More Chance)
Nancy Arcega (Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo)

Best Musical Score:
Jesse Lucas (A Love Story) - Winner
Allan Feliciano/ Arnold Buena (Resiklo)
Jesse Lucas (Batanes)
Nonong Buencamino (Ataul for Rent)
Raul Mitra (Paano Kita Iibigin?)

Best Visual Effects:
Ignite Media/ Riot, Inc. (Resiklo) - Winner
Film Work Groups (Ataul for Rent)
Optima Digital (Banal)

Best Special Effects:
Ignite Media Inc. (Resiklo) - Winner
Peping Carmona (Anak ng Kumander)

Golden Artist Award:
Ogie Alcasid

German Moreno Achievement Awards:
Ryan Agoncillo
Marian Rivera

Presidential Award:
Maria Eliza �Boots Anson Roa

Lifetime Achievement Award:
Paraluman

FPJ Memorial Award:
Cesar Montano

Flavio Macaso Award:
Wilberto Villamin

Dr. Jose R. Perez Memorial Award:
Chit Ramos

Caroline Pal is Michael Phelps Girlfriend

Michael Phelps took home his girlfriend, Caroline Pal, aka Paz, a cocktail waitress at Palms Casino Resort�s Moon Nightclub, to spend Thanksgiving in Baltimore with him and his family.

The 23-year-old Olympic champ and Pal, 26, have been dating for two months. They met after he won a record-breaking eight gold medals in Beijing last summer.

TV5 New Weekend Shows

The primetime weekend slot in television has always been meant for big shows and big entertainment, and it looks like TV5 is gunning for a much-bigger share of the market with the release of its second season flagship shows.

Catch TV5's Saturday primetime shows such as:

1. Lipgloss, now with bolder and spicier stories of controversies and issues surrounding the lives of the Linden High teens.

2. Talentadong Pinoy, hosted by Aliw Awards Best Emcee of the Year Ryan Agoncillo.

3. Midnight DJ, wherein the thriller saga continues with Oyoboy Sotto as Samboy--the new Midnight DJ who is yet to discover his gift of a third eye.

TV5's Sunday primetime boasts of a hilarious sitcom, a fabulous game show, and an exciting dance show:

1. Everybody Hapi stars John Estrada, Eugene Domingo, Roxanne Guinoo, Alex Gonzaga and Matt Evans in a mixed-up Romeo and Juliet story.

2. Everybody Hapi will be followed by Gretchen Barretto's You & Me Against the World--the fabulous game show that promises to give away P 1 million every week.

3. The definitive dance show Shall We Dance: Search for the Dance Superstar completes the line-up, with hosts Lucy Torres-Gomez, Jon Avila, and Victor Basa.

Catch Lipgloss at 6 p.m., followed by Talentadong Pinoy at 7 p.m. and Midnight DJ at 8 p.m. every Saturday, and enjoy the comedy of Everybody Hapi at 6 p.m., You & Me Against the World at 7 p.m. and Shall We Dance at 8 p.m. every Sunday. All these knockout shows are sure to blow your weekends, only on TV5.

Akihiro Sato Stars in the Indie Film "Handumanan"

Half-Brazilian, half-Japanese model Akihiro Sato will be introduced in the indie film titled Handumanan (Remembrance). This project came just a few months after appearing as one of the ten Celebrity Centerfolds of Cosmopolitan's Cosmomen supplement released last September.

Chin Chin Gutierrez and Jason Abalos topbill the film, which is being shot on location in Dumaguete, Negros Oriental. The film is about three people who seem to have lost hope of their worlds until their fateful encounter in a resort in Negros Oriental.

Akihiro plays as Carlos Silva, a Brazilian print ad model who is searching for his roots. He uses his blog to connect with people all over the world. After Solita Locsin/Soledad Miranda (played by Chin Chin Gutierrez) finds out about blogging, she makes use of this new tool to continue writing. Intrigued with her writing, Carlos finds her blog on the internet and expresses his wish to meet her personally.

The script of Handumanan is co-written by Richard Soriano Legaspi and Seymour, who is more popularly known as Meyor. Their script was selected during the 3rd Produire au Sud Film Workshop, which is part of the sixth World Film Festival Bangkok. The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) provided the filmmakers with a P500,000 grant, allowing the film to premiere in February 2009 in time for the celebration of National Arts Month. Red Room Productions will also co-produce the film.

This film is also done in cooperation with the Katorse Writers Group (from Ricky Lee's 14th scriptwriting workshop), Pixel Art Media Production Co., On Cam Productions and the University of Makati Film Society.

2008 Cinema One Originals Filmfest Winners

�Yanggaw� dominated the awards tally but the coming-of-age film �Imburnal� won Best Picture in the 2008 Cinema One Originals Digital Film Festival Friday night.

The awarding ceremony, hosted by Bianca Gonzalez and Atom Araullo, was held at the Dolphy Theater of ABS-CBN.

Here is the list of this year's winners:

Best Actor:
Marki Gil (Alon) tied with Ronnie Lazaro (Yanggaw)

Best Actress:
Charee Pineda (Alon)

Best Supporting Actress:
Tetchie Agbayani (Yanggaw)

Best Supporting Actor:
Joel Torre (Yanggaw)

Best Director:
Richard Somes (Yanggaw)

Best Sound:
Joey Santos and Eduardo Velasquez (Yanggaw)

Best Editing:
Borgy Torre (Yanggaw)

Audience Choice:
Yanggaw

Best Screenplay:
Sherad Anthony Sanchez (Imburnal)

Best Cinematography:
J. Geolamen, Jose Fiola and John Torres (Imburnal)

Special Jury Prize:
Kolorete

Best Production Design:
Kolorete

Best Musical Score:
Leujim Martinez (Alon)

Best Picture:
Imburnal

The seven finalists, including the non-winning films like �Motorcyle�, �Dose� and �UPCAT�, will be screened at IndieSine, Robinsons Galleria, from December 3 to 10.

NU107 Rock Awards 2008 Winners

Ely Buendia�s band Pupil grabbed 5 trophies in the 2008 NU107 Rock Awards Thursday night at Silvercity, Frontera Verde in Pasig City.

Pupil won the major plum like Artist of the Year and Album of the Year, however, their lead vocalist Ely Buendia (former frontman of the Eraserheads) lost to Rico Blanco (former frontman of Rivermaya) in the Vocalist of the Year category.

Sandwich was able to win 3 awards including Song of the Year for �Betamax.�

Bands that performed last night were The Dawn, Radioactive Sago Project, Pupil, Markus Highway, Greyhoundz, Razorback, Urbandub and Sandwich.

Here�s the complete list of winners for the 2008 NU107 Rock Awards:

Best New Artist:
The Out of Body Special

Vocalist Of The Year:
Rico Blanco

Guitarist Of The Year:
LC De Leon of Reklamo

Bassist Of The Year:
Nino Avenido for The Out of Body Special

Drummer Of The Year:
Wendell Garcia of Pupil

Best Live Act:
Sandwich

Artist Of The Year:
Pupil

Album Of The Year:
�Wild Life� of Pupil

Best Album Packaging:
Inksurge.com for �Marks the Spot� of Sandwich

Song Of The Year:
�Betamax� by Sandwich

Best Music Video:
�Monobloc� of Pupil (Directed by King Palisoc)

Red Horse In The Raw Award:
Bembol Rockers

Producer Of The Year:
Pupil and Jerome Velasco for �Wildlife� of Pupil

Smart / Urock College Band Of The Year:
Twin Lobster from St. Scholastica�s College

Smart Buddy Listener�s Choice Award:
Urbandub

Hall Of Fame:
San Miguel Corporation

Nokia IAC Award:
Faspitch

Friday, November 28, 2008

An Interview with Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart

LOS ANGELES, California�This is the hot young actor that girls are screaming their tonsils out for?

Some reporters couldn�t reconcile Robert Pattinson who looked like he just got out of bed, his hair a thick mess, with the buzz�screaming hysteria, to be more specific�proclaiming him as Hollywood�s new �It Guy.� But when we first interviewed him on the set of �Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire� in the UK several years ago, we knew it was only a matter of time before Robert graduated from small roles like Cedric Diggory to a star-launching gig like �Twilight.� Tall, blessed with patrician good looks, Robert stood out among the �Harry Potter� cast.

Kristen Stewart offered the most astute observation about her �Twilight� co-star: �Rob is very organic. He�s in the moment and he lets it happen which is brave ... He�s a courageous actor.�

As predicted, �Twilight,� where Robert and Kristen play Edward and Bella, respectively in the film adaptation of Stephenie Meyer�s hit novel of the same name, topped the box-office last weekend. The movie about a high school girl who falls in love with a vampire grossed over $70 million.

Below are excerpts of our separate interviews with Robert and Kristen.

ROBERT PATTINSON

How would you describe your life now?

I�ve been involved in �Twilight� all year now. I�ve been doing press for several weeks so I haven�t really had time to reflect on what my life actually is. It would be very strange being locked in a thing where I go into lots of different rooms and lots of little girls scream at me all the time (laughter). I would probably get old after a while. I think 32 is going to be my year. That�s the year I�ve always been looking forward to. I don�t know why (laughter).

How old are you now?

Twenty-two.

This movie is about obsessive love. Have you ever experienced it?

Yeah, sort of. I remember there was a girl I was totally obsessed with for about 10 years.

Ten years is a long time.

Yeah, but it�s like I never ever spoke to her. I think that�s the best type of love (laughter). I remember when reading my diaries from the time�whenever anything else would mess up with a girl, I�d be like, she�d better be worth it. When it happens, you can always have this kind of hope and then when I finally told her she was like, �You�ve never spoken to me in my whole life. You�ve only spoken to me about three times and never said anything nice (laughter).�

Are you still in a band?

I was in a band years ago. Not like a proper band but I had kind of roll-on, roll-off musicians. I still try and play but it�s weird now since when I�m trying to do it as an actor, it always seems kind of cheesy. I liked playing at open mikes in bars and stuff because it was the only time I really felt free. I did a couple of gigs in LA and people filmed and put them on the Internet. It just ruins the whole experience. You�re like �Oh, that wasn�t the point.� So I stopped. I�m going to wait for all this to die down before I start doing live gigs again.

What is your home life like?

In LA, it basically consists of waiting for my phone to ring (laughter), reading scripts and that�s about it (laughter). In London, I could replace scripts for books and I just watch a lot of movies. I have very few hobbies (laughter).

Can you tell us more about your family background?

My dad is from Yorkshire and he did a bunch of things. In the �70s, he moved to America for a bit and just worked as a taxi driver. Then he started selling cars in the �80s. My mom worked as a booker at a modeling agency and now they�re both retired. My mom, sisters and I speak really well. My parents were just very aware of how you�re treated differently in the world if you speak articulately. So it was just the way I was brought up.

Do you believe in having a soul mate?

I hope there is such a thing. I guess it would be quite scary to find a soul mate when you�re young because you�re probably going to mess it up (laughter).

How have you embraced the thought that you�re a sex symbol now?

It�s strange because I�m a sex symbol to 14-year-old girls (laughter) which I guess is not the most helpful situation to be in. But yeah, I�ve never really thought of it. It�s just so funny. I mean, just last year I couldn�t even get a date (laughter) and then this year, the world turns and it�s so bizarre (laughter) that everybody just changes their mind at the same time (laughter).

You couldn�t get a date?

When I was in London, it was like, not at all. I don�t know why. That�s all I talked about the whole of last year�that I need to get a girlfriend. I need to get a girlfriend and then this year, I could have any 12-year-old I wanted (laughter).

What do you look for in a girl?

I�m always shocked by the people who I�m attracted to. It�s always completely random. I generally like people who are a bit crazy but yeah, that�s pretty much my only prerequisite.

You get to run up a tree, among other special things. How did you achieve some of these effects?

I can�t even walk in a straight line so it was very tough doing all that type of stuff. It was designed like in a kung fu movie in a lot of sequences. That was tough�virtually anything to do on a harness because you have to exert so much effort just maintaining your center of gravity. It�s tougher especially when you have to make it look effortless and not breath as well (laughter). That was probably the hardest thing I had to do in the movie.

How long did you rehearse for stunts that required wire work?

Not a huge amount of time. About two weeks, I guess, and I had to do a ton of it as well.

What kind of music do you listen to?

I don�t know much about contemporary music. I do have an iPod but I listen to a lot of old blues. I listen to John Lee Hooker and Elmore James. I have been listening to them for years. I was obsessed with Van Morrison for years. I went to see him recently where he performed �Astral Weeks.� I just spent the entire night crying (laughter) but I was really obsessed with Van Morrison.

Were you a rebellious teenager?

I really wasn�t very much of a rebel. I�m seen by people now as more of a rebel which is strange. I don�t like doing what people tell me to do. I don�t deliberately rebel against them.

How did you evoke sexiness in this role?

A lot of it has to do with not speaking�like that always makes somebody more attractive. I wasn�t really trying to play Edward as a sexy guy, though. He�s not very sexy in the book. It�s like he�s just kind of mysterious and his whole personality works from a template. So it creates more mystery and whatever he says seems very contrived. He always has a completely opposite thought to what he�s saying in his head. He�s always hiding things. A lot of the attraction to someone is always frustration and that�s what a lot of the story is.

What concerns you most about this sudden fame?

When something or someone is hyped and you�re put on the forefront of a lot of things, people want to tear you down. That�s kind of scary, especially when you�re not really putting yourself out there.

KRISTEN STEWART

Have you had crushes that became obsessions?

I feel like most crushes are fairly obsessive�for me at least. I have experienced them.

At what age?

Oh my God, I started having some crushes on people when I was five, I think (laughter).

Your character kind of takes care of her mom. How is your own relationship with your mother?

My mom is a momma bear. She�s the caretaker but in a sort of nonmaternal way. I have a lot of brothers who aren�t my biological brothers. We take in strays but I�m friends with my mom. The one thing that Bella is not getting from her mom is that her mother is not being a mom. She�s just a buddy and you don�t need a friend in a mom always. I mean, that could be a good part of it but you need more than that and I have both parts in my mom.

Tell us more about your mother taking in strays. That sounds exciting.

She�s just taking in friends that I�ve acquired who just don�t have it easy in their own homes. That�s really great. I just did a movie called �Welcome to the Rileys� where I play a homeless kid. She�s squatting in a house at the time that you see her in the movie. She�s essentially homeless and it�s this entire counterculture that I was completely unaware of�runaways and people, kids particularly, who live on the streets.

So your mother rehabilitates them and they go back�

No, these are my brothers. We keep them. These are my best friends (laughter). Yeah, we keep them.

What did Robert bring to the table? How did you arrive at that chemistry between the two of you?

Rob came into the audition looking sort of terrified, like a subdued fear and pained. The pain was just very evident in him. I am not saying it�s in Rob but he knew what to bring to that character. We didn�t need the statuesque, model-types who come in and just pose. I couldn�t see any of the other guys. They weren�t even looking at me. It was like they were focusing on their lines but Rob is very organic. He�s in the moment and he lets it happen which is brave. He�s brave. He�s a courageous actor.

How much training did you have to undergo for the stunts which required wire work?

I didn�t have much training. I was trained to hold onto Rob (laughter). It was like I didn�t really have to do much else. I was always trying to make it easier for him because he�s always found it very difficult. I was always trying to find points to take the pressure off of him.

We had to climb a tree once on a wire in the ballet studio at the end of the movie. It�s a pretty rigorous fight scene and there were a couple of times where he goes to pick me up. The first time he pulled his groin so they put me on a wire and we had to go up to the balcony. Then James (played by Cam Gigandet) pulls him down and I smack the floor and roll to a mark. Hitting the mark was really difficult and there was glass all over the floor. It was fake glass but it can cut you. I enjoy stuff like that. I really like physicality. I really think it�s fun.

By: By Ruben V. Nepales of Philippine Daily Inquirer

GMA-7 Opposes ABS-CBN�s Digital TV Application

According to a report by Lenie Lectura of Business Mirror, GMA is blocking the bid of ABS-CBN to offer digital television service to consumers.

[GMA Network Inc. is blocking the bid of rival ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp. to offer digital television service to consumers.

In a filing with the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), GMA said ABS-CBN�s application to convert its existing analog frequency channel to digital is really a move to operate a new service and not just a conversion. �Unfortunately, ABS-CBN misleads the affected parties by designating its petition as one for migration and conversion to digital service,� said GMA.

ABS-CBN is currently applying for a new frequency, preferably within the 500 to 506-megahertz range, which is not yet assignable for broadcast use. This frequency bandwidth is presently within the band for trunked radio service.

In its application, ABS-CBN said it intends to provide digital TV-terrestrial (DT-T) service in the said frequency, as maybe available and assignable by the NTC, or preferably Channel 19. The proposed conversion, it added, will initially be a migration to operate analog and digital services concurrently until such time that the NTC mandates termination of all analog TV broadcast transmissions.

GMA opined that ABS-CBN is actually applying for a new frequency, which it can use to operate another station simultaneous with its Studio 23 analog broadcast service. No migration or conversion to digital service will actually take place as ABS-CBN�s real intention is to operate DWAC-TC Channel 23 as its analog service and, at the same time, operate a digital TV station using a different channel until the mandatory analog switch-off date, GMA pointed out.

�The instant petition should be denied on the obvious ground that no migration or conversion to digital service is contemplated herein. ABS-CBN is not applying for a migration to conversion to a digital service but for an entirely new digital broadcast service, in addition to its analog service utilizing Channel 23,� said GMA.

Furthermore, the frequency bandwidth being eyed by ABS-CBN has not yet been reallocated by the NTC for broadcast use.

�What ABS-CBN is in effect doing in this application is to stake a claim on a frequency not presently within the domain of broadcast TV spectrum, and at the same time, preserve its privilege over Channel 23. This should not be countenanced by the NTC,� said GMA.

The broadcast company also has a pending application with the NTC to transform its Channel 27 UHF (ultra-high frequency) TV station to digital broadcast service.

�With the advances in technology, particularly the introduction of digital technology in the broadcasting service, it is imperative and in the interest of public service that GMA must take measures in order to meet the growing public demand for and address the technological challenge of digital TV broadcast service,� said GMA in its application.

The TV network said it is financially capable to adopt a digital terrestrial TV broadcast platform, and to acquire, operate and maintain the necessary equipment for use in the broadcast of quality TV programs. It presented to the NTC a proof showing its financial capacity. GMA�s capital was recently increased to P6.5 billion from P5 billion.

�The Securities and Exchange Commission has approved recently the increase of authorized capital stock from P5 billion divided into 3.5 billion common shares with the par value of P1 each and 7.5 billion preferred shares with the par value of P0.20 each to P6.5 billion divided into 5 billion common shares with the par value of P1 each and 7.5 billion preferred shares with the par value of P0.20 each,� said GMA.]

GMA-7�s I-Witness Wins Unicef and Popdev Awards

GMA Network�s I-Witness won two awards recently � the 2008 ABU CASBAA Unicef Child Rights Awards and the 2008 Popdev Media Awards for Best TV Documentary.

Jay Taruc and his team bagged the Unicef award for their �Batang Kalabaw� I-Witness documentary. It tells the story of 14-year-old Cherilyn who acts as sole breadwinner for her family and parent to her five siblings.

Out of 69 entries from 10 countries in Asia, the documentary �Batang Kalabaw� (Child Beasts of Burden) was chosen for the prestigious award this year for being �the best television programming on children�s rights produced in the Asia-Pacific region.�

This is the second I-Witness episode that won this award following the episode �Selda Inosente� (Angels in Prison) hosted by Kara David that won in 2003.

The documentary had also previously received a Certificate for Creative Excellence at the 2008 US International Film and Video Festival and the 2008 Catholic Mass Media Awards.

The awarding ceremony was held on November 24 in The Westin Resort in Bali, Indonesia.

Meanwhile, Sandra Aguinaldo and her team bagged the Popdev Media Award for �Nanay na si Nene� for its outstanding contribution in promoting awareness about the population problems in the country today.

Besting 406 entries in its category, Aguinaldo�s documentary documented the lives of two very young mothers and the difficulties as they faced of having children at such an early age.

Barely able to take care of herself, 13-year old Lealyn gave birth to twins and could only feed her babies water and sugar. Belinda, 14, when she five months pregnant, could not afford prenatal care or checkups with an obstetrician-gynecologist.

Aguinaldo also discussed the factors that cause early pregnancies in teens and how they could be prevented with sex and reproductive health education.

The documentary was chosen for the prestigious award by an elite panel of organizations from the development and journalism communities, as well as government agencies and private groups.

The awarding ceremony was held on November 26 at the Mandarin Oriental Suites in Cubao, Quezon City.

Now on its fourth year, the annual Popdev Media Awards was conducted by the Philippine Legislators� Committee on Population and Development (PLCPD) with the support of the United Nations Population Fund to honor outstanding and responsible journalism on population and development.

Source: GMANews.tv

Listen and Download Britney Spears Circus Album Here

Britney Spears decided to release her new Circus album a week early exclusively on imeem. Listen and download the whole thing right here (courtesy of omg).

Click here to manually download the file !

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Charice Pempengco at Macy�s Thanksgiving Parade in New York

Pinoy international singing sensation Charice Pempengco performed at the Macy�s Thanksgiving Parade in New York on November 27, 2008.

Charice sang a Celine Dion hit Because You Loved Me.

Watch Charice' Macy�s Thanksgiving Parade performance below:

56th FAMAS Awards Night

The 56th FAMAS (Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences) Awards night will be held tomorrow night, November 29 at the Centennial Hall of Manila Hotel. There will be a delayed telecast via NBN Channel 4.

Included in the list of this year's special awardees are: Cesar Montano (FPJ Memorial Award), Ogie Alcasid (Golden Artist Award), Marian Rivera and Ryan Agoncillo (German Moreno Achievement Award), Paraluman (Lifetime Achievement Award) and Chit Ramos (Dr. Jose Perez Memorial Award).

Here is the partial list of this year's nominees:

BEST PICTURE:
A Love Story (Star Cinema)

Ataul for Rent (Artiste Entertainment)

Confessional (Cinema One Originals)

Katas ng Saudi (Maverick Films)

Paano Kita Iibigin? (Star Cinema)

BEST DIRECTOR:
Adolf Alix Jr./Dave Hukom (Batanes)

Maryo J. de los Reyes (A Love Story)

Jose Javier Reyes (Katas ng Saudi)

Mark Reyes (Resiklo)

Neal �Buboy� Tan (Ataul for Rent)

BEST ACTOR:
John Lloyd Cruz (One More Chance)

Jinggoy Estrada (Katas ng Saudi)

Aga Muhlach (A Love Story)

Piolo Pascual (Paano Kita Iibigin?)

Bong Revilla (Resiklo)

BEST ACTRESS:
Bea Alonzo (One More Chance)

Judy Ann Santos (Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo)

Maricel Soriano (A Love Story)

Lorna Tolentino (Katas ng Saudi)

Regine Velasquez (Paano Kita Iibigin?)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR:
Bayani Agbayani (Katas ng Saudi)

Publio Briones III (Confessional)

Mon Confiado (Faces of Love)

Dingdong Dantes (Resiklo)

Christopher de Leon (Banal)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS:
Irma Adlawan (Ataul for Rent)

Angel Aquino (Faces of Love)

Eugene Domingo (Paano Kita Iibigin?)

Gina Pare�o (Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo)

Maja Salvador (One More Chance)

BEST CHILD ACTOR:
Quintin Alianza (Paano Kita Iibigin?)

Jairus Aquino (Resiklo)

Carlo Balmaceda (Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo)

Julian Estrada (Katas ng Saudi)

Kier Segundo (Foster Child)

Alex Romano (Vhagets)

BEST CHILD ACTRESS:
Ella Cruz (Resiklo)

Jemina Cruz (Banal)

BEST STORY:
Vanessa Valdez (A Love Story)

John Paul Abellera and Tami B. Dinopol (Paano Kita Iibigin?)

Jose Javier Reyes (Katas ng Saudi)

Eddie Romero (Faces of Love)

Neal �Buboy� Tan and Anthony Gedang (Ataul for Rent)

BEST SCREENPLAY:
Mel Mendoza del Rosario

Vanessa Valdez and John Paul Abellera (Paano Kita Iibigin?)

Neal �Buboy� Tan (Ataul for Rent)

Vanessa Valdez (A Love Story)

Ramon Ukit (Confessional)

Rica Arevalo (Faces of Love)

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Mariel Rodriguez Covers FHM Philippines for December 2008

Kapamilya host and actress Mariel Rodriguez admitted that her chest was �enhanced� on the cover of FHM Philippines December 2008 issue.

�May konti friends, ang big niya (referring to her chest) in fairness� thank you for the technology talaga. Maraming salamat sa computer. Parang sobra siyang laki parang sa totoong buhay hindi siya ganyan,� Mariel said.

Before the people could ask questions once the magazine is out, Mariel comes clean by telling the press that the alteration was computerized to create illusion and that she did not undergo breast augmentation.

�I super duper love it. I�m so proud,� she said.

The bubbly host added that she did the pictorial for her sister�s underwear line called �Hot Pink� and that she�s not going to the sexy route.

FHM December 2008 issue will hit newstands anytime this weekend.

Lingerie Model Kaye Alipio Voted Off "Survivor Philippines"

On day 32 of Survivor Philippines, lingerie model Kaye Alipio got the boot to become the 13th person to be voted out from GMA-7's reality show.

Kaye also became the fifth member of the Jury, who will have the power to pick the winner. She has now joined Jace Flores, Kiko Rustia, Vern Domingo, and Marlon Carmen in the Jury.

Pisay and Ploning are Nominated in Asian Festival of 1st Films 2008

Ploning is among the highly creative films that are nominated at the Asian Festival of 1st Films 2008 happening in Singapore from December 4 to 10, 2008.

There are a total of 28 films and documentaries coming from 14 different countries selected for the festival.

Asian Festival of 1st Films 2008 is the world�s premiere Film and Documentary Festival showcasing first time documentaries and films across 11 award categories including Producers, Directors, Actors, Screenplay writers, Technicians from people of Asia - Pacific origin.

Here are the complete list of nominated films:

Best Film

A Decade of Love
Hong Kong

Khastegi (Sex My Life)
Iran

Little Zizou
India

Pisay
Philippines

The Mountain & The Song
China

Best Director

Firaaq
India

Ganglamedo
China

Little Zizou
India

Ploning
Philippines

Best Screenplay

Khuda Ke Liye
Pakistan

Ploning
Philippines

Summer 2007
India

Firaaq
India

Iskul Bukol 20 Years After

Iskul Bukol is back! As the great trio of Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon along with its original cast members Sharon Cuneta, Kaye Torres, Ritchie D' Horsie, Jimmy Santos, Mely Tagasa and Anthony Raquel reunited altogether for Iskul Bukol: 20 Years After - The Movie.

Also included in the movie are Carlene Aguilar and Ariel Villasanta.

Vic Sotto plays as Victor Ungasis, Joey de Leon as Joey Escalera and Tito Sotto as Tito Escalera. Bibett Orteza plays as Bibeth, Jimmy Santos is the Big J and Mely Tagasa as Miss Tapia.

Iskul Bukol: 20 Years After is a 2008 Metro Manila Film Festival entry.

Where Did Rihanna and Chris Brown Go After The Fort Concert?

Now it can be told: Rihanna and Chris Brown decided to chill out at Alchemy�s Vapor Club (at Silver City, Frontera Verde Drive corner Julia Vargas Ave., Pasig City) after their concert last Nov. 16 at The Bonifacio Global City Open Field, whisked off in black limousines and escorted by big bouncers as they entered through the back entrance.

It wasn�t a secret, though. The night before, Brown�s manager visited Alchemy to negotiate for a post-concert party and Brown kept mentioning it during the concert.

According to the Funfare DPA, Brown and Rihanna enjoyed the drinks and the hors d� oeuvres, plus the music, for more than two hours.

�There was a mild showdown between Brown�s dancers and Rihanna�s performer,� added the DPA. �Could it have been caused by an attractive woman who came from neither of the two groups?�

Also at Alchemy that same night was American Idol Season 7 finalist Michael Johns.

(Note: For inquiries about Alchemy, call 0917-8861049.)

Source: FUNFARE By Ricardo F. Lo

ABS-CBN 2008 Christmas Station ID a Copycat From QTV 11?

Here is a cut from ABS-CBN�s 2008 Christmas Station ID featuring Sarah Geronimo and other Kapamilya stars and QTV 11�s Pop Star Kids Grand Finals Night Plug featuring Kyla.

Watch the video and you be judge, copycat or not?

Manuel Chua Sets Fear Factor World Record

Manuel Chua smashed the Fear Factor world record in the Auto Resbaladizos or the �slippery car" stunt.

Manuel finished the challenge in an unbelievable 44 seconds. The slippery car stunt has been done in almost 30 Fear Factor franchises around the globe, and Manuel has clocked in the fastest time, beating the record held by a Fear Factor Hungary contestant at three minutes and seven seconds.

Cristine Reyes Covers Maxim Magazine December 2008 Issue

19-year-old sexy actress Cristine Reyes is on the cover of Maxim Magazine Philippines December 2008 issue.

She will be soon seen in ABS-CBN's TV adaptation of the 1976's bomba movie �Eva Fonda�. Its TV cast includes Jason Abalos, Joross Gamboa, Princess Ryan, Jean Saburit, Janna Garcia, and Baron Geisler.

Mister International 2008 Winners

Ngo Tien Doan of Vietnam bested 30 other contestants to win the 2008 Mister International Pageant in Taiwan Monday night. Philippine's Jeff Surio is one of the 15 semi-finalists.

MISTER INTERNATIONAL 2008:

Ngo Tien Doan, VIETNAM

1st Runner Up:
Mohamad Chamseddine, LEBANON

2nd Runner Up:
Zhang Chao, CHINA

3rd Runner Up:
Mihovil Barun, CROATIA

4th Runner Up:
Vincent Cleuren, NETHERLANDS

15 SEMIFINALISTS:
(in alphabetical order by country)

Koen Van De Voorde, BELGIUM
Marciel Moreno Mendes, BRAZIL
Dimitris Tsilis, GREECE
Vikas Mehandroo, INDIA
Rocky Pramata, INDONESIA
Jeffrey Miguel Surio, PHILIPPINES
Ken Lim, SINGAPORE
Li Chih Siang, TAIWAN (ROC)
Ivan Rusilko, USA
Venezuela, Marco Antonio Chinea Franco, VENEZUELA

Those who didn�t make the cut were contestants from: Angola, Bolivia, France, Honduras, Hong Kong, Italy, Korea, Kyrgyztan, Latvia, Luxembourg, Macau, Malta, Nigeria, Pakistan, Slovenia, and Sri Lanka.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Forbes Hollywood�s 10 Top Earning Couples

Beyonce, 27, and husband Jay-Z, 38, recently topped Forbes� list of Hollywood�s Richest Couples - with combined earnings for 2008 of $162 million.

Here is the complete list:

1. Shawn Jay-Z and Beyonce Knowles - $162 million

These chart-topping newlyweds have had a monster year. He banked $82 million by signing a $150 million 10-year recording, touring and merchandising deal with Live Nation. She raked in $80 million, thanks to an entertainment empire including fashion, film and publishing deals as well as a concert tour that sold $50 million in tickets and endorsement deals.

2. Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith - $85 million

Will Smith maintains his role as the family breadwinner, pulling down $80 million in the year ending June 2008, thanks to another set of top-performing blockbusters. Jada managed to generate a still impressive $5 million during the same period, thanks to roles as an actress, producer, and entrepreneur.

3. David Beckham and Victoria Beckham - $58 million

Conquering fans on both sides of the Atlantic, the power couple pulled down $58 million over the course of the year. David got $50 million, mainly through endorements. His wife, also known as Posh, brought in $8 million, thanks to the $23 million Spice Girls reunion tour and a slew of product lines.

4. Tim McGraw and Faith Hill - $35 million

In addition to the big loot country sweethearts McGraw and Hill made on their Soul-2-Soul concert tour, he earned his $23 million from festivals and a double-platinum album, Let It Go. Hill reached $12 million by recording an album, The Hits, and the NFL Sunday Night Football theme song.

5. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie - $34 million

They may not be Tinseltown's richest couple, but they're arguably its most famous. But the tabloid staple couple did more than grab press mentions this year: Jolie appeared on screen in Beowulf and A Mighty Heart, while Pitt spent time both in front of the camera and behind it.

6. Judd Apatow and Leslie Mann - $30 million

This joke-slinging duo is laughing all the way to the bank. Mann pulled in an estimated $3 million with a major role in her hubby's blockbuster Knocked Up, and Apatow raked in $27 million in the same period, thanks to a prolific release schedule that included Superbad, Walk Hard and Forgetting Sarah Marshall.

7. Gavin Rossdale and Gwen Stefani - $28 million

With a fashion line, an endorsement deal and an international tour, Stefani earned $27 million from June '07 to June '08. Rossdale, former front man of post-grunge powerhouse band Bush, returned to his musical roots with his first solo album in June.

8. Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman - $25 million

It has been a big year for this county crooner and his Aussie glamazon wife. She banked $13 million on the highly anticipated Australia and endorsement deals, and he won a Grammy for Best Male Country Performance in February and earned $12 million from a combination of album sales and receipts from his tour.

9. Tony Parker and Eva Longoria Parker - $22.5 million

Point guard Tony Parker and his Hollywood wife Eva Longoria seem to have it all and endorse it all. He made $10.5 million last year playing for the San Antonio Spurs, which he supplemented with endorsement deals. She earned $9 million from her role on ABC's Desperate Housewives and endorsement deals.

10. Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart - $22 million

Harrison made $18 million from June '07 to June '08, and the actress formerly known as Ally McBeal pulled in $4 million in the same period.

Source: walletpop

Beyonce American Music Awards 2008 Performance Video

Uh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh�

Beyonce performs her anthem �Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)� at the 2008 American Music Awards (AMA) at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday, November 23.

So what did you think of Beyonce's performance at the AMAs?

Monday, November 24, 2008

2008 American Music Awards (AMA) - List of Winners

The 2008 American Music Awards (AMA) was concluded Sunday night, November 23, 2008 at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles as hosted by comedian Jimmy Kimmel.

Here is the complete list of winners and nominees for the 2008 American Music Awards:

POP/ROCK

Favorite Male Artist
Chris Brown (Winner)
Kid Rock
Usher

Favorite Female Artist
Rihanna (Winner)

Mariah Carey
Alicia Keys

Favorite Band, Duo or Group
Daughtry (Winner)

Coldplay
Eagles

Favorite Album
Alicia Keys - As I Am (Winner)
Coldplay - Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends
Eagles - Long Road Out of Eden

COUNTRY MUSIC

Favorite Male Artist
Brad Paisley (Winner)
Garth Brooks
Kenny Chesney

Favorite Female Artist
Taylor Swift (Winner)
Reba McEntire
Carrie Underwood

Favorite Band, Duo or Group
Rascal Flatts (Winner)
Brooks & Dunn
Sugarland

Favorite Album
Carrie Underwood - Carnival Ride (Winner)
Garth Brooks - The Ultimate Hits
Rascal Flatts - Still Feels Good

RAP/HIP-HOP

Favorite Male Artist
Kanye West (Winner)
Flo Rida
Lil Wayne

Favorite Band, Duo or Group
Three 6 Mafia (Winner)
G Unit
Wu-Tang Clan

Favorite Album
Kayne West - Graduation (Winner)
Jay-Z - American Gangster
Lil Wayne - Tha Carter III

SOUL/RHYTHM & BLUES MUSIC

Favorite Male Artist
Chris Brown (Winner)
J. Holiday
Usher

Favorite Female Artist
Rihanna (Winner)
Mary J. Blige
Alicia Keys

Favorite Album
Alicia Keys - As I Am (Winner)
Mary J. Blige - Growing Pains
Mariah Carey - E=MC2

SOUNDTRACKS

Favorite Album
Alvin And The Chipmunks (Winner)
Juno
Mamma Mia!

ALTERNATIVE ROCK

Favorite Artist
Linkin Park (Winner)
Coldplay
Foo Fighters

ADULT CONTEMPORARY

Favorite Artist
Jordin Sparks (Winner)
Daughtry
Eagles

LATIN

Favorite Artist
Enrique Iglesias (Winner)
Juanes
Wisin Y Yandel

CONTEMPORARY INSPIRATIONAL

Favorite Artist
Third Day (Winner)
Casting Crowns
MercyMe

BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST
Jonas Brothers (Winner)
Colbie Caillat
Flo Rida
Paramore
The-Dream

ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Lil Wayne (Winner)
Chris Brown
Alicia Keys
Eagles
Coldplay

Rihanna American Music Awards 2008 Performance Video

Pirate-inspired Rihanna pairs her jewel-encrusted eyepatch with her spiky dominatrix outfit during her performance of �Rehab� at the 2008 American Music Awards (AMA) held at Nokia Theatre L.A. on Sunday in Los Angeles.

The 20-year-old Bajan babe picked up two awards for pop/rock female artist and female soul R&B artist.

Watch Rihanna�s performance below. It�s hot hot hot!!!

Source: jared

Robert Buckley is Flirting With Heather Locklear

Lipstick Jungle star Robert Buckley stars as the hunky love interest of former Melrose Place actress Heather Locklear in the new Lifetime movie Flirting with Forty.

Synopsis: Jackie (Locklear) is a divorced mother of two on the brink of her 40th birthday. When her kids go to stay with her ex for the holidays, Jackie takes a chance on a magical vacation and finds herself in the middle of an unexpected romance with a much younger (and hunkier) man (Kyle Hamilton, played byBuckley). It�s not long before she realizes that life only begins at 40.

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