Despite her unusual popularity, overnight internet phenomenon Susan Boyle only came in second place to dance group Diversity in the world's biggest talent show "Britain's Got Talent".
Boyle, 48, had been expected to triumph after her performance in April of "I Dreamed a Dream" catapulted her to international superstardom. But the dance troupe Diversity have been crowned the winners of Britain's Got Talent 2009.
The 10-member troupe from Essex, England and London who won by public vote receives 100,000 pounds ($160,000) and will perform at the Royal Variety Performance in front of the Queen on December.
In third place was saxophonist Julian Smith.
See Britain's Got Talent 2009 Finals performances below:
Kris Lawrence is back with the release of his new single "Careless Whisper", which is coincidentally the theme song of the s-x video scandal of his ex-girlfriend Katrina Halili with Hayden Kho.
I feel so unsure As I take your hand and lead me to the dance floor As the music dies Something in your eyes Calls to mind a silver screen And all it's sad goodbye
Chorus: I'm never gonna dance again Guilty feet have got no rhythm Though it's easy to pretend I know you're not a fool
Should have known better than to cheat a friend Waste a chance that I've been given So I'm never gonna dance again The way I dance with you, oh
Time can never mend For careless whisper of a good friend To the heart and mind Ignorance is kind There's no comfort in the truth Pain is all you'll find
(Repeat Chorus)
Tonight the music seems so loud I wish that we could lose this crowd Maybe it's better this way We'd hurt each other with the things we want to say We could have been so good together We could have lived this dance forever But now who's gonna dance with me Please stay
(Now that you're gone) Now that you're gone, I feel so alone (Now that you're gone)
MYX VJ and Gigger Boys member Robi Domingo reportedly has a video scandal too.
Robi is reportedly doing it with a gay guy in the video to which he vehemently denies saying, "Basta ako, wala akong natatandaang nakipag-relasyon ako sa isang bading kaya hindi puwedeng magkaroon ako ng sex video, puwera na lamang kung dinaya ito. (I don�t remember having a relationship with a gay guy and so it is impossible for me to have a video scandal. Unless it has been doctored.)".
Robi Domingo is a student of the Jesuit-run Ateneo De Manila University and is an up and coming matinee idol after placing second in PBB Teen Edition Plus. He is seen regularly together with his group The Gigger Boys on ASAP �09 and Your Song Presents: Boystown.
Let�s face it, every girl has grown up loving Barbie and wanting to be as gorgeous as the doll.
Preview magazine, on its June 2009 issue, pays tribute to Barbie Millicent Roberts on her 50th year of making little girls happy with its Barbie-inspired June 2009 issue. Who better to play the living doll than actress Marian Rivera, whose own rosy features won her the Style Star title just last week.
The cover shoot had Marian dressed in strapless mini-dresses with sweetheart necklines, fluffy white gowns, and a whole load of pink. In the video interview with Style Bible, she admits that the doll was one of her favorite toys when she was younger and that she never expected to be playing a real live version until this shoot.
Catch Preview Magazine June 2009 issue at your favorite magazine stands nationwide.
. "Wala akong malay na ang bawat yakap at halik ay scripted. Buong-buo kong binigay yung puso at kaluluwa ko sa isang lalaking gumagawa pala ng sariling pelikula."
. "Ako raw ay prinsesa niya sa ikalawa n'yang mundo."
. "Ang tanga ko, nagtiwala ako sa isang doktor na direktor pala!"
Hayden Kho on Katrina Halili:
. "It's Katrina who taught me to use ecstacy."
. "I told her just one, but she insisted that I take two, since it won't have that much effect."
. "Everytime we see each other there was no conversation, it was all drugs and sex."
. "I have been undergoing physhotherapy to know why I do things such things and why men and women do such things."
. "High po kami sa drugs nang gawin ang video namin ni Katrina."
Those were the strong words read and heard from Katrina Halili and Hayden Kho on the Senate inquiry hearing held yesterday, May 28, regarding the Hayden Kho - Katrina Halili sex scandal.
The hearing was done by the Senate Committees on Youth, Women, and Family Relations and on Public Information and Mass Media headed by Senator Jamby Madrigal.
Also asked to appear before the Senate but were not present on the preliminary hearing are Dra. Vicki Belo (but was represented by her lawyer Adel Tamano); talent manager and columnist Lolit Solis (but was represented by Atty. Noel Malaya); the said to be culprits in releasing the sex videos Erik Johnston Chua and Bistek Rosario ; and commercial model na si Maricar Reyes (who were with Hayden in other scandalous videos).
Hayden Kho doused with water at the Senate inquiry:
A sideshow came up when a purportedly enraged policeman-turned-tabloid writer named Abner Afuang doused a bottled water on Kho�s head at the start of the hearing and Abner Afuang was then ordered to be arrested by Senator Jamby Madrigal. As of this time, Afuang is still in the possession of Pasay Police station where the ex-policement spent the whole night.
Hayden Kho reiterates Katrina Halili taught him to use ecstasy:
Hayden said it was Katrina Halili who taught her to use ecstasy after he did liposuction on the actress two years ago.
Hayden also mentioned that Katrina told him to use drugs before they went to bed in Holiday Inn on 2007, "I told her just one, but she insisted that I take two, since it won't have that much effect." Hayden added.
An emotional Halili, however, denied ever using illegal drugs and influencing Kho to take the same. She said she felt betrayed after learning that the man she loved videotaped their most intimate moments together.
It was when Hayden challenged Katrina to undergo drug test using her hair and not through blood samples. "I challenge Ms. Halili to take the drug test using her hair." Hayden mentioned that the drugs can no longer be traced 8-days after its usage but you can still know if a person uses drugs through his/her hair even after several years.
Katrina's opening statement:
While Hayden resist to issue an opening lines, Katrina still, while in tears, managed to read what she believes everyone should know about her past with Hayden. And it reads:
"Artista po ako. Trabaho ko ang maghatid ng tuwa. Pantasya ng telebisyon at pelikula. Pero tulad ng iba may pribado ring buhay din ako gaya ng lahat. Sa pagkakataong ito. dangal ko at dangal ng pamilya ang pinag-uusapan dito. Minahal ko si Hayden. Bata ako kaya madaling nalagyan ng piring ang aking mga mata para isiping ako lang ang nagmamay-ari ng puso niya. Pero gaya ng lahat ng relasyong nagsimula sa kasinunagalingan, wala itong pinatunguhan.
Wala akong malay na ang bawat yakap at halik ay scripted. Buong-buo kong binigay ang puso at ang kaluluwa ko sa isang lalaking gumagawa pala ng sariling pelikula. Ang tanga ko. Imbes na doktor, direktor pala. Inaamin ko ang pagkakamali ko. Ang pagkakamali ko ay minahal ko siya. At naniwala ako na minahal n�ya rin ako ng lubusan.
Ako raw ang prinsesa niya sa ikalawa niyang mundo. Bata po ako madali niya ako napaniwala. Ako ang biktima rito. Araw-araw biktima ako habang pinapanood ang nasabing video. Hiling ko po ang hustisya sa hukuman kahit alam kong habang buhay ko nang dadalhin ang ginawa sa akin.
Patay na ako pero may video pa rin at may Internet. Dalawa lang kasong sinampa ko sa pambababoy na ginawa sa akin sa pagkatao ko. Gusto ko siyang matanggalan ng lisensiya bilang doktor. Wala siyang karapatang maging doktor. Gusto ko rin siyang makulong at pagdusahan niya ang ginawa niya sa akin.
Pero ano po ang iginanti nila. Kasama ni Hayden ang kanyang ina. Sari-saring paninira ang binato nila sa akin at sa mga taong tumutulong sa akin. Inabuso na ako at binaboy, ako pa ang may sala. Inabuso na nga ako sa sex video, inaabuso pa ako muli sa publiko.
And issue dito ay pang-aabuso sa kababaihan. Ang pambababoy sa akin at sa iba pang biktima ni Hayden. Sa kultura po natin habambuhay na latay sa pagkatao ko ang ginawa sa akin. May ina din po ako na nasasaktan. Araw-araw na nagdurusa. May anak o kapatid din po kayo na babae. Ayaw din n�yo mangyari sa kanila ang sinapit ko.
Sana ipagpatuloy ng Senado at madaliin ang pagsusulong ng mga batas na may layuning itaguyod ang karapatan at proteksyon para sa aming kababaihan dahil iba na ang ginagamit na panggagahasa at pambababoy sa karapatan ng kababaihan. Sa Intenet, sa blogs, DVDs at iba pa.
Nabiktima ako. Isa ako sa maraming babaeng naloko at niloko ni Hayden Kho. Pero may hangganan ang katangahan. At sa araw na ito buong loob na humaharap sa inyo na puno ng respeto sa sarili. Ilalaban ko ang aking karapatan ng mabuhay ng marangal, ng walang takot at malayo sa karanasang inabot ko dahil sa sex video.
Sana po sa publiko itigil na po natin ang pagtangkilik sa mga sex videos at malalaswang panoorin. Kung walang tumatangkilik wala rin din pong gagawa ng mga s-x video. Sana po ang pangalang Katrina Halili na lang ang huling nasa mga s-x videos. Sana po wala ng susunod pa. Salamat po."
Garnering nine trophies from the Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC), the period film Baler took home the lion's share of the honors given out last night, May 28, during the silver anniversary of the Star Awards for Movies.
Baler received major awards such as Movie of the Year, Mark Meily as Movie Director of the Year, Jericho Rosales as Movie Actor of the Year.
Megastar Sharon Cuneta, on the other hand, was hailed as the Movie Actress of the Year for her performance in Caregiver.
Two stars tied for the Movie Supporting Actor of the Year category: Emilio Garcia for Walang Kawala and German Moreno for Paupahan.
This is the second year in a row that Emilio has been named Movie Supporting Actor of the Year by the PMPC. Last year, he was recognized for his supporting role in Selda.
Another Walang Kawala star, Snooky Serna, bagged the award for Movie Supporting Actress of the Year.
For the digital film category, the big winner was the Cinema One Originals entry Yanggaw, with its four trophies; namely Digital Movie of the Year, Richard Somes as Digital Movie Director of the Year, Digital Movie Production Designer of the Year, and Digital Movie Cinematographer of the Year.
Two Special Awards were also given by the PMPC. First was the Ulirang Artista Award which was conferred to Batangas Governor Vilma Santos. And another special award which was given to the people involved in Himala, the Filipino film that won in the CNN poll for Best Asian Film of All Time.
Hosting the event were Ai-Ai delas Alas, Maricel Soriano, and Cesar Montano.
Some of the presenters that night were Richard Gomez (who announced Sharon Cuneta as the Movie Star of the Year), Helen Gamboa, Yul Servo, Baron Geisler, and JC Tiuseco, among others.
Special guests performers were Toni Gonzaga, Ronnie Liang, and Jay-R Siaboc as well as Christopher de Leon who sang "Sinasamba Kita" for his perennial leading lady Vilma Santos. Sarah Geronimo, who was wearing a light purple gown by Rhett Eala, gave her passionate rendition of "Paano Kita Mapasasalamatan."
Here are the other winners of the 25th edition of the Star Awards for Movies:
Movie Child Performer of the Year: Julian Duque (Boses)
New Movie Actress of the Year: KC Concepcion (For the First Time)
New Movie Actor of the Year: Sherwin Ordonez (Kurap)
Movie Editor of the Year: Danny Anonuevo (Baler)
Digital Movie Editor of the Year: Francis Xavier Pasion, Kats Serraon, and Chuck Gutierrez (Jay)
Movie Original Screenplay of the Year: Roy Iglesias (Baler)
Digital Movie Original Screenplay of the Year: Dennis Evangelista (Paupahan)
Movie Cinematographer of the Year: Lee Meily (Baler)
Movie Musical Scorer of the Year: Jessie Lasaten (Ploning)
Digital Movie Musical Scorer of the Year: Jourdann Petalver (Boses)
Movie Sound Engineer of the Year: Ditoy Aguila (Baler)
Digital Movie Sound Engineer of the Year: Jethro Joaquin and Ronald de Asis (Concerto)
Movie Original Theme Song of the Year: "Ngayon, Bukas at Kailanman" (Baler)
Digital Movie Theme Song of the Year: "Sangandaan" (Paupahan)
Newsmaker of the Year: Manny Pacquiao
Darling of the Press: Herbert Bautista
Award for Cinematic Excellence in Filipino Animation: Dayo (Cutting Edge Productions) and Urduja (APT Entertainment)
Kapuso star who filed an acts of lasciviousness and unjust vexation charges against controversial actor Baron Geisler (see related post HERE) said she does�nt want the matter to get worse that is why she decided to dropped the case.
In an interview, Yasmien said, "Wala naman po akong plano na palakihin pa ito at gawin pa itong malaking issue or something. Sabi ko nga po sa lawyer ko, tigilan na rin po natin. Okey na po 'to, na, nakuha ko po yung seguridad. Yun lang po ang kailangan ko, hindi ko naman kailangan na mag-down pa ng tao."
"Nag-sorry naman na po siya [Baron] sa text. Pero mas maganda po siguro kung magbibigay po siya ng public apology."
The taping of their teleseries SRO Cinemaserye Presents Suspetsa, where the incidents happened, will resume today. When asked if she is ready to face Baron, Yasmien strongly said, "Basta after ng take, tantanan na niya 'ko. After ng take, wala. Yung wala nang anything."
David Seville and chipmunks Alvin, Simon and Theodore, return in the sequel to lay waste to Seville�s surroundings and sing in three-part harmony. The new movie will introduce the Chipmunks� female counterparts the Chipettes - Alvin, Simon and Theodore will compete against The Chipettes in the $100,000 Battle of the Bands.
Watch "Alvin and the Chipmunks:The Squeakuel" teaser trailer below:
Directed by Betty Thomas, Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakuel which stars Jason Lee, Cameron Richardson, David Cross, Justin Long, Zachary Levi, Jesse McCartney and Matthew Gray Gubler is scheduled to hit theaters on December 25, 2009.
Check out the 100 personalities who made it to TIME Magazine�s Most Influential People list for 2009.
LEADERS & REVOLUTIONARIES
Nicolas Sarkozy Joaqu�n Guzm�n Barack Obama Hillary Clinton (for the complete list, click HERE)
BUILDERS & TITANS
The Twitter Guys Brad Pitt Suze Orman Stella McCartney (for the complete list, click HERE)
ARTISTS & ENTERTAINERS
Rush Limbaugh M.I.A. Kate Winslet Pen�lope Cruz John Legend The View Hosts Zac Efron Tina Fey Tom Hanks (for the complete list, click HERE)
HEROES & ICONS
Manny Pacquiao Michelle Obama Tiger Woods Chesley B. Sullenberger George Clooney Richard Philips Oprah Winfrey Sarah Palin Seth Berkley Michael Evis Leonard Abess Hadizatou Mani Rick Warren Van Jones Somaly Mam Rafael Nadal Suraya Pakzad Jeff Bezos Brady Gustafson Sister Mary Scullion
SCIENTISTS AND THINKERS
Nouriel Roubini Amory Lovins Jon Favreau Dambisa Moyo Dan Barber Yoichiro Nambu Roland Fryer Martin Lindstrom Barbara Hogan David Sheff (for the complete list, click HERE)
Before she left the country for her international concert with her daughter KC Concepcion, the Megastar Sharon Cuneta launched her recent album under Sony Music Entertainment titled "Children's Rhymes & Lullabies".
"This project is very close to my heart," says Sharon. "With the help of my husband, Kiko, we cooked-up the idea after a personal encounter with such need for our very own kids�Frankie and Miel. The idea of this album stemmed from a need to find both Tagalog and English songs for our children. Marami kaming English songs for the children, pero wala kaming makitang children songs in Pilipino. Naisip naming gawin ito dahil marami tayong Filipino parents scattered all over the world whose children hadn't heart of, let alone grown up with songs for them, from their homeland, that we had to make this collection."
The result was an extensive and intensive planning for the repertoire of the album.
Children's Rhymes & Lullabies were divided into six activities that children often do in the course of his day:
School / Learning Time:
1. Alphabet Song / A - You're Adorable 2. 1 2 Buckle My Shoe / Ten Little Indian Boys / I Have 2 Hands 3. Seven Days In A Week / Pitong Araw Sa Isang Linggo 4. Sampung Mga Daliri / Paa, Tuhod, Balikat, Ulo / My Toes, My Knees
Play Time:
5. If You're Happy And You Know It / Wheels On The Bus / Jack & Jill 6. I'm A Little Teapot / Ako Ay Maliit Na Pitsel 7. Maliliit Na Gagamba / Eency Weency Spider
Nap Time:
8. Pure Imagination 9. Rainbow Connection
Activity Time:
10. Magtanim Ay Di Biro / Bahay Kubo 11. Pen Pen De Sarapen / Sitsiritsit Alibangbang / Tong Tong Pakitong
Paru-Parong Bukid:
12. Leron Leron Sinta
Sleep Time:
13. Twinkle Twinkle Little Star 14. A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes 15. When You Wish Upon A Star 16. Tulog Na (Brahms Lullaby)
A bonus track of the album is the theme song of milk brand Nido titled "You're My Number 1" sung by Sharon and her daughters Frankie and Miel.
Sharon dedicates this to the most important women in the world and their beautiful children.
"This is for all you parents, here and abroad, and of course, for all your children. We worked hard to create this album with all of you in mind! I will always be grateful for your gift of hope, laughter, and trust. I hope that this album becomes one that you will continue to reach for and play over and over and over again�for yourselves, your children, your children's children! And may they play it for future generation to come."
The two-disc album Children's Rhymes & Lullabies includes minus one versions of all songs as well as an interactive booklet and song lyrics from Sony Music.
Kapuso star Yasmien Kurdi filed an acts of lasciviousness and unjust vexation charges against controversial actor Baron Geisler before the Philippine National Police (PNP) Women�s Crisis and Child Protection Center in Camp Crame in Quezon City last Monday, May 25.
As narrated by GMA-7 staff persent on the shooting, Baron harrassed her on May 21, the first day they met at the taping of GMA�s mini-series "Suspetsa" where they�re both lead stars.
Baron reportedly approached his co-star, Yasmien, and then, without warning: "Minanyak si Yasmien. Sinilipan, hinihipuan, tapos nag-masturbate sa harap niya."
"Una, nagla-laptop si Yasmien tapos nakikitingin lang si Baron. Tapos kinalkal na ni Baron gamit ni Yasmien. Noong nagpapahinga naman si Yasmien sa tent niya para matulog, tinabihan bigla ni Baron. Niyakap siya. After no'n, while on take, dapat beso lang daw yung scene, pero tina-try siya halikan."
In a scene where Yasmien, who was wearing a dress, was supposed to go up a spiral staircase, Baron, according to the source, waited for Yasmien to go up para silipan. After the take, Baron allegedly masturbated in front of Yasmien.
That incidents, added the source, was witnessed by two people: actress Jennylyn Mercado and Yasmien's personal assistant.
Yasmien then decided to file a complaint. Since then, Baron has reportedly been begging Yasmien not to push through with the case. But Yasmien has not yet withdrawn her complaint.
Dr. Hayden Kho�s mother Irene dela Santa broke her silence and accused Sen. Bong Revilla and Lolit Solis for "orchestrating" Katrina Halili�s "victim act" in the media.
In a report by Showbiz News Ngayon, Irene Kho alleged that actress Katrina Halili was following a "script" when she came out in the open in connection with her sex video with Hayden.
"Ms. Katrina Halili, nabili na yang arte mo," she said. Irene Kho also claims that Katrina Halili influenced Hayden to use illegal drugs.
"Ang anak ko, katino-tino hanggang matapos siya sa medisina, mabait na bata. Anong ginawa mo? Nilulon mo sa droga. Anong klase kang babae na tatawagin mo ang mga Gabriela, lahat," she said.
And to Senator Bong Revilla, she said:
"Nasasaktan lang ako sa inyo kagalang-galang na senador Bong Revilla, na kung bakit pati ako ay dinadamay mo dito. Ang sakit mong magsalita. Para bang wala na akong ginawang kabutihan sa aking anak. Ako nanginginig, hindi na ako makapagkatulog dahil ang anak ko ay pinaglalaruan��
She also accused talent manager Lolit Solis:
"Miss Lolit Solis eto lang masasabi ko sa iyo. Pagkatapos ng birthday ng anak ko, pinakumbida ako sa isang bahay dahil may inuutos sa aking script. Miss Solis, kumanta ka na. Ang ginawa mo kay Katrina Halili ay ini-script mo�kung kailan iiyak, kung anong a-artehan�. hindi ko alam kung sinong kasabwat mo," Irene said.
After Irene Kho�s statement on TV Patrol Monday evening, Showbiz News Ngayon was able to get the official statement of Senator Bong Revilla and Lolit Solis regarding the matter.
Senator Bong Revilla said:
"I sympathize with Mrs. Kho. Bilang isang magulang din, naiintindihan ko ang sakit at dalamhati na pinagdaraanan niya bilang ina, lalo na sa mata ng isang ina, ang anak ay habangbuhay na inosente at di makabasag pinggan. Pero mayroong mga biktima dito na kailangang bigyan ng hustisya at ito ang mahalaga. Suportado ito ng ebidensiya at mayroon na ring pag-amin.
And for the record, para lang malinaw, ni minsan ay hindi ko idinawit, much less binanggit si Mrs. Kho sa problema ng kanyang anak. And as I have said, Hayden must be held responsible. Justice for all the victims of HAYDEN KHO!"
Lolit Solis� statement:
"Natutuwa ako sa paglabas ng mother ni Dr. Hayden Kho dahil alam ng tao kung kanino nagmana si Dr. Hayden. Kung iimbestigahan ang tao since October last year ay jobless na si Dr. Kho. Paano niya naa-afford ang lifestyle niya. Nakatira sa Pacific Plaza sa Fort, bago ang kotse at nakaka-travel. Hindi ba tinatanong ng kanyang magulang kung saan nanggagaling ang lahat ng ito? Kinokonsinte ba siya? Huwag nilang i-sidetrack ang tunay na isyu. Ang isyu ay si Dr. Hayden Kho ang kumuha sa mga video na kumakalat ngayon at tinanggap niya ito."
Irene Kho stated that her family is ready to face any investigation to be conducted by Senate and the NBI regarding the video scandal.
Michael Haneke�s The White Ribbon from Austria bags the Palm d�Or (Best Film) in the recently concluded Cannes International Film Festival.
The White Ribbon is a story about a small village that is rocked by a series of mysterious and cruel crimes with a group of young children as prime suspects.
This is the second Best Picture award that was won by Austria in Cannes, the first was "The Last Chance" in 1946.
Here is the complete list of winners for Cannes International Film festival 2009:
Palme d�Or (Golden Palm): The White Ribbon - Michael Haneke (Austria)
Grand Prix (Runner-up): A Prophet - Jacques Audiard (France)
Jury Prize: Fish Tank - Andrea Arnold (Britain) and Thirst - Park Chan-Wook (South Korea)
Special Career Prize: Alain Resnais, Director of "Wild Grass"
Best Director: Brillante Mendoza - Kinatay (Philippines)
Best Actor: Christoph Waltz - Inglourious Basterds (United States)
Best Actress: Charlotte Gainsbourg - Antichrist (Denmark)
Best Screenplay: Feng Mei - Spring Fever (China)
Camera d�Or (for Debut Film): Samson and Delilah - Warwick Thornton (Australia)
Best Short Film: Arena - Joao Salaviza (Portugal)
The winners were chosen Sunday night by a nine-member Cannes jury headed by French actress Isabelle Huppert, which included actresses Robin Wright Penn (Forrest Gump) and Asia Argento and director James Gray.
Kris Aquino and Baby James come together in one special project sure to give the moms a nice treat as Kris shares a musical 'edu-taining' album titled "We are 1". Released by Star Records, this album will allow young ones to learn and have fun at the same time.
The pop-up album will be officially released on June 1 in all record bars nationwide. But once pre-ordered (until May 31), a discounted price will be given to the buyer. Instead of paying Php 299.00, the whole package can be bought at a price of Php 250.00 with a bonus cute picture frame.
The two-disc musical, educational and entertaining album features mother-and-child bonding music for infants to toddlers sure to help in the brain development of your children.
Known singers have also participated in the said album. Multi-platinum artist Aiza Seguerra, Ultimate Heartthrob Piolo Pascual and Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano have shared their voices and have contributed in crafting young minds through this project.
ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation is the only multimedia company to be included in the list of 2008 Top Performing Companies in terms of Corporate Governance in the 4th Corporate Governance (CG) Scorecard Project by the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD).
Fifteen (15) companies were selected out of 138 shortlisted companies which are graded based on the following criteria:
Rights of Shareholders Equitable Treatment of Shareholders Role of Stakeholders Disclosure & Transparency Board Responsibilities
Here are Philippines Top 15 Companies with Outstanding Corporate Governance in 2008 (in alphabetical order):
Aboitiz Equity Ventures ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp. & Subsidiaries Ayala Corporation Ayala Land Inc. Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) Cebu Holdings, Inc. Cebu Property Ventures and Dev. Corp. Centro Escolar University (CEU) Energy Development Corporation First Philippine Holdings Corp. Globe Telecom Manila Water Company Inc. Petron Corporation Phil. Long Distance Telephone (PLDT) Company Semirara Mining Corporation
Showbiz News Ngayon (SNN) reported Wednesday night that ABS-CBN finally hits no. 1 in Mega Manila last May 19, 2009.
According to Taylor Nelson Sofres, ABS-CBN received an audience share of 40% in Mega Manila against GMA�s 39%. It�s been a while since ABS-CBN ruled the Mega Manila TV ratings and to date, the figures are telling that the kapamilya network is about to reclaim the leadership.
In Metro Manila, ABS-CBN received an audience share of 43% against GMA�s 34% on the same date.
And nationwide, ABS-CBN garnered an audience share of 50% against GMA�s 31%. 19% belongs to all other networks combined.
On the said date, 100% of ABS-CBN programs trumped all its rival GMA shows including Showbiz News Ngayon which is always beaten by the Koreanovela Fated to Love You.
This feat could be attributed to the drama series "Tayong Dalawa" starring Gerald Anderson, Jake Cuenca and Kim Chiu for topping the primetime race in Mega Manila. Another strategy made by ABS-CBN that worked was the timeslot swapping of Pinoy Bingo Night and Boys Over Flowers.
Watch SNN report below:
But this claim by ABS-CBN was immediately refutes by GMA-7.
Citing overnight TV ratings data from AGB Nielsen Philippines, GMA Network said it posted total day (6 a.m. to midnight) audience shares of 42.3 percent, 7.5 percentage points higher than ABS-CBN�s 34.8 percent.
GMA increased its lead on May 20 to 10 percentage points, as it posted total day audience shares of 41.7 percent versus ABS-CBN�s 31.7 percent.
Moreover, GMA Network said that it has maintained its Mega Manila TV ratings lead over its rival since the start of the year.
From January to May 20 (May 10 to 20 based on overnight ratings), GMA Network posted an average total day audience shares of 40.5 percent, 9.1 percentage points higher than ABS-CBN�s 31.4 percent.
ABS-CBN earlier sent text messages to advertisers and announced on-air via their late night showbiz news program Showbiz News Ngayon that they have recaptured the lead in Mega Manila TV ratings last May 19 based on data from TNS.
But the data from TNS cited by ABS-CBN was the complete opposite of the ratings data from AGB Nielsen Philippines, which clearly showed GMA posting higher TV ratings numbers than its rival.
AGB Nielsen is the more widely recognized industry supplier of TV ratings and other data in the country.
The international group began releasing official National Urban TV Audience Measurement (NUTAM) data in the Philippines in January 2007 with 1,650 home panels in Total Urban Philippines.
Its rival TNS started releasing official national data only in February 2009 with a smaller number of 1,250 home panels.
A total of 19 companies, including GMA Network, another TV channel (not ABS-CBN), and 17 of the top media agencies subscribe to AGB Nielsen.
In contrast, only ABS-CBN subscribes to TNS National Survey and only one advertising agency currently subscribes to TNS Mega Manila Survey.
Watch GMA-7's response to SNN report through Startalk:
Heart Evangelista and JC de Vera team up for the first time in GMA-7's Sine Novela Presents: Ngayon at Kailanman.
Ngayon at Kailanman is originally a box-office romantic drama movie in 1992 starring Sharon Cuneta, Richard Gomez, and Cherrie Gil. This time, GMA-7 will have its TV adaptation as part of their "Dramarama sa Hapon" block.
JC De Vera will play the role of Edwin Torres, originally played by Richard Gomez while Heart Evangelista will portray Ayra Noche, Sharon Cuneta�s character.
Ngayon at Kailanman is set to premiere this June only on GMa-7 Dramarama sa Hapon.
Actor Richard Gutierrez was injured in a car accident early Friday morning, May 22, along Tagaytay-Sta. Rosa Rd., Silang, Cavite.
In text message from the actor's sister actress Ruffa Gutierrez, she said that the airbag of Richard's vehicle, a Nissan Skyline GTR, saved his life.
She said Richard underwent a two-hour operation and is currently in the recovery room.
The actress also revealed that her brother sustained cuts and bruises all over his face.
She said that the actor has a long deep cut near the eye and eyebrow which required more than 10 stitches. Small cuts on his face were also stitched.
Ruffa said that actor might needs to get a cornea operation because some pieces of glass went in his eye.
Reports said that the actor is now out of danger but still traumatized.
Richard was rushed to the Asian Hospital Medical Center in Alabang after his car crashed into a post at 1:30 am at Tagaytay-Sta. Rosa Road, Silang, Cavite province.
An initial report from Puting Kahoy Police Station in Silang said that Richard, with his two companions, believed to be his assistant and bodyguard, were on their way to Manila when their vehicle crashed.
Authorities said Gutierrez was driving and may have over-sped while traversing a semi-curved road before crashing onto a post.
Richard and his bodyguard, initially identified as George Mastura were immediately rushed to Olivares Hospital. The actor was then moved to Asian Hospital in Alabang.
According to the police, their other companion, identified as Norman Pardo, was declared dead on arrival at Adventist University of the Philippines.
Richard's mother, Anabelle Rama, said his son was on his way home from a shooting of a cinema plug of his new TV show Full House with his two companions when the accident occurred.
Annabelle added that her family are still in shock over what happened.
Watch Ruffa's full report of Richard's current condition on SNN:
Dra. Vicki Belo, ex-girlfriend of the most popular Pinoy sex video king Hayden Kho, admitted she also made a sex video with her ex-beau.
According to Dra. Vicki's lawyer Adel Tamano, her client was forced to make the admission after the sex video of her tryst with Kho started circulating on the Internet. Rumors about the alleged sex video started after Sen. Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. revealed that Kho had made 40 sex videos of his trysts with various women including sexy actress Katrina Halili.
Atty. Tamano said the sex video was created using a computer with a built-in webcam. He said Dra. Vicki agreed to shoot the video provided that it would be deleted immediately. Unfortunately, Dra. Vicki also learned that Hayden didn't really delete the said video.
"She didn't say she felt betrayed pero ganun na din," Atty. Tamano said.
Dra. Vicki also confirmed that there are other sex videos stored in Hayden's computer.
When asked if Dra. Vicki and Hayden really get back together, Atty. Tamano said, "They remain friends but are no longer together."
Watch Hayden Kho - Vicki Belo video scandal report below:
"Tuloy ang laban!" is what exactly said by Katrina on her legal action filed against Hayden Kho and some other involved personalities.
After we saw her doing rounds of TV interviews depicting a crying, devastated and helpless victim, Katrina Halili decided to fight back.
First, there was the women's group Gabriela. Then came Senator Bong Revilla and the Senate. Now, Katrina is seeking the help of Professional Regulations Commission (PRC) for possible revoke of Hayden Kho's doctor's license. On May 20, she also went to the Department of Justice to request the government office to put Hayden on watch list. And on Thursday, May 21, Katrina undergone a mental evaluation as part of the investigation process being done by NBI on the "Hayden Kho - Katrina Halili video scandal" case.
According to Atty. Raymund Palad (Katrina's Lawyer), NBI already issued a subpoena to the three other personalities who are said to be involved in the case. They are Dra. Vicki Belo, Erik Johnston Chua, and a certain Bistek Rosario.
After many days of being silent about the ongoing brou-ha-ha on the biggest and most shocking Pinoy showbiz controversy of the year, Hayden Kho decided to issue an official statement about the Hayden Kho - Katrina Halili video scandal (this may include the Hayden Kho - Maricar Reyes and Hayden Kho - Brazilian model video scandals).
Here is a part of Hayden Kho's statement:
"I chose not to make any statement regarding the controversy over pirated video recordings...I sincerely apologize for the harm it has done to other parties.
I own up to my responsibility as a professional and I have decided to suspend my practice of medicine. I have been undergoing professional counseling since December.
At this stage, I realize I cannot expect understanding and forgiveness. I can only pray that this comes in due time."
After a record-breaking votes of nearly 100 million, Kris Allen was declared the winner of American Idol Season 8.
Watch Kris Allen performs his victory song "No Boundaries":
The finale:
1. Ryan Seacrest's Opening Remarks - he said under 100 million votes came in, a total of 624 million votes for season 8. He introduces the judges with matching funny clips.
2. Ryan introduces the final 2 - Kris Allen and Adam Lambert who are both dressed in white. Michaela Gordon is hosting the viewing party for Kris in Arkansas while Carly Smithson is hosting in San Diego.
3. The Top 13, who are all dressed in white, perform Pink�s "So What".
4. David Cook performs "Permanent". The song is for his late brother Adam who recently succumbed to brain cancer.
5. The Golden Idol Awards are back. Nick Mitchell, the funny guy who made it to Top 36, wins.
6. Lil Rounds performs "Cue the Rain" with Queen Latifah.
7. Anoop Desai, Alexis Grace and the rest of the Top 13 perform "I'm Yours" with Jason Mraz.
8. The Journey of Kris Allen is shown.
9. Kris Allen and Keith Urban perform "Kiss a Girl".
10. The Top 13 girls sing "Glamorous" with Fergie taking the stage singing "Big Girls Don't Cry" afterwards. Allison introduces the Black Eyed Peas who perform their no. 1 song "Boom Boom Pow".
11. More Golden Idols. Best attitude goes to Katrina "The Bikini Girl" Darrell. She performs "Vision of Love" with judge Kara DioGuardi stealing the spotlight from Bikini Girl, wearing a bikini herself.
12. Allison Iraheta performs "Time After Time" with the legendary Cyndi Lauper.
13. Ryan interviews Kris Allen�s parents, then heads over to the other side of the auditorium to interview Adam�s parents.
14. Danny Gokey performs "Hello" with THE Lionel Ritchie.
15. Adam Lambert performs with the rock band Kiss.
16. The Top 13 perform "Smooth" with Carlos Santana.
17. The last Ford music Video is called "I will Remember You" featuring Adam Lambert and Kris Allen with a montage of all the season's Ford videos.
18. Steve Martin plays the banjo with Megan Joy and Michael Sarver singing "Pretty Flowers".
19. The Top 13 boys take the stage singing "Do You Think I�m Sexy". Adam introduces Rod Stewart singing "Maggie May".
20. The Last Golden Idol, this time for Best Female, goes to Tatiana del Toro.
21. Finally, the winner of American Idol season 8 is announced. The microphone trophy goes to the black horse, Kris Allen!
It's Adam Lambert vs. Kris Allen on Season 8 Finale of American Idol. See their 3 rounds of final performances below:
ROUND 1
Adam Lambert - Mad World by Tears for Fears
Randy: I love that you showed your sensitive side. I give that an A+. Kara: I am so happy you chose that performance. You are an incredible artist. You rocked it again tonight. Paula: I am proud you are standing on that stage right now. This is your moment. A great song for you. Still haunting. Way to start the show. Simon: I always thought this was your best performance but tonight was a little bit theatrical. It reminded me of Phantom of The Opera.
Kris Allen - Ain�t No Sunshine by Bill Withers
Randy: I love that I can tell what kind of artist you are. That was one of your best performances here on this stage. Kara: I agree with Randy. You have a way with creating an intimate bond with everyone in the audience. Paula: You awakened the spirit in all of us. Simon: This is a competition. When your name was announced last week, I wasn�t sure America made the right choice but I take it back after that performance.
ROUND 2
Adam Lambert - A Change is Gonna Come by Sam Cooke
Randy: What you did was show the real reason you are here. You can sing your face off. Kara: That may have been your best performance since the start of this competition.Unbelievable. Paula: That was the best I have ever heard. Unbelievable. You are going to be iconic. Simon: You are 100% back in the game.
Kris Allen - What�s Going On by Marvin Gaye
Randy: We have a real live duel going on. A great song choice but it was a little bit light for this point in the competition. Kara: You have been true to yourself since day 1. You can uplift people. Paula: You tore that song up. Simon: I love the song but it was like 3 friends in their bedroom strumming along to Marvin Gaye. To laid back for a night like this.
ROUND 3
Adam Lambert - No Boundaries
Randy: You can do anything. You can sing the phone book. Wasn�t my favorite performance. It was a bit pitchy. Kara: I am moved and I am proud. Thank you for giving me that moment. Paula: Adjectives can�t express what you have brought to season 8. I am in awe. You can sing whatever you want to sing and I will be a fan forever. Simon: I won�t judge the song, I will judge you. You have been one of the best and most original contestants we have ever had. You are a star.
Kris Allen - No Boundaries
Randy: You should be proud of what you have done in this competition. You have done amazing and I think that song fits your voice better than Adam�s. Kara: I don�t want you to be judged on that song, it was too high. I hope people vote on the season. Paula: You have done an amazing job to end up where you are. I wish you the best of luck. Simon: I think your highlight tonight was the first song you did. You deserve to be standing on this stage tonight.
Charice officially launched her first international single "A Note to God" on the Oprah Winfrey Show.
The powerhouse young vocalist has a powerhouse team for her debut album which include Grammy award-winning Diane Warren (writer of monster hits like I Don�t Want to Miss a Thing, Unbreak My Heart, Because You Love Me and How Do I Live), the legendary David Foster (album producer of Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, etc.) and the most influential woman Oprah Winfrey.
On the May 18 (Monday) episode of the Oprah Winfrey Show, Charice performed her first US single entitled "A Note to God." She was teary eyed as she belted out the last part of the song amid cheers and applause from the audience. It also brought Oprah to tears.
Charice was accompanied by an orchestra and a choir with David Foster playing on the piano. Some critics compared the performance to an American Idol finale where the audience are having goosebumps while listening to the song. Even before Charice hit the final note, the audience were already in standing ovation.
Oprah could only utter "wow" while Diane Warren described Charice�s performance as "amazing" and "beautiful."
David Foster, on the other hand, said: "In my world, this only happens two to three times probably in my lifetime. And I work with a lot of people. So, this is one of those two to three moments� she just sings so beautifully."
Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla, Jr. releases her anger on the Hayden Kho - Katrina Halili sex video scandal that is now getting a feast on the internet.
In his Senate privilege speech delivered today, May 19, 2009, Senator Bong put emphasis on preserving the women's dignity and rights and cited Hayden Kho's "explicit sexual acts" with three women as main examples.
The Senator clearly stressed about how Hayden Kho took advantage of the ladies' trust, and eventually ruined their honor and dignity. Senator Bong said that someone who would hide a video camera and place it where the woman was sure to be seen is clearly a perversion. "Ang tinutukoy ko po ay si Dr. Hayden Kho who is a pervert of the highest kind, a predator who has no conscience nor respect for women."
According to the Senator, the act of taking hidden footage of the naked ladies while having sex was a complete insult to any woman's self-respect. What troubled him most was the fact that a doctor was behind all of it.
As part of his speech, Senator Bong said, "Ang isang doktor ay kailangang maging kagalang-galang sa kaniyang pagkilos. Kailangang respetuhin niya ang dangal ng lahat, at tratuhin ng may respeto ang bawat tao. Paano mo ipagkakatiwala ang anak mong babae sa ganitong doktor? If you ask me, wala sa tamang pag-iisip ang taong ito, and according to the Medical Act, this doctor can also be punished for insanity. Buwang itong doktor na ito, baliw."
Senator Bong continued his rant against the doctor saying that the female celebrity has been saying "sorry" for the incident for the past few weeks, "pero 'ni minsan, itong manyak na ito ay hindi humingi ng paumanhin."
Before he ended, he presented a code of law (Medical Act of 1959) stating that a doctor may be relieved of his duties should he display immoral or dishonorable conduct.
In addition, he also informed the Senate that he has written to the PRC (Philippine Regulatory Commission) to request that they revoke Hayden's license and ban him from his medical practices.
Ponds commercial model and Star Magic talent Maricar Reyes is now beginning to make a name for herself...but not in a good way, though.
Maricar is allegedly the other victim (Katrina Halili confirmed the other video and another one with the Brazilian model) of Hayden Kho hidden camera scandal.
The alleged video is now making a rounds in the cyberspace.
See screenshots here:
Maricar Reyes was first seen (aside from these alleged sex video) on ABS-CBN's teleserye "I Love Betty La Fea" as John Lloyd Cruz� first love and is now Ahron Villena's loveteam in Precious Hearts Romances Presents: Bud Brothers.
First, there was Charice Pempengco. Now, two more Kapamilya got the chance to show internationally what Pinoy talents are really like through Korea's Star King TV.
Pinoy Dream Academy Little Dreamers' Philip Nadela and Amy Nobleza were invited to perform in Korea�s Star King TV, and here are their performances:
Now the big question is, will Amy Nobleza and Philip Nadela get the same good international career exposure with that of Charice? Calling Ellen de Generes...calling Oprah Winfrey...calling David Foster.
Despite the long week of mall tours, tv guestings, press conferences, and a very late and tiring night of concert, David Archuleta still took time to thank his Filipino fans who supported him and David Cook in their recently concluded Manila concert. And he did it on youtube just right after the concert. Wow! This guy is really great and nice and humble and very down to earth, I must say!
As expected, all roads going to SM Mall of Asia get smaller and smaller last night as fans and concert watchers all headed to the venue of the first (and might be the last) Manila concert of two American Idol's "David".
Although the two Davids didn't perform on the same stage at the same time, the concert event still ended-up as a great success and the screaming fans went home happy and satisfied.
During their 40 minutes (both had 60 minutes solo spot with 20 minutes break) solo performances, David Cook wowed his fans with his hit songs like Heroes, Always Be My Baby, Light On, Avalance, The World I Know, Kiss On The Neck, Mr. Sensitive, Come Back To Me, Straight Ahead, Life On The Moon, Bar-Ba-Sol and A Daily Anthem, which he dedicated to his brother Adam who died of cancer last May 3. While David Archuleta performed Stand By Me, Crush, A Little Too Not Over You, Touch My Hand, Angel, A Thousand Miles, Waiting For Yesterday, Don't Let Go, To Be With You, Your Eyes Don't Lie, My Hands, You Can, Zero Gravity and Barriers.
Watch David Cook and David Archuleta performed "Always Be My Baby" and "Angel" during their "David Cook & David Archuleta: Live in Manila" concert:
David Cook - Always Be My Baby (courtesy of richestgrave)
Despite her apologies (read it HERE), Candy Pangilinan was declared a "persona non grata" in Baguio City after she cracked a joke about "Igorot" during her stand-up comedy act held in SM Baguio last Saturday. Candy came in late and made her apologies by saying, "Sorry, tao po ako hindi po ako Igorot."
This drew strong criticisms from the Igorot community. According to Atty. Jose Molintas, a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Candy's statement is an etchic slur and an insults to the Igorots.
In a special session held by the Baguio City council on Friday, Pangilinan was declared "unwelcome visitor" by a majority vote. This motion also banned Candy's movies from being shown in the city's theaters.
Appearing weary and tearful before cameras on Thursday (watch it HERE), Pangilinan said she regretted her blunder. She said she delivered the line incorrectly due to lack of sleep and rest, since she had just flown back to the country from Guam.
"If you were there and had finished the show, you would have heard me acknowledge my blunder. I apologized and explained myself. I even went on to uplift the Benguet or Igorot community," she said.
"Regine Roots to Riches" is a television special prepared by her home studio, GMA-7, for the birthday celebration of the one and only Kapuso Songbird Regine Velasquez.
Regine herself will take the televiewers from her amateur singing days in Malolos, Bulacan up to where she is now.
"Nakakaiyak! Super research-to-the max," Regine says of how the show dug up her past. "I mean, everyone knows my story. But not this� I mean, maraming untold [stories]. Yung sa dagat, wala pa yun. Meron pang iba."
The special Roots to Riches covers the Songbird�s climb from her humble start as a budding singer joining every amateur contest in her town in Malabon to her Bagong Kampeon days and to where she is now.
She adds, "Sana maraming makapanood. I realized na my life story is very inspiring pala. Especially to those young people who aspire to one day become a star."
"Regine Roots to Riches" will air on May 24 on Sunday Night Box Office, after Ful Haus.
See Regine Velasquez' Roots to Riches TV Plug below:
Here are the Top 10 daytime and primetime programs from May 12 to 14 based on the overnight survey of Taylor Nelson Sofres (TNS) among national households households:
May 12, Tuesday
Daytime: 1. Wowowee (ABS-CBN) - 23.4% 2. Precious Hearts Romances Presents Bud Brothers (ABS-CBN) - 23% 3. Kambal Sa Uma (ABS-CBN) - 22.5% 4. Dapat Ka Bang Mahalin? (GMA-7) - 20.7% 5. Paano Ba ang Mangarap? (GMA-7) - 18.4% 6. Mr. Bean Live (ABS-CBN) - 16.3% 7. Daisy Siete: Kambalilong (GMA-7) - 16% 8. Pilipinas, Game KNB? (ABS-CBN) - 15.7% 9. Naruto Shipuuden (ABS-CBN) - 14.6% 10. Eat Bulaga! (GMA-7) - 13.4%
Primetime: 1. May Bukas Pa (ABS-CBN) / Only You (ABS-CBN) - 38.7% 2. Tayong Dalawa (ABS-CBN) - 36.8% 3. TV Patrol World (ABS-CBN) - 30.2% 4. Boys Over Flowers (ABS-CBN) - 28.1% 5. Zorro (GMA-7) - 25.3% 6. Totoy Bato (GMA-7) - 24.2% 7. 24 Oras (GMA-7) - 23.4% 8. All About Eve (GMA-7) - 19.3% 9. Fated To Love You (GMA-7) - 18% 10. Hole In The Wall (GMA-7) - 16.5%
May 13, Wednesday
Daytime: 1. Wowowee (ABS-CBN) - 24.8% 2. Precious Hearts Romances Presents Bud Brothers (ABS-CBN) - 21.3% 3. Kambal Sa Uma (ABS-CBN) - 21% 4. Dapat Ka Bang Mahalin? (GMA-7) - 19.9% 5. Paano Ba ang Mangarap? (GMA-7) - 18.4% 6. Mr. Bean Live (ABS-CBN) - 16% 7. Pilipinas, Game KNB? (ABS-CBN) - 15.5% 8. Daisy Siete: Kambalilong (GMA-7) - 15.2% 9. Eat Bulaga! (GMA-7) - 15% 10. Naruto Shipuuden (ABS-CBN) - 14.1%
Primetime: 1. May Bukas Pa (ABS-CBN) - 36.2% 2. Only You (ABS-CBN) - 35.8% 3. Tayong Dalawa (ABS-CBN) - 35.7% 4. TV Patrol World (ABS-CBN) - 30.1% 5. Boys Over Flowers (ABS-CBN) - 27.6% 6. Zorro (GMA-7) - 23.8% 7. Totoy Bato (GMA-7) - 23% 8. 24 Oras (GMA-7) - 20.6% 9. All About Eve (GMA-7) - 18.9% 10. Fated To Love You (GMA-7) - 17.7%
May 14, Thursday
Daytime: 1. Dapat Ka Bang Mahalin? (GMA-7) - 24.5% 2. Wowowee (ABS-CBN) - 23% 3. Paano Ba ang Mangarap? (GMA-7) - 21.8% 4. Kambal Sa Uma (ABS-CBN) - 20.3% 5. Precious Hearts Romances Presents Bud Brothers (ABS-CBN) - 18.1% 6. Daisy Siete: Kambalilong (GMA-7) - 16.9% 7. Eat Bulaga! (GMA-7) - 16.6% 8. Pilipinas, Game KNB? (ABS-CBN) - 13.8% 9. Mr. Bean Live (ABS-CBN) - 13.3% 10. SiS (GMA-7) - 13.2%
Primetime: 1. Only You (ABS-CBN) - 37% 2. May Bukas Pa (ABS-CBN) / Tayong Dalawa (ABS-CBN) - 36.1% 3. Boys Over Flowers (ABS-CBN) - 28.3% 4. TV Patrol World (ABS-CBN) - 28.1% 5. Zorro (GMA-7) - 24.7% 6. Totoy Bato (GMA-7) - 22.9% 7. 24 Oras (GMA-7) - 21.6% 8. All About Eve (GMA-7) - 19.4% 9. Fated To Love You (GMA-7) - 18.5% 10. Hole In The Wall (GMA-7) - 15.9%
Watch "Alvin and the Chipmunks:The Squeakuel" teaser trailer below:
