Monday, March 31, 2014

Andre, Yassi a beautiful pair in ‘Panget’

Head-turners both, Andre Paras and Yassi Pressman are set to capture the hearts of young moviegoers in Viva Films’ much-awaited movie adaptation of “Diary Ng Panget.”




Towering at 6’4” and a half, Andre is the son of cager Benjie Paras. Just like his dad, he is a proud Isko taking up film. He is also playing for the UP Fighting Maroons. Last year, Andre clinched a contract with Viva and, in less than a year, he gets his first big break – as 18-year-old hopeless romantic Chad in “Diary Ng Panget.”

Chad is one of the more popular guys in fictional Willford Academy. What sets him apart from the “in crowd” is his genuine kindness, particularly towards Eya, the story’s main protagonist played by Nadine Lustre. Chad does not judge Eya by her looks or by her social status, and actually becomes her best friend. But while the self-proclaimed “panget” develops a crush on him, Chad is unaware of this and even tells Eya about his feelings for another girl.

Chad’s apple of the eye is Lory or Lorraine (played by Yassi Pressman). Also a student in Willford Academy, Lory develops a friendship with Eya after she rescues her from bullies. Her heart beats not for Chad, but for Cross (James Reid), student council president and star athlete who also happens to be Eya’s boss.

Yassi related that she and her co-stars underwent acting workshops with veteran actor Pen Medina. They know that the book has a multitude of followers who will most likely be very critical of their acting. But Yassi said, “Viva won’t let us jump into anything unprepared.”

With the promotion for “Diary Ng Panget” in full swing, Andre and Yassi share their excitement in meeting the book’s fans especially via mall shows. Just recently, the cast met the fans with resounding cheers at Market Market, Cebu, Harbor Point in Subic, SM Bacoor and SM Fairview.

The whole cast will be seen next at TriNoma on April 4 and SM Sta. Rosa on April 5.

Directed by Andoy Ranay, as adapted from the book written by 19-year-old Pinay Denny, who is now based in Italy; “Diary Ng Panget” opens in local theaters on April 2.



• • •

San Juan VM Opens Goldilocks In Greenhills

San Juan Vice Mayor Francis Zamora recently opened his Goldilocks franchise at the Greenhills Shopping Center.

A firm believer and loyal patron of the brand’s Filipino dishes, cakes and pastries since way back, Zamora was initially surprised that there was no Goldilocks in the entire city, prompting him to scout for the best location, and eventually took the initial steps in setting up one.

A hands-on entrepreneur, Zamora personally oversees all the store’s operational details from franchise application, human resource training and development to actual store operations. Even after fulfilling his daily duties as a public servant, Zamora dutifully complied with the franchise’s training program requirements by going to the Goldilocks Head Office from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. for a month. And now that Goldilocks Greenhills is open, he visits the store before and after City Hall office hours to make sure that everything is running smoothly.

Aside from finishing his degree in Psychology at De La Salle University, Zamora also completed a Business and Entrepreneurship program in NYU, after which he finished his Masters in Public Administration from UP.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was led by San Juan Mayor Guia Gomez, along with Edu Manzano, Grace Lee, Asi Taulava, Gary David, Simon Atkins, Rico Maierhofer, Carlo Sharma, Ervic Vijandre and Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 2013 Ariella Arida.

Also present were Goldilocks Philippines Vice President, Franklin Go; Goldilocks Marketing Director Pinky Yee; talent manager Arnold Vegafria; columnist Wilson Lee Flores; Greenhills Shopping Center General Manager Cathy Ko; members of the San Juan city council; the Vice Mayor’s mom Rose Marie Zamora, his wife Keri Zamora and their children Amanda, Rocco, Nikita and Noah.

• • •
 Reunion Of Midweek Writers

Editors, writers, artists, photographers and staffers of the defunct The National Midweek Magazine, recently held a reunion in the house of entertainment writer Rogelio “Oggie” C. Medina.

Yes! Magazine executive editor Jose “Pete” Flores Lacaba and former Philippine Graphic Magazine editor-in-chief Gregorio Brillantes, who are both former editors of Midweek magazine, graced the gathering.

Also in attendance were Danny Dalena, Wilson Lee Flores, Tezza O. Parel, Neng Torres-Yabut, Jose “Bogie” Tence Ruiz, Boy Bagwis and Audie L. dela Cruz, among others.

Gil Nartea, Pat S. Roque, Juaniyo Y. Arcellana, Benjamin Pimentel and the late Edith Galve were also products of Midweek magazine.

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, April 1, go to Tirso Cruz III, Dr. Lettie Escarte, Samboy Lim, Arlina Onglao, Melinda Hidalgo, Mae Romero, Vicky Dee, Johnson Kwang, Suzi Moya-Benitez, April Miranda, Sarah Banora, Reymer Salvador, Yasmin Busran, Grace de Vera, Arwin Gacilo Medina, Jose Benjamin Villanueva, Marissa Oca and Jairus Aquino of Star Magic…

Saturday, March 29, 2014

UAAP Season 77: "Unity in Excellence"


But it was a fulfilling season for all schools as all of them bagged at least a championship with La Salle taking home the overall crown for the second straight season.

“We hope season 77 will be as successful and I pray without controversies,” Mateo said with a laugh.

She bared that the theme for anticipated UAAP season 77, which opens this July, will be “Unity in Excellence.”

“We aim to prove that UAAP is synonymous to unity and excellence.”

Another extension for the renewal of vows for airing of UAAP games over Sports and Action Channel 23 before the opening ceremonies this July 12.
First semester events:
  • July 12 to 2nd week of October: Basketball Tournament
    • Men's Basketball Tournament
    • Women's Basketball
    • Junior's Basketball
  • August: Badminton, Beach Volleyball, Table Tennis
  • second week of September: Taekwondo, Judo, Poomsae
  • late September: Swimming

Businesswoman, beauty queen host new show ‘Business Flight’

Cristina Decena made her millions from real estate and other business endeavors. Her name has also been linked to some showbiz affairs, from her romantic involvement with Phillip Salvador many years back, to her failed marrige to Ariel Villasanta – whose late mom Elvie had a comedy show that Cristina also produced. Still, she keeps embarking on new projects despite the fact that she has to be heavily guarded (in her home or wherever she goes) following an attempt on her life last year.


Cristina’s latest venture is a TV show titled “Business Flight,” co-hosted by beauty queen Venus Raj, who is now a freelancer after her stint with ABS-CBN. “When I was being fired upon by hired killers last year, my prayer was ‘Lord, huwag mo ako pabayaan, maraming tao ang umaasa sa akin. Maraming taong mawawalan ng trabaho kung mawala ako sa mundo.’ My son was driving for me that day and it was also his presence of mind that saved us. Ever since, lumakas ang pananalig ko sa Diyos,” she shared. Hence, “I’d like to continue helping people. I’d like to share my blessings.” “Business Flight” will feature people like Cristina who worked hard and became successful in their fields. She will be traveling around the world in search of Pinoys with inspiring success stories. So far, they’ve taped episodes in London, Japan and other parts of Asia. Meanwhile, Venus will be hosting a segment on arts, culture and food. Cristina noted, “Venus is very much like me na nag-pursige to succeed despite poverty. Her own life story is inspiring.” Venus isn’t new to TV hosting and has opted to put acting in the backburner to concentrate more on her studies at the University of the Philippines. “I’m taking my masters degree in Community Development. My undergrad is Journalism. Gusto ko pong maging teacher in the future,” Venus said. “Business Flight” premieres today and will air every Sunday at 9 a.m. on GMA News TV.



• • •

Hotel Sogo Celebrates 21st Foundation Day

Hotel Sogo, which opened its first branch in Bagong Barrio, Caloocan City in February 1993, recently celebrated its 21st Foundation Day. The event held at Elements at Centris was attended by the hotel’s top executives and directors: CEO Edmundo Las, COO Gus Corpus, Finance Director Raul Dy, HRD Director Rolina Dimalanta, Engineering Director Onin Delos Santos, and Sogo Employee Relations Council Chairman Joey Flores. Also present were the various Sector Heads, the Branch Managers, Department Heads and the Board of Directors. Graced by performers Nataraha Dancers, Daddy’s Home and Faith Cuneta, the celebration also aimed to acknowledge the roles of their employees in attaining the company’s vision: To be the leader in the lodging industry and to be the largest hotel chain in the Philippines. Recognition was given to those that have rendered five, 10, 15 and 20 years of continuous and loyal service to the company. Apart from Manager of the Year and Branch of the Year Awards, the Masipag Awards were also given to employees with exceptional traits. Hotel Sogo’s 33 branches nationwide, with its newest in Naga City, have features like numerous in-house movie channels and piped-in digital music. It is the only hotel where guests are welcomed with the traditional Japanese bow that, according to its officers, “epitomizes the distinct level of courtesy and service that sets us apart from our competitors.”

• • •

Brillante Mendoza Film Production Workshops

Center Stage Productions, chaired by Cannes Best Director Brillante Mendoza, will conduct its first “Brillante Mendoza Film Production Workshops” from March 31 until April 5. This was announced recently by Zoe delos Santos, communications director of Center Stage Philippines. The weeklong intensive workshop on filmmaking features renowned and awarded filmmakers such as Chito Roño and Joel Lamangan as speakers. Speakers for the acting workshop are Eugene Domingo and Coco Martin. The scriptwriting class will be under Armando Lao, while the cinematography workshop will be handled by Odie Flores and Trevore Hone. The “Brillante Mendoza Film Production Workshops” is in partnership with Samsung. Classes will be daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• • •

Showbiz Personality Ties The Knot

After 20 years, top Quezon City Barangay Kagawad Marlou Ulanday finally married showbiz personality Tania Montenegro last March 8 at the St. Vincent Church in Tandang Sora, Quezon City. Among the principal sponsors were QC Mayor Herbert Bautista, Joey Marquez, Charlie “Atong” Ang, Rep. Christopher Belmonte, Rep. Winnie Castelo, Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte, Ricky Reyes, Edgar “Bobot” Mortiz, Precy Vitug, Daisy Romualdez, Dr. Vicki Belo, Concepcion Saturay and others. Mark Herras, Jojo Manlongat, Anthony and Jose Juan Pla, John Kevin and James Soto were groomsmen; their bridesmaids were Gretchen Barretto, Charina de Villa, Alyssa Assandra P. Asistio, Alynna Alexandra P. Asistio, Alyann Alissandra P. Asistio and Amykka Alandra P. Asistio.

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, March 30, go to Gen. Romeo Maganto, Jean Gonzalez, Capt. Juan Santos Ruiz, Jennifer Peña, Al Perez, Pros Antonio, Vicina Fores, Gilbert Brown, Marilou Custodio, Luz de Guzman, Clenia Dumanche, Antonio dela Luna, Ma. Alice S. Labao, Dinyo Mateo, Hermie Villanueva of PCSO PR Dept., Deejames Vonn, Lito A. Lagana Sr. and Enrique Gil of Star Magic…

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

ABS-CBN New Logo in 2013



As part of a major brand refresh project, ABS-CBN gave a major redesign for its logo in October 7, 2013, also part of the celebration of its 60th anniversary, while retaining its now historic colors: red, green, blue, and black, and retaining its historic symbol which still has the three rings, the vertical line, and the square.

In the symbol's sixth and current generation, the logo remained in its 2000 design, but the rings and line are shown to be thicker, and the text used a new simplified Rotis font style which includes hook-less A, B, and N letters, and a completely different version of the C which replaces the 2000-style C letter. The square changed its color to white, and if in case the logo is placed on a white background, the square is no longer used.

The variation with the square only appears if the logo is placed on a background which is not white. The standard version of the logo with the white square usually appears in print ads (while having some on air appearances), while on-air, the only variation with the white square that is featured is the one that appears in a horizontal format (which also had several appearances in some print ads), but the standard variation with the white square also appears as an on-screen bug.

Also, the horizontal version of the 2014 logo slightly differed from the previous versions of the horizontal logo, as unlike the 1986 and 2000 horizontal logos, which had the symbol equally having the same size as the ABS and CBN names which were seen between the symbol, the 2014 version of the horizontal logo featured the symbol being slightly bigger than the ABS and CBN names.

Originally, this logo was used as ABS-CBN's secondary logo from October to December 2013, and the network was keeping the logo as a surprise for its viewers which was to be revealed in 2014 (prior to the logo's launch, the logo was already seen several times, such as on the logo of ABS-CBN's Barangay Halalan 2013 coverage, on the plug for the Be Careful with My Heart wedding episode, and on the end of ABS-CBN's Christmas station ID entitled "Magkasama Tayo Sa Kwento Ng Pasko"). On January 1, 2014, the network's most famous logo was retired, and this logo replaced the 2000 logo as the new corporate logo of ABS-CBN Corporation, was adopted universally by its owned companies and subsidiaries, and was officially debuted on-air with the launch of a new station ID featuring the new logo. The theme was also changed, now in a style which consists of countless thick rings (which appeared in different colors, such as red, green, and blue for standard purposes) which appeared to be popping out and enclosed by a rectangle without lining, and the network also adopted the Gotham font as its new corporate typeface. The theme used for the launching of the new logo was called Masayang Muli Ang Kwento Natin.

On-air Identity
Despite the new logo's launch, ABS-CBN still used its 2013 identity, but on late January the same year, ABS-CBN officially launched a completely new look (now bearing the thick rings), finally shedding off the remains of its 2013 look. On February 19, 2014, another new station ID was launched featuring the new logo, this time in CGI, with a futuristic space-like theme which was combined with the new 2014 identity. At the end, when the logo is formed. Peter Musngi, the network's voice-over, says, "ABS-CBN, In the Service of The Filipino Worldwide", while some thick RGB rings pop out and then disappear, and the slogan "In The Service Of The Filipino Worldwide" appears along with the new logo. Afterwards, the KBP logo appears, indicating that ABS-CBN is a member of the KBP (Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas).

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Jeepney TV

Sa Jeepney TV, 3:55am ang mag-sasastart mag-sign-on. Kaya pala nag-antay pa ako ng ilang minuto sa Jeepney TV hanggang sa lumabas ang bidyo ng Pambansang Awit. Ang 1998 version, napapanood sa ABC-5 at PTV-4.

Jeepney TV Schedule
  • 3:55-4:00 AM - Kape't Pandesal
  • 4:00-5:00 AM - Gising Pilipinas (LIVE)
  • 5:00-8:00 AM - Umagang Kay Ganda (LIVE)
  • 8:00-9:00 AM - Kris TV (LIVE)
  • 9:00-9:45 AM - Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin
  • 9:45-10:30 AM - Iisa Pa Lamang
  • 12:00-1:00 PM - ANC Dateline Philippines (LIVE)
  • 2:00-2:30 PM - ANC News Now (LIVE)
  • 2:30-3:30 PM - 
    • Richard Loves Lucy (Monday)
    • Ok Fine, Whatever (Tuesday)
    • Klasmeyts
  • 3:30-4:15 PM - May Bukas Pa Rewind
  • 4:15-5:00 PM - Tayong Dalawa
  • 5:00-6:00 PM - ANC Top Story (LIVE)
  • 6:00-6:30 PM - Super Inggo
  • 6:30-7:45 PM - TV Patrol (LIVE)
  • 7:45-8:30 PM - Magkaribal
  • 8:30-9:00 PM - Meteor Garden (NEW SHOW)
  • 9:00-9:30 PM - ANC Business Nightly (Live)
  • 9:30-10:15 PM - Iisa Pa Lamang
  • 10:15-11:15 PM - Ang Tanging Ina
  • 11:15-11:45 PM - ANC On the Money
  • 11:45-12:15 AM - The World Tonight (Replay)
  • 12:15-1:15 AM - O Shopping
Saturday
  • 4:30-5:30 AM - Rosary Crusade
  • 6:00-7:00 AM - Salamat Dok (Live)
  • 7:00-9:00 AM - Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin Marathon
  • 9:00-11:00 AM - Super Inggo Marathon
  • 12:00-1:00 PM - Dateline Philippines Weekend
  • 1:00-3:00 PM - FPJ
  • 3:00-4:00 PM - Oki, Doki, Doc
  • 4:00-5:00 PM - Richard Loves Lucy
  • 5:00-5:30 PM - Top Story Weekend
  • 5:30-6:00 PM - TV Patrol Weekend
  • 6:00-7:00 PM - Bora
  • 7:00-8:00 PM - Agimat
  • 8:00-9:00 PM - Oka Tokat
  • 10:00-10:30 PM - The World Tonight Weekend
  • 10:30-11:30 PM - Nginig

UAAP Swimming Competition from 2007 to 2013

The soon-to-be launched coffee-table book: UAAP Swimming Competition at Trace: 7 Years in the Making", with photographs compiled on Multiply, Facebook and Friendster social media accounts. 

Monday, March 24, 2014

What makes Ruffa Gutierrez beautiful?

Despite her busy schedule, Ruffa Gutierrez still manages to stay beautiful.

The former beauty queen said she feels most beautiful “when helping other people; as you know I love contributing to different causes. So I feel inner glow like I feel something good inside of me when I reach out and help others.”

She added, “Of course, I also feel beautiful when I’m with my family because for me, Lorin and Venice are my everything. I feel most beautiful when I’m a mom and I take care of them and see that I’m successful in being mom. And of course, the third is physical beauty. I felt the best when I am well rested, when I get enough sleep. And aside from eating healthy and doing exercises and having a positive and happy outlook in life, I have a beauty secret: Cosmo Skin…”

Like most women in her profession, Ruffa is not exempt from the harsh realities inherent to a fast-paced lifestyle. Ruffa said, “I’m no longer 18 years old, I have to think about wrinkles, uneven skin tone and even dark spots.”

For Ruffa, skincare is very important, as she said, “Kasi uso na ngayon ang HD TV, lahat nakikita – mga pimples, mga pores. So kailangan talaga flawless ang skin ko.”

Ruffa has found the perfect ally in Cosmo Skin, the country’s premier glutathione supplement which has an advanced skin whitening technology. “With only two capsules a day, I feel more radiant, more beautiful, younger, with a fairer, lovelier complexion,” she enthused.

Cosmo Skin is a product of Bargn Farmaceutici Philippines Co., established in 2006 by Nino Bautista and John Redentor Gatus, Jr. BFPC has won many awards including the Watson’s Health Wellness and Beauty Award as Brand of the Year in 2010, the Skincare Brand of the Year and the Gold Brand Award for 2013. It also won the Consumers Choice Award last year.

• • •

Barangay LS: One Country, One Barangay, One Sound

Barangay LS 97.1, GMA Network’s flagship FM radio station, strengthens its brand presence nationwide with the integration of the Barangay programming format in all RGMA provincial FM stations across the country.

All 14 regional stations will launch the new brand along with a new logo, music theme and fresh set of IDs, programs and events beginning on March.

“Tugstugan Na!,” the popular shout-out of Barangay LS in Manila, also becomes the slogan of Radio GMA FM stations in Bacolod, Baguio, Dagupan, Iloilo, Kalibo, Legazpi, Lucena, Naga, Palawan and Tuguegarao; while stations in Cebu, Davao, Cagayan de Oro and General Santos espouse “Nindota Ah!” a Cebuano affirmation of something good, beautiful or outstanding.

Local programming in the regions has also been formatted to include local versions of the programs airing on Barangay LS 97.1 in Mega Manila.

Mornings are made more fun with “Potpot & Friends,” which airs from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., Monday to Friday.

“Talk to Papa,” a program that entertain calls, posts and messages about the listeners’ problems and give advice in a fun way, airs from 12 nn to 3 p.m., Monday to Saturday.

The program “Wanted Sweetheart” keeps the hopes of the loveless alive as its host plays matchmaker to male and female callers from 9 p.m. to 12 mn, Monday to Friday.

Stories of love, life and hope are brought to the airwaves in “Barangay Love Stories” that airs 12 nn to 3 p.m. on Sundays.

The 10 biggest songs in the country today are featured in “The Big Ten,” airing from 11 a.m. to 12 nn every Sunday.

Barangay FM radio stations nationwide now include: Barangay LS 97.1 Mega Manila, Barangay RT 99.5 Cebu (Central and Eastern Visayas), Barangay 103.5 Davao (Southern Mindanao), Barangay 107.1 Bacolod (Negros), Barangay 92.7 Baguio (Northern Luzon), Barangay 100.7 Cagayan de Oro (Northern Mindanao), Barangay 93.5 Dagupan (North Central Luzon), Barangay 102.3 General Santos, Barangay 93.5 Iloilo (Panay), Barangay 92.9 Kalibo, Barangay 96.3 Legazpi, Barangay 91.1 Lucena, Barangay 101.5 Naga, Barangay 97.5 Palawan, Barangay 89.3 Tuguegarao.
• • •

Aliwan Fiesta Bazaar Targets Celebrity Traders

The Manila Broadcasting Company will hold its three-day Aliwan Fiesta Shoppers Bazaar along Sotto Street at the CCP Complex on April 24 to 26.

Traders are invited to showcase the best products from the regions and guarantee the buying public with quality pasalubong made by the country’s finest craftsmen.

Weaving cooperatives, tribal showrooms, free-trade organizations and other NGO’s marketing local produce as part of DTI’s One Town, One Product (OTOP) campaign are most welcome.

The 2014 Aliwan Fiesta is presented by Manila Broadcasting Company, Star City, the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and the cities of Manila and Pasay, in cooperation with Tanduay Rhum, Coca Cola, Pride, Unique Toothpaste, Dazz, Alaska Milk, Columbia International Foods, M. Lhuillier, Cherry Mobile, Republic Chemicals, Fukuda, 7-11, and 2Go.

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, March 24, go to former beauty queens Jennifer Cortes and Yehlen Catral, Gloria Goloy, Pinky Marie Alforque, Magdalena Garcia, Andi Tubig, Ayo Tubig, Jenny Suico, Tessie Lodreiguito of Sitio Balagbag, San Jose del Monte, MB’s Jonathan Lorenzo, Victoria Medina Isip of Green Valley, California, USA, Riki Flores, Rico Hizon, Alessandro Di Rezze, Gabs Buluran, Sonora Ocampo, Janessa Daigdigan and Vangie Martelle of Star Magic… Happy wedding anniversary to Rod and Vina Reyes, and Boying and Alena Godino… Belated b-day greetings to Sports Vision chairman Moying Martelino