Biography of Keren Pascual

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Bb. Pilipinas queens on their journey to the crown by Crispina Martinez - Belen October 21, 2016 Read more at http://www.mb.com.ph/bb-pilipinas-queens-on-their-journey-to-the-crown/#mdydJdHSzRHp7RPU.99

Three 2016 Bb. Pilipinas title holders were feted recently at the Monet Ballroom of Novotel Manila before they went on their respective journeys to the crown. They are Kylie Verzosa, Bb. Pilipinas International; Jennifer Hammond, Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental; and Nicole Cordoves, Bb. Pilipinas Grand International.

Jennifer represented the Philippines in the Miss Intercontinental beauty pageant in Colombo, Sri Lanka last Oct. 16, while Nicole will carry the Philippine flag to the Miss Grand International pageant in Las Vegas, USA on Oct. 25. Finally, Kylie will attempt to bring home the crown when she competes at the Miss International pageant in Tokyo, Japan on Oct. 27.

At Novotel Manila, the three received words of encouragements from their fellow Bb. Pilipinas 2016 winners: Miss Universe Philippines Maxine Medina; Bb. Pilipinas Globe Nichole Manalo and Bb. Pilipinas Supranational Joanna Eden. Also on hand to inspire the queens were Bb. Pilipinas Charities, Inc. co-chairperson Ms. Conchitina Bernardo and board member Betsy Westendorp.

• • •

Maria Isabel Lopez in a one-woman show

The latest art works of former beauty queen and multi-awarded actress Maria Isabel Lopez are currently exhibited via “Body And Soul,” her one-woman show at SM Megamall Art Walk. Featuring her mosaic art, “Body And Soul” was inspired by the artist’s recent visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site in Ravenna, Italy. Maria Isabel describes “Body And Soul” as a “visual journey through the physical and the spiritual, symbolism of the female anatomy and the forces behind it. I create as I am God’s creation.”

The art exhibit, which had a celebrity-studded opening last Oct. 19, runs till Nov. 2.

A graduate of Fine Arts from UP Diliman, Maria Isabel worked as fashion designer at Rustan’s and SM Dept. Store where she developed interest in the female anatomy. The figures in her nudes are elongated, a manifestation of her fashion orientation. She is also a former secretary of the NCCA Committee on Visual Arts, which is mandated to promote Philippine arts and culture.

As founder and event organizer of The Film Artists Group, Maria Isabel’s passion is in promoting the art of her peers in show business. With the success of their “Art & Beauty” Parts 1-3 held from 2010-2013, Maria Isabel proved to have inspired her fellow beauty queens and visual artists to show their beauty and talents beyond what the eyes can see.

In 2011, Maria Isabel took formal lessons in mosaic, Ravenna style at the Chicago Institute of Mosaic Art owned by Italian Matteo Randi, using Italian smalti and the traditional hammer and hardie. In 2014, she had workshops (diversifying her medium to stained glass) at the Institute of Muscle Cars in Berkeley, California under Rachel Rosie.

Maria Isabel is now a professional member of the Society of American Mosaic Artists (SAMA).

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Oct. 22, go to Lindsay Platon, Conchitina Veloso, Lito Talampas, Tereret Liboro, Angel Cruz, Jane Enrile, Virginia Velasco, Karla Yturzaeta, Richard Merino, Charles Christianson, Cresilda Fellman, Ernie S. Saranza, Jaime Miranda Puirisima, Jr. and Mairssa Miranda Rosell, Mark Steven Sing from Leo Lastimosa, Josephine Ultra Tallungan, capt. michael garcia of brgy. plainview mandaluyong city, from DJ Richard Steele and Matt Evans… Oct. 23: Verni Varga, Maria Belinda, Malou Matias, Carol Jao, Babes Tirona, Marlyn Bermudez, My aunt Juanita Palma, Teody Buenaflor, Deth Paras, Boy Romero, Don Moral, Andre Garcia, and MB’s Entertainment Editor Jojo P. Panaligan… Oct. 24: QC Councilor Alfred Vargas, Cesar Concio, Willie Chipeco, Lourna Pal, Yasmin Dayrit, Jun-Jun R. Ablaza, Narciso Chan, Cesar dela Fuente, Marites Meyer, Mrs. Alice Rosario, Salud Mercado, Mary Cris Borja, Camille Encinas, Emily Dacer, Susie dela Cruz, Ma. Luisa Javier, Nanet Canchela, Hanna Alegre, Rafael Relucio, Gavina Motel, Ester Cumagun, Brenda Arguelles, Fely I. Jimenez, Nickson Pacayra, Mary Anne Cabanizas, Dindo Acosta, Aileen Lorenzo, Ronnie Vivar, MB’s Rory Page, Raffy Sazon, Rosalina Munoz, Hazel Uy, Atty. Ma. Angelina G. Matibag, Arnold Trinidad, Raffy Lim, Tony Tamayo, Nadine Bonoan, Dr. Tito Torralba, Boy Villasanta, Liezl Quilala, Ariel Obera, Rafael Sazon, Gov. Jonvic Remulla, Bill Kevin del Rosario, Michael John Sibal Cojuangco, Garret Tabuzo, Erlinda “Baby” Mendiola of San Pedro, Laguna; Joseph Cruz of Pan Pacific Casino Filipino, and GMA-7’s Pia Guanio….

Read more at http://www.mb.com.ph/bb-pilipinas-queens-on-their-journey-to-the-crown/#mdydJdHSzRHp7RPU.99

Lucky to still be singing by Crispina Martinez - Belen

Back in Manila after staying in Malaysia for many years, Spanish-Filipino singer Rafael Centenera released recently his music video for “Ikaw Ang Susi.” It is composed by Russtar Wilma Balwit, a Filipina songwriter residing in Hong Kong.

The music video precedes that for “Sa Kanya Ba?” penned by Vehnee Saturno.

Rafael plans to come up with a CD-Lite featuring about six songs with corresponding minus ones. He is looking for four more songs.

“I really love singing. I know there is stiff competition these days, what with the abundance of young and talented singers, but I’m doing it for the love of it. I can give up everything for my craft. And I’m proud and happy that at my age, I still can sing.”

Though he really missed Manila, Rafael said Malaysia will always be his second home. After all, he met his very supportive wife, fashion shop owner Jenny Hiu, in Malaysia and this is where they established their family. They have two grown-up children.

Rafael will spend more time in the Philippines now, although he’ll also hold shows abroad. He just had five shows in Las Vegas together with Ed Finlan, Bert Solis and Salvador Vaca.

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Making waves

Congratulations to Pinoy indie actor Leon Miguel (Noel Aparilla in real life from Masbate) who just had three of his films screened in two international film festivals and was even nominated as Best Actor.

His short film “Sejour” of which he is also the producer, with award-winning Filipino-Canadian Christian Paolo Lat as director, was in competition at the Los Angeles-Philippines Film Festival held Oct. 7 to 9.

Leon’s other short films, “Redlights,” also directed by Christian Paolo Lat and “Snake Eyes,” directed by Moreno Benigno, were selected for a film festival in Manhattan that ran from Oct. 17 to 23 at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Consulate in Manhattan, New York.

Nominated as Best Actor (Short Films category) for these two films, Leon was invited to the award ceremony tonight.

• • •

GMA Network regains nationwide TV ratings lead

GMA likewise remained the undisputed ratings leader in viewer-rich Urban Luzon, which accounts for 77 percent of all viewers in urban TV homes in the entire country, with 43.4 percent, ahead of ABS-CBN’s 32.3 percent. 

In Mega Manila, another traditionally strong area for GMA representing 59 percent of urban viewers nationwide, the Network kept its total day ratings advantage with 46.1 percent versus ABS-CBN’s 28.2 percent. 

During partial October (October 1 to 13), GMA particularly showed a stronger following on weekday evening primetime in NUTAM, where its people audience share reached 40 percent against ABS-CBN’s 37.3 percent.

Moreover, in comparison with ABS-CBN, more programs from GMA landed in the partial October list of 30 top-rating shows in Urban Luzon with a total of 18. 

The well-loved Kapuso telefantasya Encantadia grabbed the number one spot in the Urban Luzon chart, while emerging as the highest-rating Kapuso program in National Urban Philippines. 

The recently launched Kapuso primetime show Alyas Robin Hood, primetime newscast 24 Oras, award-winning comedy program Pepito Manaloto, multi-awarded news magazine show Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho, weekly drama anthology Magpakailanman, and weekend primetime offering Hay, Bahay! were also among the top 10 programs in Urban Luzon during the covered period.

Other top-rating Kapuso programs during the period include 24 Oras Weekend, Ismol Family, Sunday PinaSaya, Wowowin, Someone to Watch Over Me, Eat Bulaga, Imbestigador, Superstar Duets, #Like, Dear Uge, and Sa Piling ni Nanay per Nielsen data. 

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Oct. 20, go to my dear friends Gina Pareño and Chona Trinidad, Aida Sevilla Mendoza, Rudy Genaskey, Che Serrano, Nadine Teves, Dr. Raul Guanzon, Mag Cruz Hatol, Girlie Espiritu, Dory Simio, Reynald Zabala, Annie Chong, Raoul Cheekee, Anna Teresa Velasco, Rina Concepcion, Joseph Gregory Arriola, Maureen Geese, Oscar Maliuanag, Bong Pizarro, Isabel Oli and Consul General of Kazakhstan Edward Ferreira… Oct. 21: Mitch Valdes, Herbert Sy, Joey Javier Reyes, Irma Potenciano, Tessie Rodrigo, Charing Dulalia, Ernest Tagle, Celia Cunanan, Gabby Claudio, Joan Menguito, Marirose Sison Garcia, Reynaldo Palma, Analiza Velasco, Stephen Thomas Joseph, Edwin Costa, Kathy Tanjuatco, Beth Gelema, and Chelo Banal Formoso. Happy wedding anniversary for former Pres. and Mrs. Fidel V. Ramos (nee Amelita Martinez)… In time for the Ati-Atihan Festival, the Miss Earth candidates will be welcomed to Kalibo, Aklan by Councilor Juris Sucro who’ll lead them in tree-planting at Bakharan Eco-Park. The candidates will be presented in their swimwear at Movenpick Resort Boracay on Oct. 21…

Read more at http://www.mb.com.ph/lucky-to-still-be-singing/#qMj6StZaBr4U4BD7.99

HUBOG (Curved)

• Title: HUBOG (Curved)
• Running Time: 1 hour, 37 minutes
• Lead Cast: Assunta de Rossi, Jay Manalo, Wendell Ramos and Alessandra de Rossi. also starring: Ryan Eigenmann, Tony Mabesa, Jim Pebangco, Mel Kimura, Malou Crisologo, Jackie Castillejo, Alvin Bernales, Joseph Izon introducing Yo Ocampo, Bobby Benitez, Romel Villamor, Dante Javier, Bon Vibar, Felino Obach, Gigette Reyes, Mario Magalona, Banawe Miclat, Girlie Alcantara and Macky Aquino with the special guest appearance of Joanne Quintas
• Director: Joel Lamangan
• Assistant director: Garry Fernando
• Sound supervisor: Albertine Idioma
• Musical Director: Jessie Lasaten
• Film Editor: Tara Illenberger
• Production designer: Larry Matic
• Cinematography: Gerlie Grace Romulo Araojo
• Story and Screenplay by Roy Iglesias
• Associate Producer: Lalou Reyes- Gabriel
• Line producer: Manny Valera
• Supervising producer: Roselle Monteverde-Teo
• Executive producers: Ronald Stephen Monteverde, Richard Goldwin Monteverde 
• Production manager: Raul Caro
• Script supervisor: Julius Alfonso.
• Make-up artist: Siony Tolentino 
• Still photographer: Raul Adriano
• Gaffer: Boy Tambien
• Stunt director: Dante Javier. 
• Prosthetics: Benny Batoctoy
• Schedule Master: Jeffrey Cantuba
• Production assistant: Bong Cantuba
• Wardobe: Dennis Loterte
• Set dresser: Manny Meneses
• Property masters: Rico Gotis and Fernando Tan, Jr.
• Head Setman: Carding Gotis
• Setmen: Jojo Fontanilla, Buboy Costalles, Joe Costalles
• Art Department's Buyer: Henry Pangan
• Field Cashier: Mafe Davad
• Utility Men: Roy Berdida, Mel Hernandez and Josay
• Crowd Directors: Myla Ajero, Lorna Sanchez
• Crowd Control: Edward Belaro, Erick Obras, Boymart
• Genre: Drama 
• Distributor: Good Harvest Productions
• Sponsor: FHM Philippines

This movie is inspired from an episode of Pira-Pirasong Pangarap.

Nang sila ay maulila, ipinangako ni Vanessa (Assunta del Rossi) na hindi ihihiwalay sa kanyang piling ang kapatid na si Nikka (Alessandra de Rossi), isang dalagitang kulang sa pag-iisip. Kahit hindi angkop ang kapaligiran ng squatters area sa pag-hubog kay Nikka, ibig patunayan ni Vanessa sa DSWD na kaya niyang buhayin at gabayan ang kapatid. Dalawa ang mangingibig ni Vanessa, ang taxi driver at police asset na si Oliver (Wendell Ramos), at si Uno (Jay Manalo) na bodyguard ng isang pinuno ng sindikato sa Pier. Sino sa dalawa ang pipiliin ni Vanessa na magbibigay ng pagmamahal hindi lamang sa kanya kundi para rin kay Nikka? Sa kanyang pagpili, isang di-inaasahang trahedya ang naganap.

Napapanahon ang pelikulang Hubog pagkat tinatalakay nito ang buhay sa lipunan ng mga mahihirap. Masinop na sinuri ni Lamangan ang buhay ng mga tauhan sa lipunang kanilang ginagalawan at matagumpay itong naisalin sa pelikula. Ang mga eksena sa squatters area ay likha ng isang mahusay na sinematograpiya at kahanga-hangang production design. Masasabing makasining ang mga sex scenes at makatotohanan ang pagtalakay sa buhay ng mga kriminal. Ngunit ang kahusayan ng Hubog ay ang pagkaganap ng magkapatid na de Rossi at pagkakadirihe ng dalawang ito. Malayo ang mararating ng magkapatid kung makasining at hindi exploitation ang paiiralin sa kanilang pagganap.

Ang Hubog ay isang epektibong salamin ng exploitation ng mga mahihirap. Hindi ito kasaysayan ng iisang indibidwal kundi ng isang buong komunidad na nagnanais iangat ang antas ng kanilang buhay. Sinasagisag ng squatters area, na pinangyarihan ng kuwento, ang kapabayaan ng pamahalaan ang puwersa ng awtoridad at mayayaman, at ang kawalang pag-asa ng mga mahihirap na siyang nagtutulak na sirain hindi lang ang sariling buhay kundi pati ng mga taong nasa kapaligiran nila. Ang solusyon nila ay paghihiganti. Subalit ang karahasan at kamunduhan ay hindi laging bunga ng kahirapan. Sa lipunan ng mga mayayaman at edukado ay marami ding ahas. Sa kabila ng lahat ng patayan, pananakit at murahan, may isang katangi-tanging bagay na ipinakita ang kuwento: ang sakripisyo ng isang kapatid para manatili ang kanilang dignidad at maiangat ang kanilang sarili sa gitna ng kahirapan. Ngunit sayang at hindi ipinakita sa pelikula na ang kalutasan ng krisis o ang pag-papagaan ng isang problema ay nasa relasyon niya sa Panginoon…na ang pananampalataya sa Kanya ang magdudulot ng isang malalim na ligaya at kapayapaan upang siya sumulong sa buhay.