ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
Year 39, No. 6, Jan 15 - 21, 2010
Not pregnant, no business
A 1994 photo of the Ranillo family with a young Krista standing behind her father Mat Ranillo III.
Since her alleged illicit affair with Manny Pacquiao exploded, Krista Ranillo admitted that her world “has turned upside down” and that up until today she is still recovering from its effects.
Various nasty rumors about her family also came out. Some said her family was able to put up a restaurant abroad allegedly with Manny’s support. Some even criticized her for flying on a business class ticket with her dog. While others said she was purportedly carrying Manny’s baby.
Krista categorically denied all these rumors.
For one, she told “The Buzz” that she and her family do not own a restaurant. “Wala kaming business. My brother works as a chef and they do catering business on the side pero matagal na nilang ginagawa ‘yon. I heard we have a restaurant but it’s not true, it’s definitely not true,” she said.
It is also “obvious” that she is not pregnant.
“I don’t know where it started...If they have proof, why don’t they show it? I can give you my blood, kunan mo ako ng dugo. Kasi I know ang susunod na sasabihin nila, kung hindi lumaki ‘yong tiyan ko, nagpa-abort ako, which is really unfair,” she said.
On the dog issue, meanwhile, she said: “It’s just funny kasi medyo common sense. If you bring an animal to the States or any other country, they don’t fly with you. Cargo ‘yon, parang excess baggage sila.”
She also cried foul when people started blaming her after her movie with Manny, “Wapakman,” flopped at the box office. Nonetheless, she said she is proud of the movie and has no regrets being part of it.
With the issue that Jinkee Pacquiao supposedly said in an interview with StarStudio magazine that she hates Krista, the actress reacted, “I don’t know what to say. Let’s move on na lang. Ako I don’t hate anyone.”
“I’m just requesting for people to respect that I’m healing,” she said. “I want to recover. Gusto ko kapag humarap ako, buo akong tao.”
“Tanging Yaman’s” “First Family.” From left, Melissa Ricks, Rowell Santiago, Agot Isidro and Erich Gonzales.
By CRISPINA BELEN
He started out as an actor, but Rowell Santiago became better known as a TV and concert director. Being a director is his father Pablo Santiago’s legacy to him, he said. But every now and then, Rowell would give in to acting offers, both on the small and big screens. He was seen in “A Very Special Love” and “You Changed My Life,” two blockbuster movies of Star Cinema.
Starting Jan. 11, Rowell is seen once more acting via ABS-CBN’s newest teleserye “Tanging Yaman.” In the series, Rowell plays the lead male character, who is the President of the Philippines. So how could he say no to the offer? But “actually it took me two weeks to make the decision to accept the role,” Rowell said during the launch of the show. “I play the president in the teleserye. It’s very rare that one gets offered with this kind of role so I accepted.”
Playing Rowell’s first lady in “Tanging Yaman” is Agot Isidro, who was last seen as the much-hated Ingrid in “Tayong Dalawa,” one of ABS-CBN’s most successful drama series last year.
“Tanging Yaman” (which is actually a political party in the story) is a very timely and relevant show, what with the national elections nearing. If ABS-CBN is real proud in presenting the new series, it’s because it is a political story, a program that will illustrate how a First Family struggles to achieve true happiness.
The drama boasts of an impressive cast composed Erich Gonzales, who shone and made waves in “Katorse,” playing Fina, the first daughter; Ejay Falcon, Enchong Dee, Melissa Ricks, Matt Evans, Ron Morales, Jodi Sta. Maria, Mylene Dizon, Nonie Buencamino and Leo Martinez.
The story of “Tanging Yaman” is rooted on an incident that will wreck the life and fortune of two families. One family will prosper and the other will suffer. Fina (Erich), with her sister Marina (Jodi) will grow up in poverty, while Isabel (Melissa) will be raised as the first daughter of the country. As the truth unveils, Fina is the real first daughter who will show how a young woman will adjust from the pressure as she takes on the role of the first daughter of the country.
As expected, things won’t be easy for Fina as she unites with her biological parents; she has to deal with Isabel who wants her position in the First Family.
Piolo channels Ninoy
Piolo Pascual as Ninoy Aquino is flanked by Bea Alonzo (l.) as Cory Aquino and Dimples Romana as Imelda Marcos.
Piolo Pascual confessed that he still can’t believe that he was chosen for the much-coveted role of Ninoy Aquino in a two-part “Maalaala Mo Kaya” special.
“Napakalaking challenge nito para sa akin, to portray an icon who is well loved by many people,” he said. “But I believe this is an opportunity for me. As actors, we always look for things that will excite and challenge us. Pikit-mata ko itong tinanggap.”
Piolo went on to share the intensive preparations he did to make sure he would be able to give a believable performance as the late husband of former President Corazon Aquino (played by Bea Alonzo).
“We have to get all the materials. Research articles, videos — kailangan kong pag-aralan nang paulit ulit ‘yun. Like what I did in ‘Dekada ‘70,’ I read the novel several times. In the role as Ninoy, I have more materials to use. Inaaral ko day and night, hanggang sa pagtulog ko, parang talaga ako na si Ninoy. This is my first work for the year. Mahirap ito kasi kailangan mong makuha ‘yung exact personality, hindi tulad ng isang fictional character lang.”
Piolo, however, was unable to consult the Aquino siblings for tips on how he can give justice to the real life character. “I wanted to talk to the family pero nahihiya ako so I just relied on the materials given to me. I’m sure mapapanood naman nila ito. ‘Yung ilang scenes baka maipakita muna sa kanila bago i-air para they can suggest some things. But I know that talking to them will be a big help. I got to meet the siblings when Kris (Aquino, youngest child of Ninoy and Cory) invited me over for dinner, but we didn’t talk about this project.” He added that he is very flattered that Kris is happy he was chosen to play the Ninoy role.
There are still talks of making a Ninoy bio movie, but it is still unsure who will bag the role. Piolo said that he hasn’t thought about playing Ninoy for a film version. “I haven’t thought that far. Dito muna sa ‘MMK’ ang focus ko. Malaking opportunity na ito para sa akin. Kung dumiretso man sa pelikula e maganda ‘yun para sa akin bilang aktor.”
The actor-model shared that he is just brushing off comments that he is not fit to play Ninoy on screen. “Kung ano man ‘yung negative na nasabi e naitawid ko na siguro,” he said. “Whatever the people’s comments will be ipagpapasa Diyos ko na lang.” (Napoleon Quintos)
Rayver Cruz serious about Sarah
RAYVER CRUZ
By KAYE VILLAGOMEZ
Whoever said old-fashioned courtship is a thing of the past has to hear Rayver Cruz’s intentions for Sarah Geronimo. The “Magkano Ang Iyong Dangal” actor is willing to wait until Sarah is ready to accept suitors.
“She’s worth it,” Rayver disclosed to the Manila Bulletin in an interview at the location shoot of the forthcoming ABS-CBN afternoon soap in Marikina City, megged by Chito Roño.
“Mabait kasi si Sarah at naiintindihan ko naman yung choice niya na hindi magmadali,” Rayver said. “I’m willing to wait until she’s ready. What is important to me now is that she knows my intentions and that she knows I’m just here for her. If she needs someone to talk to, makikinig lang ako.”
The young actor added that he likes Sarah too much that he is contented with the gift of friendship he now shares with her. “Masaya na ako nang ganito. Dati nga hindi ko siya nakakausap. Ngayon nagte-text kami sa isa’t-isa, sobrang na-appreciate ko na yun,” he shared.
Meanwhile, Rayver treats his role in “Magkano Ang Iyong Dangal” to be a career transition leaving his teeny-bopper days behind and taking that courageous leap into more mature and sexy roles.
“This is what I want to do,” he said. “I believe that if you’re an actor, you should have the courage to face the challenge and live up to expectations.”
In the series, “Rayver plays a young professional who is driven by passion. He shares a complex love triangle plot with Bangs Garcia and Sid Lucero.
CHEONDOONG
By JONATHAN M. HICAP
It’s not only Sandara Park, member of all-female Korean idol group 2NE1, who is making a name in the K-pop scene.
Sandara’s younger brother Cheondoong (a.k.a. Park Sang-hyun), who also lived in the Philippines when Sandara was still active in local showbiz, is a member of the new boy band MBLAQ.
The 19-year-old, who studied at Philippine Pasay Chung Hua Academy, moved to Korea in 2007 when Sandara decided to start a new career in her native country. He can speak Filipino, English and Korean.
MBLAQ is a five-member boy group created by pop star Rain under his J. Tune Entertainment management agency. The name stands for Music Boys Live in Absolute Quality.
The group debuted in October last year as opening act at Rain’s “Legend of Rainism” concert in Seoul, and released their mini-album “Just BLAQ.”
Besides promoting their songs “Oh Yeah” and “G.O.O.D Luv” on Korean music shows, MBLAQ members appear regularly on MBC’s “Idol Army” Season 5.
Pan Pacific Princess (USA) 2010
By GEM YATCO
Amid the global upsurge in the economic meltdown and the prevailing weakening of holiday revenues, another beauty contest becomes a welcome relief to the already “saturated” roster of such beauty events but the new pageant producer, Special Care Community Services (SCCS), is never bothered but instead proudly assures the public that this contest, Pan Pacific Princess (USA) 2010, (PPP2010), is definitely one fresh contest with a lot of difference.
Having had experienced an immediate blow even in the early phase of the contest (since the initial title Miss Teen Asian-American was allegedly already registered and owned by another Asian community leader), and in due respect to the bona fide title owner, the PPP 2010 organizers hastily adapted a new title and duly filed it as a Domestic Non-profit Corporation in accordance with New Jersey state law on Dec. 26, 2009 and was assigned identification number 04000322814.
Formally launched with a dinner-forum at the Sawadee Thai Cuisine in Jersey City on Dec. 29, 2009 and attended by a number of respected Fil-Am community leaders and supporters, Pan Pacific Princess (USA) 2010 is the first ever beauty and talent competition among young Asian women in an ambitiously conceptualized grand pageantry with the proceeds to benefit our less fortunate brethren.
Primarily aimed for the regional unification among Asian countries across America, it also focuses to collectively fuse distinct moral values and socio-cultural orientations, established an organized brotherhood, promote each other’s peoples’ aesthetic expression, and propagate the entire Asian continent’s richly diverse heritage.
Initially conceptualized to arouse disability awareness among our brothers with special needs, the newly organized beauty pageant aims to raise a generous amount of funds to be able to promote physical fitness and well-being among people with special needs, provide them with the opportunity to normally participate in their daily activities, support their education, training and employment and encourage well-off concerned citizens to provide their necessary share as their way of giving back to the community.
The establishment of Pan Pacific Princess (USA) 2010 has already raised curiosity and rightfully gained an edge over the mushrooming evolution of beauty contests and other related physique-inspired competitions since its basically aimed not only towards the recognition of the potential capabilities of young and promising Asian women but inspired to uplift and support a great number of disabled lives.
“This is truly a huge challenge but me and my partners, together with dedicated friends and volunteers who believe in our aspirations, are more than prepared with a firm mind-set to take up this gargantuan task if only to attain and realize a noble undertaking.”
Confidently utters Senen C. Cabalfin, SCCS CEO and ECI President.
“The road ahead is still far and wide but managing to execute even small but sure steps will eventually lead us towards our target goal!,” she adds vehemently punctuating her declaration with a wink.
To be able to apply and qualify, potential candidate must be of any Asian parentage residing in the United States who’s between 15 to 19 years old, at least in or have finished secondary school, must have an attractive and pleasing personality, of good moral character and must be single (never been married and without children).
Info
For personal application and screening, please contact Senen C. Cabalfin at 732-599-9794 or Bobby T. Yalong at 201-428-5638 or Glenn Abrenica at 732-610-2890.
You can also apply online at: WWW.SCCS-INC.COM
Posters, flyers and information bulletin are available in most oriental stores and establishments.
There will be a preliminary screening and press conference on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2010 at # 20 Diamond Hill Road, Marlboro, NJ 07746.
Interested applicants may take this opportunity to be screened and included in the first batch of candidates.
Jenny de Castro, Eny Duncan, Milette Marienski and Rosemarie Flores of MOTIVES will do the candidates’ make-up and Irene Zapanta does the hair.
Deadline for the submission of application is on March 27, 2010 and the final presentation of the 24 official candidates will be announced soon after.
The final judging and coronation night of the winners is to be celebrated with a pompous affair befitting a beauty queen and the members of her royal court at the Grand Ballroom of the Sheraton Hotel (Frontage Road) in Newark, N.J. on Sunday, July 11, 2010 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Join and apply now! Be crowned as the first ever Pan Pacific Princess (USA) 2010 and win fabulous prizes, including a round trip ticket to your country of origin — and be part of the Pan Pacific Princess pageant as it goes down history lane.
Rowell leads show
