The rise of Coleen Garcia

MANILA, Philippines - She was nowhere, then suddenly everywhere, much like glitter at a Katy Perry fete. In what most people would deem as a relatively short time, Coleen Garcia has become the quintessential face of rising stardom. But much like every seemingly “overnight” success, it’s taken a lot more than a pretty face and a killer bod to be crowned a box office sensation.

“I’ve been working since I was two,” says Garcia. “I did commercials. It actually never crossed my mind to try acting; the road just kind of presented itself to me. I wasn’t chasing it, but when I got the chance, I had to try it. It was kind of a leap of faith.”

It was in 2014 that she hit a real turning point. After a slew of smaller roles and co-hosting It’s Showtime, Garcia landed the supporting role of Janna in the independent film #Y, directed by Gino M. Santos. The film dealt with a complex subject matter — the occurrence of suicide among youth, dabbling in drugs and alcohol, the pressures young people have to deal with. The film enjoyed success on the independent circuit, enough to draw an equally successful distribution deal from Star Cinema. Santos says of Garcia, “I’ve learned that limiting her to a supporting role is just limiting potential that she has as an actress. She’s ready to take on any role given to her.” Spotlights were lit, and they were just waiting to shine on a star like Coleen Garcia.

In 2015, she was added to the main cast of Pasion de Amor, a local adaptation of the original Spanish telenovela Pasion de Gavilanes. Here, she plays Jamie Elizondo, who is the very picture of naiveté. “The show itself is understood to be sexy because of the original series. But I’m the bunso who’s always covered, always in pants, never really doing anything you could ever call sexy,” Garcia says with a laugh. Fresh, cleanly scrubbed, and hemlines all within a conservative measure, Garcia seemed destined to ride the Sweetness Express, the stereotype that is the death of most promising young actresses.

‘Ex with benefits’

But come September 2015, Garcia would once again team up with Santos to headline the Star Cinema release Ex With Benefits, starring opposite Derek Ramsey. She plays Arkie, whose foremost talent is being able to use her body to get what she wants — a grave and risqué departure from the girl next door selling us Skin White and Nestea.

Audience reception of the film was truly unprecedented — it earned P8 million on opening day alone. “Coleen went beyond expectations,” says Kriz Gazmen, creative director of Star Cinema. “She has proven that there is infinitely more to her than her beauty and sexiness. She is smart, sensitive and talented. We are excited with our next projects with Coleen and to groom her into the star that she is destined to be.”

Naturally, the spotlights turned up the heat, and news outlets wanted to know if Garcia was the next sexy starlet to watch. Garcia takes in all the hoopla and laughs it off. “I don’t want to be typecast. After this movie, I plan on doing other projects and exploring different things. The reason I did this movie was because the story had heart. Something caused Arkie to be that way, and it reinforces the fact that everyone goes through their own kind of pain. Even if the way she deals with things is unique, it’s very relatable. The sexiness of (the film) doesn’t take away from the story and won’t eat up what it has to say.”

Breaking convention

What makes Garcia remarkable is that she stands out in an industry that sanctifies the formula above else: She breaks convention. Most stars of recent years have risen to fame as half of a duo, or the classic marketing style of a love team. Most women are given roles that are either the girl next door, the best friend, or the minx — never all at once, and certainly not breaking the stereotype once it’s been established. She approaches her choices in acting roles with an admirable level-headedness, a belief in the story, and an undercurrent of true, raw talent that cannot be beat. And what makes her a real trailblazer is that her success is not a mere product of being at the right place at the right time; it is the consistency of hard work and the willingness to make sacrifices for greater opportunity.

For instance, fame inevitably puts pressure on one’s personal privacy. There’s been major focus on Garcia’s ongoing romantic relationship with fellow celebrity, Billy Crawford. With the release of Ex With Benefits, there is a lot of interest in his reaction to her sexier work, but Garcia says he’s much cooler than most people realize. “It definitely makes a difference that we’re both in the same industry. But it makes an even greater difference that he’s been here in this industry for 29 years. He’s seen how hard people work, he’s seen how hard I work, and he understands how much work it takes to make things happen. He really understands me and I’m so grateful for that.”

Then, there is the huge shift in the day-to-day. Wrangling the star for an interview involved competing with taping for Pasion, barely an hour of sleep, and several talk show guest spots (one of which involved the star having to take the MRT in heels just to make the show in time). “It’s a good feeling to realize that your work is being recognized,” says Garcia. “But it’s something that’s really overwhelming. There are so many things I can’t do myself anymore. I’m used to managing my own things, my own schedule, being able to call people myself and have conversations with them and set my own appointments. But now, there’s just not enough time. I suddenly have to ask for help with even just simple tasks, and I’m not used to that. Also, I barely get enough sleep, and it really eats up a lot of time. It’s been an adjustment.”

But in understanding the meaning behind the statement, “Everyone has the same hours in a day as Beyoncé,” Garcia says, elaborating on what helps her find balance in this freshly broken ground of success. “Do what you love and always make time for yourself. If you love what you’re doing, it won’t feel like work. That’s advice that a lot of people have given, but it’s true. You can go without sleep and be working nonstop, but you don’t feel how hard it really is when you finally see the results. You still have to make time for yourself, though, even just to read or to relax. You have to give yourself a moment to find peace.”

So what’s first on Garcia’s list of things to do the minute she gets a moment of peace? “I will sleep,” she exclaims with a laugh. “I think I need that.”

source: philstar.com

Derek Ramsay rules out reconciliation with Cristine Reyes, but wants to keep their friendship

Derek Ramsay has officially admitted that his month-long relationship with Cristine Reyes is indeed over as reported in several print and online media last week. However, the actor remains hopeful that they can still maintain their friendship.

“Right now, I’m giving more importance to the friendship side of our relationship. That’s what I’m trying to do,” Derek told InterAksyon and other media during the pocket press conference for his new weekly drama series on TV5, “For Love or Money”, set to air this October 17 at 8PM.

Derek further revealed that he has spoken with Cristine’s mother and sisters, including actress Ara Mina, whom he said he had a conversation with during the recent trade launch of TV5’s “Everyday All The Way” line-up of new shows at the NBC Tent. Ara is in the cast of Ogie Alcasid’s new teleserye “The Gift”.

“I spoke with everybody that I know who loves her to make sure she’s safe. Her family, her friends, lahat ng mga importanteng tao sa buhay niya, kinausap ko na. So far, they haven’t been disrespectful to me,” he added.

As for Cristine herself, Derek said they remain in touch. As a matter of fact, they are still set to shoot more scenes together for their upcoming film project, “Trophy Wife”. They will also soon travel together to Hawaii for an upcoming show.

Asked if their future liaisons will lead to a possible reconciliation, Derek sounded firm in ruling it out. “We both know that that’s not going to happen,” he declared.

Whether the extremely remote possibility of rekindling their flame has something to do with the real reason for their breakup, Derek wouldn’t say.

“I’m going to be private on what our reasons are. There are so many speculations but it’s not what it is,” he told News5 during the said trade launch.

As to how the breakup is going to affect the subsequent promotion of “Trophy Wife” when the time comes and he and Cristine can actively promote the film together, Derek does not see a problem there.

“I don’t think it will have any effect. People who know me know that I don’t come up with gimmicks just to promote a movie. I just let the movie speak for itself,” he replied.

“Besides, how can I do that to somebody who has been my friend for so long? If she has problems with us promoting the film together, I’ll respect and accept her decision. But I don’t think she will because she’s a professional”.

With regards to a repeat of the publicized incidents early this year when his name was not at all mentioned by his co-stars in “A Secret Affair” during the promotion of that film on ABS-CBN shows, Derek would like to think that it’s no longer an issue given how the Kapamilya network reported the story when he and Cristine first confirmed their relationship.

“I have so much respect for ABS-CBN for doing that. It was nice that my past network showed and mentioned me during that time. From the reports that they gave, they look like they’re happy for me. They even made an effort to go to us and interview us,” he recalled.

But now that he and Cristine are no longer a couple, how would he react if he becomes He Who Must Not Be Named again in his former network?

“If they decide to do that, then that’s their decision and I will respect it. You can look at it in so many ways. If they’re just protecting their talent, it’s a business decision on their part, so be it. You didn’t hear me complain about it then. But I want to think positive and consider that problem or issue as something that’s already over,” he conceded.

source: interaksyon.com

Valerie Weigmann is Derek Ramsay’s new love interest on ‘Kidlat’

Things are heating up on “Kidlat”.

TV’s most popular primetime superhero (Derek Ramsay) may have lost his first love Lara (Nadine Samonte) to her current comatose state but just when Joey (Ritz Azul) is beginning to warm up to his alter ego, Voltaire, in comes another mysterious woman who is dead set on coming between Kidlat and his current object of affection.

That mystery woman is Natasha, a sassy and sophisticated fashion designer from South Africa who will be later revealed as the villainess Enigma.


Played by 21-year old Filipino-German “Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition” alumna Valerie Weigmann, the witchcraft-practicing Enigma is the latest evil character to join Kidlat’s increasing rogues gallery.

Though a little nervous to be part of a successful series, Valerie admits that she’s more than excited to meet everyone—particularly her new leading man.

“Excited at kahit paano kinabahan din ako. I’ve heard so many good things about Derek, like how he’s a gentleman. And it’s true, napakabait n’ya at very supportive to everyone. He’s easy to work with and we also got a chance to talk on the set kasi he has also been to Germany,” Valerie said during the press conference that introduced Enigma and the other new villains of the series, namely Warla (Paolo Ballesteros), Frosta (Shaira Mae) and Fuego (Mark Neumann).

Her name may not ring a bell to some people, but Valerie is a sought-after ramp and commercial model that has graced many print and television commercials since her “PBB” stint. Born and raised in Germany, the towering beauty said she has been based here in the Philippines for the last four years. She also co-owns Manila’s first German-Turkish restaurant named “bamm”, located at The Collective, Makati.

Even with her whistlebait and statuesque figure, Valerie admits that she’s not yet ready to do “super daring roles” or even to pose sexy for the popular men’s magazine, FHM, for that matter.

“As of now, I don’t feel like I’m ready to go sexy. For men’s magazine pictorials? Maybe in the future and depending on the peg. My answer would be no right now but I could be open to doing it someday. Never say never,” she insisted.

What she is ready, however, is to do an independent film, something she’s happy to announce she’s already doing with no less than “Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank” director Marlon Rivera at the helm.

And yes, aside from the “Kidlat” actor, the young actress is quick to name also Piolo Pascual and John Lloyd Cruz on her wish list of leading men someday.

“Piolo in particular, is the typical leading-man type that any actress would love to have,” she quipped.



But even as her character Natasha/Enigma hopes to turn the world of Derek’s character upside down and inside out, Voltaire is not going to be easy pickings for her. She still has to contend with the strong-willed Joey who seems to be winning his heart as of late.

And then there’s Nadine’s character, Lara, who, in a shocking twist, is set to come back to life this week.

“Honestly, I don’t know why my character is back so soon. Dapat mga around week 9 pa ako babalik,” Nadine admitted during the same press conference. “I guess it’s something that the fans really wanted.”

When asked how she feels about the development of Joey’s character as well as the introduction of Natasha/Enigma, Nadine, who has been romantically linked with Derek as of late, said that she has no problem with it.

“Kahit sino naman ang i-love interest sa kanya, mas mabuti ‘yun for his character and for the development of the series as a whole,” she pointed out.

As for Valerie herself, yes, she is well aware of Derek’s reputation as a ladies’ man. When asked if she’s ready to be linked to Derek, she just coyly replied, “Tingnan na lang natin kung ano ang mangyayari.”

“Kidlat” airs weeknights at 6:45PM on TV5.

source: interaksyon.com

Lowfat is home at last, Derek Ramsay elated

Derek Ramsay was hoping to wake up Wednesday morning with his beloved Pomeranian, Lowfat, by his side. When that didn’t happen, the actor remained undaunted and still hoped for his return.

Lowfat and another of Derek’s dogs, the English bulldog Beyonce, went missing over the weekend, and the TV5 hunk had issued desperate tweets for help to find them since Sunday night.

Beyonce was found the next day, but Lowfat — who used to belong to Derek’s ex-girlfriend Angelica Panganiban —  remained at large.

“Lowfat is a brown pom. His right back leg is limp. He knows his name well and is over friendly so if you call his name he will approach you,” he tweeted on Wednesday, hoping and praying that at least one kind soul among his 775,000 plus followers would have already encountered his missing dog.

At around 3PM, the prayers of Derek and his fans were answered. “God is good! Thanks for all your prayers. Lowfat is back! We are complete again,” he happily tweeted.

The good Samaritan was Twitter user Chesca Arrieta, who presumably lives in the same village in Muntinlupa where Derek resides.  She posted, “Hi, @IAmDerekRamsay my mom returned Lowfat. My mom said, please take good care of your pets because the maids are pabaya. Thanks!”

Describing Lowfat as “so malambing”, Arrieta also posted a photo of the dog which she said was taken “for the last time” using her phone.

But it seems like Derek’s dog woes were not over yet as Arrieta again tweeted, “Your maid said that Jamba is missing too. Hope you’ll find Jamba when you get home.”

Derek, who was out of the house when Lowfat was returned, posted again past 5PM, “Heading home to see lowfat. Thanks again for your help. Thanks to my neighbours who helped out. too”.

As for his haters who have been posting nasty tweets against him since ex-flame Angelica decided to spill the beans on their controversial breakup, Derek implored his own followers not to retaliate anymore.

“Pls don’t fight them na”, he asked one fan. Other than that, it was pretty much back to normal again for the Kapatid actor. By 6PM, Derek was once again in an inviting mood.


 “Guys catch tonight’s episode of TARP later…I’m happy my dogs are back”, he tweeted to his followers.

source: interaksyon.com

‘The Amazing Race Philippines’ contestants meet the press, race with them

TV5 decided there was only one way to introduce the 11 pairs of contestants of “The Amazing Race Philippines” to the media — ask reporters to race with them.

On Thursday afternoon, 11 members of the press, including this contributing writer for InterAksyon, experienced a preview of the Philippine franchise of the world’s most awarded and most successful reality show. Each one of us teamed up with a pair of “TARP” contestants and took part in a mini-adventure race around Eastwood City in Libis, Quezon City.



For almost two hours, through the occasional drizzle, we ran from pit start to pit stop, chasing clues and fulfilling tasks along the route filled with detours, road blocks, intersections and obstacles as we vied for the P10,000 jackpot and other prizes (camera, luggage, and hotel accommodations).



In the end, Glenn Sibonga emerged the grand winner, with Kelvin Lamboloto in second and Nerissa Almo in third.

The highlight of the race had “TARP” host Derek Ramsay rappelling down from the top of one of the buildings at the Eastwood Open Park near the giant LED billboard.

Afterwards, the participants and the rest of the media sat down with Derek and the competing pairs at Something Fishy Restaurant to discuss the show, which will premiere on TV5 on October 29 after “Wil Time Bigtime”.




The 11 pairs who will race for glory and the P2-million grand prize are: celebrity best friends LJ Moreno and CJ Jaravata, brothers-in-law Dayal Chowdary, Jr. and Fausto Reyes, gym buddies Marc Dungo and Kat Tan, amigas Jervi Lisaba and Saida Diola, reunited friends Sheena Vera Cruz and Gee “Speedy” Canlas, Alabang housewives Pam Spell and Vanessa Ishitani, father and son Ed and Angel Movido, friends Boom Vergara and Cheng Enriquez, football brothers Armand and Anton del Rosario, bombshells Dani Castano and Mish Van Ruyven, and dating couple Crustel Castro and Mykey Lacson.

They  were chosen from a series of auditions last summer and took part in a cross-country adventure race from late April through June. They all signed  contracts not to reveal the results until the season telecast concludes.



Derek said he envies all the contestants because he and a friend once tried to join “The Amazing Race Asia” but they were not able to submit the necessary papers. Nevertheless, he’s thankful that he was able to join the 11 pairs as they raced around the country in a battle of wits, teamwork, and endurance.

“Kahit na hindi ko na natupad ‘yung dream ko talaga na ako ang makasali sa ‘Amazing Race’, para na rin akong nagre-race, dahil I have to be at the pit stops bago sila makarating there. Minsan lang ako muntik maunahan kasi nasa dagat kami,” he revealed.





Derek said the production team of ActiveTV, the producer of the Asian and Australian franchises of the show and co-producer of “TARP” with TV5, were amazed by the emotional intensity shown by the contestants.

“Ngayon lang daw sila nakakita ng sobrang emotional na version ng program. You will get to see kung ano ang nangyari. Kanina sa teaser, merong namartilyo ang kamay ng partner niya. Aksidente. There’s more. Some of them are really fans of the program kaya more or less, alam nila ang takbo nito,” he said.The Alabang housewives said they joined the premiere season of “TARP” because they were bored with their lives. They quipped that they were willing to buy the show Derek were not the host. The very reason they joined was because they knew Derek would host it.

Jervi, a staff member of “Eat Bulaga”, said he had asked for permission from his executive producer, Malou Choa-Fagar, before joining the show. And his partner Saida, who was once linked to Derek, said she just wanted to take on the challenge posed to her by Jervi.

She also made it clear, “Hindi naging kami ni Derek, We’re friends lang na nagkakilala minsan in a basketball game. Nahiya nga ako. At hindi ako ang dahilan ng anumang nangyari sa kanila ng girlfriend niya. Ang bait-bait kasi ni Derek at ang dali i-approach. But that was the only time na nagkita kami.”

Derek added that when that issue came out, he called Saida to clear things up and to apologize as well. He said he didn’t even know who Saida was when they met.

“Because it was written na sinundo ko raw siya sa ‘Eat…Bulaga!’ studio in a yellow car na hindi tinted. She is attractive and pretty, yes. And let me say this, hindi siya pinagselosan noon ni Angel.”

Real time updates will be provided online via TARP’s official socialmedia accounts @Amazinf_RacePH and hashtag #AmazingRacePH on Twitter and The Amazing Race Philippines fan page on Facebook. Or visit www.theamazingrace.ph for exclusive online contents.

source: interaksyon.com

Andi Eigenmann says was shocked by own ‘sensual and seductive’ scenes in ‘A Secret Affair’

Andi Eigenmann is about to turn a lot of heads with what could be her breakthrough role in “A Secret Affair”, Viva Entertainment and Star Cinema’s follow-up to last year’s blockbuster hit “No Other Woman”.

This time, instead of Anne Curtis, it’s Andi who plays the other woman who consciously seduces the fiance of her dear friend and plots to steal him from her. Naturally, the role requires some daring scenes, all of which she performed with no reservations.

“I am definitely ready to do scenes like what I did here in ‘A Secret Affair’. Magugulat sila. Kahit ako, medyo shocked ako!” she said, laughing. “But it’s okay because it’s the character that I am playing. I have to be sensual and seductive. Kailangan credible ako sa pag-arte.”

The innocent girl in “Agua Bendita” is now a distant memory. “I am no longer that teen actress that they first saw in ‘Agua Bendita’. I’m already 22-years old and tackling a mature role like this is definitely on my list,” she said.

Andi is confident she has done justice to her role “A Secret Affair”, with a little help from her co-stars, Anne and Derek Ramsay.

“I think I was able to achieve that level of maturity in my acting. I’d like to thank Anne for giving me tips. Medyo peg ko ang role niya as Kara sa ‘No Other Woman’. But I gave my role a different twist.

“I’d also like to thank Derek for being such a gentleman. He’s a professional actor. Kahit na sinong artistang babae ay matutuwang makatrabaho siya,” she said.

Andi is well aware that the role was originally meant for another actress, KC Concepcion, who backed out due to scheduling conflicts.

“I know that KC was the original actress for my role. Hindi naman ako conscious kung second or third choice man ako. The fact that they thought of giving me the role after KC backed out, that’s already something,” she said.

“They could have gotten somebody else pero ako ang naisip nila. That’s why I did my best to do the role and I hope that people will watch our movie because it’s a beautiful film,” she added.

Based on the trailer alone, “A Secret Affair” might just duplicate the phenomenal box-office success of “No Other Woman” last year when it opens October 24 in theaters nationwide. The video has been a hit on YouTube since it was uploaded last week.

Directed by Nuel Crisostomo Naval, the movie also stars Jaclyn Jose, Joel Torre, Jackie Lou Blanco, Say Alonzo, IC Mendoza, Petra Mahalimuyak and Ge-Ann Abraham.

“A Secret Affair” came as a result of the management contract Andi signed a few months back. Soon after, she started working on the drama series “Kahit Puso’y Masugatan”, where she also plays a scheming boyfriend-grabber opposite Iza Calzado and Jake .

She recently starred in Regal Entertainment’s horror flick “Pridyider” with JM de Guzman. Andi says she is working doubly hard these days so she can save up for the future of her daughter, Adrianna “Ellie” Gabrille, who will be turning a year old in November.

“Everything that I do now is all for my daughter. Nakakagulat nga kasi magwa-one year old na pala siya,” the actress noted.

“This early, I want to plan her first birthday party. Something special for the special little person in my life. I know that I speak like a mother now—because I am a mom and I chose this life.”

Andi claims that she has changed for the better. Before Baby Ellie came, she lived the life of an immature teenager who would always depend on her mom (Jaclyn Jose) or her dad (Mark Gil) even if she was already working as an actress.

Now she has embraced responsibility. “I have to kasi nga parent na ako—single parent to be exact. I want my child to be proud of me when she grows up. Ayokong lumalaki siya na umaasa pa rin ako sa mga parents ko. I am standing on my own two feet now and the future of Ellie is always on my mind. ‘Yun ang inspiration ko to work hard parati,” she declared.

It’s no secret that Andi became a single parent after a failed relationship with her daughter’s father, actor Albie Casino.

“When people ask me kung may regrets ba ako in being a mom when I am still too young and should be enjoying my youth? I always say ‘No’. Bakit naman ako may regrets, ‘di ba? My being a mom this early is a blessing. My baby is a blessing. Noong dumating siya sa buhay ko, ang daming nangyari sa akin. Maraming good kesa sa bad. And that’s great,” she said.

She has not lacked for emotional support, thanks to her loving family.

“My parents were always there. My siblings, cousins, friends and other people showed me their support. Ano pa ba ang mahihiling kong support, ‘di ba? Kaya there’s really no regrets. I am in fact grateful that it all happened to me. I know what life is now and I am being responsible now with the life that I chose,” she intoned.

source: interaksyon.com

Ritz Azul stars opposite her dream leading man Derek Ramsay in ‘Kidlat’

All Ritz Azul knew last Monday was that she was going to a story conference. When she later found out that she was going to star in “Kidlat,” TV5’s new superhero fantaserye as one of two love interests of Derek Ramsey, she almost broke into tears.

“Dito ko lang talaga naman kung ano ang gagawin ko,” the elated TV5 Princess told Interaksyon after the story conference. “Pagkarinig ko ng story kay Direk Mike Tuviera, halos mangiyak-ngiyak ako sa tuwa.”

Ritz has plenty of reasons to be happy with her new project. Although the 18-year-old “Star Factor” alumna from Pampanga remains visible a presence on the Kapatid network as she is also a mainstay of the weekly sitcom “Kapitan Awesome” and the Sunday noontime game show “Game N’ Go” as part of the new Game N’ Go Gang, she’s been hoping to get a new teleserye after last year’s “Glamorosa.”

“Tama ‘yung paniniwala ko na naghihintay lang ang TV5 ng right time para bigyan ako ng bagong teleserye, and I’m glad it’s ‘Kidlat’ kasi even before ‘Glamorosa’ pa, madalas akong tanungin kung sino ang gusto kong maging leading man. Ang lagi kong sagot, Derek Ramsay. So this is a dream come true na rin for me kasi parang may nakarinig nung dasal ko,” she exclaimed.

In “Kidlat,” Ritz is also looking forward to working with director Mike Tuviera, a veteran fantasy director who puts a premium on the performances of his actors.

“I’m all about performance and I will only allow the best version of yourselves to be used on TV,” Direk Mike told his cast. Come on time, come prepared, know your lines, treat this seriously, and I promise you, you will all look good here.”

“Bigla akong na-pressure sa mga requirements ni Direk Mike,” Ritz admitted. “Pero tama naman sya, kailangan naman lahat namin yun, especially the discipline. I’m excited to meet all the challenges of this project.”

Ritz is not sure if she’ll be doing action scenes in the series since her character is a mortal with no superpowers but added that she’s prepared to do such scenes if her role calls for them.

“I’ve tried drama and I’ve also done comedy so okay din naman kung may konting action. Pero based on the story conference, mukhang it’s more drama ulit for me here,” she added.





Since becoming one of TV5’s primetime princesses along with Alex Gonzaga, Danita Paner, Eula Caballero, Arci Muñoz and Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Ritz’s efforts at working on her craft has not gone unnoticed.

Her unforgettable turn as Daisy Flores in last year’s “Mga Nagbabagang Bulaklak” won for her two awards, Outstanding Breakthrough Performance by an Actress from the Golden Screen TV Awards and the Amazing Female Newcomer from Yahoo! Philippines OMG Awards.

When asked if there is such a thing as “sibling rivalry” between her and her fellow Kapatid stars, Ritz laughed and quickly retorted.

“Ah, wala, kaya nga sa TV5, mga Kapatid kami kasi para talaga kaming magkakapatid,” she shot back.

On being a part of the recentt “Dolphy Alay Tawa” concert scheduled to air on the three major networks this Sunday, Ritz said she feels so blessed to be given a chance to be a part of such a momentous moment.

“I also got the chance to interact with the other networks talents like Enzo Pineda, Wynwyn Marquez, Aljur Abrenica, Rocco Nacino and Miss Pauleen Luna. Mababait naman silang lahat and very supportive,” she revealed.

With the way her career is going, Ritz said she could not ask for anything more right now. As for the prospects of having a love team, she leaves it up to TV5 to decide on what’s best for her career.

When told that her dream leading man, Derek Ramsay, is currently single, Ritz just smiled and said, “Oo nga, balita ko din, single nga siya.”

source: interaksyon.com

Derek Ramsay Finds A New Girl?

MANILA, Philippines – Several months after his split with Angelica Panganiban, Derek Ramsay has purportedly found a new love in a non-showbiz girl.

The Fil-British actor-host has even supposedly introduced his new squeeze to his parents, reported “Ang Latest” on Sept. 29.

However, Derek begged off on making any comments regarding the rumors in a recent interview. PEP nevertheless quoted him to have said, “I am happy.”

The TV5 talent expressed his wish for his next relationship to be with a non-showbiz girl, as well as for such private matters to be kept away from the spotlight. He has apparently learned from his high profile relationship with Angelica, in which they had to endure a string of controversies in the six years they were together.

Meanwhile, Derek has also happily related with PEP that he has resumed communication with the comedienne-actress “through email.”

He adds, “We communicate, but we’re both busy with our schedules.  Tapos na ito, seven months na ito. We’re both happy, she’s happy,” said he.

Angelica is rumored to be in a relationship with John Lloyd Cruz.

Although they now lead separate lives, Derek assured in his interview with “Ang Latest” that, “Ang friendship namin ni Angel started six years ago, and until now magkaibigan kami.”

Their recent brief Twitter correspondence after Angelica has won Best Supporting Actress at the 60th FAMAS Awards also seems to be another proof that they are on better terms now.

“When I found out the news, first thing I did was… tweet her. Like I said, we don’t hold anything against each other. So I congratulated her and she said thank you,” Derek recalled.

Derek is busy these days with his projects with TV5, namely the series “Kidlat” and the reality show, “The Amazing Race Philippines.”

source: mb.com.ph

Nora, Derek Ruffa, ‘Bigtime’ girls meet TV5 fans in San Francisco

Although tired and sleep-deprived, TV5 heavy-hitters Nora Aunor, Derek Ramsay, Ruffa Gutierrez, and the “Wil Time Bigtime” girls gamely met with Filipino fans at a supermarket and a shopping mall in San Francisco on Friday, the eve of TV5 International’s The Big Launch in the city.

Filipino-Americans in Vallejo braved the sweltering heat for a meet-and-greet session with Nora, Derek, and the “Bigtime” girls near the entrance of the Island Paradise Supermarket.

Ruffa caught up with the group and gamely posed for pictures and gave autographs to grateful fans.

The Kapatid delegation’s next stop was the Seafood City Mall in Concord where a long queue of eager Filipinos were waiting to welcome them.

Virginia de los Santos was thrilled by the chance to kiss Derek and pose for pictures with the TV5 hunk.

“Aba’s siyempre masarap, parang anak ko lang siya. Aba’y siyempre pogi!” she enthused.

“Wil Time Bigtime” host Willie Revillame arrived in San Francisco past 11pm. He had cancelled his flight earlier in the day to get some rest.

Although he was feeling under the weather, he said there was no way he would miss this stop of the “Homecoming Tour” of “Wil Time” in California.

“Kahit na naka-wheelchair ako. O naka-kama ako may dextrose, darating ako diyan. Hindi puwedeng hindi,” Willie said.

“Wil Time” will lead the festivities for the second leg of TV5 International’s launch of Kapatid TV5 and Aksyon International in North America in a special show at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium on Saturday night.

TV5 and Aksyon International programs can now be viewed across North America through Dish Network.

The first leg was held at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on May 26.

source: interaksyon.com

TV5 gears up for international launch

Wil Time Bigtime is now on full-time preparation for its upcoming international tour in the United States. The tour coincides with the big launch of "KapatidTV5" Network and AksyonTV International this May 26 in Los Angeles and June 2 in San Francisco.

Even Willie Revillame himself can't help but feel the excitement too. He has prepared a special production number for fellow Filipinos abroad.

Besides Wil Time Bigtime, other Kapatid stars like Derek Ramsay, Aga Muhlach and Sharon Cuneta will also join the international launch of TV5.

source: interaksyon.com

Sam Pinto Addresses Third-Party Allegations Over Derek Ramsay-Angelica Panganiban Split

MANILA, Philippines – Contrary to rumors that have cropped up lately, model-actress Sam Pinto is in no way involved with the much talked-about split of popular showbiz sweethearts Derek Ramsay and Angelica Panganiban.

The former “Pinoy Big Brother: Double Up Housemate” turned sexy Kapuso talent has finally clarified the issue in a taped interview with “Unang Hirit” aired on May 18, echoing Ramsay’s earlier claim that they met just once for work.

“We only worked [together] once for a commercial. That’s it. We never, like, talked ever again. I have never seen him ever again,” Pinto said.

It was apparently a blind item posted on a popular blog site that started the rumor.

Pinto explained, “Okay, kasi ganito ‘yon. There’s this blog that came out. Para siyang blind item blog. And then ‘yung parang technique niya para malaman kung sino ‘yung blind item, ‘yung title [ng blog posts ay] ‘yun yung initials ng mga [involved sa] blind niya. So parang ‘yung title, [‘yung words] starts with D R and then P S. So automatically, people assumed it was me and Derek Ramsay.

“Kasi nga parang secret love affair in Australia daw. So, ‘yon. But I never went to Australia,” she said.

It may be noted, however, that the blogger did not put the location on the post, and that “Australia” was only identified in a number of readers’ comments found below it.

In any case, it appears that Pinto is not too bothered by the issue.

“For me naman, I know the truth and there’s really nothing to talk about ‘cause nothing really happened. Okay lang. If we talked, okay lang. We both know the truth naman,” she said.

source: mb.com.ph

Derek Ramsay finds Zac Efron ‘cool,’ ‘down-to-earth’

MANILA, Philippines – While local showbiz watchers were making a fuss about his jump to the Kapatid network, Derek Ramsay was having a grand time on a much-needed break. In fact, he’s had quite a memorable encounter with young American singer-actor Zac Efron during the former’s brief vacation in Australia.

Derek posted his photo with Zac, one of the stars of the hit US TV show/movie “High School Musical” and lead actor in the upcoming film “The Lucky One,” on his Twitter account last April 8. In a recent press conference, the Filipino-British actor shared how the meeting went.

"He’s a really cool guy, very down-to-earth. ‘Yong ano lang, maraming bodyguards… Kasama ko siya, naglaro kami ng golf… We had a lot of chit-chat, played golf, and it was a good day,” said Derek.

He likewise enthused that it was Zac who approached him first and commended his golf skills.

"Tapos sabi niya, ‘You kinda look familiar.’ Sabi ko, ‘No, you look familiar.’ I thought he was just being diplomatic and nice," he added.

Derek deemed that he might’ve looked familiar to Zac because of his former affiliation with Penshoppe, which reportedly tapped the latter as its endorser just recently.

"I used to be with the Penshoppe family so maybe he’s also seen pictures. I don’t know... wishful thinking," he related.

Overall, Derek found his Easter break in Australia a “relief.”

"I left the country with a smile on my face. Slightly wiped off because of the negative stuff. But then, all the positive stuff came in. Right now, wala namang negative na nangyayari na,” the actor said.

He even tweeted last April 9 about his return: “Back home! Tnx very much @mkim0739 tnx to everyone I met in Sydney.”

Derek signed a three-year exclusive contract with TV5 last April 10. For his initial assignment, Derek will host “The Amazing Race Philippines.”

article source: mb.com.ph