What arrest? Lawyer says Willie Revillame already posted bail in 2013

A 2011 child abuse case against Willie Revillame has been upheld by a Court of Appeals ruling, but a lawyer for the often-controversial TV host was quick to refute reports that his client would soon be arrested.

“Contrary to reports, Mr. Revillame is not evading the complaint against him as he has submitted himself to the legal process. Upon the finding of probable cause by the regional trial court of Quezon City Branch 86, Mr. Revillame sought and was immediately granted bail,” Atty. Leonard de Vera said in a statement on Monday.

“Mr. Revillame voluntarily posted bail in the amount of P80,000.00 on September 4, 2013 or more than two years ago. Accordingly, it is unnecessary for the trial court to issue a warrant of arrest against Mr. Revillame,” De Vera added.

The original case was filed in 2011 by the Department of Social Welfare and Development in response to the public outcry that met a “macho dancing” performance by a 6-year-old boy as instigated by Revillame in his TV5 game show “Willing Willie”.

“As part of Mr. Revillame’s right to due process, he appealed the trial court’s finding of probable cause against him before the Court of Appeals by way of Petition for Certiorari. However, the resolution of this appeal remained pending for 2 years, until the Court of Appeals ruled last September 7, 2015,” De Vera explained.

Revillame’s lawyer further decried what he called “inaccurate reports spreading in social and mass media” which he said were “being misinterpreted by certain quarters on account of Mr. Revillame’s success in his new show ‘Wowowin’ now being aired in GMA 7.”

“It is evident that these reports are intended merely to taint and besmirch Mr. Revillame and his new show in the Kapuso network,” De Vera concluded.

However, media reports had merely taken their cue from the CA ruling, which was released only last Friday.

Part of the decision penned by Justice Ma. Luisa Quijano-Padilla and concurred by Justices Normandie Pizarro and Samuel Gaerlan read, “As there is probable cause for the petitioner’s commission of a crime, his arrest and arraignment should now ensue so that this case may properly proceed to trial, where the merits of both parties’ evidence and allegations may be weighed.”

The decision was welcomed by DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman who recalled that the DSWD filed the case against Revillame in 2011 for violating Republic Act 7610 or the Anti-Child Abuse Law.

“It can be recalled that Mr. Revillame made a six-year old boy perform gyrating dance movements on national television in an earlier version of his show,” Soliman further noted.

She said the DSWD remains committed in its “mandate of promoting and protecting the welfare of children, in all aspects and settings.”

Meanwhile, De Vera maintained that his client is innocent.

“Mr. Revillame has the Constitutional right to be presumed innocent while his case is being heard by the court. We categorically assert that there is no evidence that Mr. Revillame is guilty of the the crime charged against him. Mr. Revillame remains confident that he will be vindicated as he had absolutely no criminal intent when he invited the child contestant to showcase his talent. He had done nothing to degrade, debase, or demean the dignity of the child,” he asserted.

source: interaksyon.com

‘Wowowillie’ bows out with 4-hour farewell show; Willie Revillame vows to return soon

Almost five months after Willie Revillame announced that his noontime show on TV5, “Wowowillie”, will have its last show on October 12, the popular but ofent-controversial comedian and TV host made good on his promise with a grand four-hour “farewell party” at the Delta Theater.

Despite the heavy rains, the place was packed with a standing room only audience, many of whom came from places like Bataan, Cavite, Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, the United States, Kuwait and Japan. Upon acknowledging the crowd, Willie immediately hollered that each one be given P5,000 each.

Yes, lots of money were given away throughout the show as Willie and co-hosts Mariel Rodriguez, Rufa Mae Quinto, Grace Lee, Ava Jugueta, Joy Viado and Cacai Bautista conducted the usual contest portions.

Randy Santiago, who had filled in for Willie for several days leading up to the final show, was also on hand to help out in the hosting chores and even performed a song number with rapper and Saturday mainstay Abra.

Other musical numbers were provided by soul siren Nina as well as by Mariel, Ava, Joy, Cacai and former co-host Camille Villar, who departed last February to pursue masteral studies in Spain.

Former co-hosts Arci Muñoz and Lovely Abella were also around to join the celebration while Camille’s parents and long-time Willie allies, former Senator Manny Villar and wife Senator Cynthia Villar, were among those Willie acknowledged in the audience.

Reflecting not only on the 10-month run of “Wowowillie” on the air but also on his three years with the Kapatid network as host of previous shows “Willing Willie” and “Wil Time Bigtime”, Willie asserted how his shows were able to connect with the masses though the countless prizes they were able to give away.

“Dito po ang pinapansin ang mga hindi pinapansin. Ang importante po dito binibigyan ng halaga kahit sino ka lalo na ang mga taong kapuspalad,” Willie intoned during his final speech to close the show. “Yung mga tao pong akala nila wala nang pangarap pero merong pag-asang binibigay ang mga programang katulad nito. Nandito kami hindi lamang po maging masaya kami, nagiging masaya kami kapag nakapagbibigay kami ng kasiyahan sa inyo sa araw-araw.”

In thanking the Villars in particular, Willie noted that his shows were able to give away a total of 28 houses and lots from Camella Land and Vista Land. “Sina Senators Manny at Cynthia Villar, parang 911 yan. Isang tawag lang namin, bigay agad ng bahay yan,” he stressed.

Like his previous shows, the 10-month run of “Wowowillie” was not without its share of controversies.

Co-host Ethel Booba had a falling out with Willie that she said had started as early as the show’s initial broadcast last January 26 when he jokingly blamed her for the two power failures that marred the show. Ethel said the last straw came when he berated her and fellow co-host Ate Gay on the air the following month after allegedly complaining on the result of a costume contest won by choreographer Anna Feliciano.

Ate Gay himself left the show in April after he felt slighted when then newly hired co-hosts Cacai Bautista and Joy Viado took his usual place as the finale act of the show’s mini-concierto segment.

Another former co-host, Lovely Abella, was reportedly dismissed after she accepted an out-of-town engagement without the show’s consent.  Unlike Lovely, Ethel and Ate Gay were not present during the final show on Saturday. Still, Willie acknowledged their contributions while stressing that he harbors no hatred and bitterness towards anybody.

Then there was the show’s run-in with the Movie Television Review and Classification Board who conducted a gender sensitivity seminar for the show’s cast and crew after the bountiful cleavage of dancer Charm went on full display during the show’s “Tutok to Win” segment, which also took place last April.

But after Willie’s announcement last May that the show’s days are numbered and will formally say goodbye this October, “Wowowillie” was devoid of controversy and ran smoothly, if uneventful, in its final months.

In his final speech, Willie thanked everyone who helped him in his career, from ABS-CBN executives Charo Santos-Concio, Cory Vidanes and Gabby Lopez who gave him his first break on “MTB” and “Wowowee” to TV5 COO Bobby Barreiro, former president CEO Atty. Ray Espinosa, president and current CEO Noel C. Lorenzana and Chairman Manny V. Pangilinan.

“Ngayon lang po ako umalis ng network na binigyan pa ako ng handa,” he quipped as he also revealed that MVP hosted a farewell dinner for him the night before his last show.

Reserving his most heartfelt gratitude to the masses who helped who brought him to where he is now, Willie promised that he and his team will soon return on the air.

“Pag natapos po ang mga usapan,” he assured without giving away any details. “Dito na po magsasara ang aming pinto, sa pagbukas po muli nito, sana ay tayo-tayo pa rin ang magkikita.”

source: interaksyon.com

Netizens take sides after Jake Ejercito slams Georgina Wilson for anti-Erap tweet

For posting a rather nasty tweet against former President and now Manila mayor-elect Joseph Estrada, model and TV host Georgina Wilson got a mouthful of response from Estrada’s young son and rising matinee idol Jake Ejercito.

Georgina’s tweet, which she has since deleted went, “ugh i hate politics – but I only have one thing to say: Anyone that votes for Erap is a f***ing idiot.”

The young Ejercito’s retort? “Ms. Wilson, social media might be a free world but I think it’s quite irresponsible to express such an opinion unless you are well-versed with the current situation of the city of Manila and how the present local administration has failed to handle it. Moreover, to call 325,288 Manileños, including the 9.4 million Filipinos who voted for him in 2010, ‘fucking idiots’ is harsh and truly uncalled for. Don’t hate without knowing the facts.”

Jake’s tweet immediately drew responses from several netizens on Twitter who either took his side or that of Georgina. An expected word war between the two did not materialize as Georgina did not respond to Jake’s post and did not tweet anything more about the matter.

source: interaksyon.com

BIR slaps ‘It’s Showtime’ host Ryan Bang with P1.8M tax evasion charge

Comedian and TV host Ryan Bang was charged with tax evasion by the Bureau of Internal Revenue on Thursday.

In its complaint, the BIR alleged that the 21-year-old “It’s Showtime” host owes the government P1.8 million in income and percentage taxes for 2011 and 2012.

Bang, a Korean citizen whose real name is Bang Hyun Sung, has been an ABS-CBN talent since he joined the reality show “Pinoy Big Brother” in 2010.

The amount of P1.8 million, which includes surcharge and interest, was based on tax filings by companies that hired Bang over the two-year period during which he is said to have earned a minimum of P3.05 million.

Bang’s legal counsel, Atty. Joji Alonso, told the ABS-CBN news program “TV Patrol” that her client had yet to see a copy of the complaint, but he would fulfill his financial obligations to the Philippine government.

source: interaksyon.com

Court releases Willie Revillame’s P426-M bond over ‘Wowowee’ case

A Quezon City court has released the P426 million surety bond posted by TV5 host Willie Revillame in connection with a 2010 civil case he filed against his former employer ABS-CBN.

Judge Alexander Balut of Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 76 found the bond unnecessary and allowed its discharge.

Revillame posted the bond following an October 2010 resolution issued by then Branch 84 Judge Luisito Cortez for him to post P426,917,646.96 to answer for any damages that ABS-CBN may suffer while he was hosting a new show on TV5.

This was after he filed an P11-million damage suit against the network where he used to host the noontime show “Wowowee” and asked the court to make a judicial confirmation of the end of his contract.

ABS-CBN answered with a P426-million counter-claim and alleged that Revillame had reneged on his contract, which was set to expire in 2011.

In a six-page order, the court dismissed ABS-CBN’s application for preliminary injunction.

ABS-CBN also tried but failed to get a temporary restraining order against Revillame’s hosting of TV5′s “Willing Willie” show under Cortez’s court.

Last year, Revillame reformatted “Willing Willie” and changed its name to “Wil Time Bigtime”.

Balut also suspended the proceedings pending finality of a Court of Appeal’s decision of the case between TV5 versus ABS-CBN and Makati City RTC Branch 66 judge Joselito Villarosa.

InterAksyon.com is the online news portal of TV5.

source: interaksyon.com

Dingdong Dantes says no to politics

Dati, matagal nang planado ni Dingdong Dantes ang ireregalo sa kaarawan ng girlfriend niyang si Marian Rivera.

Nakausap ng PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) si Dingdong sa live gala night ng Protégé: The Battle for the Big Artista Break noong Linggo, August 5, sa Studio 7 ng GMA.

Live gala presenter si Dingdong Dantes ng Protégé.

Doon tinanong ng PEP sa actor kung wala pa siyang naiisip na regalo sa kasintahang aktres sa kaarawan nito sa Linggo, August 12.

“Wala pa, iniisip ko pa, e," sinabi ni Dingdong.

Biro tuloy kay Dingdong—baka nagsasawa na siyang magregalo kay Marian?

“Siguro, hindi! Mahirap din kasing mag-isip kung ano ang ibibigay sa kanya.

“Usually naman, definitely kapag three days before, may maiisip na ako."

Sa isang interview naman kay Marian, nasabi nitong kapag nagmahal siya, hindi lang kamay at braso ang ibinibigay niya sa taong mahal niya kundi buong katawan.

At ang reaksyon dito ni Dingdong…

“Oo, e! Ganoon siya talagang klase ng tao. Pag 'binibigay niya ang sarili niya, talagang buong-buo!

“Ina-appreciate ko naman yun kaya kung ano ang ibinigay niya sa akin, aalagaan ko naman."
Ganoon din ba si Dingdong?

“Kanya-kanya namang bersyon, e. Hindi ko masasabi in those words. I express myself differently."

Hindi alam at ikinagulat ng aktor ang balitang papasok sa pulitika si Aga Muhlach.

Kaya’t ibinaling sa kanya ang tanong na papasukin din ba niya ang public service.

Sabi ni Dingdong, “Sa dami ng trabaho ko sa showbiz ngayon, ayokong mag-suffer ito kapag pinasok ko ang ibang mundo.

“Para sa akin, masaya na ako sa ginagawa ko. Ayokong mag-suffer ang isa, dahil gusto kong mag-excel sa isang field.

Abala si Dingdong sa filmfest entry niya with Angel Locsin at Angelica Panganiban na One More Try ng Star Cinema.

Ipapalabas na rin ang Aswang Chronicles niya sa October, pero ang movie niyang Dance of the Steel Bar ay baka next year na maipalabas.

Liban dito, nariyan pa rin ang kanyang sinimulang YesPinoy Foundation. Sa pamamagitan nito ay nakakatulong si Dingdong at ang kanyang mga kaibigan at supporters bilang private citizens.

Noong Ondoy ay nag-organisa ang foundation ng caravan ng relief goods. At nakakalikom sila ng pera para sa scholarships ng mga anak ng mga sundalo ng ating sandatahang lakas.

THANKS TO TECHNOLOGY. Kamakailan, napabalitang magkasamang nagpunta sina Dingdong at Marian sa Spain.

Ang Kastilang ama ni Marian ay naninirahan sa bansang Espanya, at dati nang nagkakilala ang ama ni Marian atb si Dingdong.

Kumusta ang naging bonding ngayon ni Dingdong sa ama ni Marian?

“Masaya," ang nakangiting sinabi ng aktor. “Mas masaya na this time around.

“Kasi nga medyo naka-warm up na kami. Enjoy lang talaga.

“Tsaka mas maayos na ang communication ngayon dahil… well, thanks to iPhone, dahil may translator.

“Mas napapadali ang buhay. Pati siya, nakakapag-communicate na siya nang madalas," kuwento pa ni Dingdong.

WEDDING BELLS? Hindi ba siya tinanong ng ama ng aktres kung kailan niya pakakasalan si Marian?

“Wala, wala," sabay-tawa ni Dingdong. “Casual lang ang usapan.

“Walang tanong na ganoon. Good time lang talaga.

“May mga common interests din kami. Mahilig siya sa sasakyan—karerista rin siya ng motor noong araw.

“Mahilig siya sa steak. Mahilig siyang mag-grill."

Natatandaan ng YES! Magazine team na hilig din ito ni Dingdong. Nang minsang mapadpad sa lugar niya ang YES! team para sa isang pictorial, higit pa sa sapat ang inihanda nitong pagkain.

Pero di pa nasiyahan si Dingdong. Sinabi nitong kung hindi lang nagkulang sa oras, ang balak talaga niya ay mag-grill ng steak. -- Rommel Gonzales, PEP

source: gmanetwork.com

NGO: Kidnapped Syrian TV host executed

BEIRUT — Syrian television presenter Mohammed al-Saeed, kidnapped from his Damascus home in mid-July, has been executed, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said on Saturday.

"The television presenter, a well-known figure on state TV, has been executed, and the Al-Nusra Front has claimed responsibility for the killing," the Observatory's Rami Abdel Rahman told AFP.

Al-Nusra, a little-known Islamist militant group, claimed the kidnapping and execution of Saeed in a statement on Friday.

"The heroes of western Ghouta (in Damascus province) imprisoned the shabih (pro-regime militia) presenter on July 19," said Al-Nusra. "He was then killed after he had been interrogated."

Posted on a forum featuring the Al-Qaeda flag, Al-Nusra's statement showed a photograph of Saeed looking frightened, with his back against a wall in an unknown location.

"May this be a lesson to all those who support the regime," it said.

Contacted by AFP, state TV director Maan Saleh said: "We have no material proof of this killing."

Last month, international media rights watchdog Reporters Without Borders issued a statement on Saeed's kidnapping, and urged his captors to release him.

"News media and journalists – both professional and citizen journalists – should not be targeted by any of the parties in a war or civil war," it said at the time. — LBG, GMA News

article source: gmanetwork.com

Bianca King Says Career Decision Is Not About Money

MANILA, Philippines — TV host and director Bianca King said she has all the right reasons to remain a loyal Kapuso.

Reports have it that Bianca is being groomed as the network’s next big star. She is at the moment the female lead actress of the soon-to-end soap opera “Broken Vow” and “Luna Blanca,” GMA-7’s newest primetime series. With her contract expiring in one year, rumors have it that she might be eyeing transfer. But Bianca was quick to deny: “I have all the right reasons to stay with GMA-7. It is not a question of money. It’s a question of values and integrity also.”

She added that as a Kapuso actress, she was well taken care of with TV projects.

“Kahit siguro triple pa ang i-offer nila in the future. Siguro na lang kapag wala na akong projects. Pero kung patuloy ang ganito, that every show iba ang ginagawa ko, I have all the right reasons to stay,” stressed Bianca King whose career is managed by GMA Artist Center.

“From playing a rape victim or a battered wife, my role in ‘Luna Blanca’ is a stretch because I’m painted black. It’s also the first time that my character is bubbly and cheerful despite her looks,” she remarked.

Painted black also meant making sure her facial expressions are recognized amidst her dark skin. Confident with her acting from years of portraying various TV roles, Bianca challenges herself even more in “Luna Blanca” especially since she’ll be working with actress Heart Evangelista in a lot of scenes.

“I’m excited and honored to work with Heart Evangelista na lumaki akong pinapanood sa TV and when I was still in school. Sobrang surreal na makaka-eksena ko na siya for the first time,” Bianca remarked.

Bianca said that she and Heart will be having a harmonious working relationship. There won’t even be future issues about “sapawan” because for her, she’d rather focus on delivering what’s needed to make the show interesting and enticing to watch and the same is expected from Heart.

source: mb.com.ph

Is Grace Lee Moving To TV5?

MANILA, Philippines – Korean TV host Grace Lee is out to make a big career change if rumors of her plan to move to the Kapatid network hold true.

An insider from TV5 whispered to Bulletin Entertainment that Grace would soon transfer to the Manny V. Pangilinan-owned network.

The TV host, says the source, will be the additional cast member in the reformatted morning show “Sapul Sa Singko,” which will take on a new name, “Good AM Club,” when it is launched very soon. Its hosts like Chiqui Roa-Puno, Amy Perez, Tintin Bersola, Martin Andanar and Cheryl Cosim will be retained.

“Sapul Sa Singko” is a morning show that competes directly with GMA’s “Unang Hirit” and ABS-CBN’s “Umagang Kay Ganda.”

The source, however, has not made it clear if Grace has already signed up with TV5, and if her contract with GMA has already expired or is about to expire.

source: mb.com.ph

Ruffa: Love Can Be 'Toxic'

MANILA, Philippines – Actress- TV host Ruffa Gutierrez is on a “dating detox.”

Apparently, Gutierrez feels as if going out and meeting someone new and—maybe—falling in love, is quite a toxic matter.

And she just might be basing this on experience, getting herself mired in a storm for dating hot matinee idol John Lloyd Cruz sometime ago and all.

Doubtless, there had been other lesser known—but, obviously, not very successful—relationships as well, which she herself admitted in a recent interview with GMA News.

"I've been in one relationship after the other, so I think it's also a good experience kung pa-paano mai-rest ang ating puso. Kasi it's been one crazy cycle after another," Gutierrez said.

"I plan to have a love sabbatical," she added. "I have to keep my focus.”

Gutierrez said that her decision had also been influenced by stories she kept hearing from her acquaintances.

"Lahat ng mga nakakausap kong friends ko, all the time they're always crying, they're always sad. May mga problema sila sa mga husband nila, sa mga boyfriend nila," said she. "[So] I'm so happy na wala akong pino-problema kundi ang sarili ko at mga anak ko."

If anything, Gutierrez would rather concentrate in being a good mom to her children, Lorin and Venice.

"A lot of my decisions really have to do with them—why I will do a certain thing or why I will not do a certain thing, it's really because of Lorin and Venice," she emphasized.

In the same interview, Gutierrez shared that she and estranged husband Yilmaz Bektas are in “good terms.”

She even went on to admit that she—but most especially her kids—misses his company.

"Nakaka-miss din naman siya, [as with] 'yung bonding na nakikita ko between Lorin and Venice and their father," sabi ni Ruffa.

But it’s not as if she wants to get back with him.

"Wala na. He'll just forever remain my one true love and the father of my kids," she maintained.

Asked if she regrets having married him in the first place, Gutierrez answered in the negative.

But she admitted, "Siguro si Yilmaz masasabi kong siya 'yung true love ko, pero hindi siya 'yung forever love ko."

source: mb.com.ph

Chris Harrison, Wife Gwen Are Splitting

The Bachelor host Chris Harrison and his wife of 18 years, Gwen, are announcing their separation "after much heartfelt consideration," the couple tells PEOPLE exclusively.


"Though we have made this incredibly difficult decision to separate, our love and mutual respect remain, and we look forward to sharing in the lives of our wonderful children," they say in a joint statement Thursday.

The couple live 35 miles from Hollywood with their kids Joshua, 9, and Taylor, 7. Harrison, 40, coaches both kids' soccer teams, and is "an amazing father," Gwen told PEOPLE in 2010. "He's very loving and involved."

source: people.com

After Tyra Banks, is Jessica Sanchez next for Rajo Laurel?

MANILA, Philippines – Rajo Laurel is taking more leaps in his career as he embarks on a “personal quest” of dressing up Filipino-Mexican “American Idol” finalist Jessica Sanchez.

The esteemed designer has flown to Los Angeles, California, and brought with him some of his creations that he hopes Jessica could wear on the show.

“Kung madamitan ko siya, eh di siyempre tuwang-tuwa ako. But it’s a personal quest,” he said in a taped interview on “Showbiz Central,” April 29.

Rajo is a self-confessed fan of 16-year-old Jessica, and believes she’s “an amazing singer.”

He earlier declared his dream of dressing her up via Twitter. His call did not go unnoticed as Jessica herself and Soyon An, “American Idol” design consultant and stylist, have responded to his tweets.

“I like the collection. Direct message me. I also like your men's collection! X,” Soyon tweeted.

Meanwhile, Jessica, in a previous interview with “Balitang America,” likewise expressed interest over Rajo’s collections.

“I haven’t really gotten the time to really, really check out his stuff. But what I’ve seen is really good so he would just have to talk to our stylist. We’ll see what happens,” said the San Diego, California native.

Rajo is apparently more inspired to take bigger strides, given that a handful of Filipino designers have already earned their respective niches abroad.

“To my designer friends who are ahead of me in dressing up celebrities, thank you for paving the way. Umpisa na ‘to eh. Nandiyan na tayo, buksan na natin ‘yung pinto… Tibangin na natin ‘yung pintong ‘yan. Pakilala na natin sa buong mundo ang talento ng Filipino fashion designers. Ika nga ‘di ba, sabi ko, it’s not only more fun in the Philippines, now, it is more fashionable,” he enthused.

Two weeks ago, Rajo made the headlines after supermodel-TV host Tyra Banks donned his dress, a piece from his 2008 “Insect” collection, in an episode of US reality show, “America’s Next Top Model.”

An honored Rajo professed his gratitude to his cousin, Michael Carandang, who happens to be a producer on “ANTM,” for encouraging him to send his creations to Tyra.

He also tweeted on April 23, “Believe that w each day we get closer in attaining our dreams! Move forward, if you fall pick urslf up and push even harder!”

source: mb.com.ph

Daiana Menezes on playing Paris Hilton's double

MANILA, Philippines – Brazilian model-TV host Daiana Menezes takes pride in being a stand-in for American hotel heiress and reality show star Paris Hilton in one of her shows.

The buzz exploded two weeks ago when she posted on Facebook a photo of herself in blonde hair and wearing a skimpy swimsuit.

“Actually ‘yung sa Paris Hilton kasi dinodouble ko siya sa isang project na ginawa niya,” shared the sexy TV personality to Bulletin Entertainment and other members of the press at the relaunch of the wardrobe apparel Crimson in Prive Luxury Club on April 25.

Meneses said that her stint on the show, which she refused to name, was the reason she dyed her hair corn blonde and is currently sporting a fringe.

Although Menezes is aware that she and Hilton look anything but alike, she thinks that the fact they have roughly the same height (5'8") and similar angles on-cam were among the reasons she bagged the part.

“There was this agency and they were looking for someone that kind of looks like Paris. I don’t really look like Paris but I guess some angles they were able to get it,” said she.

Even though it was a “minor role,” the 24-year-old model is grateful to have been given such kind of opportunity.

“I was very blessed naman to you know, kahit hindi main role, for me it’s a pleasure to be her double,” she enthused.

Asked if she was able to meet the fashion designer-cum-business-woman while filming, Menezes’ excitedly shared, “I’ve seen her and she’s very pretty.”

Meanwhile, though initially hesitant to speak about her past relationship, Menezes was honest enough to admit that she has indeed “returned” the engagement ring she received from former beau, director GB Sampedro.

“’Wag na nating pagusapan ‘yung past, pagusapan nalang natin ‘yung present ‘di ba? Wala ng ano ‘yung eh kasi tapos na,” she said at first.

She later disclosed, “Yes, sinoli ko naman talaga because with all due respect to anyone that you’ve had relationship with, whatever is past is past. It’s done and i’m just looking forward for my future.”

The actress was very upbeat during the interview which prompted people to ask if she has a new flame.

“Ok na ok na ako ngayon eh. Actually very happy naman ang puso ko,” was her meaningful response.

Apparently, all issues that she had to contend with last year -- the tax evasion case filed against her the Bureau of Internal Revenue followed by her failed engagement with Sampedro -- did her good.

“I’m a different Daiana, very, very happy ako ngayon. Parang I think sa lahat ng pinagdaanan ko natuto ako kung paano maghandle ng situation,” Menezes said.

Speaking of having a “different self,” local clothing line Crimson, like Menezes—according to Jay Khemani, Crimson’s Sales & Marketing Manager—also got a face lift recently as they elevated the brand into producing “premium” apparel.

“When we acquired the company two years ago, we saw the potential of being a premium brand. And of course having a premium brand you have to sell premium quality. So we changed the entire concept and strategy. We now have high-quality fabric, better accessories and we’ve improved the collection as well,” Khemani explained.

Khemani boasted that their brand now has a “high-fashion collection” which they hope would appeal to the upper classes in the society.

Crimson’s products are available in leading department stores nationwide.

article source: mb.com.ph

Janice de Belen happy for son Luigi’s personal transformation

MANILA, Philippines – Actress Janice de Belen is grateful that her son Luigi Muhlach has overcome a tough phase in his life, having been a victim of drug addiction.

Apparently, the turning point for Luigi to better himself was starting a family. And although Janice initially had misgivings about this, she now couldn’t be prouder of him.

“…kung ito ang ikagaganda ng buhay niya, kung ito ‘yung ikaayos niya, then so be it. Hindi ganun kadali ang maging magulang when you don’t know what to do. Wala talaga siya sa libro, ‘yung eksaktong gagawin. Hindi mo makikita ‘yun eh. You have to go with your instincts, more than that you have to pray that what you’re doing is right, at tama ‘yung magiging outcome,” Janice told “The Buzz” on April 15.

Luigi’s struggle with drug use, as with his eventual rehabilitation, were revealed via his heartfelt interview on “Showbiz Inside Report” on Saturday. Luigi, Janice’s son with award-winning actor Aga Muhlach, admitted that after his mother and stepfather John Estrada separated, “medyo nagbulakbol ako nun.”

He got into drugs and other vices while he was in college.

Although it was painful for her, Janice was forced to send Luigi to a rehabilitation facility, where he stayed for a month.

“Naawa ako sa kanya, parang gusto kong magbago ‘yung isip, pero... you need to do what needs to be done. Kahit masakit, ganun talaga eh. Mas masakit siguro kung wala kang ginawa bilang magulang...,” said she.

Luigi admitted that he was furious at his mom at the time, and went to rehab with a heavy heart. He nevertheless acknowledged his wrongdoings.

“Actually s-in-urprise ako ng mom ko eh. Pinasok niya ko do’n but stop, wala na ko no’n, malinis na ko non,” said Luigi.

The TV host-actress likewise recalled how chaotic her relationship with Luigi was, saying, “There was a point na naiisip ko na ito bang nangyayari sa’ming mag-ina ay resulta ng mga nagawa kong pagpapaluha din sa aking mga magulang? Siyempre naisip ko kung ito na ba ‘yung karma ko?

“The other half of my brain is telling me it could be a phase. Hindi nga kaming dalawa magkaintindihan. ‘Yung kontrapelo kayong mag-ina. Maybe he was going through certain things na hindi ko naiiintindihan.”

Janice couldn’t hide her tears on “Showbiz Inside Report,” where she serves as one of the hosts, after the airing of Luigi’s interview. She went on to vent out her frustrations as a mother and single parent who also took care of her four other kids to John Estrada.

“Nung time na nagda-drugs siya it was so hard for me na maniwala sa ibang tao at tanggapin na hindi ko siya napalaki nang maayos. Kasi ‘pag single parent ka, ‘pag maayos ‘yung nangyayari sa anak mo, hindi mo naman nakukuha ‘yung credit nang solo eh. Pero ‘pag napariwara ‘yung anak mo, ikaw lang mag-isa ang may kasalanan niyan. I’m just thankful na nagawa ko lahat ito. Kasi parang… iba eh. Ikaw ‘yung responsable sa pagkatao nung tao…” she related.

Learning that he was going to be a father at 22 years old became, in his own words, a “wake-up call” for Luigi. In 2009, he tied the knot with Patricia, whom he’s thankful to have met at what could very well be the lowest point of his life.

“I didn’t want a broken family,” he quipped.

The couple now has two children. Luigi is also etching his own success through a restaurant he has put up.

His message to his parents?

“Thank you. Tough love ang nangyari sa’min. I’m thankful na naging ganun sila sa’kin,” said he.

Charlene’s reaction

Apart from Aga and Janice, Charlene Gonzales, the former’s wife, is also happy for Luigi.

“I’m just so happy to say that after everything that he’s been through, he has has become an even better person today,” said she during a live discussion on “The Buzz.”

Notwithstanding the difficulty times, Charlene said “Aga and I were there for Luigi.”

She, however, admitted that “it also came to a point na pinag-usapan din namin ito ni Aga and Janice that we also have to let him fall in order to become a better person, in order to become stronger and to learn, and to overcome ‘yung battle na pinagdaanan niya sa buhay.”

“As a stepmom, at first talagang medyo mahirap talaga. Kasi... hindi mo talaga alam kung saan mo ilulugar ang sarili mo ‘di ba? Parang hindi mo alam if what you do will be taken in right or bad context,” the former beauty queen added.

source: mb.com.ph

‘Bad luck’ hits Regine Tolentino, Louise delos Reyes

MANILA, Philippines – Actress-TV host Regine Tolentino is thankful that only a "small amount" of cash was lost when her shop was burglarized last April 4.

In a CCTV video shown during the April 12 episode of “24 Oras,” a man whose face was concealed by a motorcycle helmet was caught entering Regine's unidentified shop and stealing a cash box with the day’s earnings amounting to “P 5,000,” as the report said.

“The way he was acting parang he was observing 'yung activity nung area. Parang feeling ko familiar na siya sa area. So parang he knew what he was looking for and ‘yun, medyo nangalkal pa nga siya,” said Regine in the report.

The entire burglary happened around 7:00 p.m. and lasted less than a minute, moments after Regine’s aide went up to the second floor leaving the front desk unattended.

Regine believes that what happened ought to be a wake-up call for businesses and households alike to be more "aware" against felons lurking everywhere.

“Well I think it’s awareness din sa lahat about these types of petty crimes and just to be more aware of the safety na hindi talaga masasabi kung saan magsstrike ‘yung mga taong masasama na ganyan,” she enthused.

Regine is known to be the owner of a boutique in New Manila called Dress Me Up and a dance studio called Rhythm & Talent Studios in Valencia Hills Condo and Commercial Complex. The report did not specify which establishment was burglarized.

As of press time, though, the suspect remains at large. But the “24 Oras” report added that Regine already filed a police report on Thursday at the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) Station 7.

Because of this incident, SP04 Rey Gatbonton of QCPD Station 7 urged the citizens to be vigilant at all times.

“Ang mapapayo lang namin do’n sa mga taong iiwanan ang bahay nila na walang bantay o ‘yung establishment siguraduhin lang na nakasarado ng maayos,” said he.

Louise’s health

Tween star Louise delos Reyes, on the other hand, endured an unusual kind of mishap when she lost consciousness backstage at the “Party Pilpinas” show last March 18. Since the incident, numerous speculations surfaced as to the cause of her fainting, among them her rumored “over-dieting” and her possibly suffering from an undisclosed illness.

Louise finally spoke up week later and attributed her collapse to over-fatigue and skipping meals.

“Pagod lang talaga. Tsaka kahit itanong pa sa kahit kaninong doctor kapag nawawalan ka ng oxygen parang unti-unti kang nanghihina,” the young actress shared in a taped interview aired in the same “24 Oras” episode.

Nutritionist/Dietician Maria Lourdes Cruz-Caudal bolstered Louise claim and explained that the 18-year-old actress may have suffered from hypoglycemia, which typically happens when “hindi niya nasusuplayan ang kanyang katawan ng enough na glucose" which is the body’s primary source of energy.

Lourdes further explained that most common victims of the said condition are the individuals that engage in a “wrong” diet. In the end, she pointed out that stars, with their busy schedules and long nights, should make sure that their bodies are sufficiently supplied with glucose.

Louise pointed out that since the event she has become more mindful of her health and body.

“Kumakain naman ako pero mas dinadamihan ko na ‘yung kain ko, ‘Yung carbohydrates kasi sabi parang bumaba rin daw ‘yung sugar ko, so ‘yun kumain lang ako tapos vitamins talagang dinamihan ko pati ‘yung tulog,’ Louise enthused.

source: mb.com.ph