Fun Activities in Boracay: Helmet Diving, Island Hopping and Zorb starting at P665 (Up to 54% off)

Today’s Groupon: to Ride the Zorb Boracay

Highlights
Reef Diving

• 15-minute underwater helmet diving
• Walk among beautiful coral reefs

Island Hopping

• Boat with a glass bottom for island hopping for 2 hours
• Free snorkeling
• With chips and drinks
• See the corals and fishes
• Feed the fishes

Ride the Zorb

• Activity that requires participants to crawl into a giant plastic bubble and freely roll down a hill
• Exciting and thrilling!

Fine Print

• Groupon good for 1 person, valid for 1 year 
• Reservation is required at least 10 days from preferred activity date. If less than 10 days, call Ride the Zorb! to check availability; Reservation Numbers are +636.288.1912 and +63.947.505.9154 
• Island Hopping and Helmet Diving is subject to availability and weather conditions 
• Pick up and drop off points for the Zorb Service Shuttle are long the Main Road Station 1, Station 2 and Station 3 (not beyond E-mall) 
• Guests must provide own transportation to and from launching point for Island Hopping and Helmet Diving 
• P665 Boracay Island Hopping & Snorkeling + Zorb: inclusive of 2 hour tour on the Glass Bottom Boat, free use of snorkeling equipment and snorkeling fee, snacks and drinks. Also includes a Zorb Hydro solo ride good for 1 person, 1 roll down the hill and free transportation to and from the Zorb hill
• P725 Boracay Helmet Diving + Zorb: inclusive of 15 minutes Helmet Diving plus free souvenir CD. Also includes a Zorb Hydro solo ride good for 1 person, 1 roll down the hill and free transportation to and from the Zorb hill

Ride the Zorb

Ilig-Iligan, Yapak, Boracay Island, Malay 

Aklan 5608

Fun Activities in Boracay: Helmet Diving, Island Hopping and Zorb starting at P665 (Up to 54% off) When air pollutants become too abundant and the ozone layer melts away, the outdoors will no longer be safe and the human race will only be able to go al fresco while encased in germfree plastic bubbles. Prepare for a dystopian future with today’s Groupon to Ride the Zorb Boracay. Choose between two options:

• P665 (P1330 value) for Boracay Island Hopping & Snorkeling + Zorb
• P725 (P1580 value) for Boracay Helmet Diving + Zorb

Groupon holders who choose the first option get to jump from sandy shore to sandy shore, donning a huge smile with the sun cooking their face to a tasty golden brown or an adorable pink. With a two-hour ride on a boat with a glass bottom, they get to see the corals and fishes from the comfy above-water confines of the vessel, with chips and drinks. Those who want a more in-depth look at the world below should select the second option; those who do get to sport a huge helmet, giving them a very astronauty and outer-spacey feel, as they hop around the salty sea holding hands, but not harming the pretty corals underneath.

After their sea-bound adventure, sun-soaked travelers get to ride the Zorb, an activity that requires participants to crawl into a giant plastic bubble and freely roll down a hill, and is probably one of the best things to do when on vacation trying to experience the lush waves and sandy sands of Boracay. Groupon holders get to try the Hydro Zorb or the wet ride, wherein a partaker is shoved into the ball along with a few gallons of water, requiring no fastening of safety belts so the rider can slosh and rock about inside the Zorb.

Click here to buy now

Talk 'N Text shoots for history 'Powerade tries to stay alive'

-By GMA News Online
History beckons for Talk 'N Text on Friday night when it goes for a sweep of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals opposite an embattled but overachieving Powerade side.

Game Four of the best-of-seven title series is at 6:45 p.m. at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum, with the defending champions hoping to deliver the knockout blow to the Tigers and become the first team, after Great Taste, in the last 27 years to repeat as All-Filipino titlists.

A 133-126 overtime win Wednesday night moved Talk 'N Text closer to achieving the feat as the Tropang Texters enjoy a 3-0 lead in the Finals.

Texters coach Chot Reyes expects his team to show the same championship poise that they displayed in the Game Three win when they go for the clincher.

"So far, we have done a great job regarding mental discipline," Reyes said. "So we'll just stick to that thinking—to be concerned only of the next possession of the next game."

"In Game One, we took the first step. In Game Two the big step. In Game Three the biggest step. Now we have to make the final step,” Reyes said.

No team in the PBA's 37-year history has ever came back from a 3-0 series deficit, and while Powerade has shown how tough a team they are after eliminating top rank B-MEG and Rain or Shine one after the other in the post-season, the Tigers appeared to be drained after that Game Three loss.

"Pagod na talaga," said Tigers' coach Bo Perasol of his team, specifically top gunner Gary David.

David, despite dropping 36 points against the Texters on Wednesday, went 0-for-5 from the field in overtime, which the reigning champions totally controlled.

David, who is contesting the Best Player of the Conference (BPC) award with Petron star Arwind Santos, played a total of 48 minutes in Powerade's overtime loss. The BPC award will be given prior to Game Four.

Still, Perasol hopes to steer the Tigers to one win in the Finals.

"Even if we're down 0-3, we still keep the fight that's in us. It really doesn't matter whether we're going to go 0-4 against them for as long as we understand the way we played."

With really nothing to lose, Reyes sees the Tigers even more dangerous.

"They're just going out there and play with their hearts out. Play very free, relax basketball and that's always dangerous. We know how Powerade feels and thinks right now. We've got to take that into heart," he said.

A Talk 'N Text sweep will be the first in the league since Purefoods blanked Alaska, 4-0, in the 2008-09 Philippine Cup. — JVP, GMA News

Facebook downtime triggers Anonymous hacking rumors

-By GMA News Online
Social networking site Facebook experienced some downtime Wednesday evening (US time), triggering speculations of an attack by hacktivist group Anonymous.

The speculations were heightened when a Twitter account associated with Anonymous posted a tweet indicating the site was having a "slight accessibility problem."

"(C)ough cough, uh, looks like http://facebook.com is having a slight accessibility problem," the YourAnonNews Twitter account said.

Tech site CNET said Facebook was "experiencing some problems" while ReadWriteWeb said the downtime was "intermittent."

But after an hour, YourAnonNews posted another message on Twitter: "Facebook down? http://goo.gl/lZo9n -- Bwahaha, trolled! #Anonymous ^_^"

However, the AnonOps Twitter account —which has frequently been associated with Anonymous— has flatly denied the hacktivist group's involvement in Facebook's system problems.

"#Facebook.com is NOT under denial of service attack. STOP LYING," it said.

Earlier this week, a group claiming to be allied with Anonymous had promised to attack Facebook this Saturday.

But CNET quoted a Facebook spokesman as saying Facebook merely pushed out some code "too aggressively."

"We pushed out code too aggressively some time between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. Everything is fine now," it quoted the spokesman as saying.

CNET also quoted the Facebook spokesman as reiterating the social networking giant was ready. — TJD, GMA News

Facebook Timeline mandatory rollout 'You have 7 days to scour your past'

By Mike Wehner, Tecca
Facebook is the virtual home to more than 800 million active users, so any change to how the network operates is a big deal. And nothing could be bigger for the social hotspot than completely revamping everyone's front-facing profile page, and that is exactly what is happening today. Starting this morning, the new Timeline feature — that up until now has been an optional switch — is now mandatory.

The Timeline differs from the default profile pages we know and love in several ways. Now, rather than showcasing only your most recent posts, your personal front page can be scrolled back months or years at a time. Most importantly, this change can offer visitors a glimpse at your entire social networking past, all the way back to the day that you joined up. The revamp can be both a blessing and a curse for seasoned social networkers, as it can produce a bit of pleasant nostalgia, but also drag up some of your less proud public moments.

Left untouched, your Timeline may remind of you of breakups, job troubles, or even a few unfortunate party photos that you have long since buried. Depending on your settings, these black marks on your digital past could allow new followers — including friends or business associates — to see a side of you that was better kept tucked away.

Privacy is already a hot topic for Facebook users and the network's litany of sharing options can be difficult to navigate, even for the most experienced users. The company isn't oblivious to how the Timeline may drag up some unwanted past events, so a short buffer zone is in place to allow you to modify your online persona before making its new debut. You now have until Tuesday, January 31 to erase any past Facebook scars you'd prefer to hide.

The mandatory Timeline rollout will undoubtedly catch some by surprise, but you don't have to fall victim to the ghosts of past updates. Take some time to review your social networking history and don't hesitate to prune anything that you wouldn't want on the front page of a local newspaper, because as of right now, the clock is ticking. Or, of course, you could always jump ship to Google+ instead.

This article originally appeared on Tecca

International pop star Katy Perry kisses former "PBB" housemate Ivan Dorschner

--By ABS-CBNnews.com
MANILA, Philippines – Former “Pinoy Big Brother” housemate Ivan Dorschner was at a loss for words when asked how he felt when international pop star Katy Perry kissed him onstage during her concert in Manila on Sunday.

In an interview with MYX, Dorschner said he was just really lucky that he was seated in the front row.

"Sobrang swerte ko. I was in the front row, may iba na gusto but they are a little bit young too. I was lucky enough to be picked,” he said.

According to Dorschner, he initially hesistated to go on stage without his shirt on because his mom is conservative.

“Pero hold on guys, I didn’t just take my shirt off na agad. Kasi my mom is scary. She’s very conservative so siyempre nag-hesistate talaga ako na maghubad pero sabi ko sa sarili ko it’s a once in a lifetime thing,” he said.

“It’s not gonna happen next weekend or kahit next month. I was very, very lucky period, exclamation mark,” he added.

Dorschner said he was really nervous while Perry was talking to him.

“It’s Katy Perry. With any girl, kinakabahan ka. I was pretty tense, very, very tense actually. ..I was just having fun,” he said.

Asked what is his favorite Katy Perry song, Dorschner said: “It has to be 'Firework' kasi I fell in love with the video. Yung pagkagawa ng music video niya, it was just so inspiring, so intricate, such a well done music video. To be on stage with Katy Perry at that time, I’m very blessed.”

Joey Marquez back as Kapamilya

By Reyma Buan-Deveza, abs-cbnNEWS.com
MANILA, Philippines -- Actor Joey Marquez is back with ABS-CBN. Marquez will be co-hosting ABS-CBN's upcoming entertainment-documentary show "Showbiz Inside Report" with Carmina Villaroel, Janice de Belen and Ogie Diaz.

Asked if this will include interviewing former girlfriend Kris Aquino, Marquez said that he will just do his work.

"Ang sabi ko nga trabaho lang naman. So lahat ng pwede kong interbiyuhin kung pumayag ay thank you very much; kung hindi I can understand that," he said.

"I'm not doing it for my personal interest. I'm doing it for the interest of the public who would like to know what happened," he added.

As a host, he said it's beyond his control on who will guest on the show.

"I will just abide with what they want me to do... It all depends on the other party kung gusto niyang magpa-interview," he said.

Asked to describe the status of his relationship now with Aquino, Marquez replied: "I can see she is really happy right now and I would like to leave it this way."

Marquez signed a contract with ABS-CBN on Thursday afternoon,

"It's a dream come true, As I've said kaya ang lahat naman ng pinag-trabahuan ko ay may utang na loob ako kaya lang itong ABS-CBN dito ako nagmula. The root that I planted here is now very fruitful," Marquez said.

Present during the signing were ABS-CBN executives including network's president Charo Santos-Concio.

Marquez who's now enjoying his work in showbiz says he has no intention to go back to politics.

He also reacted on the issue that his upcoming show will replace "Happy Yipee Yehey."

"Actually I have no idea what time or kung sino, pero hopefully ay hindi kami makasagasa kasi lahat naman tayo ay nagta-trabaho. Pero hindi mo maiiwasan kasi kailangang mag-uplift ng level ng entertainment na ipapakita sa tao. Also to educate the people how and when to watch the real show," he said.

FORBES: Kobe Bryant is NBA's top-earning player

--ADRIAN DY, GMA News
Just as the Lakers are the NBA's most valuable franchise, the team's star player Kobe Bryant is also the league's top-earning player, Forbes Magazine announced Wednesday (Thursday Philippine time).

Bryant, a 1996 first round pick, earned $52.2 million last year, thanks to endorsements, as well as his Lakers salary.

The 33-year-old Lakers stalwart is currently in the first year of an $87 million contract extension, signed last April 2, 2010, and will earn $25.244 million this season.

According to the Forbes report, Bryant has among his portfolio of endorsements, deals with Nike, Smart Car, Panini and Turkish Airlines, paying him an estimated $28 million each year.

Lebron James is second on the list at $49 million per year, earning $16.022 million this season. He also has endorsements with Nike, along with several other American brands: Nike, Coca-Cola, McDonald's, State Farm and Upper Deck.

Dwight Howard rounds out the top three with earnings of $28.9 million. Howard is currently being paid $17.885 million by the Orlando Magic, but his contract contains a player option, allowing him to give up $19.261 million next year to look for another deal.

1. Kobe Bryant ($52.2 million)
2. LeBron James ($49 million)
3. Dwight Howard ($28.9 million)
4. Dwyane Wade ($27.7 million)
5. Carmelo Anthony ($26.5 million)
6. (tie) Amare Stoudemire ($26.2 million)
6. Kevin Garnett ($26.2 million)
8. Kevin Durant ($24.5 million)
9. Tim Duncan ($23.3 million)
10. Chris Paul ($22.4 million) 

Four housemates are in danger of being evicted in Pinoy Big Brother Unlimited

The nominees for eviction from Pinoy Big Brother Unlimited are (clockwise from top right) Carlo Romero, Divine Maitland-Smith, Wendy Tabusalla, and Joya Genzola.
--By PEP.PH

The votes of Pinoy Big Brother Unlimited viewers will determine who among this week's nominees and Team High Voltage members Carlo, Divine, Joya, and Wendy will be kicked out of the Big Brother house in the program's seventh eviction night this Saturday (January 28).

But for some ex-housemates who once lived and got to know this week's nominees, both Wendy and Carlo deserve to be evicted.

Ex-housemates Roy, Naprey, and Ryan remarked that Wendy does not possess the determination and willingness to stay in the Big Brother house, which they said should be reason enough for her leaving the competition. According to them, only the resolute are worthy of getting into the top 14 housemates.

Roy also said that Wendy's romantic fling with fellow housemate Carlo did not do her any good, and eviction would save her from further damaging her image.

"It would help her so things won't get too complicated, so her relationship with her boyfriend, her family and her reputation would be saved," Roy said.

Ex-housemates Luz and Erica also agreed, saying that Carlo and Wendy are not good role models for the program's dedicated viewers, especially the young.

Luz explained, "Being lonely inside the house is not an excuse. You should be accountable for your actions."

Former housemate Kim also said that Carlo was selfish when he allegedly sabotaged Ryan's chance to be part of the top 14 via a task that would have saved Ryan from eviction.

The ex-housemates have spoken, but who among Carlo, Wendy, Divine, and Joya did better to prove themselves worthy of another week inside the Big Brother house?

Don't miss the exciting developments in Pinoy Big Brother UnliDay with Bianca Gonzalez weekdays after Angelito: Batang Ama in Kapamilya Gold and in Pinoy Big Brother UnliNight with Toni Gonzaga at its earlier timeslot weeknights after Walang Hanggan in Primetime Bida. Also stay tuned to PBB Unlimited Updates with Robi Domingo during Heartstrings and Ikaw ay Pag-ibig on ABS-CBN.

Survivor Philippines Celebrity Doubles Showdown down to its last two weeks

The Top Five of Survivor Philippines Celebrity Doubles Showdown are (L-R) Albert "Betong" Sumaya, Stef Prescott, KC Montero, Mara Yokohama, and Maey Bautista

--By PEP.PH

Survivor Philippines Celebrity Doubles Showdown is now down to its final five castaways after Philippine Volcanoes' Arnold Aninion was voted off in the recently concluded tribal council last Tuesday night, January 24.

This leaves Apolaki members KC Montero, Stef Prescott, Mara Yokohama, Maey Bautista and Betong Sumaya as the remaining castaways aiming to outwit, outplay and outdone each other to become the next Celebrity Sole Survivor and bring home P 3million cash prize.

Considered one of the strongest castaways in his batch, Arnold said he believed he was a big threat to other castaways and despite being voted off, he is happy because he's given his all in the game.  Arnold is the now the 5th member of the Jury House.  He joins Chuckie Dreyfus, Arthur Solinap, John Odulio, and Gino dela Pena.  But will Arnold be warmly welcomed by the jury members?

As the votes were being counted, Mara held Arnold's hand as she tried to stop her tears from falling. Before Arnold left his fellow castaways, he gave a hug to Mara and told her, "It's okay, It's alright." 

In his final video, Arnold said: "I feel great. I'm proud of the way I played. I was a threat and I think among all the castaways here, I'm the best. I took out a lot of castaways in the process. I know I hurt a lot of people along the way but that's just part of the game. Sa Tribal Council na ito, they took the chance to take me out. If I were in their position, I'd do the same. In Survivor, you can't play fair. You have to play smart. So play with your head, not just your heart and you'll get to the end."

As their journey continues, the remaining Apolaki members will again face another set of challenges that will truly test their strength and endurance. 

Host Richard Gutierrez mentioned that those who have the immunity bracelet only have until next week to use it. Next week, the Top Five will face the five jury members as they talk about the issues involving all of them.

The final five Survivor Philippines castaways--KC, Stef, Mara, Betong and Maey--will exert all their efforts to make or retain their alliances.  Now that Arnold is out of the game, will Mara be able to survive the tension and pressure in the island?  And with the final five's attempt to play the game clean and honest, two castaways will end up fighting.

Don't miss how the final five castaways try to outwit, outplay, and outlast each other in the last two weeks of Survivor Philippines Celebrity Doubles Showdown, airing weeknights, after Legacy on GMA Network.

Iggy Arroyo passes away 'Arroyos seek for prayers'

By Thea Alberto-Masakayan | Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom

Negros Occidental Representative Iggy Arroyo passed away while in London Thursday, legal counsels have confirmed.

Lawyer Romulo Macalintal told Yahoo! Southeast Asia that former First Gentleman Jose Miguel "Mike" Arroyo already confirmed his brother's passing.

Iggy, who has been in London to seek treatment for his ailing liver, is also former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's brother-in-law. He was 60.

"Yes, it was confirmed by the First Gentleman. His relatives are already preparing to transport [Iggy] to Manila," Macalintal said in a phone interview.

Ferdinand Topacio said Iggy passed away 7 am Manila time due to cardiac arrest.

"They tried to resuscitate him but he fell into a coma," said Topacio in a separate phone interview.
Macalintal said interment details are still sketchy but there will be necrological services at the House of Representatives and at Negros Occidental. The burial will most likely be in Manila, he added.

"The Arroyo family is asking for the prayers of everybody," said Macalintal, adding that the family is also thankful for the concern for the lawmaker.
Topacio said the former First Gentleman is "bereaved" over Iggy's death.
Iggy was first elected as Congressman for the 5th District of Negors Occidental in 2004 and was re-elected in 2007 and 2010.

In his online profile, it was noted that Iggy "authored acts on increasing the salary grades of public school teachers, Seafarers Act of 2008, giving scholarship to the youth engaged in agriculture, instituting the children’s welfare funds for the protection and rehabilitation of abandoned, abused and sexually exploited children, the anti-child pornography act."

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PHILSTAR: Munting Heredera ends incredible nine-month-long journey

The Philippine Star (www.philstar.com)
MANILA, Philippines - After months of dominating on primetime, GMA 7’s Munting Heredera concludes its successful nine-month journey with a nerve-racking finale week from Jan. 30 to Feb. 3.

Intended to run for only 13 weeks, the Kapuso family drama received several extensions after consistently topping ratings charts. The show garnered its highest audience share last Aug. 30 with an overwhelming 49.5 points among Mega Manila households according to AGB Nielsen (based on May 9, 2011 to Jan. 17, 2012 Mega Manila households data). To this day, Munting Heredera remains at the top of its game as it continues to register high ratings relative to its competition.

Likewise, the show made its presence felt on the Internet as netizens followed and discussed the many twists and turns in the story.

From the show’s basic plot, which tells of a grandmother searching for her missing heiress, the writers of Munting Heredera headed by Agnes Gagelonia-Uligan and director Maryo J. delos Reyes were able to make the story even more engaging by introducing new characters and sub-stories.

While the story focused on the search for the rightful heiress to the Montereals’ riches, Munting Heredera also shed light on other issues and revelations involving other players in the story. Every character made an impact and contributed to the overwhelming success of what is arguably one of GMA 7’s most successful and unforgettable dramas.

Through out every episode, Gloria Romero, Mark Anthony Fernandez, Camille Prats, Luz Valdez, Gabby Eigenmann (who as Desmond earned him a Best Supporting Actor trophy in the Golden Screen Awards), Leandro Baldemor, Ynez Veneracion, Neil Ryan Sese, Krystal Reyes and Roderick Paulate gave exceptional performances.

The three girls Mona Louise Rey, Kyle Ocampo and Barbara Miguel also impressed viewers with their talent — whether they be throwing lines at each other or acting with veteran co-stars.

With Katrina Halili, Joyce Ching and Kristoffer Martin leaving the show came the arrival of new actors including the likes of Boots Anson-Roa, Robert Arevalo, Bobby Andrews, Andrea del Rosario, Migs Cuaderno, and in a special role, Monmon Domingo, a 12-year-old boy with cerebral palsy. Certainly, their acting performances will also leave a mark with audiences, whose nights were made more colorful by the weeknight drama.

In its much-awaited finale week, viewers must await whether or not Manny (Roderick) will survive a new battle concerning his health, or if Desmond (Gabby) will remain greedy until his last breath. Witness how the love stories of Sandra (Camille) and Jacob (Mark Anthony) and Doña Ana (Gloria) and Enrique (Robert) will culminate in the story. Someone will also officially join the Montereal family. Who could this person be?

Find out the answers as Munting Heredera bids farewell to its viewers. It airs weekdays after 24 Oras on GMA Telebabad.

Georgina Wilson willing to give showbiz a go!

Georgina says she loves watching ‘showbiz’ programs, especially ‘telenovelas’
By ROWENA JOY A. SANCHEZ (Manila Bulletin, www.mb.com.ph) (Bench photo)

MANILA, Philippines – While she makes no secret that she “loves” showbiz, model Georgina Wilson now seems more open to trying her luck in the mainstream entertainment industry.

“I feel like, if the right program is given, just like in ‘Showtime’—and that was amazing! I had so much fun with everybody there—and if it's something that I feel comes in naturally… what I am and what I stand for, then, of course, why not? I mean, I love showbiz!” she said in a recent interview with PEP.

Many easily see Georgina as part of mainstream showbiz, after she previously sat as one of the “hurados” on “Showtime.” She’s also closely associated with some big names in the industry, such as her aunt, Miss Universe 1969 Gloria Diaz, friends Anne Curtis, Solenn Heussaff, Vice Ganda, Raymond Gutierrez and his twin brother Richard Gutierrez, who also happens to be Georgina's ex-sweetheart.

The Filipino-British personality noted, however, that she’s not “the type of person who just jumps into anything and does things without even thinking.”

“It's also about timing and what the show is about… Well, I am hosting right now, so I guess that's okay as a first step for me in showbiz,” she added, pertaining to her hosting stint on Channel [V] Philippines.

Contrary to what she deems as common notion that she doesn’t “watch showbiz [programs],” Georgina enthused that she enjoys watching local shows, particularly drama series.

"I feel like I'm a showbiz person. I mean, my family's in showbiz! And personally, I love watching telenovelas. I know everything that's happening. And people don't know that,” she said.

Her current favorites are ABS-CBN’s “Walang Hanggan” and GMA-7’s “Legacy.”

"I love watching Richard Gomez and Dawn Zulueta [in ‘Walang Hanggan’]. My God, they're like Hollywood [stars] with their acting. I also caught the opening of ‘Legacy.’ So, I keep my eyes [for] both," she related.

Georgina also said, “They don't even know that I am fluent in Tagalog...”

Meanwhile, her relationship with Borgy Manotoc, grandson of former president Ferdinand Marcos, is apparently smooth sailing.

"I'm very happy with him. He's very supportive. And he handles me very well,” said Georgina in the same interview.

Nevertheless, it seems that she doesn't see herself walking down the aisle anytime soon.

"Ay, siya (Borgy) na lang ang tanungin niyo!” she laughingly said, adding, "But, I'm still young. I don't wanna rush anything..."

Katie Holmes plays Sandler's wife in 'Jack and Jill'

By Manila Bulletin (www.mb.com.ph)

MANILA, Philippines — Katie Holmes stars opposite Adam Sandler in Columbia Pictures’ uproarious comedy “Jack and Jill.”

In the film, Jack (Sandler) was living an almost perfect life, with the exception of one, annoying constant – his twin sister Jill (also Sandler). Every year he has to tolerate a Thanksgiving visit from his smothering sister, who doesn’t take long to turn his life upside down. As the weekend intrusion starts stretching into a month, the siblings fight, tease, and bicker in the way only twins can. When it becomes clear Jill is never leaving, Jack sets into motion several schemes that he hopes will return Jill to where he loves her most – the other side of the country.

Holmes joins the cast as Erin, Jack’s wife and mother to their two children. “She’s a very busy wife and mother,” Holmes explains. “When Jill comes to town and creates a lot of mayhem within the family, she’s the one who’s trying to keep it all together.

“It was wonderful to see Adam transform into Jill,” she continues. “As a woman, it was nice to have conversations with a man about shaving legs, how pantyhose and heels feel, and all of the tougher parts about being a woman. Adam was a great sport – it was really, really fun.”

Holmes has showcased her ability as an actress to play a wide spectrum of diversified roles. She has appeared in several notable films ranging from the action blockbuster “Batman Begins,” directed by Christopher Nolan, to critically acclaimed art house pictures such as Ang Lee's “The Ice Storm” and Peter Hedges' “Pieces of April.”

Holmes was most recently seen on the big screen in “Don’t Be Afraid of The Dark” and “The Son of No One.” On television, she portrayed First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy in “The Kennedys,” opposite Greg Kinnear as President John F. Kennedy.

Holmes has worked with some of Hollywood's most prominent and talented directors. Her credits include “Wonder Boys,” directed by Curtis Hanson; “Thank You for Smoking,” directed by Jason Reitman; “The Gift,” directed by Sam Raimi; “Abandon,” directed by Stephen Gaghan; “Go,” directed by Doug Liman; “Phone Booth,” directed by Joel Schumacher; “First Daughter,” directed by Forest Whitaker; “Teaching Mrs. Tingle,” directed by Kevin Williamson; and “Disturbing Behavior,” directed by David Nutter. 2008 marked her Broadway debut in Arthur Millers “All My Sons” opposite John Lithgow, Dianne Wiest and Patrick Wilson. Her portrayal of Ann garnered glowing reviews and established her as an accomplished actress on both screen and stage.

In 1996, Holmes landed the role of Libbets Casey opposite Tobey Maguire and Sigourney Weaver in Lee's award-winning drama “The Ice Storm” while in Los Angeles for pilot season. A year later she was cast as Joey Potter on the TV series "Dawson's Creek," opposite James Van Der Beek and Michelle Williams. The show quickly became the highest-rated series on the WB network throughout its six-season run.

Opening soon across the Philippines, “Jack and Jill” is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.

Iza Calzado now Kapamilya 'Carla Abellana next?

Despite rumors of her network transfer, Carla maintains, 'My heart is with GMA'


By Julien Merced C. Matabuena (Manila Bulletin, www.mb.com.ph)


MANILA, Philippines – Actress Iza Calzado inked a three-year contract with ABS-CBN on Tuesday, ending her almost 10-year stay with GMA-7.

“Una sa lahat, I'm grateful for all the opportunity that GMA-7 has given me for almost 10 years. But, I just think that this is time for me to grow, to evolve, to learn. I think it's just a matter of timing and I've always wanted to work again with people from Channel 2,” Iza was quoted as saying in a report by abs-cbnnews.com posted on Jan. 24.

Iza once worked for the Kapamilya network through the Star Cinema-produced 2004 film, “Milan.”

“I guess this is just the way it works. It's just a business and at some point we will make a certain decision, and hopefully without burning bridges,” she added.

Iza disclosed that she is set to do a drama series and host a reality show, which is rumored to be the second season of “The Biggest Loser: Pinoy Edition.”

More, among the Kapamilya actors Iza wants to work with are Piolo Pascual, John Lloyd Cruz, Bea Alonzo, Angelica Panganiban, Jodi Sta. Maria, and another former Kapuso, Karylle.

On competition with other actors, Iza told abs-cbnnews.com that it “serves as a motivation and challenge” but clarified, “I'm not going to take anyone's place.”

“I would like to make my own space and fill up a certain niche that maybe only I can fill,” she stated.

Meanwhile, Carla Abellana downplayed allegations that she will also be transferring to ABS-CBN once her contract with GMA-7 ends next month.

“Hindi ko rin alam kung anong nangyayari, kung bakit ganyan kalakas ang mga bali-balita [na lilipat ako],” she told PEP in an interview posted on Wednesday.

Carla is aware that her manager, Arnold Vegafria, is having negotiations with other parties.

“Siyempre bilang manager ko, ang sa akin, trabaho ang inihahanap niya sa akin, ‘di ba, ‘yung the best possible na ano. Hindi naman sa kailangan ng approval ko, pero ibinabalita niya sa akin,” said she.

However, Carla directly told Arnold that she wants to stay with GMA-7.

“Sinabi ko ‘yun and alam niya ‘yun, na ayoko talagang lumipat. Siyempre, my heart talaga is with GMA, ang laki ng utang na loob ko sa GMA,” she was quoted as saying.

Although her manager told her that he knew what she wanted, he also said that they should look at things "’from a business point of view... but this doesn't mean na lilipat ka na,’" Carla quoted her manager.

GMA-7 has yet to initiate a formal contract renewal with Carla, but the network’s President and CEO Atty. Felipe Gozon has reportedly already made a statement on Carla staying a Kapuso.

She confirmed this, adding, “Last year pa naman nila in-express na ire-renew nila ‘yung contract ko.”

Carla, whose last taping day for GMA-7 was scheduled on Jan. 24, expressed,” Hopefully, sa matagal ko’ng break, makaupo na kami para mapag-usapan na namin. Kasi hindi ako magde-decide hangga't hindi ko nakakausap ang management ng GMA, hangga't hindi ko nababasa ‘yung mga kontrata.”

Meanwhile, Carla said that the final decision whether to stay with GMA-7 or not rests on her hands and not solely on her manager’s.

“At the end of the day, it's still my decision, though napakalaki at napakahirap na desisyon…. Basta kailangang mapag-isipan namin lahat, makita namin lahat ng sides, lahat ng pros and cons. At mapag-usapan namin para hindi kami magsisisi sa bandang huli,” she was quoted as saying by PEP.

Cesar Montano lines up more films after 'Hitman'

By Crispina Martinez-Belen (Manila Bulletin, www.mb.com.ph)
MANILA, Philippines — Phillip Salvador described Cesar Montano as a passionate artist particularly because of his dedication to the action movie “Hitman,” which opens on Feb. 22.

“Hitman” is a film Cesar produced, wrote, directed, and starred in. Co-produced with Viva Films, “Hitman” is also a movie he consciously helmed to stray away from the formulaic Pinoy action flicks we were used to watching in the past years.

Cesar has been hands-on with the “Hitman” project since inception. It was a movie he believed that could help bring back the popularity of the action genre in Philippine Cinema.

Inspired by the Hollywood movie “Collateral” which starred Tom Cruise, Cesar said of the film, “Hard action na hard action pero yung story hindi pa napapanuod sa Philippine cinema. Ang mga Filipino audience hindi na basta-basta nanunuod ng puro action. Importante yung story.”

Cesar in the past has also produced, directed and acted in the movies “Panaghoy sa Suba” and “Ligalig.”

Says Cesar: “Working with my ‘Hitman’ cast especially Kuya Ipe was quite an experience. Kuya Ipe made life easier for me sa set.’’

Aside from Phillip Salvador, with him in “Hitman” are Sam Pinto as his leading lady, Ricky Davao, Mark Herras, his son Diego Loyzaga Montano, Joko Diaz, Rommel Montano, Jeffrey Tam, Sunshine Garcia, Onchie dela Cruz and Alexis Navarro.

It won’t just be action films that Cesar has his eyes set on producing in the near future. Co-writing a script with Hollywood writer Donald Martin, he is scheduled to shoot his next movie early March or late February. Entitled “Getting to America,” it’s a dramedy that tackles the life of a Filipino wanting to get a US visa in the ’90s.

HTC Rhyme BNIB

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Brand New Panasonic Viera 42" LCD full HD U Series(42U30X)

Original price PHP 32,800.00 PHP, but now 28,900.00 only with one year parts and service warranty

SPECIFICATIONS:
Display

• Screen Size TH-L42U30X: 42" (106 cm) diagonal
• Panel TH-L42U30X: IPS LCD Panel
• Viewing Angle 178 degree
• Contrast (Dynamic) 20,000:1
• Resolution Full-HD 1,920 x 1,080 (16:9)
• Applicable PC signals XGA, WXGA, SXGA 60Hz, 1920 x 1080 (HDMI)
• Applicable Scanning Format Full-HD 1125p (50 / 60 / 24, HDMI), 1125i (50 / 60)
• HD 750p (50 / 60)
• SD 625p (50), 525p (60), 625i (50), 525i (60)
• Moving Picture Resolution 300 lines
• Motion Picture Pro -
• Motion Focus Technology -
• 24p Smooth Film/Playback N / Y
• Deep Colour (10-bit Panel) -
• isf Mode -
• Resolution Enhancer Y
• Picture Mode Dynamic / Normal / Cinema / True Cinema / Game

Sound

• Speakers 2 x 10 watt 1-Way Bottom Speakers
• Sound Mode Music / Speech / User
• Virtual Surround V-Audio Surround
• Dolby Digital/dts Dolby Digital

Input/Output

• VIERA Image Viewer (SD Card input/USB) Y (AVCHD / SD-VIDEO / Motion JPEG [Lumix] / 
• MP4 [Xacti] / DivXHD / MKV / MPEG4 / JPEG / MP3 / AAC / WMV / WMA playback)
• USB 2 (1 rear, 1 side); Mass Storage / Keyboard / WiFi
• HDMI Input 3 (2 rear, 1 side)
• Support Feature Audio Return Channel (Input 2)
• Composite Video Input AV1 / 2 / 3: RCA phono type (1 side, 2 rear)
• Component Video Input RCA phono type x 1 set (rear)
• PC Input Mini D-sub 15-pin x 1 (rear)
• Audio Input (HDMI, PC, Composite, Component) RCA phono type x 1 set (rear)
• LAN Port Y
• Analogue Audio Out RCA phono type x 1 set (rear)
• Digital Audio Output (Optical) -
• Headphone Jack 1, side

General

• Power Supply AC 110 - 240 V, 50 / 60 Hz
• Rated Power Consumption TH-L42U30X: 189 W
• Standby Power Consumption TH-L42U30X: 0.25 W
• Dimensions (W x H x D) (w/o stand) TH-L42U30X: 1,021 x 632 x 107 mm
• Dimensions (W x H x D) (with stand) TH-L42U30X: 1,021 x 666 x 288 mm
• Weight (with stand) TH-L42U30X: 20.0 kg

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Dawn Zulueta and Richard Gomez could have ended up

By Marinel R. Cruz (Philippine Daily Inquirer, www.inquirer.net)


Dawn Zulueta revealed that she could have ended up with Richard Gomez if he had stayed faithful.
“We had potential,” the actress said during a media gathering for “Walang Hanggan,” the ABS-CBN series that reunites the former lovers on the small screen. “[Unfaithfulness] takes a toll on the girl in any relationship. She doesn’t know where she stands. It’s possible that the guy loves her but can’t help himself. He probably doesn’t have emotional attachments to the girls he dates on the side. Still, that’s hard to accept. That was how I felt.”
The couple were last seen in the 1991 hit drama, “Hihintayin Kita sa Langit,” directed by Carlitos Siguion-Reyna.
Dawn, now married to Davao del Norte Rep. Anton Lagdameo Jr., said she was glad Richard settled down with Leyte Rep. Lucy Torres-Gomez. “It takes a certain kind of a woman, like Lucy… she has so much confidence to allow her husband to work with an ex. He’s so lucky,” Dawn said.
How has Richard changed?
As an actor, he’s more well-rounded now… more mature in the way he attacks his roles. As a person, he’s still down-to-earth, fun to be with.
Do you reminisce about old times?
A little. We had a lot of memorable experiences, especially when we traveled together. I had to refresh Richard’s memory about how we broke up. He had forgotten (laughs).
Do you get to talk with Lucy?
Not often, but we’re in touch. We see each other in Congress sometimes. I call her if I have something to ask. She does the same.
When did you decide there was zero chance of reconciling with Richard?
A year after splitting up… although, we were already cordial at that point.
How is Anton as a husband?
He’s super devoted and trustworthy. He has never given me reason to doubt him.
How did he react to this project?
His concern was how much, and how long, the show would take me away from home. When I said this was based on “Hihintayin Kita sa Langit” and that I’d be working with the likes of Susan Roces and Helen Gamboa, he appreciated it.
How do you make sure you have enough time with your kids?
My cut-off is 2 a.m. I shoot only on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The rest of the time, I’m home. My mom lives nearby and checks on Jacobo and Ayisha. The kids have lunch with my in-laws after school. They don’t even notice that Anton and I are away.
Do the kids like your being an actress?
They’re very excited when they see me on TV. They’re still stuck on “Mula sa Puso.” I tell them that this is a different show. They can’t catch this on TV because it airs past their bedtime.
How’s your usual day at home?
I wake up between 7 and 8 a.m. and help prepare the kids for school… In the afternoon, I go for face or body treatments, or do some grocery, or go to the department store to buy something for the house. If I have paperwork, I’m on the computer.
How do you balance work and family life?
It’s really time management. I’m not Wonder Woman. I sometimes make a to-do list for the week but when my taping finishes late, I can’t keep up with the schedule that I myself have set. That’s when it gets irritating; it’s time stolen from me. I try to be strict with the cut-off at work.
Do you have “me” time?
I’m happy if I could go to the parlor or have a massage at least once a week. I also schedule a manicure and pedicure every week. Can’t take that away from me.

20-year-old gang-raped on way home from Chinese New Year festivity

By Jeannette I. Andrade (Philippine Daily Inquirer, www.inquirer.net)


MANILA, Philippines—Manila policemen arrested three suspects in the early Monday gang rape of a 20-year-old student who was on her way home from watching fireworks to celebrate the Chinese New Year.
One of the officials of Barangay 72, Zone 6, who rounded up and turned over the three suspects to police custody, told the Philippine Daily Inquirer, “Binaboy talaga nila  iyong babae (They really debased the woman).” The barangay (village) watchmen had allegedly stumbled onto the group of six men in the act of raping the victim, a resident of the barangay, at a passenger jeepney parking area along Masinop Street in Tondo, Manila.

Operatives of the Manila Police District Women’s and Children’s Protection Desk (MPD-WCPD) identified the arrested suspects as: Reynaldo Rivera, 18, and Kyle John Fernandez, 20, both of CP Garcia Street, Tondo, as well as their 17-year-old alleged cohort, of Banaba Street, Tondo, whose name was withheld because of his minor age.

Three others, including a 17-year-old boy, are the subject of a police hunt. Two of the suspects were identified as Mark Joseph Barrios, who goes by the alias McCoy, and Raymond de los Santos, who is also known as Bilog. Reports from the MPD-WCPD revealed that the rape happened around 1 a.m. at a vacant lot, converted into a PUJ [public utility jeepney] parking area.
Barangay tanod (village watchman) Jerry Co, a member of the arresting team, told the Inquirer that he and other watchmen were conducting routine patrol along Cristobal Street when they met a boy running along the street.

When the boy saw them, he told them, “Something’s happening there,” indicating the unlit PUJ parking area along Masinop Street, which runs perpendicular to Cristobal Street.
“We ran towards the jeepney parking lot and saw them. They were concealed behind one of the parked passenger jeepneys and we saw the woman sobbing and kneeling on the ground. She was wearing nothing beneath the waist and two of the suspects were raping her,” Co recalled.
The barangay watchmen cried out, which alarmed the suspects, four of whom were able to run away. The watchmen caught up with two of them: Rivera and a minor while Fernandez was arrested when they and MPD-WCPD personnel found him at his house.

“Talagang binaboy nila iyong biktima (They really degraded her),” Co angrily told the Inquirer, recalling how he and his companions saw one of the  suspects sodomizing her, while another suspect forced her into oral sex. “The suspects are 17 to 20 years old. Most of them are pedicab drivers or out-of-school youth who we usually see hanging out in the neighborhood,” he pointed out.
The victim’s 39-year-old father told the Inquirer that the suspects were all residents of his barangay and said that he constantly saw them in his neighborhood.

He said that his daughter, at the time of the rape, had just gone to hear Mass with her friends and later on decided to watch fireworks at an amusement park in Pasay City.
“She (victim) said she was walking home when two of them (suspects) approached her and pointed fan knives at her. They dragged her to the vacant lot and raped her there,” he said.

“I cannot forgive them for this. I want all of them behind bars. They are not human,” he remarked.
The arrested 17-year-old suspect told the Inquirer that he simply acted as a lookout and at least four of his alleged cohorts had a turn with the victim. He claimed that the whole thing had been planned by McCoy, one of the two suspects who allegedly dragged the victim to the parking area where they gang-raped her.
“I never laid a hand on her. I was just watching,” he alleged.
The three suspects remained in the custody of the MPD-WCPD pending the filing of a rape charge against them before the City Prosecutor’s Office.

Carmina Villaroel 'return's in Kapamilya'

The returning Kapamilya actress and TV host Carmina Villaroel is now coming back in ABS-CBN.

Signing her exclusive contract for 3-year with ABS-CBN. Among the projects that was said to be lined up for her was this talk show with Janice.

Before she move's on ABS-CBN, Carmina's doing shows for GMA 7 'Pahiram ng Isang Ina and Pepito Manaloto' and GMA News TV 'Day Off'.

The two friends 'Carmina and Janice de Belen' will be hosting this coming February a afternoon talk show on Saturday.

Metro Magazine 2012 'Muse Issue' with Heart, Maricar and Lovi on Feb cover

Masters Jun De Leon, Inno Sotto and Chito Rono choose the women who inspire them

Stars of GMA-7, Heart Evangelista, Lovi Poe and ABS-CBN kapamilya actress Maricar Reyes are now on the cover om Metro Magazine 'The Muse Issue' by the month of February 2012.

Metro Magazine is now out and available in bookstores and leading newsstands nationwide for only P150.