"The Bourne Legacy" location shoot moves to Marikina

-By ELR, GMA News

The public market area in Marikina City will be closed to traffic on Wednesday and Thursday for the filming of the upcoming spy thriller "The Bourne Legacy," the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MDDA) said Tuesday.

In an entry on its Twitter account Tuesday night, the MMDA said the zone will be closed to traffic from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Westbound motorists from Antipolo to Aurora Boulevard were advised to take Sumulong highway, right turn at Shoe Avenue, left turn at V. Santos, left turn at J.P Rizal, right turn at A. Bonifacio Avenue to point of destination.

Eastbound motorists from Aurora Boulevard to Antipolo were advised to take A. Bonifacio Avenue, right turn at J.P. Rizal, left at W. Dela Paz, left at Shoe Avenue, right at Sumulong Highway to point of destination.

Filming for "The Bourne Legacy" had been ongoing in Metro Manila since January. Several of the filming sessions had caused heavy traffic.

Last weekend, the filming of some scenes at Manila's Sta. Mesa district snarled traffic.

Kylie Padilla steps into the spotlight anew via the GMA afternoon drama 'The Good Daughter'

-By GMANetwok.com

Moving beyond the shadow of her famous actor-dad, Kylie Padilla has started to carve a name in the industry all on her own. Her first solo project, Blusang Itim, was such a success that GMA-7 is once again banking on the pretty and talented young star as she topbills the new afternoon drama, The Good Daughter. The program will premiere on February 13 after Kokak on GMA Afternoon Prime.

In her new project, Kylie plays Bea, a sweet yet assertive teenager who meets a turning point in her life when her mother dies and her father marries someone she disapproves of. As she learns of her stepmother’s true intentions, Bea is forced to reveal a tougher side to her personality and fight for the sake of her family.

Kylie prepared long and hard for her new show clocking in long hours in workshops and internalizing her role as Bea. But despite the pressure, Kylie, who just turned 19 last January 25, is thankful for this opportunity and embraces the challenges and pressure that comes with being a full-fledged drama actress.

She is joined by a pool of reputable actors led by Raymond Bagatsing who plays the role of Rico, Bea’s father and owner of a successful coffee shop business; Alicia Mayer as Sharon, Rico’s first love and Bea’s step-mother; and Glydel Mercado as Tina, Bea’s mother, who will suffer a painful death in the story.

Playing equally challenging roles are Rocco Nacino as Darwin, Sharon’s son from her first husband and Bea’s love interest; LJ Reyes as Frances, Darwin’s sister and another villain in the story; Angelie Nicole Sanoy as Julia, Sharon’s daughter with Rico, who holds the key to the real reason behind Tina’s death; and introducing the newest Kapuso actress, Max Collins, who will play an important role as Ziri, Bea’s best friend and the third person in the love triangle with Bea and Darwin.    

Completing the cast are Dion Ignacio as Paul, Frances’ submissive boyfriend; Ervic Vijandre as Mario, an aspiring model and a barista at Rico’s cafe; and Ms. Luz Valdez as Lola Lourdes, Bea’s doting grandmother.

In The Good Daughter, Bea (Kylie Padilla) seems to have the perfect life--having a family who adores and provides her every need--until a woman named Sharon (Alicia Mayer) and her 10-year-old daughter Julia (Angelie Nicole Sanoy) appear at her 18th birthday party and introduce themselves as her father’s (Raymond Bagatsing) second family.

Distraught, Bea’s mother Tina (Glydel Mercado) leaves the venue of the party in tears and unfortunately meets an accident when an explosion takes place in the building, which also puts at risk Sharon and Julia.

While Tina agonizes in pain, Sharon sees this as an opportunity to replace the former in Rico’s life leading her to kill Tina. As Bea weeps for her mother’s demise, she puts the blame on her father, who is then being pressured by Sharon to marry her or else she and her daughter will leave the country for good. Rico, torn between Bea’s disapproval and the possibility of building a new family with Sharon, eventually gives in to Sharon’s demands.

As Sharon assumes the role of Rico’s new wife, her true colors further surface as she mistreats Bea behind Rico’s back. Feeling helpless and alone more than ever, Bea runs away from home and travels to her grandmother’s province.

However, as Bea begins to find comfort in the arms of her Lola Lourdes (Luz Valdez), she discovers that her father is gravely ill and that Sharon has started to take over the company. More than that, she uncovers more of her stepmother’s evil deeds, including the real reason why her mother died, prompting her to return home and reunite with her father.

As she comes to face with the woman who has done her family wrong, how will Bea protect her father and the business that is also rightfully hers? Can peace still be restored in a home that was once shattered by dishonesty and spite?

The Good Daughter is another premium creation by the GMA Drama Group headed by GMA VP for drama Lilybeth G. Rasonable, AVP for Drama Redgie Acuña Magno and Program Manager Helen Rose S. Sese. It is conceptualized by GMA’s creative team which consists of Afternoon Prime head Roy Iglesias, creative consultant Des Garbes-Severino, who also came up with the concept for the show, head writer Aloy Adlawan, writers Anna Aleta-Nadela, Glaiza Ramirez, and Gilbeys Sardea, brainstormers Paul Sta Ana, Delfin Ilao, and Jason Lim, and is made for television by executive producer Carol Galve under the direction of Mike Tuviera.

Indeed, Kylie Padilla deserves more than just being called as “the daughter of”. She will prove this once more in The Good Daughter premiering this February 13 after Kokak on GMA Afternoon Prime.

Netizens #prayforVISAYAS, say down with 'Ahcee Flores'

 Ahcee Flores Comment on Yahoo

-By ABS-CBNnews.com

MANILA, Philippines -- Just like in last year’s Sendong disaster, a person wishing ill on others over a social networking site is trending locally on Twitter. However, higher up on the trend list is the hashtag #prayforVISAYAS, showing that for Filipinos, negativity is definitely not the “in” thing at this point.

A certain Ahcee Flores commented on a story on Yahoo! Philippines, “let us all pray….na matuloy ang tsunami para maraming bisaya ang mamatay, para mabawasan ang mga baduy sa pilipinas.”

The user, who specified her location as “Manila, National Capital Region,” also posted other negative comments about Visayas, further angering others.

A screen capture of the post has gone viral over social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter. Flores now has several hate pages on Facebook, and haters have flooded @ahcee_flores with mentions on Twitter, which she has stopped replying to since last night. @ahcee flores has not denied that she posted the viral comment, and her posts are still currently open to the public.

Ahcee Flores Comment on Yahoo

In late 2011, Pinoys were angered by Facebook posts against victims of typhoon “Sendong.”

The posts were supposedly written by a certain Celine Acut, a Filipino living in France, and a certain Van Carumba, a Cebu native living in the United Arab Emirates.

Turning to social media

Social media has played a large role in keeping Filipinos up to date on yesterday’s magnitude 6.9 earthquake, making it highly likely for anything related to the earthquake to trend on social networking sites.

Photos and videos of the quake as it happened, as well as of its aftermath, were posted on Facebook and Twitter and are still being posted today.

News updates were shared several times over on Twitter and Facebook, and government agencies and officials spread information via their social media accounts.

Netizens also warned others to be wary of what they believed about the earthquake, posting videos of people panicked by false reports of a tsunami coming to sweep them away.

As of posting time, three earthquake-related topics are trending on Twitter: #prayforVISAYAS, Ahcee Flores, and Negros Oriental.

Semerad Twins, Anthony and David 'Fake swap' hits PBB housemates

-By ABS-CBNnews.com

Another big twist happened in "Pinoy Big Brother Unlimited" as Big Brother announced the "double trouble" treat for the remaining housemates.

On Sunday, twins Anthony and David Semerad already entered the house as "fake swap housemates" who are now flogging the housemates with more difficulties and challenges.

In the "Big Fake Swap," the Czech-Filipino twin basketball players were ordered to act as swap housemates from Big Brother Czech and go up against the Teams Wayuk and High Voltage in the upcoming Kontra Battle.

Paco Evangelista and Tin Patrimonio were also named as the latest nominees this week, but this time, both are not allowed to tell their fellow housemates about their nominations.

Patrimonio was nominated for losing in the challenge that resulted from her failure in “The Big Road Trip” task last week.

Evangelista, on the other hand, was automatically nominated for discussing with Seiichi Ushimi and Kevin Fowler his possible nomination, which is against the PBB house rules.

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 weeknights after “Walang Hanggan” in Primetime Bida.

Also stay tuned to “PBB Unlimited Updates” with Robi Domingo during “Angelito: Batang Ama”  and “E-Boy” on ABS-CBN.

Iza Calzado still dreams of Hollywood

-By ABS-CBNnews.com

Actress Iza Calzado admitted that there are times when she still wants to chase her Hollywood dream.

In an interview with "Bandila" on Tuesday, Calzado said she sometimes wants to pack her bags and just move to the United States.

"Minsan talaga, sumasagi. Minsan sinasabi ko what if I just pack my bags and move or maybe I'll just go for two weeks and see what it is like or a month," Calzado said.

In 2008, Calzado starred in "The Echo," the Hollywood remake of her movie "Sigaw."

Currently, Calzado is preparing for her TV projects on ABS-CBN, including a teleserye and the newest season "Pinoy Biggest Loser."

Vic Sotto still hopes to have a baby

-By ABS-CBNnews.com

MANILA, Philippines - Prince of Comedy Vic Sotto admitted that he still dreams of having another child.

Sotto shared this in an exclusive interview with The Buzz Magazine in its February 2012 issue.

"Siyempre, cute nga 'yun e. Yung magiging anak ko mas matanda pa 'yung mga apo ko, hahaha," said Sotto.

Sotto has two children, Oyo Boy and Danica, with former wife Dina Bonnevie. He also has a son Vico with Coney Reyes, and a daughter Paulina with Angela Luz.

on December 26, Sotto and his family welcomed Ondrea Bliss, the daughter of Oyo Boy with wife Kristine Hermosa.

Sotto, who has a reputation of being a playboy, is now being romantically linked to his noontime co-host Pauleen Luna.

For the full story on Sotto, grab a copy of the February issue of The Buzz Magazine.

Avril Lavigne in Manila on February 16

-By INQUIRER.net

Good news to all Avril Lavigne fans, as the queen of pop-punk is coming over to bring her much-awaited The Black Star Tour in Manila on Feb. 16, 2012 LIVE at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Since Day One of her musical career, Avril has always chosen not to play it safe. When she entered the music scene at 17, the international superstar refused to resort to skin-baring come-ons, preferring to entice the record-buying public with her powerhouse voice, high-spirited melodies, and straight-talking lyrics. Staying steadfastly true to herself and putting music before image paid off both critically and commercially for the Canadian-born artist.

In 2002, Lavigne shot to global pop stardom with the 6x-platinum Let Go, followed by 2004’s 3x-platinum Under My Skin, and 2007’s platinum The Best Damn Thing. Over the course of her three albums, Lavigne scored a string of international hit singles, including “Complicated”, “Sk8er Boi”, “I’m With You”, “Losing Grip”, “Don’t Tell Me”, “My Happy Ending”,  “Nobody’s Home”, “Keep Holding On”, “Girlfriend”, “When You’re Gone”, “Hot” and “The Best Damn Thing”. She earned eight Grammy Award nominations, won seven Canadian Juno Awards, and sold more than 30 million albums and nearly 20 million tracks worldwide over the past eight years. The singer-songwriter’s songs have been used as soundtracks for such popular films like “Sweet Home Alabama”, “Bruce Almighty”, “Legally Blonde 2”, “The Princess Diaries” and “The House Bunny.”

Lavigne also launched a second career as an entrepreneur by creating a well-received fashion and lifestyle brand (Abbey Dawn), two fragrances (Black Star and Forbidden Rose), branched out into film work (Over the Hedge, Fast Food Nation), and further committed herself to the philanthropic activities she’s participated in over the years by establishing The Avril Lavigne Foundation.

With her multiple creative endeavors and impressive musical success, it’s worth pointing out that Avril Lavigne is all of 26. She may be young by veteran performer standards, but she has evolved as a person and as an artist since releasing The Best Damn Thing. Lavigne brings the maturity and insight she’s gained from her experiences to her next labor of love, her fourth and latest album, Goodbye Lullaby, which featured the chart-topping hits, “What The Hell”, “Smile” and “Wish You Were Here”.

Step Up 4 - Miami Dance Movie (2012) Official Teaser Trailer

Step Up 4 Official Teaser Trailer - Miami Dance Movie (2012)

Photo by Sam Emerson - Still of Kathryn McCormick and Ryan Guzman in Step Up 4

Emily arrives in Miami with aspirations to become a professional dancer. She sparks with Sean, the leader of a dance crew whose neighborhood is threatened by Emily's father's development plans.

Youtube Video courtesy by MovieclipsCOMINGSOON

Angel Locsin: Yes, I love Phil Younghusband

-By ABS-CBNnews.com

Actress Angel Locsin got a surprise from her rumored boyfriend Phil Younghusband while she was promoting her film "Unofficially Yours" on “The Buzz” on Sunday.

Younghusband sent some gifts to Locsin, including a note and a recorder with a special message congratulating her on her new movie.

During an interview with host Toni Gonzaga, Locsin slipped and admitted how she feels for the football player despite their agreement not to commit themselves to any label.

“Siguro mahirap lang intindihin ng ibang tao na hindi naka-experience. Pero para sa akin kasi, para magmahal ka ng isang tao, para ipakita mo kung gaano ka nagki-care, para ipakita mo kung gaano mo siya kamahal, hindi niyo kailangan ng labels. Hindi niyo kailangan maging kayo basta ipakita mo lang kung gaano siya nagma-matter, kung gaano mo siya kamahal,” Locsin said.

Asked if it’s already safe to say that she loves Younghusband, Locsin said: “Oo naman!”

Grace Lee admits enjoying President Aquino's company

-By Alex Valentin Brosas (www.mb.com.ph)

MANILA,Philippines  - Entertainment news anchor Grace Lee did not expect President  President Benigno S. Aquino III’s public admission about their date but now that he has done so, she has openly admits that she enjoys his company.

“I wouldn’t waste the president’s time if I didn’t enjoy his company," she said, adding, "but it’s too early to say where this is going exactly.  We’re okay."

Asked whether they are still dating, she quipped, “We’re getting to know each other.”

Mojo Jojo, Lee’s radio co-host, shared that, “She says na gentleman siya (PNoy), matalino siya. Usually ‘pag nagde-date siya, group date. She’s very proper. May chaperone…’yung isang ka-deejay namin or ‘yung ganyan..’yung friends niya. Very respectable.”

“Ayon sa manager ni Grace, nagkakilala raw sina Grace at PNoy noong June 2011 sa Cebu,” the “SC” report went. Arnold Vegafria confirmed this, saying, “When she hosted a Korean power plant opening or something. Our president was the guest speaker. Doon sila first [nagkita]. Nag-comment nga, ‘di ba, ang president about her beauty.”

That encounter was played back again on “SC” where the president, seemingly smitten by the charms of Lee, said, “Pati ‘yung bisita nating si Ms. Grace Lee, akala ko Pinay, eh. Hindi nga pala, Korean pero pati Korean na dumadating talagang parehong guwapa lahat.”

“You know he’s the president so if he wanted to know my number I don’t think that would be a problem,” Lee said.

“Ipinanganak noong October 4, 1982 sa Seoul, Korea si Lee Kyung Hee, panganay  sa dalawang magkakapatid. Ten years old nang mag-migrate ang mga Lee sa Pilipinas at nanirahan sa Ortigas, Pasig City. Year 2000 siya nagtapos ng high school sa St. Paul Pasig. Pagkatapos ay nag-aral ng Communication Arts sa Ateneo de Manila kung saan opisyal nang in-adopt ang pangalang Grace Lee,” Guanio shared.

Andi Manzano, one of Lee's close friends, described the news anchor as “sobrang sweet.”

“Pati nga ako minsan  ‘pag magkasama kaming dalawa parang nilalanggam kami. She’s really sweet with her friends, what more when she’s with her boyfriend,” Manzano said.

Mojo Jojo recalled Lee’s kindness when he was hospitalized for ulcer.

“She’s one of the only few that came [to visit me]. She brought me soup. She brought me home-cooked food.  She stayed with me there for hours sa hospital,” Jojo revealed.

“Bihasa sa Filipino, Ingles, Korean at Chinese si Grace. Prior to her career on TV [ay] nagtrabaho siya bilang event’s host at official interpreter sa Malacanang. Sumunod ang mga hosting gigs sa GMA at QTV.”

Sam YG who has“worked with Lee finds her as a “very, very good host, very talented host.”

“She knows what she’s doing. Marunong sumakay sa mga jokes [at] hindi napipikon,” he noted.

“Every morning you can see ‘yung mga insights [niya]. She’s knowledgeable about politics, about current events. She’s the real one to help the Filipino people kahit hindi siya Pinoy by blood, [she’s] Pinoy by heart,” Mojo Jojo added.

Pia Arcanghel finds Lee “very conscientious about the things she does.”

“Halimbawa habang nagnu-news kami sa Balitanghali at nandoon siya sa site ‘pag hindi siya nakababad or naka-ere, nagta-type siya, nagsusulat siya ng kanyang column o nagre-reasearch siya for her show the next day.”

Mojo Jojo revealed that, “Alam ko PNoy minsan listens our radio program in the morning. Minsan nagko-comment siya sa mga comments that we put on ‘Good Times.’”

Tony Toni, another radio host, feels Lee is “very, very aloof. She’s very conservative, super conservative siya.”

“Kami naman we always have our inside jokes. Siya naman wala siyang… hindi niya ma-gets,” Toni shared.

“All she does is tawa lang pero she doesn’t get it, pero okay lang,” Slick Rick, another radio host, added.

Jasmine Curtis Smith should David Archuleta woo her: 'Choosy pa ba ako?'

-By Jojo P. Panaligan (www.mb.com.ph)

MANILA, Philippines – TV5 princess Jasmine Curtis Smith was adamant in saying that she and “Nandito Ako” co-star, “American Idol” runner-up  David Archuleta, are just friends, but  when asked about his chances should he woo her, she blurted, “Choosy pa ba ako?”

“Si David na yan, no? But you know, right now what's important is our friendship," she said at the press conference tendered for the series.

She enumerated David’s many “pogi” points.

"Ang galing niyang kumanta, talagang may puso. At makikita mo how he connects sa audience,” she began. “ I didn't get to follow ‘American Idol’ when he was in it pero noong umuwi po ako dito sa Pilipinas, I heard his songs kay Ate [Anne Curtis] at nasabi ko sa sarili ko na, ‘Ang galing niya.’”

Jasmine also likes it that David is no quitter and always strives to give his best in everything he does. Though it’s his first time to go into acting, she notes that David is easy to work with and listens to suggestions.

“He adjusts to whatever needs to be done. Hindi siya tumitigil hangga’t hindi niya nabigay nang buong puso.”

David, it turns out, also cherishes his privacy. When Jasmine invited him to watch her sister’s “Annebisyosa” concert, David insisted on staying in the sidelight, not wanting to create a scene.

What did David say about the show? Jasmine said that she actually prepped him for it.

“Sabi ko, ‘David, don't laugh. I'll be singing at the concert.’ Sinabi ko rin na hindi talaga singer ang Ate ko. Sabi niya, ‘No, it's fine.’

“Sabi ko pa ipapakita ko na yung singing skills ko sa set para hindi na siya mabigla. So, yun ipinakita ko nga sa set, nakikikanta ako pag kumakanta siya, pag nagkakantahan lahat.”

Jasmine said that she and David, as with the other cast members, promised to keep in touch with each other after he flies back to the US.

Asked to share more of her thoughts about David, she said, “He's the greatest person I know from the international scene, basically because he's grounded.

“He loves his family. From the short time that we've been together, naramdaman ko how much he would give for his family, for his mom especially.”

“Nandito Ako” will premiere on TV5 primetime on Feb. 20 after “Wil Time Bigtime.” Directed by Mac Alejandre, it tells the story of young love, its joys and pains, among Josh (David), Holly (Eula Caballero) and Anya (Jasmine).

According to a release, Josh is an international singer who holds his final leg of concerts in the Philippines. This venture is also a quest to find his real identity. He meets Holly through one of the promotional activities of his concert and soon, romance brews between them. However, he meets Anya, Holly’s best friend, and that’s when things become complicated.

Others in the cast of “Nandito Ako” are Gelli de Belen, Aiko Melendez, G Tongi, Alwyn Uytingco, Ana Capri, Mon Confiado, Ana Feleo, Joseph Bitangcol, RS Francisco, David Bianco, Byron Ortile, and Perla Bautista.

Piolo Pascual, Jericho Rosales, Cristine Reyes and Maricar Reyes Topbill ‘Nang Dahil sa Pag-ibig'

Newest teleserye from ABS-CBN

ABS-CBN recently announced that its upcoming Primetime Bida drama series titled Nang Dahil sa Pag-ibig will feature (from left) Jericho Rosales, Cristine Reyes, Maricar Reyes and Piolo Pascual. The teleserye will also star Tetchie Agbayani, Sandy Andolong, Rey ‘PJ’ Abellana, Denise Laurel, Rafael Rosell and Christopher de Leon. Nang Dahil sa Pag-ibig is directed by Darnel Villaflor and Avel Sunpongco. For updates, log on to www.abs-cbn.com or follow @abscbndotcom on Twitter.

Sweet Binibini memories

The first Bb. Pilipinas pageant was held in 1964, won by Myrna Panlilio-Borromeo (center, deceased) with Milagros Cataag (left) as Bb. Waling-Waling and Elvira Gonzalez (right) as Bb. Ilang-Ilang
FUNFARE By Ricardo F. Lo The Philippine Star

More than 100 wannabes met last week’s deadline for the submission of application forms to this year’s search for the three Bb. Pilipinas who will represent the country in the Miss Universe, Miss International and Miss Tourism pageants. The final screening, led by Bb. Pilipinas Charities, Inc. (BPCI) chair Stella Marquez de Araneta, will be held today and the list of the official candidates will be announced on Thursday, Feb. 9.

The big question is: Will any of the aspirants equal, if not surpass, the record of Venus Raj (2010) who placed fourth and Shamcey Supsup (2011) who placed third in the Miss Universe Pageant? Again, we keep our collective fingers crossed.

Aside from Venus and Shamcey, present during the launch last Feb. 2 were 2011 Bb. Pilipinas International Dianne Elaine Necio and 2011 Bb. Pilipinas Tourism Isabella Angela Manjon. Necio was a semi-finalist and Miss Web Popularity winner in the Miss International 2011 and Manjon won as Miss Charity in the Miss Tourism Queen International 2011.

Madame Stella announced that there will be surprise changes in this year’s search, with the coronation night set for April 15 which will be telecast live over ABS-CBN.

The launch brought back fond memories of the first Bb. Pilipinas search in 1964 to Funfare’s “other beauty expert” Celso de Guzman Caparas who covered the event. The first winner was Myrna Panlilio-Borromeo who died three years ago.

Recalled Celso, “The first search attracted 30 hopefuls. Fifteen finalists were chosen as official candidates, namely Marilou Alberto, Lilia Alvarez, Milagros Cataag, Marita Dimayuga, Aida Gaerlan, Elvira Gonzalez (mother of 1994 Bb. Pilipinas Universe Charlene Gonzalez), Elizabeth Gutierrez, Edna Rosanna Keyes, Carmelita Larrabaster, Sonia Orendain, Maria Myrna Panlilio, Thelma Shaw, Chiqui Somes, Milagros Sumayao (a.k.a. Mila Ocampo, Miss Philippine Press Photography 1959 winner, the late mother of Snooky Serna) and Josefina Zaldua (a.k.a. Nina Zaldua, mother of Rannie and Lance Raymundo). Panlilio, a 1964 Maid of Cotton candidate, was crowned Bb. Pilipinas and competed in Miss Universe 1964 in Miami, Florida, USA. Cataag was Bb. Waling-Waling and Gonzalez was Bb. Ilang-Ilang. Gonzalez, also one of Philippines’ Fairest Ten in 1964 and 1965 Miss Philippine Press Photography winner, joined again in the 1965 Bb. Pilipinas pageant and emerged fourth runner-up to Louise Vail Aurelio. Somes was the country’s first representative in the 1967 Queen of Pacific held in Melbourne.”

Celso noted that several Binibinis have ventured into showbiz, among them Misses Universe Gloria Diaz (1969) and Margie Moran (1973), Pilar Pilapil, Lotis Key (a finalist), Cynthia Ugalde, Melanie Marquez, Josephine Estrada, Joyce Ann Burton, Maria Isabel Lopez, Pebbles Asis, Miriam Quiambao, Lalaine Bennett, Charlene, Ruffa Gutierrez, Dindi Gallardo, Jean Saburit, Jennifer Cortez, Precious Lara Quigaman, Bianca Manalo and Patricia Fernandez.

Pinoy hunk competes in Mr. Gay World-USA

From Funfare’s New York-based “beauty expert” Felix Manuel, this report:

The contestants of the 2012 Mr. Gay World-USA are currently here in New York taping for the finale of the pageant. One of them is Pinoy hunk Bernabe “Burnz” Fernandez. The pageant was made into a reality TV format and will be shown a few weeks from now.

Burnz, 34, represents San Diego, California and he’s hoping to win the title to be able to represent the US in the upcoming Mr. Gay World International to be held in Johannesburg, South Africa. Born and raised in Subic, he works as a surgeon’s assistant and is currently a professor in San Diego. He has been working in the medical field for over 10 years. He and his partner Steve Price adopted a baby girl named Olivia, who’s turning two years old. The partners own two of the busiest coffee shops in San Diego called Filter Coffee House.

Burnz was a former Ginoong Pilipinas-USA finalist and hopes to be the first Filipino-American to win Mr. Gay World-USA.

NY’s Fil-Am classical artists in concert for Sendong victims

As residents of Iligan and Cagayan de Oro begin to rebuild their lives from massive death and destruction wrought by Typhoon Sendong (Washi) last December, various groups from across the globe continue to raise funds and gather help for the survivors, thousands of whom have lost their homes and livelihood.

Among the latest to give support to the cause were some of New York City’s Filipino-American classical artists who performed in a benefit concert titled Pag-Ahon last Saturday, Feb. 4, at the Church of St. Joseph on Sixth Avenue in Manhattan.

Among them were music maestro Michael Dadap, coloratura soprano Lani Misenas, pianist Lloyd Arriola, tenor pianist Saunder Choi, soprano Jett Galindo, baritone Enrico Lagasca, tenor Leo Leal, soprano Vilma Lince, soprano Wilma Manuel, soprano Antoni Mendezona, baritone/pianist Chris Ong, the BNP Choir, and the San Lorenzo Ruiz Choir.

Funfare’s Big Apple correspondent Edmund Silvestre said that the performance was presented by the Assumption Alumnae Association Abroad (Northeast Chapter), the College of the Holy Spirit North America Foundation, the Catholic Fellowship of Young Filipino Professionals, the De La Salle Alumni Association Metro New York, Inc., and the San Lorenzo Ruiz Choir of NY, Inc. Proceeds were channeled through the Philippine Jesuit Foundation, Inc. in NY, in support of its Sendong rehabilitation and reconstruction initiatives.

“Pag-Ahon is about pausing for a moment from our busy schedules and taking the time to reach out to our kababayan, the unfortunate victims of Typhoon Sendong,” said one of the show’s promoters, Vivian Talambiras Cruz, co-chairperson of the Coalition of Philippine Alumni Association and the United Nations Philippine Cultural Society.