By Pepper Marcelo

Considered as one of the great beauties in local showbiz, Gretchen Barretto has been in the public eye since her early teens as a model and later on as an actress. She is not only one of the most fashionable and glamorous celebrities today, she is also one of the more colorful personalities in showbiz, thanks to her candid and sometimes over-the-top comments and behavior that have become regular fodder for the tabloids.

In the trailer of ABS-CBN’s recently launched fashionserye, Magkaribal, Derek Ramsay pushed Gretchen down on a table, suggesting a wild session for their characters Louie and Victoria.

“First day namin na-shoot yun,” recalls Gretchen during the press conference of Magkaribal. “Matagal akong hindi nakapag-love scene na kahit kanino—sa pelikula or telebisyon—so medyo nahirapan kami at hindi ko dapat aminin ito, pero kinailangan naming mag-shot ng brandy bago makunan ang scene na ‘yon. Kasi siyempre nakakanerbiyos. ‘Saka mainit kasi maraming ilaw.”

During the press con, Gretchen refused to talk about her leading man, who was then in South Africa with girlfriend Angelica Panganiban. It will be recalled that Gretchen asked Derek to send her solo pictures from his vacation. In response, Angelica posted an intriguing message in her Twitter account that led some people to believe that she was slighted by the “naughty statement” of Gretchen.

Does she feel sorry for being playful?

“Of course, I have to apologize for being playful kaya ngayon mas guarded ako. Hindi na ako masyadong exciting. Boring na ako. Bahala na kayo [press] kasi kayo lang ang nagpapalaki ng mga sinasabi ko,” she said.

She promised to focus on her acting career, which has been on an upturn since her appearance last year on the drama anthology Maalaala Mo Kaya (MMK). This was followed by her ongoing soap, Magkaribal, co-starring Bea Alonzo, Angel Aquino and Derek.

Gretchen is excited to once again showcase her talents on a regular basis in front of the camera. “Parang feeling ko andito lang ako sa show business pero wala talagang anything na solid para sabihing artista ako or talagang singer dahil paga-nun-ganon lang  ako. Ngayon artista na po ako.”

She said she was inspired to work harder when she was bestowed the Best Single Performance by an Actress citation last year by the Philippine Movie Press Club Star Awards for the episode Salamin in MMK.

“Gusto ko kasi makita ng tao kung paano ako magtrabaho, kung gaano ako kasipag at kung gaano ako ka-excited na bumalik sa show business,” she says. “After all, I’ve been here for like half of my life, so gusto kong bumalik at paligayahin ang mga tao na naghintay nang matagal para sa teleserye na ito.”

Set in the fashion world, Magkaribal finds Gretchen in her natural environment, essaying the role of a successful model-cum-socialite. While some may feel that Gretchen is merely being typecast in the soap, the actress promises to bring an unexpected emotional complexity to the role.

“Ang kakaiba lang makikita nila ‘yung emotions ni Gretchen Barretto, na ang isang socialite, ang isang model at isang mayaman ay tao rin na nagkakaproblema, umiiyak rin at may issues din sa buhay. Hindi porke’t mayaman ‘yung tao o maganda, ibig sabihin wala na siyang problema sa buhay, wala na siyang pinagdadaanan na sitwasyon.”

Originally, Gretchen was to appear on the soap alongside younger sister Claudine, but after the latter moved to rival network GMA-7, the project was shelved. Claudine’s role eventually went to Bea.

Gretchen is happy that ABS-CBN kept its word to produce the teleserye despite some drastic changes.  “Habang nag-uusap kami tungkol sa kontrata at tungkol sa teleserye na dapat si Claudine ang kasama ko, sinabi nila na, ‘Baka hindi matuloy si Claud. Kung mangyari ba yun, matutuloy ka pa rin ba, because we still want you.’”

She says that she and Claudine have never discussed the latter’s abrupt transfer to GMA-7 but she respects her sister’s decision. “Nanghinayang ako na hindi na si Claud, pero siyempre, hindi naman ibig sabihin nun hindi na kami magkakatrabaho sa isang teleserye, na hindi na magkikita. Again, maliit lang ang mundo ng show business.”

Nonetheless, Gretchen is excited to be working Bea. “Unang-una, that’s Bea Alonzo. She’s one of the biggest stars of ABS-CBN, box-office princess. It’s inspiring to know I’ll be working with somebody as good and as famous as she is, so inspiring talaga for me.”

For her part, Bea admits she was initially intimidated at the thought of working with the model-actress nicknamed “La Greta.” (The moniker stems from her diva-esque attitude.) “Kahit naman sinong tao ‘di ba when you hear na si Gretchen ang makakatrabaho mo, dyosa lang, tapos ang ganda-ganda niya, e ako panay effort bago gumanda. Ang tagal [kong] magpapapayat, ganyan. Nai-intimidate ako.”

Before taping started, the two attended acting workshops where they got to know each other. “Nakita ko ‘yung vulnerable side of her. Parang doon ko nasabing tao naman itong tao na ‘to. Hindi siya showbiz, tao naman siya. So, excited ako. Nag-connect kami doon sa workshop,” adds Bea.

Gretchen is likewise excited to work with Derek, who, like her, is a model too. She admits to having a “showbiz crush” on him before. There were reports that she had asked him to co-star with her in the soap. Notorious for getting involved with her leading men in the past, the rumor did not escape the attention of the gossip mills.

But she laughed off the speculations, pointing to her long and strong relationship with her live-in partner of 16 years, millionaire businessman Tonyboy Cojuangco.

“Hindi naman siya nagseselos kasi alam naman ni Tony na kahit ano pa ang mangyari, hindi ko naman siya iiwan. Naughty-naughty ako minsan, pero alam din niyang good girl ako ngayon.”

She fully appreciates Tonyboy’s support and encouragement. “Sinasabi niya lagi sa akin, ‘Go, I want you to work, I want you to feel good.’ Kasi siyempre, when I feel good about my career, about myself, I feel happy also. Alam niya na ito ang pinakagusto ko, alam niyang I’m happiest when I’m working.”

As a show of dedication, she has refused other projects for the duration of the teleserye. “Ayoko naman i-overload because I’ll be taping three times a week for 24 hours. So ‘yun muna. Titingnan namin kung anong gagawin. May na-mention about a movie project, but hindi pa namin talaga pinagmi-meeting-an. Siyempre unahin muna namin ‘yung teleserye.”

With her comeback in full swing, Gretchen is determined to ignore intrigues that will surely come her way. “As long as hindi masisira ang pagtatrabaho ko, focus pa rin sa pagtatrabaho ko, ibibigay ko pa rin para sa publiko at para sa mga bosses ng ABS-CBN ‘ yung Gretchen, the best of Gretchen, and I realize that.”

She says she’s currently where she wants to be, both personally and professionally. “My life is too perfect now! I have Tony. I have [15-year-old daughter] Dominique and I have a career.”

By Pepper Marcelo

Singing competitions, always filled with drama, passion and impressive array of new vocal talents, are a veritable gold mine for overnight superstars. Programs like American Idol in the U.S. and Pop Idol in the U.K. have showcased the best and brightest in their respective countries. At home, we had the now-defunct Tawag ng Tanghalan in the ‘60s, which produced the likes of Nora Aunor and Diomedes Maturan. Countless other singing competitions followed, including the ongoing talent shows Pilipinas Got Talent and Talentadong Pinoy.

Have you ever wondered what would it be like, say, if our own homegrown singers competed against the world’s best? Outside of the Madrigal Singers and UP Concert Chorus, perennial winners in choral contests abroad, we could only think of one relatively unknown Pinoy talent who shot to instant fame via the World Championships of the Performing Arts in Hollywood, where up to three thousand singers (and dancers) from over 50 countries display their wares in an intense, Olympic-style contest. (Broadway star Lea Salonga, Journey soloist Arnel Pineda and pop sensation Charice earned international acclaim via other routes.)

Iloilo-born Jed Madela is the lone Pinoy Grand Champion of the global competition. Only 24 years old then, Jed reigned supreme in 2005, winning all six categories he joined in, two Champion of the World plaques, the World Star Trophy for Grand Champion Vocalist of the World and the ultimate title, “Senior Grand Champion Performer of the World.” His feat earned this comment from Lea Salonga: “Jed Madela possesses one of the most clean, clear and the most powerful voice that any man can humanly possess.”

Since then, the vocalist referred to as “The Voice” and “The Singer’s Singer” has been working at a breakneck pace, soon becoming one of the most prolific entertainers in the country. His debut album, I’ll Be Around, carried the single, Let Me Love You (From The Bottom Of My Heart), which became a radio hit. His second and third albums, Songs Rediscovered and Only Human, respectively, each went Platinum (with the latter reaching Double-Platinum status). His last album, Songs Rediscovered 2: The Ultimate OPM Playlist, became the biggest-selling OPM (original Pinoy Music) album of 2009.

Jed feels ecstatic about his phenomenal success. “Ako kasi, kapag gumagawa ako ng album, very hands-on ako. Kahit itanong n’yo pa sa Universal (Records, his label), from conceptualizing, recording, arrangement, so, para yung album na umabot ng platinum, malaking reward talaga. Lalo na ngayon na sobrang hirap mag-produce ng album at ma-convince ang buying public na bumili sa kabila ng mga piracy.”

Although Jed never had any formal vocal training, he benefited from a musically inclined family (his father was a choirmaster). “Every evening, yung choir niya dinadala niya sa bahay. Yung training niya napi-pick up ko. On my own I practice, and siguro sa pagbabanda ko rin dati dun ako nahasa. I trained by myself.”

Despite his musical upbringing, his father had wanted a more stable career choice for his son, which included becoming a flight attendant or medical representative. After graduating from the University of San Agustin in Iloilo, however, Jed decided to pursue his dreams of becoming a singer and moving to Manila.

“When I got here in Manila, there was this audition for a band, hanggang nagkaroon ng chance na sumali ako sa contest. So, I consulted my parents about that. I’m glad naging supportive naman sila sa akin.”

His first major achievement came in 2003 when he won the People’s Choice Award and the Best Voice of Asia Male Singer in faraway Kazakhastan. Upon his return to Manila, Jed was featured in a TV talk show where he talked about his feat. A surprise was waiting for him backstage: his father, flown specially from Iloilo to personally congratulate him.

“My dad said to me that he had accepted me. He told me, ‘Pinagkait ko sa iyo ang happiness. I didn’t want to let you go because ayoko kitang makitang masaktan. Like any father, I wanted the best for my son, but I can clearly see that you are happy with what you are doing.’ I was crying the whole time he said this. Happy and sad at the same time. That was the time that he gave me his blessing.”

To be sure, competing on the much bigger and most challenging stage, the World Championships of the Performing Arts, was a different experience. Accompanied by fellow vocalist Rizza Navales, he flew to the US without entertaining any great expectations. “In a way, pressured kami kasi pioneer kami. We didn’t know what was going on and what was supposed to happen. Naging underdog kami ni Rizza. We were just in one corner, supporting each other.”

After winning six medals in individual competitions, Jed was already more than satisfied. But when it was announced that he won the Grand Championship Prize, he said “Nakita sa video, blank ako.”

Since that momentous triumph, Jed has been working hard to be the best vocalist and entertainer he can be. “I’m not settling for what I have right now. I’m still honing my craft and striving for more. To continue in this business, you have to maintain the quality of the voice. Improvise. Don’t stay like before. Magsasawa ang tao sa iyo.”

Not only to have the best vocal performance, but it’s also very important for Jed to create the most entertaining live show overall. Thus, he likes to take a hand-on approach behind-the-scenes to make this happen.

“With my live performances, the concept and stage design, I do all of it. I involve myself in the whole production of the show. I tell them my ideas ‘I want it to be like this, ito yung flow’, coz I believe that yung concert for every artist is a story, so it’s your personality na pinapakita mo sa tao.”

Besides displaying his vocal prowess, Jed likes to showcase his talents outside singing as well. “Like for example, there was one time may nag-ask sa akin to perform for their event. Sabi 30 minutes singing, 30 minutes na comedy talk, so para akong stand-up comedian to them.”

He says he is open to appearing in movies or TV shows but stresses that his focus is on being the best professional live singer. “Siniseryoso ko lahat ng mga ginagawa ko so gusto ko pag pinasok ko ang isang bagay, like showbiz acting, prepared na ako. So as of now singing lang muna talaga and performing on stage. Gusto ko talaga live. At the right time, maybe I can get into acting through musical theater.”

Jed says he is happy to be part of a resurgence of Pinoy music in which local talents can bloom and be appreciated around the globe as well. “Actually our music is doing very good. Mahina talaga yung mga albums, but with the recognition of Filipino performers mas malaki na yung opportunities ngayon. It all started with Lea Salonga and then si Lani Misalucha, and then now with Charice Pempengco and Arnel Pineda. Parang nage-establish na tayo ng label na the Philippines is the breeding ground of seasoned performers talaga.”

By Pepper Marcelo

Few families and clans in local showbiz can come close to the contributions of one individual in terms of number of offspring that have followed in his footsteps.

Mark Gil, the eldest son of Eddie Mesa (Eigenmann in real life), the singing idol of the sixties, and dramatic actress Rosemarie Gil, holds the unique distinction of having five children in show business, perhaps unmatched in the industry.

Himself an acclaimed actor, Mark has five children with three different women: Sid Lucero and Maxene Eigenmann, by former model Bing Pimentel; Gabby and Ira Eigenmann, by former actress Irene Celebre; and Andi Eigenmann, by dramatic actress Jaclyn Jose. (Younger brother, Michael de Mesa, also an actor, and his ex-wife, actress-director Gina Alajar, have three sons in showbiz: Ryan, Geoff and AJ, all surnamed Eigenmann.)

Like their grandparents and parents, the eight Eigenmann cousins are all mestizo-looking, fair-complexioned and physically stunning – all desirable attributes in showbiz. Their acting prowess, discipline and determination will surely reward them with stardom given the right packaging and lucky breaks.

Of the eight Eigenmanns, it is Andi (real name is Andrea), one of the youngest among he brood, who is showing the way, at least for moment. Turning only 20 in June, Andi is the lead star of ABS-CBN’s primetime teleserye Agua Bendita. Her rise is phenomenal by local standards considering that her previous acting stint is a minor appearance in the afternoon soap opera Prinsesa ng Banyera in 2007. In 2008, she was one of the aspiring talents that competed in Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition Plus. (She left Bahay ni Kuhay after 53 days due to homesickness and the pressures inside the house and did not complete the only task assigned to her by Kuya.)

The management of the ABS-CBN network handpicked Andi for the lead role in Agua Bendita without an audition, a rather risky move considering that the show is a primetime offering competing with other programs featuring big-name and tested stars.

Andi is aware that her luck might have raised not a few eyebrows but she is ready to prove the skeptics wrong. “Hindi ko po ine-expect na ngayon ko makukuha yung ganitong opportunity. Pero kung kinuha po nila ako ibig sabihin para sa kanila ready na ako. So kahit nakakagulat, naisip ko na din na I guess kaya ko po talaga.”

In the show, Andi plays two characters – twins Agua and Bendita, who have opposite personalities and physical differences. (The network previously produced a similar version a few years back with Shaina Magdayao in the title role.)

“Our take is different [this time],” explains Andi. “For one, the previous Agua, the one with Shaina, is shorter. It was a two-part series only. This time, we’re going to take time fleshing out each character. We will also make sure that we will be able to serve out the story really well.”

As per show’s concept, Andi is required to swim underwater wearing rather revealing bathing suits. Asked whether she would follow the sex-infused career trajectory of her mother, who starred in many “bold” roles in the ‘70s and ‘80s, Andi remains undecided.

“Honestly I don’t know,” she says. “But you see, I am not thinking about that. At this point, I’d rather concentrate with the work at hand which is Agua. If you could see a hint of sexiness in the trailer, for me, it’s all just kind of suggestive. I’m still young. I’ve still a long way to go. We’ll see.”

Andi credits her mother with giving her invaluable advice and directions on how to navigate the intrigue-laden and dog-eat-dog world of showbiz.

“I feel very blessed and thankful kasi bukod sa meron akong nanay na pinalaki ako nang maayos, natutulungan din niya ako sa gusto kong makamit na dream kasi alam na alam niya kung paano mag-work yung industry. Binibigyan din niya ako ng mga advice na kailangan kong malaman. Dahil nanay ko siya, mas malaki yung chance na maging successful ako.”

When asked about her father, who split up with Jaclyn when Andi was still very young, the young actress says that she bears no ill will towards him and continues to maintain a cordial relationship with him. “Kasi bata pa ako nung nangyari yun. Kumbaga yung normal na hindi nakatira sa isang bubong yung mommy at daddy ko. Tanggap ko yun kasi madalas ko naman makita at makausap yung daddy ko. Meron kaming bonding moments kaya hindi dumating sa point na nagalit ako sa kanya,”

Although she is the first among the Eigenmann cousins to star in a TV series, Andi dispels the notion that there’s an unfriendly competition among them.

“Hindi naman po siguro siya mai-insecure sa akin kasi kahit nandito sila sa industry magkaiba naman po yung career path na tinatahak namin at saka yung kapalaran namin. And kapag magkasama naman kami, ang turingan namin magkakapatid. Hindi po namin pinag-uusapan yung posisyon namin sa showbiz. And most of all, alam ko na mahal ako ng Ate [Maxene] ko kaya I’m sure masaya siya for me.”

Speaking of comparisons, many have commented that Andi’s delicate beauty resembles that of Angel Locsin. But she demurely dismisses the comparison: “Sobrang na pa-flatter po ako sa mga nagsasabi noon. Dahil napakagandang babae po ni Angel at alam naman po natin ‘yon.”

Andi says she doesn’t mind being compared to others but she intends to carve her own niche in the industry. “Maybe some people won’t give me my own identity. For them, I’m not Andi Eigenmann or Andi, I’m just a girl who looks like Angel Locsin. I hope they give me a chance to show who I am, as myself, who doesn’t look like anyone.”

When she is away from the camera, Andi studies fashion design at the College of St. Benilde in Manila. During her free time, she loves to design clothes. “Basically I just stay at home and use the computer or I draw. I make the most of my time by drawing stuff. I’m so into fashion.”

When not busy at school or work, she likes to catch up with friends. “Pero not so often kasi my other friends are at school din naman or the others are busy with work,” she says.

Though she had admitted to having celebrity crushes on Jake Cuenca and John Lloyd Cruz, she reveals that she is not in a relationship at the moment. “I’m not dating anyone. It’s not that I don’t want to, it’s just that I’m the type who actually waits. I can tell if that person is right or if he’s worthy to be given a chance for me.”

For now, Andi wants to focus on Agua Bendita and her career. She wants to do more projects (she recently signed a three-picture contract with Regal Films) and perhaps even a stint hosting as a VJ.

Jaclyn, who is a mainstay in the ongoing primetime soap Kung Tayo’y Magkakalayo, says that although she cares deeply about her daughter’s career, she is not a stage mother. Whenever she gets the chance, she visits Andi on the set but not often. When Andi joined showbiz, Jaclyn did not give specific advice about showbiz. She just gave her daughter important pointers in honing her acting skills.

“Umpisa pa lang, binigay ko na sa kanya lahat,” relates Jaclyn. “Nilatag ko na sa kanya lahat, ‘tapos pili na lang siya roon. ‘Tapos kapag may problema siya, sabi ko sabihan niya na lang ako to help her. Ang binigay ko lang sa kanya ay sincerity, be the character, be the person, act naturally from the heart, be the person just by the character because every human being is very important.”

Jaclyn says that as a child Andi picked up lessons in showbiz from her example. “Yung nakikita ni Andi sa akin, kailangan maging magandang example. You know, Andi saw me growing up working this way with discipline. Kahit na ano, you have to attend and you have to go to work kahit masama ang pakiramdam mo. She grew up seeing me na ganun magtrabaho. So, ‘yon ang namana niya. She doesn’t wanna be late, ayaw niya ng pressure. Gusto niya alam na niya ang gagawin niya pagdating sa set. She’s like me!”

The most valuable piece of advice her mother gave her is: “As long as you believe in it, it will come true. Like whatever your heart desires, if you really want it then it will really happen.”

By Pepper Marcelo

After 40 years in the music business, the iconic Pinoy vocal trio APO Hiking Society has decided to call it a day. The shocking revelation came during a press conference last January, when members Jim Paredes, Buboy Garovillo and Danny Javier announced that they will have a series of “farewell concerts” that will culminate with their final live performance in May of this year.

“What I always believed about showbiz is knowing when to leave; not to overstay your welcome. Forty [years] I think is a very good time,” says Danny.

“Every person in showbiz has an end, sometimes you think things are forever. No, they’re really not,” adds Jim.

Buboy emphasizes that it wasn’t a rash decision to retire on their part. In fact, there had already been talks to end the group as early as last year. “Sa totoo lang, since last year pa namin napapagusapan ito, we decided to pursue individual interests also.”

Lest anyone think it has anything to do with internal friction among the band members, he attributes their decision to the fact that the group, with their differing priorities in life, have not been collaborating as much as they used to.

“Pahina nga nang pahina yung creative process. Sinasabi nga ni Jim, e, yung ginagawa namin together, pahina nang pahina. We are not writing songs together. We are not recording songs as much together,” Buboy said.

“Through the years, parang little by little, pakonti ng pakonti ‘yong ginagawa naming creative process. That’s how APO was created 40 years ago; Sabi namin, ‘Saan tayo pupunta? Ano ba ang sinimulan ng APO noon?’ Ito nawawala nga ‘yong creative process.”

Jim also cites the uncertain climate of the contemporary music scene, with young acts and changing tastes and technologies making it difficult for an older group to find their niche.

“Showbiz caters to a very young market. Yung last albums namin, sinubukan talaga naming i-promote, ilagay sa radyo… hindi kami umabot dun. Hindi kilala ng maraming tao ang laman ng mga apat o limang album namin.  For me, that’s a clear indicator. Ayokong dumating ang panahon na wala nang nakakakilala sa iyo at hindi ka na kakawayan ng tao. Kailangan mo nang tuldukan habang sikat ka pa.”

They were also conscious of the fact that they did not want end up a mere nostalgia act, belting out decades-old hits, without creating anything new and fresh. “We still enjoy performing, kaya lang sabi namin kung uulit ulitin lang natin ito at wala naman tayong ginagawang bago, baka maburyong tayo sa sarili natin. Bago tayo maburyong sa sarili natin, let’s put a time table to it,” says Buboy.

The group agreed scheduling their final live performance in May to coincide with the upcoming elections. APO is a firm supporter of Noynoy Aquino’s candidacy.

“Kasi if you want change, you look for somebody who represents change,” says Danny. “Ako, sa bawat araw na nagpoprogreso ang pagkakampanya, ang masasabi ko kay Noynoy, walang halong pambobola, walang kasinungalingan, hindi porma. Nilalait pa nga siya sa kakulangan ng porma. Para sa akin, yun ang kalakasan ng kanyang kampanya, kasi walang halong pag-iimbot sa katotohanan at, siyempre, walang dagdag na pagkukunwari.”

For their current series of concerts, Jim says that they’re performing at their peak level right now, so fans should not miss the opportunity to see them live. “If you want to catch the APO, this is the last stretch. We’re good till the end of May. So, any concert that’s there, panoorin niyo na. To our fans, our followers, everything else – panoorin niyo na.”

APO Hiking Society was formed in 1969 as a huge ensemble vocal group at the Ateneo de Manila University. Paredes, Garovillo, and Javier were the only members who pushed through with their musical career.

The group recorded 22 albums, spawning classic hits such as “Batang-Bata Ka Pa,” “Pumapatak Na Naman Ang Ulan,” “Nakapagtataka,” “Yakap sa Dilim” and “Doobidoo.”

They have also extended their name as able live showmen, with countless concerts at home and abroad. Locally, they made several acclaimed and popular television programs and specials, including the long-running, popular noontime variety show Sa Linggo nAPO Sila.

Internationally, they have performed all over the world, including the U.S., Canada, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Japan, Singapore and Indonesia. They were the first Pinoy group to perform in New York’s famed Carnegie Hall, as well as the first to perform in a public concert in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

In 2006 and 2007, many of the top contemporary bands of the country released the cover albums Kami nAPO Muna and Kami nAPO Muna Ulit, attesting to the group’s iconic status and lasting influence in Pinoy music.

The group assures longtime fans that just because APO is retiring, doesn’t mean that the individual members of the group will stop making music. “Baka akala niyo kapag sinabing magre-retire ang APO, ‘yong mga tao na ng APO [magre-retire din]. Hindi. Ang pangalan ng APO ang magre-retire,” says Buboy.

He adds that although they don’t have plans to release a final record, there’s a strong possibility that their last concert in May will come out as a live commemorative album.

Jim, who had transplanted to Australia several years ago, says that he might write and collaborate with other singers. “I’m a creative person. So under any conditions whether there’s APO or whether there’s no APO; I’m old or whether I’m young, whether I’m sikat or not, my duty is to be creative, so continue pa rin ako.”

Buboy says he wants to continue with not only singing, but being an all-around entertainer. “I do TV shows, I do hosting jobs also, I do some soaps.”

Danny, on the other hand, wants to focus on continuing with his advocacies Mindanao. Recently, it was announced that the group, tapped by the government, will promote a “public dialogue” via TV ads and radio that will hopefully help broker a peace deal in the war-ravaged region.

He doesn’t want to make any definite music plans just yet. “Naniniwala ako sa isang kasabihan na life begins after you make your plans. So, hindi na ako nagpa-plano. I’ll just let it begin.”

Though APO is reaching the end, the three are still positive that the best is yet to come. “Life goes on. If you ask me have each of us done the best in our lives? I think I haven’t,” says Jim. “You have a lot more to hear from Buboy Garovillo, Danny Javier and Jim Paredes.”

By Pepper Marcelo

Pop Princess Sarah Geronimo continues to ascend the heights of stardom. Already established as one of the premier young singers in the country, the 21-year-old has also made a name for herself as a formidable box-office talent. Her last two movies, A Very Special Love and You Changed My Life, both romantic comedy-dramas pairing her with John Lloyd Cruz, were box-office hits. A Very Special Love won for her the title Box Office Queen for 2008, while its sequel, You Changed My Life, in 2009 became the highest-grossing Philippine movie of all time.

Will her winning streak continue? That’s the question as she shoots her latest movie, Hating Kapatid. This time Sarah is moving away from her romantic ingénue roles, playing sister to mega-talent Judy Ann Santos in the dramatic film.

To be working with the erstwhile Soap Queen is a dream come true for Sarah. “Blessing na naman from God na makatrabaho ko ang nag-iisang Judy Ann Santos,” she said.

In the film, the two play children of an OFW couple. Rica (Judy Ann) is forced to take care of her sister, Cecil (Sarah). Cecil gets into an accident early in their childhood, which Rica blames on herself, and who thus makes a stronger commitment to be there for her sister. As Cecil gets older, she strives to be more independent, which causes friction between the two. Complicating matters is when their parents return home and resume their roles, which leaves Rica unwanted.

The movie represents another big step in Sarah’s developing acting career.  “Medyo challenging ito bilang actress… Ay! Hindi pala medyo. Challenging talaga!”

Sarah and Judy Ann admit that they haven’t “bonded” yet on the set. Juday observes that Sarah is still shy when she is with her. “Ngayon nahihiya pa magsalita si bagets (referring to Sarah), siguro natatakot or something pero I make it a point naman na ‘pag magkasama kami kinakalma ko siya.”

To be sure, Juday appreciates the effort of Sarah to give her respect. “In fairness kay Sarah may matinding effort siya na dumaan sa tent ko ‘pag dumadating siya, nagbibigay pugay sa akin. Hindi naman na kailangan kasi magkikita naman kami sa set, e. . . I mean if you are thinking na magagalit ako na hindi ka nagbibigay-pugay sa akin, hindi, no, okey lang sa akin yun, ipahinga mo na lang yan kasi mas kailangan mo yan at hindi naman ako isang artista na naghahanap ng atensyon, gusto ko lang na maging komportable siya sa akin.”

The veteran actress hopes that Sarah will eventually look up to her as a trusted friend and confidant, even after the film ends shooting. “Gusto ko rin malaman niya na hindi ito hanggang pelikula lang, pwede kaming maging magkaibigan hanggang pagkatapos nito. Pwede naman niya ako tawagan sa mga oras na kailangan niya ng kausap.”

Juday adds: “Hindi naman mahirap maging kaibigan si Sarah, napakabuti ng puso, napakabuting tao, wala kang paglalagyan ng masamang salita kasi kapag ginawa ko ‘yun ako ang lalabas na masamang tao kasi alam ng lahat ng tao kung gaano siya kabuti.”

Sarah is more comfortable with another of her co-stars in the movie, Luis Manzano. The two have been friends for sometime as co-talents on the weekly variety show ASAP. “Masayahing tao, contagious talaga kasi yung pagiging kalog niya at makulit, e,” she said of Luis.

Asked if there was any attraction or kilig moments between her and Luis, she said: “Yung kilig ko naging kinikilabutan sa sobrang kilig. Kinikilig ako sa kanya kapag nagte-take na kami siguro yung kulitan namin, pareho kasi kaming makulit, tinginan pa lang nakakatuwa na, pangit naman yung walang kilig na inaarte mo lang, so masaya na rin ako sa ganun.”

The 28-year-old actor-TV host shares the same sentiment. “Kami ni Sarah kasi we have established our friendship, our bond, our kulitan and she’s one of the people I trust in this industry,” he said.

He hopes that their off-screen conviviality translates to on-screen chemistry as well. “Kapag may scene kami na nagpapakilig kami eh kami din natatawa sa isa’t-isa. Hopefully naman, it will translate something good in the movie.”

Already there are reports of a possible team-up between Sarah and no less than one of Philippine entertainment’s greatest icons, Nora Aunor. The legendary talent is returning home this month for a showbiz comeback after a prolonged stay in the United States.

Like most in the showbiz circle, Sarah is excited about Nora’s comeback. “Siyempre, I am looking forward to her comeback. Lahat excited na talaga sa pagbabalik ng superstar Nora Aunor at kung ano pa ang maibibigay niya sa mga fans niya at viewers.”

Sarah says that one of her favorite films is the 1995 Nora-starrer The Flor Contemplacion Story. Asked if she’d be open to reprising Nora’s role if there was a remake, Sarah was humble enough to downplay the possibility. “Tama na yon, si Ms. Nora lang yon. Ang hirap-hirap gumawa ng remake. Pass muna ako diyan since hindi naman ako ka-experience na actress, so huwag muna sa akin.”

Sarah looks forward to seeing again a talent of Nora’s stature. “Unang una sa lahat, siya ang superstar, tinitingala ng lahat si Ms. Nora Aunor sa kanyang galing sa pag-arte, exceptional talent niya po talaga. Na-miss natin lahat yan, at lahat talaga nasasabik na makita siya ulit.”

Though her busy schedule does not allow time for romance, the singer-actress nevertheless is constantly hounded by the media about her love life. Last year, there were rumors that a number of suitors were pursuing her, among them singer Mark Bautista and young actor Rayver Cruz.

Sarah admits that Mark is still courting her, but remains undecided on whether to submit to his advances. “Consistent at persistent siya sa kung anumang good intentions na meron siya para sa akin kasi nakikita ko ‘yung respeto niya sa mga magulang ko at sa akin. Baka naman in the end, kami ang magkatuluyan.”
She has said many times that she is firmly focused on her career and that she is still too young to be involved in a romantic relationship. Even her social life has suffered somewhat as a result of her heavy workload. “Honestly po kasi ever since puro trabaho lang [ako] tapos uwi ng bahay. Ganun. Parang I never got the chance na maka-mingle sa mga katrabaho ko.”

Though she looks forward to having an independent life in the future, she wants to remain close to her family, no matter the circumstances. “Kasi very attached ako sa family ko. Even sa pagtulog talagang gusto ko katabi ko ‘yung iba sa mga kapatid ko, ganun kami sa isa’t isa.”

She’s also keenly aware of her image and would not want to indulge in any behavior that might tarnish it. “Naiintindihan ko naman lahat ng ito e. Alam ko na marami akong responsibilities [like] ‘yun nga as a model sa mga kabataan.”

By Stephen Holden

New York Times

A bright, utilitarian voice that sweeps across continents as it conjures the aspirations of the inner princesses in millions of nice young women from Manila to London: no, it’s not Celine Dion, but Lea Salonga, the demure 39-year-old Philippine star whose autobiographical show, “The Journey So Far,” opened a three-week engagement at Café Carlyle on Tuesday (March 16) evening.

Ms. Salonga is the vocal personification of what might be called the Broadway and Hollywood international style, which embraces Disney songs, Rodgers and Hammerstein ballads and the anthems of Schönberg and Boublil. Hers is a talent groomed to express inspirational generalities that please most of the people most of the time without taxing their emotions. Beyond an eagerness to please, impersonality is its signature quality. READ FULL STORY.

International singer Charice has been dubbed a “newly crowned pop princess” by the New York Post.

PopWrap identified Charice as a “new little chick…who’s mountain-and-valley vocals (that means range, kids) are the only reason you will need to fall in love with her sound.” FULL STORY.

Charice’s song Pyramid was cited in New York Post’s PopWrap’s fave five article for March 17.

Click here to watch and listen to Charice’s rendition of Pyramid on YouTube.

By Pepper Marcelo

Ryan Agoncillo is a one-of-a-kind celebrity. In an industry where battle lines are starkly drawn, with warring networks vying for talent exclusivity, he is able to deftly navigate from station to station without damaging his career or making enemies. Working under non-exclusive contract with competing networks, Ryan is inundated with projects that utilize his many talents, including acting, hosting and modeling.

Asked how he felt to be in such a unique situation, the 30-year-old says he is blessed and lucky. “Mas madalas akong magdasal ngayon, yung thank you. Higit sa panghihingi pag nagdadasal, it’s more on thank you.”

On ABS-CBN, he co-stars alongside his wife, Judy Ann Santos, in the sitcom George and Cecil. On the revitalized TV5, he hosts the talent show Talentadong Pinoy. And just recently, after numerous guest appearances, he became a full-time co-host of the long-running noontime variety show Eat Bulaga on GMA-7.

But he says that if he were made to choose only one network to work for, he would stick it out with ABS-CBN, his wife’s “mother” network. “I am a Kapamilya definitely, kung exclusivity ang pag-uusapan, loyalty goes to them. The contract is not exclusive, but of course, yung loyalty ko nasa kanila. On a personal level, yung loyalty ko is with them.”

He quickly adds, however, that he always maintains a high level of professionalism when shifts from one project and network to another. “When we guest on, let’s say Eat Bulaga or Bubble Gang or Master Showman (all GMA-7 shows), may paalam, may pasabi. At ano naman, hindi sila [ABA-CBN] maramot sa ganun.”

He hopes no animosity would develop between competing stations, explaining that he doesn’t want to get into network politics, but simply wants to do the job at hand. “Ayoko siyang isipin, sa totoo lang. Ayoko siyang dumating. Kumbaga, sa tingin ko, sa tiwala ko sa mga katrabaho ko, hindi dadating sa ganung punto. I have so much faith and there’s so much respect with the people I’m working with. Hindi sila maggaganun. Kasi we all need to work.”

So far, work has been very good. ABS-CBN’s George and Cecil has been a solid success. But the biggest surprise has been Talentadong Pinoy. Patterned after America’s Got Talent and its British counterpart, the show, which features a wide variety of performers – from singers and magicians to dancers and acrobats – has become TV5’s highest-rated Saturday primetime show. Capping the show’s high ratings was Ryan’s winning his second trophy for “Best Talent Search Host” in the Star Awards for TV last November.

Asked which work he prefers – hosting or acting – he says it’s a toss-up because he likes doing both and they both bring in income. “Ang kagandahan lang kasi ng relationship ng acting at hosting sa akin ay I’m afforded a break from hosting when I’m acting and so is with hosting. So, it doesn’t get too neurotic, yung you don’t get burned out kasi halo-halo.”

His better half is naturally very proud of his individual success. When Ryan hooked up and eventually married one of the industry’s top actresses, many predicted Juday might overshadow his career. But Juday downplays the suggestions.

“Nagkakilala na kami na may sari-sarili na kaming mga pangalan; siya as a host at ako bilang artista,” explains Juday. “May sarili siyang talent at ibigay natin sa kanya ‘yon kasi pinaghirapan niya talaga ‘yon at talagang prinoblema niya nang bonggang-bongga ‘yon.

Now Ryan has more projects than his more established wife. But this has not created any tension or conflict between the two.

“Masayang masaya ako [para sa kanya],” says Juday. “Bilang may-bahay, sapat na nagagampanan ko ‘yung trabaho ko bilang asawa, bilang nanay at bilang artista. Okey na ako. Lahat ng blessings buong puso naming tinatanggap ‘yan. Masuwerteng-masuwerte si Ryan sa taong ito at sana sa mga susunod pang taon.”

For his part, Ryan says he and Juday are still on Cloud Nine one year after their wedding last year. “It’s evolving pa. More than the romance, the friendship is evolving. I thought yung pagpe-prepare namin ng wedding, yun na yung best of friendship talaga. Hindi pa pala. And then now, we’re building a nest, nasa building nest pa kami. Nasa tanungan pa kami kung paano gawin yung budget, paano gawin yung sa school, sino ang magtuturo sa anak namin? May ganun pa, e.”

Last March 12, Juday confirmed reports that she is two months pregnant. The couple is very happy and excited that their five-year adopted daughter Yohan will soon have a sibling. They are planning a month-long overseas trip in April or May to mark their birthdays and wedding anniversary. Ryan is celebrating his 31st birthday on April 10, Judy Ann is turning 32 on May 11, and their first wedding anniversary is on April 28.

Ryan has a traditional view of marriage. “Being the man of the house, I believe that I always have the last say in whatever decisions that we make,” he says. “Very traditional yung roles kasi nga parang nung kami. Kasi kahit naman sa pagba-budget, si Juday ang may hawak ng libro at siya ang nagba-budget.”

But what really matters, he says, is not the division of labor at home but that the mutual realization and commitment to help out each other in carving a happy married life.

By Leandro Milan

Our hero is star-struck and, apparently, love-struck too.

After bagging the CNN Hero of the Year (2009) award, Efren Peñaflorida finds himself in hot pursuit of a more stunning and elusive trophy. The object of his affections is the gorgeous and alluring actress Angel Locsin.

Efren’s romantic exploits first came to light in late December when he was interviewed by Boy Abunda on the TV show Bottomline. In that interview, the acclaimed kariton educator admitted that he has had a big crush on the the actress for the longest time.

Angel and Efren first became friends on Facebook, drawn by their common interest to help the underprivileged – he, with his Kariton Klassroom project; she, with her numerous charitable undertakings. By sheer coincidence, on November 19, the two found themselves on the same flight to the US. She was on her way to New York to attend the Emmy Awards where she was nominated for Best Performance for an Actress in the teleserye Lobo. He was on his way to Los Angeles to receive an award as one of CNN’s Top Ten Heroes and later as CNN Hero of the Year for 2009 for his heroic attempt to bring education to the poor children of Cavite via a mobile classroom. Up on Cloud Nine, our star-struck hero did not pass up the chance to reveal his feelings for Angel.

When it was Angel’s turn to appear on the gossip show The Buzz on January 3, Boy, the self-proclaimed King of Talk, grilled the actress about Efren’s startling disclosure.

An embarrassed Angel was initially at a loss for words.

“Paano ba?” she began. “Nakapag-usap kami. Actually, before pa naman magkaroon ng award sa kanya, magkaibigan na kami sa Facebook. Yung mga cause na ginagawa niya, sinusuportahan ko rin. Naniniwala ako sa mga gusto niyang gawin. And nagkita kami bago ako pumuntang New York, sabay kami sa eroplano kasi, e. Doon na kami nagkakilala talaga.”

Angel continued: “Nakapag-usap kami. Hindi ko alam kung paano ko sabihin, e… Yun nga, parang sinabi ko sa kanya na medyo natatakot akong sabihin sa kanya kasi siyempre siya yung nakikitang hope ng bansa natin, e. Para sa akin kasi, ang mas kailangan natin ngayon sa Pilipinas yung hope. At ayoko yung… dahil magulo nga ang buhay ko dahil nasa showbiz ako, ayokong yung hope na maibibigay niya sa mga tao, maapektuhan ng dahil sa akin. Sinabi ko sa kanya kung ready na ba siya na… Ay, nahihiya ako! Kung ready na ba siya na harapin yung mga yun. Ako kasi sinabi ko na, well ako kasi gusto ko friendship muna.”

Pushing the kilig factor several notches higher, Boy commented that he was surprised that the two were able to discuss something so serious in their brief, unplanned in-flight meeting.

And then came more revelations from Angel that elicited shrieks from the audience. Efren had visited her at home and he had talked to her father about his romantic intentions.

“Paano ba?” she rambled on. “Kasi pumunta siya sa bahay. Nag-usap sila ng dad ko. Mas una niyang kinausap yung dad ko kesa sa akin. Nagulat ako pagdating ko, ‘Bakit parang nagkukulong sa kuwarto yung dalawa. Ano ang nangyayari dun?’”

Boy pressed on: “So Efren and your dad had a heart-to-heart talk?”

“Pero first time lang po yun, Tito Boy. Nahihiya ako. Ano ba ‘yan, nawawala ako! Ang init ng pisngi ko,” confessed Angel, blushing.

She declined to speculate on where the whole thing would lead. Everything will fall into place if it is meant to be, she said.

In another television interview, this time on GMA-7’s 24 Oras, Efren confirmed his intentions to court the actress. He said it was back in 2004 when he developed a big crush on the Angel. What attracted her to him, he said, was not her looks and celebrity status but her character and inner beauty.

He admitted that he had gone to Angel’s house to talk to her father, Angel Colmenares, about his plans to court his daughter.

“Sinabi ko sa dad niya kung ano yung intentions ko. In-open up ko sa dad niya. I was able to pray pa nga sa dad niya,” the high school teacher revealed. “Bago ko in-ask, bago ko in-open sa kanya ‘yong mga intentions ko, ready na ako. Prepared ako doon sa kung ano man ang mangyayari.”

Efren says he has not had a single girlfriend in all his 28 years, which explains why he appears so thrilled whenever he talks about his feelings for the actress. On the other hand, Angel, who turns 25 in April, has had three showbiz boyfriends: Mico Sotto, an aspiring actor who fell to his death from a condominium building six years ago; Oyo Sotto, Mico’s first cousin and son of Vic Sotto and Dina Bonnevie; and her latest ex, Luis Manzano, son of Vilma Santos and Edu Manzano. Angel and Luis ended their year-long relationship last August for still undisclosed reasons.

Unfortunately for our hero, But Angel does not appear to be too keen about his romantic intentions. Although she has gone out with Efren, she says all she could offer to him at this point is her friendship.

“Hindi naman ako nagpapaligaw,” she said on Showbiz Ngayon last Jan. 21. “Right now, we’re good friends lang talaga. . . Minsan pumupunta siya sa bahay kasama yung mga kids. Minsan lumabas kami. Nanoood kami ng sine kasama ang mga bata. ‘Yon naman ‘yong usapan din namin, eh. Ayoko ‘yong kausap ko si Luis [Manzano] tapos may kausap akong iba. Ayoko namang magpaasa ng tao.”

Angel is keener in giving his erstwhile boyfriend another chance. Luis has admitted that he is wooing the actress again and reports say that he is a constant visitor in the Colmenares’ residence nowadays. “I’m trying to win her back and make up for my mistakes in the past. Na-realize ko she’s a good girl worth fighting for,” Luis was quoted in one report.

Angel appreciates Luis’ efforts to win her back. “May effort naman siya [Luis]. Na-appreciate ko naman. Tingnan natin kung ano ang…hindi naman kami nagmamadali. Siyempre, hindi naman ma-i-aalis kung gaano ka-espesyal si Luis.”

In tabloids and social networking sites, fans of Angel and Efren expressed shock, disappointment, even disdain at the news.

“You’re dreaming! Just because you’re a CNN Hero doesn’t mean you can be Angel’s boyfriend,” said one user on social networking site Twitter.

“It was great that he won as CNN Hero. But I was disappointed he wanted to join the celebrity world so quickly,” quipped a Facebook user.

Indeed, many onlookers find the Angel-Efren tandem implausible, even off-beat, because his chosen career and her social milieu are night and day. While both come from poor families, today their lifestyles are worlds apart. Efren is immersed in the harsh reality of the slums of Cavite. Angel inhabits the glittery make-believe world of Tinseltown. Can they defy fate and live happily ever after? Will this romance be nipped in the bud? One would think this unlikely fairy tale could happen only in the movies. Abangan!

Cebu’s “Dancing Inmates” perform a new routine from This Is It as a homage to the late Michael Jackson at the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center. Michael Jackson’s long-time choreographer Travis Payne and dancers Daniel Celebre and Dres Reid flew to the maximum security prison to personally teach the 1,500 inmate performers in two days so they could film this unique video. Sony Pictures DVD released the clip on Jan. 26.