Kapuso Stars

Bagging the Ultimate Sweetheart title is Jewel, who has always admitted her longing to become one. And now that she is basking in the title’s glory, she can hardly believe her dream has come true.

“Totoo ba ‘to? Baka nananaginip pa ako” she said in a small, awed voice. She considers the title as one of God’s greatest gifts to her. “I feel so blessed. God is so faithful, merciful din. In spite of all my flaws and shortcomings, He’s always there.”

Jewel says she has always prayed to God every time she sets out on an endeavor, especially in her StarStruck journey. She asserts, “I (always) prayed, ‘Lord kung will Mo ‘to, so be it. Kung magagamit Mo ‘ko sa field na ‘to, kung mas mag-go-grow ako sa’yo dahil dito, kung magagamit Mo ‘ko para sa mga tao. In any way maging instrument Niya ako, I will be willing to do that.”

She also claims she was not expecting to win. “I never prayed to win. Basta I prayed na i-prepare na lang Niya ‘yung heart ko kung ano man ‘yung magiging kinalabasan. I was expecting Rich (Asuncion to win) talaga. So when my name was called, hindi ako makapaniwala” the blissful lass says.

Jewel believes that the sweetheart in her lies in her personality. “I’m a person you can easily be with. I know how to mingle with others. I’m sincere sa lahat ng ginagawa ko, sa lahat ng sinasabi ko. Kahit na maraming criticisms, I always take that as a challenge” she explains.

According to her, the thing that sets her apart from all the other Female Ultimate Survivors is, “I’m a child of God, (and) I’m proud to be. I will see to it that whatever I will do, God is in me. Kasi that will make a difference talaga.”

This new star sees herself working with big celebrities in the future, that is why she is preparing herself to devote more time for the industry she is now in. “Talagang pag-aaralan ko lahat ng dapat kong pag-aralan.”

SATURDAY nights will be filled with the uproarious but action-packed adventures of a new crime-busting superhero who will soon conquer Philippine television – Fantastic Man.

Now a GMA-7 TV series based on the Vic Sotto blockbuster movie, Fantastic Man will surely have viewers hooked to the wacky escapades of a loveable young lad who has taken on the mission to become the people’s reliable crime-buster.

Premiering on April 14, Fantastic Man stars Mark Herras as the kind-hearted, law-abiding and loving Fredo and his crime-busting alter ego Fantastic Man. As a young boy, Fredo lived happily in the province with his parents Danny (Ariel Rivera) and Linda (Beth Tamayo), together with his Lola Cedes (Gloria Sevilla), until his simple life was shattered when a group of armed bandits abducted his father and killed his mother. Fredo was raised alone by his Lola Cedes, who eventually turned senile and got lost when they moved to the city.

In search of his Lola Cedes in the cruel city, Fredo meets new friends but also has a close brush with death in the hands of a ruthless syndicate. Left almost lifeless from a deadly beating, Fredo is rescued by Prof. Manalo (Joey Marquez), a scientist who invented the healing machine called the Regenerator. Fredo becomes the first “guinea pig” of the breakthrough healing machine and surprisingly acquires super-human powers. This fateful experience transforms the once helpless Fredo into an invincible crime-buster with extraordinary abilities and power.

Fantastic Man faces the city’s plethora of cunning and cruel criminals, the most ruthless of whom is the mysterious and eerie Tadtad, the notorious syndicate leader whose face is heavily scarred and mutated. Playing Fantastic Man’s formidable villains are Paolo Contis as Madam Tisay, Benjie Paras as Gobo, Rez Cortez as Boss Elvis, Pen Medina as Singkit, and Keempee de Leon as Budol.

Playing Fantastic Man/Fredo’s love interests are Ryza Cenon (as Wena, the friend Fredo rescues from a syndicate) and Jackie Rice (as Helen, Prof. Manalo’s niece). Fantastic Man also stars Nicole Anderson, Ana Lea Javier, and Miguel Tanfelix.

Directed by Zoren Legaspi, Fantastic Man airs Saturday starting April 14 after Bitoy’s Funniest Videos on GMA-7.

Gaano kaya katotoo ang balitang naglalabasan ngayon na may kinalaman si LJ Reyes sa hiwalayang Oyo Boy Sotto at Angel Locsin.

Ayon sa balita - magkarelasyon pa sina Oyo at Angel ay lumalabas-labas na ang binata at si LJ.

Dahil dito ay kinumpronta umano ni Angel si Oyo kung saan inamin din daw nito na nagdi-date nga sila ni LJ.

Ginawang katwiran daw ni Oyo ang kawalan ni Angel ng oras sa kanya kung kaya’t naghanap ito ng ibang tao na makakasama nito lagi.

Romantic pairs are an integral part of showbiz. Fans look forward to their chemistry on screen, often hoping for the relationship to continue even when the cameras stop rolling. Officially joining the crop of young showbiz couples are Kris Bernal and Mart Escudero who bagged the title of StarStruck Ultimate Love Team. iGMA asked them about their plans as the newest kilig tandem.

As the hosts of StarStruck announced the first name for the Ultimate Love Team, hearts stopped. They called out Mart Escudero when many expected Aljur Abrenica to win the title.

Kris Bernal shared that her friends and family felt a moment of panic when Mart’s name was called, because then they knew it was anybody’s game. “Nakakagulat kasi unang tinawag si Mart! Hindi ine-expect na ako ang makaka-love team ni Mart kasi I’m always with Aljur, so nakakagulat rin (talaga) na si Mart ang partner ko,” she noted.

Then it was Kris whose name was called out next, and cheers erupted. With Mart, they compose the Ultimate Love Team. Although this was unexpected, but no one can disprove that the chemistry they showed in a dance number that ended with a kiss!

Surprise win

“Nung una hindi ako makapaniwala, pero nagpapasalamat po ako ng todo,” Mart told iGMA.tv outside their dressing room after being asked how it felt to win the title. In a previous interview, he shared that he expected Aljur to win the title with Kris. This time, Mart joked that, “dati pa talaga si Kris na gusto ko.”

Kris was content with the pairing. “I feel so happy since nakuha ko yung position na talagang gusto ko, even if it’s not with Aljur. Sabi ko nga, ‘yung reason ko for wanting Love Team is gusto kong mag-work with a partner.”

Still, she admitted that their tandem would take some getting used to. After all, it was Aljur who was her partner on and off screen for the longest time. “Kahit ako naninabago, pero happy naman ako with Mart kasi maraming beses ko na rin (siya) naka-trabaho and masaya (siya) kasama.”

Defined roles

Although Kris and Mart already carry a title that defines their role in showbiz, are they up to the challenge?

Both also told us that they are ready for what such title demands. “Feel ko maraming projects for us, and prepared naman kami. Gusto ko rin naman iyon, kung ano man ang mangyari,” Kris said, adding that she expects their schedule will be more hectic.

She also noted their strengths, mainly in drama. “Siguro kasi since ‘yung forte ko is acting, and si Mart din in acting, more on drama kami,” Kris said.

But the two agreed that none of their dreams would’ve been possible had it not been for their supporters. “Humihingi akong muli ng suporta sa kanila, para suportahan ang love team namin. Gusto ko pa rin magpasalamat sa kanila dahil wala ako dito kung wala sila,” Kris declared, glowing with gratitude.

And as for Mart, here’s what he had to say, “Sa mga sumusuporta sa akin, talagang buong puso akong nagpapasalamat. Kung hindi dahil sa inyo, sigurado akong hindi ako mananalo.”

As of press time, maugong ang balitang si Pauleen Luna na ang gaganap na bride ni Ryan Agoncillo sa launching flick ni Maja Salvador sa Regal Entertainment na My Kuya’s Wedding, na dapat sana’y si Jennylyn Mercado.

Hinihinalang ang young actress ang tumanggi sa project dahil ayaw nitong maging support lang kay Maja. But the funny truth is, nai-cast at napalitan si Jennylyn nang wala siyang kamalay-malay. Hindi naman kasi siya ang nakikipag-usap or nakikipag-negotiate sa mga offer na dumarating, kundi ang kanyang managers na si Becky Aguila at ang GMA Artist Center, headed by Yda Henares.

Sa storycon pa lang ng My Kuya’s Wedding, hindi alam ni Jen na kasama pala siya sa cast since biglaan din yata ang pagkakalagay sa kanya. Supposedly ay si Jolina Magdangal talaga ang gaganap sa role, pero tumanggi ito dahil busy sa kampanya ng boyfriend na si Bebong Muñoz.

Ngayong hindi na pala si Jen, hindi rin ito alam ng young actress at may nagsabi na lang nga sa kanya ng tungkol dito. Ang dahilang ibinigay ng GMAAC ay hindi talaga kakayanin ni Jen na gawin ang movie dahil conflict sa schedules niya ang araw ng mga shooting.

Bukod sa My Kuya’s Wedding, may isa pang gagawin ang young actress sa Regal na may working title na Tiyanak with Mark Herras and Patrick Garcia. So, baka ru’n na lang daw mag-concentrate si Jen aside from taping for Super Twins.

Umaasa ang Ultimate Female Survivor ng StarStruck 2 na si Ryza Cenon na magugustuhan ng fans ang kanilang tambalan ni Mark Herras sa Fantastic Man, ang pinakabagong programang handog ng GMA-7 na mapapanood every Saturday, starting April 14.

Bukod kina Ryza at Mark, na siyang gaganap bilang Fantastic Man, kasama rin dito sina Jackie Rice, Joey Marquez, Ariel Rivera, Paolo Contis, Rez Cortez, Ping Medina, at marami pang iba. "Bale, nandito nga yung challenge sa aming dalawa ni Mark. I mean, hindi namin alam kung tatanggapin ba ito ng tao or what. Ito yung ipinagdarasal namin na sana ay matanggap ng mga tao. Na kahit may issue noong past, na negative ang dating, sana ay matanggap ng mga tao," saad ni Ryza sa panayam ng PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) sa taping ng Ay, Robot! last March 23.

Bukod sa pagtanggap ng fans sa kanila ni Mark, umaasa ang young actress na makakaiwas na siya sa mga hindi magagandang intriga. Matatandaang na-trauma ang 19-year-old na dalaga nang bansagang ahas sa relasyon noon nina Mark at Jennylyn Mercado. Inintriga at pinagselosan siya ni Jennylyn dahil sa pagiging malapit niya kay Mark. "Trabaho naman po ang usapan dito at sana ay wala nang negative na issue," sabi pa ni Ryza. Idinagdag pa ng dalaga na career ang concentration niya.

Wala rin daw ilangan sa kanila ni Mark kahit nagkaroon ng intriga sa kanila before. "Okay naman kami ni Mark, e," banggit ng young actress. "Wala namang kaso sa amin ‘yon. After ng incident na nagka-issue sa amin, talagang medyo lumayo ako, hindi lang kay Mark kundi pati sa ibang boys. Parang hindi na ako masyadong nakikipag-close sa boys, kasi dun ako nami-misinterpret, e. Sobrang malambing po kasi ako at makulit, so nami-misinterpret ng mga tao yung mga kilos ko.

So medyo limitado na ngayon, parang may wall siya at hindi na gaya ng dati." Dagdag pa niya, "Ako naman, expected ko na, na magkakaroon ng issue dahil lagi kaming magkasama ngayon ni Mark, e. Kung magka-issue at negative na naman, handa na po ako dun.

Ganyan naman talaga sa showbiz, e. Pero sana, kung puwede, umaasa akong wala nang ganung dumating, kung puwede lang po sana." Paano kung ligawan siya ni Mark? "Ligawan? Ngiii!" nakatawang saad niya na napangiwi pa ang mukha dahil allergic talagang maintrigang muli. "Hindi po muna siguro. Marami pa kasi akong pangarap, e. Kung ligawan ako, e... Hindi naman siguro, kilala ko naman si Mark, e. As a friend na lang siguro kami," nakangiting pagtatapos na ni Ryza.

source: PEP

Walang takot at handang harapin ni Jennylyn Mercado si Alessandra de Rossi ngayong kasama na ang huli sa cast ng toprated drama-adventure series ng GMA-7 na Super Twins.

Si Alex (palayaw ni Alessandra) ang pinaka-bagong nadagdag sa cast ng Super Twins matapos mag-leave ni Tanya Garcia nang mabuntis ito ni incumbent Pampanga Governor Mark Lapid. Two weeks ago nang pirmahan ni Alex ang kontrata para sa nasabing teleserye.

At sa posibleng paghaharap nina Jennylyn at Alex, nagdulot na ito ng samu't saring haka-haka na baka magkaroon ng tensyon sa dalawa sa oras na magkita sila sa taping, lalo't lumalabas ang isyung nati-tensyon na raw si Jennylyn.

Pero taliwas nga sa balitang kumalat, kaswal na nagpahayag si Jennylyn na handa niyang harapin si Alex nang walang tensyon o takot siyang mararamdaman.

Ayon kay Jennylyn, bago pa man pumirma ng kontrata si Alex ay sinabi na sa kanya ng GMA-7 na idadagdag sa cast ng show ang dati niyang nakairingan na si Alex. Ang advice ay bilang respeto sa kanya ng produksyon.

Siya naman kasi at si Nadine Samonte ang bida sa Super Twins. May karapatang tumanggi ni Jennylyn, pero dahil nga nakaraan na ang isyu sa kanilang dalawa ni Alex ay pumayag siya sa desisyon ng Siete.

Matatandaang nagkaroon ng word war sa pagitan nina Alex at Jennylyn nang mag-break ang una at si Jeremy Marquez. Ito ang kauna-unahang matinding break-up nina Alex at Jeremy na nalantad sa publiko at ang naturong third party ay si Jennylyn.

Pinanindigan ni Alex na nahuli umano niya ang mga text messages sa isa't isa nina Jennylyn at Jeremy. Mariin itong itinanggi ni Jennylyn na nagsabing ang kanyang alalay ang nagti-text kay Jeremy kasunod ng pahayag nitong hindi nito type ang young actor at huwag umano siyang isali sa problema nilang magkasintahan.

Hindi naresolbahan ang isyu at never na nagkaroon nang harap-harapang pag-uusap sina Jennylyn at Alex. Ang napipintong paghaharap ng dalawa ay first time na magaganap sa isa sa mga darating na episode ng Super Twins, kung saan kontrabida ang gagampanang papel ni Alex.

Ngayon pa lang, exciting na ang naiisip ng marami sa magaganap na pagkikita ng dalawa. Aminin man o hindi ng staff ng Super Twins, makakatulong ito para lalong abangan ang nasabing serye ng mga nagnanais na matunghayan ang paghaharap nina Jennylyn at Alex.

It was a glittery Sunday night as new stars dazzled in the bright showbiz sky when GMA 7’s fourth edition of StarStruck The Next Level announced the ultimate winners in the nationwide grand artista search before an estimated crowd of over 15,000.

Aljur Abrenica of Pampanga, Jewel Mische of Bulacan, Mart Escudero of Cavite and Kris Bernal of Quezon City emerged victors among the six survivors who dream of becoming the next young stars.

Their 16 weeks of acting tests, personality development and harnessing of talent proved fruitful as the four won the nod of the council judges composed of direk Louie Ignacio, Lorna Tolentino, Douglas Quijano and two more jurors, VP for entertainment TV Wilma Galvante and GMA Films president Annette Gozon-Abrogar. The ultimate winners earned the most number of votes from fans and supporters for a total of 1,227, 788 text votes.

The finalists’ total votes were announced in between fabulous production numbers of the search’s past Ultimate Survivors and Avengers except for Nadine Samonte who was nowhere in sight due to a conflict in schedule.

Eye-catching batch one Avengers Katrina Halili and Cristine Reyes wowed the Marikina Sports Park crowd as they gyrated to a sexy beat while Ultimate Survivors Mark Herras, Mike Tan and Marky Cielo showed what being a bad boy in the dance floor means. Jennylyn Mercado, Ryza Cenon and Jackie Rice filled the air with their voices as they crooned a Tagalog song with survivors Aljur, Mart and Prince Stefan of Iloilo.

Today’s batch of Avengers also rendered hilarious song and dance numbers to excited fans. The tension felt by the finalists’ friends and relatives who were seated in the front row were faded away with the group’s wacky moves. Mart’s mom Suyen sat quietly from a distance. She kept an eye on her son on stage, worried that Mart might make a wrong move the way he did before final judgment night.

The 16-year-old, sophomore high school student was in hot water when he naughtily recorded in his cell phone video an act against one of the show’s production staff. This caught the attention of GMA executives and got him a demerit of percentage points in the competition. Thank God, Mart showed the best in him when he danced to the tune of Stomp.

He won praises from direk Louie who noticed Mart’s improvement week after week since Day 1 of the competition. The director even said that the young Caviteño who was once eliminated during the contest met all his (direk Louie’s) expectations. Wilma, on the other hand, told Mart she felt he had fun doing his number, and thus gave an excellent performance. Mart’s impressive performance earned him votes that clinched the Ultimate Loveteam title with Kris.

Nursing student Kris showed she’s not just another pretty face but the next young star to watch out for as she has improved a lot performance-wise — be it on acting, singing or dancing. Talent manager Douglas was reminded of Vilma Santos when Kris did a dance act with the Hotlegs complete with high-flying lift.

Bakekang star Sunshine Dizon wished the former Pond’s model and teen mag cover girl all the best and looks forward to working with the small but terrible Kris who was proclaimed Best Actress in an acting test with direk Laurice Guillen. If Kris projected a character so charming, Jewel has proven she’s sweeter than Bulacan Sweets. Contrary to her pasaway image, which she had since the contest started, Jewel won the Ultimate Sweetheart title and made her over a million pesos richer. Richard Gutierrez, in a video, advised Jewel not to allow anyone to put her down as she really worked hard to be where she is now. He is eager to work with her soon.

This sent the UP music student on Cloud Nine. And while Jewel proved her worth as a star, Aljur never gave up when he failed to make it to the talent search’s second edition. "I really tried hard to achieve my dream to be an actor. It’s such a nice feeling now that I’m here," he says. That’s why the English boyband Blue’s song Best in Me fits Aljur to a T as he displayed his worth and bagged the Ultimate Hunk title.

The 17-year-old Don Bosco Academy high school student even dreams of putting up a hotel to add to the family business. His dad Alfonso manages an entertainment bar in Batangas. While the four ultimate winners took home a lot of prizes, first princess Rich Asuncion of Bohol and first prince Prince Stefan didn’t go home empty-handed. Both received a cash prize, a Belgian Waffle franchise and an all-expense paid short course at Informatics.

The Avengers likewise received the waffle franchise business package and short computer course program from Informatics. Special awards were also given to some of the Avengers like the Itaktak Mo award for Jesi Corcuera, Dats Entertaining award for Jan Manual while Dex Quindoza and Stef Prescott won the Best Male and Female Dramatic Exit awards respectively.

Inaayos na ang kontrata sa GMA 7 ng anim na survivors ng Starstruck 4 atiha-handle sila ng Artists Center.

Ilang araw pa lang ang pagkapanalo nina Aljur Abrenica, Jewel Mische, Kris Bernal at Mart Escudero sa Starstruck 4, may mga narinig na akong kanegahan sa ilan sa winners.

Ayon sa ilang nakakausap ko na malapit sa mga ito, okay si Aljur at mabait ito pero may pagkamahadera raw ang ilang kapamilya nito.

Si Mart ay na-late na raw agad nang halos isang oras sa isang guesting niya.

Mas marami akong narinig na kuwento tungkol sa Ultimate Sweetheart na si Jewel Mische.

Sobrang pasaway raw ang batang ito. Hanggang sa huling araw sa Starstruck 4 ay consistent pa rin daw sa pagiging pasaway si Jewel. Kulang-kulang daw ang dalang requirements nito.

Napakabata pa ni Jewel, napagdudahan nang nagparetoke.

Ang unang obserbasyon nila sa batang ito, parang retokado ang boobs nito. Naikumpara ito sa boobs ni Maui Taylor na hindi gumagalaw at steady sa pagkatayo.

Kahit sumasayaw si Jewel, parang hindi raw natitinag ang dibdib niya.

Ang isa pang mukhang niretoke ay ang ilong ni Jewel. Parang inayos ang bandang baba nito.

Maganda ang hugis ng puwet ni Jewel at may balakang dahil lagi raw itong may pads sa puwet.

"Kadera Queen" ang tawag kay Jewel dahil hindi raw nawawala ang kadera na suot nito.

Sa Startalk sa Sabado ay guests ang survivors at avengers ng Starstruck 4, dahil ibibigay sa winners ang mga napanalunan nila pati ang ilang premyo sa finalists.

by Abu Tilamzik

iGMA got to spend quality time with Direk Mike Tuviera, director extraordinaire of “Lupin,” and he revealed his answers to questions about the show and its cast that you’ve been dying to ask!

Question: Will Lupin be another telefantasya?

No, although Direk Mike wants to make sure that kids will still be able to enjoy the program. “We were always talking about it, and ang approach na gusto ko sana is for it to be more hyper real. (This means) it’s still all grounded, everything that happens is realistic, but the way I’m covering it, the way I’m shooting it, is a bit askew – you know, like the angles, the lighting, and all that, just to give it that sheen, that X-factor...that gloss! Even though it’s not as colorful or comedic as the anime, I still want it to be accessible to kids, because it’s Lupin, he’s such a beloved character!” (For the show's gallery, click here!)

Lupin is actually a French classic titled Arsine Lupin. “(For the anime, it's Lupin III), medyo iba ‘yung name, iba ‘yung supporting characters, and it’s much more comedic; much more fantastic. So we borrowed straight from the source material…We focused on the original (French) version and made our own, adjusted it sana, na talagang for Filipino taste.”

Q: Are you and Richard fans of Lupin?

Lupin III actually became a full-blown phenomenon in the Philippines, and Direk Mike even has fond memories of it, even though he wasn’t a big fan. “Kids would just really write Lupin III (anywhere!) That was really bad, it encouraged vandalism, but you see the spirit of the show, which is this very pasaway, very naughty (attitude), and I love that!

Gustung-gusto ko 'yung phenomenon surrounding it. And then when I got the show, I started meeting fans, and they found out I was directing it, the people you wouldn’t expect – like I think, Angel Locsin is the biggest Lupin fan ever! She bets that she’s seen every single episode more than once. She’s a severe Lupin fan, way more than Chard and I!”

Q: What can we expect from the pilot episode?

“When we start the show, Lupin (Richard) doesn’t actually want to steal anymore. So it’s his father, played by Tirso Cruz III, who forces him to keep on stealing. And then in one of the heists, something terrible happens…From then, he doesn’t want to (live) the life anymore,” that is, until a series of events unravel which “kind of force him to go back and do what he used to do,” says the director.

Q: How did the cast prepare for their roles?

Joining Richard in the primetime show are Katrina Halili (Ashley), Ehra Madrigal (Briggitte), and Rhian Ramos (Avril). "All four of them, plus some other cast members, went through different types of training for the series. “Ehra has knife training, then, she’ll have rally driving. Katrina is a master of guns, (such as) sniper rifles, machine guns, and hand guns. She had training on that already, including how to assemble and disassemble the guns.”But what is the basic training that everyone had to take? Stealing of course! “They were trained by a magician for slate of hand. And Chard and some actors will be trained by an actual snatcher, a professional thief who will teach them how to snatch. We actually found one through actual policemen!”

Q: What skills does Lupin use in his profession?

Lupin may be a cunning thief, but it’s surprising to know that he actually hates weapons. “He can fight, if he’s pushed to the wall, but he uses his brains, he uses his smarts, he uses his wits. And basically, if possible, he runs away! He escapes! It’s like it’s better to live another day and steal another thing!”

Catch Lupin on GMA Telebabad starting April 9!

source:igma.tv

KAPANSIN-PANSIN sa TV plug ng Lupin ang kasuotang two-piece ni Katrina Halili. Lutang na lutang ang hubog ng kanyang katawan, umbok ng dibdib at tambok ng bandang ibaba ng katawan niya.

Pansinin man ‘yon sa plug, hindi naman maiwasang masita ang kapayatan ng kanyang mga braso’t hita, huh!

"Nagda-diet po kasi ako dahil lagi akong naka-two piece sa Lupin. Mahirap naman po ‘yung mataba ako sa mga eksena kong ‘yon.

"Minsan nakakainis dahil panay ang diet ko. Kapag naniinis ako, deadma na lang ako. Kakain talaga ako kahit malaki ang tiyan ko sa TV. Ha! Ha! Ha!" sabi niya.

Bakit siya pumayag na ipakita ang kanyang katambukan?

"Ha! Ha! Ha! Ano ba kayo? Ha! Ha! Ha!

"Ang sinabi lang sa akin, sexy ang role ko. Parang Angelina Jolie sa Mr. & Mrs. Smith. Nu’ng nagti-taping na kami, doon ko lang nalaman na halos lagi akong naka-two piece.

"Okey lang naman dahil sa Majika, parang naka-two piece rin ako. May tali lang nakalagay sa damit ko," sabi niya.

Hindi ba siya nahiya kay Richard lalo na’t first time niyang makasama ang guwapong aktor?

"Noon una, medyo nahihiya po. Iba naman kasi ‘yung pictorial na medyo naka-two piece ka. Konti lang ‘yung tao.

"Iba naman ‘yung taping. Ang daming tao diyan. Mga nag-iilaw, cameraman. Ang daming tao habang umaarte ka o tumatakbo. Iba po ‘yon. Medyo nakakailang nu’ng una pero nu’ng tumagal, nasanay na po ako.

"Saka nagtatapis naman ako bago mag-shoot. Pag take na lang, saka ko tinatanggal," pahayag niya.

Wala bang nagagalit sa suot niya? Eh, si Mark (Herras)?

"Ha! Ha! Ha! Wala naman pong nagagalit. Wala akong boyfriend. Loveless po ako!" say ni Katrina.

Wala bang malisya ang tingin sa kanya ni Richard kapag ganoon ang suot niya?

"Wala po. Biru-biruan lang po kami. ‘Uy, sexy naman ng mga kasama ko. Suwerte ko naman!’ Mga ganoon lang. Biro lang," sagot niya.

Hindi ba siya nagka-crush kay Richard?

"Crush? Matagal ko na po kasi siyang nakikita sa Channel 7. Nu’ng una siyempre, oo pero. Huwag na nating gawin isyu. Tama na! Ha! Ha! ha!

"Sino ba naman ang hindi magkaka-crush kay Richard, guwapo naman siya. Wala, friend lang kami," dagdag pa niya.

Naku, after Lupin, sex object na talaga ang tingin sa kanya.

"Hindi naman po siguro. Sexy kami rito pero astig ang dating. Hindi ‘yung sexy na sasayaw-sayaw. Hindi cheap. Sobrang ganda," rason niya.

Pero kaya ba niyang agawin si Richard kay Georgina Wilson?

"Ha? Naku, hindi ko kaya ‘yon. Hindi naman ako pretty. Hayaan mo na sila. Hindi ko kayang mang-agaw! Masasaktan ako! Ay!" say pa niya.

Teka, ano na ang nangyari sa sakit niya sa lalamunan? Hindi ba siya naaalarma na hanggang ngayon ay may bukol pa siya sa leeg?

Bakit hindi pa niya ito pinagagamot?

"Pinapagamot ko naman. Pero, marami kasing dumarating na trabaho kaya hindi ko pa mapatanggal. Malapit na naman po ang Holy Week. Baka masingit ko.

"Minsan, mahinang-mahina ako. Parang may trangkaso. Minsan naman, ang lakas-lakas ko. Inaatake lang ako. Sobrang bigat ng katawan ko.

"May infection kasi ako sa lalamunan ko. Dahil sa infection, nagkaroon ako ng lymph nodes. ‘Pag may ganyan ka, may sugat ka raw. Eh, may infection ako. Nagasgas kasi. Sa sobrang lakas ng boses ko, minsan kasi, kanta ako nang kanta. May mga raket kasing dumarating! Tapos sisigaw sa scenes," kuwento niya.

Huwag kasi siyang subo nang subo para hindi nagagasgasan ang kanyang lalamunan.

"Ay, ano ba ‘yan! Ha! Ha! Ha! Kayo talaga, kung anu-ano ang sinasabi! Ha! Ha! Ha!" sabi na lang ni Katrina.

If you’re not a fan of Captain Barbell, you must be an admirer of the girl that plays the komiks character love interest in the TV adaptation of the Mars Ravelo fantasy series.

The girl is 17-year-old Rhian Ramos whose first foray on the boob tube as a TV commercial actor (her first was one of the “McJelly Trio Girl” last year) led her to probably the biggest break a newbie has ever been given by a major network. As Leah, Teng’s childhood friend and love interest in Captain Barbell, Rhian easily became a household name.

Now, the girl is getting to be a real celebrity. Just recently, she has been signed by Bobson to be one of its celebrity endorsers.

Rhian is a typical teener. She loves to sleep, eat, and watch movies. More than anything, it’s Claw who makes her really happy. Sorry, guys, but Claw is her pet Doberman.

She shakes her head vigorously when asked about being involved in any sport. She says she’s got awful “coordination.”

She admires Tom Hanks, among the actors in Hollywood, and loves to listen to the music of Up Dharma Down, Radioactive Sago Project and Urbandub, so one can surmise that she’s a rocker.

Now, this is a revelation. Her favorite song is “Total Eclipse of the Heart.” Very young, yet her taste in music dates back to the time of her mom.

Rhian describes herself as complex, persevering, genuine, passionate, obsessive-compulsive and chirpy. She fears failure and says that her unforgettable childhood memory is sitting at the side of a tennis court as a child and getting hit by the ball! Her goal is to get through whatever challenges come her way and admires people who persevere no matter what.

Rhian is bubbly and full of life, describing herself as “hyper” and “makulit,” the exact opposite of the personality of Leah who is meek and soft spoken. She wants to try action roles in the future and in fact, wants to play a superhero.

When she became the “McJelly Trio Girl,” Rhian did not imagine how many doors would open for her. It was her very first commercial and it was a lead part so people took notice of her. Timing was perfect because the GMA Artist Center executives were looking for two girls to play Leah and Kit for Captain Barbell then. GMA Artist Center “looked” for her and obviously, found her and was asked to audition for Captain Barbell.

When asked how life has changed since she became a celebrity, she says that she does not feel the difference. She considers her career her “new school” and her friends from her real school do not treat her differently.

What about her love life? Anyone interesting we can talk about? Rhian’s ideal guy is someone who is tall, dark and handsome. She has to be best friends with the guy first before she can go to the next level. She also likes guys who are playful and funny.

As Bobson’s celebrity endorser, Rhian gets dolled-up with its dreamy holiday collection. Young women will have a choice between being transported back to the Victorian Era or a trip to the Orient. The Victorian Glam collection brings you back to the era of romanticism, frivolity and extravagance. Jeans have embroideries and prints in romantic swirls, Victorian borders, wings and are accentuated with studs or laces. Tops have emphasis on sexy silhouettes, empire cuts, layering and low necklines. Definitely romantic but wicked, sweet but aggressive but totally glamorous! The Oriental Charm collection has the influences of the region as it has embroideries of Chinese characters, cherry blossoms and other Asian insignias. Select long sleeved blouses have Oriental costume silhouettes and romantic skirts in layered ruffles are also introduced.

Nadine Samonte failed to show up at the StarStruck grand reunion last night, March 25. Morning of the same day, her house in Sta. Rosa, Laguna was reportedly robbed by thieves.

Kapansin-pansin ang absence ng young actress na si Nadine Samonte sa Final Judgment ng StarStruck kagabi, March 25, sa Marikina Sports Park.

With four StarStruck batches, there are now 62 Survivors—14 each for the first three batches and 20 sa last batch. Hindi na nga halos mabilang kung ilan ang total na nag-perform sa opening ng StarStruck The Next Level Final Judgment Night ngunit ang pinaka-pansing wala doon ay ang StarStruck I Avenger na si Nadine.

Bagama't ibinigay raw ang Sabado at Linggo sa lahat ng StarStruck graduates para makasama sa grand reunion show kagabi, pero Sabado pa lang ay hindi na nakasipot sa blocking si Nadine dahil may sakit ito.

Ito ay ayon sa kaniyang manager na si Jeffrey Gamil.

May masamang balita pang naidagdag ang katuwang ni Jeffrey sa pagma-manage ng career ni Nadine, si Manny Ballester. Nang pinadalhan namin ng text message si Manny asking kung bakit wala si Nadine, tumawag ito para magkuwento. Napasok daw ng magnanakaw ang bagong bahay ni Nadine sa Sta. Rosa, Laguna umaga pa lang ng Linggo (March 25).

Natangayan daw si Nadine ng P40,000 cash, isang bracelet worth more than a hundred thousand pesos, at iba pang alahas at kagamitan. Nanlambot nga raw si Nadine nang nalaman niya ito at hindi na rin nakayanang mag-drive patungong Marikina for the StarStruck Final Judgment Night.

Nag-file na ng theft report ang StarStruck Avenger na bida sa toprating drama-adventure series ng GMA-7 na Super Twins.

PERSONAL na pinuntahan ni Mark Herras si Vic Sotto sa Eat Bulaga last Friday upang hingan ng endorsement para sa pagganap niya sa TV bilang Fantastic Man.

Si Mark kasi ang lalabas na Fantastic Man na unang ginampanan ni Vic sa pelikula na isinali sa Metro Manila Film Festival nang hindi na niya nakuha ang rights ng ginawa niyang Lastikman.

Hindi naman naging maramot ang Box Office King at pumayag siyang makuhanan ng camera at inendorso nga si Mark.

Of course, masayang-masaya ang aktor nang ibalita niya sa amin ang ginawa ni Vic, huh!

"Siyempre naman, sobrang saya ko. Imagine, pumayag si Bossing Vic na sabihing suportahan ako bilang Fantastic Man sa TV? Ang saya!" sabi sa amin ni Mark

Maraming kasamang artista si Mark sa bago niyang TV show at isa na roon si Jackie Rice. Mapapanood ito tuwing Saturday sa dating oras ng Starstruck.

TAPOS na ang Holy Week special ng TAPE, Inc., titled Unico Hijo na pagbibidahan ni Dennis Trillo.

Transvestite ang role ng actor, nagtrabaho sa Japan, nagpa-sex change at nagka-AIDS.

Habang nagti-taping, naalala ni Dennis ang hirap na dinanas sa Aishite Imasu, kung saan bading ang kanyang role.

Sa Unico Hijo, buong araw siyang ayos babae, naka-bra, girdle, may heels ang sapatos na suot at may wig pang nagpadagdag ng dusa sa kanya.

Sulit ang hirap ng actor-turned-recording star dahil maganda ang kinalabasan ng special, na mapapanood sa April 7, Black Saturday.

Kasama niya rito sina Eddie Garcia as his father at Mylene Dizon as his sister. Si Jun Lana ang scriptwriter at director ng nakaiiyak na special.

Samantala, tuloy sa pagpu-promote ng self-titled album sa Indimusic si Dennis, lalo nang malamang maganda ang sales nito.

Enjoy din ito sa taping ng Super Twins, lalo’t nagsimula na ang mga eksenang naghaharap sina Eliseo at Eliazar na pareho niyang ginagampanan.

WIN sina Mart Escudero and Kris Bernal as Ultimate Pair sa Starstruck The Next Level. Continuous ang tradition ng letter ‘M’ for the guy winner of the first artista-search show as Mart follows Mark Herras, Mike Tan and Marky Cielo as this year’s top male pair survivor. Kris broke the tradition naman of letters J and R for the female winner.

We’re happy to note na hindi naka apekto ang demerit ni Mart na ipinataw sa kanya for a naughty mistake. Win din sina Aljur Abrenica as the first Ultimate Hunk and Jewel Mische as the first Ultimate Sweetheart.

Tinotoo ni Prince Stefan ang kanyang pangalan as the First Prince at si comeback girl na si Rich Asuncion naman ang First Princess.

Mart also became the first wild card to win the top spot when he replaced Paulo Avelino sa Danger Eight.

Here’s some bad news to Alfred Vargas fans who don’t like LJ Reyes. The two have not broken up yet, as you wished they would. According to Alfred, he and LJ are in what they call cooling off period because of their tight schedules.

Yet, Alfred will easily say he still loves LJ, and so will the girl. In fact, it was Alfred who told us that LJ Reyes topped her class at De La Salle University and is in the Dean’s List.

Alfred said he and LJ would meet occasionally that would end up in fights. Hence, the cooling off period.

LJ nearly drowned during the Head & Shoulders Celebrity Challenge held in San Juan, Batangas last week if not for Alfred’s speedy rescue.

After that Alfred told himself that he would never let go of this woman.

And if LJ spent the cooling off period to focus on her studies, Alfred spent his time in the gym, tapings and having facials as well as body scrub. Funny, Alfred immediately defended the clinic saying the staff of Dr. Raul Guanzon is not into kinky stuff.

For this batch of StarStruck survivors, it was the last time they would hear their heartbeat being echoed as they stand holding hands on stage. It was the last night of their StarStruck journey. For their supporters, it was the culmination of a massive campaign for their favorites. Who made it to the final cut of StarStruck: The lives of Aljur Abrenica, Jewel Mische, Kris Bernal and Mart Escudero will never be the same again. They’re now closer more than ever to their dreams of stardom after they were hailed as this season’s ultimate winners. Pampanga’s bet Aljur won the title of Ultimate Hunk. He also received the most number of votes through text and the internet for the men. His female counterpart, the Ultimate Sweetheart was Bulacena babe Jewel. Meanwhile, Kris and Mart were named as the Ultimate Love Team. The cutie from QC got the most votes received through text and the Internet. No one was shocked more than comedic Mart when his name was called. “Naisip ko na talaga na ako na ‘yung First Prince (runner-up),” he said in an interview after the announcement. In fact, he expected Aljur to win the title, especially because of inappropriate behavior that was aired during the previous Friday. As Ultimate winners, each of them will receive P1 million in cash and an exclusive GMA Network contract worth P2 million, among other prizes, that include product endorsements, academic scholarships and gift checks. The Council Speaks “After tonight, sana makita ko kung ano yung tinuro ko sa kanila,” TV director Louie Ignacio told us when asked about his message for the winners. “Dapat hindi na sila mag-attitude box pag talagang artista na sila, kasi heto na talaga ‘yung trabaho. Kailangan na nilang i-earn ang respect ng bawat isa, lalo na ‘yung respeto ko sa kanila.” “Stay focused and behave,” were talent manager Douglas Quijano’s words of wisdom for the Ultimate Four. Both were impressed at the talent that all six Survivors showed that night. And Lorna Tolentino said, “(It’s now) up to them to make themselves visible and grow, kung saan man ‘yung talent talaga nila.” The First Prince and Princess But it’s not yet over for Prince Stefan and Rich Asuncion, who are now the First Prince and Princess of StarStruck Batch 4. Both were also granted management contracts by GMA Network. Backstage, fans flocked to the two and offered words of continued support. A thankful Rich had her photo taken with a fan before she was whisked off to the dressing room where we had the chance to ask her views on the night’s winners. “They deserve to be there,” a composed Rich said. “Lahat naman kami, kasi may improvement talaga since nagsimula ang StarStruck… Honest answer, masaya po ako na nakaabot ako (hanggang dito).” When Kris came in to hug Rich, she said that out of the six of them, she believes Rich will be the one to get the most projects because of her beauty and talent. Outside the dressing room, Prince shared that he’s happy with the results as well. “‘Yung prediction ko po dati na si Mart at si Aljur, totoo po siya. I’m so happy na at least naka-perform ako dito kahit papaano.” Live from Marikina Sports Park A filled Marikina Sports Park was witness to the much-awaited event. Aside from being the Final Judgment, it was a celebration of the highly successful artista search and involved special performances from 59 StarStruck alumni. The night began with a reintroduction of each of the six remaining survivors that led to an opening number that had everyone breathless. Leading the pack were the sexy teens of StarStruck who teased the crowds with a steamy dance number. Then it was the men’s turn to burn the dance floor with their hip hop grooves, led by previous winners Mark Herras and Marky Cielo. Breaking off from the dancing, Jennylyn Mercado led the next group through a powerful vocal performance. This was quickly followed by a number from the ladies of dance with Ryza Cenon leading the group. Capping the number were Mike Tan and his group who grooved to sultry music. Not to be outdone, this season’s male Survivors also showed off their talents. Aljur performed a song-and-dance number showcasing his voice and ability to move. Mart gave his best during a dance routine while Prince performed a song medley that proved he has a powerful set of lungs. Then, each Survivor boy received a special message from well-known celebrities from the industry: Janno Gibbs, Dennis Trillo, and Ogie Alcasid respectively. Finally, the three boys faced off with the Ultimate Female Survivors of the previous three batches with a performance of the official love theme of StarStruck, “Kanina”. Jewel then jumpstarted the girls’ part of the night with a rousing dance number. Rich followed with a show-stopping performance that got everyone in the audience screaming for more. And Kris pulled off an ambitious dance number filled with dangerous stunts. Each of the girls also received special welcome messages from respected celebrities: Richard Gutierrez, Dawn Zulueta and Sunshine Dizon respectively. Then, the girls went head-to-head with the previous Ultimate Male Survivors in a dance showdown! Before the announcement of winners, StarStruck continued its tradition of a musical number with the Avengers of the batch. Inspired and funny, the Avengers drew laughs from the audience who’ve been waiting the whole day for the Ultimate survivors. A showdown with the Sexbomb Girls and a performance with Ms. Regine Velasquez then followed.

Sabay na nag-guest sina Jennylyn Mercado at Ryza Cenon sa taping ng All Star K nu'ng Miyerkules.

`Hired K!Llers' sina Jennylyn at Patrick Garcia at isa sa contestants si Ryza.

Pinagbati nina Allan K at Jaya sina Jennylyn at Ryza pero halatang hindi sincere ang pag-`hi' nila sa isa't isa.

Parang inaasahan na ni Ryza na ibabagsak siya ni Jennylyn pero hindi siya natanggal agad dahil mataas ang score niya kay Patrick.

Consistent daw na mababa ang score na ibinigay ni Jennylyn kay Ryza kaya hindi na ito umabot sa face-off.

Pagkatanggal kay Ryza, kaagad na umalis ito.

Syanga pala, hindi na pala tuloy si Jennylyn sa My Kuya's Wedding ni Ryan Agoncillo dahil hindi sila magkatugma ng schedule.

Si Pauleen Luna ang binabalak ng Regal na ipalit kay Jennylyn.

NA-STRANDED sina Robin Padilla, Angel Locsin, Marvin Agustin, Diana Zubiri, Jaime Fabregas at ang production staff ng "Asian Treasures" sa Bangkok, Thailand on their way to Chiang Mai. Fourteen hours ang biyahe nila by train na puro bulubundukin ang dinaanan nila. Ayon sa tsika ni Lhar Santiago na nag-cover ng taping, nasa kalagitnaan na ang trip nila nang magkaroon ng engine trouble ang train at matagal silang naghintay bago naayos ’yon. Naubos daw ang mga chichiriyang baon nila sa tagal ng paghihintay at pati pagkain sa canteen ng train ay naubusan sila dahil may mga pasahero silang kasama papuntang Chiang Mai. "Waging-wagi" naman ang beauties nina Angel at Diana sa Chiang Mai, tsika pa ni Lhar. Parehong naka-short-shorts ang dalawa na pinagtitinginan ng mga tagaroon during the shoot ng isang eksena nila roon. Halos lumuwa raw ang mga mata ng mga Chiang Mai boys at may napapanganga pa pagkakita sa dalawang sexy stars ng "Asian Treasures." May mga Chiang Mai girls namang ginaya ang tastas na shorts ni Diana at ginupit-gupit din ng mga ito ang kanilang shorts. Sa isang restaurant naman ay napagkamalang waitress si Diana dahil naka-uniform siya. Nakaupo lang siya habang naghihintay ng take nang lapitan siya ng isang restaurant staff at tinalakan siya. Bakit daw nakaupo lang siya at hindi inaasikaso ang mga customer. Pagkatapos makunan ang mga eksena sa Chiang Mai, bumalik ang grupo sa Bangkok. Nag-enjoy si Angel sa pagsakay sa isang elephant, ayon kay Lhar. Asked kung may napansin ba siyang kakaibang kilos nina Angel at Marvin na natsitsikang may something special going on, "Wala!" ani Lhar. "Off-cam, sina Angel at Diana ang para-ting magkatsika. Normal lang ang nakita kong kilos nina Angel at Marvin. Si Robin naman, may ibang mundo."

CHIANGMAI: Inabot nang 17 hours ang train trip namin mula sa Bangkok hanggang Chiangmai para sa shooting ng Asian Treasures dahil nagkaroon ng engine trouble ang train na aming sinakyan.

Tatlong oras kaming stranded sa gilid ng bundok habang hinihintay namin ang ipapalit sa lead train na nagkaroon ng aberya.

Alas-otso nang gabi (March 17) nang umalis sa Bangkok ang train at nakarating kami sa Chiangmai ng 12 noon.

Habang stranded ang train, tuluy-tuloy ang trabaho ng masisipag na staff at production crew ng Asian Treasures.

Hindi kami masyadong nakatulog dahil nakapuwesto kami sa upper deck kaya ramdam na ramdam namin ang malikot na galaw ng train.

Bilib kami sa sipag ni Eric Quizon (direktor ng Asian Treasures) at ng kanyang mga artista na sina Robin Padilla, Marvin Agustin, Angel Locsin at Diana Zubiri.

Walang sinayang na oras si Eric at alam na alam niya ang kanyang Nakakaisip kaagad siya ng paraan sa tuwing may mga eksena na hindi ginagawa. makukunan dahil sa kakulangan ng oras.

***

Kitang-kita namin ang makapal na usok na resulta ng forest fire sa Chiangmai. Ilang araw nang laman ng mga diyaryo sa Thailand ang aksyon na ginagawa ng gobyerno para masugpo ang forest fire na nakaapekto sa libu-libong residente ng Chiangmai.

Nang makarating ang grupo sa Chiangmai, nagkaroon sila ng quick lunch at bumalik agad sa pagtatrabaho.

Kinunan ni Eric ang pagbaba mula sa train nina Robin, Angel, Marvin at Diana.

***

Nag-check in ang lahat sa Lotus Hotel, Pang Suan Kaew pagkatapos ng shooting sa Chiangmai Railway Station. Nang mailagay sa respective rooms ang mga bagahe, dumiretso ang lahat sa handicraft store para sa eksena nina Marvin at Diana.

Mabilis na kinunan ang eksena dahil hinabol ni Eric ang paglubog ng araw sa Paradise Spa and Resort.

Inabot nang hating-gabi ang shooting sa Pa-radise Spa and Resort dahil dito kinunan ang mga eksena ng training ni Jaime Fabregas sa apat na bida na nag-uunahan na mahanap ang Asian Treasures.

"Opinyon po nila ‘yon and we have to respect that. All I have to do is prove to them that I have improved and I deserve the place that I am in right now," says Jewel Mische after being voted as the least deserving among the StarStruck Final 6.

Aminado ang StarStruck finalist na si Jewel Mische na miss na miss na niya ang na-eliminate na kasamahan nilang si Paulo Avelino, na siya ring ka-loveteam niya. Si Paulo lang daw kasi ang naging sobrang close niya among the boys ng StarStruck. Tuwing may mga activities daw sila, sila ni Paulo ang magkatabi sa sasakyan at laging nagbibiruan.

Nang matanggal si Paulo at hindi nakasali sa Final 6 ay nalungkot nang husto si Jewel.

"I can't help but feel sad because nasanay na ako na kasama ko parati si Paulo. Just imagine na the whole week na may activities kami, si Paulo ang laging nasa tabi ko. Then, bigla siyang mawawala, nakakapanibago talaga. It's not the same when he's not around," malungkot na sabi ni Jewel.

Inamin din ni Jewel na hindi siya masyadong close sa dalawa pang female finalists na sina Kris Bernal at Rich Asuncion. Mas nasasabihan pa nga raw niya ng kanyang mga nararamdaman ang male finalist na si Prince Stefan.

Ayon kay Prince, para raw nanghina si Jewel nang hindi makapasok si Paulo sa Final 6. Pero pinayuhan ni Prince si Jewel na huwag siyang panghinaan dahil malapit na ang Final Judgment ng StarStruck The Next Level.

"Ilang days lang naman ako gano'n, but now I've recovered na. Nakakapanibago lang but I have to accept that Paulo will not be here all the time," sabi ni Jewel.

"Siguro right after na ng Final Judgment, whatever happens, I want Paulo and I to continue our special friendship. Like what I said before, marami pa akong gustong malaman kay Paulo and the three months na magkakasama kami is not enough. I wish that we get to know each other more after this contest."

Last Sunday, March 18, si Jewel ang nakakuha ng pinakamaraming votes mula sa StarStruck Avengers sa tanong kung sino among the Final 6 ang hindi dapat iboto ng Council (composed of Louie Ignacio, Lorna Tolentino, and Douglas Quijano) at ng viewers. Ayon sa mga bumoto kay Jewel, mas deserving daw kasi si Stef Prescott sa puwesto niya.

"Opinyon po nila ‘yon and we have to respect that. All I have to do is prove to them that I have improved and I deserve the place that I am in right now," huling pahayag ni Jewel.

Familiarity breeds contempt. Well, not all the time as familiarity led to friendship among the finalists of StarStruck The Next Level. After three months of surviving the challenges and overcoming nervousness, timidity and weaknesses together to prove their worth to become the next young stars, finalists Mart Escudero, Prince Stefan, Aljur Abrenica, Kris Bernal, Rich Asuncion and Jewel Mische have become closer and comfortable with one another.

"We became close since Final 14 days as we attended all the activities together — either in acting workshops or the challenges given to us," Prince says.

"Taking a bath with Jewel and Kris is fun unlike before when we felt shy and conscious," Rich adds.

At night, the three female survivors even stayed in one room with Kris and Rich sleeping on the same bed the way they did when the Final 6 went island hopping in Davao, Cebu and Iloilo recently for an all-out campaign to earn votes from Ilonggo and Bisaya supporters.

The finalists are too at ease with each other that when direk Rommel Gacho asked the boys to open the girls’ luggage and vice versa, they couldn’t help but laugh at things they discovered from the bags.

None of them considered the "opening act" foul as they had fun doing it.

Prince, however, never denies the fact that misunderstandings sometimes arise. "We cannot help it because we’re in a competition. Like in a family, may tampuhan at pikunan din."

The pikunan happened between Aljur and Mart when a radio DJ in Davao asked Aljur if he would still pursue Kris even after the competition as his place (Pampanga) is too far from Kris’ (Quezon City). Aljur said yes. But Mart butted in saying he would be the one to continue pursuing Kris as his place (Mandaluyong) is closer. As a young man in love, Aljur didn’t think that was funny. But they patched things up before something serious happened.

All’s well that ends well and Mart is always quick to say sorry every time he annoys somebody. The nephew of senatoriable Chiz Escudero is a natural comedian and takes things lightly.

"But I’m serious at what I’m in right now," Mart says. "Flaunting my skills is one tough task, especially now that they are all talented."

Having appeared on TV shows before, Mart still muddles through with the challenges given them and knows text votes greatly count in the reality artista search.

That’s why the Final 6 found time touring Davao, Cebu and Iloilo to gain support from fans. The survivors worked as a team. They clowned around and never tried to outdo one another when performing in mall shows. The motorcades were likewise memorable as the provincial residents made the afternoon much warmer when they welcomed them excitedly.

Never-ending applause from the crowd and eardrum-tearing shrieks from fans banished the stress from the group’s all-day activities.

The Final 6 delighted the crowd with song and dance numbers. They swayed to the beat of Itaktak Mo, Mosquito and Fergalicious and crooned Beyoncé’s Irreplaceable. The group also participated in various games, getting participants from the crowd that made Ilonggos and Bisayas happier.

Jewel, Kris, Rich, Prince, Mart and Aljur thanked them profusely and asked fans to support not just one of them but all of them if possible.

Though they are in a competition, the gesture only showed that each finalist supports one another.

As final judgment nears, all finalists are clueless as to who among them will clinch the Ultimate Hunk, Ultimate Sweetheart and Ultimate Loveteam titles.

"This only I can assure you, if ever I win, I will donate part of my prize to the PGH pediatric ward where I was confined due to typhoid fever when I was younger," Mart says. He is only showing how grateful he is to the hospital and its staff for saving his life when it took a 50-50 turn.

Besides his ability, Mart’s kind heart made him stay until this day and the female survivors even consider him the rightful Ultimate Hunk title holder come finals night.

"Mart is not only talented but has a good physique," Kris says. Jewel agrees that Mart is the most likely one to clinch the Ultimate Hunk title.

Meanwhile, Rich favors Kris as the Ultimate Sweetheart while Aljur goes for Jewel.

This will be the final week, dubbed the Final Plea, for survivors to campaign for votes as the finals happens on March 25, 7 p.m. at the Marikina Sports Park with a delayed telecast at 9:30 p.m. on GMA 7.

Aside from the titles, winners will get P1-M in cash and P2-M exclusive GMA management contract.

With these prizes at stake, it’s great to dream, believe and survive.

Hindi na kayang takpan ng make-up ang malaking tattoo ni Dennis Trillo, (wolf na may kagat-kagat na fish) sa kanyang balikat hanggang braso kaya nagtitiis siya kahit masakit na ipabura ito ng paunti-unti. Nagrereklamo rin ang mga bading dahil hindi ginamit sa cover ng kanyang album yung sexy photo niyang naka-off shirt at may hawak na gitara. "High school pa itong tattoo ko, pero kasi hindi na bagay sa image ko kaya kahit medyo masakit, tiis lang. Yung sexy photo sa loob lang ng album namin inilagay kasi may mga bagets na rin akong mga fans sa Super Twins," sabi nito. At sa mga ladies na nag-aasam kay Dennis hanap niya sa isang babae yung simple at nakakaintindi ng kanyang trabaho. Higit sa lahat, dapat masarap magluto at type niyang siya ang inaalagaan ng girl. "Gusto ko lang yung tipong maasikaso at sensitive sa needs ko," sabi ni Dennis. Pero ang first love niya talaga ay music kung saan high school palang ay tumutugtog na siya ng drums at ngayon ay may sarili na siyang album. Sumasabay ang anak ko sa mga kanta ni Dennis. Ganito rin ang effect sa mga fans ni Dennis sa dalawang malls na kinantahan niya. Ipinagmamalaki ng actor-singer kung paano nakapasa sa panlasa ng mahigpit na pagbabantay ng bawat kanta ng isang Regine Velasquez at positive pa si Ogie na maghi-hit ang kanta niya, may katwiran si Dennis na hindi siya mapapahiya sa kanyang album. Sinasabi ng mga kasamahan niya sa SOP na mataas ang rating nila dahil sa album launch nito nung nakaraang Linggo, kumpara sa ASAP dahil sa sobrang support ng fans ng aktor. Sa first mall tour ni Dennis na-sold out agad ang 256 copies na dala-dala nila kaya nagpagawa pa uli sila ng additional copies ng album. Ang "Dennis Trillo" album ng 25 yrs. old na singer na graduate ng International Studies sa Miriam College ay release ng Indi Music. Samantala, bayad na ni Dennis ang condo unit na tinitirhan niya ngayon at nasa last year of payment na rin siya ng kanyang Ford car. Ngayon bukod sa savings ay makikisosyo naman siya sa negosyo ng Barraks Bar. Mahilig din siyang mag-collect ng video games, at DVD movies.

They came from all over the country with one goal: a slot in "StarStruck: The Next Level’s" Ultimate Titles. They started as a thousand star-hopefuls who were trying their luck in a prestigious artista search, and after fifteen weeks, only the most deserving six remain. They have proven to have the guts to stay alive in the competition, and now for having reached this far, the Survivor Six travel the nation for a day with their fans, and bringing with them unforgettable experiences. Text by Jessa Ericka C. Bien. With Interviews by Xylen Geecel D. Alamo. Photos by Mitch S. Mauricio.

Taking on the nationwide invasion are Aljur Abrenica , Kris Bernal , Prince Stefan , Jewel Mische , Mart Escudero and Rich Asuncion . Their destinations: far-flung provincial capitals where fans are likewise plenty and support is overwhelming.

Homecoming

Prince was greeted by a grand party on the StarStruck tour to Iloilo. “Sa airport pa lang ang dami nang tao. May drums, may banda, may representative pa ng Dinagyang Festival. (Tapos) lahat ng girls sa high school namin, from first year to fourth year, kahit may exams sila nag-prepare sila ng dance para salubungin lang ako” he shares.

But reuniting with his family and mother, whom he has not seen for eight years, was the highlight of Prince’s trip to his hometown. “Lumaki kasi ako sa Iloilo, siya sa Mindanao kaya hindi kami masyadong nagkikita” he explains.

Emotions flowed when Prince and his family were given the chance to spend time with each other. Moreover, Prince was assured of the incessant love and support they are willing to shower him with.
Rich, likewise, was all smiles when their batch got to Bohol as fans gave her a very warm welcome. And because Bohol is her hometown, this became her favorite stop in the nationwide invasion. “Probinsya ko ‘yun eh. (Saka) parang mas iba ‘yung set up on stage, maraming tao, saka maganda po ‘yung performances naming lahat, halos walang sablay” she says.

Greater happiness, however, exuded from her face when she got home and spent time with her loving family.

“Masayang-masaya po ako kasi matagal-tagal ko na rin silang hindi nakasama” she claims. Rich’s family showed their overwhelming love for her, as they locked her in their arms and exchanged ‘I love yous’.

Switch Bags

But provincial fans and territories were not all that it took to make the Survivors happy. “Kasabay ng mainit na araw ‘yung mainit na pagtanggap nila” Rich claims. “Masarap isipin na alam mong iniidolo ka ng mga tao at saka naniniwala sila sa kakayahan mo” Prince adds.

Aside from the warm welcome they all received from their provincial fans, the Survivors enjoyed the tour because they got to travel. “(Sa Bohol), nagkaroon ng chance na mayroong konting time para makapag-bisita, like the Chocolate Hills” Jewel remarked, amazed of the marvelous beauty of the hills.

The girls heartily laughed as they shared what their most unforgettable experience of the nationwide tour was the time they switched luggage with the boys. “Mas vain pa po ‘yung mga boys kaysa sa’min” Kris states. “May mga kikay kits sila – may mga lip balm, lip gloss, day lotion, night lotion” she adds.

“Ito ‘yung pinaka-comedy kasi it was so odd, na sila, wala silang pang-shave, tapos kaming tatlo, kumpleto!” Jewel shares, laughing.

Funny Accident

While the girls enjoyed thumbing through the boys’ luggage, the batch clown, Mart, had his share of an embarrassing experience. “Sa Cebu po, ‘nung nag-mall show kami, nabutas ‘yung pantalon ko” he shares, fondly smiling at the thought.

“Kasi kakanta kami, tapos binaba ko yung mike. Tapos kailangan naming magsalita, pagdampot ko biglang rrrrriiiiippppp” he narrates while demonstrating the length of the rip on his pants. “Pulang-pula na po ako noon, hindi na nga ako makaharap. Talagang nahiya ako.”

Mart had no choice but to deal with his situation, because the show had to go on and the fact that he did not have an extra pair of pants around. “Ginawa ko po nagpabili na lang po ako” he ends.


Limited Time

Because of the limited time the Survivors were given to stay in one province, they were not able to explore this place enough.

“Hindi ko nasulit ‘yung lugar kaya nami-miss ko” Aljur comments. “Kaya ngayon na-mi-miss ko talaga (lahat ng lugar)” he adds.

Aljur certainly wanted to have a feel of the places more, so he felt their fast-paced trips were a bit lacking. “Kasi tig-24 hours lang po kami doon. Hindi po kami naglilibot. Naglibot man kami, sandali lang” he explains.

Nevertheless, Aljur claimed this nationwide invasion bonded them closer and allowed them to get to know each other better.

FHM (For Him Magazine) editor-in-chief Allan Madrilejos chats with PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) about his wish list of cover girls.

Ara Mina's younger sister, Cristine Reyes, is on top of the list. "Si Cristine kasi, una, matagal na siyang inaabangan. Eto yung mga sobrang lakas na yung following nila. Sa website pa lang, ang hahaba na nung debate kung kelan. Yung hotness niya medyo kilala, e, mataas yung level," says Allan.

If Cristine agrees to pose for FHM, it will be her second time to do a sexy photo shoot. In the 2006 calendar of GMA-7's Artist Center, she and fellow StarStruck batch 1 avenger Katrina Halili were featured earing two-piece bikinis.

FHM also plans putting out the explosive duo of Angel Locsin and Katrina Halili on the cover. The two were hailed as FHM's Sexiest in 2005 and 2006, respectively.

Allan exclaims, "Mga concept na tipong Angel and Katrina magkasama, naging sexiest yung dalawang yan. Minsan lang hinahanap na may gawin kang iba. Isipin mo treat din ‘yan para sa mga mambabasa mo, yung mapagsama mo sila sa isang cover. 'Pag bida si Angel, ang effective na kontrabida si Katrina. Mayroon silang relationship na parang masarap i-explore at ipakita sa isang pictorial."

Nicole Hernandez and Kelly Misa are also included in the list. "Taon-taon ‘pag may 100 Sexiest [Women], lagi silang nandun. Taon-taon, hindi sila uma-attend ng iba nating events. Mapapansin mo ‘pag lumalabas yung pictures nila, ang lakas talaga ng sigawan. Meron silang hatak among the boys and gentlemen na sumusubaybay sa FHM. Worth a try naman... Pasok naman sila sa panlasa ng buong FHM," says the editor in chief of the number one men's title in the country about the two models.

Ehra and Michelle Madrigal also makes a tantalizing tandem.

Other personalities in the list are Ryza Cenon, Jean Garcia, and Mojofly lead vocalist Lougee. Allan explains, "Definitely yung choices, varied. Different range of sexiness. 'Di tayo confined lang sa young stars. Yun naman ang gusto nating i-develop. Well-rounded ang FHM cover babes. Medyo top of mind 'yan na maaaring matrabaho namin this year."

Angelica Panganiban, who's been in cover wish list for quite some time now, finally graced the March 2007 issue of FHM.

When asked what it takes to be on the cover of a men's magazine, Allan answers: "Kailangan ang lakas talaga nung sexy factor, na pwede siyang pag-usapan—kunwari, pwede kang pag-usapan sa website lang. Ang appeal niya, kailangang malaki. Hindi rin biro ang maging FHM cover. Kailangan maganda din yung pagpili at nasa timing din."

The plans are still on the drawing board, but one sure thing is that male readers can expect another sexy year with FHM!

Things have been fast-forwarding for Rhian Ramos lately she herself is aghast. The GMA Artist Center talent couldn’t believe her eyes. It’s been only one-and-a-half years since she reluctantly entered showbiz as Richard Gutierrez’s leading lady in the defunct Captain Barbell.

And yet, she’s getting roles any actress would give her right arm to play. Rhian blew hot and cold — from someone so in love with Richard to one who would later let him go in The Promise. It was a pleasant surprise for someone so new in the game like Rhian, a critic said.

The positive review gave Rhian another pleasant surprise: a role in Ouija, an upcoming horror film starring Judy Ann Santos and Iza Calzado. While the offer was flattering, Rhian’s first reaction, contrary to expectations, was not that of a crocodile lunging at a piece of meat. "I was hesitant. My co-stars are so good and I was intimidated," she admits. Then Rhian read the script. It required her to play someone who joins a group that gets the shock of their young lives when they try their hand at playing an ouija game. "My character has a twist, a surprise to it, much like the one I played in The Promise," gushes Rhian. "It’s one of the most difficult roles I’ve played so far."

Add to that the fact that horror is uncharted territory for her, and you have someone who can’t wait for shooting to resume, week in and week out. Today, she has no regrets. The much-feared attack of frayed nerves never came. "Shooting is going well. Iza, Judy Ann and I have lots of bonding in-between takes and we hang out as well," states Rhian.

As in all of her roles, Rhian is looking for a reference point — a handle — from which she can base her attack on her character. It may be a movie, or Jackie Lou Blanco’s words of wisdom in The Promise, where Rhian reprised the role the former played in Hihintayin Kita sa Langit, an earlier adaptation of Wuthering Heights, from which both movies took off. Whatever it is, Rhian’s goal stays: to top her performance in previous roles. She’s still her worst critic.

"I’m not happy with my performances. There’s still a lot of room for improvement," the perfectionist in her comments. So she takes a cue from the simplest things. Rhian is an observer of people — their mannerisms, their little gestures, etc. "The important thing is to keep on improving," Rhian states. But she wasn’t that sure of herself before.

Time was when — arresting looks notwithstanding — Rhian doubted she had the makings, even of a starlet. "I wasn’t that confident with my body and my looks. I used to be conscious, especially of my body," she admits. Even after she joined Barbell, Rhian thought she’ll just have one TV series. Then, she’ll make her graceful exit from the scene.

She’ll return to modeling and the normal life as a high school sophomore. "I felt Camille Prats’ character was the favored one, not me," Rhian relates. But her parents, who prodded her to join showbiz, were right. She was cut out for a world of klieg lights and flashing cameras. Now, Rhian is turning out to be a most favored talent in the GMA backyard and even beyond.

Rhian is seldom at home these days, not because she’s out strolling in the mall. She tapes Lupin on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Rhian devotes Tuesdays and Thursdays to Ouija and her product endorsements (one of them, for Head and Shoulders, took a whole day to shoot in Subic lately). Saturdays are reserved for the youth-oriented Love Pow with Yasmien Kurdi, the Roco twins and Valerie Concepcion, among others. Rhian also appears on Nuts Entertainment. Sundays, however, are sacred for the born-again Rhian. "I want to keep Sundays, or at least half of it, free for my family. This way, I can still go to church," she reveals.

The spirituality was there even before she entered showbiz, thanks to her parents, born-again Christians both. And it shows. The words "praise God" come easily to her when you tell her about the good reviews she had for The Promise.

And she looks at everything around her these days as blessings. Even that incident where Ara Mina lashed out at Rhian for not greeting her (Ara) with Polo Ravales around? Rhian says, "I think I’ve grown too much to make a big deal out of things like that." But she does feel sorry Ara "felt disrespected." Rhian would rather keep her eye on the ball, knowing that it is the only thing she can forge ahead of the pack.

BUTI na lang at bawal ang ligawan habang ongoing ang StarStruck: The Next Level, kung hindi, malamang na mag-on na ngayon sina Aljur Abrenica at Kris Bernal.

Silang dalawa ang nakausap namin after the selection ng Final 6 last week.

Inamin ni Kris na nagpaparamdam sa kanya si Aljur at alam ito ng mother niya. She’s 17, okay lang magpaligaw, pero bawal pang makipag-boyfriend.

From a scale of one to 10, seven ang rating ni Kris kay Aljur.

Gusto raw niyang maging Ultimate Sweetheart, but she wouldn’t mind ending up with the Ultimate Loveteam title kasama si Aljur.

Samantala, Ultimate Hunk naman ang gustong mapanalunan ng binata. At from a scale of one to 10, tingin daw niya’y a high nine ang tsansa niyang maiuwi ang titulo.