Diether Ocampo, Bugoy Drilon and comedian Ate Gay brought joy to homesick OFWs in Hong Kong and Taiwan in early Christmas salu-salos presented by Globe Telecom, in partnership with Hong Kong’s CSL and Taiwan Mobile.

There are an estimated 200,000 Filipinos living and working in Hong Kong and about 96,000 in Taiwan. Many of them have missed spending Christmas with their families in the Philippines in past years.

“Christmas in the Philippines is touted to be the longest and most colorful yuletide celebration in the world, and we want to bring a piece of that to our kababayans abroad to help ease their homesickness and loneliness,” said Ailene Averion, Head of Marketing and Business Development of Globe Telecom’s International Business Group, “Through these simple gatherings, we hope that our kababayans in Hong Kong and Taiwan get a feel of Christmas though they’re far away from home.”

Diether, who’s invested time and resources to charity work, primarity through the Kabataang Inyong Dapat Suportahan (K.I.D.S.) Foundation and the annual Diether Ocampo Cup golf event, said he was deeply touched by the warmth and excitement shown by OFWs who attended the show. Diether headlined the Kababayan Jam of Globe and Taiwan Mobile held last October 23 near the Won Won Mall in Taiwan’s Chungshan District.

“It was really a simple show and simple party of sorts, but it felt good to have brought a piece of the Philippines to OFWs,” shared Diether.

Meanwhile, Ate Gay hosted games and brought gifts during the Globe-CSL Kababayan Jam at the Caritas Center in Central Hong Kong last October 9. Bugoy Drilon, on the other hand, rocked the house for Pinoys last October 23 at the Mariners Club in Kowloon, Hong Kong.

With its worldwidest coverage, Globe brings OFWs closer to home with the most affordable IDD rates to the Philippines. In Hong Kong, the Globe-CSL Kamusta Kababayan SIM card has a special IDD rate of just HK$0.95 per minutes for calls to any Globe or TM number in the Philippines and HK$1.25 per minute for International Video Calls. In Taiwan, the Globe-Taiwan Mobile OK Kababayan SIM card gives a special IDD rate of NT$3.60 per minute for calls to any Globe or TM number in the Philippines while the Globe-Taiwan Mobile Yes IDD call card, priced at NT$200 each, gives 65 minutes worth of calls to any Globe or TM number in the Philippines.

Watch out for more Pinoy yuletide cheer as Globe Kababayan Jam runs until December 2011!

Ex-policeman Larry Martin’s motivation in joining Pinoy Biggest Loser reality show was mainly to get back to the service. But he acquired more than what he had expected. He wins the vie for the title by losing 101 lbs. from his weight of 255 pounds. Aside from that, he has gained self-confidence, got hold of new ways to live a healthier life and above all, he sees life now in a different way- a more positive look.

The 125 days coupled with life-changing experiences inside the camp made him and his other companions view life in a better way- away from the hurting judgments of the society who used to name them as pigs, abnormal, jumbo, and the like. But more than the hurt that they once felt, they wanted to avail of a longer life as it is an open truth that obesity lessens the life span of a person. As they get through the challenges, it is as if the Filipino audience also journeyed with them.

Some even attested the show’s lasting impact as some overweight individuals were inspired to take the challenge of cutting down their weight. As with Larry, he was forced to leave the police profession when he did not comply the 34” waistline requirement by the Philippine National Police (PNP). He was truly determined on his stay at the camp and was one of those who succumbed the hardest of challenges. Larry Martin left the camp with 155 lbs.

The Camarines Sur grown Larry went home and continued an intense weight-loss training which contributed to his victory during the final night last Saturday, October 8, 2011 the Ynares Stadium, Pasig City. The self-training had no cameras, no more weigh-ins, no more deadlines and he was on his own and the temptation was all over. But after losing weight, Larry is now being offered by the police force to get back into the service.

It is not only Larry’s life was changed by the show but also the lives of the many who hopes to have a healthy lifestyle. He was joined by the Fab 5: successful businessman Art Mendoza, camp-grown love team Hazel Chua and Raffy Tan, and house wife Angela Lupangco for the weigh-in. Though they did not win the title, the individuals who joined the reality show, considered themselves as winners of a longer and healthier life.

Nine grand finalists vie for the title of Philippines’ Ultimate Talentado 2011 in the much-awaited Talentadong Pinoy Battle of the Champions which will happen this March 12 and 13 at the Ynares Center, Antipolo and will air live on TV5.

Giving it their all to compete for the coveted P1 M cash prize and the chance to be one of the Philippine representatives to the World Championship of Performing Arts (WCOPA), the nine grand finalists will present an array of spectacular production numbers that will highlight their special talents. Expect no less than explosive and breathtaking performances from these equally talented grand finalists who will face a star-studded lineup of talent scouts.

Saturday’s episode will be an all-performance night for the eight Hall of Famers and the wildcard finalist. The Hall of Famers are master beatboxer Beatbox Gor, sand artist Joseph the Artist, Broadway princesses The Believers, sensuous singing trio Newborn Divas, fiery pole cancer Sfazhiva, real-life acrobatic partners Zion Show, amazing poi dancers Fire Attraction, and dancing duo RR Friends. They will be joined and challenged by wildcard finalist Belinda Adora’s Stepkids, a talented group of young ballroom dancers.

The much-anticipated announcement of who will hold the coveted title of Philippines’ Ultimate Talentado 2011 will happen on the second live episode on Sunday, after a must-see showdown of winning celebrity Talentados who will partner with last year’s Talentadong Pinoy Hall of Famers: Ciara Sotto with the Far East Acrobats, Valeen Montenegro with the Tribal Dancers, Regine Tolentino with Makata Tawanan, and Rosanna Roces with Leah Patricio.

The two nights of Talentadong Pinoy’s Battle of the Champions will definitely be worth watching either at Ynares Center, Antipolo where you can be in the midst of all the excitement and thrill or on TV, where you get the front-row feel of the amazing performances happening on stage.
Talentadong Pinoy Battle of the Champions 2011 airs live on March 12 (Saturday) at 8:30 pm and on March 13 (Sunday) at 7:00pm only on TV5.

Talentadong Pinoy 10-time champion and Hall of Famer Beatbox Gor returns to Davao this February 18 to share his winning beat with fellow Davaoenos in his much-awaited homecoming cum “Miting de Avance” to generate more votes and support as he vies for the title of Philippine Ultimate Talentado 2011 in the upcoming Talentadong Pinoy Battle of the Champions.

Raenny Yvan Santiago, popularly known as Beatbox Gor, is a fun-loving call center agent who is exceptionally gifted in beatboxing. He admits that he came from a broken family but it only made him more determined to achieve his goals in life. He has learned to live independently and reach for his dreams, which led him to the stage of Talentadong Pinoy.

Follow Beatbox Gor as he courses through the battle of life and witness how he fares with seven other Hall of Famers and one wildcard grand finalist as they all vie for the title of Ultimate Talentado in the upcoming Talentadong Pinoy Battle of the Champions this March.

Talentadong Pinoy airs on Saturday and Sunday evening only on TV5.

Aspiring teen stars of Davao, hurry and prepare yourself now! Because TV5, the country’s fastest growing network will have an audition this coming August 1, 2010 (Sunday) at SM Davao’s Event Center from 10pm-9pm for their reality-based talent search Star Factor.

If you have the total package of good looks, exceptional talent and charm, and the all important star quality and of course 13-18 years old – then this is the perfect opportunity for you. It is even more exciting and interesting because the winner will soon belong to Kapatid network’s talent management and development division called Talent 5.

According to Audie Gemora (Talent Head),

“Talent 5 will be a home for future stars and a home where every single one of them will be accomodated”. I believe that you can only have as many kids as you can love. In Talent 5, I would prefer not to have so many artists but we must focus on the few that we have. I want to study very well how to manage their careers, not just as stars of the station itself but as total stars in the making”.

So guys, what are you waiting for? This is your time to shine! Just don’t forget to follow the requirements  okay? And if you are below 18, make sure you have your parents consent too.

a. a copy of your birth certificate
b. two passport size and two full body pictures and
c. fill up the Star Factor registration form at the audition venue

By the way, Star Factor will be hosted by Ruffa Gutierrez and will soon air this coming September. And the Star Makers (Star Factor’s panel of judges) are composed of acclaimed stage actor and director and Talent 5 head Audie Gemora as the chairman, with multi-awarded writer and director Joey Reyes, photographer of the stars Raymond Isaac, maestro of Philippine Music Ryan Cayabyab and popular talent manager Annabelle Rama.

Good luck to everyone! Umaarangkada na talaga ang TV 5 noh? Bongga!

Ako ay lubos na nanininwala na si Melissa Cantiveros or mas kilala sa tawag na Melai ang dapat manalo sa PBB Double Up. Nagpakatotoo siya at talaga namang kahanga-hanga ang kanyang mga ginawa sa loob ng bahay ni Kuya. Marunong siyang makisama at ipinakita niyang hindi siya sumusuko sa anong hamon sa buhay.

Survivor (US TV series), a famous reality television game show has already produced 19 seasons starting from 2000-2009. And of all these seasons, it is Survivor Samoa which I’ve never failed to watch every episode. And take note, I didn’t watch this on a marathon where I bought a DVD or something but on everytime the episode has ended.

Each week, I waited and was always looking forward to its new episodes. You know the feeling? Where you just can’t get enough of it and you really want to know what’s next…especially on what will Russel Hantz’ next strategic move. Gossshhh… He was so entertaining and amazing. Imagine, who would have thought of getting the immunity idols without clues and it happened not only once but many times. I am just so sad that the jury preferred Natalie White to win. He really played the hardest and was so close to grabbing the title of Sole Survivor. The jury should have based it on who really OUTWITTED, OUTLASTED, AND OUTPLAYED the GAME and not on personal issues or any.

But on a second thought, Survivor is created to have a jury. For you to be declared as the SOLE SURVIVOR, you should win the hearts of the jury who were the eliminated players. Unfortunately, Russel was the mastermind behind most of the eliminations. That’s why they were so bitter to him.

So in the end, it was Natalie’s maintaining of low profile and being a shadow of Russel which made her won the game. She even got more votes with the remarkable final speech of Erik. Congrats Natalie! I am still happy that the final 3 members were from the Foa Foa Tribe.

Survivor Samoa is just the best season that they have ever aired (so far). And Russel Hantz contributed the greatest factor of it. He is my favorite player, next to Ruper Boneham of Survivor: Pearl Islands and Survivor: All Stars. And I am soooooooo looking forward to the 20th season of Survivor whose players will be the Heroes and the Villains. I’ve learned that he will be the wildcard player. This is definitely an interesting game considering how brilliant and strategic Russel is. YAY!

Short Trivia:
Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains has already started taping and everyone has no idea of who Russel Hantz is. The logo for the upcoming season will no longer be Outwit, Outlast and Outplay but Return, Revenge and Redemption.

And for everyone who still haven’t watched Survivor Samoa, you better grab a copy of there full episodes now! This a good TV series for marathon this Holidays. Hehehehee… Don’t forget to drop by here and let me know on your thoughts on who really deserves to be the winner okay?

Hahay, ang tagal-tagal ko nang hindi nauupdate ang blog na ito. Sorry sa mga fans (kung may fans man ako), minsan na lamang ako makapanood ng TV. Medyo busy lng talaga sa work at naiingayan din ang kuya ko sa TV kaya lagi na lamang niyang pinapatay. Kung makapanood man ng palabas, hindi naman ako makablog kasi minsan tinatamad din. Buhay nga naman! Hehehehehe…

Anyway, super excited ako sa bagong chapter ng Precious Hearts Romance na pagbibidahan nina Cristine Reyes and Jake Cuenca. Naiintriga din talaga ako sa title niya na “My Cheating Heart” at parang maganda rin naman ang story.

My Cheating Heart tells the story of childhood friends Mio and Nadine. Jake shared how his character Mio will develop feelings for his best friend. “Mag-best friend kami sa simula. Makikita niyo si Mio na walang malisya kay Nadine, pero si Nadine may gusto na kay Mio. Pupunta ng US si Nadine and pagbalik niya after many years, magugulat si Mio kasi sobra nang ganda ni Nadine. Hindi makapaniwala si Mio kasi huli niyang nakita si Nadine maitim at patpatin. Ngayon maganda na talaga siya.”

Jake’s last TV role was man in uniform Dave Garcia in the top-rating primetime teleserye Tayong Dalawa. According to him, playing Mio is much more relaxed than his role in Tayong Dalawa. “Si Mio mature umasta, very straightforward. Broken-hearted kasi siya. Dapat ikakasal na siya, pero ‘yung girlfriend niya iniwan siya sa altar mismo. Mio got so depressed. Dadating si Nadine and she will help Mio get back on his feet again. Gagawin niya ang lahat para mapasaya ako uli. Pero underneath that is ‘yung plan niya na ma-fall in love ako sa kanya.”

Ayon pa kay Jake, perfect show din raw ito para sa mga Hopeless Romantic. Hmmmnnn….pipilitin ko talagang makasubabybay sa My Cheating Heart.

Mamaya na talaga ang May Bukas Pa! Alam ko maramin na namang mga kids ang super excited sa bagong teleserye na ito. Tama-tama lang ang timeslot kasi bago matulog ang mga kids, makakapanood pa sila.

Hindi ako pamilyar sa bida pero ayon sa aking nabasa si Zaijan Jaramilla ay lumabas na pala sa mga commercials ng McDonald’s, Lactum at Tide. Pati na rin Komiks Presents: Mar’s Ravelos Tiny Tony. Di ko iyon nakita ha.. saan ba akong ng mga panahong iyon? Hmmnn.. busy nga talga sa work kaya malimit nlang nakakapanood nga TV.

O eto pala ang mga cast:
Zaijan Jaramilla, Dominic Ochoa, Lito Pimentel, Jaime Fabregas, Ogie Diaz, Arlene Muhlach, Desiree del Valle, Dina Bonnevie, Albert Martinez, Tonton Gutierrez, Precious Lara Quigaman, Maja Salvador, Rayver Cruz, Badjie Mortiz, Victor Basa, David Chua, Raphael James Dizon, Macy Garcia at si Ruben Gonzaga.

Magsasama na naman ulit si Marian Rivera at Dingdong Dantes sa bagong teledrama ng GMA-7 na “Ang Babaeng Hinugot sa Aking Tadyang“…

Talagang magiging kapana-panabik ang bawat eksena lalo pa’t pinagbibidahan ito nga dalawa sa mga hottest at controversial stars ng showbiz industry ngayon. Hmmnn..hanggang saan kaya ang kanilang ipapakita? (Weee..wala lang.. )

O eto nga pala ang Premise. (from Wikipedia)

It tells the story of Homer, a psychologist with a boring life, and his patient Proserfina – a man-hater and a serial killer who murdered those she had had a relationship with. The two will eventually develop feelings for one another. But will Prosefina’s new found love heal her hatred for men?

Nice noh? Pamilyar na sa akin ang storyline kasi nakahiligan ko rin noon ang magbasa ng komiks at ito iyong isa sa mga paborito ko. Bukod kina Marian at Dingdong makikita din natin dito sina Angelu de Leon, Paolo Contis, Eugene Domingo, Carmi Martin, Francine Prieto, Sherilyn Reyes, Lovi Poe, Mart Escudero, Jackie Rice, Alyssa Alano, Carlene Aguilar, Paolo Paraiso, Kevin Santos at Boom Labrusca.

Kung pagbabasehan sa cast hindi lang pala ito action, suspense at drama kasi nandiyan din si Eugene Domingo. So may halo talagang comedy? Or change role muna xa?

Anyway ang nagdirect ng drama na ito ay sina Joyce E. Bernal at Topel Lee. Nood kayo ha, ngayong February 2 na ito!