Filipino Michael Christian Martinez Makes History in Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics Skating Finals

Performing to Ernesto Lacuona's Malaguena, Filipino Michael Christian Martinez skated his heart out during the finals (free skating) of the men's figure skating event of the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics in Russia. Michael made history as the first Filipino and Southeast Asian to ever enter the medal rounds of the winter games.

Garnering a combined score of 184.25 from the short and free skating programs of the figure skating event, the 17-year-old Martinez ranked 19th (same rank in the short program) among the 24 finalists. He may not have won a medal but his determination and spirit are more than enough for him to be hailed as one of the country's pride today.

According to reports, Michael Martinez is tagged as 'darling of the press' in Russia with international media craving to interview him, curious of how he started and how he trained despite being in a tropical country. 

In the men's figure skating event, Michael's idols Yuzuru Hanyu of Japan and Patrick Chan of Canada (who became close to the Pinoy during their training) bagged gold and silver, respectively. Both maintained their ranks from the short program. The bronze medal was snatched by Kazakhstan's Denis Ten, who only ranked 9th during the short program.

Michael Martinez revealed that he will continue to skate and will again try to qualify for the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea.

With Michael's experience in his Olympic debut, he will surely get even better come the next winter games. Congratulations Michael! Makes us proud once more.

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Pinoy Michael Christian Martinez Enters Winter Olympics Figure Skating Finals (Video)

The lone Philippine representative to the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, Michael Christian Martinez, qualified for the finals (medal round) of the men's figure skating event to be held Friday (February 14) at the Iceberg Skating Palace in Sochi, Russia.

Proud Pinoy. Proud Olympian. Michael Christian Martinez [Photo: Reuters]

Michael Christian Martinez entered the final round after emerging as one of the top 24 athletes during the short program of the said event held Thursday. The Filipino showed his charismatic moves and flexibility in his performance accompanied by Romeo and Juliet by Arthur Fiedler. He got a score of 64.81 from the judges, enough to make him as one of the finalists.

The 17-year-old Martinez is the first Filipino and Southeast Asian to ever grace the figure skating event of the Winter Olympics and his appearance in the Winter games was history in the making. Watch his performance during the short program of the Winter Olympic games (figure skating event):

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Rose Fostanes Named Winner; Performs My Way on X Factor Israel Finale (Video)

It was another proud moment for Filipinos, most specially to all OFWs out there as Pinay caregiver Rose Fostanes was named winner of the first season of The X Factor Israel (read story here).

Rose Fostanes, who was an early favorite in the competition, performed Frank Sinatra's My Way, beating three other finalists—Eden Ben Zaken (Girls category), Uri Shakiv (Boys category) and Fusion (Groups category).

Check out Rose Fostanes finale performance of My Way in The X Factor Israel.

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Rose Fostanes Wins The X Factor Israel; Filipina Caregiver Bags Grand Prize

Filipina caregiver Rose Fostanes won The X Factor Israel. The 47-year-old Pinay from Tel Aviv was announced winner in the singing contest's finals night held January 14 (Wednesday morning in Manila) at the Nokia Arena Tel Aviv, Israel.

Rose Fostanes, fondly called Osang, performed the famed Frank Sinatra's song My Way [watch the video of her performance here] and was given standing ovation by the judges and the audience. Rose Fostanes beat three other contestants of The X Factor Israel in the finals night. 

"Thank you so much for those Israeli who like my voice...thank you for giving me the chance to be in the X Factor Israel," Osang said after she won. She also thanked the thousands of Filipinos who supported her.

Rose was mentored by Israeli pop singer Shiri Maimon under the Over 25's category. She bested Eden Ben Zaken from the Girls category, her close competition in the final two. Uri Shakiv from the Boys category and groups Fusion came in third and fourth, respectively.

Video: Rose Fostanes Sings My Way in X Factor Israel Finale

Rose Fostanes was an early favorite and emerged as a phenomenon in Israeli television. Her strong, soulful voice was a hit among fans and her background made her more interesting to watch.

"It’s a big change in my life because before nobody recognized me, nobody knew me. But now everybody, I think everybody in Israel knows my name. And it is very funny,” she said in one interview.

Rose Fostanes, who has been an OFW for 20 years, started working in Israel four years ago to work as a caregiver. 

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Janine Tugonon Stuns in Her Swimsuit for Miss Universe 2012 Prelims

The Miss Universe 2012 Preliminary competition happened December 13 (December 14 MLA time) at the Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas. The 89 candidates sashayed with their evening gowns and swimsuits all to capture the judges' eyes.

Miss Universe-Philippines Janine Tugonon was glowing even at the start when the candidates got to introduce themselves. She was most applauded in her pink cocktail dress along with Misses Puerto Rico, Mexico and USA.

Janine earlier surprised everyone with her cobra walk wearing a powder blue gown (see photos and video here). She once again captured the world with her radiance wearing a blue Kooey Australia swimsuit.

On December 15 (around 12 noon, Manila time), the candidates will be back on stage to showcase their National Costumes. Meanwhile, here is Janine Tugonon during the preliminary swimsuit competition of Miss Universe 2012.

Photos courtesy of Jory Rivera of OPMB Worldwide and rappler.com

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Janine Tugonon Wears a Powder Blue Gown in Miss Universe 2012 Prelims, Applauded by Crowd

Miss Universe-Philipines Janine Tugonon surprised everyone with her cobra walk wearing a powder blue flowy gown during the Miss Universe 2012 preliminary competition on December 13 (December 14 MLA time). Watch Janine during the preliminary swimsuit competition.

Janine Tugonon, along with Misses Mexico, Karina Gonzalez and USA, Olivia Culpo were the most-applauded during the introduction of candidates, very much like a boxing match.

Here is a peek at Janine Tugonon's evening gown for Miss Universe 2012 preliminary competition. According to reports, the gown is another Alfredo Barraza creation, a Columbian designer who used to dress our representatives to the said pageant.

Watch Janine as she walks the runway of the Miss Universe 2012 preliminary competition.

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Karylle, Tippy Dos Santos in for Miss Saigon Call Backs

Kapamilya singer/actress/host Karylle has made it to the call backs of "Miss Saigon" auditions. The international hit musical will have its West End revival and the four-day auditions in Manila, Philippines started Monday, November 19.

Talent manager Carlo Orosa posted a picture of Karylle holding her call-back slip on Facebook with the caption "We made it." Orosa's other talent from Stages, Star Magic singer-actress Tippy dos Santos, also received a call-back slip. 

Related: Karylle Lands Another International Project via Singapore's 'Point of Entry'

Karylle, who is very emotional after she performed the "Miss Saigon" song I'd Give My Life For You, will return on Wednesday, November 21 with Tippy and others who have also received their call back slips to audition for specific roles and to undergo dance auditions.

Others who also passed for the call backs include professional theater actors Jake Macapagal, K-la Rivera, OJ Mariano, Lawrenz Martinez, and Manila-born Singaporean singer-actress Julia Abueva. 

Over a thousand hopefuls enlisted for the much-awaited Manila auditions for the "Miss Saigon" revival which will run until Thursday, November 22 at the Philippine Opera Company’s headquarters in Makati. Some who auditioned were from Australia, Hong Kong and Singapore.

The original Miss Saigon was first staged at Theatre Royal in Drury Lane, London on September 20, 1989. It opened on Broadway in 1999. Filipina international-singer actress Lea Salonga originally played the lead role of Kim in "Miss Saigon."

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Viral Video: DOT Sleepless Nights TVC for It's More Fun In the Philippines Campaign

The Philippines' Department of Tourism (DOT) has released on Wednesday, November 14 its newest TV commercial as part of the It's More Fun in the Philippines campaign.

The new 30-minute DOT TVC, titled 'Sleepless Nights' features a Caucasian girl having fun with the entertainment and lifestyle the Philippines can offer. Showcasing various restaurants, bars and night markets in the country, the new It's More Fun in the Philippines TV commercial truly exemplified that "nightlife is more fun in the Philippines."

Related Videos:
DOT 'It's More Fun in the Philippines' MEME TVC on CNN
Better and Longer 'It's More Fun in the Philippines' Campaign

Watch the new DOT It's More Fun in the Philippines TVC (Sleepless Nights):

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Blessed Pedro Calungsod Now A Saint, Image in 2nd Highest Place of Honor

Blessed Pedro Calungsod has been canonized as a saint today, October 21 in a ceremony led by Pope Benedict XVI in Vatican City. In the canonization rites at St. Peter’s Basilica, the image of Blessed Pedro Calungsod occupies the second highest place of honor.

According to Vice-Postulator for the Canonization Cause of Blessed Pedro Calungsod Msgr. Ildebrando Leyson, Blessed Pedro Calungsod's image occupied the second highest place of honor where it hangs third from the right at the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.

Leyson explained that the center balcony is the highest place of honor. The next ranks then move out from the center. According to sanpedrocalungsod.com, the “ranks” are decided by three factors: first, martyrs rank higher than non-martyrs; bishops rank higher than priests; priests, who rank higher than religious, and laypeople.

Read: San Pedro Calungsod Documentary Airs on ABS-CBN's Sunday's Best (October 21)

Blessed Pedro Calungsod is not the only one who was canonized as saint today.

Watch the video below to know more about the 6 others who were canonized as saints together with the second Filipino Saint, Pedro Calungsod.

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Philippines' Ayelee Marie Dasalla Wins Miss Humanity International 2012 2nd Runner Up, Jamaica Grabs the Title

Miss Philippines Ayelee Marie Dasalla was hailed 2nd runner-up in the recently concluded Miss Humanity International 2012 held in Barbados Saturday night (October 20). Miss Jamaica, Lesa Gayle Wee Tom was crowned as the winner.

Ayelee Marie Dasalla was also the People's Choice Awardee on the said two-year-old pageant. Last year, Miss Philippines Czarina Gatbonton was also hailed as the 2nd runner up.

Ayelee is not the only Filipino to compete in the 2012 edition of Miss Humanity International. Her fellow Bb. Pilipinas 2012 contestant, Marie Molo Peter also competed representing Norway.

Here is the list of winners of the 2012 Miss Humanity International:

• Miss Humanity International 2012 - Miss Jamaica (Lesa Gayle Wee Tom)
• 1st Runner Up - Miss Guyana (Meleesa Natasha)
• 2nd Runner Up - Miss Philippines (Ayelee Marie Dasalla)
• 3rd Runner Up - Miss Netherlands ( Romina Verdoorn )
• 4th Runner Up - Miss Australia (Cleo Howman)

Special Awards:

• Miss Photogenic - Australia
• People's Choice - Philippines
• Best Swimwear - Jamaica
• Best Gown - Jamaica
• Best Talent - Guyana

The Philippines is the only country, so far to consistently land in the top 5 of Miss Humanity International, a Barbados-based pageant which aims to promote and raise awareness about humanitarian causes worldwide.

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Pedro Calungsod Canonization as Saint Happens October 21, ABS-CBN Airs Documentary

Filipino teenage martyr Pedro Calungsod is set to join the altar of saints when Pope Benedict XVI leads the canonization ceremony at the Vatican on Sunday (Oct 21). ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs will examine the life of the former missionary catechist and his influence on the Filipino faithful in a special documentary “San Pedro Calungsod” later that same evening on ABS-CBN.

With the meager historical information written about him, Blessed Pedro’s life can be written in a few paragraphs. Thus, the documentary will trace the life of a Visayan boy who lived and died spreading and defending his faith, his miracle, and the significance of his rise to sainthood.

Blessed Pedro Calungsod was only 17 years old when he was murdered while serving and evangelizing the Chamorro natives on the island of Guam in 1672. In 2000, he was beatified by Pope John Paul II, and has had one intercessory miracle recognized by the Vatican and declared worthy of belief.

Calungsod joins fellow catechist San Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila as the second saint in a country that is predominantly Catholic. As one of only two Catholic nations in Asia, the Philippines celebrates a major milestone and takes great pride in the canonization of Blessed Pedro.

Many groups and chapels dedicated to him have sprouted not only in the Philippines and Guam, but also in the United States and other countries with Filipinos. Calungsod’s patronage also includes the youth and migrant workers for dedicating his young life to God and his missionary work.

Don’t miss “San Pedro Calungsod” this Sunday (Oct 21) on ABS-CBN’s Sunday Best after “Gandang Gabi Vice.” For updates on the documentary, visit www.abs-cbn.com.

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Angel Locsin and Piolo Pascual's 'Lobo' is First Philippine Series to Air on Thailand Television

ABS-CBN’s canned programs have successfully penetrated territories in Asia, Europe, and Africa. Its most recent addition is Thailand where one of its top-rating drama series, “Lobo” (“She Wolf: the Last Sentinel”) will soon debut as the first Philippine TV program to air on Thai television.

ABS-CBN International Distribution head Leng Raymundo said Philippine TV series, particularly ABS-CBN’s drama series, have been widely received and distinctively known for their cast’s international appeal, series length that adapts well to programmers’ needs, and content with a universal appeal that people can relate to.

Read: Cambodia to Remake ABS-CBN's Pangako Sa 'Yo, a Milestone in Philippine Broadcast History

“The global viewers recognize and demand for ABS-CBN programs as they remain true to local cultural sensitivities. It has a definite global appeal, heart warming relatable stories that have high production values, and good-looking actors that cross borders,” Raymundo said.

ABS-CBN programs, mostly in drama formats, have been dubbed in English, Khmer, Mandarin, Bahasa Melayu, Vietnamese, Turkish, Russian, and French.  They have also been subtitled in Bahasa Melayu and Romanian.

“Tayong Dalawa” (“The Two of Us”) also made history as the first Filipino program in Singapore’s telenovela belt while “Sana’y Wala ng Wakas” (“Timeless”), which is topbilled by Jericho Rosales and Kristine Hermosa, was so well received by viewers in Malaysia that it even rated higher than hit US series “Smallville.”

Among French-speaking territories, ABS-CBN’s “Magkaribal” (“Rivals”) dubbed in French is steadily gaining viewers. ABS-CBN International Distribution was also the first to distribute content in Myanmar, when “My Girl” premiered in 2011.

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Cambodia to Remake ABS-CBN's Pangako Sa 'Yo, a Milestone in Philippine Broadcast History

The Philippines’ most successfully distributed canned TV series worldwide, “Pangako sa ’Yo” (“The Promise”), will soon be localized in Cambodia after Cambodian Television Network (CTN) bought its format from ABS-CBN, the Philippines’ leading and largest multimedia conglomerate.

“Pangako sa ’Yo,” produced by ABS-CBN in 2000, is one of the network’s top-raters of all time, headlined by premiere Filipino actors Jericho Rosales and Kristine Hermosa as Angelo (Rosales) and Yna (Hermosa).  The main characters will soon have their Cambodian counterparts as CTN targets to start production by the first quarter of 2013.

The adaptation of “Pangako sa ’Yo” in Cambodia marks a milestone in Philippine broadcasting history, particularly for ABS-CBN that is known as the Philippine leader in producing world-class TV drama series. ABS-CBN now joins the ranks of the world’s most competitive content suppliers with this format buy.

The landmark deal between ABS-CBN and CTN was made possible by ABS-CBN’s International Distribution Division, which to date has sold over 30,000 hours of content, making it available to over 50 territories worldwide.

ABS-CBN International Distribution head Leng Raymundo said the content ABS-CBN shows appeals to viewers from different parts of the world as more and more dealers express interest and acquire the network’s various canned programs.

She added that the success of these international runs have turned some of the Filipino actors and actresses into celebrities in other countries.  Jericho Rosales and Kristine Hermosa now have foreign fans from different countries after their series “Pangako sa ’Yo” was distributed in over 20 territories since 2002. The show was aired onChina’s national television and rated second in overall local and foreign programs airing in the country.

Rosales recounted during one of his trips to Ghana how he was overwhelmingly received by his African fans. He was caught off guard and was so surprised that they would want to have their photos taken with him and would even call him by his character name. He was widely recognized in the territory that he didn’t get to leave his hotel room for security purposes.

With its growing recognition in the global media distribution landscape, ABS-CBN International Distribution further expands its line-up of high-caliber programs and movies and offers them to more territories in the world.

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