Meet The Voice of the Philippines Week 3 Artists

Another batch of artists will show off their vocal prowess this Saturday (June 29) and Sunday (June 30) in hopes of making at least one of the coaches’ swiveling chairs turn in the country’s top-rating and Twitter-trending singing-reality show “The Voice of the Philippines.” 

Be a coach right at your homes and listen if the artists, including a Rihanna look-alike, a former anorexic and voice talent of a popular fast food chain, and a taxi driver will make the cut and impress any of the coaches. 

Interesting sidelights will also come your way as one artist sings “On My Own” with coach Lea Salonga who starred in the Broadway hit musical “Les Miserables,” and another artist who will make coach Apl de Ap emotional and make coach Sarah Geronimo cry. 

Who among them will join any of the four teams? Which team will welcome the most number of members at the end of the week? 

Don’t miss the continuation of the Blind Auditions in “The Voice of the Philippines” this Saturday (June 29), 9 PM, and Sunday (June 30), 8:15 PM on ABS-CBN. 

Get the latest news and updates about the show and view the exclusive artists’ profiles and performance videos in “The Voice of the Philippines” official website at http://thevoice.abs-cbn.com. Like the show’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/thevoiceabscbn, follow @thevoiceabscbn on Twitter, and follow abscbnthevoice on Instagram. Tweet your thoughts about the show using the hashtag #TheVoicePH.

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UAAP Season 76 Opening Ceremony Airs on Studio 23 and Balls HD this June 29

The never-ending greatness in sports continues for the athletes of the University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) as the league formally kicks off another action-packed season this Saturday (June 29), 12:30 PM at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.  Watch the UAAP Season 76 opening ceremony live on television and online with ABS-CBN Sports’ comprehensive coverage to be aired on free-to-air channel Studio 23, cable channel BALLS High Definition (SkyCable ch 167), and to be streamed via UAAP’s official website (http://uaapsports.tv).

Host school Adamson University is set to open the season with a grand production number inspired by the science fiction movie “The Hunger Games” to be performed by dancers from Adamson and other member schools. Former Adamson basketball greats and UAAP legends like Hector Calma and Kenneth Duremdes will also grace the event.

After the ceremonies, the Senior Men’s Basketball tourney officially begins as the University of the East (UE) Warriors battles the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws at 2 PM, and the De La Salle University Green Archers (DLSU) takes on the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers at 4 PM.

Meanwhile, the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons is set to go against the Adamson University (AdU) Soaring Falcons on Sunday (June 30) at 2 PM, to be followed by the toss-up between the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) Blue Eagles and the National University (NU) Bulldogs at 4 PM.

Will the five-time defending champion Ateneo De Manila University (ADMU) Blue Eagles keep their supremacy in the hardcourt? Which school will be declared overall champion by the prestigious league this season?

Don’t miss the UAAP Season 76 opening ceremonies and Senior Men’s Baskeball games this Saturday (June 29), 12:30 PM live on Studio 23 and BALLS HD (SkyCable ch 167) and via livestreaming on http://uaapsports.tv, the official website of ABS-CBN Sports for the UAAP.

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Ejay Falcon Doesn't Mind Being Tortured in 'Dugong Buhay'

Kapamilya actor Ejay Falcon admitted that he got hurt when was punched for real (watch the video here) by co-star Ronnie Quizon in one of their intense scenes in ABS-CBN’s hit afternoon series “Dugong Buhay.” However, Ejay clarified that he did not mind getting hurt during the torture scene because it was for the good of their show.

“I really felt that torture scene. I was personally furious with Alex (Ronnie) with all the maltreatment that my role, Victor, suffered from him,” said Ejay.

Happy with the good feedback they have been receiving about the series, Ejay assured that there are more scenes that loyal viewers should watch for in the following weeks especially now that Pablo (Lito Pimentel) discovered that Victor is Gabriel, the long lost firstborn of Isabel and Enrique (Christian Vasquez). 

“The story of ‘Dugong Buhay’ story is really beautiful. It’s an action series with a heart,” he said. “and since it’s about families, many people can relate to the characters. Aside from the fight scenes, a lot of viewers follow my dramatic scenes with my two mothers in the story. Because Victor becomes emotional whenever he is with Isabel (Sunshine Cruz) and Elena (Ana Capri).”

What will Victor do once he discovers that the De Lara’s whom he despised all his life is his real family? How will the lives of Isabel, Enrique, and Rafael (Arjo Atayde) de Lara change when the truth about Victor’s real identity is finally exposed?

As a special treat to their fans, “Dugong Buhay” stars Ejay, Arjo, Sunshine, Lito, Ronnie, Yam Concepcion, Jed Montero, Ketchup Eusebio, and Nonie Buencamino will have a special mall show in Robinsons Place Dasmariñas, Cavite at 5pm this Sunday (June 30).

Don’t miss “Dugong Buhay” every afternoon after “My Little Juan” in ABS-CBN Kapamilya Gold. For more updates, log on to www.facebook.com/dugongbuhay or follow @dugongbuhay on Twitter.

For more Kapamilya updates follow/like BIDA KAPAMILYA on Twitter and Facebook.

Marian Rivera is FHM Sexiest Woman in the World 2013, Tops Mag's 100 Sexiest List

Kapuso star Marian Rivera was hailed as this year's sexiest woman in the world 2013 by FHM Philippines, beating last year's FHM's finest Sam Pinto and two-time Sexiest winner Angel Locsin.

Marian garnered 890,490 text and online votes while her strongest rival, Sam Pinto, settled for 2nd place with 778,681 votes.

Marian Rivera graced the cover of FHM Philippines January 2013 and her monumental sexy pictorial—her first for FHM—probably boosted her chances in reclaiming the title of FHM Sexiest Woman in the World this year. The Kapuso primetime queen first won the title in 2008 and now joined the ranks of Angel Locsin, Katrina Halili and Sam Pinto who won the title twice.

Here are the Top 10 Sexiest Women for 2013 by FHM Philippines:

1. Marian Rivera

2. Sam Pinto

3. Angel Locsin

4. Jennylyn Mercado

5. Cristine Reyes

6. Solenn Heussaff

7. Ellen Adarna

8. Anne Curtis

9. Jackie Rice

10. Empress Schuck

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Four Sisters and A Wedding Gross P15 Million on First Day | Box Office Update

Star Cinema's initial offering for its 20th anniversary Four Sisters and A Wedding has grossed P15 million on its opening day. The movie stars Bea Alonzo, Toni Gonzaga, Angel Locsin, Shaina Magdayao and Enchong Dee.

Four Sisters and A Wedding opened in nearly 150 cinemas nationwide on June 26 and went head to head with big Hollywood films, one of which is the record-breaking Man of Steel.

P15M first day!!! congrats!!! #4SistersAndAWedding !! ;) #alamna @StarCinema @KandiceBDee @Roxy_Liquigan @enricocsantos @jd_ching
— Mico del Rosario (@micodelrosario) June 27, 2013

The movie, which is now on its third day of showing is doing well in the box office and continues to create interest in movie goers. Many who have watched can't help but praised the actors for their portrayal. Some even cried with this family-themed movie.

Quick links

Four Sisters and A Wedding Full Trailer—Official Movie Poster

Character Photos—Behind-the-Scene Photos—The Making

Directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina, Four Sisters and A Wedding also stars Ms. Coney Reyes, Janus Del Prado, Buboy Garovillo, Carmi Martin with special participation of Sam Milby and Angeline Quinto.

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Yeng Constantino, Boyfriend Yan Asuncion Photo Goes Viral

Rock Princess Yeng Constantino posted a photo of her and boyfriend Yan Asuncion on the image-sharing site Instagram. The photo had gone viral following Yeng's confession of love to her boyfriend, the singer's first.

On the image's caption, Yeng implied that Yan was her very first serious boyfriend, saying that of all the people who came into her life, it was only to him that she gave her "Yes."

The caption reads:

"Marami akong tanong tungkol sa pag-ibig simula pa noon… Totoo pala na pag naranasan mo saka mo lang tuluyang maiintindihan… sa lahat ng dumaan sa buhay ko, sayo lang ako hindi natakot sumagot ng “Oo”… Nawala lahat ng takot at lahat ng pangamba… ang payapa ng puso ko.. sa bawat araw lalo pa lumalago ang pag-ibig ko para sayo… Nagpapasalamat ako kay God sa regalong ito.. ito na ang pinakamalupit na regalong natanggap ko.. I love you Love… peksman! Hahaha!"

In her earlier interviews, Yeng said that she never had a boyfriend but already experienced how to fall in love. Yan Asuncion, who is the vocalist of Pinoy alternative rock band Indios, is the lucky guy who will have the bragging rights as Yeng's first (or could be the last) boyfriend.

What's with Yeng and Yan? Their names were opposites and now see, the law of attraction. Anyway, it's pretty cool to see these two doing good music together.

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Dr. Eric Tayag Storms 'Toda Max' | Will he do the Zumba? (June 29)

One of today’s hottest dance crazes takes Beverly Gils by storm as health becomes wealth on this week’s episode of “Toda Max”.

DOH Assistant Secretary Dr. Eric Tayag pays a visit to Beverly Gils to promote wellness and fitness to the residents. Asked to select someone to lead their community exercises, the residents choose Justin (Vhong Navarro) because of his experience as a gym instructor. 

Catching on to current trends, Zumba becomes the chosen exercise, but Lady G (Pokwang) takes on the challenge as another way to compete with everyone else. She decides to form her own team of physical fitness instructors to teach Zumba, eager to prove that other people can do a better job than Justin.

All the women in the community become hooked on Zumba, especially given the intense competition—but with Zumba eating up all of their time, what will happen to all their other responsibilities?

Catch the dance craze as it taps into the world of “Toda Max”, guest starring Dr. Eric Tayag, Regine Angeles, and the Sexmbomb Girls, airing this Saturday (June 29) after “Maalaala Mo Kaya” on ABS-CBN Channel 2.

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National TV Ratings (June 24-25): Apoy Sa Dagat Trashes My Husband's Lover; Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala Improved

ABS-CBN's Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala had an increased viewership nationwide following its second week. The teleserye of Judy Ann Santos registered its highest rating of 27.9% on Monday, making it the second most-watched program on primetime.

Meanwhile, Juan Dela Cruz and Be Careful With My Heart rule primetime and daytime, respectively. Apoy Sa Dagat, which is now on its last 2 weeks, also beats competition, My Husband's Lover.

Here are the Top 10 daytime and primetime programs on June 24-25, 2013 among Total Philippines (Urban & Rural) households:

June 24, 2013 (Monday)
Daytime: 1. Be Careful With My Heart (ABS-CBN) - 23.0% 2. Minute To Win It (ABS-CBN) - 15.3% 3. Eat Bulaga (GMA-7) - 14.8% 4. It’s Showtime (ABS-CBN) - 12.6% 5. The Ryzza Mae Show (GMA-7) - 12.1% 6. Dugong Buhay (ABS-CBN) - 10.1% 7. Mga Basang Sisiw (GMA-7) - 9.5% 8. My Little Juan (ABS-CBN) - 9.3% 9. Kakambal Ni Eliana (GMA-7) - 9.0% 10. Absolute Boyfriend (ABS-CBN) - 8.9%	Primetime: 1. Juan Dela Cruz (ABS-CBN) - 31.9% 2. Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala (ABS-CBN) - 27.9% 3. TV Patrol (ABS-CBN) - 25.9% 4. Mundo Mo’y Akin (GMA-7) - 21.4% 5. Apoy Sa Dagat (ABS-CBN) - 20.4% 6. Anna Karenina (GMA-7) - 18.6% 7. 24 Oras (GMA-7) - 16.0% 8. Annaliza (ABS-CBN) - 15.1% 9. My Husband’s Lover (GMA-7) - 14.5% 10. Missing You (ABS-CBN) - 10.2%
June 25, 2013 (Tuesday)
Daytime: 1. Be Careful With My Heart (ABS-CBN) - 25.2% 2. Minute To Win It (ABS-CBN) - 17.2% 3. Eat Bulaga (GMA-7) - 15.2% 4. It’s Showtime (ABS-CBN) - 12.3% 5. The Ryzza Mae Show (GMA-7) - 10.5% 6. Absolute Boyfriend (ABS-CBN) - 10.4% 7. My Little Juan (ABS-CBN) - 9.9% 8. Dugong Buhay/Love Rain (ABS-CBN) - 9.3% 9. Kakambal Ni Eliana/I Do, I Do (GMA-7) - 8.9% 10. Mga Basang Sisiw (GMA-7) - 8.5%	Primetime: 1. Juan Dela Cruz (ABS-CBN) - 33.2% 2. Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala (ABS-CBN) - 27.8% 3. TV Patrol (ABS-CBN) - 26.3% 4. Apoy Sa Dagat (ABS-CBN) - 20.7% 5. Anna Karenina (GMA-7) - 19.4% 6. Mundo Mo’y Akin (GMA-7) - 18.6% 7. Annaliza (ABS-CBN) - 17.3% 8. 24 Oras (GMA-7) - 16.4% 9. My Husband’s Lover (GMA-7) - 13.6% 10. Missing You (ABS-CBN) - 11.1%

For more Kapamilya updates follow/like BIDA KAPAMILYA on Twitter and Facebook.

Xian Lim, Kim Chiu, Enchong Dee and Gretchen Ho to Host Mr. and Miss Chinatown 2013

Four famous personalities will be bringing pride to two cultures in one night of union, as the first “Mr. and Miss Chinatown Philippines” grand coronation night kicks off on Sunday (June 30) with hosts Xian Lim, Enchong Dee, Gretchen Ho, and Kim Chiu. 

In what is to be a meeting of two cultures but one people, the four will present a total of 32 Filipino-Chinese candidates, split equally between females and males, aged 18 to 25. These contestants will compete for the prestige of being called the Ambassador and Ambassadress of Good Will, representing the Filipino-Chinese community. 

ABS-CBN and the Miss Chinatown Foundation deem this as an event to open doorways towards unified communities and better goals—beginning with a celebration of the shared values of the Filipino and Chinese communities and cultures. 

Watch out for the Grand Coronation which will be held at Newport Theater, Resorts World Manila this June 30, and will air at 10:30 p.m. on Sunday’s Best on ABS-CBN. For additional details and information, follow @MrandMissChinatown on Twitter and Instagram, or visit the official Facebook page of Mr. and Miss Chinatown Philippines 2013 at www.facebook.com/MrandMissChinatown.

For more Kapamilya updates follow/like BIDA KAPAMILYA on Twitter and Facebook.

Jessy Mendiola is Maria Mercedes; Sings Her Own Teleserye Theme Song

Actress Jessy Mendiola has been formally introduced as the new Maria Mercedes. Jessy is set to reprise the role of Maria Mercedes played by Mexican superstar Thalia back in the 90s in a new ABS-CBN teleserye premiering soon.

"Pwede ko na sabihin, ang tagal kong itinago ito—ako si Maria Mercedes," Jessy Mendiola said in a solo press conference on Wednesday. 

"Isa talaga si Maria Mercedes sa dream roles ko kaya excited ako para sa project na ito. Hanggang ngayon ay hindi ako makapaniwala na gagampanan ko ang isang napakaganda at iconic character na talaga namang minahal ng maraming Filipino," she added.

Jessy said she became emotional when the role was offered to her, most especially when the network let her sing the theme song of the series.

"Sobra akong surprised kaya noong nalaman ko na ako si Maria Mercedes, naging emosyonal ako. Pangarap kong maging siya. Tapos pinakanta pa sa akin 'yung theme song. Ang saya ko na pinagkakatiwalaan pa din ako ngayon," she added.

Directed by Rechie del Carmen, Maria Mercedes Pinoy remake will also star Jake Cuenca, Jason Abalos, Vina Morales, Dominic Ochoa, Nadia Montenegro and Vivian Velez. 

Aside from Maria Mercedes, Jessy can expect bigger things ahead. Just recently, Star Cinema also announced that Jessy is set to do a movie with John Lloyd Cruz, Richard Gomez, and Dawn Zulueta (read story here).

For more Kapamilya updates follow/like BIDA KAPAMILYA on Twitter and Facebook.

Roel Manlangit Gives Own Rendition of 'Annaliza' Theme Song (Video)

Reminiscing on the tragedy he experienced at a young age, Pilipinas Got Talent 4 grand winner Roel Manlangit has given his own interpretation of the theme song of ABS-CBN’s hit primetime family drama Annaliza.

Just recently, the popular YouTube sensation recorded his rendition of the song that is now being played in the episodes of the soap topbilled by rising teleserye princess Andrea Brillantes. Roel also sang live the theme song in last Saturday’s Bida Kapamilya event in Valenzuela Astrodome. 

Meanwhile, watch as the story intensifies this week as Stella (Kaye Abad) gives Annaliza the cold shoulder after finding out that she is Lazaro (Patrick Garcia) and Isabel’s (Denise Laurel) long lost daughter. Their family finances also suffer, which forces Guido (Zanjoe Marudo) to work abroad. How will they get through this trial as a family? What awaits Annaliza when she is left alone in the hands of Stella? 

Don’t miss Annaliza weeknights before TV Patrol in ABS-CBN’s Primetime Bida. For updates, like the show’s official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Annaliza2013 or follow @Annaliza2013 on Twitter and share your reactions using the hashtag #Annaliza.

For more Kapamilya updates follow/like BIDA KAPAMILYA on Twitter and Facebook.

ABS-CBN's New Reality Show for Unwed Lovers Promises Big Prizes | How to Audition

ABS-CBN is set to launch a new reality show for lovers who want to tie the knot in the wedding of their dreams.

The reality show’s winning pair are off to a good start as husband and wife because they will also be rewarded with a honeymoon package, a new car, a house and lot, and P1 million.

Lovers 18 years old and above who are interested in joining the show are invited to share their love story by logging on to ido.abs-cbn.com. They should download and complete the application form and send it to ido@abs-cbn.tv.

Pairs who are cohabiting or in a live-in relationship are not eligible. The couples who will apply should be ready to prove that they truly love each other and that they can have a happy marriage and family life together.

For inquiries, call 415-2272 local 4894, 10AM to 6PM from Mondays to Fridays or visit ido.abs-cbn.com.

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Sam Milby, Judy Ann Santos Marital Rape in Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala Surprises Viewers

ABS-CBN’s top-rating primetime series “Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala,” topbilled by Teleserye Queen Judy Ann Santos, keeps on surprising viewers in a different way through its unconventional, fiercer scenes, which include one of its latest episodes where Judy Ann’s role, Anessa, was raped by her husband Eros, played by Sam Milby. 

After experiencing violence once again in the hands of Eros, Anessa finally found the courage to take a stand, confront her husband, and leave the Diomedes mansion to go back to her family and start a new life. 

How will Anessa give ‘justice’ to herself? Will Eros still fight for their marriage? Or will the break-up of Anessa and Eros give Alexis (KC Concepcion) hope to rekindle the flame between her and her childhood sweetheart? 

Don’t miss the fast-paced story of “Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala,” weeknights, after “Juan Dela Cruz” on ABS-CBN Primetime Bida. For more updates about the show, log on to www.facebook.com/HKLM.TV and follow @HKLM_TV on Twitter.

For more Kapamilya updates follow/like BIDA KAPAMILYA on Twitter and Facebook.

Direk Lauren Dyogi Admits to Poor Set and Lighting of The Voice of the Philippines

ABS-CBN executive Direk Lauren Dyogi admits to being frustrated on the set design and lighting of The Voice of the Philippines. The singing reality show premiered last June 15 and airs Saturday and Sunday primetime.

Many The Voice fans kept on comparing the stage design of the Philippine version to its US and UK counterparts. Even before the show started airing the Blind Auditions, leaked photos of the set taken by the audience during the taping were highly criticized.

"There is much frustration on our set n lights. Pati naman kami. But it's unreasonable to be compared to US UK version," Direk Lauren tweeted. 

"Wala sa katiting ang budget namin compared sa kanila plus syndication revenues for them. We concentrate on content na lang . Its our 1st naman," he added on another tweet saying that with a limited budget, the team would rather spend more on coaches and scouting the artists than the set, at least for now.

While some are comparing The Voice of the Philippines stage with the more popular US and UK version, others can't help but also compare the Philippine version with the franchises of our Southeast Asian neighbors such as Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia. 

"Went to Bangkok, agree they have nicer set! But we decided to allot our limited resources for coaches and artists search," Direk Lauren pointed out. 

"[I] am not familiar with Vietnam version, but do they fly in international stars as coaches? Thai all local stars," he added saying that the superstar coaches of The Voice of the Philippines more than compensate the lack of a grand set.

With so much talent on the show and the great chemistry among the coaches, most Filipinos would not mind what's there to appease the eyes but something that can uplift the soul. No wonder The Voice PH enjoyed loads of ads for its first two weekends.

"Sorry [it's] not possible [to have lesser commercials next time]. Bihira magiliw ang sponsors sa isang show," Direk Lauren told a complaining fan.

Direk Lauren has a message to all the critics ranting about the set and lighting of The Voice of the Philippines.

"Our set has approval from the franchise owners. Wala kaming laban sa pintas about our set! Noted and taken! But we have to live with that for now."

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Empress and Joseph Marco Cover Metro Magazine July 2013

Kapamilya stars Empress and Joseph Marco are on the cover of Metro Magazine July 2013 issue. The two hot young actors look good together on the cover photo which was shot in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Empress and Joseph Marco are part of ABS-CBN's newest teleserye Huwag Ka Lang Mawawalaplaying the younger siblings of Sam Milby and Judy Ann Santos, respectively. Obviously, the two will have their own   love story in the series.

Aside from Empress and Joseph's Kathmandu escapade, Metro July issue also features 15 of the hottest leading men in the country today including Aljur Abrenica, Gerald Anderson, Paulo Avelino, Enchong Dee, Enrique Gil, Xian Lim, Sam Milby, Rocco Nacino, Diether Ocampo, Piolo Pascual, Alden Richards and Jericho Rosales.

Metro Magazine July 2013 issue with Empress and Joseph Marco on the cover is now available in stands nationwide for only P150. Grab your copy!

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