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.

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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).

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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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Julia Barretto Stars with Zaijian Jaranilla and Xyriel Manabat in 'Petrang Paminta'

Kapamilya child wonders Zaijian Jaranilla and Xyriel Manabat together with one of today’s most promising stars Julia Barretto will share important life values beginning this Saturday (June 29) via “Wansapanataym Presents Petrang Paminta.” 

Based from the novel of Pablo Gomez titled “Petrang Paminta,” “Wansapanataym Presents Petrang Paminta” will be directed by box-office director Wenn V. Deramas. 

The “Wansapantaym” special will feature the story of sisters Petra (Julia) and Aya (Xyriel) who are working in the pepper farm owned by their cruel aunt. A dwarf named Pampam (Zaijian) begins to help the sisters secretly because of pity and his special admiration for Petra. How will the lives of the sisters change because of the magical peppers they cultivate? 

Also joining Julia, Xyriel, and Zaijian in the “Wansapanataym” special are Diego Loyzaga, Ruby Rubi, Kiray Celis, Atak Aranas, Maricar de Mesa, Epi Quizon, Jayson Gainza, Tess Antonio, Joey Paras, and Alora Sasam. 

Don’t miss the pilot episode of the four-week special of the storybook of Pinoy kids, “Wansapanataym” this Saturday, after “Kapamilya: Deal or No Deal” on ABS-CBN. For updates, log on to www.abs-cbn.com or follow @abscbndotcom on Twitter.

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

Ina Kapatid Anak Airs Abroad with International Title 'Her Mother's Daughter'

Almost half of the total Philippine population tuned in to the intense finale of “Her Mother’s Daughter” (“Ina Kapatid Anak) last June 14 as the phenomenal hit primetime series that aired on the Philippines biggest TV network, ABS-CBN, hit an average national TV rating of 42.9 % and an average audience share of 62.6%, according to global audience research group Kantar Media.

The show also dominated the list of most watched programs in the Philippines during its final telecast, and dominated the Twitterverse as well, after various hashtags related to the program trended worldwide on the popular micro-blogging site.

Many Filipinos followed the family drama “Her Mother’s Daughter” (“Ina Kapatid Anak”), topbilled by premier and sought-after Filipina actresses Kim Chiu and Maja Salvador, due to its captivating plot and controversial take on surrogacy. It also centered on the family, which is very dear to the family-oriented Filipino audience. Its success comes close at the heels of ABS-CBN’s phenomenal drama toprater “My Eternal” (“Walang Hanggan”) which dominated the TV landscape in 2012.

“Her Mother’s Daughter” (“Ina Kapatid Anak”) tells the story of Celyn (Chiu) and Margaux (Salvador), two different women who grew up living two very different lives. Celyn was raised in an impoverished family in a province, while Margaux had the life of a princess as the heiress of the country’s biggest shoe company.

They are fated to become the best of friends but only until a well-kept secret from the past is revealed—Celyn is Margaux’s adoptive parents long lost daughter through a surrogate that took her away. Rivalry ensues between the two and they will fight over everything from status, to family, and even love.

“Her Mother’s Daughter” (“Ina Kapatid Anak”) aired weeknights on Philippine television via ABS-CBN, the Philippines’ largest multimedia conglomerate and Filipino master of world-class dramas.

The series will soon air on other countries worldwide via the efforts of ABS-CBN International Distribution, a business unit of ABS-CBN that has been recognized in the global arena as a reliable foreign content provider. It has been a premier source of high quality Filipino programming in over 50 territories all over the world and has sold over 30,000 hours of content worldwide. Living up to this recognition, ABS-CBN International Distribution commits to add to its line-up high-caliber programs and movies with universal storylines and showcase a mixture of distinct facial features ranging from Asian to Hispanic with infusion of multicultural context.

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Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla's Teleserye 'Got to Believe' Premieres this July on ABS-CBN Primetime Bida

Philippine showbiz’s reigning ‘Teen Queen and King’–Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla–are set to make their grand return on primetime TV via ABS-CBN’s highly-anticipated romantic comedy series entitled “Got To Believe,” directed by box-office director Cathy Garcia-Molina.

After ruling the hearts of viewers as Princess Areeyah and Gino in the royal teleserye “Princess And I” and as Patchot and Ivan in their launching movie under Star Cinema “Must Be… Love,” Kathryn and Daniel will continue to charm the whole country in “Got To Believe,” wherein Daniel plays the the rich kid, spoiled ‘prince,’ Joaquin, while Kathryn plays Chichay, a simple girl with big dreams for her family.

Also part of the “Got To Believe” cast are Manilyn Reynes, Benjie Paras, Ian Veneracion and Carmina Villarroel.

Join Chichay and Joaquin as they embark into the “real world.” Will Chichay’s “never say die” motto be enough for her to reach all her dreams? What will turn Joaquin’s world upside down and make him realize that despite his wealth, he needs “magic” to make his life complete?

Witness the magic of love in the romantic TV series “Got To Believe,” to premiere this July in ABS-CBN Primetime Bida.

For exclusive updates, photos, and videos, log on to “Got To Believe”s official social media accounts at www.facebook.com/G2B, www.twitter.com/@G2BGottobelieve.

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Video: Ejay Falcon Hit by Ronnie Quizon on Dugong Buhay Set

Kapamilya actor Ejay alcon was accidentally punched by co-star Ronnie Quizon on the set of their afternoon action teleserye Dugong Buhay.

In the video going rounds in social networks, the cast of Dugong Buhay was taping for an intense scene and Ronnie Quizon kicked Ejay first, which was obviously faked. The next shot will require Ronnie to punch Ejay Falcon but the former got carried away and accidentally hit Ejay in the face.

Things like these usually happen on the taping of action scenes, be it in a teleserye or a movie. We just hope that Ejay is fine after that accident. Watch the video below.

Video courtesy of byxspeaks

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National TV Ratings (June 22-23): Nikki Gil MMK and The Voice PH Top Weekend Viewing

Maalaala Mo Kaya starring Nikki Gil was most watched program nationwide last Saturday (June 22) with a high rating of 36.2%. The heavy drama episode is about sisters, betrayal and forgiveness.

Meanwhile, The Voice of the Philippines is creating waves in the country with TV ratings of 32% and 29.2% on June 22 and 23 respectively, making it the second most-watched program on Saturday and most-watched on Sunday.

Here are the Top 10 daytime and primetime programs on June 22-23, 2013 among Total Philippines (Urban & Rural) households:

June 22, 2013 (Saturday)
Daytime: 1. Eat Bulaga (GMA-7) - 15.9% 2. It’s Showtime (ABS-CBN) - 14.4% 3. Toriko (GMA-7) - 12.1% 4. Pororo (GMA-7) - 11.4% 5. Tamagotchi! (GMA-7) - 11.1% 6. Super Book (GMA-7) - 10.4% 7. Tropang Potchi (GMA-7) - 9.2% 8. Maynila (GMA-7) - 8.7% 9. Be Careful With My Heart Rewind (ABS-CBN) - 8.4% 10. Spongebob Squarepants (ABS-CBN)/Wish Ko Lang (GMA-7) - 8.0%	Primetime: 1. Maalaala Mo Kaya (ABS-CBN) - 36.2% 2. The Voice Of The Philippines (ABS-CBN) - 32.0% 3. Wansapanataym (ABS-CBN) - 30.2% 4. Magpakailanman (GMA-7) - 20.9% 5. Kapamilya Deal Or No Deal (ABS-CBN) - 17.5% 6. Vampire Ang Daddy Ko (GMA-7) - 17.1% 7. Celebrity Bluff (GMA-7) - 13.0% 8. Toda Max (ABS-CBN) - 12.8% 9. One Day Isang Araw (GMA-7) - 12.7% 10. TV Patrol Weekend (ABS-CBN) - 9.9%
June 23, 2013 (Sunday)
Daytime: 1. ASAP 18 (ABS-CBN) - 13.3% 2. Kapuso Movie Festival (GMA-7) - 12.4% 3. LUV U (ABS-CBN) - 11.4% 4. Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala Marathon Special (ABS-CBN) - 11.2% 5. GMA Blockbusters (GMA-7) - 10.6% 6. Sunday All Stars (GMA-7) - 9.4% 7. Born To Be Wild Weekend (GMA-7) - 9.3% 8. Aha (GMA-7) - 9.2% 9. Super Book (GMA-7) - 9.1% 10. Pororo (GMA-7) - 8.7%	Primetime: 1. The Voice of The Philippines (ABS-CBN) - 29.2% 2. Rated K (ABS-CBN) - 26.1% 3. Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (GMA-7) - 21.6% 4. Goin’ Bulilit (ABS-CBN) - 20.0% 5. Pepito Manaloto (GMA-7) - 19.4% 6. Gandang Gabi Vice (ABS-CBN) - 17.8% 7. Imbestigador (GMA-7) - 14.8% 8. TV Patrol Weekend (ABS-CBN) - 14.0% 9. Kap’s Amazing Stories (GMA-7) - 11.0% 10. Talentadong Pinoy (TV5) - 5.9%

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National TV Ratings (June 21): Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala Short of Ina Kapatid Anak's Lead

ABS-CBN's Juan Dela Cruz and the 2013 NBA Finals (Game 7) topped the nationwide TV ratings on Friday, June 21 according to Kantar Media/TNS.

Meanwhile, Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala starring Judy Ann Santos got 26.6% rating, winning over its timeslot. However, the said teleserye failed to follow the lead set by Ina Kapatid Anak on the same timeslot.

Here are the Top 10 daytime and primetime programs on June 21, 2013 among Total Philippines (Urban & Rural) households:

June 21, 2013 (Friday)
Daytime: 1. 2013 NBA Finals Game 7 (ABS-CBN) - 30.4% 2. Be Careful With My Heart (ABS-CBN) - 28.7% 3. Eat Bulaga (GMA-7) - 13.4% 4. It’s Showtime (ABS-CBN) - 13.0% 5. To The Beautiful You (ABS-CBN) - 11.7% 6. Dugong Buhay (ABS-CBN) - 10.5% 7. I Do, I Do (GMA-7) - 9.7% 8. Kakambal Ni Eliana (GMA-7) - 9.6% 9. My Little Juan (ABS-CBN) - 9.4% 10. Mga Basang Sisiw (GMA-7) - 8.8%	Primetime: 1. Juan Dela Cruz (ABS-CBN) - 32.5% 2. TV Patrol (ABS-CBN) - 29.7% 3. Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala (ABS-CBN) - 26.6% 4. Anna Karenina (GMA-7) - 18.7% 5. Annaliza (ABS-CBN) - 17.8% 6. Mundo Mo’y Akin (GMA-7) - 17.2% 7. 24 Oras (GMA-7) - 17.0% 8. Apoy Sa Dagat (ABS-CBN) - 16.2% 9. My Husband’s Lover (GMA-7) - 12.6% 10. Home Sweet Home (GMA-7) - 10.5%

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Kim Chiu Mourning on Mother's Death

Primetime princess Kim Chiu is now on a trying situation with the death of her mother Louella Yap Chiu. Kim's mother died on Sunday, June 24. She was 50 years old.

According to reports, Kim's mother was ill and got confined in one of the hospitals in Cebu. The cause of death of was not disclosed but a source close to the family said that she has died of aneurysm. 

Kim and her family has not yet granted an interview and requested privacy as they mourn the loss of their mother. On her official Twitter account, Kim posted "sana panaginip lang to..."

sana panaginip lang to...
— kim chiu (@prinsesachinita) June 23, 2013

Kim's management, Star Magic released an official statement regarding the death of Kim's mother.

"Star Magic sympathizes with Kim Chiu on the passing of her mother, Louella Y. Chiu. We request that we give Kim and her family the respect and time to grieve for their loss. Thank you."

Meanwhile, Kim's love team partner Xian Lim has reportedly flew to Cebu to console Kim.

Our condolences to Kim and family.

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Sam Milby Shirtless for Folded and Hung 2013 Denim Campaign

Actor Sam Milby showcased his well-defined abs and shapely muscles on the newest denim campaign of local brand Folded and Hung. The 2013 F&H denim campaign unveils the Skin denim collection for men.

Recently, Angel Locsin flaunts skin for the same Folded & Hung denim campaign for women (check out her sexy campaign photos here). This time, it was Sam's turn to show what he's got.

Check out Sam Milby's hot campaign photos for the 2013 Folded and Hung denim collection.

Photos courtesy of Folded and Hung

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