Ariella Arida Wins Miss Universe Philippines 2013

The grand coronation night of Binibining Pilipinas 2013 was over and it was Ariella Arida who grabbed most coveted title of Miss Universe Philippines. For the complete list of winners, click here.

The 24-year-old Nikki Gil dead ringer scored an upset over heavy favorites Charmaine Elima, Mariel de Leon and Parul Shah to clinch the Miss Universe Philippines crown. Aside from the Miss Universe Philippines 2013 crown, Ara also won the Best in Swimsuit award.

Ara who stands 5'7.5" hails from Alaminos, Laguna. Possessing both beauty and brains, she's a BS Chemistry graduate of UP Los Baños.  She joined Miss Philippines Earth last year but was unplaced. Can she do a Venus Raj feat of crossing over from MPE to Bb. Pilipinas and placing in Miss Universe?

Ara must be in cloud nine right now but starting tomorrow, she will have to carry the pressure brought about by the Philippines' three consecutive top 5 appearances in the Miss Universe pageant, by virtue of Venus Raj's 4th runner up placement in 2010, Shamcey Supsup's 3rd runner up finish in 2011 and last years 1st runner up victory of Janine Tugonon.

There's no way for the Philippines but to go up in Miss Universe pageant. Can she be the country's third Miss Universe after 40 years? With proper guidance (heard she's from the camp which managed Venus, Shamcey and Janine), this goddess will surely rock the universe.

Will she deliver? What do you think?

Photo courtesy of BPCI

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Binibining Pilipinas 2013 Winners

The grand coronation of Binibining Pilipinas 2013 pageant happened Sunday, April 14 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Dubbed as Binibining Pilipinas Gold, the pageant celebrates 50 beautiful years. 

Miss Universe Philippines 2012 Janine Tugonon, Binibining Pilipinas-International 2012 Nicole Schmitz, and Binibining Pilipinas-Tourism 2012 Katrina Dimaranan crowned their successors at the end of the event. In line with its 50th anniversary, 50 candidates also vied for the most-coveted crowns and the chance to represent the country in the international arena.

Here are the winners of the Binibining Pilipinas 2013 (Gold Pageant):

The Queens

Miss Universe Philippines	-	41 Ariella Arida
Bb. Pilipinas-International	-	20 Bea Rose Santiago
Bb. Pilipinas-Tourism	-	16 Joanna Cindy Miranda
Bb. Pilipinas-Supranational	-	39 Mutya Johanna Datul
1st Runner up	-	15 Pia Wurtzbach

Top 15 Semifinalists:

41 Ariella Arida 45 Imelda Schweighart 39 Mutya Johanna Datul 34 Grace Yann Apuad 13 Charmaine Elima 43 Rhea Nakpil 46 Amanda Noelle Navasero 22 Ellore Noelle Punzalan

20 Bea Rose Santiago 16 Joanna Cindy Miranda 12 Camille Carla Nazar 31 Maria Angelica de Leon 25 Merry Joyce Respicio 15 Pia Wurtzbach 33 Parul Shah

Special Awards:

Best in National Costume	-	37 Maria Teresita Alaine Baccay
Best in Long Gown	-	39 Mutya Johanna Datul
Best in Swimsuit	-	41 Ariella Arida
Bb. Photogenic	-	39 Mutya Johanna Datul
Bb. Friendship	-	21 Lourenz Grace Remetillo
Bb. Talent	-	10 Anna Carmela Aquino
Manila Bulletin Reader's Choice	-	22 Ellore Noelle Punzalan
Cream Silk Beyond Beautiful Woman	-	16 Joanna Cindy Miranda
Bb. Petron	-	16 Joanna Cindy Miranda
Bb. San Miguel Zero Fit and Sexy Body	-	15 Pia Wurtzbach
Bb. Avon	-	20 Bea Rose Santiago
Bb. Philippine Airlines	-	4 Nicole Kim Donesa
Bb. Pilipinas-PAGCOR	-	45 Imelda Schweighart

The event was hosted by Martin Nievera and Dawn Zulueta with commentary from Venus Raj and Shamcey Supsup. The Philippine Azkal's James Younghusband, 'King of Talk' Boy Abunda, ABS-CBN Chairman Gabby Lopez and Miss Universe 1969 Gloria Diaz were among the judges.

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PGT 4 Results Night (April 14): Zilent Overload, Eumee Lyn Capile Advance to Semifinals

After last night's performance show of the second batch of quarter finalists, the two acts that will advance to the semifinals were finally revealed Sunday, April 14.

Before the announcement of the results, Paolo Valenciano, Zia Quizon, hiphop artist Abra and Gloc-9 performed a Pinoy rap medley of Mga Kababayan Ko, Gayuma and Sirena

First to advance to the semifinals was the black light dance crew Zilent Overload getting the highest number of votes (40.65%). The group's performance was a feast for the eyes with several props dancing in the dark. Considered the best last night, Zilent Overload received a standing ovation from the big 3 judges.

Battling for the night's last semifinals slot were singers John Neil Roa and Eumee Lyn Capile, the two who got the 2nd and 3rd highest votes, respectively. It was Eumee Lyn Capile, however, who was chosen by the judges to join Zilent Overload in the semifinals after John Neil faltered in his performance.

The other acts which did not make it into the semifinals were Sundee Viñas, Si.Co.Gu. and EYX Point. To check out their performances, just click here.

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Anne Curtis Belts Out 'Kailangan Ko'y Ikaw' on ASAP 18 (April 14)

Anne Curtis once again performed in the ASAP 18 stage on Sunday, April 14. However, unlike her previous guesting which became controversial due to her outfit, Anne made sure this time that it will not be her dress that will be talk of the town.

Anne Curtis graced ASAP to perform the theme song of her television series Kailangan Ko'y Ikaw, which is now down to its final week. Wearing a long black dress (without slit), Anne belted out the Regine Velasquez song while Homer Flores accompanied her in the piano.

The term "Go Anne" trended on Twitter after her ASAP performance with netizens commending her for the confidence she had shown during the guesting.

Watch Anne Curtis performed Kailangan Ko'y Ikaw on ASAP 18 below:

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Donaire vs Rigondeaux Results: Donaire Loses to Rigondeaux Via Unanimous Decision

The highly-anticipated super bantamweight title unification showdown of Nonito "The Filipino Flash" Donaire and Guillermo "El Chacal" Rigondeaux was held on April 13 (April 14 in Manila) at the Radio City Music Hall in New York.

Rigondeaux beat the Filipino Flash after 12 rounds of boxing. All three score cards (114-113; 115-112; 116-111) went against Donaire, losing the WBO junior featherweight belt to the WBA champion from Cuba. Donaire's new record is now 31-2, 20 KOs while that of Rigondeaux improved to 12-0, 8 KOs.

Rigondeaux was the more engaging boxer during the first two rounds but Donaire never let his guards own and landed jabs on the Cuban. The 3rd and 4th rounds were dominated by Donaire as he did great works in the body and landed his straight punches.

Rounds 5 and 6 saw Rigondeaux playing a bit dirty by grabbing Donaire's head. "El Chacal" scored a huge left in the head during the sixth round. Rigondeaux kept on running away from Donaire on the 7th and 8th rounds and the crowd started to become frustrated. Donaire was still the aggressor on the next round against the counter puncher rival.

In the 10th round, Donaire landed a left hook which made the Cuban slipped into the canvas. He then knocked Rigondeaux down with a straight right, arousing the crowd once more.

An exchange of big punches and jabs followed in the last two rounds. Rigondeaux poked Donaire in the eye  resulted into a cut during the beginning of the 12th round. Even with Donaire's swelling eyes, Rigondeaux did not impressed more in the last round. However, Rigondeaux came on to be the best at 122 pounds.

Dubbed as "Domination," the Donaire-Rigondeaux battle saw 5 out of 8 knockouts in the undercard bouts. The result of the main event was regarded as controversial since scores were wide despite Donaire scoring a knock down in the 10th round.

Last year, Nonito Donaire did an impressive undefeated (4-0) run beating the likes of Toshiaki Nishioka and Jorge Arce since moving up to 122 pounds. The battle with Rigondeaux was his fourth title defense in an attempt to unify the WBO and WBA super bantamweight world titles. 

Rigondeaux may seem less experienced than Donaire based on pro record but the Cuban amatuer legend is similarly dangerous. In fact, Rigondeaux has had one of the most impressive amateur records in history scoring more than 400 victories. This two-time Olympic gold medalist (2000 and 2004) was the star of the powerhouse Cuban national team for years.

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Videos: PGT 4 Quarterfinals Week 2 Performances

The Pilipinas Got Talent Season 4 quarterfinals week 2 performance night happened April 13 (Saturday) and six acts battled it out for the next two semifinals slots.

First to perform was the flag twirling group Si.Co.Gu followed by standard singer John Neil Roa.  Sword balancer and belly dancer Sundee Viñas came next then acrobatics trio EYX Point showcased a show. Another singer Eumee Lyn Capile and blacklight dance crew Zilent Overload were the last two performers.

Check out our rankings of the best performances of the night. Meanwhile, here are the week 2 quarterfinals performances.

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'Pilipinas Got Talent 4' Second Live Quarterfinals Performance Night (April 13)

The second live quarterfinals performance night of Pilipinas Got Talent Season 4 aired on Saturday (April 13). Six acts again showcased spectacular performances to get the approval of the viewers, as well as the judges.

Sinag Color Guards of Pasig (Si.Co.Gu.) opened the night with a visual spectacle of flag twirling. Kris even exclaimed that the group was a kaleidoscope personified. Next to perform was the 13-year-old crooner from Cebu, John Neil Roa. Rendering Stevie Wonder's For Once In My Life, John Neil worked out his charm to get the approval of the judges.

Sundee Viñas added several twists in her usual belly dancing act. The engineer from Batangas did not only balanced two swords in her head, she also had those in her hips and foot while dancing and tumbling. Eyx Point also wowed with their acrobatic balancing acts. The act's level of difficulty was so high that judge Ai Ai even compared it to the one's being done in Las Vegas. 

Eumee Lyn Capile set the stage on fire with her rendition of Alicia Keys' Girl on Fire. The 23-year-old singer nailed the song according to judge FMG. Black light dancers Zilent Overload ended the night with a very big bang. The group's performance was a feast for the eyes with several props dancing in the dark. Considered the best of the night, Zilent Overload received a standing ovation from the big 3 judges.

To watch their performances, just click here.

To vote for your favorite, just text PGT <contestant code> and send to 2331 for Globe, TM and Sun Cellular subscribers, and to 231 for Smart and Talk N’ Text subscribers. You can also vote using ABS-CBN vote cards. To vote online, log on to vote.abs-cbn.com.

Who among the second batch of quarter finalists below will join Chaeremon Basa and The Miss Tres in the semi-finals? Find out tomorrow. Meanwhile, here's our ranking of the best performances of the night.

1. Zilent Overload - PGT ZILENT
2. Si.Co.Gu. - PGT SICOGU
3. Eumee Lyn Capile - PGT EUMEE
4. Eyx Point - PGT POINT
5. John Neil Roa - PGT JOHN
6. Sundee Viñas - PGT SUN

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Viral Video: PSY 'Gentleman' Music Video; Follow Up to 'Gangnam Style'

Korean superstar PSY has released the music video for his new single, Gentleman. The song is his follow up to the global hit Gangnam Style which broke YouTube records.

The Gentleman music video features familiar faces from the Gangnam Style video. However, PSY's girl in the video is now in the person of Ga In (from the K-Pop girl group Brown Eyed Girls).

If Gangnam Style has that signature horse dance steps, Gentleman boasts of a potential dance craze which includes hip shaking, a reminiscent of Brown Eyed Girls Abracadabra way back in 2009.

Will Gentleman level with the success of Gangnam Style or even surpass this worldwide sensation? Watch the music video for PSY's Gentleman below:

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Watch Donaire vs Rigondeaux Fight Via Satellite this April 14 on ABS-CBN

ABS-CBN will air this Sunday (April 14) the highly-anticipated match between Nonito Donaire Jr. and Guillermo Rigondeaux.

Update: Donaire vs Rigondeaux - Donaire Loses to Rigondeaux Via Unanimous Decision

Watch World Boxing Organization (WBO) Junior Featherweight champion and 2012 Fighter of the Year Nonito “Filipino Flash” Donaire goes face-to-face with World Boxing Association (WBA) Super Bantamweight champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist Guillermo “El Chacol” Rigondeaux in the highly-anticipated super bantamweight title unification showdown in “Domination” airing via satellite from Radio City Music Hall in New York this Sunday (April 14), 10:15 AM on ABS-CBN. 

Donaire (31-1, 20 KOs), who is the 3rd Asian to hold four division world titles, makes his fourth title defense against Cuban boxer Rigondeaux (11-0, 8 KOs) in an attempt to unify the WBO and WBA super bantamweight world titles. 

It’s definitely a make or break match for the two as both boxers are on a winning streak in their respective professional boxing careers. Donaire has not lost a single fight for more than 11 years while Rigondeaux remains undefeated ever since he went pro back in 2009. 

Who will dominate the ring? Will Donaire unite the WBO and WBA world titled and end Rigondeaux undefeated record? 

Don’t miss the action this Sunday (Apr 14) as ABS-CBN Sports brings you the via satellite airing of the Donaire-Rigondeaux card in “Domination,” 10:15 AM, on ABS-CBN with same day replay at 4 PM on Studio 23.

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It's Showtime Bida Kapamilya (Celebrity Round) Grand Finals Winner: Isabel Granada and Kapamilya

The It's Showtime Bida Kapamilya Celebrity Round Grand Finals culminated April 13 in a stiff battle between three celebrity familes and in the end it was Isabel Granada and Kapamilya who emerged victorious and claimed the title of Bida Kapamilya Celebrity Round Grand Champion.

Related: It's Showtime Bida Kapamilya Round 2 Grand Finals Winner is Agravante Family

Isabel Granada and Kapamilya did a fiery number during the Bida Kapamilya Celebrity Round ultimate grand finals on Saturday, April 13. The group beat siblings Gem and Duncan Ramos and Kapamilya (2nd placer) and AKA Jam and Kapamilya (3rd placer).

From April 8-12, twelve celebrity grand finalists showcased their grand finals performances. Last Monday, the family of Regine Tolentino faced off with girl group Sexbomb, while Isabel Granada’s challenged young star Francis Magundayao’s on Tuesday.

The families of Rodjun Cruz and celebrity siblings Gem and Duncan Ramos preformed on Wednesday while on Thursday, dancer Saicy Aguila’s clan went against popular dance group The Manoeuvres.

A three-way race happened on Friday when Manuel Chua’s family clashed with Viva Hotbabes and wildcard winner AKA Jam. The top 3 finalists were also announced on Friday.

The grand champion of the Bida Kapamilya Celebrity Round took home P1 million, which they will be sharing with their chosen charity, while the second placer and third placer bagged P200,000 and P100,000, respectively.

Photo courtesy of It's Showtime official Facebook page

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It Takes A Man and A Woman Gross P213.2-M in Less Than 2 Weeks - Box Office Mojo

Sarah Geronimo and John Lloyd Cruz's movie It Takes A Man and A Woman had grossed P213.2 million in just 9 days of showing in theaters according to third party tabulator Box Office Mojo.

It Takes A Man and A Woman consistently topped local box office since its premiere last March 30. The third installment in the Miggy-Laida film series even beat big Hollywood films like G.I. Joe: Retaliation and The Croods. Only shown in 190 theaters, the Sarah-Lloydy film was way ahead the earnings of G.I. Joe which is being shown in 224 theaters nationwide.

It Takes A Man and A Woman is one of the few films to reach the 200-million mark and now on its way to   the P300-million mark racing to be the Philippines' highest grossing movie of all time.

Here are the top movies in the Philippines for the period April 3-7 according to BOM.

TW	LW	Movie	Studio	Weekend Gross	Gross-to-Date	Week
1	1	It Takes A Man And A Woman	Star Cin.	101,570,304 PHP	213,197,074 PHP	2
2	2	G.I. Joe: Retaliation	UIP	57,182,884 PHP	130,958,249 PHP	2
3	3	The Croods	UIP	11,860,450 PHP	60,616,961 PHP	3
4	4	The Host (2013)	Viva Int.	5,601,455 PHP	12,133,118 PHP	2
5	6	Jack the Giant Slayer	WB	1,381,656 PHP	128,875,764 PHP	6
6	5	Oz The Great and Powerful	Disney	1,136,998 PHP	87,442,798 PHP	5
7	7	The Incredible Burt Wonderstone	WB	354,891 PHP	13,185,593 PHP	3

Highest Grossing Pinoy Films for 2013

(as of April 7, 2013)

1. It Takes A Man and A Woman - P213.2-M
2. A Moment In Time - P64.54-M
3. Must Be...Love - P60.74-M
4. Seduction - P6.59-M

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Charice New Boyish Look Bared in a Campaign; Shorter Hairstyle with Extra Pounds

Charice once again surprised her fans after a picture of her sporting a shorter hair and wearing a very masculine outfit hits the web. 

According to reports, the said picture was taken during a local campaign in Laguna. The latest photo circulating around showed Charice with extra pounds, looking more like his younger brother Carl. 

With Charice's evolution from an international singer with long locks and full make up to what we have seen in her The X Factor Philippines stint as a judge and her latest picture from Japan, many are now speculating that Charice is a lesbian. However, the international singing sensation neither confirmed nor denied the speculations.

What can you say about her new hairstyle and look? 

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Andi Eigenmann Goes Surfing with Kuya Kim in 'Matanglawin' (April 14)

Kuya Kim and guest celebrity host Andi Eigenmann try out some of today’s hottest water sports which can be a fun and athletic way to beat the summer heat this Sunday (Apr 14) in “Matanglawin.”

Join the country’s Trivia King as he rides the waves and learns how to surf with the help from the first female surfing instructor from the Philippine Surfing Academy.

As Kuya Kim attempts to balance himself on top of a board and surf, Andi also heads to the waters and tries her hand at wakeboarding. Can they both handle the challenge?

Don’t miss one of the month-long 5th anniversary special episodes of “Matanglawin” this Sunday (April 14) 9:30 AM on ABS-CBN.

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ASAP 18 Celebrates Gary V 30th Anniversary; Sarah Geronimo and Anne Curtis Treat Fans (April 14)

Experience energy at its highest level this Sunday (April 14) as “ASAP 18” throws the grandest celebration for Gary Valenciano’s 30th showbiz anniversary.

Video: Anne Curtis Belts Out 'Kailangan Ko'y Ikaw' on ASAP 18 (April 14)

Witness the biggest salute for the one and only Mr. Pure Energy through a string of non-stop world-class concert performances with some of the biggest stars such as Martin Nievera, ZsaZsa Padilla, Vina Morales, Anna Fegi, Julianne, Robin Nievera, and his children Paolo and Kiana. Also joining in Gary’s celebration are “X Factor Philippines” finalists Daddy’s Home, Quest, AKA Jam, and Take Off; and the popular dance group Maneouvers.

“ASAP 18” continues the celebration with the back-to-back special thanksgiving treats of box-office royalty Sarah Geronimo for the success of “It Takes A Man and A Woman;” and Kapamilya leading lady Anne Curtis for the farewell of ABS-CBN’s Primetime action-drama series “Kailangan Ko’y Ikaw.”

Love and laughter will surely load up in the small screens with the romantic performances of 2013 Star Magic Circle Boys Jerome Ponce, Khalil Ramos, Kit Thompson, Jon Lucas, Julian Estrada, and Alex Diaz; followed by the special surprises of comedians K Brosas, Chokoleit, and Pokwang.

Meanwhile, don’t miss the must-see surprise of the whole ASAP Kapamilya for the ultimate multimedia star Toni Gonzaga.

Prepare to be amazed with the hair-raising vocal acts prepared by Erik Santos, Jed Madela, Yeng Constantino, Angeline Quinto, Nikki Gil, Zia Quizon, and the ASAP Sessionistas.

Also, watch out for the breath-taking Supahdance summer showcase of Billy Crawford, Sam Milby, Enrique Gil, Kathryn Bernardo, Sam Concepcion, Maja Salvador, John Prats, Rayver Cruz, Empress, Iya Villania, Bugoy Cariño, at KC Concepcion.

Don’t miss the non-stop celebrations in the country’s longest-running, award-winning variety show, “ASAP 18” this Sunday, 12:15 noon, on ABS-CBN. For updates, photos and to hang out live with the stars at ASAP Chill-Out, simply visithttp://asap.abs-cbn.com/, ‘like’ http://facebook.com/asapofficial, follow @ASAPOFFICIAL on Twitter, and know the latest happenings in “ASAP 18” by tweeting the hashtag #ASAPTripKoTo.

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'The Voice of the Philippines' Airs June 2013; Coaches Now Ready for Blind Auditions

It’s the voice, not the looks or backstories, that will determine the next singing superstar in the highly anticipated singing competition “The Voice of the Philippines” airing this June on ABS-CBN with top caliber singers who have made their mark in the local and international music scenes as coaches who will mentor the aspiring singers or artists.

“The Voice of the Philippines,” to be hosted by multimedia star Toni Gonzaga with Robi Domingo as social media correspondent, proved to be a unique format with its “blind auditions,” where hopefuls will audition by singing on stage with the coaches facing against them.

It will not only have the artists competing in the show, but also the coaches who will go against one another in picking the best artists for their teams as early as the auditions round.

ABS-CBN has announced that Popstar Royalty Sarah Geronimo, Rock Superstar Bamboo, Broadway Diva Lea Salonga, and international hiphop sensation Apl De Ap will sit on the coaches’ chairs of “The Voice of the Philippines.”

The coaches’ first task is to pick who among artists they want to be part of their respective teams. The selection process begins during the blind auditions where they will evaluate the artists’ performances based on the voices they hear and if they would like to mentor a particular artist, they must press the button that will trigger their swiveling coaches’ chair to turn to the stage and get to see the artist in person.

In the event that more than two or more coaches chose a particular artist, the coaches will have to sell themselves to the artist and convince him or her to pick them as coach.

After choosing members of their teams, the coaches will start to mentor and train their artists.  They will pit two of their own team members in the second round called the “battle rounds,” or a do or die match between the two artists who must give it their all to please their coach.  And in the end, the coaches’ chosen artists will advance to the next round of the competition— the live performance shows.

Viewers will then step in the scene and can save their favorites from elimination by voting. In the end, each coach will have one star artist left to compete against the other team’s finalists and the last one standing will be named “The Voice of the Philippines.”

ABS-CBN bagged the exclusive rights to air and adapt the worldwide hit franchise from Dutch-based Talpa Media Group and joins 40 other countries around the world that localized it on TV, including the more popular US version of “The Voice” hosted by Carson Daly with Christina Aguilera, Adam Levine, Cee Lo Green, and Blake Shelton as coaches.

Who will be part of Team Sarah, Team Bamboo, Team Lea, and Team Apl? Watch out for “The Voice of the Philippines” airing this June on ABS-CBN. For updates, log on to www.thevoice.abs-cbn.com, like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/thevoiceabscbn , orfollow @thevoiceabscbn on Twitter.

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