Vhong Navarro Exclusive Interview by Korina Sanchez (Video)

Actor-host Vhong Navarro had an exclusive interview with TV Patrol anchor Korina Sanchez which aired February 6. The interview was made after Vhong was released from the hospital on Thursday, following the mauling incident which happened January 22 inside Denice Cornejo's condo.

According to Vhong, he was hesitant to go to the hospital and break his silence after the incident because he feared for his life and his family. He said that he drew strength from manager Chito Roño, his girlfriend Tanya and the public to pursue the case.

What Vhong learned from this incident: "Don't just trust anyone and be faithful."

Watch the interview of Korina Sanchez with Vhong Navarro below.

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Vhong Navarro Attacked, Beaten Up by a Group of Men in Fort Condo

It's Showtime host Vhong Navarro was reportedly attacked by a group of men inside a condominium unit in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City and is currently recovering in the hospital.

Photo courtesy of Vhong via ABS-CBN News

Film and TV director Chito Roño, Vhong Navarro's manager, told ABS-CBN News in a statement that the incident happened Wednesday (January 22). According to Direk Chito, a female friend invited Vhong to visit her in her condominium in Fort Taguig.

When Vhong entered the condo's premises, he was allegedly blindfolded, tied and beaten up by several men. The suspects also threatened Vhong and tried to extort money from him.

Vhong, the report said, was unable to detail the incident because he still can't speak properly. The authorities are still yet to find out the motives behind the attack.

Because of the severe injuries he got, Vhong might undergo surgical operation. While recuperating, the 37-year-old comedian will be temporarily absent on It's Showtime and on his other showbiz commitments.

Here is Chito Roño's full statement:

"Si Vhong Navarro ay naimbitihan sa isang condominium unit sa Fort ng isang kaibigang babae. At sa di pa malamang kadahilanan, siya ay piniringan, pinagtulungang bugbugin, ginapos, tinakot, at hinihingan ng pera ng isang grupo ng kalalakihan noong January 22, Miyerkules.

"Si Vhong ay kasalukuyang nagpapagaling at mawawala ng pansamantala sa 'It's Showtime' at iba pa niyang proyekto."

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Maria Mercedes Premieres October 7 on ABS-CBN Primetime Bida

The highly-anticipated local adaptation of the worldwide hit Mexican telenovela that captivated the hearts of many Filipino viewers is set to conquer Philippine television once more beginning Monday (Oct 7) when ABS-CBN premieres “Maria Mercedes” on Primetime Bida. 

Filling in the shoes of Mexican Superstar Thalia, who first played the role of Maria Mercedes, is one of Philippine TV’s prettiest faces today and ABS-CBN’s newest primetime princess, Jessy Mendiola. She will portray the iconic role of Mercedes opposite leading men Jake Cuenca as Luis and Jason Abalos as Clavio.

Video: “Maria Mercedes” Full Trailer

“The Pinay Maria Mercedes will surely make Filipinos laugh, cry, and fall in love all over again with her colorful story,” said Jessy. “Viewers will get to relate to the story even more as we highlight true Filipino values especially our unconditional love for our family.”

Follow the bittersweet story of Mercedes as she faces life’s stuggles and experiences falling in love for the first time.

From a simple life in the province, Mercedes, together with her father and siblings, will move to Manila to move on from the pain caused by her mother. But things wouldn’t go as planned when her father suddenly died and Mercedes was left with no choice but to take on the responsibility of raising her younger brother and sister at her very young age.

As time passed, Mercedes learned her way living in the metro and was able to provide for siblings Rosario (Devon Seron) and Andres (Yogo Singh) by juggling different but decent jobs alongside her childhood friend Clavio (Jason Abalos).

But her world will take a different turn once her heart starts to beat for the handsome and rich businessman Luis Sancuevas (Jake Cuenca). How will Mercedes deal with her feelings for Luis? Who will go against their budding love? How will fate turn things around as Santiago (Ariel Rivera) enters Mercedes’ life?

Also included in the cast of “Maria Mercedes” are Vina Morales, Dominic Ochoa, Nikki Gil, Vivian Velez, Nadia Montenegro, Atoy Co, Erika Padilla, Marx Topacio, Alex Castro, and Isabelle De Leon.

“Maria Mercedes,” directed by Chito Rono, is one of ABS-CBN’s offerings in celebration of the 60th year of Philippine television. The original “Maria Mercedes” aired on ABS-CBN in 1996 and it is considered to be one of the most successful telenovelas in Phillipine TV history. The soon-to-air remake is the only localized version endorsed by Thalia herself among other Thalia-serye adaptations previously aired on Philippine television.

Don’t miss the premiere of “Maria Mercedes” beginning Monday (Oct 7) on ABS-CBN’s Primetime Bida. For updates, follow @MariaMercedesPH on Twitter and like www.facebook.com/MariaMercedesOfficial on Facebook. Tweet your thoughts about the show using the hashtag #MariaMercedes.

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Maria Mercedes Full Trailer (Video) | Premieres October 7 on ABS-CBN Primetime Bida

Check out the full trailer of Maria Mercedes, ABS-CBN's newest teleserye topbilled by the sexy Jessy Mendiola, Jason Abalos and Jake Cuenca. The show is the last to be remade in the 'Marias' telenovela trilogy starring Thalia.

Also starring Vina Morales, Dominic Ochoa, Nadia Montenegro, Nikki Gil, Ariel Rivera, Devon Seron, Yogo Singh and Vivian Velez, and directed by Chito Roño and Rechie del Carmen, Maria Mercedes will premiere October 7 on ABS-CBN Primetime Bida.

Here's the full trailer of Maria Mercedes ABS-CBN remake. Also check out the hot music video of the teleserye theme song performed by Maria herself, Jessy Mendiola. 

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Video: Jessy Mendiola Sings Theme Song of Own Soap 'Maria Mercedes'

Actress Jessy Mendiola sizzles on the recent ABS-CBN Trade Event as she performs the theme song of her upcoming teleserye Maria Mercedes with her leading men Jake Cuenca and Jason Abalos.

Jessy Mendiola is the one who sang and recorded the theme song which is arranged by Jonathan Manalo. The Philippine remake of Maria Mercedes is directed by Chito Roño and will premiere soon on ABS-CBN.

Jessy is very thankful because aside from the network trusting her the iconic role and letting her sing the theme song, the original Maria Merceds, Mexican superstar Thalia has also given her blessing to Jessy. Thalia, via Skype, wished the actress, the cast and crew good luck.

Watch Jessy Mendiola as she performs the theme song of Maria Mercedes:

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Jessy Mendiola is Maria Mercedes in ABS-CBN Remake; Jake Cuenca Plays Leading Man

Jessy Mendiola has been chosen to play the role of Maria Mercedes in the upcoming Philippine remake of ABS-CBN. According to reports, Jessy was told of the good news late last year during the Star Magic Ball.

As a teaser for the project, Jessy Mendiola appeared as Maria Mercedes Muñoz Gonzales in the ABS-CBN 2013 summer station ID. Jessy exuded so much sexiness, and the Latina vibe she possessed in her Preview magazine cover more than proved that she's Maria, herself.

Maria Mercedes is the first of the "Marias" telenovela trilogy followed by Maria la Del Barrio and Marimar, all of which starred Thalia. Aired locally by ABS-CBN in 1996, Maria Mercedes sees Thalia as a street urchin whose life takes a turn when she agrees to marry an immensely rich man who is terminally ill. Maria's leading man in the series is Jorge Luis.

Playing Jorge Luis is hunk actor Jake Cuenca. Maria Mercedes will be the first time that Jake will be working with Jessy and the actor is very excited for the project. 

"Sobrang grateful ako kasi may teleserye ako ulit. Si Jessy Mendiola pa ang leading lady. Napapanood ko ang 'Paraiso' at ang laki na ng in-improve niya, ang laki na ng maturity level niya as an actress and as a person. Tapos, magkaibigan din kami, so excited akong makatrabaho siya," the 25-year-old actor was quoted as saying by entertainment news site Philippine Entertainment Portal.

Aside from Jake Cuenca, reports also said that Jason Abalos will also be part of the project.

The rags-to-riches story of Maria Mercedes is the only hit in the "Marias" telenovela trilogy that is yet to be remade. ABS-CBN is already done with Maria La Del Barrio which was topbilled by Erich Gonzales and Enchong Dee while GMA had Marimar (initially for Angel Locsin before she transferred to ABS-CBN) which launched the career of Marian Rivera. 

Slated to air this year, Maria Mercedes Philippine remake will be directed by Chito Roño. 

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Shake Rattle and Roll 14 Teaser Trailer Released

Regal Entertainment has released the official trailer of Shake Rattle and Roll 14 (The Invasion). The 14th installment of the original Pinoy horror film series is an official entry to the 2012 Metro Manila Film Festival.

Shake Rattle and Roll XIV also contains three different episodes namely Unwanted, The Lost Command and Pamana. All the three episodes were directed by Chito S. Roño.

Unwanted features the first on-screen team up of Vhong Navarro and Lovi Poe plus Albie Casiño, Eula Caballero, Carlo Aquino and Eric Tai while The Lost Command stars Paulo Avelino, Ella Cruz, Mart Escudero, Dennis Trillo, AJ Dee, JC Tiuseco, Alex Castro and Makisig Morales.

The third episode Pamana stars two SRR veteran, Janice de Belen and Mayor Herbert Bautista with Empress, Ivan Dorschner, Dennis Padilla and Arlene Muhlach.

Watch the teaser trailer of Shake Rattle and Roll 14 below:

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Controversial R-18 Version of 'The Healing' Airs on Sky Cable Season Pass

The controversial R-18 version or the director’s cut of Star Cinema’s blockbuster suspense-horror film of 2012, “The Healing,” will finallly premiere on Philippine television via SKYcable Season Pass.

This is the first time that the said suspense-horror film topbilled by Star for All Seasons Vilma Santos will be shown on TV after its successful theatrical release.

From September 15 to October 7, SKYcable subscribers can now enjoy “The Healing: The Director’s Cut” at the comfort of their homes through the pay-per-view service of SKYcable Season Pass for only P199 for the three-day access and P299 for the seven-day access.

Aside from the behind-the-scenes footage, also bundled with the pay-per-view subscription of “The Healing: Director’s Cut” are three of Star Cinema’s blockbuster horror films namely “T2,” “Sukob,” and “Feng Shui.”

A masterpiece of Philippine cinema’s ‘Master of Horror’ Chito S. Roño, “The Healing” is about Filipinos deep faith on on faith healers. It will follow the life-changing experience of Seth (Vilma) and the people whom she convinced to get help from the faith healer whom she thought made a miracle to his father.

Also part of “The Healing” are Kim Chiu, Janice de Belen, Martin del Rosario, Jhong Hilario, Daria Ramirez, Joel Torre, and Pokwang.

Don’t miss to subscribe to the pay-per-view of “The Healing: Director’s Cut” in SKYcable Season Pass from from September 15 to 30 sa pay-per-view ng “The Healing: Director’s Cut” sa SKYcable Season Pass. SKYcable subscribers may simply log on to www.mysky.com.ph or call SKYcable Customer Service Hotlines 381-0000 (Metro Manila, CAMANAVA and Rizal), 520-8560 (San Pedro, Laguna), 049-53428 (Laguna), 046-4844701 (Cavite) and 044-6935877 (Bulacan).

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The Healing Grosses P85.97 Million in 3 Weeks - Box Office Mojo

The Healing (Star Cinema) starring Vilma Santos and Kim Chiu had already grossed P85.97 million on its 3rd week of showing according to the data provided third party tabulator Box Office Mojo (BOM) for the period of August 8-12, 2012.

The Healing managed to add more than P11 million on its 2nd week gross of P74.4 million despite the premiere of highly-anticipated movie The Bourne Legacy which was partly shot in Manila and Palawan. The latest installment from the Bourne series was a blockbuster hit raking in P100.68 million on its first week of showing in more than 300 theaters nationwide.

With the entry of The Bourne Legacy, Disney's Brave and Step Up Revolution slipped to numbers 2 and 3, respectively with The Healing also down at no. 4.

Here are the top 8 movies in the Philippines for the period August 8-12 according to BOM.

TW	LW	Movie	Studio	Weekend Gross	Gross-to-Date	Week
1	N	The Bourne Legacy	UIP	110,676,250 PHP	110.68-M PHP	1
2	1	Brave	Disney	15,021,501 PHP	55.27-M PHP	2
3	2	Step Up Revolution	Pioneer	12,891,658 PHP	38.67-M PHP	2
4	3	The Healing	Star Cin.	11,467,561 PHP	85.97-M PHP	3
5	4	The Dark Knight Rises	WB	5,199,264 PHP	217.03-M PHP	4
6	5	The Dictator	UIP	543,781 PHP	23.74-M PHP	3
7	6	Ice Age: Continental Drift	Fox	324,391 PHP	92.99-M PHP	5
8	9	Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter	Fox	161,632 PHP	50.58-M PHP	6

Highest Grossing Pinoy Films for 2012
(as of August 12, 2012)

1. Unofficially Yours - P157.25 M
2. Kimmy Dora and the Temple of Kiyeme - P133.34 M
3. The Healing - P85.97 M
4. Moron 5 and the Crying Lady - P64.6 M
5. Born To Love You - P52.37 M
6. Corazon: Ang Unang Aswang - P51.4 M
7. Every Breath U Take - P50.2 M
8. The Mommy Returns - P30.6 M
9. Boy Pick-Up: The Movie - P24.99 M
10. A Mother's Story - P24.81 M
===============================
11. My Cactus Heart - P23 M
12. My Kontrabida Girl - P13.09 M
13. The Witness - P8.6 M
14. Hitman - P5.75 M

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The Healing Grosses P74.4 Million in 2 Weeks - Box Office Mojo

Star Cinema's suspense-horror The Healing starring Vilma Santos and Kim Chiu had grossed P74.4 million in two weeks according to third-party tabulator Box Office Mojo (BOM).

Contrary to the report of Star Cinema, the box office gross of The Healing based on the tally of BOM fell short of its P80 million first week gross (studio report). However, BOM covers only about 60-70% of movie screens nationwide so this might cause the discrepancy.

The Healing ranked 3rd for the top movies in the Philippines for the period of August 1-5, 2012. Disney's Brave topped local box office for the said period followed by Step Up Revolution.

Here are the top 10 movies in the Philippines for the period June 20-24 according to BOM.

TW	LW	Movie	Studio	Weekend Gross	Gross-to-Date	Week
1	N	Brave	Disney	36,108,370 PHP	36.10-M PHP	1
2	N	Step Up Revolution	Pioneer	25,747,173 PHP	25.75-M PHP	1
3	-	The Healing	Star Cin.	22,903,013 PHP	74.40-M PHP	2
4	1	The Dark Knight Rises	WB	22,337,740 PHP	208.62-M PHP	3
5	2	The Dictator	UIP	6,381,366 PHP	22.2-M PHP	2
6	3	Ice Age: Continental Drift	Fox	2,827,073 PHP	92.2-M PHP	4
7	4	The Amazing Spider-Man	Sony	1,264,988 PHP	341.4-M PHP	6
8	N	407 Dark Flight	n/a	634,703 PHP	0.63-M PHP	1
9	7	Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter	Fox	273,093 PHP	50.28-M PHP	5
10	8	Big Miracle	UIP	24,213 PHP	0.25-M PHP	2

Highest Grossing Pinoy Films for 2012

(as of August 5, 2012)

1. Unofficially Yours - P157.25 M
2. Kimmy Dora and the Temple of Kiyeme - P95.7 M
3. The Healing - P74.4 M
4. Moron 5 and the Crying Lady - P64.6 M
5. Born To Love You - P52.37 M
6. Corazon: Ang Unang Aswang - P51.4 M
7. Every Breath U Take - P50.2 M
8. The Mommy Returns - P30.6 M
9. Boy Pick-Up: The Movie - P24.99 M
10. A Mother's Story - P24.81 M
11. My Cactus Heart - P23 M
12. My Kontrabida Girl - P13.09 M
13. The Witness - P8.6 M
14. Hitman - P5.75 M

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'The Healing' Grosses P80 Million on First 7 Days According to Star Cinema

The Healing starring Vilma Santos and Kim Chiu grossed P80 million on its first week of showing according to Star Cinema. The Healing  is Gov. Vi's 50th anniversary movie and her first suspense-horror film.

The Healing is poised to be the third Pinoy film to reach the P100 million mark this year after John Lloyd Cruz and Angel Locsin's Unofficially Yours and Eugene Domingo's Kimmy Dora and the Temple of Kiyeme.

This was quite an amazing feat for a movie that despite heavy rains and huge competitors from Hollywood  and the successul Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival managed to rake in a large sum of money. It can be recalled that The Dark Night Rises' 2nd week in theaters clashed with The Healing's first week while Cinemalaya ran from July 20-29, also showing simultaneously with The Healing.

[The Healing International Screenings]

The Healing, which is graded A by the Cinema Evaluation Board, was given an R-13 and R-18 rating by the MTRCB. This would mean that in its two versions, strictly 13 years old or 18 years old and above can watch the movie (kids are not allowed).

Congratulations to the whole cast and crew of The Healing, especially to Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto and Direk Chito Roño. The Healing, now on its second week is still showing in theaters nationwide.

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'The Healing' Excites Netizens, Draws Huge Crowd to Cinemas

Chito Roño’s newest suspense-horror masterpiece, “The Healing,” topbilled by Star for All Seasons Vilma Santos and Princess of Philippine TV and Movies Kim Chiu, has swiftly turned into a much-talked about movie event of the year and earned the nods of countless moviegoers who have witnessed it so far.

The film’s unprecedented success started as early as its premiere night last Tuesday, July 24 when “The Healing” zoomed as the no.1 trending topic worldwide on Twitter where tweets flooded on the popular microblogging site from netizens who got all excited to watch the latest Star Cinema offering.

True enough, the immense public excitement for “The Healing” drew huge crowds to different cinemas nationwide and resulted to long queues of moviegoers on the first day of showing alone. The Roño masterpiece has instantly became such a big hit that some mall owners have decided to add more cinemas this weekend to accommodate the upsurge of expected audience.

Under the production of Star Cinema, “The Healing” was given the highest grade of “A” by the Cinema Evaluation Board (CEB).

“The Healing” is the grand kick-off celebration of Vilma’s 50th anniversary in showbiz.

“The Healing” is now showing in 140 cinemas nationwide.

Also included in powerhouse cast of “The Healing” are Janice de Belen, Mark Gil, Martin del Rosario, Jhong Hilario, Allan Paule, Cris Villanueva, Daria Ramirez, Ces Quesada, Ynez Veneracion, Simon Ibarra, Abi Bautista, Joel Torre, Chinggoy Alonso, Mon Confiado, Carmi Martin and Pokwang.

For more updates on “The Healing”, simply visit www.StarCinema.com.ph, or like the movie’s official page, http://facebook.com/TheHealingFilm, http://facebook.com/StarCinema or http://twitter.com/StarCinema.

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