Marie Digby is clueless why Filipinos like her

Marie Digby recently released her first albumin the Philippines, Your Love, which includes tracks that feature her collaboration with Filipino singer-actors like Sam Milby and Jericho Rosales. Though Marie has made a name for herself in the international music scene, she said that making an album in the country is also her way of thanking her Filipinos fans who are a big part of her international fame.

“In the beginning when my YouTube videos were taking off, most of my fans were in the Philippines and when I went to Hollywood records it was very hard to convince them to let me come over here and do concerts for promotional work,” she related. “In fact, the first time around I went almost everywhere except for the Philippines so when I finished my contract (in the US) and I made sure that I come over here and thank everybody who would watch my videos for the past four years because without the fans here, I wouldn’t have a released album anywhere.”

The Irish-Japanese singer also could not single out the reason why she thinks Filipinos appreciate her music. “It baffles me and I’m grateful for it because like in the beginning when I found out that most of my viewers were Filipinos [I wondered], is it because they just liked me or they think I am Filipino? I wonder what it is. I don’t know what the answer [and] I don’t care, I’m just grateful,” she beamed.

Having the chance to stay and know a lot of locals in the country, Marie added that what she really likes most about Filipinos is that they are not trivial. “What I appreciate, they don’t love you on the surface, they dig deeper, they want to know who you are, what your inspirations are.”

She even shared a characteristic of Filipinos that she finds interesting. “Filipinos love music and they love to sing, but sometimes when you have your shows, they get really, really shy. They’ve been singing along the whole show but when you put the mic on them they’re mute,” she said smiling.

Apart from her album in the Philippines, Marie continued that she is also working on her album in Japan, which she intends to release next year, and also hopes to release an album in the US via an independent record label.

Source: http://www.abs-cbn.com/Celebrity/Article/10410/Marie-Digby-is-clueless-why-Filipinos-like-her-but-is-grateful-for-their-support.aspx

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Celebrity couple Raymart and Claudine: We're still togethe

Celebrity couple Raymart Santiago and Claudine Barretto on Friday dispelled rumors that they have separated.

In the couple’s joint statement released through Barretto’s talent manager, Shirley Kuan, they said their marriage remains intact.

“We are still together, we have not separated, we love each other, and we both value and cherish our marriage and relationship. Any issues that we may have are private, and do not detract from, nor diminish, the strength of our marriage,” the statement said.

The couple asked the public to deal with their concerns “without the glare and glee of media speculation that only hurt us and those we love.”

Barretto and Santiago added that the recent controversy surrounding their separation has caused pain to their children.

“As concerned and devoted parents, we shall zealously protect their privacy, and their right to be untouched by malice and gossip. We plead with the public to respect their rights: They are innocent children unjustly harmed by the baseless gossip about us,” their statement said.

Last year, the couple was also involved in break-up talks, which were supposedly triggered by a rumor about Barretto’s alleged extramarital affair with Martin Castro.

On Thursday, Philippine Star columnist Ricky Lo claimed in his column “Funfare” that Barretto and Santiago have been living separately for 2 months.

The 2 have been married for 5 years.

A Pilipino Star Ngayon column by Nitz Miralles, meanwhile, alleged that Barretto was looking for a new house even before the recent controversy over the mysterious "disappearance" of the balance of their joint account.

The report said Barretto wanted a house near their conjugal property so she could continue to see their children, who were reportedly in the custody of Santiago.

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Senator Bong Revilla's brother killed

Ram Bautista Revilla, a half-brother of Senator Ramon 'Bong' Revilla Jr., was killed in his home in Parañaque City before midnight on Friday.

Sen. Revilla told dzMM that a gunman wearing a bonnet entered the 2-storey house of his half-brother in BF Homes and then shot and stabbed him and his girlfriend, Janelle Manahan.

Ram, 22, also an actor, is a son of former Senator Ramon Revilla Sr. and Genelyn Magsaysay. He sustained multiple stab wounds on the head and on different parts of his body.

Citing a police report, Sen. Revilla said the gunman shot Ram with a .45 caliber gun and then stabbed him.

"Iyong peace and order dito sa ating bansa medyo lumalala na. Kailangang medyo may gawin talaga ang ating kapulisan. Nakakalungkot. Sa aspetong ito hindi kami titigil hangga't hindi ito nabibigyan ng hustisya," Sen. Revilla said.

Ram was declared dead on arrival at the Parañaque Medical Center.

“Maraming saksak sa likod at ulo, iba’t-ibang parte ng katawan at saka sabi may isa daw tama ng bala,” said first responder, Police Officer 2 Francisco Bukid.

Manahan was also shot twice on the left side of the face and shoulder.

"May tama sa panga but I think she's okay," Sen. Revilla said.

She is now under observation at the Asian Hospital in Muntinlupa City.

Manahan is now able to talk, according to Sen. Revilla's executive assistant.

Girlfriend called cops

Bukid said the wounded Manahan was the one who reported the incident to police through 117.

“Na-receive namin yung tawag 11:55 p.m. more or less 11:45 p.m. nangyari yung insidente. Ang sabi niya, naka-bonnet daw dalawang tao,” said Bukid.

Manahan was still conscious when police arrived at their house. Police immediately brought Revilla to the Parañaque Medical Center .

Another sibling, Ramona Revilla, was allegedly in the house when the incident happened, Bukid said.

The suspects took Ramona with them but dropped her off in front of a mall an hour later.

“Nandoon [din] daw [sa bahay] pero nakuha sa Las Piñas. Under shock pa kaya di pa siya makausap,” said Bukid.

Sen. Revilla took custody of his sister for security reasons.

Police undertakes probe

Aside from Ramona, 4 other people—3 household help and Ram’s production assistant--were also in the house at the time of the incident. They are now being questioned by police.

Police probers are also talking to Nino Tabada, the security guard on duty at the gate of the subdivision, which was very near Ram’s house.

Police recovered an empty shell of .45 calibre gun, but the firearm and knife used in the crime were not recovered from the crime scene.

Sen. Revilla condemned the heinous crime and vowed to seek justice for his kin.

"Wala akong alam na may kagalit ito. Ang alam ko, gusto niya...nagaambisyon siya na tumakbo na konsehal sa bayan ng Imus," he said. "Mabait na tao ito, wala akong masabing masama."

Ram's Facebook page says he planned on running for councilor of Imus, Cavite.

Favorite child

Sen. Revilla said Ram was his father's "favorite" child. "Paborito ng daddy ko 'to."

He said they still don't know how to break the news to him given his father's failing health. The former senator is 84 years old. He has over 80 children with many wives.

Sen. Revilla said robbery was not the motive since nothing was taken from the house.

"Sobra ang galit para gawin ito," he said.

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Angel Locsin, Phil say ‘relationship’ is going strong

Azkals heartthrob Phil Younghusband did not disappoint his special someone, actress Angel Locsin, when he showed up as the latter's date at the Esquire Ball held Wednesday night.

Younghusband had just returned to the country from Taiwan, where the national football team played in the Long Teng Cup.

In an interview with ABS-CBN News, both stars revealed that their relationship is going strong, contrary to circulating rumors saying that they have parted ways.

"Walang date [ang anniversary] eh. Kung ano man ang nangyayari ngayon sa amin, ayaw namin masira by moving forward," Locsin said.

For his part, Younghusband said, "We're happy. We've always been happy and we're still happy. We're enjoying it at the moment."

Also spotted at the Esquire Ball, which was held by Esquire Philippines magazine, are Azkals players Anton del Rosario, Jason Sabio and Angel Guirado.

The national football team left for Singapore on Thursday morning for a friendly match to be held on Friday.

Meanwhile, Locsin said she is currently participating in relief operations conducted by the Philippine Red Cross to reach out to people affected by typhoons "Pedring" and "Quiel."

She called on the public to help those who are badly hit by the recent calamities.

"Merong repacking schedules sa Red Cross at relief operations...kung sino 'yung gustong mag-abot ng tulong, cash, in kind o manpower," she said.

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/10/06/11/angel-phil-say-%E2%80%98relationship%E2%80%99-going-strong

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Shamcey Supsup to help flood victims in Bulacan

Shamcey Supsup wants to help families in Bulacan who were affected by typhoons Pedring and Quiel.

During her interview in "Bandila" on Thursday, Supsup said that the Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc. is currently organizing a relief operation to help some of the flood-stricken communities in Central Luzon.

She said, “We’re preparing for relief operations on Saturday, but I’m not sure pa where specific, but it’s in Bulacan.”

Supsup will be joined by some of her fellow Bb. Pilipinas 2011 finalists, including Bb. Pilipinas-International Dianne Necio and Bb. Pilipinas-Tourism Isabella Manjon.

Binibining Pilipinas 2010 beauties Venus Raj and Czarina Catherine Gatbonton will also be a part of this charitable operation.

Recently, Suspsup took part in the distribution of relief packs in the City of Manila.

She admitted that she enjoys extending a helping hand to those in need.

She said “Gusto kong tumulong sa mga ganitong klaseng project. Ito 'yung mga gusto kong gawin.”

“Feeling ko may purpose kung bakit ako nanalo,” she said, referring to her intention to be of service to the less fortunate people.

Meanwhile, in line with her instant fame, Supsup said that she is still trying her best to adjust.

She claimed that her current celebrity status has actually changed a lot of things in her life.

To name some, she said, "Aside from no privacy, I can’t go out alone anymore. I can’t go out to public places."

When asked whether she plans to pursue a career in show business, however, she failed to give a definite answer.

“I’m not sure because I have so much plans, that I don’t know if I can handle more pa,” she said.

According to Supsup, her dreams of pursuing a master’s degree, taking on a teaching career, and building her own architectural firm are still intact.

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/10/06/11/shamcey-help-flood-victims-bulacan

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Another star with Pinoy roots joins 'Glee' cast

After Kent Avenido, Darren Criss and Charice, another star with Filipino roots has joined the cast of popular musical television series "Glee."

Tamlyn Tomita, a Hollywood actress born and raised by a half-Filipino mother, was introduced in the series as the mother of Asian glee club member Mike Chang, which is portrayed by Harry Shum Jr.

"This season has been great, I think, for everybody. Not just for my character, but for a lot of the characters. And I think that's really interesting to see. You're gonna watch a big plateful of things happening," said Shum, a Chinese-American actor.

Fil-Am Criss portrays the character of Blaine Anderson, while Avenido plays the role of Howard Bamboo.

Charice, meanwhile, appeared a number of times in the second season of "Glee" as Sunshine Corazon, a Filipino exchange student.

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/10/06/11/another-star-pinoy-roots-joins-glee-cast

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Solenn Heussaff supports smoke-free campaign

Film and television personality Solenn Heussaff revealed she is in favor of the smoke-free Philippines campaign but she thinks there are other issues the government should prioritize.

“I think that will be a good thing but I think everyone can decide for themselves on what they want to do and I think we have other issues that are more important to take care of,” she told ABS-CBN News during the Esquire Ball on Wednesday night.

Heussaff even cited the reproductive health bill as a more urgent national issue.

Actresses Nora Aunor and Anne Curtis recently came under fire for posing for 2 different magazines while holding a cigarette.

The Philippine Medical Association, an organization which supports the smoke-free Philippines campaign, even expressed displeasure toward the said photos, saying the images are conveying a bad image.

Meanwhile, Heussaff said she is elated to be given the chance to work with Diamond Star Maricel Soriano in an upcoming movie.

“Very nice story. I am very excited. They are all very good actors and I’m so honored to be part of the movie. Most of my scenes are with Maricel Soriano,” she said.

“Three different stories all linked up together. It’s like about love, betrayal and forgiving, different kinds of love,” Heussaff added.

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/10/06/11/solenn-supports-smoke-free-campaign

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