Toni Gonzaga wants to be a producer; renews contract with ABS-CBN

Toni Gonzaga may already be a successful actress and host, but her dream is to become a producer.

In an interview with abs-cbnNEWS.com on Thursday night after renewing her contract with ABS-CBN, Gonzaga said her dream of being a producer started when she held a concert at Araneta Coliseum last September 30.

"Oo 'yun siguro kasi 'yung concert ko sa Araneta parang I was part of the whole process of everything... So na-enjoy ko. It's very hard work pero at the same time if you finished a project like that eh very fulfilling as an artist and as a producer when you get something accomplished," Gonzaga said.

Aside from concerts, Gonzaga also hopes to produce her own TV show.

Gonzaga, who has been a Kapamilya for 7 years, signed a new 3-year-contract with ABS-CBN on Thursday.

"Mananatili akong Kapamilya," she said.

ABS-CBN executives, including ABS-CBN president and CEO Charo Santos-Concio, were present during the contract signing.

Gonzaga is currently part of the shows "Happy Yipee Yehey", "The Buzz", "Pinoy Big Brother" and "ASAP Rocks."

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/12/09/11/toni-wants-be-producer-renews-contract-abs-cbn

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Angel Locsin says she's happy for Luis

Angel Locsin is happy that her ex-boyfriend Luis Manzano has found a new love.

In an interview with abs-cbnNEWS.com on Thursday, Locsin said she believes that like her, Manzano is very happy now.

"I think so. We are both happy," said Locsin during the Anak TV Seal Awards in Quezon City.

Manzano recently admitted that he and actress Jennylyn Mercado are now an item, while Locsin is in a relationship with football star Phil Younghusband.

Her past relationship with Manzano was brought up after she accepted the Makabata Star trophy on his behalf, during the awards show. Manzano was unable to attend the awarding ceremony on Thursday.

"Yes, wala kasi siya ngayon at dahil ako ang nakita nilang lahat para tumanggap ng award, so tinanggap ko na at nag-thank you na din ako para sa kanya," Locsin explained.

Locsin and Manzano were both given the Makabata Star awards for being the most trusted and admired stars by the youth.

The actress said right now, she feels fortunate about everything that happened to her in the past year.

Locsin is now shooting a film with John Lloyd Cruz under Star Cinema. She's also busy taping the ABS-CBN's weekly show "Todamax" with Vhong Navarro and Robin Padilla.

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/12/09/11/angel-says-shes-happy-luis

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Jennylyn Mercado elated over Vilma’s public intro

Jennylyn Mercado is elated over Batangas Governor Vilma Santos' public introduction of her as the girlfriend of her son, Luis Manzano.

For the first time, Santos publicly acknowledged Mercado as Manzano’s girlfriend during the commemoration of Batangas’ founding anniversary held at the town of Calaca on Wednesday.

In an interview with ABS-CBN News, Mercado said it felt good to be recognized by her boyfriend’s mom in front of the people of Batangas.

“Siyempre masarap po sa pakiramdam,” she said.

Despite their decision to publicly admit their relationship, Mercado said she and Luis still opt to keep their relationship private.

“Siyempre, as much as possible gusto rin namin mag-iwan nga mga personal na bagay para sa sarili namin,” she explained.

“Kumbaga, binigay na namin sa publiko ‘yung mga [kailangan nilang malaman], ‘di ba? Hindi naman kami nagdadamot eh, pero siyempre kailangan din namin ng mga bagay na [amin lang]. Kailangan kahit papaano may mga private things na sa amin na lang ‘yon.”

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/12/08/11/jennylyn-elated-over-vilma%E2%80%99s-public-intro

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Ruffa Gutierrez tells mom to relax

Ruffa Gutierrez has extended her unwavering support to her mother Annabelle Rama, who is currently faced with a controversial legal battle.

In an interview with ABS-CBN News on Wednesday, Gutierrez said she has already advised her mom to take things easily and not allow detractors to get on her nerves.

“Sabi ko, mag-enjoy na lang siya, mag-relax siya magpa-massage siya, magpaganda siya kasi ‘yung mga wrinkles na nako-cause ng ibang tao sa kanya it’s not worth it,” she said.

“It’s better sometimes to just smile about it and let God do the fighting for you,” she added.

On the ongoing legal battle, Gutierrez is simply hoping for the truth to prevail.

“Well sana naman the truth will really come out and my mom will be vindicated,” she said.

Former actress Nadia Montenegro has filed libel, unjust vexation, falsification of documents and child abuse charges against Rama.

During their first face-to-face encounter at the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office last December 6, Rama lashed out at Montenegro.

The preliminary investigation ended up in chaos, with Rama shouting: “Sinungaling ka hayop ka! Baboy ka!”

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/12/08/11/ruffa-gutierrez-tells-mom-relax

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Bea Alonzo Remains Kapamilya

Bea Alonzo is still a Kapamilya as she renewed her contract with ABS-CBN on Wednesday.

Alonzo, a Star Magic artist, signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with ABS-CBN.

She said part of her contract is a reunion project with actor John Lloyd Cruz and a movie with hunk actor Derek Ramsay.

"I'm still a Kapamilya at gagawa ako ng soap with John Lloyd and magsta-start kami by February. Magpu-push pa rin ang movie kaso si Derek may injury. [We're supposed to] start ng mid-January but because of the injury [baka ma-delay]. Sana maging okay na siya," Alonzo said.

Alonzo admitted that there were offers for her to move to another network, but she is happy that she decided to remain a Kapamilya star.

"Siyempre mayroong ganon (offers). We worked it out and I'm happy I'm here," she said.

Present during the contract signing were ABS-CBN executives Johnny Manahan, Linggit Tan, Cory Vidanes and president Charo Santos Concio.

Life with Zanjoe

Meanwhile, Alonzo also addressed the issue that her boyfriend, actor Zanjoe Marudo, gave her a ring.

"Hindi. Binili ko ito for myself noong 'Magkaribal' days pa, mayroon nga itong earrings kaso nawala na," she said while holding the ring.

The actress then said that she has learned a lot from her relationship with Marudo.

"Let's just say na siya ang nakapag-open sa akin sa lahat ng tao. Ngayon, nagre-reply na ako nang mas madalas. Kasi pinapaliwanag niya sa akin na minsan ang tao kailangan ng reply, or they'll feel bad. So ngayon, mas sumasagot na ako," she said.

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/12/08/11/bea-alonzo-still-kapamilya

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Sitti Navarro's long-lost dad dies

Sitti Navarro has revealed the sad news that her father died recently.

In an interview with “Kris TV” on Wednesday, Navarro said her 55-year-old father died last month due to a heart attack.

“[Last] November 24, he passed away,” she said. “May sakit po sa puso, congenital po.”

Navarro had just met her father early this year.

They first started talking over the phone in 2010, but it was her first time to see him in person in Tawi-Tawi last April.

She shared, “Last year, I was able to talk to him na on the phone. He’s a Muslim from Mapun, Tawi-Tawi. ‘Yon po, so nakakausap ko na siya, but for some reason naisip ko lang Christmas of last year na kailangan ko na siyang makita this year (2011), so January I booked a flight.”

Navarro admitted that she barely felt the connection between them when they first talked.

“’Yung sa phone lang [kami nag-uusap], parang stranger lang kasi ‘yung kausap ko eh. It doesn’t mean, you know, as much as I thought it would,” she explained.

However, when she actually got a chance to know him, Navarro said she came to accept the fact he is her long-lost father.

She said, “When I saw him, I got to spend time with him, doon na. Doon ko na na-realize na he’s my dad.”

Given the limited time she spent with her dad, Navarro simply couldn’t help but feel regret.

Enumerating the few moments he spent with him, she said, “I spent 2 days in Tawi-Tawi [during our first meeting]. And I came back again, September and we were only able to meet up for 1 night lang nun eh, then November 24 he passed away na.”

According to an earlier report, Navarro’s father left them after her parents separated when she was just 9 months old.

For years, Navarro was made to believe that her dad passed away when she was still young.

On April 25, 2011, her emotional reunion with her estranged father took place in Tawi-Tawi.

Describing the event, she said, “Doon ko na-realize I’ve always loved my dad even though I’ve never seen him noong lumaki ako, thinking na hindi ko kailangan ng tatay. And then when I saw him, ‘Wow may matatawag pala akong papa.’”

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/12/07/11/sittis-long-lost-dad-dies

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Netizens tweet: Vic and Pauleen? Seriously?

Filipino netizens were quick to react to a report that 57-year-old comedian Vic Sotto is in a relationship with 23-year-old "Eat Bulaga" co-host Pauleen Luna.

Philippine Star columnist Ricky Lo said that the two are officially an item, citing a source close to them.

"Vic Sotto and Pauleen Luna" became one of the top trending local topics of microblogging site Twitter on Wednesday. It ranked fourth on the list as of 5 p.m.

A number of Twitter users were in a state of disbelief.

"Vic Sotto and Pauleen Luna! Officially an item? Huweehh? Hahaha!" user PameLooove posted.

"WTF??? Is this true??" user EiSantos tweeted.

Some, on the other hand, noted the age gap between Sotto and Luna.

"Vic Sotto and Pauleen Luna dating? Parang mag-lolo lang ah!" said user RunErwinRun07.

"Vic Sotto and Pauleen Luna are dating? Baka naman father-daughter bonding ang peg!" user itsmeRobDy tweeted.

Others, meanwhile, expressed distaste over the issue.

"I want to vomit in my mouth. Vic Sotto and Pauleen Luna?! Seriously?!" user gilienne tweeted.

Before Luna, Sotto was romantically linked to another "Eat Bulaga" host, Pia Guanio.

Guanio earlier confirmed that she is already married to businessman Steve Mago.

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/12/07/11/netizens-tweet-vic-and-pauleen-seriously

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Julia Montes: Working at a young age is not easy

Julia Montes admitted that her early struggles in showbiz have made her more disciplined and motivated at a young age.

In an interview on "Bandila" on Tuesday, Montes said it was not easy juggling school, attending auditions, and finding ways to help her family financially.

"Masasabi ko lang po mahirap talaga. Kasi at a young age, ang dami ko nang iniisip, hindi tulad ng ibang teenagers," she said.

"Siguro po ang pinakamahirap lang, 'yung typical na kapag galing ako sa school, iisipin ko pag-uwi ko kailangan ko mag-audition, kailangan ko ng work para sa future," she added.

With her family now financially stable, Montes said all her hard work was worth it.

"Ngayon po, masaya nang bonggang bongga kasi may income na at stable na rin po. May savings din ako, mandatory sa Star Magic, and may personal din," she shared.

The actress added that she is grateful for the many blessings that continue to come her way.

Montes rose to fame for her role in the remake of television series "Mara Clara."

She currently appears on teen show "Growing Up."

Next year, she will be paired with actor Coco Martin for ABS-CBN's upcoming series "Walang Hanggan."

Asked if there is somebody else she would like to work with in a project, Montes said: "Vilma Santos po kasi po kapag pinapanood ko siya, lahat ng acting piece niya talagang kalidad. Makikita niyong ramdam at tagos."

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/12/07/11/julia-montes-working-young-age-not-easy

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Cristine Reyes: Rayver Cruz not insecure about my success

Cristine Reyes vehemently denied rumors that her boyfriend, actor Rayver Cruz, is insecure about her successful showbiz career.

Reyes, who is enjoying the limelight following the success of her movie "No Other Woman," said Cruz has always been very supportive of all her projects.

Her afternoon series with Cruz, "Reputasyon," has been extended until January next year.

"Alam niyo nung nag-hit itong 'No Other Woman,' si Rayver ang mas tuwang tuwa pa kaysa sa akin. Kasi ako, hindi pa nagsi-sink in sa akin 'yun noon. Siya 'yung mas tuwang tuwa kapag may nababalitaang maganda. Tapos lagi niyang pinapabida," she said.

"Feeling ko hindi siya insecure kasi 'pag may mga gagawin ako, kunyari magte-tape na ako, sinasabi niya galingan ko, ganyan. Supportive siya talaga," she added.

Reyes said Cruz even watched "No Other Woman" more than once.

"Wala, tahimik lang siya the whole movie, parang nag-o-observe kung may maiiba or something. Kasi sinabi ko sa kanya, tignan mo ha, 'wag kang magloloko-loko sa movie house.' Kasi palabiro 'yun eh. So nagseryoso siya nung nanonood. Sabi niya okay naman," she said.

Reyes and Cruz celebrated their first anniversary as a couple last September.

Although they do not have plans of settling down soon, Reyes admitted that she also dreams of becoming a mother someday.

"Balak pero hindi pa ngayon. Mga mamaya," she said in jest.

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/12/07/11/cristine-rayver-not-insecure-about-my-success

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Anne Curtis

Anne Curtis hinted Saturday that she is set to hold her very own major concert soon.

In a taped interview aired on ABS-CBN “E-Live," she said, “Last Sunday, I was supposed to announce, but because may voice problem na-move.”

“Abangan niyo na lang ang announcement, coming soon,” she added.

Though there is still no official announcement about her solo concert, Curtis said that some of her fans are already aware of it.

She said, “I think may mga hints na kasi ang dami nang nagti-tweet sa akin na mga fans na alam na nila, so it’s not a big secret anymore.”

Curtis said it has always been her dream to hold her own major concert.

She held her first live concert performance in Araneta Coliseum last November 11, 2011 as a special guest in Side A's and Concert King Martin Nievera’s “All for One” concert.

During the said event, she sang “Alone,” a song which was personally requested by Side A’s front man, Joey G.

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/12/03/11/anne-curtis-do-major-solo-concert-soon

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Vicki Rushton wins Mutya ng Pilipinas 2011

The coronation night of Mutya ng Pilipinas 2011 was held in San Juan City on Friday.

Several celebrities were spotted during the event, including sultry actress Cristine Reyes.

Crowned as Mutya ng Pilipinas International 2011 was Vicki Marie Milagrosa Rushton of Bacolod.

Meanwhile, the Mutya ng Pilipinas Tourism title went to Felicia Baron, and the Mutya ng Pilipinas Overseas Communities was awarded to Bea Santiago.

Securing the pageant’s 1st runner-up post was Diana Sunshine Rademan.

Alexandra Grimes was hailed 2nd runner-up.

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/12/03/11/vicki-rushton-wins-mutya-ng-pilipinas-2011

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Phil Younghusband has Angel Locsin's name on shoes

Angel Locsin revealed that her rumored boyfriend, Philippine Azkals heartthrob Phil Younghusband, had her name embroidered on his football shoes.

In an interview with ABS-CBN News during the 6th anniversary of the Eastwood Walk of Fame on Thursday, Locsin said that he had actually seen Younghusband’s pair of shoes with her name on it.

She said, “Sinabi niya sa akin ‘yon, tapos pinakita niya sa akin.”

When asked how she feels about the gesture, she coyly replied, “Siyempre natutuwa ka, sino ba namang hindi? Uhm wala lang, hihi.”

Though they refuse to admit the real status of their relationship, Locsin previously admitted that she and Younghusband are 2 people “in love.”

She stressed, "Hindi ko alam pero kami ay dalawang taong in love. Iyon kami ngayon. Pero relasyon? Ayun, dalawang in love na tao."

Locsin sent her best wishes to the Philippine football team ahead of their friendly match against the Los Angeles Galaxy.

"Good luck, and well sana maraming ma-entertain sila, mapasayang Pilipino, dahil kasi alam ko rin naman 'yon ang gusto nilang lahat, ‘yung maimpluwensiyahan 'yung mga kabataan na sumali sa sports, especially football," she said.

Remembering Miko Sotto

Among Locsin’s fellow recipients of Eastwood Walk of Fame stars last Thursday was her former boyfriend, the late young actor Miko Sotto.

During the event, Locsin crossed paths with Miko’s mother, Ali, and they greeted each other with a warm embrace.

After the unveiling of the newly added stars, the 2 of them knelt down near Sotto’s star for a quick photo shoot.

Miko died December 29, 2003 after he accidentally fell from the 9th floor of a condominium building in Mandaluyong City.

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/12/02/11/phil-younghusband-has-angels-name-shoes

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Charice Pempengco back to celebrate early Christmas in Manila

Charice is back in Manila to celebrate an early Christmas with her mother Raquel and brother Carl.

In an interview upon her arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Friday, Charice said she would love to spend Christmas with her family but she has to go abroad for an important project.

"Actually gusto ko talagang mag-Christmas dito but I really have a very important work sa States. Gusto ko mang i-cancel pero super important talaga. Nandito ako ngayon di lang para sa concert kung hindi para mag-celebrate ng early Christmas na magkakasama kami. Pero di pa naman sure yon, isang flight lang naman yon at pwede naman akong bumalik anytime pero hindi pa sure yon," Charice said.

Charice is set to fly back to the US before December 25.

A month after her father's untimely death, Charice admitted she is still in mourning. But she was gratified to learn that a murder case was filed against Angel Capili, the suspect the killing of her father Ricky Pempengco.

"Nasa States ako nang tinawagan ako ng mommy ko at sinabing murder case nga ang isimpa napagdesisyunan. Siyempre part of me masaya dahil nabigyan ng hustisya ang dad ko, pero hindi ko pa din tanggap ang fact na wala na lahat yon nangyari. Wala na ang daddy ko at kahit lahat yon eh nangyari, wala na ang buhay ng daddy ko," Charice said.

Charice is set to hold a concert this evening (December 2) at the Newport Performing Arts Theatre in Resorts World Manila.

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/12/02/11/charice-back-celebrate-early-christmas-manila

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Iya Villania denies engagement with Drew Arellano

Iya Villania denied reports that she's engaged to long-time boyfriend Drew Arellano.

In an interview during a press conference for her newest endorsement Redoxfat, Villania laughed off the report of her engagement, saying she and Arellano have not made any plans to get married.

"Wala pa yun nga ang sinasabi ko. Nakakatawa nga kasi yung iba kino-congratulate ako parang engaged na. Sabi ko 'ha! saan nanggaling yan?"

"Ang sinasabi ko ay 7 years na kami together and we have no plans of heading down, to the direction of breaking up. So ano pa ba ang direction namin? Siyempre that would be marriage but we are not there yet, wala," she added.

Villania believed there's no deadline when it comes to settling down.

"Well, it's just it's there but there's no deadline. It wouldn't make us love each other less if we don't get married now. It's just actually title, it's formality pero we are not really in rush," she said.

The 25-year-old Villania would like to walk down the aisle between the age of 28 to 39.

Right now, the "Umagang Kay Ganda" host said she and Arellano are really happy with each other and more than willing to wait.

"Masaya kami, happier than ever," Villania said.

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/12/02/11/iya-denies-engagement-drew

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Nikki Valdez keeps doors open to love

Nikki Valdez revealed that she is willing to fall in love again.

After going public with the details of her failed marriage to her Filipino-Canadian ex-husband Christopher Lina, Valdez told Push.com.ph that she is willing to have another romantic relationship as soon as the right man for him comes along.

“If it comes, it will come. Pag nandiyan na siya, I’ll be happy if God will still give me the chance to find that one person who will love me for who I am and for who I have, what I have,” she said.

However, Valdez clarified that finding romance is not her priority at the moment.

She said that she is contented with her loving daughter, and of being back in the Philippines with her family.

“I’m at the happiest state with my daughter and my family ulit,” she stressed.

“Ang importante ngayon ay I love my job and I love myself din, my daughter and my family.”

Valdez will be a part of Star Cinema’s 2011 Metro Manila Film Festival entry “Enteng ng Ina Mo,” which is the much-awaited mash-up of the perennial blockbuster movie franchises “Ang Tanging Ina” and “Enteng Kabisote.”

She has expressed her thrill over the movie project.

She said, “Sabi ko nga the more the merrier. This time, it’s bigger and mas riot kasi nagsama ang dalawang malaking pamilya, dalawang malaking pelikula, at dalawang malaking artista. Overwhelming lang kasi naririnig mo 'yung reaction ng tao na inaabangan na talaga nila.”

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/12/01/11/nikki-valdez-keeps-doors-open-love

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