Maja Salvador stars in indie film 'Thelma'

Maja Salvador is excited about her upcoming film "Thelma."

In an interview with abs-cbnNEWS.com, Salvador said the film is based on the life of Filipino athletes, in particular, runners.

"Ang role ko dito, isa akong runner na sobra ang pangarap niya para sa pamilya niya na ginawa niya ang lahat para matupad ito," said Salvador.

She clarified that the film is not the based on the true-to-life story of athlete Elma Muros. However, she said it was Muros who actually trained her.

"Itong Thelma kasi, bago nila isulat ito, nag-interview sila ng runners sila, hanggang sa nabuo, yung kwento ng ganitong runner, hindi yung kay Ms. Elma," she said.

For the film, Salvador said she had to do real training and exercises of a runner. As a result, she lost weight.

"Bale si Ms. Elma siya ang nag-train sa akin, kasama ko siyang mag-training...Talagang mahirap ang pinagawa niya sa akin habang nagte-training kami. Kung ano ang ginagawa ng runners, yun ang ginagawa namin. Six weeks kaming nag-training," she said.

"Thelma," produced by Time Horizon and distributed by Star Cinema, also stars Tetchie Agbayani, John Arcilla and Jason Abalos.

"Thelma" will hit theaters September 7.

Salvador is currently part of hit television series "Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin" with Coco Martin as the lead star.

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/07/29/11/maja-stars-indie-film-thelma

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Andi Eigenmann coping well with pregnancy

For the first time after the news broke out that she's pregnant, actress Andi Eigenmann answered questions about her pregnancy.

In an interview with abs-cbnNEWS.com, Eigenmann said that she's coping well.

"Okay naman po. Thank you," Eigenmann said after watching the indie film "Cuchera" at the UP Theater in Diliman Quezon City on Thursday.

Eigenmann said she's not having a hard time working even if her tummy is already getting bigger.

Eigenmann is part of ABS-CBN's hit TV series "Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin" with Coco Martin as the lead star.

She said that the production staff and people in the show are taking good care of her.

"Okay naman po. Hindi po ako nahihirapan. The staff and crew and the production are giving me the right amount of protection and care that I need at sinusuportahan nila ako dito," Eigenmann said.

The actress said the stars and staff of "Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin" are preparing for the show's finale.

"Sana abangan niyo. Matagal pa po. We are still working on the ending. Sobrang seryoso lahat kami at ngayon sobrang ngarag magtrabaho para tapusin ang teleserye so sana suportahan niyo," she said.

She also expressed her gratitude to all her fans who keep on supporting her.

"Maraming maraming salamat po sa inyo sa patuloy na pagsuporta niyo sa akin. Sobrang nagpapasalamat po ako sa inyo," she said.

Eigenmann's pregnancy was confirmed last month by her mother, actress Jaclyn Jose.

Until now, the family of the actress has refused to name the father of the baby.

Eigenmann is set to give birth before the end of the year.

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/07/29/11/andi-coping-well-pregnancy

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Angeline Chooses Coco Martin over Erik Santos

Angeline Quinto admitted that, given the chance, she would definitely pick "Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin" star Coco Martin over singing sensation Erik Santos.

In an interview with “Showbiz News Ngayon” on Friday, Quinto revealed that Martin has been her longtime crush even before she entered showbiz.

“Si Coco Martin, parang pantasya ko ‘yon e,” she blurted.

She even expressed how much she appreciated Martin’s surprise guesting during her recently concluded solo concert, wherein he gave her a necklace.

“Pagkatapos ng concert ko talagang nag-thank you naman ako sa kanya sa text. Sobrang nagpasalamat ako kasi 'di ko talaga inasahan na pupunta siya doon,” she said.

Meanwhile, Angeline Quinto also said she admires Santos.

She explained, “Si Kuya Erik kasi dati talagang crush ko ‘yan kasi idol ko siya sa pagkanta simula nung nanalo siya sa 'Star in a Million.'”

But as much as she openly adores Santos, Angeline said what she feels toward him is more of brotherly affection.

“Sobrang sweet lang talaga ni Kuya Erik, pero ‘kuya’ kasi tawag ko talaga sa kanya. Parang kapatid lang din kasi turing niya sa akin,” she said.

In a separate interview, Santos, admitted that he, too, admires Quinto as an artist.

“Medyo kilala ko na si Angeline and ang masasabi ko na napakabait niya, napaka-professional and hardworking,” he said.

He even added that he is looking forward to their upcoming concert abroad.

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/07/30/11/angeline-quinto-chooses-coco-martin-over-erik-santos

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Kiray Celis denies romance with Piolo’s son Iñigo

Young actress Kiray Celis clarified on Friday that she is not in a romantic relationship with Piolo Pascual’s son, Iñigo.

Fourteen-year-old Kiray was romantically linked with the lad after she reportedly posted their pictures on her Twitter account a few days back.

In an interview with “Showbiz News Ngayon,” Kiray claimed that she and Iñigo are merely good friends.

“Nagkakilala kami sa 'ASAP', pero 'di ko siya pinansin. Napansin ko lang siya nung Star Magic party,” she explained.

In addition to this, she even revealed the interesting nicknames they have for each other.

“Tawag ko sa kanya ‘kuya sexy.’ Tawag niya sa akin ‘ate sexy,’” she shared.

Celis admitted, however, that she and Iñigo recently went out on a friendly date.

According to her, they, along with her parents and some of their friends, went to see a movie.

She elaborated, “Honestly si Iñigo ‘yong nagplano. Nanood na kami ng sine, ‘Harry Potter,’ with friends. Kasama ‘yong family ko. Kasama ko si Mama at saka si Papa.”

Meanwhile, now that his son’s name is starting to garner much attention in the limelight, Pascual shared his own thoughts on the possibility of letting Iñigo enter showbiz.

Pascual exclaimed, “Ayaw ko talaga. Ang gusto kong priority ng bata is pag-aaral.”

But should Iñigo decide on his own to follow his footsteps, Pascual clarified his only condition for his son.

“Ang deal naman namin, tapusin niya high school. That’s my only deal. Iba kasi ‘yong education. 'Di mo na mababalikan ‘yon e,” he said.

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/07/30/11/kiray-denies-romance-piolo%E2%80%99s-son-i%C3%B1igo

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Maria Aragon: 'I feel very blessed'

Filipino-Canadian singer Maria Aragon is elated to have shared the stage with pop princess Sarah Geronimo for a production number on “ASAP Rocks.”

In an interview with “The Buzz” on Sunday, Maria Aragon said it never crossed her mind that she’ll sing with either Geronimo or any of the “ASAP” stars.

“It was an amazing experience especially getting to sing with the one and only Sarah Geronimo. She was really nice and she was amazingly talented. It was such a blessing and honor that everybody welcomed me at ASAP,” she said.

“I feel very blessed and I want to say thank you to everybody for your support,” she added.

Things to do

Maria Aragon also revealed what keeps her busy while she is here in the Philippines.

“Well for now we are recording an album and that’s gonna be coming out some time in August and it’s gonna have songs like ‘Born This Way,’ just a little bit of a revival of that song. We’re gonna do the song ‘You’re my Home’ by Lea Salonga. We’re gonna be doing another version of that for a movie under Star Cinema and it’s gonna be coming out soon so we’re really excited for that too,” she said.

Aside from her record deal with Star Records, Maria Aragon also mentioned that she’ll be doing a charity work which will benefit the poor children in the country.

“I just want to talk about another event that I’m doing. It’s called the Couples For Christ Global Ancop. The money from it goes towards the education for poor children in the Philippines,” she said.

“The other day I cried in an interview because it’s really important to me that we should all be aware of the different situations and tragedies that are happening. When I went to the Philippines, there were kids on the street and they had no home, they had no bed and it made me cry,” Aragon said.

Maria Aragon said the opportunities don't normally happen in Canada and she wants “to make a change and hopefully I influence other people to make a change too.”

Best advice

Asked what is the best advice that she ever got from her parents or from the people that she has worked with, Aragon said: “You should always stay grounded.”

“I’ve been through a lot but the thing is you should always stay grounded. I always stay with God. I always pray with my family every night and just always be grateful for what you have because there are some kids or a lot of people that don’t have what we have. We are very privileged to have what we have. It’s very important to me,” she explained.

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/07/25/11/maria-aragon-i-feel-very-blessed

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Erich Gonzales to do film with Thai actor Mario Maurer?

Erich Gonzales landed on the top trending local topics of microblogging site Twitter on Monday after rumors circulated that she will be doing a film with Thai actor Mario Maurer.

The hashtag #ErichGonzales made it to the 8th spot on Twitter's list of top trending topics in the Philippines on Monday morning while Star Cinema, ABS-CBN's movie outfit, landed in 6th place.

Several netizens shared their excitement over the rumored project.

"Erich and Mario will be having a movie together under Star Cinema!! o.O lucky Girl.. im jealous!! :P," Genesis Ching tweeted.

"Omegosh! Is that true that Erich and @ohohmario will pair under Star Cinema?" KC Labios said.

For her part, Jennie Tagubase said, "Erich Gonzales and Mario Maurer will be having a film under Star Cinema! :D im not a fan of Erich but im so excited na :)."

Maurer tweeted last July 8 that he will visit Manila soon. He did not say anything about a new movie project with Gonzales.

'See you soon Philippines,' he wrote.

But Joyce Ramirez of Publicity Asia, the group that will bring Maurer to the Philippines, said they still need to iron things out with Star Cinema.

"STAR CINEMA and I still need to iron out a lot of details including the SCRIPT in the meantime follow @PENSHOPPE for Meet & Greet details!," Ramirez tweeted.

She added, "THE SELECTION of the ACTRESS position will only be revealed after Mario Maurer reviews the SCRIPT - so nothing is FINAL yet! Thank you."

Meanwhile, Ramirez said she will be flying to Thailand next week to introduce Star Cinema to Maurer.

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/07/25/11/erich-do-film-thai-actor-mario-maurer

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Kris Aquino Leads Yes! Magazine's Top 20 Endorsers of 2011

For the second time around,  Queen-of-all-media Kris Aquino has secured the top spot in Yes!  Magazine’s Top  20  Endorsers of the Year.

Although  Aquino’s life has been an open book, from her life struggles to the successes in her career, Yes! still recognized her charm and her convincing powers in persuading the consumers to patronize her endorsed products.

In an interview with  ABS-CBN’s “The Buzz,” Aquino thanked the companies and the people who continue to believe in her.

Aquino said everything would not have been possible if not for the people who trust her.

“Of course sa lahat ng mga kumuha sa aking kumpanya to represent them and most especially, gusto ko magpasalamat sa lahat ng taong tumangkilik doon sa mga produktong ine-endorse ko. Hindi ko naman makakamit ang honor na ito sa pangalawang pagkakataon kung hindi dahil sa suportang ginagawa nila,” she said.

Other Kapamilya stars who were also among the top 20 lists are: John Lloyd Cruz, Sharon Cuneta, Piolo Pascual, Kim Chiu, Robin Padilla, Sarah Geronimo, Judy Ann Santos, Anne Curtis, Angel Locsin, Boy Abunda, KC Concepcion, Gerald Anderson, Bea Alonzo, Jericho Rosales, Ai-Ai delas Alas and Derek Ramsay.

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/07/24/11/kris-leads-yes-magazines-top-20-endorsers-2011

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Maria Aragon Sign Up Contract with Star Records

Maria Aragon signed a contract on Friday for a record deal with Star Records.

Aside from doing her first solo album, the 11-year-old singer will also guest in the upcoming concert of Yeng Constantino to sing "Hawak Kamay."

Aragon will also be the voice behind the new rendition of Lea Salonga's hit "You're My Home" for the movie "Way Back Home" of Katherine Bernardo and Julia Montes for Star Cinema.

Argon said she still could not believe all these blessings coming her way.

"It's just a really big opportunity and I feel so blessed," she said.

Her mother Menchie likewise said she never thought her daughter's dream would one day come true. "Happy. Sobrang happy," she said.

But aside from the promising career of her daughter, Menchie is also glad that the record deal paved the way for their whole family to return to the Philippines after 14 years.

After Aragon's showbiz commitments, the whole family plans to go to Ormoc so the young singer can meet her grandmother and other relatives.

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/07/23/11/maria-aragon-inks-record-deal-star-records

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Heart and Marian trending on Twitter

Heart and Marian landed on the list of the country's top trending topics on the microblogging site Twitter on Friday after news about their rift were published Thursday.

Pinoy netizens expressed their thoughts and opinions on the said issue and most of them took it negatively.

"#ithoughtyoulookedgood but your personality killed it. It's a shame when pretty people have ugly hearts. like marian rivera!! :)," net user iamjillianclyde tweeted.

"Two beautiful ladies - Marian Rivera and Heart Evangelista - both has this personality - DIVA. away ng away.. sus pasikat," estheritamarisa said.

"Marian Rivera is kinda low class. She's supposed to be a good model because many admires her, in the end she acts like immature," riemarjo added.

"i dont like Heart Evangelista...>.< she's making things to exagerated..OA na masyado ah..gumagawa ng ingay para mapagusapan sia..!! OA..," Genesis Ching said.

The name of Marian made it to the 4th spot on Twitter's list of top trending topics for the Philippines on Friday morning followed by that of Heart Evangelista.

On Thursday, Evangelista said she just wants the truth to come out. She added that she wants to clear her name.

Evangelista said that spat started when she revealed to Rivera that she's excited to work with the latter's boyfriend, Dingdong Dantes.

Evangelista said that Rivera confronted her twice, shouted at her and threatened her with attacks from Rivera’s fans.

“Nagkakagulo na po. Ang dami ko na pong death threats sa fans ni Marian. May mga death threats na bubuhusan daw nila ako ng asido, hinihintay nila ako. Hindi na po biro. Nakakabulabog,” said the actress.

Evangelista's lawyers are now preparing civil and criminal charges against Rivera if the issue won’t be resolved.

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/07/22/11/heart-marian-trending-twitter

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Marie Digby is Thrilled Over Her New Album

International acoustic singer Marie Digby is excited over her upcoming album under Star Records.

In an interview with "Showbiz News Ngayon", Digby said her new CD will have more than 7 seven tracks, including a Tagalog song.

"Super, super excited. The album is going to be 8 songs for now. There will be a cover, a Filipino song," Digby said.

The singer also revealed on Twitter that she already had a photo shoot for the album.

"just came back from the album photoshoot!! Had the most wonderful day with lovely people. Feeling so grateful =) !!," Digby tweeted on Thursday night.

The singer said her album is definitely a collection of "feel good" songs and love songs.

Meanwhile, former "Pinoy Big Brother" housemates James Reid and Bret Jackson are also gearing up for their first album together under Star Records.

The two said their album will cover different genres of music and will contain all original compositions.

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/07/22/11/marie-digby-thrilled-over-new-album

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Shamcey Supsup Prepares for Miss Universe Pageant

The camera has started to roll for Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 2011 Shamcey Supsup, as she began preparing for the upcoming Miss Universe 2011 pageant.

Shamcey told “Showbiz News Ngayon” that her training includes following a strict diet to gain more weight.

“I have to drink milk twice a day. I have to eat more protein or less carbs. Pero I still eat rice. I think I’ve gained weight already. From 105 lbs, I’m now 112 lbs. They want me to gain more like siguro mga 3 lbs na lang,” she said.

Shamcey said that although her training regimen is stressful, she gets through it because of the support that she receives from her friends.

“The training is stressful. But what makes it more bearable is having friends with you. Nakakatuwa. Kahit ako ang unang ipapadala, lahat sila kasama. Kasama ko sila sa Spanish class, kasama ko sila sa Portguese class, sa gym. Ang mga kasama ko sila ang nagpapagaan ng lahat ng trainings ko,” she said.

Supsup said that she is nervous and excited about the pageant.

“Yung excitement at kaba magkahalo na. But then I always tell myself na you just keep your faith and if it’s God’s will, then it will be given to you as you long as you’re ready for it,” Supsup said.

The Miss Universe pageant is scheduled to be held in Brazil in September.

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/07/19/11/shamcey-prepares-miss-universe-pageant

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David Archuleta and Charice Pempengco: 'No Romance'

The mother of international singing sensation Charice Pempengco has denied rumors romantically linking her daughter to “American Idol Season 7” runner-up David Archuleta.

In an interview with “Showbiz News Ngayon” after Archuleta’s concert in Manila on Monday, Raquel Pempengco said Charice and David are just good friends.

“Very close sila talaga... Pero wala pa akong naaamoy na magiging [son-in-law] ko nga siya. Wala pa naman. Close lang talaga sila,” she said in jest.

Mrs. Pempengco added that the 2 singers are focused on their careers as of now and they just hang out whenever they have a common free time.

“Busy sila sa kani-kanilang career kaya hindi nila mapagtuunan. Siyempre yung gusto lang naman nila na kapag may free time sila, mag-hang out sila,” she said.

Mrs. Pempengco said she watched David Archuleta’s concert to show support.

“Kinontact ako ng auntie niya na may concert siya dito. So sabi ko sige manonood ako,” she said.

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/07/19/11/no-romance-between-archuleta-charice

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A taxi Driver Returns Ruffa’s Imported Shoes

Ruffa expressed her sincerest gratitude to an honest driver who voluntarily returned her 6 pairs of custom-made shoes left in his taxi by her assistant.

On "Aksyon Ngayon" program on radio dzMM on Tuesday, Ruffa Gutierrez gladly extended her appreciation to the driver named Ariel.

“Nagpapasalamat ako kay Mr. Ariel kasi talagang napakabait niya,” Gutierrez said.

Ruffa posted on Twitter on Monday an appeal for the return of her shoes bought from Hong Kong.

She tweeted: “Mr. Taxi Driver or susunod na pasaherong makahanap ng 6 pairs of shoes pakisauli nalang po sa Imperial Palace Hotel front desk sa Tomas Morato, QC or tumawag sa 09166840246.”

This was followed by her humble requests for a retweet among her followers.

Apparently, Ariel has no access to the said social networking site. He clearly had no idea that the shoes he had decided to return belong to Gutierrez.

Radio dzMM and Gutierrez decided to give Ariel a modest reward for his noble deed.

“Magbibigay ako ng konting pabuya sa kanya,” Gutierrez told dzMM.

She added, “Gusto kong makita kung gaano kaguwapo ang napakabait na Mr. Ariel na ‘to."

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/07/19/11/taxi-driver-returns-ruffa%E2%80%99s-imported-custom-made-shoes

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Mercedes Cabral praises Zanjoe Marudo for being a gentleman

Mercedes said her newest leading man Zanjoe is a true gentleman when it comes to doing sensitive love scenes.

"Ang masasabi ko lang kay Zanjoe Marudo ay gentleman siya pagdating sa mga ganoong bagay," Cabral told "Showiz News Ngayon".

Cabral is working with Zanjoe for ABS-CBN's upcoming series "Precious Hearts Romances Presents 'Hiyas'."

Cabral said their scenes together are just part of the script to make the show better.

"Abangan niyo po. Hindi naman maiiwasan 'yon doon. I mean kailangan 'yon sa Precious Hearts Romances," said Cabral who finally had the chance to show her acting prowess on mainstream TV via "Hiyas."

Cabral said doing a project for TV is part of being an artist.

She added that her experiences doing indie films would be a great help while she's doing mainstream TV.

Along with actor Coco Martin, Cabral was part of the cast of "Serbis", the film of 2008 Cannes Best Director Brillante Mendoza.

In 2009 she also went to Cannes with Mendoza for the film "Kinatay."

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/07/19/11/mercedes-praises-zanjoe-being-gentleman

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Regine Velasquez : 'Angeline Quinto is the next superstar'

No other than Asia's Songbird Regine Velasquez said that "Star Power" grand winner Angeline Quinto is the next superstar.

Velasquez made the announcement after her performance at Quinto's first solo concert at SM Skydome last week.

"Mga kaibigan, ang susunod po nating Superstar, si Angeline Quinto," Velasquez said.

When sought for her reaction to Velasquez's remarks, Quinto said it was such an honor for her to be called "superstar" by her real-life idol.

"Sobrang isang karangalan 'yon sa akin kasi habang buhay isa po siya sa idolo ko talaga," Quinto told "Showbiz News Ngayon".

The newbie recording artist said she still can't believe up to now that she shared the same stage with Velasquez.

"Natutulala nga ako. Kasi nakita niyo naman ang ano (appreciation) ng tao, hindi ba?" Quinto said.

In the end, Quinto didn't forget to extend her gratitude to all the people who supported her dream especially her fans.

"Salamat po. Sana ay magkita-kita pa tayo. Thank you," she said.

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/07/19/11/regine-angeline-next-superstar

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