Friday, February 26, 2010

PANDAY KIDS makes impressive debut on GMA Telebabad

GMA Network’s newest primetime offering, Carlo J. Caparas’ PANDAY KIDS, kicks off with a resounding victory after registering high viewer rating in the primetime block.



On its pilot episode, Panday Kids debuted strongly with 34.8%, topping the overnight ratings among Mega Manila households based on data of AGB Nielsen Philippines . Anticipation is high for the action/adventure/fantasy/drama TV series which is top billed by a grand ensemble of cast.



Viewers of all ages especially the younger ones are in for a treat with this telefantasya which not only as interesting, fun and entertaining to watch but also imparts valuable lessons on life to its audience.



The show is expected to set even higher ratings on the coming days especially when the three Panday Kids, Julian Trono as Hadji, Sabrina Man as Charlie and Robert “Buboy” Villar as Oliver, take on challenge as the new superheroes who will protect the legendary sword of Panday.



Also, the first glimpse in the land of the Eskrimadors and the Engkantos pull everyone under spell for its cinematic magic which devises a world unlike anything we have seen on primetime TV before.



More high adventure scenes await the televiewers as the Panday Kids embark on their quest to end Lizardo’s reign. Who will be their foes and friends on their magical journey?



Panday Kids is headlined by a powerhouse cast including Ms. Gelli de Belen, Ms. Iza Calzado, Marvin Agustin, Jolina Magdangal, Tirso Cruz III, JC de Vera, Polo Ravales, Jackie Rice, Rich Asuncion, Akihiro Sato, Ryan Eigenmann, Jose Manalo, Pen Medina, Marissa Delgado, Nanette Inventor, Bernard Palanca, Isabel Granada, Ella Cruz, Nikki Samonte, Cruzita Salcedo, Yogo Singh, and Migui Jimenez.



Catch the exploits of the Panday Kids as they cross the boundaries of the enchanted and their quest to defend humanity from the forces of evil weeknights, Monday to Friday after 24 Oras on GMA Network.

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Iloilo land project above board - Villar

Nacionalista Party standard-bearer yesterday said his land project in Iloilo is above board, underscoring his companies are all open to public scrutiny.



Villar issued the statement to belie claims of Liberal Party senatorial candidate Franklin Drilon that he facilitated the illegal conversion of prime lands in an Iloilo town to build a subdivision for one of his real estate companies.



Villar’s legal counsel Lawyer Nalen Galang also denied Drilon’s allegation in a statement to media.



Drilon, a former Senate president whose post he relinquished to Villar in 2006, claimed that the NP presidential bet had a road built along Jibao-an in Pavia town, which will pass in front of Savannah subdivision in Barangay Polo Maestra in Oton town.



To which Villar shot back: “Mga public companies yan na binabantayan ng Securities and Exchange Commission at lahat ng agencies ng government. Puwede iyang tingnan ng kahit na sino,” Villar told reporters after the NP’s mini rally in Tanza Cavite.



“Walang nilalabag na batas (ang mga kompanya ko). Walang inagrabyado, at lalong walang niloko sa publiko. Marangal na ginagawa yan,” the senator said.



He branded Drilon’s claim as another round of mudslinging against him.



“Hindi ko malaman kung ano na namang mga akusasyon na inimbento yan. Basta may proseso iyan at naaayon sa batas. Nagtataka ako sa kanilang sinasabi. Ito ay kasama ng mga paninira sa akin,” Villar said.



Villar’s lawyer said the road Drilon mentioned has been in existence long before Savannah subdivision was even being planned.



“This is another act of desperation and traditional politicking. Companies owned by Sen. Villar complies with all regulations and obtains all permits required for conversion, used and development of its properties,” Galang said.



Savannah subdivision is reportedly listed in the Camella Homes website as one of its properties in Iloilo.



Galang said Villar’s companies make it a point to obtain all necessary documents before embarking on a project.



“Prior to development, his companies make sure that the necessary conversion or exemption order is obtained and all projects are covered by duly issued development permits and licenses to sell,” she said.



Drilon described the Iloilo project as a “C5 and a half,” in apparent reference to the controversial C5 road extension project, which has dragged Villar’s name in a number of Senate inquiries.



Drilon presented to reporters in Iloilo copies of declarations from farmer-beneficiaries showing that the 12.7-hectare land allegedly converted by Villar’s Crown Communities – better known as Camella Homes – used to be “first-class rice lands, covered by the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) “and are therefore not subject to land conversion.”



Iloilo provincial administrator Manuel Mejorada also claimed that the application for the land's conversion from agricultural to residential was filed by two farmer-beneficiaries represented by executives of Camella Homes and approved in 2007.



But Villar's corporation began developing the land as early as 2000, and even had a 586-meter road built in front of it in 2004, he said.



Sought for comment on the issue, NP senatorial candidate and spokesman Adel Tamano branded the new allegation as “cheap mudslinging” against Villar.



"I'm so surprised how the LP can stoop this low. At the start of campaign, lamang sila... They kept on saying na 'wag tayo magtapunan ng putik, i-raise natin yung level ng debate at platform lang ang pag-uusapan natin. Ngayon na nag-equal na ang kandidato namin sa kanila, e biglang nagtapon sila ng kung anu-anong alegasyon," Tamano said.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

GET TANGLED UP IN LOVE ON FULL HOUSE

It’s going to be a crazy week on Full House as pretend couple Justin (Richard Gutierrez) and Jessie’s (Heart Evangelista) ultimate secret will finally be out in the open.



As part of their contract, it was their number one agreement to maintain the privacy of their “fake marriage”. But no thanks to their two nosy friends, Donald (Rainier Castillo) and Lisette (Sheena Halili), keeping their “little secret” private turned out to be more difficult that they imagined.



First, it was Luigi (Patrick Garcia) who found out about the contract from Lisette who blurted it out by mistake thinking it was Jessie that she was talking to. Then, of all people, Elaine (Isabel Oli) found out about it too, after eavesdropping on Donald and Lisette’s conversation. She rushes to Justin and Jessie’s house and confronts the latter about it.



To make matters worse, their feelings have really gotten in the way this time. Jessie, who has openly declared her love for Justin, accepted Luigi’s offer to give him a chance. They will be spending more time together after a production company has finally agreed to turn Jessie’s novel into a full-length movie.



Justin, on the other hand, gets jealous but is still in denial about what he really feels for Jessie.



So the big question is: can everyone sort out their feelings before it’s too late?



Find out as everyone tries to disentangle themselves in the tricky trap of falling in love this week on Full House, after The Last Prince on GMA Telebabad.

Sunday, February 7, 2010

GMA Network’s Jessica Soho receives People of the Year Award


GMA Network VP for News Programs and multi-awarded broadcast journalist Jessica Soho was recently honored by People Asia Magazine as one of the 2009 People of the Year Awardees for her outstanding achievements and societal contributions delivered through media.
Arguably the most awarded Filipino journalist, Soho was especially cited for having received the prestigious and much-coveted George Foster Peabody Award in Investigative Journalism in 2000, the Ten Outstanding Young Men Award in 1993, and the Catholic Mass Media Award for Best Public Service Program for her Q Channel 11 program Reunions in 2009 – just among the many awards in her well-kept roster. Soho is also the host of GMA public affairs program Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho.
Referred to by People Asia as the “news icon” whose work demands objectivity at all times, the magazine further acknowledged Soho’s ability to “achieve balance through walking on the tight rope as ‘humanely’ as possible.”
“I am grateful and honored for having been chosen one of the People of the Year for 2009 by such a prestigious magazine. I give back the honor and the glory to our viewers who have supported all of my programs for the past 25 years that I have been a broadcast journalist. And also to everyone who has helped me become who I am today. I will forever be grateful,” Soho said.
Soho received the People of the Year Award during the awarding ceremony held last January 21 at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza in Pasay City .

Nerve-wracking 'Ikaw Sana' finale


FOR months, viewers have been one with Eliza, the character played by Jennylyn Mercado in Ikaw Sana, in wanting to seek what is rightfully hers. And now, as the intense-filled drama series draws to and end, it’s a question of whether or not she will triumph in her pursuit for vengeance.
Eliza (Jennylyn) and Michael (Mark Herras) are finally back to being the happy couple that they were. After going through a great ordeal in their marriage, they were able to resolve their issues after Giselle (Camille Prats) revealed her true intentions and that Michael never really cheated on her wife.
Meanwhile, Amanda (Marisa Delgado) wakes up from her coma. She tells Eliza that Loreta (Maritoni Fernandez) is the reason for all the misfortunes that’s happening to them.
Enrico (Zoren Legaspi), on the other hand, takes revenge into his own hands and shoots Loreta unaware of Eliza’s presence. Stunned, Enrico also threatens to kill Eliza but Loreta saves her with her last strength.
In her haste to escape, Eliza meets an accident and loses consciousness. Sofia (Pauleen Luna) goes home and finds her mother dead. Enrico then tells Sofia that Eliza killed her mother.
It’s going to be a nerve-wracking finale as the battle between good and evil continues in Ikaw Sana. What will Sofia do to Eliza, whom she was made to believe killed her mother? Could there still be a chance for Eliza and Sofia’s relationship as sisters to change for the better? Will Eliza ever find it in her heart to forgive everyone who wronged her?
The answers to these questions and more will be revealed in the final days of Ikaw Sana, right before 24 Oras on GMA Telebabad.

SEXBOMB DANCERS wows Iloilo with Bilog automation song

After taking Cebu by storm, the Sexbomb Dancers made sure that they go straight into the heart of Western Visayas – ILOILO, to promote responsible voting at a whole new dancing level, that is!



In a live program aired over GMA TV-6 Iloilo’s ARANGKADA, Sexbomb Dancers’ Jopay, Aira, Mia, Grace, and Mae were seen performing the dance steps of the catchy and bouncy automation dance/song, Bilog na Hugis Itlog.



The popular all-girl dance group covered three areas - Brgy. Bakhaw, West Visayas State University, and St.Therese MTC Colleges, as part of the launch of the automation dance contest in Iloilo.



During the Kapuso Night, which was part of the Kapuso Dinagyang celebration last weekend, the Sexbomb dancers performed the Bilog na Hugis Itlog dance once more before a crowd of more than 15,000. The crowd gushed and cheered the girls, and even sang along to the now very popular automation song.



The Bilog song and dance, as it is, has become viral — being seen not only on the Kapuso television and heard on radio but also getting several YouTube and social networking site postings.



For the first time in history, Filipino voters will choose the country’s leaders in automated elections. While lectures, seminars and fora have been conducted all over the country, information on automated election procedures have yet to impact in the grassroots level. The most recent survey, in fact, indicates that a good number of qualified voters are not familiar with the new voting procedures.



Hence, the GMA News and Public Affairs group put together a fun and easy way to learn to cast an automated ballot. This is in line with the network’s public service thrust to empower viewers through information.



“Bilog na Hugis Itlog” (Oval/Circle shaped like an egg) is GMA’s election advocacy for 2010 elections that details the automated voting process, what kind of leaders the country needs today, and the call for clean and honest elections. (30)

Friday, February 5, 2010

What measure of hatred would provoke a child to utter the words, “Ina, Kasusuklaman Ba Kita?”


What measure of hatred would provoke a child to utter the words, “Ina, Kasusuklaman Ba Kita?”



Sinenovela’s initial offering this 2010 will be unprecedented in the annals of television drama as it redefines love, commitment, and sacrifice – words all commonly ascribed to a mother’s relationship to her child.



In Gilda Olvidado’s Ina, Kasusuklaman Ba Kita?, the mother-daughter tandem of Jean and Jennica Garcia leads a dynamic cast of prominent veteran and young actors and actresses including Ariel Rivera, Llyod Samartino, Luis Alandy, Karla Estrada, Richard Quan, Regine Tolentino, Dion Ignacio, LJ Reyes, Iwa Moto, and Paulo Avelino in a story of a mother struggling to do right by her children.



Jean Garcia is right up her alley as she plays the ambitious and strong-willed Alvina while Jennica, on the other hand, crosses over from romantic-comedy to drama as she portrays the fragile and kind-hearted Rizzi. They will be reprising the roles played by Rita Gomez and Lorna Tolentino in this TV version of the renowned 80’s blockbuster hit.



Alvina Montenegro (Jean Garcia) has three children - Rav (Dion Ignacio), Rossan (Iwa Moto), and Rizzi (Jennica Garcia) - all by different fathers. Despite such unconventional set-up, Alvina fully embraces her duties as a mother and only has the best interest of her family at heart.



Of the three, Alvina is closest to Rizzi, who, unlike Rav and Rossan, grew up without the privilege of having a father around. Until one day, a man by the name of Daniel Bustamante (Ariel Rivera) arrives at Alvina’s doorstep and claims to be Rizzi’s father.



Owing to her materialistic nature, Alvina downgrades Daniel’s capability as a father due to his financial instability. Days before her eighteenth birthday, Rizzi plans a rendezvous with Daniel in order for them to finally be together, as well as to break free from Alvina’s manipulative ways.



Desperate to prove himself to Alvina, Daniel dabbles in business but in the process, ends up losing all of his hard-earned savings, which prompts him to commit a crime. He ends up in jail causing him to miss what might have been his last chance to finally be with his daughter.



Life goes on for Alvina and her children but nothing is the same again. Alvina is able to convince Rizzi that Daniel has abandoned her but at what cost? Rossan’s rich politician dad turns his back at her, while Rav’s mental condition – a result of a traumatic incident as a child – becomes worse forcing him to risk his own life. As a result, Alvina couldn’t help but blame herself for the misfortune of her children, and categorizes herself as a failure in being a mother.



After all that is said and done, can Alvina still find enough faith and fortitude to rebuild her family? More importantly, can she find it in her heart to forgive herself before she can forgive the people around her?



Sinenovela’s latest installment is under the direction of Gil Tejada while its theme song is composed by world-renowned violinist Alfonso “Coke” Bolipata.



Experience drama at its finest and rediscover what precious blessings mothers are in SINENOVELA PRESENTS GILDA OLVIDADO’S INA, KASUSUKLAMAN BA KITA? beginning January 25 after Kaya Kong Abutin Ang Langit on GMA Network’s Dramarama sa Hapon. (30)

RICHARD PERFORMS FAMOUS “PAPA BEAR! MAMA BEAR!” SONG ON FULL HOUSE

See a different side of Richard Gutierrez as he dances and sings along to the tune of “Papa Bear! Mama Bear!” in an effort to appease an inconsolable Jessie, played by his on-screen partner Heart Evangelista, this week on GMA-7’s FULL HOUSE.



After weeks of seemingly endless bickering with his so-called wife, cupid has finally found a way to soften the heart of Justin. In order to ask for Jessie’s forgiveness, Justin performs the delightfully charming chant made popular by the original Koreanovela.



This is a rare occasion for Richard who we don’t often see dancing or singing much less perform a hip-swaying song-and-dance number on TV. “I rehearsed a lot for the scene so I’m hoping that the viewers will like it. It’s not everyday that you see me dancing on TV so I’m excited to know how the viewers will react cause I’m offering them something different”, said Richard. “Nakakatuwa pala siya gawin! I’m sure magugustuhan ng mga viewers lalong lalo na ng mga bata!”, he added.



Meanwhile, Luigi (Patrick Garcia) will learn of the most kept secret of Justin and Jessie – that is their marriage is only on paper – no thanks to Lisette’s (Sheena Halili) big mouth. This gives Luigi more confidence to pursue Jessie, who, on the other hand, is head over heels in love with Justin.



Don’t miss the next episodes of FULL HOUSE and find out how one song – or perhaps even a dance number - can change it all. It airs weeknights after The Last Prince on GMA Telebabad. (30)

Baptist pastors to tackle national development issues

The Convention Baptist Ministers Association (CBMA) will hold its 69th Annual National Assembly at Katipan Hall, Camp Higher Ground, Barotac Viejo, Iloilo on January 19-22, 2010 with the theme “Ministers as Leaders: Claiming and Leading the Nation.” This will be attended by over 700 participants coming from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

Apart from our traditional organizational activities, the forthcoming assembly will serve as reunion of respective theological institutions and a dialogue with auxiliary organizations and heads of institutions under the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches. There will also be a forum with national and regional government leaders and non-government organizations to establish partnership in community service and development towards nation building.

“We expect to clarify the role of pastors in nation building and other development endeavors and make a stand on the extent of our participation in the affairs of the nation,” says Rev. Edwin Lariza, CBMA national president. Lariza noted that Baptist pastors have been active in working for change and development both within and outside the political system but, as an organization, quite mum about it. While there have been Baptist pastors in elected or appointed positions in the government, parliament of the streets, non-government organizations, grassroots organizing, international solidarity work, the parameters are not set yet. “We will assess our involvement in nation building and unite on accepted forms of struggle so that we can respect and support each other,” Lariza added.

It is expected that after the assembly, the CBMA, as an organization will become more active in performing its role in development endeavors particularly involving the life of the nation. The board of trustees in its recent meeting has already decided to continue with the Pilgrimage for Peace, as a response of local Christians to the universal call for peace especially during national elections .

It will be recalled that in May 2004, the first Pilgrimage of Peace-Panay wide was spearheaded by the CBMA in partnership with Central Philippine University, Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches, and the Iloilo Coalition of NGOs and POs (ICON). During the May 2007 elections, the pilgrimage covered the islands of Panay, Guimaras and Negros. It made short stopovers in every town to distribute voter's education materials and pray for peace with major stopovers on designated centers. The possibility of holding it nationwide on May 2010 elections will be one of the agenda of the forthcoming assembly.

The CBMA is national organization of Baptist Pastors serving the churches and institutions of the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches (CPBC). CPBC is the oldest Baptist organizational body in the Philippines. Having its base in Western Visayas, the national body has been serving the whole country since 1935, currently with over 1,000 churches, a big university having attained autonomous status and 2 colleges with 4 theological institutions, 2 hospitals, 3 community centers. Its churches have respective extension programs and community outreaches including pre-school centers, elementary and secondary schools wherever they are located.

Contact Number: 09198757724

'Born to be Wild' on Wednesday

ON the surface, this marina in Surigao del Norte appears like any old forgotten boat dock. But little do the
residents know that life has emerged underneath the abandoned pier. Vibrant coral reefs have formed beneath
the structure, clinging to the posts that support the pier above. Colorful schools of fish now reside in these
corals. For the first time, Kiko Rustia and the team document this newly found dive site for the locals of Surigao
and the rest of the country. Will the sight of this gem inspire us to better protect our shores? Or will many of the
creatures in this newly discovered site end up in markets to satisfy the population's growing needs?
The "bayawak" or monitor lizard is a Philippine reptile that now joins the list of species in danger of extinction.
They used to roam the forests in large numbers, but excessive hunting has now diminished the number of these
giant lizards. In the island paradise of Palawan , Doc Ferds comes literally face to face with a colony of monitor
lizards. Here, they seem curious about people and freely roam around their territory. Doc Ferds observes their
behavior and seeks the answers on how to protect their kind.
Dont miss these adventures on Born to be Wild airing on Wednesday after Saksi!