Bizz-e: February 2012

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

FHM Philippines March 2012 New Cover Released

To address the concern on "racist" issue, FHM Philippines decided to immediately change the cover of their March 2012 issue featuring Bela Padilla surrounded by three other black models with caption "Bela Padilla: Stepping Out of the Shadows". Read related article HERE.

Today, March 1, FHM Philippines releases a new, tamed version of their March 2012 issue replacing all previously released copy with the controversial cover.

Hot or Not?

Sarah Geronimo - "Tuloy" Music Video (Coke's 100th Anniversary Theme Song)

Watch here the music video of "Tuloy" - Coke's 100th Anniversary Theme Song - featuring Sarah Geronimo with Gary Valeciano and Rex Tolledo aka Somedaydream:

Mariel Roriguez Hosts New Clip Show ‘Video Incredible’ on TV5

Mariel Rodriguez shares love gone wrong in the premiere of her new show “Video Incredible” on TV5 this Saturday.

While Wil Time Bigtime host Mariel Rodriguez is still noticeably on cloud nine with her actor-husband Robin Padilla, love is not always sweet for couples on the other side of the world. This Saturday (March 3) at 2:30pm, Mariel shares love which turned sour in the premiere episode of Video Incredible, TV5’s newest clip show that juggles information with entertainment through funny and sometimes irreverent documentary videos.

The perky and bubbly Mariel presents the world’s sweetest, funniest and most heartbreaking videos - all in the name of love on “Faces and Phases of Love” episode. Whether it’s on tears of joy or tears of sorrow, Video Incredible has got them covered.

In the following weeks, feed your mind and your heart at the same time with laughter with the line-up of thought-out episodes in store for Kapatids who look for intelligent but entertaining show every Saturday. Kapatid stars Wendell Ramos, Arnel Ignacio and Zoren Legazpi will soon grace the show to present videos with various topics including death-defying stunts, practical jokes and even dumb criminals.

Watch out for Video Incredible’s rich library of outrageous and mind-boggling videos every week starting on Saturday, 2:30-3:30pm after Paparazzi only on TV5.

Jessica Sanchez American Idol 2012 - Top 12 Girls Performance

Jessica Sanchez performed “Love You I Do” on American Idol Season 11 Top 12 Girls performance night. Watch below:

Judges comments:

Randy Jackson: “That girl can really sing. One of the best of the last 2 nights.”

Jennifer Lopez: “The whole things is beyond your years.”

Steven Tyler: “You’ve got exceptional timing. Your voice is perfect. They need to pay you the next time you sing the National Anthem for the Chargers.”

Anne Curtis Covers METRO Magazine March 2012 Issue

Host-actress-concert performer Anne Curtis is the cover star of Metro Magazine March 2012 issue where she tagged as "Modern Heroine" clad on a green and 3d floral Louis Vuitton dress.

Metro Fashion issue this month also features Show Stopping Style (trends to wear now- aquatic, pastel, and 3d floral) and best of Spring/Summer 2012 from Manila, Milan, London, New York and Paris. The magazine also has its own fearless forecasts of the recently staged Oscars award.

Metro Magazine March 2012 issue is now available at all magazine stands and selected bookstores and supermarkets nationwide.

Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck Welcome Baby Samuel Garner Affleck

Hollywood power couple Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck have welcomed their third child, a baby boy, on Monday, February 27.

The proud dad first announced the good news on his facebook account saying that he is happy to announce Jennifer gave birth to a healthy baby boy they named Samuel Garner Affleck.

Jennifer and Ben, now both 39-year-old, wed in June 2005 at a private ceremony in Turks and Caicos, in the Caribbean. They welcomed their first daughter, Violet, in December 2005, and second daughter Seraphina in 2009.

The couple, both 39, announced they were expecting their third child in August last year and while they did not reveal the baby's sex, Garner told chat show host Jay Leno in January this year that they knew.

"It would be so weird to have a boy," Garner was quoted as having told Ellen DeGeneres. She also said it would be "cool and different."

On Sarah Geronimo Calling Him Babe: "Kinilig ako. Nanghina tuhod ko." - Gerald Anderson

On Sarah Geronimo Calling Him Babe: "Kinilig ako. Nanghina tuhod ko." - Gerald Anderson

Gerald Anderson was positively shocked and revealed his knees felt weak when he heard his rumored girlfriend Sarah Geronimo call him "babe" during the taping of a VTR aired on "Sarah G Live!" last Sunday, February 26.

The couple (?) were shown dating inside a yacht. Sarah, during their karaoke session, suddenly blurted out "Hanap lang ako, babe" while flipping through a songbook. Both of them looked at each other with surprise. And in their effort to save the situation, they explained that the song they were singing has "babe" in the lyrics.

"Napanood n'yo naman na nagulat rin ako.

"Sa totoo lang, hindi ko po alam kung bakit nangyari yun. Pero kinilig rin ako. Nanghina ang tuhod ko nun.

"Siyempre, isang Sarah Geronimo at biglang tinawag kang 'babe,' Wow!" Gerald said during the farewell presscon of Budoy on February 28 at the 9501 restaurant, ELJ Building in Quezon City.

But despite what happened, Gerald clarified that he is still not in a romantic relationship with Sarah.

"As much as gusto ko'ng sabihin na kami, we're friends and hindi po ako nagsisinungaling sa inyo.
"Maybe there's something... but sa ngayon, friends po talaga kami and masaya ako kung anong status namin ngayon." Gerald said.

Christopher Lao Now Aware He Passed the Bar

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Christopher Lao of the famous "I wasn't informed of the flood" YouTube video, has been informed he passed the 2011 bar exams.

Lao said what he went through because of that incident was not a joke. He has been long a target of sarcastic jokes and intense criticisms that almost made him decide not to push through with his plans of becoming a lawyer.

"I went through a lot during those times. I almost quit review and planned to forego the bar because I got so depressed," Lao said in an interview.

And now being a certified lawyer, Lao wanted to pursue an advocacy preventing cyber bullying.

"I want to have cybercrime laws, and prevent cyber bullying. As a lawyer, this time I would like to see good bills are legislated," Lao said.

Bar Exam Results Complete List (Topnotchers and Passers for 2012 Bar Exam)

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31.94% or 1,913 out of 5,990 law graduates nationwide who took the exams last November 2011 at the University of Sto. Tomas (UST) in Manila successfully passed according to a result released by the Supreme Court (SC) today, February 29 - the second highest for the decade following the 32.89 percent in 2001 according to Supreme Court Administrator and spokesman Midas Marquez.

Bar Exam Results 2012 - Top 10:

1. Raoul Angelo Atadero, Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) - 85.5363%
2. Luz Bolong, Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) - 85.5363%
3. Cherry Liz Rafal-Roble, Arellano University - 84.4550%
4. Rosemil Banaga, Notre Dame, Cotabato - 84.1226%
5. Christian Louie Gonzales, University of Sto Tomas (UST) - 84.0938%
6. Ivan Bandal, Siliman University - 84.0901%
7. Eirene Acosta, San Beda College - 84.0663%
8. Irene Marie Qua, Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) - 84.0575%
9. Elaine Lacerda, Far Eastern University (FEU) - 84.0401%
10. Rodolfo Aquino, San Beda College (SBC) - 83.7276%

For complete list of successful 2011 bar examinees, click HERE.

According to Supreme Court Administrator and spokesman Midas Marquez, the 2011 bar exam results is the second highest for the decade following the 32.89 percent in 2001. This is attributed to “the reforms undertaken in the 2011 Bar Exams.” For the first time, a multiple choice type of exam was included in the 2011 Bar exam. Multiple choice was 60% of the total exam, while 40% is essay.

Piolo Pascual Covers Star Studio Magazine March 2012 Issue

Piolo Pascual is the featured star of Star Studio Magazine on its latest issue. Not just he graces the cover, the magazine also shares pertinent information the public may not know yet about Piolo - from his childhood life upto the controversial event that happened with his lovelife last year.

Star Studio also features a mag interview with Piolo’s son, Inigo, and a never-before seen photos and surprising revelations about the hunk actor and his son.

Star Studio Magazine March 2012 issue is now available at all magazine stands and selected bookstores and supermarkets nationwide.

War of the Gods Erupts in “Wrath of the Titans”

Warner Bros. Pictures' new 3D epic adventure “Wrath of the Titans” revisits the Greek mythology first explored in the global box office hit “Clash of the Titans.” The new film is directed by Jonathan Liebesman and sees the return of Sam Worthington (“Avatar”) as Perseus, as well as Ralph Fiennes (the “Harry Potter” films) as Hades and Liam Neeson (“Taken”) as Zeus.

A decade after his heroic defeat of the monstrous Kraken, Perseus - the demigod son of Zeus - is attempting to live a quieter life as a village fisherman and the sole parent to his 10-year old son, Helius.

Meanwhile, a struggle for supremacy rages between the gods and the Titans. Dangerously weakened by humanity’s lack of devotion, the gods are losing control of the imprisoned Titans and their ferocious leader, Kronos, father of the long-ruling brothers Zeus, Hades and Poseidon (Danny Huston). The triumvirate had overthrown their powerful father long ago, leaving him to rot in the gloomy abyss of Tartarus, a dungeon that lies deep within the cavernous underworld.

Perseus cannot ignore his true calling when Hades, along with Zeus’ godly son, Ares (Edgar Ramírez), switch loyalties and make a deal with Kronos to capture Zeus. The Titans’ strength grows stronger as Zeus’ remaining godly powers are siphoned, and hell is unleashed on earth.

Telling this story on a grand scale, with an acclaimed ensemble cast - in immersive 3D no less - was an opportunity the South African filmmaker Liebesman could not turn down. “To be honest, this is my favorite genre,” says Liebesman. “It’s also the chance to do an old school Hollywood movie where you have amazing actors, big stars, and a big canvas. It’s a huge opportunity for any director.”

“Clash of the Titans” was released in 2010 and its blend of Greek mythology and sweeping action brought to life with the very latest technology available to contemporary filmmakers proved hugely popular with audiences worldwide. The latest film - written by Dan Mazeau & David Leslie Johnson, from a story Greg Berlanti & David Leslie Johnson & Dan Mazeau, based on characters created by Beverley Cross - presents an human story against the immense backdrop of the mythological Gods and Titans.

“The drama in our story is really important,” says Liebesman. “And we have all worked really hard on the script. With a movie like this you want people to be entertained and thrilled and, at the same time, you have such tremendous actors up there on the screen so there’s a great opportunity to make the audience really feel for these characters.”

Given the mythology already invested in the films, Liebesman is understandably keen to stamp his own mark on “Wrath of the Titans,” approaching the film with a clear, strong vision for a new beginning. “I wanted to treat the second film as its own thing,” he explains. “Of course, there are relationships that are continued from the first film - like Perseus and Zeus, for example - that have to be respected. But our approach was to look at this as its own entity within that world. I don’t want to betray anything that has been set up but, at the same time, I don’t want to be chained to whatever was done before.”

Liebesman arrived on the project fresh off the alien invasion action thriller “Battle Los Angeles.” As with that film, given the scope and scale of “Wrath of the Titans,” the director hopes to ground the action in real dirt and sand. “For me, what was interesting was to make a film in a gritty, grounded style juxtaposed with the kind of fantasy elements that you would see in a story like this,” he explains. “I enjoy making movies that I would go and see on a Friday night. This is a big movie and I want people to have a good time when they see it. That’s the satisfaction for me.”

Opening across the Philippines in March, “Wrath of the Titans” is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

Gerald Anderson Fights Until the End

ABS-CBN’s top-rating Primetime Bida teleserye “Budoy” is already down to its last two weeks before the finale that will surely capture every Kapamilya’s heart.

Since the top-rating teleserye topbilled by Drama Prince Gerald Anderson started airing last October 2011, TV viewers stood by Gerald’s character Budoy every night on his journey to try to live a normal life amid his illness. With his unique charm, Budoy effortlessly made everyone smile, laugh, and cry and became a source of inspiration not only for kids but for the whole family as well.

The tag line ‘Be happy, be Budoy’ also became popular as it became a mantra of fans to cope with the challenges and trials they are facing. Inspired by the tagline thus came the ‘Be happy, be Budoy’ mall tour where Gerald visited his fans to personally thank them for their utmost support to his show. Aside from delighting their supporters, the ‘Budoy mall tour’ helped the needy children as it donated all its proceeds to the educational fund of the World Vision. As a farewell gift, the cast of “Budoy” will throw a grand fans day at SM Skydome this Sunday, 4:00 pm (March 4).

Meanwhile, in the last two weeks of “Budoy,” watch out for heart-pounding turn of events as Budoy tries to save his girlfriend Jackie (Jessy Mendiola) and his brother BJ (Enrique Gil) from the syndicate. Will Budoy succeed in saving BJ and Jackie? Will he ever see his family whole again? How will Budoy solve all the problems he is facing amid his condition?

Don’t dare miss the last round of Gerald’s fight in “Budoy,” weeknights, after “Walang Hanggan” on ABS-CBN. For more updates, log on to www.budoy.tv, follow @budoy_tv on Twitter, and ‘like’ www.facebook.com/budoy.tv.

TV5 International Launches CSR Campaign, Brings Home 5 OFWs from the Middle East

Five fortunate Overseas Filipino Workers from the Middle East were given the chance to reunite with their families, all thanks to the combined efforts and the genuine act of generosity of their fellow Filipinos.

The TV5 International team headed by Pilipinas Global Network Limited President, Claro Carmelo Ramirez and OWWA Administrator Carmelita Dimzon warmly welcomed Catherine Alvarez, Maria Angela de Jesus, Ellen Namoca, Laga Salam, and Cherry Ann Tamparong as they arrived in Manila last February 4. The five were the lucky beneficiaries of “Give Me 5, Kapatid”, TV5 International’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) campaign that was introduced in Dubai and Abu Dhabi last year, with the help of its service provider and affiliate Orbit Showtime Network (OSN).

Despite the long flight back home, the five OFWs were in high spirits. The group was immediately treated to a special luncheon where they received generous donations from PLDT Smart Foundation and Alagang Kapatid Foundation. Later in the afternoon, the group was given a chance to relax while enjoying a live viewing of TV5’s popular game show Wil Time Bigtime.

The “Give Me 5, Kapatid” campaign, which was unveiled during the launch events in November last year, encouraged OFWs to donate and “give back” to their community. A hat was passed around during the event and Kapatids willingly supported the cause by wholeheartedly giving whatever they could to help. The total amount donated was then matched by TV5 International and OSN. Through the assistance of the Philippine embassy in the UAE, TV5 successfully raised enough funds to purchase airline tickets and bring our kababayans home.

Together with OWWA, this project also provides our returning kababayans with re-integration programs such as livelihood training and other seminars that will help them start anew.

This CSR project springs out from TV5 International’s desire to extend gratitude to the warm acceptance of the Filipino community to its two global channels while at the same time doing something with and for the Overseas Filipinos.

TV5’s entry into the international scene has been well received by Filipinos overseas with the expansion of TV5 International’s two channels – Kapatid TV5 and Aksyon TV International, currently available in the Middle East, Guam and Europe, and soon in the US.

With the success of “Give Me 5, Kapatid”, expect TV5 International to launch more outreach and “giving back” campaigns that respond to the various needs of Filipinos in countries where TV5 is available.

‘Hiram na Puso’ Tackles a Remarkable Story of Mother’s Love

Hiram na Puso is a heart-warming story of a loving mother, who takes all risks to save her daughter from death only to be abandoned by the same daughter after she literally had a change of heart. Soon, the said mother realizes that this is the dire consequence of one irreversible mistake she committed in the past.

Starring Kris Bernal, Mark Herras, Polo Ravales, Bela Padilla with Gardo Versoza, Ayen Laurel, Candy Pangilinan, Ana Marin, Marc Acueza, Wynwyn Marquez and Ms. Gina Alajar, Hiram na Puso is a creatively-crafted drama series that will boldly pique every viewer’s conscience, pitting the ends versus the means, malice versus the motive.

Gina Alajar plays the role of Zeny, a nursing student whose life gets complicated when she gets impregnated by her boyfriend who subsequently leaves her. She gives birth to twins, but unfortunately one of them had a heart complication and needed immediate operation. But Zeny couldn’t afford the cost of the operation, and so, she was left without a choice but to give up the healthier baby so she can save the ailing one. The ailing child survived and Zeny named her “Lira” (Kris Bernal).

Eighteen years later, Zeny - now a nurse - discovers that Lira’s heart condition has recurred and her daughter is, for the second time, on the brink of death. The only thing that could save her is a heart transplant. But Zeny has no connections. One night, Zeny becomes a witness to a tragic hit-and-run accident. She helps the victim, Angeline, who is almost her daughter’s age. For a second, she thought that she’s found a “donor” for her daughter’s heart transplant, but that would only be possible if she lets the victim die. She shilly-shallies at first, but moved by her conscience, she decides to take the victim to a nearby hospital. But it’s too late; the victim is already ‘clinically dead.’ Although distraught by the demise of their daughter, the victim’s parents Leo and Roxanne (Gardo Versoza and Ayen Laurel) thanked Zeny for attempting to “save” Angeline. Learning of Lira’s ailment, they agreed to donate their daughter’s heart to Lira. Zeny is filled with so much happiness following the success of her daughter’s operation. But her joy will be short-lived. She knew that her daughter survived at the expense of someone else’s daughter, and fate has its way of bringing back the balance.

Not long thereafter, Zeny observes strange things about Lira. She seemed to have adopted not only the heart of her donor, but her personality, too. What concerns Zeny more is that while Lira turns cold towards her, she also begins to develop affinity with Angeline’s parents.

Upon learning that Lira now has Angeline’s heart, the latter’s lover Prince (Mark Herras) stalks her and later falls in love with her. But unknown to Prince, he is already stepping in the way of Lira’s friend Dennis (Polo Ravales) who secretly has feelings for her. To complicate things further, Lira’s twin Vanessa (Bela Padilla) has been wanting to win the heart of Prince.

Zeny went up against her conscience to keep her daughter, but now she’s emotionally losing her. Will she win her daughter back?

With the special participation of Krystal Reyes, Ehra Madrigal and Stef Prescott, Hiram na Puso is an original concept and story by Suzette Doctolero and is directed by Andoy Ranay.

The show also prides itself on its production team headed by Hazel Abonita (Program Manager) and Jojo Aleta (Executive Producer), and creative team composed of Jun Lana (Creative Director), Roy Iglesias (Creative Head), Des Garbes-Severino (Creative Consultant) and Suzette Doctolero (Head Writer).

Witness the unraveling of this remarkable story in Hiram na Puso, beginning March 5, on GMA’s Afternoon Prime.

ABS-CBN Chairman Gabby Lopez to Open 7th Pinoy Media Congress for Students

ABS-CBN execs & industry experts talk about media convergence for social responsibility.

ABS-CBN chairman and CEO Eugenio “Gabby” Lopez III will open this year’s Pinoy Media Congress (PMC) that brings together top-caliber ABS-CBN executives, industry experts, and almost 1,000 students and academicians of mass communications and journalism from all over the country in a two-day summit on Thursday (March 1) and Friday (March 2) at the Blessed Antonio Varona Gymnasium, Colegio De San Juan De Letran.

Now on its 7th year, ABS-CBN’s Pinoy Media Congress will be engaging the future media practitioners in discussion of current issues and case studies on media and communications, specifically on the convergence of media for social responsibility.

ABS-CBN executives and subject matter experts such as digital terrestrial TV marketing head Miguel Mercado will talk about the exciting future of television as it goes digital, while ABS-CBN news and current affairs head Ging Reyes will explain media convergence in news. As Star Cinema concept development group head Enrico Santos will tell the delegates how Philippine cinema can be socially responsible, ABS-CBN head of creative communications Robert Labayen will discuss how to connect with the Filipino viewers via advocacy plugs.

ABS-CBN Foundation Inc. managing director Gina Lopez will speak about advocacies that respond to people’s needs. ABS-CBN Manila radio division head Peter Musngi will share how radio responded to the changes in media technology, while regional network group head Jerry Bennett will present the case study about ‘Choose Philippines.’ March Ventosa, head of Studio 23 and Cable Channel and Print Media Group (CCPMG) will tackle the emerging market trends; customer business development head Vivian Tin will help the delegates understand the Filipino audience more; and TV entertainment production head Linggit Tan will share what kinds of TV entertainment that Filipinos want.

Industry officials and experts who will be speaking at the event include Kantar Media general manager Gabriel Buluran who will present the current Philippine media landscape and how Filipinos consume media. Leo Jasareno of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will tackle how new media can be used to mobilize people in supporting a cause. PIA director general Atty. Jose Fabia will share about ‘weather watch,’ Campaigns chair Yoly Ong will discuss emerging market trends, and MTRCB board member Atty. Eugenio Villareal and KBP president Ruperto Nicdao will both discuss how their groups are protecting the audience through media monitoring.

Mounted by ABS-CBN, in partnership with the Philippine Association of Communication Educators (PACE), the Pinoy Media Congress won Awards of Excellence from the Philippine Quill Awards given by the International Association of Business Communicators Philippines in 2007 and the Anvil Awards given by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines in 2008.

The X Factor Philippines Manila Audition Date and Venue

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The X Factor Philippines will invade the country's capital for its one-day audition in search for the next singing superstar. Join host KC Concepcion at the Trinity University of Asia (High School campus) along E. Rodriguez Blvd, Quezon City this Saturday (March 3).

The X Factor Philippines is open to all Filipinos, aged 16 and above, who can sing and who thinks he or she has the 'x factor.' Those interested can audition solo, duo, trio, or group acts. Those auditioning should bring a minus one CD of their audition piece.

First introduced in the UK, The X Factor has conquered more than 30 countries as of mid-2011 and produced more than 50 winners around the world, including Melanie Amaro, who became the first season winner of The X Factor USA last month.

Who will be the first Pinoy X Factor winner? Watch out for The X Factor Philippines, hosted by KC Concepcion, airing soon on ABS-CBN.

Ogie Alcasid - Regine Velasquez' “Mr. and Mrs. A” Valentine Concert to Air on GMA-7 this Saturday

After the most talked-about and successful “Mr. and Mrs. A” concert held at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum last Valentine’s Day, fans of the power couple and all Kapuso viewers will have the chance to witness the first ever collaboration concert as husband and wife of Songwriter Ogie Alcasid and Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez-Alcasid through the Mr. and Mrs. A television special.

Love and emotions outpour as the couple sings timeless songs that unravel their life and love stories which will surely engage viewers in the beauty of love.

Meanwhile, Ogie extends his gratitude to all of their supporters. “We’re very happy that every Kapuso will have the chance to watch the recent Mr. and Mrs. A concert on GMA this Saturday. It’s our way of thanking them for being with us in our journey of life and love.”

Adding highlight to the momentous occasion are the country's most sought-after artists Dingdong Dantes, Michael V, Moymoy Palaboy and Sam Pinto as they share the stage with the couple in a one remarkable Valentine evening.

Indulge in a romantic night of love songs as Mr. and Mrs. A airs this Saturday (March 3, 2012) after Manny Many Prizes only on GMA 7.

El Gamma Penumbra Chooses Philippines

After showcasing their world class shadow-play performance in ABS-CBN’s “Pilipinas Got Talent” (PGT), El Gamma Penumbra now embarks on a new stint as advocates of Philippine tourism through ABS-CBN Regional Network Group’s “iChoose” campaign.

The group’s final performance on the show wherein they chose the song “Piliin Mo Ang Pilipinas” was widely shared on social networking sites, as netizens strongly endorsed El Gamma Penumbra to be part of our country’s tourism campaign.

In turn, Choose Philippines, coming from the success of their initial launch on “ASAP Rocks,” decided to tap the group for the promotion of its “iChoose” campaign, introducing a new music video and a micro-site that encourages every Filipino to contribute to the 7,107 reasons why people choose the Philippines.

As in the original music video, ABS-CBN’s Creative Communications Management got together with the creative people behind El Gamma Penumbra to discuss a level-up version of their performance on PGT. Two brainstorms, one rehearsal, one shooting, and countless days of editing later, the new music video of Choose Philippines was produced.

Recently on “ASAP 2012,” Choose Philippines again released the new version of the music video. Immediately after the launch, #elgamma and #choosephils became trending topics on social networking sites. Just days after the music video was aired, it already received a total number of 234,011 views on Youtube (as of 6pm February 27, 2012). The number of people who visited the micro-site and shared their reasons why they choose the Philippines doubled and is continuously adding digits.

The music video, produced for ABS-CBN RNG and Choose Philippines, is a collaboration of El Gamma Penumbra and ABS-CBN CCM led by in-house Director Paolo Ramos, Executive Producers Cidge Laxamana and Carla Payongayong, Post-production Editor Angelo Dayao, Motion Graphics Artist Alfie Landayan and CCM-Technical Supervisor Jimmy Porca under the supervision of CCM Creative Account Head Tina Barbin and CCM-VP Robert Labayen.

Share the fun, log on now to www.choosephils.com/ichoose. State the reason why people must choose the Philippines. The post can only be a simple sentence yet accompanied by a picturesque image of any of the Philippines’ best - that can be a place, food, service, event and even admirable Pinoy values.

Bar Exam Results - Complete List of 2012 Bar Exam Passers

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Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Maja Salvador and Matteo Guidicelli Second Movie in the Works

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Seriously? Maja Salvador and her reel and real-life boyfriend boyfriend Matteo Guidicelli to star in a new movie?

You read it right. Maja revealed that she will soon star in a movie with Matteo as a follow-up to their successful film “My Cactus Heart”. Successful? Really?

“May bonggang project, may niluluto. Sobrang ginigisa pa pero ang bibigat kasi ng mga ingredients. Sobrang pinaghahandaan namin ito. Maganda siya,” Maja said in an interview.

“My Cactus Heart” which Maja said received good reviews and successfully shown in theaters on January 25, 2012 earned a measly P23,008,393* on its entire theatrical run.

*Figures provided by Box Office Mojo

Coco Martin Talks About His Encounter with Pope Benedict XVI

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Coco Martin had the opportunity to see Pope Benedict XVI during his recent trip at the Vatican City.

The Kapamilya actor together with Dawn Zulueta went to Rome, Milan and Vatican City to tape some scenes for the top-rated ABS-CBN primetime series “Walang Hanggan.”

“Nagpunta kami sa Vatican para mag-Mass, para magpasalamat. First time ko nagpunta roon tapos nagkataon pa nan nandoon ang Pope, sobrang blessing po,” Coco said of his experience.

Supreme Court Releases Bar Exam Results 2012 - Ateneo Tops the List

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Bar Exam Results 2012 for November 2011 Exam Released - Raoul Angelo Atadero of Ateneo Tops the List

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Bela Padilla Talks About Her 'Racist' FHM Cover on BBC News; FHM Releases Statement

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The controversial cover photo of FHM Philippines Magazine March 2012 issue with sexy young actress Bela Padilla sorrounded by black women on the cover is now getting worldwide attention that international news agency BBC News got interested in it.

Despite FHM Philippines' decision to recall the said issue due to 'racist' claim by some, it is still the subject of debate and hot topics on social networking sites.

BBC News' Mishal Hussain of BBC Impact aired last night, February 28, an interview with Padilla saying the cover photo has no intention of discriminating any race.

Here is an excerpt of the said interview:

Mishal: When you saw that picture of you and the black model behind you and 'stepping out of the shadows,' it didn't ring any alarm bells to you?

Bela: "Honestly, I saw the picture before I saw the layout page with the caption. So I was as shocked as everyone when I saw the caption. But if the people get to read the article there, then you would understand why FHM chose that caption."

Mishal: Did you think when you, first of all, saw this, you were surrounded by black models, was there nothing in that thing that makes you think or gave you clues on how would this might end up?

Bela: "You have to understand that we took the shot because it's my coming of age here in the Philippines.

I'm an actress here and we're trying to change my image from the younger bracket to an older one. So they wanted to me to come into a 'coming of age' sort of article that's why they chose that caption. We weren't trying to hurt anyone from the caption."

When asked about the negative reaction of some people to her controversial cover photo, the Kapuso actress replied, "First of all, I wanted to say sorry to everyone who's offended by the cover. You have to see the article to understand the cover that we shot.
Honestly, some of those girls were actually Filipinas painted in black, not to represent Africans, but we were really doing that to portray shadows because, like I said, it's my coming of age. They wanted a symbolization of me getting out of my old shadow. So, they were all supposed to represent me. And we weren't thinking of harming anyone and we weren't thinking of racial discrimination."

Mishal: Some people might think that it would be more offensive that some people in that shoot, the Filipinas, were painted black.

Bela: "Honestly, when I see a black person, I don't initially think of a certain race because we also have black Filipinos.

We didn't really think of harming anyone when we did that shoot. So, again, I want to say sorry to anyone who was offended. FHM has recalled the issue and we're releasing a new cover. So, I hope everyone will just forget about this."

Did she regrets doing the cover photo for FHM, Bela replied: "Uhm, I honestly don't know how to answer that. I was just called for the shoot. I didn't have any idea that it would be blown up this big. "I had no intention of hurting anyone neither did FHM Philippines.
"I actually don't regret it. It was a beautiful photo. But if it did hurt anyone, then I am sorry."

Following the negative reactions about the controversial cover photo, FHM not only decided to immediately change the cover, they also released a statement last February 27 which reads:

On Saturday, February 25, we uploaded the March issue with Bela Padilla on the cover on our Facebook page.

Just hours later, a slew of comments on the supposed "racism" of the cover image and cover line flooded the magazine page, prompting the editorial team to re-examine the cover so that we could put into context its execution and assuage the concerns of our readers and non-readers as well who've weighed in on the issue.

We took all the points into consideration and have decided to take the side of sensitivity.

When FHM hits the stands in March it will have a different cover. We deem this to be the most prudent move in the light of the confusion over the previous cover execution.

We apologize and thank those who have raised their points. We apologize to Bela Padilla for any distress this may have caused her.

In our pursuit to come up with edgier covers, we will strive to be more sensitive next time."

'Ringer' and 'Flipping Out' Premiere this March on AXN Beyond

Switching and flipping is the name of the game in AXN Beyond’s line-up of premieres this March!

Double means trouble in the new thriller drama RINGER, which stars Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) as the beautiful twin sisters Bridget Kelly and Siobhan Martin.

Bridget is on the run from the mob and hides out by assuming the life of her identical twin sister – only to learn that Siobhan’s life is just as complicated and dangerous. Watch as Bridget discovers shocking revelations about Siobhan’s life with millionaire husband Andrew Martin (Ioan Gruffudd, Fantastic Four), as well as her best friend, Gemma and her husband, Henry.

Catch the premiere on March 15, airing Thursdays at 10:55pm first and exclusively on AXN Beyond.

Work hard and play hard with the house-flipper turned interior designer Jeff Lewis and his loyal staff at 'Jeff Lewis Design' in the fifth season of FLIPPING OUT, airing Mondays to Fridays at 9:15pm beginning March 5.

This season Jeff is faced with more work than he could have ever dreamed of. His design for the House Beautiful magazine’s ‘Kitchen of the Year’ award winner has put him on the national map and almost completely transformed his core business from house flipping to high-end design and consultation. But in true Jeff Lewis style, he balances an all-new group of quirky clients while still indulging in outrageous side activities – including planning a truly over-the-top birthday present for his housekeeper Zoila (a facelift!) and organizing a wild bachelorette-party weekend in Vegas for his assistant Sarah.

Catch these all new programs and more on AXN Beyond this March: SkyCable (Channel 35), Dream Satellite (Channel 36) and Cignal Digital TV (Channel 37).

Willem Dafoe, Leader of the Tharks in “John Carter”

To hear Willem Dafoe (“Spider-Man”) tell it, there was no way he wasn’t going to work on Walt Disney Pictures' 3D sci-fi fantasy “John Carter” with Academy Award®–winning writer/director Andrew Stanton.

“I was very lucky because the project was quite far along in its casting when I came around,” Dafoe explains. “I was in Los Angeles, where I rarely am because I don’t live there. I knew Andrew was meeting with people for `John Carter' and since I had worked with him before and was aware of the project, I said that I’d like to have a meeting with him. And he showed me some of the art. When I read the script, I got excited. I said, ‘Listen, you want me to play a Thark, I’ll play a Thark. I would love that. I would love the physical challenges.’

“My character, Tars Tarkas, is the head of a warrior tribe called the Tharks,” he explains. “They are very tall, green-skinned Martians with four arms and tusks. There’s a feeling that their culture is in decline; they were once a great society and now they’ve been reduced to being a nomadic, warlike society, moving from place to place to survive. There’s a feeling of sadness and lost empire to them and it very much informs who Tars Tarkas is. The Thark culture is brutal, primitive and warrior-like, but it hasn’t always been. Tars remembers a more refined, civilized past. He secretly yearns for those days and for a more humane society. He knows there’s got to be a better way than how they’re surviving now.”

The challenge for Dafoe and the other actors playing Tharks was to convey the depth and feeling of their performances while adapting to the technological and physical realities of performing in this particular project. Dafoe and his fellows Tharks spent their time on set dressed in gray jumpsuits covered in black dots and on stilts. They also wore helmets with cameras mounted on them; the cameras were pointed at their faces at all times to capture their expressions. “This film had lots of challenges, not only because of the stilts, but some of the gestural language and the fact that we had to learn a Martian language for part of it,” Dafoe says.

“I trust Andrew a lot. I know him from working on ‘Finding Nemo’ and I know that he’s quite rigorous and quite detailed. He was very insistent that he wanted scenes played out for the human characters, and also to always have the scenes fully realized. So, I’m in all of the scenes with Taylor Kitsch, who plays John Carter,” he says. “It’s not just motion capture on green screens. And it makes a big difference. It’s a big difference for the actors because everything is informed by the set; it’s not disjointed. It gives a kind of integrity for the animators to work with as everything holds together as a piece. I think that’s very important. I’m not sure that’s ever been done to this degree.”

Dafoe is also a huge fan of the story that Edgar Rice Burroughs created (from which the film was based) back in 1912 and believes that it has stood the test of time extremely well. “This is a very well imagined world that Edgar Rice Burroughs has created,” he says. “It’s got all the attraction of that imagination plus pure fantasy. The story he tells really is very evocative, the characters are so well drawn and it puts forth some questions about society and how we conduct ourselves. It asks what our ambitions are and what we’re willing to sacrifice. It’s rich material.

“I can imagine that the film will work for a very broad audience. It works on lots of different levels because it’s complex, it’s dense and it’s very detailed. One of the biggest pleasures in doing this project is to work with someone like Andrew Stanton who works on this scale, on a story that has popular appeal but doesn’t pander. ‘John Carter’ was created from a very personal place,” Dafoe concludes.

“John Carter” is a sweeping action-adventure set on the mysterious and exotic planet of Barsoom (Mars). The film tells the story of war-weary, former military captain John Carter (Taylor Kitsch), who is inexplicably transported to Mars where he becomes reluctantly embroiled in a conflict of epic proportions amongst the inhabitants of the planet, including Tars Tarkas (Dafoe) and the captivating Princess Dejah Thoris (Lynn Collins). In a world on the brink of collapse, Carter rediscovers his humanity when he realizes that the survival of Barsoom and its people rests in his hands.

Opening across the Philippines on March 9 in IMAX 3D, Digital 3D and regular theatres, “John Carter” is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International through Columbia Pictures.

'Deal or No Deal' and 'Sarah G Live' Pilot Episodes Both Placed 6th on AGB People and Household Ratings

www.showbiznest.com

Here are the Top 10 daytime and primetime programs from February 24 to 27, 2012 among Mega Manila households (People Ratings):

February 24, Friday

Daytime:
1. Eat Bulaga! (GMA-7) - 11.2%
2. Chef Boy Lagro: Kusina Master (GMA-7) - 8.4%
3. Kokak (GMA-7) - 7.5%
4. The Good Daughter (GMA-7) - 7.1%
5. Broken Vow (GMA-7) - 6.6%
6. Kapuso Movie Festival: Ispiritista (GMA-7) - 6.2%
7. Knock Out (GMA-7) / Angelito Batang Ama (ABS-CBN) - 4.2%
8. Sinetanghali: Ogre (TV5) / It Started With A Kiss (GMA-7) - 4.1%
9. Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters (GMA-7) - 3.9%
10. Pinoy Big Brother Unliday (ABS-CBN) - 3.8%

Primetime:
1. Budoy (ABS-CBN) - 12.9%
2. Walang Hanggan (ABS-CBN) - 12.7%
3. Legacy (GMA-7) - 12.2%
4. Biritera (GMA-7) / My Beloved (GMA-7) / Dongyi (GMA-7) - 12.1%
5. E-Boy (ABS-CBN) - 10.5%
6. 24 Oras (GMA-7) - 10.3%
7. Pinoy Big Brother Unlinight (ABS-CBN) - 9.1%
8. Bubble Gang (GMA-7) - 8.9%
9. TV Patrol (ABS-CBN) - 8.4%
10. City Hunter (ABS-CBN) - 6.7%

February 25, Saturday

Daytime:
1. Eat Bulaga! (GMA-7) - 14.9%
2. Kapuso Movie Festival: Isang Kahig Tatlong Tuka (GMA-7) - 6.3%
3. 24 Oras Weekend (GMA-7) - 5.2%
4. Kapamilya Blockbusters: Who's That Girl? (ABS-CBN) - 4.8%
5. Knock Out (GMA-7) / Startalk TX (GMA-7) - 4.7%
6. Wish Ko Lang! (GMA-7) - 4.5%
7. Tom and Jerry (GMA-7) - 4.2%
8. Maynila (GMA-7) - 3.5%
9. It's Showtime (ABS-CBN) - 3.4%
10. Tropang Potchi (GMA-7) / Ben 10 Alien Force (TV5) - 3.2%

Primetime:
1. Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho (GMA-7) - 12.8%
2. MMK 20 Maalaala Mo Kaya (ABS-CBN) - 10.8%
3. Imbestigador (GMA-7) - 10.7%
4. Spooky Valentine Presents Manikurista (GMA-7) - 10.5%
5. Wansapanataym Somewhere Over The Bahaghari (ABS-CBN) - 8.5%
6. Kapamilya Deal Or No Deal (ABS-CBN) - 6.6%
7. Toda Max (ABS-CBN) / Pinoy Big Brother Unlinight (ABS-CBN) / Just For Laughs Gags (GMA-7) - 6.2%
8. Manny Many Prizes (GMA-7) - 5.5%
9. Wil Time Bigtime (TV5) - 5.1%
10. TV Patrol Weekend (ABS-CBN) / Regal Shocker (TV5) - 3.7%

February 26, Sunday

Daytime:
1. Kapuso Movie Festival: When I Met U (GMA-7) - 6.3%
2. Party Pilipinas (GMA-7) - 6%
3. Dragon Ball (GMA-7) - 5.5%
4. Detective Conan (GMA-7) - 5.1%
5. Tom & Jerry Kids (GMA-7) - 5%
6. ASAP 2012 (ABS-CBN) - 4.7%
7. Tween Hearts (GMA-7) - 4.4%
8. AHA! (GMA-7) - 3.6%
9. Jewelpet (GMA-7) - 3.5%
10. Showbiz Central (GMA-7) - 3.4%

Primetime:
1. SNBO Double Treat: Police Story (GMA-7) - 12.5%
2. Kap's Amazing Stories (GMA-7) - 11.2%
3. Ibilib: The Wonders of Horus (GMA-7) - 11%
4. Pepito Manaloto (GMA-7) - 10.6%
5. SNBO Double Treat: Touch And Go (GMA-7) - 9.4%
6. Sarah G Live (ABS-CBN) - 9.1%
7. Rated K (ABS-CBN) / Pinoy Big Brother Unlinight (ABS-CBN) - 7.3%
8. 24 Oras Weekend (GMA-7) - 6.1%
9. Goin' Bulilit (ABS-CBN) - 6%
10. Talentadong Pinoy (TV5) - 5.7%

February 27, Monday

Daytime:
1. Eat Bulaga! (GMA-7) - 10.8%
2. The Good Daughter (GMA-7) - 7.3%
3. Chef Boy Lagro Kusina Master (GMA-7) / Kokak (GMA-7) - 7.2%
4. Broken Vow (GMA-7) - 6.7%
5. Kapuso Movie Festival: Lucio Margallo (GMA-7) - 5.5%
6. It Started With A Kiss (GMA-7) - 4.7%
7. Knock Out (GMA-7) - 4.4%
8. Slam Dunk (GMA-7) - 4%
9. Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters (GMA-7) - 3.8%
10. Detective Conan (GMA-7) - 3.7%

Primetime:
1. Walang Hanggan (ABS-CBN) - 14.4%
2. My Beloved (GMA-7) - 13.8%
3. Biritera (GMA-7) - 13.5%
4. Budoy (ABS-CBN) - 12.7%
5. 24 Oras (GMA-7) - 11.8%
6. E-Boy (ABS-CBN) - 11.6%
7. Legacy (GMA-7) - 11.2%
8. Dongyi (GMA-7) - 9.8%
9. Pinoy Big Brother Unlinight (ABS-CBN) - 9%
10. TV Patrol (ABS-CBN) - 8.5%

Here are the Top 10 daytime and primetime programs from February 24 to 27, 2012 among Mega Manila households (Household Ratings):

February 24, Friday

Daytime:
1. Eat Bulaga! (GMA-7) - 27.8%
2. Chef Boy Lagro: Kusina Master (GMA-7) - 20.4%
3. Kokak (GMA-7) - 20%
4. The Good Daughter (GMA-7) - 19.1%
5. Broken Vow (GMA-7) - 17.4%
6. Kapuso Movie Festival: Ispiritista (GMA-7) - 15.2%
7. Knock Out (GMA-7) - 11.6%
8. Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters (GMA-7) - 10.6%
9. Angelito Batang Ama (ABS-CBN) - 10.5%
10. Slam Dunk (GMA-7) / It Started With A Kiss (GMA-7) - 10.1%

Primetime:
1. Legacy (GMA-7) - 25%
2. Dongyi (GMA-7) - 24.7%
3. Biritera (GMA-7) - 24.5%
4. Budoy (ABS-CBN) - 24.4%
5. 24 Oras (GMA-7) / Walang Hanggan (ABS-CBN) - 24.1%
6. My Beloved (GMA-7) - 24%
7. E-Boy (ABS-CBN) - 19.8%
8. TV Patrol (ABS-CBN) - 18.4%
9. Pinoy Big Brother Unlinight (ABS-CBN) - 18.3%
10. Bubble Gang (GMA-7) - 18%

February 25, Saturday

Daytime:
1. Eat Bulaga! (GMA-7) - 33.8%
2. Kapuso Movie Festival: Isang Kahig Tatlong Tuka (GMA-7) - 15.2%
3. 24 Oras Weekend (GMA-7) - 12.5%
4. Knock Out (GMA-7) - 12.2%
5. Startalk TX (GMA-7) - 11.6%
6. Kapamilya Blockbusters: Who's That Girl? (ABS-CBN) - 11.1%
7. Tom and Jerry Kids (GMA-7) - 10.7%
8. Wish Ko Lang! (GMA-7) - 10.6%
9. Maynila (GMA-7) - 9.4%
10. Tropang Potchi (GMA-7) - 8.9%

Primetime:
1. Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho (GMA-7) - 26.1%
2. Imbestigador (GMA-7) - 22.8%
3. Spooky Valentine Presents Manikurista (GMA-7) - 19.9%
4. MMK 20 Maalaala Mo Kaya (ABS-CBN) - 19.5%
5. Wansapanataym: Somewhere Over The Bahaghari (ABS-CBN) - 16.3%
6. Kapamilya Deal Or No Deal (ABS-CBN) - 14.2%
7. Toda Max (ABS-CBN) - 13.1%
8. Just For Laughs Gags (GMA-7) - 12.9%
9. Pinoy Big Brother Unlimited (ABS-CBN) - 12.4%
10. Manny Many Prizes (GMA-7) - 12.1%

February 26, Sunday

Daytime:
1. Kapuso Movie Festival: When I Met U (GMA-7) - 15.4%
2. Party Pilipinas (GMA-7) - 13.4%
3. Dragon Ball (GMA-7) - 12.3%
4. Detective Conan (GMA-7) - 11.9%
5. Tom and Jerry Kids (GMA-7) - 10.6%
6. ASAP Rocks (ABS-CBN) - 10.2%
7. Tween Hearts (GMA-7) - 9.8%
8. AHA! (GMA-7) - 9.1%
9. Showbiz Central (GMA-7) - 7.8%
10. Kapamilya Blockbusters: High School Musical 3 ABS-CBN) / Luv U (ABS-CBN) - 7.6%

Primetime:
1. SNBO Double Treat: Police Story (GMA-7) - 23.4%
2. Kap's Amazing Stories (GMA-7) - 21.5%
3. Pepito Manaloto (GMA-7) - 21.2%
4. Ibilib: The Wonders of Horus (GMA-7) - 20.7%
5. SNBO Double Treat: Touch And Go (GMA-7) - 18.2%
6. Sarah G Live (ABS-CBN) - 17.7%
7. Rated K (ABS-CBN) - 14.9%
8. Pinoy Big Brother Unlimited (ABS-CBN) - 14.8%
9. 24 Oras Weekend (GMA-7) - 14%
10. Talentadong Pinoy (TV5) - 12.1%

February 27, Monday

Daytime:
1. Eat Bulaga! (GMA-7) - 27.6%
2. The Good Daughter (GMA-7) - 19%
3. Kokak (GMA-7) - 18.8%
4. Chef Boy Lagro: Kusina Master (GMA-7) - 18.6%
5. Broken Vow (GMA-7) - 17.9%
6. Kapuso Movie Festival: Lucio Margallo (GMA-7) - 12.9%
7. It Started With A Kiss (GMA-7) - 12.4%
8. Knock Out (GMA-7) - 11.6%
9. Angelito Batang Ama (ABS-CBN) - 9.8%
10. Slam Dunk (GMA-7) - 9.4%

Primetime:
1. Walang Hanggan (ABS-CBN) - 27.3%
2. My Beloved (GMA-7) - 26.1%
3. Biritera (GMA-7) - 25.9%
4. 24 Oras (GMA-7) - 25.2%
5. Budoy (ABS-CBN) - 24.2%
6. E-Boy (ABS-CBN) - 22.5%
7. Legacy (GMA-7) - 22.1%
8. Dongyi (GMA-7) - 19.6%
9. TV Patrol (ABS-CBN) - 18.9%
10. Pinoy Big Brother Unlinight (ABS-CBN) - 17.4%

Source: AGB Nielsen Phils.

Iglesia Ni Cristo Live Streaming - Quirino Grandstand Bible Exposition

As of this writing, millions of people are reportedly flocking in Manila to attend Iglesia Ni Cristo’s aGrand Evangelical Mission at the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta Manila.

The event is part of the church's “Intensified Propagation of the Words of God” evangelical mission theme this year.

For live online stream, play the link provided by DZEM 954 below:

DZEM 954 is a non-commercial radio station owned and operated by the INC through the Christian Era Broadcasting Service.

Dahil sa Pag-ibig Full Trailer Starring Piolo Pascual, Cristine Reyes, Maricar Reyes and Jericho Rosales

ABS-CBN has released the full trailer of its highly-anticipated drama series “Dahil sa Pag-ibig” featuring the biggest Kapamilya stars Piolo Pascual, Jericho Rosales, Cristine Reyes, and Maricar Reyes.

Watch the trailer below:

“Dahil sa Pag-ibig” also stars Christopher De Leon, Ronaldo Valdez, Denise Laurel, Rafael Rosell, Techie Agabayani, Rey “PJ” Abellana and Sandy Andolong.

Directed by Darnel Villaflor and Avel Sumpongco, “Dahil sa Pag-ibig” premieres March 12 on ABS-CBN Primetime Bida.

Vina Morales Stars with Mutya Orquia and Louise Abuel in ‘Wansapanataym’

Kapamilya child wonders Mutya Orquia and Louise Abuel will join singer-actress Vina Morales in the ‘ Maya Aksaya’ episode of “Wansapanataym” this Saturday (March 3).

Mutya will portray the role of Maya, a little girl who has a hobby of wasting food. As Maya continues to take food for granted, a dwarf will cast a spell on her that will make every food she touches draw away from her. It was written by Noreen Capili and directed by Francis Pasion.

Discover the value of blessings in another lesson-filled episode of “Wansapanataym” this Saturday night on ABS-CBN after “Kapamilya: Deal or No Deal.” For more updates, log on to www.abs-cbn.com or follow @abscbndotcom on Twitter.

Atty. Mike Templo Samples Mortician’s Life this Thursday on 'Insider'

This week on Insider, Atty. Mike Templo gets a crash course in being a mortician or embalmer - a profession more commonly feared or dreaded rather than respected. Catch the second documentary of the AKSYON Weekend anchor following his high rating Insider episode “Bilibid” this Thursday (March 1) on TV5 and Aksyon TV.

With the help of Manay Glo, a 64-year-old on-call mortician, Mike learns the ropes on the proper handling of the remains of departed ones. He also realized that being in the industry requires more than just a tough gut as the veteran of 46 years shares why she stayed in the business for more than four decades now.

Our insider also meets Chris Tia who, despite having decorated himself with a masters and doctorate degree, has chosen to make a living out of the dead. Like Manay Glo, he finds fulfilment in being a mortician and is convinced that this job pays better than any other job out there. Chris also believes that the profession he has chosen will be his ticket to a better life abroad.

Since its premiere last February 2, this trailblazing documentary program has delivered compelling stories behind the most interesting places, institutions and how they operate, showcasing the seasoned anchors of NEWS5 including Cherie Mercado (“Slaughterhouse” episode), Cheryl Cosim (“Fish Port” episode) and Martin Andanar (“Philippine National Police Academy” episode). Also lined up in the upcoming episodes are NEWS5 chief Luchi Cruz-Valdes, Raffy Tulfo, Paolo Bediones, Lourd De Veyra and NEWS5 head of news production Patrick Paez.

Last February 9, insider Mike Templo stepped into the other side of the thick walls of the New Bilibid Maximum Security Prison. For two days, Mike managed to live, eat, sleep among the country’s most notorious criminals and discovered the story behind the men behind bars. The said episode recorded a 1.6% AMR in MegaTAM, according to the data provided by Nielsen Media Research - higher than ABS-CBN’s current affairs program Krusada which only posted 1.2% AMR.

Don’t miss Mike’s Insider episode as he sees the life of a mortician this Thursday after Pilipinas News on TV5; with a one-hour Producer’s Cut at earlier timeslot (7:30 p.m.) over Aksyon TV (Channel 41 in Mega Manila, Channel 29 in Metro Cebu and Davao, Channel 1 on Cignal Digital TV and Channel 59 on Sky Cable).