Take a Positive Change this New Year in ‘Wansapanataym’!

Learn the value of being hardworking and responsible this New Year’s Eve (December 31) via the ‘Happy NEO Year’ episode of “Wansapanataym.”

In the story, a lazy and reckless boy named Janus (Nash Aguas) meets a mysterious old man, ‘Mang Neo’ (Chinggoy Alonzo), who will later be discovered as ‘Year 2011’ personified.

Can Janus successfully help Mang Neo reach his destination before New Year comes or will his laziness hinder the ushering of the ‘Happy New Year?’ Sharing the small screen with Aguas and Alonzo are Francis Magundayao, Brenna Pemaflor, Yayo Aguila, Emilio Garcia, and Jojit Lorenzo. It was under the direction of Darnel Joy Villaflor and written by Noreen Capili.

Don’t miss another lesson-filled episode of “Wansapanataym” this Saturday night on ABS-CBN after “TV Patrol Weekend.” For more updates, log on to www.abs-cbn.com or follow @abscbndotcom on Twitter.

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‘Growing Up’ Barkada deals with Family Intrigues this Sunday

Learn how to deal with family intrigues this Sunday (January 1) as the “Growing Up” barkada faces the ‘secret’ relationship between Ella’s (Kathryn Bernardo) mom and Tammy’s (Julia Montes) dad.

Will Ella and Tammy’s long time friendship be ruined by this revelation? Can the whole gang control the situation or will they be affected with the rising rift?

Don’t miss the changes in the lives and hearts of the “Growing Up” tweens this Sunday afternoon after “ASAP Rocks” on ABS-CBN. For more updates, log on to www.growingup.tv or follow abscbndotcom on Twitter

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Sharon's magazine bids farewell!

Sharon Cuneta’s eponymous year-old magazine (subtitled “at Home”) bids farewell with a bang.

It features Sharon on the cover with daughters Frankie and Miel with, for the first time, adopted son Miguel. Published by ABS-CBN Publishing, Inc., the magazine bowed out close on the heels of Sharon’s move from the Kapamilya Network to the Kapatid Network (TV5).

Listed in the credits as editor-in-chief is Sharon Cuneta-Pangilinan.

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The value of sharing in Ikaw ay Pag-ibig!

Primetime Bida teleserye Ikaw ay Pag-ibig continues to warm the heart of televiewers!

With the journey of orphans Nonoy (Zaijian Jaranilla), Angelica (Xyriel Manabat), Edison (Louise Abuel) and Tinay (Mutya Orquia) who are still in search for the parents of the mysterious Baby Rafa. After touching the lives of the families they have met, is it now Nonoy’s turn to meet his long-lost family?

Will Agnes (Dimples Romana) and Mario (Alfred Vargas) finally discover that their missing baby Julius and Nonoy are one and the same child?

Learn the value of sharing, love and family in the ABS-CBN drama weeknights after TV Patrol. For more updates, log on to http://www.ikawaypagibig.tv, follow @IkawayPagibig on Twitter, and like http://www.facebook.com/IkawayPagibig.

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Kuya Kim spends New Year with matanglawin!

Kim Atienza is ushering in the new year right by communing with no less than the namesake of his multi-awarded ABS-CBN program, the matanglawin.

In the New Year’s Day episode of Matanglawin, Kuya Kim will observe the behavior of the audacious matanglawin, a type of hawk that dives into the depths of the ocean in search of the biggest fish.

Speaking of oceans, the Trivia King will head to the waters of Bicol to look for the tawiki, a giant fish considered mythical by the locals. This creature, a relative of the ferocious shark, can grow up to be as big a bus, with a mouth as wide as a meter stick. Local folklore has it that the giant brings a bad luck, a belief that caused the near extinction of its species. Luckily, it has since been saved.

Matanglawin is a multi-awarded educational program anchored by Kuya Kim. Both Kim and Matanglawin recently won the PMPC Star Awards for Best Educational Program Host and Best Educational Program and the Golden Screen TV Awards for Outstanding Natural History/Wildlife Program Host and Outstanding Natural History/Wildlife Program. The show also placed ninth in Anak TV Seal’s Top 10 Most Well-Liked TV Programs for 2011 with Kuya Kim being third among the roster of Anak TV Makabata Male Stars.

There’s more to find out about the matanglawin and tawiki, so learn more about them this Sunday at 9:30 a.m.

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MMFF 2011 Asing Salonga wins big, list of winners revealed!

The MMFF 2011 Awards Night or Gabi ng Parangal was held Wednesday night, December 28, 2011, at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Resorts World Manila, Pasay City.

Dingdong Dantes won Best actor for Segunda Mano and Maricel Soriano is the Best Actress for Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow!

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KC Concepcion will host The X Factor Philippines!

Aside from hosting The X Factor Philippines, KC Concepcion is also slated to do a drama series, a movie and be part of the Sunday variety show ASAP.

The search is on for the Philippines' next singing superstar with KC Concepcion hosting the country's biggest and newest singing-reality show The X Factor Philippines.

Starting January, KC will be visiting different cities like Cebu, Bacolod, Manila, Olongapo, and Batangas for the auditions. "We will start scouting for talented Filipinos who will join and compete to become the next singing superstar. So if you have the X factor or if you believe you have the X factor, then go to the auditions. I will see you there," said KC, who recently renewed her contract with ABS-CBN.

The X Factor Philippines, which will air in the second quarter of 2012, is a singing-reality search open to Filipinos, aged 13 and above, who may audition as solo, duet, or group. KC will be joined by four other judges or mentors in the program. Apart from the show, KC said she is also set to do a drama series, a movie, and join ASAP. She said it is difficult to resist opportunities that come her way and looks forward to her new projects. "I will end this year with a happy heart and start my year with a happy heart," she said.

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 week.

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Swedish actress makes H'wood debut in Sherlock Holmes 2 !

Swedish star Noomi Rapace gained global acclaim with her riveting and unnerving portrayal of Lisbeth Salander in the original film adaptations of Stieg Larsson’s best-selling Millennium Trilogy, beginning with her 2009 breakout performance in Niels Arden Oplev’s The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. For her performance in the film, Rapace won several international honors, including a Best Actress nomination at the BAFTA Awards.

Now, she plays her first English-speaking role in Warner Bros.’ action-adventure Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows as mysterious Gypsy named Sim, who becomes allied with Holmes (Robert Downey Jr.) in his quest to stop criminal mastermind Prof. James Moriarty (Jared Harris).

Sim could provide the link to the final piece of the puzzle, completing the picture of Moriarty’s sinister plot. The cryptic letter that drew Holmes to Sim was from her brother, Rene. Years earlier, Sim and Rene had joined a group of anarchists called the Lapin Vert. When the group became too extreme, Sim and her brother abandoned the cause, but for reasons unknown Rene made his way back and wound up as a pawn in Moriarty’s deadly game. Sim agrees to help Holmes and Watson if they will save her brother.

Director Guy Ritchie says, “We were all big fans of Noomi's, and when we met with her, she was already full of ideas for the character. I loved working with her because she’s ballsy and smart and totally committed — all qualities we were looking for in Sim.”

The actress might also have something in common with her character.

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Kristine Hermosa and Oyo Sotto welcomes girl to the family!

Oyo Boy Sotto and wife Kristine Hermosa are the happy parents of Ondrea Bliss, their first child born at 11:49 Monday morning, Dec. 26. The baby weighed 5.9 lbs., delivered by Caesarian section.

 The couple was married last January on a beach in Batangas, an event they kept from the media.

Congratulations to Oyo ans Kristine!

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The miracle of Christmas on Ikaw ang Pag-ibig!

Discover the true meaning of Christmas through the eyes of Kapamilya child stars on ABS-CBN’s Ikaw ay Pag-ibig.

Join the continuing journey of orphans Nonoy (Zaijian Jaranilla), Angelica (Xyriel Manabat), Edison (Louise Abuel) and Tinay (Mutya Orquia) as they search for the parents of the mysterious Baby Rafa while touching the lives of the people they encounter.

Now that Agnes (Dimples Romana) and Andrew (Paulo Avelino) are back in San Gabriel, will the truth about Nonoy’s identity be finally revealed? Will Nonoy leave his friends upon knowing that he is the long lost son of Agnes?

Completing the cast are Alfred Vargas, Bembol Roco, Mark Gil,Yen Santos and new Kapamilya child stars Izzy Canillo and Gerald Pesigan. The Kapamilya Christmas-serye is directed by Jojo Saguin and Erick Salud.

Learn the value of sharing, love and the true meaning of Christmas in the heartwarming story of Ikaw ay Pag-ibig weeknights on Primetime Bida after TV Patrol.

For updates, log on to http://www.ikawaypagibig.tv/, follow @IkawayPagibig on Twitter, and like http://www.facebook.com/IkawayPagibig.

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Coney Reyes adopts a baby on MMK this Saturday!

Coney Reyes topbills the Foster a Child episode of ABS-CBN’s Maalaala Mo Kaya (MMK) on Christmas eve.

After the success of now defunct drama series, 100 Days to Heaven, Coney returns on the small screen via MMK where she will play the character of Mila, a mother who adopted a baby whom she never thought she would be so attached with. Witness in the episode how a seemingly perfect family became complete with a child they just took care of on Christmas day.

Joining Coney are Bryan Santos, Kalila Aguiluz, Charles Christianson, Tommy Abuel and Franco Daza.

Also in the cast are Pia Romero, Blythe, Nikka Valencia and Tanya Gomez. The episode was researched by Akeem Jordan del Rosario, written by Benjamin Benson Logronio and directed by Rechie del Carmen.

Don’t miss another inspiring family drama this Saturday airing after Junior Master Chef Pinoy Edition.

For more updates, log on to www.mmk.abs-cbn.com, follow MMKOfficial on Twitter, and like www.faceboook.com/MMKOfficial.

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The X-Factor Finale live on Stdio 23!

Melanie Amaro, Josh Krajcik and Chris Rene will battle it out to become the first-ever American The X Factor winner who will win $5-M Sony recording contract and a spot at the Pepsi’s 2012 Superbowl tonight at 7 and tomorrow, Dec. 23 in the show’s two-night finale airing via satellite on Philippine free TV on Studio 23.

It’s not only a battle among acts but also a battle among judges as Melanie is being mentored by Simon Cowell, Josh by Nicole Scherzinger and Chris by L.A. Reid. Not a single act from judge Paula Abdul’s Groups, unfortunately, made it to the finals.

Chris gained a following as the only rapper in the competition who even went as far as writing and singing his own composition in the live shows. His originally composed audition piece instantly got the judges’ votes while his touching story as a trash collector who just underwent rehab captivated the hearts of the judges and the audience.

Thirty-year-old Josh, on the other hand, impressed the judges during auditions with his rendition of Etta James’ song At Last. From slinging burritos at a restaurant in Ohio, Josh is now singing his way to stardom as the only Over 30s act still in the competition.

Lastly, college freshman Melanie proved she deserved her spot in the show and even beat other girls act initially chosen by Simon during Judges Homes’ week. Simon personally went to Sunrise, Florida to ask Melanie to come back and admitted before her family that he made a big mistake to send her home. Since then, Melanie has been receiving good reviews as the show’s resident diva and belter.

Their fates now lie on America’s hands as they will be the one to decide who will be the first The X Factor USA winner. Who will be it?

America hasn’t chosen the top act yet but producers of the show are already beginning auditions for the show’s second season. A Philippine version of the show is also in the works and will be aired soon on ABS-CBN.

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DZMM anchors show off talent!

Cheers turned into a wild roar when news anchor Ted Failon came out crooning classics Open Arms and Love Hurts in his smashing singing showdown with Jovit Baldivino, while Anthony “Tunying” Taberna and Gerry Baja rocked the house by belting out nationalistic rock songs at the DZMM SilveRadyo: The Concert held at the Araneta Coliseum last Dec. 17.

Joining them were DZMM anchors who wowed spectators to celebrate the station’s 25 years of breaking news coverage and public service. It will be aired tomorrow, Dec. 23, 4 p.m. on Studio 23, and on DZMM Radyo Patrol 630 and DZMM TeleRadyo (SkyCable Channel 26), 8 p.m.

ABS-CBN’s Manila Radio Division head Peter Musngi also announced Korina Sanchez’s return to DZMM in January next year via a magazine program Rated Korina, inspired by her Rated K.

Meanwhile, Musngi performed a duet of classic love songs with the captivating Rachel Alejandro, while the hard-hitting Dos Por Dos tandem of Anthony and Gerry sang patriotic tunes with Randy Santiago with a photo montage that presented DZMM’s outstanding achievements in the past years.

Working their suave ballroom dancing moves were anchors Winnie Cordero, Jiñg Castañeda, Maresciel Yao, Ariel Ureta, Joe D’ Mango, Cory Quirino, lawyer Claire Castro, Henry Omaga-Diaz, Bro. Jun “Dr. Love” Banaag and station manager Marah Capuyan.


Guji Lorenzana, Christian Bautista and Jed Madela serenaded the crowd with their renditions of romantic OPM Christmas songs with anchors Jasmin Romero, Niña Corpuz, Bernadette Sembrano, Kaye Dacer, May Ceniza, Dr. Luisa, Ruby Tayag and Mae Balbuena. Male anchors Alex Santos, Vic Lima, Carl Balita, DJ Richard and Star Power finalists Akiko Solon and Monica Sacay also delivered a medley of the season’s most requested Christmas songs like Last Christmas, My Only Wish and All I Want for Christmas is You.

Kapamilya stars also shone in the event with solo performances from Gary Valenciano who belted out classic OPM ballads, Karylle who staged a dazzling performance of her upbeat single OMG and Angeline Quinto who showcased her pipes by singing the theme songs of ABS-CBN’s top-rating teleseryes.

Gab, on the other hand, led the pack of Gretchen Fullido, DJ Cha-cha, DJ Toni, DZMM sports patrollers and Traffic Angels Bea, Tina and Raki, grooving to dance pop hits.

The audience exploded with cheers and laughter when entertainment anchors Onse, Ahwel Paz, Ambet Nabus, and veteran crime reporter Gus Abelgas set out an amusing novelty performance with Melai Cantiveros, Kiray and Kakai Bautista.

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MMFF 2011 parade of stars on Dec. 24!

The traditional parade of stars of the 37th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) is set for Saturday, Dec. 24, participated in by the seven official entries to the annual movie event.

The parade starts at 2 p.m. at the Mall of Asia, going to EDSA, turning left to Roxas Blvd., and going straight to the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta, where a variety show will be mounted.

The seven entries are

1. Panday 2 which stars Bong Revilla and Marian Rivera; 
2. Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow, Maricel Soriano, Gabby Concepcion, Lovi Poe, Dennis Trillo, Solenn Heussaff, Carla Abellana, Eula Caballero and Agot Isidro;
3. Enteng ng Ina Mo, Vic Sotto and Ai-Ai de las Alas; 
4. My Househusband, Judy Ann Santos, Ryan Agoncillo and Eugene Domingo; 
5. Asiong Salonga, Jeorge Estregan; 
6. Segunda Mano, Kris Aquino, Dingdong Dantes and Angelica Panganiban;  
7. Shake, Rattle & Roll 13, all-star cast trilogy.

The participating films officially open Dec. 25 in 17 Metro Manila cities and towns and the rest of the Philippines. While metro wide in billing, MMFF is nationwide in its scope.

Awards night is set on Dec. 28 at the Resorts World Performing Arts Theater, hosted by Ai-Ai and Cesar Montano.

At stake are trophies and cash prizes for the official entries and those of the New Wave participants, five full-length indie films and 10 student short films. The New Wave entries were shown from Dec. 17 to 21 at the Robinsons Galleria.

The winner of the Best Float will be announced at the awards night. It will be telecast on Jan. 1, 2012, 10:30 p.m., on ABS-CBN.

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