Charice has come a long way since American talk show hosts Oprah Winfrey and Ellen DeGeneres discovered her through YouTube. It paved the way for Charice to become an international recording artist, perform in different parts of the world and even bag a recurring role in the hit TV musical “Glee.”

Her debut international album called “Charice” was very successful. Upon its release in 2010, the album entered the Billboard 200 at number-eight, making Charice the first Asian singer in history to land in the Top 10 of the Billboard 200 albums chart.

And now Charice is back for her second international studio album titled “Infinity.” The said album was actually released exclusively early in Japan on October 5, 2011 by Warner Records. And in preparation for its official worldwide release, Charice will be launching a seven-city tour across Asia. The tour will begin on March 2, 2012, in Dubai and then in Manila (Philippines), Hong Kong (China), Seoul (Korea), Tokyo (Japan), Singapore (Singapore) and Hawaii (USA.)

The Bruno Mars composition–”Before It Explodes”–was released as lead single of “Infinity” last April 18, 2011. “Louder” was released as the album’s second single bundled with another track titled “Lost the Best Thing” on May 20, 2011. “One Day,” on the other hand, was released as promotional single as a part of Acuvue’s “ACUVUE® 1•DAY Contest”. Both “Louder” and “One Day” have an accompanying music video released in later dates.

In the exclusive Japanese release of the album, “Far as the Sky” was released as a promotional single in Japan on July 27, 2011. The track was also the theme song of the popular Japanese drama series, “Bull Doctor.” “New World” was then released as the second promotional single in Japan and will be featured on the upcoming Square Enix RPG Final Fantasy XIII-2.

It’s interesting to note that Japan is the 2nd biggest market in music in the world next to the US. Charice‘s “Infinity” peaked at no. 8 on Billboard Japan album chart.

Here is the track listing for Charice’s “Infinity” album:

1. “Louder”
Daniel Jamas, Leah Haywood, Shelly Peiken

2. “New World”
Koichi Tabo

3. “Bounce Back”
Lars Halvor Jensen, Kasia Livingston, Johannes “Josh” Joergensen & Daniel “Obi” Klein

4. “Far As the Sky”
Yusuke Tanaka

5. “Lost the Best Thing”
Carsten Schack, Sean Hurley, Cathy Dennis

6. “Heartbreak Survivor”
Rico Love, Wayne Wilkins, Joanna “JoJo” Levesque

7. “Before It Explodes”
Bruno Mars, Ari Levine, Phillip Lawrence

8. “Lesson For Life”
Jason Derulo, Kara DioGuardi, Alex Francis, Dinavon Bythwood, Jordan Kyle, Joseph Angel

9. “Never Always”
Frankie Storm, Warren “Oak” Felder

10. “One Day”
Nick Jonas, Dan Muckala, Jason Ingram

11. “Lighthouse”
Natasha Bedingfield, Mike Elizondo, Danielle Brisebois

Charice to Release 2nd International Album ‘Infinity’ originally appeared on Starmometer on February 9, 2012.

Because of his achievements in art, business, politics, and philanthropy, our Pambansang Kamao Manny Pacquiao is the only sports personality in Asia Tatler’s list of Most Influential Individuals in Asia for the last 12 months.

The list included prominent philanthropists from Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore and other Asian countries.

Manny Pacquiao Among 28 Most Influential Individuals in Asia originally appeared on Starmometer on February 7, 2012.

The co-main event, also a title fight, will be a battle between Mexican sluggers Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and first-ranked challenger Marco Antonio Rubio.

The three-division world champion Donaire (27-1-0 18 KOs), who will stake his 26-bout winning streak, will once again be traipsing into new territory as he climbs up to the 122-pound class, a division once ruled by the younger Vazquez (21-1-1 18 KOs).

The pugilist from Puerto Rico entrenched himself in the title in 2010, when he knocked out General Santos City-native Marvin Sonsona. Vazquez Jr, the son of former world champion Wilfredo Vazquez Sr, defended the title twice, but fell prey to the Mexican fighter Jorge Arce in 2011.

Arce has since relinquished the title in order to fight at 118 pounds and Vazquez is poised to reclaim glory. But for Donaire, who was the Philippine Sportswriters Association’s co-Athlete of the Year for 2011, it may be an opportune time to embellish his resume with yet another division title.

Meanwhile, WBO middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (44-0-1 31 KOs) will be challenged by contender Marco Antonio Rubio (53-5-1 46 KOs) in the co-main event.

Chavez Jr., the son of legendary boxing champion Julio Cesar Chavez Sr., is undefeated, while Rubio is in a two-year winning streak. The fight will follow the Donaire-Vazquez bout and will air at 1:00 p.m. on Studio 23.

Don’t miss these thrilling contentions for two world titles on Sunday (Feb 5). Catch the Donaire-Vazquez bout at 10:15 a.m. on ABS-CBN, and the Chavez-Rubio match at 1:00 p.m on Studio 23. A primetime telecast of the bouts will air on Studio 23 at 6:00 p.m.

Photo Credit: Top Rank

Donaire-Vazquez Title Bout to be Aired on ABS-CBN originally appeared on Starmometer on February 1, 2012.

No less than New7Wonders (N7WN) President Bernard Weber came here to the Philippines to formally announce the inclusion of Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) in the New7Wonders of Nature, as reported by GMA News on Saturday, January 28, 2012.

After the announcement, Mr. Weber congratulated the Filipino people during the press conference held at the Heritage Hotel in Pasay City.

“When your very own President Aquino came out in support of the PPUR campaign, I knew that this country was taking the New7Wonders of Nature seriously,” he said.

“Fans of PPUR all over the world responded to his call for action by voting in record numbers and today’s confirmation is the well-earned reward for this extraordinary display of enthusiasm,” he added.

Puerto Princesa Mayor Edward Hagedorn, who also graced the event, notably used the new DOT slogan in his speech.

“This confirmation is wonderful news for Puerto Princesa, and a great example of how now its more fun to be in the Philippines. Worldwide exposure of our natural beauty on this level is critical both for tourism and for our image nationally and internationally,” he said.

Here are the Privisional Winners of New7Wonders of Nature in alphabetical order (official winners are in bold letters):

1. Amazon Rainforest – Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, Venezuela
2. Halong Bay – Vietnam
3. Iguazu Falls – Argentina, Brazil
4. Jeju Island – South Korea
5. Komodo National Park – Indonesia
6. Puerto Princesa Underground River – Palawan, Philippines
7. Table Mountain – South Africa

When all the New7Wonders of Nature are officially proclaimed, New7Wonders is going to launch the third campaign which is the “New7Wonders Cities” in the world.

Beginning March 7, 2012, the next phase for the selection of “New7Wonders Cities” will begin.

Images courtesy of New7Wonders

Puerto Princesa Underground River is 2nd Official Winner of New7Wonders of Nature Slot originally appeared on Starmometer on January 29, 2012.

Prison Dancer is an original interactive musical web series inspired by the viral Youtube phenomenon, the “Dancing Inmates of Cebu.” Featuring a cast of Youtube stars and some of the most exciting Filipino musical talent emerging in North America, Prison Dancer is “Glee meets Miss Saigon” wrapped in a “choose your own” adventure style. Filled with catchy pop tunes, star-crossed lovers, and engaging interactive elements, Prison Dancer brings together the best of Broadway and Youtube entertainment and takes transmedia storytelling to the next level.

The musical stars Mikey Bustos, Catherine Ricafort, Jeigh Madjus, Matt Wells, Ron Josol, Nicco Lorenzo, Norm Alconcel, Pierre Bayuga, and Joseph Sevillo.

Written by Romeo Candido and Carmen De Jesus and directed by Romeo Candido.

Here is the plot of “Prison Dancer: The Musical”:

Prison Dancer is the story of 6 Filipino prisoners whose lives are forever changed by the dancing rehabilitation program that became a worldwide viral sensation on Youtube. Using surveillance footage, interviews with inmates inside the prison, and good old fashioned investigative journalism, pop culture journalist Matt Wells uncovers the personal, poignant, hilarious and universal stories of 6 prison dancers whose group dancing turned a maximum security jailhouse into a world stage.

Behind the prison walls, we meet inmates Ruperto Poblador aka LOLA (who along with his gay minions OO OO and NANA, choreographs the first prison dance routines), HOOKAPS, (the prison hustler), SHAKESPEARE (the prison’s resident poet) and CHRISTIAN, (the prison’s newest inmate) and discovers a tale of life, death, dreams, fears and ultimately, redemption. –Facebook.com/PrisonDancer

Watch the trailer here:

‘Prison Dancer: The Musical’ to Hit the Web on March 2012 originally appeared on Starmometer on January 27, 2012.

American Idol has been a stepping stone for some Pinoys in the US in launching their music careers.

Some of them who became a household name after making it to the semifinals of the show are Jasmine Trias, Camille Velasco, Ramiele Malubay, Clint Jun Gamboa, AJ Tabaldo, Thia Megia, etc.

This year, one Pinoy is prominent in various lists of rumored Top 24 contestants of American Idol season 11 and she’s none other than Jessica Sanchez.

Jessica Sanchez joined America’s Got Talent season 1 when she was only 12 years old. She did not make it to the finals on that first season of the show where another 12 year old emerged as winner – Bianca Ryan.

Check out our post in 2007 about Jessica Sanchez where she performed Celine Dion‘s “I Surrender” HERE.

Jessica is now 16 years old and according to reports, she made it to the Top 24 (semifinals) of American Idol Season 11.

The annual American Idol spoilers do not disappoint as it always predict the Top 24 with more than 90% accuracy.

The other girls on the list are Elise Testone, Haley Johnsen, Shannon Magrane, Baylie Brown, Hallie Day, Jen Hirsh, Chelsea Sorrell, Skylar Laine, Erika Van Pelt, Brielle Von Hugel and Hollie Cavanagh.

As for the guys, here are the names on the list: Eben Franckewitz, Reed Grimm, Heejun Han, Deandre Brackensick, Aaron Marcellus Sanders, Adam Brock, Creighton Fraker, Phillip Phillips and Joshua Ledet.

Please take note that this list is NOT official. American Idol season 11 has just premiered last week so the announcement of the official Top 24 will be aired some time in February.

Pinay Jessica Sanchez Makes It to American Idol Season 11 Top 24 originally appeared on Starmometer on January 23, 2012.

19-year-old Jessica Whitely from Ohio sang Charice‘s “In This Song” as her audition piece on American Idol.

The verdict: She murdered the song!

Watch the funny video here:

And speaking of Charice, our international song bird was recently featured on Marie Claire Magazine in Malaysia.

The article is titled “Pocket Full of Sunshine” where Charice talked about trying her best to maintain a normal teenage life despite her international success.

Charice’s ‘In This Song’ Murdered by an American Idol Contestant originally appeared on Starmometer on January 23, 2012.

Here are some of them:

[300 by Ivan Guerrero/travelpod.com]

["Star Buko" by designpinoy.com]

["Saying Sorry" by Fol Rana, Jr.]

[Planking by Christian Iglesias]

["Pinoy Men" by Benito Vergara/sglinks.com]

(Continued on Page 2)

It’s More Fun in the Philippines – The ‘Pun’ Continues… originally appeared on Starmometer on January 16, 2012.

Check out the most-shared memes on Facebook and Twitter. The ones which poke “pun” instead of “fun” are not included.

[Bath Tub by Fol Rana Jr.]

[Board Meetings by Joncy Sumulong/Stokedinc]

‘It’s More Fun in the Philippines’ – Top Memes on Facebook and Twitter originally appeared on Starmometer on January 12, 2012.

Charie, the news head of the ABS-CBN Regional Network group (RNG), will trek the less popular but breathtaking spots in Laoag, Pagudpud, Burgos, Bangui and Adams in the Ilocos region and pinpoint the factors that hinder tourism growth in these places.

Based on data, a single foreigner touring in the country generates jobs for ten Filipinos. Investing in lesser-known spots in the country would increase economic opportunities for Filipinos and ‘Choose Philippines’ is a great platform to help locals advance their livelihood, Charie said.

She stressed, “The role of tourism is to grow opportunities and revive livelihood but Philippine tourism is facing beautiful problems. I’m saying beautiful problems because they can be solved if only we point them out to the people and the government.”

The ABS-CBN RNG launched the ‘Choose Philippines’ website (choosephils.com) in April 2011 to give both Filipinos and foreigners accurate and up-to-date information about the places, local delicacies, products, and culture in the country.

Discover the beauty of the Philippines and be one with Charie’s crusade this Thursday (Jan 12) in “Krusada.” Because it takes more than words to take a stand, watch it after “Bandila” on ABS-CBN, or earlier on DZMM TeleRadyo (SkyCable Channel 26), 9:15 PM.

Undiscovered PHL Wonders in ‘Krusada’ this Thursday originally appeared on Starmometer on January 11, 2012.

This after renowned Filipino mountain climber Romi Garduce officially set foot atop Mt. Vinson Massif in the Antarctic Region on January 5 at 6:45pm, Antarctica time (January 6, 5:45am, Philippine time) – officially completing his historic “Seven Summit” quest after long 10 years.

According to a recent blogpost by mountain climbing and trekking guide service Mountain Madness, Romi’s team summitted the 16,067-foot alpine mountain lying in the Sentinel Range of the Ellsworth Mountains amid a cold -26 degree Celsius weather.

GMA Network, tagged as the “home of Filipino champions,” takes pride that the first Pinoy to ever complete this elite globe-trotting expedition is a homegrown Kapuso. Romi is one of the pioneer hosts of the award-winning wildlife and environmental program Born To Be Wild.

Romi now stands next to Filipino boxing champ Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao with his own world record title.

In all, Romi summitted “eight of the seven highest mountains” in seven continents, conquering all mountains in both Bass and Messner mountaineering lists. These summits include Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa (September 2002); Mt. Aconcagua in Argentina (January 2005); Mt. Everest in Nepal (May 2006); Mt. Elbrus in Russia (August 2007); Mt. McKinley or Denali Peak in North America (June 2008); Mt. Kosciuszko in Australia (December 2008); Mt. Carstensz Pyramid in Indonesia (July 2011), and just recently, Mt. Vinson Massif in Antarctica (January 2012).

Find more about Romi’s triumph as GMA Network, the broadcast leader in adventure sports coverage, airs the Pito Para sa Pilipino: the Seven Summits Expedition on GMA and GMA News TV.

Feeds about his most recent summit can also be seen on all GMA-7 and GMA News TV newscasts and bulletins.

[Sept 2002 - Garduch on top of Uhuru Peak, Kilimanjaro (Tanzania, East Africa)]

[Garduch near the Barrel Huts, Mt. Elbrus at the background (Caucasus Russia)]

[Aug. 27, 11.02am Local time - Romi made it on top of Mt Elbrus; West Peak 5642m (Highest in Europe). This is the 4th of the 7 SUMMITS!]

[Jan 1, 2005: Summit of Aconcagua with Magnus (Sweden) and Pablo (Argentina), Andean Range Argentina]

Romi Garduce Completes Historic Seven Summits Quest originally appeared on Starmometer on January 6, 2012.

The new slogan as well as the official website of the campaign–www.itsmorefuninthephilippines.com–was launched earlier today by the Department of Tourism (DOT) hoping for the full support of the Filipinos for it to stay true.

The pitch, which was conceived with the help of top advertising agency BBDO Guerrero, gives weight to the people of the Philippines and not just on its captivating tourist spots as its official website says: “It’s the Filipinos that will make your holiday unforgettable.”

“Our strategy is simple: while other countries invite you to observe, Filipinos can promise a more heartfelt and interesting experience.” Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. said on the new campaign.

Jimenez also twitted on the DOT’s (@DOTPhilippines) official Twitter account:

“We need a line that is easily understood. Competitive. More fun in the Philippines is true. Keri natin ito!”

Aside from the DOT Secretary, Filipino netizens here and abroad also discussed the new slogan on Twitter which made the hashtag #ItsMoreFunInThePhilippines a trending topic on the microblogging site worldwide.

It became a viral meme that even other nationalities joined in the discussions.

English author Neil Gaiman, for example, posted on his Twitter account:

“#itsmorefuninthephilippines hashtag is a true one. They applaud loudly and hug you a lot.”

So what do you think of the DOT’s new campaign? Pasado kaya kay President Noynoy?

It can be remembered that PNoy junked the previous DOT slogan–“Pilipinas Kay Ganda”–in 2010 after it was alleged that the logo was copied from Poland‘s official travel website.

Will this new slogan suffer the same fate after a discovery that it’s nearly the exact same slogan used in a 1951 Swiss ad for tourism?

‘It’s More Fun in the Philippines’ is the Department of Tourism’s New Slogan originally appeared on Starmometer on January 6, 2012.