Judges Thoughts:

Randy Jackson said “I liked it OK. I didn’t love that for me. It was never a moment moment. It needed a moment moment moment. It was OK it wasn’t like OH MY GOD.”

Steven Tyler said “Don’t bore us, get to the chorus. Delicious. Gorgeous.”

Jennifer Lopez said “You came back and killed it so hard at the end.”

Watch the video here:

If you’re in the US, you can vote for Jessica Sanchez by calling any of these numbers:

1-866-436-5702
1-866-436-5705
1-866-436-5708

If you’re from outside the US, you can vote for Jessica via Facebook. Click on the following link today, Thursday, around 11am to 3pm Philippine time to cast your vote:

You may cast up to 50 single votes online, after which any votes cast will not be counted.

Jessica Sanchez – ‘I’ll Be There’ – American Idol 11 Top 3 (Video) originally appeared on Starmometer on May 17, 2012.

Judges Thoughts:

Randy Jackson said “You are such a classic stylist. Congrats, dude.”

Steven Tyler said “This is another Joshua moment.”

Jennifer Lopez said “We struggled with picking a song for you. You are such a throwback and I love that. You brought down the house, again.”

Watch the video here:

Joshua Ledet – I’d Rather Go Blind – American Idol 11 Top 3 originally appeared on Starmometer on May 17, 2012.

OMG! I can’t believe it, it’s my song choice for her! Is Jessica reading my blog?

Judges Thoughts:

Randy Jackson said “You’re choosing some tough songs. It started a little slow for me but you delivered a big moment.”

Steven Tyler said “You just took a great song and made it greater.Beautiful.”

Jennifer Lopez said “You do not know what a big deal that is (coming from Steven). Really good job, baby.”

Watch the video here:

If you’re in the US, you can vote for Jessica Sanchez by calling any of these numbers:

1-866-436-5702
1-866-436-5705
1-866-436-5708

If you’re from outside the US, you can vote for Jessica via Facebook. Click on the following link today, Thursday, around 11am to 3pm Philippine time to cast your vote:

You may cast up to 50 single votes online, after which any votes cast will not be counted.

Jessica Sanchez – ‘I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing’ – American Idol 11 Top 3 (Video) originally appeared on Starmometer on May 17, 2012.

Finally, a Mariah Carey song for Jessica! My wish has been granted. :)

Judges Thoughts:

Randy Jackson said “Yo, I mean, that was absolutely beautiful. We tell people never to do Mariah, but I’m tellin’ you what, that was one of the best Mariah songs sung on TV.”

Steven Tyler said “When you sing, you make people hang on your every note. I hope you get used to encores.”

Jennifer Lopez said “Hard song. You did it so beautifully and you did it in your own way.”

Watch the video here:

If you’re in the US, you can vote for Jessica Sanchez by calling any of these numbers:

1-866-436-5702
1-866-436-5705
1-866-436-5708

If you’re from outside the US, you can vote for Jessica via Facebook. Click on the following link today, Thursday, around 11am to 3pm Philippine time to cast your vote:

You may cast up to 50 single votes online, after which any votes cast will not be counted.

Jessica Sanchez – ‘My All’ – American Idol 11 Top 3 (Video) originally appeared on Starmometer on May 17, 2012.

In March, GMA’s top line surpassed the record made last year, even as consolidated revenues for the first three months dipped at a manageable level of four percent to P3.002 billion from 2011’s P3.138 billion.

The Company’s net income reached P388 million, a strong start from the heels of a lukewarm closing in 2011, but failed to match or top last year’s P534 million.

Television and radio airtime revenues wrapped up at P2.707 billion, while revenues from subscriptions, licensing, and subsidiaries came in at P295 million, higher by eight percent from last year.

Core business unit GMA Channel 7 led the pack with more than 90 percent share of total airtime revenues; while Channel 11, carrying the country’s number one news channel GMA News TV (News TV) increased its revenue record by seven percent under the QTV format from a year ago. GMA Radio, meanwhile, maintained the same top line level versus the first quarter last year.

GMA International contributed P231 million in the top line, slightly higher than the amount generated in the first quarter of last year, even with the appreciation of the Philippine peso against the US dollar, on the back of improved subscriber take up.

GMA International managed a double-digit growth in subscriptions for GMA’s flagship international channel GMA Pinoy TV (GPTV), which has almost 303,000 subscribers or over two million viewers worldwide as of May 10. More than 117,000 of these subscribers also subscribe to the only Filipino lifestyle channel GMA Life TV (GLTV), which has one million viewers worldwide.

Meanwhile, GMA News TV International is now seen in Australia, Canada, Guam, Japan, Madagascar, and the UAE. It will soon be available in Europe, Malaysia, and the US.

GMA Worldwide, Inc. (GWI), the program acquisition and syndication arm of GMA, continues to penetrate Asian and US television (TV) markets thru distribution of Philippine-made programs dubbed in local vernaculars. The syndicated programs, which are seen either on free or pay TV, generated more than US$280,000 this quarter.

The Company imposed financial discipline measures to maximize profitability for 2012’s opening period. Total operating expenses, which were programmed within budget, rose only by a low single digit to P2.046 billion from last year’s P1.989 billion amid higher production costs aligned with continued efforts to deliver superior programming and additional in-house produced programs in the News TV grid; and increased personnel costs resulting from expansion programs and modest take up in the Company’s manpower base.

Bulk of the general and administrative expenses for the period came from higher depreciation rate with the operationalization of the state-of-the-art archiving software Media Asset Management System (MAMS).

The Company’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) for the three-month period settled at P760 million, down by double digit year-on-year, but twice the EBITDA made from preceding quarter.

The Company’s balance sheet, nevertheless, remained strong with debt-equity ratios at zero level. With a debt-free operation, GMA’s total equity stands at P10.216 billion as of first quarter 2012.

On television, GMA maintains its nationwide household audience share margins over ABS-CBN that commenced at the opening of 2011. In April 2012, GMA led ABS-CBN by 6.1 household audience share points, equivalent to almost 1.1 million viewers in National Urban Television Audience Measurement (NUTAM), based on data provided by trusted ratings service provider Nielsen TV Audience Measurement.

GMA also led TV5 by a solid 20.4-point household audience share margin in NUTAM, which translates to almost 3.6 million viewers nationwide in favor of GMA.

The trending of audience shares for the three competing channels in the country’s key areas remains unaltered.

GMA still keeps commanding double-digit leads over ABS-CBN and TV5 in Total Urban Luzon and Mega Manila, respectively comprising 77 percent and 59 percent of total urban television households nationwide.

GMA was ahead of ABS-CBN in Total Urban Luzon by 13.8 points, which translate to 1.9 million viewers over ABS-CBN; and by 24.7 points or 3.4 million viewers over TV5.

In its bailiwick Mega Manila, GMA was ahead of ABS-CBN by 16.2 points or 1.7 million viewers over ABS-CBN; and by 25.2 points or 2.7 million viewers over TV5.

GMA’s lead is most pronounced in the morning and afternoon blocks, where it leads competitors across all areas by margins ranging from 10s to 30s.

The Nielsen TV Audience Measurement used by GMA is also used by 21 other companies including TV5; Faulkner Media; CBN Asia; 15 advertising agencies and three regional clients. On the other hand, ABS-CBN is the only major local TV network reportedly subscribing to Kantar Media, formerly known as TNS.

In Mega Manila alone, the Nielsen TV Audience Measurement has a sample size of 1,190 homes as compared to Kantar Media’s 770 homes. Nationwide, Nielsen has a total sample size of 2,000 homes compared to the lower sample size of 1,370 utilized by Kantar Media.

GMA Network Profits P388-M in 1st Quarter of 2012 originally appeared on Starmometer on May 17, 2012.

Filmed in Blush’s dual home bases of Hong Kong and Los Angeles with director Simon Yin, the video follows the all-Asian pop girl group as they take in the sights and sounds of Hong Kong atop a double-decker bus and the sun and surf of the Los Angeles coast.

Among the five talented members of Blush is Angeli Flores, a proud Filipina with a powerful singing voice. She represents the Philippines alongside other Blush members Natsuko Danjo (Japan), Ji Hae Lee (Korea), Alisha Budhrani (India), and Victoria Chan (China).

“The Undivided EP,” out May 10 in the United States only, features nine tracks: the group’s debut single “Undivided” (feat. Snoop Dogg), and previously unreleased originals “All Stars,” “Warrior,” “Sweetly Leave Me” and “Together We’re Greater”; along with two remixes of each of the group’s first chart hits “Undivided” (Dave Aude Radio Mix and Morgan Page Radio Mix) and “Dance On” (WAWA Radio Mix and Razor N’ Guido Radio Mix).

More information about BLUSH on the following:

http://www.blushband.com/
http://www.facebook.com/blushgroup
http://www.twitter.com/blushgroup
http://www.youtube.com/blushvideo

Vote for Blush’s new single on MYX! Simply register on MYXph.com, log in, and go to the POLLS section on MYXph’s homepage. Use this format for voting: Title of Video – Artist’s Name (All Stars – Blush).

Pan-Asian Girl Band ‘Blush’ Releases 3rd Single ‘All Stars’ originally appeared on Starmometer on May 17, 2012.

Directed by “Hairspray’s” Adam Shankman, “Rock of Ages” tells the story of small town girl Sherrie and city boy Drew, who meet on the Sunset Strip while pursuing their Hollywood dreams. Their rock ‘n’ roll romance is told through the heart-pounding hits of Def Leppard, Joan Jett, Journey, Foreigner, Bon Jovi, Night Ranger, REO Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, Poison, Whitesnake, and more.

The movie musical stars Julianne Hough (“Burlesque”), with actor/singer Diego Boneta in his feature film debut, Russell Brand (“Arthur”), Oscar® nominee Paul Giamatti (“Cinderella Man”), Academy Award® winner Catherine Zeta-Jones (“Chicago”), Malin Akerman (“The Proposal”) and R&B queen Mary J. Blige, with Oscar® nominees Alec Baldwin (“The Cooler”) and Tom Cruise as Stacee Jaxx.

Shankman directs “Rock of Ages” from a screenplay by Justin Theroux and Chris D’Arienzo and Allan Loeb, based on D’Arienzo’s musical of the same name.

Opening across the Philippines in June 14, 2012, “Rock of Ages” will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

‘Rock of Ages’ Premieres New Music Video originally appeared on Starmometer on May 17, 2012.

This marks the twelfth consecutive year the Division has grossed over $1 billion overseas, beginning in 2001. The announcement was made today by Veronika Kwan Vandenberg, President, International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.

The Studio hits this high water mark as it gears up for a full slate of highly anticipated titles later in the year, including Adam Shankman‘s Rock of Ages, Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises, Ben Affleck‘s Argo, and Peter Jackson‘s The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.

The Division enjoyed a strong start early in the year with the continued overseas success of Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows, which grossed $257 million in 2012 ($357 million total international box office). This was followed by impressive grosses on the 2D and 3D releases of Journey 2: The Mysterious Island ($222 million) and Wrath of the Titans ($218.3 million). Released in some territories day-and-date with the U.S., Dark Shadows has already grossed $37.3 million, with many markets yet to open. Earnings from 3D venues reached $324 million, representing nearly a third of the Division’s cumulative gross for 2012.

“Our success thus far this year would not be possible without the ingenuity of our filmmakers, and the hard work and dedication of our teams around the world,” Kwan Vandenberg said. “These remarkable results demonstrate the continued strength of the international business, particularly in rapidly expanding overseas markets and in 3D.”

Warner Bros Pictures International has been the market leader in six of the previous 11 years. The Studio has surpassed $1 billion at the international box office a total of 15 times, with four of those years exceeding $2 billion, including 2011. The studio earned $2.87 billion internationally last year, and was the number one studio in Europe.

Warner Bros. Rises to $1-B at Int’l Box Office in Record Time originally appeared on Starmometer on May 17, 2012.

Such is the case for the 26-year-old pastor from a Christian Community in Quezon City. During his early years, he was made famous by the children’s program, “Eh Kasi Bata!’” and a hit TV commercial of the Department of Health.

Although he is seldom seen on television these days, he has continued his passion for singing. Today, as a pastor in a Christian community, he shares his faith through his love for singing.

Join Rhea Santos as she listens to the new tunes in the life of the child star-turned-pastor in this week’s episode of Tunay Na Buhay Friday night, after Saksi only on GMA-7.

Child Star-Turned-Pastor on GMA-7’s ‘Tunay Na Buhay’ originally appeared on Starmometer on May 17, 2012.

The “Miss Asia-Pacific World” Coronation Night is slated on June 16, 2012 which will be held at Posh Song Do Convensia in South Korea.

Grendel is a B.S. Nursing graduate and pursued modelling after finishing her studies. She joined so many prestigious fashion shows all over Asia and the highest achivement she had was grabbing the title as “Philippine’s Next Top Model”

For the past several months, local organizers have been quietly screening potential ladies who can be the country’s best representative to the prestigious “Miss Asia Pacific-World” beauty pageant. Apart from her very “Pinay” beauty, Alvarado’s edge over other girls who were screened is her ability to communicate and express herself well.

Each year, “Miss Asia Pacific-World” search aims to discover women from all over the world who are not only beautiful but talented as well. Apart from searching for the most beautiful woman in the whole world, the pageant give huge emphasis on girl’s innate talents in dancing and singing. The major titleholder, along with the Top 7 finalists, will be given an international career not only in modeling but in showbiz as well.

How did you get selected to represent the Philippines?

I went to the final screening and was interviewed by a panel of MAPW local organizers. After several weeks, I was told by my agent that I got the part.

How do you feel representing the Philippines?

Needless to say, it’s really a big honor for me to be chosen as official candidate because I have never joined any international beauty pageant for that matter. No, I don’t feel pressured at all. If I let the pressure get in the way, I will gain nothing but fear and other emotional drawbacks. For me, it’s just an idea to keep me from hitting the mark.

What are your preparations for the pageant?

I make sure that I get the right amount of exercise, sun, nutrition and of course LOVE. I believe that these things are what I need to keep myself spiritually, physically, mentally and emotionally balanced. The competition will take place for almost a month and I need to make sure that I get my mojo in the right place.

Grendel uses only natural and organic products on the body as her beauty regimen. She sees to it that she removes her make-up before going to sleep and drink at least eight glasses of water a day. Likewise, she avoids using beauty products that have harmful effects on the skin.

For the more info about the pageant, you can check it’s Facebook account Miss Asia Pacific-World Pageant to see photos of other candidates.

Top Model Grendel Alvarado Represents Philippines in Miss Asia Pacific-World Pageant originally appeared on Starmometer on May 17, 2012.

Talking ’bout being at the wrong place and at the wrong time. Carlos DeLuna paid the ultimate price for the crime he did not commit, and this was only discovered on Tuesday, more than 2 decades from the date of his execution.

Law professor James Liebman and five of his students at Columbia School of Law spent almost five years probing over details of the case that he says is “emblematic” of justice failure.

“The 27-year-old DeLuna was put to death after a very incomplete investigation. No question that the investigation is a failure,” Liebman said.

The report, entitled “Los Tocayos Carlos: Anatomy of a Wrongful Execution,” points out several missteps in the case. Liebman said that the eye witness accounts of the murder contradicted each other. The photographs showed that the killer would most likely have blood on their pants and shoes but DeLuna’s clothes were clean. Police also failed to track down Carlos Hernandez, a man who bore a striking resemblance to DeLuna and who had the reputation of using a knife.

The report traces the facts surrounding the February 1983 murder of Wanda Lopez, a single mother who was stabbed in the gas station of Corpus Christi.

DeLuna was identified by only one eyewitness who saw a Hispanic male running from the gas station. But DeLuna had , unlike the killer, just shaved and was wearing a white dress shirt . According to an eyewitness, the real killer had a moustache and was wearing a grey flannel shirt.

“I didn’t do it, but I know who did,” DeLuna had said, saying that he saw Carlos Hernandez entering the service station.

Hernandez, known for using a blade in his attacks, was later jailed for murdering a woman with the same knife.

Carlos DeLuna Executed Wrongfully originally appeared on Starmometer on May 16, 2012.

The series, which is the network’s first multigenerational drama, tells the story of twin sisters Luna and Blanca and their journey towards discovering their ancestry and, at the same time, fulfilling their personal destinies.

Chosen to play the coveted lead roles in the first generation are Kapuso Network’s adorable child superstars Jillian Ward as Luna and Mona Louise Rey as Blanca. The sisters are born with completely different features — Luna has a dark complexion while Blanca is fair-skinned. Making Luna even more unusual is her mystical twin shadow.

Portraying the teen characters in the second generation are two of the most popular Tween stars of GMA-7, Barbie Forteza as Blanca and Bea Binene as Luna.

For the third generation, the adult characters will be played by two equally beautiful and multi-talented TV personalities – Kapuso A-lister and multi-awarded actress Ms Heart Evangelista as Blanca; versatile and sought-after dramatic star Bianca King as Luna.

Adding more star power to this pioneering program are seasoned actors and actresses Raymart Santiago as Luis, Rowena’s well-off lover and heir to their family’s business; Camille Pratts as Rowena, mother of Luna and Blanca who will fall in love with Luis; Chynna Ortaleza as Divine, Luis’ childhood friend who is in love with him.

Completing the star-studded cast of Luna Blanca are Dante Rivero as Lolo Igme, Rowena’s protective grandfather; Marissa Delgado as Doña Consuelo, Luis’ arrogant mother; Karen delos Reyes as Tetchie, Divine’s bestfriend; Mercedes Cabral as Marieta, Rowena’s confidant; Buboy Villar as Jojo, Blanca’s close friend; Arkin Magalona as Toti, childhood friend of Luna and Blanca.

The story of Luna Blanca begins with Rowena (Camille) who is believed to be the last descendant of Luna, the woman with a mystical twin shadow named Celestina.

Rowena grows up under the protective wing of her grandfather, Lolo Igme. She is clueless of her mythical roots and Lolo Igme would always warn her to be mindful of her surroundings.

Then, Rowena meets Luis (Raymart), the rich and kind-hearted unico hijo of Doña Consuelo (Marissa). Despite the extreme difference in their lifestyles, they fall madly in love with each other and their relationship grows even stronger with Rowena’s pregnancy.
When Lolo Igme learns of Rowena’s situation, he once again cautions her to be extra careful of the supernatural beings that inhabit their land. He tells that engkantos are believed to be most fond of pregnant women.

One day, Rowena gets lost while roaming in the forest. Engulfed in tension and fear, Rowena feels that a shadow is following her. Suddenly, she sees an unknown creature – a dark and terrifying engkanto! Panic-stricken, Rowena immediately faints upon seeing the dreadful creature.

When she wakes up, Rowena learns from the villagers that it has been a week since her disappearance. She slowly regains her memory and Rowena reveals that an engkanto raped her. No one would believe her story including Luis who vows to exact revenge. He sets off to the forest and comes face to face with the engkanto. He fights against the terrible monster and because of its powers, Luis will be banished to their realm.

Doña Consuelo’s anger aggravates towards Rowena and blames her for Luis’ unexplainable disappearance. Left with no choice but to leave their mansion, Rowena heads out to Manila to start anew. Meanwhile, she feels uneasy with her pregnancy and fears that it has something to do with her horrible experience with the engkanto. On the day of her delivery, Rowena gives birth to twin girls, but much to her bewilderment, the babies have different features — one is a fair-skinned mestiza (Blanca) while the other one has a very dark complexion (Luna).

Rowena believes that Luna is her offspring from the engkanto. Because of this, she resents and neglects Luna but showers Blanca with her love and affection. Despite this, Luna doesn’t harbor any grudge against her mother. The twins are likewise very close and inseparable. Luna is carefree and even becomes the protector of the weakling Blanca. Luna’s shadow also turns out to be their friend and defender whenever someone bullies them.

However, the twins’ life is about to change with Rowena barely making enough money to make ends meet. Because of her dire situation, Rowena decides to give up Blanca for adoption to Doña Corazon, a rich spinster who likes Blanca very much and treats her like her own daughter. Luna, feeling very sad about their separation, instructs her twin shadow to join Blanca and keep her safe.

How will the separate lives of Luna and Blanca affect their relationship? When the time comes and their paths cross again, will the sisters be able to discover their true identities and reconnect with each other? Will Rowena find it in her heart to accept Luna and acknowledge her as her own daughter? What will be Rowena’s reaction if Luis comes back after being away for many years? Will Luis succeed in having a second chance at life and love?

Under the direction of Dominic Zapata, the spellbinding saga of Luna Blanca begins May 21 on GMA Telebabad and May 23 worldwide on GMA Pinoy TV.

Get the latest updates about Luna Blanca from its official facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/LunaBlancaGMA), twitter account (http://www.twitter.com/GMALunaBlanca) and the GMA Network website (www.GMANetwork.com).

‘Luna Blanca’ Will Charm Televiewers Beginning May 21 originally appeared on Starmometer on May 16, 2012.