Since it was launched on November 4, ABS-CBN’s Christmas Station ID entitled “Bro, Ikaw ang Star ng Pasko” has sparked a craze in the streets and on the Internet, lighting up the country’s Christmas season with a message of hope and unity.

Kids sing along and mimic the actions in the song, others convert it to ringtones, while many view and repost the station ID in video-sharing sites like Youtube and other social networking sites.

The SID has also boosted the sales of “Parol ni Bro,” the large Christmas lanterns being sold by the network in selected SM malls to raise funds for Sagip Kapamilya. Likewise, people have also flocked to ABS-CBN to purchase the star-shaped handheld miniature parols seen in the video.

ABS-CBN vice president for creative communications Robert Labayen, who has worked on top of all ABS-CBN SIDs since 2004, said the public’s response was record-breaking. “In less than a day, the video had been posted all over the Internet and viewed by thousands. There was an outpouring of positive comments. Real people telling us how they were uplifted by the song and how it reminded them of Christmas in the Philippines,” he said.

To date, the SID has gotten over 200,000 hits in ABS-CBN’s official Youtube account alone, a feat unrivaled by any other effort.

Labayen, who wrote the lyrics to the song, admitted it was one of the hardest he has made in his storied career, both as an advertising maven and now as a television executive. The multi-awarded creative head said it took him two days to finish the song. “I wrote the song right after Typhoon Ondoy happened and the challenge was to weave in the spirit of Christmas in a message song. This is not the most poetic song I’ve written but it happens to come in the right time. People can easily relate to the song,” he shared.

With lyrics like “Dumaan man sa malalakas na alon, lahat tayo ay makakaahon,” the song easily invokes memories of the recent calamity, and inspires the listeners to remain positive in spite of it.

However simple, every image in the SID also evoked the message of faith and hope – from the kid finding a star amid the muddy traces of typhoon, to the Christmas tree made of relief goods, and the community cleaning a church after the storm.

Even the chorus parts featuring ABS-CBN stars, anchors, reporters, and executives singing with ordinary people stood for something. Labayen said this symbolized how the whole ABS-CBN family has worked alongside nurses, doctors, the military, priests, and other volunteers in relief and rescue operations in order to help people rebuild their lives after the typhoons.

Kapamilya stars, who also had their share of volunteer work, took time from their busy schedules again to appear in the SID. “After the shoot, they thanked us for making them a part of this. They hope that in their little way they can help uplift the feelings of people. They are real people too and I felt their sincerity,” Labayen said.

With the positive response of the people to the SID, Labayen said he and his team feel great pride and a sense of accomplishment. These images matched with a meaningful and positive song have captivated Filipinos who are looking for a light to hold onto in these dark times of calamities and economic turmoil.

“Station IDs have always been a big thing for ABS-CBN and our viewers. It’s like a tradition every Christmas and summer that people look forward to. It’s not just a parade of stars, but a way for ABS-CBN to communicate values to the public, and for this year we want them to believe in the resilience of Filipinos and to keep the faith in Bro,” he said.

Last Thursday (Nov 19), the “Bro, Ikaw ang Star ng Pasko” craze was felt again when the country’s top advertisers and creative minds gathered for ABS-CBN: One Way Up! Kayang-Kaya Kapamilya, the ABS-CBN trade event during the 21st Philippine Advertising Congress in Subic.

The network’s brightest actors and actresses, most talented performers, and hottest love teams led by Judy Ann Santos, Piolo Pascual, John Lloyd Cruz, Bea Alonzo, Anne Curtis, Jericho Rosales, Kristine Hermosa, Kim Chiu, Gerald Anderson, Jake Cuenca, Cristine Reyes, and Ms. Kris Aquino with her son Baby James, entertained a crowd of 3,000 delegates and also teased them with the Kapamilya network’s much-anticipated 2010 program offerings like “Habang May Buhay,” “Kokey@ako,” “Rubi,” and “Pilipinas, Got Talent.”

Also bringing the house down was the surprise performance of the station’s top management led by ABS-CBN chairman Eugenio Lopez III, ABS-CBN president Charo Santos-Concio, and Channel 2 head Cory Vidanes, who all gamely danced to the hit Korean song “Nobody” with ABS-CBN Sales heads. They also thanked advertisers for their support as ABS-CBN continues its leadership in ratings, viewership, and programming.

Finally, to cap a magical night, the Kapamilya stars and officials sang the ABS-CBN Station ID with all the guests. They were each given a miniature parol, which they would wave in unison while singing the song. It was indeed a star-studded event, a night of fun and hope which made everybody excited about Christmas once again.

(CLICK HERE to view 11 more photos)

Right after attending a mass at Quiapo church, a press conference, and a motorcade, GMA throws out a homecoming victory party for Pambansang Kamao Manny Pacquiao, who arrived in Manila together with his whole entourage Friday morning.

Some GMA artists performed prior to Manny’s mini concert titled “Pitong Panalo ni Pacquiao” which is currently being aired on GMA-7. The highlight, of course, was when Manny performed the David Pomeranz song “Born For You” for his wife Jinkee Pacquiao, showing the public that the rumors that their marriage is on the rocks are not true. After the song, Manny kissed his wife on the lips demonstrating that all is well within the Pacquiao family.

Earlier this week, Manny was rumored to be having an affair with sexy starlet Krista Ranillo. When asked by the media about the rumors, Manny just said that his private life is not for the public’s amusement. CLICK HERE for the video)

After the Homecoming Victory Party, Pacman will proceed to Quirino Grandstand where he would be conferred the “Order of Sikatuna” with the Rank of Datu (Katangiang Ginto) by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo for his achievement.

Adding more fun are Judy Ann Santos as Krystala, Pinoy kids’ favorite Kokey, Lastikman Vhong Navarro and Kung fu Kids and the one and only Dyosa, Anne Curtis. Of course, Kapamilya stars Toni Gonzaga, Bea Alonzo, John Lloyd Cruz, Kuya Kim and even Gus Abelgas wouldn’t miss this chance of becoming animated characters!

Here’s Anne, Angel and Bea:

Handsome as ever, Piolo Pascual:

An ever charming Sam Milby:

CLICK HERE for more!

Catch the animated series of Super Inggo at ang Super Tropa every Sunday starting November 22 on ABS-CBN! For other details and information, log on to www.superinggo.tv

The ex-lovers will grace the next offering of Your Song entitled Sa Kanya Pa Rin along with a controversial plot premiering on November 22 (Sunday).

It’s been a while since the last TV reunion of Roxanne and Jake. Roxanne revealed that she is looking forward to work with her ex-boyfriend again. “Excited naman ako to work with Jake again. Matagal-tagal rin kasi kami bago nagkatambal ulit.” When asked if there were scenes that she find it awkward to do, Roxanne shared, “Wala naman. Magkaibigan naman kasi kami ni Jake kaya wala namang ilangan.”

Jake, on the other hand, is very much thankful for another project given to him by ABS-CBN. “Masaya ako at pinagkatiwalaan na naman ako ng Kapamilya Network sa isa na namang magandang proyekto… and with Roxanne pa.” Jake mentioned that she missed working with his ex-girlfriend in a series. “Namiss ko makatrabaho si Roxanne. Madalas kasi nagkikita lang kami kapag nagkakasalubungan sa hallway at nagbabatian. As far as I can remember, last na pinagsamahan namin is MMK pa.”

Your Song presents Sa Kanya Pa Rin zeroes in a controversial story of a married couple namely Monica (Roxanne Guinoo) and Jordan (Jake Cuenca). Confronting their married life was difficult for the young couple due to problems that continually test their relationship. In this Your Song offering, the answer to the question, “Is it possible that the love that was once lost, finds its way again to person you thought you’re over with?” will be disclosed.

Together with Roxanne Jake, are three other stars that will contribute to the flow of the story: Ron Morales, Maxine Eigenmann and Bing Loyzaga.

Under the direction of Dondon Cuaresma, get ready for a whole new twist on a story of second chances, Your Song Presents Sa Kanya Pa Rin, starting on November 22, every Sunday, after ASAP’09 on ABS-CBN.

Image courtesy of ABS-CBN.com.

It’s normal for bridal showers to have macho men dancing and gyrating to the delight of the ladies especially the soon-to-be-bride but for Judy Ann Santos, this wasn’t the case.

“Ryan didn’t allow me to have macho dancers on my bridal shower!” said Juday. “It’s fine with me though because I respected him then as my soon-to-be-husband.”

Despite Ryan’s restriction, the award-winning actress didn’t stop her hubby from having sexy girls on his bachelor’s party.

“That’s already part of it so I just let him be with his friends. After our respective parties, we didn’t talk about it at all,” she added.

Will the characters they portray in the romantic comedy “George and Cecil” react the same way when they see each other unexpectedly on a bridal shower this Sunday (Nov 22)?

Ronnie (Archie Alemanie) and Grace (Dionne Monsanto) will fight over Gordon’s (Jommy Teotico) mishaps involving their life thus, the couple invites George and Cecil separately to unwind. They all unknowingly find themselves together in one place and George will find Cecil in the company of sexy young girls.

Don’t miss “George and Cecil” this Sunday (Nov 22), after “Sharon,” on ABS-CBN.

Miss Philippines Sandra Seifert is currently at no. 1 position in Globalbeauties’ Beauty Tree for Miss Earth 2009. Also making it to the top of the leaderboard are Spain, USA, Czech Republic, Cuba and Venezuela.

We opened a poll yesterday with the proposition: Do You Think RP Bet Sandra Seifert Will Win Miss Earth 2009?

Here’s the final result after one day:

Here are some note-worthy comments from our readers:

“…Sandra will bring us the crown again. It’s not the fact that the pageant is held in the Phil that will make her win, but because she truly deserves it.” – Gly28

“I do believe she deserve the crown if carla make it how much more sandra right?” – Joven

“Kakahiya naman kung pinas uli ang manalo jan, kasi nga dito ginanap. Ok sana kung sa ibang bansa ginanap, tapos nakuha niya ung mga major awards na ganyan, I’m sure lahat ng pinoy kahit san man banda sa buong mundo, eh proud sa kanya, pero sa ganitong sitwasyon, bias ang tingin ko eh. senxia na po, nagpapaka-totoo lang” – Freelancer

“If she will pull out everything what she has in the interview portion, then that would be the parameter of her placement since Miss Earth puts bearing on the wit and intelligence. I believe she’ll do it.” – Jingdiv

“sana hindi para di tau mukhang gaya2 sa Miss U” – Anonymous

76% of our respondents believe Sandra deserves the crown if ever she win Miss Earth 2009 this Sunday. If you’re able to see her in person during the evening gown competition, you will get mesmerized by her presence. And then she started talking, connecting the gown that she is wearing to waste segregation system, you knew instantly that this girl is a winner.

But there’s an issue arising if ever Sandra wins Miss Earth 2009. She will be the 3rd “practically pinay” winner in 3 consecutive years. 2007 winner is Half-Pinay Miss Canada. 2008 is Karla Henry, the Philippine candidate. Not to mention that the pageant is produced by Filipinos and currently being held here in the Philippines.

I personally believe if Sandra wins, it will surely hurt the pageant’s reputation. If 10 contestants withdrew this year, next year it could be more than 10 if that happens. So do you think it’s best for the pageant if they will NOT let Sandra win this Sunday even though she deserves the crown?

We will now begin with our second proposition:

The organizers should NOT let Sandra Seifert win Miss Earth 2009. Do you agree or disagree?

This poll will be open ’til Saturday night.

The 23-year-old heartthrob earned relatively small salaries in films that grossed hundreds of millions of dollars. For every dollar he was paid, LaBeouf’s movies returned an average $160 for the studio.

Here are the Top 10 Box Office Kings according to Forbes:

1. Shia LaBeaouf – $1:$160
2. James McAvoy – $1:$114
3. Michael Cera – $1:$102
4. Daniel Radcliffe – $1:$93
5. Robert Downey, Jr. – $1:$78
6. Javier Bardem (No Country for Old Men) – $1:$70
7. Ryan Reynolds – $1:61
8. Christian Bale – $1:55
9. Aaron Eckhart – $1:$45
10. Dennis Quaid – $1:$43

According to Forbes, Ferrell’s films in the last 12 months earn an average of $3.29 for every dollar he was paid. His last film “Land of the Lost” made $49,392,095.00 but the film’s production cost is $100 million making it a major flop for a big-budget summer event film.

Here are the year’s Top 10 “Flop” stars in Hollywood, if you must:

1. Will Ferrell – 1$:$3.29
2. Ewan McGregor – $1:$3.75
3. Billy Bob Thornthon – 1$:$4
4. Eddie Murphy – 1$:$4.43
5. Ice Cube – 1$:$4.47
6. Tom Cruise – $1:$7.18
7. Drew Barrymore – $1:$7.43
8. Leonardo DiCaprio – $1:$7.52
9. Samuel L. Jackson – $1:$7.59
10. Jim Carrey – $1:$8.62

In contrast, the year’s most bankable star is Shia LaBeouf. The Transformers star made an average of $160 for every dollar of his compensation.

Juan Marasigan Feleo, known as Johnny Delgado, has passed away after a year of fighting lymphoma, a type of cancer involving cells of the immune system.

He was 61.

Johnny Delgado is the husband of multi-awarded director Laurice Guillen. He is best known for being part of the television gag show Goin’ Bananas in the 1980s. His movies include Jaguar, Banaue, Brutal, Aguila and Tanging Yaman when he won a FAMAS and MMFF award.

In its November 2009 Adventure issue, the popular publication from the US described the Philippines as harboring “as many islands as the Caribbean and some of the most spectacular reefs on the planet”, adding that travel organizations have “finally gotten wise.” They also cited the country’s “ancient cultures, structures and biodiversity” as key reasons to visit the country.

Here is the list of 25 countries deemed by The National Geographic magazine as the world’s best travel destinations for 2010:

Bhutan || Outfitter: Bio Bio Expeditions
Bolivia || Outfitter: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Botswana || Outfitter: Explore Inc
Canada – B.C. || Outfitter: Monashee Adventure Tours
Canada – Manitoba || Outfitter: Earthwatch Institute
Chile + Argentina || Outfitter: Boojum Expeditions
Costa Rica || Outfitter: Wildland Adventures
France || Outfitter: Discover France
Iceland || Outfitter: Explorers’ Corner
Ireland || Outfitter: Country Walkers
Kenya || Outfitter: Geographic Expeditions
Laos || Outfitter: Asia Transpacific Journeys
Madagascar || Outfitter: Kumuka Worldwide
Montserrat || Outfitter: Green Monkey Dive Shop
Nepal || Outfitter: Journeys International
New Zealand || Outfitter: Active New Zealand
Peru || Outfitter: Adventure Life Journeys
Philippines || Outfitter: Wilderness Travel
Slovakia || Outfitter: Biosphere Expeditions
Sri Lanka || Outfitter: Access Trips
Tanzania + Kenya || Outfitter: Tropical Ice Limited
Tonga || Outfitter: Wilderness Travel
U.S. – California || Outfitter: Southern Yosemite Mountain Guides
U.S. – Colorado || Outfitter: Western Spirit Cycling
U.S. – Idaho + Montana || Outfitter: ROW Adventures

Last month, National Geographic-Traveler magazine named the Ifugao Rice Terraces as one of the “50 Places of a Lifetime: Greatest Destinations in the World.”

Other “destinations of distinction and character” on the list are the South Pacific island of Aitutaki, Switzerland’s Mt. Rigi, the Yap outer islands in Micronesia, the Balkan country of Montenegro, the Gobi desert in Mongolia, Bwindi forest in Uganda, and the little-known islands of Lord Howe in Australia and Fernando de Noronha in Brazil, among others.

Milo Sogueco’s first full-length film, Sanglaan (The Pawnshop) received two awards at the 15th Lyon Film Festival held last Nov. 3 to 8 in Lyon, France.

The film, which stars Tessie Tomas, Ina Feleo and Joem Bascon won silver in the New Asian Cinema and the bronze Grand Prix du Public audience award.

Earlier this year, Sanglaan won the Best Actress award for Ina Feleo and Best Supporting Actress for Tessie Tomas in the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival which was held at the CCP.

Sanglaan captures stories of five people conflicted with matters of life. A middle-aged woman is troubled by aging. A girl is deeply in love with her high school crush while a security guard becomes a husband to a sick wife. Also featured in the film are similarly interesting characters of a seaman and a loan shark.

VIDEO LINK: Sanglaan Trailer

Looking good need not be expensive. In times like these, one should go for quality, value-for-money products that deliver the best results. Fashion 21 has just the right bundle to complete your beauty regimen.

Fashion 21 promo packs contain your favorite make up products and are sold for P 100 per pack only. Imagine the huge savings you will get and the fabulous look you will have after!

Exclusively distributed by Cosmetics Revelation Inc.

Available at selected department stores nationwide (SM, Robinson’s, Landmark, Watsons, Ever, Trinoma, Metro Gaisano, KCC, Isetann and Cinderella). For a complete list of available shades and other Fashion 21 products, you can visit their website www.fashion21cosmetics.com or call The Beauty hotline at 411-7332.