Proud of being an engineer with a blueprint for the Philippines, Bayani Fernando, running mate of Senator Richard Gordon, is gearing up for his biggest political project to date. He is all eyes on the vice presidency and, unlike rivals for the post, is not interested in any Cabinet portfolio in case he wins.

This Wednesday (Jan 27) on ‘Probe Profiles,’ Fernando talks about his plans to transform the country by focusing on two basic features of governance: enforcing the law and instilling discipline. He cites his track record as three-term mayor of Marikina and chairman of the Metro Manila Development Authority as proof that what the country needs is a leader with political will.

In a one-on-one interview, Probe Profiles’ host Cheche Lazaro examines the self-styled Mr. Political Will, who critics believe fits the mold of a dictator. She asks Fernando about his personal circumstances, including allegations that his family businesses benefited from contracts inked while he was in office.

Get to know Fernando’s brand of leadership and judge if it will work for the country on ‘Probe Profiles’ on Wednesday (Jan 27), after ‘Bandila’ on ABS-CBN.

Bayani Fernando Reveals Blueprint for RP on ‘Probe Profiles’ originally appeared on Starmometer on January 26, 2010.

In alphabetical order, here are the 8 Official entries for the 35th edition of Metro Manila Film Festival:

ANG DARLING KONG ASWANG
Produced: by OctoArts and M-Zet Productions
Starring: Vic Sotto
Directed by: Tony Y. Reyes

ANG PANDAY
Produced by: GMA Films and Imus Productions
Starring: Ramon ‘Bong’ Revilla Jr., Iza Calzado, Rhian Ramos, Geoff Eigenmann and Phillip Salvador.
Directed by: Mac Alejandre and Rico Gutierrez

IKAW NA NGA
Produced by: Star Cinema
Starring: Kim Chiu, Kris Aquino and Eugene Domingo
Directed by: Wenn V. Deramas

JUAN
Produced by: RVQ Productions
Starring: Dolphy and Willie Revillame
Directed by: Eric Quizon

MANO PO 6: MY MOTHER
Produced by: Regal Films
Starring: Sharon Cuneta
Directed by: Joel Lamangan

NIEVES THE ENGKANTO SLAYER
Produced by: Regal Films and APT Production
Starring: Marian Rivera
Directed by: Mike Tuviera

SHAKE, RATTLE & ROLL XI
Produced by: Regal Films
Starring: Ruffa Gutierrez

WAPAKMAN
Produced by: Solar Films
Starring: Manny Pacquiao, Nicole Scherzinger and Batista
Directed by: Topel Lee

3 more films submitted for screening by the MMFF committee are:

2999 A LOVE STORY
Produced by: Unitel
Starring: Marvin Agustin, Nikki Gil and Tessie Tomas.
Directed: by Raul Jorolan

DANIEL RAPIDO
Produced by FCJ Film Production

I LOVE YOU…GOODBYE
Produced by Star Cinema
Starring: Gabby Concepcion, Angelica Panganiban, Kim Chiu and Derek Ramsay.
Directed by: Laurice Guillen

These three films are not official entries but they are still part of the MMFF screening that will open on January 1, 2010.

35th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) – 2009 Entries a Showdown of Stars originally appeared on Starmometer on July 4, 2009.

The secretary performed “Macho Gwapito” together with Renz Verano, his celebrity duet. The song choice can easily ring a bell because it’s in line with the chairman’s program called “Metro Gwapo.”

Among the eight contestants, Chairman Fernando received the loudest cheers from the audience and rave reviews from the judges (or else).

Bayani Fernando and Renz Verano – Celebrity Duets
Video sent by starmometerdotcom

Bayani Fernando is a Revelation on Celebrity Duets 2 originally appeared on Starmometer on August 24, 2008.

“Let’s duet again,” announced the ever-affable Ogie Alcasid as he kicked off the press launch last August 20 at the GMA Network Center.

The veritable singer-songwriter then introduced the new celebrity contenders. They were asked to give each of their takes on entering this one-of-a-kind competition, and they gamely provided members of the press an amusing prelude on what to expect from the second season.

“Nabigla ata ako ng pagsagot [ng 'oo' sa pagsali]! Nakaka-nerbyos din pala rito. Anyway, I will try my best to entertain and, most of all, try my best to win the prize. Please give me your vote!” declared Metro Manila Development Authority Chairman Bayani Fernando.

The oft quotable supermodel-turned-actress Melanie Marquez declared, “It’s about time to give you one of my hidden talents. Talent pala! Bibigyan ko kayo ng magandang show. Magandang-magandang show!”

Her brother, actor-comedian and former mayor Joey Marquez is also vying for the top prize. “Actually I was [kind of] late. I was supposed to join Pinoy Idol kaya lang medyo na-late. It’s about time for me to prove to you that I can also sing. My motto will be: ‘Every text you make. Every breath you take. I’ll be watching you!”

Meanwhile, SiS chef-demonstrator and celebrity cook JL Cang, in his edgy manner, asserted, “Para sa akin parang hindi talaga contest ito. Ang importante sa akin maging masaya yung mga nanonood!”

Fashion designer JC Buendia, for his part, pronounced that he is destined to compete, “Bago po ako nag-’yes’ pumunta ho ako sa manghuhula. Sabi ng manghuhula kasi sa akin [my past life was that of a] theatrical geisha. [So, the manghuhula said]: ‘In order to go full circle you have to unleash the geisha in you!’ So ngayon pagbigyan nyo ako to go full circle.”

Another contender for this season’s Celebrity Duets is Filipino-Englishman professional football player named Phil Younghusband. He jokingly explained his situation, “Firstly do not be confused by the name. I’m not actually a husband; I’m still young but I’m not a husband yet. Who knows, maybe in the future?”

He added, “[Honestly], the only time I actually got to sing is in the shower. But I want to do this for enjoyment and I’m sure I’m gonna have fun with all of you.”

However, beauty and wellness guru Cory Quirino is determined to do well in the contest.

“May pangako ang mga babae dito sa competition — we will outlast the men!” She then added gushing, “Alam nyo? Meron akong pangarap. Kasi sabi nila pinapadala nila yung kopya ng kompetisyon kay Simon Cowell. I want to meet Simon, you know?”

Although she admitted to having stage fright right that moment, she stressed that she is “happy to be here!”

Capping the list of contestants is beauty queen Carlene Aguilar who also readily took part in the repartee.

“Basta maipa-pangako ko lang na hindi ako mangaaway dito!

“Mabait talaga ako and kakanta lang ako ng kakanta and sana ma-enjoy nyo yung show. I’m so thankful na part ako ng Celebrity Duets kasi dream ko talaga yung kumanta hindi [lang] po pagiging beauty queen, so fulfillment din ng dream ko,” affirmed the former Bb. Pilipinas World title holder.

This season, comprising the panel of judges are distinguished composer and musical director Danny Tan, renowned stage director Freddie Santos and Celebrity Duets season one Grand Champion Tessa Prieto-Valdes.

Asia’s Songbird, Ms. Regine Velasquez will also return as well to co-host this new season with Ogie. She was not present during the press conference because she was in Tagaytay to shoot Ako si Kim Samsoon. — Text by Erick Mataverde. Photos by Mitch S. Mauricio.

Catch Celebrity Duets every Saturday starting August 23, right after Pinoy Records.

(GMA Press Release)

Celebrity Duets Season 2 originally appeared on Starmometer on August 22, 2008.