“I was so excited during my first day that I had to sleep early so that I would also wake up early. I’m used to it now. I sleep around 8 pm or 9 pm and wake up at around 3 am,” said Venus.

Venus is tasked to deliver daily showbiz news in the said morning show and just recently she already started going to barangays for the segment “Barangay Bida” where they will feature model communities.

“We will show why a certain barangay is considered a ‘bida’ be it in relation to the environment or the way they run things in their community. We will get barangays that have made a mark or achieved something in order to inspire other barangays,” Venus explained.

Meanwhile, new host Iya Villania is also as excited as Venus especially after learning that she will be hosting segments such as “Youth Tube,” where the talked videos online will be showcased.

“That’s why is easier for me to adjust because I can just be myself. I am personally into online videos, gadgets, and technology so I feel comfortable with the segments given to me. It’s also a plus that I am working with people who I really look up to like Ms. Donita Rose who served as my inspiration why I pursued being a VJ,” shared Iya.

The sexy half-Aussie host-actress also added that she didn’t think twice when hosting UKG was offered to her.

“I know that I will learn a lot from this show, being updated with the news and all. Besides, I am a morning person so waking up very early wouldn’t be a problem for me so I gave it a go,” she said.

Aside from hosting Studio 23’s “Us Girls,” and serving as a VJ for music channel MYX, Iya can also be seen weeknights in the hottest series on primetime, “Martha Cecilia’s Kristine.”

If Iya can juggle both hosting and acting, Venus is also willing to venture into the latter. The Bicolana beauty earlier said she wants to be paired with Coco Martin and the ultimate heartthrob Piolo Pascual.

Even though Piolo already admitted that he and KC Concepcion are together, Venus still admires the actor.

“I am happy for them and my admiration for Piolo will of course continue. It will not fade just because he already has a girlfriend. Besides, my crush on him wouldn’t reach the point that I would actually want to be married to him (laughs),” she cleared.

If ever Coco guests on UKG, is Venus ready for him? “Of course! I am excited to meet Coco,” she said giggling.

UKG is definitely bigger and better this time around with new segments you will surely watch out for every morning.

Pinky Webb brings you videos from concerned citizens in “Webb Report.”

Donita Rose, on the other hand, will teach young moms practical art works and crafts they can do right at their very homes in “Do It Youself.”

Meanwhile, Winnie Cordero and Alex Santos guide consumers and parents in the Consumer, Parenting, and Relationship segment.

In 2010, UKG received recognitions from several prestigious award giving bodies. It won Best Morning Show and Best Morning Show Hosts in the 24th PMPC Star Awards and 8th Gawad Tanglaw. It bagged the Best Morning Show in the UP Gandingan and won an Anak TV Seal for Most Admired Program.

Join Anthony Taberna, Pinky Webb, Alex Santos, Winnie Cordero, Phoemela Barranda, Andrei Felix, Iya Villania, and Venus Raj in the new “Umagang Kay Ganda,” 5:30 AM, Mondays to Fridays on ABS-CBN.

Venus Raj Invades Barangays in ‘Umagang Kay Ganda’ originally appeared on Starmometer on February 11, 2011.

Weekday mornings get more beautiful as two of the industry’s most beautiful faces wake you up in the new “Umagang Kay Ganda.”

Beginning Monday (Feb 7), Miss Universe 2010 4th runner-up and newest Kapamilya Venus Raj formally joins your favorite UKG barkada to give your mornings a new twist.

Venus, who is a Journalism graduate from Bicol University, said it is a “dream come true” to be part of “Umagang Kay Ganda,” where she delivers the latest showbiz news and features as well as public service.

She is also one of the anchors to watch out for in the new segment Barangay Bida, which airs every Friday. In Barangay Bida, Raj and the UKG crew will visit a model community to highlight its inspiring success story as well as the talents of the residents there.

Another UKG newcomer is sexy half-Aussie host-actress Iya Villania, who will give you a free playback of the videos that are creating a buzz online in the segment “Youth Tube.”

Viewers can now also get a chance to be part of the show by interacting online using their social networking accounts on Facebook and Twitter.

“Our viewers are always on-the-go. Most of them are either going to school or to work thus, we want UKG to still be with them wherever they may be. With the use of technology particularly the famous social networking sites, our viewers can still get information and even give information to our show as well,” said Cheryl Favila, Supervising Producer of ABS-CBN News.

Just tweet the information you want to share to UKG’s official Twitter account at http://twitter.com/ukgdos and anchors will read it live on air. You can also send your comments and feedback on issues by posting on UKG’s official Facebook account at http://www.facebook.com/umagangkayganda2.

Alongside the new hosts, new segments will also be introduced which will surely bring you more information and fun every morning.

Pinky Webb brings you videos from concerned citizens in “Webb Report.”

Donita Rose, on the other hand, will teach young moms practical art works and crafts they can do right at their very homes in “Do It Youself.”

Meanwhile, Winnie Cordero and Alex Santos guide consumers and parents in the Consumer, Parenting, and Relationship segment.

In 2010, UKG received recognitions from several prestigious award giving bodies. It won Best Morning Show and Best Morning Show Hosts in the 24th PMPC Star Awards and 8th Gawad Tanglaw. It bagged the Best Morning Show in the UP Gandingan and won an Anak TV Seal for Most Admired Program.

Be sure to wake up early starting Monday (Feb 7) for the new “Umagang Kay Ganda,” also with Anthony Taberna, Alex Santos, Winnie Cordero, Phoemela Barranda, and Andrei Felix, 5:00 AM on ABS-CBN.

Venus Brings Major Major Beauty to ‘Umagang Kay Ganda’ originally appeared on Starmometer on February 2, 2011.

A morning talk show host, a new character actress, a young mom, a deejay and an actress/host comprise ranking nos. 81 to 85 of 100 Most Beautiful Women in the Philippines for 2010.

Photo Credits:

Megan Young, Donita Rose – ABS-CBN
Camille Prats – igma.tv
Bela Padilla – GMA-7
Andi Manzano – Andi9 Facebook Page

Previously:

86. Arci Munoz
87. Ruffa Gutierrez
88. Regine Angeles
89. Diana Zubiri
90. Jean Garcia
91. Rica Peralejo
92. Nina Jose
93. Queenie Padilla
94. Vicky Morales
95. Princess Velasco
96. Jonalyn Viray
97. Karla Paula Henry
98. Stef Prescott
99. Wendy Valdez
100. Sandra Seifert

The Top 20 Final Poll is ongoing. To vote, click here.

100 Most Beautiful Women in the Philippines for 2010 – Nos. 81 to 85 originally appeared on Starmometer on October 6, 2010.

You can catch them wearing the channel’s most vibrant colors in its newest logo in the mini-plugs aired in between the programs. This is in celebration of their 1st decade on Philippine television and will be highlighted through a week-long photo exhibit which will be held at the Archaeology Wing, Powerplant Mall, 2nd Floor from October 23 through the 31st.

The channel prides itself in its top 10 picks of outstanding women : Singer-Actress Lea Salonga who’s a world-class persona and lived large on the world stage; Host-Actress Donita Rose who has found out that the center and happiness is simply being a mother and having a quiet life whilst active in other things like her advocacy; model and former model lifestyle Network host Isabel Roces who’s an outspoken advocate of animal rights and a strong supporter of PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals); Fashion Designer Hindy Weber-Tantoco who’s a fashion designer, mother and supporter of causes all rolled into one; Stage Actress Menchu Lauchengo-Yulo who’s a supporter of the Culture and the Arts.

Completing the list is cancer survivor and advocate Kara Alikpala who bravely faced the challenge of defying cancer; Chef and Entrepreneur Margarita Fores who best represented the channel’s food EQUITY; Former President and CEO of Mc Cann Phils and Chairman of CCP Emily Abrera who has accomplished many things and believed that a woman can; Managing Director of ABS-CBN Foundation Gina Lopez who’s continuously extending her hand in her charitable works especially with her concern on the country and children’s future; Ballet dancer Lisa Macuja who’s a world class performer and very dedicated to the Arts and her craft .

Lifestyle network’s loyal viewers who are as important and has been regularly following the channel’s daily offerings, various events and promos are just as valuable. As such, they are making known to everyone 10 inspiring stories of people who inspire our viewers. There is a call to send in their narration on these people they look up to and the top 10 will be aired as well as be featured in the said photo exhibit.

For more surprises and treats, continue to tune in to the Lifestyle Network the channel where life and style blend and visit www.thelifeyoulive.tv for more details.

(Standing, l-r: Gina Lopez, Kara Alikpala, Margarita Fores, Donita Rose, Hindy Weber-Tantoco, Emily Abrera)

(Seated, l-r: Lisa Macuja, Menchu Yulo, Lea Salonga, Isabel Roces)

10 Icons and 10 Inspiring Stories on Lifestlye Network’s 1st Decade originally appeared on Starmometer on October 20, 2009.

No. 66 – Bubbles Paraiso
(New Entry)

No. 67 – Wendy Valdez
(2007 Ranking: 63)

No. 68 – Donita Rose
(2007 Ranking: 50)

No. 69 – Alex Gonzaga
(New Entry)

No. 70 – Georgina Wilson
(2007 Ranking: 95)

The Top 10 FINAL POLL is ongoing. Cast your vote HERE.

Photo Credits:

Bunny Paraiso – FHM Philippines
Alex Gonzaga – ABS-CBN Global
Donita Rose – DonitaRose.com

100 Most Beautiful Pinays of 2008 – Nos. 66 to 70 originally appeared on Starmometer on September 5, 2008.