Hosted by award-winning actor Jericho Rosales, versatile actress and host Iya Villania, and comedy princess Melai Cantiveros, “I Dare You” will test the resilience and determination of celebrity Kapamilya challengers, who will carry-out a series of challenges in order to help win a reward for ordinary Filipinos worthy of the title, “Bidang Kapamilya.”

The “Bidang Kapamilya” are everyday Pinoys who bravely face life’s challenges no matter how hard they get. They are the market vendors, the teachers in far-flung areas, the laborers, stuntmen, garbage and junk collectors, farmers, senior citizens, people with disability, among others.

Celebrity Kapamilya challengers will enter their world and experience their lives first hand to understand their way of life and to also to help win a reward for them by beating other celebrities in the challenge.

In the first episode of “I Dare You,” popular dancer and theater actor Gab Valenciano and multi-awarded actress Alessandra De Rossi will join Jericho in his return to his roots in Marikina, where he carried loads and sold fish in a wet market.

This is the first time the public gets to see Gab and Alessandra without the make-up, without their assistants and performing without any “cuts” or “take-twos.” Viewers will also hear Jericho’s inspiring rags-to-riches story, as told and demonstrated by the actor himself.

Jericho clarified that though the celebrities will have to dress down and work, it is not the goal of the program to deglamorize them. He said the stars are actually given the opportunity to show who they really are behind the camera and away from the limelight.

In an interview with Push he explained, “Our program works both ways. The ordinary people get to see the real emotions of the artists, and the artists get to see how an ordinary person lives.”

Iya added that the celebrity Kapamilya challengers aren’t the only ones who will get inspiration from the real-life and unscripted drama featured in the show. She said viewers will also learn from the experiences of the “Bidang Kapamilya” and the celebrities.

“I Dare You is here to inspire and challenge people to face their personal trials, just like what our Kapamilyas are doing no matter how difficult their lives are already,” she said.

Meanwhile, although “I Dare You” is filled with heart-tugging stories, viewers can also expect light and funny moments courtesy of Melai, who will join her close friends Jericho and Iya in guiding celebrity Kapamilya challengers.

“I am the wacky, naughty, and less serious host in the show,” said the former Pinoy Big Brother Big Winner. Like Jericho and Iya, Melai said she appreciates the depth of this project.

“Our hosting here is full of heart and purpose,” she said.

Join Jericho Rosales, Iya Villania, and Melai Cantiveros as they put the focus on Filipinos who do not back down from life’s challenges in “I Dare You,” from Monday to Friday beginning July 11, before “Mula sa Puso” on ABS-CBN.

Jericho, Iya, and Melai Challenge the Stars in ‘I Dare You’ originally appeared on Starmometer on July 7, 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.

“I Dare You: The Kapamilya Exchange” is an upcoming reality program that will challenge your favorite Kapamilya stars to take the role of ordinary people and what they do in an ordinary day.

It will be hosted by Iya Villania, Melai Cantiveros and Jericho Rosales.

The said reality program is part of the new shows to air on ABS-CBN this 2011 dubbed as “Bida Best.”

Watch the trailer here:

‘I Dare You: The Kapamilya Exchange’ – New ABS-CBN Realiserye originally appeared on Starmometer on December 19, 2010.

The sizzling trio is ready to add spice to ABS-CBN’s top-rating Primetime Bida with the rest of “Kristine” cast Zanjoe Marudo, Cristine Reyes, Rafael Rosell, JM De Guzman, and Rayver Cruz.

Villania plays Scarlet Saavedra, a strong woman who is very far from the typical Maria Clara. “[As] Atty. Saavedra, I am no weak woman…I live each day as [if it were] my last,” she said.

The actress shared how nervous she was to take on a sensual role but she was relieved by the fact that her screen partner is fellow ASAP XV artist Rafael. “I’ve worked with him in ASAP [for] a dance number. And in that performance, I needed to trust him as we were doing lifts in the prod. It wasn’t an easy lift,” Villania said.

Despite what seems to be a challenging role, the actress is excited because this is a new acting experience altogether. “Basta appropriate sa role, I should be fine doing something a little bit more daring.”

While Villania is slightly nervous, Garcia is excited and prepared for her role. The actress, after all, has had previous experience baring her skin on camera in programs like “Palos” and “Magkano ang Iyong Dangal.”

In the series, Garcia portrays the role of Diana Montero, a woman enshrouded in mystery. One of the few things we know of her is that she hails from a broken family. “Hindi niya nakukuha ang pagmamahal na gusto niya. She’s lonely kaya she’s working hard para mahalin siya ng ibang tao,” Garcia said.

Meanwhile, Moreno’s first day at work was quite a challenge, as she was required to engage in a kissing scene with JM De Guzman who plays Nathaniel. She, however, believes the sexy edge of the show lies in the story.

“Yung pagka-sexy ng Kristine eh hindi lang basta magpakita ng katawan o maghalikan. May magandang kuwento sa likod ng mga maiinit na eksenang ipinapalabas nila,” she explained.

She added De Guzman’s gentleman ways helped her feel comfortable. “Noong first day, hindi kami nakapag-usap pero ramdam ko yung kabaitan niya. ‘Yung isang eksena kasi namin, on-screen parang topless ako. In real life, naka-tube ako. Si JM, hindi tumitingin sa akin, nakayuko lang siya before the take. Titingin lang ‘yun pag-nag-roll na ang camera,” she recounted.

Moreno plays the character of Jasmin, a woman who would do anything for her family and would be willing to give up everything, especially for her siblings.

Apart from these three women, two new characters also join the series—Charlie (Joross Gamboa) and Rowena (Neri Naig) who have pivotal roles in the story.

After a tension-filled first encounter, what will happen once Nathaniel and Jasmin cross paths again? Will Scarlet be an instrument towards Jewel and Bernard’s reunion? Will Marco finally tell Scarlet about his feelings? And what evil plan will Margarita (Irma Adlawan) set in place when Jewel (Cristine), sick with amnesia, returns to Paso de Blas?

Tune in to the romantic and heated episodes of the teleserye that brings life to your nights, “Kristine, Ang Ikalawang Libro,” after “Imortal” on ABS-CBN.

Iya Villania, Bangs Garcia and Kristel Moreno Ready to Spice Up Primetime TV in ‘Kristine’ originally appeared on Starmometer on December 18, 2010.

Kapamilya veejay, host and recording artist Iya Villania has never posed sexy on the cover of any men’s magazine before that’s why it came as a surprise when she accepted the offer of Tanduay Rhum to be their calendar girl for 2011.

Previous Tanduay calendar girls are men’s magazine covers regulars and for Iya, she decided to drop her sweet and wholesome image first for the said calendar and perhaps men’s magazine covers will follow.

The 24-year-old Fil-Australian explains that reinventing herself is her way to bring more excitement to her career.

“Para hindi na nila sabihing masyado akong dry, para may kaunting excitement,” Iya said.

“The timing was also good. The offer came at a good time when I really feel comfortable with my body and more mature also,” she added.

Iya Villania is Tanduay’s 2011 Calendar Girl originally appeared on Starmometer on November 29, 2010.

Iya Villania, inawat ng ABS-CBN ang paglipat sa GMA

Last Sunday sa ASAP XV ay masayang ibinalita ni Iya Villania na mananatili siya sa ABS-CBN.

Nakatakda sanang lumipat si Iya sa GMA-7 dahil may offers ang Kapuso network sa kanya at isa na rito ang makasama niya ang kanyang boyfriend na si Drew Arellano sa isang programa.

Pero noong November 18 ay nag-renew na siya ng kontrata sa ABS-CBN, isang linggo pagkatapos niyang mamaalam sa mga kasamahan niya sa ASAP XV.

“It feels so good, it’s so nice to know… I’m just so very grateful that ABS-CBN still wants me to stay despite their large pool of such talented artists. It’s just so nice to know that despite that, they can still use din pala an Iya,” ang sinabi ng dalaga.

Three years ang pinirmahang kontrata ni Iya sa ABS-CBN at ipagpapatuloy niya ang kanyang mga shows gaya ng Us Girls, ASAP XV at pagiging veejay sa MYX. Bukod dito ay magkakaroon siya ng mga bagong proyekto at kasama rito ang isang soap opera, isang reality show at isang programa na under ng news and public affairs.

Jake Cuenca at Jason Abalos, muntik nang magsapakan

Napabalitang nagsapakan daw ang mga young actors na sina Jake Cuenca at Jason Abalos habang sila ay nasa Davao last Saturday night.

Nadamay pa nga raw ang kasama nilang si Coco Martin na umaawat lamang sa dalawa.

Subalit itinanggi ni Jake via a statement na ipinadala niya sa The Buzz last Sunday na nagsapakan sila ni Jason. Inamin ng binata na nagkaroon sila ng mainit na argumento pero hindi ito umabot sa violence.

Nabanggit din ni Jake na inawat sila ni Coco Martin.

Narito ang statement ni Jake sa The Buzz:

“I would like to clarify that no one was harmed. Wala pong nagsapakan. Nagkataasan lang kami ng boses dahil medyo emotional ang pinag-uusapan namin. Everything is better now. Nagkaayos na po kami ni Jason as early as last night. We patched things up already and we talked again this morning.”

Tungkol kanino kaya ang pinag-uusapan ng dalawa kaya nag-init ang ulo nila?

Iskul Bukol sitcom, bubuhayin ng TV5

Ang sikat na tv sitcom noong 70s at 80s na pinagbidahan nina Tito, Vic and Joey na Iskul Bukol ay ire-revive ng TV5.

Sina Ryan Agoncillo, Sam YG, at Kean Cipriano ang gaganap sa bagong Iskul Bukol na malapit nang umpisahan ng TV5 upang lalong palakasin ang kanilang claim bilang “Comedy Capital of the Philippines”.

Posibleng sina Kean at Sam ang gaganap ng Escalera Brothers, ang pilyong magkapatid na ginampanan dati nina Tito Sotto at Joey de Leon. Si Ryan naman ang gaganap na Victorio Ungasis na ginampanan naman ni Vic Sotto.

Kasama rin sa cast sina Bangs Garcia at Regine Angeles na parehong nanggaling sa ABS-CBN.

Iya Villania Remains a Kapamilya originally appeared on Starmometer on November 23, 2010.

Photo Credits:

ABS-CBN – Angelica Panganiban, Erich Gonzales
Bb. Pilipinas – Venus Raj
Folded and Hung – Maja Salvador
Iya Villania Facebook Page – Iya Villania

Previously:

16. Heart Evangelista
17. KC Concepcion
18. Andi Eigenmann
19. Shaina Magdayao
20. Empress Schuck
21. Bea Alonzo
22. Bianca Gonzalez
23. Melissa Ricks
24. Mariel Rodriguez
25. Denise Laurel
26. Carla Abellana
27. Maricar Reyes
28. Roxanne Guinoo
29. Kris Bernal
30. Rhian Ramos
31. Nikki Gil
32. Claudine Barretto
33. Yeng Constantino
34. Iza Calzado
35. Karylle
36. Kaye Abad
37. Angel Aquino
38. Sam Pinto
39. Kris Aquino
40. Bianca King
41. Charlene Gonzales
42. Alesandra de Rossi
43. Judy Ann Santos
44. Regine Velasquez
45. Rachelle Ann Go
46. Bangs Garcia
47. Precious Lara Quigaman
48. Yen Santos
49. Kyla
50. Jackie Rice
51. Georgina Wilson
52. Dawn Zulueta
53. Jewel Mische
54. Sarah Lahbati
55. Alex Gonzaga
56. Jodie Sta. Maria
57. Bianca Manalo
58. Gretchen Barretto
59. Maxene Magalona
60. Katrina Halili
61. Isabel Oli
62. Carmina Villaroel
63. Solenn Heusaff
64. Ehra Madrigal
65. Catherine Remperas
66. Nina Kodaka
67. Aicelle Santos
68. Glaiza de Castro
69. Lucy Torres Gomez
70. Jennica Garcia
71. Lea Salonga
72. Valerie Concepcion
73. Nadine Samonte
74. Sheena Halili
75. Angelika dela Cruz
76. Agot Isidro
77. Iwa Moto
78. Diva Monteliba
79. Jessy Mendiola
80. Dimples Romana
81. Donita Rose
82. Bela Padilla
83. Camille Prats
84. Andi Manzano
85. Megan Young
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

100 Most Beautiful Women in the Philippines for 2010 – Nos. 11 to 15 originally appeared on Starmometer on October 25, 2010.

DAY 1 RESULTS

Top 20 as of September 8, 2010, 9:30 p.m.:

HOW TO VOTE

1. Log-in to your Facebook account. If you don’t have a facebook account yet, simply register at www.facebook.com.

2. Go to Starmometer’s Facebook Page and click “LIKE.”

3. Proceed to the “Photos” section at the left sidebar and click the album entitled “100 Most Beautiful Women in the Philippines for 2010 – Final 20.” The pictures of the 20 finalists will be displayed.

4. Click the image of your favorite celebrity to enlarge the photo.

5. Under the photo, simply click on the word “like” to vote.

6. Please take note that you must be logged-in to your Facebook account and you must be a fan of Starmometer’s Facebook Page in order to cast your vote. If you’re not registered as a fan, the word “like” below the image will not appear.

The final poll started yesterday, September 7 and will be concluded on the midnight of October 24, 2010.

100 Most Beautiful Women in the Philippines for 2010 Finals – Day 1 Update originally appeared on Starmometer on September 8, 2010.

Be there as CHALK joins forces with Styles Entertainment for a night of fun, fashion, and go old-fashioned school bonding.

Whether you’re a jock, geek, prom king, or prom queen, head to Encore at the Fort Bonifacio Global City on September 8, Wednesday to celebrate Chalk Magazine’s 10 years of rocking the campus scene! Iya Villania and Victor Basa hosts, while DJ Euric and DJ Mars Miranda provide the soundtrack for the ultimate school reunion. Fun starts at 9pm.

See you there for an all-out homecoming blast!

Chalk University 10: An All-Out Homecoming Blast originally appeared on Starmometer on September 2, 2010.

Known as well for her dancing skills, Villania will go face-to-face with another talented dancer, Bugoy Cariño to teach him the “secret energy drink” for dancers like them. According to the “ASAPXV” and “Us Girls” host, this nutritious mix will help rejuvenate Bugoy’s dance partner Izzy Canillo.

The little hunk-in-the-making will also go to the rescue of a kid who does not want to eat his vegetables while co-host Chacha Cañete reveals the different kinds of Go, Grow, and Glow food. Chacha will also try out simple food styling like cutting up shapes in vegetables.

Find out about Iya’s secret energy drink and how Bugoy convinced his pal to eat nutritious food this Saturday (July 24) in “Kulilits,” 9:30am on ABS-CBN.

Iya Villania in a Showdown with a Kulilit? originally appeared on Starmometer on July 22, 2010.

Iya, as well as other celebrity guests Karylle, Erik Santos, and Paolo Santos, will be the first set of players to try the newest distraction called “The Bully” where they just have to sing their respective pieces while trying their best to stay on top of a mechanical bull.

Other guests for the week include “Pilipinas Got Talent” finalists Markki Stroem, Sherwin Baguion, Ingrid Payaket, and Kaye of Ezra Band.

A regular player will also join the teams in hopes of winning the P200,000 jackpot prize.

Don’t miss “Twist and Shout,” hosted by Gary Valenciano and Martin Nievera, this Saturday (July 17) and Sunday (July 18), 8:45 PM on ABS-CBN.

Iya Villania Goes Wild on ‘Twist and Shout’ originally appeared on Starmometer on July 17, 2010.

Check out the nationalistic fashion statement of Carla Abellana, Kim Chiu, Kris Bernal, Iya Villania, Karylle and Georgina Wilson via Bench’s PinoyLab “Iniibig Ko ang Pilipinas” campaign.

“Iniibig ko ang Pilipinas DAHIL KAHIT SAANG BANSA MAN AKONG PUMUNTA, IBANG-IBA PARIN ANG PAKIRAMDAM KO SA SARILING BANSA” – Carla Abellana

“Iniibig ko ang Pilipinas DAHIL WALA NA AKONG MAMAHALIN PANG IBANG BAYAN KUNDI ITO LAMANG” – Georgina Wilson

“Iniibig ko ang Pilipinas DAHIL MAY LAHING BAYANI ANG BAWAT PILIPINO” – Iya Villania

“Iniibig ko ang Pilipinas. AKO AY PILIPINO AT BUONG PUSO KONG IPINAGMAMALAKI ITO!” – Karylle

“Iniibig ko ang Pilipinas DAHIL ITO AY ANG BANSANG AKING SINILANGAN AT BANSANG AKING IPAGMAMALAKI HINDING-HINDI KO IPAGPAPALIT KAILANMAN” – Kim Chiu

“Iniibig ko ang Pilipinas DAHIL ITO ANG AKING INANG BAYAN” – Kris Bernal

Images courtesy of Bench.

Bench PinoyLab ‘Iniibig Ko ang Pilipinas’ Campaign – Female Models originally appeared on Starmometer on April 27, 2010.