2010 Gawad Tanglaw Awards, an award-giving body composed of members from the academe from various universities in the country, hailed Star Cinema’s “In My Life” as Best Picture and its director Olivia Lamasan as Best Director. The stars of the gay-themed movie bagged the awards for Best Actress (for Vilma Santos), Best Actor (for John Lloyd Cruz) and Best Supporting Actor (for Luis Manzano).

In My Life and director Olivia Lamasan were snubbed by film critics from their list of nominees for this year’s Gawad Urian. However, Vilma Santos was nominated for Best Actress and John Lloyd Cruz was nominated for Best Actor for the said film.

Here is the list of Star Cinema’s harvest in Gawad Tanglaw this year:

Best Film: In My Life
Best Actress: Vilma Santos (In My Life)
Best Actor: John Lloyd Cruz (In My Life)
Best Supporting Actor: Luis Manzano (In My Life)
Best Director: Olivia Lamasan (In My Life)
Best Cinematography: I Love You Goodbye

And here is the list of other kapamilya awardees:

Broadcast Network Of The Year: ABS-CBN
Best Drama Series: Tayong Dalawa
Best Drama Anthology: Maalaala Mo Kaya
Best Comedy/Gag Show: Goin’ Bulilit and Banana Split
Best Variety Show: ASAP ‘09
Special Jury Award For Television: May Bukas Pa
Best Ensemble Performance In A Television Drama: cast of Tayong Dalawa
Best News Program: TV Patrol World
Best Magazine Show: Rated K
Best Sports Program: Sports Unlimited
Best Sports Anchors: Dyan Castillejo and Marc Nelson
Best News Anchors: Ted Failon, Karen Davila, and Julius Babao
Best Entertainment Field Anchors: Mario Dumaual and Phoemela Baranda
Best Morning Show: Umagang Kay Ganda
Best Morning Show Hosts: anchors/reporters of Umagang Kay Ganda
Best Public Service Program: Salamat Dok!
Best Commentary Program: Kalye
Best Investigative Report Program: XXX
Best Educational Program: Matanglawin
Best Christmas Station I.D.: Star Ng Pasko
Best Development Communication: Boto Mo Patrol Mo and Ako Ang Simula
Best Radio Station: DZMM
Best AM Radio Anchors: Korina Sanchez and Anthony Taberna
Best AM Radio Station: DZMM
Presidential Jury Award For Excellence In Acting: Coco Martin (Kinatay, Serbis, Masahista, Daybreak, Jay, Tirador, and Tayong Dalawa)
Natatanging Gawad Tanglaw Para Sa Sining Ng Telebisyon– Zaijian “Santino” Jaranilla (May Bukas Pa)
Best Documentary Feature: Storyline (ANC)
Best Lifestyle Show: Executive Class (ANC)
Best Travel Show: Travel Time (ANC)
Best Public Affairs Program: Strictly Politics (ANC)

Also starring in Your Song Presents: My Last Romance are Alessandra de Rossi and Ms. Gloria Romero. The weekly mini-series will begin on January 3, 2010 on ABS-CBN.

VIDEO LINK: Your Song Presents My Last Romance – Full Trailer

ABS-CBN will tour around the nation to find the Philippines’ best singers, dancers, musicians, and other notable acts regardless of age and gender.

“Luis and I will serve as the contestants’ big brothers here. We will get to know them and their stories, which I think is something the audience should and will really look forward to,” said Billy, who admitted to be a fan of the Got Talent search in the US before coming to Manila last year to host “Pinoy Dream Academy” last year.

Luis and Billy will be the Philippine counterpart of Britain’s Ant and Dec. They will be using their wits, humor, and charm as they guide Got Talent hopefuls throughout their journey and perform before a set of judges.

“I am really excited to host ‘Pilipinas Got Talent’ and of course to work with Billy on a show for the first time. We do Kanto boys in ‘ASAP 09,’ we hang out outside of showbiz, and I think our chemistry is something everyone should watch out for, on we are going to spice up the show with our antics,” said Luis.

“Pilipinas Got Talent” will feature Filipinos in different acts. The show is open to all— regardless of age; be it solo, duo, or group— who got the talent in singing, dancing, acting, or even unique skills such as doing magic, juggling, and stand-up comedy.

Filipinos like Madonna Decena and Charlie Green already proved that Filipinos are talented as they made it to the semi-finals of Got Talent’s most popular format “Britain’s Got Talent.”

“Filipinos are very talented and these talents can be at par with the rest of the world. The burden on deciding who among the hopefuls lies on the judges now. It will not be an easy task for sure,” Billy said.

“And our judges’ credentials are impeccable. They have an eye for talent and the contestants will surely learn and grow as they go through the different stages of the competition. They just need to give it their best and enjoy what they will be doing,” added Luis.

If you think you got what it takes and if you got talent, catch the first leg of “Pilipinas Got Talent” auditions at the Lyceum of the Philippines in Batangas on Nov. 6, 7, and 8. Auditions will also be held on Cebu on Nov. 11, 12, and 13; Baguio on Nov. 19, 20, 21; Cagayan De Oro on Nov. 25, 26, and 27; Davao on Nov 30, Dec. 1 and 2 ; and Manila on Dec 5, 6, 12, and 13.

Watch Billy and Luis in the first and only nationwide reality and talent search “Pilipinas Got Talent” airing soon on ABS-CBN.

Click HERE for more PGT images.

Chalk celebrates everything on the Internet with the Online Special! Find out what are the best websites for shopping for everything from fashion to beauty finds. Check out the list of the top 10 sites to visit for fashion news, entertainment gossip, and more. Can you find true love online? Students share their stories, plus read all about a blog that’s dedicated to surviving long distance relationships.

Chalk also dropped by the Star Magic Ball to ask all the hottest stars about their web surfing habits. John Lloyd Cruz and Luis Manzano dish about what it was like working together on their new movie and share what websites they like visiting most. Plus, meet the newest teams participating in the NCAA, find out how to take a great profile pic, and more! It’s all in Chalk’s October issue, in newsstands now.

Image courtesy of ABS-CBN Publishing (Thanks Kathy!)

Thousands of fans lined up at Alex Theatre in Glendale (Southern California), Fox Theatre in Redwood City (Northern California), and George W. Newman Theatre in Rutherford, New Jersey last September to watch the film and see Governor Santos, John Lloyd Cruz, and Luis Manzano who graced all the premieres.

The last time fans caught Governor Santos on screen was in Mano Po 3: My Love in 2004. “In My Life offers you a different Vilma Santos, a different John Lloyd Cruz and a different Luis Manzano,” said the film’s director, Olivia Lamasan, the woman behind the blockbusters Milan, Sana Maulit Muli, Got 2 Believe and Madrasta. “You have to see the genuine chemistry among these three actors who are together for the first time in a movie. This is also a unique film because it presents a mother in her 50s, thinking that she’s been through all and seen it all, when in actuality, a new chapter in her life is just beginning.”

Even with the sterling success of the film, Governor Santos and the stars were thinking of the victims of Typhoon Ondoy that devastated the Philippines. She asked for donations from the moviegoers to help her province of Batangas in its rehabilitation and clean-up efforts. ABS-CBN International’s Starry Starry Store donated a dollar each for every premiere ticket sold in San Francisco and New Jersey. Governor Santos also sought donations during the premiere of In My Life in Canada.

“These sold-out premieres clearly demonstrate that the Filipinos in the U.S. have fully embraced the return of the best of Philippine cinema to the big screen,” said Kerwin Du, ABS-CBN North America’s head of theatricals. “They relish the experience of watching quality films where they belong – the movie theater. They are enthusiastic about seeing their favorite stars in person. For us in ABS-CBN, we are gratified to be able to give our kapamilya what they want wherever they are: the best in Philippine entertainment.”

In My Life is now on its regular theatrical run in the following cities:

SAN DIEGO (October 2-15)
UA Horton Plaza
475 Horton Plaza
San Diego, CA 92101

JERSEY CITY (October 9-15)
AMC Loews Newport Center
30 Mall Drive West
Jersey City, NJ 07310

LOS ANGELES-CERRITOS (October 9-15)
Cerritos Stadium Cinema
12761 Towne Center Drive
Cerritos, CA 90701

For information on the abovementioned theaters, please call 800.227.9676.

NEW YORK (October 20-22)
The ImaginAsian Theater
239 E 59th St
New York, NY 10022
212.417.0419

CHICAGO (October 23-29)
The Pickwick Theatre 1
17 South Prospect Avenue
Park Ridge, IL 60068
708.316.8780/847.863.2212
www.palabaspinoy.com

For more information, please visit www.abs-cbnglobalmovies.com.

From left, ABS-CBN Global COO Raffy Lopez with his wife, Gaucha, Batangas Governor and In My Life lead star Vilma Santos and her husband, Philippine Senator Ralph Recto. (Tara Kitta/ABS-CBN Intl)

In My Life lead stars Luis Manzano (leftmost) and John Lloyd Cruz (rightmost) flank ABS-CBN Global COO Raffy Lopez with his wife, Gaucha. (Tara Kitta/ABS-CBN Intl)

VIDEO LINK: In My Life – Full Trailer

Images courtesy of Star Cinema

In My Life is helmed by Olivia Lamasan, director of such hits as Got 2 Believe and Milan. It will mark the comeback of Vilma Santos in the silver screen since the 2004 film Mano Po 3: My Love. It’s also the first time that Vilma is working with his son Luis Manzano.

In My Life also marks as first major gay-themed film from Star Cinema since “Ang Lalake sa Buhay ni Selya” in 1998 starring Rosanna Roces. John Lloyd Cruz and Luis Manzano will play a gay couple in the movie, their first role as such. And one of the higlights of the film is the controversial “kissing scene” between the two actors.

In My Life is set to hit theaters nationwide on September 16, 2009. Watch the full trailer on the link below:

VIDEO LINK: In My Life – Full Trailer

According to reports, Angel Locsin and Luis Manzano tried so hard to keep their break-up as boyfriend-girlfriend a secret. Only the persons closest to them know about the split and apparently, one of them spilled the beans.

Angel Locsin is now in South Korea filming a tv commercial. Her manager, Becky Aguila, is with her and they will extend their stay in Korea for a vacation.

Becky Aguila said she’s clueless about the break-up issue and all she know was Angel and Luis just had a misunderstanding.

Will Luis Manzano confirm the break-up news tonight on TV Patrol and Showbiz News Ngayon? We will find out.

Image courtesy of ABS-CBN.com

AKO MISMO is about YOU!

Making a stand and taking real action for the causes you believe in. Causes that you yourself can truly pursue to make a real, positive difference to your fellow countryman, to your country.

It is for you who still dare to hope that life for millions doesnt have to be a hopeless battle against problems like poverty, illiteracy, unemployment.

It is for you who believe that not enough is being done about our countrys problems. And that to do right things, youll do them yourself.

It is a movement where you can show your patriotism and compassion, and make these traits infectious.

Its about action that eradicates hopelessness in every Filipino.

How hard will this be to accomplish? Well that will be entirely up to you.

In AKO MISMO you get to choose the cause you wish to pursue. No cause is too small as long as it is a noble one. All we ask is that you make a pledge to do it.

You yourself can pledge anything: from teaching English to your yayas kid, to making sure that your barangay is dengue-free.

Or make a pledge to do your part in ending corruption, prostitution, illegal drugs or the inhumane treatment of animals. The choice is yours.

No matter how small, as long as you pledge that you yourself will take action, its sure to make a big difference.

Giving more hope for Filipinos to stop merely surviving, and start living. And it starts with you.

MISMO yan.

Video Link: Ako Mismo – TV plug

Formerly known with the working title “A Mother’s Story”, the movie highlights the comeback of the Star for all Seasons in the silver screen. Even before they started shooting the film, it has been controversial because of the report that there will be a lips-to-lips “kissing scene” between John Lloyd Cruz and Luis Manzano who will portray a gay couple.

Vilma plays the overweight Shirley who owns a pet cat named Kiki in “In My Life.” Luis Manzano and Dimples Romana play her son and daughter. John Lloyd Cruz is Luis’ gay lover. She wears a fat suit in the movie, giving her a totally different look from all the movies she had done.

Aside from the movie, ABS-CBN will air a one month television special called “In My Life” prior to the premiere of “In My Life the Movie.” It will feature Vima’s career as a multi-awarded actress, a showbiz icon, a well-loved politician and a loving mother.

The fourth week will feature behind-the-scenes exclusive features on the making of the film and the three-week shoot in New York. It will be the final episode culminating in a live press conference to be held at the Dolphy Theatre.

In My Life is directed by Olive Lamasan and co-written by Raymond Lee and Senedy Que. No playdate is announced as of yet.

21. Paulo Avelino
(2008 ranking: 16)

22. Derek Ramsay
(2008 ranking: 08 )

23. Coco Martin
(2008 ranking: 29)

24. Luis Manzano
(2008 ranking: 14)

25. Diether Ocampo
(2008 ranking: 25)

Photo Credits: Derek Ramsay – Yes Magazine; Diether Ocampo – Bench.

Beginning February 7, 2009, Komiks Presents will feature a new superhero from the creative minds of Mars Ravelo. Dubbed as the “Superhero for all seasons”, Flash Bomba stars Luis Manzano and his alter-ego is Roldan Legazpi, a man who overcomes a physical disability resulting from a hunting trip accident and becomes a crime fighter.

Here is the info about this classic superhero by Mars Ravelo from International Hero Database:

Powers/Abilities: Flash Bomba has superhuman strength, the ability to walk up walls, to generate “thunderclaps” using his large hands or block almost anything with same. In spite of his enlarged extremities, Flash Bomba is not in the least clumsy, and is a skilled unarmed fighter. He can also mystically summon “devil horses” to create a stampede (similar to the way the ghosts did in Lord of the Rings 3).

History: Flash Bomba was man who lost the use of his legs in an accident. Because of this, he trained the rest of his body to an incredible level of athletic ability and did everyday stuff using his hands to compensate for the loss of his ability to walk. Eventually he heard a rumour about a “Tikbalang” (a mythological creature with the body of a man and the head of a horse) who would grant powers to anyone who could defeat it in battle. Flash Bomba challenged the Tikbalang and set a time and place for the battle. He defeated it despite his physical limitations and the Tikbalang granted him superpowers. But as a jest, the Tikbalang gave him powers that made him look awkward. Flash was given the Tikbalang’s magic hair, said talisman allowing Flash to transform into his super-powered version – a being with large hands and feet, as well as superhuman powers. Using his new abilities, he became a crimefighter.

Also starring in Komiks Presents Flash Bomba are Roxanne Guinoo, Sid Lucero, Lito Pimentel, Rio Locsin, Nanette Inventor, Alan Paule and the comedian Empoy. The director of this weekly series is Dondon Santos.

According to reports, Flash Bomba is the last of the Ravelo superheroes, which includes Kapitan Boom, Varga, Lastikman, Dragonna and Tiny Tony. They are part of the much-anticipated “Isang Lakas” super team, the Philippine version of Justice League.

Photos courtesy of ABS-CBN.