ABS-CBN’s newest Kapamilya Gold drama series, “Mundo Man ay Magunaw” sets the bar higher for afternoon soaps this Monday (January 30) as it presents a compelling family drama featuring a formidable ensemble cast of young and seasoned actors that include Empress, Nikki Gil, Ejay Falcon, Sylvia Sanchez, Allan Paule, Pinky Amador, Jason Gainza, Dianne Medina, Alex Castro Tessie Tomas, and Eula Valdes.

According to Valdes, mothers can surely relate to the story of their new series. “I play the character of a loving mother who would sacrifice everything just to be reunited with her daughters,” she said.

Meanwhile, Empress shares her happiness over her new afternoon soap. “I’ll be playing a more mature role here. I’m a good daughter who is driven to fight for her family and who is willing to do anything to keep her mother happy. Viewers should also watch out for Ms. Eula in the soap because this time, she is not the villainess,” said Empress.

Gil, on the other hand, will give life to a power hungry character whose underlying goal is to gain the acceptance and appreciation of the people she loves. She shared, “As Jennifer La Peña, I will fight to prove that I am the rightful heir of my grandmother.”

“Mundo Man ay Magunaw” shares the entwined lives of Olivia (Valdes) and her daughters Sheryl (Empress) and Jennifer (Gil). After 20 years of imprisonment, Olivia is off to restart her life and rebuild the family she never had. Brought together by circumstances, the three women will realize that no matter how big their differences and conflicts are, they still have to reunite to save each other.

Will Olivia be willing to sacrifice everything just to win the love and bring her daughters back to her arms? Will Sheryl and Jenny surpass the tests of love and ambition when they finally discover the truth?

Under the direction of Jeffrey Jeturian and Rechie Del Carmen, don’t miss the drama series dedicated for all loving mothers, “Mundo Man ay Magunaw” premieres on January 30 (Monday) at 11:30am on ABS-CBN’s Kapamilya Gold. For more updates, log on to www.abs-cbn.com, follow @abscbndotcom on Twitter, or ‘like their Facebook fan page http://www.facebook.com/mundomanaymagunaw.

Watch the trailer here:

‘Mundo Man ay Magunaw’ Premieres Monday on Kapamilya Gold originally appeared on Starmometer on January 28, 2012.

There are just a few days to go until the highly anticipated Broadway Dance Musical Comedy “Sweet Charity” premieres on the Manila stage. The local production of “Sweet Charity” makes its debut on Friday August 5, 2011 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati Philippines and consists of 10 shows that will run until August 27, 2011.

Sweet Charity is tipped to be an amazing production encompassing humor, wit, song, dance, excitement and fun in to brilliant story telling. No doubt theatre goers will also enjoy singing along to catchy musical numbers such as “Big Spender”, “If My Friends Could See Me Now” and “The Rhythm of Life”.

Moreover, the amazing cast included in the local production of Sweet Charity will certainly impress and wow audience members; this can be attributed to the calibre of talent that will grace the stage at every show. Having brought together some of the best and brightest names from the Filipino entertainment industry together in this Broadway musical, each and every performer will undeniably bring their own unique flair to their respective roles.

Fresh from her Awit Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical for Legally Blonde: The Musical, internationally recognized actress and prominent singer and host Nikki Gil ascends the stage again playing the title role. She plays the part of Charity Hope Valentine an optimistic, compassionate taxi dancer who wants nothing more than to be loved. Playing opposite her is notable singer/songwriter and Philippines’ Heart of R&B Kris Lawrence as Oscar, an anxious and insecure man that befriends Charity and later becomes her boyfriend.

Ciarra Sotto-Oconer and Shiela Valderrama-Martinez play their respective roles as Helene and Nickie, fellow taxi dancers at The Fandango Ballroom and Charity’s best friends. Sheree Vidal-Bautista plays the role of Carmen, another of Charity’s co dancers. Ciarra Sotto-Oconer, Shiela Valderrama-Martinez and Sheree Vidal-Bautista are no strangers to the theatre world having been involved in recent productions of The Wedding Singer (Shiela Valderrama-Martinez) and Rent (Ciarra Sotto-Oconer and Sheree Vidal-Bautista).

Well known and experienced stage and TV actor Miguel Faustmann is also part of the ensemble having been cast as Herman, Charity’s boss and owner of The Fandango Ballroom where Charity is employed.

OJ Mariano, another well known name in the entertainment industry, plays the role of two characters. First, the character of Vittorio, a charismatic, self-centred movie star, and second the role of Daddy Brubeck, the mysterious leader at the Rhythm of Life church. Making her return to the stage is seasoned performer Angela Padilla who plays the role of Vittorio’s overemotional girlfriend Ursula.

Also included in the stellar cast are renowned performers Topper Fabregas, Job Bautista, Francis Matheu, Anthony Tarrosa Ong, Peter Alcedo, Chai Relucio and fast rising stars Caisa Borromeo, Chinie Nepomuceno, Vinia Pamplona and Carmelle Ros.

An offering from 9 Works Theatrical, Sweet Charity is under the direction of Robbie Guevara who is also responsible for the successful direction of musicals such as Fiddler on the Roof, Rent and The Wedding Singer.

Based on the novel by Neil Simon and regarded as one of the most popular Broadway and West End Musicals of all time gaining several nominations and winning several major awards worldwide, Sweet Charity will surely make its mark on the Manila stage and have everyone in the audience singing its praise.

So, if you are a fan of great music, enjoy a bit of fun, a good laugh or want to experience something new and exciting please do support the Manila production of Sweet Charity.

(Press Release)

Nikki Gil is ‘Sweet Charity’ originally appeared on Starmometer on August 2, 2011.

Photo Credits:

Karylle – Bench
Yeng Constantino – Star Magic Catalogue
Claudine Barretto – GMA-7
Nikki Gil – Facebook Page of Nikki Gil
Iza Calzado – GMA-7

Previously:

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

The Top 20 Final Poll is ongoing. To vote, click here. 1 day to go!

100 Most Beautiful Women in the Philippines for 2010 – Nos. 31 to 35 originally appeared on Starmometer on October 23, 2010.

Nikki Gil and Cesca Litton are joining Luis Manzano and Mariel Rodriguez every Saturday. They are taking taking the seats vacated by Bianca Gonzalez, who is now on “SNN” and Toni Gonzaga who is now on “The Buzz.”

Nikki Gil is set to enter E-Live right after she finishes her stint on the musical “Legally Blonde,” which will run until July 18.

Cesca Litton, on the other hand, feels lucky to have landed a hosting job on E-Live after Kris Aquino decided to leave “The Buzz” and “SNN” to help her brother, President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III.

Cesca and Nikki inked the deal yesterday (July 6).

Nikki Gil and Cesca Litton are New Hosts of ‘E-Live’ originally appeared on Starmometer on July 7, 2010.

True to his title Asian Pop Idol, Christian Bautista recently wowed top-level executives from Southeast Asia’s leading broadcasting companies after he sung the song “Please be Careful with my Heart” in Bahasa (Indonesian language) together with singer Karylle.

Their remarkable duet capped the appreciation dinner sponsored by ABS-CBN, led by chairman and CEO Eugenio Lopez III and president and COO Charo Santos-Concio, for visiting members of the SMART Alliance, an organization of Southeast Asian networks intended to collaborate on content, sales and marketing, and technology.

Other than Christian, international sensation Billy Crawford and real-life girlfriend Nikki Gil also graced the night and rendered a duet singing the classic hit “You’ve Got a Friend.” The two also served as hosts for the event.

Meanwhile, Aiza Seguerra performed her cover of the song “I Cant Make You Love Me” from her first international album “Open Arms,” which ranked number one in Singapore.

Members of the SMART Alliance convened in Manila recently to formally sign an Equipment and Facilities Rental Agreement that aims to share facilities among member companies to reduce operational and equipment costs; and its website agreement that aims to create an online portal that will provide information on the alliance to its different stakeholders.

To showcase Philippine advancement in the media industry, ABS-CBN also took delegates coming from BBTV (Thailand), International Media Corporation (Vietnam), Media Nusantara Citra (Indonesia), Media Prima (Malaysia), and MediaCorp (Singapore) to the studio to watch its top-rating noontime variety show “Wowowee” and toured them around its post-production facilities where delegates marveled at the state-of-the-art technology the Kapamilya Network is currently using.

Though it is not part of their original agenda, the group also signed an agreement formalizing the joint sales package launched by the group in line with their objective of driving regional revenue through a common led strategy and new target markets to enable the alliance to gain sustainable competitive advantage.

“These are just early steps to realize the tremendous potentials from the synergy brought about by the Smart Alliance. We are looking forward to developing more projects which will be beneficial among our members and increase the competitiveness of Asian media,” said Paolo Pineda, Head of ABS-CBN Business Development and member of the Smart Alliance Secretariat.

SMART alliance turned a year old this month. The alliance aims to create and deliver commercial benefits to its members, and deliver marketing and promotional solutions on a regional platform to its customers.

Kapamilya Stars Impress Southeast Asian Broadcasters originally appeared on Starmometer on March 26, 2010.

Kapamilya celebrities responded to the call for action in the coming 2010 elections by becoming active citizens in a special voter registration mounted by ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation in partnership with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).

“The special voter registration aims to encourage the people to register and exercise their right to suffrage,” said Bong Osorio, Head of ABS-CBN Corporate Communications Division.

Celebrities like Rayver Cruz, Rodjun Cruz, Cass Ponti, Princess Ryan, Josef Elizalde, Cris Pastor, Pokwang, Valerie Concepcion, Erik Santos, Mark Bautista, Angelica Panganiban, Shaina Magdayao, Mariel Rodriguez, Nikki, Gil, Enchong Dee, Kim Chiu, and Diether Ocampo took their time off their busy schedules to register and appealed to the public to do the same and make a difference In 2010.

Actress Nikki Gil, who stars in “Nagsimula sa Puso,” looks forward to casting her vote for the very first time next year. She stressed the importance of voting, especially in these times when the country is facing a lot of problems.

“Now, more than ever, we have to make a stand and move. No one else will do this for us and for our country,” said Nikki. “And on a personal level, I can say that I now have the right to complain because I feel that I actually have made a contribution to this nation by registering and voting,” she added.

Another first time voter, Enchong Dee, believes that there will always be hope for the country as long as people are willing to do their civic duties. The young actor of “Katorse” encouraged everyone, especially the youth, to register and vote.

“I hope everyone will go register and vote. And when you vote, make sure it will help our country. Choose your leaders wisely and let us always think of the common good,” Enchong said.

This special voter registration held in ABS-CBN’s main office in Quezon City was also part of ABS-CBN’s nationwide election campaign “Boto Mo, iPatrol Mo: Ako ang Simula,” which aims to mobilize new voters to register and help make the 2010 elections work.

Voter registration is until October 31. Go to your respective COMELEC offices to register.

Kapamilya Stars Registered to Vote originally appeared on Starmometer on October 29, 2009.

A more sensual Maja Salvador will be seen in the tv remake of the Mel Chionglo film Nagsimula sa Puso.

Maja now faces a more mature character as she bids goodbye to her sweet roles. She will portray the role of Celina, an obedient daughter and an old-fashioned career woman whole life revolves in a routine. A change in her personality sparks once she meets the man of her dreams.

“I am very thankful na ipinaubaya sa akin ng network ang project na ito. I can say na ito na ang greatest break ko since pumasok ako sa showbiz and hopefully, with ‘Nagsimula sa Puso’, magsimula na rin ang iba’t-iba pang opportunity para sa ‘kin,” Maja said.

Maja was supposed to star in Moon River and the remake of Anna Liza but both projects were shelved by ABS-CBN. Instead of getting disappointed, Maja is grateful that her mother studio finally gave her an afternoon soap opera of her own and she considers “Nagsimula” as a milestone in her career.

In Nagsimula sa Puso, Maja will be paired off with one of the country’s youngest and rising leading man, Jason Abalos, who just showcased his acting talent in Eva Fonda and Kambal sa Uma, and the prince of Indie Films, Coco Martin who got rave reviews for his role as “Ramon” in Tayong Dalawa.

She revealed that she has a lot of “kissing scenes” and “bed scenes” with both Jason and Coco in the soap because the story calls for it. She promises a different kind of Maja will be seen by televiewers and that they will witness the complex emotions rooted in her character in which she gave her 100 percent.

Also starring in Nagsimula sa Puso is World Vision Ambassador Nikki Gil. Supporting cast includes Gloria Diaz, Buboy Garovillo, Jaclyn Jose, Laurice Guillen, Irma Adlawan, Ronnie Lazaro, Joseph Bitagcol and Nina Jose.

Directed by Malu Sevilla, Nagsimula sa Puso is premiering on October 12 under ABS-CBN’s Hapontastic block.

Check out more press con photos in PH Stars.

Maja Salvador Gives All in First Starring Role on TV originally appeared on Starmometer on October 7, 2009.

100 Most Beautiful Pinays of 2009
(Rank no. 31 to 50)

31. Mariel Rodriguez

32. Maricel Soriano

33. Roxanne Guinoo

34. Angelica Panganiban

35. Lucy Torres-Gomez

36. Regine Angeles

37. Iya Villania

38. Valerie Concepcion

39. Alessandra de Rossi

40. Shaina Magdayao

41. Karylle

42. Kaye Abad

43. Dawn Zulueta

44. Bangs Garcia

45. Megan Young

46. Nikki Gil

47. Dimples Romana

48. Nadine Samonte

49. Bianca Gonzalez

50. Glaiza de Castro

To find out who ranked 51st to 100th, click the link below:

100 Most Beautiful Women in the Philippines for 2009 – Nos. 51 to 100

100 Most Beautiful Pinays of 2009 – Nos. 31 to 50 originally appeared on Starmometer on September 24, 2009.

A more sensual Maja Salvador will be seen in the tv remake of the Mel Chionglo film Nagsimula sa Puso which originally starred by Hilda Koronel, Armida Siguion-Reyna, Cherie Gil, the late Jay Ilagan and Richard Gomez.

Maja was supposed to star in Anna Liza and Moon River but both projects were shelved by ABS-CBN. With Nagsimula sa Puso, Maja finally gets her long-awaited lead role in a drama series of her own.

Also starring on ABS-CBN’s Nagsimula sa Puso are Nikki Gil, Coco Martin and Jason Abalos.

The teleserye is set to premiere on September 28, 2009.

VIDEO LINK: Nagsimula sa Puso – Teaser Trailer

Maja Salvador Topbills ABS-CBN’s ‘Nagsimula sa Puso’ originally appeared on Starmometer on September 17, 2009.

And I Love You So is an upcoming romantic drama starring Derek Ramsay, Sam Milby and Bea Alonzo.

Synopsis:

Lara (Bea Alonzo), a preschool teacher and owner, is widowed five months after she married her boyfriend of five years, Oliver (Derek Ramsay). Several months after his death, she meets Chris (Sam Milby), a young man also suffering from the loss of his spouse. They become friends and help each other move on. But as their friendship grows, their unmistakable attraction for each other grows.

Also starring Candy Pangilinan, Nikki Gil and Coney Reyes. Directed by Laurenti Dyogi, And I Love You So hits cinemas nationwide on August 12, 2009.

VIDEO LINK: And I Love You So – Trailer

And I Love You So – Star Cinema originally appeared on Starmometer on July 7, 2009.

MEGA Magazine’s beauty issue this month of May features their list of the 10 Most Beautiful A-List Celebrities topped by no other than Angel Locsin.

It is interesting to note that Angel Locsin is Starmometer’s Most Beautiful Woman in the Philippines for 3 years in a row. She ranked 1st in 2006, 2007 and 2008.

Also in MEGA magazine’s list are ABS-CBN President Charo Santos Concio, Myx Veejay and recording artist Nikki Gil and Kapuso primetime-turned-daytime star Heart Evangelista.

In no particular order, here is the complete list of MEGA’s 10 Most Beautiful A-List Celebrities:

1. Angel Locsin
2. Korina Sanchez
3. Charo Santos Concio
4. Nikki Gil
5. Heart Evangelista
6. Carmina Villaroel
7. Stef Henares
8. Joanne Ramirez
9. Audrey Tan Zubiri
10. Michelle Panemanglor

Check them out on the May 2009 issue of MEGA Magazine now available nationwide wherever magazines are sold.

Angel Locsin is Mega Magazine’s Most Beautiful Woman of 2009 originally appeared on Starmometer on May 5, 2009.

Group 1 opted for a 60′s inspired “Hair Spray” presentation with a twist that the guys will play a female role and the girls will play the male role. They also danced to the tune of Low and Disturbia. The group is composed of John Prats, Shaina Magdayao, Sheryn Regis, Rafael Rosell, Zanjoe Marudo, Gabs Valenciano, Toni Gonzaga, and Gary Valenciano among others.

Group 2 is led by Vhong Navarro. They performed Michael Jackson hits. This group is composed of Sam Milby, Christian Bautista, Sarah Geronimo, Gerald Anderson, Anne Curtis, Erik Santos, Rayver Cruz, Jericho Rosales, and Vina Morales.

Group 3 is led by Billy Crawford. They performed a school-movie musicals inspired number. This group is composed of Piolo Pascual, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Karylle, Mark Bautista, Maja Salvador, Kim Chiu, Nikki Gil, Ronnie Liang, Arnel Pineda, Melissa Ricks, Jed Madela and John Lloyd Cruz.

Video Link: ASAP ’08 That’s Christmas Presentation

ASAP ’08 ‘That’s Christmas’ Presentation originally appeared on Starmometer on December 29, 2008.