“Diva” is the first ever kantaserye on Philippine television to premiere on March 1 on GMA-7. Regine Velasquez portrays the role of Sampaguita (Sam), an ugly woman who dreams of becoming a famous singer someday.

This original series is helmed by Dominic Zapata, the same director of Regine and Mark Anthony’s “Ako si Kim Samsoon.” This is the Songbird’s fifth primetime series on the kapuso network.

Here are the cast of “Diva”:

strong>Mark Anthony Fernandez is Gary, Sam’s childhood friend. A good lyricist and a good writer, Gary’s goal is to find the woman who can sing the song of his heart.

TJ Trinidad is Martin, a rich and charming composer who happens to be the love interest of Sam.

Rufa Mae Quinto is Lady, a model who becomes a singer despite her lack of talent. Sam will be her ghost singer and eventually her rival. Lady will make Sam’s life miserable.

Glaiza de Castro is Tiffany, Lady’s personal assistant who will eventually become a singer and become Sam’s “kontra-diva.”

Jaya is Barbra, Sam’s bestfriend and sidekick.

Mark Herras is Smith, Sam’s half-brother.

Ynna Asistio is Vanessa, the neighbor of Sam who has a big crush on Smith.

Buboy Garovillo is Elvis, the loving father of Sam.

Randy Santiago is George, an executive producer of a recording company who will give Sam the opportunity to become a diva.

Gloria Diaz is Paula, the mother of Sam. A frustrated singer/actress who blames her ugly daughter for losing opportunity in showbiz.

Crazy lightning bolts, sweetly destructive voice, comically wicked attitude–Regine Velasquez as Elektra is more armed than ever as she invades Planet Earth in DARNA.

Born in Planet Venusa where women rule and men are mere slaves, Queen Elektra traversed the Earth to transfer all of its water to her dying planet. To do so, she plans to befriend the earthlings and eventually defeat Darna.

As a first step, Elektra sucked the brains of a homosexual, enabling her to speak with the people of the earth but in gay lingo! This coupled with her electric abilities and “telechenesis” which she unleashes through singing, Elektra is ready to trick the people and bring Darna down.

Will she fulfill her mission? Can Darna outmatch Elektra’s comically deadly capabilities? Or will Planet Earth be the new Planet Venusa?

Watch out for the geared-up Regine Velasquez as Elektra this week in DARNA, after 24 Oras.

It looks like Glaiza de Castro has outshone Katrina Halili as GMA’s top kontrabida as she will make the life of the Songbird miserable in the music-themed teleserye “Diva.”

Upon seeing the teaser, it kinda remind me of Sharon Cuneta’s Bituing Walang Ningning where the protagonist had an intensed rivalry for stardom and for the man she loves with the antagonist. Of course, Regine Velasquez is the protagonist and the kontrabida is none other than Glaiza de Castro. The man they are fighting for is Mark Anthony Fernandez.

What do you think?

Set to premiere on December 13 on Sunday Night Box-Office (SNBO), this year’s GMA Christmas special pays homage to the Filipino spirit that has remained resilient despite the seemingly unending odds brought by typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng, which tremendously shattered lives and properties of many Filipinos.

After The Rain: A Hopeful Christmas with Regine, is a two-hour musical-documentary featuring three heartwarming and inspiring stories of Ondoy victims namely Jessie Aranez, Elly and KY Pablo and orphans from the House of Refuge . The concert was attended by almost 800 victims from the typhoon-devastated cities and provinces such as Rizal, Laguna, Pasig, Marikina and Pangasinan. They were fetched from evacuation centers and transported to GMA Network’s Studio 7 for a special dinner party before the show.

Inspiring words and admiration for their courage and resilience will be shared by GMA Network’s award-winning primetime news anchors Mel Tiangco and Mike Enriquez together with Kapuso primetime royalties Richard Gutierrez, Dingdong Dantes, Marian Rivera.

The audience were surely in for a heartwarming treat when the country’s premiere artists led by Regine together with Jaya, Kuh Ledesma, Pops Fernandez, JayR, Kyla and La Diva perform as they unfold heartbreaking stories about losing loved ones, inspiring stories of unsung heroes and stories of love, survival, hope, happy endings and gratitude.

Completing the performers in this Christmas special are Eva Castillo, Frenchesca Farr, Julie Ann San Jose, Mae Flores, Moymoy Palaboy, Jude Matthew Sevilla, Shane Velasco, Yassi, Kris Angelica dela Cruz, Kiddiewockees, University of the Philippines Concert Chorus, Mandaluyong Children’s Choir and IIAF Development Group.

And at the end of the show, the audience received their special Christmas presents with the help of some sponsors and the GMA Kapuso Foundation.

Don’t miss the telecast of this special musical-documentary concert filled with hope and love. After The Rain: A Hopeful Christmas with Regine will air this Sunday, December 13 on GMA Network’s Sunday Night Box Office (SNBO) after Show Me Da Manny.

VIDEO LINK: After the Rain – Teaser

Darna, the country’s original Pinay superhero, faces another set of super villains that will put all her strength and powers to the test as the program enters its newest season this December on GMA Telebabad.

Starring Primetime Queen Marian Rivera as Darna, the country’s number one telefantasya continues to cater to all viewers of all ages with its remarkable stunts and adventures laced with touching storyline plus state-of-the-art effects.

After repossessing all her powers from her previous supervillains, Darna’s adventures will be more engaging as four more terrifying super creatures are about to wreak havoc every night – Serpina, Babaeng Manananggal, Babaeng Demonyita and Electra, the Queen of Planet Women.

Serpina, portrayed by Katrina Halili, is the daughter of Kobra and Babaeng Impakta. After her half-sister Valentina disappeared, Serpina has no choice but to fulfill her father’s wish – that is to multiply their race. Just like her half-sister, Serpina will also fall for Darna’s first love Eduardo (Mark Anthony Fernandez). She will do everything to get the man’s attention and get rid of Narda, the alter-ego of Darna.

Sexbomb Rochelle Pangilinan, meanwhile, will play the role of ferocious Babaeng Manananggal. She will disguise as Dr. Deborrah during the day to easily spot pregnant women and other possible victims in town then transforms as an ugly winged monster at night. Deborrah holds a secret that is the key to unveil the past of Ding, the only person who knows the real identity of Darna.

Starstruck Batch 3 Ultimate survivor Jackie Rice, on the other hand, plays the character of Helga, a young woman who holds the most beautiful and angelic face in town. Unfortunately, she will be possessed by a powerful evil spirit with extreme wrath and fury that will make her the supervillain called Babaeng Demonyita.

A handsome foreigner will suddenly appear in the small town of San Martin. His name is Vladimir played by Celebrity Duets 3 finalist Akihiro Sato. But behind his godlike features is a wicked and vicious vampire who is out to kill innocent people.

The battle between good and evil continues with the arrival of the most powerful nemesis Darna could ever have – Electra, the Queen of Planet Women. Portrayed no less than by the Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez, Electra is a queen from a different planet who has an incredible strength and power out to conquer the earth with the help of her stalwart female legions.

Aside from Darna, two people close to the Pinay superhero’s heart are exerting their efforts to keep peace and order in the society – Pancho (Dennis Trillo), the lighthearted and principled policeman, and Black Rider (Mark Anthony Fernandez), the mysterious vigilant. Both young men will pursue the same woman – Narda.

Get ready for a more action-packed Darna as new foes arrive and new season start this December. Darna airs Monday to Friday on GMA Network’s primetime Telebabad block.

Based from the song being popularized by Dennis Lambert, “Of All the Things” is being produced by Viva Films. Helming the movie is “Dahil May Isang Ikaw” director, Bb. Joyce Bernal. Joyce also directed the 2001 romantic movie “Pangako…Ikaw Lang” which also starred Aga and Regine.

Aga’s last movie was the 2008 romantic drama “When Love Begins” co-starring him with Anne Curtis. Regine’s last film was “Paano Kita Iibigin” with Piolo Pascual as her leading man. It was also shown in 2008.

Now, Aga and Regine are reunited with “Of All the Things.” Their first film together was “Dahil May Isang Ikaw.” It was a box-office hit in 1998. Their second film together, “Pangako…Ikaw Lang”, was also a box office hit in 2001. In fact, Regine Velasquez won the Box Office Queen award from the Guillermo Mendoza Scholarship Foundation for that movie.

Will their 3rd movie together become another hit at the box office now that Aga is 40 years old and Regine is 39 years old already? Does age matter in a romantic movie? We shall soon find out.

The Philippine edition of Celebrity Duets is a interactive reality-based singing competition airing on GMA Network jointly hosted by singer-comedian Ogie Alcasid and singer-actress, Asia’s Songbird, Regine Velasquez. The show is produced by Fremantle Media and Simon Cowell through Syco Television which also produced the original version in the United States.

Season 3 of Celebrity Duets Philippines begins on August 29, 2009.

VIDEO LINK: Celebrity Duets Season 2 – Teaser

Regine: Roots to Riches is a tv special prepared by GMA 7 for the birthday celebration of their prized possession, Regine Velasquez.

Regine Velasquez herself will take the televiewers from her amateur singing days in Malolos, Bulacan up to where she is now.

“Nakakaiyak! Super research-to-the max,” Regine says of how the show dug up her past. “I mean, everyone knows my story. But not this… I mean, maraming untold [stories]. Yung sa dagat, wala pa yun. Meron pang iba.”

The special Roots to Riches covers the Songbird’s climb from her humble start as a budding singer joining every amateur contest in her town in Malabon to her Bagong Kampeon days and to where she is now.

She adds, “Sana maraming makapanood. I realized na my life story is very inspiring pala. Especially to those young people who aspire to one day become a star.”

Regine: Roots to Riches will air on May 24 on Sunday Night Box Office, after Ful Haus.

Video Link: Regine Roots to Riches – TV Plug

American Idol season 7 runner-up David Archuleta is now in the country for his upcoming concert with David Cook happening at the SM Mall of Asia Open Grounds this Saturday, May 16, 2009. This is the first time the two Davids will perform together on stage since American Idol last year.

The Philippine Star columnist Ricky Lo was able to interview David Archuleta and discovered that the 18-year-old charmer is a fan of our very own Regine Velasquez.

Here’s an excerpt from the said interview:

Ricky Lo: Your fans in the Philippines are waiting for you.

David Archuleta: “Oh, I’m happy to hear that. I can’t wait to go to the Philippines.”

Ricky Lo: Anyway, David, what have you heard about the Philippines?

David Archuleta: “I’ve heard that it’s very hot there.”

Ricky Lo: Aside from that?

David Archuleta: “I’ve heard that there are a lot of amazing singers from the Philippines.”

Ricky Lo: Like who?

David Archuleta: “My favorite is Regine Velasquez. She was actually the one who got me to be an even bigger fan of Mariah Carey because she was singing all those Mariah Carey songs that I’ve never heard before. ‘Wow.’ I said, ‘Regine is so good; she’s amazing’.’”

Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez, on the other hand, said she’s flattered by Archuleta’s admiration.

“Very flattering that he knows me. Hope he will have a great time here in the Philippines. Everyone here likes him and hoping he will have a great show,” said Regine Velasquez who is currently out of the country for her Divas 4 Divas world tour together with Pops Fernandez, Zsa Zsa Padilla and Kuh Ledesma.

Video Link: David Archuleta Goes Malling

There’s something about the singing of Philippine National Anthem in every boxing match of our Pambansang Kamao Manny Pacquiao that brings out the nationalistic spirit of every Pinoy. Is it the way it’s sung? Is it the beautiful composition by Julian Felipe? Is it the anticipation of Pacquiao’s bout that will bring honor to the country? Or is it the artist who interpreted the song?

In Pacman’s previous 10 bouts, all artists that sang the Lupang Hinirang were all female.

They are:

Karylle (versus Oscar dela Hoya)
Ciara Sotto (versus Juan Manuel Marquez)
Nicole Angela Judalena (versus David Diaz)
Kyla (versus Marco Antonio Barrera)
Geneva Cruz (versus Jorge Solis)
Sarah Geronimo (versus Erik Morales)
Jennifer Bautista (versus Erik Morales)
Regine Velasquez (versus Puring)
Lani Misalucha (versus Erik Morales)
Dessa (versus Velasquez)

But who among the 10 interpreters delivered the best rendition of Lupang Hinirang?

STEP 1: Watch all the 10 Artists Who Sang the Philippine National Anthem in Pacman’s Previous Bouts.

STEP 2: Vote for your choice below:

[poll id="57"]

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Since GMA is no longer looking for a Pinoy Idol, they are now searching for the next “Asia’s Songbird”, “Queen of Soul”, “RnB Princess” or “Prince of RnB”. In short, they are looking for the next BIG STAR!

If you think you have the whole package who has the potential to be the next singing superstar, the pre-screenings are starting today! The search is open to all amateur and even professional singers, male or female, and within the age of 16 to 24 years old.

Even those who had a career in singing or recording before, or appeared in a singing competition, are allowed to join provided that they have no existing contract and no mainstream appearances in 2008. So Pinoy Idol and Pinoy Dream Academy season 2 contestants are not eligible this year.

The first batch of audition schedules are as follows:

April 2 and 3 – SM Baliwag @ 10:00 a.m.

April 18 – SM Batangas @ 10 a.m.

April 24 and 25 – SM Marikina @ 10 a.m.

Other audition schedules to be announced.

Here are the requirements for audition:

1. Original and a photocopy of birth certificate
2. A valid ID, 2 photos (1 full body and 1 close-up)
3. Audition materials (2 CDs in minus 1 format)

Regine Velasquez will return to talent search hosting in GMA’s “Are You the Next Big Star?” The show is set to premiere in mid-May this year.

Video Link: Are You the Next Big Star? – Teaser

Totoy Bato is the newest kapuso series topbilled by Pambansang Kamao Manny Pacquiao, Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez and the Bad Boy of Philippine movies Robin Padilla.

To prepare for his role, Robin Padilla underwent a serious physical training in Mt. Pulag and key locations in Baguio City to be physically fit. This is his first tv team-up with former Kim Samsoon star Regine Velasquez. They’ve been together in two blockbuster films in the past namely Kailangan Ko’y Ikaw in 2000 and Till I Met You in 2006.

Totoy Bato tells the story of a tough third class boxer played by Robin Padilla and how a beautiful singer played by Regine Velasquez change the heart of the cold prizefighter.

Totoy Bato is based on a komiks classic by Carlo J. Caparas. It was once made into film starring the late Fernando Poe Jr.

Here’s the complete cast of Totoy Bato:

Robin Padilla as Totoy Bato
Regine Velasquez as Anna
Eddie Garcia as Fredo
Manny Pacquiao as Manny
Ian Veneracion
Ehra Madrigal
Ara Mina
Tessie Tomas
Gladys Reyes
Sheena Halili
LJ Reyes
John Lapus
Say Alonzo
Queenie Padilla
Rommel Padilla
Tuesday Vargas
Mon Confiado
Jolo Revilla
Marlon Carmen
Kiko Rustia

Totoy Bato is directed by Mac Alejandre. It is set to premiere on February 23, 2009 under the GMA Telebabad block.

Video Link: Totoy Bato – Funny Teaser