Judy Ann Santos, who, in the movie, plays Mia, a mother and wife who is the sole breadwinner of her family, is not touted young superstar for nothing. She has been in show business for 23 years now and has done about 70 movies, many of which have won awards for her from many prestigious award giving bodies. Her unmatched mettle is also celebrated on television, making her not only a multi-hyphenate celebrity but a bankable one across media.

In “My Househusband: Ikaw Na!” Judy Ann delivers a performance that Director Joey Reyes lauds as realistic acting that no doubt stems from the fact that her leading man here is her real life husband, Ryan Agoncillo. Their first movie together since tying the knot, the two bring on the silver screen a chemistry that is based on a genuine, if not intuitive, understanding and essay of their roles. This early, many predict Judy Ann is shoo-in for Best Actress in the 2011 MMFF.

Although Ryan Agoncillo is better known as TV host, and one of the best ones in his generation too, he is a strong contender in the Best Actor category for playing Rod, a man who is bank manager one day then househusband the next. “My Househusband: Ikaw Na!” is certainly Ryan’s movie more than any one else’s as he has the most number of scenes among the cast members. But more than that, his delineation of provider turned circumstantial housekeeper will have people laughing, thinking, understanding and, perhaps, more accepting of the fact that there is no one formula or set-up that makes a family work.

Note that the last time Ryan worked with Direk Joey (in 2006’s “Kutob”), the former earned a nomination in the Best Supporting Actor category of the FAP Awards.

Comedienne Eugene Domingo has been winning awards left and right for five years in a row now. More, she is one of few actresses—if not the only one—in the Philippine entertainment history to have participated in six films produced by eight different Filipino production companies within a year. To say that she is great at what she does and is one of the most in-demand actresses these days is an understatement.

In “My Househusband: Ikaw Na!” Eugene plays Aida, a mistress who happens to be Rod and Mia’s neighbor. With Mia always away, Rod and Aida develop a friendship that even has the Mrs. jealous at one point. Although Eugene has done so many movies this year, she grabbed the opportunity to be cast in “My Househusband: Ikaw Na!” in order to work anew with Ryan, Judy Ann and Direk Joey, and to portray a role that challenges her.

“I’ve never played a mistress before nor best friend to a straight guy. Even in real life, I have lots of girl and gay friends but very few straight guys so I am tackling my role here from a fresh point of view,” said she, who’s gusto in working on “My Househusband: Ikaw Na!” surely brought out the best in her yet again.

Guiding the actors in giving their best in “My Househusband: Ikaw Na!” is Direk Joey, who, himself, is no stranger to awards. Many of his works have also become modern classics some of which also featured Ryan, Judy Ann and Eugene. He has said in recent interviews that his latest film is important in his career in that he plans to redirect his career should he win Best Director yet again.

With the stellar acting prowess of its talents and the very relatable story of “My Househusband: Ikaw Na!,” the film is expected to bring home multiple trophies come 2011 MMFF awards night.

OctoArts Films’“My Househusband: Ikaw Na” opens on Christmas Day, December 25, in theaters nationwide.

Judy Ann, Ryan and Eugene of ‘My Househusband: Ikaw Na!’ are Strong Contenders in 2011 MMFF originally appeared on Starmometer on December 22, 2011.

The campaign for the different in the coming Metro Manila Film Festival is in high gear and the word on the street as well as talk among industry insiders have it that “My Househusband: Ikaw Na!” is a shoo-in for the top awards as well as ruling the box office race.

Starring real life husband and wife Ryan Agoncillo and Judy Ann Santos, the film speaks volumes of success in so many aspects already. Joining the fray is undisputed comedy actress Eugene Domingo. All three premiere talents join outstanding chemistry with director par excellence Jose Javier Reyes.

The totality is undeniably a conglomeration of winners in so many levels that Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress are some of the much-predicted trophies that can probably be associated to this film by OctoArts come awards’ night.

Ryan and Juday’s roles become even more realistic in their hands since they can relate to their characters in many aspects. Like married couple Mia and Rod, the lead characters in the movie, Judy Ann and Ryan know exactly what it’s like to raise kids, to balance career and family life, to stay best friends with your significant other even after tying the knot, and to be clear on priorities and keep sense of humor especially through thin.

“Househusband” director Joey Reyes notes that the two kept it “real” and that aside from their well-polished skill in acting, their portrayals have that extra something, “an almost instinctive element”. Ryan is a revelation here, the awarded director adds– and the latter should know. Direk Joey, after all, also directed Ryan in “Kutob” in 2006 where the actor-TV host nabbed a nomination at the FAP Awards for Best Supporting Actor.

As if the winning tandem of Ryan and Judy Ann isn’t enough, ace comedienne Eugene Domingo thickens the plot as Aida, a mistress who lives next door and eventually ends up as Rod’s BFF. Eugene finds it refreshing that the comedic style she was made to bring into the film is neither over the top nor subdued but “just right”.

Though she has starred in one film after the other this year, Eugene is glad to have added “My Househusband: Ikaw Na!” to her resume because it is the first time she plays a character who is best friends with a straight male. “Ibang iba ang point of view dahil dun and since I have very few straight male friends in real life, playing Aida was very refreshing and challenging.”

Indeed, given her track record and the way she speaks fondly of her role, her co-actors and the film “My Househusband: Ikaw Na!” just might put another trophy on Eugene’s shelf.

tying it all together so masterfully is Direk Joey: he has won awards from the Gawad Urian, Filipino Star Awards and in past MMFF. Many of his works such as “Minamahal Kita”, “Bakit Labis Kitang Mahal”, and “Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo” and “Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo” (which starred Judy and Ryan) are condsidered modern classics and going by gut feel, “My Househusband: Ikaw Na!” could lengthen that list.

And why not? Among all in this year’s MMFF, the subject matter of “My Househusband: Ikaw Na!” is most timely: about a married couple who has a non-trditional set up in which the husband takes care of the kids and in manning the house while the wife looks after putting food on the table. Along the way, situations aries that test the arrangement and their relationship. “Many men today are ‘househusband’ either by choice or circumstance and in this film, we show the hilarious side of it,” said he whose vision for the filmwas so clear to him that shooting the scenes were often a swift and smooth affair.

Great actors fleshing out a timeless and relatable story under superb direction—”My Househusband: Ikaw Na!” has got the gold in the bag.

“My Househusband: Ikaw Na!” is OctoArts Films’ entry to the 2011 MMFF. It opens on Christmas Day, December 25, 2011.

(Press release from OctoArts Films)

Watch the full trailer here:

‘My Househusband: Ikaw Na!’ Poised for Major Wins in MMFF 2011 Awards’ Race originally appeared on Starmometer on December 12, 2011.

With an all-celebrity Talentado line-up, viewers will surely be hooked this weekend as they watch some of the most notable performances from Ryan’s closest friends: Daiana Meneses, Jose and Marion of Fear Factor, Miriam Quiambao, Jeffrey Santos, and LJ Moreno.

Find out how the celebrity Talentados will battle it out onstage and see who will be able to impress the special panel of talent scouts –- comprised of Ryan’s wife Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo, Shalala, Direk Joey Reyes, and Congress representative Lucy Torres-Gomez.

Moreover, don’t miss the special participation of Ryan’s mother-in-law, Mommy Carol, as Chairman of the Jury. Ryan’s stylist, talent manager, friends and fans are also part of the jury to help determine the best performer of the night.

Talentadong Pinoy airs Saturdays at 8:30pm and Sundays at 7:30pm on TV5.

TV5′s Talentadong Pinoy Celebrates Ryan Agoncillo’s Birthday this Sunday originally appeared on Starmometer on April 8, 2011.

Ryan Agoncillo was awarded the Favorite Anak TV Makabata Star for being a good influence among children surveyed, while Talentadong Pinoy was a Top TV Program Household Favorite. Mustard TV (a 30-minute children’s show that teaches kids about Jesus and the Bible), The World Exposed with Bishop Chito Tagle and 12 other kids’ shows previously aired on TV5 were among the programs given an Anak TV seal.

TV5 also reaped four trophies at the 19th Golden Dove Awards by the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP), which included Talentadong Pinoy (Best TV Games/Variety Program), Lokomoko U (Best TV Comedy Program), USI: Under Special Investigation (Best TV Documentary Program) and Paolo Bediones (Best TV Documentary Program Host).

Among the Kapatid wins, the recognition given to Paolo Bediones as exemplary host of a documentary program earned him badge of integrity after shifting to journalism from entertainment. “Personally this is a very, very important milestone for me. Ito ang una kong taon bilang mamamahayag. Kaya ang pagkilala pong ito ay mahalaga po sa akin. Maraming, maraming salamat, KBP,” expressed Paolo in his acceptance speech at the award ceremony held in Tagaytay City.

Meanwhile, TV5 earned its first Philippine Quill Award of Merit through News5’s back-to-school public service project Oplan Sigla sa Skwela for excellence in Communication Management in Economic, Social and Environmental Division. Led by News5 Public Service head Sherryl Yao, the project aimed at teaching pupils of good hygiene practices when the school year opened last June.

The 24th Star Awards for Television also recognized Vic Sotto as Best Variety Game Show Host for Who Wants To Be a Millionaire, and the defunct teen program Lipgloss as Best Youth-Oriented Program.

TV5 Reaps Trophies this Awards Season originally appeared on Starmometer on December 9, 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.

What happens if geeky-look Ryan Agoncillo gets dressed in drag on the glitzy bar’s catwalk? Ryan can be considered the most gorgeous man in drag when he stars in the weekly series Lady Dada starting this Wednesday, September 8, 8-9 pm on TV5′s Primetimes5.

The series taps the wacky side of Ryan, a departure from his mestizo looks and cultured ways.

“Ang ganda-ganda ko rito!” he quips. “I never imagined myself dressed in drag before. This one’s for the books seriously,” he adds.

Lady Dada tells the story of hard luck Dindo (Ryan Agoncillo) who barely succeeds in every business and job he gets into. His failures eventually ruined his marriage with Rina (Mylene Dizon). After a series of unfortunate events, he proves to be a bad luck magnet as he was restrained to get near his son Miko; this after he became violent in a bar owned by his wife and her ex-suitor Brian (Ryan Eigenmann).

Macario, his closeted high-school best friend, enters the picture in literally gay fashion as Kylie (Keempee de Leon) to the rescue. He convinced Dindo to mask his identity as a pretty woman and audition to be the next drag queen in Rina’s bar. In order to get closer to his wife and son, Dindo is left without a choice but to turn from a man to a woman to a drag queen. His female disguise becomes even more awkward when he is courted by Rina’s widower brother Henry (Roderick Paulate).

“Nagtatawanan nga kami,” shares Ryan, “kaming tatlo nina Keempee at Edgar Allan [de Guzman as Junior, Kylie's lover], bading dito. Pero si Dick, siya naman ang lalaki ngayon.”

Now Quezon City councilor Roderick Paulate is a legend in his own right playing classic gay characters such as Petrang Kabayo and Kumander Gringa. “Ngayon, lalaki na ‘ko dito. Nanliligaw pa,” says Roderick whose last gay role was in the indie film Ded Na Si Lolo.

Ryan goes back to acting via Lady Dada after several months of focusing on his career as host. Before hosting TV5′s two year-old flagship show Talentadong Pinoy, he has topbilled several TV series and movies including two blockbuster marriage-themed movies with reel-and-real-life wife Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo.

Mylene and Keempee are both thrilled as Lady Dada mark their first appearance in a Kapatid show. Meanwhile, Dick’s widower/suitor role is his TV comeback after winning as councilor in Quezon City last elections. He was first seen in a Kapatid show via 5-Star Specials Presents Maricel Soriano last March. Ryan Eigenmann, Edgar Allan Guzman, and Nathaniel Britt (as Dindo’s son Miko) complete the cast.

Production designer and indie film director Dante Nico Garcia was thankful to the show’s director Bb. Joyce Bernal for letting him help her in transforming Ryan from geeky to gorgeous. “Binigyan niya kasi ako ng pagkakataon na mapaglaruan ko si Ryan,” says the director of the critically acclaimed film Ploning and one of the closest friends of Ryan’s wife, Judy Ann Santos.

Will Dindo get around the persistent courting of Henry (who is actually his brother-in-law)? Could he pass for the next drag queen in town? How long can he hide his real identity?

Don’t miss the outrageous gender mix-up on Lady Dada, which pilots this coming Wednesday, September 8, on TV5′s Primetimes5 (CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE TRAILER).

Ryan Agoncillo Stars in TV5′s Mini-Series ‘Lady Dada’ originally appeared on Starmometer on September 2, 2010.

NO. 36: SAM YG – a Magic 89.9 DJ and host of tv programs “Diz is it,” “Tweet Biz” and “Eat Bulaga!” He is of Indian descent but 100% Filipino at heart. He is a new entry in our Top 100.

NO. 37: RAFAEL ROSELL – a Filipino-Norwegian kapamilya actor and model. He recently appeared in the tv soap Precious Hearts Romances Presents The Substitute Wife and the movie Working Girls 2010. He will soon star in Precious Hearts Romances Presents Midnight Phantom and Kristine Series. He ranked no. 13 in 2007, no. 22 in 2008 and no. 30 in 2009.

NO. 38: JC TIUSECO – a kapuso actor, basketball player, TV host & model. He became a household name, when he made the selection for the final 16 castaways and more so after being hailed as the “Sole Survivor” in the very first season of the Philippine version of the reality television series Survivor. He is set to star in the soap “Langit sa Piling Mo.” He ranked no. 7 in 2009.

NO. 39: BILLY CRAWFORD – A Filipino international recording artist and host. He is currently seen on ASAP XV and Pilipinas Got Talent. He ranked no. 10 in 2007, no. 43 in 2008 and no. 38 in 2009.

NO. 40: RYAN AGONCILLO – He is an actor, model, and TV host who conquered the kapamilya, kapuso and kapatid networks. He is currently seen in the top-rating “Talentadong Pinoy,” “P05″ and “Eat Bulaga!” He ranked no. 36 in 2007, no. 51 in 2008 and no. 36 in 2009.

41. Matteo Guidicelli
42. Jason Abalos
43. Victor Basa
44. Will Devaughn
45. Paul Jake Castillo
46. Rocco Nancino
47. Tom Rodriguez
48. Jay-R
49. Drew Arellano
50. Polo Ravales
51. Mark Bautista
52. Guji Lorenzana
53. Robin Padilla
54. Kiko Rustia
55. Atom Araullo
56. Wendell Ramos
57. Mark Herras
58. Carl Guevarra
59. AJ Perez
60. Johan Santos
61. Steven Silva
62. Paulo Avelino
63. Alfred Vargas
64. Ian Batherson
65. Richard Poon
66. Dino Imperial
67. Joross Gamboa
68. John Estrada
69. Enzo Pineda
70. Rico Blanco
71. Manuel Chua
72. Van Victor Leano
73. Oyo Sotto
74. James Yap
75. Paolo Bediones
76. Geoff Taylor
77. Simon Atkins
78. John Prats
79. Marvin Kiefer
80. Borgy Manotoc
81. Marco Alcaraz
82. Marvin Agustin
83. Chris Cayzer
84. Raph Almeda
85. Bong Revilla
86. Hermes Bautista
87. Marco Morales
88. Rovilson Fernandez
89. Alvin Alfonso
90. Jason Francisco
91. Andre Endique
92. Jiro “Kenji” Shirakawa
93. Ivan Dorschner
94. Adel Tamano
95. Jaco Benin
96. Lem Pelayo
97. Rocky Salumbides
98. Markki Stroem
99. Michael Manansala
100. Alvin de Joya

The finals of RP’s Sexiest Men 2010 are ongoing. 16 male celebrities are left vying for the title. To vote, click HERE.

RP’s Sexiest Men of 2010 – Nos. 36 to 40 originally appeared on Starmometer on May 1, 2010.

“Ikaw ang Pag-ibig” is Judy Ann and Ryan’s first drama project together as their previous works were all comedies like the MMFF movies “Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo” and “Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo” and their last sitcom on ABS-CBN “George and Cecil.”

The film is being helmed by award-winning director Marilou Diaz Abaya and it is co-produced by TV5. The camera started rolling last week.

Judy Ann is currently 3-months pregnant while filming this movie.

Judy Ann Santos and Ryan Agoncillo Topbill the TV5-Produced Movie ‘Ikaw ang Pag-ibig’ originally appeared on Starmometer on April 12, 2010.

A baby boy and a baby girl will soon enter the life of Judy Ann Santos’ character George in ABS-CBN’s romantic comedy program “George and Cecil” which will take its final bow this Sunday (Feb 7).

The Queen of Pinoy Soap Opera confirmed that after the long wait and struggles as newlyweds, George and Cecil (played by real-life hubby Ryan Agoncillo) can finally call themselves a family with the birth of their fraternal twins.

Reality then suddenly sets in with the odd couple as the two start to doubt if they are really ready to become parents.

Just as George and Cecil are having personal dilemmas they have to resolve, this milestone in their life also stirred emotions on the people around them—Ronnie (Archie Alemania) is thinking of having a baby with Grace (Dionne Monsanto) while Oscar (Christopher Roxas) is asking Miriam (Gladys Reyes) for an additional member to their family.

What awaits George and Cecil as they embark on this new chapter in their life? Are they really ready to become mom and dad?

Don’t miss the last episode of “George and Cecil” this Sunday (Feb 7) after “Sharon” on ABS-CBN.

Judy Ann and Ryan Confirm Upcoming Baby Twins originally appeared on Starmometer on February 6, 2010.

In an interview, the two admitted that they were very sad especially during their last day of taping where they, together with co-actors and show staff and crew, were having dinner for the last time.

“We’ve been working together for more than a year and we will definitely miss our moments on the set. They’re like family to us so it’s really hard to let go,” said Judy Ann.

Judy Ann added that the show is indeed a special and memorable one for Ryan and her as it is the first time they teamed up on television after their surprise wedding held in April of last year.

Other cast members also showed the importance of “George and Cecil” to them by turning the last taping day dinner into a mini-celebration, happily sharing memories of the show with the whole staff and crew.

“George and Cecil” first aired in June 2009. The program featured the story of unconventional partners George, a police woman, and Cecil, a high school teacher, who happened to find love true love in each other despite their extreme personal and professional differences.

Together, they faced the problems that come with the newly married life, from the difficulties of adjusting when starting to live together, up to the challenges of balancing their role as spouse and individual, even the tricks in dealing with in-laws.

Every episode truly shared valuable lessons with the viewers, especially those who, just like the characters they portray, have recently tied the knot and are adjusting with their new life.

As the show ends this coming Sunday, George and Cecil will face their biggest challenge yet as husband and wife — starting their very own family.

What awaits the couple? How will they welcome the challenge of parenthood?

George and Cecil also features the hilarious ensemble cast of Tessie Tomas, Al Tantay, Malou De Guzman, Gladys Reyes, Dimples Romana, Christopher Roxas, Archie Alemania, Dionne Monsanto, Dino Imperial, Cherry Lou, Kakai Bautista, Jommy Teotico, Manuel Chua and Marion Dela Cruz.

Don’t miss the last episode of “George and Cecil” this Sunday (Feb 7) after “Sharon” in ABS-CBN.

‘George and Cecil’ Ends this Sunday on ABS-CBN originally appeared on Starmometer on February 3, 2010.

PEP reported earlier that GMA-7 is working hard to get Ryan Agoncillo as the new host of Survivor Philippines since its original host, Paolo Bediones transferred to TV5. The kapuso network is also offering Ryan the meaty role of “Andrew” in the local adaptation of the top-rating koreanovela “Endless Love: Autumn in My Heart” which is topbilled by Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera.

Aside from the two shows mentioned, GMA is also preparing a game show for Ryan and a weekly news and public affairs program. And if ever GMA decides to bring back Pinoy Idol, who will be the “better” host for the show than the first one to host the first version of the franchise and it’s still Ryan. All of these in exchange for Ryan leaving the top-rating talent show on TV5, Talentadong Pinoy, because he will be an exclusive kapuso talent if he accepts the offer.

It’s also interesting to note that it was GMA Network who discovered Ryan. The husband of Judy Ann Santos started his career on GMA’s morning show in the 90′s “Mornings @ GMA” and the youth-oriented program “Campus Video”. If ever he accepts the offer, it will be his comeback to the kapuso station.

The offer is very tempting but if Ryan will leave Talentadong Pinoy, lalabas naman siyang “walang utang na loob.” But here is our take: life is filled with choices and crossroads. In showbiz, the choice is always between career and the pinoy value of “utang na loob.” But guess what the brightest stars in the country have chosen in the past? Angel Locsin chose career than utang na loob. Kris Aquino, Boy Abunda, Anne Curtis, Toni Gozaga, Cristine Reyes, Lorna Tolentino, Paolo Bediones, Claudine Barretto, i can name more but i guess you get the point. Utang na loob will not bring food on the table so i guess more than 90% of those stars who transferred to another station have “career” on their minds.

This is crucial for Ryan. His decision might come from his principle as people perceive him as “ma-prinsipyo.” But then again, he could consider the fact that it was GMA who discovered him that’s why he’s in showbiz.

Ryan Agoncillo is Choosing Between ‘Talentadong Pinoy’ VS ‘Survivor Philippines’ Plus 3 More Shows from GMA originally appeared on Starmometer on January 9, 2010.

TOP 10 NEWSMAKERS OF 2009

1. HAYDEN KHO – Earlier this year, Dr. Hayden Kho was the topic of all headlines after his sex videos leaked on the internet. The news lingered as his controversial sex videos with Katrina Halili, Maricar Reyes and a Brazilian model circulated one by one from various porn sites to pirated DVD vendors. His saga continued the whole year round from revocation of his medical license, from getting splashed with water by an ex-cop during the Senate hearing to rumors that he committed suicide. There is no doubt that Hayden is our no. 1 newsmaker of 2009!

2. MANNY PACQUIAO – Our Pambansang Kamao made history after he became the first boxer in world to win 7 world titles in 7 different weight divisions. His winning bouts against Hatton last May and against Cotto last November were sensational. Pacquiao has been included by Time Magazine as one of the world’s most influential people for the year 2009, for his exploits in boxing and his influence among the Filipino people. Pacquiao was also included by Forbes Magazine in its annual Celebrity 100 list for the year 2009. Pacquiao had also won the 2009 ESPY Awards for the Best Fighter category. And to cap a great year for Pacman was the controversy about his alleged love affair with Wapakman co-star Krista Ranillo.

3. FORMER PRESIDENT CORAZON AQUINO – After the former president succumbed to colon cancer last August 1, 2009, the whole country mourned and other nations commemorated her contribution in democracy. There were even petitions to elevate her as national hero and even a saint. Her son Noynoy was then urged to run for President to continue the “people power” legacy.

4. KATRINA HALILI and MARICAR REYES (tie) – Katrina and Maricar were the two identified women involved in the Hayden Kho Sex Video scandal. The two had different ways in dealing with the controversy. As Katrina was all out to fight Hayden, Vicki Belo and the distributors of the DVD, Maricar chose to be silent and concentrated more on her flourishing showbiz career. Nevertheless, both Katrina and Maricar made various headlines and their names were prominent in the search engine “Google” for the whole year.

5. KORINA SANCHEZ AND MAR ROXAS – Their wedding last October 27, 2009 was dubbed as the marriage of politics and media. Even the tiniest detail of this event has been captured by the press as people are following the political plans of Mar and the transformation of Korina from a fierce broadcaster to a submissive wife.

6. EFREN PEÑAFLORIDA – His winning CNN Hero of the Year was a pleasant gift for the country who just suffered the Ondoy blow. Filipinos around the world celebrated this notable achievement and many were inspired to do advocacy works.

7. CARLO J. CAPARAS – To be or not to be a national artist became a dilemma to this film director whose graphic novels are being adapted on television and movies. Among the national artists awardee this year, Caparas received the most objections from critics. Even former national artist awardees staged a “necrological service” for the death of such honor because of him.

8. BRILLIANTE MENDOZA – He made everyone proud after winning Best Director in the most prestigious international film festival in the world – the Cannes International Film Festival. His work for the film Kinatay earned him accolades in the international film industry most specially when he bested Oscar winners like Quentin Tarantino (Pulp Fiction) and Ang Lee (Sense and Sensibility, Brokeback Mountain).

9. JUDY ANN SANTOS AND RYAN AGONCILLO – Their “secret wedding” in San Juan Batangas last April 28 surprised everyone. Media catched up afterwards on the how’s and the why’s in what supposed to be the wedding of the year.

10. WILLIE REVILLAME – This list will not be complete without the controversy-magnet noontime show host. Dubbed as the most powerful local celebrity and perhaps the richest (even richer than Manny Pacquiao?), Willie made it to the headlines once again as expected when he ordered his staff on noontime show Wowowee to remove the video clips of former President Corazon “Cory” Aquino’s funeral cortege playing on the screen while he’s hosting his show. He took an indefinite leave after that and returned. There were also speculations about him running for public office but later announced that he won’t pursue the plan for now. The latest incident concerning the Megastar re-sparked the boycott petition against him and there were even rumors that it could lead to ABS-CBN’s drastic move to replace him with Vhong Navarro.

Top 10 Newsmakers of 2009 originally appeared on Starmometer on December 30, 2009.