This season, the Heat retained the excellence and stamina they exhibited last season and continue to be the powerful squad they were touted to be during the team’s rebuilding a few years ago.

In the game on Monday, Chris Bosh, who is part of the team’s power trio completed by superstars Lebron James and Dwyane Wade, will be pitted against his old teammates in Toronto, whom he led for years until he was traded to the Heat in 2010.

Toronto is currently kept afloat by the Italian Andrea Bargnani, whose importance to the team was felt most acutely when the Raptors lost several consecutive games due to the injury-induced absence of their top-scoring power forward.

Don’t miss the Heat-Raptors match on Monday (Feb 6), 9:00 a.m. on Studio 23. A primetime telecast of the game will be aired on the same day at 9:30 p.m.

Heat-Raptors Match to Air on Studio 23 originally appeared on Starmometer on February 4, 2012.

The charity match, dubbed as “Kia Rio Cup,” is aimed at raising funds for the benefit of ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya’s drive for the victims of Typhoon Sendong.

While the Azkals will not be represented by several of their Europe-based players because of commitments to their respective clubs, top players Phil Younghusband, James Younghusband, Chieffy Caligdong, Ian Araneta and Anton del Rosario will be leading the team against the South Korean club, which boasts of World Cup veterans and excellent rookies.

The Azkals played their first charity match for Sendong victims against Spains’ CF Internacional Madrid. The game, held on January 7, was reported to have raised at least P1.5 million.

During the event, a telethon was conducted by Kapamilya stars, where they received donations and pledges for the victims.

The tickets to the Azkals-Incheon Citizens game, which is presented by ABS-CBN and US-based Dragon Promotions, are at P100, P300, P500, P1000 and P1500 and are available at Ticket World outlets.
Catch the Azkals-Incheon game live on January 21, 6 p.m. on Studio 23.

Azkals-Incheon Citizens Match for ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya Airs on Studio 23 originally appeared on Starmometer on January 19, 2012.

The face-off between last season’s championship contenders, the Miami Heat and the Dallas Mavericks, will be telecast via satellite at 8 a.m., with a same day primetime airing at 7 p.m.

Dallas, which reigned over Miami and won last year’s championship, has found further reinforcement in the players who recently joined the team. Lamar Odom joins the fold this season after leaving the Lakers, his team for seven years. NBA superstar Vince Carter has also joined the Mavericks to reunite with former New Jersey Nets partner Jason Kidd. Miami, meanwhile, has kept its power trio – LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh – intact.

As an appetizer to the championship match-up, the battle between the Chicago Bulls and the Los Angeles Lakers will air live at 6 a.m., with a same day primetime telecast at 9:30 p.m. The Lakers are currently grappling with significant changes in their team after losing renowned coach Phil Jackson last season and veteran forward Lamar Odom in the off-season. The Bulls, meanwhile, has kept in its roster its Chicago-native star player Derrick Rose.

Next Saturday (Dec 31), the game will be between the Bulls and the Los Angeles Clippers, which will air on Studio 23 live at 11:30 a.m. On New Year’s Day (Jan 1), the Philadelphia 76ers will face the Golden State Warriors on live at 10:00 a.m. The following day, January 2, the Lakers will return to play the Denver Nuggets live at 9:00 a.m. All games will have same day primetime airings at 9:30 pm on Studio 23.

NBA Returns to Studio 23 originally appeared on Starmometer on December 23, 2011.

In the field of entertainment, its lifestyle authority show “Us Girls” won as the Best Lifestyle Show while its hosts Angel Aquino, Iya Villania, and Cheska Garcia-Kramer were named Best Lifestyle Show Hosts.

When it comes to news and current affairs, Anthony Taberna beat all male anchors and won Best Male Newscaster for “Iba-Balita ni Anthony Taberna.” He was also one of the hosts recognized for the Best Morning Show Host category for his stint in “Umagang Kay Ganda” ON ABS-CBN.

The annual Star Awards for TV, hosted by 2011 Miss Universe 3rd runner-up Shamcey Supsup and actor Piolo Pascual, is organized by the Philippine Movie Press Club to recognize outstanding personalities and programs on television today.

Catch “Us Girls” every Thursday, 9:15 PM, and “Iba-Balita ni Anthony Taberna,” Mondays to Fridays, 8:45 PM on Studio 23.

Studio 23 Bags Three Star Awards for TV originally appeared on Starmometer on December 8, 2011.

Philippine football goes world-class as our very own Philippine Azkals football team faces off against the 2011 Major League Soccer (MLS) champion Los Angeles Galaxy, featuring the superstar tandem David Beckham and Landon Donovan in “The Dream Cup,” a momentous friendly match at the Rizal Memorial Stadium this Saturday (Dec 3), 6:30 PM to be broadcast live by Studio 23 and on Balls HD (SkyCable ch. 167).

Penetrating the field as underdogs, the Azkals have steadily risen in the international football scene and has advanced the sport’s popularity in the country.

Led by forward Ian Araneta and left winger Chieffy Caligdong, the Azkals will prove they have what it takes to go toe-to-toe with global football heavyweights Beckham and Donovan, who will showcase their superior football skills in front of Filipino football fans.

Beckham, the English midfield superstar, captained the England national football team from 2000 to 2006 and also played for football giants Manchester United, Real Madrid, A.C. Milan and now the L.A. Galaxy. Beckham was also twice a runner-up for the prestigious FIFA World Player of the Year in 1999 and 2001.

Donovan, the American superstar forward, holds the title of being the highest scoring American footballer in World Cup history and also played for Bayern Munich and Everton. Donovan received the 1999 FIFA U-17 best player award and the 2002 FIFA World Cup best young player award.

Catch “The Dream Cup: The Philippine Azkals vs. the L.A. Galaxy with David Beckham” on Saturday (Dec 3), 6:30 PM on Studio 23 and Balls HD (SkyCable ch. 167), with replays on Sunday (Dec 4), 10:15 AM on ABS-CBN and Monday (Dec 5), 9 AM on Balls.

David Beckham with L.A. Galaxy VS the Philippine Azkals – Who Will Win ‘The Dream Cup’? originally appeared on Starmometer on December 1, 2011.

Number “23” seems to be the lucky number for the followers of Azkals U-23, as Studio 23 will be the only SEA Games carrier in the Philippines to air all the football matches live.

After the action-packed initial game with group powerhouse Vietnam, the Azkals team will go against SEA Games’ youngest member Timor Leste on November 7, Monday at 4:30p.m.

For this preliminary bout, the Azkals have a good chance of winning, as Timor Leste’s football team has not achieved any international milestones yet since its debut in the AFC Cup in 2004. The team also tried competing in the ASEAN Football Federation Championship in 2004 as an invited member, but it finished last place—an implication that the team still has a long way to go before they can penetrate a more prestigious arena.

But the Azkals must still not relax as they will also face the equally fierce Laos football team. Their match will air live on November 11, Friday, 4:30p.m., prior to the Opening Ceremonies which will have the country’s very own Lea Salonga in a production number with Indonesia’s top singer and actress Agnes Monica and Malaysian Idol Jacklyn Victor.

Laos football team coach Hans-Peter Schaller is determined to win in the SEA Games. The Austrian coach wants to outdo his team’s achievement when it finished fourth in the 25th SEA Games.

Another must-see Azkals game is against Myanmar on November 13, Monday, 4:30p.m. Myanmar boasts of its nine new members. Will they be able to beat the passion-driven will of the Azkals to win?

Filipinos’ “bayanihan” trait with neighbors might not work this time, as the Azkals try to beat abutting country Brunei in match that will also be aired live on November 15, Wednesday, 7:30p.m.

After a 10-year-absence, Brunei makes a return to the Under-23 football competition. The team’s head coach was happy to have been drawn in Group B alongside Vietnam, Myanmar, Laos, the Philippines and Timor Leste.

Meanwhile, the 20-man Azkals U-23 is led by Jason De Jong, the midfielder from the senior Azkals. Footballers who played in the recently held Long Teng Cup in Taiwan namely midfielders Jeff Christiaens and Matthew Hartmann ; defenders; Carlos Alberto De Murga, Neckson Leonora and Raymark Fernandez, and goalkeeper Roland Muller also joined the team, together with UAAP standouts OJ Clarino of University of Sto. Tomas and striker Jinggoy Valmayor of University of the Philippines.

Catch all these football action live on Studio 23.

Azkals Football Matches in 26th SEA Games Air Live Only on Studio 23 originally appeared on Starmometer on November 4, 2011.

Before Phil Younghusband, Chieffy Caligdong, and Neil Etheridge lead the Azkals against Kuwait, watch Major League Soccer (MLS) All-Stars Beckham, Henry, and Donovan face-off with English Premier League’s Manchester United for this year’s much-anticipated MLS All-Star game.

This is the second time the Manchester United Red Devils, led by Wayne Rooney, was invited to play against the loaded MLS selection in the annual event. Last year, the Reds beat the All-Stars with a score of 5-2.

Catch the MLS All-Stars’ quest for retribution via satellite from the Red Bull Arena in New Jersey, USA on Studio 23 at 8:30am.

Meanwhile, it’s now or never for the Philippine Azkals football team as they face Kuwait again for the second leg of their World Cup Qualifying match also tomorrow (July 28) at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Team Azkals, the underdog after a 0-3 loss in the first leg held in Kuwait, is gearing up for a mighty return as it welcomes back suspended midfielder Stephan Schrock and team captain Aly Borromeo in the lineup.

Watch the continuation of the Azkals’ historic run as ABS-CBN Sports airs the match live on Studio 23 at 5:30pm with replays on Friday (July 29), 3pm on Balls Channel and on Saturday (July 30), 7am on ABS-CBN Channel 2.

Get all the football you can handle tomorrow (July 28), starting with the MLS All-Stars vs. Manchester United match at 8:30am followed by the Azkals vs. Kuwait match at 5:30pm, only on Studio 23.

Azkals vs. Kuwait and MLS All-Star Game Air on Studio 23 originally appeared on Starmometer on July 27, 2011.

The Philippine National Football Team will try to avenge their 0-3 loss against Kuwait yesterday morning.

ABS-CBN Sports is once again bringing the Azkals’ much-awaited match versus Kuwait on Studio 23 at 5:30pm of July 28 with replays on July 29, 3pm on Balls Channel and on July 30, 7am on ABS-CBN Channel 2.

Azkals vs Kuwait Leg 2 on July 28 in Manila originally appeared on Starmometer on July 25, 2011.

On its launch after party, the two were spotted very sweet and already looking comfy with each other. The other contestants and guests all agree that they look good together and have an aura of good chemistry about them.

This Friday on DREAMDATE, the episode combines an interesting mixed batch of 6 single love-hopefuls – The Dream Girls: Tiffany (a halfie), Clarisse (radio jock), Ria (commercial talent), The Dream Boys : Brian (magna cum laude) , Yuki (singer/actor), Clyde (actor). Who would you like to end up together?

According to David Abrenilla, the show’s producer and creator, “Make this your Friday night habit. While being entertained, you will get to know more about yourself and others and how to attract the opposite sex.”

Providing the show with its unique match-making system is the nation’s very own and first on-line and mobile dating-lifestyle network, chuzi.com. This matchmaker guarantees a selection process that is exciting yet safe, non-offensive and free from rejection. chuzi.com makes the contestants dating experience a memorable one by linking them up to the one they’re attracted to and are attracted to them. The DREAMDATE show is actually an extension of chuzi.com. Consumers shall use the internet or their mobile phone to enroll in the game, in hopes of finding their match. The consumers are analyzed based on their success with the game and will be invited to a casting call, to have a chance to be on DREAMDATE show.

Spreading their love vibe to DREAMDATE are two of the most charming and dynamic TV personalities in town, Myx VJ, Bianca Roque and Magandang Umaga host, Andrei Felix.

DREAMDATE is a match made in heaven for the digital age, catch it this Friday , 11:30 pm on Studio 23. Be part of Philippines’ very own dating & lifestyle network. Just log on to chuzi.com today!

Who Will Be this Week’s Perfect Match on ‘Dream Date’? originally appeared on Starmometer on July 21, 2011.

Find out why the wacky actor and TV host is tops for girls when it comes to “pogi points” this Thursday (July 14) in “Us Girls.”

Boys and girls alike should watch this episode as TV’s Fab Three Iya Villania, Chesca Garcia-Kramer, and Angel Aquino try to decode the guys, including “Showtime” host and “Kanto Boy” Vhong.

What do men want to say and what do girls want it men are just two questions that will be answered this week. Let Vhong tell us what guys really mean when they send you gifts and flowers, text you all day, or wait for you in your office or school.

Iya, Chesca, and Angel, meanwhile, will share to the boys what girls look for in men, both inside and out. Learn the different charms and looks that will suit you and get you “pogi points” from the girls.

More secrets will be revealed so stay tuned to the country’s fashion and lifestyle magazine show authority, “Us Girls,” on a special time this Thursday (July 14) at 7pm on Studio23.

Vhong Navarro Reveals His ‘Pogi’ Secrets to ‘Us Girls’ originally appeared on Starmometer on July 12, 2011.

Hello Media and Studio 23 join forces to propel romance on Philippine TV to another level with the launch of the 1st “ORIGINAL PINOY” dating game show, “Dream DATE” premiering on July 15, Friday at 11:30 pm.

“Dream DATE is the first ever tri-media, dating game-lifestyle show in the Philippines created by Filipinos! This is not a franchise from foreign shows…” says David Abrenilla, the executive producer and creator of the show.

All TV viewers at home and Filipinos all over the world are invited to experience the dawning of this new era of dating entertainment!

This grand multi-media launch aims to ultimately connect all three main media outlets- online, mobile and television to meet the growing demands of today’s generation of digital consumers who are seeking entertainment, interaction and user generated content.

Providing the show with its unique match-making system is the nation’s very own and first on-line and mobile dating-lifestyle network, Chuzi. This matchmaker guarantees a selection process that is exciting yet safe, non-offensive and free from rejection. Chuzi makes the contestants dating experience a memorable one by linking them up to the one they’re attracted to and are attracted to them. The Dream DATE show is actually an extension of Chuzi. Consumers shall use the internet or their mobile phone to enroll in the game, in hopes of finding their match. The consumers are analyzed based on their success with the game and will be invited to a casting call, to have a chance to be on Dream DATE show.

In their search for the ultimate Dream DATE, 6 contestants, 3 girls and 3 boys, will take on questionings and other challenges, in a progressive fashion, for their compatibility. At the end, the contestants will be given the chance to vote for their Dream DATE based on their looks, personality and special talent.

Spreading their love vibe to Dream DATE are two of the most charming and dynamic TV personalities in town, Myx VJ, Bianca Roque and Magandang Umaga host, Andrei Felix.

Though Dream DATE is a Match made in Heaven for the Digital Age, it is neither only for the tech- savvy nor the social butterflies, Dream DATE is for anyone and everyone with a big heart for upgrading their relational and communication skills and with a great spirit for expressing and sharing their love quotient.

Andrei Felix and Bianca Roque Play Matchmakers in ‘Dream DATE’ originally appeared on Starmometer on July 7, 2011.

“DreamDate” is the first ever tri-media, dating game-lifestyle show in the Philippines created by Filipinos! This is not a franchise from foreign shows…” says David Abrenilla, the executive producer and creator of the show.

All TV viewers at home and Filipinos all over the world are invited to experience the dawning of this new era of dating entertainment!

This grand multi-media launch aims to ultimately connect all three main media outlets- online, mobile and television to meet the growing demands of today’s generation of digital consumers who are seeking entertainment, interaction and user generated content.

Providing the show with its unique match-making system is the nation’s very own and first on-line and mobile dating-lifestyle network, Chuzi. This matchmaker guarantees a selection process that is exciting yet safe, non-offensive and free from rejection. Chuzi makes the contestants dating experience a memorable one by linking them up to the one they’re attracted to and are attracted to them. The DreamDate show is actually an extension of Chuzi. Consumers shall use the internet or their mobile phone to enroll in the game, in hopes of finding their match. The consumers are analyzed based on their success with the game and will be invited to a casting call, to have a chance to be on DreamDate show.

In their search for the ultimate DreamDate, 6 contestants, 3 girls and 3 boys, will take on questionings and other challenges, in a progressive fashion, for their compatibility. At the end, the contestants will be given the chance to vote for their DreamDate based on their looks, personality and special talent.

Spreading their love vibe to DreamDate are two of the most charming and dynamic TV personalities in town, Myx VJ, Bianca Roque and Magandang Umaga host, Andrei Felix.

“I’m extremely thrilled and grateful to be part of such a fun and dynamic show!,” Bianca says.

“The driven, talented and creative team behind it like Director Frank and Producer David makes it even better. It’s not your usual dating game show. For our contestants, we not only have beauty queens but also tough girls and girls-next-door. At the same time, we have the on-line component which is the lifestyle angle of the show. In that website, you could get tips and advises on how to dress-up, make-up, where to go on dates, what to do. I’m sure everyone will get something out of this show…” added Bianca.

“This is actually one of my ‘dream jobs!’ says co-host and former Myx VJ Andrei.

“I’ve been on radio, I’ve been a VJ as well. I’ve done basketball and I’m currently hosting a morning show. But this is something I haven’t done yet…Being part of DreamDate is overwhelming…It’s a very big project… The concept of the shiw is that everybody can join in.” Andrei adds.

This is is not the first time the DreamDate partners are hosting the show together. They used to work with MYX where they became very good friends.

DreamDate executive producer David Abrenilla explains the role of the two in the show…”Here we have Bianca who gives the advise, our “Love Guru” and Drei, our “Love Cupid” and together, we have the perfect match to find your dream date.”

Bianca and Andrei’s youthful good looks may belie their wit and wisdom beyond years. But definitely, they are no strangers to heart matters.

“I’ve had my fair share of experiences when it comes to love. I’ve had all kinds of relationships that might be helpful to the kids right now. It would be awesome to at least share with them a little bit of things that I know,” Bianca shares.

Although Bianca and Andrei have had their share of blunders in the romance department, they neither lost their pro-active stance in the dating scene nor their sense of humor in finding true love. Their treasure chest of experiences, insights and practical tips, they vow to gamely share them on the show with viewers and contestants alike.

The DreamDate duo is looking forward, as well, to learning love lessons from the t.v. viewers and the dating contestants.

Though DreamDate is a Match made in Heaven for the Digital Age, it is neither only for the tech- savvy nor the social butterflies, DREAMDATE is for anyone and everyone with a big heart for upgrading their relational and communication skills and with a great spirit for expressing and sharing their love quotient.

‘Dreamdate’ – the 1st Original Pinoy Dating Game Show Airs on Studio 23 originally appeared on Starmometer on June 29, 2011.