This Saturday, Spooky Valentine presents its premiere episode “Maestra,” featuring TJ Trinidad and Bianca King, who plays the role of Elena, a loving wife and mother, and an ideal teacher who volunteers to practice her profession in a far-flung province. There, she meets a mysterious old woman, whose seemingly harmless touch drastically changes Elena’s life.

When Elena returns home to her family, she begins to behave oddly. Her husband Nestor (TJ Trinidad) and their daughter Onay notice many things strange about her actuations. Who used to be a loving wife and mother has become a blood-thirsty cannibal.

Odd as it may be, Elena’s transformation has not shaken Nestor’s love for her. He decides to defend his wife against the angry mob running after her. But if Nestor could accept his wife’s predicament, Elena couldn’t. She takes her own life hoping that this would mean everyone could now live in peace. But will Elena’s decision change anything? How will Nestor and Onay’s lives change after Elena’s death?

Find out what happens on Spooky Valentine presents “Maestra” this Saturday, January 4, after Manny, Many Prizes on GMA-7.

TJ Trinidad and Bianca King Topbill ‘Spooky Valentine’ on GMA-7 originally appeared on Starmometer on February 2, 2012.

TJ Trinidad as Luis – a provincial cop tasked to investigate the case of three teenagers, two of which died in a desolate road, one is still missing.

Gerald Madrid as Allan – Luis’ assistant police investigator who helps him bring resolution to a recent case they are investigating about a missing teenager.

John Regala as Edwin – Chief of Police who somehow does not approve of the way Luis conducts his police business.

Jaclyn Jose as Susan – mother of two missing daughter a decade ago who presently asks Luis for his help.

THE 1ST STORY

Barbie Forteza as Ella – a sweet 15-year old teenager who sneaks out one night with her best friend to learn how to drive, never expecting for their joyride to turn ghastly as they end up trapped in a desolate road

Lexi Fernandez as Janine – Ella’s best friend who pressures her to sneak with her mother’s car so they can both learn how to drive. Her relationships with both her best friend and boyfriend are tested as horrifying things unfold before her eyes.

Derrick Monasterio as Brian – Janine’s gregarious boyfriend who has a love and hate relationships with both Janine and Ella. It was his idea to sneak out using Janine’s family’s car, bragging he will teach the two girls how to drive, never knowing the horrors that await them.

Lloyd Samartino as Angelo – Ella’s father whom she calls for help amidst the haunting on the road where the teenagers were trapped.

THE 2ND STORY

Rhian Ramos as Lara – a kind and loving sister who is abducted one day in the same road. Lara never saw her abductor and torturer and she plans to escape her being in captive before she becomes a casualty.

Louise Delos Reyes as Joy – Lara’s younger sister, a very impressionable girl who idolizes Lara very much. Abducted and imprisoned in another cell as with Lara, she hopes to escape and reunite with her family.

Alden Richards as Abet – a 17-year old teenager with a mysterious past.

THE 3RD STORY

Renz Valerio as Abet – a homeschooled 10-year old boy who is not allowed by his mother to get out of the house all his life. When his father tells him one day that her mother left them, he was surprised to see the woman still in the house, watching his every move, haunting him till the very end.

Carmina Villaroel as Carmela – an imposing woman, a domineering wife and mother who isolates her son from the rest of the world. She becomes such a strong figure in her own household that Abet has to deal with her psychological state.

Marvin Agustin as Alberto – a pastor, Abet’s doting father and a submissive husband emotionally and verbally battered by his wife. When his son claims the woman never left them, Alberto is forced to examine whether his son is being haunted or is just imagining things.

Ynna Asistio as Martha – a 16-year old neighbor who tries to befriend the boy Abet much to the disapproval of Carmela.

Showing on November 30, 2011, “The Road” has been rated R-13 by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB).

The Road – Character Descriptions originally appeared on Starmometer on November 21, 2011.

Beginning November 14, Sarah’s beauty graces GMA-7′s Afternoon Prime block in her first starring role as Kara, a woman who becomes a frog when her feet get wet at night and goes back to being human when morning comes.

Despite such curse, Kara captivates two men portrayed by princely Kapuso actors, TJ Trinidad and JC Tiuseco. Carl (TJ) is the first male that Kara sees and falls in love with while Roco (JC) is a small-time crook who later becomes a martyr for the young woman’s love.

The story of “Kokak” begins with the love of Kara’s parents, Renato (Gary Estrada) and Angela (Jessa Zaragoza). Although they are about to have their baby, Renato’s ex-girlfriend, Vicky (Angelika Dela Cruz), cannot accept that she has lost the man she loves to someone else. Thus, she commits suicide.

Veronica (Deborah Sun) and Carlito, Vicky’s mother and brother, are devastated by her unexpected death. Thus, when she discovers the reason behind Vicky’s suicide, Veronica decides to avenge her daughter. Coming from a family of witches, Veronica curses Renato and makes him lose his sanity. She also uses a hex on the pregnant Angela and leaves her in a pond full of frogs.

After the incident, Angela has not seen Renato again and she thinks that he has purposely left her. With her Tya Berta (Ms. Caridad Sanchez), she decides to continue her pregnancy and raise her child all by herself.

Soon, Angela gives birth to a beautiful baby girl and names her Kara. The baby seems normal until Angela bathes her and realizes that Veronica’s curse transforms her into a frog! When the whole town hears about Angela’s monstrous baby, she and Tya Berta leave to reside in the middle of a secluded forest. There, Kara’s secret is hidden and safe from judgmental people.

Kara grows up not seeing any other people than her mom and Tya Berta. She is also unaware that there are male human beings. Angela forbids Kara to leave the forest and tells her that there are dangerous monsters outside.

Although contented with her mom’s love, Kara feels that there is more to the world than just the forest. One day, she decides to defy her mother’s instructions, goes to the border of the forest and finds Carl, the first man she has ever seen. Despite her fears, Kara approaches Carl to help him because he is badly wounded. Meanwhile, Carl perceives Kara as a beautiful forest goddess who helps him.

After helping Carl, Kara returns home happily because of her discovery. She has fallen in love with the wounded man and she hopes to see him again. However, when Kara goes back to the edge of the forest, some townsmen see her and lust over her. They chase Kara until her feet get wet and she transforms into a frog.

Soon, the townsmen discover Kara’s house in the middle of the forest and set it on fire. She, her mom and Tya Berta try to flee but they get separated in the process. Kara then accidentally rides a bus and goes to Manila for the first time. There, she meets the siblings Roco and Rafa (Frencheska Farr) and becomes friends with them.

Will Kara survive now that she is out in the world for the first time? Will she be reunited with her mother? What if fate surprisingly brings Carl and Kara’s path’s together? Will Carl still accept her if he discovers that she is the daughter of the man who hurt his dear sister, Vicky?

Join Kara as she fights her curse and the conflicts brought about by her parents’ past and unveil an unusual beauty that springs from a brave heart.

“Kokak” also stars Vaness Del Moral as Elizabeth, Carl’s girlfriend, and Ervic Vijandre as Borge, Carl’s best friend.

The creative team of “Kokak” consists of Creative Director Jun Lana, Afternoon Prime Head Roy Iglesias, Creative Consultant Des Garbes-Severino, Headwriter Dode Cruz, writers Mitchicko Yamamoto, Ronalyn Sales, Luningning Ribay and brainstormers Gilda Olvidado, Denoy Navarro-Punio and Obet Villela. Production is supervised by: GMA VP for Drama, Lilybeth G. Rasonable; AVP for Drama, Redgie Acuña-Magno; and Program Manager Helen Rose S. Sese with Executive Producer Joy Lumboy.

Directed by Ricky Davao, Ruben Marcelino’s “Kokak” begins airing on November 14 after Eat Bulaga on GMA-7′s Afternoon Prime.Ito ang Drama.

“Kokak” can also be seen in the US and Canada, Middle East and Asia Pacific starting November 16 on GMA Pinoy TV.

Photos provided by GMA-7 to Starmometer

Sarah Lahbati Transforms into a Lead Star in Ruben Marcelino’s ‘Kokak’ on GMA-7 originally appeared on Starmometer on November 8, 2011.

“The Road” stars TJ Trinidad, Ynna Asistio, Barbie Forteza, Louise Delos Reyes, Lexie Fernandez, Alden Richards, Derek Monasterio, Marvin Agustin, Carmina Villaroel, and Rhian Ramos.

Here is the official plot of the movie:

A twelve year old cold case is reopened when three teens are missing in an abandoned road. In the course of the investigation, deeper and gruesome stories of abduction and murders are discovered. After more than two decades, the secrets of the haunted road may finally be revealed.

“The Road” is set to open in theaters on November 30, 2011.

Watch the trailer here:

‘The Road’ – Full Trailer originally appeared on Starmometer on October 26, 2011.

Her much-awaited break brings mixed feelings of excitement and a bit of anxiety because of her fear of frogs. Ironically, playing the lead role in the new series means she will be working with frogs.

“Kokak” is based on the popular comic series created by Ruben Marcelino about a frog who transforms into a beautiful woman. The comic series’ movie adaptation starred by Rachel Lobangco and Gabby Concepcion became a hit in 1989.

All smiles, Sarah shared how she broke the good news to her mom. “Sabi ko, ‘Ma, tinanggal na ako sa Time Of My Life. Wala na akong show….” And when her mom asked why she was pulled out from the show, she happily told her that she is going to play the lead role in a new program.

Sarah also expressed excitement about her first team-up with Kapuso leading man, TJ Trinidad. “Mayroon ding nerbyos kasi siyempre hindi kami magkakilala. Pero, thankful ako that we had workshops na nakatulong para mas mag-loosen up kami, na mas makilala namin yung isa’t isa”, added the “Kokak” lead star.

Aside from acting workshops under the supervision of Mark Espinosa, Sarah also followed a strict diet to prepare for her role, which she describes as a little sexy. When she has time, she also tries to squeeze Jiu Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts into her schedule.

Playing the lead role is a big challenge for Sarah but aside from doing drama, “the biggest challenge would be that I’ll be showing more skin than the usual,” explained the young actress.

Also in the cast of “Kokak” are JC Tiuseco (portraying Sarah’s other leading man), Jessa Zaragoza, Gary Estrada, Ms. Caridad Sanchez, Deborah Sun, Vaness Del Moral, Frencheska Farr, Ervic Vijandre.

The creative team of “Kokak” includes Creative Director Jun Lana, Headwriter Dode Cruz, Afternoon Prime Head Roy Iglesias, Creative Consultant Des Garbes-Severino, writers Mitchicko Yamamoto, Ronalyn Sales, Luningning Ribay and brainstormers Gilda Olvidado and Obet Villela. Production is supervised by: GMA VP for Drama, Lilybeth G. Rasonable; AVP for Drama, Redgie Acuña-Magno; and Program Manager Helen Rose S. Sese with Executive Producer Joy Lumboy.

Directed by Ricky Davao, “Kokak” begins airing this November on GMA-7′s Afternoon Prime. Ito ang Drama.

Sarah Lahbati Gets Lead Role in GMA-7′s ‘Kokak’ originally appeared on Starmometer on October 25, 2011.

Rhian and TJ have worked together in projects such as “Stairway to Heaven,” “Zorro,” and “Dear Friend.” Now they will reunite in the upcoming horror movie from GMA Films titled “The Road.”

Also starring in “The Road” are Wendell Ramos, Barbie Forteza, Lexi Fernandez, Derrick Monasterio, Alden Richards, Louise delos reyes, Renz Valerio and Carmina Villaroel.

It’s being helmed by Yam Laranas, the director of “Sigaw” and it’s Hollywood adaptation “The Echo.”

Teaser photo from Yam Laranas

Rhian Ramos Reunites with TJ Trinidad in the Horror Movie ‘The Road’ originally appeared on Starmometer on August 9, 2011.

Meet the cast of Beauty Queen:

Iza Calzado – Maita San Miguel
Katrina Halili as Dorcas Rivas
Maggie Wilson as Isabel Rivas
Marvin Agustin as Donald Cervantes
TJ Trinidad as Marc
Bubbles Paraiso as Stefanie Luna
Bembol Rocco as Anya
Carmi Martin as Leavida Rivas
Elizabeth Oropesa as Amparo San Miguel
Gloria Diaz as Madam Yuri
German Moreno as Kapitan Ading
Victor Aliwalas as Greg Almario
Juan Rodrigo as Mr. Rivas
Marky Lopez as Clifford Almar
Tomas Gonzales as Zuleyka Mamaril
Lou Sison as Yeda Marie

Beauty Queen, under the helm of multi-awarded director, Joel Lamangan and originally written by RJ Nuevas, has the song “She” as its theme song as performed by the Platinum Prince of Soul Jay-R.

‘Beauty Queen’ Premieres Tonight originally appeared on Starmometer on October 18, 2010.

NO. 26: JON AVILA – Filipino-British actor, model and former housemate of Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Edition 2. He is currently seen in “Rubi.” He ranked no. 84 in 2007, no. 7 in 2008 and no. 9 in 2009.

NO. 27: CHRIS TIU – a kapuso host, model and basketball player. He is the co-host of the TV show “Pinoy Records” every Saturday, along with Manny Pacquiao. He also hosts “Ripley’s Believe It or Not!” on GMA 7 and “Ako Mismo” on TV5. He ranked no. 59 in 2008 and no. 4 in 2009.

NO. 28: JOEM BASCON – is a kapamilya actor and model managed by Star Magic. He is currently seen in the primetime series “Habang May Buhay.” He ranked no. 33 in 2007, no. 21 in 2008 and no. 34 in 2009.

NO. 29: TJ TRINIDAD – a former kapamilya actor who transferred to GMA in 2009. He is currently seen in the primetime series “Diva.” He ranked no. 32 in 2007, no. 15 in 2008 and no. 32 in 2009.

NO. 30: VICTOR ALIWALAS – 27-year-old Victor is a kapuso model and hunk. He is one of the 2009 Metro bodies and he recently won Male Model Star Award in Korea. He is a new entry in our Top 100.

31. Prince Stefan
32. Christian Bautista
33. Matt Evans
34. Mark Anthony Fernandez
35. Kean Cipriano
36. Sam YG
37. Rafael Rosell
38. JC Tiuseco
39. Billy Crawford
40. Ryan Agoncillo
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. 26 to 30 originally appeared on Starmometer on May 2, 2010.

In the pilot episode of Claudine titled “Alzheimer’s,” Claudine Barretto starred opposite her husband Raymart Santiago, who assumed the role of a young victim of the debilitating disease.

This Saturday, April 17, on Claudine, the GMA-7 actress will be sharing the spotlight with two of the most sought-after actors of today, TJ Trinidad and Wendell Ramos in a heartbreaking tale about love and friendship.

In “Kahapon, Ngayon at Bukas,” Elena’s (Claudine Barretto) life was turned upside down after learning that her husband Lemuel (played by TJ Trinidad) presumably died while working abroad. In order to help Elena get back on her feet, Lemuel’s bestfriend Daniel (played by Wendell Ramos) offers her some help and some much-needed comfort.

After many years, they fall in love and eventually decide to marry. But just as when Elena finds out that she’s carrying Daniel’s child, Lemuel turns up to be alive yearning to be reunited with his family again. Elena is now faced with the tough decision of choosing between the man she thought she’d forever lost and the man who brought her back to life. Isabel Oli also guest stars in this episode directed by Joel Lamangan.

Witness another offering from Claudine Barretto this Saturday, April 17, after Pinoy Records on GMA-7.

Claudine Torn Between TJ and Wendell in Her Drama Anthology originally appeared on Starmometer on April 16, 2010.

They’ve been co-stars in Zorro, Stairway to Heaven and The Promise but this will be the first time that they will star as a love team.

In the upcoming new episode of Dear Friend, TJ and Rhian will portray two individuals who are perfect together, but are completely wrong for each other in society’s eyes. TJ’s role as Rommel is 24 years old while Rhian’s role as Hannah is only 15 years old. They will get separated and after 6 years they will meet again, but Hannah is already engaged with Luigi (portrayed by Paulo Avelino). Will Hannah fall for Rommel all over again?

Find out when “Almost a Love Story” begins this Sunday, January 31, on Dear Friend after SOP Fully Charged.

The episode is directed by Topel Lee. It also stars Arci Muñoz, Stef Prescott, Cris Villanueva, Joanne Quintas, Jimwel Stevens, Melissa Mendez, Dex Quindoza and Jace Flores.

Images courtesy of igma.tv.

TJ Trinidad Paired with Rhian Ramos in ‘Dear Friend: Almost a Love Story’ originally appeared on Starmometer on January 29, 2010.

It is bound to be another weekend to remember as no less than Rhian Ramos, TJ Trinidad, Mark Herras, and Katrina Halili head the line-up of Kapuso Stars who will be in Bacolod City for the mardi gras celebration.

Rhian and TJ are presently seen in the Pinoy adaptation of Stairway to Heaven wherein they portray the roles of Jodi and Tristan, respectively. Mark, meanwhile, is one of the main characters in the dramatic series’ Ikaw Sana. Katrina, on the other hand, reprises the villain role of Fedra in Rosalinda.

On Saturday, October 17, first stop for Rhian and TJ will be Brgy. Sum-ag Gym in Bacolod City at 11a.m. Rhian and TJ will help distribute GMA school bags and supplies to 100 student-beneficiaries of the Kapuso Outreach Program. This program is part of the Kapuso Volunteerism Project of the Network in the regions where Kapuso Stars have been actively taking part of.

The TV screen idols will then head for the Kapuso Fiesta Mall Show at SM City Bacolod. There will be on-ground games and activities, with sponsors’ booths opening at 1p.m. to kick-off the Kapuso activities. The mall show will begin at 5p.m.

On Monday, GMA Network will participate in the Charter Day Grand Parade which will traverse the main streets of Bacolod City, starting at 7AM.

Another Kapuso Telebabad experience awaits Bacolod City this weekend at the 2009 Masskara Festival.

Kapuso Telebabad Stars Join Maskkara Festival originally appeared on Starmometer on October 16, 2009.

Starring in the movie are Irma Adlawan as Fe, TJ Trinidad as Arturo, Nonie Buencamino as Dante with the special participation of Mercedes Cabral as Gie. Introducing in the movie are Joel Molina and Meeyo Candelaria. Ang Panggagahasa Kay Fe is written and directed by Alvin B. Yapan.

Synopsis: Each morning, baskets of black fruits mysteriously appear by the front yard of Fe. Thinking that it was a reconciliatory gesture from her abusive husband, Dante, Fe tells him about it. This only confirms Dante’s suspicions that she might be entertaining a lover. Fearing her husband’s jealousy, Fe grows even more scared as the fruits kept coming, a step closer to her front door. She keeps everything to herself until she turns to a former suitor, Arturo. When Fe urges Arturo to elope, she finds out that the young man has far more binding commitments with his family. Caught between an abusive husband and an impotent lover, Fe has to decide. Will she escape with her elusive suitor who could very well be just a figment of her imagination or stay trapped with the men in her real life who could never protect her nor make her happy? Caught in a society where violence still remains unimaginably real and covertly present, could the imagined be real enough for a woman to assure her survival?

VIDEO LINK: Ang Panggagahasa Kay Fe (The Rapture of Fe) – Trailer

Here is the Cinemalaya festival sched of “Ang Panggagahasa kay Fe”:

July 18 (Sat)

3:30 p.m. – Little Theater

July 19 (Sun)

9:00 p.m. MKP Hall (4th Floor)

July 21 (Tues)

6:15 p.m. MAIN THEATER – GALA NIGHT

July 22 (Wed)

12:45 p.m. Huseng Batute

July 23 (Thu)

3:30 p.m. MKP Hall (4th Floor)

July 24 (Fri)

12:45 p.m. Main Theater

July 25 (Sat)

3:30 p.m. Huseng Batute

For tickets, contact Alem at 0917.8110217 or 0922.8992536.

Ang Panggagahasa Kay Fe (The Rapture of Fe) – Cinemalaya Cinco Finalist originally appeared on Starmometer on July 12, 2009.