Kapamilya Comedy remains undisputed, as the pilot episode of its newest member sitcom “TODA Max,” starring the Philippines hailed Idol Robin Padilla, Prince of Comedy Vhong Navarro and Pokwang, wins in the TV ratings game.

According to Kantar Media, “TODA Max” got a rating of 26.7% last Saturday (Nov 5), against the 19.6% and 8.2% of the competing programs.

“TODA Max” was also hailed as the second most watched television program, following “Maalaala Mo Kaya” which got 29.3%. The sitcom was also followed by other top-rating Kapamilya network programs such as “Junior Master Chef Pinoy Edition” (23.7) and “Wansapanataym” (20.7).

The cast of the show were overjoyed for this initial victory. Robin believes that “TODA Max’s” pilot episode captivated the hearts of the Filipinos not only because of its hilarity, but also for the rich Filipino values it offers.

This Saturday on “TODA Max,” Super Tatay Tol (Robin) will be busy as his two kids Sandy (Aaliyah Benisano) and Ronron (Izzy Canillo) prepare to transfer into a new school. Lady G (Pokwang) will be excited to help Tol, as she believes she already loves him.

Justin’s (Vhong) girlfriend Isabel (Angel Locsin), on the other hand, will get confused as she receives an offer to work as a flight attendant in an airline abroad. She doesn’t want to leave her boyfriend. What will happen to them?

Catch “TODA Max,” after “Maalaala Mo Kaya” on ABS-CBN.

‘Toda Max’ Tops Saturday TV Ratings originally appeared on Starmometer on November 11, 2011.

Starring the Philippines’ hailed “Idol” Robin Padilla, Prince of Comedy Vhong Navarro and Pokwang, “TODA MAX” will not only make every Filipino family laugh with its extremely funny scenes, but also will also inspire everyone with the moral values it offers. “Our exciting laugh trip is all set. So, I’m inviting everyone to catch the comeback of family-oriented sitcom on TV. You’ll really learn a lot from it,” Robin said.

Catch “TODA MAX” beginning November 5, Saturday, after “Maalaala Mo Kaya” on ABS-CBN.

‘Toda Max’ Pilots Saturday on ABS-CBN originally appeared on Starmometer on November 4, 2011.

The premiere of “TODA MAX,” starring Philippines’ hailed “Idol” Robin Padilla, Prince of Comedy Vhong Navarro and Pokwang, marks the much-awaited comeback of classic sitcom which Kapamilya Comedy pioneered.

Robin, the leading man of Kapamilya network’s hit primetime series “Guns and Roses,” expressed his enthusiasm to work with his friend Vhong. In fact, Robin admitted that he specifically requested for Vhong to be casted in the show. “I had my talent fee decreased just to be with him!,” he jokingly said.

Vhong is also excited, as he will once again be reunited with Robin. After their last television tandem in a sitcom in the ‘90s, which paved way to the success of Vhong’s career in the showbiz industry as Robin’s sidekick, the two Kapamilya stars will be working together again in an exciting and refreshing comedy show that will showcase action and light drama simultaneously.

“It’s been a long time, and we really miss working with each other. Also, doing a sitcom somehow reinvents me. I’m now so used to soap operas and variety shows. It’s refreshing to be back in a sitcom. Kapamilya comedy will make a grand comeback via this show,” Vhong shared.

Together with “Happy Yipee Yehey!” host, Pokwang, “TODA MAX” will be crazy, packed with funny antics yet values-enriched.

“TODA MAX” trails the story of a hillbilly named Tol (Robin) whose journey begins when his wife died and decided to take on a new path in Manila. Together with his two children Sandy and Ron-Ron, Tol finds himself living with his cousin Justin Bibbo (Vhong). Justin is an aspiring chef who dreams to become well-known, despite his poverty-ridden life as a carinderia owner.

Regardless of their opposite characters—Tol being firm, serious and brave and Justin is funny, playful and organized—they both did not let challenges interfere and struggle to help each other in raising Sandy and Ron-ron in an unconventional family setting.

Pokwang’s role as Lady G, a poor girl turned-millionaire, on the other hand, will challenge Justin’s life but will soon change, as she meets Tol and became attracted to him.

“TODA MAX” is a light and funny family oriented show that will surely make the viewers laugh their hearts out. Follow the story of Tol and Justin and how they will handle the different trials in life.

“Our exciting laugh trip is all set. So, I’m inviting everyone to catch the comeback of family-oriented sitcom on TV. You’ll really learn a lot from it,” Robin said.

Also starring in the sitcom are Izzy Canillo, Aaliyah Benisano, Jobert Austria, and Darwin Tolentino. “TODA MAX” is under the business unit of Raymund Dizon, together with production manager Cynthia Jordan, creative manager Rhandy Reyes and executive producer Rocky Ubana.

Catch “TODA MAX” beginning November 5, Saturday, before “Maalaala Mo Kaya” on ABS-CBN.

Legacy of Unbeatable Kapamilya Comedy Returns via ‘Toda Max’ originally appeared on Starmometer on October 26, 2011.

Action star Robin Padilla and actor-TV host Vhong Navarro will share their humble beginnings with Iya Villania, Angel Aquino, and Chesca Garcia-Kramer and recount how their careers set off from being “nobodies” to local showbiz’s most successful stars.

Television’s Fab Trio will also track fashion designer Frederick Peralta’s road to prominence from being a newsboy and fish vendor to a distinguished stylist.

Meanwhile, take a trip down memory lane and see how the first Marikina-made shoe looked like. Learn how the shoe capital of the country developed into a town of shoemakers.

Finally, Iya, Angel, and Chesca will tour the metro to uncover the origin of our favorite Pinoy food such as sisig, pancit, and native delicacies.

All these and more in “Us Girls” tomorrow (Oct 13), 9:30 PM on Studio 23, or catch it online anytime at www.studio23.tv.

Robin and Vhong Reminisce Career Beginnings in ‘Us Girls’ originally appeared on Starmometer on October 12, 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.

BE THE BEST THIS SUMMER – This is what ABS-CBN Summer Station ID is all about—actualizing your potentials, displaying your talent as an individual or as a group, community or nation under the summer sun.

Check out the Kapamilya hunks featured in the “Be the Best sa Tag-Araw” music video…

Derek Ramsay:

Zanjoe Marudo:

Sam Milby:

Jericho Rosales:

More hunks on Page 2!

Sneak Peek: ABS-CBN 2011 Summer Station ID – ‘The Summer Hunks’ originally appeared on Starmometer on March 25, 2011.

The opening salvo of Star Cinema for 2011 is a horror comedy starring Angelica Panganiban, Bangs Garcia and Vhong Navarro under the direction of Chito Roño.

Titled “Bulong”, it tells a story of a Nurse (Vhong Navarro) who desperately wants to get the girl of his wildest dreams, Ellen(Bangs Garcia). Accustomed by a Filipino superstitious belief that when you whisper a wish to the dead the wish will come true, he went to see an expert (Angelica Panganiban) when it comes to those kind of stuffs.Things went complicated when he actually followed what was suggested to him and whispered a wish to the dead.The following day he got what he asked for and now all of the chick-a babes have gone affectionate to him.But it doesn’t ends there – later he finds out that he’s got more than what he asked for! Together with Angelica Panganiban’s character, Vhong seeks ways to make things right – but will they?

The trailer of “Bulong” has been showing in theaters before the screening of Star Cinema MMFF entries “Ang Tanging Ina Mo, Last Na To!”, “Dalaw” and “RPG Metanoia.”

Watch the cinema trailer here:

Vhong Navarro Stars in Upcoming Horror Comedy ‘Bulong’ originally appeared on Starmometer on December 28, 2010.

They are yet to take their final bow this week but as early as now, the cast of ABS-CBN’s fantaserye “Kokey@Ako” is already missing the show, which became part of their daily routine for one whole season.

“I will surely miss Direk Wenn, Direk Ricky, Melason, and everybody I’ve worked with because I enjoyed their company during shoot, during standy time in the dressing room while waiting for our next take. I will also miss portraying Jackie because her character is very natural and very real,” said the Ultimate Multimedia Star Toni Gonzaga.

If Toni will miss the people behind the show, her co-star Vhong Navarro, on the other hand, will miss their playtime and bonding in between takes.

“I will definitely miss the fun moments, exchanging jokes, imitating Kokey and Kekay, as well as the adlibs and punchlines we blurt out during takes,” said the Prince of Comedy.

Meanwhile, the show made a different impact on reel and real life couple Melai Cantiveros and Jason Francisco as they recalled valuable lessons learned from fellow actors on set.

“I learned to respect every individual, be it human or alien because he is created by God. Also, I learned to love my job more because if you love your job, you wont get tired of it,” shared Melai.

“I learned to become more professional because Kuya Vhong and Ate Toni set such good examples. Even though they are big stars already, you wont see them complaining about work. They study the script, the character, and listen very well to the instructions being given by our directors,” explained Jason.

Everyone must definitely watch the finale week of “Kokey@Ako” especially after much kept secrets have already been revealed— Belat’s true identity and Lois’ disguise as Princess.

As the real Bruce returns, who will win over Jackie’s heart? The guy she has always loved or the guy she has learned to love?

Meanwhile, the kukurikabukan forces get even stronger which puts Kekay into much peril. How will Kokey protect his younger sister? Will the aliens finally invade planet Earth? Will Jackie’s family ever be reunited?

Don’t miss the finale week of “Kokey@Ako” airing before “TV Patrol” on ABS-CBN.

‘Kokey @ Ako’ Now On Its Final Week originally appeared on Starmometer on November 28, 2010.

“I have been working in this industry for 15 years. I believe that I have established myself as a comedian. I have shown t the public what I can do as an artist,” he said. “It is inevitable that new talents will rise and others would fade. But in my 15 or 16 years in the industry, I’ve shown my best.”

The host-actor assured though that he has not rested on his laurels and sees to it that he is updated with the trends in the comedy genre.

“Timing is very important in doing comedy,” he said. “I don’t copy the style of other comedians. I try to be updated so I don’t get left behind.”

His unparalleled talent made him one of the busiest actors of his generation. Vhong revealed that despite his weekly struggles of challenging a very busy schedule, he still manages to find time for his loved ones.

“I made it a point to spend my Sundays with my family. We usually watch a movie, shop at the mall, play or do other things together.”

One of the projects that is keeping Vhong busy is his top-rating primetime fantaserye for the family, “Kokey@Ako.”

The story heats up this week as Belat (still in Bruce’s human form) finally confesses his true feelings for Jackie (Toni Gonzaga). But what if Bruce wakes up from hibernation and goes back to claim his life back? To whom will Jackie give her heart?

Don’t miss the final two weeks of “Kokey@Ako,” airing weekdays after “Down with Love” on ABS-CBN.

Rising Comedians, Not a Threat to Vhong Navarro originally appeared on Starmometer on November 22, 2010.

ABS-CBN’s primetime comedy for the entire family, “Kokey@Ako” continues to soar high in ratings and is consistently one of the most watched weekday programs in the country according to data from Kantar Media.

Since its launch last Sept 20, the fantasy comedy with a heart never dropped out of the top four programs nationwide. It is also among the overall top 10 programs for September with an average rating of 25.9%, 7-points higher than its rival program with only 18.1%.

This is why the whole cast and crew of “Kokey@Ako” is very much overwhelmed and thankful for the support given by viewers especially on its first two weeks of airing.

“They have already supported the show as early as when the characters haven’t grown up yet, so we are really thankful to them. We all know how tough competition is in the primetime block and we feel grateful that they put us where we are now which is on the top three,” said Vhong Navarro.

Alongside the consistent rankings is the consistent intrigues thrown at the show’s lead stars particularly Toni Gonzaga, Melai Cantiveros, and Jason Francisco. But according to Vhong, the three don’t seem to be affected by all these controversies about them.

“Despite the intrigues, they remain focused on work as if they’re not going through something. They are very professional,” shared Vhong. “Of course I’m doing my part to help them out by giving advice especially to Melason who are newcomers in the industry. I tell them to be careful with how they respond to the issue so that the public will not misinterpret them.”

“Kokey@Ako” continues to heat up this week as Jackie and Josa finally got hired in the same TV station where Bruce is working as a cameraman. Will Jackie recognize her Lola Babra, the owner of the network? Will her lifelong dream of being reunited with her family be finally fulfilled?

Bruce also popped the questions and asked Jackie’s hand in marriage. Everything is all set until Jackie had a bad omen and poked herself with a needle while sewing her wedding dress.
Since Vhong’s character Bruce already proposed to Jackie, is Vhong also ready to pop the question to his non-showbiz girlfriend?
“I just went through an annulment and I think it’s not time yet for a proposal,” explained Vhong.

Don’t miss the exciting adventures in “Kokey@Ako,” before “TV Patrol World” on ABS-CBN.

Is Vhong Navarro Planning to Get Married? originally appeared on Starmometer on October 5, 2010.

Get ready for weeknights of non-stop bonding and laughter with the “pambansang pinyoko (friend),” Kokey, his sister Kekay, and the newest addition to the circle, Vhong Navarro, Jason Francisco, Melai Cantiveros, and Toni Gonzaga.

“Kokey@Ako” revolves within the lives of Kokey and “Ako,” which refers to the character Jackie portrayed by Ultimate Multimedia Star Toni Gonzaga. Ever since her parents were abducted when she was still a child, Jackie started her mission of finding extra-terrestrial creatures hoping that it would lead her to her parents’ whereabouts.

Meanwhile, Kokey goes back to Earth in search for his sister Kekay, while Vhong’s character is bound to play a crucial role in Kokey and Jackie’s respective quests to find their loved ones.

For the second time, blockbuster comedy director Wenn Deramas was tapped to lead the project.

“When Kokey@Ako happened, it wasn’t just a sequel,” explained Direk Wenn. “The first part of Kokey@Ako actually started at the present story of Kokey Season 1. When our lead character Jackie (Toni) was still young, that was when Kokey landed the earth. The connection is, Jackie thought Kokey abducted her parents. So they started out as enemies but it will lead into a deep friendship, later on.”

Even when the camera lights are shut off, the same deep friendship is being shared by the cast members. Toni Gonzaga shared how happy she is working again with her good friend and co-star Vhong.

“We don’t need to adjust to each other anymore or feel awkward because it just feels like a reunion between friends,” said Toni.

Vhong, on the other hand, shares the same feelings and is psyched that he will work with Toni in a fantaserye for the first time.

“It feels good but I am also feeling nervous at the same time. I hope the people will support our love team,” he explained.

If the Prince of Comedy is feeling a little nervous, Melai feels just as tensed every time she is on set. She said “during our first taping, I got really nervous that I might be scolded if I make mistakes,” the “Prinsesa ng Masa” shared. “But deep inside, I’m very excited because I’m working with these stars.”

It’s a different high for Melai’s real-life boyfriend Jason who expressed his joy working on this project as it prove to be very beneficial to their relationship.

“As of now, Melai is doing more projects,” admits Jason. “I am happy that we are working together for Kokey because we can get to see each other more.”

With the unique mix of Vhong, Jason, Melai, and Toni, every scene is definitely a must-see. According to Toni, “that’s what I can assure our viewers. They can ease away exhaustion from work (after watching us).We will make them smile, we will make them laugh.”

Also part of cast are seasoned celebrities and promising artists which include Ms. Gloria Romero, Ms. Nova Villa, Mickey Ferriols, Wendy Valdez, Dj Durano, Candy Pangilinan, Joy Viado, Tess Antonio, Empoy, RUbi-RUbi, Debraliz, Maricel Laxa and Christian Vasquez. Also joining the fun are cute child actors, Kyle Balili, Abby Bautista, Amy Nobleza, Philip Nolasco, and Bugoy Carino.

Don’t miss the premier of “Kokey@Ako,” on Monday (Sep 20) before “TV Patrol” on ABS-CBN. For more alien exclusives, log on to http://kokeyatako.abs-cbn.com. You can also purchase Kokey merchandise from ABS-CBN Licensing on your favorite toy stores.

‘Kokey @ Ako’ Lands on Primetime Bida originally appeared on Starmometer on September 16, 2010.

Star Cinema and Ambient Media are producing the first ever 3D animated film in the Philippines.

RPG Metanoia is an official entry to the 36th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) jointly produced by Star Cinema and Ambient Media.

Director Louie Suarez revealed that the film took 4 years in the making. It is said that 26 animators worked in this film and that they are done with the animation process. They are now in the dubbing process.

Lending their voices in the animated film are Zaijian Jaranilla, Mika Dela Cruz, Aga Muhlach, Eugene Domingo & Vhong Navarro.

RPG Metanoia is about a young boy name Nico (voiced by Zaijan Jaranilla) who is obsessed in playing online games. He is influenced by his OFW father (voiced by Aga Muhlach) but his mother (voiced by Eugene Domingo) is not sure if Nico’s passion for video games will benefit his future.

Vhong Navarro lends his voice as the Internet shop owner in the film. Child stars Jairus Aquino, Aaron Junatas, and Basty Alcanses play the role of Nico’s friends.

The groundbreaking film is set to premiere on Christmas day (December 25) as one of the 8 entries for the 2010 Metro Manila Film Festival.

Images courtesy of Star Cinema.

Take a sneak peek here:

‘RPG Metanoia’ is First 3D Animated Film in RP originally appeared on Starmometer on August 19, 2010.