The Showbiz Insider

Maricar Reyes comes home to Mindanao

Model, television and movie actress Maricar Reyes lets out her thoughts and reveals her Mindanao roots in the latest issue of M (Life & Living in Mindanao) Magazine, Mindanao’s first-ever glossy travel and lifestyle publication.

In its first issue for 2010, M takes its readers to a rediscovery of Mindanao’s plethora of captivating tales of people, places, flavors and colors, a celebration of the island’s splendor and diversity.

Reyes, a Cagay’anon, shares the pages of M along with other notable Mindanaoans such as successful flower grower Sally Leuenberger, artist Ben Banez, cancer survivor Mina Carriedo Sebastian, and a roster of young, up-and-coming Mindanawon couples who have made significant marks in their respective fields of interest.

M also uncovers the island’s best kept secrets, destinations previously unknown and revealed perhaps for the first time in this issue, including the hidden coves of Canibad, the deep seas of Surigao, and the unexplored terrains of Bansalan, plus images of Mindanao as you have never seen before by top photojournalists Jojie Alcantara and Rhonson Ng.

This edition also lets out the secret recipes of Tiny Kitchen, Cafe el Gato and Bon Appetit’s culinary successes, and the entrepreneurial triumphs of North Cotabato’s civet coffee, Davao City’s Porky Best cracklings, General Santos City’s corn-husk dolls, and Southern Mindanao luxurious condo living. More »

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“Write Derek & Win” Promo by Century Corned Tuna

Derek Ramsey up for grabs!

I was clicking around one day, and I stumbled upon this really hot promo. Get this: the man of your dreams is just a letter away!

Get a chance to meet Derek Ramsay plus win other hot prizes by joining the Write Derek and Win promo!

Here’s how it works: just write a short letter to Derek telling him about your Century Corned Tuna experience and you get a chance to win really hot prizes.

All you have to do is log on to www.centurycornedtuna.ph and join the Write Derek and Win promo.

It’s easy! So why pass up the chance? Send in your letters until Feb 14, 2010!

10 of the best letters will be chosen, the top 5 will get a 32 gig iPod Touch and all ten will win 1 month’s supply of yummy Century Corned tuna and my personal favorite—the chance to meet and have my picture taken with Derek Ramsay at the Century Tuna Superbods Run on Feb 21 2010!

Now that’s hot.

Tags: century tuna models, derek ramsey, derek ramsey century tuna

Fil-Am beauty and cue player Shanelle Loraine endorses shampoo

Billiards beauty star Shanelle Loraine is now product endorser of Cream Silk, one of the leading hair care brand in the Philippines.

The lovely Fil-American’s persona is now all over in several print ads and TV commercials as a result of her popularity in the booming sport of billiards in the Philippines where she traces her roots.

Since her debut at the Women’s World 10-Ball Championship last June and her recent third place finish with partner Lee Van Corteza at the World Mixed Doubles Classic events both produced by Dragon Promotions, the straight and long-haired Loraine has impressed commercial and print ad makers.

“Shanelle’s charming personality and marketability is opening many doors for her. She also works hard on her game behind the scenes. We are getting so many requests for her to go to so many places. Shanelle is great for the sport and a fantastic role model for players,” said Cindy Lee, CEO of Dragon Promotions.

“I was very excited when asked to endorse Cream Silk. It’s the most popular hair product brand in the Philippines and it’s nice to be associated with such a trusted and long-standing company. All my relatives in the Philippines and Guam love the commercial!” gushed the beautiful Dragon Promotions talent.

Born in Guam but now based in Florida, US mainland where she works, Loraine says she will continue travelling around the world by playing billiards which has made her famous and rich with opportunities and friends. More »

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APO Hiking Society holds series of farewell concerts on February to May

Philippine music icons The APO Hiking Society is holding a series of farewell concerts on February to May after four decades of great music and timeless hits that melted the heart of many music lovers and fans.

The ageless trio of Danny Javier, Jim Paredes and Buboy Garovillo, who comprise the APO Hiking Society sang the hit songs “Blue Jeans” and “Pumapatak na naman ang ulan” (The rain is falling again) and “Awit ng Barkada” (Song of the Gang).

They worked under the labels of Vicor Music, JEM Recording and Universal Records Philippines.

Paredes, Garrovillo and Javier, the ageless triumvirate of the ‘70s and ‘80s pop music, announced during a recent press conference they are bidding farewell to the music scene with their series of shows from February until the end of May as their final curtain call.

“This last stretch, we will really like to see as many as you. The best shows we’ve ever done in our career will happen right now in our last stretch. We are coming to an end,” Paredes told reporters. More »

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Philippine showbiz 2009 : Politics and drama top them all

The drama that unfolded at a Senate hearing between cosmetologist Dr. Hayden Kho and actress Katrina Halili as well as celebrities filing candidacies for public office topped this year’s showbiz news.

Entertainment critics were one in saying that it was a good year, a bad year. a happy year, sad year but with a happy ending for the showbiz industry in 2009.

As Philippine Star movie columnist Ricky Lo puts it: it is complete with all the ingredients: Action, drama, tragedy, excitement, suspense, fantasy, surprises and — you’re right — sex, lies and videotapes.

In the middle of 2009, sizzling videotapes “starring” Dr. Kho and, among others, Halili and Maricar Reyes turned all of us into insatiable voyeurs.

Dermatologist Dr. Vicki Belo accused Halili of “stealing” her boyfriend Kho and Halili in turn accused Kho of having filmed their bedroom mazurka with neither her knowledge nor permission.

Reyes wisely opted to remain tight-lipped up to now. Charges were filed against Hayden whose license was revoked by the Professional Regulations Commission (PRC).

Towards the end of the year, Kho was reported to have tried anew to commit suicide but his lawyer denied it.

The suspension of ABS-CBN’s Wowowee host Willie Revillame showed a video of the remains of former President Cory Aquino last August being transferred from La Salle Greenhills in Mandaluyong City to the Manila Cathedral was inserted into the telecast of Wowowee, catching host Revillame unaware and startled. More »

Tags: Hayden Kho, philippine showbiz news

Ara Mina for Quezon City councilor?

Movie and television personality Ara Mina sought the help of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on election law, particularly on premature campaigning as she intends to run for a local position in Quezon City next year.

“I came here to ask for guidelines as I’m planning to run next year.

I am part of the of a television drama ‘Tinik sa Dibdib’ and I want to know if I’d be violating any election law if I run,” she said.

On the other hand, Comelec commissioner Gregorio Larrazabal said they will be coming up with guidelines on premature campaigning for those in show business and other mass media personalities.

The singer-actress plans to run as councilor for the Second District of Quezon City. The drama program is being shown on GMA 7 everyday.

Aside from her own political plans, Mina also revealed that her co-stars in the said television-drama, Maybeline dela Cruz and actor Alfred Vargas will likewise seek elective posts in Dagupan City and Quezon City, respectively.

She explained that they are awaiting for the final decision of the Supreme Court on the case of Sta. Monica, Surigao del Norte Mayor Rosalina Penera, who was disqualified for premature campaigning.

Larrazabal noted the Comelec should come up with a clear stand on the issue since acting is the livelihood of those in the entertainment profession.

Tags: ara mina quezon city councilor