The Showbiz Insider

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 Charges were filed against Hayden whose license was revoked by the Professional Regulations Commission (PRC).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 »

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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.

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Morrisey Collapsed While Performing Onstage

Morrissey, the former singer of the British band The Smiths, collapsed while performing during a gig in the southern England town. He was taken to the Swindon Hospital. Morrisey was said to be suffering from breathing difficulties. Fans need not worry because he was already discharged from the hospital and only stayed for a night.

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Andrew Lloyd Webber Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer

The phenomenal musical and broadway composer Andrew Lloyd Webber was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer recently. According to its publicists, the cancer is still on its early stage and Andrew will be undergoing treatments and will be expected to come back for work next year.

Andrew Lloyd Webber composed popular broadway musicals such as “Phantom of the Opera”, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” “Jesus Christ Superstar,” and “Evita.” He was supposed to make a sequel to the Phantom called “Love Never Dies” that is scheduled to be shown in London on March.

The award-winning composer was knighted 1992 and named to Britain’s House of Lords in 1997.

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Michael V Expresses Support for Manny Villar’s Presidency

Michael V. revealed through a press conference that he will support presidentiable Manny Villar in the upcoming 2010 elections. According to him, he can identify himself with Manny Villar. The presidentiable is known for his slogan “sipag and tiyaga”. Michael believes that Manny has a concrete platform which he thinks is very important. The comedian is not affected that the Kapamilya host Willie Revillame is a known supporter of Manny Villar.

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Lead Actress of Fame the Musical is a Pinay

A Pinay has been chosen to portay the lead role of Carmen in Fame the Musical that will be shown in Australia starting April 18 next year. Rowena Vilar auditioned for the role. She has been a theater actress here in Manila. She played Anita last year in the West Side Story where she wowed the audience with her performance. Rowena has also worked with Hugh Jackman in Boy From Oz and was part of Miss Saigon in Australia.

Another Australian-Filipina actress will join her in Fame who is Rebecca Mendoza.

Fame the Musical will kick off its national tour at the Melbourne’s Regent Theater on April 18 then in Brisbane at the Lyric Theater on June 20 and in Sydney on September 2010.

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