Megan Young on Metro January 2011 Issue

Actress/host Megan Young evokes ’50s pin-up glamor on the cover of the latest issue of METRO magazine. Beside her is 24-year-old Vietnamese-German model Benjamin Tang who is equally elegant in his smart casual/cocktail top.

Other features inside this issue include “Fashion Forecast 2011,” “Hot Celebrities Define the New Sexy,” “The Color Purple: Eyes, Nails and Lips,” and more!

METRO’s January 2011 issue is now available nationwide wherever magazines are sold!

Pilipinas Win na Win Airs Final Episode on December 31

Pilipinas Win Na Win bids goodbye as the year ends.

Here is the official statement of ABS-CBN regarding the final episode of the said program.:

“Pilipinas Win na Win (PWNW) will have its last episode on December 31, 2010. The ABS-CBN management thanks the The Hitmakers, Valerie Concepcion, K Brosas, and Pokwang, the PWNW production group and most important, its viewers for their support to the program.

“In the meantime, Showtime will occupy the slot left by PWNW. With its extended time, Showtime will continue to bring more great fun, and hope to Filipinos worldwide.”

- Bong Osorio (Head of ABS-CBN’s Corporate Communications Department)

Ai-Ai delas Alas is Best Actress for Direk Wenn Deramas

After wrapping up his latest project, Ang Tanging Ina Mo, Last Na ‘To, Direk Wenn Deramas was visibly pleased at the reaction of the audience during the movie’s premiere last December 20 at the Cinema 6 of SM Megamall. The writer-director was confident that the movie will do well when it finally opens on Christmas day as part of the much-anticipated Metro Manila Film Festival. “Minsan na naman nila napatunayan na yung Tanging Ina ay ginawa na nilang parte ng buhay nila, mula sa part 1 nung 2003, yung sumunod ng 2008 hanggang sa ngayong 2010. Kaya maraming maraming salamat sa lahat ng sumubaybay at lahat ng manunuod pa sa December 25,” he said.

Direk Wenn also has faith in the consistent drawing power of his lead star, the Philippines’ undisputed Comedy Queen Ai-Ai de las Alas. “Alam naman ng lahat na ito ang nag-launch sa kanya at siya yung kauna-unahang artista na gumawa sa history ng pelikulang Pilipino ng almost P200 million agad yung first movie. Tapos yung second movie niya naman P204 million. Parang walang nakakagawa ng ganun na part 1, part 2 tapos etong part 3 sana ay ganun din,” he said.

Direk Wenn also goes on to explain that what sets Ai-Ai apart from other actresses is the wide range of versatility she has shown in the Tanging Ina series. “Naniniwala talaga ako na si Ai-Ai lang ang puwedeng gumawa ng ganitong klaseng emosyon na halo-halo sa iisang eksena. Kahit ano pang sabihin ng iba, yung ibang mga roles kaya gawin ni Ai-Ai eh. Kunyari role mo, gagawin niya, kaya niya. Pero itong role niya Tanging Ina, kaya ba nila? Kaya sa akin, she’s my best actress,” he stressed.

Direk Wenn also gave out a challenge to those who doubt Ai-Ai’s stature in the industry. “Sa akin, yung galing ni Ai-Ai bilang komedyante at sa drama ay yung naipagsasabay niya yun sa iisang eksena at mahirap yun. Mahirap na mahirap. Pinakamahirap na siguro gawin yun. Kaya dun sa mga taong ang dali-daling mag-judge na kesyo comedy lang yan, ang masasabi ko, subukan nilang gawin. Ako nga hinahamon ko eh. Para sa akin, yung kaya nilang gawin kaya gawin ni Ai-Ai eh. Pero yung ginawa ba ni Ai-Ai dito, kaya nilang gawin? So dun mo malalaman na iba si Ai-Ai De las Alas talaga,” he said.

Despite the success of the previous Tanging Ina films, Ang Tanging Ina, Last Na ‘To has already been announced to be the third and last installment to the series. Even if it breaks box-office records, Direk Wenn said he and Ai-Ai have already decided to retire the series no matter what. “Mas maigi naman na huminto kami ng mataas kesa naman pagsawaan ng tao ‘di ba? So kami naman, madami naman pa kaming puwedeng maisip at puwedeng gawin at dun ako naniniwala, yung talent is unlimited so unlimited rin yung puwede niyang i-offer,” he said.

Star Power Girls Meet Kapamilya Leading Men

The remaining 7 girls will sing for their favorite Kapamilya leading men and compete at the same time as one of them could be eliminated.

Star Power was filled with relief last Sunday as the ultimate Megastar Sharon Cuneta revealed that night was a non-elimination showdown. This Sunday, however, the remaining girls must give their best performances as another contender is set to bid goodbye.

The pressure is greater as the Star Power finalists must enthrall their favorite Kapamilya leading men—Derek Ramsay, Zanjoe Marudo, Gerald Anderson, Jericho Rosales, Sam Milby and John Lloyd Cruz—with their performances. Plus, Divine Diva Zsazsa Padilla and of course, Mega, teach the girls how to “evoke emotions” through singing.

The hot leading men must choose the song that have warmed their hearts, to be sung by the Star Power girls.

“Siyempre kabado na naman kaming mga girls. Before we only sing for ourselves, now we have to serenade television’s most handsome leading men. Nakakakilig diba? But we have to give our best shot,” said Cebuana Akiko.

Krissel, on the other hand feels very honored being mentored by the Divine Diva. She said that like Mega, Zsazsa also treats them like daughters in show business. “Nakaka-touch po talaga si Ms. Zsazsa. Tinandaan ko po talaga yung unang advice niya sa amin dati, at ngayon na mine-mentor niya kami, hindi ko po kakalimutan yung mga itinuturo niya.”

Akiko Solon (Cebu), Ninay Lescano (Lipa City), Kaye Racho (Cebu), K-La Rivera (Canada), Angeline Quinto (City of Manila), Krissel Valdez (Davao) and Monica Sacay (Leyte), who among them will be hailed as Sharon’s Next Female Pop Superstar?

To vote for your favorite contestant, just text SPOWER and send to 2331 for Globe, TM, and Sun Cellular subscribers and 231 for Smart and Talk ‘N Text subscribers.

For bulk voting, i-text ang SPOWER BULK—Globe, Touch Mobile, Smart and Talk and Text and Sun Cellular—sa 2366.

Witness the making of a true star! Catch Star Power, Sharon’s Search for the Next Female Pop Superstar, this Sunday, after Rated K on ABS-CBN.

Empress, Next Horror Princess?

After playing a significant role in Dalaw, a lot of people are wondering if Empress is following in the footsteps of Maja Salvador who was first dubbed as a Horror Princess because of her remarkable portrayal in Sukob. But Empress claimed that she still has a long way to go before she can earn that title. “Hindi kasi second time ko pa lang ito mag-horror. And ito yung horror na first time talaga na yung role ko parang si Maja nga doon sa dating movie ni Ms. Kris Aquino. Pero I am sure magkaiba naman kami. Kasi ako wala pa talagang experience sa mga horror films. Alam ko naman na marami pa akong aaralin pagdating diyan. Pero sa akin naman willing ako i-accept lahat ng klaseng roles mapa-comedy, horror or drama,” she said during the premiere night of Dalaw last December 19.

Empress also dismissed rumors that her group Chiurigogobaschu’s so-called conflict with Maja might get worse now that she’s being compared with the pretty actress/dancer. “Alam mo ganyan talaga ‘yan, paikot-ikot lang talaga [yung intriga]. Wala naman ako kailangang intindihin or problemahin kasi nga tulad ng sinasabi ko kung anong meron ako, ako lang iintindi nun. Kung ano mang negative issues ‘di ko na pinapansin. Mas gusto ko mag-focus kung paano mag-improve as an actress at makita kung anong strengths and weaknesses ko. Hindi ko na kailangang pansinin kasi lalo lang lalala kung ini-entertain ko pa yun.”

In the meantime, the 17-year-old was just so happy knowing that all her hard work in Dalaw was worth it because the movie proved to be an effective horror film. “Talagang pinagpaguran naming gawin itong movie. Like kailangan maghintay sa mga effects kasi ‘pag ‘di ready yung ganito hindi namin magagawa yung eksena ng maayos. Mahirap pero nakakatuwa na ma-experience yung paggawa ng horror film. Kaya saludo ako kay Ms. Kris na Queen of Horror movies dito sa Pilipinas. Lahat naman ng hirap ni Ms. Kris at buong team talagang sulit kasi alam namin kung gaano kaganda kinalabasan movie.”

Wenn Deramas Denies Issues With Star Cinema

After the star-studded premiere of Star Cinema’s Ang Tanging Ina Mo, Last Na ‘To last December 20 at the SM Megamall, Director Wenn V. Deramas could not hide his happiness at the reception the movie got from the fans at the premiere. “Iba ang kaligayahan ang meron ako ngayon. Base sa mga reaction ng mga tao, masayang masaya kami ni Ai Ai,” he shares.

The writer-director admits that the Tanging Ina series has a special meaning for him among all of the movies he has made. “Lagi ko itong sinasabi na number one sa akin ang Tanging Ina. Personal favorite ko ito. Iba ito kasi sa part one, ang dami doong eksena na halaw sa tunay na buhay, sa personal life ko, sa nanay ko. Ang original na tanging ina ay si Nanay at alam din ni Ai Ai yun,” he explains.

Wenn says that the idea for the movie first came to him when ABS-CBN President Charo Santos-Concio challenged him to come up with a different kind of story concept. “Kinausap ako ni Ma’am Charo to come up with a movie na iiyak ka at tatawa. kay Ma’am Charo galing yun, sabi niya, ‘Pag nagawa ko mo yun, magse-set ka ng bagong trend ng comedy.’ Sabi ko ‘Ma’am eh di buhay po namin (ang gagamitin). Tinanong niya ano ba yung buhay mo? So kinuwento ko na very painful. Pero ang treatment namin ng pamilya ay may patawa so eto na yun. Kaya siguro ganun ka-successful yung movie kasi tunay eh. Wala akong pretension, wala akong kahit na anong ginawang iba basta naging totoo ako,” he shares.

Aside from Ang Tanging Ina Mo, Last Na ‘To, Star Cinema also has two other movies entered in the Metro Manila Film Festival this year, Dalaw and RPG Metanoia, this has reportedly sparked issues regarding the amount of exposure with regards to promotions that has been given to Ang Tanging Ina, but Direk Wenn is quick to put the issue to rest. The successful director says he does not harbor any ill-feelings towards Star Cinema and says he has always had good ties with its people.“Hindi naman tampo, kasi Sir Roxy, (Roxy Liquigan is Star Cinema’s AdProm Head) ay kaibigan kong matalik mula pa sa Teatro Tomasino sa UST ay magkasama na kami, ganun din si Mico Del Rosario (Star Cinema & TV Synergy Specialist) na nakasama ko pa sa isang stage play. Hindi tampo ang tawag doon. Siguro may hinanap lang. Mayroong hinanap, pinagpaliwanagan. Pero naayos na ng maayos na maayos at walang kaso. Never nagkatampuhan,” he stresses.

Ai-Ai delas Alas Prays for MMFF Best Actress Award

Ai-Ai De las Alas was in tears when she went out of the movie house after the premiere night of her film Ang Tanging Ina Mo, Last Na ‘To. Ai-Ai explained that she was actually crying tears of joy. “Napakasaya ko kasi ang sarap ng pakiramdam na lumabas ng sinehan na alam mong maganda ‘yung pelikulang napanood mo. Nakakataba ng puso na tumatawa talaga ‘yung mga tao. Nagsisigawan pa. ‘Yung tawa nila may kasamang palakpak. Ang galing galing talaga ni Uge (co-star Eugene Domingo). Pati na rin ‘yung mga anak ko.”

Though she is also sad that this third installment is also the last in her Tanging Ina film series, Ai-Ai said she is staying optimistic that every closing paves the way for a new beginning. “Sa buhay ng tao may closure talaga. Pero pagkatapos nun, meron ding nagbubukas na bago.” After the premiere night, ABS-CBN President and CEO Charo Santos Concio approached Ai-Ai to say that there could still be a Tanging Ina part four, or it could be a new movie which will pair the Comedy Concert Queen with no less than Piolo Pascual.

Ai-Ai also thanked her A-list friends who gave out their support for Tanging Ina. Also present at the premiere night were Sharon Cuneta and Toni Gonzaga. “Maraming, maraming salamat sa lahat ng sumuporta. Si BFF Sharon pumunta talaga. Si Governor Vilma (Santos) marami lang siyang ginagawa pero buo ang suporta niya sa akin. Mahal na mahal ko ‘yang mga ‘yan. Nagpapasalamat ako nang sobra. Si Friendship Kris (Aquino) pino-promote rin ang Tanging Ina. Kaya sana panoorin niyo rin ‘yung Dalaw niya. I love you, friendship!”

After finally unveiling to the public her performance in the last Tanging Ina movie, Ai-Ai was asked if she is fully convinced that she is the only one deserving to take home the Best Actress trophy in the Metro Manila Film Festival awards night this December 26. The comedienne clarified, “Ayoko naman sabihin na ako lang ang deserving. Nagpapakatotoo lang ako na inaasam asam ko talagang makuha ‘yung Best Actress award. Ang plastic ko naman kung sasabihin kong ayaw ko, ha ha ha!”

Nevertheless, Ai-Ai believes that final decision will be in the hands of the MMFF jurors and of course God. “Desisyon pa rin ‘yan ng mga jurors. May kanya kanya silang taste. Ang iniisip ko na lang, ‘I did my best. We all did our best. God will do the rest.’ Tatahimik na lang ako. Kung ako ang mananalo, ‘Thank you, God!’”

Ai-Ai delas Alas and Piolo Pascual on Next Tanging Ina Movie?

Ai-Ai De las Alas failed to hold back her tears after the gala premiere night of her Metro Manila Film Festival movie entry Ang Tanging Ina Mo, Last Na ‘To at the SM Megamall. Ai-Ai explained, “Noon ko pa ibinabanta kay Direk Wenn (Deramas) na iiyak ako sa premiere night sa maraming dahilan. Una dahil sobrang nakakatawa ‘yung pelikula. Pangalawa, sobrang nakakatawa ‘yung pelikula. Kapag pinaghalo-halo mo ‘yung mga emosyon, kapag pinanood mo ‘yung pelikula, reunion siya.”

Ai-Ai added that in doing Ang Tanging Ina in 2003 and its sequel Ang Tanging Ina Ninyong Lahat in 2008, and now the final installment, she really felt like a mother to all the actors who played her children in the story. “Makikita mo kung paano lumaki ‘yung mga anak ko sa pelikula. Parang sa totoong buhay, maliit pa sila noon, tapos lumaki, may mga nangyari sa mga buhay nila. Tears of joy ito dahil naging part ako ng buhay ng mga anak ko, hindi lang sa pelikula, pati na rin sa totoong buhay nila.”

While Ai-Ai became emotional over bidding goodbye to Tanging Ina, ABS-CBN President and CEO Charo Santos-Concio might have other ideas. “Si Ma’am Charo nagbabanta na naman. Sabi sa akin, ‘Mukhang may part four kayo at si Piolo (Pascual) ay kasama na!’ May title na siyang naisip pero ayoko munang sabihin. Natulala na lang ako nung sinabi niyang gusto niya ng part four. ‘Opo, opo!’ na lang ang nasabi ko. Alam ninyo naman ako, taga-sunod lang. Sila ang bahala.”

Ai-Ai walked the red carpet with Piolo as her escort. The Ultimate Hunk surprised everyone when he was seen in a cameo appearance in the film. Aside from wanting to make the event very special and memorable, Ai-Ai seemed to have asked for Piolo’s company to send a teaser to her fans about her next movie project. “Nagsigawan ‘yung mga tao. Gusto ko kasi, kung may makaka-ending ako sa story, gusto ko na big talaga, pasabog! Ni-request ko kay Papa P na siya na lang ang maging leading man ko sa story. Tingnan na lang natin kung ano ang mga mangyayari. Depende na lang sa Star Cinema. Sundalo lang ako na sumusunod lang sa mga amo.” This news comes amidst persistent rumors that Piolo is planning to leave ABS-CBN and move to another network by next year. Piolo had denied the rumor as he is gearing up to do a movie with Kim Chiu set for release early 2011.

Angel Locsin Denies Switching Networks!

Angel Locsin denied the rumor that she is supposedly planning to transfer TV networks again. Just recently some tabloids have insinuated that Angel might be joining the bandwagon of stars who will be switching TV networks.

“Nabalitaan ko rin, pero imposibleng mangyari naman kasi may kontrata pa ako sa ABS-CBN,” clarified Angel. She added that her contract with the Kapamilya network will exist until next year.

“Hindi ko naman ho siguro hobby ‘yung lumipat ng istasyon,” joked Angel, who has previously transferred to ABS-CBN from GMA-7 in 2007. The Imortal actress also justified that she has no plans of switching TV networks because she is happy with her current home network. “Kung naa-appreciate ‘yung talent mo naa-appreciate ko rin na nare-recognize ka. Malaki kasi ang utang na loob ko sa ABS-CBN (and) so far okay naman ‘yung mga projects na ibinibigay nila sa akin.”

The actress also denied that she got an offer from TV5 and further explained that the substantial projects that she is currently doing only proves that she is being taken good care of by the Kapamilya network.

Meantime, Angel shared her excitement over the upcoming season two of the primetime teleserye Imortal and added that fans can expect the story to intensify in the coming weeks. “Abangan n’yo po kung ano ang magiging itsura ni Mateo (John Lloyd Cruz) ‘pag naging bampira na siya. Tingnan natin kung ano ang look niya, syempre tingnan natin kung hanggang saan ang pag-iibigan nina Lia (played my Angel) at Mateo and ang mga bago pang characters na papasok.”

She said that she is having a short break this Christmas and she is looking forward to spending her vacation with her family.

On the other hand, Volumes 1 and 2 of Imortal are recently released on video and are now available in leading video stores nationwide.