Sam Concepcion Excited to Work as Peter Pan

This September 29 to October 30 at the Meralco Theater, teen star Sam Concepcion will once again showcase his artistry as a performer as he takes on the title role of STAGES and Repertory Philippines’ Peter Pan.

Among his contemporaries, teen star Sam Concepcion may be the only one who can be considered a “triple threat,” someone who can sing, act, and dance exceptionally. This made him early favorite and eventual winner in the ABS-CBN talent search Little Big Star, the show that launched his career.

“Aside from singing, dancing, and acting onstage, which I have been doing eversince I was young, I am excited that I get to fly in this musical,” says Sam. “It will be a fun, full of flying show and I assure everyone that this production will be the ultimate family show.”

Sam adds that this musical also boasts of beautifully-written tunes for the stage.

Peter Pan marks Sam’s theater comeback after starring in highly-successful shows like NOAH, High School Musical, The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe.

This is the Asian premiere of this version of Peter Pan, the spectacular musical by Stiles and Drewe and the late Willis Hall. It relives Sir James Barrie’s timeless tale of the boy who never grew up.

“People tell me I am like Peter Pan because even if I am already 18, people perceive me still as that young boy who starred in that sinigang mix commercial,” adds Sam. “I am thankful that I have been given this big opportunity to star in a grand production like Peter Pan.”

Aside from Sam, Peter Pan also stars Michael Williams as Hook, and ABS-CBN’s rising star Tippy Dos Santos (Idol, Shoutout) as Wendy with Cara Barredo as alternate.

“I am excited to work with everyone,” shares Sam. “It has been a while, since I performed for a musical. I have been raring to do this.”
Peter Pan also marks a milestone because it is the first time that STAGES and Repertory Philippines are co-producing a show.

To be directed by Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo and Jaime Del Mundo, Peter Pan promises to be one of the biggest musical productions in recent years.

For interested blockbuyers and sponsors, please contact STAGES at (02) 818-1111 loc. 225.

Angeline Quinto Joins Sharon Cuneta in US Concert Tour

"Star Power" grand winner Angeline Quinto will be part of Megastar Sharon Cuneta's US concert tour this June.

"US tour po 'yon ni Ma'am Sharon. Napili niya po akong isama sa US tour niya kaya talagang sobrang excited po ako," Quinto told abs-cbnNEWS.com.

Quinto, who became close to Cuneta after the latter hosted "Star Power", said she is really thankful to God for giving her a lot of projects and a chance to go out of the country for the first time.

"Nagpapasalamat ako sa Panginoon kasi ang daming trabaho na dumarating sa akin. 'Yun nga po, makakasama ko si Ma'am Sharon sa US po. Ito din po ang unang labas ko ng bansa," she said.

Quinto who is now part of "ASAP Rocks" is set to have her first major solo concert in July.

Last February, Cuneta shed tears of happiness when Quinto was announced as the first grand winner of "Star Power".

Quinto garnered 90.88% of the votes cast by text and online by viewers, and from the judges in the singing competition.

Quinto, who once lost to Pop Princess Sarah Geronimo in the singing competition "Star for A Night" in 2002, is also promoting her self-titled album under Star Records.

Source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Christian Bautista Leaves Philippines for The Kitchen Musical

Christian Bautista is set to leave the country on Sunday to stay in Singapore for 4 months. Christian admitted that he feels nervous leaving the country for a long time.

"Mayroon akong takot talaga. Ako kasi ang perspective ko kasi ngayon iba-iba na. Parang I'd been wanting to do a teleserye and a movie here in ABS-CBN. And here it comes [pero] parang mas marami akong ginagawa outside. Is this my direction? Should I focus there and just go home from time to time?" Bautista asked.

He added: "Kung malalaos, well it will depends on how I manage it. Now I will be shooting a music video with Kris Aquino tomorrow for her 'Love Moves' album. There's some endorsement na lalabas. We are working on a teleserye hopefully, para lang may presence. Like Martin Nievera when he leaves, nag-iiwan siya ng album. Ako baligtad. Pagdating ko may album na ako. Dito ako nagre-record. Mayroong plano para lang maalala."

The singer said he will also use microblogging sites to communicate with his fans.

In Singapore, Bautista will do "The Kitchen Musical," the first ever pan-Asian television musical drama series.

Bautista's Indonesian movie will be shown in the country this August.

Source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Hundreds of Fans Watch US Premiere of "In The Name Of Love"

Some 1,200 fans celebrated Memorial Day weekend by watching the latest ABS-CBN Star Cinema film, “In the Name of Love.”

“In the Name of Love,” a romantic drama inspired by ballroom dancing, celebrates the 18th anniversary of ABS-CBN's Star Cinema movie studio.

Fans enjoyed the movie, with many saying the drama made them cry.

“The best! Ang galing galing nila. I love Jake Cuenca,” said Dori Dumlao from San Diego.

When stars Jake Cuenca and Angel Locsin, along with director Olivia Lamasan, appeared in person, fans went wild.

This is the first time Cuenca has been to the United States to promote a movie.

“For me I'm just blessed, really blessed to be a part of this. I'm blessed to have been part of the movie and to do an international screening in LA. Parang ang laking bagay,” said Cuenca.

Locsin said: “Kapag nakita ko ang reaction nila, masaya and ang sarap ng feeling talaga. So I'm very happy na meron akong ganito oportunidad.”

Cuenca, Locsin and Lamasan left immediately just before the start of the night screening to join more fans for the San Francisco premiere.

“In the Name of Love” will play this month in select theaters across the US.

Many fans came hoping to catch a glimpse of Aga Muhlach in person. He, however, could not make it because he's celebrating his 13th wedding anniversary with his real-life dance partner Charlene Gonzales.

Source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Joem Bascon Talks About His New Venture

Award-winning actor Joem Bascon has ventured into dubbing as he lent his voice to the lead character of the animated show “Devil May Cry”.

The said show will be aired on ABS-CBN's anime cable channel, Hero.

Known for his acting prowess, Bascon said he feels nervous doing dubbing for the first time.

"Bale ako ang boses ni Dante. Siya ang bidang demon hunter doon sa 'Devil May Cry,'" Bascon said.

"Eto kinakabahan ako kasi 3rd day na naming mag-dub pero kinakabahan pa din ako. Kasi iba ang pag-dubbing sa pag-arte lalo na at lalapatan mo ng boses 'yun," he added.

Bascon shared that he promptly accepted the offer to do the dubbing since he is a fan of the series based on the popular Capcom Playstation 2 games.

"Fan ako ng game niya sa Playstation pa lang. So noong nalaman ko pa lang na magbibigay ng buhay sa Playstation game, tinanggap ko siya. Sinubukan ko kahit wala akong alam sa dubbing. Sabi ko nga, mapag-aaralan naman ang dubbing," he said.

Source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Angeline Quinto Talks About Sarah Geronimo

Angeline Quinto said that she understands Sarah Geronimo’s sentiments about the frequent comparisons as to who between them is the better singer. Sarah has been vocal about the fact that she is not comfortable having production numbers with Angeline on ASAP Rocks because many people often consider them having a showdown.

“Simula po nung una talaga siyempre po hindi natin maiiwasan ‘yon pero para sa akin po talaga hindi ko po talaga inisip na kalaban si Sarah Geronimo,” Angeline explained. “Siyempre nag-umpisa po ako Sarah Geronimo na ‘yan, tsaka alam naman nila iniidolo ko si Sarah.”

The Star Power Grand Winner continued that she does not feel bad if she and Sarah will not get to perform together on ASAP Rocks. “Hindi naman po masyado [nanghihinayang] pero naiintindihan ko ang side ni Sarah kasi kahit ako mas okay na sa akin ‘yung magkasama kami sa ASAP na hindi kami pinagsu-showdown para wala na pong [issue].” Sarah and Angeline’s last duet was when the former launched her latest album, One Heart on ASAP. But Angeline continued that there is a possibility that they might not perform together on the Sunday variety show to prevent the comparisons and intrigues.

Angeline added that she believes that Sarah does not feel insecure about her because they are on good terms. “Si Sarah hindi ko naman nakikita sa kanya ang [pagiging] insecure. Sobrang natutuwa pa nga ang tao kung saan ako ngayon at nakikita ko po kay Sarah na sobrang supportive din niya sa akin siyempre.”

She even shared that she and Sarah are good friends and they exchange text messages. “Magkaibigan po kami ngayon talaga. Nung nagsimula po akong pumasok sa ASAP nagkaka-text po kami.” She was quick to add though that they don’t talk about the rivalry issue and oftentimes wish each other good luck. “Basta lagi lang po kaming nagkukuwentuhan kung saan galing, anong ginawa mo ngayong araw. Ganun lang po tapos, good luck lagi.”

Source: www.push.com.ph

Gretchen Barretto Feels Pressured for Next Teleserye

Gretchen Barretto revealed the that she spent the last six months not only for rest and vacation with her family but also to collect new designer clothes to wear in her upcoming ABS-CBN teleserye tentatively titled Alta. In last year’s series Magkaribal, Gretchen made a mark among viewers not only with her acting, but also with her extravagant outfits as she played supermodel-turned-designer Victoria. She shared, “Hindi madaling mag-ipon ng mga damit na gagamitin sa mga eksena for this teleserye. We want to give viewers outfits na different sa nakita nila sa Magkaribal para hindi magsawa ‘yung mga tao. We made sure na hindi siya pareho sa Magkaribal. Pinagaralan namin mabuti.”

The actress added that just like in Magkaribal, several big names in the fashion world will also take part in the overall production design of Alta. “Maraming kaming ii-introduce na bagong fashion designers not just from the Philippines but also from around the world, ha ha ha! Whatever we wore, pati mga bags, lahat ng nakita ninyo sa Magkaribal, I swear hindi niyo na makikita dito sa bagong teleserye.”

But she clarified that Alta will not be a “fashion serye” as many people are assuming. However, there is definitely the pressure of making this new drama a winner in the ratings just like Magkaribal. “Nakaka-pressure but I’m inspired to be a more intense actor. Excited ako kasi six months akong nakapagpahinga, nakapag-reflect. Six months kong na miss mag-taping, ang tagal ko nang hindi nagpupuyat. I’m hungry to work and give my best to the audience. It is a challenge for me, but at the same time it will also serve as an inspiration for me to be a better actor. Marami kaming magagawa for this teleserye.”

Gretchen talked about how she had a great time doing Magkaribal last year, that’s why in Alta, she asked the ABS-CBN bosses if she could still work with the same production team. “It’s the same team as with Magkaribal. The creative team, fashion team. Si Direk Nuel Naval pa rin. Ni-request ko talaga na sila pa rin ang makasama ko sa susunod na teleserye ko kasi nung last taping day ng Magkaribal iyak ako nang iyak. ‘Yung cast lang ang hindi ko makakasama uli. But I’m happy to be working with KC (Concepcion) and Angelica (Panganiban).” Also in the cast are Luis Manzano, Zanjoe Marudo, and Sam Milby.

She further shared that in her numerous trips abroad, Filipinos would often fondly call her Victoria. Now with Alta, Gretchen said she is excited about being associated with a new character. Will this new role be worthy of an award? “Bonus na lang sa akin ang award. Tao na ang magbibigay nun. Ang gusto ko lang is mag-rate kami, masaya ang audience and our bosses. Kuntento na ako kapag ganun,” she explained.

Source: www.push.com.ph

Yeng Constantino Collaborates With Pedicab for Coca Cola

What will happen when “jeepney” and “fx” collides? Certainly not a mayhem but good music as we are taling about Yeng Constantino‘s award-winning “Jeepney Love Story” and Pedicab‘s hit single “FX.”

“Jeepney Love Story” has been another massive hit for Pinoy Dream Academy winner Yeng Constantino. Since the release of the song’s music video featuring PBB teen housemate Ivan Dorschner and Ultimate Heartthrob Piolo Pascual, the single catapulted on top of music video and radio charts accross the country. It has also won for Constantino Favorite Song and Favorite Music Video at the 2011 MYX Music Awards 2011.

“FX,” on the other hand, has also been a big hit for the disco rock band “Pedicab.” The group, which is composed of Diego Mapa, Jason Caballa, Raimund Marasigan, Mike Dizon, and RA Rivera, is already a terrific OPM collaboration themselves because they came from the country’s formidable bands.

And yes, the two hit songs that I’ve mentioned will seriously collide as Coca-Cola Music Studio presents another mash-up using “FX” and “Jeepney Love Story” to create a fresh new pinoy sound!

Check out this episode on the official website of the Coca-Cola Music Studio where the fictional group and the rock princess talk about their songs “FX” and “Jeepney Love Story,” respectively. Watch as their happiness is opened by Coke Music, energizing the music industry for all the teens and young adults who rely on the good times brought on by Coke and their favorite bands.

GMA7's Amaya Failed to Beat Rival Program in Primetime Bida Nationwide

The supposed to be "grand premiere" of GMA7's epicserye "Amaya" yesterday, May 30, didn't beat the Primetime Bida as it failed to enter the top 5 programs nationwide having 19.1 percent. Mara Clara entering its final week still leads the primetime competition with a high national TV ratings of 36.9% beating its rival program GMA’7s “Munting Heredera” that rated only 13.9%. 100 Days to Heaven and Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin tied in the second slot with 33.6%, followed by TV Patrol, The Biggest Loser and Mula sa Puso. This proves that Primetime Bida remains unbeatable nationwide.

In the remaining episodes of the mother of all teleseryes, heart-thumping scenes have yet to be unraveled. Mara (Kathryn Bernardo) and Clara’s (Julia Montes) rift thickens. Gary (Jhong Hilario) gets even worse and obsessed with Alvira. Alvira’s (Dimples Romana) confusion intensifies. How will the characters in the series find resolution to their own conflicts?

Meanwhile, the roving “Mara Clara” LCDs will be at the following barangays: June 1-Julogan, Tanza Cavite; June 2- Pleasant Hills, Mandaluyong City; and June 3- Plaza Miranda Quiapo, Manila.

Find out as a historical ending unfolds this week on “Mara Clara,” after ‘Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin,” on ABS-CBN. For more updates, log on to www.abs-cbn.com or follow abscbndotcom on Twitter.

Angeline Quinto and Erik Santos Sing DZMM Jingle for it's 25th Anniversary

Erik Santos and Angeline Quinto now join the prominent list of Filipino artists like Gary Valenciano, Sharon Cuneta, and international singing sensation Charice Pempengco who have sung the Jessie Lasaten-penned jingle of DZMM.

Moreover, they will also star in the DZMM SilveRadyo station ID and perform with two prestigious musical ensembles—the Philippine PhilHarmonic Orchestra and the UP Concert Chorus. The former is considered one of the best orchestras in the whole Asia Pacific region while the latter has brought recognition the country numerous times in its 45-year existence.

Angeline, who was also the voice of ABS-CBN’s summer station ID, was elated to learn about her newest gig.

“I’m really flattered. This is a huge honor for me. I grew up with DZMM so it’s a big thing that I’ll finally get to hear my voice there. I’m even happier because I get to work with Kuya Erik, who I am close with since ‘Star Power,’ where he was co-host,” Angeline shared.

Erik was also very thankful to be part of the project. “DZMM is a big institution. I’m very glad to be part of their 25th anniversary, and in the process I get to be part of their public service as well through singing,” he said.

In its 25 years, DZMM has been known for being first in news and in public service. It is also home to the country’s most revered and trusted broadcast journalists.

Relive the glory of DZMM SilveRadyo on the premiere of the new station ID, shot at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, featuring Erik Santos and Angeline Quinto in the coming flag-raising ceremony of ABS-CBN on Independence Day (June 12).