Ruffa Gutierrez Launches Her Website

One of the splash pages in iloveruffag.com

She just tweeted, “I’m LIVEEE!! Check me out at http://t.co/5pwH2lq8“. Her biography page starts with “Sharmaine Ruffa Gutierrez, more popularly known as Ruffa Gutierrez…” but quips something that’s bound to raise eyebrows, “Considered showbiz royalty in the Philippines…” and ends it with “To date, Ruffa remains to be one of the most in demand celebrities in the Philippines and one of its most celebrated faces.” Wow!

But you gotta love the photos!

Website link: http://iloveruffag.com/

Photo from iloveruffag.com

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Lea Salonga to Judge 2011 Miss Universe in Brazil

Lea Salonga has been chosen to be a judge in the live telecast of the 2011 Miss Universe beauty pageant to be held in Sao Paolo, Brazil

The Philippines’ very own Lea Salonga, globally acclaimed for her role in the musical Miss Saigon of which she a Tony and numerous other awards, has been asked by no other than Donald Trump to be one of the judges in the upcoming Miss Universe beauty pageant. The other judges include Connie Chung, Helios Castroneves, Vivica Fox, Isabeli Fontana, Amelia Vega, and Adrienne Maloof.

The 60th Miss Universe Pageant will be broadcast live from Credicard Hall in São Paulo on September 12, 2011 (the morning of September 13, 2011, in the Philippines). The Miss Universe Organization is a joint venture between tycoon Donald Trump and NBC Universal. Online voting began last August 19 and will end on September 11 at www.missuniverse.com.

Representing the Philippines is Shamcey Supsup

The Philippines’ candidate in the pageant is Shamcey Supsup, a University of the Philippines (UP) magna cum laude architecture graduate, who hails from General Santos City in Mindanao. She topped the architecture licensure examinations in the Philippines last year and was recently given special recognition by the UP Alumni Association.

Sources: Yahoo! News | Lea Salonga Office Website | Miss Universe Official Website

Photo items from LeaSalonga.com and MissUniverse.com

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Have You Seen the Belo Billboard Ad of Angelicopter?

Instead of writing about it, I’ll let her pictures paint a gazillion words! But, two words: uberly awesome!

Photo ad from Belo

Here’s a look-and-see of the billboard ad along EDSA (is that Guadalupe?)

Photo by Juice.ph

Let’s capture Angelicopter from her personal photos.

Photos above came from her Facebook Page.

Okay, best I describe her. She’s Angelika Schmeing-Cruz (yeah, that’s a hyphenated married surname – too bad) using the radio deejay call sign Angelicopter at Magic 89.9 FM. You can listen to her during Mondays through Thursdays starting at 6:00am Manila time.

She definitely beats the Lovi Poe Bench Billboard at EDSA that was Head-turning and Eye-straining

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Philippines Premier Fashion Photographer Raymund Isaac Now a Blogger

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Raymund Isaac, the Philippines’ foremost photography of the stars and celebrities, today informally announced through Facebook that he will post his first blog in his new blog site, http://raymundisaacblog.tumblr.com/. As he described himself as a “People Photographer” his artistic touch transcends decades of work. He was particularly involved in many nudes before, his inclination to being “playful and sensuous” but his art has evolved through the years, and art, form and photography encompass what is Raymund Isaac today, beyond just tagged as a “Premier Fashion Photographer.”

Raymund was a Lasallian from primary school all the way to college where he took up film and television at the De La Salle University. In the many apprenticeship years and experience with luminaries in film and television, he has been cited and awarded numerous times, and have worked with prestiguous locally and internationally known people.

Watch out for his first blog on Monday!

Image of Raymund Issac’s Blog Site

Addendum: Raymund shoots Paris Hilton! Maybe he’ll post some photos, too.

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Paris Hilton to Visit Philippines Soon

Photo from ParisHilton.com

Paris Hilton will soon be visiting Manila and is looking forward to seeing her fans out there! Check back on her website for more updates and an official announcement on August 17th!

The Paris Hilton Brand already has three existing stores in the Philippines: Robinson Place, Newport City Mall and Abreeza Mall in Davao City. These stores offer her Handbags & Accessories line, including fragrances and watches.

Last week, her website announced a brand new Paris Hilton store that opened it’s doors for the first time this week in SM MegaMall. This will be the 4th store to open in the Philippines.

Source: ParisHilton.com

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Azkals are New Collezione-C2 New Brand Ambassadors

Photo by mykiru at Flickr.com

 

Collezione-C2 kicks off new era of fashionalism with brand ambassadors James and Phil Younghusband. Part of the Philippine national football team (fondly called ‘Azkals’), the England-born English-Filipino James and Phil are striking embodiments of Filipino passion well-lived out—something that Collezione-C2 champions.

“When the partnership with Collezione-C2 was suggested, we both had no qualms about representing the brand because we have something in common—a love for originality, creativity, Pinoy pride and living out one’s passion,” James relates. To this, Phil adds: “Like Collezione-C2, we also believe in Filipino artistry and the art of forward-thinking. These are things we both believe are relevant in this day and age for our country to stand out and make its mark in different areas of expertise.”

Read more at Smart Parenting

Manny Pacquiao has small role in new Nike TV ad

Image by cspec at Flickr.com

If you watch the entire Nike “Say Boom” advertisement, you’ll see the boxing fight in the television set features the Philippines international boxing champ Manny Pacquiao in a live boxing fight.

Source: Digital Journal

Tweety de Leon-Gonzalez on Urban Mom Mini-magazine

After all these years, marriage and kids, Philippine celebrity Tweety de Leon-Gonzalez is still as vibrant as she was during her modeling days. She was already talked about during her college days, much more when she hit the modeling world and media waves. I first met Tweety during my Avon days when she was the official endorser of Avon Color, together with her colleague Patty Betita. She went on to marry my high school classmate – small world in an already small world.

I got the Urban Mom small magazine (what do you call this kind of publication anyway?) free from the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf cafe at Burgos Circle in The Fort. It’s still out there so grab a copy now.

Way to go, Tweety!

Website: Urban Mom

Duke of York Entertaining a Filipina Beauty

Vanity Fair (VF) reports Prince Andrew, Duke of York, is entertaining 25-year-old Alexandra Escat for some time now. Escat caught the eye of the world’s paparazzi when she was seen ‘getting oozy’ with Prince Andrew on a yatch.

Alexandra Escat is reportedly described as ‘an ambitious model type who hails from the Philippines, where she appeared in commercials for the Filipino hair conditioner Creamsilk.’

So far, Escat hasn’t breathed a word about her relationship with Andrew, according to VF.

Source: Vanity Fair

Willie Revillame Becomes a ‘Kapatid’ with Manny Pangilinan

Photo by iamaflip at Flickr.com

Former Wowowee host Willie Revillame, suspended indefinitely by ABS-CBN, has formally been inducted into “Kapatid” TV5, the network that Manny Pangilinan (or MVP as he’s usually referred to) recently bought. Kapatid is the tag line that TV5 uses to ride along the monikers of ABS-CBN’S “Kapamilya” and GMA-7′S “Kapuso”.

TV5 is coming up with a revival of Wowowee called “Willing Willie,” which also includes a talent search portion. MVP mentions looking forward to working with Willie Revillame’s team and his new manager and business partner Vic del Rosario, owner of Viva Films. This all depends on the outcome of the legal battle between Willie Revillame and ABS-CBN on the former’s contract with latter despite being suspended.

Source: Manila Standard Today

Willie Revillame Killed Wowowee

Photo by Robert Pestañas' at Flickr.com

A new show, Pilipinas for the Win, will be taking over Wowowee’s time slot starting Saturday, July 31, 2010, which will be hosted by Robin Padilla, Mariel Rodriguez, Valerie Concepcion, Pokwang and Kris Aquino. The show is a game and variety show.

Wowowee’s ratings have been dipping down since the departure of Willie Revillame, with reports that advertisers have also been pulling out of the show with Willie’s absence.

What do you think this will do to TFC?

Read more at Philippine Star

Broadway Star Lea Salonga Teams Up with George Takei of Star Trek in a New American Musical

I was doing my thing in Facebook when I noticed this ad on the right that featured a somewhat blurred picture of Lea Salonga.

In my curiosity, I clicked on the ad and landed in a Facebook Fan Page called “Allegiance – A New Musical.” However, clicking on the “Info” tab displayed something weird – “Founded August 2008.” Is this a muscial that’s played a few years ago yet somehow nobody knew about it? Funny, for Lea Salonga to star in it, it couldn’t be an unknown event.

So, I clicked on the website http://www.allegiancemusical.com/ and landed at finally what it was all about.

George Takei? The Star Trek guy? Oh, wow! For someone who loves both the arts and Star Trek, it’s a perfect combination for a musical. Though I should say, it must be a really big musical production in the works as the slated run date starts in 2012 – two years from now!

Lea, now this is intriguingly exciting!

Kris Aquino Ad on Facebook – Really?

There’s a Facebook Ad you’ll sometimes see that says “Kris Aquino Online,” the daughter of the former Philippine President and late Cory Aquino; Kris also happens to be the current Presidential candidate Noynoy Aquino.

When you click on the ad, it brings you to http://krisaquinoinfo.blogspot.com/ which is titled “Kris Aquino And ABS-CBN Talents Online” with a tag line at the bottom “The Online Showbiz Chika About Kris Aquino.” However, the very first thing you see is a poll question, “Suma Sang-ayon ka ba na Gawing Bayani ng Democrasya Si Tita Cory” with Yes, No or No Comment selection of answers.

Mighty generous of the Kris fan to do this, eh? Or is it a fan? In this time of day nearing the national and presidential elections in the Philippines, one wonders what any of these mean.

Stephanie Reese concert – live in her hometown of Seattle, WA

Photo from PR-Inside.com

The concert title reads, “Stephanie Reese – Live in Concert! From Carnegie Hall to Benaroya Hall!” This will be held on Friday, June 4, 2010, 7:30pm at the Benaroya Hall in 200 University Street, Seattle WA. John Florencio, all the way from Paris, will be Stephanie’s pianist. Bobby Mccullough will be on bass and Sonny Rattcliff on Drums. These are the guys from NYC – the whole Carnegie Hall band!

Tickets are on sale at $35. You can purchase them online at www.seattlesymphony.org, or call (206) 215-4747.

Stephanie Reese is an international singer, actress and philanthropist. Her diverse ethnic background of Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, Irish, English and Welsh have blessed her with an eclectic versatility that is reflected in her style, her music, the roles she has played, the tremendous range of her voice and the wide variety of songs she enjoys performing.

She performed as Kim in the German production of Miss Saigon, Esmeralda in the Disney World Premier of the Hunchback of Notre Dame and the Princess Tuptim in the King and I at the Palladium Theater in London’s West End. She then returned to the United States and wrote, directed and starred in her autobiographical one-woman show entitled “The Journey” and received rave reviews in Seattle, San Jose, Los Angeles and at the Herbst Theater in San Francisco. Stephanie also wrote and directed a musical Christmas show, “The Gifts” that featured her and children of different ages and backgrounds. It has now been produced in three cities including Seattle, Virginia Beach and in Los Angeles for the Make a Wish Foundation. These solo endeavors launched Stephanie’s solo career and with her original music, versatile sound and fusion of opera, pop and theatrical music she created a new genre and style that has brought her global recognition. She has now performed solo concerts around the world including Russia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, China, the U.S. and Canada to her very loyal and diverse fan base.

She has worked with Lionel Richie, Patti Labelle, Natalie Cole and Martin Nivera and has been featured in Asia Dragon magazine, People Asia Magazine, the cover of Filipinas Magazine, Asian Journal, TFC, Philippine News and the Hilton KL magazine. Recently Stephanie made her Carnegie Hall solo concert debut and became the first Filipina American to sing a solo concert at the famed venue to three standing ovations and is very excited to bring this special concert to her home town of Seattle, Washington on June 4th at Benaroya Hall.

Filipino-American Two-time Grammy Nominee Named Poet Name Life

Photo from instrumentalagency at Flickr.com

Seriously – that’s his name. He is currently the official DJ for the Black Eyed Peas and has two Grammy nominations as producer, songwriter and remixer. He also holds the number one dance album on iTunes, Total Club Hits 4. Born Jaime Lim Munson in Echo Park, LA, California, he comes from a large Filipino family with ten brothers and sisters.

In 1995, The Black Eyed Peas was formed in Los Angeles. Poet preferred to stay in the background as their songwriter, producer and DJ. Since their third album Elephunk in 2003, the group’s hip hop/dance-oriented style has sold an estimated 35 million albums worldwide and 41 million singles. Poet has been the official DJ of the Black Eyed Peas and has been going with the group in their tours. Poet revealed that the “in thing” now in the music industry is working as a DJ.

Read more at Asian Journal.

U.S.Actress Brittany Murphy Dies at 32

U.S. actress Brittany Murphy, who co-starred in such films as “Clueless” and “Girl, Interrupted” but saw her career wane in recent years, died in Los Angeles on Sunday after suffering cardiac arrest in her bathroom, officials said. She was 32.

Source: Reuters

Who Sang the Philippine National Anthem at the Pacquiao-Cotto Fight?

The audition was participated by both ABS-CBN and GMA stars. And it is the La Diva group that was chosen to sing Lupang Hinirang in Pacquiao vs Cotto fight. La Diva group is composed of Jonalyn Viray, Aicelle Santos and Maricris Garcia who were all “Pinoy Pop Superstar” champions.

Source: Victorina.

German Moreno – The Ultimate Philippine Entertainment Star Builder

For almost 50 years, this man has been a staple character on our television screens. If it weren’t for him, we would not have the likes of Lea Salonga, Ruffa Gutierrez, Judy Ann Santos, Billy Crawford and Sharon Cuneta in the showbiz industry today. He is the ultimate star builder, an industry legend, and the one and only Master Showman: German Moreno.

Read more at Philippine Entertainment Portal

The Classic Palmolive TV Ad That Created Alice Dixon

I just couldn’t help but post this YouTube video. For the 80′s people, this not only created the career of Alice Dixon but generated that shoulder-circling, kikay-like, “I can feel it!” craze!

Lea Salong Concert Shows in North America and Hawaii

Lea's 20 city concert is a blast!

Lea Salonga will be doing a series of concerts in the continental United States, Canada and Hawaii between September 18 through November 14 this year. Wow! That’s a total of twenty shows. The broadway diva, whose fame to glory came from her starring role in “Miss Saigon,” eventually won her an international award. Lea also started a website called “Lea Salonga – Your Songs” which she asked the general public to drop her a note and let her know what songs they’d like to hear, both for this concert series and one more in December to be held in the Philippines.

Catch her at a concert place nearest you!

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Below is Lea’s schedule sourced out from her Facebook Invitation:

9/18/09 – 8 PM
River Rock Show Theatre,
Richmond BC Canada
Click for Tickets

9/20/09 – 7 PM
Snoqualmie Casino Ballroom
Snoqualmie, WA
Click for Tickets

9/25/09 – 7:30 PM
Horseshoe Casino
Elizabeth, IN
Click for Tickets

9/25/09 – 9 PM
The Venue Horseshoe Casino
Hammond, IN
Click for Tickets

9/26/09 – 9 PM
The Venue Horseshoe Casino
Hammond, IN
Click for Tickets

9/28/09 – 8:30 PM
McPhillips Street Station Casino
Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada
Click for Tickets

9/29/09 – 6 PM
McPhillips Street Station Casino
Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada
(Available only with 15,500 player points only at Casino Ticketmaster. The Club Card Member Gala of the Year, including reception, four course dinner, and concert.)
Click for Tickets

9/29/09 – 8:30 PM
McPhillips Street Station Casino
Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada
Click for Tickets

10/2/09 – 8 PM
Pechanga Theater, Pechanga Resort & Casino
Temecula, CA
Click for Tickets

10/9/09 – 8 PM
Tarrytown Music Hall
Tarrytown, NY
Click for Tickets

10/10/09 – 8 PM
Mainstage Theatre, University At Buffalo Center for the Arts
Buffalo, NY
Click for Tickets

10/16/09 – 9 PM
Club 88, Cache Creek Indian Casino
Brooks, CA
Click for Tickets

10/17/09 – 8 PM
Club 88, Cache Creek Indian Casino
Brooks, CA
Click for Tickets

10/18/09 – 7 PM
Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts
Cerritos, CA (Benefit)
Click for Tickets
(VIP ticket includes private reception and dinner)

10/20/09 – 7:30 PM
Craterian Ginger Rogers Theater
Medford, OR
Click for Tickets

10/31/09 – 8 PM
Eisemann Center
Richardson, TX
Click for Tickets

11/2/09 – 7 PM
Morongo Casino Resort & Spa
Cabazon, CA
Click for Tickets

11/6/09 – 8 PM
Arena Theatre
Houston, TX
Click for Tickets

11/7/09 – 8 PM
Paramount Theatre
Austin, TX
Click for Tickets

11/10/09 – 8 PM
The Concert Hall, Neil S. Blaisdell Center
Honolulu, HI
Ticket sale coming soon.

11/14/09 – 8 PM
Harold K.L. Castle Theater at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center
Kahului, HI
Ticket sale coming soon.

PUBLICO Set to Release Independent Debut Album

Gawad Kalinga Show at Carnegie Features Stephanie Reese

Stephanie Reese is an enigmatic singer – the power of her voice speaks for her as a great entertainer. A Filipino-American born and raised in Washington, Stephanie’s musical background isn’t just grassroots. She’s performed as Kim in the German production of Miss Saigon, as Esmeralda in the Disney World premier of the Hunchback of Notre Dame and Princess Tuptim in the Palladium Theatre’s production of The King and I in London’s West End.

See Stephanie embark on a solo concert at famed Carnegie Hall in New York on November 7, 2009, at 7:30 PM.  This show is for the benefit of Gawad Kalinga. Tickets range from $75 to $135 and they start going on sale on September 8. Accordingly, the first 100 buyers of the show will get a free autographed poster.

Source: Facebook Group.

APO Concerts in Texas and California

Houston TX – Saturday, October 17, 2009 7:30 PM – Stafford Civic Center
VIP Tickets at $125 includes Dinner – Other tickets at $66, $45

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Dallas, TX – Sunday, October 18, 2009 5:00 PM – Granville Arts Center
VIP Tickets at $120 includes “Meet and Greet” with the APO – Other tickets at $90, $75, $55

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Hayward, CA – Friday, October 23, 2009 — Doors open7:00 PM, Show starts 9:00 PM
Chabot College Performance Arts Center
Limited VIP Tickets at $100 – Other tickets at $65, $45

“Us Girls” August Awards on August 20 at Eastwood

Studio 23’s magazine show, Us Girls, will be having their ” Us Girls ” August Awards this coming Thursday, August 20 to be held at the the New Eastwood Mall in Libis, Quezon City. Categories like Face of the Year, Most Fashionable, Make-up Artist of the Year and Stylist of the Year will be their base to determine this year’s winners. Watch out as hosts Iya Villania, Megan Young and Angel Aquino recognize the best in Philippine fashion this year.

Source: Grabeh.com

Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) Social Networking Site

MabuhayCity.com is a social networking and forum community for the Overseas Filipino Workers or OFW. This site is owned and operated by Philippine actress and celebrity, Klaudia Koronel (really!) From Middle East, Asia Pacific, North America, Europe and Africa, members share experience about visa and immigration, working and living abroad, job opportunities, nursing education, investment and entrepreneurship, pictures, music and videos, etc. You can even hook up with Facebook and Twitter inside this community.

Click here to go to MabuhayCity.com.