THANKS: Abante-Tonite for SUNDAY RATINGS (kaya walang average kasi hindi sya galing sa usual source ko)

Kim Sun-Ah Pics (I dunno when these were taken. But no matter, as long as it’s unnie, it’s still lovely, hehe)

Suna attended a wedding on 14/2/07 (Oh, when will it be her turn? And why is she wearing black at a wedding? I guess she’d taken off the coat during the ceremony, but it’s still black underneath. Hmmm… And she looked a little tired in the first pic. Poor unnie.)

And here are two advance promo pic for the Voll Spring 07 catalogue.

Click photos for larger size. Images from soompi.com and daum.net.

Oh, and there is a rumor that goes around the entertainment circle that Hyun Bin is currently dating someone else. The identity of the girl is not yet determined. Sunbin diehards are devastated. Tsk!

Joyce Bernal denies backing out of Piolo-Regine flick

Director Joyce Bernal has denied rumors that she planned to back out of megging the movie of Piolo Pascual and Regine Velasquez.

Bernal, however, admitted that there was a “slight problem” with the project.

Talk has it that Bernal was unhappy at how things were evolving with the production because there have been too many people who wanted to take the lead.

The director, whose last project was comedian Vhong Navarro’s “Agent X-44,” assured that shooting is ongoing. She also dismissed talk that she is planning to sell her car so she can return the downpayment she received from Star Cinema for the movie.

source

Hala! Whuzgoinon? This movie really is freakin’ everyone out. A lot of problems have hampered the production and the stars also. I hope everything will turn out fine. Hang on in there you guys!

Regine Velasquez, sa March pa ulit makakakanta
Tue Feb 20, 2007 1:00 am (Pilipino Star Ngayon)
By: Nitz Miralles

Wala si Regine Velasquez sa SOP kahapon dahil pinagpapahinga ng
doctor after mag-undergo ng isang medical procedure na nagtanggal sa
polyp sa isang parte ng kanyang katawan.

Her fans need not worry dahil malayo ito sa kanyang vocal chords at
makakakanta pa rin siya.

Kailangan nitong magpahinga at ipinagbawal ng doktor ang kumanta at
tumayo nang matagal, kaya ilang linggo siyang absent sa show.

By March, puwede na siyang magtrabaho uli at narinig namin kay Ogie
Alcasid na makakasama niya si Regine sa show niya sa Kuwait sa March
2.

Ibig sabihin, mauuna siyang mapanood ng mga Kuwaiti bago ng Filipino
fans.

Paggaling ni Regine, puwede na silang mag-resume ng shooting ni
Piolo Pascual ng kanilang pelikula na co-produced ng Star Cinema at
Viva Films.

Tama ba ang balita sa aming single mom ang role rito ng singer-
actress at isang call center agent naman ang actor?

Ilang linggo? Waaah, many fans will have a tremendous withdrawal syndrome about this. But I’m sure it’s for the best. For me, if it takes months for Regine to recover, then so be it. She also needs to have a vacation also. Get well, my birdie.

(After weeks of hiatus, the birdie will work with doggie agad! I see eyebrows lifting this early, harharhar)

Lani on why she’s on the other network…..

snip - The singer barely had time to talk intimately with entertainment writers. However, she did get to explain to Inquirer Entertainment why she decided to join ABS-CBN instead of returning to GMA 7, her former home studio.

“ABS-CBN was the preference of Crossover (FM radio station, the concert promoter) and Universal,” she said. “ABS CBN has a wider reach. I won’t deny that it influenced my decision.”

She clarified that she had earlier informed GMA 7 executives about her move. But she said the information was apparently not transmitted to her former fellow singers on “SOP,” the network’s Sunday noontime variety show. “I did talk to Regine (Velasquez) today, but I still have to talk to the others, like Jaya, Ogie and Janno.”

Earlier, Velasquez told the Inquirer that she was saddened by Lani’s decision.
source

For making Regine sad, Lani, you lost a fan. (As if, hahaha)

Anyway, I’m sure Lani made the decision to cross over for her career. This kind of decision really takes a lot of thinking and sometimes it’s hard to utter what has been reached in front of “former” colleagues and friends. I just hope Lani’s decision is the right one.

Regine is Brian McKnight’s fave!

snip - The most familiar with the Filipino audience was R&B singer and songwriter Brian McKnight. Aside from his shows in the Philippines, McKnight has also done collaborations with the best Filipino singers like Martin Nievera, Regine Velasquez and Gary Valenciano.

“I love the Philippines. I love coming there. It’s one of my favorite places to play because the Filipino people are so passionate about love songs and I sing love songs so it’s great to come there,” McKnight said, his pleasure evident.

“We’re working on a tour now. We’re going to Europe and Australia in March. We’re doing the States ‘til July. I think in the fall. Maybe with Regine (Velasquez) or Martin (Nievera). I know that Martin’s going to be in Vegas for a year…Gary V. I’m definitely coming back to the Araneta (Coliseum).”

When asked who his favorite Filipino artist is, McKnight answers without skipping a beat. “My favorite’s Regine. Regine must be one of the greatest singers that I’ve heard anywhere. She can hold her own next to anyone. I doubt that anybody would want to come behind her after she sings.” - snip

source

Of course! He was blown away by Regine’s talent, let alone charm, hehehe. I hope he gets to communicate with birdie. That would be freakin’ great.

snip-Asia’s Song Bird Regine Velasquez and singer-comedian Ogie Alcasid have signified their intentions to do a benefit concert to help Gomez raise funds for his campaign.

source

So, birdie and doggie are gonna support Richard with his senatorial campaign. Seems this is the first time that Regine is gonna lend a hand for a (would be) politician. Or am I wrong? I’m not so sure. Maybe if she’s done that before, I was not aware of her tremendous stardom then (maybe I was being girlish and shouts only for boybands).

Anyway, how come the two are gonna collaborate? For Indi? Hmmmm…. I guess it’s a good opportunity. Will they drag Dennis along, I wonder?

I also wonder if Regine exercises her rights in the election. There was a buzz before that she has never even voted anyone. That’s freakin’ disappointing. Maybe she doesn’t want to create an uproar once she steps on the building where the voting is held. You know naman in the Philippines. Once a celebrity is in sight, people will lose their concentration and see what the freakin’ heck is going on.

FEBRUARY 18 2007 SUNDAY

SOP 16% vs. ASAP 17.4% at Your Song 13.6%;
Magic Kamison 12.9% vs. LoveSpell 13.7%;
S-Files 10.2% vs. The Buzz 16.2%;
Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang 15.5% vs. TV Patrol 20.6%;
Starstruck 19.5% vs. Goin’ Bulilit 21%;
Mel and Joey 21.4% vs. Rated ‘K’ 24.5%;
All Star ‘K’ 21% vs. Sharon 12.7%;
Daddy Di Do Du 18.4% vs. Sunday’s Best 8.1%.
SNBO 12.0

13.2 GMA
12.5 ebs
02.0 qtv

FEBRUARY 17 2007 SATURDAY

Takeshi’s Castle 13.2% vs. Game Ka Na Ba 14.4%;
Eat Bulaga 23.4% vs. Wowowee 23.3%;
Startalk 12.1% vs. Nagmamahal Kapamilya 16.3%, Let’s Go 9.9% at Star Magic Presents 11.2%;
Wish Ko Lang 16.2% vs. Little Big Superstar 11%;
Bitoy’s Funniest Video 22.4% vs. TV Patrol Sabado 14.3%;
Pinoy Pop Superstar 24.5% vs. Komiks 21.6%;
Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho 29.5% vs John En Shirley 20.4%; Imbestigador 34.2% vs. XXX 22.1%;
Hokus Pokus 22.1% vs. Aalog-alog 14.9% and Pinoy 9.5
Sine totoo 17.1 vs sports unlimited 4.7
Flash report 13.0 Mr World 4.6

17.7 GMA
13.3 ebs
01.8 qtv

click the prettypic to enlarge.

Article posted February 14, 2007

It’s a rare event to catch this musical duo together outside of SOP due to their impossibly hectic schedules. From regular TV shows to occasional gigs, with bits of projects in between, Regine Velasquez and Ogie Alcasid are definitely two of the busiest artists in the industry. And for quite some time already, among the most-talked about twosomes.

Our team caught up with them after SOP for a rain check on their latest duet, their recently launched recording company, and their controversial off-screen lives. Text by Jillian Q. Gatcheco. Photos by Michelle S. Mauricio.

Regine and Ogie are the voices behind the title track of this year’s date movie, The Promise, which stars the six-time love team of Angel Locsin and Richard Gutierrez. They bring a personal touch to the song originally performed by Melissa Manchester in 1979 for the soundtrack of a similarly titled movie.

“I’ve always loved the song. I saw the movie The Promise (1979), and even though it’s not a sad song, parang it has this melancholic quality, parang nakakadala, nakaka-touch,” says Regine.

“Ako naman, kasi bago ako naging (professional) singer, lagi na akong kumakanta sa mga simbahan, sa mga weddings, (at) ito lagi ‘yung pinapakanta sa akin. Kung baga “The Promise” is parang staple na ng weddings,” shares Ogie.

Regine describes the song as “simple,” but she says that the arrangement can get quite complicated, so they needed to be at par with it.

For instance, one of the challenges is to make the song their own, since it’s been sung by so many people already. “The challenge is for it to sound new, but not to over kill the song, ‘cause it’s the type of song that you don’t over-exaggerate,” says Ogie.

The song may be a bit challenging for the two, but they’re pretty sure about its impact on anyone who hears it: “I’m sure they’ll fall in love – song pa lang! When you watch the movie and you hear the song, I’m sure you’ll fall in love!” says Regine.

“I’m sure I will! I mean, they will!” Ogie agrees without skipping a beat.

Unspoken promises

Their easy rapport and affectionate banter reminded us of how they have been on the hot seat for the longest time on rumors of a romantic relationship off camera. While both have been consistent in keeping mum on this issue, we nevertheless asked them a question, which, when answered well, could provide outbursts of kilig vibes!

“What’s your promise to each other?” we asked.

After an exchange of incomprehensible whispers, Regine finally says with a laugh, “Hindi ko kaya!”

“Saka na lang,” begs off Ogie, who opted to say, “I’m just so happy that we have a new duet together, and it’s part of a very big film, of course, starring Richard and Angel.”

With such answers, it seems they have truly mastered the art of evading questions on their relationship. Still, anyone could read between the lines, and fans could only wait for the day when the truth about this musical duo is revealed.

Doing business together

But whatever the real deal is, Ogie and Regine admit that they like working together. Proof of this is their recent business venture – a recording company called IndiMusic.

Regine notes that IndiMusic’s thrust is to help out young artists, particularly newcomers, enter the music industry. The firm’s first released album was the original soundtrack of Till I Met You (2006), which paired Regine and Robin Padilla on the big screen.

The two are excited for their second project, which is due to be launched this month — Dennis Trillo’s debut album!

“We just finished Dennis’ album,” says Regine proudly. Another IndiMusic-produced album soon to be released is that of Mum’s Cake (an alternative rock band that Ogie discovered).

Ogie and Regine obviously have a rapport like no other, as they often finish each other’s sentences and are privy to inside jokes. So what exactly is their secret to such an obviously strong friendship?

“He’s a good friend. He listens, and as a performer, hindi siya mahilig sumapaw; he makes you shine, so ‘yun. Tapos (as a) co-worker, dun sa company namin, siya naman ‘yung boss eh! But like I said, hindi siya ‘yung type ng tao na hindi nakikinig. Parati niyang hinihingi ‘yung opinyon ko sa lahat ng bagay. So what’s what I like about him,” Regine says thoughtfully.

For Ogie, Regine is “a delight to work with.” He continues, “It’s funny if you say she’s very talented, because everybody knows that, but I feel that now that we’re working in a recording company, there are other things that…she’s really putting into good use. Now, she’s producing albums. People don’t really know what producing entails, and it’s a lot of hard work, a lot of artistic ‘churva.’ And Regine is really good at what she does.”

Regine explains further, “Ako, artistic lang talaga. I like producing albums, I like developing new talents. Siya (Ogie), sa business side naman. Magaling siya doon. Siya, bata pa lang, entrepreneur na!”

Despite being veterans in the music industry, Ogie and Regine remain humble in their growing business venture. “Well, we’re a novice in the recording business, so what we have with us right now is just all heart.”

Adds Regine, “We’re starting. It’s our baby now…”

“…Wherever it takes us, it’s gonna be an exciting journey,” finishes off Ogie.

As these two talented individuals embark on that journey, count on friends and fans to cheer them on.

Ayan, she said it again, for the nth time, “he’s a good friend”.

Si uge lang talaga may malisya. Hmp!

After Kim Samsoon, I thought I wouldn’t go gaga over a drama again. But here I am, still drooling and reminiscing.

It’s not that LOVERS is an exceptional drama like Kim Samsoon, it’s just that the lead male actor won me over with just his piercing eyes. Oooohhh. And those oh so lovely smile and oh so sexy lips. Aaahhhh. And that bewitching dimples. Mmmmmmm. And those hard, hard muscles. Haaaayyy. What can I say? I’m soooo smitten. *smooch smooch*

And who am I talking about? It’s my “new” man, Lee Seo Jin. Now I can finally call someone oppa, hahaha.

And I already noticed him in Phoenix, but I thought then he wasn’t that much of a looker. I was soooo wrong. And now, I’m searching the net for Phoenix downloads. Darn! And he was also in Damo! Both dramas were shown in QTV. Haaay. (bonkself) Why, oh, why did I let those dramas pass me by?

Anyway, it’s a good thing I got to chat with a friend of mine recently who is a Kim Jung Eun lover. She told me that KJE has a new drama and that I should check it out. She also gave me a very intriguing pointer why I should watch it. She said the male lead is currently being rumored to be dating KJE. Now that made me decide to watch it. Why? Because KJE is my Sun-ah unnie’s bestfriend and I really want to know what’s happening to the both of them, lovelife and all, teehee.

So I clicked the link she provided, and voila! I got hooked!

But in my heart, “My Name is Kim Samsoon” is still the best!

Here are some information about the drama, “Lovers” (pics and info from soompi.com, synopsis by me)

★LOVERS 연인★
(Nov 8, 2006 - Jan 11, 2007)

Episodes: 20
Official Website: http://tv.sbs.co.kr/lovers2006
PD: Shin Woo Chul (신우철)
Writer: Kim Eun Sook (김은숙)
*Both collaborated on “Lovers in Paris” and “Lovers in Prague”*

CAST:
Lee Seo Jin as “Ha Kang Jae”
Kim Jung Eun as “Yoon Mi Joo”
Jung Chan as “Kang Sae Yeon”
Kim Kyu Ri as “Park Yu Jin”

A drama about the love of a tough mob leader and a cheerful plastic surgeon. He’s serious and rough, she’s sweet and carefree. He’s an orphan that grew wild in the streets, she’s a reverend’s dutiful daughter. She’s unattached, he’s going to father a baby. How in the world can they fulfill the love that pulls them strongly to each other when the people that matters most to them are against it? Should they defy reason and go for their feelings, or should they stop yearning for each other and end the relationship that has not even began?

-*-*-*-*-

Naks, naloka naman ako sa synopsis, nyahahaha. And wouldn’t you be intrigued with that kind of plot? I was so I quenched my curiosity, and I did not regret it. And there’s a big plus from watching it. Oppaaaa!!!

Great acting from the cast. KJE and LSJ has this chemistry that makes the viewer really root for them. Jung Chan is definitely an exceptional actor. His eyes are so fierce and yet so gentle. And his tears come flowing right on timing. I also particularly liked the support characters. Watch out for cutie Lee Han (Tae San - assistant to Kang Jae) and Choi Ha Na (Hong Soon Jung - Mi Joo’s subordinate/friend). They somehow provide the ice breaker in the story.

I learned from someone that the rights to air Lovers here in the Philippines has already been bought by ABS CBN. Hmmm, when it comes to Kim Jung Eun, they really try to grab it before anybody else. Well, lets see how it fares here. Surely, I’m going to have fierce competition once the Pinays out there find how eye candy and yummylicious my oppa is.

And one LSJ fan said that oppa comes from a very rich family. Hmmm. Lovely.

Anyway, here’s the link for the drama. It’s streaming (like Youtube but with better quality, the screen is larger), with three versions (raw-Korean, Chinese subbed and English subbed), and some enjoyable clips for background (NG’s, interviews, behind the scenes).

–>>Thanks to Shulien for sharing.<<--

Guys, enjoy! And don’t drool too much on my oppa! Hmp!

It was such a sad event. Jung Da-Bin was really loved by her colleagues that’s why the funeral service was flocked with her friends and admirers.

Who would think everything will end that way?

But there are new developments regarding the investigation. The police said that suicide may not be the cause of death. They are still searching for clues to attest that it maybe murder. I just hope that they’d be successful in finding the truth.

Here are pics from Da-Bin’s wake.

Da-Bin’s Mom and Younger Brother

Flowers from mbc, Kim Rae Won and others

Bong Tae Gyu (Xavier, Noreen’s Bro)

Yoon Kye Sang (lead actor of My 19 Year Old Sister In Law)

Song Seung Hun (Da-Bin’s partner in the movie “He Was Cool”)

Kim Rae Won (Kevin of Attic Cat)

Kim Ja Ok (Noreen’s Mom in Attic Cat)

Woo Hee Jin (Dianne of Irene)

Jo In Sung

Lee Hyun Woo (Dominic of Attic Cat)

Kim So Yun (Erika of All About Eve)

Jang Nara (Bright Girl and My Love Cindy)

There are a lot more actors and actresses in the funeral but most of them are not familiar with us Pilipinos.

Jung Da-Bin, may you rest in peace.

This news is so sudden. I’m sure everyone who knows and loves her are asking why she did it.

It’s really frustrating to learn about news of hopelessness. And it seems that they think their problem/s is/are tantamount compared to others. Like other’s concern are too simple unlike their own. That’s why they just give up. It’s unbelievable.

And it makes me feel angry. I mean, I don’t want to condemn the dead, (may they rest in peace) but why did they not fight? Why did they have to keep their problems to themselves? Why didn’t they ask for somebody’s advice or help? And why didn’t they think of the feelings of the people who loves them and care for them?

Well, I know I don’t have the right to scold their decisions because I don’t know their reasons or I don’t know how or what they were feeling. But isn’t it done in the past? And running away from problems does not exactly solve it?

That’s why we study history. To learn what happened before and learn from their mistakes and not do it again. But it seems the importance of learning history is being looked over.

I remember being shocked when I read in the news that my favorite HK actor committed suicide. He was so popular and girls swooned every time they saw him smile. But he got depressed. And he jumped off his building. His name was Leslie Cheung.

Depression. How do we get over it? Most people that are experiencing too much depression are those that keep all their frustrations and anger to themselves. It’s all in the mind. And we all know that the mind is such a complex region of humanity that is so vast to even understand completely.

Handling problems on our own is not the best solution. Though we are responsible for the consequences that arose from what we’ve done, it’s still better to consult those who are more knowledgeable than ourselves. I’m not being a busybody here or a bitchy know-it-all, but sharing the burden eases the pain, doesn’t it?

And Jung Da-bin was so pretty. Sayang!

Here are the links for the news articles re: Jung Da-Bin’s suicide:
yonhapnews, hani, hindu, inquirer

Thanks: Abante-Tonite Feb 06 2007 edition RAIN JABRIYA for THURSDAY ratings

Smart launches OFW brand in Qatar
Web posted at: 2/8/2007 1:58:30
Source ::: The Peninsula

Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Qatar are in for a pleasant surprise. They will experience a bit of home when Smart Communications Inc (Smart) introduces Smart Pinoy Goes to the Middle East-Qatar Leg tomorrow via a free concert at the Qatar Sports Club.

“The Smart Pinoy Qatar event is our way of bringing the Philippines to our fellow “Pinoys” outside the country, via a free OPM concert and a lot of other fun-filled activities. We recognise the sacrifices that they make by working abroad and we salute them for their contributions to the Philippine economy. Through this concert, we wish to thank them and we hope to make them feel as if they are back in their home country, even for just a few hours,” said Jane J Basas, Smart Senior Manager for International Services.

The Smart Pinoy celebration includes an evening of OPM music with Filipino artistes led by host Arnel Ignacio with guests and celebrity endorsers Regine Velasquez, Vhong Navarro and Rufa Mae Quinto. Arnel will be hosting fun segments like a videoke challenge and exciting games and raffle. To be given away are cash prizes, cellphones, and household appliances.

Smart Pinoy covers a range of Smart products and services that cater to the needs of OFWs and their families like IDD, international text and MMS, International Roaming, Smart Padala and Smart Load.