Jennylyn Mercado

Jennylyn Vergara Mercado (born May 15, 1987) is a Filipino actress, singer and songwriter. She gained fame as the winner of the first season of the Philippine TV series StarStruck, a reality search show on GMA Network. She has released three albums from GMA Recordsand Viva Records which have several popular singles such as "Sa Aking Panaginip," "Moments Of Love" collaboration with Janno Gibbs, "Maybe This Time" and Kahit Sandali."

Career

Mercado started as a recording artist with Alpha Records in 1999 through the recommendation of her voice coach, Susanna Pichay. She was in Nonoy Tan's singing group, G4. Unfortunately the group never released an album because two of the four members dropped out. However, the group was able to record two songs. After G4, Mercado went into commercial modeling and landed a stint with Bambini cologne and a Pond's television advertisement. She was also part of the Elite Circle of 10 Modeling Search where she competed with StarStruck co-finalist, Dion Ignacio.

In 2003, Mercado joined the reality show StarStruck She and Mark Herras won, receiving 1,000,000 pesos plus exclusive contracts from GMA Network. After winning StarStruck, she starred in the Encantadia, I Luv NY, Now and Forever titled Dangal, Super Twins, Sine Novela: Paano Ba Ang Mangarap?, SRO Cinemaserye: Suspetsa, Ikaw Sana and Sine Novela:Gumapang Ka Sa Lusak.

She released her first album, Living the Dream, containing original compositions of composer Vehnee Saturno, and a carrier single titled "Kahit Sandali". In May 2006, Mercado released her second album Letting Go which included the single "Sa Aking Panaginip" by Vehnee Saturno. Her first major concert was held on May 15, 2006 at the Music Museum in Greenhills. In January 2010, under VIVA Records, she released her third album, Love Is... Jennylyn Mercado. Due to her popularity, she held a birthday concert at the Music Museum, titled I Am Woman in May 2009. The concert was sold-out.

Her first films included So Happy Together and the teen-flick Let the Love Beginand her first major solo movie was say that you love me under viva films with mark herras but her most acclaimed film performance was a Filipino period piece, Rosario. Jennylyn's acting career is handled by Becky Aguila and VIVA Entertainment, Inc. Her singing career is managed byVIVA Records. Her contract with VIVA ended in 2011. Jennylyn signed back with Regal Entertainment. Jennylyn Mercado has also signed up with PolyEast Records for her singing career which she hopes would help in her bid to reinvent herself as singer.

Mercado recently branched out into television hosting, hosting the Philippine reality series Protégé: The Battle For The Big Break[1] with co-hosts Ogie Alcasid and Dingdong Dantes. She is also in the GMA-7 Sunday talk show, Showbiz Central.

Personal life

Jennylyn Vergara Mercado was born on May 15, 1987 to a mother who was a Duty Free store beauty consultant. Mercado had a stepfather who abused her as a child. He burned her skin with cigarette butts. Her mother, who was working in Dubai at that time, immediately flew back to the Philippines not to help her daughter, but to bail out Mercado's stepfather who was in jail for abusing 4-year old Jennylynn.

Mercado's life story was featured in the weekly drama anthology Magpakailanman in October 14, 2004. She is now the official spokesperson of the Bata Foundation (Christian Mission Services), a non-government organization.

At 21, she got pregnant by her ex-boyfriend Patrick Garcia, who distanced himself upon learning of her pregnancy. On August 16, 2008, she gave birth via Caesarian section (8-9 p.m.) to an 8 pound, 12 ounce (3.68 kg) baby boy at St. Luke's Hospital, Quezon City. Her child's name is Alex Jazz "AJ" Mercado.

On October 28, 2010, Jennylyn was reportedly rushed to the hospital because of a minor heart attack.

She is the niece of television reporter, Abner Mercado. Her cousins are Cheri Mercado (news and radio anchor for News5), Charee Pineda, and Eliza Pineda who both work for ABS-CBN channel.

Extracurricular activitiesAside from being a performer/entertainer, Mercado is also a political activist. She works with and the Philippine Women's Organization GABRIELA,

She is also an aspiring triathlete.

Team Lea’s Mitoy Yonting wins ‘The Voice of the Philippines’

Lea Salonga and 'The Voice of the Philippines' winner Mitoy Yonting. Photo courtesy of ABS-CBN

MANILA, Philippines - Mitoy Yonting was hailed the winner of ABS-CBN’s “The Voice of the Philippines” during the reality talent show’s finale at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Resorts World Manila on Sunday, Sept. 29.

The 44-year-old singer, a member of Lea Salonga’s team, beat out three other contestants for the title.

Klarisse de Guzman from Sarah Geromino’s team was named runner-up.

Janice Javier from apl.de.ap’s team is in third place while Don Michael Perez from Bamboo Manalac’s team placed fourth.

“Salamat po sa inyong lahat. Para sa inyo ito,” Yonting said, who won a prize package that includes P2 million, a new car, an Asian tour package for two and a four-year recording contract with MCA Universal.

The winner was decided via text and online votes. The final two finalists were declared based on the votes during the Saturday and Sunday live shows, while the winner was decided based solely on votes polled during De Guzman and Yonting’s final performance.

Entertainment ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1

During the Saturday live show, Yonting sang Freddie Aguilar’s “Anak” and his original song “Bulag.”

A band singer prior to joining “The Voice of the Philippines,” he shared the stage with his coach Lea and Vice Ganda as they sang “Total Eclipse of the Heart.” He also performed with former Westlife member Shane Fillan on Sunday.

A member of “The Draybers” — a band that has regular gigs in Resorts World Manila (they performed in their months-long free concert series) and is a nominee at this year’s Aliw Awards — Yonting was a among the favorite early in the competition.

He sang “Bakit Ako Mahihiya?” during his blind audition, Lea used an expletive to describe Yonting’s performance.

“Bihira lang lumalabas sa bibig ko ang ganyan. Ang galing mo, ang galing mo, naku! Kung hindi mo ako piliin, iiyak ako,” said Lea, who had to compete with Bamboo and apl to get Yonting into her team.

During the show’s battle rounds and live shows, Yonting bested other favorites to reach the finals — including Radha of the band Kulay and Daryyl Shy.

“Maraming salamat sa pagpili, maraming salamat for letting me into your heart and for allowing me to help you allow this journey,” Lea said before Yonting was declared the winner. “Sana in the rest of your journey, you allow me to look over your shoulder, parang guardian angel.”

from:philstar

Entertainment ( 

Congratultion's Megan Young's road to Miss World 2013

AFP News/Romeo Gacad - Megan Young (centre) from the Philippines poses after winning the Miss World title in Nusa Dua, on the Indonesian island of Bali on September 28, 2013

(UPDATE 3) Philippines’ bet Megan Young becomes the "most beautiful woman in the world" as she wins the Miss World 2013 title during the pageant's coronation night on September 28 (Saturday) in Bali, Indonesia.

This year’s highly controversial pageant just made history after it installed the first-ever Filipina to win the coveted blue crown—bringing virtual chills and cheers online and in the rest of the Philippines, the country that she perfectly represented in what has been dubbed as "the oldest surviving beauty pageant in the world."

The 23-year-old Filipino-American actress and TV host presented the aura of a Miss World-in-the-making. Ultimately, Megan's winning answer to the question on why she should win Miss World, "Miss World for me treasures the core value of humanity and that guides her into understanding people, why they act the way that they do, how they're living their lives and I will use these core values in my understanding not only in helping others but to show other people how they can understand others, to help others so that as one, together, we shall help society," won over the answers of Miss Ghana Carranzar Naa Okailey Shooter who placed third in the competition and Miss France Marine Lorphelin who placed second.

New Miss World, Megan Young (C) from the Philippines is congratulated by outgoing Miss World Yu Wenxia (L) after winning the crown, at the Miss World 2013 finals in Nusa Dua, on Indonesia's resort island of Bali, September 28, 2013. (AFP News)

Miss Philippines Megan Young is crowned Miss World 2013 by Miss World 2012 Yu Wenxia (not pictured) during the grand finale of Miss World 2013 in Nusa Dua, Bali resort island September 28, 2013. Young, 23, was crowned Miss World 2013 on Saturday at a tightly guarded ceremony in Bali, Indonesia, after the contest was plagued by protests from Muslim hardliners and fears that extremist groups could try to disrupt the event. Also pictured is third runner-up Miss Ghana Carranzar Naa Okailey Shooter (top). REUTERS/Murdani Usman

Fearless forecast becomes reality

The Miss World organizers have placed Megan in three of the five challenge events (formerly called fast track): first in the Top Model category, fourth in the Multimedia category, and fifth among the 11 finalists in the Beach Fashion Final.

While they no longer give the challenge events winners a sure spot in the final round, the winners have been awarded bonus points to their preliminary scores.

Years in the making

Megan Young goes down in history as the first-ever Filipina to win Miss World—breaking a popular urban legend that no Filipina will ever win the title.

Despite the Philippines' successful finish in Miss Universe and other international beauty tilts, the Miss World crown has been elusive until 62 years later. (Miss World was reportedly founded in 1951)

In 2011, the Philippines almost won the title when Gwendoline Ruais placed second to Ivian Sarcos of Venezuela. In 2012, Queneerich Rehman made it to the Top 15 while in 1993, Sharmaine "Ruffa" Gutierrez placed 2nd runner-up to Lisa Hanna of Jamaica.

from:yahoo.ph

Marian Rivera

Marian Rivera (pronounced: [maˈɾjan riˈβeɾa]), (born Marián Gracia Rivera on August 12,1984 in Madrid, Spain) is a Filipina commercial model and actress, known for her roles in Marimar, Dyesebel, Darna, and Amaya.As a recording artist, Rivera has released two studio albums: the platinum hits Marian Rivera Dance Hitsand Retro Crazy. She has also starred in some box-office movies such as: My Bestfriend's Girlfriend, Tarot, You to Me Are Everything, and Panday 2.

In 2009, Rivera ranked #5 in Manila Standard's "2009 Top Celebrity Endorsers", #3 in "Top 10 Most In-demand Celebrity Endorsers in 2010 and was also included in 2011's Top 20 Endorsers. She was hailed as FHM's Sexiest Woman in 2008 and recently, for the second time this 2013 dethroning Sam Pinto as the Sexiest Woman in the Philippines.

Personal life

Rivera was born in Madrid, Spain to Francisco Javier Gracia Alonso, a Spaniard and Amalia Rivera, a Filipina from Cavite, Philippines.After her parents separated 2 years after her birth, her mother brought her to the Philippines where she grew up most of her life. However, her mother had to leave to continue her work commitment abroad that she was sent to her maternal grandmother, Francisca Rivera in Bacoor, Cavite. Rivera pursued her elementary and high school education at Saint Francis of Assisi College System, and spent her college education finishing Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in De La Salle University Dasmariñas.

Career

2005-06: Discovery and career beginnings

Rivera pursued ramp modelling during her elementary years, and later starred as commercial models for a beauty product, SkinWhite lotion and a biscuit brand, Sky Flakes.

She was discovered through her commercials by Tony Tuviera, TAPE Inc.'s executive producer. The management make her appear in an afternoon soap operas for TAPE Inc. and GMA Networkincluding Kung Mamahalin Mo Lang Ako, Agawin Mo Man Ang Lahat and Pinakamamahal with Oyo Boy Sotto as her leading man. GMA Network then cast her for motherly roles, first through Philippines-Malaysian drama, Muli together with Alfred Vargas. She made her first appearance in a film through OctoArts' Enteng Kabisote 2: Okay Ka Fairy Ko: The Legend Continues in 2005 where she played as a fairy opposite Sotto. Her second and last motherly role is through the network's fantasy series, Super Twins in 2007, acting also as villain on the latter part of the story. In 2006, Rivera signed a contract with Regal Entertainment and casted on her first ever antagonist role in a film along Dennis Trillo and Iya Villaniaentitled as Pamahiin.

Angel Locsin

Angel Locsin 

(born Angelica Colmenares;April 23, 1985) is a Filipina television and film actress, commercial model, film producer andfashion designer. She came to prominence for her television roles as Alwina in the 2004 fantasy-themed television series Mulawin and as the superheroine Darna in the TV adaptation of the Mars Ravelo comics. Locsin was a contract artist of GMA Network up to early 2007 until she transferred to its rival network, ABS-CBN.

She then starred as Lyka in the television series Lobo, which earned her an International Emmy Award nomination for best performance. She later on starred in blockbuster films In The Name Of Love and One More Try for which she garnered critical acclaim for both performances. The two films earned Locsin the Star Award for Movies for Movie Actress of the Year and the Box-Office Entertainment Award for Film Actress of the Year, winning both awards two consecutive years. In 2013, she won the FAMAS Award and the Film Academy of the Philippines Award for best actress for her performance in One More Try.

Early life and education

Locsin was born on April 23, 1985 in Santa Maria, Bulacan. When she was only 14 years old, she got separated from her mother and since then have lived with his father, Angelo Colmenares.

She studied at St. James College in Quezon City for her primary education and finished high school at the University of Santo Tomas High School in Manila. In August 2007, she attended a short-course for fashion design at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London. Despite being of Christian faith, she is a part of a Muslim Royal Family in Marawi City in the province of Lanao del Sur through her mother. Reports said that Locsin's maternal grandfather is one of the 15 sultanates in Lanao del Sur.

Career

Early work (2001-2004)

Locsin in a Coca-Cola commercial, 2002.

Locsin was discovered at a shopping center by a talent scout.

She then auditioned for several commercials and was supposed to be a part ofABS-CBN's Star Circle Batch 9, but failed to sign a contract because her father opposed the idea.

Later, she became a contract star of GMA Artist Center, first appearing on the second season of the teen-oriented series, Click and was also included in the cast of Ang Iibigin Ay Ikaw.

Breakthrough and GMA Network (2004-2007)

In August 2004, Locsin starred in the fantasy-themed TV series Mulawin, alongside Richard Gutierrez, wherein she portrayed, "Alwina", one of the two main protagonists.

The show was a huge success and received high ratings until its finale on March 2005.

Following the success of Mulawin, Locsin was cast in the title role as Darna in the 2005 fantasy-themed TV series of the same name. The show was also highly regarded by the public, gaining immensely high ratings and surpassing the records set by her previous TV show. Darna's pilot week average is 50.08% and its highest rating was 52.1% while the lowest was 33.3%.

Locsin starred in another fantasy-themed TV series, Majika, together with Dennis Trillo, which was aired from March to September 2006. She played the role of Sabina, a seemingly ordinary girl who lived in the world of mortals but is unknowingly the one destined to become the most powerful female magician. Afterwards, she was cast in Asian Treasures, oppositeRobin Padilla. It was the first Philippine TV series that was shot in multiple countries such as Mongolia, Thailand and China. The show was aired from January to June 2007. Both shows were also well received.

ABS-CBN (2007-present)

Locsin at the Manila International Airport in 2007.

In August 2007, Locsin signed a two-year exclusive contract with ABS-CBN.

Her first acting appearance with the network was via Maalaala Mo Kayain the episode "Pilat". Her performance gained her the Star Award for TV for Best Single Performance by an Actress. By January 2008, she launched her first drama series with the network entitled Lobo, together with Piolo Pascual in the lead role. She earned an International Emmy Award for Best Performance by an Actress nomination for her performance in the series.

In 2009, Locsin starred in the top-rated TV series, Only You, a Philippine remake of the Korean drama of the same title aired by SBS Korea in 2005. She starred alongside Sam Milby and Diether Ocampo. The show was directed by Rory Quintos.

Later in 2010, she starred in the TV series Imortal, the sequel to her earlier work, Lobo, together with John Lloyd Cruz. It was directed by Chito Roño.

In 2011, she became a guest star in the comedy sitcom, Toda Max. However, her guesting eventually turned into a regular stint.

Films

Locsin's first film appearance was in 2000 via Ping Lacson Supercop, wherein she played the role of a young Robina Gokongwei. She later on made a cameo appearance in Mano Po 2 in 2003 and starred in the teen-oriented movie Kuya in 2004 as well as in the comedy film Singles. Also, she starred in the drama film Mano Po III: My Love and in the horror film Sigaw which were both entries to the 2004 Metro Manila Film Festival.

In 2005, Locsin with Richard Gutierrez starred in the romantic film Let the Love Begin, released under GMA Films. She and Gutierrez also reprised their roles as Alwina and Aguiluz in the movie adaptation of the TV series Mulawin, which was an entry to the 2005 Metro Manila Film Festival.

Early in 2006, Locsin starred in the romantic movie I Will Always Love You. She also starred in the horror film TxT and in the romantic drama-comedy film Mano Po 5. The latter was an entry to the 2006 Metro Manila Film Festival.

Locsin reunited with Gutierrez in the romantic drama film The Promise in 2007 where their roles were considered more mature than the previous films they both starred in. She had also produced her own film entitled Angels, which was shown in theaters on April 2007.

In 2009, she starred in the movie Love Me Again together with Piolo Pascual in the lead titles and made a cameo in the romantic comedy film, My Amnesia Girl in 2010.

Locsin gained critical acclaim in her 2011 drama film with Aga Muhlach, In the Name of Love. Her performance garnered her several accolades including the Star Award for Movies for Movie Actress of the Year, the Gawad PASADO Award for Pinakapasadong Aktres, and a nomination for best actress at the FAMAS Awards.

She reunited with John Lloyd Cruz in the romantic comedy film Unofficially Yours in 2012 and then starred, together with Dingdong Dantes and Angelica Panganiban in the drama filmOne More Try, Star Cinema's entry to the 2012 Metro Manila Film Festival. Locsin's performance in the latter was highly praised by film critics and media personalities and earned her the Star Award for Movies for Movie Actress of the Year for the second year in a row, the FAMAS Award for Best Actress and the Film Academy of the Philippines Award for Best Actress.

Personal life

On April 23, 2007, Locsin celebrated her birthday with GABRIELA Foundation, an NGO that supports women and children. On April 20, 2008, Locsin organized a gift-giving to the less fortunate children in Payatas, Quezon City and gave poor children food, clothing and other basic needs. It was her birthday gift supported by her sponsors