Showbiz si Jarold

Nina Receives Diamond Record Award - Diamond Records Standard Lowered

2009-11-16T18:30:00.000+08:00

When I first heard that Nina's Album Nina Live turned diamond, I said, "Wow! Someone has finally achieved the feat Jose Mari Chan has achieved." It goes to say that the record industry is not eating dust in the stationery racks of record bars.

However, when I tuned in to SNN (Showbiz News Ngayon) last friday night, I learned from the master ( Jose Mari Chan) that the record standards has been lowered enormously. Gold Record in the not so old times would mean a hundred thousand copies of an album sold; that was ten times more than the current Gold Record standard of ten thousand copies of an album sold.

Just as what the master had said, learning that fact makes me feel bad and sad that it has to be that way. But, agreeing with the master for the second time, I can't blame te record industry for making such decision. Music piracy is adamantly strenuous among music consumers. And with the advent of the P-2-P file sharing softwares in the internet such as limewire and bearshare to name a few, downloading a single that has just been released an hour ago is as easy as one, two, three. Even with the concept of iTunes, the record market is still creeping in the dark alleys of the dwindling record market.

I personally think that we direly need a scintillating concept and technology to counteract piracy. And the government has to play an incredibly great participation to realize such concept. Albeit, it shouldn't focus on laws alone. The laws we have right now against piracy are obviously not too effective. Perhaps a fusion of the minds of an IT specialist, computer programmer, mechanical engineer, electronics and communications engineer, a psychologist and political scientist can come up with a conclusive solution to counteract piracy. I strongly believe taht there is certainly a permanent way to fight piracy, at least for a decade.

We can't fight Filipinos' idolatry to foreign music which is also one very obvious reason why the Philippine music industry is experiencing extreme jolt. Yet, with the right technology coupled with an effective governance against piracy, the music industry will undoubtedly soar high again.

Star ng Pasko - ABS-CBN Christmas Station ID 2009

2009-11-06T13:39:00.001+08:00

I feel a little blue seeing only a very few artists in this station ID. I'm used to seeing many of them participate everytime they make one. On the other hand, I must say I really like ABS-CBN's song for this Christmas. It's really touching and heartwarning. The sound and music are soothingly cool to listen to while the lyrics is so timely. Typhoon victims can somehow feel a little more hope when they listen to this song. The music maybe melancholic but the rush of melody and message can come across from your brain to your heart. I even feel utter goosebumps when the song reaches to the Going Bulilit kids' part. Overall, it's a great song to listen and sing to.

Pepeng Agimat - Mga Alamat ni Ramon Revilla

2009-11-06T13:34:00.001+08:00

After Tiagong Akyat, the second installment of Agimat Mga Alamat ni Ramon Revilla entitled Pepeng Agimat will follow right away. Pepeng Agimat will be played by Ramon Revilla Senior's grandson, Jolo Revilla, being the third generation Revilla to play the role. Bodng Revilla will also be doing a cameo for the said series.

Pepeng Agimat is the story of a young man who acquired a magical amulet, giving him superhuman abilities which would enable him to fight monstrous creatures and other forces of evil. The story is not far from the theme of Pedro Penduko and Panday. But it will be the stunts and the use of special effects that will certainly draw audience. Of course, like any other TV series adapted from the big screen, much will be edited from the original storylines and much more will be added to lengthen the series.

With the success of Tiagong Akyat in the ratings game despite of its lackadaisical storylines, Pepeng Agimat must work hard on its script coupled with the fascinating special effects and riveting combat scenes to top off the former, considering Jolo Revilla is not a homegrown artist of the kapamilya network nor an established actor.

Pepeng Agimat characters are played by Jolo Revilla, Melissa Ricks, Ping Medina, Josef Elizalde, Helga Krapf and a special participation of Bong Revilla. The show will premiere on November 07 at 6:45PM.

Stars on a Real World Drama called ONDOY

2009-10-01T22:01:00.002+08:00

We see them act on movies and TV screens; but this time around, we see how they act and respond in real life drama. Celebrities may be seen in all glitz and glamour everyday of their lives; yet, they prove unafraid of being tainted with mud and flood.

Tropical storm Ondoy (Ketsana) did not spare some of the celebrities. Among them who became victims of the storm were Christine Reyes, Jean Garcia, Chocolate, K Brosas and Gladys Reyes.

The first to be sensationally reported of being terrorized by Ondoy was Christine Reyes and her family who were stranded on their roof as early as 1PM on saturday. Christine cried for help but were not rescued immediately even after several phone calls and TV announcements due to the many barriers blocking the ways to Provident Village in Marikina. A good samaritan in the person of Richard Gutierrez borrowed a boat from a friend to come to Christine and her family's rescue.
Other celebrities who were trapped on their rooftops and whose houses not spared were Jean Garcia and daughter Jennica Garcia in Commonwealth, Quezon City, Chocolate in Cainta Rizal, K Brosas in Vermont Village, Antipolo, Rizal, talent coordinator Tita Angge and Gladys Reyes in Vista Verde, Cainta, Rizal, Carmina Villaroel and Zoren Legaspi in Pasig City, Sylvia Sanchez in Ortigas Extension, Pasig City, and Ogie Diaz in Pampanga. These are just among the ones I have heard of.

Jayson Gainza, on the other hand, had to sleep beside an ATM machine in Marikina realizing that there was no way he could reach his home due to the raging water current and devouring flood. His house was not spared by the flood but was very thankful that his family were all safe.

There were also celebrities like Derek Ramsey who were not affected bu their loved ones were among the victims. Derek had to make a phone to ABS-CBN's telethon to ask rescue for his ill grandmother trapped in ther house in Pasig.

Still other stars were blessed to have been only slightly affected such as Claudine Barreto whose house was only slightly damaged and Kim Chiu whose car was fully submerged into the flood water but was still lucky to have it functioning and running.

And when there are victims, there also are heroes. True to their action star image, a few male celebrities proved that they're not action stars only in front of the cameras; but they are real life action heroes. Richard Gutierrez was already first to be mentioned.

Gerald Anderson and his brother Kenneth swam in the murky flood water as it rose up to an alarming height to rescue neighbors who were extremely devastated by the vicious flood. Working hand-in-hand without noticing were Cesar Montano and Bayani Agbayani who lives in the neighboring place.

Jericho Rosales and Raymart Santiago were also reported and caught on cameras using their skills in surfing to rescue neighbors using their surf boards.

Ryan Agoncillo was also reported to have bravely crossed the shoulder-high flood to bring food and milk to Gladys Reyes and her baby who were also trapped in the second floor of their house. It was proven true when Gladys was interviewed on TV.

Angel Locsin also braved the floodwaters in the riverside of Marikina using her Hummer truck to save flood victims. A fine example of a person who is true to her commitment when she joined Gabriela and Ako Mismo organizations.

Clearly, nature knows no celebrity or person. Everyone's a possible target.

Farmboy Superhero is Back

2009-09-24T18:59:00.003+08:00

Clark Kent fans don't have to pout and be sad because our favorite superhero series on TV is back.

Prior to it's airing, it was initially reported that season eight of Smallville could have been the last due to the departure of the producers and original casts Kristen Kreuk, who plays Clark Kent's on-and-off love interest as Lana Lang, and Michael Rosenbaum as Clark's bestfriend turned arch nemesis Lex Luthor from the series.

Season nine will pick up with it's first episode entitled Savior in the dirction of Kevin Fair. This is Smallville's fourth season in CW network.

Regular casts for this season are Tom Welling, Allison Mack, Erica Durance, Cassidy Freeman and Justin Hartley with the newcomer Callum Blue, playing the role of Zod. Blue will be in for a recurring role but the producers are hoping that he'll be regular. Smallville season nine will premier on September 25.

Lovers In Paris

2009-09-19T18:52:00.002+08:00

The hit Korean series Lovers in Paris will have it's Philippine adaptation played by the beautiful KC Concepcion, Philippines favorite heartthrob Piolo Pascual and the hunky mode-turned-dramatic actor Zanjoe Marudo.

The casts and crew of the series went to Paris to shoot some of the first few episodes. This is the first time KC will be seen in a primetime teleserye playing a lead role in full blast. This is also the first time she will be paired with Piolo Pascual and Zanjoe Marudo.

I haven't personally seen her first two movies with Richard Gutierrez and even her shows on TV. So, I'm really wondering if she can carry the role of a feisty and crazy female lead as good as if not better than the Korean actress. Although I have no doubt that she can handle serious drama very well.

I wasn't personally an avid fan of the Korean series but I'm hoping they can do well and better than the originaly screenplay. Especially during the latter part fot he series leading to the ending. I'm hoping they wouldn't go too far from the original story like they did with Betty La Fea. Betty La Fea started really great but my interest waned soon after the second half of the series towards the ending due to its far-off storylines. A little more loyalty to the original storylines will certainly keep their audience guled to the series.

Characters of the new series are played by Piolo Pascual, KC Concepcion, Zanjoe Marudo, Maricar Reyes, Christopher de Leon, and Tonton Gutierrez among others. Lovers in Paris will premiere on September 28 and directed by Eric Reyes.

The Famous House in the Country is Opening Once More

2009-09-19T18:46:00.002+08:00

New housemates will be invading the famous house of Big Brother once again. After the record-breaking auditionees of 57,824, Big Brother will be picking his top 50 housemates, who have the chance to experience living in his house.

Season three is subtitled as Double Up! According to PBB, they called it Double Up! because the excitement is doubled, the fun is doubled, the tasks are doubled, the punishment doubled, and the housemates are also doubled in number. It is still unclear as to exactly how many are going inside the house but there's the rumored top 50 that are being spread across all showbiz columns and news.

Possible Top 50:

11 - Manila
6 - Pamapanga/Tarlac
4 - Baguio
8 - Cebu/Bohol/Roxas
10 - Butuan/Davao/GenSan
6 - Batangas/Camsur
5 - Europe

Pinoy Big Brother Double Up! will premiere this October. Hosted by Toni Gonzaga, Bianca Gonzales and Mariel Rodriguez.

Patrick Swayze, Gone at 57

2009-09-15T14:55:00.002+08:00

After nearly two years of suffering, the former young heartthrob had finally rested for eternity. The actor was diagnosed with a terminal pancreatic cancer.

It was told that he would only survive for two months; but he was able to live twenty more months. And the factor for that longer period of his survival was his positivism according to the doctor. He even refuses to take his prescription medicines because he doesn't want them to affect his work performance.

Despite the pain and suffering, he managed to have finished a TV series for one season. And during those periods of fighting the illness, he tried to live life normally. He spent all his waking days living a wonderful life with his wife.

Swayze was famous for his lead role as a dance instructor in the sexy-romantic movie Dirty Dancing which was recently retold and played by the younger actor Diego Luna. He was also a big hit in the academy award winning Ghost opposite Demi Moore where he played the widow of Demi Moore.

Patrick Swayze may have been gone forever, but he will always be remembered with his timeless movies and his good heart.

Sineserye Presents Susan Roces Cinema collection: Florinda

2009-09-01T17:40:00.004+08:00

The most anticipated comeback of the Diamond star, Maricel Soriano, to the Philippine TV is going to be a horror-thriller -adapted from one of the classic Filipino horror movies, Florinda.

After the successful adaptation of Patayin Sa Sindak Si Barbara and Maligno, teleserye and horror buffs are sure to enjoy and tremble watching this latest ABS-CBN offering. The fourth installment of Susan Roces Cinema collection will air for 3 weeks with 15 episodes.

Characters of the horror-thriller are played by Maricel Soriano as the lead title, Jay Manalo, Roxanne Guinoo, Cherry Pie Picache, William Martinez, Zanjoe Marudo, and Nikki Gil among others. The show will pilot this September 7 on ABS-CBN Primetime Bida. Directed by Rahyan Carlos.

Precious Hearts Romances Presents: Ang Lalaking Nagmahal Sa Akin

2009-08-28T17:01:00.001+08:00

Toni Gonzaga's fans are sure to be piling videotapes on their video racks (DVRs for the updated and techy ones) to record their idol's newest dramedy in kapamilya network. The second installment of Precious Hearts Romances is a story about an obnoxious yet adorable chamber maid (played by Toni G) who fell in love with a ruggedly gorgeous hotel owner.

Afternoon viewers will surely delight on this new comedy for we know that Toni G's comic ability is proven to be truly entertaining (I love Toni G. myself).

Characters of the adapted tv show are played by Derek Ramsey as the leading man, Deejay Durano, Janus del Prado and Ketchup Eusebio, Shamaine Centenera, Franzen Fajardo, Crispin Pineda among others. Precious Hearts Romances presents Ang Lalaking Nagmahal Sa Akin is directed by Wenn Deremas.

The new show will pilot on August 31 on it's new timeslot right before Katorse. Don't you dare miss it!