MISIBIS BAY. Watch for TV5 Princess Ritz Azul and Kapatid hunk actor Daniel Matsunaga, as they make primetime viewing even hotter this July with the premiere of TV5’s one of a kind, 6-week mini-series, Misibis Bay.

Set in the luxury island playground in Albay, Misibis Bay will definitely leave viewers in awe with its grand production, stellar cast and engaging story of a girl who dreams big and perseveres amidst all odds, to get what she deserves.

Leading the cast of Misibis Bay is TV5 Princess Ritz Azul, who will play the role of Maita Ramirez, a slum girl who only dreams of providing a comfortable life for her ailing grandmother. Follow her story as she turns her life around from a story of misery to great success. Joining Ritz is Kapatid hunk actor Daniel Matsunaga, who will play the role of Andrew, the eldest son of Anthony Cadiz (Christopher de Leon) and the most focused and business-minded of the Cadiz brothers.

How did Maita and Andrew cross each other’s paths? Will Maita be able to seek out a better life for her grandmother and the real love that she deserves? Find out on the newest mini-series that is sure to set primetime on fire, Misibis Bay premiering this July, on TV5.

RUFFA GUTIERREZ. Before she shoots Quantum Films’ Hope in a Bottle with Maja Salvador and Angeline Quinto as written and directed by Cris Martinez this August, Ruffa is using the time to enroll in the business and management course, International Political Economy, at King’s College in London, England.

It looks like Ruffa is seeking to be a woman of substance. She’s returning to school for 10 days to set example to daughters Lorin and Venice. No political plan for her like mom Annabelle Rama. She leaves with them on June 28, four days after her birthday, overruling her parents’ desire to bring them to their vacation in los Angeles, California.

Upon their return, she will be back to the Women’s Crisis Center at East Avenue Medical Center to find out the status of its residents who are abuse victims. Ruffa is Avon Ambassadress for Speak Out Against Domestic Violence.

MICHAEL JACKSON. This was the King of Pop’s shocking death scene from the doll he slept with to Propofol bottles to Dr. Murray's mysterious medical bag to portentous writing on the wall to old costumes – everything!

The photos were taken by LAPD investigators on June 25th, 2009, the day Michael died. A few of these photos trickled out during Dr. Murray's criminal trial, but now they're all here in one gallery that’s a fascinating window into how Michael lived and how he died.

WILLIE REVILLAME. Excused himself from yesterday’s airing of Wowowillie to be able to attend the child abuse case involving the body wave dance of 12-year-old Jan Jan in Wil Time Big Time ON March 12, 2012 filed against him. He lend his presence and informed the court he would defer to legal counsel Lawyer Leonard De Vera for any comments regarding the case.

This is in connection a criminal case for violation of Section 10(a) of Republic Act No. 7610 filed against Willie by the Prosecutor’s Office of Quezon City.  The criminal information filed was based on the complaint of the Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon Soliman after a spliced and abbreviated version of the episode went viral on YouTube and various social networks.

Willie filed a motion seeking probable cause to pursue the case. Atty. De Vera pointed out that the segment was taken out of context and requested that they be allowed to present audio-video tape that would prove that the dance and whole act did not violate any act or provision.

Next hearing is set on July 4, 2013.

MANNY PACQUIAO. Top Rank Inc. CEO Bob Arum believes pressure for a second Thrilla in Manila, headlined by Manny Pacquiao, is building up with the construction of 4 big casinos in the Manila Bay waterfront. “You gotta understand, they filled in part of the waterfront around Manila Bay and they're building four unbelievably luxurious casinos,” Arum explained in an interview with Radio Rahim. “Those casinos should be up and running in the next year.”

Thrilla in Manila I was the third and final boxing match between Ali and Frazier for the WBC and WBA heavyweight titles. It was fought at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City in 1975. The bout, won by Ali, is ranked as one of the greatest fights of 20th century boxing, and is the climax to the bitter rivalry between Ali and Frazier.

Manny is set to make his ring return on November 24 against Mexico’s Brandon Rios. The fight will take place at The Venetian in Macau, which has a liberalized gaming industry similar to Las Vegas in the United States. Arum sees Pacquiao fighting in Thrilla in Manila II before the Filipino retires from boxing.

Arum said that to boost the casinos’ opening, they will need an event of grand proportions similar to the historic Thrilla in Manila between Muhammad Ali and Smokin’ Joe Frazier in the 1970s. “They gonna want to put an event in The Arena that's very, very close by,” said Arum “They're gonna use the Manny Pacquiao fight to bring players around Asia.”

SM Mall of Asia Arena, now the Philippines's largest indoor stadium, opened in the Manila Bay waterfront last year. Arum has been branching out his operations to Asia, which has a population of 4.2 billion, citing a gold mine of a market waiting to be tapped. However, his strategy will require a partnership with casinos to generate a sure profit.

SUPERMAN. New York-based fashion editor and stylist Caitlin Burke takes on the redesigned version of Superman, now appearing in DC’s New 52.

“I have to start off by saying that I've never really understood the whole men in tights thing, and why superheroes — who are supposed to be the toughest and most masculine breed — decide to prance around in them. But I realize for the sake of this exercise I will have to get past that.

“I appreciate that they've done away with that red diaper disaster that haunted previous costumes. It looks like there's still some sort of briefs-over-the-pants situation going on down there, but at least the monochrome scheme is a step in the right direction.

“The red piping and triangular cut of his sleeves seem a bit ornamental if they serve no purpose other than a decorative one. When it comes to superhero style, I prefer sleek and minimalist to fanciful and embellished.

“The red piping and triangular cut of his sleeves seem a bit ornamental if they serve no purpose other than a decorative one. When it comes to superhero style, I prefer sleek and minimalist to fanciful and embellished.

“It's been said that wearing a turtleneck is like being choked by a really weak guy all day — a feeling Superman has likely never experienced prior to donning this monstrosity. I honestly thought Steve Jobs was the last living man to think these things were cool, but I guess that was just wishful thinking. Someone should pass the news (and a decent crew-neck) over to Mr.Kent.

“The traditional ‘S’ symbol on his chest adds a nice pop of color and also appeals to my nostalgic side. It has become an iconic emblem and quite literally, his signature style. Although blatant logos may no longer be en vogue, we live in the era of self promotion, so I applaud Superman's mindfulness over his per...Read post

Available from Peridot online Gallery (@ exom.ph@gmail.com or mobile no. 0939502533) in 10" X 10" digital print, Vilma Santos 1 is an art work by Puerto Princesa, Palawan-based painter and graphic artist Jonathan Benitez.

This is in connection with the screening the Vilma Santos starrer, Ekstra (The Bit Player) as directed by multi-awarded helmer Jeffrey Jeturian, in the Director’s Showcase of the 2013 Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival at the Cultural Center of the Philippines and pilot theaters in Greenbelt, Trinoma and Alabang Town Center from July 28 to August 4, 2013.

A limited edition collector’s item of 25 prints, the signed and numbered artwork will be printed on premium acid-free board. Edition no. 01/25 will be presented as a gift to the Batangas Governor during the world premiere of  Ekstra (The Bit Player) at the CCP.

Price including shipping is P1,000 and comes with a Certificate of Authentication signed by the artist.

Vilma Santos 1 is part of the forthcoming Peridot Online Gallery exhibit entitled VILMA SANTOS, Extra/ordinary!

KRISTEN STEWART . In 2009, gossip sites went wild with headlines that suggested the Twilight star was a lesbian. However, a closer look at Stewart's quotes reveals how she was actually responding to a question over the nature of her relationship with co-star Robert Pattinson.

ZAC EFRON . Celebrity blogger Perez Hilton has made no secret of his admiration for the High School Musical star, while other gossip sites have openly speculated about Efron's sexuality. Still, Efron has laughed it off: "I know it's very addictive to read that kind of stuff. It's entertainment. Honestly, if the worst [Perez Hilton] can say about me is that I'm gay, then I think I'll be fine. I can handle it."

DANIEL RADCLIFFE . Who's an outspoke advocate for LGBT rights, has taken the rumors about his sexuality in good stride. The Harry Potter star, who was told that he had a "gay face" by a random commenter on the Internet, said in an interview with MTV in 2010, "If people want to say that, they can. But I'm not. I'm straight."

OPRAH WINFREY. Speculation has swirled over the talk show queen's long-standing kinship with TV anchor friend Gayle King for years. But as Winfrey told Barbara Walters last year, "I'm not even kind of a lesbian. And the reason why [the rumor] irritates me is because it means that somebody must think I'm lying. That's No. 1. No. 2 ... why would you want to hide it? That is not the way I run my life."

RYAN SEACREST. Speculation about the well-groomed TV's host sexuality has been so rampant, even his girlfriend Julianne Hough thought he was gay: "He totally wasn't my type," she said, according to TMZ.com. "I thought he was gay." Several years earlier, Seacrest himself had addressed the rumors, noting, "I know a lot of gay males who I work with that are fantastic people and I love hanging out with...Read post

Who says men aren’t allowed their own fair share of beauty treatments? Like women, men want to get rid of those age spots, unwanted sagging, acne and flabs too. And like women, they can! This coming Fathers Day on Salamat Dok, Dr. Vicki Belo, pioneer of the Philippines beauty industry, introduces us to three treatments that husbands, fathers and brothers will enjoy just as much as the ladies do.

The first is Belo Medical Group’s new INARA treatment for acne. This is a unique treatment that targets the acne-inducing bacteria present in the skin and prevents oiliness. Unlike most acne treatments that only deal with eliminating symptoms, INARA gets down to the root of the problem, preventing further breakouts. It also helps rejuvenate the skin.

The second treatment is the Belo Acupuncture Facial. For this, Dr. Belo will feature a special guest, Chef Buddy Trinidad of Park Avenue Desserts. This celebrity pastry chef is not just about making excellent, mouth-watering desserts. For our Fathers’ Day Special, we will treat him to this relaxing procedure so he can look and feel as vital as his own creations.

This relaxing procedure that makes use of tiny needles to stimulate blood flow in the face. It not only improves blood circulation and muscle tone around the treatment area, it also targets pigmentation and dark spots, detoxify the body and regulate acne-producing hormones. It gives the face a tighter, more contoured appearance, making it look younger and more radiant.

And last but not least, Dr. Belo will give a live demonstration of the new Freeze Treatment for the abdomen, a procedure that melts fat in the problem area in order to tighten skin—something we’re sure the men want just as much as the women. So what are you waiting f...Read post

2013 METRO MANILA FILM FESTIVAL (MMFF) . If this projection holds, the MMFF is clearly undergoing makeover.

Note the lack of franchise film Shake Rattle & Roll as produced by Mother Lily Monteverde which had joined the annual filmfest uninterrupted in the last 13 years. Also Vic’s and Bong’s bestsellers Enteng Kabisote and Ang Panday in that order. Sisterakas’ success last year seemed to drive the point that old and repetitive are boring and could cause box-office fatigue. Only Kimi Dora is a franchise and it’s the first time to be fielded in the annual holiday filmfest.

In place of the franchise film, a television high-rater, Be Careful With My Heart, takes over. A breakthrough drama series, ABS-CBN aims to duplicate the feel-good series’ feat of reinventing the late morning weekday timeslot. Although lead actors Richard and Jodi are untested in ticket sales power, the Kapamilya network is secure they have a huge enough to make a blockbuster out of an abbrebriated film version of the family-oriented series.

Ai Ai de las Alas who is tested as an MMFF top draw is noticeably missing in this fest. There was a buzz that her full-length feature with Marian Rivera, Kung Fu Divas, is earmarked for the coming filmfest. Probabaly it will be screened before the fest.

There is also no entry from the networks, GMA7 and TV5, like in the previous years. Those entries probing to be below mid-level sellers, they must have firmed up why bother. ABS-CBN is now the dominant festival film producer once held by Mother Lily. The Kapamilya network is banking of its production and marketing savvies and it is expected to deliver good results.

Anticipated top grosser is the entry starred in by actors with daily television shows which automatically go to the Vic and Kris entry. As shown in the last two festivals, it is a plus to...Read post