Syobis Philippine Showbiz Entertainment News, TV, Movies, Music, Videos, & Pinoy Celebrities

It seems that a lot of people are starting to notice Paula Taylor these days.

This Thai-born beauty is really getting around. She first came to the attention of many Pinoys during her stint in Amazing Race Asia reality TV game show with best buddy Natasha Monks. And although she was already a VJ for Channel V at that time, she was still an unknown entity to the Philippine entertainment public.

Paula Taylor’s classic beauty has captured the hearts of many Filipinos

Not anymore, it seems. The movie-going public immediately warmed up to Paula Taylor as she starred with veteran funny man Vic Sotto in the film Love On Line (LOL). The movie is already showing in theaters nationwide and is poised to become another box office hit for the evergreen Sotto. Paula even got a taste of Pinoy movie intrigue as rumors started up about Vic Sotto taking a liking to her. She denied all these and went on to claim that she is unattached as of the moment. The veteran actor’s current beau is Eat Bulaga co-host Pia Guanio, who in the same way denies any jealousy on her part.
Paula has appeared a number of times as a guest co-host on the top rating noontime show, and while a number of reports are circulating regarding a rift between her and Guanio, there was no obvious friction between both of the ladies on the set. Paula has already appeared on the same network’s weekend noontime variety show S.O.P. as a guest co-host as well.

Paula Taylor features in Christian Bautista’s new music video for the song “Tell Me Your Name”.

Aside from LOL and her hosting stints on TV, Paula is also busy with other projects. She will feature in a music video with one of Philippine’s top balladeers Christian Bautista, who is launching his newest single, “Tell Me Your Name”.
This link has more photos of Paula Taylor.
Her obvious good looks and charming smile has not escaped the eyes of beauty product manufacturers who are always looking for that fresh new face to endorse their products. Paula is already an endorser for Myra-E’s “Looking Blooming” advertisement campaign. She is very comfortable in front of a camera and having been on the cover of various magazines in Asia, endorsing for a vitality product really comes naturally to her.

Paula Taylor and balladeer Christian Bautista having fun on set.

The thing that leaves most people wondering is her accent. This is really because though she was born in Thailand, her family moved to Australia almost immediately after she was born. Paula grew up in Perth and also lived in Brisbane. Her accent is really more Aussie than British, but it really does give another dimension to the VJ-turned actress.
As we all can see, it seems that Miss Taylor will be around for quite a while. She is already reported to be fascinated with our country and the people. In return, the Philippine public can’t get enough of her. And if all things go her way, her smiling face is destined to be on the Philippine landscape for a long, long time.

Paula Taylor photos by Gerardo Diwa.

By Valerie Tort

It is very ironic that the fashion model, actress, and the six-year fashion and lifestyle show host Angel Aquino is not included in the heightened alert for fashionistas these days.

“I’m not into fashion. I don’t buy jewelry. I don’t buy clothes. I don’t buy any fancy stuff. But I’m making an effort,” Angel confessed.

Her maturity as a woman brought an impact in the simplicity and essence of her life. Angel Aquino made it a point to do her best every time she was given another opportunity to work with the film icons and superb film directors and producers.

“I guess I have accepted that I am older so I’m now trying to organize my life better because I now value everyday. A day can’t pass that you did not do anything. So now, everyday is an effort for me to get there, to realize and finally tell myself I’m quite accomplished.”

Her accomplishments from the runway to the TV screen made Angel Aquino a versatile celebrity. Since she already reinvented herself several times through her career progress, Angel’s passion for acting was a surprise.

“I would give up hosting and modeling for acting,” she said.

Angel Aquino starred in several indie films (independent films) aside from landing a couple of roles in the Philippine showbiz industry.

“It seems that the mainstream showbiz people do not think of me for their movies. I do a lot of indie work,” Angel Aquino said in an interview.

However, her tough job as a TV personality involved several change in her lifestyle. To be slim and fit all the time is one of the challenges every celebrity has. How does she keep her weight down despite her attendance to events, product launches, and numerous parties?

“I love to eat. I’ll eat anything as long as it doesn’t feel super heavy in the tummy. People do not know it but I love to eat. I go to a lot of good restaurants. It is just that I choose the food I eat—fish, chicken, veggies, seafood, and avoiding beef and pork dishes like the yummy but fattening lechon,” she said.

In addition, Angel Aquino’s father side possessed a slim built. It became her advantage since weight and looks are some of the vital elements that would keep a personality stay in the showbiz industry.

In her teenage years, she never appreciated her looks and figure.

“When I was younger, I was an Olive Oyl. Mukha talaga akong posporo with black head! I was dark tapos I had really, really black short hair. I could not grow my hair because it was really ugly and frizzy. I was ugly,” Angel reminisced.

She even thought people around her were making fun of her when they told her to try modeling. It was when Angel Aquino landed a modeling job that made her believe the people who surrounded her.

“I thought they were making fun of me when they told me to try modeling in a hair commercial. I felt insulted until somebody actually asked me to do a VTR for an ad. I saw my hair moving and I thought, ‘Wow, it must be true!’ So hindi pala nila ako iniinis….I never thought I would become a model,” the TV host-actress-model said.

She is not only a role model for the TV viewers but also for her kids. Angel Aquino is a hands-on mother to her two beautiful teenage daughters She makes it a point to take care of them even if her schedule is jam-packed with shootings, tapings, and gigs.

“I want to personally take care of them. I want to personally bring them to school every day and pick them up. I just want to get them through until college—that’s every parent’s responsibility. I really want my daughters to be empowered. I encourage them to pursue their dreams. And after that, it’s all guidance na lang.”

She abandoned her wings as Angel Aquino continued to succeed in her career as an actress and a mother to her daughters while she kept her feet on the ground and lived a simple life.

Tags: Angel Aquino, Philippine Celebrities, Philippine Entertainment News

Lucky and Flo, the canine detectives is currently in the Philippines after making headlines in Malaysia last month where they sniffed-out 1.3 million pornographic and pirated discs, worth $3.3 million in different parts of the country.

The canine duo arrived in the country this weekend aiming to help the Optical Media Board (OMB) in it’s anti-piracy campaign. On monday, Lucky and Flo we’re dispatched to different malls in Makati,Mandaluyong,and Pasig to sniff-out pirated DVDs and CDs hidden in cartons and locked steel doors. Nervous stall owners scurried away or locked themselves behind steel doors when the two labradors started to sniff and led the government agents, OMB officials and representatives of the Motion Picture Association-International.

The two female dogs — wearing neon vests stamped with their names — sniffed through glass cabinets, bags and boxes. The pirated discs they found included recent releases such as the very fresh fight of Manny Pacquaio vs. Jorge Solis disc aired just last sunday.

According to Edu Manzano, chairman of Optical Media Board, after one hour, they seized almost 300,000 pirated discs and arrested 11 people.

“Lucky and Flo will be here for a considerable amount of time and we will be going all over Manila, and we are also contemplating going all over the Philippines. As you can see, the dogs have been very, very effective.” Manzano said.

The two Labradors reportedly caused the ire of movie pirates in Malaysia and offered a huge reward for each dogs. Lucky and Flo are reported to be the first animals trained to detect optical disc by scent. They were sponsored by the Motion Picture Association of America as part of an initiative to combat copyright infrigement relating to motion pictures and DVD discs.

Lucky and Flo

Optical Media Board

Edu Manzano

DVD

Motion Picture Association of America

Excel V. Dyquiangco

Summer is at its peak. And after giving you our take of the Sexiest Female Celebrities, we give you their counterpart in the male king: the top 10 sexiest male stars based on our own survey.

Sexy is defined not just by their well-sculpted bodies or six-packs abs. It is defined through their attitude and their confidence. And for these ten male celebrities, sexiness is defined as that and so much more.

Andrew Wolff – The commercial model turned bad boy of the entertainment industry stole hearts when he was linked to several actresses, like Gwen Garci and Ethel Booba. Despite this image, many are still clamoring that they want Andrew more onscreen. Who wouldn’t? He already has his face – and body – plastered on billboards all over EDSA. Now, they want to see him in their homes too.

Alfred Vargas – The good boy from Ateneo de Manila gave rise to a slew of screams and shrieks from ladies, who all want him. He started out as part of an onscreen triumvirate of Kristine Hermosa and Jericho Rosales, but then blossomed to a full-blown hunk with substance in his many television and movie performances. The best of luck to you, Alfie!

Luis Manzano – Who would have thought that Vilma Santos’ first-born would be more than just a household name? And forward it a few years later, and “Lucky” has evolved to become Luis, and along with that, comes his good built. For Luis, he didn’t need to star in any sexy moves to show that he is sexy. One look at his piercing eyes and captivating smile, and that is sexy!

Dingdong Dantes – The skinny boy who started out in a string of goodie two-shoes performances proved that he does belong to this list. It was his stint in Encantadia that made him noticeable to the public, with his fighting skills and the armor he donned. Talk about sexy.

Dennis Trillo – Just one look at his intense eyes and mesmerizing look made the girls scream for Dennis Trillo. He didn’t have to bare his bod for him to become sexy – it all took great acting abilities and good relationships with his co-workers. Plus, the string of awards he won didn’t hurt either.

Christian Vasquez – The hunk from Iloilo proved that he got it. When he appeared for a telephone company’s advertisement a couple of years back, no one ever dreamed that he would enter show business, and then show off his wares. But he did, and thanks to just more than his body, Christian is very versatile in every genre he is involved with.

Marc Nelson – The sportsman attitude probably did him in. He could do anything – from kayaking, bungee jumping, parasailing, scuba diving and many others. These activities make him sexy. Girls want a man to protect them, and with Marc around, they sure are protected.

Richard Gutierrez – The chubby little kid, who oftentimes plays Susan Roces and Eddie Gutierrez’s son on television now has metamorphosed into not just one budding actor, but a sexy budding actor. With television series such as Mulawin, Sugo, Captain Barbell and now, Lupin, Richard proved that he got what it takes to make girls fall in love with him.

Wendell Ramos – Just like Dingdong, Wendell was as skinny as a bat when first started out in the movies. Long years of absence later, he came back with a vengeance – and how! Now, the skinny Wendell has grown into a hunk, to say the least. And he is good in comedy, too.

Rafael Rosell – He first gained public notoriety when he landed the male role in a toothpaste commercial. Now a Bench model, Rafael proved that he could be as sexy as hell when he wants it. Plus, his killer smile and his wavy hair all add glitter to his identity, not just as an actor, but as the embodiment of male physique.

There you go. The sexiest brood in Philippine showbiz. If you have violent reactions, feel free to post your own choices here.

Tags: Philippine Sexiest Men, Sexy Filipino Celebrities, Philippine Entertainment News, Philippine Showbiz

Review by Love Dela Cruz

The fans of Sam Milby and Toni Gonzaga will probably share the same sentiments about this film–It got me!

After their first endeavor together, Sam and Toni has proven that, they are a box office tandem. In this latest picture produced by Star Cinema, we see another romantic comedy that can make a non-believer convert his or her ways. I want to start off with the positive side of this movie, like I said fans of Toni and Sam will probably love me when I say, “It was worth my one hundred pesos.”

Toni was simply amazing as she play a police officer, being surrounded by policemen and petty thieves she became a hard knocked woman who was too busy fighting crime and at the same time forgetting about what all women want–love. To her fans I have to agree with you, she was funny!

I personally loved her dialogues about pet names; it was truly a revelation for those who fancies being called honey or anything that resembles a sweet concoction for that matter. Her lines were well delivered and her acting was seemingly flawless, it was like the part was written for her

Sam Milby aka Kevin (in the movie) on the other hand, needs to work more on his Tagalog, who would believe an English speaking pinoy police working in a rotten precinct. Don’t get me wrong I love Sam in his soap Maging Sino ka Man, but I believe Sam is better off playing rich hacienderos rather that a policeman earning less than the minimum wage.

To the Sam fans club out there, don’t fret Sam has his moments. First of he played the geeky, “torpe” character pretty well, although I really hate the stereotyped look with the black glasses and gel hair do.

Zanjoe Marudo was exceptionally good in playing the criminal who’s heart was stolen by the pretty police officer. You could actually see the impoverish upbringing in the way he courted Toni’s character. It was abrupt and truly annoying, and Zanjoe delivered it. In terms of the drama angle, surprisingly enough this guy truly was dramatic. I won’t go into the gory details but all I can say was his performance was really surprising for a new comer who used to live in the house of Kuya–Pinoy Big Brother.

The Story

Written by Raz de la Torre & Francis Lua and Directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina, the You Got Me reminds me of the Chinese movie Lovestruck with a zest of Pinoy culture.

As I watch the movie you can actually predict the next sequence of events. In terms of story, it’s meant to be watched by the fans of the main actors because the story is entirely focused on them.

But all in all the movie wasn’t a disappointment, I categorize this as a fan target movie, if you are not a fan of either Toni, Sam or Zanjoe surely this movie ain’t worth it!

Catch You Got Me in theaters near you, for those abroad catch it on DVD.

By Excel V. Dyquiangco

Who’s hot and who’s not? In the cutthroat world of show business, sexiness may be defined in various ways, but for a few select, sexiness may not be all glamour, nice curves and radiating smiles. In fact, sexiness might just come from the heart.

While consulting popular magazines in this quest, Syobis.com also did our own survey of showbiz followers to come up with the top ten sexiest female celebrities in Philippine showbiz. This list inlcude women who have redefined age, boundaries and culture (in no particular order):

Roxanne Guinoo – Who would have thought that the sweetheart from Star Circle Quest Batch1 would shed her naïve image to come out with a sultry billboard pose along EDSA? But frankly, Roxanne doesn’t need to explain anything. She has already proven her point – she could be charming or tomboyish in her next project and a sly vixen in the next.

Iza Calzado – She started out as a commercial model for a shampoo but then ventured into television and movies, earning her stature as one of the most sought-out actress in Philippine cinema. With a string of movies to date, Iza could melt any guys’ hearts with that charming smile and radiant looks – not just with her hair but with her overall personality as well.

Katrina Halili – Just like Roxanne, she was also a product of a talent search. Even then, guys get captivated by her tall, and slender figure. And she didn’t disappoint. Indeed, with a string of sexy movies to her name, Katrina definitely showed her versatility as a sexy actress.

Angel Locsin – The Darna suit did her in. With her long braided hair tucked underneath a red-capped helmet and her cleavage showing, Angel fought villains left and right with her sexy figure to match. And to think that she started out in the business as just your ordinary tomboy.

Isabel Oli – What endeared her to fans is that tear-jerking commercial on television. From then on, Isabel caught the eye of the growing public as she shed one image after another and finally, garnering the fame she rightfully deserves – not as a sex symbol but as an actress with substance. And she has a great body too.

Eula Valdez – She has defied aging, and redefined what beauty and sexiness are all about. Once a cover for FHM, Eula has proven that she is still the one to beat. The moment she gives anyone that warm smile or purses her lips, then get ready to be caught in her world. To think that when she was a teenager, she was a bit chubby. That’s sexy, though.

Rufa Mae Quinto – It’s too obvious isn’t it? Her voluptuous shape and outlined curves gives a new definition to sexy. Guys just couldn’t keep their eyes off her – not just her physical appearance but the way she delivers her punch lines onscreen. She has proven herself not just as a sexy star, but as a bankable comedienne as well.

Vina Morales – Her toned figure and her slightly athletic built symbolize the epitome of not just a fit woman but someone sexy too, which she has proudly flaunted on her Showgirl concert series. Vina could easily pass as one of the contestants of a body building competition and why not? She is still as sexy as hell.

Cindy Kurleto – Her classic and timeless beauty gives an added edge to her definition of “sexiness.” She gives anyone that smile, and she’s already sexy. She walks with an air of confidence, and she’s still sexy. She starts to talk, and she’s more than sexy. With Cindy, everything about her is sexy.

Cassandra Ponti – Herself a product of Pinoy Big Brother Season 1, Cass literally swept the viewing public with her wit, intensity and of course, her sexy figure. It just took minutes before her audience immensely took her in as one sassy girl that adds dimension to sexiness. And her being a cover girl in some leading magazines did help too.

Tags: Philippine Sexiest Women, Sexy Filipino Celebrities, Philippine Entertainment News, Philippine Showbiz

By Love dela Cruz

We cought up with teen star Carlo Aquino to talk about music and his band “Sand Box”

Remember the immortal line, “Akala mo lang wala, pero meron, meron, meron”. These were Carlo Aquino’s infamous line from the movie Bata, Bata Paano ka Ginawa where he became the most celebrated child star of his time. Now Carlo is all grown up and still shining as ever.

Last year he won the coveted Best actor for drama in the third annual Golden Screen Award’s, for the movie Aking Paggising sa Kinamulatan. One can construe that this young achiever has already proven his talent on the big and small screens now he wants to prove himself on the other side of entertainment–Music.

Tugtog.com had a chance to sit down and chat with this, soft-spoken actor about his band and their music.

Introducing Sand Box

A constant TV viewer of ASAP may already know, that Carlo along with John Prats and Stefano Mori had a band when they were thirteen years old. The band was called JCS, aside from the celebrity members, the band also had other people involved, “Meron kaming sessionista, keyboardist saka bassist, yun si Y saka si Alvin”.

Carlo, Alvin and Y started out as friends, he also shares that their bonding moments were cultivated due to his constant over night stay in their homes. The idea to form a band came from Carlo himself and the rest as they say is history.

Carlo plays lead guitar and vocals for the band, he also writes their songs as well.

He started writing songs when he was still a part of the JCS stint; he just never had the opportunity to put them on a record due to lack of self-confidence, “Nung JCS gumagawa na ako (ng kanta), pero nahihiya ako ilabas, ganoon naman sa una”. His personal influence in song writing includes, Brandon Boyd of Incubus, Eminem, Bamboo and Rico Blanco of Rivermaya. As the interview progresses one can observe that Carlo is a very reserved person, he admits that song writing and music itself is his only outlet to release his angst and joys.

The band is now on it’s fourth year and they’re coming out with an album under Viva records. The bands influences ranges from different classes of rock. Their genre is yet to be classified; all Carlo could say was that their music is similar to Sugar free and Hale’s sounds. “Ayokong mag bigay ng genre, hahayaan ko na lang sila mag judge”, Carlo believes that when it comes to music, everything is relative.

They also haven’t decided on the carrier single for their break-out album, the gang is still choosing over their original compositions like Alaala, Panaginip and Kayong dalawa. He also reveals that he wrote the song “Alaala” together with their drummer and the song is about their individual experiences in life and in love.

Actor or Singer?

Sand box has been playing a few gigs for quite sometime now, they’ve performed in Ratsky’s and Meyricks to name a few. This just shows that the band already has a loyal following. However being a well recognized drama actor has it’s downfall. Carlo is aware that most of the people who come to their performances are indeed there to watch him and not his band, “Ayokong manood sila kasi nandun ako, gusto ko nandoon sila dahil sa tinutogtog namin”. Carlo knows that things like this are virtually unavoidable and that it’s up to him to come up with a plan to change this.

Speaking of change, Carlo is utterly different when he is performing on stage and when he is acting on movies and on TV. He elucidates this as he talks about his life off camera, “Ibang iba ako pag nakita mo sa labas, naka jeans at sira-sirang pants ako, so ganun yung gusto kong image (on stage)”.

The chances of transcending from acting to singing may not be as successful as hypothesized, especially in a country that values the idea of consistency, but for Carlo he is unafraid of this reality. His love for music is his strength to put all inhibitions aside, “Ibibigay ko yung best ko, kung hindi nila magustuhan ok lang. Gagawa at gawa pa rin ako ng musika”.

His love to entertain whether it be on stage or on the big screen deserves a standing ovation from his fans and from all of us. Carlo Aquino is an exemplar of versatility and audaciousness, for pursuing his dreams and goals in life.

Tags: Carlo Aquino, Philippine Celebrity, Philippine Entertainment, Philippine Entertainment News

By Excel V. Dyquiangco

Ronnie Ricketts still squares off with a different kind of nemesis – one that seemed impossible to defeat. — the Big C.

For years now, Ronnie has been an advocate in fighting cancer through various campaign materials, through sports and through the movies he makes. It started back in 1998 when he was chosen as a spokesperson for the Philippine Cancer Society, doing talks about cancer, along with his wife Maris. He hasn’t looked back since then and he enjoys what he does, aside from acting in front of a camera.

Ronnie became passionate in his campaign against cancer, which is admirable considering he’s not even a cancer survivor himself. He has engaged himself, along with his fellow actors and artists like Onemig Bondoc, Alvin Anson, Dinky Doo, Onyok Velasco, Jeffrey Santos and TJ Trinidad, to speak to a group of students in schools about anti-smoking, which eventually leads to cancer.

Instead of smoking, he leads the students to a different route of leisure like sports or martial arts. In fact, he belongs to a group of martial artists called Bakbakan International, teaching the sports to interested individuals at least twice a week.

Ronnie is also part of campaign tours and basketball tournaments to raise funds for cancer victims. Aside from basketball, he also joined a cycling event before called “Bike for Life” with Fr. Robert Reyes and James Auste, a cancer survivor. This was held at The Fort in Taguig City.

And when he does movies, notice that he doesn’t smoke or drink. His latest offering, Lagot Ka Sa Kuya Ko, imparted subliminal messages to viewers by having no smoking signs and banners flashed onscreen.

Ironically, he was once offered to do a cigarette commercial worth 3.5 million.

“I turned it down, of course,” Ronnie says without an inch of regret in his voice. “My reputation as a supporter in fighting cancer is far more important and much greater than that kind of money.”

And because of this, he has received an award from the World Health Organization back in 2004 in Malate Church, and from a group of doctors known as the Philippine Oncologists at St. Luke’s, for his firm stand and belief in bringing this kind of disease to justice.

As a known fighter against cancer, he also has some share of problems. “Sometimes, people just come up to you and ask help for their cancer-stricken family member, believing that you have the money to help them,” he says sadly. “If I can afford it, I will pay. But I can only help so much. And I get really frustrated about this.”

The lack of funds of the Philippine Cancer Society, he adds, also causes a burden to his battle. But despite all of this, he remains strong and steadfast in kicking out cancer for life.

He has these advices to share to kick out cancer for good – avoid smoking, eat right and healthy, exercise, live a healthy lifestyle and of course, pray.

“When you do have cancer, don’t ever give up,” Ronnie says. “Always have a positive outlook in life.”

Tags: Ronnie Ricketts, Philippine Celebrity, Philippine Entertainment, Philippine Showbiz News

By Phoebe Dorothy Estelle

2006 was an amazing year for Katrina Halili, after being selected as the sexiest, in a famous glossy magazine, she also became as one of the busiest lass of her showbiz generation. At the young age of 21, the Starstruck season 1 avenger has really occupied a spotlight in Philippine entertainment.

She may not be the normal teenybopper star who gets cast in tearjerking TV series but she definitely has the charisma to attract both genders and even oldies that watch on television. Her alluring face and nice curves are perfect to grab character roles.

And athough it seems that she’s the antagonist material, she projects peculiar artistry enabling her to cross from anti-heroine to lead star. Just like what happened to her character in the top rating television adaptation of “Darna” in which she became the Black counterpart of Philippines ultimate female superhero. Her portrayal registered good reviews and predictions that she’s going to be somebody big in her craft.

“Noong sinabi na ako na raw ang officially Black Darna of course kahit hindi ako ready I grabbed it kasi it was a big opportunity. Kahit nahirapan kinaya ko kasi break ko ‘yon,” Katrina said on one of the highlights of her career.

If in the past, Katrina was behind with her colleagues in Starstruck for not making solo projects, now our TV night viewing would not be complete without her presence in the small screen.

Right after “Darna” she became a full-fledge kontrabida to Angel Locsin’s character in “Majika.” Then it was followed by “Atlantika,” where she played one the powerful being that might be Dingdong Dantes character’s long lost destiny.

“They push more kontrabida roles for me. Wala naman akong dream role kung ano iyong dumating at kaya kong gawin, fine. I don’t expect anything kasi mahirap iyong nag-e-expect ka tapos ‘di naman dumadating. But I like also comedy and of course drama,” she said.

Speaking of character, Katrina is known for her straightforward and independent personality. Gladly, she uses those qualities to be the best in her showbiz endeavors.

“Ang sarap isipin na sa sarili kong pagod, you can buy stuff and live comfortably kasi nga at my age kumikita na ako ng money na ‘di na nanggagaling sa parents ko,” Katrina shared.

Also last year, Katrina’s first full length film, “Gigil”, was released under Regal Films where she was paired with equally sexy Alfred Vargas. Then she was picked by a leading liquor company to endorse their brand along with the hottest band today, 6CycleMind.

Katrina told that although it has always been her wish to be a celebrity, this native of El Nido Palawan’s ultimate goal is to finish studies.

“I never expected in my life na magigng artista ako.But I don’t regret anything kasi nag-e-enjoy ako sa ginagawa ko,” the young actress said. “I really like this field lalo na’t marami kang ginagawa, nakakalimutan mo ang lahat kapag busy ka, at the same time marami akong nakikilala.”

Katrina will soon be seen in the fantasy series, “Lupin,” where she will play Ashley, the childhood friend turned comrade of a professional thief played by Richard Gutierrez.

“I feel so blessed kasi hindi ako nawawalan ng project and still nandito pa rin ako at pinagkakatiwalaan ng GMA 7,” Katrina finally added that she truly appreciates her network‘s continuous support to her career.

Tags: Katrina Halili, Philippine Showbiz Celebrity, Philippine Entertainment, Philippine TV Shows

By Excel V. Dyquiangco

No one saw it coming. With the high costs of making a movie, producers opt to churn out movies that have low costs, minimal working hours and days for both staff and crew and yet, still star big-budgeted actors and actress, with tight storylines and top caliber and quality directors at the helm. And so: the Filipino independent films, or better known as Pinoy indie films, have begun.

Indie films are generally similar to big-budgeted movie productions except that their cost is limited and that they don’t have huge productions companies to back them up. And these films also have limited distribution in theatres nationwide.

With such indie films as Lav Diaz’s “Batang West Side”, Maryo J. Delos Reyes’ “Magnifico”, and Ramona Diaz’s controversial “Imelda”, it is not quite far that these indie films will not only be recognized here, but also abroad.

Among the successful independent films that were generally applauded here and abroad are:

Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros by Auereus Solitos, about a young boy who discovers his yearning for the same sex. It reaped the Best Film Award at the Asian Festival of First Films in Singapore, and the Golden Zenith Award for Best Fiction Film at the 2005 Montreal World Film Festival, before taking the trophy for Best Feature Film Award at the Berlin Film International Festival.

Ang Kubrador by Jeffrey Jeturian, about the story of a female bet collector whose nobility remained intact despite the many hardships in her life. It won all the major awards at the 8th Osian’s Cine Fan Film Festival in New Delhi, India, including Best Film and Best Actor for Ms. Gina Pareno.

Rigodon by Sari Dalena and Keith Sicat, a story of three immigrant Filipino workers following the 9/11 incident. The film won the Best Feature Film Award during the 8th International Panorama in Athens, Greece. The film was also recently shown at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington DC and was also invited to be screened at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City.

Donsol by Adolf Alix, a story of two people who fell in love despite failed relationships. It received the Special Jury Prize in the Asian Marine Film Festival in Makuhari, Japan and was also part of the Dominican Republic International Film Festival.

Rugby Boyz by Khavn Dela Cruz, a story on Filipino boys playing a game of rugby or soccer. The film received a Special Mention from the Jury of the Minister President of North-Rhine Westphalia of the Oberhausen International Short Film Festival in Germany. The film was also shown at the Shoot Me Film Festival, The Hague, Netherland and at the 13th Barcelona Independent Film Festival.

With prestigious awards such as these being handed out to Filipino independent films and filmmakers in international awards, more award-winning films are sure to come.

And definitely, more producers and directors would dabble more into the unknown – experimenting and discovering new stuff that would make their films not just up for international awards but films that are worth seeing and worth every cent.

So expect the Filipino independent film industry to only flourish giving us Filipno moviegoers some quality movies for once.

Tags: Filipino Independent Films, Philippine Movies, Philippine Movie Industry, Pinoy Movies