Two of Today's Youngest Breakout Stars Featured In Metro and Chalk This February

ABS-CBN Publishing, Inc. sets the stage for two of today’s youngest breakout stars during this month of hearts, as fashion lifestyle authority Metro magazine’s biggest trends issue features Julia Barretto and Chalk’s Valentines special features Liza Soberano.

In Metro this month, teen royalty Julia, who is set to star in her first primetime series, “Mira/Bella,” is put under a different sort of spotlight—revealing how she goes beyond her name and comes into her own in a shoot and story that details the fierce and stylish young celebrity she is with hints at who she is bound to become.

Metro also features the biggest trends for Spring/Summer 2014 in its February issue, recognizing the dawn of a new season--with new collections, new trends, and a new attitude to go along with it all.

It's Back To The Roaring Twenties As Fila Goes Gatsby For the 2014 Polo Cup

Gatsby knew how to party, and now FILA's carrying the torch.

In both 1925 book and 2013 movie (and many adapations in between), the fictional character Jay Gatsby stood for the height of opulence with his to-die-for weekend parties. With beautiful FILA Philippines CEO Cris Albert suitably impressed with the recent film (and being no stranger to the opulence herself), the decision was made that FILA turn fiction into reality with a Gatsby-themed, champagne-flavored celebration. Fabulous 20's Charleston meets exciting polo field action, and the result should be nothing less than a classic!

REEL DEAL: Police Story 2013

Jackie Chan said that Chinese Zodiac would have been his last film in his career, but alas there there is another action movie that stars Jackie as its lead and also a producer. Police Story 2013 is another reincarnation of the movie series which launch his career back in the day. 

Here, Jackie Chan is Detective Zhong, a police officer which he stated that despite doing a lot of police role this will be the first doing a mainland-based officer. He is searching for his daughter Miao Miao who has a club owner boyfriend. But things get complicated as it turns to be a trap to all those involved with a incident years back.

Though with a more darker, serious approach, it is still an action-filled, thriller that still keeps the elements that we all love from Jackie Chan. I don't care if this is truly the last movie he will be in. Because it has been his life and passion, he would still have that want to make and participate in the movies he will be doing. And as we all know that Jackie is never forever young, but with his moves  in this movie, you would think, he still got it and tried something new.

Fila Polo Cup Goes Gatsby!

FILA Polo Cup 2014 went retro last January 26 at the Manila Polo Club in Forbes Park with a one of a kind theme inspired from the 1920's, The Great Gatsby. The annual FILA Polo Cup is now on its tenth year and has also been a kick-off party of the year for FILA as they also share achievements and new models that they will be launching this year. 

With last year inspired from the Carnival, this year's theme, inspired from the book and the movie was chosen with FILA Philippines CEO Ms Cris Albert leading the whole team together will the endorsers and spectators of the annual sporting event. As polo mixes well with the Vintage vibe of the fashion at the Manila Polo Club, familiar FILA faces like Tim Yap, Fabio Ide, were joined by new brand endorsers: Pinay-Swiss interior designer Jess Keinle and emerging MMA star Brazilian Wesley Machado. Also members of the Philippine Volcanoes will add to the excitement. FILA went all out last year in its support of the rugby team, especially when it went to represent the Philippines in the Rugby World Cup in Moscow.

The Hardest Working Restaurant Manager is Now in the Philippines

4000 Restaurants Cannot Be Wrong!

WOULD it not be great, as a restaurateurs, to know how many diners will be coming, what time, and what will they be having? No more surprised and terrified kitchen staff and only satisfied diners.

ResDiary provides a web-based reservation and table-management tool to restaurant operators in over 4,500 restaurants, in 17 countries, allowing them to take online bookings through their websites, facebook pages and through Twitter as well as by telephone and to process walk-in bookings.

With ResDiary.com now available in The Philippines, restaurateurs now have an efficient system that allows them to allocate reservations in a way to make most effective use of the tables available and capture customer contact details and other data of the customer.

Meet The KakaoTalk Friends!

Kakao Friends are your mischievous and spirited messaging buddies that you can meet exclusively on KakaoTalk. With each character displaying distinct personalities and emotions, they help users effectively convey a variety of exciting emotions, even those that are hard to express in text, to friends and loved ones.

Like any of us, each character has his or her own story to tell.

Groovy Jay-G is the mole with the sunglasses and the afro hair. He always makes it a point to get his afro done fresh and his suit crisp. He is a secret agent who finds inspiration from his largest idol, Jay-Z. Although Jay-G tries to portray an image of a calm, cool-headed and professional dude, he is actually as clumsy as a bear, has the heart of a pussycat, and is hungry for affection. Have you used Jay-G stickers to cry out for love?

Starstudio Named Best Magazine At The 12th Gawad Tanglaw Awards

The country’s best source for entertainment news and celebrity lifestyle is taking things notches higher this 2014, following a win at the prestigious 12th Gawad Tanglaw Awards for Best Magazine.

Setting the bar with its recent success, StarStudio aims to up its game of bringing the latest happenings in showbiz, as featured in its newest February issue.

For this month, StarStudio Magazine presents “The Love Diaries”—an issue packed with celebrity love stories that will make for the perfect reading this month of love.

Leading the couples featured in this issue are Sarah Lahbati and Richard Gutierrez, who share the exclusive story of how they met and fell in love. The much talked about celebrity couple also give readers a look into their personal travel photos with captions that Sarah wrote herself.

REEL DEAL: Sa Ngalan Ng Ama Ina At Mga Anak BlogCon

Action films are rising one by one and is now proudly produced and distributed by Star Cinema. If you would remember "OTJ" by Erik Matti, it gave a promising hope for more action films in production for Philippine Cinema. Now this 2014, Robin Padilla, fresh from his success in 10000 hours will now reprise the role of one of the most controversial clans in the Philippines, the Kuratong Baleleng.

"Sa Ngalan Ng Ama Ina At Mga Anak" is a production by RCP Productions and distributed by Star Cinema which brings together cast members all from the Padilla clan. Yes, stars like RJ Padilla, Kylie Padilla, Rommel Padilla, Mariel Rodriguez-Padilla, and even Daniel Padilla is in this movie. 

REEL DEAL: Paranomal Activity The Marked Ones SPOTLIGHT

Scary but remarkably cinematic The story starts in June 2012 in Oxnard, California. Jesse has a party with his family and friends to celebrate his high school graduation. One morning, Jesse finds a mysterious bite on his arm which somehow gives him superhuman abilities. When he and his friend Hector are confronted by two thugs who attack them, Jesse knocks them out. When they relate the incident to their other friend Marisol, Jesse cannot remember how it happened

Anna, the strange old witch-like neighbor of Jesse, is killed, and the police suspect that Oscar, a former classmate of Jesse, is the prime suspect. Jesse and his friend decide to find out what Anna's apartment looks like. They find black magic rituals and a picture of Jesse and several VHS tapes - including tapes of Katie & Kristi (from the third film). The next day, Jesse and Hector meet Penelope. Penelope finds a trap door in the apartment leading to a basement and is grabbed by an arm before she breaks free and runs away. Jesse arrives back and chases Oscar who reveals that he did kill Anna because she bit his arm. Oscar then commits suicide by jumping from a building onto the top of a car.

Chinese New Year Celebrated In Style at Solaire Resort and Casino

The auspicious Year of the Wooden Horse will be welcomed and the Chinese New Year celebrated, with colorful traditions and feasts this January at Solaire Resort and Casino.

The Lion Dance on Friday, January 31, 2014 marks Chinese New Year and guests will be able to witness this ceremony in the resort’s Porte cohere. A symbolic practice believed to dispel negative spirits, the lion dance is always accompanied by a cacophony of drums and cymbals and an exhibition of firecrackers. The dancers will begin their performance in the lobby and will move to different areas of the resort.

The Classic Chinese “Tikoy” has many years of tradition and has, long been a favorite staple in any Chinese New Year celebration. To highlight the significance of this annual indulgence, Solaire brings you the lucky “Koi fish-shaped” Tikoy in elegant gift boxes. Guests can enjoy this popular take-out treat available at Red Lantern located in the resort’s ground level until 14 February 2014. For bulk orders of Tikoy, guests should call the resort at 888 8888.

The Lifestyle Network Celebrates"Metrowear Icon Francis Libiran: The TV Special" This Weekend

On Metro Magazine’s 25th anniversary, designer to the stars Francis Libiran was recently named the latest Metrowear Icon. In commemoration of this, Metro will be airing a television special to celebrate Libiran’s unique talents, set to air this Saturday (January 25) at 9pmand Sunday (January 26) at 10:30pm on the Lifestyle Network (SkyCable channel 53).

Libiran has gained renown for his elegant style and great skill with draping fabrics and doing intricate beadwork. His creations have drawn the attention of fashionistas in both local and international circles. Among the stars that have been fortunate to wear his beautiful dresses and bespoke suits are the likes of Anne Curtis, Sam Milby, Shaina Magdayao, Billy Crawford, Xian Lim and Kim Chiu. For major events like the Star Magic Ball, the brightest (and most fashion-savvy) of stars look forward to wearing his creations. His latest fashion coup was creating the dresses and gowns worn by 2013 Miss World winner, Megan Young. His coral beaded evening won him raves all around.

REEL DEAL: "Pudsey" The Movie First Trailer

Pudsey, the charmer that won the world over when they won in 2012’s Britain’s Got Talent with his owner is now a bone-a-fide movie star in “Pudsey: The Movie.” Check out its first trailer reveal below. 

 The family movie is being produced by Simon Cowell’s Syco Entertainment with Vertigo Films, under the direction of Nick Moore starring the voice of BGT judge David Walliams as Pudsey.  The movie also stars Jessica  Hynes, John Sessions and Ashleigh (Pudsey’s owner).

Lifestyle Network: The Philippines' Newest Home of the Oscars

What is considered to be the movie industry’s most prestigious award has found a new home for its annual ceremony’s broadcast on Philippine television, as the 86th Academy Awards—popularly known as the Oscars—now reaches out to eager viewers via the Lifestyle Network, airing live as it happens.

From its historical introduction in 1929, the Academy Awards has since become known as the organization behind the world of film’s most prestigious honor, coming in the form of the Oscar statuette. This statuette has now reached the status of an internationally admired symbol that stands as proof and recognition of the very highest level of achievement in movies, bearing significance of a caliber entirely its own.

Asia's Next Top Model Cycle 2 Heats Up Star World in 2014

Heating up your TV screens this 2014, the second cycle of Asia’s Next Top Model hits Star World with a new batch of strikingly beautiful hopefuls vying for the title. The show premiered on January 8, 2014, introducing 16 young models from the Asia-Pacific region who feel they’ve got what it takes to be the next Asian fashion ingénue.

Returning this season to host the show is successful model Nadya Hutagalung, and Joey Mead-King, model and host, reprises her role as mentor to the candidates. Joining these beautiful judges are photographer Mike Rosenthal and movement coach Adam Williams to round out the panel. All of them use their combined experience in the fashion industry to train the girls and discern who deserves to become Asia’s Next Top Model.

Sixteen aspiring models undergo various challenges throughout the show -- some testing their skills to navigate socially through the fashion world, others their natural talent in presenting the best image of themselves that will have the industry at their feet. All these challenges are designed to hone the model’s talents and weed out those who can’t make the cut.

Moët Hennessy Asia Pacific extends relief, donates to Philippine RedCross

Moët Hennessy Asia Pacific – Philippine Representative Office sympathizes with the entire Filipino nation as the devastation brought by the typhoon Yolanda shattered landscapes and left massive number of Filipinos in the Visayas region displaced due to lack of shelter, food, water, and medicines. While countless of lives were also appallingly swept away by what is known to be the strongest typhoon in the world to date, thousands are still in dire need of help.

In this light, the Moët Hennessy Asia Pacific – Philippines Representative Office puts aside its much sought Hennessy Artistry Halo 2013 slated on November 15, at the NBC Tent in Global City to empathize with the Filipinos and extend relief assistance.

American Idol Season 13 Premiere Bags Huge Ratings for Star World‏

Proving it is truly the Home of Idols again this year, Star World is rejoicing over its recent ratings triumph for the much-awaited premiere of American Idol Season 13. On January 16, 2014, Star World scored 0.65 in the category of females aged 16-34 for the season premiere of American Idol, with a tremendous 1.3 in its sub-target of females 16-24; the numbers not only trump last season's premiere but also register as Star World's highest launch numbers for the iconic competition. The score greatly trumps that of competing channel ETC, which scored a 0 rating for the same category for its premiere of American Idol Season 13.

50% off at Chef Jessie’s 100 Revolving Restaurant with Citi credit cards

Citi Philippines teamed up with Chef Jessie, one of the country’s premiere restaurateurs, to offer cardholders a fantastic treat this season. Until January 31, 2014, Citi cardholders can avail of a 50% discount on the Saturday lunch buffet at Chef Jessie’s new 100 Revolving Restaurant in Libis, the country’s only revolving restaurant.

Guests can enjoy the breath-taking 360-degree-view of Metro Manila while savouring some of Chef Jessie’s exquisite house favorites such as the Alugbati & Heart of Palm Salad in Tamarind Vinaigrette Dressing; carvings of US Black Angus Rib-Eye Au jus, Garlic Studded Baby Lamb Leg in Rosemary Jus, Roast Suckling Pig and more. Chef Jessie also offers new delectable desserts like the peanut butter cheesecake and the revolving torta, which comes in 5 different flavours – banana, jackfruit, macapuno, mango, and pineapple.

A Message of Hope From Krem-Top

2013 proved to be a very challenging year for the Philippines. But through the difficulties and calamities, we showed extreme resilience and strength, which was witnessed and admired by the world over. As we face 2014, Krem-Top wishes to encourage every Filipino to continue to create greater and more positive changes in their lives. Together, let us all strive for a better Pilipinas.

Ikaw anong change ang gagawin mo?

#Changeforthebetterph

The Jazz scene’s finest musicians to perform on Philippine shores

FIVE-TIME GRAMMY NOMINEE DAVID BENOIT TO RAISE FILIPINOS’ SPIRITS

International jazz fusion and smooth jazz pianist, composer, and producer David Benoit, a five-time Grammy Award nominee, will be heading to the Philippines with yet another noble cause—joining the line-up of the star-studded benefit concert “Heal Our Land,” which is set to be mounted at the Mall of Asia Arena on January 31, 2014.

Benoit, having made a name for himself time and time again, gained popularity through both his moving solo performances and notable collaborations. Over the years, he has arranged, conducted, and performed musical numbers for many popular artists, including the likes of Kenny Loggins, Patti Austin, Faith Hill, Brian McKnight, and the Walt Disney Company.

HEALTHY LYF: Of Peas, Beans and other Legumes

Rice and Corn has been a staple among the people especially to Asians, but with an expanding market and growing array of food choices, one can avail, the options grew for people who wanted something new on their tables. Peas, Legumes and other beans are present in dishes but not much in the daily menu at family tables. But we may missed on a nutritional opportunity with these beans as they are more healthier and more nutritious with their composition.

Though I love cooking and food experiments, I seldom do legumes because I am not yet familiar on what kinds of dished I can create. I will post in my food blog some of recipes that you can do with legumes that wil not only revolutionize your menu but also improve your nutrition and taste.

2014's Best Actress Frontrunner Cate Blanchett in "The Monuments Men"

Cate Blanchett,  this year’s Best Actress winner at the Screen Actors Guild Awards and Critics’ Choice Movie Awards (for her role in “Blue Jasmine”) and nominated at the 86th Academy Awards (Oscars) stars in a sweeping true story of the greatest treasure hunt in history where she is the only woman among “The Monuments Men.”

Based on the real history chronicled in the non-fiction book “The Monuments Men: Allied Heroes, Nazi Thieves and the Greatest Treasure Hunt in History” by Robert M. Edsel with Bret Witter,  “The Monuments Men” is an action drama focusing on seven over-the-hill, out-of-shape museum directors, artists, architects, curators, and art historians who went to the front lines of WWII to rescue the world’s artistic masterpieces from Nazi thieves and return them to their rightful owners.  The Monuments Men found themselves in a race against time to avoid the destruction of 1000 years of culture, they would risk their lives to protect and defend mankind’s greatest achievements. 

Enjoy 20% off plus free shipping at the adidas Online shop with Citi credit cards

It’s time to break a sweat and gear up with adidas! Get an exclusive 20% discount on your first purchase plus free shipping when you shop online at http://shop.adidas.com.ph with your Citi credit card.

Choose from a wide range of products and avail of a 20% discount and free shipping on nearly all full priced items. Simply use your Citi credit card when you pay and enter the special promo code CITI20 upon check out under the shopping cart tab. Exclusions to the offer are Boost Running Shoes, headphones, watches and fitness equipment.

REEL DEAL: Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones

Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones a superhorror film The story begins in June 2012 in Oxnard, California. Recent high school graduate Jesse has a party which includes his family and friends to celebrate his graduation. One morning, Jesse finds a mysterious bite on his arm. Later, he and his friend Hector are confronted by two thugs who attack them, but the thugs are somehow knocked out by Jesse. When they show the incident to their other friend Marisol, Jesse cannot remember how it happened. After some strange activity, he realizes that he has superhuman abilities before he tests and plays with them.

Anna, the strange old witch-like neighbor of Jesse, is killed, and the police suspect that Oscar, a former classmate of Jesse, is the prime suspect. Jesse and his friend decide to find out what Anna's apartment looks like. They find black magic rituals and a picture of Jesse. They also discover several VHS tapes - including tapes of Katie & Kristi (from the third film). The next day, Jesse and Hector meet Penelope. Penelope finds a trap door in the apartment leading to a basement and is grabbed by an arm before she breaks free and runs away, while Oscar emerges from it and hides himself in the bedroom. Jesse arrives back and chases Oscar upon seeing him, who reveals that he did kill Anna because his arm had been bitten by her. Oscar then commits suicide by jumping from a building onto the top of a car.

Starworld Hosts American Idol Season 13 Viewing Party

January means mire than just the new year, it is also the starting month of one of America's favorite reality show which is now on iths 13th year. American Idol premiered their pilot episode internationally with channels like Starworld as one of exclusive stations to air the series.

The truth is I was not much of an Idol fan back then, I think that the show was not much different from other singing competition but the thirteenth season of America's favorite singing show had made an interesting turn of events.

Last season was a year of egos fierce with the obvious conflict from two Diva Mariah Carey and Hiphop sensation Nicky Minaj. The contestants were good but they also fell into some cat fights between the two with opposing views and controversial statements. With that there was a faction of who is on Team Mariah or Team Nicki.

Win Tickets to the Red Hot Chili Peppers Concert, Cool Gadgets, and DnD Guitars with 12 Stone Records New Year Promo!

The year 2014 came in with a blast after the release of 12 Stone Records’ Omnibus Television Commercial and New Year Promo, which boasts of cool prizes and amazing treats.

To join and get a chance to win prizes, simply:

1. LIKE www.facebook.com/12stoneinc

2. SHARE 12 Stone Records' Omnibus TV Commercial with this promo status.

3. TAG @12 Stone Inc. on your shared status.

PS. You MUST tag 12 Stone Inc. ON YOUR SHARED STATUS OTHERWISE YOUR ENTRY IS INVALID AND WILL NOT BE TRACKED.

Ara Arida redefines Boldness At The Metro Body Show Off 2014

Heating up the start of a new year hand in hand with the sexiest body shoot to ever hit print media in the Philippines, the Metro Body Show Off last Saturday (January 11) was an event that took boldness and excitement to whole new heights—especially with Miss Universe 2013 3rd Runner-up Ariella Arida leading the pack.

The Metro Body Show Off, which kick started Metro’s year-long silver anniversary celebration with a bang, took place at Opus, Resorts World, Manila. There, Metro Body featured personalities apart from the Metro Body Issue’s sizzling hot cover girl Ara redefined sexiness, as presented by the likes of Wendy Tabusalla, Carlos Agassi, Vince Ferraren, Rodjun Cruz, Joaco Cañas, Jessica Yang, John James Uy, Sky Yang, and JC de Vera.

DepEd, Laguna, ink agreement on 2014 Palarong Pambansa

The Department of Education (DepEd) and the Provincial Government of Laguna solidified their partnership to conduct the 2014 Palarong Pambansa through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed on January 13 by Laguna Governor Emilio Ramon “ER” Ejercito Jr. and Education Secretary Br Armin. A. Luistro FSC. The MOU stipulated the duties and responsibilities of both parties to ensure a well- managed and professionally run Palaro.

“The Province of Laguna will be the first host to the first Palarong Pambansa, which started in 1948, under the recently passed Palarong Pambansa Institutionalization Law or Republic Act 10588,” explained DepEd Assistant Secretary for legal and legislative affairs Tonisito Umali.

REEL DEAL: Jack Ryan Shadow Recruit REVIEW

With the unfortunate passing of the famed Tom Clancy last year who was known for his works such as Sum of All Fears" and "The Hunt For Red October" has been loved by many generations of the political and espionage action thriller. Now with a new incarnation of the iconic character Jack Ryan, Chris Pine takes his shoes and goes on with this new film "Jack Ryan Shadow Recruit".

The role which was been played by actors Alec Balwin, Ben Affleck and Harrison Ford. This maybe considered as a reboot to the franchise and with Pine now the new Jack, brings a whole new trill into the new film which was also dedicated in memory of the late author.

Being a CIA Analyst, Jack Ryan stumbles upon questionable accounts that would lead him to fly off to Russia for a special investigation. With treats around  him ans his loved one, he becomes part of the very complex and well-planned conspiracy that will cause international turmoil.

Shadow Recruit has so far gave a thrilling ride of emotions and critical thinking that gives a lot of suspense. The start might be a little mixed with thrill and boredom, but the excited shoots up when the action starts and then everything goes on a roller coaster as the conflict rises.

Starworld Premieres American Idol This Thursday!

A new year means another batch of amazing hidden talent coming to the fore as American Idol Season 13 hits TV screens on January 16, 2014, only on Star World! The most successful reality TV show returns for its 13th season for another round of bombastic performances from hundreds of aspiring singers aiming to be American Idol. 

Season 13 will kick off on Star World on January 16 at 6 PM, live via satellite, with encores at 8 PM and 11 PM to ensure that all die-hard American Idol fans won’t miss the exciting premiere of the show.  

DepEd sets early registration on January 25

The Department of Education (DepEd) has set January 25, 2014 (Saturday) as the date for early registration in all public elementary and secondary schools nationwide. One goal of DepEd Order No. 2 s.2014 is to gather information to base its preparations to address potential gaps that may arise even before regular enrollment.

“We want to prevent logistical problems when the new school year starts in June,” explains Education Secretary Br Armin Luistro FSC. “If our school heads know how many students they will have ahead of time, they can better prepare classrooms and seats and learning materials.”

Alma Moreno, Maja Salvador and Other Dance Divas Featured In Throwback Docu "Biyaheng Retro"

Dancing queens of then and now take center stage in the ultimate throwback docu-show of the new year, “Biyaheng Retro” on ABS-CBN’s Jeepney TV this Sunday (January 19).

From Alma Moreno’s sexy gyrations on “Loveliness” in the 80’s to Maja Salvador’s feisty moves on “ASAP,” “Biyaheng Retro” traces the evolution of dancing trends; and dance divas who changed the landscape of television over the last thirty years.

Y2014 Resolution: Own a Home Through BPI Family Housing Loan

It's that time of the year again wherein we pen down our new year's resolution! If you're a homemaker or a breadwinner, a singleton living independently or a young couple about to get married, resolve to invest in your own home this coming year and allocate that rental budget to invest in a house that will suit you. Why rent when you can buy your own?

Ms. Celyn Sta. Ana, SVP Retail Mortgage Division of BPI Family Savings Bank says, “There is nothing wrong with renting but what we want you to rethink is, 'why rent when you can buy your own home?' Interest rates for housing loans have continuously been low. A PHP 15,000.00 monthly rental fee is already equivalent to a monthly amortization payment for a Php2Million peso loan. It’s about time for Filipinos to start owning their own homes because now they can afford it."

American Idol XIII is Live Via Satelite on ETC

After twelve seasons, American Idol can lay its claim as the only TV singing competition show to produce numerous hit and award-winning recording artists. Combined, Idol finalists have released more than 200 albums, hit No.1 on the Billboard charts over 400 times, and have garnered more than 250 million iTunes downloads. 

This January 2014, the Road to Fame starts on ETC as they bring you American Idol XIII. Catch the two day premiere on ETC this January 16, Thursday LIVE via satellite at 6PM with a primetime telecast at 8PM and January 17, Friday LIVE via satellite at 6PM with a primetime telecast at 9PM.

Home Sweetie Home Makes Impressive Debut, Ranks No. 1

The Kapamilya network’s newest sitcom “Home Sweetie Home” made strong first impressions upon the airing of its pilot episode last Sunday (January 5), topping the rating charts and ranking number one nationwide.

According to data from Kantar Media, “Home Sweetie Home” raked in 19.9% in TV ratings, making it the most watched TV program among last Sunday’s shows in both urban and rural areas. Feedback from viewers via social media also proved the show was a hit, with many becoming instant fans of the John Lloyd Cruz-Toni Gonzaga tandem.

MUSIC LYF: Japanese singer AISAKU in love with OPM

Japanese singer Aisaku recently released his own rendition of the 90s classic pop ballad “Ikaw Pa Rin.” The choice is not merely because it's of Japanese origin. But ironically due to his high regard for OPM, with him even counting Gary Valenciano as his main musical influence.

He said, “I know more OPM than Japanese songs now. I have more Filipino friends than Japanese friends on Facebook. And I guess I am a Filipino by heart even though my pair of eyes makes me look like I'm asleep.”

His name interestingly meaning “make love,” Aisaku recently put out his self-titled debut album of OPM classic covers led by “Ikaw Pa Rin,” (popularized by Ted Ito and originally “Saigo No Iwake” in Japanese). His cover of the song won “Best OPM Cover” at the 2013 Gawad Musika Awards & Consumers Quality Awards.

The album package is produced by Janette Ito of Japan's i&i Records in tie-up with Japan Home Centre and distributed by Universal Records Philippines.

Born from a Christian family, this pure Japanese moved to the Philippines years back and the long stretch made him a Pinoy by heart. He takes pride that his knowledge in the Filipino culture and language is almost on a native level.

LAKBAYAN: Manila Bay Resorts To Rise By 2015

The Tiger Resort, Leisure and Entertainment, Inc., (a subsidiary of Universal Entertainment Corporation, led by Japanese tycoon Mr. Okada, Kazuo) developer of the ambitious Manila Bay Resorts project, proudly shared its lofty goals in line with the ongoing construction of the 44-hectare facility to rise within the Entertainment City complex in Paranaque City come 2015. Top honchos president Masahiro Terada and vice president Kenji Sugiyama met with members of the press to share their ultimate vision for a huge and integrated resort with the three-hotel property (each a 15-storey-structure) bound to be home to the biggest casino in the country. The said Resort is touted as a natural, desirable addition to Manila Bay's cultural and commercial venues, with expectations of two plush hotels, a six-star and a five-star at that, and around 20 food and beverage destinations, retail and spa facilities, and residential properties.

Metro Kicks Off Silver Anniversary With Sexiest Metro Photo Shoot Ever

To kick off its 25th anniversary year, Metro is bringing its readers the boldest and most daring edition of its highly anticipated Metro Body Issue, where Miss Universe 2013 3rd Runner Up Ariella Arida sizzles on the cover in one of the season’s hottest trends. This Saturday (January 11), get the chance to be part of her meet and greet plus autograph signing of the magazine at National Bookstore in Glorietta 1.

Ara looks fresher and fiercer than ever in tropical prints, divulging what she’s really like underneath it all—the title, the glamour, and the limelight. She opens up about life after the world’s most prestigious pageant, revealing things she’s never revealed before.

Joining Ara in this ultra exciting issue are today’s most talked about personalities in entertainment, modeling, and sports, alongside fresh faces whose stars will shine brighter, and some of the most standout names from Metro Body features past.

REEL DEAL: Mumbai Love Opens This January!

Solenn-Kiko, Perfect Match

by Emy Abuan

Capestone Pictures Inc. has joined forces with Solar Entertainment Corporation in the romantic comedy team-up of sexy and beauteous Solenn Heusaff and talented new actor Kiko Matos.

Mumbai Love is a cross-cultural romantic comedy shot on location in India and the Philippines. The story is centered on the love between Solenn and Kiko from two different worlds who will risk everything even racial differences of age-old traditions because of their love for each other.

Solenn has enjoyed doing the movie Mumbai Love. She has improved her craft, the reason why she has lots of projects both on TV and the movies.Her film titled Status: It’s Complicated is doing well in the box office and her TV series Sa Akin Pa Rinang Bukas is gaining more followers who love drama and suspense.

Shift Your Screens to beTV this January as Teen Wolf Season 3 Returns!

It’s time to get back on track this New Year as the best of TV, beTV, brings the same-week as the US telecast of the 2nd part of Teen Wolf Season 3!

This January, the pack begins to experience strange side effects as a result of reigniting the power within Beacon Hills. Allison (Crystal Reed) is being haunted by visions of her dead aunt and Stiles (Dylan O'Brien) is seeing words slide off the page. Two of them are losing their minds while Scott (Tyler Posey) battles to find his place as an Alpha.

REEL DEAL: Kristen Wiig Inspires In "The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty"

The immensely talented Kristen Wiig stars opposite Ben Stiller in “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” where Stiller plays the titular character about a modern daydreamer inspired to live out his dreams to save not just his job but that of the woman whom he secretly cares for.

Mitty is an ordinary magazine photo editor who takes a regular mental vacation from his ho-hum existence by disappearing into a world of fantasies electrified by dashing heroism, passionate romance and constant triumphs over danger.  But when Mitty and the co-worker Cheryl (Kristen Wiig) whom he secretly adores stand in actual peril of losing their jobs, Walter must do the unimaginable:  take real action – sparking a global journey more extraordinary than anything he could have ever dreamed up. 

REEL DEAL: Bride For Rent BlogCon

KimXi fever continues with another screen love team up starts the year 2014 with a romantic comedy "Bride for Rent" . From their successful first movie "Bakit Hindi Ka Crush Ng Crush Mo" last year, fans have been clamoring for the next movie that they will belong.

A wedding movie at the start of the year is odd, yet enticing since its starts the new year with love and fun. Kim and Xian has proven than their loveteam has grew and loved by many of their fans. 

Kim is a natural with witty statements, although sometime it would also be misinterpreted (during the grand presscon with her statement of "We don't owe you our personal lives," however, all the people involved including Kim have eventually been settled. And Kim felt the love of her fans as statement of support also kept her spirit high despite the incident. You can actually check out the complete BlogCon video below.

MUSIC LYF: Capital Cities to perform at AYALA MALLS on January 11 & 12

Los Angeles indie electro unit Capital Cities first came together as a duo of composers/songwriters Ryan Merchant and Sebu Simonian. The two initially met on craigslist in 2008 and worked as jingle writers until they formed the band in 2010. They released an EP independently in 2011 that included the song “Safe and Sound,” an upbeat mesh of programming and melody that went viral and gained the act a lot of Internet exposure. The music video is currently nominated in this year’s 56th Grammy Awards. Eventually, Merchant and Simonian were joined by bassist Manny Quintero, trumpeter Spencer Ludwig, guitarist Nick Merwin, and drummer Channing Holmes. Their new single “Kangaroo Court”

The fully realized live version of Capital Cities played festivals internationally. Their debut full-length studio album “In a Tidal Wave of Mystery” is exclusively distributed MCA Music (Universal Music Philippines).