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.