Robin Thicke. (Reuters)
LOS ANGELES | Family of late soul singer Marvin Gaye sued R&B recording artists Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams for copyright infringement on Wednesday, accusing them of stealing from the Motown legend’s musical composition for the hit single “Blurred Lines.”
The suit was filed as a counter-claim to a case brought preemptively by Thicke and Williams in August seeking a court ruling to establish that “Blurred Lines” did not infringe on Gaye’s rights to his 1977 hit, “Got to Give it Up,” as members of his family had said publicly.
The suit by three of Gaye’s children cited excerpts of magazine interviews given by Thicke to support their contention that he had admitted to drawing on “Got to Give it Up” when producing and recording “Blurred Lines.”
Thicke sang the raunchy, percussive R&B song, which topped song charts around the world this year and ranked as the biggest U.S. pop hit of the summer, at this year’s MTV Video Music Awards in a provocative performance featuring pop singer Miley Cyrus.
Gaye’s daughter, Nona Marvisa Gaye, and his sons Frankie Christian Gaye and Marvin Gaye III also said in the suit that Thicke’s 2011 song “Love After War” amounted to “unlawful copying” of Gaye’s 1976 song “After the Dance.”
Their lawsuit also named Thicke’s wife, actress Paula Patton, who collaborated with her husband on “Love After War,” along with Interscope Records, Universal Music Group Recordings and Sony/ATV Music, among others.
The suit further accuses EMI, which also happens to manage the copyrights for Gaye’s music, of breach of contract and trust agreements.
The family is seeking damages of up to $150,000 per infringement as well as a portion of the profits from the success of “Blurred Lines” and “Love After War.”
Freddie Aguilar on the hot seat of the TV5 program 'Face the People'.
After admitting to just about everything about his relationship with his 16-year-old girlfriend, Freddie Aguilar is now ready not only to face the music on the qualified seduction charge filed against him recently but also to literally “Face The People” in an upcoming episode of the show airing on November 4.
Early this week, Ka Freddie, 60, was very firm in admitting to “Good Morning Girls” Cheryl Cosim, Twink Macaraig, Shawn Yao and Tuesday Vargas that he has sexual relations with his girlfriend who he simply refers to as “Jovy”.
“I would be a hypocrite if I tell you no, we don’t. That’s hypocrisy. That’s something we should get rid of in this country,” he said.
Now, Ka Freddie finds himself on the show’s hot seat dubbed as “silya ng konsensya”, ready to answer more questions about him and Jovy. The one hundred or so people in the audience are also more than ready to express their strong opinions on their relationship that will be reflected on the show’s Opinion Meter.
Among the other highlights of the much-awaited “Face The People” episode will be a face-to-face encounter between the legendary folk singer and his girlfriend’s mother. There’s also a heated exchange between Ka Freddie and entertainment columnist Joey Sarmiento who disapproves of the former’s May-December affair.
Ka Freddie defends himself against detractors on the show, which will air on Monday, Nov. 4.
Atty. Trixie Cruz-Angeles will also give her insights on the “qualified seduction” case faced by the popular music icon. The show ends with hosts Gelli De Belen and Tintin Bersola-Babao asking Ka Freddie to decide on whether or not he intends to continue with his much talked about relationship.
Meanwhile, Ka Freddie’s sister, art patron and book author Marlene Aguilar has posted her thoughts on her brother’s relationship on her Facebook page which she said she has posted before.
“Do I agree with Freddie Aguilar’s decision? No. However, I have no right to dictate upon him whom he should love. Actually, I have no right to dictate upon anyone how they should handle their own love affairs. Ultimately, it’s my brother life so it’s really none of my business. Thank you,” posted Marlene on her Facebook last October 28.
No stranger to controversy herself, Marlene made headlines in 2010 when she vigorously came to the defense her son, former actor Jason Ivler who was suspected of killing the son of presidential chief of staff undersecretary Renato Ebarle Sr. The case is still pending in court while Jason remains detained at the Quezon City Jail.
“Face The People” airs weekdays at 4:30PM on TV5.
Nominees (clockwise from top left) G-Dragon, SHINee, IU and SISTAR (Photos courtesy of Melon website)
The top 10 artists and other nominees in the 2013 Melon Music Awards have been revealed.
These 10 artists are G-Dragon, EXO, BEAST, SISTAR, Davichi, Dynamic Duo, Busker Busker, SHINee, IU and Ailee.
For the first round, 1.74 online votes were cast, representing 20 percent of the selection. The 80 percent was based on music charts.
The 10 will compete for the Artist of the Year award and the results will be revealed during the ceremony on Nov. 14.
For Album of the Year, the nominees are EXO’s “XOXO” (repackaged version), G-Dragon’s “Coup d’etat,” SHINee’s “Dream Girl: The Misconceptions of You,” IU’s “Modern Times,” Busker Busker’s “Busker Busker 2nd Album,” Cho Yong Pil’s “Hello,” Huh Gak’s “Little Giant,” Lee Hyori’s “Monochrome” and Dynamic Duo’s “Lucky Number.”
The Best New Artist nominees are Roy Kim, Lim Kim, BTS, Ladies Code and History.
Netizen Popularity Award nominees are Girls’ Generation, EXO, BEAST, SHINee, G-Dragon, Roy Kim, Lee Hyori and SISTAR.
Psy’s “Gentleman” is nominated for the Hot Trend Award along with Crayon Pop’s “Bar Bar Bar,” Rose Motel’s “Long Time Lover,” UV’s “Because of You,” and Hyungdon and Daejun’s “Hemansahang.”
The Global Artist nominees are Super Junior M, Girls’ Generation, 2NE1, Psy and EXO.
Crayon Pop’s “Bar Bar Bar” is nominated for the Music Video Award along with EXO’s “Growl,” BEAST’s “Shadow,” Lee Hyori’s “Miss Korea” and Psy’s “Gentleman.”
The Best Original Soundtrack nominees are Yoon Mi-rae, Kim Bo Kyung, Akdong Musician, MEN and Gummy.
CNBLUE is vying for the Rock Award along with Kang Seung Yoon, Cho Yong Pil, Younha and Yoo Seung Woo.
The Hip Hop Award nominees are Leessang, San E, Baechigi, Geeks and Verbal Jint.
Nominees for the R&B/Ballad Award are K.Will, Huh Gak, Bumkey, Lynn and Lee Seung Chul.
Bruno Mars is nominated in the Pop Award category along with Justin Bieber, Justin Timberlake, David Guetta and Bingo Players.
Ariella Arida.
Should she make it as far as the interview portion of the Miss Universe pageant, fellow beauty queens see nothing wrong with Miss Philippines Ariella Arida answering in Tagalog and getting help from an interpreter.
In separate interviews, Miss Universe 1999 1st runner-up Miriam Quiambao, Miss Earth 2004 Priscilla Meirelles and Binibining Pilipinas-International 2010 Krista Kleiner (now known as singer Krista K) expressed their concerns on Arida’s perceived weak command of the English language following her controversial TV interview with Karen Davila on the ANC show, “Headstart”.
“Sa tingin ko, kung mas kumportable siya sa Tagalog. Okay lang naman sumagot siya in Pilipino kasi meron namang translator. Pero kung sa tingin niya, kaya din niyang magsalita ng English, ang importante, yung gist ng sagot niya, yung totoo at nasa saloobin niya. Kung mai-deliver niya yun ng maayos, pasok siya dun,” Quiambao told InterAksyon and other media during the culminating press conference of World Vision’s Celebrities for Children project.
Miriam Quiambao. (Analy Labor/InterAksyon)
Meirelles, a Brazilian who has been based here in the Philippines even before she married actor John Estrada, said she had seen Arida’s interview and had taken no offense from her remark citing Latinas as examples of beauty pageant contestants who don’t speak good English. She did, however, say it’s okay for candidates to get translators to interpret more effectively what they mean to say.
“It’s really hard for a candidate that does not speak English very well like myself when I first competed in Miss Earth. You cannot make yourself heard the way you’re supposed to be and you can’t express yourself properly,” Meirelles told InterAksyon during the recent launch of the Miss Teen Earth and Little Miss Earth pageant.
Priscilla Meirelles.
“But in beauty pageants, they also have translators, so just make sure you get a good one, say what you want to say in your own language and make sure the interpreter does his job right. And I don’t think it should be an issue”.
In an earlier interview, actress and Binibining Pilipinas-International 1994 Alma Concepcion likewise said she sees nothing wrong with Arida using an interpreter in the Miss Universe pageant.
(Next page: Gloria Diaz’s solution to Venus Raj’s ‘major major’ problem)
Pinoy ghouls like the tiyanak, manananggal, kapre, among others have figured in many films and in various mutations. But are they true?
Bulletin Entertainment consulted metaphysical expert Rey Sibayan to know the nitty-gritty about these mythical creatures, far from what shown in movies.
Sibayan began: “Before God created the physical reality, God created the non-physical reality…”
This baby kills! But can anyone kill this baby? (Screengrab photo)
Tiyanak
This demonic child has appeared in the iconic Peque Gallaga film (as the “Anak ni Janice”), in “Juan Tanga, Super Naman, at ang Kambal na Tiyanak,” “Impakto” and even in the animated film “Dayo: Sa Mundo ng Elementalia.”
While Sibayan said that “there’s no definite definition about tiyanak,” it is believed to imitate an infant or an elemental spirit, like a goblin.
In stories, tiyanak usually cries to get the attention and sympathy of a person. Once it is picked up, it transforms to a monstrous form and attacks its prey.
“In the paranormal or metaphysical field, it is basically a demonic spirit na puwedeng mag-appear anytime, kahit saan. But normally, people believe that itong tiyanak, could be spirits of unborn child na hindi nagma-manifest in material body,” explained Sibayan.
He clarified, though, that “there’s no such thing as tiyanak attack. Maybe attack as parang nanakot lang, maaring humagikgik lang sa tabi, pero I don’t think na merong harm na ginawa sa iba.”
Gardo Versoza as Kanlaon, the male manananggal. Will he find the ‘itinakda?’ (Screengrab photo)
Manananggal
Manananggal, one of aswang varieties, is the Philippines’ badass counterpart of Western vampire. It is said to fly by night with huge bat-like wings on the haunt for pregnant woman and her unborn baby as prey.
In movies, manananggal are often portrayed as a woman whose upper torso separates from her lower body, but Sibayan said they could also be male and a whole bodied creature.
“Akala mo lumilipad pero they just walk. Nagle-levitate sila sa air, they walk on air,” said Sibayan, based on the testimony of a clairvoyant. “Hindi mo makikita nang harapan iyang mga ‘yan pero kung babaliktad ka at tutuwad ka at titignan mo sa ilalim, you could see them.”
Sibayan debunked the belief that garlic can drive away manananggal. He said that salt, holy water, sacred tools or sting ray tail (buntot pagi) are more effective in warding it off.
The friendly kapre in ‘One Day Isang Araw: Ang Alaga Kong Kapre’ (Screengrab photo)
Kapre
Unlike the tiyanak and manananggal, kapres are sometimes depicted as friendly creatures, as depicted on the kiddie shows “Moomoo & Me” (2010), “Wansapanataym” (2011) and “One Day Isang Araw” (2013). Kapres are said to be hairy giant that smokes tobacco and lives on trees.
Sibayan’s first-hand account bears out these portrayals.
“I’ve encountered one kapre in Banahaw and he’s a healer kapre. Of course, basically they are using their tobacco (ash) to heal a person. And also, they have family, sons and daughters,” he said.
While these elemental spirits are dubbed as Guardians of Forest, he said that some of them have actually been displaced due to deforestation.
Tikbalang Santana takes the selfie (Photo from Vice Ganda’s Instagram account)
Tikbalang
Tikbalang is also a gigantic creature that lurks in the forest. It is like Greek mythology’s centaur or hippocentaur that is half-human, half-horse. A tikbalang, however, has a head of a human with disproportionately long limbs.
The creature is said to be playful especially when it is searching for a partner. A sign that tikbalang is around is when the smell of burning hair fills the air.
Some of the movies it has appeared in are “Da Adventure of Pedro Penduko” and even in the Canadian supernatural crime drama “Lost Girl.”
It is said that one can tame a tikbalang if you pluck three golden hairs from its mane. It didn’t work out, though, as Vice Ganda found out when he played one named Santana on “Juan dela Cruz.”
Nuno sa Punso – Claudine Barretto’s friend in “Spooky Night Presents: Nuno Sa Feng Shui’ (Screengrab photo)
Nuno Sa Punso
The 1950 film “Nuno sa Punso” shows that these tiny elemental creatures nuno can use their power to give a reward or punishment depending on how you treat them, using their magical power.
“If you go to a place that is very strange sayo and you’re a stranger, of course, kung balahura ka du’n sa lugar, they will cause harm against you,”Sibayan noted. “It is very important to say ‘Tabi, tabi po’ to pay courtesy or acknowledge them.”
This Sept. 22, 2013 file photo shows actress Claire Danes at the 65th Primetime Emmy Awards at Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Dan Steinberg/Invision/AP, File)
NEW YORK (AP) — Claire Danes has been tapped to host the 20th anniversary Nobel Peace Prize concert in December.
The Emmy-winning “Homeland” actress will host the Dec. 11 event in Oslo, Norway.
The concert will celebrate the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, which was awarded the prestigious honor earlier this month.
The watchdog agency works to eliminate the world’s chemical weapons and received the prize days after OPCW inspectors started arriving in war-torn Syria to oversee the dismantling of President Bashar Assad’s chemical arsenal.
The Nobel Peace Prize concert typically attracts top celebrities. Past luminaries have included Paul McCartney, Rihanna, and Tony Bennett. The lineup for this year’s concert has yet to be announced.
This 2013 file publicity photo released by FOX shows American Idol XIII judges, from left, Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez and Harry Connick Jr. One thing about season 13 of “American Idol” is that unlike last season, the judges seem to be getting along. (AP Photo/FOX, Michael Becker)
ATLANTA (AP) — One thing about season 13 of “American Idol” is that unlike last season, the judges seem to be getting along.
At an audition stop in Atlanta on Wednesday, Jennifer Lopez said she’s excited for people to see how funny Harry Connick Jr. is and how much he knows about music.
“He is incredibly funny. His music education is so far beyond the normal person I think,” said the singer. “What he has to offer to America … is the art of singing, the art of playing, all of that. … It’s gonna be something new for the show.”
When Connick Jr. was asked about Lopez, he returned the pleasantries.
“No one really has any idea what it takes to be Jennifer Lopez. I mean people say, ‘Oh, I want that.’ Well, if they wanted it they would do what it takes to get there and they don’t even have a 10th of a percentage of an understanding to do what it takes. These people that are auditioning for this show are so lucky to have a minute of (Lopez’s) time, whether they make it through or not because the essence of ‘American Idol’ is looking for a new superstar and Jennifer embodies superstar.”
Lopez also said she has been surprised by how emotional Keith Urban is.
“I find that I’m like that and women are like that but to see a man so kind of in touch with that place it was really a pleasant surprise for me again. People got to know him last year but I think they’re gonna get to know him even more this year.”
Lopez sat on the judges’ panel with Randy Jackson and Steven Tyler for seasons 10 and 11 of the show. She took season 12 off to go on a world tour. Keith Urban joined the show for season 12 and is returning for his second season. This is Connick Jr.’s first time judging.
“There’s a lot of subtle change everywhere,” said Urban. “Not just with us but with the way the show looks, the way it feels.”
Two changes we know of: The results show has been cut to 30 minutes and Randy Jackson will remain on the show but in a mentoring capacity.
“American Idol” premieres its 13th season with a two-hour episode on Wednesday, Jan. 15, on Fox.
Sid Lucero
Playing Andres Bonifacio on “Katipunan” has had actor Sid Lucero mulling over the decision in naming the country’s National Hero.
Sid thinks the Filipinos were influenced by the American government when it framed our national identities and so the preference for Rizal’s diplomatic stance over Bonifacio’s bloody thrust.
“Were the Americans the ones who appointed our heroes?” he asked in an interview with Bulletin Entertainment, then added, “I’m more on the sword than pen.”
While Sid believes Bonifacio has the qualities of a National Hero, he cannot assert if Supremo is better than Rizal or not. He clarified having nothing against Jose Rizal.
“I cannot really say I know as much. But… (if) we didn’t appoint him, we should take a look at the entire list,” Sid said.
Playing Andres
Sid initially laughed off the offer to play Bonifacio, surmising that he doesn’t have the qualities and features of the hero. The father of the Philippine revolution, he said, would probably look like a young Art Acuña.
The actor shared the difficulty in delivering some of his Tagalog lines.
“I got the script in advance (to study) and honestly, hindi ko pa rin ma-diretso. Buckle talaga!” he exclaimed. “Ewan ko ba, bakit pinipilit nila ako, alam naman nilang bulol ako.”
He related that one scene took him an hour to tape because he kept stammering.
Taking on the role gave him the “second education” to review the history and have some realizations.
“I can’t help but reflect to myself that I wish I was like this, I wish I was like that. It enlightened me on the strong side of the Filipino people, ones that aren’t pushed over. Nowadays, and I’m sorry to say this, parang we are being pushed around by the bigger people. It’s nice to know about some people who really fought back,” he continued.
Robin Padilla (Photo by Annie S. Alejo)
Robin Padilla was a tad surprised when, during a pocket interview at the Talk ‘N Text (TNT) press conference, the subject of an upcoming movie with BB Gandanghari had been broached.
With a smile, he said, “Ang bilis ah! Naikwento na ba niya?”
Nevertheless, he confirmed as much: “Kaming tatlo… Ako, si Kylie (his daughter) at saka si BB. Isang pelikulang patungkol sa gay rights.” Apparently, its working title is “BB Ama,” an obvious play on one of Robin’s older film, “Anak Ni Baby Ama.”
Robin, of course, had been very candid about his views before regarding sexuality and his subsequent falling out with BB had been media fodder for some time. BB’s hospitalization in July paved the way for their reconciliation.
“Nagkataon nandito si Ali,” Robin shared. “In-explain ko sa kanya kung (sino) ’yung Tita BB niya. Isa lang sinabi sa ‘kin… ‘It’s just respect, Pa.’ ‘Yun, na-realize ko, oo nga parang hindi ko nga yata nirespeto ang kapatid ko ah. Mali yata.”
After talking it out with BB, “Na-explain din nung anak kong napaka-bata, ’yun na, nabuhay na ako… umalis na ako dun sa sinasabi nating morality (stance). Para sa akin ang morality ngayon is equality.”
Apart from producing the film, Robin said he would be playing a soldier “na may Medal of Valor, kasi gusto ko naman bigyan ng kaunting recognition ’yung ating Philippine Marines.”
BB’s Action Star Dreams
When asked about BB once saying that her dream was to do a film with Robin, an action movie at that, the latter immediately said, “Action ‘to, UFC fighter si BB rito. Kaya ko siya pinagti-training…” He declared that BB had, in fact, gotten so good at it.
“Mataas na ang martial arts ni utol… Sumasabit nga ‘yun eight-feet above the ground,” joking, “Hindi below ha, above!”
He added, incredulously, “Nung ginawa niya ’yon sabi ko, ‘Wow ‘tol, magre-retire na akong action star. Ikaw na ang action star!’ Disiplina ’yun. Conquering your fear. Ako mayabang ako sa stunts, pero may karton. Siya wala!”
On Gay Rights
Still getting used to his renewed relationship with BB, he noted, “Hindi ko kasi siya kilala, ‘pag kausap ko (siya) ngayon, parang ibang tao… Nahihiya ka minsan kasi iba talaga eh… Minsan ‘pagka nagtawanan, bigla kong natatapik, malakas na malakas. Si Mariel (whispering), ‘Babae na ‘yan!’”
Asked if he would be willing to be a spokesperson for gay right, he replied, “Ah, hindi papel na niya (BB) ’yun. Ang dami ko nang pinaglalaban na. May Muslim rights, meron na tayong education rights. Sobra na ’yun, kanya naman!”
Floating Star
Robin’s contract with ABS-CBN had just expired, but in considering returning or signing up with a new home network, he said at the general press conference, “Kailangan meron naman kwenta. Hindi kwenta, iba ’yun. Ako’y may edad na rin (43), gusto ko naman ‘yung proyektong makakatulong naman. Hindi naman ’yung puro na lang ako pa-cute. Marami na akong pamangkin na pa-cute – andiyan si Daniel, si Ralph… May anak din ako si Kylie, pa-cute! Pwede na akong pa-TNT!”
He added, “Humahanap ako ng istasyon na tatanggapin ako bilang producer, hindi lang bilang artista. Gusto ko rin pumasok sa TV, mag-produce ng mga proyekto na may kinalaman sa kasaysayan…”
Apparently, leaving “Toda Max” had also just coincided with the expiration of his contract. “Ang nangyari diyan, ayoko na nung hindi natutulog. Ngayon masakit na sa katawan eh. Hindi ko kaya ’yung nagti-TV, nagsu-shooting. Eh dalawang pelikula ang ginawa ko. Kaya nagpaalam ako nang maayos kay Mam Cory…”
Robin likewise dispelled the rumors of any bad blood with his co-stars in “Toda,” even if he hadn’t been able to personally say goodbye to them.
Projects And Advocacies
Aside from his upcoming movies “10,000 Hours” opening on Dec. 25, and “Kuratong Baleleng,” a movie with his “Teen King” nephew Daniel, Robin is still the face of Talk ‘N Text after years of being brand ambassador. He now represents the brand in its partnership with the Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation (YBHF) in support of education in its countrywide partner communities.
“Sa Zamboanga po, ang mga bata po diyan lumalangoy para pumunta sa paaralan… akala natin sa telesserye lang nagaganap (‘yan). Bagamat ang mga Badjao ay magaling lumangoy, eh ‘wag naman nating sanayin sila na pupunta sa eskwelahan eh lalangoy pa.”
TNT has since donated 15 boats to the YBHF and 80 units of baranggay phones. They have also expanded their help by offering scholarships, supplies, livelihood and medical missions to other communities nationwide. TNT and Smart subscribers can now also forward donations by texting YELLOWBOAT (space) (amount) and send to 4438. Available denominations are P5, P10, P100, P300 and P500 that will simply be deducted from the subscriber’s load.
Thea Tolentino (Photo by Pau Aguilera)
Teen actress Thea Tolentino wishes to continue her studies given the chance.
“Siguro po pag nakaluwag-luwag na tsaka pag na-manage ko talaga ’yung schedule ko,” Thea told Bulletin Entertainment and other select members of the press during a recent set visit to GMA-7’s “Pyra: Ang Babaeng Apoy.”
The 17-year-old is taking a two-year Multimedia Arts program at STI College – one of her prizes for being one of the grand winners on talent tilt “Protégé” – although she still hasn’t finished it.
She explained, “Nung time na ’yun kasi ang daming pumapasok na schedules (projects). Tapos ’yung pasok ko, Monday to Friday, so ang dami ko talagang nami-miss – mahirap… kawawa ’yung transcript ko.”
Thea gets her fascination with the arts from her father.
“Talagang na-curious na ’ko (sa multimedia arts) kasi Architecture ’yung kinuha ng tatay ko – nakikita ko ’yung mga plates niya, nung bata ako gumagawa ako ng floor plans, (at) ginagaya ko ’yung tatay ko,” she narrated.
For Thea, having an artist-dad turned out to be advantageous because “’yung multimedia arts parang may halo din kasi – meron kaming basic drawing and drafting na subject, so nagagamit ko ’yung templates ng tatay ko, ta’s tinuturuan niya ko kung pano i-drawing ’yung parang figure talaga, ’yung shaping.”
Anime lover
Another reason she took multimedia arts is because “mahilig po kasi ako sa anime, so gusto kong matuto ng proper na pag-drawing nun… ’Yung mga iba kong drawings, sinusubukan ko na siyang kulayan sa computer.”
She related, “Nung nagustuhan ko ’yung anime, nag-follow na rin na, bumili nga ’ko ng seven dictionaries, Japanese books. Gusto kong matuto (ng Japanese), gusto ko ding pumunta dun (Japan). Dumating nga ’yung point na gusto ko (na ring) mag-try mag-cosplay.”
The Ultimate Female Protégé is also interested in “stageplay(s).”
Thea related, “Dinala ko nung friend ko, may play sa UST nun, comedy, tawa ’ko nang tawa, ta’s parang ang saya, ta’s (I asked myself,) ‘Ano kayang feeling?’”
She is aware that in theatre acting “kailangan talaga dun, large expressions, movements, eh dun ako nakukulangan sa sarili ko kaya kailangan ko (talaga).
“’Yung weakness ko, maliit ’yung movements pati expressions ko.”
Thea explained, “Kasi ganun talaga ’kong tao – tahimik ako, mahiyain ako. Kaya siguro, nadadala ko rin (sa acting)… Sa ‘Anna Karenina’ (where she played Angel, the fake Anna Karenina) nga, nung una talaga, (tinatanong ko sa sarili ko), ‘Pano ba ’to? Pano ba magtaray?’
“Pero ngayon, kasi nung ‘Pyra’ nagwo-workshop na kami… nababawasan naman (’yung hiya).”
Jessy Mendiola (Photo from ABS-CBN)
The Korean Tourism Organization (KTO) has chosen Pinay actress Jessy Mendiola as their Honorary Ambassador for Korean Tourism.
The “Maria Mercedes” star left for South Korea recently to meet with KTO for her ceremonial appointment.
“I am very honored and thankful that the KTO chose me as ambassador. The Koreans are very nice to me when I visited their country and they instantly became dear to my heart,” said Jessy in a statement sent to Bulletin Entertainment.
The 20-year-old Kapamilya talent was scheduled to have a five-day tour of the country’s famous tourist spots, and meet with KTO Chairman Charm Lee to talk about her duties and promote Korea’s tourism to the Philippines.
As South Korea’s Honorary Ambassador for Tourism, Jessy joins the ranks of K-pop singers Psy and Jay Park and actor Kim Soo Hyun.
Jessy is no stranger to Korea having visited the country a number of times in the past to work on some projects. She gained popularity in Korea when she appeared on the Korean Broadcasting System (KBS) show “World Date with Shinee” as one of the lucky eight women from different countries to meet and spend time with the K-pop boy group. Jessy is also the current local endorser of a popular Korean mobile messaging application.
ABS-CBN chairman Eugenio Lopez III and CJ O Shopping chief executive officer Harri Lee during the ceremonial toast (Photo by NR Ramos)
TV Shopping has been available on dedicated cable channels for a few years now. But what about TV shopping with a hefty dose of quality entertainment?
This is what ABS-CBN promises via its brand new O Shopping Channel, a joint venture between the network and CJ O Shopping Corporation Ltd., one of the world’s largest home shopping companies.
The tie-up marks ABS-CBN’s re-entry into TV home shopping business after Skymall in the 1990s.
“We closed it down a few years after and walked away with a valuable lesson: We need a strong and competent partner. ABS-CBN is in the business of reaching audiences so we needed a partner in the business of selling great products,” ABS-CBN chairman Eugenio Lopez III shared to media at a recent gathering.
“Choosing the CJ Group was not a difficult one since we share a similar history and adhere to the same work culture. Our companies were both founded by families with roots in the sugar industry,” he said.
CJ O Shopping chief executive officer Harri Lee is confident that Filipinos will embrace the venture.
“Home shopping business is a complex combination of the retail, broadcasting, logistics, and IT systems. Nevertheless, I express with full confidence that AC J will succeed through the synergy of CJ O Shopping’s global business expertise and ABS-CBN’s trusted image and strong influence,” he said.
Recognizing that Filipinos put great value on resources like time and money, the project introduces a new shopping lifestyle where consumers given information about highly reliable products that they can purchase through an efficient process.
The home shopping experience starts after teleshoppers are able to acquire comprehensive information about the product through an innovative and entertaining format.
They are then to call a hotline, where sales consultants can assist them with their orders and home delivery arrangements.
The O Shopping channel started broadcasting 24/7 shopping programs via SkyCable and Global Destiny on Channel 11, as well as programs through ABS-CBN’s Channel 2 and Studio 23 last Oct. 15.
CJ O Shopping is the cable home shopping channel of South Korean conglomerate CJ Group.
Apart from the Philippines, CJ O Shopping has entered several Asian markets, including China, India, Japan, Vietnam and Thailand.
Ka Andres Bonifacio alive and well at South Park
Once upon a time, Alabang was quite the enticing place, particularly for many youngsters easily lured by the big come-on that was Big Bang Sa Alabang. Back then, it lorded over other carnivals in and around the metro, if only due to its massive size.
Nowadays, a visit to Muntinlupa and Alabang is considered quite the chore by some Pinoys – too far, too much traffic, the place not exactly teeming with activities compelling enough for a quick stopover, are some of the reasons they cite.
That is soon to change, however, with Avida Land baring its plan for the huge 6.6-hectare South Park District. On it will rise a mix of residential condos, a mall, and several office buildings anchored by a central park.
According to Joyce de Guzman, project marketing manager, The District will be a venue for convergence set to bring to life the concept: “Part City. Part Nature. Pure South.”
“It is a complementary addition to Ayala Land’s roster of developments in the area, such as Ayala Alabang Village, Madrigal Business Park, Alabang Town Center, Ayala Southvale and Avida Towers Alabang,” she told Bulletin Entertainment.
“But more than that, it is also aimed at boosting the already flourishing business atmosphere in the area. Apart from a regional mall that will house local and international shops and commercial establishments, there is the Central Park, which we plan to develop into a hub of activities that will entice Filipinos from all over the to visit the south again.”
To spruce up the place, the company brought in premier food & lifestyle market Mercato Centrale.
Inspired by the other markets of Mercato Centrale in Florence and the Borough Market in London, the Mercato Centrale at South Park District is a lifestyle market like no other. It will offer gastronomic food finds and other delicious food surprises rarely found in the south.
This is just the first of the many events happening at the South Park District. In fact, among their future undertakings are stage shows and concerts.
De Guzman intimated that, as a first salvo, they would be staging “Rock Supremo,” a dance musical celebration of the life and times of revolutionary hero Andres Bonifacio.
Originally envisaged by Ballet Philippines in collaboration with Rock Ed and supported by the National Historic Commission of the Philippines, the show also features the music of several popular Filipino artists including Gloc-9, Ebe Dancel, Rico Blanco, Dong Abay, as well as bands like Peryodiko, Sandwich, Pedicab and Radioactive Sago Project. The best thing about it is that it’s for free.
“The plan is to raise awareness about the project through meaningful undertakings that will serve to highlight our efforts for relevant, substantial entertainment,” said de Guzman.
Janine Gutierrez (Photo by Rowena Tan)
Janine Gutierrez, who comes from a family that’s been in show business for a long time now, shares they are happy that it’s her time to shine via the new GMA afternoon prime “Villa Quintana.”
“Palagi lang po nilang pinapaalala sa akin na do your best, wag mo sayangin yung opportunity… kasi alam ko naman po na once in a lifetime po ito eh so nararamdaman ko po na dapat talaga galingan,” she told Bulletin Entertainment at the press launch of “Villa Quinatana” recently.
The daughter of celebrities Lotlot de Leon and Ramon Christopher Gutierrez was asked if she feels pressured being considered by many as part of showbiz royalty. The 24-year-old actress quipped, “Opo, mejo mataas po yung expectation sa akin.”
She nonetheless thinks that “ginagamit ko nalang yun na inspirasyon na talagang galingan, na kailangan pagbutihin ko po talaga kasi dala ko yung pangalan na yun eh.”
Beauty Queen Shoo-in
Even if she has classic mestiza looks as well as the height and the intellect of a potential beauty queen, Janine considers showbiz her priority. She doesn’t even have plans of joining a pageant any time soon.
“Actually pinu-push nila ako na ‘uy sumali ka,’ ganon. Medyo nagulat ako nung nagsimula akong tanungin kung sasali ba ako kasi hindi ko po nakita sa sarili ko na parang pwede pala sa ganun…”
New Series
“Villa Quintana” is a heartwarming love story that became a phenomenal hit series in the mid ‘90s. People turn sentimental remembering the love between Isagani (now played by Elmo Magalona) and Lynette (Janine), first portrayed by Kempee de Leon and Donna Cruz, respectively.
The new series is directed by Gina Alajar and also stars Roy Alvarez,Maricar de Mesa, Tanya Garcia, Kyla, Marky Lopez, Juancho Trivino and Rita de Guzman, among others. It will premiere on Nov. 4 on GMA Afternoon Prime.
Gloria Diaz has high hopes that this year’s Miss Philippines Ariella Arida will become the next Miss Universe titleholder come Nov. 9 in Moscow, Russia.
The first Filipina to win the Miss Universe crown in 1969 (with the second win from Margie Moran in 1973), Gloria said Ariella is her “manok.”
“Siya ang choice ko noong Binibining Pilipinas. I was her judge when she won (as Binibining Pilipinas-Universe). I chose her and hopefully, she will do well and of course, there’s a lot of pressure on her now because of the winning of the other one (Miss World 2013 Megan Young) but she’s a different girl and this is a different contest… if she does well, it will really be something – earth-shaking – so I’m happy for her,” Diaz told Bulletin Entertainment in an interview after the launch of Neurogen E’s “Life in Your Hands” Advocacy Campaign held Wednesday in Makati City.
As message to the aspiring third Filipina Miss Universe, Diaz said: “Do your best, hope for the best. It’s not the end whether you win it or you don’t. I’m wishing you the best. We’re counting on you and everything you do, you must remember, you are representing the Philippines.”
‘Me First’
As an advocate for “Life in Your Hands,” Diaz is one proof that aging isn’t an excuse to compromise anybody from doing things they are passionate about. At 62, Diaz maintains an active lifestyle, keeping fit with tennis as one of her sports.
During the campaign’s launch, Diaz talked about how mature Filipino women can fight the effects of nerve aging through initiatives that enable them to do more and be more. The beauty queen-turned-actress shared some of her hobbies like flower arranging and also gave tips on how to stay fit and active.
“Feeling good for me means sleeping well and maintaining a positive outlook in life. I think, more than anything, it’s keeping your finances down and not overspending (makes you feel positive). I don’t care what vitamins do you take (but) if you overspend and have a credit card that you cannot pay, that won’t help. Also, having a good boyfriend, lover or husband helps,” Diaz said.
With regards to being a mother, especially to her celebrity daughter Isabelle Daza, Diaz said that she follows what her parents taught her when she was a teenager – explore and be independent. “I never stressed out with ‘Will she be okay?’ or what. Isabelle will figure it out coz she’s like me. Parang over, she gets involved with little things. So I figured, ‘let her be stressed out.’ You let go and just take care of the necessary things.”
As advise to mothers her age, Diaz said, “You have to ‘me first.’”
She explained, “When I turned 62 last April, I said okay, from now on, me first. Because before it was always them (my children), so I made sure I have these, my vitamins, the newest tennis racket, everything. Kasi when you were young, and your children are young, inuuna mo sila eh. But no, when you reach a certain age, you have to ‘me first.’”
Gloria Diaz stays active and maintains a positive outlook in life at 62 (Photo by Jecelyn V. Macahindog)
Isabelle’s No. 1 Fan
Isabelle may not have followed in Diaz’s footsteps as a beauty queen but the latter didn’t mind as she puts it “One crown is enough for the family.”
According to Diaz, she didn’t dream for Isabelle to be like her. “I’m more concerned with – if anything – it’s one chance, not in a million, but 10 million, na pwede siyang manalong Miss Universe. Kung hindi siya manalo, although I think she’s definitely more beautiful than me, but being a beauty queen is not necessarily being beautiful. Ninety-nine percent is being lucky. Kung hindi siya kasing swerte ko or iba naman kasi ang landas niya, she can be a First Lady or whatever, I think it will be sad. I will be the saddest.”
She added that Isabelle is young and that she doesn’t want for her to take the risk because “she can be good at other things. Isabelle is very good with children, and she really wants to be able to put up a school and especially, she graduated early education which I did not. She has a lot of other things going for her. Being a beauty queen for her is not ’yung pinaka-goal niya sa buhay. Being an actress, I only encourage her to do acting and she seems to be enjoying it.”
Being her daughter’s number one fan, Diaz shared that she has been doing photo albums of Isabelle’s projects in showbiz. “I’m very happy for her. She says nga I’m her biggest fan. And true! I am!”
A real haunted house? The Ilusorio Mansion in Bulacan (Photo by NR Ramos)
Much has been said about the Don Ramon Ilusorio Mansion in San Ildefonso, Bulacan – chiefly, that it is supposedly haunted by spirits.
It doesn’t help that most of the locals, who actually refer to the house as (insert chilling sound effects here) the Bahay Na Pula, adamantly attest to such lore even today.
We first heard about the house from a college friend who once shared a story about how he supposedly saw an apparition in the window of the old house – a seemingly long-haired woman in a white flowing dress, floating mid-air. We’re not sure if he told us why or how he came to experience such a scary scene but we must say, it was an effective yarn that strengthened out fascination on the Bahay Na Pula.
Some friends agreed to visit the place but with various preoccupations, the plans fell through. After graduation, we went on separate paths and our interest in the Bahay Na Pula waned in the ensuing years.
We were reminded of the Mansion a few years later when the place was used as a set for a few episodes of the campy ABS-CBN horror series “Oka Tokat.” The show ran from 1997 to 2002 and starred the likes of Diether Ocampo and Jericho Rosales. It is considered the longest-running horror series on Filipino television.
Three years ago, we were reminded again of the Bahay Na Pula when it was featured in an episode of “Motorcycle Diaries,” followed a year later by “Kapuso Mo…Jessica Soho.”
Our interest to visit the house was rekindled, mainly wanting to see, once and for all, what the fuss was all about. The clincher came early this year when TV5′s “Kasindak-Sindak” supposedly caught an image of a ghost on camera during a visit.
One weekend, early this year, we took a short drive there. Imagine our disappointment when we found the gates to the mansion closed. After all these years, and all the media mileage, we all thought it would have been made open to the public already. A few hours of waiting for someone to talk to or let us take a peek inside proved futile.
Then, a few weeks ago, we passed the house on our way to visit a friend. We were lucky enough to finally catch a lone figure opening the gates of the Ilusorio mansion. We stopped and asked him if he could let us in and, not surprisingly, he agreed but only after we handed him 300 bucks. He made it all worthwhile, nonetheless, acting as our official tour guide.
He refused to divulge his name, but he shared that he is the son of the original caretakers hired by Don Ramon himself. According to him, rumors about the house being haunted started a few years after World War II.
Apparently, the house played a very important role in the Japanese occupation of Bulacan, serving as a military garrison where Japanese soldiers allegedly tortured and killed Filipino guerrilla fighters. He added that the place might have also served as temporary housing place for “comfort women.”
From the outside, the house looked quite imposing indeed, with its bright red facade burning brightly against the midday sun. Indeed, based on the stories, one could only imagine what sort of cruel horror it had witnessed.
The man unlocked the door and a cold gust of air greeted us.
It was kind of sad to see the inside of the house, with the smell of guano permeating the whole building. There were holes everywhere and all the furniture were gone, except for a few antique chairs and a dirty bathtub. There was dust everywhere, and the second floor felt like it was ready to give up the ghost (pardon the pun).
The caretaker said he is trying his best to preserve the house given its history but that he could only do so much. He feels like the owners might have forgotten about it already or that they simply don’t care anymore.
Asked if he had experienced anything eerie there, the man said no. He said he has been living at the back of the house and has never heard or seen anything that could be considered spooky. He also shared that he used to play in and around the house as a little boy with nothing untoward ever happening.
He admits having heard certain “stories” from neighbors, though; the kind that include people hearing crying and moaning and running and marching from inside the house late at night. Still, he insists that it’s all in the head and that he would only start believing it if he experienced it himself.
We explored every nook and cranny of the house that day, eager to experience something, anything, that would somehow validate the rumors but… nothing.
Well, one might argue that we visited the place at the wrong time; or that, being a loud bunch, we unwittingly scared off the ghouls. Who knows, really? In the end, we were just happy to finally visit a place that was sort of a big deal to our once young and curious selves.
Singer Katy Perry performs during the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show at the Lexington Armory in New York November 10, 2010. (Reuters/Lucas Jackson)
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Pop singer Katy Perry shot to the top of the weekly Billboard 200 album chart on Wednesday with her latest album, “Prism,” although overall album sales for the week were the lowest since the publication began charting in 1991.
“Prism,” Perry’s fourth studio album, which features the lead single “Roar,” sold 286,000 copies in its first week, according to figures from Nielsen SoundScan, making it the biggest sales week by a female artist this year. It came in ahead of Miley Cyrus’ “Bangerz,” which sold 270,000 copies in its first week earlier this month.
The success of Perry’s latest album has been aided by the popularity of “Roar,” which topped the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart.
But the opening week sales of “Prism” did not come close to the year’s biggest debuts, led by Justin Timberlake’s “The 20/20 Experience,” which opened with 968,000 copies in March. New albums from Jay Z, Kanye West and Daft Punk also opened with bigger sales earlier this year.
Overall album sales for the week ended Oct. 27 fell to a record low of 4.5 million units. Album sales have generally been lower this year compared with last year, partly because of listeners finding new digital platforms to consume music, often for free.
Other new albums in the top 10 of the Billboard 200 chart, which measures physical and digital sales, include girl band Fifth Harmony at No. 6 with its “Better Together” EP, hip hop DJ Khaled at No. 7 with “Suffering from Success,” and rockers AFI with “Burials” at No. 9.
On the Billboard Digital Songs chart, which measures digital single sales, New Zealand newcomer Lorde reigned at No. 1 with “Royals.” Swedish DJ Avicii’s “Wake Me Up” climbed two spots to No. 2 and Lady Gaga’s new single, “Do What U Want,” with R&B singer R. Kelly, rounded out the top 3.
British actor Daniel Radcliffe arrives on the red carpet for the screening of ” Kill Your Darlings,” as part of the 57th BFI London Film Festival at a central London cinema on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2013. (Photo by Jon Furniss/Invision/AP)
LONDON (AP) — “Harry Potter” star Daniel Radcliffe has signed on to play British Olympic runner Sebastian Coe in a movie about rivalries on the running track.
“Gold” will tell the story of the tense rivalry between Coe and fellow middle distance runner Steve Ovett in the run-up to the 1980 Moscow Olympics, where Ovett won the 800 meters and Coe took the 1500 meters. Coe, also a gold medalist in 1984, went on to become a politician and headed the London organizing committee at last year’s summer Olympics.
The movie reunites the 24-year-old Radcliffe with James Watkins, the director of the 2012 film “The Woman in Black.”
Filming is expected to begin in in April 2014.
Radcliffe’s publicist confirmed Radcliffe’s casting on Wednesday. The casting for Ovett has not yet been announced.
Actor Hugh Jackman attends Angel Ball 2013 on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013, in New York. (Photo by Andy Kropa/Invision/AP)
NEW YORK (AP) — When Hugh Jackman decided to marry the daughter of a woman who’s dedicated her life to fighting cancer, he became part of the fight as well — it was a package deal.
The “X-Men” actor said that when he asked his mother-in-law Fay Duncan — president of the Fight Cancer Foundation in Australia — for her blessing when he proposed to Deborra-Lee Furness, she told him that supporting the fight against cancer was one of the requirements to get that blessing.
On Tuesday night, Jackman and his wife paid tribute to Duncan, one of several honored at the annual Angel Ball benefit that raises funds for cancer research.
He joked: “If you’re expecting an actor to start sucking up to his mother-in-law, you’re absolutely right.”
The evening featured performances from Pharrell Williams, Usher and Chaka Khan.
This Aug. 1, 2013 file photo shows R&B singer-songwriter Robin Thicke in New York. (Photo by Victoria Will/Invision/AP, File)
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Two of Marvin Gaye’s children sued Robin Thicke and his collaborators on the hit song “Blurred Lines” on Wednesday, accusing them of copyright infringement and alleging music company EMI failed to protect their father’s legacy.
Nona Marvisa Gaye and Frankie Christian Gaye’s suit is the latest action in a dispute over Thicke’s hit and whether it copies elements of Gaye’s song “Got to Give It Up.”
Their lawsuit seeks to block Thicke and collaborators Pharrell and T.I. from using elements of their father’s music in “Blurred Lines” or other songs.
Thicke has denied copying Gaye’s song for “Blurred Lines,” which has the longest streak this year atop the Billboard Hot 100 chart and has sold more than 6 million tracks so far. The suit also accused Thicke of improperly using Gaye’s song “After the Dance” in his song “Love After War.”
Much of the lawsuit focuses on claims that EMI should have pursued a copyright infringement claim. It also alleges the company’s executives used intimidation to try to stop the Gaye family from pursuing a lawsuit.
The suit claims EMI, which is owned by Sony/ATV Music Publishing, has allowed a conflict of interest between the family’s rights and the profits it is earning from “Blurred Lines” sales.
“This conflict has resulted in EMI’s intentional decision to align themselves with the (‘Blurred Lines’) writers, without regard to the harm inflicted upon the rights and interests of the Gaye Family, and the legacy of Marvin Gaye,” the lawsuit states.
Sony-ATV said it takes “very seriously” its role of protecting its songwriters’ works from infringement.
“While we have not yet seen the claims by the Gaye family against EMI, we have repeatedly advised the Gaye family’s attorney that the two songs in question have been evaluated by a leading musicologist who concluded that ‘Blurred Lines’ does not infringe ‘Got To Give It Up,’” the company said in a statement.
Sony-ATV also said that while it treasures Marvin Gaye’s works and the company’s relationship with his family, “we regret that they have been ill-advised in this matter.”
Thicke and his collaborators filed a case in August asking a federal judge to rule that the singers did not copy “Got to Give It Up” for their hit.
Howard King, who represents the singers, said the Gayes’ countersuit was not unexpected.
He rejected the notion that EMI ignored improper copying of Gaye’s music. “EMI is in the business of collecting money for infringements,” King said.
In this July 1, 2013 file photo, Leann Rimes performs at the Friend Movement Anti-Bullying Benefit Concert at the El Rey Theatre, in Los Angeles. (Photo by John Shearer/Invision/AP, file)
LOS ANGELES (AP) — An invasion of privacy lawsuit that LeAnn Rimes filed against two Northern California women has been dismissed.
Los Angeles court records show the actress-singer’s suit against Kimberly Smiley and her daughter Alexis Smiley was dismissed Monday. The dismissal prevents Rimes from re-filing the case.
Rimes sued the women in August 2012 claiming they recorded a phone conversation with her and posted it online. She said the recording damaged her reputation and relationships, and caused her emotional distress.
Kimberly Smiley denied wrongdoing in an interview after the suit was filed.
Steve White, an attorney representing the Smileys, says the two sides resolved their differences and he could not comment further.
Rimes’ lawyer, Larry Stein, was not immediately available to comment.
NEW YORK (AP) — Steven Spielberg and Doris Kearns Goodwin are teaming up again after their Oscar-winning collaboration on “Lincoln.”
DreamWorks Studios announced Wednesday that it has acquired the film rights to Goodwin’s upcoming “The Bully Pulpit: Theodore Roosevelt, William Taft and the Golden Age of Journalism.” Spielberg, a principal partner of DreamWorks, last year released his acclaimed adaption of Goodwin’s “Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln.”
Spielberg said Goodwin has “once again given us the best seats in the house where we can watch two dynamic American personalities in a battle for power and friendship.”
The 900-page book chronicles the friendship and then political rivalry of the two Republican leaders, both U.S. presidents of the Progressive Era.
Dr. Conrad Murray (AFP)
LOS ANGELES (AFP) – Michael Jackson’s former doctor Conrad Murray said Wednesday that the late pop icon still loves him, and would be appalled by fans who attack him over the star’s 2009 death.
In his first public comments since being released from jail on Monday, Murray said he never harmed the “Thriller” icon, who died from an overdose of the anesthetic propofol administered by the medic.
“I loved Michael very much. I’m a fan of Michael probably more than most,” he told the celebrity news website TMZ.
The 60-year-old, who was interviewed through the window of his car, had noticeably darker and thicker black hair than in the first photos of him shortly after he left jail, in which he looked significantly grayer than during his 2009 trial.
Murray, who was looking after Jackson as he rehearsed in Los Angeles for a series of comeback concerts in London, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and jailed for four years. He served two, let out early for good behavior and due to prison overcrowding.
Asked Wednesday about criticism he has faced, he said Jackson “would be appalled, absolutely appalled .. to see what has happened. All of his fans who judge me .. I think Michael will basically tell them to take a look in the mirror.”
And he added: “Not that he doesn’t care about them. But I don’t think he would say that you should judge lest ye be judged. Because Michael knows the truth. The truth is, I never harmed him.
“Michael loves me no less than he loved me then, and I know he loves me today like I love him. He was a man of love, like I am a man of love. And I’ll continue to give love.
“For all of those who try to fester hate in their hearts, I’m not going to go there. I don’t need to do that. I will give love. I will give respect and I will remain dignified.”
British singer-songwriter and producer James Blake poses with the 2013 Mercury Prize trophy during the awards ceremony in central London. (AFP Photo / Andrew Cowie)
LONDON, United Kingdom (AFP) – Electronica singer-songwriter James Blake won Britain’s prestigious Mercury Prize on Wednesday for his second album, “Overgrown.”
The 25-year-old art-school graduate beat off competition from bookmaker’s favourite Laura Mvula, legendary singer/songwriter David Bowie and Sheffield rockers Arctic Monkeys to claim the £20,000 ($32,000, 23,350 euros) prize at a ceremony in London.
The bashful winner thanked his parents – his father is also a musician – for teaching him to be “self-sufficient”, before forgetting to pick up his award.
He said it was “amazing” to be nominated for the same award as Bowie, and promised to make sure the prize money “goes to some good use”.
“This is the first award I’ve ever won apart from a tennis trophy which I won when I was about 12-years-old at my school and I’ll hold them in equal esteem,” he joked.
Blake was nominated for the prize, which honours the best British or Irish album of any genre released in the year to July, in 2011 with his breakthrough eponymous release.
He immediately gained critical acclaim for his musicality and fusion of different styles including hip-hop, dubstep, electro and soul.
Soul singer Mvula was nominated for her album “Sing to the Moon” while the Arctic Monkeys were shortlisted for their fifth LP “AM”, but could not repeat their 2006 triumph.
Bowie, who was not at the ceremony in London’s Camden Town, received a nomination for “The Next Day”, his first studio album in a decade.
It was third time unlucky for folkie Laura Marling, who lost out again with her record “Once I Was an Eagle”.
Organisers claim the Mercury Prize is Europe’s top arts award in terms of influence and media coverage.
Winning, or even being shortlisted, usually sparks a surge in sales, but winners have often fallen back into obscurity.
The prize is known for representing an eclectic range of styles, but usually leans towards indie and rock music.
Previous winners include Pulp, Primal Scream, Franz Ferdinand and M People. Leeds indie-band Alt-J claimed last year’s prize.
