Kris Bernal (Photo by Marjorie Duran)
Actors Kris Bernal and Carl Guevarra once referred to their relationship as “special.” Before anyone could even ask what it meant, the two already announced that they have parted ways.
In an interview, Kris divulged that she is yet to fully move on from the split, relating how she dated Carl exclusively for roughly two years.
Asked why their relationship was cut short, she explained, “May ugali siya, may ugali ako na hindi lang talaga nagakakasundo, na kahit pinagusapan na namin, binigyan na namin ng space, binigyan na namin ng time, hindi na talaga maayos. Napagaawayan na ‘yung napakaliliit na bagay.”
Looking back, the actress noted that doing away with labels didn’t help their relationship any.
In order to deal with heartache, Kris is putting her focus on a number of activities including pole dancing lessons, speech classes and voice modulation workshops.
“Para hindi ko siya iniisip, hindi ko siya pino-problema,” she explained.
Although she clarifies that she harbors no ill-feelings towards Carl, whom she describes as “loving, sweet and mabait,” Kris nevertheless avoids communicating with the actor.
She is not looking forward to finding new love, and has even turned down invitations from a few suitors. “Sa ngayon, hindi pa ako talaga ready ma-in love kasi hindi naman ako basta-basta na porket single, go na.”
If there’s one lesson the “StarStruck” alum learned from her ill-fated relationship with Carl, it’s this: “’Wag mong pilitin baguhin ang isang tao. Kung hindi niya kayang magbago para sa ‘yo, it’s either tanggapin mo na lang ‘yun or alisin mo siya sa buhay mo.”
Missing Aljur
In the same interview, Kris addressed the issue about former love team partner Aljur Abrenica legally seeking recession of his contract with GMA-7.
The matter came as a shock hock to her. It came to that point that, “Para akong sira kapag nare-realize ko na hindi ko na hindi ko na siya makaka-partner ulit, naiiyak ako. Ang sakit.”
Nevertheless, Kris knows she is in no position to judge Aljur and his decision. “Hindi ko alam ’yung pinagdaanan nung career niya, eh, hindi ko nararamdaman kung anong nararamdaman niya.”
She could only wish him well, she said, and believes he would eventually be able to bounce back soon enough.
Sweetheart no more
After portraying teenybopper roles, Kris will be seen in a more mature outing via the GMA-7 series “Hiram na Alaala,” co-starring Rocco Nacino and Dennis Trillo.
Kris will play the role of Andrea Dizon, a registered nurse who will fall in love with Ivan (Dennis) who reminds her of Joseph (Rocco), her missing lover.
“Heavy drama ito. Halos lahat ng eksena ko umiiyak ako,” she shared.
Directed by Dominic Zapata, “Hiram na Alala” will air this September on GMA-7.
Coco Martin;(Inset) KC Concepcion
Actor Coco Martin laughed off rumors that he has supposedly been going out on dates with his “Ikaw Lamang” co-star KC Concepcion.
In an interview with “TV Patrol,” Martin stressed that he is just friends with his TV series co-star, whom he finds humble and easy to like.
He added, “Sana magkaroon ng time lumabas, pero sa ngayon sabi ko nga masarap siyang katrabaho.”
Asked if there’s any possibility that his relationship with Concepcion could go beyond friendship, Martin answered, “Hindi ko pa alam eh, siguro masyado pang maaga para magsalita about diyan.”
On being paired with her, Martin revealed, “Nung una may takot ako kasi KC Concepcion ’yan eh tapos ’di ko in-expect na ganun pala siya… Napakabait pala niyang tao.”
Still, the 32-year-old actor said that he cannot commit to a relationship for now due to his hectic work schedule.
“Masaya kahit single kasi medyo busy din naman ako at gumagawa pa ako ng direksyon para sa sarili ko,” he said.
For her part, the 29-year-old actress has only good words about Martin.
Aside from describing him as “very gentleman,” Concepcion added that he is, “sobrang maalaga. As in to the point na tuwing tatayo ako, tuwing uupo ako, nakaalalay siya. Hindi ko alam kung may radar siya or something…”
Movie with Nora
For the first time, Martin has worked with Superstar Nora Aunor in the yet-to-be-released film “Padre de Familia.”
“Napaka-importante sa akin ng proyekto na ito, kasi siyempre Ms. Nora Aunor ito,” he said.
“Padre de Familia,” Aunor’s first cinematic collaboration with director Adolf Alix, Jr., is a domestic drama that also features Joel Torre, Rosanna Roces, Anita Linda, Joem Bascon, Baron Geisler, Manuel Chua and Miles Ocampo.
The hosts of "It's Showtime" took turns on the stage in a grand opening production to kickstart the grand finals of "Stars on 45" on Saturday.
Super Junior at their album press conference in Seoul (Photo: www.newsen.com)
K-pop boy band Super Junior released their new album “Mamacita” and made their first TV performance on Aug. 29.
“Mamacita” is the group’s seventh album and it contains 10 tracks including the title song “Mamacita,” “Shirt,” “Midnight Blues,” “Let’s Dance” and “This is Love.”
The music video for “Mamacita” featured cowboy and matador concepts. It has garnered 2.8 million views since it was uploaded on YouTube last August 28.
According to SM Entertainment, “Mamacita” is an “urban new jack swing genre song, with drum sound based on rhythmical Indian percussion and piano melody.”
The album also marked the return of leader Leeteuk who was discharged from the army last July.
Super Junior made their comeback performance on KBS “Music Bank” on August 29.
In a press conference for the album, Super Junior members expressed their feelings about their return to the music scene.
“I really missed it. I think the time has come for me to go back to the stage. I was worried whether or not I would be able to stand on stage with the members again but the time has finally come,” said Leeteuk, according to ENewsWorld.
Heechul said, “You might think that it’s obvious, but we really worked hard while preparing for this album.”
Leeteuk said when he was in his early ’20s, his focus was on winning first place on music programs.
“But now I feel more relaxed. While I was away in the army for a year and nine months, my biggest concern was, ‘What does it mean to be an adult.’ I’m still lacking to be an adult. I think my biggest goal now is to have breadth of mind and work hard without feeling rushed,” he said.
Super Junior debuted in 2005 and Leeteuk said the members became more involved in making the new album.
“Super Junior will be entering its 10th year since our debut. If we include our trainee years, it has been 15 years. Since it has been a long time, I was worried that we might be closing our ears off to others. So we put together a lot of advice from people around us. I think we participated more in this album than any others,” he said.
EDU MANZANO
Television host-actor Edu Manzano is not one to interfere with his son Luis’ decisions in life – even when it comes to the latter’s political aspirations or future wedding plans.
“Hindi ko na siya pinapakelaman kasi alam kong maganda ang pagpapalaki ko sakanya… meron siyang priorities in life. Nakikita ko na ang galing niyang mag-isip na inuuna niya ang maghanap-buhay at mag-ipon,” he proudly said of Luis.
Apart from his steady showbiz career, marked by regular appearances on top Sunday noontime show “ASAP 19,” the younger Manzano has also gone into the taxi business with some college friends.
Edu, known in showbiz as ‘Doods,’ puts a high premium on his children’s happiness. He doesn’t meddle in their private lives, and tries to bond with people near and dear to them.
“I never wanted to be (just) their father; I want to be their best friend,” he pointed out.
More than lauding Luis’ achievements, the 58-year-old also holds his son’s girlfriend, actress Angel Locsin, in high regard, especially for the way she looks after her blind father.
“That’s one of the things I admire about her kasi malaking bagay sa akin ‘yun eh na marunong siya mag-alaga ng father niya… mabait na bata,” he said.
He thinks Angel is a good match for his son and that they deserve each other. So, would he be surprised if Luis pops the big question to his ladylove?
“Sa nakikita ko, magugulat ako kung hindi siya mag-propose,” Edu said, laughing.
Edu’s advice to Luis is to remember that there will always be quarrels and hurdles in relationships, but even those don’t last forever.
He also told him, “Don’t care (about) what other people say, just do what you want.”
No ring
While Edu himself has found a new love, a lady named Tina Fernandez of Art Informal, he denies reports that he’s given her a promise ring.
“Magsi-sixty na ako, paano ako mai-engage? Baka ‘di na ako maka-lakad sa aisle,” he jested.
Instead of feeding the issue, Edu said he would rather focus on bonding with his children “kasi medyo tumatanda na tayo… sana makasama ko sila nang kumpleto.”
The calling to serve
Aside from his priorities, Edu noted that he still has a soft spot for public service, which he says he enjoys.
“Serbisyong totoo ang gusto ko talaga,” he said, revealing that he is actually tempted to seek public office again.
Edu served as vice mayor of Makati City from 1998 to 2001; and as chair of the Optical Media Board from 2004 to 2009. He also ran for vice president of the Philippines in 2010, but lost to Jejomar Binay.
Meanwhile, it has also been reported that Luis is planning to pursue a career in politics. It isn’t surprising considering Edu’s track record, as well as that of Luis’ mother, Batangas Governor Vilma Santos-Recto.
“If ever you go for public office, tigilan mo na ‘yung telebisyon, ‘yung pelikula kasi it’s unpatriotic,” Edu shared telling Luis. “Makikita ka nila sa telebisyon, kengkoy, kumikita nang malaki… it will be unfair.”
Edu has yet to make his political move anew – just as Luis has yet to flesh out his political aspirations – but for now, he keeps busy co-hosting TV5’s “Face The People” with Gelli de Belen and Tintin Bersola-Babao.
Pharrell (Photo by Joel Ryan/Invision/AP)
It took Pharrell eight years to release a new CD after his 2006 solo debut “In My Mind,” but that’s only because he was so busy cranking out hits for others – producing tracks for the likes of Britney Spears, Jay Z, Nelly, Daft Punk, Robin Thicke, Gwen Stefani, Snoop Dog and Justin Timberlake.
To those wondering if the Pharrell magic works on himself, know that he can easily ring it home on his own at the top of the pop charts. In fact, his new album “Girl” didn’t waste time to do that, buzzing off quickly to No. 1 with the feel-good hit, “Happy.” It cranked out another chart-topper with mean grooves, “Marilyn Monroe.”
The seven-time Grammy-winning R&B singer-songwriter, rapper and producer’s latest is all about snappy beats. Just check out the track called “Gush” while you cross-reference it with the album cover featuring supermodel types in bathrobes.
The former high school marching band drummer lays down the grooves for Justin Timberlake to project his funky, inner Michael Jackson on “Brand New.” Pharrell’s “Get Lucky” jam partner (guitarist) Nile Rogers will also approve of the inherent funk on “Hunter,” with its pulsating ‘70s bass lines.
The fun romp doesn’t end there. Pharrell decks out the party number “Come Get It Bae,” which somewhat calls “Blurred Lines” to mind. Kicking it back a bit with Alicia Keys, he drops the reggae/R&B tune “Know Who You Are,” then drives it home with the chill “It Girl.”
He can sure deliver hits left, right and in between; build a multimillion-dollar entertainment empire and design a fashion line even. That mountie hat has to go at some point but, make no mistake, girl, Pharrell is the man.
Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte (Photo by Valeria Sorrenti)
Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte thinks that the success of independent film festivals such as Cinemalaya are raising the consciousness of the movie-going audience on which motion pictures to watch.
“Kasi ’yung independent filmmaker… ang kanyang layunin ay hindi masyado ’yung kumita (o kung) ano ’yung papatok sa takilya,” Belmonte told Bulletin Entertainment at the recent launch of the QCinema 2014: Quezon City International Film Festival. “Ang kinukwento nila makatotohanan; minsan malungkot, minsan madi-disappoint ’yung audience, pero kwentong totoo.”
She feels that the “mature” Pinoy audience has become more appreciative of films with substance, particularly those with unconventional themes.
“Hindi lang ’yung rich-girl-poor-boy ta’s na-i-in love sila… Hindi ’yung formula films. Marami pang ibang kwento.”
Belmonte is aware of the fact that the regular moviegoer is not used to watching non-commercial films and is still reluctant to spend on them without big-name stars such as Sarah Geronimo and Piolo Pascual in the billing. Her solution to this, at least last year, giving out free tickets to select communities.
“Gusto ko lang ipakita sa kanila na, ‘Punta kayo, libre naman to eh. Magaganda rin ’tong mapapanood niyo,’” she explained.
More indie
Belmonte believes that independent filmmakers are still not getting enough support from the government and the private sectors, saying, “napakaganda ng mga kwento na maari nilang ipakita nila sa atin kung sila ay mabigyan ng pagkakataon.”
That is why in its own little way, the Quezon City government has again launched QCinema 2014, through the QC Film Development Commission (QCFDC), which the vice mayor admits is “geared more towards the independent filmmaker.”
For Belmonte, it the responsibility of the government to support quality filmmaking, as it upholds the culture and the arts.
“Iniisip kasi ng lahat (ang) government parang (pang) infrastructure lang o kaya livelihood projects – ’yung traditional… Pero tingin ko, role din natin ’yung palaganapin ang pag-iisip ng ating mga mamamayan (by supporting the arts). It’s part of educating them,” she said.
Earlier this year, the QCFDC held a competition for production grants to give local filmmakers a chance to bring to life their dream projects, with Arnel Mardoquio’s “Alienasyon” awarded a P2-million full-length feature grant.
Each of the five short films, which will be part of the anthology Quezon City Experience, qualified for a P150,000 production grant; five indie features received P150,000 each as post-production grants; and five indie features Real S. Florido’s “1st ko si 3rd,” a Cinemalaya 2014 New Breed finalist.
QCinema 2014, which for the first time will include a foreign film exhibition category, will run from Nov. 5 to 11 at TriNoma mall.
Jun Urbano with the cast of ‘Ibong Adarna: The Pinoy Adventure’
Director Jun Urbano considers himself fortunate that he is part of the latest film remake of “Ibong Adarna: The Pinoy Adventure.”
“Alam kong marami ng gumawa ng iba’t-ibang version pero ito pa rin ang pinili kong gawan ng remake kasi maganda ang story, na kahit ilang beses mong panuorin ay ’di ka magsasawa,” the film director told Bulletin Entertainment in an interview, Thursday.
The circa 18th century story involving a magical bird was first made into a movie in 1939 by director Victor Salumbides with Urbano’s late father, Manuel Conde, as technical supervisor. It was Conde who made the first color version of the tale in 1955.
Another version directed by Pablo Santiago, starring Comedy King Dolphy and Rosanna Ortiz, hit theaters in 1972.
Urbano, who popularized the character Mr. Shooli in the comedy series “Mongolian Barbecue,” made changes in the story to ensure that today’s youth could relate to it.
“Kaya hindi kami gumamit ng mga King, ng mga kaharian sa ibang lugar. Ang ginawa namin is, we picked a real tribe in Mindanao, ’yung T’boli,” he said.
Urbano said that it was big challenge for the production to give life to the Ibong Adarna and the other characters through Computer Graphic Imaging (CGI).
“Halos six months namin ginawa ’yung Haribon, ‘yung mga nuno sa punso…’Yung iba kailangan pa naming i-transform ’yung itsura.”
In the film, Prinsepe Sigasig (played by Rocco Nacino) will try to save his dying father (Joel Torre), by capturing the Adarna (Binibining Pilipinas 2012 candidate Karen Gallman) and making it sing for him.
Asked why he picked Nacino, Urbano simply answered, “Kasi Pinoy na Pinoy ang mukha niya.”
He added, “’Yung iba kasing artista na nakikita ko eh, Chinito, American… parang hindi bagay mag-play as a Pilipinong prinsipe.”
Urbano aims to screen the film, which received the endorsement of the Department of Education (DepEd) and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, in schools and universities around the country before the year ends.
Also in the cast are Joel Torre as the Sultan; Angel Aquino as the sultan’s wife; Leo Martinez as the sultan’s covetous and greedy half-brother; Lilia Cuntapay as the wicked witch; and Pat Fernandez as the fairy who helps the prince locates the Adarna, among many others.
Produced by Gurion Entertainment, “Ibong Adarna: The Pinoy Adventure” will open in theaters nationwide on Oct. 1.
Sharon Cuneta
Megastar Sharon Cuneta is no longer with the Manny Pangilinan-owned network, TV5.
Sharon herself made the announcement via Twitter on Friday.
Prior, the Megastar hinted to followers, “I am going to drop clues every now and then as to the things I will be working on which will start sooner than you think! So keep watching out for those clues. 
TV5 has issued a brief statement on the matter.
It read: “TV5 wishes to extend its gratitude to Ms. Sharon Cuneta for being part of the Kapatid Network for almost three years. The network wishes her well in all her future endeavors.”
The accompanying article noted that “Cuneta headlined three shows with TV5 — the talk show “Sharon: Kasama Mo, Kapatid”, the sitcom “Madam Chairman” and the musical variety show “The Mega and the Songwriter” opposite Ogie Alcasid. She also had a co-hosting stint on “Pinoy Explorer”, the travel show hosted by fellow ABS-CBN alumnus Aga Muhlach.”
Sharon signed up with TV5 three years ago amid talk of having eked a billion peso-contract, which she denied.
Only a few days ago, Sharon addressed fans in a lengthy Facebook post about how she had been “complacent” in the past years.
“I allowed myself to get fat and stay fat… I feel that I had lost that ‘hunger’ to be on top of my industry,” she said, adding how it eventually led to what she described as a mid-life crisis.
She also admitted, “In my desire to venture into new territory and broaden my world, with the intention of giving you, my fans, supporters, and friends the rest of the best of me that I still had left, I made certain decisions that in the end, turned out to be of the wrong kind.”
With concerned fans airing apprehension over the issue, Sharon subsequently posted, “Please do not worry – from your comments I gathered some of you think that I am still going through my mid-life crisis! If you re-read my post, that happened when I turned forty, and it lasted until I was about 42.”
She added, “I am feeling much better now… Don’t let go… someone’s just getting started.”
