Sharon Cuneta leaves TV5

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. Goodnight, everyone! Sweet dreams and May God bless you always!”

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.”

Sharon Cuneta leaves TV5

Source: Mb.com.ph (August 30, 2014 at 01:12PM)

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Judy Ann hosts new reality series

Judy Ann Santos admits that she still has a lot to learn about marriage, but that doesn’t stop her from giving advice to nine couples in the new reality series, “I Do.” She shares, “Married couples should spend time together like they’re boyfriend and girlfriend again. They shouldn’t think of their responsibilities all the time.”



Judy Ann hosts new reality series

Source: Inquirer.net (August 30, 2014 at 12:45PM)

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Eventful start for medical drama series

GMA News Channel’s “relevant” drama series, “Bayan Ko” by Adolf Alix Jr., won plaudits some seasons ago for its incisive view of political injustice and corruption. It was followed by “Titser,” a less incisive depiction of teachers’ difficult prospects.



Eventful start for medical drama series

Source: Inquirer.net (August 30, 2014 at 12:30PM)

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Stellar cast buoys up ‘The Giver’

Meryl Streep shot some of her scenes in “The Giver” while she was filming Rob Marshall’s star-studded screen musical, “Into The Woods,” where she sings Stephen Sondheim’s brooding melodies as the vengeful Witch.



Stellar cast buoys up ‘The Giver’

Source: Inquirer.net (August 30, 2014 at 12:15PM)

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Highlights and low blows at the Emmys

We had a fun time watching the 66th Emmy Awards last Tuesday morning, even if it turned out to be a three-hour telethon. Seth Myers was only a so-so host in our book, but other performers, personalities and presenters made up for the slack.



Highlights and low blows at the Emmys

Source: Inquirer.net (August 30, 2014 at 12:00PM)

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Festival for strong female protagonists

“The latest edition of Cinemalaya will be remembered for the abundance of strong female lead performances—Eula Valdez for ‘Dagitab,’ Aiko Melendez in ‘Asintado,’ Nova Villa for ‘1st Ko Si 3rd’ and Mylene Dizon for ‘Mariquina,’ cementing the festival’s reputation as a festival for strong women.”



Festival for strong female protagonists

Source: Inquirer.net (August 30, 2014 at 11:45AM)

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Sharon: I’m no longer with TV5

MANILA, Philippines- “Sharon Cuneta is no longer with TV5,” the 'Megastar' announced in her Facebook account Friday night.



Sharon: I’m no longer with TV5

Source: Philstar.com (August 30, 2014 at 10:14AM)

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Miley Cyrus’ MTV awards date turns himself in on probation violation

Miley Cyrus poses with Jesse Helt during the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday. (Reuters)

A homeless man who was chosen by Miley Cyrus to accept her MTV Music Video Award on Sunday has turned himself in on a probation violation and was free after posting bail, authorities in Oregon said on Friday.

Jesse Helt, 22, made headlines at Sunday’s VMAs show when Cyrus opted not to collect the video of the year award for her hit “Wrecking Ball,” sending Helt in her place as a way to draw attention to youth homelessness.

Helt had a warrant for his arrest on a probation violation for criminal trespass since November 2011 after he failed to report and comply with probation supervision, Polk County Director of Community Corrections Martin Silbernagel said.

Helt’s probation officer said this week that local authorities had been looking for Helt in Salem, Oregon, after his mother told the Oregonian newspaper that Cyrus had given Helt money to fly home.

Helt turned himself in on Thursday evening and was released about 90 minutes later after posting the state-required 10 percent of his $25,000 bail, a spokeswoman for the Polk County Sheriff’s Office said.

Helt’s VMAs appearance drew widespread coverage when he said: “I’ve cleaned your hotels rooms, I’ve been an extra in your movies, I’ve been an extra in your life.”

“Though I may have been invisible to you in the streets, I have many of the same dreams that brought many of you here.”

Helt’s mother, Linda Helt, told the Oregonian her son had moved to Los Angeles a few years ago and had been homeless at times.

Court records show Helt was arrested in 2010 for criminal mischief and criminal trespass and twice in 2011 for probation violations.

He is slated to appear in court on the probation charges on Sept. 16.

Miley Cyrus’ MTV awards date turns himself in on probation violation

Source: InterAksyon.com (August 30, 2014 at 11:37AM)

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Stars jump onto the trendy advocacy bandwagon

Some stars have always been known for their support of their important advocacies of choice. They throw the spotlight on important causes that would otherwise not get the viewing public’s attention, or elicit its concern and financial support.



Stars jump onto the trendy advocacy bandwagon

Source: Inquirer.net (August 30, 2014 at 11:30AM)

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Male actors’ turn to take it all off

After our article on female stars who’ve stripped for the movie camera came out recently, some readers complained that our list was too limited and even “sexist,” because we focused on actresses and didn’t detail instances of male stars’ daring scenes.



Male actors’ turn to take it all off

Source: Inquirer.net (August 30, 2014 at 11:15AM)

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Comedian Joan Rivers remains in serious condition at hospital

Joan Rivers. (Reuters)

NEW YORK | Comedian Joan Rivers was in serious condition on Friday at a New York hospital a day after she was admitted suffering cardiac arrest when her breathing stopped during a vocal cord procedure, her family and hospital officials said.

“Her condition remains serious, but she is receiving the best treatment and care possible,” her daughter, Melissa, said in a statement released by Mt. Sinai Hospital where Rivers was rushed on Thursday.

“My mother would be so touched by the tributes and prayers that we have received from around the world,” Rivers said.

Rivers, 81, had gone to a New York clinic for a vocal cord procedure on Thursday.

Without identifying the brash comedian specifically, the Fire Department of New York said a patient reported to be in cardiac arrest was taken to Mount Sinai from Yorkville Endoscopy by emergency workers at mid-morning.

Rivers is considered a pioneer for women in stand-up comedy. The Brooklyn native, who graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Barnard College, played the 1960s comedy club scene with others who also would go on to become stars, including Bill Cosby, Richard Pryor, Woody Allen and George Carlin.

In 1983, she earned one of the biggest gigs in the business when then-”Tonight Show” host Johnny Carson crowned her as his regular guest host.

But her subsequent, short-lived stint hosting a competing late night talk show on the then-nascent Fox network in 1986 led to a rift with Carson that lasted until his death in 2005.

She went on to host a daytime show, “The Joan Rivers Show,” and more recently has found a niche on the awards show circuit, turning her biting wit on the fashion faux pas of Hollywood celebrities.

Known too for her penchant for plastic surgery and with a reputation for being a ceaseless worker, Rivers also has starred alongside her daughter in the WE TV reality show “Joan & Melissa: Joan Knows Best?”

Comedian Joan Rivers remains in serious condition at hospital

Source: InterAksyon.com (August 30, 2014 at 11:15AM)

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Ex-Myanmar beauty queen accused of stealing crown

In this June 5, 2014 file photo, Myanmar model May Myat Noe, winner of Miss Asia Pacific World 2014 pageant, waves a miniature flag of the country upon her arrival at Yangon International Airport in Yangon, Myanmar. The first Myanmar national to win an international pageant has been stripped of her title for being rude and dishonest, and has allegedly run off with the expensive crown and breast implants. (AP Photo/Khin Maung Win)

YANGON, Myanmar (AP) — Myanmar’s first international beauty queen has absconded with her $100,000 crown after being stripped of her title for being rude and dishonest, organizers said Friday.

May Myat Noe’s photograph was blacked out on the Miss Asia Pacific World website, the word “dethroned” stamped alongside her name.

“She thinks as long as she keeps this crown she’s the winner,” said David Kim, director of media for the South Korea-based pageant. “She’s not.”

Organizers said Noe had “lied” and proved to be untrustworthy, but provided few details.

Noe was not immediately available for comment. She planned to hold a news conference at a later time, according to Eleven Media, a Myanmar newspaper.

Hla Nu Tun, who initially acted as her unofficial manager, said Noe and the organizers had disagreed over who should oversee her career. Noe’s mother wanted control but so did the organizers, she said.

A half-century of military rule and self-imposed isolation kept Myanmar contestants off the stage of international beauty contests until 2012. When Noe was crowned in May, it was seen as a new beginning for young, talented beauties.

Following her victory, the organizers said they would arrange singing and video deals for her. But they also wanted to change the 172-centimeter (5-foot 7-inch) teen’s looks, Kim said.

One of the pageant’s primary goals, he said, is to turn winners into regional superstars: actresses, pop icons, and world-class models.

It was decided that Noe’s breasts were too small and could hold her back, and she accepted an offer of enhancements, he said.

“We thought she should be more beautiful … so we sent her to the hospital to operate on her breasts,” Kim said, adding that sponsors picked up the $10,000 tab, as they had for previous winners.

“It’s our responsibility,” he said. “If she has no good nose, then maybe, if she likes, we can operate on her nose. If it’s breasts, then breasts.”

Kim said that troubles started from there, with the beauty queen bringing her mother to Seoul for what was supposed to be a 10-day visit but stretched into three months.

Ex-Myanmar beauty queen accused of stealing crown

Source: Mb.com.ph (August 30, 2014 at 11:13AM)

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Director Martin Scorsese in early stages of Ramones movie project

Director Martin Scorsese arrives at the British Academy of Film and Arts (BAFTA) awards ceremony at the Royal Opera House in London February 16, 2014. (Reuters/Suzanne Plunkett)

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Veteran filmmaker Martin Scorsese will be tapping into rock history with his next project, a movie on punk rockers the Ramones, his spokeswoman said on Friday.

Scorsese, 71, who won a best director Oscar in 2007 for “The Departed,” is in “way way early stages” of the project, his representative Michelle Margolis said.

While Scorsese is best known for directing critically lauded films such as mob drama “Goodfellas” and most recently the acerbic comedy “The Wolf of Wall Street”, he has also delved into music documentaries such as 2008′s “Shine a Light”, exploring the journey of The Rolling Stones.

Founded in New York in 1974, the Ramones – formed by Johnny Ramone, Joey Ramone, Dee Dee Ramone and Tommy Ramone – spearheaded the punk-rock movement with aggressive, fast-driving songs such as “Blitzkrieg Bop,” “I Wanna Be Sedated” and “Sheena is a Punk Rocker.”

Drummer Tommy Ramone, who was the last surviving original member of the band, died aged 65 in July this year.

Director Martin Scorsese in early stages of Ramones movie project

Source: Mb.com.ph (August 30, 2014 at 11:08AM)

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‘Ice Bucket Challenge’ passes $100 mn mark

FILE – This Aug. 18, 2014 file photo shows Spirt Airlines President and CEO, Ben Baldanza taking the Ice Bucket Challenge at the company’s Miramar, Fla. headquarters. Baldanza said he lost his mother to ALS and wanted to help support the Florida Chapter of the ALS Association. The phenomenal success of the fundraising craze is making charitable organizations rethink how they connect with a younger generation of potential donors, specifically through social media. (AP Photo/J Pat Carter, File)

WASHINGTON (AFP) – The “Ice Bucket Challenge” viral craze has raised more than $100 million after sweeping the globe since its launch last month, organizers said Friday.

The phenomenally popular stunt — which sees participants being doused in a bucket of ice-cold water before challenging others to take part — was set up to raise awareness and cash about Lou Gehrig’s disease.

A galaxy of celebrities and high-profile personalities have taken part in the challenge, including Tom Cruise, Steven Spielberg, Bill Gates and even former US president George W. Bush.

The ALS Association, which combats Lou Gehrig’s or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, said that between July 29 and August 29 $100.9 million had been raised in donations — compared with $2.8 million during the same period last year.

“The word gratitude doesn’t do enough to express what we are feeling right now,” ALS Association President and Chief Executive Barbara Newhouse said.

“These funds will be used to fund cutting-edge research as well as care and support to people living with the disease.”

The success of the viral campaign has been driven by its legion of enthusiastic A-list participants from entertainment, sport, politics and business.

Taylor Swift, Shakira, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Matt Damon, Usain Bolt, Gisele Bundchen, Justin Bieber, Mark Zuckerberg, Neymar, Kate Moss and David and Victoria Beckham are just some of the stars to have taken part to date.

‘Ice Bucket Challenge’ passes $100 mn mark

Source: Mb.com.ph (August 30, 2014 at 11:05AM)

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Veteran stars ‘rediscovered’ for ‘teleseryes’

So many teleserye are being produced these days that popular stars and character actors are in constant danger of overexposure. That’s why drama series producers have been “rediscovering” long-lost talents to give their new shows at least a patina of relative freshness.



Veteran stars ‘rediscovered’ for ‘teleseryes’

Source: Inquirer.net (August 30, 2014 at 11:00AM)

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Satisfying mix of feel-good tunes from Kris Allen

You can’t blame singers for coming up with unconventional ways to drum up interest for their new albums: Two years ago, to promote “Thank You, Camellia,” Kris Allen invited his followers to an impromptu concert at the Santa Monica pier with a cryptic tweet: “Who wants to go to the beach and watch some guy play a couple of tunes? Hear he’s OK.”



Satisfying mix of feel-good tunes from Kris Allen

Source: Inquirer.net (August 30, 2014 at 10:45AM)

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Miley Cyrus’ date turns self in, posts bail

In this Sunday, Aug. 24, 2014 file photo, Miley Cyrus, front, hugs Jesse Helt, right, at the MTV Video Music Awards at The Forum in Inglewood, Calif. The young homeless man who accompanied Cyrus to the MTV Video Music Awards has a warrant out for his arrest in Oregon. Helt gained worldwide attention Sunday when Cyrus let him accept her award for video of the year. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP, file)

PORTLAND, Oregon (AP) — The young homeless man who accompanied Miley Cyrus to the MTV Video Music Awards and who had been sought on an Oregon arrest warrant has turned himself in and posted bail, an Oregon official said Thursday night.

Jesse Helt, 22, turned himself in at the Polk County Jail in the Willamette Valley community of Dallas, Oregon, was booked on a probation violation warrant and then posted $2,500 bail, said Martin Silbernagel, director of Polk County Community Corrections .

Helt will be expected to appear before a judge in about two weeks, Silbernagel said in a telephone interview.

Court records show that Helt pleaded guilty to misdemeanor criminal mischief and criminal trespass several years ago after breaking into the apartment of a man he believed to be selling bad marijuana. He was sentenced to 30 days in jail and probation. The arrest warrant was issued in November 2011 after he violated probation.

Helt moved to Los Angeles and lived on the streets while trying to find work as a model.

He gained worldwide attention Sunday when Cyrus let him accept her award for video of the year. Helt, who met Cyrus through the Hollywood homeless center My Friend’s Place, used the platform to call attention to the issue of youth homelessness.

“I am accepting this award on behalf of the 1.6 million runaways and homeless youth in the United States who are starving, lost, and scared for their lives right now,” Helt said. “I know this because I am one of these people.”

Cyrus selected the charity with help from her friend Trevor Neilson, the president of G2 Investment Group and co-founder of Global Philanthropy Group.

“Jesse Helt turned himself in tonight to Polk County authorities to address his outstanding legal issues,” Neilson said in an email late Thursday. “Miley Cyrus will be assisting him with this process, and they both are committed to working to help the other 1.6 million youth who experience homelessness in America each year.”

Jesse’s mother, Linda Helt, said late Thursday that the past four days had been a whirlwind experience, and she confirmed that Cyrus has offered to help pay for her son’s legal help.

“God gets the glory and she gets the credit,” Helt said.

Miley Cyrus’ date turns self in, posts bail

Source: Mb.com.ph (August 30, 2014 at 10:57AM)

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Cee Lo Green enters no contest plea in drug case

Cee Lo Green (Photo by Victoria Will/Invision/AP, file)

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Cee Lo Green pleaded no contest Friday to one felony count of furnishing ecstasy to a woman during a 2012 dinner in Los Angeles and was sentenced to serve probation and community service.

The Grammy-winning singer also entered a special plea in which he maintained his innocence in the case and that prevents his no contest plea from being used against him in civil court. The drug case could be used against Green in criminal court if he faces another drug offense.

Superior Court Judge Mark Young sentenced the 39-year-old singer to three years of formal probation and 45 days of community service. Green, whose real name is Thomas DeCarlo Callaway, will be allowed to travel for work and permitted to see a private physician for drug and alcohol counseling, the judge said.

Green also can serve his community service through MusiCares Foundation, an affiliate of the organization that presents the Grammy Awards.

Green entered the plea just before a scheduled preliminary hearing during which prosecutors would have had to show there was enough evidence for the case to go to trial.

Prosecutors rejected a rape charge against Green when he was charged with the felony drug charge in October 2013. His attorney Blair Berk has said Green had consensual sex with the woman he gave ecstasy to during the July 2012 dinner.

No civil case has been filed over the incident in Los Angeles, court records show.

Green won a Grammy for the hit “Forget You” and performed as part of the duo Gnarls Barkley. He appeared as a judge on the NBC competition show “The Voice,” but left the show after he was charged.

Cee Lo Green enters no contest plea in drug case

Source: Mb.com.ph (August 30, 2014 at 10:52AM)

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Daughter: Joan Rivers is in ‘serious condition

Joan Rivers (AP Photo/Charles Sykes, File)

NEW YORK (AP) — Joan Rivers remained in serious condition in a New York City hospital Friday, one day after going into cardiac arrest at a doctor’s office.

Melissa Rivers said in a statement Friday that her mother was “receiving the best treatment and care possible.” She also thanked Rivers’ fans and friends for their support.

“My mother would be so touched by the tributes and prayers that we have received from around the world,” Melissa Rivers said. “Her condition remains serious … We ask that you continue to keep her in your thoughts as we pray for her recovery.”

The Mount Sinai Hospital said it had no updates Friday. On Thursday, hospital spokesman Sid Dinsay confirmed that Rivers had been taken there that morning.

New York City police officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorized to publicly name Rivers, said she was taken to the hospital just after 9:30 a.m. Thursday. It was unclear why she was visiting the doctor’s office.

The comedian with a half-century of show business under her belt has spawned a reputation for often-snarky red carpet fashion commentary. A show she had scheduled Friday at the Count Basie Theatre in New Jersey, has been postponed.

An early and outspoken proponent of cosmetic surgery, Rivers’ drastically altered her appearance over the years — and found plenty of material for jokes. (“I’ve had so much plastic surgery, when I die they will donate my body to Tupperware.”)

The host of “Fashion Police” on E! network, Rivers also presides over an online talk show, “In Bed With Joan” and co-stars with her daughter on the WEtv reality show, “Joan & Melissa: Joan Knows Best?”

Her latest book, “Diary of a Mad Diva,” was released this summer.

In 2009, Rivers emerged as the winner of NBC’s “The Celebrity Apprentice.” A documentary, “Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work,” premiered in theaters in 2010.

The New York native originally entered show business with the dream of a theatrical career, but comedy became a way to pay the bills while she auditioned for acting roles.

“Somebody said, ‘You can make six dollars standing up in a club,’” she told The Associated Press in 2013, “and I said, ‘Here I go!’ It was better than typing all day.”

After proving herself in comedy clubs as a rarity — a woman comedian — Rivers was a smash on her first booking on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson” in 1965. “God, you’re funny,” Carson told her.

Daughter: Joan Rivers is in ‘serious condition

Source: Mb.com.ph (August 30, 2014 at 10:49AM)

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Promising singer interprets ‘risky’ Himig-Handog entry

Joven Tan is fielding a “risky” entry, “Pare, Mahal Mo Raw Ako,” to this year’s Himig-Handog P-Pop Love Songs tilt. The tune is about a gay male falling for his straight best friend.



Promising singer interprets ‘risky’ Himig-Handog entry

Source: Inquirer.net (August 30, 2014 at 10:30AM)

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