Friday, January 30, 2015

Katy Perry says halftime performance will make you ‘Roar’

Katy Perry shows off her dress at a halftime news conference for NFL Super Bowl XLIX football game Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Katy Perry shows off her dress at a halftime news conference for NFL Super Bowl XLIX football game Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)



PHOENIX (AP) — Katy Perry says her American football championship Super Bowl halftime performance will make you “Roar” — with animals.


The singer told reporters at a press conference Thursday that her performance Sunday will include “a lion and sharks.”


“It’s going to be wild out there,” Perry teased.


Perry, 30, said she feels blessed to perform on the Super Bowl stage “at such a young age.” She said she enjoyed past Super Bowl performances from Beyoncé and Madonna, and what she adds “is some lightheartedness.”


Lenny Kravitz will join the pop star at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Arizona. Perry said her performance will also include an “old school” female singer who she declined to identify but said would be instantly familiar from the get-go.


“When you hear the first ring of the chord, I think jaws will drop and faces will melt,” she said.


She said the audience can expect to hear two of her hits, “Roar” and “Firework.” Her performance would be a visual feast in the tradition of Madonna and will celebrate “female empowerment,” she said.


Perry said one element of the show is the unfurling of a giant screen that will go on the field for visual effects, and she’ll also change her outfit several times.


She said the logistics of the performance will be difficult, and she plans to sing through much of it. “A lot of it will be live,” she said.


Perry, who’s in the midst of a world tour, said she’s been closely involved in planning the extravaganza. “There is not a diamond on the shoe that has not gone past my eyes,” she said.


“I feel that in some ways it’s a spiritual experience for me,” she said.


“I just hope that at the end of the day, over 100 million people are all smiling in unison,” Perry said.


Perry was playful with reporters, indulging one who wanted to take a selfie photo with her and shouting at a pair of puppets brought by a Mexican television crew.


While she was enthusiastic about talking about her show, when the topic turned to her love life, Perry channeled Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch, who’s gained fame for refusing to answer reporters’ questions.


“I’m just here so I don’t get fined,” Perry said with a serious face. In true Lynch fashion, she repeated the line again.


Perry said she’s good friends with Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson and will be rooting for the Seahawks on Sunday.


Perry said she’s taken health advice from Wilson, and her tour has her in good physical shape for Sunday’s performance.


“I think that we’re all athletes out there on the field,” she said. “We’re all very athletic in the show. We’re really prepared.”






Katy Perry says halftime performance will make you ‘Roar’

Source: Mb.com.ph (January 30, 2015 at 05:09PM)

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Rap mogul Suge Knight suspect in fatal hit-and-run


Suge Knight. (Reuters)



LOS ANGELES | Rap mogul Marion “Suge” Knight was named as a suspect in a hit-and-run that killed one person near Los Angeles on Thursday, officials said.


The incident occurred in the city of Compton around 3 p.m. local time, said Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Lieutenant John Corina.


Corina said that a man fitting Knight’s description drove up to a burger shop, began arguing with two people outside, and ran the two over with a red pickup truck before fleeing the scene.


Corina added that Knight was involved in an earlier altercation with the same two people.


“We are in the process of talking to those other witnesses, and reviewing video, and trying to track down Suge Knight and get his side of the story,” Corina said.


One of the victims died in a hit and run, the Sheriff’s Department said. The condition of the second victim was also not immediately known.


An attorney for Knight, the 49-year-old co-founder of Death Row Records, confirmed to the Los Angeles Times newspaper that he has talked with his client about “next steps.”


A Las Vegas-based lawyer who has represented Knight in past legal proceedings could not be reached for comment on Thursday evening. A number previously used to reach Knight directly has been disconnected.


In November, Knight pleaded not guilty to a criminal charge stemming from accusations that he stole a camera from a celebrity photographer outside a Beverly Hills studio. He was later released on bail.


Death Row Records was a leading rap label in the 1990s, featuring artists such as Dr. Dre, Tupac Shakur and Snoop Dogg.






Rap mogul Suge Knight suspect in fatal hit-and-run

Source: InterAksyon.com (January 30, 2015 at 04:46PM)

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Tom Petty calls similarities to Sam Smith’s ‘Stay with Me’ accidental


Tom Petty. (Reuters)



LOS ANGELES | U.S. rocker Tom Petty on Thursday said it was a “musical accident” that British singer Sam Smith’s breakout soul hit “Stay with Me” mirrored Petty’s 1989 hit song “I Won’t Back Down.”


Petty, 64, played down a recent credit given to him and co-writer Jeff Lynne on Smith’s Grammy-nominated hit song, saying in a statement posted on his website that he had no hard feelings toward Smith and that “these things happen.”


Britain’s The Sun newspaper reported over the weekend that Smith had settled a copyright dispute with the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer over the similarity between the two songs.


“Sam’s people were very understanding of our predicament and we easily came to an agreement,” Petty said in the statement. “The word ‘lawsuit’ was never even said and was never my intention. And no more was to be said about it.”


“A musical accident no more, no less,” Petty added.


Representatives for Smith have called the agreement amicable and the similarities coincidental.


Smith leads Grammy nominees along with singers Beyonce and Pharrell with six nods. “Stay with Me” earned three nominations for the Feb. 8 Grammy Awards, including song of the year, one of the top prizes.


Petty and Lynne, however, will not be eligible to share in any Grammy wins as their writing was not considered new work, magazine Rolling Stone reported, quoting a Grammy official.








Tom Petty calls similarities to Sam Smith’s ‘Stay with Me’ accidental

Source: InterAksyon.com (January 30, 2015 at 04:28PM)

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Jasmine Curtis-Smith still a Kapatid talent

MANILA, Philippines - Jasmine Curtis-Smith clarified that she's still a TV5 talent.



Jasmine Curtis-Smith still a Kapatid talent

Source: Philstar.com (January 30, 2015 at 04:16PM)

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Stella Marquez Araneta softens stance on PH designers


Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc. chairperson Stella Marquez Araneta.



In the wake of the Miss Universe debacle that saw Philippine candidate Mary Jean Lastimosa fail to crack the Top 5, which most netizens attribute to her lackluster Colombian-designed gown, the Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc. issued a statement Wednesday to somewhat address the issue.


Sounding like it is heeding the longtime clamor of pageant fans to allow Filipino designers to outfit Binibining Pilipinas winners for international competitions, particularly Miss Universe, BPCI posted this statement on its official Facebook page:


“Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. has always been the showcase of Filipino beauty and excellence. The world’s great pageant stages have borne witness to the elegance and grace of the Binibini queens, where the Philippines has consistently placed high since 2010. Gaining the distinction of being among the top 10 also speaks highly of the Binibini queens since this means that they truly stood out from among so many beauties from around the world.


BPCI, led by its Chairperson Stella Araneta continues to believe in Filipino genius and this has been emphasized in several instances in the past including the fashion accolades to the creations of Pitoy Moreno, the designs of young couturiers worn by its candidates in the annual National Costume competition, and the pictorials and fashion shows of local designers featuring Binibini queens.


“She also understands the passion of Filipino designers to clothe the Binibining Pilipinas queens for the international pageant stage and is open to the creations and designs of these brilliant Filipino talents. Mrs. Araneta enjoins Filipino designers to collaborate with BPCI in presenting the Binibini queens in the best designs that will enhance her innate grace and beauty.”


The statement has been interpreted by several pageant fans as an apology of sorts by BPCI founding madam Stella Marquez Araneta following her controversial pre-pageant television interview where she defended her use of the gowns designed by fellow Colombian Alfredo Barraza because the designs “that were given to us (by Filipino designers) were no good for our candidates.”


As a result, Marquez Araneta’s interview drew more flak and prompted several fashion stalwarts to take exception to her “no good” remark.


To be fair, BPCI is correct in pointing out that its candidates had worn the creations of local designers including the legendary Pitoy Moreno and other up and coming names in the fashion industry in the past. This year, MJ Lastimosa herself modeled gowns made by Leo Almodal which many thought she would wear during the actual pageant itself.


But as was the case in recent years, it was the gowns designed by Barraza as personally commissioned by Marquez Araneta that were ultimately worn by MJ during the Miss Universe preliminaries and coronation night in Doral, Florida.


With BPCI’s statement, it seems Marquez Araneta is finally ready to ditch Barraza whose much superior gown for Miss Colombia Paulina Vega might have contributed to the latter’s victory — a clear conflict of interest.


However, BPCI’s appeal to Pinoy designers seems to have done little to appease Marquez Araneta’s critics, who reiterated the calls for the Miss Colombia 1959 to step down as BPCI chairperson and relinquish her leadership to a Filipino successor.


The BPCI madam was noticeably absent from Thursday’s welcome press conference for MJ Lastimosa following her arrival from Florida after a brief stopover in Los Angeles.








Stella Marquez Araneta softens stance on PH designers

Source: InterAksyon.com (January 30, 2015 at 04:07PM)

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Thursday, January 29, 2015

Lee Min Ho to visit Manila in February

Lee Min Ho (Photo: www.newsen.com)

Lee Min Ho (Photo: www.newsen.com)



Lee Min Ho mania is to sweep the Philippines again with the Korean superstar set to visit Manila next month.


The star of the hit movie “Gangnam 1970” will be coming to Manila for “Save the Date: Lee Min Ho Fun Meet,” a contest organized by popular fired chicken restaurant KyoChon, which will allow some 10 fans to meet their idol up close and personal.


“Join our KyoChon Save The Date Lee Min Ho photo contest and get a chance to meet him live,” the brand posted on its Facebook page on Jan. 29.


According to KyoChon Philippines the event is tentatively scheduled on Feb. 24.


“Gangnam 1970” has already earned $10 million at the Korean box office, according to the Korean Film Council (KOFIC).


The film was released in Singapore, Myanmar and Singapore last Jan. 29.


It is reportedly set to be released in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Hong Kong, US, Canada and the Philippines as well.


The movie will be screened in Germany on Feb. 5.


After “Gangnam 1970,” Lee Min Ho wants to do a drama.


He said, “I’m planning to return through a drama since I think many fans are waiting for a drama. I will greet you through as many projects as I can.”






Lee Min Ho to visit Manila in February

Source: Mb.com.ph (January 30, 2015 at 02:37PM)

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WATCH: Patrick Garcia, Nikka Martinez prenup video teaser

MANILA, Philippines- Patrick Garcia posted a teaser of the prenuptial video for his upcoming wedding with Nikka Martinez.



WATCH: Patrick Garcia, Nikka Martinez prenup video teaser

Source: Philstar.com (January 30, 2015 at 01:44PM)

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Chef Victor Neri

In a white uniform topped by black-and-white-striped apron, Victor Neri looked more like the chef that he is than the action star that he used to be.



Chef Victor Neri

Source: Philstar.com (January 30, 2015)

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Pinoy artist’s ‘strange’ path to animation proves rewarding

MANILA, Philippines - Ronnie del Carmen didn’t plan on going into animation — it was something you’d call a “happy accident.”



Pinoy artist’s ‘strange’ path to animation proves rewarding

Source: Philstar.com (January 30, 2015)

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Amazing Race duo Marc and Rovilson now host Asia’s Got Talent

MANILA, Philippines - The country’s eligible bachelors and Amazing Race’s Philippine pride Marc Nelson and Rovilson Fernandez scored another victory for the



Amazing Race duo Marc and Rovilson now host Asia’s Got Talent

Source: Philstar.com (January 30, 2015)

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Manolo Pedrosa is new BNY endorser

MANILA, Philippines - Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) All In graduate Manolo Pedrosa (photo), 17, is the new endorser of B



Manolo Pedrosa is new BNY endorser

Source: Philstar.com (January 30, 2015)

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An NCCA Ani ng Dangal Award for Vilma

MANILA, Philippines - Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos will be given an Ani Ng Dangal Award by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) in Feb.



An NCCA Ani ng Dangal Award for Vilma

Source: Philstar.com (January 30, 2015)

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Katy Perry to perform in PH in May

Filipino fans of Katy Perry should start saving up as the pop star announced that she will hold a concert in the country this May.



Katy Perry to perform in PH in May

Source: ABS-CBNNews.com (January 30, 2015 at 02:06PM)

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Kris, other celebs attend SAF men’s wake

Kris Aquino

Kris Aquino



Presidential sister Kris Aquino was among several celebrities who attended the wake of some 40 members of the Special Action Force (SAF) killed in a recent firefight in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.


The wake was held at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig on Jan.30, declared by Malacañang as National Day of Mourning.


“Pinaalam ko talaga sa kuya (President Noynoy Aquino) ko kung pwede akong pumunta dito dahil alam ko rin kung anong pinagdadaanan nila dahil nangyari din naman sakin ’yan, na nawalan ako ng mahal sa buhay sa isang marahas na paraan,” she told “Umagang Kay Ganda,” referring to the death of her father, the late Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr., in the hands of assasins in 1983.


“Pinaabot ko lang talaga ’yung pagsisimpatya at ’yung pagdarasal,” added Kris, who reportedly spoke to each of the fallen SAF men’s families.


Aside from the TV host-actress, several other celebrities seen at the wake were actors Diether Ocampo and Ai Ai delas Alas.


“Medyo naluha-luha ako kasi siyempre nanay din ako, alam ko ’yung pain ng mawalan ng anak,” Ai Ai said.


President Aquino led the necrological service for the slain SAF members the same day.


The real ‘point’


Kris Aquino (Photo from GMA News' Vonne Aquino's Twitter)

Kris Aquino (Photo from GMA News’ Vonne Aquino’s Twitter)



The hashtag “NasaanAngPangulo” was still among top local trending topics as of press time. It relates to PNoy’s no-show at Villamor Air Base where the bodies of the slain policemen were first brought on Thursday.


The chief executive was reported to have graced a car plant opening in Sta. Rosa, Laguna that day.


Many criticized the president for missing the service, prompting singer Leah Navarro to defend him on Twitter.


She posted, “So how many of those people who dissed the President’s absence from Villamor were actually there to condole?”


She stressed that people should not be misled with the real “point” of the ceremony, which, she said, is about “fallen heroes (being) returned home to their grieving families.”


Leah reminded followers that the president was also absent when Secretary Jesse Robredo’s remains was brought to Manila. “There must be a Protocol point to this,” she said.


She added, “So many proud of their ‘where is the Pres’ hash tag. Shame on you. #Fallen44 should’ve been No.1.”


As to her detractors, Leah said, “Call me what you will, but I pissed you off. A good thing,” adding, “When they start calling you names and foaming at the mouth, you’ve won the argument.”


The Palace also downplayed the criticism.


“The President did not skip the arrival honors today, it presupposes he was originally scheduled to attend it, which was not the case,” deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte was quoted as saying on GMA News.






Kris, other celebs attend SAF men’s wake

Source: Mb.com.ph (January 30, 2015 at 01:42PM)

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Hunt’s serves ‘superstar’ meals

MANILA, Philippines - Hunt’s Sauces offered a dose of tomato goodness as it visited offices and malls around the metro for its Superstar Meals Every Day



Hunt’s serves ‘superstar’ meals

Source: Philstar.com (January 29, 2015)

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2015 Miss Tourism Phl search launched

MANILA, Philippines - The 2015 Miss Tourism Philippines search, headed by its founder and managing director Francisco Blanco Jr.



2015 Miss Tourism Phl search launched

Source: Philstar.com (January 29, 2015)

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Jed Madela: The Explorer

JED MADELA

JED MADELA



Jed Madela is established in show business but it doesn’t stop him from becoming a better artist by pushing himself outside his comfort zone.


People will see this on Feb. 12 when he stages “All Requests,” the fourth in a series. With repertoire based on fans’ requests, the singer aims to challenge the notion that he is just a “biritero.”


“I want to show people na I can do more. I want people to see na aside from the ballads and the birit they often hear me do, kaya ko rin panindigan ang ibang klase ng kanta, bago o luma, na hindi pilit,” he said.


The concept of “All Requests” gives his followers the chance to test “kung gaano kataas o gaano kababa ‘yung boses na kaya kong gawin.” On his part, Jed is given free rein to experiment musically like “(kung) upbeat ang song, bigla ko siyang ginagawang love song.”


To prepare for the show, he studies many, many songs. He remembers the challenge of singing Vice Ganda’s “Boom Panes” in a past instalment of the series.


“Inareglo namin na (parang) opera version and may rap. It’s a very popular novelty song na mahirap baliin, it’s either waley siya or okay. Vice was there when I did that prod number so extra challenge pero nagustuhan naman niya,” he shared.


Has he ever turned down a request?


“Usually, ‘yung freestyle rap na on the spot,” he admitted. “Hindi ko kaya, bulol kasi ako.”


Tackling songs of different genre is tricky but Jed welcomes it, saying, “I kinda get bored doing the same thing kasi. Ayaw ko ma-stuck. I guess I just want to explore something new.”


He also thinks this approach enables his audience to “grow” with him.


“Kasi may audience na gusto love songs lang talaga ang kakantahin ko. Ano, ‘yun na lang forever? We have to explore possibilities…educate the audience. Kasi admit it or not, audiences sometimes become lazy. They don’t want to be introduced to new material, which, hindi maganda,” says he.


For him, this experimentation helps develop good rapport between him and the crowd.


“Sa mga previous concerts ko, audiences leave the venue saying, ‘Ay nakakatawa pala siya, kaya niya rin pala gumawa ng ganitong klaseng songs.’ Parang nawawala ‘yung gap between me and them kasi normally, nahihiya sila na lumapit sa akin, eh.”


Shows give him the opportunity to stretch himself as artist but things aren’t so as recording artist.


“Pansin ko kasi, when it comes to recorded work, hinahanap pa rin ng tao ‘yung familiar, ‘yung birit, ‘yung covers,” he said. “Although it’s good for OPM (to offer originals), mahirap siya i-promote kasi buyers and listeners are not yet that open as far as I am concerned).”


Still, he hopes to break the barrier someday.


“Sa ngayon, hanggang YouTube lang mapapakinggan o mapapanood ang performances ko na ganun (may variety of songs). Through personal videos lang (uploaded by) the audience pero, so far, okay naman ang response ng tao tuwing napapanood nila yon online.” (With reports from Jojo P. Panaligan)






Jed Madela: The Explorer

Source: Mb.com.ph (January 30, 2015 at 01:22PM)

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Julia Montes reveals new acting range in ‘Halik sa Hangin’

JULIA MONTES

JULIA MONTES



In the past 20 years, Star Cinema has been pushing its stars out of their comfort zones in an effort to propel them to stardom. 19-year old actress Julia Montes is the latest of these stars with “Halik sa Hangin” now showing nationwide.


“Halik sa Hangin” is dubbed as Julia’s “coming of age movie.” Directed by Many Palo from the screenplay of Enrico Santos, the movie aims to unsheathe a new layer of Julia’s range as actress.


Julia has been preparing for such a break. An actress for some 14 years already, she has already earned several prestigious awards, the most recent of which is the Best Actress plum at the 13th Gawad Tanglaw for her performance in “Ikaw Lamang.”


Palo, who has worked with Julia prior in a number of TV and movie projects remarked that she more than met his expectations. He related how the film’s script required for intense display of emotions, which could only prove too draining but Julia delivered with aplomb.


Enrico also commended Julia. He described her as a young actress who exude innocence with a hint of rebelliousness and daring.


“I’ve worked with her not only on television but in film. I already know her capacity as an actress so I was happy that she got the role,” Enrico expressed.


As for Julia, she revealed that she changed her acting style specifically for her role in “Halik sa Hangin.” Unlike before wherein she would always draw emotions from past experiences to translate her character, this time, she made it a point to become “the character herself.”


“I got inside my character and internalized what she is feeling in every scene. That’s why I had a hard time snapping out of it after the director yells cut,” shared Julia.


It helped that she was working with Gerald Anderson whom she discovered is as passionate as she is. For her, working with actors that share the same intensity makes work fulfilling.


As Julia described, ”I’m just thankful that I was working with Gerald because I didn’t have a hard time giving the emotions required of my character.”






Julia Montes reveals new acting range in ‘Halik sa Hangin’

Source: Mb.com.ph (January 30, 2015 at 01:07PM)

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WATCH: Darren Espanto belts out Aerosmith hit

"The Voice Kids" runner-up Darren Espanto performed his rendition of the Aerosmith hit "I Don't Want To Miss A Thing" on Friday's episode of "Kris TV."






WATCH: Darren Espanto belts out Aerosmith hit

Source: ABS-CBNNews.com (January 30, 2015 at 12:40PM)

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Docu to mark 10th year of 'Goin' Bulilit'

The country's longest running kiddie gag show, "Goin' Bulilit," is turning 10 this year.



Docu to mark 10th year of 'Goin' Bulilit'

Source: ABS-CBNNews.com (January 30, 2015 at 12:07PM)

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