'Dayo' at the malls

Meet Bubuy, Anna manananggirl, Narsi, Nano and Carpio, main characters in “Dayo sa Mundo ng Elementalia,” an all-digital, full-length animated film entry to the 2008 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), at SM North EDSA on December 7, Glorietta on December 12 and Ayala Center Cebu on December 18. Basic animation workshops will also be conducted at Marikina Catholic School on December 5, St. Joseph College, Q.C. on December 12, Rizal High School on December 15 and Cebu City Science High School on December 16. “Dayo’s” full trailer is now playing in cinemas nationwide. www.dayomovie.com

'Twilight' works best with the girls

Stephanie Meyer’s books, collectively called The “Twilight” series, have been topping the bestsellers’ list not only in Manila, but also in the US, ah well probably all over the globe. These could be the world’s most sought after novels among young (mostly female) readers since the record-breaking “Harry Potter.” My first encounter with the “Twilight” books was through teen actress and singer Cheska Ortega. She bragged about it as her most recent favorite book in a local teen magazine. The premise seems enthralling enough -- newly transplanted junior high student Bella Swan unconditionally falls in love with a young “vegetarian” vampire Edward Cullen. Months later, the movie adaptation opens in cinemas. Two relatively new faces Kristen Stewart (The Messengers) plays Bella and Robert Pattinson (Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire) plays Edward. The work of these two actors in the film might bring in more “Twilight” movies in the near future. Kristen and Robert have amazing, sensual, and sizzling chemistry on screen making their characters’ unlikely tandem basically believable. The narrative’s present day exposition about the myths around vampires makes the film even more likeable. I guess, the women’s touch on the screenplay (Melissa Rosenberg) and the film’s direction (Catherine Hardwicke) worked out really well for its predominantly female fan base.

Ramiele Malubay will arrive in the Phils on Dec 12

Jocelyn Dimaculangan, Pep.Ph

Filipinos avidly watched American Idol Season 7 to monitor the progress of the 20-year-old singer Ramiele Malubay. Being the seventh Fil-Am to enter the Top 24 of American Idol, she earned the support of her kababayans but she was cut from the competition last April 2008.

Ramiele was born in Saudi Arabia to Filipino parents but she grew up in Miramar, Florida. Her father is Roger Malubay, a native of Polillo, Quezon province, while her mother is Alicia Macrowon, who worked in Saudi Arabia. When Ramiele arrives in the Philippines on December 12, she plans to visit Polilio and be familiar with her father's hometown.

The AI finalist used to sing as the front act of performers such as Kuh Ledesma and Martin Nievera during American tours but this time, she will topbill the concert dubbed as The Idol Experience: Ogie Sings with the Idols.

The two-night concert will take place at the Aliw Theater in Pasay City on December 20 and 21. Three-time Aliw Awards' Entertainer of the Year and Hall of Famer Ogie Alcasid joins forces with Ramiele, alongside the first Pinoy Idol singing stars, and indie rock outfit Menaya in this groundbreaking concert.

How does Ogie feel about performing with American Idol finalist Ramiele? "I heard her recording and I think she is a very clean singer. Although R&B ang genre niya, magaling siya sa mga pop ballads, which is very Pinoy na Pinoy. I'm excited to meet her."

This is the first time that a concert will feature one of the country's pop icons together with the different singing champions. The concert will also serve as Ramiele's homecoming, and a reunion for Pinoy Idol winner Gretchen Espina and the 11 finalists. The producers are also in the process of finalizing the details so that AI Season 7 finalist Danny Noriega will be able to join Ramiele when she arrives here for the concert.

Ogie Sings with the Idols is being produced by a new production company called TheUnderGround Studio, Inc (TUGS) under the supervision of Brian Sombero, vocalist/ guitarist of Menaya. The idea of bringing together the Pinoy and American Idols came about when Brian noticed that a lot of Filipino-Americans around the world are hurdling through tough auditions, and making it to the top slots.

The concept of the concert only materialized when GMA-7 got the franchise for Pinoy Idol. As the show was simultaneously running with American Idol, another Filipino-American in the guise of Ramiele managed to reach top nine in its seventh season. "Ramiele's father is a close friend of my dad," Brian explains. "I asked him to accompany me to Miami, Florida to discuss and formalize the plan with Ramiele's dad. And since Ogie is a certified idol himself and a good friend of ours, I thought of putting all of them together in one show dubbed as The Idol Experience."

The concert's repertoire will revolve around a uniting theme but Brian refuses to reveal what the audience would be treated with at this point. With Marc Lopez as the musical director and Rowell Santiago as the overall director, it is enough to say that there will be several highly entertaining and innovative musical arrangements customized for the depth and range of the performers.

Brace yourselves for the Idol Experience! Catch your favorite Idols perform a great variety of music as they close the year with a bang. Tickets are priced at P10,000 (already sold out), P3000, P2400, P1400, and P650. For more information, call Ticketworld at (632) 891-9999 or Ticketnet at 911-5555 or TheUnderGround Studio at 376-2732.

Karylle wears Albert Figueras creation at Pacquiao-dela Hoya dream match

Karylle, handpicked by boxing champ Manny Pacquiao to sing the Philippine National Anthem at the Pacquiao-dela Hoya dream match in Las Vegas on December 6, will don an Albert Figueras creation.

New York-based Figueras will create a stunning wine-red Filipiniana terno for the statuesque singer. The basic gown, cut in a serpentine line with a heart-shaped neckline for the bodice, will be draped with checkered dupione silk. It will have a silk tapis woven with a checkered pattern of lines in a cacophony of colors of lively red, orange, yellow, green, aqua, and pink; superimposed on paisley and royal blue acanthus leaves outlined with Mutzumo cut beads, and glass beads with hologram of flat sequins. The tapis will take on a new look by way of embroidery and beadwork embellishments giving it a scalloped finish.

“The terno manga likewise would echo the ornamentation of the tapis,” says Figueras. The terno will be sans the usual panuelo, which is accustomed to traditional dresses and gowns. The bodice will be accented with Swarovski crystals to give more emphasis on the heart-shaped neckline, and low-cut back.

Figueras adds, “Karylle will sashay in the arena with a pair of shoes of the same material and pattern of the tapis. The total look would be that of sophistication, and understated theatricality.

Interestingly, Karylle is a boxing and kickboxing enthusiast herself. Her grandfather Carlos “Sonny” Padilla, Jr. even refereed the historic boxing match between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier dubbed “Thrilla in Manila” held in 1975.

I also had to deal with show biz intrigues

If I had P250,000 in cash as press tokens, I’d be happy to share it with the press and media. They’ve been so supportive through the years.

Big thanks to Tita Cristy Fermin for writing about the truth.

“Napakaagang nag-text sa amin kahapon ni Oliver Oliveros, ang PR ng STAGES, na kinuha naman ni Tito Wally Sombero and serbisyo para hawakan ang promo-publicity ng dalawang gabing concert ni Ogie Alcasid (December 20-21) sa Aliw Theater.

Pinabulaanan niya na may ibinigay na P250,000 sa kanya ang produksiyon para ipamigay sa mga manunulat na dumalo sa ipinang-imbita nilang presscon nu’ng Biyernes nang hapon.

Ipinadala rin sa amin ni Oliver ang text message ni Tito Wally para kay kasamahang Jobert Sucaldito. Sa nasabing mensahe ay sinabi ng producer na walang P250,000 na sangkot sa usapin, sa halip ay P130,000 (press tokens plus operations cost) lang daw ang kanilang pinagkasunduan para sa dalawang buwang promo ng concert ni Ogie.

Ang tanong namin kay Oliver ay bakit pinagtatawagan niya ang mga manunulat na dumalo sa presscon na nakatanggap lamang ng gift certificate ng isang coffee shop nu’ng Sabado nang umaga?

Ang sagot ni Oliver, “Kung nagbigay man kami ng cash gifts after the Friday press con, additional gift ‘yun ni Sir Wally, hindi dahil sa nabuking ako na nagbulsa ng P250,000 press tokens dahil wala naman talagang nakalaan originally.

Hindi kami kasama sa listahan ng mga manunulat na dumalo sa press con, pero nakarating sa amin ang disgusto ng mga dumalo, dahil nakarating sa kanila na may ibinigay na budget para sa presscon ang produksiyon ni Tito Wally pero ang ibinigay sa kanila ni Oliver ay gift certificate lang ng isang coffee shop na nagkakahalaga ng limandaang piso.

Bilang panghuli ay sinabi ni Oliver Oliveros sa kanyang mensahe, “Masakit palang mapagbintangan, tumutulong na nga ako, pero ako pa ang napasama.”

Sinabi rin sa amin ni Oliver Oliveros na lagi siyang parehas, hindi siya nanggagalaw ng pera ng may pera, hindi rin daw niya lolokohin ang mga manunulat dahil malaki ang tinatanaw niyang utang na loob sa hanay ng media.”

Cristy Fermin, Balita, Nov. 25, 2008

Gary V introduces Karylle as newest Kapamilya at Araneta concert

Gary Valenciano has surprised the audience in his 25th anniversary concert by introducing Karylle as newest member of the Kapamilya network. They shared the stage with Rachelle Ann Go and Laarni Lozada in a retrospective production number.

“…We will welcome you with open arms, and we will love you just as many have always loved you,” said Gary.

Gary and Karylle sang “Could We,” which was recorded years ago by Gary and Zsa Zsa Padilla, Karylle’s mom. Gary and Regine Velasquez later on recorded the song with Tagalog lyrics and a new title, “Muli.” Mon Faustino, Gary’s musical arranger for the last 19 years, has arranged Gary and Karylle’s version.

Wearing an electric blue satin cocktail dress, Karylle was warmly received by the audience with loud cheers and applause.

‘Travelscapes’: Photographs by Raymond Lauchengco

Yellow Door Gallery and Power Plant Mall present "Travelscapes," an exhibition of photographs by Raymond Lauchengco, from November 17 to 30 at the R1 Corridor of Power Plant Mall, Rockwell.

The exhibition features limited-edition photographs by Raymond Lauchengco collected over the years from having visited various cities both as a concert artist, and as an enthusiastic traveler.

"Artists are compelled to create something in response to something that moves them," Lauchengco says. "In my case, I've always been moved by God's creation. When I see something striking, beautiful, or poignant, I cannot help but to try to capture it, not necessarily in its reality—I am not interested in taking a snapshot, or photographic reproduction of an object or scene—but to capture it in a way that fully involves my own sentiment about it," he continues. "Our world is so transitory, and any artist wishes, using his ability, to make it last.”

Raymond Lauchengco delved into photography in the 1980s and pursued it professionally in 1999. He has participated in various group exhibitions and had his first solo exhibition at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel in 2000. He has since undertaken various private and corporate commissions, shot portraits, product shots, and fashion editorials, as well as dedicated his efforts to his own creative vision as seen in "Travelscapes."

Welcome to your new home, Jayden

Our family can’t live without a Jack Russell terrier in the house. It’s been traumatic to lose a pup so we’ve decided to get a young adult this time around. We’ve chosen an 8-month old broken coat jack from dog enthusiast John Bernardo from Tandang Sora, Q.C. He happens to own more than 30 dogs of different breeds, including mongrels. He said he wanted a better home for his male jack. So we’ve volunteered.

My nephew has agreed to name him Jayden. Jayden’s paper name is Executor of Jacob’s Herd. He comes from the line of Tamariki and pioneering line of Earthbound. He’s well behaved indoor but contrastingly highly energetic jack outdoor.

We all pray he lives long with the family this time.

Big thanks for all the people who’ve helped me during my hunt for our next jack: Eljay Jimenez, a very well known pioneer with jacks in the Philippines (I’m blessed to have met you); Dr. Cris Pineda of Fairlane Kennel, who owns the very handsome champ jack Milo; Tita Gene, Tito Raymund and Sam Concepcion – you’re all very thoughtful; fellow dog lover Judith Bueno; and again to John Bernardo for taking good care of Jayden for the past months.

Regan: Feb – Nov 2008

Our nine-month old Jack Russell terrier has died because of toxins. His body has been so weak, but he still managed to wag his tail a few times when I paid him a visit at the clinic. According to our veterinarian, he fought for his life ‘til the last hour.

My 8-year old nephew has been crying. Our family loved our first terrier.

If you happen to know a reputable breeder of Jack Russel terriers in the Philippines, please notify me. We only want to take care of the same breed. We want a male puppy of broken coat.

We want to call him Regan as well.

Ogie sings with the Idols at Aliw Theater

The country's premier singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid joins forces with American Idol season 7 Filipino American finalist Ramiele Malubay, alongside the first Pinoy Idol singing stars, and indie rock outfit Menaya, in a groundbreaking concert titled "The Idol Experience: Ogie Sings with the Idols," which will be staged at the Aliw Theater in Pasay City on December 20 and 21.

This is the first time that a concert will feature one of the country's pop icons together with the different singing champions. The concert will also serve as Ramiele's homecoming, and a reunion for Pinoy Idol Gretchen Espina and the 11 finalists.

"Ogie Sings with the Idols" is being produced by a new production company called TheUnderGround Studio, Inc (TUGS) under the supervision of Brian Sombero, vocalist/ guitarist of Menaya. The idea of bringing together the Pinoy and American Idols came about when Brian noticed that a lot of Filipino-Americans around the world are hurdling through tough auditions, and making it to the top slots.

"You can only imagine the rigorous process until you undergo it yourself which I actually did when the first edition dubbed as Philippine Idol was launched by the defunct ABC 5," Brian shares. "Since there was no audition in Manila anymore, I went all the way from Quezon City, where I live, to Cebu City to try out for the first audition and then came back to Manila for the next level of auditions."

The concept of the concert only materialized when GMA 7 got the franchise for Pinoy Idol. As the show was simultaneously running with American Idol, another Filipino-American in the guise of Ramiele Malubay managed to reach top nine in its seventh season. "Ramiele's father is a close friend of my dad," Brian explains, "I asked him to accompany me to Miami, Florida to discuss and formalize the plan with Ramiele's dad. And since Ogie is a certified idol himself and a good friend of ours, I thought of putting all of them together in one show dubbed as 'The Idol Experience.'"

In fact, Ogie is already very excited to perform with the Idols. "This is the very first time that I am actually performing with singing champions," he says. "It is an honor for me to showcase some of the best young singers that we have and share the same stage with them."

As a new player in the concert industry, TheUnderGround Studio is focused on becoming among the top production outfits in the country. "We are still undergoing a learning process so we are doing everything hands-on," Brian declares, "but our immediate goal is to know the industry inside out, and we can only do this by staging a major concert right away." TheUnderGround Studio is very hopeful that it will be able to penetrate and make a mark in the music industry. It actually has ongoing negotiations with three international acts for major concerts in the Philippines next year.

Menaya is doing the front act of the show but they're not doing this just to get into the mainstream scene. "Being part of this concert is something new for us not to mention that this is the first time people will witness the interesting combination of indie and mainstream musicians in one concert," says Brian.

Ogie is positive that the indie rock genre is very much alive and vibrant in the country. "Filipinos love great music," he asserts. "In time, indie rock will truly be well-received. I am also confident that indie rock artists can have a fantastic interpretation of the music that I create."

The concert's repertoire will revolve around a uniting theme but Brian refuses to reveal what the audience would be treated with at this point. With Marc Lopez as the musical director and Rowell Santiago as the overall director, it is enough to say that there will be several highly entertaining and innovative musical arrangements customized for the depth and range of the performers.

So brace yourselves for the Idol Experience! Catch your favorite Idols perform a great variety of music as they close the year with a bang. Tickets are priced at 10,000 (sold out), 3000, 2400, 1400, and 650 pesos. For more information, call Ticketworld at (632) 891-9999 or Ticketnet at 911-5555 or TheUnderGround Studio at 376-2732.

"The Idol Experience: Ogie Sings with the Idols" is presented by GMA 7, QTV, TheUnderGround Studio, Globe Telecom, PCSO, PAGCOR, Grand Villa Resort and Pepsi. Major sponsors include Chowking, OgieDogie, Bingo Bonanza, Direct Club, Bodega ng Bayan, Blue Dot, Delimondo, Pacific Blue Shades, Worldwide Gaming Group, Philippine Poker Tour, Metro Card Room, Air Force One, Kremlin, Danny's Grill, Crown Regency, PPT. Media partners include The Manila Times, Philippine Daily Inquirer, The Manila Bulletin, Police Files, Hataw, X-Files, People’s Journal, People’s Tonight, Taliba, Women’s Journal, - all from the Journal Group, Tempo, Myx, Magic 89.9, Yes FM and Love Radio.

The Dingdong-Karylle breakup: The whole story

Ricky Lo, The Philippine Star

Yes, it's painful but true: Some good things never last.

Look at the fairy-tale romance between Dingdong Dantes and Karylle. For three years, they were such a sweet, handsome pair. One morning, the lovely bubble burst. Just like that.

For several weeks, amidst all the fuss and the buzz, Dingdong and especially Karylle politely refused to confirm what was already very obvious, keeping their joint promise to "tell the truth and nothing but" only to The STAR because Karylle happens to be one of this paper's contributors.

Even Karylle's mom, Zsa Zsa Padilla (who broke up with husband Dr. Modesto Tatlonghari when Karylle was a kid), kept a respectful distance from the persistent rumor.

What busted the beautiful romance predicted to end happily ever after at the altar?

Fingers promptly pointed to Marian Rivera as the "culprit." Dingdong's leading lady in the GMA shows Marimar and Dyesebel and now in the GMA Films romance-drama One True Love, she was a credible "principal suspect" because, just weeks before the Dingdong-Karylle yarn hit the tab headlines (initially reported as a "blind item" in this paper's Funfare column), she broke up with San Sebastian College basketball player Ervic Vejandre, her boyfriend of seven years. Showbiz-watchers put two and two together, and that equals...

Through it all, while Dingdong was parrying persistent personal questions from the media, Karylle was agonizing in silence, taking comfort in the loving arms of family and friends, shedding quiet tears on their shoulders and, being a pious girl, seeking solace from the Great Comforter.

Now ready to move forward (not just "move on"), Karylle is speaking up for the first and probably last time, pouring out the pain in her heart in a tell-all/no-holds-barred Conversation (that sounded more like a confession).

Many people are wondering if it's really a breakup, irrevocable; or only a cooling off.

"A, okay. Kelangan clear."

What's the real score?

"Breakup. Dati kasi, parang ano lang...cool-off lang."

When did you decide to break up?

"The breakup happened end of September. Di ba I was telling you before that we were trying to fix things, ganyan. At the time, we were still going out on dates. Actually, that period was...how should I call it? Basta, at that time, I felt that mas sweet pa nga siya sa akin; walang masyadong pressure. Things were easier. We were just ourselves kasi wala kaming masyadong iniisip."

What caused the breakup? According to Dingdong, it's "conflict of priorities."

"Well, for me there were many reasons that can't be summed up in just one statement. It's hard to trivialize things na, you know, this is the only reason and it's up to the people to figure it out, na bahala na kayong intindihin. Maraming rason kasi, eh. You know, even if we keep on explaining or making kuwento, it's only the two of us who know everything. People won't get the whole story."

You're right. "Conflict of interests" is somewhat broad and vague. Hindi masyadong clear. Very general.

"It involves a lot of different things; it's hard to explain. You know, whatever happened, I just think of the three years that we went steady and the things I learned from it. And the beautiful memories. I have friends who have broken up with their boyfriends and usually in cases like that, you burn the pictures, sinusunog mo ang whatever will remind you of the good times."

Oh, did you do that?

"No. What I did was...I put all our pictures together in one album and kept it in a shelf. Alam mo 'yon...I was treasuring the beautiful memories. I didn't throw the pictures away; hindi ko naman sila pinunit. Otherwise, it would be like I'm throwing away memories. Ayoko naman gawin 'yon. Sayang ang memories. 'Yon na lang ang aalalahanin ko."

Are you really still in denial? (Her friends said that up to now, Karylle is hurting from her parents' breakup, that's why she can't accept the painful reality that the same thing is happening to her.)

"Not naman in denial. If I took time, it's because it's hard to talk if you are not yet ready, baka kung ano pa ang masabi mo. I decided to take the road less traveled. Should I just cry and cry? Iiyak na lang ba ako nang iiyak? I didn't do that. Instead, I went into counseling and I went on a retreat. It did me a lot of good. I'm thankful to the priest who suggested that I do that. It gave me time to think things over. I was finally able to sleep soundly."

Was Dingdong your first boyfriend?

"No. He was not."

How many breakups have you gone through?

"Hmmmm. Three."

Is the one with Dingdong the most painful?

"Siguro naman lahat ng breakup masakit. Pero siempre, with this one the pain is times 10." (Forced laughter). "Times 10 lang, hindi naman one million. Because you know why, we had good times together; ang ganda rin kasi ng pinagsamahan namin. So mahirap...well, hindi naman talagang mahirap... I just really took my time. You know, it's hard to fake things, to tell yourself 'I'm okay, I'm okay' when you know very well that you're not okay. 'Yon ang in denial."

So you were never in denial, were you?

"I was but not for long. There are stages, di ba?"

They say na ang galing mo raw magtago ng pain. You were appearing in S.O.P. and doing West Side Story at the Meralco Theater and you gave the impression that all was right with you and with your world.

"It could be because in spite of everything, marami ring magagandang nangyayari. Kahit paano, you just have to look at the positive. During the retreat, one of the questions was, 'What are you most thankful for? Give me seven.' You know, five of the seven happened just recently, the blessings. One of them is the realization na marami rin pala ang nagmamahal sa akin."

And what are the other four?

"Huwag na lang. Sa akin na lang 'yon."

You were very good in West Side Story (as Maria, the same role played by Natalie Wood in the movie version, with Christian Bautista as Tony, played by Richard Beymer in the movie version).

"It was very successful. It was really my dream to do a musical. Alam mo 'yon, kahit paano nabawasan naman ang lungkot ko. I was getting good reviews. After every performance, big names in the industry were showering me with praises that I never expected in my wildest dream."

Back to the breakup...Was it a mutual decision between you and Dingdong?

"Yes, it was. We reached that decision after a long process..."

That was what Dingdong also said...

"...our schedules didn't jibe. During weekdays, he was busy with tapings and shooting. On weekends naman, when he was free, ako naman ang hindi because I was busy with West Side."

Were your kissing scenes with Christian a factor in the breakup?

"No."

In the same way that Dingdong's kissing scenes with Marian (in Marimar and in Dyesebel) were not? You know, part of the profession lang.

"I look at them that way."

Did you watch Marimar and Dyesebel?

"Oo, actually."

How did you feel when Dingdong was kissing Marian?

"You know, kapag may ganoong eksena, he would ask me kung puede o hindi."

During those trying moments, did you run to your mom for, you know, consolation...moral support?

"My mom has been in the States for weeks now. But I talk to her long-distance every day."

What does she say about the whole thing?

"Ask her na lang. Better na siya na lang ang magsabi."

So you are now moving on?

"I won't say, 'Moving on.' I'd rather say, 'Moving forward' para mas mabilis, mas visual."

Isn't really there any chance of you getting back together again?

"Puede bang huwag ko na lang sagutin 'yan?"

Was Dingdong faithful?

(Laughs wanly) "Basta ang masasabi ko lang diyan...I asked him and he said...teka, ano ba ang sinabi niya? He said he never cheated on me and I trusted him."

And you believed him?
"Well, I trusted him."

Wasn't there really any "third party involved"?

(Laughs some more) "Basta, all I can say is that I asked him and he said, 'None.' Kanino pa ba naman ako magtatanong? So, I trusted him with that answer."

Are you and Dingdong still friends?

"Well, he said na matapos lang ito, gusto daw niya ako maging best friend. Okay lang ba 'yon? I'm just quoting him, huh."

And his confidante?

"I told him, 'Teka muna, kakayanin ba 'yan ng mga girls mo?'"

Wow, girls, huh. Plural!

"That was on a lighter note habang nagbibiruan kami. I just wanted to say that."

And what did he say?

"He said, 'They will just have to accept it'."

One crucial question: Are you and Marian okay?

"You know, this is the truth: I always make it a point to say 'Hi!' to her. When I see her at S.O.P., kahit hindi niya ako makita nilalapitan ko siya and I say 'Hi!' to her."

Does she say "Hi!" back?

"Well, she does. I really make it a point to approach her. Kahit isang daang tao pa ang nakaharang, nakikipagsiksikan ako just to say 'Hi!' to her."

Marian insisted that she has nothing to do with what happened between you and Dingdong.

(Laughs again) "Ewan ko! I don't know. Isang tao lang naman ang dapat kong tanungin at 'yon ang sagot niya. So, 'yon lang 'yon. 'Yung iba pang alam ko, sa ibang tao ko na nalaman."

Karylle to transfer to ABS-CBN

By Gerry Plaza, INQUIRER.net
11/07/2008

MANILA, Philippines—Singer Karylle, who only recently admitted breaking up with actor Dingdong Dantes, will move to ABS-CBN, her new management team said in a statement.

STAGES, which produced the successful local theater presentation of “West Side Story” that featured Karylle in the lead role of Maria, has taken over talent management duties for the singer. It said Karylle’s transfer had the blessings of top GMA-7 executives Wilma Galvante and Darling de Jesus.

The move confirms rumors that the young singer was set to transfer to the Kapamilya network. Speculations arose that the transfer was a result of the break-up, widely believed to have been fueled by Dingdong’s career choices and reports of an alleged romance with perennial co-star Marian Rivera. Marian vehemently denied any special relationship with Dingdong.

Dingdong and Marian are among the current top stars of GMA 7.

According to the STAGES statement, it considered Karylle’s transfer to ABS-CBN as the best option to boost her career.

"As Karylle's new partner in the industry, we've been exploring the best projects for her, in and out of television networks that will continuously hone her singing, acting and hosting skills. She's got incredible talent that is yet to realize its full potential," says Carlo Orosa, Business Head, STAGES Talent Group.

The statement further said Karylle was “grateful to GMA-7 for all the opportunities the network has given her. GMA-7 has been behind her success since the early years of her career.” It also quoted Galvante as wishing “her the best, and leaves the door open if she decides to return to GMA-7 someday.”

Before she transfers to ABS-CBN, Karylle will fulfill her pending commitments with GMA 7, “including her appearances on ‘SOP,’ ‘Kakasa Ka Ba sa Grade 5,’ and her singing the Philippine National Anthem at the Manny Pacquiao-Oscar de la Hoya boxing match at Las Vegas, Nevada on December 6.”

“Karylle, warmly welcomed by ABS-CBN executives Cory Vidanes and Deo Endrinal, will be seen in ABS-CBN's musical variety shows, and soap operas. She is set to record a new album, and reprise her critically-acclaimed portrayal of Maria in STAGES' production of hit Broadway musical, "West Side Story," in 2009,” the statement further said.

With Bayani San Diego Jr.

After the euphoria, sacrifice has to be made

"If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy - tonight is your answer," says first African-American President Barack Obama during his acceptance speech at Grant Park, Chicago.

"It’s the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled – Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been a collection of Red States and Blue States: we are, and always will be, the United States of America,” adds Obama.

A call for unity points toward the heed for necessary sacrifice in addressing current recession and financial meltdown not only in America, but the world over. Financial markets have been flooded with bad debts caused by mismanaged funds, and meager interest rates.

Would the ordinary American debtor be willing to incur add-ons on his or her mortgage, for instance, in order to help ease the country’s financial worries?

A big sacrifice indeed…

But in the meantime, let’s party for President Obama’s win.

He seems hopeful somehow.

Why they broke up

Ricardo F. Lo, The Philippine Star

Dingdong and I are okay — Karylle (in a tab headline)
Karylle and I are okay — Dingdong (in another tab headline)

Half truths, really, but I won't call them half-lies.

Yes, it's true: Dingdong Dantes and Karylle "are okay" as friends but...and that's the BIG BUT...they're not okay as sweethearts.

They have broken up.

"It's over!" Karylle told Funfare in her first time ever to admit what is being played up in the tabloids and TV newscasts.

"Yes, break na kami," said Dingdong, also in his first time ever to confirm the so far "unconfirmed" reports.

Asked if there's any "third party" involved, Dingdong said no, there isn't — that is, not even Marian Rivera whose name is being dragged into the mess as one of the causes, if not the cause, of it all. Marian was Dingdong's leading lady in the GMA hit fantasy-adventure series Marimar and Dyesebel, and is now starring with him in One True Love which is produced by GMA Films.

Maybe because of their closeness on the set, it's inevitable for Dingdong and Marian to be romantically linked to each other, especially since Marian reportedly only recently broke up with Ervic Vejandre, a member of the San Sebastian College basketball team, after going steady (off and on) with him for seven years. (Was it a case of, ehem, the "seven-year itch"?)

"I have nothing to do with (Dingdong and Karylle's) break-up," insisted Marian even if showbiz-watchers believe otherwise.

Added the well-mannered Dingdong, "I don't want our break-up to be used as promo for my movie with Marian. Ever since we started going steady, Karylle and I tried to draw a line between our careers and our private lives."

First reported as a blind item by Funfare about a month ago, the Dingdong-Karylle break-up after what looked like a three-year smooth, fairy-tale romance, didn't happen, well, just like that.

"It was the result of a long process," said Dingdong. "Basta, nagka-iba ang priorities namin. We did try hard to iron things out and save our relationship, but..."

Beyond that, Dingdong and Karylle would say nothing more.

Even when pestered and pressured by the movie press to speak up, Dingdong has remained evasive, saying quite a mouthful but not saying what he should. On S.O.P., the GMA Sunday show, Karylle would act as if nothing was happening, as if all's right with her world, but deep inside she's hurting — terribly, terribly, terribly!

The ex-sweethearts decided to keep mum — until now — because they agreed initially to talk together only to The STAR as a nod by Karylle to her being a regular contributor to this paper's Entertainment Section. In fact, when I was in L.A. for the interviews first with the High School Musical 3: Senior Year stars and Quantum of Solace actor Daniel Craig (and his Bond Girl Olga Kurylenko), Dingdong texted to me a message, asking where I was. I gave him the landline at the Four Seasons (Beverly Hills) and he called soon after. He said he and Karylle wanted to talk "only to The STAR" about their break-up, so we set an appointment at a secret place for Oct. 26, three days after I arrived home. No TV coverage, please!

At the appointed date, Karylle begged off, saying she had to undergo a root canal. To make a rather long, and winding story shorter, the meeting was postponed again and again, with the ex-sweethearts agreeing to just talk separately, Karylle first before Dingdong, until we ended up talking not face-to-face as originally planned but on the phone because their schedules just didn't jibe.

I understood why Karylle was taking her time.

"She's hurting," said somebody close to her. "She loves Dingdong so much. She's taking the break-up very badly because up to now, she hasn't really faced the reality that her parents, Zsa Zsa Padilla and Dr. Modesto Tatlonghari, have split up. It happened when she was young kaya matindi ang impact sa kanya."

I think Karylle is in denial. Concerned friends have been trying to console her and to help her to move on, reminding her to, you know, try to take it easy and to remember that it would have been harder if it were, like that of her parents, a marriage break-up.

Karylle has gone on a religious retreat with a dear friend to help her accept things more easily, painful though it may be. But being a true professional, Karylle finished the run of West Side Story (as Maria, with Christian Bautista as her lover Tony) at the Meralco Theater without any hitch.

"Performing in the musical became some kind of a therapy for Karylle," said a staffer of STAGES, producer of West Side Story. "The audience probably didn't notice it pero ang galing-galing ni Karylle especially in the dramatic scenes. Talagang feel na feel niya, lalo na doon sa dapat umiyak siya. She must have felt lighter after every performance."

That, for the time being, is part of the true story behind the Dingdong-Karylle break-up.

People are wondering, is it really a break-up or just a cooling-off? Will they get back together again? Sayang naman ang masasayang tatlong taon nila, they said.

Come to think of it, the story has not really ended yet.

Shall I say, abangan ang susunod na kabanata?