POP NEWS PHILIPPINES

Filipino actress Marinella Moran may have found a new life in Singapore but her heart will always be in Manila. "Manila will always be my home even if I don't stay there much often," said Moran in an interview. These days, Moran is gearing up for a comeback in Philippine showbiz which she misses a lot. "Show business will always be a big part of my life. There's one person who keeps encouraging me to comeback. I think I am smart and I am still beautiful. He says showbiz really runs in my blood. hahaha! So why not try again? I miss the people in Manila who I used to work with," Moran said. Moran said that several projects have been lined-up for her once she returns to the country, according to her new talent manager Tatta Saguin, also a national pageant director. "I am excited to be part of this upcoming movie. For now I want everything to be a secret. Details to follow," she added. Moran was active in showbiz in the late 1990s. S...

Senator Cynthia Villar was guest of honor during the 2020 Philippine Yearbooks Celebration of "The Fifty Greatest Filipino Athletes of All Time" held at Sheraton Hotel, Manila recently. Villar commended those behind the book which recognizes the great contributions of the country's great Filipino athletes in various fields of sports.

HIV self-testing (HIVST) was found to be highly acceptable to target users and was welcomed as an additional HIV testing approach to the current system at national level. This was revealed by Dr. Emmanuel Baja, an epidemiologist at the National Institutes of Health - University of the Philippines Manila, and his research team who led the study in the Philippines to determine the readiness and acceptance of HIVST among target age groups that are vulnerable to rapidly increasing HIV epidemic in the country. The full study can be openly accessed at BMC Public Health (January 09, 2020 issue). The Philippines is one of the top countries in Asia where increasing rates of HIV/AIDS infection is dominant and testing uptake is poor. In some countries where HIV infection rates are high such as China, Hong Kong, and Vietnam, there have been recorded successful implementation of HIVST, which is an innovative strategy recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) to increase testing u...

It was Christmas once again for children in Bacacay, Albay as Elite Mrs. International Philippines 2019 Michelle Vitug Encarnacion donated school supplies to two schools in her hometown in Bicol. Encarnacion, owner of the popular Belmere Skin Care Centre, made the donation during her homecoming to the province recently. The donations were part of her education campaign dubbed "Lapis at Papel" which aims to help children in depressed areas. School beneficiaries were Tanagan Elementary School and Caguiba National High School. She plans to expand her education advocacy program not just in Bicol but nationwide. "I value education so much and I want the poor children to finish school because having a good education is so important. I want to instill that in their mind," said the beauty queen. During her trip to Bicol, Encarnacion paid a courtesy call to Albay Governor Alfrancis Bichara, Vice Gov. Edcel Lagman, Mayor Armando Romano, and Vice Ma...

If you were born under the animal signs Dragon, Monkey, and Ox, then the Year of Metal Rat for 2020 could be a good year for your based on feng shui, a traditional practice originating in China. "The Year of Rat is compatible with the animal signs Dragon, Monkey, and Ox. They work together and they complement with one another," said feng shui expert Master Hanz Cua, in an interview. The Monkey and Dragon are allies of Rat while Ox is Rat's secret friend The birth years under the Dragon sign are: 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000; and 2012. Under the Monkey, the years covered are: 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004; and 2016. The birth years under Ox are:1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, and 2009. Horse will be in conflict with Rat in 2020, said Cua. The birth months under Horse are: 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002; and 2014. "Those who are born under the Horse sign must avoid displaying symbols related to Rat.They can display...

Sen. Cynthia Villar raised anew the proposal to ban single-use plastic in a gathering of the heads of agencies tasked to clean and rehabilitate Manila Bay. During the 2nd Principals’ Meeting and Conference of the Manila Bay Task Force held at the Diamond Hotel in Manila, Villar pointed at plastic waste as the most alarming environmental issue. “Ang plastic ang isa sa pinaka-malubhang nakakapinsala sa ating kapaligiran at pumapatay sa mga yamang dagat. Alam natin lahat iyan dahil sa lahat ng mga cleanups, puro plastic wastes ang nako-collect natin,” Villar said in her remarks. Villar, chair of the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, also noted that despite the move of some cities to ban plastics in their localities, the enormity of the problem calls for a nationwide ban, which is also favored by President Rodrigo Duterte. The lady senator also said she will start the public hearing on the bill she authored, Senate Bill 333 or the Single-Use Plastic Product...

Dr. Paul Connett, a well-known author and foreign expert on waste management paid, a courtesy call to Sen. Cynthia A. Villar in her Senate office. Connett of EcoWaste Coalition and Villar, chair of the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources share the same advocacy of caring for the environment. Joining them were Sonia Mendoza of Mother Earth, Paul Connet, an expert on zero waste management, Glenn Ismael Ymata, senior campaigner of No Burn Pilipinas; and Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator of Eco-waste Coalition.

Filipino-American singer Gabriel Barcenilla is winning the hearts of music fans once again following the release of his new song "Mira" on Spotify. Barcenilla, dubbed the Prince of Spotify, thanked his fans continued support as he gets himself busy in shooting for the music video of  "Mira." “Someday, I want to be famous as a signed artist of an international label/music company. And at the same time, as a familiar face to households around the world, and as a TV commercial model,” Barcenilla said in a recent interview. Barcenilla, 27, was named Best New Artist at the USA Mixed Tapes Music Awards, popularly known as AZMT Music Awards. His song "Timeless" which was featured at stereostickman.com has been streamed more than 1 million times. Not far behind is his other song "Fallen" has been credited with over 800,000 streams. Just recently, Barcenilla opened for musical acts K Camp (Interscope) and Shordie Shordie (Warner Records) a...

Araneta City joins the celebration of the Chinese New Year on January 25, with new beginnings and renewals spurred by the White Metal Rat. The year 2020 has jumpstarted for Araneta City by welcoming the first ever ibis Hotel brand in the country, the ibis Styles Hotel. As the Year of the White Metal Rat approaches, Araneta City looks forward to unveiling more developments and new beginnings that will revitalize the City of Firsts. To invite prosperity this Chinese New Year, Chinese dragons and lions and Chinese Drummers will be performing in all malls, hotels, and residential buildings in the City. Good luck and fortune also await shoppers and patrons of Gateway Mall, Ali Mall, and New Farmers Plaza on Chinese New Year. They will get a chance to hear from Feng Shui Master Hanz Cua, or get exclusive sessions with tarot card reader Rob Rubin. Participants will also have a chance to join the tassel knot décor making contest, take selfies or groupies in the Chinese New Year-themed...

Surfers and surfers-at-heart can rejoice again! Manila’s boutique airlines SkyJet resumes flights back to the country’s top holiday destination, Siargao Island. Starting March 29, 2020, SkyJet Airlines will resume its daily flights to the country’s surfing capital, Siargao Island. “SkyJet’s Siargao flights resumption will enable us at SkyJet to help sustain the momentum of the island’s market growth and demand,” says SkyJet commercial head Joseph Edward Alvarico. “SkyJet’s the first airline to fly directly to Siargao, and we are looking at fulfilling our aim at allowing everyone, including millennials, to experience the culture of the island by providing competitive fares.” Tourists and locals alike can again discover more of Siargao beyond the waves and coastlines. Not only can they try out the different surfing spots and the peaceful coastline, but they can also explore the secluded rock pools of Magpungko, the cave pools of Tayangan, a day exploring Guyam, Daku, a...

Smilee Apparel donated P1 million to the City of Manila during the grand opening of its flagship building in Binondo, Manila last Jan. 18. Paul Lee, president of Smilee Apparel, said that the donation would help the various projects of Manila. Also joining Mr Lee in presenting the check were his children, including son Lloyd Lee, his son's wife Miss Universe Philippines national director Shamcey Supsup-Lee, former Miss Universe 2011 third runner-up; and singer Christian Bautista. Mr. Lee describes himself a true-blue Manileno who have faith in the leadership of Manila Mayor Isko Moreno. "Sa magandang pamumuno ng ating butihing mayor, I am pretty sure mas lalo pa niyang pagagandahin ang Maynila," said Mr. Lee. Moreno was not around when Mr. Lee announced the surprise donation. Mr. Lee said that he is excited for Smilee Apparel which will come up "with quality goods at affordable prices." "Few years back, I got this chance to buy t...

Araneta City, the City of Firsts, officially welcomes the first ibis Hotel brand in the country with a ceremonial topping-off of the ibis Styles Hotel on January 20. The ibis Hotel brand was developed by the international hospitality company Accor, based in France, as an affordable yet creative brand for both leisure and business travelers. The Araneta Group brings the brand to the Philippines via a 15-storey hotel along General Roxas Avenue, one of the latest additions to Araneta City’s growing offerings. Present at the topping off ceremony were Araneta City’s management consultant Mr. Rowell Recinto, principal design consultant Arch. Sudhakar Thakurdesai, Megawide Construction Corporation Chairman and CEO Engr. Edgar Saavedra, AVP for Operations Engr. Romeo Furigay, and Deputy Head for Construction Engr. Frederick Tan. Representing Accor were Mr. Emmanuel Marion, Vice President of Operations for Midscale & Economy Brands in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam, the Philipp...

They say timing is everything and you gotta be at the right place and time. The girl-fronted band act CHNDTR (pronounced as Chindetera) certainly fits the bill being an act fine-tuned for the current lovestruck and stylishly digital, daring generation. From its name to its sound, this quartet is ripe and roaring for the era. CHNDTR has had solid achievements over the past few years of its remarkably noteworthy existence. Its debut album "Habang Umuulan" already garnered a total of almost two million streams and more than 87,000 listeners on popular digital engine Spotify and other platforms of such kind. Its breakout gig came in 2016 when it won grand champ at the Deli Music Festival Battle of the Bands supervised by retail-chain Robinsons. In no time they became brand ambassadors for Pony, a reflection of their music’s positive public reception. The band has likewise been reaching out to its audience by playing in packed gigs and significant guest appearances ...

To mark the 5th anniversary of her various projects in Baseco Compound, Tondo, Sen. Cynthia Villar led a clean-up activity in the area. Since 2015, Villar has been returning to Barangay 649, Gasangan, a coastal community along Manila Bay, to conduct monthly clean up and tree-planting activities as well as to check on the progress of the construction of toilets and status of the various livelihood projects she established for the residents. Villar, chairperson of the committee on environment, natural resources, and climate change, expressed her gratitude to individuals and groups who contributed to the success of the projects. “Looking back, rehabilitating Baseco looked like a daunting task but your continued cooperation encouraged me to carry on. It’s still a long way to go but as you can see, we are starting to reap the benefits of our initial steps,” Villar said, addressing the volunteers from partner organizations gathered for the activity. The Nacionalista Party sena...

Despite a successful career in the US, singer-actress Jennifer Lopez has revealed plans of leaving Hollywood in exchange for a simple life in Indonesia or Italy. 'I would love to live somewhere other than the United States, in a small town in Italy, or on the other side of the world, in Bali," said Lopez in an interview for Vanity Fair Magazine's 26th Annual Hollywood issue. Lopez added: "Another life where it’s a little bit more simple and organic and where I get to ride a bike, and buy bread, and put it in my basket, and then go home and put jelly on it, and just eat and paint, or sit in a rocking chair where there was a beautiful view of an olive tree or an oak tree and I could just smell. I have fantasies like that." Between movies and music, Lopez said that she would choose the movies. "I would say dancing and music are my first loves, but acting is the love of my life. "Once I started, no. I always felt like this is what I wanted...

Senator Cynthia Villar has told raisers and breeders to maintain the bird flu-free status in the country.. At the International Gamefowl Festival & Pigeon Pavilion held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City recently, Villar cited the  need to focus on health and nutrition of gamefowls and pigeons. Villar also encouraged all industry players or stakeholders to participate in all the talks and forum that will discuss the industry's important issues like health technology and the latest nutritional trends, information and services for gamefowl and pigeon.

A new competition which aims to promote space awareness was launched in Quezon City on Sunday, Jan. 12. The Mr. and Miss Cosmos Philippines 2020 competition is open to single and married men and women who are 20 to 45 years old who have the passion to promote space awareness. The online screening will start on Jan. 15. The winners of Mr. and Ms. Cosmos Philippines 2020 will represent the Philippines in the upcoming Mr. and Miss Cosmos World Finals. "You don't have to be a genius to join this competition. At least you have a basic knowledge about science, space technology, and universe," said New Space Age Inc owner Don Moral, during the launch held at H Cafe in Timog, Quezon City. The 30 official candidates - 15 men and 15 women - will kick off the campaign thru activities such as futuristic wear competition, galaxy ball and public campaign. The grand coronation for the national search will be held on May 9. The international competition will be staged al...

Filipino-Italian model Gianluca Lanta who was hailed as Mister Model Worldwide 2019 Ambassador in India last December has been tapped as one of the models for Men's Club by Avon for 2020. This means that you will be seeing more of this hunk in his underwear in the pages of Avon brochure which will be available in March. "I just had a contract with Avon for the brochure. So you will see me in the latest brochure of Avon," said Lanta during an exclusive interview in Makati City recently. Asked how he prepared for the shoot, Lanta said: "I am used to wearing underwear in photo shoots because of the pageants." "As a gym addict, I take a picture of myself without a shirt but never without my pants," he said. Lanta advised young men who want to pose in underwear to be prepared physically and mentally. "You should have a nice body, with a nice shape. Be comfortable with your body in front of the camera, with the people around you,...

The biggest dog show in Asia is coming to Araneta City with the staging of the Philippine Circuit at the Smart Araneta Coliseum from Jan. 16 to 19. Boasting a roster of both local and international entries, the Philippine Circuit, hosted by the Philippine Canine Club Inc., will be bringing no less than the crème of the crop of dog breeds. Dog lovers can look forward to seeing ever-popular Yorkshire Terriers, Great Danes, Pomeranians, and rare breeds the world over best it out in a series of adorable challenges. The Grand Circuit has even been known to showcase the Bichon Frise, the Affenpinscher, Caucasian shepherds, and a Pharaoh hound. The exhibitors will compete in 12 different shows where they will be judged according to their performance based on the standard of their breed by jurors from Asia, Europe and the Americas. This prestigious event is guaranteed to only bring the best to casual dog owners and aficionados alike. The Philippine Circuit is happening ...

Aspiring beauty queen Patrizia Mariah Garcia is ready to float like a butterfly and sting like a bee in 2020! During an exclusive interview at Discovery Suites in Ortigas, Pasig City recently, Garcia revealed she is all set to realize her dreams and purpose without a doubt. Asked about her plans to join a national pageant, Garcia said: "I do have plans of joining a national pageant. But I haven't really decided yet which national pageant because I  have a lot of things in my plate now." "I was planning to go on military training sana, then I am enrolled in graduate school and also working. So now I have to weigh my options," she said. But Garcia said that she really wants to join the pageant this year. "My heart is actually in joining a national pageant this year because I am turning 26 na this year. Let's set the goal before we compete." "It's already more than being encouraged by my family because my support system wi...