POP NEWS PHILIPPINES

If you have been following Pop News Philippines for quite sometime now, chances are you've come across celebrity dentist Dr. Mario Guiang Jr. Do you still remember when he topped he voting for hottest doctors of 2019? This dad with a hot bod is one happy guy these days because his son Justin finished the school year with honors. And he couldn't ask for more. Awarded as one of Philippines Outstanding Men for 2019, Guiang is also an endorser and has been invited to speak in many engagements here and abroad. On a serious note, Guiang has been making a stand to eliminate illegal practice of dentistry especially now that do-it-yourself (DIY) braces are vastly sold online. "The best thing to do is to visit your dentist to avoid diseases which you may encounter through the practice of DIY. Your dentist still knows best," added Guiang, 47, a member of Dentists Against Dental DIY which advocates the harmful effect of the oral microflora. Pop New Philippines caught up with this

There's a possibility that Korean superstar Hyun Bin will visit the Philippines as part of his latest TVC for a telco company. But sources said that his Manila visit will all depend on the on-going travel restrictions here. "We're hoping that the government would ease the travel restrictions soon. Let's see if the situation  would finally allow him to visit Manila," sources at the Smart Communications, Inc. revealed. On May 28, Hyun, who plays Captain Ri in the blockbuster Netflix series "Crash Landing On You," has sent social media into a frenzy with a video clip of what appears to be his first television commercial for Smart. The 10-second video teaser which showed Hyun in a sports car went viral when Smart Communications, Inc. uploaded the clip on its social media platforms with the caption "The Captain is coming. Watch out for the big RiVeal." Moments later on Twitter, Manny V. Pangilinan, Chairman of the Board and President and CEO, confir

Bocaue, Bulacan Mayor Eleanor "Joni" Villanueva-Tugna succumbed to bacterial pneumonia today, May 28. Mayor Joni is the wife of Cong. Sherwin Tugna. She is the daughter of Bro. Eddie Villanueva, founder of Jesus Is Lord; and sister of Senator Joel Villanueva. Following the death of Mayor Joni, Senator Villanueva posted a black photo without caption on Twitter. When she ran for the post in 2016, Joni was proclaimed mayor through a toss coin following a tie with another candidate for the same position. The toss coin is a method used by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to resolve a tie between political bets. Dory Villanueva, mother of the late mayor, also died in March at the age of 73. The JIL Executive Management Board issued an official statement on the demise of Mayor Joni: "An exemplary leader, a pioneer, a trailblazer, and woman of vision and action; "Such was Mayor Joni Villanueva Tugna as JIL's Executive Director. She dreamed big dreams for God and th

Gwapulis Don Mcgyver Cochico has another important mission: to provide financial services or guidance to clients. He admits it's a very tough case. "Mahirap siya in a sense na maraming hindi open about insurance and investment. Tapos ang Pinoy parang hindi masyadong binibigyan ng atensyon ang financial literacy," said Cochico in an exclusive online chat recently. Being a financial advisor at Pru Life UK - Official is a far cry from being a police officer, according to the 31-year-old pageant king. "The biggest challenge (about being a financial advisor) is napakalayo niya from my nature of work sa Philippine National Police. So back from the start ako. Same sa pageant naman din na malayo pero I work hard, I study and listen to people who is in the business ng matagal. That's why i'm doing good right now," the hunk said. He added: "Filipinos are not yet open pa masyado sa insurance and investment. A small portion pa lang ng Filipinos ang nakakaintind

Binibini Samantha Bernardo of Palawan City has encouraged the public to do their share in fighting the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic through the community-driven contact tracing, health condition reporting and social distancing system. "We know that we can't afford to do mass testing as of the moment. So please let's all be responsible and accountable in helping one another to beat COVID-19," said Bernardo as she promoted the app "StaySafe PH" on Facebook May 27. "StaySafe PH" aims to help people track, report and even identify people symptoms or those infected with virus. "This has been approved by Malacañang, National Task Force, Inter-agency Task Force COVID-19, Department of Interior and Local Government, and the Department of Health," Bernardo said. To join the campaign, just download the app and register at www.staysafe.ph and stay home. As of May 27, there are now almost one million users of this contact-tracing app. "We can prote

The Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. (BPCI) has postponed indefinitely the Binibining Pilipinas 2020 beauty pageant due to COVID-19, it was announced on May 25. Established in 1964, the Bb.Pilipinas pageant sends delegates to international pageants such as Miss International, Miss Grand International, Miss Supranational, Miss Intercontinental, and Miss Globe. In the past, the BPCI also sent delegates to the Miss Universe beauty contest (1964-2019) and Miss World pageant (1992-2010). The full announcement:

With the onslaught of COVID-19 pandemic and the probable occurrence of other emerging infectious diseases in the near future, Sen. Cynthia Villar is pushing for the expansion of the Las Pinas General Hospital and Satellite Trauma Center (LPGH & STC). During the Senate Committee on Health hearing held May 26, Villar pushed for the passage of Senate Bill 143 which earmarks P500 million to increase the bed capacity of LPGH & STC from  200 to 500. The counterpart measure at the House of Representatives was authored by Las Pinas Rep. Camille Villar and passed on March 2. “Given the health emergency we have today, it becomes imperative to improve our hospitals and health facilities. Increasing the capacity of LPGH & STC will greatly benefit patients in South of Manila and nearby cities and municipalities of Cavite,” Villar said. During the hearing, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said he is supporting the measure along with other bills increasing hospital bed capacities in C

Few years ago, Jomar Gahum stopped taking up nursing in exchange for the opportunity to become an underwear model abroad. And it paid off. Through hard work and determination, Jomar now owns a house-and-lot. Jomar, 27, may still pursue nursing. But for now, he's busy with other things. When not busy, this cutee is sure to always keep his fans happy by posting photos on his social media accounts. After scrolling this article on Jomar, I'm sure you will be crushing on him What's keeping you busy these days gym, cooking, Tik-Tok How do you manage to stay fit and healthy: diet and gym. Food/s you love most: I eat all kinds of food. Celebrity Crush: Anne Curtis-Smith What would you do if you had one millions dollars: put up a business, travel around the world.   What are your personal goals: to travel everywhere. What do you find attractive in a woman: healthy and fit. What should every man try at least once in his life: become physically fit and run naked in the wild. What is t

Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray remains mum about actor Sam Milby's declaration of love for her on May 23. But did Filipino-German actor Clint Bondad really post cryptic messages about his past relationship with Catriona on May 24? Clint appears to be still in love with the former beauty queen if the tweets are true. So is it really Clint or is someone using his name? Hours after Sam announced his relationship with Catriona on social media Saturday night, the alleged cryptic messages of Clint surfaced on Twitter. "Can you ever stop loving someone?" Clint allegedly tweeted Sunday morning, May 24. Then Clint allegedly went on tweeting: "I have a lot to say but nvm." Earlier, Clint allegedly shared more vague messages on Twitter. "Is it just me or does cold rainy nights like this makes you think a lot," the post said. An hour later, Clint allegedly said: "The hardest thing in life has to be deleting the messages, erasing the pictures, and forgetting

Just one hour after actor Sam Milby posted a photo of him and former Miss Universe Catriona Gray on Instagram on May 23, the Filipino musician hinted about his relationship with the international beauty queen. Sam posted more photos of him and the beauty queen - this time on his Twitter account. "Yup, I'm the mystery guy," said Sam in his photo caption on Twitter. Earlier the same day, Sam initially posted a photo of him and the beauty queen in an intimate moment. The Kapamilya hunk is celebrating his 36th birth anniversary today, May 23. "Worth every second of the wait. Most special birthday yet," read Sam's caption on IG. Catriona has yet to react on the images uploaded by Sam on social media. - Robert Requintina

It's possibly love between former Miss Universe Catriona Gray and Filipino-American actor Sam Milby in the time of COVID-19. If the Instagram photo would be the basis, then Sam and Catriona Gray could be playing sweet music together. Sam's latest Instagram photo on May 23 showed him and the beauty queen sharing an intimate moment. "Worth every second of the wait. Most special birthday yet," said Sam's IG caption. In one hour, the IG post has already received more than 109,000 likes. Sam turns 36 years old today, May 23. Musician Paolo Valenciano commented: “I don't think that you even realize the joy you make me feel when I'm inside your universe” - RB" Actress KC Concepcion said: "Finally." Another well-wisher simply congratulated Sam and Catriona. It would be recalled that the first sighting of Sam and Catriona together happened in December 2018 when the actor visited the beauty queen during her almost secret holiday vacation somewhere in

Prime Event Productions Philippines Foundation, Incorporated (PEPPs) under the leadership of its President, Project Head & Producer, Carlo Morris Galang recently forged its newest remarkable initiative and online project with Oxin Films headed by no less than its director and project producer, Xion Lim dubbed #MyDay, The Series introducing BL Philippines or Boys Love Philippines. According to President Galang "Our various social media platforms will usher us to the so called ‘New Normal’ wherein people will definitely concentrate and focus on numerous online initiatives and latest technologies. Indeed, we are embracing this new lifestyle, something new to the Philippines and our target audience would be the Millennials and Adults." This is an online series wherein target audience and market are BL Fans in the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and other countries across the globe. Meanwhile, Director Lim pointed out "This project and film will also feature cou

            Senator Cynthia Villar is earmarking P500 million this year to fund the expansion of the Las Piñas General Hospital and Satellite Trauma Center (LPGH & STC) in order to increase its bed capacity from the present 200 to 500 beds. The construction of the additional eight-storey building is slated to be finished next year.             Villar has filed Senate Bill No. 143 to implement the increase in the bed capacity of LPGH & STC and upgrade its service facilities and professional healthcare services. The proposed bill is set for committee hearing in the Senate on May 26. The House Bill No. 6036 authored by Congw Camille Villar was passed March 2, 2020.             The senator also channelled P144 million last year to LPGH & STC to purchase land and start building construction. She cited there is an urgent need to expand and upgrade public hospitals and health facilities in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic that has increased the number of patients needing hospita

The World Women Leading Change Philippines, a movement centering on empowering women, will be launched at the World Leadership Conference "Adapting to the New Normal" via Zoom Cloud Meeting today, Thursday, May 21. As a movement centering on empowering women to increase their role in shaping policies and incubating ideas in business, community and the environment, World Women Leading Change—which was founded in 2018 by Dr. Ayla Aldjufrie in Jakarta, Indonesia—is expanding its presence in the Philippines. WWLC PH mobilizes women entrepreneurs from various industrial sectors, countries, organizations and backgrounds, all of which presented access to global market to expand their business network internally and create vast new opportunities globally by sharing information, knowledge and expertise.  WWLC PH is under the management of Creatio7 Asia and is also a corporate social responsibility program for Women Branding. Coinciding at a time when the world is facing challenges bro

Senator Cynthia Villar has apologized for her remarks on the distribution of financial assistance to the middle class. Villar issued a statement of apology on May 20 after she questioned the giving of cash aid to the middle class during the COVID-19 pandemic. She said that the middle class still receive their salaries even during lockdown, that's why they do not need financial assistance. Her remarks did not sit well with the members of the middle class. The full statement of Senator Villar: "The middle class are the backbone of the Philippine economy and I recognize the workers’ contributions to the country and their families; "The intention of my questions yesterday was to clarify reports about the middle class workers who remain employed but have been included as among the beneficiaries of the Social Amelioration Program of the government.; "Congress has intended the SAP funds to benefit the poor and the unemployed. Lawmakers made sure that we were clear about the

                         Senator Cynthia Villar has batted for stricter implementation of environmental laws especially on protected areas that serve as natural habitats to wildlife and even endangered animals, thus contribute significantly to biodiversity.              Villar, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources cited that the continuous destruction of wildlife habitats and biodiversity loss contribute to the spread of infectious diseases.             “The fact that they are called protected areas should already warn people about their importance. They are the natural habitats of wildlife, which should not be damaged or destroyed, but protected instead, not only for the animals’ sake but for our sake as well,” said Villar.             Destruction of natural habitats has been linked to the spread of infectious diseases such as Ebola, HIV, swine fever and avian flu. More than two thirds of these diseases originate in animals, and about 70 percent com

While most countries await for final safety protocols for audiovisual production work and anticipate their government’s go signal to reopen for business, the Philippines is among the first few nations where cameras can finally start rolling again. Film, television, and other audiovisual shoots are permitted to take place in most parts of the country, following the changes in the community quarantine classifications that took effect on May 16 and will last until May 31, 2020.    The Philippines is under General Community Quarantine (GCQ) except for Metro Manila, Laguna, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Zambales, and Angeles City that have a Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) status and Cebu City and Mandaue City that are under Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ). Film, music, and TV production is among the Category III sectors that are allowed in MECQ and GCQ areas, with strict compliance to health and safety protocols prescribed by the government. Production work in M

A group of sectors involved in live events has been formed dubbed National Live Events Coalition Philippines. The full press statement of NLEC PH: "Live events was the first to feel the impact of the crisis when events were cancelled as early as January 2020 when news of the pandemic broke out. Live events is now deemed the last to recover; "Live events is an “experience industry” with a chain linking various sectors – from theatre, weddings and social events, AVL (audio-video and lights) and staging suppliers, agencies and activations, concerts, gigs and festivals, freelance production workers, conventions and venues; "What many don’t realize is how large this ecosystem is and the impact on this industry is far, wide, and deep; "Formed in response to the Covid-19 pandemic and its critical impact on the many people behind this industry, various sectors of the Live Events Industry banded together last April 29 in alliance to what is now aptly named the National Live

In line with the celebration of the International Museum Day and in response to the physical limitations brought by COVID-19, the Gateway Gallery launches its own website on Monday, May 18. The website, which can be accessed at https://gatewaygallery.aranetacity.com/, is developed for netizens who wish to get the latest updates, events, programs, and exhibits on Philippine art, design, history, and culture. “The launch of the Gateway Gallery website coincides not just with the International Museum Day, but also with the ongoing health crisis which closed all non-essential public spaces and hindered the free movement of the public. We want to bring Gateway Gallery closer to everyone,” according to Mr. Gari Apolonio, Gateway Gallery curator. Take a peek online of some artworks physically exhibited in the museum. Check out Gateway Gallery's flagship exhibit, "SiningSaysay: Philippine History in Art", which retells the story of the Philippines in 30 monumental paintings from

As many people stay inside their homes in compliance with government measures to stop the spread of COVID-19 cases, people has turned to home gardening as a way to stay productive while passing time. Sen. Cynthia Villar, advocate of urban gardening, couldn’t be more pleased with this development and referred to the blossoming of home agriculture as one of the positive outcomes brought about by the quarantine measures. Villar, chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture and Food and director of the Villar Social Institute for Poverty Alleviation and Governance (Villar SIPAG), built farm schools in Las Pinas and San Jose del Monte City in Bulacan, to promote agriculture in urban areas. The first Villar SIPAG farm school inaugurated in 2015 is located in a 4-hectare lot in the boundary of Las Piñas City and Bacoor. The San Jose Del Monte Farm School, which opened in October 2016, sits in a 4-hectare land in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan. Both schools have training areas,  dormitories, farm