Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise?

After calling off her engagement with actor Chris Klein recently whom she's been dating for five years, Katie Holmes is now the official girlfriend of Tom Cruise -- who was previously married to Mimi Rogers and Nicole Kidman, and dated Penelope Cruz for several years.

The 42-year-old Tom and Katie, 26, were first photographed together in Rome last month. Their relationship, which was earlier announced by their publicists, has caught the tinseltown by storm.

Tom is undeniably in the heavens as he gushes over Katie on "Oprah" -- "I can't be cool. I can't be laid-back," an excited Tom said Monday during a taped appearance on "The Oprah Winfrey Show." "Something happened and I want to celebrate it."

A blushing Tom got down on his knees and repeatedly jumped up on the couch like a kid, saying that his feelings for Holmes was "beyond cool." "I'm going to discuss it with her." "Honestly, I haven't (had this kind of feelings before)."

Later in the show, Cruise went backstage to bring out Holmes, who was quoted in Seventeen magazine last fall as saying she grew up wanting to marry the "Risky Business" star. "I'm glad I was a big dreamer," she told Winfrey.

Cruise, who will star in Steven Spielberg's "War of the Worlds" next month, filled in some details about how they met: "I admire her and I thought I wanted to meet her -- so I called her," he said. He also mentioned memorable events in their romance, including a motorcycle ride on the beach and surprising Holmes in Rome by covering her hotel room in rose petals. "I'm a romantic. I love that stuff," he said.

And as expected many have expressed doubts about the couple's real intentions. People and Us Weekly magazines have both published polls showing that over 60 percent of respondents believe the relationship is a publicity stunt.

Meanwhile, Katie Holmes who starred as Joey in "Dawson's Creek," has an upcoming blockbuster of her own, "Batman Begins." Lucky girl!


Source:
www.cnn.com (story)(image:AP Photo)
et.tv.yahoo.com (story and image)

Brooke 'In Row' With Co-star

Former EastEnders star Michael French has walked out on West End Musical Chicago after a reported bust-up with co-star Brooke Shields.The actor - who played hunky David Wicks in the soap - quit just hours before her debut.

A statement by his agent said: "He has been in the show for a while and felt it was time to do something else. "There was no clash with Brooke Shields. If you want to resign, you can resign whenever you want." But a different picture emerged from show insiders at London's Adelphi Theatre. Matters came to a head when the 42-year-old actor was reportedly overheard making catty comments about Brooke, who plays sexy Roxie. "He was complaining all through rehearsals about Brooke and he was vocal and absolutely rude," a source told the Daily Mail. "Brooke's as nice as they come and she heard everything French was saying."

French, who left the soap in 1996, was due to appear opposite her in the role of seedy lawyer Billy Flynn. Understudy Simon Breen will now stand in for him. Brooke didn't let it affect her and trod the boards with confidence, strutting her way through the show's big numbers such as All That Jazz and We Both Reached For The Gun. She follows the likes of Denise Van Outen, Jennifer Ellison and Claire Sweeney to play the sexy lead role.

Source / Images: Sky Showbiz

Kapuso will send it's "SUGO" very soon!

Brace yourself for another original fantaserye only from GMA Kapuso soon. “Sugo” will lift spirits and maybe even a few eyebrows.

Matinee idol, Richard Guietterez plays the highly challenging, leading man role. His new leading lady, pretty Taiwanese actress, Joe Chien will be working with cute Richard for long tapings to come.

There has been chemistry this early on and the team up is well working for the two. Joe finds Richard hot... and vice versa.

Sugo revolves around a legend that in a hidden labyrinth deep in a Philippine mountain range, an ancient tribal mummy is buried. Apo Apo Abukay was once a powerful chieftain who abused his magical powers. He lies at rest, just waiting for the right person to bring him to life again.

The shadows also whisper that in every generation, there is a girl whose blood shall be the key to awaken Apo Apo Abukay. She who brings him to life shall have immense dark powers. This key, it is said, shall come from the line of Apo Abukay’s wife. They are called the BINHIL-AN.

Standing in the way of Apo Apo Abukay’s awakening are the KARAG-AYAN. It is their mission is to kill the key and prevent Apo Abukay from coming to life again. For many generations and through many eras they have always succeeded…until now.

And so begins the story of Sugo, GMA’s latest venture into the tele-fantasya genre which guarantees an action-packed adventure that will keep you at the edge of your seat.

Many decades are encompassed as the story of the first Sugo and the first Key are brought to the fore. The tale will take you into the heart of the deep mountains… and across the ocean to mystic China.

SUGO will take viewers on a wondrous journey filled with mystery and action. In it, Richard Gutierrez steps into the roles of Miguel and Amante. They are twins -- one becomes the gatekeeper and slayer, the other becomes the protector of the key. Raised separately they are unaware of each other’s existence.

Joining him as Mei Li is Taiwan star Joe Chen (Joanne Zheng Zhi Qiao) who appeared in the popular Chinovelas My MVP Valentine and A Promise of Love at the Dolphin Bay, both of which were aired by GMA.

The cast of Sugo reads like a Who’s Who in the entertainment industry. Not the least of them are Lorna Tolentino as Amelia, a direct descendant of Karag-ayan who marries a descendant of the Binhil-an; Ronaldo Valdez as Arando, the labyrinth’s gatekeeper; Leo Martinez as Father Francis, who teaches Miguel all he knows about the art of war, and Gardo Versoza in his big return to the small screen as Apo Apo Abukay, the evil chieftain that lies in restless slumber. The younger set includes Chynna Ortaleza, Paolo Contis, JC de Vera, and Julie Anne Lee.

Catch SUGO when it airs on GMA… and find yourself in the middle of an ageless war between those that would protect the world, and those that would destroy it.


Source: igma.tv / TTV
Images: igma.tv

Typhoon to hit the country today!

Typhoon Dante, (international name Typhoon Nesat), was found near the Philippine area of responsibility and is expected to hit the country today before sunrise.

The typhoon was located 1,700 kilometers, eastern part of the Philippines. Luzon and Metro Manila is expected to experience rains tomorrow. But typhoon Dante could possibly shift right and head towards Taiwan.The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration cleared that despite the typhoon, the country is not yet completely experiencing the rainy season.

iGMA.tv News 2005-06-02 2:22 PM

Support the Renewable Energy Bill

WWF believes that consumers need to participate in mapping out their energy future–either because they are worried about the negative impacts of coal on nature and people or because they want to have a say in the kind of power used in their community or because they feel the urgency of climate change.
--- powerstitch.org.ph

CEU SCORPIONS!

Here are some pictures of CEU Scorpions Cheering Squad of S.Y. 2004-2005.

(Look for me!)








(Our Cheerleader: Ate Angie... I wish you all the best in life!)


Go Scorpions!!!

ABMCB-4A Graduation

As promised, here are some of the pictures I have of our Sampaguita Interlude / Baccalaureate and Graduation day ceremony.

(Just before the Baccalaureate Mass at the Librada Avelino Auditorium: from left, Ayi, Julie, Anne, Me, and Jef)
*Mhaan is currently with ABS-CBN Interactive, I forgot her position but it has something to do with e-mail correspondence.

(With Cathy Copaway of ABMCB-4B after the Sampaguita Interlude)
*Cathy is currently with Convergys as a part of the reqruitment team.

(During our Graduation Day at the Manila Hotel: with Direk Ed Villarante, a dedicated and sincere professor, I'll never forget what you've taught us as well as your wise advices)

(During our Graduation Day at the Manila Hotel: with Mrs. Rosanna Lucero, my English prof and the mother of SELAMS and CEU Cheering Squad. Teaching and "winning" is really her passion. She is also a very good stage actress.)

(During our Graduation Day at the Manila Hotel: from left, Ayi, Theena, Julie, Mhaan, Jed, Jef, Me, Genna, Hestia, and Abbie.)
*Hestia is currently with Daksh, as a call center agent.
*Abbie I suppose is with ZOE network.

Secret of longest marriage is saying 'sorry'

A British couple who hold the world record for the longest marriage said Wednesday their success was down to a glass of whisky, a glass of sherry and the word "sorry."

Percy and Florence Arrowsmith married on June 1, 1925 and will celebrate their 80th anniversary Wednesday.

The Guinness World Records said Tuesday the couple held the title for the longest marriage and also for the oldest married couple's aggregate age.

"I think we're very blessed," Florence, 100, told the BBC. "We still love one another, that's the most important part."

Asked for their secret, Florence said you must never be afraid to say "sorry."

"You must never go to sleep bad friends," she said, while Percy, 105, said his secret to marital bliss was just two words: "yes dear."

The couple have three children, six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren and are planning a party soon.

"I like sherry at lunch time and whisky at night and I'm looking forward very much to my party," said Florence.


Source:
Yahoo News

MISS CANADA CROWNED MISS UNIVERSE 2005

Miss CANADA, Natalie Glebova CROWNED MISS UNIVERSE 2005 DURING LIVE NBC TELECAST on May 30th at Bangkok, Thailand -This evening, during one of the year's most exciting live television events, a star-studded panel of judges chose Natalie Glebova, Miss Canada, as MISS UNIVERSE 2005.

The 23-year-old delegate from Toronto was crowned at the conclusion of the 54th Annual broadcast on NBC LIVE from Bangkok, Thailand. Natalie Glebova is a model and motivational speaker to grade school and high school students.


Miss Universe 2005 was chosen by an international judging panel which included: Queer Eye for the Straight Guy's Carson Kressley; Executive Producer of NBC hit shows including "Friends" and "Joey," Kevin Bright; "Days of Our Lives" star, Bryan Dattilo; Vice President, Global Cosmetics and Marketing, Procter & Gamble, Anne Martin; Hair Stylist to the stars, Louis Licari; World-Renowned Chef and former Bangkok resident, Jean Georges Vongerichten; Danish Model Heidi Albertsen, Supermodel Cassie Lewis; Telemundo Latin Superstar, Mario Cimarro; Model and Former Miss Ukraine Universe, Alexandra Nikolayenko; Executive Vice President, Director, Boon Rawd Brewery Co., Ltd, Chutinant "Nidnoi" Bhirombhakdi and Miss Universe 1988 from Thailand, Porntip "Bui" Nakhirunkanok Simon. Access Hollywood's Nancy O'Dell and Billy Bush, hosted the worldwide event.

Throughout the two-hour event, the delegates competed in three categories, swimsuit, evening gown and interview. During these competitions the "Top Five" finalists were selected before the crowning. Jennifer Hawkins, Miss Universe 2004, crowned her successor at the conclusion of the two-hour primetime telecast, before an estimated worldwide viewing audience of more than 600 hundred million in over 180 countries.


Final Results:

First Runner Up: Miss Puerto Rico, Cynthia Olavarria will assume the duties of MISS UNIVERSE 2005 if the titleholder for some reason cannot fulfill her responsibilities.

Second Runner Up: Miss Dominican Republic, Renata Sone

Rest of Top Five: Miss Mexico, Laura Elizondo; Miss Venezuela, Monica Spear; Miss Peru, Debora Sulca

Rest of Top Ten: Miss Latvia, Ieva Kokorevica; Miss Switzerland, Fiona Hefti; Miss USA, Chelsea Cooley; Miss Israel, Elena Ralph;

National Costume Award: Miss Thailand, Chananporn Rosjan. Chosen by a local panel of judges during a two-hour telecast in Bangkok, Thailand for the delegate who displayed her country's pride and spirit best in costume.

Congeniality Award: U.S. Virgin Islands, Tricia Homer. The award reflects the respect and admiration of the delegate's peers, who voted for her as the most congenial, charismatic and inspirational participant.

Photogenic Award: Miss Philippines, Gionna Cabrera. The general public voted on www.nbc.com for the delegate who exemplifies beauty through the lens of a camera.

Sponsors of MISS UNIVERSE 2005 include Mikimoto, "Official Jewelry" sponsor, Preciosa Crystal, "Official Crystal Award;" Tadashi Fashions, "Official Fashion" sponsor; " Farouk Systems, "Official Haircare" sponsor, NINA Shoes, "Official Fashion Footwear," The School for Film and Television and CoverGirl, "Official Cosmetic" sponsor.

The Miss Universe Organization, producers of the MISS UNIVERSE, MISS USA and MISS TEEN USA competitions, is a Donald J. Trump and NBC partnership. Utilizing its global grass roots infrastructure, the Miss Universe Organization is committed to increasing HIV/AIDS Awareness by focusing on women's health and reproductive issues. By forging relationships with organizations committed to research and education, such as the Global Health Council, Gods Love We Deliver and the United Nations Population Fund's Face-to-Face Campaign, Miss Universe is armed to impact women today.

Source:
Miss Universe Official Site

Arnold Vegafria blacklisted by GMA 7

You might be wondering, just who is this Arnold Vegafria?

Briefly now: He’s a talent scout/manager who once tried in vain to create a stir when he fought with Regal Matriarch Mother Lily over what he called was his alaga Dina Bonnevie’s "right" to the role of "the other woman" in one of the Mano Po movies. That guy must have reeled from that head-on collision with one of the haligi of the industry.

And now, guess who the guy is "colliding" with – yes, GMA 7, another haligi of the entertainment industry.

Last Sunday, one Bianca King, who claimed to be a talent of the guy, was on The Buzz taking issue against GMA for taking her out of Sugo, a new GMA TV series, for, according to her, "no reason at all," that’s why she’s feeling bad (masama ang loob).

The truth, according to somebody in defense of GMA, is that – okay, okay – GMA didn’t give Bianca the role prepared for her and that because the outcome of her acting workshop was not good.

"Why would we risk putting her in the TV series, only to waste money and footage later on because of her bad acting?" said the GMA defender.

This brings to mind the million-peso worth of wasted footage of the long-delayed ABS-CBN fantaserye Panday when, during a preview of the rushes, it was discovered that Melissa Ricks, cast as the wife of Panday (played by Jericho Rosales), didn’t "fit" the role so well (that’s a euphemism for, well, not-so-satisfactory performance).

"If you were in our place," added the GMA defender, "would you want to gamble with millions especially at a time like this when money is hard?"

Yes, Bianca King’s case is an isolated one, meaning it doesn’t have anything to do at all with the protracted network war (even if some people are desperately trying to draw a connection to it).

"The truth," according to the GMA defender, "is that GMA indeed has an issue of unprofessionalism against Arnold Vegafria, particularly regarding Jay-R who happens to have a contract with GMA even before he got Arnold Vegafria as manager. Arnold Vegafria has bungled up his talent-handling job with GMA several times. We have news for him: GMA is soon filing a case against him with the PAMI (Professional Artists Managers, Inc.)."

Jay-R reportedly complained that he isn’t getting "fair" treatment from GMA.

"Unfortunately," added the GMA defender, "Jay-R has an existing contract with GMA and he better follow it until its expiration, or else... Marami nang sabit si Jay-R dahil sa kanyang manager."

Because of its unpleasant encounter with the guy, GMA has decided to blacklist Arnold Vegafria.

"GMA is not inclined to do business with him," concluded the GMA defender, "and that’s bad for the talents he’s handling. Sorry na lang sila."


Source:
FUNFARE by Ricardo F. Lo
The Philippine Star 05/31/2005