Official List of 2014 Public Holidays Released by Malacañan Palace

Official List of 2014 Public Holidays Released by Malacañan Palace

Oh, la la! Great News, my friends! The Official List of 2014 Holidays was released by Malacañan Palace through Proclamation No. 655 dated September 25, 2013.

You can now plan your vacations months earlier. There are a total of 19 holidays and special (non-working) days next year. Plus there are four (4) long weekends expected next year. 

Students will jump for joy because they'll get to enjoy most regular and special holidays that will fall on a weekday.

The holidays on the official list are as follows:

A. Regular Holidays

1 January (Wednesday) – New Year’s Day

9 April (Wednesday), Araw ng Kagitingan

17 April, Maundy Thursday

18 April, Good Friday

1 May (Thursday), Labor Day

12 June (Thursday), Independence Day

30 July (Wednesday), Eid’l Fitr (tentative date only)

25 August (Monday), National Heroes Day

30 November (Sunday), Bonifacio Day

25 December (Thursday), Christmas Day

30 December (Tuesday), Rizal Day

B. Special (Non-Working) Days

31 January (Friday), Chinese New Year

19 April, Black Saturday

21 August (Thursday), Ninoy Aquino Day

05 October (Sunday), Eid’l Adha (tentative date only)

1 November (Saturday), All Saints Day

24 December (Wednesday)

26 December (Friday), additional non-working day

31 December (Wednesday), additional non-working day

C. Special Holiday (for all schools)

25 February (Tuesday), EDSA Revolution Anniversary


Note: For regular holidays, an employee will be paid in full even if the person does not report for work and will be paid double if he or she does.

For special holidays, the employee will not be paid if he or she doesn’t work but will be entitled to 130 percent of the usual pay if he or she does.

THE VOICE OF THE PHILIPPINES: Grand Winner Mitoy Yonting

THE VOICE OF THE PHILIPPINES: Grand Winner Mitoy Yonting

Congratulations to the most popular contestant of ABS-CBN’s reality talent series, “The Voice of the Philippines”, Michael “Mitoy” Yonting, the first ever winner of "The Voice of The Philippines", a franchise from "The Voice of Holland".

"The Voice of the Philippines" winner can't believe that he now holds the title "The Voice of the Philippines".  

He is thankful, first to God, then to his family and his supporters.

The 43-year old frontman of the rock showband Draybers used to be a regular mainstay of Eat Bulaga . 

He used to appear in EB together with Gladys Guevarra in a portion called "Chuchay and Mitoy".
                                 

Circa 2007

@mitoyonting #VoicePHFinale #TheVoicePHFinale

Megan Young of the Philippines is the new Miss World 2013

Megan Young of the Philippines is the new Miss World 2013

Photo: Philstar.net/Inquirer.net/AP

Bali, Indonesia proved to be a lucky place for our very own Miss World Philippines Megan Lynne Young. Finally, in the pageant’s 63-year history, a Filipina won the much coveted title, besting 126 other candidates (according to my friend Jory Rivera who personally witnessed the historical event in Bali, Indonesia)! Congratulations to the first ever Pinay Miss World. We're so proud of you, Megan!

Photo: Mirror UK

Important fact: When Megan Young was crowned, the emcee asked her about how she felt. Megan spoke in Tagalog though she's very well versed with the English language! Panalo!  (Winner!) She thanked all the people especially all the Filipinos that supported her all the way to this monumental feat. She is truly a wonderful MISS WORLD.

Photo: Inquirer.net/ AP

The most coveted Blue Crown is now in the head of the newly crowned Miss World 2013 Megan Young of Philippines, center. Megan waves to the crowd, after winning the Miss World contest, in Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2013. Megan won in a year with the most number of delegates ever. Yes, dear Megan Young beat candidates in 126 countries and became the first ever Filipina to win the title.

     Photos: Jory Rivera 

Beat this!

PHILIPPINES is the FIRST COUNTRY to win ALL THE MAJOR TITLES in all Major Beauty Pageants in the whole wide world:

Miss Universe - 2 (1969, 1973)
Miss World - 1 (2013)
Miss International - 4 (1964, 1970, 1979, 2005)
Miss Earth - 1 (2008)
Miss Tourism Queen International - 1 (2006)
Miss Supranational - 1 (2013)

Thank you Megan Young for completing the list!

Megan was born in the United States and moved to the Philippines at age ten. She attended Thidrum high school in Trinity University of Asia in Quezon City. She is currently majoring in Digital Film Making at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) in Manila.

The truth is the news made me cry! I don't know why I got so emotional when I learned that Megan won the elusive title! Maybe, I just empathize with Megan. Feeling beauty queen. Aba, who would not feel proud of Megan. She represented the Philippines with so much grace (under pressure) proving to the rest of the world that the Filipinas exude beauty and talent.

Photo: AP

Miss Philippines Megan Young, right, reacts after she was called as the New Miss World.

In a sparkling finale on the Indonesian resort island of Bali Saturday, Young bested 126 other beauty queens from around the world to win the coveted title in a contest broadcast to more than 180 countries worldwide.

In the finals, Young beat five other finalists, including France and Brazil. 

Question: Why should you be Miss World?

Miss World Philippines Megan Young: I treasure a core value of humanity that guides people why they act the way they do. I will use this to show other people how they can understand each other as one,so we can help society.

Photo: Jory Rivera

She thanked the judges for choosing her and promised to “be the best Miss World ever”.

The 23-year-old Filipino actress pledged to “just be myself in everything I do, to share what I know and to educate people.”

Thank you my friend Jory Rivera for the photos.

Congratulations Megan Young (@meganbata) #MissWorld2013 #MW2013 #INDONESIA #Bali #MissWorldPhilippines #PHILIPPINES

Westlife's Shane Filan Live at Skydome Tonight

Westlife's Shane Filan Live at Skydome Tonight

Attention: #Westlife fans #ShaneFilan Live at Skydome tonight! MCA Music (Universal Music Philippines) See you!

One quarter of the most successful boy band of the last decade- Westlife is here in Manila! Twelve years, ten albums and 44million sales into their career, Westlife rocks!

I got so giddy when I learned that Shane Filan is in town for Everything to Me promo! Who could forget Westlife?

               

Sentro 1771 Restaurant: Newest Food Offerings

Sentro 1771 Restaurant: Newest Food Offerings

Sinigang na Corned Beef

Sentro 1771 restaurant's newest food offerings are original Filipino dishes made possible by Executive Chef Vicky-Rose Pacheco. Before I present the new menu, let me expound first about the restaurant and its sinigang na corned beef.

Per Wikipedia, sinigang is defined as a Filipino soup or stew characterized by its sour and savory flavor most often associated with tamarind (sampalok). It is one of the popular viands in Philippine cuisine.

As you all know, Executive Chef Vicky-Rose Pacheco invented the famous Corned Beef Sinigang, the house specialty of Sentro 1771 since eleven (11) years ago. Sentro 1771 caught the local culinary scene by surprise with its original Modern Filipino cuisine way back in 2002. Did you know that from then on, people lined up outside Sentro 1771 to get a taste of her famous Corned Beef Sinigang?  Sentro 1771's Modern Filipino cuisine fired up the innovative spirits of chefs around the Philippines and started a new trend in contemporary Filipino restaurants.  

Sinigang na Corned Beef

Chef Vicky told us that it all started when she tried to put into good use the restaurant's excess corned beef broth. She then discovered that she could make the broth into sinigang by adding sour ingredient and putting in beef cuts with sinews, fat, and bones. The result is a hearty soup and the now known signature favorite dish at Sentro 1771, the heartwarming, flavorful and meaty Corned Beef Sinigang, which I labeled as Sinigang Almighty, ha ha ha!

Sinigang na Corned Beef

I asked Chef Vicky, "what's the secret behind the soft boneless beef shanks in the Sinigang na Corned Beef of Sentro 1771?" She explained that they cure the beef brisket in special brine solution for five (5) days and custom mix it with several other spices for that added flavor. Can you imagine that they cure 32 kilos of beef everyday to meet the demands for sinigang na Corned beef? They then throw away the mixture after the curing period of five (5) days. I was intently listening to her that I can clearly imagine how they make the corned beef. Ahhh, the beauty of making your own corned beef – you can adjust the flavors the way you want.

The pot is loaded with vegetables such as tomatoes, okra, gabi (taro corms), labanos (daikon or radish), kangkong (water spinach), and eggplant stewed in tamarind. The broth from scratch is loaded with flavor-boosting natural spices. They then served the sinigang almighty hot and steamy.

Sinigang na Corned Beef

I believe one of the factors why Sinigang na Corned Beef became so famous is the personalized approach practiced by Sentro 1771's staff. The staff always ask guests to sip the delicate soup stock prior to serving. Why? So that the sourness, saltiness, and spiciness can be adjusted according to each guest preference.

Executive Chef Vicky-Rose Pacheco

The amiable and very innovative Executive Chef Vicky Pacheco brought Filipino cuisine to the next level by presenting local dishes in a chic and elegant setting. She combined Swiss and French techniques with familiar Filipino flavors. 

Ow, by the way, here's Sentro 1771's newest menu: 

New Food Offerings:

Sentro 1771 has branches at Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, Makati City and at Serendra, Bonifacio Global City. 

Soon, another branch will rise in Capitol Commons, Meralco Avenue corner Shaw Boulevard, Pasig City.

EXLINKEVENTS:The Biggest Beauty, Health, and Wellness International Trade Show

EXLINKEVENTS:The Biggest Beauty, Health, and Wellness International Trade Show 

Ex-Link Events opens today the biggest beauty, health, and wellness International Trade Show in the Philippines at the second floor of SMX Convention Center. The trade show will run until September 28, 2013

The event promises to gather 200 plus exhibitors and 25% of them are international exhibitors coming from different parts of the world.

Besides the exhibition, the event also boasts a conference by leading beauty, health, and wellness association of the country.

A Dance Convention will take place on the third day of the event, which features education, entertainment and competition. Leading brands and dance experts will participate in the said event.

The event are expected to attract 10,000 Buyers.

For more information, visit www.beautyhealthwellnessexpo.com.ph , call 643.3887 or email us at info@exlinkevents.com.

PICC: 1st Academe-Industry and JPMAP Job Fair

PICC: 1st Academe-Industry and JPMAP Job Fair 

Walang trabaho? Walang problema! 

There is a job fair at PICC this Friday, September 27, 2013. Who knows? You might stumble upon your dream job there.

Calling all job seekers and graduating students!

We are inviting you to the 1st Academe-Industry and JPMAP Job Fair happening this September 27 at the PICC Banquet Halls 1, 2 and 3.

This event is free and open to everyone looking for a great career. See you there!

TRAVEL ESSENTIALS: Triangle Of Travel

TRAVEL ESSENTIALS: Triangle Of Travel

Early on in life, I learned that for a person to be able to travel, one must possess the triangle of travel.  These three elements in this triangle must all be present at the same time or you will not be able to travel.

What exactly am I talking about?

First, you must have the money.

Correct! This is exactly what you are thinking. How on earth could you purchase airplane, train, bus tickets if you don't have the moolah? 

Solution: These days people use credit cards so I think the problem on money is solved with today's availability of credit cards. One can travel with no moolah at present but remember you still have to pay your credit card bills on their due dates.:-) So the better solution for me is TO SAVE!

Second, you must possess the time. 

Solution: Make a wise choice. Save your vacation leave and other leave benefits so you could have a grand vacation. Choose wisely. Take advantage of long weekends or long holidays. Go AWOL or better yet resign from your job and enjoy traveling:-) joke hi hi hi! Don't take this suggestion seriously as you might get into trouble if you go on AWOL. Lol.

Third, you ought to have good health.

Solution: Sleep at least 8 hours per day. Take multivitamins. Exercise. Don't overeat. But sometimes if you have genetic defects, sleeping 8 hours a day and living a healthy lifestyle won't just make the health problem go away. This is sad but it is so true.

Goodluck on your next journey!

PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP: Learn and Help For Only Php500

PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP: Learn and Help For Only Php500

I always believe that it is human nature to desire to help others. And in order to affect change one must start with something. Yes, you could start with little things. Do you have Php500 to spare? Good news! There will be a workshop on photography fundamentals with design and composition principles for only  Php500 from 11 am to 5 pm on September 23 at Fullybooked forum at Fort Bonifacio Global City.

This simple little something may seem petty for most but for some it may be their greatest and most impossible dream. Having to be able to achieve these dreams comforts us and gives us determination and more importantly hope. 

This hope is the one that ensures us that we can and will achieve and become anything. This hope gives us the push to fight and go through any challenges that comes our way in achieving our dream. But to some these "dreams" are farther their reach then how we see it. Dreams are rooted in every person starting from their childhood. It is what they do in order to reach that goal that matters.

A workshop on photography fundamentals with design and composition principles.

Cause:

Cancer is a disease that entails continuous struggle and sadly it does not only attack the old people, it also preys on little innocent children. This, we believe, changes their childhood, makes them experience more stress then possible and limits their dreams to what their conditions will allow them to do. It is our desire to help these children to forget the stresses of their condition and look at the obstacles they are experiencing in another light. In a perspective that both gives them hope as well as kindle hope in others.

Method:

To be able to share the knowledge of capturing a story through photos by a workshop that will act as fundraiser for the East Ave. children cancer patients and Ms. Joan Ladines.

If you share our passion and purpose, may we ask you to help us spread the word about this workshop by inviting your friends, and family to join and be part of this photo workshop. A workshop on photography fundamentals with design and composition principles.

FREE MOVIES: At Selected SM Cinemas

FREE MOVIES: At Selected SM Cinemas

Oh, la la! Life is sweet!
Good news to my fellow Korean movies and teleserye fanatics and of course most specially to all of you out there who love free movies! 

In a world and time where not everybody gets to enjoy FREE movies, this news is a welcome break.

The Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines will be featuring six (6) popular Korean films in the 2013 Korean Film Festival slated to be held from September 18 to October 10, 2013 in Manila, Iloilo, Cebu and Davao!

The Korean films have Korean audio with English subtitles.

I am a bit sad that I just learned about this event only today, but glad at the same time 'coz there are two(2) more days left for you to enjoy their FREE film showing at SM Megamall.  

The film festival kicked off at SM Megamall last September 18, 2013 and will run until September 22, 2013. SCHEDULE for SM MEGAMALL September 18-23 , 2013

Followed by the SM Iloilo run from September 26 to 29, 2013. Palangga, don't miss this sweet treat!

From October 3 to 6, the film festival will move to SM Cebu with the following schedule:

The Korean Movie Festival will have its final run on October 10 to 13 at SM Lanang in Davao.

The films to be screened are Green Days (소중한 날의 꿈), Masquerade (광해, 왕이된 남자), Sunny (써니), A Werewolf Boy (늑대소년), Deranged (연가시), and Dancing Queen (댄싱퀸).

The animated film Green Days (소중한 날의 꿈), voiced by actors PARK Shin-hye, SONG Chang-eui and OH Yeon-soo, is a coming-of-age story of Yi-Rang, a track runner, Soo-Min, a pretty transfer student from Seoul and Chul-soo, as they work towards their dreams.

Topbilling the period film Masquerade (광해, 왕이 된 남자) are LEE Byung-hun of the G.I Joe fame and HAN Hyo-joo as their respective characters tackle the intricacies of court life during the Joseon dynasty. In a turn of events, King Gwang-hae was poisoned and a court jester who looks remarkably like the king, Ha-sun, fills in the role of the king until the true king recovers fully. Ha-sun’s vastly different personality incites change in the morale among the people in the castle for the better.

Third in the roster is the critically-acclaimed film Sunny (써니) that retells the story of seven girls whose friendship stretches far back in high school through the journey of Na-mi, one of the seven girls. Chun-hwa, one of the girls, is presently terminally ill and asks Na-mi to get together the old members of Sunny for the last time before she dies.

Popular actors SONG Joong-ki and PARK Bo-young grace the fantasy-romance flick A Werewolf Boy (늑대소년) about the young “wolf boy” and a girl who had just moved to the small rural village as these two strangers find affection from each other against a cold world that shuns them both.

In Deranged (연가시), panic grows across the country as an epidemic of suicides occur where the victims jump into the river. The alarmed government declares a state of emergency. Medical supplies salesman Jae-hyuk suspects his family is showing symptoms of the drowning victims and through his brother, Detective Jae-pil, they search for the antidote to such.

In Dancing Queen (댄싱퀸) the wife of the Seoul mayoral candidate was a Dancing Queen, formerly a popular talent whose chase for her dreams came to an abrupt stop when her husband, Jung-min, decided to run for office. The movie goes through the journey of Jung-hwa as she balances her life as a wife of a political candidate and as a leader of the Dancing Queen.

The 2013 Korean Film Festival is in cooperation with the Korean Film Council (KOFIC), the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), the Korea Tourism Organization – Manila (KTO), the Korea Copyright Commission, SM Cinema, SM Cinema Megamall, SM Cinema Lanang and LG. Admissions are FREE.

For further information and queries, please contact the Korean Cultural Center at 555-1711 or email events@koreanculture.ph.

MARIAN RIVERA AND AI-AI DE LAS ALAS: Co-Produced and Stars in Kung Fu Divas

MARIAN RIVERA AND AI-AI DE LAS ALAS: Co-Produced and Stars in Kung Fu Divas

I still can't believe it! Something unimaginable happened!  The reigning divas of two warring television networks unite in one movie! When I was invited to the blog conference of the upcoming movie Kung Fu Divas and personally saw Marian Rivera at television network ABS-CBN's turf, I couldn't believe that this could happen!

           

Well, it is possible after all. Thanks to Direk (director) Onat Diaz. Yes, loves, the Kung Fu Divas director made it all possible,  together with Marian Rivera and Ai-ai De Las Alas, of course.  Produced by Reality Entertainment and The O&Co Picture Factory, Inc., the movie is set to open in theaters nationwide on October 2, 2013.  Released by Star Cinema as part of their 20th anniversary presentation, the movie also stars Roderick Paulate, Edward Mendez and beauty queens Ruffa Gutierrez, Bianca Manalo, Precious Lara Quigaman, and Ms. Gloria Diaz.

Kung Fu Divas is the first feature film of direk Onat Diaz. He conceptualized the movie several years ago. Direk Onat Diaz shared during the blog conference that he personally created San-ing's role in the movie with only Roderick Paulate in mind.

Direk Onat Diaz is known as one of the best directors in the advertising world and in ABS-CBN's afternoon Sunday program The Buzz.  He also directs music videos and the biggest and best station IDs. A risk taker, direk Onat welcomes every opportunity to improve his skills. 
                              

I am curious and excited to see how director Onat showcased the use of cutting-edge technology to visually capture the lead stars’ escapades that cross the borders between reality and fantasy.  I believe that is one of the highlights of the film Kung Fu Divas.

                               

Hmmm... interesting.

Ai-Ai plus Marian equals double fun and riot. 

Marian was asked during the blog conference if Dingdong Dantes influenced her decision to make a movie with Star Cinema. Hear the answer straight from Marian Rivera...
                               
Expect only pure entertainment as they unleash their comic talents and hilarious antics on the big screen via Kung Fu Divas.

MARICEL SORIANO AND EUGENE DOMINGO: Stars in Momzillas

MARICEL SORIANO AND EUGENE DOMINGO: Stars in Momzillas 

From left: Andi Eigenmann, Maricel Soriano, Eugene Domingo and Billy Crawford

I am so excited! My favorite comedienne, the Diamond Star Maricel Soriano, partnered with my idol, Rough Diamond Star Eugene Domingo, in the newest comedy offering movie of Star Cinema entitled "Momzillas." 

Maricel Soriano

The movie which will be shown on Wednesday, September 18, in all theaters nationwide is co-produced by Star Cinema and Viva Films.

From left: Maricel Soriano, Billy Crawford, Andi Eigenmann and Eugene Domingo

Maricel Soriano and Eugene Domingo portrays as mom to their son and daughter–Billy Joe Crawford and Andi Eigenmann.

Maricel ( Clara ) and Eugene ( Minerva ), respectively, are two warring and overprotective mothers to their son and daughter portrayed by Billy Joe Crawford and Andi Eigenmann as Elwood and Rina, respectively.

Though the film isn’t their first time to work together, the ‘Rough’ Diamond Star Eugene Domingo has high regards to her co-star, the Diamond Star Maricel Soriano. “Her talent is already given," quips Eugene. Certainly!

“Pinagtibay na siya ng maraming characters. (She was strengthened by the many characters she portrayed) From leotards, clothes, hairstyle, fashion, even in selling certain roles… may mga pelikula siyang hit na hit, may maligamgam, at may mga di natin namamalayan… kaya siya tinaguriang (some of her movies are hit, some are lukewarm and there are some that we were not aware of... that is why she is called) ‘Diamond Star’ because she is forever, says Eugene.

Also she mentioned that the most essential lesson she learned from working with ‘The Maricel Soriano’ is: “One must not only rely on the script, on what the director’s instructions, and one’s perceptions on the role/s he or she is portraying, but it is to build connection with his or her co-stars.

“That is definitely what makes Maricel an effective actress and makes her won awards.”

According to Eugene Domingo, Maricel’s films are her legacy to the Philippine cinema.

Uge, naku agree dyan si Dagay ang classmate ko noon Elementary, super idol niya si Maria. [ Uge (Eugene's nickname), my Elementary classmate Dagay would agree to that. Maria (Maricel's nickname) is her idol.]

Both admitted that doing the film was challenging and fun at the same time. In this project, Direk  (Director) Wenn Deramas cast them away in an island for them to deal with themselves and together conquer their respective fears.

Even if every project, like this film, Maricel treats it as work, but while working with her other co-stars, particularly Eugene, she only has positive things to say. She said, “Paano mo ba naman masasabing mahirap mag-trabaho kung ang mga kaeksena mo, puro masaya? Magaan ang naging trabaho namin.” (How could you say its hard to do the movie if your co-stars are all fun to work with? So, our work became easy.)
                          
Eugene considered the filming of ‘Mozillas’ fun and they treated it like a workshop and a thesis.

“Para itong naging workshop. Parang thesis. Iba-ibang emosyon ang kailangan naming ramdamin, ire-recreate." (This became like a workshop. Like a thesis. There are may different emotions that we need to feel and re-create.)

“Maricel and I have collaborated to hit the right timing and meet that comedic flavor. Direk Wenn is a genius. Definite na definite ang gusto ni Direk Wenns. Kung di kami guided ni Direk, baka kalat-kalat kami.  Kaya it's a blessing. This movie is a blessing to all of us” (He is very definite. If we were not guided by our Director, maybe we are a mess by now. That is why  I consider this movie a blessing for all of us) said Eugene.

Playing as a mother is reflective of her fears, which are but normal for any mother like her in real-life. She said “Kids nowadays party so late. Parties usually start at 12 midnight and end up around 4 or 5 in the morning and they go home the latest at 6. It’s the safety of my two kids that I fear the most.” quips Maricel.

Andi Eigenmann also shared the lesson from her character in the movie.
                           
‘Momzillas’ is part of Star Cinema’s year-long celebration in connection for its 20th anniversary in bringing quality productions for Filipino moviegoers.

Joey Paras, Candy Pangilinan, Atak, Paul Jake Castillo, Mel Martinez, Luz Valdez, Eagle Riggs, and Divina Valencia are also part of the cast.
                         
For more updates, visit StarCinema’s website, like its facebook page and follow its twitter account, too.

Image courtesy of Star Cinema. Opens in Cinemas Nationwide on September 18.

VIDEO TRAILER: Jessy Mendiola in Sizzling Hot Maria Mercedes Remake 2013

VIDEO TRAILER: Jessy Mendiola in Sizzling Hot Maria Mercedes Remake 2013

Jessy Mendiola plays the role of Maria Mercedes in the upcoming Philippine remake of ABS-CBN newest prime time offering this October, 2013.

Watch the official teaser for the Philippine remake of the hit Mexican series "Maria Mercedes" which was released on Friday the 13th of September 2013.

The clip was shown during the blogger conference and it shows lead actress Jessy Mendiola dancing in a long flowing red dress, a throwback to the iconic take of Mexican superstar Thalia on the title character.

The teaser also offers a brief taste of the updated Filipino version of the series' theme song, as first heard in the local telecast of the original "Maria Mercedes" in 1996.

During the bloggers conference  at ABS-CBN, we asked Jessy Mendiola for a sample song since she was tapped to sing the theme song. She gamely obliged.
                             
The beautiful Jessy Mendiola is the fourth Filipina actress to portray a role first made popular by the "telenovela" superstar Thalia. She now joins the likes of Marian Rivera, Carla Abellana and Erich Gonzales who previously took on Thalia's role in "Marimar," "Rosalinda," and "Maria la del Barrio," respectively.

For the local adaptation of "Maria Mercedes," Jessy Mendiola said that there's a lot of changes that was done for the teleserye (television series) while the original plot and the characterization of the lead role are largely retained. In the original telenovela (television novel), Thalia portrayed a street urchin whose life takes a turn when she agrees to marry a rich man who is terminally ill. The local adaptation is basically the same except for a few changes made to adapt to the Philippines settings. In the local version of  "Maria Mercedes," Jessy as Maria Mercedes grew up in the slums of Tondo. That's why she grew up a feisty lady who would cry foul if you touch any member of her family, just like her in real life according to Jessy. Are you curious what other similarities Maria Mercedes and Jessy has? Please watch attached video.

                             .

Joining Mendiola in the upcoming Kapamilya series are Jake Cuenca, Jason Abalos, Vina Morales, Dominic Ochoa, Nadia Montenegro and Vivian Velez. The local teleserye is directed by Chito Roño. 

Are you curious if Jessy Mendiola will be bolder in Maria Mercedes? Please watch her interview here:
                                    Abangan (watch out for it), this October na!

                              
Abs-cbn Primetime Bida

ANDI EIGENMANN: Plays GALEMA: Anak ni Zuma

ANDI EIGENMANN: Plays GALEMA: Anak ni Zuma 

Andi Eigenmann is blooming during the press conference of her latest teleserye (television series) - Galema.

Andi Eigenmann plays Galema, the daughter of Zuma, in her upcoming teleserye over at ABS-CBN Channel 2. The teleserye will be aired every 1:30 pm from Monday to Friday starting September 30.

Andi gamely answered each and every question that was thrown her way. She was even asked who she will bite if she were a real snake.

Andi answered she will bite her leading man Matteo (Guidicelli) in his abs (abdomen).

Andi reminds me of her mother Jacklyn Jose who's also a very good actress. Andi also shared that it is her daughter Elie who is her inspiration.

Watch the presscon video here.