Pilipinas Got Talent semi-finalists revealed

MANILA, Philippines - They sang, they danced, they performed and they wowed the judges.

Thirty-six out of the 220 talented Pinoys made it to the semi-finals of ABS-CBN's Pilipinas Got Talent (PGT) and they will be competing not only for the judges' nods, but more importantly, the people's votes to win starting May 1.

Some of the semi-finalists have become instant Internet stars with their audition videos garnering as many as 3. 5 million views in YouTube, while others have received invitations to perform in various events nationwide, including political rallies.

Trimming the list to 36 was no easy task for judges Kris Aquino, Ai-Ai delas Alas and Freddie "FMG" Garcia. Of the 36 semi-finalists, 17 contestants came from NCR and Luzon, while 19 came from the Visayas and Mindanao.

Since its launch in February, PGT has shown a diversity in the impressive performances by young and old contestants across the country like a group of "goldies" who gracefully danced and impressed the judges, a daughter who sang to win her dad's approval, a ventriloquist who charmed the judges with his act, among others.

The Luzon semi-finalists are the Baguio Metamorphosis, Alex Carpena, Powerpuffcorn, Kapidamu Band, Allan de Paz, Markki Stroem, Garrett Bolden Jr. , Joel "Big Mouth" Amper, Ingrid Payaket, Ma. Jeline Oliva, the Velasco Brothers, Reinel Tulabing, the Imusicapella Chamber Choir, Geraldine "Fame" Flores, Keith Clark Delleva, Ruther Urquia and Jovit Baldivino.

Goldies n' Goodies, Jzan Tero, Mae Lozada and Anselmo Estillore, Josephine Aton, Carl Malone Montecido, Manolito Saldivar, Luntayao Family Singers, Jhistine Baguio and Filemon Baguio and the Snap Boiz, on the other hand, will represent the Visayas.

Mindanao acts Harold Gesulga, dance group Hello World, Reggie Ramirez, Florante Castino Inutan, Experience Kidz, Sherwin Baguion, Ezra Band, Rolando Ng III, Xavier University Cultural Dance Troupe and Rolando Permangil are also set to show what Pinoys from Mindanao got as they also enter the next round.

Starting this Saturday, viewers can catch the semi-finals live at the AFP Theater, Camp Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

Every week, six contestants will battle it out and only two will be chosen to go through the finals.

The contestant with the highest number of votes is automatically through to the next round. It is then up to the judges to choose who between the second and third placers in the text and on-line votes will advance to the final leg of the competition.

The first batch of semi-finalists who will go face-to-face for your votes are Jovit Baldivino and Ruther Urquia of Luzon, Jhistine and Filemon Baguio and the Snap Boiz of Visayas, and the Xavier University Cultural Dance Troupe and Rolando Permangil of Mindanao.

Source: The Philippine Star

Kris to Pacquiao: Unlike you, Noynoy undefeated in polls

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATE) - In an apparent jab at Filipino boxing champion Manny Pacquiao, actress-TV host Kris Aquino said her brother Sen. Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III has an undefeated record in politics, while the "Pinoy sports icon" still has to prove that people want him in public office.

The actress, who is actively campaigning for her brother, said in her Twitter account that she has seen the TV endorsement of a "Pinoy sports icon" indirectly claiming her brother has not proven his real worth in politics.

Kris was referring to Pacquiao, who is endorsing Aquino's rival, Sen. Manny Villar of the Nacionalista Party.

In the ad, which showed him together with actors Dolphy and Willie Revillame, Pacquiao said: "Merong iba d'yan, laban ng laban sa salita pero wala pa namang nagawa."

In response, Kris Tweeted on Thursday: "In politics, Noy has won 3 straight terms sa Congress and won almost 15 million votes sa senatorial [race] in 2007."

"How sad na he didn't think na in politics, knock out nga s'ya," she added.

Kris was referring to Pacquiao's failed first attempt in politics, when he ran against Darlene Antonino-Custodio for a congressional seat in South Cotabato in May 2007.

Kris also said that unlike the "sports icon," her brother has already proven that voters want him as a public servant by winning all the elections he has entered.

"In politics, si Noy ang may napatunayan because Noy has never lost an election! Ika nga, undefeated ang record n'ya," said the actress.

Pacquiao, who is running against Roy Chiongbian, who, like Antonino-Custodio, comes from an influential political family, shrugged off Kris' comment.

"Hindi kami nang-aaway ng ibang kandidato, kasi kung mang-aaway ka, maganda ang intensyon mo tapos mag-aaway ka, hindi magandang halimbawa [iyan]," he said.

Despite Kris' statement, Pacquiao said he still considers the actress a friend.

The boxing superstar added that he is confident he will win this time around.

"Panatag ako na mananalo," he said. -- With a report from Anne Santos, ABS-CBN SOKSARGEN.

Source: ABS-CBN News

Kris Aquino to hold 2nd bazaar, aims to fund 8 houses

Some of Kris Aquino's unused clothes, shoes and bags will be put on sale.

After the success of the first Kris Aquino charity sale held last February, the Queen of Media now aims to raise funds for the construction of eight houses for destitute families in Iloilo through Gawad Kalinga.

Aquino will hold the bazaar at Resurrection Store, #34 Sgt. Esguerra St., Diliman, Quezon City on April 9, as reported on darlasauler.com

Fans and non-fans will get the chance to buy items owned by the controversial sister of presidential candidate Noynoy Aquino. These include clothes, shoes and bags, some of which have never been used.

In a tweet, Aquino claims the bazaar is in line with the promise she made to Gawad Kalinga to help finance more houses.

Though some look at the philantrophy with suspicion, others, including some netizens, expressed happiness over the effort to retool her image.

"Go Kris... make your momma proud," wrote one blogger.

"Who cares if she's doing it to further Noynoy's political ambition? The good thing is that she is channeling it through a good cause," wrote another.

"And we never thought it possible. Something good... for a change," shared one.

Kris: Most credible celeb endorser

Author: Jill Serjeant

The consensus among many political observers is that Kris Aquino is earning plus points for her brother Noynoy in the campaign trail. They all agree that the standard bearer of the Liberal Party has the support of her celebrity power to his advantage in the May elections.

Kris rated highest in a recent survey of celebrity endorsers that include the likes of Sharon Cuneta, Judy Ann Santos and Sarah Geronimo, among others. This translates to a confirmation of the high regard for her among the majority of the population.

Despite this high credibility rating though, or because of this credibility rating, the popular TV host has to contend with negative reactions she gets left and right, evidently from her brother's political rivals. These she dismisses as inevitability during the campaign season.

"I feel the warm reception of the public wherever I go and I appreciate their response to my presence," she said adding that negative publicity is the least of her concern.

The first sortie of the Liberal Party she joined, along with husband and basketball star James Yap. They were mobbed at the airport upon arrival and the huge turnout at the rally held at the plaza later was such a thrill for Kris that she promised to come back.

"Zamboanga City was special for Kuya Noy," she said adding that it was there that Noy went for a retreat before he decided to take on the challenge of running for the presidency.

Kris has since agreed to join provincial campaign sorties, on Tuesdays, Thursday, and Saturdays, with James keeping her company.

A couple of weeks back she joined Kuya Noy in Ilocandia, the bailiwick of the Marcoses. It was their first trip to Laoag and Vigan since Martial Law and much to their surprise the Ilocanos welcomed them with open arms.

Kris repeatedly expressed her gratitude for the warm reception. For Noynoy's part, he said there was good chance that he will get enough support from Northern Ilocos to boost his confidence.

While surveys have indicated that he was the second choice of Ilocanos should elections be held today, the senator from Tarlac feels confident about getting enough numbers. "It's our first visit here, and already I'm the second choice, which is just fine with me. I'm here to express my gratitude for the support Ilocos gave me when I ran for senator. I was number 10 in Ilocos, better than in Pampanga where I was 12," said Noynoy.

"Again Kris promised she'll be back for sure. There's much to see and enjoy in Ilocos that she'll look forward to. She has been to other provinces including Davao, Iloilo, and Pangasinan. In the meantime, she will have to juggle her schedule between helping in the campaign and her commitment with ABS-CBN.

Kris Aquino says sorry to Ruffa Gutierrez

RUFFA GUTIERREZ APOLOGIZES TO NOYNOY IN BEHALF OF MOM ANNABELLE RAMA

Annabelle Rama Minura si Kris

Boy Abunda on Kris Aquino and Ruffa Gutierrez: 'I want the two girls to be happy'

Hindi maiwasang hindi maapektuhan si Boy Abunda sa sitwasyong kinasusuungan ngayon ng kaibigan nitong si Kris Aquino. Sa set ng The Buzz last Sunday ay humagulgol na naman si Kris on air after nitong mapanood ang VTR interview ni Boy kay Ruffa Gutierrez, who was saying goodbye sa Kapamilya network. " Hindi ko alam kung bakit ganoon siya ka-emosyonal kanina na talagang umiyak na si Krissy ng ganoon. I felt Krissy's feelings. Oo naman, kahit sinong kaibigan, kapag nakita mong umiiyak ang kaibigan mong minamahal, nasasaktan ka rin," bungad sa ABS-CBN.com ni Boy nang makausap namin ito after the show. " Sino ba naman ang mag-akalang that after ay siya pa 'yung masisisi? ' Di ba? Of course, affected siya unang-una and sa side ko naman, ang hirap nung situation na 'yun at lubos-lubos ang pagkakaintindi ko kay Krissy."

Ano naman ang kanyang maipapayo o masasabi sa tuluyang pagpaalam ni Ruffa sa The Buzz?
"You know, like what I told Ruffa that this is not good-bye. It's so hard to say that to someone that you've loved, like Ruffa na ilang taon din naming nakasama ni Kris sa The Buzz. Kay Ruffa, maliit lang itong industry nating kinaiikutan. It was just a temporary good-bye, we will miss her, napaka-respectful niyang tao, nagkaroon lang ng unfortunate incident, but she's so brilliant, intellegent girl at kung anuman ang kanyang naging choice ay okay rin sa aming mga kaibigan niya," Boy explained.

Sa mga ganitong sitwasyon, bilang kaibigang matalik nina Ruffa at Kris, ano naman ang kanyang pakiramdam na laging nasa gitna ng sitwasyon? "It's territorial. Hindi na bago sa akin ang mga ganitong sitwasyon. Nakakabigla lang especially kapag instant situations like what happened. Bilang kaibigan at tao, maybe I should say that it's a test of endurance, character, and patience. Mahirap lang talaga maipit. Maraming pagkakataong nangyari ang ganyan sa akin. It is very hard. Like after that incident, napakaraming tumawag sa akin for interview and everything but I decided to keep quite about it, I gave first the privacy to both Ruffa and Kris, ganoon dapat ang kaibigan na, it's really hard. Keeping that balance, without using your cool, losing yourself. Mas maganda at mas masayang nabubuhay kung marami kang kaibigan o kaibigan ko lahat kung pu-pwede lang, 'di ba?"

Sa lahat ng pangyayaring ito, ano naman ang kanyang naging conclusion? " Alam kong maliit lang ang industry nating ito. Alam kong magkakasalubong din itong sina Ruffa at Kris at magtatawanan na lang 'yan. I love you both. What a journey it has been. Kay Ruffa, stay and remain beautiful, to continue and be the best of who you are. Kay Kris, she knows it that she's the little sister that I never had. I mean, bawat luha niya, luha ko rin. Bawat tawa niya ay tawa ko rin, bawat ngiti niya ay ngiti ko rin. Kung kailangan niya ako, hindi pa niya sinasabi ay nandiyan na ako. I will always be here for Kris everytime she needs me, what I want now is for the two girls to be happy." paglalahad pa ni Boy.

Nagbigay rin ng kanyang pahayag ang sikat na host patungkol sa isyung pagpasok diumano ni Gretchen Barretto sa The Buzz bilang replacement ni Ruffa Gutierrez. "That's not true! I'm her manager, maraming schedules si Gretchen, medyo busy talaga siya sa scheds niya plus the fact na wala naman talagang natatanggap na offer or wala naman talagang offer kay Gretchen to enter sa The Buzz as our new co-host," pagtatapos ni Boy

Kris a big turn off

Most movie writers were turned off by Kris Aquino's crying binge in "The Buzz" after Boy Abunda's taped interview with Ruffa Gutierrez. Ruffa offered peace and even gave Kris flowers so they'll have no more Team Ruffa and Team Kris but just Team Friendship. "Gusto talaga ni Kris, she has the last word," says one newshen. "At talagang tinodo niya ang pag-emote. Kaya lang ang dalas na niyang ngumangalngal sa 'The Buzz' kaya nakakasawa na. Hindi pala siya sincere in apologizing to Ruffa kasi pinilit lang siya ng sisters niya and she feels wala siyang nagawang mali. "

"Ang haba ng aria at litanya niya but it all boils down to electioneering dahil ang bottomline niya, please vote for Noynoy," says another writer. "Di ba dapat bawal 'yun sa TV? I would have admired her more kung nag-thank you na lang siya kay Ruffa for the flowers and kept quiet. That would have put a period sa issue nila. "

Even on the Net, most letter writers show their disdain for her. Here are two letters that more or less summarize the reaction of readers who wrote to us. This is from Sonny True: "Kris, if ever Noynoy would lose, he should blame no one else but you. You might pull in the crowds in his provincial sorties but your behavior on TV is so off-putting. The issue here is Ruffa finally reacting to your endless pambabara to her, not people using you to attack Noynoy. Review your Point of View segment and see how many times you tried to embarrass Ruffa, even Boy Abunda. If Noynoy would lose, blame it on your ego and being so self-centered. Honestly, we have high respects for Ninoy and Cory, but for you, nada, sorry to say but not even for Noynoy who's been so quiet at the Senate all the time and now suddenly runs for the presidency just because your mom passed away. Sa inyong lahat, only Ballsy commands respect and I'm sad she's not able to knock some sense into your conceited head. "

This is from Gingging Lam-Uy: "Kris should be nominated for her acting in 'The Buzz. " Bakit kaya hindi niya ibigay 'yung ganung klase ng acting sa kanyang teleserye? Kasi doon, umiiyak man siya o tumatawa pareho ang expression ng face niya. Hindi naman niya madadaya ang viewers kasi hindi lang naman si Ruffa ang binabara niya kundi pati si Boy Abunda. It's true that Kris is not a liar kasi when she got STD from Joey Marquez, ipinamalita pa niya sa buong mundo. Sa totoo lang, I'd rather vote for a president who doesn't have a sister like Kris who's more a liability than an asset to him. "

At the presscon we attended, some writers pointed out that when Joey Marquez had a medical exam it was shown that he never had STD. They also recalled how Kris went to visit the wake of Cristy Fermin's mom recently and chided Cristy for not going to the wake of Pres. Cory. Cristy said she wrote so many tributes to Cory in her columns that would be more than enough than her actual presence in the wake. "Ikaw nga, namatay ang father ng publicist mo, ni hindi mo pinuntahan," Cristy added. She's referring to Vinia Vivar whose dad, Levi Pabalan, passed away a few weeks ago. So Kris went to Vinia's house and only then did she give an abuloy of P10,000 to Vinia.

Kris won't be leaving 'The Buzz,' but will be absent more often

Surprised' by Ilocanos' reception for brother Noynoy's campaign

MANILA, Philippines - Kris Aquino on Thursday she would not leave "The Buzz," which came after her tearful statements Sunday.

However, she said she would be seen less frequently on the show, as she would be on the campaign trail more often. ( Watch: Kris Aquino answers 'Buzz'-ing question in Ilocos sortie )

Kris made the statement during a campaign sortie for her brother, Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III, who is running for president, in the Ilocos Region.

Regarding her presence in the daily showbiz talk show Showbiz News Ngayon, she praised her temporary replacements Mariel Rodriguez, Bianca Gonzales, and Toni Gonzaga.

"Si Toni, Bianca and Mariel, kina-career talaga nila yung pagdadamit, talagang super bonggacious ang mga outfit nila, [and] the rapport, most especially halatang-halata kasi si Boy dahil si Mariel alaga niya so favorite niya talaga," she told ABS-CBN News's Mario Dumaual.

"They're doing such a great job, Mario... it's really excellent na nabigyan sila ng chance na ito, and by all means, ako, happy ako to share it with them," she said when asked if she would be willing to return to SNN.

"Nasa sa inyo po iyan. They're doing OK right now, it's something we have to discuss also. Kasi Mario, nami-miss ko na rin, I've been remiss as a parent... so I think pagkatapos [ng kampanya] kailangan bumawi sa mga anak," she said.

'Overwhelmed' by Ilocanos' reception

Meanwhile, said she was overwhelmed by the reception the campaign of her brother received in their visit to the Ilocos region.

"History has really moved on," the TV host said during their historic first visit to the region where their family's traditional rival, the Marcoses, hail from. ( Read: Aquino campaigns in Marcos country )

Kris said that while on the plane to Laoag City, she had been praying for fear that no one would be greeting them on their arrival at the airport.

She said she remembered that back in the 1980s, visits by her late mother, former president Corazon Aquino, was met by residents closing their doors and windows.

"Our politics has really matured through time," she said.

She was also accompanied by her husband, basketball player James Yap. With reports from Mario Dumaual, ABS-CBN News