The Philippine Star

To be fit is to carry out challenges. To outwit and outplay castaways is to survive the tribal council. To have the right allies and Lady Luck on one’s side is to win GMA 7’s Survivor Philippines: Celebrity Doubles Showdown. The ever-reliable Richard Gutierrez hosts the reality show for the second time.
The castaways know all this by heart. This is what they intend to do to endure the island’s harsh climate and dangerous terrain for 36 days. Ten pairs answered the back-to-basics call of Survivor. They are the chosen few whose eyes are set for the long haul.
“It’s like the ultimate game ever — the ultimate survival game,” says KC Montero of the reality show. “There’s no other game that competes in the level of Survivor. I’ve been watching Survivor in its past 22 seasons in the States. I watched last year’s (Survivor Philippines) edition. I didn’t think twice (of joining).”


“I’m after the experience and I want to know how much patience I have,” shares Geneva Cruz. “Everybody wants to win. I want to win, too.”
The former couple-turned-best buddies will bank on their competitiveness and are bent to enhance their social skills to get through each elimination.
“I’m very competitive all through school,” recalls KC. “I’ve been an athlete. Just being part of a game and competing in it is definitely a good feeling. That’s the feeling you get when you win in a game — whether it’s an athletic accomplishment or you write an awesome story that wins something. It’s the feeling that you get. I’m in it to win and money work, too.”
This early, KC and Geneva are sizing up the competition and making a game plan for it. They are trying to figure out their possible allies among the other 18 castaways. According to KC, the pairs represent different pieces of a puzzle. “You have athletes, you boyfriend-girlfriends, you have friends, you have mother and daughter.”
Speaking of the mommy-and-daughter tandem, Maria Isabel Lopez and Mara Yokohama are set to abandon temporarily the amenities of modern living and embrace the bare-essential experience of the island life. They will prove that their age gap is an asset rather than a liability. Their loyalty will seal their fate on the island.
“I told Mara that I have the wisdom,” says Maria Isabel of her strengths. “I have the faith for my age. I know I’m physically fit. (The younger castaways) have the youth. I’m a junior citizen. I’m a realist and I see the (whole) picture.”
“In real life, I’m really a survivor,” shares Mara, who is into surfing. “Me and my dad always go camping. This is my environment. I grew up with the sea. I’m used to it. The only difference is that we are prepared when we camp. We have cooking ware and tent. Here (in Survivor), we have to start from (scratch). We build our own shelter. I have the experience but it will be different from what I normally do.”
Survivor Philippines is an opportunity for Mara to show mom Maria Isabel her world and for Maria Isabel to support Mara’s dream.
“I’m the mom. If you become instrumental to making your daughter’s dream come true, why not?” says Maria Isabel. “This is not my dream. Survivor is not my dream. I’m already in my comfort zone. I’m happy with my life and with my art. I experienced to be in the Miss Universe. I went to Cannes filmfest. This is my daughter’s dream come true and I’m instrumental (in making it happen).”


After Mara’s persistent pleading to have a chance in joining Survivor Philippines, Maria Isabel finally gave in. She decided to decline her participation at the Toronto Film Festival for Kutchera and Chicago and Sao Paulo filmfests for Halaw and an offer to do a teleserye. Mara reasons out, “We had European trips for her festivals (before). It will happen again.Survivor only happens once in a lifetime.”
Since the chance to take part in Survivor Philippines doesn’t come every day, it’s better that a castaway has a purpose, like breaking down stereotypes, to make his island stay special.
“(We want) to get out of our comfort zones and see our limitations,” says Chuckie Dreyfuss. “(I and Isabel Granada) grew up in showbiz and we were pampered. We want to (test) our limits and see how far we can go. So we can prove that we have the ability (to survive).”
Asked about their reaction that some castaways are towering and muscled, Isabel replies, “Sabi ko, wala na bang tatangkad sa kanila? Then, that’s when we can prove if (winning) lies in the height or in the strength? We are also competitive and we have to be. Nasa tama lang yung competitiveness namin. We have to enjoy (the competition). We don’t do a certain thing just for the sake of winning. We have to enjoy it. So (televiewers) will also enjoy (watching us).”
“I can’t be confident enough to say that we will be winners,” adds Chuckie. “We have no control over (the game) conditions. It’s not even a physical game but it’s also a mental game. (Televiewers) also have to understand that whatever decision we make on the island is based on the mechanics of the game. We may or may not be deceitful. What I’m saying is, how we think on the island may not be exactly how we think in real life. In our mind, it’s still a game.”
Completing the cast are Carlo Gonzales and Arthur Solinap, Alyssa Alano and Aifha Medina, Albert “Betong” Sumaya and Maey Bautista, Stef Prescott and Gino dela Peña, Ellen Adarna and Filo Cucueco, John Odulio and Arnold Aninion, and Jackie Forster and Angelicopter Schmeing-Cruz.
Fans can now place their bet on the stronger castaways or may even predict which celebrities can withstand the plight of being a castaway. Survivor Philippines is everybody’s game. It could be a survival of the prettiest, fittest — and the luckiest. One thing is for sure: Only one castaway or a pair will emerge the Sole Survivor.

This Saturday, Sab and Julian share facts about various kinds of discs. They try playing the classic sport called Ultimate Disc and also meet a collector of vintage vinyl records, which were used before CDs and MP3 players were invented. The duo then discovers that disc jockeys or DJs still use vinyl records to create effects on their turntables.
Meanwhile, a problem sets in as Miggy invites Bianca’s friend, Joana, to the Potchi house. Miggy does not know that Bianca has been keeping grudges toward Joana and this encounter suddenly sparks a confrontation between the girls. Can the tropa help Bianca and Joana sort things out?
Catch another episode filled with learnings and values in this program which was given Special Citation for Best Children and Youth Program in the 33rd Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMA).

PEP

"This November, Starstruck 5 Ultimate Female Survivor Sarah Lahbati topbills the drama series, Kokak, on GMA-7. Her much-awaited break brings mixed feelings of excitement and a bit of anxiety because of her fear of frogs. Ironically, playing the lead role in the new series means she will be working with frogs.

"Kokak is based on the popular comic series created by Ruben Marcelino about a frog who transforms into a beautiful woman. The comic series' movie adaptation starred by Rachel Lobangco and Gabby Concepcion became a hit in 1989.

"All smiles, Sarah shared how she broke the good news to her mom. "Sabi ko, 'Ma, tinanggal na ako sa Time Of My Life. Wala na akong show...." And when her mom asked why she was pulled out from the show, she happily told her that she is going to play the lead role in a new program.

"Sarah also expressed excitement about her first team-up with Kapuso leading man, TJ Trinidad. "Mayroon ding nerbyos kasi siyempre hindi kami magkakilala. Pero, thankful ako that we had workshops na nakatulong para mas mag-loosen up kami, na mas makilala namin yung isa't isa", added the Kokak lead star.

"Aside from acting workshops under the supervision of Mark Espinosa, Sarah also followed a strict diet to prepare for her role, which she describes as a little sexy. When she has time, she also tries to squeeze Jiu Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts into her schedule.


"Playing the lead role is a big challenge for Sarah but aside from doing drama, "the biggest challenge would be that I'll be showing more skin than the usual," explained the young actress.
"Also in the cast of Kokak are JC Tiuseco (portraying Sarah's other leading man), Jessa Zaragoza, Gary Estrada, Ms. Caridad Sanchez, Deborah Sun, Vaness Del Moral, Frencheska Farr, and Ervic Vijandre.

"The creative team of Kokak includes Creative Director Jun Lana, Headwriter Dode Cruz, Afternoon Prime Head Roy Iglesias, Creative Consultant Des Garbes-Severino, writers Mitchicko Yamamoto, Ronalyn Sales, Luningning Ribay and brainstormers Gilda Olvidado and Obet Villela. Production is supervised by: GMA VP for Drama, Lilybeth G. Rasonable; AVP for Drama, Redgie Acuña-Magno; and Program Manager Helen Rose S. Sese with Executive Producer Joy Lumboy.

"Directed by Ricky Davao, Kokak begins airing this November on GMA-7's Afternoon Prime. Ito ang Drama."

Nitz Miralles

Inunahan ni Lovi Poe si Sarah Lahbati kay TJ Trinidad dahil sa November pa eere ang Kokak nina Sarah at TJ, samantalang today na ang unang tambalan nina Lovi at ng aktor sa Sanggol episode ng Spooky Nights presents na isa uling hardcore horror episode sa direction ni Uro dela Cruz at script ni Sennedy Que.

Sa story, buntis si Maria (Lovi) kay Hector (TJ) at dahil hindi kasal ang dalawa, gustong ipalaglag ni Cecil (Tanya Gomez at ina ni Maria) ang bata.

Hindi pumayag si Maria, kaya ikinulong siya ng ina para itago ang kasalanan nito.

Habang lumalaki ang tiyan ni Maria, nakakarinig siya ng sanggol na umiiyak at duguang batang nagpapakita sa kanya.

Mabubunyag din ang lihim na nag-uugnay kay Cecil sa nanggugulong tiyanak.    

Mapapanood ang Spooky Nights presents… Sanggol after Manny Many Prizes.

Bubble Gang, the country's undisputed gag-show, kicked-off their 16th anniversary last Friday, October 14.

-Text and photos courtesy of GMA Network Center Inc.

All that and more on GMA's longest running gag show, Bubble Gang.

Join Ogie Alcasid, Michael V, Rufa Mae Quinto, Antonio Aquitania, Dennis Trillo, Maureen Larrazabal, Boy 2 Quizon, Diego, Moymoy Palaboy, Myka Flores, Bubblets: Jackie Rice, Gwen Zamora, Ellen Adarna and Sam Pinto in the 2nd part of Bubble Gang 4 x 4: The Anniversary Special this Friday, right after Inside Protégé, only on GMA-7

GMA-7's "Afternoon Prime" block dominates television ratings following the record-breaking success of its drama programs Pahiram ng Isang Ina, Ikaw Lang Ang Mamahalin and Kung Aagawin Mo Ang Langit.

Cesar Montano and Dingdong Dantes, together with Carla Abellana, temporarily take over the task of hosting Manny Many Prizes as the country’s leading pound-for-pound game show airs a special live episode this Saturday, October 22.


Viewers, however, will not miss Manny Pacquiao as he still makes his presence felt via Skype all the way from Los Angeles, California! Know what exciting surprises Pacman has in store for his loyal fans and supporters in this rare MMP offering.

With the theme “Ang Soap Opera Ng Buhay Mo,” the show also presents a gathering of the network’s biggest primetime stars from Iglot, Amaya, Munting Heredera, and Time of My Life.

Leading the powerhouse line-up of guests are Primetime Queen Marian Rivera, Marvin Agustin, Patrick Garcia, Sid Lucero, Rochelle Pangilinan, Kris Bernal, Rocco Nacino, Enzo Pineda, Mona Louise Rey, Kyle Danielle Ocampo, Barbara Miguel, and Milkcah Wynne Nacion.

Also joining them are the talented divas Jonalyn Viray, Frencheska Farr and Julie Ann San Jose.

Together with regular co-hosts Paolo Contis, Rhian Ramos, Gladys Guevarra, Pekto, Onyok, and Moymoy Palaboy, Manny Many Prizes guarantees another fun-filled night of games, production numbers, and spectacular prizes.

Be sure to catch this special episode of Manny Many Prizes, which will air live from the SM North EDSA Skydome, this Saturday after 24 Oras on GMA Sabado Star Power.

The Philippine Star

Just recently, when Pedring and Quiel hit Central Luzon and caused loss of lives and destruction of properties, the public did not only need rapid and accurate information about the storm. Immediate assistance in terms of free supply of food, water and other basic needs became very urgent for the victims too.
And GMA 7’s Unang Hirit (UH) undoubtedly delivered both up-to-the minute news and serbisyong totoo.
“Since nagsimula ang Unang Hirit, laging magkasama ang news and public service. Asahan natin na ‘pag may ganyang mga uri ng calamity, katulong yung iba pang sectors, talagang gumagawa kami ng feeding programs, medical missions at katulong kami sa paglilinis ng community,” shares UH main host and GMA News and Public affairs pillar Arnold Clavio.
With the help of GMA Kapuso Foundation, Unang Hirit was able to bring loads of relief goods in different barangays and evacuation sites in Pampanga and Bulacan.  


Their serbisyong totoo efforts also included providing simple yet important needs — “libreng patubig, libreng palaba, libreng paligo, libreng cellphone charging stations and libreng pasakay sa bangka.” Clavio adds that Unang Hirit will always be there to reach out and help those in need.
And the public is returning the favor to the Kapuso morning program as Unang Hirit continues its dominance in its timeslot in both Mega Manila and Urban Luzon based on the latest data from Nielsen TV Audience Measurement.
Join Clavio and the rest of the UH barkada composed of Rhea Santos, Suzi Entrata-Abrera, Lyn Ching-Pascual, Pia Arcangel, Connie Sison, Love Añover, Susan Enriquez, Drew Arellano, Lhar Santiago, Luane Dy and Monica Verallo, Mondays through Fridays, from 5 to 8:15 a.m.
The Philippine Star

The Philippine Star

Danger and intrigue surround Survivor Philippines 4. Amidst life-threatening storms, poisonous creatures and a harsh camp, the current batch of castaways is set to outwit, outplay and outlast each other to be the next Celebrity Survivor.
 There is an ongoing buzz about the revelation of the season’s castaways. Here’s what has been heard about the celebrities who have taken on the challenge of the game of Survivor:
The tandem of hunky tisoy cousins will surely be rooted for by their respective partners — a morning show host and a sexy actress.
The tattooed Fil-Am hottie took a break from his hosting job to try life in the island with a sultry singer who is supposed to lure him back to their now estranged romantic partnership.
A young professional surfer reportedly pleaded to her mother, a former beauty queen-turned-sexy actress, to join Survivor. The mother relented, exchanging her life of urban comfort for 36 days in harsh camp environs.
Now both with families of their own, the two child stars teamed up during their growing years when their supposed young romance was nipped in the bud by other priorities. Will her doll-like features end up charming him once again?
Two of the season’s bombshells — a hot TV host, who found fame after her hilarious version of a pop song went viral, and a sexy dancer, often reported as the third party for the breakup of some showbiz couples — don’t mind showing skin and skills to win the top post.
Not to be outdone, a pair of basketball muses is also set to make things interesting this season — a controversial actress whose former husband was a professional basketball player and a courtside reporter and radio jock known for her liberal views.

The comic duo hopes to lighten the tension with their antics and hilarious punch lines. Will their sense of humor tide them over the challenges and help them reach the end?
The Internet celebrity and men’s magazine cover girl turned sexy actress, took a leave from her successful gag show to be on the island together with her non-showbiz entrepreneur boyfriend.
Opposites attract. This may be true about the former star search graduate, the current apple of the eye of the hunk model known for his fast-food chain commercial?
A pair of hunky jocks once found intrigue when they posed for an underwear campaign. Will they be able to survive the intrigues in the island or will they use their strength to conquer it?
Meet the interesting mix of castaways that will deliver twice the drama, double the intrigue and excitement times two in the much-awaited return of Survivor Philippines on GMA 7.

Months before "Oras Na" -- an upcoming environmental documentary produced by GMA News and Public Affairs – was pitched to the network’s bosses, it already had the backing of one of the network’s most popular actors: Richard Gutierrez.

"He was already with us during the brainstorming process. Nakikipagpuyatan siya sa amin," recalls Anj Atienza, program manager of "Oras Na." “Richard even participated in the pitch, para lang ma-approve yung topic because he was passionate about it."

"Oras Na" will be the fourth environmental documentary hosted by Richard Gutierrez for GMA News and Public Affairs following the success of "Signos" in 2008, "Planet Philippines" in 2009, and "Wildlife For Sale" in 2010 .

"Parang sanay na rin siya sa 'public affairs style' na on-the-go lagi," said "Oras Na" executive producer Richelle Figueroa about Gutierrez.

"Alam na niya kung paano mag-handle, for example, ng mga interviews with case studies," says Figueroa, adding that Gutierrez would often ask for advice from the producers about what types of questions he should ask.

The producers of "Oras Na" hope that having an influential celebrity on the team will help get the documentary’s messages across: that the planet is facing a number of deadlines far more pressing than those we face on a day-to-day basis. Many experts believe that at the current rate of human consumption, some of the most important resources to our survival, such as seafood, freshwater, fossil fuels, and forests, may run out in just a matter of decades.


"We want to draw attention to the deadlines of nature," said Atienza. “Everyone has deadlines in their lives, individual pursuits. But there are bigger and more important deadlines for humanity and for the planet ," she said.

And what are some of these environmental deadlines?

Scientific experts expect the world's forests and fresh water supplies to both disappear by the year 2025, while fossil fuels and seafood stocks may be depleted by the 2030 and 2050.

Gutierrez and the crew of "Oras Na" travelled around the country to document how these deadlines are already a reality in some places.

In Tawi-Tawi, a province surrounded by ocean water, residents are already feeling the effects of having to live without stable access to freshwater. In Surigao del Sur, forests that have stood for hundreds of years are being cut down at a devastating pace. In Sarangani, fishermen who once were able to catch tons of wild tuna are now going homeempty-handed.

To more vividly illustrate these realities, the producers used timelapse cinematography techniques, sometimes filming single scenes or shots for hours at a time. "Dito, makikita nila ang effort at time, na dinevote to each story," said Figueroa, recalling the 14-hour timelapse they did at Navotas Fishport to show viewers the huge volume of fish that are bought and sold at the market. Gutierrez even sampled the life of an average fisherman, spending three hours at sea.

“After noon, parang na-feel daw niya yung hirap ng (pagiging) mangingisda. Parang mas nabigyan niya ng importance dahil na-experience na niyang (mangisda). Mas papahalagahan na daw niya ang pagkain ng isda," said Figueroa.

Atienza says that "Oras Na" will also aim to educate audiences about how to be proactive and have a positive impact on the environment.

"Sabi nga ni Richard, he wanted to something ‘uplifting’ at the end of it all. He wanted the people to feel empowered, not gloomy and hopeless after watching," said Atienza.

"Hopefully after (watching the documentary), everyone would want to make better use of our time for something more positive," said Atienza.

"Oras Na" will air this October 30, 2011 at 10:30 P.M. on GMA-7.