Television

This is a very sad day for me and for all “Ugly Betty” fans worldwide.

Entertainment Weekly’s Michael Ausiello reported that ABC has cancelled the hit television series “Ugly Betty” and that the fourth season would be its last. ABC also trimmed the plan 22 episodes of Ugly Betty’s fourth season to just 20 episodes.

I knew this was coming. But, “Ugly Betty” is one of the few US television series that I really watch. Ugly Betty would be airing it’s 13th episode next Wednesday, February 3, 2010.

I’m wondering how the writers will wrap the show in just seven episodes.

“We’ve mutually come to the difficult decision to make this Ugly Betty’s final season, and are announcing now as we want to allow the show ample time to write a satisfying conclusion. We are extremely proud of this groundbreaking series, and felt it was important to give the fans a proper farewell,” said ABC President Steve McPherson and Executive Producer Silvio Horta in a joint statement.

Oh, no. This is really heartbreaking. I’ll miss the Suarez and the Mode people. Where’s Gio, by the way?

ABS-CBN proudly presents an original drama that will captivate viewers every night, “Habang May Buhay,” starring the ‘Queen of Teleserye’ Judy Ann Santos, premiering this February 1, 2010 (Monday) on Primetime Bida.

Alongside with return of the the ‘Queen of Soap Opera’ on ABS-CBN Primetime Bida, this project also marks the comeback of director Wenn Deramas to Primetime. The certified blockbuster actress and director will work together for the very first time. This is also the reunion of Juday’s Ysabella leading man Derek Ramsay as well as her ultimate Mara Clara kontrabida Gladys Reyes. This generation’s newest leading man Joem Bascom will also be partnered with Juday for the first time. The series boasts of a star-studded cast including respected artists Gina Alajar, Rio Locsin, Tetchie Agbayani, John Arcilla plus hunk actor Will Devaughn.

Juday gives life to the character of Jane Alcantara, a simple woman who dreams of becoming a nurse just like her mother Rose (Gina Alajar). But fate will test her courage as her mother meets an accident caused by her two best friends Sam (Derek Ramsay) and Nathan (Joem Bascon). Because of the hardships and sufferings she faced, she vows to have a better life and seeks justice she and her mother deserve. Her aunt Cora (Rio Locsin) will be her adviser and close friend who only has the best intentions for her.

As time passes, Jane fulfills her dream and as she enters the world of medicine, she will meet the people who will give color to her life – David, the arrogant heir of the hospital she works in, Raon, the man from the streets who becomes her rescuer and Nonoy (Will Devaughn), her childhood friend and protector. She will also meet Dr. Manuel Corpuz (John Arcilla), a general physician and husband of Ellen Corpuz (Tetchie Agbayani) and the woman who secretly pines for the love of David, Dra. Clarissa Briones (Gladys Reyes).

“Habang May Buhay” also stars Melanie Marquez, Jeffrey Santos, Marc Abaya, Dominic Roque, RJ Ledesma, Jaymee Joaquin, Kian Kazemi, GeeAnn Abrahan, Rubi Rubi, Carizza Cortez, Ejay Falcon, Jobelle Salvador, Kathleen Hermosa, Mariel Pamintuan, John Manalo, Joshua Dionisio, Makisig Morales and with the special participation of Sid Lucero, Matet de Leon, Ina Feleo, Bangs Garcia and Lloyd Samartino.

Don’t miss Habang May Buhay starting February 1, 2010 (Monday) on ABS-CBN’s Primetime Bida. For more updates visit http://habangmaybuhay.abs-cbn.com.

Angelica Panganiban will surely shine in ABS-CBN’s next sure-hit primetime series, “Rubi,” as she’s now dubbed as television’s ‘Primetime Gem’. The newest primetime offering of ABS-CBN, “Rubi,” will premiere on February 15, 2010.

Angelica has earned the right to star in one the biggest projects of ABS-CBN for the first quarter of 2010. Her nearly 18 years of experience in the entertainment industry have sharpened her skills as an actress. Angelica went through the ladder of success without skipping a single step, thus, she has all the right to be called the “gem” of her generation.

After being awarded as Villain of the Year (2008) in the 1st Supreme to the Extreme Awards of Philippine Star for her effective portrayal of the character Scarlet in ABS-CBN’s “Iisa Pa Lamang”, Angelica re-verifies the tag given to her as she gives life to the strong-willed role of Rubi- a woman driven by a dark ambition that will be hindered by no one and nothing in getting what she wants– to escape from poverty and to live the rich life.

When asked if she is pressured with the role and the project, Angelica admitted that more than the pressure, it’s the challenge that pushes her to do well in her new role.

“Oo may pressure, pero higit pa sa pressure, yung challenge na magampanan ko yung role na mabuti ang mas nangingibabaw,” Angelica explained.

She added, “Kung sasabihin nating excited, sobra sobrang excited and ngayon lang siguro ako hindi kinabahan na alam mo yon, may ilalabas kang project parang sayo nakapangalan yung show, sobrang excited and proud and happy yung nararamdaman ko talaga.”

ABS-CBN has acquired the rights from Televisa for the remake of the leading television series “Rubi.” This will be the first collaboration of the popular Mexican multimedia conglomerate and the said network giant.

Witness how Angelica sizzles in her biggest break on primetime television, Rubi, flaring your television screens starting February 15, 2010 on ABS-CBN Primetime Bida. For more updates visit http://rubi.abs-cbn.com.

ABS-CBN’s newest primetime offering, “Kung Tayo’y Magkakalayo,” a new tale that will defy the laws of loves will finally air on January 18, 2010.

From the makers of “Tayong Dalawa” and “Iisa Pa Lamang,” “Kung Tayo’y Magkakalayo” sketches a different kind of attack to the usual Pinoy teleseryes as it presents an unpredictable plot, a high-caliber cast and three renowned TV directors.

After the unforgettable characters of JR, Dave, Audrey, Ramon in “Tayong Dalawa,” a formidable casting coup gives life to characters that will again etch indelible marks in the history of Philippine television: Gabby Concepcion as Steve, Kris Aquino as Celine, Albert Martinez as Frank, Jacklyn Jose as Astrud, Gina Pareño as Petulah, Maricar Reyes as Selina, Gloria Romero as Barbara, Maxene Eigenmann as Alicia, Kim Chiu as Gwen, Gerald Anderson as Robbie, and Coco Martin as Ringgo.

Under the direction of three versatile directors, Erick Salud, Trina Dayrit and Dondon Santos, “Kung Tayo’y Magkakalayo” is shaped by three soap opera genres namely; action, family drama, and love story, drawing a yarn on how an individual’s love for another is put to the test and how destiny can entirely re-arrange one’s life.

“When ‘Tayong Dalawa’ became a hit, we were challenged to do something na pwedeng pumantay sa naabot ng ‘Tayong Dalawa’,” Direk Trina shared. Direk Dondon added, “We were very excited to do the project. Knowing na orginal ang materyal, challenge sa aming mga direktor na makapagset ng high standards.”

Direk Erick, on the other hand, mentioned that aside from the mounting pressure brought by the past series of ABS-CBN which have been nationwide hits, it is the audience’s anticipation that also pushes them to make this project worth the wait. “Siyempre hindi lang yung pressure ang nagtutulak sa amin na pagandahin ang serye. It is the viewing public… yung paghihintay nila sa isa na namang bigating soap opera mula sa ABS-CBN ang nagpapainspire rin sa amin.”

Witness the clashing of the best and primed actors in the country in one of the grandest teleseryes this year, Kung Tayo’y Magkakalayo, premiering on January 18. For more updates visit http://kungtayomagkakalayo.multiply.com and www.abs-cbn.com.

ABS-CBN top-rating morning show, “Showtime” has been placed on a 20-day preventive suspension after one of the show’s judges made derogatory remarks against teachers on-air, the Movie & Television Review & Classification Board (MTRCB) ordered on Monday.

In the January 7, 2010 episode of “Showtime,” actress Rosanna Roces, one of the guest judges, encouraged students who joined the talent search to ask questions from their teachers. She also described teachers as mere “repeaters.”

“Huwag kayo makukuntento sa mga itinuturo ng libro at ng teacher. Kung magtatanong kayo, hindi masama iyon. Dahil ang mga teacher, they were just repeaters. Tinuturo lang nila kung ano ang itinuro sa kanila. Hindi na nila itinuturo kung ano ang gusto malaman ng mga bata,” she said on air.

The network removed Roces from the panel of judges the day after the incident as an act of “self-regulation.” However, the MTRCB has been firm about their decision to place the show on a 20-day preventive suspension.

The network, however, is questioning the need for a preventive suspension even after Ms. Roces has been removed from the show.

“A preventive suspension is issued to stop further violations, if there were any committed, or for the interest or welfare of the public. Thus, the network questions the need for said preventive suspension when Rosanna Roces has already been removed from the program,” a statement released by the ABS-CBN Corporate Communications department said.

“Magpasikat,” a new show, will temporarily replace “Showtime.” ABS-CBN will file an appeal in court on Tuesday, while a hearing is scheduled on January 14 to let the show and its producers air their side of the story on the MTRCB decision.

As hit television “Katorse” comes to an end, fans of Erich Gonzales, Ejay Falcon and Enchong Dee need not to miss the popular television trio as they would be seen on ABS-CBN’s newest television series, “Tanging Yaman.”

ABS-CBN proudly presents one of its first quarter offerings for the year 2010, a program that will illustrate how a first family struggle to achieve true happiness, a relevant and timely series, “Tanging Yaman.”

Together with the hit love team Matt Evans and Melissa Ricks, Katorse Trio Erich Gonzales, Ejay Falcon and Enchong dee face a new challenge as the Philippine television welcomes their new show “Tanging Yaman.”

After the hit primetime series Katorse, Erich Gonzales topbills Tanging Yaman, her second major project. As she breathes life to the character of Fina, she will show how a young woman will adjust from the pressure she will confront as she takes on the role of the ‘First Daughter’ of the country.

Aside from Erich Gonzales, Melissa Ricks, Ejay Falcon, Enchong Dee, Matt Evans and Ron Morales, the best soap opera stars come together in this much awaited television series: Rowell Santiago, Agot Isidro, Jodi Sta. Maria, Nonie Buencamino, Mylene Dizon and Leo Martinez.

The story of the Tanging Yaman is rooted on an incident that will wreck the life and fortune of two families. One family will prosper and the other will suffer. Fina, with her sister Marina (Jodi Sta. Maria), will grow up in poverty whereas Isabel (Melissa Ricks) will be raised as the First Daughter of the country. As the truth unveils, Fina (Erich) resumes the responsibilities and privileges alongside being the daughter of the president.

Things won’t be easy for Fina (Erich), as she unites with her biological parents; she has to deal with Isabel (Melissa) who wants her position in the first family.

Under the direction of Lino Cayetano and Manny Palo every scene is guaranteed to move your hearts and minds into unpredictable events. Tanging Yaman will start to hit the airwaves on January 11 on ABS-CBN.

For more updates, log on to www.abs-cbn.com and tangingyamantv.multiply.com.

On Friday, November 20, 2009, Oprah Winfrey will make an announcement that she’s giving up her popular daytime show when her contract ends in September 2011.

“We have the greatest respect for Oprah and we wish her nothing but the best in her future endeavors, we do know anything she turns her hand to will be a great success,” said a spokesman for the CBS Television Studios, which distributes her show, which airs on ABC in New York.

“We look forward to working with her for the next several years, and hopefully afterwards as well.”

Representatives of Oprah Winfrey has notified TV stations airing the worldwide-syndicated TV talk show, along with other companies connected to Harpo Productions that the decision was made.

“Tomorrow, Oprah will announce live on ‘The Oprah Winfrey Show’ that she has decided to end what is arguably one of the most popular, influential and enduring programs in television history,’” Harpo president Tim Bennett said in the letter, which told stations to share the news.

“The sun will set on the ‘Oprah’ show as its 25th season draws to a close on September 9, 2011.”

Rumors are spreading that Oprah Winfrey has partnered with Discovery Networks to launch the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN), which she will program. It had been scheduled this year, and the latest buzz has it going live in 2011.

With reports from NY Daily News and Richard Huff

ABS-CBN, the largest television network in the Philippines launched its Christmas campaign with the theme, “Bro, Ikaw ang Star ng Pasko” on Wednesday, November 4, 2009. A lantern lighting ceremony of the “Parol ni Bro” was also held at the ABS-CBN compound, which was led by the cast of May Bukas Pa, ABS-CBN president Charo Santos-Concio, and ABS-CBN chairman and CEO Eugenio Lopez III.

In line with the launch of ABS-CBN’s Christmas campaign, the station also aired their new Christmas Station ID. The theme “Star ng Pasko” used in the new ABS-CBN Station ID was performed by Sarah Geronimo, Piolo Pascual, KC Concepcion, Billy Crawford, Erik Santos, Mark Bautista, Rachelle Ann Go, Yeng Constantino, Jed Madela, Nina, Sitti, Aiza Seguerra, Richard Poon, Duncan Ramos, and the Pinoy Dream Academy Little Dreamers.

It has been reported by one of the leading newspapers in the country, Philippine Daily Inquirer, that actress/TV Host Kris Aquino has hosted a dinner inviting a handful number of celebrities for her brother Noynoy Aquino last Sunday, October 4, 2009. Are the celebrities invited being wooed by Kris Aquino to help in her brother’s presidential campaign?

Some of the Kapamilya stars who attended the “intimate dinner” with Noynoy Aquino and the rest of the Aquino family are KC Concepcion, Piolo Pascual, Raymond Gutierrez, Bea Alonzo, Angelica Panganiban, Shaina Magdayao, John Pratts, Sam Milby, Anne Curtis, Erik Santos, Bianca Gonzales, Mariel Rodriguez, Pooh, Enchong Dee, K Brosas, Gail Blanco and Sitti. Of course, Noynoy Aquino’s running mate, Mar Roxas, was also in attendance.

In the past, celebrities under Star Magic aren’t allowed to endorse any political candidates. Will the Star Magic management lift that “order” to please one of their “gems?” Although there are rumors that Kris Aquino and Dingdong Dantes, a Kapuso talent, are currently negotiating regarding the possibility of the latter endorsing Noynoy, most of the artists in attendance on the Sunday dinner party were Kapamilya stars, if not all. What would the Star Magic management do?

However, an unidentified source has shared with the Inquirer that the stars who attended the dinner were not asked to commit to Noy. How true?

What can you say about this hullabaloo, Kris?

“I felt it was important na makaharap nila si Noy and my sisters,” Kris Aquino said.

“Since kami ang humihingi ng pabor, we should sit down with them and explain kung ano ang maiaambag nila sa kandidatura ni Noy at kung ano’ng maibabalik ni Noy sa Pilipinas.”

Celebrities who attended the dinner brought home a framed commemorative P5 bill, the first one signed by the late President Corazon Aquino when she assumed office in 1986.

Let’s see what would happen next. Kris Aquino is really living up to her promise to support her brother, huh?

via Inquirer

No storm can stop the opening of the new season of the hit ABS-CBN reality TV show Pinoy Big Brother Double Up on Sunday, October 4, 2009. Doubt as the “The Magical Reveal,” housemates from all over the country as well as Filipino communities abroad who will compete to be the Big Winner, will finally be introduced to the public for the first time.

Wondering on who will be the new housemates of Pinoy Big Brother Double Up? Big Brother was kind enough to give us a teaser on the new set of housemates this season.

Boy Astig ng Mindoro – hindi nakakapag-aral dahil walang pera ang kanilang pamilya

Richie Rich ng Cebu – nakakaangat sa buhay dahil sa ilang negosyo ng kaniyang pamilya

Simpatikong Kusinero ng Batangas – taga luto sa isang restaurant kung saan nabuntis niya ang anak ng may ari

Sassy Vamp ng Cebu – isang bar girl na nag trabaho sa Japan. Dahil sa palabang ugali ay minsan nang pinaalis sa isang bar sa Las Vegas.

Inday Kengkay ng Gen San – hirap sa Inglisan pero sasabak bilang isang English teacher

Conservative Pharmacist ng Tondo – tinutulan ng kanyang strict Chinese family ang kanyang pangarap na maging housemate

Young Widow ng Pampanga – naging ina sa edad na katorse. Nabiyuda sa edad na bente.

Romantic Stud ng Samar

Struggling Mom ng Davao

Don’t forget to watch the Pinoy Big Brother Double Up kick off to find out the their identities. Toni Gonzaga, Mariel Rodriguez and Bianca Gonzales will reprise their roles as program hosts. Pinoy Big Brother can be seen three times a day on ABS-CBN: Pinoy Big Brother Über, Pinoy Big Brother (Primetime) and Pinoy Big Brother Doule Uplate.