Starting this Sunday, Tween heartthrob Jake Vargas joins the cast of GMA’s award-winning reality sitcom.

After five years, many aspects on the life of Pepito Manaloto and his family have changed. Pepito acquired so many businesses but remained to be a loving and caring father to his now grown-up children.

Starting this Sunday, Kapuso Tween Star Jake Vargas joins the first ever comedy-reality and award winning show Pepito Manaloto.

Jake Vargas portrays the grown-up ‘Chito’ while Angel Satsumi portrays her little sister ‘Clarissa’. Both kids are very happy because of the success of thebusinesses that their father is handling.

Being a typical tween, Chito now becomes attracted to a girl named Hannah (Janine Gutierrez) in their neighborhood. He’s very eager to know more about her and he seeks the help of his friend Erika (Lexi Fernandez).

Will Erika help Chito in pursuing Hannah? Will he have the courage to impress the girl that he admires?

Don’t miss the “kilig” and excitement on Star Awards Best Comedy Show Pepito Manaloto this Sunday after 24 Oras Weekend on GMA.

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Regal Films has released the teaser trailer for the remake of the 1994 horror classic “Aswang.”

After appearing in various movies left and right this year, Lovi Poe will now topbill the Regal Films Halloween offering and horror remake “Aswang” previously starred by Alma Moreno.
“Aswang” is directed by Jerrold Tarog and also stars Paulo Avelino, Jillian Ward, Mark Abaya, Nina Jose, Joem Bascon, Bembol Rocco and Lara Quigaman, and introducing controversial young actor Albie Casiño on his big screen debut.

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Check out the teaser trailer for the upcoming afternoon drama series “Kung Aagawin Mo ang Langit” starring Michelle Madrigal, Mike Tan and Carla Abellana.

Mike Tan assumes the role in this new soap opera which was originally offered to Paulo Avelino who recently transferred to the Kapamilya network.

Mike Tan‘s leading ladies in the soap are Michelle Madrigal and Carla Abellana.

Also in the cast of Kung Aagawin Mo ang Langit are Ricky Davao, Sharmaine Centenera, and Will Devaughn.

“Kung Aagawin Mo ang Langit” premieres September 19 on GMA-7.

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Before Party Pilipinas on Sunday (August 14), GMA-7 airs a marathon of the first two weeks of the very first Kapuso danserye, Time of My Life.

Once again, viewers will witness the explosive and overwhelming opening dance sequence of the show’s cast led by Kris Bernal, Rocco Nacino and Mark Herras with Jean Garcia.
Recall the intense scenes when Fred (Raymond Bagatsing) falls out of love for Martha (Cherie Gil) and falls for Lisa (Jean).
Look back at how Shane (Kris) grows up to be a woman who impresses everyone with her superb dancing skills, including her friend Jason (Rocco) and the perfectionist-performer Patrick (Mark).
Viewers will definitely enjoy watching all the groove and emotions fused in the production numbers in the very first danserye of GMA.
Catch the recap of the first two weeks of Time of My Life on Sunday (August 14) before Party Pilipinas on GMA-7.

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The epic series which spans several centuries of Philippine history is set to premiere this second quarter. Topbilling this highly-budgeted teleserye is the network’s no. 1 talent, Marian Rivera.

Marian will portray the role of an extraordinary woman blessed with extraordinary powers, which she will use to lead her people at a time dominated by males.

Here is the list of “Amaya” cast-members:

Marian Rivera is Amaya
Sid Lucero is Bagani
Glaiza de Castro is Binayaan
Mikael Daez
Rochelle Pangilinan
Lani Mercado is the mother of Amaya
Raymond Bagatsing is the father of Amaya
Gardo Versoza is Rajah Mangubat
Sef Cadayona as Ugbog
Perla Bautista
Gina Alajar
Daniel Fernando
Roy Alvarez
Irma Adlawan
Angie Ferro
Robert “Buboy” Villar
Ana Capri
Ayen Munji-Laurel is Rajuh Lingayan
Rustica Carpio
Mon Confiado is Songil
Sheena Halili as Gintaya
Richard Quan
Roxanne Barcelo
Ana Feleo is Bayang
Mia Pangyarihan
Bayang Barrios
Sef Cadayona
Rocky Salumbides
Aj Dee
Rob Sy
Leon Miguel
Pancho Magno
Dindo Arroyo

(Note: This list is subject to change)

Check out the first set of Behind the Scenes Photos for “Amaya” here:

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After Marian Rivera as “Bampirella,” the next installment of GMA-7′s “Spooky Nights” is titled “The Ringtone.”

Topbilling “The Ringtone” episode of Spooky Nights are the love team of Aljur Abrenica and Kris Bernal. Joining them are former PBB housemate Sam Pinto and former StarStruck finalist Sef Cadayona.

Also in the cast are Benjie Paras, Moymoy Palaboy and DJ Rico Robles.

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Multitalented actress Iza Calzado begins her masquerade in drag as she portrays the character of Tonya/Tonette in GMA Network’s addictive romantic-comedy series, I Heart You Pare.

Iza feels very excited on her latest project on primetime and feels honoured that Regine Velasquez personally chose her for the role. She is definitely looking forward to be working again with Dingdong Dantes and the rest of the cast members and production team and most especially the various production numbers and showdowns with the drag queens.
“I have no second thoughts accepting the role when it was offered to me. This is actually my first time to dabble in comedy and I welcome the opportunity to be working with Direk Andoy Ranay for the first time,” shares Iza.
This week, viewers get to see Iza in her drag make-up, big wigs and multicoloured stilettos as Tonette who gets involved in a complicated love triangle between Kenneth (Dingdong) and Chito (Mark Anthony Fernandez).
Her predicament piles up even more when Mandy (Ehra Madrigal) discovers her secret affair with Kenneth. This startles everyone, most especially Nikki (Luanne Dy) who still has special feelings for Kenneth.
How will Kenneth handle the controversy on his reported romance with Tonette? Will this revelation completely strain his relationship with Nikki?
I ♥ You Pare airs weeknights after Dwarfina on GMA Telebabad.

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The pilot episode of the Mars Ravelo classic remake earned a winning 33.7 percent audience share among Mega Manila households, and further posted a weeklong average of 33 percent.
As promised, Captain Barbell opened in grand and explosive fashion as the well-loved superhero commences his battle with the evil forces. Wearing his spanking new costume and signature red cape, Captain Barbell proved to be stronger and more aggressive as he faces his biggest opponent Nero (Christopher de Leon). Captain Barbell won over Nero, signaling the start of another challenging journey for the greatest Pinoy superhero.
As the series continues this week, Captain Barbell faces off with Gregor (TJ Trinidad), who has recently discovered his power to endure bullet shots. Some of the tenants, who were struck by lighting during the freakstorm, also begin to learn of their superpowers including Ricky (Ervic Vijandre), Gaston (Elvis Gutierrez), Misha (Bea Binene) and Alden (Jake Vargas).
General Armado (Eddie Gutierrez) tries to convince Captain Barbell to team-up with the new superheroes and together, fight off the evil forces. Meanwhile, Lelay struggles to complete her family tree project and asks help from her school teacher Althea (Lovi Poe).
These and more await viewers as Captain Barbell continues right after 24 Oras on GMA Telebabad.

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Chris Tiu‘s newest infotainment show, Man vs. Beast, gathered a household audience share of 31.7%. This data is based on overnight ratings in Mega Manila from the more widely recognized TV ratings data supplier, Nielsen TV Audience Measurement.

The show defeated ABS-CBN’s Buhawi Jack which had 18.3% share points and TV5′s Willing Willie, with 25.8%.

This Saturday, Chris presents more exciting contests between man and animals like the obstacle race between a former Navy Seal and a chimpanzee. He also features a run participated by a world-class sprinter, a giraffe and a zebra.

Who will triumph in this week’s challenges? Find out in the strange yet fascinating show, Man vs. Beast.

Another success last Saturday is the pilot episode of Spooky Nights’ first series, Bampirella. Marian Rivera‘s charm and humor kept viewers hooked to the show as it led in its time slot with 34% household audience share.

Spooky Nights Presents: Bampirella overtook its rival programs, ABS-CBN’s Maalaala Mo Kaya, which scored 28% share points and TV5′s LOL (Laugh or Lose) with 16.2%.

In the next episode, circumstances get tighter for Cindy (Marian) as she transforms into a vampire in front of many people. While in vampire state, she has a chance encounter with Michael (Mikael Daez), a dentist, and Armando (Marc Abaya), a rock band vocalist. Whom will she attack first between these two good-looking guys?

Expect more twists and turns in Cindy’s story as complications arise from her being Bampirella.

Watch Man vs. Beast after 24 Oras Weekend and Spooky Nights Presents: Bampirella before Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho every Saturday on GMA-7.

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Sa pagtatapos ng Pebrero, handog ng GMA ang isang kuwento tungkol sa payak na pag-ibig na lilinlangin ng medical technology.

Tungkol sa dalawang babaeng nakapaloob sa mundo ng beauty at cosmetic industry ang My Lover, My Wife. Ang isa ay salat sa maraming bagay samantalang nakakamit naman ng isa ang lahat ng ibig niya.

Mag-uumpisa ang istorya nang umibig si Vivian kay Arthur na isang medical student. Halos perpekto ang kanilang relasyon hanggang sa umalis si Arthur para mag-aral sa ibang bansa at tuluyang nakalimot kay Vivian. Bagama’t labis na nasaktan, mahal pa rin ni Vivian ang binata.

Matapos magkolehiyo, nagtrabaho si Vivian sa isang medical company na kilala sa cosmetic surgery. Doon, muli niyang makikita si Arthur at aasahang magkakabalikan sila ngunut mabibigo siya nang malaman niyang kasal na ito kay April. Pipilitin niyang limutin ang sakit na nadarama at agad na mahuhulog ang loob sa medical representative na si Lawrence.

Magpapakasal sina Vivian ant Lawrence subalit malalaman ng lalaking panakip-butas lamang siya. Pagmamalupitan niya si Vivian at pasasakitan sa pamamagitan ng pakikipagkaibigan kina Arthur at April. Si Vivian naman ay magtitiis alang-alang sa kanilang anak.

Samantala, mahuhuli ni Arthur na nangangaliwa si April at hindi sinasadyang masasangkot siya sa pagkamatay ng lalaki nito. Pipilitin siya ni April na huwag sumuko sa pulis dahil takot itong masira ang reputasyon kapag nabunyag ang buong pangyayari.

Sa kanyang pagtakas, maaaksidente si Arthur kasama si Lawrence at ito ang ikamamatay ng huli. Makakaligtas naman si Arthur subalit labis na nasunog ang mukha nito. Nagkamalay na lamang itong taglay ang mukha ni Lawrence dahil inoperahan siya ni April.

Paano na ngayong angkin na ng pinakamamahal ni Vivian ang katauhan ng malupit niyang asawa? Makikilala kaya niya ito sa kabila ng mukhang nagtatago sa tunay nitong pagkatao? Sino kina Vivian at April ang karapat-dapat tawaging asawa ni Arthur na ngayon ay si Lawrence na?

Magsisimula ang My Lover, My Wife sa February 28 pagkatapos ng Nita Negrita sa GMA Dramarama sa Hapon.

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Tikman ang espesyal naming handa para sa buong pamilya!

Samahan si Cookie, ang pinaka-cute na cook, at ang kanyang walang katulad at walang kasinggaling na Magic Palayok, sa kanilang pagbibigay-saya sa pamamagitan ng kanilang natatanging mga lutuin.

Ang kanilang bawat pagluluto ay isang hakbang papalapit sa tunay niyang ama at sa kanyang minimithing pamilya.

Simula ngayong February 28 ay matitikman niyo na ang sarap ng buhay tuwing hapon dito lamang sa MAGIC PALAYOK! Ipapalabas ito mula Lunes hanggang Biyernes bago mag-24 Oras dito lamang sa GMA.

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Jackie Rice started her showbiz career after being named StarStruck 3 Ultimate Female Survivor. After winning the reality talent search, she appeared on various GMA programs like Encantadia, Fantastikids, Love to Love, Princess Charming, Fantastic Man, Dyesebel, Ang Babaeng Hinugot sa Aking Tadyang, Kung Aagawin Mo ang Lahat sa Akin, Ikaw Sana, Darna, Bubble Gang, Panday Kids and Ilumina.
Her first starring role in a one-off drama anthology was in 2006 where she portrayed herself in the Jackie Rice Life Story of Magpakailanman. Her first starring role in a weekly drama anthology was in 2010 in Dear Friend: Tisay.
This 2011, Jackie Rice bagged her biggest role to date – a title role in an afternoon teleserye. She will topbill “Sisid,” an afternoon soap opera under the Dramarama sa Hapon block of GMA. It will replace Kris Bernal‘s “Koreana” which is about to air its last episode on February 25, 2011.
Jackie’s leading men in Sisid are JC Tiuseco, Ian Batherson, and Dominic Roco. It is set to air its pilot episode on February 28, 2011.
Image courtesy of GMA

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Richard Faulkerson, Jr. in real life, Alden is a 19-year-old commercial model from Sta. Rosa, Laguna. He is taking up Business Administration in De La Salle Canlubang.
Prior to his appearance in some tv commercials, Alden joined and won some pageants like Ginoong Sta. Rosa in 2009 and Ginoong Laguna in 2010.
He auditioned in GMA’s reality artista search StarStruck V and ABS-CBN’s reality program Pinoy Big Brother Teen Clash of 2010. Although he made it to the shortlist of both programs, he failed to enter the final cut.
After being rejected by the two reality talent search, Alden did not lose heart as he auditioned for the role of Joma, one of Louise delos Reyes‘ leading men in the upcoming fantasy-drama “Alakdana.” He was the only one who walked-in to audition for the role as the four others who auditioned came from GMA’s youth-oriented programTween Hearts.
He won the role afterwards and he signed a 5 year contract with GMA-7.

Images courtesy of Alden Richards’ Facebook Fanpage and JR Sala

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GMA’s drama-fantasy series “Alakdana” is posed to sting the competition in the afternoon block beginning this Monday, January 24.

GMA-7 is currently dominating the daytime race in both AGB’s Mega Manila TV Ratings and Kantar Media’s National TV Ratings as well. In an attempt to strengthen their afternoon line-up even more, they are putting a fantaserye instead of a soap opera under their Dramarama sa Hapon block.
Louise delos Reyes will be launched in her first title role in the new fantasy-drama of the Kapuso network titled “Alakdana.” Her leading man in the series is the now hunkier Paulo Avelino. Newcomers Alden Richards and Ritchie Paul Gutierrez will also have her as love interest.
Other cast members inlcude Matthew Mendoza, Jobelle Salvador, Joonee Gamboa, Joanna Marie Tan, Ian de Leon, Karla Estrada and Jean Garcia.
Directed by Mac Alejandre, “Alakdana” is set to premiere this Monday, January 24, after Eat Bulaga!
Watch the trailers of “Alakdana” here:

Image courtesy of GMA-7.

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GMA has released some publicity photos of Aljur Abrenica in his sexy costume for the upcoming teleserye “Pablo Gomez’s Machete.”

Pablo S. Gomez’s Machete is an upcoming Kapuso teleserye topbilled by GMA homegrown talent Aljur Abrenica. His leading ladies in the said teleserye are Ryza Cenon and Bela Padilla.
Ryan Eigenmann and Rocky Gutierrez will play the role of Aljur’s villains.
“Machete” the tv series is set to premiere on January 24, 2010 on GMA-7.


Watch the teaser here:

Images courtesy of GMA-7.

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There are some buzz that the classic film “Burlesk Queen” by Celso Ad Castillo is about to be remade for the third time and the top pick to reprise the iconic role which was originally played by Vilma Santos is no other than GMA’s primetime queen Marian Rivera.
The said film which has won for Vilma Santos a Best Actress trophy at the Metro Manila Film Festival in the 70s has already been remade 10 years ago with Ina Raymundo playing the role of the burlesque star Chato. It became controversial that time because Ina did a frontal scene that caught the attention of the MTRCB.
Early last year, there was also a plan to adapt the classic film into a TV series with Cristine Reyes as the top pick to play the iconic role but somehow the plan did not push through.
Now, there is another plan to revive the film on the big screen with Celso Ad Castillo, the original director, at the helm once again. And the top pick to play Chato is none other than Marian Rivera because according to experts, the role fits her perfectly. But can Marian throw her “wholesome” image and dare to play such role?
And speaking of Marian Rivera, she is all set to star on GMA’s high-budgeted epicserye “Amaya.” But until now, the Kapuso network is still searching for her new leading man. According to reports, they are looking for a moreno hunk to play the role since the Kapamilya hunk (some say it was Zanjoe Marudo) who was originally offered the role declined despite of the sky-high talent fee.

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GMA’s newest asianovela, The Baker King, conquered the ratings game in its primetime slot during its pilot week.

Last Friday (January 7), the 2010 No. 1 Korean Drama peaked at 12.1% against its rival program with 9.0% based on AGB Nielsen’s people rating in Mega Manila.
Last week, people watched how Kim Tak Gu (played by Yoon Shi Yoon later in the story) was separated from and reunited with his rich father, Conrad. This week, their father-son relationship gets better as they find a common interest, baking.
On Thursday, Tak Gu sees his crush Eula once again but he also sees her father, Efren. Efren chases Tak Gu for meddling when he was mistreating his daughter. Conrad then saves his son.
In the same episode, Tak Gu’s grandmother learns about the secret of Conrad’s wife Sandra and their driver Roman. She also discovers their plot against Conrad.
Follow the story of how Tak Gu perseveres through hardships as a child to become a kindhearted and strong person.
The Baker King airs Monday to Friday after Beauty Queen on GMA 7.

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GMA is now running a teaser for their upcoming teleserye “Machete.”

Machete is topbilled by GMA homegrown talent Aljur Abrenica. His leading ladies in the said teleserye are Ryza Cenon and Bela Padilla.
Ryan Eigenmann and Rocky Gutierrez will play the role of Aljur’s villains.
“Machete” the tv series is set to premiere on January 24, 2010 on GMA-7.
Watch the teaser here:

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Comedian/host John Lapus will spread luck, fun and cheer in the new version of Maricel Soriano’s blockbuster movie, Super Inday, which headlines Kapuso Primetime Queen Marian Rivera.

In the movie, John plays the Golden Bibe that grants super powers to Pinoy cinema’s so-called sexiest super heroine.
It should come as no wonder why John is a permanent fixture in Regal movies, his last being in Eugene Domingo’s box-office starrer, Mamarazzi.
To say the least, he is a favorite of lady producer Lily Monteverde and daughter Roselle Monteverde-Teo.
“John is my lucky charm sa mga Regal movie na nagawa namin. Basta merong role na puwede sa kanya, we don’t hesitate to cast him dahil bukod sa pagiging professional, may suwerte siyang hatid sa mga project ng Regal,” Mother Lily reveals.
John may have been a second choice for the Golden Bibe role, but the comedian has no qualms about it.
“Naku, I don’t care kung pang-ilang choice ako sa movie. Alam kong importante ang role ko at sapat na sa akin ’yon. Bukod diyan, friends kami ni Marian na kasama ko sa Show Me Da Manny, so, bakit ko naman tatanggihan ang project na alam kong maganda at magaan ang mga kasama, ’di ba?” John explains.
This generous nature wouldn’t go unnoticed since this early, the grateful Regal matriarch has her eyes set on giving John his own solo starrer earmarked for release sometime next year.
Meantime, John, as the Golden Bibe, not only wields his super powers in Super Inday but spreads hilarious moments as well.
With comedienne Pokwang also in the cast, the fantasy filmfest entry definitely spells not just double but triple fun on Christmas Day!
In Super Inday, Marian, John and Pokwang are ably supported by Jake Cuenca, Mylene Dizon, Buboy Villar, Jairus Aquino, Sheena Halili and a lot more!
Michael Tuviera directs.
Image courtesy of Jojit Lorenzo

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It was announced on Showbiz Central today that Aljur Abrenica will play the role of “Machete” in a GMA primetime series set to air next year.

The Kapuso hunk actor is very happy that GMA gave him the coveted role which is also being considered for Dingdong Dantes. Even the original Machete, Cesar Montano, agrees that Aljur is perfect to reprise the role he played once in a Seiko Films movie back in 1990.
Machete is a story about a wooden Igorot warrior statue who comes to life and turns into a neighborhood stud. Cesar Montano is the first actor to play the role in 1990 and Gardo Versoza reprised the role in a sequel also made by Seiko films last 1994. On television, Joseph Bitangcol played the role in an episode of Komiks last 2006 on ABS-CBN. It was also briefly played by Derek Ramsay in Super Inggo, also in 2006.
Early next year (2011), the classic story of the wooden hunk sculpture will come to life once again as GMA will adapt the material as a primetime series to be shown under the telebabad block.
Who do you want to play Aljur’s 2 leading ladies reprising the roles of Rita Avila and Rosanna Roces? Perhaps these young Kapuso actresses are in the running: Nadine Samonte, Jennica Garcia, Jackie Rice, Ryza Cenon, Bianca King, or Sarah Lahbati. Or perhaps Aljur will get reunited with his former screen partner Kris Bernal? We’ll see.

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