Krista goes half-naked for sexy calendar

MANILA - Actress Krista Ranillo has bared nearly all in a liquor brand's sexy calendar.

Ranillo, who recently figured in the headlines over her alleged affair with boxer Manny Pacquiao, was chosen by Ginebra San Miguel Inc. as their 2010 calendar girl.

Posing in a variety of skimpy bikinis, Ranillo's pictures will appear in the calendar's 12 full-page spreads marking January to December.

Ranillo poses in a strapless red bikini as she sits open-legged against a backdrop of grassy hills in one picture, then appears moist and wet in a cottony white top in another.

She is also seen wearing a navy blue swimsuit, a metallic bronze string bikini, and a lime green halter bikini set, among others.

The actress said in a public statement that she believes her sexy shoot with the liquor brand will "boost her career further."

It is her first time to pose for Ginebra, though she has graced the covers of men's magazines like FHM and Maxim (where she is a resident sex columnist).

Other celebrities featured by Ginebra in their previous sexy calendars are Marian Rivera, Angelica Panganiban, Rufa Mae Quinto, Rica Peralejo and Iwa Moto.

Many liquor brands, who cater to a predominantly male market, have placed scantily-clad models or actresses on their promotional calendars or posters as a marketing gimmick.

Claudine leaves Kapamilya network

MANILA - Actress Claudine Barretto has left her mother network, ABS-CBN, to move to GMA 7.

On Wednesday, Barretto inked a 2-year contract with the Kapuso network at GMA Network Center. Reports said her parents accompanied her when she signed the deal.

Present during the contract signing were the network’s top executives, reports added.

This development came more than a month after she signed a two-film contract with Viva Films.

Barretto, a contract star of ABS-CBN for almost 17 years, was considered to be one of the biggest stars of the Kapamilya network.

In October, Barretto denied that she was leaving ABS-CBN in spite of signing a contract with Viva Films. Originally, she was scheduled to do a television series with her older sister, Gretchen Barretto, on ABS-CBN, but the project was cancelled.

Her last television series with ABS-CBN was "Iisa Pa Lamang" in 2008. This year, she appeared on "May Bukas Pa" as a guest star.

RP world's 'most dangerous' for media: monitor

MANILA - The Philippines has become the most dangerous place in the world for journalists, according to an international press watchdog, after an election-linked massacre of at least 57 people this week.

The Belgium-based International Federation of Journalists said that by its count at least 12 journalists and "around eight media staff" were among the victims of the mass killing, blamed on a local politician and his bodyguards.

"Under the current government the Philippines has become the most dangerous place in the world for media workers," the group said in a statement, urging President Gloria Arroyo's government to give the press more protection.

"At least 74 journalists have been killed during its eight-year tenure, yet the government has not acted to end the culture of impunity. At last count, only four convictions had been secured," it said.

The group said it would send an investigative mission to the southern Philippines region of Mindanao, where the killings happened on Monday.

"The Arroyo administration must make a clear and unequivocal commitment to an immediate, independent and effective inquiry into this atrocity," said the group's general secretary Aidan White.

"With elections due in six months' time the authorities must act now to guarantee the safety of journalists throughout the country."

Arroyo on Wednesday vowed to hunt down the perpetrators of the massacre.

Police have identified the top suspect as Andal Ampatuan Jnr, a member of Arroyo's ruling coalition and the son of a powerful regional politician who has helped secure votes for the president in previous elections.

The victims were abducted as they were travelling in a six-vehicle convoy to nominate a rival of the Ampatuan clan as the opposition candidate for provincial governor in elections next year.

ABS-CBN to govt: 'Hold guilty parties accountable'

MANILA – ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp. on Wednesday issued a statement urging authorities to bring to justice those responsible for the massacre of more than 50 people in Maguindanao.

“We at ABS-CBN urge the authorities to hold the guilty parties accountable and show that justice is blind to politics,” ABS-CBN said in a statement.

The network said the government has yet to make a decisive action on the gruesome incident that occurred last Monday.

At least 100 armed men abducted and brutally murdered more than 50 people, including journalists. There were reports the death toll could reach more than 60.

“This unprecedented scale of violence erodes our faith in the rule of law. It sends a chill through journalists who continue to shine the spotlight on these killing fields,” the statement added.

As of Wednesday, six bodies have been unearthed from the "killing fields" in Ampatuan, Maguindanao province, bringing the death toll of the bloodiest election-related incident to 52.

Police has also named as possible prime suspect in the killing a political ally of President Arroyo.

"According to the initial reports, those who were abducted and murdered at Saniag were initially stopped by a group led by the mayor of Datu Unsay," national police spokesman Chief Superintendent Leonardo Espina said.

The mayor of Datu Unsay is Andal Ampatuan Jr., a member of Arroyo's ruling Lakas-Kampi-CMD coalition and son of an extremely powerful regional politician who has ensured local support for the president in previous elections.

abs-cbnNEWS.com is the online news department of ABS-CBN Interactive Inc., a subsidiary of ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp.

Obama names envoys to Singapore, Philippines

WASHINGTON - US President Barack Obama on Thursday named two ambassadors to Southeast Asia, tapping a close political ally as envoy to Singapore and nominating a career diplomat to the Philippines.

Obama named David Adelman, a state senator in Georgia and a force behind the president's record-breaking fund-raising in last year's election, to be ambassador to Singapore.

Adelman chaired the Democratic candidate's campaign in Georgia, a Republican-leaning southern state which Obama turned competitive but fell short by five points.

A lawyer, Adelman represented presidential contender Al Gore in his legal battles against eventual winner George W. Bush in the 2000 race.

Adelman has also been active in initiatives to prevent domestic violence and spearheaded a Georgia law prohibiting state contracts to companies seen as benefiting from the bloodshed in Sudan's parched Darfur region.

For the Philippines, Obama named Harry K. Thomas, Jr., a career foreign service officer who served as ambassador to Bangladesh from 2003 to 2005. He has also been posted in India, Nigeria, Peru and Zimbabwe.

The nominations, which require confirmation by the US Senate, come after high-level US visits to the two US-friendly nations.

Obama visited Singapore last week as part of a four-nation Asia tour, while Secretary of State Hillary Clinton stopped in the Philippines.

US ambassadors generally step down when a president leaves office. Obama is still filling positions more than a year after his election, with nominees subject to increasingly tough scrutiny.

Despite his vows for a cleaner government, Obama has tapped major fund-raisers as his ambassadors to close US allies including Australia, Britain, France and Japan.

Who is Krista Ranillo?

MANILA – Actress Krista Ranillo (born Cristalle Lauren Tupaz Ranillo) is the talk of the town these days because she is being linked to Filipino boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao.

But very little is known of the 24-year-old sexy starlet, who has graced the covers of numerous men's magazines and starred in racy independent films.

Intrigues may be nothing new to Ranillo as she comes from a showbiz family. However, it is safe to say that her rumored affair with Pacquiao is the biggest intrigue she has faced yet.

Ranillo is the daughter of actor Matt Ranillo III and Linda Tupaz. She is the granddaughter of Matt Ranillo, Jr. and Gloria Sevilla, considered the "King and Queen of Visayan Movies."

Her father’s siblings, Suzette, Lilibeth, Dandin and Juni, also joined show business. Her step-grandfather is actor Amado Cortez, who comes from the Padilla showbiz clan which includes Rudy Fernandez, Robin Padilla, Carlos Padilla and Zsa Zsa Padilla.

According to The Internet Movie Database (IMDB.com), Krista’s name came from the movie “Kristo,” wherein her father played the title role of Jesus Christ.

It also reportedly comes from her birthday's (December 10) proximity to Christmas Day.

She started out in television soap operas in GMA-7 where she was under contract for almost 12 years. She took a break from showbiz from 2002 to 2007 to focus on her studies at the Ateneo de Manila University.

'Angelic but wicked'

She earned a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with tracks in Communication Arts and Psychology in 2007, and was reported to be a consistent Dean’s Lister.

In her school yearbook, Aegis '07, a write-up describes her thus: "Everyone beware of Krista Ranillo! With her angelic face, sweet smile, gorgeous body, and brains to die for, she seems heaven-sent."

"This religious, charming, talented artista/model/everything-else princess seems too good to be true," the write-up states, with glowing reviews of her loyalty and warmth as a friend.

However, the writer notes that Ranillo also has a naughty side.

"But behind that innocent facade lies a mischievous little devil who can make you believe that you can only buy blue books in the States and and that you missed a very important quiz when you were absent," it states.

Of her "wild side" the write-up goes: "When you're with Krista, you're sure to be laughing your head off with all her hilarious tricks and quick quips. It doesn't matter what you do together, for she's always ready to go along with anything spontaneously crazy."

She is described as a responsible student who "finishes her papers early so she can spend the weekend with her friends" and was often described by peers as being aloof.

"Often one of the first to rally loudly for a free cut in class, Krista is actually quite a nerd!" the text states. "Though some may think she's 'mataray' because she hardly hangs out in school, she's actually sleeping at home!"

"Truly, Krista Artista is a walking contradiction. Angelic but wicked, funny but serious, silly but nerdy, social but anti-social, sweet but naughty, caring but mischevious," the write-up says.

Already having the makings of a celebrity, Ranillo's batchmate ends the write-up with: "Can I have your autograph?!"

Wholesome to sexy

Krista Ranillo on the cover of MAXIM Philippines. She writes as a sex columnist for the magazine.

Ranillo shunned her wholesome image and became a sexy actress for her showbiz comeback. She even serves as the resident sex columnist for MAXIM Philippines.

Her father was opposed to her sexy image, and the two were reported to have fought over this issue for a time.

Her film credits include the action-drama flick Two-Timer (2002), followed by Chopsuey (2007), where Ranillo played the sister of actor Piolo Pascual, a Filipino-Chinese man on the throes of depression.

In 2008, Ranillo starred in the comedy film "Iskul Bukol: 20 Years After" as part of an ensemble cast.

She also starred in Paupahan (2008) as a bit-player actress who provides sexual favors for even the lowest-tier production staff while shooting a movie. She has scenes in the indie film where she goes topless.

This year, she starred in Marino, a film about seamen. Ranillo, who played the role of a prostitute, was cast along with Ara Mina and Allen Dizon (who produced the film Paupahan).

Krista signed up with ABS-CBN in 2008 and starred in Carlo J. Caparas’ “Pieta” alongside Ryan Agoncillo. She played the role of Martha, the love interest of Agoncillo’s character.

She also appeared in episodes of "Your Song" and "Maalaala Mo Kaya" and was also a temporary Star Patrol host for TV Patrol World.

Krista is part of the 2009 Metro Manila Film Festival entry "Wapakman" topbilled by Pacquiao. She is also set to star alongside Coco Martin in "Agimat: Ang Mga Alamat ni Ramon Revilla presents Tonyong Bayawak."

Love life

A mystery girl (left), said to be Krista Ranillo, rides shotgun with boxer Manny Pacquiao (right) after he guested on an American talk show.

According to numerous reports, Ranillo had been in a long-term relationship with television director Dominic Zapata. The pair were reportedly together for 7 years, though there are also reports that the pair have split up.

Most recently, she was romantically linked with her co-star in the film "Whapakman", boxer Manny Pacquiao.

Rumors swirled that the pair were having an off-screen affair after they were seen together at a party in Hong Kong.

During Pacquiao's latest bout with Puerto Rican boxer Miguel Cotto in Las Vegas, Ranillo was brought along with the "Pacquiao team." Entertainment reports alleged that Pacquiao paid for Ranillo's stay at a Las Vegas hotel.

A video on the internet also purportedly shows Pacquiao getting into a black sedan with a mystery girl (said to be Ranillo) in the passenger seat, after he guested on the US talk show "Jimmy Kimmel Live."

These rumors were further fueled when Pacquiao's wife Jinkee was seen crying during a thanksgiving mass after Pacquiao's "Firepower" match last Sunday, and refused efforts by Pacquiao to comfort her.

Mrs. Pacquiao also skipped out on her husband's after-party and mini-concert at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino.

Later on, actress Gina Alajar said on her Facebook account that Mrs. Pacquiao should not let Manny go since "Krista Ranillo is not worth it."

Answering comments posted on her Facebook page, Alajar went on to allege that Ranillo likes married men and that the young actress is short on values.

Ranillo was reported to be the cause of Alajar's split with her former husband, director and actor Michael de Mesa.

These rumors, however, were denied by her manager Arnold Vegafria. He insisted that Ranillo and Pacquiao are "just good friends."

Pacquiao refused to comment when abs-cbnNEWS.com pressed him on the issue, while Ranillo has yet to give a formal statement.

Gina Alajar clams up on Pacquiao-Krista 'affair'

MANILA - Veteran actress and director Gina Alajar was evasive Tuesday when sought for comment on the alleged affair between People’s Champ Manny Pacquiao and young sexy star Krista Ranillo.

In a phone interview, Alajar refused to further comment on the issue, saying she already issued a statement to a popular newspaper.

"Hindi na ako magco-comment doon," Alajar said.

Alajar was dragged into the issue after she posted a controversial shout out in her Facebook account in connection with the alleged Pacquiao-Ranillo affair. She wrote: “If I were Jinkee Pacquiao, I would not give up Manny. Krista Ranillo is not at all worth it!”

In 2001, reports said Alajar and former husband Michael de Mesa ended their marriage supposedly because of the actor’s alleged love affair with Ranillo, who is a current columnist for men’s magazine Maxim.

In a previous interview with abs-cbnNEWS.com, Pacquiao also sealed his lips on the issue.

"No comment ako diyan," said the pound-for-pound king in an interview with abs-cbnNEWS.com before he flew to Las Vegas.

The popular boxer also clammed up when asked to comment on reports that he and his “Wapakman” leading lady were spotted dating in Hong Kong.

Prior to Pacquiao’s fight on November 15 (Manila time), reports said the boxer and his wife, Jinkee, allegedly had an argument over a rumor that he was caught going inside Ranillo's hotel room in Las Vegas.

Ranillo was reportedly in the United States with her father, veteran actor Mat Ranillo III, to watch Pacquiao’s fight with Miguel Cotto.

Ranillo’s camp has already denied these rumors. Ranillo’s manager, Arnold Vegafria, maintained that the sexy star and Pacquiao are just “good friends.”

"She said that they are good friends and they are going out together as a group. That's all I know," Vegafria said.

Vegafria added: "They are doing a movie together. Krista and two of my artists are his leading ladies - Krista and Bianca King... I think this is also part of the promo. We will see. I will talk to Krista when she comes back."

Vegafria also maintained that Ranillo is happy being single.

"She's very aware of what's happening but she just laughed it off. And I spoke to her, she denied it. Sabi niya sa akin Manny is a married man and hindi siya pwedeng makisali. So ganoon, hanggang friends lang," Vegafria said.

Edu: Pinky supports my decision to run

MANILA - Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno's announcement that actor and TV host Edu Manzano will be the running mate of Lakas-Kampi standard bearer Gilbert 'Gibo" Teodoro caught many by surprise--including his girlfriend.

During a one-on-one interview on ANC's Talkback with Tina Monzon-Palma on Monday, Manzano was asked how his girlfriend, news anchor Pinky Webb reacted to his candidacy.

"I think it came as a shock to her, too," Manzano said.

But he says she supports his decision.

Before Manzano teamed up with Teodoro, several names had been floated as Teodoro's running mate, including Batangas Governor Vilma Santos and Senator Loren Legarda.

But Manzano clarified he was not the last choice of Teodoro and the administration party.

He added that Teodoro only offered the vice presidency to him and Vice-President Noli de Castro.

The former chairman of the Optical Media Board said he had been meeting with various political parties and personalities before he accepted Teodoro's offer.

These include the Liberal Party, the Nacionalista Party, former President Joseph Estrada, and representatives of Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero.

Manzano believes his stints as vice-mayor of Makati City and OMB chairman have given him experience in politics and law enforcement.

Catching up

He concedes though that he and Teodoro have a lot of work to do to reach more people and catch up with their rivals who are leading in recent surveys.

He also believes Teodoro is on the right path in making reforms inside the Lakas-Kampi-CMD since people have grown tired of traditional politics.

The actor added that he and Teodoro see eye-to-eye when it comes to addressing the problem of child pornography in the country as well as raising the global competitiveness of Filipinos.

Manzano also recalled his bitter experience in 2001 when he ran for mayor of Makati but lost to Mayor Jejomar Binay.

The actor said those who promised to provide him campaign funds suddenly disappeared, and he ended up pawning his house to raise funds.

This time though, Manzano said Puno gave him assurances that the ruling coalition will provide him with funds and training for his people in launching an effective campaign.

Rihanna describes night of attack by Chris Brown

LOS ANGELES – R&B singer Rihanna broke her silence on Friday about the night her ex-boyfriend Chris Brown attacked her, saying he had bitten her, put her in a headlock and left her bleeding and swollen.

"It wasn't the same person that says 'I love you.' It was not those...eyes," Rihanna, 21, told Diane Sawyer in an interview on ABC television's "Good Morning America" show.

"He had...no soul in his eyes. Just blank...He was clearly blacked out. There was no person when I looked at him," she said.

Brown, 20, singer of hits like "Kiss, Kiss," was sentenced to five years probation and 180 hours of community service for the assault in February on the eve of the Grammy Awards.

He has apologized publicly and although the pair briefly reunited, Rihanna said she now has "no desire at all to be with him."

Rihanna said the attacks started with an argument over a text message Brown received while they were driving home from an industry party.

"I couldn't take it that he kept lying to me. And he couldn't take it that I wouldn't drop it. And...it was ugly," she told Sawyer.

She acknowledged police reports that Brown bit her, put her in a head lock until she had trouble breathing, and punched her several times in the eye.

"I fended him off with my feet...but it was not like, it was not like a fight with each other. I just...I really just wanted it to stop," she said.

Her screams prompted a bypasser to call the police.

"I was bleeding, I was swollen in the face," she said. "So there was no way of me getting home, except for, my next option was to get out of the car and walk. Start walking in a gown, in a bloody face. So I really don't know what my plan was."

Rihanna said although her wounds had long healed, she had flashbacks and scars inside.

"The thing that men don't realize when they hit a woman, it's...the face, the broken arm, the black eye, it's going to heal. That's not the problem. It's the scar inside.

"You flashback...you...you remember all the time. It comes back to you whether you like it or not. And it's painful. So I don't think he understood that," she said.