New York Post crowns Charice as new pop princess

MANILA, Philippines - International singer Charice has been dubbed a "newly crowned pop princess" by the New York Post.

Charice's song "Pyramid" was cited in New York Post's PopWrap's fave five article for March 17. (http://www.nypost.com/p/blogs/popwrap/popwrap_fave_five_dHI00FY5PWSGTY83...) It identified Charice as a "new little chick...who's mountain-and-valley vocals (that means range, kids) are the only reason you will need to fall in love with her sound."

The article also featured four other songs including Psapp's "Mister Ant," Lady GaGa's "Telephone: an Electrolightz remix," Gin Wigmore's "Don't Stop" and Matisse's "Better Than Her." It added that this week's fave five "will have your bottom uncontrollably shimmying out of your kilt."

In an e-mail sent to abs-cbnNEWS.com, Charice said that she's happy that her talent is being recognized not only by her fellow Filipinos but by a lot of Americans as well.

"I really can't believe po na kasama ko sa iisang topic si Lady Gaga. Super Fan po niya ako. To be crowned as the New Pop Princess it's really a honor for me. Nanginig ako nung nabasa ko. Feeling ko, ang laking responsibilidad kasi po dating Pop Princess si Britney Spears po. Nagpapasalamat po ako hindi lang po sa mga Pinoy na sumusuporta sa akin kundi lahat po ng supporters sa iba't ibang bansa. Mapa-Amerikano man po o kahit ano po, salamat po sa lahat," Charice said.

Charice said she is happy that her single "Pyramid" has been downloaded over a million times despite tough competition from other pop artists.

"Super happy po ako. New York Post is really BIG. And really happy na ako yung napili nila na i-crown as New Pop Princess, although there's a lot of teen artists po talaga dito sa Amerika na magaling po talagang pop singers. I wanna thank them po sa pagpili nila sa akin. And thanks po sa lahat ng nagview ng Pyramid ko, it's finally over 1M views! I can't wait po na makita nila yung official music video. Though wala pa pong exact date. But I'm sure ilalabas na po ito soon. Nakita ko na po kanina and it's really inspirational. I hope magustuhan po nila."

Currently, Charice is in the United States to work on her first international album "Charice: A Star Is Born." The album will be launched on May 11, or a day after her 18th birthday.

Reports said she might launch her album on “The Oprah Winfrey Show.”

Steven Seagal wants movie with Pacquiao

LOS ANGELES, California – Filipino boxing icon Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao had dinner with action star Steven Seagal in Hollywood early this week, Balitang America reported.

Pacquiao and Seagal talked about the possibility of doing a movie or concert together.

“We had a great time together. The time just flew by,” said Pacquiao.

"We discussed the possibility of working together in movies and making joint concert appearances," he added.

Both men had plenty of common interests, both being accomplished fighters, actors, and musicians.

“We also discovered that we share a bond in Asian philosophy and philanthropy. I invited Steven to be with me at Jerry Jones’ Cowboys Stadium on March 13 when I defend my World Welterweight title against Joshua Clottey and he accepted,” Pacquiao added.

Seagal currently stars on A&E’s popular reality series “Steven Seagal Lawman.”

Meanwhile in Las Vegas, Floyd Mayweather Sr. says the world does not care about Pacquiao’s fight against Clottey. The Mayweather camp continues to blame the Filipino boxing champion for the failed Mayweather Jr. – Pacquiao Dream Match.

“Who wouldn’t fight for that kind of money? I think it was $40 million, something like that. They will both get that kind of money. I think that he’s scared,” said Mayweather Sr.

The Mayweather camp however said they are still open to the possibility of fighting Pacquiao in the future.

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.

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.

Body Talk with Bea Alonzo

Is Bea Alonzo ready to jump into the “bold-wagon”?

Just because she’s donning a two-piece for the first time — that is, in And I Love You So, Star Cinema’s 16th-anniversary offering opening nationwide on Wednesday, Aug. 12 — people might think that she is.

“It’s not like that,” says Bea who placed No. 33 in FHM’s “100 Sexiest Women of the World 2009” honor roll (she was No. 16 last year). “I’m doing it only for a movie but not for TV or a pictorial, not especially for a men’s magazine. I’m not ready for that.”

Directed by Laurenti Dyogi, And I Love You So must be so special for Bea to shed (some of) her inhibitions. Bea plays a woman between two loves, played by Sam Milby and Derek Ramsay, in a story about love, loss and letting go. She has worked with Sam in Close To You and with Derek in One More Chance, and both in the soap Maging Sino Ka Man.

“It’s an anniversary presentation, so I feel that I’ve given it my all. I have love scenes that I’ve never done in my past movies and give all my emotions in the drama scenes, and I also had my hair cut. If it doesn’t work,” she adds with a laugh, “ewan ko na lang.”

Bea is gifted with an amazing ability to give credence to characters much older than she is (turning 22 on Oct. 17, a Libran). What inspires her to do it?

“It’s the script. Our writer is so good that when he explains the role, you can’t help but fall in love with it so much that there’s no reason for you not to give it justice. All of my past roles were older than I. It’s only in And I Love You So that I’m playing a character within my age range. On the positive side, I learn a lot from playing characters much older than I. Mas lumalim ako as an actress because I am able to portray all kinds of emotions. You know, when you’re happy, hindi lang basta happy. May iba’t-ibang klaseng saya. Ganoon din pag malungkot ka.”

It helps that her latest movie is megged by Dyogi who also directed Bea in a few ABS-CBN soaps, including Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay, her first TV starrer.

“I started with direk Lauren. Technically, siya ang nagturo sa akin kung paano umarte. I’m comfortable with him,” adding, “but I was not comfortable in my love scenes (with Sam) because first time na ganoon ka-bongga.”

What do you expect from your leading man during love scenes?

“I take a good bath, I brush my teeth thoroughly and gargle mouthwash. I expect my leading man to do the same. Sam is gentleman enough to do that.”

How did you get the kind of body that you have now?

“For almost one month, I ate nothing but boiled eggs and nilagang saba everytime I got hungry. Only egg whites, without the red part which is full of cholesterol. But sometimes, including the red part. I’m young so I can afford it.”

Are you able to take three square meals a day?

“Hmmmm...Not always. But now that I have my (desired) weight, I can eat more. The only problem is that I have gotten used to my boiled-eggs/nilagang-saba diet kaya ‘yon at ‘yon pa rin ang gusto kong kinakain. But I can eat whatever I want basta low-carb lang.”

What’s your weight now?

“Ayokong sabihin! Secret!”

Your height?

“5’8”.”

What about your vital statistics?

“Ay, nahihiya akong sabihin. Secret na lang! Basta, ang shirt ko small-size na; dati, medium or large. My top kasi is small and I’m bottom-heavy. Malaki ang balakang ko.”

Does your balakang (hips) need improvement?

“I think so. I think I got it from my father who is Brit. Di ba mga Brit malalaki ang balakang? I have to work on it.”

Oh, you have time to work out?

“Now, none. But I hope to resume working out now that I’m done with the shoot of this movie. Ako kasi, I’m basically mahinhin, although not so much now. I’m not the sporty type.”

What part of your body is most vulnerable?

“I’m not sure what part but I have a problem with balance. I have small feet kasi. With my height, I should be size-nine shoes but I’m wearing only size-seven shoes. Lampa kaya ako! Madali akong madulas at madapa. I’m like my mom. She also has small feet.”

And what part of your body is your favorite?

“Puwet ko; my butt. Maganda siya! I don’t think many people are gifted with a nice butt. Hehehehe!”

What part of a guy’s body do you first look at?

“The eyes. Mahilig ako sa magandang mata.”

Like that of other stars, your schedule is tight. How much sleep do you get per night?

“I’m happy with six hours.”

What’s the last thing that you do before you go to sleep?

“I wash my face, para hindi ako magka-pimples. I use a toner for my face. That’s it. Hindi naman ako masyadong maarte.”

And the first thing that you do when you wake up?

“I go to the bathroom, check my face in the mirror, brush my teeth and wash my face.”

Favorite sleep wear?

“Loose, comfortable dresses like the ones I use sa taping. Iniuuwi ko ang mga ‘yon. Pantulog ko.”

Do you snore?

“I wouldn’t know. When I’m asleep, hindi ko naririnig ang sarili ko na naghihilik. Hehehehe!”

Do you talk in your sleep?

“Hindi ko rin naririnig. Hehehehe! Teka, my mom said that I do talk in my sleep kapag pagod na pagod ako.”

Do you sleepwalk?

“When I was small, yes I did. Stress-related daw ‘yon.”

You are flawless. How do you take care of your skin?

“Aside from toner, I use moisturizer, lotion, and just soap and water. Once a month, I go to the spa for a scrub and a massage.”

Most women are afraid of the sun. Are you?

“No, I’m not. In fact, I love the sun. I want nga my skin to be a bit darker. Ayoko ng maputing-maputi. Gusto ko healthy-looking lang.”

How do you cope with stress?

“I practise yoga. I bond with my friends who are not from showbiz to keep me grounded...para ma-remind ako who I was before I joined showbiz.”

How do you manage your time?

“I see to it that it’s not all work. I try to find time to relax. Now that I’m not so busy, nakakapag-spa ako and I have more time for my family and friends. Maluwag ang schedule ko ngayon. I don’t have a TV show. After And I Love You So, I’m doing another movie again with Lloydie (John Lloyd Cruz), for release next year.”

Favorite hideaway?

“Beach.”

Favorite city?

“Remember the last time we had an interview? I told you na gusto ko makarating ng New York. I’ve been there na, finally! I also like Barcelona. I’ve been there na rin.”

How’s your love life?

“Wala pa rin!”

I can’t believe it! Are you too pihikan (choosy)?

“Not really. Hindi lang binibigay ni God.”

What are you looking for ba in a guy?

“No specific qualities. I will know it when I meet the right guy. Kaya lang, hindi pa ako nakakaramdam ulit ng kilig?”

Ulit? What do you mean?

“Di ba kami noon ni Mico (Palanca)? Siya ang ex ko, di ba? Noon pa ‘yon.”

Name three women you think have nice bodies.

“Angelina Jolie. Sana katulad ng sa kanya ang katawan ko. Megan Fox. And Jessica Alba. Ganda ng bone structure niya.”

And three men...

“Body lang?” (Pause and laughs) “Feeling ni Sam babanggitin ko ang name niya.” (Turns out Bea and co-stars were dubbing for And I Love You So during the phone “body talk.”) “O, sige na nga...Sam Milby. Ay naku, dalawa na lang ang pipiliin ko; sinayang ko na ‘yung first. Hehehehe! There’s also Brad Pitt in Fight Club. And, of course, Derek Ramsay.”

Using only body language, how would you make a guy know that you admire him?
”I simply look at him. If he looks back, I smile at him and make beautiful eyes. I’m sure he can get the message na.”

(UPDATE 2) Anne Curtis released from hospital

MANILA – Anne Curtis, who suffered minor injuries after figuring in a car accident, has been discharged from a hospital. Reports said the young actress is now resting at her home after leaving the still undisclosed facility. Curtis opted to skip her scheduled X-ray examination and went straight home in order to rest, reports added. Curtis was reportedly grateful to all those who came to her aid, some of whom were her friends from show business.

"The Wedding" artist, who was driving a Porsche Cayenne, hit an L-300 delivery van on the corner of Congressional and Mindanao Avenues in Quezon City around 2:30 a.m. Monday.

Aquino Marcelino, the van's driver, said the actress possibly fell asleep while at the wheel. Some of the actress' celebrity friends, including former boyfriend, Sam Milby, actor Jericho Rosales and singer Christian Bautista, reportedly rushed to the scene to help her.

Angel, Mother Lily make peace

Angel, Mother Lily make peace

MANILA - ABS-CBN contract star Angel Locsin can finally heave a sigh of relief now that things have smoothed over between her and Regal Films matriarch Lily Monteverde. This came after reports surfaced alleging that Monteverde got angry with Locsin when she turned down a film role on "Mano Po 6: My Mother" with Megastar Sharon Cuneta. "Nakakagaan sa loob. Kasi na-bother talaga ako ng nabalitaan ko 'yon nga daw nagalit daw si Mother. Siyempre kay Mother din ako nagsimula at walang pinakitang di maganda sa akin si Mother, kaya na-bother talaga ako," Locsin said. She said that if given a choice, she will definitely do the film. However, she has an exclusive contract with Star Cinema. "Kaya [ganun] dahil sa sitwasyon. Unang una, sa commitments ko. Pangalawa, exclusive ako sa Star Cinema. Medyo hindi tayo magkakaroon ng chance na gawin yon," Locsin said. Locsin, who said she was happy that things were fine with the seasoned producer, added that she is planning to find time to talk to Monteverde. Meanwhile, in a recent interview, Monteverde clarified that she has no-ill feelings against Locsin. She said she was just disappointed that Locsin was unable to be part of the movie. "Hindi naman ako galit. I just want to explain the things that happened. Ang sinasabi ko, hindi naman 'yong availability but yong previous commitments. Ako naman, anak ko si Angel, wala sa akin 'yon. I don't want to be misunderstood, I just want to explain and share my sentiments," she added. According to Monteverde, Locsin, a former exclusive star of GMA-7 still had a contract with Regal Films to do three more movies but the actress' decision to move to ABS-CBN last July 2007 overlooked the film contract.

KC: No truth to sex video rumor

KC: No truth to sex video rumor

MANILA - Young actress KC Concepcion has finally broken her silence on the issue linking her to the sex video scandal. The star of the upcoming “Lovers in Paris” disputed speculations that she also has a sex video with Dr. Hayden Kho and that her mom, Megastar Sharon Cuneta, purportedly paid P20 million to make sure that it would not spread on the Internet. "Kung ano ang sinabi ni mom iyon ang totoo. Kung may statement din si dad (Sen. Francis Pangilinan) iyon na. Namatay na din iyon (sex video issue) and honestly there's nothing I can say right now," she told "SNN: Showbiz News Ngayon." Cuneta already debunked the rumors last week. "Kung totoo 'yon ay hindi ako makakaharap sa inyo (press) kasi I cannot lie. Wala talaga, there's no truth talaga.” Cuneta added: "Sabi parang binayaran ko, sabi ko 'ipakulong ko kaya muna siya bago ako maglabas ng 20 million.'" Talk is rife that Concepcion was unknowingly being videotaped by Kho while the two were having sex just like in the case of actresses Katrina Halili and Maricar Reyes. Concepcion was not the only celebrity whose name was dragged into the controversy. Earlier, Bea Alonzo laughed off a rumor linking her to Kho’s sex videos. Alonzo maintained that she was never introduced to the cosmetic surgeon.

Angelina Jolie tops Forbes celebrity 'power list'

NEW YORK (AFP) – Superstar actress and humanitarian advocate Angelina Jolie has unseated talkshow diva Oprah Winfrey as the world's most powerful celebrity in a new survey published by Forbes magazine Wednesday.

The top ranking is based on income over the past 12 months as well as web references, press clippings, broadcast mentions and major magazine covers devoted to the celebrity, Forbes said.

Oscar winner Jolie, 33, one half of the Hollywood golden couple dubbed "Brangelina" with Brad Pitt, earned 27 million dollars between June 2008 and June 2009.

Her earnings and "famous face," Forbes said, were enough to dethrone media maven Winfrey, who earned 275 million dollars.

Jolie, who came in third last year, is known for balancing her movie career and work as a goodwill ambassador for the UN refugee agency with her ever-growing six-child family with Pitt.

In third place was pop legend Madonna -- absent from last year's top ten -- whose tabloid antics and hit world tour "Hard Candy" boosted her profile and earned her 110 million dollar, the magazine said.

In fourth place was singer and actress Beyonce Knowles with earnings of 87 million dollars, who was lauded by Forbes for her "multi-platform empire."

The top male power-player Tiger Woods came in fifth with 110 million dollars in earnings. Despite a year beset by injury, the star golfer remained the world's highest paid athlete.

A lucrative touring schedule was enough to catapult rock legend Bruce Springsteen to the sixth spot with 70 million dollars in earnings, and bump director Steven Spielberg to seventh, whose work on the Indiana Jones sequel earned him 150 million dollars.

Actress Jennifer Aniston took the next spot, a cut above her former husband Pitt, with movie hits and tabloid splashes earning her the eighth spot.

With earnings of 28 million dollar, Pitt came in at ninth with his headline-making family life with partner Jolie and a blockbuster turn in "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button."

Rounding out the top ten was basketball wizard Kobe Bryant, whose first appearance in the upper echelons of celebrity power came thanks to big-bucks endorsement deals after the Beijing Olympics.

Anthemic, soul-searching band Coldplay were the most powerful Brits on the list this year with a debut at the 15th spot, following a sold-out world tour and a smash hit album, "Viva la Vida."

Also debuting, at number 49, was Barack Obama -- the first head of state to hit the Forbes's Celebrity 100.

With his historic election to the US presidency in November 2008, the former Illinois senator and bestselling author became "the most famous person in the world," Forbes said.

Richard Gutierrez hurt in car accident

MANILA, Philippines -- One died in a car accident involving actor Richard Gutierrez, his personal assistant and his bodyguard in Cavite this morning. Gutierrez, who came from a shooting stint, bumped his sports car into a lamp post after missing a semi curve in Tagaytay City. With him are Norman Pardo, his personal assistant, and George Mustura, his bodyguard. Pardo was declared dead on arrival at the Adventist University Hospital, while Mustura sustained serious injuries and is still being treated at the Tagaytay Medical Center. Gutierrez, who was also rushed to the Tagaytay Medical Center, was transferred to the Asian Hospital in Alabang and is now in stable condition.

It has been a fantastic ride for Ciara

Like Madonna, one of her role models, Ciara (pronounced Sierra) prefers to be known without a surname. Her full name is Ciara Princess Harris, born in Austin, Texas, on Oct. 25, 1985; the only child of Carlton and Jackie Harris. She grew up on army bases in Germany, New York, Utah, California, Arizona and Nevada.

A multi-tasker, she’s a singer, songwriter, entertainer, record producer, dancer, fashion model, music video director, actress and fashion designer all rolled into one.

“I’m an achiever,” she confessed during a 20-minute exclusive phone interview with Funfare (she was calling from Atlanta, USA). “I enjoy doing so many things at the same time.”

The interview was arranged by Sony BMG Music Entertainment which released her debut album, Goodies, and sophomore album, Ciara: The Evolution. Her third album, Fantasy Ride, to be released anytime now simultaneously in the US and the Philippines, includes a duet with Justin Timberlake, titled Love Sex Magic.

Excerpts:

Why aren’t you using your surname?

“Well, I like the way Ciara sounds as opposed to Ciara Princess Harris. It sounds better, doesn’t it?”

You are a singer, songwriter, entertainer, record producer, dancer, fashion model, music video director, actress and a fashion designer. How do you find time for all of them?

“If you set your mind to it, you can do a lot of things all at the same time. I am the type who wants to do so many things, to create so many goals, and I work hard to achieve them. I enjoy doing it.”

As a child, didn’t you want to be something else?

“I love to dance ever since I was a kid, so I knew that I would be a dancer. I also like to sing, so I knew that I would be a singer, even if I was sad about my singing.”

Sad? Why?

“I don’t know. Maybe I wasn’t satisfied with it when I was younger. I was aggressive even when I was young; I wanted to try everything. I wanted to be a model, too, and even then I was fond of clothes and make-up. Finally, I got to an age where I understood what I really wanted to do and that is to be a singer.”

You have such a beautiful body. How do you maintain it?

“Well, I’m strict with my diet; I don’t eat too much sweets and desserts. But I don’t deprive myself, so every now and then I eat ice-cream and French fries. But since I’m hyper-active, my metabolism works real fast. I work out for an hour six days a week.”

How do you pamper yourself?

“I get a manicure and a pedicure. I have my hair done...that’s always fun. I go to the spa.”

How have you evolved since 2004 when you released your debut album, Goodies?

“As an artist, I’ve been trying a lot of things. I’m becoming more comfortable with myself as a woman, which is really cool.”

Has your life, to quote the title of your third album, really been a “fantasy ride” this past few years?

“Definitely! It has been a real fantasy ride and I hope it doesn’t stop. I’m enjoying it! It has been a wonderful journey, with something new coming up every year. It’s even more fun because I’m trying to understand my environment a little bit more, you know.”

You recorded Love Sex Magic with Justin Timberlake for your Fantasy Ride album. How was the experience?

“Oh, I had fun! We had fun. Justin is very sweet, very down-to-earth. A beautiful guy, definitely.”

You are an only child. What was your childhood like?

“When I was small, I wanted to have a brother or a sister. But when I got older, I got used to not having any. I have gotten used to being an only child but it took time.”

You grew up in army bases in Germany, New York, Utah, California, Arizona and Nevada. How was the experience different from that of any typical child?

“The only difference was that I traveled a lot. I wasn’t at home as other children were most of the time. Our family kept on moving from one place to another. I experienced different cultures.”

What was the best thing that you learned from these places?

“Oh, I learned that people are different only because they live in different places and have different cultures, but everybody is basically the same. It was a very good experience, very awesome, and it helped make embracing people of different cultures so much easier. I recommend traveling to everybody.”

According to your bio-data, watching Destiny’s Child in a TV program inspired you to pursue a career in music. Who are your other musical influences?

“Oh, there’s Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson and Madonna. They are my inspiration.”

Jomari: It isn't about money!

I got a call from Jomari Yllana yesterday afternoon. He was reacting to Funfare’s banner story that he and Pops Fernandez have broken up not because of a third party but, according to somebody close to them, about money.

“It’s not really about money,” clarified Jomari. “Let’s just say that Pops and I have...how do you call it?...yes, irreconcilable differences. Maraming dahilan and money is not one of them.”

Pressed about the “money issue,” Jomari said, “Wala akong problema sa pera,” carefully choosing his words, adding, “Ayoko kasi makasakit, eh.”

Reports of the break-up surfaced only three weeks after Pops and her ex-husband Martin Nievera topbilled a successful reunion concert titled Missing You at the Big Dome, produced by Jomari under the Fearless Productions he and his friends, Singson brothers Ronald and Ryan, have put up.

“It was our (his and Pops) first project together and we achieved what we wanted, even more than what we expected.”

Jomari admitted that he and Pops haven’t been talking to each other for two weeks now.

“We broke up nicely,” said Jomari. “Naghiwalay kami ng maayos. No fights, no third party, nothing. After we decided to break up, we even talked for a while, pero wala na talaga, eh.”

And to think that, if you believe “reliable sources,” they were already talking about getting married since Jomari has become close to Pops (and Martin’s) sons Ram and Robin. So comfortable have they become with one another in their almost two-year relationship that, Jomari admitted, “I would sleep over at her place.” And did Pops also, ehem, sleep over at his bachelor’s pad (in Parañaque City)? Jomari was mum. They never lived together.

“Actually, we never talked about marriage,” added Jomari whose first marriage (to Quezon City Councilor Aiko Melendez with whom he has a son) was annulled. “We have both come from broken marriages at pareho kaming may trauma.”

Single again, Jomari said that he will concentrate on Fearless Productions whose next projects are the concerts of American Idol champion David Cook and AI finalist David Archuleta sometime in May and Britney Spears maybe in September.

QC court junks case vs Gabby Concepcion

MANILA, Philippines - The Quezon City Regional Trial Court has junked the P2.8-million damage suit filed by an entertainment columnist against actor Gabby Concepcion after the two had settled amicably.

Branch 96 Presiding Judge Afable Cajigal dismissed the case after granting the joint motion to dismiss filed by Concepcion and showbiz writer Jobert Sucaldito last September 22, 2008. In their motion, the two informed the court that they have already come to an amicable settlement.

In his order, Cajigal ruled that the joint motion to dismiss was valid and legal since the nature of an amicable settlement was not illegal and not contrary to law.

“An amicable settlement between parties is not only allowed by the court but is likewise encouraged to by the courts. To deny the amicable settlement will defeat the purpose of the law as well as the right of the parties to a speedy disposition of the case. As correctly pointed out by the movants, Concepcion is a mere necessary party,” Cajigal's ruling read.

Sucaldito’s case against talent manager Rose Flaminiano however would continue.

Sucaldito filed the damage suit against Concepcion and Flaminiano after they allegedly reneged on their agreement wherein the actor would endorse a whitening product for a fee of P2.5 million and two units of 56-inch plasma television.

Instead, the two entered a contract for Concepcion to endorse another whitening product for P5 million.

In her comment and rejoinder, Flaminiano said the joint motion to dismiss is not only highly improper but a flagrant violation of the provisions of Section 7 Rule 3 of the Rules of Court.

Flaminiano said that Sucaldito and Concepcion cannot just agree to a settlement and ask the court to dismiss the complaint against Conception while letting the case against her proceed.

My Idol KC Conception and HEr DAD

look at them? parang pinagbiyak na bunga,. right? shes really pretty my gosh!!!!!

Pacman's 2008 win TOp sports Story of the Year!

one of the famous name all over the world and one person who brings fame for all of us Filipinos... KUDOS to Manny PAcman PAcquiao