Is your child the next web sensation?

MANILA, Philippines – A leading mobile phone manufacturer has launched a video contest for children who has got what it takes to be the country’s next web sensation.

With Sony Ericsson’s Wonder Kidz, children can show off their talents in singing, dancing, playing sports, making art, or just being funny or fascinating.

Parents can capture their children’s amazing act on camera and upload the 30- to 60-second videos on the new Sony Ericsson Philippines Facebook page.

Each entry must be labeled with Vivaz Wonder Kidz and a video title. Contestants must provide a brief description of the video, along with the contestant’s full name, e-mail and contact numbers.

Contestants are encouraged to promote their videos through their various social networks to become the “most liked.”

The top 10 “most liked” entries will qualify as finalists for judging by a celebrity panel of judges.

The winning entry will receive the new Sony Ericsson Vivaz with HD video and a cash prize worth P50,000.

Entries will be accepted until August 31, 2010.

HD handsets

Vivaz and Vivaz Pro handsets offer touch video capture in HD quality. Vivaz comes with an 8.1-megapixel camera with continuous auto focus for video, 4x digital zoom, touch capture, video light, geo tagging and image stabilizer.

Meantime, Vivaz pro, with its full slide-out QWERTY keyboard, also features HD quality image and video capture through its 5.1-megapixel camera.

Both handsets offer WiFi capability, Facebook and Twitter applications, FM radio, 3D games and impressive music and media players.

Past videos are also allowed as long as the child is still 7 years of age at the time of the contest.

FIFA Flag Bearer

Wonder Kidz comes on the heels of the successful Sony Ericsson Search for the FIFA Flag Bearer, a video contest that brought the Philippines’ first flag bearer to the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa.

Twelve-year-old Megan Lo of Pangasinan carried the FIFA flag with children from across Asia in the England vs. Algeria match.

Visit the Sony Ericsson PH Facebook page for the Wonder Kidz contest’s full mechanics.

Sports foremost on Filipinos' Google search

MANILA, Philippines - Three different sports--tennis, football, and basketball--have been on Filipinos' minds this week as the three made it to the fastest rising news for the week of July 2 to 8, according to Google Zeitgeist.

Topmost is the recently concluded 2010 Wimbledon tennis tournament which was won by Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams in the men's and women's categories, respectively.

The World Cup also generated interest as the heat is on for the final match between Netherlands and Spain on Sunday, July 11.

And of course, basketball won't be left out as LeBron James, a free agent this summer, is being wooed by both the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Chicago Bulls to join their team. Derek Fisher, another free agent this summer, is negotiating with the Los Angeles Lakers for the next season.

In local news, the buzz about actor Leonardo DiCaprio's visit to Legazpi City in the Bicol region for an environmental promotion got many people excited on the web.

The discovery of President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III and his Cabinet of several irregularities left by the Arroyo administration, such as midnight deals, also registered as one of the fastest rising news for the week.

Newsmakers

Meanwhile, the fastest rising newsmakers list for the same period is headed by President Aquino who was sworn into office on June 30 at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila.

Boxing icon Manny Pacquiao is also on the list as options for a fight with Juan Manuel Marquez continue to surface.

James Yap, basketball star and husband of presidential sister and TV personality Kris Aquino, figured on the list too as he revealed his plan to save his marriage with Kris.

Vice President Jejomar Binay also became a fast rising newsmaker when he asked for an official office and residence.

Here's the complete list of the fastest-rising news for July 2 to 8:

1. Wimbledon
2. World Cup
3. NBA basketball star LeBron James
4. NBA Lakers - Derek Fisher
5. Legazpi City
6. Google – Google paid tribute to artist Frida Kahlo’s 103rd birthday by displaying a Google doodle of the artist’s 1940 self-portrait on their home page.
7. "Eclipse," the third installation of the "Twilight" saga
8. Aquino cabinet
9. World Wrestling Entertainment
10. Airbender

The fastest rising newsmakers for July 2 to 8 are:

1. Aquino III
2. Pacquiao
3. LeBron James
4. Michael Jackson
5. James Yap
6. Christina Aguilera
7. Rafael Nadal
8. Jejomar Binay
9. Venus Williams
10. Roger Federer

Charice's rendition of national anthem hailed

MANILA, Philippines - International young singer Charice got thumbs up from singers Ogie Alcasid and Regine Velasquez for singing the National Anthem the right way at the inauguration of President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III.

“Charice’s version of the Philippine National Anthem was very nice. It was the original tempo,” said Velasquez as she and Alcasid were being escorted by marshals to the tent behind the makeshift stage at Quezon Memorial Circle, site of the inaugural street party of the new President, last Wednesday night.

“Okay ang pagkanta ni Charice ng Pambansang Awit,” added Alcasid, who co-wrote Noynoy’s inaugural song “Bagong Pilipinas” with progressive artist Noel Cabangon.

The National Historical Commission reportedly also gave a raving review to Pempengco’s rendition and for adhering to its lawful interpretation under the masterful guidance of Ryan Cayabyab.

Spirits high

Alcasid and Velasquez had a "marathon" concert Wednesday which began in the morning as they performed during the inauguration of Aquino at the Quirino Grandstand.

At dusk, the couple headed to the Quezon Memorial Circle to participate in the “Panalo sa Pagbabago” victory show organized by Aquino supporters.

Gary Valenciano, too, didn't show signs of fatigue as he sang for Aquino's inauguration and later shuttled to the Quezon City park.

Even the impending rain didn’t dampen their spirits and enthusiasm to participate in the new administration's pursuit of change.

The audience, who numbered in the thousands, didn’t mind the drizzle as they watched Gary V strut his stuff.

If the figures were an indication, Valenciano, in his call for reform through his songs, had cut across all sectors of society.

They all shouted for joy at Gary’s medley of pop and inspirational songs.

Coming as far as Laguna and Batangas in the south and Bulacan and Nueva Ecija in the north, people of all ages trooped to the venue to witness a well-meaning gig tagged as a street party in the history of a nation.

As one bystander observed, “all walks of life talaga ang mga tao dito sa Quezon Memorial Circle.”

It seemed the festive mood was a symbol of Filipinos’ emancipation from bondage and tyranny.

Stars from rival networks

Kris Aquino with sons Joshua and Baby James in tow came with sisters Ballsy and Viel. The sisters sat in front of the stage and braved the rain.

“Wow, kahit si Ms. Kris Aquino, kapiling ninyo sa gitna ng ulan,” announced Vhong Navarro which drew applause and cheers from spectators.

Mariel Rodriguez, in her opening spiel, said she was seeking the approval of Kris to have her photograph taken with Kris's brother P. Noy. Kris readily gave her approval.

It was a fiesta-like event with Zsa Zsa Padilla, Pokwang, Jovit Baldivino, Pooh, Kim Chiu, Rayver Cruz and many other stars providing entertainment.

It was also a time for the coming together of both Kapuso and Kapamilya celebrities who sang side by side. Jay-R, Nina, Jed Madela and Kyla took to the stage to represent “ASAP” and “Party Pilipinas” in the show.

Before the main concert, bands dished out songs to the delight of the young people in the crowd.

One of the most anticipated numbers in the concert was the solo number of P. Noy. Many stayed around for his arrival and performance on stage.

Earlier, spokesperson Jing Magsaysay refused to reveal what the President would sing.

Later on, one of the senior production staff of the show said P. Noy would sing “Got to Believe in Magic,” a song popularized by David Pomeranz.

In the end, however, P. Noy sang “Watch What Happens” by Michel Legrand.

As the public demanded another song, P. Noy called on other singers and he sang with them Freddie Aguilar's “Estudyante Blues”.

According to reports, P. Noy changed his mind about performing a number but had to sing just the same for the people.

Paris Hilton questioned by police after Cup match

PORT ELIZABETH, South Africa – Hollywood socialite Paris Hilton was arrested after a World Cup match in South Africa on Friday but subsequently released without charge.

"Paris Hilton was questioned today by police in South Africa on allegations of smoking marijuana," a publicist for Hilton said. "However I can confirm that the incident was a complete misunderstanding ... The case has been dropped against Paris and no charges will be made."

Hilton was arrested after the Brazil-Netherlands World Cup quarter-final game. She arrived at a special court hearing in the South African city of Port Elizabeth looking tense and wearing a beige cardigan, boots and green trousers.

A prosecutor subsequently said that she was free to go. "The charges against her were dropped," he told the court.

The celebrity heiress arrived in South Africa on Thursday, according to her posts on Twitter.

Hilton, 29, the great-granddaughter of Hilton hotels founder Conrad Hilton, made world headlines in June 2007, when she was spent three weeks in a Los Angeles jail for violating her probation in an earlier reckless driving charge.

The wafer-thin blonde, who has worked as a model, singer, actress, fashion designer, reality TV star, has since adopted a lower public profile.

However she remains a staple on red carpets around the world for movie premieres, night-club openings, and as a celebrity endorser of products ranging from wine to clothing.

Lady Gaga heads for 10 million Facebook fan record

LOS ANGELES – Glam pop singer Lady Gaga is on the brink of becoming the first living person to have 10 million fans on a single social networking site, having already overtaken US President Barack Obama on Facebook, a British group that measures online popularity said on Friday.

Famecount.com said Lady Gaga is already the most popular living musician online, according to her following on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

On Friday, the provocative "Bad Romance" and "Paparazzi" singer had more than 9.9 million Facebook fans and 4.7 million Twitter followers.

The 24 year-old performer, who released her first album two years ago, overtook Obama last week. The US president has 9.4 million Facebook fans and 4.4 million Twitter followers.

"Any moment, Lady Gaga is set to become the first living person to achieve 10m (million) fans on Facebook or, indeed, on any single social network," Famecount.com said on its website.

But Lady Gaga faces some stiff competition before she achieves total dominance of the social networking world.

The late Michael Jackson has some 14 million Facebook fans, but the winner by a long margin is the online game "Texas Hold'em Poker" which has more than 20 million.

Famecount.com, based in southern England, aggregates online popularity worldwide across multiple social media channels.

Lady Gaga made her debut on the Forbes magazine 2010 Celebrity 100 power list for the first time this week, entering in 4th place with estimated earnings over the past 12 months of $62 million.

UST artists use paintings to convey messages to Aquino gov't

MANILA, Philippines - Seven artists from the University of Santo Tomas use paintings to convey their messages to the incoming administration.

The exhibit "Pitong Salita: Paalala sa Bagong Administrasyon" will be on view at ArtisCorpus Gallery, the inner room of Sining Kamalig at the fourth level of Gateway Mall in Cubao, Quezon City.

Jay Jamoralin PITO: ang pag-aklas (Whistle: Uprising) 2010 48 in x 60 in Oil on canvas

The 7 artists participating are: Dominique Alfonso, Darylle Cajucom, Kevin Fernandez, Luis Hernandez, Jay Jamoralin, JR Urao, and Michael Zacarias.

JR Urao Mr. Self-Righteous 2010 36 in x 36 in Oil on canvas

Darylle Cajucom Katutubo (Primeval) [diptych] 2010 48 in by 12 in (per panel) Oil on canvas

The show will run until June 30.

Kamasutra condom model found dead

MANILA, Philippines - Supermodel and former beauty queen Viveka Babajee was found dead inside her apartment in Mumbai, India in an apparent suicide.

Babajee, a former Ms. Mauritius, was found hanging from a rope.

Reports said Babajee had an argument with her fiancé prior to the incident.

Babajee became controversial in the Philippines back in 1994 after she announced the name of Ruffa Gutierrez as the Best Actress in the Manila Film Festival instead of Aiko Melendez.

Babajee had just represented Ms. Mauritius in the Ms. World beauty pageant in Manila and was one of the announcers in the film festival. She left the Philippines after the scam.

Gutierrez eventually returned the Best Actress award.

In response to Babajee's death, Gutierrez tweeted, "R.I.P. Miss Viveka Babajee Miss Mauritius-World 1993, Bollywood Actress. You will be greatly missed! :( :( :("

Depressed

The news website, www.oneindia.in, citing police sources, said the 37-year-old Babajee "committed suicide by hanging herself from a ceiling fan at her residence."

"Neighbours rang the door bell, when they smelt of gas leakage from Viveka's house. But they didn't get any response, which made them to alert police," the website said. "Her family sources say that she was depressed after breaking up with her boyfriend, but the police have not recovered any suicide note from the house."

Oneindia.in also said Babajee has appeared "in numerous ads including Kamasutra condoms and Live In Jeans."

"She has also acted in a couple of Bollywood films including Yeh Kaisi Mohabbat. She shifted her base to Mumbai in mid- nineties from Mauritius for modeling career and she was staying alone after her bitter breakup with her boyfriend," the news website said.

Supermodel

Quoting a fashion designer Rohit Verma, The Times of India news website said Babajee "was supposed to take part in his fashion show next month and he was shocked to hear the news of her death."

It said Viveka was "declared a supermodel in 1994 and was one of the most-sought after faces nationally and internationally in the fashion world."

According to the The Telegraph India news website, "Viveka, a former Miss World contestant, had appeared in Kamasutra, Coca-Cola and Live In Jeans ads. She had also acted in a film called Yeh Kaisi Mohabbat, co-starring Sharad Kapoor and Deepak Tijori. The film bombed at the box office."

It said that "Viveka was born and brought up in Mauritius. She was crowned Miss Mauritius in 1993."

Discovery Suites to give away vacation packages

MANILA, Philippines - Discovery Suites, a hotel and serviced residences in Ortigas Center, is giving away vacation packages and other luxury prizes to customers in a yearlong raffle promo to celebrate its 10th anniversary.

Dubbed "Perfect 10", the raffle promotion is open to local residents who book suites, or dine in any of the hotel's restaurants from May 10, 2010 to February 13, 2011. Guests need to book a suite at the qualifying room rate or meet the minimum food bill requirement to get a raffle coupon.

Ten monthly draws will be held from June 2010 to February 2011.

Among the prizes to be won are hotel stay packages at Discovery hotels (Discovery Suites, Discovery Country Suites Tagaytay and Discovery Shores Boracay).

Discovery Shores Boracay. Credit: Discovery Suites

Also up for grabs are spa treatments at Terra Wellness Spa, couture outfits by designer Puey Quiñones, beauty products from Clarins, dinner at restaurants such as 22 Prime, Chelsea, MoMo, and M Cafe, table centerpieces from Candle Exchange, gift certificates from Franck Provost salon, and Discovery Lifestyle Memberships.

The grand prize is a 10-day Alaskan cruise for two from Princess Cruises.

'Toy Story 3' sets worldwide box office abuzz

LOS ANGELES – Welcome back, Woody and Buzz.

After a decade-plus absence from theaters, the animated heroes of "Toy Story 3" sold $153.8 million worth of tickets during their opening weekend at the worldwide box office, according to estimates issued on Sunday by distributor Walt Disney Co.

Moviegoers in the United States and Canada accounted for $109 million, a new opening record for a film produced by Disney's Pixar Animation unit. The old mark of $70.5 million was set by "The Incredibles" in May 2004.

Only two other cartoons have opened to more than $100 million -- "Shrek the Third" with $122 million in 2007, and "Shrek 2" with $108 million in 2004.

Pundits had forecast a $100 million-plus opening for the film, which was universally acclaimed by critics and marks the debut appearance of Mattel Inc's Barbie and Ken.

Pixar's perfect record of 11 No. 1 movies also remains intact, as expected. "Nobody's had that kind of success," said Chuck Viane, president of Disney's theatrical distribution arm. "Everything about this movie just oozes success."

Woody the cowboy (voiced by Tom Hanks), Buzz Lightyear the space ranger (Tim Allen) and their pals in the toy chest starred in Pixar's debut release, "Toy Story," in 1995. The film inaugurated the era of computer-generated animation. They returned in November 1999 with a sequel that opened to $57.3 million in North America.

Ticket prices have risen since then, and "Toy Story 3" received an extra boost from premium pricing for 3D screenings, which accounted for about 60 percent of sales, Disney said.

Possible June record

If Disney's estimate holds when final data are issued Monday, "Toy Story 3" will rank as the biggest June opener in North America, breaking the record of $108.97 held by last year's "Transformers" sequel.

While "Toy Story 3" was a preordained hit, the film did have to contend with a soft marketplace. Business was weak in May, the start of the lucrative summer moviegoing season, with movies such as "Sex and the City 2" and "Shrek Forever After" underperforming their predecessors.

Sales picked up last weekend when Sony Corp's "Karate Kid" smashed forecasts with a $56 million debut. The remake slipped to No. 2 with $29 million, taking its 10-day total to $106.3 million.

The international "Toy Story 3" total of $44.8 million included a combined $20 million from Mexico, Brazil and Argentina, despite intense interest there in the World Cup soccer tournament. China kicked in $9.5 million, setting a new record for a cartoon, Disney said.

Also new at the North American box office was the comic-book adaptation "Jonah Hex," which is an early contender for biggest flop of the year.

The movie, starring Josh Brolin as a Western bounty hunter, earned just $5.1 million during its first three days, tying at No. 7 with Lionsgate Entertainment Corp's unit. He said the writing was on the wall about eight months ago when research screenings forced the studio to conduct re-shoots.

In its second weekend, "The A-Team" slipped to No. 3 with $13.8 million, taking the total for the slow-starting action-adventure to $50 million. The Russell Brand comedy "Get Him to the Greek" held at No. 4 with $6.1 million, for a three-week haul of $48 million. "Shrek Forever After" fell to No. 5 with $5.5 million, taking a big hit from "Toy Story 3." Its five-week total stands at $223 million.

"The A-Team" was released by News Corp's 20th Century Fox. "Get Him to the Greek" was released by General Electric Co's Universal Pictures. The DreamWorks Animation SKG Inc-produced "Shrek Forever After" was released by Viacom Inc's Paramount Pictures.

ohn Lloyd Cruz finally admits relationship with Shaina Magdayao

MANILA, Philippines – After evading the issue for several months, John Lloyd Cruz has sat down with "The Buzz" host Boy Abunda to finally admit that Shaina Magdayao is his new girlfriend.

During his exclusive interview, the “You Changed My Life” lead star also confessed that he had a “very special relationship” with former beauty queen Ruffa Gutierrez, but he did not elaborate.

“Yes, it’s us,” Cruz briefly said when Abunda asked him to confirm rumors that he and Magdayao are now going steady.

The actor quickly clarified that, contrary to rumors, he was not the reason behind Magdayao and John Prats’ break-up.

According to him, at the height of the speculations, he and Prats had talked “man to man” about the issue. He said Prats merely brushed off the intrigue.

“Kasi ang nangyayari na noon parang naapektuhan na ‘yong reputation noong tao. She was being put in a bad light. Hindi naman ‘yon fair,” he said as he admitted that he initiated the conversation with Prats.

Cruz said Prats told him that he was okay and that he wanted to move on.

When asked, meanwhile, if his relationships with Gutierrez and Magdayao had “overlapped,” the actor answered in the negative.

“Nagkausap sila at nagkaayos na. So, tapos na,” he added.

He also categorically denied that he promised Pop Star Princess Sarah Geronimo that he would court her in 5 years. “That's not true. Hindi mo ‘yon pinapangako sa isang babae... Hindi mo naman alam kung anong puwedeng mangyari.... Alam niya at alam ko ang katotohan.”

He also took offense to claims that he was a “womanizer” and that he was a “bad influence.”

The box office king lamented that the more he refused to address those issues, the more people speculated and took advantage of his silence. He cited, in particular, all the negative and “baseless” write-ups about him.

He said he decided to “come out once and for all” because people who matter to him were also getting affected by the issues.

“Maraming tao na ang nadadamay. Maraming tao ang nasasaktan… Hindi na nakakatuwa,” he said.

At this point in his life, Cruz said he has nothing to complain about. He said he wished the same happiness to his detractors.