Jomari thrilled over new movie

MANILA, Philippines - Actor Jomari Yllana shared his excitement over his newest movie, "Ikaw ang Pag-Ibig", with theater actress Ina Feleo.

Yllana who's considered to be one of the great actors of his generation said the movie is close to his heart because it's connected to his family and his hometown.

"Isa itong pelikulang parang konektado sa pamilya ko kasi ang family ko is from here, taga-dito sa Bicol, konektado kay Our Lady of Peñafrancia," Yllana said.

The film had its successful special premiere in Naga and will be shown in theaters in February 2011.

According to Feleo," Ikaw ang Pag-Ibig" is the pre-Valentine offering of ABS-CBN's movie outfit Star Cinema and the Archdiocese of Naga.

"Please, please watch po," Feleo appealed.

Written and directed by Malou Diaz-Abaya, the movie also stars Marvin Agustin and Eddie Garcia.

"Ikaw ang Pag-Ibig" was originally titled "Peñafrancia" and was first offered to showbiz couple Ryan Agoncillo and Judy Ann Santos.

The movie celebrates the 300 years of Peñafrancia's arrival in Bicol.

200,000 tourists flock to Baguio for a cold Christmas

MANILA, Philippines - Baguio City is no longer just the summer capital of the Philippines as 200,000 tourists have made it their favorite destination this Christmas time.

The cold temperature in Baguio has been attracting many people to flock to the mountain resort city, and families have been seen going around wearing thick jackets.

It was 12.4 degrees Celsius in Baguio City last December 9, the coldest temperature this year. Weather forecasters expect colder days up ahead as the "hanging amihan" or cold breeze at this time becomes even stronger.

Visitors have also come for the parade of giant lanterns or parol, the "snow" show, and the dazzling twinkling Christmas lights along the city's main street, Session Road.

Burnham Park is one of the major tourist spots in Baguio.

Hotels and inns are fully booked, according to the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Baguio. They also said this year's tourist arrivals for Christmas surpassed expectations.

As a result, it's crowded in the city's tourist spots, as well as places such as the public market. Aside from the tourists, locals also flocked to the market to prepare for their Noche Buena with their families last night.

Tourism officials are happy over the increasing number of tourists in the city as this means the country's economy is improving. It may be recalled that the number of tourists in the past went down due to natural calamities that came one after the other, among them, typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng last year.

Baguio City police are on the alert especially in crowded areas, as petty crimes also abound when tourist arrivals are up. The police have issued a warning to the public to be extra careful these days.

A green Christmas wish list

MANILA, Philippines - Forget having a white Christmas, and you don’t have to be blue either. Christmas season is the best time to start going green.

Here are a few green Christmas gift ideas for last minute shoppers!

Sun jar, soy candle, and patchwork furniture

This week, on Mornings@ANC's "Going Green" segment, Diana Jacinto of Heima Storebrought two of the shop’s eco-best sellers: the sun jar and the soy wax candle.

Awarded the UK Eco-Friendly Gift of the Year in 2007, the sun jar is a solar powered lamp that uses sunlight to charge up. It has sensors to detect low light or darkness, which then triggers the lamp to light up.

The sun jar has 2 variants: single colored and multi-colored. Each sun jar costs P999.

The soy candle is another green gift idea. Because it is made of soy wax instead of the usual paraffin, the soy candle is softer and lasts 50% longer than the normal candle. This candle does not use petroleum.

The soy candle comes in many flavors: banana, nut bread, berry crumble and lemongrass.

Another Heima best seller is their line of “patchwork” furniture pieces. Using old, scrap and run-over cloths that are usually thrown out, simple furniture pieces get a sweet makeover.

Dy Jacinto of Heima said this is the store’s way of not only saving the environment, but saving “old products”.

Heima is a furniture store that carries lifestyle items like scents, candles, sun jars and lomo cameras. The store also sells artworks and pillows. The store collaborates with indie artists for artworks and events.

Organic soaps, food, and clothing

Bea Misa said the Ritual shop is a “solution” to environmental problems and climate change, that goes hand in hand with culture, food, traveling and local biodiversity.

The shop carries eco items used in everyday routines, such as organic soaps, organic and local food items and eco clothing and accessories.

The shop’s best seller is the lemongrass liquid soap. This special soap is a refined version of soaps used in farms and piggeries. It is a combination of different vegetable enzymes that are fermented over time. These enzymes kill and prevent the buildup of bad bacteria, while being 100% safe for the environment.

Another eco item is the stainless food container that comes in a hang bag printed by local artist Andre Salud. This abaca food bag costs P650.

Family baskets are also available. These are whole kits in twig baskets that could jump start your green year! Customers can choose 6 varieties of different organic local food produce for the gift basket. Some of the food items include organic muscovado sugar, sea salt, coffee and wild honey.

The shop, however, has one imported item from San Francisco, the 100% recycled paper that also uses 100% vegetable ink for the print.

Rob Crisostomo said aside from promoting and distributing organic and green products, the Ritual shop aims to eliminate plastic altogether.

The shop is proud to be a plastic-free general store that sells items in small quantities. Customers are also encouraged to bring their own jars and bags for the purchased items.

Christmas is not just a time to give gifts to friends and loved ones. Maybe it’s time to start thinking of little ways we can give back.... this time, to Mother Earth.

“We don’t need to do super big things all the time, but by simply consuming things that make connections with nature every day,” said Misa.

Vatican belen unveiled, features Filipino statues

MANILA, Philippines - At a solemn ceremony on Christmas Eve, a nativity scene or belen was unveiled in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican. Nine of the statues were dressed in Filipino garb, according to CBCP News, the news service of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).

The statues, which represent indigenous groups in the Philippines, were designed by Filipino sculptor Kublai Ponce-Millan.

"The attractive smiling figures dressed in colorful native attire and playing musical instruments, portray the joyful spirit of Philippine Christmas which is known as the 'longest and most festive celebration in the world'," said the report by CBCP News.

The report also said the Governorate of the Vatican City organized the event, which was watched by Pope Benedict XVI from a window in the papal apartments. Ecclesiastical Authorities of the Holy See were there, and so were civil officials from the Vatican and Rome.

The Filipino community was led by Philippine Ambassador to the Holy See Mercedes A. Tuazon, and Josephine Bantug.

Tuazon thanked the Vatican for giving the Philippines a special place in the center of the church's Christmas celebration this 2010. She also said the gesture was a special way to mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the Holy See.

The Karilagan Filipino Choir sang a Tagalog Christmas carol.

His Eminence Giovanni Cardinal Lajolo, President of the Governorate of the Vatican City, noted that the Philippines is the largest Christian country in Asia, and that Filipino Catholics have a dynamic faith.

Pope Benedict XVI lighted a candle for peace at 6 p.m. and blessed the crowd at the unveiling ceremony.

Holiday style tips from Promod

MANILA, Philippines - More and more people hold get-togethers and parties with relatives and friends as Christmas day nears -- a perfect time for people to show off their great sense of style.

There's still, of course, the challenge of not showing off too much skin, especially since the holiday season is characterized by cold weather and occasional rains.

After young Russian designer Kira Plastinina, French high street brand Promod gave 5 tips on how to up the style ante this Christmas.

It suggested ensembles that include lace, structured jackets, and killer boots so women can achieve a chic holiday look without catching a cold:

Style tip #1

Lace up those legs with ultra-soft and tres chic tights.

Pair them with the right ankle boots and top with a fashionable pullover for effortless Parisian flair.

Style tip #2

A gray pleated skirt with lace detail will work wonders if paired with a turtleneck and funky ankle boots.

Throw in a structured leather jacket and be ready to rock parties with this ensemble.

Style tip #3

Make heads turn with a beige lace dress paired either with knee-high boots or nude pumps.

Add a little edge to the ensemble with a camel leather jacket.

Style tip #4

A sophisticated coat will look extraordinary with gloves and a black lace skirt this cold season.

Style tip #5

A long-sleeved lace top paired with shorts, tights and knee-high boots will make you celebrate Christmas in true French fashion.

Promod is located at Greenbelt 5, TriNoma, The Atrium in SM Megamall, Robinsons Place Ermita, Ayala Center Cebu and SM City Cebu.

Only in the Philippines: Volkswagen Christmas tree and other unique decor

MANILA, Philippines - A unique Christmas tree is drawing much attention in the province of Albay this year.

A Volkswagen Beetle parked on Maharlika Highway in Ligao has become a Christmas tree.

Residents used Christmas lights to decorate the vintage car, which still runs and will be driven by its owner after the New Year.

Elsewhere in the country, Filipinos are showing their creativity in putting up their holiday decor.

In Negros Oriental, residents and visitors have been admiring a Christmas village display which has a belen made of sinamay, papier-mache and coconut. Banana leaves and abaca were also used to spruce it up.

In Bais City, a Christmas tree bedecked with Christmas lights that change in color is made unique with a fireworks display.

And in Dumaguete City, the Absin family has chosen the Wizard of Oz theme for their Christmas decor.

In Palo, Leyte, visitors to a Christmas village are amused at a dancing Santa Claus greeting them.

And in Iligan City, both the young and old are flocking to Candy Wonderland filled with candy houses, Christmas trees, and lanterns

Cristine booed by Sarah's fans?

MANILA, Philippines - The ruckus raised by sultry actress Cristine Reyes and her angry tweets allegedly against singer Sarah Geronimo has gone too far.

Reyes's Twitter posts, which led the Philippines' trending topics for the week, caught not only the public's attention but divided the crowd into Team Sarah and Team Cristine.

And the "war" is still ongoing in social networks.

An online post said displeased fans shouted boo when Reyes did her special number during the taping of the ABS-CBN 2010 Christmas Special at the Araneta Coliseum.

Also, hounding rumors said a "big star" immediately confronted Reyes after her performance, in defense of Geronimo.

In a YouTube post, Geronimo's fans confirmed the booing issue.

"Nandun kami sa taping ng ABS Christmas Special at totoong na BOOO si CR. Marinig lang ang pangalan niya 'Booo' na kaagad ang maririnig mo. Hindi lang 'booo'. Nag-thumbs down din tuwing kumakanta si CR. Sana lang hindi 'yun i-edit 'pag ipalabas 'yun sa Sat. and Sun. At totoo din na umiyak si CR," said YouTube user ateGie.

In the same post, fans also quoted famous personalities who purportedly defended the Pop Princess.

"Judy Ann Santos: 'Sarah, tatandaan mo na napakaraming tao ang nagmamahal sa 'yo at napakaraming tao ang magtatanggol sa 'yo. Kahit maraming tao ang manloko sa 'yo..marami kami, hindi lang ako, hindi lang si ate Sharon, marami kami ang magiging tapat sa 'yo, 'di dahil artista ka kundi dahil tunay kang tao.'

"Kris Aquino: ''Pag inaway mo ang isang Sarah Geronimo, kaaway mo ang Buong Mundo.'

"Sharon Cuneta: ''Pag may umaway kay Sarah, kaaway na rin namin ni Juday,'" YouTube user janequitz11 said.

On the microblogging site Twitter, a furious Reyes on Sunday berated her "ASAP XV" co-star, whom she referred to as "drama princess", for a remark allegedly made behind her back.

A day after the incident, Geronimo's personal assistant, Anna Dasig, came to the singer's defense and said that Reyes misunderstood the remark.

Prior to this, Reyes admitted that she went steady with actor Rayver Cruz, who was previously linked to Geronimo.

Rayver admits he’s behind Cristine-Sarah tiff

MANILA,Philippines- Actor-dancer Rayver Cruz on Thursday admitted that he is the reason behind the controversial rift involving sultry actress Cristine Reyes and Pop Star Princess Sarah Geronimo.

In an interview with ABS-CBN News, the 21-year old actor confessed that he told Reyes about Geronimo's remarks during ASAP XV dress rehearsals.

“Oo, ako naman kasi yung nagsabi talaga kay Cristine and kasi gusto ko lang maging honest sa tao. Sa tingin ko, wala namang mali ‘dun and wala naman akong ginagawang masama,” said Cruz.

Though he refused to give further details, Cruz defended himself, “Sa tingin ko naman kasi ito yung tama kaya ginawa ko. Alam ko na ito yung makakabuti sa lahat.”

When asked about the real score between him and Reyes, Cruz replied, “Actually napakarami ko pong sinagot kay Tito Boy and nahuli niya po ako and para sa akin mas maganda kung abangan niyo na lang po at panoorin sa The Buzz kasi sinagot ko lahat ng tinanong sa akin.”

On Sunday, Reyes took to the microblogging site Twitter to vent her anger against a female “ASAP XV” co-host. Reyes did not reveal her name, but she hinted that the object of her fury is a "drama princess" in the entertainment industry with a "goody image."

Suspicions that she was referring to the Box Office Queen were confirmed after the latter’s personal assistant, Anna Dasig, spoke up to defend the actress-singer.

Also on Twitter, Dasig said Reyes shouldn’t have given meaning to Geronimo’s statement about how a man is always being chased by a sexy woman if he is a good dancer.

Based on the sultry actress's tweets, it was that remark that caught her ire.

Showbiz insiders said Geronimo made the remark during the dress rehearsals for the musical variety show “ASAP XV.” The show's mainstays – John Prats, Gab Valenciano, and Rayver Cruz -- were reportedly rehearsing a dance number.

Reyes, who was once voted as FHM’s sexiest woman, went steady with Cruz.

Cruz was linked to Geronimo, lead star of “A Very Special Love” and “You Changed My Life,” but they both denied any romantic relationship.

Jason denies marrying Melai

MANILA, Philippines - They may be deeply in love with each other but showbiz sweethearts Melisa "Melai" Cantiveros and Jason Francisco are not about to settle down and exchange "I do's."

In a message sent to "Showbiz News Ngayon", former "Pinoy Big Brother Double Up" housemate Francisco was shocked to hear a rumor saying that he and Cantiveros were secretly married last December 8.

Francisco said they just celebrated their first year anniversary as a couple last December 8.

"Nyek! Hindi pa po kami kasal. Monthsary lang namin 'yan. Kayo talaga, mainipin. Hay naku! Merry Christmas na lang sa 'yo," Francisco said.

It was December of last year when Francisco asked Cantiveros to be his girlfriend while they were inside the "Pinoy Big Brother" house.

No gift yet? Get a USB flash drive

MANILA, Philippines - The universal serial bus (USB) flash drive is a common Christmas gift request, particularly from co-workers and schoolmates.

Not only is it useful, it's also easy on the pocket. A USB flash drive can cost as low as P200, making it a great gift for friends or a minor prize in party games and activities.

The bite-size gadget, which has replaced the decades-old floppy disk, is a must-have for people on the go especially with the emergence of high-resolution files which take up a lot of a computer's storage space.

Transcend Information Inc.'s new USB flash drive, for one, has 64 gigabytes (gb) of memory, enabling users to store over 16,000 high-quality pictures or songs, 640 minutes of full high-definition (HD) videos and seemingly limitless amounts of documents.

The JetFlash 600 and 620 are also offered in 4 gb, 8 gb, 16 gb and 32 gb capacities.

USB flash drives come in different colors, types and sizes, too -- from Swarovski-encrusted robots to those shaped like sushi -- adding a dash of fun to those who will receive them this holiday season.

For those who like it simple, there's still the classic USB flash drive such as the Kingmax PD-33, which is set to be available in the Philippines sometime this month.

Kingmax PD-33 is inspired by a sports car's streamlined design.

For those who own music players, cameras, video camcorders, smartphones and car navigation systems, there's the secure digital (SD) memory card which can be used in a variety of digital products.

It comes in capacities as high as 64 gb, or a maximum of 26,208 pictures (based on 5-megapixel compression format), 352 hours of standard quality video (MPEG-4 video at 384 kbps), or 640 minutes of full HD videos.

Transcend's Class 10 SDXC memory card promises transfer rates of up to 25 mb/second.

These devices will prove to be helpful for gadget fans in documenting special moments this Christmas. Indeed for some, the best gifts come in small packages.