"Mara Clara" is back on TV.

Yes, you read it right. The drama series which is considered as the “Mother of All Teleseryes” is back on Philippine TV after 12 long years. The new “Mara Clara" is set to premiere on October 25 on ABS-CBN’s Primetime Bida.

The series which was considered as one of the longest and unforgettable series ever told on Pinoy TV was aired from August 1992 until February 1997. "Mara Clara" is also one of the highest-rated soap operas in Philippine TV history. It was the first Philippine drama series to be adapted into a feature film in 1996.

The new "Mara Clara" will now be topbilled by two promising young actresses, Kathryn Bernardo as Mara and Julia Montes as Clara. Both will give life to the two characters that paved the way for the success of Judy Ann Santos and Gladys Reyes. The former is now considered as the Queen of Teleserye.

The new series still focuses on the lives of two girls who were raised in 2 opposite worlds – one grew up in a comfortable and rich lifestyle, while the other spent her childhood in slums.

The remake is directed by Jerome Pobocan who was also at the helm of the now defunct primetime hit, “May Bukas Pa.”

Who will be the first 'Showtime' grand champion?

The talent show "Showtime” will have its grand finals this Saturday morning, July 24. This ultimate showdown that will surely showcase the best of Filipino talent in dancing will be held at the Ynares Sports Center, Antipolo City, on Saturday at 10:15 a.m. and will be telecast live on ABS-CBN.

I saw some of the finalists and I can agree with the show’s judges that this will be a challenging task for them. Some groups showed excellence in dancing but some wowed the audience with their props and gimmicks.

The 11 finalists will vie for the recognition as the first ever “Showtime” grand winner and the P1 million cash prize.

Gretchen Barretto on 'Failon Ngayon'

After her successful TV comeback last week via the much-awaited “Maalaala Mo Kaya” episode, Gretchen Barretto will appear in “Failon Ngayon” with veteran broadcaster Ted Failon on Saturday (April 17).

The MMK episode of Gretchen entitled "Larawan," which was shown last April 10 topped the list of high-rating programs last Saturday, reaching 31.4%, according to a Taylor Nelson-Sofres ratings survey. It was the highest-rating MMK episode so far this year.


Will Gretchen talk about her alleged rift with sister Claudine Barretto and her rumored break up with long time live-in partner business tycoon Tony Boy Cojuangco? Don’t fail to watch this episode to find out.

Ted will also look into the tax evasion case filed by the Bureau of Internal Revenue against Claire Dele Fuente. The Jukebox Queen allegedly failed to pay taxes amounting to P471 million from the operation of her own bus line.

The episode will also feature a 1-year old kid from Agdao, Davao born with four legs. How did this happen and how can you help his operation?

Kapamilya acquired "Got Talent" franchise.

The Kapamilya network acquired the “Got Talent” franchise responsible for the popular “Britain’s Got Talent” and “America’s Got Talent” TV show. The newest reality TV show which will be called “Pilipinas Got Talent” will soon pave the way for the country’s talented but undiscovered stars to shine.

Just like the other “Got Talent” series, the Philippine version will also feature singers, dancers, magicians, comedians and other performers from all ages.

Pinay singer Madonna Decena, who rose to fame when she became one of Britain’s Got Talent’s semi-finalists, will be part of the show’s primer.

The “Got Talent” franchise is a British TV format owned by “American Idol” judge Simon Cowell. It is now one of the fastest growing international franchises, spawning spin-offs in over 20 countries.

"Got Talent" is just one of the latest franchise to be acquired by the Kapamilya network after it acquired the rights to air programs after international shows "Big Brother" and "Deal or No Deal."

Source: abs-cbnnews.com

Eva Fonda Won Special Prize in 2009 Seoul Drama Awards

The Kapamilya drama series Eva Fonda has just won a special prize in the 2009 Seoul International Drama Awards.

Cristine Reyes who played Eva Fonda, accepted the trophy in Seoul, Korea where the awards ceremony was held. Eva Fonda bested entries from other countries in Europe and Asia for the special prize category.

Eva Fonda’s triumph marks the first time that a Philippine TV program had won recognition in the award giving body for drama series around the world.

'The Singing Bee' makes third season buzz

The number one singing game show on land "The Singing Bee" enters its third season, starting this Saturday, April 25 on ABS-CBN.

The game show is up with exciting new treats and gimmicks for the show's fans after a smashing first year anniversary episode last Sunday on April 19. It will be back with bubbly host Cesar “Buboy” Montano, the Bandble Bee, the Honeybees and the Song Bees Frenchie Dy, Apple Chiu, MC Castro, OJ Mariano, and Michael Cruz.

The third season takes entertainment to a new level with a new round called “Pics BEE With You,” which will surely be a new favorite among viewers. There will also be a few improvements on game mechanics to heighten the suspense, especially on “The Final Countdown” round, wherein a team can still win P2 million after correctly guessing the lyrics to four of seven final-round songs.

So far, only Team Pieta, composed of actors Jestoni Alarcon, Jason Abalos, and Janus Del Prado, had won P2 million since the program shifted from a single player to team format in January.

Previous individual millionaires include celebrities Rachel Alejandro, Aiza Seguerra, and Manilyn Reynes, and regular player Steno Padilla.

Find out the other must-see surprises on “The Singing Bee Season 3,” starting this Saturday, April 25 after “Komiks Presents: Flash Bomba” and Sunday, April 26 after “Goin’ Bulilit,” only on ABS-CBN.

Source: abs-cbnNEWS.com

From books to TV: 'Precious Hearts Romances'

This coming May, ABS-CBN will breathe life into the pages of the biggest-selling, most loved, and most read romantic pocketbook in the country – Precious Hearts Romances (PHR).

PHR, the most popular pocketbook for Filipinos, boasts of over 6,000 titles and more than 30 million copies sold both here and abroad.

These pocketbooks hold some of the ultimate love stories that readers can easily relate to. Most of the stories are heart warming with feet-tingling quotes.

PHR also mirrors how Filipinos fall in love and features Filipino values.

The “romanserye” will be shown every afternoon in May.


Source: abs-cbnNEWS.com

Hotshots full trailer.

Here is the full trailer of the most anticipated Asianovela in ABS-CBN starring three of the hottest stars in Taiwan, Jerry Yan (Meteor Garden), Wu Chun (Hana Kimi) and Show Luo, a multimedia star. Hotshots will premiere in March 30 in ABS-CBN.


Watch the full trailer after the jump:

'Sharon' show bags Gawad Tanglaw Award

Kapamilya Sunday night show "Sharon" once again brought home an award as Best Celebrity Talk show from the Gawad Tanglaw Awards held recently.

The academe-based, award-giving body Gawad Tanglaw or "Gawad Tagapuring mga Akademisyan ng Aninong Gumagalaw" has been giving out honors for the past six years now. This is an annual event which has different categories such as movies, television, radio and journalism.


The awards ceremony boasted of honoring and giving credit to only the best and most recognized television shows and personalities. The Megastar and the men and women behind the "Sharon" show said they are grateful for being chosen as this year’s Best Celebrity Talk Show.

The whole team thanked all of their loyal fans and viewers worldwide for their continued support and encouragement to make their show even better.

The "Sharon" show has received numerous awards in the past including the 2007 Best Entertainment Program by the Catholic Mass Media Awards and was also highly commended in the Asian TV Awards

"Sharon" is shown every Sunday after Rated K! on ABS-CBN.

Source: abs-cbnNEWS.com

"May Bukas Pa" trailer.

"May Bukas Pa" premieres on February 2.

A new ABS-CBN television series on hope and faith, "May Bukas Pa", will showcase the talent of new child actor Zaijan Jaranilla.

The series' story revolves around a little boy, Santino, and how he affects the lives of the people in their small town due to his strong faith.

Ethel Espiritu, production manager of "May Bukas Pa", said "Zaijan fits well in the character of a miracle boy...His big innocent eyes say it all."

The child actor recently played the role of "Tony" on ABS-CBN's "Komiks Presents: Mars Ravelo's Tiny Tony."

He has also appeared in television commercials of Mcdonald's, Lactum, and Tide.

"May Bukas Pa" is directed by Jerome Pobocan and Jojo Saguin.

Watch for Santino as he showers hope and faith in "May Bukas Pa" starting Monday, February 2, only on ABS-CBN's Primetime Bida.


Source: abs-cbnNEWS.com

Boy & Kris say their show will stay.

The country's King and Queen of Talk, Boy Abunda and Kris Aquino, belied reports that their morning show "Boy & Kris" will end because of poor ratings.

"Hindi po ito totoo. Sa aming timeslot sa umaga, we're a leader in that particular timeslot , nationwide ratings. At maraming salamt po at sinusuportahan tayo ng buong-buo ng sambayanang Filipino," Abunda said over ABS-CBN's weekly entertainment show "The Buzz" Sunday afternoon.

Abunda's statement stemmed from reports saying that his show with Aquino will be replaced by another talk show which will be hosted by three women.

The report also claimed that actress Lorna Tolentino is being eyed as one of the hosts of the alleged new show.

Aquino explained that the nationwide ratings of their morning show are even improving.

The actress-host added that their show has the support advertisers, aided by its popularity in the Visayas and Mindanao.

Aside from high rating of "Boy & Kris," the two said they are proud that the show has been recognized by different award-giving bodies.

Among the awards the show and the hosts have won are: Best Celebrity Talk Show Hosts and Best Celebrity Talk Show from the PMPC Star Awards; Best Celebrity Talk Show host for Boy Abunda from the UP Los Baños Gandingan Award; and, the Silver World Medal for Talk and Interview from the 2009 New York Festival.

Source: abs-cbnNEWS.com

Ces Drilon is back in "Bandila".

Veteran broadcast journalist Ces Orena-Drilon will return as a co-anchor of ABS-CBN's late night news program “Bandila” starting this Monday, three months after her kidnapping ordeal in Mindanao.

She will once again join Korina Sanchez and Henry Omaga-Diaz to anchor the first Philippine program to earn a nomination for an International Emmy Award. It is expected that she will continue to give excellent and relevant news stories for the late night newscast.

Ces has been known for her courage, credibility, and excellence in gathering and presenting news. Last June, she and her news team were kidnapped by suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits in Sulu. They were released after nine days in captivity.

Three Dads with One Mommy premieres on Sept. 9 on ABS-CBN

Eugene Kim of "Save the Last Dance" and "Wonderful Life" is back with ABS-CBN's newest Koreanovela offering Three Dads with One Mommy.

Watch Korea's sweetheart as she plays Lizette, a girl who desperately wants a child but her husband Justin (Yun Sang Hyun of "Marrying a Millionaire") is unable to get her pregnant.

As their last resort, Justin then seeks the help of his best friends Ariel (Shin Sung Rok), Jayden (Jae Hee), and Jake's (Jo Hyun Jae) by convincing them to donate their sperms.

The three agreed to do it after a few shots of liquor, although they were hesitant at first. They even signed a contract to formalize things.

Lizette becomes pregnant and Justin assured his three friends that he didn't push through with his original plan.

However, an accident unexpectedly killed Justin that paved the way for them to find out that he lied all along, and indeed used their sperm donations to give Lizette the baby that she has always wanted.

Now, Lizette was left with her newborn baby girl without knowing who her daughter's real father is.

Can Ariel, Jayden, or Jake possibly fall in love with their dead buddy's wife?

Watch the exciting premiere of Three Dads with One Mommy on Tuesday (September 9), after Pinoy Dream Academy Season 2 on ABS-CBN. For now, let's watch the teaser:

Kahit Isang Saglit (A Time For Us) teaser.

Another huge TV offering from ABS-CBN is set to air this September 15 on Primetime Bida. Kahit Isang Saglit (A Time for Us) is another groundbreaking project from ABS-CBN with its first major co-production with Malaysian production company Double Vision starring Jericho Rosales and Carmen Soo. Formerly entitled as A Time For Us, now Kahit Isang Saglit (A Time for Us) in honor of the late Gilbert Perez, the story of this drama/action series revolves around a law enforcer (Jericho) who is in hot pursuit of an alleged criminal (Albert Martinez) hiding in Malaysia. Carmen Soo plays a wealthy heiress who’s driven by her desire to find her Filipino father who went back to the Philippines when she was still young. The two will cross paths through unexpected circumstances and will be bound by the web of intrigues surrounding their lives. Will romance blossom between two strangers who come from completely different places and cultures? Will their love stay alive as they both go in search for truth, justice, and hope?

Watch the teaser of this much awaited TV series:

Komik’s presents “Varga” premieres on August 2. Watch the trailer.

Varga is a powerful being from outer space. She lands on earth and becomes destined to protect the mankind from the forces of evil with the help a kind-hearted girl.

As an alien superheroine who comes to love and protect humanity, Varga will undergo challenges that will really test her character.

Gretchen 'launches' MMK on its new time slot

The opening salvo of ABS-CBN's "Maalaala Mo Kaya" (MMK) for its new time slot will feature the controversial Gretchen Barretto in a role that is so far from her real life --it will surely keep audience riveted to the screen.

MMK is the country's longest-running drama anthology, and is moving to its new time slot in time for its 17th year anniversary. MMK will now be moving to a new Saturday time slot, airing right after Pinoy Dream Academy Season 2.

The show's host and ABS-CBN president Charo Santos- Concio explained in an interview that the former timeslot every Fridays is already too late for some viewers, that they complain of not being able to finish watching the story.

With the new timeslot, MMK management hopes to offer a more relaxing timeslot for viewers and gain a new audience on Saturdays.

And since it is MMK's 17th anniversary, it will be airing a very special episode, "Margarita", starring actress-singer, endorser and "controversy-magnet" Gretchen Barretto.

Barretto who had a long break from doing showbiz projects--especially acting roles--now back is glad to have been part of MMK. She said no actor would be complete without being part of MMK.

"Margarita" is Barretto's second appearance in MMK; the first time she starred in the show was 15 years ago.

Barretto will be playing the character of Margarita, a mother and wife married to a poor man played by Tonton Gutierrez. Due to poverty Margarita will be forced to seek help from their town's mayor, portrayed by actor Philip Salvador.

It's a story of an illicit relationship that wasn't made to last.

The episode is directed by Nuel Naval and Shugo Praico.

Joining the episode are young actress Empress Schuck, veteran actress Perla Bautista and Carla Guevarra.

MMK dramatizes real-life stories sent in by letter-writers who wish to share the story of their lives. Barretto in an interview shared that she knows the identity of the mayor involved in the story--but would rather keep her mouth shut about it.

She instead invited viewers to watch the much-awaited and much-talked episode of MMK.

Source: www.abs-cbnNEWS.com

PDA season 2 premieres on June 14.

The second season of Pinoy Dream Academy will premiere on June 14, 2008 replacing the Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition Plus that will end this Saturday. 16 new scholars chosen from more than 10,000 hopefuls will compete for the second “Star Dreamer” title of Pinoy Dream Academy season 2.

This season will be hosted by Toni Gonzaga, Nikki Gil and the newest Kapamilya star Billy Crawford.

32 semi-finalists were introduced in the Pinoy Dream Academy Season 2 primer which was incorporated on the Saturday edition of Pinoy Big Brother which was hosted by first Star Dreamer Yeng Constantino.

The new Headmaster is Ryan Cayabyab; Performance Master is Joey Reyes; UP College of Music Voice and Music Theater chairman and this season’s Voice Master is Kitchy Molina; and the Voice Mentor is Monet Silvestre.