Barbie Forteza turns 18, does not want an extravagant party

Barbie Forteza

Barbie Forteza

Barbie Forteza

Barbie Forteza

“Like every girl, excited ako at the thought of turning 18. Pero pwede bang magwish? Pwede po bang wala ng party?,” says Kapuso teen actress Barbie Forteza, who is looking forward to celebrating this important milestone in her life on July 31.

Barbie emphasized that instead of spending so much on a grand debut, she would rather use the money for other more meaningful things.

Children have always had special place in Barbie’s sweet heart, thus, in celebration of her debut, Barbie adopted a room at the Philippine Children’s Medical Center (PCMC) in Diliman, Quezon City. She has been helping PCMC in the past 4 years and plans to continue sharing her blessings to the kids in the hospital.

The “Adopt-A-Room” program of PCMC enables entities or individuals to choose and adopt a private room which they want to renovate and convert into a special private room. Once renovated and occupied, the proceeds of the room will go to “charity rooms”.

Other private institutions and brand giants have already adopted rooms from PCMC, but Barbie is the first ever celebrity to participate in this worthy cause.

The renovation for Barbie’s adopted room is currently on-going with the talented young actress actively participating in the process with the help of GMA Artist Center and Architects Jose Ricky Martinez and Richie Ongteco.

Barbie’s partners in making her dreams come to life include her generous sponsors BNY, Unisilver Time, Posh Nails, BS Mobile, Fruitas, Belladona Bags, Megawide, Happy Haus Donuts, Pizza Pedricos, Cris-Carl Stuffed Toys, Megasoft Diapers, Muebles De Cristina Furniture, Fernando’s Bakeshop, Chocovron, Ritz Biscuits, Jao Ming Glutathione, Rotary Club of Makati and Flawless.

Barbie stars as the other half in the highly successful GMA drama The Half Sisters, which airs worldwide on GMA Pinoy TV. She will also be part of the new Sunday noontime show, PinaSaya.

Den and Jen, together again!

My Faithful Husband

Dennis Trillo posts a photo of Jennylyn

Dennis and Jennylyn at the gym together

Dennis and Jennylyn

Jennylyn and Dennis wrap up a scene for the series

Jennylyn and Dennis on set

Love seems to be sweeter the second time around. For a Kapuso love team, that is.

This August, the award-winning actors – Drama King Dennis Trillo and Kapuso leading lady Jennylyn Mercado – reunite for GMA Network’s upcoming series My Faithful Husband.

The two first starred opposite each other in the GMA program Gumapang Ka Sa Lusak.

Exuding undeniable chemistry on-screen, the two play a married couple in the new series, with Dennis as Emman, a doting husband to Melanie, portrayed by Jennylyn, and a devoted father to their children.

The pair’s marriage is tested, however, when Melanie comes across her ex-boyfriend and her feelings get confused.

And while the series has yet to air on GMA Network, fans are already eager to see Dennis and Jennylyn’s reunion project as the two have been posting photos showing them together on their personal Instagram accounts.

Their seemingly sweet posts, along with the hashtag #emmanie (a cross between their characters’ names), have viewers and netizens buzzing about a possible rekindled romance. The two had dated in the past and fans have been clamouring for a real life reunion.

However, the duo remains tight-lipped regarding the issue and prefers to focus on their new show.

Both are thrilled to be working with each other once more on another Kapuso series. “Siyempre excited ako na makatrabaho si Jen. Last time ko siya nakatrabaho five years ago, dramarama sa hapon yung ginawa namin. Ngayon naman sa primetime,” says Dennis.

On her part, Jennylyn is looking forward to how their pair-up will be received. “Excited ako kasi gusto ko rin namang makita kung anong kakalabasan lalo na pag nagsisimula na talaga kami kasi dun natin makikita kung inaabangan ba talaga kami, papanoorin ba kami.”

Catch their exciting portrayals on the drama series My Faithful Husband airing soon on GMA Pinoy TV.

Camille Prats’ second chance at love

GMA Life TV

Camille Prats engagement ring

Camille Prats and son Nathan

VJ Yambao and Camille Prats

VJ Yambao proposes to Camille Prats

Kapuso actress and host Camille Prats got the surprise of a lifetime as her non-showbiz boyfriend VJ Yambao proposed to her in front of family and friends last Saturday, July 18.

 

Posting a photo of himself kneeling in front of Camille on Instagram, VJ wrote, “Once in a while right in the middle of an ordinary life, love gives us a fairytale. Never did I imagine that the day will come that I will kneel down on one knee and ask you to be my wife. I have always dreamed of giving you something you will never forget. With God’s grace and His perfect timing, this is where we are today. I thank God for all the things that are happening to us right now. To my fiancee, you deserve nothing but goodness and happiness, I love you so much! Thank you to our family and friends who witnessed one of our milestones, thank you for all your love and support.”

 

 Camille happily reposted the photo of their special moment, saying, “A thousand times over, yes, yes, and YES!”

 She also shared a photo of her with Nathan, her son from her first marriage to Anthony Linsangan, who succumbed to nasopharyngeal cancer in 2011. “Today, this little boy and I got engaged,” she wrote. “I thank God for giving you to us mahal. Thaaaaank you my love for such a sweet surprise. Di ko to kinaya infairness. I love you my future husband.”

The actress, whom Filipino viewers have watched blossom from a promising child star to one of her generation’s most talented personalities, is currently a host on the GMA lifestyle talk show Mars with Suzi Entrata-Abrera on GMA Life TV.

 In an exclusive interview with GMA News, Camille and VJ revealed that their wedding has been set for 2017.

Buena Familia premieres July 28 on GMA Pinoy TV

Aicelle Santos

Angelu de Leon

Bobby Andrews

Buena Familia

Jake Vargas

Julian Trono

Julie Anne San Jose

Kylie Padilla

Martin del Rosario

Mayton Eugenio

Mona Louise Rey

Tessie Tomas

Another gripping drama is set to captivate viewers of all ages as GMA Network presents Buena Familia, which is set to premiere worldwide on July 28.

 

Buena Familia aims to reflect every person’s struggle to provide for his or her family and how good fortune is attained through one’s endeavor to live nobly.

 

Witness stellar performances as Buena Familia pulls off an ensemble cast beginning with the reunion of the hottest loveteam in the 90s—Bobby Andrews and Angelu de Leon. They will give life to the characters of Arthur and Bettina. People see them as a perfect couple not until Arthur got himself involved in a pyramiding scheme which turned their affluence into a misfortune.

 

Very much affected with this are their four children—Celine, Darling, Edwin, and Faye—who are unaccustomed to hardships. These interesting characters will be given depth by Kapuso artists Kylie Padilla, Julie Anne San Jose, Julian Trono, and Mona Louise Rey.

 

Bringing their family into a deeper dilemma is Josephine, the former assistant who used to be the mistress of Arthur. Because of her hatred towards Arthur, she will plan a retribution that will lead Arthur’s family to far-reaching consequences. Portraying this challenging role is Sheryl Cruz.

 

Set to add more twists in the story are characters of Jake Vargas and Martin del Rosario. Jake plays the role of Kevin, a composer who will get close to Darling as she tries her luck in the music industry. Meanwhile, portraying the role ofHarry is the award-winning actor Martin. Harry is a young businessman who has an ax to grind against the family of Buena who caused him pain in the past.

 

Completing the cast are exceptional portrayals by Jackie Rice, Ryza Cenon, Aicelle Santos, Mayton Eugenio, Mel Kimura, Lou Sison, and Ms. Tessie Tomas.

 

Under the helm of Gil Tejada Jr., Buena Familia is created by the GMA Drama Group headed by Lilybeth G. Rasonable, Senior Vice President for Entertainment TV; Redgie A. Magno, Vice President for Drama; Cheryl Ching-Sy, Assistant Vice President for Drama; Ali Marie Nokom-Dedicatoria, Program Manager; and Arlene D. Pilapil, Executive Producer.

 

Buena Familia airs weekdays on GMA’s flagship international channel, GMA Pinoy TV.

Rocco Nacino feels glad for latest project with GMA

Rocco Nacino

Rocco Nacino

Kapuso leading man Rocco Nacino feels lucky that he is given another big project by his home network. GMA7.

He is part of the upcoming primetime series, Beautiful Strangers, which is slated to air next month.

In a recent interview, Rocco said it makes him even more motivated to excel and never stop studying his craft and be a role model for other aspiring actors.

“To know that GMA is taking really, really good care of me by giving me good projects, nakakataba ng puso. It makes me even more humbled and motivated na magtrabaho, kasi naiisip ko na for someone as simple as me can make it, it gives me that responsibility to other people especially the younger ones na nag-aaspire na maging actor din, na kung nagawa ko, kaya rin nila.”

Being a home-grown talent of GMA 7, Rocco is happy with how his career is going right now. In fact, aside from working anew with Kapuso Premier Actress Lovi Poe in Beautiful Strangers, he just ticked off one of the items in his bucket list – finally working with Heart Evangelista in a series.

“Nakakatuwa na gusto ng mga bosses na makatambal ko silang dalawa (Heart and Lovi). So napakaswerte ko. Finally, makakatrabaho ko na si Heart. First time ko to work with her and I’m really, really excited.”

He also considers it a privilege to be working with seasoned Christopher de Leon, Ayen Laurel and Dina Bonnevie that is why he makes sure not to be intimidated by their presence.

“I make it a point not to be intimidated by anyone. It’s my personality. Kahit sino ang kaharap ko, kakausapin ko siya professionally on and off cam. Hindi ako nagpapapressure or nagpapasindak. I always maintain respect pero hindi ko hahayaan na ma-intimidate ako kasi mawawala talaga ako sa game ko.”

Beautiful Strangers premieres this August on GMA’s flagship international channel, GMA Pinoy TV.

Lovi Poe excited for TV comeback

Lovi Poe at the Philippine Embassy in Hateen

Lovi Poe

Lovi Poe onstage

Hot off the heels of her successful GMA Pinoy TV show in Kuwait, Kapuso actress Lovi Poe returns to primetime via Beautiful Strangers.

 

Lovi is filled with excitement as she portrays her character, Joyce, a woman who is seeking revenge from a family who wronged her.

 

“I’m so happy to be part of an exciting series, which will feature some of the best actors on TV and film. Kaya naman ganado at masayang-masaya ako na muling mapanood sa primetime,” she says.

 

She also recently finished working on a movie, Lakambini, wherein she plays the role of Gregoria ‘Oryang’ De Jesus, the founder of the women’s chapter of the Katipunan.

 

“It’s a dream role for me, and it’s such a huge challenge to be doing a film about a woman who made a history,” relates Lovi.

 

Catch more of her this August in Beautiful Strangers on GMA Pinoy TV.

Why is Benjamin Alves happy to work with Christopher de Leon and Dina Bonnevie?

Benjamin Alves

Benjamin Alves

Benjamin Alves

Kapuso star Benjamin Alves says bagging a role in the upcoming primetime series Beautiful Strangers as Lawrence Castillo, the son of the characters portrayed by well-lauded actors Christopher de Leon and Dina Bonnevie, is a dream come true.

 

In an interview with Benjamin during his contract signing with GMA Network, he reveals that this is something he wished would happen. “I’ve seen these guys act and I look up to these guys since I was young. It’s cliché but when you’re a kid you want to work with them and then you are [working with them].”

 

Still, Benjamin admits feeling overwhelmed whenever he films scenes with Christopher and Dina. “When I’m working with Tito Boyet and Miss D, the hardest part is to just stay relaxed. You know you just do diligence naman, memorizing the lines and everything, but it’s just to not be in awe, because you’re working with these people,” he says.

 

Benjamin also shares what Christopher once told him in the set. “He pointed it out to me that he’s already worked with my uncle (Piolo Pascual), as a son. Sabi niya, ‘I’m working with you now, I hope I see something different.’ That’s where the challenge is, I think, to make sure that he sees something different; and also because I want to make sure everybody sees something different from me here, as far as acting.”

 

In Beautiful Strangers, Benjamin’s character, Lawrence is a son who constantly fights with his dad simply because he doesn’t like him. “There are reasons naman, and I’m very much like my dad in the sense na pareho kaming babaero. He’s not bad naman but he’s not clean. He’s more on the dirtier side or the rougher side.”

 

Under the direction of Albert Langitan, Beautiful Strangers which also stars Heart Evangelista, Lovi Poe, and Rocco Nacino, will soon air on GMA Pinoy TV.

Dina Bonnevie portrays challenging role in GMA’s Beautiful Strangers

Dina Bonnevie

Seasoned actress Dina Bonnevie finds her role in GMA Network’s upcoming primetime series Beautiful Strangers a challenging one.

 

Dina, who is back as a Kapuso, plays the role of Alejandra Castillo, wife of Ronaldo (Christopher de Leon) and a doting mother to Lawrence (Benjamin Alves). Alejandra is a strong woman in the outside, but weak in the inside.

 

“I don’t want to do the typical kontrabida na pasigaw-sigaw na nagtataray. I’m trying a different attack now. No loud voices. Parang meek as a lamb. Parang for me, I always make what I do my truth. Every scene I do, iyon ang truth in Alejandra. If you make every scene your own truth which is not the truth the audience knows, then you are not the typical kontrabida, we are gonna make it a little different. Alejandra is just fighting what is hers,” explained Dina in an interview.

 

Aside from being reunited with Heart Evangelista, Dina also revealed that she really wanted to work with Lovi Poe that’s why she accepted this project.

 

“I really wanted to work with Lovi because I haven’t worked with her. I like her. Nagagandahan ako sa kanya. She is dusky, olive skin, na really beautiful, doe eyes. Ang ganda ganda ng mata niya.  And I really wanted to reunite with Heart.”

 

She is very excited for this show which she hopes will pique the interest of viewers since “there are a lot of scenes that imitate life. Very real yung mga eksena. The scenes are so real.”

GMA revives the good old Pinoy tales with ‘Alamat’

Alamat

GMA News and Public Affairs—the group behind the groundbreaking socio-political and historical TV series Bayan Ko, Katipunan, Ilustrado, Titser, and Sa Puso Ni Dok—is coming up with a new weekly series that hopes to revive Filipinos’ interest in folk tales.

Entitled Alamat, the series features six episodes of 2D and 3D animated renditions of Philippine legends namely, Alamat ng Bayabas, Juan Tamad, Langgam at Tipaklong, Mariang Sinukuan, Mahiwagang Singsing, and Ang Unang Bahaghari. It will air worldwide on GMA Pinoy TV beginning July 19.

Six teams of writers, directors, producers, actor-dubbers and professional animators, some of whom had prior experience in giant animation studios abroad, worked on the project.

According to Jaileen Jimeno, program manager, the primary goal of the series is to encourage the audience, especially young viewers, to appreciate the once well-loved but now almost forgotten tales of lore which were used by elders to impart good values and traditions to the youth of their time.

Each episode features the voices of various Kapuso stars and personalities who give life to the characters. The first episode, Alamat ng Bayabas, will showcase the voices of veteran actor Pen Medina and GMA Artist Center talent Harvey Almoneda.

Characters for the next five episodes are voiced by Gabby Eigenmann, Glaiza de Castro, Mike Tan, Kylie Padilla, Louise de los Reyes, Bea Binene, Jeric Gonzales, Betong Sumaya, Love Añover, Maey Bautista, Pekto, John Feir, Tonipet Gaba, and Roi Vinzon.

 

Tune in to the premiere episode of Alamat on July 19 on GMA Pinoy TV.

Julie Anne San Jose wants to make her parents proud!

Julie Ann San Jose

At the young age of 21, Asia’s Pop Sweetheart Julie Anne San Jose has already hit the high notes when it comes to her career.

 

The Kapuso star has her hands full with three regular shows – Sunday All Stars, Pepito Manaloto, and GMA News TV’s Day Off – plus an upcoming afternoon soap Buena Familia, which is set to premiere this July.

 

Julie Anne will play the role of 19-year-old Darling Buena in the forthcoming series opposite Jake Vargas.  “’Yung story pong Buena Familia, nasa upper class ‘yung family naming tapos maghihirap kami,” she said during a recent interview.

 

Asked to share a bit more about her role, Julie Anne said: “Hindi siyasobrang mahinhin. Hindi siya pa-cute. Mahilig siyang lumabas at mag-shopping. Tapos very artistic din siya. Mahilig siyang kumanta at mag-play ng instruments.”

 

With a successful career under her belt, how does Julie Anne juggle her time? “Time management lang. Kasi for me, as long as you love what you’re doing and as long as you’re passionate about your craft, hinding-hindi ka mapapagod. Hindi ko po iniisip ‘yun kasi happy naman po ako sa mga ginagawako, love ko ‘yung ginagawa ko, love ko ‘yung trabaho ko,” she explained.

 

Meanwhile, one more thing that will surely take up most of her time come August is her studies. An AB Communication Arts student of Angelicum College in Quezon City, Julie Anne plans to take up a full course load and wishes to graduate next year so as to make her parents proud.

 

“Kailangan mataas ‘yung grades kasi last semester, Dean’s lister ako. So sabi ko, masarap sa feeling. Saka siyempre, sa mga magulang mo, masarap ‘yung feeling na ibabalita mo sa kanila na ‘okay naman po ako sa school,’” she shared.

 

Catch more of Julie Anne in Buena Familia premiering soon on GMA’s flagship international channel, GMA Pinoy TV.