GMA – Maniolas

Sarah Lahbati thankful to be loaned by GMA to TV5 for TV movie

Apr 192014

Sarah Lahbati (MNS Photo)

Sarah Lahbati insists that she has no idea why boyfriend Richard Gutierrez referred to her as “Ilaw ng Tahanan” in a recent Instagram post.

“It’s probably best to ask him. Ewan ko sa kanya bakit may ganun-ganun pa siyang ano,” she said during the recent story conference for “More Than Words”, her upcoming TV movie for Studio 5 Originals.

What she is pretty much certain is that their relationship is still going strong, as evidenced by the recent cruise that was documented on camera for “It Takes Gutz to be a Gutierrez”, the controversial showbiz family’s upcoming reality show for the E! Channel.

“Ang haba ng hair ko,” she exclaimed when asked how she feels about Richard’s very public display of affection towards her. “He’s an amazing person. We’re very happy and our relationship is very, very stable”.

Although she declined to comment if there are wedding plans in the horizon, the radiant aura and cheerful demeanor of the towering 20-year-old Filipino-Swiss actress is an indication that tying the knot is not yet part of her immediate plans.

Getting her career back on track certainly is.

After leaving for Switzerland last year in the wake of a much-publicized contract dispute with GMA Artist Center, she came back to the country and has since settled her differences with network executives who welcomed her back with open arms.

Last Sunday, she was warmly received in her public appearance on her home network on “Sunday All-Stars” where the studio audience cheered her performance of Drake’s “Hold On, We’re Going Home”.

In an unexpected but welcome gesture, GMA has also given its blessings for her to do “More Than Words” for TV5. Written by Keiko Aquino and directed by Jon Red, the Mother’s Day special also stars Ms. Alice Dixson, Carl Guevarra, Mark Gil and Jackie Lou Blanco. In this made-for-TV movie, Sarah plays a passive-aggressive rocker chick who will later learn that she’s adopted and is actually the daughter of a convict with a speech defect.

“I’m both excited and nervous to be a part of this project. We have a great cast and creative team. I’m looking forward to working with Ms. Alice Dixson who plays my mother here,” Sarah enthused.

Asked what are her thoughts on the declaration of TV5 chief content entertainment officer Wilma V. Galvante that she expects “More Than Words” to be of award-worthy caliber, Sarah confessed that her heart started to beat a little faster when she heard it.

“Nakakatuwa na nakaka-pressure. But Ms. Keiko wrote such a beautiful script so I can’t wait to start taping on this project. I just want to enjoy and give it everything I’ve got.”

Sarah added she’s also very grateful to GMA for allowing her to work with TV5.

“I’m just happy that everything is falling into place. Actually, I said this before and I’ll say it again. Since I came back, people have been asking me, what’s the one thing that I missed and I always say, it’s acting. I’m just excited to be able to work again,” she happily concluded. (MNS)

SC upholds sanction vs GMA-7

Entertainment

Mar 272014

GMA KF EVP and COO Mel C. Tiangco (third from left) led the groundbreaking ceremonies together with NHA represented by its Regional Project Manager Engr. Rizalde. Joining them were staff and officers of the local government units in Tacloban led by Mayor Alfred S. Romualdez (leftmost) as well as the beneficiaries of the project.　　　 MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Supreme Court (SC) has upheld the orders of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) sanctioning GMA Network, Inc. (GMA) for operating a radio station with an expired provisional authority (PA). In a decision, the SC 2nd Division denied for lack of merit the petition for review on certiorari against the decision dated Oct. 12, 2010 and a resolution dated March 9, 2011 of the Court of Appeals (CA) which upheld the orders dated May 25, 2009 and Jan. 8, 2010 of the NTC. In an order dated May 25, 2009, the NTC renewed GMA’s PA for three years, or until July 14, 2012, however, pursuant to Section 21 of the Public Service Act, imposed upon it a fine for operating its radio station with an expired PA from July 14, 1998 to Sept. 13, 2002, or for 1,521 days. The NTC was affirmed by the CA. This prompted GMA to elevate the case to the SC. In its decision, the SC found GMA’s reliance on the 60-day prescriptive period under Section 28 of the Public Service Act to be misplaced considering that the fine it assails was imposed in an administrative and not Read More …

GMA co-accused in plunder case enters ‘not guilty’ plea

Entertainment

Mar 212014

GMA co-accused in plunder case enters ‘not guilty’ plea

Former Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, now a sitting lawmaker in the lower house of Congress, is flanked by husband Jose Miguel Arroyo (L) and her son Congressman Juan Miguel Arroyo inside the Sandiganbayan anti-graft court in Quezon City, Metro Manila, April 11, 2012. Arroyo entered a plead of not guilty before an anti-corruption court for her role in an aborted $329 million broadband deal with China’s ZTE Corp in 2007 after a congressional inquiry in 2008 showed she allegedly did not stop her allies from collecting huge pay offs for the deal. Arroyo’s husband, a former communications minister and the former head of the country’s elections agency are facing similar corruption charges. REUTERS/Renz Joshua Posedio/ Philippine National Police-Public Information Office/Handout (PHILIPPINES – Tags: POLITICS CRIME LAW) FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NOT FOR SALE FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS. THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. IT IS DISTRIBUTED, EXACTLY AS RECEIVED BY REUTERS, AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS MANILA (Mabuhay) – A former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) board member and co-accused of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in a P366-million plunder case entered Thursday a not guilty plea before the Sandiganbayan. Jose Taruc V, in handcuffs, arrived at the Sandiganbayan before 8 a.m.., dodging reporters’ questions on his decision to finally surface. He was arraigned at the anti-graft court’s First Division. Taruc surrendered to authorities last Monday after leaving the country on July 19, 2012, a week ahead the issuance of a hold departure order (HDO) Read More …

Pro-Friends to give 2 Sophie Units through Kapuso Milyonaryo

Economy

Dec 112013

Pro-Friends to give 2 Sophie Units through Kapuso Milyonaryo

Property Company of Friends, Inc. (Pro-Friends) is set to give away two Sophie Units through GMA’s network promo, Kapuso Milyonaryo Todo Pamasko. This is Pro-Friends’ way of giving back to the Filipino people in time for its Crystal Year celebration this coming February 2014. Two lucky winners will win one Sophie unit each. Sophie is a 52 sqm single-attached house on an 80 sqm lot area inside Pro-Friends flagship project, Lancaster New City in Cavite. It has three bedrooms, two toilet and baths and a provision for a one car garage. To realize the giving away of these dream homes, Pro-Friends partnered with GMA Network Inc. Aside from the two house and lot packages from Pro-Friends, GMA will be giving away more prizes weekly through Kapuso Milyonaryo. Sending of entries started last October 28 and will end on December 20, 2013. For more information about the promo, you may visit www.gmanetwork.com/KapusoMilyonaryo.

Richard Gutierrez gears up for 2014

Entertainment

Nov 232013

Richard Gutierrez (MNS Photo) RICHARD Gutierrez said he’s ready to work again after taking a short break from the entertainment business. After his 11-year contract with GMA-7 ended a few months back, the actor decided to give time for himself and unwind a little with close friends and family members. He even disclosed his interest in going back to school and to study short courses in filmmaking. In an interview, the 29-year-old said he realized that sometimes stepping back wouldn’t hurt one’s focus and drive at work “It’s the best decision that I’ve done in life. It kind of slowed me down, it kind of get my bearings right and it ignited again a fire inside of me kung ano talaga ang gustong gawin ko and I think next year is the right time to reconnect with my audience,” said Richard. He added, “(Now I know how) to pick and choose the right projects. Yung 11 straight years ko I didn’t slow down. I think it’s important to take a vacation once in a while or a long break.” Richard said he also enjoyed his short absence in the business because he got to spend a lot of time with girlfriend Sarah Lahbati and his immediate family. “Enjoy ‘yung buong vacation ko not only because of Sarah, but also I was with my family. I spend time with them, with my friends, wala akong pressure or responsibility to beat my schedule. It just kind of going back to my roots,” Read More …

Successful showdown of Kapuso stars in Dubai

Entertainment

Oct 182013

Successful showdown of Kapuso stars in Dubai

Marian Rivera at the Avenue Hotel After last year’s sold-out anniversary show in Los Angeles, GMA International recently flew to the Middle East to celebrate its 8th year by bringing four of its biggest stars to the blazing deserts of Dubai for the very first time. Held on September 27 at the Sheikh Rashid Auditorium, Indian High School, the Kapusong Pinoy Sa Dubai: A GMA Pinoy TV Concert featured no less than Asia’s romantic balladeer Christian Bautista, GMA’s fierce songstress Rachelle Ann Go, Asia’s pop sweetheart Julie Anne San Jose, and GMA’s primetime queen Marian in a two-part musical extravaganza. My-HD, GMA’s exclusive direct-to-home distribution partner of its international channels in the ME region, partnered with GMA International to make the event possible. The Kapuso stars certainly did not disappoint their fans, who came from different parts of the Middle East, just to see them perform live. Marian had everyone on their feet as she eagerly danced with members of the audience sending everyone immediately in high spirits. Marian happily shares that her excitement for the Dubai event was apparent even before she left the Philippines, “Masaya kaming lahat dahil during rehearsals pa lang sa Manila, excited na kami mag-perform sa ating mga Kapuso sa Dubai.” The Kapuso primetime queen went on to say that she was quite nervous to be performing alongside professional singers, “Sa araw ng show, kabado ako, kasi puro singers ang kasama ko. Because supportive sina Rachelle Ann, Christian and Julie Anne, kinaya ko pong Read More …

Regine Velasquez still a Kapuso

Entertainment

Oct 162013

ASIA’S Songbird Regine Velasquez will remain a Kapuso artist after she inked new deal with GMA Network Incorporated on Wednesday. The singer renewed her contract with GMA Network at the Manila Golf and Country Club. The said event was attended by top GMA executives led by GMA Chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe Gozon, President and COO Gilberto Duavit Jr., Vice President Felipe Yalong, GMA Films President Annete Gozon-Abrogar, Entertainment division heads Lilybeth Resonable, Marivin Arayata, Redgie Magno and Darling de Jesus. Regine said she’s thankful for the love and support shown by the network through the years. “GMA has been very patient with me. Ever since naman before lagi nila akong dinidinig, lagi akong tinatanong kung anong gusto ko at lagi akong kasali sa pagbuo ng isang show and I appreciate that,” said Regine. The singer said she appreciates the network’s concern and openness to her ideas as a performer and as an artist. Regine also said, “As an artist siyempre you want to be heard also and you want that to be a reality and I’m glad that they’re very much willing to not only listen to my ideas but also to partner with me and develop what’s in my head.” The Songbird is a regular on the weekend variety show “Sunday All Stars,” and hosts weekend cooking program “Sarap Diva.” (Sunnex) DISCLAIMER: Sun.Star website welcomes friendly debate, but comments posted on this site do not necessary reflect the views of the Sun.Star management and its affiliates. Sun.Star reserves Read More …

Joker Arroyo says PNoy's troubles caused by 'staff indolence'

News

Oct 082013

Joker Arroyo says PNoy's troubles caused by 'staff indolence'

A “word war” is brewing between former Senator Joker Arroyo and President Benigno Aquino III’s spokespersons after the former accused the latter of causing problems in Malacañang due to “indolence.” In a statement Tuesday, Arroyo countered presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda’s statement that he did not react to irregularities during the administration of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. “Part of the problem in Malacañang is the indolence of spokespersons. They play things by the ear and pass it off as facts,” he said. Arroyo pointed out how he co-chaired a Senate probe on the alleged fertilizer fund scam during the Arroyo presidency. He said he also criticized the supposedly anomalous NBN-ZTE deal. The ex-lawmaker also told Aquino’s spokespersons to check records first before making statements. “Staff indolence, that’s why the President gets into trouble for missteps that are not his,” Arroyo said. “Graftbuster kuno” In response, Lacierda said indolent is “a good adjective to describe” Arroyo’s stint as a “graftbuster kuno.” “What is an undeniable fact is that for all his years as a senator during GMA’s term, where was he in the fight against corruption? The dragon was asleep all those years,” he said in a text message to GMA News Online. “Noong panahon ni GMA, kung bad ka, ok lang. That’s what he should be explaining instead of attacking Sec. Butch Abad or the spokespersons,” he added. On Monday, Lacierda said that he finds it “weird” that Arroyo is “talking only now” about supposed irregularities in government, particularly against the Read More …

ABS-CBN, GMA both claim ratings leadership in Aug

Economy

Sep 042013

ABS-CBN, GMA both claim ratings leadership in Aug

MANILA, Philippines – TV rivals ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp. and GMA Network Inc. claimed to have fortified their respective rating leadership for the month of August. ABS-CBN said in a statement that it managed to sustained its nationwide leadership by having the most number of households watching its shows whole day. ABS-CBN enjoyed its biggest lead on primetime from 6pm to 12 midnight with an average audience share of 47 percent or 15 points higher than GMA’s 32 percent. ABS-CBN also ruled primetime in other key territories like in areas in Luzon outside Mega Manila with 49-percent audience share compared to GMA’s 33 percent as well as the Visayas where it registered 57 percent versus GMA’s 24 percent. It also dominated Mindanao with 62 percent or three times GMA’s 21-percent share. Primetime is the most important time block when most Filipinos watch TV and advertisers put a larger chunk of their investment to reach more consumers efficiently. Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1 ABS-CBN’s primetime supremacy also drove its dominance in terms of total day audience share, hitting an average audience share of 41 percent as compared to GMA’s 34 percent. ABS-CBN has tapped Kantar Media that uses a nationwide panel size of 2,609 urban and rural homes that represent 100 percent of the total Philippine TV viewing population. Not to be outdone, GMA said in a separate statement that it grabbed the nationwide TV ratings leadership in August on the back of its strong performance in the Read More …

Marian Rivera renews contract with GMA-7

Entertainment

Aug 132013

MANILA, Aug 12 (Mabuhay) — Actress Marian Rivera said there’s no reason for her not to renew her exclusive contract with the Kapuso station. The 28-year-actress old inked another three-year deal with GMA-7. She attended the contract signing with manager Rams David. “Napakasarap ng pakiramdam ko na pumirma ulit ako sa GMA, bilang alam naman […]

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