GMA- 7 tapped the right person to host "Starstruck Kids," which starts airing today, March 20 — Jolina Magdangal. Jolina started out as a child star herself and grew up to be a most bankable role model for aspiring young artists.
Jolina isn’t only a popular and much-admired young star who is multifaceted (she excels in singing, dancing, acting among others), she is also a fashion trendsetter especially among children as evidenced by the funky get-ups and colorful hairstyles kids of all ages come out with these days.
"I’m so excited about this show, naiiba talaga," Jolina told us. "I love children, so I take ‘Starstruck Kids’ as my day care program for kids." To this, someone commented: "Baka hindi ka na nakapagasawa niyan?" Jolina smiled and was quick to answer "huwag naman sana." Marvin Agustin, her onetime boyfriend,was reminded her and Jolina said they’re friends, they text each other often to ask how each is doing "but I don’t ask him about his career and vice-versa baka ma-misconstrue na naman kung may masabi kami at mabasa ng iba ang text namin at mabigyan ng ibang kulay. But one time, Marvin broached the idea of us making a movie together. Why not? ‘Kako naman, in the future siguro..."
Anyway, going back to "Starstruck Kids." There were thousands who auditioned for "Starstruck Kids," Jolina recalled. "The number had to be trimmed down to 60, then 30, and now we have 14 finalists."
During the judging for the 14 finalists, the selection panel was composed of Joey de Leon, Aiza Seguerra and Janice de Belen.
"Starstruck Kids" is the much–anticipated sequel to GMA’s "StarStruck," the first ever reality-based artist search in the country. The phenomenal success of "Starstruck" prompted the conceptualization of "Starstruck Kids" which will showcase the potentials of children aged 5-7 years old. Through "Starstruck Kids," the network aims to mold the country’s youngest set of junior superstars.
"Starstruck Kids" is indeed a must-see show and not only because it has the same production team that presented the all-original innovations of the toprating "Starstruck" but because at stake are some delightful surprises as the 14 K (or the final 14 Starstruck Kids finalists) take on the challenge to pursue their dream, believe in themselves and survive the tests of childhood stardom.
So don’t miss the premiere of "Starstruck Kids," 6 p.m. today, on GMA-7.
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Box Office King & Queen
The stage is set for the 34th Grand Annual Awards and Coronation Night of the Box Office King & Queen of RP Movies, as presented by the Guillermo Mendoza Memorial Scholarship Foundation, Inc., to be held tomorrow, March 21, 7 p.m. at the Aliw Theater, CCP Complex, Roxas Blvd., Pasay City.
At the forefront of the event are Ms. Jay–Mee Mendoza Dela Cruz as chairperson, and Mrs. Corazon Samaniego as president and over–all chairman of the GMMSFI.
The winners to be recognized are the following: Vic Sotto & Ai Ai de las Alas (Box Office King & Queen of RP Movies); Piolo Pascual & Maricel Sorino (Mr. & Miss RP Movies); Richard Gutierrez & Heart Evangelista (Prince & Princess of RP Movies); Tirso Cruz III & Susan Roces (All Time Favorite Actor/Actress); Jiro Manio & Isabella De Leon (Most Popular Child Actor/Actress); John Lloyd Cruz & Bea Alonzo (Most Popular Loveteam of RP Movies); Ogie Alcasid & Regine Velasquez (Most Popular Male/Female Singer-Entertainer); Sex Bomb Singers (Most Popular Group Singer-Entertainer); Masculados (Most Promising Group-Singer Entertainer); Bayani Agbayani (Most Popular Novelty Singer); Sex Bomb Dancers (Most Popular Dance Group); Paolo Bediones & Iza Calzado (Most Promising Male/Female Star); JR & Sarah Geronimo (Most Promising Male/Female Singer); Artemi Abad/Melisa Del Rosario/Keiko Aquino (Most Popular Writers); Star Cinema (Most Popular Movie Producer); Wenn Deramas (Most Popular Movie Director); Starstruck (Most Popular Television Program); Lino Cayetano (Most Popular TV Director). A special award will be given to the following: Janno Gibbs (Bert "Tawa" Marcelo Memorial Award); Piolo Pascual (Grand Slam Award); Jolina Magdangal (Youth Achievement Award). Special recognition will be bestowed as well to Mayor Nonoy Duran in the field of government service and Mike Enriquez in the field of public service.
Proceeds from the event will go to poor but deserving scholars of GMMSFI.
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Anna Fegi in concert
Anna Fegi enters her fifth year as a professional singer in Manila with the concert "Anna Fegi: Stage and Screen," to be staged today at 8:30 p.m., Philamlife Theater, UN Ave. Manila.
Produced and directed by Manolet Garcia, who has been instrumental for the semi-classical direction in Anna Fegi’s career, the concert will feature as special guests world-class tenor Ramon ‘Montet’ Acoymo, and premiere vocalist of The Company Reuben Laurente.
Manolet Garcia, chair of the Production Design, Technical Theater and Dance Programs of the School of Design and Arts, College of St. Benilde of de la Salle University, first worked with Anna in "Symphony of Summer," featuring the 80–piece UST Symphony Orchestra in Kalibo, Aklan, and Boracay, summer of 2002. This was followed by "Voices, the Perfect Acoustic Concert," at the Philamlife with the Hiraya Men’s Chorus; "A Christmas Zong," with the UST Symphony, Hiraya, and Montel Acoymo; and "Anna Fegi: This is the Moment" album launch at Hard Rock Café.
Primarily a pop and R&B performer, Anna has bolstered her semi–classical leanings through concerts with her discoverer Ryan Cayabyab (for Smokey Mountain); performances with the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra; and appearances in Broadway musicals "Hair," "Rent," "Jesus Christ, Superstar," "Rocky Horror Show" and "Dreamgirls."
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Ms. Fort Ilocandia winners
The winners of the Miss Fort Ilocandia 2004 Pageant were announced recently. Named Miss Fort Ilocandia 2004 was Eizza Rancesca Lim, a management major in communication technology at Ateneo de Manila University. She bested 23 semi-finalists from Northern Luzon and the National Capital Region (NCR), who were mostly veterans of major beauty pageants who paraded in Chinese-inspired outfits.
First runner-up was Rose Sharie Manlangit Aspinwall, a mestiza beauty from Cainta, Rizal. 2nd runner–up was Apple Christine Bonifacio Macarubbo, a statuesque (5’8") aspiring model who also garnered two special awards: Best in Swimsuit and Best in Long Gown. 3rd runner–up was Donna Jean Kilakiga Soylon; she was also adjudged Miss Photogenic. 4th runner–up was Ilocos bet Christine I. Fernandez.
Standing 5’6"–1/2" and measuring a trim 33-34-35, Eizza wowed the audience, mostly Chinese nationals from Hong Kong and Taiwan, in an immaculate white gown created especially for her by designer Jonti Martinez.
In answer to the final question on how she would promote Fort Ilocandia, she said: I will not only promote Fort Ilocandia Resort and Casino as the premiere tourist destination in northern Luzon and around Asia, but also the people and their unmatched, genuine hospitality – from the bosses to the staff – who will certainly make your stay here most pleasant and memorable."
Managed by Events & Shows, Inc., the pageant was produced by Fort Ilocandia Resort & Casino, headed by its PR manager, Arlene De Guzman. Sponsors were Fashion Designers Association of the Philippines (FDAP) which provided the evening gowns, Necitas Fashion for swimwear and casual, Edward dela Cuesta as official photographer and Partas Transit as official transportation. Media partners are ABS-CBN–Loag, Woman Today and MOD Magazine.
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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, March 20, go to Dessa, Zardo Austria, Bob Serrano, Josie Saddul, Sonny Siytangco, Jun Suarez, Nellie Yap, Ronnie Tabora, Arnel Martin, Buboy Madrilejos, Nenette Young, Carol Bautista and Therese Lorraine Lizardo.
