She knows what she can and can’t do for Noynoy in his bid to be the next president of the Philippines. Despite what many think that Kris Aquino’s character is flawed and her being too forthright might spoil her brother’s chance to clinch the highest elective post in 2010, what they don’t know is Ninoy and Cory’s youngest daughter is Noynoy’s biggest ticket to winning the election.
In popularity alone, no one in the Aquino and Cojuangco clans can beat her. Can anybody gather together stars from the rival channels to appear in a music video for Noynoy? But Kris, using her clout, was able to gather the biggest from the two networks, and more.
Now, if you are a TV addict, you might have seen her new commercial for 555 Tuna. Last week, at press conference, Kris said, the commercial came at a most opportune time. “We need funds to buy spots for the music video, so thanks to Century Canning [manufacturer of 555] for this endorsement,” she said.
The new gig that Kris got herself into has proven also that she is one of the country’s biggest product endorsers.
Kris’ new signature gesture in the 555 Tuna advertisement is now familiar to every Filipino who has a TV set at home. The high-fives she gives to fellow mothers to express her approval of the canned tuna brand’s winning combination of the goodness of home-cooked meals, nutrition, and affordable price is a subliminal campaign for Noynoy votes, even if Noynoy’s campaign machinery doesn’t acknowledge this.
Kris, in describing her new endorsement, said, “555 Tuna has everything a mom like me is looking for. It has a delicious taste my kids love. It’s healthy, and it’s super affordable. It costs as low as P18.50 per can. Kaya, when it comes to tuna, I can’t help but say give me 555. It gives me variety with its 13 flavors that uniquely capture the taste of our favorite home-cooked everyday meals. It’s also fortified with vitamin A and is rich in Omega 3 and natural protein. The fact that it’s affordable makes it perfect for budget and quality-conscious mothers like me,” she said.
While Kris may not be actively campaigning for Noynoy, (she said that her brother doesn’t want her to be by his side oftentimes, so she keeps her distance and she shuts up when she can), in her own way she does things that only a sister with hope and trust that a brother would be able to help this country does. She accepts endorsement deals if only to raise funds for Noynoy’s campaign kitty. “As much as possible we are avoiding too many utang na loob so we’re really just doing everything ourselves,” she said. What she does, she does with love and sincerity as she promised during the funeral mass of her mother, President Corazon C. Aquino, at the Manila Cathedral.
Bongbong Marcos tells Erap to match Kris’ showbiz clout
Former President Joseph Estrada should match Kris Aquino’s clout in show business or even outdo it in support of her brother, Noynoy.
That is if Erap really wants to return to Malacañang. That’s what Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said last week.
Marcos said it is time for Estrada, an actor, to mobilize his friends in the show business and ensure their support for his candidacy just like what Kris has been doing for Noynoy.
The opposition congressman acknowledged the tremendous help showbiz celebrities can give to a particular candidate, especially during the campaign where they have proven to be crowd-drawers.
“Erap should start securing the support of his showbiz friends. Even if we say that voters are intelligent nowadays, showbiz personalities still have use for the candidates,” Marcos said.
Well aware of the major role the media plays in Philippine elections, Marcos said Estrada should also begin talking to his friends in the entertainment press.
“I think Erap also needs to seek the help of showbiz writers. The combined support of the artists and entertainment media can be a great help to his reelection bid,” he stressed.
Marcos said he believes that Estrada continues to have significant influence on the entertainment industry and there is no doubt that a lot of showbiz personalities are still willing to support his candidacy.
Men of the ’80s at Skydome
The Men of the ’80s continue their successful tour with a one- night-only stint at the Skydome at SM North Edsa on Nov. 21.
Just back from a successful tour of cities in the USA, Raymond Lauchengco, Randy Santiago, Louie Heredia and Gino Padilla are doing the hits that made them the top heartthrobs two decades ago and other memorable songs from the ’80s era,
Raymond was part of the Bagets. He is best known for enduring favorites like “Farewell,” “I Need You Back,” “So It’s You” and others. Randy comes from one of the country’s top showbiz families. He made his mark with songs like “Babaero,” “Hindi Magbabago,” “Paikot-ikot,” “Para Sa ’Yo,” and “Yakap-yakap.”
Louie Heredia also had a long series of hit records that included “Nag-iisang Ikaw,” “Can Find No Reason,” “lisang Damdamin” and “Kahit Kunwari Lang.” Gino Padilla, on the other hand, is well-remembered for having sang with Tina Turner and tunes like “Closer You And I,” “Gusto Kita,” “I Believe In You” and “Let The Love Begin.”
Will Jolo also rise?
Jolo Revilla had his first taste of showbiz when he was 12 years old. And guess what the movie was?
Pepeng Agimat, which starred Ramon “Bong” Revilla in the title role.
“I played the brother of Dennis Padilla who was the sidekick of my Dad, Pepeng Agimat,” Jolo said. I enjoyed the stint. Kaya, sabi ko sa sarili ko, ito na ang magiging career ko.”
Jolo has been busy since then. He has appeared in a number of TV shows, among which were Idol Ko Si Kap, Click, Kaputol Ng Isang Awit, Totoy Bato on GMA-7, and Seasons of Love on ABS-CBN, co-starring him with Shaina Magdayao.
He also appeared in movies including Anting Anting Ni Lolo, Exodus, and Resiklo. He is also in the Metro Manila Film Festival entry, Ang Panday, with his father.
“Lahat ng mga roles ko sa nabanggit na TV shows at pelikula had me lang in co-starring roles,” related Jolo.
Now, at 21, Jolo is finally a star. He plays the title role in Pepeng Agimat, one of the four Agimat movies, produced and starred in by his lolo, former Senator Ramon Revilla, which ABS-CBN is adapting into a bundle of Saturday primetime series.
The first of the series, which ended last Saturday, was Tiagong Akyat with Gerald Anderson.
“Susundan ang Tiagong Akyat ng Pepeng Agimat,” Jolo stated.
The two other remaining series are Tonyong Bayawak, to star Coco Martin, and Elias Paniki, with Jake Cuenca playing the title role.
Playing his leading lady in Pepeng Agimat is Melissa Ricks.
“Of course, I feel the challenge while playing Pepeng Agimat. Alam ko kasing there will be comparisons, not with my Dad, who has also portrayed Pepeng Agimat, but with lolo [Senator Ramon Revilla Sr.] who played the original Pepeng Agimat.
“Well, ang maipapangako ko, I will do my best,” he declared.
Now, the question: Will Jolo equal the success of both his father and grandfather?
Jolo answered: “Naturally my answer to that question is I hope so. Although, ma-achieve ko lang kahit kalahati ng na-achieve nila di lang bilang artista, kung hindi bilang politicians, I’ll feel happy na.
“After all, I have to admit that they are two hard acts to follow.”
Expanded services
The Asian Hospital and Medical Center, the country’s premier healthcare institution, breaks new ground with its Tower II expansion project and the opening of the new Lifestyle Medicine Center.
Set to open is Tower II, a 14-story building with upper and lower grounds and two levels of basement parking for the convenience of patients and guests. It will house various departments of the hospital including the Rehabilitation Medicine Department, Sports Rehabilitation, Hearing Unit, Ophthalmology and more Patients’ rooms. Tower II is designed by Archion Architects and construction is being overseen by SPCastro and Associates Inc.
Located at the fourth level of the main tower, the Lifestyle Medicine Center is Asian Hospital and Medical Center’s answer to our increasing lifestyle-related health concerns. Always in tune to patients’ needs, the Lifestyle Medicine Center is a new concept in health care that offers consultation, diagnosis, treatment, therapeutic and post-operative care for patients with illnesses brought about by poor lifestyle choices.
Sports Rehabilitation for athletes, Executive Health for the busy business execs, Nutrition and Wellness for the weight-conscious, and Sleep Lab for the insomniacs are among the units found at the Lifestyle Medicine Center. Also included are services in dermatology, cosmetic surgery, cardiology, pulmonology, ophthalmology and dentistry/implantology.
According to AHMC chief executive Theo Seiler, the new Lifestyle Medicine Center is “a comprehensive center to address your emerging lifestyle-related healthcare needs. It is equipped and professionally-staffed for a meaningful patient-centered care. Our center utilizes an evidenced-bases wellness program—another first in the country.”
The grand launch was attended by no less than former President Fidel V. Ramos, Secretaries Francisco Duque III and Ace Durano, Rep. Ruffy Biazon, Muntinlupa Mayor Aldrin San Pedro, and other VIPs from the government and private sector. After the groundbreaking ceremonies and plaque unveiling at Tower II, guests were ushered to the fourth floor where a walk-through of the new Lifestyle Medicine Center was also conducted.
Nickelodeon’s Wishology Toy Run
Nicksters, get ready for an adventure of epic proportions. Welcome The Fairly OddParents: Wishology!, an on-the-ground event happening from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Dec. 6 at SM Mall of Asia’s Music Hall. But who says you have to wish and wait that long for some magic to come along? Starting Nov. 1, Nickelodeon starts waving its magic wand to make your wishes come true by giving you a chance to go on a toy run in Toy Kingdom to grab P50,000 worth of awesome toys and get a shot at opening the toy vault containing P40,000 worth of hi-tech gadgets!
Have you ever wished for tons of toys but wondered if and when you’re ever going to get them? Now is the chance! All you have to do is go visit any of the participating Toy Kingdom branches from Nov. 1-to 15, get an entry form then search for and encircle the five golden wands printed on it. After filling in your contact details, make sure to drop it in the designated drop box.
What’s even cooler about winning the toy run is that you don’t only run for the coolest, choicest toys for yourself, but you also get to run for P90,000 worth of toys that will be donated to the SM Foundation to benefit the typhoon victims.
So make a list of your most sought-after toys and try your luck in making them yours by simply filling out an entry form in any of the following Toy Kingdom branches: Vmall, SM North Edsa, SM Mall of Asia, SM Makati, SM Megamall, SM Southmall, The Podium, SM Fairview, SM Bacoor, SM Pampanga and SM Marilao.
Nicksters, there’s an old saying that goes: “Be careful of what you wish for, you might just get it all.” If you agree and wish for a toy-grabbing spree, then don’t miss this opportunity.
This promotion is from Nov. 1 to 15 only. For more exciting highlights on The Fairly OddParents: Wishology!, log on to www.nicksplat.com.
Marvin Ong in Sweeney Todd
From the raving comments of media practitioners attending the recent Sweeney Todd press launch, hosted by Repertory Philippines, for Marvin Ong’s performance, the young singer/actor is out to conquer more hearts in the re-staging of the much-acclaimed stage musical.
Those who witnessed Marvin’s one-song performance said he is a genuine talent who rightfully deserved all the media support. They even called him, “Mr. Golden Voice.”
To all showbiz journalists who have been watching locally- produced stage musicals, Marvin is not really a newcomer. Before his Tobias role in Sweeney Todd, he played the title role in Ateneo’s Blue Repertory production of Bat Boy, just last year.
He has also essayed juicy parts in the same company’s Sister Act and High School Musical.
Marvin was also in the main cast of hit musicals such as Trumpets’ Noah’s Big Ark in 2004 and The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe in 1998.
Marvin has always looked up to actor/director/producer Audie Gemora (who’s playing the title role in Sweeney Todd) as one of his mentors.
“He has so much faith in me as an artist, so he started including me in several musicals,” Marvin said. “Director Audie was also one of those who were instantly convinced that I should play Tobias in Sweeney Todd”.
Marvin added that he is honored to be included in a cast of leading legitimate stage artists like Audie, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Roger Chua, Franco Laurel and the living legend of Philippine theater, Joy Virata.
