Meet the Faces of KaJoyfulness Episode 4

The fourth episode of "Meet the Faces of KaJoyfulness" featuring the talent update of Roberto Manalag where he updates his account from Personal Collection-Matina Branch.

Venus Raj declines Willie Revillame’s offer, signs up with ABS-CBN

MANILA, Philippines - After a series of negotiations, 2010 Miss Universe runner-up Maria Venus Raj finally signed up with the Kapamilya network last January 14 at the ABS-CBN compound.

According to ABS-CBN Business Unit Head Linggit Tan, the 22-year-old reigning Binibining Pilipinas-Universe is welcome to be part of the Kapamilya network for as long as she likes.

In line with this major partnership, ABS-CBN also signed on to air the Binibining Pilipinas pageants for the next five years.

This guarantees that the Philippine’s most prestigious beauty competition can be watched not only locally, but worldwide via ABS-CBN’s The Filipino Channel (TFC).

After representing the country abroad in the Miss Universe pageant in Las Vegas, Nevada last year, the statuesque morena has been very visible in the local media.

So it wasn’t any surprise that she received a lot of show business offers before she finally decided to sign up with ABS-CBN.

Venus admitted that she received an offer from former ABS-CBN talent Willie Revillame to be a part of his show on another network.

But Venus passed on the offer because any career decision she made also had to be done in consultation with Binibining Pilipinas Charities, which are managing her career.

“May offer talaga. Nakausap ko si Mr. Willie Revillame one time nung nagkita kami sa isang function pero sinabi ko nga na hindi rin naman ako lang ang nag-decide sa mga bagay na yun at alam ko naman na parang nag-sa-start na rin yung negotiations with ABS-CBN at that time,” she said.

Venus said she graciously declined the offer so there isn’t any bad blood between her and Willie.

“Hindi ko rin naman talaga siya nakikita ng personal at nakakausap so feeling ko wala naman. Magaling naman yung nakuha nilang co-host ni Mr. Willie Revillame so okay lang din yun,” she said.

Venus also vehemently denied being courted by the host.

“Hindi naman, grabe naman yun. Nagkita lang kami, nagkausap, ganun lang. Wala naman sigurong ample time para magligawan,” she stressed.

Even though she only found out about her contract-signing the night before negotiations were finalized, Venus said she has been excited by the thought of working in ABS-CBN ever since the possibility was brought up with her.

“Sobrang saya at sobrang excited ko ngayon. Talagang nung gabi sobrang saya ko na halos hindi na ako makatulog kasi iniisip ko yung mangyayari ngayon at eto na nga yun, medyo matagal-tagal din yung negotiations, kung anu-ano pinag-usapan nila. Pero sabi nga, kahit gaano katagal, we are very happy na nandito na kami sa ABS-CBN. I’m extremely honored to become part of the country’s biggest network. I’m proud to be a Kapamilya,” she admitted. (report from Rhea Manila P. Santos, Push.com.ph)

Sandara takes 5-day vacation in the Philippines

MANILA, Philippines – Korean pop star Sandara Park recently went on a 5-day vacation in the Philippines, but avoided the public eye ever since she arrived last January 8 with her sister Durami.

Set to debut with the rest of the girls of 2NE1 this February in Japan, Park had some rest and relaxation and saw some friends in the country she treats as her second home.

However, she had to follow the directive of her management, YG Entertainment, not to have any public appearances or interviews including photos taken with fans as it was vacation time for her and she is not to concern herself with work-related activities.

Park, of course, had to see her “Star Circle Quest” friends first and foremost, and fortunately had the chance to meet Melissa Ricks on the eve of her birthday.

She was also able to meet up with soon-to-be married Roxanne Guinoo and see her friend’s 3-month-old baby during an out-of-town trip.

Joross Gamboa also took her to Ricks’s party too, where she met the birthday celebrant’s rumored boyfriend Jake Cuenca and talked to a longtime fan, actor Enchong Dee.

She also caught up with the ABS-CBN Star Magic and "ASAP" staff at their offices.

Park was also able to meet Jed Madela, Sam Concepcion, Young JV, Drei Felix, Nyoy Volante, RJ Jimenez, and fellow Korean, "Pinoy Big Brother" teen Ryan Bang, who was overly hyper when they were introduced to each other.

Park also took the time to see her high school barkada.

The singer also bonded with her sister and some friends in Subic Bay in Zambales, where she watched dolphins, sea lions, tigers, and other animals she missed visiting during the time she shot for 2NE1 TV’s first season.

She also went boating at one of Bataan’s private resorts.

She went shopping for her favorite Filipino treats such as dried mangoes and “inipit” and “pasalubong” for 2NE1 members Park Bom, Minzy, and CL.

Park also stuffed herself full of her favorite Filipino dishes such as sinigang na hipon, sisig, and pakbet, and spaghetti and chicken from a fast-food chain.

As much as Park wanted to extend her stay for Guinoo’s wedding, she was also keen on going back to Korea yesterday, January 12, since her brother Sang-hyun (or Thunder as he is now known in Korea) is making his comeback onstage in Korea with the idol group MBLAQ today, January 13.

Parks wants to give him her all out support as his group launches their first full album.

But before she left the Philippines, Park left a very special message for her Filipino followers, old and new.

“Kamusta? Pasensya na kayo sa ‘kin. This time ‘di ako nagpakita sa inyo… Private vacation ko kasi with my sister. Kaya sana ‘di kayo tatampo sa ‘kin. Hope to see you guys next time and sana kasama ko na ang 2NE1 girls din. Yeah! Thank you sa support niyo! Mahal ko kayo!”

Keep on checking Push.com.ph for exclusive pictures of Park’s 5-day vacation in Manila. (report from Patty Ramirez, Push.com.ph)

Carlo J. Caparas appears before DOJ, denies tax evasion

MANILA, Philippines (ABS-CBN News) - Comic strip creator-turned film director and producer Carlo J. Caparas appeared before the prosecutor in charge of investigating a pending tax evasion case against him to file his counter-affidavit and personally swear to it in front of the prosecutor.

In said counter-affidavit submitted to Senior State Prosecutor Rosanne Elepano-Balauag , Caparas denied any accountability for the 12 counts of alleged failure to file his quarterly income tax returns, 4 counts of alleged failure to file annual income tax returns and 48 counts of failure to file his Value Added Tax returns for the period 2006-2009.

The BIR claims a total tax due from Caparas for the four-year period is P540,210,206, inclusive of surcharges and penalties.

The BIR's investigation of Caparas was based on the planned cancellation of two television shows dubbed "Ang Pangarap Kong Jackpot" and "Kroko" produced by Caparas featuring lottery winners. These shows were reportedly part of a contract between Caparas and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) amounting to P1.3 billion.

In his counter-affidavit Caparas claimed that under subject PCSO contracts, "all payments shall be net of ALL taxes."

He said the PCSO "undertook and stipulated to shoulder the responsibility of taking care with the payment of all taxes arising under the contracts and all other legal obligations connected therewith" such that his stipulated compensation under these contracts "shall already be free of all kinds of tax burden."

Caparas also claimed the PCSO withheld substantial amounts from his compensation "which were in turn duly paid/remitted to the BIR."

Caparas insists that granting that he failed to pay the correct taxes, this was "not willful, deliberate or done with evil intent."

"Kaya ako nandito, handa akong harapin kahit ano, at siguro may konting kulang o pagkakamali pero wala akong kasalanan," Caparas said in an ambush interview with reporters.

"Considering that I am a layman totally unfamiliar with the intricacies and nuances of laws governing contracts and taxes, my failure to correctly appreciate the legal consequences of the stipulations in my contracts should not be met with punitive action," Caparas' counter-affidavit read.

The BIR however insists the case against Caparas is strong.

Speaking to reporters at the DOJ this morning, BIR Deputy Commissioner for Legal and Inspection Group Estela V. Sales said "We wouldn't file cases when we are not convinced that the case is strong. So when we come to the DOJ, we believe that we have a good case. It's now up to the DOJ for them to resolve." (report from Ina Reformina, ABS-CBN News)

Jinkee keeps birthday celebration simple

MANILA, Philippines (ABS-CBN News) – Jinkee Pacquiao, wife of Filipino boxing superstar and lawmaker Manny Pacquiao, celebrated her 32nd birthday over a simple gathering in General Santos City recently.

Jinkee kept the celebration free of the grandiose preparations, only inviting family members and house helpers.

In the private event, Jinkee's daughters, Queenie and Princess, showcased a dance number for their mother.

The helpers then sent their greetings to Jinkee, throwing praises at the mother of 4.

"Mabait kasi siya. At saka matulungin," Yaya Remy, one of the helpers, said.

'Best birthday ever'

This might as well be the best birthday for Jinkee, who claimed is delighted just with the presence of her children.

"Tutal, isang araw lang naman ang selebrasyon. Happy lang ako sa greetings nila, okay na," she said.

She added she is already contended with spending the holidays together with her family in Japan and Australia.

"Masasabi ko, isang pinakamasayang bakasyon na kaming lahat magkasama," she said.

For this year, Jinkee said she will keep her housewife duties on track by looking out for her children, and supporting Manny in his endeavors as Sarangani congressman. (Report from Dyan Castillejo, ABS-CBN News)

Jason Francisco defends Gerald Anderson from violent fans

MANILA, Philippines - The love team of Jason Francisco and Melai Cantiveros is said to have the most number of fans worldwide, next only to the legions of followers of another pair born out of Pinoy Big Brother, Kim Chiu and Gerald Anderson.

But with the continuing issue about violent fans who have withdrawn their support from Gerald and who are sending death threats to the young actor and his loved ones, Jason can’t helped but be alarmed.

In an interview with Push.com.ph during the look test for the new teleserye entitled Precious Hearts Romances presents Mana Po, Jason expressed his sympathies for Kim and Gerald.

Jason, a third placer in PBB’s Double Up season, revealed that he first tried to audition for the said reality show during the Teen Edition in 2006, the batch where Kim and Gerald belong.

Jason shared that he considers Kim and Gerald as his showbiz idols, and he asked the fans to respect the private lives of the two.

“Ang mga fans kasi minsan hindi sila makaintindi. Halos five years na rin ang pinagsamahan nina Kim at Gerald at ng mga fans nila. Pero kung ano pa man ang maging desisyon nila para sa personal na mga buhay nila, sa kanila na lang ‘yun. Ang trabaho lang talaga ng artista e pasayahin ang mga fans, kaibiganin. Pero may mga pribado pa rin silang mga buhay. Sana maintindihan ‘yun ng ilang mga fans.”

When he saw on the news that Kim and Gerald had both broken down during the press conference for the last year’s film Till My Heartaches End, he couldn’t help but sympathize for the two.

“Napanood ko ‘yung balita kina Kim at Gerald na umiiyak sila. Talagang naapektuhan ako. Pakiramdam ko sa akin nangyayari ‘yun. Siyempre kapwa artista mo rin. Napaisip ako, ‘Ano ba ang ginawa namin para ganituhin ninyo kami?’ Sa haba ng pinagsamahan nila, imbis na intindihin na lang at suportahan ‘yung mga naging desisyon nila, naging kabaliktaran pa.”

Jason has advised Gerald to keep his cool. “Malas lang siguro ni Gerald kasi siya ‘yung lalaki. Alam mo naman sa ating mga Pilipino mas nakikisimpatya tayo sa babae kaya tuloy lalaki ang kadalasang dehado. Minsan nakaka-bonding ko rin ‘yan si Gerald. Napakabait, totoong tao. Nasabi ko nga one time sa kanya na relax lang at lilipas din naman ‘yan. Sana naman, nakikita ko naman na nagiging okay na sila pareho.”

Jason added that he believes that although stars and fans can be good friends, there still should be a limit most specifically when the issue is about personal life.

“Dapat alam natin ang kanya-kanyang lugar. Ang mga fans pwede mo naman maging kaibigan. Pero pagdating sa pribadong buhay, dapat labas na ang fans dun. Wala na dapat nangingialam. Hindi naman ibig sabihin papabayaan na namin ang mga fans. Alam naming malaki pa rin ang utang na loob namin sa kanila. Give and take, pero dapat may limit pa rin lalo na kapag personal na buhay na ang usapan.”

If ever he finds himself in a dilemma wherein he had to choose between doing what he wants and pleasing the fans, Jason said it is always more important to side with the truth.

“Kung mangyari sa akin ‘yun, sobrang mahirap naman na pipilitin mo ‘yung sarili mong gawin ang isang bagay na ayaw mo para lang ma-please mo ang mga fans. Lolokohin mo lang ang mga tao nun, lalo na ang sarili mo. Dapat sabihin mo na lang ‘yun totoo. Kalaunan naman siguro ay matatanggap din nila.”

Jason also noted the important role of leaders of fans clubs whenever a sensitive issue like this would arise.

“Minsan kasi may mga tao rin siguro na gusto lang manggulo. Pwede namang maging maayos. Ang mga fans club alam ko may mga officers ‘yan. Sana ‘yung presidente, kausapin na lang ‘yung mga members para ipaintindi ang sitwasyon.” (report from Napoleon Quintos, Push.com.ph)

Mga mapagsamantalang tao, gumawa ng hate page sa Facebook

Mga KaJoyfulnesses, dahan-dahan lamang po kapag nag-post ng mga statuses ng iyong Facebook profile dahil may mga mapagsamantala maski mga walang utak na tao ay gumagawa ng mga anti/hate/fake pages ng FB kung saan ang iyong iniidolo ay gustong siraan ng mga kumokontra.

Ang masaklap pa: gumawa ng isang indibiduwal ang isang hate page sa Facebook na may katagang "I Hate the Philippines" kung saan binabastos nila ang mga Pinoy na naninirahan sa Pilipinas.

Kaya naman, nagsama-sama ang mga pro-fanpages na i-report ang mapagsamantalang fanpage maski ang mga anti's ay dapat nang tuluyang i-ban sa mga social networking sites. Bukod sa "I Hate the Philippines", meron ding mga nagsusulputang mga hate pages na gustong paalisin bilang mga artista sa showbiz, ang iilan sa mga ito ay ang: "Anti-Tricia Santos" at ang "Anti-Xyrielle Manabat".

Mga KaJoyfulnesses, mag-ingat po tayo kung ayaw n'yong mabiktima ng mga hate pages o pambabastos/pambabatikos sa inyong pagkatao. Magsama-sama po tayong mag-report sa mga lapastangang fan pages na umano'y makakaapekto sa kanilang ginagawa.

Mukha ni Melai, pinasusunog ni Shalala

NAKAUSAP namin si Melai Cantiveros sa taping ng Banana Split ng ABS-CBN 2. Kinuha namin ang reaksiyon niya sa isyung sinunog niya ang picture ng mga artista at tumatanggap siya ngayon ng katakot-takot na batikos sa kampo ni Mr. Fu.

“Artista lang naman ako. Kung ano ang ipagawa sa akin, gawin ko lang ‘yun,” bungad ni Melai sa amin.

Gusto ba niyang makilala si Mr. Fu?

“Oo. Matagal na po naming tineping ‘yun, dun lang na-air. Hindi man lang picture niya nasunog, marami namang picture na sinunog na dapat kalimutan sa 2010 tulad ng ‘Meganun’.

Trabaho lang naman ‘yun, walang personalan. Bakit naman nagagalit? Baka Chinese, ayaw ng ganoon. Hindi ko naman alam na over sa pagkagalit.”

‘Pag nagkita sila ni Mr. Fu ano ang unang sasabihin niya?

“’Hello’. ‘Pag nagkita kami. Sa picture ko lang siya nakita. Hindi ko pa siya nakita ng personal. ‘Pag nagkita kami siguro hindi ko siya makilala,” aniya pa.

‘Pag may nakikita na masama sa iniuutos ng director, susundin ba niya?

“’Pag papatay ako ng tao. Hindi na ‘yun puwede. Hindi naman ako pumatay ng tao. Picture lang naman ‘yun. ‘Pag sinabi ng director na patayin mo si kuwan, hindi ko gagawin ‘yun. Abnormal na papatay ka.

Wala naman akong masamang nakita sa pagsunog doon. Siguro sa kanilang imahe, mga Chinese, masama siguro sa kanila. Naiitindihan ko naman ‘yun, ganoon naman ang artista ‘pag sobra pagka-big deal. Marami na nag-big deal. Mga next week matatahimik din ‘yan.”

Walang isyung pinag-usapan hanggang five years.

“Sa totoo lang, hindi ko kilala si Mr. Fu. ‘Yung kilala ko ‘yung Meganun. Noong nasa PBB ako sumikat daw ‘yung Meganun,” aniya pa.

Nabasa mo ‘yung mga tira sa iyo?

“Dito ko lang nalaman sa trabaho. Sa internet, pinag-usapan daw. Mabuti na lang sunugin na lang ‘yang Twitter na ‘yan para walang isyu,” aniya pa.

Anong masasabi niya sa statement ni Shalala na sunugin na lang ang mukha niya?

“Alam ko namang joke ‘yun. Hindi naman papatayin ako. Joke lang, magsunugan na lang kami,” diretso niyang sagot.

Kilala ba niya si Shalala?

“Oo, sa Juicy. Marami na siyang tinitira kaya kilala ko. Ako rin maraming tira pero na-immune na ako,” sambit pa niya. Talbog! (report from Ed de Leon, Hataw Tabloid)