Sleepy Primetime Lineup from ABS-CBN

For someone who used to watch a lot of local shows from ABS-CBN, I find myself spending more time now watching GMA-7's morning block - the Ryzza Mae Show and Eat Bulaga.

My 4-year old niece used to enjoy Hawak Kamay because of Juan Karlos’ presence in the show. Lately, though, he had little to no exposure at all, so even the kid was no longer interested in peeking at the boring show.

What is happening with ABS-CBN? After they have made a lot of known stars, only Piolo Pascual is the only legit popular actor in their primetime block now. He is popular, but the story of his drama series does not fit his stature, and he was given a leading lady (Iza) who is better off doing support or even antagonist roles.

I have seen the teasers of their short Christmas seryes. They said that they are bringing those to us, the viewers, as their gifts or way of giving back during this time of the year. I am okay with the Eddie Garcia story or even the Paulo and KC tandem, but my golly, pairing Maja Salvador and Gerald Anderson for a show meant to be enjoyed by the whole family during the Christmas season? What were they thinking? Sorry, I don’t hate them as they are (I have moved on haha!), but they are not the faces that I want to see during the holidays. I would rather watch old or tagalized movies than to be tortured, seeing them playing protagonists and goody-goody when their images in my mind as a chauvinist and playgirl, are still vivid and clear.

I am hoping for better shows with true-blue popular actors for the shows that are lined up for ABS-CBN next year. I have heard about Xian Lim being paired with Maja, such as disappointment for a fan who waited so long to see Xian on TV. Oh well, I don’t think that the network really cares so much about the sentiments of those who watch them. Their current lineup of primetime shows and the main leads are proof that they would do whatever they please and give projects to whoever they like.

I am just ranting, but I know that the network that its viewers brought to the top, wouldn’t care less about most people’s sentiments. Come on, GMA 7, it is your time to shine. This is the best time to push stars who look promising and deliver better stories, now that ABS-CBN seems to be slacking by giving us bland actors, rehashed stories, and the Maja-Gerald tandem (que horror!).

The Best and Worst Dressed at the Star Magic Ball 2014

It's again that time of the year when even ordinary people, like me, get to have their say about glam and fashion, thanks to the yearly star-studded ball of Star Magic/ABS-CBN. There were some artists, which fashion sense, leveled up, but there were more misses this year than last year.

First, let me take this off my chest.

credit as tagged

Woooowww... I can't get over this picture. Hands down, KimXi or the Kim Chiu and Xian Lim loveteam, watta fab pair.

They did not win, of course. This is the winning couple of the Fabulous Pair award - Piolo Pascual and Iza Calzado.

Instagram: Starmagicphils

Papa P, please get a haircut, like how you looked in your film with Toni G. I'm not sure about Iza's gown, it's not really something that is wishing for an award, but this may be part of the promo of their on-going series, Hawak Kamay.

The Couple of the Night, for me, if it is still going to be based on how they dressed, is real life partners, Jericho Rosales and Kim Jones.

credit as tagged

Jericho and Kim looked very regal. Real life sweethearts, Angelica Panganiban and John Lloyd Cruz won the award for being the Couple of the Night. To be fair, Angelica's make-up suits her and oh well, John Lloyd is a stunner no matter what he is wearing.

credit as tagged

The winners of the best dressed, according to Star Magic, are Paolo Avelino and Julia Barretto.

Instagram: Starmagicphils

I am not sure how to pick the best dressed for men since they all look the same haha! The difference only lies on how they carry themselves and there are instances when some men opt to really stand out from the rest, like Enchong Dee's unforgettable German Moreno inspired get-up last year and Daniel Padilla's red overall in an event with a black and white theme this year.

For the men, I'd go for Jericho Rosales, Xian Lim and Richard Gomez for the best dressed category.

CTO (cropped)

The best dressed among the ladies, for me, are Dawn Zulueta, Gretchen Barretto and Kim Chiu.

credits to Rappler (cropped)

If only there is an award for the sweetheart of the night, or the best dressed among teens, it rightly belongs to Janella Salvador. She looks every bit of a teenager, from her clothes, accessories, to her hair and make-up.

CTO (cropped)

Let's go to the worst dressed.

CTO

Come on, Bangs Garcia, you can do better than that. And why not bring Phil Younghusband at the next ball? You never know, but a gorgeous beau might change the appeal of your ensemble.

credit as tagged

The gown of Alex Gonzaga, for me, is too simple, for this big and glamorous event.

Hands down for the number 1 worst dressed at the 8th Star Magic Ball - it's Kristel Moreno.

The gown looks cheap and it is either she doesn't really look fit or there is a mistake with the camera angle. At least, many people would now wonder who you are, since I don't think she is that visible on TV, but sighs, all for the wrong reasons. Better luck next year =)

The Success of Bride for Rent and the Decision to Break Up the Kim Chiu and Xian Lim Tandem on TV

Credits to Xian Lim's Instagram account - xianlimm

This is a long overdue review of this film that made me laugh so hard and fall in love even more with its two leads. I watched it along with my family, including my 3 and 9-year-old nieces who both adore KimXi. We made sure that we were at the cinema before the first screening, but the line was so long that we ended up 10 minutes late for the screening, but at least, we were still able to secure good seats.

I am not really a fan of the director in terms of her visuals. But Direk Mae Cruz is a genius when it comes to storytelling. She makes sure that she does not leave anything hanging or missed out.

Story wise, Bride for Rent is quite simple and formulaic. Based on the casts' past interviews, they started filming this without a finished story and script, so at the start, they did not have any idea as to where this would lead. The writers of this film, I believe, were on-call on the set most of the time. I can just imagine the rigorous brainstorming sessions that took place after each working day or even after each take, while the group was still creating this bound to be blockbuster hit.

The finished film was a group effort and they appeared to have a happy ambience on the set most of the time, based on the Instagram and Twitter posts of many of the people involved in its creation.

It is not the story that lured many of its viewers to pay in order to see the film. Even with the trailer, you would already know that it is a cliche type of story. Most people flocked the cinemas for three reasons: 1. Kim Chiu was very funny. Even in the trailer, one will laud at Kim's comedic timing. She was good in BHKCNCM, but she was at her best (in terms of comedy) in BFR. 2. Xian Lim already has gotten a lot of swooning girls' following from BHKCNCM and he looks even sexier in BFR. He has also improved a lot in acting, especially with his dramatic moments. 3. The most important reason why many people could not get enough of the film and many are willing to pay for it over and over again to take another peek is the enigmatic chemistry between Kim and Xian. When I watched it, people were so kilig each time Rocco and Rocky would share the screen time. This loveteam has the magic that is quite hard to ignore.

After the first screening ended, we were supposed to transfer seats, so that we could be nearer to the exit since we would only be catching up on the few scenes that we did not see. But there seemed to be an onslaught of people in the cinema that no one could leave their seats, even just to take a CR break, worried that they would lose their places. It was even more surprising when we were about to leave the cinema. We could not find the stairs. People were all over. There were people up to the CR’s doors and they were all willing to endure such viewing experience in order to watch this flick. It was the first time that I experienced this in the cinema. It was the first weekend run of BFR. The next weekend, they already opened two cinemas, which both became full-packed.

Congrats to the BFR team and its coherent director. Congrats to the writers and other creative staff for coming up with memorable lines. Congrats to the efficient supporting casts. Congrats to Kim and Xian and their overflowing chemistry.

After the hit and success came the KimXi break-up on TV:

Rocco and Rocky are ordinary characters that were given life and excitement by Kim and Xian. For sure, many viewers have become fans of the team-up after seeing the film. They weren't given this kind of exposure on their TV projects. Most of the time, especially on their last TV soap, Ina, Kapatid, Anak, it appeared that they were only used, especially Kim, since she was the bigger star, in order to boost the career of the other actors. The horrors of IKA, there were even nights when Kim would have fewer scenes in favor of Maja Salvador's character, even if the latter would only frequent the bar and other unimportant scenes that could have already been omitted.

Well, that's the difference between TV and film. Although I am not happy with the news that ABS-CBN has decided to break the KimXi tandem on TV, giving Kim different partners (both actors whom are favored by the drama unit known as Dreamscape, Jake Cuenca and Coco Martin) and not having announced regarding what they plan about Xian's TV career, I think that it is already expected, although it still hurts.

From the fans' point of view, both Xian and Kim are not their drama unit's favorites. As a KimXi fan, I am already looking forward to their movies. If ever Xian would be delegated to another drama unit, I also look forward to the roles that would be given to him. As for Kim, I am pretty sure that many of her fans are now worried that she might again be given the kind of treatment that she had with IKA and, of course, Tayong Dalawa, which eventually became a Coco-centric soap and they even killed Kim's character in the end. Both soaps were produced by Dreamscape. At least, this new soap that stars Kim along with Coco Martin, will be handled by her director in My Binondo Girl, Malu Sevilla. I hope that Direk Malu will give Kim the proper exposure and airtime that she deserves with her status, being not only a hitmaker on TV, but on movies as well. I will watch it for the love of Kim.

I will miss the KimXi tandem on TV. I will miss Kim doing comedy. It is hard to be a fangirl, especially when the actors that you are rooting for work in a station, where favoritism is the name of the game. Well, at least, I still could hope for their future movies and while it is still showing, let us all watch Bride for Rent over and over again.

Kim Chiu and Xian Lim New Movie, Bride for Rent, Opens on January 15, 2014

CTO

After the success of Bakit Hindi Ka Crush ng Crush Mo, for sure, many fans of Kim Chiu and Xian Lim are eagerly waiting for this one, entitled, Bride for Rent. 'Hoping that this will surpass the success of BHKCNCM and may this begin the new year on the right path for these two well-loved personalities. The film is being helmed by Direk Mae Cruz.

Kim Chiu and Xian Lim Performs Magkabilang Mundo in ASAP

Less than three 3, indeed! I am pretty sure that many people are already waiting for their next movie and teleserye. Hopefully, they will be given more chances to perform something like this in ASAP, mall or out of town/country shows. Is it too much to ask for a KimXi album? =) Good job, Kim Chiu and Xian Lim. More!

The Unforgettable Sights of the Star Magic Ball 2013

Is it just me, or many stars really opted to be simple on the recently concluded Star Magic Ball 2013? There are only a few who stood out, but those who did really shone that night and gave the viewing public great examples as to why they ought to be called stars.

This is the list of my favorite attendees at the glamorous ball.

Kim Chiu, as always, never failed to prove why she is being looked up to by many fashion enthusiasts. She looked like a princess at the ball, with the equally good looking escort, Xian Lim, who made Kim glowing and even more beautiful.

Another belle who carried her ball gown with such confidence, glam and style is Julia Barretto. Her overall style, from the hair, make-up and gown, is quite fitting for her age.

Ella Cruz looked sweet and very cute at the ball.

Janella Salvador or Ma'am Nicki to those who watch TV-series, Be Careful with My Heart, looked like a sweetheart that night.

This may not be a stand-out gown, but Nikki Gil's attitude made it all up for whatever's lacking in her ensemble. When asked to describe her style by a staff of The Buzz, she happily said that this is her "moving-on" look.

Ms. Dawn Zulueta has already mastered the art of elegance.

It is not so much about Rica Peralejo's gown, but she looked very happy and pretty, and still sexy even though she's pregnant.

For the men, I'd be biased because after watching "Bakit Hindi Ka Crush ng Crush Mo?", I no longer find any male local celebs who can match the appeal of Xian Lim.

And I am quite sure that many girls, including this blogger, were quite envy of Kim Chiu with the very sweet gesture of how Xian invited Kim to be his date for the ball, as Kim gave us a peek how on her Instagram account.

This is my favorite KimXi picture at the ball. They really deserve the Fabulous Pair award.

There were also certain celebrities who were unforgettable for other reasons.

Maricar Reyes had managed to look quite appealing and classy in the past Star Magic formal events, but she opted for a simpler overall this time. Although she still looked pretty, her chosen style made her look like she would only go and dine out with someone and not attend a glamorous occasion like this one.

Kean Cipriano in a messy overall.

Ansaveh ni Kiray?! Tarush! Very Doña Guada in the body of an 8-yr-old kid.

Photo credits to: Instagram - chinitaprincess, xianlimm; StyleBible.ph & PEX

The Magic of the Kim Chiu and Xian Lim Tandem Perfectly Showcased in Bakit Hindi Ka Crush Ng Crush Mo

I watched Bakit Hindi Ka Crush ng Crush Mo mid-afternoon on a weekday in a cinema in Bulacan and I was really surprised that the venue was almost full. We were of different ages. There were kids, teenagers, yuppies, professionals and there were also a lot of senior citizens. I was with a friend who only came with me because she knows how fond I am of the film’s female lead, Kim Chiu.

From the beginning, it will captivate you because the film talks to its audience via its wacky narrator who happens to be the author of the book where this was based from, Ramon Bautista. He uses a language that is direct and will really affect those who have experienced the beautiful and ugly sides of falling in love.

Kim is very beautiful in this film and she blooms even more whenever she shares screen time with leading man, Xian Lim. I watched two of Kim’s films on the big screen in the past, Paano na Kaya and Till My Heartaches End, but I must commend that she’s at her prettiest in BHKCNCM. She’s also very natural here, with the way she delivers her lines and convincing the audience that her character, Sandy, is in love with Xian’s character, Alex.

People may be used at Kim with drama because of the typical roles that she gets on TV, but in this film, she has proven that she can be good with comedy as well. Her laughter is contagious and it just seemed so real.

Xian was an eye candy and will get your attention from the moment that his character was introduced. He really was yummy. I can no longer count how many times I uttered “Ang gwapo ni Xian” when I was watching the film until now that I am typing this blog entry. More than his looks though, he was able to deliver a very convincing take on his role. He excels at scenes where he was tasked to play the guitar and sing.

Before I watched the film, I thought that its main selling point would be the genre, as it was marketed as an all out wacky comedy. As the film progresses, you can’t help but be captivated with the powerful chemistry of Kim and Xian. Their love (or their characters’ love) for one another will get through you. It would not be hard to convince people that they really feel what their characters were going through. There were no “pilit” moments. The “kilig” happens every time they were together on screen. They deserve to be given the best screen kiss award for this film.

I am a KimXi fan even before, but my companion was not. This film made her a KimXi fan as well and it feels so good that I now share my craziness about the tandem with my friend. Judging from the audience’ reaction, it seems as if the legions of KimXi fans have broadened after witnessing their magic on screen via BHKCNCM.

The movie was fast-paced. Star Cinema tried to inject the family angle in both Kim and Xian’s characters. While it worked for Xian’s side, it was not that needed for Kim’s character. They could have simply explained her back story without dwelling a lot on her family. Pokwang, who could have helped in providing more laughs with her brand of comedy, played the role of Kim’s mother, was tasked to do solely light drama scenes.

Unlike the Sarah-John Lloyd films where you will also love the supporting players because of the witty lines and great execution, BHKCNCM stood out mainly because of its two leads, no more, no less. They both delivered well and have I already mushed over their chemistry and magic? Haha!

So I went to watch this film as a fan who was more inclined to Kim, with a friend who could not care less about Kim or Xian. I went out as a solid KimXi fan and now a die-hard Xian admirer, with a friend who also became a fan of the team-up and someone who’s now arranging groups to go with us to watch the film again for the love of Xian Lim.

Hopefully, this film will perform well in the tills. I want to see more of Kim and Xian on TV and on the big screen. The team-up will surely remind you that life and love can be sweet and beautiful just by looking at these two.

Kim Chiu and Xian Lim - BAKIT HINDI KA CRUSH NG CRUSH MO

The first movie team-up of today's hottest loveteam, KimXi or Kim Chiu and Xian Lim, hits the big screen on July 31. Let's all watch and support Bakit Hindi Ka Crush Ng Crush Mo.

Kim Chiu and Xian Lim Star in Bakit Hindi Ka Crush Ng Crush Mo

After the hit flick, Monsters University and the oooh-so cute Minions on Despicable Me 2, watching a local rom-com with today's hottest loveteam would be a sure-fire treat. This July, Kim Chiu and Xian Lim will bring to life the phenomenal self-help book by Ramon Bautista, Bakit Hindi Ka Crush Ng Crush Mo?

CTO: James Banaag

Aside from the oozing chemistry of the pair and the proven wittiness of the book's author, no other than Bb. Joyce Bernal is at its helm. Here's a quick teaser of the film, Bakit Hindi Ka Crush Ng Crush Mo?

CTO: Pacifist Thug

Kim Chiu is @Prinsesachinita on Twitter

The Primetime Princess, Kim Chiu is on Twitter! Follow her: @prinsesachinita

A kilig trivia for KimXi fans: Xian Lim was the first one that Kim followed on Twitter =)

Kim Chiu and Xian Lim Plead for Mali to be Transferred to a Sanctuary

Popular local young actors, Kim Chiu and Xian Lim, do their share to increase the public’s awareness about Mali, and why it is important for the elephant to be transferred from the zoo to a sanctuary.

McFloat Rainbow Medley TV Commercial featuring Xian Lim

Nicely done! And as always, Xian Lim is uber cute =) The song is also nice, but somehow, I miss Xian singing - Paparapapa...

Kim Chiu on Maja Salvador and Gerald Anderson - And So the Story Goes

And just like that, the truth is out. Kim Chiu stood and braved all questions thrown at her during the Ina, Kapatid, Anak presscon held Tuesday night. This is quite far from the broken person she was once back in 2010 when the news broke out on the truth about the Gerald-Bea Alonzo romance.

Here's a summary of what transpired at this very intense press conference:

The issue here is not about Gerald Anderson at all. Kim has trusted Maja with all her heartaches from this one person whom Maja is now singing romantic tunes with. Para lang syang humanap ng pagkakataon para sya naman ang maging “It” girl sa buhay ni Gerald. Maja had chosen to stand by this man who once treated her best friend like trash. That speaks volume of the real Maja Salvador.

I don't want to badmouth anyone, but with how things turned out, it was like Maja had chosen to take a stand. And between Kim and Gerald, she had chosen the latter, a lover over a friend, wow!

Uh-oh, Gerald, I don’t think that an ambulance would suffice when you try to emotionally explain your side to the public this time. You must rent a hospital for a more dramatic effect.

CTO: Sarah Anderson and Fashion Pulis

Looking into the positive side, at least Kim has found Xian Lim amid all the troubles that she has encountered with her past love and scheming best friend. 

Okay, kalma haha! Here are some of the statements from the fiercer and fearless Kim Chiu at tonight's presscon:

CTO: abs-cbnnews

From this piece, these are the statements that I liked the most:

"Nakakapagod na din po kasi yung tanong kayo ng tanong sa akin tungkol kay Gerald eh ang dami niya na pong dinaanang babae, hindi ba? Hindi lang naman ako. Bakit hindi niyo po hingin ang opinyon ng ibang babae since marami naman po sila"

"We are good, we are OK. I don't care, I don't care, bahala na siya. She knows Gerald, who Gerald is." 

"...I'm happy for them, pero parang nalungkot lang ako na yung taong sinabihan ko noong time na down ako eh parang kinain niya lang yung sinabi niya."

I can totally relate with Kim and I think that every girl who have experienced being involved with a jerk who unabashedly turned to the best friend of his ex, would feel the same way like how Kim reacted. She is concerned with Maja, above everything else. 

This whole story also vindicated Mommy Divine of Sarah Geronimo (take note, Ogie Diaz). Ogie is one of those who keeps on insisting that there is something wrong with how Mommy D has handled the Sarah-Gerald interrupted romance. She may be strict with her girl, but young girls would realize when they have become adults that no mother would want any harm for their kids. It is a good thing that Sarah G stuck to her parents' side and defended them, especially Mommy D., when the criticisms won't stop even after Gerald stopped from pursuing Sarah.

These are some of the tweets that really made my night and made me a proud fan of Kim Chiu.

This one also made my night because as I have said in my previous post - 
Fiercer Kim Chiu and Sarah Geronimo, Lovebirds Maja Salvador and Gerald Anderson, and Other Local Tsismis, I have developed total respect for Sarah G.

This image is really inspiring. This signifies that although these showbiz sweethearts have been hurt and bruised, they have found their voices and are ready to face the future with a fiercer and fearless attitude.

CTO: Pam Nicole

And to cap off this very intense and intriguing night for all Kim Chiu fans, here's a funny but very meaningful tweet that made my night.

I don't really know how to end this post because the story is only beginning. For sure, there will be more developments as days (or hours) go by. I'll just end this with a retweeted quote of Kim's make-up artist, Haidz Fernandez:

Here's the full video interview of Kim Chiu, along with Xian Lim. Aside from the issue upfront, what caught my KimXi heart at this interview was the slip of the tongue of Xian that they were together in Hong Kong last Christmas (or I only misheard this part) and that he also celebrated New Year's with Kim. (Ayiiiie, another round of press con, please, for these two. And if this is going to happen, kindly eradicate Maja from the scene and avoid asking Kim about Gerald like a plague =)

video credits to: Chikkaness Ave

PS:

For all those who can't understand why Kim reacted this way, either you are a man who does not have much contact with women, you don't have a best friend or you are MAJA SALVADOR, here's the most important rule according to the Girls "Secret" Code.

CTO: Ms. Lean via Twitter

See related articles here:


Fiercer Kim Chiu and Sarah Geronimo, Lovebirds Maja Salvador and Gerald Anderson, and Other Local Tsismis

In Line with the Kim Chiu, Maja Salvador Rift over Gerald Anderson - Is It Okay to Date Your Best Friend's Ex?

Fiercer Kim Chiu and Sarah Geronimo, Lovebirds Maja Salvador and Gerald Anderson, and Other Local Tsismis

Move over, Sarah Labati, because a more interesting showbiz happening is starting to unfold.

If you were able to watch ASAP even on your TV screens, there were lots of interesting and awkward moments that happened on its January 6, 2013 episode. I waited for the production number of Ina, Kapatid, Anak to catch Kim Chiu and Xian Lim. To add to its production value, it started with the trio of Kim, Maja Salvador and Enchong Dee. There came a point when Enchong left so that Xian could take his place. Wow, when the two girls were left on stage on their own even for a short time, you can sense that there was a certain level of discomfort with the two who used to be the best of friends. Maja's eyes would skip Kim and looked around as if she was eager for Xian to come out on stage. Kim looked like she was finally able to breathe when Xian was already by her side.

KimXi did not fail to deliver at that production number. It was super kilig even though they only looked at each other's eyes and held one another. There was what seemed like a pilit effort for the other pair to appear that they were sweeter than KimXi. They even shared one mic, which failed to get any responses.

And then there was the spiel where Kim and Xian were together with Enchong Dee, Cristine Reyes, Vina Morales and I am not sure if he was part of it, but Gerald Anderson also joined the group. It became rowdy, with Enchong, Cristine and Gerald at the helm of being childish on national TV, not minding that there were other people in the group who felt like the teasing and jokes were just too much.

Many fans felt the same way, too, and some of them blurted their reactions at a photo that was posted on Instagram by Kim's make-up artist, Haidee Fernandez. To which Kim replied:

At the time, Kim has already unfollowed Gerald on Instagram. What's more mind-boggling is that Maja also unfollowed not only Kim but Xian on this popular and now controversial photo sharing app. Kim followed suit and unfollowed Maja as well the day after.

So what's the big deal with this follow-unfollow thingy? Before this happened, it was evident that fewer pictures of Kim and Maja together were being posted even though they were both in the same places or events. Maja had more pictures with Gerald circulating over the internet, including their vacation pictures in Misibis Bay with other friends during the holidays.

Before this whole brouhaha, the local entertainment news was filled with Sarah Geronimo's fierce statements in defense of her parents and strong words about what happened or what she has learned with her life's episode with Gerald.

And now, the latest gossips are about Maja and Gerald being together for over a year now. It may be okay for them to become a couple, but this is quite complicated.

Maja was Kim's best friend and Kim is Gerald's ex-girlfriend. Kim is a good friend of Matteo Guidicelli who is Maja's ex. Maja is or was a good friend of Sarah G or that she claimed to be. If this has been going on for a year, it happened while Gerald was still pursuing Sarah and Kim was still helping Maja and Matteo to patch things up.

Wow, talk about being complicated. Let us just see where this story leads. For this blogger, I never liked Maja, and this gives me more reasons to continue doing so. The story made me a bigger fan of Kim though and I have developed total respect for Sarah G.

As for Sarah Labati, you have placed yourself in a position where you will never win because you are fighting with your boss. If you will keep on saying things against them, they will just use these to ruin you even more. The best thing to do is to finish the contract and do your work obediently and leave immediately after it expires.

And 2013 is only beginning, hmmm, this is shaping up to be a more controversial year to the local entertainment industry.

Related Articles:


Kim Chiu on Maja Salvador and Gerald Anderson - And So the Story Goes

In Line with the Kim Chiu, Maja Salvador Rift over Gerald Anderson - Is It Okay to Date Your Best Friend's Ex?

Expecting a Pinkish White Glow Results for 24 7 In Love

I ought to write something about having a pinkish white glow skin, but first off, I want to share my thoughts about 24/7 In Love and Suddenly It’s Magic, which seem to be trekking the same path. Here it goes…

--

I am wondering whether or not the latest offering from Star Cinema, which was co-produced by Star Magic, 24/7 In Love, was a hit or tragic like the last film that aired before its run – Suddenly It’s Magic.

Before I start ranting about my reasons why I won’t watch 24/7 In Love and why I am writing this instead of a piece about having a pinkish white glow skin, this is my take why Suddenly It’s Magic turned tragic. Oh boy, the movie poster was a disaster. It is as if they have spent all their resources on the leading man’s talent fee, whom most Pinoys know as the guy in the Thai movie, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, than his real or screen name. He may be cute and charming. The movie could have done better if it was given a leading lady with a solid following, like Kim Chiu or Sarah Geronimo.

Instead of choosing a leading lady (who has a pinkish white glow – maisingit lang) who looks good with just about anyone paired to them, they have tapped someone who looks better in grim roles, like Aswang, than in any stories that are light and aimed to make people feel in love and kilig. Some of Erich Gonzales fans, at the time of the movie’s promo, would argue that she was the first choice, so opinion-givers can no longer do anything about it. Now it was proven that we can do something and that is to decide not to watch this flop film. I know what they will say now – that the movie is still being shown in other countries or that Star Cinema already regained its money because it has sold the movie rights to its Thailand counterpart, and so on. Whatever they say, nothing can change the latest figures that this movie has created at BOM – it flopped and the magic really turned tragic.

Now on to 24/7 In Love – I have a feeling that this is headed the tragic route as well. It features the biggest artists of Star Magic, such as John Lloyd Cruz, Bea Alonzo and Piolo Pascual. It has the hottest loveteam that caters to teens and pre-teens, KathNiel and it was promoted as the comeback film of KathNiel predecessor, KimErald.

Its selling point, aside from the artists, was the compilation of seven love stories in one film. The downside to this is that, based on the teasers and trailers, all these stories are sort of “gasgas.” I no longer need to pay for it just to prove that I won’t enjoy the film. Oh well, I really won’t enjoy it because I am craving for Kim Chiu’s other loveteam, which is KimXi (Kim Chiu and Xian Lim), than the one that was featured in this movie. Of all the artists and their fan bases, I think that only the fans of KathNiel (Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla) would seriously plan on checking this out, simply because most of them are young, but I don’t think that this will be enough to turn this film into a hit.

This is only my hunch though, that this is going to flop and will show box office results that is only a little higher than Suddenly It’s Tragic, er Magic. I’ll be very surprised, but happy, if I turned out to be wrong. Piolo needs a hit movie and the story of Sam Milby and Pokwang seems cute, but it is still not enough for me to brave the cinemas and watch Kim with Gerald Anderson, haha! Bitter! I know, right?

The good thing about this movie though is it’s movie poster. It was far beyond my expectations after the Tragic’s poster, but the two layouts for the 24/7 In Love film looked awesome. Kudos to whoever made these.

Back to my pinkish white glow article, but hoping that the next movie from Star Cinema would be better than these two. Is it going to be the MMFF entry, Sisterakas? Oh good Lord, not again hehe!

---

Edit: December 10, 2012

Based on the figures at BOM, the gross of 24/7 In Love did not turn out to be as bright and shimmering as the number of stars that were part of its cliche stories.

The Hits and Misses at the Star Magic Ball 2012

While cramming for a deadline last night, I could not help but peek at the updates and photos about the annual Star Magic Ball at different online sites. I am not a fashion guru, but for my simple taste, here are my takes on how the Kapamilya stars have chosen to shine last night at the ball or made no effort at all in dimming their own lights.

Credits to the owners of the pictures below. I got most pictures from Push, PEX and Twitter:

SUPAH HOT!
Those smiles spell one thing- HAPPINESS.
They really look like a real couple here.
They deserve the Couple of the Night award that they got.

Kim Chiu is Queen Chiu.
She has really mastered her fashion sense.
She amazingly looks like a real star.

Xian Lim, shining on his own without Kim by his side.
His time has finally arrived. Gwapo sobra (drools).

Super wow for Maja Salvador!
She looks like a goddess here and she rightfully
deserves the Female Star of the Night award that she got.

Julia Montes should have exchanged looks with Maja for the ball.
She looks as if she was groomed to appear quite older than her real age.
This night could have been her chance to let her youth shine by letting her hair down
and by wearing something like Maja's attire. Oh well, she won Sweetheart of the Night for this manang look.

 

Kathryn Bernardo is very pretty and this simple gown fits her age.
She's even prettier with cutie Daniel Padilla by her side.
I like Daniel better without his glasses though.
Their team-up won the Breakout Fashion Award

Bea Alonzo in a gown, which cannot be worn by those who have weak hearts.
It suited her though, her bulky yet shapely figure compliment the style and material of this creation.

Megan Young proves that not all morenas cannot shine in black.
What is she still doing in local showbiz? She ought to try modeling.

Shaina Magdayao strutting a sexy back, but this gown
would look better on Angelica Panganiban.

This is a pretty gown, but it does not suit Angelica Panganiban.
She should have traded gowns with John Lloyd Cruz' ex.

They are cute, literally. This is Ella Cruz, looking like she's enjoying her youth (ehem, Julia Montes) and partner.

Nikki Gil knows that she looks good with this kind of look,
so she appears at every special  Kapamilya event looking like this. It gets boring, girl.
It's a good thing that Billy Crawford looks dashing by your side.

Bianca Manalo, looking like a winner even though she was dateless that night.

Yeng Constantino looking like a sweetheart.

Maricar Reyes is another effortless beauty.

I'll include this on the hit list because this made me laugh.
This former Going Bulilit star stayed loyal to the night's theme, which is black and white.
He was like saying, "Take a back seat, Empoy. I am here."

Here's a list of the winners for this year's ball.

Jawdropping Stunner award- Bea Alonzo

Standout Star- Coco Martin

Prince and Princess of the Night- Julia Barretto and Julian Estrada

Sweetheart of the Night - Julia Montes

Hot Mama award - Carmina Villarroel

Hot Papa award - Gerald Anderson

Breakout Stlye Award - Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo

Stars of the Night - Enchong Dee and Maja Salvador

Fab Pair - Maricar Reyes and Richard Poon

Couple of the Night - Xian Lim and Kim Chiu

Star Magic Icons - Diether Ocampo and Angelica Panganiban. 

Dawn Zulueta may not have gotten any award that night,
but this picture proves that she's "unkabogable"
She's the rightful recipient of the award as the ball's stunner.

If there are hits, there are also lots of misses in the night's ball.
It is a beautiful gown, but worn by the wrong person.
Erich Gonzales looked better last year when she wore an orange gown that complimented her complexion.

It takes guts for someone like Enchong Dee to snatch something from Kuya Germs' closet.
I can already imagine him doing Walang Tulugan 40 years from now, and yeah, he won an award, sighs...

Bangs Garcia obviously wanted to win the Worst Dressed Award, and you did it girl.
You even got a bonus for also being the most deserving for the Worst hairdo award.

Did she do that on purpose? She looked like a caricature.
This is Myrtle, by the way, the winner of the last PBB Teens batch.
The gown is fabulous, but I cannot stare long at her picture. 

She's young, but in this picture, it's quite obvious that Andi Eigenmann has aged a lot after becoming a mom.

Charee Pineda in a gown that looks as if it was not intended for a glam ball.

I'll end this post on a positive and yummy note. OMG, Enrique Gil, you deserve the Hot Papa Award that night. Come on, ABS-CBN, this one looks to be the most fitting for the role of Captain Barbell.

PS:

In my own humble opinion, my best dressed and stand out stars who shone the brightest, exuding excellent taste in fashion and confidence for this one-night and once in a year only affair are: 

and