Maja Salvador on posing for men’s magazines

Young actress Maja Salvador said that she has no qualms posing sexy on the cover of men’s magazines but reiterated that she has a reputation to take care of. She said that she is willing to show some skin but at the right time.

She also did not deny the fact that there have been a lot of offers for her to be a cover girl. “Kung puwede ko lang silang pagbigyan gagawin ko, kaya lang dahan-dahan na muna.” Maja revealed.

The teen star though pointed out that she has already appeared sexy and seductive on billboards for a popular clothing line in the country.

“Nung ginawa ko nga ‘yon marami ang nagulat, ‘Ikaw ba talaga yon?’ Akala ng marami di ko kayang gawin,” she shared. “Kaya kong lumabas ngayon sa (men’s) magazines, pero alisin nila yung word na sex (and other similar words).”

Being 19 years old, the actress expressed that she is not in a hurry to go “sexy.” “Tama na muna ‘yung pinapakita ko. Hindi naman ako nagmamadali eh, 19 pa lang naman ako. May reputasyon na kailangang ingatan.”

Maja is set to start taping her launching teleserye next week where she will be partnered with a new leading man, Geoff Eigenmann.

How Marian Rivera got the deals

How did Marian Rivera along with Valerie Concepcion land their latest endorsement deals?

Valerie joins, “not replaces,” Dawn Zulueta as image model for the clothing line Meg because, a statement from the brand owner Maricar Tuason says, Valerie “courageously picked up the pieces after a fall.”

Tuason adds: “Val is a strong, independent woman who was not afraid to own up to her mistakes and then moved on to pursue her dreams.”

Marian Rivera’s matching up with the dermatological center Facial Care is based on less philosophical considerations.

She explains why she is endorsing FC’s LaserLight treatment (for unwanted hair). “Ang dami kong hair sa legs! I tried waxing, shaving... Often, I just wouldn’t have the time or, I’d have to wait for re-growth before another round of hair removal. I was always worried that my sexy costumes would show body hair... somewhere. At last, I’m free from all that.”

Anne Curtis thrilled with 'Dyosa' and with Sam Milby

Actress Anne Curtis shared her happiness and excitement over her upcoming television series “Dyosa", as well as the attention she is getting from all three of her leading men: hunks Zanjoe Marudo, Luis Manzano, and especially Sam Milby. The fantasy series "Dyosa" will air over ABS-CBN staring August 11.

“I know August 11 na very exciting for me, and I guess for everyone; kasi we’d been working really hard, but at the same time. I'm nervous,” Curtis told abs-cbnNEWS.com in an interview held at Trinoma in Quezon City.

Curtis also talked about her working relationship with her three leading men, one of whom, as they both already admitted--she is exclusively dating: that's actor Sam Milb of course.

“Ayon makukulit lahat sila makukulit but it’s been so much fun working with them,” she said, adding that there was no shortage of funny, wacky moments on the set.

She also said that she's happy working with director Wenn Deramas again this after the two of them had a rift over shooting schedules on a past film,"Ang Cute ng Ina Mo". From what she said about the director, it's obvious that they've patched things up.

“Okay siya. It’s so much fun working with him again ang last namin kasi iyong ‘Ang Cute ng Ina Mo,’ so to work with him iyon naalala ko lahat… iyong dictation sa tagalog so iyon, narrates the actress.

Curtis has obviously lost weight, a result, she said, of the hard work she's been putting into the making of "Dyosa." Despite the toll on her body, however, she said that she actually enjoys the work.

“Hindi naman sa nahihirapan, but it has a lot of work; and it’s thrice a week na iyong tipong, para matulog gigising nang hapon na. Tapos tulog ulit tapos diretso na sa set. So it’s a lot of work hindi ko nga alam na pumayat na ako--hindi ko na-notice. But it’s a good thing for me, she said.

Dingdong Dantes: Hottest male star is Belo’s newest body

A heavy early evening downpour didn’t stop the Belo Medical Group in giving Dingdong Dantes a grand welcome as its newest addition to its long (and still growing) list of celebrity endorsers. Coincidentally, Dong (as Karylle calls her boyfriend) was celebrating his birthday, so the launch was like a birthday bash hosted by Vicki Belo’s corporate family at the NBC Tent in Global City’s The Fort.

The Casino Royale-inspired party had gaming tables, slot machines, and guns on display, with sexy ladies sashaying as they welcomed the rain-drenched guests. A Martini bar featured in James Bond movies was also set up in one corner of the hall.

An AVP produced by Infinite Ideas shows the actor in his Agent 007 character, driving a shiny Audi R8, brandishing slick hand guns, sporting an Omega chronograph watch, surfing the Net on a MacBookPro l, using the latest mobile phone and getting in the thick of hard-core action.

Bayon Alcoseba, of Peppermill Catering, showed his expertise in preparing sumptuous food in stylized, buffet setting. The centerpiece at each table arrangements was a waterfall of diamonds to complement the James Bond concept.

Guests were treated to mouth-watering appetizers consisting of baked whole salmon encrusted in salt and herbs, grilled shrimp shooters with chipotle butter sauce, beef tacos parmigiana, chicken burrito wrap, mini-pancakes with smoked tanguigue and cream cheese. Grapes salad with Cervelat sausage was also on the buffet table.

Main course consisted of baked dory herbs and spices, shrimp tamales, Argentina pork loin with apricot sauce, tequila lime chicken with pineapple salsa, fettuccine cream pesto with smoked chicken and steamed rice.

For the carving station, there was roasted calf; and for desserts fresh fruits with chantilly cream, pistachio opera cake, yoghurt gazpacho shooters and hot fudge brownies.

Vicki Belo was extremely delighted to welcome Dingdong to her growing roster of celebrity endorsers. In her welcome address, she said that as Belo’s newest signature model, Dingdong will endorse Belo-Shape, a special and unique combination of treatments to tighten skin and remove fat. The non-invasive body-shaping procedure can yield faster and visible results with far less effort.

Dingdong used to have stubborn love handles which he couldn’t get rid of despite rigid workouts in the gym. But thanks to Belo-Shape, the actor became the highest paid underwear model and was voted as the no. 1 Bachelor of 2007 of Cosmopolitan Magazine.

Those who braved the rain to give Dingdong moral support as Belo’s new body included, of course, off-screen sweetheart Karylle, on-screen sweetheart Marian Rivera, GMA Films president Annette Abrogar, actors Ricky Davao, Marky Lopez, Dino Guevarra, GMA Network executives Wilma Galvante, Marivin Arayata, Redgie Magno, Joey Abacan, Lilibeth Rasonable.

Despite the inclement weather, not one of the guests were heard complaining. Some were even delighted to have won prizes in a raffle draw. Dingdong gave away a 42-inch LCD TV set, and 15 dual-SIM mobile phones. I got one for a prize, too.

Richard Gutierrez on Codename: Asero

Get ready for primetime's most heart-pounding action-packed series in Codename: Asero! It is GMA Network's grandest and first-ever sci-fi romantic movie on primetime television, which starts airing tonight on GMA Telebabad, taking over the timeslot of Joaquin Bordado, which concluded on Friday.

Topbilled by Primetime King Richard Gutierrez, Codename: Asero boasts of an enthralling story, a powerhouse cast and a remarkable creative team led by Annette Gozon-Abrogar, Don Michael Perez and RJ Nuevas.

It is also directed by two of the country's most distinguished directors: Mark Reyes and Mike Tuviera.

The all-new program, Codename: Asero not only features state-of-the-art props and grand set designs but also goes to great heights shooting its sequences in the most scenic locations here and abroad. The show also uses high quality film and equipment creating a unique and distinct texture on screen.

Codename: Asero is about a young man named Grecko Abesamis (Richard Gutierrez) who will do anything to protect his family. But unknown to his family, Grecko lives a double life as the talented Agent Phoenix of the Advocate. It is a secret agency whose mission is to get rid of lawbreakers in the world.

The Advocate's number one opponent, on the other hand, is the secret agency called The Empire whose ultimate goal is to destroy The Advocate.

The story begins when The Advocate sends Agent Phoenix on a mission. During his mission, Grecko meets the lovely Emily San Juan (Heart Evangelista) in the breathtaking country of Dubai. During this quest, The Empire finds out Grecko's true identity as Agent Phoenix and comes up with a plan to retaliate.

The Empire kidnaps Grecko's sister and only agrees to release her if he can find and deliver important software needed by the wicked The Empire agency. Grecko finally agrees and goes on the deadly mission.

The mission proved to be lethal to this talented secret agent. He was barely breathing when a Japanese scientist tries to rescue him. To be able to survive, Grecko had to undergo a delicate procedure, an operation that will cause all of his memory to disappear.

Now, he is unable to remember his life as Grecko or his life as The Advocate's star agent. The Japanese scientist turned him into a cyborg but not just any cyborg but the most powerful cyborg the world has ever known. He is named Codename: Asero.

How will the Abesamis family accept the changes in their beloved Grecko, now that he is a cyborg without feelings or any memory? How will the Advocate face their former number one agent who turns out to be their newest and strongest foe? How will he understand the women in his life? Emily, Fran and Claire? And how will Codename: Asero be able to find his way back to become human?

Joining Richard Guttierez in this grand action-adventure series are Richard Gomez as Ibsen Abesamis, Grecko's father who is a university professor; Michael V as Bodjie X, the Advocate's resident inventor; Janno Gibbs as Geron Aguilar, Grecko's agent-partner; Carmina Villaroel as Lady Q, the head of the Advocate and the newest member of the GMA-7's roster of talents, Heart Evangelista as Emily San Juan, a poor, young woman working in Dubai hiding from her fiancé‚ who accused her of theft and whose charm and beauty captures the heart of Grecko, Agent Phoenix and Codename: Asero.

Also in the cast are Paolo Contis as Dave Aviejo, Emily's fiance; Ramon Christopher as Gary Morales/Codename: Apollo of the group Empire; Ehra Madrigal as Dayze Tagimoro, daughter of the Japanese scientist that changed Grecko into cyborg; Chynna Ortaleza as Fran Guevarra, Grecko's girlfriend; Francine Prieto as Aureana, the sexy assistant of Bodjie X; Rhian Ramos as Claire Morales, and Ms. Caridad Sanchez as Lola Bertita, Emily's selfish grandmother.

Completing the cast are Marky Cielo, Bobby Andrews, Rainier Castillo, Bubbles Paraiso, Rocky Gutierrez, Elvis Gutierrez, Martin delos Santos, Chariz Solomon, Jenny Miller, Sheree, Ysa Villar, Joanne Quintas and Shyr Valdez.

John Lloyd Cruz: “Find your niche, learn what you are good at, and develop it! ”

Philip Salvador, his co-star in Maging Sino Ka Man, called him “a brilliant actor; one of the best of his generation”. Intense and brooding, but immensely talented—that is John Lloyd Cruz. The 2007 Star Awards Best Actor in a Drama Series for his role as Gabriel ‘Eli’ Roxas in Maging Sino Ka Man has trod a long and difficult path to fame, and it’s only now that his sacrifices have finally started to pay off.

Getting his first break in ABS-CBN’s youth-oriented shows like Tabing Ilog, and graduating to more demanding dramatic parts like that of hotshot young lawyer Yuri Orbida in Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay (where his love team with Bea Alonzo was born), John Lloyd’s career is a lesson in patience and a living embodiment of the saying that “The best things come to those who wait.”

Here, John Lloyd shares the words he lives by and the secrets of his success.

You have been an actor for so long, playing many different roles. What is the most difficult thing about your job?

Ang pinakamahirap is that as an actor, you deal with emotions. Sometimes those emotions are very heavy, and it’s hard to let go even after you leave the set. Kaya siguro minsan napapagkamalan akong suplado ng mga tao. What they don’t realize is imposible talagang di ka maapektuhan ng role, lalo na kapag mabigat na drama.

Do you sometimes feel that you’re misunderstood by people because of your job?

I get that a lot. Di ba nga, meron silang tinatawag na ‘John Lloyd mood’? When I’m on the set and I’m internalizing a role, there are times na hindi ako makausap. I take my work seriously.

Is that really part of your work as an actor?

I guess. It comes with the territory. It might sound like nagsusuplado na naman ako, but I don’t expect everyone to like me, or to understand the way I do things.

Where does your motivation for your work come from?

One thing’s for sure: I don’t work for the awards. The acting awards are just a bonus. If people recognize your craft, that’s the main thing. Pero hindi awards ang dahilan kung bakit ka nagtra-trabaho. It should never be the case, otherwise you lose sight of the real reason for being here.

Your meteoric rise in the last few years has people calling you a big threat to the career of many of your fellow ABS-CBN talents, notably Piolo Pascual. How do you feel about that?

I’m just big; I’m not a threat. (Laughs). In all honesty, malayo pa ako sa naabot ni Piolo. He’s done a concert at Araneta Coliseum; I haven’t. I can’t even sing or dance. And seriously, mataas ang respeto ko kay Piolo, both as an actor and as a person. I don’t see myself as being in competition with him.

You have successfully established your own identity as an actor, apart from Piolo. How did you do that? What would you say is the secret of your success?

I think that what it boils down to is realizing and accepting what you can and can’t do. Piolo can sing; I can’t. But I can act. It’s important to find your niche, learn what you’re good at, and develop that.

Who are the people who have helped you succeed in your career?

A lot. Wala naman kasing perpektong artista. There is always something to learn from every person that you work with. Like in Maging Sino Ka Man, I’m privileged to work with really great actors like Tito Ipe (Philip Salvador) and Tito Boyet (Christopher de Leon). Ang dami kong nakukuha sa kanila bilang artista at bilang tao. And I always value what I learn from them. Sometimes, I even learn just by observing them at work.

What advice would you give to those wanting to follow your footsteps in this business?

You have to have a conscious desire to keep wanting to be better. That’s why I never see myself as being in competition with other actors; I’m in competition with myself. Each day, you have to want to better yourself. That’s the only way to succeed.

Bianca Gonzalez: “Have a good heart regardless of what happens around you”

She is one of the busiest, most visible hosts on ABS-CBN, with three regular shows: Pinoy Big Brother, Entertainment Live and and Y Speak on Studio 23.

Bianca Gonzalez makes an excellent host, because not only is she pretty and nice to look at; she’s even better to listen to. Articulate, well-read and blessed with a passionate interest in people and things around her, the 24-year-old knows what it’s like to be on both sides of the fence, having once been a housemate in Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Edition, which she is currently hosting.

Her experience as a celebrity housemate taught her about how difficult it is to walk the fine line between being a celebrity and an ordinary person. “When you’re a celebrity, people have these preconceived notions of you—they think they know you, based on what they see on television. You get judged all the time.”

Bianca has been through a lot, but now she’s recovered and looking forward to what the future will bring. “This year [2007] was my defining year, when I focused on me as a person. I told myself that after what I went through in 2006, the wheel has to go up. This year, I learned a lot of things, one of which is that ultimately, the one person you can really count on is yourself.”

In the question-and-answer session that follows, the dating boarder ni Kuya shares more of her career secrets and the lessons she’s learned.

You’ve hosted so many shows, some of which are no longer on the air. Which one was the most memorable or enjoyable for you, and for what reason?

Each show is different and special in its own way, but Magandang Umaga Pilipinas was a career turning point. Before I joined MUP, people said I was sobrang sosyal and that I had this AB image. Joining MUP, they said, ‘humanized’ me and made me more reachable by the masa.

Did Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Edition have the same effect?

Looking back, if I knew how that was going to turn out, I probably wouldn’t have done anything that people could use to my disadvantage. On the good side, PBB taught me how to be more independent. I learned a lot of things that 20somethings don’t always have the chance to learn—but in a setting like that, you have to. There were times I thought I wouldn’t survive, but on the whole, I became stronger, wiser and more independent because of that experience.
If you had to reduce it to just one thing, what do you think would be the secret of your success?

Honestly, it’s hard for me to say that I am successful because I'm so young and I do have my own set of trials, but I always say I am very blessed! Success—that’s really hard to measure! I would say the secret to succeeding over small or big trials in life is keeping a good and positive heart despite all the bad things happening around you.

What's the best career-related advice you've been given?

My brother told me before I started working in this business, "Know what you're worth, and prove you're worthy."
Who have been your career models? What have you learned from each one?

I learn from every person I get to work with! There is so much to learn in the industry, and I think every person I meet, from writer to PA (production assistant) to producer to co-host, I learn so much.

What is the best and worst thing about your current job?

The best thing about being a host is the power to touch people's lives by virtue of telling stories (like in Pinoy Big Brother) and by empowering them with their opinions (like in Y Speak). I'm able to get an important message across, able to inspire and touch people, able to make some kind of difference in their lives. That means the world to me.

The worst is all the intrigues that come with being in show business, and your values being challenged.

If you could switch careers even just for a day, what career would you like to try and why?

I would love to do humanitarian work for the United Nations. After finishing my studies and working for a few years, it may sound pretentious to some, but I really do wanna use the resources and talents I've been blessed with to help those who have less in life.

What advice would you give to those wanting to follow in your footsteps?

To dream big but keep their feet on the ground. :)