Royal Wedding Live Streaming Details

All the world is now getting crazy for the royal wedding, dubbed as the "Wedding of the Century"...and the live streaming details are here!

The Royal Wedding of Prince William of Wales and Kate Middleton will be happening hours from now (11AM in London, 5PM in Manila), and Youtube is bringing this global event to billions of people.

People can access Youtube's live streaming coverage of the wedding via http://www.youtube.com/theroyalchannel, the official live stream page of the British Monarchy on Youtube.

The site also contains the processional route which leads to Westminster Abbey. The Youtube channel also has this "Wedding Book", a compilation of well-wishes and messages for the couple.

But in case you can't access Youtube, you can also watch the royal wedding here via the Ustream.tv brought by Insider and Entertainment Tonight:

Free video streaming by Ustream

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More Reality, Less Drama on TV

Franchise is already not new to Philippine TV networks. It started with ABS-CBN taking the risk of adopting Endemol’s ‘Big Brother’ series. The huge risk paid off, as the first season registered high ratings and caused tremendous nationwide sensation.

Soon, GMA and TV5 had their respective share of hits and misses on producing local versions popular global formats. GMA got ‘Survivor’ and several game shows, while TV5 had ‘Who Wants to be a Millionaire’ and its pre-Pangilinan production of ‘Philippine Idol’.

Currently, ABS-CBN runs its ‘Got Talent’ franchise and TV5 on the works for the Philippine edition of ‘Extreme Makeover’. Sharon Cuneta and Judy Ann Santos are also joining the bandwagon of franchise shows with the Megastar hosting ‘The Biggest Loser’ with Derek Ramsay and the Teleserye Queen’s return via ‘Junior MasterChef’.

Not satisfied, the younger demographic is still clamoring for more reality franchises from the Big Three, asking for some break on soap opera-filled primetime programming.

As young people grow in importance as consumers, networks should start to cater this segment of viewers which prefer competition-styled reality shows like ‘The Bachelor’ or ‘Top Model’.

It might not hurt if one of the three big networks will abandon the 10PM slot for different reality franchises, instead of another teleserye that caters mostly to middle-aged mothers who might already be asleep on that time.

TV5 should take a second shot with ‘Philippines’ Next Top Model’ co-producing with Solar Entertainment. The Philippine version of ‘The Bachelor’ would be interesting with ABS-CBN while a ‘Project Runway’ edition would be good on GMA.

Aside from attracting younger viewers, these franchises are cheaper to produce and are more profitable since product placements within the show is much easier than on teleseryes.

But GMA’s Entertainment TV Group shying away from franchising reality shows, an attempt of developing rip-offs can be very possible. The network’s ‘Kitchen Superstars’ and ‘Amazing Cooking Kids’ are decent rip-offs of ‘MasterChef’, same with QTV’s ‘Iron Chef’ rip-off unwittingly titled ‘Kitchen Battles’.

In fact, if a franchise is not possible or too costly, developing original formats inspired from foreign shows is good, as long as teleseryes are reduced on daily programming. Shows with similar formats are common on US networks. What is important is that execution is great and the production quality is high.

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The Battle of Koreanovelas returns

The success of GMA’s two Koreanovelas prompted the resurgence of these Asian imports on TV programming.

The phenomenal success of ‘Temptation of Wife’ on a previously neglected timeslot of late weekday afternoon, and the consistent victory of ‘The Baker King’ on its timeslot over ABS-CBN’s Green Rose might have convinced ABS-CBN to air its stock of Korean dramas.

The premiere of ‘My Princess’ on ABS-CBN have leveled slightly ‘Temptation of Wife’s ratings, slashing the deficit into half. The good performance of this Korean romcom may have led to the decision of the network in green lighting the pilot of two more --- ‘I am Legend’ and ‘My Girlfriend is a Gumiho’.

On the other hand, the Kapuso network will not let itself be beaten. Its track record of airing the highest rated and biggest Korean dramas will continue with ‘Secret Garden’ which will replace ‘The Baker King’ on primetime.

It is not yet confirmed what will replace ‘Temptation of Wife’. But according to our sources, it might be one of the new acquisitions of GMA; ‘Playful Kiss’, ‘Gourmet’ and ‘Big Thing’.

Based on the line-up of the two networks, I say GMA has the upper hand. The dramas it acquired rated highly in Korea, either no. 1 or no. 2 during its original run as opposed to ABS-CBN’s ‘I am Legend’ which ranked 16th during its finale.

However, the Kapamilya network has not yet released teasers of its other acquisitions like ‘Sungkyunkwan Scandal’ and ‘Dream High’. I have watched the former, and I find it a very entertaining historical drama that deserves a primetime slot.

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Finales and Pilots on Primetime TV

Great changes will come on broadcast networks’ programming as several shows will have its finale and the premiere of new series to fill in the vacated slots, as summer is about to end.

On primetime, the Angel Locsin and John Lloyd Cruz starrer 'Imortal' will have its final episode this April 29, Friday. The sequel of the internationally-acclaimed Lobo promises a grand finale to the love story between the most powerful vampire and the strongest among the wolf people. The anticipation is high for the climax with more action-packed episodes, with producers promising an ending you’ve never seen before.

It is also the last week of GMA’s primetime Koreanovela 'The Baker King'. The last week gets more intense as dark secrets are revealed, and viewers anticipating how the optimistic Tak Gu succeeds in saving his father’s business from his nemesis. A consistent ratings winner for the Kapuso network in the national ratings, 'The Baker King' holds one of the most unforgettable characters on any Korean drama aired in the country, joining the ranks of Jang Geum and Jum-ong.

The end is also fast approaching for 'Dwarfina', the primetime fantaserye topbilled by Heart Evangelista and Dennis Trillo. The smallest heroine of primetime television is slated to end its run in two weeks time, making the available slots on the Kapuso turf to two.

According to teasers released by GMA, two primetime teleseryes will premiere this May. One is the highly-budgeted epic slash historical drama 'Amaya' with Marian Rivera in the title role. The show is expected to save the anemic performance of GMA’s primetime block, and the hope of it pulling other Telebabad shows.

On the other hand, a much lesser-hyped drama 'Munting Heredera' is set to have its pilot on Telebabad. This is supposedly Carmina Villaroel’s drama comeback. However, the actress backed out due to conflict of schedules, as she hosts 'Amazing Cooking Kids' on GMA and 'Day Off' on GMA News TV. This teleserye will also star Ms. Gloria Romero, legendary actress who is much indentified before with ABS-CBN.

I am personally happy that GMA is starting to revisit the heavy drama genre for its primetime programming. I have high hopes that the network will soon produce good dramas with the likes of 'Kung Mawawala Ka' and 'Sana’y Ikaw Na Nga'.

While GMA’s publicity machine is working double time for their upcoming shows, rival ABS-CBN is heavily promoting its newest inspirational drama starring TV’s drama legend Connie Reyes and child superstar Xyriel Manabat.

The Kapamilya network is placing its hopes of securing another season of primetime supremacy with '100 Days to Heaven', a story of a cold-hearted woman who died, sentenced to hell, and is given a second chance of changing the lives of the people she hurt in one hundred days. True, it is a familiar and common plot. But knowing ABS-CBN’s drama department, the simplest stories are surely to be given justice with its great casting and excellent execution.

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KC Concepcion on 'The View'

Kapamilya actress KC Concepcion hit the headlines when she appeared on American talk show The View, reading a spiel.



The actress was part of Star Magic's US Tour. She then lined up to be part of the show's studio audience, along with actor Enchong Dee.

The actress even tweeted: “Hello from NYC! I'm in the audience for talkshow The View. I'm gonna be starstruck just seeing Barbara Walters!”

To her biggest surprise, the show's producers asked her to do a spiel - along with one of the show’s main anchors, Elisabeth Hasselbeck - before a commercial break.

The video of her appearance quickly spread online.

Twitter users (obviously Pinoys) were proud of the actress/TV host.

“@kc_concepcion u could be the new The View host! Gorgeous KC!!!” lotskeeSCastro tweeted.

KRSHIA echoed: “@kc_concepcion Ikaw na talaga KC. Baka next week wala ka na sa Pilipinas, ginawa ka ng regular talk show host ng The View.”

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AJ Perez Burial: He's finally laid to rest

April 26, 2011, young actor AJ Perez was laid at the Manila Memorial Park.

At 10:30 AM, AJ was brought to Manila Memorial Park where fans are flocking as early as 9 AM to pay last respects to the actor.

ABS-CBN did not provide live coverage for the burial. GMA provided live updates via its Flash Report.

Goodbye AJ! We will truly miss you...

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Jennylyn Mercado to drop "bomb" against Dennis Trillo

It has long been rumored that the reason of Jennylyn Mercado and Dennis Trillo's break up is the alleged physical violence of the latter.

The news of the couple's break-up came from their managers respectively. The two kept mum about the real reason of their break-up.

Different versions and rumors came up. Sources even claimed that Jennylyn enrolled in a self-defense class, hinting that she's allegedly a battered girlfriend who decided that it's time for her to learn defending herself.

Another version says that Jennylyn is a jealous girlfriend. She allegedly got mad when Dennis gave Heart Evangelista flowers for the promo of their primetime series Dwarfina in Party Pilipinas.

However, GMA reporter Nelson Canlas said that Jennylyn threatened to drop a "bomb" against her ex-boyfriend.

What could this bomb? Physical abuse? Gender preference?

However, Dennis isn't fazed about the threat.

In an interview with PEP, the actor said “Alam n’yo kung meron mang pasasabugin, dapat nu’ng umpisa pa lang kasi, ‘di ba, anong use?”

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Pilipinas Got Talent: Got Wrong!

The success of Pilipinas Got Talent's first season made its return highly anticipated. Expectations were high, especially that it is the only show that could match the strength of GMA's Jessica Soho and the rise of TV5's Talentadong Pinoy.

The entertainment value is still high. Several amusing talents, funny wannabes, and purely hilarious talentless individuals who seemed to have gotten all the guts in the world are just some of the great elements that make the show watchable.

But what made this season's edition a disappointment is the lacking of wide variety of talents. Based on the episodes shown for the nationwide auditions, it seems that the triumvirate (Kris, Ai-Ai and FMG) favored singers. In fact, most of those who qualified for the semi-finals are singers, greatly disproportioned to the rest of the acts.

I understand that Filipinos are naturally born singers. As a nation, our musicality is definitely great. But this is not a singing competition.

This is a show that wants to cater the varying talents of the Filipinos --- talents that are either amusing, incredible or out of this world.

Based on the episodes I have seen, the judges' criteria for giving the nod is not all about the wow factor. Instead, their biggest factor is the possibility of making a star out of the performer. Well hey...this is not StarStruck!

On several instances, Kris said No to a fairly good singer while said Yes to a performer who's life story can be a ratings winner for an MMK episode.

I put this blame to the judges. The three of them are just lousy judges. OK fine, just the two of them. FMG is a good one, with an eye for a gem amongst the crowd of talents who auditioned.

If this is the path Pilipinas Got Talent is heading, its better that they change the show's title while early. Why not make it Pilipinas Got Singers instead!

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Personal take on Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 2011 Shamcey Supsup

2011 has been a redeeming year for the country's most prestigious beauty tilt. Without prejudice to GMA Network, this year's edition with ABS-CBN is far more superior production-wise.

As far as I am concern, the quality of this year's pageant is also by far superior with last year. Evident of course is my difficulty of choosing my bets for the top three crowns. Venus Raj is an obvious choice for last year's Universe Philippines crown. This year is different, with many women standing out and very impressive in the performance.

The winner is 24 year-old Shamcey Supsup from General Santos City. A brainy beauty, no doubt about it, Shamcey swept most of the minor awards during the finals night. But I am still skeptical about her, representing Philippines in the world's most prestigious beauty tilt.

I am not a fan of her smile. Her awkward smile is a distraction. But I must praise her for her outstanding glamour pics. Catwalk and speech can be trained, and her impresive academic bakground would attest that she's a quick learner. Hearing that she only prepared for 4 months, learning the INs and OUTs of pageantry is very impressive, more impressive upon knowing that she's up to veterans like Tumulak and Arevalo and still prevailed.

But I believe in my heart that she's being sent to the wrong pageant. Her classic looks and uber-impressive resume will make waves in Miss International. But her chances are slim in the Miss Universe pageant to be held this year in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Her beauty doesn't stand out that much in a crowd.

With conviction, I still belive that MJ Lastimosa, being fiery, fierce and confident can make her presence felt in the Miss Universe even amongst the Latinas. Her make-up during the finals is just overly done, but looking her look toned down for The Buzz interview, the girl representing Davao City surely outshoned Supsup and Necio.

Yes! I was devastated when she was called as second runner-up. My heart felt for her dissappointment and the sadness in her eayes.

But my support is still 100% for Supsup. And with the coming Miss Universe pageant, SHELU89 will post articles of her journey, arrival pics and preliminary performances. The Filipino on me will never falter.

To Miss Shamcey Supsup, goodluck and train well. We will always be behind you in the coming Miss Universe finals, cheering and shouting as your name shall be in the Top 15.

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Kate Middleton's family gets coat of arms

Just 10 days before the wedding, news came out that the princess-to-be and family had their coat of arms designed by herald painter Robert Parsons assisted by the College of Arms.

This is just new and old thing for the Middleton family --- new design for a very old tradition. Designing coat of arms dates back to the 12th century, where knights wore emblems on tournaments to identify themselves.

According to Yahoo, Middleton's emblem contain elements which are reflective to the family. The acorns are for the family's favorite tree, the oak. The gold chevron is for Carole Middleton's family name, Goldsmith. The thinner chevrons represent the family's love for outdoor activities, according to the palace.

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What happened to the charms of the Queen of Philippine TV?

I declare with all my heart...Kris Aquino definitely reigned in recent decade as the Queen of Philippine television!

Top rating TV shows, multi-million peso endorsement deals and hitting the headlines because of the simplest milestone of her personal life are just the reasons why she was the queen of our boobtube for this decade.

But her recent project, hosting the Philippine version of The Price is Right cost the talented talk show host her throne.

The game show poised by the kapamilya network as another cash machine slumped in the ratings game, registering less stellar figures, far from the phenomenal game shows The Kris Aquino has hosted in the past (also earning her the game show queen title).

And the worse, or better yet the worst of it, ABS-CBN demoted her from a primetime slot leading in TV Patrol to a late afternoon space in Saturdays (also known as the graveyard of TV programming). But the change of timeslot didn't help the beleaguered show either. In fact, its recent run put it in the third place, behind shows from GMA and TV5 respectively.

Any consolation Kris got was Pilipinas Got Talent, which is rating well and topping weekend primetime.

Thinking of it, the show she is currently hosting is the world's longest running game show. Its American version is a hit daytime show on CBS.

Does the queen lost her charms amongst the Filipino viewers?

I believe the show is not for the Pinoy masses. Personally, I enjoyed the show, being wowed by its prizes. But I also felt the general viewing public can't appreciate it, the same way they did with Deal or No Deal and Wheel of Fortune.

The queen still got the "IT" I must say. She is still the best female host we got in any other network. No one talks like Kris Aquino...that makes everyone glued on their boobtubes listening to her narratives of her latest public scandal and issue.

But the success of her shows should not solely rely on her wattage as a celebrity. There are right materials for the right person...and The Price is Right is not the one for her. Perhaps her home network should think and plan carefully her upcoming shows to get a new phenomenal hit from the current Queen of Philippine TV.

And please....no teleserye for her. I already praised her hosting skills, but I'm not a liar. She's a bad actress after all. I can't twist what is real from reel.

P.S. Her last performance in Kung Tayo's Magkakalayo is an epic fail!

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Goodbye AJ Perez!

I recieved the shocking news while still coming from a Palm Sunday mass in Cebu. A friend texted me that AJ Perez is dead, asking me who he is and what show he was with.

Knowing him since the start of his career, I immediately turned on the TV in my hotel room switched it to ANC. And I have read in along the ticker "Kapamilya actor AJ Perez dies in car accident".

I was totally devastated. Not only because he is one of my celebrity crushes, but also because of his young age. At 18, it seems that he has the best of life has to offer --- good looks, loving family and a promising career. In fact he was named as one of the stars to look forward this 2011.

Star Magic's head Johnny Manahan even compared the actor to the late Rico Yan. Aside from being look-alikes, AJ and Rico are both graduates of La Salle, and died on Holy Week.

After seeing AJ in Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo playing Judy Ann Santos' younger brother, I have always placed AJ in my list of actors who will make it big in showbiz. Although his recent teleserye starrer Sabel opposite Jessie Mendiola didn't make it into a phenomenal success, the chemistry is there. I just thought the material is just not good. Given the right breaks, and a material that is suitable to his angelic boyish charms, I was quite sure he'll be the next matinee idol on TV and films.

And all the promise and hopes for AJ Perez suddenly perished in a freak accident, killing him while on his way from a mall show in Dagupan City.

At his funeral, it was revealed that AJ had a non-showbiz girlfriend Steph Ayson.

It was also announced by AJ's family that the actor's cornea will be donated to Fatima Soriano, a blind singer who sang the theme song of the upcoming teleserye 100 Days to Heaven.

He will truly be missed. Goodbye AJ Perez!

Photos Courtesy of Mykiru.blogspot.com

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What ever happened to Alfie Anido?

I happened to watched old movies in Cinema One, and I pery sonally got smitten by an actor I hardly know paired with the very young Dina Bonnevie in Regal Film's coming-of-age flick Katorse.

I recognized Gabby Concepcion as the other guy, but who is this handsome, meztizo guy who's angelic and boyish charms mesmerized my childhood gayness? So I googled the movie and found out his name...Alfie Anido.

Born with immense curiousity, I made further research about the actor. I was devastated learning that he died at the tender age of 22, my current age as of writing. But what prompted me to this writing is the great mystery surrounding the death of a promising and popular actor, whose contemporaries are today's biggest names in Philippine showbiz.

Since it was reported as suicide, it was just natural of me to make a research of what's the reason behind the alleged suicide. Nothing was mentioned. However, several articles and websites mentioned a rumored murder linked to a powerful political family during the Marcos regime.

And by further research, I came upon an article wherein it was mentioned that Alfie has been romantically linked with ******* E*****, daughter of then minister and now a powerful solon.

One version even alleged that Alfie was murdered by his ex-girlfriend's brother in his own room, own his birthday. Another version says that it was the disgruntled ex's bodyguards who murdered the actor after discovering that she's being dumped for a third party, a guy model.

So there is even a homosexual theory involved.

The weirdest info I came across with is that the actor is actually still alive, but in a vegetable state --- a result of being beaten near to death by the ex-gf's brother. The ex-girlfriend even had an interview with ABS-CBN's Pipol hosted by Ces Drilon admitting that she was pregnant during Alfie's death, and had miscarriage afterwards.

If the murder rumors are indeed true, and that actor Albert Martinez is indeed with Alfie during the unfortunate and tragic incident, I think it's already high time for him to speak the truth. If indeed the ex-gf's family is still in power, I firmly believe that the we already have a different world, where people are more empowered. I say, this is the right time that people should know the truth, and those responsible be persecuted.

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