53rd Grammy Awards (2011) nominees: Eminem leads with 10 nominations

The nominees for the 53rd annual Grammy Awards or the 2011 Grammys have been announced last night, December 1, 2010, in L.A.

Leading the pack of Grammy 2011 nominees is rapper Eminem with 10
nominations, followed by Bruno Mars with 7, while Lady Gaga, Lady Antebellum and Jay Z each has 6 nods.

Our very own Charice unfortunately isn't nominated as Best New Artist. Why oh why? She should be, just like Justin Bieber who's among the Best New Artist nominees and also in the Best Pop Vocal Album category.

Check out the nominees for the 2011 Grammy Awards:

Album of the Year
THE SUBURBS - Arcade Fire
RECOVERY - Eminem
NEED YOU NOW - Lady Antebellum
THE FAME MONSTER - Lady Gaga
TEENAGE DREAM - Katy Perry

Record of the Year
NOTHIN' ON YOU - B.o.B Feat. Bruno Mars
LOVE THE WAY YOU LIE - Eminem Feat. Rihanna
F*** YOU - Cee Lo Green
EMPIRE STATE OF MIND - Jay-Z & Alicia Keys
NEED YOU NOW - Lady Antebellum

Song of the Year
BEG STEAL OR BORROW - Ray
LaMontagne And The Pariah Dogs
F*** YOU - Cee Lo Green
THE HOUSE THAT BUILT
ME - Miranda Lambert
LOVE THE WAY YOU LIE - Eminem Feat. Rihanna
NEED YOU NOW - Lady Antebellum)

Best New Artist
JUSTIN BIEBER
DRAKE
FLORENCE & THE
MACHINE
MUMFORD & SONS
ESPERANZA SPALDING

Best Female Pop Vocal
Performance
KING OF ANYTHING - Sara Bareilles
HALO (LIVE) - Beyoncé
CHASING PIRATES - Norah Jones
BAD ROMANCE - Lady Gaga
TEENAGE DREAM - Katy Perry

Best Male Pop Vocal
Performance
HAVEN'T MET YOU YET - Michael Bublé
THIS IS IT - Michael Jackson
WHATAYA WANT FROM ME - Adam Lambert
JUST THE WAY YOU ARE - Bruno Mars
HALF OF MY HEART - John Mayer

Best Pop Performance
by a Duo or Group with Vocals
DON'T STOP BELIEVIN'
(REGIONALS VERSION) - Glee Cast
MISERY - Maroon 5
THE ONLY EXCEPTION - Paramore
BABYFATHER - Sade
HEY, SOUL SISTER
(LIVE) – Train

Best Pop Collaboration
with Vocals
AIRPLANES, PART II - B.o.B, Eminem & Hayley Williams
IMAGINE - Herbie Hancock, Pink, India.Arie,
Seal, Konono No 1, Jeff Beck & Oumou Sangare
IF IT WASN'T FOR BAD - Elton John & Leon Russell
TELEPHONE - Lady Gaga & Beyoncé
CALIFORNIA GURLS - Katy Perry & Snoop Dogg

Best Pop Vocal Album
MY WORLD 2.0 - Justin Bieber
I DREAMED A DREAM - Susan Boyle
THE FAME MONSTER - Lady Gaga
BATTLE STUDIES - John Mayer
TEENAGE DREAM - Katy Perry

Best Dance Recording
ROCKET - Goldfrapp
IN FOR THE KILL - La Roux
DANCE IN THE DARK - Lady Gaga
ONLY GIRL (IN THE WORLD) - Rihanna
DANCING ON MY OWN – Robyn

Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album
CRAZY LOVE - Michael Bublé
THE GREATEST LOVE
SONGS OF ALL TIME - Barry Manilow
LET IT BE ME: MATHIS
IN NASHVILLE - Johnny Mathis
FLY ME TO THE MOON…THE
GREAT AMERICAN SONGBOOK: VOLUME V - Rod Stewart
LOVE IS THE ANSWER - Barbra Streisand

Best Solo Rock Vocal
Performance
RUN BACK TO YOUR SIDE - Eric Clapton
CROSSROADS - John Mayer
HELTER SKELTER - Paul McCartney
SILVER RIDER - Robert Plant
ANGRY WORLD - Neil Young

Best Rock Performance
by a Duo or Group with Vocals
READY TO START - Arcade Fire
I PUT A SPELL ON YOU - Jeff Beck & Joss Stone
TIGHTEN UP - The Black Keys
RADIOACTIVE - Kings Of Leon
RESISTANCE – Muse

Best Metal Performance
EL DORADO - Iron Maiden
LET THE GUILT GO - Korn
IN YOUR WORDS - Lamb Of God
SUDDEN DEATH - Megadeth
WORLD PAINTED BLOOD – Slayer

Best Rock Song
ANGRY WORLD - Neil Young
LITTLE LION MAN - Mumford & Sons
RADIOACTIVE - Kings Of Leon
RESISTANCE - Muse
TIGHTEN UP - The Black

Go to CBS website for the complete list of nominees.

The winners for the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards will be revealed on February 13, 2011.

Charice shines on Glee Season 2 Premiere (Episode 1, September 21, 2010)

Did you miss Glee's Season 2 Premiere? If yes, then you missed to watch how impressive Charice was.

Glee Season 2 just had its premiere Tuesday night, September 21, 2010 (Wednesday morning in Manila) on Fox Network and our very own Charice made her debut on Glee as Sunshine Corazon, an exchange student from the Philippines.

And despite being a newbie in the show, Charice shined and impressed the televiewers with her rendition of Telephone (with Lea Michele) and Listen.

I gathered tweets from some Glee fans or the Gleeks on Twitter and they truly were wowed by Charice's debut appearance in the show. They described her as amazing, phenomenal and incredible. (And they are non-Filipinos!)

KristieAnn: Looking up videos of this Charice girl singing (who played Sunshine on #glee) and holy crap she's AMAZING!

iBrittt: I think I just died and went to heaven...Sunshine on GLEE is PHENOMENAL! Gahhhh soo stoked for next weeks Glee (:

JesseP_Break_Me: Charice/Sunshine gave me shiver-me-timbers during her audition. That girl has some pipes! *thuds* Incredible!

lacanvasser: #glee songs are better than real songs. Also, where did this new Sunshine chick come from? She's incredible!

ffjewelry: Who played Sunshine on Glee? What a beautiful voice!

Melapaloosa: #GLEE Holy sh@t! Charice! Damn, talk about blowing a song out of the water! Seriously, Seriously impressed over here. #gleeks

Aside from those tweets, Charice also got positive reviews from entertainment writers. Laura of Hollywood Life wrote an article entitled "Step Aside, Lea Michele - Charice Should Totally Be The New Queen Bee of "Glee"! and according to Laura, she finally gets why Charice is being called the most talented girl in the world after hearing her sing in the show.

"I'm glad that SOMEONE finally gave Rachel (Lea Michele) a run for her money. As Filipino foreign exchange student Sunshine Corazon, Charice stole the show! Although her bathroom scene rendition of Beyonce and Lady Gaga's "Telephone" was fab, I absolutely had chills when she sang "Listen" from Dreamgirls," Laura says.

Tim Stack of Entertainment Weekly is also impressed with Charice's voice. He writes, "The entire episode was witty and packed with ah-mazing musical performances (hello Sunshine!)...Sunshine's voice is insane, especially considering she's about the size of a lawn gnome and dresses like a Harajuku girl."

On Google Search, Charice immediately become one of the most-searched items right after Glee premier. The query "charice glee" ranked at a very high #5 on Top 100 Google Hot Trends worldwide. Both "Charice" and "Sunshine Corazon" were also among the Top 10 Trending Topics on Twitter.

I feel so proud of Charice!

Aside from Charice, also made their debut on Glee Season 2 "Audition" episode were Chord Overstreet as Sam Evans and Dot Jones as Coach Beastie.

Next week's episode of Glee Season 2 will be more exciting as it pays tribute to Britney Spears, who's also making a special appearance.

Britney Spears' GLEE appearance confirmed!

The original Pop Princess Britney Spears is very much confirmed to have an appearance on the upcoming season of GLEE.

The confirmation of Britney Spears' Glee appearance was relayed by TV host Ryan Seacrest on Twitter when he got the chance to talk to Glee creator Ryan Murphy.


"spoke to @gleeonfox creator ryan murphy. Said @britneyspears will appear on glee," Seacrest tweeted.

That's indeed a good news. Back in July, it was already announced that Glee will have a Britney Spears-themed episode but it was not confirmed that Spears will have a special appearance.

It's exciting because Glee's upcoming season will also have our very own Charice, who's now being considered as the new Pop Princess.

And also Charice can imitate Britney very well. She can sing very much like Britney (watch her Youtube video) thus it would be so much exciting to see them perform together.

Glee star Lea Michele revealed in an interview that she already taped a re-enactment of Britney Spears. So hopefully, Charice will also have her own Britney number.

Apart from an episode dedicated to Britney, Ryan Murphy also told Ryan Seacrest that he wants to do Prince, Beatles and Michael Jackson episodes but no definite plans yet as of the moment.

Glee Season 2 is scheduled to premiere September 21, 2010.

Charice's face job for "Glee" receives criticisms

Charice has undergone sort of a "face job" while in the Philippines last weekend and she admitted that she did it for "Glee".

"Glee" will welcome Charice as a new addition for its Season 2 and she'll start taping by the end of this month.

To prepare for her role as a Filipino exchange student in "Glee", Charice has sought the help of cosmetic surgeon Dra. Vicky Belo to enhance her facial features.

Charice underwent Botox Treatment and Thermage procedures to narrow down her wide round face, which according to Belo in a TV interview was a result of Charice being fond of chewing gums during her childhood.

It was both reported on GMA 7 and ABS-CBN 2.

On Twitter, Charice has been trending for more than two hours already right after it was reported on TV and people there debating on whether she did the right thing or not.

Some say that Charice, who's only 18, is too young to do that and it's one desperate move.

Even seasoned musician Jim Paredes of the Apo Hiking Society didn't like what Charice did. He said on Twitter, "Kinda disturbed that Charice is getting a face job. Don't go changing to try and plead Glee. We love you just the way you are."

Actually, there's nothing wrong with Charice's cosmetic procedure. It's her choice. But what's so wrong there is...the TV coverage. Why was her procedure had to be covered and be broadcast to the whole world?

Now, Charice is already making headlines just because of that. The Associated Press has headlined it this way: "Teenage singer Charice gets Botox for 'Glee' debut."

The headline doesn't sound good for her and the news has already reached websites of Forbes, Boston Herald, USA Today, Seattle Times, Yahoo!, US Magazine, Rickey.org, Popeater, Ok! Magazine, Billboard, CNN, People and other international news and gossip sites.

And the readers' comments on those websites are mostly not favorable.

Charice joins Glee cast (Season 2)

After Charice denied the rumor last month, it has been confirmed that Charice is indeed joining the cast of Glee Season 2.

Entertainment Weekly has confirmed it, stating that Charice has already signed to star on "Glee" starting next season, whose production starts this month.

And what's Charice's exciting role? She will most likely be in her Filipina self as she will play a foreign exchange student in the hit TV series. Not unless, they're gonna make her portray other Asian race or a Latina teener.

With this news, Charice's Filipino manager was after all right. She was the one who first spilled the secret to a local newspaper in the Philippines.

As I've said in my previous post, the plan to include Charice in the next season of Glee could be very true, but it was a "premature plan" and too early for Charice's camp to tell the whole world about it.

But with this latest development, now coming from Entertainment Weekly in the US, it's now final and official.

Charice has shared the good news to her Twitter followers, but again denied the rumor which came out in May. "It's official. I'm on Glee (next season) but story behind it. When d rumor came out, it wasn't true. But then after that I tried to audition. And i made it!!! Let's Party!!!!," she said.

The whole Philippines and all Filipinos in the world are celebrating with you Charice. Congratulations!

23rd Awit Awards (2010) Nominees: Gary V, Yeng, Charice, Christian Bautista and more

[MYKIRU'S FIRST CATCH]

The finalists or the official nominees for the 23rd Awit Awards (2010) have been revealed and getting 6 nods each are Gary V., Noel Cabangon and Gloc9.

With 5 nominations is the group Sinosikat while 4 apiece for Yeng Constantino and Kris Lawrence.

International artists like Charice, Aiza Seguerra and Christian Bautista have 2 nominations each. The Pop Princess' beautiful song "Always You" is up for the Song of the Year and Best Inspirational/Religious awards while Asia's Pop Idol Christian Bautista is nominated for Album of the Year and Best Ballad. Asian Acoustic sensation Aiza Seguerra is a nominee for Best Performance by a Female Recording Artist and Album of the Year.

Here are the nominees:

Best Performance by a Female Recording Artist:
Hiding Inside Myself - Jaya
Himig ng Pag-ibig - Yeng Constantino
Bette Davis Eyes - Aiza Seguerra
Single Ladies - Princess
Right Here Waiting - Sarah Geronimo

Best Performance by a Male Recording Artist:
Naglalambing - Paolo Santos
Just Tell Me You Love Me - Kris Lawrence
Maybe This Time - Martin Nieverra
Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko - Noel Cabangon
How Can I - Gary V
Why Can't It Be - Gino Padilla

Collaboration:
I Will Take You Forever - Kris Lawrence & Denise Laurel
Miss You Like Crazy - Reuben Laurente & Dianne Elise
Upuan - Gloc9 feat. Jeazell Grutas
Martilyo - Gloc9 feat. Dex Yu
As 1 - Gary V & Martin Nieverra

Best Performance by a Group Recording Artist:
Castaway - Franco
Hanggang Sa Muli - Kenyo
Parang Si Ely Buendia - Soapdish
Mr. Musikero - Sinosikat
Dangal - Rivermaya

New Female Recording Artist:
Kasalanan Nga Ba? - Gretchen Espina
Sa Kanya - Apple Chiu
Dahil Ikaw Ang Mahal Ko - Hanna Flores -
Single Ladies - Princess -
Dumating Ka - Martha Joy

New Male Recording Artist:
Sayang - Myrus
I Don't Wanna Talk About It - Benj
That Girl - Young JV
Never Can Say Goodbye - Rhap Salazar
Poker Face- Davey Langit

New Group:
Surfs Up - Krissy & Ericka
Castaway - Franco
Kaibigang Hangin - Skabeche
Ikaw Pa Rin - Letter Day Story
Lumayo Ka Man Sa Laklak - Moymoy Palaboy
Crazy Crazy - Pop Girls

Album of the Year:
Unchanging Love (Zsa Zsa Padilla)
Aiza Seguerra Live
Byahe (Noel Cabangon)
Romance Revisited: The Love Songs of Jose Mari Chan (Christian Bautista)

Song of the Year:
Upuan - Gloc9 feat. Jeazell Grutas
Lapit - Yeng Constantino
Always You - Charice
As 1 - Gary V and Martin Nieverra
Nung Iniwan Mo Ako (Sinosikat)

Ballad:
Tayong Dalawa - Gary V
Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko - Noel Cabangon
Tell Me Your Name - Christian Bautista
Why Can't It Be - Gino Padilla
Nung Iniwan Mo Ako - Sinosikat

Rock/Alternative:
Castaway - Franco
Hay Buhay - Sugarfree
Martilyo - Gloc9 feat. Dey Yu
Ayt - SpongeCola feat. Gary V
Wala - Kamikazee

World:
Kaibigang Hangin - Skabeche
Eres Mio - Josh Santana
Himig ng Pag-ibig - Yeng Constantino
Binibini - Noel Cabangon
Loko - Chris Cayzer

Novelty:
Mas Mahal Na Kita Ngayon - YM or Young Men
Mahal Kita Kasi - Tsuper
Lumayo Ka Man Sa Laklak - Moymoy Palaboy
Bratatat - Pokwang
Politiko - Ritchie D' Horsie

Inspirational/Religious:
Pikit Ang 'Yong Batas - Noel Cabangon & Bukas Palad Ministry
Now That I Have You - Philippine Madrigal Singers
Saranggola Sa Ulan - Sharon Cuneta
Always You - Charice
Nariyan Ka - Juris

Christmas:
Tuloy Pa Rin Ang Pasko - Tsuper
Gumising - Pari & Tropicalia
Narito Na Ang Pasko - Ariel Rivera
You Know It's Christmas - Hanna Flores
Ganyan ang Pasko - Toni Gonzaga

Rap:
Nagmahal Ako - Dagtang Lason
That Girl - Young JV
Hala Bira - Pinoy Republic
Upuan - Gloc9 feat. Jeazell Grutas
Meron Akong Ano - Kamikazee

Jazz Recording:
From Long Ago - Johnny Alegre
Mr. Musikero - Sinosikat

R&B:
Moments of Love - Kris Lawrence
How Do I Make You Love Me? - Gian Magdangal
Kasalanan Nga Ba? - Gretchen Espina
H.S. Romance - Sinosikat

Song written for Movie/TV/Stage Play:
Tagumpay (Pinoy Fear Factor) - Chivas Malunda
Ang Buhay Nga Naman (Ded Na Si Lolo) - Noel Cabangon
Alay Na Alaala (The Forgotten War) - Kenyo

Musical Arrangement:
Upuan
Tayong Dalawa
Huling El Bimbo
Himig ng Pag-ibig
Mr. Musikero

Vocal Arrangement:
He'd Look Your Way
I Will Take You Forever
How Did You Know
Apologized
Never Can Say Goodbye

Engineered Recording:
Hope for Humanity
Gravity
Kumot At Unan
Kalesa
Upuan

Best Album Package:
The Apparition
Nut House
Aiza Seguerra Live!
Piolo Pascual Decades
Maharlika

Music Video of the Year:
Diamond Shotgun - Chicosci
Gravity - Urbandub
That Girl - Young JV
Wag Kang Magtatanong - Yeng Constantino
Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko - Noel Cabangon

Best Selling Album of the Year:
For You - Richard Poon
Unchanging Love - Zsa Zsa Padilla
Willie Revillame Ikaw Na Nga - Willie Revillame
Romance Revisited: The Love Songs of Jose Mari Chan - Christian Bautista
Songs Rediscovered 2: The Ultimate OPM Playlist - Jed Madela
As 1 - Gary Valenciano & Martin Nievera
Addicted to Acoustic - Princess

Super Junior's "Bonamana" enters MYX Hit Chart

Korean pop group Super Junior continues to win the votes of MYX viewers with one single to another. Their latest single "Bonamana" becomes another Super Junior hit in the Philippines as it makes a splash debut on MYX Hit Chart this week.

For its first week in the countdown of both OPB and international singles, "Bonamana" debuts at #8, which is quite high and not surprising if it will land on the top spot on the coming weeks.

But that's if Charice and Bieber fans would allow it. The two teen sensations have been dominating the MYX Hit Chart for many weeks now.

Charice's "Pyramid" is now on its 4th week as #1 song while "Eenie Meenie", a Justin Bieber's collaboration with Sean Kingston, comes behind at #2, which is up 3 notches from last week. In 3rd slot is another Bieber song entitled "Never Let You Go", which made a big jump from #12 last week.

Previous week's #2 was also a Bieber song. "Baby", which was #1 in the countdown for 7 week, dropped to #2 4 weeks ago to give way for "Pyramid". It's now going down and currently on #10 on its 14th week. That's because Bieber fans are now voting for "Eenie Meenie" or "Never Let You Go" and hoping either of the two will also end up on the first spot.

Aside from "Bonamana", other new entries are Can't Be Tamed (by Miley Cyrus), Gabay (Callalily), 'Di Lang Ikaw (Juris) and Your Love Is My Drug (KeSha).

Here's the latest MYX Hit Chart (May 30 to June 2, 1010):

1 Charice feat. Iyaz - Pyramid
2 Sean Kingston and Justin Bieber - Eenie Meenie
3 Justin Bieber - Never Let You Go
4 Girls' Generation - Run Devil Run
5 U-Kiss - Bingeul Bingeul
6 Taylor Swift - Fearless
7 Christian Bautista and Sarah Geronimo - Please Be Careful with My Heart
8 Super Junior - Bonamana
9 SS501 - Love Like This
10 Justin Bieber feat. Ludacris - Baby
11 Miley Cyrus - Can't Be Tamed
12 Tanya Markova - Picture Picture
13 Slapshock - Like Eskimo
14 Callalily - Gabay
15 Juris - 'Di Lang Ikaw
16 Iyaz - Solo
17 Christina Aguilera - Not Myself Tonight
18 KeSha - Your Love Is My Drug
19 B.o.B feat. Bruno Mars - Nothin' on You
20 Usher feat. will.i.am - OMG

Charice: I met Justin Bieber and he was nice.

Filipina teen sensation Charice got the chance to meet Canadian teen sensation Justin Bieber during their taping for an episode on Oprah.

The two are Oprah's guests in that episode, which is going to be shown this Tuesday, May 11.

Though they have separate appearances in the said episode, but still, it would be great to see the two in just one episode.

On Twitter, Charice didn't divulge much about her taping for Oprah (It's her 4th time already in the show). She had only 1 tweet, where she said she met Justin. "I met him and he was nice. What a good kid," she tweeted.

And since, it was Justin's first time on Oprah, he had a number of tweets about his Oprah experience. "Can't believe she interviewed me. Got to sing and rock out on the drums too."

Then he went on to praise Oprah, "Just got to say that Oprah is real nice damn to earth person. She even came back after the show to talk with everyone. She is incredible. And she made my grandpa cry. He went all water works in the crowd."

However, Justin didn't even mention Charice in any of his tweets. Now some are making it an intriguing 'issue'. But in defense of Charice, she only tweeted that as a response to another Twitter user who asked her about Justin.

Maybe, if someone would also ask Justin about Charice, then he might open up too.

***

Charice also has another reason to celebrate apart from her Oprah guesting and topping the MYX charts.

Her single 'Pyramid' featuring Iyaz is now #1 on Billboard Hot Dance Club Play. Whew!

In #2 is Black Eyed Peas' Imma Be followed by 'Dust in Gravity' and 'Freeze' in 3rd and 4th slots.

Previous #1 'Rude Boy' by Rihanna has dropped to #5.

Charice beats Justin Bieber on MYX International Top 20

Charice has grabbed the top spot from Justin Bieber on MYX International Top 20 for this week.

From #3 last week, Charice's "Pyramid" jumps up to #1 and making it her first time to top the said chart.


Justin Bieber's "Baby" drops to #2 on its 11th week in the countdown. It stayed on #1 position for 7 weeks.


In two days, we shall see Justin and Charice as guests on 'The Oprah Winfrey Show'. I'm excited!


MIT20 (May 08 to 14, 2010):
1. Pyramid by Charice feat. Iyaz
2. Baby by Justin Bieber feat. Ludacris
3. Run Devil Run by Girls' Generation
4. Bingeul Bingeul by U-Kiss
5. Vanilla Twilight by Owl City
6. Fearless by Taylor Swift
7. Love Like This by SS501 (Double S-501)
8. Try To Follow Me by 2NE1
9. Telephone by Lady Gaga feat. Beyonce
10. When I Look At You by Miley Cyrus
11. The Only Exception by Paramore
12. Nothin' On You by B.o.B feat. Bruno Mars
13. OMG by Usher feat. will.i.am
14. Rude Boy by Rihanna
15. Angels Cry (Remix) by Mariah Carey feat. Ne-Yo
16. Hey, Soul Sister by Train
17. Last of the American Girls by Green Day
18. Sorry, Sorry - Answer by Super Junior
19. Whataya Want From Me by Adam Lambert
20. Break Your Heart by Taio Cruz feat. Ludacris

Charice's page at Oprah.com is now up!

You can now visit Charice's own page at Oprah's website [ http://www.oprah.com/charice ].

It has been just launched Tuesday, April 12, the same day of launching of Charice's music video for her chart-topping single 'Pyramid'.

The 'Pyramid' music video can be watched there as well as other videos of Charice when she guested on 'The Oprah Winfrey Show' in May 2008, September 2008 and May 2009. Go there now and make some comments of support and appreciation to Charice.

The singing star from the Philippines is also scheduled to appear for the 4th time on Oprah this May 11, 2010 to celebrate her birthday and launch her first international album entitled 'Charice'.

Time really flies fast. The kiddie singing champion who was among Oprah's World's Smartest Kids will now be a lady as she turns 18 this May 10.

International star Charice, not allowed to see Tita Cory at the Manila Cathedral

Fresh from a commercial shoot, international star Charice went straight early this morning to the funeral of former President Corazon "Cory" Aquino to see her for the last time.

But the moment she and her mother Raquel stepped at the Manila Cathedral's entrance, she was barred by the security officers from going near the altar and told her she could no longer view Tita Cory's remains because the preparations for the requiem mass scheduled at 9:00 AM has already started.

Lea Navarro, who was manning the secretariat, was asking for Charice's understanding of the reason why they could no longer allow her to come near to Tita Cory.

Charice and her mom just left the Manila Cathedral and was assured that the committee will inform the Aquino family, especially Kris who's close to Charice, of her visit.

Earlier today, at around 5:00 AM, the public viewing was stopped to give way for the funeral rites preparations.

Charice was one of the names suggested to sing yesterday during the necrological service for Mrs. Aquino, but she was not available to give a performance.

Reports said that Charice arrived in the country last Monday.

Freddie Aguilar sings a Deep Purple song

Usap-usapan ngayon sa Youtube ang video ng Pinoy folk music legend na si Freddie Aguilar kung saan kumakanta siya ng isang English song.

Sa nasabing video, si Ka Freddie Aguilar ay kumakanta ng "Smoke in the Water" ng English rock band na Deep Purple.

Isa itong big issue sapagkat diumanoy tinawag niya raw na "monkey" sina Charice, Arnel Pineda at Gary Valenciano sa pagkanta ng mga English song at panggagaya sa mga foreign artist.

Pero base sa statement ni Ka Freddie sa The Buzz last Sunday, hindi niya raw tinawag na unggoy sina Charice, Arnel at Gary. Ang sinabi niya raw ay kaya raw tayo natatawag na unggoy dahil sa panggagaya natin sa mga foreign singer.

Tanong naman ng nag-upload ng video: "Does it mean Freddie's a monkey too? with Crab Mentality?

Sey naman ng isa sa mga nakapanood ng nasabing video ni Ka Freddie, "Wow, Gayang gaya ang original band na Deep Purple, pati 'yung pag yug yog ng ulo. Talbog si Charice sa pang-ga-gaya..."

Narito po ang tinutukoy kong video...

Charice major concert at SMX, a flop?

It's being debated on lately whether Charice's first major solo concert last Saturday at the SMX Convention Center was a flop or not.

I could not really comment on this because I was not there to personally witness how large or small the crowd was.

But The Buzz's feature story last Sunday claimed that Charice: The Journey Begins concert was a success.

It's unclear though whether successfully held or successfully attended by many.

Some were disappointed to see Kuh Ledesma as immediate replacement to Regine Velasquez as special guest.

Regine got sick at the last minute.

A few were also not so happy with the horrible sound at the SMX and the very unorganized production crew.

But despite this, many were delighted to see Charice paying tribute to Michael Jackson when she sang You Are Not Alone and doing her own "moonwalk" for the song Billie Jean.

It was also a delight to see for the fans to see Mommy Raquel singing with her talented daughter. They sang "You and Me Against the World."

Christian Bautista was also one of the guests.

Whether the concert was a flop or not, Charice has proven she has a world class talent that every Pinoy should be proud of.

I hope a back to back concert of Sarah Geronimo and Charice would be next at the Araneta Coliseum.

'Always You' by Charice makes MYX countdown debut

Charice's song entitled Always You from her "My Inspiration" album debuts at #20 in the leatest OPM MYX Top 20.

I'm glad Always You has finally made her way in the MYX countdown because I really really love that song.

Hopefully, it will go up the chart in the coming weeks.

Here's the official music video of Charice's Always You (with lyrics below):


I've been to so many moments in my life
Where i can't find anyone to turn to but you
Only you
Always you.

And when all that's around me are fallin'
You will remain there standing just for me
Only you
Only you.

In my weakest times, you were so strong
When all hope is gone, you carry on
I draw my strength from you
When i could no longer find any of it in me.

You are my life
You are my strength
I can't fight the battle alone
I can make it through when i'm with you.

'cause you are my shield
You are my soul
You're breathing life into my heart
All the love that i have come from you
Always you.

I've been lost in the middle of nowhere
And i can't find my way home
I'm so lost without you
But you have pulled me through.

You took me in your arms
And you rescued me from the dark
And now, i'm finally home
I feel safe, 'cause now i'm with you.

'cause you are my life
You are my strength
I can't fight the battle alone
I can make it through when i'm with you.

'cause you are my shield
You are my soul
You're breathing life into my heart
All the love that i have come from you.

All the love that i have come from you, you, wooh...

My life
You are my strength
I can't fight the battle alone
I can make it through when i'm with you.

You are my shield
You are my soul
You're breathing life into my heart
All the love that i have comes from you.

Always you, always you, always you
Only from you
All the love that i have come from you
Always you.

***

PINOY MYX COUNTDOWN
Top 20 OPM Songs
May 30 to June 5, 2009

20. Always You by Charice
19. Mainit by Knowa Lazarus feat. Q-York, Kenjhons, Chelo Aestrid and the Philippine AllStars with DJ Flavamatikz
18. Photograph by Paolo Santos
17. So Be It by Hilera
16. Love Will Set Us Free by The Dawn
15. May 1 by Archipelago
14. Torres by Mayonnaise
13. Hay Naku by Silent Sanctuary
12. Neon Brights by Taken by Cars
11. Hintay by Callalily
10. You Changed My Life in a Moment by Sarah Geronimo
09. Teacher's Pet by Pupil
08. Kumot at Unan by Richard Poon
07. Tabi by Paraluman feat. Kean Cipriano
06. Sandali Na Lang by Hale
05. Wala by Kamikazee
04. Manila by Sandwich
03. Antukin by Rico Blanco
02. Walang Iwanan by 6CycleMind
01. Back in Time by Kyla and Jay-R

Lea Salonga and 20 other Global Pinoys - Metro Magazine

It's such a good thing Metro Magazine has Lea Salonga on the cover of its June 2009 special issue, which is dedicated to the Filipino spirit.

Metro's June 2009 issue is also sort of a tribute to people who have made every Filipino proud.

And it's a wise choice they have Lea Salonga to top them all because before Charice and Arnel Pineda made us all proud, it was Lea Salonga who first fulfilled the "Filipino dream" of having an international recording.

Charice is not actually the first Pinay to snatch a recording deal from an American record label, but it's Lea Salonga in 1993.

She had an international album in the US under Atlantic Records, which is a subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Warner Music Group is the same parent company of Warner Bros. Records, which will release Charice's album in the US.

Lea Salonga also got the chance to lend her "singing voice" to Princess Jasmine in the Disney movie A Whole New World.

Aside Charice and Arnel, the other names in the "20 Global Pinoys" list of Metro Magazine are as follows:

Tourism Secretary Ace Durano
Bench's Ben Chan
boxing champ Manny Pacquiao
fashion designer Rose Anne de Pampelonne
skin-care CEO Laura Verallo de Bertotto
Zen Zest's Michelle Asence
Criticine's Alexis Tioseco
director Raya Martin
photographer Romeo 'Romy' Gacad
White House chef Cristeta Pasia Comerford
equestrienne Toni Leviste
Figaro's Pacita 'Chit' Juan
fashion designer Jeannie Goulbourn
fashion designer Lesley Mobo
theater actress Joanna Ampil
ABS-CBN Global's Rafael 'Raffy' Lopez

Sarah compares herself to Charice

There was this issue before that Charice ALLEGEDLY said that she is popular internationally while Sarah Geronimo is only popular in the Philippines.

Of course, fans of Sarah were mad about it while Charice's supporters defended her claiming that Charice never said it.

Sarah Geronimo, who won as Female Star of the Night during the 25th PMPC Star Awards for Movies held last night, was interviewed during the press conference yesterday afternoon of her The Next One Philippine Tour starting from June 12 to September 20.

And there she was asked about her side regarding the alleged statement of Charice.

Sarah humbly admitted that Charice is indeed more popular than her in the international scene.

She also considers Charice as the better singer.

Allan Diones of Abante-Tonite had an interview with Charice and here's an excerpt:

Na-quote kasi si Charice na nagdayalog umano ito sa isang interview na si Sarah ay dito lang sa ‘Pinas sikat, samantalang siya ay sikat internationally.

“Wala naman po ta­lagang makakatapat kay Charice Pempengco. Si Charice ay nag-iisa ‘yan.”

Pero marami siyang fans na na-offend sa sinabi raw na ‘yon ni Charice, na kesyo pang-internationa ang kasikatan nito, samantalang siya ay local lang.

“Well, totoo naman po talaga ‘yun, eh.”

Pero mas sikat siya kay Charice dito sa ‘Pinas, ‘di ba?

“Ha? Dito, oo. Gano’n? Ano ba ‘yon? Hala! Ha! Ha! Ha! Naulit ko lang po ‘yung sinabi n’yo! Ha! Ha! Ha!

“Hindi, sinasabi ko nga po na kung anuman ‘yung nararating ni Charice ngayon, isa siyang inspirasyon sa a­ming lahat.

“I mean, for sure naman, bawat local artist dito sa Pilipinas, eh na­ngangarap na maging isang Charice Pempengco na makilala sa buong mundo.”

So, gusto niya ring makasama at makatrabaho si Charice?

“Opo naman. Pero hindi ko kaya ‘yung ganu’n na grabe po siya kumanta, na as in ang tataas lahat. Hindi ko kaya ‘yon. Kasi ako po, ngayong nag-20 na ako, kumbaga na-figure out ko na kung ano talaga ‘yung style ko. Kung ano talaga ‘yung ine-enjoy ko na kantahin.

“’Yun ‘yung pag nagsasayaw ako habang kumakanta. ‘Yun ‘yung gusto ko talaga. Siguro, mga sundut-sundot na may mga birit-birit, pero hindi lahat ng song, eh birit. Hindi po, hindi ko kaya ‘yon.”

Parang sinasabi niyang mas magaling sa kanya si Charice?

“Opo. Kumbaga, lahat naman ng tao, laging may mas maga­ling sa ‘yo, eh! At kaila­ngan mong i-accept ‘yon.

“So kumbaga, kung anuman ‘yung meron ako, laging may ganu’n, eh… meron ako na wala siya, meron siya na wala ako. Siguro, ‘yun na lang ‘yung ie-enhance ko at ii-improve ko.”

ON HAYDEN KHO SCANDALS

“Definitely, affected ang ating industriya at siyempre, tayo rin bilang isang bansa. Kasi, kumakalat na po ‘yon sa internet.

“Pero katulad ng sinasabi nila, magiging maa­yos din ang lahat. Ang mahalaga, we learn from our mistakes. Lahat naman tayo, nagkakamali. Pero dapat hindi na uulitin.

“Kumbaga, siguro ito na ‘yung palo ni Lord doon sa pagiging imoral, ‘di ba? Na paulit-ulit ginagawa ‘yon na closed doors, na akala nila, walang makakaalam.

“Ayan, lumabas na. Na-expose na. So siguro, ‘yun ang lesson, na tama na, itigil na!”

Bilang isa sa mga celebrity endorser ng Belo Medical Group, ang suporta ba niya ay na kay Dra. Vicki Belo?

“Of course, opo naman. Kasi, unang-una sa lahat, wala namang kina­laman si Dra. Belo diyan sa eskandalo na ‘yan. Nagkataon lang siguro na partner niya si Hayden Kho. So, makakabangon at makakabangon din naman po siya.”

Knowing her kung gaano siya ka-wholesome, for sure hindi niya pa napapanood ang alinman sa naglipanang sex videos ni Hayden?

“Hindi ko pa po napapanood. At saka sabi ni Katrina (Halili), tama na, ‘di ba? Huwag na siyang babuyin pa nang paulit-ulit. So, nirerespeto ko ‘yon kahit na curious ako. Sobrang curious.”

Ah talaga, curious din siyang mapanood ang nasabing video?

“Opo naman, syempre!”

Eh paano kung may kaibigan siya na magpa­kita sa kanya ng pinagpipiyestahang s-x video, panonoorin ba niya ito?

“Huwag na lang! Kasi syempre, babae rin po ako. Huwag na lang!”

Anong pakiramdam niya parang lagi na lang nai-involve ang kompanya ni Dra. Vicki sa mga ganitong eskandalo na may kaugnayan sa sex?

Nu’ng una ay ‘yung kay James Yap at sa Belo receptionist na si Hope Centeno. Ngayon naman ay ang nobyo ni Dra. Vicki na si Dr. Hayden at sa Belo endorser na si Katrina at iba pang babae.

“Ang hirap naman sagutin ng tanong na ‘yan! Ha! Ha! Ha!

“Hindi. Ako po kasi, loyal naman ako kay Dra. Belo. At ang laki na rin po nang naitu­long niya sa akin. So, suportahan na lang po kami bilang endorser.”

Who's the better mom: Mommy Divine or Mommy Raquel?

Enough of Sarah Geronimo versus Charice Pempengco, as today, in celebration of Mother's Day, their moms Divine Geronimo and Raquel Pempengco are on the spotlight as two of the most admirable moms in showbiz.

Who between them is the better mom?

Well, it's actually not important to know as to who does her job better. What is important is that they are both the no. 1 fans of their own superstar daughters. What Sarah and Charice have today would never be the same without their ever supportive mothers, who have always been behind them as they pursue for their dreams.

Crispina Martinez-Belen of Manila Bulletin has included moms of Sarah and Charice in her list of most admired moms in the entertainment industry, among them are popular Bisaya mothers, Mommy Annabelle Rama and Nanay Dionisio Paquiao.

Check out her list:

Corazon Aquino
Former President Cory Aquino has been an inspiration to many mothers and Filipinos. When her husband, former senator Benigno Aquino, Jr. was assassinated, she was the pillar of strength to her five children: Senator Benigno Simeon Aquino III, Maria Elena A. Cruz, Aurora Corazon A. Abellada, Victoria Eliza A. Dee, and actress-television host Kris Aquino-Yap.

Even though she was busy being the president of the country, she remained a doting mother to her kids. For Kris, she is the most patient and thoughtful mom. The former president never gets tired of giving her youngest child pieces of advice about being a parent and making the right decisions.

A truly brave woman, she is still active in fighting for various causes despite being diagnosed with colon cancer last year.

Elaine Cuneta
Megastar Sharon Cuneta looks up to her Mommy Elaine who taught her to be a dutiful mother. Aside from being a supportive mom, Mommy Elaine is also a loving and sweet grandmother to KC, Frankie, and Miel.

Through Mommy Elaine, Sharon has learned how to balance her time for family and career and how to nurture her children’s interests.

Annabelle Rama
Toughie outside, but softy inside—that’s Annabelle Rama as a mom. She may be tactless during her TV guestings and interviews but she’s a dear mother to Ruffa, Richard, Raymond, Elvis, and Ritchie Paul.

Annabelle takes good care of her brood—from providing them with their needs when they were kids to guiding them in their careers and defending them from their detractors.

Divine Geronimo
Being a mom of a young superstar is never easy; just ask mommy Divine, the mother of pop princess Sarah Geronimo. While she looks over Sarah’s career, she doesn’t fail to make sure that her other children Johna Rizzie, Sunshine Grace, and Ezekiel Gabriel also get the best in life.

Divine also gives her singer-actress daughter pieces of advice on her career and dealing with showbiz intriga.

Raquel Pempengco
Behind the success of International Singing Sensation Charice Pempengco is her mommy Raquel who is her number one cheerleader and ultimate vocal coach. It was Raquel who taught the young singer how to sing as she used to be part of a show band.

Charice and her younger brother Carl grew up with the strong, yet loving presence of their mother. Mommy Raquel is a role model to her kids who love her so much.

Carolina Santos
Carolina Santos a.k.a Mommy Carol single-handedly raised Judy Ann and her siblings Jeffrey and Jackie. She left for Canada when Judy Ann was only five years old to work as a caregiver.

Mommy Carol is also the number one protector of Judy Ann whenever she is involved in gossips and issues.

Elvira Gonzales
Charlene Gonzales’ good looks can be credited to her mom Elvira Gonzales, 1964 Bb. Pilipinas First Runner-Up and Miss Press Photography. But aside from her charms and wits, Elvira bequeathed Charlene her passion for being a mother.
Apart from giving her daughter tips on raising children, Elvira also works as Charlene’s manager.

Dionisia Pacquiao
Manny Pacquiao wouldn’t be able to endure the punches he takes during his fights if it weren’t for his loved ones, and one of his greatest inspirations in working hard is his mother, Aling Dionisia.

Funny and adorable, Aling Dionisia has learned to enjoy the attention she gets when she appears on TV. She has even become more “showbiz” than her son.

Like these celebrity moms, your own mom has worked hard to give you the best in life. Don’t forget to greet her this Mother’s Day. Make her the happiest mother in the world by letting her know how lucky you are to have her.

Charice compares herself to Sarah, claims she is the bigger star

Fans of Sarah Geronimo for sure will raise their eyebrows regarding this issue.

During the presscon of international teen sensation Charice Pempengco for her second album entitled My Inspiration under Star Records, Charice allegedly said that she is more popular than the Philippines' newest Box Office Queen Sarah Geronimo.

“Hindi lang ako kilala dito but also in the US. Si Sarah dito lang. I [will] appear in the international movie 'Alvin and the Chipmunks' at nakagawa na ako ng international recording," Charice fearlessly said in front of the press.

Was she really serious in saying that?

I could not believe she said that. Yes, Charice was right that she is indeed more popular than Sarah, but it's only as far as the international scene is concerned.

Charice has already appeared in Oprah, on Ellen, Good Morning America, performed on different big events in front of international audience, will be part of a Hollywood movie and is about to launch her David Foster produced album. Sarah has yet to achieve those.

In the Philippines though, Sarah is the bigger star, who has more than 10 platinum albums and two monster hit movies, one of which is the Philippines' highest-grossing film of all time.

Charice, on one hand, has one platinum album in the country.

I don't think she, herself, should say those things. Charice should just wait for other people to praise her and recognize the fact that she is the more popular star.

Does this merit a good promotion for her album, which is a Mother's Day offering, obviously dedicated by Charice to her mom Raquel?

My Inspiration has 12 tracks, one of which is a duet by Charice and Mommy Raquel:

Track 1 - Always You (Single Edit)
Track 2 - Wind Beneath My Wings (Pop Mix)
Track 3 - I’ll Be There
Track 4 - You’ll Never Stand Alone
Track 5 - You Raise Me Up
Track 6 - Mama
Track 7 - In My Life
Track 8 - Through The Years
Track 9 - For Mama
Track 10 - You & Me Against The World (feat. Mommy Raquel)
Track 11 - Always You (Full Version)
Track 12 - Wind Beneath My Wings (Orchestral Mix)

On The Buzz last Sunday, Charice shared that will be appearing for the third time on Oprah this May 18 to promote her first international album.

This Saturday, May 9, Charice is also set to perform in Las Vegas for the 2009 staging of "Hit Man: David Foster And Friends". It will be held at the Mandalay Bay Resort starting at 8:00 PM. Aside from Charice, performers include Philip Bailey (from the Earth, Wind & Fire), Brian McKnight and Peter Cincotti.