Asian Drama Series Review: Shining Inheritance/Brilliant Legacy

Synopsis: This will be focusing on the love and trials of the 20 year old generation. Go Eun Sung's life is similar to Cinderella's. After her father died, her step-mother, Baek Sung Hee, took away all of her assets and her younger brother, Eun Woo, suddenly disappears without a trace. Eun Sung preservers and works really hard to become a chef at a food company. The grandson of the food company, Sun Woo Hwan, notices Eun Sung and falls in love with her.

Characters:

Han Hyo Joo as Go Eun Sung
Lee Seung Ki as Sun Woo Hwan
Bae Soo Bin as Park Jun Se
Moon Chae Won as Yoo Seung Mi

Rating: Don't Miss It!

Spoilers after the Jump!

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The only similarity of Shining Inheritance/Brilliant Legacy to Cinderella is the father who went missing, and the evil stepmother and stepsister.

I don’t usually watch family dramas, but I found Shining Inheritance to my liking – both story line and characters.

For a rich girl Eun Sung turned out to be quite resourceful and not helpless at all. With luck thrown in, in the form of the grandmother who turned out to be the owner of a large food company, and Jun Se, a restaurant owner who she first met at the airport upon arrival from the US, Eun Sung was able to overcome the hardship that came from her stepmother and stepsister’s evil acts.

I initially preferred Jun Se for Eun Sung because Hwan, the boy whom Eun Sung accidentally exchange bags with in the airplane and who turned out to be the spoiled and arrogant grandson of the grandmother.

When he first appeared, Hwan looked morose and was unsmiling. Not sympathetic at all. But he had me at his first smile. The smile really transformed his face – from unattractive to suddenly so hot. Plus, he has his own drama and issues that explain the way he acts and the way he threats people.

Hwan makes a transformation for the better so he became likable towards the middle and final parts of the drama. Of course, there are also the kilig moments of Eun Sung and Hwan. Don't expect passionate kissing because I don't think many Korean dramas have many of those.

Jun Se is the epitome of “good guys finished last.” He was the first to meet Eun Sung and his character remained true to the end but he still did not get the girl in the end.

The stepmother and stepsister, Seung Mi, are truly vile. Their lies, the stepmom’s greed for money and the stepsister’s obsession with Hwan, made Eun Sung life miserable and that of her autistic brother.

As usual, the secondary characters stole the show for me. Grandmother who is very principled in the way she runs her corporation and threats her employees, and Eun Sung’s autistic brother, an “idiot-savant” who is a genius with the piano. The brother is a breath of fresh air, and the actor who played the brother is truly convincing.

Here We Go Again: Marian Rivera and her Primadonna Ways

Talks about Marian Rivera having an “attitude,” a bad one, continue.

The most recent one is Marian acting a primadonna on the set of her top-rated primetime show on GMA-7, Darna.

Marian reportedly complained to a staff member about the muddy location in Bulacan at the set of Darna. "Di ba sinabi ko sa inyo na ayaw ko nang maputik?" was Marian’s complaint. The staff member carried Marian to a less muddy area to avert a blow up from the Kapuso star.

Also during a taping of Darna, Marian was said to have uttered "Dumating na ang reyna na walang bulaklak sa tenga."

Who else wears a flower on their ear? Carla Abellana. She’s stars in the TV soap “Rosalinda,” a telenobela character with a penchant for wearing a red rose on her ear.

There also a story going around that Marian refused to share her dressing room with Carla because she wanted to all the space to herself.

So what if Marian Rivera has an attitude? I’m a casual fan, so I don’t really care if Marian is the next Mother Theresa or the spawn of the devil. If I see her somewhere in person, I doubt I’d want to get her autograph or have my picture taken with her. Sucks for the avid fans, though. You know those kinds of fans.

I’m reminded of what my friends and I say when we see a beautiful girl. “She’s pretty.” Oo, pero hindi siya masaya. Broken family yan sigurado. We’d all laugh, of course, because it was meant as a joke. You can say “ah, you’re just a jealous hater; you’re bitter; you’re sourgraping, etc. However, underneath that joke lies the maxim that keeps us from jumping from the nearest bridge, hating all people, generally hating life: “A person can’t have it all.”

I guess the universe has a way of evening out things. Marian Rivera is very pretty, famous, rich and has a hot boyfriend, but “masama ugali nya” at broken family siya.

As I said I don’t if Marian Rivera’s face doesn’t match her character. What I’m confused about is why Marian’s maldita moments continue to come out. Marian Rivera is one of Kapuso Networks’ prized possessions, so why are they letting negative publicity ruin their star’s image?

Me thinks, Marian and her management start giving out more envelopes or making those envelopes thicker to shut down all these bad publicities. Money effectively shuts up reporters. Ask Anabelle Rama.

Survivor Philippines Palau: Week 2 – Who Got Voted Out?

Schoolteacher Carol was the second castaway booted out from Survivor Philippines Palau.

Who didn’t see this coming? Carol stood out like a sore thumb in her tribe, Koror, because she never left her classroom. Many a castaway have been voted out for being a know-it-all.

Carol should have been gone before Justine, the Beauty Queen, but was saved by a stupid immunity bracelet.

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Now Carol is on her way to Isla Purgatoryo, where she will have a face-off with first bootee, Justine, to determine the castaway who will get a second chance at P3 M and the title of sole survivor.

Paolo Bediones calls Isla Purgatoryo twist, but purists like me call this bullshit. Once a castaway is voted out by his/her fellow castaways, and his/her fire is extinguished there must be no second chance at coming back.

We’re only in the second season and there’s no other twist that could have been introduced? There’s a perfectly good reason why a castaway is voted out, either he’s useless, has no clue (to play the mental or social aspect of the game) or annoying. If you’re one or all of those, then you need to get off my TV yesterday.

Reward Challenge: I know Koror finally won something. I can’t comment since I wasn’t able to watch this episode. Fell asleep. The next episode, I see Carol acting like she’s useful by attempting to fish in shallow waters. Her fellow castaways are on to her, but she’s clueless. No clue, no fish.

Immunity Challenge: HAHHAHA… Mga pinoy pikon at namemersonal. I’m looking at you alpha boy, Vlad. I like Suzuki so far so I was kinda tingly and giggly when Suzuki held Vlad’s head under water for a few seconds. I wish it could have been a few seconds more. It would hurt Vlad, only his ego. LOL

After watching season after season of Survivor, the US edition, I can feel a tribe shuffle coming. I don’t like this kind of twist but the producers have to create drama and excitement because the game is becoming predictable, with Airai continuously trouncing the lame Koror tribe.

Louie needs to go first because he is targeting my eye candy, Marvin.

DOJ Files Murder Charges Against Ruby Rose Father-in-Law, 5 Others

The Department of Justice will file murder charges against six men linked to the killing of Ruby Rose Barrameda-Jimenez, including her father-in-law, Manuel Jimenez Jr.

The DOJ panel found probable cause to indict Ruby Rose’s father-in-law, Manuel Jimenez Jr., his brother Lope Jimenez, Manuel Montero, Eric Fernandez, Lennard Descalso, and Robert Ponce.

But an investigating panel recommended the dismissal of the complaint against her husband, Manuel Jimenez III, from whom Ruby Rose was estranged. The couple was said to be engaged in a bitter custody battle for their two young daughters when she disappeared.

Aside from Ruby Rose’s estranged husband, Manuel, the panel recommended the dismissal of the complaint against a Rudy dela Cruz, for lack of evidence.

After Ruby Rose was killed, her body was placed in a cement-sealed steel container which was thrown into the sea off Navotas Fish Port, where the Jimenezes own property. The body might never have been found if a man claiming to be an accomplice to the crime had not told authorities of the exact location of the body.

The case would be lodged before the Navotas Regional Trial Court.

Justice Secretary Agnes Devanadera said the investigating panel based its recommendation on the affidavit submitted by eye witness Manuel Montero, who came out in the open last June to tell the Barrameda family the location of Ruby Rose’s body.

Montero alleged that his employer, Lope Jimenez, Ruby Rose's uncle, ordered him and the other suspects to carry out Ruby Rose's killing because she supposedly brought shame to the Jimenez family.

Montero will remain as an accused until the court grants his motion to be discharged as one of the suspects and be allowed to turn state witness.

The DOJ panel’s recommendation came as a surprise to the Jimenez family, according to their legal counsel, Mario Aguinaldo.

"Si Mr. Jimenez (Jr.) was shocked because he was really not involved in the crime. But his son (Jimenez III, also known as Third) felt vindicated. So the family really has mixed emotions right now," Aguinaldo told GMANews.TV in a phone interview.

He added that Jimenez Jr. is prepared to face the case in court and debunk Montero’s allegations.

Devanadera said the DOJ would also ask the court to discharge Montero from the list of the accused so he could be a state witness.

Geneva, Why So Glum?

Protein deprivation will do that to you. I kid. I Kid.

I just notice that models I see in a lot of “Go, Vegan/Vegetarian” ad campaigns don’t smile. Example, Geneva Cruz’s picture above. Does doing away with meat also get rid of one’s humor?

Aside from the lack of humor, the vegans/vegetarians that I seem to hear from are those who make you feel less of a human being for refusing to badge from the top of the food chain.

If meat-eaters are disgusting, compassionless omnivores, what is a vegan/vegetarian? I looked it up in my favorite online dictionary, the Urban Dictionary, and it says a vegan is a person who kills fruits and vegetables; annoying skinny fucks who refuse to eat meat or any other animal by product.

A vegetarian is a bad hunter; someone who survives by consuming not food, but the stuff that food (i.e livestock) eats; a person that is too much of a pussy to eat meat.

Vegans/vegetarians are sanctimonious, moralistic assholes who can’t keep their lifestyle choices to themselves. Well, I don’t believe veganism turned them into assholes. They were asshole, shitty people to begin with even before they decided to be vegans/vegetarians.

I also don’t believe all vegans/vegetarians are skinny. Case in point: Yasmine Kurdi, another local celebrity that we see on PETA ad campaigns. Yasmine is a proud and out vegetarian, but I guess chocolates and cakes don’t count as meat?

Ms Venezuela is Ms Universe 2009

Stefania Fernandez from Venezuela was crowned Miss Universe 2009 at the Atlantis Resort Paradise Island in the Bahamas Monday (Manila time).

Stefania Fernandez bested 83 candidates from around the world to become the 58th Miss Universe.

It was also the first time in the pageant's history that the same nation won the contest for two years in a row. Last year's Miss Universe was Dayana Mendoza from Venezuela.

Ms. Philippines Pamela Bianca Manalo failed to make the top 15. There were also no other Asian candidates in the top 15.

ABS-CBN was so building up Ms Philippines on the run to Monday's Ms Universe, tapos not even top 15? What a huge letdown.

Miss Dominican Republic Ada Aimee De la Cruz was first runner-up and Miss Kosovo Gona Dragusha was second runner-. The third and fourth runners-up were Miss Australia Rachael Finch and Miss Puerto Rico Mayra Matos Perez.

Fernandez outsmarted the four top finalists during the question-and-answer portion. Asked by judge Andre Leon Talley what women can do to overcome obstacles in achieving their goals, the Venezuelan beauty answered: “I believe that nowadays we, women, have overcome many obstacles and I do believe that we have reached the same level as men have. We must realize there are no longer barriers amongst us.”

The Miss Congeniality award was won by Miss China Wang Jingyao. Miss Thailand Chutima Durongdej was voted Miss Photogenic.

The beauty pageant was hosted by “Access Hollywood” co-anchor Billy Bush and “Celebrity Apprentice” star Claudia Jordan. Rapper Flo Rida, singers David Guetta and Kelly Rowland and reality star Heidi Montag also performed during the coronation night.

Survivor Philippines Palau: Week 1 – Who Got Voted Out?

Survivor Philippines Palau castaway Justine, the Beauty Queen, the first transgendered/transsexual contestant of Survivor Philippines also got the distinction of being the first voted out in Survivor Philippines Season 2.

Did the discussion at Tribal Council focused too much on Justine’s sexuality? She’s a person, not a freak so however it came about that she’s had a penis in a former life should have had just a passing mention. Once again, it underscores transgendered people being a curiosity instead of ordinary people.

Anyway, it was too early in the game to get emotionally invested in any of the contestants, so I didn’t care whether it was Justine or Charles who got booted out.

However, it’s not too early to start feeling the hate on some of the contestants. I would have liked to see Tara, the Taray Queen, get voted off to shut her up. She and her sister whatshername from Season 1 would have been the first sisters on reality TV to get voted off first during their respective seasons. Tara, Maricel Soriano called. She want's her title back.

Tara talks too much, and in an affected way, that I find irritating. And hello she’s too emotional for this game. She went off on poor Charles, who is just too stupid to know better than to be truthful about the name he’s going to write down on the parchment paper.

FYI, Tara. If you ask a question and you demand a truthful answer, then don’t expect to like the answer. Shut up, will you? There’s someone who’s going to be voted off every week and expect your name to come up every time.

I hope Airai loses immunity next week so I can hope that Troy, the Mentalist, gets his comeuppance for being so feeling gwapo. Pwede bang dakpin ito ng pulis kasi manyak siya?

I thought mentalists are entertaining, but I’m thinking it would be entertaining to see Troy black and blue courtesy of the male family members of Mika, the Chef from Palawan.

So, how awesome is Amanda, the Construction Worker? She’s one of my pre-game faves and she’s turning out to be capable, survival wise. Contestants like Amanda are usually not too long for this game because they are viewer as a threat and voted off at the first opportunity, unless of course Amanda turns out to be thinking player who’s got her social and mental game.

Another person who I think will see her torch snuffed out soon is Carol, the Teacher. Hello, Carol wala ka sa classroom! Hindi mo estudyante or anak ang mga kasama mo sa island. Carol can’t simply read a room and keep her opinions to herself.

Next week, the twist. I hope it’s not someone who got voted out coming back to have a second chance. If that’s the case, what happened to “once your torch is out, you are too?”

Willie Revillame For Senator?

Blame Manny Villar if this desecration comes true. Punish him for this idiocy by not voting for him.

Willie Revillame is currently on hiatus after being deluged with protests and criticism over his rude and arrogant remark about the late President Corazon Aquino’s cortege being show live on his show, Wowowee.

The Aquino family has accepted Willie Revillame’s apology, but certain sectors are still after his head. The intention was good, but why be rude and arrogant about it? Kasi money can’t buy you good manners and breeding.

Willie’s spin doctor, Cristy Fermin, is also on the offensive, devoting a portion of her Bulgar column regarding Willie’s status almost daily.

According to doc Cristy, several ads are on hold while Willie is on leave. Many fans are sending her texts and mails voicing their impatience over Willie’s continued absence on Wowowee. If you’re born yesterday, please feel free to believe all these lie telling.

Manny Villar has also come to Willie’s rescue, offering a senatorial seat for Willie if he decides not to come back on his show.

Seryoso ka? Parang ang daling pumili ng kandidato para sa isang mahalagang posisyon sa gobyerno. Kailangan ba ng senado ng court jester? Hindi pa ba sapat ang estatwa sa Senado na si Lito Lapid?

The network where Willie works has exonerated him, saying that the insertion of the live feed was a miscommunication. Oo na miscommunication na. However, the issue is Willie’s lack of respect for others in the way he comes across through words and actions. How do you explain that?

Anabelle Rama Responds to Dismissal of Libel Case Against Wilma Galvante

Anabelle Rama has called time out from “playing” with her Wilma Galvante voodoo dolls to put out a statement regarding the dismissal of the libel case she filed against Wilma Galvante, the Vice President of Entertainment at GMA 7.

From reading her statement, I’m inclined to believe that Anabelle Rama has finally crossed that line into mental illness. But she’s not yet there; she’s on the brink. I believe Anabelle Rama will finally lose her sh*t when Richard goes to jail for killing his personal assistant, Nomar Pardo, in a vehicular accident as a result of reckless driving, or when Wilma Galvante emerges victorious in her P7 M damage suit against her, whichever comes first.

Her statement once again shows Anabelle Rama’s arrogance, rudeness and her belief that she and the Gutierrez clan are the only sons and daughters of God. Every body else are gnats, or thorns on her side.

I am encouraging Anabelle Rama to take advantage of Wilma Galvante’s move to cancel the TRO and injunction filed against her. Go to every newspaper, entertainment news program and radio show in the country to reveal Wilma Galvante’s skeletons in her closet. That will teach Wilma Galvante not to mess with the Queen Bee, Anabelle Rama. (wink, wink)

Anabelle Rama’s statement via PEP:

"I just heard that my case against Wilma was dismissed. Obvious ba? The wife of Wilma’s lawyer is the assistant prosecutor of Quezon City.

“I was advised by my friends not to file my case in Quezon City dahil walang mangyayari. I believed the justice system aandar sa case ko. Umpisa pa lang ang laban. Mahaba ang lalakbayin sa kasong ito. I will file motion of reconsideration para i-review yung case.

"I filed slander because sinisiraan ako ni Wilma sa talent ko na si JC de Vera na sinusulot niya sa akin. At yung pangungurakot niya sa akin. Clear na clear ang panghihingi niya ng dollars at mga bags. Five years na akong kinokotongan.

"Ako’y nag-e-enjoy sa hearing. Meron tayong Trial Court, Court of Appeals and Supreme Court. Fiscal pa lang kami. Mauubos ang pera ni Wilma sa kasusuhol para manalo. Again, uulitin ko, matira matibay. Di ako titigil!

"Duwag ka talaga! Ang tapang mong magdemanda sa akin. Bakit mo winidraw yung finile mong TRO at injunction? Tinakot mo pa lahat ng press na sumulat sa interview ko tungkol sa ’yo. Nagmukha silang tanga, dala-dala ang mga clippings sa court! Pati tape interview ko sa TV Patrol, pina-subpoena mo. Pati interview ko sa radyo.

"Ano ‘yan, harassment? Or pananakot? So ngayon, free na ako magpa-presscon at magpa-interview.

"Isang hearing pa, lang natin sumurender ka na? Di pa ako nag-enjoy yung last hearing. Nabitin ako, excited na akong umupo sa witness stand para sabihin ko ang lahat ng baho mo!

Oral Defamation Case Filed by Annabel Rama Against Wilma Galvante Dismissed

Moneyger and monster mom Anabelle Rama is cooped up in her secret room “playing” with her Wilma Galvente voodoo doll because the Office of the Quezon City Prosecutor Office dismissed the Grave Oral Defamation or Grave Slander filed by Anabelle Rama against Wilma Galvante, Vice President for Entertainment at GMA Network.

The Prosecutor’s Office cited “lack of probable cause” in dismissing the complaint.

The case stemmed from Rama’s allegations that Galvante maligned her and undermined her role as manager to JC during an incident on 16 Feb 2009 inside Galvante’s office at GMA 7.

HAHAHA. Strike two for the “esteemed” (heaping dose of sarcasm here) Gutierrez clan. Richard Gutierrez lost his P25 M libel suit against PEP, which the family is not above using whenever they have a statement they want to make public. And now Anabelle’s grave slander suit against Wilma Galvante.

The third strike would either come from: Wilma Galvante winning her P7 M damage suit against Anabelle or Richard Gutierrez being found liable for causing the car accident in Cavite that killed his personal assistant, Nomar Pardo.

The following statements from Galvante were neither derogatory nor insulting, according to the QC Prosecutor’s Office:

"Tingnan mo? Tingnan mo kung ano ang ginagawa ng manager mo?"

"Hindi kayo puwedeng tumanggi sa show at kung tumanggi kayo, puwede kayo mademanda."

"They were just tolerating Annabelle, because when she didn’t like a project, she would pull out her talents pag malapit na ang show. Pero sobra na."

"Happy ka ba sa manager mo? Ilan taon pa ba ang kontrata mo sa kanya?

"May kopya ka ba ng contract mo with Annabelle? Puwede ko bang makita?"

"If there is anything I can help you with, just tell me."

Asst. City Prosecutor Torralba ruled, "Contrary to the theory of the complainant [Annabelle] that said statements are defamatory, insulting, malicious, and tend to prejudice complainant in her reputation, office or trade, business or means of livelihood, the undersigned finds nothing derogatory nor insulting to the complainant but rather finds the said statements to be more of a reminder to JC that they could be held liable in case they fail to comply with their contract with the network than a malicious or defamatory statement.

Survivor Philippines Palau: Season 2

The Republic of Palau was the chosen location for Survivor Philippines Season 2. An island nation lying in the Pacific Ocean, it is located at 500 miles east of the Philippines and 2,000 miles south of Tokyo.

Hosted by Paolo Bediones, Survivor Philippines Season 2 will premiere on August 17.

Pre-game Favorites

Amanda Colley Van Cooll, the lady construction worker, and Maya Segovia, mother, military pilot and mountaineer. Just because these two ladies seem to be cool, with careers in male-dominated fields.

Marvin Kiefer because we have to have an eye candy to make up for those annoying castaways. Instead of throwing a hard object at the TV, just turn your gaze on your eye candy.

Early hate

Louie Ang. Louis calls himself a “chickboy” and “bad boy”. Enough said.

Vlad Nesas. Vlad calls himself an “alpha male”, a dominant guy who always gets what he wants. A man who calls himself an alpha male is a tool. Trust.

Introducing The 16 Castaways

ECHO CACERES
20 YRS. OLD, CALL CENTER AGENT
BICOL

“I’m a real survivor because I am an all-in-one package person who knows my strength and knows when to use it. I am not only physically strong and witty but I know how to deal with different people even in difficult situations and I am able to easily adapt to any environment whether city or island life, making it with full determination.”

LOUIE ANG
24 YRS. OLD, IT TECHNICAL
PASIG

“Survivor ako kasi 5 girlfriends ko at hindi ako nahuhuli.”

Louie Ang is a typical guy-next-door, living his happy–go–lucky life with a constant goofy grin on his face.

His main reason for joining Survivor Philippines Palau could not be any simpler, “Matagal ko nang gustong sumali, para makita ko ang sarili ko sa TV,” Louie said.

When asked to describe himself, Louie declares that he is a “chickboy” and “bad boy”.

JUSTINE FERRER
29 YRS. OLD, BUSINESSWOMAN
KALOOKAN

“Well, I can say that I’m a real Survivor because I have been the breadwinner of my family for 10 years now. Also, I am providing for my nephew’s education and am helping my friends and relatives as much as I can. For me, winning their respect and love made me a real survivor.”

Justine Ferrer worked in Japan as a singer at the age of 19 and since then has become a breadwinner of the family.

As a businesswoman, Justine helped her father in a buy-and-sell business and managed a baby ultrasound company.

SUZUKI SADATSUGU
21 YRS. OLD, STUDENT/MODEL
TONDO

“Survivor ako kasi kahit malayo ako sa parents ko, kaya kong labanan ang lahat ng challenges sa buhay ko… kahit hindi lahat ng tao, naiintindihan ako, sinisigurado ko bago matapos ang araw ay nakilala ko sila at nakilala rin nila ako at naiintindihan ang pagkatao ko.”

Suzuki Sadatsugu lived in Japan for 18 years but still managed to stay true to his Filipino roots.

He usually visits his relatives in Manila, the reason he’s very familiar with the country and knows how to speak Filipino quite well.

Fondly called “Piko” or “Zuki”, he is taking up BS Criminology at Emilio Aguinaldo College in Manila.

TARA MACIAS
19 YRS. OLD, KOREAN ENGLISH TUTOR
CEBU

“I am not afraid to die, to suffer and to get lost, and with that mindset, over-all fear has no place in me as I fear no evil and that makes me a real survivor.”

At the age of 16, when their father passed away and their family business had to be closed down, Tara imposed upon herself to be self–supporting and to help her family get back on its feet. She has been working as an English language tutor to Koreans as well as a call center representative.

CHARLES DE VERA FERNANDEZ
21 YRS. OLD, BUSINESSMAN
DAGUPAN

“Survivor ako sa lahat ng trials sa aking buhay. Nakapagtapos ako ng studying ko through sipag at tiyaga sa iba’t ibang raket and sa direct selling business.”

“Madaldal, malakas ang loob at makapal ang mukha.”

That’s how Charles of Dagupan city would best describe himself and he was able to make good use of those traits to achieve the things he wants in life.

At the age of 18, Charles decided to become independent and live on his own without asking support from his parents.

He has probably sold everything direct-selling business could offer – from shoes and clothes to cosmetics.

And because of his perseverance, persuasiveness and talkativeness Charles was able to finish studying at the University of Luzon in Dagupan City.

CAROL GEMENTIZA
45 YRS. OLD, PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHER
ILOILO

Carol Gementiza, a public school teacher for 20 years, is the oldest among the Castaways of Survivor Philippines: Palau.

She said that it was her children that encouraged and motivated her to audition for Survivor Philippines Palau.

Her experience as a teacher taught her patience and perseverance, which would seem enough to make her fit to become a Castaway.


MARVIN KIEFER
18 YRS. OLD, MODEL
CAGAYAN DE ORO

“I’m a Survivor because at any time of any day with just my backpack in hand, I am ready to go anywhere in the world.”

It seems that this Swiss–Filipino teenager hailing from Cagayan de Oro just has too much time on his hands.

Born in Switzerland and raised in CDO since he was three years old, Marvin Kiefer always had a passion for learning, adventure and experiencing different things.

AMANDA COLLEY VAN COOLL
25 YRS. OLD, CONSTRUCTION WORKER
MINDORO

“Survivor ako dahil bilang isang construction worker sa mundo ng mga lalaki, kinakaya at ginagawa ko ang trabaho, enjoy ko pa!”

Amanda Coolley Van Cooll works as a general labor construction worker in Alaska.

Name a work in construction and she’s done it all – from driving trucks to mixing cement.

“I love building things and working with my hands,” Amanda said when asked why she chose a career considered for men.

Amanda said that she got bored working in a bank, doing the same things everyday.

Amanda grew up a probinsyana and is accustomed to island life. She is confident that her experiences prepared her enough for the game.

CRIS BOLADO
39 YRS. OLD, BASKETBALL CLINIC INSTRUCTOR
QUEZON

“Survivor ako dahil gusto kong maibalik ang mga nawala sa akin before, especially money. It’s sad but I know there will be hope na darating for me to build again all my dreams.”

Cris Bolado retired from professional basketball in 2003 because of injury. Since then, he has kept himself busy coaching in basketball clinics all over the country.

MAYA SEGOVIA
32 YRS. OLD, MILITARY OFFICER
BATANGAS

“I’m a survivor in the truest sense. I survived all life’s challenges. I can accomplish anything inspite of all the personal problems I’m going through. I’m a mom, a military officer, a military pilot and a business woman. I can do multi-tasking and get the work done well.”

Captain Maya Segovia, a military officer and a pilot of the Philippine Air Force has always thought of herself as a man trapped in a woman’s body.

“Kahit na emotional pa rin ako bilang babae, kaya kong makipagsabayan sa mga lalaki,” the mother of two said.

Maya has been a pilot for seven years and she believes that it is her destiny to be a part of the profession ruled by men.

“Flying is really one of the things that make me happy,” she added.

Always competitive and physically active, Maya has been a mountaineer for 16 years and has also participated in triathlons.

She is also a taekwondo black-belter.

Despite all her credentials, Maya prepared herself for Survivor Philippines: Palau by studying people politics through reading books on psychology.

SHAUN RODRIGUEZ
GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEE
ZAMBALES

“Naranasan ko nang ma-bankrupt dati dahil sa negosyo as in wala natirang pera sa akin tapos ang dami kong utang. Pero hindi ako nawalan ng pag-asa.. namasukan ako sa isang shipping line. 2 months pa lang ako nagte-training, kinuha na kong waiter sa barko ng isang international cruise, hanggang sa unti-unti, nabayaran ko ang utang ko. Ginawa ko lahat ng best ko at hindi ako sumuko. Survivor Ako!”

Shaun works as a Public Relations staff at the City Council’s Office in Manila where he is engaged in dental and medical missions and feeding programs among other public service affairs.

“I have really become sympathetic to the plight of the less fortunate,” Shaun said. “Masarap tumulong sa mahihirap lalo na pag na-a-appreciate nila ang kahit kaunting tulong na naibigay mo sa kanila.”

To prepare himself for Survivor Philippines: Palau, Shaun focused on improving his endurance by running for hours from the Quirino Grandstand to Roxas Boulevard.

TROY PEREZ
27 YRS. OLD, MENTALIST MAGICIAN
MANILA

“Since my childhood, it’s been my obsession to be different from my playmates, classmates and friends through magic and real life adventures. In joining this game, it will further bolster my longing for more adventure. It will open a wider horizon for the fulfillment of my dreams.”

It is second nature for Troy Perez to entertain people, the very reason why he got into performing as a magician or, as he prefers to be called, a mentalist.

After taking up BS Biology in Manila, he landed a job in a bank and his mentalist tricks came in handy as he usually got invited to corporate shows.

“Bago pa man ‘yung show, I practiced remote viewing or visualization,” Troy said. “I already imagined the situations I could possibly face and my reaction to those situations,” he added.

JEF GAITAN
22 YRS. OLD, PRINT AND COMMERCIAL MODEL
LAGUNA

“I’m a real Survivor because I survived on my own in real life. I took the risk to be independent at a very young age. I survived growing up in the city alone. I became a parent to myself and a teenager at the same time.”

Jef Gaitan may be sweet, friendly and approachable but her charming demeanor and her stunning looks should not be construed as signs of weakness.

VLAD NESAS
24 YRS. OLD, PROFESSIONAL MODEL
LAS PINAS

“I consider myself a real survivor because I have been through a lot of challenges in my life. Growing up, I always felt insecure. Pakiramdam ko ang pangi-pangit ko. This is the reason why I improved my body, my looks, pati na ang dating ko sa mga tao.Tingnan mo naman ngayon, hindi lang ako nag-improve, model pa ako ngayon.”

Vlad Nesas calls himself an “alpha male”, a dominant guy who always gets what he wants. He is confident that this is going to be his ace in winning the title of Pinoy Sole Survivor.

Vlad is a graduate of Industrial Design, Major in Fine Arts at the University of Sto. Tomas where he was also a varsity swimmer.

He considers Joining Survivor Philippines: Palau as his major test of character.

“Kapag nakayanan ko itong Survivor, made na made na talaga ako” Vlad said smugly. “To prepare, talagang pinaganda ko ang katawan ko… sinanay ko ang sarili ko sa hirap. Grabe, six times a week na nga ang pagwo-work out ko. Kaya ba ng iba yun?”

He also knows that the cash prize and the title would drastically change his life, that’s why he is giving his all in the game.

“Hindi ako nagpapatalo. Hindi ako madaling mauto o mapaikot. Hindi rin ako takot manggago. Kung nabilib sila kay Marlon noon… well, hindi pa nila nakikilala si Vlad!” he said.

MIKA BATCHELOR
25 YRS. OLD, CHEF AND RESTAURANT OWNER
PALAWAN

“I consider myself a Survivor because I am not afraid to meet life head-on and I never back away from a challenge as what does not kill me makes me stronger.”

Mika Batchelor is a 25-year old chef and restaurateur from Palawan.

Although she is representing the beautiful islands of Coron, Mika grew up in Boracay.

The beauty of these two beautiful Philippine beaches made her fell in love with the ocean and the outdoors.

Among her adventurous hobbies include surfing, sailing and rock–climbing.

But she faces challenges everyday as she takes charge of her restaurant by herself.

“Being a restaurant owner, I really learned leadership by dealing and socializing with people,” Mika said.

To prepare herself for Survivor Philippines Palau, Mika ate lots of high–protein food, fruits and vegetables.

“We have a hill in Coron with a cross at the top; it’s about seven hundred steps. I run there back and forth every day for my endurance,” Mika added.

Darna Pilot Episode Tops Ratings

Darna, the GMA-7 fantaserye starring Marian Rivera, generated a massive 44.1% to lead all programs, according to the latest overnight ratings of AGB Nielsen Philippines among Mega Manila households.

It has a significant margin of 11.8% over second-placer Tayong Dalawa, which posted a rating of 32.3 percent.

How did the pilot episode Marian’s Darna fare against the premiere episode of Angel Locsin’s Darna, which was shown in 2005?

Angel’s Darna still rated better with 47.1%, or a three% margin compared to Marian’s Darna.

When Angel’s Darna was airing, GMA-7 was dominating the ratings game in Mega Manila. Angel’s Darna made history when it reached 52.1% on its fourth episode, where Angel appeared in a Darna costume for the first time.

That figure was the highest rating achieved by any GMA-7 show at that time. It was only broken in 2008 when the final episode of Marimar, starring by Marian and Dingdong Dantes, achieved 52.6%

It should also be taken into account that Marian’s Darna is being broadcasted at a time when ABS-CBN is giving a very strong competition in the ratings game. Also, Darna is competing against May Bukas Pa, considered the No. 1 program of the Kapamilya network, which also topped the primetime race for a number of times.

On Aug 10, May Bukas Pa dropped to sixth place with 24.6%. Aside from May Bukas Pa, Darna’s pilot episode, which ran for over an hour, was also pitted against Only You, which came in seventh place with 24.5%.

Rounding up the top five are GMA-7’s24 Oras (31.9%) and Rosalinda (28%), and ABS-CBN’s TV Patrol World (27%).

Wowowee Host Willie Revillame Draws Criticism Over Comment on Ex President Cory’s Wake Live Feed

Are we still surprised to hear that Willie Revillame is rude and arrogant?

For all his millions, he still hasn't learned that "it's not what you say, it's how you say it." His millions also failed to teach him manners and sensitivity.

While a live feed of ABS-CBN’s special coverage of the transfer of Cory’s remains from La Salle Greenhills gym to the Manila Cathedral was airing during the noontime show’s Willie of Fortune segment, Revillame demanded that the live video be removed.

Revillame bitchily snapped “Di po maganda. Nagsasaya kami dito habang nagluluksa ang sambayanang Pilipino. ‘Di ko magagampanan ang pagpapatawa habang ipinapakita ang libing ng dating president."

In response, the Alyansa ng Filipinong Mamamahayag (AFIMA) urged the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) to teach the host a lesson.

Willie Revilla, probably sensing his popularity and his source of income being threatened, explained that he meant no disrespect by his comment. “Ang feeling ko hindi magandang ipinapakita ‘yon habang kami’y nagsasaya... Sa sitwasyon na ito, kung may nasaktan ako, I’m sorry. Sa pamilya Aquino, alam ng buong pamilya Aquino [na] wala akong masamang intention doon."

A temporary suspension from the MTRCB will not, in any way, affect Willie Revillame. Hit Willie where he will be hurt the most – through the ads being shown in his show. The bulk of Willie’s income comes from companies who give him millions for just mentioning their products on his show. Without these ads, his arrogance will dry up pretty fast.

Let’s write to advertisers to boycott his show or we will boycott their products if they don’t. To make Willie’s downfall a sure thing, stop watching his show. Low ratings mean very little ads.

Somebody tell Willie that Wowowee has no social or historical significance whatsoever. Capitalizing on the sob stories of your contestants and giving them a prize for leaving their dignity in tatters on nationwide TV don’t give you relevance, Willie – merely an opportunist hiding behind the name of charity to endear yourself to people.

Somebody also give a little history lesson to Willie. He or his show will never be more important than Cory or the Aquino clan to The Powers That Be of ABS-CBN. Without Cory Aquino, there is no ABS-CBN, Meralco. The Lopezes owe a great deal to Cory Aquino for giving back to them their holdings and assets that were sequestered during the Marcos regime.

Pwede ba, Willie is the most powerful figure in entertainment only in PEP’s subjective list. In real life, isa siyang bastos at arogante na nagpapanggap na TV host.

YUCK!

Controversy Surrounds National Artist Nominations

Artists are protesting President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s decision to confer the national artist award to an official of the agency that screens the nominees for the prestigious title, and a movie director whose nomination had been rejected twice.

Critics said Cecille Guidote Alvarez should have had the delicadeza to refuse because she is the executive director of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), which administers the award together with the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP). Alvarez heads the NCAA secretariat that receives nominations for national artists.

Mrs. Arroyo recently conferred the award to seven individuals: Manuel Conde for cinema; Federico Aguilar Alcuaz for visual arts; Lazaro Francisco for literature; Francisco “Bobby" Mañoza for architecture; Jose "Pitoy" Moreno for fashion; Magno Jose Carlo Caparas for visual arts and film; and Alvarez for theater.

Caparas’ nomination was twice rejected by two NCAA panels. Caparas was first proposed as a nominee for literature, but the committee rejected him. He was again proposed as nominee for visual artist but the panel again turned him down. The title conferred to Caparas “appeared to have duplicated" that of Conde.

Film Academy of the Philippines director general Leo Martinez was also surprised how Caparas landed on the elite list. "He was obviously added by Malacañang," Martinez said on Spot.ph. Caparas, a comics writer who later turned to film making, is known to be a vocal supporter of Mrs. Arroyo.


The NCAA and CCP panel only submitted four names to Mrs. Arroyo: Conde, Alcuaz, Lazaro, and Ramon Santos, who was nominated as national artist for music. Santos was not included in Mrs. Arroyo’s list of awardees.

National artist for visual arts Benedicto Reyes Cabrera said “There used to be prestige. Well, since the presidency of Ramos there has been an understanding that the President can add one choice … there was Carlos Quirino (historical literature) , Alejandro " Anding ‘ Roces (literature) , Abdulmari Asia Imao (visual arts). But this time (Mrs. Arroyo) added four."

“They might as well just appoint (their own choices) and not go through the whole process. I will boycott the awards. I will not march. I will not mention any names but we heard that there was one very influential person who helped manipulate the results," Cabrera said.

Ex-President Corazon C. Aquino Passes Away (1933-2009)

Former Philippine President Corazon Aquino, icon of people power in the Philippines and around the world, passed away at 3:18 a.m. Saturday, her son, Senator Benigno Aquino III, said. The official cause of death was cardiorespiratory arrest.

The 76-year-old Aquino was diagnosed with colon cancer in March of last year and was treated with chemotherapy. Last May, she underwent surgery to remove parts of her colon and was brought to the Makati Medical Center (MMC) in June due to loss of appetite. She never left the hospital, as her declining condition sparked a wave of emotion in the country and prompted the widespread appearance of yellow ribbons - on trees, car antennas, and even the Web.

He added that they chose a private funeral arrangement for the late president rather than avail of a state funeral in Malacañang.

After being confined for barely two months at the MMC, Mrs. Aquino passed away early Saturday morning surrounded by her children.

Dressed in her signature yellow, Mrs. Aquino rallied the middle class in a series of protests culminating in the 1986 people power revolt that toppled the 20-year regime of strongman Ferdinand Marcos and swept her to the presidency.

She blamed the Marcos government for the assassination of her husband, opposition leader Benigno “Ninoy" Aquino Jr., who was gunned down at the Manila airport upon returning from exile in 1983.

The former housewife reluctantly took over as Marcos’ main challenger, becoming an international icon of democracy after her victory sparked a wave of pro-democracy movements around the world. Time Magazine named Mrs. Aquino its Woman of the Year in 1986.

After her presidency, Mrs. Aquino retired to private life. She took an active interest in painting, with flowers and women as subjects, and joined various art exhibits to raise funds for her advocacies: the Senator Benigno S. Aquino, Jr. Foundation, PinoyMe, ASA Foundation, and People Power People.

But she remained an influential figure in Philippine politics, lending her presence to political causes that needed her iconic stature.


Amid an overcast sky and a light downpour, Aquino’s remains arrived at the La Salle Greenhills in Mandaluyong City to a shower of yellow confetti.

Aquino is dressed in a yellow Paul Cabral dress embellished with Swarovzki crystal beads. Although visibly thinner, the former President looked serene.

In Aquino's hand is a rosary with pink beads and gold chain. Spokesperson for the Aquino family Lourdes "Deedee" Siytangco clarified that the rosary was not the one given by Sister Lucia, one of the three shepherd children who supposedly saw the Virgin Mary at Fatima in Portugal.

"That one is blue," Siytangco said, referring to Lucia's rosary.

The two-day viewing will be closed for three hours from 4 a.m. to 7 a.m. on Sunday and Monday to give way to maintenance work.

From La Salle, Mrs. Aquino’s remains will be brought to the Manila Cathedral where overnight vigils and requiem masses are scheduled. A necrological Mass will be held Tuesday night.

After a 9 a.m. Mass Wednesday, Mrs. Aquino’s body will be brought to the Manila Memorial Park in Paranaque for interment. No details have been disclosed yet to media about the funeral procession route.

Senator Aquino said that his mother will be buried beside the remains of his father, the late Senator Benigno Aquino Jr., assassinated upon his arrival in Manila from the United States on August 21, 1983.

The Aquino family has also set up a memorial site at the historic EDSA Shrine called "The Dedication Garden for Tita Cory," where supporters can leave their flowers and notes for the former head of state.