Lea Salonga eyed to sing RP National Anthem in Pacquiao-Hatton bout

MANILA, Philippines – World renowned artist Lea Salonga is being eyed by Team Pacquiao to sing the Philippine National Anthem in Manny Pacquiao’s upcoming fight against Ricky Hatton.

The Pacquiao-Hatton bout, dubbed “The Battle of East vs. West," is scheduled on May 2 (May 3 in Manila) at the MGM Grand Garden Arena is Las Vegas, Nevada.

Aside from Salonga, the other Filipino singer being considered is Philippine concert king Martin Nievera according to entertainment blog Sassyqarla.com, which quoted Bulgar columnist Nap Alip.

Alip, in his column, said that Salonga leads Nievera since the Tony Award-winning actress is Pacquiao’s personal choice.

Artists who previously sang in Pacquiao’s previous fights were Karylle (against Oscar de La Hoya), Ciara Sotto (versus Juan Manuel Marquez), Nicole Angela Judalena (against David Diaz), Kyla (versus Marco Antonio Barrera) and Geneva Cruz (against Jorge Solis). – GMANews.TV

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/154510/Lea-Salonga-eyed-to-sing-RP-National-Anthem-in-Pacquiao-Hatton-bout

Friday, March 27, 2009 Pacquiao/Hatton fans invited to boxers' public appearances

Boxing promoters are trying something new to publicize the Manny Pacquiao-Ricky Hatton fight May 2 in Las Vegas: a red-carpet arrival Monday night at Hollywood's Roosevelt Hotel, complete with some celebrity appearances.

The boxers, their trainers Freddie Roach (Pacquiao) and Floyd Mayweather Sr. (Hatton) and celebrity friends and fans of boxing are expected at the event, which will precede the fighters' private news conference -- the only U.S. press event before fight week.

Pacquiao and Hatton are scheduled to address their fans, who are encouraged to arrive at the front entrance of the Roosevelt (7000 Hollywood Blvd.). The fighters and trainers will arrive in limousines at 7:30 p.m. and speak to the crowd before the news conference.

No official word on the celebrity list yet, but Roach is close friends with actors Mickey Rourke and Mark Wahlberg and television personality Mario Lopez. Hatton has drawn Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie to a fight. Publicist Bill Caplan said he has invited director Ron Shelton, actresses Lolita Davidovich and Nancy Travis and comedian Paul Rodriguez.

Pacquiao also has a public appearance scheduled for Saturday at 4:30 p.m. at Island Pacific Supermarket in Panorama City.
Pacquiao, ranked the top pound-for-pound boxer in the world and just named the 2008 fighter of the year by the Boxing Writers Assn. of America, is trying to win in a fourth different weight division in four fights after defeating Juan Manuel Marquez, David Diaz and Oscar De La Hoya in 2008.

Hatton has lost only once, to retired pound-for-pound king Floyd Mayweather Jr., and has never lost at the May 2 weight: 140 pounds.

Manny Pacquiao Still on Solar Sports

Manny Pacquiao rumored to be air his fight on ABS-CBN network and left Solar Sports.

People’s champ Manny Pacquiao made a very shocking appearance last night in the news program of ABS-CBN; TV Patrol World announcing his upcoming fight with the British boxer, Ricky Hatton and his future fights will be aired exclusively on ABS-CBN.

As of Manny’s statement, he had personally decided to give the exclusive TV coverage of his upcoming fight with Hatton dated May 02, to ABS-CBN instead of giving the whole broadcast rights to his 4-year partner, Solar Sports. “Pagkatapos kong pag-isipan mabuti, nilapitan ko ang ABS-CBN at napagpasiyahan ko pong makipag-partner muli sa kanila. Sarili ko itong desisyon. Sa ABS-CBN mapapanood n’yo ang laban ko kay Ricky Hatton at iba ko pang laban,” Pacquaio announces.

On the other hand, Solar Sports expressed their disappointment with the decision made by Manny Pacquaio whose contract is still valid up to this date. According to Solar’s legal counsel, Atty. Enrique Dela Cruz Jr., Manny’s contract with Solar is still valid and binding. They also confirmed that Manny Pacquiao sent Solar Sports a letter stating that the boxer wanted to end his contract with the said media corporation. Solar Sports, strongly stand by their word that they will definitely file a case with Manny and his new media partner, ABS-CBN.

GMA-7, Manny’s current home network, also released their statement regarding the sudden and unexpected decision of the boxer. As expected, the network expresses its disappointment with Manny Pacquaio who currently has 2 shows namely, Totoy Bato with Robin Padilla and Pinoy Records with Ateneo blue eagle cager, Chris Tiu.

As per reports, a certain journalist of a popular broadsheet named Beth Celis wrote on her column last March 18, saying that the reason why Manny favored the exclusive rights to the station is because ABS-CBN offered Manny Pacquiao their full media support on his candidacy for the next election and ensures victory upon his political ambition on the congressional race.(ABS-CBN dominates Saranggani province and has international presence of reporters.)

The Kapuso network already sent a letter to Manny reminding him of their contract of agreement as a talent of the station. If we could still remember, this is not the first time that Manny did this kind of hasty decision-making. Manny Pacquiao made this kind of “switching” before in ABS-CBN and in Top Rank Promotions.

Manila Bulletin

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - North Korea agreed Tuesday to allow South Koreans working in a joint industrial zone in North Korea to cross the border after Pyongyang's move to cut the last military hot line to Seoul left hundreds strained overnight, officials said, North Korea put its troops on alert and cut the hot line monday as the American and South Korea militaries began joint maneuvers.
The communist regime warned that even the slightest provocation could trigger war during the 12-day drills.
The North stressed that provocation would include any attempt to interfere with its impending launch of a satellite into orbit. us and Japanese officials fear the launch could be a cover for a test of a long-range attack missile and have suggested they might move to intercept the rocket.
"Shooting our satellite for peaceful purposes will precisely mean a war." North Korea's military by the official Korean Central News Agency. Any interception attempt will draw " a just retaliatory strike," it said.

Binibining Pilipinas Winners 2009 Coronation Night

Bb. Pilipinas 2009 Grand Coronation Night was held at the Araneta Center. The Philippines now has three Bb. Pilipinas 2009 winners.
1. Bb. Pilipinas - Universe 2009
2. Bb. Pilipinas - World 2009
3. Bb. Pilipinas - International 2009

he Bb. Pilipinas Beauty Pageant is the most prestigious beauty contest in the country. Let’s take a look at a brief history of Bb. Pilipinas or Miss Philippines beauty pageant.


Bb. Pilipinas 2009 Grand Coronation night is a battle of beauty and brains. Hopefully, Bb. Pilipinas (Miss Philippines) Beauty Pageant will live up to its identity being a contest of intellectual women. I wish it will not create the same controversy as last year’s Bb. Pilipinas 2008 Grand Coronation Night.


Bb. Pilipinas 2009 Grand Coronation Night was hosted by Paulo Bediones (reality show host) and Yza Calzado (model and actress). The two were privileged to announce the Bb. Pilipinas 2009 winners. The show was also co-hosted by Bb. Pilipinas 2005 World, Carlene Aguilar.

Here are the official candidates of Bb. Pilipinas 2009
Vanessa Johnson Candidate No.1	Carisheila May Kuijpers Candidate No.2	Richell Angalot Candidate No.3	Gizelle Jasmin Rivamonte Candidate No.4
Diana Arevalo Candidate No.5	Ma. Paula Bianca Paz Candidate No.6	Jane Dela Cruz Candidate No.7	Cheryl Oliveros Candidate No.8
April Love Jordan Candidate No.9	Priscilla Navidad Candidate No.10	Regina Hahn Candidate No.11	Jaysel Arrozal Candidate No.12
Sandra Inez Seifert Candidate No.13	Keann Mallari Candidate No.14	Pamela Bianca Manalo Candidate No.15	Mary Tiffany Jones Candidate No.16
Marie-Ann Umali Candidate No.17	Marie Loraine De Guzman Candidate No.18	Stephanie Señires Candidate No.19	Melody Gersbach Candidate No.20
Hazel Sutch Candidate No.21	Priscilla Mae Honorio Candidate No.22	Barbara Salvador Candidate No.23	Abegail Lesley Cruz Candidate No.24

Binibining Pilipinas 2009 Winners and Results
Bb. Pilipinas - Universe 2009
Candidate No.15 - Pamela Bianca Manalo
Bb. Pilipinas - World 2009
Candidate No.17 - Marie-Ann Umali
Bb. Pilipinas - International 2009
Candidate No.20 - Melody Gersbach
2nd Runner-up
Candidate No. 11 - Regina Hahn
1st Runner-up
Candidate No. 3 - Richell Angalot

Binibining Pilipinas 2009 Top 10 Semi-Finalist:
Candidate No. 1 - Vanessa Johnson
Candidate No. 3 - Richell Angalot
Candidate No. 5 - Diana Arevalo
Candidate No. 9- April Love Jordan
Candidate No. 11 - Regina Hahn
Candidate No.15 - Pamela Bianca Manalo
Candidate No.17 - Marie-Ann Umali
Candidate No.20 - Melody Gersbach
Candidate No.22 - Priscilla Mae Honorio
Candidate No.23 - Barbara Salvador

Best in Long Gown Candidate No.17 - Marie-Ann Umali

Best in Swimwear Candidate No. 15 Pamela Bianca

Miss Photogenic Candidate No. 17 Marie Anne Umali

Miss Friendship Candidate No. 4 - Gizelle Jasmin Rivamonte

Best in Talent Candidate No. 3 - Richell Angalot

Watch is here

For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV

Showbiz potentials among Binibini bets

One down (disqualified,) and only 23 beauties are competing for three titles in the 2009 (45th) Bb. Pilipinas Pageant grand finals slated for tonight at the Big Dome — Bb. Pilipinas-Universe, Bb. Pilipinas-World and Bb. Pilipinas-International. Delayed telecast starts at 9:30 on GMA.


One of the Bb.Pilipinas candidate has been disqualified cause of posing for a men's magazine.
Organizers of the Pageant send her a letter containing her disqualification status for posing on a men's magazine. She and her lawyer appealed it on the organizers but organizers said that, that's their final decision.

It’s beauty-watching time once again and, as usual, keep an eye on candidates who are deadringers for showbiz stars and former beauty queens, including (according to Funfare’s “beauty experts” Felix Manuel, Francis Calubaquib, Gery Yumping and Joey Cezeare) Carmina Villarroel, Nicole Scherzinger of the Pussycat Dolls, Lucy Torres, Valerie Concepcion, Cherie Gil, Carmi Martin, Francine Prieto, Dyan Castillejo, Hilda Koronel, Neri Naig, Shirley Fuentes, Kristine Hermosa, Bea Alonzo, Anne Curtis, Donna Cruz and Phoemela Barranda; and former beauty queens Alma Concepcion, Maricar Balagtas, Carla Balingit and Bong Dimayacyac.


Instead of drawing a list of “the most likely (winners),” the “beauty experts” decided to group the girls into four categories: 1). Celebrities (familiar faces among TV viewers), 2). Pageant Royalties (those associated with former beauty queens), 3). Neophytes (those who have never competed in any major national pageants, and 4). Veterans (those who have joined major national and/or minor international tilts).

♦ CELEBRITIES

• No. 3, Richelle Pacaldo Angalot a.k.a. Rich Asuncion (20, 5’6”, 35-25-36), a StarStruck 3 finalist, Miss Tagbilaran 2005 and Miss Bohol International finalist; a UP Tourism student.

• No. 24, Abigail Lesley Grivas Cruz (24, 5’5”, 34-25-34), girlfriend of Paolo Bediones (host of tonight’s pageant), appeared on GMA shows. Mutya Ng Pilipinas 2005 second runner-up, 2005 Miss Tourism Queen of The Year semi-finalist in Malaysia, Miss Fort Ilocandia 2005 and Bb. Pilipinas 2007 second runner-up.

• No. 10, Priscilla Mae Barredo Navidad (18, 5’8”, 33-23-34), the deaf Pinoy Big Brother housemate, Miss Teen Philippines 2007 first runner-up and is a Management student at the AMA University.

♦ PAGEANT ROYALTY

• No. 11, Regina Brosas Hahn (26, 5’8.5”, 33-24-35), an Ateneo B.S. Computer Science graduate, daughter of 1975 Bb. Pilipinas-Universe (and Miss U fourth runner-up) Chiqui Brosas.

• No. 15, Pamela Bianca Ramos Manalo (22, 5’10”, 35-25-37), an Advertising graduate from Assumption and a flight attendant, niece of 1968 Bb. Pilipinas-International Nini Ramos and sister of 2002 Bb. Pilipinas-World Kate Manalo.

♦ NEOPHYTES

• No. 23, Barbara dela Rosa Salvador (22, 5’7”, 34-24-34), a B.S. Communication Technology Management graduate from Ateneo.

• No. 2, Carisheila May Bundang Kuijpers (21, 5’6”, 34-25-35), a Business Management graduate from the University of Northumbria in Newcastle, England.

• No. 5, Diana Buquid Arevalo (20, 5’7”, 34-23-35), Miss Oriental Mindoro 2007 and a Commerce student at the Divine Word College.

• No. 22, Priscilla Mae Sy Honorio (21, 5’6”, 34-24-35), Miss Cebu 2008 second runner-up and a registered nurse (from the University of San Carlos in Cebu).

• No. 20, Melody Adelheid Manuel Gersbach (23, 5’7”, 33-24-35), reigning Miss Bicolandia and a B.S. Management graduate from the University of Asia and the Pacific.

• No. 19, Stephanie Rose Basubas Senires (23, 5’6”, 34-24-35), Miss Cebu 2006 and B.S. Psychology magna cum laude graduate from the University of San Carlos.

• No. 8, Cheryl Villegas Oliveros (24, 5’7”, 34-25-35), Miss Mary Chiles 2006 and a registered nurse.

• No. 6, Maria Paula Bianca Clamor Paz (20, 5’7”, 36-26-37), rumored to be Polo Ravales’ girlfriend, a sophomore Graphic Design student in L.A.

• No. 18, Marie Loraine Domingo de Guzman (21, 5’7”, 34-25-36), Miss Makati 2006 and a B.S. Nursing junior at the Perpetual Help College.

• No. 21, Hazel Sutch (19, 5’6”, 34-24-34), a beautician from the United Kingdom.

• No. 16, Mary Tiffany Jones (17, 5’8”, 34-25-36), a high school senior from Quezon City.

• No. 1, Vanessa Balajadia Johnson (21, 5’5”, 34-26-36), a Kapampangan Fashion Design and Merchandise student based abroad.

♦ VETERANS

• No. 9, April Love Antolo Jordan (20, 5’9”, 34-24-35), a graduating Hotel Industry and Hospitality Management student from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, a flight attendant, the reigning Sanita Ti Ilocos Sur 2009, Mutya ng Pilipinas 2006 second runner-up, Miss Phillipines-Earth 2006 semi-finalist, Miss CALABARZON 2005 and Miss Secret Charm in the 2006 Miss Tourism Queen of The Year contest in Malaysia.

• No. 17, Marie Ann Bonquin Umali (22, 5’8”, 35-24-35), a B.S. Tourism graduate from the College of St. Benilde, half-Filipina/half-Lebanese beauty, Bb. Lungsod ng Batangas 2005 third runner-up and semi-finalist in the 2006 Bb. Pilipinas pageant.

• No. 12, Jaysel Morelos Arrozal (18, 5’10”, 34-25-36), a UE B.S. Tourism Management sophomore, semi-finalist in last year’s Bb. Pilipinas pageant and first runner-up in Bb. Valenzuela and Miss UE Caloocan contests in 2007 and 2008, respectively.

• No. 14, Keann Alonzo Mallari (22, 5’9”, 33-24-36), a B.S. Tourism graduate from Holy Angel University in Pampanga, Mutya Ng Kapampangan 2007 and a semi-finalist during the Bb. Pilipinas pageant of the same year.

• No. 7, Mary Jane delos Santos dela Cruz (22, 5’7”, 33-24-35), a B.S. HRM graduate of Baliuag University, Bb. Bulacan 2003, Bb. Pilipinas 2005 candidate, Mutya ng Pilipinas 2007 candidate and 2007 Reyna ng Aliwan Festival.

• No. 4, Gizelle Jasmin Renes Rivamonte (23, 5’7”, 36-26-36), an FEU nursing graduate who works at the oncology unit of the Veteran’s Memorial Medical Center and Quezon City’s representative in the 2008 Miss Philippines-Earth.

FUNFARE By Ricardo F. Lo (Philstar News Service, www.philstar.com)

Koobface's Wicked Agenda

"Once cookies related to the monitored social-networking Web sites are located, it connects to these Web sites using the user log-in session stored in the cookies. It then navigates through pages to search for the user's friends. If a friend has been located, it sends an HTTP POST request to the server," Trend Micro reports.

Ultimately, the worm's agenda is to transform the victim's computer into a zombie and form botnets for malicious purposes. Koobface attempts to do this by composing a message and sending it to the user's friends. The message contains a link to a Web site where a copy of the worm can be downloaded by unsuspecting friends. And the cycle repeats itself.

Once Koobface finds the social-networking cookies, it makes a DNS query to check IP addresses that correspond to remote domains. Trend Micro explains that those servers can send and receive information about the affected machine. Once connected, the malicious user can remotely perform commands on the victim's machine.

An Attractive Face(book)

"Many computer users have been conditioned not to open an attachment from an e-mail or click a link found within, but won't think twice about checking out a hot new video linked to by a trusted friend on Facebook," Argast said.


Malware authors are investing more energy in Facebook and other social-networking sites because that effort pays off, according to Michael Argast, a security analyst at Sophos. Facebook alone has more than 175 million users, which makes it an attractive target.


"I would expect to see more attacks on Facebook," Argast said. "As long as this is a successful propagation method, the bad guys will double down and invest more. They are entirely motivated by financial gain. If it pays, they'll continue to romp in your social playgrounds."


Argast said people can protect themselves by running up-to-date antivirus software, restricting which Facebook applications they install, thinking twice before clicking on links from friends and never, never installing a codec from some random Web site in the hopes of catching some celebrity in a compromised situation.


Argast called the Koobface worm a mix of something old and something new. The new is using social networks as a method to spread malware. The old is using fake codec Trojans linked to a saucy video to induce the user to install the malware.

Koobface, Other Worms Target Facebook Friends

March 5, 2009

As Facebook works to make itself more relevant and timely for its growing member base with a profile page makeover, attackers seem to be working overtime to steal the identities of the friends, fans and brands that connect though the social-networking site.

The Koobface worm is dangerous. It can be dropped by other malware and downloaded unknowingly by a user when visiting malicious Web sites, Trend Micro reports. When attackers execute the malware, it searches for cookies created by online social networks. The latest variant is targeting Facebook, but earlier variants have also plagued MySpace.

Indeed, Facebook has seen five different security threats in the past week. According to Trend Micro, four new hoax applications are attempting to trick members into divulging their usernames and passwords. And a new variant of the Koobface worm is running wild on the site, installing malware on the computers of victims who click on a link to a fake YouTube video.

The Death of Francis Magalona

Pinoy rapper Francis Magalona, 44, has died this afternoon at 12:20 pm. His colleague and co-host in the noontime show Eat Bulaga, Vic Sotto, announced the heartbreaking news live in today’s noontime edition of their show. Willie Revillame, host of their rival show, Wowowee also paused for a few moments of prayer for him.

The famous pinoy rapper and songwriter was diagnosed with leukemia in August last year. He reportedly succumbed to his illness at the Medical City in Mandaluyong City where he has been confined. He reportedly developed pneumonia earlier this week and it was a progressive decline from there. He is survived by his wife Pia Arroyo and children: Unna, Nicolo, Francis Jr., Isabella, Elmo, Arkin, Clara and Maxene.

My condolences to his friends and family. Let us all pause for a moment to pray for the eternal repose of his soul.

FrancisM or Master Rapper was credited as the first Filipino rapper in the Philippines who was known for successfully crossing over to the mainstream. He was married to Pia Arroyo, and they have eight children. In August 2008, Magalona was diagnosed with leukemia at Medical City Hospital, Mandaluyong. After his long struggle with his sickness and numerous wins with his battle against himself, he has been granted rest while admitted at the said hospital.

A month later...

Francis Magalona Dies At 44 due To Leukemia (cancer of the blood)