American Idol S11: Philip vs Jessica

I've been a fan of American Idol since the season of David Cook, having followed the show from auditions to finale.  But I would always try to watch whenever a Filipino is in the contest and root for that person to win or at least land in the finals. 

AI S11 Top 2: Philip Philips and Jessica Sanchez

So far, the highest place a contestant with Filipino blood has ever reached is third place, in the person of Jasmine Trias, in the season where another Filipina reached the final 10 -- Camille Velasco. Another Filipina, Ramiele Malubay, joined American Idol and placed 9th during the batch of Cook.  With Jessica Sanchez, the petite 16-year old who has reached the top 2,  American Idol Season 11 is much more exciting.  

Last week, America (and most of the Philippines) voted and chose Jessica Sanchez and Philip Philips as the final two performers to compete for the top spot. Find out who will be the next American Idol during the Grand Finale LIVE via Satellite this Thursday, May 24 at 8 am on ETC.


The Grand Finale night will be broadcast live from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, where we shall see the return of the American Idol Season 11 Top 10, as well as guest performances with the likes of Rihanna, Jason Derulo and Aerosmith.  


Prior to the announcement, Jessica and Philip will perform for the last time for votes during the Top 2 performance show that will be aired on ETC tonight, May 23, Wednesday via satellite at 6 pm, with a primetime telecast at 7 pm and 10 pm. 


This is it! The moment we AI fanatics are waiting for.  Let us vote for Jessica to show support for her talent that truly deserves the win!




Filed under SHOWS

Project Runway Philippines S3

Project Runway Philippines returns to the television screen after two successful seasons to continue the search for the next big Filipino fashion designer. Having watched a number of episodes from season 1 and 2, I am excited to see the new talents and challenges Project Runway Philippines Season 3 has in store for the participants.

A new season equals new host, in the person of beautiful model and creative jewelry entrepreneur Tweetie De Leon-Gonzalez. Together with the show's mentor Jojie Lloren, judges Apples Aberin and Rajo Laurel, Tweetie will take the competition to a whole new dimension.

PRP S3 new host Tweetie De Leon-Gonzalez

PRP S3 judge Apples Aberin

PRP S3 judge Rajo Laurel

15 young hopefuls from diverse backgrounds will compete in every challenge and vie for the top prize in the hopes of launching an illustrious career in fashion: Amor Albano, fashion designer from Laoag City; Cheetah Rivera, fashion designer from Manila; Enzo Libo-on, call center agent from Bacolod; Fatima Guerrero, fashion design student from Nueva Ecija; Glenn Gonzales, design apprentice from Pangasinan; Ionica Abrahan, stylist from Manila; Jenno Gacasan, graphic designer from Cebu City; Joseph Montelibano, PR executive from Parañaque; Karla Galang, fashion design instructor from Quezon City; Lenvil Paneda, costume designer from La Union; Milka Redoble, online fashion entrepreneur from Pasig City; MJ Alimanza, visual merchandiser from Zambales; Nel Claveria, overseas fashion designer from Camarines Sur; Normanie Santos, ex-Seminarian from Bulacan; and Yves Camingue, designer/stylist from Cebu City.

At the launch event held at the Genting Club of Resorts World Manila, Tweetie was introduced together with the challengers, who showed off their initial creations for the pilot episode.

Project Runway Philippines Season 3's grand winner will get 500,000 pesos in cash; 100,000 pesos worth of cash and beauty products from Pond's; a fashion spread in Mega Magazine featuring his final collection; a brand new Intuos4 Wacom unit and a full 4-year fashion design and technology scholarship from partner school iAcademy; sewing machines worth 300,00 pesos from Brother International; and an all-expense-paid trip to Paris to experience the Paris Fashion Week courtesy of L'Oreal Paris.

Catch the fashion fever every Sunday at 8 pm over at ETC.  For more information and updates, log on to http://www.facebook.com/OfficialProjectRunwayPH.

Filed under SHOWS

ETCETERA: Fresh and Fab

There are lots of television shows today to watch but less than a handful are geared towards women and what we really want to know. ETC's new show ETCETERA is an fresh and fabulous addition to my Sunday evening viewing habit. The 15-minute capsule show for all things hip and happening, ETCETERA premiers this October 23, Sunday at 7:45PM right before an episode of Glee Season 3 on ETC.

New faces to watch (l-r): Patti Grandidge and Kim Jones

ETCETERA aims to fill us in on the latest trends for the stylish youth so we'll never be behind the trend or out of the loop on what’s in and what’s out in style, beauty, TV, web and youth. Tune in to get the hottest entertainment news filled with spoilers, reviews and polls on your favorite ETC shows, and lookbooks on your much loved ETC stars. Stay in style as it offers practical tips on beauty, like “How to’s” on skin, hair and make-up, and the lo-down on cool fashion trends, chic do’s and don’ts and stores you want to raid. Online and on the streets, ETCETERA will help you discover where the hippest local hangouts are, and the most click-worthy websites can be found.

Hosted by Patti Grandidge and on-the-scene reporter Kim Jones, ETCETERA is your newest authority for all things young and stylin!

Patti Grandidge

Host Patti Grandidge is the newest face to brighten up primetime. With a degree in International Business from University in Malibu, California, this positive and easy-going beauty lists her hobbies as baking, traveling, blogging and taking photos. As host of ETCETERA, Patti looks forward to getting connected with viewers as she is very interactive on Facebook and Twitter, and keeping up to date on all things fashion, beauty, TV and web. Patti splits her time between her business Sweet Patti Cakes, a home-based business that sells delicious homemade cupcakes, and her blog, pattispalette.blogspot.com which she updates regularly with her latest foodie finds.

Kim Jones

Kim Jones has a love affair with the outdoors and all things spontaneous and that makes Kim the perfect on-the-scene reporter for ETCETERA. Having lived in the Philippines for the past 9 months, she has been blessed to have spent the majority of that time traveling and exploring the country. Kim enjoys spending her free time reading and playing the guitar. Because of her Australian upbringing she describes her style as very relaxed and laid-back. Watch out for Kim as she takes over Metro Manila, she can’t wait to meet new people, enjoy more laughs and share all her experiences with you the viewer.

ETCETERA premieres every Sunday at 7:45PM starting October 23, with replays every Monday at 8:45AM & 2:45PM; Tuesday at 7:45PM; Wednesday at 7:45AM & 11:45AM; Thursday at 11:30PM; Saturday at 2:45PM; Sunday at 11:00AM & 3:45PM.

ETC mark at the presscon venue, Chateau 1771, Greenbelt 5

ETC is seen on free TV RPN-9, Sky Cable Ch. 14, Destiny Cable Ch. 14, Cable Link Ch. 12 and Cignal Ch. 14.

Filed under SHOWS

David Archuleta Concert Tickets Promo

David Archuleta will be back in Manila for a solo concert at the Araneta Coliseum on July 18, Monday at 8PM. Fans can hear him sing his hit songs “Crush”, “Touch My Hand”, “A Little Too Not Over You”, “Something ‘bout Love” and “Elevator”.

If you missed him last 2009, this is your chance to watch him live. What better way to watch than by getting free tickets!

Lucky you, because from July 8 - 13, 2011, BusinessWorld Publishing Corporation, through HerWord.com, in partnership with Solar Entertainment Corp., will be raffling away ten (10) pairs of tickets to David Archuleta Live in Manila on July 18, 2011 at the Araneta Coliseum to ten (10) lucky new and existing HerWord subscribers!

Click here for more details and to join the promo:
http://www.herword.com/promo/main.php?id=David_Archuleta

ETC's Big Move

It irks me every time the cable connection fizzles, especially when I'm watching my faves like Glee, Vampire Diaries and Pretty Little Liars. Now, I couldn't care less because ETC can now be seen on free TV over RPN 9!

The Invite

The move from UHF channel SBN 21 to RPN 9 happened last March and the momentous event was marked by two celebrations -- first was the press launch at Club Vogue in New World Hotel and second was the trade launch to advertisers and media agencies at A. Venue Hall in Makati City. Like all the past events of Solar Entertainment, both launches were superbly done and both venues were dressed up to may everyone feel the exciting vive of the big move.

Booths of their top-rating shows livened up both Club Vogue and A. Venue Hall

All of ETC will be moving to RPN 9 and that means the loyal viewers won't miss a single one of their well-loved programs. Anything new to look forward to? Solar revealed that they will have locally-produced shows soon such as the third cycle of Project Runway Philippines and probably a local newcast that will focus on entertainment news.

Model Ornusa Cadness deejayed at the ETC Trade Launch at A. Venue

At the Q&A portion, a silly thought entered my mind and I blatantly asked, "Since ETC is now on free TV alongside the other big networks, will you be using a "K" monicker like ABS-CBN's "Kapamilya", GMA's "Kapuso" and TV5's "Kapatid"? The question elicited chuckles in the room as Solar Entertainment COO Peter Chanliong gave a straight, "No" while Solar Entertainment President Wilson Tieng jokingly answered,"Maybe 'Kaaway'." They further explained that eventhough ETC is now on free TV, they are not there to compete head-on and they would continue to target "the young, the female, the A,B,C plus market" and not the big chunk CDE market the other networks are fighting over.

Female Power is alive with ETC more than ever!