SPOTTED: Chuck Bass in Manila for Penshoppe Photo Shoot

Gossip Girl fans...guess who's in town? Why, it's the one and only Chuck Bass! According to my Twitter radar, Ed Westwick (the actor playing Chuck Bass) is in Manila to do a photo shoot for Penshoppe's Pre-Holiday Season 2011 and Summer 2012 campaign.

Along with Penshoppe, Ed's arrival in Manila is in cooperation with PR Asia Worldwide, represented by International Publicist, Joyce Ramirez (who's photographed with the actor).

For anyone who's familiar with Ed Westwick's Gossip Girl character, Chuck Bass, it's no surprise why Penshoppe chose him to represent their brand in their goal to upgrade to an international level. According to Penshoppe's brand manager, Alex Mendoza, "Ed will embody the free and easy, sophisticated casual style that the brand is known for."

Unfortunately, I am not Gossip Girl, and can't tell you what places the actor will go to, for you to try and take a look at him in person. However, you can follow, @PublicityAsia on Twitter, for updates on Ed Westwick's activities in Manila.

Kung Fu Panda 2 in Theaters Tomorrow

Po and the rest of the gang is back! I'm pretty sure it would be funnier and action-packed this time around, especially with the introduction of new villains in the cast. My youngest son, Sef, keeps reminding me everyday that Kung Fu Panda 2 will come out May 26. Like I (a movie-buff) would forget, right?

In Kung Fu Panda 2, Po is now living his dream as The Dragon Warrior, protecting the Valley of Peace alongside his friends and fellow kung fu masters, The Furious Five. But Po's new life of awesomeness is threatened by the emergence of a formidable villain, who plans to use a secret, unstoppable weapon to conquer China and destroy kung fu. He must look to his past and uncover the secrets of his mysterious origins; only then will Po be able to unlock the strength he needs to succeed.

Starring:

Jack Black

Angelina Jolie

Dustin Hoffman

Jackie Chan

Seth Rogen

HD Trailer of Kung Fu Panda 2

SM Clark Cinema Schedule:

SM D-Cinema - In 3D

MTRCB Rating: GP

12:40 PM | 2:45 PM | 4:50 PM | 6:55 PM | 9:00 PM

SM Cinema 4

MTRCB Rating: GP

10:50 AM | 12:40 PM | 2:30 PM | 4:20 PM | 6:10 PM | 8:00 PM

Marquee Mall Cinema Schedule:

Cinema 1 : KUNG FU PANDA 2

12:40 / 2:45 / 4:50 / 6:55 / 9:00

Cinema 2 : KUNG FU PANDA (3D)

11:50 / 1:45

Kristine Hermosa is 6 Weeks Pregnant

After reports of her having a hard time getting pregnant because of her polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), Kristine Hermosa confirmed through Star Magic publicist, Thess Gubi, that she's finally pregnant. She's 6 weeks on the family way, and couldn't be more happy.

Not so long ago, January 12, 2011, Kristine tied the knot with Oyo Boy Sotto, at Club Balai Isabel in Talisay, Batanggas. They looked so happy during their wedding day, an evidence that Tin appeared to have really found a soul-mate with Oyo.

Here's another look at their wedding video by Bong Sare.

Oyo Sotto and Kristine Hermosa from Bong Sare on Vimeo.

Can't Stay Away from Each Other?

I can't help it - I'm gonna say it...."Spotted, Blake Lively strolling along the streets of Portofino, Italy with Leonardo Di Caprio!" I think this is it, we're nearing a confirmation that they really are together. Is 'B' the reason why 'L' recently split up with her ex, who's another 'B'? What a jump (or should I say 'leap'?) - from Penn Badgely to Leo Di Caprio.

Am I the only one excited about this new couple? I think not! They look so good together, so eat your heart out, Brangelina! :)

Who's Going to be the Next American Idol?

When American Idol Season 10 began, I told my husband that the winner will most likely be a country singer. Well, it looks like I am correct with my prediction, since the two finalists are both country singers - Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina.

When Thursday night came, American Idol's avid viewers found out who will the finalists be, and the road to becoming the next Idol finally came to an end for Haley Reinhart. Although the girl could really sing, she was not a crowd favorite from the start, proven by her repeatedly being a part of the bottom three. But Haley gave a strong comeback performance, and remained at the top until Thursday night's elimination.

Elimination night also witnessed the making of new Idol history first, the two finalists, Lauren and Scotty, ages 16 and 17 years old respectively, are the youngest two finalists ever on American Idol.

Will Steven's prediction of finding 'the one', right after Lauren's audition, come true? Honestly, my2cents, if Lauren sings well on finale night, she will be favored more by voters and win the American Idol crown. I'm crossing my fingers that she does, to end the losing streak of women singers on Idol, come finale night.

Lauren's Audition

Scotty's Audition

Is Blair Pregnant with Chuck's Child?

Another season has ended for Gossip Girl, and what a season finale (aptly titled, 'The Wrong Goodbye') it has been. First, there was the revelation of who Charlie (Serena's cousin) really is, then there's Vanessa's discovery of Dan's secret (that he really badly wanted to join the 'elite' Upper East Side crowd), Georgina's return, Chuck and Blair's one night stand (well, more one hour than one night), and of course, the cliffhanger of the season - Dorota picking up Serena and Blair's trash that has a used pregnancy test kit with a positive result on it. So who's pregnant, Serena or Blair?

Towards the end of Gossip Girl's Season 4 finale episode, the main characters of the show go off their separate ways -

Blair flies off to Monaco with Louis, to spend her summer there, and to prepare for her upcoming royal wedding.

Serena goes to California for the summer, while Dan decides to go to the Hamptons (surprise, surprise). I thought at first they were both off to the Hamptons, and I was ready to give this big question mark on whether they will see each other there, and rekindle their romance once again. So, Serena goes to California with her grandmother, where she meets a new guy, and it looked like she also found a new job.

Charlie goes back home, and when Serena's aunt meets her at the bus station, it was revealed that she isn't Charlie after all, but Ivy. She was hired by her 'supposed' mom, Carol, to obtain the real Charlie's trust fund money. Apparently, Carol didn't want her real daughter to go near Cece, Lily, Serena, and the Upper East Side.

Vanessa steals Dan's manuscript, sells it to a publisher (with an anonymous author), and asked for the money to be sent to her new address - in Spain.

Meanwhile, Chuck and Nate, now both eligible bachelors once again, chose a random place using the Globe to spend their summer in.

So, who is pregnant? The obvious points to Blair. Between Chuck and Louis, she already chose the former, since she loves him more than the prince. Before she begins her fairytale life, though, she did "do the deed" with Chuck, a few hours before she went with her prince. It's the clear proof that she's the one who tested positive with a home pregnancy test. If that is true, then Chair's (Chuck+Blair) love story just got more exciting!

Still, let us not forget that it's Gossip Girl we're talking about here. Just because the obvious points to Blair, doesn't mean that we're positive that she's positive. It could be Serena. After all, they shared one bathroom, right? Maybe she had a rendezvous meeting with Dan or Nate. Well, we'll never know until the show returns in September. Ugh! 4 months of waiting!

XOXO

An Amazing Wedding Proposal

I saw this video on YouTube, and it really made me tear up. Matt asked for Ginny's hand in marriage, in the coolest marriage proposal I have ever seen. It all happened at the cinema, before the film showing of Fast Five. Bravo!

Leo and Blake Make a Cute Couple

Photo Courtesy of People.com

Late last year, Leonardo Di Caprio was seen dining with Blake Lively. Before rumors about them dating start, a rep of the actor explained the dinner date. Apparently, the two was discussing a movie project, 'The Great Gatsby'. The two were being considered to star in the film. Looks like it didn't work out for Blake, since Carey Mulligan has been officially cast as Daisy Buchanan, but Leo will still play Jay Gatsby in the movie.

Recently, the two were seen and photographed together again, this time on a yacht, having a friendly embrace. Were they there to talk about business again or something else? I hope it's 'something else', though, because they make a great looking couple! Leo is now single, he just broke up with long time girlfriend Bar Rafaeli, and Blake hasn't publicly admitted if she's dating Ryan Gosling or not. Besides, Leo's known for being attracted to supermodels and Blake sure looks like one!

Andi Eigenmann and Albie Casino's Cyber War

I recently came across this story about Andi Eigenmann and her ex-bf, Albie Casino. I knew who Andi is, but I was a bit clueless about her ex. As it turns out, he's also a Kapamilya and a Star Magic talent. I haven't been watching TV lately, which was why I haven't seen him in any of ABS-CBN's shows.

Anyway, on to the juicy stuffs - Andi and Albie broke up (they were on for two years), and the cyber war began just recently, apparently the thing that started the online bashing was a twitter post by Andi's close friend, Saab Magalona (Francis M's daughter).

"Thinking about a young actor who slapped my friend (his ex gf) makes me so angry. I hope his career goes nowhere!! >:(."

The young actor that Saab referred to was Albie Casino. Well, she didn't name names, but from Albie's reaction (provoked by a fan's question), he just proved that he was the young actor that Saab was talking about. Albie's reply was posted on his Formspring account.

My2cents on Albie's reaction? Well, if what Saab Magalona said was true, it wouldn't be a surprise that he could say the foul things he wrote about Andi. He should have just kept quiet, or the fight wouldn't have gotten bigger like it is right now. Albie, who do you think people would side with? Of course, they would pity the poor lady you bad-mouthed online!

Andi couldn't stand what Albie said about her being a cheater, so she finally broke her silence, and explained her side on her twitter account, andieigengirl.

andieigengirl Andi Eigenmann

What did I ever do to deserve this? (May 9 ,2011)

andieigengirl Andi Eigenmann

To the judgmental ones, I don't need your replies. Haters, I got enough of you already, built by my everbeloved ex. I don't need more of it. (May 9, 2011)

andieigengirl Andi Eigenmann

I believe I have enough class to not stoop down to his level and actually do such a thing as this. But for once, I just need to defend myslf (May 9,2011)

andieigengirl Andi Eigenmann

And to people who's heard stories, rumors, issues, before u spread, make sure they're true. (May 9, 2011)

andieigengirl Andi Eigenmann

To his fans, I know there are a lot, don't mind this if you can't believe it. Its nt an intention to take u against him at all. Thanks (May 9, 2011)

andieigengirl Andi Eigenmann

I know ill regret doing this cus I'm not the kind of person, but what's done is done... (May 9, 2011)

andieigengirl Andi Eigenmann

Girls, always remember to respect yourselves. No matter what. Always be careful. Don't stoop so low. Keep your class ( May 9,2011)

andieigengirl Andi Eigenmann

@iloveajperez143 what r u saying? I was never w him. I cried under a blanket a million times at taping, for albie. Not for anybody else (May 9, 2011)

andieigengirl Andi Eigenmann

again, people, don't say things unless you're sure its true! If u dnt know anything, dnt say anything. Thanks

andieigengirl Andi Eigenmann

I'm using twitter not for fans to dwell on, dont worry. Its to get help on getting facts straight

andieigengirl Andi Eigenmann

I don't need to prove anything to the others. But what he said was really out of line, and he knows, as well as everybody else who knows me

andieigengirl Andi Eigenmann

that I am not the type of girl at all and that I had sacrificed a whole lot for him because I loved him so much. I dont understand why I

andieigengirl Andi Eigenmann

why I get that in return. Such a low blow to talk about me that way. He knows its not true

andieigengirl Andi Eigenmann

whoever will replace him will never be a consolation prize. He'll be my real prince charming ;) ♥

andieigengirl Andi Eigenmann

Twitter war? No. I needed a voice. I needed to defend myself. But to go on and offend? NO. Not at all …

andieigengirl Andi Eigenmann

He went as low as bashing my family as well. That I cannot take. Talking about being drug addicts when he was the one getting high atm May 11, 2011)

I'm all for being true and everything, but the guy has gone way overboard with his replies on his Formspring account (albiewhoshedid). The best way to act as a real man is to keep quiet. I'm wondering why Star Magic has no control over this talent of theirs. Weren't they able to keep Angelica P. silent when the issue with her and Claudine B. was talk of the town?

If Albie wants to have a successful career, he should keep his mouth shut, because nobody wants a bad ass matinee idol. Robin Padilla is the closest thing we have for that title, but he's known for his being a true gentleman.

Other Formspring posts of Albie:

A True to Life 'Princess Diaries' Story

As promised on my last post, I am going to share with you a true to life version of the movie 'Princess Diaries' (which was based on Meg Cabot's novel of the same title). The fairytale like story happened to a teenage girl named Jazmin Grace, a resident of Palm Springs, California. However, unlike Mia Thermopolis from the film Princess Diaries, Jazmin was well aware who her father was, it was only the public that was left with no clue of her true identity.

Jazmin, or Jazmin Grace Grimaldi, is the daughter of Prince Albert, the head of the House of Grimaldi and the ruler of the Principality of Monaco, with former waitress, Tamara Jean Rotolo. Her middle name was after her grandmother, the late Prince Grace (Kelly) of Monaco. She was born on March 4, 1992, more or less 9 months before that day; the prince had an affair with her mother, who came to visit Cote d'Azur in Monaco, for a vacation.

Although Prince Albert was listed on Jazmin's birth certificate, it was only in 2006 that the Prince officially acknowledged to the public that he is her father. The announcement came after a DNA test proved Jazmin's his own flesh and blood. The prince was forced to tell the public about her illegitimate child after news about her existence was leaked to the press. He was hoping to protect her by concealing her relation to him until she has reached adulthood.

The other thing that separates Mia's story from Jazmin's, is that the latter cannot inherit the throne, because she's not the prince's legitimate child. Aside from Jazmin, Prince Albert also fathered another child, Alexandre Coste. Both Jazmin and Alexandre, though, can inherit Prince Albert's wealth, which is worth more than 1 billion dollars today. Not bad for a 'previously' ordinary Californian girl, right?

Jazmin, described by many as sweet and intelligent, is now in college and attending Fordham University. After a humanitarian visit to Fiji, Jazmin decided to put up the Jazmin Fund, an organization created to help children in remote island villages in Fiji. She has all the makings of a perfect princess, too bad she can't be called one.

Princess Diaries Trailer

Meg Cabot's Princess Diaries Novel

Cinderella & Catherine

This picture was posted, and re-posted on Facebook over and over again, which is why I have to blog about it. Was this a mere coincidence, or was it orchestrated, because Duchess Catherine felt her story's similar to Cinderella? I just love it! It makes me smile whenever I look at it.

Kate's story's very far from a 'rags to riches' one, but it's as close to a fairytale romance as one can get, isn't it? She's a commoner who became a royal after marrying her prince, and she would be queen in the future, surely that counts as a fairytale love story. Speaking of which, I did read before of a true to life 'Princess Diaries' story - that's coming soon, here in my blog! :)

Justin Bieber - Somebody to Love???

I used to like Justin Bieber, because he was a good example to kids, especially to the ones who would like to pursue a career in the performing arts. He sings well, he plays several musical instruments, he's a good dancer, and he writes songs. Would a mom like me, have a reason to discourage her kids from singing along JB's songs, when he's a good person to emulate? Probably before, there were no reasons at all, but now I have one - for him being a SNOB!

My proof is the video that's been circulating lately on the web, of JB tossing a CD that a NAIA (Ninoy Aquino International Airport) employee tried to hand to him, so he could autograph it. No amount of jetlag, not even the flu, can excuse the bad behavior that the young artist has exhibited. If he wasn't feeling well that time, he could have just told (nicely) that poor man that he can't give him an autograph.

Fortunately for us, someone was recording a video of his arrival, or we wouldn't have known how rude Justin Bieber really is. It may be a onetime incident, but at least, we caught a glimpse of how JB is, behind the camera and the stage. Incidentally, by the way, reports of Mr. Bieber performing on his concert despite of a chest infection was released after the videotaped occurrence came out on YouTube. Was he really sick at that time? Or was it circulated just to cover up what the young man did?

Watch the video here.

My2cents? JB - you were praised on YouTube, now you will earn criticisms on the same vehicle that launched your career.

Boracay Rum - Capturing the Boracay Island Vibe Anywhere in the Country

I love travelling, and my dream is to someday travel all the beautiful places in the Philippines. Unfortunately, though, I have a fear of flying. So, even though I wanted so bad to visit places like Cebu, Bohol, Palawan, and of course, the famous island of Boracay, I couldn't do so. Well, not right now, and not unless I conquer my fear and board an airplane (hopefully a prize for a blog writing contest could help me conquer my fear. ha ha).

For someone who loves nature, my fear, known as aerophobia, is such a dilemma. It's a good thing that where I am located, which is Luzon, you don't need to hop on a plane to visit gorgeous beaches. South Luzon has the beaches of Batanggas, Mindoro, and Camsur (where you can go wakeboarding), while North Luzon boasts of the beaches of Bataan, Pangasinan, La Union, Zambales, and Ilocos that includes the beach called 'Blue Lagoon' in Pagudpud, which has been coined as the 'Boracay of the North. I have not visited all the beaches in Luzon, but I have been to most of them, even the beautiful (and used to be unspoiled) Potipot Island in Zambales.

Forever 21 Stores in Manila

For years, shopaholics have been dreaming of a Forever 21 store finally opening in the Philippines. No, I am not referring to boutiques who sell Forever 21 items, or boutiques with the same name but it’s not the ‘real’ Forever 21 store (I think they’re in a legal battle right now. The original retail giant opened its first Philippine store last July 2, 2010at SM Megamall Building A. Before the day of the launch, the SM founder himself, Mr. Henry Sy, presided over the ribbon cutting ceremonies.

What's available in the store? Of course, there's the Forever 21 line (neutral closet staples, vibrant basics, and resort wear pieces), 21Men (men’s clothes which range from casual to urban), Love 21 (for the more sophisticated look), Twelve by Twelve (couture-inspired fashion), and Heritage 1981 (vintage-inspired pieces that are very collegiate in style). Visit the store and you’ll be amazed to see very affordable finds, not straying far from prices of clothes sold by local brands.

Forever 21 also has stores in Japan, Canada, Korea, and the US (where it has over 400 stores), where it all started. The first Forever 21 store was first introduced to the public as ‘Fashion 21’, in April 1984. The store meant to target only lovers of Korean-American fashion, but fortunately for the owners (who are both Korean), Don Won Chang and Jin Sook, the brand attracted a lot of fashion forward shoppers. The store grew more and more popular, opened additional branches, and Fashion 21 became Forever 21.

The second Forever 21 branch opened last April 8, 2010 in SM Makati. Visit Forever 21’s Facebook page here.

Princess Blair?

Will the Queen B finally get her crown?

In last week's episode, 'The Princesses and the Frog", I saw Blair finally get engaged - - to the wrong guy! I saw a teaser before I watched the show, and knew that Blair will end up with an engagement ring on her finger. The question that played in my mind was, "to whom would she say yes to"? Much to the disappointment of Blair and Chuck fans, the Queen B got engaged to Prince Louis Grimaldi of France. Sounds to me like another Grace Kelly in the making.

However badly I wanted for Chuck to be that guy, I was pretty sure the writers wouldn't do that, since the conflict between them is the main reason why Gossip Girl got exciting again. Honestly, there was a period in the show where I got bored, especially when Chuck and Blair were in good terms. It's the reason why I have mixed feelings about the Chuck-Blair Love Story. I wanted them to end up together, but maybe only when the show finally ends. Weird, huh?

If it's any consolation to Blair and Chuck fans, here's a spoiler for the finale episode, 'The Wrong Goodbye'. A picture where it appears like the two are in good terms. Perhaps Blair will not end up as princess, but a lady to her dark knight. xoxo

Photo courtesy of wetpaint.com

The Royal Wedding: A Hat Fashion Showcase

April 29, 2011....finally, Kate Middleton became Duchess Catherine, when she wed Prince William, second in line to the British Throne. Together, they became the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Their wedding was the biggest royal wedding in three decades. More than a celebration of love, the royal wedding became a big fashion event, of course, starting with the gorgeous gown that the bride wore, designed by Sarah Burton of the Alexander McQueen fashion house. However, it was not the designer dresses that caught

the attention of many, but the hats, ranging from simple & elegant designs, to eccentric ones like the one that Princess Beatrice wore.

Watching the couple exchange vows, my only wish is that their marriage will last a lifetime, not like William's parents, Prince Charles and the late Princess Diana.

The gorgeous Grace Kelly inspired gown

"These are the Days of our Lives"

Lady Frederick Windsor's hat looked very elegant

Sorry, but Queen Elizabeth II's hat looked like a cake. :D

In my opinion, the Spanish princess (Princess Letizia) is the prettiest of them all.

Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice wearing their Philip Treacy outrageous hats.