Author: TJ Gacura

‘Tiktoclock’ host Rabiya Mateo commended GMA Network for actively dismantling the stereotype that equates “sexy” actresses solely with their physical appearance. During the launching of Sparkle 10 at the network’s Studio 7, the 27-year-old Mateo applauded GMA Network for taking “a big step” of proving that sexually appealing and beautiful women are also talented. “It’s also breaking the stereotypes. Kasi dati, when we think of a sexy actress, ‘yun lang ang kaya nilang i-offer,” said the beauty queen-turned-artist. “But now, somebody like Faith (Da Silva), who is sexy can be a host; si Ashley (Ortega) can represent the country sa…

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Markki Stroem’s passion for the musical ‘Rent’ led him to bend the rules during his recent audition, much to the amusement of the show’s casting directors, Robbie Guevara and Santi Santamaria. In a media roundtable for the upcoming 9 Works Theatrical musical on March 12, Santamaria revealed that there was one rule for the auditionees: do not sing any songs from ‘Rent.’ Guevara revealed that among those who auditioned, Stroem “was the only one who broke the rules.” The Filipino-Norwegian singer, who auditioned and got the part for Benny, admitted he already planned on breaking the rule. Giggling, he said,…

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Former child star Jiro Manio leads in OPM band LILY’s ‘Magbalik’ music video but still needs full recovery before he accepts any acting projects. “Siguro po, hindi naman ito ‘yung sign na magbabalik na ako sa pag-aartista,” clarified the former actor in an exclusive interview with LionhearTV. “Kumbaga, isa lang po itong isang aabangan ng mga tao na sa tingin ko ay magugustuhan nila.” On January 19, Manio, 31, appeared on ‘Fast Talk with Boy Abunda,’ where he admitted he misses acting. However, doctors have advised him not to accept any offers unless he has fully recovered, as this can…

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If there’s one thing Julie Anne San Jose and Rayver Cruz are looking forward to in their upcoming ‘Sparkle Goes to Canada’ tour, it is the love of Filipinos. The real-life couple, also known as JulieVer to their fans, experienced the welcoming arms of Global Pinoys during the ‘Taste of Manila’ event last August. For them, having a crowd of “half a million” makes their hearts happy. “So, first time po namin na maka-experience ng ganoong klaseng crowd na talagang sobrang saya, na talagang nage-enjoy sila, nanonood. Nakakatuwa kasi ang dami po talagang Pilipino doon; ang daming mga Kapuso, mga…

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The first legal series of GMA Network, ‘Lilet Matias, Attorney-At-Law,’ had to wait at least three years to find the perfect GMA Afternoon Prime show for Jo Berry, says the show’s head writer and concept creator J-mee Katanyag on February 24. “In terms of inspiration, nagsimula po ito like two or three years ago. Isa sa mga inspirasyon po namin ay si Jo Berry, siya talaga. Hinahanapan namin siya ng isang palabas kung saan tatatak po muli ang kagalingan niya,’” she said during the series’ press conference at Manila City Hall. Katanyag was looking for a concept that could follow…

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Dallas Liu, who plays Prince Zuko in the upcoming live-action adaptation of ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ on Netflix, shared his experiences filming the series while visiting Manila on February 24. Manila’s Heat and Stepping into Character Liu described his first visit to Manila as a whirlwind of excitement and scorching temperatures. He jokingly compared the intense humidity to feeling like he was living in the Fire Nation, a reference to Zuko’s home in the Avatar universe. “It’s been really exciting, and this is my first time in Manila. Everyone’s been welcoming, and it’s so hot, oh my gosh, hahaha! It’s…

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Actor and comedian Jerald Napoles was on cloud nine as he led TV5’s newest comedy game show, Barangay Singko Panalo. On top of hosting a game show, Napoles’ dream job was fulfilled—to star in a sitcom. “Noong sinabi nila sa akin na ‘Magho-host ka ng game show,’ parang kinilabutan ako, or medyo tumayo ‘yung balahibo ko kasi kinalakihan ko ‘yung game show. Tapos yung mga idol ko na komedyante, lahat nag-host ng game show. “Full circle lang for me na isa ring komedyante na makapag-host ng isang game show. And then doon na nila pinasok na may skit or may…

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‘Tahanang Pinakamasaya’ aired its last episode on March 8. ‘Lunchtime Movie Hits’ now occupies TAPE’s timeslot. Beauty queen-turned-artist Rabiya Mateo expressed her hope that the variety show ‘Tiktoclock’ would have a longer airtime. The 27-year-old host shared her thoughts during a quick interview after the Sparkle 10 launch at GMA Network’s Studio 7 on February 5. She admitted feeling disappointed that a show like Tiktoclock, which airs for only 45 minutes from Monday to Friday, often feels rushed. “Minsan nalulungkot din kami kasi minsan may mga banter, marami pa sanang banatan pero overtime or minsan naka-cut kapag sa editing. So…

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Filipino-Canadian Gordon Cormier, the young talent behind the role of Aang in Netflix’s ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender,’ opened up about his experience stepping into the last airbender’s shoes without knowing who his character was. Cormier and co-star Dallas Liu visited Manila on February 24 for a press conference. Recalling the moment he learned he had secured the role of Aang, the young actor shared a mix of confusion and elation. “They ended up saying, ‘We searched the whole world for Aang, and then we found him, and you live 15 minutes away from the studio! I was really confused; I…

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Direk Temi Abad revealed on March 8 two reasons he avoided sexy projects up until now: a promise and a fear. The director of Vivamax’s ‘Kalikot’ first mentioned that his late boss, Tess Fuentes, made him promise not to accept any projects from Vivamax. “Actually, inano ko ‘to, ni-restrain ko ‘yung sarili ko from directing a Vivamax project. Because you know, ‘yon ang binitawan kong pangako sa dati kong boss,” he said during the film’s press conference at the Viva Cafe in Cubao, Quezon City. Aside from the promise he made, Abad also feared violating someone if the time came…

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Cheryl Ching-Sy, the Assistant Vice President for Drama at GMA Network, reiterated the network’s commitment to integrating social and cultural issues into their soap operas, including their latest show, ‘Lilet Matias, Attorney-At-Law.’ During a press conference held on February 24 at Manila City Hall, Ching-Sy emphasized that all programs on the Kapuso Network, not just their afternoon soap operas like ‘Lilet Matias, Attorney-At-Law,’ and ‘Abot-Kamay Na Pangarap,’ promote awareness and understanding of important societal matters. “GMA, actually hindi lang siya sa afternoon soaps. I think it’s the brand of GMA Drama where we are always conscious of injecting mga cultural…

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Romanian-Filipina singer and theater actress Kayla Rivera ventures into TV hosting as she takes on one of the main hosting roles in TV5’s comedy game show ‘Barangay Singko Panalo.’ At a press conference on March 7, the singer-theater actress expressed her enjoyment in the new role, saying, “Nag-eenjoy ako sa lahat. I mean siyempre, ‘yung first love ko talaga is singing.” Rivera initially entered the industry as a singer, participating in ABS-CBN’s now-defunct reality show Star Power. While she had some hosting experience, Barangay Singko marks her debut as a mainstream media host. Despite her limited experience in TV hosting,…

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Former child star Jiro Manio found a valuable lesson while appearing in LILY’s ‘Magbalik’ music video: the importance of moving forward in life. “Tulad nang mundong hindi tumitigil, ‘diba? So, siguro bawat isa kailangan tuluy-tuloy tayo, kahit sinong tao, huwag tayong magpadala sa mga nakaka-down na problema,” he shared in an exclusive interview with LionhearTV. Despite achieving success at a young age, life presented challenges for the 2004 Gawad Urian Best Actor. Now 31, Manio faced significant hurdles that nearly left him with nothing. In 2011, he grappled with substance abuse and sought rehabilitation. Additionally, the former child star was…

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LILY (formerly Callalily) is embracing a brighter future, choosing to leave past controversies behind and concentrate on their music. The OPM band delivered an electrifying performance on March 6 at the 70’s Bistro in Quezon City, coinciding with the announcement of an upcoming music video for their remake of the hit song ‘Magbalik.’ LionhearTV had the opportunity to chat briefly with the new lead vocalist, Joshua Camacho Bulot. In June 2022, former lead vocalist Kean Cipriano departed the band and laid claim to the group’s name, leading the remaining members to rebrand as ‘LILY.’ Later that year, they introduced Joshua…

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Social media star Zeinab Harake revealed her plan on September 13 to have her children live a life outside of the Philippines after experiencing a traumatic relationship. Harake recently split with rapper Skusta Clee after discovering that he was cheating on her. It was committed whilst the social media personality was pregnant with their child Moon who passed away due to miscarriage. The YouTuber admitted she was working hard to purchase a property in a different country to bring her children, Bia and Lucas away from the spotlight. “Wala akong ibang ginagawa kundi magtrabaho nang magtrabaho kasi gusto ko…pangarap ko…

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Janelle Tee during the press conference for her Vivamax movie The Escort Wife on September 13 clarified her intent to become a serious actress someday. She began thanking Viva’s big boss, Vic Del Rosario for trusting her in doing sexy projects for Vivamax. “Sobrang grateful ako actually sa family ko sa Viva, especially kay Boss Vic na lahat po binibigay niya,” said Tee. “And from the very start naging clear naman ako na, ‘Okay, I’m gonna go the sexy route’ but I’d love to always challenge myself and to hone my acting skills.” The sexy star added, “Kasi pinasok ko ‘to…

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