ABS-CBN’s longest-running variety show “ASAP 18” continues to celebrate 18 years of supremacy, victory and brilliance this Sunday (May 19) as some of the biggest stars in the country lead the celebration with show-stopping and mind-blowing concert production numbers.

Travel back in time and get the best of the best music of different generations in “ASAP 18” with the hair-raising musical performances of OPM balladeers Rico J Puno, Hajji Alejandro, and Marco Sison together with ASAP Pinoy Champs Angeline Quinto, Jovit Baldivino, Marcelito Pomoy, KZ Tandingan, and Yeng Constantino; and the cool ‘90s jamming session of ASAP Sessionistas.

Also, prepare to be amazed with the special performances of “Pilipinas Got Talent 4” finalists Intensity Breakers and MP3.

Meanwhile, get ready for the explosive and sizzling dance showdown of ASAP dance royalties Maja Salvador and Shaina Magdayao in the supah hot clash dance ‘MASH;’ followed by the heart-pounding ‘back to the ‘80s’ inspired Supahdance showcase of John Prats, Sam Concepcion, Iya Villania, and Nikki Gil.

“ASAP 18” doubles up the fun as celebrity siblings Kim and Lakam Chiu, Robi and Maro Domingo, and Enchong and Ice Dee fire up the dance floor with a special celebrity production number.

Witness another string of non-stop world-class musical performances with the powerful vocal acts of Gary Valenciano, Martin Nievera, Erik Santos, Jed Madela, and ZsaZsa Padilla; the romantic serenade of Kapamilya heartthrobs Piolo Pasucal and Jericho Rosales; and the must-see acoustic surprises of Marion Aunor, Paolo Valenciano, and Zia Quizon.

Celebrate the greatness of Filipino talent and don’t miss the showdown of the best concert performances in the country’s longest-running, award-winning variety show, “ASAP 18” this Sunday, 12:15 noon, on ABS-CBN. For updates, photos and to hang out live with the stars at ASAP Chill-Out, simply visithttp://asap.abs-cbn.com/, ‘like’ http://facebook.com/asapofficial, follow @ASAPOFFICIAL on Twitter, and know the latest happenings in “ASAP 18” by tweeting the hashtag #ASAPGeneration.

“Walking With Dinosaurs” (3D) is a CGI action adventure set in real epic environments that breathes to life the most glorious and realistic of the dinosaur era never before seen on the silverscreen.

Set 70 million years ago, “Walking With Dinosaurs” (3D) sees the birth of a baby triceratops, the smallest of its herd brought forth into a wild, unpredictable world filled with the most ferocious of predators. In this world, the young dinosaur learns to discover his innner courage as he butts head with all other dinos and predators alike. Along with his friends and family, his adventures are filled with humor and often face hair-raising challenges that each of them must face to prove their worth within the herd.

Experience another moviemaking breakthrough when “Walking With Dinosaurs (3D)” opens in (Phils.) theaters January 2014 from 20th Century Fox.

The newly opened SM Aura Premier in Taguig launched the 7th IMAX Theater in the Philippines on May 17, 2013.

Unveiled on May 17, 2013, SM Cinema Aura houses two Director’s Club Cinemas with 48 seats each, a perfect venue for small gatherings and corporate events, and two digital theaters equipped with Dolby Atmos, a revolutionary sound technology that uses overhead and surround speakers, for a natural and a more realistic sound experience.

The main highlight of SM Cinema Aura is the IMAX Theater, the 7th of its kind in the country, and the 4th in Metro Manila. The theater is designed to fill one’s field of vision and engulf one in cinematic surround-sound that is so powerful it’s almost tangible. Its features include a slightly curved movie screen that is several times larger than a standard theater screen, and seats that are angled for an unobstructed movie viewing.

SM Cinema Aura also includes a Snack Time outlet for delicious gourmet snacks one can bring inside the cinemas. Moreover, with SM Cinema e-PLUS Card loaded with VIP privileges, special promos, seasonal offers, quarterly raffles, and invites to exclusive events, movie-watching at SM Cinema Aura can be more fun, rewarding, and convenient.

The Fort’s latest attraction–SM Aura Premier–is built to amaze with its world-class architecture. The new lifestyle hub is designed by Arquitectonica, a Miami-based architectural firm whose works span several continents from the City of Dreams in Macau to the Festival Walk in Hong Kong, from the Four Seasons in Dubai to the NASA Columbia Memorial Space Science Learning Center in California. The architectural firm is also the designer of SM Mall of Asia, Mall of Asia Arena, and the upcoming SM Tianjin. Moreover, the elegant and luxurious interior of SM Aura is by EDGE Design, a firm based in Sydney, Australia. Mall goers are definitely going to admire the sophisticated style and ambiance that SM Aura brings.

SM Aura Premier is located at 26th Street corner McKinley Parkway, Barangay Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

Kantar Media National TV Ratings (May 14 & 16, 2013): “Minute to Win It” is no. 2 in daytime race; “It’s Showtime” beats “Eat Bulaga!” on weekdays; “Kakambal ni Eliana” is highest-rated Kapuso program in daytime.

Here are the Top 20 programs and comparative TV ratings nationwide (Rural + Urban) on May 14 and 16, 2013 according to Kantar Media:

May 14, 2013 – Tuesday:

Daytime:

Bayan Mo Ipatrol Mo Halalan 2013 Tayo Na (0.7%) Eleksyon 2013 vs. The GMA News & Public Affairs Special Coverage (1.6%) vs. Bilang Pagbabago 2013 (0.2%)
Kape’t Pandasal (1.2%) / Bayan Mo Ipatrol Mo Halalan 2013 Tayo Na (9.2%) vs. Eleksyon 2013 The GMA News & Public Affairs Special Coverage (8.5%) / Bleach (8.9%) / Dragon Ball Z Kai (10.6%) / Kusina Master (6.2%) vs. Bilang Pagbabago 2013 (1.3%)
Minute To Win It (18.3%) vs. Unexpected You (7.2%)
Be Careful With My Heart (24.9%) vs. The Ryzza Mae Show (11.9%) vs. Wowowillie (2.9%)
It’s Showtime (15.1%) vs. Eat… Bulaga! (13.3%)
May Isang Pangarap (11.7%) vs. Unforgettable (8.1%)
Dugong Buhay (9.9%) vs. Bukod Kang Pinagpala (8.3%)
Bayan Mo Ipatrol Mo Halalan 2013 Tayo Na (9.7%) vs. Kakambal Ni Eliana (9.6%)
To The Beautiful You (15.0%) vs. I Do I Do (9.8%)

Primetime:

Little Champ (18.9%) vs. Home Sweet Home (12.4%)
TV Patrol (28.8%) vs. 24 Oras (18.2%)
Juan Dela Cruz (33.5%) vs. Indio (17.9%) vs. Sine Ko 5ingko Prime (7.0%)
Ina Kapatid Anak (29.4%) vs. Mundo Mo’y Akin (14.5%)
Apoy Sa Dagat (19.4%) vs. Love & Lies (12.2%) vs. Giant (2.9%)
Bandila (8.6%) vs. Queen And I (8.5%) vs. Pilipinas News (1.8%)
Banana Nite (3.4%) vs. Saksi Liga Ng Katotohanan (4.6%) / Reporter’s Notebook (2.4%) vs. Reaksyon Kasama Si Luchi Cruz-Valdes (0.9%) / Ang Latest Up Late (0.7%) / The Medyo Latenight Show With Jojo A. (0.4%)
May 16, 2013 – Thursday

May 16, 2013 – Thursday:

Daytime:

Kape’t Pandasal (0.2%) / Sports Unlimited (Replay) (0.5%) vs. Born To Be Wild (Replay) (0.7%)
Umagang Kay Ganda (4.3%) vs. Unang Hirit (4.4%)
Kris Tv (5.7%) vs. Doraemon (11.5%) / Detective Conan (13.1%)
Yakitate!! Japan (7.4%) vs. Chibi Maruko-Chan (11.8%)
Kuroko’s Basketball (8.5%) vs. Bleach (11.4%)
Naruto Shippuuden (9.9%) vs. Dragon Ball Z Kai (10.8%)
Wansapanasummer (15.8%) vs. Kusina Master (4.8%)
Minute To Win It (20.7%) vs. Unexpected You (5.7%)
Be Careful With My Heart (24.8%) vs. The Ryzza Mae Show (10.0%)
It’s Showtime (15.6%) vs. Eat… Bulaga! (13.0%) vs. Wowowillie (3.3%)
May Isang Pangarap (11.3%) vs. Unforgettable (7.8%)
Dugong Buhay (9.7%) vs. Bukod Kang Pinagpala (8.6%)
Glory Jane (8.1%) / Pinoy True Stories (7.7%) vs. Kakambal Ni Eliana (10.8%)
To The Beautiful You (11.1%) vs. I Do I Do (9.6%)

Primetime:

Little Champ (16.1%) vs. Home Sweet Home (10.8%)
TV Patrol (26.6%) / Juan Dela Cruz (32.6%) vs. 24 Oras (18.0%) vs. Cassandra Warrior Angel (4.6%)
Ina Kapatid Anak (30.0%) vs. Indio (20.0%) / Mundo Mo’y Akin (15.8%) vs. Sine Ko 5ingko Prime (5.0%) / Giant (3.2%)
Apoy Sa Dagat (20.4%) vs. Love & Lies (12.9%)
Missing You (12.2%) vs. Queen And I (9.9%) vs. Pilipinas News (1.5%)
Bandila (5.2%) vs. Saksi Liga Ng Katotohanan (4.8%) vs. Reaksyon Kasama Si Luchi Cruz-Valdes (0.9%)
Banana Nite (2.2%) vs. Alisto! (2.5%) vs. Ang Latest Up Late (0.5%) / The Medyo Latenight Show With Jojo A. (0.3%)

Source: Kantar Media

Smart, the leader in mobile, is now offering the fourth generation iPad and iPad Mini–both with Wi-Fi + Cellular–in the following postpaid LTE plans: Unlimited for P999/month and Affordable for P499/month.

Smart is now offering iPad 4 and iPad Mini with a range of attractive data plans that allow customers to connect to its fast Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology at speeds of up to 42Mbps.

The fourth generation iPad features a gorgeous 9.7-inch Retina display, new Apple-designed A6X chip, FaceTime HD camera and ultrafast wireless performance. iPad mini is a completely new iPad design that is 23 percent thinner and 53 percent lighter than the third generation iPad, features a stunning 7.9-inch Multi-Touch display, FaceTime HD and 5 megapixel iSight cameras, ultrafast wireless performance and an incredible 10-hours of battery life.
Both fourth generation iPad and iPad mini come with iOS 6, the world’s most advanced mobile operating system with over 200 new features.

Customers can buy the new iPads at Smart Stores all over the country. For more information on plans, please visit www.smart.com.ph/getmini.

Fresh from the success of his sold-out birthday concert at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, teen heartthrob Daniel Padilla is set to invade the big screen once more as he signs an exclusive contract with Star Cinema recently.

After the blockbuster success his first launching film “Must Be Love” with Kathryn Bernardo, Star Cinema is now preparing its follow-up movie. For his part, Daniel is really glad that Star Cinema has a lot of good projects for him. “I am thankful to Star Cinema for trusting in my talents, and also, for believing in Kathryn and mine’s love team,” Daniel added. Apart from “Must Be Love,” Daniel was also part of the success of the movies “24/7 In Love” and “Sisterakas,” one of the highest grossing movies of all time. KathNiel fans are also excited not only for the upcoming movie but also the phenomenal tandem’s drama series titled “Got to Believe,” which will air on ABS-CBN Primetime Bida this July. Present during the contract signing were Star Creatives head Malou Santos, Star Magic consultant Johnny Manahan, and Daniel’s mother and talent manager, Karla Estrada.

Nigel is about to crash…into the grandest party as Blu, Jewel and friends return in Blu Sky’s “Rio 2.” Watch the teaser trailer which premiered during the advanced screening of “Epic” on Saturday.

Jesse Eisendberg and Anne Hathaway return in “Rio 2” along with Jemaine Clement, Will.I.Am, Tracy Morgan, George Lopez, Leslie Mann,Rodrigo Santoro, Brazilian singer Bebel Gilberto, Jake T. Austin, and Jamie Foxx.

“Rio 2” brings back Blu, Jewel along with their three kids living the perfect domesticated life in that magical city. When free-spirited Jewel thought it best that time is ripe for their chicks to go into the wild – Amazon that is, Blu’s steady world began to shake. As Blu tries to fit in with his new neighbors, he worries he may lose Jewel and the kids to the call of the wild.

Carlos Saldanha, who was inspired to create “Rio” based upon his experiences growing up in that city, is back as director, as are producers John C. Donkin and Bruce Anderson.

Joining the “Rio 2” team are Oscar® nominee Andy Garcia, Grammy® winner Bruno Mars, Emmy®/Tony® winner Kristin Chenoweth, Oscar®/Emmy®/Tony®/Grammy® winner Rita Moreno, “The Hunger Games’” Amanda Stenberg, singer/actress Rachel Crow, “Looper’s” Pierce Gagnon, and “Today” news anchor Natalie Morales.

“Rio 2” arrives April 2014 in cinemas nationwide from 20th Century Fox.

Kapuso vixen Sam Pinto is now the new leader in the ongoing FHM poll “100 Sexiest Women in the World 2013.” Marian Rivera dropped to no. 2.

Midway through the finish line, Sam Pinto ended Marian Rivera‘s 4-week reign in FHM’s “Sexiest Women” poll as she snagged the no. 1 position on the 5th update released by the men’s magazine.

Meanwhile, Anne Curtis returned to the leaderboard at no. 8. Andi Eigenmann, on the other hand, debuted in the Top 10 at no. 9.

Here are the current Top 10 based from the partial results released by FHM on May 17, 2013:

1. Sam Pinto
2. Marian Rivera
3. Angel Locsin
4. Cristine Reyes
5. Jennylyn Mercado
6. Ellen Adarna
7. Solenn Heussaff
8. Anne Curtis
9. Andi Eigenmann
10. Empress Schuck

FHM also released the 10 girls running at no. 21 to no. 30:

Will Sam Pinto become the “Sexiest Woman in the Philippines” for 3rd year in a row?

Here are the two previous updates:

1st Update (April 19, 2013)

1. Marian Rivera
2. Angel Locsin
3. Sam Pinto
4. Solenn Heussaff
5. Cristine Reyes
6. Anne Curtis
7. Georgina Wilson
8. Angelica Panganiban
9. Jessy Mendiola
10. Ellen Adarna

2nd Update (April 26, 2013)

1. Marian Rivera
2. Angel Locsin
3. Solenn Heussaff
4. Sam Pinto
5. Jennylyn Mercado
6. Heart Evangelista
7. Cristine Reyes
8. Ellen Adarna
9. Anne Curtis
10. Jinri Park

3rd Update (May 4, 2013)

1. Marian Rivera
2. Sam Pinto
3. Angel Locsin
4. Solenn Heussaff
5. Jennylyn Mercado
6. Anne Curtis
7. Cristine Reyes
8. Heart Evangelista
9. Ellen Adarna
10. Empress Schuck

4th Update (May 10, 2013)

1. Marian Rivera
2. Sam Pinto
3. Angel Locsin
4. Jennylyn Mercado
5. Cristine Reyes
6. Solenn Heussaff
7. Ellen Adarna
8. Bela Padilla
9. Jackie Rice
10. Empress Schuck

Manila once again gets special mention, this time in the main trailer of Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures’ “Pacific Rim.”

As narrated in the trailer, which can be viewed below, Manila is the second city to be attacked by alien-like sea monsters originating in the Pacific Ocean. Scenes pertaining to the Manila attack are also featured, which are expected to create a sensation when the film opens locally in July.

In “Pacific Rim,” when legions of monstrous creatures, known as Kaiju, started rising from the sea, a war began that would take millions of lives and consume humanity’s resources for years on end. To combat the giant Kaiju, a special type of weapon was devised: massive robots, called Jaegers, which are controlled simultaneously by two pilots whose minds are locked in a neural bridge.

But even the Jaegers are proving nearly defenseless in the face of the relentless Kaiju. On the verge of defeat, the forces defending mankind have no choice but to turn to two unlikely heroes—a washed up former pilot (Charlie Hunnam) and an untested trainee (Rinko Kikuchi)—who are teamed to drive a legendary but seemingly obsolete Jaeger from the past. Together, they stand as mankind’s last hope against the mounting apocalypse.

The film stars Charlie Hunnam (TV’s “Sons of Anarchy”), Idris Elba (“Thor”), Rinko Kikuchi (“The Brothers Bloom”), Charlie Day (“Horrible Bosses”), and Ron Perlman (the “Hellboy” films).

Opening across the Philippines in July 11 in 3D, 2D and regular theaters, “Pacific Rim” will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

Get ready for some hardcore wrestling action as Studio 23 airs “WWE: Extreme Rules” this Tuesday (May 21), 9:30 PM, featuring the talked-about match between John Cena and his former ally and friend, Ryback, as the main event.

An intense battle is sure to commence especially after Ryback claimed that he is looking to break out of The Champ’s sizable shadow, in a Last Man Standing bout for the WWE Championship.

“WWE: Extreme Rules” will also present eight other punishing matches that implement hardcore wrestling regulations, the long awaited grudge match between Brock Lesnar and Triple H inside a Steel Cage, and an “I Quit” match between Alberto Del Rio and Jack Swagger that will determine the no. 1 contender for the World Heavyweight Championship.

Who will come out on top? Will Lesnar finally cement his place as the alpha male of the WWE? Or will The Cerebral Assassin thwart Lesnar’s ascension and keep his place as the top dog? Who between Del Rio and Swaggerwill be the first one to exclaim the humiliating words “I quit” and more importantly, lose a shot at the World Heavyweight Title? Lastly, is Cena’s 11th WWE Title reign destined to end prematurely, or will the Cenation leader stop Ryback in his tracks?

Don’t miss “WWE: Extreme Rules” this Tuesday (May 21), 9:30 PM, on the official home of WWE on Philippine free-TV, Studio 23.

What are the responsibilities of a store owner when a customer gets sick from eating spoiled food bought from his or her store?

Broadcast journalist Karen Davila finds out in “Pinoy True Stories: Engkwentro” tomorrow (May 21) where she looks into the brawl between good friends Nanay Charing, a retail store owner, and Aling Nora, one of her loyal customers.

Aling Nora and Nanay Charing have known each other for seven years now. One day, however, Aling Nora’s family was put at risk after eating spoiled salted eggs she bought at Nanay Charing’s store.

Aling Nora’s four children and two grandkids were rushed to the hospital due to diarrhea and vomiting. Aling Nora, stricken with panic and fear, was also overwhelmed by the large hospital fees.

It turned out that the eggs they ate had salmonella. Enraged, Aling Nora filed a case against Nanay Charing at the barangay hall.

Meanwhile, Maan Macapagal and Dominic Almelor will report how a man miraculously survived death after he was thrown off a truck that smashed into another truck this Wednesday (May 22) in “Pinoy True Stories: Saklolo.” It turned out that the driver of the truck he was on fell asleep.

Don’t miss “Engkwentro” with Karen Davila tomorrow (May 21) and “Saklolo” with Maan Macapagal and Dominic Almelor on Wednesday (May 22) on ABS-CBN, 4:45 PM on Kapamilya Gold. For updates, follow @PinoyTruStories on Twitter.

Jeepney TV, home of the Pinoys’ best-loved TV classics and only cable channel of its kind, honors Edgar “Bobot” Mortiz for his nearly 50 years in entertainment with a special entitled “Goin’ For Gold” on the channel’s “Let’s Go Linggo” program.

Direk Bobot, as he is fondly called in the industry, has made a name for himself as a TV/movie actor and director, touted as one of the most influential forces on television today. In the 1970s, he gained popularity as a teen star and ka-love team of Vilma Santos, but, as he reveals in the special, he actually started out as the love team partner of Ate Vi’s erstwhile rival, Nora Aunor. In the 1980s-1990s, he successfully reinvented himself as a formidable creative force behind television’s highest topraters, foremost of which were for the gag shows “Goin’ Bananas” and “Tropang Trumpo”. Today, Bobot is recognized as the creator of the long-running kiddie gag show “Goin’ Bulilit”, and may be credited for launching the careers of some of today’s hottest young stars.

The Jeepney TV special charts Bobot’s journey from singer to matinee idol, to creative director and film/TV director, with Direk Bobot’s recollection of stories behind the TV shows he was involved in offer a rare insider’s view behind the cameras. It also reveals how his children Frasco and Badji have chosen to follow in his footsteps.

The tribute features a star-studded lineup of interviewees that includes close friends and contemporaries Al Tantay and Tirso Cruz III; “Banana Split” and “Eva Fonda” alumna Cristine Reyes, “Banana Split” mainstay Ryan Bang, writer and creative collaborator Willy Cuevas, and comedians Pokwang and Jason Gainza. Also in the special are the stars that Direk Bobot discovered such as Bangs Garcia, Julia Montes, Miles Ocampo and other stars from his hit shows who will share their experiences with the beloved director.

“Edgar ‘Bobot’ Mortiz, Goin’ for Gold” will be shown on Jeepney TV (SkyCable Channel 9) on May 26 from 9:00-11:00pm, right after “MMK Classics”.
For programming schedules and updates, like their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/JeepneyTV.

Best-selling author Lee Child’s Legendary anti-hero bursts onto the small screen in the action-packed thrill ride, debuting on Blu-ray™ and DVD this May 2013.

One of the most compelling heroes ever to step from novel to screen makes his highly-anticipated home entertainment debut when Jack Reacher blasts his way onto Blu-ray, DVD and VCD this month from Paramount Home Media Distribution. Tom Cruise tackles the title role with the brute force his character is known for and his “tightly controlled performance holds our attention all the way through to the tense finale” (Elizabeth Weitzman, New York Daily News).

Based on best-selling author Lee Child’s wildly popular series of novels, Jack Reacher was adapted for the screen and directed by Academy Award®-winner Christopher McQuarrie (Best Original Screenplay, The Usual Suspects, 1995). Filled with heart-pounding action, thrills and a “killer chase scene” (Chris Vognar, Dallas Morning News), Jack Reacher is “hard-boiled detective story entertainment” (Richard Corliss, Time) that “will have you gasping in surprise at the velocity and ferocity of the action” (Marshall Fine, Huffington Post). The film also boasts “a top flight ensemble cast” (Claudia Puig, USA Today) including Robert Duvall (Apocalypse Now), Rosamund Pike (Die Another Day), Werner Herzog (Rescue Dawn), David Oyelowo (Rise of the Planet of the Apes), Richard Jenkins (The Cabin in the Woods) and Jai Courtney (A Good Day to Die Hard).

“A dazzling ride. Tom Cruise nails it!” —Peter Travers, Rolling Stone

Own it on DVD and Blu-Ray! For the latest DVD releases, like Magnavision’s Official Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/MagnavisionInc and follow them on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MagnavisionHome.

Watch the trailer here:

After four seasons of The Amazing Race Asia, AXN returns yet again with another made-in-Asia-for-Asia Original Production – The Apprentice Asia!

Filmed in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, the Asian adaptation of the US reality series is based on the format created by reality TV guru Mark Burnett (The Voice, Survivor) and produced locally by Fremantlemedia Asia, a leading global entertainment company. The face of the show is aviation tycoon and Forbes Asia’s 2010 ‘Asia Businessman of the Year’, Tony Fernandes, most well-known for turning around Air Asia and breaking even within a year of taking over. Twelve candidates from around Asia will vie for the honor of becoming Asia’s very first Apprentice, with the winner walking away with the opportunity to work for Tony in one of his enterprises.

Also on board are Mr. Fernandes’ advisors – Tune Hotels’ Group CEO, Mark Lankester and Expedia Asia’s CEO, Kathleen Tan – both highly accomplished in their own fields. Having led Tune Hotels’ growth to 27 properties in the region, Mark recently won the ‘Outstanding Entrepreneurship Awards 2012’ at the Asia Pacific Entrepreneurship Awards.

Meanwhile, Expedia Asia’s Kathleen was instrumental in driving the commercial success of AirAsia, championing its launch in China. She was also crowned the ‘Marketer of the Year’ at the Web In Travel Annual Conference 2012.

AXN has searched the region for the best business entrepreneurs keen to work for Mr. Fernandes. Representing seven countries in the region (Singapore, Malaysia, China, India, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines), the top 12 come from an interesting myriad of backgrounds in entertainment, food & beverage, hospitality, information technology and the legal and finance world. From ages 25 to 38, some are in their first jobs, some already own a thriving business where they are based; some have the gift of the gab from their years in showbiz and some have been recognized for their work in marketing and entrepreneurship in their respective countries.
Throughout the season, the candidates will be tested on their skills in the areas of selling, negotiation, creativity, management, branding and leadership. At the start, the candidates are split into two teams based on gender. Watch out for the first episode which makes especially good TV – as the candidates are given the challenging task of selling fish! This was a remarkably humbling experience for these high fliers given that most of them have not stepped foot in a wet market. Tony’s advisors, Mark and Kathleen, are on the ground to observe each team complete their task, and their opinions will play a key part in who Tony decides to fire at the end of the day.

What makes the inaugural season of The Apprentice Asia so riveting is the drama that ensues from the onset. As can be expected when a group of extroverted, ambitious characters get together, strong wills clash, alliances are forged, and nerves are frayed during each boardroom session where one of them will go home, empty-handed. It’s the survival of the fittest, and self preservation rules the day.

Tune in to AXN on May 22 to find out who or what makes Tony declare ‘a bloody disaster’ and ‘a weapon of mass destruction’, and hedge your bets on the candidate who might just end up winning The Apprentice Asia!

The Apprentice Asia is presented by AirAsia, Expedia, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, IG, official smartphone BlackBerry and official car Volkswagen Malaysia.

Competing for the Philippines are:

Jonathan Yabut and…

Celine Le Neindre:

The Apprentice Asia airs every Wednesdays at 9:05PM beginning May 22, 2013 on AXN.

Taylor Swift, Gotye and Rihanna are the big winners in the 2013 Billboard Music Awards on Sunday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas.

Here is the full list of winners in the 2013 Billboard Music Awards:

Top Rap Artist: Nicki Minaj

Top Digital Song: Carly Rae Jepsen, Call Me Maybe

Top Rap Song: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Thrift Shop

Top Touring Artist: Madonna

Top Billboard 200 Album: Taylor Swift, Red

Top Male Artist: Justin Bieber

Top Hot 100 Song: Gotye featuring Kimbra, Somebody That I Used to Know

Top Duo/Group: One Direction

Top New Artist: One Direction

Top EDM Artist: David Guetta

Top Female Artist: Taylor Swift

Top Hot 100 Artist: Maroon 5

Top Radio Songs Artist: Rihanna

Top Social Artist: Justin Bieber

Top Streaming Artist: Nicki Minaj

Top Pop Artist: One Direction

Top R&B Artist: Rihanna

Top Country Artist: Taylor Swift

Top Rock Artist: Fun

Top Latin Artist: Jenni Rivera

Top Dance Artist: Madonna

Top Pop Album : Adele, 21

Top R&B Album: Rihanna, Unapologetic

Top Rap Album: Nicki Minaj, Pink Friday:Roman Reloaded

Top Country Album: Taylor Swift, Red

Top Rock Album: Mumford & Sons, Babel

Top Latin Album: Jenni Rivera, La Misma Gran Senora

Top Dance Album: Madonna, MDNA

Top EDM Album: Skrillex, Bangarang

Top Radio Song: Gotye feat. Kimbra, Somebody That I Used To Know

Top Streaming Song (Audio): Gotye feat. Kimbra, Somebody That I Used To Know

Top Streaming Song (Video): Psy, Gangnam Style

Top Pop Song: Carly Rae Jepsen, Call Me Maybe

Top R&B Song: Rihanna, Diamonds

Top Country Song: Taylor Swift, We Are Never Getting Back Together

Top Rock Song: Gotye feat. Kimbra, Somebody That I Used To Know

Top Dance Song: Baauer, Harlem Shake

Top EDM Song: Baauer, Harlem Shake

Milestone Award: Justin Bieber

Billboard Artist of the Year: Taylor Swift

Check out the question and answer portion of Miss Philippines Earth 2013 which was held on Sunday, May 19, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Photo Credit: Miss Philippines Earth Facebook Page

Who among the finalists do you think gave the best answer?

Question and Answer – 1st Batch:

Question and Answer – 2nd Batch:

“Party Pilipinas” aired its final ‘live’ episode on a high note by beating rival program “ASAP 18″ in Mega Manila TV ratings.

Here are the figures of the rival shows from AGB Nielsen Mega Manila Houshold Ratings for May 19, 2013:

#PPTakeABow – 10.9%
- Audience Share – 28.9%

#ASAP18 – 9.4%
- Audience Share – 25.5%

ABS-CBN’s daytime kiligserye “Be Careful With My Heart” is the most-watched weekday program in Mega Manila according to AGB Nielsen’s Household Ratings.

If “Juan dela Cruz” is the most-watched program nationwide according to Kantar Media, “Be Careful With My Heart” is the highest-rating program in Mega Manila according to AGB Nielsen Philippines.

Here are the Top 15 programs in Mega Manila on May 15, 2013 according to AGB Nielsen Household Ratings (Click to enlarge):

Check out some photos and teaser video of GMA-7′s upcoming soap opera “Anna Karenina” starring Joyce Ching, Krystal Reyes and Barbie Forteza.

GMA Network is bringing back “Anna Karenina” this June starring…

Joyce Ching as Nina Fuentebella

Krystal Reyes as Anna Monteclaro:

Barbie Forteza as Karen Villarama:

Pera…Pagbabago…Pagmamahal. Nasaan ang tunay na kaligayahan?

Tatlong dalagita.. Iisang pangalan. #AnnaKareNina ngayong June 3 na sa GMA Telebabad!

Watch the teaser here:

Images courtesy of Kapuso Global Friends Facebook Page

Now that ABS-CBN has aquired the rights to Mars Ravelo‘s creations including “Darna,” who do you think among Kapamilya actresses fit the role of the country’s most popular superhero?

Speak your mind. Who knows, maybe Madam Charo will consider the choice of the majority.

Who should portray ABS-CBN’s “Darna”?