Melason no more: Jason confirms split with Melai

MANILA -- Celebrity couple Jason Francisco and Melai Cantiveros, whose romance started inside the "Pinoy Big Brother" house, have separated after almost three years of marriage.

Francisco confirmed the split in a series of posts on the Instagram account of their only child Amelia "Mela" Lucille, who turned two last April.

Cantiveros and Francisco were married on December 9, 2013 at the Holy Cross Parish in General Santos City, three months after the comedienne announced her pregnancy.

Just two weeks ago, Cantiveros vowed to stick it out with Francisco despite some problems in their relationships, saying it is just normal for couples to have arguments.

On Tuesday, Francisco revealed that their misunderstanding started when Cantiveros accepted the series "We Will Survive," which aired its finale last July 15.

According to Francisco, they had an initial agreement that his wife won't have a partner in the series and that she will only have a leading man for the pilot week.

Francisco said it took him two months to find out that Cantiveros had a partner on the show as he was also busy working on "My Super D."

Because of this they started giving each other the cold shoulder, with Francisco sleeping in another room.

"Hanggang sa dumating ang punto na nanlalamig na kaming mag-asawa sa isa't isa, 'di na nagpapansinan sa bahay. Hanggang sa ako'y sa kabilang kwarto na natutulog. Almost two months na kaming ganun. Ako'y iyak ng iyak parati, di pa ako nakaranas ng ganoong iyak sa buong buhay ko, sa lungkot na nangyayari sa amin, hanggang sa dumating na parati na kaming nag-aaway," he shared.

"Nagkahiwalay na po kami. Wala na po ang Melason. OA (over acting) po ako magmahal sa asawa ko dahil di po ako showbiz eh, sa akin lang ay dapat may isinasangalang-alang ka, dahil po iba-iba po tayo ng sitwasyon sa buhay," Francisco wrote.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Melai: I can't believe this is happening

MANILA -- For a second time, viewer votes won the day for comedienne Melai Cantiveros in a big way.

Cantiveros, who shot to fame when she won the reality TV show "Pinoy Big Brother," whose winners are determined by votes from viewers, was named the first-ever winner of the celebrity competition "Your Face Sounds Familiar" on Sunday night.


 Garnering 51.93% of total votes, Cantiveros impersonated Miley Cyrus for her final performance and was hailed as the grand winner.

But Cantiveros believes it was God who made her win.

"Siguro dahil ang aking charity is sa simbahan, kaya thank you, Lord," Cantiveros told reporters after the show.

She took home P2 million, half of which will be donated to her chosen charity, the Alay Kapwa Desk of the Social Action Center of the Diocese of Marbel.

Cantiveros also took the opportunity to thank those who voted for her, especially her fans. "Sa mga sumporta, sa mga text-text, thank you very much," she said.

The other finalists Nyoy Volante, Jay R and Edgar Allan Guzman also thanked their fans and supporters.

"Just to be in the Final 2 at ito ang kalaban mo ng text votes ang labanan, it's a very big thing for me," Volante said.

"Happy naman ako. Expected naman 'yon. ang lakas ng mga kalaban namin. We werent' thinking na ano, lahat kami winners na," Jay R said.

"Deserve ni Melai ang pagiging grand winner ng 'Your Face Sounds Familiar' at masaya din ako dahil nakapasok ako sa top 4," Guzman said.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Melai as Elizabeth Ramsey finally wins on 'Your Face'

MANILA -- Comedian Melai Cantiveros was given a standing ovation by all three judges and the studio audience for her spot-on impersonation of Elizabeth Ramsey on Sunday's episode of "Your Face Sounds Familiar."

Cantiveros brought home the P100,000 weekly prize for her flawless performance as the Philippines' "Queen of Rock and Roll."

The comedian will be donating half of her prize to the Diocese of Marbel Alay Kapwa Social Action.

The real Elizabeth Ramsey, who was part of the audience, also praised Cantiveros for her performance.

Cantiveros, who shares Ramsey's signature Visayan accent, sang the classic "Waray-Waray," which had the audience chanting her name after her performance.

"What can I say? Usually, whenever we see the performances, nagsusulat kami ng notes, But this time, wala akong naisulat kasi I don't want to miss any minute, any second of your performance. That performance was spotless. For me, the best performance you've ever done," Jed Madela said.

"Melai, you were awesome tonight. You always are, pero ngayon, talagang, pareho kami ni Jed, wala kaming naisulat dahil it's just perfect. Perfect," Gary Valenciano added.

Sharon Cuneta told Cantiveros that she'll be receiving eight points from her, ahead of the announcement of scores.

"Nauna na ako. I think eksaktong eksakto talaga 'yung pagkakaganap mo kay Mama Beth. I had to keep checking kanina, meron bang flaw, meron ba kahit isang flaw, wala talaga. 'Yung 'pag sinabing perfect, perfect talaga. So, congratulations Melai, you're getting my eight points tonight," she added.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Jason Francisco, John Prats shake hands 1 year after brawl

MANILA – Jason Francisco said all is now well between him and John Prats more than a year after they got involved in a brawl.

In an interview with ABS-CBN News on Tuesday, Francisco said mending ties with Prats is one of the things which he is grateful for in this year.

“Okay na kami ni Kuya John. Nung PBB Big Night rehearsal, nag-shake hands kami. Okay na kami, walang problema. Simple lang. Siguro time din,” he said, referring to the finale of the reality show "Pinoy Big Brother" last August.

Asked how their reconciliation came about, Francisco said: “Nakikita ko siya [madalas] pero ayaw ko naman mag-approach so hinintay ko na lang siya. Marami naman na akong nagawa noon [na pag-reach out], parang ayaw niya pa so hinintay ko na lang siya. Wala na 'yun.”

Francisco, however, said he is still waiting for the time when they could finally sit down and catch up.

“Hindi pa [kami nakakapag-usap]. Shake hands lang. 'Yun ang importante. Siguro kapag nagkasama kami ulit sa trabaho. Pero sapat na 'yun. Wala na masyadong usapan. Basta kumamay sa 'yo, okay na 'yun,” he said.

In March 2013, Francisco reportedly hit Prats three times on the cheek and chin during rehearsals for an episode of the late-night gag show “Banana Split.”

At that time, Prats surmised that Francisco was angered by the group's constant teasing of Melai Cantiveros, who is now Francisco's wife.

In a separate interview with ABS-CBN News, Francisco admitted that he was hurt by the jokes about him and Cantiveros.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Melai marries Jason in GenSan church

MANILA – Celebrity couple Jason Francisco and Melai Cantiveros are finally husband and wife after tying the knot on Monday.

The former "Pinoy Big Brother" housemates were married at the Holy Cross Parish in General Santos City, while the reception will be held at the ballroom of Greenleaf Hotel.

Among those who attended the wedding were designer Nat Manilag, director Erick Salud, Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao, Ryan Bang and "Pinoy Big Brother" alumnus Paul Jake Castillo.



The wedding came a few months after Cantiveros admitted that she is pregnant with Francisco's child.





The celebrity couple rose to fame in 2009 as fellow housemates on the popular reality TV show but they managed to continue their relationship outside the famous yellow house.

Although they broke up in February 2012, they eventually got back together in June this year.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Melai Cantiveros is pregnant, report says

MANILA -- Comedienne Melai Cantiveros is pregnant by her boyfriend, Jason Francisco, according to "Showbiz Inside Report" host Ogie Diaz.

"Andami pa ring duda. Yes po, buntis po si Melai Cantiveros ke Jason Francisco. Congrats! A baby is always a blessing!" Diaz wrote on his official website, ogiediaz.net, on Sunday.

"Hindi pa makapaniwala ang iba. Buntis nga ang 25-year old na si Melai Cantiveros courtesy of her boyfriend na si Jason Francisco. Kung ilang buwan? Ayon sa source ko, mga 2 months na raw ito. Ang sabi, made in Singapore nu’ng nagte-taping sila ng KrisTV. Eh, di ba, favorite silang dalawa ni Kris Aquino? Kaya ayun na nga, nakabuo na rin sila, finally," Diaz said.

ABS-CBNnews.com tried to get confirmation from Cantiveros and Francisco, but they refused to take our calls.

Cantiveros reconciled with Francisco last June, more than a year after they broke up. The couple met as contestants in the hit ABS-CBN reality series "Pinoy Big Brother."

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

John Prats denies bullying Melai on set

MANILA – John Prats denied allegations that he bullied his fellow “Banana Split” star Melai Cantiveros, causing comedian Jason Francisco to punch him in the face thrice last March 21.

In an interview with “The Buzz” aired on Sunday, Prats said he never bullied Cantiveros or anyone in “Banana Split” because they treat each other like family.

“We don’t do that here in ‘Banana.’ Tropa kasi kami eh. Kapag tropa normal na nagkakaroon ng asaran. Tinanong ko siya ‘Melai ikaw ba napipikon ba?’ Sabi niya hindi talaga and lambing natin sa bawat isa iyon eh,” he said.

Prats said even Cantiveros herself was surprised that Francisco attacked him.

“Sinabi niya na ‘Kuya John hindi ko talaga alam kung saan nanggaling ang reaction ni Jason na ganun.’ Sobra daw siyang na-shock kasi hindi pa raw sila nakakapag-usap. Dumalaw kasi si Jason that time so tinanong ko, anong nangyari, nag-away ba? Sabi niya ‘Hindi kuya galing ako sa van, nakita ko siya papasok ng Music Museum. Pagpasok ko hindi kami nag-usap at all. He went straight to you at ginawa na niya 'yun,’” he shared.

Prats said it also bothers him that the incidents which Francisco referred to as “bullying” happened two years ago when he was still part of the show.

“Kung kahapon iyon or during that time, maiinitindihan ko. Pero two years ago iyon, umalis siya sa ‘Banana,’ nagkatrabaho kami sa 'Happy Yipee Yehey,' nag-'Angelito' pa kami, saan siya nanggagaling? Bakit ako?” he said referring to the now defunct lunchtime show and afternoon drama series, which both featured Prats and Francisco.

“Ako sa sarili ko alam kong wala akong ginawa sa kanya kaya nakakaharap ako ng maayos sa kanya. That day after the incident, nung tinawag siya ni Jason Gainza, tinanong siya bakit ginawa iyon, sabi niya, ‘Hindi ko alam.’ Nag-snap daw siya. Sabi pa niya ‘Kung gusto mo balik ako diyan, gulpihin ako ni Kuya John.’ It’s not about that. It’s not about getting even,” he added.

Despite this, Prats said he is still not sure if he’s going to file charges against Francisco.

“Parang gusto ko nang magpatawad but 'yung half of me parang ganun na lang ba? Minsan kasi kapag sobrang mabait ka, minsan naabuso ka. Palalampasin mo na lang ba? Magulo pa ngayon. But we are still talking with the lawyers and titignan namin kung anong magandang options. Ayaw ko na pag-usapan but I have to explain my side,” he said.

Meanwhile, Francisco, in a separate interview, said he only wishes to talk to Prats to personally explain his side.

“Kaya ko tanggapin lahat ng jokes, lahat ng pranks basta huwag lang kay Melissa. Parati ko nga sinasabi na iba ang nakakatawa sa pinagtatawanan talaga. Lagyan lang natin ng limit at respeto kasi babae pa din iyan,” he said.

“Bigyan mo ako ng chance na makausap ka. Kilala mo naman ako, hindi naman ako ganyang tao. Alam natin sa isa’t isa kung bakit ko nagawa iyan. Sana bigyan mo ako ng chance,” he added.

Cantiveros, on the other hand, refused to grant any media interviews, saying she only wants this issue to end soon.

source: abs-cbnnews.com

John Prats' manager to file charges vs Jason Francisco

MANILA, Philippines -- The manager of actor John Prats is set to file charges against comedian Jason Francisco following an incident involving both ABS-CBN talents on Thursday night.



"I will pursue filing of physical injury charges against Jason Francisco," Prats' manager, Arnold Vegafria, said in a statement released on Friday.

The talent manager cited the "aggravating circumstances of the incident and the brazen, treacherous attack of Francisco against my talent."

Vegafria added, referring to Francisco, "What if he used a deadly weapon in that moment? He should be taught a lesson."

On Thursday, Francisco punched Prats three times on his cheek and chin during rehearsals for the late-night gag show "Banana Split" at the Music Museum in San Juan City.

Following the incident, which Prats has already reported to San Juan police, Francisco admitted being angered by the jokes of the "Banana Split" cast directed at him and former girlfriend Melai Cantiveros, who is also part of the gag show.

Francisco has already apologized to the dancer-actor over the incident, saying he is willing to make amends in person.

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Jason Francisco wants to start over with Melai

MANILA, Philippines -- Comedian Jason Francisco has admitted that he wants to renew his relationship with former girlfriend Melai Cantiveros


During the Thursday episode of the morning show “KrisTV,” host Kris Aquino kept teasing Francisco and Cantiveros while they were touring the new home of celebrity couple Cheska Garcia and Doug Kramer.

Aquino said it was evident from their body language that they have gotten back together, something which Cantiveros herself refuted.

“Hindi talaga kami nagbalikan Ms. Kris. Kung nagkabalikan kami sasabihin ko sayo kaagad,” she said.

The actress, however, said Francisco has been sending her text messages again recently.

“Hindi kami naglalandian. Lagi siya nagte-text, manood daw kami ng sine after mass,” she shared.

Thrilled to hear that they are communicating regularly again, Aquino asked Francisco if he is again courting Cantiveros.

“Parang nagsa-start ulit kami. Hindi naman ligaw 'yun. Parang gusto ko lang ibalik 'yung dati namin na maayos ulit,” he explained.

Last February, it was revealed on national television that Francisco and Cantiveros were no longer a couple.

In a heart-to-heart talk inside the Pinoy Big Brother House, Francisco told Cantiveros that he needs space, saying he is having a hard time focusing on his work and family.

"Ang kailangan ko lang ay space. Sobrang hirap kaya. Hindi ba sabi ko ang focus ko sobrang dami para sa akin. Ikaw, parang di ko naibibigay lahat, parang kapag naisip lang kita, kapag may time lang ako, kapag na-miss lang," he said.

Francisco also noted that things have changed ever since they left the PBB house.

Since the breakup, Cantiveros has had several suitors but has remained single.

In a previous interview, Francisco said he is still open to a reconciliation with Cantiveros.

source: abs-cbnnews.com