Why ABS-CBN shelved Julia Barretto's 'Cofradia'

Young actress thrilled over new project 'Mira Bella'

MANILA -- For the first time, young actress Julia Barretto has directly addressed the reason behind the cancellation of her debut series "Cofradia."

Speaking with reporters during a press conference for her new product endorsement early this week, the 16-year-old actress explained that the series' storyline drew criticisms for alleged racism.

"Madami po kasing nagreklamo about racism, and ABS-CBN and Dreamscape (Entertainment Television), they really listen sa audience, sa viewers and everybody," Barretto said.

At the time it was unveiled in May, "Cofradia" was introduced as a series based on the Dominador Ad Castillo novel of the same title, which had film adaptations in 1953 and 1973.

The story centers on Cofradia, a young woman who is afraid to fall in love because of her dark complexion. With the help of a magic candle, she eventually transforms into a beautiful lady.

In July, a press conference was held announcing Barretto would instead star in the lead role of a new, original series titled "Mira Bella."

During the same event, Dreamscape's AdProm Head, Biboy Arboleda, explained that "Cofradia" was indeed shelved as it risked negatively affecting Barretto's launching vehicle as leading lady.

"They decided to pursue, they decided na gawin nalang 'Mira Bella' with an original story na dapat abangan, dahil sobrang ganda ng kwento niya," Barretto told reporters early this week.

"Wala [akong panghihinayang]. I mean, it's equally exciting, equally beautiful, sobrang ganda. I'm so excited na po ako na mapanood ninyo. Ang ganda ng storya," she added.

Also billed as a fantaserye, "Mira Bella" will see its title character struggle to overcome a curse.

Joining Barretto in the series as her leading men are Diego Loyzaga and Kiko Estrada.

Directed by Erick Salud ("Aryana," "May Isang Pangarap") and Jerome Pobocan ("Mara Clara," "May Bukas Pa"), the series also stars Liza Soberano, Gloria Diaz, Mylene Dizon, Pokwang and John Lapus. Its target airing date has yet to be announced.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Julia Montes makes FHM's 'sexiest' list

MANILA, Philippines – Young actress Julia Montes' “tween” phase on TV sure was short-lived.

An alumnus of kiddie gag show "Goin' Bulilit," Montes portrayed angsty teenager Clara in the 2010 remake of the 90's hit soap, and in 2011, carried over her tween team-up with actor Diego Loyzaga in teen drama series "Growing Up."

In the same year, she reprised her on-screen rivalry with actress Kathryn Bernardo in the film "Way Back Home," where, for a third time in a row, she donned a high school uniform for a leading role.

Now, at 17 years old, Montes portrays a married woman in top-rating series "Walang Hanggan." Her character, Katerina, is her most challenging portrayal yet, Montes said.

“Noong una medyo nabigla ako, hindi ko alam kung saan ako huhugot kasi before sanay ako ng normal na huhugutan na ka-age bracket ko. So ngayon talagang effort pero masaya ako kasi mas napapakita ko yung puwede ko pang ibigay sa acting,” she said.

Proving she's done her role justice-- that is, shedding her tween star image--Montes recently debuted at number 68 in the "Sexiest Women in the World" list of men's magazine FHM.

The list, which ranks actress Sam Pinto at number 1, is the result of polling 17 million votes cast online.

At her age, Montes has achieved more than being hailed "sexiest." For her birthday last March, the young actress purchased a new house for her family, and early this month, opened a salon business with her grandmother.

Montes continues to portray Katerina in "Walang Hanggan," which airs weeknights during ABS-CBN's Primetime Bida block.

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Pauleen Now 'Okay' After Collapsing On Tv

MANILA, Philippines – TV hosts Ruby Rodriguez and Allan K both revealed that their “Eat Bulaga” co-host Pauleen Luna is now fine after losing consciousness while hosting the show's Monday episode.

Ruby posted on her Twitter account (@rodriguezruby) on Monday, “To all who are concerned about Pauleen, she is fine na. Spoke with her already, she just needs to eat and rest. The heat got her.”

While Allan K wrote (@allanklownz), “ok na si pauleen guys. nadrain lang. thnx for the concern. forever dabarkads talaga kayo!!!!”

During the show's Feb. 13 episode, Pauleen suddenly collapsed while interviewing the contestant together with Allan K and Paolo Ballesteros for the show's remote segment “All for Juan, Juan for All” in San Juan, Davao City.

The segment was temporarily halted, as ordered by Vic Sotto, one of the show's main hosts, who happened to be in the studio in Manila, so that the staff could tend to Pauleen.

When the commotion was over and Pauleen was brought to the hospital, Vic asked Allan K to explain what happened to Pauleen.

“Alas dos ng madaling araw, nasa bahay ‘ko na. Nakisabay siya sa akin papuntang airport. Pagdating ng hotel, natulog lang kami ng very, very light, dumiretso na kami sa venue. Kaya ‘yun nahilo,” recalled the Allan K.

He also added, "Tsaka mainit lang talaga ang panahon, Bossing."

However, to put a light note to this unfortunate incident, Vic jokingly asked Allan K if Pauleen was actually craving for something sour (a clear sign of pregnancy). But he then added that it was just an innocent question. Recall that Vic has been rumored to be the boyfriend of the young actress.

source: mb.com.ph