Katrina Halili Pictures

A new Katrina Halili in 2010

2010-01-26T23:35:00.000-08:00

It’s all about second chances. And in life, who doesn’t deserve one?

Such is true with Katrina Halili who after enduring more than a year of negative publicity, scorned image and a career-ending sex video scandal has been given new lease in her career as an endorser this 2010. She is the latest celebrity endorser of the Calayan Surgicenter!

“We welcome back Katrina, since nag-start si Katrina. Since she started in showbiz, she’s been with us. And right now I want to build her up especially her self-esteem,” declared Dr. Manny Calayan, who’s a popular cosmetic surgeon to celebrities in the country. According to him, Katrina already sent him word that she wanted to go back as one of the celebrity endorsers of the Calayan Surgicenter last year yet but he was in America then. When he arrived and after studying that there would not be any conflict with Katrina’s other endorsements, he gave the actress the thumbs-up.

“As you know, whoever comes to me, regardless of their past, and ask for my help like singer Selina Sevilla, I welcome them with open arms. So wholeheartedly I took Katrina back again,” he expressed.

As for Katrina Halili, the kind and professional gesture of Dr. Manny Calayan of announcing her as his clinic’s newest celebrity endorser has given her hope and confidence that 2010 would be a better year than the past two years. It can be recalled that the last quarter of 2008 broke the news of her sex video scandal which escalated in 2009. And the whole 2009 saw a Katrina Halili battling hard to regain her “life” and showbiz career.

“No words can express the happiness I feel with the opportunity that Dr. Calayan has given me. I’m honored and humbled that he accepted me again,” remarked Katrina.

Dr. Calayan added that like his roster of celebrity endorsers, Katrina Halili fits the profile – a good actress, hardworking with the determination to succeed and still charismatic. He has seen Katrina in “Darna” and he found her to be a versatile actress who is effective as a villain.

“I feel that she is a high-caliber actress and we all know that she is beautiful. So we’re here to maintain her beauty through our skin care treatments and other procedures like Tenor lasers and skin whitening treatments…we’d also help her to slim down a little more as she has wished…we’ll make Katrina the star that she is,” explained Dr. Calayan who also intends to place her new endorser on a billboard near the Los Angeles airport to advertise Calayan’s Surgicenter Beverly Hills branch.

“That’s exciting to think about,” smiled Katrina. “There’s so much to celebrate about in my life right now. I could say that I’m surviving my past ordeals. And I’m glad that people like Dr. Manny Calayan have been supportive and have continuously believe in me... they drive me to fight even more for my rights as a woman and seek justice!”

“She is my prodigal daughter,” exclaimed Dr. Calayan. “We love Katrina and we’re happy that she’s back with us!”

So how is she surviving? Katrina pointed to her family and friends who love her. “They are the reasons, as well as the growing number of people believing and supporting me, that I’m surviving… if you commit a mistake, it’s but right that you correct it. You don’t have to take your life because life goes on after your mistake. All of us commit mistakes and for me I could say that life is getting better everyday. Hopefully I could finally say that I’ve moved on,” she said.

She added that this has been her life’s biggest trials. And one thing good it brought her was her becoming closer to her family. According to her she has learned to appreciate more her family and has enjoyed taking care of her “pamangkins” at home.

With regards to her love life, the actress is not giving romance any thoughts at the moment. She feels that a love life is not appropriate to what she is going through right now.

“I’m not yet ready,” she said. “I still have to face a lot of issues in my life… maybe I could say that I was traumatized with what happened to me,” she sighed.

As for her acting career, Katrina is focused on becoming a better actress. “It’s a new year so it’s a new hope and I want people to see a new Katrina. I’m going to be more serious in acting and I’d choose more serious drama projects if possible. I hope to be more mature in life,” she commented.

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Celebs who cried, ‘I’ll see you in court!’

2010-01-06T20:34:00.000-08:00

There are scandals that spawn across different media only to get wiped out of people’s memories after a time.

Some controversies, however, tarry and go beyond media---they land in court.

Your honors, the Manila Bulletin Entertainment Online presents the five biggest cases of 2009 that may just make it into law students’ case books in the future:

Hayden Kho Jr. vs. Katrina Halili

The Hayden Kho Jr.-Katrina Halili story is no “Careless Whisper.” Indeed, the wildfire created by their sex video scandal mid-2009 refused to simper months later.

Katrina, who is only one of many women involved in the whole controversy, became a beacon to her kind who had suffered a similar fate. She pushed for Hayden’s punishment, accusing the celebrity ex-doctor of violating Republic Act (RA) 9262, or “the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act.”

Results: The Philippine Medical Association (PMA) suspended Hayden from practicing his profession for two years. Later, the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) revoked Hayden’s medical license.

It doesn’t end there. Katrina submitted on Dec. 10, a resolution to the National Bureau of Investigation to probe more into the matter. The legislators are now lobbying for an “anti-voyeurism” bill.

The Battle of the matriarchs

The long-time feud between GMA matriarch Wilma Galvante and Gutierrez matriarch Annabelle Rama erupted this year due to issues that piled up one after the other.

According to reports, these issues are: the manager’s talents allegedly refusing offers, Annabelle’s “bribes” to keep the GMA’s Senior Vice President for Entertainment’s favor, and the fiery exchanges between the two.

The Kapuso executive filed on March 17 a P7 M damage lawsuit and a temporary restraining order (TRO) against Annabelle, whom she alleged to have threatened her through text messages and media interviews.

Not one to turn the other cheek, Annabelle countered with a P25 M lawsuit for moral and exemplary damages, as well as a grave slander case for allegedly bad mouthing her to her talents, particularly JC de Vera.

But bad news for Annabelle: the slander case was dismissed by the Quezon City Regional Trial Court on July 24 for “lack of probable cause.”

But in true never-say-die fashion, Annabelle blurted, “Matira matibay. Hindi ako titigil!”

Richard Gutierrez’s dual ordeals

One of Richard Gutierrez’s career challenges in 2009 was the “reckless imprudence resulting in homicide” case filed against him by Lorayne Pardo, wife of his personal assistant, Nomar.

It is recalled that Nomar died May 22 after the car he was on that Richard was driving slammed into a post in Silang, Cavite.

Richard had apologized to Lorayne and had offered financial support for her children, but she refused to accept it. Although she claims to have already forgiven Richard, she insists on “seeking justice.”

Richard’s other case is a libel suit against an entertainment website which he said, posted an inaccurate article about a heated argument allegedly between him and Michael Flores at director Mark Reyes’ party last March 28.

The case was first dismissed by the DOJ for lack of merit, but this decision was later reversed.

The Gutierrezes maintain that they would not have sued if the respondents gave “sufficient” public apology.

The respondents, claiming no malice in writing and uploading the story, are set to file a motion for reconsideration.

The “harasser” or the “harassed?”

Two actors who faced acts of lasciviousness cases this year are Baron Geisler and Aljur Abrenica.

Yasmien Kurdi filed a case for acts of lasciviousness and unjust vexation against Baron Geisler on May 25, alleging that her “SRO Cinemaserye Presents: Suspetsa” co-star harassed her on one of their tapings.

The “StarStruck” alumna dropped the case two days later after Baron apologized to her.

Aljur also got slammed with a sexual harassment case filed against him by a 15-year-old model. The complainant claimed that the deed was commissioned at a beach party in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro last April.

Aljur pleaded not guilty, and asked the DOJ to dismiss the case filed by the accuser’s mother for “lack of merit.” He said the allegations were “blatant fabrications that were obviously concocted as an afterthought to save [the complainant's] injured pride.”

Jennylyn Mercado's falling out with PA

Aside from her endless bickering with ex-boyfriend Patrick Garcia, actress Jennylyn Mercado had her hands full in 2009 with the case she filed against her personal assistant Mel Pulmano.

The charge is for qualified theft and falsification of documents; “crimes” which Mel allegedly committed when she squandered a total of P460,000 of the actress’s money. Jennylyn claimed that Mel forged her signature to carry out the deed.

Mel, in turn, filed a robbery case against Jennylyn. She claimed that the actress, together with two others, robbed pieces of her jewelry, with values amounting to a total of P149,150. Mel’s case has been dismissed due to lack of probable cause.

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PEP's Top 10 Newsmakers of 2009

2010-01-05T20:32:00.000-08:00

As we bid a final goodbye to year 2009, PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) takes a look back at the newsmakers that shook and shocked Philippine showbiz. They were the ones who made the most impact on the headlines and stayed in the minds of most Filipinos.

These personalities were engaged or rumored to be engaged in sex videos, illicit affair, car accident, lawsuits, and even transforming from a man into a woman. They are PEP's choice for Top 10 Newmakers of the Year:

MANNY PACQUIAO It was a banner year for the Pambansang Kamao. He cemented his status as the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world by beating two tough opponents this year: Great Britain's Ricky Hatton and Puerto Rico's Miguel Cotto.

Because of his back-to-back victories, in addition to his past winnings, boxing experts hailed him as one of the all-time greatest boxers in the world, while boxing fans worldwide voted Pacquiao as the second world's greatest boxer, just behind Sugar Ray Robinson.

But it was not all roses for Pacman this year. He also got into some controversies.

Before his May 2 fight against Hatton, Pacquiao was reported to have signed up with ABS-CBN after a disagreement with Solar Sports Entertainment, which claimed the right to air all his fights. But after settling his issue with Solar, the Filipino boxing champ apologized for the confusion and decided to stay with Solar and GMA-7.

Just recently, Pacquiao instructed his promoter, Bob Arum of Top Rank Inc., to file libel charges against American fighter Floyd Mayweather Jr., his father, and Golden Boy Promotions, for accusing him of using performance-enhancing drugs.

Pacquiao's personal life as well as his showbiz career also took a hit this year.

Weeks before his fight against Cotto, news about his alleged affair with sexy star Krista Ranillo broke and the rumor continued even after the fight. Although Pacquiao himself and Krista's camp denied the rumor, the boxer's wife, Jinkee Pacquiao, did not play the same music. Without directly confirming the rumor, her statements hinted that something did go on between her husband and the sexy star.

Meanwhile, Pacman's latest film, Wapakman, an entry in the ongoing 2009 Metro Manila Film Festrival, is at the tail-end of the box-office race.

HAYDEN KHO JR. Hayden Kho's sex-video scandal with several women, including actress Katrina Halili and showbiz newcomer Maricar Reyes, became a national issue—thanks to the Senate investigation spearheaded by Senator Bong Revilla.

But Hayden's woes did not end there.

Katrina filed a violation of the Republic Act No. 9262 or Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children that resulted in Hayden's suspension from the Philippine Medical Association (PMA) and eventually the revocation of his license by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). Despite this, Katrina still wants him in jail.

Hayden was also reported to have attempted to commit suicide again, but his camp vehemently denied this.

RICHARD GUTIERREZ It was a tumultuous year for heartthrob Richard Gutierrez.

First, he filed a P25-million libel suit against PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) about an article involving him and actor Michael Flores at a director's birthday party. The case was dismissed by the Department of Justice for "lack of probable cause", but it was reversed after Richard's camp filed a motion for reconsideration. The case is still ongoing.

Second, Richard was involved in a vehicular accident on May 22 in Silang, Cavite. Richard was able to survive the tragic accident but not his personal assistant, Nomar Pardo. Nomar's family sued him for Reckless Imprudence Resulting to Homicide on July 23.

Third, a report about an airport incident involving Richard and rumored girlfriend Jewel Mische also came out. But the actor's camp denied the issue.

On the positive side, Richard braved the Ondoy flood in Marikina to rescue Patient X leading lady Cristine Reyes. He was also given recognition by some sectors for his environmental efforts.

KATRINA HALILI Hayden Kho's sex videos with Katrina Halili spread like wildfire on the Internet. The actress filed Republic Act No. 9262 or Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children against Hayden and several others suspected of spreading the videos—Hayden's ex-girlfriend Dra. Vicki Belo, Erick Johnston Chua, Dr. Mark Herbert "Bistek" Rosario, and Princess Velasco.

Several TV networks and news websites aired Katrina's first encounter with Hayden during the Senate inquiry of their sex-video scandal on May 28. It was a very dramatic encounter, complete with dousing of water and crying scenes.

Katrina's showbiz career also took a blow partly due to her inability to concentrate on her work during the scandal. She returned to work via GMA-7's Rosalinda, where she played the main antagonist Fedra to Carla Abellana's title character.

KRISTA RANILLO There's no denying that Krista Ranillo made a great impact this year because of her reported involvement with boxing champ Manny Pacquiao. Her alleged affair with the Pambansang Kamao stole some thunder from Pacquiao's victory against Miguel Cotto last November.

Despite the statements of Manny and Krista's family, denying the alleged affair, the statements of Manny's wife, Jinkee Pacquiao, and Gina Alajar were very telling. And Krista's silence to this day is more intriguing.

It's just too bad that Wapakman, the movie in which they first met, is not doing well at the box-office.

JUDY ANN SANTOS & RYAN AGONCILLO WEDDING Two of the biggest celebrities in the Philippines managed to keep their wedding ceremony a secret from almost everyone. Although they had already announced their engagement, nobody—except for a chosen few—knew when and where the exact wedding would take place.

And so, on April 28, 2009, 99.5 percent of the people in the Philippines got shocked upon learning that Juday and Ryan were wed in a ultra-private ceremony at the at San Juan Nepomuceno Church in San Juan, Batangas. The couple just sent photos and videos of the ceremony a few hours later to TV networks, newspapers, and entertainment websites like PEP, to announce that the wedding already took place.

Juday and Ryan are still waiting to have a baby of their own.

ANNABELLE RAMARichard Gutierrez's mother, the incomparable Annabelle Rama, also figured in several controversies this year, the most prominent being her feud with GMA-7 executive Wilma Galvante.

The feud resulted in filing of cases against one another. Galvante filed a P7-million damage suit against Rama on March 17. The talent manager, in return, filed a P15.5-million grave-slander case against the lady TV executive last April 17. While Galvante's case against Rama is still in court, the talent manager's case against the TV executive has been dismissed.

Rama also lambasted this website for publishing articles that she and her family believe are damaging the reputation of her son Richard.

BB GANDANGHARIThis year saw the birth of BB Gandanghari, the new persona that Rustom Padilla created after coming out. Rustom, who was once married to actress-TV host Carmina Villarroel, decided to "kill" Rustom and give way to BB.

Rustom's new identity as BB shocked many, including her family. In fact, her mother, Mrs. Eva Padilla, was very vocal in saying that it would be very difficult for her to see her "son" as an entirely different person. But in the end, their love for each other proved to be so strong that their family eventually accepted BB for what she is.

JOHN LLOYD CRUZ & RUFFA GUTIERREZ After co-starring in the ABS-CBN primetime soap I Luv Betty La Fea, news about the alleged romance of John Lloyd Cruz and Ruffa Gutierrez hit the headlines this year. Although the two insisted that they were just friends, photos of them entering a hotel and shopping together in Los Angeles painted a different picture.

TYPHOON ONDOY The one who created the biggest impact this year, literally, is not a celebrity but a supertyphoon called Ondoy. In one rare moment, celebrities became ordinary people as they also got affected by Ondoy, which flooded Metro Manila and nearby provinces on September 26.

Celebrities became victims as well as heroes during this tragedy.

Cristine Reyes, Jean and Jennica Garcia, Gladys Reyes, Carmina Villarroel and Zoren Legaspi, and Giselle Sanchez are just some of the celebrities who were trapped in their homes while Ondoy was wreaking havoc.

Meanwhile, Gerald Anderson, Jericho Rosales, Raymart Santiago, and others braved the floods and rescued some of their neighbors. Hundreds of celebrities and volunteers led by the Kapamilya and Kapuso stars devoted their time and effort to help the typhoon victims through telethons and relief operations.

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Cybercrime bill still pending in Congress

2010-01-04T20:33:00.001-08:00

MANILA, Philippines - The bill seeking to provide more teeth in the prevention of cybercrimes is still pending before Congress despite the recent sex scandals involving prominent personalities and the proliferation of illegal activities on the Internet.

The senators have come up with Senate Bill 3553 based on Committee Report No. 770 or the proposed act defining cybercrime and providing for the prevention, investigation and imposition of penalties for various violations.

Under the bill known as “Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2009,” offenses against the confidentiality, integrity and availability of computer data and systems would include illegal access, illegal interception, data interference, and system interference.

Misuse of devices will also be punishable along with computer-related offenses such as forgery and fraud.

Content-related offenses include cybersex where “any person who establishes, maintains or controls, directly or indirectly, any operation for sexual activity or arousal with the aid of or through the use of a computer system, for a favor or consideration” will be punished, and child pornography.

Penalties proposed under the bill include fines ranging from P200,000 to P1 million for individuals and up to P10 million for corporations, plus imprisonment.

The creation of a Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center was also recommended under the bill.

Authorities complained at the height of the sex video scandal involving former celebrity cosmetic surgeon Hayden Kho and several women that there were not enough laws to punish cybercrimes.

Kho’s sex videos, which he privately recorded without the consent of the women, were allegedly uploaded on the Internet by several individuals in exchange for huge amounts of money.

Kho’s license had been revoked upon the complaint of actress Katrina Halili, one of his victims.

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Katrina Halili: I forgive Hayden Kho but...

2009-12-23T22:35:00.000-08:00

MANILA, Philippines – Actress Katrina Halili may have already forgiven controversial doctor Hayden Kho, but she said she is not withdrawing the criminal case she filed against him.

Halili, who accused Kho of violating Republic Act (RA) 9262, or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act, maintained that the doctor must face the consequences of his actions.

In October, the Department of Justice lodged a case against Kho before a Pasig court. The case stemmed from the spread of copies of sex videos showing Kho engaging in sexual acts with several women, including Halili.

The DOJ said that while Kho repeatedly claimed that he was not responsible for the spread of the video, the video recording of his sexual acts “clearly shows and manifests his lack of respect for women.”

“He cannot simply justify said act with a disclaimer that the videotaping was not meant to be shown to anyone. He should own up and be responsible for his actions particularly when it affects another person's right and dignity," the resolution read.

Meanwhile, Halili returned to Calayan Surgicentre Corp., a strong competitor of Belo Medical Group (BMG), to become one of its celebrity endorsers.

Halili and BMG owner Dr. Vicki Belo, Kho’s former girlfriend, had a falling out following the sex video scandal.

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Katrina vs Hayden: Pasig court starts hearing

2009-12-19T22:51:00.000-08:00

MANILA, Philippines - The hearing of a criminal case filed by actress Katrina Halili against her former lover Hayden Kho started yesterday at the Pasig City Regional Trial Court.

Judge Rodolfo Bonifacio, of the RTC Branch 159 asked counsels of Kho to choose what to pursue first, their “Urgent Motion for Determination of Probable Cause” or their Petition for Review before the Department of Justice (DOJ) since they cannot have both at the same time.

Kho’s counsels, Jose Paolo Patajo and Herbert Hernane, filed the two motions to dismiss the case. The counsels of the accused initially choose to tackle first their petition for review but backtracked and asked Bonifacio to start the proceedings on their “urgent motion for determination for probable cause” after State prosecutor Hjalmar Quintana Jr. moved for the issuance of an arrest warrant against Kho.

Halili’s counsel Raymund Palad and public branch prosecutor Emmanuel Obungen backed Quintana in his motion. Quintana requested for five days, or until Dec. 14 to file comment or opposition on the said motion. Bonifacio also gave Kho’s counsels the same number of days to comment on the reply, after which the incident shall be considered submitted for resolution.

On Sept. 17, the DOJ issued a resolution recommending that: An information for violation of Section 5 (h) and (i) of R.A. No. 9262, otherwise known as the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004 be filed against Dr. Hayden Kho, Jr.” “If the court denies the Motion for Determination of Probable Cause filed by Hayden, a warrant of arrest may be issued before Christmas,” said Palad.

The arraignment of Kho was temporarily set on Feb. 23, 2010. The criminal case filed by Halili against Kho stemmed from a sex video which circulated in the Internet early this year.

Because of the sex video, the Professional Regulation Commission ordered Nov. 20 the revocation of Kho’s medical license.

Kho filed a motion for reconsideration before the PRC Board Monday and the hearing of the said motion was set on Dec. 11 at 2 p.m.

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Halili, lawyer submit new documents to NBI

2009-12-18T22:51:00.000-08:00

THE camp of controversial actress Katrina Halili on Thursday went to the National Bureau of Investigation to submit additional documents as the investigation of the sex-video scandal that gave rise to Halili’s case versus Hayden Kho entered its second phase.

The second phase of the probe centers on determining who uploaded and distributed the video over the Internet.

Halili, accompanied by her lawyer Raymund Palad, submitted the documents to the bureau’s Anti-Fraud and Computer Crimes Division (AFCCD), which has yet to identify the person who uploaded the video.

Assistant Regional Director Vicente de Guzman 3rd, AFCCD chief, said that the bureau is still waiting for the information from the United States counterpart in uncovering Internet Protocol.

De Guzman said the bureau had already uncovered the administrator of the website and charges had been filed against them. But the person who gave the sex video to the website remains unknown. The person uses G-mail account, which is US -based. The Department of Justice has requested the US Justice Department to help trace the Internet Protocol address.

“So we are now waiting for the information,” he said.

Palad said that besides Kho, cosmetic surgeon Victoria Belo-Henares, Erick Johnston Chua, Dr. Mark Herbert Rosario and Princess Marie Velasco, the Justice department also asked the Investigation bureau to investigate four more persons to determine their participation in the case. They are Cris Arenas, Cedric Lee, Manuel Villaroman and Joey Umandap.

Halili maintained she wanted all the persons responsible for the uploading and distribution of the sex video to be prosecuted and convicted.

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Katrina submits more evidence vs Hayden

2009-12-17T22:50:00.000-08:00

MOVIE personality Katrina Halili on Thursday submitted to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) additional documents that will be vital in the bureau’s investigation on the spread of video clips of her and Hayden Kho’s intimate moments on the Internet.

As the bureau’s investigation enters its second phase—the uploading and distribution of the sex video—Halili submitted additional documents to the NBI’s Anti-Fraud and Computer Crimes Division (NBI-AFCCD). She was accompanied by her lawyer Raymund Palad.

NBI Assistant Regional Director Vicente de Guzman III, AFCCD chief, said the NBI is now waiting for the information from their United States (US) counterpart in uncovering Internet protocol (IP) to establish the identity of the uploader.

De Guzman said the bureau had already raided the place of the administrators of the web site that led to the filing of charges against them.

“The bureau had already uncovered the administrator of the web site and charges had been filed against them. But the person who gave the sex video to the web site remain unidentified. The person uses a G-mail account and G-mail is US -based. The Department of Justice [DOJ] requested the US Justice Department to help trace the IP address. We are now waiting for the information,” de Guzman said.

The administrators of the web site that allegedly first posted the sex video were charged with immoral doctrines, obscene publications and exhibitions and indecent shows.

“The criminal case is now being heard in court,” said de Guzman.

Palad said the DOJ asked the NBI to also investigate four more persons to determine those behind the uploading and distribution of the sex video of Halili and Kho.

Aside from Kho, Victoria Belo, Erick Johnston Chua, Mark Herbert “Bistek” Rosario and Princess Marie Velasco, the DOJ also asked the NBI to investigate four more—Cris Arenas, Cedric Lee, Manuel “Boyet” Villaroman and Joey Umandap—to determine their alleged participation, if any, Palad disclosed.

“The new names did not come from us. Miss Halili did not even know them. But their names were mentioned during the hearings at the DOJ and the Professional Regulation Commission,” Palad said.

Citing the directive of the DOJ to the NBI, Palad said the aim of the second phase of investigation is to determine their participation and responsibility, if any, in the proliferation, distribution and uploading of the sex video of Halili and Kho.

Reports said the investigating panel, led by Senior State Prosecutor Emilie Fe de los Santos, found probable cause to indict Kho for violation of the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act, or Republic Act 9262.

“Respondent Kho’s act of video-taping his very intimate moments with complainant, who obviously did not know what he was doing, clearly shows and manifests his lack of respect for women,” the prosecutor said.

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Katrina Halili still not ready to forgive and forget

2009-12-16T22:49:00.000-08:00

plus: Who is Michael V endorsing for president? ; Jinky: I'll fight to keep my family together

Hayden Kho appeared on television to disprove rumors that he tried to kill himself once again. Showbiz columns had reported that Kho, who had been stripped of his medical license, had crashed his car in Silang, Cavite, after popping Ecstasy. The rumors persisted after he refused to be interviewed while in hospital.

Last week, a seemingly unscathed Hayden explained that he merely stopped his car after experiencing extreme stomach pain. Later, his lawyer, Lorna Kapunan, further explained that the pain her client felt “wasn't drug-induced…there is no alcohol substance.”

The lawyer also denied that Hayden was unconscious when he was brought to the hospital.

The pain could be due to intestinal flu or stress-related gastric ulcer, the lawyer said. “He has accepted that he has come to trauma and it’s the trauma which should be addressed. We’re not saying that Hayden Kho has been completely cured. All that we want to say is that he’s not suicidal.”

The lawyer also feels that revoking Hayden’s license was too harsh a punishment. She said other medical practitioners committed more serious violations, citing the case of the doctors in a Cebu hospital who were caught on video laughing after removing a foreign object that had been stuck in the anus of patient. The doctors received a suspension.

And what about Katrina Halili? She’s apparently in no mood to forgive or forget. Last week the sexy star followed up the case she filed against the Hayden and several other people she is accusing of distributing the infamous sex video, and reiterated she still wants Hayden and others to land in jail.

* * *

Jinkee Pacquiao was the picture of a supremely confident woman when she appeared with husband Manny at the opening of Pacman’s novelty store last week. She even opened up on the rumored episode where she almost bumped into Krista Ranillo while shopping in Las Vegas during Manny’s historical bout with Miguel Cotto last month.

Now that the controversy has blown over, Jinkee said she’s ready to move on. “The storm’s over. There is sunshine after the rain,” was how she put it. She said that like Manny, she too is a boxer, fighting to keep her family together.

“I need to be strong for my children.”

She also said the Pacmom, Mommy Dionesia, was on her side because she too has experienced being hurt by her man.

Jinkee is confident enough not to be perturbed by the fact that Manny and Krista are back on the set of “Wapakman,” one of the entries in the Metro Manila Film Festival beginning on Christmas. The movie has one shooting day left.

* * *

Speaking of the Metro Manila Filmfest, none of the entries has applied for a screening with the Cinema Evaluation Board. That means the board must once again work double-time to review the entries applying for a tax rebate.

In the last few years, the board had to screen as many as three filmfest entries a day because many of the entries were still on the postproduction stage.

That’s typically Filipino – cramming to beat the deadline.

* * *

If you see a pink bus in the streets of the Metro Manila, make no mistake. The vehicle belongs to Kris Aquino. The TV host showed off the vehicle in Showbiz News Ngayon. You can also take a look at it on YouTube.

Pink? The bus is as showy as its owner.

* * *

MV endorsing MV? You bet.

Top comedian Michael V. has signified his intention to be an endorser of Nacionalista Party presidential candidate Manny Villar.

Michael says he has long admired Villar and is even willing to endorse him for free.

Michael joins Dolphy as the NP bet’s frontmen. Why Dolphy went for Villar instead of close friend Erap Estrada eludes me. Maybe it has something to do with Villar’s nomination of Dolphy as a national artist. Villar meanwhile explains that like him, Dolphy hails from Tondo.

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Katrina Halili ups her case against Hayden

2009-12-15T22:48:00.000-08:00

Sexy actress Katrina Halili is taking her fight against Hayden Kho Jr. to the next level.

She and legal counsel Raymund Palad have forwarded their written request, together with a resolution from the Department of Justice (DOJ), to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to probe into the uploading and distribution aspects of her sex video with the former doctor.

Aside from previous respondents Hayden Kho Jr., Dr. Vicki Belo, Erik Chua, Bistek Rosario, and Princess Velasco, four more have been added to the list of possible culprits to the leakage of the videos.

These are Vina Morales’ partner, Cedric Lee; computer expert Mario Villaroman; Cris Arenas, son of Rosemarie “Baby” Arenas; and Belo Medical Group employee Joy Umandap.

The individuals were cited from an audio recording retrieved by Katrina’s camp, which is believed to be of a meeting attended by Hayden, Vicki, a lawyer, and talent manager-host Lolit Solis.

Katrina, who does not personally know the individuals, said everyone involved in the leakage of the videos should be held accountable.

“Dapat lang lahat managot, pati 'yong nagpakalat ng videos,” she said.

Sam Milby’s Christmas gift for Anne Curtis

Kapamilya actor Sam Milby, who has openly admitted “hanging out again” with ex-girlfriend Anne Curtis, hinted he has already thought of a Christmas gift for her.

“May something,” Sam directly told Anne during their interview on “Entertainment Live.”

“Ano?” Anne asked.

“Patience,” he said.

Aside from reuniting with Anne in the big screen, Sam will be paired with Maja Salvador for a “Precious Hearts Romances” series titled “Impostor.”

Maja said in a live interview on the same show that she is flattered by the Fil-Am’s admiration.

“Napakasuwerte ko naman na maging crush ni Mr. Sam Milby!” she beamed.

Karylle thrilled over ‘Ikaw’ stint

Singer-actress Karylle is grateful for the rave reviews her performance on “Dahil May Isang Ikaw” has received.

Denise, her good-girl-gone-bad-because-of-love character, bade farewell to the soap opera this week when she was killed by Red, played by Sid Lucero.

She is grateful for the support she got from her co-stars.

“It’s hard to be with a cast full of big, big stars, [but] they’re very supportive,” she said.

Source

PRC decision against Hayden Kho strengthens Katrina Halili's resolve

2009-12-08T22:43:00.000-08:00

The revocation of Hayden Kho's medical license as ordered recently by the Professional Regulations Commission (PRC) did nothing to soften Katrina Halili's feeling of resentment against the cosmetic surgeon.

"Medyo natuwa din naman ako sa resulta ng PRC, kahit papaano isa 'yon sa mga pinaglalaban ko, so nabawasan. Pero hindi pa po tapos ang laban dahil meron pa po kaming criminal case [against Hayden]," said Katrina at the press conference of Darna held yesterday, November 30, at 55 Events Place on Tomas Morato, Quezon City.

Katrina, who is the latest villain addition in the Darna saga, personally requested the PRC to cancel Hayden's license following the proliferation of their sex videos last May. The actress argued that Hayden's filming what was supposed to be a private moment was unbecoming of a professional doctor.

The PRC eventually sided with Katrina's argument, stating that the institution has found sufficient grounds to cancel Kho's medical license. PRC legal and investigation division chief Pharson Mamalo described Hayden's act as "immoral, dishonorable, and unethical."

BEGGING FOR TRANQUILITY. Katrina confessed feeling traumatized by the unfortunate incident, which left her vulnerable to public ridicule and condemnation from other sectors.

The experience made Katrina distrustful of men in general. Though never wanting when it comes to admirers and suitors, the Starstruck alumna cited the unpleasant experience as the major reason she intends to remain single for the time being.

"Marami pa kong dapat isipin, like trabaho and 'yong kaso... Hindi pa ako ready [to have a boyfriend] and may mga issues pa ko na dapat harapin."

Katrina is also presently at odds with popular cosmetic surgeon Vicki Belo, who for the longest time was publicly known as Kho's real girlfriend. The sex video exposed Katrina and Kho's clandestine affair.

But while Vicki and Hayden's "friendship" survived the scandal, Belo's professional and even personal relationship with Katrina instantly ceased the moment the controversy erupted.

But is Katrina still open with the possibility of patching her differences with Belo?

"Oo naman po," she answered optimistically. "'Pag natapos na 'yong lahat ng issues. Siyempre, ayoko naman ng may kaaway para may peace of mind tayong lahat."

Asked to comment on Vicki's continuing ties with Hayden, Katrina said cautiously, "Ayoko po mag-comment. Meron po tayong kanya-kanyang opinyon and desisyon sa buhay."

Source

Marian Rivera vs. Katrina Halili soon on Darna

2009-11-11T01:52:00.000-08:00

The controversial team-up of Marian Rivera and Katrina Halili of the Marimar fame will be back on tv this November in Darna! The said news was spilled to us by a GMA-7 insider. According to our source, the staff of the new Darna show began to worry about the show’s ratings. It used to do well in Greater Manila, but the rating score is slowly decreasing. The lack of interesting villains was one of the factors being looked up by the network that’s why they thought of getting Katrina Halili as a special guest. She is reportedly back as Black Darna. Will the Marian-Katrina rivalry heat once more?

Source

Katrina looks forward to a stress-free year

2009-11-03T22:17:00.000-08:00

Now that the DOJ has recommended the filing of a case against Dr. Hayden Kho (for violation of Republic Act 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children), Katrina Halili can now heave a sigh of relief, although not yet completely.

“The battle is not over,” she told Funfare.

The case stemmed from the controversial video which has been viewed and reviewed presumably by the whole country, including even children who have taken to it with a sense of humor.

Remember when Hayden joined the distribution of relief goods in a Typhoon Ondoy-stricken area and he was met by kids singing Careless Whisper, the soundtrack of his infamous video with Katrina? Instead of singing and swaying with the kids, Hayden coyly took a bow, his face tomato-red from embarrassment.

Although she hasn’t fully recovered from that traumatic incident, Katrina herself can now joke about it.

A few days ago during a show, she asked the audience to join an impromptu dance contest. The disc jockey started playing Careless Whisper and the contestants started dancing Katrina-Hayden style.

“Stop that,” ordered Katrina, pretending to be angry. “Kung hindi ipakukulong ko kayo.”

During this interview, Katrina again joked, “Hidden talent ko ’yon,” referring to her bedroom choreography” with Hayden, “kaya lang, mayroon nagkalat sa Internet.” Then she laughed, until a certain sadness crossed her face. “At least now, I can go to the mall. Still, some people would look at me in a strange way. Pero karamihan sympathetic ang nasa mga mata nila.”

She’s back at work (in the GMA teledrama Rosalinda) and endorsing a few products (except Flawless which is a subsidiary of The Belo Medical Clinic).

She again apologized to Dr. Vicki Belo for making the mistake of falling for Hayden when he was still going steady with Vicki. (The two are together again but Vicki insists that they are “only friends” now.) But Katrina said that she has yet to receive a “personal” apology from Hayden who has actually said “I’m sorry” again and again on national television. Upon the advice of his lawyer, Hayden even joined an anti-violence against women crusade.

“Pero sa TV lang ’yon,” said Katrina. “I haven’t seen any sign of remorse in him. He seems not to have learned a lesson.”

Would she, can she, have the heart to forgive him?

“How can I forgive somebody who hasn’t apologized to me personally?”

Any Christmas wish?

“The issue has been going on for more than a year now. I’ve been to all agencies of the government, repeating my story over and over again. I just hope that everything will be over soon. I have only one Christmas wish: May the next year and the years after that be stress-free.”

Source

Katrina Halili reacts to the DOJ's decision regarding her case against Hayden Kho Jr.

2009-10-28T03:50:00.000-07:00

The Department of Justice has finally reached a decision regarding the case of Katrina Halili against cosmetic surgeon Hayden Kho Jr., which the actress filed last June under Republic Act 9262, or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act.

Last October 22, the DOJ approved the indictment of the celebrity doctor in the complaint filed by Katrina, stemming from the video showing them in explicit sexual acts.

The DOJ's resolution states: "We find that the evidence presented by complainant during the preliminary investigation merit the prosecution of said respondent for violation of RA 9262."

For Katrina, it was the good news she has been wanting to hear.

"Natuwa po ako sa nangyari," commented Katrina on Startalk yesterday. "'Saka nagpapasalamat po ako sa mga taong tumulong sa akin lalong-lalo na si Senator Bong Revilla, family ko, at lahat ng sumuporta sa akin."

WHEN IS THE NEXT HEARING? "Wala pa at hindi ko nabasa ang resolution ng DOJ," said Katrina. "Hindi ko pa alam kung kailan, pero sana po matapos na kasi mahaba-haba na din."

What are Katrina's expectations about a trial's outcome? If found guilty, Hayden may face six months to 12 years in prison.

Katrina answered without hesitation, "Siyempre, gusto ko siya makulong, para matuto po siya sa ginawa niya. Pag biglang pinatawad nang ganoon na lang, e, yung mga tao gagayahin siya na puwede pala gawin iyon, di ba?"

IS SHE READY TO FACE HAYDEN IN COURT? More importantly, is she ready to once again tell the tale she has told so many times already?

"Nakahanda na po ako harapin siya," said Katrina. "Ihahanda ko na lang sarili ko kasi sobrang stressful iyon. Dumaan na ako ng Senate, ng DOJ, PMA [Philippine Medical Association], PRC [Professional Regulation Commission], lahat dinaanan ko, lahat kinukuwento ko. Paulit-ulit."

Is she disappointed that the cases she filed against Vicki Belo, Herbert "Bistek" Rosario, Erik Chua and Princess Velasco were junked?

"Actually, ayoko magsalita sa part na iyon kasi hindi ko pa nababasa at pag-uusapan pa [namin ni Atty. Raymund Palad] kung ano ang dapat gawin doon."

News came out recently that Hayden has changed his ways and has even joined the fight against violence against women. What is Katrina's say on this?

"Wala naman masama sa akin na sumali siya doon, e," Katrina pointed out. "Pero sana pagbayaran niya muna ang kasalanan niya, di ba?"

Is mediation or settlement an option?

Katrina said, "Sa ngayon wala akong nararamdaman na pinagsisihan niya, e. Kung pinagsisihan niya, unang-una sa lahat, kilala niya pamilya ko at sana pumunta siya dito at humingi ng tawad. Magpapakita siya na pumupunta sa ganito, sasali sa ganyan, para saan? Ipapakita sa TV para magpakitang-tao?"

CAN SHE EVER FORGIVE HAYDEN? "Paano natin ipapatawad ang taong hindi humihingi ng tawad?" Katrina said. "Napaka-plastik na hihingi ka ng sorry sa TV. Never siya humingi ng sorry. Noong nangyari iyon, sinabi niya na mga kaibigan daw niya naglabas."

Katrina is now taking the entire experience on a lighter note, even joking about it on some shows.

"Like sa show, makakarinig ka ng mga, 'Oy, "Careless Whisper," ganyan!'" laughed Katrina. "May contest at may pinasayaw ako tapos pinatugtog yung 'Careless Whisper.' Sabi ko, puwede ba, hindi ka si Hayden, stop the music! Ipapakulong kita! Haha!"

HOW'S HER CAREER? "Marami pa rin po na sumuporta sa akin, pero hindi ko na masasabi na gaya pa rin ako nang dati. Masasabi ng tao na nagbago ako. Kahit mga show ko sa GMA-7, Rosalinda lang tinanggap ko dahil hindi pa ako ready humarap sa ibang tao."

Katrina also admitted that she has yet to see Vicki Belo although she has wanted to tell her that she is sorry for what happened. "Na-in love lang talaga ako. Pasensiya na po," she sincerely said.

She remained stern in her message to Hayden: "Kung nagbago na siya ng ugali niya, e maganda para sa kanya. Pero harapin ang ginawa mo, so magharap tayo sa korte."

Source

PEP: Katrina Halili wants to attend Emmys awards night

2009-10-15T10:18:00.000-07:00

Sobrang natuwa si Katrina Halili nang makarating sa kanya ang balitang nominated ang ginawa nilang Sine Novela ni Dennis Trillo sa GMA-7, ang Magdusa Ka, sa 37th International Emmy Awards.

Sa dami raw na ipinadala na entries ng GMA-7, isa ang Magdusa Ka sa nakapasok sa final four nominees for Best Telenovela, kasama rin ang Kahit Isang Saglit (A Time For Us) ng kabilang istasyon. Ang ibang nominees ay India: A Love Story (Brazil) at Second Chance (France).

Very special para kay Katrina ang Magdusa Ka dahil yun ang first time na nagbida siya sa isang drama series.

"Hinding-hindi ko makakalimutan ang Magdusa Ka, kasi 'yan ang show na unang ginawa ko after ng matinding kontrabida role ko sa Marimar. Sa Magdusa Ka ako unang binigyan ng pagkakataon na maging lead actress, at for the first time din ay naging mabait at api-apihan ako," pahayag ng young actress.

"Kaya sobrang saya ko nang sabihin sa amin na kasama ang Magdusa Ka sa final four nominees for Best Telenovela sa International Emmy Awards. Ang laking karangalan na yung ma-nominate, di ba? Kasi international award-giving body ito. Ibig sabihin, tanggap na sa buong mundo ang mga ginagawa nating drama series," dagdag pa ni Katrina sa PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal).

Gusto raw sanang personal na dumalo ni Katrina sa awards night na gaganapin sa November 23 sa New York. Kaya naman ipinagdarasal niya na maimbitahan sila.

"Natural, gusto kong um-attend doon. Bongga kaya 'yon! Maimbitahan man kami o hindi, magpapagawa ako ng gown ko na pang-red carpet. At least, ready na ako just in case," masaya nitong sabi.

Dagdag ni Katrina, "And if ever nga na mabigyan kami ng invitation, gusto kong escort si Direk Maryo [J. de los Reyes]. First time kasi akong madirek ni Direk Maryo sa Magdusa Ka at talagang piniga niya ako nang husto sa pagganap ko. Kaya malaki ang pasasalamat ko sa kanya."

"Ngayon, magkasama ulit kami sa Rosalinda at gano'n pa rin siya, hindi niya kami pinapabayaan sa pag-arte naming lahat sa show. Kaya gusto ko makasama sa New York kung maimbitahan man kami ay si Direk Maryo talaga," pahabol ng aktres.

Bukod sa Magdusa Ka at Kahit Isang Saglit, nominated din si Angel Locsin Bilang Best Actress para naman sa Lobo (The Wolf).

KRIS LAWRENCE'S TATTOO. Naitanong din ng PEP kay Katrina ang tungkol sa bagong tattoo ng singer na si Kris Lawrence sa kaliwang braso nito. Sa mga nakakita raw nito, may hawig daw sa mukha ni Katrina ang tattoo ni Kris.

Ano ang reaksiyon dito ni Katrina?

"Nakita ko na rin yung tattoo ni Kris at angel 'yon, e. Mahilig kasi sa music si Kris, di ba? Kaya parang angel of music daw 'yon. May mga nagsasabi nga na parang kahawig ko raw yung mukha ng angel sa tattoo ni Kris. Pero wala naman siyang sinasabi kung ako ba 'yon o nakahawig ko lang," sagot ng aktres.

Pero in case na mukha nga ni Katrina ang nasa tattoo ni Kris, matutuwa naman daw siya.

"Siyempre, nakaka-flatter 'yon, di ba? Parang ang ganda-ganda ko naman masyado! Tsaka it means na importante ka sa taong ito," ngiti niya.

Nabanggit ni Katrina na magkaibigan pa rin sila ni Kris.

"Isa pa rin naman si Kris sa mga very close friends ko ngayon. Kapag hindi kami sobrang busy, nagkikita naman kami kasama ang ibang kaibigan namin. Hindi naman nagbago ang friendship namin and he remains to be very supportive sa akin at sa mga pinagdaanan ko," aniya. - Ruel J. Mendoza, PEP

Source

Katrina Halili's libel case vs Irene junked

2009-09-09T00:47:00.000-07:00

MANILA – The Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office on Thursday dismissed the libel complaint filed by Katrina Halili against Irene Kho, mother of cosmetic surgeon Hayden Kho, due to lack of probable cause.

In its resolution, the prosecutor’s office said Halili failed to prove that Irene acted with malice when she accused the sexy star of using illegal drugs during her television interviews in May.

Meanwhile, Halili’s legal counsel, lawyer Raymund Palad, said he has yet to see the copy of the resolution.

Palad said he and his client will no longer file any motion for reconsideration before the prosecutor’s office. Halili’s camp will instead go directly to the Department of Justice and file a petition for review, he said.

Halili filed two counts of libel against Irene after the latter accused the actress of using illegal drugs and influencing her son to become a drug user during her television interviews on "TV Patrol World."

Halili and Irene’s son, Hayden, got involved in the sex video scandal, which is now the subject of investigations by different agencies of government.

Source

Katrina Halili's libel case vs Hayden's mom trashed

2009-09-08T00:46:00.000-07:00

The Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office junked the two counts of libel case filed by actress Katrina Halili against Irene Kho, the mother of her ex-boyfriend, Hayden Kho Jr., due to lack of probable cause.

In a five-page resolution released Aug. 27, assistant city prosecutor Rafael Villordon said they see no reason to indict the elder Kho of libel since she was able to prove that her statements regarding Halili were done without malice.

“This office has reason to believe that the respondent was able to rebut the presumption of malice under the law. She (Kho) earnestly believed her allegations as true and there is no clear showing that there was any malicious intention to cause damage to Katrina’s reputation," Villordon said.

Kho accused Halili of being “a drug addict” on interviews aired May 25 and 26, during the height of the sex scandal issue involving her son and Halili.

In the interviews, Kho said that it was Halili who taught her son how to use illegal drugs, which prior, was among the many reasons cited by Kho Jr., for his actions—including filming himself having sex with various women.

In her complaint against the elder Kho, Halili said Kho’s “contemptible, defamatory and malicious" remarks had damaged her honor and reputation. Halili denied she is using drugs.

Villordon said Kho’s remarks were not “done recklessly or in utter disregard of whether they were true or false.”

“The statements of Irene in her interviews… were evidently made with good motives and for a justifiable cause as they rose from the natural obligation of a mother to defend her son," he said.

Source

Preliminary probe of Halili libel rap ends

2009-08-01T02:12:00.000-07:00

MANILA, Philippines—The Quezon City prosecutors office on Thursday morning ended its preliminary investigation of the libel complaint lodged by actress Katrina Halili against the mother of her ex-lover, cosmetic surgeon Hayden Kho.

The camp of respondent Irene Kho submitted a rejoinder affidavit in which they answered an earlier reply affidavit filed by Halili.

Lawyers for both parties said they would not be filing memoranda or a summation of their arguments.

A resolution, whether junking the complaint or elevating it to the court, is expected to be issued within two months.

Source

Katrina Halili: No more juicy news

2009-07-24T00:29:00.000-07:00

MANILA, Philippines—No more juicy news.

Actress Katrina Halili said she will no longer talk about the case she filed against beauty experts Hayden Kho and Vicki Belo so she won’t be accused of taking her case to the media.

Halili came out of the hearing room crying after answering questions from the panel of investigators chaired by Prosecutor Emelie Fe De Los Santos, head of the Task Force on Violence Against Women and Children.

Members of the media were barred from covering the hearing with De los Santos citing the sensitivity of the case.

Halili’s lawyer Raymond Palad also refused to give details on what happened during the hearing, saying that an agreement has been reached that no information should be given to the media.

Only Halili and Kho faced the panel during Tuesday’s hearing.

The clarificatory hearing will continue on Tuesday where Belo, Princes Marie Velasco, Dr. Mark Herbert “Bistek” Rosario and Eric Johnston Chua will answer questions from the panel.

They were accused of being behind the illegal release of Halili’s sex video with Kho.

Source

Katrina bid to summon Solis, De Leon nixed

2009-07-18T01:27:00.000-07:00

MANILA, Philippines—(UPDATE) Vicki Belo’s lawyer has opposed a bid by actress Katrina Halili to summon television hosts and gossip columnists Joey de Leon and Lolit Solis.

"We should not make a circus out of this proceeding," lawyer Adel Tamano said at the preliminary hearing Tuesday on the criminal case against Belo, her estranged lover Hayden Kho and several others accused of complicity in the video sex scandal.

“Ang dami-dami nang pinapatawag na hindi naman kailangan,” Tamano said.

Hayden Kho’s legal counsel Lorna Kapunan also opposed Halili’s lawyer Raymond Palad’s bid to present the video of De Leon’s interview with Solis as she assailed Palad for taking the case to media.

“This case should not be his window to fame,” Kapunan said.

Emelie Fe Delos Santos, chairperson of the Department of Justice panel investigating the video scandal, summoned the counsels to listen to their arguments.

Kapunan pointed that Palad’s client has been appearing in several television shows talking about the case. Palad, on the other hand, said Belo and Kho have also been guesting in various TV shows tackling about the case as well.

But Delos Santos said, “I don’t care if your clients appear on television 24/7. We will stick to what has been submitted to us. I assure you we will not be swayed by what is being said before the media.”

Halili, who sued Kho over their leaked sex videos, wanted De Leon and Solis summoned to shed light on Solis’ claim during a television interview with De Leon that she had seen the video.

“Ms Lolit Solis is a very good friend of respondent Dra. Belo and the complainant respect their friendship. It is also possible that Ms Solis watched the sex video together with respondent Dra. Belo,” Halili said in her reply-affidavit.

Belo had said she watched the videotaped steamy trysts of Kho and Halili alone in her house and that she destroyed the DVD after seeing the videos.

But the DoJ panel denied the request to call the showbiz hosts even as it allowed Palad to present the recorded TV interview.

“We need to have a basis,” Delos Santos told Kapunan and Tamano.

The counsel for respondent Princess Marie Velasco also believed there was no more need to call Solis and De Leon.

At Tuesday’s preliminary investigation, Kho presented 13 witnesses—his fraternity brothers, childhood friends—who belied claims that the controversial cosmetic surgeon let them watch the sex videos.

The panel set a clarificatory hearing on July 14 where the complainant, respondents and witnesses will be appearing before the panel to answer questions.

Source

Irene Kho maintains drug claims vs Halili

2009-07-17T01:26:00.000-07:00

MANILA, Philippines—The mother of controversial cosmetic surgeon Dr. Hayden Kho stood by her drug allegations against Katrina Halili on Thursday in her reply to the libel complaint filed by the actress with the Quezon City prosecutors office.

In a counter-affidavit, Irene Kho denied committing libel, claiming there was truth to her allegations and that she had no reason to doubt her son who was the source of the information.

Kho was quoted in the TV interview as alleging that Halili was a drug user who influenced her son to use drugs.

The Quezon City prosecutors office gave Halili’s camp a week to file a reply to Kho’s counter-affidavit.

Hayden Kho, his former lover and beauty expert Dr. Vicky Belo, and three others are facing an inquiry by the National Bureau of Investigation on who uploaded into the Internet sex videos of Hayden with at least three actress-models, including Halili.

Irene Kho accused Halili of pushing her son into drug use, when she was interviewed for her reaction when the scandal over the videos broke.

Source

‘Katrina, Aljur deserve a break’

2009-07-14T23:21:00.000-07:00

CEBU CITY, Philippines—Speaking to the local press, Felipe L. Gozon, chair, president and chief executive officer of GMA 7, defended the network’s talents Katrina Halili and Aljur Abrenica who are currently embroiled in sex scandals.

Halili’s sex video with cosmetic surgeon Hayden Kho was leaked on the Internet and distributed through bootleg DVDs. Abrenica was slapped with a sexual harassment suit by a minor.

Gozon said he sympathized with Halili. “What happened to Katrina was unfair. She wasn’t at fault. She just fell in love. Why punish her for that? At least now, she knows that what happened was wrong.”

Halili was recently tapped to play the contravida in the upcoming soap opera “Rosalinda.”

The basis for hiring Halili was competence, not her involvement in a controversy, Gozon explained. “Why deprive her of projects? Katrina is a good contravida. The past shows where she played the villainess (“Darna,” “Marimar’) were top-raters.”

He said the network is fully behind Halili in her quest for justice. “We are not a law office, but we are supporting her, morally. We believe she’s the aggrieved party and she has every right to complain.”

Gozon issued a memorandum to network employees, instructing them not to download the sex videos from the Net.

He said he followed Abrenica’s case with great interest, too. “I didn’t get to talk to Aljur because he left for the United States. But I asked our people to investigate the matter and when I read the report … as a lawyer I knew Aljur didn’t do anything wrong.”

But if it’s a private quarrel, like that of executive Wilma Galvante and manager Annabelle Rama, he refuses to meddle.

“If you leave them alone, they’re able to resolve matters themselves. But if one of our talents gets involved in a lawsuit with outsiders, I take a look into it.”

The head of the Kapuso channel aims to be an “approachable and transparent” leader.

He said he traveled to Cebu because he wanted to strengthen the network’s position in the regions.

That’s why GMA 7 is courting Cebuanos, he said. “We’re doing it, not only by promoting our shows, but also by extending the Kapuso brand of public service.”

The Kapuso fans’ day, held in SM City Cebu last Saturday, not only featured network stars, but also booths that provided various services from agencies like the National Bureau of Investigation, Philhealth, the Commission on Elections, the Department of Health and the National Statistics Office.

Source

Katrina Halili’s townmates in El Nido supportive, shameful

2009-07-03T00:48:00.000-07:00

EL NIDO, Palawan - People in this laid-back municipality in Palawan province has cheered Katrina Halili’s success as an actress and model. Now they cringe as they also share in her dilemmas.

The controversial TV and movie personality who figured in a sex video scandal involving her liposuction doctor spent countless vacations, birthdays, and other special occasions in El Nido, the hometown of her mother’s half-Chinese family.

While fans adore her on screen and in pages of sexy magazines, the Cuyonons (El Nido natives) consider her as one of them. They refer to her as “Chiqui,” Halili’s childhood name.

Local people in this town with 30,000 residents are her relatives, her playmates when they were young, her grandmother’s scholars, her mother’s clients when they had a bakery, or the patients of her mother’s partner who is the town doctor. They saw her from the time she was a chinky-eyed fair-skinned child among tanned kids until she blossomed into one hot babe.

Months after the scandal broke, people in El Nido now harbor mixed feelings toward Halili. Their emotions range from sympathy to shame.

Supportive

To show their support for Halili, the Palawan province chapter of the League of Mayors passed a resolution last June 14 that “strongly condemns the acts of Dr. Hayden Kho,” according to El Nido Mayor Leonor Corral.

We are making a stand for Chiqui, Corral told abs-cbnNEWS.com/Newsbreak. She added that they will also provide a token financial assistance to Halili who has lost acting projects and endorsements during the height of the sex video scandal.

Corral’s sister-in-law is the sister of Malou Pe-Halili, the actress’ mother.

The mayors’ sentiments are shared by many, including Joel Resanto who is obviously protective of the actress. He knows that some of his fellow Cuyonons have watched the Halili-Kho sex videos on the internet and even on phone screens. “If I catch anyone watching those sex videos, I will apprehend them,” Resanto said with the same resolve as how he leads the town’s environmental patrol team.

“She’s a good girl. She is not difficult to approach. When my nephew got sick, she sent P5,000 to help with hospital expenses,” Resanto shared.

Raised and sent to school by Halili’s grandmother, Resanto had been requested by Halili to cook seafood cuisines whenever she visits El Nido in between her previously busy showbiz schedule.

Resanto said that in Halili’s recent visits, she usually stayed at her 4-year old 2-level no-aircon “Barbie House” that sits on a 5-hectare property in Villa Libertad, a village about 7 kilometers from the town proper. Whenever Halili had to recover after cosmetic surgeries, she stayed at her room, which has a tranquil view of the nearby farm lots. Spring water snakes around the property.

Scenic

Halili’s family has a house in the town proper, which is itself a scenic spot. Halili and her elder brother, Ian, stayed at their 2-storey house that has El Nido's famous marble and limestone cliffs on the east and the hills on the west as dramatic backdrops.

The house is a town landmark since her mother’s partner, the only doctor in town, runs a clinic there. Halili’s mom, on the other hand, is engaged in the lucrative trade of bird’s nests. She and Halili’s dad, a lawyer from Novaliches, split when the actress was still very young—a possible reason why Halili tends to be a “survivor,” her neighbors pointed out.

Even when Halili was already in show business, people said she felt at home in El Nido where she and her brother stayed before in between their studies in Manila. She walked around the town’s tree-lined streets in simple shorts and tees, sometimes even in her pajamas.

The laid-back town has a sheltered bay with a crescent beach where Halili would sometimes swim with her local friends. When she joined boat tours to the different islands and islets, she just snorkeled, unlike her brother who is a certified diver. Ian Halili freelances for the wealthy guests of El Nido Resorts that has facilities in two private islands.

Cuyonons are used to being surrounded by drop-dead gorgeous foreigners who are charmed by El Nido’s sceneries, according to “Dong,” who tends to a motorbike renting shop. He said since a good number of Cuyonons are or have been hired in the posh El Nido Resorts’ Lagen and Miniloc island facilities, their training of not ogling at guests and tourists—no matter how beautiful or sexy—has been imbibed by the town’s folks.

“Bing-bing,” a young mother whose parents and her siblings have worked at Las Cabanas, one of the high-end resorts south of the town proper, said they have gotten used to beach scenes where Western tourists are nude while sunbathing, while some publicly display their affection or lovemaking along the shores. “That is probably their culture,” she explained. “But ours is different. It’s not nice if Filipinos do the same thing because that is not part of our culture.”

Ariel Masangkay, a boatman, agreed. He said that Halili erred in choosing the man she was with. “She should have been more careful.”

In a laid-back town like El Nido, morality still matters. A local government official who asked not to be named said, “I hope and had been praying that my own daughter will still follow tradition. I hope she gets married first before she engages in what Chiqui did.”

This was echoed by one of the parents of Halili’s childhood playmates who live a few steps from the Halili’s house in the town proper. “Perhaps Pastor Alex (Halili’s uncle based in El Nido) should have been more active in her spiritual upbringing. But then again, she was not here all the time.”

One of Halili’s male neighbors, however, was unfazed. “What positions did they (Halili-Kho) do that we all do not do ourselves? Let us not cast the first stone on the poor girl.”

Fame and shame

Residents who travel to other parts of Palawan shared that the impact of the Halili-Kho scandal has taken a more personal note than in El Nido.

“When I arrived in Puerto Princesa to pick up guests a few weeks ago, boatmen there were talking about the sex video. Then they turned to me, ‘Isn’t she your townmate?’ I was so ashamed,” shared Masangkay.

He said the feelings were the exact opposite of times when they cheered on and sent text votes for Halili back when she joined a reality talent search show that propelled her to stardom.

Bing-bing, too, remembered how proud they were when Halili was getting juicy roles in TV soaps. “We really followed all her shows. She is very good as a villain. It suits her.”

She added, “When her career in show business was getting better, people kept on saying that they hope she’ll keep on honing her skills and stay beautiful because we share in her success. We were proud telling other people that Katrina Halili is from El Nido.”

Too much

Not all Cuyonons, however, are keen on following the news anymore on the sex scandal.

While waiting for the island’s 18-hour electricity supply to resume at 2pm every afternoon, Fatima (not her real name) who tends a small eatery shared that her concerns about the future of her kids is more important than Halili’s short-term troubles.

“We should be focusing on Cha-cha (charter change). We should be focusing on poverty. These will affect the future of my country, so I’m more concerned about this than the issue on Chiqui. The leadership change will affect my own kids’ future,” she stressed.

But doesn’t she want to know how Halili’s cases progress so others who find themselves in a similar situation would also know what to do?

“I’m getting bored with the news on Chiqui because the scandal has been the topic for months to no end. To me, the major issue is who spread the video. Issues raised by the media other than that are just efforts to prolong this,” she pointed out.

It was in the news that tricycle driver Jhogar Rodriguez recently learned that Halili will be going back to work. Having been familiar with Halili since their childhood days, Rodriguez said, "If she decides to come back here, we will welcome her.”

Source

Halili-Kho case inches forward

2009-07-02T00:46:00.000-07:00

MANILA - Actress Katrina Halili is set to appear before the Philippine Medical Association (PMA) Wednesday afternoon in connection with a complaint she filed against three doctors accused of spreading copies of the Halili-Dr. Hayden Kho sex videos.

The actress is also seeking to have their medical licenses revoked by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).

The PMA had already met with the three doctors - Dr. Kho, Dr. Vicki Belo, and Dr. Herbert "Bistek" del Rosario - to hear their side on their alleged involvement in spreading the sex videos showing Halili and Kho making love.

Dr. Rey Melchor Santos, PMA president, said their investigating committee is set to deliberate on what administrative sanctions to take against Kho.

"The regulation of license is based on the action of the PRC. Kami, [either] suspend or remove [Kho] from the list of PMA. Whatever findings we have, we relay them to the PRC," he said.

Santos clarified that the PMA's recommendations may not always be heeded by the PRC. "Chances are [they will]. But they are conducting their own investigation and making decisions [based] on their own study," he said.

The PRC had held a pre-trial conference on Tuesday regarding the "immorality and dishonorable conduct" charges that Halili filed against Kho, who had worked as a cosmetic surgeon at the Belo Medical Group.

Halili had already filed criminal charges against Kho, Belo, del Rosario, Eric Johnston Chua, and Princess Velasco fro violating Republic Act 9262 or the "Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act." Chua and Velasco were reportedly present when copies of the sex videos, showing Kho having sex with various women, were taken from Kho's hard drive.

According to sources from Halili's camp, they will be using media footage of interviews and statements made by Kho and Chua as evidence in the trial.

Source

Prelim probe on Katrina Halili's libel raps ends

2009-07-01T02:11:00.000-07:00

The Quezon City prosecutor’s office on Thursday wrapped up its preliminary probe on the libel complaint filed by actress Katrina Halili against the mother of her ex-lover, Dr. Hayden Kho Jr.

Irene Kho, through her legal counsel Paulo Pataja, submitted her rejoinder during the hearing wherein she reiterated that she was only protecting her family’s rights when she accused Halili of introducing her son to illegal drugs in two television interviews.

Prosecutor Rafael Villordon terminated the proceedings after Halili opted not to submit a memorandum or summation of her arguments, saying her reply to Mrs. Kho’s counter-affidavit is already enough.

In her reply, Halili stressed that Mrs. Kho had intentionally maligned her when she agreed to be interviewed on national TV.

The case is now submitted for resolution, which is expected within two months.

Halili and Dr. Kho were embroiled in a controversy last May after a video footage of their sexual tryst spread in the Internet. The actress claimed the video was taken and uploaded without her knowledge and consent.

Source

Katrina Halili wants Belo clinics shut down

2009-06-29T02:23:00.000-07:00

MANILA, Philippines—Actress Katrina Halili has asked the Department of Health (DoH) to revoke the license to operate of Vicki Belo’s beauty clinics for “recklessly” allowing controversial cosmetic surgeon Hayden Kho to perform liposuction on her.

Halili’s legal counsel, Raymund Palad, said Thursday that when she underwent a liposuction surgery at the Belo Medical Group Inc. (BMGI) in August 2007, Kho then still didn’t have the required residency training to perform such a cosmetic procedure.

“Siya po ang nag-lipo sa akin. May tiwala naman po ako sa Belo Medical during that time. Pero kaya ako nandito ngayon para hindi na maulit ito sa iba kasi delikado po,” Halili told reporters in an interview.

In a two-page sworn complaint submitted to DoH, Halili said Mario Victoria ‘Vicky’ Belo-Henares “recklessly allowed Dr. Hayden Kho Jr. to practice liposuction on Katrina despite the fact that Dr. Hayden lacks qualification, training and specialization as cosmetic surgeon.”

She said Kho passed the medical board exam in February 2007 and the liposuction surgery was done in August 2007.

This violated the DoH’s Rules and Regulations Governing the Licensure and Regulation of Ambulatory Surgical Clinics, which states that surgeons should at least have a four-year medical residency before practice, Palad said.

Medical clinic get their license to operation from the DoH.

Halili also wanted that estranged lovers Belo and Kho be barred “from practice of the medical profession.”

Palad said this is the second complaint filed against the BGMI for the clinic’s alleged medical malpractice. Another patient had asked that the BMGI’s license be revoked after an alleged failed “thermage” operation in 2007.

Halili last month sued Kho over their leaked sex videos.

Source

Halili files malpractice suit vs Belo, Kho

2009-06-28T02:22:00.000-07:00

MANILA, Philippines—After seeking the help of the Department of Health, actress Katrina Halili also filed Thursday afternoon charges of medical malpractice against surgeons Vicki Belo and Hayden Kho at the Professional Regulation Commission, according to lawyer Pharson Mamalo, head of the PRC legal division.

In her complaint, Halili claimed that Kho conducted liposuction on her in August 2007 even without undergoing the required four-year residency training in cosmetic surgery.

Kho reportedly passed the medical board exam in February 2007.

Halili included Belo in her complaint because the cosmetic surgeon to the stars allegedly allowed Kho, who was then working at her Belo Medical Clinic, to perform the procedure, Mamalo said.

Halili also went to the Department of Health on Thursday to ask the agency to shut down the Belo medical clinics nationwide for allowing Kho to perform liposuction without the necessary training on the procedure.

Halili previously filed a case against Kho for recording on video their sexual encounters without her consent. She also filed additional charges against him, Belo, Eric Johnston Chua and another Kho friend for uploading the video clip into the Internet .

Kho and Belo have denied ordering the uploading of the video. But Chua said Belo had control of the master copy, giving her all the opportunity to order its uploading.

Source

Justice starts probe of Halili-Kho sex-video scandal

2009-06-27T02:20:00.000-07:00

A huge crowd gathered at the Department of Justice Friday for the hearing of the Katrina Halili-Hayden Kho case, everyone eager to see in person the stars of the most sought-after sex video in town.

During the hearing, lawyer Lorna Kapunan, counsel for Kho, asked the panel of prosecutors headed by Senior State Prosecutor Emilie Fe de los Santos to issue a gag order on both parties, considering that the case is now under preliminary investigation.

“What should be a private offense which should be discussed in the appropriate legal venue is fast becoming a trial by publicity and clouds public perception on the case,” Kapunan told the probe panel.

Kapunan was referring to Halili’s scathing comments during media interviews.

According to the lawyer, the Halili camp was not observing “proper legal decorum” as any issue should not be discussed publicly when already filed in the prosecutorial or court level.

Lawyer Raymund Palad, counsel for Halili, questioned Kapunan’s allegations, claiming that their camp has been filing only the appropriate administrative sanctions against Kho and his girlfriend, Dr. Vicky Belo, with the proper government agencies.

The prosecutor thus denied Kapunan’s request for gag order request but gave assurance that the probe panel would monitor the activities of Halili and her counsel.

“We can’t really issue a gag order on private persons [Halili and her counsel]. But we assure we will be strictly monitoring the activities of these persons and will file the necessary complaints against them at the Integrated Bar of the Philippines [IBP] if we see any breach of decorum on their part,” de los Santos said.

The prosecutor further said, “Rest assured that the panel will not base its conclusions on media reports and that it will do its best to get to the bottom of the case through careful sifting of facts and testimony submitted by the parties.”

Kho also submitted his counter-affidavit but its contents would not be made public until the next hearing on June 25, when the other respondents, Dr Mark del Rosario, Princess Mae Velasco and Erik Hohnston Chua, are expected to submit their sworn statements.

The panel also ordered the Halili camp to submit the sworn testimonies of their witnesses.

Belo also submitted her counter-affidavit, after arriving together with her counsel, lawyer Adel Tamano, an hour late, prompting de los Santos to order all parties to appear on time in the next hearing.

Halili has charged Kho, Belo, del Rosario, Chua and Velasco with violation of Section 5 (h) and (i) of the Republic Act 9262, or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act.

Delay in NBI probe

Lawyer Palmer Mallari, head agent of the National Bureau of Investigation-Anti-Fraud and Computer Crimes Division (NBI-AFCCD), said the bureau has already identified the website where the video was first uploaded but the request for the system log would have to be facilitated through a United States court.

Mallari said the process would take at least three months and would depend if the US court would grant the request.

He said that the request was submitted to the US-based website two weeks ago.

In a separate development, the bureau announced that they issued a subpoena Princess Velasco, requesting her to appear before the NBI to shed light on the matter.

Velasco was mentioned in the sworn affidavit of Erik Johnston Chua as among four people who were present when the videos were taken from Kho’s laptop inside his room. Chua said Belo and Rosario were also present when the video was taken.

Source

DOJ denies Hayden plea to gag Katrina

2009-06-26T02:19:00.000-07:00

MANILA, Philippines—The lawyer of Dr. Hayden Kho asked on Friday the Department of Justice to issue a gag order barring the camp of actress Katrina Halili from making statements that would put the cosmetic surgeon who figured in the sex video scandal in a bad light.

The DOJ declined the request.

Lawyer Lorna Kapunan asked the DOJ panel chaired by State Prosecutor Emilie Fe De los Santos to prevent Halili and her camp from issuing “incendiary public statements” against Kho.

This was the first time Halili and Kho faced each other since the emotionally-charged Senate inquiry on the sex video scandal last month.

During the Senate probe, Kho was doused with water by a member of the gallery—ex-police officer Abner Afuang.

No such incident was forthcoming at the DOJ’s preliminary investigation yesterday but Halili, even in silence managed to hog the attention as she continuously glared at Kho throughout the hearing.

Assisted by counsel, Halili and Kho affirmed their complaint-affidavit and counter-affidavit, respectively.

Belo came late

Dr. Vicki Belo, Kho’s former girl friend, who has been linked to the spread of the videos in public, was absent at the preliminary investigation but showed up after the proceedings to submit her own counter-affidavit.

The preliminary investigation was meant to find whether there was probable cause to charge Kho with violation of the Anti-Violence against Women and Children Act

“Can we have a ruling that out of respect for [this panel] that no incendiary public statement be made,” said Kapunan during the proceedings.

Mum on sex

“The press is not a government agency, neither is it a court… There has been so much public uproar on what is supposed to be a private affair,” she added.

Lawyer Raymund Palad, counsel for Halili, said the public statements they made were on the other cases they had filed against Kho, such as the malpractice suit against the Belo Medical Group.

“We are not saying anything on the sex video,” Palad said.

No control

State Prosecutor De los Santos, however, turned down Kapunan’s request for a gag order, saying that the DOJ panel conducting the preliminary investigation had no control over what the private parties would say.

Nevertheless, she cautioned both parties on issuing public statements of fact that weren’t in their affidavits.

“It can affect the case,” De los Santos said.

Other respondents Eric Johnston Chua, Mark Herbert Rosario and Princess Velasco failed to show up but were represented during the proceedings by their lawyers.

Violation against women

Halili filed a case against Kho for violation of the Anti-Violence against Women and Children Act in connection with the video clips taken while they were having sex. The videos have since been uploaded on the Internet for the public to see.

Chua, in a statement submitted to the National Bureau of Investigation, and in a television interview, said Belo had asked him and Rosario to take Kho’s computer from the latter’s condominium unit.

Chua said he was told to copy the sex videos on a disc and to destroy the files from the hard disc afterwards. He said only Belo had a copy of the disc.

Belo has since denied insinuations that she was the source of the sex videos that have been posted on Internet porn sites and sold in the streets as DVDs.

Delay in NBI probe

Meanwhile, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has encountered a delay in its probe to unmask the person responsible for uploading the Kho-Halili sex video on the web.

While the NBI has identified the US-based website where the scandalous video was first uploaded, the agency’s request for the system log which could identify the culprit would have to be facilitated through a US court, said Palmer Mallari, head agent of the Anti-Fraud and Computer Crimes Division (AFCCD).

The system log—like a fingerprint—will reflect the Internet protocol address and the domain registration that will identify the person responsible for the initial upload, Mallari said.

“It would take months if we go through this process. We have other cases that need to be investigated. We cannot set them aside,” Mallari said, adding that such a process would take from one to three months, depending on the US court that would grant the request.

He said they had sent the request to the US-based website two weeks ago and only recently received their response.

System log

“We can secure the order from a US court because we have evidence for probable cause. But the delay is a setback to resolving the case,” Mallari said.

The NBI, he said, was waiting for the justice department to come up with an alternative legal measure to obtain the system log.

Mallari also said they issued a subpoena to a certain Princess Velasco, who was present when the videos in Kho’s laptop computer were discovered.

According to a sworn statement of businessman Chua, when he opened Kho’s laptop computer, celebrity cosmetic surgeon Dr. Belo, Dr. Rosario and Velasco were with him in the room.

Source

Halili files raps vs Belo, 2 others

2009-06-12T00:21:00.000-07:00

MANILA, Philippines— (UPDATE) Actress Katrina Halili on Monday filed criminal complaint against Dr. Vicki Bello and two others before the Department of Justice (DOJ) believed to be responsible for uploading her steamy videos with Belo’s boyfriend Dr. Hayden Kho.

Aside from Bello, also slapped with the complaint for violation of Republic Act 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004 were Engineer Eric Johnston Chua and Dr. Mark Herbert “Bistek”Rosario.

Halili said she included the three believing that they are also responsible for disseminating the videos via the Internet.

“Sinama ko na po sa reklamo ko lahat ng may kinalaman sa uploading ng videos (I included in the complaint all those who had a hand in uploading the videos),” Halili told reporters.

Last Friday, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) already filed a complaint for violation of RA 9262 against Kho.

Bello gave Chua and Rosario the keys to Kho’s condominium unit so that they could retrieve the latter’s hard drive.

Chua, in his affidavit submitted before the National Bureau of Investigation, denied uploading the videos, but admitted to retrieving the hard drive and making a copy of Kho’s sex videos on a DVD.

Chua said he gave the DVD to Bello and in front of Bello, deleted the files in the hard drive.

Source

Kho-Halili video scandal reveals Internet blackmailing

2009-06-08T01:19:00.000-07:00

(UPDATE): My latest interview aired on GMA7 Saksi and QTV11 News on Q. The Senate investigation regarding the Hayden Kho and Katrina Halili sex scandal revealed nothing new except for how Halili fell deeply in love with Kho, which was unreciprocated by the latter. According to Kho, the relationship was simply about sex, drugs, sex and drugs.

Vicky Belo's legal counsel lawyer Adel Tamano said the reported 40 sex videos involved only four women, Vicki Belo included. But Senator Jamby Madrigal, chairman of the Senate committee on youth, women, and family relations, said otherwise. Madrigal said the videos out in the wild reportedly involved four women, so there are 36 or 37 more left.

It seems the Senator was right. I heard from the grapevine that there is another video circulating which involves Kho and an unknown partner (unknown meaning not popular). So far, there are around five to six names that have surfaced, allegedly having it out with Kho in a sex video.

Which makes people wonder how come these videos have not been as widely distributed as the Halili video. Money in exchange for the non-distribution of the videos is what people are speculating. Kho himself revealed that there were people who called his mobile phone asking for something like 4 million pesos for the non-distribution of the videos.

Perhaps the other celebrities (if, indeed, they have their videos) have received such calls as well. "Pay or we distribute the video or upload it to the Web" seems to be the order of the day. Given the power of the Net, victims will definitely consider whether they should pay up or face the consequences of having the shameful acts online forever.

Halili cannot put it better. She said: "I may vanish from this world, but my video stays on the Web." Well said, indeed. We just witnessed the power of technology used in the wrong way, the Internet used for blackmailing.

Pirated videos may be minimized. Authorities can go around to places to confiscate these materials. But when it's up on the Web, the distribution is magnified by 10- or even 100-fold due to its global reach. The question is, are we prepared for this new kind of blackmailing? How can authorities stop this kind of threat? Millions or even billions will exchange hands here. Internet blackmailing is a worldwide problem and is worst than hostage-taking or terrorists combined because of the damage it can do to individuals and/or groups.

The best advice to prevent such things from happening again is not to create/record such materials. If you really want to create one, be prepared to guard it with your life. Same goes for important documents such as contracts and proposals.

Out of curiosity, will you pay or will you just wait for your videos to be uploaded online?

Source

Kho-Halili scandal: a lesson in sex ethics

2009-06-07T01:12:00.000-07:00

While scrutiny into the scandal between Dr. Hayden Kho and Katrina Halili has focused on sex, drugs, and the videos, a women's rights advocate said that people are losing sight of bigger issues.

"I'm a little worried over how the media is mishandling the issue on sexuality and pornography. The deeper discussion should be how we are looking at sexuality, how we are portraying it, what we are saying about people's sexual rights," said Dr. Sylvia Claudio of the UP-based Center for Women's Studies on ABS-CBN's "Media In Focus."

She said that the issue has prompted many misconceptions about sex, including the idea that sexy stars waive their rights to human dignity. The need to respect intimate aspects of people's lives has also been overlooked.

"There is 'vanilla sex' (conservative sex), and there is kinky sex. And I think we should just talk about adult consent and be sure that if it comes out, we should stay out of it," Claudio said.

On the issue of taping sex acts, however, Claudio said the deeper issue should be getting consent from both parties. Otherwise, this would constitute an offense against women's rights.

"The problem with new technology is that it still tends to go along the lines of old problems. A lot of women are being hurt, in the same way a boyfriend will tape a girlfriend having sex, and using technology to debase somebody. The point is, we should educate ourselves about what are the sexual ethics that are important," she said.

Media frenzy

Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, meanwhile, lamented the media's penchant for giving blow-by-blow accounts of the sex video scandal. He said the issue may have made "peeping toms out of the public."

Cayetano, who heads the Senate Committee on Public Information and Mass Media, cited recent reports which chose to highlight the emotional outbursts of Halili during the Senate probe as well as an incident when an angry spectator doused Kho with water. These incidents, he said, were given live coverage and were replayed again and again.

"There's a difference between live coverage [and] not live. So in live coverage, the Senate has a bigger role on which issues to raise. With the media, the problem is they focus on what is saleable. I didn't want them (Kho and Halili) to be invited, but I wanted to invite the institutions involved instead. So if the two personalities [Kho and Halili] were not there, it would not be as lively. But the media should have prudence and handle [the issue] with care," he said.

Butch Dalisay, an award-winning writer and columnist, agreed that extensive media coverage of the event tended to fuddle more than clarify certain issues.

"The media hasn't been discussing these broader issues as it should and hasn't put this episode in proper context. We have a circus around this episode, and what worries me is how it's turned into a frenzy into all kinds of things that no longer have to do with the [basic issue] of the violation of Ms. Halili's rights and the lack of her informed consent [in taping the sex video]," he said.

Deeper issues

Cayetano said that although some media organizations have treated the issue fairly, many have given the affair sensational coverage.

"When you have so much publicity like this, it's like putting gasoline on a fire. I think the media should move on, along with a profile for reform, change, and mature discussion of all these issues. They should focus on substantial issues," he said.

Cayetano said the Senate should not focus on the sordid details of Kho's affair with Halili, but on the role of investigators in making culprits accountable.

"We should not pry into what happened between Hayden and Katrina. Why do we have to include it in political investigations? [Some] Senators were starstruck, so rather than asking the right questions, you're just satisfying curiosity," he said.

"I wanted a strong message from the police and wanted them to go after these guys who put the sex videos on the internet. The police should show that they're above celebrities and they can show who really released the videos," he added.

He also reminded his peers that there are other women who were featured in sex videos, all of whom could suffer trauma, extortion, or ruined reputations.

Claudio also said that the Senate should consider crafting a law which would address the rights of women (or men) who are victims of sex scandals, without resorting to censorship of all erotic material, like art films or erotic literature. "We should be very careful that people's rights are maintained," she said.

Source

Super Noypi

2009-06-06T22:01:00.000-07:00

Super Noypi is a Filipino fantasy film scheduled for release on December 25, 2006 and is directed by Quark Henares. It is also an official entry to 32nd Metro Manila Film Festival.

Overview

Six normal childhood friends bound together by friendship find themselves faced with a shocking revelation – their parents are the legendary Super Noypi, the most powerful superheroes in the land! But now they are in danger, taken hostage by the wicked super-villain Diego (Monsour del Rosario).

One by one, the six friends discover their super powers: the ability to move objects with their mind, becoming invisible at will, having superhuman strength and speed, transforming into any shape imaginable, casting spells and controlling fire and ice.

With the help of a strong and spirited stranger from the future named Lia (Jennylyn Mercado), who claims that the world as we know it will cease to exist if they don’t stop Diego now, Lorenzo Valdez (Mark Herras), Annys Valdez(Katrina Halili), Yñigo Raymundo (John Prats), Euen Rapisora(Polo Ravales), Michie Rapisora(Sandara Park) and Tonton Valdez(Andrew Muhlach) stick together, taking a stand against evil in order to save the world and the people they love the most.

Source

Shake, Rattle and Roll 9

2009-06-05T22:00:00.000-07:00

Shake, Rattle & Roll 9 is a Filipino horror-comedy film released in 2007 and the ninth installment of the Shake, Rattle & Roll film series. It is also distributed by Regal Films. It is an entry of the 33rd Metro Manila Film Festival

Source

Sundo

2009-06-04T21:59:00.000-07:00

Sundo is a 2009 Filipino suspense-thriller film from director Topel Lee, with screenplay written by his Ouija screenwriter Aloy Adlawan. The film stars Robin Padilla, Katrina Halili, Rhian Ramos, Hero Angeles, Mark Bautista and Sunshine Dizon.[1] The film was released on March 18, 2009.

Premise

In Sundo, Romano (Robin Padilla), a retired military operative who goes into seclusion, discovers that he has the uncanny ability of seeing ghosts around people who will soon encounter sudden, disastrous deaths. Worried of his brother, Romano’s blind sister Isabel (Rhian Ramos) persuades him to return to Manila with the help of Louella (Sunshine Dizon), Romano’s childhood friend who harbors affection for him.

An aspiring actress, Kristina (Katrina Halili), a widow, Lumen (Glydel Mercado), and her nephew, Eric (Hero Angeles) hitch a ride with Romano, Isabel and Louella along with Louella’s driver, Baste (Mark Bautista). On their way back to the city, the group manages to avoid a fatal accident on the road and their respective “sundo” by a twist of fate. Unaware that their sudden brush with death would cause them the most ruthless battle they will ever come to face.

Source

Gagambino

2009-06-03T21:58:00.000-07:00

Gagambino is an adaptation of Carlo J. Caparas' celebrated graphic novel[1] use to air in on GMA Network, produced by its film-arm GMA Films. It premiered on October 20 starring Dennis Trillo leading a band of superheroes, and his six-feet tall spider.

Production

When GMA Network bought the rights to Carlo J. Caparas' graphic novel on February 2007, Richard Gutierrez was attached to star. The series was shelved until 2008, but Gutierrez opted to work on his dream project: Codename: Asero. The network decided that they could not longer delay the series and gave the role to Dennis Trillo, over another heavy contender: JC de Vera, who later joined the cast in LaLola.[3]

Director Topel Lee required Trillo to learn three martial arts in preparation for the role: wing chun, judo and kendo - a Japanese martial art of sword-fighting.[4] He also underwent a rigorous training for parkour.

Source

Obra (TV series)

2009-06-02T21:57:00.000-07:00

Obra, also known as Masterpiece in English, is a weekly anthology that shows of the dramatic talents of GMA Network. For every each month, the show will feature a different talent. The pilot episode aired on August 14.[1]

Premise

Obra is a weekly primetime drama series that features today’s most sought-after GMA-7 stars in four remarkable stories about life, love and sacrifice, where they will prove his/her versatility as artists, playing unconventional roles they have never been seen as before.

The series gathers the country’s first-rate production teams and multi-awarded directors, each with their own set of production teams, to bring the local drama to a whole new level; each episode is a masterpiece: well-written, well-directed and well-portrayed.[2]

Source

Magdusa Ka

2009-06-01T21:56:00.000-07:00

Magdusa Ka (lit. Suffer With It) is a Philippine drama aired on GMA Network, as the eight instalment of Sine Novela. The original movie was released back in 1986.[1]

Origin

The movie Magdusa Ka is one of the most notable and well-celebrated movies that garnered numerous awards from various film organizations such as the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP), Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) and Urian in 1986. The movie was directed by multi-awarded actor Eddie Garcia and boasts of an enviable cast of dramatic actors such as Dina Bonnevie, Christopher de Leon, Dindo Fernando and the late Nida Blanca.

Plot Synopsis

The story of Pablo Gomez's Magdusa Ka revolves around the life of Christine (Katrina Halili), a poor young waitress raised with love and care by her mother, Toyang (Rita Avila). A loving daughter, Christine dreams that one day all the sufferings she and her mother currently endures will end. And she wishes that she will be able to do so, with the help of her boyfriend Rod (Dennis Trillo). She sees a ray of hope when she discovers she is actually the daughter of a Doliente, a powerful, rich family. Her mother prohibits her from seeing Rod and to go to the Doliente mansion. Christine disobeys her mother because she tells herself that the financial aid from the Dolientes will help their family. But as time passes, she is only fooling herself. She is now enjoying the lap of luxury. When she realizes that this life of luxury only brought her more pain, she tries to come back to her mother but she is now closing her doors to her. She must learn to suffer with the consequences of her actions and in the process mend the things she unintentionally destroyed.

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MariMar (Philippine TV series)

2009-05-31T21:55:00.000-07:00

MariMar[1] was a Philippine drama previously being broadcast in GMA Network, starring Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera in her first lead role as the protagonist Marimar.[2]

Though a remake-adaptation of a Mexican telenovela the setting and some of the storylines were altered to avoid the series being too predictable.[3] Directed by award-winning directors Joyce E. Bernal and Mac Alejandre, the series premiered on August 13, 2007. The series ended on March 14, 2008.

Overview

1994 TV series
Marimar was a Mexican TV telenovela that was first aired in 1994 on Televisa with singer-actress Thalía in the title role.

The series had 75 forty-five minute episodes, and is the second part of a "Thalía" trilogy. The first was Maria Mercedes, and the final was Maria la del Barrio.

Popularity in the Philippines
The original Mexican telenovela was massive a hit in the Philippines with ratings over 50%, the only hit program on Radio Philippines Network (RPN) in 1996. The series' success paved way to another Thalía telenovela, Rosalinda.

2007 TV series

Casting Marimar
The contract with Televisa for the rights stipulates that GMA Network should start the series in 2007. With Angel Locsin's rejection of the offer, the network was prompted to give auditions to their roster of young actresses for the highly profiled role. On March 13, 2008, a video of the fifteen actresses who auditioned for the role of MariMar leaked on YouTube. These actresses are Bianca King, Nadine Samonte, Jennylyn Mercado, Ryza Cenon, Jewel Mische, LJ Reyes, Rhian Ramos, Camille Prats, Pauleen Luna, Katrina Halili, Valerie Concepcion, Nancy Castiglione, Cheska Garcia and Karylle. [4]

The role eventually went to Marian Rivera, who beat her closest rival for the role, Jennylyn Mercado. Some actresses who took part in the audition also landed major and supporting roles in the series. The anatagonist role of Angelika Santibanez went first to Bing Loyzaga but replaced by Katrina Halili after her character Ashley killed off from Lupin which would replace it, so the role of Esperanza went to Bing Loyzaga instead. The role of Natalia and Inocencia went to Bianca King and Nadine Samonte respectively. [5]

Production crew
This series is a comeback project for Joyce E. Bernal in TV and for GMA Network.[6]

* Writers: Benedict Migue, Denoy Punio and Kit Villanueva-Langit
* Head Writer: Dode Cruz
* Creative Consultant: Anette Gozon-Abrogar and Don Michael Perez
* Executive Producer: Wilma Galvante
* Production Manager: Redgynn S. Alba
* Executive-in-charge of Production: Wilma Galvante
* Directed by: Joyce E. Bernal and Mac Alejandre

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Lupin (Philippine TV series)

2009-05-30T21:54:00.000-07:00

Lupin is a Philippine drama that aired on GMA Network. It is loosely based on the French crime fiction series of books featuring the character Arsène Lupin[1] and the Japanese manga and anime series Lupin III, in turn loosely based upon the original works. "Lupin" aired its last episode on August 17. 2007.

Background

Arsène Lupin

Created by Maurice Leblanc, Arsène Lupin first appeared in a series of short stories serialized in 1905 and published in book form as Arsène Lupin, gentleman-cambrioleur in 1907[2] (translated into English as The Extraordinary Adventures of Arsene Lupin, Gentleman-Burglar).

Born in the late 19th century, Lupin is a gentleman thief, a master of disguise, and an amateur detective. While operating on the wrong side of the law, he is still a force for good. Those whom Lupin defeats are worse villains than he. Other characters in the stories include Lupin's faithful accomplice Grognard and his lawman adversary Inspector Justin Ganimard. In some stories Lupin faces Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes (called "Herlock Sholmès" for copyright reasons).

The Lupin stories have been adapted for television (including animation), cinema, and comics.[3]

Lupin III

Lupin III was created by Monkey Punch in 1967 (without permission from the estate of Maurice Leblanc) and has starred in several manga series, television series, and films. GMA had previously aired a dubbed version of the television series.

The world's most skillful and most wanted thief, this Lupin is the grandson of the original. Sometimes he just steals whatever he wants, and at other times he prefers to steal from disreputable people. Often he will take it upon himself and his gang to foil other criminals engaged in more serious crimes. He often appears incompetent, but it is mostly a disguise. While he has been arrested and thrown in jail on a number of occasions he has always managed to escape. He also has a fondness for fancy gadgets from time to time.

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Atlantika

2009-05-29T21:53:00.000-07:00

Atlantika is a Filipino telefantasya produced by GMA Network about the fictional undersea kingdom of Atlantika. The series premiered on October 3, 2006 and ended on December 12 in the same year. A behind-the-scenes introductory special, Atlantika: Ang Lihim ng Karagatan (Atlantika: The Secret of the Seas), was aired on October 1, 2006. The series' tagline is "Two different worlds. One eternal love."

Plot

Atlantika opens with the tale of three lovers: Haring Agat (Gardo Versoza), Reyna Celebes (Jean Garcia), and Barracud (Ariel Rivera). Their love triangle sparks a war that divides the underwater domain and pushes Barracud to the dark side. Aquano (Dingdong Dantes), the Senturyon, must fulfill his duty of saving Atlantika by searching for the two lost princesses of the kingdom. One of them will be the woman destined for him while the other one he must kill before she destroys Atlantika.

With four princess-possible candidates to choose from, Amaya (Iza Calzado), Alona (Isabel Oli), Ruana (Katrina Halili) and Elisa (Valerie Concepcion), Aquano asks the help of the most skillful Senturyon in Atlantika, Camaro (Rudy Fernandez), to train him for the fight of his life.

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Majika

2009-05-28T21:53:00.000-07:00

Majika ("Magic") is a Filipino fantasy-themed television series about wizards, known as Salamangka, that inhabit the world of Saladin, where magic is the way of life. The series was produced by GMA Network. It first aired on March 20, 2006 and officially ended on September 29, 2006. It was starred by Angel Locsin on the lead role.

Plot

Sabina was a little girl when her parents and siblings disappeared under mysterious circumstances. As a young woman, she learns that her family was actually abducted and taken to the world of Saladin. Her family are all originally from Saladin, and they are in fact Salamangkas - natives of Saladin who are able to wield magic. She realizes that in order to be reunited with her family, she must learn and master magic and enter Saladin.

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Darna (2005 TV series)

2009-05-27T21:52:00.000-07:00

Darna is a 2005 drama fantasy action television series based on the Mars Ravelo's fictional character of the same name that airs on Philippine television on GMA Network. It starred top actress Angel Locsin as the legendary heroine.

It premiered in Filipino homes on April 11, 2005 and ended on November 25, 2005.

The official title of the series is Mars Ravelo's Darna.

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Joyride (TV series)

2009-05-26T21:51:00.000-07:00

Joyride is the story of young people on a journey of self-discovery, friendship and love as they go through teenage life on their way to young adulthood. Directed by Mac Alejandre, Joyride is a fresh, touching, sometimes heartbreaking and often amusing look at teenage life. And because it is more than just about being teens, Joyride tackles the story of different young people and their families who managed to ride along with drama of life.

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Background

2009-05-25T21:51:00.000-07:00

Katrina Halili is an alumna of the StarStruck talent search and the cover girl of leading magazines such as FHM and Maxim Philippines. She was voted as FHM Philippines' sexiest woman for the year 2006 and bagged the title yet again in 2007. She is the first StarStruck contestant to top the FHM Philippines' 100 Sexiest list and the only Filipina celebrity to have won the title twice in a row. She is a three-time FHM Philippines covergirl.[1] With 123,000 votes, she placed 2nd in 2008 next to Marian Rivera.

In May 2009, videos that shows compromising encounters between Halili and Dr. Hayden Kho were distributed over the internet without her consent.[2] It was supposed that the person behind the leak of the videos to Internet was a certain Eric Chua, a close friend of Hayden Kho.[3] Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr., in his privilege speech, denounced Kho's acts and would file a case for the removal of Dr. Kho's license.[4] She is also consulting with the women's rights group GABRIELA regarding the legal actions that will be placed against Kho.[5]

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Katrina Halili

2009-05-24T21:50:00.000-07:00

Katrina Halili (born Maria Katrina Irene Pe Halili on January 4, 1986) is a Filipina actress,and a commercial model. She made her screen debut via StarStruck, but did not gain popularity until playing the antagonist roles in Darna, Majika, Atlantika, and MariMar and becoming the protagonist in One Night Only and Magdusa Ka.

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Katrina’s condition to play villain

2009-05-23T20:57:00.000-07:00

Although she has declared that she would no longer accept villain parts on screen, but now Katrina Halili admits she still misses it and could consider doing another one provided the show is star-studded and a potential winner in the ratings game.

“I’m inspired that until now there are people who still call me Angelica [the role she played in Marimar]. It means I was able to create an accurate and vivid portrayal of the character. These people tell me to go back to playing villain roles. Even if they hate me in the story, they are nice to me in public places. That’s my gauge that they accept me whether I’m good or bad on screen,” she says.

Katrina first caught the attention of the viewers when she played Black Darna, one of Darnal’s toughest opponents back when Angel Locsin played the super heroine. She further sizzled as Marimar’s nemesis. But after headlining Magdusa Ka opposite Dennis Trillo, she decided to stop accepting offers to play the bad girl in order to establish herself as a lead actress. She was one of the superheroes in Gagambino but after its run, Katrina took a leave. Her last assignment for GMA-7 was a four-week stint in the Karibal episode of Dear Friend.

“I’m really touched by the warm reception I get from people, that they still like me even if I’m oppressing the lead actress on screen. Before, I had this thought that because I consistently play bad girl roles on screen people will think I’m really like that in real life. But I was proven wrong. This motivated me to be open to playing villain parts again!”

Katrina says it’s just easy for her to go back to her strong, mean and bitchy portrayals on screen despite the fact that it’s been a while since she stopped doing it.

“Funny but during those times when I was on vacation there were instances when I would act and say lines a la contra vida when I’m alone. I guess it’s already in my system.”

But there’s still a condition before Kat gives her nod to a project where she’ll play antagonist once more.

“It ought to be in a program which lots of viewers will patronize,” she wraps up.

It’s comedy for Sharon now

Seldom that Sharon Cuneta appears in comedy. More identified with drama and musical, she only did a few comedy films in the past, like Jack ‘En Jill (opposite Herbert Bautista) and Megamol (with Andrew E.). But in Star Cinema’s latest offering titled Best Friends Forever (BFF), the Megastar turned in a rollicking performance amid the intimidating Ai Ai delas Alas and passed with flying colors.

“Honestly, I consider this project a blessing,” she starts. “For one, it has many firsts: it’s my first full-length comedy under Star Cinema and my first time to work with both Ai Ai and director Wenn Deramas. It’s a very enriching experience for me.”

Sharon admits she felt a bit awkward during the initial shooting days.

“I think it’s understandable since I just came from a heavy drama like Caregiver. Add the fact that it’s Ai Ai and Direk Wenn’s eighth collaboration so they already know very well each other’s working style. I felt that I was just saling-pusa to their team but as days went by, I got to relax and enjoy my role. I’m happy that I was able to deliver.”

Because of the movie, Mega gained two new friends in the persons of Ai Ai and Wenn.

“I’m really honored to have worked with two of the best in their respective fields. Our set was always filled with fun and laughter. It was so light. The three of us never ran out of stories during lull breaks. We all had a really good time doing the movie.

“I only have good words for Ai Ai and Direk Wenn. Ai is simple, dependable and humble. She deserves all the blessings that continue to come her way, same with Direk Wenn. They became my teachers in comedy. Both are not plastic, too,” says Sharon.

She’s thankful that Star Cinema offered her the project.

“Oh yes! I must say that after 30 years, they made me realize that I can also be an effective comedian given the right project. My knack for comedy came out in this film. I am grateful that they have given me the best team. That’s why I also gave my all here. I made fun of myself and allowed my co-stars to make fun of me. The result is simply riotous.”

Sharon sees busier days ahead of her.

“After this project with Ai Ai, I’m slated to do two more movies before the year ends. One is a love story which has already waited too long and the other one whose script I’m still reading up to now. Both are very good materials. I can’t give details about the second one since it’s produced by a different outfit. Apart from said movies, I’m also flying to the US soon for my scheduled concerts there.”

Because of her next projects, the Megastar is determined to lose a lot of weight.

“Honestly, that’s my foremost goal: to look like a leading lady again. I want to look my best this year. In fact, I’m in a haste to reach my desired weight so that I can already start shooting for the first project, the love story. It’s good that I’ll be leaving for the States to stage concerts. While there, I can do walking and visit the gym so that when I get back here sometime in July, the cameras can start grinding,” Sharon says.

B.A. in Mass Communication

Cesar Montano recently achieved a rare feat among showbiz denizens: obtaining a Mass Communications (Major in Broadcasting) degree. According to the actor-producer-host, he feels mighty proud even if it took him two years to finish the course. And it doesn’t stop there for he plans to study Law in the coming days. Unknown to some, Buboy’s dad is a lawyer and he wants to follow in his footsteps. He hopes to squeeze in time for this dream of his.

“I hope that I’ll be an inspiration to a lot of actors here in the country who dreams of finishing their studies. It is never too late to obtain a diploma. If there’s a will, there’s a way,” he says.

Meanwhile, the Singing Bee host remains mum on the issue if he’s really running for the gubernatorial post in his native Bohol in 2010. According to him, he’s still weighing things although he doesn’t deny his interest to give politics another try. He believes in Bohol’s potential to become a great province. If ever he plans to join the fray, his wife Sunshine Cruz is supporting him all the way.

Source

Katrina Halili Photo Gallery

2008-08-31T04:38:00.001-07:00

How Katrina Halili flatters herself

2008-08-30T03:47:00.001-07:00

Myriad billboards line Metro Manila's main thoroughfares and one that stands out among them is young actress Katrina Halili's for apparel brand Hang Ten.

There, Katrina is seen donning Hang Ten's ladies' line, a line that has her fashionable and casual off-screen style down pat. For despite her sultry onscreen persona, the talented actress loves fuss-free fashion.

"Katrina Halili is the perfect Hang Ten girl. She embodies the sense of style that her generation favors stylish, yet comfortable," says the management of Hang Ten Philippines in a statement.

Katrina, meanwhile, reveals that she has always worn Hang Ten even before her stint in the reality search "Starstruck" began.

"Even when I was still in high school, I appreciated how Hang Ten complimented my body," she says.

Petite, yet curvaceous, Katrina says it used to be hard for her to find the perfect tee and top to complement her body.

"So I loved it when I discovered Hang Ten. I really like how its clothes fit my body," she says.

Katrina is particularly fond of Hang Ten's ladies pants that she says seems to have been designed to show off her legs. "Like most people, I go around in jeans and sometimes, it can be a hassle finding good jeans that still make you feel like a girl.

"Finding a brand like Hang Ten that understands my body was a relief," she confides. "Once you find a great pair of jeans, you can wear them with high heels and you're ready for anything."

As for tops, Katrina admits that form flattering tees are her favorite casual clothing. "I always seem to be on the go these days so I prefer my clothes to be comfortable but still feminine," she says.

More Katrina Halili Bikini

2008-08-29T02:58:00.001-07:00

A Masterpiece of a Show

2008-08-28T02:51:00.001-07:00

http://www.igma.tv/shows/obra

OBRA brings back the drama anthologies that used to prevail in the airwaves back in the 90's, featuring artists in roles they've never played before. Now in the new millennium, GMA-7 hopes to do same again with a new generation of artists.

"Kasi 'yung ating Telebabad, sometimes you feel na very limiting sa mga artists natin." Program Manager of OBRA, Redgie Magno explains that the drama anthology is one way of showing the acting range of GMA-7's most prized talents, each episode showing a different side to the artists viewers have grown to love, or love to hate.

"[Dito], gusto namin na talagang mailabas ang husay ng artista natin." And as such, Miss Redgie promises that "ang ibibigay natin sa kanila, mga acting pieces talaga."

Miss Redgie explains that Thursday nights have always been the night for experiments, "laging 'yan 'yung nagbibigay ng way para makapag-isip kami ng ibang show, or makapag-develop kami ng ibang konsepto." This makes Thursday nights perfect for the re-imagining of the drama anthology genre.

"Para [ito] makadagdag sa entertainment na naibibigay namin sa viewers."

On its first offering, OBRA presents a Katrina Halili as she's never seen before: as a homeless bum, as the good twin and more. But the show will not stop with just featuring her; fulfilling its promise to feature the potentials in the network's talents, after four episodes, OBRA will next feature JC De Vera.

"We believe na isa rin siya sa mga artista natin ngayon na may ibubuga pagdating sa acting," Miss Redgie explains. She continues that OBRA will feature a different artists every four weeks.

http://www2.igma.tv/igmaweb/webpics/insides/stars/obra_pic_01.jpg
http://www2.igma.tv/igmaweb/webpics/insides/stars/obra_pic_01.jpg
http://www2.igma.tv/igmaweb/webpics/insides/stars/obra_pic_01.jpg

And, she adds, "meron kaming line-up, 'yung mga nakikita naming may mga angking talino sa pag-arte, na hindi lang nila nailalabas kasi hindi sila nabibigyan ng tamang project."

But she refuses to disclose any names; "magfocus muna sa first four, and sa second," she finishes with a mysterious smile.

OBRA begins tonight, airing every Thursday night after GMA Telebabad.

Katrina Halili wanted to be the FHM Sexiest woman for the third time

2008-08-27T02:43:00.001-07:00

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff266/arscom/cpeeps/katrina.jpg

Katrina Halili is a two-time FHM Sexiest woman in the Philippines for the years 2006 and 2007. Yesterday she guested at GMA-7's Startalk Show to talk about the events that happened during the night at the World Trade Center, where the FHM 100 Sexiest Women victory party was held. Butch asked whether or not Katrina was feeling any regret for not getting a three-peat on the title.

"Aaminin ko na tao lang ako at siyempre nanghihinayang ako," Katrina speak suddenly. "Siyempre ang ganda naman na tatlong beses ako nanalo 'di ba? Pero siyempre masaya naman ako na si Marian ang number one! And, hindi naman masama na number two 'di ba?"

"Sa total, nagpapakatotoo na din lang, sino sa palagay mo ang mas sexy sa inyo ni Marian?" Butch followed. "Siyempre idol ko sarili ko!" Katrina quipped. "Pero siyempre love ko naman si Marian." "Hindi. Okey naman kami ni Marian po at masaya ako para kay Marian." Katrina added. Katrina Halili is the number 3 FHM Sexiest woman this year 2008 after Megan Fox.

Katrina Halili's health starting to suffer from too much work

2008-08-20T01:01:00.001-07:00

Kung hindi babawasan ni Katrina Halili ang workload niya sa showbiz, hindi malayong bumigay ang katawan nito at maratay sa ospital.

Sa presscon ng bago niyang show sa GMA-7, ang Obra—na mapapanood simula ngayong August 14 pagkatapos ng Telebabad block—halatang may iniindang karamdaman ang aktres. Bukod sa mapungay niyang mga mata, tanda ng kakulangan sa pahinga, kapansin-pansin ang kanyang pamamaos. Namamaga rin ang talukap ng mga mata ni Katrina, dulot yata ng allergy.

Idinadaan na lang sa biro ng aktres ang pamamaos na nakuha raw niya dahil sa kanyang pagkanta sa karaoke. Pero inamin din nitong dala ito ng puyat at sunud-sunod niyang mga trabaho.

"Kasi po mula sa taping ng Magdusa Ka, nag-taping naman ako ng Obra," simula niyang pagtatapat sa PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal). "Etong pamamaga ng mata ko, sobrang pag-iyak na po ito. Dalawang linggo akong iyak nang iyak sa set.

"From Magdusa Ka na iyakan, iyakan din yung taping namin sa Obra. Pero feel na feel ko naman po yung role ko na sopistakada sa Obra," nakangiting kuwento ni Katrina.

Hindi lang mga kaibigan ni Katrina ang nangangamba sa madalas na pagkakasakit niya, kundi pati na rin ang pamilya ng aktres. Naisalaysay ni Katrina sa PEP na pinagagalitan na siya ng kanyang mommy sa walang pahinga niyang pagtatrabaho.

"Hindi po talaga ako nagpapahinga, e. Nagagalit na nga sa akin sa bahay. Sabi nga po, 'Sige, di ka na nagpapahinga. Nakakaipon ka nga, pero pagtanda mo naman, 'yang mga inipon mo, gagastusin mo rin 'yan sa pagpapagamot sa iyo,'" lahad ni Katrina.

Isa raw sa pinaglalaanan ni Katrina ng kanyang mga kinikita ay ang ipinapagawang bahay sa Palawan. Nabanggit niyang 'pag ayaw na niyang mag-artista, sa Palawan na niya gustong manirahan.

Ngumiti lang si Katrina bilang pag-iwas na mag-comment nang matanong siya sa isyung nabili na nito ang katabing lote sa Palawan din na pag-aari ng kapwa niya StarStruck Avengers.

"Naku, ayaw ko nang magsalita diyan!" sabi niya.

Isa raw sa mga rason ng walang kapagurang pagte-taping ni Katrina ay ayaw niyang tanggihan ang GMA-7 sa mga ibinibigay na projects sa kanya.

"Gusto ko lang pong linawin na wala akong anak na nasa ospital o nanay na may sakit kaya ako subsob sa trabaho. Minsan lang kasing dumating yung ganitong opportunity sa akin na ibinigay ng GMA, hindi ko naman pong gustong tanggihan kasi baka naman magtampo sila," paliwanag niya.

May sabi-sabing gusto lang ni Katrina na tapatan ang kasipagan ni Marian Rivera at pantayan ang kasikatan nito, kaya gusto niyang maging laman ng telebisyon palagi.

"Naku, ayoko na po ng isyung ganyan! Okay po kami ni Marian, magkaibigan po kami. Lahat naman po gustong magtrabaho, magkaroon ng ganitong opportunity. Trabaho lang po talaga, wala nang iba," giit niya.

KATRINA HALILI: NO TIME FOR HERSELF AND LOVELIFE

2008-08-19T00:58:00.001-07:00

With her busy schedule, Katrina confessed that she has no time for herself.

"Wala na akong panahon para sa sarili ko," Katrina said in an interview with GMA News and PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) after the Q&A portion. "Pero masaya naman po ako. Nag-e-enjoy po ako sa trabaho ko. Actually, itong trabaho ko, parang hindi naman trabaho para sa akin, e, para lang akong naglalaro.

"Ang pinakabayad lang dito sa akin ay ang pagpupuyat. 'Yon lang siguro ang kabayaran. Pero for me, ano lang siya, e, parang naglalaro lang."

What about her love life?

"Wala naman po akong lovelife, e, pero okay naman."

Katrina is currently linked to Marvin Agustin and Joross Gamboa. Although she admitted going out with them, she refused to make further comments about them. She simply described them as "friends."

PEP asked her what she wishes for herself. She smiled, "Ako kasi, never akong nag-wish, e. Siguro wish ko na lang lovelife!"

Katrina Halili stars in pilot month of GMA-7's "Obra"

2008-08-18T00:51:00.001-07:00

Katrina Halili is one of the busiest young actresses in showbiz today. Aside from her afternoon soap Magdusa Ka, she is slated to do two movies this year—Sundo and One Night Only. She will also have two more television shows, the upcoming fantaserye Gagambino and the new drama anthology Obra, which will start on Thursday, August 14.

"Nagpapasalamat po ako, yun nga, sa GMA-7 sa tiwalang ibinibigay nila sa akin," said Katrina during the press conference of Obra yesterday, August 7, at the Madarin Oriental Suites in Gateway Mall, Araneta Center, Quezon City.

Obra is a weekly drama anthology that will feature a Kapuso star every month to showcase his or her versatility for different roles in the four episodes each month. For the pilot month, Katrina was chosen to portray roles that she has not done before.

The StarStruck alumna recalled that she used to wish for this kind of program. "'Yon naman po ang narinig ninyo sa akin mga ilang buwan po 'yong nakalipas, at binigay naman po sa akin."

She also related to the media that she was challenged with the first two episodes that she already taped for Obra. "Pareho pong mahirap. Iba-iba po kasi 'yon, e. 'Yong dalawa po, hindi ko pa po nagagawa—yung comedy po at saka yung sexy. Pero feeling ko po, lahat po naman mahirap, lahat naman po nagbibigay ng challenge, e," said Katrina.

KATRINA HALILI ON OBRA (FOUR EPISODES)

2008-08-17T00:48:00.001-07:00

Overworked man, masaya si Katrina sa pagkakataong ibinigay sa kanya para sa apat na pilot episodes ng Obra.

"Apat na episode kasi ito, yung kay Direk Jun Lana, 'Misteryosa,' bale kambal ako doon. Yung isa, parang manang-manang ang tipo, yung isa naman ay parang sopistikadang manamit. Bale suspense-thriller ito.

"Iyong kay Direk Joel Lamangan naman, taong grasa-drama ito. Magdadrama po ako rito, medyo nahihirapan nga ako. Dinumihan talaga ako dito, as in taong grasa, maruming-marumi talaga at pati ngipin ko, nilagyan nila ng itim. At saka may scene ako rito na manganganak, e, ngarag na ako at walang boses, e.

"Yung isang episode naman na gagawin pa lang namin this week din, si Bibeth Orteza naman ang director. Comedy naman po ito at kasama namin doon sina Eugene Domingo, Eddie Garcia, at iba pa. Yung huling episode po, ang direktor ay si Direk Maryo J. delos Reyes, 'Bayaran' ang episode na ito, medyo bitchy-bitchy naman yung karakter ko rito," paglalarawan ni Katrina sa apat na episodes na gagawin niya sa Obra.

Wala siyang itulak-kabigin sa bawat episode, kaya't nasabi niyang lahat ay challenging at nag-enjoy siyang gawin.

"As in lahat po, e, kasi iba-iba... Iba-ibang istorya, iba-ibang karakter, may suspense, drama, sexy, at comedy. Like yung kambal ako, dalawang personality 'yon; matino ka, 'tapos biglang nagiging parang may sayad ka. Iba-iba ang mapapanood sa akin dito kaya enjoy ako," nakangiting saad ng StarStruck alumna.

Nagbida si Katrina sa pelikulang Gigil at sa magtatapos na drama series na Magdusa Ka, pero prior to this ay puto kontrabida ang roles niya. Ngayon kaya ay tuluy-tuloy na ito ng bago niyang status bilang full-fledged leading lady o bida?

"Sa ngayon, ang mga ibinibigay talaga sa aking project ay mga bida, e. Hindi ko naman po masasabi kung ano ang ibibigay sa akin ng GMA-7. Pero sa ngayon po talaga, hindi ako magkokontabida and nagpapasalamat ako sa pag-aalagang ibinibigay sa akin ng GMA," sani Katrina.

Katrina Halili challenged by director Joel Lamangan in "Obra"

2008-08-16T00:46:00.001-07:00

First time nakatrabaho ni Katrina Halili si Direk Joel Lamangan at aminado ang young sexy actress na kinabahan siya sa unang encounter niya sa batikang direktor. Isa si Direk Joel sa apat na director na humawak kay Katrina sa bagong drama anthology ng GMA-7 na Obra, kung saan ang young sexy actress ang unang featured star.

"First time po akong naidirehe ni Direk Joel, e. Opo, kinabahan ako kay Direk. Natatakot ako, hindi ko alam kung nagagawa ko ang gusto ni Direk. Pero kapag hindi gusto ni Direk, sinasabihan niya ako na, 'Hindi ko naramdaman, ganyan-ganyan...' Inuulit lang po. And sa totoo lang po, napi-feel bad na ako lately sa acting ko. Parang hindi naman ako ganito dati, ewan ko ba," saad ni Katrina sa PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) sa presscon ng Obra noong Huwebes, August 7, sa Mandarin Oriental Hotel sa Gateway Mall, Cubao, Quezon City.

Pero idinagdag ni Katrina na mas nakaramdam siya na ma-challenge sa Obra kesa kabahan dahil sa pagiging premyado ng kanyang direktor sa naturang episode.

"Opo, natsa-challenge ako dahil Direk Joel 'yan, e. Pero hindi ko maintindihan, medyo nahihirapan ako ngayon mag-ano, e, siguro dahil sa pagod. Kasi halos every day ay puyat. Lalo na sa Magdusa Ka, hanggang umaga ay iyak ako nang iyak doon, 'tapos puyat pa.

"Lalo na noong nakaraan, nag-Magdusa ako ng six to eleven a.m, 'tapos dumiretso ako ng Obra na hanggang eleven a.m. din 'yon [kinabukasan], kaya lagpas isang buong araw ay nagtatrabaho ako bale," wika ni Katrina.

Epekto nga ng sobrang trabaho na halos wala nang pahinga kaya parang ngarag na ngarag lagi ang young actress. Puwede ngang tawaging "ang babaeng walang pahinga" si Katrina dahil sa dami ng kanyang projects. Kabilang dito ang kanyang coffee table book, tatlong pelikulang nakatakda niyang simulan—Miss X at One Night Only ng OctoArts Films at Sundo ng GMA Films with Robin Padilla. Plus, nariyan pa ang Gagambino with Dennis Trillo at ang Obra na magsisimula ng mapanood sa August 14, Thursday.

Joross Gamboa confirms "friendly date" with Katrina Halili

2008-08-15T00:21:00.001-07:00

Kinuha rin ng PEP ang reaksiyon ni Joross sa naibalita rito sa PEP na pag-amin ni Katrina Halili na pagdi-date nila ng young actor. Pero ayon kay Joross, "friendly date" lang naman daw yun.

"Ano lang yun, bale sa Butuan City kami nagkaroon ng chance na magkakuwentuhan, konting bonding, kasi nag-guest kami ro'n through Direk Maryo J. de los Reyes's invitation. After that, nagkaka-textan na. E, noong nasa Butuan pa lang, pareho pala naming gustong mapanood yung movie na Wanted. Kaso lang, hindi rin namin napanood kasi wala nang time, so nag-dinner na lang kami, kuwentuhan," kuwento ni Joross.

May plano ba siyang ligawan ang two-time FHM's Sexiest Woman?

"Friends lang talaga kami," giit ni Joross. "Nasa point na ine-enjoy lang namin pareho yung company ng isa't isa. Kapag libre ako at libre rin siya at may time na lumabas, e, di sige. Yung tungkol sa tanong n'yo na ligawan, wala pa yun, hindi pa namin yun naiisip. Parang maaga pa naman masyado. At saka sa part ko naman, matagal na rin naman akong walang dine-date."

Sa mga hindi nakakaalam, bago pa man mag-artista si Joross at si Katrina ay nag-o-audition pa lang for StarStruck, nagkakilala na silang dalawa. It was the time na kasama raw ni Joross ang mga barkada niya sa Eastwood at isa sa barkada niya ay kilala ang dating manager niya na si Jun Reyes.

Ito rin ang pagkakataon na inalok ni Jun, who happened to be with Katrina that time, kung type ba ni Joross na mag-artista. Pero dahil magkaiba nga sila ng network—Joross is from ABS-CBN while Katrina is with GMA-7—usually kapag may events or awards night na lang daw sila nagkakaroon ng chance na magkita.

Ano naman ang masasabi ni Joross kay Katrina?

"Si Katrina, okey, mabait, at saka sweet din siya. Akala ko kasi noong una, sabi ko nga sa kanya, para kakong masungit siya. Pero hindi naman pala; tahimik at saka mabait. Para siyang Barbie!" natatawa pang paglalarawan niya sa bida ng Magdusa Ka.

As early as now, may nagsasabi na baka nagkakaroon lang daw ng gamitan sa pagitan nina Joross at Katrina. Dahil isa sa hottest stars ngayon si Katrina, may nagpaparatang na baka ginagamit lang daw siya ni Joross.

"Basta kami totoo," sabi naman ni Joross. "Isipin na lang nila kung ano ang gusto nilang isipin. Kung yung iba siguro ginagawa yun, pero ako or kami, hindi namin ugali ang manggamit, lalo na ang gumimik."

Nilinaw rin ni Joross na wala sa bokabularyo niya ang mamangka sa dalawang ilog dahil prior to Katrina, nali-link din naman siya sa isa pang Kapuso star na si Glaiza de Castro. Ayon sa binata, nagte-text pa rin naman daw sila ni Glaiza hanggang ngayon.

"Friends lang naman kami ni Katrina. Friends din kami ni Glaiza. Wala naman akong girlfriend at wala rin naman akong nililigawan talaga. So, sabi ko nga, ine-enjoy lang namin ang company ng isa't isa.

"Yung sa amin ni Katrina, parang sa amin ni Angelica Panganiban, may time din naman na lumalabas kaming dalawa lang. With Glaiza kasi, never pa talagang nagkaroon ng chance na makalabas kaming dalawa. Nagkakataon kasi na busy siya 'tapos ako rin naman, naging sobrang busy. Pero wala namang problema, puro text-text pa rin," pahayag ni Joross.

Katrina Halili the cover girl of FHM Philippines for its February 2008 issue

2008-08-12T18:46:00.001-07:00

http://www.asianbite.com/PhilippinesImages/Katrina-Halili-on-FHM-Cover-1.jpg

Just recently, her home studio entrusted her a lead part via the remake of the drama classic "Magdusa Ka." And Katrina surprisingly turns in a sympathetic performance of the oppressed heroine. Though initially associated with contravida parts, the voluptuous star proves to be credible in her new role, something that can speak of her wide acting range.

With her considerable acting ability and a body to die for, it was no surprise why she was picked to topbill "Gigil" and play meaty roles in the hit potboilers "Super Noypi" and "Shake, Rattle & Roll 9." Definitely, her being a perennial contender for the top shot as the country's sexiest female celebrity in a leading men's magazine for the past three years, further enhances her stellar stature.

To attest to her growing star power, movie production titan OctoArts Films recently signed her up for a multiple movie contract deal. Her first project for the said Orly Ilacad outfit is titled "One Night Only." Written and directed by acclaimed director Jose Javier Reyes, this romantic comedy is an official entry to the forthcoming Metro Manila Film Festival in December. Aside from this, Katrina is also set to do the remake of the Vilma Santos award-winning movie classic, "Miss X" to be filmed in Amsterdam and to be directed by Gil Portes.

With all the positive developments, Katrina's career is really on a roll and there's no stopping her from accomplishing more.

Katrina Halili, to star in new drama anthology entitled “Obra”

2008-08-11T18:43:00.001-07:00

Tila maghihintay pa nang matagal ang fans ni Katrina Halili na muli siyang makitang nang-aapi ng mga bida dahil nag-eenjoy raw ang aktres sa pagiging leading lady.

Si Katrina ang unang Kapuso stars na napili na itampok sa bagong drama anthology ng GMA Network na "Obra." Dito ay mga kilala at batikang direktor ang makakasama ng mga Kapuso stars tulad nina Direk Joel Lamangan, Mario J Delos Reyes, Jun Lana at Bibeth Orteza.

Sa ulat ng Chika Minute portion ng 24 Oras nitong Biyernes, sinabi ni Katrina na lead star ng "Magdusa Ka," na sa ngayon ay nag-eenjoy siya sa pagiging bida.

"Sa ngayon kasi 'pag hindi ako mag-stop ng kakatanggap ng kontrabida puro ganun yun ibibigay sa akin. E gusto ko ma-challenge naman…gusto ko ng acting…gusto ko ng drama…gusto ko ng iba-iba. Ayoko ko na lagi namang maldita," sambit ng aktres.

Labis din ang pasasalamat ni Katrina sa GMA Network dahil siya ang napiling unang lumabas sa bagong project na "Obra."

"Panibagong challenge for me at saka maraming salamat sa GMA 7 na ako yun pinagkatiwalaan nila na mag-pilot ng 'Obra," pahayag niya.

Sa ganda ng takbo ng career ni Katrina ngayon, mayroon pa raw siyang isang request at ito ay ang makasama sa proyekto si Robin Padilla.

"Siyempre Robin Padilla po yun… so ibang level naman," ayon kay Katrina. "Parang halos lahat ng lalaki sa GMA 7 nakatrabaho ko na so gusto ko naman i-try si Mr Robin Padilla."

Super Noypi - Movie

2008-08-11T12:36:00.001-07:00

Six normal childhood friends bound together by friendship find themselves faced with a shocking revelation -- their parents are the legendary SUPER NOYPI, the most popular superheroes in the land! But now they are in danger taken hostage by the wicked super-villain Diego (Monsour del Rosario).

One by one, the six friends discover their super powers: moving objects using the mind, becoming invisible at will, having superhuman strength and speed, transforming into any shape imaginable, casting spells and controlling fire and ice.

With the help of a strong and spirited stranger from the future named Lia (Jennylyn Mercado) who claims that the world as we know it will cease to exist if they don't stop Diego now, Lorenzo (Mark Herras), Annys (Katrina Halili), Ynigo (John Prats), Euen (Polo Ravales), Michie (Sandara Park) and Tonton (Andrew Muhlach) stick together, taking a stand against evil in order to save the world and the people they love the most.

John Prats,
Sandara Park,
Katrina Halili,
Polo Ravales,
Jennylyn Mercado,
Mark Herras,
Andrew Muhlach

Katrina Halili will shoot Miss X in Amsterdam

2008-08-10T18:08:00.001-07:00

A member of the maiden batch of StarStruck, Katrina Halili was just No. 8 in GMA-7's talent search. Since then, Katrina has shown that she has that X-factor that sets her apart from her other batch mates such as Nadine Samonte, Yasmien Kurdi, and Jennylyn Mercado.

According to the Chinese, the number 8 is considered a lucky number because its fluid, infinity shape is believed to bring fortune and prosperity. Katrina even told the press during her July 22 presscon, "Di po ba, 'yung No. 8 suwerte po 'yon? Siguro, suwerte lang po talaga ako."

Last Tuesday, Katrina was formally welcomed to the Octoarts family by the company's president Orly Ilacad. During the event, the top honcho of the film outfit hailed Katrina as the Miss X of this generation.

Twenty-eight years after the movie premiered in the country, Miss X will be seen again on the big screen with Katrina reprising the role of Ms. Vilma Santos.

"Marami nang attempts in the past to do Miss X," reveals Gil Portes, the director of the original movie who will also helm the remake. "A lot of people were considered pero hindi matuloy-tuloy. Then Orly Ilacad recommended her to me and I said I'll consider her. This modern Miss X will tackle the prostitution of Asian women in Amsterdam."

In the original version, Vilma became a prostitute in Amsterdam when she was victimized by an illegal recruiter. In the 2008 remake being written by former FHM editor-in-chief Erik Ramos, Katrina is one of the hookers working for the porn website called Miss X: Oriental Porno Princess in Amsterdam.

Miss X will be shot in Amsterdam probably late October or early November. It is expected to be released in February 2009.

When asked if Katrina's version will be more daring to Vilma's portrayal of the role, Direk Gil said, "Hindi namin masabi. Pero we hope to surpass Vilma Santos's Miss X, kelangan naman kasi mapipintasan ninyo kung hindi maganda ang pagkakagawa ng pelikula. Yung Miss X ni Vilma Santos was also the story of two people in Amsterdam. But this time, si Miss X talaga ang sentro ng pelikula, sa kanya talaga iikot ang kwento. We hope to equal or to surpass the other Miss X."

Another film that is included in Katrina's two-year-five-picture contract is the 2008 Metro Manila Film Festival entry One Night Only. According to film director Joey Reyes, who will helm this film, Katrina will play the mistress of a congressman. The movie will focus on the 12 hours spent by the characters inside a motel from 4 p.m. to 4 a.m.

"It's about different characters converging inside a motel. It's a movie using a sex story as an angle," explains Direk Joey.

One Night Only is one of the eight films competing in this year's MMFF.

Dennis Trillo, Katrina Halili getting closer?

2008-08-10T11:45:00.001-07:00

Nahuli sa camera ng GMA News ang pagiging sweet ng "Magdusa Ka" stars na sina Dennis Trillo at Katrina Halili. Patunay kaya ito na nahuhulog na ang loob nila sa isa't-isa? Sa Chika Minute portion ng GMA News' 24 Oras nitong Biyernes, ipinakita ang pagpahid ni Dennis ng tissue sa mga labi ni Katrina. "Mahaba na rin ang pinagsamahan namin mula "Darna" pa lang and "Majika." Kaya natural na naging kumportable na kami sa isa't- isa," ayon sa gwapong aktor. "Natural lang naman po yun kasi lagi kaming magkasama sa shoot…sweet naman siya as leading man," paliwanag naman ni Katrina. Kalat na rin umano ang kwento na kahit tapos na ang mga eksena ni Dennis sa "Magdusa Ka" ay nanatili pa rin ang aktor sa set at matiyagang hinihintay si Katrina kahit malalim na ang gabi. Totoo rin ba may nakakakita rin sa dalawa na magka-holding hands kahit off-cam? "Pagiging gentleman… wala naman problema ron di ba," paglilinaw ni Dennis. Sa ngayon, wala naman daw love life si Katrina pero masaya siya dahil alam nyang may mga taong nagpapahalaga sa kanya. "Masaya na po ako na may mga nag-e-effort. May mga nagpapasaya sa akin," ayon sa seksing aktres. Ano naman kaya ang masasabi ni Dennis tungkol sa mga intriga sa kanila ni Rufa Mae Quinto na co-star nya sa movie na I.T.A.L.Y.. "Sana 'wag na natin masyadong ungkatin 'yan dahil may boyfriend na yun tao. Mas maganda siguro kung hayaan na lang natin siya," pakiusap ni Dennis. - Fidel Jimenez, GMANews.TV

Katrina Halili Fans Day

2008-08-09T10:42:00.001-07:00

Katrina Halili!(Sexy BacK)

2008-08-08T10:32:00.001-07:00

Katrina Loves...

2008-08-07T10:31:00.001-07:00

Being sexy doesn't necessarily mean that you have men lining-up and professing their undying love for you. Katrina can truly attest to this. Still single at 21, she also admits that she's never been courted even before she became a famous celebrity. "Hindi pa ko showbiz zero na ko sa love life eh, saka gusto ko naman maligawan." All her past relationships, evolved from being friends with the guy.

Regarding her involvement with Mark Herras, they've been good friends since Starstruck. "Hindi dumating sa point na nananliligaw siya," in addition to that they seldom talk due to their tight schedules. So squash those rumors right there!

Katrina the Sexy Princess

2008-08-06T10:30:00.001-07:00

Voted FHM's #1 sexiest woman in the Philippines last 2006. Katrina never imagined that she'd make the list or beat Angel Locsin for the top position. "Na shock talaga ako na nanalo ako, kasi si Angel Locsin yung kalaban ko eh".

Knowing that Angel has always been a protagonist in numerous shows, Ket knew that she would most likely win the poll. "Kahit sabihin mo na sexy ang tingin ng tao sa iyo. Iba pa rin yung fans ng Bida eh", she humbly said. She's thankful that even if she plays kontrabida characters, she still has a lot of supporters.

We asked her about her thoughts regarding young stars like her, doing sexy spreads in magazines and on billboards. "Happy naman ako para sa kanila, Wala naman masama kung mag pose kaming mga wholesome stars, depende yan kasi sa tao kung gusto nilang mag pa bastos, wala naman akong nakikita na bastos sa ginawa ko."

Katrina doesn't go through special diets or spend time in the gym. She keeps her sexy figure by eating sandwiches and is not used to eating a lot. She also doesn't eat rice at all, "Ulam lang."

She even brings her own toaster to the set to keep herself from being tempted to indulge in unhealthy snack food. "May oven toaster ako dito (pointing to the toaster beside her), wheat bread and cream cheese. Dalawa (sandwich) lang yung kina-kain ko buong araw."

Katrina the Actress

2008-08-05T10:29:00.001-07:00

She never dreamt of being an actress even before she entered Starstruck. "Hindi ko talaga hilig to, mahiyain kasi ako. Walang naniniwala sakin kasi madaldal ako, pero mahiyain talaga ako". She never goes to auditions, projects are given to her, she's always been thankful for all this blessings she's been receiving. "Na-paka laki ng pa-sasalamat ko sa GMA, kasi di nila ako pinabayaan. From the start, right after Strarstruck di ako nawalan ng show, as in sunod sunod siya."

Katrina also avows that, her shows are her training ground. She thinks of them as workshops, keeping in mind all the things she's learned from her directors down to her co-stars. Every actor starts at ground zero, Kat is no exception, during her first shows she didn't know how to act and had difficulty looking through the right camera. "Nung una hindi talaga ako marunong tumingin ng camera ko. Ngayon medjo natututo nako."

Although she plays mostly antagonist roles, she finds it fun because she gets to work with the top leading men of GMA network.

Katrina Halili: The hot girl next door

2008-08-04T10:21:00.001-07:00

Katrina Halili is far more than the image she projects on TV and on magazine covers. She reveals that she's a boring person. "Kahit bigyan mo pa ko ng trip to America, kukunin ko na lang 'yung pera at mag stay na lang ako sa hotel."

One of the hottest ladies in the business doesn't like to go out at night and prefers to stay home, go on-line and chat with her fans. This also serves as a stress-reliever from her hectic and very tiring schedule. "Mag-iinternet muna ako para sa mga fans ko, to say thank you at para mag promote."

Unlike most celebrities, she doesn't like shopping. She says she is more of the grocery lover than a clothes buyer. In fact Katrina only shops for stuff that she needs. She wears anything as long as she's comfortable in it. She likes to wear long skirts, polo shirts and skinny jeans. "Sobrang thankful ako na lumabas siya, yun yung talagang fit sa akin, hindi bagay sa akin yung mga flared."

The former star of hit shows Darna, Majika and Atlantika is often seen on set, dozing off to dreamland. "Natutulog ako pag kailangan, minsan 30 minutes. Pero minsan matagal may time na nakatulog ako ng 8 or 9 hours".

A Hotter Katrina Halili Heats Up FHM

2008-08-03T10:09:00.001-07:00

Katrina Halili once again graces the pages of FHM as she talks about her career, superstardom, and the concept of living a quiet life once her star fades.

However, it is quite difficult to take out the two-time FHM's sexiest spotlight just yet.

Why? You might ask. It's not necessarily about the curvaceous body, the mouth-watering lips, and the mesmerizing eyes.

So what makes Katrina click with the crowd?

When asked about her feelings now that she's superstar material, she replies, "I am not popular…I've always been thankful with what I have, I am just enjoying it."

If you haven't guessed it yet, it's her personality. Yes, the El Nido native remains grounded amidst success and reacts to it the same way she reacts to the countless of other projects given to her through her four years in the business—by feeling blessed.

Blessings which can sometimes take up the most out of schedules, but the busy Katrina still takes time to make someone's day by getting up close and personal to a couple of lucky fans, chatting, giving out autographs and the likes.

Just recently, Katrina visited Home of the Golden Gays—a place for aged gay people—for a post-birthday celebration.

Not exactly the ideal type of men to "admire" Katrina, but the point is, people admire her not because of her popularity but because of her unique approach in appreciating people regardless of gender or age.

The characters she portrays in different TV shows show how broad her fan base can get, ranging from a super-villain in Darna to a scheming Angelika in Marimar.

Truly, Katrina has gone a long way on the road to success not only by being FHM's sexiest, but also by her simple belief of just making people happy. - Philippine Entertainment Portal

KATRINA Halili says she is hurt

2008-08-02T09:42:00.001-07:00

KATRINA Halili says she is hurt when people quickly judge her ability to play a lead role now that she's topbilling the remake of "Magdusa Ka" opposite Dennis Trillo that will replace "Maging Akin Ka Lamang" on GMA-7's Dramarama sa Hapon.

"I wish panoorin muna nila ang show before they say anything," she says. "I will show na hindi lang ako pang-kontrabida kundi kaya ko ring magbida. Don't they want me to grow as an actress? I'm sure sawa na rin silang laging nang-aapi ako ng bida kaya give me a chance naman na ako naman ang apihin ngayon."

Katrina is no longer with GMA Artist Center after her contract with them expired last February. She is now handled by Director Rommel Gacho of Starstruck who she considers her father in showbiz. "I'll now be directly under GMA Network with Tatay Rommel guiding me personally at siyang personal na kakausapin nila."

What can she say about her Starstruck batchmate Cristine Reyes' decision to leave GMA for ABS? "Well, I respect her decision. Good luck to her. Ang importante naman, kunsaan ka masaya, di dun ka. E, ako, happy po ako with GMA, so dito pa rin ako sa Kapuso at wala akong planong lumipat at all."

How did she feel when Iwa Moto declared she fits villain roles more? "Parang kapatid ko si Iwa at Ate nga ang tawag sa akin niyan, so I don't feel she means anything bad when she said that. She plays the kontrabida nga to me in 'Magdusa Ka', so she'll be in a good position para makita kung kaya ko na ngang magbida o hindi. Kundi ko kaya, di siya na ang magbida. Chos! Joke lang!"

Does she think Iwa can do lead roles? "Why not? Siguro naman, bagay din sa kanya. Let's give her a chance. Just like me, yung mga nanghuhusga agad sa'kin, give me a chance naman muna."

Dina Bonnevie won several best actress awards for the lead role in "Magdusa Ka". Does she think she can duplicate Dina's portrayal? "I saw the movie on DVD and she's really good. Pero ayoko namang basta kopyahin ang acting niya. All I can say is that I will do my best at sana, huwag na lang kaming pagkumparahin kasi iba siya at iba rin naman ako. Basta, kakayanin ko kahit ibang talent ang ipapakita ko kasi dati, ako ang laging nagmamaldita, di ba? Pero ngayon, ako ang aapihin ni Iwa na siyang maldita rito. Alam ko, makakaya ko 'yung gawin, with flying colors."

Sexy Katrina Halili

2008-08-01T09:04:00.001-07:00

KATRINA HALILI - Get Mine, Get Yours

2008-07-31T09:02:00.001-07:00

KATRINA HALILI PLAYMATES COLLECTION

2008-07-31T08:13:00.001-07:00

Sexy Katrina Halili Intimidates Men?

2008-07-30T08:11:00.001-07:00

Voted as the sexiest among all FHM Magazine centerfolds, actress Katrina Halili said she has no special someone at the moment and pretty surprise that nobody is courting her. Could her beauty and fame veer away potential boyfriend?

Image"I don't have a boyfriend and I don't know why I'm not courted by men. That's something I don't understand. My 'yaya's' luckier than me because she's being courted," laughed Katrina.

Though loveless, she cant' complain where her showbiz career is going. Aside from regular appearance in a drama-action TV series, "Lupin", Katrina is thankful to be chosen as an endorser of popular clothing store, Hang Ten.

katrina halili sex scandal

2008-07-29T07:57:00.001-07:00

Flo Rida ft. Katrina Halili

2008-07-28T07:48:00.001-07:00

KATRINA HALILI INTIMATE FASHION SHOW

2008-07-27T07:33:00.001-07:00

LUMAPIT KA: The Katrina Halili Slideshow

2008-07-26T07:31:00.001-07:00

Katrina Halili vs. Angel Locsin - Beautiful Liar

2008-07-25T07:28:00.001-07:00

Gigil

2008-07-24T07:27:00.001-07:00

Mark Herras and Katrina Halili: Ikaw lang ang aking Mahal

2008-07-23T07:24:00.001-07:00

Katrina Halili 2007's Finest Pinay

2008-07-22T07:08:00.001-07:00

Katrina Halili happy for Marian's title as "FHM's Sexiest Woman"

2008-07-21T07:06:00.001-07:00

Two-time Sexiest Woman Katrina Halili doesn't mind placing second place to fellow Kapuso star Marian Rivera in the recently concluded FHM's 100 Sexiest Women 2008 vote tally. In an interview with StarTalk yesterday, June 28, Katrina said that she is very happy for Marian's victory as well for herself for getting the number two spot.

"Not bad naman, number two naman," Katrina proudly said. "Happy talaga ako kahit ano man ang resulta. Sabi ko nga, di ba, na hindi ako nakikipag-compete kahit kanino. And number two, hindi naman masama yun, di ba? Kahit ano pang number yun, okay lang sa akin. Importante na masaya ako at may sumuporta sa akin, di ba, na pinagtiyagaan nila ako i-vote?

Katrina, who is very much thankful to her supporters, added, "Siyempre gusto ko din magpasalamat sa mga taong sumuporta sa amin na todo ang suporta sa amin sa FHM, at sa amin ni Marian."

IT'S MARIAN'S TIME. Katrina does not really mind if there is competition or not between her and Marian in terms of who is the sexiest. For her, she is only happy at what she has become now. In addition, Katrina also added a pointed out a message to everyone who still isn't convinced that there is a new number one sexy Pinay.

"E, time kasi ni Marina ngayon, di ba? So, hayaan na natin," Katrina said.

Then she added, "At hindi naman talaga kami naglalaban-laban dito. Vinote lang kami ng tao dito at hindi talaga ito totoong laban. Wala po kaming paligsahan dito. Yung tao po yung nag-vote sa amin para mapunta sa puwesto namin kung saan man kami. Kung si Marian, e, happy naman kami."

Touch Katrina Halili not

2008-07-20T06:31:00.001-07:00

Katrina Halili is always the second best at anything she does in show business. When she tried her luck in StarStruck, the best she could have was to be an avenger. Although she received favorable reviews for playing Angel Locsin's archenemy in two tele-fantasya shows, Darna and Majika, she was still cast in a supporting role after that, with Richard Guttierez in Lupin. Even her bid to snatch the lead role in the upcoming local version of Marimar, the Mexican telenovela starred in by the popular Thalia, was snuffed out when GMA-7 give Thalia's role to the lesser known Marian Rivera.

Katrina though is a champion when it comes to popularity surveys. For two years in a row, she has topped the "100 Sexiest" list of the local edition of FHM, as the sexiest woman in the land. She is the first StarStruck contestant to top the list; even Locsin was merely a second best. While she may give the impression that she's a non-conformist, this vixen is actually a patriot. Believe it or not, her favorite book is Noli Me Tangere, and her favorite author? Jose Rizal. —

Katrina: Ayokong mababoy ako

2008-07-18T20:45:00.001-07:00

KATRINA HALILI is one of the stars feted by GMA Artist Center for turned 20 last January 4. We ask her what's the reaction she got for her sexy pictorial at FHM? "My relatives were surprised. First time nila ko nakitang ganoon.

But eventually, they were able to appreciate it kasi sexy nga but not bastos. Sa public, very positive ang feedback."

Many writers are saying if she'd agree to do a sexy film, it'd be a hit. Will she agree to be launched in a bold flick? "I'm flattered na they believe in me, but first, I have to be sure about the kind of movie they'd offer to me before I even consider doing it. Like sa FHM, I rejected their first layout kasi hindi ko kaya, so they came up with something na mas nagustuhan ko. I'd only go sexy if the story is really good at hindi ako mabababoy."

Who'd she to direct her and who'd she prefer to be her leading men with whom she can do love scenes? "Sa director, I'd like Eric Quizon na dinirek ako sa 'Darna' or Rico Gutierrez who megged me in 'Love to Love'. May tiwala ako sa kanila. Sa leading men, I want someone na comfortable ako, like Dion Ignacio with whom I'm paired now sa 'Love to Love', or Mark Herras and Rainier Castillo na friends ko talaga. Sa dati nang artista, I prefer Kuya Dingdong Dantes na host namin sa Starstruck."

Aside from "Love to Love," she's also a regular now in "Ganda ng Lola Ko" as Camille Prats' best friend. She was told she might also be in the cast of "Darna II".

We ask her StarStruck colleagues what they can say about Katrina's going sexy? "When I saw her sa FHM, I said 'wow'," says Yasmien Kurdi. "Ang batch lang namin ang may Katrina Halili. 'Yung iba, wala."

"She's okay kasi may K siya," says Sheena Halili. "Kung may K akong gaya niya, I'll also do it."

"Ako, I'm very proud of her," says Jennylyn

Mercado. "When I saw her pictures, I want to ask 'yung ibang batch: 'O kaya n'yo ba 'yan?'" They seem to be closer to one another than other StarStruck batches. "Kasi kami ang first and when we were doing the show, hindi pa namin alam talaga kung anong klaseng contest yon kaya we're all friendly, walang kumpetisyon," says Yasmien. "Unlike the other batches na alam na nila what will happen kaya, ayan, may controversies pa sila."

Katrina Halili, makalaglag-brief ang kaseksihan!

2008-07-17T20:12:00.001-07:00

Katrina Halili revealed the samples of the lingerie, swimsuits, evening wear at iba pang pambabaeng kasuotan na bahagi ng kanyang business na Playmates sa pamamagitan ng photo exhibit last Saturday sa Ten 02 Bar sa Quezon City.

Katrina Halili originally planned to just hire some models to pose using her collection of intimate lingerie and swimwear line Playmates, but she later on decided to model the designs herself.

Makalaglag-briefs nga ang super-seksing poses ni Katrina sa mga blow up pictures na kinunan sa iba't ibang hotels at beach, huh! Ibinebenta niya ito at puwede ring makakuha ng MMS nito through text.

Ang photographer na si Mark Nicdao ang nag-pictorial kay Katrina at ang ibang shots ay kuha ni Niccolo Cosme. Sa The Tides, Boracay at sa poolside ng Sofitel Hotel ang location ng senswal na photo shoot ng young actress.

Fresh na fresh ngang Katrina ang humarap sa TV camera at entertainment press na pumunta sa exhibit niyang 'yon. Natupad na rin ang pangarap niyang photo exhibit.

Also, Katrina Halili is finally playing the lead role in the upcoming GMA 7 Sinenovela Magdusa Ka after portraying contravida roles for four years on Philippine tv..to the consternation of Iwa Moto who said that " hindi bagay maging bida si Katrina Halili"..period walang comma…

Katrina type tikman si Gerald Anderson

2008-07-16T19:43:00.001-07:00

How true itong nabalitaan naming type raw ni Katrina Halili si Gerald Anderson?Nagkasama raw sa Puerto Prinsesa Palawan nu'ng October 26 sina Katrina, Gerald, Mark Herras at Kim Chiu at naghandog ang dalawang pares ng kani-kanyang song numbers para sa mga taga-roon.

Ayon pa sa nagtsika sa amin, nu'ng nasa stage raw si Katrina, agad daw niyang tinawag si Gerald para maging partner sa isang song number kaya laking gulat daw ng audience na hindi si Mark ang tinawag ng seksing aktres!

Type pala ni Katrina si Gerald? O baka type lang niyang inisin si Kim that day kaya nakipag-sing along ang seksi star sa love ni Kim. Hindi kaya?

Ano naman ang say ni Mark Herras dito? Hindi naman ba nainsulto ang pagkalalaki ni Mark sa ginawang ito ni Katrina?

Well, knowing Mark, cool dude ang gwapong ito, naiintindihan niyang it's part of the game, ika nga.

Kaugnay pa rin ng insidenteng ito, ibinalita rin sa amin ng aming source na napahiya raw si Kim habang kumakanta. Ano ba ito? Nagloko umano kasi ang CD na ginamit ni Kim at hayun, nabuking na nagli-lip synch lang ang dalaga.

In fairness kay Gerald, nagmistulang hero siya ni Kim dahil agad niyang sinamahan ang dalaga habang umiyak daw ito on stage. May ganoong eksena talaga?

Well, it happens lalo pa 'pag sa mga live shows na ganyan, di ba? Inevitable ang mga ganyang bagay, next time ingat na lang.

Katrina Halili: "Ayoko nang magtiwala sa mga lalake!"

2008-07-15T19:40:00.001-07:00

"Ayoko munang mag-boyfriend!" Ito ang mariing sinabi ni Katrina Halili nang usisain ng PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) tungkol sa kanyang lovelife sa taping ng GMA-7 gag show na HP: To The Highest Level Na! last April 24.

Nang tanungin ng PEP kung ano ang dahilan kung bakit, tumangging mag-elaborate pa ng sexy young actress. Tila mayroong sad experience si Katrina sa nagdaang relasyon niya kaya takot na siyang muling magmahal. Ang huling boyfriend ni Katrina ay si Bullet Jalosjos.

Ayon kay Katrina, "Ayoko nang magtiwala sa mga lalake! Mahirap, e. Bukod sa nawawala ang focus ko sa trabaho kapag in-love ako, karamihan pa ng fans ko ay nagseselos. Siyempre, karamihan sa kanila ay lalake kaya mas gusto nilang wala kong bf."

Sabi pa niya, "Okey lang kahit tawagin akong manhater. Mas masarap magtrabaho kaysa mag-boyfriend."

Ang una at huling nakarelasyon ni Katrina na taga-showbiz ay si Andrew Schwimmer, na dating alaga ng talent manager na si Douglas Quijano.

Bagama't inili-link sa kanya si Mark Herras, ayon kay Katrina, "Hindi ko naman naging boyfriend si Mark. Kaibigan ko lang `yon. Hindi ko nga alam kung bakit walang nanliligaw sa akin, e. Pero mas mabuti na yung ganun para mas tahimik ang buhay ko."

Sinabi pa ni Katrina na mas enjoy siya sa paglalaro ng kanyang mga collection ng Barbie dolls kaysa pag-ukulan ng pansin ang mga lalake.

"May collection ako ng Barbie dolls, at pag-uwi ko ng bahay ay nilalaro ko `yon. Para nga akong bata na ngayon lang nagkaroon ng Barbie, e. Bumili pa talaga ako ng Barbie table at umuupo ako dun," natatawang wika niya.

"Minsan pag umuuwi ako sa bahay, matingnan ko lang ang Barbie collection ko ay masaya na ako. Wala pang Ken [boyfriend ni Barbie] ang mga Barbie ko. So malalaman nyo kapag na-in love na uli ako kapag nagkaroon na ng Ken ang mga Barbie ko!" biro pa niya.

Sa kasalukuyan, nakatuon sa kanyang career si Katrina.

"Kailangan kong kumayod nang kumayod. Wala nga akong sariling condo, nagre-rent pa lang ako. Yung kotse ko, hinuhulugan ko pa rin `yon, e. Siguro kapag dalawa na ang regular shows ko, makakaipon na ako. So work and work muna ako at wala muna sa bokabularyo ko ang boys,"
pagwawakas ng sexy young actress.

Katrina gustong balikan ng ex-bf

2008-07-14T19:30:00.001-07:00

MADALAS pa rin palang nagkakausap ngayon sina Andrew Schimmers at Katrina Halili kahit inamin na nilang break na sila.

Nang nakausap namin si Andrew, nasabi niyang close friend pa rin silang dalawa ni Katrina. Kung hindi naman sila nagkikitang madalas, nag-te-texting daw sila at nagtatawagan.

"Sa ngayon, hindi ko pa masasabing magkakabalikan na kami ni Katrina. Wala sa isip namin ang muling magkaroon ng relasyon. Masaya na kaming magkaibigan sa ngayon. Kung magkakabalikan kami, hindi pa siguro panahon. Pareho kaming busy sa aming career."

Nabanggit ni Andrew na super busy si Katrina sa soap nitong Lupin. Almost four times a week daw ang ta-ping nito.

Acting crazy stops Katrina Halili from falling in love

2008-07-13T19:25:00.001-07:00

Dalawang sunod na taon nang nakokopo ng sexy young star na si Katrina Halili ang titulo bilang Philippine's Sexiest Woman ng magasing FHM. This year, matunog na naman ang pangalan niya para sa titulong ito.

Sa panayam ng PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) sa bituin ng Magdusa Ka, na mapapanood na bukas, May 12, inusisa namin kung ano ang tsansa niyang masungkit muli ang naturang karangalan.

"Hindi ko po alam, e. Pero kung mangyayari iyon, magiging masayang-masaya ako. Pero depende na lang po iyan sa mga tao kung iboboto nila ako ulit," saad ni Katrina.

Sa tingin ba niya ay mas matindi ang competition ngayon? Mayroon ba siyang nakikitang posibleng bagong katapat, like si Anne Curtis, dahil sa ipinakitang kaseksihan nito sa latest movie niya with Aga Muhlach?

"Ako po kasi, kahit saan o kahit ano'ng ginagawa ko, hindi ko iniisip na nakikipag-compete ako sa iba. Basta ako, ini-enjoy ko lang ang trabaho ko at kung anuman ang ginagawa ko," seryosong pahayag niya.

FAVORITE ACTRESS. "Super gusto ko si Anne Curtis, hindi ako nakikipag-compete sa kanya. Super favorite ko talaga si Anne, siya yung pinaka-favorite na artista ko sa ngayon, e. Pero like I've said, hindi ko po iniisip 'yang mga katapat na iyan e," dagdag pa ni Katrina.

Super gusto? Super favorite? Baka may ibang isipin ang kung sinu-sino diyan, like baka natotomboy na si Katrina kay Anne?

"Ha-ha-ha-ha! Hindi naman!" Humalakhak si Kat. "Hindi naman dumarating sa point na natotomboy ako kay Anne, pero siya talaga ang pinakagusto kong artista ngayon. Kasi, maganda siya, 'tapos, every time na lumalabas siya sa TV, hindi niya pinapabayaan ang sarili niya. I mean, alam mo yun? Marunong magdamit, magaling magdala, magaling magsalita, magaling umarte."

Friends ba sila ni Anne?

"Hindi, e. Hindi ko pa siya nami-meet," matipid na sagot ni Kat.

So it's obvious na kung naging lalaki si Katrina at hinilingan ng top three local sexiest female stars, siguradong nasa number one spot si Anne. Sino naman kaya ang dalawa pang sexiest niya?

"Sabi ko nga, pinaka-favorite ko si Anne, 'tapos si Anne lang kasi ang gusto ko, e. Yung dalawa pa, sina Marian [Rivera] at si Cristine [Reyes]. At saka para sa akin, ang sexy, hindi lang sa katawan, e. Pati sa pagdadala mo, pagdadala ng sarili mo. The way na magsalita ka, maglakad ka, manamit ka. Okey sa akin si Anne."

NO TIME FOR LOVE. Napunta naman sa love life ng bida ng Magdusa Ka ang usapan. Inamin nitong zero ngayon ang love life niya.

"Kasi kung may love life ako, hindi ako magpapaka-busy ng ganito, e. Puro trabaho po ang iniintindi ko ngayon."

Pero may iba pa raw dahilan kung bakit wala siyang love life.

"Ang totoo po, takot akong ma-in love. Para kasi akong luka-luka kapag nagmamahal, e. At saka nagkaka-pimples ako. So, yun ang palatandaan kapag in love ako o kapag may love life. Kapag nagka-pimples ako," natatawang pagtatapat ni Kat.

JOYCE JIMENEZ. Dahil sa pagkakaroon niya ng sariling lingerie line (Playmates Lingerie and Swimwear), naihahalintulad si Katrina kay Joyce Jimenez. Type ba niyang pumalit sa trono ni Joyce na Pantasya ng Bayan?

"Ayoko naman po ng ganoon, ayaw kong palitan si Ate Joyce. Magkaibigan po kami, as in super. At binibinigyan niya ako ng Gummi Bears, e. So, siya pa rin ang Pantasya ng Bayan.

"Friends po kami at talagang Gummi Bears lang, okey na ako. Si Marian nga binigyan niya 'ko ng cotton candy. So candy-candy lang ang labanan, e. Ha-ha-ha-ha!" nakabungisngis na saad pa ni Katrina.

WHEN KAT'S MAD. Madaling tumawa si Katrina, madali rin kaya siyang magalit? Paano nga ba magalit ang isang Katrina Halili?

"Umiiyak. Naghahagis ng gamit, yun lang. Pero papalayo sa akin dahil baka ako ang ma-hurt, e. Ha-ha-ha-ha!"

The reason kung bakit naitanong ng PEP kung paano ba siya magalit ay dahil gusto sana naming malaman kung nagagalit ba siya sa mga nagsasabing hindi niya kayang magbida.

"Hindi naman kasi lahat ng tao ay mapi-please ko," simula muna ni Katrina. Ipinahayag pa nitong hindi na lang niya papatulan ang mga nagsasabi ng ganoon tungkol sa kanya. Bagkus, gagalingan na lang daw niya ang pagganap sa role na ibinigay sa kanya.

"Ipapakita ko sa kanila na kaya kong mag-iba. Kasi hindi pa siguro ako nakikita ng iba na gumanap sa ibang character, e. Puro role na maldita lang. Pero siyempre, kaya ko rin naman po ang maging mabait at maging bida, kaya nga tayo artista e."

Regal to launch Katrina Halili as a sexy star

2008-07-12T18:46:00.001-07:00

BIG break sa pelikula ang ibibigay ng Regal Entertainment kay Katrina Halili dahil may inihahanda nang launching movie para sa StarStruck 1 avenger na ito. Big budgeted ang movie at malalaking stars ang makakasama niya.

Ang gusto ng Regal na ipartner kay Katrina ay si Dingdong Dantes.

Talaga namang bagay ang sexy movie kay Katrina dahil napakaseksi niya. Remember, pinanggigilan ang kanyang katawan ng kalalakihan nang umapir siya bilang Black Darna sa Darna na katunggali ni Angel Locsin.

Nang huli naming nakausap si Katrina sa set ng Nuts Entertainment, nasabi niyang suwerte sa kanya ang role niyang Black Darna kung saan unang na-expose ang kanyang "assets". Buhat noon ay dumami na ang offers sa kanya at naging calendar at cover pa siya ng FHM last December.

Matagal nang balak i-launch ng Regal si Katrina. Dapat last year pa siya gina-wang ala-Ara Mina. Kaya lang, noong panahon iyon ay hindi pa handa si Katrina sa pagpapaseksi.

Katrina Halili talks about "Shake, Rattle and Roll 9"

2008-07-11T18:36:00.001-07:00

Title role si Katrina Halili sa kanyang first Shake, Rattle & Roll appearance—ang ninth installment ng naturang Regal horror franchise. Siya ang bida sa "Engkanto" episode ni Direk Topel Lee.

Kasama ni Katrina rito ang Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition ex-housemate na si Matt Evans, StarStruck 4 winners Mart Escudero and Jewel Mische, Star Circle Quest 1 graduate Melissa Ricks, Studs member Felix Roco, and Little Big Superstar champion Sam Concepcion.

Second film festival entry ni Katrina ang Shake, Rattle & Roll 9 after last year's Super Noypi. Third movie naman niya ito after her launching film Gigil and this is also her first horror movie. Ito rin ang first time niyang maging kontrabida sa pelikula.

Sabi ni Katrina sa presscon ng SRR 9 noong December 2 sa Imperial Palace Suites, enjoy pa rin siya sa shooting ng "Engkanto" dahil breather daw ito sa Marimar nila ni Marian Rivera.

"Sa Marimar, sa dami pa lang po ng damit na pinagpapalit-palitan ko kada eksena, pati na hairstyle—compared sa shooting dito [SRR 9] na isang damit at isang hairstyle lang—ang gaan nito para sa akin," paliwanag niya.

Mas kilala man ngayon bilang the sexiest woman for the past two years via FHM at primera-kontrabida sa Marimar, hindi ito ang gustong iwang marka ni Katrina sa audience niya kundi ang pagiging komedyante niya.

Napapansin na rin ng marami na kakaibang klaseng pagku-kontrabida ang ginagawa niya sa Marimar dahil may halo itong komedya.

"Ayoko pong mag-iwan ng marka sa tao na bad ako, baka kagalitan ako ng tao. May fans akong bata," natatawa niyang dagdag.

Sa Marimar, pinapayagan daw siya ng dalawang directors nilang sina Joyce Bernal at Mac Alejandre na mag-adlib.

"Yun po ang nakakatuwa. Yung mga comedy lines namin ni Sheena [Halili, na gumaganap na Monica], ako ang nagdadagdag nun," kuwento niya.

Nag-explain naman siya na hindi niya ito pinipilit sa directors niya. Sila raw mismo ang nagsa-suggest nito.

"Bago po kasi take, rehearsal muna. Minsan, bigla akong may maiisip na sundot 'tapos masasabi ko. Sina Direk Joyce, biglang sasabihin, 'Ay nakakatawa 'yan, ilagay mo 'yan."

Very proud din si Katrina na ang mga punchlines ni Sheena sa Marimar ay galing daw lahat sa kanya.

"Ang Marimar po kasi, mabigat," sabi ni Katrina. "Kaya iniisip ko, kapag nakikita na kami ni Sheena, dapat light naman kahit paano. Ako ang nagbibigay ng punchline kay Sheena. Sasabihin ko sa kanya, 'Ito ang isundot mo para nakakatawa.' So far, okay naman po sa viewers. Mga kontrabida kami, pero aliw, hindi masasama."

Kung gugustuhin ni Katrina, ang character niyang si Angelika ang palaging mag-punchline. Pero ibinibigay niya ito kay Sheena kung kaya't nagsa-shine din ang kanyang co-Avenger noon sa first StarStruck.

"Sa character niya po mas bagay yung mga linya kaya sa kanya ko ibinibigay," paliwanag niya.

Gigil: Katrina Halili and Alfred Vargas

2008-07-10T18:28:00.001-07:00

Final na, Gigil na uli ang title ng launching movie ni Katrina Halili.
Dahil sa naisulat namin dito sa column namin about the papalit-palit na titulo ng unang pelikula rin ni Jun Lana as director, tinawagan kami ni Roselle Monteverde-Teo, Regal Films' producer and daughter of Mother Lily Monteverde. Ms. Roselle agreed to our reasoning na kung My Girls ang gagamiting final title ng movie, it wouldn't pertain to Katrina na or even the two female stars na sina Say Alonzo and Bianca King but to Alfred Vargas na siyang merong 'girls' kaya balik na sa Gigil ang title ng movie.

Sabagay, ito naman ang working title ng script nina Jun and Dode Cruz so why not use it na rin dahil may catch naman. Dapat, Binibini ang isa pang title ng movie pero nagkaroon ng Binibini X si Keanna Reeves kaya napalitan ito ng My Girl and then later nga ay ginawang plural na My Girls.

The movie was shot with extensive sequences sa Boracay as the cast and crew stayed there for more than a week. The movie also stars Ketchup Eusebio, Gabb Drillon and Boom Garcia.

GIGIL - MOVIE PREMIERE NIGHT

2008-07-09T18:18:00.001-07:00

After gracing the covers and calendar of FHM in 2005 and eventually winning the "Sexiest Pinay" title at it's yearly poll, Starstruck Graduate Katrina Halili was launched by Regal Films in a sex-comedy simply titled "GIGIL". The movie also stars Alfred Vargas, Say Alonzo, Ketchup Eusebio, Bianca King and more.

I, together with the Katrinians (Online Fan Group of KH) had our Grand Eyeball with Red as our color code and attended the Premiere Night of the movie last November 20, 2006 at SM Megamall Cinema 10.

As expected, the movie started at around 8PM (it should start at 6:30Pm-Filipino Time!) but the long hours of waiting paid of because Chiqui (Katrina's nick) looked elegant with her Red Dress that night!

Here's the story of the movie taken from it's official site:

Gigil is about China (Katrina Halili) — a girl ditched by her fiancé at the altar when he realized he was gay. Crushed and brokenhearted, she decides to escape from it all and get wild in Boracay with her best friend and partner-in-crime Denoy (Say Alonzo).

She tells herself that all men are either evil or gay, so she swears them off until she meets the enigmatic hunk Felix (played by Alfred Vargas). But China sees him in a compromising situation with Don (Boom Antonio), her ex-fiancé. At the same time she overhears that he's betrothed to Kit (Bianca King).

Not wanting Kit to experience the same thing she did, China goes out of her way to investigate Felix. And she gets the shock of her life at what she discovers…

Katrina Halili, rebeldeng kagandahan!

2008-07-08T18:13:00.001-07:00

Hindi maikakaila na ang hinahangaan ngayon sa larangan ng pagiging sexy ay walang iba kundi si Katrina Halili.

Magkasunod na taon ngang tinanghal si Katrina bilang Sexiest Woman In The Philippines ng FHM Magazine. At mula na rin sa bibig ng mga kalalakihan, si Katrina, para sa kanila ang simbolo ng kanilang maka-mundong pagnanasa.

Pero sa likod ng maalindog na presensya ni Katrina, nana-natili ang isang simple at halos 'di makabasag pinggan na babae.

Oo at mararamdaman mo pa rin ang pagiging konser-batiba niya kahit na nagkalat na ang mga seksing larawan niya kung saan-saan.

Mas kilalanin pa natin si Katrina at ang kanyang magkaibang mundo…

RUEL MENDO-ZA: Mahirap ba ang matawag na sexy? May challenge pa ba iyon sa 'yo?

KATRINA: "Oo naman kasi ang laki ng expectations sa 'yo ng maraming tao. Sa lagay ko ngayon, maraming nagsasabi na dapat ma-maintain ko ang ganitong katawan. Hindi ako puwedeng tumaba… 'yun ang challenge sa akin. Mahirap. Akala lang nila masarap, pero hindi lahat ng gusto kong kainin puwede! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Unfair 'di ba?"

RUEL: Minsan ba ginugutom mo ang sarili mo para lang ma-maintain ang hubog ng kata-wan mo?

KATRINA: "May gano'ng pagkakataon. Lalo na kapag may pictorial ako. Hala, two days wala akong kakainin. Tubig lang at pasubu-subo lang ng crackers. Masama pala iyon. Kasi hindi maganda sa pakiramdam, sa totoo lang.

"Before kasi, tamad ako mag-workout. Eh, kailangan pala talaga ng ganun. Hindi pala healthy 'yung ginugutom mo ang sarili. Payat ka nga pero bigla ka na lang matutumba sa hilo, maganda pa ba iyon? Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!"

RUEL: Nais mo bang i-share ang sikreto mo sa mga gustong tularan ang katawan mo?

KATRINA: "Ay naku, hindi puwede! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ayoko nang may katulad! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!

"Wala namang sikreto talaga. Proper diet lang tapos exercise. At dapat may confidence parati. Laging may feeling ka na ang ganda-ganda mo, kahit hindi! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! 'Yan ang natutunan ko sa mga bading. The secret is in the attitude. Try nila at instant pampaganda. Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!

"Pero siyempre, samahan nila 'yan ng pagpapa-tingin kay Dra. Vicki Belo! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!"

RUEL: Sino sa palagay mo ang puwedeng pumalit sa trono mo? Kanino ka naseseksihan?

KATRINA: "Walang papalit sa trono ko! Akin lang siya! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Kayo naman para namang ang tanda ko na para palitan sa trono. Siguro kung sino ang puwedeng makasabay ko? Mas tama iyon sa edad ko, 'di ba?

"Siyempre, walang iba kundi si Cristine (Reyes). Sa kanya ko nakita 'yung attitude. May angas, eh. Talo pa nga niya ang pagiging maangas ko. Noon pa naman, si Cristine may dating na. Nahihiya lang kasi 'yan noon. Eh ngayon, todo na siya, 'di ba? Kaya proud ako sa kanya.

"Sa totoo lang, kayang-kaya na ni Cristine. Kapag nakikita ko nga ang mga pictures niya, parang nato-tomboy ako! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Gano'n kalakas ang dating ni Cristine sa akin."

RUEL: Masasabi ring hawak din niya ang pagiging young kontrabida. Tulad na lang ng role niya bilang Angelika sa Marimar, marami ang nagagalit sa kanya kapag inaapi niya si Marian Rivera. Nakakaapekto ba ito sa everyday na pamumuhay niya?

KATRINA: "May ibang tao kasi, hindi maihi-walay ang pagiging kontrabida ko sa TV. Akala nila maldita talaga ako. Minsan napapaaway ang mga kasama ko dahil may mga umookray sa akin. Tama ba naman iyon? Affected sila! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!

"Pero napaka-effective ko pala na kontrabida kaya may reaction mula sa maraming tao. Kaya I don't mind na magkontrabida. Iba ang dating, eh. Parang mas may power. Mas nakatatak ka sa isipan ng maraming tao.

"Yung mga nakakakilala naman sa akin sa totoong buhay, alam nila na hindi ako salbahe. Iba sa totoong buhay. Kung si Angelika sa Marimar ay super maldita, si Katrina ay maldita lang! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!"

RUEL: Ayaw na ayaw mo nga pala na binabastos ka ng mga lalake. Pinaglalaban mo ang pagiging babae mo.

KATRINA: "Dapat lang naman. Kasi may ibang mga lalake diyan, porke't nakikita lang na nagpapa-sexy, akala nila eh ang cheap mo na. Hello, ano bang pag-iisip 'yan?

"I admit, marami na akong nakaaway na mga tao dahil nambabastos sila. Minsan, wala ka namang ginagawa at nagtatrabaho ka lang biglang may hihirit na hindi maganda. Nakakainit ng ulo, 'di ba?

"Kaya lumalabas ang pagiging mataray ko. I think, normal lang na reaction iyon kasi pagkatao mo na ang nakataya, eh. Hindi ako basta-basta magpapabastos. Matuto silang respetuhin ang babae kung may mga nanay pa sila at may mga kapatid na babae, 'di ba?"

RUEL: Pinalaki ka nga raw sa isang konserbatibong pamilya. Strict daw ang parents mo pero may pagkarebelde ka raw?

KATRINA: "Hindi naman totally rebelde. Kasi dalawa lang kaming magkapatid. Tapos sa magkaiba pa ng tirahan kaming magkapatid at mga parents ko. Sa Palawan sila nakatira kasi. Nasanay lang siguro ako na gawin ko ang mga gusto ko. Kapag pinipigil ako, doon ako parang asar.

"Part naman iyon ng growing up, 'di ba? Hindi naman ako lumaking suwail o sakit ng ulo. May mga times lang na hindi ako sumusunod. Wala lang kasi feel ko lang! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!

"Pero ngayon, mas may responsibilidad na ako. Lahat naman ng gastusin dito sa Manila, ako na ang nag-aasikaso. Hindi na ako dependent sa parents ko. Nakakahiya naman kung humingi pa ako, eh ang dami kong trabaho. Kaya lahat ng gastos hawak ko na."

RUEL: Ano pa ba ang hindi alam ng marami kay Katrina Halili?

KATRINA: "Na sweet ako at hindi mataray. Na minsan, ako ang inaapi at hindi ako ang nang-aapi. Na madali akong lapitan at kausapin. Huwag lang akong bastusin.

"Huwag nilang idikit ang pagkatao ko sa mga ginagawa kong mga roles. Trabaho lang iyon, eh. Kilalanin nila ang tunay na Katrina Halili. Puno ako ng pagmamahal at matsika ako talaga. Palakaibigan ako at hindi ako mahilig makipag-away.

"At higit sa lahat, mapagmahal ako sa pamilya ko. Hindi dapat mawala ang pagmamahal sa pamilya, 'di ba? Kahit saan ka makarating, ang pamilya mo pa rin ang importante."

Katrina pumatol sa may asawa't anak

2008-07-07T18:02:00.001-07:00

Love comes from the most unexpected places. So does tsismis. Aakalain ko ba na sa minsang pakikipag-umpukan ko sa isang inuman, little did I know that one of my drinking partners happened to be an ex-boyfriend of Katrina Halili? Bagama't ang tsika did not come straight from the horse's mouth, ang hipag nito ang nagkukuwento.

''Alam mo ba na iniyakan at hinabul-habol ni Katrina 'yang bayaw ko (Monching ang pangalan)?'' sey ng aking source, na hindi naman nakapagtatakang mabaliw ang sexy actress sa tumaba, pero guwaping pa ring guy. Nasa late twenties pa lang si Monching, na noong nakarelasyon daw si Katrina ay meron nang asawa't anak.

''Ano pa?! Alam ni Katrina na may sabit na si Monching, pero pinatulan pa rin niya. Eto namang bayaw ko, ikinukuwento sa misis niya na kapatid ko. Siyempre, feeling honest. Pero inaway-away ng sister ko ang bayaw ko, hayun, nakipag-split siya kay Katrina. Magulat-gulat na lang kami, biglang nag-artista,'' dagdag pa ng source ko.

Bigla ko tuloy naalala 'yung tsismis na pinagseselosan daw ni Lucy Torres si Katrina na kasama ni Richard Gomez sa Marimar. Richard is very much married, tulad nu'ng Monching na nakainuman ko.

So, do I say beware, Lucy?

Iwa Moto to dethrone Katrina Halili?

2008-07-06T18:00:00.001-07:00

Itinanggi ni Iwa Moto na gusto niyang kumpitensiyahin si Katrina Halili bilang pinakaseksing young star ng bansa. Nilinaw ng StarStruck 3 First Princess na hindi siya magsasalita ng masama kontra kay Katrina dahil kaibigan niya ito.

"Hindi po, wala akong sinasabing kakabugin ko si Katrina. Ang sabi ko po, 'I will do my best' dahil sinasabi ng iba na baka ako na raw ang pumalit kay Katrina this time. Pero siyempre po, hindi ko naman alam 'yon, kasi ang mga tao naman ang magde-decide, di ba? I mean, sila naman ang bumoboto at nagpapasya kung sino nga ang nararapat sa koronang 'yon, e.

Sinabi ni Iwa na ayaw nilang magpa-apekto ni Katrina sa mga intriga.

"Ang pagkakaibigan namin ni Kat, labas sa trabaho. So, kung pagsasabungin man kami ng iba, trabaho is trabaho at labas yung friendship namin dito.

"Kami naman kasi ni Kat, ang pagkakaibigan namin ay hindi lang pang-showbiz. Actually, yung iba lang ang nang-iintriga sa amin, parang may iba na gusto kaming pag-awayin ni Kat. Pero dedma lang kami, hindi naman nila kami mapag-away, e."

Katrina Halili and Marian Rivera, not friends.

2008-07-05T17:56:00.001-07:00

Katrina Halili remains unperturbed by comparisons to her "Marimar" co-star Marian Rivera. "We should not be compared because we have different personalities and mass appeal," she explains.

Doesn't she feel it's time for her to be the lead star like Marian in her own teleserye? "It doesn't bother me whether I'm the bida or contrabida," she says, "as long as markado ang role ko."

Does professional rivalry get in the way of her friendship with Marian? "We're not friends," she quips. "Only work mates."

Career - Katrina Halili

2008-07-04T17:49:00.001-07:00

Katrina Halili is an alumna of the StarStruck talent search and was the cover girl of FHM Philippines for its December 2005 issue. She was subsequently voted as FHM Philippines' sexiest woman for the year 2006 and bagged the title yet again in 2007. She is the first StarStruck contestant to top the FHM Philippines' 100 Sexiest list. She's a three-time FHM covergirl. She's also known for her villainess roles in different shows and is often linked with the very prominent actor Ryan D.

She is related to StarStruck 1 finalist and co-avenger Sheena Halili. Despite their family name, they're close friends since their StarStruck and MariMar days.

She is the lead villain in Marimar with Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes where she becomes a household name. She has called by the fans "The Paris Hilton of the Philippines" due to her beauty, appeal and looks . Halili and Cristine Reyes are the 2008 calendar girls for FHM Philippines. She has a leading role for the first time in Sine Novela: Magdusa Ka, which stars Dennis Trillo as her leading man whom she paired with, and Iwa Moto as an antagonist. Her acting skills is compared to Dina Bonnevie.