Most possibly, he’s the most accomplished host in the country today, and for this Paolo Bediones kicked off recently his year-long 10th anniversary celebration with a thanksgiving party for the entertainment press during which he also announced the Grand Survivor Finale on Dec. 12.

At the luncheon party (held at Windmill and Rainforest Restaurant along Sct. Borromeo St .) that went with some exciting games and a grand raffle of attractive prizes that made the writers happy and grateful, Paolo was joined by the “Survivor: Philippines” castaways who gamely allowed themselves to be “raffled off” for dinner dates with the lucky entertainment writers.

Paolo expressed his thanks to the industry that has been good to him. He likewise thanked the movie press for being kind to him all these years. “Ten years is indeed a feat, and thank you for being good to me, although I know I haven’t given you reason to not be good to me in your write-ups,” he smiled. He has been spared the usual intrigas and tsismis, well except for a negligible few that don’t actually count, because he is actually wholesome and has always been a gentleman.

“I’ve been so blessed and I will forever be grateful to all the people who have helped and supported me all these years. In turn, I hope to share these blessings and mentor more people who have the drive for excellence and the right attitude towards media work,” Paolo said.

To the writers, he said “I took your criticisms as encouragement for me to do better in my career and if I have achieved something, it’s because of your support.” Paolo is now under a management team that includes Joji Dingcong and noted PR practitioner and media guru Noel Ferrer.

During his thanksgiving party for the press, Paolo also disclosed his 10th anniversary plans that include conducting a Hosting Seminar for aspiring and newbie hosts, writing and publishing “Hosting 101: A Hosting Manual,” and staging a major birthday special that will showcase his musical (yes, Paolo is a musical person too!) and interviewing skills.

Aside from his TV shows, Paolo has also appeared in some movies and he said he looks forward to doing more significant acting projects in the near future. He has worked with Richard Gutierrez on TV and Sharon Cuneta, Richard Gomez and Bong Revilla in some movies.

Paolo, who finished Bachelor of Arts, major in Interdisciplinary Studies at Ateneo de Manila University, was initially a fashion and television model who latter ventured into TV hosting. His first TV show was “Gameplan,” a sports-oriented show similar to MTV sports. He hosted the show for a year, after which his remarkable hosting skills got noticed even more when he hosted Bb. Pilipinas Beauty Pageant from 1998-2007.

For a year, Paolo was also part of Mornings@GMA (together with SMART’s Mon Isberto among others) while he also was an MTV Video Jock for Singapore and the Philippines, hosting segments such as MTV Most Wanted, MTV Select and Para Dos. In 1999 to 2003, Paolo was TV host and segment producer for “Extra-Extra!

The other shows he hosted included “Digital LG Quiz,” “Texters Five,” “The Great Globe Adventure,” “Extra Challenge,” which he hosted for three years; “Pinoy Meets World,” “S Files,” “Whammy! Push Your Luck” and “Tok Tok Tok Isang Milyon Pasok,” which he has been hosting since 2007 to the present.

Paolo is currently hosting “Survivor Philippines,” the Philippine franchise of the mother of all reality shows.

In recognition of his outstanding hosting skills, Paolo has won all the possible awards for a host/presenter in various program formats: quiz, reality, show-oriented, travel and game show. He has also been elevated to the Hall of Fame of the Aliw Awards, an honor he has bequeathed to his close buddy Ryan Agoncillo.

Paolo has indeed survived media and show business with flying colors – and he is set to soar to even greater heights on his 10th year – with the support of his sponsors: McDonalds, Radox Shower Gels and Smoothie Body Washes with 13 Herbs and Minerals, Verzio Dual SIM Phones: Create, Create, Celebrate, M.O.S.: My Own Space, and Adidas.

More luck and more power, Paolo!

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Governor Vi announces celebration of Batangas Foundation starting today

For the first time, Batangas Province will celebrate its foundation with a four-day One Town – One Product (OTOP) sale and exhibit under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) starting today, Dec. 5, till Dec. 8. She said that each of the different cities and municipalities of Batangas will have their products exhibited.

The celebration will be highlighted by a whole day affair on Dec. 8, wherein a holy mass will start the day to be followed by breakfast with the mayors, vice mayors, congressmen and members of the board, as well as department heads of the provincial government.
In the evening, a rock concert will be held with three popular rock bands alternating to provide musical entertainment to the Bataguenos.

By the way, Governor Vi will soon start filming her first movie after five years, “A Mother’s Story,” which will co-star her with her own son Luis “Lucky” Manzano. She also expects her former husband, Optical Media Board Chairman Edu Manzano to be playing a cameo role in the movie to be directed by Olive Lamasan.

The Star Cinema offering will be shot mostly in New York City and this is why Vi and her two leading men will be heading there very soon for initial photography.

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Ayen Laurel topbills ‘Atang’

Performer and recording artist Ayen Munji-Laurel started acting and singing on stage in Tanghalang Pilipino and then at UP Diliman when she was in college. So she actually traces her root to the theater.

And now, in Floy Quintos’ latest opus for Dulaang UP entitled “Atang,” which is based on the life of the late National Artist Atang dela Rama, Ayen revisits her roots. She was handpicked by Floy the awarded playwright to star in “Atang” which also features veteran thespians Shamaine Centenera and Frances Makil, under the direction of Alexander Cortez.

Ayen plays the fictional role of Gia Samonte, a superstar who studied the life and times of the National Artist in preparation for a film she will star in, and in the process imbibing her legendary life and career. Gia becomes Atang, reenacting moments from the life of the star and interpreting the signature songs of Atang’s career.

“Atang” is set in l987, the year when Atang dela Rama was conferred the title of National Artist by then President Cory Aquino. She was 84 years at the time. She is visited by Gia Samonte, an ambitious superstar eager to interview the legen in preparation for a film on Atang’s life which she will star in.

As Gia, Ayen sings such well-loved kundimans as “Pakiusap,” “Nasaan Ka Irog,” “Bayan Ko,” and “Bituing Marikit.” She also sings two rarely heard Atang signature songs “Nabasag ang Banga” from “Dalagang Bukid,” “Masayang Dalaga” from “Ang Kiri” and even an Atang novelty song “Magkano ang Bibingka Mo?”

Like the initial Floy Quintos offering “Isang Panagipin na Fili,” “Atang” is part of the UP Centennial Celebration. Ayen’s husband, Franco Laurel, has received excellent reviews for his performance as the national hero Jose Rizal in the said play that concluded its run early this month.

“Atang” is being presented at the Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero Theater at UP Diliman till Dec. 14.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Dec. 5, go to Rep. Amado Bagatsing, Mila A. Abad, Donita Rose of “Umagang Kay Ganda,” Rudy Diego, Julie Ann Fortich, Anthony Pangilinan, Chris Almeda, Luz Valderama, Joan T. Acot, Vice Mayor Roderick Tiongson of San Miguel, Bulacan, and MB’s Raymond Sacay…Happy wedding anniversary to Enrique and Miles Yulo; Llewellyn and Carol Llanillo, and Drs. Rodolfo and Rosalina Ante… Greetings to AW2C Erma Victoria and her boyfriend A1C Eugene Luther Abayari, both of the Philippine Air Force, who will exchange vows in the Sacrament of Matrimony at Our Lady Of Miraculous Medal Chapel, Fernando Air Base, Lipa City on Dec.6, 2008 at 4 p.m. Greetings from Msg. Peter Flores and colleagues at the Public Information Office, HPAF, Villamor Air Base, Pasay City, Major Gerry M. Zamudio; 1Lt. Melquiades H. Sumog-Oy, Jr; 2Lt. Michael L. Pambid; TSg Hilario F. Celeste; SSg Julian Canicula; Sgt Ariel R. Diaz; Sgt Jovison Valdesancho; A1C Pederick T. Bermas; A1C David Cardoza; A1C Jose Don Tombado; Airwoman Liezel A. Eranista; Airman Virgilio Sevilla, Jr; Ralp Gene Flora; Romeo Pascual; Teresita Latigay and Richard Sacueza.