Feng shui experts and astrologers have given their predictions for the New Year. Fashion authorities and techie aficionados also have their forecast for the coming months.

And certainly, for showbiz, a brighter year awaits, with these things waiting in the wings:

International success continues

As the title of a forthcoming Kapamilya show goes, “Pilipinas Got Talent!” And this talent promises to glow all the more this year. Who knows, there are other Arnel Pinedas, Charice Pempengcos, Brillante Mendozas, and Pepe Dioknos out there, destined to make their big breaks in the international scene?

Stars rising

2009 became a breakthrough year for a number of young talents.

When people thought she couldn’t make it, Erich Gonzales emerged as one of last year’s breakout stars via “Katorse.” Her chemistry with Enchong Dee and Ejay Falcon clicked with audiences, and their mother station is hatching a second team-up in the family drama, “Tanging Yaman.”

Kapuso love team Kris Bernal and Aljur Abrenica, who lead the highest-rating afternoon series to date, “Dapat Ka Bang Mahalin?” in 2009, are set to sail primetime waters again in 2010 with “The Last Prince.”

Fans are going wild now for “Pinoy Big Brother Double Up's” hottest love team, Melissa Cantiveros and Jason Francisco (a.k.a. “Melason”), and they can’t wait for their future projects outside Kuya’s house.

Similarly, followers of “StarStruck V” are contemplating who among the latest contenders will follow in the footsteps of previous avengers like Jennylyn Mercado, Mark Herras, and Katrina Halili.

Concerts to come

Numerous international artists have already confirmed their respective shows in Manila for the first quarter of 2010. These are Ne-Yo, The Killers, Paramore, Boys Like Girls, Owl City, The Beach Boys, Saosin, Tears for Fears, Kings of Convenience, Chicago, and Trivium.

February will be another eventful month for music lovers when local acts stage their respective Valentine concerts. Freestyle, Side A, and Nina are holding “Love2Love2Love;” Concert King Martin Nievera and Queen Pops Fernandez make a love nest out of the concert stage via “One Amore Time;” Randy Santiago, Gino Padilla, Raymond Lauchengco, and Louie and Heredia are ready to serenade in “Men of 80s Valentine Concert;” music legends Rey Valera, Eva Eugenio, and Rico J. Puno team up for “Legends in Love;” and Maestro Ryan Cayabyab conducts for Charice’s concert with Erik Santos, Ogie Alcasid, and George Yag.

Network battle times three

Filipino audiences are used to alternating between GMA-7 and ABS-CBN. But last year, another channel, TV5, dared to shake the trend through its fresh type of programming which a lot of viewers welcomed. Expect a more intense battle in the networks sphere, as TV5 expands its programming, reach, and talents. ABS-CBN and GMA-7 are surely up for the challenge, as the former banners the year with the celebration of 60 years of Pinoy soap operas, while the latter unleashes its new set of fantaseryes and drama remakes.

Celebrities crossover

The May 2010 election is one of the most highly-anticipated elections in Philippine history, mainly because citizens feverishly anticipate meeting the next Chief Executive. Also adding spectacle is the presence of numerous celebrities and media personalities who dared to crossover to the political arena. Will their charm work outside the cameras?