Rowell Santiago

He could have started out as an actor but Rowell Santiago became better known as a TV and concert director. Being a director is his father Pablo Santiago’s legacy to him, he said. But every now and then, Rowell would give in to acting offers, both on the small and big screens. He was seen in “A Very Special Love” and “You Changed my Life” two blockbuster movies of Star Cinema that starred John Lloyd Cruz and Sarah Geronimo.

Starting on Monday, Rowell will be seen once more, this time in a teleserye, ABS-CBN’s much touted “Tanging Yaman.” In the series, Rowell plays the lead male character, who is the President of the Philippines. So how could he say no to the offer? But “actually it took me two weeks to make the decision to accept the role,” Rowell said during the grand and impressive launch of the teleserye.

It was a very tempting offer, needless to say. “I play the president in the teleserye. It’s very rare that one gets offered with this kind of role so I accepted.”

Rowell’s priority – Directing

However, Rowell’s priority will always be directing. But if a good project like “Tanging Yaman” comes along, he will always give it a shot. Asked if he is willing to do a project with his old flame, Sharon Cuneta, and her former husband Gabby Concepcion, Rowell said why not if it’s a good project. Besides, there’s no issue among them, especially with Sharon because they have remained good friends through the years. Rowell has even directed Sharon in many concerts.

Playing Rowell’s first lady in “Tanging Yaman” is Agot Isidro, who was last seen as the villainess Ingrid in “Tayong Dalawa,” one of ABS-CBN’s most successful drama series last year. She’ll be playing an entirely different role in this, she said.

One of the Kapamilya Network’s first quarter offerings for 2010, “Tanging Yaman” is a very timely and relevant show, what with the national elections nearing. If ABS-CBN is real proud in presenting the new series, it’s because it is a political story, a program that will illustrate how a First Family struggles to achieve true happiness.

Impressive cast

“Tanging Yaman” (in the story, Tanging Yaman is a political party) boasts of an impressive cast composed of young and veteran actors.

Erich Gonzales, who shone and made waves in “Katorse,” topbills the series, playing Fina, the First Daughter. This is Erich’s second major project and she said she’s so grateful to ABS-CBN for giving her a follow-up project to “Katorse.”

Also in the cast are her “Katorse” leading men, Ejay Falcon and Enchong Dee; Melissa Ricks, Matt Evans, Ron Morales, Jodi Sta. Maria, Mylene Dizon, Nonie Buencamino and Leo Martinez.

It’s been noted that Enchong Dee has been getting good roles in good projects. He said he’s grateful for this and the fact that he has good people around him who always give him sound advice and proper guidance.

The story of “Tanging Yaman” is rooted on an incident that will wreck the life and fortune of two families. One family will prosper and the other will suffer. Fina (Erich), with her sister Marina (Jodi Sta. Maria) will grow up in poverty while Isabel (Melissa Ricks) will be raised as the First Daughter of the country. As the truth unveils, Fina is the real First Daughter who will show how a young woman will adjust from the pressure as she takes on the role of the First Daughter of the country.

As expected, things won’t be easy for Fina as she unites with her biological parents; she has to deal with Isabel who wants her position in the First Family.

Under the direction of Lino Cayetano and Manny Palo, every scene is guaranteed to move your hearts and minds into unpredictable events. “Tanging Yaman” will start to hit primetime on Jan. 11 on ABS-CBN.

For more updates, log on to www.abs-cbn.com or http://tangingyamantv.multiply.com.

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Fit ‘N Right supports Phil Younghusband

On Sunday, Jan. 10, celebrity athlete and “Celebrity Duets” finalist Phil Younghusband will launch the Philip Younghusband Football Academy (PYCA) Clinic Series at the Ayala Alabang Country Club. The clinic aims to provide a support and training program for the promotion of awareness and future of football in the Philippines.

Sponsored by Del Monte Fit ‘N Right, the program is indeed an exciting and rewarding experience not only for aspiring athletes but for those who aim for a healthy and active lifestyle. Every participant will learn the importance of hard work, healthy living, team concepts and will understand the importance of having fun every time they step into the field.

The six-month clinic series (starts on Sunday and ends on June 27) aims to promote, develop and professionalize football by training young and adult players, and coaches as well as build parent, spectator and media enthusiasm in supporting the development of football through a skills enhancement program.

Phil, who was a soccer player since he was a small kid, playing for Chelsea FC, one of the world’s biggest football clubs (he was 15 when he was Chelsea Youth Team’s top scorer), said parents are encouraged to attend camp introduction and are welcome to observe all on-field sessions.

As to why he came out with the project, he said “I want the youth to experience the bliss of playing the world’s most beautiful game and to learn from some of the best coaches that PYFA can offer. I hope that it will be a unique experience for many kids and one that will inspire them to build the future of the sport in the country.”

The clinic offers specially designed programs for boys and girls aged 4-12, and 13-19 years old and adults from 20 years and above to increase their individual skills and knowledge. The clinic will run every Sunday and is divided into four modules, each consisting of six sessions each. Interested parties may register online (pyfa@philyounghusband.com).

Phil said he is very thankful to Del Monte Philippines for supporting this dream project of his. “I am indeed very fortunate to have the support and trust of Del Monte Philippines and its leading beverage brand Fit ‘N Right. I hope to be their partner in promoting a fit and healthy lifestyle through sports activation projects for many years to come.”

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‘StarStruck V’ holds first double elimination night

On Sunday, after the week-long voting out through text, hosts Dennis Trillo and Carla Abellana shall announce the result that will determine which Starstruck survivors stay and which one leaves the competition.

For the first time, viewers have the power to oust a Starstruck survivor, instead of the usual voting for the survivor they want to remain in the competition. Also, the survivors themselves shall be voting out from amongst themselves. No friends. No emotional attachment. Just pure competition.

The Top 10 survivors are Steven Silva, Piero Vergara, Ian Batherson, Enzo Pineda, Rocco Nacino, Diva Montelaba, Sarah Lahbati, Princess Snell, Nina Kodaka and Rox Montealegre. Who will be sent home on the double elimination night?

We smell blood as the 10 remaining survivors battle it out to become the next Starstruck Ultimate Survivors.

“StarStruck V” airs right after “Kap’s Amazing Stories” on GMA.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings on Jan. 10 go to producer Jessie Ejercito, actor-politician Jestoni Alarcon, Tet Antiquera, Teena Cobarrubias, Melvin Soriano, Jackie Lopez-Lim, UK-based Christina J. Buenaobra and Loth P. Babaan, Dra. Inez Saile, Mrs. Nora Quiaoit and Celine Lim, Star Circle Kid Quest finalist.