As part of its 60th anniversary celebration, GMA-7 is launching on Monday, March 1 its grand production of a drama musical, “Diva – Kantaserye.”

The show’s press presentation Wednesday at Studio 7 of the network was already an impressive episode! The lead stars of the drama musical, top-billed by Regine Velasquez, was a grand musical concert, an indication that “Diva” will definitely become a must-see and highly-rated TV show!

Regine, in a cleavage-bare golden gown, opened the show with a dance number with the song “Bongga Ka Day” followed by “Ang Pangarap Ko” which impressed the entertainment writers.

Not to be outdone, Ruffa Mae Quinto, herself a sexy star and comedian, sang “Dancing Queen,” followed by Jaya with her “I Will Survive.”

After the show, Ruffa Mae confessed that she might be getting married with her “secret” boyfriend before the end of 2010! Though she was pressed by the entertainment writers to reveal her secret lover, the sexy actress stood fast with her secret. “I do not like to disrupt anything by my revelation,” she said. She added though that she will have a civil wedding, a quiet one, but the reception will be big enough for friends and relatives.

Ruffa also said that she already owns a house abroad.

Just like Regine, Ruffa came in with a cleavage-bare red outfit plus a peek-a-boo revealing her navel. Her long hair, free falling in front of her, now and then covered her half-exposed and firm breasts.
“Diva” also stars Mark Anthony Fernandez, TJ Trinidad, Glaiza de Castro, Buboy Garovillo of APO, Mr. Shades Randy Santiago, and Queen of Soul Jaya in her first acting stint on TV.

Mark Herras, Gloria Diaz, Ynna Asistio add more fun and color to the drama-musical, “Diva.”

According to GMA7’s production and creative teams, “Diva” is about the funny but touching life of Sampaguita a.k.a. as Sam (Regine Velasquez), a hideous-looking woman who dreams of becoming a famous singer. Her singing prowess and good-natured personality will lead her to find a spot in the entertainment world despite her unpleasant looks.

But it will not be easy for Sam because the pretty, sexy and talented ladies like Lady (Ruffa Mae Quinto), an upcoming singer, and Tiffany (Glaiza De Castro), Lady’s personal assistant who will eventually become a singer also, will make Sam’s life miserable. These women will become Sam’s friends-turned rivals.

Paula (Gloria Diaz), Sam’s mother, is also another obstacle. Paula, a former beauty queen and a frustrated singer, keeps blaming Sam’s ugliness as the reason for her daughter’s failure of becoming a real singer.

Sam’s dad, Elvis (Buboy Garovillo) is however giving Sam all the support he can afford to give. Elvis was a former musician and now a taxi driver, is pushing Sam to reach her dream. He is also Sam’s avid fan.

Aside from Elvis, also supporting Sam are her best-friend Barbara (Jaya), her half-brother Smith (Mark Herras), her neighbor Vanessa (Ynna Asistio) and George (Randy Santiago), a recording company executive producer.

The romance angle of “Diva” are two cousins both falling in love with Sam: Gary (Mark Anthony Fernandez) and Martin (TJ Trinidad).

What is also significant with “Diva” is the transformation of Sam from an ugly girl to a beautiful woman. That’s what modern technology can do.

Watch “Diva” and enjoy not only the heart-rending drama but also for its beautiful music!

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Let your silver do the Talking: Say it with Michelis

From the pigeonhole:

Starting the year right with a solid bang to the electrifying sound of rock music, Michelis Gifts & Jewelry recently revamped its presence and stature as the premium silver brand of spunk and style with a fun party event entitled, “Michelis Rock with Silver.”

The event gathered Manila’s shining young, hip elite individuals for an evening of expression, indulgence and entertainment. Michelis, with its unique and edgy designs made only with the finest silver deserves to have an event that is as buzz-worthy and exclusive.

“Michelis’ Rock with Silver” was held recently at the Mag:net Café in the Fort Bonifacio High Street. It showcased the unique and stylish designs of Michelis items and a few of today’s hottest rock bands like Fatal Posporos, Blast Ople, Imago, and Pedicab.

Miche (Michelis’ line for men) endorser Rovilson Fernandez and the current face of Michelis, Ms. Koby Parcel, brought the brand to life as they hosted the night, adorned with the brand’s special pieces. Aside from these fabulous hosts, Michelis brand ambassadors were also styled with fashionable Michelis items that brought out distinct rocker attitudes. After a short catwalk around Mag:net Café, the brand ambassadors circulated the event with spiels about the products.

Visit Michelis at Greenbelt 5, the Atrium at SM Megamall, The Podium, The Block at SM City North EDSA, the North Wing of SM City Cebu and at the lobby of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Michelis is also available at Rustan’s Ermita, Rustan’s Alabang Town Center, Rustan’s Tower Shangri-La Plaza, Rositi Fine Jewelry, and Silk Cocoon, and online at michelisjewellery.com

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Young JV heads off to SM City Baguio

Young JV is the newest hip-hop R&B/rap sensation in the country. His 15-track debut album titled “Ready or Not” is now available in all record stores nationwide. It is distributed by PolyEast Records and produced by Doin’ It Big Production. His first single “That Girl” is currently enjoying great airplay on radio. Watch out for Young JV on his “Ready or Not” album tour in SM City Baguio Activity Area on March 2.

Young JV is now making a name for himself in the music industry with his talents in singing and songwriting. He recently won the 2009 Best New Artist of the Year Award in WAVE 89.1 Urban Music Awards and the 2009 Best New Artist of the Year at the Year-End Countdown of Monster Radio RX 93.1. He is also nominated in two categories in the upcoming MYX Music Awards 2010: Favorite Urban Video (for That Girl) and Favorite New Artist. The voting period is from Feb. 1 to 28, 2010.

Young JV is not only a rapper but also an artist with a mission in life. Being the son of retired PAF Col. Eduardo “Red” Kapunan, he was inspired by his father’s war stories when he was a combat pilot in Mindanao and when he took part in the EDSA 1 People Power Revolution. “The learnings about the pains of war stirred in me a real yearning and a true calling to be an artist-soldier fighting for peace and love in our troubled world of today,” Young JV enthuses.

Although he did not follow his father’s footsteps because his heart belongs elsewhere, Young JV sings and raps about a cause close to his dad’s heart: Peace.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Feb. 28, go to Buddy de Vera, Cynthia Patag, US-based former actress Blanca Gomez, Carol Nievera, Elena Canchela, Alvin Gerilla and Ylette A. Faustino…Feb. 29 b-day celebrants include CCP Pres. Raul Sunico, Biboy Enriquez, Freddie Santos, Tina Revilla-Valencia, Fortunato S. Limpo, Leny Carpio, Dulce Belen of Hawaii and columnist Gypsy Baldovino…