MANILA, Philippines - Edu Manzano, former chair of Optical Media Board (OMB), couldn’t say no to the lure of showbiz. He is back to what he loves most to do – hosting a TV show!

He is also back at GMA Network where he once belonged.

Edu’s new show, “Asar Talo Lahat Panalo” starts airing today, Sept. 18, before “Eat Bulaga.”

Before joining the Kapamilya Network, Edu was a co-host of “Unang Hirit” and “Emergency.”

He’s been in the business for 27 years and he’s glad he’s back to what he considers his comfort zone, hosting!

Actually, he will have three shows in the Kapuso network. Aside from “Asar Talo,” Edu will have his own talk show and a public service program.

“Asar Talo Lahat Panalo” is an original and one-of-a-kind program guaranteed to deliver laughs and surprises. Aired Mondays to Saturdays, the show is GMA-7’s treat to all contestants who will be up to the challenge of facing the most menacing attacks, the most aggressive of audiences, and the most challenging remarks live.

A unique game show, it promises the contestants the chance to bring home big cash prizes if the contestant called the Bida survives the barrage of heckling from the Kontrabidas known as the Sulsuleros. A celebrity guest will act as the head heckler who will be called Kapitan Kontra.

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Ana Abad Santos, a consummate actress

A Post Graduate – classical theater – from the London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art, Ana Abad Santos is among the most sought-after stage actresses locally.

She has a string of stage performances, and she has also appeared in several indie movies.

What makes her excel in acting?

“I am text-based,” she explained. “I read the script so many times that I transform myself into the character I am playing!”

She added that “my acting begins with the thought – what the character thinks. When you think well, your emotions follow.”

Ana has also tried her hand in directing a stage play, such as “Hamlet.”

She also teaches drama.

From Sept. 15 to Oct. 3, 2010, the play, “Shock Value,” featuring Ana Abad Santos, will be staged at the Wilfredo Ma. Guerrero Theater, University of the Philippines, Diliman.

Others in the cast are: Francis Makil-Ignacio, Stella Canete, Dexter Santos, Arkel Mendoza, Jon Lapus, Jomart Jose, Joel Saracho and Acoy Aguilar. Mylene Dizon alternates with Ana for the role as Rina Corpuz.

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Exciting new rides at Star City

New rides await visitors to the country’s top amusement park, Star City. These are the Tornado and Spring Rides.

The Tornado, manufactured by Wisdom Industries from Colorado, USA, is the ultimate family ride.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings for Sept. 18, go Ms. Lourdes Choa, Mimi Jorge, Erika Markham, Marites Martinez-Lopez, Tessie G. Velasco, Nana de Rios, Tom Portillo, Cecille Cheng, Dr. Elizabeth Pizarro-Serrano, Richmond Francis Malvar, Marita Soriano, Eugene Allen Ocampo, Candy Alison, Joi Samal, Ma. Roufelle Reyes Valles, Catherine Lara Victoriano, Marvin P. Serrano, Valerie Honeylet Clarino, Benjie Sese, entertainment editor Dondon Sermino and MB’s paginator Marita S. Gozum… Happy wedding anniversary to Ramon and Faye Mauricio and Christopher and Geraldine Silan of Queens Village, New York…