Maria Venus Raj

MANILA, Philippines – Last Friday afternoon, ABS-CBN invited some members of the entertainment press for an important announcement which they were able to keep secret till the time of the press conference. It turned out to be a “major, major announcement” indeed – the contract-signing of 2010 Miss Universe 4th runner-up Maria Venus Raj as the newest Kapamilya star.

The network also announced on that occasion its five-year partnership contract with Bb. Pilipinas Charities, Inc. (BPCI). Thus, the presence of Ms. Stella Marquez Araneta, its chairperson; Conchitina Bernardo and Pitoy Moreno, members of the BPIC executive board; and Sienna Olaso, BPIC Director for Marketing.

With them during the contract-signing were Charo Santos-Concio, ABS-CBN president and COO; Cory Vidanes, ABS-CBN channel head; Linggit Tan, ABS-CBN head of TV Entertainment Production. Ms. Concio expressed great enthusiasm for her network’s partnership for the second time with BPCI. About Venus, Charo welcomed her with equal fervor, describing her as a picture of courage and humility. “I look forward to working with them on a long-term basis.”

On her part, Ms. Araneta said BPCI had worked with ABS-CBN before (about 12 years ago), and Bb. Pilipinas being the most prestigious beauty pageant in the country, it’s only right to partner with the “best and most prestigious network of the land. We look forward to a great partnership with ABS-CBN. There are many changes within BPCI, we are growing and changing and we want to go global and I know ABS-CBN will make us realize this dream...”

In line with this “major, major” partnership, the Kapamilya network also takes pride in airing the much-awaited 2011 Binibining Pilipinas pageant in March. Now the Philippines’ most prestigious beauty competition can be watched not only in the country, but from all over the world through ABS-CBN’s The Filipino Channel (TFC).

Venus was in her best element as she candidly and happily answered questions from the press. She denied the rumors saying she was about to sign a contract with GMA-7 and also TV5. “I’m extremely honored to be part of the country’s biggest network. I’m proud to be a Kapamilya.” Most of all he has made her mother very happy for joining ABS-CBN “dahil mapapanood na daw niya ako sa channel na ito.” But as to what shows she’ll be doing with the network, Ms. Linggit Tan said “we can’t announce her projects yet, pinag-uusapan pa namin.”

Before signing up with the Network, Venus was a guest at some of its special projects like the 2010 Bayaning Plipino Awards and ABS-CBN Christmas Special. She was also had a stint as a “hurado” in the network’s popular noontime show “Showtime.” Venus said she’ll do anything to prepare herself for her upcoming shows. If she needs to undergo acting workshops, she’d gladly undertake them she said.

BPCI has rigorously screened and interviewed 90 of this year’s Bb. Pilipinas applicants nationwide and from all over the world. Among them, only 24 of these talented ladies will be chosen to compete for the crowns. With a reputation of mounting some of the best productions in the country, ABS-CBN Special Projects team headed by Chit Guerrero will produce the special to be directed by Johnny Manahan.

For three years in a row, ABS-CBN has been airing the Miss Universe pageant held in various host countries. In September, the Kapamilya network will air the 2011 Miss Universe pageant which will be held in Sao Paolo, Brazil.

Besides producing the country’s best beauties as Philippine flag bearers for various international competitions such as the Miss Universe and Miss International pageants, BPCI, which is founded by chairman Stella Márquez-Araneta, has been a key partner in nation-building for over four decades, providing skills training among marginalized sectors of the community.

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Jack TV, a different kind of entertainment

Jack TV has an all-new look this 2011 with its line-up of shows that are uniquely fun, spontaneous and filled with life’s colorful experiences.

This January prepare for an overload of US top-notch programs with new episodes, new seasons and close to US airing shows. Tune in to Jack TV for all new episodes of award-winning shows such as “The Simpsons Season 22,” “Family Guy Season 10,” “King Of the Hill Season 13,” and “American Dad Season 7.”

Jack TV Shows return with new seasons to keep you captivated: “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” Season 6, “30 Rock” Season 5, “Chuck” Season 3, “Sons of Anarchy” Season 3, “The Cleveland Show” Season 2 and “The Office” Season 7.

Other shows on Jack TV are the action-packed “WWE on Raw” and “Smackdown,” as well as the nightly talk shows “Conan” and “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” playing close to their US telecast.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings Wednesday, Jan. 19, go to Shirley Tesoro, Belen Ocampo, Jericho Strachan, Talitha Espiritu, Dan Talusan of FEU, Regine Joyce Gabayno, Noel Rene Nieva Y. Mendoza, and entertainment columnists Mario Bautista and Joe Barrameda… Belated birthday greetings to Jaime Chris Rafael Ong Cuartero, firstborn of PJ and Sheila Cuartero (Jan. 5)…