ABS-CBN launches its new noontime show called “Happy Yipee Yehey!” to replace “Pilipinas Win na Win.” Main hosts are John Estrada, Randy Santiago, Mariel Rodriguez and Toni Gonzaga. The pilot episode will be held at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

The hosts are not neophytes in hosting a noontime show. John and Randy hosted the hit ’90s noontime show “Magandang Tanghali, Bayan,” while Mariel and Toni had their own respective stints in two different noontime shows.

John and Randy are positive that their new show will rate, “sa tulong ninyo.”

Toni said they’re not out to compete with any noontime show, especially “Eat Bulaga” (for which she was co-host in the past). “We just want to give fun to the people, ’yan ang goal namin, ang magpasaya ng tao and in our own little way makatulong.”

It’s been five years since she left “Eat Bulaga.”

Toni also said she and Mariel have patched up their differences and are now friends again.

The hosts said that they will have exciting games that come with attractive prizes in “Happy Yipee Yehey!” Choreographer Joy Cancio creates hot dance moves through the HYY Dancers.

Joining the main hosts are co-hosts Melai Cantiveros, Bianca Manalo and Jobert. Melai said, “Grabe talaga, sobrang kinakabahan ako at excited siyempre.”

Bianca, on her part, echoed the same sentiment, adding “I’m very grateful to big bosses for giving me this show. After ‘Magkaribal,’ ‘Juanita Banana’ naman, and now ito.”

Other co-hosts include Sam Milby, Bentong, Matteo Guidicelli, and John Prats.

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Kuh, Hitmakers in Valentine show

If you’re looking for the perfect Valentine concert this weekend where you can hear some of the most romantic songs ever, don’t fail to catch “The Greatest Love Songs of Our Time” on Feb. 13 at 8 p.m. at the PICC.

Headlined by Kuh Ledesma and The Hitmakers (Rico J. Puno, Nonoy Zuñiga, Marco Sison and Rey Valera), the concert brings together beautiful music, great humor from first rate performers. This is the first time that Kuh and The Hitmakers are performing together.

Kuh and The Hitmakers produced some of the greatest OPM classics. Some of Kuh’s hits are “I Think I’m In Love,” “‘Til I Met You,” and “Paano Kita Mapasasalamatan.”

Among Rico’s hits are “Magkasuyo Buong Gabi,” “Buhat” and “May Bukas Pa.” Nonoy Zuñiga made his mark with songs such as “Never Ever Say Goodbye,” “Doon Lang,” “Kamusta Ka” and “Love Without Time.” Marco Sison’s rise to fame is also because of a major hit, “My Love Will See You Through.” He is also the singer behind “Si Aida, Si Lorna O Si Fe.”

Considered one of the most prolific songwriters in the country, Rey Valera has composed and performed timeless hits like “Kung Kailangan Mo Ako,” “Kung Tayo’y Magkakalayo,” “Sinasamba Kita” and “Maging Sino Ka Man.”

“The Greatest Love Songs of Our Time: The Diva and the Hitmakers,” produced by Viva Concerts and Events and supported by Mossimo Music with media partners ABS-CBN, Manila Bulletin, People’s Journal, 105.1 Crossover, RJ 100 FM, PBO, Viva Cinema and Viva Prime, is a must-watch.

Tickets are available at Ticketworld, Viva Concerts and Events and Headline Concepts.

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‘Rent’ set to open today at RCBC

9 Works Theatrical is bringing back “Rent,” the revolutionary rock musical staged twice last year. It is set to open today, Feb. 12, at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium at PCBC Plaza in Makati City.

This time, the new version of “Rent” will be bolder under the direction of Robbie Guevara. “Rent” is a Pulitzer and Tony Award-winning musical written by Jonathan Larson as a retelling of the Giacomo Puccini opera “La Boheme” set in the Lower East Village of New York City.

Some of the country’s talented theater artists are reprising their roles for the re-staging of “Rent;” Gian Magdangal as Roger Davis, the songwriter; and Sheree Bautista (TV personality and Gian’s real-life girlfriend) as Mimi Marquez, the AIDS-afflicted dancer from the Cat Scratch Club. Joining the cast for the first time is singer-TV personality Ciara Sotto. Ciara recently appeared in “Magsimula Ka!”

At a recent rehearsal, we saw how intense the role of Mimi was in the persons of Sheree and Ciara.
“Rent” runs till March 6. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 8 p.m. Saturdays at 3:30 p.m. and Sundays at 4:30 p.m.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings for Feb. 12 go to Mrs. Alice Lacson, Mrs. Bing Atienza, Elizabeth Manlongat-Carino, Tessie Sioson Roque, Mitos Escalambre, Honey Hazel Lim, Noemi Rivera, Lourdes Calma Bisaya, David Ty Jr., Lambert Santos of New Jersey, USA; Joey Sermonia, Joe Recio, Madeleine Salcedo-Tabor, Nene Riego, Baby Eric Slotta of New York, and entertainment writers Marinel Cruz and Ambet Nabus…