Coco Martin

MANILA, Philippines -- One of the youngest and most awarded actors in the country, Coco Martin has proven his acting mettle once more by winning the coveted Natatanging Aktor ng Dekada (2000-2009) given this year by Gawad Urian.

The award recognizes Coco for his “excellence in a decade-long body of work in Philippine cinema among them ‘Masahista,’ ‘Tirador,’ ‘Serbis,’ ‘Jay,’ ‘Kinatay,’ ‘Sa Yo Lamang’ and ‘Noy.’ Veteran actresses namely Cherry Pie Picahe and Gina Pareño are also recipients of the said prestigious award.

He was once an underrated actor who used to appear in sexy films only. It was during his “Tayong Dalawa” stint where he shone the most.

“Isa talaga sa mga gusto ko ay ang makapag-contribute pa sa industriya sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay ng best ko na deserve ng manonood,” the “Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin” star said.

Coco is a self-confessed fan of Filipino films. He enjoys doing mainstream and indie films as he appeared in roughly 22 films in his eight years in showbiz.

In “Noy,” where he is one of the creators and producers, Coco got the chance to be involved in all the film’s aspects. “Alam kong kahit papaano sa ‘Noy,’ kahit hindi siya isang blockbuster na pelikula, marami akong natutunan – kung gaano kahirap maging producer lalo na sa panahon ngayon. Ang balik lang talaga sa akin ay yung ma-recognize ng mga Pilipino at ma-realize nila na kaya nating makipagsabayan sa mundo.”

“Noy” was one of the chosen films of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) for the Sineng Pambansa Pampanga Film Festival held May 26 at Robinsons Pampanga.

If plans will push through, Coco might do a film to compete for the upcoming Metro Manila Film Festival.

Aljur Abrenica,  certified ‘hotdog lover’

After winning the Ultimate Hunk title in GMA-7’s reality artista-search “StarStruck” four years ago, Kapuso hunk Aljur Abrenica lived up to the monicker with his recent starrer “Machete.”

While doing the teleserye, he became even more conscious of his physique, adapting a rigorous physical training and healthy diet to achieve the perfectly chiseled body fit for the character’s requirement.

Such preference for healthy choices and for an active lifestyle opened another door for Aljur as endorser of Century Tuna Healthylicious Hotdog, the first meat hotdog in the market that combines the delicious taste of our all-time favorite hotdog with the healthy goodness of tuna.

Angela Gamboa, senior product manager for Century Tuna, said Aljur perfectly embodies the Century Tuna Healthylicious Hotdog brand simply because “he is one of today’s fast-rising male stars who is admired not only for his good looks and acting talent but also for his healthy lifestyle choices that are admirable and inspiring for young individuals his age.”

SM Kids Country Couture  Collection featured  at Philippine Fashion Week

The SM Kids Country Couture Collection had a successful run at Philippine Fashion Week held May 14 at the SMX Convention Center.

The collection, featuring country- inspired denim clothes, include Blue and White Couture, a whole blue world combining countryside charm and great style in four fun looks; Denim + Checks, rugged and playful; Blues and Blooms, soft and romantic; and the artsy and eclectic Country Mix, which layers denim pieces with checks and floral prints.

You can find the collection at the Children’s Wear Department of all SM stores.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, May 31, go to actor William Martinez, Alex Ricketts, Christina Toll of San Francisco, CA; Adel Almontero of London, Benhur A. Villanueva, Perlita M. Magno, Leslie Ann Ong, Ruby Velasco Rennie and Desiree Kate A. Silan of New York, USA… “Walker’s Gizmos and Gadgets” held its first monthly draw at SM North Edsa where a total of 138 winners won a Nokia C-3, Ipod Shuffle and Nokia C1-02, for the first, second and third prizes. This promo is until Aug. 31, 2011 only. The next raffle draw will be on June 11 to be held at the SM Fairview...