MANILA, Philippines -- Fans of telenovelas in the country will certainly be delighted to know that a Telenovela Channel has been launched in the country and is expected to be operational starting next month. The Telenovela Channel, the first in Asia, will afford viewers the chance to watch their favorite Spanish and Mexican soap operas anytime of the day. The Telenovela Channel has been made possible through a partnership between Televisa Internacional and Beginnings at Twenty Plus, Inc., an independent producer of local concerts and indie films.

Beginnings at Twenty plus, Inc. (which produced “The Last Valentines nAPO Nila,” the Ryan Cayabyab-Ogie Alcasid tandem “OC at the PICC,” the Jose Mari Chan-The Company team-up “It’s Complicated,” and the multi-awarded Martial Law movie “Sigwa” among others) is now championing the cause of Filipino theatre and voice talents by charting the Telenovela territory.

Since 2005, the company has been involved in dubbing telenovelas and some of these programs include the critically acclaimed “Secreto de Amor,” “Mi Pecado,” “Tormenta En Al Paraiso” and “Rebecca,” all translated from Spanish to English.

Envisioned by Antonio Flores, the Telenovela Channel is acknowledged as the first 24/7 soap opera channel in Asia.

Televisa’s Mario Castro was impressed with Beginnings at Twenty Plus’ commitment in doing voice dubbing through the years in different languages for Spanish/Mexican soap operas.

The channel is intended for Filipinos here and abroad.

“Since the advent of television, we Pinoys are already a lover of soap operas. With the proliferation of soap operas on TV networks, the Telenovela Channel aims to be different in that it is the first of its kind to be carried to far-flung areas via satellite TV and other cable operators,” Pelita P. Uy said.

So far, about 300 cable operators have signed them up.

Stanley Uy, president BTP, said the channel gives viewers an option to watch shows they have missed.

Some of the upcoming titles in the channel include “Pasion (Passion),” “En Nombre de Amor (In the Name of Love),” “Verano de Amor (Summer of Love)” and “Las dos Caras de Ana (The Two Faces of Ana).”

Movie premiere for Rudy Fuentes

Beauty queens Maria Isabel Lopez, Melanie Marquez, Azenith Briones, and Jean Saburit recently visited former fashion designer Rudy Fuentes in Binangonan. Bedridden, diabetic and recovering from a stroke, he is in need of medical assistance. He needs a wheel chair, medicines and a caregiver. Plans are underway for him to be moved to Metro Manila.

The former beauty queens together with actress/producer Liz Alindogan are organizing a premiere for a movie entitled “H.I.V.” (Si Heidi, si Ivy at si V?) to raise funds for Rudy.

Produced by Exogain Productions and the Department of Health, “HIV (Si Heidi, si Ivy at si V?)” stars Jake Cuenca, Iza Calzado, Precious Lara Quigaman, Maria Isabel Lopez, Will Devaughn, Candy Pangilinan, Azenith Briones, and Liz Alindogan. Directed by Neal “Buboy” Tan and written by Wanggo Gallaga, the film is about HIV/AIDS situation in the country.

The benefit premiere will be held at the SM Megamall’s Cinema 10 on Aug. 26, at 6 p.m. Premiere tickets are at P300 and donor tickets at P500. Friends of Rudy’s who would like to help may deposit their donations to Azenith B. Reyes’s BDO Branch Robinson Galleria Account No. 004950316993.

The Angelos in fundraising show

The Angelos, a popular classical pop group dubbed as Asia’s answer to Il Divo, will perform in a fundraising concert on Aug. 19 at 7:30 p.m. at Music Museum.

Called “A Night of Music for a Cause,” the concert is presented by the Batas Barangay Development Foundation.

The Angelos is composed of George Sison Tagle, Louie Abaigar, Paolo Libiran and Miguel Aguila.

Guest performers are violinist Merjohn Lagaya (Concert Master of Asian Symphony of Orchestra), Ms. Fame Flores (soprano), Dax Martin (comedian singer), the Angelle (four young girls of C-pop genre), Kris Gonzales (boy soprano), Tagala Brothers (classical string quartet), Mar Llamas (pianist), Ignite Dance Company and special guest artists from Texas, USA Alfred Lee, and Mrs. Edith Mccoy.

Tickets are available at Music Museum.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings for Tuesday, Aug. 16, go to opera singer Evelyn Mandac, awarded actress Raquel Villavicencio, singer Gigi Posadas, Baby Rodriguez, Ma. Esperanza Lee, Richelle Santos, Maricris Sarino, Ivy Leah E. Mendoza, MB’s Ariel Soleto Tabag, Michelle M. Gerilla of Tagum City and Rod Nepomuceno…