MANILA, Philippines -- The latest edition of “Survivor Philippines,” which premieres today (Nov. 14) on GMA’s Telebabad Block, is the most intense, the most dramatic, and the most dangerous ever, said host Richard Gutierrez.

Since the celebrity castaways are in pairs, “Survivor Philippines Celebrity Doubles Showdown” unfolds with more drama because those involved share history as pairs.

Aside from hosting “Survivor,” Richard is also part of the production team. He shares ideas from pre-production, said Leo Sanchez-Matias, GMA AVP for Public Affairs. “Richard understands very well the different aspects of the show and he is fully aware of all the dangers that this new season could offer.”

Set amidst a majestic background – scenic San Ildefonso, Palawan which according to international producer Julie Dick is the perfect location being an “isolated yet a world-class paradise island” – “Survivor Philippines Celebrity Doubles Showdown” features an interesting mix of celebrity castaways, chosen because of their individual characters.

They are: Former real-life couple Fil-Am radio disc jockey and “Party Pilipinas” host KC Montero and sultry vegetarian singer-actress Geneva Cruz; “Startalk” host Alyssa Alano and former Sexbomb dancer Aifha Medina; sexy siren Ellen Adarna and real-life boyfriend Filo Cucueco; former actress Jackie Foster and popular radio DJ Angelicopter; “That’s Entertainment” alumni Chuckie Dreyfus and Isabel Granada; celebrity cousins Arthur Solinap and Carlo Gonzalez; GMA News talents Maey Bautista and Betong Sumaya; “StarStruck” alumnus Stef Prescott and commercial model and actor Gino dela Peña; Philippine Volcanoes’ Arnold Aninion and John Odulio; and former beauty queen turned sexy actress Maria Isabel Lopez and daughter Mara Yokohama.

‘Angelito, Batang Ama’ airs today

JM De Guzman, in so short a time, has reached leading man status, overtaking some of his contemporaries as he plays lead in “Angelito, Batang Ama” which airs on ABS-CBN’s Kapamilya Gold today, Nov. 14 at 3:30 p.m.

“What’s new and interesting about the show is that the perspective of the young father will be shown. Usually, it has always been the young mother’s dilemma shown in movies or other programs,” JM said.

JM – who studied Theater Arts at the University of the Philippines – observed the lives of young fathers, sort of an immersion, so that he can tackle his soap break.

Other members of the cast in “Angelito, Batang Ama” are Charee Pineda, Kaye Abad, Tom Rodriguez, Ina Feleo, Matt Evans, Felix Roco, Sam Concepcion, Devon Seron, Jason Francisco, Carl John Barrameda, Kyra Custodio, Bianca Casado, Sue Anna Ramirez, Eliza Pineda, Mariel Pamintuan, Lemuel Pelayo, Benj de Guzman, Eslove Briones, Michael Flores, Joshen Bernardo, and Bea Basa. Ms Elizabeth Oropesa, Al Tantay and Snooky Serna also play key parts.

JM – who released his first recording this year – was first seen as Mike in “PHR Presents Midnight Phantom.” He also starred in “PHR Presents Alyna,” “My Amnesia Girl,” and “Babae Sa Septic Tank.”

The Telenovela Channel now on Sky

The Telenovela Channel is the first 24/7 soap opera channel in the Philippines and Asia.

Made possible by the partnership of Beginnings at Twenty Plus Inc. and Televisa Internacional, the concept network is now on Sky Cable starting today, Nov. 14, over channel 60.

“Telenovelas have always been at the core of Filipino viewing. The Telenovela Channel is a welcome addition to the line-up of Sky Cable and I am sure that with the drama, passion and intensity of the stories, our subscribers will find pieces of themselves [while watching the shows],” says Ms. Jaja Suarez, Head of Program Packaging and Merchandising from Sky Cable.

Set to air are “Pasion (Passion),” “En Nombre de Amor (In the Name of Love),” “La Madrasta (The Stepmother),” and “Las Dos Caras de Ana (The Two Faces of Ana).”

For inquiries, contact your local cable operators or visit www.telenovelachannel.com.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Nov. 14, go to Mila M. Valenzuela, Atty. Homobono Adaza, Ronnie A. Pili, Estela J. Lopez, Marie Christine A. Pineda, Minda Fuentes, Robin del Rosario, Josefina Malonzo Capistrano, Gloria Navarro, Averill “Bingbing” M. Pizarro, Leonor Cattanco, Arturo “Popoy” A. Los Baños, Gerard C. Marcelo, Roi Phillips, Bogs Guerrero and Ana Marie Periquet...