MANILA, Philippines — New GMA soap “Biritera” features the struggles of an ambitious young singer to succeed.

The young singer, Roseanne, played by Roseanne Megan, competes in practically all song competitions in the community, a situation similar to what some successful singers underwent before stardom.

But in one major singing competition, Roseanne loses and she is so disappointed. Even more disappointed is Andrei (Dennis Trillo) who thinks the girl deserved to win.

Andrei was brought to the song fest by Mr. D (Ryan Eigenmann), a respected talent manager who is searching for a new singing talent to replace the reigning “Biritera,” who has just passed away.

Also starring in “Biritera” are Glaiza de Castro, Angelika dela Cruz, Rich Asuncion, Ces Quesada, Neil Ryan Sese, Gwen Zamora and Ms. Claudine Barretto.

Supporting players are Kiel Rodriguez, Ken Chan, Orlando Sol, Sweet Ramos, Nomer Limatog Jr., Jamaika Olivarez, Kim Komatsu, hiro Magalona, Barbara Miguel, Scarlet, Patricia Ysmael, and Myra Carel.

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Taal Imperial Blessing Set Monday

Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto will lead the list of guests during the blessing of “Mother” Lily Monteverde’s Taal Imperial Hotel & Resort Monday, Feb. 6. Governor Vi will lead the ribbon-cutting ceremony set at 10 a.m.

Taal Imperial Hotel & Resort is situated in Barangay Tulo, Taal, Batangas. “Mother” Lily spent an entire year overseeing construction of her dream resort, the latest “baby” in her real estate business.

Vast, modern and perfect for families, the resort houses family villas, a condotel, two swimming pools, a main function hall, videoke/music room, massage room, and kiddie playground.

This early, Taal Imperial Resort played host to events like debuts, seminars, weddings.

“Mother” Lily picked Governor Vi to be her “baby’s” godmother as she is inspired by the actress-politician’s remarkable service to the province. Also invited to the inauguration are the Regal matriarch’s closest friends from show business.

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Playboy Now Bigger, Bolder

It was in 2008 that Playboy arrived in the Philippines with Miss Earth 2004 Priscilla Mereilles as its first ever cover girl. The men’s magazine has been circulated in the US since 1953 and has been localized in 30 countries.

“Filipino men’s taste in women and content fits what Playboy can offer. And on the other side, Filipinas are very exotic thus, we have to immortalize their beauty and sensual grace on the pages of our magazine,” said Playboy Philippines Managing Editor Stephanie Dela Torre.

Dela Torre announced that Playboy aims to be bigger, better, and bolder in 2012. For starters, size matters turning its old 8.5 x 1 inches dimension to 9 x 12 inches.

It also introduces new reads like the “Playground” section, where the magazine focuses on a Playboy’s lifestyle with features on fashion, grooming, sports, fitness, wellness, food and beverage, events to go to, cars, leisure, and many more.

Playboy will also pick “Gentleman of the Month” beginning in March.

For January-February, Valerie Concepcion is featured on its cover. Valerie also shares her views on men and how she deals with men drooling over her.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings Sunday, Feb. 5, go to Martin Nievera and his twin Vicky, Freddie Aguilar, Cristine Reyes, Myra Manibog, Annette Uy, Abraham de Vera, Cesar Campos, Michael Lovey, Jenny Miller, and Jake Maderazo…