‘LUV U’ cast

MANILA, Philippines — This 2012, Gary Valenciano is scheduled to do a brand-new segment on “ASAP 2012” entitled “With Love,” a spin-off of his recent award-winning CD under Star Records and TV special of the same title, “With Love, Gary Valenciano.”

“With Love” features Gary inspiring people through stories and songs of hope. He sang some of these uplifting songs in a campus tour at the UP Sunken Garden Campus with sons Paolo and Gabriel last Feb. 15. He is also set to have a show today at UST.

Gary, recipient of the Anak TV Seal Hall of Fame Award for 2011, also performs the theme song of the top-rating soap “Walang Hanggan,” a cut from the re-packaged edition of his “With Love” CD.

Gary is also set to perform the official anthem of Coca-Cola in line with its 100th anniversary. He is also gearing for a US concert tour in June. Film buffs can also look forward to Gary’s return to the silver screen via an upcoming movie under Straight Shooters Media entitled “I Do Bidoo Bidoo” with Zsa Zsa Padilla, Eugene Domingo, and Ogie Alcasid.

He will also have a concert series at the Music Museum celebrating his 29th year in the business in April and May. This year also marks the living miracle’s 34th victory over Type 1 juvenile diabetes.

His website www.garyv.com will be re-launched soon and fans can get in touch with him through his Facebook Gary Valenciano official site as well as his Twitter account @GaryValenciano1.

Friendships Strengthened Via ‘Toda Max’

After only a few months, ABS-CBN’s “Toda Max,” directed by Malu Sevilla (“My Binondo Girl,” “100 Days”) became No. 1 in the ratings game. It also strengthened the friendship among the major cast: Robin Padilla, Vhong Navarro, Pokwang and Angel Locsin. They all said that while working together in the sitcom, they have created countless memories to cherish.

Robin said, “Originally 13 weeks lang kami, one season, but nasa second season na kami. Malaking impluwensya si Angel. Pag lumakad siya sa set, lahat nagigising. Pag wala siya, malungkot ang lahat.”

On her part, Angel said, “Originally, guest lang ako but ginawa nila akong regular sa show. This is my first stint sa comedy. Ang saya-saya pala; dito allowed kang tumawa, masaya talaga.”

The show, now on its second season, remained undisputed on its timeslot. According to Kantar Media, “Toda Max” got 13.2 percent TV rating last Feb. 4, which is higher than those of the competing stations’ public service programs.

“Toda Max” is aired after “MMK” on ABS-CBN.

‘Luv U’ Starts Classes Tomorrow

Another kapamilya comedy, “Luv U,” is set to air pilot tomorrow, Feb. 19.

Featured in the show are former bulilits now tweeners like Miles Ocampo, Angeli Gonzales, Kiray Celis, CJ Navato, and Igi Boy Flores. The show also introduces young heartthrob Marco Gumabao.

Also jazzing up the cast are Joy Viado and Smokey Manaloto and Bangs Garcia.

“Luv U” premieres tomorrow after “ASAP Rocks” on ABS-CBN.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Feb. 18, go to Perla Bautista, Robert Campos, Ret. Judge Prudencio Altre Castillo, Christopher Michael A. Zamora, Lydia C. Tensuan, Norma Razo, Ester Banzon-Parungao, Carlito Pascual, Dr. Bernadette Coden, Atty. Felipe “Jun” Medina, Arleen V. Asuncion, Rajhie Jade M. Tabor, Clarence Jacob G. Martinez who turns 6 years old today, and Brenan Espartinez… The four kiddie cooks vying for the P1-million prize in tonight’s “Junior MasterChef Pinoy Edition: The Live Cook-Off,” Jobim, Kyle, Mika and Philip, will cook surprise special dishes so “matindi ang competition,” said host Judy Ann Santos. Second placer will get P500,000, while the 3rd and 4th placers will get P250,000 each... Aljur Abrenica and Maxene Magalona will star today in “Spooky Valentine” presents “Manibela” on GMA-7, after “Manny Many Prizes.”