MANILA, Philippines — The well-followed Kapuso series “Luna Blanca” enters its second book starting today (July 16). In the new chapter, the mystical twins played by Jillian Ward (Luna) and Mona Louise Rey (Blanca) in their childhood years, will now be portrayed by Bea Binene and Barbie Forteza, respectively.

Spicing up Luna and Blanca’s lives in their adolescent years are the characters of Derrick Monasterio and Kristoffer Martin. Derrick plays the role of Kiko, the boy from the slum community in Payatas who will become close friends with Blanca. They will grow up together and Kiko will develop special feelings for Blanca. Though he is jealous of Bianca and Joaquin’s closeness, he will do everything to win her heart.

Kristoffer is Joaquin/Aki, a popular singer who becomes Luna’s defender and confidante. He is Divine’s brother but unlike her who despises Luna. Aki would always protect and look after her. Luna secretly loves him but his heart belongs to Blanca. Joaquin’s relationship with Luna and Blanca threatens to cause a rift between the twin sisters.

Joining the second generation of the series are the new characters associated with Luna and Blanca including seasoned actress and TV director Gina Alajar as Nida, Donya Consuelo’s helper who will adopt Luna and raise her as her own daughter; Allan Paule as Crispina, Nida’s husband and Donya Consuelo’s driver; Yassi Pressman as Kate, Joaquin’s singing partner; and Ryza Cenon as Ashley, Divine and Joaquin’s sister.

Playing equally vital roles in “Luna Blanca” are Raymart Santiago and Camille Prats as Rowena; Chynna Ortaleza as Divine; Marissa Delgado as Donya Consuelo; and Buboy Villar as Samboy, the son of Nida and Crispin.

“Luna Blanca” is directed by Dominic Zapata.

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Joel Cruz Signatures Turns 5

It seems only yesterday when enterprising Joey Cruz put up Signatures by Joey Cruz, but this venture of his is now five years old and flourishing at that! Joey decided to add his personal care products to his thriving line of business – perfumery – after eight successful years in the business.

Joel has every reason to celebrate his flourishing Joel Cruz Signatures-Beyond Personal Care brand which is sold nationwide and which includes scented products such as eau de toilette, lotions, air fresheners, whitening soap, colored hair waxes, foot and intimate sprays and others.

The brand was officially launched in 2009 at the SM Sky Dome, SM North EDSA together with the introduction of its celebrity endorsers John Lloyd Cruz, Ejay Falcon, Ronnie Liang and Pauleen Luna.

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Animé Characters Brought To Life

Cosplayers who emerged the winners of the “Hero Face Off 2012” truly deserved their titles as they accurately brought their characters to life last Saturday at the SM Mega Trade Hall 1.

The “Kids Squad” category was won by Izaiah Luke Buelos who took hom R15,000, the “League of Heroes” was won by The Angry Birds Team who won R20,000 and the ultimate “Face Off” was won by the mighty warrior, Azure Rathalos of Monster Hunter portrayed by Ma. Ann Orduna who went home with R30,000.

The “Face Off” winner is also set to visit Singapore Toy, Game and Comic Convention this September.

“Hero Face Off 2012” was attended by thousands of cosplayers and animé enthusiasts. Hero TV Channel Head, Ruel Ferrer, said “The Ultimate Cosplay Battle celebrates animé creativity at its finest. While it championed the animé and cosplay community, the event provided and opportunity to achieve total animé experience among fans, and a different kind of satisfaction among the cosplay winners.”

Hero TV is seen on Sky Cable Channel 44.

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Tidbit: Happy b-day greetings today, July 16, go to Ms. Carmen Soriano, Melanie Marquez, Gualberto Lumauig, Henry Zabarte, Rowena Bautista-Mendiola, Carmen Rodriguez Arguelles, Katrina May Villavicencio, Carmelita Millado, Diane Tristan Valiente, Andro Laurel Lopez, Carmencita Valero, Tanya Louise T. Plastina, Roel Villacorta, Sheryll dela Cruz, Rowena Bravo, Cali Tiansay, Erlinda Ballesteros, Jansen Macahindong of New Jersey, USA; Nickie Wang of Manila Standard Today, and Arron Villaflor…