JAKE VARGAS and Bea Binene

For a teenage star like Bea Binene, it’s a great break to be given the lead-star role in “Cielo de Angelina,” GMA-7’s first family drama series for its morning block right before “Eat Bulaga,” Monday to Friday.

“The drama shows how to inspire parents to care more for their children,” Bea said.

Jake Vargas added that the drama is a challenge for parents and teenagers on how to promote relationships in the family.

Bea plays Angelina, opposite teenage actor Jake Vargas as Marco. Other members of the major cast are Jillian Ward as the young Angelina, Elijah Alejo as young Julie, Yassi Pressman as Rhode, Jessa Zaragoza as Teresa, Mico Palanca as Benjamin, Isabel Granada as Carina, Victor Basa as Dr. Frank, and Ms. Gloria Romero as Sister Margaret.

Fresh from a controversy involving lawyer Ferdinand Topacio and DJ Papa Dan, Bea explained that “there’s no compelling reason she and her mother must publicly apologize to lawyer Topacio for their having tainted his name as alleged by the lawyer!”

“We did not taint his name,” Bea stressed. “He did!”

Bea confirmed the statement of a GMA lawyer that she and her mother had no lawyer-client relationship with lawyer Topacio. “Legal adviser, perhaps, because we consulted him once or twice on a case,” Bea explained.

“Cielo de Angelina” is about Angelina (Bea), an orphan who was left at the door of El Cielo, a shelter for abandoned children.

Marco (Jake), a four-year-old orphan, was there when Sister Margaret picked up the baby.

“Cielo de Angelina” begins airing today, Oct. 22, before “Eat Bulaga.”

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Thai Superstar Joins Kapamilya Stars In Singapore

Filipinos in Singapore were delighted to see Thai superstar Mario Maurer who joined the biggest stars of ABS-CBN during the recent “ASAP 2012” show in that city.

The lead actor of Star Cinema’s upcoming film “Suddenly It’s Magic” also hosted segments of the show.

The crowd turned wilder when Mario announced that his film with Erich Gonzales will screen in Singapore beginning Nov. 1.

Meanwhile, Mario throws a bigger treat to his Pinoy fans as he will return to the Philippines on Oct. 29 to promote “Suddenly It’s Magic” in different ABS-CBN shows. “Magic” opens nationwide on Oct. 31.

For more updates about “Suddenly It’s Magic,” simply visit www.StarCinema.com.ph, http://facebook.com/StarCinema and http://twitter.com/StarCinema.

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Award-Winning Actor Exhibits Artworks

Ms. Ching Valdes-Aran, Obie-award winning stage, TV and film actor, will present a solo exhibition of her paintings for the first time in the US. Entitled “Ching Valdes-Aran: New And Selected Work,” the exhibit will be on view at the Philippine Center Gallery in New York City from Oct. 22 to Nov. 2, 2012. An artist’s reception will take place today, Oct. 22 from 6 to 9 p.m.

A veteran and in-demand actress who has worked with famed directors including Michael Greif (“Dog Eaters”), George C. Wolfe (“The Wild Party”), Moises Kaufman (“Macbeth”) and Julie Taymor, as well as appearing in countless movies (“Across The Universe,” “Sex & The City 1” and the upcoming Xan Cassavetes’ “Kiss of the Damned”), Valdes-Aran has been painting for years.

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Yoko Whitening Spa Salt and Cream Supports Campus Role Model Philippines

Campus Role Model Philippines is a yearly competition by RDH Entertainment Network with the aim of discovering new breed of campus beauty queens with a purpose. A role model – a “Star of Influence” – is a must for all, especially in the eyes of fellow students as emerging leaders. Their potential will be unleashed via workshops, fashion pictorials and a series of fashion shows in selected malls.

The nationwide search is open to all female students ages 15-24 years old, of good moral character, at least 5’3” in height. For more details, mail richardhinola@yahoo.com and add us on Facebook Miss Campus Role Model Philippines.

Yoko Whitening Spa Salt and Cream, one of the leading face and body products of Thailand, is one of the major sponsors for this year’s Miss Campus Role Model Philippines 2012 year. Yoko Face and Body whitening products are available at all leading department stores and drug stores nationwide.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Oct. 22, go to Lindsay Custodio-Platon, Conchitina Veloso, Tereret Liboro, Angel Cruz, Lito Talampas, Jane Enrile, Virginia R. Velasco, Anna Liza C. de Leon, Richard Merino, Nadine C. Teves, Jojo Guiao, Felino “Sonny” Timbol, Mary Ann “Baby” M. Montemayor, Marissa Francisco, Karla Yturzaeta and Matt Evans of Star Magic…