JUDY ANN SANTOS and Chefs Ferns Aracama, Lau Laudico, and Jayps Anglo.

A dose of morning drama is what ABS-CBN has in store for viewers via its first ever kusina-serye “MasterChef Pinoy Edition” which premieres today, Nov. 12, before “Be Careful With My Heart” on the network’s Umaganda block. The show highlights the struggles and triumphs in the kitchen of the contestants who will vie for the R1-million cash prize.

The show had a grand launch last Thursday noon at the Renaissance Convention Center where three members of the entertainment press – Veronica Samio, Ian Farinas and Maricris Nicasio – showcased their cooking skills in 15 minutes. Ian won.

Returning to reprise their roles as host and judges in the “Junior MasterChef Pinoy Edition” are teleserye Queen Judy Ann Santos and chefs Fernando “Ferns” Aracama, Rolando “Lau” Laudico, and JP “Jayps” Anglo. Said Juday: “This time the challenges are definitely harder. We will be more blunt in giving comments. To be a good chef, one needs to endure all the hardships.”

She added: “Viewers will relate better because we will not only bring out the contestant’s talents but also their real-life stories.” Aside have having a fresh, new twist, the kusina-serye will also give viewers a taste of “reality” by housing the finalists under one roof. There they will develop appreciation for life as they blend with others, foster new bonds and conflicts, and experience success and defeat with each other.

Meanwhile, on Saturdays watch Melai Cantiveros and Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition 4 housemates Joj and Jai Agpangan in “MasterChef Saturdish Edition” where they discover and whip up exciting dishes and give out cooking tips and trivia.

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Aiko Celebrates 25th Showbiz Anniversary

Aiko Melendez, one of the most beautiful faces to have graced local showbiz, celebrates her 25th anniversary this year. To stay a quarter of a century in showbiz is a feat and for this, Aiko is very grateful. She said in a recent press conference “I’m celebrating my silver anniversary in showbiz with a grateful heart. Dito ako nakilala ng publiko at ito rin ang naging daan upang ako ay makapaglingkod sa aking kapwa through public service.”

Aiko served as councilor of Quezon City but this coming midyear elections, she chose to take a break. “Baka sa 2016 na ulit ako sasabak sa pulitika.” she said in the meantime, she plans to resume her showbiz career through TV projects and a movie she herself will produce.

Aiko practically grew up in the public eye. In the late 1980s, she was discovered by Regal Films and became one of the Regal Babies. From the teeny bopper characters she used to portray onscreen, Aiko evolved into a fine actress. She has appeared in a string of movies like “My Pretty Baby,” “Isang Araw Walang Diyos,” “Romeo Loves Juliet,” Sinungaling Mong Puso.”

Aiko won the Best Actress award from the Film Academy of the Philippines for her role in “Maalala Mo Kaya the Movie” where she played a young woman who took the responsibility of being the mother of her cousin’s son while the later worked in Japan as entertainer.

Aiko looks forward to more exciting projects now that she’s on leave as a public servant.

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Gerald Santos Blessed With New Starrer

Singer Gerald Santos gets to play the most meaningful project of his career when he portrays San Pedro Calungsod in a musical based on the life of the Philippines' second saint. Titled “San Pedro Calungsod: The Musical” it will be staged at the PETA Theater on Nov. 17 and 28, and at the Good Samaritan College in Cabanatuan City on Dec. 5-7 .

Directed by Jose Christe Gm Nombres, the musical features original music by Eugene Belbis and is written by Luigi Nacario together with the theater group MAT PIL.

Nombres said directing the musical is his way of helping spread Calungsod's message of faithfulness and service to God and reinforcing positive Filipino values among the youth that has been replaced by the advent of technology.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Nov. 12, go to Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos, “Eat Bulaga” executive producer Malou Choa-Fagar, Atty. Teresita Cruz Sison, Reynaldo Campos, Anna Marie Gutierrez, Rene Tiongco, Bobby Enciso, J-Nel Bernabe, Director Herminio Bautista, Christina Hermoso-Zaldariaga, Barbie Bermundo, Vangie Go, Dr. Wendell Lozano, Estrella Cruz Muñoz, Mike Aguirre, Diego Cagahastian, NHA Chairman Rico Laxa, Reynaldo Campos, Sandara Park, and Ron Morales of Star Magic…