Just when you thought the GMA Artist Center (GMAAC) could not get any busier, the hardworking talent management and development arm of the Kapuso Network surprises us with impressive list of projects for the start of the year. Coming from the launch of the 2006 GMAAC calendar, which caused quite a stir in the entertainment industry, the Artist Center once again proves that it is the trusted name talent management with the alliances it has established with companies known worldwide. The GMAAC joins forces with Fuji for the marketing and promotional needs for the calendar. Heading the pack for the Artist Center’s partner company are Vincent Morales, VP for Marketing, and Ariel Tresvalles, marketing manager.

Following the tradition of creating noteworthy, quality digital films, in the same fashion as "La Funeraria Toti;" "Silip;" and "Kilig...Pintig...Yanig," the GMA Artist Center, ventures into a bigger endeavor –another digital film trilogy, this time to be directed by no less than award winning director Peque Gallaga, Soxie Topacio, and Rahyan Carlos. The digital films are products of the Acting Workshops for Film and TV that are facilitated by well respected and celebrated artists in the entertainment industry such as Bodjie Pascua, Hero Bautista, Edna Mae Landicho, Cris Vertido, and the Master Showman himself, German Moreno. Not to be forgotten, the facilitators for Film and TV Production Workshops are also led by notable personalities in the industry such as Romy Vitug, Dinno Erece Vince de Jesus, Frank Aldana, Jowee Morel, Liza Marcelo, and Joseph Fortin.

Aside from the discovering potential starts, the GMA Artist Center also works hand in hand with Feed the Hungry, Inc. now. Formed in 1993, Feed the Hungry is a group of Filipino Americans in Washington, D.C. who decided to distribute gifts and food to street children in the Philippines during Christmas. The organization has evolved into facilitating other projects that include providing educational scholarships; classroom construction; home building; infrastructure and economic development; and medical and dental missions here in the Philippines, wherein they have already reached 75 out of 80 provinces all over the country. From just "feeding the hungry" during the holidays, Feed the Hungry, Inc. has extended its scope by aiming to improve the lives of more poor and disadvantaged Filipinos. Thus, rendering Feed the Hungry, Inc. as a valuable instrument in assisting and being of service to people in need.

Collaborating with Feed the Hungry, Inc. is the GMA Artist Center, headed by Ms. Ida R. Henares, who recognizes that more than the affinity of the artists with the viewers/fans, the talent management branch of GMA has a unique responsibility to the society. Serving as their local spokespersons/advocates are prime GMA Artist Center talents: Angel Locsin for the blind beneficiaries, Jennylyn Mercado for the battered children (Bata Foundation of the Christian Mission Services Phils.), and Arnold Clavio for the Igan Foundation.

And as the GMA Artist Center conquers greater showbiz horizons, it celebrates the birthdays of the January–born talents such as StarStruck young beauties Sheena Halili, Katrina Halili, and Yasmien Kurdi.

Among the stable of stars the GMAAC has taken under its wing, Katrina Halili is one of the artists who has shone brightly almost effortlessly. The 20–year–old sexy lass has aroused the curiosity and interest of many, appearing in GMA and QTV shows such as "Darna," "Love to Love," "Ganda ng Lola Ko," and "Nuts Entertainment." But nothing could have made more noise than her FHM 2006 calendar, which stole the attention of plenty, urging them to believe that Katrina Halili will definitely shine even brighter in the coming year as one of the most promising actresses of her generation.

Another "StarStruck" young beauty turned 20 last Jan. 16. Petite looker Sheena has appeared on Kapuso shows such as "Maynila," "Baywalk," "Love to Love," and "SOP Gigsters," among others. She has won the hearts of the young and old alike with her charming disposition and childlike demeanor that have been her ticket in being the face of Head & Shoulders, one of the biggest endorsements an artist could have. Among the sea of fresh stars and wannabes, Sheena stands out as she has all the makings of a young idol.

StarStruck Princess Yasmien Kurdi is without a doubt one of the busiest young stars in the industry today. With an album under her name. "In the Name of Love," including certified chart toppers "I Know" and "In the Name of Love," Yasmien Kurdi is ahead of her time, conquering the recording scene, television and film. Appearing regularly on GMA and QTV shows at present such as "SOP Gigsters," "Hokus Pokus," "Now & Forever," and "Fans Kita," Yasmien was also included in the Metro Manila Film Festival entry "Shake, Rattle and Roll" last December. She has truly proven that among the relatively fresh finds of GMA, she is one passionate and bankable artist who is set for super stardom.

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Lance Raymundo, a Viva recording artist, is coming out with a Valentine’s show with a difference.

The first show, entitled "Shakespeare for Valentines," will be held tomorrow, Feb. 3, at 6 p.m. at the Powerbooks Megamall.

The show will be a poetry-musical featuring arias and sonnets by William Shakespeare. Some thespians and poetry aficionados will join Lance in reading and performing onstage.

Lance’s cousin, Chris Fiel, will be one of the readers. Chris is a Filipino/Japanese/American model from Los Angeles, California. He has been featured on a number of TV shows in America, including MTV’s Date My Mom.

Chris will represent the Philippines for this year’s Manhunt International Pageant to be held in Beijing, China.

"Shakespeare for Valentines" is a project of Powerbooks in cooperation of the British Council.

On Feb. 14, 8 p.m., Lance will have a special Valentine’s Concert at the Boulvar Music Lounge of the Manila Pavilion Hotel. Lance’s guests are Samantha May and Travis Kraft. Samantha is a beautiful Filipina–Greek singer/model who grew up in Australia. Travis is an American actor who has been featured in several Christian films.

Angie Magbanua directs both shows.

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George Tagle is basically a painter but he has also a knack for singing and ever since he started singing professionally in 1998 (as male vocalist of various bands like Option, Prelude, 8th Avenue and Fabuloso), he couldn’t resist the call of music anymore. George has participated in at least 15 shows where he was either solo artist or guest performer.

The painter-singer will be a guest performer once more via the One Production House’s Valentine concert "Hearts in Season," topbilled by three divas: Dulce, Ivy Violan, and Janet Basco, with Toti Fuentes as musical director. The concert will be held at the Rigodon Ballroom no less of Manila Peninsula.

Among the most memorable shows that George has participated in include the Valentine show of Ivy Violan last year where he was introduced formally; his very first solo concert at Hard Rock Café; a concert with Jinky Llamanzares at Calesa Bar of Hyatt Regency Manila; a benefit concert with Ivy Violan and Lindsay Custodio at the Fatima Church; and another Valentine concert with veteran performers at the Century Park Hotel.

As a singer, George has expressed preference for classical music, having had as mentors Al Mendoza of the Ryan Cayabyab Music School, Abet del Rosario and Nolyn Cabahug, Jake Ryoso and Carla Gutierrez from the Philippine Opera Company. In 2005, George had his first taste of opera, performing in "The Magic Flute" with the Philippine Opera Company.

The son of renowned painted E.R. Tagle, George has had exhibits since 1995 at various art galleries in Manila. He also did a short stint as designer and fashion show director.

In 2004, George was nominated as Best New Artist by the Aliw Awards Foundation.

Presented by Columbia’s Chockquick, Bangko Pangasinan, Inc., St. Francis of Assisi College System, and Orlina Atelier, "Hearts in Season" is supported by Sunspring Printing, Universal Records, Bergamo, Gold’s Gym, Gerry’s Grill, Herway Inc., Jesi Mendez Salon, Alma Roa, and D’Sharp Infonet Computer Center.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Feb. 2, go to Lloyd Samartino, dance queen Aida M. Posadas, Monette Ejercito, Dante Nagtalon, Serafin Buan, Michelle N. Bello, JC Bonnin, Nello Nayo, Robert Espinosa, Ruther Batuigas, Maning Salac, beautician Puring Nuguid, Charito Ong, MB’s travel editor Cornelio de Guzman, Engr. Emerson G. Visaya, actor Jay Aquitania, Dr. Candy Capellan of UDMC, UK-based Susan M. Almontero, and New York-based lawyer/painter Carol Tanjutco...