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p4 - Top 10 Controversial Celebrity Newsmakers of 2011p8 - Best Christmas Memories of Celebrities!

p10 - It’s About Time! Post Concertp12 - BCCA Election

p13 - Get Ready for Boxing Dayp14 - Welcome to Canada!

p15 - The Year That Was For Celebritiesp16 - Martina Ortiz-Luis

p18 - Hailee Steinfeldp19 - Versace’s Low Priced Line

Jun SalcedoPublisher / Editor

Contributors:Vilma Manahan

Angelica TanArtesio Peluso

Issu

e #2

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As 2011 draws near its end, we look back at the year that was in Pinoy showbiz. Grateful for the resurgence of Filipinos’ interest in local movies, as shown by the box office success of several indie and commercial films, most notably: Praybeyt Benjamin (Vice Ganda starrer), No Other Love (AnneCurtis-ChristineReyes-DerekRamsey), Zombadings (Roderick Paulate-Janice de Belen-Martin Escudero), Ang Babae sa Septic Tank (Eugene Domingo).

But as one celebrity pointed out, 2011 is also a trying year, especially for stars involved in this year’s hottest controversies and scandals. This time, we take a look at ten of the most written, talked about, and debated showbiz news that hit the headlines for the year.

No.10: Nora Aunor vs Cristy Fermin (October 2011) After 8 years of absence in Philippine shores, the Superstar flew in last August to ink a movie contract with the Ejercitos and do a mini-series for TV5. But after two months in the country, Cristy Fermin, of TV5’s “Paparazzi” and “Juicy” fame cried foul and accused Nora Aunor of approaching TV5 executives to choose between her or the superstar to retain as the station’s contract star. Apparently, Nora harbored ill feelings for the showbiz talk show host because she years ago, wrote negative articles in her tabloid column against John Rendez, Nora’s erstwhile boyfriend, being financially dependent and a bad influence to the superstar all these years. The ugly accusations were nipped in the bud when TV5 executives gave an official announcement, denying the rumor. The Superstar has now signed up for a three-year contract with the Kapatid Channel and Cristy Fermin continues dishing out hot showbiz topics for TV5 shows and its affiliate radio station.

No. 9: Manny Pacquiao as Godfather or New Father? (September 2011) Jinkee Pacquiao made people sit up when she offered to give as a “reward” an Hermes bag to anyone who could produce evidence of Manny Pacquiao having an “affair” after his alleged dalliance with Krista Ranillo. A few days after, photos surfaced on the net,

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of Manny Pacquiao acting as godfather to the baptism of a child whose mother, was the former girlfriend of Manny’s unidentified assistant. Kat Ordonez, a culinary student linked to Manny Pacquiao denied the accusation and said the real father of her child is in Dubai. Meanwhile, tongues continue to wag and people are in quandary if all is really well with Jinkee and Manny Pacquiao.

No. 8: Heart Evangelista and Marian Rivera Confrontation (July 2011) This allegedly started during the film shoot in Ilocos for the remake of the movie “Temptation Island”. Marian confronted Heart for her “over excitement” on a future teleserye project with Marian’s boyfriend, Dingdong Dantes. This prompted Heart to call up her mom and relate to her the incident. Upon which, mom of Heart, upon the arrival of the group in a manila airport, allegedly with bodyguards in tow, shouted at Marian to “stay away from my daughter”. The rift continued with a hacked twitter account of Heart lambasting Marian with ugly messages. The “confrontation incident” got the attention of GMA bosses prompting them to issue a “gag order” to their network stars. Issue then died down.

No. 7: Claudine and Raymart Santiago Alleged Breakup (October 2011) The alleged breakup started way back from Claudine’s feud with Angelica Panganiban who allegedly spread the rumors that Claudine has been having an affair with Martin Castro, a non-showbiz common friend of Derek Ramsey and Raymart Santiago. Meanwhile, Claudine has been continuously linked to other men, from former President Erap’s buddy, Atong Ang to Jinggoy Estrada. But just last October, an incident caught the viewers’ attention when Claudine was seen in primetime TV news, 24 Oras, breaking down and crying in a local bank. The only information provided was the cause of Claudine’s breakdown: the missing 5 Million pesos from her conjugal account with Raymart Santiago. Ricky Lo, wrote in his article for the Philippine Star, the missing pieces of the puzzle. Claudine and Raymart has been separated for two months. Arriving home from her taping one time, she found all of Raymart’s vehicles gone in their garage.

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This prompted Claudine to call her lawyer to accompany her to the bank. She wanted to withdraw the rest of the money from an “and/or” account with Raymart. When the process of getting a manager’s check from the bank took time, she asked what the problem was. The bank manager divulged that the account has zero balance. Amidst all the speculations of Claudine’s extramarital affairs and Raymart, mustering enough courage to leave Claudine and getting himself a new relationship, the couple released a joint statement declaring that they have not separated and are still committed to their marriage and family. Meanwhile, the missing 5 Million pesos has yet to be accounted for. And Claudine’s explanation on why she called the 24 Oras News crew to cover the bank incident, has yet to be asked. No. 6: Ruffa Gutierrez-John Lloyd Cruz-Shaina Magdayao Love Triangle (October 2011) It all started with a picture of Ruffa Gutierrez and John Lloyd Cruz snapped in a Beverly Hills hotel sometime in 2009. Then the official announcement of John Lloyd Cruz and Shaina Magdayao as a couple in June 2010. Then the Shaina-John Lloyd “Hospital” scandal in the same year. Now, the saga continues as showbiz headlines announced in October of this year, the break up of Shaina and John Lloyd because of who else, Ruffa Gutierrez! Ruffa on her part, through a VTR interview in her TV5 program, “Paparazzi,” denied that she was the cause of John Lloyd-Shaina breakup. She did affirm that Shaina has been sending her “nasty” text messages and that it was John Lloyd who still kept on keeping their communication lines open after all these time. She even revealed that at that time that her relationship with John Lloyd was in the rocks, John “two-timed” her by going out with Shaina. Ruffa said a handful. But as of press time, Shaina and John Lloyd have yet to say their piece.

No. 5: Rhian Ramos-Mo Twister Love Gone Sour Over Twitter (May 2011) This was a love story that very few people knew, they kept it away from the prying eyes of the public for career reasons. Rhian is being groomed by GMA Network as one of its bankable, multi-talented, young stars, who has a good head on her shoulders. And falling for the playboy host, whose long history of “victimizing” young, pretty stars, is not an indication of someone who’s using her wisdom at all.

Until Mo Twister’s long lament on a love that he “misses,” came out on twitter. From what Mo wrote, one can surmise that the “love”

that he mentions, is a live-in arrangement, with a healthy dose of “honeymoon” trips to various countries abroad. This got the ire of Rhian, whose reputation was damaged. She hired the services of her lawyer friends to invite Mo for a talk. Mo meanwhile sought psychological help. And while the hush-hushed love-affair-gone-sour talk has died down, people are still whispering about Rhian Ramos’ capacity to do things that her network would never ever approve of.

No. 4: Jennylyn Mercado-Dennis Trillo Love Gone Physically Abusive (March 2011) After a year of being together, doing an epic movie for TV5 and a teleserye for the Kapuso Network, the ugly truth came out. Jennylyn Mercado tearfully related how she was was physically abused by boyfriend Dennis Trillo at his Mandaluyong condo. People began to look at the angel faced Dennis in a different light and many sided with Jennylyn, whom everybody concluded was “unlucky” in love. Months after the incident, Jennylyn wants to prove that “luck” is all she needs. She’s currently linked to Lucky Manzano, while ex-boyfriend Dennis Trillo is said to be going out with Bianca King. The two however refused to work together, much less, see eye-to-eye with eachother.

No. 3: Unexpected Early Pregnancy of Andi Eigenmann (June 2011) Stardom was literally offered to her on a silver platter as her first project for ABS-CBN, Agua Bendita, of which she was the title-holder, became a primetime hit just last year. The network has so much TV and movie projects lined up for their latest primetime princess, when all of a sudden, her mother, Jacklyn Jose announced on TV, the unexpected early pregnancy of her unica hija. Suddenly, all that was rosy and bright for Andi Eigenmann became dim. But what made the situation even worse is that the alleged father, Albie Casino from the program “Mara Clara”, wouldn’t own up to the deed. His family demanded a “paternity test”. Albie was dropped from Mara Clara and even a movie that he was about to make at that time. Andi Eigenmann found strength in her predicament through her family’s support. She even found an ally with close buddy (now boyfriend?) Jake Ejercito, the London-educated son of former President Erap to Laarni Enriquez. ABS-CBN announced earlier that they shall continue to support Andi

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Eigenmann and give her the right projects after her November birth to her daughter. No. 2: Willie Revillame and Janjan Issue (March 2011) It seems that Willie Revillame’s last name should be controversy as he once hit the headlines this year with the “Janjan issue”. Janjan Suan is a 6 year old who participated in Willing-willie program by presenting his talent as a little “macho dancer”. What drew the ire of the viewers, the MTRCB, Department of Social Welfare, Commission on Human Rights and a long list of celebrities, was the way Willie Revillame prodded and taunted Janjan to dance, while the little child’s tears flowed upon doing his number. Major advertisers like Proctor and Gamble, Unilever, CDO, Mang Inasal and Cebuana Lhuillier pulled out from the show, prompting Willie to lash against the advertisers and his detractors. There was even an accusation that ABS-CBN orchestrated the furor. After a month-long absence from TV, the program resurfaced with a new name, “Wil Time Bigtime”, this time banning children contestants from joining its contests and even celebrating its first year anniversary on TV5 with a huge bash at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum last October.

Top 10 Controversials...

No. 1: The Revilla Siblings Saga (October 2011) This has to be the strangest showbiz news to hit the imaginations of many Filipinos. Dubbed as a modern day biblical “Cain and Abel”. Ramgen Bautista (screenname: Ram Revilla) is a budding Kapuso star and 23 year old eldest son of Ramon Revilla Sr. to his second family by former starlet Genelyn Magsaysay. Their union brought forth 9 children in all. He was murdered before Halloween, right in their BF Homes Paranaque house. But upon investigation by the Paranaque police, the principal suspects turned out to be his younger brother, Ramon Joseph “RJ” Bautista, 18 years old, also a budding showbiz actor. And younger sister, Ramona Bautista, 22 years old. The alleged motive for the crime is sibling rivalry and supposed 1 million pesos monthly allowance provided by their father for Ramgen and his siblings. RJ Bautista is currently at the custody of the police while Ramona Bautista already fled to Turkey, who at 19 years old married a Turkish national. Senator Bong Revilla Jr. announced that the flight of her sister is an indication of guilt and wants her half sister extradited back to the Philippines to face charges. Mom Genelyn Magsaysay maintains the innocence of her children and accuses the Senator of using the issue to gain media mileage for the next elections. The saga continues and is still unresolved as of press time.

As the saying goes, there’s no other business like showbizness! ~ end ~

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Empress Schuck After waiting for 10 long years to get her biggest break in showbiz, Empress finally reached that elusive star in 2010 through her hit program “Rosalka”. With this soap, endorsements poured in, and she was able to buy a house for her family in Fairview, Quezon City. Christmas 2010 was her happiest and most memorable so far, because for the first time, they put on Christmas decors and had media noche in a place that they could call their own!

For this year, Empress is not going anywhere but home. All her relatives are coming over, to spend another fruitful year with the young star, who’s inspiration to strive hard, is her very own family!

Ogie AlcasidThere were so many Christmas spent with loved ones, that it’s hard for Ogie Alcasid to pinpoint just one which he considers his most memorable. Well, the Christmas when his children with Michelle van Eimeren were still little ones and he would be santa claus. There was the first Christmas that he brought Regine to Australia to meet his kids Leila and Sarah. And of course, Christmas last year when Ogie finally wed Regine on December 22, 2010 in Punta Fuego, Batangas. Honeymoon in Europe was postponed. They instead flew to Bohol with Michelle, her husband and the kids. After which, Regine and Ogie spent a week full of fun bar and restaurant hopping “to date”! This year is bound to be another memorable Christmas as his first baby boy, Nathaniel James was recently born. Ogie immediately composed a song for him entitled “Aking Anak”. Ogie and Regine plans to spend Christmas in their beautiful Ayala Heights home, with all their attention focused on baby Nate!

We all have our most memorable Christmas moments. Glamzmag went around and asked several Pinoy celebrities what

their favorite Christmas memories were...

Best Christmas Memories of Celebrities!

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Joey de LeonJoey de Leon, celebrates Christmas and New Year with his family in different parts of the world to experience a “global feel” for the season. They already had Christmas and New Year in Las Vegas, New York, Rome, Sydney, Hong Kong just to name a few. He points out Christmas in Paris as one of his most memorable so far. It was freezing cold - - snowing and raining that time. The family had dinner and drinks in a restaurant on the 24th. Came back to their hotel to wait for midnight. With wine and cheese, they greeted each other when the clock struck 12. He received presents from his children, and jokes that the present he received also came from his pocket, as he gave pocket money to each of them in Euros! For this year, from December 25 to 31, the De Leon family will all fly to Macau to celebrate the season. Even his grandchildren from Keempee and Cheenee are joining them this time.

Jennylyn Mercado Her most memorable Christmas was in 2008 when Jazz, his son with Patrick Garcia was born. Baby Jazz was only 4 months old then and she dressed him up as Baby Santa. She prepared so many gifts for Jazz that time, mostly toy cars. At his infant stage, he already took fancy to Lightning McQueen!

This year, she doesn’t have grand plans of a Christmas celebration, except to spend quality time with Jazz.

Ara Mina She doesn’t have one single Christmas that stood out from the rest. But Ara Mina intimately shared that the Christmas she spent as a child were the most memorable. She reminisces that she used to go to her ninongs’ and ninangs’ houses and they would give her money from 20 pesos to as much as 500 pesos! She gets to keep all the money she has collected and her mom gave her the freedom to spend it on whatever she fancied at that time – toys, sweets, trinkets. She would feel very rich and pampered during the holidays! For this year, Ara plans to rent a house in Tagaytay, bring her family there with her and spend a quiet Christmas with them.

After several front acts with the big celebrities, Inah Patrizia hits up a huge success on her first major solo concert held at the Pope John Paul II Polish Cultural Centre on December 11th. Her repertoire of songs were laden to tell a story of her passion in music and dedication of her lifetime dream... to be a stage performer.

The audience were amazed with how she naturally carried herself like a seasoned artist on stage. All the components of the concert brought out the glim-mers on her as the star of the night and she certainly rocked the house down with her energized perfor-mance.

All in all, a well-deserved standing ovation and an almost never-ending applause were given to Inah Patrizia as she made her final bow at the conclusion of the show. The concert have made its mark on the people’s hearts that in the end, the audience were asking the big question... “...when is the next one, Inah?”

The show was presented by Axcess Media Canada and produced by Starworx Media Entertainment and Productions under the direction of Rei Ching.

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The Bicolanos in Ontario were so enthusiastic in giving Rafael Nebres a fresh mandate to serve as president of the Bicol Canada Community Association (BCCA) for another two (2) years from 2012-2013 in the election held on December 4, 2011 (Sunday) at the Quiapo, Quiapo Restaurant, No. 2 Principal Road, Scarborough, Ontario, Canada. Nebres is presently the general manager of ACTION HONDA and he has served for several years as president of the prestigious Philippine Chamber of Commerce Toronto (PCCT). Aside from Nebres, the other elected officers of the BCCA include Noli Aquino, 1st vice president; Jess Cabrias, 2nd vice president; Jojo Taduran, 3rd vice president; Arlene Martinez, 1st secretary; Elizabeth Malanyaon, 2nd secretary; Bobby Achacon, 1st treasurer; Ching Ragos, 2nd treasurer; Alex Guerina, 1st auditor: and Felix Reyes, 2nd auditor.Members of the board of directors of the BCCA who will take care of the special projects are Director Eugene Deocareza and Benhur Salcedo, Jr. The other members of the BCCA board of directors are Naty Gutierrez, Larry Bercasio. Annabelle Migalbin, Willie Nabus, Floro Dabu Jr., Eusebio Ortega, Ely Olayon, Tony Ragos, and Homer Senson. In the meantime, Nebres called on the Bicolanos coming from the provinces of Albay, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Sorsogon, Masbate, and Cat-anduanes, who settled in Ontario and other parts of Canada to connect with the Bicol Canada Community Association (BCCA) and other Bicolanos in order to strengthen the organization and to re-link and link with their fe low Bikolnon in this part of the world. Nebres can be reached at 416-281-1742 and 416-618-1362; Emails: rafael168@yahoo.com and rafaeln@action-honda.com.

Bikolanos elect new officers... another term for Rafael Nebres..

by: Romy Zetazate & Manny Papa

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There are a lot of assertions regarding the origin of Boxing Day but the general agreement is the version where it originated in Great Britain when it is also known as St. Stephen’s Day. December 26th became a holiday as boxes were filled with gifts and money for the servants and trades people. It is also recognized at that time when the less fortunate people bring with them empty boxes from door to door and the boxes were soon filled with Christmas goodies, food and money.

Today, Boxing Day became a feast for shoppers and sellers. This is also the time when people have prepared to hunt for good bargains. So here are some survival tips for that overly busy bargain day that you may keep in mind before you head out.

Make a List:Don’t’ just make a list; prepare a well-thought of list of items to buy. It saves time, energy and lessens your exposure in crowded malls. Write down all the things that you need and expect to use (not keep for a long period). Remember, a good list can help you plan your shopping well and organize your travel time from store to store. You can even checkout store websites and jot down their current prices just so you would have an informed decision when you start your shopping.

Start Early:A long lineup at a store is a common sight during Boxing Day. So sleep early and get up early if you’re planning to wrestle your way in those stores to get the best deals. Take a shower to refresh yourself. It helps wake up those sleepy joints in your body as well. Remember to have a bite or two for breakfast before heading out. Try to avoid going to the coffee shop to have something as it can easily take up a good

portion of your precious time.

Wear Proper Clothing:This is when you can get that trusty old sneakers out for a walk (or run). Being comfortable with your clothes can mean a longer lasting relief when trekking on those hard mall ways. Besides, you may find yourself standing on the checkout so it’s really important to wear those comfy outfits.

Call a Friend:If you can bring a friend it would be great since he or she can help you pick something that you may find yourself undecided. They can also help you carry some of your loot or watch them for you while you dash into a store to check something out. They’re also very helpful when trying to pick colours or styles. Besides, it’s always fun to shop and eat when you have company.

Everything is on sale!(But do you really need them?)Yes, I know, the reason why you’re out there hustling is to get the things you want at the lowest price. But be careful though because you are vulnerable to overspending when you start seeing low price, especially when you know that they were that expensive on regular shopping days. You have to stick to your planned budget or you’ll find yourself spiraling down to financial debt. You have to know the difference between ‘Want’ and ‘Need’. When you see something that’s not on your list, tell (ask) yourself this, “I want it but do I really need it?” Trust me, I’ve known a lot of people who bought things that they wanted because they’re on sale but never get the chance to use them. And if this is the case, it’s a waste of time and money. The trick is nothing but self-discipline. So be strong!

There are more shopping tips that are available to you from expert buyers but the best advice are the ones that you think will actually work for you. Prepare a good battle plan. Good common sense and practical judgment are some excellent attitudes that you can apply to enjoy Boxing Day shopping. Good luck and have fun!

forGet ready

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Welcome to Canada! The whole family is very excited to witness the first snowfall. Get the camera ready. Point... Shoot... Upload... And post! In an instant, family and friends thousands of miles apart get to see Tatay and Nanay sticking their tongues out to check what snow tastes like. The children could not wait to get on the ground to get their hands on the snow and make snow angels of their own. What about going to a new school with a whole new environment?

Even with English as another official language spoken and used as a medium of instruction in the schools aside from Tagalog in the Philippines, children are faced with a totally new school system. There are supports in every school board that are available for students including parents to help them in the transition. Peel District School Board (PDSB) is one of the many school boards in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) that has a very well diverse student population. All public schools in Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga are under the direction of the PDSB.

Overlooking a school of 1,050 students from Kindergarten to Grade 5 and years of experience in the field, Mrs. Eva Norman, Principal, Homestead Public School in Brampton, shares information that the PDSB and her school provide to help families that are new to the Canadian school system.

• Peel has “We Welcome the World Centres” where student admission is processed. They provide support for students and their families in any way it’s necessary.• All schools have English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers assisting students in the transition by working with them in small groups and getting other students to buddy up with them. An ESL teacher may work alongside a regular classroom teacher or pull students out of class in small groups.• Interpreters are provided at parents requests during interviews or any other school activity.• At Homestead in particular, they have an “Ambassador Program” where a student in each class wears an Ambassador vest and shown the new child around.• ESL parents are invited to a “Welcome Evening” which is held several times where community support groups are available for parents to speak to. • A “Settlement Worker” comes to the school once a week and contacts new parents to see what supports they need.• “Newcomers Club” is another program that the school has where the students in the ESL program get-together and do group activities.

These are just a few of the many programs available that not all of us knew about. Each school board has something to offer to families whose children get caught in this situation. If you need additional information, below are the contact #’s for different school boards in the GTA.Toronto District School Board: (416)397-3000Toronto Catholic District School Board: (416)222-8282Peel District School Board: (905)890-1010 or (800)668-1146Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board: (905)890-1221 or (800)387-9501

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Others may have a good year, while some are just glad that 2011 is about to end. Whatever the year has been for each and everyone of us, it is time to look back, take stock, and map out plans for the coming year ahead. Glamzmag approached a number of celebrities to ask them how they would assess 2011 and what their plans are for the year to come …

Heart Evangelista: Heart, who was embroiled in a media war earlier in the year with her former manager, Annabelle Rama, and then with Marian Rivera, likens 2011 as a course level in school. She describes it as her “hardest course” so far. She had so many “bitter pills” to swallow in terms of career decision. This year too, their family house in Cavite, a charming cottage residence in a sprawling compound, was renovated to become a log house. They have yet to fix their newly bought furniture when it burned down, taking with it, all the happy memories of her childhood years. Clearly, 2011 is not her favorite year, but Heart makes a positive note that whatever transpired helped her become a stronger person. She consoles herself with the thought that 2012 promises to be a better one. “Legacy” her primetime soap is making its television debut next year. There’s an album and a movie with Viva Films around January-February. And a series of shows around the Philippines lined up for one of the most lovely faces in Philippine television.

Rhian Ramos: Rhian who also battled negative publicity this year assesses 2011 as her “most challenging and educational” so far, in terms of work, family and matters of the heart. Her biggest lesson learned for the year is “to be grateful for all the blessings” coming her way. She intimates a busy year ahead as she’s preparing for a new soap in GMA, opposite Dingdong Dantes, with a working-title “Sundo”. There’s also a movie for February 2012, a Valentine comedy love story with Aljur Abrenica.

Melissa Ricks Melissa Ricks, star of ABS-CBN’s local version of Chilean telenovela, “Nasaan si Elisa?” describes 2011 as a “bumpy year” in terms of love. As everyone knows, she broke off with boyfriend Jake Cuenca. Melissa might lack luck in the department of love, but she also thinks that this year is “one of the best in terms of career and new friends”. She’s now stronger emotionally and thinks she has also grown wiser and more responsible.

From this year’s experiences, she learned that “things wont always be perfect, but everything happens for a reason and makes you a lot stronger than you ever thought you were”. For 2012, she plans to “take on more challenging roles, to do better in my craft, and lose some weight too!”. “Just enjoy 2012, that’s my plan!”

Sylvia Sanchez Sylvia Sanchez, the beautiful veteran character actress has much to thank for 2011. After being one of the most hardest hit during Ondoy Floods in 2009, blessings have poured in one after another. She gave birth to a healthy baby boy, her 4th child with businessman Art Atayde, opened TJ’s Grill in Greenhills, bagged three consecutive soaps in GMA Network (Langit sa Piling Mo, Koreana and Iglot), and just last November 11, opened her second restaurant “TJ’s Grill” in Quezon City. She has another soap coming up for the year ahead, entitled “Magunaw Man ang Mundo”, but this time, it’s with the Kapamilya Network!

Mariel Rodriguez After her controversial wedding to Robin Padilla last 2010, Mariel was rumored to have a rift this year with Toni Gonzaga, her co-host at “Happy Yipee Yehey”. Prompting speculations that her transfer from Kapamilya to Kapatid network was the result of Mariel and Toni no longer seeing eye-to eye with eachother. Amidst her successful transfer to TV5’s Wil Time Bigtime” last October 15, Mariel describes 2011 as “a colorful year. So many big decisions to make, but I am grateful”. The biggest lesson she learned from all her challenges for the year is “don’t burn bridges. We don’t know what would happen tomorrow, next week, next year. But one thing is sure, we run in circles so it’s best to lay your personal relationships in good terms”. Mariel is not the type who plans. “For 2012, I am just positive that good things will happen. I like surprises”!

The Year That Was For Celebrities

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Could it be that this girl is the next talent sensation in Canada? The girl I’m talking about is Martina Ortiz-Luis – a 10 year old wonder who is currently sweeping the local entertainment scene with her big voice packed in a small body. Her parents, Merj and James didn’t know that she could sing until that time when they came home from a party and Martina started sing-ing “Mama Mia” (by ABBA) in a tone that you would only hear from a experienced singer. She was three years old at that time and was also the age where she began formal vocal training with the Royal Conservatory of Music program at the Acadia Academy of Music. She wasn’t supposed to be accepted in the program due to age limitation but her voice made the faculty of the music school change their minds and signed her up for the course.

Martina was also performing on stage and singing back to back on competitions at a very young age and for the first time, became the second placer at the Newmarket Lions Music Festival at age four. In recent years, she had proven herself as a formidable challenger where she ranked first in the 2006 York Region Talent Search Junior Vocal category. The prestigious Junior Achievement Award was also given to her by the York Region Newspaper Group. With her Classical and Broadway timbre, Martina became a regular cast on most events and within a span of four years, she had moved on to impress audiences from various occasions. The Newmarket Voice Festival, Toronto Kiwanis Music Festival and Arcadia Acad-emy of Music Festival are just to name a few of the vast competi-tions where she garnered either first or second places. Aside from singing, Martina also plays the violin and piano. She’s training in these instruments under the same school she takes her voice lessons from. Martina doesn’t only sing but also has dances. As an active member of a competitive dance team, her flair in dancing got her into formal lessons as well.

Martina’s extraordinary talent also gave way to several invitations in various charities and social events including celebrity concerts where she became a regular front act. Recently, she passed the level 5 exams of the Royal Conservatory of Music program. Just to delve on a few things about this program, the Royal Conserva-tory of Music is a prestigious and most respected music education in the world. Its courses are well known in its critical value in music touchstone. So passing a score in their program is one thing but passing it with honours is one that Martina had done to better prove herself. At a very young age, she’s already displayed a great level of confidence in her performances. She very much comfort-able with her style.

Even though Martina’s dream is to become a famous singer, her prior-ity is still to finish her studies. She expect to, one day, broaden her natural gift through the Julliard School in New York city or conclude her academic excellence at Harvard University.

In order to help alleviate the quality of life of other people, Martina also dreams to, someday, have her own charitable organization. Her second nature suggests a morally inclined obligation to help others. She believes that lending a hand doesn’t only motivate good life ad-vancements but also the best way of trading off her God-given talents. As a firm believer of faith, Martina doesn’t forget that all things are made possible for her through His divine presence.

So watch out Canada, Martina Ortiz-Luis is swinging on a fast lane with her undeniable talents. She will wow your wits once you see her perform.

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First an Oscar nod, then the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) nomination, and now high profile fashion campaigns…what to expect next from this young star on the rise?

By: Artesia Peluso

At 15, Hailee Steinfeld has accomplished more than what most “grownups” do in a lifetime. From Oscar and BAFT nominations to snagging a spokesperson deal with the fashion house Miu Miu, Steinfeld is quickly making a name for herself as a Hollywood starlet on the rise. Though seemingly an overnight success, after her portrayal as Mattie Ross in the Coen Brother’s hit film True Grit got her an Oscar nomination, Steinfeld has been acting since the tender age of eight. Making her way to the big screen has included retail giant commercial campaigns and influential parts like that of Talia Alden in the highly acclaimed short, She’s a Fox.

Recognized as an onscreen force to be reckoned with, what most don’t know is that the California native is of Filipino and Jewish descent. Her father, Peter, is Jewish, and her mother Cheri, is Filipino. Although the young star has yet to feature in a film that resonates within her cultural community, Steinfeld remains grounded. She spoke with W magazine about her humble beginnings as a Kmart model for their back

to school campaign, coyly stating, “If you’re on YouTube, just type in ‘Kmart’ and ‘blingatude,”

Recently spotted at Teen Vogue’s ninth annual Young Hollywood party, Steinfeld seems to be expanding her career to include designer muse. Following lead of tween starlets like Katie Holmes and Kirsten Dunst, former celebrity Miu Miu spokes models; her latest ad for the fashion house’s fall 2011 campaign featured a fresh faced Steinfeld draped in Miu Miu’s latest gowns and get-ups with red lipstick.

But don’t fret–this young starlet hasn’t completely changed lanes. With a preproduction schedule that would make your head spin, Steinfeld is set to conquer a slew of films in the next few years to include big ticket productions like Romeo & Juliet (2012), Forgotten (2012) and Sleeping Beauty (2013). The first film, a Carlo Carlei adapted version of William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, is set to launch later next year.

Young Actress of Filipino Descent on the Rise!

Glamz Magazine | 19

Donatella Versace is set to launch a high style fashion line at low prices.

By: Artesia Peluso

Perhaps best known for its chain-link prints, space saucer sunglasses, and the gorgeous green gown Jennifer Lopez dazzled the world in at the 2000 Grammy awards, Versace leaves the world wondering what to expect this fall and at what price they’ll have to pay? Although both camps have kept a tight lip concerning price points, don’t expect the low-budget prices usually associated with H & M.

Despite her statement that a “ Versace line in H&M would confuse the brand” in a 2008 New York Times’ TimesTalk series interview, three years later Donatella Versace seems to have warmed up to the idea. Seen sporting a dress designed for the H & M line at Versace’s Milan Men’s Fashion Week this fall, Versace has apparently settled the confusion by simply branding the line as the “Iconic Collection.”

In an interview with the Huffington Post, Margareta Van Den Bosch, H & M’s Creative Director, shared some insight on H & M’s reasoning behind their designer collaboration collections.

“Our business idea to offer fashion and quality at the best value gives our customers the opportunity to buy designer items at H&M prices while allowing the designer a lot more focus to, and attention on the creative process. In the end, I think it’s a win-win situation for everyone,” Van Den Bosch revealed.

In an attempt to feed the masses with a bit of information, an H & M press release disclosed that:

The womenswear collection will be dominated by dresses that express the spirit of the season, featuring studded leather, silk and colorful prints, and accessories including high heels and costume jewelry. The men’s collection will focus on sharp tailoring, including the perfect tuxedo, as well as belts and jewelry for men. For the first time in a designer collaboration at H&M, the collection will include homeware pieces including pillows and bedspread.

Set to hit stores in early November, the line arrives just in time for fashionholics across the globe to get dibs on designer dubs just before the holidays roll in.

Versace to Follow Suit with Low-priced Line for H & M