Gavin Berger Reboots Big Apple Circus Big Top: Show's Corporate Funding, Tix Sales, Board Morale Rebound

Update, 9/28: The Washington Post gave Dream Big! a solidly affirmative review.

New Big Apple Boss: Gavin Berger might be the real thing. Photo by Buck Ennis

Show no longer in dread of red, back closer to black. Corporate funding kicking back in, with a matching grant of $1 million met, shrinking a $2.5 million deficit. Ticket sales, down by 20% during the Great Recession, on the rise again. Budget beefed up by $1.5 million. Four recently dropped play dates restored.

Crane Business News credits new exec. director Gavin Berger’s take-charge leadership, eleventh hour corporate funding, and a “re-energized board” for “saving” Big Apple Circus. It’s “back on solid footing.”

Berger was hired on an interim basis only last April. How quickly the board saw in him the perfect mover and shaker to re-boot Big Apple’s world class big top. Four months later, they’ve handed him the “yes and the no.” He apprently brings a welcome bolt of optimism and gutsy in-the trench fund-raising savvy, much needed.

Previously, he directed Lincoln Center concert hall shows, more recently, developmental affairs at Consumer Reports. “We crashed and burned in every direction,” said he to Crane’s Miriam Kreinin Souccar. “But we worked really hard to rebuild.”

It only took Berger a couple of weeks to raise the $1 million needed to match a $1 million grant from the Shelley and Donald Rubin Foundation.

Berger’s believes that the show’s community outreach programs to hospitals need stronger marketing; If more New Yorkers were aware, more ticket buyers might be turned into private donors as well.

Where it all counts, of course, is in the ring itself, and new artistic director Guillaume Dufresnoy is getting strong support from the Board for his desire to bring in new creative teams each season to keep content and production fresh.

Big Apple's new show, Dream Big!, just now uncorking in DC, offers a promising touch of fresh funny air in the menagerie. Along with the dogs and horses that have become Big Apple staples in the tricky animal-rights era, they've added an African crested porcupine and a Vietnamese potbellied pig.

I’m laughing inside, trying to picture the pig.

Read more »

‘Praybeyt Benjamin’ Starring Vice Ganda - Movie Poster and Full Trailer Released

Unkabogable Comedian Vice Ganda is back on the big screen! Star Cinema and Viva Films proudly to released their another upcoming movie offering this last quarter of 2011.
 

“Praybeyt Benjamin” is Vice Ganda‘ follow-up comedy movie after the huge success of his launching film titled “Petrang Kabayo” last year.
 

Also starring in the comedy movie are Jimmy Santos, DJ Durano, Carlos Agassi, Kean Cipriano, Dennis Padilla, Vandolph, Nikki Valdez, Derek Ramsay, and Eddie Garcia!
 

Helmed by the Comedy Box-Office Director Wenn Deramas, “Praybeyt Benjamin” opens in theaters nationwide on October 12, 2011.
 

Are we looking for the third pinoy mainstream film to reach the P100 million mark at the box-office for 2011 after “Catch Me I’m In Love” and “In The Name of Love"? What do you think??

Watch the full trailer here:

Read more »

Gerald Anderson is on the Cover of Garage Magazine

Action Drama Prince Gerald Anderson is the latest cover guy of Garage Magazine.
 

The ultimate style guide for boys is going monthly starting this October and what a way to start their monthly issue with the ever-good looking bachelor Gerald Anderson on the cover.
 

The Kapamilya Hunk Actor is set to captivate our hearts again via his newest TV series titled ”Budoy”, ABS-CBN’s first advocacy-serye. Aside with this project, Gerald was also busy on shooting his upcoming film under Star Cinema and Viva Films with Sarah Geronimo that scheduled to open in theaters nationwide on last week of October.
 

Garage Magazine October 2011 “Wet FALL Style” Issue is now available in all leading bookstores and newsstands nationwide.

Read more »

Most Photogenic Young Female Celebrity of 2011 – The Final 15

The first round is over! After almost one month of voting, Pinoybizsurfer accumulated a total of 17,730 sole cast votes to all who join to vote in our annual poll, the Most Photogenic Young Female Celebrity.
 

The voting was started last week of August and just ended last Saturday night, September 24. As what we emphasized during the selection, the 12 female stars that will get the lowest votes will be eliminated and will not make it to the final round.
 

Below was the finishing rank of the 15 pinay celebrities corresponds with the total votes and it’s percentage they’ve received.

For the meantime, here is the list of Female Celebrities who almost made it to our Final 15:
 

Next month, we will be going to officially open the final round that will take place in our Official Facebook Page. Make sure you’ve already “like” our facebook page for you to be able to participate and interact in the final round.
 

All the votes they received in the initial round will not be counted and added to the scores that they will get in the final round. All votes are going back to zero. Other further details will be stated for the upcoming days. But for now, Congratulations to the 15 Celebrities who made it to the final round! : ) Spread the good news NOW!

Read more »

Showbiz David to Rank U.S. Circuses .... You Can, Too!

Due sometime in October, a first for this blog, I'll rank seven major touring shows, first to last place.

Plus, year-end commentary on the season just past. Highlights and thoughts.

I'd like to hear from YOU! -- Send me your top three favorite circuses, ranking each from first to third place. I'd recommend you stick to the regularly touring shows with fixed programs, but you can consider outside the envelope if you wish: Shrine dates, smaller shows. You should have seen each of your three favorites within the last two seasons, although I do not require a sworn staement. (Cirque du Soleil does not count; these are U.S. shows we're' rating.) You are encouraged to factor in both content (the acts) and production values.

If you happen to be Anonymous: I will consider including your tabulations based upon my perception of whether or not your remarks bear an obvious hidden agenda.

Step right up! Tell me which show American circus is TOPS and why!

Read more »

Sunday Morning Looking Back:The Brilliance of Braathen -- World Premiere of Photographer's Color Slides At ISU Puts Milner on the Map

This first appeared on September 10, 2010


When I first encountered, or should I say wrestled with, the extravagantly overproduced book, Circus: 1870-1950, at the San Francisco Public Library, I was soon swept away by magnificent color photographs I'd never before seen, mostly of floats, costumes, performers and backyard scenes from the John Ringling North era. Such mesmerizing revelations of a circus reinventing its lure in top-of-the-line design art. I could not stop the turning pages.


Many, more likely most, of the more spectacular visuals (can you see a foreshadowing of Cirque du Soleil, above?), are the work of photographer Sverre O. ("Bex") Braathen, and they give this huge, narratively ineffectual volume a clear aesthetic reason for being. They thrill our circus fantasies, bring glory to the big top, especially to the one operated by Ringling-Barnum during the remarkable years of artistic innovation through the 1940s-1950s. In particular, they offer indisputable evidence of the genius of costume designer Miles White; secondarily, of the captivating midway face lifts created by famed industrial designer Norman Bell Geddes.

From whence these heretofore unseen images? I assumed, giving it no thought, oh, from Sarasota or Baraboo, of course. After all, isn't that where all circus illustrations come from?


No! Not anymore. Now, in breathtaking Braathen brilliance, a new gold mine of circus photography is coming to light from out of a place called Normal -- as in Normal, Illinois, home to Illinois State University. The golden goodies, and they number in the thousands, kids, reside in the Special Collections unit of the Milner Library. Their major contribution to the Taschen tome marks a virtual world premiere for Braathen. Before that, though hard to believe, the Kodachrome slides were only viewed when the photographer himself showed them to friends. (Braathan was an attorney by trade, avid circus fan and writer.) Occasionally, some would show up in Bandwagon. Here, through the outreaching generosity of Library Specialist Mark Schmitt, I am posting a sample of the magic.


Best of all, they are now coming to a computer near you, credit the good will of some fine and sharing folks at Illinois State's Circus and Allied Arts Collection, curated by Steve Gossard. You will be able to access a steadily increasing number of Mr. Braathen's shutter delights as they come on line. Here's your link to the inaugural parade:

http://tempest.lib.ilstu.edu/braathen.php


Go ahead, be dazzled. In the current issue of Bandwagon, Fred D. Pfening III, introducing a story written by Mr. Braathen's wife, Faye O., about their 2-week travels with Ringling-Barnum just before its last days under canvas in 1956, ranks the work of Braathen as "only a notch or so below the acknowledged masters of the field, Fred Glasier, Harry Atwell, and Edward Kelty." I'm not completely sure about the sanctity of those names alone. Looking back at old National Geographic magazine stories on circus that featured color plates, several other names standout that I've never heard of. Even Ringling flakmaster F. Beverly Kelley took some superb images that were published by NG. In later years, Ted Sato, serving a brief three- or four-year stint for Ringling, with a superb eye for composition, produced some stellar black and whites; he has yet, in my opinion, to receive the credit his marvelously composed frames truly deserve. But Pfennig, as I see it, is surely correct in placing Braathen near the top.


For color, clarity and the occasional well-framed shot, Braathen is now gratefully engraved in my brain. In essence, his work lends true star power to the Taschen tome, itself essentially a lavish photo showcase with no clear structure to speak of. Mr. Braathen appears to have been particularly adept at grouping performers together in the backyard. For the most part, his camera stayed out of the tent, owing to lighting restraints. I would love to see any action photos he may have taken, but there is no evidence so far that he flourished in this area.


What bothers me the most, among a number of textual sins committed by Taschen's editor Noel Daniel, is that, of the few photo sources acknowledged on jacket copy or in a brief preface, the name of Sverre O. Braathen, is nowhere to be found. Incredible ingratitude --- worse yet, blundering editorial oversight and/or ignorance --- for a photographer whose work gives this sprawling showcase a distinctive recurring luster. Moreover, it seems a crime that photo captions could not have included a code linking each to its respective source.


In one of his e-mails to me, notes Mr. Schmitt,"1/3 of that Taschen book is sourced from our Sverre O. Braathen collection, but we have enough images still to fill, say, 30 volumes set solely devoted to our collection."

Among the gold in Normal, Schmiit estimates they have 3000 COLOR Braathens of Ringling in the 1940s-1950s, approximately 400 of Cole Bros. And for every color shot, Braathen snapped four or five black and whites. He took "thousands" during the 1930s. This epic gold mine has lay unseen for decades.


This 1942 shot of the side show is so quintessential John Ringling North -- the gaudy yet sharply atypical color schemes deliciously seductive. Even theatre critic Brooks Atkinson that spring reviewed the acclaimed Madison Square Garden premiere and issued a raving salute in a special Sunday New York Times piece. The circus of Ringling North had enjoyed a dream season the year before, greeted by one turn-away crowd after another. It's easy to understand how the public was so drawn to and infatuated with the revamped look of the show, from air conditioning units that barely worked to a performance of rare beauty. "It's the best costumed, best lighted and best presented circus in the big show's history," declared The Billboard.


"We also have Arnold Riegger's negatives," writes Schmidt. "Frank Ball's images,and what seems like an endless well of scrapbooks, and loose photographs, not to mention Charles Clark 1922 RBBB images. Thousands upon thousands."

Move over, Baraboo and Sarasota. Normal, you're on.


All photos used with permission from Illinois State University's Special Collections, Milner Library.

From the top:
Antoinette and Arthur Concello
Pocahontas float from "The Good Old Times" spec, Ringling-Barnum, 1952
Midway and entrance, 1941
Henry Ringling North, 1941
Showgirl in tiger spec number, 1944
Lou Jacobs, 1941
The Cristiani Family of bareback riders, 1941
Ringling flat cars loaded, 1941
Side show makeover, 1942
"Hoop De Doo" finale, 1956
Showgirls in spec, 1954

Below: Faye Braathen, Burt Lancaster, and Sverre Braathen.

Luckily for me, a few of Braathen's wonderful images appear in my forthcoming book, Inside the Changing Circus: A Critic's Guide.

9.10.10

Read more »

Pregnant Andi Eigenmann looks blooming marvelous as she covers StarStudio October 2011 Issue

On its October 2011 Issue, StarStudio has an exclusive interview with the soon to be celebrity-mom, Andi Eigenmann.
 

The 21-year old actress talks about her pregnancy, her "baby daddy" and her plans for the future. “Things might have gone wrong in the past. I might have gotten hurt before. But I can always start over again”
 

Aside with the pregnant Andi, the magazine also features “Scoops, Stars and Style at the Star Magic Ball with more than 200 Photos Inside,” “Bettina Carlos with her baby Gummy,” “Robin and Mariel Photos at their romantic Paris trip, ”John Lloyd’s Fashion Evolution,” “Brawl at the Ball: Coco-Maja-Matteo” and so much more.
 

The October 2011 issue of Star Studio featuring Andi Eigenmann is now available in your favorite stands and stores.

Read more »

Piolo Pascual and Jericho Rosales Topbill 'Padre De Pamilya'

Piolo Pascual and Jericho Rosales are slated to star in the upcoming primetime teleserye on ABS-CBN titled “Padre De Pamilya”.

The said teleserye had a working title “Sa Ngalan ng Ama” but it was changed to “Padre De Pamilya” because TV 5 was already launch a quite similar title (Sa Ngalan ng Ina), a mini series starring Nora Aunor.

Also in the cast of Padre De Pamilya are Christopher de Leon, Maricar Reyes, Rafael Rosell, Denise Laurel, Jeffrey Santos and Rey PJ Abellana. Paulo Avelino and Susan Roces are also reportedly in the cast. To be directed by Darnel Villaflor, the director behind the phenomenal family drama series “Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin”.

“Padre De Pamilya” is scheduled to premiere on ABS-CBN’s “Primetime Bida” block. Another groundbreaking teleserye from Kapamilya Network.


Like the Official Fan Page of Padre De Pamilya HERE.
photo credits to the owner

Read more »

ABS-CBN Primetime Bida Programs Still on Top Nationwide; ‘Reputasyon’ Reigns at its New Timeslot

Kapamilya evening programs from "Maria la Del Barrio" (6PM) to "Guns N Roses" (10pm) sustain its leadership to secured the Top 6 on primetime TV ratings nationwide.

Meanwhile, ABS-CBN afternoon series “Reputasyon” starring Cristine Reyes reigned supreme in its new timeslot.

Here are the Top 10 daytime and primetime programs from September 20 to 22, 2011 among National households:

September 20, Tuesday

Daytime:
1.     Eat Bulaga! (GMA-7) - 22.1%
2.     Reputasyon (ABS-CBN) - 15.1%
3.     Pahiram ng Isang Ina (GMA-7) - 14.4%
4.     Sinner Or Saint (GMA-7) - 14%
5.     My Fair Lady (ABS-CBN) - 13.9%
6.     Kapuso Movie Festival: Lab En Kisses (GMA-7) - 12.6%
7.     Kung Aagawin Mo Ang Langit (GMA-7) - 12.2%
8.     The Fierce Wife (GMA-7) - 11.9%
9.     Slamdunk (GMA-7) - 11.6%
10. Dragon Ball Z Kai (GMA-7) - 11.3%

 Primetime:
1.     100 Days To Heaven (ABS-CBN) - 31.6%
2.     TV Patrol (ABS-CBN) - 28.6%
3.     My Binondo Girl (ABS-CBN) - 26.8%
4.     Nasaan Ka Elisa? (ABS-CBN) - 26.7%
5.     Guns And Roses (ABS-CBN) - 24.9%
6.     Maria La Del Barrio (ABS-CBN) - 21.6%
7.     Amaya (GMA-7) - 18.3%
8.     The Biggest Loser Pinoy Edition (ABS-CBN) - 17.5%
9.     24 Oras (GMA-7) - 17.1%
10. Iglot (GMA-7) - 17%

September 21, Wednesday

Daytime:
1.     Eat Bulaga! (GMA-7) - 21.5%
2.     Reputasyon (ABS-CBN) - 14.4%
3.     Sinner Or Saint (GMA-7) - 13.2%
4.     Kapuso Movie Festival: Leon Cordero (GMA-7) - 13.1%
5.     Pahiram ng Isang Ina (GMA-7) - 12.8%
6.     My Fair Lady (ABS-CBN) - 12.4%
7.     Slam Dunk (GMA-7) - 12%
8.     The Fierce Wife (GMA-7) - 11.9%
9.     One Piece (GMA-7) / Dragon Ball Z Kai (GMA-7) - 11.5%
10. Showtime (ABS-CBN) - 11.4%

 Primetime:
1.     100 Days To Heaven (ABS-CBN) - 31.5%
2.     My Binondo Girl (ABS-CBN) - 27.5%
3.     TV Patrol (ABS-CBN) - 27.3%
4.     Nasaan Ka Elisa? (ABS-CBN) - 26%
5.     Guns And Roses (ABS-CBN) - 22.9%
6.     Maria La Del Barrio (ABS-CBN) - 21.2%
7.     Amaya (GMA-7) - 20%
8.     Munting Heredera (GMA-7) - 18%
9.     Iglot (GMA-7) - 17.2%
10. 24 Oras (GMA-7) - 16.6%

September 22, Thursday

Daytime:
1.     Eat Bulaga! (GMA-7) - 22.4%
2.     Sinner Or Saint (GMA-7) - 14.8%
3.     My Fair Lady (ABS-CBN) - 13.9%
4.     Pahiram ng Isang Ina (GMA-7) / Reputasyon (ABS-CBN) - 13.6%
5.     Kapuso Movie Festival: Anting-Anting (GMA-7) - 13.5%
6.     Slam Dunk (GMA-7) - 12.8%
7.     Dragon Ball Z Kai (GMA-7) / Kung Aagawin Mo Ang Langit (GMA-7) - 12.6%
8.     One Piece (GMA-7) - 12.2%
9.     The Fierce Wife (ABS-CBN) - 12%
10. Hunter X Hunter (GMA-7) / Showtime (ABS-CBN) - 11.4%

 Primetime:
1.     100 Days To Heaven (ABS-CBN) - 33%
2.     My Binondo Girl (ABS-CBN) -  28%
3.     Nasaan Ka Elisa? (ABS-CBN) - 26.9%
4.     TV Patrol (ABS-CBN) - 26.8%
5.     Guns And Roses (ABS-CBN) - 25.3%
6.     Maria La Del Barrio (ABS-CBN) - 21.2%
7.     Amaya (GMA-7) - 20.7%
8.     Munting Heredera (GMA-7) - 19.4%
9.     Iglot (GMA-7) - 19.3%
10. 24 Oras (GMA-7) - 17.7%

Source: Kantar Media/TNS via pep

Read more »

‘Sa Ngalan ng Ina’ Starring Nora Aunor – Full Trailer Released

TV5/Kapatid Network has finally released the full trailer of their first mini-serye offering titled “Sa Ngalan ng Ina” starring the one and only superstar, Nora Aunor.

Joining the Superstar in this upcoming mini-serye are Christopher de Leon, Eugene Domingo, Rosanna Roces, Bembol Roco, Nadine Samonte, Raquel Villavicencio, Alwyn Uytingco, Karel Marquez and Edgar Allan Guzman. Helmed by Mario O’Hara and Jon Red.

Nora Aunor's Sa Ngalan ng Ina will air pilot episode on TV5 Primetime Panalo this October 3 at 9pm with no commercial breaks and will only run for 1 month.

Watch the full trailer here:

Read more »

'Anatomy of a Disaster' examines landslides this Sunday

On Sunday, September 25, environmental advocate and Kapuso actor Richard Gutierrez explores the different factors that lead to the occurrence of landslides in another info-packed episode of GMA-7’s Anatomy of a Disaster.
 

With our country being a mountainous archipelagic nation, Filipinos have laid witness to several landslides particularly during the raining season. Richard will take viewers back to the time when a massive landslide buried an entire village in Leyte, and claimed over a thousand lives.
 

As more landslide incidents happen across the country, Richard will impart tips on how to respond to this natural calamity, and identify solutions to address the root cause.
 

Similarly, the AOAD host recalls other similar incidents, which have plagued other parts of the world as he examines some of the biggest and deadliest avalanches in our planet’s history.
 

Join Richard Gutierrez as he continues to bring environmental awareness to local viewers with Anatomy of a Disaster: Takas sa Guho.
 

The newest installment of the environmental docu-series airs this Sunday, September 25, on GMA-7’s Sunday Night Box Office (SNBO).

text and photo courtesy of GMA Network

Read more »

The Fashionable Life of Lucy Torres-Gomez in ‘Metro’ Magazine Ageless Style Issue this October

Metro celebrates beauty and style at every age in this month's Ageless issue.

TV host and Rep. Lucy Torres-Gomez walks us through her fashionable life as a public figure, style icon, and homemaker clad in pieces made especially for her by some of her favorite designers, as inspired by Azzedine Alaia's Autumn/Winter '11 collection.

Learn how to rock the season's hottest trends whether you're in your 20s, 30s, or 40s in our special Styling Smart feature. Our beauty section is loaded with products and tips to help make you look forever young. Immerse yourself in our fashion pages which showcase the Hermes A/W '11 collection against the bustling streets of Taipei, as well as a showdown of the latest looks from top local retail brands.

Plus, we bring you generations of famous faces who share what they love and value most about their families. Grab a copy of Metro's October issue out now! :)

Cover photograph Sara Black
Makeup Jerome Chang
Hair Lerma Sembrano
Nails Orly and Cozy Nail Lounge
Sofa Nix Alanon by PhoeNix Home at www.nixalanon.com
Shot on location at the Two Serendra Showroom

Courtesy of Metro Magazine

Read more »

‘Eat Bulaga’ and ‘Amaya’ remain on top in Mega Manila

Kapuso Network continues to dominate the Mega Manila ratings with noontime show “Eat Bulaga” and epicseries “Amaya” leading the list.

Both GMA-7 shows consistently held on to the top spot, Eat Bulaga on daytime and Amaya on primetime.

Here are the Top 10 daytime and primetime programs from September 20 to 22, 2011 among Mega Manila households (People Ratings):

 September 20, Tuesday

Daytime:
1.     Eat Bulaga! (GMA-7) - 11.6%
2.     Sinner Or Saint (GMA-7) - 6.2%
3.     Pahiram ng Isang Ina (GMA-7) - 5.9%
4.     Kapuso Movie Festival: Lab En Kisses (GMA-7) - 5.6%
5.     Slam Dunk (GMA-7) / Kung Aagawin Mo Ang Langit (GMA-7) - 4.7%
6.     The Fierce Wife (ABS-CBN) / My Fair Lady (ABS-CBN) / Gourmet (GMA-7) - 4.2%
7.     Super Sine: Ba'al The Storm God (TV5) - 4%
8.     Showtime (ABS-CBN) - 3.9%
9.     Dragon Ball Z Kai (GMA-7) - 3.8%
10. T3 Kapatid Sagot Kita! (TV5) - 3.4%

 Primetime:
1.     Amaya (GMA-7) - 13.7%
2.     Munting Heredera (GMA-7) - 12.7%
3.     Iglot (GMA-7) - 11.6%
4.     100 Days To Heaven (ABS-CBN) - 10.8%
5.     Time of My Life (GMA-7) - 10.7%
6.     24 Oras (GMA-7) - 10.1%
7.     Guns And Roses (ABS-CBN) - 9%
8.     My Binondo Girl (ABS-CBN) - 8.7%
9.     TV Patrol (ABS-CBN) - 8.6%
10. Nasaan Ka Elisa? (ABS-CBN) - 8.3%

September 21, Wednesday

Daytime:
1.     Eat Bulaga! (GMA-7) - 11.8%
2.     Kapuso Movie Festival: Leon Cordero Duwag Lang Ang Hahalik Sa Lupa (GMA-7) - 7.4%
3.     Sinner Or Saint (GMA-7) - 7.1%
4.     Pahiram ng Isang Ina (GMA-7) - 6.7%
5.     Slam Dunk (GMA-7) - 5.2%
6.     Dragon Ball Z Kai (GMA-7) / Kung Aagawin Mo Ang Langit (GMA-7) - 5%
7.     One Piece (GMA-7) / My Fair Lady (ABS-CBN) - 4.8%
8.     The Fierce Wife (ABS-CBN) / Gourmet (GMA-7) - 4.7%
9.     Super Sine 5: Caved In (TV5) - 4.2%
10. Reputasyon (ABS-CBN) - 4.1%

 Primetime:
1.     Amaya (GMA-7) - 13.6%
2.     Munting Heredera (GMA-7) - 12.9%
3.     Time of My Life (GMA-7) - 11.7%
4.     100 Days To Heaven (ABS-CBN) - 11.4%
5.     Iglot (GMA-7) - 11.3%
6.     My Binondo Girl (ABS-CBN) - 10.7%
7.     Nasaan Ka Elisa? (ABS-CBN) - 10.6%
8.     24 Oras (GMA-7) - 10.2%
9.     Guns And Roses (ABS-CBN) - 9.9%
10. TV Patrol (ABS-CBN) - 8.2%

September 22, Thursday

Daytime:
1.     Eat Bulaga! (GMA-7) - 12.4%
2.     Sinner Or Saint (GMA-7) - 6.7%
3.     Pahiram ng Isang Ina (GMA-7) - 6.3%
4.     Kapuso Movie Festival: Anting-Anting (GMA-7) - 6.2%
5.     Slam Dunk (GMA-7) / Kung Aagawin Mo Ang Langit (GMA-7) - 5.4%
6.     Dragon Ball Z Kai (GMA-7) - 5.1%
7.     One Piece (GMA-7) / The Fierce Wife (ABS-CBN) / My Fair Lady (ABS-CBN) - 5%
8.     Super Sine 5: Bone Eater (TV5) - 4.9%
9.     Reputasyon (ABS-CBN) - 4.4%
10. T3 Kapatid Sagot Kita! (TV5) - 4.2%

 Primetime:
1.     Amaya (GMA-7) / Munting Heredera (GMA-7) - 12.4%
2.     100 Days To Heaven (ABS-CBN) - 11.7%
3.     Iglot (GMA-7) - 11.2%
4.     Time of My Life (GMA-7) - 10.2%
5.     Nasaan Ka Elisa? (ABS-CBN) / Guns And Roses (ABS-CBN) - 10.1%
6.     My Binondo Girl (ABS-CBN) - 10%
7.     24 Oras (GMA-7) / Wil Time Bigtime (TV5) - 9.2%
8.     TV Patrol (ABS-CBN) - 9%
9.     The Biggest Loser Pinoy Edition (ABS-CBN) - 7.4%
10. Maria La Del Barrio (ABS-CBN) - 6.5%

Source: AGB Nielsen Phils. via pep

For the Mega Manila households (Household Ratings), visit pep.ph

Read more »

Circus by the Slice: Grandma's Last Big Apple Tour ... Felds In a TV Soap? ... PETA Pitching to Seniors ... Bombs Over Bagdad Big Tops? ...

Barry Lubin. Photo by Kelly Shimoda for The New York Times

Swiftly, beware of muddy rhetoric down the Covington chute! Not too unexpectedly, Barry Lubin as Grandma making his last tour with Big Apple Circus, announced a big New York Times story with fine photos. Now 59 and clear of the cancer he was successfully treated for a few years ago, Lubin revealed that the experience had "deepened" his comedy and inspired him to "reassess" his life and career ... It's time for a change, says the clown, who first appeared with Big Apple in 1982 and has been seen in most of their shows since. New Big Apple Boss Guillaume Dufresnoy agrees, telling the Times in his cool-speak, "Grandma gave us a sense of continuity, and Grandma will be missed, but it's an opportunity for everyone. For the evolution of Barry, and for the evolution of the circus."

Show's new edition, Dream Big!, facing the critics tonight at the Dulles Center in DC, is not being promoted as Gradma's farewell tour, even though that's how the Times is treating it. Explains Dufresnoy, "We are presenting it as our 34th edition -- business as usual." Lubin carved out probably the most memorable modern-era American clown, bar none. And now, "Grandma" is off to my grandfather's homeland, Sweden, to take up residence with his partner, Ann Hageus, where he plans to appear in European circus festivals and work with some of the best clowns on a stage tour. Not totally gone, Lubin has signed on to teach a class in physical comedy next year for the University of Virginia's Semester at Sea ... More about this story in a future post ...

How much Feld can a TV soap take? We might get to see next year if an ABC series, now in development, goes the daunting distance. Said to be loosely based on the life of Nichole Feld growing up in a circus family. Now, if they have the nerve to dig deep, there's plenty of high and low drama to mine -- assuming Kenneth Feld does not pry himself and his attorneys into the picture. Still, it's an intriguing iffy. Notes Hollywood actor and documentary film maker Phil Weyland, no stranger to such projects inside and out, "The producers will get some money from ABC, make a presentation with episodic possibilities, budget, etc, and ABC will tell them to keep going (shoot a pilot) or forget it at a certain point. "

From here to to prime time is a long hard journey. Explains Phil, "very few shows make it through this process to even a pilot." Somehow, myself speaking here, I just can't see Kenneth Feld feeling very easy or smug, proud or boastful about a TV show that might crawl, sneak, lurch ever so close to revealing not-nice things about his family's checkered relationships and history.

Of course, PETA is smearing the series already, predicting it will be a "glamorized cog on the Ringling Bros. PR machine" unless, specifies PETA, the producers illustrate "how baby elephants used by Ringling are taken from their loving mothers, repeatedly slammed to the ground, gouged with bull hooks, and shocked with electric prods to teach them 'who's boss." Oh, is that all? Gosh, PETA, could you be a little more explicit

Feeling the pressure in Sacramento, Ringling's elephants for the first time in history did not make the public walk to the Power Balance Arena. Oh, the heat is not just on over here, no no! In Britain, the Lords defied Prime Minister Cameron in pushing to advance legislation that would ban wild animals in circus shows ... Speaking of which, here comes PETA around yet another creepy corner, this time turning its hate brigades onto seniors, seeking their moral support. They're running ads in AARP.Com They've got 85-year-old actress Cloris Leachman on board, she calling for her class to boycott any circus that features elephants. In a video, cracks the Cloris chorus: "And we thought the hoops we have to jump through for Medicare are a nightmare." That's right, Ms. Leachman, to get proper pachyderm coverage, you gotta jump up and down and all around in spangles and stand on your head ...

Little top Bits: Closer to a merger are Circus Sarasota and Sailor Circus ... Ringling-Barnum pitching two-for-one tickets recently during its Bay Area stops ... Bombs over Bagdad big tops? That's what the Associated Press essentially wonders, reporting on the return of the first circus to the battle-crazed country, first since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003. Optimistically called the Umbrella Circus, and let's hope it's made of steel. A little lean in the lineup, most artists refuse to sign on, but, as of 9/8, a sword swallower and a sneak charmer were costumed up, ready to make opening spec. Lions and tigers awaiting permission by customs inspectors to snarl on cue. But on went the show, it did, as witness the above photo. One fan willing to risk danger in the pursuit of delight was Alawan Ghazi, who showed up with his three children. "Car bombs and weapons find their way easily to Iraq, " said he. "But bringing circus animals is a more difficult task here." Circus is planning a six month tour of duty.

And to Barry Lubin, embracing a wide-open future, goes the last word: "I've finally accepted that I'm a clown," he told the Times. "That's what I do." And please, Barry, do keep doing it!

Read more »

Anne Curtis album cover and track list revealed!

Princess of All Media and Newest Diva, Anne Curtis is all set to conquer the music scene via her debut album called “AnneBisyosa” under Viva Records.

Here are the songs inside the said album:

1. Tinamaan Ako
2. Alone
3. Total Eclipse of the Heart (feat. Sarah Geronimo)
4. Mouth
5. Bizarre Love Triangle
6. Girls Just Wanna Have Fun
7. Too Many Walls

Bonus Track:
8. GSM Blue Jingle

“AnneBisyosa” Album will be officially launched tonight at Glorietta Activity Center and on September 25, Sunday in ASAP Rocks. For “Madlang People”, if you want to hear more of the beautiful voice of Anne, be sure to grab a copy of her debut album! : )

Read more »

All My Children: I thought You'd Always Be There. Nothing Lasts Forever, Not Even A TV Soap

Queen of Soaps: Susan Lucci. Will she sign on to a projected continuation of "All My Children" on the internet or cable TV?

What a strange poignant sadness I feel. I haven't watched the show seriously in years, other than looking for Erica a few times a year and then rarely finding her. It was she who hooked me, around 1980, her wickedly subtle sense of humor, I swear. Oh, heck, I'm going to make an embarrassing confession here. I once actually sent her a fan letter, but only because I found her so funny and wanted to tell her so. For a time, they treated me as a fan of their club. I did not respond.

Giving birth so many years ago.

For my money, too many of the show's more interesting characters faded away over the years, leaving us with a lot of rather dull posturing studs and dolls. The clever potting that so once compelled me seemed to slacken off. Two of my favorite characters were Palmer and Opal. Palmer is no longer there, it appears. Opal is.

A great actor: David Canary played both the ruthless tycoon Adam Chandler, above, and his lovably innocent pure-as-sunshine brother, Stuart.

Today I had to watch the whole thing, the Grand Inevitable Finale, and Erica did not let me down. Long-time love, Jack, below, vexed again in his latest offer of marriage to Miss Elusive, finally had the guts to tell her, "Frankly, I don't give a damn!" and head for the door. Erica followed after him, stopped with that plotting gaze in her selfish eyes, and had the last word on the last ABC episode of All My Children: "Watch me!"

Lost in a perennial dating game, Erica forever balking at marriage. Jack has had it.

Just the fact that, after 41 years, it's going off the air feels like the end of an era that I once was a part of, and era that I would still like to feel existed.

It feels like a great big death in a virtual family.

9.23.11

Read more »

Kim Chiu Covers Chalk Magazine October 2011 Issue

My Binondo Girl Star Kimberly Sue Yap Chiu or better know by her screen name Kim Chiu graces the cover of Chalk Magazine October 2011 Issue.
 

Kim looks very lovely on this “All Dolled Up” cover issue of the no. 1 campus magazine in the country-Chalk.  Her last cover for the said magazine was last August 2010 wherein Chalk rejoices their 10th year anniversary.
 

Kim is currently seen in the hit primetime series “My Binondo Girl” where she plays a dual role- Jade Dimaguiba and Yuan Sy. In terms with movies, though there’s no film for Kim under Star Cinema this year, next year will be a blast for the 21-year old actress. She set to do a horror movie with the one and only “Star for All Season” Gov. Vilma Santos with a working title “The Healing.” Rumored that her first team-up project with Piolo Pascual will finally push through on 2012.
 

Chalk Magazine October 2011 Issue with ABS-CBN’s Primetime Princess Kim Chiu on the cover will hit magazine stands nationwide on the upcoming days. So be sure to grab your own copy. : )

Read more »

Most Liked Pinoy & Pinay Teen Star of 2011

Tween Invasion! Pinoy Showbiz Surfer was proudly to launch a new poll that will definitely make a buzz in online community predominantly for the youth, the “Most Liked Pinoy & Pinay Teen Star of 2011”
 

We feel the affection on how they experience their first crush… first kiss… and first love… through their characters being portrayed in their respective TV and movie flicks. We simply loved them for their undeniably cuteness and the joyfulness it brings to us every time we see them on & off screen.
 

Unlike with our previous polls, this Most Liked Pinoy & Pinay Teen Star of 2011 will only have one round which means who ever got the highest votes as the poll closed will be declared as the 1st ever Most Liked Pinoy & Pinay Teen Star. The poll started last September 17 and will be closed on October 16, Sunday at exactly 8pm.

HOW TO CAST YOUR VOTE?

1. Go to our Official Pinoybizsurfer Facebook Page and click the “LIKE” button. If you already “LIKE” our Page, proceed to the next step.

2. After you LIKE our page, you can now proceed to the “Photos” section and click the album “Most Liked Pinay Teen Star of 2011” which shows the photos of the 21 Pinay Teen Stars or the album “Most Liked Pinoy Teen Star of 2011” which shows the photos of the 23 Pinoy Teen Stars.

3. To vote for your Most Liked Pinoy/Pinay Teen Star, just choose the image of your liked celebrity and click on the word “LIKE” located below of the image. And presto! Your vote/s IN!

Note: Again, you must be logged-in to your FB account and must be a fan of our Facebook Page in order to cast and count your vote.

 

So what are you waiting for, vote now! : ) and be your favorite nominee this 2011 will be the 1st ever Most Liked Pinoy & Pinay Teen Star!

Read more »

'Thelma' Flops at the Box-Office, Earns P1.35-M in First 5 Days

“Thelma” starring Dance Princess and Kapamilya Star Maja Salvador is a certified box-office flop!

The film premiered in more than 50 theaters last September 7 and made only P1.35 million on its first five days. This is according to the latest figures released by the third party tabulator Box-office Mojo for the period September 7–11, 2011 (click HERE to see the figures).

The story of the movie “Thelma” is very good and inspiring, and should have been marketed better. Considered also it was given by a graded "A" by the Cinema Evaluation Board. We also think the incident involving the lead-star, Maja with her boyfriend Matteo and co-star Coco seems have a “minor” effect and turns out a bad publicity for the film.

Sad to say that the said film is currently the lowest-grossing Pinoy mainstream film for 2011. ‘Thelma” should gross P4 million more on the next days and weeks to be able to beat “Tum: My Pledge of Love” starring Robin Padilla and Mariel Rodriguez with a final box-office receipt of P5.16 million.

“Thelma” is directed by Paul Soriano and distributed by Star Cinema. Also in the movie are Tetchie Agbayani, John Arcilla, Sue Prado, Eliza Pineda and Jason Abalos.

HIGHEST-GROSSING PINOY FILMS FOR 2011
(As of September 11, 2011)

1. Catch Me…I’m In Love – P120.21M
2. In the Name of Love – P117.2M
3. Pak! Pak! My Dr. Kwak! – P72.31M
4. Bulong – P67.27M
5. Temptation Island – P60-M
6. Who’s That Girl? – P58.31M
7. Forever and a Day – P44.73M
8. My Valentine Girls – P44.26M
9. Tween Academy: Class of 2012 - P32.23 M (3 weeks)
10. Wedding Tayo, Wedding Hindi - P30.5 M (2 weeks)
11. Ang Babae sa Septic Tank – P30.26M
12. Way Back Home – P25.80M
13. The Adventures of Pureza: Queen of the Riles – P19.84M
14. Zombadings 1: Patayin sa Shokot si Remington – P19.05M (2 weeks)
15. Tumbok – P10.53M
16. Tum: My Pledge of Love – P5.16M
17. Thelma - P1.35M (5 days)

(This list shows that Pinoy-Movie Goers preferred to watch romantic-comedy, horror, pure-comedy and love/romantic instead of drama & epic genre of films)

Read more »

‘Eat Bulaga’, ‘100 Days to Heaven’, ‘MMK’ and ‘Rated K’ Remain on Top Nationwide

Kantar Media-TNS National Household Ratings (Sept. 16-19) - There was almost no movement in both daytime and primetime races (weekday and weekend) in the national ratings.
 

The longest noontime show “Eat Bulaga” still unbeatable in daytime from Monday-Saturday. ABS-CBN’s “100 Days to Heaven” remains the no. 1 weekday primetime program. Meanwhile, “MMK” and “Rated K” continues to dominate weekend primetime TV Ratings nationwide.

Notes by Pinoybizsurfer:
- “Spooky Nights Presents Ang Munting Mahadera” landed at no. 8 on its debut
- “Kapuso Movie Festival: Patient X” tops Sunday daytime race
- “Pinoy Explorer” receives 13% TV Rating; good enough to belong in the Top 10 list
- “Reputasyon” takes the advantage of its new timeslot; “My Fair Lady” debuts at no. 7
- ABS-CBN’s primetime programs sweep the Top 6 slots

Here are the Top 10 daytime and primetime programs from September 16 to 19, 2011 among National households:

 September 16, Friday

Daytime:
1.     Eat Bulaga! (GMA-7) - 22.8%
2.     Sisid (GMA-7) - 16.5%
3.     Sinner Or Saint (GMA-7) - 15.2%
4.     The Fierce Wife (ABS-CBN) - 14%
5.     Pahiram ng Isang Ina (GMA-7) - 13.5%
6.     One Piece (GMA-7) - 12.5%
7.     I Dare You (ABS-CBN) - 12.4%
8.     Showtime (ABS-CBN) - 12.3%
9.     Reputasyon (ABS-CBN) - 12.1%
10. Slam Dunk (GMA-7) / Kapamilya Blockbusters: Hating Kapatid (ABS-CBN) - 11.9%

 Primetime:
1.     100 Days To Heaven (ABS-CBN) - 32.9%
2.     My Binondo Girl (ABS-CBN) - 29.6%
3.     Nasaan Ka Elisa? (ABS-CBN) - 28.1%
4.     TV Patrol (ABS-CBN) - 27.5%
5.     Guns And Roses (ABS-CBN) - 22.8%
6.     Amaya (GMA-7) - 22%
7.     Maria La Del Barrio (ABS-CBN) - 21.5%
8.     Munting Heredera (GMA-7) - 21.3%
9.     Iglot (GMA-7) - 19.3%
10. 24 Oras (GMA-7) - 17.5%

September 17, Saturday

Daytime:
1.     Eat Bulaga! (GMA-7) - 22.9%
2.     TV Patrol Weekend (ABS-CBN) - 16.8%
3.     Showtime (ABS-CBN) - 13.2%
4.     Failon Ngayon (ABS-CBN) - 11.3%
5.     Happy Yipee Yehey! (ABS-CBN) - 11.1%
6.     Kapuso Movie Festival: Sundo (GMA-7) / Wish Ko Lang! (GMA-7) - 10.5%
7.     Sabado Sineplex: The World Is Not Enough (TV5) - 9.4%
8.     Startalk TX (GMA-7) / Lolong: ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs (ABS-CBN) - 9.2%
9.     Maynila (GMA-7) - 8.7%
10. Spongebob Squarepants (ABS-CBN) - 8.4%

 Primetime:
1.     Maalaala Mo Kaya (ABS-CBN) - 32.5%
2.     Junior Masterchef Pinoy Edition (ABS-CBN) - 27.8%
3.     Wansapantaym: John Tamad (ABS-CBN) - 25.3%
4.     Pilipinas Got Talent (ABS-CBN) - 21.3%
5.     Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho (GMA-7) - 18.7%
6.     Manny Many Prizes (GMA-7) - 14.3%
7.     Wil Time Bigtime (TV5) - 13.4%
8.     Spooky Nights Presents Ang Munting Mahadera (GMA-7) - 13.2%
9.     24 Oras Weekend (GMA-7) - 12.5%
10. Imbestigador (GMA-7) - 11.2%

 September 18, Sunday

Daytime:
1.     Kapuso Movie Festival: Patient X (GMA-7) - 13.5%
2.     Star Power: Mayweather vs Ortiz (TV5) - 13.2%
3.     The Buzz (ABS-CBN) - 13.1%
4.     ASAP Rocks (ABS-CBN) - 11.9%
5.     Growing Up (ABS-CBN) - 11.7%
6.     One Piece (GMA-7) - 10.7%
7.     Matanglawin (ABS-CBN) - 10.4%
8.     Reputasyon Ang Unang Rebelasyon (ABS-CBN) / Party Pilipinas (GMA-7) / Tween Hearts (GMA-7) - 9.7%
9.     Dragon Ball (GMA-7) - 9.6%
10. AHA! (GMA-7) - 8.9%

 Primetime:
1.     Rated K (ABS-CBN) - 25%
2.     Pilipinas Got Talent (ABS-CBN) - 23.3%
3.     Goin' Bulilit (ABS-CBN) - 22.6%
4.     TV Patrol Weekend (ABS-CBN) - 22.5%
5.     Gandang Gabi Vice (ABS-CBN) - 18.3%
6.     Kap's Amazing Stories (GMA-7) - 17.7%
7.     Pepito Manaloto (GMA-7) - 16.3%
8.     Who Wants To Be A Millionaire (TV5) - 15.9%
9.     Protégé: The Battle For The Big Break (GMA-7) - 14.8%
10. Pinoy Explorer (TV5) - 13%

September 19, Monday

Daytime:
1.     Eat Bulaga! (GMA-7) - 22.7%
2.     Sinner Or Saint (GMA-7) - 14.8%
3.     Reputasyon (ABS-CBN) - 14.7%
4.     Kung Aagawin Mo Ang Langit (GMA-7) - 13.8%
5.     Pahiram ng Isang Ina (GMA-7) - 13.7%
6.     The Fierce Wife (ABS-CBN) - 12.9%
7.     My Fair Lady (ABS-CBN) - 12.6%
8.     Kapuso Movie Festival: Ben Balasador Akin Ang Huling Alas (GMA-7) - 12.2%
9.     Slam Dunk (GMA-7) / Showtime (ABS-CBN) - 11.8%
10. Dragon Ball (GMA-7) - 11.3%

 Primetime:
1.     100 Days To Heaven (ABS-CBN) - 32.9%
2.     TV Patrol (ABS-CBN) - 29.5%
3.     My Binondo Girl (ABS-CBN) - 27.7%
4.     Nasaan Ka Elisa? (ABS-CBN) - 26%
5.     Maria La Del Barrio (ABS-CBN) - 22.5%
6.     Guns And Roses (ABS-CBN) - 21.9%
7.     Amaya (GMA-7) - 20.2%
8.     24 Oras (GMA-7) - 18.9%
9.     Iglot (GMA-7) - 18.1%
10. Munting Heredera (GMA-7) - 17.9%

 Source: Kantar Media/TNS via pep

Read more »

Mariel Rodriguez Shocking Confession: "Sa totoo lang po, ako I have no problem with the other hosts. But Toni doesn’t like me. It’s very obvious that she can’t stand me, sad to say"

Nakakaloka ang e-mail na aming natanggap at nabasa kaninang alas-4 ng hapon. Patungkol ito sa kumakalat na kontrobersyal text na diumano galing sa TV host at ngayon ay bagong Kapatid Star na si Mariel Rodriguez.
 

At narito ang nilalaman ng text.. “Sa totoo lang po, ako I have no problem with the other hosts. But Toni doesn’t like me. It’s very obvious that she can’t stand me, sad to say.” Kalokah!! Well, siyempre noong una.. may doubt kame kung totoo talagang galing kay Mariel ang naturang text. Baka naman may nag-imbento na naman like recently yung kay Oprah na kung saan pinaniwalaan ng buong sambayanan.
 

Ni-research namin ang naturang text at napag-alaman namin na ang text pala talaga ay galing mismo kay Mariel na kung saan ay ipinadala niya mula sa “Funfare” ni Mr. Ricky Lo sa philstar (click here to see the article).
 

Kalurkey! Pasabog ito ah! Nalaman na kaya ito ng kampo ni Toni? Ano kaya ang reaksyon niya mula dito? Shock pa rin kami. Kasi dun sa HYY episodes nila, mukhang masaya at okay naman ang 2. Ano yun?? On-air lang yun? Then pag commerical na, dedmahan na??? Hmm.. Ilang months na rin ang HYY, at kung sa simula pa lang at di na sila okay, eh di naibalita na yun sana noon pa? Baka recently may hindi magandang nangyare sa pagitan ng 2 hosts. Ano sa tingin niyo?? Kalungkot naman for them.. Ano po reaksyon niyo??

Read more »

‘Amaya’, ‘Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho’ and ‘Who Wants To Be A Millionaire’ Top Mega Manila Primetime TV Ratings

AGB Nielsen Mega Manila People Ratings (Sept. 16-19) – GMA-7’s epicserye “Amaya” takes again the solo leadership over "Munting Heredera" in weekday primetime race.

On primetime weekend, “Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho” grabs the lead over “MMK” last Saturday while TV 5’s “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire” hosted by Vic Sotto dominates Sunday primetime race for two consecutive weeks now.

Notes by Pinoybizsurfer:
- “Eat Bulaga!” remains undisputed in daytime.
- “Spooky Nights Presents Short-Time of My Life” debuts at no. 5 with 8.2%
- “Star Power: Mayweather vs Ortiz” (TV 5 Coverage) conquers Sunday daytime TV Ratings
- “Pinoy Explorer” hosted by Aga Muhlach landed at no.5 on its first episode good enough to beat "Goin' Bulilit" of ABS-CBN and "Pepito Manaloto" of GMA-7.

Here are the Top 10 daytime and primetime programs from September 16 to 19, 2011 among Mega Manila households (People Ratings):

September 16, Friday

Daytime:
1.     Eat Bulaga! (GMA-7) - 12%
2.     Sinner Or Saint (GMA-7) - 8.2%
3.     Sisid (GMA-7) - 7.8%
4.     Pahiram ng Isang Ina (GMA-7) - 7%
5.     Slam Dunk (GMA-7) - 5.5%
6.     One Piece (GMA-7) - 5.2%
7.     Kapuso Movie Festival: Isang Salop Na Bala (GMA-7) - 5.1%
8.     Hunter X Hunter (GMA-7) - 4.2%
9.     The Fierce Wife (ABS-CBN) / Gourmet (GMA-7) - 3.9%
10. Super Sine 5: The Incredible Hulk (TV5) - 3.8%

Primetime:
1.     Amaya (GMA-7) - 13%
2.     Munting Heredera (GMA-7) - 12.9%
3.     Time of My Life (GMA-7) - 11.2%
4.     100 Days To Heaven (ABS-CBN) / Iglot (GMA-7) - 10.8%
5.     Nasaan Ka Elisa? (ABS-CBN) - 10%
6.     My Binondo Girl (ABS-CBN) - 9.7%
7.     24 Oras (GMA-7) / Bubble Gang (GMA-7) - 9%
8.     Guns And Roses (ABS-CBN) - 8.8%
9.     TV Patrol (ABS-CBN) - 7.5%
10. Wil Time Bigtime (TV5) - 7%

 September 17, Saturday

Daytime:
1.     Eat Bulaga! (GMA-7) - 13.1%
2.     Sabado Sineplex: Tomorrow Never Dies (TV5) / Wish Ko Lang! (GMA-7) - 5.8%
3.     TV Patrol Weekend (ABS-CBN) - 5.7%
4.     24 Oras Weekend (GMA-7) - 5.6%
5.     Showtime (ABS-CBN) - 5.3%
6.     Kapuso Movie Festival: Sundo (GMA-7) - 5.2%
7.     Startalk TX (GMA-7) - 4.2
8.     Failon Ngayon (ABS-CBN) - 3.9%
9.     Ripley's Believe It Or Not! (GMA-7) / Maynila (GMA-7) - 3.3%
10. Happy Yipee Yehey! (ABS-CBN) - 3.1%

 Primetime:
1.     Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho (GMA-7) - 12.2%
2.     Maalaala Mo Kaya (ABS-CBN) - 12%
3.     Wil Time Bigtime (TV5) - 9.3%
4.     Junior Masterchef Pinoy Edition (ABS-CBN) - 9%
5.    Wansapantaym: John Tamad (ABS-CBN) / Spooky Nights Presents Short-Time of My Life (GMA-7) - 8.2%
6.     Pilipinas Got Talent (ABS-CBN) - 7.9%
7.     Imbestigador (GMA-7) - 7.5%
8.     Manny Many Prizes (GMA-7) - 6.3%
9.     Talentadong Pinoy (TV5) - 5.8%
10. R U Kidding Me? Owws? Hindi Nga? (TV5) - 5.7%

 September 18, Sunday

Daytime:
1.     Star Power: Mayweather vs Ortiz (TV5) - 6.9%
2.     Kapuso Movie Festival: Patient X (GMA-7) - 6.2%
3.     One Piece (GMA-7) - 5.4%
4.     ASAP Rocks (ABS-CBN) - 5%
5.     The Buzz (ABS-CBN) - 4.7%
6.     AHA! (GMA-7) / Party Pilipinas (GMA-7) - 4.6%
7.     Dragon Ball (GMA-7) - 4.4%
8.     Tween Hearts (GMA-7) - 4.2%
9.     Growing Up (ABS-CBN) - 4%
10. Matanglawin (ABS-CBN) / Reputasyon Ang Unang Rebelasyon (ABS-CBN) - 3.5%

Primetime:
1.     Who Wants To Be A Millionaire (TV5) - 11.1%
2.     Kap's Amazing Stories (GMA-7) - 9.4%
3.     Pilipinas Got Talent (ABS-CBN) - 8.9%
4.     Gandang Gabi Vice (ABS-CBN) - 8.7%
5.     Pinoy Explorer (TV5) - 8.3%
6.     Pepito Manaloto (GMA-7) / Goin' Bulilit (ABS-CBN) - 8.2%
7.     Rated K (ABS-CBN) - 8%
8.     TV Patrol Weekend (ABS-CBN) / Talentadong Pinoy (TV5) - 7.9%
9.     Protégé (GMA-7) - 7.6%
10. 24 Oras Weekend (GMA-7) - 6.3%

September 19, Monday

Daytime:
1.     Eat Bulaga! (GMA-7) - 12.1%
2.     Sinner Or Saint (GMA-7) - 6.9%
3.     Pahiram ng Isang Ina (GMA-7) - 6.3%
4.     Kung Aagawin Mo Ang Langit  (GMA-7) - 5.4%
5.     Kapuso Movie Festival: Ben Balasador Akin Ang Huling Alas (GMA-7) - 5.1%
6.     Slam Dunk (GMA-7) - 5%
7.     Gourmet (GMA-7) - 4.5%
8.     One Piece (GMA-7) / Dragon Ball Z Kai (GMA-7) - 4.4%
9.     Showtime (ABS-CBN) / My Fair Lady (ABS-CBN) - 4.2%
10. Hunter X Hunter (ABS-CBN) - 4.1%

 Primetime:
1.     Amaya (GMA-7) - 13.5%
2.     Munting Heredera (GMA-7) - 12.2%
3.     100 Days To Heaven (ABS-CBN) - 11.8%
4.     Iglot (GMA-7) - 11.6%
5.     24 Oras (GMA-7) - 10.6%
6.     My Binondo Girl (ABS-CBN) - 9.1%
7.     Time of My Life (GMA-7) - 8.6%
8.     TV Patrol (ABS-CBN) / Nasaan Si Elisa? (ABS-CBN) - 8.5%
9.     Wil Time Bigtime (TV5) - 8.1%
10. Guns And Roses (ABS-CBN) - 7.8%

Source: AGB Nielsen Phils. via pep
For Household ratings, visit pep.ph

Read more »

Sunday Morning Musings: Remember the "Aerial Ballet"? It's Back, Bringing Fresh Ideas to Stale Air ...

Time to play taps for single traps?

New life in the air: A duo in Shanghai. Photo by Boyi Yuan.

For a spell of maybe 20 to 30 years, the Felds let it go, and for probably good reason. The aerial ballet, brought to its maturity under John Ringling North, had turned stale and redundant.

Lately, this potentially enchanting form is reasserting its value to the show.

Item: Ringling of late is carving out some wonderfully inventive multi-aerial displays, either intended as aerial ballets or, by accident, taking on their form. The more creative they are, the more welcome.

Item: One of the highlights of this season's Cole Bros Circus of the Stars is its aerial ballet. Like what the Felds are giving us. Johnny Pugh, the same, has the space and he is filling it in a number of ways not uniformly fixed. In fact, the more varied the movements of the individual aerialists, the more interesting are they to watch. You could argue, but what is anybody doing up there that amounts to much? I'd answer, altogether, especially with a variety of movements, their combined efforts create a most pleasing kaleidoscope of poetry in motion.

Item: in the confines of one ring, John Ringling North II offers his four North Starlets, and although they can't compete with the wider spread of action offered on Ringling or Cole, they, too, offer audiences something above the ring decidedly more enchanting than perilous, which may be why the aerial ballet, when presented with inventive flair, may come to actually replace the older era "daredevils." Actually, circus daredevils seem to be on the wane, thanks to their secured counterparts hooked to mechanics whose allusions to danger aloft simply don't fly.

This is my guess: Over the past 20-30 years, as a younger generation took to the fabrics (aka: webs, silks), much of their solo work simply did not generate sufficient excitement. Then came the duos, prominently if I am correct, from China, and also coming out of Cirque du Soleil, who combine strong athletic connections with lovely romantic imagery. They fill the air, unlike the nouveau practitioners of the "static trapeze." In this sense, they, working what they call the "sensual silks, have helped us find a viable new flight pattern back into the air by way of adding more bodies to the display. The result: a new day for the airborne ensemble.

It's the creative staging that is making the difference, setting apart what's new from what had become too predictable and passe. In addition, this less-adventurous form gives audiences a far less hazardous vision, which I suspect is that they have grown to desire.

Is it time to blow final taps for the single traps? For those flyers who rely on lifelines, yes. The safety wires render their routines false, theatrically interesting at best. Without risk, why the wide swinging arcs? Why the sudden dives away from the bar?

In 1948, Barbette had the girls performing on a dazzling array of aerial rigs in his Monte Carlo Aerial Ballet.

In 2011, the Felds set a consortium of Asians into the air, flying on straps, and the effect was perfectly pleasing. It was novel. Different, Enchanting.

What more can one ask of the aerial ballet? Heck, it could soon become one of the most awaited-for items on the program.

Read more »