Belinda apparently suffered a self-induced panic attack this week after semi-nude pictures of her were leaked onto the internet.

Belinda’s mental crisis was reportedly so severe, she ended up losing consciousness for a short while and had to be hospitalized because of it.

If you think this is a bit much, wait until you hear what Belinda’s aunt, Rossana Ferrari said about the condition of her family:

“Su mamá estaba temblando, a Belinda vino a verla el doctor, para darle una pastilla para que pudiera dormir, el papá también está mal, el niño está llorando…”

Is joining a beauty pageant part of Rhian Ramos’s plans? “That’s something that’s being talked about right now. And it’s been raised…The conversation has been raised many times. Pero ano…it would be an honor for me, but I don’t think na at the moment, right now, I don’t think it can be part of the agenda. Kasi parang everything’s happening right now and I don’t wanna let it go…”

At 18, Rhian Ramos is quite resolute when it comes to her priorities in life. There may be detractors. Guys may get in the way. But her career is her real focus right now.

In a quick chat with PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) during the birthday party of talent manager/producer/endorser/actress Annabelle Rama, Rhian said: “The things that I’ve being dreaming of, they’re happening now, I can’t focus on anything else. I’m that thankful.”

The Kapuso star is talking about the positive response of viewers to La Lola, her biggest project to date. Rhian relates, “It’s such a big deal kasi for me, to know na people appreciate the show and they watch it and they enjoy it. Like, people come up to me and say, ‘I laugh so hard when I watch that show!’ And I’m just so grateful.”

Unlike other television series, La Lola did not conduct auditions. It was as if the project was meant for her. “There was no audition,” Rhian tells PEP. “Tinawagan na lang ako isang araw na…I don’t know, hindi ko alam kung saan nanggaling. Pero siyempre, kokontra pa ba ako? Magrereklamo pa ba ako? Hindi ko na tinanong! Nagpasalamat na lang ako.”

While narrating how GMA-7 management broke the good news to her, Rhian still could not hide her surprise. “Tinawagan na ako one day,” she began. “Di ba sa GMA, bago lumabas ang shows, pinapakita…2008, eto yung blahblah…Di ba may plug ng lahat ng shows na naka-line up? Wala pang concept yung La Lola. I mean, wala pang script, ginawa na yung plug. Tinawagan ako nung day na yun para sabihin, ‘Okay, tomorrow, can you bring this for the plug?’  ‘Plug? Anong plug yan? La Lola? Ano’ng La Lola?’ I didn’t even know then.

“So finally, when I did the plug, a very short explanation was given to me, ‘Eto, lalaki siya, babaero, naging babae, ganyan…’ Yung ganun lang. So I was like, ‘So, wait! Ibig mong sabihin, ako si La Lola?!’ So parang hindi pa nagsi-sink in, wala akong alam! But siyempre, hindi ko pa maiisip na magka-title role din ako kasi before that.”

The girl who got noticed by GMA Films president Annette Gozon-Abrogar in a fast-food chain commercial made her television debut via Captain Barbell. In less than two years, she has so far portrayed major roles in four TV series, including a hosting stint in Pinoy Idol Extra.

Her high-speed rise to stardom earned her a legion of fans—but also many detractors. This year, Rhian got bombarded with hate-emails, some of which were circulated to the press. Rhian says in a more serious tone, “Until now…today alone, I got four to five texts. But it doesn’t bother me any more kasi, parang, I mean, everyone says life is unfair. Parang ganun na lang din, di ba?

“Para sa akin, parang [things are] becoming fair. It’s becoming fair so I’m thankful…I don’t let it bother me and I’m okay lang because I have so many positive things to think about. It doesn’t bother me na.”

ON LA LOLA. “Overwhelming” is the word to describe her reaction to the public’s positive response to her first title role. “Parang I felt vindicated from all the hardship na napagdaanan ako before that,” says Rhian.

She talks about how she felt before La Lola aired its pilot episode: “Kasi sa dami ng intriga na nakukuha ko araw-araw, well, hindi siya normal levels, e. At saka siyempre, nandun din yung pressure na you want the show to do well kasi importante siya sa iyo. So, wala…Parang takot lang ako at that time. Scary times siya para sa akin.

‘Tapos nung nagsimula ako ng taping, na-ease yung stress kasi, first, palaging masaya yung set namin. At saka pangalawa, habang ginagawa na namin yung eksena, nakikita ko na parang maganda yung story na ito at saka natural sa bawat artista yung character nila.

“Tapos very funny pa yung story. Actually, when I’m reading, relaxing siya para sa akin, and I’m excited to receive my next one [script]. So ang galing lang. Sobrang overwhelming, saka na-relax ako nang solid.”

How did she prepare for the role of Lola, the female counterpart of Lalo, played by Wendell Ramos? Rhian, demonstrating what she is saying, goes: “Ginagawa ko, pag nakikita ko siya sa GMA, kunin ko na phone ko, vini-video ko! Vini-video ko yung lakad niya, tapos kakausapin ko siya. ‘Wendell! Wendell! Kunwari chicks ako, kausapin mo naman ako na ganito…’ O kaya, ‘O ngayon, kunwari barkada naman ako… Bro! kamusta na?’ Tapos sasagot siya, ‘Ok naman bro!’”

And she has a promise for avid viewers: she’ll do better in the succeeding episodes. “As Lola, like, my friends text me things, na parang they can’t believe the things I’ve done for the role. I’ve done so many shocking things for this role that I have never done in my life, like run naked in the corridor, yun… I will do whatever the show requires for me to do. It’s just so important to me. It’s just a big part of my life, and I’ve fallen in love with it, na parang I feel for my character.”

She is crazy about Lola. “Basahin ko pa lang yung script. May umapi, may nang-asar man lang kay Lola, naiinis na ako. ‘Hoy! wag mo nga yan gagawin kay Lola!’ Parang yun yung feeling ko… Minahal ko na siya, e. So I’ll do anything for it. I mean, they can expect the biggest amount of effort na, so far, I’ve never done before. And they can expect more of that…tuluy-tuloy lang ito.”

ON LEADING MAN. When asked to describe JC De Vera and rate him as a leading man in a scale of one to ten, Rhian is quick to say, “Above and beyond my expectations, he’s a 9! Kaya 9 dahil no one’s perfect. Ayoko naman siyang i-ten. Hindi…Naku, yayabang iyan. He’s a 9. Don’t tell him.”

The nice and talkative Rhian continues, “Maybe ask JC what he thinks? Hindi, nang-aasar lang kami… Kasi he’s very steady e. Parang aakalain mo, hindi siya artista. Kapag kumikilos, kapag kinakausap mo, simpleng-simple lang siya. Taong-tao. Alam mo iyon?”

The young actress admits that the first times they were together were awkward moments. It did not help that JC, according to her, is a quiet guy. Rhian was actually the first to approach him.

“Siyempre, at first, because he’s really quiet. I was surprised kasi about how quiet he was, kasi I’ve worked with him before, nag-uusap naman kami dati…konti. But I’ve never realized how quiet he was on set.”

Eventually, her leading man began opening up. She recalls their first conversation, “I was like, ‘You okay?’ He’s like, ‘Ay hindi, ganito lang talaga ako, sorry.’ And then, he was very cool. Kapag kinausap mo, mahaba-habang kwentuhan.”

At this point, how would she describe the level of her closeness with JC. Is the tandem still reel or on the way to being real?

“Well, kasi for me, it takes quite a while to be…intimate is the wrong word… Parang, to share that closeness with someone, it takes a while for me to get to that level. But for now, we’re really just taking it easy.

“We didn’t really talk about, ‘Oy, walang mangyayari, ha,’ and ‘Hoy, we have to be sweet.’ Nothing like that. We’re just taking it easy and going natural. I think I like it better that way, na some things remain unsaid and we just go with our instincts.”

And to dispel the rumors linking her to different guys, she says flatly: “Yes, I am unattached. I have been all my life. Ang dami ko nang naka-link. Aminado ako dun. Pero ano, so far, I have been unattached.”

“I’m very happy and I hope I’m gonna sing with her soon,” shyly said Charice after seeing her idol Mariah Carey at the 13th Annual Andre Agassi Foundation’s Grand Slam for Children, a benefit concert held at the Wynn, Las Vegas, Nevada last October 12.

Noel Orsal

Young music sensation Charice was happy twice over when she performed at the 13th Annual Andre Agassi Foundation’s Grand Slam for Children benefit concert held at the Wynn, Las Vegas, Nevada last October 12.

The 16-year-old Pinay singer joined big names in the international music scene, such as Rod Stewart and Sheryl Crow, in a private performance for the donors of tennis superstar Agassi’s charter school. The André Agassi Charitable Foundation is one the most successful in Las Vegas.

Before she appeared on stage, David Foster, who had facilitated the young singer’s appearance on Oprah weeks before, introduced Charice. Forster told the audience, “Throughout the years, I’ve brought some interesting new artists here—Josh Groban, Michael Bublé, to name two. Tonight, I have an artist with me, that is a little more perfect to these billionaires up front to get their money’s worth.

“A few months ago, I got a call from Oprah [Winfrey], that’s “O,” Oprah. She said, ‘I want you to check out this little girl from the Philippines.’ And I’m telling you, you guys are great, you’ve seen so much stuff in your life, I know. But you’ve never seen anything like this, I guarantee you.”

After welcoming Charice, the former Little Big Star finalist gave her all in rendering Whitney Houston’s “I Have Nothing” and “I Will Always Love You,” which have been her signature songs.

Aside from wowing the audience, Charice got the chance to meet one of her music idols, Mariah Carey, who also performed during the event. Again Charice was speechless on seeing Mariah in person, like the time Celine Dion invited Charice for a duet at Celine’s concert.

Of course, the young singer did not miss the chance to express her wish in an interview with Bandila aired last Monday, October 12. “I’m very happy and I hope I’m gonna sing with her soon,” Charice said while still feeling starstruck after hugging her idol.
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Rhian isn’t your typical showbiz darling with the maamo face. Neither does she have a rags-to-riches story common among many of our celebrities. What Rhian does have are oozing charm and sex appeal-and she knows it. This confidence and Rhian’s assumed all-too-lucky breaks did not sit well with some of her critics.

“A lot of people would think na mas madali para sa’kin [yung showbiz], because of my aunt [Ida Henares, GMA Artist Center's AVP and head honcho], but its actually harder,” Rhian shares with Cosmo. But despite all the negativity thrown at her, Rhian Ramos remains persistent. Her determination to rise above the bad rap proves even more that she does have what it takes to be where she is.

This year, all her hard work and battles against controversy paid off as she stars in La Lola, GMA 7’s latest primetime telenovela offering, with JC De Vera. “I think it’s the biggest role I’ve been given so far,” gushes Rhian, “It was like a sige na I am finally given the chance. Despite all the intrigues, GMA believed in me.”

Rhian has no problems answering more intimate questions about herself. A self-confessed virgin, Rhian gives her take on premarital sex, onscreen kisses and her biggest turn-ons in the October issue of Cosmopolitan magazine, now available in newsstands, bookstores and supermarkets nationwide. - Philippine Entertainment Portal

“Masaya ako sa career ko, siguro sa bilis na rin ng takbo ng mga pangyayari. Yung first project ko pa lang, Captain Barbell na. After Barbell, hindi na ako nag-audition sa Lupin, kasi nakita na rin nila yung chemistry namin ni Chard [Richard Gutierrez]. Nung ibinigay yun sa akin, natuwa ako kasi yung naging dating para sa akin, ibig sabihin, nag-i-improve ako sa pag-arte. ‘Pag nakakuha ako ng bagong project, siguro sa last project ko, nakapag-improve ako ng konti,” says debutante Rhian Ramos.

Tomorrow, October 3, Rhian Denise Ramos Howell—or more popularly known as Rhian Ramos—will be celebrating her 18^th birthday with a grand party at the Manila Peninsula in Makati City. Rhian’s debut party is a gift from the Kapuso network.

Three days before her debut party, last September 30, select members of the entertainment press including PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) had the chance to talk to Rhian in a mini-presscon given by Artist Center, which manages the young actress’ showbiz career.

Is Rhian ready for her big day?

“Getting there!” she quips. “Parang hindi talaga ako mare-ready hangga’t sa araw na ‘yon. Until that day, I won’t still be ready kasi nakakanerbiyos talaga, especially kapag sinasabi ng tao na… Well, first, malaki ang expectations na, you know, to be a lady; na parang that’s the day where you grow up or whatever. Nakakanerbiyos lang at siyempre, gusto kong paghandaan na mag-enjoy yung guests and everything. So yun yung mga iniisip kong bagay.”

Rhian reveals that her leading man in her upcoming GMA-7 primetime series La Lola, JC de Vera, will be her escort and her last dance. Because of this, the entertainment press is quick to comment that it could be a promo for their upcoming TV series.

She explains, “I don’t know how people would think of it. Pero ako personally, pinili ko siya [JC] as my last dance kasi, show or no show, nasa akin pa rin yung decision. Debut ko naman yun.”

So, why did Rhian choose JC when she could have picked Richard Gutierrez who was her first leading man in her first TV show ever, Captain Barbell?

“Si Chard kasi… Well, yeah, we started together and everything. Pero ngayon kasi, it’s time for my journey to continue. Parang hindi naman puwedeng I’ll stay somewhere forever. Kailangan din naman naming mag-move on,” she explains.

As for JC, Rhian has this to say: “Because we’re going through something together. Parang pumapasok kami sa isang bagay na exciting, pero nakakatakot, and we’re going through it together. ‘Tsaka siguro the growing up part because he’s been so good in helping me out to this whole La Lola thing. Gusto ko also na samahan niya din ako sa growing-up-together thing.”

But Rhian assured that Richard will still be part of her debut as one of the 18 roses[ which also include, among others, Mark Herras, Alfred Vargas, Raymond Gutierrez, Paolo Paraiso, and Dingdong Dantes.

As for the 18 candles, Rhian was able to mention Karylle; her Ouija co-stars Jolina Magdangal and Iza Calzado; fellow Artist Center talents Abigail Cruz, Stef Henares, Arci Munoz, and Rhea Nakpil. Rhian is not sure if Judy Ann Santos can spare her time.

What's the motif of her debut party?

"Dahil yung La Lola, ibig sabihin sa akin nun transformation—from a man to a woman—ganun din yung debut ko; from a young girl growing up to a woman. So, transformation talaga siya. Gusto ko, yung color motif ng La Lola, yun din yung color motif ng birthday ko—black, red, and white."

How many gowns will she be wearing?

"Ngayon na mas formal na siya, it's two [gown] changes for the first half and the second half of the party, ‘tapos the clothes will be provided by Sabella [a clothing brand she endorses]. Richard Papa will be personally making it.”

How many guests is she expecting?

“Hindi ko binilang, e, nag-list lang ako ng names. ‘Tapos tinulungan din ako ng Artist Center. Siyempre, alam mo kung sino yung mga friends mo at kung sino ang gusto mong pumunta, pero mahirap na alalahanin yun sa isang moment kung kailan mo ginagawa yung list.”

Aside from her party at Manila Pen, Rhian will be having other celebrations as well.

“Makakailang party din ako this year,” she says. “Siguro babawi ako this year sa ilang years na hindi ako nag-celebrate ng birthday. So, this year, makakaisa ako sa Child’s House [which houses cancer patients], kasi last year dun ako nag-birthday. So, gusto kong bumalik do’n kasi last year sinabihan ako ng mga bata, ‘Ate Rhian, next year balik ka ha?’ So, nag-promise na ako.”

Rhian will also have a party to be sponsored by B Club, a brand of shoes she is endorsing, and “a small get-together sa bahay with my school friends.”

“PETER-PAN SYNDROME.” What does she think will be the changes now that she’s 18?

“Kasi naniniwala ako na yung maturity level mo, hindi minsan sumasabay sa age. ‘Pag 18 years old ka na, yung katawan mo nag-e-age, pero sa mind ko, parang every day naman kailangang mag-advance, hindi lang dapat sa mga birthday tumatanda.”

What’s her birthday wish?

“Siguro sumabay yung isip ko sa katawan ko at mag-mature!” she says with a laugh. “Hindi, kasi ako, medyo may fear ako of growing up. Gusto kong mawala ‘yon, I want to be able to just jump into it… Idol ko si Peter Pan, e. Gusto ko yung idea na forever kang bata. Forever ka lang nag-e-enjoy. Forever kang innocent… Ayokong minamadali yung aging process. Ayokong mag-rush into being an adult.

“I’m sure magandang maging adult. Pero kasi once na naging adult ka, hindi mo na puwedeng balikan yung [childhood or teenage days], so gusto ko I’ll take my time muna. Ini-enjoy ko lang habang nandito.”

What are the aspects in her life that have not yet fully developed?

“Siguro ang hindi pinaka-developed sa akin, yung sa puso, yung emotional. Siguro kasama na dun yung lack of male bonding. Kasi my dad is based abroad and he’s been that way all my life, so parang I don’t know how to handle it.”

Rhian’s British father, Mr. Gareth Howell, is currently in Dubai, U.A.E., where he works as  as a sales manager of an international company that manufactures industrial goods. “Semento, wood, floor, tiles, mga ganun,” enumerates Rhian.

Rhian assures that her father will be at her debut party with his new Thai wife.

“Oo talaga, pinilit ko siya. Wala siyang choice. Sabi ko, he has to be there,” says the young actress.

Rhian has been saying that she hasn’t had a boyfriend yet. Now that she’s 18, is she ready to accept suitors?

“Now that I’m 18, puwede na akong ligawan,” Rhian says with a smile.

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Lee Young-yoo has appeared in two SBS dramas - the 2004 Rays of Sunshine where she played Song Hye-kyo’s little sister and the 2005 Mr. Housewife/ Bad Wife where she played the daughter to actors Sohn Chang-min and Shin Aera. The young actress also appeared in the 2007 movie Herb.

Lee Young-yoo is currently working on the drama 돌아온 뚝배기 (what does that translate to?).

Congratulations to the young lass. I’m sure 아저씨 Bae Yong-joon and his team will help mold and shape her acting career.

Source: MSN News

Ten year old Reggaeton prodigy Miguelito is causing more than temper tantrums in the industry with his incredible success and his recent Latin Grammy Nomination for Mejor Album de Música Latina Infantil.

Fellow Nominee, Puertoriqueño Walter Morciglio is not very happy being in the same category as the joven Reggaetonero, and states that the boy’s music is not appropriate for children.

“I heard at least one song from the album and it is for adults…”

Said Morciglio to Diario El Nuevo Día, adding that Miguelitos album, El HEREDERO, should not be in the Children’s ballot but rather in the Urban category.

This is actually the second time Morciglio shares a nominated spot with “el niño del reggaeton” so his reviews might actually have to do with not wanting to lose another gramophone to a kid with bling!

Source: Tu Música Latina.com

Now, this is something I’ll be looking out for: Actress Lee Hana and top model Jang Yoon-joo will be displaying their musical skills in an upcoming cable program called Jang Yoon-joo’s 29 on Mnet.

Lee appeared on Jang Yoon-joo’s 29 to converse with the model about acting, music, and marriage. They also had an impromptu duet, with Lee showing off a song she wrote and Jang performing one from her upcoming album, followed by songs by Keren Ann (”Right Now & Right Here”) and Cardigans (”Carnival”).

Lee Hana, the daughter of a songwriter, is by now well-known for her singing ability. Jang Yoon-joo, one of Korea’s most successful models and one of three model-judges of the reality show I Am A Model, is prepping her own solo album and featured her vocals on a song by musician Jung Jae-hyung, which you can listen to here.

The show airs on September 16.

Via Mk.co.kr

(L-R) Young pianists Yin Cunmo, Huang Nansong, Qin Yunyi, and Sham Ching-Toa. They will together stage a two-concert series on September 20 and 21 in Beijing. [CRI/NCPA]

China’s National Center for the Performing Arts wants people to know that Lang Lang and Li Yundi are not the only piano prodigies in the country.

The NCPA, located in central Beijing, is presenting a two-concert series on September 20 and 21 featuring four pianists aged between 12 and 16, it has announced.

Each of the performers — Qin Yunyi, Yin Cunmo, Huang Nansong, and Sham Ching-Toa — has won at least one international award, a press release issued by the center says.

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