Itchyworms wins big at PhilPop 2016

The grand prize winner at PhilPop 2016 is the song “Di Na Muli,” interpreted by the band Itchyworms. Written by Jazz Nicolas and Wally Acolola, the duo went home richer by a million pesos, with a handsome Ramon Orlina glass trophy to boot.

Winning first runner-up is the song “Lahat,” composed by Soc Villanueva and interpreted by Jason Dy. It won P500,000 and a Ramon Orlina trophy as well.

Taking second-runner up honors is the song “Tinatangi,” written by twin brothers Miguel and Paolo Guico and interpreted by Bayang Barrios and Cookie Chua with The Benjamins. The Guico brothers went home with P300,000 and a Ramon Orlina glass trophy.

The People’s Choice Award given by Maynilad was won by the song “Lahat,” composed by Soc Villanueva and interpreted by Jason Dy; while the PLDT Smart Music Video Awards went to “Tinatangi.”

 Viva contract artist Yassi Pressman, who was presented as among the song interpreters, was able to leave the Pinoy Big Brother house (she is one of the housemates) to perform in the finals night. She was wildly cheered by her fans when she arrived at the Kia Theatre in a car and made her way to the venue with the camera focused on her until she went up the stage to do her number. But this was enough for her song to win.

PhilPop 2016’s board of judges were composed of former Rivermaya vocalist Rico Blanco, Randolph Estrallado, rapper and songwriter Gloc 9, award-winning theater actress and Miss Saigon star Joanna Ampil and award-winning singer-composer Noel Cabangon.

The event was hosted by DJs Sam YG, Tony Tony and Slick Rick, with Bela Padilla (the star of “Camp Sawi” from Viva Films) who did three costume changes. Special guest performers were Ogie Alcasid, Mark Bautista, Donna Cruz, Aiza Seguerra, Andrew E, Kim Molina, Chad Borja and past winners Thyro Alfaro, Jeric Medina and Yumi Lacsamana.

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Would Robin Padilla be interested to do a guest role in “FPJ’s Ang Probinsiyano,” the top-rating show of Coco Martin in ABS-CBN?

In an interview, Coco expressed interest to work with Robin. And it would be nice if they can think of a good role for him since he hasn’t done a teleserye in a while. Since Coco is the creative consultant of his show, he will surely think of a good role for Robin that might entice him to make an appearance even for a brief role.

Among the big stars who have appeared in “FPJ’s Ang Probinsiyano” were Eddie Garcia, Cesar Montano and Vice Ganda who just started with his guest role on Monday.

Because of its high ratings, ABS-CBN and Dreamscape (which produces the show) have decided to extend the airing of Coco’s action-packed teleserye until next year. It was supposed to end this July but the good ratings (in the high 40s based on Kantar Media) inspired the people behind the production to continue with it.

If it will have good ratings next year, chances are, “FPJ’s Ang Probinsiyano” might be extended anew.

So if they can they think of a good role for Robin, we wonder if the action star will agree to do a guest role?

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Alden Richards hosted a thanksgiving party for the members of the entertainment press yesterday who had been supporting him since he started his showbiz career. It was also his way of giving thanks to the Lord for the many blessings that came his way, especially after he joined “Eat Bulaga” last year where he met Maine Mendoza and led to their successful AlDub tandem.

One good thing about Alden, he may be the hottest and most popular actor today, but he has not changed his ways. He has remained humble and level-headed. He always reminds himself that whatever success he has now, he owes it to his fans and his good fortune is a blessing from the Lord.

To be fair to Alden, he is a very hardworking actor. No matter how tired he is, this is not reason for him to skip work or a commitment. And he also finds time to share with his fans.

“Malaking bagay para sa mga fans na mabigyan mo sila ng oras kahit sandali kaya basta may pagkakataon, gusto ko rin naman silang makasama,” said Alden who took time from his busy schedule to attend several block screenings of “Imagine You & Me,” his movie with Maine which made a good showing at the box-office.

He is also one showbiz personality who is very appreciative of the help extended to by him by the press. That is why he is well-loved and admired by the entertainment press because he is good-natured and very accommodating. He has a ready smile and warm handshake that never fails to melt the heart of the hard-to-please entertainment press. And he has remained the same Alden who will be the first to reach out to anyone.

“One thing good about Alden, when he sees you in an event, he will make an effort to approach you and greet you with an embrace or a kiss,” said a veteran writer. Which is true and it was something that we have experienced as well.

Since “Imagine You & Me” made good at the box-office, the press is curious what Alden and Maine’s next project will be. It is true that their follow up movie is another love story to be released on Valentine’s Day?