Mo Twister on hosting shows in competing networks

Studio 23 intensifies its primetime programming with more excitement as it launches “Kabarkada: Break The Bank!,” a new game show on television that will premiere on Monday, August 27, with the controversial DJ Mo Twister as host. The new show gives the viewer the chance to win up to P100,000.

Studio 23 Managing Director Leo Katigbak announced that the Philippines is the second country to acquire the franchise of the show Endemol International, the company behind “Big Brother,” “Deal Or No Deal” and “1 vs 100” that will premiere tomorrow on ABS-CBN, with Edu Manzano as host.

He also announced that Mo Twister is on top of the very short list that they had and that he was the logical choice to take the reins of “Kabarkada: Break The Bank.”

“The show is very much like Deal Or No Deal but there’s no studio contestant. It’s so easy to join. You only need to register only once. You don’t need to come to ABS-CBN to line up. You can play in your house because we will be the ones to call you,” said Mo at the press launch of this interactive TV game that one can play anytime and anywhere via one-time free text registration and by answering the simple yet entertaining word games on TV.

“You can even ask your friends and family to help you. It’s a lot easier to win. Of course, the prizes are a lot different compared to the ones given by Deal Or No Deal. But you can win up to P300,000 on a given night,” explained Mo, who considers himself fortunate to be chosen to host “Kabarkada: Break The Bank.”

Despite being a daily sjow (it runs Monday to Friday at 7:30 - 8:30 p.m.), it does not run conflict with Mo’s radio show, his program “Y-Speak” also on Studio 23 and his “Showbiz Central” stint every Sunday on GMA 7.

“I am not with the channel. I am with the shows. The shows just happen to be with competing stations,” said the controversial TV host. “Besides, I am doing different shows. I do tsismis on Showbiz Central, while Y-Speak is a talk show. Then I have this game show.” He replaced Ryan Agoncillo in “Y-Speak” which he had been doing for a year. Plus he’s set to do another show for Studio 23 soon.

Why did he accept the offer to do a game show? “Game shows really do well,” said Mo. “It’s successful na agad because you are giving away prizes. You don’t have to pretend to entertain people kasi it’s all business. I mean, all you have to do is be called on your moblie phone and we’ll give you prizes. Even in my radio show we are also giving prizes,” Mo added.

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Resigned. This is the status of Mutya ng Pilipinas Asia-Pacific 2007 Zara Aldana in the eyes of the pageant organizer Mutya ng Pilipinas, Inc. (MPI).

According to published reports, Zara has already given up her crown. But based on the last meeting, the issues stated in her resignation letter have already been ironed out among the MPI, her family and her manager Joey Aquino.

 “Here resignation letter merely served as an outlet of expression for her concerns,” defended Aquino. “But, sadly, it was perceived as a reflection of her weakness.”

MPI highlighted “socializing” and “fatigue” as the real reasons why Zara expressed her intention to withdraw her crown. But, analyzing the published reports, the real concern has something to do with her contract. Her contract seems to be “not clear” as there are provisions that do not clearly enumerate her activities and projects.

“In fairness to Mutya, they are still finalizing the calendar of activities as what they have promised us,” said Aquino.

But to this date, there seems to be no definite directions for Mutya winners. Even its telecast is still uncertain.

Maybe that’s also the reason why Zara’s reign is still uncertain.

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The husband and wife tandem of Chris Tan and Sherilyn Reyes-Tan are producing the birthday concert of Ogie Alcasid titled “Faces of My Life: A Birthday Concert” for their 1two17 Productions. It will to be held on August 24 and 25 at the Music Museum.

“Faces of My Life” is an intimate birthday concert for Ogie who’s turning 40 and marks a new beginning in his life, following recent revelations on his personal relationship with Regine Velasquez who is joining him in the concert as special guest. 

The concert is written by Noel Ferrer, with Chris Tan directing, with Bond Samson as musical director. For inquiries on ticket prices and availability, call (02) 891-9999 and (02) 721-6726.

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Mau Marcelo is the grand winner in “Philippine Idol” but it is Gian Magdangal who is more visible on TV. Gian is a mainstay of “SOP,” the Sunday noontime program of GMA 7. Mau’s fans are perplexed with the situation and are concerned with her plight in the industry. But the talented lady is unperturbed.

“Thankful pa rin kasi kahit paano napu-push pa rin ang career ko,” said Mau at the launching of her debut solo album titled “I Shine For You” under Sony-BMG Music Entertainment held at Tropezz Restaurant Bar in Greenbelt 3 last Tuesday.

“Pero nagtatanong nga po ang mga fans ko kung bakit hindi nga nila ako masyadong napapanood sa TV. Pero busy naman po ako sa ibang bagay like corporate shows. I am also a part of Wanders, a show that is being staged at Casino Filipino Grand Theater in Paranaque where we do three shows a week,” Mau related.

“I am thankful kasi sinuportahan ako ng mga tao at natupad ko ang pangarap ko na maging singer. This is a dream come true for me,” said Mau of her album that contains 11 tracks. Her carrier single “I Shine For You” is her way of paying tribute to a colorful life lived to the fullest.

“The title track truly describes the struggles I went through. It also serves as my way of showing appreciation and gratitude to all those people who supported me all the way. All their love and support made me stronger.”

Mau also said that she’s just waiting for the right time for her star to shine. “Hindi naman ako naiinggit kay Gian. Pero I know it would help my career more kung naka-contract ako sa isang major network at kasali ako sa isang sikat na TV show,” said the “Philippine Idol” winner. “Pareho lang naman kami ng manager ni Gian pero di ako naiinggit sa kanya.”