KC Concepcion

Maria Kristina Cassandra Cuneta Pangilinan (born April 7, 1985), also known as KC Concepcion, is the daughter of Filipina actress Sharon Cuneta and former Filipino actor Gabby Concepcion. Her name "Kristina" came from her mom, and "Cassandra" from her dad who loved the movie Cassandra Crossing. She has two half-sisters named Simone Francesca Emanuelle (Frankie) and Mariel Daniella Sophia (Miel) from her mother's second and current husband, Philippine Senator "Kiko" Francis Pangilinan.

She is legally adopted by Francis Pangilinan. Legally, her surname is Pangilinan but she uses her biological father's last name as screen name.

As a teenager, Concepcion auditioned for theater roles, eventually landing the leading role for the musical play Little Mermaid. She sees her mom as her inspiration.

Her modeling career skyrocketed as she signed a deal with clothing line Human.

She was an MTV Asia VJ in 2003 and appears regularly on her mother's self-titled show Sharon,

She recorded the soundtrack for the musical Beauty and the Beast directed by Ryan Cayabyab.

In August 2007, Concepcion graduated from the American University of Paris with a degree in Bachelor of Arts in International Corporate Communications with a minor in Theatre Arts.

She recently signed a contract with ABS-CBN, her mother's home television station. She did a documentary special entitled, KC: From Paris to Pinas which details her college years in Paris. The documentary won an award from the Philippine Movie Press Club.

She currently has several endorsements and deals under her belt, including the clothing line Bayo and Enervon, a multivitamin tablet.

In February 2008, Concepcion starred in her first television acting role in an episode of the biographical series, Maalaala Mo Kaya. There are plans of another lifestyle show for her and also movies.

Shortly after, Concepcion was appointed by United Nations as the World Food Programme Ambassador in the Philippines.

Dingdong Dantes

José Sixto Gonzales Dantes III, popularly known as Dingdong Dantes, is an award-nominated director/actor, born August 2, 1980 in Quezon City, the Philippines. He is one of the most popular & highest paid actors in the Philippines, and is also the highest paid underwear model.

His popularity rivals those of Richard Gutierrez, Dennis Trillo, Piolo Pascual, Sam Milby, Jericho Rosales, Cogie Domingo, Alfred Vargas, Diether Ocampo, Carlos Agassi, Jake Cuenca, Wendell Ramos, John Lloyd Cruz, Zanjoe Marudo, Derek Ramsay, Marvin Agustin, Polo Ravales, Mark Herras, Patrick Garcia, and many other bankable Philippine Showbiz bachelors.

He is proclaimed to be the country's equivalent of David Beckham.

Biography:

Dingdong first attended college at San Beda College and took up Marketing Management. He transferred to the Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) as an Interdisciplinary Studies and Communication Arts major. He is also a real life cousin of fellow actor and co-star in MariMar, Arthur Solinap. Dingdong's mother is the sister of Arthur's mom. They both have Gonzales as their middle name.

Career:

Early years - He first became popular as a child star appearing in several commercials. He was part of the male dance group Abztract together with his buddy and fellow actor, Dino Guevarra, and his cousin and actor, Arthur Solinap, their group became regulars in Eat Bulaga and That's Entertainment making him treat legendary starmaker, German Moreno like his own father. As an actor, he debuted on GMA Network's youth-oriented show T.G.I.S. (Thank God It's Sabado), afterwards embarking on a promising career in show business.

Dantes began as a print and commercial model and appeared in a famous dairy product commercial when he was nine years old. He was then part of an all-male dance group called Abztract Dancers. By the time he was seventeen, Dantes made his first television appearance when he was introduced as one of the lead cast in the second season of GMA Network's highly popular youth-oriented flick T.G.I.S. (Thank God It's Sabado). His role as the dashing boy-next-door Iñaki was massively well received and contributed much to his growing popularity. Almost immediately, Dantes was already a growing sensation. His pairing with Antoinette Taus, whom he was romantically involved with, spun films like Honey My Love So Sweet and I'm Sorry My Love and other television outings including Anna Karenina. It wasn’t long before Taus left to pursue a film and recording career abroad, by that time, their relationship had ended and Dantes ventured as a solo artist.

Primetime Prince - In 2002, Dantes was paired with actress Tanya Garcia as they top-bill in GMA-7's primetime soap opera series entitled Sana Ay Ikaw Na Nga. Their pairing was received satisfactorily and the show raked ratings. Dantes and Garcia also headlined in another primetime romance-drama billing in 2003 entitle Twin Hearts. Dantes then took on several hosting stints and has emceed for Binibining Pilipinas Pageant in numerous occasions. His flair and spontaneity in the field eventually led him to be selected as host for GMA Network's reality artist search, StarStruck in 2003 and has since hosted in the seasons that followed.

Aside from his television stints, Dantes also appeared in several chartbuster films including Magkapatid and Pangarap Ko Ang Ibigin Ka and has starred with big wigs like Sharon Cuneta, Christopher de Leon, Regine Velázquez and Judy Ann Santos.

Dantes hosts the suspense-thriller program Wag Kukurap, for which he also occasionally serves as director. He is well-known for his role as King Ybrahim in the Encantadia fantasy-themed television saga, where he co-stars with his on-screen and off-screen romantic interest, singer-actress Karylle. The couple also co-star in the 2006 film Moments of Love.

MariMar & Post-MariMar Era - In 2007 He is filming now a new GMA Teleserye of Marimar set to end March 2008, Dingdong was also voted by Cosmopolitan readers as the no. 1 bachelor for 2007 where he defeated many of Philippine showbiz's eligible bachelors, he took part in the Cosmo bachelor show for the same year. During the show he received the highest applauds from the crowd. in 2008 he was tagged by his home studio to portray the love interest of Dyesebel, also in March of that same year he debuted as Bench's newest image model, alongside his idol, Richard Gomez, who also portrayed his father in Marimar and thus becoming the highest paid underwear model in the country & just a few weeks after being launched by Bench Dingdong was also launched by Ibuprofen Medicol as their newest endorser and many other companies also started showing interests in getting Dingdong as their endorser. Marimar has become a big success because of the two people who portrayed the role of Marimar and Sergio (Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes).

Endorsements:

* Bench
* Mario D' Boro shoes
* Ibuprofen Medicol
* Belo Medical
* Ricky Reyes Salon
* Close - Up

Marian Rivera

Marian Gracia Rivera, more popularly known as Marian Rivera (born August 12, 1984 in Madrid, Spain) is a Filipino actress and commercial model. Her first TV role came in 2005 via TAPE Inc.'s afternoon drama, Kung Mamahalin Mo Lang Ako. However, her breakout role did not come until 2007 when she was cast for the title role in the Philippine remake of MariMar.

Biography:

Early life - Rivera was born in Madrid, Spain to an interracial couple; Spaniard named Francisco Javier Gracia and a Filipina named Amalia Rivera. When her parents separated 2 years after her birth, Rivera and her mom left Spain and flew back to her mother's hometown in the Philippines. However, her mother had to leave to continue her work commitment abroad that she was sent to her maternal grandmother, Francisca Rivera in Bacoor, Cavite.

Education - Rivera attended local private schools in Cavite including Saint Francis of Assisi College System where she spent her Elementary and High School years and De La Salle University-Dasmariñas for college. She had a 3-month practicum at the National Mental Hospital, after which she graduated with a degree in A.B. Psychology.
Television Career:

Early work - Rivera left her hometown to pursue a career as a ramp and commercial model. Not long after, she landed an appearance on TV advertisements for Skin White Lotion and Sky Flakes crackers where she was seen by TAPE Inc.'s executive producer, Tony Tuviera. From then on, she starred in a series of afternoon soap operas for TAPE Inc. and GMA Network such as Kung Mamahalin Mo Lang Ako, Agawin Mo Man Ang Lahat (where she was named as the Best New Female TV Personality at the 2006 PMPC Star Awards) and Pinakamamahal along with Oyo Boy Sotto as her main leading man. GMA Network then cast her into mother roles for the afternoon Philippine-Malaysian drama Muli with Alfred Vargas and the primetime telefantasya Super Twins.

MariMar - Rivera rose to fame when she won an audition for the title role of MariMar, the remake of the Mexican telenovela which starred Thalía. Before the auditions, Rivera knew little about the character as she was only 11 years old when the original soap opera aired on Philippine TV. Rivera then took the time out to do a research about the role over the internet. Other actresses who took part on the auditions were Nadine Samonte, Katrina Halili, Jennylyn Mercado, Karylle, Jewel Mische, and Bianca King.

MariMar premiered on August 13, 2007 with a 36.6% rating. Her participation in the show led her to becoming a household name among the Filipino audiences that some would refer to her as Marimar/Bella even when she's out of her character, and with critics from the Guillermo Mendoza Memorial Scholarship Foundation, Inc. honoring her as Phenomenal TV Star in the 38th Box-Office Entertainment Awards.

Dyesebel - After MariMar, Rivera will play the role of Dyesebel Dingdong Dantes, who was her leading man in MariMar, will pair up with Rivera as Fredo.

Film Career:

In 2006, Rivera was casted in the horror movie, Pamahiin along with Dennis Trillo and Iya Villania. The following year, she starred in two MMFF movie entries: Bahay Kubo and Desperadas. Rivera's first leading movie opposite Richard Gutierrez is the romantic-comedy My Best Friend's Girlfriend. The film received positive reviews and was successful enough that it grossed over PHP140,000,000 at the box office.

Marian Rivera is set to do a romantic movie in 2008 tentatively titled Amnesia with Dingdong Dantes and Iza Calzado. She was supposed to be in a comedy film with Philippine top comedians Dolphy and Vic Sotto, but was later dropped according to the March 29, 2008 telecast of entertainment news program Startalk.

Other Projects:

Following the success of the series MariMar, Rivera was featured on the cover of fashion magazines such as the Philippine editions of Cosmopolitan and Marie Claire, as well as Manual men's magazine. She was also chosen as an endorser for apparel brand Karimadon and shampoo brand Sunsilk along with Heart Evangelista, Nikki Gil and Maja Salvador. The Sunsilk campaign is the Philippine version on the product's Life Can't Wait campaign featuring Madonna, Shakira and Marilyn Monroe.

Rivera also appeared on the album cover of Marian Rivera Dance Hits, a compilation of dance music produced by Universal Records Inc., wherein she presented a dance choreography for each track. The said album has reached a Gold status, and later Platinum - being the first album released in the Philippines by a Filipino artist on the year 2008 to reach such status.

Valerie Concepcion

Valerie Concepcion (born December 21, 1987 in Manila, Philippines), is a Filipina actress. She is currently being managed by Becky Aguila and is a free lancer. Currently, she is a co-host of ABS-CBN's noontime show Wowowee.

Kissing Controversy:

On December 8, 2007, Jinky Pacquiao, wife of Manny Pacquiao, sent a text message to young actress Valerie Concepcion (when Jinky discovered Manny's torrid kissing scene with her in the 2007 Metro Manila Film Festival entry Anak ng Kumander): "This is Jinky Pacquaio, I saw you with my husband in a kissing scene. How sweet! Ito ang masasabi ko, kung isa ka rin sa bumabalak na manira at sirain ang pamilya ko, Hindi kita uurungan o kaya gusto mo, pupuntahan kita sa Wowowee at ipagsigawan ang kalandian mo. Balita ko, nagpahanap ka daw ng bahay. Pera ba ang kailangan mo? Subukan mo mga balak mo, lalabanan kita."

Betty La Fea:

She is being considered to play the lead for the local version of Betty La Fea, the same role that Asia's Songbird Regine Velasquez wanted to do as her first Valerie Concepcion teleserye on ABS-CBN.Other actresses like Angel Locsin, Bea Alonzo and Anne Curtis are also rumored to be on the short list. Though there is no word yet on who would be awarded the part, Valerie admitted that she already feels honored to have been thought of taking on such a challenging role.

Marvin Agustin

Marvin Jay Cuyugan Agustin, better known by his stage name Marvin Agustin (born 29 January 1979 (Age 28) at Peñafrancia, Paco, Manila) is a Filipino actor and entrepreneur, famous for his love-team partnership with Filipina actress Jolina Magdangal in numerous TV sitcoms, TV dramas and romantic-comedy movies.

Showbiz Career:

He starred in more than 30 Filipino movies and tv series, including Marilou Diaz-Abaya's Noon at Ngayon, Chito Rono's Dekada '70, Laurice Guillen's Tanging Yaman, Jose Javier Reyes' Kutob, Marilou Diaz-Abaya's Maging Akin Muli, Joyce Bernal's Hey Babe, Jerry Lopez Sineneng's Labs Ko Si Babes, Jose Javier Reyes' Whattamen, Laurenti Dyogi's Gimik and Olivia Lamasan's Sa Sandaling Kailangan Mo Ako.

He won his first TV and film acting awards for his performance as Filipino boxing champion Rolando Navarette in Maalaala Mo Kaya's Boxing Gloves episode in 2004's 1st Golden Screen Entertainment TV Awards, and as a disturbed psycho Lemuel in the horror-thriller Kutob in 2005's 31st Metro Manila Film Festival.

Aside from perennial loveteam partner Jolina Magdangal, he also co-starred in romantic dramas with Kristine Hermosa in Sa Sandaling Kailangan Mo Ako in 1998 and Filipina-Australian actress Janette McBride in Star Drama Theater Presents - Rave in 2001.

A homegrown artist of ABS-CBN's Star Magic, Marvin named Octo Arts producer Orly Ilacad as his manager and moved to GMA Network which reunited him with Jolina in I Luv NY that was partly shot in New York. He co-stared with Angel Locsin, Diana Zubiri, and Robin Padilla in Asian Treasures that was shot partly in other Asian countries.

He also played a hunchback Gabriel in Mga Mata ni Anghelita. He plays Gabriel, a kind hearted man who will protect Anghelita from bad influences. Recently, he also joined the GMA Artists Center as one of its stable of talents. It was not known whether Ilacad co-manages his career with the Artist Center.

He recently appeared in MariMar as Rodolfo San Jinez. He joins the cast of the upcoming GMA Primetime, Babangon Ako't Dudurugin Kita.

Cooking and Business Career:

After Agustin finished his cooking skills, he started his business career by building his own restaurant called Sumo Sam. He made his delicious dishes in his restaurant. Aside from this, he's a host of the second season of Q 11's Chef To Go after Rob Pengson.

Rogelio Dela Rosa

Rogelio de la Rosa (born Regidor de la Rosa; November 12, 1916 – November 10, 1986) was one of the most popular Filipino matinee idols of the 20th century. Elected to the Philippine Senate from 1957 to 1963, he also was the first Filipino film actor who was able to parlay his fame into a substantial political career, paving the way for other than future Filipino entertainers-turned-politicians such as Senators Eddie Ilarde, Ramon Revilla Sr., Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr., Jinggoy Estrada, Lito Lapid and President Joseph Ejercito Estrada.

Early Life:

He was born in Lubao, Pampanga, the son of an arnis champion. His hometown of Lubao also produced Philippine President Diosdado Macapagal, six years his senior and a future political opponent. Macapagal's first wife, Purita, was de la Rosa's sister.

While in high school, de la Rosa, along with Macapagal would regularly perform in zarzuelas as a villain. As a teenager, he was cast by his uncle, a film director, in a starring role in the silent film Ligaw na Bulaklak opposite Rosa del Rosario. The film's director, Jose Nepumuceno, gave him the screen name "Rogelio de la Rosa". However, the young actor did not then engage in a regular film career, opting instead to attend college at the Far Eastern University in Manila. He was an excellent collegiate athlete and debater in the years from 1932 to 1934. In 1933, de la Rosa won the Claro M. Recto Gold Medal in a national oratorical contest.

Film Stardom:

De la Rosa burst into stardom in the late 1930s after being frequently cast in dramas as a romantic idol opposite such actresses as Rosa del Rosario, Carmen Rosales, Emma Alegre, Paraluman, and Corazon Noble. Carmen Rosales proved to be his most durable onscreen partner, and their "love team" is said to be among the most successful in the history of Philippine movies.

When the Philippine film industry was held to a standstill during the Japanese occupation from 1941 to 1945, de la Rosa remained in the public eye as a bodabil performer at the Life Theater in Manila. After the war, he resumed his film career and proved more popular than ever. emerged as a star, perhaps the most popular film actor of the first decade of the post-war. He formed his own film production company, RDR Productions, and starred as well in productions of LVN Pictures, often with Rosales. By 1948, he was the highest paid Filipino movie actor. His success in films remained steady in the 1950s. He had been cast as the first Filipino actor to star in an American-produced movie, The Avenger. His 1955 role in Higit sa Lahat with Emma Alegre earned him the 'Best Actor' trophy at the 1956 FAMAS awards, as well as a citation as Southeast Asia's Best Actor at the Hongkong Film Festival.

Senator And Presidential Candidate:

In the 1957 general elections, de la Rosa ran and won a seat in the Philippine Senate under the banner of the Liberal Party. He served for one 6-year term spanning the 4th and 5th Congress. As a Senator, he was active in issues of particular concern within his home province of Pampanga such as fisheries and agriculture, emerging as a strong advocate for nationalization of those industries. Appropriately, de la Rosa was also interested in issues relating to the Filipino film industry, co-authoring a bill that would lead to the establishment of a Board of Censors.

After 3 years in the Senate, De La Rosa decided to run for the presidency as an independent candidate. His residual popularity as a film star, as well as the unpopularity of incumbent re-electionist Nacionalista Carlos P. Garcia made him a credible candidate. The other major candidate in the race was then-Vice President Macapagal of the Liberal Party, his former brother-in-law. Then shortly before election day, de la Rosa withdrew from the election. The reasons for his withdrawal remain a mystery. According to his official Senate biography, de la Rosa was concerned about the strength of what he perceived as the corrupt political machinery of President Garcia, and was ultimately convinced that his withdrawal from the race was the only way to ensure Garcia's defeat. Whatever the motivation, de la Rosa's gambit proved successful, and Macapagal was easily elected over Garcia.

Returning to the Liberal Party, de la Rosa was defeated for reelection to the Senate in the 1963 general elections. He would never again be elected to public office.

Diplomat And Later Years:

De la Rosa remained in public service as an acclaimed diplomat. In 1965, he was appointed Philippine Ambassador to Cambodia, an important designation considering that country's proximity to the Philippines. During the administration of Ferdinand Marcos, de la Rosa was also named as Philippine Ambassador to the Netherlands, and to the Soviet bloc countries of Poland, Bulgaria and Czechoslovakia. He was duly admired for his savvy in foreign affairs and language proficiency. He also used his position to promote Filipino art and culture and to assist Filipino artists performing abroad.

After retiring from the diplomatic corps, de la Rosa made his last foray into politics by unsuccessfully running in the 1984 Batasang Pambansa parliamentary elections. Shortly before his death from a heart attack in 1986, he played one last acting role, in a guest spot on the popular drama anthology Coney Reyes on Camera.

De la Rosa was married twice. His second wife, Carlotta Delgado was a former leading lady of his in films.

Filmography:
1932 – Ligaw na Bulaklak
1932 – Tianak
1932 - Ulong Inasnan
1933 - Nahuling Pagsisisi
1933 - Ang Ganid
1934 - Krus na Bato
1934 - Sawing Palad
1936 - Buhok ni Ester
1936 - Diwata ng Karagatan
1936 - Kalupitan ng Tadhana
1936 - Awit ng mga Ulila
1936 - Anak-Dalita
1936 - Lagablab ng Kabataan
1937 - Anak ng Pari
1937 - Magkapatid
1937 - Teniente Rosario
1937 - Bituing Marikit
1938 - Inang Mahal
1938 - Makiling
1938 - Sanggumay
1938 - Ang Magmamani
1938 - Bago Lumubog ang Araw
1938 - Mga Sugat ng Puso
1938 - Bukang Liwayway
1938 - Bahay-Kubo
1938 - Diwata ng Karagatan
1939 - Magkaisang Landas
1939 - Lagot Na Kuwintas
1939 - Pasang Krus
1939 - Florante at Laura
1939 - Dalisay
1939 - Ang Magsasampaguita
1939 - Takip-Silim
1940 - Senorita
1940 - Magbalik ka, Hirang
1940 - Gunita
1940 - Katarungan
1940 - Lambingan
1940 - Diwa ng Awit
1940 - Estrellita
1940 - Colegiala
1940 - Nang Mahawi ang Ulap
1941 - Panambitan
1941 - Tarhata
1941 - Tampuhan
1941 - Ang Maestra
1941 - Serenata sa Nayon
1942 - Caballero
1942 - Anong Ganda Mo
1944 - Perfidia
1946 - Garrison 13
1946 - Angelus
1946 - Dalawang Daigdig
1946 - Tagumpay
1946 - Honeymoon
1946 - Ang Prinsipeng Hindi Tumatawa
1947 - Sarung Banggi
1947 - Backpay
1947 - Ang Lalaki
1947 - Ang Himala ng Birhen sa Antipolo
1948 - Sa Tokyo Ikinasal
1948 - Bulaklak at Paruparo
1948 - Ang Vengador
1948 - Hampas ng Langit
1949 - Kampanang Ginto
1949 - Milyonarya
1949 - Bandilang Basahan
1949 - Camelia
1949 - Kidlat sa Silangan
1950 - Ang Hiwaga ng Tulay na Bato
1950 - 48 Oras
1950 - Doble Cara
1950 - Ang Kampana ng San Diego
1950 - Prinsipe Amante
1950 - Tigang na Lupa
1950 - Sohrab at Rustum
1951 - Bayan O Pag-ibig
1951 - Prinsipe Amante sa Rubitanya
1951 - Haring Cobra
1952 - Irisan
1952 - Romansa sa Nayon
1953 - Sa Paanan ng Bundok
1954 - Maala-Ala Mo Kaya?
1954 - Dakilang Pgpapakasakit
1954 - Jack & Jill
1954 - Ikaw ang Buhay Ko
1954 - Aristokrata
1955 - Ang Tangi kong Pag-ibig
1955 - Artista
1955 - Higit sa Lahat
1955 - Sonny Boy
1955 - Iyung-Iyo
1955 - Pandanggo ni Neneng
1956 - Babaing Mandarambong
1956 - El conde de Monte Carlo
1956 - Idolo
1956 - Pampanggenya
1956 - Gintong Pangarap
1957 - Sino ang Maysala
1957 - Veronica