Ejay Falcon Closer Now to Empress

After the primetime series Guns and Roses started last June, Ejay Falcon admitted that he and onscreen partner Empress have been spending more and more time together mainly because of their long taping days on the set. The 21-year-old actor said that even before they started doing the show, he and Empress were already friends. “Hindi pa nagsa-start yung Guns and Roses, kaibigan ko na siya. Nararamdaman ko na mabait siya kaya nagiging doble lang yung closeness ngayon kasi palagi kaming magkasama,” he shared.



Ejay said that even if he develops feelings for Empress, he prefers to keep things simple for now. “Masaya kasi kami na magkaibigan. Baka kasi magkaroon ng ilangan. Pero siyempre sa ngayon mahirap sagutin yan. Yung driver niya mama niya. Tapos kasama rin yung tatay niya. Patagalin muna natin yung pagiging magkaibigan namin,” he said.



Although it was Empress who admitted to Push.com.ph that her parents think Ejay is a nice guy, the former PBB Teen said he does not want to abuse their trust and just makes sure he treats Empress well on the set. “Ginagawa ko lang yung pagiging leading man ko siguro. Hindi ko masasabing nagpaparamdam ako pero ginagawa ko yung kagaya nung sinasabi ni Empress na kung gentleman yung ginagawa ko sa kanya, yun lang,” he admitted.



But Ejay admitted that it’s not hard to fall for someone like Empress. “Kahit naman sino yata, maiisip na maganda siya at mabait. Sobrang bait talaga niya. Pero ngayon mas masarap na magkaibigan kami. Mas close na kami ngayon kasi parati na kaming nagkakasama. Parati kami sa tapings at mga guestings. Madalas kaming nag-uusap. So masasabi ko na mas close kami ngayon. Napakabait niya, napaka-masunurin sa mga magulang. Yun lang ang masasabi ko. Hindi yan pasaway. Kasi pag lumalabas kami as a group, maaga yan umuuwi kasi bawal sa mga magulang,” he explained.



In Guns and Roses, Ejay plays the role of Robin Padilla’s younger brother Onat, a policeman who torments his older brother Abel as punishment for abandoning their family. Ejay said that he really studied his character well because he knew he would be doing a lot of scenes opposite his idol, Robin Padilla. “Siyempre lahat naman kasi ng bagay napapag-aralan. Dati kasi nung nag-uumpisa kami, mahirap para sa akin yung role kasi mahirap magalit sa kanya. Kasi nauna na kasi na idol ko siya. May ganun yun eh. Kapag kaharap mo yung idol mo parang ang hirap magalit sa isang tao na gusto mo. Pero dahil sa tulong nila Direk at ng workshops, siguro napapag-aralan naman and ngayon naman, mas okay na,” he admitted.



Ejay is also thankful about all the positive feedback he has been getting regarding his acting improvement as shown on Guns and Roses. “Happy ako. Siyempre pinagpapasalamat ko sa lahat ng nakakapansin. Di ba dati sa Katorse madaming nakakapansin na hindi ako marunong, hindi pa ako hinog pero ngayon hinog na daw umarte kaya masaya ako,” he said.

Enchong Dee Aims to Gain People's Respect

Sa The Buzz ay very general si Enchong Dee sa kanyang sagot nang tanungin siya ng host ng show na si Charlene Gonzalez hinggil sa taong nagpapasaya sa kanya ngayon. “Of course my family and some other people,” pa-safe na tugon ng aktor na gaganap bilang si Luis Fernando sa Filipino adaptation ng Mexicanovela hit, Maria la del Barrio. Nali-link ngayon si Enchong kay Julia Montes pero itinatanggi ng dalawa na sila na nga.



Sa buhay nga raw niya ngayon, kung mayroon pa siyang mahihiling, ito ay respeto mula sa ibang tao. “I always tell them you don’t have to admire me, hindi mo naman ako kailangang magustuhan. Kailangan ko lang ng respect ng isang tao kasi bilang artista ginagawa mo ‘yung trabaho mo, ginagawa mo ‘yung best mo. Ang sini-share mo ‘yung kalahati ng buhay mo sa kanila.”



Nang tanungin kung ano ang hindi pa alam ng tao tungkol sa kanya, ang sagot ni Enchong, “I’m very normal.” Pagbibigay niya ng halimbawa may mga araw daw na kapag walang ginagawa ay nasa bahay lang siya at buong araw na hindi siya naliligo. “’Yung mga ganong bagay na you get to show the people hindi porket andito kami sa estadong ito kumbaga extraordinary na kami.”



Kahit nga unti-unti nang may napatutunayan si Enchong sa showbiz, patuloy pa rin ang pagiging achiever niya sa akademya. Pagka-graduate kasi niya ay nag-enroll si Enchong ng post-graduate studies o masteral degree pero hindi niya ito maipag-patuloy dahil sa kanyang hectic ng showbiz schedule. “Gusto ko talagang mag-stay sa school. Sabi ko nga if I’m not doing what I’m doing now, I’m probably a teacher. Gusto ko ang environment ng school. Kelangan ko lang talagang i-stop because of the schedule kasi once you get a low grade, hindi mo na siya pwedeng mabawi.”



Sa isang nakaraang interview ay nabanggit ng aktor na bukas siya sa mundo ng pulitika pero sa ngayon, hangga’t nakatutulong raw siya sa kapwa ay hindi pa niya kailangang sumabak dito. “Mahirap ang mundo ng pulitika. Ang sabi ko nga my purpose of (wanting to enter) politics is to help other people. Baka naman pwede ka naman makatulong sa ibang tao na hindi pumapasok sa politics, ‘di ba mas maganda?”



Simula sa August 15 ay magsisimula na sa primetime bida ang teleserye nila ni Erich Gonzales na Maria la del Barrio. Inusisa ni Charlene kung bakit hindi sila nagkatuluyan ni Erich. Ipinaliwanag ni Enchong na ayaw niyang maapektuhan ang trabaho nila. Siya raw kasi ang tipo ng tao na very transparent at alam niyang kung mayroon silang ‘di pagkakaunawaan ni Erich ay lalabas ito sa kanyang pag-arte.



Source: www.push.com.ph

Enchong Dee Defends Erich Gonzales on Attitude Rumors

Erich Gonzales continues to be hounded by rumors concerning her attitude behind the camera. As she marks her return to primetime as the title character in the upcoming ABS-CBN teleserye Maria La Del Barrio, her long-time ka-love team Enchong Dee came to her defense.

At the press conference of the new drama series set to premiere on August 15, Enchong told reporters, “Hindi lang naman si Erich ang nachichismis na ganyan. Minsan isang kwento lang ang marinig o isang picture lang ang makita natin, naikakahon na ganun na 'yung mga artista. Unfair din naman sa aming mga artista. Sana mas kilalanin pa kami.”

Being the one who spends more time with Erich particularly during tapings, Enchong attested to how the actress became very focused and hardworking for their latest project. “I can tell na dito sa Maria pinakamasaya si Erich. Nasisiguro kong magiging successful ito because siya and Direk Rory (Quintos) ang nagbibigay ng lahat para mapaganda 'yung show.”

Maria La Del Barrio is based on a Mexican telenovela which was top-billed by famous actress-singer Thalia. For Enchong, starring in a remake of a very successful series comes with instant pressure. “Sobra ang pressure na nararamdaman namin ni Erich. Noon pa man alam na namin na ang Maria La Del Barrio ang isa sa mga pinaka-successful na telenovela sa Mexico. Kapag ginawan mo siya ng version you have to live up to the expectation of the public.”

The teleserye was initially planned to air last summer, but the production team decided to take some time to improve on the story with the permission of course of Televisa, the producers of the original Maria La Del Barrio. Now that the remake is finally scheduled for release, Enchong shared his excitement since the request of their fans will be finally granted. “Naghintay talaga kami kasi 'yung mga fans namin laging nagtatanong kung kailan ba ipapalabas. Finally maipapalabas na siya kaya sobrang saya namin. Thankful din kami dahil at least nabigyan kami ng sapat na panahon para makapaghanda ang siguraduhing mapaganda namin 'yung programa.”

Source: www.push.com.ph

Enchong Dee More Confident Now on Being Sexy

ABS-CBN’s upcoming teleserye Maria La Del Barrio debuts on primetime television this August. Lead stars Enchong Dee and Erich Gonzales play lovers separated by social classes and well-kept secrets. Having been paired in three teleseryes and one hit movie, the two said they are now more at ease with doing intimate scenes in front of the camera.

At the press conference for Maria La Del Barrio, Enchong said, “Tuwing may gagawin kaming eksena tinatanong ko muna si Erich para malaman ko kung okay lang ba 'yung mga gagawin ko. Siyempre kahit gaano ka sexy itong current project namin, we have to make sure rin na sa next project meron pa kaming ipapakita na bago.”

The 22-year-old actor also shared that he is now more comfortable appearing shirtless on-screen. “Pinaghandaan din namin kasi ine-expect ng marami na medyo steamy ang ilang eksena dito. Ngayon masasabi kong mas confident na akong gumawa ng mga ganito unlike dati na medyo nahihiya pa.”

He said he is thankful that he was given enough time to work out and observe a strict diet so he could get into perfect shape for his role as the handsome heir Luis. “Nakatulong na maraming panahon ang naibigay sa amin. Nung una kasi, ma-rice pa ako, ha ha ha! Habang tumatagal, paunti na nang paunti. Kaya dun sa teaser ni Luis medyo iba 'yung katawan niya kaysa sa actual na mga eksena.”

Now that he is about to portray his biggest role yet on primetime television, Enchong was asked if he thinks he has already surpassed the likes of Gerald Anderson and Jake Cuenca as the sexiest leading men in showbiz. “Ayoko nung may papalitan, may uunahan. Trabaho lang. Hindi naman kailangan na lagi may competition,” he clarified.

Source: www.push.com.ph

Enchong Dee Admits Being Attracted to Erich Gonzales

Enchong Dee and Erich Gonzales are set to pair up in their third teleserye, Maria La Del Barrio which will air this August. Dubbed as one of the hottest love teams of today, Enchong and Erich have legions of fans around the world who wish that the romantic on-screen chemistry would also be translated into real life. At the press conference of Maria La Del Barrio, the young actor said he understands if fans feel that way. “Naiintidihan din naman namin kung bakit paulit-ulit kaming natatanong kung may relasyon ba talaga kami. Siyempre may mga fans kami na umaasa rin.”

But Enchong has decided that it’s best if he and Erich would just be friends for now. “Lagi kong sinasabi na para sa akin, mas maganda kung lagi kaming magkasama bilang magkaibigan. Mas maganda 'yun kasi we are making sure na kahit may mga sarili na kaming mga pamilya we are still friends.”

The 22-year-old swimmer-turned-actor added that he and his ka-love team are both focused on their careers. “Napagusapan na talaga namin na trabaho lang muna sa ngayon. Mahirap kasi kapag nahaluan na ng relasyon. Ngayon nga lang kapag may dinaramdam kaming problema, naapektuhan talaga 'yung eksena namin.”

Nevertheless, Enchong remained opened to whatever may happen in the future, if romance is really in their destiny. “Hindi pa rin natin masasabi. Kahit sabihin naming hindi, malay niyo next year kami na pala. Hindi kami nagsasalita nang tapos kasi hindi mo malalaman.”

A love team like Enchong and Erich has to deliver convincing portrayals as lovers on screen. This job becomes an easier task for the actor because as he confessed, he feels a bit attracted toward Erich. “I think nasabi ko na before na it would be hard to have an instant on-screen chemistry kung walang kahit konting attraction. Human being lang naman tayo, he he he!”

Enchong was again asked about the rumor linking him to Mara Clara actress Julia Montes. He denied that they have a secret relationship or is even courting Julia. Furthermore, Enchong dismissed speculations that since for now there’s no hope that romance will blossom between him and Erich, he is in a desperate search for other girls. “Ang pangit naman na dahil lang hindi ako nagustuhan ni Erich hahanap ka na ng ibang tao. Hindi 'yun ang tamang dahilan para magkagusto ka sa isang tao.”

Source: www.push.com.ph

Maria La Del Barrio Premieres This August 15 on Primetime Bida

“Maria La Del Barrio” will feature two of the hottest stars in the industry today, Erich Gonzales and Enchong Dee, as they give life to the characters of Maria Hernandez and Luis Dela Vega.

Under the direction of Rory B. Quintos and Richard Somes, “Maria La Del Barrio” delve into the lives of Maria and Luis as they search for true love, even amidst their pasts and their conflicting present lives.

Sharing the limelight is Angel Aquino, who was part of the hit soap opera “Magkaribal. She will portray the role of Victoria Montenegro-Dela Vega, mother of Luis Fernando. Ian Veneracion plays as her husband who has a past with Assunta de Rossi who plays Maria’s mother.

Comedy Queen Aiai delas Alas takes on a very special role as Casilda, Maria’s adoptive mother.

“Maria La Del Barrio” also serves as a comeback for Paw Diaz on the television scene. Paw, a batchmate of Erich and Arron Villaflor in Star Circle Quest, will portray Soraya’s character, the woman who will stand between Maria and Luis’ romance. Arron, on the other hand, plays the role of Vladimir who has a soft spot in Maria’s heart.

Other cast members include Jake Roxas, Katya Santos, Gio Alvarez, Atoy Co, Jane Oineza, Badjie Mortiz and K Brosas.

Shot in scenic Tagaytay and Cavite, and with a script led by Denise O’Hara and Henry Quitain’s team, “Maria La Del Barrio” promises a whole new viewing experience. “Pinaghirapan po namin ang bawat eksena at mas pinaganda pa para mas lalo ninyong ma-enjoy ang panonood,” Erich expressed.

“When I learned that I’ll be working with Erich again, sobrang natuwa ako siyempre. Masarap siyang katrabaho,” Enchong shared.

Witness how fate and love twist the life of Maria and Luis in “Maria La Del Barrio,” premiering on August 15 on ABS-CBN Primetime Bida.

MYX VJ Search 2011 Finalist Mike Advincula Follows Friend Enchong Dee in Showbiz

Mike Advincula instantly stands out among the other finalists of the MYX VJ Search 2011 because at six-foot-one, he is the tallest of them all. The 23-year-old just finished his Industrial Engineering course at the De La Salle University and is currently taking up masters in Entrepreneurship in the same school. In an interview with ABS-CBN.com, Mike confessed that he all his life he never dreamt of getting into showbiz. “Never ko naisip talaga mag-showbiz. But now I’m here, ha ha ha!,” he laughed.

So how did the idea of joining the MYX VJ Search came about? Mike shared, “Niyaya lang ako ng mga friends ko. Since graduate na raw ako mag-audition daw ako sa MYX VJ Search, trip trip lang daw. Hindi ko naman inakalang papasa ako magiging finalist pa ako. Kung ano ano na ang mga nagagawa ko because of MYX. But I’m having so much fun.”

He talked about how he made a fool of himself during the audition just to impress the judges. “Sinabi sa akin ipakita ko raw ‘yung talent ko. E hindi naman ako marunong kumanta, I don’t dance, I don’t act. Ang alam ko lang sports na swimming. E hindi naman ako pwedeng lumangoy dun so ipinakita ko na lang kung paano lumangoy sa competition. Mga kalokohan, ha ha ha!”

Mike thanked the activities in the MYX VJ Search for helping him get out of his shell. “Noong una sobrang shy ako at ‘yun din ang first impression nila sa akin. Pero unti unti nawala ‘yun, kung ano ang sabihin sa akin, gagawin ko. Ibinigay ko lahat ng kaya so sa mga challenges. Wala namang mawawala. Dati takot pa ako pero ngayon sobrang nage-enjoy ako.”

When asked what he considers his edge over the other aspiring MYX VJs, he said that being unpredictable is a good thing. “Siguro ang edge ko is mahirap ako basahin. Hindi pa ako masyadong kilala ng mga tao. Unpredictable pa ako ngayon. Ewan ko lang kung ano ang tingin ng mga tao dun. Nagugulat pa sa akin ‘yung mga tao so I think nandun ‘yung excitement.”

Now that he has already stepped one foot into showbiz, Mike said he is ready to grab the other offers that might come his way. “Kung nandiyan ang opportunity, why not? Bibihira lang naman ang nabibigyan ng opportunity. Pero kung singing, forget it! Ha ha ha! Sa school plays lang ako nakakapag-act and enjoy talaga ako lalo na kapag comedy. If ever kukunin ako as an actor paghahandaan ko like with workshops and all. Napapagaralan naman ‘yan e. Sa buhay kapag may opportunity dapat kunin mo agad. I believe na para mag-improve ang isang tao dapat umalis ka sa comfort zone mo. Kasi kapag nag-stay ka lang sa comfort zone mo, paulit-ulit lang ang mga gagawin mo.”

If Mike’s face looks familiar to fans of collegiate sports, that’s because he is the former team captain of the La Salle swim team where one of his good friends was swimmer-turned-actor Enchong Dee. Mike shared the story of how a broken heart back in grade school urged him to get into sports. “When I was 12 years old, I was 220 lbs and maliit pa ako. Hindi ko binibilang kung ilang cups of rice ang nakakain ko. Lola ko naman nagagalit kapag konti lang ako kumain. E may nagustuhan ako babae. Gusto rin naman niya sana ako, kaya lang mataba raw ako. Dun ako nag-start magpapayat. I got into basketball during high school, naging varsity player ako. But I got injured and my doctor told me to quit basketball, just find other sports na less pressure. That’s why I got into swimming nung college. Nakita ako nung life guard, dahil may potential daw akong mag-compete and six footer pa ako, dun na ako naging part ng La Salle swim team.”

How does he feel that most often swimmers are regarded with a sexy image? “Compliment ‘yun,” Mike answered. “Ang ideal image ng isang swimmer is may broad shoulders, may abs, lean body. Okay kasi kahit hindi naman talaga ganun ‘yung katawan ko, kapag narinig nilang swimmer ako, naiisip nila agad na sexy ka kahit hindi naman.”

Mike admitted that recently he showed up in a go-see for a famous fashion show, but the casting agents told him to shed a few pounds. If ever the offer comes his way, is he ready to go sexy like his former teammate Enchong? “Magagalit na mommy at daddy ko, ha ha ha!,” Mike laughed. “May pagka-conservative ang family namin. Okay lang ang naka-swimming attire kasi nagawa ko na so comfortable na ako. But if ever underwear pictorial o fashion show parang ayoko na. First of all, hindi pa ako comfortable with how my body looks. But I still can’t say. Gaya nga ng sabi ko, it’s about grabbing the opportunity. We’ll see.”

Source: www.abs-cbn.com