First Look at The Joker and Iron Man

I'm a sucker for super hero films. Despite my disappointment with the final installment of the Spiderman series, i remain hopeful with the upcoming comic titles turned movies.

Dark Knight, which comes out next year, will have Christian Bale reprising his role as Batman (wuhooo!). It will be directed again by Christopher Nolan (yeheeey!). This time, Batman will face his worst arch-enemy, the Joker, played by Heath Ledger. As for the question of why he's playing a super-villain while most of his fellow Hollywood leading men are looking to play superheroes, Ledger explains, "It's just the tights and undies that I have a problem with, and the boots. I would just feel stupid and silly. I couldn't pull it off and there are other people who can perfectly, but I just couldn't take myself seriously. And I feel like this is an opportunity for me to not take myself too seriously, and for some reason I just gravitated towards [the Joker] and I knew I had something to give to him. And I just instantly had an idea of how to do it."

With production under way on Iron Man, Robert Downey Jr. is fully immersed in the world of the Armored Avenger and has come to believe that the character is more human than his fellow superheroes. "He's a superhero who is just a man," Downey told about Iron Man's alter ego, billionaire industrialist Tony Stark. "Not that I wouldn't play a guy who got bit by a spider or who has some freaky connection with bats, but I think this is a little more accessible. Downey added, "I guess that when Stan Lee created the character back in the mid-1960s -- to see if he could base a superhero on a hard-partying, womanizing billionaire who manufactures weapons, and still make him likeable enough to sell comic books -- he clearly won his bet."

In Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, the Fantastic Four meets their greatest challenge yet as the the enigmatic, intergalactic herald, the Silver Surfer, comes to Earth to prepare it for destruction. I'm excited about this sequel because the first movie was fun. I'm sure there'd be a lot of comedy antics again between Ben Grimm and Johnny Storm. This movie comes out this June in Philippine cinemas.

Omedetou, Miss Japan!

Riyo Mori, 20, was completely surprised after being crowned Miss Universe in Mexico City on Monday night. Mori, who majored in classic ballet in Canada, said she hopes to become a Broadway dancer. The 174-cm-tall Mori takes over from Kurara Chibana who was runner-up in last year's finals. Mori is the second Miss Japan to win the title. Japan first won the Miss Universe crown in 1959 in the person of Akiko Kojima, who was also the first asian to win the title.

I woke up early today to watch the pageant. I was excited to see how Miss Philippines, Ana Teresa Licaros, would fare against the other 76 candidates. But i was utterly disappointed at the apparent predictability of the selection. As usual, included in the Top 15 were Miss India, Miss USA and Miss Venezuela. Again, Miss Philippines settled for the Miss Photogenic as consolation. We should be given a hall of fame for bagging this special award ever since they started the internet voting.

This year's Miss Universe saw an Asian invasion with the inclusion of four Asian women on the Top 15 - Miss India, Miss Thailand, Miss Korea and Miss Japan. A memorable moment happened when Miss USA, Rachel Smith, slipped during the Evening Gown competition and fell down on her behind. She stood up, all poised, and smiled to the cheering crowd.

The Top 10 List

According to Me

Philippine Showbiz has a lot to offer. Being someone who dreams of getting into the industry, I have to know what's happening in the entertainment scene, not only here but also in Hollywood. So, as the initial offerring of my Top Ten Lists, i give you the Sexiest Women and the Hottest Men. You may agree with me or not, but what the heck! Read on and start counting.

The Ten Sexiest Women
Anne Curtis, born Anne Ojales Curtis Smith on February 17, 1985 in Australia, is a Filipino-Australian commercial model and one of the most sought after actresses in the Philippines.

Curtis is best known for her roles as Stephanie Borromeo in Hiram and as Imang/Fatima, the title role in Kampanerang Kuba. Both of these shows aired on the ABS-CBN network in the Philippines. She is currently on the soap opera Maging Sino Ka Man as Celine, which also airs on ABS-CBN.

Eva Jacqueline Longoria, born March 15, 1975 is a Golden Globe Award-nominated American film and television actress.

Longoria is known for her role as Gabrielle Solis in the ABC television series Desperate Housewives. She has also become an internationally recognised model, appearing in several high profile advertising campaigns and numerous men's magazines. Eva announced her engagement to NBA star Tony Parker on November 30, 2006.

Jessica Marie Alba, born April 28, 1981, is an American actress. She is perhaps best known for her roles in Dark Angel, Honey, Sin City and the Fantastic Four.

Alba rose to greater prominence in Hollywood in 1999 after appearing as a member of a snobby high school clique in the Drew Barrymore romantic comedy Never Been Kissed, and as the female lead in the 1999 comedy-horror film Idle Hands, opposite Devon Sawa. Her big break may have been as the star of the Fox sci-fi TV series Dark Angel, which was co-created by writer/director James Cameron, who picked Alba from a pool of 1,200 candidates for the role of the genetically-engineered super-soldier, Max Guevera. The show ran for two seasons before being canceled in 2002. Since then her most notable roles have been as an aspiring dancer/choreographer in Honey, the exotic dancer Nancy Callahan in Sin City, and as the classic Marvel Comics character Sue Storm as The Invisible Woman in the Fantastic Four.

Scarlett Johansson, born November 22, 1984, is an American film actress who rose to fame with her role in 1998's The Horse Whisperer. She became one of Hollywood's most sought-after young actresses after her critically-acclaimed roles in Lost in Translation and Girl with a Pearl Earring, both earning her Golden Globe Award nominations in 2003.

Angel Locsín, born April 21, 1985 in Bulacan province, is a Filipina television and film actress.

Locsin rose to prominence after being cast as one of the lead stars in the fantasy-themed television series Mulawin in 2004. Soon after, she starred as the superhero Darna in the TV adaptation of the popular Mars Ravelo comics hit and recently Asian Treasures.

Angel Locsín also starred in numerous films. Among her big screen credits are The Promise, Kuya, Mano Po 2, Singles, Sigaw, Let The Love Begin, and Mano Po 5:Gua Ai Di, to name a few.

Beyoncé Giselle Knowles, born September 4, 1981, is a popular African American R&B singer, songwriter, record producer, actress, and designer. She is usually referred to only by her first name, which she uses as her stagename. She was a founding member, the lead singer, and chief songwriter of Destiny's Child.

In 2001, Beyoncé won the Songwriter of the Year award, from the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers Pop Music Awards. She is the first African-American woman, and the second woman of any race to win the award.

Nicole Scherzinger, born June 29, 1978, in Honolulu, Hawaii, is a Filipino-American singer-songwriter and dancer best known for her work as the lead vocalist for The Pussycat Dolls.

In June 2003, following her stint with Eden's Crush, Scherzinger joined The Pussycat Dolls burlesque troupe, who were being re-cast as recording artists. In 2006, Scherzinger said "It caught my eye because I’d played Velma Kelly in (the Fosse musical) Chicago in college."

Scherzinger sang nearly all lead and backing vocals on their album.

Jennifer Aniston, born February 11, 1969, is an Emmy and Golden Globe-winning American film and television actress.

The producers of the hit sitcom Friends originally wanted Aniston to audition for the role of Monica Geller, but she persuaded them that she was better suited for the role of Rachel Green. She was cast in the role and played the character from 1994 until the show ended in 2004. The program was very successful and Aniston, along with her co-stars, gained wide renown among television watchers.

Forbes listed Aniston as the 10th richest woman in the entertainment industry for the year 2007. She is behind such powerhouses as Oprah, J. K. Rowling, and Jennifer Lopez and is ahead of Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera and the Olsen twins. Aniston's net worth is approximately $110 million.

Maria Sharapova was born on April 19, 1987 in Nyagan, a town in the Siberian region of Russia. In 1989, the family moved to the Black Sea resort town of Sochi.

In 2004, she stunned Wimbledon audiences when she beat champion player Serena Williams, making Sharapova the first Russian to win a Wimbledon singles title and the third-youngest women's champion in history.

Fergie - real name Stacy Ferguson - said: "When I was going through my out-of-control phase, I could have got into some very dangerous situations. But I never sold my body - ever.
"I even had a gun put to my head during a Los Angeles drug deal that went wrong. Luckily, I got out of it."

Before embarking on her musical career, Fergie was a child star appearing in the classic US sitcoms 'Mr Belvedere' and 'Married With Children'.

The Ten Hottest Men

Dennis Trillo, real name Abelardo Dennis Florencio Ho, born May 12, 1981 in Quezon City, Philippines, is a notable and critically acclaimed television and film actor in the Philippines.

He was part of the hit TV adaptation of the Mars Ravelo comic, Darna. He was later part of the drama anthology Now and Forever: Agos, where he again showcased his acting prowess. That same year he reprised his role for Mulawin: The Movie, and was also in the film Blue Moon.Trillo was cast as a lead in Etheria, where he portrayed the Sapirian prince, Raquim. He also appeeared in popular television fantasy series aptly called Majika. Recognizing his passion for making music, GMA also included him as a co-host for the network's noontime show "SOP" where he also displays his talent for drums as part of the show's Starband.

Channing Tatum, born Channing Bryan Isaac Tatum Anderson on 20 April 1980 in in Cullman, a small city in Alabama, is an actor and model.

Channing first experience with entertainment industry came when he was casted in Ricky Martin's video "She Bangs". He plays a kid with the platinum Mohawk.

His first feature film role was in 2005's high-school drama, Coach Carter, playing Jason Lyle, a basketball player opposite Samuel L. Jackson. Tatum unsuccessfully auditioned for a role in X-Men: The Last Stand. The film's producer, Lauren Shuler Donner, noticed Tatum and cast him in the film She's the Man, where he plays the love interest of a character played by Amanda Bynes.

Richard Gutierrez, born January 21, 1984 in Los Angeles, California, USA, is one of the highest-paid young filipino actors in the Philippines.

His Mulawin TV series stint alongside Angel Locsin started the whole telefantasya race.
This child-star turned matinee idol has also done another fantasy series Sugo, Captain Barbell and Lupin aired via GMA Network, his mother station.

It takes the effort of an extraordinary and talented player to take the game to new levels, and David Beckham is the kind of player that makes fans stand up.

His exceptional talents were quickly in demand by the time he reached his early teens.When the Manchester United talent scout finally came knocking on the door, and he signed the contract on his 14th birthday, it is safe to say that the last thing this modest young man felt was surprise.

A critic once wrote that Brad Pitt combined "the matinee idol looks of Gary Cooper with the sex symbol loveliness of Marilyn Monroe". It's a line that sums up Pitt's pin-up appeal, but would certainly annoy the pants off Pitt himself. After all, he's spent years trying to explode a reputation as a Himbo, taking on a series of lead roles and cameos that should really have proven to the world that he is in fact a very fine actor indeed.

Wentworth Miller, born on June 2, 1972 in Chipping Norton, England, is a biracial actor who gained notoriety when he starred in the Mariah Carey videos, "It's Like That" and "We Belong Together".

Wentworth Miller had his first taste of stardom in a role as the sensitive and introverted David in ABC's mini-series Dinotopia. He currently has a starring role as Michael Scofield in the new Fox Network drama Prison Break.

Jake Gyllenhaal is a risky actor in Hollywood and his on-again off-again relationship with Kirsten Dunst is always something to read about in the tabloids. We get to catch even more of this handsome man in the upcoming drama "Zodiac." How can we not love a man who's favorite pastime is biking with Matthew McConaughey and Lance Armstrong??

The 24-year-old actor - who plays a gay cowboy in his movie 'Brokeback Mountain' - revealed to Premiere magazine: "You know it's flattering when there's a rumour that says I'm bisexual. It means I can play more kinds of roles, I'm open to whatever people want to call me. I've never really been attracted to men sexually, but I don't think I would be afraid of it if it happened."

Justin Timberlake, born January 31, 1981 in Memphis, Tennessee, is an American singer and actor who came to fame as the front man of the pop band *NSYNC.

Justin Timberlake has always been famous for his high voice, seen in songs such as "Like I Love You", "Cry Me A River", "Senorita," and all of his singles with *NSYNC. Justin is a true tenor and has the same range as a female alto or even a mezzo. He does occasionally exhibit some of the techniques that countertenors use, although he isn't currently classified as such. It has been reported that Timberlake has been taking singing lessons to deepen his voice, but this is as yet unconfirmed.

Intense and irresistible are the only ways to describe Piolo Pascual. Stealing thousands of women's hearts in the Philippines, Piolo is indeed one man audiences just can't refuse.

The 28-year-old actor-singer shares that he's humbled by his achievements. Each time that he accomplishes something-a box-office hit, top-rating TV show, concert, recording or an acting award-Piolo feels that there's a higher being responsible for all the good things that are happening in his life. This realization has redefined his spirituality.

Is there anyone in the country today and among Filipinos elsewhere who does not know Sam Milby?

Today Sam has a platinum album, a P120 million grossing movie with seasoned actors John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo, a regular spot in ASAP ’07, other high rating TV guestings and another hit movie in the making under his belt. He also has 12 endorsements from some of the biggest companies and brands in the country – Centrum, Bench, Smart and Jollibee, to name a few.

Postscripts on American Idol

HAIL TO JORDIN
This season's Idol finale was reminiscent of season three, where Fantasia competed against Diana. The better singer against the lovable performer. You already have an inkling who would win. Although I was betting on Blake Lewis, it was clear that Jordin Sparks, backed by favorable forecasts from the three judges, would inevitably be singing This Is My Now at the Kodak Theater.

And, indeed, Jordin's near flawless performance propelled her to becoming the fourth female American Idol.

LACKLUSTER SHOW
I don't know what's wrong with the Finale Results Show. The energy seemed very low. I was expecting a lot because it was a really memorable season ender last year. But I was disappointed. Aside from the Sgt. Pepper medley, none of the other production numbers seemed to hit the bullseye. Even Kelly Clarkson's number didn't have too much impact. In fact, I enjoyed the African Children's Choir more.

But, I have to give it to the show's producers for getting the previous Idol winners on one stage. Too bad, Fantasia was amiss. Carrie looked gorgeous. Taylor, as always, was infectious. Ruben had a great presence matched by great vocals. And Kelly, well, she was the Goddess up there.

TENSION ONSTAGE
It was a relief to see label head Clive Davis applauding Kelly after her performance. But it felt a bit obvious that he still has some grudge against the original Idol. Especially after he took the liberty to shower Carrie Underwood with praises in his short speech. He even managed to divert the limelight off the the pending results by giving an award to his new favorite.

But why? Well, Davis was unhappy with Clarkson's new rock-heavy direction in her album My December. Clarkson allegedly told him she no longer needed his help finding songs for her since she would write her own material. In fairness to Kelly, most of the songs in her latest album are potential number one singles. Give her a break, Clive!

THIS IS MY NOW
Jordin cemented her victory by singing the winner of the Idol songwriting competition. It's called This is My Now. Blake struggled with it, as the genre didn't suit him. But the song was nice. Here are some of the words: This is my now, and I am breathing in the moment. As I look around, I can't believe the love I see. My fears behind me, gone are the shadows and doubts. That was then, this is my now. And I have the courage like never before. I've settled for less, now I'm ready for more

BLAKE LEWIS' IDOL AUDITION


JORDIN SPARKS' IDOL AUDITION

The 50 Day Mark

I've reached the 50 day mark. I haven't lit up a single stick of cigarette for seven weeks now. Wow! That's an amazing feat! Despite many instances wherein I felt a strong urge to break my resolve, I remain firm.

Indelible Ink

I exercised my right to vote at exactly twelve noon today. I didn't have a hard time looking up my precinct assignment and verifying my name on the voters' list. The school wasn't very crowded yet. Either voters swarmed in early this morning or they would all cram before three PM. Maybe not too many wanted to take a late lunch. Whatever the reason, I'm just glad I picked the perfect time to go there.

I didn't bring with me a list of the people I'd be voting for. I was pretty much confident that I already know my picks by heart. So when I got my ballot, I sat down and started writing. I realized I was wrong. I hesitated on half of the senatorial candidates that I earlier considered. What I thought would take three minutes of my time ended up consuming fifteen minutes of serious re-evaluation. When I looked at the ballot i filled out, I was satisfied.

I didn't vote for Tessie Oreta. I almost did, but thought better. I voted for Jose Trillanes. He's young and principled, idealistic even. I voted for Ping Lacson. A penance for favoring Gloria Arroyo in 2004. I voted for Prospero Pichay. Not! Hahaha.

Well, that's just as much as I would like to disclose. I don't wanna be tagged as a kiss-and-tell voter. I feel proud seeing my index finger deglamorized by the indelible ink.

Now, let's not just sit back and relax while waiting for the election results. We should all remain vigilant that our votes are counted properly. At the same time, let's all say a little prayer for the fate of our nation.

Beaten

I learned from a source that Cinema One has already shortlisted the entries for the 2007 Cinema One Originals competition. Our entry failed to make the cut. Last Thursday, after a week of jubilation from the news that I'll be joining GMA's Concept Development Group, a headwriter from GMA informed me that it will no longer happen.

I'm being bombarded with bad news. The road to my dream of being a writer is really becoming an arduous trek. I'm growing weaker with each blow. I don't know how much more I can take. I don't know how long I'd last.

Up and Coming Attractions

The new Magwayen website is coming soon! Watch out for it!

Voted OUT!

Most reality shows and talent search competitions enjoy wide viewership because they deliver adventure, drama and humor depicting ordinary people and a strange cast of conflicting characters. With the promise of instant celebrity status and a large sum of prize money, these shows have inevitably attracted many gay contestants.

SURVIVOR
The first castaway to outwit, outplay and outlast other contenders in the premier season of America's most famous reality show, SURVIVOR, is Richard Hatch. He won the million dollars by making alliances - a concept that is now universal to nearly every contestant in every season - and by flaunting himself as a "fat, naked gay man."

Subsequent seasons saw Brandon Quinton, John Carroll, Coby Archa, and Rafe Judkins, all of whom were regarded as competetive, skilled and cunning players. All of them were openly gay.

Although being gay is rarely described as an asset in society, these contestants used their sexuality to their advantage amongst their diverse Survivor tribemates. Some bigoted fans called them shrewd and deceitful. But when you're gay, you learn to have facades. So, I think manipulation is inherently a defense mechanism for many gay men.

AMAZING RACE
Survivor's popularity is, perhaps, rivaled only by another CBS show, the AMAZING RACE. Then boyfriends Chip and Reichen competed and won the race in Season Four. However, barely a month after the show wrapped, the two announced they had split. They hope to still be role models for gay marriage even though they are no longer a couple. They maintain that they are still partners in each others' lives, just not intimate partners.

Other memorable gay racers include Joe and Bill in the show's maiden season, and Lynn and Alex in Season Seven. My personal favorite is the mother and son team of Susan and Patrick. Their official team bio states that Patrick is extremely close with his family and they've always been supportive of him, including when he told them he was gay.

AMERICAN IDOL

And then, of course, there's the biggest show on earth called the AMERICAN IDOL. If you saw the hit independent film, Eating Out, directed by Sundance Film Fest Winner, Allan Brocka, you would immediately recognize the actor who played Kyle. He's no other than Jim Verraros, one of the Idol finalists from Season One. His popularity soared when he came out after the competition. His young fans, both gay and straight, not only embraced the disclosure, but verily celebrated it, proudly signaling the broader acceptance of gays among the next generation.

Second Season finalist Clay Aiken fueled speculation over his sexual orientation, but he has repeatedly denied that he is gay and labeled questions about his sexuality as "insulting." In Season Four, Anwar Robinson and Mario Vasquez were the ones who triggered the viewers' gaydar from the get-go.

Some say that American Idol has a gay problem because producers seem unwilling to openly embrace its gay contestants. The network prefers to keep them closeted, at least during the competition. Some of these contestants have subsequently come out after their stint on the show, but none have competed as openly gay, despite the persistent rumors.

The producers' mindset, perhaps, is that being gay can ruin a pop idol's career. In my opinion, the only time openly gay people are on the Idol show is when they're there for exploitation purposes, not treated as regular people who have singing talent. One may surmise that American Idol seems to be sending a message that "If you're gay, you must hide it, otherwise you won't succeed." The producers seem to dismiss the fact that the UK Pop Idol, where the show was based on, has had openly gay contestants as well as winners. Australian Idol had a transvestite contestant. Jim Verraros was accepted by his fans for who he is. Wouldn't it be an incredible cultural advance if one of the music industry's next pop stars were openly gay?

PINOY BIG BROTHER

Meanwhile, one of our local TV networks is still reeling from the phenomenal success of Pinoy Big Brother. Its first season was capped by having a celebrity and teen edition. The names of Uma Khouny, Rustom Padilla and Aldred Gatchalian are counted as controversial housemates because of gender issues. By now, Rustom's dramatic coming out on national television, has become a classic TV moment. As for Uma and Aldred, they may just be effeminate straight men.

But then again, may be not.

Whether they won the top prize or were voted out of the competition, what matters is that these gay men were able to inspire millions. They were able to showcase themselves as strong, talented and determined achievers.

Gay men are survivors.
They are Idols.
They are an amazing race.
Even Big Brother knows that.

On Spiderman 3

Many have said that the latest Spiderman film is the last in a trilogy.
Frankly, I think they should do another one, if only to have a final movie worthy of its first two installments.
Part One was great, Part Two was even better. Part Three was just okay, and there lies the problem.
Sam Raimi, what happened?

Why Pinoys Will Most Likely Elect Tessie Aquino Oreta

Tessie Oreta was immortalized by that footage of her dancing in the senate, after the equally memorable "No Votes" had it. She was then a staunch supporter of former President Estrada.
Now, she is running under the Team Unity ticket. Months before the election, she publicly apologized for her improper conduct in the past. She hasn't figured yet in recent surveys, but I have an inkling that she'll make the Top 12.
You ask why. Two reasons, actually. The Power of Television, and the Filipino's penchant to forget history.
Oreta's tv ads are catchy. She started off with a dramatic free pre-school advocacy ad. And then, the "I'm sorry" commercial followed. And now, days before the polls, her festive ad airs on tv with a very catchy jingle and the familiar faces of comedians Jose and Wally. An impressive media campaign, if you ask me. It even makes you forget her one blunder: that crappy anti-domestic violence advocacy ad, which featured a crying, battered wife. This last one simply was an eye sore.

Indrapura

Last December, the theater group i built in college (Magwayen) wowed audiences with its biggest production, Indrapura. Here is a behind-the-scenes look at how Indrapura came to be. Watch out for its sequel in August, the epic entitled Bidasari.

After September

My friend Yay and I are planning to collaborate again in writing a new script. Our last work together resulted in a beautiful screenplay entitled Kyoudai, which we entered in the Cinema One Originals 2007 competition. This time, the manager of one of the most in-demand young actresses today asked us to write a material that will be set in the backdrop of the World Trade Center bombing in 2001. He promised to help us pitch the story to GMA Films.

The said actress is Iza Calzado. Other cast that we have in mind are Robin Padilla, Sunshine Dizon and Dennis Trillo. It will be the story of four lives changed forever by that fateful day in September. The treatment we are planning to adopt is like that of the movie Closer, which featured Julia Roberts and Jude Law.

Onto The Next Level

Last Thursday, I got an unexpected text message from RJ Nuevas. He is the head of GMA's Concept Development Group (CDG), and wrote memorable soaps Villa Quintana, Anna Karennina, and Bakekang. He wanted to know if I was interested to be part of the CDG. He added that my name was recommended by Don Michael Perez.

I was elated by the offer. I immediately said yes. I also texted Don and said thank you. Finally, I'm gonna be, officially, an employee of one of the largest TV networks in the country. As part of CDG, my main responsibility is to come up and generate ideas and concepts that will be incorporated in various shows.

But I'm still in the running to become a writer for a TV show. I will continue attending the writing workshop with Don. We're now in Phase Two. Currently, we are brainstorming for Shaider, a new primetime show that will premiere in June. Hopefully, by the end of May or early June, I will be tasked to write an episode.