AUSSIE ACTOR JAI COURTNEY DOUBLES THE ACTION AND THRILL IN “A GOOD DAY TO DIE HARD”

                "A Good Day To Die Hard" sets up Bruce Willis to reconnect with his long estranged son Jack played by Jai Courtney where he finally tracks him down in Moscow involved in an undercover assignment to pin down the masterminds of a potentially disastrous crime.
 
                Willis' John McClane arrives in Moscow and learns that Jack, far from being a criminal, is a CIA operative, three years into an undercover mission to protect a Russian thief-turned-whistleblower, Komarov (Sebastian Koch). Having grown a conscience, Komarov is determined to testify against a former partner and thwart his ambitions for higher political office.
 
                The role of Jack McClane went to young Australian actor Jai Courtney, who co-starred in the 2010 season of the series "Spartacus: Blood and Sand," and as Tom Cruise's fearsome adversary in "Jack Reacher."  "I auditioned a couple of times for the role of Jack McClane, and of course wasn't expecting anything to come of it," Jai recalls, "because I knew they were casting a really wide net. I had just wrapped Jack Reacher in Pittsburgh, and was homebound to Sydney. Literally, I was walking down the jet way to my connecting flight at LAX when my agent called and said, don't leave – they want you to read with Bruce! I did a test with him a week later, and some time afterwards got the good news. It's been a fantastic experience. Bruce is one of those guys I grew up watching on screen and the Die Hard franchise is so iconic."
 
Adds Willis:  "Jai got the character and he just seemed like family – like a McClane."  And director John Moore notes that, "Jai brings an intelligence and suaveness to the character.  But he's also a much more physical presence than we initially envisaged for Jack.   But once Jai auditioned, we said, let's go with the big guy because he's right for the role."
 
As the son of New York's most famous cop, Courtney's Jack proves that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.  He displays his father's sense of duty, courage and willingness to place his life in danger to protect others.   "Jack has been living as a Russian, speaking the language, and infiltrating different groups to try to get to the bottom of the disastrous heist," says Courtney. "He's shocked when his dad arrives at a crucial moment and blows his cover. He doesn't want his help; in fact he wants nothing to do with him. Jack is determined to prove he can do this on his own terms and that he's his own man."
 
Under a hail of gunfire, the McClanes manage a desperate escape, and must regroup to figure out how to get to rescue Komarov, who is now in the hands of the group Jack is after.  Jack McClane is out of answers, and must turn to John for help.  Says Jai Courtney: "Jack takes a methodical approach to his work, probably out of a backlash to his father's knack for winging it and hoping for the best.  But he's now in a situation where there's no book to guide him, he has no answers and is at the breaking point. His dad's instincts are to never quit, regardless of the cost, and in this terrible situation Jack sees that very clearly - maybe for the first time. It gives Jack deeper insight and respect for John's values. It's a turning point."
 
 "This is a father-son story in which they are trying to complete a dangerous mission while also attempting to mend a fractured relationship," says Wyck Godfrey. "Jack's first reaction is, Get out of here, dad, I don't need your help. But what he really wants is to hear his father say, you're doing great, son, I'm proud of you. And that's the beauty of this story. We're playing out a relationship drama in the midst of a thrilling Die Hard story."
               
Adds executive producer Jason Keller: "John and Jack find themselves off the grid, in deep trouble, with no help. Jack doesn't know what to do, and his father pulls him back and says that we can do this. And the key moment in the film happens when Jack chooses to swallow his pride and accept John's help. Now you have two McClanes working together, which is more than our bad guys ever bargained for."
 
"A Good Day To Die Hard" opens February 13 in cinemas nationwide – also available in 2D digital and 2D Imax format from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.
 
Watch Jai Courtney introduce himself and his character as he invites all to watch his starring debut in "A Good Day to Die Hard"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZDeUwa6BV4&list=UU-JrjBL_iZAn5wjEsw9nRYA&index=2

DISNEY'S “THE MUPPETS...AGAIN!” KICKS OFF PRODUCTION IN LONDON

BURBANK, Calif. (January 30, 2013) – The filmmaking team behind 2011's celebrated film "The Muppets" reunites as Disney's "The Muppets … Again!" kicked off production last week in London. The all-new global Muppets adventure welcomes Ricky Gervais, Ty Burrell and Tina Fey to the mayhem, along with Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Walter and rest of the Muppets.

             

The film is directed by James Bobin ("Flight of the Conchords," "Da Ali G Show"), who was just nominated for a BAFTA for "The Muppets" (Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer), and produced by the Academy Award®-nominated team of David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman ("The Fighter," "The Proposal").
             

With a screenplay by Bobin and Nicholas Stoller ("The Five-Year Engagement"), who is also executive producer with John Scotti, "The Muppets … Again!" will feature music from Academy Award®-winning songwriter Bret McKenzie who won an Oscar® for best original song for "The Muppets" ("Man or Muppet"). The new film will hit the big screen March 21, 2014.
             

"It's great to be back working with the Muppets," said Bobin, "some of them even remember my name occasionally now. As for the movie, it's a tip of the hat to the old-school crime capers of the '60s, but featuring a frog, a pig, a bear and a dog—no panthers, even pink ones—along with the usual Muppet-y mix of mayhem, music and laughs."
             

Disney's "The Muppets …Again!" takes the entire Muppets gang on a global tour, selling out grand theaters in some of Europe's most exciting destinations, including Berlin, Madrid and London. But mayhem follows the Muppets overseas, as they find themselves unwittingly entangled in an international crime caper headed by Constantine—the World's Number One Criminal and a dead ringer for Kermit—and his dastardly sidekick Dominic, aka Number Two, portrayed by Ricky Gervais, creator of "Derek" and the Golden Globe®- and Emmy®-winning series "The Office" and "Extras."
             

The film stars Golden Globe-, Emmy- and SAG Award®-winning actress and writer Tina Fey ("30 Rock," "Mean Girls," "Date Night") as Nadya, a feisty prison guard, and Emmy Award winner Ty Burrell (TV's "Modern Family") as Interpol agent Jean Pierre Napoleon.
             

Said Kermit the Frog, "This movie takes us places we've never been before. And trust me—this frog has never seen so much international flavor. I think audiences will eat it up—the entertainment, that is."
             

Featuring a slew of surprising celebrity cameos, Disney's "The Muppets … Again!" will shoot on location in London and in Hollywood, as well as in the famed Pinewood Studios in Iver Heath, Buckinghamshire, just outside of London.

SHOCKING BIOPIC “HITCHCOCK” EXCLUSIVE AT AYALA CINEMAS NATIONWIDE

             Lurking behind Alfred Hitchcock, cinema's "master of suspense" -- the extraordinary film icon known for orchestrating some of the most intense experiences of menace and intrigue audiences have ever seen, was a hidden side: his creatively explosive romance with his steadfast wife and filmmaking collaborator, Alma Reville.

             Now, for the first time, Fox Searchlight's searing drama "Hitchcock" lays bare their captivating and complex love story. It does so through the sly, shadowy lens of their most daring filmmaking adventure: the making of the spine-tingling 1960 thriller, "Psycho," which would become the director's most controversial and legendary film. When the tumultuous, against-the-odds production was over, nothing about movies would ever be the same - but few realized that it took two to pull it off.

             Starring Oscar-winners Anthony Hopkins and Helen Mirren as Alfred and Alma, respectively, "Hitchcock" will be shown starting Feb. 6 exclusively at Ayala Malls Cinemas nationwide. Moviegoers can catch the film at Glorietta 4, Greenbelt 3, Trinoma, Alabang Town Center, Market! Market!, Ayala Center Cebu, Marquee (Central Luzon), Abreeza (Davao), Harbor Point (Subic) and Centrio (Cagayan de Oro).

             The film also stars Scarlett Johansson, Jessica Biel and James D'Arcy.

             In the world of Alfred Hitchcock's movies, chaos, danger and sinister evil hide in the shadows of his characters' ordinary lives. But what about Hitchcock's own everyday life? The consummately skilled director carefully cultivated a public persona - constructed out of his portly silhouette and macabre wit - that managed to keep his inner psyche tightly under wraps. But for decades the question has lingered: might there be a way to get inside Hitchcock not as an icon but as a person?

            For "Hitchcock" director Sacha Gervasi, the answer lay in a woman. Not one of the notorious "Hitchcock Blondes" whose cool, aloof beauty and power graced and haunted his films, but a woman who has been largely unknown to the world: his talented wife, Alma, who from behind the scenes deeply influenced Hitchcock's work, penetrated his defenses and became his silent modest co-creator.

             "I always felt the core of `Hitchcock' had to be the love story between Alfred and Alma," Gervasi comments. "They had this dynamic, complex, contradictory, beautiful, painful relationship that was not just a marriage but a real creative collaboration. I was really interested in how these two very strong-minded people lived with each other and created together and that brought a whole new perspective to the story of how `Psycho' was made. Without Alma at his side, Hitchcock would not have been as brilliant, or would not have pulled off `Psycho.'"

             On paper, Gervasi might have seemed an unusual choice to take on the inner sanctum of the "Master of Suspense." A journalist who made his screenwriting debut with Steven Spielberg's "The Terminal," he is best known for directing the acclaimed documentary "Anvil! The Story of Anvil," the funny, raucous, bittersweet account of an aging metal band's refusal to give up their rock n' roll dreams.

             Gervasi's take was that the drama in Alfred and Alma's marriage - the real-life union between an imperious director known for his dark obsessions and a ferociously intelligent woman who was a pioneer at a time when women had almost no visible power in Hollywood - would be as suspenseful, entertaining and raw as many of Hitchcock's best films.

             Producer Tom Pollock admits there were a lot of other directors interested in the job who had far more experience, but Gervasi's take was hard to resist. "Sacha had a real vision of the film as a distinctive kind of love story and he also understood that the story had to have a lot of humor," says Pollock.

             Adds producer Tom Thayer: "Sacha found a contemporary relevance in the Hitchcock story that resonates for an audience. He made it the story of a marriage, framing their relationship against the gauntlet Hitch encountered developing `Psycho': an artist trying to reinvent himself in an industry that wanted more of the same. It was Sacha mining the complexities of Hitch and Alma's relationship through this lens that brought so much to the surface."

EMMA STONE TORN BETWEEN LOVE, MONEY IN “GANGSTER SQUAD”

             Hollywood It-Girl Emma Stone ("Crazy, Stupid, Love," "The Amazing Spider-Man") plays a wannabe actress-turned-moll in Warner Bros.' epic action-thriller "Gangster Squad."

             Stone instantly fell for the story when she read the screenplay. "It had such a romantic and smoky and nostalgic feel, with a lot of intense action and suspense," she says. "I immediately felt that I knew what it must have been like to be a part of that place and time."

             Set in Los Angeles, 1949, "Gangster Squad" revolves around ruthless Brooklyn-born mob king Mickey Cohen (Sean Penn) who runs the show in this town, reaping the ill-gotten gains from the drugs, the guns, the prostitutes and—if he has his way—every wire bet placed west of Chicago. And he does it all with the protection of not only his own paid goons, but also the police and the politicians who are under his control. It's enough to intimidate even the bravest, street-hardened cop…except, perhaps, for the small, secret crew of LAPD outsiders led by Sgt. John O'Mara (Josh Brolin) and Sgt. Jerry Wooters (Ryan Gosling), who come together to try to tear Cohen's world apart.

             But Jerry Wooters has another motive for keeping a close eye on Cohen: Grace Faraday (Stone), the mobster's current piece of arm candy. Despite the obvious risk, Wooters finds her irresistible, and Grace is not immune to his charms, either.

             Emma Stone was drawn to the role and eager to work with director Ruben Fleischer again, having starred in his film "Zombieland." Stone says, "We sat down and talked about the story and the character, and I said, 'Of course, let's do this together.' I love Ruben, he's so enthusiastic and his shots are so beautiful."

             Stone points out that her character, an entirely fictional creation of screenwriter Will Beall, "moved out to Hollywood to be a star. Not an actress, a star." Clearly, things didn't go according to plan. "I imagined she kind of fell in with Mickey Cohen's crowd, and that being on the arm of this incredibly powerful man gave her the admiration she was looking for, so she convinced herself it was alright. Now, even though she feels trapped, she knows that, without him, she's got maybe a couple of bucks between her and the street."

             "Emma is not only one of the smartest, funniest actresses I've worked with, she's also somebody you can't take your eyes off of when she's onscreen, and that kind of allure is really what this part called for," Fleischer says. "The love triangle between Grace, Mickey and Jerry is tricky—you're not quite sure what each one's motivations are. But both she and Wooters are looking for a way out, and each finds a kindred spirit in the other. They have a spark that ignites, and neither one can ignore it, dangerous as it is not to."
             Emma Stone is one of Hollywood's most sought-out young actresses, having garnered both critical and audience acclaim for her starring role in "The Help," for which Stone also received a Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Award® and the National Board of Review Award as part of the ensemble cast in the adaptation of Kathryn Stockett's New York Times best-selling novel. Stone previously earned rave reviews as Olive in Will Gluck's comedy "Easy A," and her performance in The Scarlet Letter update also earned her a Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, as well as an MTV Movie Award for Best Comedic Performance and a nomination for the BAFTA Rising Star Award.

             She most recently took on the coveted role of Gwen Stacy in Marc Webb's "The Amazing Spider-Man," opposite Andrew Garfield in the title role, and will soon be at work on the sequel, due in 2014. She co-starred in director Gluck's "Friends with Benefits," alongside Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis, and with Ryan Gosling and Steve Carell in the comedy "Crazy, Stupid, Love."

             Opening across the Philippines on Jan. 30, "Gangster Squad" is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

Derek, Nadine find love in new episodes of Kidlat

Derek Ramsay and Nadine Samonte's characters in TV5's hit series Kidlat seem to be heading for love as next week's episodes highlight the couple's blossoming relationship. After the accidental death of Dr. Megaton (Christopher de Leon), Voltaire (Ramsay) started to distance himself from his stepbrother Vincent (Baron Geisler) and childhood friend Lara (Samonte). Years later, Voltaire finds himself face-to-face with the beautiful Lara and the two immediately rekindle their lost friendship. But the road to love is not easy for the two, as Vincent also has feelings for Lara whom he considers his only friend.

What would Vincent do if he finds out that Lara is slowly falling for his enemy and stepbrother? What schemes will he conjure up to keep the couple apart?

Stay tuned for exciting new episodes of Kidlat, weeknights at 6:45PM right afterAksyon on TV5.

American Idol Season 12 Premieres on ETC

American Idol returns for its best season yet this January 2013 on ETC. Joining Grammy Award-winning producer Randy Jackson as judge this season are: Grammy Award-winning country crooner Keith Urban, rap superstar Nicki Minaj and the best-selling female recording artist of all time, Mariah Carey. Catch the two day premiere of American Idol Season 12 on ETC this January 17, Thursday via satellite at 6PM with a primetime telecast at 8PM, and January 18, Friday via satellite at 6PM with a primetime telecast at 9PM.

Hosted by Ryan Seacrest, watch the judges travel across the United States in search for contestants who possess raw talent and a voice that will stand out of the crowd. Narrowing down the competition, only a select group of semifinalists will have the opportunity to sing their hearts out each week in front of a live studio and TV audience with the judges having their say after each performance.

ETC also allows local viewers to have their say. Think you know who will make it to the finale? Didn't agree with what the judges had to say? Simply rant or rave with other viewers via ETC's Twitter, Facebook and website and you could win great prizes from ETC or see your comments on-air. Just type in your thoughts with the hashtag #aionetc and let your voice be heard!

Who will follow in the footsteps of Phillip Phillips and Jessica Sanchez? Find out when you watch all the talent, laughs, tears and drama American Idol has to offer on ETC!

American Idol Season 12 premieres January 17, Thursday via satellite at 6PM with a primetime telecast at 8PM, and January 18, Friday via satellite at 6PM with a primetime telecast at 9PM.

GMA Network preps up for Aklan's Ati-Atihan Festival

A livelier and more upbeat celebration of this year's Ati-Atihan Festival - widely-known as the "Mother of All Festivals" - is set to happen on January 14, as GMA Network sends some of its hottest stars to Kalibo, Aklan to participate in the spectacular fete.

A Kapuso Night filled with dancing, music and other merry-making activities takes place at the Pastrana Park at 6:00 PM. Set to lead the celebration are lovely Kapuso leading ladies Kris Bernal and Louise delos Reyes, together with Party Pilipinas mainstay Mark Bautista.

Meanwhile, last January 11, the Network brought two of its homegrown hearththrobs, Aljur Abrenica and Mark Herras, to the province. They graced the "Mutya Ag Lakan It Kalibo 2013 Grand Pageant Finale and Coronation Night" which happened at the Gov. Augusto B. Legaspi Sports and Cultural Center.

Aljur serenaded the female contestants while Mark acted as one of the event's judges. In this year's pageant, a total of 24 finalists vied for the crown and titles of Mutya and Lakan of Kalibo Ati-Atihan.

GMA Iloilo Station Manager, Mr. Jonathan Cabillon, says "GMA Network is very much excited to take part in one of the most colorful and rhythmic Philippine Festivals, the Ati-Atihan. Our artists have prepared long and hard for their participation, and we look forward to the Kapusong Aklanons' delight."

The full details of the Network's participation in the 2013 Ati-Atihan Festival will be featured in the weekly travelogue "Let's Fiesta" airing on January 27 via the Network's regional stations in Bicol, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Dagupan, Ilocos, GenSan, Bacolod, and CDO.

RYAN GOSLING ON A CRUSADE AGAINST CRIME IN “GANGSTER SQUAD”

             Acclaimed actor Ryan Gosling ("Drive," "Ides of March," "Crazy, Stupid, Love") stars as an honest cop who has a personal vendetta against the mob, in Warner Bros.' epic crime thriller "Gangster Squad."

             Set in Los Angeles, 1949, "Gangster Squad" revolves around ruthless Brooklyn-born mob king Mickey Cohen (Sean Penn) who runs the show in this town, reaping the ill-gotten gains from the drugs, the guns, the prostitutes and—if he has his way—every wire bet placed west of Chicago. And he does it all with the protection of not only his own paid goons, but also the police and the politicians who are under his control. It's enough to intimidate even the bravest, street-hardened cop…except, perhaps, LAPD outsider by Sgt. John O'Mara (Josh Brolin).

             To take out Cohen, O'Mara will have to work closely with a team, and the chief charges him with pulling together the roster. "He recruits a bunch of misfits like himself," says Brolin, "guys in lowly or outsider positions because of their rebellious natures, but who are able to get the job done, sometimes in a very brutal way."

             The first man he reaches out to is Sgt. Jerry Wooters, a loner of a different sort, played by Ryan Gosling. "Up till now, O'Mara's been banging his head against a wall, getting knocked around and arresting guys who get out just hours later, while my character looks on from a barstool on the sidelines," Gosling offers. "Jerry also came back from the war to find the whole town under water, but, as he says in the film, O'Mara picked up a bucket while he picked up a bathing suit."

             Which is why Wooters initially turns O'Mara down. "He's not trying to be a hero," the actor continues. "He doesn't have any fantasies about that. I think he feels like he did his fighting overseas, and there's so much corruption here, it seems pointless. He's just trying to stay above it, and stay alive."

             "The guys of the so-called `gangster squad' have been forced into a situation where, because everyone around them has become complacent or worse, it's tough to be on the right side of the law," adds Gosling. "A few of them decide they're not going to stand around and watch while their city is taken over, they're going to take matters into their own hands. Some because they can't stand the injustice and feel compelled to right the wrongs, and others, like the character I play, because it's become personal."

             "Ryan is so charismatic, so fun to watch," director Ruben Fleischer says. "He really brought dimension to this guy who's become so disengaged, who just wants to get lost in drink and women. That is, until something terrible happens that lays this new war at his feet, and he realizes that by sitting this one out, it's costing the city, and he has an obligation as a person and a policeman to do something about it."

             "Wooters isn't picked for the squad because he's a great shot or a good fighter or a technician," Gosling adds. "He's there because he has good instincts and knows how to survive."

             But Jerry Wooters has another motive for keeping a close eye on Cohen: Grace Faraday (Emma Stone), the mobster's current piece of arm candy. Despite the obvious risk, Wooters finds her irresistible, and Grace is not immune to his charms, either.

             Ryan Gosling has been honored for his work in a broad range of roles in both acclaimed independent features and major motion pictures. In 2012, he earned a Golden Globe nomination for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical, for his role opposite Steve Carell and Emma Stone in "Crazy, Stupid, Love." and another for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama, for his work in George Clooney's "Ides of March."

             That same year, Gosling was also nominated for an Independent Spirit Award for Best Male Lead and a Critics Choice Award for Best Actor for his work in the action drama "Drive," directed by Nicolas Winding Refn. In 2010, he starred opposite Michelle Williams in the romantic drama "Blue Valentine," for which he earned another Golden Globe nomination, and his third Critics Choice Award nomination for Best Actor. He previously received Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Award® and Critics Choice Award nominations for his work in the title role of the indie film "Lars and the Real Girl." He earned an Academy Award® nomination and won an Independent Spirit Award, both for Best Actor, for his performance in the 2006 release "Half Nelson."

             Opening across the Philippines on Jan. 30, "Gangster Squad" is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

“MINUTE TO WIN IT” WITH LUIS KICKS OFF MONDAY

You don't need special talents or extraordinary intelligence but only a certain level of skill to win P1 million in ABS-CBN's new game show "Minute to Win It" that begins on Monday (Jan 14), 11 AM on ABS-CBN. 

The show will give a whole new meaning to the adage "time is gold" where no effort is too small and every fraction of a second counts. It also encourages players to work hard and practice at home using everyday materials such as pencils, eggs, ping pong balls, and cards for a shot to change their lives.

Studio players only need to complete ten challenges, each under one minute, to bring home the whopping P1 million cash prize.

Host Luis Manzano is excited for his new role in the show to encourage players who are under a lot of pressure.

"The biggest challenge is backing up the player. I'll stand by the player as much as possible. Sometimes players lose the heart to continue so I have to look for ways to build up their confidence to make them get on with the game and earn more money," he said.

He also added, "In 'Deal or No Deal,' I try to be neutral between the Banker and the player. In 'Pilipinas Got Talent,' I serve as the contestant's kabarkada. In 'Minute to Win It,' I'm a cheerer."


Playing in the game show's pilot episode is comedy concert queen AiAi delas Alas. Some of the games she will have to complete include running a piece of thread through the eyes of ten needles using one hand and knocking over four soda cans using a yo-yo strapped to the back of her waist. Will AiAi bring home P1 million?

Also trying out the show's nerve-wracking yet simple games during the pilot week are Kapamilya celebrities Cristine Reyes, Rico J. Puno, Maja Salvador, Zanjoe Marudo, K Brosas, and Miss Universe 2011 3rd runner-up Shamcey Supsup.

"Minute to Win It" made waves in the United States and around the world for its highly addictive and nerve-wracking games that challenge ordinary people to hone their skills. It has been franchised in 40 countries, including Australia, India, and the United Kingdom.

Don't miss "Minute to Win It," Mondays to Fridays beginning January 14, 11AM on ABS-CBN. For updates on the program, visit www.facebook.com/minutetowinitPH.

--
Visit www.starmometer.com - Your Total Entertainment Blog

Temptation of Wife continues its nationwide ratings dominance

More and more viewers are magnetized with the exciting developments in GMA's Temptation of Wife as the series continues to dominate its timeslot with increasing high numbers nationwide, according to the more widely recognized TV ratings data supplier Nielsen TV Audience Measurement. 

The Kapuso Network's Pinoy adaptation of the Korean series has been garnering critical acclaim since its debut, delivering consistent high ratings not only in viewer rich Urban Luzon and Mega Manila but also across National Urban Philippines. 

Based on household data recorded in National Urban Philippines from December 1, 2012 to January 4, 2013 (December 23 – January 4 based on overnight readings), Temptation of Wife registered 19.6 percent household rating, leading ABS-CBN's A Beautiful Affair's 18.4 percent by 1.2 points, and Kahit Puso'y Masugatan's 13.1 percent by 6.5 points. Using the assumption of an estimated five (5) viewers per TV household, Temptation of Wife's margins of 1.2 points and 6.5 points translate to more than 500,000 viewers and almost 3 million viewers, correspondingly. 

In Urban Luzon, which comprises 77% of national urban television households, Temptation of Wife made a definite win over its counterpart programs in ABS-CBN. It scored 21.9 percent household rating, 4.7 points and 9.2 points higher than A Beautiful Affair's 17.2 percent and Kahit Puso'y Masugatan's 12.7 percent. The gaps of 4.7 points translate to 1.6 million viewers, while the gaps of 9.2 points translate to 3.2 million viewers. 

The primetime series likewise led in Mega Manila, which represents 59.5 percent of rural TV households in the country, after generating a 22.9 percent household rating, while A Beautiful Affair and Kahit Puso'y Masugatan trailed behind by 5.9 points and 10 points with only 17 percent and 12.9 percent, respectively. The gaps of 5.9 points translate to 1.6 million viewers, while the gaps of 10 points translate to 2.7 million viewers. 

This week, Angeline (Marian Rivera) continues to lure Marcel (Dennis Trillo) into her schemes. She steals his car keys and when Marcel returns to the restaurant, he is shocked to see Angeline inside his car.

Angeline asks Marcel to help her find a place since he's in real estate business. Marcel gives in to her request and takes her to a condominium unit. As he is about to leave, he will hear someone taking a shower. How will Angeline seduce Marcel? Will he fall into her trap and get caught by Heidi (Glaiza de Castro)? 

Temptation of Wife airs weeknights after Pahiram ng Sandali on GMA Telebabad.

ANGELINE, PAULO AND SAM, TEAM UP FOR THE FIRST TIME IN “KAHIT KONTING PAGTINGIN”

This January, ABS-CBN will launch its newest romantic-comedy series titled "Kahit Konting Pagtingin," which stars Queen of Teleserye Theme Songs Angeline Quinto together with her two dashing leading men Breakthrough Actor of 2012 Paulo Avelino and Romantic-Comedy Heartthrob Sam Milby.

According to Angeline, she is overjoyed with the blessing of having her first ever teleserye. "I am really happy because I didn't expect that this will happen " shared the singer-actress. "If before I'm only part of teleseryes as the singer of the theme songs, now TV viewers can watch me everyday as an actress." 

In the series, Angeline will portray the role of Aurora, a highly-spirited and hardworking lady who will do everything for the sake of her loved ones. And amid her funny adventures, Aurora will meet two guys—Lance (Paulo) and Adam (Sam)—who are bound to win her heart. 

"Kahit Konting Pagtingin' is very light. It's a heartwarming tale of a woman who works hard for her family," said Angeline, who is truly proud of her first team-up with Paulo and Sam. "Of course, we will also discover in the story how Aurora finds her one true love." 

Aside from Angeline, Paulo and Sam, the newest Kapamilya kilig-serye will also star Snooky Serna, John Lapus, Mylene Dizon, James Blanco, Jordan Herrera, Ahron Villena, Joonee Gamboa, Denise Joaquin, and introducing Alexandra Macanan and Aljhon Lucas. Angeline's first-ever teleserye is directed by Darnel Villaflor. 

Watch out for the beginning of a heartwarming tale that will bring smiles and love to TV viewers everyday, "Kahit Konting Pagtingin" this January 2013 on ABS-CBN. For more updates, log on to www.abs-cbn.com or follow abscbndotcom on Twitter.

--
Visit www.starmometer.com - Your Total Entertainment Blog

GMA Network Releases Statement on Issues Raised by Sarah Lahbati

GMA Network addresses all issues raised by Sarah Lahbati – starting from her posts in the social networking and microblogging site Twitter, which were eventually picked-up by the press.

The Network maintains its stand that Sarah Lahbati violated her contract, as follows:

"Sarah Lahbati's Artist Management Contract with GMA Network is effective until February 21, 2015. There is no provision for leave of absence in said contract. Any leave is subject to prior agreement between the Network and Sarah. Therefore, Sarah's unilateral decision to go on leave, despite its earlier disapproval by the Network, is a violation of her contract with the Network. Further, her declared trip to Switzerland for an indefinite period, without the prior consent and approval of the Network, will be an additional violation of her contract."

"Despite the rejection of her leave, she ceased to honor her commitments with the Network including her being part of the Network's Sunday variety show Party Pilipinas. Under the provisions of her contract with the Network, specifically Paragraphs 1.3 and 1.4, it is clearly stated that the 'artist shall perform the role and appear in the television programs, projects and events assigned to her, and conscientiously fulfill faithfully and promptly any and all engagements/booking contracted to her by GMA.'"

Sarah asked to be released from her contract with GMA Artist Center (GMAAC).

It must be clarified that GMAAC has no legal personality apart from the Network, and that Sarah's contract is with GMA Network and not with GMAAC. In the same way that a contract requires the mutual consent of the two parties, there cannot also be a unilateral cancellation of the contract by Sarah alone.

For any violation of her contract with GMA, Paragraph 5.2 states that "In the event of violation by artist… GMA may, in addition to and without prejudice to any other remedy, recover liquidated damages from artist in the amount equivalent to double artist's minimum guarantee."

Regarding the issue of the supposed referral by some Network executives to ICONS Management, the Network reiterates its earlier statement that it did not authorize the co-management contract with ICONS Management. Concrete actions have been taken and penalties have been imposed on the executives who were found liable.

The Network found no proof of her allegation that there was an "under the table" deal between GMAAC and ICONS Management. The Network has a policy of prohibiting and penalizing any such "under the table" deal between any of its executives and employees and others dealing with the Network. This policy is strictly enforced and implemented.

If Sarah can prove later her accusation against ICONS and GMAAC, the Network will not only stop dealing with ICONS but will also penalize those who are guilty of such anomaly.

Sarah also mentioned that non-ICONS talents like her are treated unfairly. The Network's substantial investment in her easily belies this. On top of her being a home-grown exclusive talent of GMA, whom the Network developed, trained and promoted, she is also one of the Network's priority stars.

GMA artists like Marian Rivera, Dingdong Dantes, Heart Evangelista, Jennylyn Mercado, and other bigger stars than Sarah who are also non-ICONS talents are not complaining about the treatment they are getting from the Network.

Interestingly, it was after the Network required Sarah to cancel her illegal co-management contract with Royal Era Entertainment & Artist Management of Annabelle Rama, the mother of Sarah's current boyfriend, Richard Gutierrez, that she unilaterally declared her going on a one-month leave of absence and started to complain about GMAAC. The co-management contract violated the exclusive terms of Sarah's contract with the Network. GMA Network would have had no choice but to sue Sarah and Royal Era Entertainment for the said breach had they refused to rescind said co-management contract.

Sarah also tweeted that GMA has yet to pay her for the movie "Basement." "I don't owe GMA any money, in fact they still owe me. I finished filming a movie called Basement under GMA films, we started around August-early sept… until now I still haven't been paid not even a down payment. My mother asked my handler many times regarding the payment and until now there is no reply," tweets Sarah.

It was made clear to Sarah at the onset that her talent fee will be disbursed after she completes filming. The contract was sent to her in mid-October but she was on vacation and the signed contract was returned to GMA Films only on December 14, 2012. But given the Network's year-end cut-off for payment processing, requests received after December 10 will only be paid on January 11, 2013. As a special concession, however, the check was made available on January 4, 2013. The delay in the processing of her payment can only be attributed to Sarah because she did not immediately return the signed contract to GMA Films.

Sarah also accused GMA of making a one sided story about what's happening.

There is absolutely no truth to this. HOT TV, thru its researcher Malou Santiago, contacted Sarah's handler, Monica Carla Sevillano, who, in turn, coordinated with Sarah to get her side before the story was aired. Unfortunately, HOT TV did not receive any response from Sarah.

GMA Network has concluded its investigation on Sarah's walk-out incident in the taping of the Network's new primetime program "Indio."

Based on the said investigation, Sarah, without any justifiable reason and following only the instructions of Annabelle Rama – whom she had illegally signed up then as her co-manager – walked out of the November 9 taping of "Indio" in Morong Park, Subic, Olongapo City.

In her earlier tweets, Sarah mentioned that "GMA Artist Center decided to book me for opening of EAT BULAGA the following day which required me to be in the studio at 8am to do hair, make-up and rehearse the production number. I never walked out, I told the producers and p.a that I need to go because I still had to travel back to Manila from Subic and be at Eat Bulaga studio by 8AM… I did not leave the set, I waited for the producers to say that I can leave… I had permission to leave. This is the complete truth."

Upon investigation, however, it was found that GMAAC was not aware of any early morning booking on November 10. As confirmed by its records, the only schedule GMAAC had for Sarah on that day was a technical rehearsal for Party Pilipinas set at 4pm. Further, it was on November 24 – two weeks after the walk-out incident – when she finally appeared in "Eat Bulaga."

Also based on the Network's investigation, the production team of "Indio" did not give Sarah the permission to leave early. Contrary to what she mentioned in her tweets, they persuaded her to stay and finish her scenes but to no avail. As a result, the production team was forced to pack up the taping and incur substantial, additional and unnecessary costs.

The Network has endorsed the matter to Belo, Gozon, Elma, Parel, Asuncion and Lucila (BGE Law) for the filing of a complaint against Sarah so that the court may determine who between the parties is correct, telling the truth or lying.

After the complaint is filed in court, the Network will no longer publicly comment on the case except through pleadings filed in court, in compliance with the rule on "sub-judice", to avoid influencing the decision the court may render on the case.

Heart Evangelista, Geoff Eigenmann, and Ms. Gloria Romero banner GMA's afternoon drama FOREVER

GMA Network rings in the New Year with the launch of its first afternoon prime drama for 2013 - FOREVER, which features riveting performances from some of the biggest Kapuso stars today. It will air beginning January 21 after Eat Bulaga. 

Forever promises to steal the viewers' hearts as it follows a captivating storyline that explores the enduring power of love between two individuals who will let fate determine if they are meant to be together despite time, distance, and the obstacles that conspire to keep them apart. 

This original offering features the dramatic talents of prime Kapuso leading manGeoff Eigenmann as Ramon/Patrick, multi-award winning actress Heart Evangelista as Adora and the original Queen of Philippine Movies Ms Gloria Romero as Adora. 

Forever begins with the story of Adora, the sole heir to a wealthy sugar plantation in the 1950s. Despite her social status, Adora falls in love with the poor and passionate Ramon, a farmer who works in their farm. Her domineering father Don Jamie strongly disapproves of Adora's relationship with Ramon but the young lovers pledge to stay together regardless of Don Jamie's objection. This forbidden romance eventually leads to Ramon's death who vows to return to be with his one true love Adora. 

Adora is devastated with Ramon's passing and she realizes her life is now empty and meaningless without him. But she gets a second chance to be reunited with Ramon after an old woman gives her an antique pocket watch that could bring back her youth. 

Fast forward to the present time where Adora will be reunited anew with Ramon but this time in the persona of Patrick, a painter who will form an unusual romantic connection with Adora. Will the promise of Adora and Ramon to rekindle their romance transcends time no matter where or when their paths cross? Can the ill-fated lovers fulfill their destiny to once and for all be together even in the next lifetime? Can anything or anyone still come between the two lovers? 

Adding star power to this classic tale of undying love are Isabel Oli as Monique, Saab Magalona as Leila, Gian Magdangal as Rico, and Candy Pangilinan asSusie.

The special guests of Forever include Marc Abaya as Federico and Ronnie Henares as Don Jaime.   

Forever, which is created by the GMA Entertainment TV Group, is another first in the television industry for its refreshing concept and production value.

Directed by acclaimed actor and TV director Ricky Davao, Forever is supervised by Lilybeth G. Rasonable as Over-all in charge of Production, Redgie Acuña Magno as Supervising Producer, Hazel F. Abonita as Program Manager, and Executive Producer Kaye Cadsawan. 

The creative team is headed by Creative Director and concept creator of ForeverJun Lana.  It is composed of Roy Iglesias, Creative Consultant Des Garbes - Severino, Headwriter Kit Villanueva-Langit, writers Ma. Christina Samson-Velasco and Angeli Delgado, and Brainstormers Reynaldo Leoncito, Jessie Villabrille, and Luningning Ribay. 

The theme song, Together Forever, is interpreted by the King of Soul, Janno Gibbs.

TV5 Kids presents Cartoon Network movie specials air on TV5 this January

TV5 gives you the most fun and spectacular weekends this January as it brings in three of the best TV5 Kids presents Cartoon Network movie specials - Ben 10: Destroy All Aliens (January 5), Johnny Bravo goes to Bollywood (January 12) and Teen Titans: Trouble in Tokyo (January 19).

Last January 5, viewers witnessed how Ben Tennyson caught his race against time and battled with a deadly Mechamorph Warrior on Ben 10: Destroy All Aliens. On January 12, join Johnny Bravo as he returns to the internationally-trendy Bollywood film industry and watch as he gets to become a huge celebrity on Johnny Bravo goes to Bollywood. Finally, jump into action as the Teen Titans jump into action as they face the ninja Saico-Tek in their city on Teen Titans: Trouble in Tokyo come January 19.

Get ready for a whole new exciting treat this January! Join Johnny Bravo and the Teen Titans on their thrilling adventures with TV5 Kids presentsCartoon Network movie specials that will air respectively on January 12 and 19, 9:30AM on TV5.

JOSH BROLIN TAKES ON THE MOB IN “GANGSTER SQUAD”

             Last year, he received rave reviews for his performance as a young Agent K opposite Will Smith in the wildly successful "Men in Black 3." Now, Josh Brolin stars as Sgt. John O'Mara, a man who's come back from war, and can't quite figure out how to live in peace time, in Warner Bros.' new action-thriller "Gangster Squad."

             Also starring Sean Penn, Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, "Gangster Squad" is a stylish retelling of events surrounding the LAPD's efforts to take back their nascent city from one of the most dangerous mafia bosses of all time.

             Due to rampant corruption in the ranks at nearly every level, Police Chief Bill Parker (Nick Nolte) is unable to unleash the full force of the LAPD on notorious mobster Mickey Cohen and his thugs, or even publicly go after them. Parker must instead rely on a furtive few to undermine the mobster's operation. His mandate requires they execute no search warrants and make no arrests; they must anonymously, ruthlessly and with as much efficiency as possible, cut out the heart of Cohen's livelihood, by any means necessary. They are not to bring him to justice. They are to bring justice to him.

             To head up this clandestine crew, Parker chooses a man who has no trouble taking matters into his own hands – Sgt. John O'Mara. "I'm a seventh generation Californian and a native of Los Angeles, so I have massive pride about my hometown," Brolin states. "I felt a real connection with O'Mara for that reason. I also liked that while he doesn't heed all the rules and he doesn't like red tape, he has strong principles; he sees the wrongs that need to be righted and he believes he can turn things around."

             "O'Mara is a very principled person who's returned home after America's victory over the Nazis," director Robert Fleischer says. "He doesn't like that another form of evil has taken up residence in his city and corrupted it with gambling, prostitution and drugs. He can't abide it. So, he accepts Parker's challenge, even though it means putting his and his family's lives on the line."

             Producer Kevin McCormick observes, "He really feels it's his obligation to make the world a better place, but he sees that others don't necessarily hold to the same standard. He doesn't really fit in because he won't bend to accommodate injustice. He's extremely rigid, which could be seen as a character flaw or as what sets him apart, what makes him special, which is what Parker sees."

             Though he is one of many cops on the force, O'Mara prefers to operate on his own, and in his own way. He's something of a renegade who does things singlehandedly, sometimes even unarmed. "The script described O'Mara as having a chin so strong you could break your fist on it," Fleischer recalls. "When you look at Josh, he lives up to that; he looks like he stepped out of that time period, and plays the part with a measured, quiet stoicism that's really powerful."

             To take out Cohen, O'Mara will have to work closely with a team, and the chief charges him with pulling together the roster. "He recruits a bunch of misfits like himself," says Brolin, "guys in lowly or outsider positions because of their rebellious natures, but who are able to get the job done, sometimes in a very brutal way." Thus, the Gangster Squad is born.

             Opening across the Philippines on Jan. 30, "Gangster Squad" is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

GMA leads all stations in 2012 nationwide TV ratings

Broadcast giant GMA Network, Inc. (GMA) ended 2012 on a positive note, leading other local free-to-air channels in full year nationwide TV ratings for the second consecutive year, according to data from the industry's leading ratings service provider, Nielsen TV Audience Measurement. 

GMA overtook its closest rival ABS-CBN in National Urban TV Audience Measurement (NUTAM) in January 2011, and has since sustained nationwide ratings leadership. 

For the period January to December 2012 (December 16 to 31 based on overnight data), GMA scored an average total day household audience share of 34.4 percent, outscoring ABS-CBN's 31.5 percent by 2.9 points, and TV5's 15.1 percent by 19.3 points. 

GMA's lead in overall nationwide ratings was driven mainly by its strong ratings performance in the afternoon block, where it led competition by significant margins. In addition, GMA was also ahead of the other networks in the morning block. 

GMA also led across all dayparts for the second straight year in the important areas of Urban Luzon and Mega Manila, which make up 77 and 59.5 percent of the total urban television households nationwide, respectively. 

In Urban Luzon, GMA ruled over rival stations with a 38.2 percent average total day household audience share, ahead by 10.8 points over ABS-CBN's 27.4 percent and by 23.6 points over TV5's 14.6 percent average. 

GMA also ended the year strongly in its bailiwick Mega Manila with an average total day household audience share of 39.2 percent, up 13.4 points over ABS-CBN's 25.8 percent and ahead by 24 points over TV5's 15.2 percent. 

The GMA airing of the Pacquiao-Marquez 4 and Pacquiao-Bradley fights emerged as the top two most watched programs in 2012 across NUTAM, Urban Luzon and Mega Manila. 

Other top performing programs of GMA last year were the Survivor Philippines Celebrity Doubles Showdown Finale, which ranked third in the over-all list in Urban Luzon and Mega Manila, Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho, Amaya, Munting Heredera, Eat Bulaga, 24 Oras, Biritera, Legacy, Luna Blanca, My Beloved, One True Love, Makapiling Kang Muli, Kapuso Movie Night Pinoy Flicks, Aso ni San Roque, Kapuso Movie Night, Naglalayag (Holy Week Special) and Pepito Manaloto. 

This 2013, GMA is all set to roll out its new line-up of programs starting off with the fantasy drama Indio, the Network's most expensive drama program to date, this January. Indio is topbilled by Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla, Jr. and features some of the Network's biggest stars. 

Among the new entertainment programs that will also be launched in January are the afternoon drama Forever starring Heart Evangelista, Geoff Eigenmann and Gloria Romero, and Manny Pacquiao's new show, Para Sa'yo ang Laban na 'to. 

GMA subscribes to Nielsen TV Audience Measurement along with 22 other paying subscribers including another local major television network (TV5), Faulkner Media, CBN Asia, 15 advertising agencies, and 4 regional clients. 

In Mega Manila, Nielsen has a sample size of 1,190 homes versus Kantar Media's 770 homes. Nationwide, Nielsen has a sample size of 2,000 homes compared to the lower sample size of 1,370 utilized by Kantar Media.

“RUN FOR PASIG RIVER” GIVE LIGHT TO ESTERO DE PACO

Twenty nine solar street lights were installed along the stretch of the Estero de Paco between Osmeña Highway and Quirino Avenue. 

The solar streetlights were donated to the Estero de Paco community by ABS-CBN Foundation's Kapit Bisig para sa Ilog Pasig (KBPIP), specifically from the 11.20.2011 Run for the Pasig River. 

The solar street lights, the first of its kind put up in the City of Manila, were lit in a ceremonial lighting on Friday night (Jan 4) with Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim and ABS-CBN Foundation Managing Director Gina Lopez. 

Lopez and Lim expressed hope that the residents take care of the streetlights donated to their community. 

Estero de Paco is the 2.9-kilometer pilot estero rehabilitated by ABS-CBN Foundation's Kapit Bisig para sa Ilog Pasig (KBPIP) and Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission together with other partner agencies.

MARISA TOMEI’S 21ST CENTURY METHODS IN “PARENTAL GUIDANCE”

                Academy Award Winner Marisa Tomei stars alongside comedy legends Billy Crystal and Bette Midler in the heartwarming family comedy "Parental Guidance."

                Tomei plays Alice, daughter of Artie (Crystal) and Diane (Midler) who calls her parents for help to babysit their three children when she and husband Phil (Tom Everett Scott) had to go away for work.  Alice and Phil's parenting methods are miles apart from her parents which is Alice's significant concern.  Once left with the grandkids, unknown to the couple, Artie and Diane's old school methods of tough rules, lots of love and old fashioned games soon becomes a welcome part of their children's daily lives.

                Alice is a formidable taskmaster and is nothing less than the motor in her and husband Phil's household.  She's the consummate multi-tasker, lives to nurture, and will do whatever it takes – including wheedle, charm, joke – to keep everything running smoothly and stay connected to her kids.  "Like many moms, Alice keeps the calendar and cookies," Tomei says, in a bit of understatement.

                Alice's 21st century methods of raising her children are facilitated by the "smart house" technological marvels designed by Phil.  Everything in their home is fully automated and interactive, thanks to an artificial intelligence that programs everything from the kids' schedules to what they eat, and it's compatible with the DVR and coffee maker.  But for the technologically-challenged Artie, it's more like the menacing HAL 9000 computer of Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey…or worse. 

Bringing aboard Marisa Tomei to portray Alice was another big coup for the production.  The Oscar-winning actress is known for both her rich dramatic performances and sharp comedic turns, and she employs both aspects in her portrayal of a well-meaning, über-disciplined, New Age mom at odds with her dad's more relaxed and traditional parenting methods.  "Working with Marisa was like having a great dance partner," says Tom Everett Scott, who portrays Alice's husband, Phil.  Scott says that Phil has a more easygoing perspective on Artie and Diane babysitting his kids.  "Phil doesn't have that history with them that Alice has, of course," says the actor.  "He's able to take Artie and Diane's different approach to things, in stride."

"Marisa Tomei plays our daughter and she is fantastic. Marisa is a great actress. She actually auditioned for me 21 years ago as a young actress for a movie I was directing called MR. SATURDAY NIGHT. She was going to play my wife. She was so cute and so talented, but she was too young for that character. Then when I called her in about this film, she came in to see me, sat down and laughed and said: 'great, now I'm too old to play your daughter right?'  But we cast her and she's terrific as Alice.  She has a funny side and a sad side. She made sense as our daughter and I loved working with her," says Crystal. 

Marisa Tomei  continues to bridge the gap between rich, dramatic performances and smart, comedic turns.  Working with large studios or independent houses, Marisa consistently brings her independent spirit to every project with which she is involved. Marisa won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in "My Cousin Vinny," and earned her second and third Academy nominations for "In the Bedroom" and "The Wrestler."  Some of her movie credits include "Crazy, Stupid, Love," "Ides of March," "Lincoln Lawyer,"  "What Women Want," "Happy Accidents," "Anger Management," "The Guru," "Untamed Heart" and "Unhook the Stars."

Continuing the spirit of the holiday season, "Parental Guidance" opens January 16 in theaters nationwide in the Phils. from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

Kidlat premieres as an ‘epic movie’ on January 6

Get ready to welcome the newest superhero in Pinoy pop culture as TV5's new primetime drama Kidlat premieres on Sunday, January 6. Audiences will be treated to an action-packed episode as the series kicks off with a 90-minute epic movie special that takes the audience immediately to the heart of the action. Kidlat marks another first for both the network and star Derek Ramsay as the series debuts as a full-length movie. The series will then continue with its regular run starting on Monday, January 7.

Kidlat is helmed by acclaimed director Mike Tuviera and stars the best and brightest actors of our time, including Baron Geisler, Nadine Samonte, Wendell Ramos, Ritz Azul, Assunta de Rossi, Jay Manalo and multi-awarded actor Christopher de Leon.

Catch the Kidlat movie premiere on January 6 at 6:45PM, then follow the journey of this electrifying superhero every Monday to Friday at 6:45PM right after Aksyon only on TV5.

'Minute To Win It' is Coming to the Philippines

Do you think you can knock over a pyramid of beverage cans using rubber bands or pull all tissues out of a box one by one, using only one hand – all under 60 seconds? Complete tasks like these using everyday household items in less than one minute and you can win P1 million in ABS-CBN's newest game show "Minute to Win It."

From the international production company that brought you the local versions of "The Biggest Loser" and "MasterChef," "Minute to Win It" made waves in the United States and around the world for its highly addictive and nerve-wracking games that challenge ordinary people to hone their skills for a chance to change their lives. It has been franchised in 40 countries, including Australia, India, and the United Kingdom.

The Philippine version of "Minute to Win It" will be hosted by Luis Manzano. Contestants take part in a series of challenges that utilize readily available items, in less than 60 seconds each. With each level increasing in difficulty and cash prize, contestants will have to decide if they stop playing and take the money they've earned, or continue for a shot at P1 million.

Try-outs for the game show will open on January 7 and 8, 8AM at the ABS-CBN Center Road in Quezon City to people 18 years old and above. Interested participants are encouraged to practice at home the games mentioned above.

Challenges that also await participants also include fanning three raw eggs with a pizza box into a pre-designated area on the other side of the stage, stacking eight octagon bolts on top of each other using a barbecue stick to form a tower that must be freestanding for three seconds, tossing a water bottle and getting it to land upright on a table five feet away, and sucking candies with a straw and placing them one at a time on straws standing vertically.

Watch out for "Minute to Win It" this January on ABS-CBN. For updates on the program, visit www.abs-cbn.com.

STAR CINEMA DISTRIBUTES JACKIE CHAN'S "CHINESE ZODIAC"

Star Cinema will start the new year with a huge milestone as it distributes for the very first time a foreign movie titled "Chinese Zodiac" starred, produced, written and directed by no less than Asian superstar Jackie Chan. "Chinese Zodiac" is set to hit Philippine cinemas on January 30, 2013 (Wednesday). 

Reported to be Chan's last major action movie (although the actor clarified that he will still be working on films), "Chinese Zodiac" has recently made headlines being the highest grossing film ever in China, earning $34.6M in just four days. And come January next year, through the efforts of Star Cinema, Filipino moviegoers will get to see "Chinese Zodiac" ahead of the film's US release which is slated on the first or second quarter of 2013. 

"Chinese Zodiac" is a highly budgeted action-comedy-adventure masterpiece shot in eight countries. It tells the story of an adventurer and treasure hunter named JC (Chan) who travels the world to search for and retrieve all the stolen bronze heads of the 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac. 

"Chinese Zodiac" also stars Oliver Platt, Laura Weissbecker, Liao Fan, Yao Xing Tong, Zhang Lan Xin, and Korean heartthrob Kwon Sang-woo, who was well-loved by Filipinos through the hit Koreanovela "Stairway to Heaven." 

Don't miss Star Cinema's first ever international movie release, "Chinese Zodiac," to hit cinemas nationwide on January 30, 2013.