Miss America 2012 winner crowned

Miss Wisconsin Laura Kaeppeler was crowned the winner of Miss America 2012, the 91st Miss America pageant. Kaeppeler won a $50,000 scholarship grant and 1-year title run. She also took home an additional $2,000 in scholarship funds for her victory in the preliminary talent competition.

Kaeppeler was crowned after answering a question about whether or not Miss America should be allowed to declare a political affiliation.

“Miss America represents everyone, so I think the message to political candidates is that they represent everyone as well,” she said. “And so in these economic times, we need to be looking forward to what America needs, and I think Miss America needs to represent all.”

Miss Oklahoma Betty Thompson came in second while Miss New York Kaitlyn Monte placed third.

The coronation night was held at the Theatre for the Performing Arts at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas on January 14, 2012.

Here are the results of Miss America 2012:

Miss America 2012 - Miss Wisconsin Laura Kaeppeler
1st runner-up - Miss Oklahoma Betty Thompson
2nd runner-up - Miss New York New York Katilin Monte
3rd runner-up - Miss Arizona Arizona Jennifer Sedler
4th runner-up - Miss California - Noelle Freeman

Top 10

Miss Illinois Hannah Smith
Miss Iowa Jessica Pray
Miss Louisiana Hope Anderson
Miss Tennessee Erin Hatley
Miss Texas Kendall Morris

Top 15

Miss Alabama Courtney Porter
Miss Florida Kristina Janolo
Miss South Carolina Bree Boyce
Miss North Carolina Hailey Best
Miss Virginia Elizabeth Crot

Kate Beckinsale back as Selene in "Underworld 4"

Kate Beckinsale is back as Selene in "Underworld Awakening", the fourth installment in the "Underworld" film series.

Fans of the first two "Underworld" films are sure to be thrilled by the return of actress Kate Beckinsale in the role of the fearsome Vampire huntress Selene, in Columbia Pictures' 3D action-thriller “Underworld Awakening.” “We really wanted to work with Kate again,” says producer Gary Lucchesi. “Sometimes the stars just align themselves perfectly and this is one of those times.”

Beckinsale admits she thought twice about slipping back into the familiar skintight black latex suit before accepting the part again. “But it was a life-changing role for me, so I feel very affectionate towards it. It’s exciting to be able to follow a character over such a long period of time. It’s rare to get that chance.”

Tom Rosenberg, Lakeshore Entertainment chairman and CEO, says he’s thrilled to have Beckinsale in the film. “She is Selene, and Selene is the heart and soul of 'Underworld.'

Right from that first scene in the first film, she embodied the perfect tone.”

On set, it was clear she had lost none of the edge that made Selene an iconic figure in Underworld lore. “Kate can switch into Selene like that,” says co-director Mårlind, snapping his fingers. “She can be having a laugh, but when action’s called, she has those guns up and she looks like she’s going to kill you. She has a highway into Selene that is fantastic. As a director, it’s marvelous to have someone who is so close to their character.”

Revisiting the character and mythology that helped launch her career as a bona fide movie star was great fun for the actress. “It was exciting to do this together with the people who created the original film in a new environment with a different set of problems for Selene,” she says. “We all wanted a really fresh take and I think we’ve achieved that.”

The most unsettling change for Selene is finding that she has a daughter. “Suddenly being presented with a child who’s almost fully grown is a shock, especially when the girl’s father is gone,” says Beckinsale. “It’s quite a lot to handle. I wouldn’t say Selene is suddenly soft and maternal, but she’s protective in a new and different sort of way.”

After a centuries-long lifetime of being answerable to no one, Selene is only slowly able to embrace her daughter, says co-writer J. Michael Straczynski. “It brings out another side of her,” he notes. “In the previous movies, she was primarily focused on battling the bad guys. She was fighting against them, not fighting for someone, as she is now.”

The child opens up the character of Selene to a host of new possibilities and allows the character some emotional moments unlike anything in the previous films. “For the first time, there is a certain amount of vulnerability in Selene,” says producer Richard Wright. “She has an interplay with Eve that is very un-Selene like. Selene is very cold and nothing gets under her skin. She loves no one, she’s a killing machine—and then she has a daughter.”

Eve’s presence adds a new dimension to an already unique storyline, observes Beckinsale. “There aren’t very many female-led franchises, that work without being deliberately titillating or objectifying the lead character. I think that’s one of the great things about Selene becoming a mother, with all the attendant conflicts.”

Opening across the Philippines on Friday, Jan. 20 in IMAX 3D, Digital 3D and regular theaters, “Underworld Awakening” is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.

A Press Release

Coco Martin and Kris Aquino | C/o Lui Andrada

Coco Martin is set to guest on Kris Aquino's morning talk show KrisTV on Friday, January 13, 2012 (the first of the three Friday the 13th's this year). Apparently, Coco will be there to promote his upcoming teleserye, "Walang Hanggan", but for many fans, the guesting is quite interesting since the award-winning actor was predicted he will father Kris Aquino's child this year.

Coco had said in an interview that the prediction is impossible to happen.

"Parang pamilya na rin kasi ang turing sa akin ni Ms. Kris. Kumbaga, ate ko 'yan, e. Parang respeto ko 'yan, parang imposible. Sobrang malabo." Coco had told PEP.

In 2010, Coco's name surfaced during Kris Aquino's break-up with her former husband James Yap. He was romantically linked then to the actress-television host and identified as the cause of the split. Coco denied the rumors and was consistent in saying he treats Kris as his big sister.

Rachel Weisz in NAIA | C/o Recto Mercene

Academy Award-winning actress Rachel Weisz arrived in Manila Sunday night, several news sites reported.

Accompanied by 2 companions, Weisz landed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 at around 6:30 p.m. from Hong Kong on board a Cathay Pacific flight (CX 903).

The 40-year-old actress is in the country for the filming of the highly anticipated "Bourne Legacy" movie, the fourth installment of the "Bourne" film series.

According to Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Francis Tolentino, Weisz' husband and "James Bond" star Daniel Craig may visit his wife in Manila in the coming days.

“There are rumors that Daniel Craig would want to visit Rachel here, so that’s a possibility,” Tolentino was quoted as saying.

Meanwhile, aside from Weisz, "Bourne Legacy" lead actor Jeremy Renner had reportedly arrived in Manila last Saturday.

The filming of the movie, reports say, will start this week. The following streets will be closed off for the shoot: San Andres street (from Jan. 11 to 15); streets in Remedios (Jan. 18 and 19); San Andres corner Quirino and Taft Avenue (Jan. 14), areas in Intramuros (Jan. 25, Feb. 17 and 18); Jones Bridge (Feb. 5), and Ramon Magsaysay Boulevard (Feb. 8 to 15).

Forty-percent of the movie is going to be shot in the country.

Angeline Quinto lost her balance after climbing a platform and stepping on her dress during her performance in "ASAP 2012" on January 8, 2011. Angeline, who was performing Aegis'"Mahal na Mahal Kita", quickly said "Ay sorry!", stood up, and continued singing like nothing happened.

Check out a Youtube video of the incident below:

Angeline reportedly wept at the backstage after the performance. But several netizens in various networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook lauded the songstress for keeping it up.

Angeline Quinto, 22, was the grand winner of ABS-CBN's "Star Power: Search For The Next Female Pop Superstar" last year. She inked a deal with Star Records after winning the competition. Her debut album is now platinum-certified.

Charice, Jinkee Pacquiao and Karylle are gracing the covers of local magazine publications this month.

International singing sensation Charice can be seen on Preview Magazine, her most fashion-forward cover yet. Charice's Preview cover, however, has been criticized by some netizens for being too photoshopped. The magazine has admitted that computer program Photoshop was indeed used to enhance the singer's photo but was only a "minor detail."

Charice's Preview Magazine Cover for January 2012

Jinkee Pacquiao, the wife of boxing champ and legislature Cong. Manny Pacquiao, is on the cover of Mega. Like Charice's, Jinkee's Mega cover also had the online world buzzing for being edited. Jinkee did not deny that the final photo was altered but stressed that she did some preparations, which include going in a diet to look slimmer, for the shoot.

Jinkee Pacquiao Mega Magazive Cover for January 2012

Singer-actress Karylle is also a cover girl this January 2012. She is on Women's Health. Check it out below:

Karylle for Women's Health

Bea Alonzo, who recently revealed stripping some pounds off her weight, is gracing the cover of the January 2012 issue of Cosmopolitan Magazine.

Bea Alonzo covers Cosmopolitan Magazine's January 2012 issue

Through its cover story in this issue, Cosmopolitan wants its readers to be inspired by Bea Alonzo, who has a new bod, a new man, and a new outlook on life.

The issue also features articles about the diet mantras of Bea Alonzo, Judy Santos and Kate Middleton; maintaining a flawless skin all-year round; new wardrobe essentials for 2012; achieving your goals in 10 short-cut ways and many more.

The January 2012 issue of Cosmopolitan Magazine is now available in your favorite newsstands and stores. Copies bought from National Book Store, NBS, and NBS Express come with a trendy pouch freebie.

Also check out Bea Alonzo and Zanjoe Marudo's sexy Metro cover here: http://noypistuff.blogspot.com/2011/12/bea-alonzo-and-zanjoe-marudo-take-dare.html

Kristine Hermosa and Oyo Boy Sotto

Kristine Hermosa gave birth to a healthy baby girl Monday evening.

Kristine and her husband Oyo Boy Sotto named their baby Ondrea Bliss. According to Kristine, Ondrea means "strong and courageous" while Bliss means "unmeasurable joy."

Baby Ondrea Bliss was born at 11:49 p.m. via normal delivery. She weighed 5.9lbs upon birth.

Kristine and Oyo tied the knot in January this year in Club Balai Isabel in Talisay, Batangas after dating for about 5 years. The celebrity couple has a 3-year-old adopted son named Quiel.

Anne Curtis covers StarStudio's January 2012 issue

It has been a good year for sultry actress Anne Curtis. Anne's career soared to unprecedented heights this 2011. Several endorsements, a blockbuster movie, a record label which reached Platinum certification in just 2 months and an upcoming solo concert that has been looked forward by fans were among the many achievements of Anne this year. There is no wonder why Anne has been chosen by StarStudio as the "Celebrity of the Year" and featured on the magazine's January 2012 cover.

Anne herself admitted how 2011 turned out to be one of the best years in her career. Via her Twitter account, she said, "We found love is my song for all followers & fans! 2010 was a hard year for me but 2011 turned out to be one of the best years I've ever had and I have all of you to thank! Thank you For all the love & support! All the tweets and lovely messages! Thank you from the bottom of my heart."

But 2012 might just be as good or even a better year for Anne. Anne revealed that apart from her concert this coming year, she is also anticipating a reloaded album and a new endorsement she is very excited about. There will be more for sure.

Congratulations, Anne!

Bea Alonzo and Zanjoe Marudo prove that they're one of the hottest real-life couples in local show business right now by posing sexy on the cover of Metro Magazine's January 2012 issue.

On the cover, Bea Alonzo, who recently revealed losing 10 pounds of weight by following the so-called Cohen Diet, shows off her curves in one-piece swimsuit while beside her is her boyfriend actor-model Zanjoe Marudo who is flaunting his half-naked body.

Check out Bea and Zanjoe's Metro cover below:

Zanjoe Marudo and Bea Alonzo's Metro Magazine Cover - January 2012

Bea Alonzo, 24, and Zanjoe Marudo, 29, who are now on their 9th month of being a couple, are featured on the cover story titled "Dare To Bare".

Dubbed as the "The Body Issue", the January 2012 issue of Metro Magazine also features the Philippine Dragon Boat Federation team, Divine Lee and Victor Basa, Georgia and Arman del Rosario, Hideo Maraoka and Fatima Rabago and Daniel Matsunaga and Vanessa Matsunaga-Sunga.

KC Concepcion feeding a Bagyong Sendong survivor

KC Concepcion joined other local artists in distributing aid to the victims of Bagyong Sendong in Cagayan de Oro (CDO). KC was on an official visit as the national Ambassador Against Hunger of the United Nations World Food Programme. KC said their group went to CDO to give fortified food, water and other basic needs to the people affected by the storm.

KC also shared her experience in the areas devastated by Sendong.

"I was amazed how eerie it felt. It is quite depressing. It was ironically peaceful at the time that we went," KC told ANC.

"It is important to show them [Sendong victims] that they are not alone," she added.

The World Food Programme is also providing psycho-social debriefing to children to help them cope with the trauma brought on by the catastrophe.

Among the celebrities who had gone to the areas badly hit by Sendong to help in handing out relief goods were Kris Aquino, Angel Locsin, Anne curtis, Vice Ganda, Diether Ocampo, Sam Milby, Derek Ramsay and Nikki Valdez.

Meanwhile, according to the latest data from the National Disaster and Risk Reduction Council, the Sendong death toll has now rose to 1,100. And from just 51 yesterday, the number of missing individuals has drastically jumped to 1,079.

Angel Locsin, Direk Cathy Molina and John Lloyd Cruz*

"Imortal"  lead stars Angel Locsin and John Lloyd Cruz will be reuniting in an upcoming romantic-comedy flick this 2012.

Directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina, Angel and John Lloyd's new movie has been officially titled "Unofficially Yours". It will be released under Star Cinema this January 2012, according to reports.

"Unofficially Yours" is about two people who found themselves falling in love with each other despite being not ready to enter in a romantic relationship yet. In the movie, John Lloyd is portraying as Macky Galvez, a depressed young man who can't figure out the reason behind his failed relationships. Angel, meanwhile, is Ces, a modern-day woman who is afraid of committing herself into relationships.

Angel recently revealed that their movie is not just filled with the usual "kilig" and laughter of movies of this genre but it has a unique story and there are daring scenes as well.

“Iba siya, ibang story. Usually, hindi siya pinaguusapan, pero alam natin na nangyayari siya sa paligid natin. Very interesting yung topic.Tapos yung love scenes namin hindi naman siya yung tipong nakakainis panoorin. Sakto lang naman po. First time namin pareho gawin yung mga medyo maselang eksena dito sa pelikula.” she said.

Regarding their love scenes, John Lloyd said "Iisipin mo yun, ulit-ulitin mo. Nasa taas kami ng hagdanan nun ‘di ba? Simulan mo sa baba, tapos baba kayo ulit, ganon. Hunk [ako dito]. Gusto ko i-maintain lang yung body ko e. Mahirap lang talaga. Yun lang ang ma-i-o-offer namin ngayon. Sana abangan niyo.”

The tentative release date of "Unofficially Yours" will be on January 18, 2012.

*Photo courtesy of "Unofficially Yours" Facebook Page.

The Rhian Ramos - Mo Twister saga is not yet over...

Mo Twister and Rhian Ramos

Another controversial video was posted by "PrettyJenny55" on Youtube. If you can remember, the Youtube user is responsible for uploading the Mo Twister crying video titled "RepairedMovie.mov" which was widely talked about.

The new video named "Me and Mo.mov" now shows Rhian Ramos and Mo Twister making out and verbalizing their love to each other. The said video was online for some time on the video sharing site until the uploader deleted it after a while. It was then re-uploaded on the Youtube account of "cuteboi22". Check out the said video below:



Mo Twister had said he did not upload the first video and had appealed to the person in possession of his personal files to not upload any further videos that he and Rhian have made.

Robin Lim wins 2011 CNN Hero of the Year

Filipino-American midwife Robin Lim was named the 2011 CNN Hero of the Year in a star-studded ceremony Sunday evening at The Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, U.S.A.

"Ibu Robin" ("Mother Robin" in the local language) founded the Yayasan Bumi Sehat (Healthy Mother Earth Foundation) health clinics, which offers free maternal healthcare to thousands of poor women in Indonesia. Since 2003, Lim and her team have been working to combat the high maternal and infant mortality rates in the Asian country.

Fifty-four-year-old Lim was born to a Filipino mother and an American father and was raised in the Philippines.

"Every baby's first breath on Earth could be one of peace and love. Every mother should be healthy and strong. Every birth could be safe and loving. But our world is not there yet," Lim had been quoted saying.

The CNN Hero of the Year was chosen based on the results of a 11-week public vote on CNN's website. As the winner, Lim's cause received $250,000 in addition to the $50,000 that she and the rest of the top 10 CNN Heroes each received for making the top 10.

Now on its fifth year, the multi-platform campaign honors individuals from around the world who go an extra mile to help others. More than 10,000 submissions from over 100 countries were sent this year.

Two years ago, Filipino Efren Peñaflorida received the same recognition for his Kariton classroom project, which brought the classrooms to children in the streets.

Sam Pinto | Photo: The Filipina Beauty

Sam Pinto is celebrating her birthday with her fans this December 17, 2011! The "sexiest woman in the Philippines" is inviting her die-hard fans to come and be with her on that special day.

To be able to attend the party, a fan only need register by filling up a form provided HERE. The registration will end on Sunday, December 11, 2011, 11pm.

The event will take place at 7pm at a restaurant in Pasay City - details about the exact location will be emailed to those who will register. Sam will also be launching the Sam Pinto Circle during the event.

According to the online form which was posted on the official Facebook Fan Page of Sam, a fee of P350 per person will be collected on the event to defer the cost of the launch and other Sam Pinto Circle activities.

Sam Pinto (born Samuelle Lynne Acosta Pinto) will be turning 22 this Sunday, December 11, 2011. Hence, the event on December 17 is a post-birthday celebration.

Meanwhile, check out Sam's latest FHM cover here: http://noypistuff.blogspot.com/2011/12/sam-pinto-back-on-fhm-cover.html

Justin Bieber continues to spread the yuletide spirit through his latest visual for "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" lifted from his Christmas album, "Mistletoe", while Taylor Swift has released the music video of "Ours", the fifth single off of her multiplatinum-selling album, Speak Now.

Victoria Justice, meanwhile, does a ballad version of "You Are The Reason" in her new music video for the song which she dedicated to her mom. The single is part of the soundtrack of "Victorious."

Check out the said music videos below:

Justin Bieber - "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town"

Taylor Swift - '"Ours"

Victoria Justice - "You Are The Reason"

A fake music video of Adele's single "Set Fire To The Rain" has made its way online.

Adele look-alike Michelle Meredith featured on the fake "Set Fire To The Rain" music video

Aspiring director Andrew Vallentine released the nicely choreographed video which shows an Adele look-alike lip-syncing the song which made some fans think it's the real deal. The video was posted on Youtube Monday, December 5, 2011.

"Often touted as Adele's 'gay anthem', Set Fire to the Rain is the latest single off her smash-hit album, 21. The music video portrays a man struggling with his sexuality, while the girl in love with him fights to hold on as everything she thought she knew comes crashing down before her. The song speaks of a foolish love that's so hard to let go. This theme is not uncommon, most of us have been subjected to this type of unrequited love in some way, shape, or form. Whether gay or straight, single or taken, if you have not experienced this kind of pain, consider yourself one of the lucky ones." the video description reads.

Check out below the said fake Adele's "Set Fire To The Rain" below:

Miss Earth USA's Facebook Comment

Miss Earth USA 2011 Nicole Kelley allegedly posted on her Facebook account (Nicole Lynn) negative comments about her stay in Manila, Philippines where the Miss Earth 2011 pageant was held recently.

A screen capture of the said Facebook status is currently making the rounds in the interwebs and receiving both open-minded and violent reactions from Noypi netizens. Here's what it contains:

"I hardly made it to Manila and we already attended a ridiculous tv show. So annoying!!! These people want to touch you and be with you all the time!! I can’t understand a word they say. I can’t wait to go back home. This country is so dirty and noisy. I’m scared to eat!!! What a mess. On a lighter note I don’t see any real competition. Will keep you updated my loves," the status reads.

Nicole Kelley has denied posting the said remarks and said that her Facebook account may had been hacked or accessed by someone else without her permission. In this video posted on Youtube, Nicole Kelley explained the incident.


"...I wanted to address something that occurred earlier... which was brought to my attention. I was very disappointed about what was written as me but it wasn't me. I was out at a community center tour earlier when it was posted. But I want to make it clear that it's never okay to cyberbully anyone and as Miss Earth contestant we should be appreciating each other and making each other happy instead of tearing each other down. And I want to see from now on from everyone, the girls and the public included, a better camaraderie and a more positive outlook..." the Miss Earth 2011 contestant said.

The coronation night of the Miss Earth 2011 pageant was held last December 3, 2011 at the UP Theater in Diliman, Quezon City. Check out the names of the winners here: http://noypistuff.blogspot.com/2011/12/miss-earth-2011-winner-is-olga-alava-of.html

Sam Pinto has been chosen once again as the covergirl of the magazine that hailed her as the "Sexiest Woman in the Philippines" a few months ago, FHM Philippines.

Clad in a very sexy outfit and with hardened lava and volcanic ash as backdrop, Sam Pinto looks uber hot on the December 2011 cover of the magazine.

Check out Sam Pinto's cover below:

Sam Pinto for FHM Philippines

It is the second cover for Sam who posed for the magazine the first time in July 2010. The photo was shot by Xander Angeles, the same photographer who did her first FHM cover.

On December 11, 2011, Sam Pinto will be at the Robinsons Galleria Movieworld for her FHM autograph signing at 5-7PM.

Alodia Gosiengfiao is being featured on the December 2011 issue of Esquire Philippines.

Alodia Gosiengfiao for Esquire Philippines | Photo courtesy of Esquire

In this issue teaser video titled "Good Morning, Alodia", which was posted on Youtube recently, the cosplay goddess is being videotaped arising from bed and preparing her early morning coffee. There is nothing special about the video really. But if you're a fan of Alodia, you'll appreciate it because a clip like this with the gorgeous Alodia on it has not been made before.

Check out the said video of Alodia below:


With the great Manny Pangilinan on the cover, the December 2011 issue of Esquire Philippines is now available in your favorite stands and store.