Philippine Fashion Ball (1)

Lovely in black... Miss Universe 2010 4th Runner-Up Venus Raj 

Gretchen Barretto sometimes has a different flair for fashion.

Bubbles Paraiso spotted here at the Philippine Fashion Ball. Bubbles was once in a controversy over an altercation with Jewel Mische, who is now a Kapamilya star.

Dimples Romana

Mom and I met Dimples Romana during the taping days of "Lobo." She is truly a sweet and nice person. We're actually happy to see Dimples in so many projects after her Trixie stint in "Lobo." I think she's even more visible than her other co-stars in said project. Dimples starred in "Agua Bendita," "Mara Clara," among others. She is a fine actress and deserves really good projects. 

Kris Bernal

Kris Bernal is one of my Kapuso favorites.I simply find her cute and liked her tandem with Aljur Albrenica. However, I believe the two are already working on separate projects with other partners. Kris is on "Time of My Life," GMA Network's first danceserye, with Mark Herras and Rocco Nacino.

Liezel Garcia

Liezel Garcia was my bet to win, or at the very least place third, during their stint at the Pinoy Dream Academy 2. I remember she was a consistent weekly placer that time. She clearly has the talent and the singing voice. I was disappointed when she only finished fourth. I hope that Liezel would be given more breaks by her mother studio. But I'm quite happy that her single "Gisingin Ang Puso" is the soundtrack of Koreanovela "Pure Love" (49 Days).

Ruffa Gutierrez

I actually almost forgot to include Ruffa Gutierrez, the former Ms. World 1993 2nd Princess. Her move to TV5 was talked about because of her supposed misunderstanding with Queen of Media Kris Aquino, but it seems the two have already patched things up. Ruffa's Philippine comeback was quite controversial a few years back as she claimed to be a battered wife of ex-husband Ylmas Bektas. Ruffa was also linked to John Lloyd Cruz a few years back when the two worked together on the Philippine remake of "Betty La Fea." They were even spotted shopping together while in the U.S. However, all talks eventually died down and both went on with their respective careers. Just recently, Ruffa's name is coming up once again as the cause of the rocky relationship between John Lloyd and current girlfriend Shaina Magdayao. 

Jennylyn Mercado

Jennylyn Mercado is a GMA-7 Kapuso network star. She was the winner in the first season of Starstruck, a reality TV talent search. From there she has appeared in major TV shows and movies produced by the Kapuso network. Her breakup with ex-boyfriend Patrick Garcia, with whom she has a son, was pretty controversial a few years back. She has since made a comeback in her acting and singing career. Her breakup with Dennis Trillo was also talked about, but the two kept mum about the issue. Recently, she is being linked to Luis Manzano.

Nikki Valdez and Beauty Gonzalez

Nikki Valdez is a familiar face on local TV as well as the big screen. A homegrown talent of ABS-CBN Kapamilya channel. She took a hiatus when she got married and had a baby. Now she's back and has appeared on "Imortal." She co-stars with Vice Ganda in his upcoming movie "Praybeyt Benjamin." I love the short hair and she looks absolutely fabulous in this picture. (Star Magic Ball 2011)

Beauty Gonzalez is the 4th grand placer of Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition Plus. I remember watching her on "Alyna" where she played the role of Shaina's best friend. That was actually a good role and showed her comedic side. Just like Nikki V., I like her short hair. (Star Magic Ball 2010)

Bianca Manalo

Bianca Manalo represented the Philippines in the 2009 Ms. Universe Beauty Pageant held in Bahamas. Although she didn't bag any major awards, she was supported and cheered on by the Filipino communities here and abroad. Since her Ms. Universe stint, Bianca has already joined local Philippine showbiz and even starred in her own TV show, "Juanita Banana." I remembered watching bits and pieces of the show and found it funny and entertaining. She is now one of the hosts of "Happy Yipee Yehey." Bianca's latest controversy includes being linked to co-host John Pratts.

Marian Rivera

GMA Kapuso network has its own share of rising stars. Shown here is Marian Rivera who was catapulted to fame when she was cast as Marimar (the remake of the original Mexican telenovela by Thalia). Since Marimar, she has starred on various projects that included Darna and Dyesebel. She now stars on GMA TV as Amaya.

Helga Krapf and Isabelle Abiera/Max Collins

Helga Krapf has been around ABS-CBN Kapamilya network since Star Circle Quest days. Although she didn't bag any major win during that time, she's been seen around TV shows playing second lead and sometimes even antagonist roles. Helga was seen escorted by JM De Guzman in this year's Star Magic Ball. Her other photo was taken last year. I wonder when this pretty lass will be given more attention.

The artist formerly known as Isabelle Abiera has now returned as Max Collins. Max is now under the care of PPL Entertainment Inc. Like Helga, she's also starred on various TV shows in the Kapamilya network. This time around, she is relaunching her career under a new manager and network. I hope she will shine this time around.

Melai Cantiveros

 

Melai Cantiveros is also called the Princess of the Masses after winning in the fifth season of Pinoy Big Brother. It is no wonder as this lass from GenSan is a natural comedienne. She could be quite funny and actually makes a good host on "I Dare You." Melai and real-reel sweetheart Jason Francisco met as contestants in PBB. Their loveteam is popularly known as Melason. I would say both are lucky too as they were able to star in their own movie and TV show. Melai is also seen daily as one of the hosts of "Happy Yipee Yehey" and as one of the casts of "Banana Split."

Toni G, Bianca G, and Mariel R. (PBB Ladies)

I have previously featured these three lady hosts of Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) separately. Here are some of the lovely pictures of the three lady hosts: Toni Gonzaga, Bianca Gonzales, and Mariel Rodriguez.

Bianca Gonzales

Bianca Gonzales is one of TV's finest hosts. I'm glad she's back on E-live when SNN was removed from nightly TV. Bianca became known as part of the Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) hosts together with Toni Gonzaga and Mariel Rodriguez. I believe PBB will be back on TV soon. It would be good to see Bianca as one of the hosts again. I wonder when Bianca will give acting a shot? Now that's something to look forward to.

Jodi Sta. Maria

Star Magic Ball 2011

Jodi Sta. Maria is truly one of the finest actresses that I enjoy watching on TV. Gone are the teeny bopper days and emerged is a really great actress who truly deserves an acting award. I remember her striking performances on "Walang Kapalit" with Claudine Barretto and Piolo Pascual and "Patayin sa Sindak si Barbara" as the vengeful ghost of Ruth. Currently, it is good to see Jodi back playing Sophia on "100 Days."

Assunta de Rossi and Alessandra de Rossi

Assunta de Rossi is a Filipina-Italian actress. A sexy star in her early days, she has moved on to become a Congressional spouse, married to Congressman Jules Ledesma. She recently made a comeback on the TV screen and is playing a role in "Maria La Del Barrio" (a remake of the Mexican telenovela originally by Thalia) on primetime TV.

Alessandra de Rossi, or Alex as she is sometimes called, is Assunta's younger sister. Alex has equally gained a good reputation as a good actress. She is mostly typecast in an antagonist role, however. I guess nobody does it better than Alex. Seen here when she was invited to attend the Cannes Festival when "Busong" the indie film directed by Auraeus Solito was chosen to be part of the Cannes Directors’ Fortnight (Quinzaine des Réalisate urs) section of the world’s most prestigious film festival. Alex is back with GMA Network where she starred in "Sinner or Saint."

Sarah Geronimo

The list of Philippine celebrities won't be complete without Popstar Princess Sarah Geronimo. Sarah not only performs well, but she dresses up gorgeously each time. I do watch out for her when she performs on ASAP Rocks, esp. when she's dressed up. Her gowns are really beautiful.

Sarah wore this gown in one of her concerts on stage. This was featured on Stylebible.ph. I really love seeing Sarah in her gowns. I wonder what her wardrobe closet looks like. I have yet to see Sarah in a gown that doesn't wow me!

Sarah's all grown-up in this feature on Preview magazine. If you are a true blue Popster, you've probably followed her career from her teeny bopper days. I think Sarah has transformed into a lady. She did handle herself well amidst the controversy with Cristine Reyes over Rayver Cruz.

Sarah in a yellow gown in one of her live concerts. This was I believe in GenSan. We've seen Sarah in a number of movies that did well in the box-office. "A Very Special Love" & "You Changed My Life" with John Lloyd Cruz were pretty good movies. Her latest is the movie with Gerald Anderson "Catch Me… I’m In Love." I believe a second movie is in the works too. Well, romance comedies are fun to watch and they fit the popstar princess. But the question that remains on her fans' mind is when will Sarah meet her prince?

Rica Peralejo and Iya Villania

Former "Umagang Kay Ganda" host Rica Peralejo attended this year's Star Magic Ball sporting this stunning red gown. A sexy actress in her earlier years, Rica has not been active much since she got married. Perhaps she'll get back on tv when she finishes her schooling.

Lovely in a classic look, Iya Villania is one of the latest addition to morning show "Umagang Kay Ganda." She's also seen in the afternoon show "I Dare You" which will soon go into Season 2. Plus, she's also one of the regulars every Sunday on ASAP Rocks. I believe she's also a MYX VJ together with Nikki Gil. Australia-born Iya made famous her slang version of "hello" that sounded like "haller."

Pokwang

I think comediennes like Pokwang have all the fun! They get to be funny yet dress up to be elegant as the rest of the belles of the ball! I actually like her sense of style and the funny get ups she would have on her daily noontime show. There truly is never a dull moment when Pokwang is around.

Kaye Abad

It's good to see Kaye Abad make a comeback after quite some time. I liked her character Pepper on Precious Hearts Romances. I wonder what happened to the Kaye Abad - Guji Lorenzana loveteam that was cooked up as a result of the romance series? KayJi as the tandem is fondly called should make another comeback. I think the last time I watched Kaye was as antagonist to Shaina Magdayao on Alyna. I think she did a great job there and hope she'll be given more challenging projects.