When Mariel Rodriguez told the press that she is going for a vacation and talking a leave indefinitely, one major speculation entered people’s minds – she was pregnant!

But before people could further speculate and things get out of hand, she quickly dismissed speculations that she is leaving because she is pregnant. She said “I’m not pregnant.  I just really need a break.” She also revealed that she’ll actually be spending her vacation with Robin Padilla, “He’s going to be there … I don’t know if it’s destiny or timing,” she quipped.

When Mariel Rodriguez sat down for an interview with Bianca Gonzalez for Entertainment Live, she further talked about the big reason she was leaving “actually I’ve been asking for a vacation. Wowowee pa lang noon. I asked if I could have a birthday leave kahit mga two weeks lang. The first and second week of August. But I was denied because nag-start kami ng Win na Win.”

 “I’m taking a risk. It is a risk kasi hindi ko alam kung ano pa ang mababalikan ko. Sana makabalik pa rin ako sa ginagawa ko. But I’m really happy. I don’t regret the decision I made. Finally I’m doing something for myself,” she continued.

The sudden romance between Mariel and Robin actually began when Robin became a substitute for Willie Revillame as host of Wowowee. Well we all know Robin’s reputation when it comes to women, let’s see …. There’s Kris Aquino, Vina Morales, and Sharon Cuneta … But of course, I’m sure there’s more to that list. Regardless of this, Mariel has accepted his past. “It’s not an issue. My first impression was, bad boy siya, maraming babae. Pero nung nakilala ko siya, hindi eh. He was so much more. Sobra siyang matalino. Ang lalim niyang tao.”

At the moment, she is not putting a label on her relationship with Robin, all she can say is that she’s really happy right now. “Ito na ‘yung pinakamasaya ko … I thought hindi na uso ‘yung pag-open ng door sa car. He’s rather die than let me open the door. Bababa siya talaga para i-open ‘yung door for me.”

“Ayokong mag-regret. ‘Di ba that’s how girls are? We are willing to give anything. Kapag ako ay nagmahal … Kailangan i-enjoy lang namin ang kasalukuyan. Ganun naman ‘yun. wherever the road will take us.”

So the big question is, is there an upcoming marriage between Mariel and Robin in the near future?

When Mariel was asked if during her vacation she and Robin are planning to get hitched – well she said that it’s actually not impossible to happen. “I will just go where life takes me … Bahala na si Batman… Oh bahala na si Robin! Let’s see pagbalik ko. Pagbalik ko chichikahin ko kayo. Robin said na kapag kami nagpakasal hindi namin isisikreto. Sasabihin namin. We will be proud,” she joked.

So her final message before she leaves?

 “Just be happy for me because I’m really happy.”

The ever popular TV drama, Neighbours is about to reach an extraordinary 6000 episodes. Neighbours premiered in Australia on the 18^th of March 1985 on channel 7 however, after less than 12 months later the show was cancelled. Thankfully, rival channel 10 picked up the show and the Ramsey street crew have been part of the channel 10 family since then. Neighbours is now regarded as one of the most successful TV shows ever made and has been syndicated all around the globe.

I suggest you tune in for the 6000^th episode which sees characters Donna Freedman (Margot Robbie) and Ringo Brown (Sam Clark) getting married. Even though Neighbours has been running for such a long time, I doubt its coming to an end anytime soon because it’s just as popular as ever!

Here are some interesting Neighbours facts for all you fans out there (and even for all you guys out there who don’t like to admit it!)

* Ian Smith has played Harold Bishop since 1987. He is the longest serving member of the Neighbours cast.

* Neighbours is the longest running drama series in Australian TV history.

* Helen Daniels, who played Anne Haddy was the longest running character until she unfortunately had to leave due to poor health.

* The very famous Kylie Minogue wanted to return to the show as her previous character Charlene Robinson for the 20^th anniversary episode however her busy music schedule didn’t allow for this- What a shame, I would’ve loved to have seen her return!

* Many of Australia’s successful musicians and actors careers have been launched including Guy Pearce, Russel Crowe, Radha Mitchell, Delta Goodrem, Jason Donovan, Natalie Imbruglia, Holly Valance and of course Kylie Minogue.

* Ramsey Street was named after the grandmother of the original character Max Ramsey (Francis Bell).

* All the houses of Ramsey Street are all REAL homes of Pink Oak Court, South Vermont. The residents of this street allow Neighbours to shoot external scenes in their front and backyards including their garages on the odd occasion. The show has used this street since 1985 and therefore is now a major tourist attraction.

* The rivalry between Sydney and Melbourne meant the scripts did not mention that Erinsborough was located in Melbourne until after 1994.

Image Source: http://media.onsugar.com/files/2010/07/29/1/485/4852708/5bf22f7ba56b0ecf_Neighbours_Logo.jpg, http://media.onsugar.com/files/2010/07/30/4/258/2589278/00043ed671f27cd6_neighbours.jpg

Image Source: http://www.shoppingblog.com/pics/hot_in_cleveland_promo.jpg

Attending the premiere for her latest movie, The Switch, Jennifer Aniston hit the red carpet earlier this week. This actress with the oomph was seen in a strapless Lanvin dress. Looking as gorgeous as she normally does, Aniston stated that the topic of her latest movie has caused a dialogue to appear in the social circles because it addresses a very pertinent subject.

Jennifer Aniston at the premier of 'The Switch' courtesy Hollywood.com

The Switch is a story about a single mother who decides to have a baby on her own. Unmarried and 40 years of age, Kassie (Jennifer Aniston) decides to use the sperm donor method to have a baby much against the wishes and suggestions of Wally (Jason Bateman) who tries everything to keep her from doing this. At the last minute however, the sperms gets switched, a switch that is discovered seven years later.

Humorous and funny in an offbeat manner, The Switch is a movie that seems to have gotten people talking about this option that women have. Jennifer Aniston does ‘salute’ single mothers irrespective whether it is their choice or not.

Scheduled to release this Friday on August 20, the initial reviews of the movie indicate that the characters in the film are not well defined and that Aniston and Bateman do not share any chemistry at all. Even though Thomas Robinson as the young saucer eyed seven year old has acted well, the whole thing does not come across as funny.

The plot of the movie is something that can only happen in romantic comedies and nothing close to real life. But then, it is a great escape for an hour and a half of laughter and fun, especially for Aniston fans.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows courtesy Warner Bros

Even though there are still about 3 months to go before the movie officially released on November 19, 2010, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I is already in the news. Directed by David Yates and based on the first part of the last of the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, this movie is eagerly awaited by fans.
The story follows Harry Potter and his 2 friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger in the quest for the remaining horcruxes, a task that Dumbledore left Harry before he died on the Astronomy Tower. Even though Dumbledore has set them the task, they must pursue the quest for horcruxes on their own without the guidance of the professor and without confiding the secret to any of the members of the Order of the Phoenix.

As the Death Eaters take over the ministry, Harry becomes the Undesired One from the Chosen One. As Harry, Ron and Hermione move onwards in their quest for the small fragments of Voldermort’s souls (horcruxes), they also come across the tale of the deathly hallows. Harry must now choose between pursuing the hallows versus the horcruxes and he chooses wisely.

The secret that Dumbledore suspected many years ago is revealed when Harry realizes that he is actually one of the horcruxes himself, the last that was unknowingly created on the day the Dark Lord tried to kill him.
Part II of the movie is scheduled to be released in July 2011 and the decision was taken to ensure that the richness, detailing and depth of the ideas and information in the book are preserved. Fan, no doubt, will appreciate this move, something that leaves them with more to look forward to after the release of part I.

The latest reality television series to hit Fox8 is Pineapple Dance Studios. This tv show is based around quirky characters of a very famous London Dance studio known for producing some of the best dancers to hit the stage. The dance classes are run by the infamous founding millionaire Debbie Moore who has the ability to make or break one’s career. This TV series also stars the outrageous and hilarious Louie Spence, ‘the ready-made pop star Andrew Stone and top choreographer, Mark Battershll. Like most reality television, Pineapple Dance studios is packed full of bitching and gossiping which is sure to generate lots of drama and entertainment!

The television series gives you VIP access into the lives of the teachers, pupils and the staff at the studios as they attend auditions, rehearsals and performances. The reality show will capture every performance, won’t miss a movement and will show you all the drama as it unfolds. At the studios,  roughly 200 classes take place every week, covering over 30 styles of dance which is taught and choreographed by some of the world’s best professional dancers. Through a new style of documentary filmmaking we see the lines blurring between documentary and comedy with a whole load of drama thrown in guaranteed to entertain you and make you laugh.

My favourite person on the show is the super-camp director, Louie Spence who is this hilarious gay guy who enjoys taking the mickey out of himself. In one episode I was watching he got the camera crew to follow him up to the roof where he then questions his decision out loud wondering if he would get arrested for trespassing. He was asking himself “are they going to shoot me? I doubt it. They’ll have to catch me first- I’m like a whippet!” Now this is just a taste of what’s in store for you, there is plenty more where that came from so tune in to Fox8 on Mondays at 8:35pm.

But be warned: it is highly addictive so don’t say I didn’t warn you!

CHECK OUT the video below for a preview of Pineapple Dance Studios:

Image Source: http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Media/Pix/pictures/2010/3/1/1267444651356/Pineapple-Dance-Studios-001.jpg, http://skyplayer.sky.com/SVOD/SKYENTERTAINMENT/IMAGES/P/Pineapple%20Dance%20Studios/L_PineappleDanceStudios_generic_4.jpg

This year will be diverse in sound, but united in purpose. Bands and acts will tease and excite everyone with their sweet melodies and thumping distorted mayhem! From DJ beats and pop, to psychedelic tunes and rock, it will be a journey from chilled and relax, to a jumping and head banging frenzy. All for a good cause!
…WHAT: Live + Loud 2010: ‘Diverse in Sound, United in Purpose’

WHERE: @ the Basement, Blacktown
WHEN: Aug 28, Doors open 6pm
COST: $10 pre-sale tix $12 at the door

Performers:

• 8 Rays
• Escapade
• Atomik Circus
• Cosa Nostra
• Running out of Reasons
• Couch
• The Impressionists
• DJ Cbay
Live + Loud started in 2008 and aims to raise much needed funds for the volunteers of the upcoming Gawad Kalinga Youth’s Great Adventure Tour Program (GKYGAT) in their mission to help the poor of the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, and Cambodia. Last year we raised around $3,000 and $1,700 in 2008. So hopefully this year will be even bigger and louder than the previous years!

Check out the teaser video on YouTube with snippets of last years’ event http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOWTQtrIyQ4

**All door proceeds go to the program and the villages the volunteers will be building in**
Contact Carla (0410137470) and Marie (0410947957) on gkygat@gkyouth.org for tickets and other enquires

If you would like to get involve in the GKYGAT Program or know more about Gawad Kalinga and its mission, please visit http://www.gk1world.com/homelogged or send us a note on gkygat@gkyouth.org
— Land for the landless. Homes for the homeless. Food for the Hungry —

A quick analysis of the specific diets that were searched on the Internet towards the end of the year 2009 indicated the following at the toppers.

Top diets for 2010

Image: Michal Marcol / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

1. Jesus diet
2. Diabetic diet
3. Atkins diet
4. Mediterranean diet
5. Gluten free diet
6. Cabbage soup diet
7. HCG diet
8. South Beach diet
9. Acai Berry diet
10. Biggest loser diet

While the Jesus diet would amaze some, it has been around for some time now. The diet is based on the concept that we should not be eating what was not part of the diet when Jesus was around. And in a way this diet is a variation of the Mediterranean diet since it is estimated that Jesus ate a Mediterranean-style diet that included wholesome, unprocessed foods as pr the Jewish food laws.

As per the diabetic diet, it must be the increasing number of people who are suffering from Type II diabetes that are keeping this diet at no. 2.

Another thing that amazes us when we look at this list is that the Atkins diet still appears at no. 3 when one would have thought that the diet had been checked out, torn to pieces, revitalized again and set aside again. But it seems that the omnipresent Atkins is here to stay.

Despite the insipid taste of cabbage and the cabbage soup recipe that is suggested in the Cabbage Soup diet, this starvation diet has held its stead at no. 6 and one wonders how many people will fall prey to this gimmick before they realize that they are beginning to look haggard and not slimmer.

The acai berry diet based on this exotic berry from the forests of Brazil is just beginning to make its mark in the world full of obese people who do not want to move a muscle. And one wonders whether the Biggest Loser diet is to lose the maximum amount of weight or for the biggest loser himself.

The latest MasterChef series may have finished, but let’s face it - it’s still on the minds of everyone so I thought I would update you all with some Master goss and facts. 

Firstly, have you heard the news about MasterChef…. the US has created ‘MasterChef USA’ which will be home to judge and host Gordon Ramsey along with fellow judges, chef Graham Ellliot and  restaurant owner, Joe Bastianich. Hmmm …. Looks like Masterchef is set the conquer the rest of the world!

 In recent news, MasterChef winner Adam has spoken out about how he is camera shy and is not sure about how he feels about all the attention. Well before he graced the MasterChef show he was actually homeless and swapping between his friends spare rooms and couches – and now everybody in Australia knows his name! He has gone from a nobody to a somebody in a matter of a few months so I guess that would be very daunting.

In a recent interview for NW Magazine, Adam talked about his quiet and reserved girlfriend Asami - on how she will possibly cope when she moves over to Australia from Japan. Adam said “she is a very private person, so I don’t know how she’ll deal with being stared at as much as I get stared at these days!”

And have you ever wondered how Callum got that scar on his face? Well here’s a fact for you, ten years ago Callum fell through a glass table which left him with 27 stitches on his cheek and a good story to tell as an ice-breaker.

And now for the top 10 Master facts;

• Matt Preston smashed 1 plate
• Each contestant had 4 aprons in their wardrobe
• Marion Grasby won 5 challenges
• Johnathan Daddia faced 9 eliminations
• 150 mystery boxes served up over the course of the season
• 55 ingredients were used in Christine Manfield’s spice-roasted squab and turnip cake Pressure Test dish
• 130 people are in the MasterChef crew
• 1500 hours of filming over 28 weeks were used to shoot the MasterChef season
• 101, 037 the amount of times MasterChef’s most popular recipe, Creme brulee has been downloaded from the website
• 192 oysters were shucked in the oyster terrine Pressure Test

Image source: http://snarkerati.com/tv-news/files/2010/07/adam_callum_masterchef_australia.jpg

FIRST IMPRESSIONS LAST – this is the MOST OUTSTANDING truth in the dating field.

Therefore you should always put your best foot forward and strive to make a GREAT first impression.

Hey, you never know, maybe the person you meet that one day at a party is that one person you’ve been waiting for all your life. So isn’t it only fitting that you always strive to make a great first impression?

By the way, when I say make a great impression I’m not implying that you should go lease a Limo, get a big-ass diamond necklace, wear a Victoria’s Secret lingerie underneath your blouse, and then make references to your *gasp* “talent agent.” You don’t need to blow your own trumpet to make a great first impression, you just need to put forth the BEST you out there.

The problem with most women these days is that most of them assume that being a curvy Victoria’s Secret supermodel or a SKELETAL Calvin Klein model is the only way to make that “Wow” impact on someone.

REALITY CHECK: Women don’t actually LOOK like that in real life.

Those pictures of models that you see in various Vogue and Cosmopolitan magazines with their perfect faces and perfectly toned bodies are in fact the creation of a 20 crew makeup team and a big team of Photoshop experts.

The reality?

Most of these super hot models and actresses you see on magazines and billboards are usually trying to compensate for something in their lives. It’s usually something like she used to be teased as a beach whale when she was a kid or she’s very insecure of her body or she has depression issues because of her low self esteem or all she wants is to fit in society. . . and so on and so forth.

Bottom line: Always striving to be a perfect 10 model is nothing but a recipe for an UNSATISFYING life.

You don’t need to look like a waify supermodel or a glamazon for that matter to make a great first impression, you just have to be witty, unpredictable and fun to be around with – BE YOUR BEST SELF.