Jessica Soho Retires as GMA-7 VP for News

Next Phase. Veteran journalist Jessica Soho retires as GMA executive. She will, however, keep her shows. Photo by State of the Nation's Facebook page

Source: www.rappler.com

Veteran journalist Jessica Soho has retired from her post as the first vice president for news programs of GMA Network Inc, the television network announced Tuesday, July 1.

She will, however, remain to be a Kapuso. With her retirement as GMA executive, Soho will now focus on newsmaking. She will continue to host her award-winning news magazine programsKapuso Mo, Jessica Soho on GMA-7 and Brigada on GMA News TV, and anchor the nightly news show State of the Nation on GMA News TV.

“I can never thank the network enough for everything it has given me and my family. I especially thank all my mentors – my bosses and cameramen in our old newsroom as well as my colleagues now – fellow managers, producers, reporters, talents and crews for the opportunity to lead them. It has been a great honor and privilege working with the best in the industry,” Jessica said.

“Although I am retired from my position, I will always be a proud member of GMA News and Public Affairs, “ she added.

Soho served all 30 years of her journalism career with the Kapusonetwork. She started out as a news reporter in the 1980s until she rose to become a production news manager in 2000, acting news director in 2002, vice president for news in 2004, vice president for news programs in 2008, until she was promoted as first vice president for news programs in 2013.

It was under her watch when GMA News launched its primetime newscast, 24 Oras, a program that provided stiff competition to the long-running TV Patrol from rival network ABS-CBN.

Soho said she is "most proud of the fact" that the credibility of GMA News "became even stronger" under her leadership.

GMA-7 has yet to announce Soho's replacement.

Movements

This is the latest in movements in the newsroom and the boardroom of the broadcasting giant.

In April, prizewinning journalist Howie Severino stepped down as GMA-7's vice president for multimedia journalism and editor in chief of GMA News Online. He was later appointed as vice president for professional development.

In June, GMA announced it was selling 30% of the company to the billionaire chief of San Miguel Corporation, Ramon Ang.

The deal with Ang came after years of failed negotiations between GMA and the group of businessman Manuel Pangilinan.

Pres. Aquino Cites 'Drug Use' for Nora Aunor Snub

The esteemed actress is not part of the final announcement of honorees of the National Artist title. Photo from Wikimedia Commons

Source: www.rappler.com

President Benigno Aquino III finally spoke out on the non-conferment of the National Artist title to award-winning actress Nora Aunor, citing her drug conviction as the reason for the snub.

The actress got a big number of votes from her peers in various artistic fields who participated in the rigid, 3-phase selection process, stirring controversy when Aunor was dropped from the list of awardees.

On Tuesday, July 1, Aquino explained his decision in response to questions at a news conference in Clark Freeport, Pampanga, saying he did not want to send a message that drug use is acceptable.

"My only problem – we all know I respect Ms. Nora Aunor – was her drug conviction," Aquino admitted. "She was convicted and punished, and the question here is: if we make her a National Artist, is there a message we are sending to the people?

Aquino was referring to Aunor's arrest in 2005, when she was stopped at the Los Angeles International Airport for alleged possession of drugs paraphernalia and illegal drugs eventually identified as methamphetamine.

Contrary to Aquino's statements however, Aunor was eventually cleared in 2007, after she went through a rehabilitation program, and after her drug test came out negative.

Aquino said an award for Aunor may send a mixed message to the Filipino people.

"I don't want there to be a message that sometimes, llegal drugs is okay or acceptable. The message I want to send is it is always bad and illegal drugs do nobody any good," he said.

"We have zero tolerance for drugs. It is wrong all the time."

The President clarified he respects Aunor's achievements in Philippine cinema, even mentioning that his late father, former senator Benigno Aquino Jr, was a fan of the actress. Unfazed by critics, he also said had he awarded Aunor the prestigious honor, he would have been criticized by groups questioning her qualifications as a role model.

It is not the first time for Filipinos to question their President’s final decision on the roster of National Artists. In 2009, then-president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo removed musician Ramon Santos from the line-up of 4 nominees, and added 4 more names to the final list of National Artists: Cecille Guidote-Alvarez, filmmaker Carlo Magno Jose Caparas, architect Francisco "Bobby" Mañosa, and fashion designer Jose "Pitoy" Moreno.

This was brought to the Supreme Court, which unanimously invalidated Arroyo's decision in 2013.

The other 3 artists who were part of the original shortlist in 2009 were validated: Manuel Conde (Cinema), Lazaro Francisco (Literature), and Federico Aguilar Alcuaz (Visual Arts).

The National Artist title is a special rank conferred on Filipinos in recognition of their significant contributions to the nation’s culture and the arts in various categories, including “Music, Dance, Theater, Visual Arts, Literature, Film and Broadcast Arts, and Architecture or Allied Arts,” according to Gov.ph.

The nominees are prepared by the NCCA and CCP, then approved and signed by the President, who confers the honors via presidential proclamation.

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The Wrecking Boy

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Just like a domino effect, the riches of Eccentric Personality EP are falling down, one by one, faster than the blink of an eye, so to speak. Observers noted that no amount of denials from EP’s camp can make the public believe that EP is liquid and that he is not ailing financially. Surely the nosy public would know better… will likely believe more on what they see over what they hear from the camp of EP.

Since early last year, talks were abuzz that EP had been selling his properties one after the other in hopes to stay liquid and minimize losses. At the rate his riches go, EP has already been prejudged by the public - certainly, there are no sympathies forthcoming. In fact, some of his colleagues and even suppliers are one in saying that EP deserves what he’s getting. All told, EP’s demeanor seems to be his biggest liability.

Heard from a very reliable source that the latest casualty of his selling spree is the house where he lives, a mansion located in an Upscale Subdivision US in the metro. On hearing the news, the US community was reportedly relieved and couldn’t be happier that EP is moving out soon. Turns out, EP, their neighbor for years, had been a pain in the butt for too long.

Reportedly, since he took residency in US, EP frequently broke the rules and regulations by the US association. For example, EP never observed the speed limit as strictly enforced in the community. He was always driving his cars fast, totally unmindful of the anxiety and safety of his fellow residents. Some of his cars were often parked out on the street which was another security no-no. EP continued to defy measures despite numerous reminders from the US association. Now that he is reportedly getting ready to leave, talks have it that he is also selling some units in his expensive car collection, including the priciest one.

At any rate, the source revealed EP won’t be missed – as there's definitely no love lost. In fact, majority of the residents are rejoicing at the thought that EP will be finally out of their sight soon. He was such an unwanted resident. They quipped that for the most part, in spite of his fun-loving public image, EP was not a good villager, he just didn’t care, was never involved in the community and any of its numerous activities ever since. Ergo, his forthcoming departure looks like a celebration. Reportedly, one resident even declared, “ Let’s party!”

“ Every man has three characters: that which he shows, that which he has, and that which he thinks he has.“ ~ Alphonse Karr

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Letter from a Reader: Did 'Marian' Meet the Public Expectation?

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Dear Fashion Pulis,

I watched the pilot episode of "Marian" in hopes that this could be the project that could label Marian as a multimedia star. But to my dismay, it was just a disappointment. I share the same sentiment with some people who say that if the show continues to be that boring, it will not last. There was really nothing new and interesting about it. The presence of Vilma Santos and Maricel Soriano just added to the glitter, but there was really nothing in there.

First off, I'm not a Marian fan but I believe that she can carry a whole show. Some may argue with me but I think Marian has the talent, the charm and the wit. But sadly the pilot episode was a bore.

If it's not too much, I'd like to share some points which I think that Marian and the creative team of the show may want to consider:

1. Make Marian talk

If she can handle the Juan for All segment in Eat Bulaga which is live and impromptu, she can handle the mini-talk show segment in her own show. I suggest that the staff research more about their guests and give Marian and co-host Paulo Ballesteros guide questions or have a mini-game with the guests.Then, of course Marian can inject her humor here and there. I am sure that with Marian's ability to express her opinions, the mini talk show will be more interesting.

One of the reasons why Ryzza Mae Show is a hit and fun to watch is because the host acts as the "host" of the show. Marian should 'own' her show, take control and drive it!

2. Social Media

Hello? What generation is this? This is the era of social media. Thus, the show can explore many possibilities. The staff should be in tune with what is up in this day and age. For example, search for a good dancer in youtube and feature him in the show. Or have an interactive segment where Marian will answer some questions from the netizens. Or have a request segment where Marian will dance the request of the netizen. That way, the viewers will be more involved.

Again, the Ryzza Mae Show is very relatable because of its reinforcement in social media. Ryzza has instagram account where she posts the photos of her guests is such a creative and effective way of putting relevance to the show.

3. Have a "heart-tugging" segment

Marian is into charities. She has "Puhunan ni YanYan" in Eat Bulaga, she is a Red Cross volunteer and she helps a lot of cancer patients. The show can showcase that side of Marian. She can do something like a "Wish Ko Lang" segment. For sure, this will make the show not just interesting but also socially relevant.

Even Vice Ganda's comedy talk show like Gandang Gabi Vice has this segment. Pinoy viewers are easily touched seeing stars help out and the truth is, that strategy truly sells. Ever wonder why Eat Bulaga lasted this long? I'm not saying Marian should go to the barangays, but I'm very sure they can inject an "Awww" segment in her show.

If you imagine all these happening in Marian, she could be a true multimedia star - host, dancer, a true entertainer with a heart. Isn't that the image they want Marian to project? The show can possibly attain the longevity of shows like The Sharon Cuneta Show (TSCS), Vilma! or even Sarah G Live! Her management just has to bring out the best in her. Anyway GMA should really invest in her, the truth is, Marian Rivera is one of the few real "stars" that GMA 7 is lucky to have.

Thanks and regards!
Leah

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Follow @FashionPulis on Twitter for the latest update. Please continue to send your juicy stories to michaelsylim@gmail.com. Thank you very much for loving Fashion PULIS!

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Kris Aquino Finally Dropped the Bomb on Herbert Bautista!

Image courtesy of The Buzz

In what seemed like a bombshell, a more composed Kris Aquino admitted on The Buzz this afternoon that she loved actor and Quezon City mayor, Herbert Bautista.

Without batting an eyelash and without tears this time, Kris related how her relationaship with Herbert began...blossomed...and just when it was about to peak...went pffft...nada. Zero.

The actress and host was short of saying that in the end, Herbert dumped her in public!

In the beginning of their "relationship," Kris revealed that she felt very hopeful that it was going to be a positive one knowing that both she and Herbert really clicked a lot and there was mutual liking between him and her children, notably Bimby who quipped that he liked the actor/mayor for her mother, saying, " because he makes you happy."

An elated Kris further added that she felt theirs was special, a real "relationship," that was not borne out of convenience in spite of their very public and high-profile profession.

The tv host narrated a cute incident at Starbucks. As she and Herbert were about to pay for their order, the cashier innocently asked, " Are you going to split the bill?"

"And we did!", Kris recalled with a smile. Those were some of their cherished moments that made Kris confident then that theirs was for keeps - or so she thought.

On Kapamilya's late night news show, "Bandila," Mayor Herbert was put on a hot seat to answer some relevant governmental issues related to his city. As a final question, he was playfully asked about the status of his relationship with Kris Aquino. His reply obviously surprised the show's anchor, as Herbert hinted on the negative, saying, "Mahal ko ang mga anak ko."

Those words had the public speculating, short of saying that Herbert Bautista dumped Kris Aquino on national television!

Although shocked for such public humiliation, Kris chose to ignore its impact on her and allegedly opened up only to a few close friends. Until late this week on her nightly show with co-host Boy Abunda, "Aquino and Abunda Tonight," she made it known to the viewers and especially to Herbert that all she needed was a sorry, a personal and sincere one, which the actor humbly offered the day after.

For now, Kris said, she and Herbert will always remain as friends. The public would want to know, is it for real?

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