In its first issue for 2010, M takes its readers to a rediscovery of Mindanao’s plethora of captivating tales of people, places, flavors and colors, a celebration of the island’s splendor and diversity.

Reyes, a Cagay’anon, shares the pages of M along with other notable Mindanaoans such as successful flower grower Sally Leuenberger, artist Ben Banez, cancer survivor Mina Carriedo Sebastian, and a roster of young, up-and-coming Mindanawon couples who have made significant marks in their respective fields of interest.

M also uncovers the island’s best kept secrets, destinations previously unknown and revealed perhaps for the first time in this issue, including the hidden coves of Canibad, the deep seas of Surigao, and the unexplored terrains of Bansalan, plus images of Mindanao as you have never seen before by top photojournalists Jojie Alcantara and Rhonson Ng.

This edition also lets out the secret recipes of Tiny Kitchen, Cafe el Gato and Bon Appetit’s culinary successes, and the entrepreneurial triumphs of North Cotabato’s civet coffee, Davao City’s Porky Best cracklings, General Santos City’s corn-husk dolls, and Southern Mindanao luxurious condo living.

As a showcase of Mindanao’s dynamic culture, M turns the spotlight on Mindanao’s acclaimed independent film industry, Salida’s contemporary theatrics, Sulu’s festive celebration, and the fondness of young Mindanawons for parkour. Plus, engaging features on Mindanao’s colorful destinations, nocturnal haunts, entertainment and wellness enclaves, parties and festive events, blissful living and contemporary lifestyle.

M Magazine is available in National Bookstore, Fully Booked, Power Books, Forewords, Christian Ventures, and in more than 200 bookstores and magazine stands nationwide. In Davao City, get your copies of M Magazine at MetroLifestyle Complex (Bo’s Coffee, Krua Thai, Metro Gym), National Bookstore (Gaisano Mall, SM City), Babasahin (Victoria Plaza, SM City, NCCC Mall, Gaisano Mall), Marco Polo Davao, Farfalla Pasta Bar, Gaisano Mall Supermarket, Lachi’s, Agencia Nina Jewelry (Victoria Plaza,JP Laurel, Bankerohan, Gaisano South, Gaisano Mall), ProMark and Davao Periodicals outlets. Visit www.m-mag.com.ph.

Miss Philippines 2010 Winners - photos courtesy of http://www.bbpilipinas.com/

Maria Venus Raj, a 21-year-old Bicolana beauty who stands 5′9 was chosen as Bb. Pilipinas-Universe while the crowned Bb. Pilipinas World was Candidate No. 21, Czarina Catherine Gatbonton – an HRM grad and 5′10 and a half inches tall.

Krista Mae Kleiner – the early crowd favorite was crowned as Binibining Pilipinas International. Krista is a 20-year-old former Miss USA-Philippines winner and a taekwondo blackbelter who stands 5′10 1/2 inches tall.

This years BB. Pilipinas 1st Runner Up honor went to Diane Necio while the 2nd Runner Up went to Miss Photogenic Helen Nicolette Henson.

2010 Binibining Pilipinas Special Awards:

Best in Swimsuit – Krista Mae Arrieta Kleiner
Best in Long Gown – Maria Venus Raj
Miss Photogenic – Helen Nicolette Henson
Best in Regional Terno – Maria Venus Raj
Best in Talent – Krista Mae Arrieta Kleiner
Miss Friendship (tie) – Maria Venus Raj and Kate Princess Alimurong
Miss Philippine Airlines – Helen Nicolette Henson
Miss Del Monte Fit ‘N Right – Helen Nicolette Henson
Manila Bulletin Readers’ Choice – Czarina Catherine Gatbonton
Texters’ Choice Award – Laurese Ann Caparas
Araneta Center Shoppers’ Choice – Selena Alexis Antonio

Along with the title and the crown, Antonenko received a cash prize of $ 100,000.

The title of first vice-miss went to Irina Sharipova, representing Russia’s Volga Republic of Tatarstan. Olga Kononenko of another Urals city, Chelyabinsk, was named second vice-miss.

Miss World 2008 Kseniya Sukhinova, Miss Russia 2009 Sofya Rudneva and Miss World 2009 Stefania Fernandez attended the pageant as honored guests.

I was clicking around one day, and I stumbled upon this really hot promo. Get this: the man of your dreams is just a letter away!

Get a chance to meet Derek Ramsay plus win other hot prizes by joining the Write Derek and Win promo!

Here’s how it works: just write a short letter to Derek telling him about your Century Corned Tuna experience and you get a chance to win really hot prizes.

All you have to do is log on to www.centurycornedtuna.ph and join the Write Derek and Win promo.

It’s easy! So why pass up the chance? Send in your letters until Feb 14, 2010!

10 of the best letters will be chosen, the top 5 will get a 32 gig iPod Touch and all ten will win 1 month’s supply of yummy Century Corned tuna and my personal favorite—the chance to meet and have my picture taken with Derek Ramsay at the Century Tuna Superbods Run on Feb 21 2010!

Now that’s hot.

The lovely Fil-American’s persona is now all over in several print ads and TV commercials as a result of her popularity in the booming sport of billiards in the Philippines where she traces her roots.

Since her debut at the Women’s World 10-Ball Championship last June and her recent third place finish with partner Lee Van Corteza at the World Mixed Doubles Classic events both produced by Dragon Promotions, the straight and long-haired Loraine has impressed commercial and print ad makers.

“Shanelle’s charming personality and marketability is opening many doors for her. She also works hard on her game behind the scenes. We are getting so many requests for her to go to so many places. Shanelle is great for the sport and a fantastic role model for players,” said Cindy Lee, CEO of Dragon Promotions.

“I was very excited when asked to endorse Cream Silk. It’s the most popular hair product brand in the Philippines and it’s nice to be associated with such a trusted and long-standing company. All my relatives in the Philippines and Guam love the commercial!” gushed the beautiful Dragon Promotions talent.

Born in Guam but now based in Florida, US mainland where she works, Loraine says she will continue travelling around the world by playing billiards which has made her famous and rich with opportunities and friends.

Cream Silk’s motto “to inspire women all over the country to bring out their hair’s full beauty potential,” has highlighted Loraine’s lustrous and silky hair.

Being one of the country’s most trusted hair conditioner product, the shampoo around for over 25 years.

The ageless trio of Danny Javier, Jim Paredes and Buboy Garovillo, who comprise the APO Hiking Society sang the hit songs “Blue Jeans” and “Pumapatak na naman ang ulan” (The rain is falling again) and “Awit ng Barkada” (Song of the Gang).

They worked under the labels of Vicor Music, JEM Recording and Universal Records Philippines.

Paredes, Garrovillo and Javier, the ageless triumvirate of the ‘70s and ‘80s pop music, announced during a recent press conference they are bidding farewell to the music scene with their series of shows from February until the end of May as their final curtain call.

“This last stretch, we will really like to see as many as you. The best shows we’ve ever done in our career will happen right now in our last stretch. We are coming to an end,” Paredes told reporters.

The APO members said it wasn’t an easy decision to disband. They said it took almost a year of rigorous deliberations before they finally agreed that it is time for the group to leave the music industry.

“Through the years, our creative process is decreasing. That’s how APO was created 40 years ago. We asked ourselves where we are going ? What did the group started way back ? This is it, the creative process is gone, ” Garrovillo said.

“The performances will always be the same. We still enjoy performing. But we will do it over and over again and there’s nothing new and we’ll get bored. Before we get bored, let’s put a timetable to it,” he added.

They also took note their last five albums were unsuccessful. “It’s knowing when to leave and not to overstay your welcome forty years. I think is a very good time,” Javier said.

APO made 27 record albums, hosted several television shows, including their own noontime Sunday show “Sa Linggo nAPO Sila” over ABS-CBN and launched hugely successful major solo concerts and countless provincial, dinner, and corporate shows.

The group performed in over 50 cities in the United States, Canada, Singapore, Indonesia, Germany, Switzerland, Italy and Japan.

The legendary trio was also behind the all time favorite songs “Batang-bata Ka Pa,” (You’re still young), “Kabilugan ng Buwan,” (Full Moon), “Di Na Natuto” (You never Learn) and “When I Met You.”

Their Valentine concert, dubbed as the “Last Valentine nAPO,” on February 13 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City will kick off this “last stretch of performances.” Actress-comedienne K Brosas will be their special guest.

Garrovillo, however, clarified: “Don’t think when APO retires, the people behind APO will also retire. No. It’s the name of the APO Hiking Society which will retire.”

Paredes said he will continue to write and collaborate with other singers. For Javier’s part, he will let fate take its course. “I believe in the saying life begins after you make your plans. So, I don’t plan. I’ll just let it begin.”

He is engaged in photojournalism and writes a photography column in Manila Bulletin.

Javier said he is taking a break from music. “I have a son who is very talented and very serious about music. I will have to check out what he’s doing without my influence so he can go on his own,” he said.

The Apolinario Mabini Hiking Society, later popularly known as Apo Hiking Society or, simply, Apo, had its beginnings in 1969 at the the Ateneo de Manila high school.

They comprised of 13 members namely Lito de Joya, Sonny Santiago, Gus Cosio, Renato Garcia, Chito Kintanar, Kenny Barton, Bruce Brown, Butch Dans, Kinjo Sawada, Ric Segreto, Goff Macaraeg, Doden Besa, Jim Paredes, and Boboy Garrovillo.

The group’s name was an irreverent reference to the paralytic Philippine revolutionary intellectual and hero, Apolinario Mabini, and later shortened to “Apo”, an Ilocano term for a wise man, and later re-branded to “APO”.

As the students advanced into college, Danny Javier joined the group. After graduation, the majority of its members left to pursue individual careers, with only three members remaining: Paredes, Garovillo and Javier.

In the span of their professional career, Apo emerged as a principal adherent of the musical movement termed Original Pilipino Music (OPM), a milieu in which their original musical contributions and cultural influence became essential.

The Apo became involved in record production, talent management and organizing artists under the Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-aawit (O.P.M., acronym translation: “Organization of Philippine Singers/musicians”).

The group expanded its activities into establishing and furthering the careers of new OPM artists in the Philippines.

Two hugely successful tribute albums were produced in 2006 and 2007 by its management group, featuring numerous young bands freshly reinterpreting Apo’s expansive repertoire.

The group frequently utilized their brand name, “Apo”, as a clever component for Tagalog puns in titles for television shows, live pragrams and marketing materials (for example, as in nA PO, which transliterates as “already” (polite/formal usage), and also as apó (meaning, “grandchild”). The puns have been minimally extended into English, as in (APOcalyptic). (PNA Features)

Entertainment critics were one in saying that it was a good year, a bad year. a happy year, sad year but with a happy ending for the showbiz industry in 2009.

As Philippine Star movie columnist Ricky Lo puts it: it is complete with all the ingredients: Action, drama, tragedy, excitement, suspense, fantasy, surprises and — you’re right — sex, lies and videotapes.

In the middle of 2009, sizzling videotapes “starring” Dr. Kho and, among others, Halili and Maricar Reyes turned all of us into insatiable voyeurs.

Dermatologist Dr. Vicki Belo accused Halili of “stealing” her boyfriend Kho and Halili in turn accused Kho of having filmed their bedroom mazurka with neither her knowledge nor permission.

Reyes wisely opted to remain tight-lipped up to now. Charges were filed against Hayden whose license was revoked by the Professional Regulations Commission (PRC).

Towards the end of the year, Kho was reported to have tried anew to commit suicide but his lawyer denied it.

The suspension of ABS-CBN’s Wowowee host Willie Revillame showed a video of the remains of former President Cory Aquino last August being transferred from La Salle Greenhills in Mandaluyong City to the Manila Cathedral was inserted into the telecast of Wowowee, catching host Revillame unaware and startled.

He protested on air for the “rude intrusion,” and he was right in saying that it didn’t look good for such a solemn “insert” while the studio audience was cheering the contestants of the Willie of Fortune segment. ABS-CBN didn’t have a choice but to suspend him.

In politics, led by former President Joseph “Erap” Estrada who is running for again president, several other showbiz personalities and relatives of entertainers are threw their hats into the 2010 political ring.

Among those who have also filed their certificates of candidacy (CoCs) were: Sen. Manny Villar (whose grandmother is former LVN actress Evelyn Villar) for president; Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino for president; television host Edu Manzano for vice president (as Gibo Teodoro’s running mate); Sen. Loren Legarda (as Manny Villar’s running mate);

Newscaster Jay Sonza for vice president; Sen. Mar Roxas for vice president (Noynoy’s running mate); Sen. Jinggoy Estrada for reelection; Sen. Bong Revilla for reelection; Sen. Lito Lapid for reelection; former Sen. Tito Sotto again for senator; former Sen. Ralph Recto again for senator; Imelda Papin for senator;

Amay Bisaya for senator; newscaster Alex Tinsay for senator; newscaster Rey Langit for senator; Anthony Castelo for senator; Quezon City Mayor Sonny Belmonte for congressman (fourth district of Quezon City); Laguna Congressman Dan Fernandez for reelection; Congressman Anton Lagdameo (husband of Dawn Zulueta) of the second district of Davao del Norte for reelection;

Gina Vera-Perez de Venecia for congresswoman (fourth district of Pangasinan); Lani Mercado for congresswoman (of the lone district of Bacoor, Cavite); San Juan City Mayor JV Ejercito for congressman; Makati City Councilor Rico J. Puno for congressman;

Richard Gomez for congressman (in Leyte); Manny Pacquiao for congressman (in Sarangani); newscaster Maki Pulido for congresswoman (first district of Pangasinan); Jestoni Alarcon for congressman (second district of Antipolo); Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos for reelection;

Rizal Gov. Junjun Ynares (husband of Andeng Bautista of the Revilla clan) for reelection; Cesar Montano for governor of Bohol; Rommel Padilla for vice governor of Nueva Ecija; Bacoor (Cavite) Mayor Stryke Revilla for reelection;

Former Parañaque Mayor Joey Marquez again for mayor of the same city; Guia Gomez for mayor of San Juan City; Quezon City Vice Mayor Herbert Bautista for Q.C. Mayor; Joy Belmonte for Vice Mayor of Quezon City;

Anjo Yllana for vice mayor of Parañaque City; former Caloocan City Mayor Rey Malonzo for vice mayor of the same city; Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno for reelection; Quezon City Councilor Aiko Melendez for vice mayor of Q.C.;

Ara Mina, Ricky Davao, Roderick Paulate, Alfred Vargas, Ogie Diaz, Jigo Garcia and Arnell Ignacio for councilor of Q.C.; Caloocan City Councilor Marjorie Barretto for reelection; and Manila Councilor Edward Maceda (son of Marichu and Ernie Maceda) for reelection.

The death of Francis Magalona moved fans to tears last on March 6, 2009. The country also mourned for the passing of the Rap Icon after a year-long brave battle with leukemia.

Instead of saying “Rest In Peace,” the priest in a homily gently reminded FrancisM to “Rap In Peace.”

Others who have “crossed the bar” included the well-loved Douglas Quijano, Sampaguita legendary actress Paraluman (Sigrid von Giese in real life), Berting Labra (Mickey Rooney of the Philippines),

Espiridion Laxa, Johnny Delgado (the versatile bida-kontrabida), Bernard Bonnin (of Alyas Palos fame), Tita Muñoz and Yaya Luring (the Mega-Babysitter of Megastar Sharon Cuneta).

The Judy Ann Santos- Ryan Agoncillo exchanging “I do’s” at a “very private wedding” at a church in a Batangas town, the same place where Ryan’s parents got married also shook the showbiz industry.

The wedding of Sen. Mar Roxas and Korina Sanchez was crowd drawer. Other marchers down the aisle: Klaudia Koronel and her non-showbiz boyfriend, Angelika dela Cruz and her non-showbiz boyfriend (the couple already has a months-old child), Michelle van Eimeren and Mark Murro (in Australia), and Alma Moreno and a mayor of a Mindanao city.

Showbiz personalities were not spared from the wrath of Typhoon “Ondoy”. Stranded, shivering and hungry with her mom and a little nephew at the roof of their house in Provident Village in Marikina City was Cristine Reyes.

She unwittingly became the Poster Girl for Ondoy victims that also left virtually homeless K Brosas, Jean Garcia and daughter Jennica, Gladys Reyes and a dozen others whose beautiful houses were submerged in floodwaters, including Carmina Villarroel and Zoren Legaspi, Raymart Santiago and Claudine Barretto, Lindsay Custodio, Chokoleit, Edgar Mortiz and wife Millette Santos, Willie Nepomuceno and Pilita Corrales.

Independent filmmakers like Brillante Mendoza also shared the limelight.

Nearly three decades after the likes of Lino Brocka and Mike de Leon paved the way for Filipino movies to Cannes, Mendoza did it with Kinatay, the second film (after Serbis) he entered in the world’s most prestigious film festival.

Kinatay also won Best Picture at the Sitges Filmfest in Spain while Dante’s other film, Lola, won Best Film in the recent Dubai International Film Festival.

Other international winners: Pepe Diokno whose first film Engkwentro won the Orizzonti & Lion of the Future Award at the Venice International Film Festival;

Alvin Yapan, Best Digital Film at the Cairo International Film Festival for Ang Panggagahasa Kay Fe; Ralston Jover, Special Mention at the Thessaloniki & Vancouver Filmfest for Bakal Boys;

Raya Martin, the Grand Prize and NETPAC for Independencia at the Bangkok Filmfest; Sherad Anthony Sanchez, Special Mention for Imburnal at the Bangkok Filmfest;

Milo Sogueco, Silver Prize New Cinema and Bronze Grand Prix du Public Audience Award for Sanglaan at the Lyon Filmfest in France; Gina Pareño, Best Supporting Actress for Serbis at the Asian Film Awards;

Francis Xavier Pasion, Best Feature Film at Asian Hot Shot Berlin Film Festival for Jay; Lou Veloso, Best Actor for Sanglaan at the Brussels Independent International Film Festival;

And Mike Sandejas, Grand Prix Special Competition at the International Deaf Cinema Section for Dinig Sana Kita. (Report filed by Funfare’s Toronto-based “International Correspondent” Ferdinand Lapuz). (PNA)

“I came here to ask for guidelines as I’m planning to run next year.

I am part of the of a television drama ‘Tinik sa Dibdib’ and I want to know if I’d be violating any election law if I run,” she said.

On the other hand, Comelec commissioner Gregorio Larrazabal said they will be coming up with guidelines on premature campaigning for those in show business and other mass media personalities.

The singer-actress plans to run as councilor for the Second District of Quezon City. The drama program is being shown on GMA 7 everyday.

Aside from her own political plans, Mina also revealed that her co-stars in the said television-drama, Maybeline dela Cruz and actor Alfred Vargas will likewise seek elective posts in Dagupan City and Quezon City, respectively.

She explained that they are awaiting for the final decision of the Supreme Court on the case of Sta. Monica, Surigao del Norte Mayor Rosalina Penera, who was disqualified for premature campaigning.

Larrazabal noted the Comelec should come up with a clear stand on the issue since acting is the livelihood of those in the entertainment profession.

Morrissey, the former singer of the British band The Smiths, collapsed while performing during a gig in the southern England town. He was taken to the Swindon Hospital. Morrisey was said to be suffering from breathing difficulties. Fans need not worry because he was already discharged from the hospital and only stayed for a night.

The phenomenal musical and broadway composer Andrew Lloyd Webber was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer recently. According to its publicists, the cancer is still on its early stage and Andrew will be undergoing treatments and will be expected to come back for work next year.

Andrew Lloyd Webber composed popular broadway musicals such as “Phantom of the Opera”, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” “Jesus Christ Superstar,” and “Evita.” He was supposed to make a sequel to the Phantom called “Love Never Dies” that is scheduled to be shown in London on March.

The award-winning composer was knighted 1992 and named to Britain’s House of Lords in 1997.