March 25, 2010

Sunshine Dizon Married Pilot Boyfriend Behind Media Eyes


(UPDATED) Veteran actress Sunshine Dizon (real name Margarette Sunshine Cansancio Dizon) exchanged vows with his pilot boyfriend, Timothy Tan in a private and intimate wedding held at Valle Verde 6 Clubhouse in Pasig City last March 20, 2010 behind media eyes.

Last Wednesday, March 23, Mrs. Dorothy Laforteza, Sunshine's mother, confirmed the report through an interview with entertainment columnist Abu Tilamzik published in daily tabloid Abante Tonite. Based on the report, posted by Philippine Entertainment Portal, only close friends were present during their nuptials.

Another showbiz columnist, Ms. Cristy Fermin, also confirmed the report based on the information from an undisclosed informant on her column in tabloid Bulgar. She said that there were less than 50 guests during the event. The groom was wearing a red long sleeves shirt while the bride was in a blue outfit.

Manila Bulletin Entertainment Online Team also confirmed the wedding based on the information shared by an undisclosed source.

Last March 28, the new Mrs. Tan confirmed the reports and said that she did not intend to hide it but found no reason to publicize the event. She said that she is a very private person, especially when it comes to her relationships. She also denied reports that the reason why she got married ‘hurriedly’ is because she is pregnant and that her parents were not aware of her marriage to her pilot husband.

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Kasal.com thanks the following sources for this article:
Salanga, Elyas Isabelo, Philippine Entertainment Portal. Sunshine Dizon explains decision to keep her wedding a secret (Posted April 5, 2010) Retrieved April 5, 2010 from
http://www.pep.ph/news/25207/Sunshine-Dizon-explains-decision-to-keep-her-wedding-a-secret

abs-cbnNEWS.com. Sunshine Dizon still on cloud nine after wedding (Posted April 4, 2010) Retrieved April 5, 2010 from
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/04/04/10/sunshine-dizon-still-cloud-nine-after-wedding

24 Oras, GMANews.tv. Sunshine Dizon confirms marriage to non-showbiz boyfriend (Posted March 28, 2010) Retrieved April 5, 2010 from
http://www.gmanews.tv/largevideo/latest/57647/sunshine-dizon-confirms-marriage-to-non-showbiz-boyfriend

Almo, Nerisa, Philippine Entertainment Portal. Sunshine Dizon marries pilot boyfriend in an intimate ceremony. (Posted March 24, 2010) Retrieved March 25, 2010 from
http://www.pep.ph/news/25099/Sunshine-Dizon-marries-pilot-boyfriend-in-an-intimate-ceremony

Brosas, Alex Valentin, Manila Bulletin. Sunshine Dizon’s wedding surprise? (Posted March 24, 2010) Retrieved March 25, 2010 from
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/249275/sunshine-dizon-s-wedding-surprise

March 16, 2010

Filipino-made Gown worn during Oscars


Filipino talent has once again gained international recognition and admiration.

Filipino fashion designer Oliver Tolentino was one of the nine finalists of the Oscars Design Challenge 2010 sanctioned by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

The Oscars Design Challenge is a competition wherein nine fashion designers are tasked to design a dress to be worn by an onstage statuette handler, commonly known as a “trophy girl”, during the Academy Awards ceremony.

The winning design, chosen by online voting, and designer were revealed last March 7, 2010 (March 8, 2010 in the Philippines) during the Official Academy Awards Red Carpet Pre-Show. The winning designer’s assigned model wore the gown and became one of the onstage statuette handlers during the 82nd Academy Awards ceremony held at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood, California, USA.

Tolentino’s entry was a mermaid gown made from ivory piña (pineapple fabric) and abaca fiber with freshwater pearl detail.

In the end, it was the gown made by Lebanse designer Raina Sabili that was hailed as the winner of the annual Designer Challenge. Even though Tolentino’s gown did not garner the highest online votes, one of his works was worn by Judy Cairo, producer of the movie “Crazy Heart” during the 82nd Academy Awards night.

According to his online biography, Mr. Tolentino, a native of Orani, Bataan, became the first ever Philippines-based fashion designer to expand into the United States when he opened a Los Angeles boutique in 2009.

Prior to opening his shop in Melrose Avenue, Mr. Tolentino already had secured a place in the Philippines by designing gowns for the elite, including socialites, celebrities, and government officials at the highest levels. These include Lani Misalucha, Kuh Ledesma, Regine Velasquez, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Pops Fernandez, and even former First Lady Imelda Marcos. He has also dressed international Filipino talents Arnel Pineda, lead singer of Journey, and Anna Maria Perez de Tagle, cast of Disney Channel Original Movie “Camp Rock” and 2009 remake of the movie “Fame”.

His website showcases his runway, Filipiniana, and bridal collection, among others.

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Kasal.com thanks the following sources for this article:
Oscar.com. Behind the Dress Episode 6. Retrieved March 9, 2010 from
http://oscar.go.com/video/index?playlistId=251993&clipId=253282

Nepales, Ruben, Philippine Daily Inquirer. Pinoy designer is Oscar bet (Posted February 25, 2010) Retrieved March 2, 2010 from
http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/entertainment/entertainment/view/20100225-255330/Pinoy-designer-is--Oscar-bet

Chavez, Yong, ABS-CBN North America News Bureau. Filipino designer needs votes to show off dress in Oscars (Posted February 25, 2010) Retrieved March 2, 2010 from
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/lifestyle/02/25/10/filipino-designer-needs-votes-show-dress-oscars

Asian Journal. Oliver Tolentino, finalist in Oscars’ Designer Challenge 2010 (Posted February 28, 2010) Retrieved March 2, 2010 from
http://www.asianjournal.com/dateline-usa/15-dateline-usa/4699-oliver-tolentino-finalist-in-oscars-designer-challenge-2010.html

Oscars Design Challenge 2010 Official Website. Oscar Fashion Design Competition Official Rules. Retrieved March 2, 2010 from
http://oscar.go.com/extras/designer-challenge-rules

March 12, 2010

Camille Prats and Non-Showbiz Husband Exchanged ‘I Do’s in Church Wedding


Camille Prats and her non-showbiz husband, businessman Anthony Linsangan, exchanged their second ‘I do’ during their church wedding at the Sanctuario de San Antonio in Forbes Park, Makati City last March 5, 2010.

Sealed with a kiss. Mr. and Mrs. Anthony and Camille
Linsangan. Wedding Photo by Dino Lara Photography.

The two were civilly married in the US last January 5, 2008, days before the former teen star gave birth to their son, Nathaniel Caesar. According to the report of Philippine Entertainment Portal, Camille and Anthony planned their wedding for almost two years, following their civil marriage.

Camille (real name Sheena Patricia Camille Prats), who became famous in her portrayal of cartoon character Sarah in the movie adaptation, “Sarah ang Munting Princesa” walked down the aisle like a princess wearing a Rajo Laurel bridal gown with different tones of gold, ivory and champagne and adorned by Austrian Swarovski. Kyla sang Aerosmith’s “I Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing” as Mrs. Linsangan, together with her father, walked towards the altar.

Their church wedding was attended by notable personalities in showbiz and politics. Principal sponsors include Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri, Dr. Manny Calayan, Aga Muhlach, Director Edgar Mortiz,
Camille’s manager Mr. Arnold Vegafria,
A toast and kiss for love. Mr. and Mrs. Anthony and Camille Linsangan.Wedding Photo by Dino Lara Photography.
GMA Vice President for Entertainment Wilma Galvante, GMA Films president Atty. Annette Gozon-Abrogar, at ABS-CBN executive Cory Vidanes.

Other personalities present during their wedding include Camille’s brother John Prats, Angelica Panganiban, Charlene Gonzalez-Mulach, Diana Zubiri, Iya Villania, Marvin Agustin, Marco Alcaraz, Princess Violago, Ryan Yllana, Bianca King, Maxene Magalona, Bubbles Paraiso, Bryan Revilla, Jayson Gainza, Kaye Abad, Kamikazee vocalist Jay Contreras with wife Sarah Abad, Mika Lagdameo, and Kris Lawrence.

The Manila String Ensemble, Kyla, Jay-R, and Iya Villania entertained everyone as they performed for the guests present at the Rizal Ballroom of Shangri-La Makati during the reception celebration of the newlyweds.

Camille and Anthony’s family are long time friends. They have been a couple for three years before getting married.
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Kasal.com thanks the following sources for this article:
Llanes, Rommel, Philippine Entertainment Portal. Camille Prats and Anthony Linsangan exchange vows again, this time in church (Posted March 6, 2010) Retrieved March 9, 2010 from
http://www.pep.ph/news/24908/FIRST-READ-ON-PEP:-Camille-Prats-and-Anthony-Linsangan-marry-again-in-church

Antazo, Balot, Philippine Entertainment Portal. Camille Prats and husband Anthony Linsangan will once again exchange "I do's" (Posted March 2, 2010) Retrieved March 9, 2010 from
http://www.pep.ph/news/24874/Camille-Prats-and-husband-Anthony-Linsangan-will-once-again-exchange-I-dos

Calderon, Ricky, The Freeman. Star Circuit: Camille Prats to Say "I Do" Again (Posted March 05, 2010) Retrieved March 9, 2010 from
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=555134&publicationSubCategoryId=51

Lapuz, John, Showbiz Central: Camille Prats introduces her boyfriend (Posted September 9, 2007) Retrieved March 9, 2010 from
http://www.igma.tv/video/1772/Showbiz-Central-Camille-Prats-introduces-her-boyfriend

March 9, 2010

Ryan Eigenmann Tied the Knot with Long-time Girlfriend Cathy Bordalba


Fireworks lit up the skies as veteran actor Ryan Eigenmann and former TV host turned pre-school teacher Cathy Bordalba tied the knot in a Christian wedding ceremony last February 28, 2010 at the Coconut Palace amidst the presence of their family and friends.

As a member of Philippines' largest showbiz clan, Ryan and Cathy’s wedding was surely star-studded. The whole Eigenmann family was complete, starting with their grandparents Eddie Mesa and Rosemarie Gil, the groom’s parents, Michael de Mesa and Gina Alajar; brothers Geoff and AJ; cousins Sid Lucero, Max Eigenmann, Andi Eigenmann; uncle Mark Gil, and aunt Cherie Gil.

Male principal sponsors include Senator Jinggoy Estrada, Tirso Cruz III, Dr. Manny Calayan, Duke Ventura, Fanny Serrano, Television And Production Exponents Inc. (TAPE) Executive Producer Tony Tuviera (represented by Diretor Mike Tuvuera), Diretor Peque Gallaga (represented by actor Jaime Fabregas), Joel Torre (represented by Leo Martinez) and vice presidential candidate Edu Manzano (represented by Mark Gil).

Female principal sponsors were Sharon Cuneta, Caridad Sanchez, TAPE SVP and COO Malou Choa - Fagar, Redgie Magno, Director Olivia Lamasan and Ryan’s manager, June Rufino.

Other celebrities present during Ryan and Cathy’s special day include Carla Abellana, Dingdong Dantes, Marian Rivera, Lorna Tolentino, Amy Austria, Lara Melissa de Leon, Lyn Cruz, Bibeth Orteza, Armida Siguion-Reyna, Mylene Dizon with partner Ira Cruz, Mariel Rodriguez, Piolo Pascual, JM Rodriguez, and Directors Joel Lamangan, Mark Meily, Quark Henares and Cathy Garcia-Molina.

Pinoy Rock band Parokya ni Edgar entertained the guests during the reception held at the same venue.

In an exclusive interview by showbiz talk show host Butch Francisco of Startalk, the two disclosed that they actually wrote their vows the night before their wedding. In addition, their wedding was ‘picture perfect’ and turned out the way they wanted it to be.

They two met five years ago in Boracay through a common friend. Since then, the two were inseparable. Ryan actually proposed thrice to now Mrs. Eigenmann but she declined twice.

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Kasal.com thanks the following sources for this article:
GMANews.tv Startalk: Ryan and Cathy wedding (Posted March 6, 2010) Retrieved March 8, 2010 from
http://www.gmanews.tv/video/56453/startalk-ryan-and-cathy-wedding

Diones, Allan, Abante-Tonite. Gina at Geoff, umiyak sa kasal ni Ryan (Posted March 2, 2010) Retrieved March 8, 2010 from
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/mar0210/entertainment_allan.htm

Sanchez, Rowena Joy, Manila Bulletin. Jake Cuenca vague about Balenciaga for Melissa; Ryan Eigenmann, a married man (March 1, 2010) Retrieved March 8, 2010 from
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/245622/jake-cuenca-vague-about-balenciaga-melissa-ryan-eigenmann-a-married-man

Garcia, Rose, Philippine Entertainment Portal. Ryan Eigenmann ties the knot with commercial model Cathy Bordalba on Feb. 28 (Posted February 19, 2010). Retrieved March 8, 2010 from
http://www.pep.ph/news/24753/Ryan-Eigenmann-ties-the-knot-with-commercial-model-Cathy-Bordalba-on-Feb.-28

Valle, Jocelyn, Manila Bulletin. Dad-to-be Ryan Eigenmann to wed on February 28 (Posted February 20, 2010) Retrieved March 8, 2010 from
http://www.mb.com.ph/node/244348/dadtobe-ryan-eigenmann-wed-february-28

March 5, 2010

MECO Strengthens Philippine Wedding Offering for Taiwan Couples


With the buzz created by the Boracay beach wedding of Malaysian pop singer Fish Leong and businessman Tony Zhao, the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO)  continues to pull the stops to make the Philippine the primary wedding destination for Taiwanese soon-to-wed couples.

Mr. Rene Reyes, MECO Director of Tourism Affairs, said that efforts to promote the Philippines as a wedding destination started back in 2006 when they invited Ms. Ah-Chiang and Mr. Bryan Shou, who were designated as Philippine Tourism Celebrity endorser for Taiwan and wedding photographers to have a photo shoot in the country for couples to see. Then in 2009, they had GoldMine Tours introduce a wedding package for China, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

“This was promoted in Taiwan but at the end Goldmine need[ed] to postpone the event due to the typhoon that hit the Philippines”, said Dir. Reyes. From September to October of 2009, the country was badly damaged by typhoons Ondoy (international name: Ketsana) and Pepeng (international name: Parma) and placed the entire Metro Manila and nearby provinces under state of calamity.

But MECO’s efforts are in full steam again when they successfully hosted the wedding of Malaysian pop singer Fish Leong and businessman Tony Zhao in Boracay Island in Aklan.

Dir. Reyes disclosed, “They are the one who approached our office. The couple already decided that they are going to get married in 2010. They want a beach wedding. However, [they were] not decided whether to do it in Hawaii or in Boracay as the destinations are getting popular in the market due to continuous promotions and good feedback from Taiwanese who already visited the island. However, the couple during such time, have never been to Boracay.”

“Seeing that this will create a lot of publicity for the Philippines, our next step was to bring them to Boracay and assist them to meet hotel/resorts and wedding organizers for their wedding, they loved the destination and the rest is history. We also insured that their entry and exit to the Philippines, immigration, customs and other government entry requirements were processed easily considering the small airport in Kalibo.” Dir. Reyes adds.

News agencies from Malaysia, China, Singapore, and Taiwan posted news regarding the wedding of the singer and the businessman days after their wedding. The couple hired Filipino wedding suppliers for their wedding ceremony, specifically Ms. Amanda Tirol of Boracay Weddings as the wedding coordinator and Mayad Studios  as videographer. The new Mr. and Mrs. Zhao together with their 50 guests composed on family and friends, including singers Penny Dai, Z-Chen, and music producer and Fish's mentor Jonathan Lee, stayed at Discovery Shores Hotel from January 30 until the wedding day, February 1, 2010.

After the successful hosting of Fish Leong’s wedding, Dir. Reyes said MECO will continue to create complete wedding packages for soon-to-wed Taiwanese couples to entice them tie the knot in the Philippines.

“Our next step is look for possible tie ups with service providers such as wedding organizers, to take care the wedding requirement, travel agents to take care of the group traveling requirement (transportation, airfare, visa, etc) and local hotel/resorts or for wedding venues.” he said.

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Kasal.com thanks the following sources for this article:
The Straits Times. Singer Fish in Beach Wedding (Posted February 3, 2010)
http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Lifestyle/Story/STIStory_485793.html

Kam, Rachael, Lester Kong and A. Raman, The Star Online. Romantic beach wedding for Fish Leong (Posted February 3, 2010).
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/2/3/nation/5597721&sec=nation

Yahoo! Singapore News (original from Xin.sg) Fish Leong says 'I do' at Philippines beach resort wedding (Posted February 4, 2010)
http://sg.news.yahoo.com/xin/20100203/ten-669-fish-leong-says-i-do-philippines-3c1b9bc.html

March 2, 2010

Long Summer from El Nino Boost Tourism


Due to the dry spell brought about the El Nino phenomenon, the tourism industry, particularly the hotel and beach resorts in the provinces, is expected to gain momentum as early as now.

In an interview, Department of Tourism (DOT) Undersecretary for Marketing and Promotion Oscar Palabyab said that local tourists are expected to rush to Boracay and Batangas, Bohol, Palawan and the entire Ilocos coastline, Bataan and other newer sites that have been developed. Furthermore, beach resorts and other establishments that rely on good weather for their activities will surely benefit from the current situation.

As such, beach and garden weddings as well as outdoor reception for weddings are highly attainable this season due to low rain possibility. Destination weddings will likely be more affordable since establishments will offer group packages and other promos for tourist, and even soon-to-weds.

The DOT also expects more foreign tourists this year as a result of the global economic recovery. This is due to the affordable airfare and travel packages available for almost every destination in the country. However, Usec. Palaybay advised Filipinos to avail of discounted airline fares by booking early.
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Kasal.com thanks the following sources for this article:
Canoy, Jeff, TV Patrol Linggo. El Niño gives tourism an unexpected boost (Aired February 21, 2010) Retrieved February 22, 2010 from
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/video/lifestyle/02/21/10/el-ni%C3%B1o-gives-tourism-unexpected-boost#videoPlayer

Gov.ph. Long summer from El Nino is good for tourism (Posted February 6, 2010) Retrieved February 22, 2010 from
http://www.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2002888&Itemid=2

Philippine Information Agency. Feature: Not everything about El Nino is bad news (Posted February 7, 2010). Retrieved February 22, 2010 from
http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&fi=p100207.htm&no=14