Cebuano talents made waves in 2006

It is also this year that the so-called "Bisrock community" earned a solid following and patronage that even Manila rockers themselves admitted they are losing support in Cebu due to Bisrock. Where it all began? My good friend and "queen of Bisrockers" Maria Eleanor Elape Valeros will give a blow-by-blow account about Bisrock in this section next week.

As early as February, our very own Angela Calina and Budoy Marabiles made the shortlist of boarders in "Bahay ni Kuya" -ABS-CBN's Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Edition. That was national exposure for both of them and kept Cebuanos on their toes for the battle that was to test Cebu's voting power through text messaging. Gela, however, chose to exit earlier because of domestic concerns. While a lot felt sad with the decision because she was letting go of a chance to eventually solidify her presence in the capital, she was also applauded by many because her decision only showed she was a responsible single mother-prioritizing the safety and security of her only daughter Aira no matter what the cost.

Budoy, a native of Samar, but who made a name for himself in Cebu as the frontman of the then popular Junior Kilat reggae band, almost made it to the PBB Final Four but fell short on the necessary votes. Back in Cebu, after his expulsion, rumors surfaced that Budoy had a misunderstanding with ABS-CBN Cebu, which has something to do with the talent fee. Story had it that Budoy was supposed to headline a new game show intended to replace "Sabado na Gyud." The deal was closed before he went inside the PBB house but failed to materialize because according to reliable sources, he commanded a talent fee that was way higher than what the station can afford, reportedly claiming he needed to raise his standards since he already had national exposure.

However, Budoy dismissed the issue as a simple case of misunderstanding. And most probably it was. Budoy was eventually tapped to lead the cast of the remake of "Milyonaryong Mini," which is now in its concluding part.

Even if both Budoy and Gela missed their chances at PBB, the Danao native but long-time Manila-based Keanna Reeves captured the title in what she described as a moment where she felt "reborn" in reference to her controversial lifestory as an escort girl, whose revelations in 2005 rocked not only the political domains but the entire country in general, with a Senate inquiry even conducted. Controversial as she always is, Keanna continued to hog the headlines even after her sweet victory, from having been entangled with the equally controversial Andrew Wolfe who was nicknamed the "big bad wolf" of showbiz to having a misunderstanding with her manager Kuya Boy Abunda for being initially "pasaway." Thank God everything came out fine between them after she asked for forgiveness-had she not her career might have gone to the dogs by now. Let's face it: Keanna has yet to learn a lot (as they say in Tagalog, "marami pa siyang kakaining bigas") before she could be called a legitimate actress. Her last two movies were actually a disgrace in the box-office.

This year, there came an unknown but determined Cebuana chinita charmer named Kim Chiu who duplicated Keanna's success as she became the PBB Teen Edition winner last June. Kim instantly became a sensation, never mind if her personal life was exposed, which certainly did not sit well with her conservative Chinese family. Kim's popularity is expected to bloom even more as 2007 enters, courtesy of her first soap drama "Sana Maulit Muli" with loveteam partner Gerald Anderson. But some local entertainment scribes are now dying to ask her why she chose Irish Fullerton over fellow Cebuanos Jay-R Siaboc and Panky Trinidad as personal bet in the recently concluded "Pinoy Dream Academy"?

In between the respective successes of Keanna and Kim was Boholana native but Cebu resident Anna Maris Igpit who brought home the crown as Bb. Pilipinas World last March. She may have failed to bag the international title in Poland last September but great doors of opportunities are opening for her now-and she is playing her cards right. But the good thing is, despite her victory, Anna has remained down-to-earth, friendly and extra accommodating.

Last April, the multi-awarded students of the Mandaue School for the Arts stormed some cities in the United States with their highly commendable show of talent and skill that did not only remind Filipinos abroad of their proud cultural customs and traditions but also enticed foreigners to visit the country to experience the Filipino hospitality themselves.

Maria Donna, a local-based recording artist under SARUA Records, also made history last November after she became the first-ever Philippine representative to win the grand prize title in the 9th Shanghai Music Festival in China. She never expected to reap the gold but she vowed to do her best during the contest as she was banking on the miraculous Sto. Niño's help. Now, Maria Donna is set to penetrate the national music scene as she will release her second album, songs of which were written mostly by the veteran and multi-awarded composer Vehnee Saturno.

Jay-R and Panky are also newsmakers in their own right. The former has also become a poster boy of simple, local talents who have hit it big, while the latter is a beauty with world-class talent who, despite being greatly misunderstood, has endeavored to change for good. It was only last December 16 that the "taong bayan" spoke up so 2007 could either turn out to be a "break or make" year for them as far as their longevity in the business is concerned.

Another Cebuana Raffi Quijano has repackaged herself to become the latest addition to the growing number of bossa nova singers in the country. Cueshe, Sheryn Regis and Jimmy Marquez remain very much visible in the national music scene.

In the local media circuit, the competition for the ratings between "Balitang Bisdak" and "TV Patrol Central Visayas" is continuously heating up. This rivalry paved the way for Cecil Quibod to shine; she who was initially criticized for bad make-up, bloopers, among other things, but has now successfully gained ground to become a local TV darling. Her success prompted the competitor to put Kara Noveda as Star Patroler, who has yet a lot of proving to do.

Kapamilyang Rico Lucena is a reporter to watch next year. It will be remembered that Lucena was quick to break the story regarding the pitiful Guinsaugon landslide last February 17. That was his greatest break so far that caught the attention of ABS-CBN's Maria Ressa for him to be given special assignment in the Albay landslide last November 29. It would not be a surprise if by 2007 he will permanently be based in Manila as part of "TV Patrol World's" roster of young and promising reporters. Well, Rico said he still loves Cebu and wants to remain here. But you never know.

Kapusong Jun Veliganio, on the other hand, made his mark on national television as the first provincial reporter to have contributed a story in the award-winning and widely watched "Reporters Notebook" of GMA-7. His reportage regarding the spate of vigilante-style killings in Cebu was a break he will forever cherish, and it was also something that opened the door for him to become segment host of "Balitang Bisdak's" police files.

Indeed, the year 2006 was brimming with shining moments for the Cebu entertainment scene and talents. Hopefully, 2007 would even better with the help of God.

Allow me to greet an advance Happy New Year to everyone. Thank you for reading me through the years.

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Watch "Maging Sino Ka Man" star Bea Alonzo tonight at 8:30pm at the Gaisano Country Mall grounds for the first raffle draw of the Gaisano chain of stores' "A Million Thanks" promo.

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Please vote for our Cebuana bet Hazel Uy. Simply type starstruck (space) HAZEL send to 2344 for Globe, Touch Mobile and Sun subscribers and 367 for Smart and Talk&Text users.