Best of the Week: 50 Cent, Francis M, and the return of Rockeoke

Copycat of the week: Imortal

MANILA, Philippines - Guess who’s finally jumping on the bloodsucking bandwagon? As if their Glee-inspired musical series iDol wasn’t enough to satisfy the tweens, the teleserye gods of ABS-CBN came up with something to whet any closet fangbanger’s appetite: Imortal. In a nutshell, the story’s centered on the warring clans of vampires and werewolves with the star-crossed lovers (Angel Locsin and John Lloyd Cruz) caught in the middle. If this isn’t your cup o’ tea, then you just might be interested in tuning in to see Rico Blanco showing off his acting chops on the small screen.

Gay Activist of the week: Neil Patrick Harris

After the ItGetsBetter campaign started by Dan Savage on YouTube, gay Hollywood joins the crusade against gay teen bullying. How I Met Your Mother star Neil Patrick Harris spoke words of encouragement and hope for homosexual teens discriminated in the States, acting as a fairy godfather to those that trail the Homo Highway. Campaigns to end the bullying came to a climax when Tyler Clementi jumped to his death at the Washington Bridge after hidden cam footage of him making out with a man was spread by his roommate.

Odd Couple of the week: 50 Cent And Chelsea Handler

“I love you like fat kid loves cake,” went the immortal 50 Cent line. Comedian Chelsea Handler should anticipate declarations of love with cake analogies soon as photos of the odd couple canoodling in a restaurant surfaced this week on entertainment sites. Hard-hitting news service E! Online claims the connection is more lust than love, though, saying the two have yet to hook up. Well, as another 50 Cent song goes, if you ain’t getting no action, you gotta wanksta.

Comeback of the week: Rockeoke

Rock never dies. Case in point: Rockeoke. Film director and Rockeoke co-creator Quark Henares brought it back after a four-month hiatus after getting numerous requests from complete strangers. Now in its new home in Bowler Restobar in Salcedo Village, Makati, students, yuppies, and karaoke addicts can finally rock out without shame or disturbing their neighbors. If you were too chicken to hit the stage the first time, don’t let the opportunity pass again. Call 894-3589 for reservations.

Cameo of the week: Mark Zuckerberg

As if Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg’s newly-discovered star power is not exploited enough in the upcoming movie The Social Network, The Simpsons elevated the college dropout to the top of the food chain this week by granting him a cameo. Trying to inspire the Simpson kids not to quit college and pursue a professional career, Zuckerberg joins Bill Gates and Steve Johns in the triumvirate of nerd crunchies animated by The Simpsons. Zuckerberg’s cameo focuses on his life choices, dropping out of college and concentrating on developing Facebook. We heard there’s a deleted scene where Lisa dates Mark, but she dumps him shortly after learning he’s fond of poking.

Brand of the week: Francis M. Clothing Co.

The Man from Manila lives on as his clothing company celebrates its fourth year of “Filipinizing the World.” Francis’ family and friends commemorated this and his birthday last October 4 by holding a five-day exhibit and tribute to the King of Pinoy Rap at the Outerspace Gallery and B-Side in Makati. Acts like DJ Kimosave, Gloc 9, the Pin-Ups , with Elmo Magalona and the Mags highlighted the week-long event promoting true urban patriotism.

PG Banning of the week: Katy Perry’s Bouncing Elmos

Speaking of Katy Perry, have you seen her guesting on Sesame Street? You should. Katy’s segment with Elmo, which was supposed to be shown on New Year’s Eve, got leaked on YouTube. Producers had to cut her bit after angered parents commented on the video, complaining about Ms. Perry’s inappropriate bouncing boobies. In all fairness to her, she was wearing mesh, but that obviously didn’t stop them from cutting her scene. To redeem herself, Ms. Perry appeared on Saturday Night Live wearing a tight Elmo shirt which graciously revealed her twins. So far, Katy Perry’s bouncing Elmos have successfully become an Internet meme. Bounce. Bounce.

Actor of the week: Sid Lucero

Sex scene with Cogie Domingo aside, Sid Lucero made headlines this week with his Best Actor nomination from the International Emmy Awards. Getting one of the country’s two nods from the international award giving body, Sid Lucero proves talent runs in the blood, him being pitted against other actors coming from the UK, India, and Egypt, among others. The International Emmys is the most prestigious award for TV outside US, sometimes referred to as the Cannes of the television industry.

Dance Craze of the week: Cebupac Safety Dance

Though the video’s been circulating since last week, it hasn’t stopped raising curious eyebrows around the world. The clip shows Cebu Pacific flight attendants shaking their booties as they demonstrate airline safety procedures. Although entertaining, the two-and-a-half- minute video has managed to polarize the opinions of groups and personalities here and abroad. PAL’s union of flight attendants called it sexist while Gabriela said it was exploitative. CNN’s Anderson Cooper said he “would have demanded to get off the airplane” while American Idol host Ryan Seacrest tweeted his excitement to both Lady Gaga and Katy Perry, whose songs were used for the in-flight instructions.