Toni Gonzaga

Toni Gonzaga on being "heir apparent" of Kris Aquino: "Walang papalit sa kanya dahil nag-iisa lang siya."

2009-02-17T13:56:00.000-08:00

Sinabi ni Kris Aquino, during the time na nakaramdam siya ng fear tungkol sa kanyang hosting career, na kung may isa mang TV host na kinaalarmahan at nararamdaman na maaring pumalit sa kanyang trono—ito ay walang iba kundi si Toni Gonzaga.

Kilala sa kanyang frankness and honesty, mismong si Kris ang nagkuwento na napaginipan niya si Toni replacing her as the Queen of Talk; reflection lang na sa subconscious ng mahusay na TV host ay nandun nga ang takot at pangamba na mawala sa kanya ang titulo.

Last Sunday, February 15, ay nakausap ng PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) si Toni at kinuha namin ang reaksiyon niya tungkol sa sinabi ni Kris.

"Matagal na yun, last year pa yun," saad ni Toni. "Alam mo naman si Ate Kris, ganun talaga siya, palabiro lang yun. Pero napaginipan niya pala talaga ako, so ibig sabihin iniiisip niya pala ako. Iniisip ko rin naman siya palagi, pareho pala kami.

"Nung makarating sa akin 'yan, ano naman ang ipi-feel mo dun? Ayoko namang mag-feeling hanggang sa sinabi sa akin yun ni Ate Kris nung in-interview ko siya sa E-Live, siya mismo ang nagsabi sa akin.

"Si Ate Kris, kung ano ang nasa isip at nararamdaman niya, sinasabi niya talaga, walang siyang preno. That's what kakaiba kay Ate Kris. Siya lang yata ang nakakagawa ng ganun, yung hindi niya ine-edit kung ano ang nararamdaman o gusto niyang sabihin."

For Toni, wala pa ring papalit sa trono ni Kris as Queen of Talk.

"Alam mo, walang papalit sa kanya dahil nag-iisa lang siya. Hindi ako anak ng bayani at hindi ako anak ng presidente. Puwede lang siyang tularan o hangaan sa mga achievements niya. Pero wala sigurong makakapalit sa kanya dahil kanya-kanya namang estilo 'yan."

Toni recalled her fondest memories with Kris, lalo't sa simula pa lang ng paglipat niya sa ABS-CBN from GMA-7 ay wala itong pangit na ipinakita sa kanya.

"Mahal ko si Ate Kris, ang bait niya sa akin," sambit ni Toni. "Dati, nung bago ako dito, natatakot ako sa kanya kasi baka mataray or hindi namamansin sa mga bagong artista. Pero nagulat ako dahil kilala niya ako agad. She's really aware of her environment, kilala niya talaga ang mga tao sa mundong ginagalawan natin."

Bukod kay Kris, inisa-isa ni Toni ang iba pang mga TV hosts, mapa-local man o international, na hinahangaan niya.

"Pagdating sa seryoso, mga news, hardcore facts, si Ms. Korina Sanchez. Tito Boy naman when it comes to longevity of his career, pagiging spontaneous and the wisdom he has already in the business, kahanga-hanga. Sa international, I love watching Ellen Degeneres. Rachel Ray is funny. I also like David Letterman," paglilista ni Toni.

Toni having movie with Sen. Bong

2009-02-11T13:46:00.000-08:00

Sa nakaraang thanksgiving party ni Bong Revilla para sa entertainment press ay nabanggit niya na pinanghihinayangan niya na hindi natuloy ang pelikulang pagtatambalan sana nila ni Toni sa Star Cinema.

Ayon sa actor-politician ay matagal na niyang gustong makasama sa isang proyekto si Toni, pero dala ng kanyang hectic schedule ay hindi ito magkakaroon ng katuparan sa ngayon.

Aminado si Toni na kahit siya ay nakaramdam ng panghihinayang sa nangyari. Pero positibo siya na matutuloy rin ito sa tamang panahon.

"Sayang nga, kasi siyempre Senator Bong Revilla yun. Kasi, lahat naman yata gustong makatrabaho ang mga beteranong artista. Nagkaproblema yata sa schedule ni Senator Bong kasi may gagawin yata siyang isang movie [Panday], nagka-conflict, hindi kakayanin. Pero may right timing naman ang lahat, siguro sa ibang pagkakataon."

Ayon kay Toni, napanood na niya ang ilan sa mga pelikulang pinagbidahan ni Bong with his respective leading ladies at nagustuhan naman niya ang mga ito.

"Napanood ko na sa Cinema One yung mga movies niya, mga action, yung movie nila ni Judy Ann [Santos], Sharon [Cuneta], kay Ms. Maricel [Soriano]... Actually, maganda yung movie nila ni Ms. Maricel, yung away-bati sila nang away-bati. Nagandahan ako dun.

"Yung sa amin, darating din yung time. Hindi naman ako nagmamadali, lahat naman nasa perfect timing lang. Hindi kailangang pilitin o madaliin," saad ni Toni.

Ikinuwento rin ni Toni sa PEP ang experience niya nang humingi siya ng tulong noon kay Senator Bong noong kagawad pa ang TV host-actress sa kanilang lugar sa Antipolo.

"Siguro mga two to three years ago pa yun, kalilipat ko lang sa ABS. Lumapit ako sa kanya before, pumunta ako sa office niya, sa Senate. Humingi ako ng dental chairs para sa mga kabarangay ko nga, and he was very approachable and accommodating. I think he was able to help kasi, siyempre, pagkatapos ko siyang kontakin, yung mga taga-barangay na yung kumontak sa kanya. Kumbaga, ako yung ginawang koneksiyon," lahad ni Toni.

Toni Gonzaga on success of team-up with Sam Milby: "Siguro dahil hindi kami."

2009-02-11T13:44:00.000-08:00

Pagkatapos ng tagumpay ng tatlong pelikulang pinagtambalan nina Toni Gonzaga at Sam Milby—You Are The One, You Got Me, and My Big Love—marami sa mga tagahanga nila ang naiinip na sa susunod na pelikulang pagtatambalan nila. Wala man silang pelikulang gagawin sa ngayon, isang duet album naman ang handog nila para sa kanilang mga tagahanga.

"Siyempre, pinapasabik muna namin sila," ani Toni sa PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal). "Pero mahal na mahal namin talaga ang mga Sam-Tiners dahil binigyan nila kami ng magandang opening movie. Yung first movie namin hanggang sa mga sumunod, sinuportahan nila talaga.

"May gift naman kami ni Sam sa kanila, bagama't hindi na kami nagsasama sa television or sa pelikula. We'll be coming up with an album. The title of the album is Love Duets, the whole album is a duet and it's under Star Records. Na-realize namin ang dami na naming nagawang movies, mga TV shows na magkasama kami. I think, this time, it's about time to give it back to our fans by giving them an album.

"Actually, we recorded seven cover songs na duet talaga, tapos mayroon na kaming na-record na before like 'If Ever You're In My Arms Again,' 'You Are The One,' isasama din yun. Last year pa nag-record si Sam; ako, this year ko nasimulan. Now, natapos na namin lahat ng kanta," kuwento niya.

Tinyak din ni Toni na magugustuhan ng mga tao ang album nilang ito ni Sam dahil kakaiba raw ang style at approach nito kumpara sa ibang albums.

"We made good music talaga ni Sam!" sambit ni Toni. "Narinig ko yung boses niya, tapos na-finalize namin. Natuwa ako kasi masarap siyang pakinggan sa tenga. It's something na masarap na pakinggan, so, sana magustuhan din nila. Hindi siya typical kasi may transition ang bawat kanta. Hindi siya pagkatapos ng track 1, track 2 agad. May transition music, may mga tawid. Lahat ng music, connected to one another."

Ano sa palagay niya ang mayroon ang tambalan nila ni Sam at kinakagat at sinusuportahan ito ng mga tao?

"Siguro dahil hindi kami," sagot ni Toni. "Narinig ko 'yan kay Ted Failon and Ms. Korina Sanchez. They've been partners for 15 years, tinanong sila kung bakit nagki-click ang tandem nila. Sabi ni Ted, because hindi raw sila ni Korina. Maybe because of the partnership, walang ilangan, kasi hindi kayo. If you're really friends and you work as partners, you bring out the best in each other. Siguro, yun ang mayroon kami ni Sam."

Toni Gonzaga puts heart, soul in relationship, says BF

2009-01-18T12:48:00.000-08:00

"She's the best, for me."

This was how director Paul Soriano described his girlfriend, television host-actress Toni Gonzaga, who celebrated her birthday Saturday.

"She put her 100 percent, heart and soul into this relationship just to make me happy, to make me feel secure, to make me smile," Soriano said in a taped message.

"The best has just begun. I'm here, I'm gonna journey with you throughout everything," he added.

Aside from Soriano, Gonzaga's celebrity friends and family, including her grandfather who flew from the US, also greeted her.

A teary eyed Gonzaga, who spent the holidays in the US, shared that she requested her grandfather to come home so that she could spend her birthday with him.

Toni Gonzaga not leaving the Kapamilya network

2009-01-18T12:46:00.000-08:00

Television host-actress Toni Gonzaga firmly denied reports saying that she was leaving ABS-CBN allegedly because of dissatisfaction.

Gonzaga said she was not transferring to another television station, saying that in the first place the Kapamilya network has lined up many projects for her this year.

The actress, who celebrated her birthday Saturday, added that she is “happy” in ABS-CBN.

“Malaki ang utang na loob ko sa ABS-CBN. Talagang naging ganap akong artista sa ABS. At may gagawin pa ako this year sa kanila so hindi ako pwedeng umalis,” she said.

Toni Gonzaga clarifies issues that came out during the holidays

2009-01-12T16:33:00.000-08:00

Sa pagbabakasyon ni Toni Gonzaga, kasama ang buong pamilya, sa Amerika last holiday season, samu't saring mga intriga agad ang lumabas tungkol sa TV host-actress-singer.

Una na rito ay pagkakalabuan daw nila ng boyfriend na si Paul Soriano. Ikalawa ay ang napipintong paglipat daw ni Toni sa ibang istasyon dahil sa kakulangan ng mga proyekto na ibinibigay sa kanya ng ABS-CBN.

Sa panayam ng PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) kay Toni kahapon, January 11, sa dressing room ng ASAP '09, ay binigyang-linaw niya ang mga isyung ito.

"Regarding kay Paul," simula ni Toni, "I left na malungkot dahil hindi siya nakasama in States. But I left with a happy heart dahil may babalikan ako pag-uwi.

"Siguro kaya may mga issue na ganyan, kasi hindi kami masyadong napagkikita. Hindi rin kami nagpapa-interview. For me kasi, I think sapat na I was honest enough to admit na I have a boyfriend, I'm committed now. Tapos hindi na ako nagpa-interview about it para hindi na nakakalkal."

Last Friday, January 9, lang nakauwi si Toni from their vacation. Hindi nakasama sa nasabing bakasyon si Direk Paul dahil bukod sa lakad yun ng buo nilang pamilya, alam ni Toni na may sarili rin namang pamilya na dapat makasama ang boyfriend sa special occasion na yun.

"Galing kami ng L.A., New Jersey, New York," kuwento ni Toni. "Family lang, exclusive for family, it's our first White Christmas... Bonding, updating sa mga nangyayari sa amin, so talagang excited kami nun.

"Actually, gusto sana naming isama siya [Paul]. Kaya lang, siyempre Christmas and New Year is panahon para sa pamilya. Puwede naman kaming mag-spend ng Christmas namin every day."

Gab Fab: Vhong, Toni triumph in new romcom

2008-11-01T20:11:00.000-07:00

Cathy Garcia-Molina has fans and by that I don’t mean those people who don’t miss the movies of certain directors because they’re fans. Molina’s fans cheer and even bring their own streamers, as if the director is some much-hyped and much-photographed high-profile actor. I witnessed this myself during the recent premiere of My Only U

from Star Cinema.

Then again, such reaction shouldn’t be surprising. Cathy has been churning out fan-friendly films, from last year’s blockbuster One More Chance, which cemented John Lloyd Cruz’s rep as a bankable movie actor; and Close to You, which launched the movie career of Sam Milby; to, more recently, the widely popular A Very Special Love, which gave Sarah Geronimo movie-star bragging rights.

For her latest outing, My Only U, Cathy’s fans cheered her at the premiere of the comedy starring Vhong Navarro and Toni Gonzaga. The movie has been rated “B” by the Cinema Evaluation Board, allowing it to receive a 50-percent tax rebate.

The movie is a romantic comedy that tells the story of Winona (Gonzaga), a bitter person who has lost hope for the future—that is, until she meets Bong (Navarro). He has always had feelings for Winona but could never summon the courage to do anything about it. Until a ghost comes in to provide assistance. The movie packed with wild and wacky antics—and then, there’s the surprise ending which, of course, I won’t give away.

What I will say is that Vhong Navarro, as usual, is a comic genius. His comedy is very Pinoy—slapstick, very emotional, sprinkled with a bit of wit. He’s no Hugh Grant but Hugh is English and so while his movies will never muster lines at the box office of Starmall, Vhong’s will.

Vhong even shows a dramatic side in the movie and while that scene is filled with clichés, Vhong’s brilliant acting saves it—and according to Vhong, direk Cathy helped him fully understand his character. I won’t be surprised if Vhong brings his own streamer for Cathy at the premiere of her next project.

Meanwhile, another comedy I got to see recently is Pineapple Express (screened exclusively in Ayala Cinemas), from Judd Apatow and stars Seth Rogen and James Franco. It’s typical Apatow—nasty dialogue, scenes that are borderline obscene, but with a certain smartness informing the entire proceedings.

Pineapple Express is no different.

Denton (Rogen) is a mailman who spends his days delivering subpoeanas and buying dope from his trusted dealer Saul (Franco). The two try out the latest weed variety, called Pineapple Express, and then Dale witnesses a murder on his way from their pot session. Before long, the two are pursued by hitmen, cops and the whole world.

The movie zips along with abandon and it remains hilarious even if by the middle it gets loopier and disconnects with the plot. Apatow movies have never been about plot, after all. It has always been about witty dialogue, the sly ripostes between the characters. The movie is pointless but it’s so funny that you wouldn’t mind. There are a lot of laugh-out-loud scenes, such as the madcap car chase and an out-of-control ninja scene. But what is shocking is that, in some scenes, you’d even sympathize with the pothead characters.

What is also special about Pineapple Express is that it does what the three Spider-Man blockbusters failed to accomplish: make James Franco a star. Franco is a very talented but underrated young actor. He has always amazed me with his talent, but I’m now blown away by his range showing us his sterling comic skills in this movie.

There will be no Oscar nominations for this movie, I’m quite sure, but if you want to just laugh the days away, then watch Pineapple Express. You might be able to forget the horrors you’ve seen recently on TV...and I’m not talking about those lame Halloween specials over the weekend but the news about Bolante and de la Paz.

Vhong, Toni’s friendship blossoms in ‘My Only U’

2008-10-30T20:09:00.000-07:00

At the presscon of their soon-to-be released movie "My Only U," Vhong Navarro and Toni Gonzaga admitted that they nearly fell in love in the past and they didn’t do it just for show.

"We became too close for comfort, sabihin na natin," said Vhong. "Yes, that was even before we started work on our first movie together, ‘D’ Anothers.’

"Kasi si Vhong ang una kong naging kaibigan when I first joined ABS-CBN," said Toni. "At sabihin na nating napaka loveable din naman niya."

But surprisingly, even with the big box office success of "D’ Anothers," Star Cinema didn’t pair them right away in another movie. Vhong instead was given his own solo movies such as "Supapalicious," where he had Valerie Concepcion for his leading lady. Toni, for her part, was teamed with other leading men. She, in fact, did two movies with Sam Milby, "You Are the One" and "You’ve Got Me" (which also starred Zanjoe Marudo).

Both Vhong and Toni admit they are happy working together in "My Only U." Star Cinema insiders said that this is different from the movies Vhong and Toni did before.

"Iba ang ginawang approach nila Vhong and Toni sa funny moments nila sa ‘My Only U.’ At tiyak maiiyak ka sa kanilang drama scenes," they said.

"My Only U," directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina, is about the friendship of Bong (Vhong) and Winona (Toni). Bong falls in love with Winona who only has a few moths to live.

"We all gave ‘My Only U’ our own unique touch," said Direk Cathy. "And that, I believe is the greatest asset of the movie."

Toni Gonzaga reunites with Vhong Navarro in "My Only U"

2008-09-16T09:35:00.000-07:00

Nagulat si Toni Gonzaga nang makarating sa kanya ang pag-amin ni Vhong Navarro sa naging feelings nito towards her. Muntik na ring ligawan ni Vhong si Toni noon at hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa rin daw nawawala ang feelings sa kanya ng leading man niya sa My Only U ng Star Cinema.

"Eto naman si Vhong, kung anu-ano ang pinagsasabi!" natatawang umpisa ni Toni sa PEP. "Ano yung kay Vhong, siya kasi yung unang-unang naging close ko sa ABS-CBN. Kasi nung nasa ABS na ako, siya na yung unang-una kong nakakasama dito. Sa kanya pa kumuha ng number si Luis [Manzano]. Oo, totoo yun. Talagang siya yung pinaka, kapag may nanliligaw noon dati, kay Vhong muna nila itatanong.

Was there a time ba na na-in love din siya kay Vhong?

"Dahil super close namin na parang, ‘Ay, gumagaan ang loob namin sa isa't isa.' Pero kasi yun ang lagi kong sinasabi na kapag si Vhong ang kasama mo, parang hindi ko maseryoso yung mga pangyayari. Parang nakakatawa lagi. So, magtatawanan na lang kayo. Hanggang eventually, lumapat kami doon sa stage na ano, friendship talaga," lahad ni Toni.

Kung niligawan ba siya ni Vhong ay sasagutin ito ni Toni?

"Ah, hindi marunong manligaw si Vhong, e. Ang alam ko, hindi siya marunong manligaw!" pambubuko ng dalaga.

Kumusta naman ang working relationship nila ni Vhong after three years na huli silang nagkasama sa D' Anothers?

"Ay, hindi nagbago! Ganun pa rin kami ni Vhong. Hindi nagbago dahil lagi kaming nagkikita sa ASAP."

May pagdududa ang iba na kaya raw ibinalik ang tambalan nila ni Vhong dahil masyado nang involved kay Anne Curtis ang leading man niya sa three consecutive movies na ginawa niya na si Sam Milby. Ano ang masasabi ni Toni rito?

"Hindi kasi, ganun naman talaga yun, di ba? Hindi naman kailangang lagi kang ma-identify sa isang love team. ‘Tsaka hindi rin naman din natin masasabi kasi, baka who knows in the future, gumawa ulit kami ng movie. Pero for now, nagko-concentrate muna kami with Vhong. ‘Tsaka si Vhong naman ang original na naka-partner ko," paliwanag niya.

Pero matagal daw bago sila pinagtambal ulit ni Vhong, unlike Sam na sunud-sunod ang pelikula nila.

"Oo, dahil kasi siguro talagang nagustuhan ng tao yung ano namin ni Sam," sabi ni Toni. "Na meron talaga kaming malaking ano, fan-based. So, ‘ayun, nagustuhahn talaga nila and we're very thankful for that. Hindi naman namin kinakalimutan ang suporta nila."

Kumusta naman sila ng boyfriend niya na si Direk Paul Soriano?

"Ay, okey naman, direktor pa rin siya!" biro ni Toni. "Naku, huwag na nating pag-usapan si Direk. Hindi siya kasali sa movie. Nung My Big Love, hindi ko rin siya pinag-usapan. Kasi ayaw ko nung may pelikula ako, nadadamay siya kasi hindi naman siya kasama sa pelikula."

Sino ang My Only U sa buhay niya?

"Sa pelikula si Vhong. Sa personal, ay, kilala mo na ‘yon! Alam mo na ‘yon!" sabi sa amin ni Toni.

Kakabugin ba nila ni Vhong ang tandem nina John Lloyd Cruz at Sarah Geronimo, na huling idinirek ng direktor ng movie nila na si Cathy Garcia Molina sa A Very Special Love? May sun dance portion din ba siya sa movie?

"Hindi ko nga alam, baka tribal dance!" tawa niya. "Hindi, hindi ko alam. Siyempre, wala naman kaming gustong taubin na kung ano dahil iisang film outfit lang kami. Isa lang ang pinagtatrabahuan namin, which is Star Cinema. We're just really thankful na nabibigyan kami ng opportunity ni Vhong na kahit papano masimulan ang movie namin this year."

May pressure ba sila na napi-feel dahil galing sa isang blockbuster movie ang pinagsamahan nila ni Vhong at box-office director naman si Cathy?

"Si Direk Cathy, I think sa dalawang pelikula na ginawa namin—and this is my third with her—she knows kasi how to handle pressure."

What about her?

"Oo, siyempre ganun na rin. Nasanay ka na rin dahil hindi lang naman sa pelikula, e. Kahit sa mga shows na ibibigay sa ‘yo, may pressure talaga ‘yon. Ano siguro, instead of focusing sa pressure, ini-enjoy na lang namin yung trabaho, yung working relationship, yung camaraderie. Kasi magaan sa set, masaya, walang iringan, walang tensiyon masyado," pagtatapos ni Toni.

Toni Gonzaga on Faces, Voices & Bodies @ Zirkoh

2008-09-10T16:33:00.000-07:00

Zirkoh Timog together with Lucida-DS, Vaniderm and CardioPlus present a night of Faces, Voices & Bodies @ Zirkoh on Thursday, August 14, 2008, 10:00pm. Catch Gabby Concepcion and Toni Gonzaga live with the special participation of Valerie Concepcion and Joross Gamboa.

The show will also feature the following performers: Baywalk Bodies, Raphael Martinez, Eleoner G., Lex Lopez together with Yellow Milano, Trisha Gayod, Kobe Bryant Yulo, Kaye Hiñola, Jmore, Camille Tarray, Mo Jack, Garry Esguerra, Princess Mampusti and Pinky Fernandez.

For ticket inquiries, please call 09236491784 & 4674088. Tickets are available @ Zirkoh, Timog.

25 Stars including Toni pay tribute to Gary Valenciano

2008-08-25T16:30:00.000-07:00

The finest singers in the industry are giving tribute to the man who has been considered the embodiment of a total performer, Gary Valenciano, also known as Mr. Pure Energy.

The artists have come together through the album "GV25 All-Star Tribute Collection" under Star Records, featuring the greatest hits of Valenciano.

Respected artists from the music industry were honored to take part in the GV25 album, rendering their own version of Gary V.'s timeless songs in celebration of the artist's 25 years in the industry.

Some of the artists include Jericho Rosales (Di Bale Na Lang), Martin Nievera (Narito), South Border (Laughter All The Time), Bituin Escalante (Take Me Out Of The Dark), Christian Bautista (After All), Sarah Geronimo (Kailangan Kita), Toni Gonzaga (Wait Forever), Zsa Zsa Padilla(Ikaw Lamang), Kuh Ledesma (Could You Be Messiah), Sam Milby (Each Passing Night), Erik Santos (Gaya Ng Dati), Jed Madela (Until Then), Randy Santiago (Eto Na Naman), Piolo Pascual (How Did You Know), Aiza Seguerra (Fool 'Til The End), Vina Morales (Natutulog Ba Ang Diyos) and Sharon Cuneta (Sana Maulit Muli).

"Gary V. is the epitome of excellence! He is an inspiration. It's an honor to be a part of his 25th anniversary album and to sing "Could You Be Messiah", one of his biggest hits," Kuh Ledesma said.

"Gary is such an inspiration to millions and his music has touched so many hearts including mine. It is such an honor to be a part of this tribute album for an icon of music & inspiration," said Jed Madela.

"I am truly inspired of what Kuya Gary has achieved throughout his 25 years in the business. I was full of love and inspiration when I was recording "Gaya Ng Dati", my favorite GV song. Truly, Gary V. is one of the most effective performers in our country, for me he's one of the greatest icons of this generation," said Erik Santos.

"Gary V. is the most dedicated artist in the business. His musicality is unmatched. He memorizes every beat and every lyric and if you're not careful, he will memorize your beats and lyrics too. It's an honor to share the stage with him, but an even bigger honor to sing one of his classics. Gary is more than a friend, he is our spiritual hero," said Concert King, Martin Nievera.

"I can't imagine the Philippine music industry without Gary Valenciano. He's really the only one that does best with what he does. That's why when you say Mr. Pure Energy, that really means so much more that what it initially seems to mean.

"Gary is an institution at such a young age. He's a huge, huge superstar and has brought our country many honors," said the Megastar, Sharon Cuneta.

In showbusiness, there are many stars who have lost their shine over the years. After 25 years, Gary V. still stands strong, making music that continues to appeal to people.

GV25 All-Star Tribute Collection is now available under Star Records. Hear the new versions of Gary V.'s best hits, available in all record bars worldwide.

Cathy Garcia Molina to direct Toni Gonzaga and Vhong Navarro’s reunion movie

2008-08-09T16:14:00.000-07:00

After the successful team-up of Sarah Geronimo and John Lloyd Cruz in A Very Special Love, Director Cathy Garcia-Molina has a new film project coming up with Toni Gonzaga and Vhong Navarro. Director Cathy Garcia-Molina was assigned by ABS-CBN Film Productions Inc. to direct the big screen reunion of Toni Gonzaga and Vhong Navarro.

The Toni Gonzaga and Vhong Navarro team-up was last seen on the 2005 movie, D’ Anothers. This follow-up movie of the Toni-Vhong love team only proves that the love team has a great number of followers.

Director Cathy Garcia-Molina is truly very blessed career-wise. Watch out for this movie!

Toni Gonzaga is MEG’s Cover Girl!

2008-08-02T16:20:00.000-07:00

The famous and talented multimedia star, Toni Gonzaga graces the cover of MEG August 2008 issue! Despite her very busy schedule, she took time to pose for MEG’s cover this month. Not only did she pose for the cover, she was also interviewed by the MEG team about love, relationships and career. Although her schedule is occupied with television guesting, hosting gigs, pictorials, shoots, and other commitments, she doesn’t forget to go to church because of her great faith in God.

Even at 24, she achieved a lot of things in her chosen career — numerous acting awards, gold and platinum records, box-office movies and many more. Toni is kept grounded by her faith in God, a positive disposition, and untainted dedication to her craft.

Here is an excerpt of her interview with the MEG team:

What to you is the most important ingredient of a successful relationship?
I don’t know the secret actually, kasi siyempre hindi ko pa rin naman alam what’s going to happen, all I know is that I’m just really blessed to have this wonderful relationship with someone who I know is on the same track and is heading in the same direction with me. I’m just really thankful, but hindi ko pa masasabi na success story na ang love story namin kasi hindi pa naman natin malalaman yan.
But how do you keep things interesting for both of you?

Kasi we don’t have the same kind of job, so I think it’s interesting for him and for me cause we get to learn about each other’s craft, kasi when he asks me something, may explanation, this is how it’s done. It’s also good to be with someone who’s not really doing the same thing that you’re doing… everyday we learn from each other.
What advise can you give to girls about relationships?

I guess you have to first obey your parents and trust the discernment of your parents. Pray about it and keep God in the center of the relationship so it will never go wrong. I think that’s very important with me. Nakakita ako ng isang tao na pareho talaga kami ng priorities in life, pareho kami ng values, which is hard [to find]. So I feel really blessed that we were able to cross paths.
What has been the biggest learning experience you’ve had so far?
[That] “everything works for good for those who love God,” Romans 8:28. That has been my life verse ever since. Lahat ng mga rejections ko sa VTRs, commercials, everything that I tried out before na hindi nag-work, I always think na, everything has a reason. May isa pang verse about that says, “For I know the plans I have for you to prosper, to give you a good future,” Jeremiah 29:11.
What’s your advise to young people who want to follow your footsteps?

I was once a fan too when I was younger and I would always dream of being a part of this industry, just like them. Keep on visualizing what you really want and have a vision of what you want to achieve in the future, and what you want to be. And be determined, be focused, pray about it. And obey your parents— that’s very important.

Toni Gonzaga hosted Pilipinas, Game Ka Na Ba?

2008-07-25T16:00:00.000-07:00

The Much Needed Vacation

After the success of Game Ka Na Ba’s new format, the actor, TV host and head of the Optical Media Board, Edu Manzano took a much needed but short vacation in Mexico and Los Angeles. During his vacation in Mexico and Los Angeles, the actor-host was overwhelmed because of the warm welcome he received from the Filipinos abroad.

“Salamat kasi kahit saan tayo magpunta ay parang pag-aari ng Pilipino,” Edu Manzano said in an interview conducted by ABS-CBNnews.com. He also added that the Filipinos abroad would talk to him about his famous dance steps, the Papaya dance.

He was surprised and happy about the fact the Filipinos outside the country are familiar with the show he is currently hosting.

The Temporary Hosts

During Manzano’s short vacation outside the country, the award-winning actress, singer and TV host, Toni Gonzaga replaced and took care of the hosting chores of the show, “Pilipinas, Game Ka Na Ba”. The veteran comedian, Brod Pete, joined Toni Gonzaga in hosting the said show. Avid viewers of the show were happy about the Toni and Brod Pete tandem.

When Edu Manzano, the real host of the show came back from his vacation, he thanked Toni Gonzaga and Brod Pete for taking care of the show and its viewers.

“I would like to thank of course Toni Gonzaga and Brod Pete for taking over while I was away,” Manzano said on the same interview conducted by ABS-CBNnews.

'Direk' Paul Soriano hopes to marry Toni Gonzaga

2008-07-18T20:57:00.000-07:00

Actress, singer and TV host Toni Gonzaga and director Paul Soriano have been an item for only a year, but they're already setting their sights on settling down not soon, but eventually.

In separate interviews with The Buzz, both Toni and Paul expressed their desire for their present relationship to culminate in marriage, even as they revealed the gifts they exchanged to mark their first year anniversary.

Paul said he gave Toni a Tempur-pillow, it's a pillow made from high-tech "memory foam" that was once developed by NASA for its astronauts. Basically, pillows and mattresses made from memory foam mould themselves to the shape of the body or object placed on it. As a result, there's less pressure to the user who will sleep very well on the memory foam.

He must really want Toni to have very sound sleep wherever she goes after all, she's one of the busiest ABS-CBN talents with tapings and shows that last well into the early morning hours.

Toni on the other hand gave Paul a scrapbook filled with magazine clippings and other odds and ends that are souvenirs of the most memorable moments of their relationship in the past year.

The lovers only had good words about each other during their interviews. Toni described Paul as 'sweet. Marami syang ginagawa na unexpected". Paul on the other hand said that he appreciates Toni's efforts to see him despite her busy schedule.

"She finds ways to make time for me, for dinner, coffee, hang out," he said.

Paul also said that their shared Christian faith is a big help in keeping their relationship strong, despite the issues and intrigues local showbiz throws at them.

Remember when rumors spread about how Paul was supposedly one of the "suspects" who fathered the child of actress Camille Pratts? That proved to be false after the Pratts family announced that the father is Camille's childhood sweetheart, Anthony Linsangan.

Toni hasn't been spared: some very nasty remarks and accusations by still unidentified people were posted on her own Multiply blog.

Paul shared the secret of why their relationship is still going strong: "We pray a lot together. I think that's something her dad and mom taught us, we cannot do anything just the two of us, we need to put God at the center of the relationship."

Paul also said that he would want his relationship with Toni to go on for a lifetime.

"I definitely want this to lead to marriage obviously, that's why I put so much time and effort into this. I think she's the one for me, if you ask me, this is the direction I wanto to go," he said.

Toni, progressively sexy

2008-07-11T09:20:00.000-07:00

Toni Gonzaga, the singer, is now tagged as the Most Certified Platinum Star. During the launching of her third studio album under Star Records, “Love Is…Toni Gonzaga” CD, Managing Director Annabelle Regalado-Borja explained Toni is now one of the highest selling recording artists with the platinum performance of her second CD. Her third CD is expected to be another platinum performer with its carrier single “Incapable,” as written by hitmaker Christian Martinez. Feeling a bit naughty, I asked Toni the following questions during the open forum as presided by Eric John Salut.

Which title do you prefer, Most Certified Platinum Star of The Ultimate Multi-media?

Ay! Hindi ko alam. Parang hindi ko alam kung alin ang type ko. Ang hirap namang mamili.

Most Certified Platinum Star refers to your recording career while The Ultimate Multi-media Star refers to your total career.

Hindi ko talaga alam. It’s not for me to decide, dahil hindi ba, ang mga tao naman ang nagbibigay ng mga title sa mga artista. Kung ako ang papipiliin, kahit ano, okey sa akin. Huwag lang Bomba Star! Kahit anong star, huwag lang ‘yon. Huwag ding sexy star, hindi po bagay. Parang comatose na ang level ko kapag ganu’n na ang title ko.

But your image has turned sexier?

Wow! Kailangan ‘yon. It comes with the time. Maturity rin. Nagma-mature na rin ang body ko, habang nagma-mature ang mga songs ko.

Did you discuss with (boyfriend) Paul Soriano the change in image?

Hindi naman talaga ako nagpapa-sexy. Kaya ko lang naman ginawa ‘yung mga leg showing, dahil concert ko ‘yon, para naman maiba sa mga ginagawa ko sa TV.

What does Paul think about it?

When it comes to that, hindi naman namin dini-discuss, kasi alam naman niya na hindi ako gagawa ng isang bagay na hindi ko pinag-iisipang mabuti, na alam kong makakasira sa akin. At saka, ‘pag nagsusuot ako ng mga seksing damit, ano naman, not to the point na mababastos na ako!

Did you wear stockings in the image behind you? (Note: It shows Toni kneeling while wearing a gown in paisley print, her back showing and her right leg exposed.)

Wala talagang stockings diyan, promise! Tanong niyo po sa photographer ko, si Ronnie Salvacion, wala talaga. Kaya namin ipinakita ‘yan, kasi ‘yun ‘yung time na may hinanakit ako, dahil hindi ako nakapag-summer vacation. So, nu’ng summer si Mariel (Rodriguez) and Bianca (Gonzales) tan, ako lang ang maputi. Sa opening ng “PBB Teen Edition Plus,” nag-spray-spray ako ng pang-tan. Peke ang tan ko. Maputi talaga ako.

Toni Gonzaga to host Pinoy Dream Academy Season II

2008-06-04T15:55:00.000-07:00

After her hosting stint with Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition Plus, actress and host, Toni Gonzaga will join the dreamcredible team of Pinoy Dream Academy Season II. Toni Gonzaga joins Nikki Gil and Billy Crawford in hosting the said show.

Toni Gonzaga will host the primetime edition of Pinoy Dream Academy Season II while Nikki Gil will give periodic updates on the show throughout the day. The newest Kapamilya, Billy Crawford will take care of the hosting chores for Pinoy Dream Academy Uberture, the counterpart of Pinoy Big Brother’s Uber.

The 32 hopefuls will be introduced on the public starting June 9, 2008 on PDA Season 2: The Dream BIGins. The program will air from Monday to Friday, after My Girl.

After PDA Season2: The Dream BIGins, a grand live premiere will be held on Saturday, June 14, 2008 at the Pinoy Dream Academy Concert hall where we get to know who would be the scholars.

Aside from her hosting and singing career, Toni Gonzaga is set to do a movie with Vhong Navarro within the year.

Toni Gonzaga on Star Studio Magazine

2008-06-03T15:57:00.000-07:00

Toni Gonzaga is the cover girl of the latest issue of Star Studio Magazine! Star Studio Magazine gives us an update on the relationship of Toni Gonzaga and Direk Paul Soriano as they celebrate their first anniversary as a couple.

Also in the same issue is Kim Chiu, Mario Dumaual, Phoemela Barranda, Ginger Conejero, and Marie Lozano.

Grab StarStudio’s June 2008 issue, out now for only P85.

Toni & What Love Is

2008-05-28T16:01:00.000-07:00

Toni Gonzaga shows some sexiness on the back cover of her third album titled Love is… Toni Gonzaga but her music remains sweet and is never sappy. After all, it’s Toni’s easy-listening kind of music that has made her songs reach the charts. She doesn’t have to strain her voice to make another gold or platinum album.

“I’m trying to be bolder with this album,” refers Toni to her daring, edgy image on the promotional photos for her latest album. She is in a backless dress revealing her flawless skin and legs.

“The album, on the other hand, is a combination of original and cover songs. I also had a say in the song choices. I think my music depends on time and trends. I have to go with the flow like what the listeners want. If they prefer covers, we will give them that. As the title of my album implies, it is all about love and the listener will define for himself what love is.”

Love is… Toni Gonzaga is the follow-up album to You Complete Me and Toni Gonzaga Falling In Love. Both reached gold status with the record sales of more than 25,000 sold copies. The latter was certified platinum. Toni’s music has a market of its own that’s why Star Records is never afraid to take a gamble on her. They think Toni always delivers.

For a recording artist whose debut album started on the right foot and who surpassed the sophomore jinx, there’s no other way for Toni but to come up another one and explore her range musically.

“I’m thankful that they have entrusted me this one,” says Toni, winner of MYX Most Downloaded Artist award. “(My) success, to quote actor Anthony Hopkins, is 80 percent luck, 10 percent talent and 10 percent attitude. I think it also comes with hardwork and patience. You have to visualize what you want and focus on it. Whatever respect and success I’m enjoying now, it is something I have earned for the past years. I still have a lot more to prove myself. I have to do it year after year.”

Love is… Toni Gonzaga will show that the singer-actress can make a kill not only on original compositions but also on the songs of the other artists. If you grew up in the ‘80s and ‘90s, you will have a blast listening to the carrier single One Hello, If Ever You’re In My Arms Again with Sam Milby, Take Me, I’ll Follow You, Insensitive, Steep and Someone’s Always Saying Goodbye. You can’t help but sing along the songs with Toni. Besides, these ditties are familiar tunes. But if you’re looking for the real sounds of Toni just the way she did in chart-topping singles We Belong and Catch Me I’m Fallin’, she serves you up songs like Incapable, If I Give You My Heart and I’ve Been Waiting.

What else do we look forward to in Toni’s career aside from her hosting stints on ABS-CBN’s Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition 2, Entertainment Live and ASAP? A lot.

Faces & Curves, a beauty clinic which offers cosmetic, plastic and reconstructive surgery, got her and sister Alex as its endorsers. The place, located at Suite 204 The Victoria Plaza, Annapolis St., Greenhills, San Juan, is staffed by board-certified plastic surgeons, anesthesiologists, internists and dermatologists.

Toni, a regular customer of Faces & Curves, was chosen because of her wholesome image, and her versatility as singer, actress and host.

“It was Faces & Curves that reconstructed part of my face when I met an accident while shooting a TV commercial,” says Toni. “Look, you don’t notice any difference anymore, do you?”

She goes on, “I will also make a movie with Vhong Navarro.” The Star Cinema project is Toni and Vhong’s big screen teamup after D‘ Anothers. Toni adds that she is in her best element as an actress in comedies and light romances like You Are the One and You Got Me. Many think she is also perfect for the title role of Betty La Fea which has given America Ferreira Golden Globes and Emmys. Toni is a funny girl in her own right.

With the many hats she is wearing, Toni wishes to be known as a singer “who sings from the heart, and in the future, (I hope) someone will make one of my songs a cover.”

Toni Gonzaga: ‘I’m just lucky’

2008-05-22T16:02:00.000-07:00

Toni Gonzaga is the star of several hit movies, host of a number of hit shows, and singer with two platinum-award winning albums. But for all of her success, she believes that it’s all due to luck.

“I think sa business na ito, 80 percent ang luck, 10 percent ang attitude, at 10 percent ang talent. That’s it for me. I’m speaking for myself,” she explains during the recent launch of her third album, Love Is… Her third album contains her renditions of all-time favorites, such as You’re In Love, If I Give You My Heart, Take Me, I’ll Follow You, Insensitive, Steep, I’ve Been Waiting, and Someone’s Always Saying Goodbye. There’s also an original composition, Incapable, included in the album.

“I know that I can do so many things. But I also know that someone out there can do so much more and so much better than I do. I’m just so fortunate that I’ve been given the chances and the breaks and I was blessed with luck.”

Luck is definitely on her side. Toni is currently one of the bestselling local recording artists. Her second album, Falling In Love, is a big hit, selling a whopping 29,000 units–despite the music piracy problem. Her record label, Star Records, adds that the album is continuing to sell well.

While she is flattered with the platinum and multi-media star monickers that have been bestowed on her, she realizes that they also carry some pressure. “When you’re in the business and people start to appreciate you and recognize your abilities and how you do your work, it’s flattering and overwhelming. But at the same time, it’s something that you don’t want to put into your head,” Toni explains. “Gusto ko lang siyang i-embrace pero ayoko siyang ilagay sa sistema ko.”

She believes that these names mean she has to live up to them, to prove herself worthy. “You have to prove yourself more and more every year and it does not stop,” she ends.

Toni Gonzaga releases third album under Star Records

2008-05-19T16:06:00.000-07:00

Right on the heels of her successful first solo concert Catch Me at the Aliw Theater, Toni Gonzaga has just released her latest album Love Is…Toni Gonzaga.

With her past two albums with Star Records accorded gold and platinum status, her recording label has no qualms in producing another album for the artist reluctantly dubbed as the The Ultimate Multimedia Star.

“Ang laki talaga ng pasasalamat ko sa Star Records dahil pinagkakatiwalaan nila ako with another album. Lahat ng kanta dito ay close to my heart at masaya ako nang i-record ko ang mga kanta,” says Toni.

According to Nixon Sy, Star Records’ promo unit head, “Her first album with Star Records, You Complete Me, was certified gold and her sophomore album, Toni Gonzaga Falling in Love, was awarded platinum. At such a young age, Toni is being recognized as one of the movers of the music industry and it’s a privilege for Star Records to produce another winner for her.”

In fact, her carrier single “One Hello,” is now enjoying heavy rotation in various radio stations nationwide. The other songs in her 11-track album are “Incapable,” “You’re in Love,” “If I Give You My Heart,” “Take Me, I’ll Follow You,” Insensitive,” “Steep,” “I’ve Been Waiting,” and “Someone’s Always Saying Goodbye.” Fans will be thrilled to know that Sam Milby has a duet with Toni for the album’s song “If Ever You’re In My Arms Again.”

Toni adds, “Special po para sa akin ang Love Is…Toni Gonzaga dahil alam naman po ng lahat ng aking affairs of the heart. Kaya po sa lahat ng mga in love o gustong ma-in love, para po sa atin ang album na ito!”

Toni launches new ‘Love Is’ album; calls Multiply posts ‘malicious’ rumors

2008-05-18T16:12:00.000-07:00

One enduring lesson in local showbiz is this: no matter how popular you are, no matter how wholesome your image, there will still be people who hate you–and will try to spread that hate around. And yes, this is true even for popular and wholesome TV host, singer and actress Toni Gonzaga.

It would be very hard to describe two posts on Toni’s own Multiply social networking site as anything other than “hate posts”. The poster, who goes by the name “tonisuckz”, makes outrageous, unproven accusations against Toni.

These accusations include claims that the singer and actress has had not one but several abortions. Furthermore, “tonisuckz” calls Toni a “gold digger” and claims that she’s the mistress of a politician. Two other posters, “pangatoni” and “antitoni” make simiar claims.

When one clicks on these posters’ names however, one is informed by the Multiply system that “user does not exist”.

“Nothing to hide”
Despite an attempt (perhaps, well-meaning) by one person from Toni’s camp to stop this reporter from bringing up the issue, the singer-actress was courageous and forthright enough to issue a denial to abs-cbnNEWS.com

“For someone to create such a lousy “chismis” and malicious na talagang gustong sirain ang buong pagkatao mo–I think that’s pathetic for someone…that’s terrible,” Toni said, adding that she’s challenging her accusers to make their claims to her face.

Toni added that she has “nothing to hide” and she’s confident that should anyone try to dig up dirt against her, she’ll still come up clean. The abortion rumor seems to have stemmed from her noticeable absence from her shows like ASAP’ 08 and Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition Plus.

“Yes I’ve heard that sa Multiply account ko maraming ganyan that I’d been through abortion and all that, you know what the truth will always prevail. They can research about it, they can research about my life… and they can check every hospital. I’m willing and I’m ready,” Toni said, reacting to the rumor that she stayed at the Medical City in Pasig to recover after an alleged abortion.

Toni said that she has already discussed the rumor with her boyfriend, director Paul Soriano. The rumor is that Soriano “supported” Toni’s decision to get an abortion.

“Naku! You know what it’s so funny because I discussed that with Paul last night (May 15) when someone wrote that in my Multiply account.

“And then he said, ‘you know what Tin, there’s so many things that’s already been said about you and iyan one big fat lie na gusto nilang i-spread na tingin nila will crack you. It shouldn’t bother you at all because you know it’s not true’,” said Toni.

“Eric” and the “politician”
Toni also denied the posters’ claims that she’s the mistress of a politician who owns a condominium unit in Araneta Avenue, and that her first boyfriend was a guy named “Eric” back when she was still a student at the Dominican School.

“They can search every politician they know na tingin nila associated with me. I’m not connected, I don’t know why I’m even answering this issue because I know it’s not true,” she said.

Toni also reaffirmed that her first and only boyfriend is Soriano. She added that she would never approve of any attempt to fabricate issues just to create a buzz about her latest album, “Love Is… Toni Gonzaga” under ABS-CBN’s music outfit Star Records.

“Kasi ako when it comes to my career it is better to prove yourself through your achievement rather than just coming up with the issues na hindi naman totoo,” she said.

She explained that resorting to rumors and gimmickry to promote her album would be bad for everyone in the long run.

“First, ang magsa-suffer iyong tao, ako as a person and my image to the public. Then, second, the people will not really see what you can offer them and your talent, kasi ang masi-i-focus nila iyong isyu mo, kaakibat ng bagong project na ginagawa mo,” she said.

Her latest album under Star Records follows two recent successes: her hit concert “Catch Me…Toni Gonzaga” and her blockbuster movie “My Big Love” with actor Sam Milby.

Gonzaga’s album features a mix of original songs and revivals, including: “Incapable,” “You’re in Love,” “If I Give You My Heart,” “Take Me, I’ll Follow You,”Insensitive,” Steep,” “I’ve Been Waiting,” and “Someone’s Always Saying Goodbye”.

Toni and Alex Gonzaga are the new faces of Faces & Curves

2008-05-18T16:07:00.000-07:00

In a press conference and luncheon held at Little Asia restaurant in Greenhills’ The Promenade, last May 9, the program began with the exclusive premiere of the center’s stunning black-and-white billboard, featuring close-up shots of the Gonzaga sisters, as well as a short video documenting the photo shoot for the billboard.

After Toni was introduced, she serenaded the press people with her hit single, “Catch Me, I’m Fallin,’” before proceeding with the actual contract signing for her latest project.

When asked about how she felt being Faces & Curves’ new celebrity endorser, Toni said with a humble smile, “I feel very blessed, and very happy and thankful that I would get to endorse Faces & Curves na talagang I believe in and I trust.”

She even joked, “When I heard nga that they’re interested to get me, it felt right. I went with it right away. When I found out na hindi na ako magbabayad for facial, siyempre natuwa ako!”

Actually, Toni has been a long-time patron of Faces & Curves’ services, especially facial and body skin care, which she gets once or twice a month. But don’t get her wrong. She is quick to dispel any hasty generalizations that she’s vain.

“Hindi naman yung vain na super-vain. Siguro bilang isang artista, kailangan naming pangalagaan ang katawan namin, ang kutis namin. So, yung katamtaman na vain lang,” she clarifies.

SISTER ACT. When asked about how she felt working with her sister in a project for the very first time, Toni said, “Wala lang, para kaming nasa bahay. Mas comfortable nga ako kasi I’m with my sister.”

Toni has surely received a lot of blessings lately in her career, given her slew of successful movies, her numerous hosting projects, her two hit albums, a concert that led to a repeat last May 2 at the Aliw Theater, and several endorsement deals including her latest for Faces & Curves.

Toni says she’s thankful that she has even more projects slated for the rest of the year. “I’ll be in a movie, I’ll be hosting a new show, and yung iba pa, I can’t share the details yet. But for sure it’s going to be with ABS-CBN.”

Alex is also busy with projects of her own. After debuting in ABS-CBN’s teen-oriented sitcom Let’s Go! and its spin-off Gokada Go!, she is currently seen in ABS-CBN’s Sunday afternoon series Your Song Presents: Without You, opposite Joross Gamboa, Star Circle Teen Quest Batch 1 alumnus, and Victor Basa, Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Edition Season 2 ex-housemate.

TREATING MOM RIGHT. Spotted during the presscon was Toni’s mom and manager, Tin-Tin Gonzaga. With Mother’s Day just around the corner, what are Toni and Alex’s plans for the special day?

“Kasi for us, parang every day is Mother’s Day. We don’t treat our mom special just because it’s Mother’s Day. So, siguro this Sunday, after work, I’ll be spending time with her. Hindi naman kailangang isang araw lang sine-celebrate ang Mother’s Day. Every day is a celebration of Mother’s Day,” Toni said.

Toni Gonzaga declines “The Ultimate Multimedia Star” title

2008-05-11T10:56:00.000-07:00

Nahihiya si Toni Gonzaga na ihilera siya kina Vilma Santos, Judy Ann Santos, Maricel Soriano, at Sharon Cuneta na may mga sariling titulo. Tinatawag kasi ngayon si Toni as “The Ultimate Multimedia Star,” pero hindi pa raw siya handang tanggapin ito.

“Eto naman, title kaagad! Teka lang, dadalawang concerts lang nagawa ko, may title na agad. Saka na ‘yang title, punuin muna natin yung mga susunod na venue,” naiilang na sabi ni Toni sa victory party ng kanyang Catch Me… The Repeat concert last May 7 sa Gerry’s Grill, Quezon City.

Pero marami ang nagsasabi na puwede siyang sumunod sa yapak ni Pops Fernandez bilang Concert Queen. Ano ang masasabi ni Toni rito?

“Ganoon? Hindi ko alam. Ay sobra! Maraming puwedeng sumunod sa yapak niya, siguro bago ako, marami pa. Hayaan na natin yung iba pa. Marami pa akong kakaining bigas. Every day, kailangan kong mag-aral. Marami pa akong dapat aralin,” reaksiyon ni Toni.

How true na nagtampo siya sa ASAP ‘08 dahil tinapatan yung concert niya ng concert ni Richard Poon na produced by ASAP Live?

“Wala, wala akong tampo sa ASAP,” tanggi ng singer-actress-TV host. “Hindi uso sa akin ang magtampo. Sa business na ito, hindi uso ang nagtatampo, for me. Ganoon naman talaga. Di ba, kahit sa pelikula, nagkakasabay ng playdate? Whether we like it or not, this business is really very competitive.”

Magiging abala ngayon si Toni sa kanyang U.S. tour. May pelikula rin siyang gagawin with Vhong Navarro titled Amnesia Girl. Isa rin siya sa mga host ng second season ng Pinoy Dream Academy (PDA).

Pinayagan ba siya ng ABS-CBN na mag-U.S. tour ngayong July samantalang may PDA siya?

“Hindi, kasi originally, hindi naman ako dapat magpi-Pinoy Dream Academy. Bigla nila akong iniligay for some reason. E, yung July, naka-book na yun. So either mag-absent ako o ginagawan nila ng paraan na maiurong ng September,” paliwanag niya.

Nang kumustahin naman namin si Toni tungkol sa kanila ng boyfriend niyang si Paul Soriano, sinabi niyang wala pa silang balak magpakasal kahit nasa hustong gulang na siya.

“Okey lang yun. Si Judy Ann [Santos] nga di pa nagpapakasal,” sambit niya.

Bakit ayaw pa niyang bigyan ng apo ang mga magulang niyang sina Mommy Pinty at Daddy Carlito?

“Dahil hindi pa naman panahon. May tamang panahon… Bukas!” biro niya.

Toni Gonzaga reveals true love

2008-01-23T15:32:00.000-08:00

Good host and bankable TV and movie actress Toni Gonzaga revealed that her first love is not someone else but the big letter S - singing.

After her chart topper "We Belong" followed by "Catch Me, I'm Falling" and her revivals of "Kasalanan Ko Ba?" and "I've Fallen For You," Gonzaga is now ready to take her relationship with singing to a deeper level -- concert.

"I'm very excited and at the same time very, very thankful," Gonzaga told abs-cbnNews.com after her performance before the entertainment media for her upcoming concert entitled "Catch Me... Toni Gonzaga."

"I'm very excited with this concert and it is really a dream come true for me to have this," Gonzaga added.

Gonzaga will have her very first major concert in Aliw Theater on February 9, Saturday at 8 p.m..

Her special guests that she also considered as her good friends are actors Sam Milby and Vhong Navarro.

Gonzaga said that aside from the two actors and other special guests she personally chose the songs she will render for the show.

"I'm personally involved in choosing the songs for the show," she said.

The concert will be directed by GB Sampedro and directed musically by Marc Lopez with the Opera with Noel Ferrer as show's writer.

The concert is presented by Nitram Entertainment and Manio Events and promises to reveal Gonzaga as the recording and concert artist.

And with a smile, Gonzaga appealed to her fans to show their support to her by watching her first major concert.

"I'm expecting that my fans will come and watch the concert. This is the time to show their support for me so I really hope and pray that they will come."

Gonzaga started her musical career and joined singing competitions when she was just four-year-old. At age of 17, she performed as lounge singer in hotels and bars.

Her kind of music can be attributed to her influences like Soul Diva Jaya, Asia's Songbird Regine Velasquez and international singers Christina Aguilera and Celine Dion.

The public took notice of her talent in singing when she joined ABS-CBN's weekly variety show ASAP.

She then released her album under Star Records titled "Toni: You Complete Me."

The album was a certified gold which leads her to sing for her next album "Falling in Love.

Her "Catch Me I'm Falling" which was used in the network's 'Koreanovela' "Which Star Are You From" allowed Gonzaga to earn a Platinum Record Award, selling over 30,000 copies.

Toni Faces The Real World Again

2007-11-01T22:44:00.000-07:00

Toni's presence inside the house was certainly refreshing for everyone. Even if her stay was a brief one, she succeeded in touching the hearts of the housemates with her funny stories as well as her preaching moments.Tonight, they were just having dinner as if nothing momentous was about to happen. What seemed so important was the fact that Big Brother allowed them to eat together in an easier way.

Later however, they were suddenly told to lock themselves up inside the boys bedroom until further instructions. For the last time, the selected housemates rehearsed a surprise number for Toni's mom since the latter is celebrating her birthday today. It was an original composition of Mcoy which was performed by Victor and Riza. In between verses, Yayo read heartfelt words of gratitude to a loving mother.

Big Brother gave them the impression that the whole thing would simply be recorded. But even as they practiced, Toni was already on the confession room, preparing for her unexpected departure! Soon after this, the housemates cautiously gathered on the living room, waiting for another impromptu task from Kuya. Much to their shock however, Toni, in her black dress, gave her farewell message to them!

As she recited her moving poem that reflected her appreciation for the housemates individualities, they weren't able to resist the urge to cry. For in truth, she has become a certified housemate to them. It was obvious on how she tightly hugged each of the girls while she whispered words of courage at a time where they are all fighting exhaustion not only from the various challenges but also their personal worries.

To fetch her on the spot was Mrs. Crisanta Gonzaga who heard the housemates special number for her in the flesh! Afterwhich, Toni tearfully thanked her mom for raising her as she is now. But the touching picture they made quickly passed to the moment of her goodbye. She will certainly be missed not only by them but also the viewers loved to see her longer inside the big yellow house.

Toni the Swimming Instructor???

2007-10-30T21:41:00.000-07:00

It was fortunate that Yayo and Mcoy were obliging to join Toni on the pool. After all, they were clueless on the stipulation behind their sudden swimming lesson. Mcoy was the hardest to train though since he has a fear of deep waters! But the Musikerong Daddy has nothing to be worried about because actually, Toni is the perfect instructor for them for she had been taking lessons since she was six years old! With that edge, she succeeded in persuading her students to complete one lap!

To Big Brother, Toni admitted how difficult the task was for her, knowing that she's impatient by nature. However, all her efforts became worthwhile after she witnessed the emotional reunion of the Mom in Distress and her son Adam Martinez. Unable to believe Kuya's surprise, Yayo refused to move towards him at first. Then with Toni's urging, Adam tightly hugged Yayo, who burst into tears. Later, she stressed that there's nothing more satisfying than sharing precious minutes with a loved one.

The second House Guest

2007-10-29T19:18:00.000-07:00

The primetime stretch also made way for celebrity house guest#2 Toni Gonzaga! Reminiscent of Mariel's sudden entry before, she was shocked with the reality of what's happening as soon as she saw her personalized set of toiletries! The mainstay host of PBB knew that she would have the same fate as her friend but not at this point. Holding her emotions in check though became impossible when she finally had the chance to talk to her mom on the phone for one minute.

Funnily enough, her concern towards her work remained utmost in her mind aside from her mother's upcoming birthday. Still panic-stricken, she chattered how the housemates may find her strict because of her role as a host including her ongoing diet just for the show, unsuspecting that this is all it will come to. Eventually, she gained her courage to face the housemates and even enjoyed a slumber party in honor of her addition to the household.

The newest celebrity houseguest

2007-10-29T00:13:00.000-07:00

A mystery box in the living room revealed 2 medallions for the first two nominees. However, Toni brought in from the confession room two more medallions for Baron and Donnie to wear. The tense atmosphere inside the house didn't even give room for Toni to make "chika" with her fellow host and now houseguest Mariel Rodriguez. But it turns out that Kuya has another trick up his sleeve and is giving time for the two to bond! Toni gets presented a box similar to Mariel's when she first entered the house. Almost on the verge of tears, Toni opened the box that contained her lapel mic, a robe and a "secret phone", Kuya's gift to his second celebrity housemate. What will Toni do now that she's inside the house? Will she adjust as well as Mariel did?

Toni Gonzaga (from wikipedia)

2007-10-27T14:58:00.000-07:00

Celestine Cruz Gonzaga, popularly known by her screen name Toni Gonzaga, is a Filipina movie and TV actress, variety program host, singer, commercial model and magazine covergirl. She is one of the most visible multimedia artists in Philippine showbiz.

Biography

Birth, Childhood, Faith

Toni was born on a Friday,January 20, 1984, a 6.8 lbs. baby girl to Methodists parents Carlito and Crisanta Gonzaga. Toni's real name Celestine is a name after a boxer given her father.

Fondly called Tintin by her closest friends, her parents made sure that she and her younger sister, Catherine, were raised with Christian morals and values.

At the age of 4, Toni joined various local-singing competitions in their barangay in Taytay, Rizal. At a very young age, Toni was already used to facing audiences of hundreds.

Toni was baptized as an infant and confirmed a child into a local United Methodist Church in her hometown of Taytay, Rizal where her family is actively involved in leadership and music ministry. However, she may be spotted attending evening worship at Greenhills Christian Fellowship or sometimes at Victory Christian Fellowship especially when her Sunday mornings get very busy which goes to show that she never misses attending a Methodist worship as much as possible. She is very vocal about her evangelical faith and her active involvement in Methodist worship.
Acting career

Toni started her career as a talent of GMA Artist Center and initially landed small roles. After 4 years, Toni decided to go freelance. While attending high school, Toni was busy joining auditions, competitions, and VTR screenings of advertising agencies.

When she reached the age of 17, she took her talent to a higher level. She tried her luck in lounge singing in hotels and bars like Calesa Bar, Hyatt Regency, Sulo Hotel, and Holiday Inn, just to name a few. She went to school in the day and did her singing engagements at night.

Fate had more in store for Tintin other than her lounge act. Her agent informed her of an audition for a TV commercial (TVC) for a popular soda brand. Luck was definitely on her side. She was chosen as the lead talent in that TVC and gained instant popularity with her famous line, I love you Piolo!

That TV ad sparked the fortunate series of events that marked the start of her television career. Soon, offers to do guestings in television shows came but it was her guesting in the sitcom Daddy Di Do Du that got her a regular stint on TV. TAPE Inc., the production outfit behind the show, offered her to be one of the hosts in the noontime show Eat Bulaga.

While doing so, she also managed to host a Studio 23 show, she later transferred to ABS-CBN, GMA's rival and from here on, her career was catapulted to greater heights.

Recording artist

In 2001, Toni released her self-tilted debut album under Prime Music. But she made a mark in the music industry last 2006 when she diversified once again in the music industry under Star Records and came out with her second album titled "You Complete Me", with her carrier single "We Belong" became number one on the hit charts.[citation needed]

In 2007, fresh from the success of her second album, she came up with a follow up album entitled "Falling In Love". Currently her single "Catch Me I'm Fallin'" is number one on music charts. One of her single from this album, "Perfect World", is the soundtrack of one of Philippines' newest online MMORPG from Level UP! Inc. with the same title.

About Toni

2007-02-10T15:18:00.000-08:00

Toni or Celestine in real life, was born on a Friday, January 20, 1984 and weighed in at 6.8 lbs. to proud parents Carlito and Crisanta Gonzaga. Her mom craved “santol” and “mais con hielo” during her pregnancy. The eldest child, Celestine was named after a boxer by her father.

Fondly called Tintin by her closest friends, her parents made sure that she and her younger sister, Catherine, were raised with Christian morals and values, and were conscientious to put God first in everything they did.

At the age of 4, Tintin joined various local-singing competitions in their “baranggay” in Taytay, Rizal and always won first prize. She became an instant favorite among the townsfolk. In fact, during her late uncle’s term as Mayor of Taytay, Tintin was always invited to sing in community events. When her father ran for public office, she started doing hosting stints in social events and gatherings. At a very young age, Tintin was already used to facing audiences of hundreds.

Tintin had always seen singing as a way of self-expression. At 9, her father would bring her to auditions and singing competitions. In fact, she was able get through the first round of auditions at Repertory Philippines but Baby Barredo, one of Repertory’s directors, sent her home during a rehearsal instead for some reasons. That incident didn’t stop her from pursuing her dreams. When she was 13, she managed to get into GMA’s Artist Center. Initially, she landed small roles and after 4 years, she decided to go freelance. She continued going to other auditions and competitions, as well as VTR screenings of advertising agencies - all these while she attended school.

When she reached the age of 17, she took her talent to a higher level. She tried her luck in lounge singing in hotels and bars like Calesa Bar, Hyatt Regency, Sulo Hotel, and Holiday Inn, just to name a few. She went to school in the day and did her singing engagements at night.

Fate had more in store for Tintin other than her lounge act. Her agent informed her of an audition for a TV commercial (TVC) for a popular soda brand. Luck was definitely on her side. She was chosen as the lead talent in that TVC and gained instant popularity with her famous line, “I love you Piolo!”

That TV ad sparked the fortunate series of events that marked the start of her television career. Soon, offers to do guestings in television shows came but it was her guesting in the sitcom “Daddy Di Do Du” that got her a regular stint on TV. TAPE Inc., the production outfit behind the show, offered her to be one of the hosts in the noontime show “Eat Bulaga.” By this time, Tintin changed her name to Toni and became a household name.

Amidst the fame and busy schedule, Toni makes special time for Church every Sunday. Before going to bed, she reads a chapter in the Bible. Being a devout Christian, Toni continues to develop a closer relationship with God, whom, as she said, is her source of strength. Though now famous and very much in demand, she still chooses to serve people in her hometown of San Isidro - a vocation she said that enables her to be God’s faithful servant.

At 23, she has accomplished quite a lot. It just goes to show that determination and hardwork pay off well in the end. Family and friends are proud of what she has done thus far. As to what she intends to do in the years to come, Toni said she plans to finish her education and set up her own business as well. And how about her blossoming career in showbiz? Toni said she would still pursue entertaining the audiences, especially her fans who have remained loyal and supportive of her. That, she says, is but her own simple way of showing her appreciation to all who have applauded and cheered for her every step of the way.