Go Behind the Scenes of Dantes Family's First TV Commercial

Fans of Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes got a treat this week as their first television commerical as a family (yes, Baby Zia stars in it) began airing on local TV. And based on the behind-the-scenes photos of the shoot (the family is endorsing Johnson's Baby Lotion), it looked a fun experience for the Dantes family.

"Sobrang excited ko para sa kauna-unahang project naming pamilya," said Marian. "Nakakatawa yung storya nung commercial -- kuhang-kuha ang kwento ng buhay namin ni Dong bilang mga magulang na magkaiba ng parenting styles pero nagkakaisa sa gusto naming mapalaki ng mabuti ang anak namin." 

Dingdong said he was glad to do the project with his wife and daughter. "Sobrang nakaka-proud na makita yung anak ko na very natural lang siya in front of the camera, para lang kaming naglalaro sa bahay." Dingdong reveals Zia is an active baby and shares, "I know si Marian, minsan nagpapanic 'yan 'pag gapang ng gapang o takbo ng takbo si Zia." The proud father adds, "Natutuwa ako kapag nakikita ko si Zia na active, playful, at laging nakatawa. You know that she’s growing up confident and hindi takot sa mundo." Watch the commercial below. 

British-Filipino contestant Xiamara Sophia Vigor, Xia for short, is getting noticed by international media for her performance in the show Your Face Sounds Familiar. She sang Taylor Swift's "You Belong With Me" and reenacted the singer-songwriter's opening during her Fearless Tour. On her Instagram, Xia posted a photo of herself in full Taylor Swift costume with the caption, "It's such a great feeling performing tonight as Taylor Swift! Thank you guys for all the tweets of love." American entertainment blogger Perez Hilton noticed the 7-year-old's performance and tweeted about it. Huffington Post called Xia's impersonation "so accurate" especially when she did Swift's shocked face and hair flip. U.K.'s Daily Mail said Xia "stunned with her pitch-perfect routine." Hollywood entertainment celebrity blog Just Jared said Xia's Taylor Swift impression was "adorable." Do you agree? (pep.ph)

MMDA plans to extend 'no-window coding' until June
It may be another six months for the current no-window coding scheme, according to the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA). The new scheme has been effective, says MMDA chairman Tim Orbos, improving travel time in the city since it took effect in November. "Nagkaroon na kasi tayo ng gauge noong Pasko. Ang worry ko lang pagka napabayaan natin ito. Dahil dumadami yung mga kotse...eh, mahihirapan kami," Orbos said to GMA News. In the current traffic scheme, vehicles with coding plate numbers are not allowed to traverse EDSA and C-5 between 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. (instead of 7 p.m.). The MMDA will also launch a zipper lane on EDSA southbound from Main Avenue in Cubao to EDSA-Ortigas from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. to decongest the southbound lane of EDSA during the morning rush. The new zipper lane will have a dry run on Friday, January 20.(gmanetwork.com)


Pag-asa turns 25!

The celebrated Philippine eagle (not the weather agency),  the first of her (yes, Pag-asa is a she!) kind to be bred and hatched in captivity, just celebrated her 25th birthday. Pag-asa hatched in January 15, 1992, "under the captive breeding program of the non-profit Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) through the combined artificial and natural incubation technique taught by the World Center for Birds of Prey, " according to The Philippine Star. She has helped raise awareness and mobilize people to preserve the Philippine eagle habitat and its species. "Pag-asa symbolizes hope that inspires us to continue with the captive breeding program and other PEF programs to put a stop to the dwindling population of the Philippine Eagle,” said Finance secretary Carlos Dominguez III, who also chairs PEF. Happy birthday, Pag-asa! (manila.coconuts.co)

Disney's Tangled returns as TV movie and series

Rapunzel's long blond hair makes a comeback! In the new Disney Channel TV movie, Tangled: Before Ever After takes place after the 2010 movie Tangled, but before the 2012 short film Tangled: Ever After (did you know there was one). Mandy Moore reprises her role as the voice of the thrill-seeking princess, Rapunzel, and Zachary Levi continues as the voice of the smoldering thief, Flynn a.k.a. Eugene. Newcomers in the voice cast are Ashley Judd as Rapunzel's mother Queen Arianna and Broadway actress Eden Espinosa as Rapunzel’s handmaiden and close friend Cassandra. Tangled: Before Ever After will air on Disney Channel in March.. (gmanetwork.com)