Top of the Morning: Jerika Ejercito Adores Niece Ellie Eigenmann!

1. Jerika Ejercito adores niece Ellie Eigenmann

“I think I can only speak for myself. But you can see in social media [that], yes, we very much adore her,” she said in an interview with Pep.ph. Jerika said she witnessed her brother Jake Ejercito’s love for his daughter Ellie with ex Andi Eigenmann, adding that Jake’s social media posts are a testament to a father’s love. When asked about Andi and the backlash that was directed at her regarding the revelation, Jerika said she’s still her friend. She knows that it’s part of life. “And I knew Andi as a person, so I don’t really pay much attention sa mga bashers,” Jerika added.

On the other hand, Jerika revealed that her ex Bernard Palanca has not visited their son Isaiah since they celebrated his birthday in May. “Unfortunately, not at the moment,” she said when asked if they are in touch. “He can see Isaiah anytime. Maybe he’s busy, I’m not sure,” Jerika added. She refused to disclose if Bernard still sends financial support for Isaiah. Jerika said, “Secret na ‘yun. It’s hard, e. Is he a good father? He was, and I know he can still do better.” Jerika hopes that they can be friends eventually after their breakup. “Of course, he will always be the father of my son,” she added. For the meantime, Jerika and Meryll Soriano, who also has a son with Bernard, agreed to raise their boys as brothers. (pep.ph)


2. Look! Josh and Bimby attend Michela Cazzola’s birthday

James Yap’s girlfriend Michela Cazzola had a simple birthday celebration yesterday, October 27, at home with James and of course, their baby MJ. It became more special for James as they had two guests, his son Bimby Yap and his half-brother Josh Aquino. “Thank you Kuya Josh and Kuya Bimb for celebrating Tita Mic's birthday with us,” James wrote on Instagram as part of the caption that also paid tribute to the birthday girl as he thanked Michela for being a good mom. Just last weekend, Kris reached out to James, and she and Bimby visited baby MJ at home. (pep.ph)


3. Sunshine keeps mum on alleged relationship with Macky Mathay
The actress didn’t confirm nor deny the rumors that she’s dating Ara Mina’s half-brother Macky Mathay. “My kids always tell me na, 'Mom, you should date because you deserve that,’” Sunshine said. She added that there’s nothing wrong with her dating as she’s been separated for four years now and is feeling positive about the outcome of the ongoing annulment case with estranged husband Cesar Montano. Sunshine also said that her priority, aside from being a mom, is her studies as she’s currently taking  up AB Psychology. “And kung may love life, I should be with someone who will inspire me, hindi yung pababagalin yung situation for you,” she said. Fans, on the other hand, are hinting that Macky was alluding to their alleged relationship when he posted to thank her mom on Instagram after his leg operation. “May I quote you Ma? I love you to infinity and beyond, to moon and back! Though I have always been a sun person and love its' Sunshine!” he wrote. (pep.ph)


4. Bill proposed to replace jail time with community for petty crimes
The House of Representatives has recently approved a bill that would allow people convicted of “lesser crimes” to be punished by doing community service or going to counseling instead of jail time in an effort to decongest the city or municipal jails. House Bill No. 335 would amend Article 88 of the Revised Penal Code, which imposes “arresto menor” or one- to 30-day jail time, for crimes such as  alarm and scandal, slight physical injuries, theft of cash or valuables worth less than P500, deceit, malicious mischief and other lesser crimes. According to Pangasinan Rep. Marlyn L. Primicia-Agabas, author of the bill and also the chair of the revision of laws committee, victims of lesser crimes can still have justice by "a system of criminal justice where offenders are encouraged to undergo cooperative processes that may aid in their transformation and reformation, and eventually bring them back to the fold of the law and the community.” Repeat offenders, however, would no longer be qualified. (inquirer.net)


5. Updates on Pixar’s Toy Story 4 and The Incredibles 2 movies!
We all sobbed (or at least the grownups did) at the end of Toy Story 3, but Disney just announced that the fourth film  is slated to open in theaters in June 2019. We don’t know yet what the story will be about, only that it will open up a new chapter in the lives of Woody, Buzz, and the Toy Story gang. “We love these characters so much; they are like family to us,” said John Lasseter. “We don’t want to do anything with them unless it lives up to or surpasses what’s gone before.” On the other hand, the long awaited and much anticipated sequel to Incredibles 2 will premiere in theaters in June 2018. Director Brad Bird is still not disclosing any details, but we’re still equally excited. The Incredibles was released in 2004 and since then, we've wondered what the superhero Parr family has been up to. (disney.com)