Top of the Morning: Kris and Bimb Finally Meet Michela and Baby MJ

1. Kris, Bimb finally meet Michela and Baby MJ!

Along with his mom, Bimb visited and met for the first time his new half-baby brother, MJ, and his dad James Yap's girlfriend, mom Michela Cazzola. Kris shared she asked James first if it was okay for Bimb to meet his baby brother. "I prayed a lot for this day to arrive when we'd all be ready, because I just want what is best for my bunso," Kris said, thanking James and Michela for graciously welcoming them into their home. According to Kris, Michela, who also posted about a photo of her and Bimb on her Instagram, prepared carbonara for Bimb and baked an Italian chocolate pie for merienda. Kris wrote on Instagram, "There's no perfect formula for mothering except to do it with LOVE. I am grateful that today we gave our sons the opportunity to meet & hopefully have genuine bonding as brothers... Because in the end, the good men we are able to raise will be products of our guidance and unconditional love as mothers."   

In an exclusive phone interview with Pep.ph, James expressed his happiness that his sons finally met. "Sobrang saya ko dahil nakita ni Bimby yung baby brother niya," the new team member of PBA team Rain Or Shine said. He said Bimb immediately wanted to see his baby brother when they arrived at his and Michela's home. "Nilalaro niya. Hinahawakan niya. Tapos sabi niya, 'He looks like me. He looks like me!'" James shared, adding that he saw that Bimb was really happy to have met Baby MJ. "Nagri-react ang baby. Nag-smile siya kay Bimby," he shared, and said that he had forgotten about the issues that plagued them since everybody was happy. (pep.ph)

2. Jake Ejercito dedicates first acting award to Ellie Eigenmann

The showbiz newbie was awarded Best New Male TV Personality at the Star Awards for Music-Television of the Philippine Movie Press Club (MTV) held last October 23 in Quezon City. And based on sister Jerika Ejercito's Instagram photo accepting the award, Jake dedicated the award to Ellie. This was the caption on Jerika's post: "To my number one inspiration, my princess, my Ellie. This is for you," Jake won for his role in Eat Bulaga's Lenten presentation entitled "God Gave Me You," where he starred with TV couple, Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza, whose Kalyeserye characters got married over the weekend.

Jake and Andi have issued their separate statements about Ellie's paternity issue, but Jake's mom, Laarni Enriquez, is waiting for Andi to publicly and directly say that Jake is indeed Ellie's father. Although she acknowledged Andi's statement, remarking "I think nandun na namang lahat sa statement na yun," Laarni also said, "Importante kasi diyan kung ano ang sasabihin ng nanay." Laarni stressed that she is open and is accepting of Ellie. "Marami kaming bata na minamahal na hindi namin kaanu-ano na inaalagaan namin, what more kung talagang kadugo namin, yung sa amin? Siyempre tatanggapin namin, mamahalin namin, ipagmamalaki namin," she said. (pep.ph)


3. Watch: Karel Marquez and Sean Fariñas’ one-of-a-kind pre-wedding video

The couple announced their wedding date in a beautiful and heartfelt pre-wedding video made by Treehouse Story. Karel shared a teaser via Instagram with this lovely caption (see the whole video above): "Through my journey of finding you, I found me. The journey of finding your equal starts with one step. It is a long road, but it's all worth it in the end. #FinallyFariñas Let us tell you this story through Tagalog spoken word poetry." The last lines of the poem entitled "Nagsimula" really nails it hard: "Magsimula tayo sa wakas. Sa wakas, magsisimula na tayo." Karel and Sean have been together for three years and got engaged in May 2016. They are set to marry in December 1, 2016. (pep.ph)


4. Gab Valenciano stays mum on cheating allegations
The artist refuses to comment any further on his marital woes, saying he has no wish defend himself. The son of Mr. Pure Energy, however, acknowledges his parents' support. In an interview with Pep.ph, Gab says, "I think the very big part of why I’m okay is because of my parents. They really showed me what it means to be a true parent. So with the guidance of also some of my friends and loved ones, I’m okay." The whole Valenciano family, including his estranged wife Tricia Centenera, is keeping details of the marital issue private. Although he didn't directly comment on the cheating issue, Gab says he is all about "good vibes" in his life. He adds, "If you noticed, my social media is all about positivity and living your life to the fullest. I’d rather keep it that way." (pep.ph)


5. Celebrity moms rock the glam at the Star Magic Ball 2016
While much of the spotlight has been on the young Star Magic talents at the annual ball -- Liza Soberano was the winner of the best dressed award -- celebrity moms also proved that they can very well do gorgeous glam effortlessly. These celebrity moms stunned everyone in their simple yet elegant gowns! Which one is your favorite? 

Jodi Sta. Maria

Jolina Magdangal and Mark Escueta

Nikka Martinez and Patrick Garcia

Dimples Romana

Nikki Valdez

Dawn Zulueta and Anton Lagdameo

Karla Estrada

Sarah Meier

Pokwang and Lee O'Brien