Top of the Morning: Mariel Rodriguez Gives Birth to First Child

1. Mariel Rodriguez gives birth!

After 21 hours of labor, the TV host gave birth via normal delivery to her and husband Robin Padilla’s first baby, Maria Isabella, at 7:56 a.m. on November 14 in the U. S. Robin, who witnessed it via video call, posted a video collage on Instagram. Baby Isabella weighed 7.3 pounds and measured 20 inches long at birth. Yesterday, Robin posted on his Instagram account, "Nagpapasalamat po ako sa mga taong inyong inalay sa amin upang maalagaan ang aking asawa sa kanyang maselan na pagbubuntis hanggang sa panganganak," he wrote as caption of a video, adding special mentions to Mariel's parents and relatives who took care of her as he wasn't able to secure a visa to travel to the U.S. to be with her on this momentous day. Robin also thanked everyone who prayed for Mariel and Baby Isabella's health and safety.


2. In photos: Baby Primo Arellano's baptism

New parents Iya Villania and Drew Arellano had their son Antonio Primo baptized last Sunday, November 13, at the Christ the King Parish in Quezon City. Reception was held at Chateau 1771. The intimate affair was attended by the couple's family and their chosen godparents, including Drew's motorbike buddies: TV commercial director Sid Maderazo (with wife Kat), Ryan Agoncillo, Jericho Rosales (with Kim Jones), Paolo Abrera (with Suzi Abrera), Javier Olives (with wife Hannah of the band Session Road). "Welcome to the Christian world, my precious boy," Iya wrote on Instagram. "Thank you ninongs, ninangs, friends and family for spending the afternoon with us," wrote Drew on his Instagram post. "Our boy is lucky to be loved by all of you," Iya added on her post. Welcome to the Christian world, Baby Primo! (pep.ph)


3. In photos: Karel Marquez's bridal shower

"Today was so fun! This is my first bridal shower ever and I feel so blessed. The set up was perfect!" the soon-to-be bride wrote on Instagram. Karel, who is set to tie the knot with Sean Fariñas, thanked her friend Pam Perlas who organized the shower and everyone who attended and shared a lovely afternoon with her. "17 days and counting. It was a memorable day with these girls... but mom made me cry. Kainis hihi," she wrote as caption to another Instagram post. The suppliers for her bridal shower were Arteegram Manila for souvenir pillows and mugs, Honey Glaze Cakes, Greenery Ph for the succulents, and Celebrity Nails for their pampering session. "See you all on December 1! Should be epic!" Karel added. (pep.ph)


4. Sunshine Cruz's daughters meet her new boyfriend Macky Mathay

Over the weekend, Ara Mina’s half-brother Macky Mathay posted on Instagram a photo of him meeting his girlfriend Sunshine Cruz's three daughters Angelina, Samantha, and Chesca. "I am very happy to have finally met you girls,' he wrote as caption. Sunshine's daughters also thanked Macky for the lunch and said they're happy to meet him, too. However, the happy post was marred by a basher whose comments, which have since been deleted, called them out, saying the two are still legally married (to their respective spouses). The online commenter also allegedly called Sunshine a "bold star". Macky snapped back and wrote, "Shame on you. You have your own life whoever you are so please just mind it. You have no idea as to what really happened in our lives. God bless you." Ara Mina came to his brother's defense, and so did many of the new couple's followers. (pep.ph)

5. Watch: First full trailer for Beauty and the Beast

Disney has finally released the first official and full trailer for the live-action adaptation of its most-awaited film Beauty and the Beast. It reveals the back story of Belle, played by Emma Watson, which is slightly different from the original character in the animated film. Belle is now the inventor in her family (not his dad) and refuses to wear a corset under that iconic yellow gown. It's also hinted that instead of being forced to take her father's place as prisoner of the Beast (Dan Stevens), she may have decided that herself, which would be aligned with the character's feminist persona. We also get to see Cogsworth (Ian McKellen), Lumiere (Ewan McGregor), and Mrs. Potts (Emma Thompson) interact with her. The film is directed by Bill Condon, and legendary Disney composer Alan Menken wrote three new songs for the new movie. Beauty and The Beast opens in theaters in March 2017. (ew.com)