HALE says goodnight... for good

Hit Pinoy pop-rock group Hale has called it quits.

This was confirmed by the group’s record label, PolyEast Records, adding that the break-up was amicable. The development came after Lui Pio, vocalist and main songwriter of Hale, made public his intent to go solo and to embark on a career as actor.

Lui Pio has signed with film conglomerate, Viva, and is now busy with acting workshops under director Laurice Guillen. He is currently recording his solo debut album, which Polyeast describes as “more mainstream, softer; with lots of ballads.”

The other members of Hale, Roll Martinez, Sheldon Gellada, and Paolo Santiago, have no plans to continue producing music individually or as a unit.

Hale zoomed to popularity in 2004 when their single, “The Day You Said Goodnight,” became one of the biggest hits that year.

CREDITS: manila bulletin

Leeteuk fears what happens after returning from the army

Super Junior’s Leeteuk expressed fear about what will happen to him after returning from the army.

Though he’s not there yet, it’s almost time for this idol leader to head off, and on the episode of Happy Birthday that aired on the second, he talked about how he is scared that he will lose popularity when he comes back from the army.

Leeteuk said, “Kim Jong Min and Chun Myung Hoon don’t seem to have gained back their popularity completely after returning from the army. I’m worried I’ll go through the same thing when I come back. Kim Jong Min, Chun Myung Hoon, No Yoo Min, Lee Sung Jin and more have not been able to get used to variety programs. People have been saying that they’re not as good as they used to be.”

MC Lee Kyung Kyu advised him, “Just be more carefree. You work way too hard. On Strong Heart, you work so hard. If you work this hard, you’ll have nothing to do when you come back.”

Now that's some good advise for a man who works super extra hard. We FANS can tell. But Leeteuk is always random, he's even funnier when he says unscripted things. But nevertheless, I'm sure he will never run out of popularity when he comes back from the army. ELF fan base is way to HUGE for that to happen, right? Eternal leader [and my super dream husband], WE WILL LOVE YOU forever! ^^

Lee Min Ho plans to visit the Philippines

Korean actor Lee Min Ho or better known as Gu Jun Pyo of “Boys of Flowers,” is excited to visit the country. Lee said so in a one-on-one interview with Bianca Gonzales for "Showbiz News Ngayon" when he was launched as the newest ambassador of LG Optimus phone in Singapore.

(NOTE: SNN report was already dubbed in Filipino, so I had to sub this myself. Sorry for the errors, this is the least that I can do.)

"To be honest, I’ve always wanted to visit the Philippines. If I haven’t been really busy these days I would’ve flown there right away. I'm really hoping to go there and meet all of you," he said.

Lee learned about the Philippines from his “Boys Over Flowers” co-star Kim Bum who shot a commercial here with Maja Salvador a few months ago. "Kim Bum shared his wonderful experience in the Philippines so I’m really looking forward to go there myself. I’m sure I’ll have a wonderful time as well."

At this point, bonding with his “BOF” co-actors is impossible owing to their very hectic schedule. "We’re all very busy and it’s difficult for us to even meet. But among them, I’m closer to Kim Bum since we still keep in touch. We even go out sometimes."

He enjoyed working with Sandara Park or Dara. The two shot a beer commercial in Korea. "Dara and I had a wonderful time shooting our commercial. She’s doing very well these days, she’s very popular in Korea. I remember the first time we met for the shoot. It’s funny because we already had to kiss, it was very awkward for us both. But she’s very thoughtful, she didn’t slap me that hard [there was a slapping part after the kiss]. However, we had to shoot that scene three times. The third was painful."

Lee will soon be seen in another Koreanovela to air on ABS-CBN, “Perfect Match” (aka Personal Taste).

CREDITS to: manila bulettin and SNN

K. Will sings with Charice on Muzit

Charice is just everywhere these days!

You have seen her work it on Star King and Kim Jung Eun’s Chocolate in the past week, now here’s her final television performance in Korea on star live music show, "Muzit".

Muzit is a new music show in Korea hosted by K. Will, who [by the way] is known for his solid vocal ability. Together he sang the ever so lovely song Endless Love with Charice, who once again showed her power vocals. And of course, when two power vocals collide, what more can we expect? PERFECTION!

video: kwillshows2

Craving for respect, Zanjoe Marudo exits "Banana Split"

After a short one-year stint, model-actor Zanjoe Marudo gives up on “Banana Split.” In justifying his decision, the 28-year-old seemingly insinuated that being part of the gag show doesn’t augur well for respectability.

"Gusto kong makuha 'yong respeto ng ibang tao, ng ibang artista, ng mga katrabaho ko,” said he.

To fortify his intent, Marudo signed up to do the very dignified TV adaptation of the pocketbook series titled Martha Cecilia's “Kristine,” where he will be paired with distinguished pin-up beauty Cristine Reyes.

The move, according to Marudo, could benefit him, as it would allow him to further branch out into other aspects of his chosen profession. His dedication is anchored on his earnest desire to uplift his family. The former “Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Edition” housemate taped his last episode for “Banana Split” on July 27. Prior to “Kristine,” Zanjoe played leading man on “Dyosa” (2008), “Varga” (2008), and “The Wedding” (2009). He recently appeared in the five-episode suspense movie “Cinco.”

What people remember more about Marudo, however, is his recent split with actress-host Mariel Rodriguez, who, quite seemingly, has jumped into the arms of action star Robin Padilla.

CREDITS: manilla bulletin

Charice made Luna cry on Star King?

Dubbed as “The Most Talented Girl in the World” by Oprah, singing machine Charice recently made her third appearance on SBS Star King. Her appearance itself grabbed lots of attention, as many tuned in to hear her story of success and most importantly, her singing. However, there was also a strong interest in f(x) Luna’s tears, which is now a very big topic.

To those of you who do not know, Luna sang Whitney Houston’s One Moment In Time, which was meant to be for David Foster, Charice’s legendary producer and now, godfather. Her singing was very good, but was soon after overshadowed by Charice’s rendition of the same song. Surprisingly, she was in tears after Charice finished. The cast then tried to cheer her up by saying “Our Luna is good too.” Charice also tried to cheer her up by giving her words of encouragement.

Netizens are now figuring out if her tears were from Charice’s admirable singing, or something else. The audience at the live set stated, “Luna and Charice’s mic quality and volume was different. Her tears were not because of the admirable singing, but because of the comparison.”

Others have been saying that the studio guest, Jo Hye Ryun told Luna at the recording that she had to be here in Korea which in other words meant that she could not succeed overseas, and caused her to burst into tears.

I personally think Luna did well. But being side by side like this with Charice (who can naturally belt out any song effortlessly) is a bit unfair. And what a lame excuse for those who say there was a HUGE mic difference! Come on, anyone can tell! And to be honest, I really don't think it would even matter if Charice sang a different song because I know she will still sound amazing.