Sarah Geronimo’s milestone, Filipino celebs on charity drive and more

Perfect 10

Sarah Geronimo celebrated her 10th anniversary in show business with a smashing concert last week. Her medley of Barbra Streisand songs along with Lea Salonga and Regine Velasquez was one of the most applauded numbers of the show, and confirmed Geronimo’s blossoming as a genuine concert performer. Many are saying she might just be the one to succeed Pops Fernandez as the local music industry’s next concert queen. Geronimo also announced that part of the proceeds of her concert will be donated to the victims of Typhoon Yolanda (international code Haiyan).

Outpouring of support

Celebrities are continuing their inspiring support for the victims of the typhoon that hit the Philippines. Willie Revillame donated close to Dh1 million, matching Sharon Cuneta’s pledge. KC Concepcion was equally generous with a half a million dirham donation. Others are doing auctions of their personal belongings with proceeds going directly to relief efforts, among them Angel Locsin, Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes, Regine Velasquez. Anne Curtis has also pledged her talent fee from her Doha show. Many of them are actually doing hands-on relief work, packing bags and goodies for typhoon victims. TV host Mariel Rodriguez even went to Leyte herself to distribute relief goods. International celebrities are doing their share as well, with George Clooney and Madonna leading fundraising drives. Basketball superstar Kobe Bryant and the Lakers have donated $150,000 (Dh550,000) while Filipino-American Miami Heat coach, Erik Spoelstra, is also soliciting help.

Cameo role

Robin Padilla will play a cameo role in daughter Kylie Padilla’s new soap, Adarna. The action star will play a real life role as a father to his daughter in the fantasy series — the younger Padilla’s debut on primetime TV. The actor, whose contract with ABS CBN recently expired, said he is not transferring to GMA as of yet, but will welcome any new show proposals from the network. In the meantime, he is continuing with his advocacy on fighting corruption in government and helping out relief efforts with wife Mariel Rodriguez.

Awards nominations

The local TV industry received nine nominations at the 2013 Asian TV Awards, six of them from GMA. Marian Rivera got her first ever international acting nomination as Best Actress for her performance in Temptation Of Wife. Lorna Tolentino is nominated in the same category for her role in Pahiram Ng Sandali. Michael V, meanwhile, has been nominated as Best Comedy Actor for Bubble Gang. Other nominees include 24 Oras: Bagyong Pablo and Saksi: Typhoon Pablo’s Trail of Death for Best News Programmes. Born Impact: When Whales Strand is nominated in the Best Natural History or Wildlife category while Reporter’s Notebook: Bagyong Pablo is nominated for Best Current Affairs Programme.