The March 2009 issue of YES! magazine listed the most powerful names in the entertainment scene over the past 15 months. The list covered all bases, including network executives and behind-the-camera players being cited for their influence in the cutthroat industry known as show business.
Making it to the Top Five were Willie Revillame, Kris Aquino, John Lloyd Cruz, Robin Padilla and Marian Rivera. The list couldn't cater to the taste and liking of everyone, of course. And so, editor-in-chief Jo-Ann Maglipon encouraged you, our dear PEPsters, to place your own list of celebrities outside the Top Five names cited in YES!
"We may not be able to please you all, but we give you the chance to have your say. Let us know who you think should have been included through our online affiliate, the Philippine Entertainment Portal," wrote Ms. Jo-Ann.
We asked you to justify your choices by citing the reason why your favorite celebrity should be in the list. Fan votes are based strongly on popularity and personal opinion, meaning that no definite criteria were set by the PEP editorial team for this survey.
PEP tabulated the number of votes from March 29 to April 22, accumulated by every celebrity mentioned by the PEPsters to come up with a different set of Top Five.
We considered only celebrities not listed in the YES! Top Five, thus explaining why Marian Rivera—despite garnering the most number of votes from the members—is not mentioned in this list.
LORNA TOLENTINO. The widow of the late action great, Rudy Fernandez, may not have been very active for the past couple of months as she tried to put her life back in order. Despite her absence from the public eye, many felt that the poise and grace shown by Lorna in the face of personal tragedy was admirable and worth following.
"Without batting an eyelash, I would say, Lorna Tolentino... hands down... and pagkakaiba lang niya is hindi siya publicity hungry," cyperpsalm said, "simply because of all local artists she's the only one worth emulating."
REGINE VELASQUEZ. Before belting-out became a regular vocal exercise by contemporary singers, there was Regine Velasquez brandishing her powerful pipes with equal ease and precision. At 39, the Asia's Songbird has definitely done it all—from record sales to hit singles to awards and accolades.
Regine even proved that she's made for acting and even hosting. With years of experience and knowledge of the music business tucked under her belt, Regine currently co-owns the record label IndiMusic with her boyfriend Ogie Alcasid.
As jess0904 explained: "For me she is not only powerful but influential among new singers. She is a legend and therefore deserving to be part of the list. She rose to fame because of pure and incomparable talent."
MARICEL SORIANO. That actress Maricel Soriano could well afford to take a break away from the limelight is proof of her worth as an actress. To be exact, Maricel has always been around. The only difference is that the Diamond Star isn't the type who would go out of her way to grace TV talk shows and do interviews left and right.
Year 2009 promises to be relatively busy for the critically-acclaimed actress as she will be seen in ABS-CBN's series, Florinda. Maricel just recently made her presence felt through the horror film, T2.
"Maricel Soriano! Siyempre... walang ingay pero steady and one of the highest paid pa. Mabili sa mga movie producers at may gana pang pumili at tumanggi!" lawrenzo reasoned.
DINGDONG DANTES. It has been a long and rugged journey towards matinee-idol status for Dingdong Dantes. But it definitely was worth the entire ride. Since his reinvention as a mature actor in the 2007 primetime hit series Marimar, Dingdong finally earned the attention and recognition he rightfully deserves. Together with screen partner Marian Rivera, Dingdong emerged as one of the hottest young actors of today with projects continuously flooding his way.
1truepep noted, "Becoz aside from being one of the hot male stars of today his values and intelligence make him someone you look [up to] in world of showbiznizzz..."
SARAH GERONIMO. The box-office success of Sarah Geronimo's two movies with John Lloyd Cruz made her a certified crossover star. Sarah's onscreen charm was easily grasped by the public, who at first were cynical whether the young belter could easily deliver lines before the camera. The revenue returns of A Very Special Love (2008) and You Changed My Life (2009) silenced the critics for good.
"The fact that her influence spans the entire age demographic of the Filipino people and is not limited within the country surely says something about her. She commands respect not only from the people her own age or those younger but even from people who have attained success way before her. People from all walks of life, from social class C to A have admired her unparalleled success in the midst of her gracious humility," offered entrepgirl.
posted by Chuchi at 4:31 AM
