Philippine Showbiz Today Vol 12 No 11 | Page 4

4 Philippine Showbiz Today

4 Philippine Showbiz Today

June 8 - 21 , 2017

Piolo Pascual as new ambassador of OMB

Actor Piolo Pascual , appointed by the Optical Media Board ( OMB ) as its ambassador , was chosen because of his honesty , according to OMB Chair Anselmo Adriano .
“ Piolo has always shown compassion for others — it wouldn ’ t be new to us if we see him or read about him making a stand for what is just and right ,” Adriano told the Inquirer . “ He exudes [ positivity ] and sincerity . This is why his voice and messages make an impact . This is what we need in the OMB : someone who believes in our cause , who ’ s willing to support us with much conviction and passion .”
The actor announced his affiliation with the agency in March . He told the Inquirer then that his assistance would depend on his schedule , and specific details on spreading awareness against film piracy would still be discussed .
The OMB is tasked with confiscating pirated entertainment content in the compact disc format .
“ We ’ re still finalizing activities that would involve him promoting our advocacy ,” Adriano said . “ But we believe that his voice will greatly influence the Filipino people .”
The OMB chief related that there were positive developments in the group ’ s operations . “ The numbers are looking great , as well .”
He recounted that from January to April 2017 , the agency seized pirated goods estimated at P440,281,540 . In the same period last year , the confiscated items only amounted to P219,217,450 .
From January to April this year , the group ’ s legal division filed 1,114 cases against offending parties , about 97 percent more than last year ’ s first quarter .
“ These numbers show that we ’ re on the right track towards achieving our goals for the first year ,” Adriano said .
Aside from tapping Piolo as OMB ’ s celebrity ambassador , Adriano said the agency had maintained a visible presence online : “ We ’ ve been very active in social media because we realized that many inquiries , complaints and reports of piracy are coursed through the Internet . We have proposals for an SMS-based platform for complaints and feedback .”
Asked if the OMB was extending assistance to CD vendors affected by its antipiracy
Piolo Pascual ( left ) and OMB Chair Anselmo Adriano drive , Adriano said , “ We have a memorandum of understanding with the regional operations group of the Department of Trade and Industry . The contract stipulates that the OMB can endorse possible candidates for its Alternative Livelihood Program .
“ With TESDA ( Technical Education and Skills Development Authority ), they will provide us with the list of courses available to interested parties . Hopefully , it can help create legitimate means of livelihood for them ,” he added .
Adriano , whose three-year term ends in 2019 , also stressed the need to extend the agency ’ s jurisdiction beyond compact discs . He said : “ We have to address the need to amend our law in the advent of fast-developing technologies and innovations .” ●
- O . Pulumbarit , inq

Comedian Wacky Kiray crosses the ‘ finish line ’ as the first ‘ Greatest Entertainer ’ of I Can Do That Philippines

Kapamilya comedian Wacky Kiray impressed both the judges and viewers with his death-defying wire balancing act and emerged as the first Greatest Entertainer in ABS-CBN ’ s talent-variety show “ I Can Do That ,” which aired outside the Philippines via TFC and which streamed simulcast its Philippine airing via TFC online ( www . TFC . tv ) in key countries worldwide .
Viray took home Php 1 million after he wowed judges and television icons Judy Ann Santos- Agoncillo and Boy Abunda , as well as viewers nationwide with his heart-pounding performance and garnered a total score of 93.75 %, the combined Philippine public text votes and judges ’ scores .
Overwhelmed with his victory , Viray got emotional as he thanked his family , and the people who gave him their full support and voted for him .
“ Lord , maraming-maraming salamat . Sa lahat ng sumuporta , salamat po . Sa pamilya ko , sobrang salamat po ( Thank you very much to the Lord , my family and all those who supported me )”, he said while in tears . He also thanked mentor Unkabogable Box Office Star Vice Ganda .
Second placer was actress Cristine Reyes at 83.09 % with her blazing fire dancing act and won Php 300,000 . Actor-model Daniel Matsunaga was 3rd with his aerial pole act , at 47.81 % and bringing home Php 200,000 .
More viewers tuned in for the final performances of the four remaining iCandidates , which reflected at the June 3 data from Kantar Media Television Audience Measurement , a local television measurement company , recording a national TV rating of 19.7 %.
Netizens expressed on social media supporting their favorite iCandidate finalist at # iCanDoThatBattleForGreatness . ●