LUIS  MANZANO  HOSTS  PINOY  BIG  BROTHER  TEEN  EDITION

MANILA, MARCH 22, 2008 (BULLETIN) Crispina Martinez-Belen - Luis Manzano is considered the "plus" factor in the forthcoming edition of "Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition Plus" which airs March 23, Sunday on ABS-CBN.

For the first time. PBB Teen Edition has a male host, and Luis Manzano is jokingly dubbed as the only thorn among the roses — the three female hosts being Toni Gonzaga, Bianca Gonzalez, and Mariel Rodriguez.

Luis expressed his heartfelt gratiude and appreciation to ABS-CBN for the opportunities given to him this year. Aside from "PBB Teen Edition Plus," "MYX, and "Entertainment Live," he is also set to have two new shows and two movie projects under Star Cinema.

Luis and Toni will be seen regularly on "PBB Teen Plus Primetime;" Mariel on "PBB Teen Edition Plus ‘Uber," and Bianca on "PBB Teen Edition Plus Update."

"I’m honored to work with the three fine ladies," Luis said. His presence in the show somehow will balance the show, from the perspectives of the female hosts to that of Luis.

The PBB house has just been fitted with several amenities, like an improved swimming pool. "Masyadong exciting," Luis said.

The PBB Teen Edition is expected to receive foreign housemates, not like in the past when all the housemates were all Filipinos.

Some 12 housemates, with ages ranging from 16 to 19 will be accepted for a stay of eight weeks. And Luis will bring "class to the show." Luis is also described by his female co-hosts as "dependable."

There are indications that a handicapped applicant would be admitted as housemate. Qualifications are not so strict, as what is needed is "character."

Luis described his mother, Gov. Vi as an official who knows what to do for her constituents... because it is from the heart that she serves the people.

Luis however admitted that he forget to send her mother a Valentine Day greeting last February. "I am just a human being," he explained.

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How Starstruck alumnus Dion Ignacio stays fit

Dion Ignacio, a Starstruck alumnus, believes that for one to have a great body, one has to work for it. And because he has been working hard to achieve a perfect body and so far has succeeded, Dion was chosen one of The Studs, a popular all-male group managed by Noel Ferrer. The group was first seen via their hit calendar, and now comes "Body Buddies," a fitness video. Aside from Dion, the other members of The Studs are Coco Martin, JC Cuadrado, Mike Tan, Felix Roco and Allan Guzman.

According to Dion who’s in the cast of the toprated afternoon shown on GMA 7 "Daisy Siete," and the soon to be aired "Babangon Ako’t Dudurugin Kita," and also in the Regal movie "Manay Po 2," he believes he still has to work harder — to prepare himself for sexier and more daring roles in the future.

"Kailangan mag-exercise, maybe three times a week kung may oras. Plus, kailangan siyempre ng discipline to stick with such an exercise program. Maganda rin kung may diet plan ka, kasi importante rin yun," he said.

The young actor/singer added tghat he exercises three times a week and plays basketball with his friends during his days off. "I target specific areas of my body, tulad ng abs at arms ko. Masaya naman na ako sa biceps ko, kaya right now I want to focus on my legs, my back and my chest."

Dion, who’s the main celebrity endorser of Viceversa shirts (manufactured by Perfect Touch Garments, Inc.) believes in rewarding himself after a good workout. "I go to the spa. Sometimes nagpapa-sauna rin ako."

Going back to the "Body Buddies: The Body Circuit Workout," an instructional exercise video featuring The Studs, Kris Bernal, Sheena Halili and the certified fitness trainers of Gold’s Gym, is a joint effort of Videoflick Productions and Gold’s Gym and sponsored by Gusteau’s Rest. and Comedy Venue in Libis , QC .