Businessman Cedric Lee and model Deniece Cornejo said that their legal battle has yet to be over.

On May 2, 2024, the Taguig Regional Trial Court Branch 153 found Lee and Cornejo guilty of the charges filed against them by Vhong Navarro, which resulted for them to face reclusión perpetua.

Both Lee and Cornejo already surrendered to the authorities, but it was reported that they would appeal the decision to the higher court.

Lee’s legal team was already preparing to appeal the decision before the Court of Appeals and hoping that the “truth” will come out.

Meanwhile, Cornejo’s team has yet to reveal their plans, but it was expected that they would exhaust all legal remedies for their client.

In a statement, Lee said that Navarro should be the one be put behind bars and not Cornejo as he insisted that the model was the real victim.

“Itong isa, ang dami nang nabiktima, nakalaya pa, nagsasayaw pa sa show niya,” said Lee.

Meanwhile, Navarro’s legal team said that the television host was happy with the decision.

“He was very happy na this 10-year struggle is finally—has closure and that justice was served. We’re very happy,” Navarro’s lawyer, Atty. Bon Arcilla said.

One of the staff who participated in the controversial event in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, explained why Kapamilya actress Francine Diaz suddenly appeared on stage while OPM band Orange and Lemons was already on the platform to perform.

It can be recalled that Francine’s sudden appearance during the event prompted Orange and Lemons members to leave the stage.

Fortunately, Orange and Lemons kept their cool but didn’t waste the opportunity to address the fans and other artists to respect their colleagues.

“Gusto ko lang manghingi ng paumanhin pero kailangan ko lang sabihin ‘to… Para sa mga artist, sana naman walang sumisingit… Respeto lang ba?” Clem said.

What really happened?

According to netizen Jershey Kyle Cadiao, who was part of the event’s production team, Francine’s manager allegedly pushed the organizers to introduce the actress to the fans, disregarding the presence of Orange and Lemons on stage.

“Hindi po namin alam kung sino po ang susundin namin, nasa program po lahat, na last po si ma’am Francine, pero siningit po ng manager ni ma’am Francine na siya unahin kahit hindi po nila nasabihan ang orange & lemon,” she said.

She also defended the production team, saying that incident was a result of misunderstanding between Francine’s camp, Orange and Lemons, and the event organizers.

“May program po kaming sinusunod, hindi lang po nagkaintindihan ‘yung manager, organizer, at host ng event. Kami po kung ano lang ‘yung sinabi nila ‘yun lang po sinusunod namin, kaya po kahit kami nagulat sa nangyari,” she added.

She also insisted that they didn’t neglect their role and even tried to ask the organizers every five minutes to get an update about the program flow, hinting that Francine’s appearance on stage was really sudden.

Xian Lim admitted that he was already in a relationship again after ending his 12-year romance with Kim Chiu.

In an interview with Esquire Philippines, Xian revealed his new girlfriend, Iris Lee, a producer of Vivamax.

Xian couldn’t say anything but praise his new girlfriend, whom he described as ‘talented.’

“Yes, I’m seeing Iris. Just to clear everything, to clear all the speculations. We are seeing each other and we are very happy. Iris is a talented filmmaker. She’s my producer, and she’s also my creative partner,” he said.

The actor also denied that Iris was the reason why he and Kim ended their relationship.

He also denied the rumors that he already married Iris.

“These are the things I want to clarify. There’s no third party. That’s it. That plain and simple… I am not married. No one will truly know what is going on in a relationship. Kaming dalawa lang [ni Kim] ang makakapagsabi… Hindi na kailangan pang magsabi kung sino’ng nagkulang,” he stated.

“It was a beautiful 12 years, and we worked it out. That’s why it lasted that long,” he added.

Last December, Xian and Kim confirmed that they already parted ways.

“It was our mutual decision to transition our relationship into what we hope to be a lifelong friendship. We thank all our followers for their love and support, but now we ask you to appreciate our honesty and give us the privacy we need as we begin new chapters of our lives. To all our supporters, maraming salamat for all the love and understanding,” said Kim.

A 36-year-old woman has been missing for weeks after visiting the viral stall of internet sensation Deo Balbuena, a.k.a. Diwata.

According to the reports, Dina Ancheta left their house on April 16 after being fetched by a man she met online.

Ancheta told her relatives that she would visit Diwata Pares Overload in Pasay City; however, the woman stopped responding to text messages and online chats after leaving their house.

She also said she would just leave the stall due to the long lines and go home.

The last text sent by Ancheta was about her experience while lining up at Diwata’s stall.

The authorities said that the vehicle used by Ancheta was a Toyota Vios sedan with plate number BAA-2196.

They’re now trying to identify the man as even the relatives of Ancheta didn’t even know that she would meet someone during the day she went missing.

As of writing, Diwata has yet to say if he could help the authorities from trying to identify the man.

Francine Diaz posted a cryptic tweet amid the controversy she faced after OPM band Orange and Lemons walked out after her sudden appearance on stage to greet her fans.

The incident happened during an event in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro. The band was already preparing for their performance when the host suddenly announced Francine’s arrival, prompting the actress to climb on stage.

Visibly disappointed by Francine’s sudden appearance, Orange and Lemons members walked out and waited for the actress to leave the stage.

After their return, the band addressed the audience and other celebrities to respect them.

“Gusto ko lang manghingi ng paumanhin pero kailangan ko lang sabihin ‘to… Para sa mga artist, sana naman walang sumisingit… Respeto lang ba?” Orange and Lemons vocalist Clem Castro said.

In her Instagram post, Francine shared a photo of a gift she received from her fans and made a cryptic caption on her post.

“Mad respect for everyone who stayed up late. Respect goes both ways. GN! (Good night)” Francine wrote.

Meanwhile, fans of Francine and Orange and Lemons clashed online.

Francine’s fans believed that Orange and Lemons should apologize to the actress, saying that they shouldn’t left the stage and just waited for her to leave.

Actress Bea Alonzo filed three separate charges against Cristy Fermin and Ogie Diaz, including their co-hosts.

On Thursday, May 2, 2024, Bea filed charges against the two popular showbiz reports and their co-hosts before the Quezon City Prosecutors Office.

Bea also charged a netizen who claimed to be close to her, who became an informant of Cristy and Ogie.

According to Bea, Ogie and Cristy allegedly made false claims against her and spread them using their online shows and newspaper columns.

Bea also cited that Ogie and Cristy claimed that she was not paying the right taxes.

 

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Bea received support from her fans, saying that Ogie and Cristy should stop spreading unverified information.

“Tama yan, nang lumugar sila. Maxado na silang nanghihimasok sa pribadong buhay ng mga tao. Subukan nilang maghanap buhay ng marangal, hindi yang puro paninira ng kapwa ang gawin nila!” netizen Janvhic said.

“Andami ng sinirang buhay nyan si fermin dahil sa mga chismis minsan naniniwala mga tao sa balita nya. Sana naman magbalita kayo ung naayon hindi ung pati private life ng mga artista dapat pa ibalita kaya ngdemnda na si bea kc sa latest vlog ni fermin dinamay na ung mama ni Bea kaya parang below the belt na yon,” netizen Anjhelie commented.

“Yes put them on their right place so they can learn where to cross the line,” netizen Nelson remarked.

It can be recalled that Ogie and Cristy heavily covered Bea and Dominic’s breakup, even before the actress confirmed it.

As of writing, Ogie and Cristy have yet to respond to the charges filed by Bea.

Businessman Cedric Lee and model Deniece Cornejo were found guilty of locking away television host Vhong Navarro in 2014.

On May 2, 2024, the Taguig court ordered Lee, Cornejo, and two others to be put behind bars for life for what they did to Navarro.

Taguig Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 153 said that the acts done by Lee and Cornejo were beyond reasonable doubt. Hence, they must face the penalty of reclusion perpetua.

The court also ordered Lee and Cornejo to be immediately found as their bail bond had already been canceled.

Aside from reclusion perpetua, the court also ordered Lee and Cornejo to pay a total of P300,000.

“All monetary awards shall earn legal interest rate of 6% per annum from the finality of the judgment until fully paid,” the judge wrote in the decision.

In 2014, Vhong became the most discussed celebrity of that year after he was involved in an issue involving him, Deniece, and Lee.

Navarro was accused of taking advantage of Cornejo when the actor was invited to her condominium unit.

Lee’s group rushed to Cornejo’s room, claiming to be there to save the model from Vhong.

Last year, the Supreme Court junked the case Cornejo filed against Navarro after it was revived, which resulted in the television host losing his freedom for several months.

Internet sensation Deo Balbuena, a.k.a Diwata made a clarification about his relationship with content creator Alvin TV.

It can be recalled that Alvin was being linked to Diwata due to their closeness together.

The speculations started to intensify after Alvin and Diwata went to General Santos City together.

In an interview, Diwata said that he was also wondering why Alvin always followed him.

“Ewan ko ba laging nakabuntot sakin si Alvin TV,” said Diwata.

When asked about his real relationship with Alvin, Diwata only made a response in jest.

“Ngayon niyo lang ba nalaman? […] Ang tagal ko ng jowa si Alvin,” he said.

Netizens also gave their opinion on the possible relationship brewing between Diwata and Alvin.

“Ano ngaun kung juwa? Masyado kayo naki Alam sa kaligayahan ng ibang tao. Bakit kayo lang ba may karapatan na lumigaya. Respito naman Jan pls lang para walang gulo,” Alfred remarked.

“Kung may relasyon cla hayaan nyo na lang buhay nila yan wala tyo pake dyan basta maghanap buhay na lang tyo kesa ungkatin pa kung ano meron sila,” netizen Zal commented.

As of writing, Alvin has yet to give a response to the people linking him to Diwata, who became popular after being heavily covered by content creators.

Daniel Padilla responded to the netizens who speculated that he was taking a swipe at his ex-girlfriend, Kathryn Bernardo, during his birthday performance.

It can be recalled that the online community discussed Daniel’s passionate singing of “Hinahanap-hanap Kita” during his 29th birthday celebration, which the audience recorded.

“P*****na may kapiling ka nang iba!” said Daniel.

In an interview with MJ Marfori, Daniel denied that he dedicated his song to Kathryn, who was linked to Alden Richards and Jericho Rosales.

He believed that the people were only overreacting to his every move.

“OA ang mga tao, masyadong OA ang mga tao. Nag-eenjoy lang akong kumanta.” he said.

Daniel and Kathryn announced the end of their relationship last year, but both of them didn’t disclose the reason for their breakup.

However, there were speculations that Daniel had a relationship with other women, which finally prompted Kathryn to end her 11-year romance with the actor.

He also reportedly tried to fix his relationship with Kathryn ─ but to no avail.

Daniel and Kathryn didn’t confirm nor deny the speculations by netizens.

Daniel Padilla at his newest business venture here in Batangas. @News5PH pic.twitter.com/7TyFP4Wt5p

— Mj Marfori🌏 (@mjmarfori) May 1, 2024

Talent manager Ogie Diaz personally tried the ‘Diwata Pares Overload’ as a response to the criticism he received after discussing the quality of the food served by the internet sensation.

On April 24, Ogie mentioned the review of his friends who visited the Paresan owned by Diwata, Deo Balbuena, in real life, saying that the food being offered at the said establishment was subpar.

“Tinatanong ko kasi dahil na-viral eh. ’Yung ano sabi don, na hindi raw masarap yung pares. So tinanong ko yung kaibigan ko na kumain don. Ang sabi ng friend ko eh parang hindi daw kasundo ng kanyang panlasa,” said Ogie.

In response, Diwata said that he didn’t care about Ogie’s opinion and that they were free to choose where to eat.

“Wala akong pakialam sa sinasabi nila, tulad niyang sinasabi ko kung hindi niyo gusto ‘yung pagkain ko, mag scroll at pumunta sa ibang nagtitinda,” said Diwata. “Ang tinitinda ko kasi, hindi ko ‘yan pinipilit, kung hindi mo gusto, marami namang kainan,” said Diwata.

“Yung sinasabi nila na hindi pasok sa panlasa, edi humanap ka ng pasok sa panlasa, problema ba ‘yon?” he added.

In his vlog, Ogie said that he didn’t mean to criticize Diwata and even gave friendly advice, saying that feedback would help the internet sensation improve his service.

To give a proper response to Diwata, Ogie spent P2,000 to personally taste the Diwata Pares Overload and Diwata’s fried chicken.

Ogie responded positively to Diwata’s Pares and fried chicken, saying that the food tasted right for its price.

“Okay naman… hindi ganoon ka-fabulous pero okay na for 100 pesos,” said Ogie. “Kasama ‘yung rice? Unli ‘yung rice?”

“For 100 pesos, hindi na masama,” he added.

However, Ogie said it would be expected for other people to have different opinions on Diwata’s Pares.

“Sa panlasa ko, okay ‘yon kung 100 [pesos]. Diyos ko, sa 100 pesos huwag nang maarte ‘yung iba,” he stated.