Top newsmakers of 2006

No one can deny that 2006 was an eventful year for the Kapuso Network. We said hello to new shows and goodbye to others. Couples broke up, got back together, broke up again. There were breakthrough roles and brand new artists. But what (and who) really made an impact on the public eye? We went through the iGMA archives and came up with our own list of the most buzz-worthy names and events of 2006. Angel Locsin It doesn’t matter whether she shouts “Darna!" or waves her hand as the friendly sorceress Sabina; Angel will always be our Primetime Princess. Her on-screen rapport with her leading men is also priceless. Whoever she’s paired up with, you can be sure that there’ll be sparks flying and ratings soaring. Dennis Trillo He made women everywhere swoon with his portrayal of Argo in Majika and has drummed his way to our hearts with SOP’s All Star Band. With his teleseryes taking a break, Dennis has decided to return to his first love – music. Watch out for Dennis’s upcoming album in 2007! Dingdong Dantes - Iza Calzado A love team made in heaven could only describe Iza and Dong’s perfect chemistry on TV and film. Though not romantically involved in real life, the way they cuddle and coo on screen could break even the un-mushiest of us. Their love team on the hit movie Eternity playing Crisanto and Milagros, the pair made fans sigh and swoon. Then on Atlantika, they continued to bring on the thrill followers. As the lost Princess Amaya and the dashing Senturion Aquano, Iza and Dingdong bring romance to new heights by going below the surface. Iwa Moto This StarStruck Batch 3 finalist sure kept herself busy last year. She was suspended by the Network for bad behavior, then made a ravishing comeback as the hot new chick on FHM’s December issue. Of course, there were also bits of gossip in between. Iwa denied all the rumors, but she definitely made the headlines! Jennylyn Mercado Jen has been through a lot in 2006 – a birthday concert, television serials, a big breakup with her on and off screen partner, and numerous trips to the hospital due to over fatigue. It seemed that every move she made caused a ripple through the showbiz grapevine. It looks like she is poised to be make waves in this new year as well. She began shooting for a new television series soon after the holidays were over and recently went public about her new boyfriend, Patrick Garcia. Jolina Magdangal - Marvin Agustin If only they could have been together for real! This is what fans worldwide are always saying about this love team that first began during their younger years - and on another network. 2006 brought the two back together under one roof. And it wasn't long afterwards that the pair revived their love tandem. From their comeback in I Luv NY to their comedic take on horror in Hoooo U?, fans still cannot get enough of Jolens and Marvin’s kilig match! Jolens and Marvin’s undeniable onscreen chemistry is truly a viewer’s delight. Katrina Halili The country's sexiest woman for 2006 according to FHM Philippines, Katrina heated up magazine stands, billboards, and primetime TV. She’s been everywhere lately, and we still cannot get enough of her! Lovi Poe One of 2006’s freshest faces, Lovi started small with a debut album which immediately caught the public’s attention. She soon got her big acting break through the primetime series Bakekang, where she plays Kristal, one of Bakekang’s twins. Despite being a showbiz newbie, Lovi still got her share of intrigues in 2006 – for being the daughter of the late FPJ and as Cogie Domingo’s current squeeze. Mark Herras A bad boy indeed! Part of Mark’s charm is his unpredictable love life. After his much-publicized breakup with Jennylyn, he was been linked to a handful of girls, all of whom are pretty and talented in their own right. But it wasn't just his publicized personal life that kept Mark in the spotlight. As a gift to himself and his fans, he launched a dance concert to celebrate turning 20. One thing for sure, with or without a love interest, his career will continue to be on the upswing and his name in the headlines. Pia Guanio - Vic Sotto Rumors of a relationship between the two Eat Bulaga mainstays spread like wildfire and fans of the lunchtime hit program were only too happy when the twosome admitted they were romantically involved. Does it take a Pia Guanio to capture Bossing’s heart for good? From what we see on TV, it looks like the answer is yes. Richard Gutierrez No year would be complete without Richard Gutierrez making a blockbuster hit, be it on the small or big screen. And 2006 was no different. He made the headlines by donning the million-peso Captain Barbell suit. In between the taping the series and co-hosting SOP Gigsters he even found the time to shoot two movies. Maybe Chard does indeed have super powers? Yasmien Kurdi Yasmien proved in 2006 that a little dieting and image change can easily boost a showbiz career – and love life. Since she admitted to being attracted to artists, she has been endlessly linked to band members whom she insisted she was just friends with. As Charming in Bakekang, Yas also departed from teenybopper roles and is working on validating her worth as an actress. - iGMA.TV