Megan Young: “I want to become a peace ambassador” Plus: Atom Araullo explores truth behind supernatural phenomena in ‘Hiwaga’

Siyempre, I am flattered but I don’t see myself as a sex symbol,” says the good-looking news anchor Atom Araullo of the new ABS-CBN afternoon program “Hiwaga” which airs every Friday at 4:15 p.m. on the Kapamilya network. At the recent presscon of “Hiwaga,” Atom was asked how does he feel being tagged as sexy or being seen as a sex symbol.

“Siguro if there is a spectrum na between cute and sexy, hindi ka naman pwedeng maging cute and sexy at the same time. I think mas bagay ako dun sa other side, which is cute,” he said with a smile. 

Atom started his career as a broadcaster at a young age. He was in the defunct program “Five and Up” which was produced by The Probe Team productions many years ago. But even after he had been exposed to broadcasting, his interest in science prevailed. That was why he took a course in Applied Physics in college at the University of the Philippines.

It was probably his interest in science that made the ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs division to give him the program “Hiwaga” which explores the truth behind supernatural phenomena. The program highlights the Filipino belief system and sets it against real-life stories of Filipinos. Atom has touched on various topics such as love potions, “usog,” doppelgangers, hypnotism, astral projection, premonitions, and spirits.

“I don’t know how I was chosen for the program but I think because it was my background in science. They want a different approach and view on phenomena. When we started the program, we tackled topics that were on the paranormal, like ghosts, but now we are also trying to discuss other things that are unexplained but are natural phenomena like sleepwalking or hynopsis. Simple things.

Some people believe it, some people don’t but it’s part of our culture. We need to know why people tend to believe such things. Or they probably experienced some phenomena that’s why they believe it. We try to entertain on one hand but we try to demystify certain ideas or phenomena that other people have experienced,” he explained.

What has learned in doing a program like “Hiwaga?” “The biggest thing I learned is to keep an open mind. Even when we started this program, I told them I was the biggest skeptic kasi hindi naman nakakakita ang unusual phenomena. They say there are people who have third eye so they are the ones who can see or who can feel unusual presence. Ako hindi nakakakita at nakakaramdam. I had experienced something when I was young but I don’t remember it either. Having said that, sa dami ng nakausap namin who had experienced something, I can say that there are some accounts that are more believable than the others. Sometimes hearing their stories would make you think about them and you can’t just dismiss their belief.”

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Actress Megan Young competes in this year’s 2013 Miss World Philippines pageant to be held on August 18 at the grand ballroom of Solaire Resorts and Casino.

Megan is the lone celebrity competing in the prestigious beauty contest being presented by Ms. Cory Quirino. The 26 official candidates were presented to the media on Wednesday, July 31, at the Solaire Hotel.

Megan, former starstruck alumnus in GMA 7, says she believes this is the right time for her to join the pageant. She made the decision last January and she got the support of her parents and her friends.

“My family is very happy and excited with me joining the pageant. They told to be focused on what I have to do and be confident about myself,” said Megan in the interview during the media launch. “They were so happy to know about my decision to join the contest.”

Megan paraded in her swimsuit during the media launch. What was she thinking while walking onstage? ‘I just thought that I am on the beach. But I did some sacrifices to get the figure that I want, to be this sexy. I am eating healthy and I stopped eating rice for now. I have to undergo lifestyle change,” she said.

The tagline of Miss World is beauty with a purpose. What is your purpose as a beauty queen? “Well, I have always believed in affirmation. I’ve always wanted to push and go forward. I believe also that we ought to be aware of what is happening around us. I want to become a peace ambassador.”

It was early this year that Megan decided that she’s going to vie for the Miss World Philippines crown. In her past media interviews, she has often expressed her desire to join a beauty pageant. She is just waiting for the right time. She feels this is the right opportunity for her to give it a shot even if it meant giving up some of her showbiz commitments.

Since she is in showbiz, Megan did not get a hard time warming up with the rest of the contestants. “I am always the first to ask the girls their names so parang interview na rin,” she said with a laugh.  Will the friendly gesture bring her the special award as Ms. Congeniality? Megan smiles at the thought.

GMA Network welcomes back Miss World Philippines for the exclusive airing of the beauty competition this year. Present in the contract signing were (Miss World Philippines 2012 Queneerich Rehman, Miss World Philippines National Director   Cory Quirino, GMA Chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe L. Gozon, GMA Vice President for Program Management Jose Mari Abacan and Miss World Philippines 2011 Gwendoline Ruais.

The 2013 Miss World Philippines Pageant will be held at Solaire Resorts and Casino in August and will be aired on GMA Network. Viewers all over the world may catch it through GMA Pinoy TV.

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Star for All Seasons Vilma Santos’ latest film, “Ekstra” (The Bit Player) bagged major honors at the recently concluded Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival, where Vilma was hailed as best actress.

Under the direction of award-winning director Jeffrey Jeturian and co-produced by Star Cinema and Quantum Films, “Ekstra” shone bright in Cinemalaya’s Director’s Showcase category as it clinched several major honors including the audience choice award, jury prize, netpac, best screenplay for Zig Dulay, Antoinette Jadaone and Direk Jeffrey, and best supporting actress for Ruby Ruiz.

“Ekstra” is a touching drama-comedy film that revolves around the life of Loida Malabanan (played by Vilma), a hardworking single mother who passionately works as as bit player for television and movies.

Taking pride of the film’s outstanding storytelling and portrayal and as part of Star Cinema’s 20th anniversary in the movie industry, the country’s largest film outfit and Quantum Films will offer “Ekstra” via nationwide theatrical release next Wednesday (August 14).

Aside from Ate Vi, also part of the “Ekstra” cast in special roles are Ruby, Tart Carlos of “Be Careful With My Heart,” Cherie Gil, Pilar Pilapil, Nico Antonio, Tom Rodriguez, Direk Marlon Rivera, Vince de Jesus and many more.

Also featured in Vilma’s milestone movie is the special participation of Richard ‘Ser Chief’ Yap, Marian Rivera, and Piolo Pascual.

Don’t miss the Star for All Seasons’ newest film, “Ekstra” to hit cinemas nationwide on August 14, 2013.