Toni Gonzaga: ‘I’m just lucky’

Toni Gonzaga is the star of several hit movies, host of a number of hit shows, and singer with two platinum-award winning albums. But for all of her success, she believes that it’s all due to luck.

“I think sa business na ito, 80 percent ang luck, 10 percent ang attitude, at 10 percent ang talent. That’s it for me. I’m speaking for myself,” she explains during the recent launch of her third album, Love Is… Her third album contains her renditions of all-time favorites, such as You’re In Love, If I Give You My Heart, Take Me, I’ll Follow You, Insensitive, Steep, I’ve Been Waiting, and Someone’s Always Saying Goodbye. There’s also an original composition, Incapable, included in the album.

“I know that I can do so many things. But I also know that someone out there can do so much more and so much better than I do. I’m just so fortunate that I’ve been given the chances and the breaks and I was blessed with luck.”

Luck is definitely on her side. Toni is currently one of the bestselling local recording artists. Her second album, Falling In Love, is a big hit, selling a whopping 29,000 units–despite the music piracy problem. Her record label, Star Records, adds that the album is continuing to sell well.

While she is flattered with the platinum and multi-media star monickers that have been bestowed on her, she realizes that they also carry some pressure. “When you’re in the business and people start to appreciate you and recognize your abilities and how you do your work, it’s flattering and overwhelming. But at the same time, it’s something that you don’t want to put into your head,” Toni explains. “Gusto ko lang siyang i-embrace pero ayoko siyang ilagay sa sistema ko.”

She believes that these names mean she has to live up to them, to prove herself worthy. “You have to prove yourself more and more every year and it does not stop,” she ends.

Toni Gonzaga releases third album under Star Records

Right on the heels of her successful first solo concert Catch Me at the Aliw Theater, Toni Gonzaga has just released her latest album Love Is…Toni Gonzaga.

With her past two albums with Star Records accorded gold and platinum status, her recording label has no qualms in producing another album for the artist reluctantly dubbed as the The Ultimate Multimedia Star.

“Ang laki talaga ng pasasalamat ko sa Star Records dahil pinagkakatiwalaan nila ako with another album. Lahat ng kanta dito ay close to my heart at masaya ako nang i-record ko ang mga kanta,” says Toni.

According to Nixon Sy, Star Records’ promo unit head, “Her first album with Star Records, You Complete Me, was certified gold and her sophomore album, Toni Gonzaga Falling in Love, was awarded platinum. At such a young age, Toni is being recognized as one of the movers of the music industry and it’s a privilege for Star Records to produce another winner for her.”

In fact, her carrier single “One Hello,” is now enjoying heavy rotation in various radio stations nationwide. The other songs in her 11-track album are “Incapable,” “You’re in Love,” “If I Give You My Heart,” “Take Me, I’ll Follow You,” Insensitive,” “Steep,” “I’ve Been Waiting,” and “Someone’s Always Saying Goodbye.” Fans will be thrilled to know that Sam Milby has a duet with Toni for the album’s song “If Ever You’re In My Arms Again.”

Toni adds, “Special po para sa akin ang Love Is…Toni Gonzaga dahil alam naman po ng lahat ng aking affairs of the heart. Kaya po sa lahat ng mga in love o gustong ma-in love, para po sa atin ang album na ito!”

Toni launches new ‘Love Is’ album; calls Multiply posts ‘malicious’ rumors

One enduring lesson in local showbiz is this: no matter how popular you are, no matter how wholesome your image, there will still be people who hate you–and will try to spread that hate around. And yes, this is true even for popular and wholesome TV host, singer and actress Toni Gonzaga.

It would be very hard to describe two posts on Toni’s own Multiply social networking site as anything other than “hate posts”. The poster, who goes by the name “tonisuckz”, makes outrageous, unproven accusations against Toni.

These accusations include claims that the singer and actress has had not one but several abortions. Furthermore, “tonisuckz” calls Toni a “gold digger” and claims that she’s the mistress of a politician. Two other posters, “pangatoni” and “antitoni” make simiar claims.

When one clicks on these posters’ names however, one is informed by the Multiply system that “user does not exist”.

“Nothing to hide”
Despite an attempt (perhaps, well-meaning) by one person from Toni’s camp to stop this reporter from bringing up the issue, the singer-actress was courageous and forthright enough to issue a denial to abs-cbnNEWS.com

“For someone to create such a lousy “chismis” and malicious na talagang gustong sirain ang buong pagkatao mo–I think that’s pathetic for someone…that’s terrible,” Toni said, adding that she’s challenging her accusers to make their claims to her face.

Toni added that she has “nothing to hide” and she’s confident that should anyone try to dig up dirt against her, she’ll still come up clean. The abortion rumor seems to have stemmed from her noticeable absence from her shows like ASAP’ 08 and Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition Plus.

“Yes I’ve heard that sa Multiply account ko maraming ganyan that I’d been through abortion and all that, you know what the truth will always prevail. They can research about it, they can research about my life… and they can check every hospital. I’m willing and I’m ready,” Toni said, reacting to the rumor that she stayed at the Medical City in Pasig to recover after an alleged abortion.

Toni said that she has already discussed the rumor with her boyfriend, director Paul Soriano. The rumor is that Soriano “supported” Toni’s decision to get an abortion.

“Naku! You know what it’s so funny because I discussed that with Paul last night (May 15) when someone wrote that in my Multiply account.

“And then he said, ‘you know what Tin, there’s so many things that’s already been said about you and iyan one big fat lie na gusto nilang i-spread na tingin nila will crack you. It shouldn’t bother you at all because you know it’s not true’,” said Toni.

“Eric” and the “politician”
Toni also denied the posters’ claims that she’s the mistress of a politician who owns a condominium unit in Araneta Avenue, and that her first boyfriend was a guy named “Eric” back when she was still a student at the Dominican School.

“They can search every politician they know na tingin nila associated with me. I’m not connected, I don’t know why I’m even answering this issue because I know it’s not true,” she said.

Toni also reaffirmed that her first and only boyfriend is Soriano. She added that she would never approve of any attempt to fabricate issues just to create a buzz about her latest album, “Love Is… Toni Gonzaga” under ABS-CBN’s music outfit Star Records.

“Kasi ako when it comes to my career it is better to prove yourself through your achievement rather than just coming up with the issues na hindi naman totoo,” she said.

She explained that resorting to rumors and gimmickry to promote her album would be bad for everyone in the long run.

“First, ang magsa-suffer iyong tao, ako as a person and my image to the public. Then, second, the people will not really see what you can offer them and your talent, kasi ang masi-i-focus nila iyong isyu mo, kaakibat ng bagong project na ginagawa mo,” she said.

Her latest album under Star Records follows two recent successes: her hit concert “Catch Me…Toni Gonzaga” and her blockbuster movie “My Big Love” with actor Sam Milby.

Gonzaga’s album features a mix of original songs and revivals, including: “Incapable,” “You’re in Love,” “If I Give You My Heart,” “Take Me, I’ll Follow You,”Insensitive,” Steep,” “I’ve Been Waiting,” and “Someone’s Always Saying Goodbye”.

Toni and Alex Gonzaga are the new faces of Faces & Curves

In a press conference and luncheon held at Little Asia restaurant in Greenhills’ The Promenade, last May 9, the program began with the exclusive premiere of the center’s stunning black-and-white billboard, featuring close-up shots of the Gonzaga sisters, as well as a short video documenting the photo shoot for the billboard.

After Toni was introduced, she serenaded the press people with her hit single, “Catch Me, I’m Fallin,’” before proceeding with the actual contract signing for her latest project.

When asked about how she felt being Faces & Curves’ new celebrity endorser, Toni said with a humble smile, “I feel very blessed, and very happy and thankful that I would get to endorse Faces & Curves na talagang I believe in and I trust.”

She even joked, “When I heard nga that they’re interested to get me, it felt right. I went with it right away. When I found out na hindi na ako magbabayad for facial, siyempre natuwa ako!”

Actually, Toni has been a long-time patron of Faces & Curves’ services, especially facial and body skin care, which she gets once or twice a month. But don’t get her wrong. She is quick to dispel any hasty generalizations that she’s vain.

“Hindi naman yung vain na super-vain. Siguro bilang isang artista, kailangan naming pangalagaan ang katawan namin, ang kutis namin. So, yung katamtaman na vain lang,” she clarifies.

SISTER ACT. When asked about how she felt working with her sister in a project for the very first time, Toni said, “Wala lang, para kaming nasa bahay. Mas comfortable nga ako kasi I’m with my sister.”

Toni has surely received a lot of blessings lately in her career, given her slew of successful movies, her numerous hosting projects, her two hit albums, a concert that led to a repeat last May 2 at the Aliw Theater, and several endorsement deals including her latest for Faces & Curves.

Toni says she’s thankful that she has even more projects slated for the rest of the year. “I’ll be in a movie, I’ll be hosting a new show, and yung iba pa, I can’t share the details yet. But for sure it’s going to be with ABS-CBN.”

Alex is also busy with projects of her own. After debuting in ABS-CBN’s teen-oriented sitcom Let’s Go! and its spin-off Gokada Go!, she is currently seen in ABS-CBN’s Sunday afternoon series Your Song Presents: Without You, opposite Joross Gamboa, Star Circle Teen Quest Batch 1 alumnus, and Victor Basa, Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Edition Season 2 ex-housemate.

TREATING MOM RIGHT. Spotted during the presscon was Toni’s mom and manager, Tin-Tin Gonzaga. With Mother’s Day just around the corner, what are Toni and Alex’s plans for the special day?

“Kasi for us, parang every day is Mother’s Day. We don’t treat our mom special just because it’s Mother’s Day. So, siguro this Sunday, after work, I’ll be spending time with her. Hindi naman kailangang isang araw lang sine-celebrate ang Mother’s Day. Every day is a celebration of Mother’s Day,” Toni said.

Toni Gonzaga declines “The Ultimate Multimedia Star” title

Nahihiya si Toni Gonzaga na ihilera siya kina Vilma Santos, Judy Ann Santos, Maricel Soriano, at Sharon Cuneta na may mga sariling titulo. Tinatawag kasi ngayon si Toni as “The Ultimate Multimedia Star,” pero hindi pa raw siya handang tanggapin ito.

“Eto naman, title kaagad! Teka lang, dadalawang concerts lang nagawa ko, may title na agad. Saka na ‘yang title, punuin muna natin yung mga susunod na venue,” naiilang na sabi ni Toni sa victory party ng kanyang Catch Me… The Repeat concert last May 7 sa Gerry’s Grill, Quezon City.

Pero marami ang nagsasabi na puwede siyang sumunod sa yapak ni Pops Fernandez bilang Concert Queen. Ano ang masasabi ni Toni rito?

“Ganoon? Hindi ko alam. Ay sobra! Maraming puwedeng sumunod sa yapak niya, siguro bago ako, marami pa. Hayaan na natin yung iba pa. Marami pa akong kakaining bigas. Every day, kailangan kong mag-aral. Marami pa akong dapat aralin,” reaksiyon ni Toni.

How true na nagtampo siya sa ASAP ‘08 dahil tinapatan yung concert niya ng concert ni Richard Poon na produced by ASAP Live?

“Wala, wala akong tampo sa ASAP,” tanggi ng singer-actress-TV host. “Hindi uso sa akin ang magtampo. Sa business na ito, hindi uso ang nagtatampo, for me. Ganoon naman talaga. Di ba, kahit sa pelikula, nagkakasabay ng playdate? Whether we like it or not, this business is really very competitive.”

Magiging abala ngayon si Toni sa kanyang U.S. tour. May pelikula rin siyang gagawin with Vhong Navarro titled Amnesia Girl. Isa rin siya sa mga host ng second season ng Pinoy Dream Academy (PDA).

Pinayagan ba siya ng ABS-CBN na mag-U.S. tour ngayong July samantalang may PDA siya?

“Hindi, kasi originally, hindi naman ako dapat magpi-Pinoy Dream Academy. Bigla nila akong iniligay for some reason. E, yung July, naka-book na yun. So either mag-absent ako o ginagawan nila ng paraan na maiurong ng September,” paliwanag niya.

Nang kumustahin naman namin si Toni tungkol sa kanila ng boyfriend niyang si Paul Soriano, sinabi niyang wala pa silang balak magpakasal kahit nasa hustong gulang na siya.

“Okey lang yun. Si Judy Ann [Santos] nga di pa nagpapakasal,” sambit niya.

Bakit ayaw pa niyang bigyan ng apo ang mga magulang niyang sina Mommy Pinty at Daddy Carlito?

“Dahil hindi pa naman panahon. May tamang panahon… Bukas!” biro niya.

Toni Gonzaga reveals true love

Good host and bankable TV and movie actress Toni Gonzaga revealed that her first love is not someone else but the big letter S - singing.

After her chart topper "We Belong" followed by "Catch Me, I'm Falling" and her revivals of "Kasalanan Ko Ba?" and "I've Fallen For You," Gonzaga is now ready to take her relationship with singing to a deeper level -- concert.

"I'm very excited and at the same time very, very thankful," Gonzaga told abs-cbnNews.com after her performance before the entertainment media for her upcoming concert entitled "Catch Me... Toni Gonzaga."

"I'm very excited with this concert and it is really a dream come true for me to have this," Gonzaga added.

Gonzaga will have her very first major concert in Aliw Theater on February 9, Saturday at 8 p.m..

Her special guests that she also considered as her good friends are actors Sam Milby and Vhong Navarro.

Gonzaga said that aside from the two actors and other special guests she personally chose the songs she will render for the show.

"I'm personally involved in choosing the songs for the show," she said.

The concert will be directed by GB Sampedro and directed musically by Marc Lopez with the Opera with Noel Ferrer as show's writer.

The concert is presented by Nitram Entertainment and Manio Events and promises to reveal Gonzaga as the recording and concert artist.

And with a smile, Gonzaga appealed to her fans to show their support to her by watching her first major concert.

"I'm expecting that my fans will come and watch the concert. This is the time to show their support for me so I really hope and pray that they will come."

Gonzaga started her musical career and joined singing competitions when she was just four-year-old. At age of 17, she performed as lounge singer in hotels and bars.

Her kind of music can be attributed to her influences like Soul Diva Jaya, Asia's Songbird Regine Velasquez and international singers Christina Aguilera and Celine Dion.

The public took notice of her talent in singing when she joined ABS-CBN's weekly variety show ASAP.

She then released her album under Star Records titled "Toni: You Complete Me."

The album was a certified gold which leads her to sing for her next album "Falling in Love.

Her "Catch Me I'm Falling" which was used in the network's 'Koreanovela' "Which Star Are You From" allowed Gonzaga to earn a Platinum Record Award, selling over 30,000 copies.

Toni Faces The Real World Again

Toni's presence inside the house was certainly refreshing for everyone. Even if her stay was a brief one, she succeeded in touching the hearts of the housemates with her funny stories as well as her preaching moments.Tonight, they were just having dinner as if nothing momentous was about to happen. What seemed so important was the fact that Big Brother allowed them to eat together in an easier way.

Later however, they were suddenly told to lock themselves up inside the boys bedroom until further instructions. For the last time, the selected housemates rehearsed a surprise number for Toni's mom since the latter is celebrating her birthday today. It was an original composition of Mcoy which was performed by Victor and Riza. In between verses, Yayo read heartfelt words of gratitude to a loving mother.

Big Brother gave them the impression that the whole thing would simply be recorded. But even as they practiced, Toni was already on the confession room, preparing for her unexpected departure! Soon after this, the housemates cautiously gathered on the living room, waiting for another impromptu task from Kuya. Much to their shock however, Toni, in her black dress, gave her farewell message to them!

As she recited her moving poem that reflected her appreciation for the housemates individualities, they weren't able to resist the urge to cry. For in truth, she has become a certified housemate to them. It was obvious on how she tightly hugged each of the girls while she whispered words of courage at a time where they are all fighting exhaustion not only from the various challenges but also their personal worries.

To fetch her on the spot was Mrs. Crisanta Gonzaga who heard the housemates special number for her in the flesh! Afterwhich, Toni tearfully thanked her mom for raising her as she is now. But the touching picture they made quickly passed to the moment of her goodbye. She will certainly be missed not only by them but also the viewers loved to see her longer inside the big yellow house.