I was patiently sitting at the balcony of a coffee shop in Makati when I saw director Yam Laranas walking towards me.  As he sat down, I asked him immediately, “How’s the film doing?”  I was referring to his newest film, The Road, which he excitedly informed me that it has been receiving good reviews, as well as sharing his future plans for it.

Laranas is no stranger in the film industry.   The Road is already his eighth film, but doing commercials and AVPs are his bread and butter.  On the side, he also makes viral videos.  As one of the most-sought commercial directors, he tasted mainstream success here and abroad, and still carries the independent spirit reflected in his films and short videos.  Included in the list of his achievements is the international remake of his film, Sigaw or The Echo, which he himself also directed.

Year 2011 has been a whirlwind of events for most of our local celebrities. Be it the veterans or the neophytes, everyone had their share in the rollercoaster ride of fame for the past 12 months. Here are the top showbiz news that shocked, entertained, and touched the hearts of Pinoy fans this 2011.