Know your Azkals: Not just another Greatwich

If his surname wasn’t Greatwich, he probably wouldn’t be pressured to be a great footballer. 

Twenty-two-year-old Simon Clive is the youngest of the Greatwich brothers. His elder siblings Chris and Phil, 27 and 24 respectively, are also football players. 

Growing up in the coastal city of Brighton in southeast England, Simon has always been surrounded by the sport — what with the Premier League happening almost whole year round, and David Beckham living just a few hours away. It’s the perfect ground for breeding professional football players. 

“Football is really famous [in England]. The people are fanatic. It’s a huge thing, much like basketball here in the Philippines," he says. 

At an age kids have just gotten out of their diapers, Simon was already learning the basics of football. His first mentor was his dad, and his first football was, well, a tennis ball. 

“We’d just bring tennis balls to school and try to play football with it. But it was just all for fun," he recalls. 


He eventually got signed by professional club Brighton and Hove Albion FC when he was nine. At 14, he was invited to try out for England’s U-15 squad. Also competing for slots were players from big-shot clubs Manchester United and Arsenal, most of whom were older than him. Although he didn’t actually make it to the 16-man team, it did seal his ambition of becoming a professional footballer.

“Magkano sa Legaspi Towers sa Roxas Boulevard?"

Simon’s mother hails from Davao. She flew to London and worked as a cafeteria lady in Great Ormond Street Hospital. That’s where she met her husband, then a porter in the same institution. The irony though is that Simon’s never really been in touch with his Filipino side. And you can forget about speaking in Filipino. The only Tagalog sentence he knows by heart is “Magkano sa Legaspi Towers sa Roxas Boulevard?"

“My mom didn’t really teach us Tagalog, growing up. I can pick up the key words in a sentence, and I try to understand the meaning. She probably regrets it now because she never really thought we’d end up here in Manila," he says.

Although he’s only known England and New York where he currently studies, he didn’t hesitate to play for the Philippines. After all, his elder brother Chris has already taken the lead and suited up for the Azkals.

Not everyone though is happy with the influx of Fil-foreigners among the Azkals. Simon says this is a misinterpretation as the 30-man team isn’t dominated by "halfies." The core is still homegrown, and the handful who came from other countries are really outstanding players.

“Some of the Fil-foreigners play in international clubs. They’re really good and they are assets to the team. In five years, with a mix of imports and locals, we can beat top Asian countries. We almost beat Indonesia in the Suzuki Cup, and that’s just the beginning," he says.

Simon considers their match in Maldives as his most memorable game so far, with 20,000 fans flocking to the compact stadium.

“The noise was so loud that we couldn’t hear each other. But when we scored a goal, we silenced the crowd," he recalls. “That’s only 20,000 people. In the Suzuki Cup, there were about 90,000 fans watching. I hope I can play in something like that soon."

Simon is suiting up for the AFC Challenge Cup against Mongolia this February. His stint in the Southeast Asian Games U-23 tournament is still in the air, though. The SEAG will be held in November, and by that time he would've already turned 23.

With all the popularity he’s enjoying now, he’s been offered TV commercials and photoshoots. However, his main focus is still the Azkals, and if showbiz gets in the way of football, he’s not buying it.

It may have started as simply following his brothers’ footsteps. But he has very well made his name known not just as another Greatwich, but as Simon Greatwich – full-fledged midfielder for the Philippine Azkals.

And to think it all started with a tennis ball. - KY/OMG, GMANews.TV


credits to GMANews.tv

Know Your Azkals: The Double Life of Aly Borromeo

Aly Borromeo is a man you wouldn’t want to mess with on the field. The moment he gets the ball, you have more or less zero chance of stealing it. It may not also be a great feeling being tackled by a 6’1" 190-pound bruiser. 

Off the pitch, he’s an entirely different person – a shy, mellow, chocolate-loving Aly. He even has a hard time saying no to people, for goodness’ sake. 

I know it’s difficult to imagine, especially if you’ve seen him with his game face on. 

Don’t piss Aly off

His teammates agree that Aly is one of the most aggressive players among the Azkals. Simon Greatwich even says that he’s already gotten quite a few bruises from Aly. 

“I always want the ball and take command. I get pissed if you don’t give it to me. I mean, I know my skills, and I’m asking for it because I know I can do something for the team. And I also don’t like seeing the opponent with the ball," he says. 

It was worse when he was younger, what with his raging hormones. 

“There was a rumble between Kaya and Air Force about ten years ago. I was still a kid back then and I got a few blows in. That was really funny," the 27-year-old laughs at the memory. 

He’s more composed and calculated now. Aside from the red card he got in Maldives two years ago, Aly hasn’t been involved in any major scuffle. Usually, he’s even the mediator trying to calm things down. 

“O, ikaw na captain"

Aly has suited up for the U-19 team, La Salle Greenhills, De La Salle University, Skyline College, Kaya FC and Global Smartmatic. He has played in all positions and was actually a goalkeeper until second year high school. Nothing’s prepared him though for his accidental “bump" to captaincy in 2004. 

“It’s kind of a funny story. The captain back then, Bagets Piñero, and I both went up for a corner kick to head the ball out. I accidentally broke his nose. I broke my own teammate’s nose," he retells in disbelief.

“So he gave me the armband right there and said, ‘O, ikaw na captain.’" 

Aly says he’s not a strict captain as long as you give your 110 percent. Errors are acceptable only for a first time. 

“On the second time, I’m probably gonna shout at them. They’re gonna get scolded. I get pissed off with slight errors where they do things without thinking, and when they try to force things," he adds. 


From cubbyholes to celebrity status

When I asked Aly about his worst experience with the Azkals, he honestly replied, “Where do I start?" They were named Azkals because they never had any support in the first place. Strays, literally.

“In previous tournaments, we would sleep in facilities that had no cushions and smelled like piss. One time, in Iloilo, we stayed in the middle of nowhere. It was really bad," he says.

Their fortune changed when they beat highly-favored Vietnam in the Suzuki Cup last year. The fame, the fans and the funds started pouring in.

“I’ve cried several times in games but this is different. On the 80th minute, the scoreboard said 2-0. I looked at Anton and we were both like, ‘Are you serious?’ After the game, I just hugged them all," he shares.

With their newfound success, the Azkals have been busy holding mall tours and endorsing different brands. The fan frenzy peaked in Bacolod.

“When we were in Bacolod, we had to use the backdoor to get out of the hotel. I literally had to sprint to get to the bus. We don’t even have time to be ourselves anymore. The fanaticism is crazy but it’s good for the sport. We’ve been waiting so long for this," Aly says.

A mellow Aly?

Aly says he’s very approachable and not aggressive at all when he’s not playing – the exact opposite of the number 11 we see on the field.

“I can’t even get mad at the help. And I have trouble saying no to people. That’s how bad it gets," he sighs (I’m surprised girls don’t take advantage of this “yes-man" attitude).

If he’s not busy playing football, this Filipino-American-Spanish is busy with his Play Station 3 or with the family business. Aside from those, chocolates and the gym are on top of his priority list.

“Honestly, if I have nothing to do, I’ll just be in the gym," he admits.

How else do you think he maintains that six-pack? So, frankly, we don’t mind if you spend hours in the gym, Aly. -- KY/OMG, GMA News


credits from GMANews.tv


I totally agree! Aly has the best six packs amongst the Azkals! I really can't forget that time when I was watching their practice game when I had the chance to see those 6 pack abs! I almost died!


What? Aly loves chocolates? With those abs? Hmm... that's nice info.

Derek Ramsay for Belo Men

Tunay na Lalake Ka Ba?

Derek Ramsay is asking you if you are a "Real Man".

He is the endorser of my Godmother Vicky Belo's Belo Men.

There is a Facebook app that you can go to so you can prove that you're a real man and win prizes! Cool!

And bros, we also have a chance to meet the gorgeous and hunky Derek Ramsay himself! Isn't that nice? Too bad I missed it. Was there an autograph-signing for real men with him? I wonder.

You also have to watch one of his ads for Belo Men, where he takes his clothes off for Real Men. What a strategy to sell a product! I'll certainly run to the stores now and grab my Belo Men too!

Catch Belo Men on Facebook.

Check out Belo Men's Official site here.

Sneak Peek: Metro Mag's Men of Summer

I stumbled upon these hot pics on Facebook! Too bad I wasn't able to checkout whose pics they were.

Above is German-Vietnamese model Benjamin Tang who is wet and delicious-looking!

Does Daniel Matsunaga ever take a bad photo? Honestly? You are impossible, Daniel!

Hideo Muraoka looks tired, though. Droopy eyes. Partying?

Fabio Ide looks so cute!!! Great job on his interaction with fans!

Think the issue is hot enough? Grab a copy now!

Famous Pinoy Celebs Who Play Football

Even before Azkals shot up to fame, lots of male celebs are already playing football.

Jake Cuenca

One thing that Jake admits to being passionate about is playing football, the sport he has loved since he was a kid. He says that playing this sport helped him lose the extra pounds he had while growing up, "If you're the fat one in football, you're always the last one to finish. I didn't want to be the struggling kid." 

Football, coupled with a supersets workout regimen that entails two different exercises done consecutively, has given the young actor maximum results in the area he is most focused on—his abdomen and lower back. He explains that strengthening his core area helped him with his role in Palos, which required a lot of fight scenes and physical stunts. "Your abs and your lower back are what keep your body together," he explains.

-from Pep.ph

Derek Ramsay

2010 FIFA WORLD CUP WITH DEREK. Because of their busy schedules, Angelica and her boyfriend Derek Ramsay hardly have any time for each other, but they make it a point to spend quality time whenever they have the chance. To make up for lost time, they go on  trips abroad.

"We're planning a trip next month to either the Maldives or Fiji," declared Derek. "I told it to her that I like Fiji. It's a beautiful place. Siya naman nag-mention sa 'kin sa Maldives. So we're picking pa lang which one to go. Dapat nga pupunta kaming Europe at the end of September. It would be my chance to show her England."

But their biggest goal is to attend next year's FIFA World Cup in South Africa. This event is organized by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (French for International Federation of Association Football).

"Every four years lang yun so we have to wait for another four years. We cannot afford to miss this," stressed Derek.

He also reveals that he is a very spontaneous guy when it comes to traveling.

"I'm not even planning. I'm just planning to get there and bahala na when I get there. You know, no hotel rooms reserved. No nothing."

The Kapamilya actor says he's very lucky to have the girlfriend who understands his love for football.

"Hindi naman maarte 'to, e. Yung ano lang, baka hindi niya maintindihan yung passion ko for the game. Kasi ako talagang umiiyak, sumisigaw, nagagalit, naghuhubad. Talagang I'm a very passionate football player and a football fanatic."

In fact, Angelica has seen how Derek can be carried away when he watches a football game.

"Napanood ko 'yan dati nung manood kami ng game, meron talaga siyang flag ng England. Tapos nung matalo, umiiyak siya, umiiyak na rin ako. Kasi hindi ko alam kung paano siya iko-comfort, naiiyak na lang din ako."

-from Pep.ph

Daniel Matsunaga

If only Daniel Matsunaga has Filipino blood, he could try out for the Philippine Team Azkals and be one of the "most good-looking football players" in the world.

Daniel Matsunaga, who is Brazilian-Japanese, reveals to Manila Bulletin that he loves football and he's been playing it since he was a kid.

“I’ve played football since I was a kid. I have a lot of trophies back home. I just joined the Futsal league here, one of the biggest leagues organized by FIFA, and we recently won first place,” Daniel tells Manila Bulletin.

Read more: Daniel Matsunaga has football dreams ~ MyKiRu IsYuSeRo http://mykiru.blogspot.com/2011/02/daniel-matsunaga-has-football-dreams.html#ixzz1ETyhndp9

Fabio Ide

Well, as you can see on the picture, he's on the same team as Daniel's. ;)

You could also see on the pic Brazilian model Ademar Oliveira, that cute Mcdonald's guy from the commercial.

So who else did I miss? Gosh. Imagine, if Azkals would need other cute members, these famous guys can be substitutes!

Know your Azkals: 'Bad boy' De Jong

“To be honest, I think we are overrated," Fil-Dutch Jason De Jong says smugly. 

While the entire Philippine archipelago was celebrating the Azkals’ win against Mongolia last week, Jason now says he fully expected it. 

“Mongolia has a lower standing. I’m happy we won, but it’s really nothing. We should celebrate if we beat countries ranked higher than us," he adds. 

This assertive attitude coupled with intimidating looks has earned Jason the rep of "Bad Boy" among the Azkals. And it’s not just a reputation — he lives up to it when he does the dirt on defense. 

“I am very physical. I play defense, and I like to tackle and go hard," he says. 

It’s pretty hard to imagine six-year-old Jason playing that intensely when he started out with a local football club in the Netherlands. Since then, he’s played in different teams such as Belgium Turnhout and NAC Breda, a premier league club in Holland. Thank God for the Internet, the Philippine Football Federation discovered his Filipino lineage and put him in the Azkals team. 

Like his teammates, the peak of his international career was beating Vietnam 2-0 in their hometown. He was in such high spirits that he even kissed Phil Younghusband. 

“You saw that?!" he asks. Apparently, he hasn’t seen the animated photos (GIFs) of him kissing Phil posted all over the Internet. 

“Yeah, I asked Phil for a kiss," he laughs. “I was so happy. After his goal, I knew we’d win. I knew we’d qualify for the semis." 

Mind you, Jason has been well-behaved during his entire stint as an Azkal. He’s never been handed a red card. He’s only been suspended once, and that was due to two yellow cards in Laos. But he has gotten into fights with other players because of how he plays. 

“As I said, I like playing physical, and I sometimes get into fights if the other player can’t take it. But if you can’t handle a tackle, then I say you’re in the wrong sport," he says as a matter of fact. 

Yup. There goes the bluntness again. 

Inked

Football is Jason’s first love; his second would probably be tattoos. He has tattoos on his back and on both arms. His left arm has images of everything important to him — religious symbols, the Philippine map, and his younger brother’s name. On his right forearm, there’s a text that reads “Habang Buhay Sama Tayo." 

“I know the grammar’s wrong, but I like how the words look together. It’s for my bunso, my dad and me. My mom left us, so it’s just the three of us now. It’s our bond forever," he says while looking at his newly inked left arm. “It’s like they’re always with me when I play, to take care of me and protect me."

He got these tattoos to show another side of himself, as people often see just the snobbish Jason. He even calls his younger brother “bunso." Aww.

Almost legal

Jason is celebrating his 21st birthday on February 28. It’s kind of bittersweet because he’s spending it away from family for the first time.

“It’s a special birthday because 21 means I’m fully grown up. I’m already legal in Holland, but this time I’m gonna be legal everywhere. I’m gonna go to Vegas and actually do things," he kids.

Vegas, you have been warned.

“I guess I don’t do anything not related to football"

Jason can’t help but be noticed whenever he goes out now — the foreign looks are already a giveaway. But he’d pick a private life any day. Last Valentine's Day, he was home alone, playing FIFA 11 and watching football.

“I guess I don’t do anything not related to football," he realizes. But then he thinks again and remembers the one non-football-related thing he loves — the TV show “The Inbetweeners."

“Coach Simon used to live with us here. One night he said, ‘Come here, De Jong! I have something to show you from my hometown.’ It was so funny. We stayed up all night watching it together," he recalls.

See? Jason actually has a “fluffy" side, so don’t be intimidated by him.

“I’m only serious when we have a game. I hope the fans understand that we have to focus. But if it’s not game day, I can smile. Look, I’m smiling now!" he says, and flashes a big smile. De Jong with a smile and De Jong with his game face on could honestly pass for two different people.

In any case, the tough-guy image is here to stay. We’re going to want that anyway, especially when they beat the hell out of Mongolia next month. KY/OMG, GMA News


credits: GMANews.tv

Know Your Azkals: Neil Etheridge in Love

I was wanting to do a feature on all the Azkals team players so that we can get to know them better. But lack of time is the greatest challenge of all. But hey, Thanks to GMA!

***

A lot of people love Neil Etheridge. The built, the face, the brawn, the athleticism – what’s not to like? Since it’s Valentine’s Day, let’s flip the coin and find out what Neil loves.

Neil loves football

Obviously. Neil has been playing football since he started walking. Born in Anfield, he has played for England’s U-16 team. He started out in Chelsea Academy before getting scouted. At 15, he moved to Fulham where he was recently elevated to the first team. As prestigious as it is to play in the English Premier League, Neil says it’s also a wonderful if different experience playing for the Azkals.

“First of all, the style is very different – the heat, the knowledge, the media. Plus when I’m playing with the Azkals, you have the attention of the whole country. And I get to start every game," he says.

And is there anything he doesn’t like about football?

“I never regret anything. But if I have a worst experience, it would have to be that first goal in Indonesia. I let that one go in. You just have to learn from it and move on."

Neil loves his teammates

You’ve probably heard of the bromance going on between him and Simon Greatwich, but Neil’s actually close friends with all the Azkals. He’s even got his own cast of “Entourage" in the team – he’s Vince, Simon is E, Jason Sabio is Drama, while the role of Turtle is still up for grabs.

Okay, so maybe he’s a teeny bit closer to Simon since they roomed together in Cambodia and in Bacolod.

“Their room is a garbage bin!" teammate Rob Gier shares. The rest of the team agree.

Oh and Simon is now his unofficial manager. So if you want Neil for anything, suck up to Simon.

Neil loves shopping

Unlike majority of men who dread shopping, Neil claims that he is a “massive shopper." Just before he left for the UK, he even went on a shopping spree at Nike.

“My style is very simple. I like fitted shirts. And I always wear black or white," he says.

He loves fashion so much that he can’t pinpoint a single clothing item he can’t live without. Rob suggests gloves, while Simon says Neil doesn’t have one because he likes being naked. After much thought and other “helpful" ideas from the team, Neil says it’s black shirts.

“I have about six black shirts. They’re my favorites. And I also can’t live without my watch," he says.

Neil loves his fans

His supporters are among the craziest ones so far. In Bacolod, fans climbed balconies just to see him in his room. As creepy as it sounds, Neil doesn’t mind.

“The attention is just great. It makes us feel very welcome," he says. 

And this isn’t just some showbiz answer. Neil says that among the places he’s been to, his favorite would have to be Manila.

“I seriously love Manila. It has this friendly atmosphere. There are so many things to do and it’s very affordable," he adds. 

Neil loves Twitter

If you’re not yet following @Neil38Etheridge, why not?

Neil got Twitter after much prodding from the Greatwiches (and the fans actually). He immediately got thousands of followers, most of which are female Azkal fans. Although he wasn’t very keen on it at first, he’s fallen in love with it so much that he even bought a laptop so he can reply to the fans’ tweets faster!

Neil loves girls

Right now, hundreds of girls claim to be the future Mrs. Etheridge. But if you want to be the one, then listen up.

“What catches my eye is all the things other guys want. But to get a second date, you have to be interesting. Not laying all your cards at once, not too superficial – just be yourself. It’s basically me enjoying myself with you," he says.

Would he date a fan? Yes. Would he date someone who wasn’t into football? Surprisingly, it’s another yes.

He says the sweetest thing he’s ever done for a girl is taking her out on a river cruise, with matching candlelit dinner on the boat. (Rob reacts again and says, “Don’t believe him! He’s just seen that in a movie!")

Valentine’s Day is almost here so it was necessary to ask him about his plans. He’s spending it with his first love – football – as Fulham has a match against Chelsea. After that, he’s probably having dinner out with his family.

So what exactly is his status?

“I’m single. Single but always dating," he ends with a smile. -- KY/OMG, GMA News


credits: GMANews.tv

Chris Cayzer's Dream

Super Cutie Chris Cayzer launches his new song entitled "Dream".

The music video is really nice and his song is very international! Love it!



Follow Chris' tweets here.

Gerald Anderson Shirtless!

With the sudden popularity of football in the Philippines, here comes Gerald with a sizzling picture, shirtless of course, holding his football with all his might.

I am waiting for other celebs to post their yummy football pics too!

Happy Birthday to Mr. Valentine Marc Nelson!!!

Ultimate hunk Marc Nelson spends his birthday on Vday? Belated Happy Birthday Marc!!!

Bench Return To Temptation BTS

I can totally relate to Bench's theme for Summer since I just came back from Paradise - Boracayyy!!!

There was a lot of temptation on that island, I tell you.

Ok enough about me. I am loving this BTS video from Bench for their Summer Campaign.

Thank you Bench for that 23 minute video! It shows how much you love your fans! Keep up the good work!

I have asked and I pray that my label will release me.....Ciara

The rumour that singer Ciara has been dropped by her record label has been going round(it was reported on this blog).Well the singer has come out to tell her own side of the story via her facebook page.She is alleging that she  is the one who wants to leave the label .

     'This week the net has been a buzz of the rumor that I have been dropped from my label. At this point that rumor is false.. It is true that

more after the jump

I have asked and I pray that my label will release me. I have had some great times and success with my label, but sometimes like all great things, its at that point where I feel we don't share the same views on who I am as a artist. The past two albums have been very frustrating for me. At times there were songs I chose to lead a project and I was ignored! This project, I even tried to get Gimmie Dat started I spent tens of thousands of my own money only to hear the radio pds tell me my label didn't want the song played.I even spent more than one hundred thousand dollars out of my pocket on the video to bring my vision to it and still no label support. I do understand that some labels are not financially supporting their artists and I have become one of them… You, my fans, know that I strive to do my best to deliver to my you the best songs and creative vision I possibly can. I'm dedicated to my music, performance and to my fans! Ive tried to be a team player with the label only to have compromised what I truly believed.. And was not given the right opportunity to promote and inform my fans of the release of this album..I have so much of me as a artist I still want to give to the world and my fans. A release would allow me to go be creative with people who care and understand me as a artist. In a short time, I will be able to bring to you a new music energy and a visual excitement! Thank you so much for standing by me through the good, bad, and the confusion. I love you all.'

Blazin Hot Video .... Banky W.... Follow You Go [Sisi Eko]

      Banky W is out with a new video..... Follow You Go [Sisi Eko].The video which has cameos from ex beauty queen cum rapper Muna, singer Goldie and Beverly Naya, was Directed by Kemi Adetiba .

Watch the video after the jump

Picture Of The Day

Nollywood actress Omotola Jalade Ekeinde on the 2011 Grammy red carpet.

Victoria Beckham May Dress Kate Middleton

     Beckham, who's expecting her fourth child, has been asked to send pieces from her collection to Kate, 29, for her upcoming public role as a member of the royal family once she weds Prince William.

     "Apparently, she

more after the jump

 likes my clothes and has asked to see a selection," the designer said at her New York Fashion Week show, Daily Telegraph style writer Hilary Alexander reports.

The designer, 36, was unveiling her Fall/Winter 2011 collection when she spoke of the "honor" of dressing Middleton. "It's tremendously exciting," she said.

Beckham also said she believes the prince's fiancée will make a perfectly stylish princess.

Kate is "a beautiful young girl," said Beckham. "She has a wonderful figure and I think she wears clothes beautifully."

2011 AAMA Moves To Kenya

Africa Film Academy Awards (AMAA) 2011 will no doubt take a different shape this year, and perhaps, spring a lot of surprises as the event moves to Kenya. Word has it  that Nollywood’s bad boy, Jim Iyke, will be present at the event for the firsttime.

     Nollywood actresses, Rita Dominic and Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, will headline the event in the East African country during the AMAA Nominations Night, which has been scheduled for February 25 at Laico Regency Hotel in Nairobi.
A-list stars such as Joke Silva,

more after the break

Kate Henshaw-Nuttal, Ramsey Naouh, Omotola, Rita, Jim Iyke, Mike Ezuruonye, Chinedu Ihedieze and Ini Edo are expected to grace the event.
   The AMAA, which is without doubt becoming the most prestigious and glamorous African movie awards, considers movies in 24 categories, which include the Best Actor, Best Actress, Most Promising Actress, Most Promising Actor, Best Actress in Supporting Role, Best Actor in Supporting Role, Best Child Actor, Most Outstanding Costumes, Most Outstanding Cinematography, Most Outstanding Make-up, Most Outstanding Film Editor, and the Heart of Africa Awards.
   Over the years the awards presentation had been attended by numerous international media representatives, Hollywood celebrities, Nigerian politicians, other African politicians, journalists, film industry professionals, actors and actresses from across Africa. According to organisers of AMAA, the primary aim of AMAA is to facilitate the development and showcase the social relevance of African films and cinemas.
The awards are presented to recognise and honour excellence in professionals in the African film industry, including directors, actors and writers, as well as to unite the African continent through arts and culture.
AMAA 2011 will be held in April 2011 and would be televised globally.

Source...Sun

Prince Gives Eric Benet And P.Diddy The Cold Shoulder

   Will the real DIVO please stand up!! Singer, Prince has picked up a new habit. These days he tries to publicly humiliate any celebrity that catches his fancy.His victims include Kim K,P.diddy and now fellow musician Eric Benet.
    Prince shut Eric Benet out of the Essence Black Women in Music pre-Grammy event in Hollywood because Benet is

more after the jump

engaged to his ex-wife, Manuela Testolini, sources told Page Six.

The event which went down on Tuesday night at Playhouse in Hollywood honored Grammy-nominated singer Janelle Monae. Benet, who was married to Halle Berry, was disinvited once Prince was expected as a special guest. Organizers believed it was because Prince didn’t want to be in the company of his ex.
Prince married Testolini, an entrepreneur who also used to work for his charities, in 2001, after he divorced his first wife, backup dancer Mayte Garcia.
The “Purple Rain” rocker and Testolini were married for five years until she filed for divorce in 2006. At the time, Prince’s lawyer, Patrick Cousins, told People magazine: “This isn’t something that he wanted . . . He didn’t countersue. He is just trying to get it resolved.”
…Others at the Essence magazine event included Sean “Diddy” Combs — also reportedly cold-shouldered by Prince, who seemed unfriendly when Combs went to shake his hand.  Yikes!!

All this drama because over his ex wife?