Diesel heard a lot of good things about the Philippines from his sister-in-law who is Pinoy that’s why when he learned that Manila will be part of the world premiere of his movie “Fast & Furious 6,” he got excited to experience firsthand the world-famous warmth and hospitality of Filipinos.

The Hollywood action star arrived in the country on May 13 via a private jet and the very moment he landed on Philippine soil, he experienced how welcoming the Filipinos are in an instant.

His amusement grew even more on May 14 when he explored the city by bus (or jeepney).

“Yesterday I went around, I rented one of those buses and I was in the bus… There was a guy that’s selling stuff on the road. He came to the back of the bus and I thought he’s going to sell me something. He said ‘You’re Vin Diesel, you’re Vin Diesel.’ He lit up like a Christmas tree and this is a guy that’s working in the streets, selling stuff to cars going by. He forgot about all that, I just saw his heart come out. It makes me fall in love with the Philippines,” he said, adding that the street vendor’s reaction was a “testament” of the Filipinos’ nature.

“I think it is reflected in the street vendor that came up to the car and I think it is reflected in the huge global stars like Manny (Pacquiao). I think he is just as giving and just as generous and welcoming like that street vendor. That says a lot about the people,” he told ABS-CBN News.

On May 15, Diesel together with his co-stars Gina Carano, Michelle Rodriguez and Luke Evans, graced the Manila leg of the world premiere of “Fast & Furious 6″ at the Music Hall of SM Mall of Asia. He was greeted by thousands of his Filipino fans chanting his name as he walks the red carpet. He later expressed his appreciation for his Filipino fans.

“Mahal ko kayo! I love Manila! I love you all so much! We are so proud to do the first Hollywood premiere here in the Philippines. This is the best place I’ve ever been to in my life,” he said.

The action star revealed that he wants to shoot the upcoming installment of “Fast & Furious” in the country.

“Our tour here was so incredible that when I go back to LA and when we start doing, developing 7, 8, 9, I will tell Universal that I want to shoot in the Philippines. That is because of you,” he said.

There were reports that Diesel was overwhelmed with tears inside the cinema during the screening of his movie.

On Thursday afternoon, Diesel and other cast-members graced the press junket held at Fairmont Hotel Makati for an interview with members of international press.

An Indonesian reporter asked him: “I come from Jakarta, Indonesia. I want to know the reason why you chose Pilipina (Philippines) [for the press junket and red carpet premiere] and not Jakarta where many many people know you and admire you?”

Vin Diesel replied: “Really? Why we chose the Philippines? Maybe because the Filipinos is [are] IN-CRE-DI-BLE?!!”

He received cheers and applause from Filipino press people.

“Or maybe because I wanted to come to the Philippines my whole life…I wouldn’t trade a trip to the Philippines for anything. The people here are so wonderful. They have this kind of warmth, and welcoming energy that I don’t see everywhere. I don’t think the world realizes how special the Philippines is, it’s a special place,” he added.

Filmed in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, the Asian adaptation of the US reality series is based on the format created by reality TV guru Mark Burnett (The Voice, Survivor) and produced locally by Fremantlemedia Asia, a leading global entertainment company. The face of the show is aviation tycoon and Forbes Asia’s 2010 ‘Asia Businessman of the Year’, Tony Fernandes, most well-known for turning around Air Asia and breaking even within a year of taking over. Twelve candidates from around Asia will vie for the honor of becoming Asia’s very first Apprentice, with the winner walking away with the opportunity to work for Tony in one of his enterprises.

Also on board are Mr. Fernandes’ advisors – Tune Hotels’ Group CEO, Mark Lankester and Expedia Asia’s CEO, Kathleen Tan – both highly accomplished in their own fields. Having led Tune Hotels’ growth to 27 properties in the region, Mark recently won the ‘Outstanding Entrepreneurship Awards 2012’ at the Asia Pacific Entrepreneurship Awards.

Meanwhile, Expedia Asia’s Kathleen was instrumental in driving the commercial success of AirAsia, championing its launch in China. She was also crowned the ‘Marketer of the Year’ at the Web In Travel Annual Conference 2012.

AXN has searched the region for the best business entrepreneurs keen to work for Mr. Fernandes. Representing seven countries in the region (Singapore, Malaysia, China, India, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines), the top 12 come from an interesting myriad of backgrounds in entertainment, food & beverage, hospitality, information technology and the legal and finance world. From ages 25 to 38, some are in their first jobs, some already own a thriving business where they are based; some have the gift of the gab from their years in showbiz and some have been recognized for their work in marketing and entrepreneurship in their respective countries.
Throughout the season, the candidates will be tested on their skills in the areas of selling, negotiation, creativity, management, branding and leadership. At the start, the candidates are split into two teams based on gender. Watch out for the first episode which makes especially good TV – as the candidates are given the challenging task of selling fish! This was a remarkably humbling experience for these high fliers given that most of them have not stepped foot in a wet market. Tony’s advisors, Mark and Kathleen, are on the ground to observe each team complete their task, and their opinions will play a key part in who Tony decides to fire at the end of the day.

What makes the inaugural season of The Apprentice Asia so riveting is the drama that ensues from the onset. As can be expected when a group of extroverted, ambitious characters get together, strong wills clash, alliances are forged, and nerves are frayed during each boardroom session where one of them will go home, empty-handed. It’s the survival of the fittest, and self preservation rules the day.

Tune in to AXN on May 22 to find out who or what makes Tony declare ‘a bloody disaster’ and ‘a weapon of mass destruction’, and hedge your bets on the candidate who might just end up winning The Apprentice Asia!

The Apprentice Asia is presented by AirAsia, Expedia, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, IG, official smartphone BlackBerry and official car Volkswagen Malaysia.

Competing for the Philippines are:

Jonathan Yabut and…

Celine Le Neindre:

The Apprentice Asia airs every Wednesdays at 9:05PM beginning May 22, 2013 on AXN.

Diesel greeted his Filipino fans in tagalog right after he walked the red carpet.

“Mahal ko kayo. I love Manila. I love you all so much. We are so proud to do the first Hollywood premiere here in the Philippines,” he said.

The action star even said that Manila is the best place he’s ever been.

“I can feel the love from you. I think this is the best place I’ve ever been to in my life,” he told the screaming fans.

Aside from Diesel, other cast-members of the movie like Michelle Rodriguez, Gina Carano and Luke Evans also graced the event to promote the 6th installment of the franchise.

Manila has been chosen to be part of a world tour that includes stops in other global cities including London, Seoul, and Cabo San Lucas. This is the first time that the Philippine capital gathered foreign press to promote a Hollywood Movie.

“Fast & Furious 6″ is set to open in theaters nationwide on May 24.

3 Kapuso stars are now in the top 10 and one of them occupies the highly-coveted no. 1 slot! “Indio” star Aljur Abrenica is now leading the race in the Facebook poll of “100 Sexiest Men in the Philippines 2013.”

“Ina Kapatid Star” Xian Lim settles for 2nd place for the moment followed by PBB winner Slater Young.

Here are the Facebook Top 10 as of May 11, 2013 (4:30pm):

1. Aljur Abrenica
2. Xian Lim
3. Slater Young
4. Sam Milby
5. Richard Yap
6. Coco Martin
7. Paulo Avelino
8. Enrique Gil
9. Alden Richards
10. Dingdong Dantes

1st Update – May 6, 2013:

1. Xian Lim
2. Slater Young
3. Sam Milby
4. Richard Yap
5. Paulo Avelino
6. Robin Padilla
7. Aljur Abrenica
8. Alden Richards
9. Enrique Gil
10. Coco Martin

HOW TO VOTE:

1. Go to Pinoy Power’s Facebook Page and click “LIKE.”

2. Proceed to the “Photos” section, then click “Albums” and then proceed to the album titled “100 Sexiest Men in the Philippines for 2013.” The pictures of the 100 nominees will be displayed.

3. Click the image of your favorite male celebrity to enlarge the photo.

4. Under the photo, simply click on the word “like” to vote.

5. Please take note that you must be logged-in to your Facebook account and you must be a follower of Pinoy Power’s Facebook Page in order to cast your vote. If you’re not registered, the word “like” below the image will not appear.

6. You can “like” as many celebrities that you want. Each like will count for 1 vote.

Four days from now, the nation will elect its new leaders. You’ve seen the the candidates’ TV and print ads and you’ve heard their jingles but do you think it’s enough? Do you really know who you’re voting for?

Watch the video below featuring Luis, Ramon, Elmo, Maxene and Barbie encouraging everyone to not just vote for the sake of voting but to #VoteSmart. It’s an advocacy campaign that aims to change the way we elect our leaders. Hindi dahil artista at sikat ang tumatakbo ay iboboto mo na. Know the candidates and their platforms and even ask the candidates about their plans for the country and discuss the issues that matter to you.

For more information about the 2013 Philippine National and Local elections and all the candidates, click HERE.

Other cast-members in the upcoming primetime series are John Estrada, Coney Reyes, Susan Africa and Tirso Cruz III.

Watch the trailer here:

Coming from Julia’s successful series “Mara Clara” and “Walang Hanggan,” and Enrique’s “Budoy” and “Princess and I,” the two Kapamilya young stars are set to return in Primetime TV as they star in the newest teleserye that will surely open the hearts of everyone.

Other cast-members in “Muling Buksan ang Puso” are Susan Roces, Amalia Fuentes, Dante Rivero, Dominic Ochoa, Daniel Fernando, Malou Crisologo, Pooh, Jane Oineza, Cherry Gil and Enchong Dee.

Watch the teaser here:

Kapuso vixen Sam Pinto won the title “Sexiest Woman” twice in a row (2011 and 2012).

Kapamilya star Angel Locsin was named “nation’s finest” twice, first in 2005 and second in 2010.

Kapuso Primetime Queen Marian Rivera bag the title in 2008.

This year, the votes seem to favor these three celebrities to top FHM’s “100 Sexiest Women in the World.” Or perhaps they’ll pick someone new this time?

Who do you think will be crowned this year?