Mark Gil passes away

Actor Mark Gil passed away at 8 a.m. on Monday.



Mark Gil passes away

Source: ABS-CBNNews.com (September 01, 2014 at 11:15AM)

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Celebs prepare for 2014 Star Magic Ball

Some Kapamilya stars expressed their excitement as they prepare for the annual Star Magic Ball.

Celebs prepare for 2014 Star Magic Ball

Source: ABS-CBNNews.com (September 01, 2014 at 11:11AM)

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Local stars thrilled as 'ber' months start

Some local celebrities are excited to shop for Christmas presents and wrap gifts as the "ber" months officially start.

Local stars thrilled as 'ber' months start

Source: ABS-CBNNews.com (September 01, 2014 at 11:09AM)

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Kim to attend Star Magic Ball without a date?

Will Kim Chiu be attending this year’s Star Magic Ball with Xian Lim?



Kim to attend Star Magic Ball without a date?

Source: ABS-CBNNews.com (September 01, 2014 at 10:53AM)

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Screenings of Lav’s winning films set

Fresh from winning the Golden Leopard at the 67th Locarno International Film Festival, Lav Diaz’s “Mula sa Kung Ano ang Noon” will have a “Handog sa Bansa” special screening on Sept. 21. The exact venue will be confirmed later by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP).



Screenings of Lav’s winning films set

Source: Inquirer.net (September 01, 2014 at 12:00PM)

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Guatemalan, US singers win Placido Domingo opera contest

Placido Domingo (AP)

LOS ANGELES (AFP) – A Guatemalan tenor and a US soprano have won the latest edition of Operalia, a competition created by maestro Placido Domingo to showcase young opera talent.

The contest was founded in 1993, and this year 40 singers from around the world took part.

The jury was made of up of an international panel from some of the world’s most prestigious music houses.

The top prizes went to 28-year-old Mario Chang, a tenor from Guatemala, and US soprano Rachel Willis-Sorensen, 30, during a final round held in Los Angeles.

“This competition is sport. This is the Olympics of the opera,” Domingo told a recent news conference.

It was the third time that the competition was held in Los Angeles. Previous venues have included Madrid, Paris and Hamburg and the 2015 edition will take place in London’s Covent Garden.

Participation is seen as a stepping stone for careers of young operatic talent, with previous winners including Rolando Villazon.

Guatemalan, US singers win Placido Domingo opera contest

Source: Mb.com.ph (September 01, 2014 at 11:54AM)

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‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ draft released

‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’

LONDON (AP) — An unused chapter of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” has been released — 50 years after Roald Dahl’s much-loved children’s novel was first published.

The fifth chapter, from a 1961 draft, describes an extra room in the factory called the “Vanilla Fudge Room,” which features a “colossal jagged mountain” made of fudge. The draft also featured more children, and showed that Charlie originally went into the factory with his mother, not his grandfather.

The chapter was published in the Guardian newspaper Saturday with the permission of the Roald Dahl Nominee Ltd., an organization that manages his legacy.

The book, which follows young Charlie Bucket’s adventures inside Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory, has sold millions of copies and inspired several film versions and a West End musical.

‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ draft released

Source: Mb.com.ph (September 01, 2014 at 11:49AM)

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It’s not just Hello Kitty: Japan’s character craze

Hello Kitty (AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye, File)

TOKYO (AP) — Hello Kitty, whom many learned last week is a girl and not a cat, may be the queen of Japan’s cute characters, but she’s hardly the only one.

There are thousands, and they are ubiquitous: Long-time favorite Doraemon (who really is a cat) has a daily quiz in a national newspaper. Little monster Pikachu hosted a theme cafe in Tokyo this summer. Stress-relieving Rilakkuma (“relaxed bear”) dangles from teenage girls’ school bags.

Characters are not just for kids in Japan, but a part of business and social life. Some see Japan’s cute-craze, known as “kawaii,” as a sign of immaturity, but others say it’s rooted in a harmony-centered way of life that goes back to ancient animist traditions.

Japanese used to worship many gods, and portrayed ghosts as comical characters. In what is seen as the origin of Japanese manga, or comics, a set of 12th-century scroll paintings humorously portray frogs, rabbits and other animals in human activities, from sumo wrestling to temple worshipping.

Hello Kitty and Doraemon now face hordes of newcomers, many launched by municipal governments to promote tourism and local products. Regular “character summits” choose a national favorite. The market reached 2.3 trillion yen ($23 billion) last year, according to think tank Yano Research Institute Ltd.

Here are a few that have risen above the crowd:

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THE CAT THAT’S NOT

Created 40 years ago, Hello Kitty is made up of just a few simple strokes: two dots for eyes and a tiny circle for a nose, and no mouth. In contrast to expressive American characters such as Mickey Mouse and Garfield, Hello Kitty doesn’t show emotions, and the simplicity has attracted fans from children to street fashion devotees. An article in the Los Angeles Times last week created an Internet firestorm when it explained that the character is not a cat; many insisted she must be. Despite her cat-like ears and whiskers, she is a “cheerful girl with a gentle heart,” says the official website of her theme park, Sanrio Puroland. Born Kitty White in the suburbs of London, she weighs the same as three apples, enjoys baking cookies and dreams about becoming a poet or pianist.

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A LOVABLE BEAR THAT’S FREE

Goofy black bear Kumamon is perhaps the most successful of the mushrooming new characters that seek to promote a locality in Japan. Its name means a native of Kumamoto, a prefecture in southern Japan, and the character was introduced on March 12, 2010, the day Japan’s high-speed bullet train entered full service in the south. The prefecture doesn’t charge a licensing fee to use Kumamon’s simple image, and experts say that has been a key to success. As the bear’s popularity grew, more and more companies wanted to cash in. Today it appears not only on Kumamoto souvenirs, but also on innumerable products including instant cup noodles, snacks and cosmetics.

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NOT A BEAR BUT A PEAR

A hyperactive Asian pear from the city of Funabashi, just outside Tokyo, has taken Japan by storm in the past year. Funassyi, a combination of Funabashi and the Japanese word for pear, is an exception to Japan’s more typically laid-back characters. In a bright yellow, stretchy bodysuit, the pear-fairy jumps up and down frantically and talks in a rapid-fire, high-pitched voice, shouting “nashi!” (pear) at the end of each sentence. Funassyi is not an authorized city mascot, but the product of an entertainer from Funabashi. Its popularity exploded after a tea commercial last year. Funassyi appears regularly on TV and is releasing a CD from Universal Music Japan. The character reportedly earned 200 million yen ($2 million) last year.

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JAPAN’S ALL-TIME FAVORITE

Doraemon, a blue robotic cat from the 22nd century, started as a manga (comic) character in 1969. It has a four-dimensional pocket in its stomach with a seemingly endless supply of items to help its friends. Among them are a “time machine” and “anywhere door” that allows them to travel wherever and to any time period they wish. Doraemon is popular in many parts of the world, including Asia and Latin America, but the television cartoon series didn’t debut in the U.S. until this year. Adaptations for an American audience included simplifying the names of two boy characters from Nobita Nobi to “Noby,” and Gian to “Big G,” and replacing Japanese yen with U.S. dollars.

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A STRESS-RELIEVING BEAR

The “relaxing bear” is usually seen lounging on a yellow bean bag, sometimes nibbling on snacks, demonstrating an ultimate stress-free lifestyle. The roommate of a 25-year-old female office worker, Rilakkuma’s gentle words such as “sleep and reset” and “let’s worry when that happens” have been compiled in a series of popular books, serving as remedies for stressed-out Japan. Created by San-X, a Tokyo-based character-oriented stationary and gift company, Rilakkuma has raked in more than 10 billion yen ($100 million) from stationary, clothing and book sales since its 2003 debut.

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VIDEO-GAME MEGASTAR

A chubby yellow mutant rodent, Pikachu is the most popular of more than 400 monsters in the Nintendo video game series Pokemon. The series started in 1996 as a pair of game titles for hand-held player Game Boy, and has evolved into playing cards, animation, video games and movies. Pikachu makes frequent public appearances in Japan, especially during summer school break. Besides the theme cafe in Tokyo’s fashionable Roppongi Hills shopping complex, hundreds of Pikachus swarmed into Yokohama in mid-August in a “Pikachu outbreak” event.

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THE NEXT BIG THING?

Japan’s latest sensation, Youkai Watch started as a video game, and went big in January with the launch of a cartoon on TV. The story centers on teenage protagonists and their encounters with more than 250 characters, including the popular twin-tail cat Jibanyan and floating spirit Whisper. Children collect special coins to call up their favorite specters on arcade game machines. Many of the coins have sold out, and children and their parents waited for hours in long lines outside stores when new coins and related toys went on sale in early August.

It’s not just Hello Kitty: Japan’s character craze

Source: Mb.com.ph (September 01, 2014 at 11:41AM)

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Joan Rivers’ daughter: I’m keeping fingers crossed

Joan Rivers (AP Photo/Charles Sykes, File)

NEW YORK (AP) — Joan Rivers’ loved ones said Sunday that they remain hopeful about her recovery three days after she went into cardiac arrest at a doctor’s office.

“We are keeping our fingers crossed,” her daughter, Melissa Rivers, said in a statement, thanking people who have expressed support for the 81-year-old comedian. Rivers on Friday described her mother’s condition as serious.

Joan Rivers was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital on Thursday, a day after she spoke at an employee event at Time Inc. in New York. Spectators there said she had appeared to be well.

Rivers is the host of “Fashion Police” on E! and presides over an online talk show, “In Bed With Joan.” She also co-stars with her daughter on the WEtv reality show “Joan & Melissa: Joan Knows Best?”

Two of her “Fashion Police” co-stars tweeted their well-wishes to Joan Rivers and her family Saturday.

“Praying for Joan Rivers and Mel Rivers,” Giuliana Rancic tweeted. “Even though Joan’s the strongest woman I know, every single prayer counts. I love you, Joan.”

“4 the first time in years I got down on my knees & prayed tonight!” Kelly Osbourne wrote. “I encourage U 2 do the same 4 Joan Rivers my grandma!”

Joan Rivers’ daughter: I’m keeping fingers crossed

Source: Mb.com.ph (September 01, 2014 at 11:35AM)

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Donnie Wahlberg and Jenny McCarthy tie the knot

In this April 16, 2014, file photo released by ABC shows co-host Jenny McCarthy with her fiance Donnie Wahlberg after she announced her engagement on the daytime series “The View,” in New York. Wahlberg’s “Favorite Girl” McCarthy is now his wife. The couple tied the knot Sunday, Aug. 31, 2014, in a ceremony outside Chicago, McCarthy’s publicist, Brad Cafarelli, confirmed. (AP Photo/ABC, Heidi Gutman, File)

NEW YORK (AP) — Donnie Wahlberg’s “Favorite Girl” Jenny McCarthy is now his wife.

The couple tied the knot Sunday in a ceremony outside Chicago, McCarthy’s publicist, Brad Cafarelli, confirmed.

It’s the second marriage for both 45-year-old Wahlberg and 41-year-old McCarthy.

Wahlberg still performs with his boy band New Kids on the Block and also stars in the CBS police drama “Blue Bloods.” He also appears in an A&E reality show about a family restaurant called Wahlburgers that’s run by his brother Paul.

He has two sons from his first marriage.

McCarthy recently left “The View” and now hosts a radio show on SiriusXM. She has a son from her first marriage.

The couple began dating last year.

Donnie Wahlberg and Jenny McCarthy tie the knot

Source: Mb.com.ph (September 01, 2014 at 11:32AM)

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NY’s Electric Zoo music fest shut down by storms

A help center, where attendees can get free water and electrolytes, and red cross balloon marking a medical tent can be seen at the Electric Zoo music festival venue on New York’s Randall’s Island, Friday, Aug. 29, 2014. The final day of last year’s festival was called off after two people died from an overdose of MDMA combined with hyperthermia. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)

NEW YORK (AP) — The Electric Zoo music festival was shut down in the face of powerful thunderstorms Sunday, forcing thousands of people to leave its island setting and marking its second cancellation in as many years.

As some of electronic music’s big names — including Kaskade and Jack U, a collaboration of Grammy Award-winner Skrillex and DJ Diplo — prepared to play the three-day event’s final night, organizers and city officials called it off and ordered Randall’s Island evacuated around 4:30 p.m., organizers said. The National Weather Service had issued flash-flood warnings as downpours and lightning loomed.

“We apologize to our fans, but ultimately our main concern is for the safety and security of all attendees, artists and staff,” spokesman Stefan Friedman said in a statement.

The festival’s final day was axed last year after two fans died of overdoses of MDMA, also known as molly or ecstasy, combined with overheating. Organizers tried to set a safer, more security-conscious tone this year, shortening each day by two hours, compelling festival-goers to watch a video about MDMA and adding drug-sniffing dogs, peers watching for people feeling ill, a cooling tunnel and other measures.

This year, the cancellation came about three hours into the last day, with throngs of music-lovers already at the 27-acre (11-hectare) venue in the East River. Many had to board ferries or shuttle buses to get off the island.

Organizers said the evacuation was orderly. Police had no immediate information. The fire department hadn’t gotten any reports of injuries during the festival or its evacuation.

As fans headed for the exits, some tweeted their frustrations, noting that it was the second year in a row that the show’s final night hadn’t gone on. And some artists posted their regrets.

“I can’t believe this!! I was so looking forward” to playing Sunday night, tweeted the Swedish DJ Alesso, one of the night’s headliners.

The Australian duo What So Not, meanwhile, wrote, “Sadly won’t be playing NYC today. … Who wants to hit the bar?”

Earlier on Sunday, Friedman said there hadn’t been any major problems, with some fans making use of the cooling tent and other safety features.

Police had no immediate information on whether there had been any arrests.

The 5-year-old Electric Zoo has become a popular stop on the circuit for fans of electronic dance music, a growing presence in pop in recent years.

NY’s Electric Zoo music fest shut down by storms

Source: Mb.com.ph (September 01, 2014 at 11:29AM)

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Cristine thinking marriage with non-showbiz BF

Cristine Reyes

Actress Crisine Reyes is open to eventually tie the knot with her non-showbiz boyfriend.

While she did not say if the guy had already popped the question, Reyes revealed that they talk about their future together; “may mga plano na po,” as she put it on “The Buzz,” Sunday.

Asked for more details, the actress said, “’Di ko pa alam. ’Di ko pa masasagot ‘yan eh, next time na lang.”

At 25, Reyes believes she is at the “right age” to marry. When she does, the actress said she will be sure of two things: she’ll be happy and their relationship will remain strong.

It helps that that they have the same faith and go to the same church.

“Sa Lighthouse (Bible Baptist Church), Alabang. ‘Yung family niya kasi dun nagsisimba, so dun na rin ako nagsisimba.”

Many reports say Reyes’ partner could be mixed martial arts fighter Al Khabati, especially she had uploaded photos of them together on Instagram. However, she refuses to identity his non-showbiz boyfriend whenever asked directly about him.

Cristine thinking marriage with non-showbiz BF

Source: Mb.com.ph (September 01, 2014 at 11:10AM)

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Two acts that didn’t disapppoint–one of them Filipino

When a foreign act has performed in the Philippines close to 50 times and still packs fairly big venues, you have to check it out.



Two acts that didn’t disapppoint–one of them Filipino

Source: Inquirer.net (September 01, 2014 at 11:00AM)

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Recuperating Abunda ‘is coming (back) soon,’ says Aquino

Kris Aquino and Boy Abunda

Ailing TV host Boy Abunda is “getting stronger & is on his way to good health,” says his close friend Kris Aquino in a post on Instagram two days ago.

Aquino shared on their showbiz talk show, “The Buzz,” that Abunda will go on “private” vacation following her advice in a long chat over the weekend.

While Abunda had asked Aquino to not disclose details of his break, she couldn’t help but describe the destination as one where “there is a lot of sand, there is sun, and there is beautiful water.”

Abunda still needs to undergo another check-up for his liver abscess. He is said to have lost more than 20 pounds due to illness.

“Kailangan talagang mag-palakas, ibalik ang sustansya sa katawan,” Aquino said.

Abunda requested Aquino not announce when he’ll return to his shows and so Aquino simply said that he is “coming (back) soon.”

Apart from “The Buzz,” the 58-year-old multi-awarded TV personality hosts “Aquino & Abunda Tonight” and “The Bottomline With Boy Abunda.”

On Aug. 24, Aquino disclosed that Abunda had been discharged from St. Luke’s Medical Center where he was confined for several days.

“The King of Talk is already home pero nagpapalakas pa,” she said.

“Bong (Quintana, Abunda’s long-time partner) mentioned na Boy will be spending several nights or maybe a week in their Tagaytay rest house siguro for the fresh air.”

Recall that Abunda was brought to the hospital on Aug. 9 when his temperature reached 41 degrees Celcius.

In a statement, Abunda’s doctor announced that his condition has improved and on track to full recovery.

“Boy is a patient patient. (He) interrogates the staff when necessary but (he is) compliant.

“Most importantly, he actively participates in his care. This dynamic cooperation with his healthcare providers has contributed to the current state of improvement in the outcome of his medical care,” the doctor said.

Meanwhile, Aquino has also been feeling under the weather these past days.

Aquino shared via Instagram that she’s nursing a “sore throat” last Sunday, “sinus congestion discomfort” on Aug. 30, “fever” the day prior, “body aches” on Aug. 27, and “upset stomach, threw up, body aches, headache, dizziness” even before that.

Still, the bankable celebrity remains busy and attends to her commitments.

“I need to BE HEALTHY,” she posted, along with her taping schedules for her TV shows, commercials and movie this December.

Recuperating Abunda ‘is coming (back) soon,’ says Aquino

Source: Mb.com.ph (September 01, 2014 at 11:06AM)

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‘Maximo’ in BFI top gay films list

Kanakan Balintagos’ “Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros” is in the list dubbed “10 Great Gay Films from East and Southeast Asia,” drafted by the British Film Institute. The Cinemalaya 2005 film is in the same list as Wong Kar-wai’s “Happy Together,” Chen Kaige’s “Farewell My Concubine,” Apichatpong Weerasethakul’s “Tropical Malady,” among others. Bayani San Diego Jr.



‘Maximo’ in BFI top gay films list

Source: Inquirer.net (September 01, 2014 at 10:00AM)

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Tales of war, genocide darken Venice filmfest

Tahar Rahim in a scene from Fatih Akim's 'The Cut'.

VENICE | The race for the Golden Lion in Venice took a dark turn on Sunday with stories of war and genocide including an ambitious tale that has drawn death threats for German-Turkish filmmaker Fatih Akin.

The mass murder of Armenians by the Ottomans in 1915 is the theme of Akin’s latest film “The Cut” — a hugely controversial subject particularly in Turkey and one that has sparked a violent reaction from extremist groups.

“I had seven or eight years to prepare myself for the reaction to the film, it’s something I’m not surprised by. For art it’s worth to die,” he told journalists in English in Venice, adding that he tries “not to take it too seriously”.

In the film an Armenian blacksmith (played by French actor Tahar Rahim) is separated from his wife and two young children in what is present-day Turkey when the Ottomans join the First World War, and he is called up for military service.

When bandits attack his group of conscripts, the blacksmith is the only survivor. One of the aggressors stabs him in the neck rather than slitting his throat, leaving him alive but mute, with his vocal chords severed.

As the years pass he becomes obsessed with finding his daughters and sets off on a quest which sees him treck through Syria, Lebanon and America.

The brutal slaughter of Armenians and the flight of survivors to far-flung lands are evoked in gut-wrenching scenes, only slightly let down by a drop-off in emotional intensity in the film’s second half.

The film’s co-writer Mardik Martin, who worked with Martin Scorsese on such classics as “Raging Bull” and “Mean Streets”, told Venice he’d come out of retirement for “The Cut” because it tackled a historical event barely addressed in cinema.

“Hitler said ‘Why not kill Jews? The Armenians were annihilated in the First World War and nobody said anything about it’,” the 77-year-old said.

“Which just goes to show, if you don’t say anything about genocide, we don’t learn anything,” said Martin, who was raised in Baghdad in an Armenian family.

DEATH OF AN ADVERSARY

Up against “The Cut” for Venice’s top prize is “Far From Men”, a tale of honor and friendship set at the start of the Algerian war of independence.

The film, inspired by Albert Camus’s short story “The Guest”, stars Viggo Mortensen of “Lord of the Rings” fame as an Algerian-born, French-speaking schoolteacher who puts his own safety at risk to defend and protect an Arab farmer accused of murder.

Set in 1954, the men embark on a journey fraught with danger through the inhospitable Atlas Mountains — captured in some breathtaking widescreen shots — as freedom fighters and the French army fight in the rocky outcrops.

Viggo Mortensen in a scene from David Oelhoffen's 'Far from Men'.

French director David Oelhoffen’s movie is less a depiction of the bloody uprising than an exploration of existential questions posed by Camus, played out on a hostile and isolated terrain far from the reaches of the law.

“What I love is that this movie is not an ideological take on the historical period, place or people. It’s subversive because it does not take sides,” Viggo told journalists, before heading off to sign autographs for screaming fans.

The actor, who learnt Arabic for the movie, said he had travelled to Algeria to prepare for the part and “read everything Camus ever wrote”, adding that he was particularly inspired by one of the Nobel Prize-winning author’s phrases in particular.

“The phrase is: ‘I’m not cut out for politics, because I am incapable of desiring or accepting the death of my adversary’, and I thought that captured perfectly my character’s attitude and the film’s soul,” he said.

Tales of war, genocide darken Venice filmfest

Source: InterAksyon.com (September 01, 2014 at 08:24AM)

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'Guardians of the Galaxy' wins weekend, tops this year's box office universe

The 'Guardians of the Galaxy' misfits reached a new box office stratosphere over the US Labor Day weekend, soaring past fellow Marvel hero 'Captain America' to become the highest-grossing domestic movie of 2014.



'Guardians of the Galaxy' wins weekend, tops this year's box office universe

Source: ABS-CBNNews.com (September 01, 2014 at 07:36AM)

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Pacino says crowds charge his batteries at Venice fest

Al Pacino stars in two movies shown at the 71st Venice Film Festival, which meant he had to do a double round of media events, but the 74-year-old said he drew energy from the crowds that turned out to see him.



Pacino says crowds charge his batteries at Venice fest

Source: ABS-CBNNews.com (September 01, 2014 at 07:35AM)

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Family of seriously ill Joan Rivers 'keeping fingers crossed': daughter

The daughter of comedian Joan Rivers, hospitalized in serious condition after suffering cardiac arrest, said on Sunday the comedian's family members are 'keeping our fingers crossed,' according to a hospital statement.



Family of seriously ill Joan Rivers 'keeping fingers crossed': daughter

Source: ABS-CBNNews.com (September 01, 2014 at 07:34AM)

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Family of seriously ill Joan Rivers ‘keeping fingers crossed’: daughter

Joan Rivers. (Reuters)

NEW YORK | The daughter of comedian Joan Rivers, hospitalized in serious condition after suffering cardiac arrest, said on Sunday the comedian’s family members are “keeping our fingers crossed,” according to a hospital statement.

Rivers, 81, has been hospitalized since Thursday, when she suffered cardiac arrest after her breathing stopped during a vocal cord procedure at a Manhattan clinic, her family and hospital officials said.

Daughter Melissa Rivers, in a statement released by Mt. Sinai Hospital, said: “Thank you for your continued love and support.

“We are keeping our fingers crossed,” she said.

There was no update released as to Rivers’ condition.

Rivers is considered a pioneer for women in stand-up comedy. The Brooklyn native, who graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Barnard College, played the comedy club scene in New York in the 1960s.

In 1983, she earned one of the biggest gigs in the business when then-”Tonight Show” host Johnny Carson crowned her as his regular guest host.

But her subsequent, short-lived stint hosting a competing late night talk show on Fox network in 1986 led to a rift with Carson that lasted until his death in 2005.

She went on to host an Emmy Award-winning daytime show, “The Joan Rivers Show,” and more recently has found a niche on the awards show circuit, turning her biting wit on the fashion faux pas of Hollywood celebrities.

Rivers, known for her penchant for plastic surgery and with a reputation for being a ceaseless worker, also has starred alongside her daughter in the WE TV reality show “Joan & Melissa: Joan Knows Best?”

Family of seriously ill Joan Rivers ‘keeping fingers crossed’: daughter

Source: InterAksyon.com (September 01, 2014 at 07:57AM)

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‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ wins weekend, tops this year’s box office universe

Chris Pratt in a scene from 'Guardians of the Galaxy'.

LOS ANGELES/NEW YORK | The “Guardians of the Galaxy” misfits reached a new box office stratosphere over the U.S. Labor Day weekend, soaring past fellow Marvel hero “Captain America” to become the highest-grossing domestic movie of 2014.

“Guardians” rang up $16.3 million in U.S. and Canadian ticket sales from Friday through Sunday, topping weekend charts for the third time since its Aug. 1 debut, according to estimates from tracking firm Rentrak. Total domestic sales climbed to $274.6 million, surpassing the $259.8 million earned by April release “Captain America: The Winter Soldier.”

Giant robot sequel “Transformers: Age of Extinction,” which had a June 27 U.S. opening, reigns as the year’s top-grossing film worldwide with more than $1 billion in sales, including a domestic haul of $244.3 million, according to boxofficemojo.

“Guardians” has earned $547.7 million around the globe, distributor Walt Disney Co said.

The big-budget space adventure stars Chris Pratt and Zoe Saldana as leaders of an oddball group of warriors that includes a talking raccoon and a humanoid tree.

In a sign of the film’s staying power, Disney said ticket sales were down only 5 percent from last weekend. But the strength of “Guardians” is a bright spot in a sluggish summer for Hollywood at domestic theaters.

U.S. and Canadian ticket sales stood at $4.02 billion from the first weekend in May through Sunday, or 14.7 percent below last year, according to Rentrak’s estimates. This year’s films didn’t keep pace with 2013′s record-generating crop which included “Iron Man 3″ and “Despicable Me 2.”

Summer is the movie industry’s biggest season, accounting for as much as 40 percent of the entire year’s receipts.

“This summer was placed in the unfortunate position of being the follow-up to the biggest revenue generating summer of all time,” said Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst at Rentrak, calling 2013 “a perfect storm” with franchises such as “Iron Man” and “Star Trek” becoming colossal hits.

“One or two movies can make all the difference,” he added, noting that “Iron Man 3″ alone injected $400 million last summer, while 2014 has yet to see any films break even the $300 million mark at the domestic box office.

For the weekend, “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” took the No. 2 slot, collecting $11.8 million at North American (U.S. and Canadian) theaters through Sunday.

Drama “If I Stay,” based on a young adult novel about a girl who has an out of body experience after a catastrophic car accident, claimed third place with $9.3 million.

Low-budget horror flick “As Above, So Below” debuted in fourth place, pulling in an estimated $8.3 million. The movie follows a team of explorers who venture through the catacombs beneath Paris. Legendary Pictures produced the film for $5 million.

New release “The November Man” finished sixth with $7.7 million, behind R-rated comedy “Let’s Be Cops” with a $8.2 million take. “November Man” stars former James Bond actor Pierce Brosnan as an ex-CIA operative recruited for a mission that pits him against a former pupil.

“November Man” was distributed by privately held Relativity Media. Paramount Pictures, a unit of Viacom Inc, released “Transformers” and “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.” “If I Stay” was released by Warner Bros., a unit of Time Warner Inc.

‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ wins weekend, tops this year’s box office universe

Source: InterAksyon.com (September 01, 2014 at 07:13AM)

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How Edna paved the way for the Irma-Ronnie tie-up

We almost missed the screening of Edna which had been shown as a guest and non-competing entry at the recently-concluded Cinemalaya X.



How Edna paved the way for the Irma-Ronnie tie-up

Source: Philstar.com (September 01, 2014)

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Valentine wedding for Heart and Chiz?

When engaged couple Heart Evangelista and Sen.



Valentine wedding for Heart and Chiz?

Source: Philstar.com (September 01, 2014)

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50 years ago, A Hard Day’s Night: Youthful Exuberance on Display

MANILA, Philippines - It’s been 50 years since the band came out with its first film and third album A Hard Day’s Night (AHDN).



50 years ago, A Hard Day’s Night: Youthful Exuberance on Display

Source: Philstar.com (September 01, 2014)

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Sta. Lucia in TFC’s London fest

MANILA, Philippines - Sta. Lucia International, the global arm of premier property developer Sta.



Sta. Lucia in TFC’s London fest

Source: Philstar.com (September 01, 2014)

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The ‘naked’ next time

Asked in jest by the movie press why he didn’t, well, “bare” (even a part of) it as expected in a show like that, Tom Rodriguez replied with a just-wait-and-



The ‘naked’ next time

Source: Philstar.com (September 01, 2014)

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Playboy Apparel at MOA show on Sept. 5

MANILA, Philippines - Playboy Men’s Apparel is making its presence felt in the dizzying world of apparel lines with a pop up store fashion show at SM Mall of



Playboy Apparel at MOA show on Sept. 5

Source: Philstar.com (September 01, 2014)

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35 years of MJ’s Off The Wall

Michael Jackson started work on his album Off The Wall with Quincy Jones as producer when he was only 19 years old.



35 years of MJ’s Off The Wall

Source: Philstar.com (September 01, 2014)

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Hawak Kamay wins at Paulinian Awards

MANILA, Philippines - ABS-CBN’s Hawak Kamay, led by Piolo Pascual, Iza Calzado, Nikki Gil, Zaijian Jaranilla, Andrea Brillantes, Xyriel Manabat and Yesha Cam



Hawak Kamay wins at Paulinian Awards

Source: Philstar.com (September 01, 2014)

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VACC honors GMA Network

MANILA, Philippines - GMA Network won major citations at the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) Awards held last Aug.



VACC honors GMA Network

Source: Philstar.com (September 01, 2014)

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Marriott triumphant at the Phl Culinary Cup

MANILA, Philippines - At the recent Philippine Culinary Cup (PCC), dubbed as the annual competition “where the best meet to compete” and the only continental



Marriott triumphant at the Phl Culinary Cup

Source: Philstar.com (September 01, 2014)

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Hunt’s serves superstar meals at Yummy Eats 2014

MANILA, Philippines - Hunt’s brought tasty concoctions to Yummy Eats 2014, Yummy Magazine’s annual food fair with 75 concessionaires and over 2,700 attendees



Hunt’s serves superstar meals at Yummy Eats 2014

Source: Philstar.com (September 01, 2014)

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Lifestyle Network on SKYcable

MANILA, Philippines - Get your daily dose of the latest, the trendiest and the finest shows that feature the exciting things life has to offer.



Lifestyle Network on SKYcable

Source: Philstar.com (September 01, 2014)

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Party in style with DJ Papa

MANILA, Philippines - Dining and partying get even better when Buddha-Bar Manila brings the DJ Tour on Sept. 6 at 9 p.m.



Party in style with DJ Papa

Source: Philstar.com (September 01, 2014)

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Bistado probes CCTV footage of ‘naked teen’

MANILA, Philippines - ABS-CBN’s Bistado, anchored by Julius Babao (photo), digs out the story behind the shocking CCTV footage of 17-year-old girl, who jumpe



Bistado probes CCTV footage of ‘naked teen’

Source: Philstar.com (September 01, 2014)

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Chinese Film Festival at SM Cinema

MANILA, Philippines - Just in time for the celebration of the annual Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival, SM Cinema will be screening seven popular and award-winning



Chinese Film Festival at SM Cinema

Source: Philstar.com (September 01, 2014)

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WATCH: Vince Hizon 'proposes' to Vice

On Sunday’s episode of “Gandang Gabi Vice”, basketball legend Vince Hizon re-lived his proposal to wife, Patricia Bermudez-Hizon, who was then a courtside reporter for the Philippine Basketball Association.



WATCH: Vince Hizon 'proposes' to Vice

Source: ABS-CBNNews.com (September 01, 2014 at 12:23AM)

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‘Back to basics’: Sharon Cuneta leaves TV5

In her open letter to fans, posted on Facebook last week, singer-actress Sharon Cuneta vowed, “I am going back to basics.”



‘Back to basics’: Sharon Cuneta leaves TV5

Source: Inquirer.net (September 01, 2014 at 12:15AM)

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Vice Ganda sorry for new ‘indiscretion’

Controversial comedian Vice Ganda has landed in hot water once again, this time for alleged “offensive and degrading” scenes in one ABS-CBN program where he hosts, and for “using words with sexual undertones” in another.



Vice Ganda sorry for new ‘indiscretion’

Source: Inquirer.net (September 01, 2014 at 12:10AM)

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Tutti Caringal does the ' Wiggle' dance

Musician Tutti Caringal showed his dance moves via Jason DeRulo’s “Wiggle” on “Gandang Gabi Vice” on Sunday. – Gandang Gabi Vice, ABS-CBN, August 31, 2014



Tutti Caringal does the ' Wiggle' dance

Source: ABS-CBNNews.com (August 31, 2014 at 11:39PM)

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WATCH: Yeng, Tutti sing 'Kailangan Ko'y Ikaw'

Yeng Constantino and Tutti Caringal gave a sample of their own version of Regine Velasquez’ “Kailangan Ko’y Ikaw” on “Gandang Gabi Vice” on Sunday. – Gandang Gabi Vice, ABS-CBN, August 31, 2014



WATCH: Yeng, Tutti sing 'Kailangan Ko'y Ikaw'

Source: ABS-CBNNews.com (August 31, 2014 at 11:32PM)

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'Wiggle' dance creates online buzz

Jason DeRulo's "Wiggle" has created an online buzz as people from different parts of the world join the newest dance craze. -- Rated K, August 31, 2014



'Wiggle' dance creates online buzz

Source: ABS-CBNNews.com (August 31, 2014 at 11:21PM)

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The Eraserheads releases two new songs after over a decade

Two out of four ‘Heads: Ely Buendia and Buddy Zabala in the studio. Could a ‘Heads music video follow soon? (Photo by Day Cabuhat)

Fans of the iconic Pinoy band the Eraserheads have long been hoping for a new album from the group, clearly not satisfied with the hugely successful reunion concert they staged a few years back. The foursome has since played as the Eraserheads in several concerts abroad but they haven’t made any announcements for any gigs for their ‘Heads-hungry fans at home.

If a concert isn’t forthcoming, the fans are nevertheless in for a massive surprise: The Eraserheads has just put out not one but two new songs. Eschewing the conventional label release, they are curiously practically giving the songs away – for now, at least.

They come via Esquire Philippines, whose September issue is about to hit magazine stands soon with a CD. For huge ‘Heads fans, you are going to want to pay attention to that disc because it contains the new songs “1995” and “Sabado,” the magazine posted on its Instagram account Sunday night.

At the same time, it also announced via Twitter: “THIS IS IT: The Sept issue of @EsquirePH has NEW MUSIC BY THE ERASERHEADS, a 22-page feature and more #EsquireEheads”

Here’s what we know so far: The Eraserheads had practically just come home from their Eventim Apollo gig in London back in April, which was actually partly documented via social media. Photos quickly spread, some even showing the band – fondly referred to as the local Beatles – walking the famous Abbey Road to recreate the iconic shot of the original Fab Four.

Unbeknownst to the public, Esquire had been in on the trip and its staff had been on hand not only to take a bunch of photos for their private photo albums, obviously, but to do the story. Clearly, it promises to be a grand interview, done by the magazine’s editor-in-chief as the Instagram post also revealed, set in the most majestic of backdrops – London.

Presumably with a gag order – or, okay, an agreement – the band naturally could not say anything about it, although past posts of some ‘Heads members may have given subtle hints, if one were really eagle-eyed about it. Both the band and the magazine had kept the operation under wraps like a full-on military operation, though based on a recent image we spied online, we speculate a music video for one of the songs to be launched as well. Keep your fingers crossed.

The mag carries a full account of the Eraserheads’ London tour, with a proper cover photo of the band on Abbey Road to boot; and the free CD that is clearly going to be a collectors’ item.

The Eraserheads releases two new songs after over a decade

Source: Mb.com.ph (August 31, 2014 at 11:34PM)

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Pinoy celebrities take ice bucket challenge

Tinanggap na rin ng chairman ng ABS-CBN Kapamilya Network ang ice bucket challenge. Alamin kung sinu-sino ang kanyang hinamon, sa mga kwento ni Marc Logan



Pinoy celebrities take ice bucket challenge

Source: ABS-CBNNews.com (August 31, 2014 at 10:18PM)

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Jeron Teng: I'm Jane's number one fan

Despite all the hate messages Jane Oineza is receiving after her “Pinoy Big Brother” (PBB) stint, Jeron Teng said he still remains the actress’ number one fan.



Jeron Teng: I'm Jane's number one fan

Source: ABS-CBNNews.com (August 31, 2014 at 07:53PM)

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Who told Daniel Matsunaga about Hearts engagement

It was Alex Gonzaga who broke the news to Daniel Matsunaga about the engagement of his former girlfriend, Heart Evangelista to Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero.



Who told Daniel Matsunaga about Hearts engagement

Source: ABS-CBNNews.com (August 31, 2014 at 07:01PM)

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Cristine, boyfriend talk about settling down

Amid the growing list of celebrity couples who are ready to walk down the aisle, actress Cristine Reyes maintained she is not yet engaged to her non-showbiz boyfriend.



Cristine, boyfriend talk about settling down

Source: ABS-CBNNews.com (August 31, 2014 at 06:50PM)

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When is Boy Abunda returning to TV?

Boy Abunda will not be back on television anytime soon, according to his good friend Kris Aquino.



When is Boy Abunda returning to TV?

Source: ABS-CBNNews.com (August 31, 2014 at 06:14PM)

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K Brosas relishes good chemistry with Richard Gomez on ‘Quiet Please!’

K Brosas. (Photo by Edwin P. Sallan/InterAksyon)

For someone who is known to talk a lot especially during her famous live shows, comedienne K Brosas says it’s not easy to keep silent on her latest gig, TV5’s newest game show, “Quiet Please: Bawal ang Maingay”.

“Mahirap manahimik lalo na kapag marami kang oras na kailangan mong tumahimik. Kasi hindi talaga pwedeng mag-ingay pag naglalaro na yung contestants. Pag after or before ayan, dun ako dumadagdag sa tawanan,” K told InterAksyon in a recent interview.

After three weeks since it premiered last August 10, K said she’s slowly getting used to the show’s unique format and is particularly enjoying her chemistry with host Richard Gomez.

“Hindi puwedeng dayain ang chemistry namin ni Goma. Yung repartee, yung banter namin. Gustong-gusto ko siyang kasama kasi pakiramdaman yung style namin. Pinapabayaan lang niya akong magsalita pag okay ang sinasabi ko. Tapos alam ko din naman kung kailan ako titigil lalo na pag nasosobrahan na ako ng ingay,” she pointed out.

Having seen the other international versions of the Fremantle-owned franchise, K said viewers would find the Philippine version to be very localized.

“Iba rin yung atake ng Pilipino, iba rin yung atake ni Richard, yung atake ng show, ng creative team. Dapat panoorin niyo talaga,” she enthused.

As for the initial perception that it’s very difficult to win in this kind of game show, K said the previously aired episodes have proven that winning is actually fairly easy.

“Kung napanood niyo yung mga first epiodes, nananalo naman yung mga contestants namin. Kasi hindi naman siya pa-quietan lang, may strategy ding involved. Saka suwertihan din. Minsan, hindi lang agad nare-realize ng player pero kaya pala niyang gawin,” she noted.

K Brosas with Richard Gomez during the press launch of 'Quiet Please! Bawal ang Maingay'. (Photo by Paul Mata/TV5)

Previously a talent scout for “Talentadong Pinoy”, K said she’s very happy to be back on TV5 not only in “Quiet Please” but also on the upcoming musical series “Trenderas” where she, along with fellow comediennes Kakai Bautista and Kitkat, will play the Tres Malditas who will make life difficult for lead stars Isabelle de Leon, Lara Maigue and Katrina Velarde.

“Dito naman sa ‘Trenderas’, may kantahan, sayawan, tarayan at syempre, tawanan. Kami ang manggugulo sa mga bata. And it’s a musical serye, so expect the unexpected,” she noted.

As an original member of Gladys and the Boxers (later K and the Boxers) who scored the huge novelty hit “Sasakyan Kita”, K is also an accomplished singer who incorporates both music and comedy in her live performances. She said she hopes her stint on “Trenderas” will lead to another recording opportunity for her.

“One can only pray or hope. Kung magkaroon ng pagkakataon makapag-recording ulit, why not?” she quipped.

But whether or not she returns to the recording studio or accept more television and film assignments, one thing K will never give up is her live shows.

“That’s my first love, my passion, to perform for a live audience. Marami akong corporate shows, out of the country show. Siguro pag itinigil ko ang live shows, manghihina ako. Kailangan, tuloy-tuloy ang trabaho ko,” she declared.

“Quiet Please: Bawal ang Maingay” airs on TV5 every Sunday at 8PM.

K Brosas relishes good chemistry with Richard Gomez on ‘Quiet Please!’

Source: InterAksyon.com (August 31, 2014 at 05:46PM)

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'PBB' Big 4 heat up 'ASAP' stage

The "Pinoy Big Brother: All In" Big Four of Daniel Matsunaga, Jane Oineza, Maris Racal and Vickie Rushton heated up the "ASAP" stage on Sunday with Keri Hilson's "Pretty Girl" and a dance number.



'PBB' Big 4 heat up 'ASAP' stage

Source: ABS-CBNNews.com (August 31, 2014 at 05:04PM)

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WATCH: Go behind the scenes of 'Pure Love'

The stars of ABS-CBN's "Pure Love" showed their wacky side in this behind the scenes clip from "Mga Kwento Ni Marc Logan," which aired on Saturday.



WATCH: Go behind the scenes of 'Pure Love'

Source: ABS-CBNNews.com (August 31, 2014 at 04:36PM)

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Alex, Luis take on Whitney hit in 'ASAP' karaoke

Kapamilya stars Alex Gonzaga, Luis Manzano and Marcelito Pomoy sang the Whitney Houston classic "I Will Always Love You" for Sunday's "ASAP Karaoke" segment of the weekly noontime show.



Alex, Luis take on Whitney hit in 'ASAP' karaoke

Source: ABS-CBNNews.com (August 31, 2014 at 04:09PM)

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Abra vs Loonie in 'ASAP' rap battle

Taking the fliptop scene to the "ASAP" stage, Abra and Loonie faced off in a rap battle on Sunday, featuring the song "Bakit Astig Ang Wikang Pinoy."



Abra vs Loonie in 'ASAP' rap battle

Source: ABS-CBNNews.com (August 31, 2014 at 03:53PM)

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Cristine Reyes teased about ex Rayver

Cristine Reyes faced Jason Gainza and Angelica Panganiban, who were in character as Tito Bhoy and Krissy, when she appeared as a guest on “Banana Nite” in its Saturday episode.



Cristine Reyes teased about ex Rayver

Source: ABS-CBNNews.com (August 31, 2014 at 03:30PM)

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Sarah G, Darren in 'Alone' duet

Darren Espanto finally got the chance to share the stage with his “The Voice” coach again a month after the hit talent show ended.

Sarah G, Darren in 'Alone' duet

Source: ABS-CBNNews.com (August 31, 2014 at 01:44PM)

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5 takeaways from a punch-less summer box office

5 takeaways from a punch-less summer box office

Source: Philstar.com (August 31, 2014 at 11:01AM)

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Work first, love later

Time was when child stars took a break during those awkward in-between years. Not anymore. Pubescent kids are now packaged and marketed as “tween” stars by their home studios.



Work first, love later

Source: Inquirer.net (August 31, 2014 at 10:30AM)

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Beautiful butcher

A Filipino actor recently became a cybersensation in Thailand. A Facebook user posted a photo of one bare-chested meat vendor online. Hours later, the photo went viral—“shared” thousands of times. A search ensued, with not a few smitten netizens looking for the beautiful butcher in Thai wet markets. Turned out, the hot hunk was Filipino actor Luis Alandy and the photo was taken on the set of the GMA 7 soap opera “Beauty Queen” four years ago.



Beautiful butcher

Source: Inquirer.net (August 31, 2014 at 10:00AM)

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Balancing act

Callalily frontman Kean Cipriano, also a TV-movie actor, on time management: “Whatever I’m doing at the moment, whether it’s a band gig, movie shoot or taping for TV, I give it 100-percent focus. I’m living the creative life of my dreams.”



Balancing act

Source: Inquirer.net (August 31, 2014 at 09:45AM)

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Starry, starry Sunday on ‘ASAP 19’

“Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) All In” winner Daniel Matsunaga leads the all-star lineup of the ABS-CBN variety show “ASAP 19” today at noontime. Daniel’s fellow PBB finalists Jane Oineza, Maris Racal and Vickie Rushton will also perform, along with other Kapamilya stars Billy Crawford, Bamboo, Sarah Geronimo, Gary Valenciano, Kim Chiu, Enrique Gil, among others.



Starry, starry Sunday on ‘ASAP 19’

Source: Inquirer.net (August 31, 2014 at 09:30AM)

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Promoting Pinoy music, musicians

For hip-hop artist Abra, there’s no better way to promote the music scene than simply going up the stage and performing as many local original compositions as he can. The coming Pinoy Music Festival (PMF), he said, would be a good platform for him and other artists to do exactly that.



Promoting Pinoy music, musicians

Source: Inquirer.net (August 31, 2014 at 09:15AM)

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A pact with the devil: bankruptcy, greed from Florida to Venice

Andrew Garfield in a scene from '99 Homes'.

VENICE | It’s suburban America, but it could be anywhere hit by the economic crisis: eviction drama “99 Homes” is a portrayal of bankruptcy, greed and despair as compelling as it is disturbing.

The movie, premiering at the Venice film festival and a strong contender for the Golden Lion, stars Andrew Garfield (“The Social Network” and “Amazing Spiderman”) as Denis Nash, a father who falls behind on his mortgage payments.

Nash, who lives with his young son and mother, is desperate to save their home but gets evicted by pitiless real estate broker Rick Carver (Michael Shannon from “Revolutionary Road” and “Man of Steel”), and is forced to move into a rundown and dangerous motel.

It is the first in a series of emotionally wrenching scenes in which whole families — even the elderly — get turfed out of their homes without warning, with just two minutes to collect their belongings under threat of arrest for trespassing.

Unable to get work as a contractor, a humiliated Nash finds himself forced to decide whether or not to accept work from the reptilian Carver in a bid to recover his house, or take the moral high ground but see his family suffer.

‘DIZZY WITH CORRUPTION’

Carver tries to reel Nash in by showing him how to rig and exploit the system to his own advantage, screwing the banks and stealing bailout money.

“America doesn’t bail out losers. It’s a nation that was built on bailing out winners,” he says.

Director Ramin Bahrani told journalists in Venice it was “in many ways a ‘deal with the devil’ movie.”

“It’s a global subject, the corruption in the film has become systemic across the world… (and) the perpetrators are hand in hand with the government,” he added.

Bahrani, of “At Any Price” fame, said he researched the film in Florida, attending foreclosure courts, visiting motels housing middle class families and meeting “the richest and craziest hedge fund managers you can dream of.”

Quick-paced, with a glimpse at the soulless life of the wealthy, “99 Homes” is a muscular flick with a gangster edge, the repugnant developments between evictor and evictee playing out in an atmosphere of barely-restrained violence.

“I was with hoodlums and thieves and after about three weeks i was dizzy with corruption. I never saw so many guns in my life, it’s like the wild west with palm trees,” the bespectacled 39-year old Bahrani said.

The “99″ from the title refers both to a corrupt housing deal in the film and the slogan used by demonstrators to decry the growing economic divide between 99 percent of Americans and the richest one percent despite the crisis.

The choice to set the movie in Orlando, near Disney World, came naturally, Bahrani said, because while “Florida is golf carts, retirees, magic kingdoms and castles,” is it also “where the housing crisis began, before spreading globally.”

‘CHANGE IS COMING’

The foreclosure crisis has seen at least 10 million people evicted from over four million homes in the US since 2007, with Florida topping the chart.

Bahrani was given an insight into the brutal world of the courts by whistle-blower Lynn Szymoniak, who in 2012 unveiled a massive mortgage fraud scam by which banks were foreclosing on houses by using phony documents — a trick which is picked up in the film.

“Foreclosure courts are called ‘rocket dockets’ because it all happens in 60 seconds flat. I couldn’t believe it, cases are just thrown out,” he said.

At the heart of the film — addressed with rare honesty for a commercial US film — are the governmental and banking policies behind the housing bubble and crash.

“From the post-war period, but from 1979 onwards in particular, regulation in the States dramatically changed — a type of regulation which would only benefit the extremely wealthy… creating a crisis the tentacles of which reached all over the world,” Bahrani said.

“And not one person went to jail. It’s a system rigged for those who win.”

However, the socially-driven director said he hoped “this film will spread its tentacles out from Venice and mean something to the 99 percent that are tired of it all.”

“Change is coming,” he said.

A pact with the devil: bankruptcy, greed from Florida to Venice

Source: InterAksyon.com (August 31, 2014 at 09:07AM)

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Showstoppers galore in ‘Chicago,’ Manila-bound this December

The hit cabaret-style “Bedazzled” show at Club Mwah in Mandaluyong City has taken several incarnations. Of only two numbers that have remained on the playlist for 10 years (since the revue was launched), the one acclaimed more for a no-nonsense approach than for unbridled hilarity (like many of the others) is the drag-queen company’s take on “Cell Block Tango,” from the Tony award-winning “Chicago The Musical.”



Showstoppers galore in ‘Chicago,’ Manila-bound this December

Source: Inquirer.net (August 31, 2014 at 09:00AM)

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Cinemalaya films at Cine Adarna

Some of the Cinemalaya films will be screened at Cine Adarna of the University of the Philippines in Diliman.



Cinemalaya films at Cine Adarna

Source: Inquirer.net (August 31, 2014 at 08:45AM)

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Chinese film fest at SM Cinemas

SM Lifestyle Entertainment hosts the Chinese Film Festival in select SM Cinema branches from Sept. 5 to 9.



Chinese film fest at SM Cinemas

Source: Inquirer.net (August 31, 2014 at 08:30AM)

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Al Pacino plays two depressed men at Venice filmfest

Al Pacino as a Texas locksmith pining for a long-lost love in 'Manglehorn'.

VENICE | Al Pacino fended off suggestions on Saturday that because he plays depressed characters in two movies shown at the Venice Film Festival he must have a special affinity for such roles.

The “Godfather” star, who is 74, also said that while he did not consider himself to be a Hollywood actor, he appreciated some of the big budget films coming out of there.

“I just saw the ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’, a Marvel thing, it was amazing,” he said at news conferences after his two films were shown.

In Barry Levinson’s “The Humbling”, based on a Philip Roth novel, Pacino plays an ageing Shakespearean actor who has lost his ability to act.

In director David Gordon Green’s “Manglehorn” he is a Texas locksmith who has never gotten over the love of his life, whom he abandoned, and locked himself away from normal human contact.

Since the characters he plays are anti-social and prickly, Pacino was peppered with questions about whether he draws on personal experience to play people who suffer from depression.

“I don’t see how I could not be depressed some of the time but I don’t know about it,” he said.

“How does it go? You say ‘I’m depressed’ but life is sort of all over us. I mean, things make you sad… basically you’d like to be a bit happier sometime but depressed seems so ominous and it’s really in all of us,” Pacino said.

Asked if he thought films in general were more depressing now than they were in the 1970s when he played Michael Corleone, the crime boss in “The Godfather” movies, Pacino said:

“I don’t know that films are more depressing now, I don’t know, but I think that in my earlier films I have to say that in ‘Godfather Two’ I would imagine that Michael Corleone was depressed.”

Al Pacino as a has-been Shakesperean actor in 'The Humbling'.

Pacino also said he’d never been a Hollywood actor in the traditional sense, but that did not mean he was critical of it.

“Hollywood is really what it always was, I’m not an expert, I never went there…my association with it was not unfriendly it just wasn’t really clear and it still isn’t,” he said.

He said a new generation had taken over from what was often immigrant stock from Europe that had founded Hollywood and now different kinds of people ran studios.

“It’s not about being better or worse, it’s just different,” he said. “And they do some great stuff, great films.”

“Manglehorn” is competing for the festival’s Golden Lion trophy, to be awarded next week, while “The Humbling” was shown out of competition.

In an Internet review, The Hollywood Reporter trade publication said “Manglehorn” suffered from a “ham-fisted script, which painstakingly spells out every metaphor, whether it’s spoken or visual”.

Al Pacino plays two depressed men at Venice filmfest

Source: InterAksyon.com (August 31, 2014 at 08:43AM)

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Nat’l choral competition

Manila Broadcasting Company invites choirs from schools, churches, residential communities, offices and special interest groups to join the 2014 MBC National Choral Competition.



Nat’l choral competition

Source: Inquirer.net (August 31, 2014 at 08:15AM)

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Kiddie poster tilt gets ball rolling

“To empower the Filipino family—each of its members, including the house help—to evaluate and intelligently choose media content,” the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board is set to host its Second Family and Child Summit on Nov. 8, MTRCB chair Eugenio “Toto” Villareal announced on Friday.



Kiddie poster tilt gets ball rolling

Source: Inquirer.net (August 31, 2014 at 08:00AM)

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Fil-Am manages director of potential hit franchise

Wes Ball, whose “The Maze Runner” is earning good buzz and is expected to be a hit when it’s shown in the United States starting Sept. 19, has a Filipino-American manager, Peter Cayetano McHugh. The nephew of the late Sen. Rene Cayetano is also producing Disney’s “Ghostopolis,” with Hugh Jackman attached to star; and Universal’s “Prosthesis” with Arvind Palep as director.



Fil-Am manages director of potential hit franchise

Source: Inquirer.net (August 31, 2014 at 05:00AM)

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Troubled actor backslides, crashes in rehab

A heart-rending breakup pushed Troubled Actor over the edge. After remaining sober for years, TA slid back and landed in rehab.



Troubled actor backslides, crashes in rehab

Source: Inquirer.net (August 31, 2014 at 04:25AM)

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It’s Tommy’s turn to go on ‘attack’ mode in ‘Mrs. Real’

For days now, “Ang Dalawang Mrs. Real” has been upstaging the competition, due to Maricel Soriano’s character’s being on the warpath, after belatedly learning that her husband has married another woman.



It’s Tommy’s turn to go on ‘attack’ mode in ‘Mrs. Real’

Source: Inquirer.net (August 31, 2014 at 04:20AM)

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Toni is her own precious award

Every morning when she wakes up, the first thing that Celestine “Toni” Gonzaga loves to hear is not the chirping of birds but what her parents don’t get tire



Toni is her own precious award

Source: Philstar.com (August 31, 2014)

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‘Laki sa Laway’

Paglaki sa kahirapan at simpleng buhay, At sa pagsisikap ay ang pagtatagumpay!



‘Laki sa Laway’

Source: Philstar.com (August 31, 2014)

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Fashion on Wings

In 1961, Weekly Women’s magazine and Philippine Airlines (PAL) joined forces to mount Fashion on Wings, which traveled all over the country



Fashion on Wings

Source: Philstar.com (August 31, 2014)

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Singing the Body Electric

With the two musical acts today, the word electric can be taken literally, via the instrumentation and metaphorically, given the “hotness” the two possess an



Singing the Body Electric

Source: Philstar.com (August 31, 2014)

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Two doses of Puso Ni Dok

MANILA, Philippines - Televiewers get two doses of the first-ever medical drama series on Philippine TV as GMA News and Public Affairs airs two episodes of



Two doses of Puso Ni Dok

Source: Philstar.com (August 31, 2014)

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John Legend live in Manila at Big Dome Sept. 26

MANILA, Philippines - The success of John Legend’s ballad, All of Me lifted from his current million-selling album, will give him the opportunity to



John Legend live in Manila at Big Dome Sept. 26

Source: Philstar.com (August 31, 2014)

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PBB All In housemates in ASAP 19

MANILA, Philippines - Pinoy Big Brother All In Big Winner Daniel Matsunaga leads the party on ABS-CBN’s ASAP 19 today at 12:15 p.m.



PBB All In housemates in ASAP 19

Source: Philstar.com (August 31, 2014)

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Halili-Cruz dancers off to Singapore

MANILA, Philippines - The Halili-Cruz School of Ballet (HCSB) is representing once again the Philippines in the ongoing 16th Asia Pacific Dance Competiti



Halili-Cruz dancers off to Singapore

Source: Philstar.com (August 31, 2014)

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MetroTurf names Fernando Poe Jr. road in honor of ‘Da King’

MANILA, Philippines - The late Fernando Poe Jr.



MetroTurf names Fernando Poe Jr. road in honor of ‘Da King’

Source: Philstar.com (August 31, 2014)

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Live Nation with MMI to expand Asian reach to Phl

MANILA, Philippines - Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: LYV) and Music Management International Corp.



Live Nation with MMI to expand Asian reach to Phl

Source: Philstar.com (August 31, 2014)

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Kris Bernal: Single and blessed

Kris Bernal (Photo by Marjorie Duran)

Actors Kris Bernal and Carl Guevarra once referred to their relationship as “special.” Before anyone could even ask what it meant, the two already announced that they have parted ways.

In an interview, Kris divulged that she is yet to fully move on from the split, relating how she dated Carl exclusively for roughly two years.

Asked why their relationship was cut short, she explained, “May ugali siya, may ugali ako na hindi lang talaga nagakakasundo, na kahit pinagusapan na namin, binigyan na namin ng space, binigyan na namin ng time, hindi na talaga maayos. Napagaawayan na ‘yung napakaliliit na bagay.”

Looking back, the actress noted that doing away with labels didn’t help their relationship any.

In order to deal with heartache, Kris is putting her focus on a number of activities including pole dancing lessons, speech classes and voice modulation workshops.

“Para hindi ko siya iniisip, hindi ko siya pino-problema,” she explained.

Although she clarifies that she harbors no ill-feelings towards Carl, whom she describes as “loving, sweet and mabait,” Kris nevertheless avoids communicating with the actor.

She is not looking forward to finding new love, and has even turned down invitations from a few suitors. “Sa ngayon, hindi pa ako talaga ready ma-in love kasi hindi naman ako basta-basta na porket single, go na.”

If there’s one lesson the “StarStruck” alum learned from her ill-fated relationship with Carl, it’s this: “’Wag mong pilitin baguhin ang isang tao. Kung hindi niya kayang magbago para sa ‘yo, it’s either tanggapin mo na lang ‘yun or alisin mo siya sa buhay mo.”

Missing Aljur

In the same interview, Kris addressed the issue about former love team partner Aljur Abrenica legally seeking recession of his contract with GMA-7.

The matter came as a shock hock to her. It came to that point that, “Para akong sira kapag nare-realize ko na hindi ko na hindi ko na siya makaka-partner ulit, naiiyak ako. Ang sakit.”

Nevertheless, Kris knows she is in no position to judge Aljur and his decision. “Hindi ko alam ’yung pinagdaanan nung career niya, eh, hindi ko nararamdaman kung anong nararamdaman niya.”

She could only wish him well, she said, and believes he would eventually be able to bounce back soon enough.

Sweetheart no more

After portraying teenybopper roles, Kris will be seen in a more mature outing via the GMA-7 series “Hiram na Alaala,” co-starring Rocco Nacino and Dennis Trillo.

Kris will play the role of Andrea Dizon, a registered nurse who will fall in love with Ivan (Dennis) who reminds her of Joseph (Rocco), her missing lover.

“Heavy drama ito. Halos lahat ng eksena ko umiiyak ako,” she shared.

Directed by Dominic Zapata, “Hiram na Alala” will air this September on GMA-7.

Kris Bernal: Single and blessed

Source: Mb.com.ph (August 30, 2014 at 05:50PM)

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Christine, Gelli: Edu a welcome addition to 'Face The People'

MANILA, Philippines- Gelli de Belen and Christine Bersola-Babao said Edu Manzano is a welcome addition to their show "Face the People."



Christine, Gelli: Edu a welcome addition to 'Face The People'

Source: Philstar.com (August 30, 2014 at 05:07PM)

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54-year-old man from Cebu wins 'Stars on 45'

A 54-year-old man from Cebu was named the grand champion of the second edition of 'Stars on 45' after leaving the judges in awe during his performance on Saturday.



54-year-old man from Cebu wins 'Stars on 45'

Source: ABS-CBNNews.com (August 30, 2014 at 04:34PM)

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Coco happy being single, denies dating KC

Coco Martin;(Inset) KC Concepcion

Actor Coco Martin laughed off rumors that he has supposedly been going out on dates with his “Ikaw Lamang” co-star KC Concepcion.

In an interview with “TV Patrol,” Martin stressed that he is just friends with his TV series co-star, whom he finds humble and easy to like.

He added, “Sana magkaroon ng time lumabas, pero sa ngayon sabi ko nga masarap siyang katrabaho.”

Asked if there’s any possibility that his relationship with Concepcion could go beyond friendship, Martin answered, “Hindi ko pa alam eh, siguro masyado pang maaga para magsalita about diyan.”

On being paired with her, Martin revealed, “Nung una may takot ako kasi KC Concepcion ’yan eh tapos ’di ko in-expect na ganun pala siya… Napakabait pala niyang tao.”

Still, the 32-year-old actor said that he cannot commit to a relationship for now due to his hectic work schedule.

“Masaya kahit single kasi medyo busy din naman ako at gumagawa pa ako ng direksyon para sa sarili ko,” he said.

For her part, the 29-year-old actress has only good words about Martin.

Aside from describing him as “very gentleman,” Concepcion added that he is, “sobrang maalaga. As in to the point na tuwing tatayo ako, tuwing uupo ako, nakaalalay siya. Hindi ko alam kung may radar siya or something…”

Movie with Nora

For the first time, Martin has worked with Superstar Nora Aunor in the yet-to-be-released film “Padre de Familia.”

“Napaka-importante sa akin ng proyekto na ito, kasi siyempre Ms. Nora Aunor ito,” he said.

“Padre de Familia,” Aunor’s first cinematic collaboration with director Adolf Alix, Jr., is a domestic drama that also features Joel Torre, Rosanna Roces, Anita Linda, Joem Bascon, Baron Geisler, Manuel Chua and Miles Ocampo.

Coco happy being single, denies dating KC

Source: Mb.com.ph (August 30, 2014 at 05:03PM)

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WATCH: Anne Curtis belts out Whitney Houston classic

The hosts of "It's Showtime" took turns on the stage in a grand opening production to kickstart the grand finals of "Stars on 45" on Saturday.

WATCH: Anne Curtis belts out Whitney Houston classic

Source: ABS-CBNNews.com (August 30, 2014 at 03:28PM)

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5 Kapamilya shows to look forward to

Fans of the Kapamilya network will have a variety of shows to look forward to as the year approaches its final quarter.



5 Kapamilya shows to look forward to

Source: ABS-CBNNews.com (August 30, 2014 at 03:20PM)

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Super Junior returns with ‘Mamacita’ album

Super Junior at their album press conference in Seoul (Photo: www.newsen.com)

K-pop boy band Super Junior released their new album “Mamacita” and made their first TV performance on Aug. 29.

“Mamacita” is the group’s seventh album and it contains 10 tracks including the title song “Mamacita,” “Shirt,” “Midnight Blues,” “Let’s Dance” and “This is Love.”

The music video for “Mamacita” featured cowboy and matador concepts. It has garnered 2.8 million views since it was uploaded on YouTube last August 28.

According to SM Entertainment, “Mamacita” is an “urban new jack swing genre song, with drum sound based on rhythmical Indian percussion and piano melody.”

The album also marked the return of leader Leeteuk who was discharged from the army last July.

Super Junior made their comeback performance on KBS “Music Bank” on August 29.

In a press conference for the album, Super Junior members expressed their feelings about their return to the music scene.

“I really missed it. I think the time has come for me to go back to the stage. I was worried whether or not I would be able to stand on stage with the members again but the time has finally come,” said Leeteuk, according to ENewsWorld.

Heechul said, “You might think that it’s obvious, but we really worked hard while preparing for this album.”

Leeteuk said when he was in his early ’20s, his focus was on winning first place on music programs.

“But now I feel more relaxed. While I was away in the army for a year and nine months, my biggest concern was, ‘What does it mean to be an adult.’ I’m still lacking to be an adult. I think my biggest goal now is to have breadth of mind and work hard without feeling rushed,” he said.

Super Junior debuted in 2005 and Leeteuk said the members became more involved in making the new album.

“Super Junior will be entering its 10th year since our debut. If we include our trainee years, it has been 15 years. Since it has been a long time, I was worried that we might be closing our ears off to others. So we put together a lot of advice from people around us. I think we participated more in this album than any others,” he said.

Super Junior returns with ‘Mamacita’ album

Source: Mb.com.ph (August 30, 2014 at 02:24PM)

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What’s up, Doods?

EDU MANZANO

Television host-actor Edu Manzano is not one to interfere with his son Luis’ decisions in life – even when it comes to the latter’s political aspirations or future wedding plans.

“Hindi ko na siya pinapakelaman kasi alam kong maganda ang pagpapalaki ko sakanya… meron siyang priorities in life. Nakikita ko na ang galing niyang mag-isip na inuuna niya ang maghanap-buhay at mag-ipon,” he proudly said of Luis.

Apart from his steady showbiz career, marked by regular appearances on top Sunday noontime show “ASAP 19,” the younger Manzano has also gone into the taxi business with some college friends.

Edu, known in showbiz as ‘Doods,’ puts a high premium on his children’s happiness. He doesn’t meddle in their private lives, and tries to bond with people near and dear to them.

“I never wanted to be (just) their father; I want to be their best friend,” he pointed out.

More than lauding Luis’ achievements, the 58-year-old also holds his son’s girlfriend, actress Angel Locsin, in high regard, especially for the way she looks after her blind father.

“That’s one of the things I admire about her kasi malaking bagay sa akin ‘yun eh na marunong siya mag-alaga ng father niya… mabait na bata,” he said.

He thinks Angel is a good match for his son and that they deserve each other. So, would he be surprised if Luis pops the big question to his ladylove?

“Sa nakikita ko, magugulat ako kung hindi siya mag-propose,” Edu said, laughing.

Edu’s advice to Luis is to remember that there will always be quarrels and hurdles in relationships, but even those don’t last forever.

He also told him, “Don’t care (about) what other people say, just do what you want.”

No ring

While Edu himself has found a new love, a lady named Tina Fernandez of Art Informal, he denies reports that he’s given her a promise ring.

“Magsi-sixty na ako, paano ako mai-engage? Baka ‘di na ako maka-lakad sa aisle,” he jested.

Instead of feeding the issue, Edu said he would rather focus on bonding with his children “kasi medyo tumatanda na tayo… sana makasama ko sila nang kumpleto.”

The calling to serve

Aside from his priorities, Edu noted that he still has a soft spot for public service, which he says he enjoys.

“Serbisyong totoo ang gusto ko talaga,” he said, revealing that he is actually tempted to seek public office again.

Edu served as vice mayor of Makati City from 1998 to 2001; and as chair of the Optical Media Board from 2004 to 2009. He also ran for vice president of the Philippines in 2010, but lost to Jejomar Binay.

Meanwhile, it has also been reported that Luis is planning to pursue a career in politics. It isn’t surprising considering Edu’s track record, as well as that of Luis’ mother, Batangas Governor Vilma Santos-Recto.

“If ever you go for public office, tigilan mo na ‘yung telebisyon, ‘yung pelikula kasi it’s unpatriotic,” Edu shared telling Luis. “Makikita ka nila sa telebisyon, kengkoy, kumikita nang malaki… it will be unfair.”

Edu has yet to make his political move anew – just as Luis has yet to flesh out his political aspirations – but for now, he keeps busy co-hosting TV5’s “Face The People” with Gelli de Belen and Tintin Bersola-Babao.

What’s up, Doods?

Source: Mb.com.ph (August 30, 2014 at 02:20PM)

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Audio Junkie: Pharrell lays down the funk

Pharrell (Photo by Joel Ryan/Invision/AP)

It took Pharrell eight years to release a new CD after his 2006 solo debut “In My Mind,” but that’s only because he was so busy cranking out hits for others – producing tracks for the likes of Britney Spears, Jay Z, Nelly, Daft Punk, Robin Thicke, Gwen Stefani, Snoop Dog and Justin Timberlake.

To those wondering if the Pharrell magic works on himself, know that he can easily ring it home on his own at the top of the pop charts. In fact, his new album “Girl” didn’t waste time to do that, buzzing off quickly to No. 1 with the feel-good hit, “Happy.” It cranked out another chart-topper with mean grooves, “Marilyn Monroe.”

The seven-time Grammy-winning R&B singer-songwriter, rapper and producer’s latest is all about snappy beats. Just check out the track called “Gush” while you cross-reference it with the album cover featuring supermodel types in bathrobes.

The former high school marching band drummer lays down the grooves for Justin Timberlake to project his funky, inner Michael Jackson on “Brand New.” Pharrell’s “Get Lucky” jam partner (guitarist) Nile Rogers will also approve of the inherent funk on “Hunter,” with its pulsating ‘70s bass lines.

The fun romp doesn’t end there. Pharrell decks out the party number “Come Get It Bae,” which somewhat calls “Blurred Lines” to mind. Kicking it back a bit with Alicia Keys, he drops the reggae/R&B tune “Know Who You Are,” then drives it home with the chill “It Girl.”

He can sure deliver hits left, right and in between; build a multimillion-dollar entertainment empire and design a fashion line even. That mountie hat has to go at some point but, make no mistake, girl, Pharrell is the man.

Audio Junkie: Pharrell lays down the funk

Source: Mb.com.ph (August 30, 2014 at 02:10PM)

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QC vice mayor sees ‘mature’ Pinoy moviegoers

Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte (Photo by Valeria Sorrenti)

Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte thinks that the success of independent film festivals such as Cinemalaya are raising the consciousness of the movie-going audience on which motion pictures to watch.

“Kasi ’yung independent filmmaker… ang kanyang layunin ay hindi masyado ’yung kumita (o kung) ano ’yung papatok sa takilya,” Belmonte told Bulletin Entertainment at the recent launch of the QCinema 2014: Quezon City International Film Festival. “Ang kinukwento nila makatotohanan; minsan malungkot, minsan madi-disappoint ’yung audience, pero kwentong totoo.”

She feels that the “mature” Pinoy audience has become more appreciative of films with substance, particularly those with unconventional themes.

“Hindi lang ’yung rich-girl-poor-boy ta’s na-i-in love sila… Hindi ’yung formula films. Marami pang ibang kwento.”

Belmonte is aware of the fact that the regular moviegoer is not used to watching non-commercial films and is still reluctant to spend on them without big-name stars such as Sarah Geronimo and Piolo Pascual in the billing. Her solution to this, at least last year, giving out free tickets to select communities.

“Gusto ko lang ipakita sa kanila na, ‘Punta kayo, libre naman to eh. Magaganda rin ’tong mapapanood niyo,’” she explained.

More indie

Belmonte believes that independent filmmakers are still not getting enough support from the government and the private sectors, saying, “napakaganda ng mga kwento na maari nilang ipakita nila sa atin kung sila ay mabigyan ng pagkakataon.”

That is why in its own little way, the Quezon City government has again launched QCinema 2014, through the QC Film Development Commission (QCFDC), which the vice mayor admits is “geared more towards the independent filmmaker.”

For Belmonte, it the responsibility of the government to support quality filmmaking, as it upholds the culture and the arts.

“Iniisip kasi ng lahat (ang) government parang (pang) infrastructure lang o kaya livelihood projects – ’yung traditional… Pero tingin ko, role din natin ’yung palaganapin ang pag-iisip ng ating mga mamamayan (by supporting the arts). It’s part of educating them,” she said.

Earlier this year, the QCFDC held a competition for production grants to give local filmmakers a chance to bring to life their dream projects, with Arnel Mardoquio’s “Alienasyon” awarded a P2-million full-length feature grant.

Each of the five short films, which will be part of the anthology Quezon City Experience, qualified for a P150,000 production grant; five indie features received P150,000 each as post-production grants; and five indie features Real S. Florido’s “1st ko si 3rd,” a Cinemalaya 2014 New Breed finalist.

QCinema 2014, which for the first time will include a foreign film exhibition category, will run from Nov. 5 to 11 at TriNoma mall.

QC vice mayor sees ‘mature’ Pinoy moviegoers

Source: Mb.com.ph (August 30, 2014 at 02:00PM)

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Sam Milby denies Piolo Pascual hindering courtship with Shaina Magdayao

MANILA, Philippines - Sam Milby denied that Piolo Pascual is stopping him from courting Shaina Magdayao.



Sam Milby denies Piolo Pascual hindering courtship with Shaina Magdayao

Source: Philstar.com (August 30, 2014 at 12:36PM)

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‘Ibong Adarna’ flies again

Jun Urbano with the cast of ‘Ibong Adarna: The Pinoy Adventure’

Director Jun Urbano considers himself fortunate that he is part of the latest film remake of “Ibong Adarna: The Pinoy Adventure.”

“Alam kong marami ng gumawa ng iba’t-ibang version pero ito pa rin ang pinili kong gawan ng remake kasi maganda ang story, na kahit ilang beses mong panuorin ay ’di ka magsasawa,” the film director told Bulletin Entertainment in an interview, Thursday.

The circa 18th century story involving a magical bird was first made into a movie in 1939 by director Victor Salumbides with Urbano’s late father, Manuel Conde, as technical supervisor. It was Conde who made the first color version of the tale in 1955.

Another version directed by Pablo Santiago, starring Comedy King Dolphy and Rosanna Ortiz, hit theaters in 1972.

Urbano, who popularized the character Mr. Shooli in the comedy series “Mongolian Barbecue,” made changes in the story to ensure that today’s youth could relate to it.

“Kaya hindi kami gumamit ng mga King, ng mga kaharian sa ibang lugar. Ang ginawa namin is, we picked a real tribe in Mindanao, ’yung T’boli,” he said.

Urbano said that it was big challenge for the production to give life to the Ibong Adarna and the other characters through Computer Graphic Imaging (CGI).

“Halos six months namin ginawa ’yung Haribon, ‘yung mga nuno sa punso…’Yung iba kailangan pa naming i-transform ’yung itsura.”

In the film, Prinsepe Sigasig (played by Rocco Nacino) will try to save his dying father (Joel Torre), by capturing the Adarna (Binibining Pilipinas 2012 candidate Karen Gallman) and making it sing for him.

Asked why he picked Nacino, Urbano simply answered, “Kasi Pinoy na Pinoy ang mukha niya.”

He added, “’Yung iba kasing artista na nakikita ko eh, Chinito, American… parang hindi bagay mag-play as a Pilipinong prinsipe.”

Urbano aims to screen the film, which received the endorsement of the Department of Education (DepEd) and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, in schools and universities around the country before the year ends.

Also in the cast are Joel Torre as the Sultan; Angel Aquino as the sultan’s wife; Leo Martinez as the sultan’s covetous and greedy half-brother; Lilia Cuntapay as the wicked witch; and Pat Fernandez as the fairy who helps the prince locates the Adarna, among many others.

Produced by Gurion Entertainment, “Ibong Adarna: The Pinoy Adventure” will open in theaters nationwide on Oct. 1.

‘Ibong Adarna’ flies again

Source: Mb.com.ph (August 30, 2014 at 01:42PM)

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