The challenge in making ‘Pure Love’ Filipino

Alex Gonzaga

It is something to be proud of because it’s made in the Philippines but whether “Pure Love” will amass a following like “49 Days,” the original Korean series from which it was adapted, depends largely on awarded filmmaker Veronica Velasco.

“Pure Love” is Veronica’s first soap opera and one of her goals is to make it more palatable to local viewers.

“I love the way Koreans craft their soaps. I wanted to retain elements of the original series but at the same time inject elements relating to Filipino culture to make it more interesting. It’s a well-loved story and I believe it’s worth retelling,” remarked Veronica.

“Pure Love” talks about death, and for Veronica, it is most opportune as “when tragedies like that happen, Filipinos automatically turn to their families. And that’s the biggest difference of our version from that of the Koreans.”

Airing July 7 on ABS-CBN, “Pure Love” is top billed by Alex Gonzaga and Yen Santos, housemates from different seasons of the Reality TV show “Pinoy Big Brother.”

Other cast members are Aaron Villaflor, Arjo Atayde, Joseph Marco, Matt Evans, Yam Concepcion and Anna Luna.

Also lending their support and experience to the show are seasoned actors Sunshine Cruz, John Arcilla, Ana Capri, Bart Guingona, Dante Ponce and Shey Bustamante.

Having young actors play the main characters in “Pure Love” also helps Veronica achieve her goal.

“They’re young and they have something new and different to offer,” she opined. “I like that they are all passionate with their work. They’re quite dynamic. On set they’re very eager.”

Yen Santos

In the story, Alex’s character Diane is rushed to a hospital after being involved in a vehicular accident. Because she isn’t supposed to die yet, she will be tasked by the angel of death (played by Matt) to collect tears from three people who only have “pure love” for her within 40 days.

Diane, however, will find it impossible to get tears from her so-called fiancé, her best friend, even family members. The angel of death will suggest that she possess a body to collect tears from other people. The body she will possess is that of the suicidal Ysabel played by Yen.

“I never expected to get this role. This is my biggest break and I’m happy with the trust they gave me. I promise to do my best,” shared Yen.

Alex is equally thankful of the opportunity afforded her but admitted that she has a lot to learn about acting. She revealed that she is injecting bits and pieces of her own persona to breathe life into her character.

“I’m not a dramatic actress. Making people laugh is more natural for me, even off-cam. So I will really work hard to make my portrayal believable. It’s a new experience for me,” described Alex.

The challenge in making ‘Pure Love’ Filipino

Source: Mb.com.ph (June 28, 2014 at 07:36PM)

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Carla clarifies cause of split with Geoff

Carla Abellana says happiness is a choice (Publicity photo)

Carla Abellana refutes insinuations that religion was the deciding factor that led to the demise of her relationship with Geoff Eigenmann.

“It’s one of the factors, yes…but it was not the main reason,” she told Bulletin Entertainment in a recent interview.

“Ang religion naman, nagagawan naman ng paraan ’yun eh. At the end of the day, pare-pareho lang naman tayo ng pinaniniwalaan, ’di ba?”

The Kapuso actress also addressed another alleged cause of the breakup – Geoff supposedly not planning for their future despite their being together for four years.

“Pwede, isa ’yun sa mga reasons,” she simply said.

Carla admitted that she hasn’t moved on but her family and friends keep her from wallowing in heartache. “Maya’t maya inaaya ko silang lumabas. Siyempre may work kaya dapat may personal time,” she added.

In bloom

A seemingly “blooming” Carla explained that she simply makes an effort not to look sad. “Sabi kasi nila dapat maganda para hindi magmukhang heartbroken ka.”

Ultimately, she believes that “Happiness is a choice. Mag-focus ka sa maganda para beautiful.”

She also clarified she isn’t entertaining suitors just yet. “Kasi wala din akong time. I guess, only time will tell (kung kailan ako magpapaligaw). Iiwan ko na kay Lord lahat.”

To prove that she harbors no ill feelings towards anyone, Carla said that she is ready to talk to Geoff, given the chance. “Wala naman kasi kaming galit sa isa’t isa. We’re friends kasi hindi kami magkaaway, though, hindi pa kami nag-uusap talaga. We have no communication but I’m ready anytime to talk to him, basta walang gulo.”

She went on to refute allegations that she is not in good terms with Kylie Padilla, who was once linked to Geoff.

“I haven’t really seen her pero we’re okay. Hindi kami nagkakasalubong pero kung anuman, oo naman babatiin ko siya,” Carla assured, noting, “Wala naman siyang kinalaman sa kahit anong pinagdaanan ko.”

On Tom

Carla is aware that some fans are hoping she would end up with her “My Destiny” leading man Tom Rodriguez.

“We respect kung ano ’yung wishes nila, pero nasabi nga ni Tom one time na ang pangit naman kung pipilitin namin ’yung sarili namin for the sake of pleasing them, ’di ba? Maganda ’yung on our own, kung talagang meant to be,” she said.

Carla, nonetheless, is thankful to be working with Tom again after their phenomenal hit “My Husband’s Lover.”

“Magaan siyang katrabaho eh. He makes work easy and enjoyable. In a way, malaking tulong talaga na siya ’yung katrabaho ko kasi ’yung comfort level namin, mataas na. Alam na namin ang techniques ng isa’t isa pagdating sa pag-arte (at) kung paano tutulungan ang isa’t isa sa mga eksena.”

She added, “Alam ko siya ang destiny kong maka-trabaho ngayon.”

Carla clarifies cause of split with Geoff

Source: Mb.com.ph (June 28, 2014 at 07:09PM)

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WATCH: 'Voice PH' alums perform 'Respect' on 'Showtime'

Former finalists of ''The Voice of the Philippines'' season 1 took the stage on ''It's Showtime'' Saturday.



WATCH: 'Voice PH' alums perform 'Respect' on 'Showtime'

Source: ABS-CBNNews.com (June 28, 2014 at 04:58PM)

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LOOK: 'Showtime' hosts wear pro-gay shirts

Hosts of ABS-CBN 's ''It's Showtime'' wore pro-gay t-shirts on Saturday to show their support to the LGBT community's celebration of ''Gay Pride Week.''



LOOK: 'Showtime' hosts wear pro-gay shirts

Source: ABS-CBNNews.com (June 28, 2014 at 04:55PM)

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Robin Padilla's advice to daughter Kylie: 'Humanap ka ng barakong Pilipino'

MANILA, Philippines - As much as possible, Robin Padilla doesn't want to talk about his daughter Kylie's breakup with actor Aljur Abrenica.



Robin Padilla's advice to daughter Kylie: 'Humanap ka ng barakong Pilipino'

Source: Philstar.com (June 28, 2014 at 04:23PM)

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Angel ‘happy’ for Luis’ ex, ‘Darna’ comeback

Angel Locsin and her ‘Darna’ film director Erik Matti (from Angel’s Instagram)

Angel Locsin felt “weird” when asked to comment on boyfriend Luis Manzano’s ex, Jennylyn Mercado recently wishing them well.

Speaking to ABS-CBN News, Locsin’s response was, “Salamat. Happy for you. Wala akong masasabi. Ang weird naman, ’di ba?”

The 29-year-old actress rekindled romance with Manzano in February four years after parting ways.

Manzano was in a relationship with Mercado for almost two years before splitting amicably October last year. Around the same time, Locsin admitted to calling it quits with football star Phil Younghusband. They were together for over a year.

Not rushing into marriage

Locsin refuted insinuations that she will tie the knot with Luis after finishing work for “Darna.”

“Wala naman kaming metro, hindi naman kami naka-taxi, so wala namang ano… Hindi naman kami nagmamadali,” she said in the same ABS-CBN News interview.

According to Locsin, she and Manzano are secured in their love for each other.

She explained, “Siguro sa lahat ng mga pinagdaanan namin, sa pitong taon na pinagdaanan namin, parang alam na rin naman namin na kami talaga para sa isa’t-isa. At kung ’yung growth niya ay happiness ko, I’m sure ganoon din naman si Luis para sa akin. Napag-usapan naman namin ’to, as in long time ago pa.”

She noted that Manzano’s supposed bid to enter politics come 2016 elections isn’t final yet.

“Napag-usapan namin, pero wala pa namang final na sinasabi si Luis doon. Parang hindi pa talaga ’yan napag-iisipan kasi busy rin siya sa trabaho… Napag-usapan kung napag-usapan pero gusto ko lang sabihin na

wala pa namang final na sinasabi si Luis (about it),” Locsin related.

Reprising a superheroine

Meanwhile, Locsin feels emotional that she will be reprising the role of Darna for a movie coming out in 2015.

In a post on her Instagram account, Thursday, Locsin thanked the Lord for the “huge project.”

She revealed in another post that the film will be helmed by Erik Matti (“On The Job”).

For his part, Matti shared a photo of him and Locsin on his Instagram account. His caption read: “It’s official. Angel Locsin + me in one picture = Darna 2015.”

Locsin first played the superheroine in 2005 for GMA-7. She moved to ABS-CBN in 2007.

Angel ‘happy’ for Luis’ ex, ‘Darna’ comeback

Source: Mb.com.ph (June 28, 2014 at 03:23PM)

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Bridging cultures: What makes Tsinoys beautiful

Nicole Cordoves

Celebrities with Chinese lineage are quite popular nowadays. Kim Chiu, Richard Yap, the Teng brothers, Chris Tiu, Joyce Ching and Gretchen Ho are just a few that have gained notice because of their talents and overall appeal.

The hopefuls that have joined this year’s Mr. and Ms. Chinatown, a beauty pageant spotlighting Tsinoys, are likewise out to prove themselves.

Kurt Joshua Ong, a 19-year-old looker from De La Salle University, admits that he joined the contest to further his acting ambitions.

He belies the traditional stereotype of the shy and conservative Tsinoy, maintaining that he and his ilk are now more “modern” and “confident in expressing ourselves.”

Ong also points out, “The best thing about being Filipino-Chinese is that we are familiar with both Pinoy and Chinese cultures and it helps us establish connections particularly in business.”

Another candidate is Nicole Cordoves, 22. While she doesn’t look like your typical chinita, Cordoves is fluent in Fukien and Mandarin.

Kurt Joshua Ong

Cordoves redefines the modern Tsinoy as someone capable of changing with the times, but still keeping to the beauty of traditional custom.

“If you’re Filipino-Chinese, you have the best of both worlds: You’re sweet and out-going because you’re part Pinoy but you’re also driven and industrious because you’re part Chinese,” she opines.

If she wins, Cordoves promises to be a role model for young Tsinoys.

Last year’s winners, Randy See and Rolini Lim Pineda participated in a number of charity events including those benefiting victims of typhoon “Yolanda.”

“Mr. and Ms. Chinatown try and help bridge Filipino and Chinese communities because I really believe that if we are united, we will be more progressive,” Pineda states.

Bridging cultures: What makes Tsinoys beautiful

Source: Mb.com.ph (June 28, 2014 at 03:15PM)

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Bobby Womack, singer with brave 2nd act, dies

Bobby Womack (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, file)

Bobby Womack, a colorful and highly influential R&B singer-songwriter who influenced artists from the Rolling Stones to Damon Albarn, has died. He was 70.

Womack’s publicist Sonya Kolowrat said Friday that the singer had died, but she could provide no other details.

Womack was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease two years ago and overcame addiction and multiple health issues, including prostate cancer, to pull off a second act in his career.

Womack performed recently at the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival and seemed in good health and spirits. He had been scheduled to perform at multiple events across Europe in July and August.

He told the BBC in 2013 the Alzheimer’s diagnosis came after he began having difficulty remembering his songs and the names of people he had worked with.

And there have been many. The soul singer cut a wide path through the music business as a performer and songwriter in a career that spanned seven decades. Womack was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009, long after he’d lost his fortune and his career to addiction.

He spoke of kicking his substance abuse problems in a 2012 interview with The Associated Press and all the friends he’d lost to drugs over the years.

“I think the biggest move for me was to get away from the drug scene,” Womack said. “It wasn’t easy. It was hard because everybody I knew did drugs. … They didn’t know when to turn it off. So for me looking at Wilson Pickett, close friends of mine, Sly Stone, Jim Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and I can go on and on and on, and I say all of them died because of drugs.”

According to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame website, Womack was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and sang gospel music at a young age, performing with his brothers in The Womack Brothers. Under the influence of gospel and R&B legend Sam Cooke, who signed the group to his personal label, Womack moved into secular music. In the early 1960s his group recorded “It’s All Over Now,” which was covered and by the Stones and became the band’s first number-one hit.

His songs have been recorded by multiple artists, and he played as a session musician in Memphis in the 1960s.

Albarn and XL Recordings president Richard Russell helped Womack regain his career with 2012 comeback album “The Bravest Man in the Universe.” The album was a departure for Womack, full of electronic music and beats. But it was lauded by critics for a simple reason: That distinctive voice of his still brought chills.

“I don’t think he ever really thought that he would do anything again,” Albarn said of Womack in March. “Watching his rehabilitation and watching his ability to confront new material and new challenges was nothing short of miraculous at the time, and he still today continues to battle his demons and his illness. But he’s a beautiful person and when he opens his mouth and that voice comes out, it is something that is somehow touched by God.”

Gospel singer Candi Staton knew Womack since they were children and she toured with him.

“He had a style that nobody else could ever capture,” she said in a statement. “I loved him and I will miss him so, so very much.”

Bobby Womack, singer with brave 2nd act, dies

Source: Mb.com.ph (June 28, 2014 at 02:39PM)

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Shia LaBeouf, ‘not famous’ but still in headlines

Shia LaBeouf (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

NEW YORK (AP) — Who can forget the time he put a paper bag on his head that read “I AM NOT FAMOUS ANYMORE”? Or when he was forced to apologize for plagiarizing parts of his short film? He then promised to retire from public life.

Now, he’s been escorted from a Broadway theater in handcuffs for allegedly yelling obscenities during a performance of “Cabaret.” The guy who insisted he’s not famous was heard screaming, “Do you know who I am”?

Witnessing Shia LaBeouf’s recent off-screen and offstage antics is getting to be like watching a slow-moving train wreck. Has he become the male equivalent of Amanda Bynes?

“Shia LaBeouf is certainly not alone in displaying unusual behavior and even immaturity,” said Jason Maloni, senior vice president at Levick, a strategic communications company that guides clients through challenging media situations. “This is just the latest incident that put him crossways with an actor’s most important constituent — his fan base as well as his fellow professionals.”

Maloni added: “Bad behavior in a public setting followed by an arrest doesn’t make for a very effective visual. Frankly, he’s been perp-walked out of Broadway, quite literally. So he’s in some distress.”

LaBeouf was watching Alan Cumming and Michele Williams in a “Cabaret” revival on Thursday night when his latest problems began. The inside of the theater, which used to be a notorious, coke-fueled disco in the 1970s, has been reworked to look like a decadent Berlin cabaret from the 1930s, with tiny nightclub tables and a working bar.

LaBeouf, who had paid for his ticket, was seen offering a strawberry to a woman and lighting a cigarette. He was also observed slapping Cumming’s rear as the performer walked through the seats to get onstage. Cumming didn’t react.

According to the criminal complaint, a security guard saw LaBeouf stand up in the middle of Act 1 and “yell loudly at the actors onstage.” When LaBeouf was asked to leave, he refused, according to the complaint. “Do you know who the f— I am? Do you know who I am?” the actor is said to have bellowed.

He was charged with five counts of disorderly conduct, criminal trespass and harassment. His next court date is July 24. After his court appearance Friday, the 28-year-old actor, wearing a ripped blue T-shirt, walked several blocks to a hotel on West 54th Street. He declined to comment. His publicist did not return a request for comment, either.

The outburst happened only a few blocks from where LaBeouf had planned to make his Broadway debut last year in a revival of Lyle Kessler’s play “Orphans,” with Alec Baldwin. He pulled out over creative disagreements and then immediately posted private messages from the show’s actors and creative team.

Now he’s accused of disrupting fellow stage actors while they’re performing. Perhaps worse, he’s become an endless punchline. Cumming tweeted that the stage manager at “Cabaret” told the actors at the top of Act 2: “This is your places call and Shia LaBeouf has left the building in handcuffs.”

LaBeouf’s latest tantrum occurs just as the film franchise that made him a star gives birth to its fourth iteration — without him. He had been the star of the first three “Transformers” films, but a fresh start was decided best for “Age of Extinction.”

LaBeouf, whose other big films include “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” and “Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps,” has endeared himself as an artsy guy who can do action movies. He’s also prone to refreshing bouts of honesty, as when he admitted that his “Indiana Jones” film was bad. “I feel like I dropped the ball on the legacy that people loved and cherished,” he said after it came out.

But his fan base may dissipate after more bizarre stunts that resemble the kinds of things once associated with fellow Disney alumna Bynes, who has been accused of throwing a bong out of a Manhattan window, starting a fire in a driveway, reckless driving and posting a number of disturbing tweets attacking celebrities like Rihanna and Christine Teigen.

Maloni, who has counselled artists and athletes in trouble, said he would advise LaBeouf to do the same as any of his clients: He needs a quiet period. “He needs to stop turning up on Page Six and instead he needs to turn up on the pages of the film and theater critics of the world.”

There is always hope, Maloni said. “The wonderful benefit that a performer has is you have a tremendous ability to rebuild your reputation. One has to only look at Robert Downey Jr. … I think Shia can do the same thing.”

Shia LaBeouf, ‘not famous’ but still in headlines

Source: Mb.com.ph (June 28, 2014 at 02:37PM)

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Givenchy explodes plane for Paris menswear show

Models wear creations by Italian designer Riccardo Tisci as part of Givenchy men’s Spring-Summer 2015 fashion collection, presented in Paris (AP Photo/Jacques Brinon)

PARIS (AP) — Last season, he used Rihanna and Kanye West to grab attention. This season, he exploded a plane.

Givenchy’s rebel designer Riccardo Tisci certainly knows how to grab the limelight at Paris Fashion Week.

Here are the highlights of Friday’s spring-summer 2015 menswear displays, including show reports from Maison Martin Margiela, Cerutti, Juun J. and Berluti.

GIVENCHY’S EXPLODED PLANE

Decked out in head-to-toe Givenchy, American football player Victor Cruz and Oklahoma City Thunder basketball player Russell Westbrook looked in awe at the spectacle before them.

A huge French plane from 1964, exploded into bits and painted in black, was suspended by steel cables across the circular catwalk. Deconstructed engineering parts hung in the air.

Givenchy commissioned the arresting work from Dutch artist Paul Veroude. The piece took over a month to make.

Who needs A-list pop stars when you can blow up a near-one ton machine?

GIVENCHY

If the plane represented deconstruction, the collection didn’t take heed.

Instead, Tisci’s rather aggressive show sent out a series of rather conventional sartorial styles that went back in time to his earlier sharp Givenchy menswear.

The sharp-suitedness mixed with the more street black-and-white looks: models sporting skull caps, dark earrings and sometimes knee-length boots with thick white lacing.

The looks were contrasting, but perhaps lacked the subtlety with which one of Paris’ most lauded designers is associated.

WILL MARGIELA’S ONE-LEGGED FASHION CATCH ON?

Maison Martin Margiela’s restrained, and rather strange, collection tried to set a new fashion trend: one-legged pants.

The show, which mixed baggy sports pants and flowing coats in sanitized white with more sartorial elements, was notable for its uni-leg silhouette.

A black business-like pant leg was twinned with a light gray boucle shorts-leg and thick hiker’s wooly socks.

Elsewhere, the staple black pant leg was twinned with a patchwork blue denim drainpipe.

At one point, an otherwise fully clothed model walked out with no pants on at all.

Will it catch on?

BERLUTI’S GARDEN PARTY

Berluti has been world renowned for making leather shows since 1895. Now, for a few seasons, they’ve been making clothes.

In the front row sat the luxury world’s equivalent of the Bourbon monarchy, LVMH’s chief Bernard Arnault, and his heirs Antoine and Delphine.

If that’s anything to go by, there’s a lot of money being bet on this venture.

The collection did not disappoint, with clothes fit for a modern dandy.

Loose-fitting jackets were in enviable shades of beige, cream and mustard.

And the rare inclusion of models in their 50s will appeal to the up-and-coming heritage brand’s clientele.

The after-party celebrated the roots of the house founder Italian Alessandro Berluti, with guests treated to Italian-inspired delicacies like champagne risotto in a beautiful garden.

JUUN J. STUDIES FORM

Fashion angels graced the catwalk at Juun J.

In dazzling white, the South Korean designer used billowing monochrome looks to explore pure form and flatness.

Wide-sleeved white tops stretched the torso exaggeratedly from left to right, and uber-baggy pants gave the clothes an ethereal silhouette independent from the bodies wearing them.

It was a neat trick.

The study in form recurred again toward the end of the dizzying 54 looks, with white oversize T-shirts featuring black text or sketches.

Beautifully, the large tubular sleeves stretched out the T-shirt optically to look almost like a piece of flat paper on which the designer had written.

CERUTTI MIXES SUITS WITH LOS ANGELES ATTITUDE

Aldo Maria Camillo subverted the sartorial elegance of Cerutti 1881 Paris with flashes of the color of Los Angeles.

A sporty black singlet was infused with a bright flash of fashion, in the form of a bright red or yellow stripe, and twinned with pants from a suit.

Elsewhere, a loose-fitting suit jacket was twinned elegantly with a silk undergarment shimmering with orange stripes and paisley patterns.

And a beautiful but sober palette in the suits — sand, sage, tobacco and wood — met with highly contrasting and youthful hues of lemon, red, electric blue and orange.

It was a highly styled collection, but will this younger direction appeal to the brand’s older clientele?

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — Frank Sinatra’s first New Jersey driver’s license has sold for $15,757 at auction.

The yellowed, text-only 1934 license was issued, typo and all, to Francis Sintra, 841 Garden Street, Hoboken, New Jersey.

The license was signed by the then-19-year-old a year before Sinatra got his first big break in the music industry.

His eyes, of course, are recorded as blue. His weight was 130 pounds.

Boston-based RR Auction didn’t disclose the buyer.

The deal also included a 1940 letter to the state Commissioner of Motor Vehicles from the lawyer of a man who’d been involved in a car crash with Sinatra, insisting Sinatra’s driving privileges be revoked until he pays up.

Givenchy explodes plane for Paris menswear show

Source: Mb.com.ph (June 28, 2014 at 02:35PM)

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Sinatra’s first license fetches $15K at auction

Frank Sinatra’’s 1934 New Jersey driver’’s license (AP Photo/Legendary Auctions.com)

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — Frank Sinatra’s first New Jersey driver’s license has sold for $15,757 at auction.

The yellowed, text-only 1934 license was issued, typo and all, to Francis Sintra, 841 Garden Street, Hoboken, New Jersey.

The license was signed by the then-19-year-old a year before Sinatra got his first big break in the music industry.

His eyes, of course, are recorded as blue. His weight was 130 pounds.

Boston-based RR Auction didn’t disclose the buyer.

The deal also included a 1940 letter to the state Commissioner of Motor Vehicles from the lawyer of a man who’d been involved in a car crash with Sinatra, insisting Sinatra’s driving privileges be revoked until he pays up.

Sinatra’s first license fetches $15K at auction

Source: Mb.com.ph (June 28, 2014 at 02:32PM)

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Emin’s messy bed could fetch million at auction

British artist Tracey Emin poses for photographers next to her 1998 artpiece, entitled ‘My Bed’ at an auction house exhibition space in central London (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis)

LONDON (AP) — For sale: bed. Definitely slept in. Seven-figure price tag.

Adventurous art collectors with deep pockets have the chance to buy British artist Tracey Emin’s “My Bed,” complete with disheveled sheets, empty vodka bottles, cigarette butts and discarded condoms.

The Turner Prize-nominated work is one of the landmarks of the Young British Artist movement that shook up the art world in the 1990s.

It goes under the on hammer on Tuesday, with an estimated price of 800,000 pounds to 1.2 million pounds ($1.3 million to $2 million).

The work is being sold by collector Charles Saatchi, who was instrumental in promoting the careers of Emin, Damien Hirst and other “YBAs.” They were renowned for their unorthodox approach and nontraditional materials, from Hirst’s pickled sharks to Emin’s confessional assemblages.

Emin, 50, mined her tumultuous personal life for some of her best-known works, including “My Bed” and an appliqued tent entitled “Everyone I Have Ever Slept With.”

“My Bed” was made after a period of severe depression triggered by a relationship split. The artist said Friday that seeing it on display at the auction house was “surreal.”

“Every time I’m near the bed or install the bed I get flashbacks and recollections of when I first saw the bed, which was in my bedroom and that was 16 years ago,” she said.

“I can’t really, still, come to the reality of the situation that it’s moved and come so far.”

“I just hope it goes to a nice place. It’s helped me a lot.”

Christie’s contemporary art specialist Francis Outred said the bed was among the most important British 20th-century artworks because it “transformed the way the general public engage with contemporary art.”

When it was first exhibited in 1998, the bed provoked both praise and disgust — and prompted two guerrilla artists to stage a pillow fight among the sheets.

Emin’s messy bed could fetch million at auction

Source: Mb.com.ph (June 28, 2014 at 02:27PM)

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It’s Gerald Santos’ time

Gerald Santos alarmed fans when he posed bare-chested for the poster of his concert, “It’s Time!” happening tonight at the Skydome SM North EDSA.

They wondered if the “Pinoy Pop Superstar” season 2 winner is finally shedding his wholesome image for a far more sexier one.

In a recent interview, the Prince of Ballad admitted that he is, indeed, slowly changing his look. “But not totally,” he stressed.

“I just want people to realize that I have immensely matured since my showbiz debut some years ago. I’m not that skinny, conservative skinny kid any more – people will know and realize this during my concert,” he added.

Gerald promised to delve into a variety of genres in his concert if only to prove his versatility. Included in his repertoire are top Billboard hits and retro songs, both foreign and local. Of course, he will also perform his latest single “Because I Love You,” which is currently at No. 1 in the countdown of a major FM station for four weeks now.

“At sasayaw din ako dito,” he added.

To be presented by Classique Herbs, Chic International and Globaltronics, “It’s Time!” is Gerald’s third major concert.

Sharing the stage with him are his fellow Pinoy Pop Superstar alumni: Jonalyn Viray, Maricris Garcia, Brenan Eapartinez, Aicelle Santos, Harry Santos and Bryan Termulo.

Also appearing as special guests in the concert are Jaya, Faith Cuneta, and Rapido.

Gerald will also introduce four new artists in the concert, namely Goodvives, Seven Tones, Davey Langit and Angelo Pineda & The Boyfriends. Musical director is Elmer Blancaflor.

It has been noted that although he has not had a regular show for sometime, Gerald has maintained his popularity courtesy of social media. He also gained more following after the campus tour he started this year. He vowed to continue with the tour after the June 28 concert.

Fans should also watch out for Gerald’s third album, which will feature “Because I Love You” and two original compositions.

It’s Gerald Santos’ time

Source: Mb.com.ph (June 28, 2014 at 02:10PM)

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Crayon Pop opens for Lady Gaga’s US concert

Crayon Pop performing at Lady Gaga’s concert in Milwaukee (top) and with the pop star (bottom) (Photos: Crayon Pop/Sony Music K-pop Facebook page)

K-pop girl group Crayon Pop, whose car engine cylinder-like choreography in their music video became viral last year, became the opening act for pop star Lady Gaga’s concert the US.

The five-member group performed their internet sensation single “Bar Bar Bar” in Lady Gaga’s “ArtRave: The Artpop Ball” concert tour in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on June 26 (June 27 in Manila).

It was a dream come true for Crayon Pop members, who rose to fame last year with their unique choreography and helmet costumes.

Lady Gaga herself announced on Twitter last March that the Korean act would be opening for her concert.

“I’m excited to announce June 26 through July 22 of Lady Gaga’s artRAVE: The ARTPOP Ball will be opened by CRAYON POP!” she posted.

In the Milwaukee concert, Lady Gaga tweeted about Crayon Pop’s opening act.

“Our newest opener CRAYON POP is on RIGHT NOW AND SO CUTE! K-pop in Milwaukee #changinglives,” she wrote.

After their performance, Crayon Pop member Ellin tweeted that they were amazed by Lady Gaga’s stage presence.

“We have successfully finished our first stage with Lady Gaga. We were amazed by her stage presence and hope to be like that someday,” she wrote.

Crayon Pop debuted in 2012 and rose to internet fame when they released the music video for “Bar Bar Bar” in June last year.

The song eventually landed on the top spot on Billboard’s K-pop Hot 100 chart. They won the music chart award on KBS “Music Bank” over EXO’s “Growl” in August last year.

“Bar Bar Bar” has amassed 18 million views to date.

After Milwaukee, Crayon Pop will be performing in Lady Gaga’s concerts until July in Atlantic City, Boston, Montreal, Buffalo, Toronto, Chicago, San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, Las Vegas and Los Angeles.

Crayon Pop opens for Lady Gaga’s US concert

Source: Mb.com.ph (June 28, 2014 at 01:36PM)

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Matt Evans happy to surpass 'awkward stage' of career

MANILA, Philippines- Matt Evans said he's now at the happiest moment in his life.



Matt Evans happy to surpass 'awkward stage' of career

Source: Philstar.com (June 28, 2014 at 01:03PM)

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Jhong Hilario admits relationship with younger girl

MANILA, Philippines- Jhong Hilario admitted that he's in a relationship with a girl 15 years younger than him.



Jhong Hilario admits relationship with younger girl

Source: Philstar.com (June 28, 2014 at 11:59AM)

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Tributes to soul legend Bobby Womack, dead at 70

Bobby Womack.

LOS ANGELES | Legendary US soul artist Bobby Womack, who influenced and wrote for generations of musicians, died Friday aged 70, a spokeswoman said, triggering a surge of tributes.

Womack penned a string of R&B staples including “It’s all Over Now” — which went to number one for British rockers The Rolling Stones — and “Lookin’ for A Love.”

Rolling Stones star Ronnie Wood was among the first to pay tribute to Womack, tweeting: “The man who could make you cry when he sang has brought tears to my eyes with his passing.”

“RIP to the ‘Soul Legnd’ who sang from his Soul !!!” added US rapper MC Hammer.

Womack started out performing with his brothers in the 1950s and later a band called the Valentinos. He also wrote songs and played guitar for artists including Aretha Franklin and Wilson Pickett.

Sonya Kolowrat, a spokeswoman for his label XL Recordings, confirmed his death to AFP, but said she had no further details. Womack’s main home is listed as Los Angeles.

Womack, who was credited with influencing generations of acts, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009.

He struggled with drugs and health problems for decades, but released a comeback album, “The Bravest Man in the Universe,” in 2012, his first record in over a decade.

Although he had long had health woes, he was due to go on tour in Europe next month — his website listed shows in the Netherlands, France, Belgium and Britain in the second half of July and start of August.

Womack was born in Cleveland, Ohio to a musical family, forming The Womack Brothers gospel group with his siblings, managed by their father.

But their career took off when they were signed by Cooke to his label Sar Records and renamed The Valentinos in 1962, producing their first hit single, “Lookin’ for A Love.”

Womack still played with his brothers, but also began playing guitar in Cooke’s own band. After Cooke died in 1964, the Valentinos floundered, and Womack launched his solo career.

Some of his biggest hits were songs written for other stars, including Pickett, Franklin, Joe Tex and Dusty Springfield.

In the early 1970s he recorded hits of his own, including “That’s The Way I Feel About Cha” and “Woman’s Gotta Have It,” but his fortunes waned later in the decade, according to the IMDb show business database website.

His health problems included drug addiction, diabetes, pneumonia, colon cancer and the early signs of Alzheimer’s disease, according to media reports.

But he made an appearance on “Plastic Beach,” a 2010 album by British Blur veteran Damon Albarn’s “virtual band” Gorillaz.

That fueled his comeback: Albarn co-produced “The Bravest Man in the Universe,” which was widely critically praised.

When he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, he said: “My very first thought was I wish I could call Sam Cooke and share this moment with him.”

“This is just about as exciting to me as being able to see Barack Obama become the first black President of the United States of America!” he said, according to Rolling Stone, which first broke the news of Womack’s death.

Tributes to soul legend Bobby Womack, dead at 70

Source: InterAksyon.com (June 28, 2014 at 12:24PM)

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Actor Shia LaBeouf charged with disorderly conduct, harassment

Shia LaBeouf is arraigned in Midtown Community Court in New York on Friday. (Reuters)

NEW YORK | Actor Shia LaBeouf, who starred in the “Transformers” movies and with Harrison Ford in “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull”, was arraigned on Friday on charges of disorderly conduct and harassment at a Broadway theater.

LaBeouf, 28, did not enter a plea on five charges in the tiny, packed courtroom at Manhattan’s Midtown Community Court.

He was arrested on Thursday evening inside New York’s Studio 54, where police said he disturbed a performance of the musical “Cabaret,” used obscene language and became belligerent when security guards asked him to leave.

He was charged with two counts of disorderly conduct, one count of trespass, one count of criminal trespass and harassment in the second degree.

The hearing was adjourned until July 24 and LaBeouf was released on his own recognizance. All of the charges are misdemeanors or violations so the actor would face minimal or no jail time if convicted.

As a disheveled-looking LaBeouf left the court alone wearing a bright blue T-shirt, ripped on one shoulder, and baggy pants, he made no comment to the mob of waiting photographers and reporters and walked briskly down the street.

The actor’s arrest is the latest bizarre behavior from the former Disney star. Earlier this year he walked out of a press conference and attended a red carpet premiere at the 64th Berlin International Film Festival to promote the movie “Nymphomaniac Volume 1″ wearing a brown paper bag over his head saying “I Am Not Famous Anymore.”

In February he also set up an unusual art installation in a Los Angeles called #IAMSORRY in which visitors were asked to select a small item from a group of objects on a table and then escorted into a room where a silent LaBeouf sat wearing the a similar brown bag on his head.

He also apologized via Twitter to a graphic novelist whose work he was accused of plagiarizing in his short film “Howard Cantour.com.”

LaBeouf, who was born and raised in California, starred in the popular Disney Channel series Even Stevens in the late 1990s and won an a Daytime Emmy for his role.

The actor also starred opposite Michael Douglas in 2010′s “Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps” and as a Depression-era bootlegger in the 2012 film “Lawless.”

Actor Shia LaBeouf charged with disorderly conduct, harassment

Source: InterAksyon.com (June 28, 2014 at 08:17AM)

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Revamped faves, news and sports exclusives comprise TV5’s Q3 slate

TV5 president and CEO Noel C. Lorenzana outlines the network's programming for the third quarter of the year. (Photo by Bayani Bravante/TV5)

With brand-new shows and newly improved favorites, TV5 recently announced its third quarter line-up of Entertainment, News and Sports favorites with a trade launch dubbed as “Signal No. 5: Umuulan ng Saya”.

During a program hosted by “Face The People” hosts Gelli de Belen, Edu Manzano and Tintin Bersola-Babao, the new shows were unveiled by TV5 president and CEO Noel C. Lorenzana to several business partners, media agencies, key sponsors and other VIPs.

'Face the People' hosts Gelli de Belen, Edu Manzano, and Tintin Bersola-Babao. (Photo by Bayani Bravante/TV5)

Leading the formidable primetime offerings is the popular cable reality show “It Takes Gutz to Be a Gutierrez”, which airs Saturdays at 7PM beginning July 5. Dubbed as the “Asian Kardashians”, the Gutierrez family was personally on hand to promote the show during the trade launch.

Actor and sportsman Richard Gomez officially becomes a Kapatid as he hosts “Quiet Please! Bawal ang Maingay!”, a one-of-a-kind weekly game show that challenges contestants to complete a series of tasks without making any noise at all.

And contrary to recent reports, “Talentadong Pinoy” is returning to TV5 for not just one but two straight seasons. According to TV5 media head Jane Basas, the country’s original and longest-running talent show will remain on the air until December of this year.

Two gripping Koreanovelas will take over the weeknight primetime slots starting July 7. There’s the fantasy-drama “Bride of the Century” airing from 9 to 9:30PM. It will be immediately followed by the romantic comedy “Cool Guys, Hot Ramen” from 9:30 to 10PM.

The stars of 'It Takes Gutz to be a Gutierrez': Richard Gutierrez, Raymond Gutierrez, Ruffa Gutierrez, Annabelle Rama and Eddie Gutierrez.

Two returning programs are getting a radical makeover. Now with the addition of Edu Manzano, “Face The People” will brighten up viewers’ late mornings from 10:15 to 11:15AM also starting July 7.

“It will still be the same show that tries to solve people’s problems but Edu will now provide a much-needed male perspective for the program. Tintin will then go to the field and revisit previous occupants of our Silya de Kunsensya and see how they’re doing now,” Basas revealed.

Immediately following “Face The People” is another returning favorite, “Let’s Ask Pilipinas” (11:15AM – 12:00NN). The country’s favorite interactive game show will now be hosted by singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid who brings a fresh, new approach with his natural comedic flair.

In what is literally good news, the news programs of News5 are also getting makeovers of their own. Now under the unique One Brand News Program umbrella, the flagship weeknight primetime news show “Aksyon”, which airs every 6 to 7PM and anchored by Erwin Tulfo, will now feature a brand-new segment, “Reaksyon” hosted by News5 head Luchi Cruz-Valdes.

Martin Andanar, Grace Lee and Lourd de Veyra start our day on the right note as they anchor “Aksyon sa Umaga”, a new morning show airing from 5 to 7AM. The tandem of Raffy Tulfo and Cherie Mercado gives us another dose of the news come noontime with “Aksyon sa Tanghali” (12 to 12:30PM) while Paolo Bediones and Cheryl Cosim round up the day’s top stories on “Aksyon Tonite”.

“T3”, the popular and hard-hitting public service program hosted by Erwin, Ben and Raffy Tulfo, moves to an earlier daily timeslot at 12:30 – 1PM.

Coach Chot Reyes with 'Trenderas' stars Katrina Velarde, Isabelle de Leon and Lara Maigue.

As far as sports shows are concerned, TV5 has several game changers for the mid-year. Fans of our national team, Gilas Pilipinas, will certainly look forward to the live free TV airing of all the Gilas team’s much-anticipated games in the upcoming FIBA World Cup, which is set to run from August 30 to September 14.

Gilas coach and Sports5 head Chot Reyes said viewers can expect in-depth and exclusive coverage of the Gilas’ unprecedented journey, beginning with the team’s participation in key international tune-up tournaments against the world’s premier basketball teams in the FIBA Asia Cup (July 11-19) and Gilas vs. The World (August 8- 25).

More sports fare will be provided with TV5’s exclusive telecast of the Nanjing Youth Olympics (August 16- 28) and the Asian Games (September 19- October 4). In addition to its ongoing coverage of the PBA games, there’s more basketball action with the exclusive airing of the Manila Leg of the FIBA 3×3 (July 19-20) and the thrilling NCAA Season 90 basketball games (MWF at 2:00 and 4:00PM; Saturdays at 12:30PM, beginning June 28).

“Kita naman natin ang kasiyahan ng mga Pilipino pagdating sa sports. Yun lang naman ang gusto natin, ang mapasaya ang mga Pilipino,” exclaimed TV5 president and CEO Noel C. Lorenzana.

Also present during the trade launch are the performing trio of Isabelle de Leon, Lara Maigue and Katrina Velarde who promoted “Trenderas”, their upcoming “musicalserye” which they headline together with the one and only Superstar, Ms. Nora Aunor.

Derek Ramsay touts the second season of 'The Amazing Race Philippines'. (Photo by Bayani Bravante/TV5)

A raincoat-wearing Derek Ramsay was also around to relay the good news that the ongoing auditions for the much-awaited second season of “The Amazing Race Philippines” was going very well as he and his equally amazing creative team had spotted several promising aspirants. The show is scheduled to premiere this October.

Lorenzana said that TV5’s third quarter storm differentiates TV5 from the other networks in a good way.

“The high energy nature of these shows are consistent with the image of TV5 as the Happy Network,” he added.

But that’s not all. Both Basas and Lorenzana were one in saying that as exciting as the network’s third quarter offerings are, viewers ain’t seen nothing yet.

“Wait for the 4th quarter. Baka umikot ang mundo natin,” Basas hinted.

“Like we said, we’re doing this brick by brick by brick. May mga sorpresa pa so you just wait,” Lorenzana promised.

Revamped faves, news and sports exclusives comprise TV5’s Q3 slate

Source: InterAksyon.com (June 28, 2014 at 08:07AM)

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Alodia ventures into music

Popular cosplayer Alodia Gosiengfiao is set to join the music industry after she signed Thursday a deal with 12 Stone Records as one of its contract artists.



Alodia ventures into music

Source: ABS-CBNNews.com (June 28, 2014 at 04:05AM)

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