December 30, 2010

CHER makes a comeback in BURLESQUE

To give Columbia Pictures' new musical drama “Burlesque” the marquee pizzazz they envisioned, the filmmakers knew that only a megastar would do. It meant that they pursued the legendary Cher tirelessly before the Oscar® winner agreed to end a seven year hiatus and return to the big screen. (They even paid a surprise personal plea to Cher when she was on the Sony lot doing an ADR session for the animated film “The Zookeeper.”)

The filmmakers believed that Cher would respond to the role of Tess because the character is both familiar and contemporary, somebody with a lot to give who’s in danger of having her dream taken away. Director Steven Antin notes: “Tess is one of a zillion people losing their shirt. That’s a very real thing happening right now and I thought it was an interesting thing for this character to be experiencing.”

“Cher said, ‘I’ve been rich and I’ve been poor. Rich is better.’” Antin continues. “She’s been up and she’s been down and she’s had good times and bad times. I knew that she would relate to this character and this world. She’s the embodiment of female empowerment, you know? And that’s what Burlesque is about: female empowerment.”

“Burlesque” tells the story of Ali (Christina Aguilera), a small-town girl with a big voice, who thinks there had to be somewhere her dreams could be fulfilled, rather than remain an empty goal. Enter the world of burlesque.

Leaving behind hardship and an uncertain future for the entertainment capital Los Angeles, Ali stumbles upon The Burlesque Lounge, a majestic but ailing theater that is home to an inspired musical revue. Talking herself into a cocktail waitress job from Tess (Cher), the club’s glamorous and forthright proprietor, headliner and starmaker, Ali becomes a wide-eyed sponge to The Burlesque’s captivating acts. The outrageous costumes and bold choreography hold the young ingénue enraptured. That stage is where Ali was meant to be, so she vows to herself she’ll be on it someday.

Cher, through her incomparable voice, her trademark wit, and her charismatic presence, has established herself as a tireless, compelling performer of inestimable talent and unstoppable drive. Her contributions in music, television, stage and film have garnered countless accolades and awards and the admiration of generations of fans.

Cher’s iconic performance as Loretta Castorini in Norman Jewison’s “Moonstruck” won her both an Academy Award® and Golden Globe Award. Her work in Peter Bogdanovich’s “Mask” won her the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival. For Mike Nichols’ “Silkwood,” co-starring Meryl Streep and Kurt Russell, Cher was nominated for both a Golden Globe and Academy Award®. Her additional film credits include a diverse body of roles in “Mermaids,” “The Witches of Eastwick,” “Suspect,” “Stuck on You” and “Tea with Mussolini.”

Opening soon across the Philippines, “Burlesque” is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Visit http://www.columbiapictures.com.ph for trailers, exclusive content and free downloads. Like us at www.Facebook.com/ColumbiaPicturesPH and join our fan contests.

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December 17, 2010

new Philippine Bank Notes

below are the dummies for the new Philippine Bank notes. starting next week, the BSP (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas) will issue the Php 20 bill. these new bank notes features Philippine tourist spots and natural treasures. more security features are made in the bills to prevent counterfeiting.

1000-peso bills
200-peso bills
100-peso bills
50-peso bills20-peso bills
this is also the first time when a political family is featured in a bank note. notice the 500-Peso bill which features husband and wife, former Sen. Ninoy Aquino and late President Corazon Aquino and their son, current President NoyNoy Aquino signs the bank note.

i think i have to save my current bank notes for they might have additional value since they will be part of the collections.

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December 16, 2010

ROSARIO review

one of the entries in this year's Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) is a must-watch for all movie enthusiasts. first-timer Cinemabuhay and Studio 5 gives a period-film entitled Rosario starring Jennylyn Mercado in the title role. the film will draw lines in cinema houses starting December 25 and expected to win awards on the night of December 26.


award-winning talents are gathered in this film. powerhouse cast includes Yul Servo (Vicente), Dennis Trillo (Alberto) and Sid Lucero (Carding) as the men who loved Rosario. Albert Martinez, who is an award-winning talent himself, directs the movie.

Rosario is based on a true story about a liberated woman who falls on the traps of love of different men. every relationship is a devastating ending which made Rosario dropped her knees into suffering. her story is narrated by his son, Hesus (Dolphy) who comes to meet one of his nephews played by business-icon Manny V. Pangilinan.

i believe that the following should be won by this movie:

Best Cinematography - the movie is primarily set in the tobacco plantation in Isabela where Rosario met her first love, Vicente. it is staged in the early 1900's when the Philippines is under the American influence and transitioning from the Spanish era. we are drawn into that period and this movie helped us feel the provincial atmosphere. we are also drawn in the early Manila setting in the latter part of the movie. Manila is quite spacious yet and there's minimal informal settlers but poverty has it's place.

Best Actress - no doubt that Jennylyn Mercado is a strong contender in the Film Fest. being the title role, her face matches the era where the movie is set. her beauty is regal and she portrayed the other face of liberated women during that time. emotions from a lady and a mother really flowed out of her which made the movie very effective.

Best Musical Score - reflective music compliments the timing and the emotions of Rosario all throughout.

Best Supporting Actress - Isabel Oli as Carmen is a typical provinciana who envies Rosario. when everything turned upside down for Rosario, Carmen laughed it out making her the contrabida in the movie. but all of it has reasons.

Best Supporting Actor/s - Dolphy, Yul, Dennis and Sid played very vital roles in Rosario's life. they are all part of happiness, despair and vanity of Rosario which made it very colorful and how it made Rosario deal with life.



Best Screenplay - the entirety of the movie is very moving. you will pity Rosario on how she moved on every after relationship when all she had is love.

Best Director - there will be no good movies like this until an award-winner puts his craft. kudos to Albert Martinez.

you can also see special clips of the Rosario Channel in PLDT Watchpad. including behind-the-scenes features, interviews of the stars and latest trailers. this is exclusive to all PLDT Watchpad subscribers only.


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December 15, 2010

Captain Jack Sparrow's back ON STRANGER TIDES

Catch the first trailer of Walt Disney Pictures’ and Jerry Bruckheimer Films’ sweeping comedy adventure “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.”

Directed by Rob Marshall (“Chicago”), “On Stranger Tides” is the fourth entry in the blockbuster franchise which has already reaped $2.7 billion in worldwide box office from the previous three films, and the first to be filmed and presented in Disney Digital 3D™.


In this action-packed tale of truth, betrayal, youth and demise, Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) crosses paths with a woman from his past (Penelope Cruz), and he’s not sure if it’s love—or if she’s a ruthless con artist who’s using him to find the fabled Fountain of Youth. When she forces him aboard the Queen Anne’s Revenge, the ship of the formidable pirate Blackbeard (Ian McShane), Jack finds himself on an unexpected adventure in which he doesn’t know who to fear more: Blackbeard or the woman from his past.

Opening across the Philippines on May 2011, “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International through Columbia Pictures.

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December 12, 2010

DAFT PUNK scores for Walt Disney's TRON

Grammy® Award–winning electronic music duo Daft Punk creates the original music score for Walt Disney Pictures' new sci-fi action-adventure “TRON: Legacy.”

From their first single release in 1993, the combined talents of DJs Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo and Thomas Bangalter were hailed as a new breed of house innovators. Daft Punk’s sound is a brazen, dance floor-oriented blend of progressive house, funk, electro and techno. Following their brilliant debut in 1997 (Homework), the duo went on to release two more studio albums (Discovery—2001, Human after All—2005) and two live albums (Alive 1997, Alive 2007).

When director Joseph Kosinski came on board to helm “TRON: Legacy,” he heard that Daft Punk, whose art form and style were influenced by the original 1982 “TRON,” were interested in the project. A pancake breakfast in Hollywood soon followed, where the three talked about Kosinski’s vision for the film.

The three artists found themselves on the same creative page and began working on the score very early on in the filmmaking process. The score took shape over the course of three years and is a unique combination of orchestra, electronic and granular sounds.

The duo worked closely with the filmmakers not only on the score, but on the sound design too, especially the moments where sound design and room tones bleed into cues. It was a very sophisticated musical approach—a layering blend that occasionally blurs the line between music and sound design in a very interesting way. “We've got over 100 minutes of music in this movie. And it's so tied to the visuals because we had it so early, I just can't imagine this film without it,” says Kosinski.

All the newest technology gives “TRON: Legacy” its cutting-edge look and feel, since the filmmakers had far fewer limitations for what computers can achieve. But even with the obvious visual advantages, the filmmakers have striven to keep the spirit of “TRON” creator Steven Lisberger’s dream intact.

To pull that off, the movie gathers together some of the most sophisticated filmmaking technology available today, including even more advanced cameras than those used on “Avatar,” a blend of computer graphics and practical sets.

With that technology put in the hands of talented, creative designers and visionary filmmakers, above and below the line, “TRON: Legacy” showcases cutting-edge design and astounding visual effects enhanced by the latest stereoscopic (3D) technology. The film blends live action and photorealistic computer animation in ways only dreamed of in the past. As producer Jeffrey Silver says, “It seemed obvious that ‘TRON,’ being the groundbreaking film that it was in the ’80s, had to be followed with a film equally as groundbreaking in the 21st century. If we were going to do ‘TRON: Legacy’ right, we would have to push the envelope. And we did.”

Opening across the country on Friday, Dec. 17, “TRON: Legacy” is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Philippines.

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December 7, 2010

ROCKWELL presents RENT THE MUSICAL this December

as Rockwell celebrates its 10th year anniversary, the award-winning rock musical RENT is back onstage for a limited time. from December 8-12, the show will relive the memories of Jonathan Larson and the socially relevant message of RENT. the show will be held at Cinema 2 of the Powerplant Mall. the production is handled by 9 Works Theatrical.

in this run, Gian Magdangal returns as Roger. after the playful and funny character in THE WEDDING SINGER, Gian opens up the concerns in the battle against AIDS. falling in love with a dancer named Mimi, played by her real-life lover, Sheree. OJ Mariano returns as Tom Collins, and Angel is again relived by Job Bautista. Fredison Lo looks back into the story as Mark Cohen, Roger's nerdy filmmaker room mate.


most of the cast returns in this run and joined by new faces Lorenz Martinez as Benny, Mian Dimacali as Maureen. Bohemia arises again with the ensemble Peachy Atilano, Gary Junsay, Mark Tayag, Johann Dela Fuente and Harold Cruz.

i got excited in this production and loved the story more, not to mention that i sing along in some songs. in the first time that i saw Sheree as Mimi, i think she has done very well. the role really fits her. i didn't know that she can sing rock. she admitted that she only auditioned for the role and better that she plays opposite her husband.

Mian as Maureen is also the character to watch for. the energy in her song, Over the Moon will be very well applauded. she looks like a cat in her wildest purr.

on the second time i saw it, Job and OJ's portrayal is equally as emotional as the first one. you can see the passion in the love story of Angel and Collins.

you will see a new stage now. but the design is great. every spot is utilized well and the blocking of the actors are very good.

see RENT, presented by Rockwell is directed by Robbie Guevarra. additional artistic inputs by Ricky Villante, musical director – band; Onyl Torres, musical director – vocals; Mio Infante, scenographer; Martin Esteva, Lighting Designer; Chuck Ledesma, sound designer; Bek Soriano, costume stylist; and Francis Matheu for additional choreography.

RENT will be staged for a limited run of 8 performances at Power Plant Cinema 2 from December 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 (8PM), December 10 (330PM), 11 (4PM) & 12 (430PM). Get your tickets now at the Power Plant Cinema ticket booth. Call 898-1440 or 898 1441 or 0908-8692988.

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December 5, 2010

experience TRON's GRID in IMAX 3D

Presented in Disney Digital 3D™, and IMAX® 3D, Walt Disney Pictures' new sci-fi adventure “TRON: Legacy” features cutting-edge, state-of-the-art technology, effects and set design that bring to life an epic adventure coursing across a digital grid that is as fascinating and wondrous as it is beyond imagination.

Directed by Joseph Kosinski, “TRON: Legacy” stars Jeff Bridges, Garrett Hedlund, Olivia Wilde, Bruce Boxleitner and Michael Sheen. The film is scored by Grammy® Award–winning electronic music duo Daft Punk.

At the epicenter of the adventure is a father-son story that resonates as much on the Grid as it does in the real world: Sam Flynn (Hedlund), a rebellious 27-year-old, is haunted by the mysterious disappearance of his father, Kevin Flynn (Bridges), a man once known as the world’s leading tech visionary. When Sam investigates a strange signal sent from the old Flynn’s Arcade—a signal that could only come from his father—he finds himself pulled into a digital grid where Kevin has been trapped for 20 years.

The 3D experience of “TRON: Legacy” will bring viewers into the Grid, and along for the ride, more than any other film in cinematic history. Using the next generation of 3D technology developed after “Avatar,” “TRON: Legacy” will allow the audience to experience the digital grid and be part of the action in the highly stylized landscape.

Shooting in 3D achieves an immersive experience for the audience that mimics the immersive experience Sam has inside the computer; the audience does not simply witness Sam’s journey inside the Grid, they travel alongside him. The effect is enhanced by opening in 2D for the real-world scenes then switching to 3D when Sam enters the digital grid.

As Kosinski explains, “Ours is sort of a ‘Wizard of Oz’ approach. Ninety-eight percent of the 3D is in the digital TRON grid. The 3D really starts once we get into the Grid.”

“TRON: Legacy” will also be presented in IMAX theaters, so the filmmakers are making preparations to enhance the audience’s enjoyment by providing a unique experience. Specifically, they are finishing several sections of the film in a tall format—not letterbox—and in an IMAX theater, that means black bars at the top and bottom of the frame will disappear and it will become a full-screen sequence.

Kosinski elaborates: “In IMAX theaters there are several sequences, amounting to about 35 minutes in the film, that will open up to an expanded aspect ratio. We’ll be switching from 2.35 to 1.78, which will provide more image at the top and bottom of the screen. This will create an even more immersive 3D experience.”

The “TRON: Legacy” audiences will discover an exciting, evolved grid that pulsates with the latest technology, stunning visual effects and leading-edge design. With an insightful father-son story that’s grounded in cultural reality, a strong, relatable female lead and a unique, one-of-a kind style, “TRON: Legacy” blends what’s real with super-imaginative, eye-popping visuals and 3D action.

Opening across the country on Friday, Dec. 17, “TRON: Legacy” is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Philippines.

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December 2, 2010

sneak peek: BURLESQUE

In Columbia Pictures' finger-snapping, eye-popping and atmospheric musical “Burlesque,” a time-honored tale of showbiz aspirations fulfilled, the hallmarks of a classic form of live entertainment get a dazzling, fun movie makeover.

For Ali (Christina Aguilera), a small-town girl with a big voice, there had to be somewhere her dreams could be fulfilled, rather than remain an empty goal.

Enter the world of burlesque.

Leaving behind hardship and an uncertain future for the entertainment capital Los Angeles, Ali stumbles upon The Burlesque Lounge, a majestic but ailing theater that is home to an inspired musical revue. Talking herself into a cocktail waitress job from Tess (Cher), the club’s glamorous and forthright proprietor, headliner and starmaker, Ali becomes a wide-eyed sponge to The Burlesque’s captivating acts. The outrageous costumes and bold choreography hold the young ingénue enraptured.

That stage is where Ali was meant to be, so she vows to herself she’ll be on it someday.

But first she has to navigate the theater’s many interpersonal relationships, for better or for worse. She builds a friendship with a featured dancer (Julianne Hough), finds an enemy in a troubled, jealous performer (Kristen Bell), and wins the affection of Jack (Cam Gigandet), a handsome bartender and musician who takes Ali in as a temporary roommate to help her get her financial footing.

Eventually, with the help of a sharp-witted yet sensitive stage manager (Stanley Tucci) and the club’s gender-bending host (Alan Cumming), Ali makes her way from the bar to the stage. Her spectacular voice and showmanship returns The Burlesque Lounge to its former glory, giving hope to Tess that she won’t have to entertain the demands of her ex-husband (Peter Gallagher) that she sell the place to a charismatic entrepreneur (Eric Dane) with an enticing proposal.

As Ali’s star rises, it becomes thrillingly clear that the Burlesque Lounge lives to titillate, fascinate and make dreams come true. But are its days – and colorful, sexy, music-filled nights -- numbered?


Opening soon across the Philippines, “Burlesque” is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Visit http://www.columbiapictures.com.ph for trailers, exclusive content and free downloads. Like us at www.Facebook.com/ColumbiaPicturesPH and join our fan contests.

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December 1, 2010

LOPEZ MUSEUM DIGITIZED!

here is how the staff from Lopez Museum converts their published collections into digital archives to be available for easy research when you go visit:


edited using Sony Ericsson K608i mobile phone. video caught December 1 2010.

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new exhibitions in LOPEZ MUSEUM features contemporary art

In celebrating 50 years of foundation, the Lopez Museum features new exhibits featuring contemporary art. These displays eye-opening and liberating expressions from the artists and on a deep assessment of the masterpieces are unknown stories from the artists' perspective. The exhibits are entitled Extensions - a perspective beyond the Lopez Museum's existence, and Loob at Labas - a multimedia documentary presentation of the Philippine society.

When entering Gallery 1, you will find Maya Muñoz's works Calendar and Coming It Going. Maya is one artist who loves to travel. In her works, she shows or "documents" her travels and puts it into canvass. Calendar tells us how she reflects on the days of her travels. Others may be from looking back of her past adventures.


From my point of view, Maya may be a little sad in her expressions. The strokes of her pencils, the force she puts on drawing and the erasures displease her of traveling alone. It's sad to see someone leaves or for you to leave someone. Maya puts in her drawings that it's sad to be alone.

From a gloomy gallery, we proceed to a very scribbly and liberated form of art. Extra-normal doodles of monsters, celebrities combine into pop art. Here, the Lopez Museum encourages people to express what they feel. Plataporma and Pilipinas Street Plan play along with any type of material making the surroundings into a big graffiti canvass. The colors and images play in the imagination of today's generation somehow suggests that there is noise, and they need proper guidance. Religious images and cartoons have been merged with celebrities which seem to be rebellious. I don't know what really is their message and to whom are they addressing it to. For me, success really comes to the individual and social dependence comes next.

Going further with the exhibit gives as a critical view of the Phillipine justice system from the inmates' perspectives. Convicts may have sinned to others but sometimes, even if they paid their dues in the jail, their rights were also been taken from them. Loob at Labas tells their stories presented in a multimedia manner by Rock Ed. A video documentation provides unknown information of how prisoners are treated inside the jail. Somehow the society benefits from them by selling their arts and crafts made inside the prison. But the proceeds somehow are not going to go to jail development and rehabilitation of the inmates. Instead, the big problem of corruption still extends inside the cages.

Loob at Labas and Extensions are part of the 50th anniversary of the Lopez Museum. A different look into the modern history and encouraging us to observe, learn, and reach out. The exhibit closes on April 16, 2011.



The Lopez Memorial Museum is at the ground floor, Benpres Building, Exchange Road corner Meralco Avenue, Pasig City. See the exhibits from Mondays thru Saturdays, except holidays, from 8AM-5PM. For details, please call 6312417 or email pezseum@skyinet.net. You may also look into blogsite pezseum.blogspot.com, find them over Facebook, or follow the tweets here.

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