March 31, 2017

AMERICAN PASTORAL movie review



This goes to show that no family is perfect. It's about an All-American college star and his beauty queen wife watch their seemingly perfect life fall apart, as their daughter joins the turmoil of '60s America. American Pastoral is one story that will make you emotionally and intellectually disturbed after you watch it. A very strong and important message not just for family members but as members of the society.
From Philip Roth's novel and John Romano's screenplay, the cast of American Pastoral should all be applauded in their portrayal of the family that was torn down by political idealism and society's lies. It is heartbreaking to see your family fall apart but the plot teaches us that we are all unique individuals. This may leave you thinking if what is right is right, or is it wrong.

Watch the trailer of American Pastoral below. Now showing in cinemas.
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March 30, 2017

Sister Act preaching at Solaire's The Theater



"I will follow Him" would be the best hint to introduce the newest musical that will step into Solaire's gates to perform for the Manila audience. That's right, SISTER ACT, the glorious musical which starred Whoopi Goldberg in a nun costume and also featuring songs from Tony and Oscar award-winning composer Alan Menken will be staged in Solaire Resort and Casino's The Theater. It will be running from June 27 to July 9.
It's about a club singer, Deloris (played by Whoopi Goldberg in the movie), who has just witnessed a murder by her boyfriend Curtis which she reported to the police and put her into witness protection program. Under the care of the order of nuns of Our Lady of Perpetual Faith, she has committed her time by improving the choir into a contemporary perform which sooner became a hit in the community. When you hear the voices from the heavens, you will surely say, "Oh happy day!"

Ovation Productions proudly brings this musical for the Philippine audience, based on the 1992 film. Nominated for Tony and Lawrence Olivier awards in 2010 and 2011, including Best Musical, Best New Musical, Best Performance of an Actress for Patina Miller and Best Original Score. Watch I Will Follow Him below:


With only a limited two-week run, don’t miss this blissfully silly heavenly hit show.

The performance schedules of SISTER ACT are as follows:

June 27 – 8 pm - Opening Night (Tuesday)
June 28 – 8 pm – Gala Night (Wednesday)
June 29, June 30 – 8 pm (Thursday – Friday)
July 1 and 2 – 2 pm and 8 pm (Saturday – Sunday)
July 4, 5, 6 and 7 – 8 pm (Tuesday - Friday)
July 8 and 9 – 2 pm and 8 pm (Saturday – Sunday)

Call TICKETWORLD at 8919999 for tickets. Prices are Php 6500, 5500. 4500, 3500 and 1500.

And connect with SISTER ACT through the following: www.ovationproductionsmanila.com or on social media: Facebook.com/ovationproductions and twitter: @ovationprod

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Be the F8 Face



Get your gears ready and begin a four-wheel adventure where YOU will be the star! United International Pictures invites you to be one of the Fast family and be a star and tagged as #F8Face.
Do your own stunts in the Fast and the Furious 8 immersive booths surrounded by green screens that will immerse you to the action packed experience while driving fancy cars, just like the Fast family. It will tour around different malls in Manila. See the full promo below.
Fast 8 franchise opens April 15 in theaters nationwide.

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Stephen King's "IT" is now a movie



Halloween will be a bit earlier this year when New Line Cinema and Warner Bros. Pictures releases IT -- a horror thriller flick based on Stephen King's popular novel.
Children face their biggest fears when squaring off with an evil clown named Pennywise whose history of murder and violence dates back from centuries. Will they be able to solve the mystery that involve missing children in their hometown? Watch the teaser trailer below:
I say if it weren't for the boy who chased his paper boat to the drain, he won't get missing. That house is very very spooky and old like the Addams Family even gave up to it.
And what can you say about Pennywise?

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March 29, 2017

Look on the Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 character posters



Your favorite space scoundrels are featured their in individual posters for Marvel Studios' Guardians of the Galaxy out in the Philippines on April 26 and in the US on May 5. Get a new look at Peter Quill and his band of unlikely heroes in 10 new cosmic character posters below.

Getting their own one-sheets are Star-Lord (Chris Pratt), Rocket (Bradley Cooper), Baby Groot (Vin Diesel), Gamora (Zoe Saldana), and Drax (Dave Bautista), above! We’ve also got character posters for a couple misfits they’ve picked up along the way — Ego (Kurt Russell), Nebula (Karen Gillan), Ayesha (Elizabeth Debicki), Mantis (Pom Klementieff), and Yondu (Michael Rooker).

Set to the backdrop of ‘Awesome Mixtape #2,’ Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 continues the team’s adventures as they traverse the outer reaches of the cosmos. The Guardians must fight to keep their newfound family together as they unravel the mysteries of Peter Quill’s true parentage. Old foes become new allies and fan-favorite characters from the classic comics will come to our heroes’ aid as the Marvel cinematic universe continues to expand.

“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” is produced by Marvel Studios’ president, Kevin Feige, with Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Jonathan Schwartz, Nik Korda and Stan Lee serving as executive producers.

Opening across the Philippines on April 26, 2017, Marvel's “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” is distributed in the Philippines by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.

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Michael Keaton is the King of Flight



From Batman to Birdman to Vulture, Michael Keaton is truly the king of heights conquering all these roles in his lifetime. Also getting awards to Birdman as a retiring actor with only one notable role, it should have been very easy for Michael Keaton to have wings as the antagonist, Vulture, in the newest Spider-Man movie, Spider-Man Homecoming.
Spider-Man Homecoming discusses how young Peter Parker wants to get back in the normal life after his thrilling adventure with the Avengers. Returning home with his Aunt May and under the eyes of mentor Tony Stark, he is distracted by the thoughts of proving himself as not just an average webbed superhero. In the trailer, Michael Keaton as Vulture shows his wide wings and threatens our webbed hero and those he love. Watch this:
So from his Bat-cape, Michael Keaton now sports a pair of metal wings to beat up our swinging hero. I'd also love Spidey's auto-fitting costume and doesn't need tailoring. Thanks to uncle Tony Stark.
Spider-Man Homecoming comes to theaters, July 7, 2017.

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March 28, 2017

Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady gives the millennial feels


Box-office musical based on Carlo Vergara's comic book Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady is one of my favorite local productions in the theater scene. When it played two runs at the PETA Theater Center and Onstage, the soundtrack was playing for weeks on my playlist. The amazing lyrics and visual effects topped with amazing actors and actresses, KPANLL etched its mark on my memory and heart.

This year, a young group of thespians will adapt the musical and gets a reimagining on the life of Mely being a housemaid of the most trusted superheroes, the Fuwerza Filipinas. Falling in love with Leading Man while saving the world from the villainous Kayumanggilas. Ateneo Blue Repertoy group offers KPANLL as their finale performance with this spectacular production and will run for 2 weeks, from April 19 to 30.
Ateneo BlueRep's creative team led by director Issa Manalo Lopez, known for her performances in politically-charged pieces I and Colonized. Kevin Maske adds new lyrics and songs from the Vincent de Jesus originals. Delphine Buencamino gives her take on the choreography. J Laspuña, whose previous soundscape collaborations include “Disco1081”, “I”, and “Kapit” does Sound Design.  Carlo Tabije and Ben Padero, the award-winning Production Designers of the film “Heneral Luna”, creates the highly imaginative Set and Costumes. Joseph Matheu, Lighting Designer and Co-Producer of Twinbill’s “Asher Lev”, does the Lights Design.

The cast boasts of up and coming talented young actors of Philippine theatre. Natasha Cabrera, who previously played Viva in the musical’s commercial run, comes back to the production to play Mely – (Maid of Fuwerza Filipinas). She shares the role with EJ Pepito of PETA’s “3 Stars and a Sun”. Jerome Fugoso plays Senyor Blangko (Lead Super Villain of Kayumanggilas). Ateneo blueREP’s Kassandra Barnes and Ashe Uy alternate as Viva (Mely’s younger sister), Hans Braga as Leading Man (Newest Member of Fuwerza Filipinas), and Arianna Norton as Madre de Dios (Lead Superhero of Fuwerza Filipinas).

For ticket inquiries, please contact Stephanie Escuadro at 09568452030 or reserve through blueREP’s website: bluerepertory.org/tickets

Connect to Ateneo Blue Repertory online through the following social media networks:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/blueREPERTORY
Twitter: @_blueREPERTORY
Instagram: @blueREPERTORY

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Britney Spears in Manila!



I cannot contain the excitement when I learned that BRITNEY SPEARS IS COMING TO MANILA! Her page told us so. Look!
The event is sponsored by Bench/ and will be on June 15 at the Mall of Asia Arena. Promoted by Wilbros Live.

Tickets will be available starting April 5 via smtickets.com or by calling 470-2222. I WANT THIS REALLY, REALLY BAD! And I'd better start reviewing the Britney hits online.
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March 27, 2017

JUSTICE LEAGUE unites worldwide anticipation for trailer



The most anticipated superhero movie of the year gives us a glimpse of what it will be like in November. Warner Bros Pictures completes the Justice League, March 26, with Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, The Flash and Cyborg in the trailer premiere of the movie of the same title.
Fueled by his restored faith in humanity and inspired by Superman’s selfless act, Bruce Wayne enlists the help of his newfound ally, Diana Prince, to face an even greater enemy. Together, Batman and Wonder Woman work quickly to find and recruit a team of metahumans to stand against this newly awakened threat. But despite the formation of this unprecedented league of heroes—Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Cyborg and The Flash—it may already be too late to save the planet from an assault of catastrophic proportions. Watch the full trailer of Justice League below:
I'd like to say that I need Batman's superpowers. (True Story!)

Here are the individual posters of the Justice League:

Opening November 16, Justice League cast includes Ben Affleck (Bruce Wayne/Batman), Gal Gadot (Diana Prince/Wonder Woman), Jason Momoa (Aquaman), Ezra Miller (Barry Allen/The Flash), and Ray Fisher (Cyborg). Zack Snyder directs the film.

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March 25, 2017

Spider-Man postcards for "Homecoming"


Marvel releases different postcards of the webbed hero Spider-Man. We can see that Peter Parker enjoys sweet moments hanging around and chilling in New York City at the outskirts of the Stark aka Avengers tower.
He also would travel from the school to his apartment in Queens, swinging with his web in this poster:
We're waiting for developments and maybe character posters, which we also hope Iron Man gets one too.

Spider-Man: Homecoming opens in theaters July 7, 2017 and distributed by Columbia Pictures International.

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March 24, 2017

this is the romance that Belle and the Beast are talking about


If you've seen Beauty and the Beast already, you might remember the scene where Belle mocks Beast about a book he is reading at the gardens. It's Guinevere and Lancelot, a romance within the story of King Arthur and the knights of the roundtable.
But enough of the Disney flick, Warner Bros adapts the story of the mighty Excalibur and an epic movie featuring Charlie Hunnam and Jude Law. This fantasy introduces a streetwise young Arthur who runs the back alleys of Londonium with his gang, unaware of the life he was born for until he grasps hold of the sword Excalibur—and with it, his future. Instantly challenged by the power of Excalibur, Arthur is forced to make some hard choices. Throwing in with the Resistance and a mysterious young woman named Guinevere, he must learn to master the sword, face down his demons and unite the people to defeat the tyrant Vortigern, who stole his crown and murdered his parents, and become King.
Also featuring Astrid Bergès-Frisbey, Oscar nominee Djimon Hounsou, Aidan Gillen, and Eric Bana. Ritchie directs the film from a screenplay by Joby Harold and Guy Ritchie & Lionel Wigram, story by Joby Harold.

Here's the trailer for King Arthur: Legend of the Sword, opening May 11, 2017 in theaters.

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March 23, 2017

JOE MANGANIELLO joins the SMURFS in new adventure


True Blood and Magic Mike hunk Joe Manganiello return to the movie screen voicing one of the key characters in SMURFS: The Lost Village from Columbia Pictures Animations. The young family man will take on Hefty Smurf - the strongest, muscular and gym going smurf but with a big heart. Excited to bring the character to life bringing him back his childhood and nostalgia as an adult. He can't wait to see the movie with his young niece who is also a big fan of The Smurfs.

Clumsy, Brainy -- and rivals Papa Smurf and Gargamel return in the full animated movie. Get to know our little blue friends below:

Clumsy (Jack McBrayer) is all heart… and all thumbs. He’s always eager to lend a helping hand or pitch in however he can – even if it might have been better if he’d just stayed home. Luckily, his good intentions and wide-eyed wonder make whatever mess he’s made utterly forgivable, and in the end, he always impresses us all. “He’s such a good fella – the kind of guy you want on your team, so long as your team doesn’t require hand-eye coordination or grace or ability,” McBrayer says. “If you need somebody with team spirit, Clumsy is your Smurf.”
Brainy (Danny Pudi). When the chips are down, there’s no more resourceful Smurf with a better idea to solve the problem. “Brainy’s the whiz kid on Team Smurf. He’s always trying to figure out how to solve a problem,” Pudi says. “He can get hyper-focused at times, but he has a very good heart and he does it for his friends.”
Papa Smurf (Mandy Patinkin). Kind and warm, Papa Smurf’s number one concern is the safety and well-being of the Smurfs and his beloved Smurf Village. “Papa is the patriarch of the Smurfs – he really cares about each and every one of them,” says Patinkin. “You might say he’s Papa Bear – even a little overbearing at times – but he’ll always be there for Team Smurf.”
Gargamel (Rainn Wilson). Equal parts dangerous and idiotic, Gargamel is the grandiose, self-important, iconic foil of the Smurfs. All he craves in this life is to be celebrated and revered as the most powerful wizard in the world, but the greatest obstacle standing in his way is his incredible ineptitude.
Opening across the Philippines on Friday, March 31, Smurfs: The Lost Village is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.
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March 17, 2017

easier ways to become an environmental advocate with Luis Manzano


I was at Glorietta 4 this Thursday, March 16, and WWF Philippines was holding a fundraising activity in support of the advocacy programs lead by Marine Conservations Steward Luis Manzano. He spearheaded the activity called Individual Donor Programme to invite all mall goers to contribute to programs making communities sustainable and environmentally concerned.
With the IDP, people can contribute for one time or a lifetime to environmental conservation efforts in the Philippines by visiting WWF booths located in different malls. It will be a more convenient way for us to give back to our planet by providing support to activities like: promoting clean source of renewable energy, educating the youth on environmental conservation and helping slow or reverse climate change impacts. See the interview below:


Luis Manzano champions WWF's Marine Conservation Program that includes initiatives on sustainable fisheries plus food security, community-based ecotourism, and biodiversity conservation.

WWF Project sites include Tubbataha Reefs and Cagayancillo in Palawan, Donsol in Sorsogon, Mt. Iglit-Baco Mountain Range in Mindoro, Ipo Watershed in Bulacan and Hamilo Coast in Batangas. WWF-Philippines also conducts climate studies in 16 key cities around the country.

On March 25, join WWF-Philippines with the rest of the world in making a difference by turning off lights and reverse and slow down climate change as we celebrate Earth Hour. Center of activities is at SM Mall of Asia by the Bay earlier on and highlighting the event at 8:30 to 9:30 pm with the turning off the lights.

Learn more about the IDP and other WWF-Philippines programs via wwf.org.ph.

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March 16, 2017

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST movie review

More than 25 years since we experienced the magic of Disney's Beauty and the Beast. And the live adaptation featuring Emma Watson (Belle), Dan Stevens (Beast / Prince), Kevin Kline (Maurice), Luke Evans (Gaston), Josh Gad (Le Fou) and more will not disappoint when it comes to theaters starting today. It was still as magical and the musical experience it presented more than 2 decades ago will have you inspired and bring back the memories of childhood and love.
Prepare for a grandiose production. Beginning with the provincial life to the Beast's castle, the set detailing is amazing. The castle, accentuated with gargoyles, leaves and coils present the luxurious life of the Beast Prince. Even the provincial life where Belle is, gives a relaxing feeling of the countryside but a rude and nosy neighborhood lies in secret despite the peaceful atmosphere.

The theme Ballroom scene is definitely more magical. Equally grand with "Be Our Guest".
The Ballroom
It will be the delight to hear the songs "How Can a Moment Last Forever" by Maurice, "Evermore" by the Beast, "Days in the Sun" by the young Prince, which are all well-sung and heartfelt by the artists. Emma Watson's keys were a bit lower than the previous versions that we know of.
I think Emma Watson is bit underacting the role. Just my opinion on the grand "Be Our Guest" performance of the dining ensembles. She's okay for the role of Belle had she given more feelings on many parts of the movie. Luke Evans is great! Playing the conceited Gaston and makes him a good villain. Even the animated objects are more felt than the lead role of Belle. But all in all, I still have to commend on the great production effort made on this.

On the gay issue of the role of Le Fou (Josh Gad), I think it doesn't really tackle on his issues and attraction to Gaston. It just gives a comic relief on his role other than being a sidekick of the latter.

Beauty and the Beast is best experience on IMAX 3D.

March 10, 2017

THE NETHER review


For my first theater production of the year, I was invited to see Red Turnip Theater's The Nether which runs from March 10 - April 9 at Power Mac Spotlight Center in Circuit City.
Walking inside the Power Mac Center welcomes you to a big space resembling a mansion's staircase, showing a lavish life of the character. Then an interrogation scene about a crime that involves virtual fantasies and behavior which we may all fall into. A mind-blogging and relevant theatrical production that when seen by many, could teach us to what can and would go wrong when we abuse the power of technology today.

Bring yourself to a deeper consciousness with Bernardo Bernardo, Bodjie Pascua, TJ Trinidad, Jenny Jamora and Alba Berenguer-Testa in The Nether. It confirms the dangers of the vast and meaty online environment that is indeed scary, not just for children but also for adults. The protection that we can learn from it is well received, as how the author, Jennifer Haley, wants us to preserve.

A few shots after watching The Nether with the cast:


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