AroundTheBuzzPh.com

Sneak Peek: "Beauty and the Beast 3D"

2012-01-28T13:02:00.000-08:00

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ magical tale “Beauty and the Beast” returns to the big screen in Disney Digital 3D, introducing a whole new generation to the Disney classic with stunning 3D.

The film captures the fantastic journey of Belle (voice of Paige O’Hara), a bright and beautiful young woman who’s taken prisoner by a hideous beast (voice of Robby Benson) in his castle. Despite her precarious situation, Belle befriends the castle’s enchanted staff—a teapot, a candelabra and a mantel clock, among others—and ultimately learns to see beneath the Beast’s exterior to discover the heart and soul of a prince.

Featuring unforgettable music by Academy Award® winners Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, and an enormously talented vocal ensemble, “Beauty and the Beast” was the first animated feature to receive a Best Picture nomination from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

One of the most popular and enduring romantic adventures the world has ever known became one of the most ambitious and entertaining animated motion pictures ever brought to the screen when ''Beauty and the Beast" premiered in 1991. This classic fairy tale has long fascinated and intrigued storytellers, filmmakers and their audiences. Through the artistry and imagination of the Disney creative team, an inspired song score and the contributions of an enormously talented vocal ensemble, this age-old fantasy took on exciting new dimensions that are only possible through the magic of animation.

"Beauty and the Beast" was the fifth classic fairy tale to be adapted as a Disney animated feature. The tradition began in 1937 with "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," which was based on the famous story by the Brothers Grimm. In the 1950s, Walt Disney and his animators successfully tackled two classic folk tales by French author Charles Perrault––"Cinderella" (1950) and "Sleeping Beauty" (1959). Another famous purveyor of fairy tales, Hans Christian Andersen, was the source of ''The Little Mermaid," Disney's 1989 release, which went on to become the Studio’s most successful animated feature up until that time.

Heading up the team was producer Don Hahn, a long-time Disney veteran, and two talented young directors, Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise, who made their debut in that capacity on this film. Writer Linda Woolverton created a fresh and stylish screenplay which became the structural and emotional blueprint for the visual development and storyboarding phases. Ten supervising animators were assigned to specific characters and took on the task of bringing them to life with the assistance of an impressive group of character animators, cleanup artists and other key supporting players.

Opening soon across the Philippines, “Beauty and the Beast” is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International through Columbia Pictures.

Spy against spy in "This Means War"

2012-01-28T12:52:00.000-08:00

A certified ensemble of hit filmmakers takes the romantic-action genre a notch higher in “This Means War” starring Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine and Tom Hardy where best friends CIA agents and best friends discover that they are dating the same woman which ultimately affects both their professional and personal lives.

Filmmakers director McG whose worldwide hits include “Charlie’s Angels,” “Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle” and “Terminator Salvation,” screen scribe Simon Kinberg who penned the incredibly thrilling films “Mr. and Mrs. Smith,” “”X-Men: The Last Stand,” “Jumper” and “Sherlock Holmes,” and Will Smith as the film’s producer lock forces to create another unprecedented romantic-action-comedy movie in “This Means War.”

In “This Means War,” Reese Witherspoon plays Lauren, a very decisive woman, but in her romantic life she's just a disaster. The man she moved from Atlanta with ended up leaving her, shattering her heart and crushing her spirits. Having been unable to date, her best friend Trish (Chelsea Handler) finally decides to help her to enter the dating world again.

Lauren meets Tuck (Tom Hardy), on a dating website and they have an awkward first date that ends up going really well; then she ends up meeting Chris Pine's character, FDR, in a video store. They're both excited about their new relationships, and there's this great reveal where they show each other a picture of their girl, and it's the same girl bringing up all that territorial male dominance stuff.

Director McG shares on working with his three stars – Reese: “It's never an easy sell to get anybody involved in a movie. Reese is very accomplished, both as an actress—she won an Academy Award—but also as a comedienne. She won the Academy Award for her turn in “Walk The Line” and she's very funny in the Legally blonde movies. She can do a great many things. The one thing she hadn’t done was be a screen siren and I wanted her to bring that energy to the role. I thought Reese had a certain confidence in me, largely because of what I was able to do with the girls in Charlie's Angels. There was never anything misogynistic or mean spirited in that movie but it was decidedly sexy, with all of the women being very intelligent and powerful. I think everybody knows that Reese is an intelligent, powerful, capable woman. Now let's show the world exactly how sultry she can be when she chooses to be.”

“Chris Pine was very entertaining and engaging in Star Trek; he was great in Smokin’ Aces; but it was primarily his turn in the Lieutenant of Inishmore, which is a Martin McDonagh play that played here in Los Angeles that I saw two or three times. He was astounding; his accent was spot on, his physicality, his commitment to the role—he’s infinitely more talented than people could ever imagine, and more clever and considerate. Plus he's different to Tom Hardy, which is what I was looking for: two alpha males who are always interested in finishing first, but who do so in an entirely different way,” director McG says of Pine.

On Tom Hardy: “Tom, and of course he's known for Bronson and his character in Warrior and now he's doing Mad Max. He is so physical and powerful and intense... but he's also got a brilliant mind. Just from speaking to him that he's very kinetic, very clever, that his mind is moving at a thousand miles an hour. There's the broad level the film plays on, but also the more subversive level for those who care to look more closely. I think people need to understand his dimensionalized ability and performance range. He was very game and he's great - I can't imagine anyone other than Tom and Chris for these roles,” concludes the director on working with Reese, Chris and Tom.

Reese, on the other hand sums the director’s works as joyful – “He's wonderful: he's enthusiastic, he's decisive, he knows his shots, he knows what he wants, he knows how to create great action sequences, and he's also hysterically funny– he comes up with witty lines off the top of his head. It was great to work with somebody who's so excited to make a movie instead of hand-wringing and miserable. And it comes out in his movies - they're joyful.”

“This Means War” opens February 22 in theaters from 20th Century Fox.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” rated R-18 without cuts by MTRCB

2012-01-28T12:40:00.000-08:00

Columbia Pictures' critically acclaimed and Oscar-nominated thriller “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” has been approved without cuts by the Movies & Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) with an R-18 rating. This means, only audiences 18-years-old and above may be admitted when it opens in selected theaters on Feb. 1.

“Dragon Tattoo” caused a stir when it was released in the US last December, owing to its dark themes and graphic scenes of sexual assault, violence and nudity.

Last Tuesday, the film earned five Academy Award nominations, notably for Best Actress (Rooney Mara), Best Cinematography and Best Film Editing.

Director David Fincher (“The Social Network”) uncoils the world of author Stieg Larsson’s global blockbuster thriller on the screen in “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.”

Within the story’s labyrinth lie murder, corruption, family secrets and the inner demons of the two unexpected partners chasing the truth of a 40-year-old mystery. Mikael Blomkvist (Daniel Craig) is a financial reporter determined to restore his honor after being convicted of libel. Engaged by one of Sweden’s wealthiest industrialists, Henrik Vanger (Academy Award® nominee Christopher Plummer), to get to the bottom of the long-ago disappearance of his beloved niece, Harriet – murdered, Vanger believes, by a member of his large family – the journalist heads to a remote island on the frozen Swedish coast, unaware of what awaits him.

At the same time, Lisbeth Salander (Rooney Mara), an unusual but ingenious investigator with Milton Security, is hired to do a background check on Blomkvist, a job that ultimately leads to her joining Mikael in his investigation of who killed Harriet Vanger. Though Lisbeth shields herself from a world that has repeatedly betrayed her, her hacking skills and single-minded focus become invaluable. While Mikael goes face-to-face with the tight-lipped Vangers, Lisbeth plies the wired shadows. They begin to trace a chain of homicides from the past into the present, forging a fragile strand of trust even as they are pulled into the most savage currents of modern crime.

Opening across the Philippines on Feb. 1, “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” 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.

"It's More Fun in Showtime" to replace "Happy Yipee Yehey"

2012-01-27T22:32:00.000-08:00

Showtime, being ABS-CBN's most successful pre-noontime talent show, will re-brand itself as the network's newest noontime show.

Before, the Kapamilya Network placed Showtime in the noontime slot but still failed to beat Eat Bulaga. Now, they are reformatting the show from being a mere talent show to a variety program.

According to some sources, new hosts will be added to the existing line up. The show is currently hosted by Anne Curtis, Vhong Navarro, Vice Ganda, Kuya Kim Atienza, Karylle, Billy Crawford, Jugs and Teddy.

With a working title similar to that of the newly launched DOT slogan, Showtime will soon be known as It's More Fun in Showtime.

Here's the exact exclusive scoop we got:

EXCLUSIVE: Showtime will be changing its (working) title to “It’s More Fun in Showtime” starting February 6, 2012. The show will be reformatted and takes the noontime timeslot.

According to a source, the show gets off air for the meantime (well, atleast a week) and will come back on the said grand opening day since they were preparing for the new set/studio and new co-hosts.

“It’s More Fun in Showtime” now turns into variety show that you will surely love. More singing, dancing, trivias and games, cash giving, sample! sample! are expected changes in the new noontime show. It will replace "Happy Yipee Yehey" which will end this February 4, 2012.

More fun and excitement to be seen this February ‘coz It’s More Fun in Showtime!! Catch the grand opening on February 6, 2012 to be aired on ABS-CBN.

Thank you Showtime and Happy Yipee Yehey for the fun! We will miss you!

“The Descendants” wins major awards in 2012's Golden Globes

2012-01-21T23:05:00.000-08:00

“The Descendants,” this year’s Golden Globes winner for Best Picture (Drama) and Best Actor (George Clooney) is based on Kaui Hart Hemming’s novel set in Hawaii where outwardly successful businessman Matt King (Clooney) is thrown into crisis when his wife falls into a coma.

As King struggles to be a hands-on parent with his two daughters Scottie (Amara Miller) and Alexandra (Shailene Woodley) and eventually coming to terms with his wife’s deteriorating health, he soon discovers a secret that has given him a new look in life. With his girls in tow, he steps forward to search for unturned stones his wife has left him with. Along the way, in encounters alternately funny, troublesome and transcendent, he realizes he’s finally on course toward rebuilding his life and family.

The winning motion feature is presented by Fox Searchlight Pictures with Ad Hominem Enterprises production directed by Alexander Payne which is also penned by Payne with Nat Faxon & Jim Rash. The ensemble cast includes George Clooney, Shailene Woodley, Beau Bridges, Robert Forster, Judy Greer, Matthew Lillard, Nick Krause, Amara Miller, Mary Birdsong, Rob Huebel and Patricia Hastie.

“The Descendants” is a story that could perhaps be told anywhere, but it has a completely unique setting among the landed upper-classes in Hawaii,” says Alexander Payne. “It’s specific to this place, yet it is also universal. Hawaii is very interesting and not just for its obvious visual and vivid beauty; there’s a distinctive social fabric to life there and that intrigued me,”adds Payne.

The movie sees two masters, both Oscar winners, both at the pinnacle of their game. Funny but also reflective and poignant, this is Alexander Payne’s first film since “Sideways” (2004). And in one of the most interesting roles of his brilliant career, George Clooney plays Matt King, a conflicted and flawed man discovering his own humanity and responsibility in the wake of a tragedy.

In the depths of this crisis, King has to come to terms with the fact that he has been largely inadequate as a father as he attempts to repair his relationship with his two daughters. 17 year-old Alexandra is rebellious and has been sent off to boarding school. 10 year-old Scottie, played by first time actress Amara Miller, is precocious and in need of parental supervision. Compounding Matt King’s grief, there is the added revelation that before her accident his wife had been involved with another man. “Matt is kind of lost, befuddled, disappointed—all the normal things people feel in life, realizing they’ve done the wrong things.” says Payne.

“The film is about the awakening of a man who has been in an indifferent marriage that has gone stale,” adds producer Jim Burke. “It is a wonderful father and daughter story and something completely new for George Clooney. We have never seen him in a film about a relationship between a man and his children.”

“The Descendants” will open on February 15 in theaters from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

Nicolas Cage in favor of darker, scarier “Ghost Rider”

2012-01-21T22:58:00.000-08:00

Nicolas Cage returns as Johnny Blaze in Warner Bros.' 3D supernatural action-thriller "Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance." In the film, Johnny - still struggling with his curse as the devil's bounty hunter - is hiding out in a remote part of Eastern Europe when he is recruited by a secret sect of the church to save a young boy from the devil. At first, Johnny is reluctant to embrace the power of the Ghost Rider, but it is the only way to protect the boy - and possibly rid himself of his curse forever.

During a press conference at the 2011 San Diego Comic Con, Cage assured fans that “Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance” will be scarier than his first outing as the comic book-inspired character. “This one, with directors Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor, will go into the wonderful bliss of the nightmare imagination. I think it will be very entertaining.”

Check out the rest of Cage's thoughts about the film in the following interview.

Q. What new things were you able to add to “Ghost Rider” this time?
Nicolas Cage: When I was trying to think about how the Ghost Rider would move, I wanted to find something really weird, which would be like levitating in circles. We called it 'the compass' together, to mess with how he would attack his enemies. It was like trying to design a body language from another dimension that would hopefully scare you and entertain you.

Q. Were there any stunts that really stood out for you, that really pushed your personal limits?
Cage: All the wirework was very stimulating, but also very nauseating, literally. I was going around in circles, upside down, and I was really trying not to throw up because it kept spinning and spinning. It’s one of my favorite things that we all came up with together, so I’m glad it’s there. It was well worth it.

Q. Did you have any pressure to make this film lighter?
Cage: There’s a lot of humor to be found in sarcasm and darkness. You talk to any paramedic, they survive by developing a pretty off-kilter sense of humor. I think Blaze, with any luck, has that because he’s really dealing with the fact that his head goes on fire, for years now. In the first movie, he kept it at bay. He was more like an innocent goofball. In this movie, there’s been a little fiery tapdance on his head, for several years. I think it should change his personality quite a bit.

Q. You played a character who had escaped from hell in “Drive Angry.” Are there any similarities or differences between that and this version of “Ghost Rider” ?
Cage: They’re totally different. In “Drive Angry,” I was playing a living dead man. Blaze is a living man who turns into a demon, so it’s a totally different kind of energy. A living dead man has to be a little bit more dead, whereas a living man who turns into a ghost can still be very alive.

Q. When you read comic books as a kid, it wasn’t always the coolest thing, but now you’re in a position in Hollywood to make those seemingly uncool things, cool for everybody. What’s it like to be in this moment in time, when all these characters you loved as a kid are being loved by the masses?
Cage: I actually had a vision of it when I was 9, that this was going to happen. It took a while because we didn’t have the technology to make them come to life so magnificently, as we do today. It was always so goofy, the stupid costumes of “Spider-Man” in the old movies in the ‘60s and ‘70s, and “Captain America.” But now, it’s become all the rage because there’s something in it for everybody. It’s perfect entertainment. It’s exciting for me. I love seeing all the movies happen.

Q. What comics do you read now? What are you passionate about?
Cage: I was into Planet Hulk. I thought that was pretty inspired stuff. I went back in time and looked at Batman vs. Predator. I just had to see who won that battle. There’s a lot of fun stuff. It’s always a good experience to go shopping in a local comic book shop.

Q. Who won that battle?
Cage: It was kind of a tie-breaker, but they usually are. I think Batman won, which was a bit of a stretch.
Brian Taylor: We’ve decided that Ghost Rider can kill all the other superheroes. Ghost Rider can beat Superman.
Cage: Because he has the penance stare, and everyone’s done something wrong. He will just look at you over and over and over and over again.

(Opening across the Philippines on February, “Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance” is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.)

Rachel McAdams struggles with memory-loss in "The Vow"

2012-01-21T22:46:00.000-08:00

She broke countless hearts in such memorable romantic dramas as “The Notebook” and “The Time Traveler’s Wife.” Now, Rachel McAdams stars in another touching love story – Columbia Pictures’ “The Vow” opposite Channing Tatum.

"The Vow” is the real-life story of Paige and Leo, a newlywed New Mexico couple, who were struck by tragedy shortly after their marriage. A car crash puts Paige in a coma, where she is cared for by her devoted husband. When she comes to, without any memory of her husband or their marriage, the husband must woo her and ultimately win her heart once again.

For director Michael Sucsy, casting Paige was tricky, because it was important for the character not to come off as too distant when adjusting to her post-coma world. “The difficult thing for an actress in approaching the role of Paige is that she comes out and she doesn’t have any connection to her husband. He’s a stranger to her. If she’s too off-putting, it’s hard to root for her. And in the case of Rachel McAdams, she’s the perfect actress to play the role, because she can tread that line of being likeable, but being convincing that she’s going through this process of having lost her memory.”

McAdams connected with the script and her character from the beginning: “I loved the way the script unfolded. When we first meet Paige, she is a much more actualized version of herself than we see later on in the film, which is kind of a backwards way to go but exactly what I found so interesting.” She explains, “Paige has embraced the life she’s made with Leo. They’re clearly free and comfortable and supportive of each other; she appreciates his music and he encourages her sculpting. But then we find out that she’s cut off from her family and denying a big part of her life.”

It’s been said that a common reaction for people with brain trauma and memory loss is for them feel inadequate and frustrated. The people and things they can’t remember become associated with anxiety, frustration and confusion. This aspect also intrigued McAdams. “It stands to reason that a person would feel overwhelmed by it all and want to avoid what is making them feel bad about themselves even though others are trying to help,” she says. “It must be so frustrating for everyone in this situation! So often people have to take a stand about who they are, but then they lose important people in their life. Paige feels inadequate and frustrated by her memory loss and at one point just finds it easier to be away from Leo. This is about bridging the gap between those two things and so many of us can relate to that.”

“It’s a great romantic love story but also about familial love too,” says McAdams. “When Paige wakes up and doesn’t recognize her husband and learns that she’s estranged from her family, she sees big holes in her life that need to be filled in. I find that idea of not knowing if you will find your way back to your destiny so interesting.” She continues, “Do you naturally gravitate towards all the things you were already going towards in your life, or does it just start from scratch and you have to build yourself up as a person all over again? And I think that’s such an interesting idea that they say you will naturally go where you were. You’ll find your way back there even though you have to relearn everything from scratch. A driving force through the whole movie is you’re waiting for this epiphany, you’re waiting for that light bulb moment and it doesn’t necessarily come.”

Co-star Channing Tatum is so impressed by Rachel: “Look, she is one of the most brilliant and beautiful people that I’ve ever met. Not just as an actor, but as a person. She cares. She has the true talent to be able to make any line work - and we’ve got some serious big lines in this movie - which can be hard to pull off, but she just does. She has an uncanny ability to make anything sound real and amazing because she commits and believes in it. I’m in awe of her and I’ve learned so much from her.”

Opening across the Philippines in February, “The Vow” is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Visit www.columbiapictures.com.ph to see the latest trailers, get free downloads and play free movie games.

Twice the Fun, Twice the Mayhem in “Jack and Jill”

2012-01-21T22:29:00.000-08:00

Adam Sandler's twin sister is coming for the holidays...and it aint pretty. Columbia Pictures presents the outrageous comedy “Jack and Jill” from director Dennis Dugan and starring Sandler, Katie Holmes and Al Pacino.

When you get together with your family for the holidays, everybody has that one family member who drives you crazy. They mean well, and you love them, but still…

For Jack (Sandler), that’s his sister – his twin sister – Jill (also played by Sandler). Growing up, their lives were incredibly intertwined. But ever since Jack moved away, they have moved in different directions. Jack has become a highly motivated and successful ad executive in L.A., while Jill was the one who stayed back east and took care of their parents. Now, they see each other only once a year, at Thanksgiving, when Jill comes to L.A. for a visit. Time and distance have taken a toll on their relationship – and now Jack finds himself enduring Jill’s annual visit, rather than enjoying it.

Still, it’s just a couple of days, right? Wrong. Jack and Jill get off on the wrong foot – just like always – and the only way Jack can make things right is to ask Jill to stay on through Hanukkah, giving her some time to enjoy everything L.A. has to offer, from game shows to horseback riding. Still, Jack isn’t exactly pleased that his sister is extending her trip…

And adding to Jack’s stress is the fact that things aren’t going all that well at his ad agency. His biggest client, Dunkin Donuts, is demanding that Jack deliver Al Pacino to perform in a new Dunkaccino commercial. Jack wonders how in the world he is going to get Pacino – does he even do commercials? – and his quest is intensified when he finds out that the famous actor is having a nervous breakdown and losing his mind. Having played one too many roles, the actor is starting to confuse reality with the parts he is playing and is acting out in some increasingly erratic ways.

When Jack takes Jill to see the Lakers, he approaches Pacino about the commercial, but is stunned when Pacino is much more interested in talking to Jill. It turns out that Jill reminds Pacino of everything he left behind – his boyhood home in the Bronx, his childhood – and for Pacino, who is preparing to play Don Quixote on stage, something clicks. Because he’s having trouble with reality, suddenly, Jill isn’t Jack’s wacky sister… she’s Dulcinea, Don Quixote’s idealized romantic love – and Pacino must conquer her affections to realize his quest.

Trouble is, Jill isn’t interested. But Pacino will not be brushed aside so easily. Inviting himself to Jack and Jill’s surprise birthday party, he sweeps Jill off her feet and takes her for a private party at his home – but Jill still isn’t biting, which only inflames Pacino’s passion (and insanity). It’s not clear who’s more upset – Jill, from the experience, or Jack, who thinks his chance to get Pacino could be over, or Pacino, who is completely losing it for Jill.

For Jack, now the shoe is on the other foot: he has to try to convince Jill to extend her trip even further and give Pacino one more shot. It’s a move that sets in motion a wild, outrageous series of events that reveals to Jack who the most important people in his life are – and have always been.

Opening soon across the Philippines, “Jack and Jill” 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.

Emile Hirsch in 3D movie: "The Darkest Hour"

2012-01-21T06:37:00.000-08:00

Emile Hirsch plays Sean, an upstart young software developer dispatched to Moscow, where he’s caught in the middle of an alien invasion in Chris Gorak’s “The Darkest Hour.”

Filmed on location in and around Moscow, the movie picks up the action in immersive 3D, after an alien attack. It follows Hirsch’s Sean and a ragtag group of survivors made up of actors Olivia Thirlby, Rachael Taylor, Joel Kinnaman and Max Minghella as they move around the city trying to hide from the invaders, who are cloaked in darkness.

A lifelong fan of science fiction, Hirsch cites “The Matrix” as his favorite sci-fi film, and worked with directors Larry and Andy Wachowski on “Speed Racer.” It was this love of the genre that drew him to “The Darkest Hour.”

Q: Who do you play in THE DARKEST HOUR?
A: I play a guy called Sean, who’s with his buddy Ben, played by Max Minghella. They’re software designers and they both come to Moscow to pitch a website that they’ve come up with. The deal goes badly and this shady Swedish businessman, played by Joel Kinnaman, dupes them. They’re at a bar nursing their wounds over a couple of beers and then suddenly, there’s this crazy invasion of aliens.

Q: What grabbed you about the script?
A: It seemed like a mixed genre movie, in the sense that it’s sci-fiction but there are also elements of horror and suspense. There are bits and pieces of “Jaws” and “28 Days Later.” Also, after AVATAR, which was one of the greatest movie going experiences I’ve ever had, I remember walking out of the theater and saying, “The next movie I make, I want to make it in 3D.” I wanted to be a part of the wave of the future, in a sense.

Q: Does it change the language of the performance you give, to deliver it in 3D?
A: Not for me. I know it does for the camera guys but we had a really sophisticated camera crew; They’re the same guys who made “Avatar.” It was fun because they had familiar American voices while we were far away in Moscow and that was comforting sometimes.

Q: How have you been enjoying shooting on location in Moscow?
A: Where I’m from in Los Angeles, people don’t really talk about Moscow and it isn’t a city that is visited by the people I know but I think that was also something that, when I read the script, offered a different angle. It was such an unfamiliar environment, so to set a story like this in a place that was alien to me made it a lot more interesting. It makes for a really exotic backdrop.

Q: You worked with Chris Gorak on “Lords of Dogtown” when he was a production designer. How have his talents transferred into directing?
A: I think that, in the case of Chris, he’s worked with so many amazing filmmakers in the capacity of being an art director and a production designer: Spielberg, Fincher, all these incredible directors, getting to work alongside them. He’s a very thoughtful and articulate guy. He takes his time. He’s not an egotist; he’s a sensitive artist. It’s really nice working on a movie like this with a director like him because if he were different I think it would make for a different kind of challenge.

Hirsch’s career on the big screen began in 2002, when he starred as Francis Doyle in Peter Care’s “The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys.” It was a performance that put him immediately on the map and led to a string of challenging roles in independent cinema. In 2004, he was introduced to Hollywood audiences starring as Matthew Kidman, the high school student who discovers he has a porn star neighbour, in “The Girl Next Door.” Alongside Elisha Cuthbert, Hirsch drew impressive reviews for the role and became one of America’s most exciting young performers in the process.

A steadfast refusal to be typecast ensured a remarkable list of credits to follow; the young actor has worked with high-profile directors including Sean Penn, Gus van Sant and Ang Lee.

It is with Penn that he has collaborated most, both as a co-star in “Milk” and as the lead in Penn’s Oscar-nominated directorial effort “Into The Wild” where Hirsh took the lead role and was nominated for a Screen Actors’ Guild award for Best Actor.

“The Darkest Hour” (3D) opens January 25 nationwide from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

“Chronicle” conceived in the era of YouTube

2012-01-21T06:18:00.000-08:00

There’s a new kind of high in the movie “Chronicle” among three best friends Andrew, Matt and Steve set in a very familiar American landscape – high school students in a campus where each fraction of a teen either make themselves seen or invisible. Directed by first time feature film director Josh Trank, James Dehaan, Alex Russell and Michael B. Jordan play the lead roles in this edgy teen movie where they pit on each other’s newly acquired superpowers.

Andrew (Dehaan) coming from a poor family with a rough background has always been the subject of bullying, Matt (Russell) is Andrew’s cousin in his senior year and has applied a nihilistic approach through his high school years and Steve (Jordan) is the most popular guy in their school whose congenial personality made him friends with even the most introvert kid in the campus. Together, they bonded in one wild night of partying when they discovered something unnatural in the woods. Naturally brash, they head deep down into the strange phenomenon to get up close – Andrew, who recently decided to document each day of his life brings his camera underground to record.

Upon close encounter, the three became frantic and suddenly the only light coming from Andrew’s camera went kaput. After surviving a deafening silence in darkness, days after the unexplained, the three became almost inseparable testing their newfound powers. It presented Andrew a plethora of opportunities to get even to those who’ve hurt and insulted him. Unbeknownst to Matt and Steve, Andrew is becoming stronger than them focusing on harnessing his power each day.

As Andrew’s motives becomes apparent, Matt and Steve try to help him cope with power and anger. Reinventing a whole new approach between (teen) hero and antagonist, Josh Trank presents “Chronicle” throwing out any preconceptions on superhero movie by starting afresh with a core group of well-realized characters. “I didn’t want to be too obsessed with making an homage or in making the movie a certain way,” Trank explains. “The whole mantra of “Chronicle” is just to go the opposite and make it as relatable as possible. Max and I, in characterizing these kids, wanted to make sure they were as normal and close to us as possible, but set them in middle class suburbia.”

The style of shooting helps make the tale all the more relatable. “The bar is that it has to feel real,” argues executive producer Dodson. “It has to feel like we were on YouTube, we were surfing around and we found a video – that this real thing happened and some cameraman caught it.” But Trank was keen not to deliver another nausea-inducing shaky-cam experience to his audience.

In the era of YouTube, the idea of teens documenting every aspect of their lives on videotape is no longer unprecedented. As good quality cameras get ever cheaper and the ability to upload and share footage with friends gets ever easier, young people are increasingly sharing their experiences with one another through a visual medium.

Says DeHaan: “I think a lot of scenes in this movie could become viral hits if they were just two minutes on YouTube. But they've taken all these moments and made a very thorough narrative out of them. It really does blend the modern question of what’s become of video with the old-school superhero film.”

“This generation in high school is the most self-photographed generation ever because every single person has a camera on them now,” says Trank. “It’s exciting because we can create this new style of shooting things – fictional stories about people – without having to do it in the way everybody’s been doing it for the last hundred years.”

Uncontrolled teen powers unleash when “Chronicle” opens in cinemas on February 2 nationwide from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

SNEAK PEEK: “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close”

2012-01-21T06:02:00.000-08:00

From three-time Academy Award® nominated director Stephen Daldry (“Billy Elliot,” “The Reader,” “The Hours”) comes the poignant drama “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close.”

The Warner Bros. film stars Academy Award® winners Tom Hanks (“Forrest Gump,” “Philadelphia”) and Sandra Bullock (“The Blind Side”) along with newcomer Thomas Horn in the role of Oskar, and was produced by Scott Rudin (“No Country for Old Men,” “The Social Network,” “True Grit”).

The screenplay is by Academy Award® winner Eric Roth (“Forrest Gump,” “The Insider”), based on Jonathan Safran Foer’s acclaimed bestseller.

“Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close” is a story that unfolds from inside the young mind of Oskar Schell, an inventive eleven year-old New Yorker whose discovery of a key in his deceased father’s belongings sets him off on an urgent search across the city for the lock it will open. A year after his father died in the World Trade Center on what Oskar calls “The Worst Day,” he is determined to keep his vital connection to the man who playfully cajoled him into confronting his wildest fears. Now, as Oskar crosses the five New York boroughs in quest of the missing lock – encountering an eclectic assortment of people who are each survivors in their own way – he begins to uncover unseen links to the father he misses, to the mother who seems so far away from him and to the whole noisy, dangerous, discombobulating world around him.

The film also stars Academy Award® nominees Max von Sydow (“Shutter Island,” “The Diving Bell and the Butterfly,” “Pelle the Conqueror”) and Viola Davis (“Doubt,” “The Help”), John Goodman, Jeffrey Wright and Zoe Caldwell.

Opening soon across the Philippines, “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close” is distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

The Force is Back in 3D “Star Wars Episode 1 The Phantom Menace”

2012-01-21T05:42:00.000-08:00

From visionary filmmaker George Lucas, “Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace” is back with an immersive 3D dimension for a richer cinematic experience.

Following the first acclaimed and hugely successful Star Wars films, ”Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace" was released in 1999. The movie starred Liam Neeson as Qui-Gon Jinn and Ewan McGregor as his apprentice Obi-Wan-Kenobi, a determined young Jedi Knight. Natalie Portman played Queen Amidala. Jake Lloyd starred as Anakin Skywalker. It is a fantastically exciting adventure set 32 years before the events of the original.

Writer, director and producer George Lucas is the creator of the phenomenally successful Star Wars saga and the Indiana Jones series. Lucas directed his first feature film, THX 1138, in 1970. In 1971, Lucas formed his own film company, Lucasfilm Ltd. In 1973, he co-wrote and directed AMERICAN GRAFFITI. Four years later, Lucas wrote and directed STAR WARS, which broke all box office records and earned seven Oscars.

The Star Wars saga is a modern-day fairy tale reflecting the vision of George Lucas. Lucas imbued this new myth with pieces of American pop culture, including movie westerns, swashbucklers and – for seasoning – Japanese samurai epics. Star Wars was also a reaction against Watergate, Vietnam and other periods of domestic turmoil that seemed to undermine the concept of the hero for disillusioned Americans.
With the Star Wars saga, Lucas decided to bring together these recognizable, modern-day threads under the umbrella of the basic mythic structure – the journey of the hero – that has been in place for thousands of years, in hundreds of civilizations. With its mix of the traditional and the modern, Star Wars’ new mythology thrilled young and old alike.

Now, with, Lucas takes us back to the beginning, in which Darth Vader is a hopeful nine-year-old boy named Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi is a determined young Jedi knight. This first chapter, which is rich in art, design, costumes, architecture and technology, follows Anakin’s journey as he pursues his dreams and confronts his fears in the midst of a galaxy in turmoil.

“Star Wars Episode 1 Phantom Menace” (3D) opens February 9 in all 3D cinemas in Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao, Laguna, Ilocos, Dagupan, Baguio, Tarlac, Pampanga, Clark, Bicol, Bohol, Tacloban, Gensan, Bacolod, Dumaguete, Iloilo and Cagayan De Oro.

Timur Bekmambetov delivers the latest special effects in “Darkest Hour” 3D

2012-01-17T06:17:00.000-08:00

Visionary filmmaker Timur Bekmambetov who gave us the highly-stylized action packed “Wanted” and “Night Watch” produces the latest in mind-blowing special effects in the 3D thriller “Darkest Hour” starring Emile Hirsch, Max Minghella, Olivia Thirlby and Rachael Taylor.

Director Chris Gorak pits young internet entrepreneurs Sean (Hirsch) and Ben (Minghella) who arrive in Moscow amidst a mysterious lightening storm. Upon landing in the vibrant Russian capital to pursue their business dreams in the international economic center yet full of unscrupulous business practices, they met up with travelers Natalie (Thirlby) and Anne (Taylor) who are stranded in Moscow en route to Nepal.

The two pairs of best friends meet amid the glitz and glamour of the Zvezda Nightclub, the hot spot for the international and the beautiful in Moscow, including the young turk Skylar (Joel Kinnaman), the Swedish businessman who duped Sean and Ben. A mecca for the globe trotting youth, supermodels, and business elite congregating in Moscow, the club is quickly transformed to a scene of terror when the aliens invade and everything goes dark.

After surviving the initial attack hiding underground, days later the five emerge into the confines of a Moscow that’s become increasingly alien – the once pulsating city is now without power and is all but deserted, yet occupied by a force they don’t understand. Made up of electromagnetic wave energy, the alien beings kill brutally by shredding earthly life forms, reducing those in their way to their molecular structure instantly.
The aliens are also basically invisible to humans, however anything electrical gives them away. Daytime is now dangerous, so the survivors learn to travel across the city in the safety of night, while confronting their individual reactions to these extraordinary circumstances where everything familiar is gone.

Bekmambetov was happy to participate as a producer. “Producing and directing for me, is almost the same. When you’re directing, you’re not shooting, you’re not acting yourself, you’re not dressing actors… you’re directing,” explains Bekmambetov. “The producer is also managing processes - people and expectations - so for me to produce means you have the movie in your head and you have to find the right people to make it. It’s almost the same thing. You’re not screaming rolling on the set, but you’re still finding the right people and the right strategy.”

“Originally, maybe 4 years ago, it was scripted in a small American town. The first time I spoke with (co-producer) Tom Jacobson, I said ‘Can we move it to Moscow?’ When you change the point of view it becomes an interesting project immediately. Like King Kong in Moscow would be a big deal, King Kong in New York nobody wants to play that game because it’s been done,” comments Bekmambetov. “It’s still quite intriguing for the viewer to be here because not so many western movies are made in Moscow. It makes the movie cool immediately.”

“Timur and his team have been fantastic collaborators throughout the process. Early on, Tom, Monnie and I meet with Timur at his house in Los Angeles and had creative sessions that were really productive,” says director Gorak. “Timur is an incredible creative filmmaker in his own right, and he added touches to our alien design, movement, and activity. Their subtle existence and dangers of the alien and how to present that to the audience.”

Gorak continues, “Timur always adds that little touch to make it special… he's really good at that. What was the enemy and what were the rules of the enemy. Timur likes to police the mythology of the science fiction. What are these aliens, what are they made up of, what do they want? We had a lot of discussions about that, which then leads to those fun moments in the story for example, of scattering light bulbs as a warning device. Those kinds of moments that Timur adds can become classic indelible images.”

Bekmambetov sees this project as a stepping stone for the Russian film industry. “This is the first big Hollywood movie that will all be made in Russia. We’ve shot parts of western movies here – a few shooting days on Get Smart, a Bourne movie with a piece made in Moscow – but nobody has made a whole Hollywood movie in Russia. It’s very helpful and important for our production company Bazelev because people learn how to work in system. It will help me in the future to make more movies here in Russia,” says Bekmambetov. “In our visual effects area, we have young people working with American producers and visual effects supervisor. The young Russian guys are learning a lot and at the end, we will have a great team who can then make another movie.”

“Darkest Hour” (3D) opens in cinemas on January 25 from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

SNEAK PEEK: The Vow

2012-01-17T05:56:00.000-08:00

Columbia Pictures has just released the international posters of its upcoming romantic drama “The Vow” starring Channing Tatum and Rachel McAdams.

"The Vow” is the real-life story of a newlywed New Mexico couple who were struck by tragedy shortly after their marriage. A car crash puts the wife (McAdams) in a coma, where she is cared for by her devoted husband (Tatum). When she comes to, without any memory of her husband or their marriage, the husband must woo her and ultimately win her heart once again.

Directed by Michael Sucsy, “The Vow” is written by Abby Kohn & Marc Silverstein and Jason Katims, with story by Stuart Sender. The film also stars Sam Neill, Scott Speedman and Jessica Lange.

Opening across the Philippines in February 2012, “The Vow” is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Visit www.columbiapictures.com.ph to see the latest trailers, get free downloads and play free movie games.

Megastar Sharon Cuneta shares mommy skills on Kumare Klub this week

2012-01-17T05:35:00.000-08:00

After signing up with the Kapatid Network, Megastar Sharon Cuneta marks her first guesting on a TV5 program via morning show Kumare Klub this week.

The Megastar talks about how she rears her daughters KC, Frankie, Miel and Miguel on “Parentin” segment this Wednesday (January 18). Interviewed by Nyora Chiqui Roa-Puno, Sharon talks about her role as a mom to her four children and wife to Sen. Kiko Pangilinan. She also gives tips on how she maintains a relatively healthy lifestyle despite her busy schedule. On Thursday (January 19), the Megastar reveals her favourite dishes and guilty pleasures on “Okay Ka Lang?” segment.

On “Kumare Chika” segment this Friday (January 20), Sharon finally opens up about her eldest daughter KC after the latter’s controversial breakup with actor Piolo Pascual. She also reveals how they were able to share laughter and tears on their recent trip to the US.

Don’t miss the Megastar throughout the week on “Kumare Klub,” 7am-8am after “Sapul sa Singko” on TV5 (with simulcast telecast on Aksyon TV Channel 41).

Chipmunks’ Chipwreck on a character-changing Adventure

2012-01-13T22:06:00.000-08:00

The Chipmunks are back as you’ve never seen them before in character-changing adventure that caught them by surprise in “Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked.”

As the story opens, The Chipmunks, Chipettes, and their eternally beleaguered guardian, Dave Seville, are en route, on a luxury cruise liner, to the International Music Awards. Alvin, of course, cannot resist wreaking havoc on this ultimate playground. . He attempts to steer the vessel, takes over the hot tubs, and dons a tuxedo – secret agent style – to work the baccarat and blackjack tables.

Jason Lee who reprises his role as Dave Seville relates that “As always, the operative words for Alvin are ‘chaos’ and ‘action.’ It’s his first time out of the city, and he wants to make the most of it. Dave isn’t happy about Alvin’s shipboard antics – and lets him know it. It’s not easy to be sympathetic, likable and charismatic when you’re screaming ‘ALVIIIIIN!’ so loudly you’re breaking windows around you!”

The unexpected flight is on a runaway kite that whisks the Munks and Chipettes to their new home in a deserted island. In a way, it’s a kind of homecoming for the boys, though not necessarily a welcome one. Justin Long, who voices Alvin shares - “Alvin wouldn’t be Alvin if he didn’t trigger and lead the mayhem. It’s the Alvin we know and love…at least, at first glance. He’s the reason they become chipwrecked.”
The new home takes the chipmunks completely out of their element after being pampered and domesticated – in the movie, their adventures are amped by heroic scrapes, narrow escapes, and huge escapades.

Adding to the adventure is the appearance of a character new to the Chipmunks universe – “Simone,” a swashbuckling Frenchman with a taste for adventure and a lust for life. If Simone looks familiar, it’s because he’s the alter-ego (and polar opposite) of buttoned-up and brainy Chipmunk, Simon, who transforms into Simone after he’s bitten by a tropical spider. (Simon is again voiced by Matthew Gray Gubler while Simone is voiced by Alan Tudyk).

“For most of the movie, Simon is not even Simon; he’s Simone. But by the end of this adventure, Simon learns there’s a little bit of Simone in all of us. Simon’s transformation leads to changes for Alvin,” says Gubler.

“Simone acts before he thinks; he’s very much about derring-do, no matter what the real-world consequences. In a way, he’s become like a turbo-charged European version of Alvin. So now, to ensure that The Chipmunks make it off the island, Alvin has to step up and be the logical, responsible one. Alvin becomes Simon -- and a little bit, like Dave,” Janice Karman, the movie’s producer further explains.

“A key theme in this movie is about the Chipmunks growing up, and how hard it is for a parent – in this case, Dave – to let his kids be independent. But kids (and chipmunks) are going to grow up and they’re going to be independent. It’s inevitable, of course. I think that idea is going to resonate with kids and parents. Everyone can relate to the story, even though it’s a singing/dancing/adventure-seeking Chipmunk movie,” director Mike Mitchell concludes.

“Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked” opens January 8 (Sunday) in theaters nationwide from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

Songmakers’ Almanac Opens MCO’s 2012 Season

2012-01-13T21:52:00.000-08:00

The Manila Chamber Orchestra Foundation in partnership with the Filipinas Heritage Library opens its 2012 Season with “Songmakers’ Almanac”, a series of concerts giving tribute to Art Songs on February 2, 10,11 & 17, 2012 at 6:30 p.m. at the Filipinas Heritage Library (formerly Nielson Tower) Ayala Ave. cor Makati Ave., Makati City. This series will be a wonderful Valentine musical treat.

The “Songmakers’ Almanac” series:

Concert 1 (February 2): Art Songs: A Retrospect - will feature the artistry of tenor Randy Gilongo and pianist Peter Porticos who will provide insights on the beauty of Art Songs. This annotated concert will be a historical journey on the evolution of Art Songs from the early 18th century to the present.

Concert 2 (February 10): Les Chansons Chants d’amour will feature the multi-awarded soprano Camille Lopez Molina with pianist Najib Ismail in an evening of Love Songs which includes some of the most beautiful compositions written by Goethe, Heine, Schiller, Schumann, Wolf and Schubert. A must for every music lover!

Concert 3 (February 11): Reminiscences: Love Songs from the Screen, features the artistry of Oggie Benipayo with soprano Thea Perez and pianist/composer Jed Balsamo for an evening of nostalgic love affairs with music from movies that touches our heart such as “An Affair to Remember”, “You must love me” from Evita, “Nobody wants to be lonely” from Phantom of the Opera as well as our very own “Ikaw Lamang” from the heartbreaking love story “Dubai”. This is also a fund raising concert for the Recovery Circle Foundation.

Concert 4 (February 17): American Songbook: Love songs from the American musicals features the unique tandem of soprano Nenen Espina, tenor Ronan Ferrer and pianist Michael Lopez. A journey through songs that has inspired us to love, be loved and to love again such as Kern’s “Someone to Watch over Me”, “The Way You Look Tonight”, “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes”.

For tickets, please call Ticketworld at 891-9999, MCO Foundation at 750-0768 or 0920-954-0053 and Filipinas Heritage Library (892-1801). Tickets at Php 500 and Php 300.

The MCO Foundation, established in 1985, a non-stock, non-profit cultural foundation dedicated to the promotion of classical and cultural arts. This concert is made possible in partnership with Lyric Piano and Organ, BusinessWorld, HighLife and Novellino Wines.

David Archuleta stars in "Nandito Ako"

2012-01-13T21:22:00.000-08:00

After signing a contract with TV5, David Archuleta's first teleserye in the Philippines is entitled Nandito Ako. As earlier reported, he'll be paired with TV5's homegrown talents Jasmine Curtis-Smith and Eula Caballero.

Originally, Nandito Ako was sang by world-class Filipino singer Ms. Lea Salonga but everyone's expecting a David Archuleta version of the classic song.

This newest Kapatid teleserye is going to be an exciting show!

Daniel Craig chases the Truth in “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”

2012-01-13T06:39:00.000-08:00

His unique balance of depth and charm won him the role of James Bond in “Casino Royale” and “Quantum of Solace.” Now, Daniel Craig plays crusading journalist Mikael Blomkvist who's tasked to find the truth behind the long-unsolved disappearance of an heiress, in Columbia Pictures searing thriller, “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.”

Much like author Stieg Larsson was before his death, the character of Mikael Blomkvist is an investigative journalist dedicated to rooting out corruption in finance and government. As co-owner of the upscale magazine, Millennium, he is hardly an activist, but he has been known to go too far -- getting into legal, and even mortal, peril due to his merciless investigations of the powerful and wealthy.

“It’s really Blomkvist’s movie, because he’s the way in,” says director David Fincher. “He’s the more conventional character and Lisbeth Salander is the satellite who orbits him. We needed someone like Daniel, someone who not only has tremendous movie appeal but God-given acting chops. He is so good, you can mine his nuances.”

Like many people, Craig had read the novel The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo shortly after its publication, in the midst of the initial craze. “Someone gave me a copy of it on holiday and I read it in two days,” he recalls. “It’s one of those books you just don’t put down. There’s just this immediate feeling that bad things are going to happen and I think that’s part of why they’ve been so readable for people.”

Even then, he found himself inexorably drawn to Lisbeth Salander. “I think what is interesting about her is that even though she is a victim of sexual violence, she never psychologically becomes a victim,” Craig observes. “Her strength and the way she can take a knock, get up and carry on is something I think people really hook into.”

The book simmered in his consciousness, but it was the creative team who came together to bring it to the screen that made the role of Blomkvist a done deal for Craig. “It was already a good story, but the combination of David as director and Steven Zaillian’s script made it incredibly exciting for me,” he says. “I had confidence in the material, and confidence in their visual ideas.”

From the start, he also had an affinity for Blomkvist. “I like his attitude, I like his politics, I like the way he’s all mixed up but in interesting ways,” Craig comments. “He’s fighting the good fight, trying to uncover corruption and to be an influential journalist, if that’s still possible.”

Steven Zaillian was impressed with the way Craig slipped into the role. “Blomkvist is a guy who’s not quite as tough as he’d like to be, but who is a really good, decent guy. Daniel was great playing that,” he observes. “His role is every bit as complicated as Salander’s.”

Craig made the decision early on not to adopt any extreme accent for the role, but to keep Blomkvist’s manner of speaking more natural, as befits the cosmopolitan culture of Stockholm. “I went for something very plain,” he explains. “David and I talked about it and we both didn’t want an accent to get in the way of the character. Really, many Swedes speak incredibly good English, both with and without accents. I just felt that was the way to go. Blomkvist is well traveled, he’s been all over the world, he’s been listening to the BBC since he was six and I think this is the person he is.”

After having wanted to do so for a long time, working with Fincher was exhilarating for Craig – despite the challenges. “David is known for doing a lot of takes and we did our fair share, but that never bothered me,” Craig says. “We can do takes all day long as far as I’m concerned if something good is coming out if it, as long as we are still creating every time we do. David is also very specific and – what’s the nicest way to say it? – particular. But once you see the way he builds a scene brick by brick, it’s an easy process to relax into. You give yourself over to it, knowing he’s got his eye on all the important details.”

Craig notes he was in the best shape of his life when he was cast, which was not quite right for a journalist who spends much of his time hovering over a desk or interviewing sources. “David told me to get fatter, and it was a struggle, but I managed,” he laughs.

Physical challenges did come, especially in the climactic scenes of the film, but Craig notes that even in those scenes, his focus was more inward. “Those final scenes are at a high level of emotion for Blomkvist,” he summarizes.

Opening soon across the Philippines, “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” 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.

Jason Segel, the force behind Disney's “The Muppets”

2012-01-10T05:47:00.000-08:00

Comic actor Jason Segel (“I Love You, Man” TV's “How I Met Your Mother”) is the moving force behind the return of Kermit the Frog and the rest of the gang in Walt Disney Pictures' new comedy “The Muppets.” Says producer Todd Lieberman, “Jason was super passionate about the Muppets and a massive fan. He was the spark.”

Segel was so passionate about the project, he not only helped write the script, he wrote a part for himself—a part that required him to sing, dance and act opposite some of the most iconic characters in the world. “In the finale of the movie there are 200 extras, 100 dancers and 50 Muppets,” says Segel. “It was very surreal and it happened to take place on my birthday. I walked out from my trailer thinking I was coming to film, and everyone sang ‘Happy Birthday,’ including the Muppets. I kept thinking, ‘I’ve tricked everyone. Somehow I’ve made this weird childhood dream come true.’ It was the craziest thing ever.”

In the film, Segel plays Gary, the loyal brother of Walter who is probably the world's No. 1 fan of The Muppets. “Gary is from Smalltown, USA,” says Segel who created the role with himself in mind. “He’s very naive, sweet and innocent, and he’s very much in love with his girlfriend, Mary. He’s torn between his brother and growing into a new phase of maturation where it’s time to be with his girlfriend. He’s lived with his brother forever, so that is his big struggle.”

The plot thickens when the Gary, Walter and Mary (Amy Adams) decide to take a vacation. Says Segel, “The movie starts out with me and my brother, Walter, whose wildest fantasy is to meet the Muppets. My goal is to take a vacation to L.A. with my girlfriend, Mary. So we all come to L.A., and while taking a tour of Muppet Studios, which is now decrepit, we find out that they’re going to be torn down to drill for oil. So we have to find Kermit, reunite the Muppets—who have disbanded because of professional rivalries—and put on a show to raise enough money to save the studio.”

Gary throws himself into the effort, putting his relationship with Mary on the back burner—again. Will he ever be able to grow up and embrace true love?

Segel says it’s the Muppets’ sense of humor that differentiates them. “Modern comedy makes jokes at other people’s expense,” says the actor.. “The Muppets never make fun of anybody. They’re all about being good and nice and trying to make the world a better place. It’s easy to get a laugh out of making fun of somebody, but the Muppets never relied on that.”

Jason Segel first gained wide attention for his role in Judd Apatow’s hit comedy “Knocked Up.” He subsequently wrote the screenplay, and starred as Peter, for director Nicholas Stoller’s “Forgetting Sarah Marshall.” He also served as co-producer and received a writing credit on that film’s sequel, “Get Him to the Greek.”

Segel’s other feature-film acting credits include “Bad Teacher,” “Gulliver’s Travels” and “I Love You, Man.” In addition he provided the voice for Vector in the animated hit “Despicable Me.”

On television Segel currently stars as Marshall opposite Alyson Hannigan, Josh Radnor and Neil Patrick Harris, on the hit CBS comedy series “How I Met Your Mother.” He had a recurring role as Eric on the Fox series “Undeclared,” produced by Judd Apatow. He also portrayed Nick Andopolis, a lanky, fun-loving freak dreaming of stardom as a rock-and-roll drummer on Apatow’s Emmy® Award–nominated NBC series “Freaks and Geeks.”

Opening soon across the Philippines, “The Muppets” is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International through Columbia Pictures.

Phil and James Younghusband on TV5’s Anggulo this Wednesday

2012-01-09T07:16:00.000-08:00

Born just eleven months apart in Middlesex, England to a Filipina mother and a British father, Phil and James Younghusband have become the poster boys of local football after they made a swing from Europe—as part of the youth and reserve teams of England’s premier football club Chelsea—to Asia as lead athletes of Philippine national football team Azkals. This Wednesday (January 11), Anggulo tackles the days in the lives of local football celebrities James and Phil Younghusband on TV5 and Aksyon TV.

The names Phil and James have almost become synonymous with the prominence of football in the country. But despite their commonalities, the two seem to take different paths. Striker Phil once joined a celebrity singing competition and has a celebrity steady date in the person of Angel Locsin. The usually shy, midfielder James, on the other hand, continues to link football and their fame. He says he wanted to use their popularity in order to promote football in the country and wants it to be a sports for the working class too and not just for the elite.

Together they have put up The Younghusband Football Academy (TYFA), a football tutorial program which they bring all over the country. They also constantly strike a pose in front of the camera as models and endorsers of different products, and serve as football ambassadors of AKTV, the sports block of TV5.

Join award-winning broadcast journalist Luchi Cruz-Valdes and senior reporters Roices Naguit-Sibal, Maricel Halili and Ina Zara as they take a shot on getting James’ and Phil’s insights on football, family and fame this Wednesday (January 11), 10:15pm (after P.S. I Love You) on TV5; with a one-hour Producer’s Cut at earlier timeslot (7:30pm) over Aksyon TV (Channel 41 in Mega Manila, Channel 29 in Metro Cebu and Davao, Channel 1 on Cignal Digital TV and Channel 59 on Sky Cable).

Armie Hammer plays “J. Edgar's” rumored lover

2012-01-09T07:00:00.000-08:00

He received universal acclaim for portraying the Winklevoss twins in 2010's “The Social Network.” Now, Armie Hammer follows-up that success with a dramatic turn in Warner Bros.' new, controversial biopic, “J. Edgar” starring Leonardo DiCaprio and directed by Clint Eastwood. Hammer plays Clyde Tolson, J. Edgar Hoover's closest colleague and constant companion – a performance for which he recently got nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the Screen Actors Guild.

Trust was vital to the legendary Hoover – director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation for nearly 50 years -- though he bestowed his trust on only a few individuals over the course of his lifetime, those few he felt were truly loyal to him. In order to paint a complete portrait of the man, it was critical to the filmmakers to capture those key relationships that helped reflect and reveal who he was, beginning with his friend, Clyde Tolson.

From producer Brian Grazer’s perspective, “The relationship these two men had was one of companionship and joy, but also loneliness and isolation. They were both a product of their time.”

DiCaprio says, “They ate lunch and dinner together every day, went on vacations together. Whether they were together in any other respect…well, no one living knows the truth. In the film, it’s seen as almost an unrequited love, but a lasting one, nonetheless.”

Hammer says that, whatever their personal relationship, “Clyde was always dutifully by the Director’s side, literally his right-hand man. That was just the way they operated.”

Armie was terrific as Tolson,” Grazer states. “He was so polished in the part and brought a very subtle but tangible energy to the role, and he had a very natural rapport with Leo.”

Though there was not nearly as much information to be found about Tolson as there was Hoover, Hammer dug deep to learn about his character. “I hired a professional researcher, and she helped me find everything that’s out there on Tolson, even his junior high school year book,” he says. “According to some of the old FBI guys he was very observant, often the smartest man in the room. He was nicknamed ‘the human computer’ because he had a photographic memory. So even apart from any attraction there might have been, it’s easy to see why Hoover would rely on him so heavily.”

Hammer is emerging as one of Hollywood’s most promising young actors. His performance as the Winklevoss twins in the award-winning film “The Social Network” garnered him critical praise and positioned him as one of Hollywood’s breakouts of the year. Hammer was nominated Most Promising Performer by the Chicago Film Critics Association, and awarded Best Supporting Actor by the Toronto Film Critics Association. The film received a Screen Actors Guild Award® nomination for Best Ensemble as well as Best Picture at the Golden Globes, and eight Academy Award® nominations, of which it won three.
In 2012, Hammer will begin production on “The Lone Ranger,” in the title role, alongside Johnny Depp and under the direction of Gore Verbinski.

Opening soon across the Philippines, “J. Edgar” was produced under the banners of Imagine Entertainment and Malpaso. The film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

Young stars shine in Fox's family films

2012-01-09T06:40:00.000-08:00

Innately talented young actors Maggie Elizabeth Jones, Elle Fanning, Colin Ford, Shailene Woodley and Amara Miller shine brightly on their own footing in upcoming movies from 20th Century Fox – “We Bought A Zoo” and “The Descendants.”

In “We Bought A Zoo” starring Matt Damon and directed by Cameron Crowe – Elle Fanning, Maggie Elizabeth Jones and Colin Ford take turns in keeping that familial warmth of the movie where Benjamin Mee (Matt Damon) buys a house with a zoo in order to give his family a fresh start in life. What begins as a rather impulsive fantasy turns into a daunting life-changing journey that is exciting, emotionally taxing, exceedingly labor intensive, often hilarious but ultimately more rewarding than even he could have ever imagined.

Elle Fanning, plays the young bubbly beauty Lily Miska, who lives and helps out at the zoo and its restaurant. When the Mees move in, she becomes fascinated with Benjamin’s teenage son Dylan. “Lily lives in her own world,” says Fanning, who celebrated her 13th birthday during production of the movie. “ Dylan is like an exotic creature to her. She starts wearing makeup and tries to flirt with him, but she doesn’t really know how because she’s never had a crush on a boy. Lily tries hard to impress Dylan.”

To portray the Mee children, the filmmakers conducted a nationwide search and online open casting call before eventually deciding on Colin Ford, and relative newcomer Maggie Elizabeth Jones, both natives of Atlanta, Georgia.

Colin Ford’s Dylan is having a difficult time in his new environment. “He doesn’t see eye-to-eye with his father,” says Ford. “Dylan defies him – he’s a real smart aleck – and does anything to get underneath his skin.”

Currently making waves for her role as Rosie is Maggie Elizabeth Jones as the daughter of Matt Damon, who is full of joy, imagination and optimism. She’s an old soul who’s almost like a caretaker to her beleaguered father. Jones recently made her acting debut in “Footloose.”

On casting these three wonders, “Sometimes it takes months to find the right kids but we found fresh young actors who did not have a lot of cute habits from doing a lot of movies or commercials or television shows in which the characters have to be cute. We try to capture real life as best we can in movies so it is important to find actors who are natural. Colin Ford, who plays Dylan Mee, had a few credits but he had not done a lot of work and was great. Maggie Jones had barely done anything but she has a very strong relationship with her mother, who rehearses with her on her lines. That girl is one of the most prepared actresses I’ve ever worked with. And of course Elle Fanning was wonderful as Lily. The kids all helped us to tell a real story about parenting,” director Crowe shares.

Shailene Woodley who appears with George Clooney in “The Descendants” has recently won the Spotlight Award in the recently concluded Hollywood Film Festival. In addition, her remarkable and in-depth take as the rebellious daughter of Clooney in the movie earned her numerous nominations such as the Golden Globes (Best Supporting Actress), Gotham Awards (Best Ensemble Performance) and Independent Spirit Awards (Best Supporting Female).

Based on Kaui Hart Hemmings’ acclaimed debut novel, “The Descendants” sees Matt King (George Clooney), a husband and father of two girls, who must re-examine his past and navigate his future when his wife is in a boating accident off Waikiki. He awkwardly attempts to repair his relationship with his daughters - 10 year-old precocious Scottie (Amara Miller) and rebellious 17 year-old Alexandra (Shailene Woodley) - while wrestling with a decision to sell his family’s land.

Finding two young actresses who were capable of holding their own against Clooney in the roles of his two willful and defiant daughters Alexandra and Scottie, who resent Matt for never having been an involved parent until now is key to the film’s emotional core. For Alexandra, director Payne ultimately chose Shailene Woodley, best known for the television series “The Secret Life of the American Teenager.”

Woodley was thrilled because, by the time she auditioned, she was already in love with the story. “It’s a heart-wrenching journey about growth,” she comments. “I love how everybody in the story grows in their ability to love, grows in maturity, in figuring out their individuality and who they are as a family.”

Even though Matt King is trying to re-establish a connection with his kids, he finds youngest daughter Scottie a complete mystery, almost an alien life form, with whom communication of any kind is an iffy prospect. To find a young actress who could handle the humor and heartache of playing a pre-adolescent eccentric, Payne saw more than 300 girls from around the country. He still hadn’t found the right candidate with shooting about to start.

That’s when he encountered Amara Miller, a promising nine year-old newcomer from Pacific Grove, California. He received an e-mail with her videotaped audition and recalls that “about a minute into it I just said, ‘oh that’s her.’ I don’t need to see her. I knew that she was the one. I just knew she would show up. And like many things in life, she did, but in the most unpredictable way.”
Adds producer Jim Burke: “Amara walked on the set like an old pro. She’s a natural. She’d never been in a movie before but she was amazing.”

For Payne, working with Miller – his first time directing a child in a major role – was no different from the adult cast. “The great thing about working with Amara is that I didn’t have to treat her like a little girl. I could just tell she was an instinctive actress. I could just say, ‘No, do it more like this.’ Or, ‘Please put a small pause between these two lines.’ The way to treat people in general, and actors in particular, is to tell them the truth,” he sums up. “I was always able to do that with Amara.”

TV5 celebrates with Cebuanos in “Sugod mga Kapatid Sa Sinulog 2012”

2012-01-09T06:04:00.000-08:00

TV5 and its sports and news platforms—sports channel AKTV and 24/7 news channel Aksyon TV—join Cebuanos in celebrating one of the country’s grandest and most colorful religious events, the Sinulog Festival, happening in the whole province of Cebu simultaneously this week.

The Kapatid Network and its affiliate platforms roll out week-long activities to make the festivity even more meaningful to the Cebuanos via “Sugod mga Kapatid sa Sinulog 2012,” kicking off with the participation of United Football League (UFL) at the 2nd Cebu Sports Commission Football Championships that happened last weekend (January 7 to 8). UFL players such as Mark Hartmann, Misagh Bahadoran, Jose Paolo Pascual, Nestorio Margase and Lexton Moy were warmly received by Cebuano football fans during the event at San Roque and USC football fields. (The UFL series of games starts on Saturday, January 14, on AKTV on IBC)

TV5 also holds daily open TV viewing marathon at Fuente Osmeña Circle from January 9 to 12, 1 to 5pm, featuring shows like Glamorosa, PS I Love You, Pinoy Explorer and Talentadong Pinoy.
The country’s most awarded and biggest talent show, Talentadong Pinoy, is slated to hold auditions at Fuente Osmeña Circle on Thursday (January 12) from 4 to 5pm.

TV5 also hosts “Sugod mga Kapatid sa Sinulog Show,” a gathering of the brightest Kapatid stars such as Ruffa Gutierrez, Wendell Ramos and Edu Manzano on Thursday, 5 to 7pm. TV5 princesses Alex Gonzaga, Arci Muñoz, Danita Paner, Ritz Azul and Cebu’s pride Eula Caballero with primetime prince JC de Vera, Nina Jose and also Cebu’s own Morisette Amon will charm Cebuanos with their performances there. Empoy Marquez, Andrew E., Faith Cuneta and Talentadong Pinoy champ AstroBoy are also expected to join the show.

Come Sunday, January 15, NEWS5—the news and information division of TV5—is geared up to cover the main festival’s event to be aired on Aksyon TV from 8am to 8pm. TV5’s 24/7 news channel is committed to share the colorful sights and sounds of Sinulog Festival from Cebu to the rest of the Philippines. Stay tuned for the coverage of Sinulog Festival with NEWS5 Manila and Cebu, headlined by Aksyon Bisaya anchors Atty. Ruphil Bañoc and Lanne Sino Cruz.

Aksyon TV can be viewed on Channel 41 in Mega Manila, Channel 29 in Metro Cebu and Davao, Channel 1 on Cignal Digital TV, and Channel 59 on Sky Cable.

Sneak Peek: “Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance”

2012-01-08T03:26:00.000-08:00

Nicolas Cage reprises his role as Johnny Blaze in Warner Bros.' new action-thriller “Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance.” In this gritty new vision for the character, directed by Neveldine/Taylor (“Crank”), Johnny is still struggling with his curse as the devil’s bounty hunter – but he may risk everything as he teams up with the leader of a group of rebel monks (Idris Elba) to save a young boy from the devil… and possibly rid himself of his curse forever.

“Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance” is written by Scott M. Gimple & Seth Hoffman and David S. Goyer, with a story by Goyer based on the Marvel Comic.

The producers are Steven Paul, Ashok Amritraj, Michael De Luca, Avi Arad, Ari Arad; while the executive producers are E. Bennett Walsh, David S. Goyer, Stan Lee and Mark Steven Johnson.

Joining Cage in the cast are Ciarán Hinds, Violante Placido, Johnny Whitworth, Christopher Lambert and Idris Elba.

Opening across the Philippines on February 2012, “Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance” is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

Scarlett Johansson's softie yet toughie role in "We Bought A Zoo”

2012-01-08T03:05:00.000-08:00

In Cameron Crowe’s inspiring new film,” We Bought A Zoo,” Scarlett Johansson plays Kelly Foster, a plucky and hard working young woman who is dedicated to her job as a zoo keeper and passionate about the animals in her care.

Benjamin Mee (Matt Damon) buys the zoo, Rosemoor Animal Park, in order to give his family a fresh start in life. His wife Katherine has recently died and he is looking for a new direction for himself and his two young children. Running and restoring a dilapidated zoo is ostensibly an odd choice and Mee definitely takes on more than he bargained for. With the help of an eclectic staff and with an assortment of adventures along the way, the family works to return the run down zoo to its former glory and to heal their own pain.

Q: What type of woman is Kelly in this movie?
A: “Kelly is incredibly driven and focused. She has dedicated her entire life to her job and she actually says in the film, ‘I don't have a life, this is my whole life. I come here from morning to night and my friends are out enjoying themselves with different guys and going to bars. I don't do any of that stuff.’

Q: What was the appeal and challenge of this character for you?
A: “What I love about Kelly is that she’s so totally matter of fact. There’s nothing about her that’s vindictive. She doesn’t really want anything from anybody except for an honest day’s work and I appreciate that sentiment. I have never had the opportunity to really play a girl who’s very pure and straightforward in her thinking.”

Q: Did you have anything in common with Kelly and what did you bring to her?
A: “Well I’ve always been someone who’s been a bit of a caretaker for my family and friends. I guess for me it was about infusing the character with a softness. There can be a tough edge to that type of female. Often women who are running a business are portrayed in films as tough broads and she’s not like that.”

Q: What was it like working with Matt Damon?
A: “I've always wanted to work with Matt. He is an incredible dramatic actor; there's something very ‘Golden Age of Hollywood’ about him. He's got a Cary Grant quality about him. He is also hysterically funny. We laughed so much on the film, we could barely get through our takes. There’s nothing about Matt that is at all movie star-esque but he really is a true movie star. He is warm and welcoming.”

Q: Were there any scary moments for you with any of the animals?
A: “Well you don’t go onto a film set knowing that you're going to place 70 snakes in a bucket thinking ‘this is a normal job’ (laughs). We all had to get in there and recapture an escaping shipment of exotic snakes: including pythons and anaconda and other non-venomous snakes. But I was fine because I had reptiles as a child. Now I do have dogs at home – a Chihuahua and a kind of Golden Retriever.

Q: What is the film really all about do you think?
A: “I think the story is about challenging yourself and coming out on top through hard work and perseverance. It shows that anything is possible. I know that sounds like a bit of a trite message, but I think there is a lot of truth in it.

Q: Although there is bereavement, the film is very positive isn’t it?
A: “I think this film is about human connections. We don't just have one big adventure in life; life is an adventure in itself, with all of its grief and surprise and romance and possibility. I've certainly experienced loss and most people that I know have experienced some form of loss. It causes you to be introspective and to grow. You grow from loss.”

With more than a decade of work under her belt, four-time Golden Globe nominee and BAFTA winner Scarlett Johansson is one of Hollywood’s most talented young actresses. Born and raised in New York, Johansson won worldwide recognition at the age of 12 for her performance in Robert Redford’s “The Horse Whisperer.” She also starred in films She received rave reviews and a ‘Best Actress’ Award at the Venice Film Festival for her starring role in “Lost In Translation.” Her film credits also include “Ghost World,” “The Man Who Wasn’t There,” “Vicky Cristina Barcelona,” “The Other Boleyn Girl,” “In Good Company,” “A Love Song For Bobby Long,” “Match Point,” “The Spirit,” “Girl With A Pearl Earring,” “The Island,” “The Black Dahlia,” “The Prestige” and “Iron Man 2.”

“We Bought A Zoo” opens January 18 in theaters from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo: From Blockbuster Novel to the Big Screen

2012-01-08T02:44:00.000-08:00

Director David Fincher's “The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo” kicks off the screen adaptation of Stieg Larsson’s blockbuster Millennium Trilogy, the epic series of thrillers that have sold 65,000,000 copies in 46 countries. First published in 2005, shortly after Larsson’s own death, the first novel in the series, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo introduced readers to financial journalist Mikael Blomkvist and avenging hacker Lisbeth Salander (played in the film by Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara, respectively).

With Salander, Larsson forged a heroine unlike any who had come before in the wide-ranging world of crime thrillers – a punk prodigy whose appearance warns people to stay away, who doesn’t interact “normally” with others, yet whose personal link to those who have been violated lures her into helping Mikael solve the disappearance of young heiress Harriet Vanger. Her pursuit of retribution and her tenuous partnership with Mikael would become the core of The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo and the two books that followed – The Girl Who Played With Fire and The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest.

Fincher and screenwriter Steven Zaillian aimed at staying true to Larsson’s unflinching focus on the corporate, societal and personal corrosion Mikael and Lisbeth confront as they descend deeper into the question of Harriet Vanger’s vanishing. Zaillian took his inspiration directly from Larsson’s words. “The script was cut whole cloth from the novel,” says Fincher. Faced with the necessity of compacting the first book’s intricate plot, they also honed in on what has made the Millennium novels so alluring to people around the world. “The thing we were interested in most were these two characters, Blomkvist and Salander, who powered the books to be the cultural phenomenon they are,” Fincher says. “There was a lot of juice there, a lot of friction and a lot of dramatic possibility.”

Adds Zaillian: “Lisbeth is a great, unusual character, but I think it if the books were only about her, they wouldn’t work as well as they do. It’s the way her story and Blomkvist’s come together, and what they each are going through, that makes the books so resonant.”

Fincher and Zaillian had no interest in withholding any grit from the book’s scenes of brutality and revenge. “We were committed to the tack that this is a movie about violence against women, about specific kinds of degradation, and you can’t shy away from that,” Fincher says. “But at the same time you have to walk a razor thin line so that the audience can viscerally feel the need for revenge but also see the power of the ideas being expressed.”

This is precisely what Larsson had achieved with the novels, drawing readers into themes of corrupted power, misogyny, intolerance, fanaticism, globalization, social welfare, justice and judgment through the twists and turns of Mikael and Lisbeth’s renegade investigation. Says Rooney Mara, who won the role of Lisbeth Salander: “I think people are more intrigued by the under-workings of society than they’re willing to admit. They’re interested in the dark secrets people and societies hold. `The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo' has that component combined with these two outsider characters people really, really love.”

Opening soon across the Philippines, “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” 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.

David Archuleta to do a primetime series for TV5

2012-01-08T02:15:00.000-08:00

TV5 is setting another historical move in Philippine TV as the Kapatid Network will soon launch an international star into a primetime prince.

David Archuleta, one of the most followed American Idol star in the country, is set to do a primetime series for TV5. He will be paired with homegrown talents Jasmin Curtis Smith and Eula Caballero.

This move is probably the second attempt of a Philippine Network to cast an international star in a TV series. Back in 2004, GMA Network tapped Argentinian actor Segundo Cernadas to play Iza Calzado's lead in the Kapuso teleserye Te Amo, Maging Sino Ka Man.

New directors give edgier vision to “Underworld” franchise

2012-01-06T18:22:00.000-08:00

With “Underworld” series stalwart Len Wiseman unavailable to direct the fourth installment “Underworld Awakening,” the filmmakers launched an extensive search for someone to take the helm of the new production. “We considered a number of young filmmakers who had demonstrated an interest in the Underworld franchise,” says producer Gary Lucchesi. “That group included a team of Swedish directors, Måns Mårlind and Björn Stein. They had co-directed a really interesting film called `Storm,' which seemed to us to have been heavily influenced by `Underworld.'”

“We could see from watching their earlier movie that they understood how the heroine was set up, the way that the film was shot, the camera movements, the color palette, everything,” says co-producer Richard Wright. “Then they gave us a very detailed presentation book that showed us what they thought the movie should look like. It was obvious these guys were going to bring a lot to the party.”

Mårlind and Stein, who have previously directed separately as well as together, have known each other since they were children. They have developed an uncanny connection that allows them to work most effectively in tandem, with each directing on alternate days. “We flip a coin the day before the shoot, says Stein. “Usually Måns wins, which is not necessarily a win. If you win the coin toss, you have to direct the first day, and first day is always chaos.

            The directors were well aware of all the work that been done to create the series through the previous three installment and had the utmost respect for the franchise. “The films are based in a strong, interesting and well-developed mythology, which is why we’ve always been fans,” says Mårlind. “Here we are dealing with universal themes like love, survival and death. We take that part of it seriously, but there is so much cool stuff going on that it never becomes pretentious. The series is distinguished by a good mix of performances and visual style, which is something we like. We don’t see ourselves as just visual directors or just acting directors. We love both.”

            The pair’s primary concern, says Stein, was being able to bring new, compelling elements to the screen while preserving the best of the past. “We jumped into it because it was such a good script,” says Stein. “The concept of the film itself actually deviates slightly from the earlier movies, so we are walking a fine line. `Underworld Awakening' is not today, it’s not set in our world. That has been challenging because we’ve had to create a new world, while keeping the Underworld stamp on it and staying true to the franchise.

            “We talked a lot with Len Wiseman and he was very helpful in setting up guidelines for what’s cool and what’s not cool in terms of the Underworld mythos,” he continues. “All these new situations are presented in a totally different environment, and we had to make a lot of decisions on the fly as well, which was fun.”

The timeless archetypes of werewolves and Vampires remain. “The Vampire is the sexy, dark side of all of us,” says Mårlind. “But we also have the werewolf side which is the destructive force.”
The biggest difference is in the balance of power, according to Stein. “The Vampires are underdogs for the first time, so they become a minority that you root for,” says the director. “They can kill a man easily, but they can’t kill mankind. I think what’s exciting for fans is that we are taking another step deeper into the mythology that will expand the universe.”

Opening across the Philippines in January 2012, “Underworld Awakening” is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Visit http://www.columbiapictures.com.ph/ to see the latest trailers, get free downloads and play free movie games.

Jude Law back as Watson in “Sherlock Holmes” sequel

2012-01-06T17:41:00.000-08:00

An award-winning, acclaimed actor with a wealth of widely varied film roles to his credit, Jude Law once again stars opposite Robert Downey Jr. as Dr. James Watson in Warner Bros.' new action-adventure “Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows.”

            In the film, Sherlock Holmes (Downey) has always been the smartest man in the room…until now. There is a new criminal mastermind at large—Professor James Moriarty (Jared Harris)—and not only is he Holmes’ intellectual equal, but his capacity for evil, coupled with a complete lack of conscience, may give him an advantage over the renowned detective.

            Downey reveals, “We see the aftereffects of Holmes having been consumed with Moriarty, to the point that he’s clearly kind of ‘nutting up.’ He’s focused on him to the exclusion of everything else, including, quite possibly, his own sanity,” the actor smiles.

            That is the state in which Dr. Watson discovers his old friend when he returns to Baker Street on the eve of his wedding to Mary. Jude Law notes, “Watson arrives looking forward to the stag party that his best man, Holmes, was supposed to arrange. Instead, he finds he has reason to be concerned with Holmes’ obsessive behavior regarding Professor Moriarty. I don’t think he doubts that Holmes is right, and there’s still a bit of the old soldier in Watson who feels a responsibility to see justice done. But he does suspect it will result in the dilemma he always faces: a secure life with his wife or the thrill of the chase. He undoubtedly has great times when he’s on a case with Holmes and wants to help his friend out of the scrapes he gets himself into, so it’s a constant struggle for the poor chap.”

            Director Guy Ritchie says, “We’d all love to have the genius of Sherlock Holmes, although we’re much more likely to empathize with Watson. Being a doctor, he is an intellectual in his own right, but to a degree, Watson is your every man who is enticed by a life of action and Holmes is his window of opportunity to that life. It makes for a perfect partnership, and that’s the engine that drives these stories.”

            The connection between Holmes and Watson was reflected in the off-screen friendship between the two actors playing them. Downey attests, “I feel about Jude the way Sherlock feels about John: I love the guy like a brother. I couldn’t ask for a better partner.”

            “Developing the interaction between Holmes and Watson was one of the most rewarding parts of the first film, and from the get-go, Robert and I slipped right back into it,” Law recalls. “We benefited this time from the fact that we really knew the characters, having laid the bedrock of their relationship in the first film, so we could trust our instincts and even push it a little further.”

Producer Joel Silver states, “There was a kind of magic that came out of the dynamic between Robert and Jude as Holmes and Watson, and the sequel gave us a chance to take that up a notch. In the first movie, we had to give audiences the time to get to know the foibles of the characters. Coming into this movie, we had already laid the foundation, so we could launch right into the action, which is bigger, funnier and more explosive in every sense of the word.”

Opening across the Philippines on Sunday, Jan. 08, “Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows” is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

PPO ushers the New Year with Japan's noted Trombone Artist

2012-01-06T16:38:00.000-08:00

Japan’s prominent trombonist Takahiro Ono ushers in the New Year’s presentation of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra’s 5th concert series with Rimsky-Korsakov’s Trombone Concerto on January 20, 2012, 8:00 p.m. at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (Main Theater). PPO’s Music Director Olivier Ochanine conducts.

The program dubbed as “The Inextinguishable”, the PPO will also perform Dvŏrák’s Czech Suite, and one of the signature works of Denmark’s most celebrated composer, Carl Nielsen’s Symphony No. 4 “Inextinguishable”.

Takahiro Ono graduated from Tokyo College of Music and later was granted a research fellowship in France to study trombone - under the auspices of the Japanese Government Overseas Study Program for Artists. He was introduced to the “Saqueboute” in Paris at that time. In 2002, Ono graduated from the Conservatoire Superieur de Paris and the Conservatoire National de Region de Boulogne, where he received First Prize in the Leopold Bellan Music Competition. He has participated in the Asia Youth Orchestra as a principal trombone player, and in several music festivals including the Sydney Olympic Arts Festival, the Pacific Music Festival, and the Sables Baroque Music Festival with performances in England, Germany, Switzerland, France, Italy, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Korea, and Australia. He has also performed often in charity concerts sponsored by UNICEF.

In 2006, the Director of the Trento Conservatoire, Cosimo Colazzo, composed “LA LENTA DISCESA” for Takahiro Ono which he performed for the first time in Japan.

Ono has performed with many renowned artists, including Branimir Slokar, Jacques Mauger and Andre Henry. His other activities include instructing trombone for the National Cultural Festival as well as participating in several prestigious music festivals such as the Shiga Music Festival, the Kitakai Music Festival, the Hida Trombone Festival, and the Yatsugatake Music Festival. He is often invited to perform as soloist in the Trombone Concerto with many orchestras including the Tokyo New City Orchestra, the Philharmonia Burleske Orchestra, the Orchestre Chanteclair, and the Orchestre Philharmonique Ritae.

Takahiro Ono was Assistant Professor under the class of Mr. Jacques Mauger at the Nice International Music Academy from 2007 to 2009. At present, Ono is a professor at the Yamaguchi College of Arts; an Administrator for the Association Franco-Japonaise des Amis de la Musique, and Director of the Japan National Music Competition of Trombone.

Ticket prices: P1000/800/500/P350/200, with discounts available to students, senior citizens and groups. For inquiries and subscriptions, please call the CCP Marketing Department (832-1125 loc. 1806), the CCP Box Office (832-3704) or Ticketworld at National Bookstore (891-9999).

Clint Eastwood unveils latest masterwork – “J. Edgar”

2012-01-04T05:29:00.000-08:00

J. Edgar Hoover, the subject of Warner Bros.' new drama “J. Edgar” starring Leonardo DiCaprio, was a complex and compelling figure who captivated America and whose legacy is still felt in the halls of the FBI building named for him. He was the catalyst for modern forensics and created a system of federal laws that transformed the U.S. in a multitude of ways that remain relevant today. Both feared and revered, the man was a dichotomy whose public and private lives would spark rumor and innuendo, but, thanks to his eternal secrecy, the question of who he really was remains largely speculative to this day.

Director Clint Eastwood, who grew up during his reign, was intrigued by the chance to explore Hoover on film. “Hoover was a top cop, or a top ‘G-Man,’ as they called them in those days, but I didn’t really know much about him. He kept a high profile—he was seen with movie actors and famous writers at social gatherings and what have you—but he was an enigma in many ways.”

Therefore, when the screenplay for “J. Edgar” crossed his desk, the filmmaker says, “I was already curious, especially about how the screenwriter, Dustin Lance Black, had approached it. It was really a character study. I liked the story a lot.”

“This is a story about relationships,” Eastwood says, “intimate interactions between Hoover and everyone around him, from those closest to him—Clyde Tolson, Helen Gandy, his mother—all the way to Robert Kennedy and other well known political figures, even presidents. If it had just been a biopic, I don’t think I would have wanted to do it. I like relationship pictures, I like exploring why people do or did certain things in their lives.”

“Coming off of ‘Milk,’ Hoover was someone I really wanted to investigate,” writer Black states. “To me, he seemed the very opposite of Milk: a man with tremendous political power, but intensely closeted when it came to his personal life.”

The project came to Black through veteran producer Brian Grazer, who had worked with Eastwood once before and was eager to do so again. “I wanted to do a movie about J. Edgar Hoover—not a documentary, but an actual feature film,” he relates. “I was interested in the power and corruption that existed in his world, much of it of his own making, in spite of his being such a dedicated patriot.”

Black and Grazer settled on a few key points on which to center the film, including the Lindbergh kidnapping and the formation of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

“I really wondered how this man, who started out with the best of intentions and went on to create the FBI and bring down some of the country’s most iconic gangsters, became so paranoid and, by some accounts, diabolical,” Grazer says.

Black notes, “My initial research labeled him either a hero to the nation, to whom we owe everything in terms of our protection and safety, or a villain who did things in an underhanded manner and was a terror to the country. It all seemed so extreme; I thought the truth had to lie somewhere in between.”

Grazer agreed with that conclusion, and with the writer’s idea to “present it from an internal point of view, from Hoover’s own psyche, letting him tell the story as he remembers it,” the producer says.

“J. Edgar” begins in the mid-1970s, when Hoover is nearing the end of his life and his time as Director of the FBI. Wanting to preserve everything he’s built, he begins dictating his memoirs, reflecting back on his early days as a man in his early twenties, when he first began working with what was then simply the Bureau of Investigation.

“I think he was interested in his place in history,” Eastwood surmises, “but probably prone to some exaggeration. There are proven moments where he fudged his stories a bit to make himself look a little better.”

“Early on in his career, solving the Lindbergh case and capturing outlaws like John Dillinger helped Hoover to fashion the G-Man image in the eyes of the general public,” Leonardo DiCaprio adds. “There were comic books about them, they were on cereal boxes, engaging America’s youth. It was all part of his publicity campaign to turn government into a force that was helping your family and keeping your children safe.”

Whether or not Hoover was ever able to feel the country was safe or that positive changes were on the horizon, is still a question.

“I think even as an old man, J. Edgar Hoover was still so obsessed with communism that he didn’t recognize things were changing for the better during the Civil Rights Movement,” the actor goes on. “He saw it as an uprising that had the potential to become something more destructive. That’s when he lost his footing. That’s when he failed to see the real future of our country.”

Opening soon across the Philippines, “J. Edgar” was produced under the banners of Imagine Entertainment and Malpaso. The film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

Chabet’s “To Be Continued” Exhibit opens January 19th at CCP

2012-01-04T05:14:00.000-08:00

An exhibition of Roberto Chabet entitled To Be Continued opens on January 19, 2012, 6:00pm in the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and will be on view until March 31, 2012. To Be Continued is organized by King Kong Art Projects Unlimited in collaboration with CCP and with the support of Manny O’s I Love Wines.

To Be Continued is a landmark survey exhibition of Roberto Chabet’s plywood works that was first presented in the Institute of Contemporary Art, Singapore - La Salle College of the Arts last January 2011. The exhibition returns to Manila as the final installation of Chabet: 50 Years, a year-long series of exhibitions organized by King Kong Art Projects Unlimited to celebrate Chabet’s fifty years of pioneering conceptual work as an artist, teacher and curator.

The exhibition gathers for the first time the seminal trilogy, ‘Russian Paintings’ (1984), ‘House Paintings’ (1986) and ‘Cargo and Decoy’ (1989), as well as other works that utilize plywood boards, a material, which has become not only the surface and support of his paintings and installations, but to a large extent their subject matter and content. He first used plywood in his early kinetic sculptures in the 1970s, but it was in the 80s when he adapted the material to painting. Breaking away from the rigid formalism of Modernism, his seemingly ‘purely’ geometric and abstract plywood constructions are often juxtaposed with particular everyday objects that would appear and re-appear in his other installations and become part of his familiar inventory of anxious objects. Also included in the CCP mounting are his ‘China Collages’ (1980–1990) and ‘Bakawan’ (1974), two works that were previously exhibited in the CCP. Highlighting process and the provisional nature of these works, the exhibition illuminates a key aspect of Chabet’s practice, which gives precedence to the fugitive and contingent nature of art.

Roberto Chabet was born in 1937 in Manila and held his first solo exhibition at the Luz Gallery in 1961, the same year he graduated from the University of Sto. Tomas with a degree in Architecture. He was the founding Museum Director of CCP where he initiated the Thirteen Artists in 1970, supporting young artists whose works show “recentness and a turning away from the past”. After his brief tenure in the CCP, Chabet led the seminal alternative artist group Shop 6, and taught for over thirty years at the University of the Philippines College of Fine Arts in Diliman and at key artist-run spaces in Manila. Since the 70s, Chabet has been curating landmark exhibitions of vanguard works by young and emerging Filipino artists. He is the recipient of the JD Rockefeller III Fund Grant (1967- 1968), the Republic Cultural Heritage Award (1972), the Araw ng Maynila Award for the Visual Arts (1972), and the CCP Centennial Award of Honors for the Arts (1998).

For further information, contact CCP at tel. +632 832-1125 loc 1505-06, or visit the website www.kingkongartprojects.org.

Vengeance returns in 3D in “Underworld Awakening”

2012-01-03T05:25:00.000-08:00

For the fourth installment of their mega-hit Underworld franchise, “Underworld Awakening,” the filmmakers have taken the extraordinary risk of reinventing and reinvigorating an already hugely successful, internationally acclaimed property. They have transported their Vampire and Lycan characters into a contemporary, human-dominated world in which they are hunted to near extinction, adding the excitement of cutting edge 3D technology into the mix.

With other commitments pending, including helming the upcoming remake of “Total Recall,” franchise creator Len Wiseman chose not to direct the film, but was on hand as a producer and provided the inspiration for the extraordinary storyline. “Len imagined a scenario where Selene and Michael have created a child,” says Gary Lucchesi, president of Lakeshore Entertainment. “That was the starting point for this movie. It would have been impossible to make such a good movie without Len’s contribution. He was involved in everything from production design to writing the script and casting the film.”

Kate Beckinsale, who starred in the first two installments of the Underworld saga, once again returns as the Vampire Death Dealer Selene, who escapes a lengthy imprisonment to discover that humans have almost successfully eradicated both the Vampire and Lycan clans.

“This is a continuation of the story that ended in `Underworld Evolution,'” says David Coatsworth, executive producer of the film. “Putting Selene into the context of a modern world and having her interact with humans is one of the two big new elements. The second is the discovery that she’s the mother of a teenage daughter. It brings a whole new twist to the evolution of Selene and sets up the possibility of continuing on into the future.”

Set 15 years after the conclusion of “Evolution,” “Underworld Awakening” adds new characters and new rules to the story. “I think the hardcore fans are going to find a more action-packed and, to a certain degree, more violent Underworld than they’ve seen before,” says Lucchesi. “Selene’s rougher in this movie than she’s ever been. She’s capable of greater violence. It’s a very strong dramatic story and extremely well-acted. We’ve set a high bar with the earlier films and I think the audience will find this really intriguing.”

The updates take the story out of its mythological past and place it squarely in the world of the science-fiction action thriller. “It doesn’t take place in our past or present or future,” says Richard Wright of Lakeshore. “It takes place in its own version of all three of those temporal periods.”

With “Underworld Awakening,” the filmmakers set out to create an all new story that would appeal to both long-time franchise fans and attract the attention of those who have not yet experienced the Underworld saga. “I think that when people who have enjoyed the earlier films come to a new one, there are certain things they expect to see, certain conventions to be adhered to,” says Coatsworth. “But I think they also want something new. That presents a two-fold challenge. We had to be loyal to the rules of the game and also provide a new dimension to the story.”

Coatsworth believes the film succeeds on both levels and will be able to stand on its own as an exciting and entertaining film. “You don’t have to have seen any of the other Underworlds to appreciate it. I think a new group of people who enjoy action films and 3D will be a big part of our audience.”

By giving Selene and Michael a daughter, the filmmakers hope to extend the life of the franchise well into the future. “Since both Selene and Eve are immortal, who knows what will happen.” says Wright. “They may be together for a thousand years.”

Opening across the Philippines in January 2012, “Underworld Awakening” is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Visit www.columbiapictures.com.ph to see the latest trailers, get free downloads and play free movie games.

“Journey 2: The Mysterious Island” this 2012!

2011-12-29T20:13:00.000-08:00

The follow-up to the 2008 worldwide hit “Journey to the Center of the Earth,” New Line Cinema's “Journey 2: The Mysterious Island” takes moviegoers on a fun and fantastic new adventure to parts unknown, a place so remote it has lain hidden for centuries … and, when found, is almost impossible to escape. The film stars Dwayne Johnson, Vanessa Hudgens, Josh Hutcherson and Michael Caine.

A fan of the first film which introduced intrepid young explorer Sean Anderson (Hutcherson) to audiences worldwide, director Brad Peyton says, “I wanted to embrace Sean’s story and advance it, with amazing new landscapes and a fresh set of challenges that will take him further than he’s ever been because he’s not a kid anymore. He’s seventeen now and ready to blaze his own trail in the world. This is his chance to prove he’s not just along for the ride; he’s an explorer in his own right.”

Peyton is no stranger to combining action and comedy with a sweep of scale and a dash of the unexpected. Upon seeing the script for “Journey 2,” he says, “I never imagined doing it small. Right away, I knew it had to involve land, sea and air, with creatures, caves, storms, underwater battles and aerial chases, and all of it set against the most incredible, breathtaking terrain. That meant utilizing the latest and best technology, to deliver something special in the 3D realm that ‘Journey to the Center of the Earth’ helped to establish.”

In 2008 that film broke ground as the first narrative feature to employ the Fusion System, a sophisticated digital 3D camera rig developed by James Cameron and cinematographer Vince Pace, and subsequently used on “Avatar.” Not surprisingly, the “Journey 2” filmmakers returned to the Cameron Pace Group for state-of-the-art strategies and equipment to capture the depth and scope Peyton wanted to achieve in a range of real-world environments.

Dedicated to a full location shoot from the start, the director states, “I felt the actors should have dirt under their feet. I wanted a real jungle, not a green-screen jungle. As the setting for so many spectacular images, it needed that literal grounding.”

The filmmakers also liked the fact that the characters thrown into this tropical paradise-turned-deathtrap must use their wits as well as their reflexes to survive, especially when they discover that plant and animal life there grows by its own rules.

It’s the Island Rule, in fact, also known as Foster’s Rule. Producer Charlotte Huggins explains, “It’s a genuine biogeographic theory, that, over the course of evolution in an isolated environment, large things can become small and small things become large. So a herd of elephants there might look and act exactly like elephants except that they’re miniatures, while butterflies could look and act exactly as butterflies would, except that they’re enormous.”

The downside of such visual wonders would be great carnivorous birds and lizards, some the length of a football field, who see the explorers as their next meal.

Michael Caine, starring as Anderson patriarch Alexander, who made wanderlust the family business and is the catalyst for this latest excursion, acknowledges, “This is no children’s fairy tale. It’s very fast, and the kids are going to have to be smart to keep up.”

Opening in theatres beginning February 2012, “Journey 2: The Mysterious Island” is a New Line Cinema presentation, will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

Downey returns as Sherlock Holmes in “A Game of Shadows”

2011-12-29T20:00:00.000-08:00

Robert Downey Jr. returns as the world's smartest detective in Warner Bros.' new action-adventure “Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows,” the highly anticipated sequel to the 2009 hit for which he won a Golden Globe Best Actor Award.

The titular character created by Downey in the first “Sherlock Holmes” had defied convention. Gone were the once-emblematic deerstalker hat, curved pipe and posh British decorum, replaced by a streetwise, bare-knuckled brawler, whose physical prowess was equal to his superlative mind and preternatural powers of perception.

Director Guy Ritchie says, “One of the most important things about the first movie was to get away from the somewhat dustier, if you will, impression of the character that I think many people were expecting. In keeping with Conan Doyle’s original creation, we wanted to access the physicality of Holmes while conveying his intelligence and wit, and Robert brought all that and more to the equation. There were a lot of little nuances going on that added so much to the role. I find it impossible now to imagine anyone else as Sherlock Holmes.”

Downey reciprocates, “I love working with Guy; it’s such a collaborative process and he has a terrific sense of humor that really comes into play here. On this film, there was an element of rediscovering Sherlock Holmes all over again. We wanted to maintain that sense of fun but with even more gravitas.”

“Robert knew how to get inside Sherlock Holmes’ head—to make him funny and eccentric and yet absolutely believable as the most renowned detective of all time. It was fantastic to watch,” producer Joel Silver remarks.

In the time that has elapsed since the end of the first film, Holmes has been bent on a singular mission, triggered by the revelation that, while he had taken down the evil Lord Blackwood, he had somehow missed an even greater threat. Shrouded in secrecy, Professor James Moriarty (Jared Harris) had been patiently lying in wait to capitalize on Blackwood’s handiwork.

For the sequel, Downey says, “We wanted to maintain the visceral tone that was part of Guy’s original vision, while presenting Holmes with an even more difficult case, one that would challenge his considerable skills.”

Professor Moriarty not only is Holmes’ intellectual equal, but his capacity for evil, coupled with a complete lack of conscience, may give him an advantage over the renowned detective.

Downey concludes, “We see the aftereffects of Holmes having been consumed with Moriarty, to the point that he’s clearly kind of ‘nutting up.’ He’s focused on him to the exclusion of everything else, including, quite possibly, his own sanity,” the actor smiles.

Ritchie emphasizes, “Because they are intellectual equals to a degree, there is the sense that this is a game that is stimulating to them both. In this way, they actually need each other, and that idea is authentic to the books. Holmes needs Moriarty as much as Moriarty needs Holmes.”

Opening across the Philippines on Sunday, Jan. 08, 2012, “Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows” is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

Fans of Kermit, gang unite for newest “Muppets” Screen Adventure

2011-12-29T19:18:00.000-08:00

Ranging in age from 8 to 80, Muppet fans span the globe. So it makes sense that Disney’s new comedy adventure “The Muppets” was ignited by a Muppet fan. “It started when I was a kid,” says Jason Segel who stars in the film and serves as one of the writers and producers. “The Muppets were my first comic influence and I was in love with puppetry. I just thought it was an amazing art form.”

“All comedy writers are Muppet fans,” adds co-writer Nicholas Stoller. “It’s the gateway to comedy. It’s like the first thing you try and then you slowly fall down the rabbit hole of comedy.”

A film Segel and Stoller previously collaborated on actually set things in motion, says Segel. “We ended ‘Forgetting Sarah Marshall’ with a lavish puppet musical, and The Jim Henson Company designed the puppets. Something started growing in my belly, and Nick and I came up with this idea and pitched it to Disney. Disney liked the idea so we wrote the script.”

Enter producers David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman—each with their own affinity to all things Muppets. “I think there's always been a timeless quality to the Muppets,” says Hoberman, who cites the Muppets’ recent online smash viral video “Bohemian Rhapsody.” “These characters are as contemporary today as they were when Henson first brought them to life. I think people of all ages will respond to them on the big screen.”

Disney’s “The Muppets” will welcome a whole new generation into the world of the Muppets, and director James Bobin can attest to the positive influence these characters can have on young audiences. “I watched the Muppets at a very early age in England, and they have significantly influenced my sense of humor and what I find funny.”

Segel says it’s the Muppets’ sense of humor that differentiates them. “Modern comedy makes jokes at other people’s expense,” he says. “The Muppets never make fun of anybody. They’re all about being good and nice and trying to make the world a better place. It’s easy to get a laugh out of making fun of somebody, but the Muppets never relied on that.”

Influenced by their affinity for Muppet mayhem, filmmakers introduced Walter, a central character who’s driven by his lifelong love of the Muppets. According to Segel, Walter’s wildest fantasy is to meet the Muppets. “Walter is naive, sweet, innocent, wide-eyed—he’s very much like Kermit before Kermit became famous,” says Segel. “But he just wants to belong. He’s looking for a family, really. The Muppets are the only people he’s ever seen who were like him, so his quest is to become one of the Muppets.”

Adds Walter, who is as big a Muppet fan in real life as his character is, “I start out just wanting to meet the Muppets but then have to help Kermit get the gang back together to save Muppet Studios. It’s the role of my lifetime. In fact, it is my life.”

Says Kermit, “Walter gets so excited being around the Muppets. I’ve never met anyone like him…except maybe Jason Segel.”

Opening soon across the Philippines, “The Muppets” is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International through Columbia Pictures.

StarStruck 1 Tyrone Perez committed suicide?

2011-12-29T06:24:00.000-08:00

StarStruck Batch 1 alumnus Tyron Perez was found dead in his car in Valenzuela City. Unconfirmed reports say that the young actor committed suicide.

Born Jojo Perez, Tyron rose to stardom when he joined the reality-based artista search on GMA-7, StarStruck, in 2004. He also starred in several indie films before transferring to ABS-CBN in June 2010.

Tyron Perez is the second StarStruck alumni who died in the month December after Marky Cielo.

Marvel's The Avengers Character Posters Revealed!

2011-12-24T05:30:00.000-08:00

Eight character posters have been revealed for the superhero ensemble movie “Marvel's The Avengers.” Check out them out below!

Marvel Studios presents “Marvel’s The Avengers”—the Super Hero team up of a lifetime, featuring iconic Marvel Super Heroes Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye and Black Widow. When an unexpected enemy emerges that threatens global safety and security, Nick Fury, Director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., finds himself in need of a team to pull the world back from the brink of disaster. Spanning the globe, a daring recruitment effort begins.

Starring Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner and Samuel L. Jackson, and directed by Joss Whedon, “Marvel’s The Avengers” is based on the ever-popular Marvel comic book series “The Avengers,” first published in 1963 and a comics institution ever since. Prepare yourself for an exciting event movie, packed with action and spectacular special effects, when “Marvel’s The Avengers” assemble in Philippine theaters on May 2012.

SNEAK PEEK: “J. Edgar”

2011-12-23T04:03:00.000-08:00

Oscar® winner Clint Eastwood directs Academy Award® nominee Leonardo DiCaprio in Warner Bros.' critically acclaimed drama “J. Edgar” from a screenplay by Oscar® winner Dustin Lance Black (“Milk”).

During his lifetime, J. Edgar Hoover would rise to be the most powerful man in America. As head of the Federal Bureau of Investigation for nearly 50 years, he would stop at nothing to protect his country. Through eight presidents and three wars, Hoover waged battle against threats both real and perceived, often bending the rules to keep his countrymen safe. His methods were at once ruthless and heroic, with the admiration of the world his most coveted, if ever elusive, prize.

Hoover was a man who placed great value on secrets—particularly those of others—and was not afraid to use that information to exert authority over the leading figures in the nation. Understanding that knowledge is power and fear poses opportunity, he used both to gain unprecedented influence and to build a reputation that was both formidable and untouchable.

He was as guarded in his private life as he was in his public one, allowing only a small and protective inner circle into his confidence. His closest colleague, Clyde Tolson, was also his constant companion. His secretary, Helen Gandy, who was perhaps most privy to Hoover’s designs, remained loyal to the end…and beyond. Only Hoover’s mother, who served as his inspiration and his conscience, would leave him, her passing truly crushing to the son who forever sought her love and approval.

As seen through the eyes of Hoover himself, “J. Edgar” explores the personal and public life and relationships of a man who could distort the truth as easily as he upheld it during a life devoted to his own idea of justice, often swayed by the darker side of power.

“J. Edgar” also stars Academy Award® nominee Naomi Watts (“21 Grams”) as Helen Gandy, Hoover’s longtime secretary; Armie Hammer (“The Social Network”) as Hoover’s protégé Clyde Tolson; Josh Lucas (“The Lincoln Lawyer”) as the legendary aviator Charles Lindbergh, whose son’s kidnapping changes the public profile of the F.B.I.; and Oscar® winner Judi Dench (“Shakespeare in Love”) as Hoover’s over-protective mother, Annie Hoover.

“J. Edgar” was produced by Eastwood, Oscar® winner Brian Grazer (“A Beautiful Mind,” “Frost/Nixon”) and Oscar® nominee Robert Lorenz (“Letters from Iwo Jima,” “Mystic River”), with Tim Moore and Erica Huggins serving as executive producers.

Behind the scenes, Eastwood reunited with his longtime collaborators, including director of photography Tom Stern, production designer James J. Murakami, editors Joel Cox and Gary D. Roach, and costume designer Deborah Hopper. Eastwood composed the score for the film.

Opening soon across the Philippines, “J. Edgar” was produced under the banners of Imagine Entertainment and Malpaso. The film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

SNEAK PEEK: “The Muppets”

2011-12-22T19:05:00.000-08:00

He’s green. He has crazy friends, flippers, a penchant for pigs…and one of the most recognizable singing voices. And he’s coming to neighborhoods everywhere in 2012!

Kermit the Frog is back on the big screen, and this time, he’s teaming up with Jason Segel, Amy Adams, Chris Cooper and newcomer Walter, plus the whole Muppet gang, for a brand-new, big-screen adventure in Disney’s “The Muppets.”

“It’s funny, upbeat and full of laughs for everyone…frogs, pigs, bears…even people,” says Kermit. “For new fans, it’s a chance to see the Muppets in action on the big screen. And for old fans it’s a chance to get together with old friends…and get a little crazy together.”

On vacation in Los Angeles, Walter, the world’s biggest Muppet fan, his brother Gary (Segel) and Gary’s girlfriend, Mary (Adams), from Smalltown, USA, discover the nefarious plan of oilman Tex Richman (Cooper) to raze Muppet Studios and drill for the oil recently discovered beneath the Muppets’ former stomping grounds. To stage a telethon and raise the $10 million needed to save the studio, Walter, Mary and Gary help Kermit reunite the Muppets, who have all gone their separate ways: Fozzie now performs with a Reno casino tribute band called the Moopets, Miss Piggy is a plus-size fashion editor at Vogue Paris, Animal is in a Santa Barbara clinic for anger management, and Gonzo is a high-powered plumbing magnate.

Disney’s “The Muppets” is directed by James Bobin (“Flight of the Conchords,” “The Ali G Show”) and produced by the Academy Award®-nominated team David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman (“The Fighter,” “The Proposal”) with a screenplay written by Segel & Nicholas Stoller (“Get Him to the Greek”). Bret McKenzie, who created, co-wrote, executive-produced and starred in the hit HBO television series “Flight of the Conchords,” is the music supervisor as well as the writer/producer of three original songs.

Honoring the Muppet tradition, celebrity cameos include Donald Glover, Leslie Feist, Alan Arkin, Kristen Schaal, Eddie “Piolín” Sotelo, Ken Jeong, James Carville, Rico Rodriguez and Judd Hirsch. “There are more cameos, but I can’t talk about them,” says Kermit. “One of the ways the Muppets get big stars to be in our movies is by promising not to tell anyone about it—besides, it’s more fun when you’re watching the movie and are surprised by who shows up.”

Opening soon across the Philippines, “The Muppets” is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International through Columbia Pictures.

TV5 enters global awards scene with Asian TV Awards win

2011-12-21T02:45:00.001-08:00

Barely two years after it was launched as the Kapatid Network under the chairmanship of Manny V. Pangilinan, TV5 has garnered awards and outstanding recognition for its innovative shows and noteworthy talents. Not only is the country’s fastest growing network figuring more among local award-giving bodies, it is also gaining international recognition.

After being the Philippine broadcast network to receive the most number of nominations in this year’s Asian TV Awards, TV5 bagged its first Asian TV Awards trophy for Star Confessions in the awarding ceremony held recently at the Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore.

Hosted by “mother of showbiz talk” Cristy Fermin, Star Confessions (now airing as Real Confessions) won the Best Theme Song category for its official soundtrack “Ito ang Buhay Ko” (This is My Life), beating five other theme songs from Malaysia and Singapore. The song is a composition of Boy Christopher Ramos. Star Confessions production unit manager JoAnn Bañaga personally received the award for the program.

After 16 years of recognizing the best programs in Asia, the Asian TV Awards 2011 introduced the Best Theme Song category under the Technical and Creative categories, making TV5’s Star Confessions the first ever to win the trophy.

As the most competitive Philippine TV network in this year’s Asian TV Awards with a total of three nominations, TV5also competed in two other categories – Best General Entertainment category for Talentadong Pinoy and the Best Comedy Programme category for Lokomoko.

JENNY SLATE IN “ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: CHIPWRECKED”

2011-12-18T06:13:00.000-08:00

The chipmunks are at it again – bringing mayhem, music and adventure in their latest movie “Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked” with the returning cast Jason Lee as Dave Seville, David Cross as Ian with the voices of Justin Long, Matthew Gray Gubler, Jesse McCartney, Anna Faris, Christina Applegate and Amy Poehler.

Stranded with the chipmunks and the chipettes in the island is Jenny Slate who plays Zoe. Upon the group’s unexpected destination to a deserted island from their luxurious cruise – they meet Zoe, a castaway who’ve been in the island years before they’ve arrived. Arriving in their new home is in a way a kind of homecoming for the chipmunks though not necessarily a welcome one. Being stranded on the island takes the Chipmunks full circle. When we met them in the first movie, they were wild – living in the forest, foraging for nuts – and that all came very naturally for them. Then, they became domesticated, famous, pampered, and civilized. Now, finding themselves on a deserted island after all that domestication, they cannot figure out how to find a nut, or forage for anything but room service.”

On their first encounter, Theodore mistakes Zoe for a monster. But soon finds out that the monster is a young woman whose island pals include ‘Spalding,’ ‘Calloway,’ ‘Rawlings’, ‘Dunlop’ and ‘Nerf -- respectively, a basketball, golf ball, baseball, tennis ball, and nerf football. She enjoys extended chats with her anthropomorphized sports gear, all of whom have faces presumably drawn by Zoe. The inadvertent discovery of some long-buried treasure adds to the dynamic – and danger – between Zoe and the Chipmunks/Chipettes.

Talented actress Jenny Slate joins the cast as the mysterious island dweller Zoe. “Zoe was flying cargo jets, her plane crashed on the island, she’s been here for years and has become a little crazy because of being by herself. She’s managed to create a family of friends with the objects that she had on her plane,” says Slate. ”Zoe is a really cool adventurous person, but she is definitely feeling the effects of being alone in a jungle on a desert island for nine years. I see her as a combination of rough and tough and incredibly sensitive. She is not who she appears to be. I don’t want to give it away, but she’s trying to find her place in the world and to assert that she is worth something and there’s something on the island that she feels proves her worth.”

“I was really impressed by the scale of the production. When I walked onto the set, my heart beat faster because it reminded me of those classic family movies, like ‘Swiss Family Robinson.’ And the story – domesticated, fancy chipmunks being stranded on a crazy, mysterious island! It’s eternally exciting!” Slate shares.

Jenny Slate is a former cast member of Saturday Night Live. In 2009, Jenny presented her one-lady show, Jenny Slate: Dead Millionaire, to sold-out audiences in New York and Los Angeles, and revived it at UCB in 2010. Last season, Jenny joined the Saturday Night Live cast as featured performer and created such memorable characters like “Tina Tina,” the doorbell saleslady. Before joining SNL, Jenny was cast in the HBO comedy series “Bored to Death,” as Stella, the stoner girlfriend to Jason Schwartzman. Jenny will soon be seen in “This Means War” with Reese Witherspoon, Tom Hardy and Chris Pine to be released by Twentieth Century Fox.

“Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked” opens January 8 from 20^th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros. nationwide.

Tanghalang Pilipino caps its 25th season with EYEBALL: New Visions in Philippine Theater

2011-12-13T04:01:00.000-08:00

World-class Filipino artistry will once again be celebrated as Tanghalang Pilipino, the resident drama company of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, concludes its 25^th Theater Season with EYEBALL:New Visions in Philippine Theater. This production features four of the best plays from the Virgin Labfest, the yearly festival of new works for the theater. The select plays deal with the theme, “Searching” and tackle man’s search for love, for lost family bonds, for noble ideals, for closure, and for missing loved ones.

EYEBALL will be shown as two sets of twin-bills. Set A includes Carlo Pacolor Garcia’s hilarious Bakit Wala Nang Nagtatagpo sa Philcoa Oberpas, directed by Riki Benedicto, which tells the story of a man and a woman who decide to meet at the Philcoa Overpass after months of flirting online. The cast of this riotous play includes TP Actors Company members Jonathan Tadioan, Jelson Bay, Martha Comia, Marco Viaña and Gino Ramirez; and guest artists Pam Hundana and Carmina Capile. In Doc Resureccion: Gagamutin ang Bayan, by Layeta Bucoy (Directed by Tuxqs Rutaqio), a well-meaning doctor runs for Mayor only to find out that the community he so wanted to help desires a different path for itself. This intriguing work features action-packed performances of Riki Benedicto, Jonathan Tadioan, Rayna Reyes and Miss Sherry Lara.

Set B is composed of plays directed by the exceptional director Chris Millado. In Reuel Molina Aguila’s Maliw, five years after the forced-disappearance of her eldest daughter, a mother confronts the question: How does one close a chapter still to be written? The play is set after her family celebrates her eldest daughter’s 30th birthday. This bittersweet play showcases brilliant acting by Sherry Lara, Spanky Manikan and TP Actors Company scholar Regina de Vera. Isang Araw sa Karnabal is Nick Pichay’s funny but poignant play about two former activists, both with missing loved ones, meeting again after a long time and attempting to mend broken ties. Sheenly Gener leads the cast which includes Marco Viaña and Martha Comia.

To complement the superb directors and the brilliant ensemble, TP selected a creative team of sought-after designers that includes Eric Cruz for the new set designs, Katsch Catoy for the lighting design, and TJ Ramos for the soundscape.

EYEBALL: New Visions in Philippine Theater opens on January 13, 2012 and runs for four weekends until February 12, 2012 at the CCP Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (Little Theater). Regular ticket price is Php600, with student and senior citizen discounts.

For ticket reservation, booking of special performances and other information, please call the TP office at 832-3661, 0920-9535381 or 0928-5518645 . You may also contact the CCP Box Office at 832-3704 and Ticketworld at 891-9999 for ticket inquiries.

Philippine Madrigal Singers stage "inTENse" at CCP

2011-12-12T22:03:00.000-08:00

In thanksgiving for their recent success on international soil this year and Mark Anthony Carpio's 10th year as choirmaster, the Philippine Madrigal Singers stage "inTENse" at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo of the Cultural Center of the Philippines on December 17, 8:00 in the evening and December 18, 5:00 in the afternoon. Presented by the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the concert also aims to celebrate the season with renditions of timeless Christmas songs given interesting and unique twists.

For tickets, please call CCP Box Office (832-3704), TicketWorld (891-9999) or Chichi Abella (0915-6963983).

Alvin and Chipettes step into the Wild

2011-12-12T04:22:00.000-08:00

The Munks are about to unleash their third grandest and most spectacular adventure in “Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked” where the vacationing Chipmunks and Chipettes are turning a luxury cruise liner into their personal playground, until they become ‘chipwrecked’ on a remote island. As the ‘Munks and Chipettes scheme to find their way home, they accidentally discover their new turf is not as deserted as it seems.

The new home leads to character-changing adventures, on a scale new to the boys and to the “Alvin and the Chipmunks” films. As the story opens, The Chipmunks, Chipettes, and their eternally beleaguered guardian, Dave Seville, are en route, on a luxury cruise liner, to the International Music Awards. Alvin, of course, cannot resist wreaking havoc on this ultimate playground. He attempts to steer the vessel, takes over the hot tubs, and dons a tuxedo – secret agent style – to work the baccarat and blackjack tables.

Reprising his role as Dave Seville is Jason Lee, “As always, the operative words for Alvin are ‘chaos’ and ‘action.’ It’s his first time out of the city, and he wants to make the most of it. Dave isn’t happy about Alvin’s shipboard antics – and lets him know it. It’s not easy to be sympathetic, likable and charismatic when you’re screaming ‘ALVIIIIIN!’ so loudly you’re breaking windows around you!” Lee says of their latest adventure.

“Being stranded on the island takes the Chipmunks full circle. When we met them in the first movie, they were wild – living in the forest, foraging for nuts – and that all came very naturally for them. Then, they became domesticated, famous, pampered, and civilized. Now, finding themselves on a deserted island after all that domestication, they cannot figure out how to find a nut, or forage for anything but room service,” shares producer Ross Bagdasarian on the chipmunks temporary new home.

Key to the movie’s theme is about the Chipmunks growing up, and how hard it is for a parent – in this case, Dave – to let the chipmunks be independent. Director Mike Mitchell adds, “But kids (and chipmunks) are going to grow up and they’re going to be independent. It’s inevitable, of course. I think that idea is going to resonate with kids and parents. Everyone can relate to the story, even though it’s a singing/dancing/adventure-seeking Chipmunk movie. And, who hasn’t gone on family vacations? They’re wonderful nightmares!”

From 20th Century Fox - “Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked” opens January 8 nationwide in Metro Manila, Cebu, Bohol, Davao, Pampanga, Angeles, Baguio, Bulacan, Iloilo, Cagayan De Oro, Bacolod, GenSan, Laguna, Pangasinan, Naga, Laoag, Tacloban, Dumaguete and Batangas.

Atty. Midas Marquez opens up about life away from SC podium on TV5’s Anggulo this Wednesday

2011-12-12T03:53:00.000-08:00

With him being constantly seen in front of the cameras at a time when the High Tribunal is faced with a string of controversial issues, Associate Justice Jose Midas P. Marquez becomes the face and voice of the nation's last bastion of democracy—the Supreme Court (SC).

But he has more to face than the issues besieging the institution. Since his appointment as spokesperson and acting chief of the SC Public Information Office during Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's term, Marquez has also been the subject of criticism. He is sometimes criticized for his explanation and interpretation of the High Court’s final interpretation of the law.

And just recently, a video showing Marquez reacting comically and effeminately when a microphone fell off from the SC podium has become viral over the Internet and other social media sites.

In his rare TV appearance away from the Supreme Court podium, Marquez opens up his professional and personal life to TV5's senior correspondents Jove Francisco, Maricel Halili, and Ina Zara.

How does he react to the attention and misconception being accorded to him by the media and the general public? TV5's Anggulo creates a platform for the SC spokesperson to be known beyond work. He is a basketball addict and still finds time to play when not at work. Since his law school days in Ateneo, he got hooked on the art of bonsai. A current member of the Philippine Bonsai Society, Marquez has also joined exhibits and maintains a collection of about 500 bonsai plants.

Catch the episode this Wednesday (December 14), 10pm before Aksyon Journalismo on TV5. It also airs earlier at 7:30pm over Aksyon TV (Channel 41 in Mega Manila, Channel 29 in Metro Cebu and Davao, Channel 1 on Cignal Digital TV and Channel 59 on Sky Cable).

TV5's Christmas Station ID 2011: 'Krismas Mas Mas Masaya'

2011-12-05T04:47:00.001-08:00

After GMA and ABS-CBN, the third and probably the last TV network to launch their Christmas Station ID is non-other than the Kapatid Network, TV5.

This is probably the most star-studded station ID ever produced by the Manny Pangilinan-led TV network. The one they produced last year may have hinted us that TV5 is getting bigger year after year and truly enough, with celebrities from different networks transferring to their camp every now and then, this year's Christmas Station ID is full of stars from all generations!

Opening the video special is the recently crowned newest Kapatid, Mega Star Sharon Cuneta while the Superstar Nora Aunor was featured towards the closing. TV hosts Vic Sotto, Joey De Leon, Willie Revillame, Edu Manzano, Aga Muhlach, Richard Gomez and Ryan Agoncillo were also part of the station ID along with Gellie De Belen, Tintin Bersola, Amy Perez, Ruffa Gutierrez, Lucy Torres, Cristy Fermin and probably every star of the network.

Young stars Alex Gonzaga, JC De Vera, Arci Munoz, Danita Paner, Nadine Samonte, Oyo Sotto, Cogie Domingo with veteran stars Lorna Tolentino, Alice Dixson, Dina Boenevie, Dolphy and others participated too along with News5 personalities Luchy Cruz-Valdez, Tulfo brothers, Paolo Bediones and Cheryl Cosim among others.

While the network may have succeeded in reuniting all of their stars in one special station presentation, the Christmas jingle is still not that catchy. But all in all, it's still best that the network has come up with this kind of production that their own celebrities will be proud of. Something that their fans would look up to. And something that would remind each and every one of us that Christmas is spreading happiness.

Watch it here:

Cinemalaya goes to Olongapo City

2011-11-10T00:46:00.001-08:00

THE Olongapo City Fiesta 2011 Executive Committee in cooperation with the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the Cinemalaya Foundation Inc. presents Cinemalaya sa Gapo on November 27-30, 2011 at the Olongapo City Convention Center.

Cinemalaya sa Gapo is one of the activities slated in the Olongapo City Fiesta celebration. Initiated by Olongapo City Councilor Bugsy Gordon Delos Reyes, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Olongapo City Fiesta, Cinemalaya sa Gapo is also aimed at raising funds to improve the condition of the Barangay Health Centers in the City.

“We see Cinemalaya as one of the more appropriate avenues to carry out our vision. We have begun our efforts in encouraging and exposing Olongapenos to the arts, particularly by sending a delegation during the opening of the recent Cinemalaya Film Festival at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, “Councilor Delos Reyes said.

A selection of films from the 2011 Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival and Competition will be offered in Cinemalaya sa Gapo, including the Best Film awardees Ang Babae sa Septic Tank (New Breed Section), Bisperas by Jeffrey Jeturian (Directors Showcase) and Walang Katapusang Kwarto (Short Feature Section).

Other films to be screened are Niño by Loy Arcenas (Special Jury Prize, New Breed Section) which won the top prize in the 2011 Busan International Film Festival, Hanapbuhay by Henry Frejas (Special Jury Prize, Short Feature), Patikul by Joel Lamangan, Isda by Adolfo Alix Jr, Nono by Milo Tolentino, Niño Bonito by Milo Tolentino, Busong by Auraeus Solito, Debut by Pam Reyes, Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa by Alvin Yapan, Every Other Time by Gino Santos, Boundary by Benito Bautista, Ligo na U, Lapit na Me by Erick Salud, Amok by Lawrence Fajardo, Hazard by Mikhail Red, and Immanuel by Gabriel Puyat.

Cinemalaya filmmakers and actors will be on hand to discuss their films with the audience.

“The CCP and Cinemalaya Foundation have always worked together in the past to bring Cinemalaya to the regions. This is part of our outreach program aimed at promoting Philippine independent cinema to as many Filipinos as possible by showcasing films that speak of the unique Philippine culture, experience and values which one would not normally see in the mainstream cinema. We therefore look at this project as educational in thrust.”, Cinemalaya Festival Director Nestor O. Jardin said.

Mostly students from various high schools and colleges of Olongapo City and nearby towns as well as the general public are expected to attend Cinemalaya sa Gapo.

Cinemalaya sa Gapo will open with an opening ceremony at 6 pm on November 26 followed by a gala screening of Ang Babae sa Septic Tank, the popular Eugene Domingo starrer that topped the New Breed Section of 2011 Cinemalaya.

Screening schedule:

November 27-Patikul and Niño Bonito at 10:00am; Isda and Hanapbuhay at 12:45pm; Ang Babae sa Septic Tank and Hanapbuhay at 3:30pm; Nono and Niño Bonito at 6:15pm and Bisperas and Immanuel at 8:30PM.

November 28-Ang Babae sa Septic Tank and Hanapbuhay at 10:00am, Busong and Debut at 12:45pm, Patikul and Niño Bonito at 3:30 pm, Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa and Every Other Time at 6:15pm and Isda and Hanapbuhay at 9:00pm.

November 29-Busong and Debut at 10:00am, Niño and Debut at 12:45 pm, Boundary and Hazard at 3:30pm, Ligo na U, Lapit na Me and Walang Katapusang Kwarto at 6:15pm, Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa and Every Other Time at 9:00pm.

November 30-Nono and Niño Bonito at 10:00am, Bisperas and Immanuel at 12:45pm, Amok and Hazard at 3:30pm, Niño and Debut at 6:15pm, Ligo na U, Lapit na Me and Walang Katapusang Kwarto at 9:00pm.

Tickets are at P100 (regular price) and P80 (student price).

For more information, please call 832-1125 local 1704-1705 and visit www.culturalcenter.gov.ph andwww.cinemalaya.org

TV5's most glamorous dramaserye 'Glamorosa' premieres this November 7

2011-11-06T03:10:00.000-08:00

Themost glamorous primetime series to grace the small screen is coming to TV5 thisNovember 7. Set against the glamorous yet cutthroat world of cosmetic surgery, Glamorosa tells the story of twocosmetic surgeons competing for love and success in an industry masked bybeauty and marred by intrigue and lies.

GrandSlam actress Lorna Tolentino, who recently signed with the Kapatid network,debuts in her first drama series for TV5 in the role of Natalia Herrera. Dr.Natalia is a wealthy and successful cosmetic surgeon with a heart hardened bybetrayal and tragedy brought about by the loss of her child and the man sheloves.

AliceDixson returns after the successful run of BabaengHampaslupa as Paulina Valdez, an up-and-coming cosmetic surgeon and therival to Natalia; while Zoren Legaspi is Karl, a street-smart hoodlum and theman that captured the hearts of the two leads.

Caughtin between the two warring beauties is Giselle, a young girl in search of hertrue identity, a role played by one of TV5’s Princesses, Ritz Azul.

Notonly is the show deliciously elegant, it also features a riveting plot and anexceptionally talented cast that also stars Tonton Gutierrez, Lotlot de Leon, JennyMiller, Nonie Buencamino, and the country’s most respected veteran actors, RonaldoValdez, Ms. Gloria Diaz and Ms. Celeste Legaspi. Also included in the cast are thisgeneration’s promising and freshest faces: Meg Imperial, Martin Escudero, andVictor Silayan.

Thisquality production is helmed by award-winning directors: Eric Quizon, ArgelJoseph, and Bb. Joyce Bernal.

Glamorosawill surely fill your nights with heart-wrenching drama so don’t miss thepremiere of this exciting new series. Glamorosaairs weeknights right after Wil TimeBigtime starting November 7 on TV5.

Watch the trailer here:

Ruffa shares Shaina’s SMS in tell-all interview on TV5’s Paparazzi this Sunday

2011-11-05T09:29:00.000-07:00

Ruffa Gutierrez will finally disclose the SMS from Shaina Magdayao in an explosive interview with co-host DJ Mo Twister in this Sunday’s episode of Paparazzi on TV5.

In an earlier interview, Shaina denied that she sent “hostile” messages to the Paparazzi host. Ruffa, who was involved with John Lloyd Cruz (now going steady with Shaina) will tell all in this exclusive interview. Stay tuned this Sunday at 1:30pm.

Popular biz column Cocktales lands as newest talk show on Aksyon TV Channel 41

2011-11-05T09:22:00.000-07:00

The Philippines’ most fearless and controversial business column Cocktales has found a new home, this time on TV, via Aksyon TV Channel 41. Hosted by no less than Cocktales columnist Vic Agustin with Mega Publishing Group President/CEO and fashion maven Sari Yap and social darling Cita Revilla, the newest 30-minute talk show in town will bring the latest in business, fashion and high society beginning on Sunday (November 6), 8:45pm on Aksyon TV Channel 41.

Watch out as the show features prolific personalities from the world of business, politics and high society each week. On the first serving of weekly dose of Cocktales, the hosts ask Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero on the real score with his marriage to Tintin following their reported split.

Cocktales also talks about another alleged “fashion scam” involving renown bridal designer Puey Quiñones. Earlier this year, social networking have been abuzz after TV host Kat de Castro tweeted a photo of a double-labeled suit which the designer sold at P30,000 from its original department store price of P3,300.

Also get to know Timmy Tan, a second generation member of the prominent and rich Tan family. At age 37, the youngest son of business tycoon Lucio Tan, has already made a name for himself and taken the global business stage with his successful business ventures abroad.

Join Vic, Sari and Cita for a round of Cocktales every Sunday, 8:45pm on Aksyon TV (Channel 41 in Mega Manila, Channel 29 in Metro Cebu and Davao, Channel 1 on Cignal Digital TV and Channel 59 on Sky Cable).

TV5’s “Give Me 5 Kapatid” sets off in the Middle East this November 3-5!

2011-10-30T07:19:00.000-07:00

Expect five big events all in one spectacular weekend as TV5’s international arm, Pilipinas Global Network Limited (PGN Ltd.) brings “Give Me 5 Kapatid” in the Middle East to officially announce the entry of its two global channels, Kapatid TV5 and Aksyon TV International, in Dubai and Abu Dhabi on November 3-5, 2011.

This three-day never-before-done weekend extravaganza is jam-packed with fun activities for fellow Kapatids in the Middle East, including the most exciting Pinoy Explorer Promo, the special Premiere of Sa Ngalan ng Ina, Grand Fan’s day and concert featuring Side A at the Abu Dhabi National Theater on November 4, and the much-awaited Talentadong Pinoy’s 3rd International Auditions at Boracay Club, Asiana Hotel in Dubai on November 5.

Also joining “Give Me 5 Kapatid” in the Middle East are some of TV5’s popular stars such as Aga Muhlach, Ruffa Gutierrez and Shalala. “Give Me 5 Kapatid” is TV5’s way of extending gratitude to the warm acceptance of the Filipino community to its two global channels. Through this unprecedented event, PGN Ltd., in partnership with OSN, not only gives world-class entertainment but also provides event attendees the opportunity to help those in need. “With the cooperation of the Philippine Embassy in the UAE, we are happy to embark on a fund-raising activity during the weekend festivities that will benefit some of our distressed Overseas Filipinos. Our aim is not only to entertain, but also to give back to our less fortunate Kapatids in the region”, said Claro Carmelo Ramirez, PGNL President.

Mario Maurer signs movie contract with Star Cinema

2011-10-26T06:35:00.000-07:00

Finally, it's confirmed! Thai hunk superstar Mario Maurer just signed a one movie contract with Star Cinema which makes him an official Kapamilya.

Mario Maurer's first movie under Philippine production has a working title Suddenly It's Magic where he will be paired with Kapamilya young star Erich Gonzalez.

According the Thai actor, most of the scenes of the movie will be shot in Thailand while a few will be here in the Philippines.

Watch the contract signing of Mario Maurer in ABS-CBN for his movie under Star Cinema:

KC Montero, Geneva Cruz, Steff Prescott, Gino Dela Pena in 'Survivor Philippines: Celebrity Doubles Showdown'

2011-10-24T06:20:00.000-07:00

Survivor Philippines's fever is back! As the biggest reality TV show returns to primetime, the fourth season will definitely be more exciting and thrilling!

Survivor Philippines's fourth installment will be showcasing celebrities but unlike the previous Celebrity Showdown (Season 3), Season 4 is two times bigger as celebrity castaways will battling in pairs!

The first two pairs of the most anticipated reality TV show Survivor Philippines: Celebrity Doubles Showdown are former couple KC Montero and Geneva Cruz, and models Stef Prescott and Gino Dela Pena.

Watch out as GMA reveals the remaining castaways pairs and feel the excitement of real-life drama series coming soon on GMA Telebabad!

Biggest Kapamilya Stars reunite in 'Walang Hanggan'

2011-10-24T05:49:00.000-07:00

ABS-CBN's newest teleserye will reunite former Kapamilya stars who've been out of the network for quite sometime in the new primetime drama Walang Hanggan. This include the Queen of Philippine Cinema Ms. Susan Roces (last seen in TV5's Babaeng Hampaslupa) and Richard Gomez (last seen in TV5's My Driver Sweet Lover).

Another gem in Philippine cinema, Ms. Helen Gamboa, returns to primetime via this newest TV series along with Dawn Zulueta, Rita Avila, and young stars Melissa Ricks, Paulo Avelino, Joem Bascon, Julia Montes and Coco Martin.

This is what powerhouse casting means. ABS-CBN must have been proud to launch this show considering the names brought together for this project.

Susan Roces going back to ABS-CBN?

2011-10-13T05:21:00.000-07:00

After leading the cast of the Kapatid Network's Babaeng Hampaslupa, the Queen of Philippine Moviews, Ms. Susan Roces will comeback to the Kapamilya Network to do her third ABS-CBN teleserye.

Ms. Susan Roces made several notable teleseryes including Patayin sa Sinsak si Barbara (Abs-CBN) with Kris Aquino in 2007, Iisa Pa Lamang (Abs-CBN) with Claudine Barretto in 2008 and Sana Ngayong Pasko (GMA). This time, as Ms. Roces returns to ABS-CBN, she is said to be part either of the drama series Padre de Pamilya where she'll be part of the powerhouse cast namely Piolo Pascual, Jericho Rosales and Christopher de Leon; or of the TV series version of the 90's hit film Hihintayin Kita sa Langit topbilled by young stars Coco Martin, Julia Montes and ex-Kapuso talent Paulo Avelino.

Magandang Gabi Bayan (MGB) returns to ABS-CBN this October 30!

2011-10-13T05:10:00.000-07:00

Aside from the primetime news telecast TV Patrol, Noli De Castro will also return to his own hit documentary show Magandang Gabi Bayan (MGB).

MGB's best known episodes are Hallowween themed stories making the return of the show very timely.

Magandang Gabi Bayan's last airing was on 2005. Kat de Castro, duaghter of the veteran news anchor, replaced Noli after he was elected Vice President.

Six years after, MGB is here to provide more stories to tell! Watch out for Magandang Gabi Bayan's return with Noli de Castro on October 30, Sunday, on ABS-CBN.

Gerald Anderson is Budoy; Premiers Monday on ABS-CBN Primetime Bida

2011-10-07T06:25:00.000-07:00

Gerald Anderson returns to primetime via ABS-CBN's family drama Budoy.

Backed by a powerhouse cast, Budoy will feature a one-of-kind story and is certainly the first in all of the teleseryes aired in all networks.

Budoy will air its pilot episode on Monday, October 10, 2011.

Kapuso TV host-actress marks her comeback to the Kapamilya Network through this series. Janice De Belen will portray Budoy's mom.

Also part of the cast are young stars Jessy Mendiola and Enrique Gil, legendary movie stars Dante Rivero, Gloria Sevilla and Barbara Perez, and seasoned actors Tirso Cruz III, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Mylene Dizon and Christian Vasquez.

Budoy is under the direction of Ruel S. Bayani and Tots Sanchez-Mariscal.

Bodie Cruz makes his theatrical debut at the CCP

2011-10-04T00:55:00.000-07:00

Bodie Cruz, son of multi-awarded veteran actor Tirso Cruz III, is set to make histheatrical debut at the CCP in Sierra Lakes, one of the featured plays in TanghalangPilipino’s Tatlong Tabing: Three Plays by Tony Perez.

An actor, singer and commercial model, Bodie entered showbiz when he was aroundeight years old, appearing in ABS-CBN’s tween show, Ang TV. He left after a year tofocus on his studies and earned a degree in computer programming. Bodie went backto showbiz three years ago through Pinoy Big Brother.

Among his works for TV are: Love Spell Presents (ABS-CBN, 2007), Gagambino (GMA-7, 2008), Zorro (GMA-7, 2009), Bluffing with Paolo & Bodie (QTV, 2010), Hayop ATBP(QTV, 2010), Grazilda (GMA-7, 2010) and Blusang Itim (GMA-7, 2011). Bodie considershis role in Zorro as the most challenging for him. Bodie also appeared in Your Song(ABS-CBN), Eva Fonda (ABS-CBN), Kaya Kong Abutin Ang Langit (GMA-7), ASAP(ABS-CBN) and SOP (GMA-7).

Coming from a family of musical performers, Bodie has also shown his musical talentby performing in concerts and singing engagements. “I love to work with veterans in theindustry who share their talents and acting techniques with me,” Bodie shares.

Bodie plays Jusel Castro in Sierra Lakes, a tension-filled drama that explores issuesamong four people caught in a complicated web of love and desire. It will be directed byTess Jamias, an alumna of the Tanghalang Pilipino Actors Company. The play openson October 7, 2011 at 8:00pm at the CCP-Tanghalang Huseng Batute.

Interested sponsors, showbuyers, and block buyers may call TP for more details at8323661, 832 1125 local 1620/1621. Look for Lorelei Celestino or Paulo Perez. Ticketsare also available at Ticketworld at 891999 and at the CCP Box Office. Visit the officialTP website at www.tanghalangpilipino.org.ph for more information.

The X Factor Philippines Teaser on ABS-CBN

2011-10-02T21:10:00.000-07:00

After GMA released their very own singing competition The Protege, ABS-CBN just started plugging their latest franchise of the popular The X Factor.

Backed by 8 icons in Philippine music industry, Kapamilya's The X Factor Philippines will bring out the best in Pinoy singers and music lovers. The eight Philippine music icons who are part of The X Factor Philippines are: Concert King Martin Nieverra, Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano, Divine Diva Zsa Zsa Padilla, Pop Princess Sarah Geronimo, Pop Rock Princess Yeng Constantino, Rock Prince Jovit Baldovino, Singing Heartthrob Piolo Pascual and Mega Star Sharon Cuneta.

Watch the teaser here:

TV5 ranks No. 1 on Sunday primetime

2011-09-19T06:35:00.000-07:00

The Kapatid Network reigned supreme in the highly-coveted primetime block (6pm to 10pm) last Sunday (September 18) with 8.5% AMR (28.8% audience share) as compared to ABS-CBN’s 8.3% AMR (28.1% audience share) and GMA’s 7.8% AMR (26.5% audience share), data from Nielsen Media Research in Mega Manila showed. Boosted by the formidable program lineup of Comedy King Dolphy’s Pidol’s Wonderland (5:30pm), Aga Muhlach’s Pinoy Explorer (6:30pm), Bossing Vic Sotto’s Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? (7:30pm) and Ryan Agoncillo’s Talentadong Pinoy (8:30pm), TV5’s Sunday primetime block continues to raise the bar in offering shows that highlight moral values, education and Pinoy pride.

With the premiere of Pinoy Explorer, the biggest edutainment program to ever air on Philippine TV, Sunday primetime becomes even more entertaining and informative for viewers of all ages, with Aga Muhlach taking everyone to the world-renowned Wyoming Dinosaur Center in the US. The show revealed the world of dinosaurs through 3D clips from the “Clash of the Titans” series and BBC’s “Walking with Dinosaurs.”

Pinoy Explorer pilot episode posted an impressive 8.3% AMR or a total of 1,975,813 absolute viewers – 84,295 more than ABS-CBN’s TV Patrol Weekend’s 1,891,518 (7.9% AMR); and 465,543 viewers more than GMA’s 24 Oras Weekend’s 1,510,270 (6.3% AMR).

Meanwhile, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? was the most-watched program across the day (2am to 2am) with 11.1% AMR (33.6% audience share). The September 18 episode of the world’s most famous game show made history after 28-year-old Karl Jonathan Aguilar won P2 million, the first non-celebrity to win the jackpot. Often teased since his childhood because of his cleft palate, Karl buried himself in studying and reading books while growing up. This absorption of knowledge paid off as he played his game with pure smoothness, delighting host Bossing Vic Sotto to no end.

TV5’s telecast of the much-awaited Star Power: Mayweather vs. Ortiz boxing bout was also the most-watched daytime offering last Sunday both in Mega Manila and Nationwide Urban Philippines. According to Nielsen’s NUTAM data, the Floyd Mayweather vs Victor Ortiz fight posted a 10.5% AMR, outpunching the 5% AMR of ABS-CBN’s ASAP Rocks and the 4.6% AMR of GMA’s Party Pilipinas.

TV5 partners with Regal Multimedia for upcoming shows, movies

2011-09-13T20:23:00.000-07:00

We've been seeing Regal Films partnering with the Kapuso Network's cinema arm GMA Films doing numerous movie projects. Though Regal is not entirely a Kapuso but a separate entity, most of the Regal-produced movies launched various Kapuso talents in the silverscreen.

Now, as TV5 continuous to dominate the entertainment industry, the Mother Lily Monteverde-led firm has just inked a deal with the Kapatid Network. TV5 and Regal Multimedia Inc. will be doing a number of TV and movie projects including a TV show with a tentative title Regal Shocker.

Also part of the deal are six movies tied up with TV5's sister company Studio 5. The first of these six co-produced movies is the MMFF entry Hototay.

Hit Regal Films movies will also be aired on TV5 along with those that will have its TV version (think of GMA's afternoon Sinenovela which are from Viva Films and all other ABS-CBN teleseryes based from the hit classic movies).

Present at the contract signing are TV5 President Atty. Rey Espinosa, Regal Multimedia Inc Vice President Roselle Monteverde and TV5 Head of Creatives and Entertainment Production Perci Intalan.

'Ikaw Lang Ang Mamahalin' TV remake on GMA Dramarama sa Hapon

2011-09-09T06:00:00.000-07:00

Tween stars Barbie Forteza, Joshua Dionisio, Joyce Ching and Kristoffer Martin will top-bill the newest GMA Dramarama teleserye. A story conference was held today for the Kapuso teleserye Ikaw Lang Ang Mamahalin.

Ikaw Lang Ang Mamahalin is a former teleserye of the Kapuso Network top-billed by Angelica Dela Cruz, Sunshine Dizon and Sherwin Ordonez. As per some reports, this is GMA's first attempt to remake their old soaps.

Barbie and Joyce will reprise Angelica and Sunshine's role in the said soap opera.

Other casts included in the Ikaw Lang Ang Mamahalin TV remake are Sheryl Cruz, Gardo Versoza, Matet De Leon, Ehra Madrigal and Tanya Garcia under the direction of Dick Landayag.

Top 25 Most Followed Celebrities on Twitter

2011-09-09T04:24:00.000-07:00

Celebrities are among the top reasons why a lot of Filipinos are hooked on Twitter. And to list down the top Philippine celebrities with the most number of followers, TechnoBaboy.com posted an entry with those who entered the Top 25 bracket.

Topping the list is the Princess of All Media Ms. Anne Curtis (@annecurtissmith) with a whopping 1,614,402 followers as of this writing.

Another primetime royalty falls on the second spot in the name of Ms. Angel Locsin (@143redangel). The young actress garnered almost a million followers (932,693 followers as of this writing).

The Multimedia Queen Ms. Kris Aquino (@itsmekrisaquino) follows next with 843,663 followers to date.

The ever-popular comedy icon Vice Ganda (@vicegandako) got the fourth spot for having 839,453 followers to date - too short to grab Kris's spot soon!

Kapamilya hunk Sam Milby (@samuelmilby) closed the top five most followed Philippine celebrities with 780,451.

The remaining 20 Pinoy stars are listed below:

6. Angelica Panganiban (@iamangelicap) - 700,623
7. KC Concepcion (@kc_concepcion) - 696,698
8. Pokwang (@pokwang27) - 682,766
9. Bianca Gonzalez (@iamsuperbianca) - 681,458
10. Iya Villania (@iyavillania) - 669,310
11. Luis Manzano (@luckymanzano) - 638,316
12. Cristine Reyes (@evafonda2008) - 585,761
13. Charice (@officialcharice) - 574,664
14. Lea Salonga (@msleasalonga) - 564,105
15. Kim Atienza (@kuyakim_atienza) - 552,366
16. Ruffa Gutierrez (@iloveruffag) - 501,626
17. Sarah Geronimo (@sgeronimo25) - 500,905
18. Maja Salvador (@dprincessmaja) - 481,326
19. Nikki Gil (@nikkigil) - 478,296
20. Mariel Rodriguez (@itsmemarielt) - 477,003
21. Tim Yap (@iamtimyap) - 448,584
22. Mo Twister (@djmotwister) - 443,296
23. Maxene Magalona (@maxenemagalona) - 427,641
24. Karylle (@anakarylle) - 389,244
25. Georgina Wilson (@ilovegeorgina) - 370,129

Look at the list, only two Kapuso - Tim Yap and Maxene Magalona, and two Kapatid - Ruffa Gutierrez and Mo Twister, made it to the top 25 most followed celebrities on Twitter. The rest are all Kapamilyas (well, excluding Lea Salonga and Georgina Wilson who both have no network affiliations). This could also be the reason why most of the Kapamilya shows trends on Twitter than the ones from GMA and TV5.

Sam Pinto plus the Azkals for SMART Netphone TVC

2011-09-09T03:18:00.000-07:00

SMART's newest gadget offering is really the talk-of-the-town now! Everyone wants to experience the new SMART Netphone. It's the most affordable Android phone available in the market backed by the nation's leading cellular provider - SMART!

Click here to learn more about the new SMART Netphone.

Here's SMART Netphone's celebrity endorsers Sam Pinto and the Philippine Azkals for their TV commercial:

Deep Gold 2011 Movie Showing on August 31, 2011

2011-08-30T05:49:00.000-07:00

Featuring the underwater sceneries and other beautiful sites in Cebu and Palawan, Bigfoot Entertainment's Deep Gold movie promised an action-packed film to all movie-goers.

Starring Asian celebrities Bebe Pham and Jaymee Ong with Laury Prudent, Amelia Jackson-Gray, Richard Magarey and Jude Moore under the direction of Michael Gleissner, Deep Gold tells a story of a recovered gold brought to the Philippine government and the underlying mystery behind its lost while in transit from Cebu to Manila.

Here's the synopsis of the movie:

Shortly after free diver Amy Sanchez breaks an important free diving record, her boyfriend – Air Force Pilot Tony – mysteriously vanishes together with a flight that was bringing millions of dollars worth of gold to the Central Bank.

Determined to discover the truth, Amy goes off with her sister to find out.

Is Tony actually dead? Or if not, is the man she loved really part of the plot to steal the gold? But she has no idea that she is about to discover the unexpected, and entangles herself in a web of lies and deceit before she finds out that somebody used her for what turns out to become a much larger conspiracy.

Deep Gold was shot on location in Cebu, Philippines. The film highlights some of the most stunning tropical and diving locales in all the world.

Billed as an action adventure, Deep Gold also features some of the hottest upcoming talent in Asia anchored by Bebe Pham, the Vietnamese Supermodel turned actress in her first starring role. Others performances to note in the production include that of Laury Prudent as Lulu, Amelia Jackson-Gray, Richard Magarey and Jude Moore.

Catch Deep Gold in cinemas nationwide starting August 31, 2011.

Watch the trailer here:

Huling Patak Ulat ni Luchi Cruz-Valdes on DOKYU5 airs this Sunday (August 28) on TV5

2011-08-25T01:46:00.000-07:00

An archipelago, the Philippines is surrounded by bodies of water. Yet, by 2025, experts predict a severe water shortage in the country. The rapid increase in population, urbanization and industrialization has reduced the quantity and affected the quality of Philippine waters.

Today, the signs of the imminent crisis are palpable. Access to clean and adequate water is an acute seasonable problem in urban and coastal areas. Only 36% of the country’s river systems are classified as sources of public water supply; up to 58% of groundwater sampled by government agents is contaminated with coliform and needs treatment; and 31% of diseases monitored over a five-year period are due to water-borne sources.

“Huling Patak,” a one-hour documentary to be aired nationwide on TV5 and Aksyon TV Channel 41, presents the state of water resources in the Philippines and the looming crisis.

Based on the compelling stories of six localities – Tawi Tawi, Davao, Camarines Sur, Quezon, Antipolo, and Metro Manila -- and accounts of people living in the cusps of danger due to lack or absence of potable water – NEWS5 chief Luchi Cruz-Valdes weaves a story of decades of neglect and abuse of a resource more important than oil. Luchi explores the whys and wherefores of an impending disaster as well as the risks faced by Filipinos as we live with life threatening water scarcity.

Together with experts and examples of best practices that ensure sustained and efficient delivery of safe, clean water despite very limited resources, Luchi tells a story of doom and despair, and a promise that every Filipino can do something to avert a looming crisis. This special DOKYU5 presentation aims to tell them how.

“Huling Patak” airs this Sunday (August 28) at 10:30pm on TV5 with simulcast airing over Aksyon TV (Channel 41 in Mega Manila, Channel 29 in Metro Cebu and Davao, Channel 1 on Cignal Digital TV and Channel 59 on Sky Cable).

New TV5 kumare is coming to town

2011-08-25T01:39:00.000-07:00

Rumor has it that a new kumare will soon do the hosting chores together with Tiyang Amy Perez and Nyora Chiqui Roa-Puno on Sapul sa Singko’s mommy-centric segment ‘Kumare Tips.’

The segment dedicated to giving mothers homemaking solutions, financial literacy and other household concerns has been gaining quite a following after its debut on the morning show. And to stir up who the latest kumare is, TV5 recently launched its mobile campaign, “Sino ang Bagong Kumare?” text promo.

Everyone gets the chance to win one of the 50 Kumare Kikay Kit (KKK) treats worth 2,000 pesos each! Just text KK and send to 2346. Each SMS costs Smart and Globe subscribers P2.50, while P2.00 for Sun subscribers.

The announcement of 50 winners will happen on September 5 (Monday) during the reveal of the new kumare at 7am on TV5. Watch out for a bigger and better Kumare offering only on the Kapatid Network's morning block.