Bizz-e: January 2012

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Lovi Poe is Metro's Valentine Muse

Lovi Poe together with another Kapuso actress Heart Evangelista and Kapamilya star Maricar Reyes are the cover girls of Metro Magazine "Muse Issue" this month of February.

Metro magazine pays homage to the country's masters in the fields of fashion, photography, and film - Inno Sotto, Chito Rono, and Jun de Leon - this February.

Lovely muses Heart Evangelista, Maricar Reyes, and Lovi Poe grace the cover, while the masters' proteges - Ivarluski Aseron, Cathy Garcia-Molina, and Jo Ann Bitagcol - join them in the cover story, for a grand celebration of mentoring and inspiration.

Metro Magazine February 2012 issue is now available in bookstores and newsstands nationwide.

Now He Speaks: PNoy Admits Dating Grace Lee

Now He speaks: PNoy Admits Dating Grace Lee

Confirmed! President Noynoy Aquino finally talked about his "lovelife" as he confirms dating TV-host Grace Lee.

"We're seeing each other," PNoy told ABS-CBN News but refused to elaborate further the details of the said "twitter trending" date.

So, should Mo cries "I'm vindicated!"?

==============

Grace Lee on Date with President Noynoy: "Abangan na lang kung ano ang sasabihin ni President."

He might not be here physically. But Mo Twister keeps on rockin' the four corners of politics and showbiz world.

His latest revelation? The date between the 29-year-old TV-host Grace Lee and the 51-year-old President Noynoy Aquino.

Asked about the validity of Mo's tweet? Lee said: "You know the president really has my highest respect. I think it's better to let the President speak on the matter. Tapos pag may kailangan ako i-klaro, sasabihin ko rin. Kaya wag po muna kayo manila sa mga nababasa ninyo...pag yung article na iyon ang sinasabi ay si Grace Lee ang nagsabi. Yung, "according to her" or "she said"...because wala pa akong ni-release na statement and I have never spoken of him publicly yet. So, I think that's the best thing to do now...na sana abangan na lang nila kung ano ang sasabihin ni President."

P-Noy and Lee first met Lee in June last year during the inauguration of the Korea Electric Power Corp. power plant in Cebu, where Lee was a co-host. The news about the most sought-after bachelor in the country being smitten with Lee's charm started since then. While Lee keeps on denying, the President or anyone closest to him keep mum on the issue.

Paula Abdul, Nicole Scherzinger Out as 'X Factor' Judge

...and so with Steve Jones as a host.

Sad news, Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger won't be sitting next to Simon Cowell and L. A. Reid in the 'X Factor' U.S. judges seats next season.

On her statement below, Paula confirmed that she is leaving the show.

Yes, it’s true; I won’t be returning to The X Factor next season. I’ve learned through my longevity in this industry that business decisions often times override personal considerations. Simon and I, along with Fox and Fremantle, have been communicating about this for a while now, and I have absolute understanding of the situation. Simon is, and will remain a dear friend of mine and I’ve treasured my experience working this past season with my extended family at Fox and Fremantle. I want nothing more than for The X Factor to exceed ALL of their wildest dreams. This truly has been a blessing and I am most grateful.”

Meanwhile, E! Online reported that Nicole, too, will not return as a judge. But contrary to reports, Nicole did not resign but asked off the show.

Steve Jones, who looked like he gave his best to please Fox and Fremantle bosses, was also asked not to return next season. He said:

I wont be hosting next seasons XFactor which is a shame but I cant complain as I’ve had a great time. Good luck to everyone on the show."

Simon Cowell, meanwhile, has this to say for Paula, Nicole and Steve:

I want to say a massive thank you to Paula, Nicole and Steve for being part of The X Factor last year. We had a lot of fun making the show together and importantly, we found some real talent and stars. You do develop friendships with the people you work with and Paula, in particular, is a very close friend and I expect to be working with her on another project in the near future. I’m sure all three are going to have massive success in what they do next , but now is the time to thank them all for everything they did last year.”

Carmina Villaroel, Janice de Belen, Joey Marquez and Ogie Diaz in ABS-CBN’s ‘Showbiz Inside Report’

A new Kapamilya showbiz-oriented talkshow premieres this Saturday giving viewers an in-depth look at personality behind every showbiz story…

ABS-CBN levels up the TV viewers’ weekend showbiz experience with the launch of its newest showbiz-oriented talkshow titled, “Showbiz Inside Report (S.I.R.)” this Saturday, February 4, featuring a fresh combination of empowered hosts including original Kapamilya star Carmina Villaroel, muti-awarded TV host-actress Janice de Belen, actor-politician Joey Marquez, and ‘blind item’ king Ogie Diaz.

“S.I.R.” takes an in-depth look on the news and the people behind some of the most talked issues in show business. Carmina shared, “I’m excited with our show because it gives me the opportunity to get to know the Kapamilya stars much better.” Janice added, “We will discover the real happening behind every story.”

Meanwhile, Joey stressed that viewers must watch out on the hosts’ varying perspectives. He said, “I want to learn from my co-hosts’ thoughts. And since we have different personalities, I’m curious to hear their own opinions about the issues we are presenting.”

Ogie is also looking forward to their show’s no-holds-barred discussions. “We are open to each other’s playful banters, but at the end of the day it’s like a conversation among friends.”

With the exciting set of some of the country’s seasoned hosts, expect for a funfilled highly opinionated “S.I.R.”–with the ever curious and bubbly Janice; Janice, who just like a real sister, will be the guests’ trusted confidante; Joey, meanwhile, will balance out the discussions as he bring up the male perspective amid the issues; and Ogie will surely tickle the viewers’ imagination with his freshest ‘insider’ scoops.

Don’t miss the newest showbiz-oriented talkshow of ABS-CBN, “Showbiz Inside Report,” coming this February 4, Saturday, after “Happy Yippee Yehey.” For more updates log on to www.abs-cbn.com, follow @ShowbizInsideTV on Twitter, and ‘like’ http://www.facebook.com/ShowbizInsideReport.AbsCbn on Facebook.

Sam Milby and Jessy Mendiola Together in ‘MMK’ this Saturday

Before he finally flies to the US to pursue his ‘Hollywood dream,’ Sam Milby delights his fans with a special “Maalaala Mo Kaya” episode this Saturday, February 4, where he will co-star with Jessy Mendiola.

Milby and Mendiola will portray the roles of Nono and Joie, bestfriends who eventually became lovers. But their happiness will be cut short when both their parents did not support their relationship. But Nono stepped out and proved his love for Joie, making Joie faced her fear and believed with everything Nono had promised.

Also starring in the MMK episode are Mickey Ferriols, Lito Pimintel, Aldred Gatchalian, Lauren Uy, Beauty Gonzales, Hiyasmin Neri, Hermes Bautista, Gileth Sandico, and William Lorenzo. It was researched by Alex Martin, written by Joan Habana, and directed by Raz Dela Torre.

Don’t miss another remarkable TV master piece this Saturday in the longest running drama anthology of Asia, “Maalaala MoKaya” (MMK), after “Junior Master Chef Pinoy Edition” on ABS-CBN. For more updates, log on to www.mmk.abs-cbn.com, follow MMKOfficial on Twitter, and “like” www.faceboook.com/MMKOfficial.

‘Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace’ in 3D Screens on February 9

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away…Twenty-two years ago, these words first flashed across movie theater screens around the world, and a modern legend was born.

Hundreds of millions of people would be introduced to a saga that would touch their lives in ways then unimaginable. Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, and the Special Editions of all three films, became defining events for two generations. The fast-paced action adventures, set in a new and exciting universe, featured grand design and boundless fun. The films inspired countless of viewers with themes that are universal and timeless: the conflict between good and evil and between technology and humanity, the celebration of heroism, and the limitless potential of the individual.

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 “Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace” converted into 3D, 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.

George Lucas, the pioneering and brilliant filmmaker behind STAR WARS, has overseen the process with his renowned attention to detail. John Knoll, the visual effects supervisor for Lucasfilm’s Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) was responsible for the actual conversion. He served as Visual Effects Supervisor on all three of the Star Wars prequels. The remaining five STAR WARS films will be converted to 3D over the coming years.

“I’m really excited about the new big screen release of the film. We’ve worked very hard to get the best quality 3D we could. The big screen experience is so much better than watching it on television. It was designed to put you in the environment and surround you with the sound and the picture. There is nothing like it. I’m so glad that we were able to bring this whole experience to the next generation. This will be the third generation that will be able to see it on the big screen and when you’re young, it’s an overwhelming and powerful event,” Lucas shares on converting Episode 1 into 3D.

Lucas further shares on challenges faced on converting the movie to 3D – “Originally, I was not a big fan of 3D. I really thought 3D was a gimmick. Then later on I was trying to get digital projectors into the theaters. I was doing a presentation in Las Vegas. Bob Zemeckis and Jim Cameron came up to me and said: ‘We want to get 3D into the theaters. Would you join us in showing the theater owners that you can do 3D?’ And I said: ‘That’d be good because in order to do 3D you have to have digital theaters. So it would promote my idea of digital theaters.’ Then when I saw the test that we did of STAR WARS in 3D, I realized how great it was and how great it looked. I became fascinated with the idea of converting STAR WARS into 3D, which was easier said than done. It took us a long time to develop a structure in which we could actually do a really good conversion of a 2D film into a 3D film.”

“I don’t like things coming out into the audience. I like everything to be behind the proscenium. I think 3D is an art. You need artists who have a sensibility about where things fit in the frame. It’s very subtle but it’s very, very important. We had an advantage because we had experts in visual effects like John Knoll. We had the skill set of ILM (Industrial Light & Magic) and people who had worked in 3D on films, including “Avatar.” So we could get a group of people together that could actually do this,” concludes Lucas.

“Star Wars Episode 1 The Phantom Menace” in 3D comes to theaters on February 9 from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

‘Mundo Man ay Magunaw’ Pilot Episode Wins National TV Ratings

ABS-CBN’s its first ever locally produced drama on a noontime slot, “Mundo Man ay Magunaw,” reigned the national TV ratings last Monday (January 30) with 15.9% ratings beating GMA’s “Chef Boy Logro Kusina Master” which only got 14.8%.

“Mundo Man ay Magunaw” shares the entwined lives of Olivia (Valdes) and her daughters Sheryl (Empress) and Jennifer (Gil). After 20 years of imprisonment, Olivia is off to restart her life and rebuild the family she never had. Brought together by circumstances, the three women will realize that no matter how big their differences and conflicts are, they still have to reunite to save each other.

Don’t miss “Mundo Man ay Magunaw,” every day, at 11:30am on ABS-CBN. For more updates, log on to www.abs-cbn.com, follow @abscbndotcom on Twitter, or ‘like their Facebook fan page http://www.facebook.com/mundomanaymagunaw.

RuPaul is Back with Season 4 of ‘Drag Race’

RuPaul is back to play host, mentor and inspiration for the contestants of the fourth season search for “America’s next drag superstar.”

RuPaul’s Drag Race, if you have been living under a rock, is a reality TV competition for drag queens.

The show aired its pilot in May 2008 on MTV and on February 2, 2009 on Logo.

The show was marked as the most watched series on Logo in its first season, and it became the most streamed series ever on LogoTV.com during its second. The title of the show is a play on drag queen and drag racing, with the title sequence and theme song “Covergirl (Put the Bass in Your Walk)” both having a drag racing theme. Both the contestants and fans are affectionately referred to as “Racers.”

Now on its 4th season, RuPaul’s Drag Race premieres January 30, 2012.

This season’s winner will headline Logo’s Drag Race Tour featuring Absolut Vodka, wins a one-of-a-kind trip courtesy of AlandChuck.travel, a lifetime supply of NYX Cosmetics, a cash prize of $100,000, and the title of “America’s Next Drag Superstar.”

The cash prize for season four marks the largest grand prize the show has offered to date. It’s also the first season since season one to not feature any contestants from Atlanta after two contestants from that city were cast in both seasons two and three.

Guest judges for this season include Pamela Anderson, Billy B., Natalie Cole, Loretta Devine, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Rick Fox, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Wynonna Judd, Regina King, Ross Mathews, Rose McGowan, Jeffrey Moran, Max Mutchnick, Kelly Osbourne, Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, Pauley Perrette, Amber Riley, Mike Ruiz, Jennifer Tilly, Dan Savage, John Salley and Nicole Sullivan.

Be mesmerized as fur shawls, metallic corsets, beaded fishnet stockings and pointy boots, with matching the lavishness of an evening eye and face make-up, dominate primetime TV every Monday night at 9 p.m.!

Monday, January 30, 2012

KC Concepcion Like You've Never Seen Her Before (Photos)

Ever wonder what KC Concepcion still has to offer inside the latest issue of now "talk-of-the-town" Rogue Magazine?

Take a peek at photos below:

Want more? Buy Rogue Magazine January-February 2012 issue out now at your favorite magazine stands and selected supermarkets and bookstores nationwide.

Solenn Heussaff Returns to Survivor Philippines

Solenn Heussaff, known as Survivor Philippines’s Diwata ng Isla eases the tension in the island as she lives with the final five castaways in "Survivor Philippines Celebrity Doubles Showdown."

"Survivor Philippines" season 4 final five castaways namely KC Montero, Maey Bautista, Stef Prescott, Mara Yokohama and Betong Sumaya were surprised to see the gorgeous half-French, half-Filipina Solenn on the island last Friday night.

The castaways were also astonished when Solenn announced that she would sleep over in the island! Solenn also revealed that she would have a one on one conversation with the castaways.

Find out what are the tips and advises Solenn would share with the remaining castaways on how to survive "Survivor Philippines" tonight after "Legacy" on GMA-7.

10-Minutes of War in ‘Chronicle’

The highly intense edgy teen thriller “Chronicle” tags 10-minutes of “This Means War” footage when it opens in theaters nationwide on February 2, Thursday.

“This Means War” stars Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine and Tom Hardy in a love war triangle when CIA agents and childhood best buddies find out they are dating the same woman. Hilarity and hard-core action ensue as the trio try to work on the situation the best way possible brought by Hollywood’s ensemble of hit filmmakers. “This Means War” is helmed by director McG whose worldwide hits include “Charlie’s Angels,” “Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle” and “Terminator Salvation,” written by scribe Simon Kinberg who penned the incredibly thrilling films “Mr. and Mrs. Smith,” “”X-Men: The Last Stand,” “Jumper” and “Sherlock Holmes,” and produced by Will Smith to create 2012’s most enjoyable adult romantic-action-comedy.

Consecutively opening this February – “Chronicle”, February 2, and “This Means War” , February 22, are from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros. in theaters nationwide.

Tom Hanks, The Perfect Dad in “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close”

Two-time Academy Award winner Tom Hanks stars as Thomas Schell, a devoted husband and father who was at the wrong place, at the wrong time during the fateful day of 9/11, in Warner Bros.' life-affirming drama, “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close.”

The film is a story that unfolds from inside the young mind of Oskar Schell (Thomas Horn), 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.

As a screen character, Thomas Schell was a challenge because he is seen entirely through Oskar’s eyes, to the extent that much about his history and inner life remain mysterious - except for the parts that have made an impression on Oskar and especially Oskar’s memories of their very best times together, which remain indelibly immediate to him.

To embody the essence of a father as captured in time by his young son, director Stephen Daldry thought early on of Tom Hanks. “We thought that in terms of Oskar’s memories of Thomas as the perfect dad...well, who else could that be but Tom Hanks?” recalls Daldry. “Tom took that responsibility to heart and created a real bond with child actor Thomas Horn that was evident to everybody on the set. They were absolutely charming together, which was great for me as a filmmaker, because they created this dynamic relationship and all I had to do was shoot it. It was an act of real dedication by an extraordinary actor and collaborator.”

Hanks was drawn to the way the script gets inside Oskar’s mind at a time when the power of logical facts to keep him grounded seems to have evaporated. “In the blink of an eye, the course of Oskar’s whole world changes, and he loses his only anchor,” Hanks says. “His father used to tell him that there are always clues and treasures to be found in the world. So when he finds his father’s key, it’s very interesting that Oskar devises his own elaborate hunt for what the key might mean, convinced it will somehow explain the unexplained to him. It becomes a very personal, intimate story of a kid trying to make sense in his own way of a nonsensical world.”

He adds: “It was easiest thing in the world for me to want to do this – as soon as I read it, there was not even any question.”

The actor says he gave a lot of consideration to the kind of father Thomas was to Oskar prior to his death. He also kept in mind that Thomas was himself a child of immigrants who took up the trade of jewelry as his only clear opportunity to support his family, even though he dreamed of being a scientist. “I think Thomas was someone who felt the real task in his life was to make sure that his very bright son became a well-rounded, content human being who might make the world a better place,” Hanks says. “Since Thomas himself grew up without a father, fathering Oskar was the most important thing to him. I think he loved inventing wild stories for Oskar, like the one he makes up about New York’s lost Sixth Borough, but he also very clearly designed these stories to get Oskar out in the world and help him feel safe there.”

In part, Hanks drew on his own experiences as a father. “The emotional part of it for me was going back and remembering what it’s like to have an 11-year-old kid who is bubbling over with life,” he says.

While Hanks believes Thomas was well aware that Oskar often showed signs of behavior akin to Asperger’s Syndrome, he also says Thomas readily accepted and even related to many of his son’s oddities and phobias, which made the two of them even closer. “I think Thomas wasn’t bothered at all by his son’s behaviors,” he says. “Instead, he looked for ways to build bridges over Oskar’s turbulence, over his constant questions, his flights of fancy and his fears. Yet because of that, when he’s gone, it magnifies the incredible loss for Oskar even more.”

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

14-pound Baby Ashner Stewardson Born in Iowa (Photo)

A 14-pound baby boy who measures 23 inches long was born through a natural way last Thursday, January 26, at the Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa, KSBWTV reported.

Kendall Stewardson gave birth to a baby named Ashner who weighs more than 14 pounds after 6 hours of labor - the biggest baby born naturally in Iowa, without the help of surgery and epidural injection. This is because Kendall is worried that an epidural or cesarean delivery could endager either her or Asher

His older brother, Judah, who is now 15 months old weighed a little more than 12 pounds at birth.

‘Pan Am,’ ‘Top Chef Season 8′ on AXN Beyond this February

Careers take-off and fly high in AXN Beyond’s jam-packed line-up of new shows this February!

Feel the passion, adventure and espionage at 30,000 feet in PAN AM, a new drama series set in the 1960s, when Pan American World Airways led the energy and excitement of the Jet Age. In their individual quests for adventure, the “Pan Am” crew of pilots and stewardesses face both opportunity and peril, as they juggle their lives, loves, hopes and dreams while flying around the world to glamorous international cities like Paris, Berlin, Jakarta and Monte Carlo. Fasten your seat belts as the season premieres on February 11, 2012, airing every Saturday at 9:50 p.m., first and exclusively on AXN Beyond.

Join psychotherapist Dr. Dani Santino as she balances her workload and the new demands of single motherhood in the drama series NECESSARY ROUGHNESS. When Dani’s perfect world begins to unravel after her husband’s infidelity, she becomes the most sought-after therapist, with high-profile clients from athletes to entertainers and politicians clamoring for her unique brand of therapy. Watch Dani tackle all her and her patient’s issues beginning February 1, 2012, airing every Wednesday at 10:55 PM.

Patti Stranger is back as she moves her matchmaking service to New York City in MILLIONAIRE MATCHMAKER SEASON 4. This season, Patti uses a few new tricks including a spy camera, lie detector test and hiring a make-up specialist from Saturday Night Live. From Wall Street to beach bum, this season also introduces the most over-the-top and challenging millionaires yet including Judith Regan, editor, producer, publisher and TV and radio show host, Freddie Mitchell, ex-wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles, and Albie and Chris Manzo, the sons of Caroline from The Real Housewives of New Jersey. Watch Patti and her staff help their millionaire clients find love in the city that never sleeps beginning February 13, 2011, airing weeknights at 10:05 PM.

Meanwhile, a dream team of 18 past cheftestants are back and ready for redemption in TOP CHEF SEASON 8. This season, the Primetime Emmy Award-winning reality contest returns to New York City with host Padma Lakshmi and head judge chef Tom Colicchio, alongside judges Gail Simmons and new this season, best-selling author and chef, Anthony Bourdain. Don’t miss out on all the culinary action beginning February 29, 2012, airing weeknights at 10:05 PM.

Catch these all new programs and more on AXN Beyond this January: SkyCable (Channel 35), Dream Satellite (Channel 36) and Cignal Digital TV (Channel 37).

Ryan Reynolds in Brightest Day and Blackest Night Shines in ”Safehouse”

Ryan Reynolds is the perfect guy as Matt Weston in Safehouse, producer Scott Stuber recalls: “We had to be certain that the actor opposite Denzel would be ready. I’ve known Ryan for a long time and was sure that he would step up to that challenge. More importantly, he wanted such a challenge.”

Reynolds explains his interest in joining the team: “First and foremost, I was riveted by the story. It was also an opportunity to work with Daniel, who is an unusual and unpredictable filmmaker. He is unlike anyone I’ve ever worked with, or even met before. He’s this incredibly wise, intuitive, intellectual thug. It’s a weird combination that gives him this incredible street sense. He’s a guy who could easily be in a bar fight, and at the same time, if you name any book, there’s a good chance he’s read it - among the plusses, not the least of which was working with Denzel. You know you will learn a lot working with Denzel: Spending time with him makes you a better actor.”

The actor found the duality of Weston’s life - the housekeeper’s cover is that he is a health worker - compelling. He says, “I was fascinated by the fact that my character lives a complete lie. He’s lying to himself and wraps himself up in the flag. There’s a lot of hubris involved. He feels what he’s doing is righteous, and yet, there’s a dark, seedy underbelly to what he does - not the least of which is the fact that he lies to everyone he loves, and that takes its toll. He’s beaten up from this.”

Reynolds explains his character’s transformation: “Matt’s growth is debatable. In some ways, it’s almost a regression. Throughout the course of the film, he’s resorting to some of the same ways he’s previously despised. The audience’s concern as we’re watching is that Matt might be affected by Frost in the same way that Frost was swayed by whoever it was who caused him to go off book. One of the things that Frost does is reveal to Matt what this agency really is, how some of the black ops that it engages in are in the guise of a higher good. It affects Matt deeply, and he’s seeing how this could easily become him one day. Whether that’s growth or not, he’s definitely changed.”

Washington saw that growth in the man playing Weston and found Reynolds a worthy on-screen adversary. The performer compliments: “Ryan is a very good actor who works very hard, and we had good chemistry. He has an inherent innocence that I think was right for the part.”

How did you come to this film?
I read the script and loved it. Then I met with Daniel Espinosa. I had seen SNABBA CASH, which he directed, and I thought it was incredibly inventive. It was a really interesting take on the action/crime thriller and I thought Daniel would be a great match for this project. I usually gravitate first towards a character and then towards the overall story. I liked that there is this hubris associated with these guys who enter agencies like the CIA thinking that it’s some romantic journey into a love of God and country. Then once they are involved, it is actually incredibly disillusioning.

What’s your character’s relationship to Denzel’s character?
Frost (Denzel’s character) represents everything my character, Matt Weston, despises. He’s betrayed his country and his own personal code of ethics in innumerable ways. Although my character opposes everything Frost stands for, by the end of the film we’re left wondering if Matt is going that same route.
Have you had a lot of action scenes?
The fights in this movie are really long and extensive. They’re not kung fu or the typical fight scenes that you see in this sort of film. These fights are just ugly. There’s biting and head-butting. The driving is pretty intense, as well.

How have you found working with director Daniel Espinosa?
Daniel is amazing. He embodies the aspects of a great psycho-analyst that all good directors have and he is very good with actors. He sees everything. Nothing gets by him.

“Safehouse” is showing on February 10, nationwide. Released and distributed by United International Pictures through Solar Entertainment Corp.

Be a Cinema One Originals Award-Winning Filmmaker this 2012, Submit Your Entries Until February 8

Submission is extended! Cinema One, the no. 1 cable channel in the Philippines, is once again calling all interested up and coming, and veteran filmmakers and screenplay writers to submit their entries for the 2012 Cinema One Originals Festival until February 8, 2012 (Wed).

[ Antoinette Jadaone of ‘Six Degrees of Seperation of Lilia Cuntapay' receiving Best Screenplay award at the 2011 Cinema One Originals Festival, Lilia Cuntapay for her Best Actress award, some members of the film’s production team and a scene from the movie. ]

Ten entries will be chosen to be produced this year. Three of those, which have the most commercial film concept, will be awarded P2-million production budget each and the other seven with P1 million. Participants must accomplish an entry form, full narrative screenplay and sequence, filmmaker’s updated curriculum vitae and filmography, description of production team and portfolio of previous works in DVD format. Entries must be submitted to Cinema One Office, 8th Floor Eugenio Lopez Jr. Communicatio Center, ABS-CBN Compound, Mother Ignacia Ave., Quezon City, 1103, Philippines. To download entry form, logon to www.facebook.com/pages/Cinema-One-Originals/193194883486.

Sunday, January 29, 2012

‘It’s Showtime’ to Replace ‘Happy Yipee Yehey!’ Beginning February 6, 2012

ABS-CBN, through its Head of ABS-CBN Corporate Communications Mr. Bong Osorio, has released an official statement about their new noontime show called “It’s Showtime.”

After two years of being a morning kapamilya favorite, “It’s Showtime” will be ABS-CBN’s newest noontime program effective Monday, February 6, 2012.

The new show will be hosted by Vhong Navarro, Anne Curtis, Billy Crawford, Karylle, ‘Kuya’ Kim Atienza, Teddy Corpuz, Jugs Jugueta and Vice Ganda, whose camaraderie, spontaneity, talents, and shared sense of humor have brought joy to kapamilyas. Joining them in “It’s Showtime” are dance master Jhong Hilario, and favorite “ex hurados” Ryan Bang, and Coleen Garcia.

Together, they will be bringing a new and more exciting show filled with surprises and engaging segments that will make viewers experience MORE FUN IN SHOWTIME.

ABS-CBN thanks the “madlang people, ” here in the Philippines and in The Filipino Channel (TFC) markets worldwide, for being with Showtime and its hosts in their journey of bringing joy and hope every morning the past two years. ABS-CBN invites the viewers to continue their unwavering support for Showtime as it moves to noontime, from Monday to Saturday starting February 6.

–Bong Osorio
Head of ABS-CBN Corporate Communications

Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift Barely Made it to Billboard’s 2012 Power 100 List

Interestingly, despite their sold-out concerts worldwide and huge sales of their individual albums, Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift almost did not make it to Billboard's 2012 Power 100 list, which ranks the 100 most powerful people in the music industry - from artists to label executives, managers, television and movie executives.

The list is determined by a combination of factors including market share, exclusive Billboard chart data/boxscore information and revenue.

Here's the full list:

1. Irving Azoff
2. Coran Capshaw
3. Lucian Grainge
4. Martin Bandier
5. Doug Morris
6. Michael Rapino
7. Rob Light
8. Len Blavatnik
9. Tim Leiweke
10. Jimmy Iovine
11. Eddy Cue and Robert Kondrk
12. John Hogan
13. Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter & Beyonce Knowles
14. Lyor Cohen
15. Randy Phillips
16. Emmanuel Seuge
17. Frank Cooper
18. Barry Weiss
19. Rob Stringer and Steve Barnett
20. Arthur Fogel
21. Marc Geiger
22. Dan Mason
23. Bob Pittman
24. Roger Faxon
25. Ronald “Slim” Williams and Bryan “Birdman” Williams
26. Rio Caraeff
27. U2 and Paul McGuinness
28. Julie Greenwald and Craig Kallman
29. Daniel Ek
30. Lukasz “Dr. Luke” Gottwald
31. Lewis W. Dickey, Jr
32. Peter Grosslight
33. Charles Attal, Charlie Jones and Charlie Walker
34. Robert Greenblatt
35. Van Toffler
36. Monte Lipman
37. Antonio “L.A.” Reid
38. Joel Katz
39. Mark Campana and Bob Roux
40. Tim Westergren
41. Peter Edge and Tom Corson
42. Tom Poleman
43. Chip Hooper
44. Hartwig Masuch
45. Rob Cavallo and Todd Moscowitz
46. Cliff Burnstein and Peter Mensch
47. Nathan Hubbard
48. Jay Brown
49. Evan Lamberg
50. Jon Bon Jovi
51. Lia Vollack
52. Jan Jeffries
53. Steve Bartels
54. Scott Borchetta
55. Blaise D’Sylva
56. Neil Portnow
57. Dennis Arfa
58. Cameron Strang
59. Cortez Bryant/Gee Roberson
60. Sean Parker
61. Steve Moore
62. Paul Rosenberg
63. Tifanie Van Laar
64. Ryan Seacrest
65. Robert Kyncl
66. Lorne Michaels
67. John Butcher
68. Clint Higham
69. Randy Spendlove
70. Rich Lehrfeld
71. Peter Luukko
72. John Branca
73. Melissa Lonner
74. Raul Alarcon, Jr.
75. John Frankenheimer
76. Cary Sherman
77. Larry Marcus
78. Taylor Swift
79. Kevin Mayer
80. PJ Bloom
81. James L. Dolan
82. Jesus Lopez
83. Martin Karl “Max Martin” Sandberg
84. Lady Gaga
85. Mike Dungan
86. Fred Wilson
87. Jon Platt
88. Willard Ahdritz
89. John Ivey and Alex Tear
90. Jody Gerson
91. Chris Tsakalakis
92. Nigel Lythgoe
93. Richard Busch
94. Debra Lee
95. David Israelite
96. Steve Berman
97. Rich Bengloff
98. Gary Overton
99. Daniel Glass
100. Simon Cowell

Charice 'One for the Heart' Valentine Special Airs on GMA-7

International singing sensation Charice, comes home once again to celebrate Valentine's Day with her Kapuso fans via her television special aptly entitled "Charice, One for the Heart."

The Pinoy Pride is back, and she is all grown up–her voice more breathtaking, and her stance more powerful before her audience. This time with her very own band that she takes to her international tours, Charice performs songs closest to her heart–songs that talk about her journey as an artist, and her plight as a daughter ever loving to her parents and family.

Charice also pays tribute to well-loved OPM love songs as she shares the stage with Pop Balladeer Mark Bautista, and RNB Prince Jay-R. Another must-see on the show is a tender moment where Charice sings to her father Ricky Pempengco who passed away last year.

Get to know the latest from Charice as she sings a few hits off her second international studio album Infinity, and talks about an Asian tour happening very soon.

Watch also the country’s most sought-after love teams, newly-weds, and most celebrated couples, as they share their love stories and give a prelude to each special performance by Charice.

Directed by Louie Ignacio (the man behind the acclaimed "Charice – Home for Valentine’s" in 2011, the International singing sensation promises to captivate and capture hearts once again on "Charice, One for the Heart" airing this February on GMA.

Novak Djokovic Defeated Rafael Nadal in 2012 Australian Open

Novak Djokovic of Serbia won against Rafael Nadal of Spain in their men's singles final match at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on Monday, January 30, 2012.

According to Djokovic, their match that lasted for 5 hours 53 minutes, was far better than his Wimbledon triumph in 2011.

"This one I think comes out on the top just because of the fact that we played almost six hours is incredible, incredible," he said.

Despite being left hurting, Djokovic still has all the reason to celebrate his winning over Nadal.

"You're in pain, you're suffering, you know that you're trying to activate your legs, you're trying to push yourself another point, just one more point, one more game. You're going through so much suffering your toes are bleeding. Everything is just outrageous, you know, but you're still enjoying that pain." he said after the game.

Djokovic now becomes the fifth player in open history to win three straight grand slam titles.

“Journey 2: The Mysterious Island” Embarks in IMAX 3D

Believe the impossible, discover the incredible as New Line Cinema's “Journey 2: The Mysterious Island” embarks on an adventure of a lifetime in IMAX 3D! The film will be shown in local IMAX 3D cinemas, as well as digital 3D and regular theatres starting Thursday, February 2.

Starring Dwayne Johnson, Vanessa Hudgens, Josh Hutcherson and Michael Caine, “Journey 2” 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.

Upon seeing the script for “Journey 2,” director Brad Peyton 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 the prequel ‘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.

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

Maan Panganiban Dead

Former athlete and UAAP courtside reporter and now TV5 sports reporter, Maan Panganiban (Mary Anne Grace Natividad Panganiban) succumbs to cancer.

Maan happened to be the girlfriend of UAAP star player Bobby Ray Parks Jr. of the NU Bulldogs.

May your soul rest in peace, Maan!

'Unofficially Yours' Full Trailer Released

The full trailer of Star Cinema's Valentine offering "Unofficially Yours" featuring the hit tandem of "Imortal" stars John Lloyd Cruz and Angel Locsin premiered tonight on "Gandang Gabi, Vice" where the not just talked about the movie but also shared their extra-ordinary talents. And yes, they trended on Twitter worldwide!

Sarah Geronimo vs Anne Curtis - Annebisyosa Concert Video

Sarah Geronimo had a biritan showdown with Anne Curtis during the latter's sold-out "Annebisyosa: No Other Concert" at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum on Saturday, January 28, 2012.

Sarah and Anne performed "I Don't Wanna Miss a Thing" to the delight of thousand of fans who flocked the venue to witness the birth of the new concert star.

Watch the video below:

Video credit: rodeldayagguerrero on YouTube, Photo: Girlie Rodis on Twitter

Matteo Guidicelli - Kaba (Music Video and Lyrics)

Matteo Guidicelli releases the music video for "Kaba", the official theme song of his latest movie with Maja Salvador "My Cactus Heart".

"My Cactus Heart" is still showing in more than 100 theaters nationwide.

Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes Named ‘Sweetest Celebrity Couple’

Reel and real-life couple Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes named by 'Inside Showbiz' magazine as one of the country's sweetest celebrity couples in their February 2012 issue.

Aside from the "Sweetest Celebrity Couples" list, Inside Showbiz also features the "Battle of the Best Loveteams," and many more.

Inside Showbiz February 2012 issue is now available at all magazine stands and selected bookstores and supermarkets nationwide.

Puerto Princesa Underground River as 1 of the New7Wonders of Nature Now Official

Palawan's Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) is now officially named as one of the New7Wonders of Nature in the announcement made by New7Wonders (N7WN) President Bernard Weber during the press conference held at the Heritage Hotel in Pasay City.

“When your very own President Aquino came out in support of the PPUR campaign, I knew that this country was taking the New7Wonders of Nature seriously,” he said, adding “Fans of PPUR all over the world responded to his call for action by voting in record numbers and today’s confirmation is the well-earned reward for this extraordinary display of enthusiasm.”

Puerto Princesa Mayor Edward Hagedorn, who also graced the event, notably used the new DOT slogan in his speech.

“This confirmation is wonderful news for Puerto Princesa, and a great example of how now its more fun to be in the Philippines. Worldwide exposure of our natural beauty on this level is critical both for tourism and for our image nationally and internationally,” he said.

Amongst the official New7Wonders of Nature are (in alphabetical order):

Amazon Rainforest – Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, Venezuela
Halong Bay – Vietnam
Iguazu Falls – Argentina, Brazil
Jeju Island – South Korea
Komodo National Park – Indonesia
Table Mountain – South Africa

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Cinema One Originals Festival to Invade the Queen City of the South

After filmmaker Remton Siega Zuasola bagged international recognitions for his film “Ang Damgo Ni Eleuteria,” it’s now the time for his fellow Cebuanos to celebrate filmmaking excellence via the Cinema One Originals Festival in Cebu City this February 11 to 16, at the SM City Cebu Cinema 8.

Among the films to be shown in the South installment of the festival are Cebuano-made “Di Ingon ‘Nato [Not Like Us],” “My Paranormal Romance,” “Ang Damgo Ni Eleuteria” and “Confessional.” Mindanaoan film “Imburnal,” which is also in Visayan dialect, is in this powerful lineup.

Also featured in the filmfest are titles that recently bagged awards in the 2011 Cinema One Originals Festival such as “Ka Oryang,” “Six Degrees of Separation from Lilia Cuntapay,” “Mga Anino Sa Tanghaling Tapat,” “Cartas de la Soledad,” “Sa Kanto Ng Ulap at Lupa,” “Sa Ilalim ng Tulay,” and “Big Boy.”

Stars of the 7th Cinema One Originals films like the festival’s Best Actress Lilia Cuntapay, Mercedes Cabral, Franco Reyes, Phoebe Kaye Fernandez, Paul Jake Castillo, Publio Briones III, Van Roxas and others will grace this big event. Of course, award-winning filmmakers such as Sari Dalena of “Ka Oryang” and Antoinette Jadaone, together with some Cebuano filmmakers and actors will also be there.

It can be recalled that “Ang Damgo Ni Eleuteria” recently took home two awards at the Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival in Indonesia such as Golden Hanoman (for best Asian feature film) and Geber (given by the Indonesian film communities). ” It also won the Special Jury prize in the 12th Jeonju International Film Festival in South Korea. In the local scene, the Cebuano-made film was also a big winner in the 34th Gawad Urian—bagging the most coveted Best Picture, Best Director, Best Cinematography (by Christian Linaban) and Best Music (by Jerrold Tarog)—and was hailed Best Picture in the Cinemanila 2010 (Southeast Asian Category).

“Brave, bold and original,” goes the description on the featured films. The talents are also a mix of flag bearers and an emerging new breed.

Catch all of the films in the Cebu leg of the Cinema One Originals festival. These movies are produced and owned by Cinema One cable channel and the Creative Programs, Inc. For more info, log on to http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cinema-One-Originals/

CINEMA ONE ORIGINALS CEBU FILMFEST
MOVIE SCHEDULE
February 11 to 16, 2011
SM City Cebu Cinema 8

February 11, Saturday
6:30 PM OPENING COCKTAILS/CEREMONIES
8:15 PM ANG DAMGO NI ELEUTERIA

February 12, Sunday
11:00 AM IMBURNAL
3:00 PM SA ILALIM NG TULAY
5:00 PM CONFESSIONAL
7:00 PM ANG DAMGO NI ELEUTERIA
9:00 PM DI INGON ‘NATO

February 13, Monday
12:00 PM LAYANG BILANGGO
2:25 PM ISHMAEL
4:50 PM ANG DAMGO NI ELEUTERIA
7:10 PM ANATOMIYA NG KORUPSIYON
9:30 PM SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION FROM LILIA CUNTAPAY

February 14, Tuesday
12:00 PM SA KANTO NG ULAP AT LUPA
2:15 PM CARTAS DE LA SOLEDAD
4:50 PM ANATOMIYA NG KORUPSIYON
7:10 PM DI INGON ‘NATO
9:30 PM MY PARANORMAL ROMANCE

February 15, Wednesday
12:00 PM DI INGON ‘NATO
2:25 PM MGA ANINO SA TANGHALING TAPAT
4:50 PM SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION FROM LILIA CUNTAPAY
7:10 PM MY PARANORMAL ROMANCE
9:30 PM KA ORYANG

February 16, Thursday
12:00 PM BIG BOY
2:25 PM ANG DAMGO NI ELEUTERIA
4:50 PM MY PARANORMAL ROMANCE
7:10 PM KA ORYANG
9:30 PM DI INGON ‘NATO