The Geek Reviews

"Hugo" and "The Artist" lead the winners of the 84th Academy Awards

2012-02-27T22:39:00.002+08:00

Source: Rappler

"Hugo" and "The Artist" lead the winners of the 84th Academy Awards, held Sunday, February 26 (Monday, February 27) in Los Angeles.

Both films had 5 wins each, with the silent film "The Artist" taking Best Picture, Best Director for Michel Hazanavicius, and Best Actor for Jean Dujardin. It also took home awards for Costume Design and Original Score.

Photo courtesy

The film is the first silent film to win the top prize since "Wings," which won Best Picture back in 1928, in the first Academy Awards ceremonies.

The animated Martin Scorsese film "Hugo," meanwhile, won awards for Art Direction, Cinematography, Sound Editing, Sound Mixing, and Visual Effects.

Meryl Streep's performance as former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher in "The Iron Lady" won for her the Best Actress Oscar, beating presumed frontrunner Viola Davis ("The Help").

A standing ovation from the crowd at the Hollywood and Highland Theater (the former Kodak Theater) greeted her third Oscar win, which came after a record 17 nominations throughout her career.

Octavia Spencer ("The Help") won Best Supporting Actress, while Christopher Plummer ("Beginners") made Academy history by winning Best Supporting Actor at the age of 82, the oldest awardee ever.

The Iranian film "A Separation," meanwhile, wins Best Foreign Language Film.

The Oscars was hosted by comedian Billy Crystal, who has led the ceremonies 8 times in the past.

Here is a list of the nominees and winners (highlighted) for the major categories at the 84th Academy Awards. This list is according to presentation of the awards during the ceremonies.

Cinematography

"The Artist" Guillaume Schiffman
"The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" Jeff Cronenweth
"Hugo" Robert Richardson
"The Tree of Life" Emmanuel Lubezki
"War Horse" Janusz Kaminski

Art Direction

"The Artist" - Production Design: Laurence Bennett; Set Decoration: Robert Gould
"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2" - Production Design: Stuart Craig; Set Decoration: Stephenie McMillan
"Hugo" - Production Design: Dante Ferretti; Set Decoration: Francesca Lo Schiavo
"Midnight in Paris" - Production Design: Anne Seibel; Set Decoration: Hélène Dubreuil
"War Horse" - Production Design: Rick Carter; Set Decoration: Lee Sandales

Costume Design

"Anonymous" Lisy Christl
"The Artist" Mark Bridges
"Hugo" Sandy Powell
"Jane Eyre" Michael O'Connor
"W.E." Arianne Phillips

Makeup

"Albert Nobbs," Martial Corneville, Lynn Johnston and Matthew W. Mungle
"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2," Nick Dudman, Amanda Knight and Lisa Tomblin
"The Iron Lady," Mark Coulier and J. Roy Helland

Best Foreign Language Film

"Bullhead" Belgium
"Footnote" Israel
"In Darkness" Poland
"Monsieur Lazhar" Canada
"A Separation" Iran

Best Supporting Actress

Bérénice Bejo in "The Artist"
Jessica Chastain in "The Help"
Melissa McCarthy in "Bridesmaids"
Janet McTeer in "Albert Nobbs"
Octavia Spencer in "The Help"

Film Editing

"The Artist" Anne-Sophie Bion and Michel Hazanavicius
"The Descendants" Kevin Tent
"The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" Kirk Baxter and Angus Wall
"Hugo" Thelma Schoonmaker
"Moneyball" Christopher Tellefsen

Sound Editing

"Drive" Lon Bender and Victor Ray Ennis
"The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" Ren Klyce
"Hugo" Philip Stockton and Eugene Gearty
"Transformers: Dark of the Moon" Ethan Van der Ryn and Erik Aadahl
"War Horse" Richard Hymns and Gary Rydstrom

Sound Mixing

"The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo," David Parker, Michael Semanick, Ren Klyce and Bo Persson
"Hugo," Tom Fleischman and John Midgley
"Moneyball," Deb Adair, Ron Bochar, David Giammarco and Ed Novick
"Transformers: Dark of the Moon," Greg P. Russell, Gary Summers, Jeffrey J. Haboush and Peter J. Devlin
"War Horse," Gary Rydstrom, Andy Nelson, Tom Johnson and Stuart Wilson

Documentary (Feature)

"Hell and Back Again," Danfung Dennis and Mike Lerner
"If a Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Liberation Front," Marshall Curry and Sam Cullman
"Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory," Joe Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky
"Pina," Wim Wenders and Gian-Piero Ringel
"Undefeated," TJ Martin, Dan Lindsay and Rich Middlemas

Best Animated Feature

"A Cat in Paris" Alain Gagnol and Jean-Loup Felicioli
"Chico & Rita" Fernando Trueba and Javier Mariscal
"Kung Fu Panda 2" Jennifer Yuh Nelson
"Puss in Boots" Chris Miller
"Rango" Gore Verbinski

Visual Effects

"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2," Tim Burke, David Vickery, Greg Butler and John Richardson
"Hugo," Rob Legato, Joss Williams, Ben Grossmann and Alex Henning
"Real Steel," Erik Nash, John Rosengrant, Dan Taylor and Swen Gillberg
"Rise of the Planet of the Apes," Joe Letteri, Dan Lemmon, R. Christopher White and Daniel Barrett
"Transformers: Dark of the Moon," Scott Farrar, Scott Benza, Matthew Butler and John Frazier

Best Supporting Actor

Kenneth Branagh in "My Week with Marilyn"
Jonah Hill in "Moneyball"
Nick Nolte in "Warrior"
Christopher Plummer in "Beginners"
Max von Sydow in "Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close"

Music (Original Score)

"The Adventures of Tintin" John Williams
"The Artist" Ludovic Bource
"Hugo" Howard Shore
"Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy" Alberto Iglesias
"War Horse" John Williams

Music (Original Song)

"Man or Muppet" from "The Muppets," Music and Lyric by Bret McKenzie
"Real in Rio" from "Rio," Music by Sergio Mendes and Carlinhos Brown; Lyric by Siedah Garrett

Best Adapted Screenplay

"The Descendants" Screenplay by Alexander Payne and Nat Faxon & Jim Rash
"Hugo" Screenplay by John Logan
"The Ides of March" Screenplay by George Clooney & Grant Heslov and Beau Willimon
"Moneyball" Screenplay by Steven Zaillian and Aaron Sorkin; Story by Stan Chervin
"Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy" Screenplay by Bridget O'Connor & Peter Straughan

Best Original Screenplay

"The Artist" Written by Michel Hazanavicius
"Bridesmaids" Written by Annie Mumolo & Kristen Wiig
"Margin Call" Written by J.C. Chandor
"Midnight in Paris" Written by Woody Allen
"A Separation" Written by Asghar Farhadi

Short Film (Live Action)

"Pentecost" Peter McDonald and Eimear O'Kane
"Raju" Max Zähle and Stefan Gieren
"The Shore" Terry George and Oorlagh George
"Time Freak" Andrew Bowler and Gigi Causey
"Tuba Atlantic" Hallvar Witzø

Documentary (Short Subject)

"The Barber of Birmingham: Foot Soldier of the Civil Rights Movement," Robin Fryday and Gail Dolgin
"God Is the Bigger Elvis," Rebecca Cammisa and Julie Anderson
"Incident in New Baghdad," James Spione
"Saving Face," Daniel Junge and Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy
"The Tsunami and the Cherry Blossom," Lucy Walker and Kira Carstensen

Short Film (Animated)

"Dimanche/Sunday" Patrick Doyon
"The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore" William Joyce and Brandon Oldenburg
"La Luna" Enrico Casarosa
"A Morning Stroll" Grant Orchard and Sue Goffe
"Wild Life" Amanda Forbis and Wendy Tilby

Best Director

Michel Hazanavicius, "The Artist"
Alexander Payne, "The Descendants"
Martin Scorsese, "Hugo"
Woody Allen, "Midnight in Paris"
Terrence Malick, "The Tree of Life"

2011 Governors Awards (Given last November 12, 2011)

Honorary Awards: James Earl Jones, Dick Smith
Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award: Oprah Winfrey

Best Actor

Demián Bichir in "A Better Life"
George Clooney in "The Descendants"
Jean Dujardin in "The Artist"
Gary Oldman in "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy"
Brad Pitt in "Moneyball"

Best Actress

Glenn Close in "Albert Nobbs"
Viola Davis in "The Help"
Rooney Mara in "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo"
Meryl Streep in "The Iron Lady"
Michelle Williams in "My Week with Marilyn"

Best Picture

"The Artist," Thomas Langmann, Pr"Hugo" and "The Artist" lead the winners of the 84th Academy Awards, held Sunday, February 26 (Monday, February 27) in Los Angeles.
Both films had 5 wins each, with the silent film "The Artist" taking Best Picture, Best Director for Michel Hazanavicius, and Best Actor for Jean Dujardin. It also took home awards for Costume Design and Original Score.
The film is the first silent film to win the top prize since "Wings," which won Best Picture back in 1928, in the first Academy Awards ceremonies.
The animated Martin Scorsese film "Hugo," meanwhile, won awards for Art Direction, Cinematography, Sound Editing, Sound Mixing, and Visual Effects.
Meryl Streep's performance as former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher in "The Iron Lady" won for her the Best Actress Oscar, beating presumed frontrunner Viola Davis ("The Help").
A standing ovation from the crowd at the Hollywood and Highland Theater (the former Kodak Theater) greeted her third Oscar win, which came after a record 17 nominations throughout her career.
Octavia Spencer ("The Help") won Best Supporting Actress, while Christopher Plummer ("Beginners") made Academy history by winning Best Supporting Actor at the age of 82, the oldest awardee ever.
The Iranian film "A Separation," meanwhile, wins Best Foreign Language Film.
The Oscars was hosted by comedian Billy Crystal, who has led the ceremonies 8 times in the past.
Here is a list of the nominees and winners (highlighted) for the major categories at the 84th Academy Awards. This list is according to presentation of the awards during the ceremonies.
Cinematography
"The Artist" Guillaume Schiffman
"The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" Jeff Cronenweth
"Hugo" Robert Richardson
"The Tree of Life" Emmanuel Lubezki
"War Horse" Janusz Kaminski

Art Direction

"The Artist" - Production Design: Laurence Bennett; Set Decoration: Robert Gould
"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2" - Production Design: Stuart Craig; Set Decoration: Stephenie McMillan
"Hugo" - Production Design: Dante Ferretti; Set Decoration: Francesca Lo Schiavo
"Midnight in Paris" - Production Design: Anne Seibel; Set Decoration: Hélène Dubreuil
"War Horse" - Production Design: Rick Carter; Set Decoration: Lee Sandales

Costume Design

"Anonymous" Lisy Christl
"The Artist" Mark Bridges
"Hugo" Sandy Powell
"Jane Eyre" Michael O'Connor
"W.E." Arianne Phillips

Makeup

"Albert Nobbs," Martial Corneville, Lynn Johnston and Matthew W. Mungle
"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2," Nick Dudman, Amanda Knight and Lisa Tomblin
"The Iron Lady," Mark Coulier and J. Roy Helland

Best Foreign Language Film

"Bullhead" Belgium
"Footnote" Israel
"In Darkness" Poland
"Monsieur Lazhar" Canada
"A Separation" Iran

Best Supporting Actress

Bérénice Bejo in "The Artist"
Jessica Chastain in "The Help"
Melissa McCarthy in "Bridesmaids"
Janet McTeer in "Albert Nobbs"
Octavia Spencer in "The Help"

Film Editing

"The Artist" Anne-Sophie Bion and Michel Hazanavicius
"The Descendants" Kevin Tent
"The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" Kirk Baxter and Angus Wall
"Hugo" Thelma Schoonmaker
"Moneyball" Christopher Tellefsen

Sound Editing

"Drive" Lon Bender and Victor Ray Ennis
"The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" Ren Klyce
"Hugo" Philip Stockton and Eugene Gearty
"Transformers: Dark of the Moon" Ethan Van der Ryn and Erik Aadahl
"War Horse" Richard Hymns and Gary Rydstrom

Sound Mixing

"The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo," David Parker, Michael Semanick, Ren Klyce and Bo Persson
"Hugo," Tom Fleischman and John Midgley
"Moneyball," Deb Adair, Ron Bochar, David Giammarco and Ed Novick
"Transformers: Dark of the Moon," Greg P. Russell, Gary Summers, Jeffrey J. Haboush and Peter J. Devlin
"War Horse," Gary Rydstrom, Andy Nelson, Tom Johnson and Stuart Wilson

Documentary (Feature)

"Hell and Back Again," Danfung Dennis and Mike Lerner
"If a Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Liberation Front," Marshall Curry and Sam Cullman
"Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory," Joe Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky
"Pina," Wim Wenders and Gian-Piero Ringel
"Undefeated," TJ Martin, Dan Lindsay and Rich Middlemas

Best Animated Feature

"A Cat in Paris" Alain Gagnol and Jean-Loup Felicioli
"Chico & Rita" Fernando Trueba and Javier Mariscal
"Kung Fu Panda 2" Jennifer Yuh Nelson
"Puss in Boots" Chris Miller
"Rango" Gore Verbinski

Visual Effects

"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2," Tim Burke, David Vickery, Greg Butler and John Richardson
"Hugo," Rob Legato, Joss Williams, Ben Grossmann and Alex Henning
"Real Steel," Erik Nash, John Rosengrant, Dan Taylor and Swen Gillberg
"Rise of the Planet of the Apes," Joe Letteri, Dan Lemmon, R. Christopher White and Daniel Barrett
"Transformers: Dark of the Moon," Scott Farrar, Scott Benza, Matthew Butler and John Frazier

Best Supporting Actor

Kenneth Branagh in "My Week with Marilyn"
Jonah Hill in "Moneyball"
Nick Nolte in "Warrior"
Christopher Plummer in "Beginners"
Max von Sydow in "Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close"

Music (Original Score)

"The Adventures of Tintin" John Williams
"The Artist" Ludovic Bource
"Hugo" Howard Shore
"Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy" Alberto Iglesias
"War Horse" John Williams

Music (Original Song)

"Man or Muppet" from "The Muppets," Music and Lyric by Bret McKenzie
"Real in Rio" from "Rio," Music by Sergio Mendes and Carlinhos Brown; Lyric by Siedah Garrett

Best Adapted Screenplay

"The Descendants" Screenplay by Alexander Payne and Nat Faxon & Jim Rash
"Hugo" Screenplay by John Logan
"The Ides of March" Screenplay by George Clooney & Grant Heslov and Beau Willimon
"Moneyball" Screenplay by Steven Zaillian and Aaron Sorkin; Story by Stan Chervin
"Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy" Screenplay by Bridget O'Connor & Peter Straughan

Best Original Screenplay

"The Artist" Written by Michel Hazanavicius
"Bridesmaids" Written by Annie Mumolo & Kristen Wiig
"Margin Call" Written by J.C. Chandor
"Midnight in Paris" Written by Woody Allen
"A Separation" Written by Asghar Farhadi

Short Film (Live Action)

"Pentecost" Peter McDonald and Eimear O'Kane
"Raju" Max Zähle and Stefan Gieren
"The Shore" Terry George and Oorlagh George
"Time Freak" Andrew Bowler and Gigi Causey
"Tuba Atlantic" Hallvar Witzø

Documentary (Short Subject)

"The Barber of Birmingham: Foot Soldier of the Civil Rights Movement," Robin Fryday and Gail Dolgin
"God Is the Bigger Elvis," Rebecca Cammisa and Julie Anderson
"Incident in New Baghdad," James Spione
"Saving Face," Daniel Junge and Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy
"The Tsunami and the Cherry Blossom," Lucy Walker and Kira Carstensen

Short Film (Animated)

"Dimanche/Sunday" Patrick Doyon
"The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore" William Joyce and Brandon Oldenburg
"La Luna" Enrico Casarosa
"A Morning Stroll" Grant Orchard and Sue Goffe
"Wild Life" Amanda Forbis and Wendy Tilby

Best Director

Michel Hazanavicius, "The Artist"
Alexander Payne, "The Descendants"
Martin Scorsese, "Hugo"
Woody Allen, "Midnight in Paris"
Terrence Malick, "The Tree of Life"

2011 Governors Awards (Given last November 12, 2011)
Honorary Awards: James Earl Jones, Dick Smith
Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award: Oprah Winfrey

Best Actor

Demián Bichir in "A Better Life"
George Clooney in "The Descendants"
Jean Dujardin in "The Artist"
Gary Oldman in "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy"
Brad Pitt in "Moneyball"

Best Actress

Glenn Close in "Albert Nobbs"
Viola Davis in "The Help"
Rooney Mara in "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo"
Meryl Streep in "The Iron Lady"
Michelle Williams in "My Week with Marilyn"

Best Picture

"The Artist," Thomas Langmann, Producer
"The Descendants," Jim Burke, Alexander Payne and Jim Taylor, Producers
"Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close," Scott Rudin, Producer
"The Help," Brunson Green, Chris Columbus and Michael Barnathan, Producers
"Hugo," Graham King and Martin Scorsese, Producers
"Midnight in Paris," Letty Aronson and Stephen Tenenbaum, Producers
"Moneyball," Michael De Luca, Rachael Horovitz and Brad Pitt, Producers
"The Tree of Life," Sarah Green, Bill Pohlad, Dede Gardner and Grant Hill, Producers
"War Horse," Steven Spielberg and Kathleen Kennedy, Producers

Another first from Globe: Visayan customer hotline

2012-02-22T14:28:00.004+08:00

Globe Telecom marks another milestone in the Philippine telecommunication industry, offering the first trilingual customer hotline service with the launch of its Visayan interactive voice response (IVR) system.

With the launch of the new hotline system, Visayan-speaking Globe subscribers can call 730-1000 from any landline or 211 from any Globe or TM mobile number and simply follow the voice prompts so they are directed to a Visayan-speaking customer service representative. They can then inquire about Globe broadband and landline services or raise concerns and requests, while conversing in Visayan. The Visayan-speaking customer service representatives (CSR), based in Cebu, will be on hand 24/7 to accommodate calls.

“Once again, we are raising the bar of customer hotline services by putting in place a system that can fully understand queries and concerns of a specific group of subscribers,” said Joe Caliro, Head for Customer Experience of Globe. “This is a milestone not just for Globe but most importantly for our Visayan subscribers because their concerns will be addressed at the soonest possible time in their own language.”

The hotline service is done in partnership with Aegis People Support and Tech Mahindra, two of the best-in-class contact center firms in the global business process outsourcing (BPO) industry.

The Visayan language is the second most-widely spoken dialect in the country, with over 20 million Filipinos speaking the language in various provinces and cities in the Visayas and Mindanao.

In addition, Globe has set up more customer service channels in addition to its existing channels such as the Talk2Globe Hotline via 730-1000 (toll-free via Globe Landline) or 211 (toll-free via Globe/TM mobile), official Talk2Globe accounts in Facebook and Twitter, and the Talk2Globe e-mail account (talk@globetel.com.ph) to reach more subscribers and to immediately respond to queries and concerns on its services available for Globe subscribers.

These new Talk2Globe channels include chat functionality available on the Globe website or via Yahoo! Messenger (by adding the Talk2Globe account—Talk2GLOBECHAT) that provides real-time feedback from customer service representatives who are on duty 24/7. Globe subscribers anywhere in the Philippines can also get assistance by texting HELP to 1234 for free.

Globe also launched *143#, the newest and easiest quick-service menu that allows subscribers to know more about the latest Globe promos at the touch of a button for free. Just dial *143# and press the call button on the mobile phone to quickly access billing and load details, as well as call, text and surfing promos, do GCASH transactions, download related services, and share prepaid load to Globe and TM users without having to memorize registration codes and access numbers.

Whitney Houston Found Dead at 48

2012-02-12T12:58:00.000+08:00

A lot of us may have brought up an #RIPWhitneyHouston jokes on Twitter. This time, we are not laughing anymore as the singer battled with drugs.

The publicist of the award-winning "I Will Always Loved You"singer confirmed her death. She was 48. Worse, she died on the eve of the prestigious Grammy Awards.

While the cause of death has not yet been revealed, one can only wonder whether it was drug-related.Anyone who remembers Houston's early work and the impact it had on music can only be saddened by her death.

Extending my condolences to the singer's family.

Audition for The Amazing Race Philippines

2012-02-08T20:06:00.001+08:00

The fastest reality show is now here in the Philippines!

From the press release:

"Fans of The Amazing Race franchise can expect the same level of heart-pumping adventure and thrilling challenges with the all new The Amazing Race Philippines."

Interested fans should now start making their audition videos.

Competition will be tough thus make sure you get noticed by the production team. Heh.

TV 5 will post the audition schedules and procedures soon. Will keep you posted.

KC Concepcion on Rogue Magazine cover for January – February 2012

2012-01-25T01:17:00.004+08:00

Charice and Jinkee Pacquiao became the cover of some of the country's leading magazines... and it had raised negativity, mostly from the netizens. This month, Rogue Magazine unveiled its January-February 2012 issue with KC Concepcion, exposing her almost perfect butt.

But in fairness to this issue, it gained positive feedback both from citizens and netizens.

KC is currently sporting a shorter hairstyle and I don't know how cutting your own hair can mend a broken heart. Hmmmmm.

And oh, is that Piolo's head? I bet it is really his head. Lol!

Say goodbye to the OA and pa-tweetums KC. Say hello to the bolder and braver (and sexier) KC!

GRAB YOUR OWN COPY NOW!

The Amazing Race Philippines Airs on TV5

2012-01-16T21:43:00.000+08:00

The Amazing Race Philippines is earlier reported to be hosted by actor Aga Muhlach who currently has Pinoy Explorer on TV-5.

This coming 2012, the Kapatid network is set to turn ‘dreams’ into a ‘reality’ as TV5 ushers the New Year with a formidable line-up of reality programs that promises to shake up Filipinos’ TV viewing experience.

Headlining these new shows is the much awaited and highly anticipated Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Philippines. This touching reality series franchise, originally produced by Endemol, follows the original format of providing home renovations to less fortunate families and communities within the span of seven days. It seems like an impossible task, but with the help of the show’s dedicated design team and kind-hearted volunteers, EM:HE is able to bring a new home and a new hope to the lives of deserving families. For its Philippine debut, the design team will be led and hosted by the country’s “King of Reality TV” Paolo Bediones, who will be joined by Tessa Prieto-Valdez and Divine Lee.

TV5 serves another heartwarming and entertaining reality show in Dancing Nation, a unique and inspiring dance-off competition that unites the whole community toward a common cause. Recognizing the Filipinos’ singing prowess, the network embarks on a nationwide search for true talent in Kanta Pilipinas.

Bringing variety into the mix, TV5 also acquired two big-title reality game shows: The Biggest Game Show in Asia and The Amazing Race Philippines. The Biggest Game Show in Asia will have teams from four South East Asian countries (Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Philippines) competing against each other through games and obstacle courses. Hosted by Richard Gomez and Joey de Leon, the show was recently shot at a purpose built production hub in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Fans of The Amazing Race franchise can expect the same level of heart-pumping adventure and thrilling challenges with the all new The Amazing Race Philippines.

Finally, intrigue, drama, and titillating characters will surely spice up your viewing experience with Temptation Island: Dare to Win. Focusing on a group of beautiful young men and women marooned in a beautiful island, this show is inspired by Regal Entertainment’s ‘80s cult classic Temptation Island.

TV5 understands the Filipino viewer and strives to fulfill their aspirations and dreams through this line-up of big reality shows. For 2012, expect only the most amazing and most exciting reality programs that are sure to stir the emotions of Filipinos across the nation.

Text credit: showbiznest

Movie Review: Contagion

2012-01-14T00:39:00.001+08:00

Contagion is a sci-fi drama flick that tackles how people from different walks of life struggled from an airborne native virus. Surprisingly, this movie is a star-studded one; Matt Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Winslet, Marion Cottilard and Jude Law starred this flick.

Let me tell you this in a straight-forward manner: the movie didn’t impress me at all. Nadah.

As a former Biology student with an extensive background in Molecular Biology and Microbiology, facts presented in the movie, like how the virus behaved and the manner it was assayed (a scientific term of analyzing a specimen) were true, except for the part wherein the Virologist/Immunologist found the vaccine in just a short period of time. It was deliberately cut short due to obvious reasons.

But, Contagion really has a promising plot and style. No sarcasm intended on that statement but because there were so many characters presented in the movie, some of them didn’t have any development at all, most especially to Marion Cotillard’s role. It could have been presented better by putting some events that transpired to each main characters as the movie nears its end.

And oh, the ending was really disappointing. Don’t ask me why. You just have to watch it at your own risk.

Product Review: AXE 2012 Final Edition

2012-01-06T04:44:00.001+08:00

Photo credit

Worrying that you won't smell good when the world comes to its apocalyptic end?

Fret no more, my friend! Axe had just recently released their latest scent, the Axe 2012 Final Edition.

As a famous perfume product made especially for men, Axe had come to various scents. Most of them are eccentric yet had the power to capture the olfactory sense of women.

The new scent of Axe was aptly named 2012 Final Edition in line with the much-awaited apocalypse.

What I really love about Axe 2012 Final Edition is its unique scent. Despite having a citrus smell, it still has this strong masculine scent. And like any other variants, it's also a body deocologne. It eliminates body odor, leaving the you to have a fresh feeling all day long.

Whether you believe in the upcoming rapture or think that the Mayans just ran out of stones during the process of making their calendars, Axe 2012 Final Edition will surely be the most fragrant body spray that ever existed.

Filming of the 4th Bourne Installment Cancelled; Blames MMDA Cleanup

2012-01-05T18:28:00.001+08:00

(LINK TO ORIGINAL ARTICLE)

Sad news for avid fans of Robert Ludlum's Bourne series.

Universal Pictures had just recently announced the cancellation of the film's shooting around Metro Manila due to MMDA's (Metro Manila Development Authority) cleanup drive.

Director Tony Gilroy

"The director and producers have chosen Pasay Taft Rotonda and other locations. Magulo talaga roon and gusto namin ayusin 'to. Nakakahiya!", quipped MMDA Chairman Francisco Tolentino during the interview.

Filming locations include Intramuros, Rizal Park, Pasay Taft Rotonda, Marikina Public Market, Ramon Magsaysay Boulevard and Navotas Fishport were among the included filming locations for the said movie. Director Tony Gilroy had particularly opted for these locations due to its filthiness which perfectly fits the movie's plot.

Jeremy Renner as Aaron Cross

"Cleaning those aforementioned places would really destroy the ambiance of the movie that we were aiming for. We could've chosen another country if we wanted a clean environment to shoot at!", Director Gilroy explained in an interview.

Sensing that they did a wrong move, MMDA would gladly return all of the trashes to its original location just to change and appease the mind of the director.

"Baka babalik sila pag ginawa namin iyan. Hopefully", said Tolentino.

The Bourne Legacy is a story centered on a new CIA operative in the universe based on Robert Ludlum’s novels. It stars Jeremy Renner as Aaron Cross alongside Ed Norton and Rachel Weisz.

MORE HERE ON SO WHAT'S NEWS

Russell Brand, Katy Perry to divorce

2012-01-02T20:42:00.001+08:00

Fourteen months after their grand Indian wedding, famous pop-star Katy Perry and her husband, Russell Brand will soon end their marriage.

Katy Perry and Russell Brand

"It's a sad story for us but we will still remain friends", Brand said in a statement released to The Associated Press on Friday.

Brand, 36, offered no other details, but in papers filed Friday in Los Angeles Superior Court, the British comedian cited irreconcilable differences.

The couple were married in October 2010 at a resort inside a tiger reserve in India and has always been a hot item on Hollywood.

Both Brand and Perry were conspicuously absent Friday from Twitter, where they often shared kind words to each other.

Sad Hollywood news is sad.

2011 Metro Manila Film Festival Winners (Official List)

2011-12-29T00:37:00.000+08:00

Written below are the winners of the Metro Manila Film Festival 2011 awards night.

The awarding event was presented during the Gabi ng Parangal on December 28 at Resorts World, Pasay City.

MMFF 2011 Winners

MAJOR AWARDS:

2011 MMFF Best Picture – Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story
2nd Best Picture – Enteng ng Ina Mo
3rd Best Picture – Shake Rattle & Roll 13
Best Actor – Dingdong Dantes for Segunda Mano
Best Actress – Maricel Soriano for Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow
Best Director – Darell dela Cruz for Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story (Tikoy Aguiluz was not recognized)
Best Supporting Actor – John Regala for Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story
Best Supporting Actress – Eugene Domingo for My HouseHusband (Ikaw Na!)
Gatpuno Antonio Villegas Cultural Award – Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story
Lifetime Achievement Award - Mr. Eddie Garcia

Best Float - "Ang Panday 2"
Best Production Design - "Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story"
Best in Editing - "Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story" (Jason Cahapay and Ryan Orduna)
Best Musical Score - "Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story" (Nonong Buencamino)
Best Sound Recording - "Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story" (Mike Idioma)
Best Festival Visual Effects - "Ang Panday 2" (Riot, Inc.)
Best Make-Up - "Enteng ng Ina Mo"
Best Festival Original Theme Song - "Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story" ("La Paloma" by Ely Buendia)
Best Cinematography - "Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story" (Carlo Mendoza)
Gender Sensitivity Award - "My Househusband"
Best Festival Child Performer - Bugoy Cariño ("Shake, Rattle & Roll 13")
Best Story - "Shake, Rattle & Roll 13" ("Rain, Rain Go Away")
Best Screenplay - "Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story" (Roi Iglesias and Rey Ventura)

Special Awards:

Male Kutis Ganda Celebrity Award - Ryan Agoncillo
Female Kutis Ganda Celebrity Award - Ai Ai de las Alas
Celebrity Sexiest Appeal of the Night - ER Ejercito
Celebrity Sexiest Appeal of the Night - Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo
Male Face of the Night - Richard Gomez
Female Face of the Night - Iza Calzado
SMDC Most Glamorous Stars: Iza Calzado and Ryan Agoncillo
Posthumous Award for Excellence – Director/Choreographer Lito Calzado

New Wave - Independent Film Section:

Best New Wave Actor - JM de Guzman ("Pintakasi")
Best New Wave Actress - Iza Calzado ("HIV")
Best New Wave Full-length Film - "Pintakasi"
Best New Wave Student Short Film - "Mate" and "Payaso" (Tie)
New Wave Section Special Jury Prize - "Biyahe Ni Barbie"
Gender Sensitivity Award (Student Category) - "Speechless"
Gender Sensitivity Award (Full-length Category) - "HIV"

The telecast of the 2011 MMFF Awards Night reportedly will be aired on ABS-CBN this Sunday, January 1, 2012, at 10:45 p.m.

So, what can you say about the recently concluded Gabi ng Parangal? Share your thoughts about it by dropping some comments below!

I'd want to hear from you.

Enteng ng Ina Mo Tops MMFF Box Office Results

2011-12-27T14:55:00.000+08:00

The Enteng Kabisote and Tanging Ina collaboration is surely a great hit as it further widens its lead on box office on the second day of screening of MMFF.

The Amazing Tandem

Their tandem resulted to Php 38 MILLION GROSS on its first day, breaking ALL TIME FIRST DAY GROSS this year. Segunda Mano is the most talk topic on Twitter and trended since yesterday but ranked 3rd with Php 18 million. Panday 2 by Bong Revilla finished second with PHp 20 million.

FIRST DAY GROSS

1. Enteng Ng Ina Mo – 38.5 million
2. Ang Panday 2 – 20 million
3. Segunda Mano – 18.25 million
4. My Househusband – 17.33 million
5. Shake Rattle & Roll 13 – 15.9 million
6. Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow – 10.1 million
7. Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story – 3 million

Asiong Salonga, despite being given a Grade A by the Cinema Evaluation Board ranked 7th (last) with only Php 3 million gross. But the rankings will change in the coming days, most especially after the winners Metro Manila Film Festival Awards Night will be revealed on December 28, 2011.

SECOND DAY GROSS

1.) Enteng ng Ina Mo- 30.46M (Total= 69M)
2.) Panday 2- 17.9M ( Total= 38M)
3.) Segunda Mano- 17M (Total= 35M)
4.) My Househusband- 12.7M (Total= 30M)
5.) Shake Rattle and Roll 13- 7M (Total= 22.9M)
6.) Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow- 8.7M (Total= 18M)
7) Asiong Salonga 2M (Total 5M)

Top Movies of MMFF as of Dec 25

2011-12-26T11:55:00.000+08:00

Cinemas nationwide were greeted yesterday with excited people who were eager to watch their favorite Metro Manila Film Festival movies.

Here's the standing of the seven movies of MMFF:

1. Enteng ng Ina Mo - Php 38.5 million
2. Panday 2 - Php 20 million
3. Segunda Mano - Php 18.25 million
4. My Househusband - Php 17.33 million
5. Shake Rattle and Roll 13 - Php 15.9 million
6. Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow - Php 10.1 million
7. Asiong Salonga - Php 3 million

Awards Night of the 37th Metro Manila Film Festival will be held at Resorts World, Pasay City, Philippines on December 28, 2011.

Official Entries of the 37th Metro Manila Film Festival

2011-12-25T17:09:00.000+08:00

Christmas marks the celebration of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. It is also a day when the official entries of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) start its screening in major cinemas nationwide.

The first day was jampacked with avid fans of different actors and actresses.

The 2011 MMFF Movies (in alphabetical order) are:

Enteng ng Ina Mo
Cast: Vic Sotto and Ai-Ai delas Alas
Director: Tony Y. Reyes
Producer: Star Cinema / M-Zet Films / APT Entertainment

Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story
Cast: George ER Estregan, Philip Salvador, Baron Geisler, Sam Pinto, Bangs Garcia, and Carla Abellana
Director: Tikoy Aguiluz

My Househusband (Ikaw Na!)
Cast: Ryan Agoncillo and Judy Ann Santos
Director: Jose Javier Reyes
Producer: OctoArts Films

Panday 2
Cast: Bong Revilla, Phillip Salvador, Iza Calzado and Marian Rivera
Director: Mac Alejandre
Producer: GMA Films / Imus Productions

Segunda Mano
Cast: Kris Aquino, Dingdong Dantes and Angelica Panganiban
Producer: MJM Productions

Shake Rattle & Roll 13 (Lunod, Tamawo, Parola)
Cast: Eugene Domingo, Paulo Avelino, Albie Casino, Maricar Reyes, Kathryn Bernardo
Directors: Chris Martinez (Lunod), Richard Somes (Tamawo), Jerrold Tarog (Parola)
Producer: Regal Films

Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
Cast: Dennis Trillo, Heart Evangelista, Carla Abellana, and Ritz Azul
Producer: Studio 5

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Meanwhile, the following movie failed to make it as an official entry:

Love Will Lead You Back
Starring: Judy Ann Santos, Coco Martin, Gina Pareño and Maja Salvador
Producer: CineMedia

The 37th Metro Manila Film Festival will run from December 25, 2011 to January 7, 2012.

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The annual awards night will be held at the Resorts World, Pasay City on December 28, 2011.

Now, who's your bet? Comment below!

Bea Alonzo signs two-and-a-half year exclusive contract with ABS-CBN

2011-12-23T01:47:00.001+08:00

I’m still a Kapamilya!” was what Bea initially told the media after signing a two-and-a-half-year exclusive contract with ABS-CBN yesterday. “I feel happy dahilafter all these years mahal ako ng ABS-CBN, pinag-stay nila ako. And I know that I have a lot to offer pa sogusto ko i-share pa ‘yun,” shared Bea.

Bea also revealed the projects lined up for her. “Ang una kong soap will be with John Lloyd (Cruz). Reunion project siya and mag-start kami by February.Tapos magpu-push through pa rin yung movie ko with Inang Olive Lamasan kaya lang na-injure si Derek (Ramsay), supposedly magsa-start kami ng mid-January pero because of the injury…sana makapag-start kami. I’ll pray na gumaling na agad si Derek.”

The actress has spent her teenager years working in ABS-CBN and now that she considers herself a woman already, she said that she is the kind who conscientiously contemplates on decisions she makes. “Hinintay ko itong contract, pinag-aralan ko pa bilang24 na ako, siguro mas marami na akong natututunan tungkol sa mga bagay na ganito. Mas nagbibigay lang ako ng time to decide on every aspect of my life.”

She admitted that another TV network tried to offer jobs to her, like what rumors say. “Yes, may mga ganun. We worked this out, I am really happy I am here.”

Miss Earth USA Candidate's Derogatory Comment About Philippines

2011-12-07T01:20:00.001+08:00

Nicole Lynn: I hardly made it to Manila and we already attended a ridiculous tv show. So annoying!!! These people want to touch you and be with you all the time!! I can't understand a word they say. I can't wait to go back home. This country is so dirty and noisy. I'm scared to eat!!! What a mess. On a lighter note I don't see any real competition. Will keep you updated my loves.

She may have deleted this particular post but I guess it's her right.

She's still lucky that she was never sent home after publishing this post. More so, she even toured Philippines!

May God bless you, Nicole Lynn!

Globe iPhone 4S Update: The Countdown Begins

2011-12-05T21:00:00.001+08:00

We know you're excited for the new iPhone 4S, and you want the experience to be as hassle-free and smooth as possible from start to finish. With more than three years of experience with the iPhone, Globe Telecom is THE proven provider for anything and everything about this must-have gadget.

Registration for the Globe iPhone 4S has started last week, and we'd appreciate it if you would share the Registration of Interest link to your dear readers.

http://iphone4s.globe.com.ph/

The launch of the Globe iPhone 4S is on December 16, 2011. Between now and December 16, visit the official #GlobeiPhone4S site to register your interest, and be one of the first to get the iPhone 4S only from Globe Telecom.

KC Concepcion and Piolo Pascual Finally Broke Up

2011-11-28T14:21:00.001+08:00

During the interview of KC yesterday at The Buzz, she can't hide her tears whilst answering the questions asked by her co-host, Boy Abunda.

KC admits that she broke up with Piolo Pascual. It was her first serious relationship and was deeply hurt when their relationship can no longer be saved. She broke her silence in an interview concerning on their relationship status.

But when asked the reason why they broke-up, she only gave statements that would give us a hint over the real score. You just need to read between the lines.

“May mga hinahanap ako na napaka-basic lang na hanapin sa isang boyfriend, sa isang lalaki. Ayoko na sigurong pumunta sa details Tito Boy kasi parang ayokong siraan siya.”

“Hindi ako ‘yung kailangan niya sa buhay niya,or hindi ako yung hinahanap niya sa buhay niya and hindi ko mabigay sa kanya ang kailangan niya, sa buhay niya.”

Lastly, the pain turned into hate for Piolo: KC strongly said and that she does not like the way Piolo answers the questions about their relationship status during some recent interviews. It can be recalled that for so many times, Piolo would answer in sarcasm and through jokes and it caused so much hurt for KC.

All these time, KC never said anything to her mom and to her lola, who loves Piolo so much. Instead, she has turned to God for strength that she could endure the pain that she feels right now. The only prayer she pursues in her heart at present is to find that true love she has been longing for.

The Php 1 Billion Contract Deal of Sharon Cuneta

2011-11-22T18:56:00.001+08:00

My reliable sources tell me that the Mega Star Sharon Cuneta is really transferring to TV5 with a whopping P1 billion contract deal!

WOW. P1 billion! That's triple the price of a mega lotto draw!

Sharon Cuneta is scheduled to start working at the Kapatid Network on January 2012.

Base on the contract, a talk show is on the line but it is not yet clear how long will her contract last, but one thing is sure, she gets a billion pesos from TV 5. This will be the biggest contract ever for a local television!

Signs are already seen that she will be transferring, she is no longer included in the latest Christmas TV ID plug of ABS-CBN, her talk show Sharon at Home, was already on its final taping and she already bid goodbye to her viewers which is aired in Lifestyle Channel, an ABS-CBN sister channel.

All these happened with her manager Viva Group of Companies head Vic del Rosario who negotiated the deal with TV5!

Wow Sharon, YOU ALREADY!

Benmore Scotch Whiskey and Borgy Manotoc

2011-11-20T13:34:00.001+08:00

I am an occasional drinker. I drink because I socialize to other people but it is only limited to light beers, cocktails and other drinks with less than 20% alcohol content. Beyond that, my tummy starts to hurt. But that was a long time ago. *wink*

Last night, I had the chance to attend the launch of Benmore Scotch Whiskey. Here's a piece of information about the product:

BenMore is made by DIAGEO, a leader in the liquor industry who also owns popular brands such as Johnie Walker, J & B and Smirnoff Vodka.

BenMore Four Casks Scotch Whisky is the newest whisky that is produced and distilled in Scotland. It is a deluxe Scotch Whisky which puts attention to details. It is matured in four different types of oak casks to achieve depth and complexity to match the standards of whisky drinkers, to give the harmony between mellow tastes and scotch aroma, including malt and peat aroma with the hint of smokiness and most importantly, to give you an even smoother Scotch whisky experience.

A 750ml bottle of BenMore Scotch Whisky contains 22 shots that you can enjoy in different ways depending on your preference:

*Straight up
*On the rocks
*With water
*With iced tea
*with tonic/ soda
*with cola

More details coming out at www.benmorescotchwhisky.com.
(Info from the BenMore press kit.)

We also had the chance to meet Borgy Manotoc, Benmore's product ambassador. Man, he's so tall! I feel so small *lol rhyming*. But yeah, I thought he's snob. But no, I was wrong. He's very talkative and a very nice person too! Easy to hang out with!

And yeah, so here's our picture before partying at Starr.

We all looked classy!

The Trilogy Ends Here (or not): Pacquiao Wins, Marquez Sobs

2011-11-13T02:55:00.001+08:00

(Las Vegas, Nevada) The MGM Grand Garden Arena was filled with cheers and shouts from the estimated crowd of sixteen thousand as Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao gave a strong and final blow to Juan Manuel "El Dinamita" Marquez. The fight lasted for 12 rounds.

Photo credit: 15 Rounds

It was a split decision win for Pacman, making him successful for defending the WBO World Welterweight Title.

"I really can't believe that I won this fight. This fight is not just for me, but for my country as well. I am thankful that the fight with Juan Manuel Marquez was successful," quipped Pacquiao who still managed to smile despite the bruises and minor injuries on his face brought about by the powerful punches of Marquez.

Inspite of losing today's match, Marquez is still happy with the result.

"I am very happy for Pacquiao. He really deserved it. His punches were so strong, most especially his left hand," Marquez said.

The two fighters remain good friends.

"We still continue to keep in touch. Marquez is a wonderful person. He is so friendly and nice," cheered Pacquiao.

Manny Pacquiao is scheduled to have a one week rest period at Los Angeles, California before heading back to the Philippines.

"I want to fight again this May with Marquez," Pacquiao added.

It seemed that fans wanted to have a Pacquiao vs. Mayweather fight, but it seems that it's still impossible as of this moment.

Meanwhile, President Noynoy Aquino extends his congratulations to Pacquiao and is planning to have a hero's welcome as soon as he returns home from the United States. Mayor Darlene Antonino-Custodio of General Santos City is also planning for a hero's welcome as well.

Top Ten Movies That Made Me Cry Buckets

2011-11-10T14:42:00.001+08:00

We all love to watch movies, and yes and that is a fact that we can't deny. While watching movies, some of us might be critical to some technical aspects whilst others just sit back and enjoy it.

Along the way, we get carried away by our emotions. We laugh when actors spill hilarious punchlines. We get mad if the actors did something awful. And most of all, we cry because we share our sympathies with the characters of the movie.

Prepare numerous rolls of tissues as we reveal the top ten movies that made me cry buckets.

10. Flipped (2010)

Written and directed by Rob Reiner
Starring Calan McAuliffe and Madeline Carroll

Flipped lands on our tenth spot. Based from Wendelin Van Draanen's novel, Flipped tackles the story about the two eighth graders who started to have feelings for each other despite being total opposites. A lot of people can relate to this movie since every one of us has a story to share about first love. You fall in love. You get carried away by your emotions. You get hurt. And you become stronger, more mature and wiser.

9. Grave of the Fireflies (1988)

Directed by Isao Takahata
Starring Tsutomu Tatsumi, Ayano Shiraishi and Akemi Yamaguchi

Grave of the Fireflies (Hotaru no haka) lands on the ninth spot. It is a tragic animated movie about the struggles of a young boy and his sister during World War II. All throughout the movie, watching these helpless kids was painful and you couldn't help but to feel sad about their situation. But inspite of their tribulations, they still find ways to be happy.

8. Windstruck (2004)

Directed by Jae-young Kwak
Starring Gianna Jun and Hyuk Jang

The tragic love story of Myung Woo and Kyung-jin lands on the eighth spot. The story line itself was truly heartbreaking, accompanied by the beautifully arranged original sound track. Windstruck had left a good impression not just to its Korean viewers but also to some of its viewers from different Asian countries.

"When I'm gone and I would like to turn into the wind." - Myung Woo.

Boo-huhuhu.

7. The Land Before Time (1988)

Directed by Don Bluth
Starring Pat Hingle, Gabriel Damon and Judith Barsi

Our seventh spot features the story of a dinosaur who struggled in crossing the prehistoric arid lands in order to reach the Great Valley whilst outwitting the ferocious T-Rex dinosaur. The adventures of Little Foot seemed childish but if you watch it more closely, there's a deeper meaning on it. We all wanted to be cared and guided by our mothers even if we're old. There this particular scene in the movie when Little Foot saw the shadow of her mother, only to find out that it was just an optical illusion. Ouch.

6. Magnifico (2003)

Directed by Maryo J. delos Reyes
Starring Jiro Manio, Lorna Tolentino, Albert Martinez and Gloria Romero

Maginifico is truly a magnificent story. Who wouldn't expect that this kid has a mature way of thinking about life. At a young age, Magnifico had already experienced so many trials in life. Maginifico truly won the hearts of its viewers, well, including me.

5. One More Chance (2007)

Directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina
Starring John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo

When choosing a particular decision, do you just think of yourself? Well if you do that, you better watch this movie and maybe think twice before deciding on a certain thing before you break someone's heart. One More Chance is far the most famous movie of John Lloyd-Bea tandem. Everyone loves Popoy and Basha's love story.

4. Anak (2000)

Directed by Rory B. Quintos
Starring Vilma Santos and Claudine Barretto

Anak is a movie dedicated to all Filipino OFWs who sacrificed a lot just to give their children a brighter future. But no matter how big the opportunity is, the motherly and/or fatherly love that we always long would still be the most important thing no matter what. This is a heartwarming movie and you will learn a LOT from it.

3. Marley & Me (2008)

Directed by David Frankel
Starring Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston

Marley may be the worst dog ever but the family who adapted him had learned so many things about raising their family, the importance of their career and a whole lot more. It made me realized that no matter how naughty these creatures are, they would still choose to be with us. I cried so hard on the last part of this movie. Oops, spoiler.

2. Like Stars on Earth (2007)

Directed by Aamir Khan
Starring Aamir Khan and Darsheel Safary

Like Stars on Earth is not your ordinary Hindi movie. Directed by Ahmir Khan, the movie focuses on children who are special - those who need special attention and those who are often misunderstood. It seemed that every scene was truly heart breaking, from Ishaan (Safary) being misunderstood by his parents for being dumb (later in the movie, they learned that he has dyslexia) to his triumphant moment of his life.

This is a must-see movie if you want to learn more about learning disabilities.

1. Hachi: A Dog's Tale (2009)

Directed by Lasse Hallstrom
Starring Richard Gere and Joan Allen

Hachiko, our canine hero lands on the first spot. Hachi: A Dog's Tale tells a story about a loyal dog who keeps on coming back at the train station even if his master had already died. Loyalty played a big part on this movie as Hachi still hoped that his master would still come home and play with him. It was so heartbreaking that I was still crying minutes after the movie ended.

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There you have it! This is the official top ten list on movies that made me cry.

I'm pretty sure that you have your own personal list. Don't forget to post a comment about it! :)

Scientists discover most relaxing tune ever

2011-11-08T21:31:00.002+08:00

Sound therapists and Manchester band Marconi Union compiled the song. Scientists played it to 40 women and found it to be more effective at helping them relax than songs by Enya, Mozart and Coldplay.

Weightless works by using specific rhythms, tones, frequencies and intervals to relax the listener. A continuous rhythm of 60 BPM causes the brainwaves and heart rate to synchronise with the rhythm: a process known as ‘entrainment’. Low underlying bass tones relax the listener and a low whooshing sound with a trance-like quality takes the listener into an even deeper state of calm.

Dr David Lewis, one of the UK’s leading stress specialists said: “‘Weightless’ induced the greatest relaxation – higher than any of the other music tested. Brain imaging studies have shown that music works at a very deep level within the brain, stimulating not only those regions responsible for processing sound but also ones associated with emotions.”

The study - commissioned by bubble bath and shower gel firm Radox Spa - found the song was even more relaxing than a massage, walk or cup of tea. So relaxing is the tune, apparently, that people are being Rex advised against listening to it while driving.

The top 10 most relaxing tunes were:

1. Marconi Union - Weightless
2. Airstream - Electra
3. DJ Shah - Mellomaniac (Chill Out Mix)
4. Enya - Watermark
5. Coldplay - Strawberry Swing
6. Barcelona - Please Don’t Go
7. All Saints - Pure Shores
8. Adele - Someone Like You
9. Mozart - Canzonetta Sull’aria
10. Cafe Del Mar - We Can Fly

(via shortlist)

Gwendolyn Ruais Placed Second on Miss World 2011

2011-11-07T04:04:00.004+08:00

Miss Philippines, Gwendolyn Ruais, placed second in the recently concluded Miss World 2011 held at London, United Kingdom. Gwendolyn Ruais attains the best Miss World finish for the Philippines since Evangeline Pascual who also won first runner-up in Miss World 1973. Miss Venezuela, Ivian Sarcos, bagged the crown this year.

"Ruais will definitely make it to the finals", predicted the fans and critics of the show prior the coronation night. That was proven right when Gwendolyn made it to the finals of three Fast Track competitions this year – Beauty with a Purpose, Top Model and Beach Beauty. Although she failed to win any of these preliminary competitions, her overall score in Miss World 2011 was one of the highest as a result of her strong finishes. When the final scores were revealed at the announcement of the TOP 15 semi-finalists, Gwendolyn Ruais was #3!

It was a proud moment for the Philippines especially since all of our candidates in the other international beauty pageants finished well. Shamcey Supsup was fourth in Miss Universe 2011, and earlier tonight, Dianne Necio was a semifinalist in Miss International 2011.

In other news, Cory Quirino is the new franchise holder of the Miss World in the Philippines.

For those who missed the live stream coverage tonight, Miss World 2011 will be shown on GMA 7 this morning at 10 AM.

Miss World 2011 Final Results:

Miss World 2011 – Venezuela
2nd Place – Philippines
3rd Place – Puerto Rico

MISS WORLD 2011 TOP 7

Miss Korea
Miss Venezuela
Miss England
Miss Philippines
Miss Puerto Rico
Miss South Africa
Miss Scotland

Miss World 2011 Top 20 Semi-finalists:

Miss England
Miss Scotland
Miss South Africa
Miss Spain
Miss Puerto Rico
Miss US Virgin Islands
Miss Philippines
Miss Ukraine
Miss Venezuela
Miss Kazakhstan
Miss Sweden
Miss Zimbabwe
Miss Italy
Miss Korea
Miss Indonesia

Fast Track competition winners:

Miss Dominican Republic has won Miss World Sports competition.
Miss England Wins Miss World Beach Beauty Fast Track competition.
Miss Kazakhstan wins Miss World Top Model 2011 competition.
Miss Chile wins Miss World Talent competition
Miss Ghana & Miss Indonesia win Miss Beauty With a Purpose 2011

Coldplay Through The Years

2011-11-03T01:49:00.002+08:00

Five albums of Coldplay

Coldplay has indeed evolved when it comes to their musical style. During the Parachutes era, their songs weren’t really THAT outstanding in terms of melody but their lyrics were beautifully written. Yellow is an all-time favorite of mine from that album. Then came A Rush of Blood to the Head in 2003. Sure enough, Clocks and The Scientist were an instant hit causing the band to rise higher to fame.

Coldplay’s style, which includes repetitions of one word or syllable accompanied by the melodic oooooh’s and ahhhh’s and the repetitive chord progression is always present in every albums. Try listening to Viva La Vida, Clocks, Speed of Sound and Rainy Day.

Okay, back to Mylo Xyloto. Despite the lack of creativity in their lyrics (Life goes on, it gets so heavy, every tear a waterfall… in the night, the stormy night… c’mon, seriously?), Coldplay always takes risks and experiments on new themes and styles. That makes them unique. Their five albums are unique to each other; each tells a different story. And oh, featuring Rihanna was NOT really a bad idea, after all. Rihanna and the English band certainly pulled it off.

Forget about the lyrics of their Mylo Xyloto songs. All you have to do is to listen to the melody of their songs. Nonetheless, millions would still love it because it's Coldplay. They're Coldplay.

Here are my top three favorite Mylo Xyloto tracks:

Every Teardrop is a Waterfall
Paradise
Charlie Brown

What's your favorite Coldplay song/s? Comment below!

Rumored Coldplay's Asian Tour 2012

2011-11-02T20:36:00.001+08:00

After the success of their newly released album, Mylo Xyloto, Coldplay is scheduled to perform their Asian Tour in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia early next year.

Photo courtesy: http://www.htbackdrops.com

A two-month long tour will continue in Bangkok (Thailand), Manila (Philippines) and Tokyo (Japan). Yellow, Fix You, Clocks, Viva La Vida and Paradise are just one of the few hits from this English alternative-rock band.

Now, this is good news for Coldplay's Asian fans!

Click here to read a review about their latest album, Mylo Xyloto.

Like this post? Follow me on Twitter @renzybenzy for more updates or visit my travel blog!

Cats Gone Wild

2011-10-31T22:39:00.003+08:00

Puss in Boots

Directed by Chris Miller

Starring Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek and Zach Galifianakis

I never liked Puss in Boots, well judging from the fairy tale that mom used to read every night before going to sleep.

I never understood why a cat outwitted a king or some sort. The cat should be the antagonist of the story and not the other way around.

Or so I thought. Pardon me if I have poor judgment and analytic skills when I was little.

But anyway, soon after watching the first movie of Shrek, I started to admire this feline hero. Puss is actually not your ordinary hero. Armed with swift moves and big, beautiful eyes, Puss would surely win every adventure that he had (and also win every female cat's heart). Nonetheless, after watching his very first solo movie, I have realized that our feline friend deserved to be revered as a hero.

What makes Puss' first solo movie special is its story itself. Like any other heroes, human or animal, Puss had a very sad but interesting story to tell. But that's not it. Apart from the stunning scenery like the "wild wild west", the urban slums and the cloud castle, the funny mash-up of all nursery rhyme characters were there too. One wouldn't expect that the innocent Jack and Jill who just tumbled down the hill after fetching a pail water would be the most sinister-looking thieves in the movie! And who would've thought that the magic beans would be the center of the story! But the bulk of the followers of Jack's adventure takes the bean stalk and hunt for golden eggs. Yes, the golden eggs.

I laughed at almost every scenes of the movie, and yes, both children and adults can relate to it!

Overall, this movie is perfect for people who seek nothing but pure fun and excitement.

The Curious Case of Praybeyt Benjamin

2011-10-30T01:18:00.000+08:00

Photo credit from Viceganda.net

There's this particular scene in the movie where Benjamin, played by the unkabogable Vice Ganda, was shunned by his own grandfather due to his sexual orientation. Although the weird thing was, every generation of his paternal roots has a hero.

Vice Ganda's second movie was really a big hit, at least it did compensate from the loss incurred from his first movie, Petrang Kabayo.

The plot of the movie was somewhat similar to Walt Disney's Mulan. Both Mulan and Benjamin were a disgrace to their respective families, thus prompting them to leave their home and head to the military camp to prove something about themselves - that they can do something extraordinary regardless of their gender. More so, both movies presented an equally hot platoon leader. Derek Ramsay surely made the people screaming inside the movie house; one can also surmise that Vice Ganda's screaming inside during the shoot of his second film.

But what made Vice Ganda's second movie so successful? Well, it was not because of his jokes but it was how he delivered it. Whether if it is a havey or waley joke, Praybeyt Benjamin is just a movie where everyone can just laugh and enjoy. There is no need to analyze the plot and its story line like any other movies. You just need to enjoy it. Yes, there's a need to reiterate that statement. The story itself was really predictable, yes, but the madlang people loved Vice Ganda and showed their undying support to his second movie.

And as for Vice? It doesn't really matter whether his second movie received low scores from movie critics. The important thing is, it's not a flop. It's a big hit!

A Breath of Fresh Air: Mylo Xyloto

2011-10-26T12:47:00.001+08:00

Coldplay had just released their latest studio album, Mylo Xyloto, and it is the freshest album released this year.

Upon its release, Mylo Xyloto received mixed reviews from critics.

On December 2008, during the height of their previous album, Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends, Chris Martin announced that their band will never split. Bassist Guy Berryman added that the band would return to the studio and work for their fifth studio album.

We've already got lists of song ideas. We never stop writing. We go into the studio with all the best laid plans then what we end up with is not what we intended. It's just exciting to wonder what will come out the speakers in a year's time. We have very exciting things lined up. It's time to take our music down different directions and really explore other avenues."

Album Style

Their latest album, Mylo Xyloto is a concept album. Martin said in an interview that the album is based on love story with a happy ending, in which two protagonists: Mylo and Xyloto, who are living in an oppressive, dystopian urban environment, meet one another through a gang called "The Lost Boys", and fall in love. Lyrically, the album is inspired by "old school American graffiti" and "the White Rose Movement. Before the album was released, Coldplay announced that their latest album would be more intimate and more acoustic compared to their previous album, Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends.

Critics

The album received mixed reviews from music critics. Metacritic announced that the album received an average review score of 59/100, based on 27 reviews. Neil McCormick of The Daily Telegraph wrote that, "it is simply irresistible. I thought the mood is adventurous and the sound is luxuriously colorful and vibrant. Melodies course through everything, constantly shifting and reshaping".

Rolling Stone gave the album a positive review stating, "this time Coldplay have integrated the "Enoxification" (as they call it) into their own down-the-middle core: Check out the cascading choral vocals that augment Martin's soaring refrain on "Paradise." Prominent elements prop up the sonic cathedrals: Jonny Buckland's guitar, which is riffier and more muscular than ever, and Euro-house synths that wouldn't sound out of place at a nightclub in Ibiza."

Allmusic writer, Stephen Thomas Erlewine gave a positive review to the album and awarded it with 3 and half stars out of 5 and wrote: "Mylo Xyloto has a leg up other Coldplay records for this simple reason: they’re no longer attempting to mimic U2’s portentous piety. They’ve embraced their schoolboy selves and are simply singing songs of love and good cheer, albeit on a grand scale that somehow seems smaller due to the group’s insuppressible niceness."

Mylo Xyloto is indeed a breath of fresh air. Coldplay never fails to amaze its loyal fans.

Inspiring Audition: Emmanuel Kelly

2011-10-15T14:19:00.000+08:00

The X Factor Australia audition video clip of Emmanuel Kelly went viral over the internet. A lot of people were moved by his story and his superb talent, including me.

I'm pretty sure that you'll be amazed after watching and listening to his own rendition of Imagine.

Great story, indeed!

Steve Jobs, Apple Co-Founder, Is Dead

2011-10-06T15:45:00.001+08:00

Steve Jobs, the man behind the Apple gadgets such as iPhone, iPod, iMac, iPad and Macbook and named as one of the greatest American CEOs of his generation died on Wednesday at the age of 56, after years of battling cancer and other health issues.

Photo by: winnersdelhinews.com

His untimely demise was announced by his company, Apple in a statement late on Wednesday.

It was noted that last August, he resigned as the CEO of the world's largest technology corporation handing the reins to current chief executive Tim Cook.

Jobs fought a rare form of pancreatic cancer for years has been deemed as the heart and soul of Exxon Mobil's number one rival in terms of value in America.

His untimely death made millions of Apple users worldwide to be on iSad and iCry mode.

Photo by ipadngravy.com

Rest in peace, Steven Paul "Steve" Jobs! Thank you for making our lives easier and efficient, sir!

Satirically Speaking

2011-10-05T23:31:00.004+08:00

Nowadays, people have been dependent to internet - they read news, they entertain themselves and even buy stuff on the internet. That's how internet revolutionized the life of people these days. Thus, it has become their primary source of information.

Rep. Winston Castelo. Photo courtesy of showbiznest.blogspot.com

Remember when Rep. Winston "Winnie" Castelo proposed the Anti-Planking Law? It had spread like wildfire on the internet and has drawn attention not just from the Philippines but also to the world. It was even a trending topic on Twitter! A lot have posted comments about it, mostly negative.

Apparently another news, still related to Rep. Winnie, broke out about the proposal of Anti-Angry Birds Bill. Funny thing was, a LOT of people believed it.

Quoting from So What's News site:

An eyewitness said that Rep. Castelo went shopping at the famous 168 Mall in Divisoria last Saturday and got annoyed when all he saw were Angry Birds themed items. “Naghahanap po sya ng mga regalo para sa mga inaanak nya. Kaso po nung makita nyang panay may nakadikit na Angry Birds ang paninda namin, eh dun na po sya nag walk-out” (He was looking for gifts for his godchildren. But he walked-out when he saw that all our products had Angry Bird stickers on them) said a vendor who met Castelo.

Entertainment sites like the one linked above have been sprouting like mushrooms for the past months and the famous example of it is The Onion News. Posts on these sites are often written in a sarcastic and satirical tone. More so, these sites do not just offer entertainment, but a wake up call as well. Although to unmask the real purpose of the entry, one has to digest the entire post which a lot of bloggers have failed to do such.

Photo from GetReligion.org

And I have to agree with the comment written by an anonymous person on that particular post, saying, "Ang lakas talaga ng loob ng mga tanga na magsabi ng tanga. (Others have the balls to claim that a person is an idiot where in fact he's the real idiot).

I even read several blog posts regarding the alleged proposal of Anti-Angry Birds Bill and I was NOT surprised that they BELIEVED on it. Indeed, satire [humor] doesn't have a place yet here in the Philippines.

The Anti-Angry Birds Bill may sound hilarious but one thing is sure: politics in the Philippines is crazy. Hilarious, but true.

Cap Ou Pas Cap?

2011-10-05T15:02:00.005+08:00

We all have this common notion of what true love is. We always think that true love will always have the happiest endings, an impeccable and lifelong relationship with each other and most of all, a blissful family. But the true definition of love is the otherwise as it comes with lots of sacrifices.

We have Sophie, a 7 year-old girl who is a favorite toy of bullies and Julien, also a 7-year old mischievous but sensitive boy who loves to do nasty things. The two of them both attend the same elementary school. At first, Sophie was a bit shy, but eventually they got comfortable with each other. At a tender of age of 7, they start a game of eagerness, which will last for a life-time.

There are different scenes, both real and surreal that portray different challenges as they grow older. Sophie wasn’t really sure if Julien is seriously in love with her. He didn’t realize that Sophie was having a maturational crisis. The way they communicate through love was really impressive, in fact the viewers might have thought that such manner of communicating might not have exist in real life due to its exaggeration. But then again, they both understand that they’re meant for each other. There are signature scenes and moments in between their reunion times with an excellent transfer of surrealism into storyboard sequences.

Despite the betrayal, they still keep their game deep into their hearts. This became crucial to understand when the social and sociological obstacles happened to put an end to their game. Whereas, they realize the meaning of love is to go after your lover no matter how hard the situation is. They put an end to their life together at the end to be able to stay loyal to their game.

It is fantasy in a sense that it lets you suspend realism for a moment, and dwell on the things we take for granted many times- laughter, romance, and childlike innocence.

About the movie:

As adults, best friends Julien and Sophie continue the odd game they started as children — a fearless competition to outdo one another with daring and outrageous stunts. While they often act out to relieve one another’s pain, their game might be a way to avoid the fact that they are truly meant for one another.

Release Date: 10/19/2004 Directed by: Yann SamuellStarring: Guillaume Canet, Marion CotillardWritten by: Yann Samuell

No Other Woman: Now Showing

2011-09-29T16:14:00.001+08:00

The much-awaited movie, "No Other Woman" premieres today starring one of ABS-CBN's caliber actors Derek Ramsay, Cristine Reyes and Anne Curtis produced by Star Cinema and Viva Films.

The original date for the movie's premiere night was called off due to the onslaught of Typhoon Pedring. It was moved the next day.

Directed by Ruel Bayani, the movie revolves around the story of loyalty and loyalty. Kara Zalderiaga, portrayed by Anne Curtis, is a beautiful playgirl socialite who was emotionally detached to love until she met Ram Escaler (Derek Ramsay), a loyal husband to Charmain Escaler (Cristine Reyes).

More so, the trailer of the movie caught my attention because of the notable lines spilled by some of the characters.

"Ang mundo ay isang malaking Quiapo. Maraming Snatcher. Maagawan ka. Lumaban ka!" - Carmi Martin

"Naku huwag na. Baka makita mo nilalagyan ko ang pagkain mo ng lason." - Christine Reyes

"Ano ba ang mas mahirap kalaban? Yung putang mahirap o putang mayaman?" - Christine Reyes

"Pare-parehong puta lang 'yon!" - Carmi Martin

"Anong gagagwin ninyo if the only man that you love is unfortunately married... I'm not gonna give up Ram without putting up a god damn fight!" - Anne Curtis

"Panahon na para i pack-up mo yang Lucy Torres mo. Ilabas mo na diyan si Gretchen Baretto. Anak, ako na ang bahala sa Red Stilleto mo!" - Carmi Martin

I am so excited to watch this movie!

Things You Ought to Know About 'X Factor' Host Steve Jones

2011-09-25T02:56:00.000+08:00

The model-turned-television host heads to the U.S. for his biggest TV gig yet.

As the newly appointed host for the US version of Simon Cowell's X-Factor, Jones is not really that famous in the US.

Photo courtesy: Fox

And even if his name didn't ring a bell in America, he is not yet free with gossip and rumors about his reported romances with famous Hollywood stars such as the sex bomb Pamela Anderson and Heroes' Hayden Panettierre.

At 34, he has been working on the TV as a tv host in U.K. including T4 Music, a popular music series, and As Seen on TV, a BBC One celebrity panel quiz show. Also, he is Welsh, not English.

Here are some facts that you need to know about the Welsh host of America's latest reality-talent show:

1. With good looks comes with great responsibility.
He started working as a model. He told Britain's Daily Mail, "I wasn't Zoolander - I had no moves, no 'faces.' "

2. He is frank and is not afraid to speak up what's on his mind.
One time, he said the Vince Vaughn was "a miserable sod," Christian Bale was "a total idiot" and that Gene Simmons was the "most unbelievably vain, egotistical bloke" he's ever come across. Wow he's got swag.

3. He has his own clothing line.
Jones modeled and designed clothes for a line called Goodsouls by Steve Jones. He says of his fashion choices, "When I started out on T4 I would just wear a T-shirt and a pair of jeans because it’s that kind of show, it doesn’t take itself too seriously, but over the years as you progress and get older as a presenter and start doing bigger things and more glamorous shows with the BBC you have to be more diverse."

4. Jones has a few acting credits under his belt.
Jones appeared in Bend it Like Beckham director Gurinder Chadha's 2008 film Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging as well as a short film called The Trevor Ending Story.

5. He likes taking chances with his career.
Having made a name for himself on U.K. television, Jones keeps an eye out for other opportunities. He told the Daily Mail, "'I want to push myself. What's the point of staying in your comfort zone? Get a chance and you have to take it."

And oh, he reminds me of Zachary Quinto.

'X Factor' Contestant Drops His Pants

2011-09-24T02:05:00.003+08:00

Ray Mickshaw / FOX

“Families were led to believe the X Factor would be family-friendly programming and instead were assaulted by graphic nudity," says the group's president of Geo Godley's performance.

The Parents Television Council has filed an indecency complaint after contestant Geo Godley dropped his pants while performing on Wednesday night's premiere of The X Factor. A giant "X" logo covered his crotch, while judge Paula Abdul stormed off the set.
As the PTC points out, the blurred nudity aired shortly after 9 p.m. ET, when indecent content is prohibited on broadcast television.

“X Factor judge L.A.. Reid described the performance of contestant Geo Godley as ‘offensive, disgusting, distasteful and upsetting.’ And based upon contemporary community standards for the broadcast medium, the PTC adds to Reid’s description the title ‘indecent,’” says PTC president Tim Winter in a statement.

“As the broadcast decency law comes before the United States Supreme Court in the coming term, Fox has offered a compelling demonstration as to why that law needs to be upheld. If Godley performed his act in public, he would have been arrested. But if he performs it in front of a Fox camera, his act is beamed via the public airwaves into every home in the nation," he adds.

“The prolonged, previously videotaped footage of a contestant dancing nude on the X Factor stage represents a conscious decision by the producers – with the approval of the network’s broadcast standards department – to intentionally air this content in front of millions of families during hours when they knew full well that children would be watching.

“Families were led to believe the X Factor would be family-friendly programming and instead were assaulted by graphic nudity. Perhaps the ‘X’ in X Factor stands for the MPAA rating. No wonder PTC Seal of Approval winner and judge Paula Abdul walked out during the performance, apparently becoming physically ill by what happened.

“The X Factor showed more than a glimmer as to why such competitions are so engaging for the viewing public, with inspiring stories of talented performers gripping the audience. And while we understand the entertainment hook that comes from the occasional train wreck, something so inherently and patently offensive as this obscene performance is more than a sucker punch; it is a violation of Fox station’s broadcast licenses. We have filed a complaint with the FCC and are urging our members and other concerned citizens to follow suit.

“Finally, the fact that Fox assigned a content rating of TV-PG DL for a naked man frolicking around on a stage is not just inaccurate, it is fraudulent. We call on the amorphous Content Ratings Review Board to immediately investigate this incident and hold Fox accountable for violating the spirit and the letter of the content ratings system, which can only be described at this point as rigged and blatantly inaccurate,” Winter added.

X Factor is the latest of PTC's targets. The group has also spoken out against MTV's Skins (which was canceled), Toddlers & Tiaras and Glee.

How To Enable Facebook Timeline

2011-09-23T17:09:00.000+08:00

Yesterday, Facebook's CEO Mark Zuckerburg has announced the new feature of Facebook, which includes archives and timeline that enables users to browse their past contents, photos and statuses. It is one of the site's breakthrough that allows its users to reminisce how great they were a few years back (sarcasm intended).

Fortunately, enabling Timeline a bit early isn’t too difficult — but it’s not at all straight forward, either.

As you all know, enabling Facebook's timeline feature at this point is open graph developers. You, too, can be an open graph developer — even if you’re just looking to dabble.

A few things before enabling this feature to your Facebook account:

Expect a LOT of bugs. It would be a pain in the ass and frustrating, unless if you're actually a developer.
It's only you who can view your timline (unless if you decide otherwise) but will be seen by the public a few days after.
It seems that if you login into Facebook on another machine, Timeline gets disabled automatically on all of your machines. With that said, it seems you can get back to your timeline (but ONLY after following the steps below) by navigating to http://www.facebook.com/YOURUSERNAMEHERE?sk=timeline
You’ll need to have a “verified” account for one of the steps, which means you need a credit card or phone number attached to the account.

Are you ready? Now let's tweak your Facebook!

Here's how to do it:

1. Log into Facebook

2. Enable developer mode, if you haven’t already. To do this, type “developer” into the Facebook search box, click the first result (it should be an app made by Facebook with a few hundred thousand users), and add the app.

3. Jump into the developer app (if Facebook doesn’t put you there automatically, it should be in your left-hand tool bar)

4. Create a new app (don’t worry — you wont actually be submitting this for anyone else to see/use). Give your shiny new app any display name and namespace you see fit. Read through and agree to the Platform Privacy agreement. This is the step you need to be verified for.

5. Ensure you’re in your new app’s main settings screen. You should see your app’s name near the top of the page

6. Look for the “Open Graph” header, and click the “Get Started using open graph” link.

Create a test action for your app, like “read” a “book”, or “eat” a “sandwich”

7. This should drop you into an action type configuration page. Change a few of the default settings (I changed the past tense of “read” to “redd” — again, only you can see this unless you try and submit your application to the public directory), and click through all three pages of settings

8. Wait 2-3 minutes

9. Go back to your Facebook homescreen. An invite to try Timeline should be waiting at the top of the page

And you’re done! We’ve seen this work quite a few times now, so it should work without a hitch for just about anyone.

Special thanks to TechCrunch!

Winners of 2011 Primetime Emmy Awards

2011-09-20T00:58:00.002+08:00

Celebrities had come to their best attires as they celebrated the prestigious 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards. Glee's Jane Lynch hosted this year's Primetime Emmy Awards.

Jane Lynch, one of the leading stars of Glee hosted this year's Primetime Emmy Awards. Photo coutresy of tv.com

Here are the winners of the Primetime Emmy Awards 2011!
Outstanding Drama Series
Mad Men

Outstanding Comedy Series
Modern Family

Outstanding Miniseries Or Movie
Downton Abbey (Masterpiece)

Outstanding Variety, Music Or Comedy Series
The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Outstanding Reality-Competition Program
The Amazing Race

Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series
Kyle Chandler – Friday Night Lights

Outstanding Lead Actress In A Drama Series
Julianna Margulies – The Good Wife

Outstanding Lead Actor In A Comedy Series
Jim Parsons – The Big Bang Theory

Outstanding Lead Actress In A Comedy Series
Melissa McCarthy – Mike & Molly

Outstanding Lead Actor In A Miniseries Or A Movie
Barry Pepper – The Kennedys

Outstanding Lead Actress In A Miniseries Or A Movie
Kate Winslet – Mildred Pierce

Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Drama Series
Peter Dinklage – Game of Thrones

Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Drama Series
Margo Martindale – Justified

Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Comedy Series
Ty Burrell – Modern Family

Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Comedy Series
Julie Bowen – Modern Family

Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Miniseries Or A Movie
Guy Pearce – Mildred Pierce

Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Miniseries Or A Movie
Maggie Smith – Downton Abbey (Masterpiece)

Outstanding Writing For A Drama Series
Jason Katims – Friday Night Lights

Outstanding Writing For A Comedy Series
Steve Levitan & Jeffrey Richman – Modern Family

Outstanding Writing For A Miniseries, Movie Or A Dramatic Special
Julian Fellowes – Downton Abbey

Outstanding Writing For A Variety, Music Or Comedy Series
The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Outstanding Directing For A Drama Series
Martin Scorsese – Boardwalk Empire

Outstanding Directing For A Comedy Series
Michael Alan Spiller – Modern Family

Outstanding Directing For A Miniseries, Movie Or A Dramatic Special
Brian Percival – Downton Abbey (Masterpiece)

Outstanding Directing For A Variety, Music Or Comedy Series
Don Roy King – Saturday Night Live

Congratulations to all the winners!

Philippines Eyed as the Next Venue for Miss Universe 2012

2011-09-19T21:01:00.000+08:00

MANILA, Philippines -- It’s business as usual at the Department of Tourism (DoT), more driven and motivated perhaps – fueled by the enthusiasm and passion of its new secretary – and still delivering, as usual, on the tourism front.

Here are the highlights of the DoT’s roadmap for the year until 2012:

Miss Universe. The most exciting news is that Sec. Ramon Jimenez met with Gabby Lopez of ABS-CBN recently about the country’s hosting of the Miss Universe beauty contest. Budget for the event is US$ 20 million.

The Philippines first hosted the Miss Universe pageant in 1974. It was held at the Folk Arts Theater and Amparo Munoz of Spain was crowned as Miss Universe. The country hosted it a second time in 1994 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) where Sushmita Sen of India won the crown. The Miss Universe pageant is the most popular beauty contest in the world with global viewership estimated at 600 million.

PATA 2012. Another positive development as reported by Sec. Jimenez is the hosting of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Travel Mart next year. The Philippine delegation to the 2011 PATA Travel Mart in New Delhi, India included Undersecretary Danny Corpuz, Assistant Secretary Chicoy Enerio, Dir. Betty Nelle, Stanie Soriano and Tina Flores.

They met with PATA Interim CEO Bill Calderwood and briefed him about preparations for next year’s hosting. According to Corpuz, the country expects to have 2,500 additional hotel rooms in Manila and Cebu by then. Hotels along Roxas Boulevard, airports and even terminals are going through major facelifts. A new multi-purpose hall with a seating capacity of 20,000 persons called the Arena beside SMX at the Mall of Asia complex is already 85 percent complete and expected to be available by May 2012.

Corpuz also secured the assistance of PATA for the major markets of the Philippines to be reflected in the representation of buyers and markets to be invited. Calderwood also promised to reserve 30 percent of slots for Philippine sellers to give them ample possibilities to negotiate with foreign buyers.

Corpuz stressed that the organizing committee for the 2012 PATA Travel Mart is a perfect example of how private public partnership works to benefit the greater good. Active in planning and preparations are officers of Philippine Tour Operators Association (PhilTOA), Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association (HSMA), Philippine Association of Convention/Exhibit Organizers and Suppliers (PACEOS), PATA Philippine chapter and Philippine air carriers led by Philippine Airlines (PAL).

The 2012 PATA Travel Mart is scheduled to take place September 25-28 at the SMX Convention Center, the largest private venue in the Philippines and one of the flagship establishments of the country’s MICE industry. It is conveniently located near prestigious hotels and key public transportation systems.

45th Annual Meeting of the Asian Development Bank. Manila will also be the site of the ADB Board of Governors Meeting next year. This annual meeting will be held from May 2 – 5, 2012. In the agenda are a range of issues related to economic and social progress for Asia and the Pacific.

Visa upon arrival. A technical working group composed of tourism, foreign affairs, and immigration officials was formed to fast track the issuance of procedures to relax visa policies related to the Visa Upon Arrival recommendation of several sectors.

While in India, the DoT and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) officials discussed with Philippine Ambassador Ronald Allarey the visa upon arrival recommendation for Indian nationals. Allarey advised the group to make strong representations with the Department of Foreign Affairs so this can finally be realized.

The first half of 2011 saw a substantial increase of 50 percent in arrivals from the Indian continent ever since the four flights a week service of PAL.

(original article from Manila Bulletin)

Miss Angola, Leila Lopes Feared to be Dethroned as Miss Universe 2011

2011-09-17T13:30:00.000+08:00

SAO PAULO, BRAZIL - Leila Lopes is the new Miss Universe, replacing Ximena Navarrete of Mexico. Her win has stirred a lot of negative comments, stating that she didn't deserve to win the crown.

Well, talking about sourgraping. But, Miss Angola currently faces an allegation of falsification of documents leading to the possible disqualification.

Leila Lopes (Miss Angola) - Miss Universe 2011

Lopes allegedly falsified her documents just to enter the qualifying contest in England and to become the official representative of Angola.

According to the document, the beauty queen lived in United Kingdom and studied business management. But contrary to this, Lopes never really left Angola.

The report further said a person named Charles Mukano helped Lopes to fake her documents in order to join the beauty contest of Angolan community in England.

Infobae also mentioned the reports of Angolan media telling that Mukano allegedly paid the pageant judges to guarantee Lopes' victory.

The 25-year old, Leila Lopes is the very first woman to bring home the Miss Universe crown to Angola.

Prior to this, after she was crowned the Miss Universe 2011, Lopes was purpotedly criticized by Miss France and avid fans and supporters of Miss Universe 3rd runner-up Shamcey Supsup, telling that she (Lopes) did not deserve to win.

Miss Angola Leila Lopes is the fourth African who seized the Miss Universe crown.

The New Blue Screen of Death

2011-09-16T16:09:00.000+08:00

Developers of Windows 8 has unveiled the new look of the Blue Screen of Death.

Most of the users are pretty much annoyed with the previous versions of the BSOD since it was not written in a simple language.

To quote one user of Windows 7, "I really hate seeing the Blue Screen of Death; it terrifies me a lot. Aside from the fact that my laptop's crashing, I can't seem to grasp the true meaning of its demise. For five seconds, I'd just stare at my laptop screen, trying to figure out what the hell's happening to my laptop and moments after, it will restart all by itself leaving the us, the users clueless."

Now, the developers of Windows 8 has released the new look of the BSOD.

The new look of BSOD

Well, it has indeed improved compared to the previous versions of it. And yeah, they're beta bits for sure. We can't hardly wait for Windows 8's release.

So what can you say about it?

Of Plastic Surgeries

2011-09-15T20:34:00.002+08:00

There is no definite meaning of beauty; we define it.

But sometimes one looks forward to have a beautiful face that he or she desires - perfect nose, prominent jawlines and cheekbones and perfect smile.

Since the dawn of plastic surgery, a lot have already gained their self-confidence, thanks to their new facial features. But sometimes, too much of it could cause detrimental and irreversible effects.

Please watch this one minute video in order to understand what I'm trying to say.Horrifying isn't it?
But don't get me wrong, I am not against to people who undergo plastic surgery in order to look better. One just have to be extra careful to prevent this horrifying scenario.
There are news lately that fake Dermatologists illegally perform plastic surgery to those people who wanted to look better at a cheaper price.
Just a reminder, be vigilant and do counter-checks before performing a plastic surgery.

Oh, no! Oprah Did Not Say That!

2011-09-14T21:43:00.004+08:00

Hours after Shamcey Supsup was named as Miss Universe 2011's 3rd runner-up, an alleged message coming from the 'Queen of Talk' Oprah Winfrey spread like a wildfire on the internet, stating that Shamcey Supsup is more deserving to be crowned as Miss Universe 2011 and not Miss Angola, Leila Lopes.

Oprah Winfrey. Photo courtesy of milkdog.com

This alleged statement was aired via NBC News:

“I have reservations with the results. If the only basis is the Q and A portion, after having been trimmed down to 5, Ms. Philippines deserved to win. What made her different from the rest is that she had no seconds to rethink of her answer as she had no interpreter to break the ice. The rest had their interpreters and having breaks on seconds to think about their answers. Hands down, Ms. Philippines answered straight to the point.”

I'm sorry to burst your bubble but Oprah Winfrey didn't actually say that.

Answering a query on the alleged statement, a moderator on Oprah's official website Oprah.com said Oprah has not issued "any comments of this nature."

OWNModerator13 responded: "There is no truth to the statement. Ms. Winfrey has not made any comments of this nature. Thank you for asking."

It seemed that a LOT of people are gullible these days. Sigh.

Angola beauty is 2011 Miss Universe; Shamcey is 4th

2011-09-13T12:37:00.001+08:00

(via ABS-CBN)

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATE) - Miss Angola's Leila Lopes was crowned Miss Universe for 2011 in the competition held in Sao Paulo, Brazil Monday night (Tuesday morning in Manila). Shamcey Supsup, a 25-year-old beauty from the Philippines, was the third runner-up for the pageant.

Miss Ukraine Olesya Stefanko was the first runner-up, Brazil's Priscila Machado placed 2nd runner-up, Supsup placed third and China's Luo Zilin was 4th runner-up.

Tony Award winner Lea Salonga asked Lopes the final question that would help her win the pageant.

She asked Lopes: "If you could change one of your personal characteristics, which one would it be and why?"

Lopes replied: "Thank God, I’m very well satisfied with the way God created me and I would not change a thing. I consider myself a woman with inner beauty. I have my principles. I have acquired many wonderful principles from my family and I plan to follow this through the rest of my life."

Supsup, meanwhile, was one of the strongest contestants in the competition, placing first in the final fan rankings.

In the crucial question and answer portion, she said she would not change her religion just to marry the person she loves.

"If I had to change my religious beliefs, I would not marry the person that I love because the first person that I love is God who created me and I have my faith and my principles and this is what makes me who I am. And if that person loves me, he should love my God too," Supsup said.

Supsup hails from the same town as international boxing icon, Manny Pacquiao.

The Filipina beauty graduated magna cum laude from the University of the Philippines-Diliman with a degree in architecture. She also topped the June 2010 Architecture Licensure Examination in July 2010.

Shamcey Supsup: Miss Universe 3rd Runner-up

2011-09-13T11:39:00.001+08:00

Q: Would you change your religious beliefs to marry the person you love? Why or why not?

And her winning answer is:

If I have to change my religious belief, I will not marry the person that I love. Because the first person that I love is God who created me and I have my faith, my principles and this is what makes me who I am and if that person loves me, he should love my God too.

Shamcey Supsup, Miss Universe 2011 3rd Runner-up

Congratulations, Shamcey!!!

Shamcey, We Believe

2011-09-12T16:29:00.002+08:00

“I think the one worthy cause I can identify myself with is valuing education. Because I believe education is something that cannot be taken away from you. You can have money, you can have fame, but in the end, it can be taken from you. But education will always be there to help you."

Shamcey, we believe that you are going to make it to the final cut and eventually win the crown!

Lea Salonga as one of the judges of Miss Universe 2011

2011-09-08T14:27:00.000+08:00

Tony Award winner and Filipina actress Lea Salonga is set to judge the 2011 Miss Universe Pageant in São Paulo, Brazil according to the announcement made by NBC, Donald J. Trump and Paula M. Shugart, president of the Miss Universe Organization today.

The list of judges includes:

Helios Castroneves, three-time winner of the Indianapolis 500
Connie Chung, U.S. broadcast legend
Isabeli Fontana, Brazilian supermodel
Vivica Fox, actress & television producer
Adrienne Maloof, from Bravo’s hit series “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills”
Lea Salonga, Tony Award winner and actress
Amelia Vega, Miss Universe 2003

Meanwhile, performers of the show includes Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Bebel Gilberto and Brazilian native pop singer Claudia Leitte.

Andy Cohen, host of Bravo’s “Watch What Happens: Live,” and Natalie Morales, news anchor of NBC’s “Today” will host the 2011 Miss Universe Pageant.

The 60th Annual Miss Universe Pageant will be broadcast live from Credicard Hall in São Paulo, Brazil on Monday, September 12 at 9 p.m. ET (Sept. 13 in Manila at 9:30 a.m. via ABS-CBN)

Newsweek's Impressive 9/11 Cover

2011-09-08T03:03:00.000+08:00

Here's what the creative team of Newsweek have been brewing for the past weeks. In line with the 10th year anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attack, Newsweek brings you a full coverage of what really happened on a seemingly peaceful Tuesday morning of September 11, 2001.

The world will never forget how the four hijacked planes crashed at four different points. There are so many unsung heroes and millions of untold stories about the how families cope with the situation.

It is a story of losing hope, fear, grief and revenge.

Don't forget to grab a copy of this special issue of Newsweek!

So, Albie's the Father

2011-09-05T23:05:00.004+08:00

The long wait is finally over.

Albie Casiño is the father of Andi Eigenmann's baby. Too bad he left the poor lady and even didn't have plans to do his responsibilities being the father of their baby... or so I thought.

Andi Eigenmann, photo courtesy of ABS-CBN

Taken from Andi's personal blog entry dated yesterday (September 4) entitled #welliwasneverreallytheconventionaltype, she said that all of the things that has been occurring these past few months happened for a reason. She also expressed through her blog that although she may not have a grandiose wedding like Kate Middleton and Prince William, she is still happy because her family supports her no matter what.

More so, Andi is still grateful for Albie despite leaving her to do all the responsibilities of raising their child.

"Maybe instead of feeling bad that Albie left me to take on this resposibility by myself, I should thank him for giving me the opportunity [to] go out and find genuine happiness once again".

She added, "At the same time, I'd understand. Cus after all, I have no idea who or what kind of person all the fame and fortune has turned him into now. All I hope is that he's well."

Looks like Andi's ready to become a mother with the help of his supportive family. Way to go girl!

Now that's what I call girl power!

View the whole content of Andi's blog entry here. (It's a *.jpg file)

SNSD’s Sooyoung Injured from a Car Accident; Forces to Withdraw from Schedules

2011-08-30T03:00:00.000+08:00

It has just been reported earlier that a member of the famous all-girl KPop Group, Sooyoung got injured on a car accident in early morning of August 28th.

SM Entertainment released an official statement that said, “Sooyoung is suffering from a sacrovertebral fracture from the car accident, but thankfully, the injury is nothing serious.”

“The doctor in charge gave a positive prognosis and said that with plenty of rest and treatment, she will be fully recovered in no time. Sooyoung will be unable to participate in upcoming planned schedules.”, they added.

Because of her injury, Sooyoung will not be able to attend the SM TOWN Live in Tokyo and SNSD’s Live Concert in Taiwan.

Sooyoung was driving on her way from Seoul to Chunan at 9AM of August 28th when the accident occurred. A car from the opposite lane allegedly crashed into Sooyoung’s car carelessly.

SM added, “Sooyoung was on her way to complete her volunteer services for the visually impaired when the accident occurred. The car in the opposite lane crossed the center line and consequently crashed into Sooyoung’s vehicle.”

Sooyoung is currently receiving treatment at a hospital and is recuperating from the accident.

Mylo Xyloto: Coldplay's New Album to be Released This Fall

2011-08-26T01:57:00.000+08:00

The famous English alternative rock band, Coldplay, has announced the release date of their new album, Mylo Xyloto (pronounced as MY-lo ZY-letoe) just recently. Mylo Xyloto will be released on CD, Digital, Vinyl and as a Limited Edition Pop-Up Album on October 24.

The album's reversible artwork is shown above.

Coldplay's latest album, Mylo Xyloto, was produced by Markus Dravs, Daniel Green and Rik Simpson with enoxification and additional composition by Brian Eno. The album will be released in digital, CD and vinyl formats. A special limited edition Pop-Up Album version will also be available, which will include a 12" x 12" hardback book containing graffiti pop-up art designed by David A. Carter, vinyl, CD and exclusive content including photographs, excerpts from the studio diary and the band's personal notebooks.

In the mean time, the next single from the album is called Paradise. It's coming out on September 12.

Shamcey Supsup’s Evening Gown and National Costume

2011-08-24T20:25:00.001+08:00

This is it!

This is Shamcey Supsup's evening gown (left) and national costume (right) which will be worn on the Miss Universe Coronation Night this September 12 at São Paulo, Brazil. Both Shamcey's national costume and evening gown were designed by Rajo Laurel, one of Philippines' top fashion designers.

You may check out Rajo Laurel's blog for more information.

In other news, the Miss Universe Organization has announced that for the first time in the history of the MISS UNIVERSE competition, the pageant is incorporating a global fan vote that may automatically advance a contestant to the semifinals.

The Philippines is a powerhouse when it comes to online voting but lately, we are getting beaten by Thailand and Vietnam in this thing. So if we can only unite once more and spread the word, we may have another Miss Universe semifinalist this year.

Give Shamcey Supsup the same advantage in this year’s Miss Universe 2011 contest. Register at www.missuniverse.com and www.nbc.com www.nbc.com. Voting will be open from from 4:00 AM on August 20 until 6:00 AM of September 12 (Manila time). Individuals 16 years old and older and residents of the country they are voting for are qualified to vote. Only 10 votes per e-mail address per day will be counted.

VOTE HERE

When Trace Cyrus Impregnated Brenda Song

2011-08-24T17:09:00.001+08:00

The Suite Life of Zack and Cody actress is about to enter a new phase of her life, the sweet of life of motherhood. Yep, she's pregnant with her first child and Miley Cyrus' brother, Trace Cyrus is the father!

Yep, you heard it right sissies, Trace Cyrus.

The former member of the defunct band Metro Station expressed his happiness about the news of their first born.

Who would have thought that these two would become a one happy family soon? It is funny how things happen sometimes.

The Invasion of Zombadings

2011-08-23T17:06:00.000+08:00

For decades, zombies have already invaded several movie industries which offer the same plot - a biological disaster which led to the transformation of humans to zombies, a few survivors and ends of dealing with this unimaginable ordeal.

This year, the Philippine movie industry offers an eccentric zombie-apocalyptic movie which deals with prejudice and acceptance.

The story starts with the naughty boy named Remington who kept on teasing gay people whenever he sees them around in the quaint town of Lucban, Quezon. One day, while visiting a grave at a public cemetery with her mother, he saw a middle-aged gay (Paulate) who wept at a nearby grave. Remington teased him and he got furious with the boy's teases and cursed him that he will turn gay when the right time comes.

15 years later, the once quiet town was disturbed by the news of an alleged serial killer lurking around the town who kills only gay people. The police chief inspector (Janice de Belen) who happened to be Remington's mother was perplexed with these heinous killings. The story continues when Remington was attacked by an unidentified man while taking a bath outside his friend's house. Little by little, he learned that he's about to change - his physical appearance and his sexual preference.

Searching for the cure was futile but because of his supportive parents and friends, everything was possible.

Zombadings is not your ordinary apocalyptic flick. No, scratch that. It ain't apocalyptic in the first place. Armed with witty lines and funny punchlines, viewers would surely love this flick. Coming out and acceptance are the two main themes of this movie. It tackles about its difficulties, the pain and how the society embraced their true color. Although on the critical side, one might have the difficulty of catching up with the development of the characters, especially with Roderick Paulate's. The first 20 minutes was actually the highlight of the movie but the excitement goes down until the end of the movie.

But overall, the movie left a good impression to the viewers last night. In fairness, I had fun, at least.

Mark your calendars everyone! August 31 is National Zombaday! Watch Zombadings: Patayin Sa Shokot si Remington in theaters near you.

Support Shamcey Supsup: Miss Philippines - Universe 2011

2011-08-21T21:36:00.001+08:00

Vote for the Philippines’ Shamcey Supsup in Miss Universe 2011 online voting. Miss Philippines is one of 89 candidates in the 2011 Miss Universe to be held in Brazil on September 12. The contestants are now in Sao Paulo for the big event and for the first time in the history of the Miss Universe, the organizers have allowed online voting! Vote for Shamcey Supsup, Miss Philippines 2011, to take her one step closer to winning the Miss Universe crown.

Shamcey Supsup, Bb. Pilipinas 2011. Miss Philippines Universe 2011.

According to the Miss Universe organizers, the result of the online poll will give one lucky contestant a spot in the semifinals. But it’s not the contestant with the highest number of votes but the one with the highest AVERAGE who gets a spot in the Miss Universe 2011 semifinals. Last year, an online poll was also conducted in the contest. However, it had no bearing on the results as it was probably a test run for this year. Venus Raj, Miss Philippines in last year’s event, got the most number of votes.

Give Shamcey Supsup the same advantage in this year’s Miss Universe 2011 contest. Register at www.missuniverse.com and www.nbc.com. Voting will be open from from 4:00 AM on August 20 until 6:00 AM of September 12 (Manila time). Individuals 16 years old and older and residents of the country they are voting for are qualified to vote. Only 10 votes per e-mail address per day will be counted so VOTE EVERYDAY here!

Black Eyed Peas Concert at MOA on Oct. 25

2011-08-18T20:16:00.001+08:00

Bruno Mars, Maroon 5, Miley Cyrus and Thirty Seconds to Mars have successfully conducted their concert tour at SM Mall of Asia. Today, Futuretainment, Inc. and Music Management, Inc. (MMI) are pleased to annouce their much-awaited project of this year. They are bringing the best-selling and multi-awarded American hip-hop group Black Eyed Peas (BEP) for a concert on Oct. 25 at the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Concert Grounds.

Black Eyed Peas started in 1995 in Los Angeles and their career escalated after their 2003 hit "Where Is The Love". The group is composed of rappers will.i.am, Filipino apl.de.ap (Allan Pineda), Taboo and lead singer, Fergie.

Black Eyed Peas had sold more than 56 million records worldwide and won a total of 80 awards, six of which from the prestigious Grammy Awards.

"Filipino fans will experience non-stop party with the Black Eyed Peas this October," said Marvin Agustin, the head of Futuretainment, Inc.

Futuretainment is offering an early bird promo with 20% off on tickets. For more information on ticket prices and latest updates on the Black Eyed Peas Live in Manila 2011 concert, please visit www.futuretainmentinc.com, www.mmilive.com and follow them on Twitter at @futureupdate.

"I Love Philippines" - Paris Hilton

2011-08-16T18:05:00.001+08:00

Despite the loss of her 2 iPhones after landing at NAIA Terminal 1 last Sunday, she will never hate Philippines. In fact, Paris Hilton is in love with the Philippines.

"I really love the food here. It's not too spicy and it's clearly evident that Philippines is a melting pot of cultures", says Hilton during her press conference yesterday.

Photo credit: Celebrity Wallpapers

"I am loving every bit of it. I am planning to settle here in the country when I get old.", she added.

Hilton has recently opened her new boutique shop at SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City. Hilton is also scheduled to meet with the Pambansang Kamao, Rep. Manny Pacquiao together with his wife, Jinky Pacquiao. Rumors have told us that the hotel empress has plans to tie-up with Jinky on her business.

"That would be a great idea. I am really hoping that Mrs. Pacquiao approves to be business partner.", said Hilton.

SNSD / Girls' Generation Live in Manila!

2011-08-11T03:24:00.001+08:00

Girls' Generation or popularly known as SNSD (Sonyeo Sidae, Shōjo Jidai) is rumored to have a grand concert in Manila this February 2012. The concert venue has not yet finalized but popular venues such as Araneta Center, Trinoma and SMX Convention Center of Mall of Asia were among the few suggested.

Girls' Generation / SNSD. Photo courtesy of snsdcentral.net

For the past two years, this all-girl Korean group had already performed to several international concert scenes in Osaka, Tokyo, and Singapore - all of which were successful and phenomenal.

"We are looking forward to have a concert in the Philippines. I have heard a lot of good things about the Philippines!", said Tiffany, one of the group's members, in an ambushed interview.

"Filipinos are known to be warm and hospitable to their guests. I believe that we are going to enjoy our stay in the Philippines... Yeah, definitely", she added.

Some Korean Pop (K-Pop) groups like 2NE1, 2AM and Super Junior had successfully conducted concert tours in the Philippines.

SNSD is an all-female group composed of nine members: Taeyeon (Leader), Jessica, Sunny, Tiffany, Hyoyeon, Yuri, Sooyoung, Yoona, and Seohyun.

In the meantime, enjoy watching SNSD's live performance (taken from MTV VMAJ) of their latest single, The Great Escape.

The Fierce Wife: ABS-CBN's Newest Asianovela!

2011-08-09T03:38:00.001+08:00

Seduction and infidelity.

Fresh from Taiwan, The Fierce Wife is the latest Asianovela series of ABS-CBN. Its pilot episode, which aired yesterday afternoon had gained positive reviews from the audience.

The Fierce Wife - ABS-CBN's latest Asianovela.

Cristine had lived a perfect life with her family. She has been always the perfect wife to Louie - caring, passionate and patient. All had changed after the arrival of Me Ann, Cristine's cousin. Me Ann came from the United States and stays with her cousin for a while. As days go by, Me Ann, whose real personality blanketed by her charm and naïveness developed an affection to Louie, her cousin's husband.

Things get worse as Me Ann fearlessly seduce her cousin's husband inside their home.

Will Louie give in to this infidelity? How will Cristine face these tribulations? How will she save her own family? Will she mend the broken relationship between her and Me Ann?

Don’t ever miss “The Fierce Wife,” weekday afternoons, in the intensifying Kapamilya Gold in the first and true home of Asianovelas, ABS-CBN.

My Binondo Girl: The latest teleserye of the Kapamilya Network

2011-08-08T23:13:00.006+08:00

The Primetime Princess is back... and she's now a 'he'!

Shot in the bustling districts of the island of Hongkong, Kim Chiu takes part of a gender bending dual role - as the beautiful Belinda Young and the ruggedly handsome Marcus Jung.

My Binondo Girl - Kim Chiu's latest show in the Kapamilya Network. Photo credit: ABS-CBN.

According to the latest and exclusive interview of The Buzz, the young actress shared her wonderful experience in Hongkong together with Matteo Guidicelli, Jolo Revilla and Xian Lim, her leading men. She even shared one scary moment in Hongkong wherein a local allegedly ignited the lighter near her, almost burning her faux-facial hair.

"Nung nagshoshooting po kami sa lalake kong role, marami pong nakatingin sa akin. Tapos, nilapitan po ako ng isang matandang lalake at bigla nalang niyang sinindi yung lighter niya malapit sa bigote ko! Napasigaw ako".

Chiu was unscathed from that incident.

Meanwhile, Aiai delas Alas shares her excitement about her new project with Kim Chiu.

“Hindi ko pa nagagawa ang role na ito. Nanay ako dito! Ha ha ha! Nanay ako ni Kim Chiu. Bagong-bago!”, cheered delas Alas. The Comedy Concert Queen shared that she and Kim are close with each other because of their common interests.

“Close na kami niyan ni Baby Kimmy. Gusto namin pareho ang shopping. Kapag may nagbebenta sa akin, ire-refer ko kay Kim. Bibili naman siya.” Ai-Ai added that she is looking forward to the shoot of My Binondo Girl in Guangzhou, China where she and Kim may find time to go on a shopping spree.

Watch the full trailer of the upcoming teleserye here:

Other cast-members include Laureen Uy, Glydel Mercado, Cherie Pie Picache and Ai Ai delas Alas.

The show will air sometime this 3rd week of August. It will soon replace Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin starring Coco Martin and Lorna Tolentino.

Mario Maurer: Two Big Projects on Philippine Television

2011-08-08T18:32:00.001+08:00

Ladies, get ready as this famous Thai heartthrob invades cinemas here in the Philippines. Yes, that famous Thai heartthrob is none other than Mario Maurer. Maurer starred in a blockbuster Thai movie, Crazy Little Thing Called Love and made his Asian fans fall in love again.

Mario Maurer, Asia's rising star. Photo credit from ohmariomaurer (dot) tumblr

Maurer had arrived in Manila a few weeks ago to endorse a local clothing brand. Well folks, aside from that endorsement, he is also set to shoot big projects in the Philippines.

Joyce Ramirez of PR Publicity Asia said that they are going to have a movie project under Star Cinema as well as a big TV project with ABS-CBN. According to Ms. Ramirez's Twitter account, she said that she will co-produce Maurer's big projects.

"The scripts are already finished and we're looking for a leading lady", quipped Ramirez.

Names of Sarah Geronimo, Angel Locsin, Kim Chiu, Anne Curtis and Erich Gonzales were among the suggested few.

Crazy Little Thing Called Love

2011-08-08T17:34:00.000+08:00

A Little Thing Called Love / First Love (สิ่งเล็กเล็ก ที่เรียกว่า..รัก)

Directed by: Puttipong Pormsaka Na-Sakonnakorn and Wasin Pokpong Release
Date: August 12, 2010 (Thailand)
Runtime: 118 min.
Cast: Mario Maurer / Pimchanok Leuwisedpaiboon / Sudarat Budtporm / Acharanat Ariyaritwikol

I first heard this movie from Juan and I got curious since he had written a good review about it. This Thai movie was released last August 2010 and I just watched it on YouTube.

The movie is all about puppy love. Nam (Pimchanok Lerwisetpibol), a young and ugly girl had a huge crush with Chon (Mario Maurer), the school’s heartthrob since her freshmen year. With the help of her supportive friends, she somehow got the chance to have some brief, close encounters with her knight in shining armor. It was not an easy road for Nam, though. Some girls were more beautiful and more talented than her. She thought that she will have no chance to be with Chon. Eventually, she grew up and became beautiful and discovered something more about Chon.

The plot of the movie is simple. It’s all about infatuation and the struggles of Nam. Despite its simplicity, viewers will get touched by it. Like Nam, we will do whatever we can just to get noticed by our crush. Nam had tried her best just to be on top of the class, or be the lead cast of a play or be the leader of the drum band. Innocence, as a theme, also played a vital role in this movie. By just merely seeing our crush walking along the hallway or hearing their voice over the telephone will definitely make our day complete.

The movie is a great combination of laughter and tears. I definitely had a good laugh on the first half of the movie but as the movie progressed, especially on the 7th part of the movie, I shed a tear because the scenes were really heartbreaking. I thought Windstruck, A Moment to Remember and Hachiko were the only three movies made me cry. I was wrong. Even if the plot formula is similar to some romantic movies, like the I-should-have-told-him/her-I-love-her style, it will definitely leave a mark to the audience, regardless of the age.

Thai heartthrobs Mario Maurer and Baifern have already invaded the hearts of Indonesians, Koreans and Filipinos. Photo credit goes to the producers of this film.

Indeed, as what the movie trailer claims, it’s everyone’s story.

High school may not be my favorite part of my life, but I will always treasure those days when I look forward to see my crush in school. By just seeing her will already make my day complete.

Ay, kilig.