What will you do this World AIDS Day?

I say we blow now! blow harder! We need to sound an alarm!

The Philippines is facing an alarming rise in HIV infection. Six new infections are recorded everyday, an exponential leap from the ‘low and slow’ character of the epidemic before 2007. There are also reports of undocumented HIV-related deaths, a manifestation of the invisibility of the epidemic and its impact. Evidence indicates that the increase is driven by the lack of awareness and appreciation of the risks of HIV infection due to unprotected sex, which is aggravated by fear and stigma that surround the virus and the people living with HIV and AIDS. 

 The Red Whistle is a response to this alarming situation. The emerging trend shows that the current prevention programs are insufficient, and the communities affected by the epidemic must be mobilized into action to support initiatives that aim to stop the epidemic.

The Red Whistle has three objectives: 1. raise awareness on the situation to encourage community action; 2. deliver safer sex messages designed to reach communities affected by the epidemic; and 3. help facilitate access or referral to HIV services, including HIV testing, treatment, and support services. 


What can we do? Simple. 

• we raise awareness of this alarming spread of the situation by simply telling this news to our friends and love ones.
• be informed by liking the following pages on facebook - The Red Whistle, and Take The Test.
• support campaigns that help sound the alarm
• use the hashtag #zeroHIVph and help spread the word
• wear Red Shirt on December 1 and always wear your red whistle:)

We can help spread the word, we can blow our whistles harder, we can achieve #zeroHIVph! We can do this!


  

Google Doodle: Mark Twain

He is widely known as Mark Twain, the author of the Adventures of Tom Sawyer and the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, two of the books I have read when I was a child. I was also able to watch the cartoon series in the local network way back. He achieved great success as a writer and public speaker. His wit and satire earned praise from critics and peers, and he was a friend to presidents, artists, industrialists, and European royalty. 

Cheers to his birthday today!

SAVED Festival - Nov. 26, 2011

SAVED FESTIVAL 2011 is going to rally local churches in the Philippines to rise up to the true calling of a SAVED life in Jesus Christ, who is worthy of all glory and honor and praise! 

The Pirate Brothers showing on November 23

'The Pirate Brothers', is an action-packed tale of truth, brotherhood and vengeance. When young Sunny loses his protective brother to a gang of thugs, he vows from then on to seek eventual revenge. Years later, he ends up in an orphanage where he befriends an innocent boy who has lost both parents. 

Verdy, the boy, suggests that he and Sunny become brothers, so that they themselves can be a family. 

Sunny accepts and protects Verdy as once his big brother protected him. 

Their paths split when Verdy is adopted by a wealthy family. Destined for a different path and separated by fate, their lives cross again when Verdy, now successful and wealthy is kidnapped by pirates during a holiday with his fiance. The pirates' intentions become clear, it's not a ransom they want, it's the eventual death of Verdy. Things turn for the worse when, after years of separation, Sunny appears as a member of the gang of pirates. They are brothers not by blood but by Will: but is this enough to save Verdy?

Starring Robin Shou star of 'Mortal Kombat' and Indonesian action superstar Verdy Bhawanta and directed by Asun Mawardi.

Jamie Bell plays Tintin

From Billy Elliot to Jumper, Jamie Bell is the iconic Speilberg’s Tintin, the intrepid, boyish reporter who has mirrored countless dreams of adventure, the filmmakers chose Jamie Bell. “Jamie’s performance in Billy Elliot was astonishing to me, not just the subtlety of his acting, but the tremendous physical performance he gave,” Spielberg notes. “Peter and I both thought he had all the right qualities for Tintin.”

 Growing up in England, Bell had been a Tintin fan since childhood. “There’s something about Hergé’s art that leaves an imprint on you. It’s unforgettable,” he muses. But now, he had the chance to imprint the character with tangible, human emotions and that thrilled him. 

Alecia Moore (P!nk) is Gloria in Happy Feet Two

When Warner Bros.' highly anticipated sequel “Happy Feet 2” begins, “It’s party time,” says director George Miller, “and at the center of everything are Mumble and Gloria. Gloria is singing, Mumble is dancing, and everyone is inspired by the rhythm and chemistry between the two.”

 Mumble has grown up to be a respected leader within the Emperor penguin community. And if Mumble is the undisputed dance champ of Emperor Land, his mate Gloria is the undeniable diva. For the role of this powerhouse songstress, the filmmakers turned to Alecia Moore, also known as triple Grammy-winning recording artist P!nk. “P!nk was a natural for the role, and has been really superb,” says director Miller. “She had sung in the opening of the first movie and wanted to be involved again because she’s compassionate and a great animal lover. So for this one, in addition to voicing Gloria, she wrote the wonderful lullaby called ‘Bridge of Light,’ with Billy Mann.”

No stranger to a recording booth, Moore was nonetheless a little nervous about making her voice acting debut. Watching other cast members helped to change that. She recounts, “
I got to watch Brad [Pitt] and Matt [Damon] not only record some of their dialogue, but they also had to sing. They just went for it, and I thought, ‘Wow, I really have nothing to fear in there.’”
Producer Doug Mitchell says, “When it came to Alecia’s turn to record, of course, she totally nailed it. She’s a great professional and a lovely person. Her song, ‘Bridge of Light,’ is wonderful and touches on one of the great themes in the movie.”

Alecia Moore (P!nk) has sold over 40 million albums and 65 million singles worldwide, winning three Grammy Awards, five MTV Video Music Awards, and one World Music Award. P!nk has cemented her spot as one of the biggest female artists of the past decade, and the top five touring artist in the world with her record-breaking Funhouse World Tour, which elevated her from an arena performer to a global stadium act.

In 2010, “Raise Your Glass,” the lead single on her compilation album celebrating a decade of success, Greatest Hits…So Far!!!, became P!nk’s tenth Top 10 hit. It was her second solo number one hit, following 2008’s "So What" from the album Funhouse, which also notched an additional three Top 20 hits.


 P!nk’s previous albums include the 2000 debut Can't Take Me Home; 2001’s worldwide success Missundaztood; 2003’s Try This, which earned her a Grammy for Best Female Rock Vocal performance for the single “Trouble”; and 2006’s I'm Not Dead, which generated five hit singles, including “U + Ur Hand” and “Who Knew,” which both went on to number one on the pop chart. Rated number 13 on Billboard’s 2000-2009 list of Artists of the Decade and number one Pop Song Artist of the Decade, she was also voted Best Recording Artist in 2009.
Opening across the Philippines on Nov. 23 in IMAX 3D, 2D and regular theaters, “Happy Feet 2” is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

Happy Feet Two Movie Review

Mumble, The Master of Tap, has a problem because his tiny son, Erik, is choreo-phobic. Reluctant to dance, Erik runs away and encounters The Mighty Sven -- a penguin who can fly! Mumble has no hope of competing with this charismatic new role model. But things get worse when the world is shaken by powerful forces. Erik learns of his father's "guts and grit" as Mumble brings together the penguin nations and all manner of fabulous creatures -- from tiny Krill to giant Elephant Seals -- to put things right.

I have enjoyed the first Happy Feet movie so much, and that got me so excited to watch Happy Feet Two. I was so ecstatic to receive then a premiere invite in IMAX 3D in MOA. Even before the movie started, during cocktails we were welcome by Mumble and Erik in person (mascot) and we even had pictures taken with them. I have enjoyed watching the movie so much. I like all the actors who voiced out the characters specially Robin Williams. I like the set of songs played and I also like their renditions. I have read some dire reviews about the movie; I don’t know what they are expecting. The voices are great, the visuals are the awesome and remarkable, it’s a must watch in 3D. I would probably have to agree on some people that says the story in Happy Feet Two is not as strong as the first Happy Feet. But you will still enjoy and tap your way thru the story. The animation is just amazing for me, the use of penguins is indeed so cute. The actors were great, I even enjoyed watching the voice cast featurette.

 

MARVEL'S THE AVENGERS BANNERS NOW UP!

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

 

 

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

Google Doodle: Louis Daguerre

Today's Google Doodle is in commemoration of Louis Daguerre's birthday. He was a French artist and physicist, recognized for his invention of the daguerreotype process of photography. - Wikipedia.org

Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol Movie Review

Blamed for the terrorist bombing of the Kremlin, IMF operative Ethan Hunt is disavowed along with the rest of the agency when the President initiates "Ghost Protocol". Left without any resources or backup, Ethan must find a way to clear his agency's name and prevent another attack. To complicate matters further, Ethan is forced to embark on this mission with a team of fellow IMF fugitives whose personal motives he does not fully know.

This is my first time to watch Mission Impossible and I would have to say that, I regret not watching the first three instalment of Tom Cruise’ Mission Impossible. I would have to say that the movie is so great and I am really drawn by the action. Tom Cruise is so fit with the role and I heard that he really did some of the stunts in the movie. I would have to say that the technology used in the movie is indeed state of the art and I am amazed by some of them. The story, since I don’t have anything to compare with is simple yet character driven. I kind of think it is going after an Ocean’s Eleven / Italian Job kind-of-movie but there really is something that differentiates MI from all other action movies. For me it’s Tom Cruise.  

 

Elijah Wood and Robin Williams teams up in Happy Feet Two!

Original “Happy Feet” cast members Elijah Wood and Robin Williams return to breathe life to beloved Penguin characters in Warner Bros.' adorable sequel, “Happy Feet 2.” 

 


In the film, Mumble -- The Master of Tap – has a problem because his tiny son, Erik, is choreo-phobic. Reluctant to dance, Erik runs away and encounters The Mighty Sven—a penguin who can fly! Mumble has no hope of competing with this charismatic new role model.

Run BGC 2011: A Level Higher

Bonifacio Global City (BGC) fuels anew the passion for running with its “Run BGC 2011: A Level Higher” on November 27, 2011. Taking it a notch higher is the integration of Flag Football in the race. 

 Known as the home of passionate minds, BGC is also recognized as the ‘Run Capital’ of the country. It is the most preferred venue of running enthusiasts and those who embrace an active lifestyle.

      Run BGC 2011 in celebration of Bonifacio Day marks its 3rd year. Run BGC embodies the power of a passion fulfilled. BGC believes that runners’ key capacities such as the willpower to push even farther, the ability to apply effort even during fatigue, and the acceptance of pain — have radiating power that subtly influences attitudes in life. The passions within us can take us to places, allow us to achieve beyond expectations, bring new experiences and lead us to living happier, healthier lives. That’s the power of passion that Bonifacio Global City believes in.

      In this year’s BGC’s very own marathon, participants can choose from 5 race categories, namely: 3km, 3km with flag football, 5km, 5km with flag football, and 10km.

First Look: JOURNEY 2: THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND

Warner Bros. jumpstarts the buzz for “Journey 2: The Mysterious Island” as it launches the film’s poster and trailer online (http://youtu.be/nGuoGIF183w).

In this follow-up to the 2008 worldwide hit “Journey to the Center of the Earth,” the new 3D family adventure “Journey 2: The Mysterious Island” begins when young Sean Anderson (Josh Hutcherson, reprising his role from the first film) receives a coded distress signal from a mysterious island where no island should exist.  It’s a place of strange life forms, mountains of gold, deadly volcanoes, and more than one astonishing secret. 

            


  Unable to stop him from going, Sean’s new stepfather, Hank (Dwayne Johnson), joins the quest.  Together with a helicopter pilot (Luis Guzman) and his beautiful, strong-willed daughter (Vanessa Hudgens), they set out to find the island, rescue its lone inhabitant and escape before seismic shockwaves force the island under the sea and bury its treasures forever.

          “Journey 2: The Mysterious Island” also stars Michael Caine as Sean’s grandfather, Alexander Anderson, and Kristin Davis as Sean’s mom, Liz Anderson.

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

Happy Feet 2 Steps up in IMAX 3D on Nov. 23

The adorable peguins of the Academy Award®-winning animated smash hit “Happy Feet” is back! The animated spectacle, Happy Feet Two, returns audiences to the magnificent landscape of Antarctica in superb 3D.

In the film, Mumble, The Master of Tap, has a problem because his tiny son, Erik, is choreo-phobic. Reluctant to dance, Erik runs away and encounters The Mighty Sven—a penguin who can fly! Mumble has no hope of competing with this charismatic new role model. But things get worse when the world is shaken by powerful forces. Erik learns of his father’s “guts and grit” as Mumble brings together the penguin nations and all manner of fabulous creatures—from tiny Krill to giant Elephant Seals—to put things right.

"Climate change is why we're doing this movie now," Miller says. "The desert we wanted to shoot in in Australia? It's covered in flowers." The first film, a 2006 surprise hit at $190 million, was initially to be shot in 3-D, Miller says. "But we simply ran out of time. This one is shot in 3-D, and the landscapes we could create are just spectacular."

The movie, starring the voices of Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Robin Williams and Elijah Wood as rug-cutter Mumble, centers on Mumble being a new father while still navigating the perilous ice world around him, which is melting frighteningly fast. Director George Miller wasn't looking to make back-to-back cartoons about the environmentally fragile residents of Antarctica. But Mother Nature can be a wicked executive producer, Miller has learned.

The Lion King in Philippines Cinemas in 3D!

Simba, Mufasa, Nala, Timon and Pumbaa are back and better than ever this December when Disney’s “The Lion King” roars into Philippine theaters in breathtaking 3D!

When “The Lion King” first ruled the cinemas in 1994, the story of Simba and his father touched the hearts of an entire generation—its pioneering soundtrack, unexpected humor and compelling characters captivated audiences worldwide. The film, which followed “The Little Mermaid” and “Beauty and the Beast,” propelled The Walt Disney Studios’ animation renaissance, becoming the highest-grossing animated film of all time. (In the U.S., it continues to be the highest-grossing hand-drawn animated film ever.) “The Lion King” won the Oscar® for Best Original Score (Hans Zimmer) and Best Original Song (Elton John/Tim Rice, “Can You Feel the Love Tonight”) and earned Golden Globes® in both categories as well as for Best Motion Picture—Comedy or Musical. It is the best-selling home entertainment release of all time and inspired a Tony Award®-winning Broadway musical that became the seventh-longest-running musical in Broadway history in January 2011. And now, the popular classic is in 3D for the first time ever.

Swings and Grooves of Happy Feet Two

Academy Award® for Best Animated Feature, “Happy Feet”, was an unqualified global hit that appealed to critics and audiences of all ages last 2006. The delighted audiences tapped their toes and sung their hearts out along with the movie. It also fueled greater efforts for environmental and wildlife conservation and even entered the modern lexicon, with “Happy Feet” becoming a synonym for tap dancing, its star Mumble’s particular talent.

Director George Miller explains, “I often say that these stories are for the adult in the child and the child in the adult. I think one of the reasons why ‘Happy Feet’ resonated is that it had a kind of nourishment to it, with the time-honored ideas of being true to yourself, being brave and trying to treat the world and yourself with respect.”

Countdown for New Year's Eve

A stellar ensemble cast led by Halle Berry, Jessica Biel, Jon Bon Jovi, Abigail Breslin, Robert De Niro, Josh Duhamel, Zac Efron, Katherine Heigl, Ashton Kutcher, Lea Michele, Sarah Jessica Parker, Michelle Pfeiffer, Hilary Swank and Sofia Vergara will ring in the 2011 holiday season with New Line Cinema's romantic comedy “New Year’s Eve.”

Director Gary Marshall, renowned for a catalogue of films that capture love in so many rich, warm and funny ways, calls it New Year's Eve “the perfect opportunity to take stock of things, to think about the mistakes of the past year and about how maybe you can do better. A time to be thankful for what you have. But it’s also a fun, exciting, wonderful time, full of anticipation—and yes, some craziness. Mostly it’s about hope, when everything you want seems possible again, if you’re willing to take another chance.”

Arthur Christmas Opens on December 7

Imagine a city under a starlit sky. It’s Christmas Eve, and the children are nestled in their beds, dreaming of Santa on his sleigh pulled by eight beautiful reindeer. Suddenly, a shadow comes over the city. A million pinpricks of light. A million figures descend. The invasion has begun and there’s not a jingle bell to be heard…

…but don’t panic. This is how Santa gets the job done every Christmas: with a huge, mile-wide, state-of-the-art sleigh with stealth cloaking technology, and a million elves, working in precision teams of three, who have 18.14 seconds to get into each house, deliver the presents, and move on to the next one.

Santa Claus is coming to town, but this time, he’s not coming down the chimney.

“They have all the technology in the world and no expense is spared,” says Sarah Smith, who directs and co-wrote “Arthur Christmas,” the new 3D, CG-animated film from Aardman Animation for Columbia Pictures and Sony Pictures. “This movie reveals what their equipment looks like and how they do it.”